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 115
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Indian corn, not being an article of trade, was not rai- sed in quantities before 1750,nor until some years after.
Before this time, no cross occurrence happened ma- terially to disturb the general tranquility; every thing, both public and private, went on in an even and regular routine-moderate wishes were fully supplied-neces- saries and conveniences were gradually increased: but luxuries of any kind, except spirituous liquors, were rarely thoughit of, or introduced, either of apparel, household furniture, or living. Farm carts were had by the best farmers. Thomas Canby, Richard Norton, Joseph Large, Thomas Gilbert, and perhaps a few more, had wagons before 1745, and a few two-horse wagons from then to 1750 were introduced; and some who went to market had light tongue-carts for the purpose. These were a poor make-shift, easily overset, the wild team sometimes ran away, and the gears often broke .- John Wells, Esq. was the only person who ever had a ri- ding chair. He & Mathew Hughes were the only justices of the peace, except Thos.Canby, who held a commission for a short time-and there were no taverns in the two townships, except on the Delaware at Howell's and Co- ryell's ferries, (which was owing probably to the dispo- sition and manners of the inhabitants, ) and but one dis- tillery a short time.
The preceding account will apply with general pro- priety to the state of things until 1754, when a war be- I winter; in summer, particularly on the Broad Mour ..
VOL. III. 52
gan between England and France concerning lands on the west and north-west of Pennsylvania. Col. Wash- ington was clefeated and taken prisoner on Willis'a creek; and, in the ensuing summer General Braddock was defeated and killed in that country. When the In- dians attacked the frontiers of this province, four or five hundred thousand pounds were granted in a few years for the king's use; money was also sent in from Eng- land to purchase provisions, and in general the war in- troduced a more plentiful supply of cash. Trade and improvements were proportionably advanced; the price of all kinds of produce was increased, wheat was from six shillings to a dollar a bushel, and a land tax was rai- sed to sink the debt; yet the burden was not sensibly felt, as there was such an increasing ability to bear it.
As the quantity of cash increased during the war, so also there was a much larger importation of foreign goods. Bohea tea and coffec became more used, which were not often to be found in any farmer's house before 1750. Tea, in particular, spread and prevailed almost universally. Half silks and calico were common for wo- men's wearing, various modes of silk bonnets, silk and fine linen neckhandkerchiefs, in short, almost every ar- ticle of women's clothing were foreign manufacture .- The men wore jackets and breeches of Bengal, nan- keen, fustian, black everlasting, cotton velvet, as the fashion of the season determined the point, which chan- ged almost every year. Household furniture was added to, both in quantity and kind; and hence began the marked distinction between rich and poor, or rather be- tween new-fashioned and old-fashioned; which has con- tinued increasing ever since. The first beginning was by imperceptible degrees; I believe tea and calico were the chief initiating articles. Tea was a convenient treat on an afternoon's visit, easily gotten ready at any time; and calico a light, agreeable dress that would bear washing. On the whole, present calculation, on the first cast, decided against homespun of almost every kind, and in favour of foreign manufactures, which were to he liad in the city, or in country stores, so cheap, and often on credit.
The subject of old and new fashions bore a consider- able dispute, at least how far the new should be intro- duced. Some showed by their practice that they were for going as far as they could; some stopped half way; and a few trying to hold out as long as they could, were not to be won upon by any means more likely to pre- vail than by the women, who had a strong aversion to appearing singular; so that at the present time, and for these twenty years past, there are but few mnen, and fewer women, left as perfect patterns of the genuine old-fashioned sort of people.
COAL REGIONS. "
We copy the following article from the Pottsville "Miner's Journal," which purports to be a transverse view of the coal region from the Sharp to the Broad Mountain-by Mr. Thomas Mills, at the Collector's Office of the Schuylkill Navigation Company:
"The coal district, the length of which from east to west, is about 70 miles, and the average breadth from the Sharp Mountain to the Broad Mountain, is about three miles-the whole space contains about two hun- dred and ten square miles, and comprehends the Schulkill mines in the middle; the Swatara and Sus- quehanna in the west, and the Lehigh mines in the east. This country is gifted by nature with the most valuable productions, particularly towards the Broad Mountain, where the mines of Iron ore and anthracite coal are im- mensely valuable. The soil is composed of secondary and alluvial formation, but is by no means fertile through- out the district; but there are many rich bottoms, so that the country might sustain a great populaton. The climate is temperate and healthy, mild and agreeable in tain, it is delightful. The principle towns and villages
410
COAL MINES.
