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. IX, Part 29

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. IX > Part 29

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12 30

Apothecary's Salary,

80 00

Balance in the Treasury,

734 32

Collecting Contributions and distributing An-

nual Report, 32 47

$1,210 90

In presenting the annual report of the Northern Dis- pensary, for the year 1831, the managers trust that their fellow citizens may be renewedly induced to patron- ize an institution so peculiarly deserving of their fos- tering care. To the truly benevolent heart there can- not be a more exquisite reward than that arising from the consideration, that it has ministered to the deserv- ing poor, whilst suffering under the deprivations and pains of the sick bed. However surrounded by other comforts, what is life if health is taken from us? Con- sider the poor man and his dependent family! When disease overtakes him, the few comforts his wages have enabled him to dispense to his beloved partner and ten- der offspring, are at once taken away, and poverty in prospect, is seen to add redoubled force to every pang. If he has saved a little from his hard earnings, it may all be sunk in medicine and attendance. Just at this junc- ture, a contributor to the Dispensary may soothe his harassed feelings, by the assurance that the physician and medicines shall be supplied without expense. Ilis

102

PHILADELPHIA BAR.

[FEBRUARY

mental fears are thus allayed, and his physical malady rendered more controlable. It is needless to say more to our fellow citizens on the subject of this charitable institution; we feel assured they will not suffer it to languish.

To establish it upon a permanent basis, the managers are satisfied a more central situation is required; and since they have extended its benefits to the district of Penn township, they are desirous to find a suitable scite for the erection of a building, which shall comprise within its walls the necessary conveniences. They most ardently hope that when application shall he made to their fellow citizens of the Northern Liberties and Penn township, for aid-in procuring the same, they , will show that liberality for which they have always been distinguished. It will be observed that the num- ber of patients has been less than last year, in conse- quence of exemption from epidemics.

Contributions and donations will be thankfully re- ceived by our Treasurer, John C. Browne, No 334 North Front street; at the Dispensary, No 371 North Front street, S. E. corner of Green street, or by either of the managers.

By order of the Board of Managers.

GEORGE BOYD, President.

JOSEPH S. RILEY, Secretary.

Philadelphia, Dec. 29, 1831.

CENTENNARY CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF WASHINGTON.

The following gentlemen having been appointed a general committee, by a public meeting of the citizens of the city and county of Philadelphia, assembled to make arrangements for a suitable celebration of the centennary birth-day of GEORGE WASHINGTON, on the 22d of February, 1832, viz. - William Rawle, Alex. M'Caraher, Josiah Randall, Walter R. Johnson, Thomas M. Pettit, James Page, Thomas ( adwalader, Benj. Chew. jr , Kenderton Smith, George N. Baker, Robert A. Parrish, Richard Palmer, Benj W. Richards, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Robert Patterson, Col. C.G Childs, Henry D. Gilpin, William Milnor, Jr., Charles S. Coxe, John Miles, Jacob Frick, Isaac W. Norris, Thomas H. Craige, James Ronaldson-a meeting of the general committee was held at the Mayor's office, on Monday the 6th of February. The subject having been taken into full consideration, the following resolutions were adopted:

Resolved, That the celebration of the approaching anniversary shall embrace the following general arrange- ments-

1. That the day be ushered in by the ringing of bells at sunrise, and that this ceremony be repeated at noon and sunset.

2. That the citizens be earnestly requested, as far as practicable, to suspend business during the day, in order to give more effect to the celebration,and to ena- ble all classes to unite in it.

3. That during the day national salutes be fired from the Navy Yard and by the volunteers.

4. That all vessels in port shall be decorated with their flags.

5. That there be a grand civic and military procession during the day.

Resolved, That application be made to the proper authorities to have the bells of the different public edi- fices rung during the day.

Resolved, That application be made to the Com- mandant at the Navy Yard, respectfully requesting that a salute of one hundred heavy guns may be fired during the day.

