FREE SOCIETY OF TRADERS. Very early after the settlement of the province, this society was formed, and appears from its constitution, to have been intended to operate on a very extensive scale, and no doubt, contributed at first very much to the benefit of the country; but whether all the expectations of its framers were realized, what were its operations and how long it continued to exist, it seems difficult at this late period to determine. The following constitution is copied from a folio pamphlet "printed in London for Benjamin Clark, in George Yard, in Lombard street, printer to the society of Pennsilvania 1682," entitled "The articles, settlement and offices of the Free Society of Traders in Pennsilvania: agreed upon by divers merchants and others for the better improvement and government of trade in that province." THE PREFACE. Reader-Honest and industrious traffique has been the usage and the praise of many nations: and in this all countries seem agreed, that their wealth and strength are begun, continued and increased by it; a truth common experience daily confirms: for this hath made and is making many princes and states in the world endeavour to have their subjects prosper in trade. The very Indian princes are now convinced of this truth, which makes the king of Bantam send his ambassador here. This is likewise the reason, why many considerate men have thought fit to join themselves in a society of trade in Pennsilvania: which, after some difficulty, they have accomplished. But this may be modestly said, it is a very unusual society, for it is an absolute free one, and in a free country. A society without oppression: wherein all may be concerned that will: and yet have the same liberty of private traffique, as though there were no society at all. So that this society is calculated both to promote the publique good and to encourage the pri vate. And indeed, it seems not possible, that province should be improved in many years without it, as it is like to be in a few years by it. However, it is such a society as can do harm to none; but may do good to all: which a serious perusal of the government of it will plainly evince to the considerate and ingenious. We may add, that 'tis no small conveniency and ease to the minds of planters, (happily unacquainted in trade) that they may have some part of their estates improving in an united way and care, whilst they thereby may with less distraction and more freedom of spirit apply them selves to their particular plantations. For here a few hands do the work of the whole, and by this honest and free device, the whole will be furnished fresh and fresh from time to time in the nature of a Bank. This union of traffique prevents emulation; for every one is interested in every one's prosperity; and the profit must be greater and surer; and navigation, manufacture and arts better improved, than by force of private and divided stocks. To conclude, 'tis an enduring estate, and a lasting as well as certain credit: a portion and inheritance that is clear and growing: free from the mischief of frauds and false securities: supported by the concurrent strength and care of a great and prudent body, a kind of perpetual trustees: the friend of the widow and the orphan, for it takes no advantage of minority or simplicity. These and many more great advantages accrew to a society so freely constituted as this appears to be by the ensuing articles of agreement, which are imposed on none but recommended to all with this assurance, that nothing is hereby intended, but what is consistent with justice and prudence, to the best of their skill's that were concerned in the framing of it; and it is hoped that the improvements which may accrew by it, will prove to be of no small advantage to that country, and old England from whom it takes its original. To which, reader, it may not be improper to add that this society is endowed with divers immunities and proviledges, by grant and charter from William Penn, governor of that province. NICHOLAS MORE, JAMES CLAYPOOLE, PHILIP FORD. London, 25, 1st mo. called March, 1682. It is agreed that the first general court shall be held at London, upon the 29th day of the third month called May 1682. And forever after, the general court shall be held on the first fifth day called Thursday in the ninth month (November) every year after in the capital city in Pennsilvania, where votes shall be received by letters to the society's secretary from all that do not appear there personally for the chusing of officers: which votes shall be regulated by the following conditions: IMPRIMIS. That none in England