^/ ^.. v^N^' ■., '-^..v^' ^% />>.f%.% -.^ ,^ fc-««L' ^*-'A ■ .Ji * 4./ /^x^^^^ Miscellaneous Americana. A COLLECTION HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY AND GENEALOGY. PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM F. BOOGHER, Washington, D. C. Press of Dando Printing and Publishing Co. Philadelphia, Pa. 1883— 1889— 1895. Entered AccounisG to Act of Congress in the Year 1889, Bv Wm. F, Boogher, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. CONTENTS. PAGE. Epitome of Penn Wills, etc. By James Coleman, Esq. (Two Illustra- ^ The'^S Baptist' Churd; of Philadelphia." List' of Constituents and ^ other Members. By Horatio Gates Jones _ ; . Tra°scr!;tfromtheFamilyRecordoftheViningsofDelaware. W.th ^^ Annotations by Mrs. Ann Ridgely du Pont . • ■ ■ • • • _ _ • • Mrs. John Jay to Mrs. Robert Morris. With Introduct:on and Notes ^^ by Charles Henry Hart ^ Epigram ■,^ 4S Robert Morris, of O.'.ford.Md. (Illustrated) ^3 Hon. Henry Moore Ridgely, of Delaware ...•■: Indenture of Appenticeship of William Kinnersley.. 55 Historical Papers. With Annotations Colonel Thomas White. By Thomas H. Montgomery .._^.- -^ Opening of the States General, 1789. Communicated by Charles Henry ^^ Hart .80 SSSl^^JohnIIowa;dPayn. ' By F;anc;s Harold Duffle ^^ 93 Colon rciement^Biddle. Communicated by Walter Livmgston Cochrane Biddle, with Notes. (With three Illustrations . o William Strahan to David Hall. With Introduction and Notes -^ _ "7 Materials for American Ante-Revolutionary History. Compiled by ^^^ Henry Phillips, Jr • Lord Erskine to Robert Walsh. With Note ^J^ ?SS:l?of'theUnitedStatesofAmeri;a: By Henry'phinips; Jr. . :45 Rev. James Abercombie, D. D. With Notes ^=^ TteW...l.Socfc.yorPhil.ddpUi.. lJ,Hor.t,oG..»J.«.. ■ y ■ ^J" Charter Members • • „, Transcript from the Bible of Timothy Matlack ^/^ Dr. William Shippen. By Charles H. Hart ! ... 177 The Parish in Virginia j^g Sl^rS^^f^^H^mersley to' His Excellen^' Horatio "shS- Enquire, Governor of theProvinceofMaryland,Relat,ve to ^^^ the Colonies 210 Tames Greenleaf to Sylvanus Bourne, Esq. . • ; ■ ". Warrant for the Arrest of Robert Morris, First Financier ^^i Pay Roll of American Prisoners at Chatham, 1814 210-220 Pay Roll of American Prisoners at Dartmoor • • ^^^^ Letters from General U. S. Grant . . 223 Letter from Hon. John F. Long 1 '!! 224 to 227 Index to Annotations (only) (iv) Respectfully Dedicated TO THE Historical Department ok The American University, Washington, D. C. (iii) PORTRAITS. •I Penn Tombs Frontispiece. /Mrs. John Jay 26 y Robert Morris 45 / Hon. Henry M. Ridgely 53 ./ John Howard Payne 93 / Hon. David Erskin I34 y Hon. Thomas Erskin I35 y Lady Frances Erskin 138 y Timothy Matlack I73 ARMS AND CRESTS. ■^Ridgely 53 i Cadwalader 70 i Biddle 70 i Williams 70 I White 70 /Erskin 13S y Abercrombie 15°/^ (v) PREFACE. /3 The publisher's first intention was to issue these fragments of history in monthly parts ; but, on account of professional engagements and a consequent lack of time, he has concluded to combine the whole in one volume under the comprehensive title of Miscellaneous Americana. His only apology for the publication is his earnest desire to rescue from oblivion historical matter which he deems of great value, and to preserve it in con- venient shape for the use and benefit of future historians. Special acknowledgments are due to Mr. Charles Henry Hart, Mr. Horatio Gates Jones and Mr. Henry Phillips, for kind assistance ; and also to Mr. James Coleman, of London, Eng- land, from whose collection I selected much valuable material, including many of William Penn's private papers. Wm. F. Boogher, Washington, D. C. July ^th, i8()5. (vii) lONNE AND TWO DAVGHTEK'; Sdtt D^1:D 'TT!E -t«^'"DAv OF ]So\xnbi:k Anno Dniioj^' Hel «l./#rf />«■ r riW fcr W~ >'«iW»«- Anrirnt (Jninbd in ]^fnn (Chnrrh BnrbUXlFnfilanD. BY WHOME HEE HAD ISSVE FIVE bONNES AND nVE DAVOHTEliS I?EE Di:iitfTEr?THIS LIFJE. THi. SfcCQND 05, IVLYT^i'.Pia i 6,4: it., Cofitm^kiKtl See. 27 laaz fy W^FBooah^,- HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY AND GENEALOGY. EPITOME OF PENN WILLS,* ETC. All which have been Proved, and are Deposited in THE Probate Court of the Archbishop of Canter- bury, Doctors' Commons, London, from 1450 to 1700. OHN PENNE, Citizen and Mer- cer of London, to be buried in St. Albans de Wode strata, Lon- don. He mentions Alice his Wife, his Sons Ralph, John, and Thomas Penna, his Daughters Alice, Mary, and Margaret, Witnessed by his wife's father, Thomas Ffereby, Executors, John Lok and Wilton Grand. Proved 7 Sep., 1450. Richard Pen, Citizen and Taillor of London, to be buried in the Chapel of St. Ann in the Church of St. Bride, Flete Street. Mentions his Brothers John and Richard Pen, his Sister Lewce, and his Nephew, Thomas Everton. He gives to his brother John the gown that was his wife's. Proved 2 Ap., 1504. * Compiled by James Coleman, Esq., London. 2 EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. Thomas Penne, of Stone Stratforde, Co. Bucks, Tan- ner, to be buried in the Parish Church of St. Giles, Lincoln. Mentions his Sons Roger, Thomas and John, and Daughter Margaret. Proved by John, the Executor, 13 Feby., 1559. John Penne, Esq., to be buried in the Church of Co- dynte. Gives to each of his Daughters, Ellen, Elizabeth, and Dorothy, £^0 when married. He mentions his Son, Robert; makes his Wife Lucy, Executrix. Proved 6 May, 1559, by his Relict; another Grant to Gyles Penne, 10 Oct., 1560. Anthony Penne, of London, Esq. Mentions his Wife Julyan, Brother William, Sister Cisley; he also mentions Michael, Clement, and Baptist Hickes. Proved by his Relict, 17 July, 1572. Gilhert Pen, of Fforburie parish, of Bromsgrove. Mentions his Mother, his wife Johanna, and his Son-in- Law William Chaunce. Proved 2 June, 1773, by Johanna, his Relict. John Pen, of Fisked, Co. Somerset, Yoeman, to be buried in the Cathedral Church of Wells. Mentions his Sons, John, Henry, and Edward, his Daughters Agnes, Mary and Alice, his Daughter-in-Law Jesse Taylor, and his Sister Ellner Strowde. Proved by Agnes, his Relict, 14 May, 1575. Edward Pen, of Fyfed. Mentions his Sisters Agnes, Mary, and Ales Pen, Ales Chamber, and Joane Comb. Proved by his Brother John, 18 Deer., 1579. Henry Pen, of Fyfehed to be buried in the Cathe- dral of Wells. Mentions his Sisters Agness, Mary, and Ales Pen, his Brothers John and Edward Pen. Commit- ted to his Brother John, his Brother Edward being then dead. Proved 18 Deer., 1579. EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. 3 Richard Penne, Citizen and Bucher of London. Men- tions his Son William, and his wife Margarett, his wives Brothers, Sons, and Daughters, Adam, William, Alice, Barbra and Margarett. Proved March 26, 1584, by Margarett, his Relict Anthony Penne, of Pedmore, Co. Worcester, Gent. Mentions his Mother Elizabeth, his Brother Humphry, his four children, Roger, Henry, Ursula, and Martha, his sister Ann Combye, the children of his Sister Ann Combye, William Jone, Kathrine, Philip ; his sister Joice Taylor, and her children, Anthony, Agnes, Mary, Mar- garet and Elizabeth Taylor, his Sister Mary Pearman, wife of Hugh Pearman and her children, Anthony, John, Nicholas, Jane, and Anne Pearman, his Brother Francis Penne, and his children Edmund and Elizabeth ; his brother Gilbert P( nne, his Son-in-Law, John Cartwright, Brother-in-Law John Harle, his wife Elizabeth. Execu- tors, his Brothers John and Francis, Brother Humphry, Overseer. Proved 12 Nov., 1586, by John and Francis. Anthony Penne, Citizen and Mercer of London, to be buried in St. Mary Magdalen, Milk Street. Mentions his Mother Mrs. Julian Penne. Mentions his Brothers (in Law) Clement Hickes, Michael Hickes, his sister Elizabeth wife of my Brother Baptist Hickes. Proved the last of August, 1591. Gilbert Penn, of the Fenn Parish of Belbroughton, Sythsmith. Mentions his Sons William, John and Os- wald Penn, his wife Margarett, and Daug. Elizabeth, his Brother William, and Brother-in-Law John Wakeman, of Bewdley Proved 18 Deer., 1591, by his Relict. John Penn, of Penn, Co. Bucks, Esq., has a son Wil- liam Penn, a son John, son Griffyth, son Edward, and a son Francis. Brother Thomas, Brother Edward, and a Nephew Edward Penn. Daughter Martha, and a sister, 4 EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. wife of John Eden. Mentions Mr. John Walliston, and his Friend Nowell Sotheston. Proved 6 Oct., 1596. William Penn, of Kings Sutton, County of North- ampton, has Sons, Thomas, Michael, WiUiam, and John Penn, a Daughter Margarett, and his Wife (is encient). Brother Richard, Sisters Dorothy, Johan Penn, his Mother Christian, and Agnes Caddie, his Mother-in-Law. Proved by Margt. his reHct, 1 8 Oct., 1 596. John Penne, of Great Sherston, Co. Wilts. Mentions his Sons John, Robert, Thomas, and William; and Daughter Joane Penne. Proved by John and Joane, 20 June, 1599. Edward Penn, of Middleton, Co. Northampton, Yeo- man, has a Brother Thomas, of Banbury, and Sons, John, Thomas, Edward, William, and Mathew; and Daughters, Margarett and Elizabeth. Proved 9 Oct., 1610, by his Brother, John Penn. Robert Penn, of Westerleigh, County of Gloucester. Mentions a Daughter Eleanor, a Son Robert, to whom he gives the living of Sherston, Co. Wilts, a Daughter Agnes, and a Wife Ann. Proved 21 Jany. 1611. Francis Penne, of Bobbington, Co. Stafford, Gent., to be buried at Bobbington. Mentions his Daughters, Mary, Anne, Margarett, and Magdalen, and Sister-in- Law, Margarett Gray, Son Edward, and Wife Constance, Brother-in-law John Brodock, and John Duke, Gentle- men, to be Overseers. Proved 31 December, 161 3. Oswald Penn, of Belbroughton, Co. Worcester, Yeo- man. Mentions his only child William Pen, and Sisters Ann and Dorothy. Proved 4 May, 161 6; another Grant in 1629, to Ann the Widow of William Pen. EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. 5 William Penn, of King's Sutton, has Brothers Henry, William, Richard, Thomas, and Michael, and Sisters Margery, Margaret, and Elizabeth. Proved 13 Oct., 161 7. Thomas Penne, of Stony Stratford, Co. Bucks, Gent. Mentions his Sons Micheal, Thomas, and William, Daughter Catherine, Grandson Thomas Franklin, Grand Grace Michell, Thos. Son of my Brother Edward, and Wife Grace. Proved 10 October, 161 8. Thomas Penne, of Ryd, County of Sussex, Yeoman, to be buried at Ryd. Mentions his Brother William and Sister Margarett Harvey, Thomas Son of his Brother William, and his own Son Thomas. Proved 28 June, 1628. John Penn, of Arundell, Co. Sussex. Mentions his Wife Ursula, his Brother Jacob, a Sister, the Wife of Wm. Cornelison. and Sister Elizabeth Sansum. Proved 8 Oct., 1637. Ursula the widow died and her Will was proved in 1637. William Penn. Mentions his Good Friend and Mistress the Right Honourable Margarett Lady Wotton, and makes her Sole Extrix., his Brother-in-law Richard Keeling, his Godson William Allen, and Godson Michael Page. Proved 25 May, 1637. Richard Penn, of Peterfield, Co. Southampton, Yeo- man. Mentions his Sons Laurance and John Penn, and Daugr. Magdalen. Proved 1639. John Penn,* of Penn, Co. Bucks, to be buried in the Church of Penn. Mentions his wife Sarah, Sons William and John, Cozen Sibel and Uncle Francis. Proved by his Relict, 21 Oct., 1641. *See illustration. 6 EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. George Penn, of Westerham in Kent, Yeoman. Mentions Catherine, Benjamin, and John Bonwicke. Proved 24 April, 1646. William Penn, of Rawdon, Co. Wilts, Gentleman. Gives all his Estate and Effects to William, Son of Thomas Gale, of Chippenham, and makes him sole Ex. Proved 1 1 Deer., 1 648. Robert Penn, of Radway, Co. Warwick, Yeoman. Mentions his Sons William, Richard, Zachary, and John ; and Daughters Mary, Anne; Grandson Robert Penn, and Granddaughter Elizabeth, and Brother Giles, and Wife Elizabeth. Proved 25 May, 1650. William Penn, of Drayton, Co. Worcester. Mentions his Sons William and John, his Daughter Ann and Mary, and Wife Margarett. Proved by his Relict, 26 September, 1654. Edmund Penn, of Littleton Packington, Co. Warwick, Gentleman. Mentions his Sons Thomas, Francis, and Humphry Penn, and Daughter Constance, and Grandson Edward Wilson, and his Wife Elizabeth. Proved 1654. Thomas Penn, of Co. Hertford, Gentleman, to be buried in his own Chapel. Mentions his Wife Alice, his Sons John, Francis, William, Simon, Jonathan, and Robert Penn, and Daughters, Ellen and Alice, and Grandson Thomas Kirke. Proved 29 Jany., 1655. Simon Penn, of Clements Lane, London, Surgeon. Mentions his Mother Alice, and Sister Eleaner and Brother Francis. Proved 1655. Gilbert Penn, of Cakborow, Co. Worcester, Yeoman, aged 80 years. Mentions his Nephews, Sons of his Brother John, viz., John, William and Gilbert, and Mar- garett, Elizabeth, and Mary, their Sisters. Proved 15 May, 1656. EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. 7 Sir William Penn, of London. William Penn, of Petworth in Surrey. Gives all his Estate to Emma Markin, of Petworth, and make her sole Executrix. Proved 30 Sepr., 169 1. Oliver Penn, of Stony Stratford, Co. Bucks. Men- tions his Brother William, of London, Inholder, his Son Oliver, his Grandchildren Catherine, Olive, Mary, John and Elizabeth Busby, his Daughter Mary Busby, his Wife Anne, and his Kinswoman Sarah, the wife of Henry Honour. Proved 25 July, 1692. William Penn, of Penn Place, Co. Bucks, Esq. Men- tions his Father William, his Sisters Martha, Elizabeth, and Henrietta Penn; makes Sir Nathaniel Curson his Executor. Proved 15 June, 1696. Oswald Penn, of His Majesty's Ship Shrewsbury. Mentions his Wife Mary, of Christ Church, Surrey. Proved by his Relict, 8 Apl., 1697. Giles Penn, of St. Mary's Whitechapel. Gives all his Estate to Susan Butler. Proved 26 March, 1698. Sarah Penn, of Penn, Co. Bucks, widow. Mentions her Son Roger and three Daughters, Martha-Elizabeth, Catherine, and Henrietta. Proved 16 Jany., 1699. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA: LIST OK CONSTITUENTS AND OTHER EARLY MEMBERS. By Horatio Gates Jones. THERE are few Baptist churches in America around which cluster so many interesting associations as the First Church of Philadelphia. Until May 15th, 1746, it and the Pennepek, or Lower Dublin Church, were one. But as early as 1 686 the celebrated John Holme arrived in Pennsylvania and "settled in the neighborhood," as Morgan Edwards says. In 1 696 John Farmer and wife arrived, and in 1697 Joseph Todd and Rebecca Woosen- croft " came to the same neighborhood." In 1 698 Rev. John Watts baptized William Silverstone, William Elton and wife, and Mary Shepherd. These nine persons, on the second Sunday of December, 1 698, assembled at a house on Barbadoe's Lot (north-west corner of Chestnut and Second streets), and, as Mr. Edwards says, "did coal- esce into a church for the communion of saints, having Rev. John Watts to their assistance." Until May 1 746, the pastor of Pennepek also acted as pastor of Philadel- phia, but in that year it was deemed best, for prudential reasons, to separate from the mother church of Pennepek and become a distinct organization. At this time, Rev. Jenkin Jones was pastor of the joint churches, and he chose to cast his lot with that of Philadelphia, where it appears he was then living. He was a native of Llandy- doch, Pembrokeshire, Wales, came to America in 17 10, (S) THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. g Avas called to the ministry at Welsh Tract, Delaware, in 1724, and in 1725 became the pastor of Pennepek and Philadelphia churches. He died July i6th, 1760, at the age of 74 years. Since the death of Mr. Jones, this church has had the following pastors, viz.: Morgan Edwards,! A. M.; William Rogers,^ D. D.; Elhanan Winchester;^ Thomas Ustick,* A. M. ; William Staugh- ton,^ D. D.; Henry Holcombe,^ D. D.; William T. ' Morgan Edwards was born in Wales, May 9th, 1722, and became pastor of the Philadelphia church May 23d, 1761. He was the prime mover in founding Rhode Island College, now Brown University. He wrote a History of American Baptists, and ■designed to publish thirteen volumes, but only the Pennsylvania and New Jersey vol- umes were printed. During the Revolution Mr. Edwards adhered to the British side, and was the only American Baptist minister who was a Tory. He died January 28th, 1795, aged 73 years. ' William Rogers, D. D., was bom in Newport, R. I., July 22d, 1751. Dr. Guild says he was the first, and for several days, the only student of Rhode Island College. He graduated in 1769, and in May, 1 772, was ordained pastor of the Philadelphia church. He enjoyed great popularity, and during the Revolution he was a Brigade Chaplain in the Continental Army. In 1789 he was appointed Professor of Oratory and Belles-lettres in the University of Pennsylvania, and held that office until 181 1, when he resigned. He died April 7th, 1824, universally beloved and lamented. ' Mr. Winchester was bom in Brookline, Mass., September 30th, 1 751, and after an active career in various parts of America and England, died in Hartford, Conn., April 1 8th, 1797. He was an able and eloquent preacher, and published a large number of works. It was while he was pastor of the church that he became a Restorationist, now ■called Universalist. His departure from the Baptist faith caused great excitement, and the majority of the members adopted his views. The minority, however, obtained possession of the meeting house, and the case was carried to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which decided that the majority had departed from the Philadelphia Baptist Confession of Faith, and that the minority, who adhered to it, must be regarded -as the true Baptist Church of Philadelphia. * Mr. Ustick was bom in New York, August 30th, 1753, graduated at Brown Uni- versity in 1 77 1, and became pastor of the First Church in 1782. He died in Burling- ton, N. J., in 1803. ' William Staughton, D. D., was one of the first of American preachers. He was bom at Coventry, England, January 4th, 1770; came to America in 1793; became pastor of the First Church in 1 805 , but resigned in 1 8 1 1 , and after a pastorate of twelve years of the Sansom Street Church, became President of Columbian College, D. C, and then of Georgetown College, Ky. He died December 12th, 1829. ' Henry Holcombe, D. D., was bom in Prince Edward County, Va., September -22d, 1762, and while a child his father settled in South Carolina. He was in the Continental Army, but in after life was an advocate of peace principles. He was ordained in 1785, and labored as pastor of several churches in South Carolina and Georgia. He became pastor at Philadelphia in January, 1 81 2, and after a brief illness, ■died May 22d, 1824. lO THE J-IKST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. Brantly,' D. D.; George Barton Ide,'' D. D.; James H. Cuthbcrt,^ D. D., and George Dana Boardman/ D. D. Some years since, a daughter of Mr. Ustick placed in my hands a manuscript volume, which purported to con- tain a list of all the constituents of the church, and alsa of those who were baptized or were received by letter, up- to about 1 776. These names I now give, with such memoranda as are appended to the manuscript. It will be observed that during a part of its history, the church practiced the rite of Laying on of hands, on those received by baptism, a ' Dr. Brantly was born in Chatham County, N. C, January 23d, 1787, and gradu- ated with distinction in 180S, at South Carolina College, at Columbia. In 1809 he \va.s ordained in Augusta, da.; then became pastor at Beaufort, S. C, and in 1819 returned to Augusta. In the spring of 1S26 he became pastor of the First Church, Philadelphia; was editor of The Columbian Star, and after a residence of twelve years in Philadelphia, returned to the South on account of his health. He became pastor of the Charleston Baptist Church, and President of the College of Charleston. lie died at Augusta, Ga., March 28th 1845. ' Dr. Ide was born in Coventry, Vt., in 1804, and was graduated at Middlebury College. He commenced the study of law at Brandon, Vt., but he became a Christian, and devoted himself to preaching the precious gospel. After several brief country- pastorates, he was called to Albany, N. V., where he remained four years, and theik went to Boston. In 1S38 he came to Philadelphia, and at once took high rank as a. preacher. He was for years the most powerful and eloquent preacher in Philadelphia. In 1852 he resigned, and was called to the First Church of Springfield, Mass., where he died. • Dr. Cuthbert was bom December 13th, 1S23, in Beaufort, S. C. He graduated at IVinceton College, N. J., in 1843, and returned home with the intention of studying^ law, but was converted under the preaching of his uncle, the celebrated Dr. Kichard. Fuller, in 1844; then he resolved to devote his life to the ministry. He was ordained in 1847. In 1855 he came to Philadelphia, where, as pastor of the First Church, he was universally beloved. In 1S61 he removed to Augusta, Ga., and is now pastor of tlie P'irst Baptist Church, W.-ishington, D. C. * Dr. Boardman was bom in Tavoy, Burmah, -August l8th, 1823. His parents were George Dana and Sarah Boardman, who sailed July l6th, 1825, from America for Calcutta, as missionaries of the Baptist Triennial Convention. At six years of age young Boardman sailed for America, and traveled the distance alone. He graduated at Brown University in 1S52, and from Newton Theological Institution in 1855. He was ordained at Bamwell Court House, S. C, in December, 1855 ; in 1856 settled ia Rochester, N. Y., as pastor of the Second Baptist Church, and in May, 1864, became pastor of the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, where he still remains, justly bohored by the community and beloved by his church. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. \ E custom now observed, I think, only by the Second Church, the Roxborough, and the Lower Merion in this part of the State. Constituents. — Rev. Jenkin Jones, pastor, Rev. Ebe- nezer Kinnersley,^ William Branson, elder, Augustin Still- man, elder, Andrew Edge, Thomas Pearse, Stepherv Anthony, Samuel Ashmead, Matthew Ingles, John Perkins, John Standeland, Robert Shewell, John Biddle, Josepk Crean, Henry Hartley, John Lewis, Joseph Ingles, Sam- uel Burkilo, John Catia, Thomas Byles, John Bazeley„ Samuel Morgan, Lewis Rees, Mary Standeland, Hannah Farmer,^ Mary Catla, Ann Yerkes, Mary Burkilo, Mary- Prig, Hannah Crean, Ann Davis, Hannah Bazeley, Jane Giffin, Edith Bazeley, Alee Clark, Lavinia Greenman„ Mary Ball, Uslaw Lewis, Jane Loxley, Esther Ashmead, Hannah Jones, Sarah Branson, Catharine Anthony, Jane Pearse, Mary Edge, Mary Valecot, Elizabeth Shewell„ Mary Middleton, Frances Holwell, Elizabeth Sallows, Mary Morgan, Ann Hall, Phoebe Hartley, Ann White,. Ruth Flower, Elizabeth Byles, Sarah North. Men 23, women 35, total 58. In his history Mr. Edwards gives, the names of only 56. The manuscript then gives the following additions, viz. : I 748. Arnold Francis, Elizabeth Francis ; received May 8th, from Great Valley. 1750. Walker Test, Michael Helton, Esther Tommins,. Susannah Hall ; baptized May loth, by J. Jones. " John Martin, John Linington ; baptized July 5th,, by J. Jones. I 75 1 . Mary Harris, Martha Thornhill ; baptized Septem- ber 5th. ' Mr. Kinnersley was a Professor in the College of Philadelphia for many years, and acquired great prominence for the discoveries he made in electricity. He died* July 4th, 1778. ^ Mrs. Farmer was probably the widow of John Farmer, and was one of the nine who, in December, 1698, met in the house on " Barbiadoe's Lot." I 2 THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. 1754. George Weed, Joshua Moor, Sarah Persons ; bap- tized September 7th, in Schuylkill. " Amos Evans, Margaret Cooch, Catharine Stan- deland, Susannah Lewis ; baptized October 4th, in Schuylkill. 1755. William Powell, Joseph Powell, Mary Rush, Susannah Woodrow; baptized August 7th, in Schuylkill. " Henry Woodrow, received August 7th, from Middletown. ■" Elenor Kesler, baptized October ist, in Schuylkill. " Mary Rose, received October 12th, from Pen- nepek. 1756. Abraham Levering,^ Ann Levering, Edward Middleton, Mary Burkllow, Tamar Edwards, Catherine Morgan, Hannah Morgan; baptized September 1 1 th, in River Schuylkill. " Nanny, (a black), baptized September iith. 3761. William Coffin, Martha Coffin, Rachel Davis, Esther Moor; received from Montgomery-, February 2d. " Philip Thomas, MaryThomas, Septimus Levering, Mar)- Levering; received June ist, from Great Valley. ■" Samuel Davis, baptized July i ith, in Delaware, by Mr. Edwards. " Elizabeth Church, Elizabeth Hopkins, Catherine Cochlin ; baptized July 19th, in cistern. • " Thomas Francis, baptized August 6th, in Dela- " ware. Stephen Watts, baptized August 1 2th, at Southampton. 'Mr. and Mrs. Levering were residents of Roxborough, and became in 1789 •constituents of the Roxborough Baptist Church. ' This is the first instance that I know of where baptism \v.is administered ia Philadelphia, except in a river. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. 1 T^ 1 761. Isaac Jones,^ George Westcott, Ann Barnes; baptized August 1 3th. " Mary Bartholomew, Esther James; received September 7th, from Southampton. " Joseph Watkins, Catherine Bartholomew, Mary Bartholomew; baptized September 9th, in Schuylkill. " Elizabeth Byles, Joanna Anthony, Francis Jones, Peter, a black ; baptized September 1 2th, in Schuylkill. " Benjamin Davis, Barnaby Barnes, Mary Edwards, Jemina Timberman, Susannah Morris; bap- tized October loth, in cistern. " Joseph Gardner, John Jackson, John Taylor; baptized October iith. " Isaac Belangee, restored December 5th. " Mary Thomas, received December 12th, from Vincent. 1762. Mary Hellings, received January 9th from Pennepek. " William Perkins, Esther Davis; baptized April 8th, in Schuylkill. " Hannah Stakes, baptized April loth. In the cistern. " Andrew Edge, John Iden, Joseph Williams, Mary Iden, Sarah Sallows, Sarah Gardner, Mary Wood; baptized June iith, in Schuylkill, and received into the church 13th following. " Sarah Edge, Mary Watkins, Francis Morrison ; baptized July loth, in Schuylkill. " Susannah McClenachan, Hannah Swanson;. baptized August 7th, in Schuylkill. ' Mr. Jones was for many years an active officer of the church, and was long con- nected with the Hospital on Pine street. He was the father of Robert Strettle Jones^ 1 4 W/iE F/MST BAPTIST CHUKCff OF PHILADELPHIA. •1762. Samuel Miles/ William Rigden, Sen.; baptized September 4th, in Schuylkill, and received September i 2th. 1763. John Mason, Nehemiah Davis, John Morgan; baptized January 8th. " Grace Lloyd, William Jenkins; baptized March I ith, in the cistern. Joseph Moulder, Nicholas Co.x ; baptized May 6th, in the Schuylkill. *' Sarah Moulder, Sarah Neaves ; baptized May 19th, in the Schuylkill. *' John Thomas, Susannah Thomas; baptized June loth, in the Schuylkill. ■" Elizabeth Holton, Thomas Shields; baptized July 9th, in the Schuylkill. David Perr)', Ann Ruxby, Mary Hammit; bai> tized August 14th, in the Schuylkill. Rebecca Freek, Rebecca Potts, Charles Wilson, John Chatham, Abel Gibbon ; baptized Sep- tember 9th, in the Schuylkill. Sarah Thomas, received December 3odi, from Montgomery. \ 764. Mary Pugh, received January- 7th. " James Hunter, received February 4th. Martha Mason, baptized May 12th, in the Schuylkill. Jacob Hellings, Sarah Hodge, Sarah Harper, Lydia Morris; baptized August loth, in the Schuylkill. ' This was the celebrated General Miles of the Revolution, who was bom at White Marsh, 1739. He was, in 1776, Colonel of a Regiment of Ritlemen, and was cap- tured at the Kittle of Long Island, but after his release was Deputy Quartermaster of the Army for Pennsylvania. After peace was declared he was electeil Mayor of the city, also a member of the Legislature, .ind he was a Judge of the Court of Errors and Appeals, He died September 29th, 1S05. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. 1 5 1764. Jonah Thomas, baptized August nth, in the Schuylkill. " Mary Robinson, baptized November 2d, in the Schuylkill. 1765. Mary Jones, Thomas Morris, Hannah Morris; baptized April i ith, in the Schuylkill. " Isabella Crane, Joan Thomas; received June 9th, from Great Valley. " Elizabeth Stephens, received October 20th, from Hopewell. 1766. Benjamin Chamberlain, Susannah Rose; baptized June 6th, in Schuylkill. " John Rose, Hannah Drinker, Mary Moreton ; baptized July iith, in Schuylkill. " Pollydore and Nelly (blacks); baptized August 9th. " Jacob Levering, baptized August 29th. J 767. William Harper, Sarah Bush; baptized February 7th, in the Bath. " Elizabeth Shewell, baptized February 14th, in Schuylkill. " Ann Brading, baptized September 12th, by David Sutton. " Thomas Fleeson,' baptized September 20th. " Mary Sprogle, Samuel Olden; baptized Septem- ber 23d, in Schuylkill. " Elizabeth Morgan, Sarah Bearden ; baptized Sep- tember 26th, in Schuylkill. " John Whitton, George Ingles, Joseph Gilbert; baptized October 6th, in Schuylkill, by John Blackwell. • Mr. Fleeson was a son of Judge Plunket Fleeson, and was gifted with great musical taste.' He was the grandfather of William H. Fry, author of the opera of '■ Leonora." For many years he was totally blind. About the year 1800, he removed to Roxborough Township and preached fof^e church. He died in 1828. I 6 THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. I 767. John Stow, baptized November. Rebecca Barger, Mary Riche; received from New York. 1768. Judith Fulton, received Februarj' 14th, from Pennepek. " Evan Jenkins, received from Welsh Tract. " Thomas Dungan, received June 12th, from South- ampton. " John Flintham, Samuel Woodbridge; baptized September 5th, in Schuylkill. " Isaac Powell, Elizabeth Morris; baptized Sep- tember I ith. 1769. Matthias Maris, baptized May 15th. Sarah Magetigin, baptized August ist, by- Jonathan Jarman. " Margaret Levering, baptized June 3d, in Schuyl- kill. " Susannah DeNyce, John Drinker, Enoch Morgan, Erasmus Kelly,' Sarah Marsh; baptized June 5th. " Mary Fox, Mary Rush ; baptized July 6th. " Elizabeth Paulin, Hannah Francis, "Joined Hall Church." " Mary Evans, Mary Powell ; baptized August lOth. Rebecca Young, baptized December 19th. 1770. Charles McDonald, baptized April i6th. " Cloe Moor, (black,) baptized June 8th. " Sarah Connell, baptized June loth. " Ezekiel Letts, baptized July ist. " Hannah Anderson, baptized July 29th. ' Erasmus Kelly was born July Z4lh, 1748, in Perkasie, Bucks County ; was gradu- ated at the College of Philadelphia in 1 77 1, and that same year became pastor of the First Baptist Church of Newport, R. I., where he died in 1784. That church had as its founder Dr. John Clarke, and as his successor the celebrated C)badiah Holmes, the proto-maityr of religious liberty in New England, who died October 16, 1682. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. I 7 1770. Mary Maris, baptized August 17th. " Martha Green, baptized September 8th, in Schuylkill, by Samuel Jones. 1 77 1. Deborah Price, baptized May 6th. " Michael Hays, baptized May i6th. " Mary Boor, baptized July i6th. 1772. Keziah Carlile, baptized March 7th, by Robert Kelsey. George Bright, Mary Moulder, Elizabeth Beazley; baptized April 9th, in Schuylkill. " Elizabeth Cook, Rebecca Toy ; Baptized May loth. " William Rogers, Minister, received by letter dated May 4th, from Newport, R. I. " Elizabeth Coburn, Francis Gardner, Mary Weed, Jacob Burkilow, John Levering; baptized June 9th, in Schuylkill, by W. Rogers. " William Coats, John Jarman, John Brown ; bap- tized June I ith. " Mary Hanson, Thomas Morgan, Joseph Watkins, Sen.; baptized July 8th, in Schuylkill. " Abraham Mitchell, Ezekiel Robins, Hannah Gard- ner, Thomason Hellings, Martha Burkilow, Catherine Rentford; baptized in Schuylkill, August 4th, and received the first day of the week following into the church by Prayer and Imposition of hands. " Ezekiel Mirriam, Deborah Mirriam, Samuel Wright; baptized November, by W. Vanhorne. " Elenor Jones, baptized November 24th. " Sarah White, baptized December 3d. 1773. Griffith Levering, Mary Paine; baptized January 5th, in Schuylkill. " Martha Brooks, received February 14th, from Southampton. 1 8 THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF rillLADELFlllA. 1 773. Thomas Mackeness, Elizabeth Mackeness; baptized Marcli Slh, in Schuylkill, and received into the church the Sabbath following, by Prayer and Imposition of hands. " Mary Caruthers, received April 5th, from Cros- wicks. " Rachel Logan, Tamar Hardey; baptized May 7th, in Schuylkill. Martha Scott, Ann Biddle; baptized July 22d, in Schuylkill. " Alexander Galloway, Jane Nicholson; baptized October 6di. 1 774. Sarah Trickett, received January 3d, from Andrew Gifford's Church, London. " Hannah Rush, I-ydia Gilbert; baptized March 8th, in Schuylkill. Mary Parker, received April 4th, from New Mills. " Martha Clarke, received June 12th, from Mont- gomery. " John Connelly, baptized July 8th, in Schuylkill. 1775. Richard Riley,' baptized in Delaware, November 1st; joined die church September nth, 1776. 1776. Prudence Flower, Christian Dick; baptized Sep- tember 13th, at Marcus Hook, in Delaware River. " Benjamin Thaw, Mary Morgan ; baptized October 4th, in Schuylkill. " Abigail Farles, Rebecca Fleeson 'Hon. Richard Riley was born September I4lh, 1735, and in 1765 was made a niajjistrate, and held office until our national independence was declared. He was a member of the Committee of Safety for Pennsylvania, served in the Legislature for two years, and in 1791 was appointed an Associate Ju^ Church, New York, and Bishop of Nova Scotia. ' Elizabeth Ridgely married Colonel Dorsey, of Elk Ridge, Anne Arundel Co., Ind., and left many children. 2 3 THE VIS'INCS OF VKLAHAKF. lU-njainiii Viniii;^, tin- second son o{ Captain Bonjamin' Vining^ ami Mary his wife, died at tlic Mansion House, at Harrenton iMelils, Salem County, near Salem Town, in the western Jerseys, beinj^ ai^etl seven years, seven months and nineteen (.lays, and was luiried in his father's trrave in the Chiinh in Salem Town; ho dieil first day of April, 1739. lohn Vinino,' the tlrst son of Captain Benjamin Vining, and Mary his wife, was brought up by his step-father^ Nicholas Ritiy^ely, in Dover, Del. 1 le was a distin- jjuished man in the three Counties on the Dela- ware, justice tW tin- Peace, and Speaker of the House, and Chief Justice ^^i Delaware, then called "die three Lower Counties o\\ the Delaware." He died on a visit to his Aunt, Mrs. Mary Roberts, who" lived aUnit four miles distance from the town of Salem,, in West Jersey, and was buried in die Salem Church, in. Salem Town, bv the Rev. Mr. Rc">ss, Missionar\- at New Castle. Said John X'ininof died on the ij;di day of December, 1770. in the forty-sixth year of his age; he was born in the Mansion House. Barrenton Fields,^ near S;dem. New Jersey. Anno Domini 17.14. ' John Vining, «w vi Benjamin anJ Mary Vining, marrie*.! hn;t a daughter of Nicholas Rivlgely, by his first marriage, and on her decease, he married Pha-be-, dau);hler of Alwaham ami Mary Wynkixip, He re\.-eived from his mother a larp; traot of land in Salem tVvmty, Imt, with his sister Mary, was taken to IViver, IVIawaic, l'erinj; his sepulchre is this epitaj^h: "In memory of the Hon. 1i.\hn Vininj:, Fjujuire. Sj^eaker of the three I o»-er Counties of IVlaware, who departed this life NowmlxT Ijllh, 1770, «ge\l fort>-six years. He had two sons by his first wife, Rachel Kidprly, (Uenjaiuinand Nicholas,^ whodievl. full of piwm^se, before their father ; ai\d by his second wife, (who was the aunt of Chancelor Nicholas Ridgely\ .■M>raham. wh\> dievl. agcvl twv \Trars ; John aiKl Mary, Mary marricvl Rev. Charles li>j;les, MissKvruunf in IV^-er. atlerwanls rechw of Trinity Church. New York ; died and was iHiried next her UMther in IVv-er, Delaware. Charles Ingles \n;is afterwards. Kishop of Nov* Scv^tia. • ISanrntw* V"ields belonscvl to Juvl^ Hc^ Middletwn. and becar. ^ ihe property •f the V min^ thnni^h their mother. Till: t'-ZAZ/NC:; Of fJEf.A WARE. 23 The aforesaid John Vininj^ was married to Rachel Ridgely, the daughter of Nicholas Ridj^ely,' by his first wife, on the 20tli day of April, 1749, by the Rev. Arthur Usher, in the presence of Mr, and Mrs. James Gorrell, Benjamin Chew and Mary his wife, Nicholas Ridgely and Mary his wife.'^ The children of this marriage were lienjamin and Nicholas Ridgely. .Said sons died before their father. Rachel Vininy, wife of the said John Vining, departed this life on 6th of November, 1753, at two of the clock, and was buried in Christ Church, Dover, Delaware, by Rev. Hugh Neil, near or under her father's (Nicholas Ridgely) pew. .Said John Vining was married to Phoibe Wynkoop, by the Rev. Mr. Rodney, of New Casde County, on the i6th day of January, 1755, at the house of Thomas Wynkoop, of Sussex County, in the presence of Mrs. Mary Wyn- koop, Nicholas Ridgely, Esq., Thomas Wynkoop, Benjamin Wynkoop, and Mary Vining. "Mary Vining,^ daughter of the above John and Phrjtbe "Vining, was born at his house, about two miles from "Dover, on .Saturday, the 20th day of August, seventeen "hundred and fifty-six, at four of the clock, in the pre- "sence of Mrs. Mary Wynkoop and Mrs. Mary Ridgely, "grandmothers, and was baptized by Hugh Neil, Mis- "sionary at Dover, on the 1 5th day of .September "following." John Vining,'' third son of John Vining, and second ' His .stepfather. ' Father of Rachel Ridgely, and mother of John Vining. • The Revolutionary belle, who shall be the subject of a future sketch. *John Vining, the i>on of John Vining and Phr/rbe, his second wife, was bom at Dover, Delaware, 23d of December, A. D. 1758, where he was educated. He studied law with George Read, of New Castle, Delaware, was admitted to the bar, practiced in Dover, his residence, and soon distinguished himself, a.s may be inferred from the fact ofliis election to the United States House of Representatives in 1783, having only 24 Tf^E VIXINGS OF DELA WARE. child by Phoebe, brother of the above named Mary, was born at his father's house near Dover, Delaware, on the 23d day of December, 1758, at fort)--five minutes past six o'clock in the afternoon, in the presence of Mrs. Mary Ridgely, (grandmother of the said John) and Elizabeth Jackson, widow, and Mary Vining, his Aunt. God- mothers, were Mrs. Mary Ridgely and Mrs. Elizabeth Chew, wife of Benjamin Chew, Esq., and Godfather Caesar Rodney, Esq.; baptized by Rev. Hugh Neil, Mis- sionary at Oxford, Pennsylvania, on the 14th day of May, 1759. Abraham Vining, fourth son of John Vining, and third child by Phoebe his wife, was born at their house in just attained the age constitutionally required to qualify for membership to that body, and at that time it was not usual to advance young men to high offices. So strongly was the partiality of his fellow-citizens manifested for him, that he was called "the pet of Delaware." Poverty, because it would have compelled to industry and self- denial, would have been to him a boon, but an ample fortune was his by inheritance. In 1 793, he was elected to the Senate of the United States. How faithfully and with what distinction he sen-ed in Congress, the reader can judge from the following notices of John Vining, which I have collected from a recent historian : " In a Department of Foreign Affairs, — a mere continuation of the old department of that name — after an ineffectual attempt of Vining, of Delaware, (20th May, 1798), to establish a separate one for home business, these two departments were combined. The debt of Delaware was trifling, but Vining, the able Representative of that State, supported the assumption (of Revolutionary State debts) as a Federal measure. Tucker (March l6th, 17S9) moved to strike out the whole report of a House Commit- tee, on a memorial of a Pennsylvania society, praying for the abolition of slaver)', substituting a resolution to refuse to consider it unconstitutional. Jackson seconded the motion, in a speech warm as Tucker's, to which Vining replied. The arguments in favor of assumption were recapitulated by Lawrence Goodhue and others, and by Vining. Vining, January 28th, 1789, spoke in favor of chartering a National Bank. Among the new members of the Senate, Livermore, of New Hampshire, Jackson, of Georgia, and Vining, of Delaware, who had already distinguished themselves as former members of the House. Nature was liberal to him, for, besides a good face and person, he was one of the wittiest men of his day ; his powers of conversation great, and these set off by very fascinating manners. He married Miss Seaton, daughter of James Seaton, Collector of New Vork, who came to her death by taking medicine by mistake. When Mr. Vining married Miss Seaton, he took a house in Wilmington, at the northwest comer of French and Fourth streets, and took his bride there ; the west end of Wilmington was then Iielow Fifth, and clustered principally around Third, Second, and Front streets. Miss \'ining'3 brotlier, Hon. John Vining, THE VININGS OF DELAWARE. 25 Dover, Delaware, on the 5th day of September. 1762. Present, Mrs. Ann Chew, Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson, widow, and Mary Vining, and was baptized by Rev. Charles Inglis. Godmothers, Mary Vining and Esther Wyn- koop. Aunts of said Abraham. He died on the 25th day ■of October, 1 764, aged two years, one month and twenty days, and was buried in the church yard in Dover, on the south side of his Aunt Mary Inglis' grave. John Middleton Vining, son of John and Phoebe Vining, was married to Anna Maria Seaton, daughter of William Seaton, of the State of New York, on the 24th of November, 1 790. John Seaton Vining, son of John Vining and Anna Maria his wife, was born on the 21st of November, 1791. was Senator in 1793, from Delaware, in the United States Congress. Miss Seaton was a lovely, gentle, refined being, with intellectual tastes and accomplishments, a fine musician ; she accompanied herself with great taste on the piano." " Hon. John Vining, though a man of great abilities and undoubted genius, which, if he had been bom in poverty, would have been the means of exalting him to the highest positions of his country, was ruined by the wealth he inherited. He was very- extravagant; this and his dissipated habits soon caused him to go through his large fortune, and unfortunately, his sister's also, leaving nothing, and his orphan children, at his death, thrown upon his sister, Miss Vining. Seaton, his eldest son, entered the Navy, and came home to his aunt's only to die while young. The second was Wil- liam Henry, but only used the second name, signing himself W. Henry Vining; he gave early promise of great talent ; his piece on the commencement of these fragments (I, A. R. du Pont, have not transcribed,) gave promise to great abilities, as it was a remarkable production for a boy of 14. Its title, ' Those who hung their harps on the willows,' a poetical production. Had he lived, he would have made his mark in the world's history. He died in 1822, aged 27. Benjamin Vining, third son, Charles Vining, fourth son. They all died before their Aunt, Miss Vining, but W. Henry, who survived her a few months. He studied law with Mr. Ogden, who married his mother's sister. They lived in Ogdensburg, New York, said town on the St. Laurrence river, where W, Henry Vining practiced law with his uncle." (See Life of George Read.) MRS. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. Contributed, with Introduction and Notes, by Charles Henry Hart. THE six letters that follow are a portion of an interest- ing familiar correspondence between two prominent ladies of Revolutionary times, the wives of two eminent statesmen of that period. Mrs. Jay was the beautiful Sarah Van Brugh Livingston, the fourth daughter of that sterling patriot, Governor William Livingston, of New Jersey. When not quite eighteen, on the i8th of April, 1774, she was married at Elizabethtown, to John Jay, a young lawyer, in his twenty-ninth year. Mrs. Morris was her friend's senior by eight years, having been born in Philadelphia on the 1 3th of April, i 749. At the age of twenty, March 2, 1 769, she was married to the future financier, Robert Morris, a mature merchant of thirty- five. Thus the careers of the two ladies were closely allied with the course of public events which followed so immediately upon their marriages; while the positions of their husbands permitted them for many years to enjoy but little domestic and social privacy. Mrs. Morris' career is so well known as not to permit of fur- ther reference here.^ Mrs. Jay's too, is not unfamiliar, but a few incidents will bear rehearsing. Mr. Jay, being a delegate to Congress from New York, and at the time President of that body, was appointed to represent the Congress as Minister to Spain. He sailed on the loth of October, 1779, in the frigate The Confederacy, accom- panied by his family. After a hazardous voyage, made so by storms and British cruizers, they reached Madrid early in the year 1780. Mr. Jay's mission was fruitless; • Vide Mary White, Mrs. Robert Morris. Pa. Mag. Hist. Biog., vol. ii, p. 157. (26) 1 / MRS. JOHN yAY TO MKS. ROBERT MORRIS. 2 J Spain refused either to recognize our independence or lend us the needed assistance of money. He was accord- ingly transferred to Paris, as one of the Peace Commis- sioners with Dr. Franklin, John Adams, and Henry Laurens. Here Mr. and Mrs. Jay arrived, June 23, 1782. On the 20th of January, 1783, the preliminary articles were settled, and on the third of the following September, the definitive treaties were signed. Mr. and Mrs. Jay remained abroad until May, 1784, enjoying the brilliant society which surrounded the French capital at that period, and of which their warm friend, Dr. Franklin, was the acknowledged centre. After an absence of nearly five years, Mr. and Mrs. Jay landed at New York on the 24th of July, 1784. He at once took charge of the im- portant office of Secretary for Foreign Affairs, to which he had been appointed before his return, and which gave Mrs. Jay, — there being no President of the United States at that period — the position of the leading lady in the land. He was subsequently Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Special Envoy to England to negotiate the celebrated Jay Treaty, and Governor of his native State, New York. On his with- drawal from public life, he retired to his farm at Bedford, Westchester Co., New York, where, after a short illness, Mrs. Jay died, on the 28th of May, 1802. The letters which follow show the character of her mind and the quality of her heart. She and her correspondent to whom these letters are addressed, were women of the type who give character to a nation and an age. Madrid, ist of Sept., 1780. My friendship for you, my dear Mrs. Morris, is founded on esteem, and believe me, it is too great, too sincere to suspect that the regard which your many polite and -28 'VRS. JOirX JAY TO M/aS. KOBERT MORfHS. delicate attentions induced me to think you had for me, has been in the least diminished by absence: such an idea would be injurious to you, to me distressing, and there- fore shall be banished from my mind as an impertinent intruder. When I left Philadelphia, I did not also leave the remembrance of the repeated instances of friendship which had endeared you to me; but had I been less ■sensible of them, surely your recent kindness to my dear Kitty,' could not fail of awakening my gratitude. Accept, my dear Mr. and Mrs. Morris, of my sincere thanks for your kindness to my sister; believe me, nothing has given me more pleasure than the happiness she has en- joyed under your hospitable roof; and the information I have from her, that your family enjoyed a state of perfect health, rejoices me exceedingly. I congratulate you upon Maria's'' recovery from the small-pox. If I was not myself attached to the little namesake of my friend, I should, perhaps, be somewhat jealous, least she rival my only son in the affection of his Aunt, for Kitty confesses that Maria and Peter^ are equally dear to her. How ' Catharine Livingston, younger sister of Mrs. Jay. During the frequent incursions into the Jerseys by the British, Liberty Hall, the residence of her father, was no safe refuge. She accordingly accepted an invitation, in July, 17S0, from Mr. and Mrs. Morris, to become an inmate of their family, and she remained with them until nearly 4he close of the war. She subsequently, April 14, 1787, married Mr. Matthew Ridley, v(see page 42, note i), and after his death, a few years later, married her cousin, John Livingston. ' Youngest daughter and sixth child of Mr. and Mrs. Morris. She was bom April 24, 1779; married March 4, 1S02, Henry Nixon, only son of Col. John Nixon, of I'hiladelphia, and died September 17, 1S52. ' Peter .Augustus Jay, eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Jay, was bom January 24, 1776, .at the residence of his grandfather Livingston, Elizabeth, N. J. He was graduated at Columbia College, in the class of 1794, and chose the profession of his father. He ■was Recorder of New York, 1S18-20; member of the convention to (i^ame the Consti- tution of New York, 1821; President of the New York Historical Society, and held many other positions of honor and trust. He married, July 29, 1S07, Margaret Rutherford •Clarkson, and died at his residence in New York city, Febraary 22, 1S43. MA'S. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 29. vain, my dear Morris! my efforts to divert my thoughts. from grief, while my heart is still under its influence, for the loss of a lovely little daughter: the distant train of thought I took to shun this painful subject has, it seems, led me to it; the recollection of your charming little circle renews my sorrow for my own disappoint- ment, since to resemble you in that circumstance, and indeed in every other, would add greatly to my felicity^ But private afflictions give place to public calamities, they often so agitate my mind as frequently to interrupt my tranquility. The variety of reports circulating here,, subject me at one time or another to fear, hope, indigna- tion, grief and, in short, every emotion of the mind but despair; far, very far, be that from any of us. My heart recoils with horror from the idea of submission to such, ignoble foes. Sincerely do I sympathize with Mr. Gouv'r Morris on account of that cruel accident that has befallen him.* If I am not mistaken, that misfortune will call forth latent virtues that will enhance his merit, and, consequently,, increase the esteem of which he is already the object. Will you be so obliging as to present my compliments, to him. Shall I request of you to be remembered to the Chevalier La Luzerne,^ Mr. Marbois,^ and Mr. Holker?^ and that you will tell the Chevalier that Kitty is not mis- taken in her sister; she has really won the bett. ^ ' In May, 1780, he was thrown from his carriage while driving in the streets of Philadelphia, dislocating his left ankle and breaking some of the bones of the leg. Surgery not being understood then as now, the leg was amputated below the knee, and ever afterwards Mr. Morris wore a plain wooden leg — an appendage which probably saved his life in the streets of Paris, on one occasion, during the French Revolution. ^ The Chevalier Anne Cssar de la Luzerne was bom in Paris, France, in 1 74 1. He was educated for the military service, and was aide-de-camp to his relative, the- Due de Broglie, during the seven years war, attaining the rank of Major General of cavalry. He abandoned military life for diplomacy, and was sent by Louis XVI, tov 30 ^f^S. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. When Mr. Jay returns from St. Ildefonso, (where the Court at present resides,) I'll take the liberty of writing again to my dear friend, for then the natural chearfulness of my disposition will revive, and perhaps that letter will partake as much of the spirits which his company never fails to inspire, as I am sure this does of the dejection which has been too much indulged in his absence. Tell succeed Girard, as Minister to the American colonies, after the recognition of Independ- ence. He arrived in Philadelphia, September 21, 1779, where he resided four years, becoming exceedingly popular, through his gracious curtesy and the strong proof he gave of his sympathy with the straggling colonies. In 1 7S0, he contracted, on his own resjwnsibility, a loan for the relief of the American army, then suffering the utmost destitution. He returned to France in 1783, bearing with him the most honorable testimonies of esteem from Congress and individuals. Harvard College conferred ii]X>n him the degree of LL.D., and Pennsylvania gave his name to one of her most beautiful counties. He died at London, September 14, 1 791, while acting as plenipotentiary from France to the English court. He was on terms of familiar inter- course with Mr. and Mrs. Morris, as may be seen from the following letter: " PmiADEi.PHiA, June 22d, 1784. " Mr. Morris presents his Compliments to His Excy. The Chev'r De la Luzerne & takes the liberty to trouble him with some letters for Geneva put under a cover to Messrs \a. Coutculx & co Paris. Mrs. Morris claiming also the benefit of the Minis- ters kind promise, sends a pair of her old shoes & requests that He will order to be sent for her 6 pair of Fashionable Shoes to the si/.e of the old pr also 6 China Dishes of the same patern of the sett of Porcelain spared to her by the Minister 2 of those dishes to be of the largest size 2 of the next size 2 of the next size Mr. Morris requests the Chev'r De La Luzerne to send this note with the bill of Cost to Messrs Le Couteulx & co that they may pay it. Mr. & Mrs Morris have more sincere good wishes for the Chev'r De La Luzerne's Health happiness & safe arrival than can be expressed on this paper." Some of the evidences of his friendship and regard for Mr. and Mrs. Morris re- main with the descendants of the recipients to this day. • Francois, Marquis of Barbe-Marbois, was bom in Metz, January 31, 1745. He came to America in 1779, as Secretary of Legation under the Chevalier de la Luzerne, and when that diplomat returned to France, he became Chargl d'affaires. About this time he married Elizabeth, daughter of William Moore, President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, l7Sl-'S2, by his wife, Sarah Lloyd, great-granddaughter of Thomas Lloyd, Deputy Governor under Penn. He remained in this country until 17S5, when he returned to France, and there occupied many MA'S. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 31 me, I beseech you, that you pardon me for this unamus- ing letter ; new friends are not often sought or desired while strong attachments to the old ones remain. I fear, therefore, I shall often trouble mine; for to whom but those far distant ones whom I love, admire, and esteem, can I unbosom myself? Assure Mr. Morris of my sincere regard, and believe me to be Affectionately yours, &c., Sa. Jay. My brother® presents his respectful compliments to Mr. Morris and yourself. My Dear Mrs. Morris: — Since the possession of a real friend Is so generally esteemed preferable to our other enjoyments, from whence can proceed that inatten- tion to the cultivation of friendship which we but too fre- quendy observe? Whether or not I'm mistaken, I leave important public positions. He was the author of a work on the Treason of Benedict Arnold^ and a History of Louisiana. He died in his native land, January 14th, 1837. * John Holker was Commercial Agent of France in America. He married in this country and removed to Virginia, where he died. ' Mrs. Jay was as much distinguished for her attractions of person, as for her per- sonal attractions. Her eyes were beautiful, and she had a most brilliant complexion. The Minister's bet wa.s, that Mrs. Jay used paint. In writing to her sister from Madrid, December I, 1780, she says: "The bets depending between you and the Chevalier, I hope, are considerable, since you are certainly entitled to the stake, for I have not used any false coloring, nor have I amused myself with plays or any other diversions on Sunday." Mrs. Morris, writing to Mrs. Jay, July I2, 1781, says: "The Chevalier acquiesces in the loss of his bet, presented Kitty with a handsome dress cap accompanied with a note, acknowledging your firmness." « Henry Brockholst Livingston accompanied Mr. Jay to Spain as his private secre- tary. He was the fifth son and ninth child of Governor William Livingston, and was bom in New York, November 26th, 1757. He was graduated by Princeton College in 1774, and upon the breaking out of the war, before he was twenty, became an aid to General Schuyler, with the rank of Captain. Early in 1782, he returned to America from Spain, and began the study of law. Upon his admission to the bar, he dropped his first name, and as Brockholst Livingston, was, in 1806, appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, which position he held at the time of his death, March i8th, 1823. 32 ^'/yP^. JOHX JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. you to determine; but I am apt to think indolence has some share in it, from the unwillingness I sometimes feel to write even to those most dear to me : and begin to suspect that it was nothing but that, tho' under the veil of modesty, which for a long time persuaded me the time you would spend in reading a letter from me, would be less agreeably bestowed than if without that interruption. The pleasure I receive from the letters of my friends, convinces me that wherever mutual regard subsists, a correspondence, far from being irksome, nourishes those sentiments of esteem which produce the attachment. As Mr. Jay and myself are interested in Mr. Morris' and your happiness, we were very anxious last fall about both your healths, for we had heard (from France) that they were impaired, and a letter from Kitt)^ sometime after, was doubly welcome by giving us the pleasing information of the recovery of persons we so much esteemed, and likewise the re-establishment of mama's^ and her own health. How amply, my dear madam ! does your affection compensate Kitty for the absence of her sister — but where can I hope to find such friends as I parted from in quitting America — not I am sure in the acquaintances of a few months or in formal birthday visitors — preserve, therefore, I charge you, the regard you honor me with, that in your company when I return, I may forget how long we have been seperated. I dare say you were pleased with the marriage of Mr. Bingham and Miss Willing,^ as it promises happiness to the ' Mrs. William Livingston was Susanna, daughter of Philip French, of New Jersey, she died July 17th, 1789. Her husband survived her but a year; he died July 25th, 1790, aged sixty-seven. • Miss Willing, was Anne, eldest daughter of Thomas Willing, who for thirty- nine years was the partner in business of Robert Morris. She was a dazzling belle and a beauty, and married October 26th, 1780, at the age of eighteen, William Bing- ham, afterward a Senator, in Congress, from Peimsylvania. The following cordial letter MRS. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBFA T MORRIS. l^T^ parties interested. Shall I request you to present to them our congratulations? Tell Miss Hetty,^ if you please, that if she thinks she can smile upon a Don, I'll use my influences to engage a few to accompany us, for we hope to return before she seriously thinks of paying her devoirs to Hymen. Kitty's accounts of Maria increases my inclination to see her; and I am quite happy that your little sons are likely to answer the expectations formed of them. The month of May is approaching. I then shall accom- pany Mr. Jay to Acanjuez, and perhaps my situation there may furnish something that may amuse you, since that place is confessedly the most beautiful in Spain. Mr. Tuscin, a young gentleman who is going to Boston, in the capacity of vice-consul, has just this instant informed me that he leaves Madrid early to-morrow, as there is a vessel at Bilboa which will soon sail for America. I must, therefore, bid my dear Mrs. Morris adieu, tho' if I had not a douzen letters to finish yet to-night, I could not so soon relinquish the pleasure I take in writing to her. Excuse the freedom I take in requesting you to of invitation from her father to Mr. Morris, to be present at the wedding, finds an appropriate place here : OcTOBKR 23, 1780. Dkar Sir: — I have been confin'd from the day I saw you, and am very sorry to hear yt. Mrs. Morris is still indisposed. If she shou'd be well enough to be out next Thursday Even'g, it wou'd give us all the highest satisfaction to see her at the Weding — -but shou'd it unfortunately happen yt. she is not well enough to be out, I flatter myself she will not be so 111 as to prevent me the pleasure of your Comp'y on this Interesting occasion. My daughter has always pleas'd herself with hopes of see- ing Mrs. Morris that Even'g, and says it will be a double mortification to be deprived of yr. company too. Adieu. I can scarce hold the Pen while I assure you that I am Yr affectionate frd, Thos. Willing. ' Hetty, eldest daughter, and fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Morris. She was bom in Philadelphia, July 30th, 1774, and married, April loth, 1795, Hon. James Markham Marshall, of Virginia, younger brother of Chief Justice John Marshall. Mrs. Marshall died April 13th, 1817. 3A ii'iiu-mlHT iiu- in the mostly liii-iully nianiu'i" to my cxcol- li-ni tiinul Mrs. l.awiviUH', whosi- kindness to me, at rhiladelphia, luis iiKule too sensible an impression on my miiul ever to he erased. Yon know the ladies to whom my friendship extends, and you will oblige me by remem- berinj; me to them. The lovely Mrs. Arnold,' whom I admireil so much, is, 1 fear, banisheil from the society of her friends — how unpropitious has been her star. You aiul Mr. Morris will do us justice in beHeving that you have not more sincere friends in the numerous circle of those who love and esteem you, than in Mr. Jay and \'our humble sev't. S.\. J.w. 1 ha\ e often snuled at the apolooios made for incorrect letters, but none ever reijuireil them more than this. Mm>kip. .Vpiil .■.•>!. irSi. Sr. Ii.OKFONSO, Sept., 17S1. I think it is Shenstone \\ho obser\-ed, "tliat the mind is never in a more proper frame to answer a letter, than immediately after the receipt of it." In general, I believe the remark is just; but the pleasure I feel upon reading ' It is harvlly necfssaiy to say, that Mrs. Benedict .\rnolil, was Margaret, fourth -s will begin. Tell Mr. Hall our military gentlemen here, are uxi liberal tv> make any distinctions between Whig and Tory ladves — if they nvake any, it's in laww of the latter, such, Strang as it nuy seem, is the way those things are conducted at present in this city. It origiiutes at Headviuaiters, and, that 1 may nvake some apolo^ for such strange conduct, I must tell \vu that (Aipid has given our little Oenerul a more mortal wound than all the host of Britons could, unless his present conduct can expiate for his pa^. Mi$i l^tSSy Shipj>en is the 6»ir one." MUS. JO UN yAY 70 M/^S. UO/ililiT MORR/:;. 35 a letter from you and Kitty, approaches so nearly to enthusiasm, that were I to permit my pen exactly to copy the dictates of my heart, my letters would incur the sus- picion of a flattery that is foreign to my disposition, though you seem to have been disposed to railly me when writing, upon my epistolary style ; yet I'm uncon- scious of having deviated from that symplicity which is alone worthy of true friendship, and fear that the knowl- edge of my own sincerity may have made me too negligent in expressing it. No circumstance of a public nature, since my absence from America, has given me greater satis- faction than Mr. Morris' acceptance of that import- ant office which he at present holds;' nor would you, my dear madam, even regret being so frequendy obliged to dispense with his company, if you could be witness to the universal satisfaction it has diffused among the friends of our country, but would (were you as malicious as myself) even enjoy the confusion of our enemies upon the occasion — besides the public utility which must arise from the measure. I have a peculiar pleasure, which results from the more frequent mention of the person from whose abilities and integrity so much is expected, in terms the most grateful to friendship. Your fears for Mr. Morris' health, are, I own, too well founded and I think a little address to draw him into the country, at least of evenings, would be patriotic. 'ITie sedentary manner in which Mr. Jay has been employed since the Revolution, has injured his health so materially, that I fear it will not be entirely re-established till he is free to cultivate his fields and lead a rural and active life. The regret I feel at being absent from you, is softened ' Mr. Moms was unanimously chosen by Congress, February 20th, 1781, Super- intendent of Finance, a position be continued to hold until November 1st, 1784, when he resigned. 36 jV'^'-^. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MOKRIS. by the plcasinor rt'tlection that Kitty is happy in the society of your amiable family. My maternal tenderness is flattered by the favorable manner in which you mention my only child; should he hereafter merit your esteem, I shall think myself happy indeed. How old is Miss Hetty? I am already considering what young gentle- man I shall find soliciting the honor of her hand when I return. Major Franks' speaks in raptures of several lovely young ladies who have been introduced in com- pany since I left Philadelphia. As much as I admire the works of art in the dying Cleopatra, and a beautiful vestal in this palace done by the most celebrated hands of antiquity, gladly would I exchange the contemplation of those imitations for the more animated beauties which the Major has inspired me with the curiosity to see. As we are at St. Ildefonso, it would be inexcusable to be entirely silent about the royal gardens here, which it's said are unequaled in Europe, but still in mentioning them I can only say that they surpass description. I had often heard of them as being ver^' magnificent, but still tlie idea I had formed of diem was as inadequate as would be that of a person who should take his idea of a first rate ship of war from the view of a ferrj'-boat. Here you have ve whole heathen mythologj- and the metamorphoses of Ovid represented in an admirable manner by figures vastly larger dian the life; tlie fount- ains, statues, and marble urns are almost innumerable, and the water which forms the Cascades, and that which ' David Solebury Franks was one of the aids to General Arnold, through the period of his commiind in Philadelphia, and until his flight to the British, September I, 1780. He was detailcil by Arnold to protect Mrs. Arnold; so that in the military family he was c.illcii the "nurse." His testimony is strong evidence in favor of Mrs. Arnold's ignorance of her husKtnd's traitorvius schemes. From his relations with .\moId, he was susj^ected, but a court of inquir)-, convened at his own request, e.\oner- ated him fn.>m all connection with or knowleiige of the plot. He was respected and welcomed wherever he went for his soumi good humor and manly candor. MRS. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 37 is thrown up by the fountains (by some of them upwards of a hundred feet,) is perfectly transparent; in short, the whole discovers a royal master. Nor is the palace less worthy of observation, since it is stored with an immense number of valuable antiquities in the lower apartments; [This letter ends here abruptly; the remaining pages are missing.] Paris, 14th Novbr. 1782. With what pleasure, my dear madam, do I take up my pen as a medium of or substitute for a conversation with you, by admitting no other idea to rob me of your image, I enjoy, at least for the moment, the most pleasing delusion. Yesterday, your little sons, by passing their holiday with me, made me very happy. Robert' so ex- ceedingly resembles Mr. Morris, that I feel for him a respect mingled with my love; tho', at the same time, I regret his distance from his father's example and coun- sel. When (as it sometimes happens,) among our little Americans, that my decision is referred to respecting matters of right and wrong, I always request Robert's opinion, and when he hesitates, I ask him what he thinks would be his father's sentiments upon such occasions, to which he generally replys very justly; and I remark to him the certainty of his acting with propriety while he 1 Eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, bom at Philadelphia, December 19, 1769; married. May 5, 1796, Anna, daughter of Benjamin Shoemaker, of Philadelphia, and died during a visit abroad, subsequent to 1804. In the fall of 1781, Mr. Morris sent his two sons, Robert and Thomas, to Europe, under the care of Mr. Matthew Ridley, later the husband of Miss Kitty Livingston, for the purpose of being educated. They returned home in the spring of 1788, having passed their last two years at the University of Leipsic. Robert, the son, upon his return, read law with Richard Harrison in New York, and afterwards practiced his profession in his native city. 38 Aff^S. JOHN "JAY TO MA'S. KOHERT AfOA'R/S. imitates so worthy an example. Tommy' (who is like- wise a fine boy,) told me that his last letters mentioned Hetty's and Maria's illness. I hope they are now quite recovered, as well as my dear Kitty. You will embrace them for me? If, during my stay in Paris, it is in my power to serve you, nothing, my dear Mrs. Morris, can give me greater pleasure than receiving your commands. At present the prevailing fashions are very decent and very plain; the gowns most worn are the robes a rangloisc, which are exactly like the Italian habits that were in fashion in America at the time I left it. The sultana, resembling the long polinese, is also a la mode, but as it is not expected that it will long remain so; everj'body makes them of slight silk. There is so great a variety of hats, caps, cuffs, &c., tliat it is impossible to describe them. I forgot to mention that tlie robe a rangloisc, if trimmed either with the same or with gauze is dress, but if entirely untrimmed must be worn with an apron and is undress; negligees are very little in vogue; fans of eight or ten sous are almost tlie only ones in use. At the Marquis de la Fayette's table, I had the pleasure of hearing you, my dear Mrs. Morris, mentioned the other day, as well as Mr. Morris, in terms to me the most grateful imaginable. The Marchioness- is a most amiable 'Second son of Mr. ami Mrs. Morris, born at Thiladelphia, February 26, 1 77 1; married in Albany, May 2S, 1 799, to Sally, daughter of Col. John Kane, of Schenec- tady, and died in New York, March 12, 1849. He read law also in the oflice of Richard Harrison, of New York, and after his admission to the bar, settled at ('an.indaigua, in the llene.see country'. He was the first Representative in Congress from all the region west of Seneca Lake, in the years iSoi to 1S03, and was for three years, a member of the New York Assembly from C>ntario county. Sharing in his father's reverses of fortune, he returned to New York, where he practiced his profes- sion, and, subsequently, for many ye.irs, held the office of United States Marshall for the Eastern District of New York. ^ Matlame de la Fayette was An.nslasie, second daughter of Count d'Ayon, after- waul l>uc de NoaiUes and Mar^chal de Mouchy, a descendant of the great dWguesseau. When she married la Fayette, he was sixteen and she was one or two years younger. Madame de ta Fayette was st™ck with jviralysis and died in Paris, Decrmber 24, 1S07. MRS. JOHN JAY TO MA'S. IWBERT MORRIS. 39 woman; she expressed her inclination to sec America in very flattering terms, and I could not forbear assuring her that if she ever honored us by a visit, she would find that her character there had already prepared the Ameri- cans to receive her in a manner that would convince her that the Marquis, tho' much esteemed, was not the only one of his family that they respected. The Queen has lately returned to Versailles, after a residence of eight or ten weeks at Passey.''' While there I used sometimes to have the pleasure of seeing her at the Plays. She is so handsome, and her manners are so engaging, that almost forgetful of republican principles, I was ever ready, while in her presence, to declare her born to be a Queen. There are, however, many traits in her character worthy of imitation even by republicans, and I cannot but ad- mire her resolution to superintend the education of Madame Royale, her daughter, to whom she has allotted chambers adjoining her own, and persists in refusing to name a Govcrnalctc for her. 'Ihe Duchess of Polniac,* is named for that office to the Dauphin. I have just been interrupted by a visit from the Princess Mazarin, who informed me that the Count d'Artois* 1 The beautiful, but unfortunate, Marie Antoinette. ' I'assy, a western suburb of Paris, within the fortifications, and about seven miles southwest of St. Denis. It is beautifully situated on a lofty hill, overlooking the river, the city, and a great expanse of gardens, parks, farms, chateaux and villages. During Franklin's residence in France, he lived at Passy, in the Hotel de Valen- tinois, which belonged to that constant friend of America, M. Ray de Chaumont. ' Jules, Count de Polignac, and his wife, Yolande Marline Gabrielle de Pola.stron, were the most intimate friends of Marie Antoinette, and the most prominent members of that portion of the court, which gathered around her and intrigued against the reforms of the King and his Ministers. The count was made a Duke in 1780, and as the prodigality of the Queen and the political mistakes she made were generally ascribed to the influence of the Duchess of Polignac, she and her husband were held in hatred and contempt by the people. They were prudent and left the country together, July 16, 17S9, as the first fmigris. The Duchess died at Vienna, iJecember 3, 1793. * Afterwards Charles X. of France, who had repaired to Gibraltar to witness the capture of the place. 40 Af/fs. yoHX y.tv to mks. Robert morris. would be here in eight or ten days hence, and the Prince, her husband, soon after; so I conjecture the siege of Gibraltar^ is to be abandoned. I have had so many interruptions since I've been writing this short letter, that I must entreat you will im- pute some of the blunders with which it is filled to that cause. Please to present Mr. Jay's and my compliments to Mr. and Mrs. White,* Mr. Morris, the Chevalier la Luzerne, Mr. Marbois. and Mr. Holker. Mr. Jay likewise desires me to assure you that his esteem for you is not less than that with which I have the honor to be. My dear Madam, Yours sincerely, Sa. J a v. Grand Hotel D'Ori.f_\ns. Rue des petits Augustins. Paris, 25th Novbr. 17S2. Mv Dear Madam: — It was not without regret that I heard of Captain Barney's^ leaving Paris without having ' This natural fortress is notable for the number of attempts made by different nations to capture it, but the most memorable siege was that sustained by it under the English, during the years 1779-17S3, by the combined land and sea forces of France and Spain. The grand attack on the place was made September 13, 1782, and all the resources of power and science were exhausted by the assailants in the fruitless attempt. This event has been commemorated by the brushes of two American artists — Copley and Trumbull. The siege ended only with the general peace of Febru.iry, 1783. • Brother and sister-in-law of Mrs. Morris. He was afterwards the well-known prelate, Bishop White, of Pennsylvania. •Joshua Barney was born in Baltimore, July 6, 1759; married March 16, 1780, a d.-iughter of Gunning Bedford, of Philadelphia, and died at Pittsburgh, Pa., December I, iSiS. Commodore Barney entered the Continental Navy at the beginning of the V.-U-, and in 17S2, took command of the State of Pennsylvania's ship-of-war, HyJer All, armed with sixteen six-pounders, with which he fought and took, off the Capes of Delaware, the British man-of-war. General Mont, mounting twenty nine-pounders. The General Moni, was re-christened the General H'aihington, and in her, soon after, Barney s.iiled to carry instructions to Franklin in France, and on his return voyage brought the news of peace. AIRS. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 41 those things in charge, which you had requested might be sent by him. But I hope my dear friend will acquit me of indolence, when I assure her that I never received the commission with which I was honored, till two days before the Captain's departure, and one of those was Sunday, on which you know business could not be trans- acted. Mr. Le Couteulx^ still flatters me that the box may arrive at the port in time to be taken on board. 1 Louis Stephen Couteulx de Chaumont was bom at Rouen, in France, August 24, 1756. He was the only son of Anthony Le Couteulx, a counsellor at law, and delegate to the Parliament of Normandy. He was destined for the law, but having no taste for that occupation, entered into commercial pursuits, and understanding the English and Spanish languages, passed several years in London and Cadiz. In Sep- tember, 1786, he was married at Paris, to Miss Clonet, a niece of General Tousard, who came to America with Lafayette and lost an arm in our Revolution. Im- mediately after his marriage, Mr. Le Couteulx was sent to the United States, to negotiate a settlement of accounts with the house of Robert Morris. Having arranged the accounts with Mr. Morris, he became so well pleased with the country, that he bought a farm of about two hundred acres, in Bucks County, Pa., which he called La Petite France. He subsequently became a naturalized citizen of the United States. He was the first to introduce merino sheep into this country, having imjxirted a pair from .Spain in 1789, which he presented to Mr. Morris. In tlie fall, he returned to France, as will be seen by the following letter : Philada., October 30th, 1789. Dear Sir : The enclosed letter came by the Frigate Alliance from Cadiz, which I sup- pose passed you in the River as you was going down. I have taken the Two Sheep and sent them to the Hills where good care shall be taken of them. I find by Mad'm Le Couteulx letter to Mrs. Morris that you had a fine passage down the River & Bay of Delaware. I hope the same good luck may attend you during the whole voyage, and that you may soon land and find the Troubles of France all settled, and your Family & Friends all in good Health. I will preserve some of the Breed of these sheep to be restored to you sliould you ever return to this country, and with great regard, I remain. Dear .Sir, Your affectionate Friend & humble .Ser\-ant, RoBT. Morris. Mr. Le Couteulx de Caumont, Paris. He came again to America, and established himself in business in Albany, in 1795, and removed to Buffalo in 1804. He was soon after employed as agent by the Hol- land Land Company, for the sale of their lands in Buffalo and its vicinity. He died in Buffalo, October i6th, 1839. His wife never returned to this country, owing to tlie ■climnte here not suiting her, and she died in France, the year before her husband. 42 ^fA\S■. JO JIN JAY TO A/AS. KOBERT MORRIS. The measure for your gown cannot, it seems, be found,, but it is of less consequence, as Mr. Ridley' has sent out for Mrs. Powel," two habits; a sultana and an English habit, which you can see before you have yours made. The Pistache and rose colour were most fashionable last autumn, but what will succeed them in the spring is difficult yet to divine; the trimming is made by the first miliner, and will either suit a sultana or habit, with both of which dresses they wear the petticoat of a differ- ent colour. You'll pardon the liberty I've taken in adding an handkerchief: for, as it was new and consequently ad- mired, I could not resist the inclination: it's to be ty'd on before the gown and then pinned down to the stays, and ' Matthew Ridley belonged to the old English border family of that name^ originally frona Tynedale, Northumberland. Mr. Ridley came to America in 1 770, and shortly afterwards established himself at Haltimore, as a merchant. In the sum- mer of 1775, he w.is compelled, owing to private affairs, to return to London, but he^ retained his interest in the colonies and w-is a member of the committee, organized in Ix>ndon, for the relief of .•\merican prisoners. In September, 1778, he went to N.intes, but the following .\pril returned to Haltimore. In November, 17S1, he was appointed financial agent for the State of Maryland, and sailed for Brest to negotiate a loan. It was at this time that he took Mr. Morris' two sons. In 1 7S3, he was made one of the commissioners to settle the accounts of public officers abroad. In the summer of 1789, he returned to Baltimore, and the next year married Miss Kitty Livingston. He died November 13, 1789, at the .ige of forty. • Mrs. I'owel was Elizabeth Willing, bom Kebruary loth, 1742, the younger sister of Mr. Thomas Willing, the father of Mrs. Bingham. She was married .\ugust 7th, 1769, at Christ Church, to -Samuel I'owel, afterwards Mayor of Philadelphia, and later, Spe.iker of the Senate of Pennsylvania. She died Janu.iry I7tli, 1S30, "Dis- tinguished by her good sense and her good works." The following letter from Mr. I'owel to Mr. Morris, and indorsed by the latter, "A kind note received from Mi. Po7vet, when he thought me in distress, to be remembered, R. Morris," seems not oul of place here : Si'NnxY Afternoon. Sir: — Mrs. Powel informs me that she undersl.inds you are put to some diiScul- tics to procure a Waggon. If so, tho' I have not a W.-iggon, yet I have two carts, a light & heavy one, at my Place over Schuylkill, which are quite at your service if you have occasion for them. I have also an Horse in my Stable which is equally good for the cart or saddle & is also at your Service. I am sir Your ver)' humble servt S.^Mi'EL Powel. MRS. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT AWRRIS. 43 when the gown is on, to be put under the shoulder-straps, and then the tippet is put round the edge of it, and ren- ders a tucker unnecessary. I can't imagine why it's called a Chemise, for I cannot discover any resemblance that it bears to that part of dress. The hat and cloak are fashionable at all seasons of the year, tho' in the winter the cloak is only worn in dress. Your stays, tho' made according to your direction, is perfectly the mode, stiff ones having long since been laid aside — but you forget that your waist has length as well as breadth, and, there- fore, you'll be obliging as to pardon your Taylor if he has not guessed right. Am I at liberty to draw any infer- ence from your partiality? As black and white riding hats are equally worn, I've sent both, the one trimmed in the present taste, the other without ribbon, that your own may be consulted; they are likewise very much worn of a morning, with the hair dressed without a cushion, as for riding. Should I have been so fortunate as to give satisfaction in the choice of the things, I shall think myself vastly happy, and always proud in being honored with your commands. May I flatter myself that this scarce legible scrawl will, as well as some former ones, meet with your indulgence. With my best wishes for Mr. Morris and my dear Kitty, I remain. My Dear Madam, Your very sincere and Affectionate Friend, Sa. Jav. When I proposed to myself this morning the pleasure of writing to my dear Mrs. Morris, I did not think I should have been limitted to a few lines ; but after writing a long letter to mamma, I find myself too weak to indulge ^4 ^f^'^'- 70/iy 7.1 y TO A/A-S. KO/^EhT MOKK/S. myself. \'ou will, however, my dear friend, take die ■will for the deed, and excuse, rather than blame me. As the experiments that have been made, and are daily making, of Globes filled with inflammable air, occasion vari- ous speculations and furnishes matters for a variety of con- jectures, 1 doubt not but accounts have already reached you of the experiment lately made near Paris, and there- fore take the liberty of sending you the engravings copy'd from it. It is confidently reported that the colour of the ball (which you'll perceive is of a yellowish cast,) will be the ton for next winter, and there are already liandkerchiefs, &c., a Ic ballon : if that be true, once more adieu, poor Malbroke! With best compliments to Mr. Morris, I remain, dear madam, Yours, &c., Sa. Jay. Passy, 12 Septr., 1783. EPIGRAM. OciasioneJ by Seiing Miss P'SSy Chew ' Among the Branches of a Tree in the Garden of B. Chew, Esq, The Hebrews write, and those who can Believe an apple tempted man To touch the tree exempt; Tho' tasted at a vast expense. 