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 54

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 54

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From thoughts like these, let us endeavour to find consolation and assurance in the careful and constant study of the past-applying our hearts to extract from it lessons that may keep alive our vigilance, and in ex-

183

SERGEANT'S EULOGY ON CHARLES CARROLL.

1833.]

igency remind us of our duty. Our greatest danger| Such was the occasion which gained for Mr. Carroll his may perhaps be found to lie in what would seem to be [ first signal distinction. The Governor of Maryland - our chief happiness. Our ancestors had to struggle | undertook to settle a table of fees by proclamation. It with adversity. We are to guard against the seductions of prosperity, an enemy not less to be dreaded. It binds and lulls us with a false security, and thus enfee- bles and unnerves us, until, at last, nothing is desired but ease. It is not in the order of Providence that blessings should be secured or preserved, without exer- tion and watchfulness. The moment when they are most likely to be lost, is that in which, with a slumber- ing and imperfect sense of their value, there is an utter want of all sense of their exposure to risk. Perhaps it may be a new mercy to our country, if occasionally we should be aroused by some alarm, requiring us to ex- amine more carefully into our condition, to cling more closely to the spirit of the institutions which are the foundation of our happiness, and to endeavour to in- spire our hearts with that true and active and enlight- ened patriotism, which shed its benignant influence over the early history of our nation. If such a period be now come, who can deny that it is accompanied with the most affecting and impressive circumstances? The cloud seems to be gathering directly over the grave of the last of the signers, as if it had waited till death had closed his eyes, leaving the past all bright and radiant, and over the future, stretching a curtain of darkness.

It would ill befit the present occasion to inquire how this sudden change has been wrought. We are assembled for other purposes. We are here to com- mune with the illustrious dead, whose names are asso- ciated with the bright period of our history, and espe- cially to commemorate that one of them who was per- mitied to outlive the rest, and, as the survivor, for years beyond the ordinary period of man's life, to enjoy the undivided reverence and affections of a grateful country.

Of the men who have acted a distinguished part in public affairs, no one can be selected, who, looking on- ly to h's personal condition, would seem to have had less motive for desiring a change, than Charles Carroll of Carrollton. He was born at Annapolis, in Maryland, on the 20th September, 1737. His grandfather, an Irishman by birth, came to this country in 1691. His father was a man of great wealth, and Charles Carroll of Carrollton was born to an inheritance, which might well be called princely. His education was luxurious, if such a term can ever be applied to what is bestowed in the culture and discipline of the mind or the forma- tion of character -- it is meant however only to denote, that the judicious affection of his father, provided for him every advantage which seemed to be proper for enabling him to enter upon life as hecame the position he was to occupy. Ata very early age he was sent to Europe. There he was placed in a college of English Jesuits at St. Omers. After remaining in that institu- tion for six years, he was placed in a College at Rheims. Thence, in about a year, he was sent to the college of Louis f.e Grand. From Louis Le Grand, at the expiration of two years, he went to Bourges to stu- dy the civil law, and after remaining there for one year, returned to Paris, where he remained till 1757. In that

year he went to London, and commenced the study of; Franklin and Samuel Chase, as Commissioners to Ca- law in the Temple. In 1764, he returned to his native country, at the age of twenty-seven.

Soon after this period, the questions between the colonies and the mother country began to be agitated. The pen of Carroll was among thie first that were ac- tively and successfully engaged on the side of the colonies. After the stamp act was repealed, there was a moment of seeming calm. But even then it was easy to perceive, that the spirit which had been raised, was by no means quieted. There was a watchful jealousy awakened, and though the great point which had first roused it into action was withdrawn, yet it manifested itself continually, upon every occasion when the liberty or rights of the citizens seemed to be encroached upon.

was supported by its friends as a just exertion of pre- rogative. On the other side, it was opposed as an at- tempt to tax without the consent of the people's repre- sentatives, and an arbitrary and unjustifiable assump- tion of power. Among its advocates was one, who, in the form of a dialogue between two citizens, the first of whom opposed the proclamation, and the second sup- ported it, gave the whole argument, and of course the victory, to the latter. Mr. Carroll took up the argu- ment which had thus been purposely betrayed, and under the signature of the " First Citizen," exhibited a power and a patriotic energy which immediately en- gaged universal attention. One sentence particularly, which is quoted in his biography, shows how his mind was already ripened in patriotic decision, and impress- ed with that deliberate firmness which characterized the subsequent proceedings of our country. " What was done?" he exclaims: " The authority of the chief magistrate interposed, and took the decision of this important question from the other branches of the le. gislature, to itself. In a land of freedom, this arbitrary exertion of prerogative, will not, must not, be endured." Thanks from all quarters were addressed to the vir- tuous champion of the rights of the citizen, and Mr. Carroll rose at once to the highest station in the con- fidence of the people.