Resolved. That application be made to the Major General of the Division respectfully requesting him to issue orders to have corresponding salutes fired during the day.

Resolved. That the owners and masters of vessels in port be requested to display their flags at the mast-head during the day.

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to arrange a procession, and that they respectfully request the par- ticipation therein of the society of the Cincinnati, of the surviving officers and soldiers of the revolution and of the late war, and of the officers of the army and navy of the United States.

Resolved, That the committee respectfully request the Major General to issue orders for a parade of the military of the division, so that they may co-operate in this celebration, and to invite the volunteers of the neighbouring states and cities.

Resolved, That the committee respectfully request the participation in the procession of the judges of the courts, the mayor and corporate officers of the city and county, tbe literary, scientific and benevolent socie- ties, the firemen of the city and county, the members of the different trades, professions and public institu- tions, and such other societies, public bodies and citizens as will unite with them.

Resolved, That the details of the arrangements be made known at the earliest practicable period.

Resolved, That application be made to the Select and Common Councils of the city and the adjoining districts, for appropriations to aid in defraying the ex- penses of the celebration.

Resolved, That the following persons be a committee with full power to carry into effect the objects of the preceding resolutions, viz.

Henry D. Gilpin,

- Joseph R Ingersoll,

C. G. Childs,

Thomas M. Pettit,

Benjamin Chew, jr.

Alex. \'Caraher,

James Page, and

Jolın Miles, Walter R. Johnson.

Resolved, That the general committee express their anxious desire, that all their fellow citizens may cordial- ly and efficiently unite in a celebration, which is intend- ed to commemorate their grateful feelings towards the memory of that man who was their pride when living, and whose name is inseparably blended with the liber- ty, the glory, and the happiness of their common coun- try. ROBERI A. PARRISH, Chairman.

WILLIAM MILNOR, Jr. Secretary.

TESTIMONIALS OF RESPECT.

At a meeting of the members of the Bar of Philadel- phia, held at the Law Library, on the 20th of Decem- ber, 1831, Charles Chauncey, Esq., Chairman, T. I. Wharton, Secretary, ---

Mr. Sergeant proposed the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That the Bar is desirous to express their respect and regard for their venerable associate WIL- LIAM RAWLE, Esq., and preserve a likeness of one who has contributed so much to do honour to the pro- fession.

Resolved, That a committee be now appointed to signify to Mr. Rawle the wishes of the Bar in this re- spect, and to engage a suitable artist for the purpose.

The following committee were then appointed:

Mr. Sergeant,

Chauncey, J. R. Ingersoll, T. J. Wharton, W. M. Meredith. CHARLES CHAUNCEY, Chairman.

T. J. WHARTON, Secretary.

In consequence of the foregoing resolution, the committee addressed a letter to Mr. Rawle, a copy of which is subjoined, together with Mr. Rawle's reply:

DEAR SIR,-The members of the Bar of Philadel- phia, "desirous to express their respect and regard for

1832.]

PHILADELPHIA BAR.

103

their venerable associate, WILLIAM RAWLE, Esq., and to preserve a likeness of one who has contributed so much to do honour to the profession," have appointed us a committee to request that you will do them the fa- vour to sit for a portrait, to be painted by an eminent artist, and fixed in such place as the Bar may d rect.

We have great pleasure in performing the duty thus assigned to us To be the organ of an expression of regard and respect, so well deserved, is indeed pecu- liarly gratifying.

On behalf of the Bar, therefore, we request that you will be good enough to name an carly day for the pur- pose expressed in their resolution.

We are, very truly and respectfully, your friends and servants,

JOIIN SERGEANT, CHARLES CHAUNCEY, J. R. INGERSOLL, T. J. WHARTON, W. M. MEREDITHI.

To WILLIAM RAWLE, Esq.

December 21, 1831.

ANSWER.

GENTLEMEN, -It is difficult for me to find language adequate to express the sense I feel of a compliment so unexpected, so unmerited, as that which, through you, I have received from my professional brethren.