'Twas too delicious to the sense Not mortally to tempt; But had the tree of knowledge bloom'd Its branches by such fruit perfumed, As here enchants my view, What mortal Adam's taste could blame? Who would not die to eat the same? When Gods might wish a Chew! i Afterwords U>e wile of Governor John Egar Howard, of Maryland. ROBERT MORRIS, OF OXFORD, Mo. Extract From a Manuscript "Narrative of the Principal Incidents inr THE Life of Jeremiah Banning. Written by Himself in 1793." In Pos- session OK Mrs. Emily E. Banning, of Witmington, Delaware. " * * * Y[Q shipped himself. Mate, on board the Sloop Oxford, under the command of Nicholas Price, be- ing bound on a voyage to the Island of Barbadoes. This vessel belonged to Foster Cunliffe & Sons, merchants, of Liverpool, & who had for many years, carried on an ex- tensive & lucrative traffick at Oxford, & particularly under the agency of Mr. Robert Morris, their factor; this gentle- man was one of those instances out of many to evince, that it is not always necessary to be high born & edu- cated to become a conspicuous character. This was quite the reverse with Mr. Morris, being brought up to the mean business of a nail maker, with a school educa- tion similar thereto. His great natural abilities o'er leaped every other dificiency. As a mercantile genius, t'was thought he had not his equal in this land. As a companion & bon vivant, he was incomparable. If he had any public political point to carry, he defeated all opposition. He gave birth to the inspection law on tobacco — & carried it — though opposed by a powerful party. He was the first who introduced the mode of keeping accounts in money, instead of so many pounds of tobacco — so many yard — so many gallon — so many pound, &c., — as was formerly the case. He was a steady, sincere, & warm friend, where he made profes- sions, and had a hand ever open and ready to relieve real distress. At repartee, he bore down all before him. His greatest foibles, that of a haughty & overbearing carriage, perhaps a too vindictive spirit, & to this may be added an extreme severity to his servants — and (AS) 46 J^0B/:KT A/OA'AWS, of 0XFOf!D, Mn. which, indeed, might have been reckoned die greatest reflection on the times, for it was not uncommon, when people of the first class met together at each other's houses, to hear them boast of the new invented ways of whipping & punishing negroes & servants; & I am sorry to say, that the ladies would too often mingle in the like conversation, & seem to enjoy it. I am assured if such characters existed at this day, they would be hooted out of society. "Mr. Morris was father to the present Robert Morris of Philadelphia, and the most distinguished merchant of his time, in America, & perhaps exceeded but by few in the world, as to his extensiveness of trade, mercantile knowledge, popularity & probity in his dealings. "Mr. Morris, the elder, & agent to the great house of Cunliffe & Sons, of Liverpool, received his death wound in July, 1750, by the wad of a gun, fired by way of salute to him, from the ship Liverpool, merchant, Samuel Mathews, commander, then lying at Oxford. The accident happened in this manner: On the arrival of the aforesaid ship from England, Mr. Morris, with some other gentlemen, went on board, as usual on such an arrival; on his return, was accompanied by the captain, who had, before he left the ship, given orders on a certain signal to salute, with such a number of can- non — the signal was, when the captain put his finger to his nose — unfortunately, before the boat had rowed clear of the range of the guns, a fly lodged on the nose of Captain Mathews, he with his hand, without thought, brushed it away, this was taken by the officer on board as the signal. The guns were fired, the wad, of one of which past through the back-board of the pinnace, & struck Mr. Morris's arm a little above the elbow, broke the bone, & occasioned a great contusion, which, ROBERT MORRIS, OF OXFORD, MP. 47 in a few days brought on mortification, and in August a period to his Hfe. "It may appear fabulous, but notwithstanding, as- suredly true, that Mr. Morris, had a favorite English spaniel, by the name of Tray, this dog kept by his Master, during his sickness, & in a few hours died. This is a fact, known by many, now living, & I, myself, saw the dog lying, under his masters corpse. I do not mention this, through any motive of superstition, but merely, as to the sensibility of those sagacious animals. "What led to the above particulars of Mr. Morris, was in order to give a sketch of the now poor, forlorn, & deserted town of Oxford, which was at the time of his death, & during his agency, & of which he was the principle promoter, the most commercial port in Mary- land, & where the store-keepers, & other retailers, both on the western & eastern side of Chesapeake, repaired to lay in their supplies. In those days, Talbot county afforded but very few stores. Easton (then called the Court-house) not one. Seven or eight large ships, at one time, hath frequently been seen laying at Oxford, completing their lading. It was no uncommon thing to despatch a ship of 500 hogshead of tobacco in one fortnight after their arrival. At that time tobacco did not undergo a public inspection as now — men skilled in that article were employed by the merchants, (and who were called receivers,) to view, weigh, & give receipts to the planters. After which vessels were sent to collect it, when it underwent a repacking & priseing preparatory to shipping. After the death of Mr. Morris, commerce, splendor, & the agreeable hurry of business at Oxford, gradually declined to the commencement of the Civil War, which broke out in 1776, when it became in a manner totally deserted as to commerce." ^.8 AO/ifA'T t/CA'/'/.s; O/-- 0.\J-OKD, J/A Ndli: 1!V CIIARI.KS IIKNRV HART. Wlicn Kulit-n Morris came to llii.s country, it is inipossilile now to state, lie- was at t>xforil, as the factor of I'ostcr C'uiilitV, Ksq., of Liverpool, as early as June 27, 1740, for there is n receipt of his extant Ix'ariny that date. V\>on Mr, Morris' death, he was succeedeil, as the representative of the CnnlitTs, by llenr)' Callister, wlio hail been a ilepiity under Mr. Morris, and was a man of fine education. In a letter to Robert Morris, the tinancier, dated Hecember II, 1764, Mr. Callister, who is asking for em- ploynicnt for a nephew, writes: "You are perhajxs yet too young to need lessons of mortality, I shall not plague you with them; 1 shall only tell you that I was the last that spoke to your father, and the last that heard him speak, (for I make no account of two or three old women in the chamber.) .\\ his reijuest, 1 read Plato's I'h;vilo, with which he was extremely pleased, and 1 am conlident he died with less jiain than he would have ilone without that." This last is a most interesting fact, and indicates that Mr. Morris was a man of such cultivation, that he could appreciate the woiils and the logic of the great philosopher. The statement by Capt. Hanning, that Robert Morris was originally a nail maker, seenis very doubtful, in view of the- fact that he was but forty at the time of his vleath, and ten years before, at the imma- tnre age of thirty, was the representative of a large commercial house in Liverpool. Capt. H. was but seventeen (Kirn March 25, I7.v>.) at the time of Mr. Morris' death, and this account was uot written until 1 793, so it is, of course, mere hearsay and recollection. In this connection, the following inscription upon Mr. Morris" tomb, in old White Marsh Burial-gunind, St. Peter's IWish, Talbot Co., Md., may be of interest: In memory of Riibeit Morris, a Native of Liver|>ool, in Great Britain, l^ite Merchant of C>xforti In this prvivince. IVnctual Integrity intluenceii his dealings, IVinciixils of Honor governeil his actions; With an uncv'nmion degree of Sincerity, He despise*! Artifice and Dissimulation: His Friendship was tirm, candid and valuable; His Charity frequent, secret and well adapted, His Zeal for the l\iblicke gooti, active and useful, I lis Hospitality was enhanced by his conversation, Seasoned with cheerful wit, and a sound judgment. A Salute from the canon of a ship The wad fracturing his arm Was the signal by which he dcpartetl Crcatly lamented, as he was esteemeil In the fortieth year of his .ige, (.In the 1 3th d.iy of July MDCCL "Copied from the Tombstone of Robert Morris, by Mr. EJw. Tilghman, Queen Ann County, Maryland, May 20. 1S51. ROBERT MORR/S, OF OXFORD, MD. 49 " Receiving the copy of the Epitaph on the Tombstone of my grandfather, Robert Morris, has led me to reflect upon the circumstances attending his death, which I heard from my mother — and while the recollection is fresh in my memory, I deter- mined to write them down. " Robert Morris was a Merchant of high standing where he resided. It was custom- ary at that early day, when a large ship arrived — or was about sailing for England — for the owner to give an entertainment on board the vessel to his friends. Robert Morris had invited a large company to dine on board one of his ships. On the night previous to the day of the dinner, he dreampt the day had been agreeably spent, but in returning to the shore, he received a wound from the salute, (which it was custom- ary to fire,) and which would cause his death. The dream appeared a reality — he could not overcome it, he could not banish it from his mind — in fact, so overpowering was the feeling, that he determined not to join the party, and communicated to the captain of the vessel that he was under the necessity of absenting himself, and, finally, was compelled to relate to the captain his dream, and the effect it produced on his mind. He was aware of what would be considered the weakness of his feelings, but they could not be resisted, he had struggled with himself and made every effort before he could acknowledge it. The captain, finding that entreaties, persuasion nor ridi- cule, could change his determination, finally assured him that no salute should be fired, and Robert Morris very unwillingly yielded to his solicitations. The compwiny assembled on board, the day passed pleasantly. At the moment of their departure from the vessel, the captain came to Mr. Morris, told him the sailors could not under- stand why they were not to fire the customary salute — they would not be satisfied, as they then received their gla.ss of grog. K. Morris then stipulated that the salute should not be fired until he gave the signal, by waving his handkerchief. When the boat, in which the company were returning, was about half way between the ship and the shore, a lady accidentally dropped her handkerchief, the salute was fired, and Robert Morris received the wound which caused his death in three days. Another circumstance was told to me, that a little pet dog followed his master to the grave — could not be induced to leave it, — and died there. MARIA NIXON, Daughter of Robert Morris, and granddaughter of the above mentioned Robert Morris." Only very recently, as will be seen by the date of the certificate, has the existence of so important and interesting a document, as that which follows, come to light: Will of Robert Morris. In the name of God Amen. I Rofcert Morris, of Talbot County and Province of Maryland, merchant (Son of Andrew Morris Mariner and Maudlin his wife, both deceased, late of the town of Liverpoole in the County of Lancaster and Kingdom of Great Britaine) being in good and perfect health, and peace of mind, do this seven- teenth day of April, one thousand seven hundred and forty nine, make and publish this my last will and testament. Imprimis: I commend my soul to Almighty Cod, the Author and giver of life, and my body to be decently Intered in the earth, in hopes and full confidence of a 4A CO KOlir.KT MOKKIS, OF OXFOKD, AID. joyfuU rfsuiioction, tluin\^;li ll\e nu'rils of Jesus Christ, the son of Goil, my Kr «lcomcr «nil Snvior, iiml,l ilispose of that worUlly estate with which it h:ilh pleiisol the Ahiiii;hty to bless mc ns follows: l''ii^t. 1 give to my Iicloveil sister Kllin Kcdestoii, wife of Ji)n;ithan Kccleston btiteher iit Livcrpoolc, one humlreil poiiiuls stcrliiij; money. Item. I give to my beloved sister Margaret Trout wife to deorge Trout, at Mr. 'Timothy Uollis's mcrehiiiU in London, one hundred pounds sterling money. Item. I give to my two cousins Kllin ond Sarah, daughters of ICaster Jackson late of Liverpool, ten pounds Sterling each. Item. 1 give to the lawful heir of Mr. John llorst, formerly my worthy mxster, late of I.ivcrpoole, dcecased, lifty ix>unds sterling. ltcn». 1 give to Sarah Wise of Talbot County in Maryl.mil, for the good will and nITection 1 have for her, two hundred and til^y pounds current money of Maryland, and my two silver pint canns, and six silver table S|K)ons. Item. I give to Sarah, Daughter of the said Sarah Wise, one hundred pounds current n\o>iey of Maryland. Item. 1 give to the child that Sarah Wise aforesaid is now with child of one hundred ivnuuls current money of the I'l-ovince aforesaid, and it is my will that the two bust mentioned sums shall l)e paid to the said Sarah Wise, immediately after my decea.se for the use of her said children. I also give to the said Sarah Wise the elder, one mourning ring anil the smallest of my two silver tankanis, and all niy shirts and other wearing linneu that 1 shall dye possest of. Item. I give to my friend John Ilanmer, of Kent County, Merchant, any six volumes of lH>okes that he shall chuse out of my Library and ten pounds sterling and one mourning ring. Item. I give to my friend John Caile, of Dorset County, Merchant, any six volumes of Ixioks that he shall chuse out of my Library and ten pounds sterling and one mourning ring, and the largest of my silver waiters. Item. I give to my friend Henry Caleister, Merchant, any six volumes that lie shall chuse out of my Library, and ten |X)unds sterling and one mourning ring and one of my mahogany an«d chairs. Item. 1 give to my friend James Nicols, of New Town, in Kent County, Attorney at l.wv, any six volumes that he shall chuse out of my Library, and ten (wunds sterling and one mourning Ring. Item. 1 give to my friend Risilon Bozman, of Talbot County aforesaid, the largest of my silver tankards ami one mourning ring. Item. I give to my friend William Cioldslvir^iugh, of Talbot County aforesaid, Attorney at law, my silver bottle crain and silver I'iiw and one niourning ring. Item. I give to my worthy mastci-s Foster Cuidifte, Ellis CunlitVc and Robt Cunlifl'e merchants, in Liverjxwle, all the pictures that 1 have hanging in their house at Oxfonl aforesaid and each of them one mourning ring. Item. I give to my friends Capt. John Johnson Mr. Thomas liitckhouse and Capt. Kdwaril liarnes, all of Liverixiole. one mourning ring each. Item. I give to my friend Mr. Robert Grcenway, ten (wumls sterling, and to him and Cicoigc Okell of rhiladelphia, one mourning ring each. KOBEKT MORRIS, OF OXFORD, Mo. 51 Item. I give to my friend Capt. John Coward, one of my mahogany armd chairs, and my Cardwine or case, and the bottles it contains, and one mourning ring, and to his -son, my Godson, five pounds current money. Item. I give to Hannah Prout, Mary Markland and Mary Surty, al! of Talbot County aforesaid, ten pounds current money each and one mourning ring to each of them. Item. I give to Elizabeth, daughter of Mary Surty aforesaid, ten pounds current money and one mourning ring. Item. I give the poor people of St. Peters Parish, in Talbot County aforesaid, fifty pounds current money to be distributed amongst them by the Rector and Vestry of the said Parish. Item. I give to my friends Mr. Anthony Bacon of I^ondon, merchant, Mr. James Dick- inson the Kcvd. Thomas Bacon and Nicholas Goldsborough Junr. Mr. Samuel Cham- ijerlaine and Mr. John Leeds and Mrs. Margaret Lowe, all of Talbot County aforesaid, one mourning ring each. Item. I give all my lands and tenements whatsoever whereof I shall die seized in pcssession, reversion or remainder, to a youth now living with my friend Robert Greenway, in Philadelphia, known there by the name of Robert Morris Junior, who arrived in Philadelphia, from Liverpoole, some time in the year one thousand seven hundred and forty eight, and to him the said Robert Morris Junior, now living with Mr. Robert Greenway merchant in Philadelphia, I give and bequeath all the lands and tene- ments I shall die possessed of forever, and I likewise give to the said Robert Morris Junior all the rest and residue of my goods, chatties, merchandize, apparel and personal estate whatsoever. Lastly. I make constitute and ordain, my good friend John Caile, of Dorset County, John Hanmer and James Nicols, of Kent County and Robert Greenway of Philadel- phia, to be my Executors of this my will and I desire that they will execute this my will according to my true intent and meaning, and pay off the several Legacies I have left, and send the rings to the persons above mentioned, as soon after my deceased as they can, and dispose of all my effects in the best manner they can and transmit in bills of Exchange or otherwise the remaining part of my estate to Mr. Robert Green- way, of Philadelphia, to be kept by him in trust for Robert Morris Junr. till the said Robert Morris shall ask and demand it from him, and whenever Robert Morris Junr. now living with Robert Greenway, in Philadelphia, shall demand what effects I have given him by this my will I desire the said Mr. Greenway will deliver to him the said Robert Morris Junr. all such effecLs, whether it be remitted to him by the other of my Executors, in cash, bills or any merchandize whatsoever. I desire my Executors or such of them as shall be nearest to me when I die, to see me buried in St. Peters church yard, in Talbot County, if I die in Maryland, and to cause a handsome stone to be put over me with any in.scription that they shall think proper, and it is my will that they shall retain in their hands, as much of my money as will be sufficient to defray such expense. In witness whereof I the said Robert Morris have to this my last and only will and testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written. Robert Mukri.s [skai.] Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Robert Morris, as and for his last will and testament, in the presence of us, whose names are here under written, who did 1^2 ROBERT MORRIS, OF OXFORD, Mr>. ejiili of us sul>scril>c our names, as witnesses, nt his request ami in his presence in the n>oin where he tlien was. The wonis " one mourning ring and ten pounds sterling ami lo tiim" Iwing lirsl interlined. \Vm, Ki-.mi\ his Solomon x Cornish, mark llAii, Caiik. (>n the Kick of the aforegoing will was the following probate, thus written, \'n. : TallMt t'ounty lo wit, August 1st 1750. William Kemp, Solomon Cornish and Hall Caile the sulwcribing witnesses to the foregoing will being duly and solemnly sworn on the Holy Evangely of Almighty (lod, depose and say that they saw the Testator Rol>crt Morris sign the foregoing will and heanl him publish and declare the same to l>c his last will and testament that at the time of his so doing he was to the l>est of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind and memoi^ and that they suKscribcd their respective names as witnesses to the said will in the presence of the testator and at his rev^uesl. Certified by Jere. Nicoi-s, Dfply. Comry. of Talbot County. Maryiani>, Anne ARi'NnEL Coi'nty, Sit. : / Hereby Certify, That the within and foregoing last will and testament of Robert Morris, is tndy copied from Liber D. O. No. 6, 1740 to 1750, one of the recortis in the oftice of the Register of Wills for Anne Arundel County aforesaid. Ih Testimetty Whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the Seal of the Oqihans" Court for Anne .\nindcl County, this 26th day of January, A. U. 1SS3. [se.\l] Test: John W. Brashi^\rs, Register HIUs .4. A. County. The Inventor)' of Mr. Morris' estate on file in the above office covers twenty large folio Images, and the appraised value of his ]v;rsonal property was ;^255S, iSs., 6'id. The signature, under the portrait, from .in original oil painting, supposed to be by Feke or Hesselius, in the jx)ssession of his great grand-daughter. Miss Klizabeth Nixon, of rhiladelphia, is a fac-simile from an account current with James Tilghm.ir.> Esq., be.iring date Oxford. June 30, 1746. HON. HENRY MOORE RIDGELY, OK DKI.AWARE. TJENRY MOORE RIDGELY, ■^ -'■ was the son of Dr. Charles GreenburyRidgelyand Ann Moore, his second wife, his mother being the daughter of WilHam Moore, Esq., of Moore Hall. He was born in the town of Dover, Dela- ^ lb/' "^^ (L ^^'^^' ■^'Jg'Jst 6th, 1779. He re- ^^^^^^^vSl-j^^^I^J^^'^^*^ ^ classical education at Dickinson College, and graduated with honor at that institution dur- ing the presidency of the celebrated Dr. Nesbit. He studied law in Lancaster, Penna., under the direction of the Hon. Charles Smith, and was admitted to the Bar in or about 1802, rapidly making his way into a very lucrative practice. His forensic talent, combined with much courtesy of manner and great moral integrity, gave him a commanding influence. He was contemporary with the elder Bayard, the Reads, Rodney, Van Dyke, Robinson, Hall, Clayton, McLane, Black, and other eminent lawyers of that school, and continued his practice, influence and eminence in their midst until he retired from the active duties of his profession, a few years before his death. At the age of twenty-seven, he was made President of the Farmers Bank at Dover, which office he held from the time of its incorporation in 1807, till a short time before (53) 54 "OX. //f.vAM- AfooA-f: K/ncEr.y. his ilcatli. when failiiij^ hralth iinUiced him to resign; haviny[ then held it for forty consecutive years. He filled many important offices, the duties of which he discharjjed with ijreat ability. He held the office of Secretary of his native State tliirini^ the administration of three Governors, lie was first appointed by Governor Clark in 1S17, after- wards by Governor Stout, and again by Governor Painter. He was elected to Congress in 181 1, again in 1813, and refused renomination in 181 5. He was fre- (juently elected to the State Legislature, and framed some of its best laws. 1 le succeetled Nicholas Van Dyke in the Ihiited States Senate in 1S27. He never sought office, but refuseil distinguished positions which were offered to him. C)n the death of his brotlier. Chancellor Nicholas Ridgely, in 1830, the commission was offered to him, and declined. He also declined the office of Chief justice. While Secretary of State, he collected tlie papers belonging to that office, which had been scattered in many places, arranged them in proper order, looked up the Archives of tlie State, and thus saved much oi interest and importance. His fondness for reading, and his literary attainments, with a remarkably retentive memory', made him socially a most delightful companion. He was married in 1803 to Sarah, daughter of John Banning, of Dover, Delaware; by tliis lady he left five diildren to survive him. He married a second time Sally A., daughter of Governor C. P. Comeygs, on the 17th of May, 1842. He died August 6th, 1847, 't being the sixtv-eii'hth anniversarv oi his birth. Ed. INDENTURE OF APPRENTICESHIP OF WILLIAM KINNERSLEY. THE only real interest which attaches to the following document, arises from the fact that there is every reason to believe it refers to the father of the celebrated Ebenezer Kinnersley, A. M., the American Electrician, and who was, for nearly twenty years, the Professor of English and Oratory in the College of Philadelphia, now the University of Pennsylvania. The document was found among the papers of Rev. William Smith, D. D., Provost of the University, a warm friend of Prof Kin- nersley. If of no other use, it has informed me who was the grandfather of the Professor. The name of one of the witnesses is Elizabeth Kinnersley of whose rela- tionship to the parties I know nothing whatever. Morgan Edwards, the early Baptist Historian says, that while Rev. Jenkin Jones was pastor of the United Baptist Churches of Pennepek and Philadelphia, he had as his assistant, Mr. William Kinnersley, who, the same authority states, was born in 1669, at a place called the Lynch, near Leominster in Erdsfield parish, and County of Hereford. This document describes his father as Richard Kinnersley, of Upperton, in the parish of Shoborn, Herefordshire, yeoman, but noth- ing else is known of his ancestors. When about fourteen years of age, he learned the art or business of weaving, and no doubt followed it for a livelihood until he came to America, which was on the 14th of September, 1714, at the age of forty-five years. While still in England, he was, Mr. Edwards says, "an exhorter" in the Baptist Church at Tuxberry, but was never ordained. At Pen- nepek, he exercised his talent with acceptance, and no doubt often officiated while Mr. Jones, the pastor, (55) 56 IXDE.VTURE OF WILL/AM KIX.VERSl.F Y. preached in Philadelphia. He died February 13, 1734, and was buried at Pennepek. His wife was Sarah Turner, of Ross, in Herefordshire, by whom he had two children, Ebcneccr, who married Sarah Duftield, and Jlfary, who married into the Hubbs family. Kbenezer was baptized September 6, 1735, was ordained in 1743, and preached at Philadelphia and elsewhere until 1754, when he became a Professor in the College. Of his career as a philosopher, and especially as the best known electrician of his day, I need not, in this prefatory note, speak. Suffice it to say, that his discoveries were such as to attract the attention of learned men, not only in America, where he was tlie first to deliver public lectures on the subject, but also in England and Continental Europe, as may be learned from Dr. Priestley's History of Electricity.^ Indenturk.- This Indenture witnesseth diat William Kinersly Sonn of Richard Kinersly of upperton in the Parrish of Shobdon in the County of hereftbrd yeoman, by and with the consent of the said Richard Kinersly his fadier hath Put himself an apprentice unto Rowland Stead of Leominster in the County of hereford, weawer to learne his Trade and occupation, and after die manner of an apprentice with him to dwell from the day of the date of Uiese presents unto the end And terme of seaven years then next ensueinge, fully to be compleat and ended, dureinge all which time the said William apprentice to the said Rowland his master, well and faithfully shall serve, his secrets shall keep, his Comandements lawfully and honestly evrj- where shall obay, hurt or damage to his said Master he shall not doe nor consent to be don * The above Prefatory Note has been furnished me by Horatio Gates Jones, the B.iplist Historian of Philadelphia, to wliom I submitted the original document. — lii). • Printed verbatim from the original, in tlie collection of W. F. Boogher. INDENTURE OF WILLIAM KINNERSLEY. 57 to the value of twelve Pence by the year or above but he to his power shall let or hinder the same, or forthwith give warninge to his said Master thereof: Taverns of Custome, ends, or ale houses he shall not haunt, unless it be about his Masters bissinesse there to be don, att the dice cards or any other unlawfuU games he shall not play, the goods of his said Master he shall not wast, nor them to any one Lend without his Masters consent; fornication within the hous of his said Master nor with- out he shall not committe, matrimony with any woman within the said term he shall not contract nor espouse nor from his Masters service neither by day nor neight shall ab- sent or prolonge himself, but as a true and faithfull servant he shall demean himself towards his said Master dureinge the said term : And the said Master his said apprentice in the art, trade, and mistery and occupation which he useth shall after the best manner he can teach and instruct, or caus to [be] Taught and instructed as much as to the said trade or occupation belongeeth or in anywise Appertain- €th: The said Richard Kinersly father of the said Ap- prentice shall and doe stand ingaged to provide all manner of clothes and apparell both for mendinge and makeinge now at his Cost and charge befittinge such apprentice to have. And the said Master for his said apprentice shall find and provide for the said apprentice good and sufficient meat, drinke, washinge and Lodginge and shall at the end of the said Seaven Years Service deliver up to the said apprentice his said indentures. In Witness whereof the said parties to these Presents have interchangeably set to their hands and scales the twenty sixt day of July Anno domini 1680 Rowland Stead [seal] Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of Thomas Holder, Elizabeth Kinersly. her JOANE X OaFFEE. mark HISTORICAL PAPERS.' Samuel Allinson/ of Burlington, N. J., to Elias BouDiNOT, IN Relation to the Testimony of Quakers Against Negro Slavery. Burlington, 31st 5 mo: 1774. Respected Friend: As it was thy desire to see the minutes and pro- ceedings of Friends respecting Negroes when thou wast last at Burlington, I obtained the Minutes of our Yearly meeting intending to have given thee a perusal of them, but no fit opportunity afterwards offering, I am now induc'd, merely (I may truly say) from a love to Justice and a wish to promote it towards that in- ferior rank of mankind, to take the trouble of making the following extracts and copies from the book of Minutes of die Yearly meeting held for New Jersey and Pennsylvania, tho' I shou'd much rather have gratified thee with a sight of the whole: 1688. The concern among friends appears to have arose from some German Friends, who pro- posed a consideration of " The Lawfulness or unlawfulness of buying and keeping of Negroes" to the said Meeting so early as the year 16S8. • Printed verbatim from a collection of letters to, and original drafts of, letters from Elias Boudinot, LL.D. (b. Phila, May 2d, 1 740; d. Burlington, N. J, Oct. 24, 1S21), now in the collection of Wm. F. Boogher, with Annotations by the Editor. ' Son of Joseph and Elizabeth AUinson. (58) • HISTORICAL PAPERS. 59 1696. The Meeting advised "That Friends be care- ful not to encourage the bringing in of any more negroes, and that such that have negroes to be careful of them, bring them to meetings or have meetings with them in their families and restrain them from loose and lew'd living as much as in them lies, and from rambling abroad on First days or other times." 1711. "That Friends may be careful according to a former Minute (1696,) not to encourage the bringing in of any more, and that all Merchts. and Factors write to their corre- spondents to discourage them from sending any more." 171 2. That meeting express this concern to the Yearly meeting in London in an Episde, and desire their assistance & advice, after advising with Friends of the other provinces, and duly considering the matter. 1 7 14. The Yearly Meeting in London is Wrote to again on this subject " We also kindly received your advice about Negro Slaves, and we are one with you, that the Multi- plying of them may be of dangerous conse- quence, and therefore a law was made in Penna. laying a duty of 20^ upon every- one imported there, which law the Queen was pleased to disannul," and desiring that if another shou'd be enacted they wou'd aid its confirmation. 1 71 5. "If any Friends are concerned in the importa- tion of Negroes let them be dealt with and advised to avoid that practice according to ■6o HISTORICAL PAPERS. 1 715. the sense of former Meetings in that behalf, and that all friends who have or keep ne- groes do use and treat them with humanity and a Christian Spirit, and that all do for- bear Judging or reflecting on one another either in public or private concerning the detaining or keeping their servants." 1 7 16. Reference to the last minute enforcing it. 1 719. "Advised that none among us be concerned in the fetching or import'g Negro Slaves from their own country or elsewhere. And that all friends who have any of them do treat them with humanity and in a Christian man- ner, and as much as in them lies make them acquainted with the principles of truth, and inculcate morality in them. 1730. "That Friends ought to be very cautious of purchasing Negroes who are imported, it be- ing disagreeable to the sense of this meet- ing; and recommends it to the care of Monthly Meetings to see that such who may be or are likely to be found in that practice may be admonished and cautioned how they offend herein." 1735. Repeats the caution "against encouraging the importation of Negroes by buying them after imported." 1736. Repeated and a particular care recommended. 1737. Repeated and accounts desired to be sent up of success. 173S. Care in these respects again recommended. 1739- 1 74 1. ^The like in substance. 1742. historical papers. 6 1 1754. "Dear Friends: It hath frequently been the concern of our Yearly meeting to testify their uneasiness^ and disunity with the importation and pur- chas'g of Negroes and other Slaves, and to direct the overseers of the several Meet'gs to advise and deal with such as en- gage therein, and it hath likewise been the condnued care of many weighty Friends to press those who bear our name to guard as much as possible against being in any re- spect concerned in promoting the bondage of such unhappy people. Yet as we have with sorrow to observe that their number is of late increased amongst us we have thought proper to make our advice and judgment more public that none may plead ignorance of our principles therein, and also again earnestly exhort all to avoid in any manner encouraging that practice of making slaves of our fellow creatures. Now Dear Friends, If we continually bear in mind the Royal law of doing to others, as we would be done by, we shall never think of bereaving our fellow creatures of that valuable blessing Liberty; nor endure to grow rich by their bondage. To live in ease and plenty by the toil of those whom violence and cruelty have put in our power, is neither consistent with Christianity or com- mon Justice and we have good reason to believe draws down the displeasure of Heaven, it being a melancholy but true re- flection, That where Slavekeeping prevails ^2 HrSTORrCAL PAPERS. 1754. pure religion and Sobriety decline, as it evi- dently tends to harden the Heart and render the Soul less susceptible of that holy spirit of Love meekness and charity which is the peculiar character of a true Christian. How then can we who have been con- cerned to publish the Gospel of Universal love and peace among mankind be so incon- sistent with ourselves as to purchase such who are prisoners of War; and thereby en- courage this unchristian practice. And more especially, as many of these poor creatures are stolen away, parents from children and children from parents, and others who were in good circumstances in their native country inhumanly torn from what they esteemed a happy situation and compelled to toil in a state of Slavery, too often extremely cruel ! What dreadful scenes of murther and cruelty those barbarous Ravages must occasion in these unhappy peoples country are too ob- vious to mention : Let us make their case our own and consider what we should think, and how we should feel, were we in their circumstances. Remember our blessed Re- deemer's possitive command 'To do unto others as we would have them do unto us ' and that with 'what measure we mete it shall be measured to us again.' And we entreat you to examine whether the purchasing of a negro, either born here or imported doth not contribute by a further importation and conse- quently to the upholding all tlie evils men- tioned, and promoting Man Stealing, the only HISTORICAL PAPERS. g'j 1754. theft which by the Mosaic law was punished with death. 'He that stealeth a man and selleth him or if he be found in his hands he shall surely be put to death.' Exod. xxi. 16. The Characteristic and badge of a true Christ- ian is Love and good works, our Savior's whole life on earth was one continued exercise of them. 'Love one another (says he) as I have loved you.' How can we be said to love our brethren, who bring, or for selfish ends keep them in bondage ? Do we act con- sistent with this Noble principle, who lay such heavy burdens on our fellow creatures? Do we consider that they are called and sincerely desire that they may become heirs with us in Glory and rejoice in the liberty of the sons of God whilst we are withholding from them the common liberties of Mankind? Or can the Spirit of God, by which we have always pro- fessed to be led, be the author of those op- pressive and unrighteous measures? Or do we not thereby manifest that temporal interest hath more influence on our conduct herein than the dictates of that merciful holy and unerring Guide? And we likewise earnestly recommend to all who have Slaves to be careful to come up in the performance of their duty towards them and to be particularly watchful over their own hearts ; it being by sorrowful experience re- markable, that Custom and a familiarity with evil of any kind hath a tendency to byas the Judgment and deprave the mind. And its obvious that the future welfare of these poor 64 HISTORICAL PAPERS. 1754. Slaves who are now in bondage is generally too much disregarded by those who keep them, if their daily task of Labor be but ful- filled, little else perhaps is thought of; nay even that which in others would be looked upon with horror and detestation is little regarded in them by their Masters, such as the frequent separation of Husbands from wives and wives from husbands, whereby they are tempted to break their Marriage Covenants and live in Adultery, in direct opposition to the laws both of God and man, altho' we believe that Christ died for all men without respect of persons; how fearful then ought we to be of Engaging in what hath so natural a ten- dency to lessen our humanity, and of suffer- ing ourselves to be cursed to the exercise of hard and cruel measures, least thereby we in any degree loose our tender and feel- ing sense of the Miseries of our fellow creatures, and become worse than those who have not believed. And Dear Friends — You who by inherit- ance have slaves born in your Families, we beseech you to consider them as souls com- mitted to your trust, whom the Lord will require at your hands, and who as well as you are made partakers of the Spirit of Grace, and called to be heirs of Salvation, and let it be your constant care to watch over them for Good, instructing them in the fear of God, and the knowledge of the Gospel of Christ that they may answer the end of their Creation and God be Glori- fied and honored by them as well as by us, HISTORICAL PAPERS. 65 1754. and so train them up that if you should come to behold their unhappy situation in the same light that many worthy men who are at rest have done, and many of your brethren now do, and should think it your duty to set them free, they may be the more capable to make a proper use of their liberty. Finally Brethren; We entreat you in the bowels of Gospel love, seriously to weigh the cause of detaining them in bond- age. If it be for your own private gain, or any other Motive than their Good, it's much to be feared, that the Love of God, and the influence of the holy spirit is not the pre- vailing Principle in you, and that your hearts are not sufificiendy Redeemed from the World, which that you with ourselves may more and more come to Witness thro' the Cleansing Virtue of the holy Spirit of Jesus Christ is our earnest desire." 1755. "It is the sense and Judgment of this Meeting that where any transgress this rule of our Discipline " (to wit) the being concerned in importing or buying of Slaves "the over- seers ought speedily to inform the Monthly meeting of such transgressors, in order that the meeting may proceed to treat further with them as they may be directed in the wisdom of truth." 1758. "After weightily considering the circumstances of friends within the compass of this meet- ing who have any Negro or other slaves, the accounts and proposals now sent up from several Quarters, and the rules of our discipline relative thereto, much time having 66 HISTORICAL P.trERS. 1758. been spent, and the sentlm'ts of many friends expressed; there appears an unanimous con- cern prevailV to put a stop to the increase of the Practice of importing buying seUing or keeping Slaves for term of hfe, or pur- chasing them for such a number of Years as manifests that such purchasers do only in terms, and not in fact avoid the imputation of being keepers of Slaves; this meeting very earnestly and affectionately entreats friends individually to consider seriously the present circumstances of these and the ad- jacent provinces, which by the permission of Divine Providence have been visited with the desolating Calamities of War and blood- shed, so that many of our fellow subjects are now suffering in Captivity; and fervently de- sires, that excluding temporal considerations or Views of self-interest we may Manifest an humbling sense of these Judgments, and in thankfulness for the peculiar favor extended and continued to our Friends and brethren in profession, none of whom have as we have yet heard been slain or carried into Cap- tivity, would steadily observe the injunction of our Lord and Master 'To do unto others as we would they should do unto us' which it now appears to diis meeting would induce such Friends who have any Slaves to set them at liberty making a Christian provision for them according to their ages &c." 1760. "As the Growing concern which hath appeared amongst us for some years past to discourage the practice of making Slaves of our Fellow HISTORICAL PAPERS. 6j 1760. Creatures, hath been Visibly blessed with success we earnestly exhort, that Friends do not abate of their diligence in this weighty matter, but continue in the love which ' bear- eth long and is kind' to labor with such as having membership with us do in any manner by buying selling or keeping them countenance the trade, to inform their under- standings and convince their Judgments, and some of us are firmly persuaded, that if this care is diligently and honestly pursued, the society will in time come up more universally in fulfilling the Evangelical Law of Righteous- ness." Several other admonitions and advices on this sub- ject have been since communicated by Friends to their members, but being nearly of the same import are not thought worth copying. I send thee not these with the least degree of Ostentation, but wish, that if any part of our Conduct be worth immitation it may be improved on, and we shall be glad to see our deficiencies supplied and ourselves extolled in every Virtuous effort, that we may have the task of Rectitude made easier by pursuing the footsteps of better way marks. I am thy true friend, Saml. Allinson. 