[JUNE
are Pottsville, MauchChunk, PortCarbon, Lawtonville,* Rhoadsville,* Mount Carbon, t Bath, t Centreville, Al- lenville, t Salem, t Lewisville and Pinegrove. Nothing can exceed the beauty of the scenery in these delight- ful vallies and thriving towns. The inhabitants are kind and affable to strangers, which makes a residence among them very pleasant and agreeable. The large extent of country upon the Broad Mountain has been but partially explored. Future researches will no doubt make important discoveries in that quarter, and at some future day, not far distant, Pottsville, Port Carbon, Mauch Chunk, &c. will be the seat of large and impor- tant settlements.
"From the already explored part of this coal region, and extent to which some of the coal veins are worked, and from different branches of the coal trade connected therewith, we are enabled to form a pretty correct statement of the extent and value of our coal region .- From actual measurement we find the average thick- ness of the veins to be ten feet-the depth we must leave to future generations to discover. Certain it is that 1000 feet upon the inclination of the vein can be worked without going more than 200 feet below the level of the rivers in the neighbourhood, the power of which when applied to proper machinery will very much facilitate the raising of coal from an immense depth, and that without any increase in the cost of mi- ning, but a gradual improvement in the coal, a circum- stance ascertained to be the case by experiments made in the heighborhood. If we take for the present 1000 feet in depth, which we are certainly safe in calculating upon, we shall then have from the present number of veins opened, 11,088 millions of square feet of coal, which at 50 pounds to the square foot, leaves 2,475 millions 500,000 tons of coal, worth to the owners of the soil, without one farthing of expense at mining, 1,237 millions 500,000 dollars, and to the miner, when deliv- ered at Philadelphia, 17,328 millions 500,000 dollars, a sum sufficient, at forty dollars per acre, to levy the Uni- ted States, and at twelve dollars per acre, would pur- chase the whole continent of North America."
. "Constitutes part of Port Carbon.
tIncorporated in the borough of Pottsville.
The Berks Journal of Saturday last, contains the fol- lowing interesting description of the Coal Mines in Schuylkill county.
We visited the mines of the North American Coal Company, where we found the operations of mining conducted with skill. economy and industry. We en- tered one of the drifts a distance of 1500 feet from its mouth, nearly horizontal, or perhaps at a rise of one inch in every 100 feet, for the purpose of draining the water and keeping the drift dry, without the aid of la- bor or machinery. The sinking of coal shafts are for the present exploded, as too expensive, and drifts sub- stituted, because no difficulty is experienced in keeping the mines free from water. In the drift we are now speaking of, there is a temporary rail road, on which a horse draws two waggons, containing two tons of coal, managed by a small-boy. Between 70 and 100 tons of coal are daily mined and hauled out. 'We next visited the "St. Clair Coul Mines," of which Francis B. Nich- ols, Esq. is the principal proprietor and lessor. If there be any thing in a name, we think these mincs have re- ceived an honourable as well as a felicitous distinction. - Honourable-for is there an American patriot that does not revere the memory of the gallant but unfortunate Major General Arthur St. Clair? Felicitous from the circumstance of that much esteemed veteran of the revolution, having more than forty years ago visited the coal region in Schuylkill county, and predicted all that has been realised. This was no dream of fancy, no baseless vision, but the developement of a mind as sa- gacious in geological acumen, as in the science of war.
From these mines to Mill Creek, or Port Carbon landings, a rail road upwards of two miles in length, will be ready for use in a few weeks.
Our next visit was to the mines on the East Branch, through Schuylkill valley to Stahl's Mill. In this valley a double track rail road is in an advanced state of com- pletion. A section of three miles will be ready for ex- amination in ten or fifteen days. Its whole length is about ten miles, extending from Port Carbon Landings to Reber's Grist mill, passing through rich hills of coal . on either side. On a small stream, the name of which has escaped our memory, we saw a rich vein of coal jut- ting the water's edge, as if obstructed in its passage, but fearlessly awaiting the tools of the miner to be disem- bowelled for the use of man.
