180 DIVISION OF PHILADELPHIA COUNTY. [SEPTEMBER inelegance, and to prove, that although the austerity of their religion and the hardness of their fortunes may have at first prevented any great patronage of the elegant arts, yet that competence and leisure quickly mitigated this severity, and the society of colonists became to soft refinements less a foe, graceful Paxton riots; "The Manners of the Times, a Satire, by Philadelphiensis," which is said to have been aimed at a number of individuals in fashionable society; and "A Panegyric, by Strephon," which seems to be an answer to the satire. The animated resistance of the colonies to the oppressive acts of the British Parliament, inspired several of our poets, and we have a great many Wit grew polite, and numbers learned to flow. poems and Pindaric odes on Liberty" and "Oppres sion," several of which may contain some harmonious Postscript.—Since the foregoing pages were prepar. and spirited verses, but which may be generally charac-ed for the press, I have had in my hands several copy terized as more patriotic than poetic. 66 Among the poets of this period, Mr. JOHN WILCOCKS must not be forgotten. He was son of a gentleman from the West Indies, who brought him in his childhood to Philadelphia, and dying soon afterwards, left him heir to a handsome estate. He was educated at our college, where he distinguished himself more by his talents than by his application. He afterwards studied law, but was soon disgusted with that profession, and purchased an ensigncy in the 18th or Royal Regiment of Ireland. But he had not been long in the army when (in 1772) he died at the early age of 22. He is said to have been a young man of fine talents, of impetuous temper, and of generous disposition. We have a number of his poetical effusions; they consist of fables, pastorals, epigrams, and satires, written generally with elegance, and Occasionally with wit. But verses which do honor to a lover or a beau, and hold a conspiuous place in ladies' albums, may not entitle their author to the name of a poet; and such are the productions of Mr. Wilcocks. They are to be found printed with the poems of one of his friends, whom I am next to mention. books of the familiar letters of JAMES LOGAN, and find that his name must be added to the catalogue of our early poets. It seems that he translated into English verse, for the use of his daughters, the Distichs of Cato, and that this version is in print. It appears, also, that he was particularly ready at Latin versification, and that he frequently addressed to his learned friends, playful odes or epistles in Roman num bers. In one of his letters to the accomplished Colonel Hunter governor, of New Jersey, I find mention of a Greek ode which he had just written, a proof of singu. lar scholarship in that beautiful language. These compositions I have not seen; of course, I can. not speak of their merits. I need not add any account of their author; his name, character, and station, are familiar to every one here, and a satisfactory history of his life and acquirements is precluded by the limits of this paper. DIVISION OF THE COUNTY. Mr. JOHN PARKE was, I believe, a native of Delaware; Meeting for the dividing the county of Philadelphia. he must have been born about the year 1750, for in 1768 we find him a student in the college at Philadel- At a numerous and respectable meeting of the inphia. At the commencement of the war he entered the habitants of Lower Dublin Township, convened by American army, and was attached, it is supposed, to public notice at the Inn of Benjamin Snyder, in BustleWashington's division, for some of his pieces are dated ton, on Friday the 2d September inst. for the purpose at camp in the neighborhood of Boston, and others at of taking into consideration the resolutions passed at a Whitemarsh and Valley Forge. After the peace he was meeting of the inhabitants of Germantown township, for some time in our city, and we hear of him last in held at Germantown on Thursday 11th of August last, Arundel county, Virginia. The most remarkable pro- for dividing the county of Philadelphia, and for assistduction of Mr. Parke is a poetical translation of the ing which, the co-operation of the inhabitants of LowOdes of Horace. Several of his versions appear to have er Dublin township, and other townships composing the been college exercises, and most of the rest were writ-northern section of the county was invited, by sending ten at camp in moments with difficulty stolen from his delegates to meet hereafter in Convention, military duties. Our admiration of the classical taste of this young soldier, and our astonishment at his tranquil prosecution of his favourite studies in the midst of mili tary bustle, almost disarm criticism. If the lines are oc casionally unpolished, or have failed to catch the spirit of the original, we must be ready to excuse them; and it would be unfair to withhold our approbation from many verses which really possess