68 historical papers. Letter^ from Louis Pintard,'^ of New York, to Elias BouDiNOT, AT Philadelphia, Which is Supposed to BE the First Account Received at Philadelphia. New York, 24th April, 1775. Dear Elly: — We were alarmed yesterday with many melancholy accounts from Boston, of a skirmish hav- ing happened between the Inhabitants and a party of Soldiers. An express^ was forwarded last evening to the Southward, and I suppose you will be all in an up- roar about it this morning. I should be glad to in- form you a true state of the matter, but that is impossible, the accounts are too Various. At first the report was that 150 soldiers were killed & 50 inhabitants, then it was not so bad. And a third report was that the whole ' Now in the collection of William F. Boogher. * Lewis Pintard. — In 1762 he appears as the owner of the schooner Catharine of six guns. A prominent merchant in the time of tlie Stamp .\ct, he was called upon by the Sons of Liberty in reference to a bond and Mediterranean pass, which the Com- mittee at Philadelphia informed the New York Committee, he had sent on stamped paper. He disavowed any intention of usingthe stamp. He was one of the Committee of Correspondence of Fifty-one of 1774, and of the Committee of One Hundred of 1775. He was connected with the Commission for the relief of .'Vmerican prisoners in the city of New York during the war. His wife Susannah died March Illh, 1772. He died March l6th, 1818, at the age of 86, one of tlie three last sur\ivors of the Chamber of Commerce. ' On the 24th of April, 1775, the express arrived at Philadelphia, giving p.articulars of the battle of Concord and Lexington, and the first shedding of blood in actual conflict. Intense excitement was the result, and a meeting was called the next day at the State House, which was attended by eight thousand people. The proceedings were brief, but resolute. It was determined that an association should be at once entereil into for the defense of American liberty. This was the first movement towards enlisting troops against Great Britain in Pennsylvania. Measures were so vigorously managed that two thousand men were enrolled and otTicered in three weeks, consist- ing of three battalions under Colonels John Dickinson, Daniel Roberdeau and John Cadwalader, with an artillery company of one hundred and fifty men, having six field pieces, and a troop of light horse, which still exists under the name of "The First City Troop." These volunteers were on the 20th of June, reviewed by General Washing- ton before his departure to the camp at Cambridge, that being the first niilitary service of this distinguished patriot in his new position as commander-in-chief of the armies of the United States. HISTORICAL PAPERS. 69 detachment consisting of looo men, was cut of. A vessel arrived this day from Rhode Island, which left it Saturday & brings an account that an express Came in there with the news that 80 soldiers are killed and 40 provincials & that the remaining soldiers had retreated back to Boston. Upon the whole, every body here are of the opinion that there has been blood spilt, but were in hopes it is not so bad as these accounts make it. As soon as any certain news arrive, I will advise you. Yesterday two Sloops loaded with pro- visions for the troops at Boston were unloaded, and the City Arms which were deposited in the City Hall, were secured by the Inhabitants & the whole City was in an uproar, altho' it was Sunday. It looks now as if they were coming to a crisis. My love to the family. I should have pushed on, Saturday afternoon to see you, but there was no wind and I feared a long passage & night dark. Tell Abby I rec'd her letter & will send the thing she wants for, this week I am at home. Solus all alone, having left my wife at N. Rochell with Johnny. Adieu. I am Yours Most affectionately, Lewis Pintard. Minutes of a Letter From Convention of New York to Congress, April 23D, 1777, — Now in War Office. Case of Major Edmonston sent with Letter as follows: I. — He was apprehended at his Estate in western Parts of Tryon County by an order of Committee. Genl. Schuyler last winter permitted him to go to Genl. Washington on Parole, in order to negotiate an Exchange. 6 Febry 1777 he obtained a proposal to 70 HISTORrCAl rAPERS. Josh. Lorinc^,' E!sq., for an Exchange for Majors Williams, Brown or Wells. He went to New York where he remained till March when he set out by Land for Albany with a Letter from Genl. Howe to Genl. Schuy- ler dated N. York 18 Febry 177; agreeing to the exchange, provided ^L-ijor lulmonston was allowed to go by Land to Canada. At IVekskill, he obtained a Pass from Genl. McDougal, and after 20 Days spent on his Journey he arrived at Albany. The Convention ordered him to Kingston and on Elnquir)- found the Excuse for the Delay was the Badness of the Roads & difficulty of procuring Carriages. ist Night he lodged at Col. Thilysis. At Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County 10 Days with Toner. At Manor of Levingston some Days. Mr. Patterson is notoriously disaffected. Kinderhook the same. He informed a Gentleman of veracity of his intention of going to England while an intercepted Letter to his Patrons wherein he expects great Preferment in America & begs his interest. These Circumstances added to Genl. Howe's Ex- traordinary Exception, tJie Major's Character, the easy Conveyance from New York, his Delays &c. &c., render him suspicious. They detained him &• wrote to G. W., & at his desire they send him on to Congress. Con- gress refer him to N. York Members. 'Joshua Loring, Capt. of the British Navy, b. 1731, made Capt. 1757; stationed fin American IjOces till 1 760; Commissi, of prisoners in Phila., 1777. Hopkinson alluded to his wife in his "Battle of the Kegs." d. in England, Aug. 1789. Ed. (HfSTORICAL P.\rEKS TO BE CONTlNVtri.) tfadualadfr. WiUiains. ?Siddlf. ^ruitf. ^^ f N.^- COLONEL THOMAS WHITE. By Tiios. n. Montgomery. OLONEL Thomas White, the father of Bishop White, was born in London, in the year 1704, the second son of Wil- ham White, Junior, and his wife EHzabeth Leigh, whose portraits by Sir Godfrey Kneller, are in the possession of his descend- ants in this city. His father was the great grandson of Thomas White, Esquire, of Caldicott, who died in 1661, aged 78, and who was descended from John White, Esquire, of Hulcote, County^ Bedford, who died about 1 50 1, and from whom also descended the Rev. Thomas White, D. D., Prebendary of St. Paul's and the Founder of Sion College, London. His mother was daughter of John and Susanna Leigh, the latter's brother being the Rev. Henry Downes, D. D., successively Bishop of Killala, of Elphin, of Meath, and finally of Derry ; Dr. Robert Downes, the latter's son, was successively Bishop of Ferns, Down and Connor, and of Raphoe. Colonel White's father died in February 1 708-9, leaving his widow and six children in straitened circum- lA (71) 72 COLOA'EL THOMAS WHITE. Stances. His mother was able to send him to a g^ram- mar school at St. Alban's ; but at the age of sixteen, he concluded to venture his fortunes in the new world, and in 1720, sailed for the new province of Maryland, having been apprenticed to Mr. Stokes, the Clerk of Baltimore County, a member of the bar of the Province. After some years assiduous attention to his duties, he became deputy to Mr. Stokes, accumulated books, and practiced law, and with his thrifty earnings began to purchase lands. As early as 1734 he was surveying, and eventually received the appointment of Deputy Surveyor to the Lord Proprietary for Baltimore County, which at that time embraced the territory now known as Harford County, which was set off in 1 773 ; his chief pur- chases were made in this latter section, and some of the tracts he then acquired are to this day occupied by his descendants. In the year 1730, he married in Spesutia.- Parish, Sophia, the youngest daughter of John Hall, Esquire, of Cranbury Hall, an estate lying on Bush River. Her brother Edward was Sheriff of Baltimore County, 1719-22, 1734-36, and Presiding Justice in 1732 ; and her brother, Colonel John Hall, was Sheriff in 1730, and one of the seven commissioners appointed on the Union of the towns of Baltimore and Jonestown in 1745. The Halls had at first settled in St. Mary's County, but Sophia's father not being a Roman Catholic, had purchased and settled in Baltimore County, where he died in 1727, leaving large possessions, one of which he bequeathed as Sophia s Dairy, to his daughter, which became her home on marriage. Mrs. White died in 1742, leaving three daughters, the eldest, Sophia, marry- ing her cousin Acquila Hall, and having a family of twelve children. COLONEL THOMAS WHITE. y ;^ Col. White's possessions of lands and goods increased rapidly. His tobacco he exported to London, and in return he received English wares, the disposal of which led him to remove, upon his wife's death, to Philadelphia ; taking a house on Market Street, he there dwelt, and on the lower floor traded off his importations and dealt in Maryland exchange. Iron of his own manufacture he here offered, for he had found iron ore on his estates, and with his accustomed force had entered into its production, and his books testify to the results of his Bush River Iron Company and Stafford Forge, the remains of which works can still be traced. He was married secondly by the Rev. Dr. Jenney, Rector of Christ Church, Philadelphia, to Esther New- man, the daughter of Abraham Hewlings, of Burlington, on 7 May, 1747. Esther Hewlings' baptism at St. Mary's, Burlington, is recorded by the Rev. John Talbot, on 29 March, 1719; her father and grandfather were Wardens of St. Mary's. To them were born two children, William and Mary, at their house on Market Street, the site of which is now known as No. 425. Here William was born, 24 March, 1747 (O. S.,) and Mary, 2 April, 1749 (O. S.) The grounds of the house stretched northwards to and were bounded by the Cemetery of Christ Church, and here were first formed by the young lad those thoughts of a future life which turned his mind to serious matters and led him eventually into the ministry of the church, which genera- tion after generation of his ancestors had been members of. Mary became the wife of Robert Morris the financier, on 2 March, 1769, and died 16 January, 1827, Her brother survived her nine years, dying 17 July, 1836, in the 89th year of his age. But Colonel White's Maryland estates were of too 74 COLOXEL THOMAS WHITE. great value to leave entirely to his factors, and by frequent visits there he practically retained their man- agement in his own hands. In the charms of his daughter's family circle, he found at the same time recreation from the exactions of city life, and his younger children, who frequently accompanied him, formed strong attachments to their sister's home and to her and her young children. Here, while on a visit with his wife and William, he died, after a brief illness, on 29 Sep- tember, 1779, and was buried in the Hall Family Ground at Cranbury, whence his remains, with those of his first wife, were removed, 7 June, 1877, to the Cemetery of St. George's, Spesutis, of which parish he had been a Vestryman, as early as 1731, and being frequently elected thereto until his removal to Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia, he was not wholly engrossed with his multifarious concerns of property and business, his interest in educational matters led him to join in the efforts for an Academy, and he was among the first Trustees, in 1749, of the Public Academy, in the city of Philadelphia, which, in 1755, grew into the College, Academy, and Charitable School of Philadelphia, and he retained his Trust until his resignation in 1772, his only son having become an honored alumnus of it in 1765, and becoming himself a Trustee in 1774, an office which he retained until his death, in 1836. Col. White also was one of the Commissioners of Peace in 1752. His wife survived him eleven years, dying in Philadel- phia, 31 December, 1790. He early took a warm interest in the discussions between the Colonies and the mother countr)', and, not- withstanding his love for his native land and his active correspondence with his sisters yet residing there, he maintained the position that the Colonies should not be COLONEL THOMAS WHITE. 75 taxed without representation, and when the final issue was met, vindicated his rights as an EngHshman by upholding the Colonies in their resistance to encroach- ment, though from bodily infirmity unable to take any active part in the contest. He never wavered, though there were dark seasons in the early years of the strug- gle, which was still undecided at his death, when he may have refle6led on the possible confiscation of all his estates in Maryland. In a letter to his agents in London, Messrs. David Barclay & Sons, 1 1 November, 1765, he writes: "Please to send me a good Pinchback Watch, with a green Shagreen case; a piece of yd. wide Irish Shirting Linen, at 3^'. dd.; and a piece of ditto, at 3^-. pr. yd. But not if the Stajnp Act be tmrepealed." Seventy-five years of a useful and honored life he had passed. A man of dignity and courage in all business relations, he possessed also true affections in a remark- able degree. For fifty-five years he had been separated from his sisters, but a continuous correspondence testi- fies to his interest in them and their concerns, and only his official affairs and later a lameness, the result of a carriage accident, had prevented him visiting them. His obituary can best be read in his son's words: "My hon- ored Father left the world with the reputation of unsullied integrity through life." "Among his many good qualities was strict Temperance and scrupulous Integrity. Perhaps no man ever lived and died with a more unreserved Acknowledgment of these Properties of character." And "he was indulgent to his family in all their reasonable Desires, and was attentive to ye keeping of a plentiful and hospitable Table." The portrait of Col. White given in this number is reproduced from a miniature by Charles Willson Peale, now in the possession of his great-grand-daughter, Miss Nixon. OPENING OF THE STATES GENERAL, 1789. LETTER FROM GOUVERNEUR MORRIS TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. Communicated by Charles Henry Hart. Paris, iith May, 1789. My Dear Madam: — This would be a very interesting letter, if I would describe to you the things which I see. And if I would describe to you the things which I feel, you would see how ardently I desire to quit this glittering scene, and how I pant for my native land and that circle of friends without which life is not worth possession. But such descriptions require more fervor of genius than I possess, so that (to borrow Shakespear's language,) my "baser stars do shut my eyes in wishes." I was yesterday at the country seat of Mr. Le Couteulx, which formerly belonged to a Princess of Conti, near the famous water-works of Marli. In the morning, before breakfast, I mounted on the aqueduct, which is as high as a steeple and placed on the brow of the highest hill in that neighborhood. From this place we behold the dis- tant domes of Paris, and above an hundred villages scattered about the borders of the Seine, or perched on the declivities of steep hills encircling the valley thro' which it meanders. This valley is most highly cultivated in small plots, and without fences, so as to present an im- mense carpet of variegated green. For twenty miles, at least, the Seine winds along in view, and visits in his course every grade of society, from the hovel, which shelters wretchedness, to the fastidious pomp of royal habitation. Contemplating this great expanse, worthy alike of the painters' pencil and the poet's pen — it was the coolness and fragrance of the morning, and all was (7f>) OPENING OF THE STATES GENERAL, jjSg. JJ silent, excepting only the murmur of distant bells, whose sounds were mingled from a thousand steeples — my mind insensibly fell into deep meditation and led me to an American cottage. It was built of logs, but very clean, and retired from the high road. In front a small garden ; at the foot of it a little meadow, through which runs a lively stream of water, cool and clear, and beyond that a forest of lofty trees. I thought I saw two citizens escaped from the labors and cares of the week, who were trying to decoy the shy and voracious trout. I believe you can fill up the rest of this picture. I cannot convey the reflections or sensations which arose from comparing the prospect before me, with that which presented itself to my mind's eye. Feeling as a man for the miseries of the many, and feeling as an American for the general ease and happiness of my country, I exulted in the con- sciousness that we are members of a society which is composed neither of subjects nor of slaves, but of men; that we live in a land where no palace dare insult, and no misery need complain. In that dear native land I have friends most dear; who fill with propriety the place a kind Providence has allotted to them ; to whom respect gives rank, and with whom virtue is nobility. May they be happy! I had the honor to be present on the fifth of this month at the opening of the States General. A spec- tacle more solemn to the mind, than gaudy to the eye. And yet there was displayed everything of noble and royal in this titled country. A great number of fine women, and a very great number of fine dresses, ranged round the hall, on a kind of stage — the throne. On the left of the King and a little below him, the Queen. Re- tired a little behind him to the right and on chairs, the Princes of the Blood. On the right and left at some dis- tance from the throne, the various Princesses with the 78 OFEXIaXG of the states general, lySg. gentlemen and ladies of their retinue. Advanced on the the stage, to the left of the throne, the Keeper of the Seals. Several officers of the household richly capari- soned, strewed about in different places. Behind the throne, a cluster of guards of the largest size, dressed in antient costume, taken from the times of chivalry. In front of the throne, on the right, below the stage, the Ministers of State, with a large table before them. On the opposite side of the hall, some benches, on which sat the Marshalls of France and other great officers. In front of the Ministers, on benches facing the opposite side of the hall, sat the representatives of the Clergy, be- ing Priests of all colors, scarlet, crimson, black, white and grey, to the number of three hundred. In front of the Marshalls of France, on benches facing the Clergy, sat an equal number of representatives of the nobility, dressed in a robe of black, waistcoats of cloth of gold, and over their shoulders (so as to hang forward to their waists,) a kind of a lappel about a quarter of a yard wide at top, and wider at bottom, made of cloth of gold. On benches which reached quite across the hall, and facing the stage, sat the representatives of the people, cloathed in black. In the square between the Clergy and Nobles, directly in front of the representatives of the people, and facing the throne, stood the Heralds at Arms, with their staves and in very rich dresses. When the King entered he was saluted with a shout of applause. Some time after he had taken his seat, he put on a round beaver ornamented with white plumes, the part in front turned up, with a large diamond button in the centre. He read his speech well, and was inter- rupted at a part which affected his audience by a loud shout of Vive le Roi! After this had subsided, he finished his speech, and received again an animated acclamation. He then took off his hat, and after a while OPENING OF THE STATES GENERAL, lySg. 79 put it on again, at which the nobles also put on their hats, which resembled the King's, excepting the button. The effect of this display of plumage was fine. The Keeper of the Seals then performed his genuflections to the throne, and mumbled out in a very ungraceful manner, a speech of some considerable length which nobody pretends to judge of, because nobody heard it. He was succeeded by Mr. Neckar, who soon handed his speech to his clerk, being unable to go through with it. The clerk delivered it much better than the Minister, and that is no great praise. It was three hours long, con- tained many excellent things, too much of compliment, too much of repetition and detail, too much of everything, for it was too long by two hours, and yet fell short in some capital points of great expectation. He received, how- ever, very repeated plaudits from the audience, some of which were merited, but more were certainly paid to his character than to his composition. Mr. Neckar's long speech now comes to a close and the King rises to depart. The hall resounds with a long loud Vive le Roi! He passes the Queen, who rises to follow him. At this moment, some one imbued with the milk of human kindness, originates a faint Vive la Rei7ie! She makes a humble curtesy, and presents the sinking of the high Austrian spirit. In return a livelier acclamation, and to this her lowlier bending, which is responded by the shout of loud applause. Here drops the curtain on the first great act of this great drama, in which Bourbon gives Freedom. His Courtiers seem to feel what he seems to be insensible of, the pang of greatness going off. His position, however, offers the sensation of a far greater greatness — that of the Patriot Prince, who rules in the affection of more than twenty million souls. You see that, as usual, I have no room for professions. Yours, Gouv. Morris. HISTORICAL PAPERS. (Continued from page 70.) Louis Pintard to Elias Boudinot. New York, 19th May, 1777. Dr. Sir: — I have received both your favours of 29th Ulto. & 5th Inst, the latter enclosing a Commission appointing me deputy Commissary Genl. of Prisoners, which Commission I return to you herewith, as I cannot hold the same, and I must inform you that I believe no person bearing the like would be permitted to remain in this City & act under it. Joshua Loring, Esq., Commissary of Prisoners here, to whom His Excellency the General has referred all these matters, informs me that His Excellency has no objection to my receiving provisions & any other necessary, for tlie prisoners & distributing the same to them in any manner that may be most Comfortable to them, which I am ready & willing to do; the first bill of exchange you have sent me David Franks on Arnold Nesbitt, Adam Drummond & Moses Franks, Esqs., of London for Six Hundred pounds Sterling is come safe to hand & shall be dis- posed of & the amount Immediately applied as you direct for which purpose I shall go over to Long Island to-morrow or next day to meet the officers, but tliis Sum divided amongst them all is so trifling that it will do them but little good especially as I am inform'd they owe Considerably for their Board, you'll please not forget to send the 2d & 3d bills. I sold a bill last week for 2yi & 6d. more than parr which brings the exchange up to 2 & 6d. & a trifle more & suppose this bill will sell for the same. Mr. Loring informs me that His Excellency the (So) HISTORICAL PAPERS. 8r General will permit you to send in not only the neces- sary provisions for the Consumption of the prisoners, but also as much more to be sold as will furnish thera with every other necessary that they may require, your taking advantage of this indulgence would be a great Saving as there would be a small profit rather than a loss on the provisions you would send in unless their prices are greatly risen since I left you, & by the price Bill of exchange you have sent has cost near fifty & 6a? is Sunk, but I am desired to inform you that it will now be expected that full supplys be sent in for all the Prisoners now here and for all such as may hereafter be brought in. I suppose I shall see on the Island & will endeavour to get from him his account of expenditure to forward to you as you desire. Mr. Loring will write to you by the same oppertunity that he forward this and I refer you to him for the return of the Prisoners that you require. When you write me again please to do it always under Cover to him,, he writes you about the Exchange of Mr. Fell & I will take care to supply him with what he wants. The Family are all well & desire to be remembered to you and yours. I am Dr Sir Yours Sincerely Lewis Pintard. Elias Boudinot, Esq. Joseph Mersereau to Elias Boudinot, Esq. THE following is a Lists ^ of expenses which have been paid & are yet to Pay on acct. of Continental Prisoners taken from Robt. Pierpoint's Books, who has ' The editor of these papers finds it impossible to print them in chronological order, as many are but original drafts without date ; but all (which have any historical interest) will be published. 82 ///STORICAL PAPERS. acted as Commissary of Prisoners for the Slate of Massachusetts : « 777— June islh. To Cash paid Expences Bringing 17 Regulars, Prisoners taken, Coming over from England to Join General How & Carried into Dartmouth in his State, from thence brought by land to this Town, & Put on board Rising Empire Guardship, as pr. acct., which the Hon, Council / 18. lU. icxf. July 20th. To Cash Paid Sundry Charges for Hessian Prisoners, Nett, Fresh meat for 72 the first day £ I lis. oJ. rd. Child for meat for Ditto 116 Greens and Turnips at Sundry times 12 Major Milvil for Guarding the Hessian officers from Boston to Cambridge Goal 12 Fresh beef 36^. Carting IVovisions, 20f 26 rd. Ferriage Prisoners & baggage over Winnisimet Ferry iS 7 16 Pd. Henry Christ'n Geyer in part of his acct. for an Interpreter & attendance on the Hessians ... 3 12 Aug. 2d. Pd. Sundry Charges for the above Prisoners when Sent from Boston to Worcester Goal, 6 in num- ber, at Bakers in Brooklyn, Going 16 Supper & Lodging in all at Waltham & keeping Horses 3 '8 At Baldwin's & Jones, for Breakfast & horse-keep- '"« 3 '8 At the Widow Gleasons, for Dinner & Drinks 16 Sup[>er & Lodging I 14 Breakfast & Sundrys, Horse-keeping at Mannes . . 29 At Woodbum's on my way Home 19 Pd. General Heath Guards 12 Pd. George Friederik Byder, his bill for attendance 5 16 Team hire, 17 Myles, Carry Ba^age, ®2i. (>J. . . 5 '7 Horse& Chaise hire, 17 Miles, @ IJ. 61/. 3 10 Eight loads of Breccks & Sand & Clay, Carted from Roxbury 4 16 Two m. Breecks a 501. for Prison Ship 5 Pd. the Crew to go toward the Town to get men to go on board the Prison Ship for Guards in attend- ance 5 33 S HISTORICAL PAPEKS. 85 1777 — Sept. 1st. Pd. Daniel Mears & Benj. James towards their wages on board Prison Ship £ o 12s. od. Joseph Powers as per Rect. for Storage Prisoners baggage ... 6 Sept. 4th. To Cash pd. 4olb Iron, Prison Krigt. Favorite @ ■^'•("i- C 5 I Iron kettle @ £\ y. 7fl'.,togrocies . 203 I do Pott 42 245 626 I Pott & Large pott hooks for use of Prison Ship Kingston I 15 12 Pd. James Ray for 3 days work on bd. Brigt. Favorite .... i Vennary Thomas 3 days d. on bd. Ditto I Eben Prout for his work in preparing Guard Ships I Elijah Roberts his bill for work on bd. Brigt. Favorite, & for Bording himself 3 Sept. 6th. Pd. for a Locke & key for Brigt. Favorite I James Bernard, his bill for 6^ days work on board the Kingston Prison Ship, a I2r. pr. day, & 2 Stock Locks I2j 4 Pd. John Snelling, his bill for 5 days work on bd. Ship Kingston. 3 Pd. Andrew Townsend his bill for his & others work on board Brigt. Favorite, making Platforms, bobbins. &c 13 Samuel Porter, his bill for 5 days work on bd. Brigt. P'avorite . I Joseph Eustice, his bill 4 Wilkenson, his bill for work on bd. Kingston 4 Edward Black, his bill of work for 2 handi, three days, on bd. Prison Ship Kingston, @ I2j. pr day 3 James Black, his bill for 2 hands, 3 days on bd. I'rison Ship Kingston 3 Thomas Cooper, towards his wages on bd. Kingston I Samuel Drowne, towards his wages on bd. do John Perrigo, his bill for 2^ days work on bd. Prison Brigt. Favorite, Caulking Deck, &c I Henry Simpson, his bill for Sundrys for Prison Ship Kingston 1 1 Thomas Thorp for 5 days Labour on bd. Prison Favorite ... 2 Joseph Sargent for i Load ballast put on bd. Favorite 2 Capt. Bartlet for 4 hands, Sundry days work on bd. Favorite . . 5 William Homer for Mason work 3 Thomas Greene for 2 Large Iron kettles at liolb at dd, for Prison Ship ' 2 Sept. 7. Pd. William Shaley his bill for bringing a Prisnors I William Prichard pr. Rect. for assistance at 6f, Prisoners, Ace . . i Oct. 2d. Daniel Mears pr. Rect. on acct., his wages on bd. the Kingston, ommitted Sept. nth -■84 HISTORICAL PAPERS. 1777 — '^i^'- 2d. 4 Pd. Wheelright & Bernard for Iron bound Water Casks for do. . 2 Nov. 1st. Pd. Henry C. Geyer on acct. of his bill for attending the Hessians. 4 Pd. Moses Bliss for bringing an Indian Prisoner from Springfield to Boston & Expenses 6 Pd. Edwd. Richardson for carrying B.iggage for such Prisoners from Hancock's Wharf to Hospital Pd. for Provisions & Entertaining Prisoners 5 Nights on a Signal, the Storm being so great they could not be got on board Prison Ships I Nov. 7th. Pd. Rogers his Bill for Lumber on board Prison Ships 7 Pd. Provisions for 6 Women, 5 days in the Work House, these were Soldiers Wives from the Kingston Prison Ship 3 Paid John Healy for Truckage, Sundrys on board IVison Ship Kingston i Nov. 15. Pd. for 2 loads Wood for Canadian Prisoners at the Work Hou.se. 4 3 Bushels Potatoes & Turnips for do i Is'ov. 17. To Cash pd. Paul Farmer (or the use of the Work House, for the Hessian Prisoners, from 2d July to 2d August, 4^ Weeks at Soj per Week iS Pd. Carting 2 Loads bread & Provisions to the Work House for the Canadian Prisoners HISTORICAL PAPEKS. gc 1777 — Nov. 17th. Pd. Thomas Brewer for Winds for Kingston Prison Ship . . . . £ o 151. od. Pd. a Ix)ad Straw for Canadian Prisoners at Work House. ... 9 Pd. Andrew Townsend tow'd his bill for Work on bd. Kingston. 3 Nov. 1 8th. Pd. I pail IS. bd. pail of Soap, 8j. dd. I load Wood for Canadian Prisoners at the Work House, 24? i \a Nov. 19th. Pd. 2 Bushels Sauce for Canadian Prisoners, Work House ... i6 Sauce, Salt & Candles for Canadian Prisoners, Work House . . i 16 Pd. Wm. Prichard in part for looking after Canadians i 10 Nov. 20th. Pd. I Load Wood 30J., 2 Bushels Turnips, onions. Potatoes, Garrets, ids 2 6 Pd. keeping Guard, 2 Suppers, breakfast & Lodgings from 20th to 2 1 St, that brought Comet Grant back from Providence, where he made his Escape 12 Nov. 2ist. Pd. 2 Bushels Potatoes for Canadians 16 Pd. Thomas Edes 4^ days Work on board Kingston 3 76 Nov. 24th. Pd. Carting 2 Loads Baggage from Row's Wharf to Work House. 18 2 Bushels Sauce for Canadians, ids. 2d., 3 Busheb do. for do. 24f. 2 Nov. 27th. Pd. I Ix)ad Wood for do. 3.f., 2 Buiihels Sauce for do. i6.f. . . . 26 Nov. 28th. Pd. 2 Bushels Potatoes fordo 16 Dec. 2d. Pd. Thos. Boutenau for Interpreting Letter from French into English 6 Dec. 4th. Pd. 2 Bushels Sauce for Canadians, i6j. 5(/., 2 Bushels i6j. for do i 12 Dec. nth. Pd. 6 Bushels do. for do. for three days, at 8x 2 8 Dec. isth. Pd. Wm. Prichard for acct. of Attendance on Canadians . ... 3 12 Dec. 1 6th. Pd. 4 Bushels Sauce for Canadian Prisoners i 12 Dec. 13th. Pd. Jerem'h Parker for I lolb beef for Prisoners on bd. Kingston, ^""■^ % li Pd. Edwd. Gookin for 571b do. for do i 194 (The above to make up what fell short by allowing i6oz to the pound.) Pd. Wm. Prichard in full to 1st Dec, attending upon Canadians, &c., from 15th November 6 8 Pd. Wm. Prichard after settlement in pt. for Attendance upon Canadians •> 7 86 HISTORICAL PAPERS. 1777 — Dec. 22. Pd. Ebenezer Trout on Acct., he being Stewd. of Prisn. Ship Kingston / 6 o.t. ( Pd. Roots for Canadian Prisoners, 6 days, 2 bushel pr day ... 312 1778 — Jan. 4th. To Wood for special duard Carted to North Hattery, as there wa.s great reason to suspect ye'l'risoners would try to get away this night £ 1 5 lb. Cheese at 2J. 6 d., 2 qts Hum 28j., Sugar 2s. . 226 Pd. Capt. Lamber with 9 Men for Guard, .... 74 Jan. 7th. >o 6 6 I'd. carriage of 2 Sick prisoners fr. N. End to Hospl., Man, Horse and Chaise, '2 I'd. Capt. David Wyer for serv'g as Capt. on board Kingston Prison Ship, as pr his Acct. at the Council '5 '5 Pd. for a Hoat to Carry 30 prisoners of Burgoynes on bd. Prison Ship Rising Empire, by an order from Major Genl. Heath, . . 6 Jan. 8th. Pd. Isaac Sears for an Iron Boiler for 300 Men as pr Acct., \vt. 1375 lbs. @, 6^ Weeks for use Canadian Prisoners, at Sos. pr Week 34 Andrew Townsend's bill for himself and others Work on board Prison Ships from 12th Sept. 1777 exclusive of what I have pd. him and others, 66 61 Bryant & Dennis's Acct. for Lumber for Prison Ships 1 1 4 Thos. Green's acct. Truckage, bread for Prison Ship Kingston . I 4 Wm. King's bill Cording 4)4 Cord Wood for do. 4 10 Isaac Freeman's ^Bill 15 days attendance on bd. Prison ship Kingston 6 Benj. Burdet's Acct. for his Trouble iS: attendn. with Hessians and Canadi.ins, &c. pr. Acct 22 4 John Brown's Acct. for Work on board Kingston, i\;c 35 '^ HISTORICAL PAPERS. 87 1778— Feb. sth. ... . / Gibbons, Sharp & Co. Bill for mending flatt-bottom boats, . .\. £it) lyj. %d. Ebenezer Proud's bill being Stewd. of Prison Ship Kingston, 63 11 Patrick Quinn's bill for Truckage for do 26 12 Wm. Prichard for the ball, of his acct attendg. upon Prisoners, &c., from 1st Dec. to 5th Feby 22 17 Eben. Purpont's acct for writing in Office from Sth Aug., 1777 to Sth Feb., 1778 is 6 mo. at £l<^ mo go 5 Iron bound Water Casks at 72J., td. at 24J. Carting, 24J. did. for Prison ships & omitted 26 2 Cord Wood for Brig. Favorite, om. Sept. 3d, 1777 at 8+s. £?> 8j. 2 Cord do for do Oct. 14, 1777, ... 88 2 Cord do for Ship Kingston, Nov. i, 1777, ... 88 2 Cord do for do 7, 1777, ... 88 6 feet do for prisoners at Work House 33 36 15 Richd. Floyd's bill for Work for Kingston, Cooperage, &c. . . . 11 ig Wm. Page's Bill for Water for do 10 9 John Ayers' Acct. for Water, &c 2g 14 6 Richd. Floyd's Bill for Wood for Kingston 2 19 James Kirkwood's bill for Candles for do 212 Wm. Stone's bill for Water for Ship Kingston 4 12 Timothy Newell's Bill for Measures and Weights for do ... 2 14 Samuel Barrett Bill for Baggs 5 8 Portlidge Bill for Ship Kingston fr. Feby. 1st to 6th 11 18 4 Wm. King's bill for Carting 4^ Cords Wood Jany. 27th ... 410 Gibbins, Sharpe & Co. Bill for a stead to Slead the Water ... i 10 Powers & Willis Advertizing for Men to serve as Guards on board Ship Kingston & Favorite, in Sept. last 18 Joshua Davis's Acct. as Superintendent on bd. Kingston, ... 10 16 John Georges's Acct. for Doctoring Prisoners 3 12 Wm. King's bills for cording 4^ Cords Wood, this day .... 4 10 Hire of Prison Ship Kingston from 27fh Aug., 1777 to 27th Jan. 1778, 5 mo., at 213 J^^ Tonns 534 3 4 Copy. ' ^1764 iSTTcrf . Sir : This is a copy of Mr. Pierpoint's acct., which have got from one of his Clarcks, after many Promises to Do all he could for me. I could not obtain it from him — I send you this for information — how it has been conducted here I shall say more at a proper season, I am, Dr. Sn, Your Hum. Servt., March 2, 1778. Jos. MeRSEREAU. Elias BouDiNOT, Esq., ' The reader will observe that the amounts on each page are not added up, (as they are in the original,) but the total is given at the end. — Ed. 88 HISTORICAL NOTES. Copy OK A Letter from David Franks, Esq., Commis- sary FOR THE English and Other Prisoners Capti- vated BY THE American Arms. To THE Hon. Board of War: Philadelphia, 6 June, 1777. Gentlemen: — Agreeable to your request, I herewith enclose you copies and extracts of letters received from the Commissary General, by order of His Excellency, General Howe, and at present provisions are issued by my directions, to the prisoners in Virginia, Maryland, and this State, which shall be continued; likewise to all who may be in the pay or service of Government, and deemed British prisoners, altho' many have been brought in, and no returns or demands made for pro- visions. It will therefore be necessary that orders shou'd be given for such returns in future, to be made to me, on their arrival, or to my deputies at Reading, Lancaster, Yorktown, and Carlisle, at which places they are in this State. In Virginia, to Colonel Richard Graham, (at Dumfries,) in Maryland; to Mr. Robert Cummins, at Baltimore. There are about 1500 rations ^ day issued in this State, but do not know what is in Virginia or Maryland, &=!:**** Extract of Letters From Daniel Chamiers, Esq., His Britanic Majesty's Commissary General of Stores & Provisions. To D. Franks, Com. of Prisoners: Boston, 8 Feb., 1776. * * =•= "I have it in command from His Excellency, " the Honorable William Howe, Esq., Commander-in- HISTORICAL NOTES. 8^ 'Chief of His Majesty's forces; that you continue to ' victual his Majesty's 7th & 26th Regiments, the Royal ' Artillery, Scotch Emigrants, and other of his Majesty's ' troops who may be prisoners within the limits of '' your contract, at the usual allowances. You are to 'victual them, at half a ration each for the former, and a quarter ration to the latter." New York, 25 February, 1777. * * * "It is the General's wish that you continue ' to victual such of His Majesty's troops as are prisoners 'with you, either in your province, the Jersies, or Mary- land, if possible, also the Canadians, wheresoever they ' may be confined, as he considers them in the very light 'they consider themselves as in His Majesty's service. 'With respect to the back rations these gentlemen ' claim, I cannot see the propriety of paying them for ' them, if they have been victual'd by the Americans, ' it will be charged to Government, as we bring a charge 'against the Americans for victualling their prisoners." James Mease^ to Elias Boudinot. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 9th inst. from Middle Brooke duely received & should have sent you the articles therein required sooner but for the hurry & confusion occasioned by the enemys late movements. Inclosed you will > James Mease, M. D. — an eminent physician of Philadelphia, author of " Geological Account of United States;" "Picture of Philadelphia, 1811;" On William Penn's Treaty with the Indians," Svo., 1S36; "Utility of Public Loan Offices," &c., 8vo., 1836; "Descriptions of some of the Medals struck in North America," Svo., Philadelphia, 1821 ; "Letter on the raising of Silkworms," 8vo., 1828; "Observations on the Bite of a Mad Dog, 1792," — died in Philadelphia, May 15th, 1846, aged seventy-five. 90 HISTORICAL NOTES. receive invoice of sundry clothing forwarded to your care for the use of the four prisoners wh. I wish safe to your hands. As I expect Mr. Young will supply you with the shirts, & they being scare with me just now, have not sent any. Everything else agreeable to your desire is I believe in the four packages, agreeable to the invoice. I had not ready hats enough to send them all of a kind, but I do not think that of any great consequence, a round one being in my opinion full as useful as a cocked one. I am with great respect & esteem, Sir, your most obdt. Hble. Svt. James Me.\se. rhilada., June iS, 1777. EuAs BouDiNOT, Esq. Extract of a Letter from the Col. of Prince Wil- liam County in Virginia. Pray what does the Congress propose to do with the Hessian prisoners at Dumfries ? I think it a very im- proper place, provisions are dear & scarce, & if a ship of war was to come up Potomac, it would be impossible to prevent their escape. Some inland town would be safer & more convenient, I would recommend Winchester. The inhabitants are dissatisfied at their remaining in the neighborhood & the Comtee of this Count)' have applied to the Govr. & Council for their removal, besides tlie Comtee were not a proper body to have care of them, being dispersed thro' the County, and the spirit of Comtees in this State being patted, that Institution being about at an end, this being the only Comtee in Virginia, & will not be re-elected. The Govr. has put the four field officers under the Guard of the County Lieutenant. historical notes. 9i Joshua Mersereau to Ei.ias Boudinot. Harford, July 25th, 1//7. Dear Sir: — I herewith send you the return of prisnors in this State. The accts. Commissary Williams says will be ready when I return from Boston; I set out to-day. I wated on Govr. Trumbull, & he knows nothing of the barracks; I can't learn anything is done. His Excel'y. desir'd me to wate at Lebanon & take under my charge the Hon'l. Gen'l. Dreshot, which I did with great pleasure, and conducted him safe, with his aid, D. Cong, servant, and dog, (to East Winsor, at Capt. Grant's,) and left them under a guard of 9 men and a Leut. Expect 1 2 to-night. Leut. Barrington, his aid D. Cong, is desirous of being on parole, as it was his desire to be with the Genl.; I confin'd him in like man- ner, till I hear further from you or his Excellency, Genl. Washenton, respecting their particular bounds, limits, and manner of confinement; the Genl. desires to be indulg'd, to walk out a few rods in the day, with the officer of the guard; also to have leave for some wine and other necessaries, to be fetch'd from Shrewport, in case he should not be exchang'd soon. The Genl. speaks well of Col. Barton, both as to behaviour and treatment; says had the guard-boats done their duty, 10,000 men could not have taken him. Its a grand enterprise ; could wish we had reason to think as favour- able of our Northern army. Pray, give me a scetch of the news, as nothing can be depended on here. Mr. Deen has letters from his brother by a packet from France; says a large fleet is ready; everything bares a good aspect, that he commits no polleticks to paper. As the express is gone on, I expect you have the particu- lars at camp. By a gentleman from N. York, says Genl. 92 JIISTORICAL NOTES. Howe was at York. 1 5 Jany., and say it was expected they were going up the N. river, the ship that was cut down, and some gundolows were sent round, up the N. river, during die night; says our prisoners live poor, durty, and lowsy. Tlie sailers enter in the trans- port service, rather than be so confined ; they take many of our vessels, 200 are there now. Mr. Bell and taken by Miggs, were forage masters, and says they have orders to be exchang'd for any two under the degree of a Capt. ; I propos'd Mr. Bell. There is great neglect respecting the prisnors here; they are shifted from place to place, without giving notice to the officers, by which means they escape. Herring, from N. York, says, if he is permitted to go to York, on parole, he will send Mr. Bell in exchange. Inclos'd you have Mr. Deen's letter, and sample of sugar; you'l see he has reserv'd one hog'd. which is exceeding good. I think you had best propose to let him have two averige hog'ds, or one-sixth of the whole, and be at equal proportion of expense, as you can fix that matter with him, I shall wate your answer. There are 14 hog'ds; they ask ^10 for the same quality in other places ; rum is 30.y. lawfull. There is a prize-ship to the eastward with sugar, if it's sold soon, I will in- deavour to buy some. Direct to Col. Broom, respecting the sugar, &c., where I shall get it in my return. If any- thing particular is to be done in Massachusetts, order it to be sent on. I shall acquaint Col. Broom which road I shall return. I am. Dear Sir, Your Hum. Servt., JosiiLA Mersereau. P. S. My arm is better. If you send teams for sugar. let them fetch tlower. Col. Boi'DiNOT, Esq. (insTORIC.