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1828:]

MISCELLANEOUS.

109

And

on joyful occasions, to add to the general expression of mented with a peal of the new sett of eight bells* in public feeling; and the governor even could not ap- Christ Church Steeple. This musical pead was cast by proach the city, without this public notice of it to the Lester and Pack, who are at present the most noted and ingenious artists of that kind in England. They were citizens. The bells were brought over by Captain Bud-hung by Nicholas Nicholson, a native of Yorkshire, in a den, who charged no freight upon them; and they usu- manner the most convenient, and entirely new. ally announced his arrival at subsequent periods. We when a clock for the Chimes is added, which he seems observe that a committee of Councils has been appoint-very desirous of, they will be the compleatest sett in ed to cause a survey to be made on the base of the state They were likewise saluted with a round of twentyhouse steeple, for the purpose of erecting a clock and one Brass Guns.-Пb. Ap. 24, 1755. bell-we trust the occasion will be improved, to add a steeple to it, as high as the foundation will safely sup- weighs 1800 lbs. and the whole weigh 8000 lbs.

port.

On the approach of the enemy during the revolution, the bells of the city were all removed by the Commissary General of military stores; and it appears by a notice in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, Aug, 22, 1778, that they were "all returned safe and again hung," which was shortly after the evacuation.

"As considerable sums of money have lately been raised in this city, by subscription and two lotteries for the finishing the steeple, and purchasing a ring of bells, the vestry have thought proper to examine the treasurer's accounts, and after carefully inspecting the same, find the state of them to be as follows, which they think proper to publish for the satisfaction of the public.

By order of the vestry,

GEORGE OXELL, and Wardens.

JNO. BAYNTON,

The Steeple and Bells of Christ Church To Sundry disbursements from May 10, 1754, viz:

Boards, timber, copper, ropes, lead,
shingles, &c.

Laborer's wages, flatting, carting, &c.
Sundry small articles

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America.

*It is stated in the Gazettes of 1824, that the tenor

MAIL ESTABLISHMENTS.

Few circumstances tend more to exhibit the improving condition of a country than the progressive changes made in the conveyance of the mail. The following advertisements show how little intercourse was maintained with the eastern states in 1755, when an answer could not be received to a letter in less than six weeks, which is now accomplished in six days. At the present day, a letter can be sent from one extremity of the U. States to the other and a reply be received, in less time than was then required for the distance of only about three hun

dred miles.

GENERAL POST OFFICE.

Philadelphia, Feb. 11, 1755. It having been found very inconvenient to persons concerned in trade, that the mail from Philadelphia to 1751 to Nov. New England sets out once a fortnight during the winter season: This is to give notice, that the New England mail will henceforth go once a week, the year round, whereby correspondence may be carried on and answers obtained to letters between Philad. and Boston in three weeks, which used in the winter, to require six weeks. By command of the D. Post Master General.

£ Ꮽ d 425 4 343 13

01

5

0

59
111 09

138 3 8
303 1 2
19 7 6
141 17 1
426 19 11
130 2 10
50 1 6
3 4 3
200

731 5 0

183 16 9 £3068 18 11

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921 0 0 1000 69

By subscriptions received to this date
nett proceeds of first Lottery
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sundry subscriptions rec'd since the
above

Bal. now due vestry

Total

944 17 7

75 17 7

2942 1 11

126 17 0

£3068 18 11 [Penn. Gaz. Jan. 7, 1755.

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"We hear from Chester, that at the Court of Quarter Sessions held there last week, an indictment was presented to the Grand Jury, and found by them against one James Castello, for speaking the following seditious words, viz: 'King George has no more right to the crown of Great Britain than I, and if he had his deserts, he would have his neck cut off.-I have a sum of money with me and will give half a crown a day to each man that will go with me and join the French King and the Pretender.' To which he pleaded guilty, and begged the mercy of the Court. Whereupon he received senOn Sunday last the honorable James D. Lancey, Esq. tence as follows: That he should stand one hour in the Gov. of N. York, and on Monday his excellency Wm. pillory on Thursday, and the same time on Friday; with Shirley, Esq. Gov. of Boston, and his honor, our Gover- these words fixed on his back-I stand here for speaknour, returned here from the general Congress at Alex-ing seditious words against the best of Kings" andria. At their entering the City, they were compli- sentence was accordingly put in Exccution.—Ib.

