USA > Pennsylvania > The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. III > Part 102
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The children are found reasoning among themselves, by the rule of conduct laid down in our schools, "Thus saith the Lord." In one instance a teacher was obliged to break a promise she had made. One of the children on returning home mentioned it to her mother saying "I wonder whether our teacher remembers that liars will be turned into hell."
Reverence for the Sabbath is also particularly remark- ble. A littie boy on coming to the Sabbath school one morning was observed to look very sad. On being ask- ed "what is the matter"? his eyes filled with tears as he exclaimed "My father is breaking the Sabbath-day-he has gone skaiting." Did you tell him of it, said his teacher-"Yes," answered the little reprover-I told him it was God's holy Sabbath, but he said he would do it." This little boy whenever the question how do peo- ple openly break the Sabbath-day was asked, would im- mediately answer "by skaiting"-so strongly did the sinfulness of this act seem to be impressed on his mind.
Fondness for School is constantly exhibited. During the late recesin No. 1 while some arrangements were making in the room, two of the little children attended at No. 2 until their own school re-commenced, accom- modating themselves with the greatest readiness to the customs of No. 2. A little boy who entered at No. 3 so lately formed, was absent for a few days. One morn- ing his teacher observed him standing about the door of the house; when she asked him why he did not come in, he burst into tears, and said his father would not let him come because they taught him to pray. This love for school becomes painful when the children are to be ex- cluded from these houses of refuge. They appear to feel that they are about to be separated from their best friend. The most painful duty which your managers have to perform is the dismisal of children, when they have arrived at the age at which they can no longer be considered subjects for an Infant School. The follow- ing facts serve to prove that this is the case. Two brothers, a few days ago, came to speak to their teacher. On seeing them in tears and hearing their loud sobs he asked them the cause, when one of them said, "why the ladies were at our house last night, and told mother we must not come any more to school, and mother's very sorry, and so are we, and we have come to bid you good byc." We are told some of these children are crying every day to return. A little one meeting her teacher in the street, begged him to permit her to return if it was only for a day or two. Your managers recommend to the parents in all cases the removal of the children from Infant to public schools. In some instances this is done-but we regret to say not in all.
While we throw out these little anecdotes, illustra- tive of the good effects of these schools on the hearts of the children, we must not forbear to add that the head is also attended to. Some who did not know a letter when they entered, have in the space of seven months learned to read. A Sabbath school teacher in one of our churches on questioning her classes a few sabbaths since, found two of her little charge answering with great correctness every question proposed. Surprised at the change, she enquired the cause, and was inform- ed they had been one week in an infant school.
An utter destitution of selfishness and a nice discrimi- nation is observable. A teacher has occasionally brought in some little reward and requested the chil- dren to name several of the most deserving, which has generally resulted in singling out those who in the teachers judgment were most meritorious. Volumes might be written of the good effects of these institutions. Let those who are skeptical go with these children to their homes, and hear their parents pronouncing bles- sings on Infant Schools. Let them listen to the heart- felt gratitude expressed to their teachers for their care and kindness. . 'Tis true, there are some who do not appreciate the privilege, but they are those who are regardless of every mercy received. In February last it was resolved to employ female teachers throughout the schools, the salaries were accordingly fixed at $250 for principal teachers-assistants $100. It will be ob- served from the Treasurers account, that the annual in- come from subscriptions and stock is not sufficient to meet even the expenses of necessary teachers. When the rents and other incidental expenses are considered,
Feelings of gratitude are discoverable for kindness re- ceived. They sometimes bring little presents to their teachers, and in one instance a boy who had experien- ced particular kindness from them, was observed by his father in deep thought. His parent questioned him .- "Father," answered he, "I was thinking how kind my teachers were to me, and whether you could not mend their combs." This was followed by a request that the | the necessity! for an appeal to public liberality is at combs should be sent.
366
METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER.
EJONE
once evident. The four schools under the care of this Society cannot be supplied under $2000 per annum and our yearly income is not $1000. Any assistance from government depends upon the pleasure of thecontrollers of public schools, who have been authorize to establish, or to take Infant schools under their care. Application was made to that body in December last; no aid has yet been received; we are informed the subject is under consideration-but our treasury is exhausted, and our schools must derive aid from some quarter. Tis true, our dependance is on that Being who never forsakes the work of his hands, but it is his pleasure to use the instrumentality of feeble men. We therefore call up- on those who desire to see a moral and virtuous genera- tion rising round them, who love the future welfare of their country to come forth, and aid this cause-emphat- ically the cause of morality, of virtue, of religion.