great spirit and elegance, because they might perhaps have been more happily executed; for we must recollect, that we have no translation of the Lyrics of Horace which does any thing like justice to them, and that it is the opinion of scholars that we never can have. Sa.nuel Swift was called to the Chair and John W. Trump, appointed Secretary. After the published proceedings, and circular from the Germantown Committee of correspondence, had been read and discussed, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted. Resolved, That three delegates be appointed for this Township with power to supply any vacancies in their number, who shall be authorized by this meeting to confer with an equal number appointed by the townships of Germantown and others, on the subject of a division of the county of Philadelphia in future Convention, whereupon Samuel Swift, John H. Gibbon, and Daniel Walton were nominated and appointed. In the same volume are to be found several translations from the classical poets, a number of odes, and other Resolved, That the delegates be instructed to inquire occasional pieces, and a pastoral drama entitled "Vir-into and ascertain the sentiments of the people of the oth ginia." Most of these pieces were inspired by friend-er townships, both as to their willingness to unite in the ship or patriotism, and are evidences of a warm heart, a proposed plan, and to learn their views in regard to the cultivated understanding, and a correct taste. place proposed for the county town, and give their aid for effecting it by the ensuing Legislature provided it appears to them, there is fairness and equality intended, as to fixing the place for the public buildings in the centre of the proposed district, having in view both popu With the name of Mr. Parke I now close my catalogue of the early poets of Pennsylvania. Its prolixity seems to call for an apology, and yet I know not how I could have exhibited the extent to which poetry was cultivated in the province but by referring to a series of unsuccess-lation and geographical limits. ful efforts, and naming many indifferent poets. As the object of this paper has been to prove the existence in Pennsylvania of poetical taste, rather than of poetical talent, I may, perhaps, flatter myself that it has not fallen short of its aim; at all events, I am entitled to ask of this society their favourable countenance of an attempt to rescue our ancestors from the charge of illiteracy and Resolved, That this committee of delegates communicate by letter or otherwise, with the corresponding committee of Germantown, &c. in relation to their own appointment, and the ulterior movements of the other parties, the townships before mentioned. Resolved, That the said delegates be instructed to use their exertions to have the subject of division sub mitted directly to the people of the townships invited to form a new County. SAMUEL SWIFT, Chairman. JOHN W. TRUMP, Secretary. Meeting for the Division of the County of Philadelphia. At a meeting held in Moreland Township Philadel. phia County, on Monday, the 29th inst. to take into consideration the propriety of sending delegates from the said township, to meet delegates that may be appointed in other townships, for the purpose of discussing the subject of a division of the county, of Philadelphia, and erecting therefrom a new county, Jacob Shearer Esq. was called to the Chair, and George Breck, appointed Secretary. The Circular of the committee of Correspondence of Germantown Township being read, the following gentlemen were nominated and appointed Delegates, viz:George Breck, Franklin Comly, and Jacob Shearer, jr. -the same also being appointed a Committee of Correspondence. Resolved, That the proceedings of the meeting be published. SAMUEL COMLY, Chairman, GEORGE BRECK, Secretary. DIVISION OF THE COUNTY. At a meeting of the citizens of the township or Blockley, held at the Rising Sun Tavern, (Lancaster) Turnpike,) September 5, 1831, in consequence of an invitation from the Committee of Correspondence of Germantown, on the subject of dividing the county of Philadelphia. SAMUEL BRECK was appointed Chairman, and HENRY LEECH Secretary. A circular from the Germantown Committee having been read, and the object of the meeting explained by the Chairman, the following resolution was unanimously adopted. 