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 84

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 84

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From that time they continued the use of anthracite coal, which they received from Schuylkill county in waggons; and occasionally in flats by the freshets, and from the Lehigh, in one of Messrs. Miner & Co.'s arks.

In January, 1818, Messrs. White and Hazard, joined by Mr. Hauto, obtained the control of the Lehigh Coal Mine Company's lands. In the succeeding March, a law was obtained, granting to them, as individuals, the power and privileges on the Lehigh usually grant- ed to navigation companies, with only the additional privilege of trying the experiment of a navigation by means of artificial freshets.

In July following, the Lehigh Navigation Company, and in October, the Lehigh Coal Company. were form- ed, which together were the foundation of the present Lehigh Coal Navigation Company, as will appear by the preamble to their Charter, passed in 1822. The improvement of the Lehigh was commenced in August, 1818. In 1820, only two years from the commence- ment, coal was sent to Philadelphia, by an artificial na- vigation, and sold at $8 40 per ton, delivered.

In 1821 and 1822, the quantities were so much in- creased, that the public became secure of a supply, and its own good qualities, together with its reasonable price, gave it an extensive and rapidly increasing de- mand. At this period, anthracite coal may be said to be permanently introduced into use. In 1824, the Lehigh Company reduced the price of coal to $7, at which it has continued. In 1825, coal first came to Philadelphia by the improved navigation of the Schuylkill-the quan- tity was 5378 tons. In 1826, 16,265 tons of coal were transported on the Schuylkill, and 31,280 tons on the Lehigh. And now, January, 1827, anthracite coal promises to become the largest and most profitable staple of Pennsylvania. e.

Extract of a letter from Jesse Fell dated

Willsbarre, December 1st, 1826,. The late Judge Gore, in his life time, informed me, that he and his brother, the late Captain Daniel Gore, (both being blacksmiths,) were the first that discovered

303

INFANT SCHOOLS.

1829.]

and used this coal in their blacksmith's fires, and found it to answer their purpose well. This was before the revolutionary war, and, as near as I can collect informa- tion, about the year 1770, or 1771, and it has been in use ever since, by the blacksmiths of the place.

In the year 1788, I used it in nailery, and found it to be profitable in that business. The nails made with it, would neat the weight of the rods, and frequently a bal- ance over. But it was the opinion of those that worked, it in their furnaces, that it would not do for fuel, because when a small parcel was left on their fires and not blown, it would go out. Nothwithstanding this opinion prevail- ed, I had, for some time, entertained the idea that if a sufficient body of it was ignited, it would burn. Accor- dingly, in the month of February, 1808, I procured a grate, made of small iron rods, ten inches in depth and ten inches in height, and set it up in my common-room fire-place, and on first lighting it found it to burn excel- lently well. This was the first successful attempt to burn our stone-coal in a grate, so far as my knowledge extends. On its being put in operation, my neighbors flocked to see the novelty; but many would not believe the fact until convinced by ocular demonstration. Such was the effect of this pleasing discovery, that in a few days there were a number of grates put in operation ..

REPORT OF THE INFANT SCHOOL SOCIETY

OF THE NORTHERN LIBERTIES AND KEXSINGTON.

In May 1828, a building was purchased from the Kensington Society in Rose street, West Kensing- ton, for 60 dollars, with a lease on the lot for five years, paying 25 cents per year, from our benevo- lent friend Roberts Vaux -- a class-room and shed were built, and a school established on the 18th day of the same month. In June a building was pur- chased for 75 dollars and removed to a lot near, in Marlborough street, East Kensington, with a lease of five years, paying a tax of one dollar and fifty cents per annum-a class-room and shed were built and a school commenced on the 30th day. In Ap- ple st. Northern Liberties, a room was rented for $15 per annum and a school opened on the same day. On the 16th of February the fourth school was established in Spring Garden in a room rented for $40 a year near Mr. Sears' church. From the small beginning of twenty one scholars their num- ber has rapidly increased to six hundred and for- ty nine, who are under daily instruction. Rose st. school (No 1,)has two hundred, Apple st. (No. 2,) one hundred and twelve; Marlborough (No. 3) one hundred and eighty eight and Spring Garden (No. 4) one hundred and forty nine. We have now in employ eight teachers, four principals at 160 dolls. a year, and four assistants at 75 dollars per- annum. During the lapse of the year not a single circumstance hasoccurred to discourage their most exalted hopes or in the least abate the ardour of their zeal. The attendance of the children has been remarkable and only prevented by sickness or severity of weather: the increase of number has been rapid and the prospects highly encouraging: many of the opposers of this society are now its friends and supporters. Our number of subscri- bers, now amounts to 520.

