HAZARD'S REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. VOL. VIII.-NO. 20. PHILADELPHIA, NOVEMBER 12, 1831. NO. 202. FRANKLIN INSTITUTE. To the Board of Managers of "The Franklin Institute," of the state of Pennsylvania, for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts. The Committee of Premiums and Exhibitions respectfully report: That in pursuance of the plan sanctioned by the Board, their Seventh Exibition of Domestic Manufactures was held at the Masonic Hall on the 4th Oct., and that it continued open until the 8th inclusive; during which time, it was visited by an immense number of our fellow citi zens, as well residents of this city as strangers. The Committee estimate the visitors to have exceeded 40,000. Notwithstanding the great extension given to free admission, including the members of the Institute, depositors of goods, Committees of Arrangements and Judges, persons connected with the press, and strangers of distinction, to each of whom tickets admitting three individuals at any one time were issued, the receipts at the door amounted to $1,218 50-100 which shows that about 10,000 persons paid for their admission. The expenses of the Exhibition were, it is believed, somewhat higher than usual, but the committee entertain a hope that this sum will be sufficient to defray them entirely. The accounts are not yet settled, when this is done, a full statement of receipts and expenditures will be submitted. Among other benefits attending the present exhibition, the Committee enumerate an accession of seventy six members, and the sale of a few copies of the Journal. The Committee would observe that while the quality of the goods was decidedly superior to that on former occasions, the quantity and variety of articles was also greater: the only branches in which our former exhi bitions presented a richer display, were in cabinet ware, marble mantels and grates. These are all very cumbersome articles to move, and in the case of the marble mantels, the erection of them is attended with so much expense, that the Committee did not make much exertion to persuade the makers to send them. To this circumstance, and to the highly improved distribution of the goods, introduced by the Committee of Arrangement, we attribute the greater comfort of the vivitors, even during the periods when those rooms were more crowded than we had ever known them to be be. fore. The Committee have pleasure in stating that, with the exception of a few trifling articles mislaid, the goods were all returned in perfect order to their owners. Annexed, we present, first, a list of the premiums which we conceive to be due,and which we recommend to the Board to award--secondly, the catalogue or invoice of the goods deposited-and thirdly, the reports of the Judges, many of which contain observations which we think will enrich the Journal of the Institute. They appear to have been, for the most part, drawn up with much more care than on former occasions. Of the eighty-nine premiums proposed by the Institute, fourteen are adjudged to be due; by adding to these the fifteen extra premiums which the Committee think ought to be awarded, we obtain the number of 29, which we respectfully recommend to you to grant. They are as follows: On Cotton Goods. But as the objects of the Institute in holding their exhibitions were in no manner of a pecuniary nature, it is to the benefits which they are calculated to produce on our manufactures, that we look as a reward for past exertions, and as an incentive to future ones. It is grati 1. Premium No. 54, for the best sample of rich chinta fying to observe the great improvement which each suc-prints for ladies' dresses, not less than three colours, cessive exhibition manifests in the manufactures already established as well as the increase, resulting from the new ones now for the first time noticed. Among the articles in which most improvement has been made in the last twelve months, we may mention the carpets, the flannels, the printed cottons, the stoves for anthra cite, the writing paper, the Britania ware, &c. Among those now seen for the first time are the natural yellow nankeens, the cotton hose, the silk plush, and the manufactures of iron by coke alone, the cutlery, &c. Great improvement in the taste of the manufactures is evinced in the chaster and more graceful forms of the cabinet ware, most of the pianos, the grates and other articles, the good workmanship of which often suffered much formerly by the abuse of ornaments. Even now we occcasionally observe forms too massive, or inappropriate to the uses expected of the goods-colours too gaudy or inharmonious-gildings too lavishly spread upon objects of furniture. But it is gratifying to see the disposition to improve as evinced in many of our manufacturers. Among the articles the good taste of which united all suffrages, we might cite the beautiful Brussels carpets from Lowell and Carlisle, the handsome sofa by White, the admirably executed chandelier of Cornelius, &c. and not less than 5 pieces of 28 yards each; is due to Andrew Robison, of - -for specimen No. 237, deposited by Hacker, Brown, & Co. which are remarkable for their firmness, colouring and elegance of execution. 