181 Mr. Worrell presented the following petition to alter the names of the streets running north and south, west of Broad street, which was laid on the table: To the Select Council of the City of Philadelphia. The memorial of the subscribers, residing west of Broad street, in the city of Philadelphia, and others, owners of property in said district, respectfully showeth: That they, in common with many other citizens, are dissatisfied with the present designation of the streets, running north and south, within the limits of that section of our city; and are of opinion that a change could be made much more conducive to their advantage, by rendering the subject more intelligible, and familiar to strangers. The increasing trade and improvements on the river Schuylkill, have of later years raised us to son e commercial importance and consideration, and from its present healthy condition we may reasonably expect its advancement. Our object is to promote this spirit of laudable enterprise, by removing all ambiguity in names, and rendering what was difficult to be understood, plain and comprehensive. In order, therefore, to produce so desirable a result, we earnestly call your attention to the act recently passed on this subject, by the body composing the "Common Council," of which we highly approve, and solicit your sanction to the same, that the change in title may take effect without further delay. All of which is, with due deference, submitted to your decision. Mr. Neff presented the ensuing petition from Messrs. Hollingshead and Platt which was referred to a joint committee of two members of each Council, and Messrs. Wetherill, Hood, Neff, and Lippincott, were appointed the committee. 10 the President and Members of the Select and Common Councils. Gentlemen-We have lately become owners of about eighty feet of wharf property, situate between Market Resolved by the inhabitants of Blockley, assembled and Arch streets, immediately north of Mr. Girard's as aforesaid, That they consider a separation from the stores. If the situation referred to is known to the memcity, and division of the county inexpedient, and there-bers of Councils, they will recollect that it is now occufore decline joining in any measures that may tend to that end. Resolved, That the Chairman communicate the foregoing to the Committee of Correspondence in Germantown, and cause the proceedings of this meeting to be published. SAMUEL BRECK, Chairman, HENRY LEECH, Secretary, PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS. THURSDAY EVENING, Sep. 8, 1831. SELECT COUNCIL.-Mr. Worrell presented a petion for the regulation of Walnut street, near Tenth, which was referred to the paving committee. Mr. Worrell also presented a petition from the occupants of stalls in the High street market, between Third and Fourth streets, which was referred to the market committee. PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 8, 1831. To the Select and Common Councils of the City of Philadelphia. Gentlemen-The undersigned, holders of stalls in High street market, between Third and Fourth streets, most respectfully represent, that the stalls occupied by them on the north side of the market, from Third about half way to Fourth street, are rendered almost useless to them in rainy and inclement weather, from the decayed and impaired state of the roof, which admits the water so freely as materially to injure their articles of commerce, and to render them unprotected by shelter in stormy and unfavourable weather. They, therefore, respectfully pray your honourable body to have the said roof repaired as soon as it may be practicable. With sentiments of high respect, we are, &c. pied by old and decayed buildings, that the passage between them and the head of the dock, is incoveniently narrow and that the wharf is unimproved and ruinous. We propose to erect handsome and substantial stores, to enlarge, and pave the passage along the river front, to extend the wharf, and to make such an improvement as will greatly beautify that part of the city, and contribute to its healthfulness. Between the north line of Mr. Girard's property and our south line, there is a public ten feet wide alley, the eastern end of which is now in such a situation as to be at all times offensive. The improvements contemplated by us, cannot be so made as to give an uniformly pure and beautiful front to that part of the wharves, unless the city will unite in the contemplated alteration, or permit us to extend the improvement so as to include these ten feet in the projected new wharf, but reserving to the public its rights over them as a highway. The object of this application is to ask of the Councils, that they will be pleased to appoint a committee to confer with us upon the subject submitted. We believe that an examination of the property will show, that it is will contribute to change the appearance of this now the interest of the city to adopt some measures which unsightly portion of its eastern front. We are most respectfully, Philadelphia, 5th Sept. 1831. Mr. Kittera presented the subjoined`petition from Mr. Nathan Bunker, which was referred to Messrs. Kittera, Warren, Johnson and Oldenburg. PHILADELPHIA, 9 mo. 6, 1831. To the Select and Common Councils. Respected friends;-Being the owner of a small lot of ground at the corner of Washington and Locust sts, I am desirous of building on it in the spring, somewhat on the plan annexed. The season is now at hand for making engagements for materials preparatory thereto, and in consequence of some proceedings already taken place in Councils relative to widening Locust street, from