32 MISCELLANEOUS. [JULY PORT OF PHILADELPHIA. Inward-For June, 1831. Where from. England, 7 Ireland, 1 Hanse Towns, France, Spain, South America, Cuba, 3 1212252 7 1 17 12 Inward Coastwise-62 vessels-Tonnage, 5895. Where to. England, Africa, Holland, France, Gibraltar, South America, Cuba, 3056 245 765 579 172 200 267 228 517 420 8629 Hayti, Brazils, British West Indies, Danish West Indies, 2 Other Spa. W. Indies 2 HUNTINGDON, June 15. On last Saturday, hundreds of our citizens witnessed the launching of the "James Clarke," a new and very handsome Canal Boat, into the basin, at the west end of the borough; owned by Messrs. Williams and Miller.When safely launched into the basin, she was greeted by the hearty acclamations of those who witnessed the pleasing and interesting sight. What! a canal boat launched in the vicinity of Huntingdon! Had any one predicted an event of this kind, some years back, he, in all probability, would have been 'yclept a wizard. or set down as beside himself. When the mail stage commenced running once a week, from Fhiladelphia to this place, our older citizens considered it a marvellous affair-what will they say now? HUNTINGDON, June 22. On Thursday last the citizens of this place were much delighted with an acquatic excursion down the canal, in the boat "JAMES CLARKE," owned by Messrs. Wil liams and Miller. About 10 o'clock in the morning, upwards of eighty ladies and gentlemen went on board of the boat, at the basin, accompanied by the "Huntingdon Band'-whose performance on various instru2052 ments of music, is not excelled for taste and talent be100 tween here and Philadelphia. The boat proceeded 197 down the canal, to Clintonville, a distance of 13 miles, 378 and returned at an early hour in the evening; without 181 any accident or detention, to mar the pleasures of the 796 day. Among those on board, we observed James Clark, 895 Esq. and lady. The canal banks, at every lock and 232 bridge, were crowded with anxious spectators, who 110 evinced their delight at the approach of the boat, by 567 hearty cheers and huzzas. The re-echo of the soul649 stirring drum, shrill fife, melodious flute, &c., added 113 double zest to the excursion. The sublime and roman. 479 tic scenery, particularly at Drake's ferry, is not excelled in any part of Pennsylvania. The imagination cannot paint any thing so beautifully striking-old nature sits there, in fearful grandeur, unmolested by the hand of time, or art of man. 7626 Outward Coastwise-104 vessels-Tonnage, 9343. [Pennsylvania Inquirer. The time occupied in passing through the locks was was from 13 to 2, and in ascending from 5 to 8 minutes. DIVISION OF THE COUNTY.-At a highly respectable-Gaz. and numerous meeting of the inhabitants of Bristol township, in the county of Philadelphia, held pursuant to public notice, at the house of John Felton, Esq., on Thursday the 23d of June, 1831 JOHN DE PREFONTAINE, Esq. was called to the chair, and GEORGE F. M'CALLMONT, and WILLIAM JACKSON, were appointed secretaries. The object of the meeting being stated from the chair, it was after due deliberation, on motion THE REGISTER. JULY 9, 1831. We are glad to hear, from many respectable quarters, the high estimation in which the papers of "The Alchemist" are held, and that public sentiment justifies the Resolved, That this meeting go into an election for encomiastic terms, with which we at first introduced three Delegates to meet other Delegates that may be him to notice. We have no doubt, that the reputation appointed by other townships, or districts, or parts adjacent, to meet in General Conference, at such time and he has acquired will be fully sustained, by the good place as may hereafter be agreed upon, to take into con- sense and literary merit of his future essays. The intersideration the propriety of a division of the county-ruptions in his appearance having arisen from accidental whereupon, Jacob Medary, Algernon S. Logan, and John L. Williams, were appointed said Delegates. Resolved, That the Delegates herein named, be also appointed a Committee of Correspondence, to confer with the citizens of other townships and districts, giving them a cordial invitation to join in the proposed measure to call meetings and choose Delegates. Resolved, That the Delegates appointed have authority to fill any vacancy that may occur in their body. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting, sign. ed by the Chairman and Secretaries, be published in the Germantown Telegraph, and such papers in the city of causes, will be guarded against hereafter. His twentieth number will be found in to-days paper. During the past week, an unusual quantity of rain has fallen in different directions-and we fear that much damage has been sustained, in the destruction of crops, and the removal of bridges, &c. The Fourth of July, was celebrated in this city by military parades, public dinners, orations, speeches, &c. 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 Penn sylvania 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 Ind 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. CIVIS. It is but a century and a half since Pennsylvania was in a rude state of nature-uncultivated by civilization— uninhabited 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 countries 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 country 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. 