USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > The German immigration into Pennsylvania through the port of Philadelphia from 1700 to 1775 : part II: The Redemptioners > Part 5
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in a letter writes hy Johannes Gohr, Jacob Diffebach, Jorus Dant/ 1-608 Kantz and Samuel Schwachhamer, Mated Februarvi Vilz, to the Rev. Michael Weiss, a Ger- mi Reformed minister in Philadelphia, they say among other things : " Captain Lobb, a wicked murderer of souls, thought to starve us, not having provided provisions molgh, sūcording to agreement ; and Ihns got possession of goods; tor during the voyage of the Tunt eight bi ure persons were only allowed one pint of course wood per day, and a quent of water In exch person. We were twenty-four werks coming from: Rotterdam to Tantoa & Vineyard. These were al Tirol more than one
malul . . . To keep from stare at, as . d . but We paid from elghe punto tou willings Io & troruse ; four pence for a poart /J . " - Flit one vigh several persons miserablyoralidl mod me theown asked Over board: no sand was . this is med Je sak
until at latt it pleased (Andplay ( ), mo mond os u sloop, which brought us To Home . Hurd. Maria's Vineyard. * * * Had he detained four days longer every one of us would have famished ; for none had it in his power to hand Inother & drop of water. * * * All our chests were broken
INfiabeMio Gereke MAV 19, 1732.
GERMAN IMMIGRATION INTO PENNSYLVANIA.
DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES.
TOW AND FLAX REELS.
HANKS OF SPUN FLAX
65
A Pathetic Tale of Suffering and Wrong.
open. The captain constrained us to pay the whole freight of the dead and living, as if he had landed us at Philadelphia, and we agreed in writing to do so, not under- standing what we signed ; but we are not able to comply, for if we are to pay for the dead, we should have taken the goods of the dead; but in discharging the vessel, we found that most of their chests were broken open and plundered.
" The captain however, has determined, that we shall pay him in three weeks; we, therefore, desire you to in- stantly assist us as much as is in your power. For if we have to pay, the wicked captain will make us all beggars.
We would have sent two or three men with this letter, but none of us is yet able to stir, for we are weak and feeble ; but as soon as there shall be two or three of us able to travel they will follow." 26
The whole history of American colonization may con- fidently be challenged to present so pathetic and sorrowful a tale. The voyage of the " Mayflower" has been told and retold in song and story. It is the entire stock in trade of certain writers. If I remember it aright its one hundred and two Puritans were all landed after a voyage of sixty-five days duration. Not a death from any cause, certainly none from starvation. Yet that voyage is extolled as the one beyond all others where the courage, fortitude and endurance of colonists were tried to their utmost. If the student of American colonization wishes to learn where humanity's sorest trial on this continent occurred, he must turn to the German immigration to Pennsylvania in the eighteenth century.
In this instance the deception and rascality perpetrated
26 Gentleman's Magazine, Vol. II., April, 1732, p. 727.
66
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
on these poor people became the subject of official investi- gation.27
The sequel to this tale of oppression and suffering is not the least interesting part of the story. It appears that several of these wretched German immigrants had charged Captain Lobb with killing several of their countrymen by his brutal treatment. Such an accusation could hardly
27 The particulars of this case, contributed to the Pennsylvania Maga- zine of History and Biography, Vol. XXI., pp. 124-125, by Mr. ANDREW M. DAVIS, as taken from the "Journal of the House of Massachusetts," are as follows : " December 29, 1731.
"A Petition sign'd Philip Bongarden, in the Name and behalf of sundry poor distressed Palatines, now at Martha's Vineyard, within this Province (Massa- chusetts), setting forth, That they were lately brought into said Martha's Vine- yard from Rotterdam, in the Ship Loving Unity, Jacob Lobb Commander, with whom they entered into a written Agreement at Rotterdam aforesaid (a Copy of which said Agreement was therewith exhibited, translated into English). That the said Captain had in a most barberous manner dealt with the Petitioners in their voyage : praying that the Court would Order that the said Capt. Lobb may be obliged to answer for the Injuries, Wrongs and Abuses by him done and offered as herein mentioned ; as also, that he may be obliged to comply with his Contract, for the transporting of the Petitiones and their Goods to Phila- delphia, and that they may meet with such other Relief as shall be agreeable to Justice. (Brought down this Afternoon by Ebenezer Burrel Esq ;) Pass'd in Council, viz. In Council, December 29, 1731. Read and Voted, That His Ex. cellency be desired to issue out a Special Warrant for citing the before men- tioned Jacob Lobb to appear before the Governour and Council to answer to the Complaint ; and that in the meantime the Goods and Effects of the Palatines, brought on the ship Loving Unity be secured at Martha's Vineyard, and the said Ship stopped in one of the Harbours there, till the Order of the Governour and Council thereupon ; and that any two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace in Dukes County, be directed to take care that two or three of the principal Persons of the Palatines be sent up to attend the Governour and Council, to support this Complaint ; and that they likewise examine some of the Seamen on Oath, upon this Affair and send up their Examinations to the Secretary .- Sent down for concurrence .- Read.