shall have above one vote, whatever sum they subscribe; unless they have a share of land in Pennsilvania, at least one thousand acres of their own, with some inhabitants upon it: In such cases they shall have their votes proportionably to their stocks, as in the following article. ARTICLE II. That all that are inhabitants in Pennsilvania shall have for two twenty-five pounds, one vote: and each fifty pounds single one vote; one hundred pounds two votes: three hundred pounds, three votes, and none more. ARTICLE III. That the book of subscriptions shall be open here in England the 29th day of the 4th month called June rival of the first ship belonging to the society for six 1632 and no longer. And in Pennsilvania from the armonths after, paying fifteen per cent. sterling, in consideration of the Risco run by the society by such as subscribe within thirty daies, and for every month after one per cent. to be added to the value of the cargo. ARTICLE IV. That none shall subscribe in the society stock less than twenty five pounds. Yet if five joyn together and make up the twenty five pounds (provided it be subscribed in one man's name) shall be accepted of but in that name only. ARTICLE V. above said (viz: the 29th of the 3d month alias May That at the first general court or assembly held as 1682) all the subscribers here in England shall confirm their subscriptions which shall be by the depositing five per cent, as a part of that which shall then be agreed on to be paid within a month after. And at that time shall be chosen the officers of the society, viz: the President, the Deputy, the Treasurer, the Secretary, and twelve committee-men, whereof any fire and the President or his deputy shall wake a quorum. ARTICLE VI. That all the committee-men shall have but one vote & piece in the committee whatever their stock be; and the President or the deputy if the votes be equal shall have the casting voice. ARTICLE VII. That at seven years end from the time of shutting the book in Pennsilvania it shall be opened again for new subscribers; and so continue for every seven years: a due valuation of the stock being first made by the committec, so that every one may subscribe according to the valuation then agreed on. ARTICLE VIII That two hundred servants, be sent away the first year of such trades and capacities as may be most for the benefit of the society which is to be adjudged by the committee. 1828.] ARTICLE IX. FREE SOCIETY OF TRADERS. adjudged by the society's surveyor. 395 And if they will That it shall be lawful for any one that has subscrib-not accept of these terms, they shall be servants, till they ed, to add to their subscription before the month is out will accept it. what sum they please. ARTICLE X. That none shall be President, Deputy or Treasurer, that have not five thousand acres of land in Pennsylvania of their own, and one hundred pounds in the societies stock. ARTICLE XI. That the general officers shall continue for the first seven years and then a new election shall be made, they being fixed in their abode in the society's house, there to act for the society without change of their power in privileges, except they do commit any act destructive or prejudicial to the real interest of the society which first is to be proved sufficiently in the court of Assistants; and then the offenders are to be dismissed, and the Court of Assistants to chuse another, who is to continue till the general court; which Court of Assistants shall yearly be chosen and added to the committee. ARTICLE XIX. That the first assembly in the province of Pennsilvania shall be desired to ratify the patent granted by the governor to this society by an act of assembly. ARTICLE XXV. That all the members of the committee and court of assistants shall have timely and sufficient notice and summons in writing, left at their dwellings, of every intended court, to prevent indirect and unjust proceedings. ARTICLE XXVI. That all and every one, who have subscribed any sum in the society's stock, and shall not after the second summons bring in their second payment, shall be incable of disposing of that part in the stock before disbursed; but the society shall dispose of the same unto such who will fulfil the agreement in all payments: they only being capable of receiving their first penny or disbursement. Always excepting such, who through any calamities have been reduced to poverty whereby they are rendered incapable to fulfil the same, that then the thing being proved before a committee, they shall have That these books, papers, and patents, &c. shall not be intrusted in the hand of any single