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 49

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 440

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 49

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The argument on the score of expense failing, it re- mains to be seen, how far the project is available for the greater accommodation of the Schuylkill front of the city. It is the unanimous opinion of the engineers,as will appear by reference to their report, that a bridge at Fair Mount ought not to be constructed at a less eleva- tion than 37 feet above high tide, which is about the general height of Broad street. Such a bridge has been located on the line surveyed by Mr. Hopkins, and from it the line continues to the upper side of the Upper Ferry road till it intersects Callowhill street, at the cor- ner of Schuylkill 2nd,thence passes down Schuylkill 2nd, & reaches the river, near the old water works. Now, at the corner of Schuylkill 2nd, and Callowhill, the line of Mr. Hopkins is within a stone's throw of that adopted by the canal commissioners; and the latter, by a change in its

graduation scarcely perceptible, may be brought to the same point at precisely the same elevation, with a saving in distance of 13 chains. It is evident then, that the line from Judge Peters' down to Fair Mount, and there crossing the river, as located by Mr. Hopkins, and ap- proved by the other Engineers, has not a single advan- tage for the purpose of reaching the Schuylkill front of the city, which is not possessed by Major Wilson's.

A few days ago, when in conversation with a mem- ber of your committee, I stated the substance of this latter paragraph. His answer was, that the object con- templated in crossing the river at Fair Mount could not be attained by Mr. Hopkins' line; and that those who agree with him in opinion would not prefer it to Major Wilson's. He explained his object to be, to cross the Schuylkill upon a very low level, so that the line intend- ed to descend the Schuylkill might pass as near the river bank as possible. And he afterwards pointed out the route which he preferred, between Schuylkill Front and Ashton streets, and nearest the latter. This con- versation opened to me a new view of the subject, one which had not occurred to my own mind, and which, if it had previously been suggested had escaped without notice. Until then I supposed that the termination be- low Market street was the main object of those who pressed the claims of the Schuylkill front, and that the proximity of the line above the Permanant Bridge to the river bank, provided it did not materially depart from a direct course was not an object of much interest. Hence I had supposed that the route traced down Schuylkill Second street would have been generally acquiesced in.

When therefore I found from Mr. Harper, that the portion of the Schuylkill Front between Callowhill and Market streets, claimed that the Railway should pass as near as possible, it became my duty to ascertain how far they could be gratified by a change in the elevation of the bridge at Fair Mount, or by an alteration in the line of Major Wilson. I issued at once additional instruc- tions to the Engineers which were in substance-1. To report what they deemed the least elevation consistent with the safety of a bridge at Fair Mount :- 2. To ascer- tain the line which such a level would admit down the Schuylkill :- 3. To state what advantages such a line would have which'could not be attained from Major Wil- son's route-and lastly, looking as well to a connexion with the Delaware as with the Schuylkill-whether it would be adviseable to adopt such a level.

The answers to the questions will be found in their re- port. They amount to this, that though a bridge might safely be built at a less elevation than 37 feet, yet no such reduction can be made in that particular as sensi- bly to promote the object intended. That in no cir- cumstances and for no reason which I:as come to their knowledge; even supposing it safe, should that bridge be reduced materially below the level of Broad street; because in that case any line of Railway destined for the Delaware through the Northern Liberties must cross Callowhill street, and thus be involved in difficulties to impair both its practicability and value.

But the inquiry upon these points has proceeded yet farther. I requested Major Wilson for the sake of ex- periment, to assume the lowest level, at which any man could propose to pass at Fair Mount, to trace on the ground the results to which it would lead, and to see how far the same objects might be attained from the line already adopted by the Canal Commissioners. Ile com- menced at the Upper Ferry Bridge at the height of its abutment and proceeded on a supposition that a straight bridge of that height would be thrown across the river. From that point he kept a level on the upper side of the Upper Ferry road, the only ground where a Rail Road can be placed without a serious destruction of property, until it touched the surface of Callowhill street between Schuylkil Front and Ashton, a few feet from the point indicated by Mr. Ilarper.

Turning here in a direction down the Schuylkill, he

174

PENNSYLVANIA RAILWAY.

