DR. RAMSAY'S ACCOUNT. the troops passed over from New York to Staten Island' Though General Arnold's address to his countrymen and the necessary arrangements were made for moving produced no effect, in detaching the soldiery of Ameri- them into New Jersey, whensoever they might be want. ca from the unproductive service of Congress, their stea- ed. The royal commander was not less disappointed diness could not be accounted for, from any melioration than surprised to find that the faithful, though revolting of their circumstances. They still remained without soldiers, disdained his offers. The messengers of Sir pay, and without such clothing as the season required. Henry Clinton were seized and delivered to gen. Wayne. They could not be induced to enter the British service, President Reed and General Potter were appointed, by but their complicated distresses at length broke out into the council of Pennsylvania, to accommodate matters deliberate mutiny. This event which had been long ex-with the revolters. They met them at Princeton, and pected, made its first threatening appearance in the agreed to dismiss all whose terms of enlistment were Pennsylvania line. The common soldiers enlisted in completed, and admitted the oath of each soldier to be that state, were for the most part natives of Ireland, but evidence in his own case. A board of officers tried and though not bound to America by the accidental tie of condemned the British spics, and they were instantly birth, they were inferior to none in discipline, courage, executed. President Reed offered a purse of 100 guior attachment to the cause of independence. They had neas to the mutineers, as a reward of their fidelity, in been but a few months before, the most active instru- delivering up the spies; but they refused to accept it, ments in quelling a mutiny of the Connecticut troops, saying "That what they had done was only a duty they and had on all occasions done their duty to admiration. owed their country, and that they neither desired nor An ambiguity in the terms of their enlistment, furnished would receive any reward but the approbation of that a pretext for their conduct. A great part of them were country, for which they had so often fought and bled." enlisted for three years or during the war, the three By these healing measures the revolt was completely years were expired, and the men insisted that the choice quelled; but the complaints of the soldiers being foundof staying or going remained with them, while the offi- ed in justice, were first redressed. Those whose time cers contended that the choice was in the state. of service was expired obtained their discharges, and others had their arrears of pay in a great measure made up to them. A general amnesty closed the business. The mutiny was excited by the non commissioned officers and privates, in the night of the 1st of January 1781, and soon became so universal in the line of that state as to defy all opposition. The whole, except three regiments, upon a signal for the purpose, turned out under arms without their officers, and declared for a redress of grievances. The officers in vain endeavoured to quell them. Several were wounded, and a captain was killed in attempting it. General Wayne presented his pistols, as if about to fire on them; they held their bayonets to his breast and said, "we love and respect you, but if you fire you are a dead man." "We are not going to the enemy, on the contrary, if they were now to come out, you should see us fight under your orders with as much alacrity as ever; but we will be no longer amused, we are determined on obtaining what is our just due." Deaf to arguments and entreaties, they, to the number of thirteen hundred moved off in a body from Morristown, and proceeded in good order with their arms and six field pieces to Princeton. They elected temporary officers from their own body, and appointed a sergeant major, who had formerly deserted from the British army, to be their commander. Gen. Wayne forwarded provisions after them, to prevent their plundering the country for their subsistence. They invaded no man's property, farther than their immediate necessities made unavoidable. This was readily submitted to by the inhabitants, who had long been used to exactions of the same kind, levied for similar purposes by their lawful rulers. They professed that they had no object in view, but to obtain what was justly due to them, nor were their actions inconsistent with that profession. BIOGRAPHY-WILLIAM BRADFORD, Esq. [FROM THE PORT FOLIO.] WILLIAM BRADFORD, an American lawyer of eminence, was born in Philadelphia, September 14th, 1755, and was placed early under the particular care of a very respectable and worthy clergyman a few miles from this city, from whom he received the rudiments of an education which was afterwards improved to the greatest advantage, and under the tuition of this excellent preceptor he remained, with little