In all our expenditures the greatest economy has been observed; as may be seen in our Treasurer's report, that our expenses have not exceeded 1092 dollars after the necessary fixtures of four rooms, salaries of eight teachers, purchase of two build- ings, two class rooms, two sheds and three fences put up. Enjoying decidedly the patronage of God, this society has peculiar claims to the countenance and co-operation of men; and no doubt its claims

will be extensively acknowledged. Though this board claims not to rank the highest in the scale of christian charity they do claim that it holds a place distinct among the interesting institutions of this age. Infant schools are admitted to an honour- able rank, their cause is upheld by the noble, and the great; in England more than six hundred have been established the past year under the patronage of the King and subjects of all classes. If from the young the church is to look chiefly for its in- crease, then is your society consulting the best inte- rests of the church and deserves the countenance of all who can say to Zion, "Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces." If the experience of the civilized world demonstrates that the character of the man is built on the principles instilled into the mind of the child, then is this soci- ety, with other causes, laying the foundation of our nation's prosperity.

Though the importance of this institution is un- measureably great, the advantages of the infant system are but partially considered by those who confine their views to the benefit which it imparts in the school room alone; in many instances relig- ious truth has found entrance into families and hearts, to which access could be gained by no other means. The instruction received in the school room has been carried home; many of the parents have acknowledged the reproofs of their little ones, and expressed astonishment to hear their infant voices raised in the praises of their Maker.

Many interesting circumstances have occurred that we might relate.

The Board, in divesting themselves as far as they are able, of any undue partiality for this soci- ety, see in it an engine which, when put into full operation, will work with great and unexampled power. We cannot believe that a generous and christian public will suffer this society to languish through want of support. We trust men, who love their country; and christians, to whom the welfare of souls is dear, will encourage us with their contri- butions. And though this shoot was planted but last year, we do expect to see it spread over all this region, its operations keep pace with every in- crease of our population, and be the means of train- ing up a virtuous people. That person must be blind with the love of error who cannot see an im- provement in the next race of men, and that chil- dren's children shall improve on their example, till generation after generation, rising up to praise the Lord, the earth shall at length be full of his glory. Wherefore beloved brethren, let us be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as we know that our labour is not in vain in the Lord.

TREASURER'S REPORT.

Catharine Singer, in account with the Infant School Society of the Northern Liberties & Kensington. 1828. DR.

May18. To cash received at the annual meet- ing this day, from Secretary $302 42

Do. subscriptions and donations during the past year 613 15

Do. from the Male education soci- ety of N. Liberties for the ed- ucation of John Lowry 10 00

Do. tuition received during the past year 165 19

Do. fines from the managers 1 25

$1092 01

304

MISCELLANEOUS.

[MAY

1828.

CR.

June 2. By cash paid for the school house in Rose st. $60 00

Do. for the building in Marlboro' street 75 00

Do. sundry orders to the teachers during the past year. 474 33

Do. sundry orders for lumber, car- penter's work, fuel &c. Balance

460 72

.21 96

$1092 01

1829.

April 20. To balance in the hands of the Treasurer this day Errors excepted.

$21 96

Philadelphia.

CATHARINE SINGER.

Abstract of the returns made to the Auditor General's of- fice, by the inspectors of bark, flour, salted provisions, domestic distilled spirits, butter and lard, for the year 1828.

BARK .- William Fitler, inspector. 4183 hogsheads 55 tierces 227 barrels 2569 tons, 10 cwt. 5 lbs.

Amount of fees, $4913 48; expenses $1743 99; nett proceeds, $3169 49.

FLOUR .- John Humes, inspector. 314,799 barrels wheat flour 33,616 half brls. wheat flour 29,390 brls. rye flour 8,832 hhds. corn meal 45,436 brls. corn meal

1,905 brls. middlings

Amount of fees, $4428 00; expenses, $1675 97; nett proceeds, $2753 03.

SALTED PROVISIONS .-- David Ginther, inspector.' 10,427 brls. pork ·· 28 half brls. pork 5,454 brIs. beef 503 half brls. beef 55 brls. herrings Amount of fees, $1317 36; expenses, $549 04; nctt proceeds, $768 32.