Our last visit was through the coal region, lying be- tween the West and West-west branches, and from thence to the summit of the Broad-Mountain, whose al- titude by actual observation, is 900 feet from water lev- el at Pottsville. The Mine Hill and Schuylkill Haven rail road will pass through the valley of this extensive region, and it is confidently believed that operations will soon be commenced. That the whole of the Broad Mountain abounds in coal, is reduced to a geological certainty, and any one having the least experience, may, while travelling over it, upon what is called the old Sun- bury Road, have occular proof. We visited several shafts near the summit, out of which coal of the first quality had been dug. We saw several shafts in their primitive state, but all indicating an approximation to this inval- uable mineral. On every spur of this mountain, we were greeted with the monotonous and almost deafen- ing hum of myriads of locusts.
In all our visits made to a great number of mines, where many hands are daily employed, we did not ob- serve a single workman disguised by liquor. They all appeared to be healthy, contented, industrious, and were peculiarly polite and communicative.
LAW-CASE.
LANDLORD AND TENANT.
Henry Lentz, Common Pleas, vs. Certiorari,
John Schaffer. To March Term, 1829.
This was a proceeding under the 12th sect. of the act of Assembly, passed 21st March, 1772, to recover pos- session of a tenement, against Jno. Schaffer, a tenant holding over, had before Justices Bryant and Boileau, and on certiorari by the defendant, removed to the court of Common Pleas.
The facts, as founded by the landlord and tenant's ju- ry, were as follows. John Schaffer, the defend, leased from Henry Lentz, on the 27th of May, 1828, for one year, at the rent of $400 per annum, a certain tavern, situated in Third near Green street, in the Northern Liberties; on the 20th day of September, Schaffer gave notice to the landlord of his intention to vacate the pre- mises after the expiration of that quarter, and that Lentz, the landlord, after that time should not consider him as his tenant, and awarded a writ of restitution to the lard- lord; these proceedings were had on the 22d day of De- cember, 1828.
In the argument before the court for the landlord, it was contended that there was a determination of the lease on the part of Schaffer, by his own act, in giving notice to the landlord of his intention to quit, and that the notice given by the tenant superceeded the neces- sity of giving three months notice, as prescribed by the act of assembly, by the landlord; that all the law intend- ed to guard against, was surprise on the part of the tenant, by a sudden determination of the lease by the landlord, which could not be pretended in the present instance, inasmuch as the notice to quit originated with the tenant' himself, and that the requisitions of the act had been substantially complied with.
411
DINNER TO COL. CLINTON.
1829.]
On the part of the defendant, it was contended that as these proceedings were under an act of assembly for the entire benefit of the landlord it was necessary that the requisitions of the act on his part should be strictly pursued; that the 12th sect. of the act of asssembly of 1772, requires, before even application can be made to the justice, that the term should be fully ended, and that 3months'notice had been given to the tenant by the land- lord, of his intention or desire to re-possess the premises; that the jury was bound to find these facts before they could award a writ of restitution: that the notice of the tenant, if of any effect whatever, could be nothing more than a determination of the lease; and that by the pro- visions of the law, three months' notice would then be necessary before the landlord could avail himself of the compulsory process given to eject liis tenant, in order to obtain possession: that inasmuch as these facts, to wit-the notice and a determination of the lease, not having been found by the jury, and the law not having been complied with on the part of the landlord, the justices' court were in error in ordering the writ of res- titution, and the proceedings should be reversed.
Judge King, in delivering his opinion, stated that, in examining the proceedings in what light he would, the act of assembly had not been complied with in any of its requisites; that if even the notice given on the 20th Sept. as contended for, superceded the necessity of the landlord's notice, yet three months had not transpired before instituting the proceedings; that the law pointed out the steps that were necessary' to be pursued before the landlord could avail himself of his privilege, which must be in strict conformitywith the act of assembly; that although the landlord might maintain an action of eject- ment, or an action for the non-performance of his agree- ment,yet the present proceedings could not be sustained.
Judgment reversed, procceedings set aside.
Jno. Wurts, Esq. for plaintiff-Jas. Goodman, Esq. for defendant. U. S. Gaz.
DINNER TO COL. CLINTON.
A dinner was lately given at Lewistown to Col. Clin- ton late Chief Engineer on the Juniata division of the Penn. Canal-after a toast the Col. rose and made the following address which we copy for the sake of the reasons assigned for his resignation, embracing also his view of the defects of the arrangements of the present system.
Col. De Witt Clinton, late engineer in Chief-We cherish his character as a gentleman, as an officer he has our entire confidence.
