sides of the Family, until the Controversy about the Will of the late Proprietor be determin'd. The said Major Gordon is accordingly commissionated by Springet Penn, and on Saturday last was presented by Petition to the King in Council for his Majesty's Royall approbation, in the same manner as it has been always granted, which was opposed by two Petitions, one from Col. Spotswood on behalf of Sr William, and another from Sr William's Creditors. GEORGE DENISON. OBITUARY.-George Denison was the son of Col. Nathan Denison, of Kingston, in Luzurne county. Col. Denison emigrated from Connecticut at an early day, and settled in Wyoming Valley under the Susquehanna Company. Whilst the State of Connecticut claimed jurisdiction over this tract of country, the right of representation in her legislative counsels was permitted to the settlers; and Col. Denison was repeatedly chosen by the people as their representative to the Connecticut legislature. He took an active part, in a civil capacity, in the controversy between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, in relation to the right of jurisdiction and the right of soil to this portion of Pennsylvania, until the dispute was decided at Trenton by Commissioners appointed for that purpose, when his opposition to the claims of Pennsylvania ceased. During the Revolutionary war, a more decided whig, and a more devoted patriot, was not to be found, than Col. Denison. Wyoming was then a frontier settlement and was exposed to frequent incursions from the Indians and worse than savage tories. Their mode of warfare was such as required the exercise of the utmost prudence, vigilence and courage on the part of the settlers; and in selecting a leader, their choice naturally fell on Col. Denison, as possessing in an eminent degree the qualifications necessary for the station. The coolness and intrepidity with which he met the enemy in ambush, at the celebrat ed battle of Wyoming-the aid which he afforded to bis men in his almost miraculous retreat the firmness with which he demanded terms of Butler, the British commander, when driven with a handful of invalids into Forty fort and reduced to the last extremity, and the terms actually obtained, evince the wisdom of the settlers in ocmmitting the defence of the Valley to Col. Denison. After the revolution, and the extension of the laws of Pennsylvania over the disputed territory, Col. Denison was placed in commission as a magistrate, and was one of the Associate Judges of the county of Luzurne at the time of his death. The early history of the Valley of Wyoming is identified with the life of Col. Denison. He was remarkable for coolness and intrepidity in danger-for sound sense, prudence and discretion in action, and for strict integrity towards his fellow men. Accordingly, at an early age, he took charge of a store for the late Judge Hollenback; and although be soon discovered that it was not the sphere in which nature destined him to move, he gave the most perfect satis. faction to his employer. Anxious to gratify his friends, at whose solicitation he had engaged in the mercantile profession, he continued in the business until his enlarged and expanding intellect regarded it as too narrow and contracted for the employment of a liberal and enlightened mind. He therefore resolved to abandon a profession for which he believed he was not by nature intended, and which afforded him no intellectual enjoyments, and to fit himself for the study of one of the learned professions. The death of his revered father about this period, at whose more particular instance he had engaged in the mercantile profession, left him at liberty to pursue the natural bent of his inclinations. He therefore hastened to place himself at the WilkesBarre Academy, then under the care of an able and ef ficient principal. Here he made rapid progress in the languages, mathematics and all the various branches of an English education; and it is confidently affirmed that very few who have received the honours of our colleges, excelled Mr. Denison in extent and accuracy of knowledge in all the various kindred sciences fitting and necessary for a professional life. When he deemed himself prepared to enter upon the study of a profession, he entered himself as a student of law, to which he applied himself with the utmost assiduity and attention. He never committed to memory, although no one possessed a memory more tenacious. He despised parroting his recitations, as is too common with stu dents of the profession. He read, he reflected, he understood. The principless of the law and the reasons upon which they are founded, were stated by him in his own language, always perspicuous and definite, and which evinced his attention in reading and his depth and accuracy of thought. After the usual period of study he was admitted to practice in the Courts of Luzurne county; previously to which, and whilst still a minor, he had officiated as deputy of his brother, Col. Lazarus Denison, the Register and Recorder of the county. To these offices he was