DOMESTIC DISTILLED SPIRITS .- Ch. Souders, inspector. 8866 hogsheads 4079 barrels 150 half brls. and under

Amount of fees, $2022; expenses, $450; nett pro- ceeds, $1572.

Do. co. Bela Badger, inspector. 2784 hogsheads 197 tierces 21,178 barrels 184 half barrels and under Amount of fees, $3042 873; expenses, $974 09; nett proceeds, $2068 783.

BUTTER & LARD .- Joseph Reynolds, inspector. 15,619 kegs and tubs butter 25,326 kegs and canisters hogs lard

Amount of fees, $1637 80; expenses, $831 10; nett proceeds, $806 70.

DOYLESTOWN, (Bucks county. ) April 27.

The past winter has been one of great severity, prob- ably more intensely cold than has been experienced by some of our oldest inhabitants, sufficiently so we think to explode the idea that our seasons were undergoing a change, and that our clear frosty winters would give place to more broken and rainy weather. The month of March was cold and cheerless, and more like weath- er we were accustomed to experience in February. A-

pril is nearly spent and we have had but few mild spring days. . Until last week not a blossom of the Apricot or Peach, and but very few-flowers were visible. Our fields and forests are just beginning to assume the live- ry of returning vegetation and a few fine days will cause spring to burst upon us in all her wonted loveli- ness and beauty.

. As far as we can learn, the severe weather has not proved as injurious to winter grain as the fears of many of our farmers led us to suppose. The Wheat and Rye generally look well in this county, so far as our knowl- edge extends, excepting on lands of a spongy nature, which is always liable to' serious injury in seasons like the past. Our Farmers are fondly anticipating a prolific season, and we hope their prospects may not be blast- ed by any untoward events .- Int.

LEWISTOWN, PENN.

May 2 .- It is stated that shad are caught in much greater abundance, below the dam at North's Island; in the Juniata, than has ever been known at any previous time. It is supposed that the dam in the Susquehanna, immediately above the mouth of the Juniata, has the ef- fect of directing their course up the Juniata. The dam at North's Island retards their further passage, and the consequence is, that the people further up the Juniata, are deprived of the luxury of fresh shad, which so abun- dantly falls to the lot of their neighbors, a few miles lower down. But we must be content with these little deprivations. by the promise of the immense advanta- ges, which are to accrue to the country from the canal. -Mifflin Eagle.

BLOOMFIELD, PENN.

There are now 29 dwelling houses, 21 shops and of- fices, a Court House and Jail, besides other out houses, in this town, There are 4 stores, 5 taverns, 1 printing office, 2 shoemaker shops. 2 taylor shops, 1 saddler, 4 cabinet-makers, 1 hatter, 1 tinner, 2 blacksmith shops, 2 tanneries, 2 or 3 carpenters, more than half a dozen lawyers, and half as many doctors. The population of the town is about 220. Little' more than four years ago, the site upon which the town stands was an inclosed clover-field without a solitary building upon it. Perry Forrester.

The individual who so kindly exhibited the Commu- nion plate of Christ Church, called on us the other day to state that we had omitted, in our enumeration of the articles, the Baptismal Basin, which has seen much ser- vice in the last century and which also was the gift of Colonel Robert Quarry. It is kept at the church ready for service; the next generation may have the pleasure of being sprinkled out of the vessel which was used for the same purpose for their great grandfathers. Mr, Bringhurst, and his coadjutors, of the Vestry, have re- cently brought into order and catalogued a very valua- ble library which has laid almost useless for many years. A neat room in the Church has been fitted up, and the members will probably have access to this col- lection, which consists of rare old books of standard merit; many of them curious from their antiquity, as well as their contents. We remarked among the num- ber, Barclay's Apology. This Church seems early to have attracted the attention of the well-wishers of christianity in England; there is extant a warrant from Queen Anne for 501, to her agent, to be paid to the trustees out of the tobacco duties of the province. It forms a curious item too, in its history, that the whole lot extending 100 feet on Second st. was purchased of the Jones family, through their agent Joshua Carpenter, a Friend, for the sum of "1501, current money of the Province .- Saturday Bulletin.

The quantity of rain which fell last month as indicated by the rain guage kept at the Pennsylvania Hospital, was 4.99 inches.

THE

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

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

VOL. III .- NO. 20.

