had contracted for furnishing rations to the army were also aided by discounts upon the public credit. And in addition to all this, the credit and confidence which were revived by means of this institution, formed the basis of the system through which the anticipations made within the bounds of the United States had, in July, 1783, exceed ed $820,000. If the sums due, (indirectly) for notes of individuals discounted, be taken into consideration, the total will exceed one million! It may then not only be asserted, but demonstrated, that without the establishment of the national bank, the business of the department of finance could not have been performed." Morris by his appointment upon the occasion mentioned. Political feuds, arising in part from a difference of opinion on the subject of the constitution of Pennsylvania of 1776, prevailed to a great extent, and the conduct of the ruling party, who were opposed to any change in that feeble instrument, was on many occasions marked by want of both intelligence and liberality of sentiment. Mr. Morris was considered the head of what they chose to term the aristocratic party, that is, that portion of men of wealth, great public consideration, superior education, and liberal ideas, who ardently wished a more energetic form of state government than could exist under a single legislature, and numerous executive council; and could the legislature have dispensed with his services, or had there been any man among the party in power, capable of fulfilling the trust, it is probable that he would not have been appointed to it. That man, however, did not exist. The manner in which Mr. Morris executed it, showed how well he merited the confidence of the legislature, and also a skilfulness of ma Besides this great benefit to the public cause, derived from the bank, the state of Pennsylvania, and city of Philadelphia, by loans obtained from it, were greatly accommodated. It enabled the first to provide for the protection of the frontiers, then sorely assailed; and to relieve the officers of the Pennsylvania line from their distress, occasioned by the failure of the internal revenue, which had been mortgaged for payment of interest of certificates granted them for military services. It ena-nagement, which none but himself could have affected.* bled the merchants to clear the bay, and even river Delaware, of the hostile cruisers (which destroyed the little commerce that was left, and harassed our internal trade,) by fitting out, among other armed vessels, the ship "Hyder Ally," which, under the command of the late gallant Barney, in four days after she sailed, brought | into port the sloop of war General Monk, which the Bri-erting his influence in favour of the renewal of the chartish, with accurate knowledge of all public movements, had fitted out at New York, with the particular object of capturing her. By loans from the bank the city authorities relieved the pressing wants of the capital, which suffered in a variety of ways from the exhausted state of its funds, the necessary consequences of the war. But the support of public credit, the defence of the state and harbour, and relief of the city funds, were not the only results from this happy financial expedient of Mr. Morris. By accommodations to the citizens it promoted internal improvements, gave a spring to trade, and greatly increased the circulating medium by the issue of bills which, being convertible at will into gold or silver, were universally received as equal thereto, and commanded the most unbounded confidence. Hundreds availed themselves of the security afforded by the vaults of the bank to depoait their cash, which from the impossibility of investing it had long been hid from the light; and the constant current of deposits in the course of trade, authorized the directors to increase their business. and the amount of their issues, to a most unprecedented extent. The consequence of this was a speedy and most perceptible change in the state of affairs, both public and private. In the same year, an additional mark of confidence reposed in the talents and integrity of Mr. Morris, was evinced by the legislature of Pennsylvania, by their appointment of him as their agent to purchase the supplies demanded of the state for the public service. By the nature of the organization of the general government, the annual necessities of the public funds, provisions, and other supplies, were apportioned among the several states, and large demands were made upon Pennsylvania in 1781. Mr. Morris was appointed to furnish them, and a particular resolve of Congress permitted him to undertake the trust. The supplies were furnished in anticipation, before the money was obtained from the state treasury: and while he thus enabled the state promptly to comply with the demands of Congress, he shows, by his account of the transaction, that the plan of his operations was more economical than any other, which, under the state of things at the time, could have been adopted. Those only who are old enough to recollect the state of parties at the time in Pennsylvania, or have made themselves acquainted with them, can duly appreciate the extent of the compliment paid to Mr. In the year 1786, Mr. Morris served as a representative of Philadelphia, in the state legislature. Always ready to lend the aid, either of his talents, time, or purse, when required by the cause of his country, or state, he yielded to the wishes of his fellow citizens in standing as a candidate, for the express purpose of exter of the Bank of North America, which had been taken away from that