[MARCH

found it to be practicable without any extra expense, to pass between Front and Ashton streets, cross Market street level and there take the line of Ashton street for any further distance down the Schuylkill: Returning to Callowhill street at the point of crossing, he carried a line graduated within the limits adopted on other parts. of the Railway, till it intersected his line in the bed of the old Union Canal. The result of this examination was, that from a point on the latter line, 26 chains from the corner of Front and Callowhill, a branch line might be taken off, over ground presenting no serious difficulties, which would strike the same point between Schuylkill Front and Ashton, and thence pursue the course already described down the river; and that by beginning 5 chains further back, the line may be made to enter Ashton at the corner of Callowhill, or even at its intersection with the old Union Canal, to keep down Ashton, pass under the causeway of the Permanent Bridge, (or level with it as thought most adviseable) and terminate at Chesnut street or any other desirable point below. To effect these objects a slight change in the gra- duation of the main line would be necessary so as to re- duce its level at the point of departure. This change can be made without difficulty. It is believed that the last mentioned line may be cheaply executed, and that it will interfere less with streets and property, than any which can be devised.

If these statements be correct, and they are all found- ed on actual survey, it follows inevitably that all objects connected with the Schuylkill front may be as well at- tained by crossing at Judge Peters', as by a bridge at Fair Mount, without interfering with any interests con- nected with the Delaware. A bridge at Fair Mount in- volves this dilemma. If its elevation correspond with the opinions of the Engineers, it will not meet the wish- es of persons on the Schuylkill, because the branch down wards must be located three squares from the riv- er. Ifon the contrary the bridge be depressed, the fa- cilities for a communication with the Delaware are greatly diminished-perhaps virtually destroyed. In ex- planation of this latter position, I will remark that the level of the abutment of the Upper Ferry Bridge, cuts the surface of Callowhill near Schuylkill Front street. From that point to Schuylkill Third, Callowhill street, and the ground adjacent rises at the rate of about 70 feet in the mile, to Schuylkill Third, where the level of Broad street is nearly attained. If therefore a main line shall cross at Fair Mount on the lower level proposed, it must cross Callowhill at Schuylkill Front, at an eleva- tion so much less than that of Schuylkill Third and of Broad, that the latter cannot be reached within any ad- missible limit of graduation, without passing far to the right, up a ravine scorped into the dividing ridge, and in a direction to the Orphan Asylum on Cherry street. In order then to reach the Northern Liberties, it must turn again to the left, re-cross the same streets and prob- ably involve itself in difficulties too serious to be en- countered.

Whenever I have reflected upon the facts here at- tempted to be explained, a question of great impor- tance has forced itself upon me. With the evidence now before the public, is it not practicable from parts of the various plans proposed, to combine a whole, which founded in general views of the interests of this community, shall yet be capable of affording sectional accommodation, which shall harmonize all wishes on this side of Schuylkill, and yet give to the Western side. all reasonable advantage-and which shall thus achieve the great desideratum in all internal improvements by producing the largest sum of public benefit, with the least amount of public expense? My own answer has been, the project is practicable, and I shall therefore trespass on your patience long enough to explain it.

On this side of Schuylkill there exist three great and leading interests-the Eastern, the Middle, and the Western. All are admitted to be of great importance, and in the absence of any certain criterion by which to

determine their relative value, they must be regarded as equal. The project selected must therefore give to each, as equal an opportunity of advantage as possible, and any scheme which benefits some to the exclusion of others, is wholly inadmissible.

All these requisites are found in the line surveyed by Major Wilson, with the trifling additions and alterations, which will be noticed immediately. It is only necessary that at a point on this line about thirty chains from the corner of Schuylkill Second and Callowhill, which will be found some where in the rear of Fair Mount, its level should be reduced about five feet, and that there the road should fork-one branch pursuing the same level to Broad street, and the other passing down Ashton street to Sloop Navigation of the Schuylkill. By these two lines, and the branches which they admit of, all the communications contemplated on this side of the Schuylkill can be found under advantageous circum- stances, while the Branch line surveyed by Major Wil- son from Judge Peters' to a point on the West side be- low the Permanent Bridge, will give to that side a con- veyance fully commensurate with its business or neces- sities.

A short comparison of this plan with that of crossing at Fair Mount, which I regard as the only one in serious contemplation, will show its superiority.

