HAZARD'S REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. VOL. VIII.—NO. 3. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. PHILADELPHIA, JULY 16, 1831. From the United States Gazette. THE emigrant in pursuit of a farm, though possessed of but slender means, in cash, to make the purchase, can obtain an accommodation on time, from the Pennsylvania land-holders, in annual instalments to suit his convenience, until the savings of his labour, may enable him to perfect his title. A farm of 200 acres, at $4 per acre, would cost $800; one-fourth of which in cash, being $200, would entitle him to a credit on the balance, of three, four, and five years, which an industrious man, after encountering the difficulties of the two first years, could accomplish, without much difficulty. It is a fact, as strange as it is true, that lands, in many parts of Pennsylvania, can now be purchased at prices as low as lands in their vicinity, or those adjoining them, of equal quality, were sold for 25 or 30 years ago; which, taking interest and taxes into consideration, ought to command three times the price they would have brought. How is this to be accounted for? The rage for lands in the west, and the absence of improvements in Pennsylvania, until within a year or two, shutting out the farmer from the chance of a profitable market, for the sale of his surplus produce, may be assigned as a principal cause, why a preference has been given to settlements in the neighbourhood of the Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri, and other navigable rivers in the west. In addition to which, the apathy and inactivity of the Pennsylvania land-holders, and their agents, to promote sales; and the large bodies of land held by a few wealthy individuals in Philadelphia, who would not incur the trouble and expense of dividing them, have also greatly contributed to discourage settlements. A LAND OFFICE IN PHILADELPHIA, for the purchase and sale of unseated lands, with a suitable agent to superintend it, would, I have no doubt, if properly supported and conducted, accelerate sales, and be productive of great benefit. There are several offices in Philadelphia, established for the purchase and sale of real estate, the proprietors of which, occasionally advertise lands in the interior, but there are none whose business is particularly directed to that object. I hope the subject will command the attention of those immediately interested. The rage of emigration to the west must soon receive a check! It is only necessary to convince the emigrant of the many advantages we possess-to show him the improvements we have made to explain to him the facilities he would enjoy, in going to and from market, with his produce; and to give him the opportunity of examining for himself, the situation and quality of our lands. If editors would promulgate information on this subject, more frequently and more freely, through the public press, it would also tend to promote this desirable object. Every man disposed to become the proprietor of a tract of land, must be convinced, that in an agricultural point of view, the benefits of an easy and cheap access to market, placing the interior upon almost an equal NO. 185. footing with the sea-board, is of the first importance. A barrel of flour can be carried from Lewistown, Wilkesbarre, Williamsport, Huntingdon, Johnstown, Blairsville, and Pittsburg, to Philadelphia, when the line of communication is finished (next year) at from seventy-five cents to a dollar per barrel, which has heretofore cost from two to three dollars! Ought not this fact, alone, tend to the appreciation of back lands, and induce settlements? The increase of trade, and the improvements making in Philadelphia and Pittsburg, and along the whole line of our canals and rail-roads, is an assurance of the prosperity of the commonwealth, and an evidence of the great value of our public works. These observations, although particularly directed to the stranger, may be applied with equal force to the emigrant of the eastern section of our country, where the high price of land, and the hope of improving their condition, tempt many of them to emigrate, every year, to the west. Some, it is true, have stopped and settled in Pennsylvania, but the great bulk of them have proceeded on to Ohio, Alabama, Louisiana, and Illinois, more distant from market, and paying higher for their lands, than they could have bought them, of as good quality, in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, June 7th, 1831. No. IV. CIVIS. It is but a century and a half since Pennsylvania was in a rude state of nature—uncultivated by civilizationuninhabited by social man! The aboriginal savages, prior to that time, were the sole proprietors of her soil.