institution by the preceding assembly. The ostensible reasons for this unjust measure, were ill grounded fears of the evil effects of the bank on society, (and especially the agricultural interest,) its incompatibility with the safety and welfare of the state; an improbable possibility of undue influence from it on the legislature itself; with other arguments of equal weight and truth. But the real cause must be ascribed to the continuance of the spirit of the same party which had been so violently opposed to Mr. Morris, and the society with which he associated during the whole of the Ame rican war. The debates on the occasion, which excited great interest among all classes of society, were accurately taken down, and published in a pamphlet. Mr. Morris replied to all the arguments of his opponents with a force of reasoning that would have produced conviction in the mind of any man, not previously determined to destroy the bank, if possible, at all hazards. The question, however, was lost by a majority of 13, (28 to 41.) The succeeding legislature restored the charter. The next public service rendered by Mr. Morris to his country, was as a member of the convention that formed the federal constitution in the year 1787. He had, as a part of his colleagues, Benjamin Franklin, George Clymer, and James Wilson, with whom he assisted in the councils that led to the memorable and decisive measures of the year 1776; and now with them again united in forming the bond of union, which was to lay the foundation for the future and permanent pros perity of their country. The want of an efficient federal government in conducting the war, had been severely felt by all those at the head of affairs, either in a civil or military capacity, and most particularly by Mr. Morris, while a member of Congress, and afterwards, when the financial concerns of the Union were exclusively committed to him; and the necessity of it, "one, which would draw forth and direct the combined efforts of United America," was strongly urged by him in the conclusion of his masterly preface to the "Statement of his Finance Accounts," already referred to. The confi lence of his fellow citizens was again shown, in his election as one of the representatives from Phila See statement of his Finance Accounts before referred to. For this interesting document, we are indebted to Mr. Mathew Carey, as writer and publisher. delphia, in the first Congress that sat at New York, after the ratification of the federal compact by the number of states required thereby, to establish it as the grand basis of the law of the land. It adds not a little to the merit of Mr. Morris, that notwithstanding his numerous engagements as a public and private character, their magnitude and often perplexing nature, he was enabled to fulfil all the private duties which his high standing in society necessarily imposed upon him. His house was the seat of elegant but unostentatious hospitality, and his domestic affairs were managed with the same admirable order which had so long, and so proverbially distinguished his counting house, the office of the secret committee of Congress, and that of Finance. An introduction to Mr. Morris, was a matter in course, with all the strangers in good society, who for half a century visited Philadelphia, either on commercial, public, or private business, and it is not saying too much to assert, that during a certain period it greatly depended upon him to do the honours of the city; and certainly no one was more qualified or more willing to support them. Although active in the acquisition of wealth as a merchant, no one more freely parted with his gains, for public or private purposes of a meritorious nature, whether these were to support the credit of the government, to promote objects of humanity, local improvement, the welfare of meritorious individuals in society, or a faithful commercial servant. The instances in which he shone on all these occasions were numerous. Some in reference to the three former particulars, have been mentioned, and many acts of disinterested generosity in respect to the last could easily be related. The prime of his life was engaged in discharging the most important civil trusts to his country, that could possibly fall to the lot of any man; and millions passed through his hands as a public officer, without the smallest breath of insinuation against his correctness or of negligence, amidst "defaulters of unaccounted thousands," or the losses sustained by the reprehensible carelessness of national agents. From the foregoing short account we may have some idea of the nature and magnitude of the services rendered by Robert Morris to the United States. It may be truly said, that few men acted a more conspicuous or useful part; and when we recollect that it was by his exertions and talents that the United States were so often relieved from their difficulties at times of great depression and pecuniary distress, an estimate may be formed of the weight of obligations due to him from the people of the present day. Justly, therefore, may an elegant historian of the American War say, "certainly the Americans owed, and still owe, as much acknowledgement to the financial operations of Robert Morris, as to the negotiations of Benjamin Franklin, or even the arms of George Washington.."* After the close of the American war, Mr. Morris was among the first in the States who extensively engaged in the East India and China trade. He died in Philadelphia in the year 1806, in the 73d year of his age. 'Botta's Hist. Am. War, vol. iii. p. 343. REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTES. Mrs. Wright.