interruption, until he was fit to enter college. It was at this time that his father had formed a plan of keeping him at home, and of bringing him up in the insurance office which he then conducted, but so strong was the love of learning implanted in the young mind of his son, that neither persuasion, nor hopes of pecuniary advantage, could prevail with him to abandon the hopes of a liberal educa tion, and he voluntarily offered to resign every expectation of the former from his father to obtain the advantages of the latter, by a regular course of studies. Accordingly in the spring of 1769, he was sent to Princeton, and entered the college of Nassau Hall, then under the direction of the late learned and pious Dr. John Witherspoon, where he continued with great benefit to himself till the fall of 1772, when he received the honours of the college by a degree of bachelor of arts, and in 1775 that of A. M. During his residence at this se minary he was greatly beloved by his fellow students, while he confirmed the expectations of his friends and the faculty of the college. by giving repeated evidence of genius and taste, and at the public commencement had one of the highest honours of the class conferred upon him. Congress sent a committee of their body, consisting of General Sullivan, Mr. Mathews, Mr. Atlee and Dr. Witherspoon, to procure an accommodation. The revolters were resolute in refusing any terms, of which a He continued at Princeton till the year following, redress of their grievances was not the foundation.- during which time an opportunity was afforded him of Every thing asked of their country, they might at any attending Dr. Witherspoon's excellent lectures on theotime after the 6th of January, have obtained from the logy; and, from this useful teacher he received much inBritish, by passing over into New York. This they re-formation and general knowledge; after which he returnfused. Their sufferings had exhausted their patience but not their patriotism. Sir Henry Clinton, by confidential messengers, offered to take them under the protection of the British government-to pardon all their past offences-to have the pay due them from Congress Thus fitted for active life, after consulting his own infaithfully made up, without any expectation of military clinations, and the advice of his friends, he fixed on the service in return, although it would be received if vo- study of the law, which he commenced under the late luntarily offered. It was recommended to them to move honourable Edward Shippen, Esq. then one of the counbehind the South river, and it was promised, that a de-cil of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and late chief tachment of British troops should be in readiness for justice of this state, where he prosecuted his studies their protection as soon as desired. In the mean time, with his usual diligence and unwearied application. ed to the scenes of his youth, and spent several months under the instruction of his first reverend preceptor, who strove to prepare him for future usefulness by his piety, experience, and knowledge of the world. In the spring of 1776 he was called upon by the peculiar circumstances of the times, to exert himself in defence of the dearest rights of human nature, and to join the standard of his country, in opposition to the oppressive exactions of Britain. When the militia were called out to form the flying camp, he was chosen major of brigade to General Roberdeau, and on the expiration of his term accepted a company in Colonel Hampton's regular troops, where he was soon promoted to the station of deputy muster master-general, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, in which office he continued about two years, till his want of health, being of a delicate constitution, obliged him to resign his commission and return home. He now recommenced the study of the law, and in 1779 was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, where his rising character soon introduced him into an unusual share of business, and, in August 1780, only one year after he was licensed, by the recommendations of the bar, and the particular attention of his late excellency Joseph Reed, Esq. then President of the state, he was appointed Attorney General of the state of Pennsylvania. In 1784 he married the daughter of Elias Boudinot of New Jersey, counsellor at law, with whom he lived till his death in the exercise of every domestic virtue that could adorn human nature. On the reformation of the courts of justice under the new constitution of Pennsylvania, he was solicited to accept the honourable office of one of the judges of the Supreme Court, which, with much hesitation, he accepted, and was commissioned by his Excellency Governor Mifflin, August 22, 1791. His indefatigable industry, unshaken integrity, and correct judgment, enabled him to give general satisfaction in this office, as well to the suitors as at the bar. Here he had