Eighth to Washington street, I am led to apprehend my house might be taken down for that purpose, | after my time had been consumed, and my money expended in its erection, which could neither prove profitable to me or the public, and far from agreeable to my inclination to enter into controversy on the score of damages. The loss to me would be a serious one if the ground with the building now on it were taken from me for that purpose, and necessarily much increased after the erection of new brick buildings. The owners of the ground composing the remainder of that square are few in number, none of whom I believe are desirous the streets should be widened and for my own part I can see no necessity for it. The buildings at present on my lot rent for $260 per annum, and if removed preparatory to building, before the determination of the public, as to widening the street is known, it may increase my loss by the loss of rent until the question is settled. I am persuaded no disposition exists with the members to inflict on any citizen losses that may be avoided, much less a disposition to retard or delay the removal of frame buildings, that are to be replaced by substantial brick ones, thereby increasing security against fire, and adding some ornament to that fanciful part of our city, for although the house I propose erecting is somewhat varying from the usual style of building dwell ings, yet I am persuaded the neatness of its appearance, and the comforts of its arrangements, will aid the general improvement of the neighborhood.-Hoping some early steps may be taken by Councils to end my suspense on the subject, I remain, sincerely. N. BUNKER. Resolved by the Select and Common Councils, that the petitions of N. Bunker, and E. Rogers, and all proceedings of Councils in relation to the latter, be referred to a joint committee of two members from each Council, to report such information in regard to the subject as may be necsssary and the measures which it would be proper to adopt. Mr. Kittera as Chairman of the Committee on Independence Square made the following report, accompanied with the annexed letter from William Rusb, Esq. To the Select and Common Councils. The Committee on the State House and Independent square, report: SEPTEMBER while he in person at the same time was armed in the field boldly to defend it and eventually through a kind Providence established it--this is my idea of the disposal of the figures, apart from any particular interest I may have in placing it in the Hall. But gentlemen, I frankly acknowledge I have several reasons in proposing to you the placing of the figure in the Hall, first the figure is my property, and executed by myself some eighteen or nineteen years past, I wish it a perpetual place in the Hall, that it may be said that a prophet may obtain some honor in his native place. I think you need not have any doubts as to its being a good likeness-I have modeled Gen. Washington in his life time frequently, in minature and as large as life. Judge Washington pronounced the figure here alluded to immediately on sight a better likeness than Stewart's Also, I am disposed to sell it if I can obtain a liberal compensation. When the Exchange was building at Baltimore, Mr. Dennis Smith offered me $500, which I refused as it would not scarcely pay me for the mere labour of nearly four months. I have been about sixty years at my business, and probably have exhibited some humble talents, that would entitle me to some consideration more than a mere laborer. The figure is excavated, and saturated with oil, and would be as durable as any furniture in a room covered from the weather. One observation more, I mention it not with the idea that my long service of twenty-two years in the City Councils, can add any merit to my work as a sculptor, but if Councils in viewing the figure should discover merit in it, sufficient to induce them to purchase itit might have some consideration, in rendering me a considerable kindness, and at the same time do me much honour. With great respect, I remain yours and the committees, humble servant. WM. RUSH. Mr. Kittera offered the ensuing resolution, which was adopted by both Councils. Resolved by the Senate and Common Councils, that the committee on the state house and independence square, be authorised to purchase at a price not exceeding 500 dollars, the statue of Washington, offered for sale by Wm. Rush, Esq. and the same be charged to appropriation No. 21. Mr. Kittera offered the annexed resolution, which was adopted by both Councils. Resolved by the Select and Common Councils, That the city commissioners be and they are hereby directed That they have received a letter from Wm. Rush, to cause Chesnut street, from fifth to sixth street, to Esq. offering for sale the statue of Washington, which be McAdanized under the direction of the Paving Comfor many years has been in the Hall of Independence.mittee, and charge the expense to appropriation, N. 1. Not considering