5 pendence, and we have plenty of room for a hundred millions more! In 1776, the population of the United States did not exceed 2,500,000. In 1790, when the first census was taken, the number was 3,930,000. In 1820, when the fourth census was taken, it was 9,637,299. In 1830, according to the last census, the population was 12,976,649. The census of 1790, gave Pennsylvania a population of 434,373. And the census of 1830, 1,372,812. Therefore, the United States has gained, in the last forty years, 9,046,649. And Pennsylvania, within the same period, has gained 938,449. One The increase has been acquired in two ways. by the natural multiplication of the species, the other by importations from abroad. The natural increase is much the greatest, perhaps as five or six to one. The increase in New York and Ohio is still greater than in Pennsylvania. In 1790, the state of New York contained only 340,120. In 1830, according to the last census, its population was 1,934,376 The state of Ohio was admitted into the union in 1802, when its population was about 60,000. In 1830, it was found to contain 937,679. The surplus produce of the country constitutes the principal subsistence of the towns, and the increase of the trade and population of the towns, denotes the increase and prosperity of the country. The inhabitants of the towns and those of the country, are, therefore, mainly connected with, and serviceable to each other. The cities and towns afford a market, to which the people in the country resort,in order to enable them to exchange their produce for cash, merchandise, or other commodities, they may require for their comfort and convenience, It is this commerce which supplies the towns with the materials for business and work, and the requisite means for the support of human life; and the demand augments in proportion to the increase of population, and the extension of improvements and cultivation. The encouragement afforded to the farmer, to settle in Pennsylvania, applies with equal force to the labourer, manufacturer, and mechanic, of every description. Without the aid of artificers, the cultivation of the land, and the improvement of the country, cannot take place. Smiths, carpenters, masons, wheelwrights, coopers, tanners, shoemakers, tailors, weavers and millers, are as useful in the country, and their services as essential, as they are in the towns. Every branch of trade will find liberal encouragement and protection in Pennsylvania, both in the towns and the country. No man need be idle, if he is able and willing to work. The number of buildings erecting in every direction; the vast operations on the roads and canals; and the daily activity of the workshops, give constant employment to every class of mechanics, from the common labourer to the master workinan! There are not less than from twelve to fitteen hundred substantial brick dwellings and stores now building, and contracted to be built in Philadelphia, during the present year (1831), and from three to four hundred miles of rail-roads and canals, constructing throughout the commonwealth! What an extensive field for labour! What an encouraging prospect for the emigrant landing on our shores! It must be obvious to every one, that the improvement of a country, by new and cheap facilities of conveyance, not only gives a more extensive market to every sort of industry, but accelerates the settlement of back lands, and appreciates their value. That this will 16,26 be the case in Pennsylvania, to a very great extent, 21 when our improvements are completed, I have no doubt. 22 My object in writing these essays, is to promulgate that 28 [252 66 3 4 1 W Winds. 2 dys N 2 NE 16 1 SE E 12 S 15 W IP.M. Clear, Cloudy, steady rain, heav.rain Cloudy, Cloudy, Clear, Clear, Showery, "light rain hun. gust "Cloudy, lig rain,' "light rain Clea Clear, Cloudy, "light rain Cloudy, 1831.] HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA. On the 2d at noon, thermometer at 85° the highest. On the 24th in the morning, thermometer at 49° the lowest. Range in the month 36. By the above, the 2d was the warmest day, and the 24th the coldest On the 24th at noon, barometer at 29.88 the highest. On the 5th in the morning, barom. at 29.42 the lowest. The wind has been 9 days east of the Meridian, 17 davs west of it, 2 days north, and 2 days south. There was rain on the 4th 5 12 13 14 16 18 21 23 26 27 28 30th, the heaviest were on the 4th 5 13 14 23 27 30th. Thunder gusts on the 14th and 30th. There were 12 days of this month clear, 5 days part clear, part cloudy, and 13 days on which it rained. By turning back to June 1830, we will find there were 14 days on which it rained, and but 10 days clear. So that of the two seasons, this so far, has been the most favourable; whether the depth of rain in both seasons, has been alike, I have had no method or instrument to know. The mean temperature of this month and of June 1830 is exactly alike, 68° each. During a heavy shower that fell in the afternoon of the 30th, I observed, that from half the roof of the house I live in, which would make a square of 480 feet, a rain cask containing 130 gallons was filled in 15 minutes; from this we may form some conjecture of the quantity of water that falls. From the Presbyterian. HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA, From its origin, A. D. 1706, to A. D. 1831. NO. III. At this early period, when the settlers were experiencing the privation and inconveniences necessarily resulting from a residence in a new country, the support of the gospel was to them a matter of serious difficulty. Although the ministers were few in number, they could scarcely subsist without foreign aid; and notwithstanding their stipend was exceedingly small, their want of punctuality in its payment, was not unfrequently a subject of complaint.