person for longer space than to transcribe any part of it in the day time, and in the house before some one or more appointed by the committee, and that the book keeper shall only have copies of them, which may be viewed or perused once a month by any member of the society. All origi-power to sell the same to the best advantage. And as nals to be kept as before. ARTICLE XVII. That security shall be taken of the Treasurer, and of all servants relating to the society, that is, such as have any trust committed unto them as agents, store keepers, ship masters, clerks, overseers and servants, &c. and that to be given by persons of known honesty and estate. And these servants shall be bound to keep the secrets of the house, that is, not to give intelligence to any person, no, not to any member of the society (without leave first obtained publicly in the committee) upon forfeiture of their security. ARTICLE XVIII. That if the society should receive blacks for servants, they shall make them free at fourteen years end, upon consideration that they shall give into the society's warehouse, two thirds of what they are capable of producing on such a parcel of land, as shall be allotted them by the society, with a stock and necessary tools, as shall be this is agreed in for the second payment, so it is of all others, if there be more. ARTICLE XXVII. That there shall be in England a chief agent, superior to all agents or factors belonging to said society, that are in Europe, unto whom the society shall direct their letters and consign their goods. He shall have a council of six factors, one of which shall be his deputy. This council shall with him reside in London, and shall on all occasions meet to advise together, how to dispose of the society's goods and buy such goods as the society shall direct to be bought, to execute all other orders as shall be required of him or them. And to give every factor his commission, how to proceed in what pertains unto his place: so that all and every one of them shall act by the advice of the chief agent, and he by the order of the committee in Pennsilvania: all these being chosen by the general assembly, they giving good and sufficient security to the society for their true and faithful service. ARTICLE XXVIII. Thattl, president, deputy, secretary, treasurer, surveyor, and all the servants of the society, shall bring into the society's warehouse, what peltry they buy of the Indians in their respective plantations with their own private goods. This shall be entered in the books of the several offices to prevent fraud. Those goods shall be sent over with the society's goods, and shall have what return they will for the same, allowing to the society, freight, factorage, &c. a clerk, a searcher. This surveyor shall view all ships, and what thereunto is belonging, whether fit to be made use of for the societies service or no; and make report to the president. He shall oversee all overseers, servants, their works and make record of them all, giving information of all things in the secretary office, and to the president or his deputy: and keeping record in his He shall see all goods shipped office of the same. safely and others landed: He shall view all warehouses, their goods that they be kept well, &c. That all warrants from the president, be duly put in execution, survey all entries and invoices, all building, all cattles, That it shall be lawful for all, who bring their goods to &c. that the society may not suffer by any: keeping a the society's warehouse, so to do and to have the same journal of all things which are every seven daies to be returns as they shall desire. This being granted and al- compared with the secretary office, where all things are lowed, will bring in most of the countries goods, in the to be recorded. And record being duly made, all the society's hands which will in time prove the great advan- books to be signed by the president or his deputy, and tage of the society: and most eminently to the planters, afterwards to stand for good and just actings in the court who are not able to send into England; where possibly of committee and assistants; and this being passed never they may be deceived by factors or attorneys, they hav-more to be recalled. ing in the society the greater security imaginable for their effects. ARTICLE XXIX. ers, &c. THE MINERS OFFICE. To this office shall belong an agent, clerks, miners, Some of the officers and offices for the society, viz.