* It cannot, therefore, be expected that we should, at this early period of our national existence, be as rich in capital as England or France, or some of the other coun tries in Europe, much older than ourselves; but it is a fact, that we are advancing in the acquisition of wealth, with greater rapidity than either of them! The most decisive mark of the prosperity of a country like ours, is the regular increase of its inhabitants; and as long as there is a sufficiency of productive soil, there is no danger of a scarcity of provisions, and the distresses consequent thereon; but when the number of inhabitants is greater than the soil is capable of furnishing with food, (as is now the case in Ireland,) a diminution of their num bers, by emigration to other countries, is not only desirable, but indispensable. The annals of the world do not show an increase of population so great as this coun try has experienced, since the declaration of her inde The grant of Charles the Second to William Penn, is dated March 4th, 1681, and in that year, as we are informed by R. Proud's History of Pennsylvanin, two ships sailed from London, and one from Bristol, with passengers, bound for the river Delaware; they being the first settlers in Pennsylvania from England. It is a remarkable fact, that one of the stipulations in the deed of payment, between William Penn and his adventurers was, that in clearing the land, care should be taken to have one acre of trees left standing for every five acres cut down; and, especially, to reserve the mulberry and the oak, for silk and shipping; having an eye, at that early period of time, to ship-building and silk manufactures; both of which, it is now ascertained, are admi These observation are not intended to include coal lands, or lands in the neighbourhood of canals and rail-rably adapted to the climate of Pennsylvania, and the roads. genius of her people. VOL. VIII. September, 1710. "Reverend and dear Brethren in the Lord, "By a letter from the Rev. Mr. Alexander Sinclare, a member of your society, dated November, 1709, and directed to Mr. John Henry, one of our number, we find you desire a correspondence may be settled and continued from time to time; than the which nothing can be more acceptable to us poor, scattered and far dispersed labourers in cur Lord's vineyard. As also you desire an account of our ecclesiastical affairs, and promise all the assistance yourselves can afford, or procure by interest from others, the former we are ready to give, and for the latter we are grateful. ants be. "As to the state of the Church in these parts, our in. terest truly is very weak, and we cannot relate this matter without sorrow of heart, since it is too much owing to the neglect of ministers at home. Our late Rev. brother, Mr. Francis M'Kemie, prevailed with the ministers of London to undertake the support of two itinerants for the space of two years, and after that time, to send two more upon the same condition, allowing the former after that time to settle, which, if accomplished had proved of more than credible advantage to these parts, considering how far scattered most of the inhabitBut alas! they drew back their hand, and we have reason to lament their deficiency. Had our friends at home been equally watchful and diligent as the Episcopal Society at London, our interest in most foreign plantations, probably might have carried the balance. In all Virginia there is but one small congregation at Elizabeth River, and some few families favoring our way in Rappahannock and York. In Maryland only four; in Pennsylvania fire, and in the Jersies two; which bounds with some places of New York, make up all the bounds we have any members from, and at present some of these be vacant. Not long ago there was a probability of doing more good in Maryland, before Episcopacy was established by law; and at present there is in Pennsylvania, the East and West Jersies, and some places in New York, if the occasion also be not slipt. "As for ecclesiastical affairs in other places we shall not here trouble you with, being not perfectly acquainted therewith ourselves. That then, reverend and dear brethren, which at present we would humbly, for the sake of Christ's interest, make the subject of our address unto you, is, that of your zealous, christian,and religious charity, to the mystical body of the blessed Jesus, you would raise one sixty pound to support an able, well approved of young man, from your Presbytery as an itinerant in these parts, among the dispersed children of God, for a year; after which time we doubt not but he may be settled comfortably. This we have used our interest in London for, in the hands of the Rev. Mr. Calamy, which we expect according to promise from the Rev. Mr. Sinclare; you will use yours also to forward, and in the mean time not to be wanting to answer our former request. Thus not making the least doubt but this our letter shall have the desired answer, we subscribe ourselves by our representatives your well wish ers in the Lord." A letter dated in the same year and of similar import was transmitted to the Synod of Glasgow. We last week mentioned something which we thought remarkable in relation to the industry of the bee; the gentleman who then gave us information, called on us yesterday, and stated that the same swarm made during the seven days following the period before given, 17 pounds of honey.