To be thus honoured is a distinction so highly flatter- ing as to preclude the hesitation of a moment in com- plying with the request, and it only remains for you to designate the artist to be employed.

I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, your affectionate and obedient servant;

W. RAWLE.

To John Sergeant, Charles Chauncey, Joseph R. In- gersoll, Thomas I. Wharton, William M. Meredith, Esquires.

We understand, that Mr. Inman, the artist employed, has most successfully accomplished the object desired by the Bar.

At a meeting of the members of the Bar at Philadel- phia, held at the Law Library on the 20th of Decem- ber 1831, Charles Chauncey, Chairman, T. I. Wharton, Secretary.

On motion of Mr. Wheeler, seconded by Mr. Sergeant, it was unanimously

Resolved, that the members of this Bar entertain a grateful sense of their obligations to Mr. DAVID CALD- WELL, late Clerk of the Circuit and District Courts of the United States, for his uniform kindness and atten- tion to them, and are desirous of bearing testimony to the remarkable correctness and integrity with which the duties of his office have been discharged.

Resolved, that a piece of plate be presented to Mr. CALDWELL, in the name of the Bar of Philadelphia, as a memorial of their friendship and respect for him.

The following gentlemen were appointed a commit- tec to carry.the resolution into effect.

Mr. Sergeant, Wheeler, J. R. Ingersoll, Jas. C. Biddle, W. M. Meredith. CH. CHAUNCEY, Chairman. T. I. WHARTON, Secretary.

The following is the correspondence which followed, between the committee and Mr. Caldwell :-

DEAR SIR :- We have been appointed by the Bar, at a meeting held on the 20th inst. to communicate to you a resolution they have unanimously adopted, and also to carry into effect the intentions expressed by their vote. Of this resolution we now enclose a copy.

It would afford us unmingled pleasure to be thus in -. strumental in conveying to you a tribute of affection and respect, sn sincerely offered and so justly merited, were it not unavoidably accompanied with the painful feeling that our intercourse with you as an officer is now to cease .- During the long period of your service, we have experienced the most unwearying kindness, joined with the strictest integrity and accuracy. in the perform- ance of your duties, so that the attachment founded up- on your affectionate solicitude atall times to assist and to serve us, was exalted and strengthened by the firm conviction that every trust belonging to your office was faithfully, accurately and conscientiously fulfilled. We still remember the proud satisfaction with which, as members of the Bar of Pennsylvania, we heard, upon a memorable occasion, the office of Clerk of the Penn- sylvania District held up at Washington as an example of official purity and exactness.

Under the influence of these recollections, our best wishes go with you into your retirement, mingled with our regrets at parting with one so much respected and esteemed.

J. SERGEANT, C. WHEELER, J. R. INGERSOLL, J. C. BIDDLE, W. M. MEREDITH.

To Messrs. Sergeant, Wheeler, J. R. Ingersoll, J. C. Biddle and W. M. Meredith, committee.

GENTLEMEN-I want words to express the deep sen- sibility with which I have this day received the resolu- tions of the Bar of Philadelphia, passed on the twentieth instant; and I shall not attempt it. I will only say, and I do it with pride and pleasure, that the harmony of an official intercourse of more than forty years with that Bar, and the fathers of many of its present members, has not been interrupted in a single instance, by any act or expression of unkindness or disrespect-and that this new testimony of courtesy and kindness, received with gratitude as it was offered with urbanity, will be cherished through my few remaining years, as a most gratifying, yct too partial reward for the services to which it refers.

Accept, gentlemen, for yourselves, individually, and for the very distinguished and greatly respected body whom you represent, my ardent wishes for your con- tinued prosperity here and for your future happiness.

D. CALDWELL ..

Philadelphia, 23d Dec. 1831.

