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 88
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11th. A long reach of savannas and low ground, ren- dered this day's route very fatiguing and painful, espe- cially to the women. Elizabeth Peart's husband not be- ing allowed to relieve her by carrying the child, her spirits and strength were so exhausted that she was rea- dy to faint; the Indian under whose care she was, ob-
* Andrew Harrigar endured many hardships in the woods, and at length returned to the settlements, and | gave the first authentic intelligence of Benjamin Gilbert and his family, to their friends.
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EXPERIMENTS ON WATER POWER.
1829.]
serving her distress, gave her a violent blow. When we compare the temper and customs of these people, with those of our own color, how much cause have we to be thankful for the superiority we derive from the blessings of civilization.
It might truly be said, days of bitter sorrow, and wea- risome nights were appointed the unhappy captives.
12th. Their Provisions began to grow scant, having past the hunting grounds: The want of proper food to support them, which render them more capable of en- during their daily fatigue, was a heavy trial, and was much increased by their confinement at night. Eliza- beth Gilbert was reduced so low, that she travelled in great pain all this day, riding on horse-back in the morn- ing, but towards evening she was ordered to alight, and walk up a hill they had to ascend; the pain she suffer- ed, together with want of food, so overcame her, that she was seized with a chill: The Indians administered some flour and water boiled, which afforded her relief.
13th. Last night's medicine being repeated, they continued their march, and after a long walk, were so effectually worn down, that they halted. The pilot, John Huston, the Elder, took Abner Gilbert with him, (as they could make more expedition than the rest) to procure a supply of provisions to relieve their necessity.
14th. The mother had suffered so much, that two of her children were obliged to lead her. Before noon they came to Canadosago, where they met with Benja- min Gilbert, jun. and Jesse Gilbert's wife Sarah, two of the four who had been separated from them ten days past, and taken along the western path. This meeting afforded them great satisfaction; the doubt and uncer- tainty of their lives being spared, often distressing their affectionate relations.
John Huston, jun. the Indian under whose care Ben- jamin Gilbert was placed, designing to dispatch him, painted him black; this exceedingly terrified the fami- ly, but no intreaties of theirs being likely to prevail, they resigned their cause to him whose power can con- trol all events. Wearied with their weakness and trav- elling, they made a stop to recover themselves, when the pilot returning, assured them they should soon receive some provisions. The negroes were reduced so low with hunger, that their behaviour was different from what it had been conducting with more moderation .- At their quarters in the evening, two white men came to them, one of which was a volunteer amongst the Bri- tish, the other had been taken prisoner some time be- fore; these two men brought some hommony, and sugar made from the sweet maple, the sap being boiled to a consistency, and is but little inferior to the sugar impor- ted from the islands, Of this provision, and an hedge- hog which they found, they made a more comfortable supper than they had enjoyed for many days.
15th. In the morning the volunteer having received information of the rough treatment the prisoners met with from the negroes, relieved them, by taking the four blacks under his care. It was not without much difficulty they crossed a large creek which was in their way, being obliged to swim their horses over it. Ben . jamin Gilbert began to fail; the Indian, whose property he was, highly irritated at his want of strength, put a rope about his neck, leading him along with it; fatigue at last so overcame him, that he fell on the ground, when the Indian pulled the rope so hard, that he almost choak- ed liim. His wife seeing this, resolutely interceded for him, although the Indians bid her go forwards, as the others had gone on before them; this she refused to comply with, unless her husband might be permitted to accompany her; they replied "That they were deter- mined to kill the old man," having before this set him apart as a victim. But at length her entreaties prevail- ed, and their hearts were turned from their cruel pur- pose. Had not an overruling Providence preserved him from their fury, he would inevitably have perished, as the Indians seldom shew mercy to those whom they devote to death, which, as has been before observed, I ed-this privilege has been cheerfully granted.
was the case with Benjamin Gilbert, whom they had smeared with black paint from this motive. When their anger was a little moderated, they set forwards to over- take the rest of the company. Their relations, who had been eye-witnesses of the former part of this scene of cruelty, and expected they would both have been mur- dered, rejoiced greatly at their return, considering their safety as a providential deliverance.