\L TAIFRS TO BE CONTINUFT>.) X t ^,.,^i^ .^^uf(12.) 18. Jonathan Williams, b. Aug. 12th, 1821; d. April 2 1 St, 1856. 3. Mary Biddle (4.) m. General Thomas CadwaU ■ader, June 25th, 1804. Their children were : (13.) 19. John, b. April ist, 1805, d. Jan. 26th, 1879. <14.) 20. George, b. May i6th, 1806, d. Feb. 30th, 1879. 21. Thomas, b. Aug. 27th, 1808, d. Jan. 19th, 1844. 22. Henry, b. Jan. 21st, 18 17, d. July 2d, 1844. 23. William, b. Oct. 2d, 1820, d. Oct. 15th, 1875. General Thomas Cadwalader was the eldest son of ■General John Cadwalader and Williamina Bond, b. Oct. ^9th, 1779, d. Oct. 31st, 1841. 4. Rebecca Cornell Biddle (5.) m. (Professor J^a= thaniel Chapman,^ M. D., Sept. ist, 1808, and had issue: (15.) 24. Emily, b. Aug. 25th, 18 10, d. July 20th, 1852. (16.) 25. John Biddle, b. June 3d, 18 11; d. . (17.) 26. George William, b. Dec. loth, 181 6, d. 27. Marie, b. , d. . 28. Rebecca, b. , d. . 5. Clement Cornell Biddle (6.) m. Mary Searle, dau. of the Honorable John (Barclay and Mary Searle, his second wife. Their issue : (18.) 29. John Barclay, b. Jan. 3d, 18 15, d. Jan. 19th, 1879. • Nathaniel Chapman, M. D., was bom on the 28th of May, 1780, near Alexandria, Va., and died in Philadelphia, on the ist day of July, 1853. (His paternal ancestor came to Virginia with the first colonists, he was a Captain in the army and a relative of Sir Walter Raleigh.) He finished his studies at London and Edinburgh where he took his degree, and began practice in Philadelphia in 1S04. He was Professor of Materia Medica in 1813-16, and of practice, institutes, and Clinical Med. — in the University of Pennsylvania, from 1816 to 1850. In 1817, he founded the Medical Institute, in which for 25 years he lectured during the summer months. The City Hospital was under his charge during the epidemic of 1820, and was many years Clinical lecturer in the hospital of the City Almshouse. He was the author of " Lec- tures of the Theory and Practice of Medicine;" "Eruptive Fevers;" "Elements of Therapeutics and Materia Medica." In 1817, "Select Speeches with Critical and Illustrative Remarks." He was a contributor under the name of "Falkland," to the Portfolio, and was editor of the Philadelphia 'Journal of tht Medical and Physical Sciences. 106 COLOA'EL CLEMENT BWDLE. (19.) 30. George Washington, b. Jan. iith, 1818. (20.) 31. Chapman, b. Jan. 2 2d, 1822, d. Dec. 9th, 1880- Col. Clement Cornell Biddle was the organizer and first Captain of the State Fencibles, and commanded the First Regiment of Volunteer Light Infantry in the war of 181 2. He was tlie principal founder, and for many years President of the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society; also, Director and President of the Franklin Fire Insur- ance Company. The Hon. John Barclay was Mayor of Phila. in 1791. He came from Ballyshannon, in Ireland, in 1767, and died in Phila., Aug. 8, 1816. 6. Ann Wilkinson Biddle (10.) m. Thomas (Dun- lap, June 2d, 1822. Their children were: 32. Sally Biddle, b. Mar. 19th, 1823, d. Feb. nth, 1883. 12,- Juliana, b. Oct. 19th, 1824. 34. Lydia Biddle, b. Sept. ist, 1826, d. May 8, 1828. 35. Mary, b. Dec. ist, 1827, d. Nov. 9, 1846. 36. Rebecca Biddle, b. Mar. loth, 1829. l"]. Nannie, b. Nov. 21st, 1830, m. George Mecum Conarroe, Esq., Feb. 4th, 1868. (21.) 38. Thomas, b. Aug. 23d, 1832. 7. John Gideon Biddle (n.) m. Mary, eldest dau. of the Hon. Charles (Biddle, Vice-President of the Su- preme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Aug. 2 2d^ 1820, and had issue : 39. Ann Eliza, b. 1822. 8. James Cornell Biddle (12.) m. Sarah Caldwell, second dau. of the Honorable Michael Keppele, Mar. 9th, 1825. Their children were : (22.) 40. Thomas, b. Jan. 2d, 1827, d. at Guayaquil, May 7th, 1875. COLONEL CLEMENT BWDLE. 1 07 (23.) 41. Caldwell Keppele, b. Jan. 2 2d, 1829, d. Feb. 25th, 1862. 42. Catharine Keppele, b. Feb. ist, 1831, m. Wil- liam P. Tatham, of Phila., June 20th, 1867. 43. Rebecca, b. May 22d, 1833, d. Mar. ist, 1859. (24.) 44. James Cornell, b. Oct. 3d, 1835. 45. Cadwalader, b. Oct. 28th, 1837. 9. Thomas Alexander Biddle (15.) m. Julia, dau. ■o{ John Cox, Esq., July ist, 1845. Their children were: 46. John Cox, b. April 21st, 1846, d. Jan. 19th, 1865. (25.) 47. Henry Williams, b. Apr. 7th, 1848. 48. Anna Sitgreaves, b. Jan. 31st, 1850, m. Andrew Alexander Blair, of New York, 1872. 49. Alfred, b. Dec. 15th, 1852. 50. William Lyman, b. Oct. 8th, 1854. 51. Francis, b. Oct. 31st, 1856. <26.) 52. Julia, b. May i6th, 1858. 53. Frances, b. Mar. — , 1862, d. Mar., 1862. 10. Henry Jonathan Biddle (16.) m. Mary Qe- borah, dau. of Samuel (Baird, June ist, 1854, and had issue: 54. Jonathan Williams, b. Aug. ist, 1855, d. Sept. 30th, 1877. 55. Lydia McFunn, b. Apr. 9th, 1857, m. Moncure Robinson, Jun., of Phila., Apr. 2 2d, 1880. 56. Spencer Fullerton Baird, b. Jan. 12th, 1859. 57. Christine Williams, b. Aug. 28th, i860. 58. Henry Jonathan, b. May 14th, 1862. Col. Henry Jonathan Biddle, Adjutant-General of the Penn. Reserve, was wounded at the battle of New Market Cross Roads, June 30th, 1862, and died in con- sequence thereof, July 30th, 1862. I08 COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 11. Alexander Biddle (17.) m. Julia Williams,. dau. of Dr. Samuel (Rush, Oct. nth, 1855. Children: (27.) 59. Alexander Williams, b. July 4th, 1856. 60. Henry Rush, b. March 15th, 1858, d. Jan. 2d^ 1877. 61. Julia Rush, b. July 25th, 1859. 62. James Wilmer, b. Nov. 2 2d, 1861. 63. Louis Alexander, b. March 12th, 1863. 64. Mariamne, b. Nov. 8th, 1856. 65. Lynford, b. Aug. 26th, 1871. 12. Jonathan Williams Biddle (18) m. Emily, dau. of (Dr. Charles ©. Meigs,^ Apr. i6th, 1846. Their children were: (28.) 66. Christine, b. Feb. 14th, 1847. 67. Charles Meigs, b. Jan. loth, 1849. 68. Williams, b. July i6th, 1850. 69. Mary, b. Dec. 7th, 185 1. 70. Thomas, b. July 7th, 1853. 71. Emily Williams, b. Mar. 15th 1855. 13. John Cadwalader^ (19.) m. twice; first, Mary,, dau. of the Hon. Horace (Binney,^ of Philadelphia, Oct.. — , 1828. Their children were: (29.) 72. Mary Binney, b. Sept. 22d, 1829, d. May 26th^ 1861. 73. Elizabeth Binney, b. Sept. 22d, 1831, m. Geo. Harrison Hare, of the U. S. N., d. . ' Charles Delucena Meigs, M. D., was bom in Ga., Feb. 17th, 1792. Settled in Philadelphia in 1820, where he made obstetrics and diseases of women and children a speciality. He was a Prof, in Jefferson Med. College, from 1840 to 1862. Author of "Midwifery," 1838; "Lectures on the Female," 1847; " Remarks on Spasmodic Cholera," 1848; " Ob.stetrics," 1S49; "Diseases of Children," 1S50; and many other valuable medical works. " Hon. John Cadwalader was born at No. 172 (old number) Chestnut street, Philadelphia. He was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in- COLONEL CLEMENT BLDDLE. 109 13. John Cadwalader (19.) m. for his second wife, Mrs. Henrietta Maria Mcllvaine, dau. of Chas. JV. (Bancker, Esq., 1833, and had issue: 74. Sarah Bancker, b. , 1834. 75. Frances, b. , 1835. 76. Thomas, b. , 1837, d. Aug. 1841. 77. Charles E., b. Nov. 5th, 1839. (30.) 78. Anne, b. , 1841. (31.) 79. John, b. June 27th, 1843. 80. George, b. , 1845. 14. George Cadwalader* (20.) m. Frances, dau. of (Dr. James Mease^ of Philadelphia, and had issue: 81. Frances, b. . the Department of Arts. He entered the office of Horace Binney, Esq., and was ad- mitted to the Philadelphia bar September 30th, 1825. In 1855 he was elected a member of Congress, where he served one term. Upon the death of the Hon. John K. Kane, Mr. Cadwalader was appointed to fill the vacancy in the United States District Court, and held the office until his death, January 26th, 1879. 'Horace Binney, L.L. D., was bom Jan. 4th, 1780. (His father was Dr. Barna- bas Binney, a Surgeon in the Revolutionary Army.) He attained high distinction as a lawyer in Philadelphia, having been admitted to the bar in 1800. In 1806-7, he was a Member of the Pennsylvania Legislature ; was an opponent of the adminis- tration of President Andrew Jackson. He was an early and active Anti-Slavery man, and in 1833-5, a leading Member of Congress. He was a director in the U. S. Bank for many years, and one of the Trustees in winding up its affairs. He defended the City of Philadelphia against the heirs of Stephen Girard. Compiler of " Reports of Sup. Ct. of Pa., 1799-1814," 6 Vols., 1809-15; " Eulogiums on Chief Justices Tilghman and Marshall, 1827 and 1836." He died in Philadelphia on the 12th day of Aug., 1875, at the age of ninety-five. * George Cadwalader, Major General of Volunteers, studied and practiced law in Philadelphia, and, on the breaking-out of the Mexican War, was appointed Brigadier- General, March 3d, 1847. He distinguished himself at El Molino, and was breveted Major-General for gallant services at Chapultepec. On the breaking out of the Rebel- lion in 1861, he was appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania, Major-General of State Volunteers ; was second in command in the force which moved on Winchester, under General Patterson, in June. He was appointed Major-General of Volunteers, April 25th, 1862; was one of the commission to revise the military laws and regu- lations. His "Services in the Mexican Campaign of 1847," was published in Phila- delphia, 1848. ' See note, page 89. no COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 15. Emily Chapman (24.) m. John Montgomery Gordon, of Virginia, Esq., Nov. 21st, 1833. Their children were: 82. Chapman, b. Aug. 2cl, 1834, d. May 19th, 1846. 83. John Montgomery, b. Aug. loth, 1836, d. Aug. nth, 1836. 84. Susan Fitzhugh, b. Jan. 17th, 183S, d. July 28th, 1858. 85. Emily Chapman, b. Apr. 20th, 1840, d. Oct. 19th, 1844. (32.) 86. Rebecca Chapman, b. Sept. 3d, 1842. 16. John Biddle Chapman (25.) m. Mary, dau. of (Randolph, of Va. Their children were: (33.) 2,7. Gabriella, b. . 88. Emily, b. , m. Prince Joseph Pignatelli d'Aragon. 17. George William Chapman (26.) m. Emily, dau. of John Markoe, of Philadelphia, June 6th, 1838. Their children: (34.) 89. Mary Randolph, b. May 2 2d, 1839. (35.) 90. Elizabeth Camac, b. April 19th, 1842. 91. Henry Cadwalader, b. Aug. 17th, 1845, ^- Han- nah Megargee, of Philadelphia, Dec. 3d, 1876. (36.) 92. Rebecca, b. Dec. 20th, 1848. 93. George, b. July 5th, 1852. 18. John Barclay Biddle (29.) m. Caroline, dau. of William (Phillips, of Philadelphia, Nov, 7th, 1850. Their children : 94. Anna Clifford, b. Sept. 17th, 185 1 ; m. Clement Stocker Phillips, of Phila., Nov. 15th, 1881. (37.) 95. Harriet, b. Aug. 8th, 1852. COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. I I 1 96. William Phillips, b. Dec. 17th, 1853. 97. Clement, b. Dec. nth, 1854. <38.) 98. Elizabeth Rebecca, b. Dec. 9th, 1856. 99. Caroline, b. Mar. i6th, i860. Dr. John Barclay Biddle was Dean of the Faculty, and Professor of Materia Medica of Jefferson College; he was visiting physician to the Girard College, and one of the inspectors, and the Visiting Physician of the Philadel- phia County Prison and the Deaf and Dumb Asylum. 19. George Washington Biddle (30.) m. Maria, dau. of William McMurtrie, of Burlington, N. J. Their children : (39.) 100. George, b. Aug. 21st, 1843. (40.) loi. Algernon Sydney, b. Oct. nth, 1847. 102. Arthur, b. Sept. 23d, 1852, m. Julia (Biddle, (52). (See Family No. 26.) 20. Chapman Biddle (31.) m. Mary Livingston, •dau. of Capt. Walter Livingston Cochran^ of New York, Aug. 14th, 1849. Their children : 103. Mary Cochrane, b. June i6th, 1850. 104. Clement Cornell, b. Sept. 5th, 1851, d. April, 1873. ' Walter Livingston Cochran, the youngest son of Dr. John Cochran, of Cochran- ville, Chester County, Penna., Surgeon-General of the Revolutionary Army, and Gertrude Schuyler, widow of Peter Schuyler, and sister to Maj.-Gen. Philip Schuyler, was bom April 27th, 1 77 1. He took his degree of B. A. at Columbia College, New York City, and was a class-mate of John Randolph, of Roanoke. His elder brother, the Hon. James Cochran, afterwards a representative from New York in the Sixth Congress, was also educated at the same time at Columbia College. In 1793, the yellow fever year, Walter L. Cochran commanded at Fort Mifflin, at that time holding a commission as Captain in the United States Army. He married in 181 2, Cornelia Wyntje .Smith, eldest daughter of Judge Peter Smith, of Peter- boro', Smithfield, Madison County, N. Y., and sister to the Hon. Peter Sken Smith, and the Hon. Gerrit Smith, of Peterboro'. Captain Cochran died in New York City, August 1 2th, 1857, leaving to survive him his children, the Hon. John Cochrane, James W. Cochrane, Mrs. Ellen Walter, Mrs. Mary L. C. Biddle, Mrs. Cornelia Smith Barclay, and Mrs. Katharine Schuyler Kemeys. 112 COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 105. Walter Livingston Cochrane, b. Aug, 21st, 1853, m. Pauline Davis, dau. of Robert Car- ter, of Va., late Surgeon in U. S. N., June ist, 1881. Col. Chapman (Biddle raised the 121st regiment Pa. Vols., and in command of the Brigade of which it formed part, served during a portion of the War of the Rebel- lion. His regiment and brigade were cut to pieces at the battle of Gettysburg and their commander wounded. Col. Biddle held a high position at the Philadelphia Bar as a lawyer. He was General Counsel of the Penn. R. R. Co. 21. Thomas Dunlap^ (38.) m. Margaret A. Levis, of New Haven, Conn., July loth, 1856. Children: Nannie Biddle, b. June 19th, 1862, d. May 4th, 1873- 22. Thomas Biddle (40.) m. Sarah Fredrica, dau. of William White, Esq., of Philadelphia, Nov. 7th, 1861. Their children were : 107. Caldwell Keppele, b. at Rio Janeiro, Jan. 3d, 1863. 108. Harrison White, b. at Washington, D. C, May 1 6th, 1864. 'Thomas Dunlap was born in Philadelphia, August loth, 1793. He passed through his collegiate course at Yale College, New Haven, returning to study law in his native city, where he was admitted to the bar, and practiced for many years, giving his attention chiefly to some of the practical departments of Commercial Law, for which his thorough familiarity with the French and Spanish languages eminently frtted him. For the same reason (his knowledge of the Spanish language) he was re- peatedly called to fill the position of "Acting Spanish Consul," during the absence of the Consul, or vacancy of the Consulate. He took a lively and active interest in Public- Education, devoting many years of laborious service to the cause. He was for seven- teen years, President of the " Board of Controllers of Public Schools," and on retiring, received valuable testimony to the importance of his exertions on their behalf; he was also President of the St. Andrew's Society. In the year of 1837, he was elected Cashier of the Bank of the United States, Nicholas Biddle being President at the time. At Mr. Biddle's resignation, Mr. Dunlap was elected President, which office he held for several years, when he resigned, returned to the bar, and resumed his practice until his death, July nth, 1S64. COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. II3 109. Sarah White, b. at Germantown, Pa., Jan. 9th, 1867. no. James Cornell, b. at Germantown, Pa., July 3d, 1868. 111. Elizabeth Caldwell, b. at St. Augustine, Jan. 28th, 1870. The Hon. Thomas (Biddle devoted himself principally to the Diplomatic and Consular service of the United. States. He was at one time Minister to Ecuador. 23. Caldwell Keppele Biddle (41.) m. Elizabeth fRicketts, widow of (Robert Meade April 28th, 1857, and had issue : 112. MariaPalmer,b. Mar. 26th, 1 858, d. Feb. 5th, 1859. 24. James Cornell Biddle (44.) m. Gertrude Gouv- erneur, dau. of the Hon. William Morris Meredith, Dec. 27th, 1862. Their children : 113. Catherine Meredith, b, Oct. i6th, 1865, 114, Sarah Caldwell, b, Nov, 20th, 1866. 25. Henry Williams Biddle (47.) m. Jessie (Duncan, dau. of Rear Admiral Thom,as Turner,^ U. S. N., Feb. 25th, 1873. Their children : 115. Mildred Lee, b. Jan. 8th, 1874. 116. Juliette, b. Jan. 9th, 1876. 26. Julia Biddle (52.) m. Arthur (Biddle, Esq., (see consecutive No. 102,) son of the Hon. George Washington (Biddle, Nov. i8th 1880. Their children: 117. Edith Francis, b. Oct. 8th, 1881. 118. Julia Cox, b. Dec. i6th, 1882, d. same day. 27. Alexander Williams Biddle (59.) m. Anne dau. of the Hon. William McKennan, Judge U. S. C. C, June 19th, 1879. Children : 119. Pauline, b. Aug. 7th, 1880. 114 COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 1 20. Christine, b. Oct. 20th, 1882. 28. Christine Biddle (66.) m. (Richard, McCall Cad- walader, Esq., Nov. 26th, 1873. Children: 121. Thomas, b. Dec. 21st, 1874. 122. Williams Biddle, b. July 9th, 1876. 123. Richard McCall, b. Nov. 7th, 1877. 124. Gouverneur, b. Feb. 3d, 1880. 125. Lambert, b. Oct. nth, 1882. 29. Mary Binney Cad walader (72.) m. William Henry (Rawle, Esq., Sept. 13th, 1849. Children: (41) 126. Mary Cadwalader, b. Dec. 12th, 1850. 127. William, b. Sept. 3d, 1855, d. Apr. 25th, i860. 128. Edith, b. Apr. 29th, 1861. Mary (Binney CRawle d. May 26th, 1861. 30. Anne Cadwalader (78.) m. (Rev. Henry J. fRow- land. Children : 129. John Cadwalader, b. Feb. loth, 1879. 31. John Cadwalader (79.) m. Mary Helen, third dau. and child of Joshua Francis Fisher, Esq., April 17th, 1866. Their children : 130. Sophia, b. Feb. 6th, 1867. 131. Mary Helen, b. Mar. 19th, 1S71. 132. John, b. Feb. 24th, 1874. Mrs. Mary Helen Fisher Cadwalader was b. July 1st, 1844. ' Rear- Admiral Thomas Turner, U. S. N., born in Virginia, April 2ist, 1808; Midshipman in 1825; Lieutenant, 1835; Commander, 1855; Captain, 1S62; Commodore, 1863; Rear-Admiral, 1868; retired, 1870; \v.is actively engaged in the Mexican War, and was present at Tuspau, April 7th, 1 847 ; commanded the Sloop-of War " Saratoga," and captured two Spanish steamers in the harbor of Auton Leyardo, Mexico, March 6th, i860; commanded the Frigate "New Ironsides," in the attack on the forts in Charleston Harbor, April 7th, 1863, handling his ship with judgment and ability; commanded South P.-icitic Squadron, 1869-70. COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 115 32. Rebecca Chapman Gordon (86.) m. Eugene (Blackford, of Lynchburg, Va., June 27th, 1867. Children : 133. Emily Chapman, b. Sept. 12th, 1868. 134. Eugene, b. Sept. 17th, 1871. 135. William Gordon, b. July 28th, 1874. 33. Gabriella Chapman (87.) m. Luis de (Potesdad, Marquis de Potesdad Fornari, Nov. — , 1853. Children : 136. Luis Emilio, b. . 137. Emily Mildred, b. . 138. Emanuel Henry, b. 139. John Henry, b. 140: Robert Lee, b. 141. Maria Gabriella, b. ■ 143. Julie Francoise Eugenie, b. . Luis de Potesdad first Marquis de Potesdad Fornari, was the son of Luis de (Potesdad 3t.r\d Mildred Lee, dau. of (Bernard Moore Carter, of Virginia. 34. Mary Randolph Chapman (89.) m. John (Bor= land Thayer, of Philadelphia, Esq., Oct. 13th, 1859. Children : 143. George Chapman, b. Sept. 2 2d, i860. 144. John Borland, b April 21st, 1862. 145. Mary Borland, b. July 8th, 1864. 146. Sydney, b. July 7th, 1867. 147. Henry Chapman, b. Dec. 31st, 1872. 148. Walter, b. April 27th, 1874. 35. Elizabeth Camac Chapman (90.) m. William (Davis Winsor, of Boston, Mass., June loth, 1862. Children : 149. Emily Chapman, b. Apr. 4th, 1863. 150. Louise Brooks, b. Aug. 12th, 1868. Il6 COLO. \ EL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 36. Rebecca Chapman (92.) m. James (Davis Win- sor, of Boston, Mass., May 30th, 1872. Children: 151. Mary, b. Mar. 28th, 1873. 152. Henry, b. Mar. 29th, 1875. 153. James Davis, b. Sept. 6th, 1876. 154. Rebecca, b. June 12th, 1879. 155. Ellen, b. Nov. 30, 1882. 37. Harriet Biddle (95.) m. de Grasse Fox, of Phila- delphia, Oct. iith, 1876, and had issue: 156. Sylvia de Grasse, b. Sept. 29th, 1879. 38. Elizabeth Rebecca Biddle (98.) m. Samuel M. Miller, M. D., Dec. 9th, 1877. Children: 157. Charlotte Barclay, b. Sept. 8th, 1878. 158. Marion Spencer, b. Sept. 9th, 1880; d. Feb. 28th, 1881. 159. John Biddle, b. Feb. — , 1882, d. April 3d, 1882. 39. George Biddle (100.) m. Mary Hosack, dau. of (Dr. J. Kearny (Rodgers, of New York. Children : 160. Dorothea Pendleton, b. , d. . 161. Eleanor Kearney, b. May 2d, 1879. 162. Constance Elizabeth, b. Sept. 4th, 1882. 40. Algernon Sydney Biddle ( i o i .) m. Frances, dau. oi Moncure (Robinson, of Philadelphia, June 28th, 1879. 163. Child, male, b. 27th October, 1882. 41. Mary Cadwalader Rawle (126.) m. Frederic (Rhinelander Jones, of New York, Mar. 22d, 1870, and had issue: 164. Beatrice Cadwalader, b. . WILLIAM STRAHAN TO DAVID HALL. With Introduction and Notes by Cjiarles Henry Hart. THE following extremely interesting letter, covering six closely-written quarto pages, forms one of the treasures of the remarkable and valuable collection of manuscripts and autographs, belonging to Mr. Ferdinand J. Dreer, of Philadelphia, through whose courtesy it is now printed for the first time. The portrait which illustrates the letter, is from a very rare print by Leney, after a painting by Chamberlain, also in the possession of Mr. Dreer. William Strahan, the writer of the letter, was an emi- nent printer; eminent indeed in every public and private station where he was placed. Born in Scotland, in April, 1 71 5, he received the education which every lad of decent rank then received in a country where the avenues to learning were easy and open to men of moderate circum- stances. His father had a small appointment in the customs and wisely brought his son up to the composing- stick, rather than the uncertainties due to patronage. He served his apprenticeship in Edinburgh, and then went to London, where his capacity, diligence and probity, raised him to prominence. In 1770, he purchased of Mr. Eyre, a share of the patent for King's printer. Besides the profits arising from this appointment, as well as from a very extensive private business, he engaged largely in the purchase of copyrights from some of the most noted authors of his day. He was long the intimate and familiar friend of Doctor Johnson, and acted for years as his private banker. Johnson, who was well-known for his parsimony, would constantly get Strahan to frank his letters, saying, "When I write to Scotland, I employ ("7) I I 8 WILLIAM STRAIIAN TO DA VID HALL. Strahan to frank my letters, that he may have the conse- quences of appearing a parliament man among his countrymen." And when Johnson was ambitious for a seat in the Commons, it was his printer friend who most strenously supported him and urged his fitness. Mr. Strahan was elected a Member of Parliament, in 1775, as the colleague of Charles James Fox, for the borough of Malmsbury, in Wiltshire, and he was re- turned to the succeeding parliament for Wotton Basset, in the same county. He was a steady supporter of that party who were turned out of administration in the spring of 1784, and lost his seat in the House of Com- mons, by the dissolution of parliament with which that change was followed. Letter-writing was one of his favorite occupations, and among his friends and corre- spondents were men of much consideration. One of these, as is familiar to most readers, was Dr. Franklin, with whom a correspondence began as early as 1744. When Franklin was in London twelve years later, the correspondents met at the house of their common friend, Peter Collinson, and the epistolary acquaintance soon ripened into a firm friendship, which they each continued to enjoy through life, notwithstanding the difference of their sentiments in political matters. Strahan importuned PVanklin to settle in London, and sought the hand of Franklin's only daughter for his eldest son. Sparks prints a long letter from Strahan to Deborah Franklin upon this subject. In 1 769, he propounded certain queries to Frank- lin, respecting the discontents of the Americans. These queries were published in the London Chronicle, of July 28, 1778, and may be found, together with Franklin's reply, in the fourth volume of The Works of Franklin, edited by Sparks. It was to Strahan that Franklin wrote the famous letter of "July 5, 1775:" "You are a member of Parliament, WILLIAM STRAHAN TO DAVID HALL. I 19 and one of the Majority which has doomed my Country to Destruction. You have begun to burn our Towns and Murder our People. Look upon your Hands ! They are stained with the Blood of your Relations ! You and I were long Friends. You are now my Enemy and I am yours B. Franklin." This letter has generally been regarded as a serious matter, which meant just what it said and separated the two friends. But it seems to have been nothing more than a "ghastly joke," as is shown by the subsequent relations of the two men and the friendly correspondence which continued until Strahan's death. As late as February, 1784, Strahan wrote to Franklin, urging him to revisit England. William Strahan died July 9th, 1785, in his seventy- first year. In 1774, he had been master of the Stationer's Company, and by his will he bequeathed to it /'looo, the interest to be divided in annuides among infirm old printers. His wife, who was a daughter of the Rev. William Elphinston, of Edinburgh, and sister of the James Elphinston, who for many years was head of a celebrated school at Kensington, near London, survived her husband not quite a month. She died August 7th, 1785. They had five children; two daughters, the wives respectively of Mr. John Spottswoode and Mr. Andrew Johnston, and three sons ; William Strahan, Jr., the suitor for Miss Franklin, who died, April, 1781, in his father's lifetime ; Rev. Dr, George Strahan, of University College, Oxford, Prebendary of Rochester, Rector of Cranham, in Essex, and Vicar of St. Mary's Islington, and Andrew Strahan, M. P. for Newport, Isle of Wight, who succeeded his father as one of the joint Patentees as Printer to his Majesty. David Hall, to whom the letter printed is addressed, was a journeyman with Mr. Strahan, who sent him over to Franklin, in the ship Mercury, Capt. Hargrave, in the 4A I20 WILLIAM STKAIIA.V TO DAVID HALL. spring of 1744. When Franklin was journeyman at Watts' printing house, near Lincohi's Inn Fields, after he left Palmer's, his first place on his arrival in England, David Hall was a fellow-workman. This was almost a score of years before his arrival in Philadelphia. In the fall of 1748, Franklin being desirous of devoting more of his time to scientific pursuits, and less to the printing office, entered into a partnership with Hall, to continue eighteen years, during which time Hall had entire charge of the business, paying Franklin ^1000 a year for die eighteen years, at the expiration of which period he was to become sole owner. Hall conducted the Pennsylvania Gazette, which had been virtually started by Franklin, with prudence and ability, and in 1766, when his con- nexion with Franklin was dissolved, entered into partner- ship with William Sellers, a young bookseller from London, and the firm continued Hall and Sellers, until the death of the senior partner, December 17th, 1772, aged fiftj'-elght. Mr. Hall was a native of Edinburgh, and was married after coming to this countr)', at Christ Church, January 7th, 174S, to Mar}' Lacock. She died June 7th, 1 781, in her sixty-first year. Mr. Hall was suc- ceeded in his business by his sons, William (b. Jan'y 20th, 1752, d. Dec. loth, 1834,) and David (b. November 4th, 1755, d. May 27th, 1821.) David Hall was a member of the American Philosophical Societ)' by election March 8th, 1768. It is understood that the Pennsylvania His- torical Society possesses a number of letters from Strahan to Hall, which it proposes to publish in the Pennsylvania Magazine of Histor)' and Biography. London, April 7th, 1770. Dear Davie: — My last to you was dated Mar. 19th, by Capt. Sparks by whom I sent to the amount of ;^433, 18, II, which I hope will reach you safe. Besides WILLIAM STRAHAN TO DAVID HALL. 12 1 several Articles out of print or reprinting, and the slates, which the Captain would not take on board, and which were not charged, there were omitted some of the Prayer books which were charged, and which shall be forwarded with the next order. I am since favoured with yours of the 6th and 20th of February by the Packett, inclosing a bill on Mr. Minoch for ;^25i 8, I, which he refuses acceptance of, (as he says) for want of advice. So I have noted it, and shall keep it till it becomes due, and if not then paid, as I sup- pose it will not, (for he gave no hopes of his then paying it,) I shall protest, and return it to you. I hope you have altered your Book to mine, and settled the Balance, as I did, on the 5th of July, which was ^962 4, 5. All mis- takes up to that date being rectified in my letter of that day. When the above mentioned bill is either paid, or returned, I shall send you a farther state of our account current, to prevent confusion. I believe I did not before ■mention that the bill of £^\o on Messrs. Caldwell and Co. was duly paid. What you say in regard to the sale of bibles and prayer books, with you, and the low prices of those which have any considerable vent in America, I suspected to be the case. However, when I have got anything ready for the markett that I imagine may suit you, I will send you a few (and, as you desire, only a few,) for a trial. The truth is, as the two Universities here have the privilege of printing bibles, &c., as well as the King's Printer, and as they now, more than ever avail themselves of that privilege, I have little dependence upon that branch of the patent. The Acts of Parliament, speeches, addresses, and other public papers, which nobody else can meddle with, are what I chiefly rely on, and are profitable .articles, being punctually paid for by the government. And yet I shall certainly attempt several schemes in the 122 WILLIAM STRAIIAN TO DAVID HALL. bible way, as I have as good a chance for a sale here as the Universities; but still three shops, instead of one, make a vast difference in a species of business, where the prices are so low, and the profits depends solely upon the large consumption. I shall probably write you again in a few days by Mr. Curtis Brett, who worked with me for some months before you left me. I know not if I ever before mentioned him to you, but he tells me he wrote to you himself some years ago from Jamaica, where he went to settle, about the year 1750. He hath since, by trade in that place, cleared about ^10,000, with which he came home last year, intending to setde in England. He has a wife and one child, and is not likely to have more; and nothing very tempting offering to him here, he hath taken the resolution to settle for the rest of his life in your neighbourhood, thinking, perhaps very justly, that with such a capital he is more likely to procure an eligible and permanent settlement for his child, than is now to be had in Britain, where land sells at an enormous price, and where the expense of living is greatly enhanced. If you can do him any service, by your advise or otherwise, you will greatly oblige me; for he is an honest and worthy man, whom, upon farther acquaintance, you must greatly esteem and value. It will be particularly in your power to prevent him from making bad connections, with you, a matter of no little importance to a well meanifig and inoffensive character, such as he is. For farther particulars regarding his views and intentions, I refer you to himself I most heardly recommend him to your acquaintance, and doubt not you will be fast friends as long as you live. Mr. Coombe,^ whom you recommended so warmly to 1 Thomas Coombe, son of Thomas and Sarah [Rutter] Coombe, was bom in Philadelphia, on the I2th of October, 1747, o. s., and baptized in Christ Church on the 5th of November following. He was graduated at the College and Academy of WILLIAM STRAHAM TO DAVID HALL. I 23 me some time ago, more than answers the good character you gave him. I see him often, and he is much esteemed here; — so much, that I have little doubt of his soon acquiring such a settlement as may prevent his return to America. Indeed, that he should have an eye to settling here, was my opinion at his first coming over; and I am pleased to find that by his general good behaviour, as well as by his superior merit as a preacher, he is daily acquir- ing so many friends, as to render my early advice to him very salutary. What you order in your last letter shall be forwarded as -soon as possible, together with the articles of the last order, which could not then be had, and are now reprinted. As for politicks, I have not much to add since my last. You see what has been done by the Parliament, respecting the Remonstrance of the Livery of London, which turned out just as I expected. The singularity of the case called for a much severer censure. However, the matter has had this very good effect, that it has discovered the secret designs of the turbulent party, and opened the •eyes of the country gentlemen in the House of Com- Philadelphia, in 1766 ; " and having decided to enter the ministry, after some prepara- tory study under Provost William Smith, went to England in the spring of 1768, for the purpose of being admitted to holy orders." He remained in England about four years, attaining great popularity as a preacher. He returned to Philadelphia early in 1772, and immediately formed a connexion with the United Churches of Christ •Church and St. Peters, where he was for some time the colleague of William W'hite, afterwards Bishop White, as assistant minister of the parish. On May 13th, 1773, he was married to Miss Sarah Badger. Mr. Coombe was a pronounced loyalist, and was one of those disaffected persons imprisoned in the Mason's Lodge. He was released •early in the summer of 1778, on condition of "abjuring his allegiance to the crown, •or leaving the country." He preferred the latter course, and sailed from New York, for England, in July, leaving his wife and child in Philadelphia. Before sailing he became acquainted with the Earl of Carlisle, one of the notorious Peace Commissioners, and upon that nobleman's return to England, Dr. Coombe was made his private <:haplain. In 1794 he was appointed one of the chaplains in ordinary to the king. He was an eloquent and impressive preacher, and held several important church preferments. He died in London August 15, 1822, leaving to survive him one son, !the Rev. John R. Coombe, by his first wife, he having subsequently married an English lady, by whom he had several children. 124 WILLIAM STRAHAN TO DAVID HALL. mons, and indeed all over the kingdom, who had joined the opposition upon the usual grounds, never dreaming that things would be carried such outrageous lengths. So that the party (notwithstanding the remonstrance voted by a parcel of Ragamuffins, in Westminster Hall,, assuming the name of the Inhabitants of Westminster, and another from a meeting equally respectable, at Mile End, of the Middlesex Freeholders,) is now dwindling fast to nothing and all is, at present, very quiet. What bustle may be occasioned by Wilkes' Enlargement the 1 8th instant, (if his debts are really paid, and he regains his liberty that day,) I will not pretend to say. But I have, in my own mind, no apprehensions from that quarter. The faction have, in all appearance done their worst, and are now at bay, not knowing which way \.o turn themselves. The Ministry', tho' they have by no means answered the reasonable expectations of the sober part of the publick, and have on many occasions shewn marks of timidity, irresolution and want of concert among them- selves, will yet, as far as I can see, or have been able tcx discover, are likely enough to hold their ground, till some- extraordinary event, (such as a foreign war, or a domestic insurrection,) of which there is at present not the least apprehension. Lord Chatham is still endeavouring to raise a ferment, but hitherto without success, or any pros- pect of success. He, indeed, told the House the other ilay, that after the holidays he should make a motion to bring in a bill to set aside those infamous resolutions of the Commons, respecting the Middlesex election. But this will avail nothing. The session is near a conclusion ; people are quite tired of the subject and many of the most respectable members of both Houses are gone or going to their country seats; so that you need not expect to hear of anything very remarkable till their next meeting. WILLIAM STKAIIAN TO DAVID HALL. I 25 I told you in my last that all the American duties would be repealed, that on tea excepted ; which I can now (with certainty, I think,) assure you will not be taken off at all, at least this year. I find the Ministry, from the best information, are clearly of the opinion that the Americans must and will submit. And one of them told me the other day, that had it not been for the hasty promise (so he called it) made them last year, by Lord Hillsborough, the other duties would not have been repealed. The truth is, whatever appearance things have with you the exports from this country to America in general are not at all, or but very little diminished; at least, not so far as to be any- where, or among any species of manufacturers, sensibly felt. Had that been the case, in this petitioning and remonstrating age, we should have had shoals of com- plaints to Parliament from all quarters. Instead of that, you see, want of trade is never once mentioned among the lists of our grievances and apprehensions in those indecent applications to the King.* It seems, and indeed the thing speaks for itself, that tho' the exports to Boston, New York, and Philadelphia have been consider- ably diminished during this contest, those to Rhode Island, Quebec, and other places, have proportionally in- creased, and that the goods there imported find their way to the other provinces by the back setdements, or by some means or other. Of the truth and practicability of this, you are a better judge than I can be. But to me, I must own, the silence of all our manufacturers, is demon- stration itself, that my fears expressed in my letter of * You see plainly by this {though it is a circumstance not /it to be put into your newspaper), that you are more obliged to my letter of last April, which occasioned that promise, than to all other applications on your behalf put together. I wish it had had the full effect I intended it should, and then this matter had not now been the suhject of litigation between us, as it is now likely to be for some time longer. The more the pity. 126 WILLIAM STRAHAX TO DAVID HALL. last year above mentioned, were by no means so well founded as I then thought they were. It is not easy, I well know, for people to reason cooly, when matters of great moment, in which they are deeply interested, are agitated. But for my own part, I think I have all along considered the affair with the utmost impartiality'; and I am still of the same mind I was in, when I told you, in a former letter, that I thought neither party sJiould stand out upon trifles and punctilio s. Whatever, there- fore, your other friends and correspondents may advise, I am strongly of opinion, that as the affair is now circum- stanced, the best way for you to act, is to acquiesce in this same tea duty, which, laying aside the principle of the tax, is not worth mentioning, and to trust, with some degree of confidence, in the justice and wisdom of the Par- liament for future relief from that, and other more con- siderable obstructions, under which several branches of your trade now labours. It cannot be, I must insist upon it, it cannot be but that they will, in due time, grant you every indulgence that is proper, or that you could wish for. It is their interest, it is their duty so to do ; tho' a variety of accidents and circumstances may now prevent them from fully entering into and discussing your par- ticular concerns. Look round, I pray you, upon your various wants which cannot be supplied from own inter- nal resources, and consider if you can really subsist and thrive without the protection and manufactures of Great Britain. For my part, I would always have America considered, both by themselves and by us, as a part, or as so many different counties of England — at least, as far as it is practicable so to consider it. Nor do I see anything in the principle of tliis tax, (so much dreaded and detested in your side of the water,) repugnant to this idea. I am sensible that what I have just now advanced, differs widely from the opinion of our worthy friend, Dr. WILLIAM STRAIIAN TO DAVID HALL. 12J Franklin. As I most highly esteem him, I am sorry for it. And the disparity' of our judgements and means of information is sufficiently obvious. But may I not be al- lowed to suppose that his warm and strenuous attach- ment to his native country, and to his friends there, hath in some degree, byassed his sound and perfect and manly understanding, upon which, on other occasions, I could securely depend. Nay, I will venture to tell you (for I always speak my mind to you, as I have done in political matters to some of the greatest names here,) that I really think him rather too partial to you, and per- haps too much hurt (tho' not altogether without cause,) with the behaviour of the Mother Country to her children. Having said this much, I will now leave it to time to de- termine which of us is in the right. It will be no wonder, and I shall myself be heartily glad, if I am found to have been mistaken. I must now conclude. If anything new occurs before Mr. Brett sails, who goes by New York next week, I shall write it by him. Alderman Treco thick ^ intends mak- ing a motion in the House next Monday for the repeal ' Barlow Trecothick, Esquire, Alderman of the City of London, was, on May 13, 1763, appointed joint attorney with Dr. William Smith, to receive and pay over the funds contributed throughout the United Kingdom, for the benefit of the College Academy and Charitable School of Philadelphia, and the College of New York, now respectively the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia College. In 1766, he was unanimously chosen Sheriff of London. In June, 1770, he was elected Lord Mayor, for the remainder of the year, in the place of the Rt. Hon. William Beckford, deceased. He was president of the Committee of Merchants, appointed to manage the American affairs, a member of Parliament, and until his death a friend of the colonies. He died, after two years lingering illness, at his seat, Addington, near Croyden, in Surrey, according to one account May 28th, and another June 2d, 1775. He married, for his first wife, an American lady, Grizell, sister of the Rev. East Apthorp and daughter of Charles Apthorp, a prominent merchant of Boston. She died July 31st, 1769, and he married, secondly, June 9th, 1770, a daughter of Sir William Meredith, who sur- vived him and subsequently became the wife of .A.shton Curzen, M. P. There is in the church at Addington, an inscribed tablet to the memory of Alderman Trecothick and a monument to his first wife. His seat, in Surrey, was bought for an Archepis- copal residence by the Primate of all England in July, 1808, from his nephew, James Trecothick, Esq., to whom it had descended. 