"Ordered, That the Treasurer of this Province, be and hereby is directed to supply the Select-Men of Edgartown with the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds, to be disposed of, according to their best Discretion, for the Relief and Comfort of the Palatines, lately brought into Martha's Vineyard; The Treas- urer to account therefore, in his next Accompt of Disbursements
Sent up for Concurrence.
"December 30. The Order of Council on the Palatines Petition entered Yes-
67
Accusers Sent to Jail.
be passed over in silence, so he haled his accusers into the Massachusetts courts, and after a prolonged trial, the cap- tain was not only acquitted of the charge but the witnesses against him were saddled with the costs of the trial and sent to jail until they were paid. The Philadelphische Zeitung of 1732 has an account of the proceedings.28
terday, Read again, and after a Debate, the House passed a Non-Concurrence thereon, and
"Ordered, That William Sherley Esq ; be desired to be of Council to Mr. Philip Bongarden, and assist him in seeking Relief for the Palatines (in whose behalf he appears) in the legal and customary Way in such cases.
Sent up for Concurrence.
"December 31. Thomas Palmer Esq ; brought down from the Honorable Board, the Order of the 29th Instant for an Allowance to the Palatines pass'd in Council viz. In Council Dec. 31, 1731. Read and Concurred; with the Amendment.
"Sent down for Concurrence. Read and Concurred."
28 Nachdem auf anstifftung und eingebung verschiedener Persohnen, welche den Kapitain des Schiffs "Liebe und Einigkeit," Jacob Lobb, mit grosser Barbarey gegen gewisse Pfältzer in seinem Schiffe auf ihrer Passage von Holland zu Martha's Vineyard, beleget haben, die Ehrsame Richter des Köeniglichen Obergerichts gut gefunden haben denselben zu verpflichten dass er vor dem Obergerichte von Rechts-sachen, &c welches den vierdten Dienstag im Mertz letzthin zu Barnstable vor die County von Barnstable gehalten worden, erscheinen, und dasjeinge so von des Königs wegen gegen ihn eingebracht werden möchte, beantworten solle ; da er dann diesem folge erscheinen, und wegen Zweyer unter Schiedenen Beschuldigungen des mords von der grossen jury dieser County gegen ihn gefunden, examinirt worden und nach einem 6 stunden lang gewähretem Wortwechsel die Kline Jury in, urtheil geschwint einbrachten als unschuldig von der erstem anklage, und wenig minuten hernach ein gleiches wegen der andern beschuldigung. N. B. Es wurde bey der examinirung observiret, dass das elend so diesen Passagie- ren begegnet, nicht von einer gewinnsüchtigen begierde des Capitains, oder vorsetzlichen Intention die Reise zu verlangern hergekommen, sondern die länge derselben müste, wie aus dem Tag-register des Capitains, und der Eydlichen aussage aller Matrosen erhellerte, dem contraierem Winde und der Wind-stille zugeschrieben werden : Und konten die Gezeugen von des Königs seiten den Capitain mit keiner einzigen ausübung einer Härtigkeit während der reise belegen. Weswegen der Capitain sich zu rechtfertigen gut gefunden, seinen verletzten caracter öffentlich zu defendiren ; insonderheit in ansehung der falschen und schändlichen advertissementen, welche sind publiciret wor- den denselben zu beflecken und die gemüther des volcks mit vorurtheilen ge- gen ihn einzunehmen ehe er examinirt worden und sich selbst rechtmässig befreyen konte. Weiters ist er nun darauf aus, diejenigen gerichtlich zu ver-
68
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
The foregoing action on the part of Massachusetts had its counterpart in, Pennsylvania in January, 1796. A ship arrived in Philadelphia in the fall of 1795 with a large number of French immigrants, many of whom were women and children. On January 13th of the first named year, the Legislature passed an Act appropriating $1,500 for their re- lief, and two hundred and twenty persons were thus aided.29
In addition to this Martha's Vineyard episode, there is still another New England Palatine story, less fully au- thenticated, but of the truth of the main details there seems to be no question. As the story goes, a number of Pala- tine immigrants were either shipwrecked or landed under very destitute circumstances on Block Island towards the middle of the eighteenth century. No record of the oc-
folgen, welche ihn so boshaftig verleumdet und einen Process verursachet ha- ben, der nach untersuchung gantz ohne grund gefunden worden.