-refiners, brickmakers, tile makers, potters, lime burnPresident, Deputy, Treasurer, agent, Secretary, Surveyor, Twelve Committee,men, Chyrurgeon, Factors, Clerks, Overseers, Messengers, Porters, Butchers, Watermen, Carrmen, &'c. The four offices for the Society. THE SECRETART OFFICE. The agent shall daily receive information from the miners, &c. of what is done and make record of it in his office, and shall be signed by the clerk and himself.— Then to send it to the secretary's office every seven daies there to be recorded: the president or deputy having approved the same. And the agent shall an any of the things, that a e under his custody, until they are recorded and received in the custody of the treasu rer. To this office shall belong the bookkeeper, the fac-swer for all defaults and wrong done to the society in tors, chyrurgion, clerk of all offices, messengers, overseers, watermen. The secretary shall be alwaies ready to receive orders of the president or deputy for the execution of all warrants to be issued out abroad, to write all letters, &c. for the society's service, and to direct the plantations in their duties, as the president and courts are agreed on to be done: as when any ships are going out, then to write to factors abroad, &c. when any factors are wanting supplies of goods, to give warrants in the treasury office for the same, under the president's own hand and seal, or his deputy: and nothing delivered without this method. And when goods are brought in, then to take account of the same, and give an account to the president of them and enter them in that office These are the heads, upon which the society is to be governed, and the officers by which all is to be adminis tered and secured from fraud and deceit. What further is necessary, for the same must be left to the wisdom of the president and court of assistants, who in time may give an exact account of other things relating thereunto. For the conveniency of such who are desirous to subscribe to the stock of this society. if they please to apply themselves to Philip Ford in Bow Lane near Cheap Side, there their subscriptions may be entered. Copy of a MS minute (apparently original) in possession of J. P. Norris, Esq. also. If any servant dyeth, to receive information of it and make record. If any runaway, to receive information and take order of the president about it, &c. If At a general court of free society of traders of Pennany be sick, to issue warrants for their help by the presi-sylvania held in London the 29th of the 3d month, alias dent's order, &c. If cattle die to record it: If any be May 1682, for chusing officers of ye sd society accordincreased, to record the place, kind, number. To re- ing to the printed articles, it was accordingly enacted ceive every week a particular account of all overseers, and agreed by a general consent. factors, &c. of all encreases and decreascs of trade, &c. THE TREASURY OFFICE. To this office shall belong the treasurer, two clerks, porters, butchers, water-men, carr-men, chyrurgion, husbandmen, handicrafts, &c. every one of them giving account to the treasurer of their works, and all to be recorded in the treasury office, and to be transmitted into the secretary's office every seven daies and all those officers and servants, to be directed in their proceedings by warrants from the president or his deputy, and nothing to be delivered out without the same to prevent deceit, &c. And there shall be two ware houses, one for exportation and the other for importation, unto each of them shall belong a clerk, to keep journals of goods come in and gone out; and to keep the warrants from the president for their security. And that if any goods are received in, and not recorded in the secretary and treasury office, within two daies, it shall be a forfei ture of such penalty thought fit to be imposed by the court of assistants. THE SURVEYOR'S OFFICE. To this office shall belong the surveyo", and assistant, That Nicholas Moore of London Med. Dr. should be and continue president for seven years according to the articles aforesaid. That John Simcock of Pennsylvania, yeom. should be and continue deputy president for seven years. That James Claypoole of London Merch't. should be and continue treasurer for seven years. John Boy of Wilts merchant, chosen surveyor. A committee of 12 was chosen to reside in Pennsyl vania, viz: Thomas Brassey, Ffra Plumstead, Antho. Elton, 1828.] LETTER TO THE EMPEROR OF CANADA, · 397 Edward Peirod of London, oylman, chosen assistant. Agreed that the subscribers in England have their requests presented by the president, &c. to the governor in the first provincial council and general assembly that shall be held in Pennsylvania, viz: that the 24 assistants of the committee shall be chosen