16th. Necessity induced two of the Indians to set off en horse-back, into the Seneca country, in search of provisions. The prisoners, in the mean time, were or- dered to dig up a root, something resembling potatoes, which the Indians called whoppanies. They tarried at this place, until towards the evening of the succeeding day, and made a soup of wild onions and turnip tops; this they eat without bread or salt, it could not therefore af- ford sufficient sustenance, either for young or old; their food being so very light, their strength daily wasted.
17th. They left this place, and crossed the Genessee river, (which empties its waters into Lake Ontario) on a raft of logs, bound together by hickory withes; this ap- peared to be a dangerous method of ferrying them over such a river, to those who had been unaccustomed to such conveyances. They fixed their station near the Gennessee banks, and procured more of the wild pota- toe roots before mentioned, for their supper.
18th. One of the Indians left the company, taking with him the finest horse they had, and in some hours af- ter, returned with a large piece of meat, ordering the captives to boil it; this command they cheerfully per- formed, anxiously watching the kettle, fresh meat being a rarity which they had not eaten for a long time. The In- diar,s, when it was sufficiently boiled, distributed to each one a piece, eating sparingly themselves. The prisoners made their repast without bread or salt, and eat with a good relish, what they supposed to be fresh beef, but afterwards understood it was horse-flesh.
A shrill halloo which they heard, gave the prisoners some uneasiness; one of the Indians immediately rode to examine the cause, and found it was Capt. Rowland Monteur, and his brother John's wife, with some other Indians, who were seeking them with provision. The remainder of the company soon reached them, and they divided some bread, which they had brought, into small pieces, according to the number of the Company.
Here is a large extent of rich farming land, remarka- ble for its levelness and beautiful meadows. The coun- try is so flat, that there are no falls in the rivers, and the waters run slow and deep; and whenever showers de- scend, they continue a long time muddied.
The captain and his company had brought with them cakes of hommony and Indian corn; of this they made a good meal. He appeared pleased to see the prisoners, having been absent from them several days, and order- ed them all round to shake hands with him. From him they received information respecting Joseph Gilbert and Thomas Peart, who were separated from the others on the 4th inst. that they had arrived at the Indian set- tlements, some time, in safety.
The company staid the night at this place. One of the Indians refused to suffer any of them to come near his fire, or converse with the prisoner, who in the dis- tribution had fallen to him. ( To be continued. )
EXPERIMENTS ON WATER POWER. Hall of the Franklin Institute, 2 May 1829.
The undersigned, a committee appointed by the Board of Managers of the Franklin Institute, under the forego- ing resolutions, [sce Register, page 253], have determi- ned after due consideration, that the object of the Insti- tute and the wishes and interest of the public will be much better attained by having at their command a head and fall of 22 feet. They have accordingly applied to the City Councils for liberty to use water from the con- duit pipes from which such a head can casily be obtain-
318
FUEL SAVINGS SOCIETY.
[MAY
The sum of seven hundred dollars has already been subscribed; and it is believed by the committee that the further sum of eighteen hundred dollars will be suffi- cient to bring the experiments to a satisfactory and suc- cessful issue.
That the public may be able to form an idea of the magnitude and importance of the undertaking, the fol- lowing brief outline of the views of the committee is sub- mitted:
It is intended to use wheels of various sizes from 2 feet in diameter up to 20; to ascertain the maximum effect of each wheel separately, as it relates to the quantity and head of water to be used, and the place of its delivery on the wheel, and the form of the gate, and shape and position and size of the buckets or floats; to ascertain the relative powers of the same wheel when used as an undershot, breast, and overshot; and also to compare the powers of different wheels(when used in these three different manners with each other) when the same and different heads are used, and when the same and differ- ent quantities of water are used: and thus to ascertain with what head and fall it is best to use the different kind of wheels-having regard also to the quantity of water employed. In general, to ascertain the means of employing any given quantity of water with a given head and fall so as to produce a maximum effect.