2. Prémium No. 57, for the best sample of two blue prints (same quantity to be exhibited,) is due to the Eagle Works of Bellville, N. J. for specimen No. 382, deposited by Gill, Ford & Co. which were the best and finest exhibited, and fully entitled to premium. S. Premium No. 60, for the best sample of 4.4 fancy gingham, in imitation of the Scotch, of yarn No. 45 or upwards, not less than ten pieces of stripes and checks of equal lengths to be exhibited, is due to John Steel, of Philadelphia, for his specimens No. 266, manufactured from yarns from No. 60 to 80. The Committee understand that these are the finest yarns at present to be obtained in this market: and that this manufacturer deserves encouragement for the ability and industry which he has manifested. 4. Premium No. 49, for the best sample of white Canton flannel, 26 inches wide, not less than 200 yards to be exhibited, and to be superior to any before offered, is due to the Blockley Works of Philadelphia, for specimens No. 34, which were the best exhibited. 5. An extra premium is due to John Colt, of Patter son, N. J. for specimens, No. 187, deposited by Craig, & Sargeant, being six pieces of cotton canvass, which the Committee consider to be an object of great importance to the country. The experiments made on board of public and private ships, have established its character, and the attention of the public cannot be too frequently called to it. 6. An extra premium is also due to the Hon. John Forsyth, of Augusta, in Georgia, for the spirit of enterprise which has induced him to cultivate the variety of cotton from which the Aerumina nankeens were made. These goods (No. 104) deposited by Thomas & Martin, manufactured by Collet and Smith, of Patterson, N. J. are deserving of particular notice-as the color is said to stand the severest test, and as the extension of this variety of cotton bids fair to supply us with an excellent substitute for the Indian yellow nankeens. 7. In like manner, an extra premium is due to Collet and Smith,of Patterson, N. J. for the skill and ingenuity manifested by them in the manufacture of these nankeens, and for the success with which they have overcome the difficulties arising from the shortness of the staple, &c. 8. An extra premium is also due to Cunningham and Anderson of Richmond, Virginia, for specimen No. 415, deposited by Hacker, Brown, & Co. being their Bochellas, dyed blue in this city. They are well calculated for a cheap wearing apparel, and being stout and well made, will supply a desideratum which has been anxiously looked for. These are also interesting to us, as being the first specimens of Cotton Goods received from a manufactory south of the Potomac; and being five pieces found in the ware-houses in this city, and not sent expressly by the manufacture rs, they may be inferred to be a fair specimen of the goods they make. 9. Although premium No. 63 and 64, are not strictly due, yet the Committee think that the Newburyport Hose Manufacturing Company deserve a medal for their extensive display of Cotton and Worsted Hose and Drawers, No. 220 and 221, deposited by A. Wright; they are the first of the kind exhibited here in any quantity. They are substantially and well made, and deserve encouragement, as constituting another branch of Cotton Manufacture in this country. [NOVEMBER the notice of our judges: the wool is of the finest description, and the goods are remarkably well made, the only objection being a slight blueish tinge which should be obviated in any future manufacture of the article. 12. An extra premium is due to the Salisbury Manufacturing Company of Mas. for specimen No. 22, deposited by C. C. Haven, being a great variety of flannels, exhibiting all the different kinds and qualities made by them, and shewing a decided improvement in their manufacture; in the opinion of the judges they are in every respect equal to the imported article. The scarlets were particularly rich and brilliant in color. 13. An extra premium is due to Joseph Ripka, of Philadelphia, for his green summer Cloth, (No. 141,) cotton and worsted, the only imitation of the Enghsh of this description which has come under our notice. consider this manufacturer as deserving of especial com. mendation, as well for this particular article as for his manufactures in general, which stand deservedly high in all markets of the Union. We 14. Premium No. 62 is awarded to the Middlesex Manufacturing Co. of Lowell, Mass. for their merino cassimere, (No. 111, deposited by Lewis and Whitney) made of cotton and wool. It is the best specimen of men's summer wear exhibited, and is in every respect equal to the imported article; evincing great perfection of texture and finish, as well as superior style in putting it up. 15. Premium No. 84, is due, we think, to the Buffalo Manufacturing Company of New York, for specimen No. 24, deposited by C. C. Haven, being 2 pair of white Mackinaw blankets, which will, in every respect, com pete with the foreign article. An honorary mention is also due to the same Company for a large parcel of bed blankets, No. 469, which are considered equal to the best English blankets. 