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1st Jan❜y. 1704. Some disputes having heretofore arisen concerning the city seal in whose hands it ought to lodge, and it being now put to the vote, whether it ought to be kept by the mayor or town clerk, it pass'd that it ought to be kept by the mayor, but that he might intrust it in the clerk's hands if he thought fitt.

2nd Feb'y. 1704.--[First division of the city into wards.]-Aldermen Willcox, Carter, &c. who were appointed by an order of the last Common Councill to divide the city into wards, and to report the same to this Councill, report that they have divided this city into wards, and have returned the same under their hands as follows.

penalty of the forfeiture of three shillings for every of fence,) absented themselves, & not giving their due have remitted to the persons delinquent their respective attendance, yet this Councill, for reasons not offer'd, forfeitures before this day. And do now order that henceforward the said order shall be duly and strictly put in execusion.

Alderman Masters, Alderman Jones, Tho's. Pascall, &c. &c. not appearing at this Councill, are fined 3s. apiece.

It is ordered that Alderman Carter & John Parsons do oversee the Repairs of the Old Cage, to be converted into a Watch house for present occasion.

14th Augt. 1705.-It is ordered that the treasurer do out of the Public Stock, Provide Books for the keeping of his Accounts and that he provide the same with all expedition.

21st Sept. 1705.-Alderman Carter is continued to 1. Dock Ward-All the inhabitants between Dela-ed to take care of the building a pair of Stocks, with a see the Repairs of the Watchhouse, and is also appointware river and the 7th street, to the southward of Wall-whipping post and pillory with all expedition, which nut street, including the south side of Wallnut st.

2. Wallnut Ward-All the inhabitants between Wallnut and Chesnutt streets, from the West side of the Front to the east side of the 2nd st. (inclusive.)

3. Chesnutt Ward-All the inhabitants between Chesnutt and High streets, from the Front to the 2d st. 4. Lower Delaware Ward-All the inhabitants between the front Street and Delaware River, from the end of Wallnut to the end of High Street, both upon and under the Bank.

5. Upper Delaware Ward-All the inhabitants between the front street and Delaware River from High

street to the north end of the city.

6. High Street Ward-All the inhabicants between High street and Mulberry street, from the front to the

2d st.

7. Mulbury Ward-All the inhabitants on the north side of Mulbury street to the extent of the city from the front to the 7th street.

8. North Ward-All the Inhabitants between Mulbury and High streets from the 2d to the 7th street. 9. Middle Ward-All the Inhabitants between High street and Chesnutt street, from ve 2d to the 7th street. 10. South Ward-All the Inhabitants between Chesnutt and Wallnut street, from the 2d to the 7th street. Which Wards, as they now are named and set out, are approved by this Council.

It being moved in this councill that that part of the city between Broad street and Delaware be grub'd and clean'd from all its rubish, in order to produce English grass, which would be a great use and advantage to the inhabitants keeping cattle therein. It is ordered that some proper method be thought upon for the doing thereof by Alderman Shippen, &c.

shall be paid for out of the treasury.

It is ordered, that the Mayor, Recorder, and Alderman Wilcox, (taking with them such persons of the respective Religious persuasions of this city as they shall think proper,) apply themselves to the Commissioners of property for a publick piece of ground in this city, for a burying place for strangers dying in this city.

29 Sepr. 1705. 1

It is ordered that the Beadle and Constables of this City Give Notice to the freemen of the same, to appear on Monday Morning at the hour of eight, to be informed of their priviledges as to Elections of their Representatives that day, to serve in Generall assembly for this city for the Year Ensuing. 8 Oct. 1705. Joseph Wilcox, Mayor.

29 Decr. 1705.

Richard Roberts having worked at Raising the ground in the Market place, for which there is due to him Three the same & take a Receipt for the same. Shillings & six pence, the Treasurer is ordered to pay

A petition from Joh. Cropp, for an Ordinance to encourage him for setting up a publick Slaughter Houseand settling the rate for killing Cattle, &c. therein was read.

