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Schuylkill Journ.
POTTSVILLE.
Great preparations are making in this place for the purpose of putting up a large number of buildings du- ring the present season. The ten buildings situated on Coal street, and ten situated on Mahantango street, and styled "Clinton Row," which were put up by an enter- prizing citizen of Philadelphia, will be ready for the re- ception of families in the course of the present month. We are also pleased to state that a number of substanti- al brick buildings will be erected. This is as it should be, as they will greatly add to the beauty and appear- ance of the town.
Rents here are very high; a two story building on the main-street will command a rent of between 2 and 300 dollars per annum. Capitalists could not lay out their money to better advantage than by purchasing lots and building upon them, as at the rate of rents above stated, they would realize an interest of from 12 to 15 per cent on the capital stock invested, without taking into con- sideration the increase in value the property undoubted- ly would undergo.
As an evidence of the increasing amount of business done in this town, we present the following statement:
Since the opening of the navigation this spring until the 30th April, there had been despatched from Pottsville 236 boats, carrying 6472 tons, From April 24th to A- pril 30th, 1829, 59 coal boats were despatched, carry- ing 1637 tons ;¿ during the same period last year, 32 coal boats, carrying 915 tons were despatched. Increase for the week in favour of 1829, 27 boats and 722 tons! -- Such is the grand effect of opening a water communi- cation from a seaport to a coal region.
So great is the scarcity of teams at this place that it is impossible to obtain a sufficient number to haul coal to the landings as fast as it is transported. . Persons at a distance owning teams, would receive very good wa- ges for them by sending them here for that purpose.
Miners' Journ.
Port Carbon .- This village lies at the head of the Schuylkill Navigation, which was extended up to the mouth of Mill Creek last summer, and about two miles to the north-east of Pottsville. The town is thriving ve- ry rapidly-there are already 3 stores, 3 taverns, and about 20 dwelling-houses; and it is supposed that be- tween 20 and 30 more will be erected in the course of the ensuing season. This place is very happily located, surrounded almost by lofty mountains, whose bowels are well stored with the mineral wealth of this region, An- thracite Coal, which can be conveyed to the landing's with great facility.
The ground plot for this town was laid out by several enterprising individuals-the lots adjoining the land- ings, by Abraham Pott and Jacob W. Seitzinger; and adjoining this to the westward is Lawtonville, laid out by William Lawton, Esq. and on the continuation of the river Schuylkill is Rhoadsville, laid out by Daniel J. Rhoads, Esq .- the whole of which constitutes Port Car- bon, and possesses advantages of no ordinary nature to become a place of considerable business .- Miner's Jn.
MILTON, May 7.
The Contrast .- A merchant of Middleburg, Portage county, Ohio, passed through this town last week, on his way to the city, who informed us that he purchases the principal part of his goods in the city of New York, sends them by water up the North River to Albany, through the Erie canal to Buffalo, up the lake to Cleave- land, and through the Ohio canal to his store in Middle- burg, (a distance of 750 miles,) and that the freight amounts to only $1 373 per hundred !! Now look at the other side :- The merchants of this town wno have their goods brought from Philadelphia, (a distance of 140 miles) in wagons, pay $1 50 per hundred !!! This simple fact speaks volumes; it sets scepticism at defi- ance. But one fact more ;- merchants who have goods brought from Philadelphia to Pottsville in boats, pay for freight and storage 25 cents per cwt .; from thence to this place in wagons, 62 cents; making an aggregate of only 87 cents; reducing freight nearly one half by hav- ing a canal part of the way. States' Adv.
The supposition of the editor of the Mifflin Eagle, [see last Register, ] that the dam in the Susquehanna has had the effect of directing the course of the shad up the Ju- niata, is not founded in truth. Certain are we that shad have not been caught in such abundance at this place and neighborhood for several years, as they are this sea- son. Milton Adv.
Jacob Sperry has been appointed by the Governor, an Alderman for this city.
William Duane appointed Prothonotary of the Su- preme court.
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 annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance.
.
THE
REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.
VOL. III .- NO. 21.
PHILADELPHIA, MAY 23, 1829. NO. 73.