In arriving at this general result, many particulars be- sides those enumerated, will, of course, be established -such as the relative velocity of the wheel and stream, in the case of undershot, when the effect is a maximum -whether the effect increases with the head in the same ratio for under-shots as for over-shots.
In conducting these experiments the Committee will not take their own theories or those of others for grant- ed-but they will endeavor to establish every principle on the solid basis of experiment.
The Committee now confidently call on every liberal minded citizen of this republic to aid the Institute with mind and money, to carry into successful operation these highly useful and interesting experiments.
Any sum enclosed to either of the undersigned, for the purpose named above, will be thankfully received- and any experiment proposed by the donor, if compati- ble with the views of the Institute, shall be performed; and the result with the name of the proposer (unless otherwise directed,) shall be inserted in the Journal of the Institute, with the general report, at the termination of the experiments.
It is desired that contributors will send in their con- tributions before the first of June, as the Institute wish- es to terminate the experiments this autumn.
S. V. MERRICK, BENJAMIN REEVES, ISAIAH LUKENS, RUFUS TYLER, ANDREW YOUNG, M. W. BALDWIN, JOHN LEVERING, JOHN AGNEW, SAMUEL HAINES, JAMES P. ESPY, Committee.
REPORT OF THE FUEL SAVINGS SOCIETY.
The Board of Managers report to the Society, That in pursuance of the provisions of the Constitution, the Board was duly organized shortly after its election, the usual standing committees appointed, and suitable offi- cers for the reception of deposits within the city and li- berties established.
The Fuel committee were directed to purchase a supply of good oak wood, at the most favourable state of the market, the quantity purchased made the stock to consist of upwards of 200 cords.
This quantity, although small, compared with what
had hitherto been laid in, proved more than sufficient to meet the demand of depositers.
Several circumstances have combined within the last three or four years, to retard the operations of the So- ciety, amongst which were the unprecedented mildness of the winters, and particularly that of 1827-8.
The plentiful supply and consequent low price of fuel, affording to the poorer classes comparatively easy access to this essential article of comfort, within the above named period.
Anxious to avoid the inconvenience and loss conse- quent on keeping wood over to a second season, sales were effected last winter at an earlier period than usual of the estimated surplus at a fair advance.
The severity of the latter part of the winter, howev- er, occasioned a call upon the Society for a number of balances which had laid for years.
To sustain the reputation of the Society unimpaired, the Board was obliged to purchase a quantity of wood in the market, at an advance of one hundred per cent. above the price charged to depositers.
Although from this occurrence, some loss has been sustained by the Society, yet, we apprehend, the effect will tend materially to promote the real object of the Institution, by exemplifying in a striking manner, the advantages to be derived from participating in the ben- efits which it affords.
The price charged to depositers throughout the season, was four dollars per cord, whilst during part of the winter, oak wood commanded at the wharf, Ten dollars.
There is, we believe, at the present time, a gene- ral disposition abroad, rather to promote habits of industry and economy amongst the poor, than to en -. courage a miserable and paralyzing dependence on pub- lic charity.
By the Treasurer's account, it appears, that he has re- ceived within the last year, including the balance from the last settlement, $1393 72 cents, and paid drafts of the Board to the amount of $540, leaving in his hands due the Society on the 20th inst. $853 72 cents.
Before closing this report, the Board will take occa- sion to remark. That although the operations of the Society, for the past year have been comparatively small, yet the class of depositers has been generally of a very respectable and intelligent order of persons, many of whom have expressed their gratitude to the Society in the strongest terms, and have promised to exert their influence to induce their friends and ac- quaintance to a participation in the benefits offered to their acceptance. Much, however, will still depend upon our fellow citizens, who give employment to the industrious operatives in Society, to encourage in this interesting class, a spirit of independence and self-res- pect, of the highest importance, not only to themselves, but to the community at large.