Ordered, that the Treasurer pay to Solomon Cresson 10s. for the making of 12 Watchmen's Staves & 2 Constables staves; & Also 38 to Enoch Story for the painting of three Constables Staves.

29 April, 1706--Joseph Wilcox, Mayor.

Alderman Griffith Jones, John Jones & Saml. Rich

ardson, having bought several brass weights, being 112 Ib. of Humfry Murray for the use of the Corporation, and having given their Bill or note for the Money to the sd. Murray, being in the whole Twelve pounds, Twelve shillings, or thereabouts. It is therefore ordered that the said Griffith Jones, John Jones & Saml. Richardson, be

It is ordered that the cryer take an account of all the inhabitants of this city, keeping cows, and give an account of their names, and number of cows they keep up-repaid out of the publick stock of this Corporation, & wards of two years old.

9 April, 1705.

this Corporation will Indemnifie them & every of them for all costs and damages that may come upon them by James Bingham is this day admitted a freeman, pay-reason of their being obliged as aforesaid, & that they ing for the same £3. 2s. 6d. which he accepted and signed.

Samuel Savage is admitted a freeman, and paid for the same £1. 2s. 6d.

Matthew Robinson is admitted a freeman at 2s. 6d. (Similar notices are of constant occurrence.) 1st June, 1705.

It is ordered that Thomas Bowden, collector of the cow money, pay into the hands of Edward Shippen, all such money as he has already collected for the same, who shall pay the same unto Henry Badcock and John Budd, in part of their payment.

13th July, 1705.-Several of the Members of this Corporation having, notwithstanding an order of Comon Councill, (enjoining that every member shall come at the time appointed, or within one hour after, on the

have the Corporation's obligations for the same.

Ordered, that the Beadle collect from the Inhabitants of this city, the sum of 6d for every Milch Cow by them kept, & pay the same to the Treasurer.

The following extract exhibits as lively a picture of priprimitive Philadelphia, as can any where be found. 15 May, 1706.

Whereas, the Governor having received an express from the Governor of Maryland of several vessels lately seen some few leagues off the Capes of Virginia, and two of them chasing and firing several shots at an Euglish vessel bound to Virginia or Maryland, which are supposed to be French vessels, and probably may have a design upon some of the Queen's colonies. It is therefore ordered that the watch of this city be carefully and duly

1828.1

UNION CANAL LOTTERY, &c.

kept; and that the constables, at their peril, take care of the same: and in case there appear any show or danger of the enemy, that they give the alarm by ringing the market bell; and that every night one of the Aldermen see the watch, and see that two constables be set thereon, till further order.

1st October, 1706.

Alderman Story, refusing to accept of the office of Mayor, therefore, he is fined by this Common Council, the sum of Twenty pounds.

This Council p'ceeded to another Vote for the Election of the Mayor, and Alderman Nathan Stansbury was elected by a Majority of Votes, who accepted thereof. 13, Jany, 1707.

Wm. Carter, Thos. Masters, Joseph Yard, & John Redman, are appointed to view the Hollow in the head of Chesnutt st. Crossing the fifth street, & take the best methods for making good the same, and giving the water a free passage.

T. Masters, Mayor. 11, Feby. 1708. Ordered, that this Corporation do treat the Govr. as usual upon the Arrival of ye sd. Govenour, and that the Treasurer defray the charge out of the publick money.Penn. Gaz.

UNION CANAL LOTTERY.

think fit, to raise by way of loan, such sums of money as
they may find expedient, for the completion of the
canal upon the credits of the capital stock, including the
And by
neat proceeds and avails of the lotteries thereby author-
ised, and to mortgage any part or the whole of their
property, tolls, profits or estates whatsoever.
the 28th section of the same act, authority was given to
said company to raise the residue of the original sum
equal to 340,000 dollars, by lottery and to sell and
assign the right to raise the said residue or any part
thereof, and that such ass gnments shall vest for the term
they shall so acquire, with the same rights and privileges
as the said corporation and the profits arising from said
lotteries, shall not form capital stock upon which divi-
dends shall be made but shall be considered as a bounty
By the 3d section of the act of 29th March, 1819, the
to enable them to make the tolls as low as possible.
avails and neat proceeds of lottery granted by the 28th
section of the act of 1811, were pledged as a fund for
the payment of an annual interest of six per cent, upon
sums subscribed under this act. The shares not forfeited
in the old companies were placed on the same footing.

