1829.)

REPORT OF CANAL COMMISSIONERS.

233

the abbatis, and advanced to the palisades, from which great; the lure appeared to take; three thousand British they were with difficulty withdrawn, although they had embarked at Phillips' and fell down opposite the landno means of forcing an entry: the contagion spread to ings, where the 6th and 7th regiments were posted, with the 2d, and by great efforts of the officers of both regi- orders to secrete themselves until the enemy bad debarko ments, they were at length restrained, not without the ed, and then to meet them in the gorge of the defiles, loss of some gallant officers wounded, and some brave and with the point of the bayonet to clispute the pass at men killed. Happy it was that the ground would not every expense of blood, until the arrival of the first and admit of a further advance of the 10th, and that the sit- second brigades, which would place the British boys be. tation of General Irvine's brigade prevented them from tween three such fires, aided by the bayonet, too much experiencing a loss proportionate to those immediately for human firmness to withstand; but these gentry pruat the point of action, as the same gallant spirit pervad. dently remained on board, which was a less hostile poed the whole, which would have been the means of frus- sition than that of the Jersey shore. I may now with trating our main object by incumbering us with wound. safety mention, that one object not the least, was to died. The artillery was immediately drawn off and for- vert their attention from the meditated attempt upon warded towards the wished-for point of action; the kill. Rhode Island, in a combined attack by land and water ed and wounded were all moved on, excepting three on the French fleet at that place. Six thousand men that lay dead under the stockades. During this period were actually embarked, who have been delayed by this Colonel Moylan's dragoons drove off the cattle and hors- manquvre for four days, a circumstance which will renes from Bergen, whilst a detachment of the infantry de- der their meditated aitack totally abortive. I always stroyed the sloeps and wood boats at the landing, in had the highest opinion of the Pennsylvania troops; if it which were taken a Captain with a few sailors; some oth were possible, on this occasion they would have increase ers were killed in attempting to escape by swimming. ed my admiration. Having thus affected part of our plan, we pushed for- Tell Mrs. Delany and Mrs. Peters, that of equal rank, ward io oppose the troops from Voluntine's hill, where no country or service can produce a more worthy officer we expected to land at the nearest point to New Bridge, than their brother, Lieutenant Colonel Robinson; if he which, if effected, we were determined either to drive has a fault, it is extreme excess of bravery. He com. back the enemy, or cut our way through them; but in manded the first regiment that day; his horse was woundthe doing of either we were disappointed. The enemy ed under him in two places, and his coat riddled by thought proper to remain in a less dangerous situation musket balls and buck shot;-he has deservedly be. than that of the Jersey shore. We therefore passed on come the idol of his soldiers. to New Bridge, and by easy degrees we have returned

Yours, most respectfully, to this place.

ANTHONY WAYNE. Enclosed are copies of the orders of the 20th, together Col. Thomas Robinson, whom Gen. Wayne mentions with a return of the killed and wounded, 64 in number, in the above letter, was a native of New Castle county, among whom are Lieutenants Crawford and Hammond state of Delaware. He entered the Pennsylvania line of the ist, and Lieutenant De Hart of the 2d; the latter when he was very young, and continued in it during the mortally wounded.

war, greatly esteemed buth in and out of the army. I cannot attempt to discriminate between officers, After the close of the war, he returned to his native regiments and corps, who with equal opportunity would state, and settled himself as an agriculturist on his patribave acted with equal bravery. Should my conduct and monial farm, where he exercised a most splendid hospithat of the troops under my comm:nd, meet your Ex. tality to all who entered his threshold. He was honorcellency's approbation, it will much alleviate the pain I ed by the state of Delaware with many important trusts, experience in not being able to carry the whole of our both civil and military; and at the time of his decease, plan into execution, which from appearance, could only which occurred a few years since, he was Vice-President have been prevented by the most malicious fortune.

of the Pennsylvania Society of Cincinnati. I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedt. It has been said that Gen. Wayne's expedition to Berservant,

gen Neck afforded a theme for the poetical pen of the

ANTHONY WAYNE. Adjutant General of the British army, the ill-fated, His Excellency,

though accomplished, Major John Andre. The verses General WASHINGTON.

were, and perhaps yet are exhibited in Peale's museum, General Wayne, in order to guard against any misrep- Philadelphia, and are pronounced to be autographical. resentation of the above expedition and its results, as

In this playful sally of the Major's muse, Gen. Wayne is well as to give a full exhibit of the motive which led to represented in the character of a tanner, driving offcat. it, their concealment being no longer necessary, thus tle for the sake of their hides, &c. addressed his friends, Colonels Delany and Johnston :

( To be continued) Totoway, 26th July, 1780. FIRST REPORT OF THE CANAL COMMISDear Colonel,-- You have undoubtedly heard of our

SIONERS. march to Bergen, but as ignorance, malice, or envy, aided by the tongue of slander, may attempt to misrepre.