128 WILLIAM STKAIIAN TO DAVID HALL. of the tea duty ; but I believe by their rules it cannot be again resumed this session. I am ver)' sorry your honest woman still continues poorly. My wife and family are all pretty well just now, and join me in kind remembrance of you and yours. I see Mr. Wharton^ and Major Trent'- frequently, who are both sensible good sort of men. Dr. Fr.^ is pure well, as I suppose he writes his friends by this packett. I am, with wonted esteem and regard, Dear Davie, Your affectionate friend and sevt.. Will: Strahan. 1 Samuel Wharton, second son of Joseph and Hannah [Carpenter] Wharton, was born in Philadelphia, M.iy 3d, 1732. He married Sarah, daughter of Stephen and Rebecca [Hussey] Lewis. He was one of the signers of the famous Non-importa- tion Resolutions of 1765, a member of the Committee of Safety, of the City Councils of Philadelphia, and of the Colonial and State Legislatures. He was a partner in the house of Baynton, Wharton & Morgan, and lost by Indian depredations at one time upw.irds of ;f40,ooo. As compensation for this loss the Indians conveyed to the tirm all the lands at [iresent comprised within the Slate of Indiana. To obtain a confirmation of this grant he visited England, being interested also in the C)hio com- pany, projected by Sir William Johnson, Governor William Franklin, and others, and arrived there late in 1767. Here he rem.iined many years in the interest of these two projects, only returning to this country in 1780, when forced to flee from England on account of the discovery of some of his letters to Franklin, furthering the revolution. He took the oath of allegiance to Pennsylvania, February 9th, 1 781, and was a member of the Continental Congress during the years 1782 .ind 1783. He died early in the year 1800, his will being admitted to probate M.irch 26th of that year. * William Trent was a native of Lancaster County, Pa., wliere he was born about the year 1715. His father was a prominent man in early colonial days and was the founder of Trenton, in New Jersey. In 1746, Governor Thomas appointed Trent captain of a company raised for an intended expedition .igainst Canada. In 1749, he was appointed by Governor Hamilton, a justice of the Court of Common Pleas for Cumberland County, Pa. In 1750, he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, George Croghan, to engage in the Indian trade. In 1755, Robert Hunter Morris, Governor of Pennsylvania, appointed him a member of the I^oprietary and Governor's counsel. In 1759 he entered the service of Sir William Johnson, the King's Indiai» Agent, in America. Like Mr. Wh.irton he lost largely by the Indian depredations; his trading house, near Fort Pitt, having been plundered and destroyed. Through the influence of Sir Willi.am Johnson, the Indians, in 1768, were induced to m-ike a deed of land to Trent m payment of his claim, and for the purpose of having this grant con- firmed he went to England. After this all trace of him is lost, e.xccpt that he was at the treaty at Fort Pitt, July 6, 1776. A journal, kept by him in 1752, was published in Cincinnati, in 1871. ' Doctor Franklin. MATERIALS FOR AMERICAN ANTE-REVO LUTIONARY HISTORY, AS IT IS TO BE FOUND IN THE MAGAZINES OF THE TIMES. FROM 1731. Compiled by Henry Phillips, Jr. Gentlemen's Magazine. January 2d, ijji. Geo. Barri.ngton, Esqr., Governor of North Carolina, set out to Em- bark FOR HIS Government. Witchcraft. FROM Burlington in Pensilvania, 'tis advised; that the owners of several cattle, believing them to be bewitch' d, caused several men and women to be taken up and Trials to be made for detecting 'em. Above 300 people assembled near the Governor's house, and a pair of scales being erected, the suspected persons were each weighed against a large bible; but all of them vastly out- weighing it, the accused were then to be tied head and foot together and put into a river on supposition that if they swam they must be guilty. And this they offered to undergo in case their accusers should be served in like manner, which being done, they all swam very buoy- ant and cleared the account. February. Rise of the Colony in Georgia. A true account of a new colony about to be estab- lished in America, by several noblemen, gentlemen and merchants. They petitioned the King in council for a grant of lands in South Carolina, and liberty to lay out charities as they themselves should give or receive from others, in (129J I30 AMERICAN ANTE-REVOLUTIOXARY HISTORY. carrying over and establishing unfortunate families in America; and that the charity collected may not deter- mine in the persons first relieved, but may extend itself to the latest ages ; they propose to reserve a certain pro- portion of land in every township, and a certain small proportion of labor from every man within that township upon such land, and to apply the produce of the reserved land and labour on the supporting of the colony, in send- ing over and relieving more poor families. His Majesty graciously received their petition, referred it to a committee of council, who approved of it and referred it to the consideration of the Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. The petitioners undertake, without any benefit to themselves, all the toil of soliciting charities, of cloathing supplying, arming establishing, and supporting a colony of such persons as they may judge to be most proper objects of charity. The clerks of the council generously refused their fees for the patents passing of their office. The secretary' of the board for trade and plantations, in the same handsome manner, refused the acknowledg- ments offered by the petitioners. His Majesty hath been graciously pleased to order the Attorney-General to prepare a charter to incorporate the petitioners who intend to establish colonies in the manner of the old fRomans, viz., in liberty and propert)'. Amongst other precautions to prevent future imposi- tions, they have desired that they and their successors may be obliged, by their charter, to lay an annual account of all monies or effects by them received or e.xpended for carrying on their said charitable design before the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, the Master of the Rolls, the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. (See Vol. II, p. 825, 894, Sec.) AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIONAR V HISTOR Y. 131 April igth. — British Sugar Colonies ix America. The dispute between our Northern and Southern colonies in America, is a matter of great importance to this kingdom, * * * (Published the importance of the sugar colonies to Great (Britain, stated &c., 6d. May. Plantation Affairs. From JJew England 'tis advised that Governor (Bel- cher, having convoked a new general assembly, ac- quainted them with his Majesty's commands of settling a salary upon this Governor, and represented the danger- ous consequences of their refusal and of his return to Great (Britain might produce. But notwithstanding the Governor's utmost endeavors to persuade them into a compliance, they have positively refused it. Substance of the First Speech of Robert Johnson, Esq., Governor of S. Carolina, to the Council and Assembly, on the 6th of January, 1731, That, as the King had appointed him Governor of that province, he did not doubt but they would cheerfully con- cur with his Majesty's council in concerting measures for the support of his Government and the good of the province, which was capable of being one of the most considerable on the main land. That His Majesty, at their request, and at a great expense, had purchased %ths of the late Ld. Proprietor's charter, whereby they were come under his immediate government, and whereby they enjoy'd safety in trade, protection at sea by his ships of war, at land by an Inde- pendant Company of Foot. Assures them that his own interest among them, is the least motive to do all in his power to further the pros- perity of a province in which he had spent so great a part of his life. I 3 2 AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIOKAR Y IIISTOR Y. Enjoyns them to put in execution tlie laws against immorality and impiety, and recommends them to pro- mote and encourage the publick schools, particularly that near Charles Town. Tells them the ruinous condition of Charles Town, Johnson's Fort, and others required immediate repair. Acquaints them with the treaty which his Majesty had ordered the Lords of Trade to settle with the Indians, whom he had brought safe back with a considerable present. Lastly, that His Majesty had instructed him to encour- age useful manufactures, and that the Parliament had already given a discount upon hemp. To which (speech) they returned very dutiful and loyal answers, and there is a perfect harmony betwixt him and them, the Assembly having fixed a salary on him agree- able to his desire, and* done everything that was asked, being greatly pleased with the change from a dependency on the late Proprietors to His Majesty. They have also transmitted a very loyal address to His Majesty, acknowledge his bounty in remitting their arrears for quit rent, and his goodness in continuing them bills of credit, for enlarging their trade, &c. September ajth. About 130 felons convicts went from J^ewgate and were put on board to be transported to America. (December. From JIt)N TAG V K RS KTNE . obUJ/mrA /9^/SSJ. HON. THOMAS EllSKlXE, b. Jaii^I^lTJO. d,Xor. /Zf* 1823. LORD ERSKINE' TO ROBERT WALSH* From the Original in the Collection of R. Coulton Davis, Esq. With Annotations by the Editor. London, Jan. 29th, 181 1. ^(^^ Dear Sir : — I was sorry to hear // from our worthy friend, Mr. Pinkney, yesterday that you had settled in America, I had hoped (tho' I knew that you intended to employ your talents at the bar in your own country, that you would frequently have visited ours, drawn towards us by the reputation which your writings and your manners had so justly acquired amongst us), but I learned from an American gentleman, who dined at Mr. Pinkney's, that you had relinquished the practical pursuit of the profession of the law and were Erskine Coat of .-Krms. 'Lord Thomas Erskine was one of the most celebrated of modem forensic ora- tors, he was the third son of the Earl of Buchan, and was born in Scotland, January 2 1st, 1750. After having received a good education at Edinburgh high school and St. Andrew's University he went to sea as a midshipman, under Sir John Lindsay. His early fondness for the sea, however, soon evaporated, and, in 1768, he entered the army as an ensign of the first regiment of foot. With this regiment, after having married, he went to Minorca, where he resided for three years. The scanty pittance lA (135) 136 LORD ERSKINE TO ROBERT WALSH. devoting yourself to literary pursuits, a course un- doubtedly more fitted for your various talents than the mere practice of the law, and particularly in America divided into various states. of the rank which he held being but ill calculated to support a family, he was per- suaded by his mother to turn his talents to the law ; and accordingly in his twenty- sixth year, he commenced his legal studies. Butler and Wood, both of whom became judges, were his instructors. In 1778 he was called to the bar, and he was instantly successful. In 1806 he was ai)pointed Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain and raised to the peerage as Baron Erskine of Restormel Castle ; which position he occupied but one year, when he retired with the usual pension. In 1770, he married Frances, eldest daughter of Daniel Moore, who was sixth child of John Moore, first King's Collector of the port of Philadelphia. She was born in " ye ad .street" of that city in her father's house at the corner of Gardener's alley — now Coombs' court — somewhere about the year 1748. Her father had read law with his brother-in-law, Peler Evans, Esq., who was sheriff of the city of Philadelphia from 1707 to 1714, and early in life emigrated with his family to the city of London, where, after a course of study in the Temple and receiving his degree from the University of Oxford, he commenced the practice of his profession, in which he soon became eminent ; made a large estate, and was a member of Parliament for many years. Lady Erskine died, A. D. 1807. The following is the inscription upon her tomb, at Amondell, near Edinburgh, Scotland : Near this place lies buried Thk Honorable Frances Erskine, The most faithful and most Affectionate of woman. Her Husband Lord Thomas Erskine, An inhabitant of this parisli. Raised this monument To her lamented memory, A. D. 1807. His lordship died November 17th, 1823, and was succeeded by his son, David Montague Erskine, who had married Frances, daughter of Gen. John Cadwalader, of Philadelphia, at Christ Church, Philadelphia, December i6th, 1799. Lady Erskine was bom in Philadelphia, June 25th, 1781, and died in England, March 25th, 1843. Lord Erskine mariied secondly, Ann Bond, daughter of John Travis, Esq., of Philadelphia, July 29th, 1843, "^^ being his first wife's cousin, and the third Phila- delphia lady who had been elevated to the " Peerage" by the family of " Erskine.'" David Montague Erskine died March 19th, 1855, aged 78, and was succeeded by his second son, John Cadwalader Erskine. ^Robert Walsh, LL. D., (N. U. 1819), author, born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 3784, and died in Paris, France, February 7th, 1859. His father, born in Ireland, LORD ERSKINE TO ROBERT WALSH. 1 37 Since you left England a collection has been made by a bookseller here of some of my speeches, when at the bar, on the liberty of the press and on constructive treasons, subjects which more than any other are con- nected with that genuine public liberty which France has destroyed in Europe, but which, thank God, exists here, and which the United States bids so fair to carry forward to future ages. It is a great consolation to me, after having in a manner devoted my life to that great cause, to see some few fragments of my labours preserved, and as I hear that there are spurious publications of some (of) my speeches in America I have taken the liberty to send you the four volumes as they have been published, because they were all taken in short-hand with the greatest fidelity, by the most eminent short-hand writers, and strictly examined at their respective periods. My son, I believe, sent the two first volumes to Mr. Cadwal- ader and now sends the two others, and I understand thro' him that there is in America the spurious publica- tions I allude to. There is no country in the world in was a merchant of Baltimore. He was educated at the R. C. College, at Baltimore, and the Jesuit College, at Georgetown. Returning from a visit to Europe in 1808, he studied law under R. G. Harper, married and began practice, but, owing in part to deafness, abandoned law for literature. In 181 1, he commenced the publication of the first quarterly in America, The American Review of History and Politics, continued two years; in 1813, he published his "Correspondence with R. G. Harper respecting Russia," and " Essay on the Future State of Europe." He also furnished several biographical prefaces to an edition of the English poets, then being published in Philadelphia. In 1817-18, he edited the American Register; published a biography of Franklin, in Delaplaine's Repository, 1818; "An Appeal from the Judgments of Great Britain respecting the United States," 1819, — an able vindication of America from the aspersions and slanders of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews. In 1820, he established the National Gazette, with which he was connected till 1836. He also edited the American Magazine of Foreign Literature, but resuscitated his American Review, in March, 1827, continuing it with great ability ten years ; in 1836, he published two volumes of " Diadactics." About this time he went to Europe, where he spent the residue of his life, and was in 1845-51 United States Consul at Paris. He was a member of the Philosophical Society, and of the Royal Spanish Academy of History. 138 LORD EKSKl.XE TO ROBERT W-ILSIJ. which I have ever taken so strong and warm an interest as in that of the United States. I saw her birth. I watched over her here whilst she was in her cradle and scarcely a day passed that I did not through the free press of Great Britain uphold her glorious cause. I hope we shall soon see her re-united in harmony with the parent from which she sprung. I shall be glad to hear from you when you have leisure, and shall be glad at all times to obey your commands here. I have the honor to be, dear sir. Your faithful and most Obt. Svt., Erskine. 2 Upper Grosvr. Place, London, Jan'y 29, iSil. P. S. — It would give me the greatest pleasure to be rescued from the bane of spurious publications and to be better known to the people of America. Will you be so good as to speak to Mr. Cadwalader on the subject. You may pledge me for the authenticity of these volumes tho' they were not collected nor published by myself LADY FRANCES ERSKINE, mv CADWALADER, born 1781, died 1843. From a miniature l.y K. FiKLD, iSoo. Publisln-il liy W. Y. BooGin-R, Phil.-idelphi; HISTORICAL PAPERS. From the Biddle Papers. (Continued from page 92.) Clement Biddle. July 8, 1776. Appointed by Congress Deputy Quarter Master Gen- eral for the Flying Camp & Militia of Penna & New Jersey ordered to rendezvous at Trenton with the rank •of Colonel. By order of the Congress Signed John Hancock CiLvs. Thomson, Secty. Presdt. I iTH Sept., 1781. By Supreme Executive Council of Penna. Jos. Reed T. Matfack, Secty. Presdt. Appointed Quarter Master General of the Militia of the Commonwealth of Penna. with the rank of Colonel. Martha Washington to Mrs. Bassett. Philadelphia, August 20, 1776. My Dear Sister: — I am still in this town, and noe prospect at present of leaving it. The General is at New York; he is well, and wrote to me yesterday, and informed me that Lord Dunmore, with part of his fleet, was come to General Howe at Staten Island; that ' Printed verbatim from the originals. (139) I40 HISTORICAL PAPERS. another division of Hessians is expected before they think the Regulars will begin their attack on us. Some hear begin to think there will be noe battle after all. Last week our boats made another attempt on the Ships up the North River, and had grappled a fire-ship with the Phoenix ten minutes, but she got cleave of her and is come down the river. On Saturday last our people burnt one of the tenders; I thank God we shant want men. The Army at New York is very large, and numbers of men are still going. There is at this time in the city four thousand, on their march to the Camp^ and the Virginians daily expected. I doe, my dear Sister, most religiously wish there was. an end to the war, that we might have the pleasure of meeting again. My duty to my dear Mama, and tell her I am very well. I don't hear from you so often as I used to doe at Cambridge. I had the pleasure to hear,, by Col. Aylett, tliat you and all friends were well, and should have been glad to have had a line from you by him. I hope Mr. Bassett has got the better of his cough long agoe. Please to present love to him, my brother, and sisters, my dear Fanny, the boy, and except the same yourself. I am, my dear Nancy, Your affectionate Sister, Martha Washington. To Mrs. Bassett, Eltham. Gen. Washington to Col. Clement Diddle. Head Quarters, Middle Brook, May the 29th, 1779^ Sir: — I have received a copy of your letter of the 27th instant to Major-General Greene, Quarter Master General upon the subject of forage. Your representa- J-IISTORICAL PAPERS. I4I tion upon this head is very' distressing, and I scarcely know how to direct you upon the occasion. It is my wish that every possible respect should be paid in all cases to the laws of this and every other State, and a sacred regard to the property of each individual member as far as it can be done; but if necessity will not admit of their strict observance, it must justify a deviation and such infringements as she compells. However, to prevent as much as possible any just ground of com- plaint and the charge of a wanton exercise of power, you should use every practicable exertion to obtain forage in the ordinary way and where this cannot be effected, whenever circumstances will permit, you should make written requisitions to the Magistrates for pasturage and meadows, and obtain them by their allotment. If they will not permit, or the Magistrates refuse to designate them or to make a competent provision, the exigency of the public service must decide the conduct you are to pursue. I have mentioned these precautions because (tho* all regulations must yield to necessity) the principle should be introduced with caution and be practiced upon with still more delicacy. What I have said above, will apply to every situation of the army, whether [nearly one page lost or destroyed] * * * body, or in detachment, in camp or on a march. I am Sir yr. most obed. Servt Go. Washington. Gen. Washington to Col, Clement Biddle. Head Quarters, Morris Town, 1 8 th May, 1780. Dear Sir: — I have received your favor of the i6th acquainting me with your having resigned the office 142 H/STOK/CAI. PAPJiKS. of Commissaiy General of Forage, and of the necessity which you are under of repairing to Philadelphia before the 1st of June to settle the accounts of the department. Justice to you induces me to express my intire approba- tion of your conduct, so far as it has come under my notice in the particular line of your duty and to acknowledge tliat the army has at several times in very critical circumstances derived great advantages from your activity and address in giving assistance to the Commis- sar^-'s and Quartermaster's departments. Should you again incline to engage in the service under any new regulations which may take place, I can assure you that your re-appointment will be a measure highly agreeable to me. I feel myself obliged by your expressions of personal regard which is reciprocal. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your Mo obt Servant Go. W.\SIIIXGTON. Col. Biddlk. Gen. Washinimon to Col. Clement Biddle. He.\d Ors. Morrls' Town, May 27th, 1780. "Dr. Sir: — From the opinion I entertained of your services, I was sorr)' to hear in the first instance when tlie matter was communicated to me, that you were about to leave the army & had actually resigned your commis- sion to the Quarter Master General. An event is soon to take place which will still encrease my concern on this head. We have every reason to expect that an arma- ment composed of Land & Sea forces will soon arrive from France in these States to cooperate with us against tlie common enemy. The department you filled is a very important one, and, on a proper discharge of its duties, HISTORICAL rAI'EKS. I 43 our abilities to move in case of active operations, will greatly depend. I should therefore be happy if you would remain in it, as from your experience, activity and •entire knowledge of our resources in the line of it, I am persuaded, the public service would derive many great advantages at this interesting juncture. But I find on recurring to your letter of the i6th instant, by which you communicated your resignation, that you are to be in Philadelphia on the call of the Hon'ble the Board of Treasury by the ist of June. If you consent to remain and on which point I request your answer, I will take occasion to write by you to the Board and inform them of my wishes for your earliest return. In this event I shall consider your stay at Philadelphia as rather unlucky however short, as we have not a moment to spare in ■concerting our arrangements. I am Dr. Sir, yr. most obed. st. Go. Wasufngton." Col. Biddle. " In consequence of the foregoing I continued to serve til the latter end of September when a successor was appointed to fill my office. Clemext Biddle." Addressed on the outside " To Col. Biddle. Go. Was)iington." Gen. W.V.SHINGTON TO Dr. Stuart. Mount Vernon, 9th April, 1793. Dear Sir: — On Thursday next at one o'clock, I mean to pay the last respect to the remains of my deceased I'Jephew — by having the funeral obsequies performed. 144 HISTORICAL PAPERS. Mrs. Fanny Washington & myself would be very glad to see you, Mrs. Stuart, & the girls here on that occasion, for this reason, and knowing they have not the means of getting down, a carriage is sent for them, and I believe it would be extremely grateful to Fanny if Mrs. Stuart would come down without more delay than she can well avoid. The funeral will be in the presence of a few friends only. The day following, that is on Friday, if not unex- pectedly prevented, I shall set off on my return to Philadelphia. Charles takes up a Box with some things for the girls, in which is property of Austin's, not hard to designate, though hard in its nature. My love to Mrs. Stuart and all the family. I am always, gind sincerely. Your Affecte. Servt., G. Washington. Dr. Stuakt. (historical papers to be continued.) ANECDOTE. The following anecdote told me by an aged relative some thirty years since. Genl. Mifflin, with several American officers during the Revolutionary War, were dining at Mrs. Livingston's; the day was very hot and Mrs. L., seeing that Mifflin had his coat buttoned close up to his chin, remarked, why do you not unbutton your coat you seem to suffer very much from the heat. I hope that it is no new Army regulation. Leaning towards her he said in a loud whisper: Madam I cannot, I have no shirt on, nor do I believe that we have one amongst us (alluding to the other officers). How so? remarked Mrs. L. Mifflin said that all their linen has been given up to dress the wounds of the soldiers. THE COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. By Henry Phillips, Jr. TN an artistic point of view, the coinage of the United -*■ States of America is as conventional, unmeaning, and unattractive as that of any other modern nation; but as the medium through which the daily wants of over fifty millions of souls are supplied, it cannot fail to- possess a certain degree of importance. Singularly enough the art exhibited upon the money of the earliest days of the Republic, is of a much higher quality than that which now adorns (?) its coins. The United States of America is a Democratic Federal Republic, formed originally by the union of thirteen distinct and independent sovereignties. Its. coinage may be attributed to three eras, viz. : I. Ante-Revolutionary or Colonial, before 1776. II. Confederated, from 1776 to 1788. III. The United States. I. In some of the original thirteen colonies, coins were issued. Massachusetts in 1652, erected a mint and coined silver shillings, sixpences, and threepences of varying types. This infringement on the Royal Prerogative was, after a few years, brought to an end. It is of this coinage that the story is narrated that the Master of the Mint gave to his buxom daughter as her dowry, her own weight in these silver shillings, she standing in one of the (>4S) 146 COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. scales while the glittering hoard was being poured into the other, so that she was literally worth her weight in silver. The Proprietor of the Colony of Maryland, Lord Baltimore, in 1659, caused to be struck silver shillings, sixpences and groats, which are now very rare; of this mintage a copper penny exists, which is believed to be unique. In 1722, 1723, and 1733, a subsidiary coinage under a patent from the British Crown was struck, consisting ot twopenny, penny, and penny pieces, which in design and execution are creditable specimens of Numismatic Art. From the device on their reverse, they are known as the fRosa A'tnericana series. In 1670, an issue of silver money, and in 1721, 1722, and 1 767, an issue of copper coinage were made for the French Colonies in America, one of which, Louisiana, subsequently became a part of the United States. Virginia, in 1773, issued copper half pennies, and in 1774, the shilling in silver. James II. issued a tin coin for circulation in America, on which the value was ex- pressed in Spanish currency. A piece exists, coined in 1760 by Charles III., of Spain, which, from the occur- rence of the word " Florida " upon its reverse, is supposed to have been issued for that Colony. There exist some tokens which are attributed to this period, but as they were not authorized issues, they need not be included in the present account. II During the existence of the Articles of Confederation, and until the adoption of the Federal Constitution, by which the right of striking money was taken away from tlie States and granted to the general government, COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I 47 copper coins were issued by the States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, (although in this latter case it is not positively known that the coins which exist were authorized by the State), New Jersey, and Vermont; there also appeared a multitude of copper tokens of light weight, put in circulation by unknown parties. Among these were the JJova Constellatio, Kentucky, Georgius Triumpho, (Bar Cent, &c., &c. At Annapolis, in 1783, a jeweller named Chalmers, issued on his own responsi- bility, a silver currency of shillings, sixpences and threepences. The coinage of these two eras, afford many interesting and beautiful types; some are extremely rare and command high prices. III. In 1787, the copper coin known as the Franklin cent, was struck by the authority of the Federal Government. Preparations were made for the establishment of a National Currency and a National Mint; patterns pre- pared, some of which bore the head of Washington, for the contemplated cent, disme, and half disme. The regular coinage of the United States Mint began In 1793, with the issue of copper cents and half cents. The former were of several varieties, the obverse of one of which exhibits a beautifully designed female head with loosely-flowing hair, representing an ideal Liberty. Later in the same year, this device was changed by the addition of a pole, surmounted by a liberty cap, thrown over the left shoulder of the female bust. In 1 797 the cap and pole were omitted, and the hair of the female tied up behind with a fillet. In 1808 a much more sedate and matronly bust, whose head was encircled by a fillet bearing the word liberty, surrounded by thirteen 148 COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Stars, was substituted. In 18 15, no cent was issued. In 1 8 1 7, fifteen stars were added on the obverse instead of the original thirteen, the intention being to continue, as in the flag, placing a star for every State as it entered the Union ; but this cumbersome device was abandoned on the coinage after a short time. In 1838, the type was changed to that at which it remained until the last issue of the large copper cent in 1857. In 1856, the small nickel cent was introduced, being coined for circulation in 1857, which, after various changes of type and alloy, is still in use. The half cent was first issued in 1 793. It never was a coin that supplied a great popular want, and doubtless grew out of the supposed necessity for exact change required by the old currency of Spanish fips, levies and quarters, suppressed in 1857. Half cents were coined in all the years to 1857 inclusive, except in 1798, 1799, 1801, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1827, 1830, 1837, 1838, 1839. GoL.D Coin. — The earliest gold coin was the eagle or ten dollar piece issued in 1795. This coin did not bear upon it any designation of its value. None were issued m 1802, and from 1804 to 1838. In 1849, the great abundance caused by the discoveries of gold in California, led to the striking of the double eagle or twenty dollar gold piece, of which of this year, only one specimen is known to exist and is in the Cabinet of Coins of the United States Mint at Philadelphia. The coinage of the half eagle or five dollar piece began in 1795, none being issued in 18 16 and 181 7; of the quarter eagle, or two and a half dollar piece, in 1 796, of which none were struck in 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1822, 1823, 1828. COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I 49 The denominations of these gold coins have remained unchanged, but their types have been several times altered, and their representatives of to day are unlike as possibly can be to the pieces originally put forth. The three dollar (gold) piece began in 1854, and the one dollar (gold) in 1849. Silver. — The coinage of silver dollars and half dollars began in 1794, but no silver dollars were issued from 1805 to 1836, and none in 1837; no half dollars were issued in 1798, 1799, 1800,^ and 18 16. Quarter dollars began in 1796, none being coined from after that year until 1804, then none from 1807 until 181 5, none being issued in 1816, 1817, 1826, 1829, 1830. The dime began in 1796, none being issued in 1799, 1806, 1808, 1810, 1812, 1813, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1826; the half dime in 1794, none being struck in 1798, 1799, 1804, and from 1805 to 1829. There have been several changes in the weight and fineness of the silver coinage. Under the act of April 2, 1792, which established the Mint, the dollar was to be of the value of a Spanish milled dollar and to contain 37 It^ grains of pure silver or 416 grains standard silver, and smaller silver coin to be in proportion. The next change took place under the law of January 18, 1837, when the dollar was reduced to 412^ grains. By act of February 21, 1853, the half dollar and smaller coins were reduced in weight; the former to 192 grains, and the others in proportion. The act of February 12, 1873, raised the half dollar to 12 grammes and smaller silver in proportion. Provision was made for the coinage of the trade dollar of 420 grains which remained a legal tender until July 22, 1876. •The half dollars of 1805, were struck over a die of 1804. None of 1804 are however known to exist. 150 COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The half dollar, by the provisions of the Revised Statutes, section 3513, was subsequently raised to iiyi grammes in weight. The act of February 28, 1878, authorized the coinage of a dollar of 4121^ grains Troy standard silver. These are the "Bland dollars" that in thousands are piled up in the vaults of the government, that the people refuse, and that are only coined for the benefit of those who desire to sell silver to the United States. The three cent piece was coined in silver from 1851 to 1873; since 1865 it has been struck in nickel. The silver twenty cent piece was issued from 1875 to 1878. Two cent pieces in bronze were authorized by act of Congress, April 22, 1864, and coined until 1873. The United States coins are very expensive to obtain, and even when forming a complete collection, present very little of interest except to a patriot; their cost is nowise in proportion to their merits. The Mint has frequently struck experimental and pattern pieces which are eagerly sought after by collectors and bring high prices. Of these, it may be said that it would be an utter impossibility to form a complete collection. Note. — Among the rarest of the coinage of tlie United States Mint, are the following : Half cents, 1793, 1796, 1802, iSii, 1S31, 1836, 1840 to 184S inclusive, 1849, (small date) 1852. Cents, 1793, 1799, 1804, 1809. Three cent (silver), 1854, 1855, 1873. Half dime, 1802, (this is the rarest of all the small coins,) 1846. Dime, 1 8 10, 1846. Twenty cent piece, 1877, 1878. Quarter dollar, 1796, 1804, 1823, 1827. Half dollar, 1794, 1796, 1797, 1815. (Silver) Dollar, 1794, 1804, 1S51, 1852, 1858. Gold — Twenty dollar, 1849. I" 1882, only six hundred and thirty were struck, and that date will be scarce. Eagle, 1798, 1838. Half Eagle, 1797, 1815, 1822, 1824, 1828. Quarter Eagle, 1796, 1797, 179S, 1806. /a'9?ieJ *^^rc?w?ime' REVERExND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. Contributed by Charles Henry Hart. 'T^HE following remarkable letters written by a promi- ■^ nent clerg^'man of the Episcopal Church to his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. John Andrews, Jr., are now printed to show, in part, that the "good old times" some people are so fond of cherishing and wishing might return, were not so redolent of innate refinement as we are often led to suppose. Aside from this they have a very decided gossipy flavor and are far from uninteresting. The writer was the Reverend James Abercrombie, D. D., one of the Ministers of the United Churches of Christ Church and St. Peter's, Philadelphia. He was born in Philadel- phia, January 26th, 1758, and was the son of a Scotch- man, a relative of the celebrated Sir Ralph Abercrombie, who had formerly been an officer in the British Navy, but came to America and took up his residence in Philadelphia, where he was married, Nov. 27th, 1753, at Christ Church, to Margaret Bennet. He continued to follow the sea and was lost in 1 760, by shipwreck in the German Ocean. His widow married, Sept. 26th, 1767, Charles Stedman, who she survived, and died July 2 2d, 1803, aged seventy-six. James, the son, graduated from the College of Philadelphia in 1776, the last commence- ment of the old College, which was subsequently mero-ed into the University of Pennsylvania. Being inclined to the ministry, he began his theological studies with the Rev. William White, but had to relinquish his books after two years attention, ow-Ing to his impaired eyesight. r^Z 2A (151) 152 RF.rEREXD y.-i.UES ABERCRO.VB/E. D. D. He subsequently went into mercantile life and took some part in politics, and in 1792, was elected a member of City Councils. In 1793, he resumed his theoloorica! studies and was ordained deacon at St. Peter's Churcli, Dec. 29th, 1793. The June following, he was appointeii one of the ministers of the United Churches. His salary in tliis position not being sufficient for his support, he founded in 1800, in conjunction with the Rev. Dr. Magaw, of St. Paul's Church, the Philadelphia Academy, and three years later became sole head of the school, a position he continued to hold until 1S17. In Novem- ber, 1832, Dr. Abcrcrombie resigned his office of Minister to the United Churches, a charge he had held for more than thirty-eight years, and died June 26th, 1841, in his eighty-fourth year. Dr. Abercrombie was married Oct. 31st, 1783, at Christ Church, to Ann Bannton. She died January 4th, 1805, aged forty, and he sub- sequently married in June, 181 7, Miss Maria Mason, who survived him many years, dying December 29th, 1873, aged eight)^-six. He had by both wives thirteen children, nine daughters and four sons. Dr. Abercrombie was fond of social and convivial pleasure, and his tone, both of ecclesiastical and political sentiment, caused his sincerity to be sometimes ques- tioned. He was a frequent purchaser of lottery tickets, and on more than one occasion, visited the theatre, which much scandalized the "pious community" in which he lived. The letters here given, show that he gave his tongue, or at all events his pen, unbridled license, and that whatever other virtues he may have possessed, delicacy and re- finement were not among his ruling qualities. A prelate, high in the church has, however, said of him, "that he was admired for his excellence as a reader of our liturgy, for his ability as a writer and eloquence as a speaker; and REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. I 53 -exhibited in his long-continued, active, and steady dis- charge of ministerial duty, an unbroken attachment to the cause of Christ and of His Church." Dr. Abercrombie's daughter, to whom the last letter is addressed, married Mr. John Andrews, Jr., a .son of the •Rev. John Andrews, D. D., who succeeded Dr. McDowell as Provost of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews resided in Baltimore. The illustration given is a fac simile of Dr. Abercrombie's book plate. Philad'., June 12th, 18 12. Friday, 12 o'clock. My Dear Sir: — Tho' this scrawl may perhaps be too late to meet you at New York, yet as you perhaps may feel anxious about your Father,^ I think it proper to assure you again of the restoration of his health. W. Meredith^ and I walked up this morning and found him well, with hat and boots on ready for an excursion. ' Rev. John Andrews, D. D., was a son of Moses and Letitia Andrews, of Mary- land, where he was bom in Cecil county, near the Head of Elk, on April ist, 1746. He graduated from the College and Academy of Philadelphia, in 1765, in the same •class with Bishop White. After receiving Episcopal ordination in London in February, 1767, he returned to America with the appointment of missionary to Lewes, De!., from the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts. He subsequently removed to York, Pa., and later was appointed Rector of St. John's Parish, Queen Ann county, Md., which he retained until after the Declaratian of Independence was declared. "Not partaking of the patriotic spirit of the times" he was induced to quit Maryland, and he returned to York, Pa., where he opened a classical school. In 1785, he was placed at the head of the Episcopal Academy, at Philadelphia, and in 1789, was chosen Professor of Moral Philosophy, in the University of Pennsylvania, and two years later Vice Provost. In December, 1810, he was unanimously elected Provost, an office he continued to hold until February, 1813, when he resigned on account of ill-health and premonitions of his early demise. These were speedily realized as he died of apoplexy, March 29th, 1813. In 1772, Dr. Andrews was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Mary Callender, of Cumberland county. Pa. She died Febrtiary 22d, 1798, from the shock of the loss of a little son, who was burnt to death. 