See article on the first German newspaper published in America. Pro- ceedings of the Pennsylvania-German Society, Vol. X., pp. 41-46.
29 " TO THOMAS MIFFLIN : Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "The Commissioners appointed by the act of the Legislature, dated the 13th of January, 1796, to afford relief to certain distressed French Emigrants ; Re- port that they have endeavoured to fulfil the benevolent views of the Legisla- ture, by personally distributing the sum of fifteen hundred Dollars, granted for that purpose, in money, wood, clothing and other necessaries to about two hun- dred and twenty necessitous French People, as by the annexed Schedule ; many of whom were old, and some of them lame, blind, sick, or otherwise unable to support themselves.
"It was a very seasonable relief to them during the last winter, and spring, for which many of them have expressed their gratitude, on leaving the Conti- nent to return to their own country. Others remain, endeavouring to habituate themselves to our language, customs and modes of life ; of whom a number will, we hope in future be able to gain an honest livelihood, with but little assistance ; yet some worthy Individuals will probably continue entirely de- pendent upon the aid of charity.
"Signed in Philadelphia, the 5th day of November, 1796.
"SAMUEL P. GRIFFITHS,
"ROB. RALSTON,
" GODFREY HAGA,
"JOSEPH PANSOM,
"JOSEPH LOWNES."
69
Whittier's Ship "Palatine."
curence has been preserved so far as is known; tradition only has dealt with it, and that says many of these people were landed there and that some of them perished. Some of the survivors got away from the island. A woman who remained is reported to have married a negro.
The name of the vessel is said to have been the Palatine, but perhaps that is a mere supposition, the result of con- founding it with the country whence these unfortunates came. The fancy of the poet has been called in to lend attractiveness to the tale, and Whittier tells a weird story about the ship Palatine in his " Tent on the Beach." Lis- ten to his melodious verse :
" And old men mending their nets of twine, Talk together of dream and sign, Talk of the lost ship Palatine.
*
" The ship that a hundred years before, Freighted deep with its goodly store, In the gales of the equinox went ashore.
"Into the teeth of death she sped : (May God forgive the hands that fed The false lights over the rocky head !)
" And then, with ghastly shimmer and shine Over the rocks and the seething brine, They burned the wreck of the Palatine.
*
" And still on many a moonless night, From Kingston head and from Montauk light, The spectre kindles and burns in sight.
*
" And the wise Sound skippers, though skies be fine, Reef their sails when they see the sign Of the blazing wreck of the Palatine."
70
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
It has been conjectured that this ship was one which, although destined for Pennsylvania, was nevertheless di- verted from her course by the captain, as was frequently done for improper purposes, and that the disaster, whatever its character, was the result of ignorance of the coast on his part.
A "DUTCH OVEN." This was placed upon the hearth and live coals and ashes heaped over it.
CHAPTER VI.
PENNSYLVANIA THE FAVORITE HOME OF GERMAN IMMI- GRANTS .- WHAT OCCURRED IN MASSACHUSETTS .- THE GERMANS ESPECIALLY ADAPTED TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF PENN'S PROVINCE .- BISHOP BERKELEY'S PREVISION.
"It is a peculiarly noble work rescuing from oblivion those who deserve immortality, and extending their renown at the same time that we advance our own."
"Those who take no pride in the achievements of their ancestors, near or remote, are not likely to accomplish much that will be remembered with pride by their descendants."
ROM the time of the arrival of the first reg- ular German colony at Ger- mantown down until 1776, and later, Pennsylvania was the most favored of all the countries in America, by the German immigrants. There were two all-sufficient rea- sons for this. First was the liberal government of Penn's Province, and second the illiberal spirit which greeted them everywhere else. To this may be added still an- other, the character of the (71)
72
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
soil, so well adapted to the needs of an agricultural people such as a majority of these colonists were. Then, too, as the earliest settlers found plenty and contentment under liberal laws, they were not slow in keeping their friends and relatives in the old home beyond the sea informed of all that had happened to them. These favorable accounts-for in nearly every case they were favorable-turned the incom- ing tide in the same direction. Naturally, these people desired to go where their friends and kindred were, or if neither of these had preceded them, then where their fel- low countrymen were, where the German language was spoken and where the manners and customs of the Father- land met them on every hand.