In this resolute determination he continued. The accomplishments of education, the goods of fortune, the rank they enabled him to assume, were devoted for his country, with an entire disregard of the sacri- fice his devotion might require, of ease, of enjoyment, of wealth, perhaps even of life itself. In a letter to a member of Parliament, who, in writing to him, had as- serted that six thousand English soldiers would march from one end of the continent to the other, he made this memorable reply. " So they may, but they will be masters only of the spot on which they encamp. They will find nought but enemies before and around them. If we are beaten on the plains, we will retreat to the mountains and defy them. Our resources will in- crease with our difficulties. Necessity will force us to exertion; until tired of combating in vain, against. a spirit, which victory after victory cannot subdue, your armies will evacuate our soil, and your country retire, an immense loser, from the contest. No sir-we have made up our minds to abide the issue of the approach- ing struggle, and though much bloo:I may be spilt, we have no doubt of our ultimate success." Nursed as he had been in the lap of tenderness, he was made of the hardy material which forms a patriot, and willing with his country to abide the issue of her struggle lor freedom.

In January 1775, he was appointed a member of the first committee of observation established at Annapolis, and in the same year was elected a delegate in the pro- vincial Convention. In February, 1776, his talents and his services in the general cause being well known, Congress conferred on him, though not a member, the distinguished honor of associating him with Doctor

nada to endeavour to induce the inhabitants to join in opposition to Great Britain. The nature and impor- tance of that commission, and the magnitude of its powers, sufficiently attest the extensive confidence re- posed in him.

From Canada he returned to the Convention, and there exerted himself with all his power, to obtain a withdrawal of the instructions by which the delegates of Maryland in Congress had been forbidden to concur in declaring the colonies free and independent States. They were withdrawn, and on the second of July, 1776, the delegates from Maryland were in possession of au- thority to vote for independence.

In July, 1776, he was elected a delegate to Congress,

184

SKETCHES OF THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF INDIANA COUNTY.

[SEPTEMBER

but before he left the Convention to take his seat in that body, he had the satisfaction of seeing the decla- ration of the Convention of Maryland published to the world, associating her fully with the other colonies in the great contest for independence.

But why should we further pursue this detail? His bighest eulogy is pronounced in saying he was a signer of the Declaration of Independence-his character and his services are best portrayed by the statement, that he was worthy to be associated with the body from whom that declaration issued. To that eminence, as we have seen, he fairly won his way by his talents and his patriotism-by a career of animated and perilous exertion, beginning with the first attempts upon the freedom of his country, and continued throughout with unabated zeal and perseverance. The reputation of wealth, and even his unusually protracted life, may have in some degree obscured his just fame. There may be those, who, looking carelessly into the history of the past, are induced to believe, that riches were his chief distinction, and the tranquil repose of his long serene evening, extending so far beyond the common length of life, characteristic of his former habits. Noth- ing can be more erroneous

In personal qualities and exertions, Charles Carroll of Carrollton was of the full stature of the eventful times in which he acted. In zeal and determination he was unsurpassed. He neither sought repose, nor shrunk from danger, nor clung to his possessions, nor listened to the seductive temptations to enjoy in indolence his individual advan- tages-but with the steady and uncompromising spirit which distinguishes the period, could sincerely join with the patriots, who declared, "We have counted the cost, and find nothing intolerable but slavery." He is entitled to a full portion of our gratitude.