On the delivery of this toast, Col. Clinton rose, and remarked that he thanked them for the friendly manner in which his name had been introduced, and said it was with feelings of inexpressible regret that he rose to bid them all farewell. But his separation being voluntary, it was due to his friends and public opinion, to men- tion the reasons of his withdrawing, when the works committed to his charge were advar cing so rapidly and prosperously towards completion. It was principle, and in honorable minds it was more dear than honor gained at its expense. That they must be all sensible that the Engineer was responsible for the goodness of the works in his charge, and for the conduct and acts of the assistants. The Engineer is supposed to be a man of reputation and experience, and being sustained by public opinion, it must be his first object to do nothing to forfeit public esteem. He remarked that there could POTTSVILLE, June 20. not-be a more unfortunate calamity than to be stripped of reputation, and meeting with universal indignation. Such would be the fate of the engineer in the case of the failure of his works. If poor, he would be thrown on the world's cold charity; and if rich, he would be ac- companied with the scorn and indignation of his fellow men. If therefore, he has so much at stake, he should have sufficient powers to do his duties correctly and | fell in profusion, and some of the stones were of an un-
independently; and if not invested with them, his only course is to refuse to serve, unless he can do it on pro- per principles. He remarked that as the engineer is situated, he is responsible without the necessary pow- ers, and the little he has is so arraigned, that the influ- ence of the acting commissioners must be predominant; for the commissioner forms the contracts; decides on the prices: appoints all officers, from the principal assistant to the subaltern; possesses the power of inspecting work and abandoning contracts; and though a party concerned, of determining when any job is completed.
In the case of the resignation, non-acceptance, or death of any engineer, he has the power of appointing a successor during the recess of the board, and such an appointment would undoubtedly be confirmed. He also possesses extensive and important powers relative to the rights and interests of landholders. The engineer is insoluted, for all the influence that can operate on his independence is concentrated in the person of the acting commissioner or superintendent, and the assis- tant engineer being appointed by the acting commis- sioner or superintendent, will look up decidedly to him-his orders will be obeyed in contradiction to the engineer's-insubordination will creep among them, and the engineer to retain his place, must sacrifice his independence of character. -
He said that the old board of canal commissioners, to secure the fidelity of the Engineers, appointed the principal assistants themselves, and invested them with all the power of the principal during his absence or sickness -the most important of which was that of certifying to monies: The sub-assistants were selected by the Engineer, and appointed with the concurrence of the acting commissioner or superintendent. He remark- ed that if his compensation had been reduced, or the number of his assistants, he should not have resigned. But as he could no longer act on principles of indepen- dence, he could not consent to serve. He said that there might be some anxiety to know the true situation of the works on the upper and lower division of the canal. He submitted the following statement. The length of the canal from Lewistown to the mouth of the river is nearly 47 miles, divided into 94 sections of equal. extent; of these 63 are completed; 15 more will be ear- ly next month, and the remainder are in such a state of forwardness as to warrant their completion by the first of Sept. next. The constructions incidental to this work are 2 dams, with river locks attached, one outlet lock, one guard lock, 13 lift locks, 5 aqueducts over minor streams, and one over the Juniata, with such culverts, sluices, waste weirs and bridges, as are neces- sary to make the navigation complete, and accommo- date the public. The execution of the' whole of these works, with the exception of the Juniata aqueduct, may be accomplished with ordinary diligence during the whole of the ensuing month.
He sincerely hoped that the same measures would be continued that had been heretofore adopted, and which would secure the completion of the works .- The up- per division had advanced more rapidly than the lower in the same time, and its completion ought to be accom- plished in a year from next fall. He returned them all his sincere thanks for their hospitality and kindness, and proposed the following sentiment:
Lewistown-destined through the enterprise and in- telligence of its citizens, to become one of the most im- portant inland places in Pennsylvania.
On Wednesday evening last our borough was visited by a very heavy and destructive hail storm, accompani- ed with high wind, loud thunder and vivid flashes of lightning, which has done considerable damage in the neighbourhood, by unroofing and prostrating several small houses, and obstructing the passage of several highways by the falling of trees across them. The hail usual large size.
412
METEOROLOGICAL TABLES.
[JUNI
"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.
APRIL.
o'c. A. M.
BEFORE 7
NOON.
SUNSET.
RAIN.
DEPTH OF
OF SNOW.
ED SNOW.