himself appointed by the late Gov. Snyder, immediately upon his arrival at the age of twenty-one. A more faithful, a more accurate, and a more able public officer never ha i charge of the records of the county. The records themselves, and all who transacted business in the offices whilst Mr. Denison held them, will amply sustain this feeble tribute of approbation. This situation in the public offices was peculiarly favourable to the acquisition of a knowledge of the practice of the Courts, and it was fully improved by Mr. Denison for that purpose. His conduct as a public officer, and the ability which he displayed in his professional business, soon attracted public notice, and secured to him the public confidence. In opposition to his own wishes and inclination, he was selecsed by his fel George Denison, the subject of this notice, was born in Kingston, in Luzerne county, on the 22d day of February, 1790, at a time when the country had not reco-low citizens as their representative in the Legislature of vered from the disasters of the revolution, and when it was suffering from the effects of the long protracted Connecticut controversy. At such a period, and under such circumstances, it could scarcely be expected that very ample provision should be made for the education of the youth of the country. The advantages of young Denison in this respect were limited indeed; but limited as they were, they were improved, and the foundation of an English education was early laid, upon which he afterwards raised a superstructure by which he acquired a distinguished eminence at the bar, and which was abundantly adequate to the elevated stations to which he was called by his fellow citizens. Pennsylvania. To this situation he was repeatedly reelected by the people with unusual unanimity. His talents developed in his legislative career, pointed him out as a fit person to represent his district in the Con gress of the United States, and he was accordingly elected for two successive terms by the people as their representative. At the expiration of his second term of service, he had determined to retire from public life and devote his time exclusively to his practice, which had suffered in consequence of his absence, during several protracted sessions at the seat of the general government. But the people of his district had become alive to the subject of internal improvement, and Naturally predisposed to pulmonary affections, it was would not permit him long to remain in his favorite rethought by his friends that the active and varied pur-tirement. He reluctantly yielded to their entreaties, suits of the country merchant were well calculated to ward off the disease with which he was menaced, and to ensure him length of days and comfortable health. and was again elected a member of the legislature of Pennsylvania, in which situation he was continued by the almost unanimous voice of his district until his de cease. 1831.] RAIL-ROAD MEETING.-Proceedings of COUNCILS. As a lawyer, in the various andco mplicated business of his profession, he was distinguished for accuracy in legal learning, clearness of perception, acuteness in discrimination, soundness of judgment, a tact, peculiar to himself, in the arrangement of the facts, and the management of a cause before the court and jury. The courts in which he practised, and his fellow members of the bar, will bear testimony to the high sense of honor with which he conducted the business of his pro fession. 269 ninety perches-and the other a space of rocks on land of Jacob Sherfigh of eighty perches, some of which may be three feet high-from whence to the summit is almost as smooth as a meadow. From the summit to the intersection of Middle and West Streets is 380 perches, in which there is but twenty-four feet fall, (about twenty feet to the mile, and may be kept at a continual descent the whole distance with very little digging, as the ground is very level. We have also ascertained, principally from actually levelling, that the As a member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, the summit is 175 feet higher than the head of Monococy, will and wishes of his constituents were ably represent- which is 2479 perches: therefore, if the same grade ed. Numerous local acts were passed through his in- could be kept, the rise would be about twenty-two feet fluence, of great interest to the district he represented, to the mile. The whole distance we found to be eight and many general laws were projected hy him, and re- miles and 299 perches, (which is one mile and 93 ceived the sanction of the legislature, which bear the perches more than a direct line)—which, from the impress of his liberal and enlightened views, and sound goodness of the ground, need not be increased much and discriminating judgment. The system of internal in locating the road. Upon the whole, we think it improvement in Pennsylvania, although much more ex-perfectly practicable, at a reasonable expense; and the tensive than his judgment approved, received his de- best route we have ever seen for