The Bar of Philadelphia have presented to David Caldwell, Esq., a silver pitcher and stand, of the value of one hundred and fifty dollars. The articles are from the manufactory of Mr. Thomas Fletcher, Chesnut street; the pitelier is a beautiful piece of workmanship, worthy of that gentleman's high reputation as an artist. Every one who has any direct knowledge, or has heard of Mr. Caldwell, must acknowledge that this tribute of esteem is well merited We annex a copy of the just inscription on the pitcher.

"PRESENTED BY THE BAR OF PHILADELPHIA TO DAVID CALDWELL, ESQ.

Late Clerk of the United States' Courts for the Penn- sylvania District, in testimony of their great re- spect and regard, and of their sense of the uni- form courtesy, kindness and fidelity, which eminently characterized his conduct as an officer and a gen- tleman, in their intercourse with him. January, 1832."

104

CANAL TOLLS-BREAKING UP OF THE SUSQUEHANNA.

[FEBRUARY

TABLE OF THEIRATES OF TOLL ON THE DELAWARE AND IIUDSON CANAL.

The first column shows the Rates, where the Rules and Regulations are complied with: the second, the le- gal Tolls.

ARTICLES,

CTS.

Gypsum, per ton per mile,

1 1-2

Salt,

2 1-2 4

Flour, meal, grain, salted provisions, pot and pearl ashes, -

· 2

Posts and Rails, and Lath in boats, do. do. in rafts,

Ground tanner's hark,

Unground do. do.

I 1-2 4

Molasses, sugars, and liquors,

Merchandize,

Do. down the canal,

Timber in Boats-Hemlock-per 100

Cord wood in boats, from 1 to 10 miles per cord, per mile, 4 43 11 miles,

Pine-per 100 cubic feet, per mile,

1 1-2 4

but not to exceed $1 for any distance on canal.

Oak-per 100 cubic feet, per mile, but not to exceed $1,50 for any dis- tance on canal.

Maple, Cherry, and Whitewood, per 100 cubic feet per mile, but not to exceed $3 for any distance on canal.

" in Rafts-Hemlock-per 100

cubic feet, per mile, 2 4

Pine,

" Maple, Cherry, and

Whitewood, 4 4

Boards, Planks, and Scantling in Boats.

Hemlock, per 1000 feet hoard measure per mile, 1 4

but not to exceed 75 cents on any distance of the canal.

Pine, per 1000 feet board measure, per mile, 1 1-2 4

hut not to exceed $1 for any , distance on canal,

Oak, per 1000 feet board measure, per

2 4 mile, but not to exceed $1,50 forany distance on canal.

Maple, Cherry, and Whitewood, per 1000 feet board measure, per - mile, 3 4

but not to exceed $3 for any distance on canal.

Boards, Planks, or Scanlling in Rafts.

Hemlock, per 1000 feet board measure, per mile,

Pine,

Oak,

4 4

Maple, Cherry, and Whitewood,

Staves and heading in boats, per ton per mile,

1 1-2 4

in rafts,

Shingles in boats, per 1000 per mile,

Pine,

4 10 8 10

Hemlock, 3 10 8 10

CTS.

Shingles in rafts-Pine, 3 10 8 10

Hemlock,

8 10 8 10

Manufactures of wood, per ton per mile,

2 1-2 4

Iron Castings,

Common brick and Stone Lime, Iron Ore and Sand, 1

Fire brick, Fire Stone and Coal, 1 1-2 4

Marhle and Mill Stones, and all manu- factured Stone, 3

Cement,

3 1-2

1 1-2 4

Hoop poles, do. do. split or shaved,

Cotton in bales or bags,

Hay in bundles pressed,

Iron up the canal,

and for every addi- tional mile, one cent per cord, un- til the toll amounts to 50 cents-and a half cent per cord per mile, for eve- ry additional mile above 18 miles, un- til the toll amounts to 60 cents per cord, and for every five miles thereaf- ter, one cent per cord.

3 Articles not enumerated going from tide water, 4

Towards tide water, 2

Pleasure boats, on the capacity of the boat,

324 4

Oak,

Milage on boats loaded or empty, to- wards tide water, two cents per mile -- from tide water, four cents per mile on the boat. Dundoff Republican.