themselves authorized to act in relation to it, they submit for the information of Councils the communication of this venerable architect, who for many years was a prominent and useful member of the Select Council, and whose work is considered, by many as one of great merit. THOMAS KITTERA, ESQ. Dear Sir-As Chairman of the Committee on the State House and Independence Square, I take the liberty to address you, and your fellow members through you as follows: As you are about restoring the Hall of Independence to its original style of architecture, I would suggest whether it would not be very appropriate to give the figure of Washington (which has occupied a place in the room since General Lafayette figured in it) a permanent fixture in some conspicuous part of the room. With due deference I would submit my opinion as to the propriety of placing the figure permanently in the Hall-for the following reason, I believe the spirit and fortitude of Washington inspired and presided over that august assembly of Patriots, that made the solemn Declaration of Independence of the United States, Mr. Kittera offered the following resolution, which was adopted by both Councils, and was referred to Messrs. Kittera, Lippencott, Massey, Cave Patterson, and Kneass. Resolved by the Select and Common Councils, that a committee of three members from each Council be appointed to inquire and report whether it be expedident to improve the Drawbridge Dock for a steam boat or commercial landing, and the probable expense of such improvement. COMMON COUNCIL.-Several petitions were presented in the common council similar to those presented in the Select Council. Mr. Wetherill from the committee on fire companies made the annexed report. The Committee on fire companies beg leave to report, that they have endeavoured to discharge impartially the duties required of them by the ordinances, which place under their control 5000 dollars to be appropriated among the fire engine and hose companies in the city, who shall comply with the provisions of said ordinances. The committees have certified the following appro priations to the Mayor and requested him to draw his warrant on the city treasurer for the said sums in favour of the president of their respective companies, viz: Engine Companies- 201 201 175 Hose Companies. Columbia; 201 183 and published in like manner, with and have the same force and effect as the ordinances of the city. Sec 5. After the first day of January next, no person shall keep an oyster cellar in the city of Philadelphia, without first receiving a certificate of registry in the manner herein before prescribed; under a penalty of fifty dollars, to be recovered by action of debt; one half thereof to the informer, and one half to the treasurer of the city. Mr. Kneass from the committee of accounts made re201 port that they find the city treasurer's quarter201 ly accounts from the first of April to the first of July 227 last, and also Dr. Franklin's and John Scott's Legacy 201 accounts, correct. 2438 5000 The Committee also beg leave to report in relation to the memorial of the Robert Morris hose company for aid from councils, that this company having been instituted since the 12th of May, 1823, is not embraced within the provisions of the present ordinances. Mr. Wetherill from the committee on the revised or dinances reported the following ordinances which were twice read and ordered to be printed. A supplement to the ordinance passed 27th May, 1828, entitled "An ordinance to prevent dogs from running at large" &c. both councils. Whereas, by a resolution of councils, Spruce street from 13th to Broad street is directed to be re-paved, as soon as the iron pipes are laid down. And whereas, the size of pipe intended for that street cannot be obtained during the present season, and the condition of the pavement is such as requires immediate attention. Therefore resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, that the city commissioners be and they are hereby directed, to cause Spruce street. from 13th to Broad streets, to be re-paved, and charge the expense to appropriation No. 1. Mr. Johnson read in his place the annexed ordinance relative to the Robert Morris hose company, which was passed by the common council but was laid on the table in the select council. A supplement to an ordinance, entitled an ordinance, granting aid to the hose and fire companies. Be it ordained and enacted by the citizens of Phila That the provisions of the ordinance to which this is a supplement, passed the 14th day of February, 1828, be and the same are hereby extended to the Robert Morris hose company, and that the said company be placed on the same footing as if it had been instituted prior to the 12th day of May, 1823. It shall be the duty of the High Constables, or such of them as shall be designated for that purpose by the Mayor, to cause to be made a proper pattern of a muz-delphia, in select and common councils assembled, zle for dogs, either