By the 8th section of the same act all right and title to any and every kind of property which belonged to the late Delaware and Schuylkill, and Schuylkill and Susquehanna canal companies, which is now held or may hereafter be acquired by the said Union canal company, by lottery or otherwise, shall be held in common by the old and new subscribers, and the said property was thereby vested in the two classes of stockholders, and a full and entire participation in every advantage to be derived therefrom.

Report of the Committee of Ways and Means. Read in the House of Representatives, Feb. 9, 1823. The committee on ways and means to whom were referred a resolution instructing the committee to inquire And by the 9th section of the same act, whenever into the expediency of repealing the several acts of assembly, which authorise the Union canal company to the avails or neat proceeds of the lottery shall exceed raise by way of lottery a certain sum of money, and also the amount of the sum required by said act to pay the into the expediency of making further provision for pre-interest as is directed by the 3d section, such excess venting the sale of foreign lottery tickets within this commonwealth,

REPORT:

That with a view to a full investigation of the subjects of inquiry embraced in the aforesaid resolution, and in order to afford the Union canal company and Messrs. Yeats & M'Intyre, the managers of the lotteries connected therewith, an opportunity to be heard in a matter that so materially interested them, the committee named a day for a hearing and gave them notice accordingly. At which time James C. Biddle, Esq. of Philadelphia, appeared on behalf of the Union canal company and of Messrs. Yeats & M'Intyre, before the committee, and stated very fully the objections of the said Union canal company and the said Yeats & M'Intyre, to the repeal of the laws authorising the said company to raise money by way of lottery, which they alledge would operate unjustly on the parties concerned, viz: The stockholders of the old and new stock, the holders of the loan and the lottery managers.

In order to a correct understanding of the subjects, it will be necessary to refer to the several acts of assembly relating to the lottery grants.

By the act of the 17th April, 1795, the president and managers of the Schuylkill and Susquehanna navigation and the president and managers of the Delaware and Schuylkill canal navigation, were authorised to raise by way of lottery, a sum of $400,000 for the purpose of completing the works in their acts of incorporation mentioned, under a prohibition, that neither of them should form the same into capital stock, upon which to declare a dividend of profits. And by the act of fourth March, 1807, the said companies were authorised to raise their respective sums separately, subject to the like prohibition as to dividends thereupon, but the same to be considered as a bounty to said corporations, to enable them to make the tolls as low as possible.

The two companies by the act of second April, 1811, were consolidated and incorporated by the name of the Union Canal Company of Pennsylvania; and were authorised on such terms and conditions as they might

shall go into the capital stock and to be invested, if not wanted to complete the works in the United States or other safe funds, and it was made lawful to make dividends on the interest arising therefrom.

The act of 1824, guarantees interest on 2,250 shares, amounting to 450,000 dollars for 25 years, if the proceeds of the lottery granted to the Union canal company, and tolls shall not yield a sum sufficient; and in order to avoid as far as possible all disability to pay such interest, so much of the 3d section of the act of 1819 as pledges any part of the avails or neat proceeds of the lottery aforesaid to the payment of interest to the holders of old shares, is thereby suspended until the canal shall be completed, and the said company are authorised to continue purpose of during the said term of 25 years, to raise by way of lottery any sums that may be wanted for the paying to the holders of the said stock the six per cent. aforesaid. Provided, that whenever the neat proceeds of the tolls shall amount to said six per cent. the privilege thereby granted of raising money by lottery shall during such time be suspended, except so far as is authorised by existing laws, and it shall in no event be lawful to divide any sum arising from said lottery over and above six per cent. upon the stock of said company, it being the intent and meaning of the act that all such excess shall be reserved to meet any deficiency thereof that may at any time occur in the toils as aforesaid. If any payinent of interest be made by the commonwealth equivalent to a share or shares the commonwealth should be entitled to a certificate of stock therefor.