CAPTIVITY OF BENJAMIN GILBERT AND HIS FAMILY. Continued from page 317, vol. 3d.
19th. Pounding hommony was this day's employment, the weather being warm, made it a hard task; they boil- ed it and prepared it for supper, the Indians sitting down to eat first, and when they had concluded their meal, they wiped the spoon on the soal of their mocka- son, and then gave it to the captives: hunger alone could prevail on any one to eat after such filth and nas- tiness.
20th. Elizabeth Gilbert, the mother, being obliged to ride alone, missed the path, for which the Indians re- peatedly struck her. Their route still continued through rich meadow. After wandering for a time out of the direct path, they came to an Indian town, and ob- tained the necessary information to pursue their journey : the Indians ran out of their huts to see the prisoners, and to partnke of the plunder; but no part ofit suited them. Being directed to travel the path back again, for a short distance, they did so, and then struck into anoth- er, and went on until night, by which time they were very hungry, not having eat since morning; the kettle was again put on the fire, for hommony, this being their only food.
21st. The report of a morning gun from Niagara, which they heard, contributed to raise their hopes, they rejoiced at being so near. An Indian was dispatched on horse-back, to procure provisions from the Fort.
Elizabeth Gilbert could not walk as fast as the rest, she was therefore sent forwards on foot, but was soon overtaken, and left behind, the rest being obliged by the Indians to go on without regarding her. She would have been greatly perplexed, when she came to a division-path, had not her husband lain a branch across the path which would have led her wrong: an affecting instance both of ingenuity and tenderness. Shemet sev- eral Indians, who passed by without speaking to her.
An Indian belonging to the company, who was on the horse Elizabeth Gilbert had rode, overtook her, and, as he went on slowly, conversing with her, endeavoured to alarm her, by saying that she would be left behind, and perish in the woods; yet, notwithstanding this, his heart was so softened before he had gone any great dis- tance from her, that he alighted from the horse and left him, that she might be able to reach the rest of the com- pany. The more seriously she considered this, the more it appeared to her, to be a convincing instance of the overruling protection of Him, who can "turn the heart of man, as the husbandman turneth the water- course in his Field."
22d. As the Indians approached nearer their habita- tions, they frequently repeated their halloos, and after some time, they received an answer in the same manner, which alarmed the company much; but they soon dis- covered it to proceed from a party of whites and indians, who were on some expedition, though their pretence was, that they were for New-York. Not long after parting with these, the captain's wife came to themn; she was daughter to Siangorochti, king of the Senecas, but her mother being a Cayuga, she was ranked among that nation, the children generally reckoningtheir descent from the mother's side. This Princess was attended by VOL. III. 41
the Captain's brother John, one other Indian, and a white prisoner-who had been taken at Wyoming, by Rowland Monteur; she was dressed altogether in the In -.. dian manner, shining with gold lace and silver baubles: they brought with them from the fort a supply of pro- vision. The captain being at a distance behind, when his wife came, the company waited for him. After the customary salutations, he addressed himself to his wife, telling her that Rebecca was her daughter, and that she must not be induced, by any consideration to part with her; whereupon she took a silver ring off her finger, and put it upon Rebecca's, by which she was adopted as her daughter.
They feasted upon the provisions that were brought, for they had been several days before pinched with hun- ger, what sustenance they could procure not being suf- ficient to support nature. .
23d. Their spirits were in some degree revived, by the enjoyment of plenty, added to the pleasing hope of some favourable event procuring their releasement, as they were not far distant from Niagara.
The Indians proceeded on their journey, and continu- ed whooping in the most frightful manner. In this day's route, they met another company of Indians, who compelled Benjamin Gilbert, the elder, to sit on the ground, and put several questions to him, to which he gave them the best answers he could; they then took his hat from him and went off.