16. An extra premium is due to Col. John E. Colhoun, of Pendleton, South Carolina, for the specimens of blankets (No. 542) manufactured by him. The warp is of cotton, and the filling is of wool. These are very good samples of a coarse but substantial article, calculated for the use of negroes on plantations, and better than English goods of the same description. This is the first manufactory of the kind established in South Carolina, and deserves encouragement. Honorary mention is due to Cornelius Vancourt, a pupil of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and An honorary mention is due to Houston and GroveDumb, for the beauty, fineness and finish of the checksville, for specimen No. 188, being 5 pieces of mixed No. 28, exhibited by that praiseworthy Institution. sattinetts; the mixtures of which are remarkably well They are the best presented this year, but are preclu- done, the fabric strong, and well cleaned from impurided from the premium, because checks equally good ties and imperfections. have at former exhibitiong been presented by the same institution and rewarded with a medal. The Committee understand that Vancourt is only 14 years of age, and has been but a short time in the weaving department of the Deaf and Dumb Institution. To Joseph Smithurst, of Philadelphia, they also award an honorary mention for his jaconet cambric handkerchiefs, No. 334, which are woven of the best yarn now in the market; they are thought well made and deserving of notice. Woollen Goods. 10. Premiums No. 73 and 74, on superfine blue and black cloth, and on $3 blue cloth, are withheld, but the committee believe that an extra premium is due to the Oxford Manufacturing Company, of Massachusetts, for specimens No. 23, deposited by C. C. Haven, of which the judges report that "it is said to be of American wool; that it is the best specimen of Cloth at $4 per yard, which they were called to examine; and that it will vie with any of foreign manufacture,as to texture,finish and mixture, in all of which it bears ample testimony to the skill and ability of the makers. 11. Premium No. 78, for the best sample of fine white gauze flannel, is due to J. and T. Kershaw, of Blockley, Pennsylvania, for No. 53, which was the finest specimen of this article that had ever come under Carpets. 17. Premium No. 81, for the best sample of Venitian carpeting, is due to John M'Fee, of Philadelphia, for specimen Nos. 7, 8 and 9, being three pieces of 3-4, 4-4 and 5-8 Venitian carpeting, which is a superior article, and the best of American manufacture that our judges had seen. 18. Premium No. 82, for the best specimen of Brussels carpeting, is due to Samuel Given, of Carlisle, Pa. for specimen No. 21, deposited by John Hastings, being a piece of handsome and durable Brussels carpet, entirely of American manufacture and material. It is of excellent quality. 19. An extra premium is due to the Lowell Company of Massachusetts, for the handsome display of Brussels and ingrain carpets (Nos. 5, 6, &c.) deposited by C. C. Haven. The Brussels are made of foreign yarn, dyed in this country. The patterns are very handsome and tasteful, and the quality remarkably good. The ingrains are of superior quality, but not exclusively of American materials, the warp having been imported in the grease. Were these carpets exclusively of American manufacture and materials the premium would be due to them as a matter of course; under existing cir cumstances we think that Company has a just claim to a medal, i An honorary mention is due to Mr. Isaac Macauley, of Philadelphia, for his beautiful piece of painted floor cloth (No. 432,) equal in durability and beauty to the English, as well as for his oil cloths for table covers (431 and 432,) superior to any imported. We should not hesitate in recommending them for premium, if Mr. Macaulay had not already twice received the medal of the Institute for similar goods. His manufacture needs neither praise nor encouragement from us, but we cannot withhold the expression of our admiration, at the perfection which he has attained. We also recommend an honorary mention to Messrs. Doggett, Farnsworth, & Co. of Philadelphia, for their beautiful hearth rugs (No. 37,) which are much superior both in durability and workmanship to any other of American manufacture which we have ever seen. An honorary mention is also merited by William Perry of Philadelphia, for his cotton carpets, (No. 96,) which are a low priced article, superior to any of the kind we have yet seen-and to C. Lachapella, of Philadelphia, for his ingrain carpets, No. 99. Silk Goods. Although the display of silks was very pleasing, and evinced increasing interest in this department, yet nothing was offered which deserved a premium. An honorary mention is, however, due to Joseph Ripka, of Philadelphia, for a specimen of black plush (No. 146,) made of American silk with but a small admixture of foreign material. It is remarkable for the quality of the silk, the excellence of the manufacture, color, &c. Straw Bonnets. 