-Columbia Spy. Childbirth. A female in Mount Carbon, presented her husband last week, with three children, within a short period; one of which, however, subsequently died. The surviving pair, are "doing well," and our worthy obstetrical friend may be said to have declared a "handsome dividend.”—Miners' Journal, EARLY SKETCHES. The two following articles are from the "Columbia Magazine," of 1788, and gives an interesting description of Bald Eagle Valley, and the Juniata river, fortythree years ago. We should be glad to receive, from that quarter, a description of that same portion of country now-as it would be useful in showing the progress of improvement, and the development of resources, probably, not thought of by the writer at that period. Where are the "numerous lead mines" spoken of, and the "many signs of copper?" Or has pyritous iron been mistaken for copper-as is frequently the case at the present day, notwithstanding the advancement of knowledge. "Elegant engravings" accompany the descriptions. A DESCRIPTION OF BALD EAGLE VALLEY: Bald Eagle Valley, (on the frontiers of Bedford county, state of Pennsylvania,) or as it is commonly called, Sinking Spring Valley, is situated about 200 miles from Philadelphia. It is bounded on the east by a chain of high rugged mountains, called the Canoe Ridge, and on the west by another called the Bald Eagle, or Warrior Mountains, ard forms a fine, pleasant vale of limestone bottom, extending about five miles in the widest part. This valley contained, in the year 1779, about sixty or seventy families, living in log houses, who formed within a space of seven or eight years, several valuable planta. tions, some of which are extremely agreeable on account of their situation; but possess, notwithstanding, very few inducements to an inhabitant of the more settled parts, to sojourn long among them, on account of the proximity of the Indians. So little provision is made, indeed, against the attacks of hostile tribes, that instead of forming societies, whereby defence might easily be obtained, the settlers dwell, in general, re mote from each other, few plantations being within less than two or three miles distance of its near est neighbour; so that when any disagreement takes place, the greater number are left exposed to the enemy before it is practicable to spread the alarm of their approach. This place, during the contest with Britain, was made remarkable on account of the numerous lead mines said to be there; and as the want of that article daily increased, and supplies grew more and more uncertain, it was deemed of so much moment as to induce a company, under the promises of the state, to settle in the valley, with a view to establish a regular set of works. In pursuance of this scheme, a large fort of logs was erected, and some miners employed, by whom regular trials were made of such places as were thought the most promising, and a considerable quantity of ore was produced, from which, lead enough was made to give a competent idea of the real value of the mines in general. On account, however, of the danger of remaining in this situa tion, while an Indian war continued; added to this consideration, that the miners were all old countrymen, utterly unused to this mode of life, reasons were sug gested for quitting the service, and the whole undertaking fell to the ground. The lead ore from samples repeatedly produced, was of many kinds; some in broad shining flakes, and others of the steely texture. Several regular shafts were sunk to a considerable depth; one of which was in the hill, upon which the fort was erected, and from which many large masses of ore were procured; but because it did not form a regular vein, this was discontinued, and another opened, about one mile from the fort, nearer to Frankstown. Here the miners continued, until they finally relinquished the business. When they first began, they found in the upper surface, or vegetable earth, several hundred weight of cubic lead ore, clean and unmixed 1831.] A DESCRIPTION OF BALD EAGLE VALLEY. 37 without any substance whatever, which continued as a clue, leading them down through the different stratum of earth, marl, &c. until they came to the rock, which is here in general of limestone. The shaft first opened, was carried down about twenty feet; from which, a level was driven about twenty or thirty yards in length, to wards the Bald Eagle mountains; but as strong signs of ore were observed behind the first shaft, it gave occasion to sink another, which fully answered every expectation; and when they had arrived to the depth of the first level, they began to drive it into the first shaft, intending as soon as they had formed that opening, and cleared it of ore, to begin a shaft lower down; the vein of ore showing itself strongly upon the bottom of the old level. This intention, however, was likewise deserted. Another place was begun on the road towards Huntingdon, about one hundred yards from the fort, upon the top of a small hill. The people of the valley had made the first attempt, but the excessive hardness of the stone obliged them to give over their undertaking. Upon clearing away the first rubbish, the vein was discovered overlaid with