The guarantee of interest to cease if the navigation be not completed in ten years after interest shall first ac

crue.

From the foregoing extracts of the several acts of asappears that the lottery grants were given in sembly, the first instance, to the two companies and afterwards continued to the Union Canal Campany, to aid and encourage the construction and completion of a canal and lock navigation, uniting the waters of the Susquehanna and Schuylkill, and that in consequence of those grants, individuals were induced to invest their funds in the fur

therance of the work, and loans to the amount of 830,400 dollars were made under the authority given by the act of 2d April 1811, upon the credit of the capital stock, including the neat proceeds and avails of lotteries and property tolls, and profits of the company, which stands pledged therefor, and that a resumption of the lottery grants or a repeal of the laws authorising them would materially interfere with vested rights and operate unjustly upon three distinct classes of persons having vested rights in said company, viz. the stockholders of the old and new stock, the holders of the loan, and the managers of the lottery. The committee will not enlarge upon the nature and extent of the injury that these description of persons might be subjected to, nor will they say to what extent it would impair confidence in the faith of the legislative enactments, and to the injury of the

character of the commonwealth.

rised as aforesaid, such person or persons on conviction shall forfeit and pay a fine at the discretion of the court, not exceeding $2,000, to the president and treasurer of the Union Canal Company, to be by them applied to the sinking fund.

Notwithstanding the prohibition and penalties imposed by existing laws, the practice of selling foreign lottery tickets, notoriously prevails to a great extent, and it may be presumed, that whilst the lottery privileges granted to the Union canal company exist, it will be difficult to suppress effectually the sale of foreign lottery tickets in this state, as it must be evident that facilities are thereby afforded to evade the laws, superadded by the temptation to do so.

The evil tendency of lotteries are very much to be deprecated, and a desire is very prevalent to eradicate them, and the period of the expiration of the contract The act of 1811, (28th section) authorises the com- between the lottery managers and the Union canal company to sell and assign the right to raise money, by way pany, may be confidently looked to, when the legisla of lottery, and vests the right of the company in the as- ture will interpose their authority in such a manner as signee, during the continuance of the contract. In pur-will ensure a total suppression of them. suance of the authority thus granted, the company entered into a written contract, dated the 6th of October, 1824, with Archibald M'Intyre, by which the right to raise money, by way of lottery in Pensylvania, was transferred to the said Archibald M'Intyre, for the sum of $150,000-$64,000 of which romains to be raised, in order to complete the contract, which will expire on the 31st of December 1829, when the whole amount authorized to be raised by lottery will have been completed, such being the actual situation of the case, a resumption of the lottery grants cannot at this time be made without an infringement of the constitutional provision in relation

to contracts.

Whether it is owing to the inadequacy of the existing laws, or from reluctance in the citizens to appear in the character of informers, or whatever may be the cause, it is not easy to determine, but it may be inferred, that se vere penalties would, under existing circumstances be alike unavailing.

The committee, from these causes are constrained to recommend the adoption of measures that would tend to restrain and lessen existing evils, by permitting persons of fair character, under security and payment of a sum of money to the commonwealth therefor, to sell lottery tickets, the permission only to extend to the sale of tickets in lotteries authorised by the laws of this state and for one year only, and prohibiting under suitable penalties, hawking and pedling lottery tickets of every description.

Messrs. Yates and M'Intyre, the present lottery managers, are citizens of another state, and nothing is alleged, or appears against their conduct, in the management of that concern, but on the contrary, it appears that they have acted fairly and honourably in the fulfilment of their engagements, neither has it appeared that the stockholders, nor the president and managers have done any thing to require the interposition of the legislature; and the committee think it but justice to say, that the president and managers of the Union Canal Company have performed their duty with fidelity, the great work committed to their charge has been brought to a completion and their labours bid fair to be crowned with merited success. It is a work in which the com-lutions for the consideration of the house. monwealth at large have a deep interest, and as a stockholder to the amount of $50,000. It is now confidently believed that the canal will be brought into operation early in the next spring, and it may be fairly presumed, that the receipt of tolls will yield a profit sufficient to pay the interest on the whole cost of the work, and that the succeeding year will probably give an increased amount of profits over and above the interest.