determined to spend a considerable part of his life; but, on the Attorney General of the United States being promoted to the office of Secretary of State, Mr. Bradford was urged, by various public considerations, to yield to the pressure of the occasion, and accept of that office. He accordingly resigned his judge's commission, and was appointed Attorney General of the United States on the 28th day of January 1794. This office he held till his death, when he was found at his post, in the midst of great usefulness; possessing, in a high degree, the confidence of the country. Mr. Bradford's temper was mild and amiable, his manners were genteel, unassuming, modest, and conciliat ing. As a public speaker, his eloquence was soft, persuasive, nervous, and convincing. He understood mankind well, and knew how to place his arguments and his reasonings in the most striking point of light. His language was pure, sententious, and pleasing; and he so managed most of his forensic disputes, as scarcely ever to displease his opponents; while he gave the utmost satisfaction to his clients. His close application to the law, and the litigation of the bar, did not prevent him altogether from indulging now and then his fondness for poetry; his taste and talents for which were above the common standard, and several pieces of his composition have been published. In 1793 he published "An Inquiry how far the punishment of death is necessary in Pennsylvania." This was written at the request of his excellency Governor Mifflin, and intended for the use of the Legislature, in the nature of a report; they having the subject at large under their consideration. This performance justly gained him great credit, and its happy effects are manifested wherever it has been read with attention, especially in the reformation of the penal codes of several states in the Union, where the interests of humanity have, at last, prevailed over ancient and inveterate prejudices. Mr. Bradford possessed great firmness of opinion, yet was as remarkable for his modesty and caution in delivering his sentiments. With an excellent judgment, and a quick and retentive memory, he enjoyed great equanimity of temper, was serious and steady in his genefal conduct, and richly endowed with genius. Of amin ble deportment, and pleasing as well as instructing in conversation, he had the happy art of conciliating the affection and respect of all who knew him. He was a patriot on principle. He loved his country with the sincerest affection, and preferred her interets to every other consideration; and in a particular manner respected the general liberties of mankind at large, in all his actions. His charities were secret, but general; and none in distress were ever known to leave him with discontent. His friendships were few, but very sincere; and those who aided him in his first setting out in life, were never forgotten by him; and what added to all his other virtues, and gave a polish to all his actions, was his firm belief in the Christian system, produced by a thorough examination, and full conviction of its divine original, by the incomparable rules of which he regulated his whole conduct, and founded all his hopes of future bliss.* His death was occasioned by a severe attack of the bilious fever. He died on the 23d day of August, 1795, in the 40th year of his age, and was, according to his express desire, buried by the side of his parents in the burial ground belonging to the second Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. In a conversation with a friend, during a remission of his fever, a few evenings before he died, he expressed his belief in the doctrines of the gospel in very strong terms. INTERNAL DUTIES. By an act of 18th January, 1815, the following rates of duties were imposed on the articles enumerated, to commence on the 15th April, viz. nails, brads, and sprigs, not wrought, 1 cent per pound Upon pig iron $1 per ton-bar 1-rolled and slit 1candles of white, or part white and other wax, 5 cents per pound-do. mould, tallow, or wax, not white, or of each 3 cents-hats and caps, of leather, wool or fur; ad valorem--do. of chip or wood covered with silk or bonnets of wool or fur, if above $2 value 8 eight per ct. other materials, or not covered, do. do.-umbrellas and parasols, above $2 value, 8 per cent. ad valorem-paper 3 per cent.-cards 50 per cent.-saddles and bridles 6 cent.-tobacco manufactured, 20 per cent.—leather, inper cent.-boots above $5, 5 per cent.