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. XII, Part 20

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 438

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. XII > Part 20

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The public spirited enterprise of a Pennsylvania far- mer supplied the deficiency, and entitled him to honor- able mention in every history of internal improvement in this state. His was the second bridge constructed under State authority, probably the second of any mag- nitude in the state. The first was built in 1787, under a similar grant from the Legislature over Nashamony creek on the Bristol road, by Charles Bessonett and Gershom Johnson, "proprietors of the stages from Philadelphia to Trention on the New York road." The Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike Company-the first in the state, or country, was not chartered until 1792, five years after the grant to Abraham Witmer.

What a host of reflections spring from the recollec- tion of these simple facts. Only forty five years ago, the two great communications from Philadelphia, one leading to New York, and the other to our interior, were rendered precarious by the want of bridges over such streams as the Conestoga and the Neshamony. In that short period what changes have enterprise and in- dustry, the genuine growth of free institutions, pro- duced ? More than forty millions of dollars have been expended in the construction of roads, bridges and ca- nals.

The Rail Road, after crossing the Conestoga, passcs through the beautiful farm of the late Mr. Coleman, and enters the corporate limits of the city of Lancaster, on its northern edge. The elevation of the ground on which the city is chiefly built, induced the Engineer, ( Major Wilson) on the first location, to carry his line around half a mile north of the principal street, along a small valley sloping to the Conestoga. He considered that the city would be as well accommodated by a short branch of inconsiderable expense, and which would not

After the routes chosen by him had been graded, the people of Lancaster, induced the Legislature to carry a line nearer the main street, involving a heavy deep cut, and an additional expenditure of one hundred thou- sand dollars. It is doubtful whether they will derive advantage from the change. In the deep cutting, which occurs nearly all the distance through the city, no useful communication can be had with the road, and it must prove inconvenient in many other respects. If they are satisfied, however, far be it from us to com-

SKETCHIES OF PENNSYLVANIA.

1833.]

Lancaster is one of the thirce towns in Pennsylvania upon which the Legislature have conferred the clignifi- ed title of city. Of these it is third in magnitude-its population in 1830 being 7,700. It has a Mayor, Re- corder, Alderman and Common Council, with a charter modeled after that of Philadelphia. The streets are laid out with reasonable regularity, are of convenient width, and the principal ones are well paved. A style of building prevails there, not the most picturesque, and as we should imagine neither economical nor convenient. About two thirds of the houses have hut a single very low story-with heavy eaves, and highly sloped roofs, affording the leat possible accommodation in proportion to the ground occupied, and to the expenditure for roofing-always an important item. We wish those who build hereafter would reform this fashion altogether. As an additional motive for so doing we would mention the opinion of many eminent physicians, that Cholera is most apt to seize those who sleep on ground floors. If this theory be true, Lancaster may lay her account for a severe visitation, should the pestilence enter her bor- ders.

Lancaster contains, nevertheless, many excellent houses, much good society, and a large share of wealth, and of productive industry, It owes its prosperity and importance, mainly, to the fertile and admirably culti- vated country which surrounds it-a district surpassed by none on the Continent, for capacity to furnish what man requires for comfort and convenience. Several branches of manufactures and mechanic arts, are ex- tensively followed here -- especially the making of stage coaches, and of the peculiar vehicles (hence called, Conestoga wagons, ) and harness used on the great turn- pikes, which lead to the west and north. It is not long since a post-coach built in Lancaster, took a premium over many competitors in New York and New Jersey.

Lancaster was the seat of Government of the state from 1799 to 1812, when Harrisburg succeeded to that dignity. The Legislature sat in the present Court House, situated in the middle of the main street, accord- ing to a practice formerly in vogue, and which is only defendable on the ground that it enables the Judges to refresh themselves by occasional peeps through the window, at the passing world, when the lawyers grow tedious, or the evidence is unentertaining. It has cer- tainly great inconveniences, especially if the street be paved with pebbles, and travelled by Conestoga wa- gons. In such a Court House many a poor fellow may have been tried, and condemned by a tribunal, who heard but little of what the witnesses testified.

For the information of those who are curious in wine, we would remark, that they may always procure the ar- ticle of excellent quality at the principal hotels in Lan- caster. Let them only inquire for " Reigart's particu- lar," and they will surely be satisfied, however fasti- dious their taste; or if it would amuse them to know all the particulars of St. Clair's defeat, let them seek out Captain Slough, who once kept the tavern at the cor- ner of the Court House Square, and who played a con- spicuous part on that disastrous occasion.