Going through a small town near Niagara, an Indian woman came out of one the huts, and struck each of the captives a blow. Not long after their departure from this place, Jesse, Rebecca, and their mother, were de- tained until the others had got out of their sight, when the mother was ordered to push on; and as she had to go by herself, she was much perplexed what course to take, as there was no path by which she could be di- rected: in this dilemma,she concluded to keep as straight forward as possible,and after some space of time, she had the satisfaction of overtaking the others. The pilot then made a short stay, that those who were behind might come up, and the captain handed some rum round, giving each a dram, except the two old folks, whom they did not consider worthy of this notice. Here the captain, who had the chief direction, painted Abner, Jesse, Re- becca, and Elizabeth Gilbert, jun. and presented each with a belt of Wampum, as a token of their being re- ceived into favour, although they took from them all their hats and bonnets, except Rebecca's.
The prisoners were released from the heavy loads they had heretofore been compelled to carry, and was it not for the treatment they expected on their ap- proaching the Indian towns, and the hardship of sepa- ration, their situation would have been tolerable; but the horror of their minds, arising from the dreadful yells of the Indians, as they approached the hamlets, is easier conceived than described, for they were no strangers to the customary cruelty exercised upon captives on enter- ing their towns: the Indians, men women, and children collect together, bringing clubs and stones, in order to beat them, which they usually do with great severity, by way of revenge for their relations who have been slain; this is performed immediately upon their entering the village where the warriors reside : this treatmen can- not be avoided, and the blows, however cruel, must be
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[MAT
horne without complaint, and the prisoners are sorely beaten, until their Enemies are wearied with the cruel sport. Their sufferings were in this case very great, they received several wounds, and two of the women · who were on horse-back, were much bruised by fall- ing from their horscs, which were frightened by the In- dians. Elizabeth, the mother, took shelter by the side of one of them, but upon his observing that she met with some favour upon his account, he sent her away; she then received several violent blows, so that she was almost disabled. The blood trickled from their heads, in a stream, their hair being cropt clese, and the cloths they had on, in rags, made their situatiom truly piteous: whilst they were inflicting this revenge upon the cap- tives, the King came, and put a stop to any further cru- elty, by telling them, "it was sufficient," which they immediately attended to.
Benjamin Gilbert, and Elizabeth his wife, Jesse Gil- bert, and his wife, were ordered to Captain Rowland Monteur's house, the women belonging to it, were kind to them, and gave them something to eat: Sarah Gilbert, Jesse's wife, was taken from them by three women, in order to be placed in the family she was to be adopted by.
Two officers from Niagara Fort, Captains Dace, and Powel, came to see the prisoners, and prevent (as they were informed) any abuse that might be given them :- Benjamin Gilbert informed those officers, that he was apprehensive they were in great Danger of being mur- dered, upon which they promised him they would send a boat, the next day, to bring them to Niagara.
24th. Notwithstanding the kind intention of the of- ficers, they did not derive the expected advantage from it, for the Indians insisted on their going to the Fort ou foot, although the bruises they had received the day be- fore, from the many severe blows given them, rendered their journey on foot very distressing; but Cap. Monteur obstinately persisting, they dare not long remonstrate, or refuse.
When they left the Indian town, several issued from their huts after them, with sticks in their hands, yelling and screeching in the most dismal manner; but through the interposition of four Indian women, who had come with the captives, to prevent any further abuse they might receive, they were preserved: one of them walk- ing between Benjamin Gilbert and his wife, led them, and desired Jesse to keep as near them as he could, the other three walked behind, and prevailed with the young Indians to desist. They had not pursued their route long, before they saw Capt. John Powel, who came from his boat, and presuaded (though with some difficulty) the Indians to get into it, with the captives, which relieved them from the apprehensions of further danger. After reaching the Fort, Capt. Powell intro- duced them to Col. Guy Johnson, and Col. Butler, who asked the prisoners many questions, in the presence of the Indians. They. presented the Captain with a belt of Wampum, which is a constant practice amongst them, when they intend a ratification of the peace. Before their connexion with Europeans, these belts were made of shells, found on the coasts of New England and Vir- ginia, which were sawed out into beads of an oblong shape, about a quarter of an inch long, which when strung together on leathern strings, and these strings fastened with fine threads made of sinews, composed what is called, a belt of Wampum: but since the whites have gained footing among them, they make use of the common glass beads for this purpose.
The Indians, according to their usual custom and cer- emony, at three separate times, ordered the prisoners to shake hands with Col. Johnson.