As he was for many years the single representative on earth of the Congress of 1776, his grave seems to be the grave of the whole. It is finally closed, and we are assembled around it for the last time. What they have left to us, is now entirely ours-ours to enjoy, and ours, be it remembered, with the favour of Providence, to preserve. It becomes us seriously and earnestly to consider what this great inheritance is,, and with re- solute firmness to determine that what we can do, we will do, to preserve it. The path of duty is plain be- fore us-we have more than a single star to guide our footsteps-we have a brilliant constellation, set in the political firmament on the 4th of July, 1776, and all over resplendent with the light of Union. That is the light which embraces us all, and belongs to us all, and exhibits us to the world as the "One People" who de- clared themselves an independent nation. That it may be resolved into its elements, and these be hurled in mad confusion against each other, destroying and de- stroyed, until chaotic darkness be come again, is as true as that Heaven for our sins may withdraw from us protection and support, and leave us to our own blind weakness. But that man can do this, and not be an enemy of his country, is as difficult to conceive, as that he can do it and not undo the work of the Revolution -as that he can do it and not destroy our hopes, and bring upon us a train of dire affliction and calamity, of which even the child unborn is to taste the bitterness. If blood be shed again, except under the flag of the Union, it can never mingle with that blood, which con- secrated our land when men marched to battle with Washington to. lead them. It will not produce the fruits. Armed men will grow up out of this peaceful soil-not such men as put on armour to establish the union, the independence, and the freedom of their country, and laid it down when her liberties were se- cured-but men supplied with fury's arms, with the destroying rage, called military ambition, with the lust of dominion, and its dismal progeny, whose procession is closed with the despot and his bloody sword. Brother will be seen fighting against brother, and father against son, all wounding the bosom of their parent country,

and with every blow striking down her constitution, her laws, and her freedom.

Our part is clear. Union is our country, and we are on the side of our country, her constitution, her author- ities, and laws. Within the temple of Union are the graves of our ancestors. We will not consent that the glorious fabric shall be torn down-we cannot consent that the graves of our fathers shall be divided. No: Let us supplicate the continued protection of Heaven, with a devout and earnest spirit, and let our prayer be, that our descendants, to the remotest posterity, may be able, together to make their pilgrimage in peace, as we have this day done, to the tombs of the departed patriots, and find them still united, in one country, and in one Union, watched over, and guarded, and reverenced by ONE PEOPLE. God in His mercy forbid that more should be required of us. But if the extremity must come, the voice from those tombs will tell us, That UNION IS OUR COUNTRY.

We are happy to notice in the "Blairsville Record," a series of essays commenced, illustrative of the early settlement of Indiana county in this state. Our pages have already been indebted to the "Record," for the memoirs of Captain Brady, which were read with interest. The suggestion made to country papers to furnish sketches of the counties in which they are locat- ed, will we hope meet with more attention than our frequent calls upon them have been favored with upon the same subject. It has to us appeared extraordinary, that so little disposition is manifested, by gentlemen of leisure and intelligence in the interior, to devote a small portion of their time, to the collection of anec- dotes and facts relating to their early history, which every town and county of the state must furnish, and which can be so conveniently obtained in the new set- tlements especially, while many of the early settlers, or their immediate descendants are living. Every year that these investigations are delayed, increases the diffi- culty of obtaining the desired information, and dimi- nishes the probability of the correctness of the facts, when obtained. What is now a well established, histo- rical fact, and can be readily preserved as such, may in a few years become so interwoven with tradition, that the truth will not be easily separated from it. We will, as we have often before observed, be glad to transfer to our pages from the country papers, or re- ceive directly from the writers themselves, communica- tions throwing light upon the history of any portion of our state.

From the Blairsville Record. SKETCHES OF THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF INDIANA COUNTY.

No. 1.

An extensive field is open for the labor of the com-" piler of the adventures and privations of the first set- tlers in the west, of the European stock. New England has done something toward preserving, for the infor- mation of posterity, the incidents attending the early co- lonization of her swamps and forests, but Pennsylvania is comparatively at fault in this respect. King Philip, Capt. Church, and Anawon, figure through many a page of New England manuscript, and even have a place in the more permanent form of printed works; but the many moving incidents arising out of the pro- gressive advance of the "pale face" upon 'the red skin" of the west and south, are not presented to the world with equal fulness of detail.

185

SKETCHES OF INDIANA COUNTY.

1833.]