PHILADELPHIA, MAY 16, 1829. NO. 72.

REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS AND PAPERS. ( Continued from page 298. )

GEN. LACEY TO COUNCIL.

Camp, Warwick, Feb. 2, 1778.

SIR-My strength is reduced so low that I am under the necessity of collecting the small remains into one body, as it is impossible to do any service in the weak and scattered condition in which I had them posted .- Two-thirds of their time was taken up in hunting provi- sions, which the detached parties had always to procure for themselves; being at too great a distance to be sup- plied by the Commissary. Enclosed I send you a re- turn of my numbers; showing also when their times ex- pire. None of the classes, either from Northampton, Cumberland, York, or Northumberland, have yet arri- ved at camp; and I am assured by several people from Northampton, that the Lieutenants of that County have not received their instructions for calling them out -- which induces me to believe the orders from your Ex- cellency have been miscarried.

Two horsemen only have joined me from Philadel- phia and Bucks; though I hear more are making ready.

The enemy have made several manœuvres as if they were coming out with large foraging parties; but have advanced no further than Frankford. Seven deserters from them came to me last week-two Hessians, and five British soldiers. I have appointed Lieut. David Forst, my Brigade Major, and beg your Excellency will please to forward him a commission by the bearer.

I remain, sir, with respect, Your very humble servant,

J. LACEY.

To the President of Council.

IN COUNCIL.

Lancaster, Feb. 6, 1778.

SIR-I received your letter of the 2d instant, which enclosed a return of the militia under your command, and I am sorry to find the number so small. 1 however hope you will shortly be reinforced so considerably as to make your corps formidable; and enable you to ren- der service to your country by preventing the enemy doing injury to the inhabitants, unless they come out in force.

It would be well for you to write to the issuing Com- missary to furnish you with provisions regularly, so that your men may be employed more advantageously than in collecting them; for, notwithstanding the trouble or inconveniency, of furnishing the scouting parties there- with, yet it should be done if possible-for if it is left to themselves to procure, I am much afraid irregularities will be committed, and complaints exhibited by the ill- habitants, that may employ more of your time to recti- fy, than you will find leisure for.

Brigade Majors are not furnished with commissions. It is customary, I believe, to establish their rank by sig- nifying it in general orders.

The paymasters of each county have generally paid the men for their rations of liquor, as it is not possible for us to furnish it. I hope the Assembly at their next sitting will put a stop to a practice so expensive, and on many accounts, very injurious.

I am, with respect, sir,

.VOL. III. 39

Your very humble servant, THOS. WHARTON, jr. President.

Brig. Gen. JOHN LACEY, jr.

GEN. WASHINGTON TO GEN. LACEY.

HIcad-Quarters, 8th Feb. 1778.

SIR-The communication between the city and coun- try, in spite of every thing hitherto done, still continu- ing, and threatening the most pernicious consequences; I am induced to beg you will exert every possible expc- dient to put a stop to it. In order to this, to excite the zeal of the militia under your command, and make them more active in their duty, I would have you let every thing actually taken from persons going into and cont- ing out of the city, redound to the benefit of the parties who take them. At the same time it will be necessary to use great precaution to prevent an abuse of this privilege; since it may otherwise be made a pre- text for plundering the innocent inhabitants. One method to prevent this will be, to let no forfeitures take place, but under the eye, and with the concurrence of some commissioned officer.

Any horses captured in this manner, fit for the public service, either as light or draught horses, must be sent to camp, to the Quarter-master General, who will be directed to pay the value of them to the captors.

I cannot but think your present position is at too great a distance from the city, and puts it in the power of the disaffected very easily to elude your guards, and carry on their injurious commerce at pleasure; I would recommend to you to remove to some nearer post, and not to depend upon fixed guards; but to keep out con- tinual scouts and patroles, as near the city as possible- to ramble through the woods and bye-ways, as well as the great roads. The strictest orders should be given to the parties; even, when necessary, and the intention is evident, to fire upon those gangs of mercenary wretch- es who make a practice of resorting to the city with marketing.

I am informed a considerable re-inforcement is com- ing to your aid.

I am, sir, Your mo: hum: servt. GEO. WASHINGTON.

To Brigadier General LACEY, 2 near the Cross-roads, Bucks co. S

GEN. LACEY TO COUNCIL.

Warwick, Bucks, Feb. 15, 1778.