A measure of this description it is presumed, would greatly lessen the number of lottery offices, and prevent gross impositions practised by pedlars of tickets.

The objection to this measure is that it gives the sanotion of law to lotteries, but it may be observed that the sanction of the law already exists and must continue to exist at least until 31st December, 1829, when it is to be hoped measures will be taken for the total eradication of them.

And a confident hope may be indulged, that at the expiration of the lottery contract with Messrs. Yates and M'Intyre, the company will be enabled, and it may be presumed they will be perfectly willing, to relinquish altogether the lottery privileges granted them.

If this reasonable expectation should not be acceded to on their part, it would then be a proper time for the legislature to take such measures to put an end to the lottery grants to said company, as might be consistent with justice, propriety and expediency.

There are several acts of assembly in force for the suppressing and preventing lotteries, one of a date so early as the year 1762, and by the act incorporating the Union Canal Company, passed the second day of April 1811, it is provided that any person or persons who shall sell or expose to sale, or shall advertise or cause to be advertised for sale any lottery tickets, not authorised by the laws of this commonwealth, and shall be aiding and assisting, or in any wise concerned in the sale of such tickets, or in the managing, conducting or carrying on any lottery or devise in the nature of a lottery not autho

The committee, therefore, submit the following reso

Resolved, That it is inexpedient to resume the lottery grants to the Union canal company at this time.

Resolved, That the committee be instructed to bring in a bill to regulate lottery brokers, and to restrain the sale of lottery tickets within this commonwealth.

Return
Wheat

Corn

Rye

Oats

IMPORT OF GRAIN 1793.

of Grain brought into the Port of Philadelphia.
Barley
16,5394
460,0534 bushels. |
252,4287
Peas and Beans 1,193

2,277 10,180

742,672

BENJ. DAVIS, Head Measurer.

In the county of Washington, Pennsylvania, there are 7,466 full blooded sheep, 64,319 mixed merino, and 62,294 common sheep-total 134,079-increase last year 23,628. This laudable attention to wool-growing is worthy of imitation.

Printed every Saturday morning by WILLIAM F. GEPDES, No. 59 Locust street, Philadelphia; where, and at the EDITOR's residence, No. 51 Filbert street, Subscriptions will be thankfully received. Price five dollars per annum-payable in SIX MONTHS after the commencement of publication--and annually thereafter, by Subscribers resident in or near the city-or where there is an agent. Other Subscribers pay in advance.

THE

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.

VOL. I.

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD, NO. 51, FILBERT STREET.
PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY 23, 1828.

LAUREL HILL CAVE.

NO. 8.

along on our bellies, and the buttons of my coat were Sir-I was detained from proceeding on my journey torn off by the rocks above, this passage evidently was by the lameness of my horse, in Uniontown, Pennsyl- formed by the foundation of the nether rock being washvania, the seat of justice of Fayette county, and having ed by the veins of water beneath which caused it to heard of a large cave in the neighbourhood, which separate from the upper rock, and formed the route to had never been thoroughly explored, my curiosity was the perpendicular descent; which we found to be 22 feet. raised, and I determined to penetrate it fully. I made I descended by a rope, but my companions found their my wish known and immediately the following gentle-way down by clinging to the rocks-we now found ourmen, of Uniontown, agreed to accompany me, namely, selves in a very uneven, rocky passage, which ascended William Gregg, John Owings, James M. Johnson, John about twenty degrees for two hundred and thirty four Gallagher, and Ephraim Douglass. We entered into a feet, but as we could not find an outlet from this, after determination not to turn back, whilst one of the party the most particular search, we returned and descended was willing to proceed in the examination. We provid- the perpendicular precipice, and to the right of it dised ourselves with refreshments, candles, tinder box, covered a passage which had a great descent, was very matches, lantern, compass, chalk, and a line to measure rocky, uneven and so contracted, for about 80ft. that it with: we set out on Wednesday, September 11, 1816, was with the greatest difficulty we made our way through ascended the Laurel Hill Mountain, and left our horses, it; this led to a second perpendicular descent, of thirty at the farm of Mr. Delany, on the top, within half a feet,over rocks, which we with great difficulty got down: mile of the cave, and requested him if we did not come we now found ourselves in a large avenue or Little Mill out early next morning to have the country apprised of Stream Hall (as I called it) with a very high roof and our situation, as we had heard that two young men, to about twenty-five feet wide: it had a sandy floor with a wit, Crain and Merrifield, were lost in the cave for near-stream of water running throughout it sufficiently large ly two days, having burnt out all their candles; and to turn a grist mill; on the sides of this stream were when found by the farmers were lying in each other's some large rocks which had fallen from the roof;-this arms, resigned, as they thought, to their premature and avenue is about 600 feet in length, with a considerable deplorable fate. After making all necessary prepara-descent to where the water loses itself through a small tions we started for the mouth of the cave; but before I enter into detail of our discoveries I will point out its situation.