COLUMBIA, Thursday, Feb. 9, 1832.

BREAKING UP OF THE SUSQUEHANNA .- The rains of the 3d and 4th inst. caused the Susquehanna so to swell, that about 6 o'clock on the evening of the latter day, (Saturday, ) the ice commenced moving with a great crash. The rapidity with which the water rose, soon created fears for the bridge and the property at stake along the river bank. Immediate measures were taken for the removal of the flour, whiskey, &c. in danger, which were successful; and we believe every thing moveable, that was liable to destruction, was placed in safety, with the exception of the lumber. Great crowds were attracted to the bridge in the early part of the evening, and from the constant noise made by the ice pressing against it, more resembling a discharge of mus- ketry than any thing we can liken it to; the opinion pre- vailed that the whole of the bridge from the Wrights- ville side to the big island, was being swept away. At this period the most painful anxiety was manifest; the darkness of the night was a barrier to the sight, while it was unsafe to enter the bridge for the purpose of grati- fying curiosity. About 11 o'clock, the ice had stopped running, being damned below, and a number of persons from Wrightsville came over and reported that no part of the bridge had gone, except the lower side of a span in about the centre, and that the sound which had crea- ted so much uneasiness, was caused by the ripping off of some of the weather-boarding. This allayed a great

1 1-2 4

cubic feet, per mile, but not to exceed 75 cents, for any dis- ance on canal.

3 4

4 4

1832.]

FRESHIETS.

105

deal of fear, and confidence again prevailed in the sta- bility of this noble structure.

At 12 o'clock, however, the ice made another push, and at a quarter past, 5 spah or 540 feet of the bridge were taken from the piers with a crash that went to the heart of every listener. Shortly after the ice again jam- med and stopped, and so continued until about half past 10 on Sunday morning, when it moved and took with it 2 span or 210 feet of the bridge near the Wrights- ville side.

Before we go further, it will be necessary to state, as explanatory of the unusual height of the water at this place, that at the breaking up of the river three weeks since, the ice was unable to force its passage through the narrow places below-consequently all that had come down for the distance of more than 200 miles, had crowded into a space of about 12 miles in length, forming a dam in some places 60 feet above low water mark, and extending to the bottom. The difficulty of the water finding its way through such a mass of ice, may easily be imagined. It is said that -four miles down, it never started during all the time it was running here. Aside from this cause, there was not water enough in the river to occasion any injury or excite any alarm

On Tuesday was the greatest rise. On that day, about 11 o'clock in the morning, the ice made another shove; at this time the water rose two feet higher than it had previously been-9 span or about 1000 feet of the bridge were carried away near the Wrightsville shore; many of the board piles in the lumber yards on this side were upset; and the two shore-houses of Mr. C. Haldeman were considerably injured. At 1 o'clock the river had become clear of ice opposite this place, and it continues so at this time, having fallen to nearly its natural height. Ahove the bridge there is some ice, and below us the dam remains unbroken.

Two stables belonging to Mr. T. Winnemore were taken off; the frame work of the saw-mill just above the bridge, erecting by Messrs. Forrey, M'Kissick and Heise, was borne away; the saw-mill owned by Mr. Ja- cob Strickler, and improved by Mr. T. Collins, was moved off by the force of the ice, and the store-house belonging to Mr. Strickler, was also taken from its foundation.

The whole length of the bridge at this place, was 5690 feet; about one-third of it is gone, and the remain- der is more or less injured in different places. It was commenced in 1812, and made passable in the fall of 1814; and we learn that this is the first injury it ever sustained from the ice. The cost was about $232,000. We have not understood what course the directors have concluded to adopt, but their well known enterprise and ability lead to the belief that the most efficient measures will be resorted to, for promptly repairing the injury sustained.