The Pilgrim Fathers of Plymouth are immortalized in story, as the founders of a new empire. While the English language endures their pious and successful ef- forts to plant the tree of civil and religious liberty be- yond the blighting influence of the institutions of dark and barbarous ages, will be lauded, and the time when first their frail bark

"The Mayflower lay on the sands of the bay,"

will be regarded as one of those special visitations of a benevolent Providence, of which our unworthiness alone prevents the more frequent recurrence. Well has their descendant Pierpont compared the moral beauty of their perilous experiment, for sublimity and rareness to,

"An angel's wing through the parting clouds, Just seen, and then withdrawn."

The country newspapers, it seems to me, might per- form a most useful and pleasing service, by collecting and preserving the most prominent events in the early settlement of their respective localities. Independent of the value of the historical knowledge thus embodied, a consequence of still more practical utility, would be found in the amelioration of party heat, and partizan cruelty, that now disfigure our electioneering contro- versies. By going back to the days of our simple, sin- cere, and honest ancestors, by accompanying them in their frugal cabins, or on the peaceful stream, or seclud- ed mountain, we would inhale a purer atmosphere and learn to contemplate the human character in its boldest and best forms. We should see religion without hy- pocrisy, and patriotism without dissimulation, hospita- lity without ostentation, and all the endearing relations of domestic life in their fullest play of feeling.

From the same source we should discover that many who now contend with acrimony, rival actors, it may be, in some petty political strife; are the sons of men who "fought shoulder to shoulder," against the savage in. vaders of their wilderness home. Of men who, could they burst their "cerements of clay," would behold the changed condition and feclings of their posterity, only to bewail it.

Whether these observations be correct or not, I shall give them the credit of my belief, and so far as in my power discharge the duty of a faithful, though it may be, incompetent Chronicler, of the early settlements of In- diana county.

The first attempt at making a settlement in the limits of Indiana county, is believed to have been made in the year 1769, in the forks of Conemaugh and Blacklick. The country had been explored in 1766-7, and the ex- plorers were particularly pleased with the spot on which the town of Indiana now stands. It was clear of timber or brush, and clothed in high grass; a sort of prairie. So was what is now called the marsh, near the town on the Blairsville road, though at this time, a nearly impervious thicket. When settlers had commenced improvements within a few miles of the town, they cut the grass off the prairie for the support of their cattle in winter. In making their hay they were greatly annoyed by rattle- snakes. Persons are yet living in the neighborhood, who have seen this natural meadow, with the hay cut and stacked upon it.

About the year 1771, or 1772, Fergus Moorhead and James Kelly commenced improvements near where the town of Indiana stands. Kelly's cabin stood within the limits that now inclose his son Meek Kelly's orchard. The country around might well be termed a howling wilderness, for it was full of wolves.

So soon as the cabins were finished, each of these ad- venturers betook himself at night to his own castle. One morning, Mr. Moorhead paid a visit to his neighbor Kelly, and was surprised to find near his cabin, traces of blood, and tufts of human hair. Kelly was not to be found. Moorhead, believing him to have been killed by the wolves, was cautiously looking about for his re- VOL. XII. 24

mains, when he discovered him sitting by a spring, wash- ing the blood from his hair.

He had lain down in his cabin at night and fallen asleep-a wolf reached through a crack between the logs, and seized him by the head This was repeated twice or thrice before he was sufficiently awakened to shift his position. The smallness of the crack and the size of his head prevented the wolf from grasping it so far as to have a secure hold, and that saved his life. Some time after this, the two adventurers returned to Franklin county, (then Cumberland, ) for their families.

On their return, they were joined by others. Joseph M'Cartney settled near them at an early period.

The privations of such a situation can, in some de- gree, be measured by the difficulty of obtaining bread stuffs, and other necessaries of life, of which the follow- ing is an example.

Moses Chambers was another early settler. Having served several years on board a British man of war, he was qualified for a life of danger and hardship.

Moses continued to work on his improvement till he was told one morning that the last Johnny cake was at the fire! What was to be done? There was no possi- bility of a supply short of Conagocheague. He caught his horse and made ready. He broke the Johnny cake in two pieces, and giving one-half to his wife, the part- ner of his perils and fortunes, he put up the other half in the lappet of his coat, with thorns and turned his horse's head to the east.