OF MELT.
1st.
42
51h
44
INCH.
INCH.
INCH.
2nd.
43
52
48
1.22
3d.
40
52
4.4
4th.
38
53
48
5
33
48
47
.07
6
36
45
39
7
37
55
52
1.00
8
32
59
54
9
52
69
50
.31
10
42
47h
44
.27
11
40
60
4.4
11
49
55h
48
12
38
53
46
13
28
65
58
13
28
57
50
14
32
70
64
14
24
59
52
15
28
67
55
16
49
55
58
.22
17
36
58
49
18
32h
60
58
19
48
62
20
59
74
62
.23
21
42
54
46
1.03
22
38
60
60
23
42
78
68
24
44
4.4
42
.43
25
36
50
44
.13
26
46
50
49
27
22
59
50
28
36
74
71
29
45
83
75
30
50
75
57h
.10
Before 7 o'clock-1151 is the number of degrees of the Thermometer during the month.
Days.
1151 divided by 30 =38 add before 7.
1686 do.
by 30=58 add at noon.
1561 do.
by 30=52 add at sunset.
3) 148
49 add Mean average per day, du- ring the Fourth month.
The quantity of Rain that fell,
Inch. 4.48
Note .- Between the 5th and 10 of the month a quan- tity of rain fell (it is thought about an inch) of which no account was taken at the time.
- "According to Farhenheit's Thermometer, the tem- perature of the weather at Mauch Chunk, in the shade, was as follows, during the time specified."
DATE.
1829. MAY.
o'c. A. M.
BEFORE 6
NOON.
SUNSET.
RAIN. IN.
DEPTH OF
OF SNOW.
ED SNOW.
OF MELT-
1st
50
63
59
.05
IN.
IN.
2d
52
62
54
3d
47
50
48
.02
4th
46
55
50
5
44
70
62
.06
6
38
78
71
7
48
82
72
8
41
72
69
9
44
46h
44h
10
39
44
49
1.36
15
42
72
56
16
22
68
62
17
49
69
64
.03
18
40
79
72
19
58
86
66
.39
20
59
76
70
21
.48
82
75
22
49
91
81
23
59
77
71
24
48
89
80
25
54
86
76
26
70
88
78
27
62
92
80
28
63
91
78
.02
29
62
86
71
.20
30
61
82
68
.01
31
68
85
80
Before 7 o'clock-1151 is the number of degrees of the Thermometer during the month. 1543 divided by 31=49 add before 7.
2282 divided by 31=73 add at noon.
1907 divided by 31=61 add at sunset.
3)183
61 add Mean average per day,
during the Fifth month.
The quantity of Rain that fell.
Inch. 3.19
Note .- On the 29th, a rain of short continuance, say, ten or fifeen minutes.
Remarks .- With the exception of a few cloudy days, the account of the weather in the first column was taken before 6 A. M.
POST OFFICE AT MAUCH CHUNK.
Arrival and Departure of Mails .- There are 38 ar- rivals and departures of the mail at Mauch Chunk week- ly: viz: From Easton, on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, arrives at 10 A. M. closes at 11 A.M. same days, and returns to Easton by 7 P. M. Bethlehem mail arrives, closes and departs same days and hours. Allentown mail arrives Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 5 P.M , closes at 8 the same evening, and departs the morning following the arrival, at 5 A.M. Daily stages are run on this line for the ac- commodation of passengers. Berwick Mail arrives Tues- day, Thursday and Sunday, at 12 A.M. and departs at 10 A.M. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; mail clos- es between 9 and 10 on the day of departure, and ar- rives at Berwick generally between 9 and 10 P. M .- There are also daily stages on this line for public accom-
modation. Fogleville mail ar. at 12 M.closes and departs immediately. Thus making 38 mails to be opened and closed at Mauch Chunk weekly; and 48 arrivals and de- partures of stages. Eleven years since, when the Le- high Coal and Navigation Company commenced opera- tions at this place, the nearest Post Office was eight miles distant on the Easton route below, and the mail from Easton to Berwick passed up and down once a week. The post office at Mauck Chunk was establislı- ed in 1819, 10 years since. In 1824, the mail carried by John Jones; commenced running twice a week, up and down; since which time the increase has been grad- ual until it has arrived at the number above stated .- During the winter season there are only tri-weekly trips made, as the present law does not authorise the trans- portation of a daily mail on any of the above routes.
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