out of such subscribers that are most apt for managing ye affairs there and that by the assent and approbation of the gov-principle and will always endeavour to be found in the ernor, the provincial council and general assembly aforesaid, but that this shall not be a president for after. Agreed that henceforth every one subscribing to the society's stock, shall pay five per cent. at the subscription. Then the court adjourned till sixth day now called friday to meet about the ffifth hour afternoon to consider what may be further requisite and about paying in the London the 2d. 4th mo. als. June 1682. Agreed by the general court upon their own adjourn m't. on the day afores'd. money. That a mulct shall be laid upon disorderly talkers, and that every one shall direct, his speech unto the president: and that in case any assume to interrupt another or speak out of course, they shall upon the first default be reproved by the president or his deputy, upon the second default they shall pay 1d. for ye use of ye poor; yre 3d. default 6d. for the same use & so 6d. for every default on each court day. That whatever is past or enacted at any court shall be read the next court day. That Francis Burroughs, Edward West ***** John Crow Ffrancis Plumstead be added to ye committee to be advising and ***** president in ye behalf of the society. That the committee shall have power to receive the securities of those officers who give security according to the printed articles. That a glass house with all convenient speed shall be built and improved upon the society's lands. That a deputy from ye society shall be sent with a lettr. from ye president in the society's name with some present to the emperour of Canada and tributary king and that the said present shall be prepared according to the wisdom of the committee in order to ye engaging a Trade. That ye quarter part of the subscription be paid into the Treasurer before the 29th inst. That the committee do meet next Friday at 5 to take security of ye officers. Then the court adjourned. The following is probably the letter from the society referred to in the preceding minute; it was copied by E. H. from the original, M. S. on parchment, found among the records of the land office of this state. The original was a good deal injured by rats, so that several words and letters are wanting; these are supplied in the copy, and are printed in italics. TO THE EMPEROR OF canada. SEAL. full power to agree with you in all things relating to our Affairs; he is is a good and Just man, what you do with him we will Ratify and Confirm without Delays or Exception, and you shall find that we are a People that love peace and Justice, and are not afraid of War: our God is a God of peace, a God of Love, Grace, Mercy and Justice and we are his followers, having the same like Practice. He is always doing good unto all his Creatures whom you and we are; we also being persuaded of this duty have now resolved to seek to do you good in all we are Able, Therefore it will not be our Faults if you are not happy in our neighbourhhood For we will be kind and Loving to you at all times and will be your Friends, which thing we also expect from you. And cannot but suppose that you shall readily consider and accept of our kindness and rejoice at it. And we are willing also to receive you into a perpetual friendship and protection amongst us. IN WITNESS whereof I do propose unto you that we are willing to receive you, your Kings and people in our Society of Trade, and if you will bring in your goods in our Society for a Free Trade you shall greatly enrich yourselves by it, for we will Improve it for you as well as for us, and in so doing you shall have what you and yours shall want of all good Things without being beholden to any other people whatsoever. For we and you being united, we shall take off your goods, and we shall help you with ours to your Content, so that the advantage shall be equal.