25th. Benjamin Gilbert, Elizabeth his wife, and Jes- ae Gilbert, were surrendered to Col. Johnson. This de- liverance from such scenes of distress,. as they had be- come acquainted with, gave them a more free opportu- nity of close reflection than heretofore.
The many sorrowful days and nights they had passed,
the painful anxiety attendant on their frequent separa- tion from each other, and the uncertainty of the fate of the rest of their family, overwhelmed them with grief.
26th. Expression is too weak to describe their dis- tress, on leaving their children with these hard masters; they were not unacquainted with many of the difficulties, to which they would necessarily be exposed in a resi- dence amongst Indians, and the loss which the young people would sustain, for want of a civilized and Chris- tian education.
27th. In this desponding situation, the kindness of sympathy was awakened in one of the Indian women, who even forgot her prejudices, and wiped away the tears which trickled down Elizabeth Gilbert's cheeks.
The particular attention of Col. Johnson's housekeep- er to them, from a commiseration of their distress, claims their remembrance. Benjamin, his wife, and Jesse Gil- bert, were invited to her house, where she not only gave the old folks her best room, but administered to their necessities, and endeavored to sooth their sorrows.
Jesse Gilbert was favored to get employ, which, as it was some alleviation of his misfortunes, may be consid- ered as a providential kindness.
28th. A few days after they came to the fort, they had information that Benjamin Peart was by the river side, with the Indians; upon hearing this report, hia mother went to see him, but every attempt for his re- lease was in vain, the Indians would by no means give him up. From this place they intended to march with their prisoner to the Genesee river, about an hundred miles distance. As the affectionate mother's solicitations proved fruitless, her son not only felt the afflicting losa of his wife and child, from whom he had been torn some time before, but a renewal of his grief, on this short sight of his parent. She procured him a hat, and also some salt, which was an acceptable burden for the jour- ney.
Benjamin Gilbert, conversing with the Indian captain who made them captives, observed that he might say what none of the other Indians could, "that he had brought in the oldest man, and the youngest child;" his reply to this was expressive: "It was not I, but the great God who brought you through, for we were de- termined to kill you, but were prevented."
The British Officers being acquainted that Jesse Gil- bert's wife was among the Indians, with great tender- ness agreed to seek her out, and after a diligent inquiry, found that she was among the Delawares, they went to them, and endeavored to agree upon terms for ber re- leasement; the Indians brought her to the fort the next day, but would not give her up to her relations.
29th. As the cabins of the Indians were but two miles from the fort, they went thither, and Jesse and the offi- cers used every argument in their power to prevail up- on them, representing how hard it was to part these two young people; at length they consented to bring her in next day, with their whole tribe, for a final re- lease.
30th. They accordingly came, but started so many ob- jections, that she was obliged to return with them.
31st. Early next morning, Capt. Robeson generous- ly undertook to procure her liberty, which, after much attention and solicitude, he, together with Lieut. Hill- yard, happily accomplished. They made the Indians several small presents, and gave them thirty pounds as a ransom.
When Sarah Gilbert had obtained her Liberty, she al- tered her dress more in character for her sex, than she had been able to do whilst amongt the Indians, and went to her husband and parents at Col. Johnson's, where she was joyfully received.
Col. Johnson's housekeeper continued her kind at- tentions to them, during their stay here, and procured clothing for them from the King's stores.
6th Month 1st. About this time, the Senecas, among whom Elizabeth Peart was captive, brought her with them to the fort; as soon as the mother heard of it, she
1829.]
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went to her, and had some conversation with her, but could not learn where she was to be sent to; she then inquired of the Interpreter, and pressed on his friend- ship, to learn what was to become of her daughter; this request he complied with. and informed her that she was to be given away to another family of the Senecas, and adopted among them, in the place of a deceased re- lation. Capt. Powel interested himself in her case like- wise, and offered to purchase her of them, but the Indi- ans refused to give her up; and as the mother and daugh- ter expected they should see each other no more, their parting was very affecting.