During the progress of the "Register,” we have pubsent that affair, I shall just mention the object in view, lished all the reports of the Canal Commissioners which viz: to drive the stock out of Bergen Neck; to prevent have appeared in that period. Previously to commencthe enemy from receiving constant supplies from that ing this work there were several presented to the Lego quarter, and in case of siege to secure to our own use

islature, which in order to complefe the series, we have those cattle which they would carry into New York; one other was the destruction of the refugee post near Bull's concluded to publish. The following is the first report: Ferry, consisting of a block-house, surrounded by a First Report of the Canal Commisssioners. – Read in Se stockade and abbatis, with a ditch or parapet serving as

nate, January 5, 1826. a covered way, garrisoned by refugees, tories, and all

Canal Commissioners Office, the banditti, and robbers and horse thieves of that coun.

Philadelphia, December 30, 1825. try, with some pieces of artillery. But the grand ob- Sin.--I have the honor to enclose to your excellency, ject was to draw the arms which General Clinton bro't the first Report of the Canal Commissioners. from Charleston, made up of grenadiers, guards and With the highest respect, Sir, light infantry, into the defiles of the mountain in the vi- Your most obedient servant. cinity of Fort Lee, where we expected them to land, in

JOHN SERGEANT, President, order to succour the refugee post, or to endeavour to cut His excellency J. Andrew Shuize, off our retreat to New Bridge: the object to them was

Governor of Pennsylvania.
Vol. iy. 30

a

The Commissioners appointed by lois excellency the order that the legislature might have the fullest inforGovernor of Pennsylvania,under the authority of an act mation: that the several points might be compared as to of the Legislature, entitled, "An Act to appoint a board advantage and disadvantage, with each other, and that of Canal Commissioners,” have the honor, in compliance any or all of them might be compared with the Juniata with the requisition of the eightli section of the said Act, summit. to submit the following Report in part.

Mr. Wilson was employed to make the examination In consequence of one of the Commissioners first on the Sinnemahoning branch, Mr. Davies was employ, nained by the Governor, having declined the appointed on the Juniata summit, Mr. Mitchell on the head ment, and the time necessarily employed in supplying waters of the west branch of the Susquehanna, and sub. his place, the Board could not be organized until the sequently Me. Rawle on the head waters of Clearfield fourth of July, when John Sergeant was elected Presi. creek. 'They were severally instructed to make their dent, and Joseph M’llwaine appointed Secretary, how examinations with the utmost attainable accuracy, and to ever, the Commissioners who had accepted, sensible of note and communicate all such matters as appeared to the great importance of the duty assigned them: and de- be important. They were especially directed to be sirous that there might be no unnecessary delay in en- very careful in taking the levels and measuring the tering upon its execution, were occupied in making streams, so that the materials for exact calculation, on such provisional arrangements and obtaining such infor- these two essential points, might be furnished to the mation as might enable the Board when organized, to board. And to enable them to execute these instrucproceed without loss of time.

tions, they were supplied with excellent instruments, The objects enumerated in the act, it was very evident purchased by the commissioners, (with the exception of could not all be advantageously attended to in one ses- one belonging to the state) expressly for the work. sion. The board were therefore obliged to make a se- One of the commissioners accompanied Mr. Davies lection, and in doing so they deemed it their duty to in the greater part of this work, and another gave his follow the order pointed out by the act, as that which personal aiil, during a part of the season, to Mr. Wilson had been established by the wisdom of the Legislature, and to Mr. Mitchell. giving the priority to those routes which were first To be in the neighbourhood of the scene of these in. named in the act. Accordingly they made the earliest teresting operations, and to acquire some general knowlpracticable arrangements for examining the routes by edge of the country, the Board held a meeting at the the Susquehanna and the Juniata, to the Allegheny and town of Clearfield.-Two of the members departed, af. Pittsburg, and thence to Lake Eric.

ter the adjournment, in a direciion towards Lake Erie. For this purpose they engaged successively, the servi- One of them pursued the course by the town of Erie, ces of William Wilson, of Lycoming, John Davies, of and thence down the lake and along the New York caDauphin, John Mitchell, of Centre, and Francis w. nal; and the other, after visiting Meadville and ConRawle, of Clearfield, all of them citizens well qualified neauglit lake, passed down to Pittsburg, and thence to for performing the duties assigned them.