* Some idea may be formed of the necessities of the times, from the circumstance that a private benefaction of £30 from the Rev. Thomas Reynolds, of London, was gratefully acknowledged as a truly seasonable supply. A committee of Presbytery who were appointed to select the most necessitous congregations, whose pastors should participate in this bounty divided the sum into three equal portions, and decided that the church in Philadelphia, and the church in New Castle were each 35 great satisfaction they have readily complied with our desire, and have drawn up and signed a letter particularly directed to yourself. And that we for our parts may not be wanting, being informed of that public excellent spirit in you, famed both for piety and prudence, do likewise address ourselves unto your honor, upon the same account. The negociation begun and encouraged by a fund in the time when our worthy friend Mr. M'Kemie (now deceased) was with you, for evangelizing these colonies, was a business exceedingly acceptable to a multitude of people, and was likely to have been of great service if continued, which makes us much grieved, that so valuable a design, was so soon after its beginning laid aside. "The necessity of carrying on the same affair being as great, if not greater now, than it was then, we hope that the patriots in London will revive so good and important a work, and not let it lie buried under the ashes, but that some suitable method be taken, that it may be set on foot again. Unto whom can we apply ourselves more fitly than unto our fathers who have been extolled in the Reformed Churches for their large bounty and benevolence in their necessities. We doubt not but if the sum of about two hundred pounds per annum were raised for the encouragement of ministers in these parts, it would enable ministers and people to erect eight congregations, and ourselves put in better circumstances than hitherto we have been. We are, present, seven ministers, most of whose outward affairs are so straitened as to crave relief, unto which, if two or three more were added, it would greatly strengthen our interest, which does miserably suffer as things at present are among us. Sir, if we shall be supplied with minis ters from you, which we earnestly desire, with your benevolence to the value above said, you may be assured of our fidelity and christian care, in distributing it to the best ends and purposes we can; so as we hope we shall be able to give a just and fair account for every part of it, to yourself and others, by our letters to you. well known what advantages the missionaries from England have of us, from the settled fund of their Church, which not only liberally supports them here, but encourages too many insolencies, both against our persons and interests, which sorrowfully looking on we cannot but lament and crave your remedy. That our evangelical affairs may be the better managed, we have formed ourselves into a Presbytery annually to be convened at this city, (Philadelphia) at which times it is a sore distress and trouble unto us, that we are not able to comply with the desires of sundry places crying unto us for ministers to deal forth the word of life unto them; therefore, we most earnestly beseech you in the bowels of our Lord, to intercede with the ministers of London, and other well-affected gentlemen, to extend their charity and pity to us, to carry on so necessary and glorious a work; otherwise many people will remain in a perishing condition as to spiritual things. In so doing your humble supplicants shall ever pray, that the blessing of God's throne and footstool may be conferred upon you and them. It's "P. S. The death of that worthy and honourable person, the Lord Lovelace, we are afraid will prove detrimental to our interest, and we could wish that his place were filled again with a person of such a spirit and temper as he appeared to be of. We desire that what you shall please to transmit to us, as to letters or otherwise, may be directed unto Mr. Andrews, or, in his absence, to Mr. David Giffing and Mr. William Allen in Philadelphia, "The Presoytery met at Philadelphia, to the Reverend Presbytery of Dublin, wisheth grace, mercy, peace, (the bond of fellowship and prosperity in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. The society formed in London "for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts,” was connected with the estab lishment, and commenced its operations in 1701. 36 A DESCRIPTION OF BALD EAGLE VALLEY. 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 our 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. "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 inhabitants be. But 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 five; 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. 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 "As for ecclesiastical affairs in other places we shall mote from each other, few plantations being within not here trouble you with, being not perfectly acquaint- less than two or three miles distance of its near ed therewith ourselves. That then, reverend and dearest neighbour; so that when any disagreement takes brethren, which at present we would humbly, for the place, the greater number are left exposed to the enemy sake of Christ's interest, make the subject of our address before it is practicable to spread the alarm of their apunto you, is, that of your zealous, christian,and religious proach. 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. 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 in creased, 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 suggested 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 Franks town. 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 |