of wire-work, leather, or other material of such a description as not to prevent them from drinking, but as effectually to prevent them from biting or snapping; which pattern when approved by the Mayor shall be placed in his office for public in spection: with directions of the proper manner of attaching and securing the same: And from and after the first day of January next, no muzzle shall be deemed to be in sufficient compliance with the provisions of the first section of the ordinance, to which this is a supplement, unless made in form and character like to the said pattern, and attached and secured according to the said directions. An ordinance for the regulation and controul of persons keeping Oyster Cellars. Sect. 1. The Mayor may from time to time direct the registry by the city commissioners of such persons de sirous of keeping oyster cellars, as shall produce to him satisfactory evidence of good character, which registry shall specify the name of the party and the situation of the cellar; and thereupon a certificate thereof shall issue signed by the commissioners and countersigned by the city clerk. Sec. 2. Such registry and certificate shall continue in force until the first day of March next ensuing; unless sooner revoked by the Mayor, on a conviction of a violation by the party registered or those in his employ, of the laws of the state or ordinances of the city, or on its appearing to him that such party has broken and disregarded the regulations hereinafter referred to. Sec. 3. Every person so registered shall at the time of receiving his first certificate pay to the city clerk for the use of the city the sum of five dollars,-and for each renewal of such registry the sum of two dollars. The Common Council appointed on their part Messrs. Ryan and Wetherill on the committee relative to steam boats. Councils adjourned until next Thursday evening.— Philadelphia Gazette. The New York Journal of Commerce lately stated, on the authority of an "intelligent officer of the navy,' that the Pennsylvania, the noble three-decker built at our Navy Yard, had settled on the stocks. This is a mistake which we are glad to have the means of correcting. The ship was never more secure and erect in her station than at present; and her actual condition, as well as her immense size and perfect workmanship, excites the admiration of all who inspect her. She has never settled even in the slightest degree, and there is no reason whatever to apprehend such an occurrence. She is supported by a stone wall, under the whole length of her keel, of four feet in breadth, on each side of which are two walls of equal length and also of solid masonry, their thickness being each three feet; with thirty-two transverse walls of similar construction, four feet apart, and each two feet and a half thick. These all rest on solid ground, and are laid, wherever this was necessary, in water cement. The interstices are filled with rubble stone, well rammed in; and the whole forms a mass not to be shaken by any thing less powerful than Sec. 4. The Mayor shall from time to time prepare such regulations for the government of the persons so an earthquake. registered as he shall judge proper; which regulations The informant of the New York paper observed the shall be by him submitted to the councils for their ap-guns of the ship lying near her; but his carelessness is proval, and when approved by them, shall be recorded proved by his statement that they are all forty-two poun UNITED STATES. 1829 1831 New York, third at Philadelphia-Frederick A. Muhlenburg of Pennsylvania, 1789 Second Congress, held at Philadelphia-Jonathan Trumbull of Connecticut, 1791 1789 1795 Third Congress, held at Philadelphia-Frederick A. Muhlenburg of Pennsylvania, 1793 1801 1802 Fourth Congress, held at Philadelphia-Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey, 1795 1814 Fifth Congress, held at Philadelphia-Jonathan 1814 Dayton of New Jersey, 1797 1817 1825 1829 1831 Sixth Congress, first session at Philadelphia, second 1801 Eighth Congress--Nathaniel Macon of N. Carolina, 1803 1789 Ninth Congress-Nathaniel Macon of N. Carolina, 1805 1795 Tenth Congress-Jos. B. Varnum of Massachusetts, 1807 1796 Eleventh Congress-Joseph B. Varnum of Mass. 1809 1800 Twelfth Congress-Henry Clay of Kentucky, 1811 1801 Thirteenth Congress-Henry Clay of Kentucky, 1813 1801 (until January 17th, 1814-Langdon Cheves of 1809 South Carolina, for the residue of the Congress). 1813 Fourteenth Congress-Henry Clay of Kentucky, 1815 1815 Fifteenth Congress-Henry Clay of Kentucky, 1817 Sixteenth Congress-Henry Clay of Kentucky, du1817 ring the first session, 1829 Seventeenth Congress-Philip P. Barbour of Va. 1821 1831 Eighteenth Congress-Henry Clay of Kentucky, 1823 Nineteenth Congress-John W. Taylor of N. York, 1825 Twentieth Congress-Andrew Stevenson of Va. 1827 [Note.-This department was not established until the Twenty-first Congress-Andrew Stevenson of Va. 1829 SECRETARIES OF THE NAVY. |