'ITiey had ten children. ' William Meredith was Ixim in Philadelphia, July 2d, 1772, and was the second son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Meredith, natives of Great Britain. Mr. Meredith graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1795. He married Miss Ogden, a neice of Govemeur Morris, a lady of fine 154 REVEKEA'D y.iMES ABERCROXnUE, D. D. I suppose from the order of the Steam boats, we shall not see you till Tuesday; for I hope you will spend a day or two in Providence and Newport. Won't you be compelled to feast a litde more in N. York and take a formal farewell of luxurious boards, before you return to- our simple one? Come when you will tho', we shall rejoice to see you. Jona'n Bayard Smith'' is said to be near his end — as is also, the rich, the pompous, and the mighty Henry Pratt*: but "he shall carry nothing away with him when he dieth, neither shall his pomp follow him." Your boy devoured his portion of morning cake, this morning, with uncommon eagerness. He increases in wisdom, and, if not in stature, in extension daily. The Lady Dowager Bunner^ is here, but that I suppose you know. I am as busy, to use a polished Chesterfieldian phrase, as "a bee in a tar barrel," preparing my boys for my commencement, which I hope will be a good one. literary attainments, who was a frequent contributor, with her husband, to Dennie's Portfolio. Mr. Meredith withdrew from the bar in 1814, but filled many offices of public and private trust. He was an active member of the Episcopal Church, and sat for many years in its Diocesan and General Conventions. He died, September, 1844, and is interred in St. Peter's Church Yard, where he with his wife lie in unmarked graves. He was the father of the late Hon. Willi,am M. Meredith. •Jonathan Bayard Smith died at Philadelphia, June 16, 181 2. He was bom in Philadelphia, in 1 741, graduated from the College of New Jersey, in 1760; was a memlier of the Continental Congi'ess, 1777-78; subsequently Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, of Philadelphia county, and Trustee of Princeton College, and the University of Pennsylvania. * Henry Pratt, an eminent merchant of Philadelphia, and son of Matthew Pratt, a very good local portrait painter, w-is bom May 14th, 1761. Before his m.ajority, he engaged in the china and crockery trade ; and soon afterwards entered into the grocery business. He ultimately amassed a large fortune, and had for his country seat Lemon Hill, now a portion of Fairmount Park. He was thrice married, sur\ived all his wives, and died February 6th, 1S3S, leaving numerous decendants and a will the trusts under which are yet unexecuted. ' Probably " Mrs. Sarah Bunner, relict of Andrew Bunner, Esq., and daughter of Samuel and Eliza P^isher, of this city, who was born June 14th, 1751, and died August 2d, \%Z2"— Christ Church Yard Record. REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. 155 Present me affectionately to the Royal Rector of Grace Church/ and to his little Carolina Rib, or rather ^ice bird. Don't fail to inquire about Governeur Morris's oration^ and to bring me one. My girls and boys salute you and your spouse — "Salute ye one another with an holy kiss" — or in any other way you like better. Once more and for the last time, epistolarily. Adieu, je vous recommende, Yrs. truly, J. A. January 4th, 18 14. My Dear Sir: — I thank you most cordially for yr. truly acceptable present of cigars. I can get none such here. I have smoked your health with them several times. The glorious news we have reed, is, I trust, only the forerunner of more glorious and exhilarating intelligence which will eventuate in peace throughout the world, and the downfall of despotism. Our speculators here are "shivering In the wind." Coffee and sugar, with many other articles, have fallen very considerably; and every body is on the tiptoe of •expectation for more "bloody news." I wish I could see you for half an hour, I would ask a world of questions. Can't you guess at some of them, and answer them by anticipation? Your wife can help 1 This letter is addressed to Mr. John Andrews, Jr., Care of the Rev. Mr. BoTven^ Reiflor of Grace Church, New York. Nathaniel Bowen was born in Boston, Mass., June 29th, 1779, and was graduated by Charleston College, S. C, in 1794. He entered the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and while Rector of Grace Church, N. Y., was in 1S18, chosen Bishop of South Carolina, and removed to Charleston, where he died August 25th, 1839. In 1805, he married Margaret, ■daughter of John Blake, of South Carolina. 2 Oration in Honor of the Memory of George Clinton, late Vice President. Delivered in New York, May 19th, 1S12. 156 REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. you, for she has a wonderful knack at guessing; and will,. if she lives long enough, pass very well for an old witch.. Winter, with all its horrors, is at last come upon us, and I fear will give us a terrible shaking. What think you of the times? Do the wiseacres of Baltimore think we shall have peace, or a ten years war? How does Coal come on with our Magazine? I have not yet seen or heard of my notice of yr. father's book being pubd. in a newspaper. I have written to you once or twice about it, but its not your way to notice such things. I inclose a copy of a recommendation which we want the Bishops and Clergy of the different States to sign. Give to Cardinal Kemp^ and let him get the Bishops and other clerical signatures. It is signed here by the Clergy of other denominations. Return it as soon as possible. Tell me how our number is received. Yrs. Affy., J. A. PniLA., Jan. loth, 1814. My dr. Sir: — You and yrs. could not have been more silent towards us for 10 days past, if you had been dead and buried. I have a mind to address you as Col. Tiddiman did Mr. Johnstone, "Is the Devil in you? or do- you want to be" forgotten by us? I have at last found a conveyance for my packet, by Mr. Coleman,- (the son of my Lancaster friend,) who is. ' James Kemp was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1 764, graduated from Marischal College, Aberdeen, in 17S6, came to the United States the following year, and two years later took orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church. In 1S14, he was. elected Suffragan Bishop of Maryland, with Dr. Claggett, and two years later became Bishop of the Diocese. He died in Baltimore, October 28th, 1827, the result of aii accident, occasioned by the overturning of the stage coach in which he was returning; from the consecration of Bishop Onderdonk, at Philadelphia. ' Probably Edward Coleman, son of Robert Coleman, who emigrated from Ireland to Lancaster county, Pa., and found emplojinent with Peter Grubb, at the- REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. I 57 very amiable, very diffident, and very rich. He goes down to yr. city to be groomsman to Mr. Stump, ^ who is going to get an additional (Rutnp, to comfort him and keep him warm this cold weather. James brought up and left with me a number of Clarke's Bible, but without being able to give me any directions about it, so you must tell me what I am to do with it for you. / The girls are all gone a sleighing with the Lardners, while I am much better employed in writing to you, by my Imperial stove in my delightful study. I have just returned from burying a woman who has had five husbands ! her knowledge of mankind has been consider- able! "Last of all the woman died also." We are all here in expectation of peace. Our specu- lators are paralized. Coffee is down to 25 cents, and the best sugars to 15 to 20 Dr. pr. cwt. How have you come off? I have thought much and anxiously about you. Fennel* has several times desired me to request you to look among yr. father's books for one he lent him, entitled Something. If you can find it, do send it up, for drunk or sober, he always attacks me about it whenever I meet him. Give our love to Pegg)', your little ones, and James. Yrs. Affy., but in extreme haste, J- A. The shirt sent is James's. Hopewell Forge. He afterwards became manager of Baron Steigel's furnace, later acquired an interest in it and finally became possessed of the entire furnace. " To him is Lancaster county chiefly indebted for the celebrity it acquired from the number and magnitude of its iron works and the excellence of its manufactures." Robert Coleman married a daughter of Robert Old, and his son, Edward, was one of the wealthiest and most enterprising citizens of Lancaster. ' The surname of a well-known Maryland family. Admiral LeRoy married a Stump. * James Fennel, actor and author, was born in London, 1766, and died in Philadelphia, June 14th, 1816. His life and character are too well known to need delineation here, especially as his Apology for my Life, 1814, is accessible to all. 158 REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. Piiu.AnA., Sept. 6th, 18 14. My Dear Friend and Daichtkr: — You have doubtless been informed by Betty, that I, with my httle companion, arrived here safe and sound at 7 o'clock last night. The night was mild and bright; the stage not crowded, and by fixing myself firmly in my seat, with my knees powerfully pressing against the broad black bum of the fat negro wench who placed her- self in the seat before me, I slept a considerable part of the way ; so that being thereby refreshed, and the follow- ing day being cloudy and cool, I had a verj- pleasant ride and did not experience the smallest degree of fatigue. When we arrived at Havre de Grace, and the passengers of the accompanying stage got out, who should be among the Jionottred few, but that resplendent mirror of military skill, prudence, and prowess, the illustrious, and never-to-be-forgotten (or forgiven) Genl. Armstrong,* accompanied by that blustering booby, Jacob Barker,* who seemed like a great mastiff protecting a Spaniel puppy who had just stolen some meat for him, and was crawling about with his tail between his legs, conscious of his misbehavour, and dreading the just vengeance of > John Armstrong, was born at Carlisle, Pa., November 25tli, 1755. lie served in the Revolutionary war and was the autlior of the celebrated Newbiirg Letten. After the war he returned to Pennsylvania and was made Adjutant General of the State. He removed to New York, whence he was sent to the Senate of the United States, where he served from 1800 until his resignation in 1804, to accept the mission to France as the successor to Chancellor Livingston. President Madison made him Secretary of War, and his flight from Washington, with Mr. Madison and his cabinet, at the sacking of the city by the British in 1814, gave the coup de grace to his official career. It was charged that the capitol w.is lost by reason of his neglect to provide the proper means of defence. He was dismis.sed from office and the duties of the War oflice devolved upon Mr. Monroe, then Secretaiy of State. He relumed to Red Hook, New York, where he lived until April ist, 1843, when he died at the age of eighty-eight. 2 Jacob Barker was born in New Kngland, December 17th, 1779, and died in Philadelphia, December 27lh, 1S71. His comparatively recent death makes it unnecessary to rehearse his eventful career. REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMDIE, D. D. 159 the cook at every corner. Mortification, disgrace, and chagrin, were stamped on every feature of the Caitiff's countenance. He talked Httle, but "looked unutterable things." He sat by himself in the stage and never left it, but when obliged by the change of stage or the call to a meal. Barker took especial care never to mention his name, but when he addressed him, merely said General. He was known, however, in all the towns, and gazed at, as a monster, nor did any individual on the way greet him but that celebrated spouter and fire=extinguisher, Anderson,^ tavern-keeper and Member of Congress at Chester. May he experience the contempt and punishment he deserves! A letter was this day rec'd by Geo. Latimer^ from his son James, just arrived in Boston. He left England 53 days before, and states that Sir R. Hill'* was in the country, visiting his friends; that the division of his troops had not embarked; that peace was expected — tho' the popular voice called for war — that tho' the Com- missioners,'' Mr. Gambler, Dr. Adam, and Mr. Golbourn, had not left England when he sailed, there was no doubt that they soon would. This is good news — at least in prospect. 'William Anderson, was bom in Chester county, Pa., in the year 1763, and although very young served his country in the Revolutionary war with credit, taking a prominent part at the capitulation of Comwallis. After the war he resided in Delaware county, and was a representative in Congress from Pennsylvania, 1809 to 1815 and 1817 to 1819. In the latter part of his life he was Custom House officer at Chester, where he died December 13th, 1829. ' George Latimer, was a native of Delaware, born of Irish parents. He was a -commission merchant and for some years Speaker of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, lie was afterwards appointed Collector of the Port of Philadelphia. He was a man ■of high respectability, very benevolent and charitable. He was a member of the Friendly Sons of .St. Patrick, and one of the founders of the Hibernian Society. ' Sir Rowland Hill, bom at Prees Shropshire, August 1 1 th, 1 772 ; entered the army in 1 790; was raised to the peerage in 1 8 14; took the chief command in 1828, and died near Shewsbury, December loth, 1 842. He was called the "right arm of Wellington," and was the most popular general in the British army. * English Commissioners at the Treaty of Ghent. l60 REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. 'Tis now very late, and I must conclude with thanking you, my dear Peggy, and your peerless spouse, for your late hospitality and kind attention to me in Baltimore. Kiss my two Grandsons and Granddaughter for me, and believe me most cordially and unalterably, Yr. Affece. Father, J. A. We expect Maria, to-morrow. Present our best love to faithful Bet. THE MINT COINAGE IN 1798. Mr. Editor: — I have had presented to me by a friend,, a copy of the Philadelphia Almanac for the year 1800, by the celebrated Enoch Lewis. It was published by B. & P. Johnson, No. 147 Market Street, Philadelphia. In this Almanac is given a statement of the coinage of the Mint of the United States for the year 1798. It is as follows : Gold Coins — 7974 Eagles, Dollars, ^79,740 24,867 Half Eagles, Dollars, . 124,335 614 Quarter Eagles, Dollars, . 1,525 Total of Gold, . . . $205,600 Silver Coins — 327,536 Dollars, $327,536 27,550 Dimes 2,755 330.291 Copper Coin, 979.700 Cents . . . 9797 $545.68& Benjamin Rush. Mint of the United States, Treasurer's Office, January 3d, 1799. MATERIALS FOR AMERICAN ANTE-REVO- LUTIONARY HISTORY, AS IT IS TO BE FOUND IN THE MAGAZINES OF THE TIMES FROM 1731. Compiled by Henry Phillips, Jr. (Continued from page 134.) Gentleman's Magazine. 1752, August. Proposals by Mr. Peter Purry, of Newfchatel, for Encouragement of Such Swiss Protestants as Should Agree to Accompany Him to Carolina, to Settle a New Colony, There are only two methods, (viz.) one for persons to go as servants, the other to settle on their own account. 1. Those who are desirous to go as servants must be Carpenters, Vine^planters, Husbandmen, or good Labourers. 2. They must be such as are not very poor, but in a condition to carry with them what is sufficient to support their common J^ecessity. ^. They m,ust have at least ^ or 4 good Shirts, and a suit of Cloathes each. 4. They are to have each for their Wages 100 livres yearly, which make ^0 crowns of the m.oney of Newfchatel in Swisserland; but their Wages are not to commence till the (Day of their Arrival in Carolina. J. Expert Carpenters shall have suitable encouragement. 6. The time of their Contract shall be 3 Years, reckoning from the day of their arrival in that Country. (161) \62 j.vsAVCA.v M.\'rf:-XEroLC'7VOXMKr ///sy'OKy. 7. They shall be supply' J in part of their IVuges tvith Money to come from Swisserland, till they embark for Carolina. 6. Their Wages shall be paid them regularly at the end cf every Yeur; for Security whereof they shall have the Fruits of their Labour, and generally all that can be procured for them, whether Moveables or Immoveables. g. Victuals and Lodging from the (Day of their Em-- barkation shall not be put to their Account, nor their (Passage by Sea. 10. They shall have what Money they want advanced during the Term of their Service in part of their Wages to buy Linnen, Clothes, and all other Mecessaries. 11. If they happen to fall Sick, they shall be lodg'd and nourish'd Gratis, but their Wages shall not go on during their Illness, or that they are not able to Work. 12. They shall serve after (Recovery, the Time they had lost during their Sickness. 13. What goes to pay (Physicians or Surgeons, shall be put to their Accompt. As to those who go to settle on their own Account, they must have at least 50 Crowns each, because their Passage by Sea and Victuals, will cost from 20 to 25 Crowns, and the rest of die Money shall go to procure divers things which will be absolutely necessary for the Voyage. From the London Journal, Aug. 5. On the C01.0NV OF Georgia. The Romans esteemed the sending forth Colonies among the noblest of their Works. When they found themselves overburthen'd with a Conflux of People from all Parts, they lessen'd their Multitude by planting them in Colonies on the Frontiers of their lunpire, which gave a new Strength to the Whole, the l"!.\pence being defray'd out of the publick Treasury. AMUR /CAN AjWni-KK VOL UT/OA'AA' Y J/J:;T0/< Y. \ 6^ From the Cuartkr. His Majezty having taken into consideration the mizer- ahle circumstances of many of his own poor subjects, as likewise the distresses of many foreigners, who would take refuge from persecution ; and having a princely regard to the great danger the southern frontiers of South Carolina are expos' d to, by reason of the small number of white inhabitants there, hath granted a Charter for incorporating a number of gentlemen by the name o/'Ihe Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America. They are impower'd to collect benefactions, and lay them out in cloathing, arming, sending over, and supporting colonies of the poor, whether subje6ls or foreigners, till they can build houses and clear lands. And his Majesty farther grants all his lands between the rivers Savanah and Alatamahah^ which he erects into a Province by the name of Georgia. At the desire of the gentlemen there are clauses in the Charter restraining them and their successors from receiving any salary, fee, perquisites, or profit whatsoever , by or from this under- taking ; and also from receiving any grants of those lands, &'C. The Trustees expect to raise a considerable Fund from the compassionate Disposition of our Gentry and Nobility; and in order to prevent the Benefactions from being misapplied, will deposite the Money in the Oiank of England, and enter in a Book each Sum given with the Benefactors Names. Annual Accounts of all Money received and disposed of, will be laid before the Ld Ch. Justice of the King's (Bench, Master of the Rolls, Ld Ch. J. of the Common (Pleas, and Ld. Ch. Baron of the Exchequer, or Two of them, and printed Copies of the said Accounts will be transmitted to every considerable Benefactor. t64 AMERICAX AXTE-REVOLUTIOXARY HISTORY. The Colony of Georgia lying about the same Latitude with part of China, (Persia, (Palestine, and the Maderas, it's highly probable, when peopled, may supply us with raw Silk, Wine, Oil, 0ies, (Drugs, and many other Materials for Manufactures, which we are obliged to pur- chase from Southern Countries. As Towns are estab- lished, they will make such a Barrier as will render the Southern Frontier of the (British Colonies on the Conti- nent of America, safe from Indian and other Enemies. Instrui51ions will be given concerning the Method of cultivating the .Soil. There are but few Indian Families within 400 Miles. 'Port (Royal, the Station of His Majesty's Ships, is within 30; and Charles Toivn, a great Mart, within 120. If the Colony is attack'd, it may be relieved by Sea from 'Port (Royal, or the 'Bahamas; and die Militia of South Carolina is ready to support it by Land. See a List of the Trustees, p. 825 G; leaving out Tho. Tew, Esq ; for John Lacocke, and Wm Bentz, Esqs; read John Laroche, Wm. Belitha, Esqs; and add tlie following, viz, The (Rev. Richard Bundy, Arthur Bedford, Samuel Smith, Adam Anderson, Gent. Thomas Coram, Gent. We are shorter in the Description of Carolina, as given in this and other Journals, having had Mr. (Purry's original Treatise in French communicated to us; a Translation of which follows: A Description ok the Province of South Carolina, Drawn up at Charles- Town in Ser". 1731. The King of Great 'Britain having about three Years ago purchased this Province of the Lords Proprie- tors thereof, has since studied to make Agriculture, AMERICAN ANTE RE VOL UT/ONAR V IIISTOR Y. I 65 ■Commerce and Navigation, flourish in it. His Majesty immediately nominated Col. Johnson, a worthy Gentle- man, to be Governeur thereof; who, at his Departure for Carolina, receiv'd divers Orders and Instructions, but in particular was directed instantly to mark out Places in a proper Situation for building Eleven Towns, viz. Two on the River Alatamaha, Two on the River Savannah, One at the Head of the River (Poupon, Two at the River Santee, One at the River of Watery, One at the Black River. One at the River Wacomau, and One at the River (Pedee. The district of each of these Towns is to contain the extent of 2000 acres of land, formed into a square, border " ing on the river, and divided into shares of ^0 acres for ■each man, woman, or child, of one family ; which may he augmented, as the planters shall be in a condition to cultivate a larger quantity of ground, and every one of them shall have an equal share of the better and worse lands, and also the same right on the river. Each town shall be formed into a parish, the extent whereof shall he about 6 miles round the town on the same side of the river ; and as soon as a parish shall contain 100 masters of families, they may send two members to the Assembly of the Province, and enjoy the same privilege as the other parishes of the ^Province. The ground of each town shall be speedily marked out, and shall belong in common to all the inhabitants, till it shall be distributed in particular shares to each of them. There are to he joo acres of land near the town, which shall he comm,on forever, without being charged with rent, and no person shall, by virtue of any former grant, take possession of any land within 6 miles of each town. l66 AMERICAA' AXTE-REVOl.UTIOXAKY HISTORY. The rent shall be 4s. per Ann. /or every 200 acres, except that for the first 10 years the land shall be entirely free, and all those that shall settle in the said towns shall enjoy the same advantages. His Majesty further grants to every European servant, whether man or woman, ^0 acres of land free of all rents for 10 years, which shall be distributed to them after hav- ing served their master for the time agreed on. In consequence of these Instru(5];ions M. (Purry was permitted to go and chuse on the Borders of the River Savanna Land proper to build the Town of (Purrysburg upon; and having found it such as he wish'd, the Government made him a Grant thereof under the Great Seal of the Province, dated the ist of Sept. 1731, and at the same Time pubHsh'd throughout the whole Country a Prohibidon to all Sorts of Persons to go and settle on the said Land, which is already called the Siviss Quarter. In order to facilitate the Execution of this Undertaking in the best Manner, the Assembly granted to the said M. (Purry 400I. Sterling, and Provisions sufficient for the Maintenance of 300 Persons for one Year, provided they be all Persons of good Repute, and Swiss Protestants, and that they come to Carolina. The River Savanna is one of the finest in all Carolina, the Water good, and stored with excellent Fish: It is about the Largeness of the (Rhine, and there are 2 Forts already built upon it, one of which, call'd (Pallacholaas, is 100 Miles from the Mouth thereof, and the other call'd Savanna Town, about 300 Miles; and altho' there is not usually above 20 Men to garrison the first Fort, and about 40 in the other, yet the Indians have never dared to attack them. The Town of (Purrysburg will lie situated 30 Miles from the Sea, and about 7 Miles from the highest Tide. AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIONAR V JIISTOR Y. 167 The Land about it is a most delightful Plain, and the greatest Part very good Soil, especially for Pasturage, and the rest proper enough for some Produ6^tions. It was formerly call'd the great Ymassee fPort, and is esteem'd by the Inhabitants of the Province the best Place in all Carolina, altho' never yet possessed but by the Indians, who were driven from thence by the English several Years ago, and have never dared to return thither. All Sorts of Trees and Plants will grow there, as well as can be wish'd, particularly Vines, Wheat, Barley, Oats, Pease, Beans, Hemp, Flax, Cotton, Tobacco, Indico, Olives, Orange Trees, and Citron Trees, as also white Mulberry Trees for feeding of Silkworms. The Lands will not be difficult to clear, because there is neither Stones nor Brambles, but only great Trees, which do not grow very thick; so that more Land may be clear'd there in one Week, than could be done in Swisserland in a Month. The Custom of the Country is, that after having cut down these great Trees, they leave the Stumps for 4 or 5 Years to rot, and afterwards easily root them up, in order to manure the Land. 'Tis very certain, that Carolina is in general an excel- lent Country. 'Tis true, the Ground is sandy; but then 'tis a Sand impregnated with Salt and Nitre, so that it brings forth in great Abundance, as the like Soil does in divers Parts of Europe. But what is more particular to Carolina, there are a great Number of Plantations that have been continually cultivated for near 60 Years, which yet still produce great Plenty without ever being manured by the least Dung, for they never lay any on their Grounds: The Planter only turns up the Superficies of the Earth, and all that he plants and sows therein quickly grows and matures: Those who understand ever so little of Agriculture will be obliged to own, that 3A 1 68 AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIONAR Y HISTOR Y. if the Lands in Europe were not constantly manured, their Strength would be so exhausted, that at length the Crops would not pay for the Seed. But a Man who shall have a little Land in Carolina, and who is not willing to work above 2 or 3 Hours a Day, may very easily live there. Another Consideration deserving our Notice is the Progress of the first Colonies, their sudden Advancement, the Riches of the present Inhabitants, the great Number of publick Expences for which they provide, the great Trade which they carry on at present, and lastly, their Misfortunes and Losses; which are entirely repair'd. The better to comprehend these Matters, we shall only make the following Observations. 1 . That there was no People in Carolina till about 60 Years ago, for the English did not begin to send any thither till the Year 1670. 2. That they had at first very fatal Beginnings, being afiflitled with Sicknesses, and even the Plague, which daily diminish'd the Number of the People. 3. That cruel, destructive Divisions sprung up among them. 4. That they had a very bad Government under the Lords Proprietors, being almost without Order, Justice, or Discipline. 5. That at a certain Time the Pyrates interrupted their Trade and Navigation. 6. That they have often had great Droughts. 7. That a terrible Fire consumed almost all Charles Town. 8. That they have been at great Expence in Fortifica- tions, publick Edifices, Churches, &c. 9. That they have often sustain'd long Wars with the French, Spaniards, and particularly with the Indians, who once united altogether to destroy the whole Province. AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIONAR Y HISTOR Y. I 69 10. That notwithstanding all these Misfortunes, the People of Carolina, except those who give themselves up to Debauchery, are all rich, either in Slaves, Furniture, -Cloaths, Plate, Jewels, or other Merchandizes, but especially in Cattle; which shews the Goodness of the Country they inhabit. The most Part of those who came first thither were very poor and miserable; several of those who are most considerable went but as Servants. The Trade of Carolina is now so considerable, that of late Years there have sail'd from thence annually above 200 Ships, laden with Merchandizes of the Growth of the Country, besides 3 Ships of War, which they commonly have for the Security of the Commerce, and last Winter they had constantly 5, the least of which had above 100 Men on Board. It appears by the Customhouse Entries from March 1730, to March 1731, that there sailed within that Time from Charles Toivn 207 Ships, most of them for England, which carried among other Goods 41957 Barrels of Rice about 500 Pound Weight per Barrel, 10754 Barrels of Pitch, 2063 of Tar, and 11 59 of Turpentine; of Deer Skins 300 Casks, containing 8 or 900 each; besides a vast Quantity oi Indian Corn, Pease, Beans, &c.. Beef, Pork, and other salted Flesh, Beams, Planks, and Timber for Building, most part of Cedar, Cypress, Sassafras, Oak, Walnut and Pine. They carry on a great Trade with the Indians, from •whom they get these great Quantities of Deer Skins, and those of other wild Beasts, in Exchange for which they give them only Lead, Powder, coarse Cloth, Vermillion, Iron Ware, and some other Goods, by which they have a very considerable Profit. The great Number of Slaves makes another Part of the Riches of this Province, there being above 40,000 Negroes, which are worth, one with another, 100 Crowns each. There are between 5 and 600 Houses in Charles Town, the most of which are very gostly, besides 5 1 ;o M.VEX/CM.V AXr£.X£ VOL LTIOXAR Y Ji/SrOJC ) . handsome Churches, viz. one for those of the Clnirch oi' Et:gi\n:J, one for the IVesbytcrians, one for the Ana- baptists, one for the Quakers, and one for the French. If you travel into die Country, you will see stately Buildings, noble Castles, and an infinite Number of all Sorts of Cattle. If it be ask'd what has produced all tliis? the Answer is, 'Tis onlj- the rich land of Carolina.* (TO BE CONTINUKD.) THE WELSH SOCIETY OF rilll.APl-l rUl.A. By Horatio Gatks Jonks, MANY of the early settlers of Philadelphia loft their native lands at great sacrifice, and raiiiorthan suffer cruel punishments by fines and imprisonments at home, they sold their properties diere, and sought quiet and freedom in what was tlien the wilderness regions of Pennsylvania. It was so with Englishmen, Welshmen, and Germans. The liberal offers made by Penn, the noble founder oi our Commonwealth, induced thousands who suHered in their native land to seek a refuge here, where among die so-called " savages " they found more comfort dian they did among diose called christians in England. Among the early settlers were many from the Principality of Wales, where the doctrines of Pox and Penn had gained numerous adherents. The Welsh were full of fire and zeal, and were devoted to die cause of free diought in politics as well as religion ; but when diey listened to Penn, who spoke of die guiding influence of die "inner light," their natural zeal was sub- dued, and diey yielded to the holy precepts of the Gospel, as explained by him. Some who came in the "Welcome " were nadves of Wales, and soon after laree numbers ' It may not be disagreeable in this Place to iitlorm our Keaden, that Mr. Furry, on his return la S*vissfrian*J , with this Account of Carolina, soon prevail'd on many iudiuttrious Persons aiul their Families, to the Number ol abi>ut 400, to co with him. On the 11th of tins Month they embarked at CaUis In Frttnct on Board two f'm^/isX Ships, which arrive\i off l\w. and received Kpiscopal Ordination: So that the RefleCiious which some have cast on the Religion of these People, ar* ui^ustly founded. WE/.::n r.ocr/'.TV oj' /•/!//. /iij/j.i'ii//i. 17/ from th;it country followr;!-] — and \\ God, none darin;/ to molest or make afraid. 'J he numbers of such can be readily con- jectured from the names of many early townships, such as ffaverford, Merion, Uwchlan, Caernarvon, Hrecknock, 'I'redryfftyn, Radnor, Cymry, &c. Among these early settlers were many men of culture and education. Such were iJavid Lloyd, an early Chief Justice of the Colony, 'Ihomas Lloyd, of iJoIobran, Deputy Governor, the Merediths, Clymers, 'ITiomas', I larveys, and Cadwaladers, men who wielded great influence in the government of Pennsylvania. There were also many clergymen from Wales, such as Dr. Wayman & livan Iwans, of Christ Church, Abel Morgan, of the Baptist Church of Phila- delphia, and iivan Morgan & .Samuel Jones, of Penne- pack Church. Most of the early Welsh settlers were per- sons who had little to depend upon for their support, and hence, as immigration from Wales incn^sed, it was ap- parent to those who were here, that some effort should be made to assist their fellow countrymen. Hence, as early as 1729-30, a .Society was organized called " The Society of the Sons of Ancient (britonz," which first met on St. David's Day (March istj. 1"he account of their meet- ing, as copied from '["he Pennsylvania Gazette, is as follows : " J'/ilMf/Kl-CKIA, i»t of thir'J rn'/nth, 1729, lA»t Stvfnlh Day many genii !^i»:ri and '/thwi of the ancient firelrm) rnet amd -walke/j in a regular or'ier, with Leek: in their hal},\i> the church, where wa« f/reached in the old liritiih language fan it» said) an excellent S«nw/ri on the five first veT»e» tii the 3d chaf/tCT of the 2d >xx>k of Tim/^thy, Fr'/rn thence they retomed in the like r/rder U^ the Oueen'» Head, where wa» an Jiandv/rne Dinner f/reparcd. Aft«r which, the following health* were drank, under discharge of Cannon, viz; the King and Church, f,)ueen Caroline, the I'rince and Royal Family, i'r'Aj/erily to ttie antient Bretoni and thi» Province, the yrtipr'iKi/jr'it health, and hi* W'tirnxxi, Goverriour f>yr- ower and in- fluence for some years, but in 1798 it was reorganized and chartered, and since this latter date has maintained an 172 WELSH SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA. active existence. Among its charter members may be named William Lewis, Clement Biddle, Robert Wharton,. Benjamin Chew, Jr., Joseph Hopkinson, John Cadwalader,. Matthew Randall, Samuel Miles, Benjamin R. Morgan,, and Richard C. Jones. Odier early members were- Roberts Vaux, George Vaux, Edward Tilghman, Henry- Hill, George Clymer, Thomas Wharton, Jr., Isaac Wayne^ Isaac Jones, Esq., Morgan, John Rhees, Dr. SamueV Jones, of Pennypack, Joseph Parker Norris, William^ Hamilton, of the "Woodlands," John and Charles- Wister, Joseph S. Lewis, Redwood Fisher, and others. In the early times, before " Wistar parties " and " Saturday Night " parties were established, the meetings of the Welsh, St. George's, St. Patrick's, and St. An- drew's Societies, were the places where the leading citi- zens were accustomed to meet in social festivities, and such gatherings were always well attended. The " Annual Meetings " were occasions where all the members were- summoned ; and at the Welsh gathering, on St. David's. Day, it was the custom, to have a kid for the first dish at the head of the table. This custom was kept up for man)- years, as each St. David's Day returned. The present Welsh Society, of Philadelphia, meets, annually on March ist, when they elect officers, and par- take of a banquet. The Presidents of the society since its organization in 1 798, have been as follows : Samuel Meredith, from 179S to 18 16; Robert Wharton, from 1817 to 1822; Joseph S. Lewis, from 1823 to 1836; Thomas Morris, from 1837 to 1841 ; Thomas P. Roberts^, from 1 841 to 1844; James Glentworth, from 1845 to 1859; Joseph M. Thomas, from 1859 to 1861 ; Horatio Gates Jones, from 1862 to 1883. The object of The Welsh Society is to assist all emi- grants from Wales, diat is to say all persons who have recently arrived, but not persons who have gained a set- tlement in the country ; but the Society has never refused aid to any native born Welshman. ///?//74) THE DOCTORS WILLIAM SHIPPEN. I 75 of SO affectionately in each of the letters, was their only child, Margaret Beekman Livingston, born December 26, 1 78 1, and died, unmarried, July i, 1864. Mrs. Livingston died at Philadelphia, August 23, 1841, and her husband at his residence, Columbia County, N. Y., November 5, 1831, aged eighty-one years, all to four days. From Dr. William Siiippen, the Elder. New York^ J^ny. 19th, 1786. Dear Nancy: — Your letter was received and what it requested, done. Little Peggy was well last night, very like her dear Mama in face and temper. The old Lady desires her love — a sore finger prevents her writing this post. She promises to do it next. Miss Alida^ has got a new lover, and that lover not very distant from you in blood; what do you think of it? Where is Tom.-*^ I wrote him on very material business, but have received no answer, nor yet from Dr. William Shippen, Jr.,^ Doctor of Physic and Professor of Anatomy. Ask him how the bank goes on, how much it is estimated M. W, and R.* have plundered it. Whether in the end it is probable they will have anything for the honest pro- prietors, but Mortgages on lands in the Moon, which we ' A common christian name in the Livingston family. 2 Thomas Lee Shippen, brother of Mrs. Livingston, born in Philadelphia, 1765, married March loth, 1791, Elizabeth Carter, widou- of Col. John Bannister, of Va., and daughter of Major James Parke Farley, of Antigua, W. I. He died February 4th, 1798, and his widow married, thirdly, General George Izard, of South Carolina. ' His son, her father. * Probably Morris, Willing and John Ross, as they were prominent supporters of the Bank of North America, which, at that time, was being loudly denounced, and was struggling against the faction which had deprived it of its charter in the Assembly of the State. 176 THE DOCTORS WILLIAM SHIPPEN. can't reach, till the balloons are so improved as to go to and fro with facility. I am in doubt whether we are not all lunatics for trusting money where such rapacious wretches could come at it. Adieu. From Dr. William Shippen, Jr. Dear Nancy: — After your heartfelt Grief is a litde aswased, I may think of sending you money. You can't possibly think of so trifling a circumstance yet. What! an old lady^ 80 years old, very pious, gone to heaven, and you inconsolable — have you not wished the happy event a long time ? My Dear Peggy, may and ought to feel for the loss of so kind a Grandmother and I condole with her, but I know she has sense enough not to grieve much when she considers what a happy change ye old lady has made ; do you hear what the old lady has done for Peggy ? I hope she has not forgotten her, and yet their silence is not a good omen. I expect to see you soon. Yr. Affect, father, W. S. Monday. ' Her mother-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Beekman Livingston, daughter of Col. Henry Seekman, by his first wife Janet, daughter of Robert and Margaretta Schuyler Living- ston. She died at Clermont, June, 1800, which fact fixes the date of this letter. THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA.^ VIRGINIA was settled ostensibly for the purpose of founding an English nation and of propagating Christianity. A minister of the English Church accom- panied the men, who succeeded in making the first permanent English settlement in America, one destined as years rolled on, to be the leader in a defence of English liberties. At first there was little need of church government, as the minister may have been regarded as a chaplain to the Governor. As more men arrived and new settlements were made from the centre — Jamestown, to the most important of these ministers were sent. Then began the cooporation between the Church and the civil power. This was strengthened by the introduction into the colony of the laws, martial, moral, and divine, by which the Church was taken under the protection of the military authorities. The minister chose "foure of the most religious and better disposed as well to informe of the abuses and neglects of the people in their duties, and service to God as also to the due reparation and keeping of the Church handsome & fitted with all reverent observance thereunto belonging."* The captain of the watch in the town had to take care that all attended service, and could go in and out private houses to see ' In the study of Virginian parishes great help has been obtained from Bishop Meade's invaluable work, "Old Churches and Families of Virginia." Want of time has compelled the writer to make use of the Bishop's treatment of original records, instead of consulting the documents themselves, which are preserved in the library of the Theological Seminary, Va. 'Force's Tracts " Lawes, Divine, Morall and Martiall," p. ii. A letter of Rev. Mr. Whitaker quoted by Neill in his " Notes on Virginia Colonial Clergy," p. 4. ('77) 178 THE PARISH IN VIRGIKIA. that no one was neglecting religious duties or profaning the Sabbath by gaming or otherwise. It is generally conceded that these laws were based upon the customs prevailing under the military code in the United Nether- land, and were efficacious in bringing order out of the confusion in Virginia. Affairs improved and the martial discipline fell into disuse. A milder and popular gov- ernment was established in 16 19, and the first Assembly made provision for the Church. Governor W'yatt was instructed in 1 621, to "keep up the church of England as near as may be." The first acts of the Assembly of 1624, were for the benefit of the church. Places for worship were to be provided in every plantation, penalties were imposed upon ministers or laymen who failed to attend divine service, and the minister was protected from poverty and personal injur)^ The word parish now appeared for the first time in the laws, " there shall be in •every parish a publick garnary unto which there shall be contributed for every planter exceeding the adge of 18 years alive at the crop after he hath been heere a year a bushel of corne, the which shall be disposed for the publique uses of every parish by the major part of the freemen."