307 buttons. They formerly received a premium for simi- Silver and Plated Goods, Glassware and Porcelain. The great perfection to which our silversmiths have attained render it inexpedient for the Institute to bestow its medals upon this branch of the Arts, otherwise a fine competition from the extensive workshops of Thomas Fletcher, Edward Lownes, Curry & Preston, and R. & W. Wilson all of Philadelphia, would have produced much embarrasment on the parts of the judges in deciding upon their respective merits. Institute in under great obligations to these gentlemen for a really splendid display of the choicest silver urns, tea and coffee pots, cans, wine coolers, cake baskets, goblets, pencil cases, &c. &c. The In like manner the magnificent assortment of glassware from the New England Glass Manufacturing Company of Massachusetts, and the Union Glass Company of Kensington and Jackson & Bagot of New York, and 20. Premium No. 83, for the best sample of straw Tucker & Hemphill, of Philadelphia, show that all these the beautiful display of porcelain ware from Messrs. bonnets, is due to Mrs. Elizabeth Henley of Philadel-establishments maintain the high reputation which they phia, for an article (No. 191) far superior to any exhibThe judges united with the visitors in bestowing upon it unqualified praise. Iron and Steel. ted here before. have already acquired and fully justify the encomiums and medals awarded to them at our former exhibitions. Among the less shewy but not less useful articles is the durable and cheap flint stone ware of Horner and Shuley, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, which are like wise deserving of honorary mention. Stoves and Grales. Specimens of both these articles were received, but the Committee are not prepared to express their opinion as to their merits as they are still in the hands of the The Porter Bottles, made by the New England Glass judges undergoing a severe and thorough examination; Company, and deposited by Mr. Muzzy, are undergo but the Committee think that an honorary mentioning an experiment in order to determine their strength is due to Hardman Phillips, of Phillipsburg, Centre and merits. Until this is completed, we forbear to excounty, Pennsylvania, for the industry and skill with press an opinion on the subject. which he pursues his experiments on the manufacture of iron. The attempt to make it, using no other fuel than coke, leaves no room to question the advantages to our country of the introduction here of this hitherto exclusively European process of manufacture. The interesting collection (No. 302 et seq.) of coal, coke, hematetic iron ore, with their products of pig-metal,bloom, wire, and screws, entitle him to the notice of the Institute. They were deposited by A. M. Jones. Cutlery and Surgical Instruments. 21. Premium No. 38. For the best set of table cutlery to consist of not less than 51 picces, is due to Henry Barton for his handsome display of table cutlery, No. 192 to 195, including 162 pieces or three setts all equally well made, and which the Committee are assured were altogether forged and made in this country. Hardware. 22. An extra premium is due to the Taunton Britannia Manufacturing Company of Massachusetts, for its handsome display of Britannia Ware (specimen No. 1) It is in every respect a superior, and was frequently mistaken for more costly metal. Honorary mentions are due to Day and Shock, to M. Katez, and to Job Baker for their improved locks, the merit of which, noticed at previous exhibitions, has been confirmed by the personal experience of them by the judges: they consider them superior to any other kinds ever imported into the country, but still somewhat deficient in the lackering. Honorary mentions are also due to Robinson, Jones, & Co. of Attleborough, Massachusetts, and to J. M. L. and W. H. Scovill, of Waterbury, Connecticut, for their 23. Great interest has been manifested by the depositors, and visitors at the exhibition, as well as by the public at large, to ascertain the decision in relation to the stoves entitled to the high reward in premium No. 3, consisting not only of the usual medal, but also, of the sum of one hundred dollars which by the liberality of the proprietors of the Anthracite mines in Pennsyl vania, was placed at the disposal of the Institute. By the award of the highly respectable judges to whom this subject was referred, the premium is due to Powel Stackhouse, for his cast iron cooking stove, (No. 534) which is neat and compact, and will be very du rable. It bakes and boils well, and the whole arrangement is good. Its fixtures are well made and consist of a large tin boiler for washing, a tin boiler and steamer for meat and vegetables and a tin tea kettle, to all of which copper tubes are attached, which pass