Philadelphia. It was the desire of the board to have obtained the Having made these arrangements, and continuing to aid of an experienced practical engineer, and they made make such inquiries as would enable them to fulfil the every exertion to do so, but it was found to be imprac. trusts committed to them, the Board were obliged to ticable: all who were known by their established repu. wait the result. The season has proved favorabletation, having been previously engaged for the season. The surveyors have not been much interrupted by bad

Subsequent experience and furiher information, have weather, and the streams have been unusually low, so induced the board to believe that for the work of the that the water they afforded at the time of examination past summer, the aid of an engineer of the description may be regarded as the minimum quantity.. mentioned, was by no means indispensible, nor even The work of the season, on the ground, is now comvery important, however valuable it may be in a future pleted. It includes the following particulars, to wit: stage of the business.

1. An examination of the several summits on the T'he instructions to the several persons employed as route by the west branch of the Susquehanna-a meabefore stated, were in conformity with a plan of ope- surement of distances and levels from the several suit • rations which appeared to the board best calculated to mits to a common point on the Susquehanna, and from 'effectuate the views of the legislature, and which they that common point to the mouth of the Junia'a. will now endeavour to explain. From the Allegheny 2. An examination of the Juniata summit,and measure. mountain at or near to Blair's gap, and in the neiglibor- ment and levels, thence by the Conemaugh, Kiskiminehood of the head waters of the Juniata and Conemaugh, las and Allegheny, to Pittsburg: to the head waters of the Sinnemahoning branch of ihe 3. A connection of these levels with each other, and Susquehanna, there is a ridge which may be considered with the point established by the late commissioners on generally, as the dividing summit in that direction be the Allegheny mountain, so as to give the comparative tween the eastern and western waters. This ridge pass. elevation of all these points. ing through an unsettled country, thickly covered with But the surveyors have not yet been able to make timber, and hitherto little explored or known, had nev- their Reports and furnish the necessary drafts. These, er (it is believed) undergone a careful examination on it is hoped, will soon be prepared, and the commissionboth sides of it. The streams which flow to the east ers will then have it in their power to make a full Re. and the west in a great measure determine the course port. They regret that this delay should occur, but as to be thence pursued, as it is believed that a navigable it has been unavoidable, they hope a sufficient excuse connexion must follow very nearly the vallies of these for it will be found in the circumstances already advertstreams, and they are understood to present no insupe. ed to. rable difficulty.. But which of these should be used, It will be seen from the preceeding statement, that where there were several, and how they should be used, ) the board have not thought it necessary to cause a sur. whether as feeders or otherwise, it was evident mustvey and measurement to be made, and levels to be taken depend upon the point at which the summit should be down the Juniata. Having been furnished with the passed, and the manner of passing it.

notes of the late commisioners, they are satisfied that The great problem to be solved then, as it appeared the results given their Report are sufficiently correct to the board, was, whether water could be carried over to render an examination at this time superfluous, and this summit in sufficient quantity to answer the pur their accuracy will be further tested by the connected poses of navigation, at what elevation, and at what point surveys which have been made under the authority of or points. It became necessary therefore to bave an ex. the Board. tensive and accurate examination of this ridge at the Neither have they as vet made any examinations be. several points which offered a probability of passage, in yond the Allegheny river. They are not unaware of

1829.)

RECORDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.

the importance of the connection with Lake Erie, nor unmindful of the interest felt in it by a large portion of their fellow citizens, whose wishes are entitled to regard. But besides being in a measure obliged to apply their force, during the past summer, chiefly to the summit between the Susquehanna and Allegheny, there were two considerations which seemed to them to render it less objectionable, if not quite expedient, to postpone the survey beyond the Allegheny. One of them was, that extensive examinations had already been made, and at the period spoken of, were still going on, under the direction of the government of the United States, of which, when completed, the agents of the state would have the full advantage. The other was, that the course of the improvement beyond the Allegheny might, in some degree, be determined by the route adopted on this side.