There were no inns on the road in those days-nor a habitation west of the mountains; save, perhaps, a hut or two at Fort Ligonier. The Kittanning path was used, to Ligonier, and from thence, the road made by Gene- ral Forbes's army. Where good pasture could be had for his horse, Moses tarried and baited. To him, day was as night, and night as the day. He slept only whilst his horse was feeding. Nor did he give rest to his body or ease to his mind, until he returned with his sack stored with corn.

How forcibly would the affecting story of the patri- arch Jacob, apply itself to the condition of families thus circumstanced.

"Jacob said to his sons, Why do ye look one upon another ?-- and he said behold I have heard that there is corn in Egypt; get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live and not die."

Moses Chambers was not the only one who had to encounter the fatigue and trouble of procuring supplies from Franklin county-all had to do so. Such was the condition of this country, and such the prospects of set- tlers after the peace of 1763.

MOHULBUCKTEETAM.

From the Philadelphia Gazette. PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

Thursday Evening, Sept. 12, 1833. SELECT COUNCIL.

The president presented a communication from the City Commissioners, representing that difficulties have arisen with the tenant of the wharf adjoining the north dock at the drawbridge, in relation to the occupation of that dock by vessels, and recommending the corpo- ration to extend a pier along the north line of the city property, into the said dock, thus obviating all difficul- ties, and securing to the city two landings. Referred to the committee on drawbridge lot.

The president presented a communication from the City Commissioners, enclosing a printed statement of their receipts and expenditures, for the second quarter of 1833, by which, it appears, that the amount of Mar- ket rents, from April Ist to June 30th, was $645 50; receipts for entries of Hackney coaches, &c. $328; per- mits for builing materials, $48; miscellaneous receipts, $229 66. Laid on the table.

The president presented a communication from the

ISG

GIRARD LANDS.

[SEPTEMBER

Board of Commissioners of the Northern Liberties, en- closing certain resolutions refusing to concur in the pro- position submitted as an agreement between the City, Kensington, and that District, for the supply of the Schuylkill water to the Kensington district, unless under certain provisions. Articles of agreement, to which the Board are willing to accede, were submitted. Laid on the table.

The president presented a communication, from Ben- amin Tilghman, Esq. in relation to certain patent re- flecting lamps, in Fourth, between Walnut and Spruce streets, which had been purchased by citizens, and placed under the control of the corporation. Laid on the table.

Mr. Groves presented a remonstrance against making Crown street a stand for stages, which was laid on the table.

Mr. M'Creedy presented a petition praying for the repaving of Front street, between Arch and Market. Referred to Paving Committee.

Mr. Groves from the committee, to whom was refer- red a memorial of citizens, praying for liberty to extend a rail road in Market street to Eighth, made a report favorable to the petitioners. A resolution wasattached authorising the construction of said rail road, under the direction of the Select and Common Councils, whenever petitioners shall give security for the amount necessary to cover expenses. Laid on the table.

Mr. Groves, from the committee appointed to examine and report on the situation of the Girard estate, pre- sented the following report:

The Committee having charge of the Girard estate out of the county of Philadelphia, beg leave to report.

That agreeably to a resolution of Councils, they have recently visited the lands in Schuylkill county, and have the satisfaction of stating that the improvements hereto- fore authorised to be made are now nearly completed. The agent, Mr. Boyd, who was employed by Mr. Gir- ard, and who has been continued by the committee, will remove from his present residence near Danville, into the mansion house at Girardville, during the pre- sent month. The tavern, commenced by Mr. Girard, has been finished-also a store, smith-shop, and stable, all of which were indispensable, and are now producing rent; these improvements, together with several acres of land, which have been cleared, have materially chang- ed the appearance of the place since the first visit of the committeee, and Girardville, which was then but a wilderness, begins now to assume the appearance of a thriving village, affording comforts to the workmen and accommodation to the traveller. The road contemplat- ed by Mr. Girard, and which connects the eastern with the western part of the estate, has been completed suf- ficiently to be travelled over with carriages. The grist and saw mills on the Catawissa creek, on the eastern section, which were much out of order, have been put in good repair, and will be rented-some of the farms, (of which there are six, ) in the eastern section, have been rented upon the terms prescribed by the commit- tee on a former visit, on improving leases.

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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 54

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