through orifices made in the back and side of the stove, over the fire, and from which an abundance of heat is communicated to the contents of the several vessels. Under the grate is a convenient permanent sifter to separate the ashes from the coal. The stove will weigh 1 cwt. 2 qrs., and with the fixtures above, will cost $15. It combines greater advantage than any now in use, and the fumes of the anthracite are not brought into contact with the food intended to be cooked. It therefore comes strictly within the terms of the premium except that the price is $15, and not "under $15," as proposed; but your committee unite with the judges in recommending to the board to overlook this slight descrepancy, and to award to Mr. Stackhouse the silver dal and one hundred dollars, as soon as he shall have given satisfactory security to furnish within six months from this date, if required, fifty stoves of similar construction and workmanship at that price. Lamps. 24. Premium No. 24.-For the best and most extensive variety of mantel, astral, or banging lamps, is due to Christian Cornelius, of Philadelphia, for his fine display of excellent lamps, but more especially for his splendid chandelier, (No. 364) which is believed to be the largest and most tasteful work of the kind that has ever been made in America. It combines large size, with perfect proportion and exquisite workmanship. Books, Paper and Stationary. 25. Premium No. 19, not being strictly due to any of the depositors of paper, the committee recommend that an extra premium be given to the Brandywine Manufacturing Co. for their beautiful display of paper, (No. 392) deposited by Thomas Fisher, which is very superior, and deserving of great praise for its excellent quality, and various beautiful tints, as well as for the neatness with which it is put up. An honorary mention is also awarded to R. Donaldson, of New York, for the fine assortment of foolscap, letter, scented, tinted, and embossed note and letter paper, which are of a very fine quality and highly creditable to the maker. An honorary mention is likewise awarded to J. Edgar of Philadelphia, and to David Fell, of New York, as well as to J. Crissy, of Philadelphia, for their good specimens of book binding. Cotton Seed Oil, 26. Premium No. 14, is due to Joseph M. and Geo. Freeman, of Philadelphia; for their purified cotton seed oil, (No. 16 and 17) which is a new and successful attempt, and likely to become a very important article of trade. Fine Arts. 27. Among the works of Fine Arts, few come before this society; but of those deposited at our exhibition, the wood cut engravings of objects of Natural History by Reuben S. Gilbert, (No. 179,) have appeared to us to entitle that young and estimable artist to the notice of the Institute; and we accordingly recommend that the silver medal be awarded to him. Cabinet Ware. The only sideboard offered to us was one by our fellow member of this board, C. H. White, (No. 404) who of course is not a competitor for a premium, but being assured that it is the sole and exclusive work of his foreman, David H. Bell, we recommend that an honorable mention be awarded to the latter for his beautiful workmanship. The highest praise is also due to Michael Bouvier for a beautiful globe work-table, (No. 323) the design of which is new, and the workmanship exquisite. The handsome specimens of work from Joseph Barry and Anthony Quervelle fully sustain the high reputation of these annual contributors to our exhibitions. The secretary and book-case, (No. 125) and 126) made by an apprentice to Thomas Robertson, entitles the maker to an honorary mention, as it is a remarkable piece of work for one who has not yet been two years at the trade, and as it is veneered with our native ash. It is not our purpose to notice the splendid furniture deposited by Mr. White, as his situation in the Board precludes him from any claim to a compliment. [NOVEMBER regulating thermometer, (No. 311) the beauty of its execution having been specially noticed by the judges on Philosophical apparatus. Musical Instruments. 28. An extra premium is due to F. N. Scherr, of Philadelphia, for his harp guitar, (No. 345) a new instrument made and patented by him, and for his Phyxharmonica, (No. 344) which is an instrument deserving of particu lar commendation, being well adapted for the parlour or hall, of sweet yet powerful tone, and of beautiful workmanship. 