" A line crossing at Fair Mount from Judge Peters' to the corner of Schuylkill Se- cond and Callowhill, will cost over and above the line of Major Wilson, to the. same point, in round numbers - $98,000

Deduct from th's the cost of a single branch to Judge Peters', to below Per- manent bridge on West side 26,000

Add cost of double branch, from Fair Mcunt Bridge, on the West side 13,000

72,000

$85,000

Deduct from this, probable cost of the Branch spoken of (along Ashton street to Sloop Navigation on the East side,) (at a large estimate,) - 30,000

$55,000

It appears, then, that for the same money which would make a main line from Judge Peters', crossing at Fair Mount, to the corner of Schuylkill Second and Callowhill-a main line as located by Major Wilson may be made, a branch line on the West, and a branch line on the East side; and there will be still a balance of $55,000. Suppose that $59,000 of this balance, if it be thought necessary, be devoted to construct a double line on the West side, instead of the single one proposed, .and it is evident that a smaller amount of money has been made to accommodate a much greater portion of the public, by adhering to the location already fixed, than it could possibly do if a change were attempted .-- Conceiving this illustration sufficient, I shall pursue the subject no further.

The only remaining question is, what steps should be taken by the people of Philadelphia, in order to accom- plish the plan here sketched, or such similar one as may be thought advisable. I answer, no proceedings by them are at this time absolutely required. The slight change referred to as necessary in the graduation of the line, is within the competency of the Engineer, and he has expressed an opinion that such a change may conveniently and properly be made. It is clearly with- in the power of the Canal Commissioners to fork the road and lead a branch to the Schuylkill Front. Their proceedings in other cases have been analogous, and the legality of such proceedings remains unquestioned. Of their disposition to do so, and of the certainty that they will do it, provided, great obstacles be not thrown

175

BATTLE OF LEXINGTON, 1775.

1829.]

in their way by the city authorities or by individual land holders, I can speak with great confidence. It is only necessary, then, in order to attain for the city and its neighbourhood, all the advantages which can justly be expected from the Rail Road, that the simple re- commendation of the Canal Board in regard to a branch on the Western side, be passed into a law, and if it be thought better to have a positive authority for the branch on this side, that the same law shall include the necessary provisions. Whether the Western branch ought to be single or double in order to furnish the ac- commodation required is a question not involved in the present argument, and which may safely be reposed where it properly belongs, in the discretion of the Legis- lature.

From what I have heard of the perplexity produced in the Legislature by the conflicting statements and hos- tile views recently presented to them, and by the appa- rent opposition of feeling between the several sections of the city and county, I cannot hesitate to believe that any unanimous movement upon a project so simple would have irresistible effect. Nor can I doubt that should the contest continue as heretofore, the same body will cut the knot which they cannot unravel, by stop- ping the location at the Belmont farm.

I have thus presented my views upon the whole sub- ject entrusted to your care, as fully as seemed necessary for the developement of truth, and yet as briefly as was permitted by a due attention to perspicuity and order. I beg in conclusion to affirm that no purpose of self vin- dication has tempted me to trespass upon your attention. As I covet no praise save what may be founded on the re- sult of my efforts when deliberately judged of, so I rest easy under censure which owes its origin to momentary excitement, or to an imperfect acquaintance with facts. I have felt anxious that the whole case might be ex- plained, because in its right understanding the interests of this community are deeply implicated. If the present effort shall contribute to quiet the apprehensions, or to remove the misconceptions of any, its object will be ac- complished.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, &c.

JOS. M'ILVAINE.

Philadelphia, Feb. 16, 1829.

BATTLE OF LEXINGTON 1775.

The following is published from a paper found among the MSS. of the Editor's late father; it is indorsed in his hand writing as follows-"Account of the Battle of Lexington, sent per express from town to town.

"This is the paper sent to Philadelphia and delivered to me by one of the Committee."

EBEN. HAZARD.

This document is curious as showing ( besides the facts) the time when the information reached each place upon the route,as well as the names of the persons who were the active agents in each town. As it reachedPhil- adelphia on the afternoon of 24th, the news was about 53 days on its way.

Wednesday Morng near 10 of the Clock Watertown

To all friends of American Liberty, be it known that this Morning before break of day a Brigade consisting of about 1000, or 1200 Men landed at Phips farm at Cambridge and Marched to Lexington where they found aCompany of our Colony Militia in arms up- · on whom they fired without any provocation, and killed 6 Men and wounded 4 Others. by an Express from Boston we find another Brigade are now upon their March from Boston supposed to be about 1000. The bcarer Trail Bissel is charged to alarm the Country quite to Connecticutt, and all persons are desired to furnish him with fresh Horses, as they may be needed. I have spoken with Several who have seen the dead

and wounded-Pray let the Delegates from this Colony to Connecticutt see this they know Col. Foster of Brook- field one of the Delegates.

J PALMER one of the Comy. of S. Y. -

A True Coppy taken from the Original per Order of the Committee of Correspondence for Worcester.

April 19, 1775. Att. NATH. BALDWIN, Town Clerk.