-beer &c. 6 per cluding therein all hides and skins, whether tanned, dressed, or otherwise made, on the original manufac ture thereof, 5 per cent. ad valorem. for sale, and were paid by the manufacturer. The value The duties were only laid on articles manufactured was regulated by the average of the market wholesale prices, as far as regarded a manufacturer ho sold exclumarket retail prices. The act was repealed in 1816.sively by wholesale,-and so in case of retail sales, by The following sums were collected in Pennsylvania. The total amount accruing in the United States under this act was $951,769 841, of which our state paid $267,978 164. Statement of the amount of duties which have accrued on various goods, wares, and merchandize manufactured in Pennsylvania from 18th of April 1815, to 22d February 1816, being the period during which those duties were in force. Iron Nails, brads, and sprigs Hats, caps, and bonnets Playing and visiting cards Umbrellas and parasols Total..... $27,941 20 31,876 873 2,486 00 31,416 41 11,139 77 8 33 17,144 03 10,484 181 17,142 64 61,097 391 42,314 49 2,724 00 12,202 914 $267,978 16 AMOUNT OF INTERNAL DUTIES AND DIRECT TAXES, DERIVED FROM PENNSYLVANIA IN THE ENUMERATED YEARS. The Duties on Spirits and Stills amounted in the ten years by the above Table, to $2,284,788 14-or, per annum, $228,478 81. In 1815, according to the above rate of duties on Spirits from'domestic materials, there must have been manufactured 1,945,816 gallons, and in 1816 1,473,611. Since that period there must be an immense increase, as in this city alone there were inspected, per table in vol. I, p.182, upwards of 2,300,000 gallons. N. B. In several of the years not designated, the amount of taxes and duties was assumed by the State, and of course not returned in detail to Congress. [Compiled from Seybert's Statistics. DELAWARE AND SCHUYLKILL CANAL. ground is apparently favourable. The average depth of cutting is 11 ft. 6 inches-amount of cub. yds. to be excavated 80644. For the formation of the Towing To the Committee of Citizens of the Northern Liberties, path 8052 included in the total amount of yards-esti &c. GENTLEMEN-Having made at your request the survey of a canal line from the Delaware river at Kensington, to the Schuylkill below Fair Mount-to be supplied with water, by an extension of the Delaware Division of the Pennsylvania Canal from Bristol to Kensington, according to the location made last year by Mr. Sargent, I have the honour to submit the following Report: In order to determine the practicability and cost of this project, I commenced my level at the bench made by Mr. Sargent on a bridge near Dyott's Glass Works at Kensington, by which I ascertained that the bottom of the Canal as located by him is 13,383 feet above high water of the river Delaware. On this level a line was run northerly about one quarter of a mile to a point upon the line of the proposed canal from Bristol to Kensington, at the intersection of Wood and West streets. this point the canal to which my attention was directed will begin. I shall proceed to describe it by sections of half a mile each, except the last which exceeds that length by 21 chains. At Sec. No. I. Runs along West street on or nearly a west course, crosses the Frankford road and terminates at the intersection of Master and Front streets. The ground through the whole of it is highly favourable for excavation. The average depth of cutting is 6 ft. 8 inches amount of cub. yds. to be excavated 22,814-estimated at 9 cts. per cubic yard-cost of excavation $2053 26. Sec. No. 2. Commences at the intersection of Master and Front streets, and runs nearly a west course, crossing the Germantown Turnpike and Second street road to the Cohocksink Creek. The ground is favourable for excavation. The average depth of cutting is 5 ft. 8 inc. amount of cubic yards to be excavated is 18561-estimated at 9 cts. per cubic yard-cost of excavation $1670 49. The Sec. No. 3. Commences at the Cohocksink creek, and runs a south west course, crossing the Township line and passing through Weaver's Brick yards to the intersection of Poplar lane and Ninth streets. ground is apparently of a nature favourable for excavation. The average depth of cutting is 11 ft. 6 inches; amount of cub. yds. 52787-estimated at 14 cts. per cubic yd.-cost of excavation $7390 18 cts. In the construction of this section an excavation of 5280 cub. yds. will be necessary in order to form the Towing path.This is included in the total amount of yards estimated above. Sec. No. 4. Commences at the intersection of Poplar Jane and Ninth street, and runs nearly a southwest course crossing Coates' street to the Ridge road. the greatest depth of cutting occurs. At this point The ground is apparently favourable. The average depth of cutting is 23 ft. 6 inches-amount of cubic yards to be excava ted 157801. Formation of the Towing path 19360 cub. yds. included in the total amount of yards-estimated at 23 cts. per cub. yd.-cost $36294 23. Sec. No. 5. Commences at the Ridge road and runs on a course nearly west, crossing Broad street, Schuyl kill 8th, 7th and 6th, to Callowhill street. is apparently of easy excavation. Average depth of The ground cutting is 26 ft. 6 inches-amount cub. yds. to be excavated 190438. For the formation of the Towing path 22880 cub. yds.