At a stated meeting of the Society, held agreeably to the Constitution, by public notice, the 23d. of 3d. month, (March,) 1829. The following persons were duly elected officers and managers for the ensuing year :-
Robert Ralston, President. Vice Presidents. Thomas Rodgers, A. A. Browne.
I .. Nicholson, Treasurer.
Edward Needles, Secretary. Managers.
W. M. Walmsley, Charles Williams,
A. M. Buckley, J. H. Schreiner,
Joseph M. Truman, William Robinson,
W. C. Hancock,
Jonathan Roberts, Daniel Knight,
-
F. Erringer,
E. B. Garrigues.
Extracted from the Minutes of the Society. EDWARD NEEDLES. Sec'ry.
Saml. C. Bunting,
1829.]
MISCELLANEOUS.
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METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER.
APRIL, 1829 -- KEPT IN CHILISQUAQUE, BY J. P. SANDERSON.
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AN ACT RELATIVE TO INSURANCE COM- PANIES
And Agencies of Insurance Companies not chartered by this state, which was passed at the late session of the legislature.
An act relative to Insurance Companies and Agencies of Insurance Companies not chartered by this State.
Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the au- thority of the same, That any person or persons within the state who shall act as an agent or agents for any in- dividuals, or association of individuals not incorporated and authorised by the laws of this state, to effect insu- rances, against losses by sea, in the nature of marine risks, or against losses by fire, or Insurance on lives, or granting annuities, or against any other loss or peril, such as by rain, flood, ice, theft, or any other cause, whether on land or water, upon all and every kind of property, although (such individuals or associations may be incorporated for that purpose by any other state, shall pay to the state treasurer, yearly and every year, the sum of twenty dollars upon every sum of one hun- dred dollars upon the amount of all premiums received by such agent or agents, or any other person or persons for him or them, or which shall have been agreed to be paid for any insurances effected or agreed to be effected or procured by him or them, as such agent or agents, against lost or injury sustained by sea, or against loss or in- jury sustained by fire,or insurance on lives, or granting an- nuities, or against any other losses or peril, such as by rain, flood, ice, theft, or any other cause, whether on land or water, upon all and every kind of property, and the said agent or agents shall yearly and every year, on or be- fore the first Monday of July, furnish to the auditor gen- eral of this commonwealth a true account of all such pre- miums, verified on oath or affirmation, before a magis-
trate, and also a correct list of the amount of all such in- surances, whether on marine, fire, or other risks before mentioned, verified as aforefaid, and pay the said sum of twenty dollars in every one hundred dollars, and any agent or agents offending against the provisions of this act shall forfeit and pay the sum of one thousand dollars for each and every such insurance, to be recovered in the manner in which fines and forfeitures of that amount are by law recoverable, one half of which fine to be paid to the informer, and the other half for the benefit of the poor in the city, borough, district or county, where such insurance or insurances shall have been ef- fected or agreed to be effected or procured as aforesaid : Provided always nevertheless, That notwithstanding such forfeiture, and the payment thereof, the said agent or agents, shall remain personally answerable for the said payment on premiums to the state treasurer, and shall in default be immediately prosecuted therefor in the name of the commonwealth: And provided also, That the principals of such agent or agents and their property shall be responsible for the said payments, and shall and may be proceeded against by suit, attachment, or other- wise, as the case may require.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE.
The following article precedes the second volume of the Catalogue of Books belonging to the Loganian Li- brary, recently published.
The Books described in the following Catalogue, were part of the Library of the late William Mackenzie, Esq. of Philadelphia, the city of his birth and residence, du- ring a life extended beyond seventy years, and almost exclusively devoted to literary pursuits.