^ Three men were to be appointed in every parish to see that sufficient corn was planted. From this time on there were various enactments having refer- ence to parish matters, and most of them were re-enacted in the Assembly that met in March, 1662, when the country was returning to its normal state. Those laws, therefore^ afford a favorable starting point for the study of the parish. The original parishes were laid out in the same manner, and often with the same bounds, as the old plantations; that is, they extended many miles along the ' Hening's Statutes, Vol. I., p. 125. THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. I 79 rivers, but only a short distance into the interior. The population was denser in those regions, and the parishes having been designed for the people's benefit, followed them in their migration towards the mountains, and larger parishes were created, as the country became less divided by streams, and, consequently, as settlements were more widely scattered. In many instances county and parish had the same limits, and covered immense areas. Thus the parish of Augusta, extending from the Blue Ridge to the Mississippi, was also the county of Augusta. In time the more closely settled counties were divided into smaller parishes, which in turn became the basis for counties. In 1757, the parish of Cumberland, in Lunenburg county, was divided and Cornwall parish formed; in 1761, the original parish lost other territory, which became St. James' parish. These three parishes became in 1764, the counties of Lunenburg, Charlotte, and Mecklenburg, respectively, though still as parishes retaining their former names. Hence the enactments for the sub-dividing of counties and parishes may be used as general guides in calculating the growth of population. When the parish church was found to be in a situation inconvenient for many parishioners, the Assembly was asked to allow a division of the old parish to be made, and its inhabitants chose sometimes the surveyors to do it. But before the new one was legally organized, the dwellers in it had to satisfy all just claims of, and pay all dues to, the old parish. For some time parishes sent representatives to the House of Burgesses; afterwards this practice was allowed only when the parish had special measures to advance, and finally it ceased alto- gether, as it caused great and needless expense. In 1662, power was given to the counties and parishes to make by-laws. These were to provide for circumstances l80 THE PARISir IN VIRGINIA. to which a general law could not apply, and when once made by the majority of voting inhabitants, were binding upon all. But this arrangement did not succeed, so an 1679 it was enacted that, instead of each parish making its own by-laws, it should elect two representa- tives to sit with the justices of the county court in order to make by-laws for the county. Thus the parish lost one of its principal forms of local government. Occa- sionally one discovers that courts of justice were held for the parish. This was done by the appointment and under the guidance of the commissioners of the county court, who resided in the parish, and the custom was instituted to save the people the trouble and expense that would have been incurred in attending the regular county court. Frequently in large parishes chapels of ease were erected, where services were held alternately with those a.t the "mother church." It would be interesting and instructive to study church architecture in Virginia, from the time when the Rev. Mr. Hunt preached under an old sail stretched over some poles, until the church at Williamsburg, adorned as well as any church in London had to be enlarged to accommodate the wealdi and fashion that thronged the capital during the sessions of Assembly. But the limits of this paper will permit only the briefest outline. The general rule followed in building a church was to make it in the form of a cross, having the chancel at the east end, and the pulpit at one side. The pulpit was a huge affair, towering above the high-backed pews in the church. Church ser- vices, then as now, were attended for many reasons besides the desire to worship. From early in the morning until service time the parishioners might have been seen coming from all directions on horseback, in THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. \%\ lumbering coaches ; or, when the church was near the water, in boats. The latest gossip was interchanged, arrangements were made for business or pleasure, and when the shadow on the dial shortened, at the ringing of the bell, the people filed into the church, where they were assigned seats by the church wardens, who had to see that all had places suited to their station, and with the sheriff or other officers had to care that the worship was not disturbed. During the service, the slaves basked in the sunshine outside upon the plea of watching the horses or equipages, or they nodded away in the gallery utterly oblivious to what minister or clerk was saying. The clerk read parts of the service, made the responses, or "set the tunes," for it was a long time before organs were introduced into Virginia. The minister's discourse may have been edifying, but it was seldom one calculated to arouse the ire of the hearers. This was not always the case. One minister who had some altercation with members of his vestry, and suc- ceeded by sheer force in defeating them, preached at the next service, from a text, that expressed exultation at his victory. Another having been locked out of church, delivered his sermon in the graveyard.^ The church door, in accordance with an old English custom, was the place for advertising matters of all kinds, from a notice of a* person's leaving the country, to the "crying" of hogs, boats, &c., that had been found astray. Either during or after service the minister or clerk published ' The Rev. Mr. Kay told his own story " An order of Vestry was signed by seven vestrymen to discharge me and lock up the doors and nail up the pulpits, reading desks and windows of both churches, which they did ; and he himself with the other six vestrymen the next Sabbath day's forbad me and the congregation to enter the church, but at one of my churches where were many of my friends, they forced him and his six away, broke open the doors, pulpits and desks, and conducted me in." p. 389, " Papers Relating to the History of the Church in Virginia." I 82 THE FARlSll IX VIRCIXIA. Ixxnns, read the acts concerning adulter)-, &c., and gave notice of tlie election for the House of Burgesses. From necessity, carelessness, and indifference the surplice was not al\\*ays worn, and there was much laxity in ceremonies. A traveller to X'irginia in 1715. wrote, that "After tlie minister had made an end, every one of tlie men pulled out his pipe and smoked a pipe of tobacco."' Whetlier this was the custom ever)where is not known, but it is suggestive of the good fellowship existing among the people, who enjoyed few such opportunities of counter- balancing the evil tendencies connected with their usual segregated life. The minister, who faidifully discharged his duties, represented the bond of union among the parishioners. But, sad to relate, the ministers who came to buiUl up the church were not as a rule the best that die motherland had possessed. To be sure there were Latane, Hunt, Whitaker, Maury, and a host of odiers, all pious and energetic laborers, but the temptations to neglect tasks and obligations were ofttimes too great for clergymerj who had been sent to the new world in the hope that they would turn from their evil ways. From 1662 to the Revolution, there was a continual dispute about the right of presenting ministers to vacant parishes. I^ck of tliorough knowledge upon the subject in the writer, and want of space, forbid a discussion of this point of ecclesiastical law. To allay the troubles the question was carried to Englantl, and Sir Edward Nordiey delivered ar> opinion seemingly in favor of the parishes, but its meaning was misconstrued by the authorities in Virginia, who foolishly endeavored to foist ministers upon unwilling vestries.^ It must be confessed that some ' '• Memoirs of a Huguenot Family," p. 261. • The ilecision given in 1 703 may be founil primed iu " Papers Kelating to the History of a Church iu Virginia," p. 127. THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. I 83 vestries were so controlled hy the Gov(;rnor as tf) carry out his behests. But the majority were so steadfast in maintaining their rights, that they preferred to employ lay readers, and often turned away worthy men from a fear of seeming to yield. In some cases their actions were entirely inexcusable. One vestry objected to a minister who had faithfully served many years because of "a small Tang of the I'rench," that rendered his speech unintelligible, except when he asked some of thf;m to take a glass of refreshment. Occasionally when the Governor recommended a minister to the vestry, and if upon trial he gave satisfaction, he would be accepted. The vestries seem to have recognized the right of the Governor to induct a minister into a parish that had remained vacant over twelve months, but they evaded it by employing their rector for a year at a time, and then, if he showed that he appreciated the situation, they would continue to hire him, or presented him to the Governor for induction.^ In the early years of the colony, the ministers were sup[jorted by an annual levy of ten pounds of tobacco and one bushel of corn for each person who tilled the ground. In 1 632 their salary was increased by the payment of the "20th calfe, the 20th kidd of goates, and the 20th pigge," which Hening calls " tithes,"^ ' It seems proper at this point to give certain extracts showing how the Governor and the vestries acted. They are co]jicd from I'.ishop Meade's work : WiixiAMSiii'Rf;, April 26, 1745. Gentlemkn : — As your parish is at present unfurnished with a minister, I recom- mend to your approbation and choice the Rev. Mr. Scott, who in my opinion is a man of discretion, understanding, and integrity, and in every way '|ualified to dis- charge the sacred office to your satisfaction. I am your affectionate friend and humble servant, William Goocii." Vol. II., p. 208. " Ordered that Mr. Vicaris, the present minister, continue in his charge and exer- cise his ministerial functions until the next shipping, in hopes of his future amend- ment, he declaring his willingness then to leave the place if not approved of by the precinct and vestry." Vol. I. ji. 324. ^Ilening's Statutes, Vol. I., p. 189. 4A 184 '^^^ PARISH IN VIRGINIA. and in 1696 it was fixed at not less than sixteen thousand pounds of tobacco yearly, and this was paid until the Revolution by most parishes. In certain counties, where little tobacco was raised, people could pay their parish and other dues in money, and in 1758, an attempt was made to grant the same privilege to all. This greatly increased the contest between the clergy and laity, and many of the objeftions then advanced were satisfied only by the war for independence. Quite frequently the minister, in accepting a parish, took into consideration the quality of the tobacco raised in it, and it is rather amusing to see the distinction drawn between "Sweet- scented " and " Oronoco " parishes. It is only necessary to state that the last named parishes were more fre- quently vacant, to tell what kind of tobacco was tlie better. Two hundred or more acres were bought by, or given to, the parish for a glebe. On it were erected a dwelling house, negro quarters, and kitchen. Sometimes the necessary stock was supplied. The Rev. Duell Read, when he vacated his parish in order to return to England, ofave "four milch cows and calves, four breeding^ sows, a mare and a colt, to be delivered on the glebe of said parish to the next incumbent." Certain members of the vestry had years before agreed to " mark one cow-calf with a crop in the right ear, to be kept as well as their own cattle until they be two years old, then given to the vestry as stock for the parish."^ It was the duty of the incumbent to keep the glebe in repair, but unless a well- disposed vestry chose to relieve him, he either ruined the ground by successive crops, so that a new glebe had to be purchased, or he allowed the whole place to run to waste. There were few libraries for the benefit of the ' " Old Churches and Families of Virginia," Vol. I., p. 359. THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 1 85 minister, and books would have been of small value to many of the clergy, whose spare (?) moments were occupied in drinking bouts, and the usual accompania- ments, in answering charges before the county court, or the Governor, or in gadding about in quest of any- thing to relieve the monotony of their life. A baptism, wedding, or burial, was hailed as a blessing, save when a long journey on horseback had to be undertaken. Such ceremonies were made occasions for the assembling of friends and neighbors. John Washington quaintly wrote in 1659, that he was unable to attend a court at St. Maiy's, in Maryland, "All ye company and gossips being already invited " to witness the baptism of his son. Forty shillings were paid for the delivery of a funeral sermon, "which," wrote Hugh Jones, "most of the middling people will have."^ In large parishes it was customary for individuals to have private burial places. Many bodies were buried in the churchyard, and sometimes by permission of the vestry in the church, and it was not unusual for a faithful rector to be laid to rest within the chancel where he had ministered. As people had to journey from afar to attend funerals, a meal was prepared for them, at which some were, alas, overcome by some- thing other than grief. The duties of the clerk who assisted the minister were multifarious. In the absence of the rector he could perform all the offices of the church, except matrimony and the two sacraments, he sometimes published banns, catechised the children and other ignorant persons, kept a record of births, marriages and deaths, sometimes acted as clerk of the vestry, and collector of parish levies, and saw that all leaves and other rubbish were cleaned away from the church yard. But minister and clerk ' Hugh Jones, "Present State of Virginia, 1724," p. 72. 1 86 THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. seem to sink into insignificance before that august and closely organized body — the Vestry. In 1643, ^ ^^^v '^vas passed requiring a vestry to be held in every parish, for the care of the church, laying of levies, &c., and "That the most sufficient and selected men be chosen and joined to the minister and church- wardens to be of that Vestrie."^ The number of vestry- men varied, and even after the law of 1 660, limiting the number to twelve in each parish, had been passed, there was some irregularity. Thus, in 1707, a dispute in Charles parish, York county, revealed the fact that there were eight vestrymen in each of the two precincts, that then formed the parish. The vestrymen were elected by the freeholders and householders "paying Seatt and Lett in the parish." The sheriff presided at the election to prevent all riotous proceedings, to receive the vote, an account of which he returned to the Council. Vestrymen were chosen for an indefinite term, although the Assembly during Bacon's regime tried to reduce their time of service to three years at a time. They filled vacancies in their own body, and could be dissolved only by act of Assembly. Many of the renowned sons of Virginia were at one time or another vestrymen. Washington was a member of two vestries at the same time. Vacancies seldom occurred except by death, removal from parish, or from old age. Many made the ofifice of vestryman a step towards obtaining political honors. The House of Burgesses was often controlled by men who were also vestrymen, and Bishop Meade ventured the statement that in the Virginia Convention of 1776, there were not three who did not hold that office. 1 Hening's Statutes, Vol. I., p. 240. THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 187 Vestrymen who were elected, took the oaths of suprem- acy, allegiance, abjuration, &c., and subscribed the test. There are a great many arguments against long tenure of office, but it must be said that a man, who had done his duty as vestryman for perhaps thirty years, was pre- eminently qualified by long ex-perience and matured knowledge to conduct and instruct other younger men in parish affairs. In many cases the office descended from father to son, by no right, save that of merit, or of inherited influence.^ The vestry met at least twice a year, at the church, vestry-house, or convenient private dwelling. At the Easter meeting church-wardens were appointed, and the accounts of the former ones examined. The meeting in the fall was for the purpose of apportion- ing the annual levy. At that time the various expenses -of the parish, including the minister's salary, provision for the poor, &c., were added together, and the whole amount divided by the number of tithables determined how much each had to pay. The minister and poor or infirm persons were excused from paying tithes. Some of the items in the list of parish expenses, are very amusing. " Ord'd. That the Ch. Wd's agree with any person for the Cure of Pridgeon Waddle's Nose — not exceed'g ten pounds."' From another it is dis- covered that two quarts of brandy were required for the burying of a poor woman, and there are many showing how paupers were kept, and treating of the binding out of orphan and bastard children. Often persons took care iThe writer of the recent article in the " Century," (Vol. XXV., p. 180,) would probably call such an arrangement perfect. In describing the officers of the Supreme Court, he makes the extraordinary statement, "An excellent civil service system pre- vails among the minor employees, some of whom are the sons and grandsons of former clerks and messengers. The strife for office which is one of the great evils of public life in this country, has never invaded the precincts of the Supreme Court." 2 "Brock's Vestry-book of Henrico parish," p. 140. l88 THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. of their own children, and one entry shows that fifteen hundred pounds of tobacco were paid a woman "for Mary and Susanna Jeffs, children of Sarah Jeffs, in full for the Time she hath kept them, and to indemnify the Parish from all charge for keep'g and Bringing up the said children for the time to came, they being now bound Apprentices to her."^ The vestry appointed collectors of the levy. Sometimes the church-wardens served, and frequently the sheriff or special collector. They gave bond and received a fee of ten per cent. Once in every four years the vestry divided the parish into precincts, and appointed two persons in each precin(fl to "procession" the lands. These surveyors, assisted by the neighbors, examined and renewed, by blazing trees, or by other artificial devices, the old land- marks of the fathers, and reported the results to the vestry. This proceeding was absolutely necessary for preserving boundaries in a country where few fences were used except to protect the house-garden, or to keep hogs and other live stock from running abroad. The vestry had to provide for the maintenance of the poor. In the most flourishing days of the colony, it was an easy matter to find accommodations in private houses for the few indigent folks of the parish. The vestry paid for their keeping from the levy, or from the produce of land or other property bequeathed to the parish. The poor had to be supported by the parish where they lived, and if they wandered into a strange parish they were carried back to their own by a constable. Children whose parents were unable to bring them up properly, were bound out by the vestry. The persons to whom they were apprenticed promised to instruc!:!: them in religious principles, and "the art and mystery of some • Ibid, p. 144. THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 1 89 trade," while the children on the other hand were bound to do all they could for their master's welfare, and to avoid all the temptations to evil, that tippling houses or taverns were supposed to offer. But the element in Vir- ginian laws and Virginian charafter, that tended towards the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few, natur- ally resulted in course of time in increasing the number of the poor. In 1755, a law was passed, which if rightly administered, would have remedied many evils. Work- houses were to be built, where poor persons were to be employed at something that would help maintain them. Beggars were to work there for a stated time. The vestry had the right to make the regulations for the work-house, and all offenders against the rules, were to be whipped. The most obnoxious requirement was that the poor should have some distinguishing badge. This measure does not seem to have succeeded, for the record- books still show that the old system continued in force. There were, however, some exceptions. The vestry of the upper parish of Nansemond county, expended the proceeds from a sale of certain lands and stock in build- ing a "house for the reception of divers poor persons, who receive relief from the said parish, and for educating and maintaining several poor children,"^ and also made rules for its government. But during the Revolution it was such a difficult matter to collect sufficient funds to pay parish charges, that in 1778, the vestry was ordered to sell the old work-house and lands attached, and to devote the proceeds to lessening the levy. In some parishes were free or charity schools, of which the minister, vestrymen and church- wardens were the trustees, and they appointed masters who taught "English and writing." Sometimes for pecuniary reasons, the minister ' Hening's Statutes, Vol. VI., p. 519. 190 THE PARISH IN VIRGIXIA. taught school at the glebe, or acted as tutor in a private family. Vestrymen were not allowed to act as lay readers, but some resigning their office, went to England to study divinity' and having been admitted to orders returned to officiate in their old parish. The vestrj' was aided and represented in many of its relations to parish- ioners by the church- wardens. Church-wardens existed in \"irginia before vestrymen. The four assistants to the minister during the martial government were probably their protot)'pes. Mention is first made of them in the laws in 1624, but nothing is said as to the manner of appointing them. In 1632, it was ordered that they be chosen, probably by a meeting of all the parish, for up to that time there was no need of a representative vestry, as most of the parishes were con- fined to the small plantations lying around Jamestown, and so all inhabitants were within easy access of the place of worship. Though the church-wardens preceded the vestr}^ as historic factors, and as regards certain duties, yet after vestries had been organized they appointed their church-wardens as their agents in dis- bursing parish funds, in communicating with the Governor or other authorities, and in attending to the other various matters, which engaged their attention or appertained to their office. In case of the parishioners failing to elect a vestry the county court appointed the church- wardens, and sometimes sidesmen also. The minister and vestrj'- men from their own bod)', chose annually two church- wardens. The election was held at Easter, and the former wardens had to give an account of all their deal- ings before they were discharged. Some vestries re- appointed one of the wardens who had served a year, in order that he might act as counsel to the newly chosen one. This was an excellent idea as it no doubt prevented THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 191 many annoyances that would have resulted from inex- perienced persons taking entire charge of affairs. Such a practice may have been connected with the later distinction between Senior and Junior wardens, but it gave neither warden greater power than the other possessed, as they both were supposed to work in concert. The oath required of them gives a general view of their duties, and will therefore be quoted at length. "You shall sweare that you shall make present- ments of all such persons as shall lead a prophayne or ungodlie life, of such as shall be common swearers, drunkards, or blasphemers, that shall ordinarilie profane the saboth dayes or contemne Gods holy word or sacra- ments. You shall also present all adulterers or fornicators, or such as shall abuse theire neighbors by slanderinge tale carryinge or back bitinge, or that shall not behave themselves orderlie and soberlie in the church duringe devyne servise. Likewise they shall present such maysters and mistrisses as shall be delinquent in the catschisige the youth and ignorant persons. So helpe you God!!^ While the people lived near each other the wardens could have easily carried out these injunctions, but when population had scattered and great rivers had to be crossed, and long stretches of forest penetrated, to reach all the people, they were impeded in their labors, and so had to be assisted by the grand jury of the county, who often excelled the wardens in ferreting out and bringing to justice law-breakers. There was often small chance of obtaining proof, sufficient to convict an accused person. At one time certain tests were proposed for determining when a minister had become drunk. These would have applied to laymen also. "Sitting an hour or longer in the company Ubid, Vol. I,, p. 156. 192 THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. where they are drinking strong drink, and in the mean- time drinking of healths, or otherwise taking the cups as they come round like the rest of the company; striking,, and challenging, or threatening to fight, or laying aside any of his garments for that purpose; staggering, reel- ing, vomiting, incoherent, impertinent, obscene, or rude talking,"^ all these were good evidences that the brute had conquered the man. The church-wardens collected the fines for drunkenness. Sabbath-breaking, neglediing to have children baptised, absence from church, &c. In some parishes stocks were ordered to be built for the ac- commodation of those whom the wardens had to remove from church to prevent them from disturbing the worship, or slumbers, of the congregation. Stocks seem to have been a favorite means of punishment for offenders of all grades. In 1633, a man was ordered "to make a pair of stocks and set in them several Sabbath-days during divine service, and then ask Mr. Cotton's forgiveness, for using offensive and slanderous words concerning him."^ Mortifying as this must have been, it did not approach in severity one mentioned in the earlier annals, A resident of Bermuda Hundred, who had vilified a mem- ber of the Council, was sentenced "to have his tongue run through with an awl," to pass through a guard of forty men each of whom was to butt him, and when he had reached the last in the line, he was to be "knocked down and footed out of the fort." Various other measures were adopted to enforce reverence for those in authority. Bishop Meade tells of persons compelled to stand during service with marks of humiliation about them, and of a woman condemned to suffer twenty- lashes upon her bare shoulders ! Even those who con- cealed the fact of slander having been uttered were '" Papers Relating to the History of the Church in Virginia," p. 34I. ' Quoted by Neill and Meade from the court records of the later Accomac county. THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 1 93 whipped or imprisoned. Severe as were these penalties, they were suited to the times and exercised a wholesome influence over the restless spirits of the early colonists.^ The minister and church-wardens took cognizance of persons who fornicated or committed adultery. If after proper admonition the bad conduct was continued, the gxiilty parties were presented to court. In 1627, the wardens of Stanley Hundred presented a man for incontinencey with a woman whose husband was away, and the man was told to leave her company. If a white man had improper relations with a negro woman, she was whipped, while he was sometimes whipped, but more frequently compelled to acknowledge his fault in church, that is to say, do penance. Unnecessary travel- ing, "fowling," or any gathering but for worship, on Sunday, were prohibited, and the church-wardens in trying to prevent them, and also in urging people to attend church, assumed the duties of the old captain of the watch. Persons who failed in their religious duties were fined for the benefit of the poor of the parish. One man was presented for "driving hogs over the mountains on the Lord's Day," others for playing cards, pitching and playing, and some for cursing and swearing. Though there were cases of tumultuous proceedings in the churches, the services were generally conducted in an orderly manner, and summary punishment was infli6led upon unruly chara6lers. A certain person was excom- municated for forty days, because he put his hat on in church, but one who had committed such an offence, probably cared little about the loss of the privilege of 1 " March 25th, 1630, Tho. Tindall to be pillory'd 2 hours for giving my L'd Baltimore the lye & threatening to knock him down." " 1640, Stephen Reekes put in pillory 2 hours with a paper on his head expressing his offence, fined ^50 sterling and imprisoned during pleasure for saying his majesty was at confession with the L'd of Canterbury." Hening's Statutes, Vol. I., p. 552, 194 THE PARISH IN VI RG I XI A. 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 CXD 8 era 8 00 8 00 8 00 II 00 II 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 CXD 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 CO 8 CO 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 CX3 8 CO 8 00 8 oa 8 00 8 CO 2l8 HISTORICAL PAPER. Time Paid For. 1 Number on Name. Rank. Regiment. Am't Depot of Entry- Book. Months. Days. Fay. 2,634 A. Anderson . . . Private. 14 R. Infy. |8 00 5 E. Denmead . . . " " 8 00 6 D. Carbody . . . " " 8 00 7 J. Doud " " 8 c» 8 Geo. McMuUin . . " " 8 00 9 Dom'c Cannon . . " " 8 00 40 Mat. Flaherty . . . " " 8 00 I C. O'Nail .... *' ** 8 00 2 Jas. Gwin .... " " 8 00 3 W. Kelly .... " " 8 00 4 Jas. Miller .... " " 8 00 5 A. Patterson . . . " " 8 00 8 R. Norton .... " 6 R. Infy. 8 00 2,649 Jno. Pinney . . . " " 8 00 50 J. Hunter .... " " 8 00 I E. Cranney . . . '* '* 8 00 2 Ed. Norman . " " 8 00 3 And. Cole .... " " 8 00 7 J. Harry I " " 8 00 8 Jno. Watson . . . " N. Y. Mil. 8 00 1,616 Geo. McCamman . " 13 R. Line, 8 00 7 Peter Barr .... " " 8 00 8 P'k McBrahertz . . " " 8 00 9 Jno. Gill " " 8 00 20 J. McGowan . . . " " 8 00 I John Dalton . . . " " 8 00 2 Mat Mooney . . . ** " 8 00 3 Jno. Dinimey . . . " ** 8 00 4 H'y Blaney. . . . " " 8 00 5 M'l Condon , . . •' " 8 00 6 Jno. Wiley . . . . " " 8 00 7 And'w Donnelly . " " 8 00 8 Jno. Fitzgerald . . " " 8 00 9 J. Clarke " *' 8 00 1,630 I H'y Kelly . . . . E. Ganaghan . . . :: . !! 8 00 8 00 2 T. Williams . . . " " 8 00 3 Geo. Johnston . . " " 8 00 4 Pat. Kearns . . . " " 8 00 5 M. Shields . . . . " " 8 00 6 And'w Doyle . . . " " 8 00 2,647 James Evans . . . " 23 R. Infy 8 00 2,663 Jno. Fitzpatrick . . " 2d H'y Art 8 c» 3,472 Theo. Bijoure . . '* 14 R. InPy 8 00 historical paper. 2i9 Pay Roll of American Prisoners at Dartmoor. [Duplicate.] Dartmoor, 30TH November, 18 14. We, the subscribers of the United States Army, pris- oners of war confined at this place, acknowledge to have received of R. G. Beasley, Agent for American prisoners of war in Great Britain, the sums^annexed to our names respectively, being in full of our pay from the 31st Oc- tober to the 30th November, inclusively : Number on Depot Entry-Book. Regiment. Time Paid For. Months. Days, Am't of 5.252 3 4 S 6 7 8 9 60 G. McCamman Peter Barr . . P'k McBrahutz Jno. Gill . . J. McGowan Jno. Dalton . Mat. Mooney J. Diminey . H'y Blaney . M'l Condon Jno. Wiley . And'w Donnelly Jno. Fitzgerald Jno. Clarke . . H'y Kelly . . E. Ganaghan . T. Williams . Geo. Johnston . Pat. Kearns . . M. Shields . . And'w Doyle . Private. 13 Reg. Le. I R. L. Art. 4 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 c» 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 2 20 historical paper. Pay Roll of American Prisoners at Dartmoor. [Duplicate.] Dartmoor, 31ST December, 1814. We, the undersigned, of the United States Army, Prisoners of war, confined at this place, acknowledge to have received of R. G. Beasley, Esq., Agent for Amer- ican prisoners of war in Great Britain, the sums annexed to our names respectively, being in full of our pay from the 30th November to the 31st December, 1814, inclu- sively : Number on Depot Entry-Book. 5,252 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 60 G. McCamman Peter Barr . . P'k McBrahutz Jno. Gill . . J. McGowan Jno. Dalton . Mat. Mooiiey J. Diminey . H'y Blaney . M'l Condnn John Wiley . And'w Donnelly Jno. Fitzgerald John Clarke . . H'y Kelly . . E. Ganaghan • T. Williams . Geo. Johnston Pat. Kearns . M. Shields . . And'w Doyle . Regiment. 13 Reg. Le. r R. L. Art, Time Paid For. Months. Days. Am't of Pay. S8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 00 8 cx) LETTERS FROM GENERAL U. S. GRANT. Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C., Oct. 31st, 1874. Dear Judge : — Accept the condolence of Mrs. Grant and myself for the loss of your daughter, Mrs. Eghert. I have never yet experienced the bereavement of the loss of a child, but know it must be grievous. Let us hope your loss has been her gain. Very Truly Yours, U. S. Grant. Judge John F. Long. Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C., Dec. 23d, 1874. Dear Judge : — I have deferred answering your last letter so that it might be so near the last of the month before overdrawing my bank account as to make no difference. I enclose you check for $500^^ to make good the amount you have advanced and to pay some little bills mentioned in your letter. If more is required I can send it any time after next week. Many thanks for your kindness. The Senate by its action yesterday on the finance bill have done the best days work for the country and the party possible, and one of the best done by that body for years. Yours Truly, U. S. Grant. (221) 222 letters from general u. s. grant. Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, Oct. 15th, 1875. Dear Judge : — Mr. Frank Wells has arrived with the eight horses in his charge, in fair condition, with the exception of one of them which was bit by the other horses. Nothing serious however. I wish you would be good enough to get for me the pedigree of the six sent to me, and that you also get the same of Claymore for Mr. Hunt. We just arrived here this morning, all well after a most delightful trip. Very Truly Yours, U. S. Grant. Judge J. F. Long. New York City, Oct. 3d, 1882. My Dear Judge : — I have held on to my land in St. Louis Co. so long, and with such poor results, that I now want to offer it at a price that will secure a purchaser. If you think of any one likely to wish to buy may offer it for f 100,000.00, half cash, balance in one and two years, this to include the Carondelet Property of — I believe — 201 arpents. If this cannot be obtained, and you can get an offer please inform me what it is. With kind regards to all your family, Very Truly, U. S. Grant. LETTER FROM HON. JOHN F. LONG, SCHOOL TEACHER OF MR. LINCOLN. Saint Louis, Mo., Feby. lo, 1886. VVm. F. BooGHEk, Esq. Deapx Sir :— Enclosed I send you letters of the late U. S. Grant; whom it was my pleasure to know per- sonally for half a Century. He was an honest, brave and kmd gentleman,— /z/j whole life above reproach / f My sympathies for his amiable widow are still pre- valent. She was a sweet litde girl in my school long, long ago. Very truly yours, John F. Long. (223) INDEX (To Annotations only. A PAGE. Aguessean, Count de 38 Allison, Elizabeth 58 Andrews, Rev. John 153 John, Jr 155 " Letitia 153 " Moses 153 Anderson, William 159 Antoinette, Maria 39 Apthrop, Charles 127 " Rev. East 127 " Grizell 127 Arnold, Benedict 30-36 " Benedict, Mrs 34-36 Armstrong, John, Agt. Gen 158 Ayon, Count de 38 B Badger, Miss Sarah 123 Banning, Capt 48 Bannister, Col. John 175 Baker, Jacob 158 Barney, Como Joshua 40 Barclay, Cornelia Smith, Mrs., iii Bedford, Canning 40 Beckman, Col. ?lenry 175 " Janet 176 Beckford, Rt. Hon. William ... 127 Binney, Dr. Barnabas 109 " Horace, LL. D 109 Bingham, Mrs 42 " William 32 Biddle, Arms after 70 " Clement 100 " Mrs. Mary L m " Genealogy 103 " Nicholas 112 " Owen 100 Begnion, Mr 170 PAGE. Black, John 155 " Margaret 155 Bond, Ann 138 Boudinot, Elias 58 " Elizabeth 58 " Joseph 58 Boardman, George D '.. 10 " Sarah 10 " Rev. D 10 Bowen, Nathaniel Bishop 155 Brantly, Dr 10 Broglie, Due de 29 Banner, Andrew, Esq 154 " Mrs. Sarah 154 c Cadwalader, (Arms) after 70 Col. John 67-108 " Major Gen. George log " Gen. John 136 " Frances 136 Callender, Elizabeth 153 Mary 153 " Robert 153 Callister, Henry 49 Carter, Elizabeth 175 Chappellie, M 99 Chapman, Capt 105 " Nathaniel, M. D 105 Chaumont, de Ray M 39 ' ' de Coutulx, Stephen Louis 41 Clark, Dr. John 16 Clinton, George 155 Claggett, (Bishop) 156 Clarkson, Margret Rhuteford.. 28 Clonet, Miss 41 Cochran, Dr. John iii " James iii " Walter L ill C— Continued. page. Coleman, Edward 156 " James i " Robert 156-157 Copeley, (Artist) 40 Comwallis, Lord 159 Couteulx, La Anthony 41 Coins, (Rarest) 150 Coombe, Rev. John R 123 " Sarah 123 " Rev. Thomas 122-123 Corcoran, W. W 93-94 Cuthbert, Rev. Dr 10 Cunliff, Foster, Esq 48 Curzen, Ashton, M. P 127 D Dickinson, Col. John 68 Dorsey, Col 21 Dunlap, Thomas 112 E Edwards, Morgan 9 Evans, Peter, Esq 136 Erskin, John Cadwalader 136 " David 136 " Frances 136 " Thomas 136 F Farley, Major James Parke 175 Farmer, John 10 " Sarah 10 Fennel, James, (Actor) 157 Fisher, Eliza 154 " Samuel 154 Fleeson, Judge Plunket 15 Mr . 15 Franks, S. David 36 Franklin, Benjamin 40-128 " William, Gov 128 French, Philip 32 " Susannah 32 Fry, William 15 Francois, (Marquis) 30 Francis, Tench 34 Fuller, Dr. Richard 10 G Girard 30 PAGE. Girard, Stephen 109 Gooch, Wm 183 Goodhue, Lawrence 24 Grubb, Peter 156 Guild, Dr 9 Grizell, Mrs 127 H Harrison, Richard 37-38 Harper, R. G 137 Hamilton, Gov 12S Heap, Mrs. Consul General 93 Hill, Sir Roland 159 Holmes, Obediah 16 Holcombe, Henrj', D. D 9 Holder, Thomas 57 Holker,John 31 Hook, Marcus 18 Howard, John Edgar, Gov 44 /f Hussey, Rebecca 128 ■ " Stephen 128 " Sarah 128 I Ide, Rev. Dr 10 Ingles,(Bisbop),Charles.. 22-124-125 i. S Izard, Gen. George 175 J Jay, John 31 " Mrs. John 31 " Peter Augustus 26-28 Jackson, President 109 Johnson, Sir William 128 Jones, Horatio Gates 56 " Hugh :85 " Robert S 13 K Kane, Col. John 38 " Hon. John K 109 " Sallie 38 Kay, Rev 181 Kelly, Rev. Erasmus 16 Kemp, James 156 Kemeys, Mrs. Katharine S til Kinnersley, Mr 11 L PAGE. Latimer, George 159 La Fayette, Marquis 38 " Madam 38 Le Roy, Admiral 157 Levering, Abraham 12 ■' Mrs 12 Lewis, Rebecca 128 Livingston , Catharine 28-37-42 " John 28 " Henry B 31 " William, Gov 31 " Mrs 32 " Margaretta S 176 " Margaret B., Mrs., 176 Lindsay, Sir John 135 LI oy d, Thomas 30-102 " Sarah 30-102 Loring, Capt. Joshua 70 Luzerne, La de Chevalier 29-30 " Ann Caesar 29 M Madison, President 158 Matlack, Timothy 173 " Family 173 Marshall, Chief Justice 33 Mrs :iT, " Hon. James M 33 Mease, James M. D 89 Mead, (Bishop) 183 Meredith, Elizabeth 153 " Francis 136 " John 136 " William 153 " Hon. William M 154 " Sir William 127 Meigs, D. Charles, M. D 108 Miles, General 14 Middleton, Judge Hugh 22 Monroe, President 158 Moore, Daniel 136 " John 136 " William, Esq 30-102 " Elizabeth 30-102 Monk, General 40 Morris, Andrew 49 " Governeur 153 PAGE. ris, Hetty 33 Maudlin 49 Maria 28 Robert Hunter 128 Robert, Jr 37 Robert, Sr., (Will) 49 Thomas 37-38 N Nixon, Col. John 28-37-42 " Henry 28-37-42 " Maria 28-42 Oaffer,Joane 57 Ogdon, Mr 25 Miss 153 Old, Edward 157 " Robert 157 Onderdonk, (Bishop) 156 Payne, John Howard 93 Patterson, General 109 Penn, William .. 89 Pintard, Lewis 68 " Susannah 68 Powell, Elizabeth 42 " Samuel 42 " Mrs 42 Polignac, Count de Jules 39 " Madam 11 Pratt, Henry 154 " Mathew 154 Raleigh, Sir Walter 105 Read, Geo 23-25 " British Counsel 99 Reeks, Stephen 193 Ridgley, Abraham 22 " Benjamin 22 " Charles 20-22 " Elizabeth 20-22 Family 53 " Dr. Charles 20 " John 22-24-25 " Mary 11-22 R— Continued. page. Ridgley, Nicholas 20-22 " Nicholas, Jr 22 " Rachel 22-23 Ridley, Mathew 28-37-42 Riley, Hon. Richard iS-23 Rittenhouse, David loi Roberdeau, Col. Daniel 68 Rogers, William, D. D 9 Ross, John 175 Rutter, Sarah 122 s Schuyler, Gertrude Iii " Peter Ill " Major Gen. Philip... ill Scott, Rev. Mr 183 Seaton, Miss 24-25 " James 24-25 Shippen, Chief Justice Edward, 34 " Margaret 34 " Miss Beggy 34 " Thomas Lee 175 " Dr. Wm 175 Sheep (Merino) 41 Shoemaker, Ann 37 " Benjamin 37 Slaughter, Rev. William, D. D., 9 Smith, W. Cornelia 111 " Jonathan B 154 " Judge Peter iii " Hon. Peter Sken Ill " Hon. Gerrit iii " Dr. William 123-127 " Steigel (Barron) 157 Stump, Miss 157 T Thomas, Gov 128 Tilghman, Edward 4S-109 Tindall, Thomas 193 Tousard, Gen 41 Travis, Ann 136 " John, Esq 136 Trent, Capt. William 128 Trecothick, Barlow, Esq 127 PAGE. Trecothick, James 127 Trumbull (Artist) 40 Turner, Admiral Thomas 114 Tucker, Hon 24 Taylor, Consul 99 u Ustick, Rev. Dr 9 V Vining, Benjamin 20-24-25 " Charles 25 " Henry W 25 " John, Chief Justice 22-23-24 " John 23 " Hon. John 25 " Mary 24-25 " Phoebe 23 " Seaton 25 " William 20 Vicaris, Rev. Mr 183 w Walsh, Robert, LL. D 136 Walter, Ellen, Mrs ill Washington, Gen. Geo 40-6S Wellington, General 159 White, Armes after 70 " Bishop 40-123 " Mary 26 Wliarton, Hannah 128 " Joseph 128 " Samuel 128 Whitaker, Rev. Mr 177 Williams, Gen. Jonathan, Jr... 104 " Jonathan, Sr 104 " (Crest) after 70 Winchester, Rev. Dr 9 Willing, Ann 32-42 " Elizabeth 42 " Morris 175 " Thomas 32-33-42 Wynkop, Abraham 22 " Mary 22. " Phoebe aaX, 227 t ■ ^0^ ,0 5 ,0 o x^-^ ''>^ ••^> .<^ .^■ ^'' ' ■J . y ,0 0, ^•,^' 1 \' ./i ,0o. ." ,->