Brooklin Thursday 11 oClock above is a true Coppey recd. pr. Express forwarded from Worcester. Att. DANL. TYLER Junr.

Norwich Thursday 4 o Clock above is a true Coppy as sent pr. Express from Mr. Tyler. Att. CHRIS. LEFFINGWELL.

New London Thursday Evening 7 o Clock a true Coppy as pr. Express.

R. LAW, SAM .. H. PARSONS

NATH. SHAW, Jr.

Come.

WM. COIT,

Lyme. Fryday Morng. I o Clock a true Coppy as recd pr Ex Press.

JNO. LAYND,

JNO. M'CURDY,,

>Come.

WM. NOYES,

SAM. MATHER, Jr.

Say Brook Fryday morng. 4 o'Clock a true Coppy as recd. pr. Express.

SAMUEL FIELD,

JNO. COCKRAN, 2 Come. RICH. DICKINSON,

Killingworth, Fryday Morng. 7 o'clock forwarded as recd. Express.

GEO. ELLIOTT, 2 Come. SAM. GALES,

E. Guilford, Fryday Morng. 8 o'clock forwd. as recd. p. Express.

TIM. TODD, ? Come. ISAAC KNIGHT,

Guilford Fryday Morng. 10 o'clock. Red. p. Express. SAM. BROWN,

D. LONDON,

Brandford Friday 12 o'clock at noon red. and forwd. p. Sam. Barker one of the Come.

Newhaven Apl. 21. Recd. and forwarded upon cer- tain Intelligence.

p. SAM. BISHOP,

Jos. MUNSON, TIMO. JONES, Jr. D. AUSTIN, Come. ISAAC DOLITTLE, DAN. LYMAN, Fairfield. Saturday 22d. Apl. 8 o'clock forwd. as rd p. Express from N. Haven.

G. SELLECK SILLIMAN, THADS BURR, " JOB BARTRAM, AND. ROWLAND, JON. STURGES,

Come.

Since the above written we recd. the following p. Second Express.

Thursday 3 o'clock afternoon P.M.

Sir I am this moment informed by Express from Woodstock taken from the mouth of the Express that arrived there two of the clock afternoon that the Con- test between the first Brigade that marched to Con- cord was still continuing this Morning at the Town of Lexington to which said Brigade had retreated, that another Brigade said to be the Second mentioned in the letter of this morning had landed with a quantity of Artillery at the place where they first did. The pro- vincials were determined to prevent the two Brigades from joining their strength if possible and remain in great need of succour.

N. B. The Regulars when in Concord burnt the Court House, took two ps. of Cannon which they ren- dered uscless and began to take up Concord Bridge, on

Come.

176

MISCELLANEOUS.

[MARCH

which Cap .*- -who with many on both sides were soon killed then made an attack upon the kings troops on which they retreated to Lexington.

I am Hbl. Serv. EB. WILLIAMS. COL. OBAD JOHNSON, ' Canterbury.

P. S. Mr. McFarland of Plainfield mercht. has just returned from Boston by way of Providence, who con. versed with an express p. Lexington who further in forms that about 4000 of our Troops had surrounded the first Brigade above mentioned who were on a hill in Lexington, that the action continued and there were about 50 of our men killed and 150 ofthe Regulars as near as they could determine when their Express came away; it will be expedient for every man to go who is fit and willing. The above is a true Coppy as recd. p. Express from N. Haven and attested to by the Com- mittee of Correspondence from Town to Town.

(Test.) JON. STURGES, AND. ROWLAND, G. SELLICK SILLIMAN, THADD. BURR, JOB BARTRAM.

Newyork Committe, Chamb. 40'Clock ? Sunday afternoon April 23, 1775. S

Recd the within account by express and forwarded by Express to New Brunswick, with Directions to stop at Elizabeth Town and acquaint the Committe there with the foregoing Particulars. .

By order of the Committe, ISAAC LOW, Chairman.

The Committe at N. Brunswick, are requested to for- ward this to Phila. .

N. Brunswick, Ap. 24, 1775, 20'Clock in the morning recd the above Express and forwarded to Princetown by WM. OAKE,

JAS. NEILSON, Come.

AZ. DUNHAM,

Princetown Monday Ap. 24, 6 o'Clock, recd and forw'd to Trenton by

Tho. WIGGINS, 2 Come.

JNO. BALDWIN, S Members. Trenton Monday Ap. 24, 9 o'Clock in the morn'g recd. the above p. Express and forwarded the same to the Committee of Philadelphia.