aperture in the rocks. On returning from the bottom of the avenue, we discovered a passage leading horizontally and at right angles from the right side of this aveLaurel Hill Cave, which I have taken the liberty to nue the entrance of which is elevated about eight feet name, it being in want of one, is situated in Pennsyl- above the floor, we found this a very pleasant passage vania, Fayette county, George Township, on the top of in comparison to the rest; the roof, sides and floor were Laurel Hill Mountain; nine miles south easterly of Union- quite smooth, and we could walk upright; it is one town, three miles easterly of Fairfield furnace, and half a hundred and twenty feet long, and leads into the last mile north-easterly of Delany's farm house. At 4 o'clock, and largest avenue, or Great Mill Stream Hall; this we P. M. we commenced our operations; we first descend- found to be very spacious, being about from twenty to ed into a small pit, on the side of which, we found the thirty feet wide, from thirty to eighty feet from the floor mouth, about three feet by four, which we entered and to the roof, and twelve hundred feet in length, with a immediately found ourselves in a passage about 20 feet stream sufficient to turn a grist mill running its whole wide, and descending about 50 degrees, for 40 feet, in length; from the source of the stream where there is a a N. W. course, when we found a less declivity and considerable collection of white spar formed by the consmoother floor; here we left our great coats and things stant dripping of water, the avenue has a descent of we had no immediate use for and proceeded, in the about thirty degrees to where the stream disembogues same course, a short distance, when we found that the itself through a small aperture in the rocks; before we passage forked into two avenues more contracted, both arrived at this aperture the avenue became so contracted leading, by a considerable descent into the first room; that Mr. Gregg and myself had to creep on our hands this is about 24 feet diameter, with a roof of rock about and knees through the water for about fifty feet; here 20 feet high-a large descending passage leads from in the sand we found the name of "Crain" written which this room, the same course, with a very high roof, and is we considered a mortifying discovery, as we thought we about twelve feet wide for some distance, when it be- were the first persons who had penetrated so far in this comes more contracted and leads into the second room, direction; we wrote our names likewise in the sand, and which is 50 feet by 100, with a large body of rocks on then joined the rest of the party. In our search through the floor that have fallen from the roof, which is not this great avenue we had to climb over or creep under very high, at the end of the passage is a running spring a thousand craggy rocks, that lay scattered on the floor, of excellent water. In this room the person who had the and which had fallen from the sides and ceiling. I have tinderbox, unfortunately let it fall among the rocks, every reason to believe that no person except us, ever which opened it, and by this accident we lost nearly all visited the source of the stream and head of the avenue, our tinder. A very narrow, uneven and descending pas- as we found no sign of human invention within many sage leads from the second room, in a north-east direc-hundred feet of the spot, and which was very common tion, to the narrows, a passage 24 feet high, and about fifty feet broad, leading, horizontally, between rocks, with a small descent for about one hundred and fifty feet to a perpendicular descent over rocks; through this small passage, we had, in many places, to drag ourselves

in every other part of the cave, as the sides of every place that had been previously visited were covered with names and marks, made with coal; and if any person had penetrated this far, they certainly would have left some token of their perseverance. We now found

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