Infant School Society in account with S.H. Yarnall, Tr'r. 1829. DR.
To cash paid Teacher's salaries, $906 56
do
Rent,
240 83
do
Sundry expenses at School No.1, 190 01
do
do at No 2, 163 09
do
Carpenter's work and painting,
119 86
do
Paving yard at School No. 1,
70 74
do
do do No. 2,
34 36
do
Expenses of charter,
By balance from last year,
$431 33
do
Cost and charges of apparatus for Schools, imported from England in 1827,
63 71
·
do
Balance,
62 66
$658 48
Philadelphia, 5th mo. 20, 1829.
METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER. Taken at the State Capitol at Harrisburg-BY WILLIAM MUSGRAVE, LIBRARIAN.
MAY.
Thermometer.
Burometer.
Days of the month.
Wind.
Days of the month.
Weather.
Max. 28th 77.º
Max.15th 29.90
21,
day N |1,5,6,7,8,12,13,17,21,22,23,24|12 days clear. 1
Min. 3d 50.º
Min.10th 29.17
12,3,4,15,30,
5
E|10,14,18,20,25,26,27,28,30,
19p clear p cly :
Diff. of ex. 27.
Diff. ex. 29.73
7,16,19,20,32,29,
6
S E 2,3,
2p cly. p rain. 2thund. & rain
Mean ex. 633
Mean cx. 29.533 26,
1
S |19,29,
Mean temperature for three 6, 8, 9, 11, 14,18,24,25, 11
S W 11,15,16,
daily observations.
1,17, [27,28,31 2
W 4,9,
3 steady rain. . 2 showery.
5,10,12,13,22,
5 N WI
The morning of the 13th, the lowest state of the Ther- mometer, at 40°; the highest was on the noon or be- tween 1 and 3 o'clock, P. M. of the 28th, therm. at 83º; range in the month 43º. The difference between the mornings and noons, in some instances, varied from 8º to 22° and upwards, for instance 60° in the morning, 68º at noon, difference 8º-48º in the morning, 70° at noon, difference 22º. The highest state of the Barometer in the month, was on the 15th, 29.90; the lowest on the 10th, 29.17-range in the month, 29.73. There was frost, with ice, in some places, on the 13th. On the 19th and 29th, there were thunder gusts, with stormy wind, and heavy rain. The wind has been 18 days of this month, West of the Meridian; 11 days East of of it; 1 day North, and 1 day South. This month has been 9º mean,temperature, warmer than last April, and 1 degree warmer than May. 1828. There have been but 8 days in this month, that a Thermometer, at noon, in the shade, arose above summer heat, and that only in one instance, the highest 7º, on the 28th.
The former part of this month, rather cool and back- ward for the season; the latter part, generally, a hot sun between heavy showers which seems now to hurry on vegetation rapidly.
In my last I noticed chinks or cracks in the surface of the ground, in grain fields, which I account for thus; In
CR.
By Balance remaining in Treasurer's hands ? 9 31
·
5th mo. 16, 1828, S
200 00
Proceeds of sale of U. S. Bank stock, rec'd, Life subscriptions, 260 00
Annual do
652 00
Managers' fines, -
2 75
Dividend on stock,
57 36
Donations,
341 56
Children's box, received from,
50 84
Contributors do
33 00
Loan,
300 00.
$1906 82
Philadelphia, 5th mo. 20, 1829.
School for coloured children in account with S. H. Yar- nell, Treasurer.
1829.
DR.
To amount expended as per vouchers, $501 96
Balance, 156 52
$658 46
do
Books, stationary, and printing,
36 50
CR.
18 50
Contributions received for the use of the 2 School, 5
227 15
$1906 82
the time of heavy showers, or, continued rain in the spring, evaporation is urged on very rapidly by the agency of the electric fluid, at that time near the sur- face of the earth, which causes the fissures to make way for the ascending vapours; if I recollect right, Dr. Frank- lin has somewhere mentioned something like this. At no time, is the electric fluid more active than in the time of heavy showers or rain. This may be proved by rain guages of equal dimensions, at different heights; that nearest the ground always has most water; this is easily accounted for, the descending drops of rain meet the ascending vapour, join with it, by which they are increased every instant until they touch the earth. But these drops, that seem by their force to raise bubbles on the surface of water, standing in little hollows, are not spherical as some suppose them to be, but hemispheri- cal and hollow like inverted cups; this is not all, the bubble is not caused by the force of the drop so much as by electric agency: any person may satisfy himself of this, by attentively watching during the time of a heavy shower. Often have I seen the water rise in a conical point to meet the descending drop before it came in contact with the water, and these appearances in a greater or less degree will continue, until an equilibri- um of the electric fluid as well as the moisture of the surface of the ground, and the surrounding atmosphere
367
LEHIGII CANAL .- LUMBER.