-At the commencement of the revolution, Mrs. Wright, a native of Pennsylvania, and distinguished modeller of likenesses and figures of wax, was exhibiting specimens of her skill in London. The king of Great Britain, pleased with her talents, gave her liberal encouragement, and finding her a great politician, and enthusiastic republican, would often enter into discussion relative to passing occurrences, and endeavour to refute her opinions, with regard to the probable issue of the war. The frankness with which she delivered her sentiments, seemed rather to please than to offend him; which was a fortunate circumstance, for when asked an opinion, she gave it without restraint, or the least regard to consequences. I remember to have heard her say, that on one occasion, the monarch, irritated by some disaster to his troops, where he had prognosticated a triumph, exclaimed with warmth, "I wish, Mrs. Wright, you would tell me how it will be possible to check the silly infatuation of your countrymen, restore them to reason, and render them good and obedient subjects." "I consider their submission to your Majesty's government, as now altogether out of the question," replied Mrs. Wright. "Friends you may make them, but never subjects. For America, before a king can reign there, must become a wilderness, without other inhabitants than the beasts of the forest. The opponents of the decrees of your parliament, rather than submit, would perish to a man; but if the restoration of peace be seriously the object of your wishes, I am confident that it needs but the striking off of three heads to produce it." "And whose are the three heads to be struck off, Madam.' 'O, Lord North's, and Lord George Germaine's, beyond all question.' 'And whose the third head?' 'O, Sire, politeness forbids me to name him. Your Majesty could never wish me to forget myself, and be guilty of an incivility.' In her exhibition room, one group of figures particularly attracted attention; and by all who knew her sentiments, was believed to be a pointed hint at the results, which might follow the wild ambition of the monarch. The busts of the King and Queen of Great Britain, were placed on a table, apparently intently gazing on a head, which a figure, an excellent representation of herself, was modelling in its lap. It was the head of the unfortunate Charles the First. I remember full well, that when the army was reviewed for the last time on James' Island, and a feu de joie fired to celebrate the return of Peace, that Captain Zeigler, of the Pennsylvania Line, after saluting Gen. Greene, significantly shrugging up his shoulders, and dropping the point of his sword, gave vent to an agony of tears. The review ended; on being questioned as to the cause of his emotion, he feelingly said--"Although I am happy in the thought, that my fellow soldiers may now seek their homes, to enjoy the reward of their toils, and all the delights of domestic felicity, I cannot but remember, that I am left on the busy scene of life, a wanderer, without friends, and without employment; and that, a soldier from infancy, I am now in the decline of life, compelled to seek a precarious subsistence in some new channel, where ignorance and inability may mar my fortunes, and condemn me to perpetual obscurity." Ihave given the purport of his speech in plain language-it certainly was not his usual style of speaking; in which, the mixture of German and English words, formed a dialect not easily to be comprehended. An excellent and intrepid soldier, he was particularly proud of the discipline and military appearance of the company he commanded. On one occasion, while conducting a number of prisoners to a British out-post, addressing himself to his men, whom he was ambitious to show to the best advantage, he said, assuming an erect posture, and an air of great dignity, "Gentlemens, you are now to meet with civility the enemy of your country, and you must make dem regard you with profound and respectful admiration. Be please, den, to look great to look graceful-to look like de Devil-to look like me!" Garden's Rev. Anec. Iron Works in Armstrong County.-The following information, in reply to the queries respecting Iron, made in the Register, some time since, is furnished by the Kit- 1726-7Charles Read. tanning Gazette of the 4th inst. 117267 1727 1727 1728 S Thomas Lawrence, 1728 A. M'Nickle. 1730 1730 J. W. Biddle. The first named is situated on Bear creek, in the N. W. corner of the county; it is said to be the largest in the United States, and while in blast made as high as 40 tons of metal per week sometimes. It has not been in blast for a considerable time. The second is situated on the west side of the Allegheny river, two miles above Kittanning. It went into operation in the summer of 1827, and has since been doing a good business-making about 14 tons of pig metal weekly. The third is situated near the Kiskiminetas river and Pennsylvania Canal-has been in operation near two years does well-making about 15 tons weekly-has made as high as 20. These are all the furnaces yet erected in this county; but the hills are filled with ore, and many more might, and no doubt will be erected. There are no forges in the county: the pigs are taken down the river to Pittsburg, where they meet with a ready sale. ELECTION OF MAYOR. On the 21st instant, the Councils met for the purpose of electing a Mayor for the ensuing year-the candidates were Joseph Watson, esq. late Mayor and George M. Dallas, esq. The following was the state of the votes. Select Council. For G. M. DALLAS, Richards, Kittera, Worrell, Neff, Toland. For JOSEPHWATSON, Scott, Garrett, Hale, Miller, Read, Thomson. Common Council. For G. M. DALLAS, Baker, Burden, Bladen, Cook, Coryell, Cave, Graff, Hertzogg, Horner, Johnson, Linnard, Maitland, Moss, Oldenburg, O'Neill, Page, Scott, Snyder, Wainwright. Dallas 24, Watson 6. Total 30. The Mayor elect having been apprised of his election by a committee appointed for the purpose, attended and took the prescribed oath. 1732 The following is a list of all the MAYORS & RECORDERS from the first incorporation of the city. 1775-Samuel Powell.