Came they with modest wealth or came they steeped in poverty as so many were, they could at least expect a wel- come, nor was it often that this was not accorded in the fullest possible measure. There have been preserved in many families, and they are still told among their descend- ants, pleasant tales of welcome to new arrivals by those who were already on the spot and comfortably fixed. The nearest neighbors to the new squatter may have lived five or ten miles away, but they quickly gathered about the new comer and aided him in the construction of his humble log dwelling, and in putting out such grain and vegetables as the season would allow. Often a cow and other domestic animals were bestowed by a well-to-do neighbor, and in this way the early hardships and needs were relieved until the settler was in a measure prepared to take care of himself and family. Could these charitable and neigh- borly deeds be looked for from men of alien races and tongues? No, but the German heart beat true, and never made a nobler record than that which was recorded to its credit in the wilds of Pennsylvania nigh two hundred years
73
Pastorius' Useful Tracts.
Sifer Fleine Doch ungememe Und febr nuglide
ractátlein
De omnium Sanctorum Vitis I. Deomnium Pontificum Statutis Il. De Conciliorum Decifionibus V. De Epifcopis & Patriarchis Conftan tinopolitanis. Das ift: 1. Don Zler Seitigen Lebens,Ubung
.. Con Aller DEpfte Gefen : Einführung
3. Don der Concilien Stritt:Sopirung.
1. Don denen Bifchoffen und Patriarchen su Conftantinopel. Bum Grunde Der funftigbin noch ferner darauf su bauen Borhabender 2Garheit præmittiret, . Durd FRANCISCUM DANIELEM PASTORIUN. J. U. L. Mus der In Penfolvania neulichft von mir in Grund angelegten /, und nun mit gutem Succefs aufgehenben Ctabt: GERMANOPOLI Anno Cbriffi M. DC. XC.
TITLE-PAGE OF PASTORIUS' Four Useful Tracts.
74
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
ago. It was, therefore, not mere chance that directed this, the most remarkable migration of the last century. It followed along lines that we can easily understand to-day, and wherever else credit may be due, it is undeniable that the first impulse came from William Penn himself, and that as a law giver, a commonwealth builder and as a MAN, he clearly stands before us as the grandest character that ever landed upon the shores of the New World.
A single life measures but a span in the life of a nation, therefore it was not given to William Penn to witness the splendor of his success in commonwealth building. He died long before his scheme of German immigration reached even the promise of its later development. But yet it was granted to him to enjoy something of the satisfaction and pride that comes to the man of great plans and ideas, when even the limited present projects its brightness into the coming years, filling the future with its radiance. Well could he exclaim, with true modesty, and with honest exultation : "I must without vanity, say, I have led the greatest colony into America that ever any man did upon a private credit, and the most prosperous beginnings that ever were in it, are to be found among us." ", 30 With the eye
of faith he
"- Dipt into the future far as human eye could see ; Saw the vision of the world, and all the wonder that would be."
William Penn in Pennsylvania and the Governors of New York and other nearby States were not the only per- sons who made efforts to secure these immigrants. During the first half of the eighteenth century some of the large landed proprietors in the New England colonies were intent on the same game. They sent agents across the Atlantic,
30 Penn to Lord Halifax, in WATSON'S Annals of Pennsylvania, p. 19.
75
German Love of Country Life.
who fairly flooded the Palatinate and other German prov- inces with hand-bills and other documents to encourage im- migration into that region. Nor were their efforts unsuc- cessful. A number of small colonies were persuaded to come over, and they were settled along the bleak seacoast. But the unkindly climate, added to the sterility of the soil, and in some cases also fraudulent titles to their lands, soon had the effect of driving them away, they finding more congenial homes in the Middle and Southern Colonies.