SAM. TUCKER,

- Come. ISAAC SMITH,

* Capt, Isaac Davis of Acton .- Gordon.

The Managers of the Manual Labour .Academy of Pennsylvania have resolved to purchase the farm of Samuel Bucknell Esq. (late Dr. Blair's) in Germantown, as the site of their institution. It contains 42 acres of land, on which are a commo- dious dwelling house 40 teet by 32 in size, with back projections and convenient buildings in the rear, all of stone. A special committee, consisting of five members of the Board, has been appointed to aid the General Agent in devising and exccuting all the necessary measures for opening the school as soon as possible. The Treasurer is directed to make collections from subscribers with all conve- nient despatch.

The corporation of the city of Pittsburg have autho- rised a company to light thiat city with gas.

Twenty-two Steam boats have been built in the city and vicinity of Pittsburg within twelve months. Their aggregate tonnage is 4570 tons.

The quantity of glass blown and flattened, by four blowers, at Broomsville, Fayette county, in December last, was 29,800 feet.

Useful Inventions .- Mr. John. W. Cooper, of Waynes- burg, in this county, has discovered (for which he has obtained patents, ) a new mode of bleaching and whiten- ing flax, hemp, tow and cotton cloth, in the course of a few hours, without the least injury or damage to the strength thereof-and also, of making white paper from rags of cotton, linen or silk, be their color ever so vari- ous, and of extracting from all kinds of rags all kinds of mineral colors and rendering them white and complete- ly bleached, &c. The ingredients and process used are said to be so cheap and trifling as to render these dis- coveries highly valuable, particularly to paper makers .. Chambersburg Repos.

Great Draught .- A horse belonging to Mr .. Foust, lately drew, from the West Mine to the turnpike, a dis- tance of one mile, sixty-four bushels of anthracite coal, with apparent ease. He was attached to the end of a tongue of a heavy wagon-total weight of coal and wa- gon, 5610 pounds; add to this the weight of his rider ! Miners' Journ.

POST OFFICES.

List of Post Offices in Pennsylvania, established, dis- continued, and names changed, from the 1st to the 31st January, 1829, inclusive. (Read N. O. for New Office; Disc. for Discontinued; Ch. for changed.)

OFFICES. REMARKS.

N. O. Maple Grove,

N, O. Turbotville, Northumberland.

N. O. Adamsville, Berks.

N. O. Crooked Creek, Tioga.

Disc. Rock Hill,

Bucks, discontinued.

N. O. Stonerstown,

N. O. Southampton,

N. O. Spruce Creek,

Huntingdon.

N. O .. Pleasant Hill, Delaware.

N. O.

Cocalico,

Lancaster.

Disc. Thompson's X Roads Perry discontinued.

N. O. . Neffsville, Lancaster.

N. O. Bolivar, Westmoreland.

N. O.

Forsman, Lycoming.

Chan.

Pott's Grove,

Montgom. to Pottstown

Disc.

Ferree's,

Lancaster. discontinued.

N. O. Jeffersonville, Montgomery.

N. O. Huntingd. Furnace Huntingdon.

N. O. Sugar Loaf,

Columbia.

N. O. Scott,

Wayne.

MAMMOTH HOG .- A hog about 18 months old, which had been fed altogether on still slop, was killed on the 3d inst. at the distillery of Mr. Jacob Weltzhoffer, in Hellam township, and weighed 525 pounds.

The receipts of the treasury of Armstrong county, Pa. last year were 8808 dollars-expenditures 6759 dollars; $9.53 for teaching poor children, and $36.25 for wolf and panther scalps.

WEATHER .- The ice broke up in the Delaware and Schuylkill on the 5th instant. ' On the 6th there was a plentiful fall of rain, which with the mild weather caused the ice generally to disappear. There was a con- siderable fresh in the Schuylkill-and the floors of some of the stores were covered with water owing to ob- structed ice.

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 be thankfully received. Price FIVE DOLLARS per annnın, payable semi-annually by subscribers residing in or near the city; or where there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance ..

Armstrong.

Bedford.

Somerset.

THE

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

VOL. III .- NO. 12. PHILADELPHIA, MARCH 21, 1829. NO. 64.

AUDITOR GENERAL'S REPORT ON THE FINANCES.

REVENUE OF THE COMMONWEALTH, FOR 1828.

Summary Statements of the Receipts at the State Treasury, for the year commenceng the first day of December, 1827, and ending the thirtieth day of November, 1828.

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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 49

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870 Publication date: 1828 Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ; Number of Pages: 440

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 440