235

Answer of Assembly: Presents provided-request that the proprietary would grant additional. 1750-51-January 19. Letter from Gov. Clinton:"That he intended meeting the Six Nations and their allies in June next, at Albany. Suggesting an union of Councils on Indian affairs-requesting the Governor to meet him at Albany in person or send Commissioners." Letter from George Crogham, Logstown in Ohio, Dec. 16 He arrived there the 15th, was told by Indians they saw Jean Cœur 150 miles up the river, where he intends building a fort. The Indians he had seen were of opin ion the English should have a fort or forts on this river, to secure the trade. They expect a war with the French next spring. February 6. Letter from Gov. Clinton, Fort George, Jan, 29, 1750. "I send you a copy of an inscription on a leaden plate stolen from Jean Cœur in the Seneca's country as he was going to the Ohio."

In relation to this part of the proposed surveys and
examinations, one fact is stated, and generally believed
to be correct, which it may be material for the legisla
ture to know. It is, that a communication between the
Ohio& Lake Erie, within the limits of Pennsylvania, wheth-
er it be by the Beaver river or the Allegheny, must be
supplied on the summit level from the waters of French
creek, and those waters are not sufficient for the supply LA NOUVELLE FRANCE POVR RETABLIR LA
of more than one canal. It would seem, therefore, to
be a measure of prudence on the part of the common-
wealth, so to reserve its power over that stream, or over
any communication that may be formed by means of it,
as to secure a connection with the great line on this side
the Allegheny.

"Inscription on the leaden plate buried at Ohio.
LAN. 1769. DV REGNE DE LOVIS XV ROY DE
FRANCE NOVS CELERON COMMANDANT DVN
DETACHMENT ENVOIE PAR MONSIEUR LE M'Is
DE LA GALISSONIERE COMMANDANT GENERAL DE

It will also be perceived, from the preceding statement, that the board have not caused surveys and measurements to be made and levels to be taken, down the several streams that flow from the dividing ridge into the Allegheny. The general elevation will be known from the connected levels, and the levels down the Conemaugh, Kiskeminetas and Allegheny, and an estimate can be made of the distances. Until the point shall be fixed at which the dividing ridge shall be passed, it is obviously impossible to say, which of these streams will be used; and to measure, examine and level them all, seemed to be putting the state to useless expense.

With the data which the board will furnish in their next report, they hope to afford the means of forming an accurate opinion upon the comparative merits of the two great lines of communication by the Juniata and west branch of the Susquehanna, as well as of the comparative advantages of the several points of passing the summit by the last mentioned route.

And the board, again expressing their regret at the unavoidable delay, respectfully ask to be permitted to make a further and full report, as soon as the necessary materia's shall be provided.

All which is respectfully submitted.
By order of the Board,

JOHN SERGEANT, President.
Attest-JOSEPH M'ILVAINE, Sec'y.

RECORDS OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Abstract of the state records at Harrisburg, made by Thomas Sergeant, Esq. when Secretary of the Commonwealth, and by him presented to the Historical Committee of the American Philosophical Society, Nov. 3,

1819.-1748 to 1758.

Continued from page 221. 1750-October 16. Message from Gov. Clinton to the Assembly: "Sorry to acquaint them that the French are determined at all events to bring off the Indians from our alliance. In consequence of this resolution they have been using all possible artifices to corrupt the Six Nations at Onondago, and have also lately sent a very large and valuable present to be distributed among the Six Nations at Ohio, and provided magazines of provisions and warlike stores at Detroit to be in readiness against the Spring."

TRANQUILLITE DANS QVELQVES VILLAGES SAUVAGES
DE CES CANTONS AVONS ENTERRE CE PLAQUE

AU CONFLVENT DE L'OHYO ET DE TCPADAKOJNCE29 JUILLET

PRES DE LA RIVIERE OYO AUTREMENT BELLE
RIVIERE POUR MONUMENT DE RENOUVELLEMENT DE
POSSESSION QUE NOUS AVONS PRIS DE LA DITTE
RIVIERE OYO ET DE TOVTES CELLES QUI Y
TOMBENT ET DE TOVTES LES TERRES DES DEUX
COTES JUSQUE AVX SOVRCES DES DITTES RIVIERES

AINSI QVE'N ONT JOVY OV DV JOVIR LES

PRECEDENTS ROIS DE FRANCE ET QUILS SY

SONT MAINTENUS PAR LES ARMES ET PAR LES
TRATTIES SPECIALMENT PAR CEVX DE RISWICK
D' VTRECHT ET D'AIX-LA-CHAPELLE.