At Lancaster is the head of the Conestoga navigation, an improvement of that stream by locks and dams, down to its junction with the Susquehanna, a distance of about fourteen miles. Ils cost was about eighty thousand dollars, principally subscribed in Lancaster county, but it has not realized the expectation of the proprietors. Thelocks (constructed entirely of timber) have proved too feeble to resist the pressure of water upon them, and there is not trade to justify the expense of rebuilding, or repairing. The project, in truth, was not founded in a wise calculation of the course of trade, and perhaps would not have been attempted, but for a certain feeling of preference for Baltimore over Phila- delphia, which once prevailed in Lancaster, and which we hope to see removed by a more free communication with Philadelphia, and a frank interchange of kind offi- ces

Lancaster suffers, (in the estimation of strangers, at least, ) for want of good water. That in common use, derived from wells, is so strongly impregnated with lime, as to be disagreeable to the taste, and unfit for many domestic purposes. We would recommend this subject to the serious attention of the friends of Temperance in that city. When they urge water as the best beverage, they should be prepared to supply it of good and hold- some quality. For our part, we never drink the article in Lancaster, except in the form of tea or coffee, and even these are rendered unpalatable by the properties of the water. We do not know whether any plan of supplying the city with pure water is practicable. If it be so, we would hold up the example of Easton, Read- ing, and Columbia, all situated in Lancaster, on a lime- stone rock, and yet all supplied with excellent water from the surrounding hills.

From Lancaster we proceed westward on the Rail Road through the great limestone range which we have heretofore described, and through farms of the best quality, to its termination at Columbia on the Susque- hanna, a distance of twelve miles. One mile beyond Lancaster we cross the turnpike leading to Harrisburgh, the great mail route from Philadelphia to Pittsburg. Two miles further we cross the Little Conestoga by a viaduct eight 804 feet long, and 47 feet high. At the upper end of the borough of Columbia the Rail Road descends to the level of the Susquehanna by an inclin- ed plane 1720 feet long, with a perpendicular height of 90 feet. From the foot of the plane it is conducted im- mediately on the bank of the river along the whole front of the town, to the Basin at the upper extremity, which terminates the Pennsylvania Canal. Near the same spot is a noble bridge across the Susquehannah, a mile in length. This coming together of three such works, promises to make Columbia a most important position. We shall take occasion to notice it more particularly hereafter.

The present sketch must close with a brief retrospect of the magnificent improvement over what we have passed.

The whole length of the Pennsylvania Rail Road, from the corner of Vine and Broad streets to the Basin at Columbia, is eighty-one and six-tenth miles. It has no rise or fall, in this distance, exceeding thirty feet in the mile, except at the Schuylkill and Susquehanna, where stationary engines will be placed. About thirty miles of the road lie in the county of Lancaster; thirty- seven in Chester; five in Delaware; five and a half in Montgomery; and four in Philadelphia.

As a link in the great chain of connexion between Philadelphia and the West, it cannot fail to accommo- date a large and valuable trade. It has other sources of revenue, to which we would call attention. Fifty miles of its course is through, or in the vicinity of limestone land in the highest state of cultivation, abounding with water power, mills and factories. The surplus products of this agriculture, and the fabrics of these mills and factories, must pass to Philadelphia by the Rail Road. Throughout these fifty miles lime is burnt in immense quantities for agricultural purposes, and for building. Wood is already so scarce, that coal brought by the Rail Rod from the Susquehanna and the Schuylkill, must take its place in the preparation of lime-thus opening at once a source of revenue to the state, and a market for the refuse, or small coal, that would otherwise accumu- late on the wharves at Philadelphia and Columbia.

The population between Philadelphia and Columbia accommodated by the Rail Road, may be estimated fairly at 75,000, that will receive by it all their supplies of goods and fuel, and transmit by the same route all their articles to market.

The transportation of passengers, may also, with ju- dicious management be made very profitable to the State. In the winter season every body going from the North to Washington must take, this route, as it will soon afford a continued Rail Road from Philadelphia to

MINT OF THE UNITED STATES.

[AUGUST

Baltimore, except nine miles between Columbia and York. The distance (one hundred and forty miles) may be easily travelled in fourteen hours. Already the number of such travellers is great, and they will in- crease in a twofold ratio, as soon as a safe conveyance is afforded. It may be expected too, that in the sum- mer many strangers who have taste enough to admire a finely cultivated and picturesque country, will prefer this mode to the monotony of the steamboats. To this add all the travelling to Lancaster, Harrisburg and the west, which now fills some half dozen large stages dai- Jy, with its regular and necessary increase, and we have an item of revenue that will go far to remunerate the state for its enterprize and expenditure.