— Therefore It is your Interest to Command your Kings and people to trade with us thus united alone, it being your proper Advantage, and you yourself may from time to time come and see our Trade and Improvement, and take your profits which shall arise therefrom proporconably to what you shall join with us. This we propose as a proper means to unite all our Interests for ever.We shall be glad to see you the next Spring to Conclude some good Treaty together in peace. And to show you that we are good men, we have sent you this Present, when we meet you you shall know this to be altogether true. In the mean time prepare for Trade as we do. I rest London, the 19th day of the Fourth month, called June, FRIEND, 1682. NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS. "THE TRAVELLER" has published a list of news paI have sent you this Letter and Messenger to let you know that I am elected PRESIDENT of the FREE SOSIETY pers and periodical publications in the United States, of TRADERS OF PENNSYLVANIA, and as I am such, have amounting to 827: of these, 185 are published in this the Power and Free Consent of all these good men to state, being the largest number in any one state. The treat with you, your Kings, and your people in all things following account of them is taken from that work, and pertaining to Trade: and also to give you assurance That all our Intentions and purposes towards you are is probably as nearly correct as it can be made; though good and just; and unto this Messenger we have giyen we have noticed some few inaccuracies. NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS, PUBLISHED IN PENNSYLVANIA, 1828. Title. when pub'd. National Gaz. & Literary Register Philadelphia Daily where published. by whom pub'd. William Fry United States Gazette do do Hart and Chandler Price. Title. where published. when pub'd. by whom pub'd. Price. do do do Monthly Samuel C. Atkinson 2.50 Poulson's Amer. Daily Advertiser do do Zachariah Poulson 8 0 Am. Sunday School Magazine do Am. S. S. Union 1 50 The Democratic Press do John Binns 8 0 United Brethrens' Miss. Intell. Quarterly 1 0 Aurora & Pennsylvania Gazette do George Taylor & Co. 8 0 Baptist Tract Magazine do American Sentinel do Jacob Frick & Co. 8 0 Penns. & Del. Tract Magazine do Semi-month. 0 25 The Daily Chronicle do Charles Alexander 8 0 The Youths' Friend do Monthly Am. S. S. Union 0 25 Philadelphia Gazette do S. Smith &W.M.Gouge 8 0 The Commercial and Manufacturing Philadelphia Price Current Saturday Billington & Sanderson 4 0 Directory for Phila. N. York, &c. do The Register of Pennsylvania do do Samuel Hazard 5 0 The Traveller & Monthly Gazetter do Philadelphia Mercury do do Stephen Simpson 3 0 Harrisburgh Chronicle Harrisburgh Weekly The Saturday Evening Post do do Samuel C. Atkinson 2 0 Pennsylvania Intelligencer do do E. F. Cryder, & Co. 3 0 Saturday Morning Herald do do Elwood Walter & Co. 2 0 Harrisburgh Argus The Ariel do do Edmund Morris 0 Lancaster Journal do Lancaster Saturday Francis Wyeth 2 0 Friday John Reynolds 20 The Souvenir do Wednesday Philip Price, jr. 3 0 Lancaster Reporter do Thursday Cyrus S. Jacobs 20 Phil Album and Ladies'Lit. Gaz. do do J. B. Kenney & Co. 2 50 Mechanics' Library Co. 2 0 Lancaster Intelligencer do Tuesday Mary Dickson Pittsburg Friday D. & M. Maclean 2 0 2 0 The Allegheny Democrat do Tuesday Leonard S. Johns 20 Independent Balance do do The Christian Magazine Wednesday The Philadelphian Friday The Church Register, (Episc.) Weekly Philadelphia Recorder, (do.) Saturday Columbian Star, (Baptist) Saturday Lewis P. Franks Rev. Benj. Alien 5 0 Pittsburg Mercury do do John M. Snowden 20 2 0 The Commonwealth do Saturday P. C. M. Andrews 2 0 2 50 Western Journal do do H. C. Marthens 2 0 2 50 The Statesman do Wednesday John B. Butler 2 0 2 50 Masonic Souvenir and Lit. Gaz. do Weekly 3 2 50 The Spectator (Presb.) do Thursday John Andrews The Friend, (Friends') seventh day John Richardson 2 0 Delaware Democrat & Easton Ga. Easton do The Quaker do Monthly M. T. C. Gould 1 0 Pennsylvania Argus do Friday do do 1 0 The Easton Sentinel do do Monthly T. R. Gates 1 0 Berks and Schuylkill Journal Reading Saturday Monthly Ashbel Green, D. D. 3 0 Marietta Pioneer Marietta Friday The York Gazette York Tuesday do 9999 E. Littell 60 Carlisle Gazette Carlisle Wednesday do E. Littell 6 0 American Volunteer do Thursday E. Littell 6 0 Democratic Republican do Wednesday James Crever 20 E. Littell 4 0 Carlisle Herald do Thursday George Fleming 20 5 0 The Magazine of the German Reformed Church, (devoted 50 to the cause of Missions) do Carey, Lea & Carey 5 0 Jour. of the Acad. of Nat. Scien. do occasionally 20 Am. Jour, of Med. Sciences do Quarterly Carey, Lea & Carey 50 Political Examiner Democratic and Farmers' Gaz. Bucks County Intelligencer do Journ. of the College of Pharmacy do Semi-month. Medical Recorder do Quarterly J. Webster 5 0 do occasionally do Monthly J. Dobson Mem. of the Agric. So. of F bil. do Transac. of the Am. Philoso. Soc. do occasionally do The Miner's Journal and Schuyl 5 0 The Norristown Register Monthly by the Board of Missions 1 50 Pottsville M. C. Saturday Norristown Wednesday do do Pottstown Tuesday Downingtown Tuesday 2 0 Wm. T. Rogers C. A. & O. Bradford 20 Doylestown Tuesday Doylestown Monday do 20 20 Fairlamb & Plitt 2 |