29. To Francis H. Smith, an extra premium is due for his Metrotone, (No. 189) and for his grand harmonicon, (No. 19.) The former is an instrument of ingeni ous contrivance, capable of describing to a well cultivated ear, thirty-six distinct sounds in one semi-tone. The latter, better known as the musical glasses, is a pleasing instrument, differing essentially from and su perior to the musical glasses heretofore invented. The quality of the tone is rich, and with its sweetness combines great power. Honorary mentions are due to Messrs. Loud and Brothers, Mickley, Meyer, and Scherr, of Philadelphia, and Geib, of New York, for a fine display of their Pianos, sustaining well the justly acquired reputation of these able manufacturers. It is with reluctance that the Committee find themselves compelled to omit noticing many beautiful and ingenious fabrics which commanded the attention and elicited the admiration of the visitors; but they are precluded from doing it by the great length of this report. They will be all recorded in the catalogue of the exhi bition now in the press. The board cannot without injustice to their feelings omit to tender the thanks of the Institute to those numberless friends who kindly undertook the arduous duties of the Committee of arrangement, or the more unpleasant ones of judges: to the depositors for their liberal and enlightened co-operation in the views of the Institute; and to the public in general for the interest they manifest in our efforts, and of which so striking a proof was given by their favourable notice of this our Seventh Exhibition. The Committee have the pleasure of informing the Board that they have succeeded in obtaining the requisite number of medals for this exhibition, and that they will be ready for distribution within a few days after the award by the Board, that is to say, as soon as the names of the successful competitors can be cut upon them. The Committee expected to be able to announce that one of the most distinguished friends of manufactures in Pennsylvania had acceded to their invitation to deliver an address to the public on the occasion of the distribution of the medals—but motives of delicacy on his part, of which they cannot but approve, however much they may regret their effect, have induced that able friend of ours to decline the invitation, at least for the present. All of which is respectfully submitted, by J. HENRY BULKLEY, At a meeting of the Board of Managers of the Institute, held Oct. 13, 1831, the above report was read and accepted, and on motion, it was Resolved, That this Board approve of the award of premiums and honorary mentions recommended by the Committee of Premiums and Exhibitions, and it was ordered that the report be published under the direction of the Committee, and that the silver medals be delivered to the successful competitors, as soon as possible, and in such manner and form as the committee of premiums and exhibitions shall decide upon. [Signed] M. D. LEWIS, Chairman of the Board of Managers. 1831.] DISCOURSE BEFORE THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. ANNUAL DISCOURSE DELIVERED BEFORE THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. Br J. R. Trson, Esq. Gentlemen of the Historical Society: 309 fered with the civil immunities of the people, the passions of resentment and animosity might easily have been excited into action. But the war of the revolution was essentially a war of principle, less for injuries inflicted which could be felt, than in anticipation of evils that were meditated or intended. In a contest of such a nature, which appeals only to the higher sentiments of enlightened reason; in a quarrel upon a provocation scarcely affecting the right of property, and not violating those of persons; it requires an elevation of moral character, an energy of political principle to enter the arena. To perceive abstract truth as reflecting men, and to reason upon indications as practical philosophers, is seldom given to a community at large. No higher evidences can be demanded of the moral and intellectual superiority of Pennsylvania and the other colonies, than the determined union of all classes against a gigantic power, for the purpose of effecting the recision of a law, which, in its operation, was hardly perceptible. The honour which you have conferred upon me in the invitation to deliver your Annual Discourse, cannot but excite a lively anxiety and deep solicitude. To say that I distrust my ability to meet the most moderate expectations which may be formed, would but feebly express the sensations of diffidence with which the task is undertaken. These apprehensions are in no degree diminished by the recollection of the learned and distinguished gentlemen who have preceded me in the performance of this duty; nor by a reference to the fact that the most splendid and captivating portions of Pennsylvania story, have been appropriated in a manner which renders a further attempt at elucidation alike presumptuous and unnecessary. Relying however up-erty, the feeling in Pennsylvania was not universal; and on the favourable consideration which your selection bespeaks, I shall throw myself upon your indulgence while surveying a period which from its recency, its importance, and the moral fruits it has produced, must ever challenge the admiration of civilized and enlightened men. Whatever attractions the early history of provincial Pennsylvania may present, the period of the revolution is big with wonders, whether we regard it in relation to the events which occurred and the impression it has produced, or as the era for the establishment of a new and independent government and the principles which