that purpose; and recided and efficient support; and the introduction of the commend to the meeting to take immediate measures N. B. canal into the system, and its location and exten- for obtaining a charter. sion through the Valley, will remain an everlasting monument of his legislative skill and commanding in-lutions, offered by T. Stevens, Esq. were adopted fluence. RAIL-ROAD MEETING. At a meeting of of a number of the citizens of Adams county, held at the Court-house, in the borough of Gettysburg, on Saturday 15th ult. to take into consideration the propriety of petitioning the next Legislature to grant an act incorporating a company, to construct a Rail Road from Gettysburg to the Maryland line at the head waters of the Monococy-GEO. SMYSER, Esq. was called to the Chair, and Z. HERBERT appointed Secretary. The object of the meeting being explained by James Dobbin, Esq. the following committee, on motion of T. Stevens, Esq. was appointed to make a report of a survey made a few days previous, by a number of citizens, viz: Samuel Sloan, Thaddeus Stevens, William S. Cobean, Robert Smith, John Garvin, Esqrs. -who presented the following: The Committee appointed to furnish information to the That we ran the route, from the head of Monococy on the east side of Rock creek, to the mouth of Buck run, where we recrossed said creek, and thence up said run to its source, and to the summit, on Samuel Sloan's farm and from thence to Gettysburg. We found the distance from Monococy to the summit to be 2479 perches: 1650 of which, to wit, from the foot of McKinney's meadow to the summit; is an inclined plane, on which, in the whole distance, there need not be a foot of rise lost, but a continual ascent kept, (probably, with moderate digging in two or three places, a continued rise might be kept up from Monococy the whole distance;) that the ground is remarkably even except in three places; the first, a bluff of red rock below Allison's of perhaps 50 perches, but not high; the second a space of small rocks below Mich'l Miller's of about eighty or After the above report was read, the following reso Resolved, That it is expedient for the citizens of Adams county, to petition the next Legislature, to incorporate a Company to make a Rail Road from Mary land line to Gettysburg, to intersect the Rail Road now making from Baltimore to the head waters of the Monococy. Resolved, That a committee of twelve be appointed to procure signatures to said petition. T. Stevens, J. B. McPherson, S. Sloan, T. J. Cooper, J. Garvin, Z. Herbert, E. Blythe, D. Middle cauf, J. McSherry, T. McKnight, J. Hersh, and D. Stewart, were appointed to carry the above into effect. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to attend at Harrisburg, and see that said petition be sented and properly explained. pre Thaddeus Stevens, James McSherry, Esqrs. and Gen. Thomas C. Miller, were appointed said commit From the Philadelphia Gazette. The president appointed Messrs. DUANE, HORN, TO- Resolved by the Select and Common Councils, that the Rules of intercourse between the late Councils, be adopted by the present Councils. Resolved by the Select and Common Councils, that they will meet in the chambers of the Common Council, on Tuesday next, the 18th inst. at eleven o'clock, A. M. to choose a Mayor of the city of Philadelphia, The COMMON COUNCIL was organised by the The resolution for the appointment of a Printer for the Common Council was postponed for the present. 1831.1. CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES. CENSUS OF THE U. STATES. 271 The following Table has been formed by the union of two tables, lately published in the New York Observer, and another New York paper-both compiled from the aggregate returns of the Marshals' of the U. S. by clerks in the State Department at Washington. • For 1830. Mr. BARNUM: 1,929,827(5,305,925 7,289,314 9,638,131|10,526368 319,467 2,010,572 12,856,407 ALUM. Sir-If you think the following communication will interest your readers, you are at liberty to insert it in the Observer. J. R. RIDDELL. Average per cent. 32,392. the mineral matter as it occurs in the earth. The remaining insoluble portion is chiefly faluminous earth, derived from the disintegration of what once was unquestionably a continuous and solid rock. This saline product then, is a mixture of the sulphate of alumina (native, or crude alum) and sulphate of iron (copperas.) The sulphate of alumina, though very similar in some of its properties to the alum of commerce, is yet essentially different, inasmuch as the latIn examining the rocky strata in this vicinity a few ter contains pot-ash, which does not enter into the comdays since, in quest of fossil relics, I discovered a pe- position of the former. From the experiment of Dr. culiar saline incrustation near the banks of a small Johns, we may regard the two salts I have mentioned creek. I gave little attention to it at the time, pre-as constituting rather more than one half the weight of suming from its situation and appearance, that it was quite limited in