mundic of the greyish steel grain-caping being, perhaps, inadequate to the prodigious ed kind; and this work was continued, with much success, to the depth of twelve feet, until the fall of a heavy rain filled the springs so as to prevent all further discovery. A level was intended to be driven from the lowest part of the hill (having signs of ore) up to the shaft; but was, as the rest, given over for want of assistance. A third place, on account of its most extraordinary and singular appearance, was also opened; but was soon quitted, as being too wet and swampy. This place, although all the valley (excepting a few of the like kind) is well timbered, is without a tree, or the signs of any ever being there. It produces a long grass, which soon turns yellow and perishes, exhibiting a strange contrast to the other parts surrounding it. The upper earth is composed of a fine mould, and so excessive black, as to create strong suspicion of ore being under it. It was attempted to the depth of about ten feet, when they came into a soft spungy wet earth, with loose masses of limestone; some nearly destroyed, and hardly bearing to be lifted out; others only a surrounding coat, as it were, which upon exposure to the air, fell off, and the stone remained clear and firm. The whole were more or less affected, and the moisture evidently increasing with the depth, induced those concerned in this assay to leave it. The surface of the earth in many places, is covered with what in England is called cawk, a white substance, heavy and something resembling the texture of china. Copper ore has never made its appearance, or at least has not as yet been found. Iron, on the contrary, occupies whole tracts, of which the most remarkable is about three miles from the fort, nearer the town abovementioned. Here the vegetative power of the soil seems to be overcome; for upon many of the surrounding hills, which evidently abound in iron ore, nothing is to be met with, except the same species of long grass already taken notice of. Upon this spot may be found every kind of iron ore yet produced; from a kind of an absolute iron texture and polished colour, to the bog kind. The surrounding hills abound with white flint, and from their abrupt forms, and thick covering of pines, have a most melancholy appearance. Among other curiosities of this place, the swallows (which absorb several of the largest streams of the valley, and, after conveying them for several miles under ground, in a subterraneous course, then return them upon the surface) are not the most inconsiderable. These, and the number this place contains, have given rise to its general name. Among the most remarkable of them, that called the Arch Spring may be particu larized, as it runs close upon the road from the town to the fort. It is a deep hollow, formed in the limestone rock; about thirty feet in width, with a rude arch of stone hanging over it, forming a passage for the water, which it throws out with some degree of violence, and in such plenty as to form a fine stream, which at length buries itself again in the bowels of the earth. Some of these pits are near three hundred feet deep; the water at the bottom seems in rapid motion, and is apparently of a colour as deep as ink, though, in truth, it is as pure as the finest springs can produce. Many of these pits are placed along the course of this subterraneous river, which soon after takes an opportunity of an opening to a descent, and keeps along the surface among rocky hills for a few rods, then enters the mouth of a large cave, whose exterior aperture was sufficient to admit a shallop with her sails full spread. In the inside, it keeps from eighteen to twenty feet wide. The roof declines as you advance, and a ledge of loose rugged rocks keeps in tolerable order upon one side, affording means to scramble along. In the midst of this cave is much timber, bodies of trees, branches, &c. and are to be seen lodged quite up to the roof of this passage, which affods a proof of the water being swelled up to the very top, during the time of freshets, &c.: its mode of esquantities which must sometimes fall from the mountains into this channel, swelling it up to the very surface, as several places over the side seemed to evince the escape of water at times, into the lower country. This opening in the hill continues about four hundred yards, when the cave widens, after you have got round a sudden turn, which prevents its being discovered till you are within it, to a spacious room, at the bottom of which is a vortex, the water that falls into it whirling round with amazing force; sticks, or even pieces of timber, are immediately absorbed, and carried out of sight, the water boiling up with excessive violence, which soon subsides until the experiment is renewed. On the opposite side of the valley, a few hundred yards from the fort, and about half a quarter of a mile from the mountain, is a remarkable bog, composed of a black rooty mud, without any intermixture of stone whatever, although surrounded by amazing quantities. This place is about twenty-five or thirty yards over, and below its