* 1775 ELECTIONS.-PHILADELPHIA CO.-OFFICIAL. 1828-George M. Dallas. 1828J The 4 last named are admininistration. The 9 first named are Jackson men. Those marked thus (*) are elected. DELAWARE COUNTY-OFFICIAL 78 993 781 9901 C. COM.AUDITOR Binder. Potts. Hughes. Williams. Thompson. Martin. Snyder. ASSEMBLY. Oliver Allison | Germantown. Roxborough Bristol.. | Bustleton . Frankford. | Rosehill . Kensington 233 165 280 110 232 323 223 222 205 224 207 175 109 183 104 170 200 168 160 160 170 170 67 110 113 111 111 72 109 101 180 249 246 194 224 229 225 222 223 140 222 153 131 150 132 142 154 144 145 139 255 142 78 70 61 92 89 93 57 93 81 103 660 215 786 160 778 793 741 785 769 735 779 1292 1229 2015 995 1920 2018 1872 1887 1877 1087 1885 555 419 719 253 706 741 706 710! 695 709 7061 228 Blockley and Kingsessing. 170 228 235 165 221 233 221 221 219 227 1332 636 1633 339 1522 1625 1525 1522 1521 1519 1526 307! 85 366 33 361 363 362 362 360 358 361 103 55 107 53 108 107 107 107 105 107 107 | Northern Liberties. Penn Township 5322 3663 6307 2662 6587 6988 6497 6547 6434 5742 6535 1391 2994 2636 2651 2518 2669 2615 2615 425 421 432 16535|1391 O'Neill. Mitchell.. Carter. Kennedy. Plummer. Wilson. Iogan, Shuster. Day. Shotwell. Kline. Heston. Foulkrod. Hargeshei mer. Riter. George Kline 2479 Jacob Marshall John Stauffer Philip A. Good 2627 | John Ziemer 1982 2029 Extract of a letter to the Editors, dated Danville, October 17, 1828. I herewith send you the official returns of the election in Columbia county. The election was governed pretty much by the presidential politics of the voters. 543 440 507 510 1481 C. Alford 489 Jackson. 1552 Jesse Bowman MIFFLIN COUNTY-OFFICIAL. SENATE. Common Pleas, Oct. 22, This was an action, brought in the name of the plaintiff, for the recovery of $47 50, the amount paid the defendant for a bill of exchange, purchased by her father on March 29th, 1817, for 10 pounds sterling on C. Arrott & Co. in Glasgow; all interests in the suit in question being assigned to his daughter. Mr. James McAlpin, as a witness stated that he purchased the bill in order to remit it to a widowed sister in Scotland, for whose use he had endorsed it; that he purchased bills of Mr. Arrott previously, all of which had been duly honoured; that the bill had been sent on, but that previous to its arrival, he had advices of the decease of his sister, and that the bill had therefore never been presented, since which time nothing had been heard of it, and it was supposed to be lost or destroyed; that he had made frequent applications to Mr. A. for a settlement of the business in question, stating the circumstances of his sister's death, and that he had received a letter from his nephew, the son of the deceased, stating that on that account the bill had not been presented; that Mr. Arrott refused, alleging the absence of the first of exchange, as a reason; that he (McAlpin) offered him the 561 second, with an indemnification, if the first should have been paid, and proposed leaving it to arbitration, all of which was of no avail. The business lay over till the 150 year 1821, when Mr. Arrott took passage for Scotland, and on his return told him (McAlpin) that he had seen his brother of the house of Arrott & Co. in Glasgow, and "was satisfied, and would settle with him;" that Mr. Arrott never pretended that the bill had been paid by his brother. 558 405 Adams. Adams. ADAMS COUNTY-OFFICIAL. James M'Sherry FRANKLIN COUNTY-OFFICIAL. Jackson. T. H. Crawford Win. Ramsay The defendant's counsel in opening, made several technical objections to the legality of the suit; that Mr. McAlpin had conveyed all his interest in the bill, by his first endorsement, to his sister, and therefore could not 1355 recover but as an administrator-that his client would be 1340 hereafter liable, should one appear with the bill-that the daughter being married could not sustain the suit in 1444 her own name, &c. 1321 2165 2148 2183 2153 The President, Judge King, (after the arguments of the different counsel,) proceeded to charge the jury, in which he sustained some part of the objections of the defendant's counsel; but considered it an action of assumpsit, and put it to them on its merits, and their belief and understanding of the declaration of the defendant, made to the plaintiff on his return from Scotland in 1821. The jury shortly returned a verdict for plaintiff of $67 98 cents, being the original amount, with seven years interest. W. L. Hirst and J. Randall, Esqrs. for plaintiff. Chester, Esq. for defendant. Aurora & Penn. Gaz. Printed every Saturday morning by William F. Geddes, No. 59 Locust street, Philadelphia; where, and at the Editor's residence, in North 12th st. 3d door south of Cherry st. subscriptions will be thankfully received. Price five dollars per annum payable in six months after the commencement of publication--and annually, there953 after, by subscribers resident in or near the city, or wher 971 there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance 1000 |