1829.]
takes place, after which, vegetation proceeds regularly .
In my next, I purpose to offer an opinion upon some of the phenomena of our atmosphere, founded up- on known facts; hypothesis, if not supported by actual observation, has little to do with Meteorology, & should never be resorted to.
I am, sir, respectfully yours, WILLIAM MUSGRAVE.
We have received the first number of the Lehigh Pi- oneer and Maunch Chunk Courier, published at Mauch Chunk, edited by Amos Sisty-from it we make several extracts.
LEHIGH CANAL.
The Lehigh Canal was commenced in the summer of 1825, under the direction of Josiah White, Esq. Acting Manager of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company; and in about six months, one mile, extending from Mauch Chunk towards Easton, was completed. This portion is constructed with a bottom 60 feet wide, and calculated for a depth of 5 feet, although it has hereto- fore been used with only two or three feet water. It was made thus large in order to form a convenient basin or boat harbour, for the accommodation of the business of Mauch Chunk. The banks are paved on the inside with river stone. Upon this mile there are 5 wooden locks. The 1st is a guard lock, the 2d a lift lock of 7 feet, and the 3 others each 6 feet lift, and combined, making in the whole 25 feet overcome by 4 lift locks: they are each 130 feet by 30 in the chamber.
In June, 1827, the canal from the end of the 1st mile (then finished) was undertaken under the superintend- ence of Canvass White, Esq. Civil Engineer. The dis- tance from Mauch Chunk to. Easton, at the mouth of the Lehigh is 462 miles. Thirty-seven miles being canal and the remainder river navigation. The canal is 45 feet in width at the bottom, with 5 feet water. The banks having a slope of one and a half feet base to one foot rise, giving a surface of 60 feet; except in sandy soils where the slope is 2 feet base to one foot rise, leaving the canal 65 feet in width at top water.
In many places the canal is carried in the river at the foot of Bluffs; in such cases it is protected on the out- side by substantial slope walls from the freshets of the stream, which seldom rise to a greater height than six feet. The towing path is 1 feet wide, the berm bank '6 feet wide on the top. Along one side of the pools made by the Dams, towing paths are formed in a per- manent manner and faced with slope walls.
The Lock walls are composed of rough stone, laid in Hydraulic cement, and planked on the inside with two inch pine. This cement was discovered in the immedi- ate vicinity of the canal and has proved to be of an ex- cellent quality.
The locks are 100 feet between the hollow coins, and 22 feet wide, exclusive of the four lift locks already mentioned, there are 5 locks of 6 feet lift, 2 of 63, 10 of 7, 20 of 8, 1 of 8.20, 2 of 83, and 1 of 14. 17 feet lift; making in the whole from Mauch Chunk 361.17 feet overcome by 47 locks. There are also 7 guard locks 2 of which have been enumerated among the lift locks.
Eight dams supply the canal with water, which vary in height from 6 to 16 feet; they are built of round timber in the form of crib work, and covered with poles about one foot in diameter.
There are about twenty-three bridges; seven of which are for public roads. The Farm bridges are 13 feet wide-the road bridges 21 feet wide; they are general- ly 50 feet span. erected on stone abutments of dry walls, and raised 7 feet above top water line.
An aqueduct is built over the Monockesy at Bethle- hem, of three stone arches, each 18 feet span. One of 3 stone piers with a wooden superstructure, over the Aquanshicola creek at Lehigh Gap-a similar one over the Hockendoque, and the 4th with one pier over artlı's creek,
There are 22 culverts, 4 of which are double-the others are single arches of from 3 to 5 feet span, all of stone, laid in Hydraulic cement. Also about 22 waste wiers of wood, from 50 to 100 feet in lengthi.
The whole canal is built with great attention to strength and durability, but with little regard to orna- ment. The completion of this great work is confident- ly expected in a short time; and, although difficulties have been met with during its progress which were not anticipated in the commencement; yet, by perseve- rance and diligence they have been successfully en- countered.
Presenting a great breadth of surface, and depth of water, unusual facilities for rapid movement will be af- forded without much risk to the banks-while the ani- mals that draw the boats upon it, in consequence of the Jessened resistance, will apply their strength with more ease to themselves, and advantage to their employers.