margin are large beds of iron ore, of a honeycomb texture; the solid parts of it, where fresh broken, are of a fine glossy brown, and contain much iron, as was experienced in the lead furnace, where they used the ore by way of an addition or flux, when it produced so much as to oblige them to pull down the front wall of the furnace to remove the iron out of the earth. It was so maleable as to bear the hammer. Early in spring, the spot upon which the bog stands is readily found; for, it produces a most luxurious plenty of a long sedge grass of a beautiful colour, and a considerable time before the effects of spring are visible in any other part of the valley: this seldom fails to attract the notice of the poor cattle, which are sure, however, to pay dear for their attempts to obtain a mouthful of its produce, as in less than an hour it totally swallows and covers them. Five cows were, at one time, nearly conveyed out of sight; of which, three were totally dead-the other two hardly recoverable. From the top of the Bald Eagle is a fine prospect of the Allegheny mountains, stretching along until they seem to dissolve into the clouds. Much slate is found here, with strong signs of pit-coal. Of animals, deer, foxes, bears, wolves, raccoons and squirrels, are in abundance; and were it not for the danger from an Indian enemy, many other articles might undoubtedly be found, of service to mankind; but while they continue such near neighbours, it is not probable (particularly on a remembrance of the failure of the lead company) that any thing further will be attempted till peace and property are perfectly secured from depredations. Upon the road towards the town, and nine miles from the fort, there is a narrow pass, through another chain Tussey;s mountains, which for about a mile in length is so confined, that it does not admit any carriage whatover, and even a horseman finds it adviseable to dia oftentimes running under the water, which, added to the difficulties in common here met with, renders it extremely dangerous. From a part of the Narrows the view was taken. At this place there are evident signs of a valuable mine of copper, and on the other side, before you reach the Narrows from below, at Drake's ferry, is an extensive mine of allum and copperas. B. mount, rather than to trust his safety entirely upon the dexterity of his horse, in conveying him over these rude masses of rocks and stones. This pass, on account of a The stream running through it, is called Water Street. break in the mountain, on each side, is almost perpendicular, and seems loosely piled up with huge pieces, threatening destruction to the passenger below. A few miles from the town there is a set of sandy hills, high masses of which are in places left bare, and from the lowness of their nature, and the washing of the storms, have assumed different forms, some of which the country people have likened to pulpits, bowls, teapots, &c. After having completed the lettings, as it is termed, In general, it is known by the name of the Pulpit Rocks. that is, making contracts for work on the canal, the A person visiting these parts, must cross the Juniata commissioners, Messrs. Stevenson and Mitcheel, on three or four times from Standing Stone, or Hunting-Thursday last, left this place for the West Branch. don, to the fort; from which it is computed to be about B. twenty-one or twenty-two miles distance. A DESCRIPTION OF JUNIATA RIVER, In the State of Pennsylvania. Juniata is one of the branches of the Susquehanna, into which it empties its waters, about twenty miles above Middletown on the opposite side. It flows through an extensive and variegated country, abounding with wood, mountain, fine vales, chiefly of slate and limestone, and some remarkable precipices. In its course, it likewise receives a considerable number of creeks, to augment its waters, some of which are capable of great improvement in regard to their navigation, having few rifts to impede the attempt. Of these, Raystown branch seems to be of the most note, as for size it is nearly equal to the Juniata much lower down; however, in fact it is a continuation of that river, while that which is still continued by the name, insensibly loses its size a small way beyond Standing-stone, or Huntingdon town, branching out into small creeks and becoming quite inconsider. able. Raystown branch is remarkable for its crooked course, bending and turning among the hills and mountains in a sudden and uncommon manner; especially at that part called the horse-shoe, at which place, to cross by land, it is not more than three-fourths of a mile, while to keep the course of the stream, round the whole extent of the turn, will consume near a day's laborious march. Upon this stream there are many signs of cop per and coal, and I have no doubt, but that in the mossy surrounding mountains, valuable discoveries might be made. Upon the head water of Juniata, plenty of lead ore has been found, and abundance of iron; but this, owing to its remote situation, has been neglected. After crossing at Miller's ferry, which lies a few miles from the mouth of the river, and