SIR -- My force is at last reduced to almost a cypher. Only sixty remain fit for duty in camp. With this num- ber, you must of course suppose we are in no wise ca- pable of guarding so extensive a country as this; nor even safe in our camp, as our number will not afford a sufficient picquet and scout for our protection. I hear some troops, from Cumberland county, are on their way to join me. Six or seven, who out-travelled the rest, arrived in camp last night.

A party of Light Horse came up as far as Butler's tavern, on the old York road, about fourteen miles from Philadelphia, the night of the 13th inst. took Mr. But- ler, and thence struck across the country to Major Wright's tavern, near White Marsh-took the Major, with some others, prisoners, and retired to the city .-

306

REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS AND PAPERS.

[MAY

Yesterday another party of Foot and Horse advanced up the Newtown road as far as Smithfield, and took, it is reported, near forty prisoners-the Collectors and Mili- tia officers. I hear they are yet in the neighborhood. I remain, sir, with respect, your Excellency's most obd't humble servant,

J. LACEY.

To the President of Council.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM GEN. WASHINGTON TO GEN. LACEY. "Head-Quarters, 13th Feb. 1778.

"SIR-I have yours of the 11th, informing me of the reduced state of your militia. I have wrote to the Pres- ident on the subject, and have let him know that unless the number of men (one thousand) which Gen. Arm- strong promised should be kept up, are regularly and constantly in the field, it will be impossible to cover the country on the other side of Schuylkill."

GEN. LACEY TO GEN. WASHINGTON. Camp, Warwick, Bucks, Feb. 18, 1778.

SIR-I received your favor of the 8th inst. I am well apprized of the intercourse kept up between the coun- try and city; but my strength hitherto has been such as rendered it impossible for me to put a stop to it. My numbers begin toincrease; and I expectin a few days to be in a condition to encamp nearer the city. At present I have, out of about six hundred men, but one hundred and forty that are armed. I expect arms to arrive to- morrow sufficient to complete the whole; when I assure. your Excellency every measure shall be taken, in my power, to put a stop to the intercourse with the city .-- The enemy comes out every night, and returns next morning. A large party of their horse came up last night, and took Major Murray prisoner. They also took the greatest part of his men, with all the cloth in his pos- session, and all that was left at the Fulling-mill. On the arrival of the news of the enemy beingat Newtown, I marched what men I had armed toward that place; but soon found they had left. In order to cover that party of the enemy which came to Newtown, they had de- tached large parties up the old York road, the road to Vancort's, and the Smithfield road. They have seized and taken in with them numbers of the inhabitants. I am informed they have repaired Morris' mill, (one which was dismantled, ) and are now using it.

I remain, &c.

J. LACEY.

His Excellency Gen. WASHINGTON.

Gen. Washington to Gen. Lacey.

Head Quarters Valley Forge, Feb. 21st.1778.

Sir, I received your favours of the 19 & 20th inst .* With respect to the three men you mentioned to have taken, when going to Philadelphia, I wish you to examine them and the witnesses on the subject, and to punish them in such manner as they may deserve. If there are any of them who appear to be great offenders, and to be proper objects for capital punishment, you will send them to head quarters, with the witnesses, that they may be tried by a general court martial here. I am informed there still remains a considerable quantity of Hay at Point-no-Point, notwithstanding the large sup- plies the enemy have obtained from thence. This, it is more than probable they will attempt to get away be- fore it be long, since all accounts agree that the forage they collected heretofore is nearly expended. As it is of infinite importance to distress them in this article, and prevent them [from] obtaining further supplies, I must request that you will devise some method immediately for destroying all the hay at the place I have mentioned. The business should be conducted with great address and secrecy, and suddenly by an active party, under ac-

tive and enterprising officers-If this is not the case, or the design should be previously talked of, or communi- cated, it is almost certain that the enemy will be inform- ed of it; and will not only find means to prevent the execution of the plan, but will take measures to cut off the party. The situation of the place is some what pe- culiar and difficult. This is an additional motive for se- * crecy, and the greatest activity. If the party could go on one way, and come off another, it would be advisa- ble; and it appears to me if they could return *

(hiatus in M.S. ) *

their retreat would be the more secure. Guides in whom you have the strictest confidence should be pro- vided, if the officers appointed to command the party are not acquainted with the routes themselves: But in procuring them, if they are necessary, you must use much caution and management.

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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 84

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