He was born on the 23d of July, 1758, received his ed- ucation at the College and Academy of Philadelphia, and then entered the counting house of the late John Ross, Esq. one of the most eminent merchants of that city; where he acquired an accurate and extensive knowledge of mercantile affairs; with reputation to him- self and the esteem of that highly respectable gentle- man; but being easy in his circumstances, and fond of reading and retirement, he indulged himself in literary pursuits, and gradually accumulated the collection of rare and valuable books, now bequeathed to the Phila- delphia and Loganian Libraries, with many others, the greater part of which bave since been purchased from his Executors for those Institutions.
The Rev. Dr. JAMES ABERCROMBIE, who was one of his few intimate friends, in speaking of him, says-"He believes he never had an enemy, at least, from the puri- ty of his principles and correctness of his conduct, I am sure he never deserved one."
His constitution, though vigorous, was not robust, his manners plain and conciliatory; his hand and purse were ever open and ready to relieve individual and domestic distress, and contribute to public requisitions; in short, in every relation which he bore to society; he exhibited a truly estimable and exemplary character; as a son, du- tiful, affectionate and attentive; as a man, benevolent, liberal and honest; as a citizen, patriotic, generous and amiable; as a friend, firm, sincere and candid; as a com- panion, intelligent, entertaining and courteous. He was an accomplished Belles Lettres and Classical Scholar, and the tenor of his life was an uniform illustration of his principles and the benevolence of his heart. He died on the 30th of July, 1828, having by his last will and testament made the following bequests; in carrying which into effect and disposing of his remaining books, his Executors, Thomas Mitchell, George S. Savery, and Judah Dobson, have manifested the same liberality and regard to the two Institutions, which influenced the tes- tator in making those bequests. They are contained in the following extract from his will, viz.
"I give and bequeath to the Library Company of Philadelphia, their successors and assigns forever, five hundred volumes to be chosen by the Directors thereof I from my English books, published since the beginning
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of the eighteenth century; and I give and bequeath to the Library Company of Philadelphia aforesaid, their successors and assigns forever, in trust for the increase of the Loganian Library, and subject to the direction of the Trustees thereof, all my books printed before the beginning of the eighteenth century, and eight hundred volumes more to be chosen by the said trustees from my French books, and Latin books, printed since the be- ginning of the eighteenth century."
Introduction of the Perennial Cabbage -At a meeting of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, April 4th, a quantity of Perennial Cabbage-seed, imported from France, and presented to the Society by our patriotic fellow-citizen Elias Durand, was received, and a portion of it distributed. The remainder is placed with Messrs. Landreths, by whom it will be distributed to applicants. The seed should be sown thin, and the plants set out in October, 20 inches apart, to remain out all winter .- This is the practice in Maine and Brittany, but in this country a cover may be found necessary. The leaves are to be used the following spring as wanted, always observing to leave five or six leaves on the top. After November no more leaves are to be pulled, but the young sprouts used which appear in the place of those detached. The Cabbage-stalks last four years in France, and the leaves are extensively used for feeding cattle.
Small tribute to Genius .- A short time since I called to see Jacob Miessc, Esq. of Bern township, Berks co. Pa. who showed me a number of engravings executed by his son Mr. Gabriel Miesse. This young gentleman has an undoubted claim to talents. The first piece of work of the kind he performed is surprisingly well done, when it is recollected that he had never seen a copper-plate,-in fact not even a graver, for this instru- ment was constructed by a neighboring black-smith ac- cording to a pattern furnished by the young man him- self. In consequence of the development of such prom- ising talents, he was prevailed upon by the liberality of his father, to resort to Philadelphia and put himself un- der the care of an experienced artist. But from great constitutional delicacy of frame, he did not remain there more than ten days or two weeks before he was attack- ed by a severe illness, which obliged him to return to the country, and abandon those opportunities so conge- nial to liis taste. He continued however to amuse him- self by engraving a great variety of pieces, among which are plants, flowers, animals, the human figure. &c. &c. executed with a spirit and fidelity truly aston- ishing, and turned off by an apparatus wholly construct- ed by himself, from the stile to the press. H.
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