-included in the total amount of yds.estimated at 25 cts. per cub. yard. Cost $47609 50. Sec. No. 6. Commences at Callowhill street, and runs nearly a west course, crossing Schuylkill 5th, 4th, 3d, 2d and Callowhill street, at its intersection with Schuylkill Front st. down Hamilton st. to the river Schuylkill at a point a short distance below the Water works. The mated at 14 cts. per cub. yard-Cost $11290 16. In order to communicate with the Schuylkill it will be necessary to build two lift locks at a cost of $5000 each, and a tide lock at $7000. The cost of the Bridges if built in a permanent man- No. 2. No 3. No. 4. No. 5. No. 6. Locks, Bridges, Total cost 22814 cost $2053 26 upon the supposition that the Canal will correspond in In making out the foregoing estimate I have gone plan and dimensions with that now constructing on the Delaware. Width of the canal at the water line 40 ft. at the bottom 25 feet-depth of water 5 feet. Towing path 12 feet in width-Berm Bank 8 feet in width. From these estimates it appears that the whole cost of the proposed communication including the necessary Bridges will amount to $198,307 82. I am not aware that any difficulty will occur in the execution of this work, beyond what is usually incident to deep excavations or which money and skill combined will not readily overcome. Of the supply of water from above no doubt can be entertained if the plans of the Canal Commissioners for the Delaware line, be carried into effect, and that line extended from Bristol to Kensington. Respectfully submitted, EMERSON MCILVAINE, Ass't. Eng. Penn. Canal. [U. S. Gazette. THE CHARTER Of Privileges granted by William Penn, Esq. to the Inhabitants of Pennsylvania and Territories. William Penn, proprietary and governor of the proing, To all to whom these Presents shall come, sendeth vince of Pennsylvania and Territories thereunto belong. Greeting: Whereas, King Charles II. by his letters patents, under the great seal of England, bearing date the 4th day of March, in the year one thousand six hundred and eighty, was graciously pleased to give and grant of Pennsylvania, with divers great powers and jurisdicunto me, and my heirs and assigns forever, this province tions for the well government thereof: of York and Albany, &c. by his deeds of feoffment, unAnd whereas, the king's dearest brother, James Duke der his hand and seal duly perfected, bearing date the twenty-fourth day of August, one thousand six hundred eighty and two, did grant unto me, my heirs and assigns, all that tract of land, now called the territories of Pennsylvania, together with powers and jurisdictions for the good government thereof. II. For the well governing of this province and territories, there shall be an assembly yearly chosen by the freemen thereof, to consist of four persons out of each county, of most note for virtue, wisdom and ability, (or of a greater number at any time, as the governor and And whereas, for the encouragement of all the free-assembly shall agree) upon the first day of October formen and planters, that might be concerned in the said ever; and shall sit on the fourteenth day of the same province and territories, and for the good government month, at Philadelphia, unless the governor and council thereof, I the said William Penn, in the year one thou- for the time being shall see cause to appoint another sand six hundred eighty and three, for me, my heirs place within the said province or territories; which asand assigns, did grant and confirm unto all the freemen, sembly shall have power to choose a speaker and other planters and adventurers therein, divers liberties, fran- of their officers; and shall be judges of the qualificachises and properties, as by the said grant, entitled, The tions of their own members; sit upon their own adjournFrame of the Government of the Province of Pennsyl- ments; appoint committees; prepare bills in order to vania, and Territories thereunto belonging, in America, pass into laws; impeach criminals, and redress grievanmay appear; which charter or frame being found in ces, and shall have all other powers and privileges of some parts of it, not so suitable to the present circum- an assembly, according to the rights of the free born stances of the inhabitants, was in the third month, in subjects of England, and as is usual in any of the king's the year one thousand seven hundred, delivered up to dominions in America. me, by six parts of seven of the freemen of this province and territories, in general assembly met, provision being made in the said charter, for that end and pur pose: And whereas, I was then pleased to promise, that I would restore the said charter to them again, with necessary alterations, or in lieu thereof, give them another better adapted to answer the present circumstances and conditions of the said inhabitants; which they have now, by their representatives in general assembly met at Philadelphia, requested me to grant: Know ye, therefore, that for the further well-being and good government of the said province, and