extent. Dr. Johns bas since shown me a specimen of the same substance, brought from the banks of a creek, four miles from this place, near the lake shore; where it is said to form extensive beds, Now if this saline matter occurs in such abundance, twelve or fifteen feet in thickness. When tasted, it I have no doubt the best of alum might be manufacimparts the sweetness and astringency of alum, with tured from it with advantage. I think the most eligi something of the peculiar taste of copperas. Unwilling to ble method of modifying and extracting it, would be to rely upon the sense of taste alone, I submitted it to the make a mixture of the crude ore with a sufficient quandecisive indications of chymical re-agents. After diffus-tity of newly burned wood-ashes, put the mixture in ing some of it in a tumbler of water, and waiting two or three hours for the earthy matter to settle, the clear solution was poured off, and examined first for the substances which I supposed were contained in it. 1st. A few drops of muriate of barytes caused a dense, white, cloudy precipitate of solid matter that rapidly settled to the bottom, indicating the presence of sulphuric acid. 2d. Aqua ammonia obscured the transpa-quired to make 500 lbs. of alum. rency of the liquid, by producing a gelatinous substance, indicating alumina, the basis of alum and clays. 3d. The prussiate of pot-ash introduced, gave a faint blue precipitate, from which the presence of iron may be inferred; though in a proportion much smaller than the alumina and acid. The usual tests for a variety of other mineral substances were introduced, but their presence could not be detected. large leach-tubs, allow water to filter through it, and thus obtain its strength by lixiviation. The potash of the ashes will retain the iron, and convert the sulphate of alumina into the alum of commerce. The liquid may be transferred to shallow wooden cisterns, and as the water spontaneously evaporates, the alum will fall down in crystals. About 60 lbs. of potash will be re I cannot conclude this account of a mineral so useful, and so rare in its native state, without noticing the probable cause of its formation. As far as I have been able to examine, the horizontal rock that forms the basis of this region, and the permanent boundaries of the lake margin, is of that formation considered by geologists as the highest and most recent in the series of rock strata. It is denominated by some, the third graywacke; others call it the pyritiferous rock, because it always contains more or less of the iron pyrites, (native sulphuret of iron,) a beautiful mineral that bears a delusive resemblance to gold. The soft and slaty- parts of the rock contain the sulphuret of iron in greatest abundance. Now the pyrites consists of sulphur and iron, and when air and moisture can have access, the sulphur is changed to sulphuric acid, and the iron becomes an oxide. The oxide of iron unites with one half of the acid, (experiment proves it can unite with no more,) forming copperas, while the remaining half of the acid is left to act upon the alumina of the rock, which results in the production of crude alum. The weight of the copperas found, at first is more than equal to that of the alum, but the former is easily washed away by water, while the latter being much less soluble, mostly remains. From the circumstance that the presence of air is necessary to the spontaneous formation of the sulphate of alumina, I should much doubtwhether it were equally abundant a few feet from the surface. Although if that should prove to be the case, the interior of those banks must still be regarded as valuable beds of alum ore, capable, by a less simple process, of yielding that salt in abundance.-Erie Obs. FRESHET. POTTSVILLE, Oct. 15. by. On Wednesday afternoon, a passenger arrived in Easton with the intelligence, that a tremendous breach has been made by the water in the Lehigh Canal. We have as yet heard of no injuries on the Delaware canal. Muncy, Pa. Oct. 11. THE LATE RAINS have caused a considerable rise in the river; and we understand that it has injured much of the work along the line of canal. The repairs of the Muncy dam, together with a portion of the old struc ture, have been swept off. The loss to the contractor must be great; besides, it puts a quietus to the hopes of having the navigation extended to that place for the present season. SCHUYLKILL NAVIGATION-We have learned that the resolution has been adopted to abandon that section of our navigation which has been the fruitful source of former obstructions and embarrassment, passing through a limestone region, in the vicinity of Reading, and to substitute the medium of transportation, provided by nature, in the channel of the river. It is a well-known circumstance, that much money has been unavail ngly expended, and labour employed, to afford permanent solidity to the section in question, and the conviction of the utter improbability of accomplishing such an object, has given rise to the contemplated abandonment. The important advantages