It cannot be gainsaid that the Germans were preëmi- nently such settlers as the Province of Pennsylvania needed. From the earliest times they lived in the forests and culti- vated the soil. One of the greatest of the Latin historians has told us that none of the German nations lived in cities, " or even allow contiguous settlements. They dwelt scattered and separate, as a spring, a meadow or a grove might chance to invite them. Their villages are laid out in rows of adjoining buildings, but every one surrounds his house with a vacant space, either by way of security against fire, or through ignorance of the art of building. For indeed they are unacquainted with the use of mortar and tiles and for every purpose employ rude misshapen timber fashioned with no regard to pleasing the eye." 31 Cæsar speaks to the same purpose, and says, "they think it the greatest honor to a nation to have as wide an extent of va- cant land around their dominions as possible." 32
An eminent German historian has said that the overplus population of Germany has ever emigrated; in ancient times for the purpose of conquering foreign powers ; in modern times for that of serving under them. In the days of German heroism, her conquering hordes spread towards
31 TACITUS, Germania, C. 16.
32 CÆSAR, Bell. Gall., IV., 3.
76
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
the west and south. During the Middle Ages her mail- clad warriors took an easterly direction and overran the Slavonian countries. In modern times, her political and religous refugees have emigrated in scarcely less consider- able numbers to countries far more distant, but in the humble garb of artificers and beggars, the Parias of the world. Her ancient warriors gained undying fame and long maintained the influence and the rule of Germany in foreign lands. Her modern emigrants have quitted their native country unnoted, and as early as the second genera- tion intermixed with the people among whom they settled. Hundreds of thousands of Germans have in this manner aided in aggrandizing the British colonies, while Germany has derived no benefit from the emigration of her sons. The industry and honesty for which the German workmen are remarkable caused some Englishmen to enter into a speculation to procure their services as white slaves. The greatest encouragement was accordingly given by them to emigration from Germany.33
Early in the eighteenth century one of the most distin- guished of the sons of Ireland came to the New World. He had all the culture of the schools. There were few depart- ments of learning that were unfamiliar to him. Best of all, his heart was full of love for the human race, for he caught his inspiration in the same school that gave the world men like Locke and Penn and Hampden. He came here full of high hopes and the most exalted ambition. Unfortunately, his schemes for the uplifting of the American people, from the Red Man in his forest home to the refined dweller in the cities, were not realized, and George Berkeley re- turned to Europe, eventually to receive a bishopric he did not covet. But the heart of the gentle prelate turned with
33 MENZEL'S History of Germany, Chap. CCLXXIV.
@ ANIE ANHI PHOTO HY
PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN ENTERPRISE
GLASSWARE MADE BY BARON ST FGEL ( 768 |774 MANHEIM. PA.
SPEDIMENS IN DANNER _DLEESTION
70
The German Immigration de Pensionia.
the west and south During the Middle Ages her mail- clad warriors took it custer'y direction and overman the Slavomian Untrines, Li modern times, her political and religous irthere. have chugrated in scarcely less consider- able pobres to countries far more distant, but in the hunjht garb : onbror and beggars, the Parias of the Nor . Aler Mem warriors gained undving fame and rug mansays the office and the rule of Germany in +~ Pr laws Betreten emigrawis have quitted their quoceri and of early as the second genera- T . co sal venwe aning whom they settled. Www. beve in this manner
IT won& wolnie, while Germany
n T e r agracon of her sons. Herman hogy the German workmen Amillipe gimeg ane boglishmien to enter into a apsaupesto di recente lione services as with slaver. The gre do ten aus touch it was anordingly given by them to
Posi Tioin un Point Emaily one of the most distin- go wad of Pir wird Lelash ; Mae to the New World. He To the fullere of the acuerdas There were few depart- Twin 4 ks ling that were untamiliar to him. Best of all, bi- heart 4 is tajl of love for the human race, for he caught ha lh piration in the same school that gave the world men
He rame Mere full of high hopes abil vw mxaled ambition I phontunately, his o hannes for - Milag of the American people, from the Red Mon, 1 1. Fry home to the retime dweller in the cities wele sam det tolfi ilt treorge Turkeley re- turned is Europe, evenmalle receive a bishopric he did not co.et But the heart of os prads presse turned with
GERMAN IMMIGRATION INTO PENNSYLVANIA.
ARRANGED AND PHOTO. BY J. F. SACHSE.
PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN ENTERPRISE.
GLASSWARE MADE BY BARON STIEGEL (1768-1774), MANHEIM, PA.
SPECIMENS IN DANNER COLLECTION
77
Bishop Berkeley's Prevision.
an unquenchable and ever-living love to the green fields, the prosperous villages, and to the happy men who dwelt in America. Through the mists of the future he thought he saw what was destined to transpire in that land of his affection in the years that were still to come, and when the spirit of prophecy came upon him, he wrote words that have come down to us, their music reverberating through the corridors of time.
" In happy climes, the seat of innocence, Where nature guides, and virtue rules ; Where men shall not impose for truth and sense The pedantry of courts and schools :-
" There shall be sung another golden age,- The rise of empire and of arts,- The good and great inspiring epic rage- The wisest heads and noblest hearts.
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