keeping up at midway to Standing-stone, a threefold junction of the mountain is plainly to be perceived, being the Tuscarora, Shade, and Narrow mountains. Through them, at this place, commences what is known by the name of the Long Narrows, formed by one continued break through the above mentioned hills, and continues surrounded by astonishing crags, for upwards of eight or nine miles, during which space the traveller has nothing to walk on for either himself or horse, (which he is obliged to dismount for better security,) than the piled rocks and stones, that have, from time to time, accumulated by their fall from the surrounding parts. Bounded by these mountains on the one hand, and the river upon the other, no choice can remain, but absolute necessity forces such as lave business into these remote districts to proceed, making a virtue of performing what it is not in their power to avoid. WILKESBARRE, June 29. We learn that the offers for doing work were numerous;and the effect of competition has been,that contracts are made at one half the estimates of the Engineer, and by very responsible companies or individuals. We are glad the cost will be more moderate than was expected; and we hope the work will be pushed with all possible energy to completion. The sooner the better for If all can be done in a year, public and contractor. why should contractors while away two years? Would it not be better to push on and finish; and then have a good name for enterprise and get another job. One point must not be lost sight of the canal ought to be pushed on to the state line. All must put their shoulders to the wheel, that is indispensible to our coal trade; and the bringing the rich trade of the Genessee country to Philadelphia, should never be lost sight of.-Herald. Lord Butler has been apppointed Superintendent of the Wyoming line, North Branch Canal, in the place of James P. Bull, resigned.—Ib. WARREN, June 21. Our village for the last ten days or more, has exhibited a scene never before witnessed by myself, nor indeed by any one with whom I have conversed. Nor could I have been made to believe it possible, to arouse the feelings of our citizens to that state of constant inquiry and apparent anxiety on the subject of religion, as was manifested during those days. In every part of wholly at a stand-stores were frequently all closed— the village business was either partially suspended, or public houses, shops, &c. were either closed or passed unobserved--people were seen in groups in every direction, all absorbed in the general inquiry. In short it appeared like a week of Sabbaths, or the day of an eclipse. To the writer of this it was like a mighty torrent sweeping all before it. Meetings, still continue Let it result as it may, the appearance of our village is changed, for the better so far, no one denies, between neighbors-joined in mildness the hands of enemies, and given an example of charity, and kind feeling between families who for the first time learnt they were neighbors.-Union. Death from the bite of a snake.-I feel it my duty to notice the case of Adam Lake, a man of intemperate habits, who was bold enough to examine some snakes which had been and I presume are still carried about the city as objects of curiosity. This man seeing the owner of the snakes handle them familiarly, wished to show to those around that he could handle them also,he was permitted according to his account, to take from the cage a rattle snake, which he placed on his left arm and received a bite, merely fracturing the skin,-next After passing through this miserable place, immedi-day he was brought to the Almshouse, and died in two ately upon the other side stands the town or settlement called Old Town, consisting only of a tavern and a few scattered hovels, and containing nothing worth notice. Another similar pass is through Jack's mountains, still higher up the river, which is rather worse than the other, but of shorter extent; being formed of larger and ruder masses of rock than at the other pass, and the road hours after. Thus in forty hours after he was bitten, he was a corpse. Will not this fact be a sufficient warning to those who feel disposed to see those animals, to keep at a proper distance, and to the owner not to suffer any person to come near or trouble the snakes? RICHARD D. MOORE, M. D. Almshouse, July 2, 1831. "The Pennsylvauia Society for discouraging the use of ardent spirits." To the inhabitants of the city and county of Philadelphia: Fellow Citizens,-The success which has already attended the comparatively circumscribed labours of the society, in awakening public attention to the objects which it seeks to accomplish, is highly gratifying. These results proclaim with an emphasis which cannot be resisted, the duty of employing all the means that can be commanded, for an enlarged and energetic ef. fort in this great work. Anxious inquiries are made from various quarters, for information calculated to promote the reform which has so happily begun, and the diffusion of knowledge in this respect, must yield the most distinguished benefits. The parent society here, is