which result to the whole line are too obvious to require detail. While on this subject, it may be proper to remark that the heavy expense incurred in the construction of the double locks, be made, in improving the navigation, and the sincere disposition evinced to afford every facility and accommodation to trade, compatible with the interests of the company, demand our tribute of commendation. The additional sum required to be appropriated for the intended alteration in the course of the canal will, we understand, amount to $65,000. the active exertions which have been and continue to Mr. GEORGE DUNCAN, of this neighbourhood, who is favourably known to the public, has undertaken the above improvement. He left this place on Wednesday last, to enter upon the duties of the contract.—Miner's Journal. Since the recollection of our oldest inhabitants, this portion of the country has not been visited by so considerable a freshet as was witnessed in the early part of the week. It is no less remarkable that the loss of property sustained by this accumulation of the waters has proved, so far as is ascertained, entirely disproportioned to the general apprehension-another proof of the pervading strength and sclidity of the results of enter prize. The rain has fallen copiously during several days and nights preceding Tuesday, on which day it subsided, exhibiting its effects in the accumulated torrents which rolled down the declivities of our mountains. Many of the low grounds were involved in inundation. The Schuylkill rose to an unusual height. A portion of the main highway, near Major Kepner's, was overflown-travelling in carriages was checked, and the mail, from that point, was conveved to our bo- PENNSYLVANIA AND OHIO RAIL-ROAD.-We have just rough on horseback. The Schuylkill Navigation dam seen a letter from an intelligent gentleman at New Lis in this vicinity received some damage, which was re-bon to his friend in this place, which states that Mr. paired speedily, and at an inconsiderable expense. Several coal wharves at PortCarbon were somewhat injured, by the removal of a part of the structure supporting them. Several boats were swept from their moorings, and a fine litter of pigs, "dulciter moriens," perished in the irresistible rush of the waters. Mr. Crowley, the owner, with 'difficulty preserved his dwelling house, by erecting in front a strong stone barrier four feet in height, from the devouring flood-his barn, however, was carried away. On the whole, the freshet has been much less destructive than was generally feared, and the above comprises the extent of the damage thus far ascertained. The Schuylkill Navigation seems to have resisted the shock as far as Hamburg-uninjured-from a greater distance below we have not heard the result. Our rail-roads are all safe. Excavations were scooped out in one or two places on the Mount Carbon Rail-road, beneath the upper structure. The injury was trifling, and has already been repaired. Since the above has been in type, we understand that eighty feet of embankment on the Girard Canal was swept away by the late freshet-the damage, however, can be repaired in a few days.-Miner's Journal. Malin had just completed a survey of the route of a rail road from N. Lisbon to Canton, and ascertained the distance to be thirty-eight miles and three and a half chains. The route is represented to be highly favorable. The whole distance is stated to present no deep cuts or embankments, properly so called by engineers. From Canton to Massillon is less than ten miles, and from New Lisbon to the mouth of Big Beaver, by the route formerly surveyed by Major Douglas, is forty, making the whole distance from the mouth of Beaver, to the Ohio canal at Massillon eighty-eight miles. From Pittsburgh to the mouth of Big Beaver, by the route of the canal, as measured by Major Douglas in the year 1827. the distance is 25 miles and 52 chains. So that a rail road of 113 52-80 miles will connect the Ohio canal with the Pennsylvania canal at Pittsburgh. The esti mated distance of the committee who reported to the meeting held in this city some time ago was 125 miles. Pittsburgh Gazette. cil held on Tuesday, in the Common Council Chamber, At a joint meeting of the Select and Common Counof the City of Philadelphia, for the ensuing year. BENJAMIN W.RICHARDS, was unanimously elected Mayor Easton, October 13. Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F. GED. GREAT FRESHET.-On Saturday morning last, it com- DES, No. 9 Library Street. Philadelphia; where, and at the PUB menced raining, and continued to do so almost without of the Post Office, (back room) subscriptions will be thankfully reLICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, second door back intermission, until Tuesday evening. The Delaware ceived. Price FIVE DOLLARS per anim, payable annually and Lehigh rivers rose in consequence thereof to a by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where there is an great height and much injury has been sustained there-agent. Other subscribers pay in advance. |