In the early part of next season, we may expect to see the Delaware division of the Pennsylvania Canal, opened for trade; most of it is now done, and the re- mainder put under contract to be finished this year; when there will be an uninterrupted slack water navi- gation from Mauch Chunk to tide; and, when the whole shall be in full and successful operation, a cheap and ready means of conveyance will be obtained between the immense Coal region of the Lehigh Company and the city of Philadelphia-and by the Morris canal with New-York; affording also a convenient outlet for the produce of the fertile vallies of Northampton and Le- high counties, and for the iron ore which is found in many places near the river Lehigh in great abundance.
Thus offering a fair prospect of ample remuneration for the unremitting industry of an enterprising compa- ny, and, at the same time, largely benefitting the pub- lic. Mauch Chunk Courier.
LUMBER.
Among the many articles of commerce and home consumption of our state, the article of lumber does not form a small item; and although we have no cause to ap- prehend a want for the general purposes of building, trade, or even commerce, for centuries to come, yet the rapid improvement of the country-particularly along the banks and vallies of our rivers and streams by cut- ting away the forests to give place to agricultural pur- suits, has no doubt had a tendency to advance the price, and in some instances effect a scarcity.
This evil has unquestionably been felt by the differ- ent towns and villages bordering upon the Lehigh and Delaware-and the advance in the price of lumber in the market of Philadelphia, is probably owing to the same cause. What effect the improvement of the navigation of those rivers by canal may have upon the lumber mar- ket we are not prepared to say, but we argue that it will be very favorable, at least, in considerably increa- sing the supply. We already notice a disposition among the owners of timbered and tillable lands, bordering upon the liead waters of the Lehigh and its tributary streams to look up their boundary lines, examine the na- ture of their titles and claims, and fix a real value upon property, which, previous to the operations of the Le- high Coal and Navigation Company, was not taken into account and scarcely considered worth the annual tax- es with which they were charged. Several gentlemen in Philadelphia, holders of lands in this quarter have this season sent on their agents, had their lands surveyed in- to lots, and put in a condition to be disposed of to pur- chasers who may be inclined to engage in lumbering or other pursuits. Others have erected saw mills and are fast paving the way for more extensive operations.
The prices at which these lands are now held, we are told, are from two to five dollars per acre-according to the quality of the soil, value of timber, ores, or other minerals, or properties which they may possess,
1b,
368
MISCELLANEOUS.
[JUNE
The following Meteorological Table, kept in Mauch Chunk, was handed to us for publication. It will no doubt be interesting to our readers-and we shall publish a regular monthly account.
"According to Fahrenheit's Thermometer,the tem- perature of the weather at Mauch Chunk, in the shade, was as follows, during the time specified."
Date.
1829.
3d Month.
Before 8 o'c. A. M.
Noon.
Sunset.
Depth of Rain.
Of Snow.
Of melted Snow.
1st.
7
33
27
in.
in.
in.
2nd.
27
40
35
3d.
10
47
41
4th.
34
49
48
5
34
41
39
1.30
6
28
35
39
.29
7
18
38
34
8
30
36
36
1.10
.10
9
26
49
40
10
17
46
43
11
21
54
44
12
39
48
44
.59
13
31
38
32
14
20
34h
29
15
19h
35
32
Before 7 o'c.
29
30
26
.75
.15
17
26
37
28
.55
.17
18
17
36h
29
.09
.01
19
13
19
27
.02h
21st.
12h
41
34
22d.
26
39
30
.06
23d.
16
38
31
24th.
28
35
29h
25
22h
37
36
26
26
35
36
27
28
44
38
28
33
55
49
29
26
66
58
30
40
57h
52
.013
31st.
41
56
53
2.60
.51h
Before 8 o'clock-773 is the number of degrees of the Thermometer during the month.
days.
773 divided by 31=25 nearly
1302
do
31=42 add at noon
1136
do
31=36 add at sunset
3)103
34.20 Mean average per day, du- ring the Third month.
The quantity of Rain that fell.
2.19 ₴
.51 3 Melted Snow
in. 2.71 3
Note .- Ice in Mauch Chunk pond broke up on the 10th of the month .- Mauch Chunk Pioneer.
The new Board of Canal Commissioners met on the first of June; present all the members except Gen. Pat- terson of Philadelphia. Judge Scott was unanimously elected President, the Board then passed a resolution reducing the Secretary's salary to $1000 per annum; but adjourned without an election.
After the adjournment the following correspondence passed between the President of the new Board and the Secretary of the old :-
JUNE Ist, 1829.
Dear Sir-The Board of Canal Commissioners have this day fixed the compensation of their Secretary, at the rate of $1000 per annum. Will you be so good as to inform me whether you would be willing to accept of the situation upon these terms-The duties to be as- signed to the Secretary, will be the same which you have so long, so ably, and so faitlifully executed.