naturally invoked as the source most competent to impart encouragement, and to give full effect to the dispositions which are manifest ed to co-operate with it, by the rapidly increasing number of the advocates of temperance throughout the commonwealth; but its funds are not such as to authorize the adoption of an efficient system of measures, which the actual state of the concern requires. The field of operation must, therefore, be necessarily contracted, until ability be furnished for the expansion of its boundaries; and the chief purpose of this address is to solicit, with an earnestness which the magnitude of the design emboldens the society to adopt, an increase of pecuniary aid. The treasury may be easily replenished, and not only the numerical strength, but the moral power' of the society increased, if you, fellow citizens, who are so deeply interested in the success of its doings, and the accomplishment of its aims, were to enroll your names amongst its members and patrons. The small annual contribution of even one dollar, the payment of which constitutes membership, if derived from only one thousand individuals, would produce an amount of good, through the instrumentality of the press, and oral illustration and admonition, which it were impossible to calculate; and the expenditure would not be missed by those who made it. Recording Secretary-David M'Clure. Mathew Carey, Dr. L. P. Gebhard, Dr. John Bell, 39 The following deeply affecting reply to the inquiries of "the Pennsylvania Society for discouraging the use of Ardent Spirits," made by the venerable Coroner of the city and county of Philadelphia, who has so long discharged the duties of that important office, with ability, and universel satisfaction, cannot fail to excite the serious consideration of our fellow citizens. Philadelphia, July 3d, 1831. RESPECTED FRIEND:-It is true, as you suggest, "that in the discharge of my official duties much opportunity is afforded for observation and inquiry into the causes which produce the premature termination of human life," and the experience of years long ago led me to the conclusion that "intemperance from the indulgence in the use of intoxicating liquors, is the fruitful parent of most of the evils thus produced." In a very great proportion of the cases which have The melancholy fact cannot be too often, nor too loud- officially come under my notice, and in which have ly repeated, that nearly all the crime and pauperism had sufficient evidence to trace a cause, the use of spiritwhich disfigure and annoy society, and much of the uous liquors has mediately or more remotely led to the mental and bodily disease which afflicts mankind, owe termination of life in such a way as to call for my investheir origin to intemperance. In a strictly, economical tigation; and, it is highly probable, that many, of whose point of view, therefore, if no higher motive could in- habits I have had no means of information, were hastenAuence your minds, which is far from being alleged, theed to their end by this scourge of our country. judicious application of an inconsiderable sum of money, for the prevention of the degrading habit of intoxication, in this populous district, would speedily diminish the enormous taxes now paid without much reflection or complaint,for the support of alms-houses,and infirmaries, of criminal courts, and prisons. With this brief exposition of its opinions, and its wants, the society submits its case, and the noble cause which it has espoused to your generous support which heretofore, from the earliest period of your history as a people has been uniformly prompt and energetic in sustaining every work of kindness, and public utility. On behalf of the Society. ROBERTS VAUX, President, Philadelphia, June 21, 1831. Those citizens who may feel disposed to become members of the society, or otherwise promote its objects by donations, will be pleased to furnish their names, or send their communications, to either of the following named gentlemen: President-Roberts Vaux. I have no hesitation whatever in avowing it as my firm belief, that the use of intoxicating liquors is the prolific cause of a great proportion of the deaths which come under my view as Coroner, and now while writing these few lines, I am awaiting the examination by physicians, of the body of a citizen who has been killed by a man who was in a state of intoxication. With desires for the success of the cause in which you are engaged, I am, dear sir, Yours, very respectfully, JOHN DENNIS, Coroner of the City and County of Philadelphia. EASTON, June 9, 1831. Great Sport.-On Saturday last, a company of our Easton epicures returned from their fishing excursion to the mountain streams, and brought back with them upSome wards of 2000 fine trout, salted down to keep. of them were upwards of 13 inches in length. They represent the sport as having been remarkably fine-and to taste in reality the hunter's life, they slept out in the woods one night. Those of the party who were blest with thin skins were very much annoyed by the musquitoes, and brought home sensible marks of their kind ness. |