territories; and in pursuance of the rights and powers before mentioned, I the said William Penn, do declare, grant and confirm, unto all the freemen, planters and adventurers, and other inhabitants in this province and territories, these following liberties, franchises and privileges, so far as in me lieth, to be held, enjoyed and kept, by the freemen, planters and adventurers, and other inhabitants of and in the said province and territories thereunto annexed, forever. I. And if any county or counties, shall refuse or neglect to choose their respective representatives as aforesaid; or if chosen, do not meet to serve in assembly, those who are so chosen and met, shall have the full power of an assembly, in as ample manner as if all the represen tatives had been chosen and met, provided they are not less than two thirds of the whole number that ought to meet. And that the qualifications of electors and elected, and all other matters and things relating to elections of representatives to serve in assemblies, though not herein particularly expressed, shall be and remain as by a law of this government, made at New Castle in the year one thousand seven hundred, entitled, An act to ascertain the number of members of assembly, and to regulate the elections. III. That the freemen in each respective county, at the time and place of meeting for electing their representatives to serve in assembly, may as often as there shall be occasion, choose a double number of persons to present to the governor for sheriff's and coroners, to serve for three years, if so long they behave themselves well; out Because, no people can be truly happy, though un- of which respective elections and presentments, the der the greatest enjoyment of civil liberties, if abridged governor shall nominate and commissionate one for each of the freedom of their consciences, as to their religious of the said offices, the third day after such presentment, profession and worship: and Almighty God being the or else the first named in such presentment, for each ofonly Lord of conscience, Father of Lights and Spirits; fice as aforesaid, shall stand and serve in that office for and the author as well as object of all divine knowledge, the time before respectively limited; and in case of death faith and worship, who only doth enlighten the minds, or default, such vacancy shall be supplied by the goverand persuade and convince the understandings of peo-nor, to serve to the end of the said term. ple, I do hereby grant and declare, that no person or persons, inhabiting in this province or territories, who shall confess and acknowledge One Almighty God, the Creator, Upholder and Ruler of the World; and profess him or themselves obliged to live quietly under the civil government, shall be in any case molested or prejudiced, in his or their person or estate, because of his or their conscientious persuasion or practice, nor be compelled to frequent or maintain any religious worship, place or ministry, contrary to his or their mind, or to do or suffer any other act or thing, contrary to their religious per suasion. Provided always, That if the said freemen shall at any time neglect or decline to choose a person or persons for either or both the aforetaid officers, then and in such case, the persons that are or shall be in the respective offices of sheriffs or coroners at the time of election, shall remain therein until they shall be removed by another election as aforesaid. And that the justices of the respective countries shall or may nominate and present to the governor three persons, to serve for clerk of the peace for the said county, when there is a vacancy, one of which the governors shall commissionate within ten days after such presentment, or else the first nominated shall serve in the said office during good behaviour. IV. And that all persons who also profess to believe in Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the World, shall be capable (notwithstanding their other persuasions and practices in point of conscience and religion) to serve this gov- That the laws of this government shall be in this ernment in any capacity, both legislatively and execu- style, viz. By the Governor, with the consent and approtively, he or they solemnly promising, when lawfully bation of the Freemen in General Assembly met; and required, allegiance to the king as sovereign, and fideli- shall be, after confirmation by the Governor, forthwith ty to the proprietary and governor, and taking the at-recorded in the Rll's Office, and kept at Philadelphia, tests as now established by the law made at New Castle, unless the Governor and Assembly shall agree to apin the year one thousand and seven hundred, entitled, point another place. An act directing the attests of several officers and ministers, as now amended and confirmed this present assembly. V. That all criminals shall have the same privileges of witnesses and council as their prosecutors. |