Our limits do not permit us to go much into detail on these subjects. Our object is rather to awaken curiosi- ty, and excite others to reflect-than to enter ourselves into minute investigations.

Before leaving the Pennsylvania Rail Road, we can- not but remark, that the Legislature or Canal Commis- sioners, have now on their hands a most delicate and important task, of regulating and reducing to system the transportation upon it. Upon a judicious course in this particular, the value of the road, both as a source of re- venue, and a means of public accommodation must greatly depend. The report of the Committee to which during the late session of the Legislature, this subject was referred, fully met our views, and the plan suggest- ed by the distinguished Engineer, Moncure Robinson, seems to us not merely the best, but the only one that can succeed.

FRANKLIN, PA. May 25.

It is highly gratifying to witness the rapid progress of improvement in this county, independent of the pub- lic works going on under the authority of the Common- wealth, on the French creek division of the Pennsylva - nia Canal. Among these improvements we would men- tion the erection of three new furnaces this summer -- Shippeh & Black's, and Hamilton & Hume's, both on the waters of Clarion, in the neighborhood of Shippens- ville, are about going into blast, and have every pros- pect of doing a good business-and Cross & Jewell's, on East Sandy creek, about six miles east of this place, is calculated to go into blast in about two weeks. New farms are opening in every part of the county, and nu- merous new and valuable settlers are coming among us every day. The crops, so far, promise fair to be Juxu- riant, more so than in any former year, and there is eve- ry indication of a great abundance of all kinds of fruit, both wild and domestic.

From the Commercial Herald. MINT OF THE UNITED STATES.

Through the kindness of the intelligent director of the mint, we are enabled to lay be fore our readers the fol- lowing account of the establishment, and progress of this truly National Institution.

On the 21st of February, 1782, a resolution was adopted by Congress for establishing a mint. No mea- sures, however, were taken for carrying this resolve into execution. On the 16th of October, 1786, an or- dinance was passed by that body, but was never carried into effect. In 1792, the mint of the United States was established at Philadelphia, by an act of Congress, pass- ed on the 2d of April, and before the close of the year, a few specimens of coin, of the denomination of half dismes, were issued. Early in 1793, a dwelling house, situated on the east side of Seventh street, between High and Mulberry streets, was purchased, and a dwelling in its rear erected, in which the operations of the establish)- ment were carried on.

In this humble and unpretending manner, under the Presidency of Washington, who appreciated its import- | by 32.

ance, and not unfrequently inspected its progress-this institution commenced its operations.

For the first few years the expenditures seemed dispro- portioned to its usefulness, in consequence of the scar- city of the precious metals; and the policy of such an establishment was frequently questioned. Public opi- nion, however, steadily sustained it under the most dis- couraging aspects.

National in its character and objects, the Mint is sup- ported from the funds of the public Treasury, for the general welfare, where depositors of gold or silver bullion receive, without expense, an equal weight of gold or silver coins. The coinage of both these metals having invariably been free from charge.

From the commencement of the operations of the Mint, to the end of the year 1800, the average annual amount of coinage may be stated at about $362,000,and for the next ten years ending with 1810 at $697,000. From 1810 to 1820 the annual amount was $1,166,000, and from that period to 1830 it was $1,850,000. The total amount coined at the Mint, from 1793 to the close of 1830, has been $37,000,000.

The increase of the supply of bullion being progres- sive, the accommodations of the Mint were from time to time enlarged, but under the expanding operations of the Bank of the United States, it became apparent they were totally insufficient for the increased demand for coinage. The amount of bullion depositcd by the Bank of the United States alone, in 1827, exceeded the supply received from all other sources during any pre- vious year. It was found to be indispensably necessary to address Congress upon the subject of providing a more extended establishment; and on the 2d of March, 1829, a resolution was passed making a liberal provision for the erection of a suitable building for this purpose.