I am sir, very
Respectfully your obedient servant. (Signed) DAVID SCOTT.
JOS. MCILVAINE, Esq.
HARRISBURG, June 1, 1829.
Dear Sir-I hasten to reply to your note of this even- ing, inquiring whether I would be willing to accept the office of Secretary of the Canal Commissioners, at the reduced rate of compensation fixed by resolution of this day.
You are perfectly aware that the salary assigned me as secretary of the late Board, was but a moderate com- pensation for the duties and responsibilities attached to the office. In the employment of the new board, those duties and responsibilities cannot be less, and I shall confess myself in error, if they be not materially increas- ed. I should therefore do injustice to myself, and to the opinion of those who estimate my services from actual experience of their value, did I not reply to your inquiry with a decided negative. You will oblige me by saying® to any one who may speak on the subject, that I can- not permit myself to be named for the office.
With sincere thanks for your kindness heretofore; and your friendly expressions on this occasion, I am, Sir, your friend and servant, (Signed) JOS. MCILVAINE.
The new Board of Canal Commissioners have elect- ed FRANCIS R. SHUNK, Esq. as Secretary, with a sala- ry of 1000 dollars a year. We understand that the' late Secretary, Mr. M'Ilvaine, declined being a candidate. The loss of his services to this work, at this important crisis, will be regretted by all the friends to the internal improvement of our state. Poulson.
SLATE.
We have seen a specimen from a Quarry near the Lehigh Water Gap, which is truly a curiosity. It is up- wards of five feet in length and four in breadth, three quarters of an inch thick and of a remarkably good quality. The person who hauled it to this place, says they can be procured much larger at the Quarry .- Our county [Northampton] may truly be said to possess more treasures in its bosom than any other in the state. Easton Argus.
Mauch Chunk Prices Current-Corrected weekly by the Editor of the Pioncer.
65 Cts.
Corn,
50
Potatoes per bushel - 45 to 50
Eggs per dozen 7 to 8
Butter per lb. 10 to 123
Bacon, Sides and Shoulders, per lb. 7 to 10
Hams, per lb.
9 to 10
Timothy Hay per ton
$14 00
Rye straw, per bundle of 30 lbs.
15
Oats, per bushel
35
Clean Swingle tow, per lb.
1
20
24
35
28
.11
Rye per bushel of 601bs.
5th mo. 25, 1829.
Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F GEDDES, No. 59 Locust Street. Philadelphia; where, and at the PUBLICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, second door back of the Post Office, (back room) subscriptions will he thankfully received. Price FIVE DOLLARS per aunuin, payable annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance.
THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.
VOL. III .- NO. 24.
PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 13, 1829. NO. 76.
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE.
[From the Casket.]
Anthony Wayne, the grand father of the American General, who is the subject of this notice, was a native of Yorkshire, England. At an early period of life he removed to the Emerald Isle, and located himself in the county of Wicklow. The principal occupation of this gentleman was that of agriculture. He occasionally ex- ecuted some civil as well as military offices. At the memorable battle of the Boyne he commanded a squad- ron of dragoons, under King William. His ardent at- tachment to republican principles rendered a residence in the immediate neighborhood of monarchical govern- ment both inconvenient and unpleasant, therefore, in the year 1722, he migrated to North America with his family, consisting of four sons, all of whom were well educated men in Ireland, their native country. In the year 1724, with the view of settling his sons comforta- bly around him, he purchased an extensive real estate in the county. of Chester and province of Pennsylvania, to each of whom he assigned a part.
His youngest son, Isaac Wayne, father of the Ameri- can General, was a man of strong mind, great industry and enterprise. He frequently represented the county of Chester in the Provincial Legislature, and, in the ca- pacity of a commissioned officer, repeatedly distinguish- ed himself in expeditions against the Indians. He was at all times celebrated for his patriotism, and universal- ly admired for his integrity. After a long life of use- fulness to his country, family, and friends, he died in the year 1774, leaving one son and two daughters.
Anthony Wayne, whose public career sheds so much lustre on the American arms and character, was born in the township of Easttown, Chester county, Pennsylva- nia, on the first day of January, 1745. His father was desirous of bringing him up to his own profession, an agriculturist; but he soon discovered that the labour's of the field did illy accord with his son's propensities, and as he was blessed with the means of indulging the bent of his son's genius, he resolved to afford him an op- portunity of pursuing such studies as inclination might suggest. For this purpose he was committed to the care and tuition of his uncle, Gabriel Wayne, a man of considerable erudition and mental acquirements.
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