February 9. Letter from Proprietaries suggesting the building a stone house with small bastions, and a small force to protect our traders on the Ohio.

May 7. George Croghan and Mr. Andrew Montour sent out with presents to the Indians on the Ohio, and speeches.

August 12. Letter from Jonquiere to Gov. Hamilton. From Skenango, June 6, 1751. "Sir Monsr. the Marquis de la Jonquiere, Governor of the whole of New France, having honored me with his orders to watch' that the English should make no treaty in the continent of the Belle Riviere, I have directed the traders of the Governor to withdraw. You are not ignorant, sir, that, all the lands of this continent have always belonged to the King of France, and that the English have no right to come there to trade. My General has ordered me to apprise you of what I have done, in order that you may not pretend ignorance of the reasons of it; and he has given me this order, with so much the more reason, since it is now two years since Monsr. Celeron by order of M. Gallissoniere, then Commandant General, warned many English traders who were treating with the savages of Belle Riviere, against what they were doing, and they promised him not to return again to treat on their lands, as M. de Celeron wrote to you, lest any thing might happen.

August 21. Message from Gov. to Assembly: "GENT. Agreeably to your request in your message of October last, I acquainted the Hon. Proprietaries with your expectation that they would bear a part of the charges arising upon treaties and other negociations with the Indians. In answer to which they have been pleased to direct me to acquaint the assembly that they do not conceive themselves under any obligation to contribute to Indian or any other public expenses, even though taxes were laid on the people for the charges of Government: but as there is not one shilllng levied on the people for that service, there is the less reason for asking it

from them. Notwithstanding this, they have charged they had voted large presents to the Indians amounting themselves with paying to the Interpreter much more to £800. than could be due to bim on any treaties for land, and Aug. 7. 30 odd French canoes, part of an army of are, at this time at the expense of maintaining his son 6,000 French and 500 Indians, destined for the Ohio, with a tutor in the Indian country, to learn their lan- commanded by Mr. Morin, passed Oswego. Their obguages and customs for the service of the province, as ject they stated to be “to settle the limits between us well as of sundry other charges on Indian affairs. That and them at Ohio; that they claim all the lands descend. they have been at considerable expenses for the service ing or terminating in the great Lake. In case of oppoof the province both in England and here. All which sition they will support it by force of arms-and to cause being considered, and that they purchase the land from all English traders to leave those parts. That they have the Indians, and pay them for it, and that they are un. power to build forts," &c. at which the five nations der no greater obligation to contribute to the public seemed exasperated, and determined on resistance. charges than any other chief Gov'r of any of the other The half king sent a message from Logstown, June Colonies. They would have been well pleased to have 22, 1753—that he and his brethren together with the been freed from the necessity of giving a disagreeable six nations, the Twightwees, Shawanese and Delawares, answer to any application upon the subject.

were coming down to pay the Governor a visit, but August 21. Assembly disapproves of the proprieta. were prevented by information arriving that there were ry's suggestion of building a strong-house stating that 300 French and 10 Connewaugeroons within two days upright and friendly dealings have answered best. journey of that place, requesting a number of the GovAugust 24.

Account from Gov. Clinton that 1200 ernor's people to meet them at the forks of the AllegheFrench had passed Oswego to cut off some western In- ny, and see the reason of their coming. They did not dians in alliance with the English; also the French want the French to come among them, but wanted the were building a three masted vessel on Lake Erie, at English whose friends they were.” Other accounts staCataraugas.

ted that the six nations were averse to see the English October 3. Letter from Gov. Clinton, Fort George, and French coming, and only wanted a few traders and in N. York, to Gov'r General of Canada, June 12, 1751: to be at peace. Others that they were divided and remonstrating against building a fortified house on the could not resist the French without English assistance of Niagara, and desiring six Englishmen prisoners to be fighting men. set at liberty; demanding reparation for violence com- Sept. 5, 1753. Message of Assembly to Governor.mitted on territory of the five nations subject to his The assembly had passed a bill for striking £2000. The Britannic majesty.