In accordance with this provision, a lot was purchased, extending from Chesnut street to Penn Square, on the west side of Juniper street, containing 150 feet front on Chesnut street by 204 feet on Juniper street, and on the 4th of July 1829, the corner stone of the Mint of the United States, was laid with appropriate ceremonies. The building is of white marble, erected from designs furnished by William Strickland. It fronts on Chesnut street, Penn Square, and Juniper street, and is 123 fect front, by 139 feet deep, exclusive of two porticoes each 27 feet, making the whole depth 193 feet. The por- ticoes are each 60 feet front, supported by 6 columns, of the Ionic order, 3 feet in diameter, fluted, and bound at the neck of the capital with an olive wreath. The entablature of the porticos extends entirely round the front and flanks of the building, supported by antœ at the corners, and surmounted at the extremes of the flanks, by four pediments.

The building consists of a basement, principal and at- tic stories. The officer's rooms, vaults, &c. are on the Chesnut street front, and part of the western flank, and are arched and rendered completely fire-proof. The roof is of copper. In the centre of the interior, there is a court 55 by 84 feet, for the purpose of affording addi- tional light, to the various apartments, and a more ready access to each story, by means of piazzas.

The entrance from the south portico, is into a circular vestibule, communicating with the apartments of the Director and Treasurer, and by arched passages, with those of the Chief Coiner, Melter, and Refiner, and with the rooms for receiving bullion and delivering coins. These passages communicate with the attic story, by means of marble stairways, where the apartments of the Assayers and Engravers are situated. Rooms are appro- priated for the apartments of the Chief Coiner, Melter, and Refiner. The important process of assaying is car- ried on in rooms 50 feet by 20; those of the Melter and Refiner occupy a range extending 95 by 35 feet. The principal melting room is 37 by 32 feet; and the process of gold and silver parting is carried on in a room 53 feet

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

1833.]

The preparatory operations of the Chief Coiner are carried on in two rooms 55 by 40 feet, opening to the north portico; the propelling steam power being placed in the basement story. The immediate operations of coinage occupy a range of apartments 120 feet by 32. The principal coining room is 37 by 32 feet, and is large enough to contain 10 coining presses.

In a distinct suite of rooms, in the attic story, the stan- dard weights of the Mint and the balances for adjusting them are kept.

The operations of coining were commenced in this building early in the present year.

The cost of the building including the ground, ma- chinery, &c., was about $190,000.

The coinage effected during the year 1830 amounted to $3,155,620: comprising $643, 105 in gold,$2,495,400 in silver, and $17,115 in copper, in the following pro- portions:

GOLD-Half Eagles,

$631,755

Quarter Eagles,

11,350

SILVER-Half Dollars,

2,382,400

Dismes,

.51,000

Half Dismes.

62,000

COPPER-Cents,

17,115

$3,155,620

Of the amount of gold coined, about 125,000 were received from S. America and the W. Indies, $19,000 from Africa, $466,000 from the gold region of the Unit- ed States, and $33,000 from sources not ascertained.

In 1831 the coinage amounted to $3,922,473.60, com- prising $714,270 in gold coins, $3,175,600 in silver, and $33,603.60 in copper, as follows:

GOLD-Half Eagles,

Quarter Eagles,

$702,970 00 11,300 00

SILVER-Half Dollars,

2,936,830 00

Quarter Dollars,

99,500 00

Dismes,

77,135 00

Half Dismes,

62,135 00

COPPER-Cents,

33,592 60

Half Cents, 11 00

$3,923,473 60

Of the gold coined, about 130,000 were derived from South America and the West Indies, §27,000 from Af- rica, $518,000 from the gold region of this country, and $39,000 from sources not stated.

In 1832 the coinage amounted to $3,401,055, com- prising $798,435 in gold, $2,579,000 in silver, and $23,620 in copper, and consists of 9,128,387 pieces of coin, viz.

GOLD-Half Eagles,-157,487 pieces, making $787,435

Quarter do. 4,400

11,000

SILVER-Hf. Dolls. 4,797,000

2,398,500

Qr. Dolls. 320,000

80,000

Dismes, 522,500

52,250

Half Dismes, 965,000

48,250

COPPER-Cents, 2,362,000

23,620

9,128,387

3,401,055

Of the amount of gold thus coined, about $80,000 were derived from Mexico, other parts of South Ameri- ca, and the West Indies; $28,000 from Africa, $678,- 000 from the Gold Region of the United States, and $12,000 from places not ascertained.

The following table exhibits the quantity of Gold re. ceived from those districts of the United States, which have thus far produced it in sufficient quantities to at- tract attention, commencing with the year 1824. Up to that period it had been received at the Mint from North Carolina only; from which quarter gold was transmitted for coinage as early as the year 1804. Du-

ring the interval from 1824 to the commencement of 1824, the amount did not exceed $2500 annually.