thence emerged into practice. The patriarchal government of Penn, which excluded all commotions save occasional controversies terminating at most in an angry debate or a copious effusion of ink, gave place to a scene which was at once novel and perilous. Pennsylvania was not unacquainted with the foundations of her political rights, nor was she wanting in moral courage to assert and sustain them. Her enlightened freemen were sensible, that as the Charter of the Province emanated from the Royal prerogative, an attempt to impose burdens by the authority of Parliament was a palpable and unrighteous usurpation. The spirit which was kindled at this appearance of oppression, was the same spirit of liberty which, under another form, had resisted the encroachments of proprietary privilege, and manifested itself from the earliest stage of our provincial existence, in a noble jealousy for those immunities which were originally reserved in the social compact. It was that identical spirit which, whether true or false, examined with scrutiny the acts of Penn and his successors, and submitted to nothing which bore the least semblance of political encroachment or violated law. But when the flame of the revolution burst out, it was a wordy altercation no longer. The proprietary and popular parties crumbled into embers;-old feelings, antipathies, and prejudices ceased-or were so modified and changed that the traces of former difficulties were entirely obliterated. New views and opinions-hatreds more embittered, and friendships more deeply rooted-with their train of consequences, succeeded. It cannot be surprising, that on a question so momentous as that which involved the sudden disruption of political ties, there should be diversities of sentiment; nor that with a people who had enjoyed almost without interruption the pleasures of peace, there should be felt a repugnance to war. Attachment to the parent country as well as to existing establishments, was natural where both are recommended by the recollections of a free and happy ancestry, sanctified as these are by all those associations which render them endearing. If tyranny had left its impress upon domestic happiness or inter Its Numerous, however, as were the adherents to the cause, and firm as were most in their allegiance to libsome from inveterate attachment to England, and more from the inflexibility of religious opinions, refused all participation. Factions of course, in a brief period, arose; and the whigs were sufficiently proscriptive to denounce as tories all who did not join the bel-ligerent party. The Friends or Quakers, who formed the largest portion of those who declined, were inimical to war upon a ground of religious belief, that non-resistance was a cardinal duty. But the furious spirit of the times was unable to brook any appearance of neutrality-they were upbraided as to ries or stigmatized as traitors, and two individuals were doomed to the sacrifice. Let me not be understood as reflecting censure upon the court which pronounced their culpability, nor as questioning the expediency of measures of sufficient rigour to paralize any tendency which may have appeared to insurrection and rebellion. Situated as was the country in a war, the unfortunate issue of which would have degraded and ruined those who fomented it, it was necessary for the purposes of example, to restrain a spirit which no doubt existed, destructive of the high-minded patriotism and chivalrous designs of its magnaninous leaders. But this spirit was confined to a few. prevalence was naturally magnified at a stormy period, when the approach of tyranny,' as Burke expresses it, 'was snuffed in every tainted breeze,' and sectarian scruples had the opprobrious and alarming name of popular defection. Subsequent writers, particularly those of other states, have tried the virtue of repetition to perpetuate the error. Those of the Quakers who are obnoxious to the censure of actively oppos ing the colonies, or secretly abetting the enemy, are freely surrendered to just scorn and merited reprobation. But the number is diminutive, and it should no more be visited upon the sect at large than upon the reputation of the colony that was so unfortunate as to own them. If, as it has been contended, a spirit of opposition was more extensively discernable among the Quakers than among the other religious sects, it is rather attributable to a false application of fundamental principles than to the influence of affection for the parent country. As Christians they believed themselves bound to the preservation of peace, and the notion of considering an existing government in the light of an ordinance of God, worthy of obedience where it is just, and to be quietly submitted to where it is inequitable, involved the necessity of their taking no part in the quarrel. Whatever may have been the sentiments entertained of Great Britain in attempting to tax the colonies without their consent, it would have been incapable, upon the ground they assumed, to influence Vide Appendix, Note 1. |