The Indian woman who had adopted Rebecca as her daughter, came also to the fort, and Elizabeth Gilbert made use of this opportunity to inquire concerning her daughter, the Interpreter informed her, there was no probability of obtaining the enlargement of her child, as the Indians would not part with her. All she could do, was to recommend her to their notice, as very weakly, and of consequence not able to endure much fatigue.
2d and 3d. Not many days after their arrival at Niag- ara, a vessel came up Lake Ontario to the fort, with or- ders for the prisoners to go to Montreal. In this vessel came one Capt. Brant, an Indian Chief, high in rank amongst them. Elizabeth Gilbert immediately applied herself to solioit and interest him on behalf of her chil- dren who yet remained in captivity; he readily promi- sed her to use his endeavors to procure their Liberty. A short time before they sailed for Montreal, they re- ceived accounts of Abner and Elizabeth Gilbert the younger, but : it was also understood that their posses- sors were not disposed to give them up. As the pros- pect of obtaining the release of their children was so ve- ry discouraging, it was 10 alleviation to their distress, to be removed to Montreal, where, in all probability, they would seldom be able to gain any information respect- ing them; on which account, they were very solicitous to stay at Niagara, but the Colonel said they could not remain there, unless the son would enter into the king's service; this could not be consented to, therefore they chose to submit to every calamity which might be per- mitted to befal them, and confide in the great controller of events.
Here they became acquainted with one Jesse Paw- ling, from Pennsylvania, who was an officer among the British, and behaved with kindness and respect to the prisoners, which induced them to request his attention also to that part of the family remaining in captivity; it appeared to them of some consequence to gain an addi- tional friend. The Col. also gave his promise to exert himself on their behalf.
After continuing ten days at Col. Johnson's, they took boat in the forenoon of the 2d, being the sixth day of the week, and crossed the river Niagara, in order to go on board the vessel (which lay in Lake Ontario) for Montreal. The officers procured necessaries for their voyage in great plenty, and they were also furnished with orders to draw more at certain places, as they might have occasion. These civilities may appear to many, to be too trivial to be mentioned in this narrative, but those who have been in equal distress, will not be insensible of their value.
4th. The vessel sailed down the Lake, on the 6th day of the week, and on first-day following, being the fourth day of the sixth month, 1780, came to Carlton island, where there were such a number of small boats, which brought provisions, that it had the appearance of a fleet. Benjamin Gilbert, and Jesse, went on shore to obtain leave from the commanding officer, to go to Montreal in the small boats, as the vessel they came in could pro- ceed no further. They met with a kind reception and their request was granted.
those unacquainted with these kind of falls. The French men who rowed the boats, kept them near the shore, and passed without much difficulty between the rocks.
6th, 7th, and 8th. Benjamin Gilbert had been much indisposed before they left the fort, and his disorder was increased by a rain which fell on their passage, as they were without any covering. They passed Oswagatchy, an English garrison, by the side of the river, but they were not permitted to stop here; they proceeded down the St. Lawrence, and the rain continuing, went on shore on an island in order to secure themselves from the weather. Here they made a shelter for Benjamin Gilbert, and when the rain ceased, a place was prepa- red for him in the boat, that he might lie down with more ease. His bodily weakness made such rapid pro- gress, that it rendered all the care and attention of his wife necessary, and likewise called forth all her forti- tude; she supported him in her arms, affording every possible relief to mitigate his extreme pains. And al- though in this distressed condition, he, notwithstand- ing, gave a satisfactory evidence of the virtue and pow- er of a patient and holy resignation, which can disarm the King of Terrors, and receive him as a welcome mes- senger. Thus prepared, he passed from this state of probation, the eighth day of the sixth month, 1780,in the evening, leaving his wife and two children, who were with him, in all the anxiety of deep distress, although they had no doubt but that their loss was his everlasting gain. Being without a light in the boat, the darkness of the night added not a little to their melancholy situ- ation. As there were not any others with Elizabeth Gilbert but her children, and the four French men who managed the boat, and her apprehensions alarmed her, lest they should throw the corps overboard as they ap- peared to be an unfeeling company, she therefore ap- plied to some British officers who were in a boat be- hind them, who dispelled her fears, and received her under their protection.
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