Governor added a clause that it should have no effect Answer. Montreal, 10th Aug. - Denying that the till it should receive the Royal approbation.” This the five nations were subjects of his Brittannic majesty.-- house objected to. They called themselves his brothers and were indepen- Septem. 22. Richard Peters, Isaac Norris and Bendent. If they belonged to any crown they were natu- jamin Franklin, Esquires, commissioned to meet and rally belonging to the King of France. The French treat with the chiefs of the Ohio Indians at Carlisle. were the first whites that appeared on their territory; Nov. 14. They Report. Arrived at Carlisle 26th the first to form treaties, and were called their fathers. Sept. Found the Indians there--they were the most They had had uninterrupted possession. But they were considerable of the 6 nations-Delawares, Shawanese, independent. The English should not complain, as with deputies from the Twightwees & Owandots. They they did not. The five English captured were mere had in vain forbid-the French to come up from on their runners in the wood, people not acknowledged. He re- lands. They were ready to strike the French. A large fers for the reason of the capture to the letters of Cele- present of goods was given them. While in Council, an ron and himself.

account was brought the Indians, from Ohio, that a large Aug. 30, 1752. Two Frenchmen and 240 Indians army of French who had entered the country in the came to the town of the Twightwees in Allegheny(in am. spring and had built a fort near the heads of the Ohio, ity with the governor,on the 21st June, and attacked the were now actualy coming down that river to a Virginia people there residing. One white man and 14 Indians settlement situate in the fork of Monongabela with inkilled, and 5 white men taken prisoners in the skirmish. tent to build a fort there. Ala med at this news the InThe party attacking reported that they had a commis- dians made immediate preparations to return. sion from the Governor of Canada to kill all such Indi- Nov. 15. A man of war arrived in Virginia with let. ans as are in amity with the English, and to take the ters from Right Honorable Earl of Holderness, Secretapersons and effects of English traders. The Piankashaw ry of State, to all the Governors of North America. The king, taken, killed, and eaten, say the Twightwees in their one to Gov. Hamilton,dated Whitehall, 25th of Aug. 1758: message to the Governor.

“Sir-Ilis majesty having received information of the May 21, 1753. Accounts that a large armament of march of a considerable number of Indians not in alliFrench and Indians had passed by Oswego, destined as ance with the King, supported by some regular Eurosupposed for Ohio, in order to take possession of that pean troops, intending, as it is apprehended, to commit country, and build forts on that river, on which messen- some bostilities in parts of his majesty's dominions in gers had been sent by Potowmac and Juniata to Ohio, North America, I have the King's command to send you to give the Indians notice. The messenger reported on this intelliger.ce and to direct you to use your utmost his return, that he found the Indians nut a little intimida- diligence to learn how far the same may be well groundted at the large armament of French and French Indi- ed, and to put you upon your guard that you may be at ans that had gone towards Ohio. Especially as the Gov- all events in a condition to resist any hostile attempt crnor of Canada had sent a message to them that the that may be made upon any parts of his majesty's doKing of France, their master, had raised a number of minions within your government; and to direct you in soldiers to chastise the Twight wees and drive away all the King's name, that in case the subjects of any foreign the English traders from Ohio, and take their own prince or state should presume to make any encroachlands." That there was a strong party for the French, ment on the limits of his majesty's dominion or to erect among the Indians, particularly the Senecas. Message forts on his majesty's lands, or commit any other act of to Assembly-recommending that means should be used- hostility, you are immediately to represent the injustice to assist and protect the Indians and the Ohio country of such proceeding, and to require them forth with to against the French.

desist from any such unlawful undertaking, But if, May 30. Accounts that 150 french and Indians had notwithstanding your requisition, they should still per. arrived at a carrying-place leading from Niagara to the sist, you are then to draw forth the armed force of the heads of the Ohio.

province, and to use your best endeavours to repel force dlay 31. Assembly's message to the Governor, tha by force. But as it is his majesty's determination not

to be the aggressor. I have the King's command most strictly to enjoin you not to make use of the armed force under your direction, excepting within the undoubted limits of his majesty's dominions. And whereas it may be greatly conducive to his majesty's service, that all his provinces in America should be aiding and assisting each other in case of invasion. I have it particularly in charge from his majesty to acquaint you, that it is his royal will and pleasure, that you should keep up an exact correspondence with all his majesty's Governors on the Continent, and in case you shall be informed by any of them of any hostile attempts, you are immediately to summons the General Assembly within your government, and lay before them the necessity of mutual assistance and engage them to grant such supplies as the exigency of affairs may require. I have wrote by this conveyance to all his majesty's Governors to the same purpose."