1832

1831

1830;

1829

1828

1827

1826

1825

1824

North

1,199,000 86,500 96,500

4580001

294000, 26000

204000 24000

2500

3500

....

...

Carol'a

528,000|

140000

176000

212000

...

South/Georgia.

2000

1000

....

...

.. .

nessee.

Ten-

1000

....

...

....

.. .

bama.

Ala-

1000 1,913,000

678,000

520,000

466,000

140,000

46,000

21,000

20,000

17,000

$5000

TOTAL.

From estimates entitled to great credit, it is suppos- sed that the quantity of gold delivered at the Mint within the last year, from the Gold Region of the Unit- ' ed States, does not much exceed half of the quantity produced from the mines-nearly an equal amount it is believed having been exported uncoined, or consumed in various works of art. If these estimates are nearly correct, the production of gold in the United States, within the past year, has not been less than a million and a quarter of dollars. This may be regarded as equal to one sixth part of all the gold produced within the same period from the mines of Europe and America, estimated according to the results of recent years, gi- ven by the best authorities.

From the Philadelphia Gazette. PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

Thursday evening, July 11, 1833.

SELECT COUNCIL .- In the absence of Mr. Inger- soll, Mr. Groves was elected President, pro tem.

A communication from the city Treasurer with cer- tain accounts was received and read.

The Quarterly Report of the Commissioners of the Girard Estate was also presented.

Mr. Massey presented a petition, requesting the at- tention of the proper authorities to the situation of the street pavement and gutter, in Seventh street, immedi- ately south of Arch street, which was referred to the Paving Committee.

Mr. Lewis presented a petition of sundry inhabitants for a Rail Road in High street, to commence at Broad street Rail Road, which was concurred in. The peti- tion may be found in the proceedings of the Common Council.

Mr. McCready presented a petition from J. Ridgway and others, respecting Delaware Avenue, which was referred to the committee on that Avenue.

Mr. Neff presented the report of the committee on the letter of Jacob Alter, which was after the concur- rence of the Common Council, adopted in the Select Council.

Mr. Worrell presented a report of the committee respecting Argand lamps, as follows.

Carolina.

34.000

45000

220001

26000

134000/

46000

21000

20000

17000

$5000

...

ginia.

Vir-

....

...

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

[AUGUST

The Committee to whom was referred the letter of the City Commissioners, requiring instructions in regard to lighting at the public cost, reflecting lamps erected by individuals in the streets, at their own expense, pro- vided they would be lighted as heretofore by former Commissioners, Report:

That from the best information they can obtain, these lamps were first introduced by the Committee on the Washington and Independence squares, and streets adjacent thereto; at the Post-office and other public buildings, and from thence the City Commissioners extended their permission to many citizens, conditioned that the cost of the first erection should be at private expense, and under which the number one hundred and twenty-six have been erected without reference to the increased expense of lighting: Of those, there are in the Washington square, 12-Independence square, 17-and the public streets, 97. The light obtained from the lamps in question is, in the opinion of your committee, a great convenience and advantage to the public in every respect. But they are sorry to say, that the expense is very great, being in proportion as nearly four to one.

The committee conceive that the question which they were required to investigate, directly involves not only the expediency of supplying oil at the public cost for these reflecting lamps, but the best mode of pro ducing light for the purpose, towards which such lamps are directed, inasmuch as they may be more successful- ly employed, or whether any other lamps can with more effect and economy be used-your committee have therefore sedulously inquired whether substitutes for these lamps, or train oil, might not be advantageously used in the streets, or whether they are not susceptible of improvement; whether the height at which the lamp is placed be that at which it would have the most effect, or whether by the introduction of a heater communica- ting with the reservoir and the flame,the summer strain- ed oil, or other material could not be successfully applied during the whole year to the lamps properly construct- ed to light the city. We venture further to suggest, that whilst Commerce and Agriculture are regarded as important to the interests of the country, it might not be unwise to adopt any measure which tends to dimi- nish the employment of our Marine, or to abridge the extent of our Fisheries, which all Maritime nations anx- iously promote, to reduce the nursery of our hardy seamen, who, in the time of peace, minister to our com. fort and wealth, and in time of war have shed glory on our country, and have obtained the highest rank of honor for our flag.

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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. XII, Part 20

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870 Publication date: 1828 Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ; Number of Pages: 438

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 438