The damage done to this building is not to be regarded merely in a local point of view-the loss is a public one. The great southern and eastern mails were carried on this route, and four stages, two from Philadelphia, and two from Baltimore, passed over the bridge daily.

There is reason to believe, that the injury sustained by the public works is very light-one side of the cast end of the bridge at the head of the canal basin, was undermined and the wood work is in a reclining situation; the small bridge over Shawnee run was raised from its foundation, but otherwise is not much damaged. The outer wall of the canal between this and Marietta, with- stood the pressure in a manner which speaks volumes in its favor. In our next, we shall be able to be more particular.

The early stage from Baltimore had just reached this end of the bridge on Saturday evening, as the ice com- menced moving. The passengers in the late stage pass- ed the night in Wrightsville. Both stages from Phila- delphia arrived here too late to cross the bridge with safety. On Sunday morning, Col. Jefferies, agent for the stage owners, employed two men to take the great VOL. IX. 14

mail over. They went on the bridge till they came to the opening, thence on the ice till they again reached the bridge. They succeeded in taking it to Wrights- ville in safety; on returning, however, they were in great danger; the ice started while they were on it, and it was with some difficulty that they reached the bridge. The feelings of the spectators who were witnesses to this from the shore, may be imagined, but cannot be described.

The water on Tuesday was about 19 feet above low water mark, and 30 inches higher than it was at the break in January, 1813. Its height was about the same as in 1784. Tradition speaks of a high flood in 1740, which far exceeded that of '84-and inferring that no interme- diate flood was higher than that of the latter year, it fol- lows that the water reached a greater altitude on the 7th inst. than it had done for 92 years .- Columbia Spy.

At Marietta, the river was very high, and at one time considerable lumber and whiskey were afloat; we learn, however, that it will pretty much be saved. The build- ing occupied by Rees Hipple, as a dwelling, formerly a still-house, was swept from its foundation. From Sunday morning till Wednesday, the turnpike between Marietta and this place was impassable, and travellers had to take the old road. In the public house, kept by Col. Kelly, called the half-way house, the water was 15 inches on the first floor on Tuesday forenoon .- 1b.

It is feared that our neighbours of Washington, three miles below, have suffered severely. All Front street was inundated, and store-houses, stables, &c. were thrown into confusion. We have not heard partic- ulars. - 16.

WILLIAMSPORT, Feb. 8.

On Saturday evening last, the ice in the West Branch which had been formed since the late freshet, took its departure for the Chesapeake Bay. The river was ex- ceedingly high, and it passed off smoothly, doing but little injury as we have yet learned. An incident, how- ever, occurred, which is we think without a parallel in the history of ice freshets upon the Susquehanna. About dark, on Saturday evening, Mr. Joseph Bailey, of the island opposite Jersey Shore, in endeavouring to secure a flat boat, which lay near the lower end of the island, exposed to the loose ice, ventured into it, and at that moment a large quantity of ice came in contact with the boat, broke the rope by which it was fastened, and drove it past the point of the island. The river being entirely covered with floating ice, his lamentable cries for assistance were in vain-no human power could res- cue him from his perilous situation. About midnight, several citizens of Jersey Shore arrived at this borough and gave the alarm. A light was placed upon the bank of the river to attract his attention, and in a few minutes he passed by, without the least possibility of saving him. He informed us that he was almost perishing with cold and fatigue, and that he was not able to escape from the ice with which he at first started. All hope of saving him except at the bridget was now ahandoned- and an express sent on to Milton to make preparations. He passed over the race ground rapids, and through the hreach of the Muncy dam before day light! and arrived at Milton about nine o'clock in the morning, after a voy- age of near fifty miles. The spirited citizens of Milton, whose conduct upon this occasion is deserving of the highest praise, had every means prepared to save the life of a fellow being, which ingenuity could invent, and it is with unbounded pleasure we state that they were successful. He was drawn up by a rope suspended from the bridge, amid the shouts of the assembled mul- titude.

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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. IX, Part 29

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