BETHLEHEM.

The morning following our arrival in Bethlehem, we had the pleasure of an introduction to several of its inIrabitants, among whom was Mr. Jedediah Weiss, a gentleman whom strangers will invariably find polite and attentive when requested to act as a cicerone in their rambles through this interesting little village. Under his guidance we visited the Grave Yard, Church, Corpse Houses, &c. &c. The Burying Ground, notwithstanding it is an object which many endeavour studiously to avoid, is worthy the attention of strangers. Truethere are no highly sculptured monuments reared over the cold clay of the departed, bearing lengthened panegyrics upon the saintly characters of those who have fallen victims to the ruthless hand of time; but, in accordance with the humble and dignified principles of the Moravian creed, every thing is plain and unadorned.— The block of 'cold pale marble,' on the turf which covers the remains of their brother or sister, bears the plain inscription of the name, place of birth and death-simply telling that they lived and died. This is one of the regulations of the society,-nothing more is allowedand we love this manner of displaying the respect entertained for our deceased friends. We prefer it to all the 'pomp and circumstance of wo,' the splendid cemetry, or the studied eulogium; a stone, rude as it may be, is sufficient to tell where we lie, and it matters little to him on whose pulseless bosom it reposes. The ground is divided into various departments; males, females, adults, children and strangers, have their different places of burial assigned them. Even here, as in every other object recognized within the jurisdiction of the society, all things are conducted with a due regard to system.

We next visited the "Corpse House; " where, on the decease of any member of the society, their remains are deposited for the space of three days; typical, we presume, of the death and burial of our Saviour. The weeping willows, whose drooping branches overhang this resting place of the dead, conveyed to the mind an impression not frequently felt, of the solemnity and silence which reigns in the narrow house prepared for all mankind. It stands detached from all other buildings-2 excluded from all communication with the stir and bustle of business, and appears in character with the purpose to which it is devoted. There is a feeling created by the influence of such circumstances-trifling as they may appear to some-melancholy, yet pleasing, thus to perceive all things in unison with the object to which they are dedicated.

237

their departed brother or sister; and the melancholy notes as they fall on the ear in a calm morning are peculiarly solemn and impressive. The Church on the outside is plain, and the interior presents a perfect resemblance to the exterior. Every thing is simple and un ornamented, and those who designed and executed the work seem to have adopted the motto of nature's, greatest poet. The organ is one of the best in the country, and the vocal and instrumental music of the Bethlehem choir we presume is but rarely exceeded in any of our churches. In truth, we are doubtful whether our large cities can produce better music than our Bethlehem friends, and strangers who have had the gratification of hearing the band, will concur with us in opinion. In the afternoon we attended the church and were much gratified at perceiving the complete order which prevailed. The scholars from the Seminary entered with their instructresses, hand in hand, and the smaller children entering in the same manner, with the services, and the devotions of those present, all combined was calculated to leave a highly favourable impression of their manners and customs, laws and institutions upon the mind of a stranger.

The Society take charge of their own poor, of which, however, there are very few; another argument in favour of their regulations. Industry, sobriety, order and contentment seemed to have fixed their dwelling here, and we can truly say that we have never visited a place where we experienced more pleasure than fell to our lot during the short stay we made in Bethlehem.

The town is supplied with water from the Monockosy creek. The works are said to be the oldest in the state, having been in operation more than eighty years, and we were informed that the Water works, at Fairmount, Philadelphia, were constructed on the principles adopted at Bethlehem. We were shown the house where General La Fayette lay during his recovery from the wound he received at the battle of Brandywine, and were told that the woman who acted as a nurse had an interview with the Old General, when he visited this country the last time, and that she was now living in the 'Sister House.' There are many things about this village calculated to interest and gratify, but much against our inclination we were compelled to forego the pleasure of visiting them.-Lehigh Pioneer.

COAL & WOOD.

A writer in "Poulson's American Daily Advertiser" makes the following comparison.

Sept.

cords of hickory wood, at
Hauling, at
Two sawings,
Piling, at
Cordage, at

$5 25 is $31 50

50 is

3 00

80 is

183 is
6 is

4 80 1121

36