THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. VOL. V.-NO. 26. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 26, 1830. Gustavus Conyngham, was sent to Philadelphia when a lad, in the year 1763 by his uncle the Reverend Wm. Conyngham, a clergyman of the Church of England in the County of Donegal, Ireland, with letters to Redmond Conyngham, Esquire, formerly of Letterkenny, Ireland. Mr. Conyngham thought that nature, or rather his natural genius, pointed out the sea as the element on which he was to live and therefore placed him in a vessel of his own, under the command of Captain Henderson, then in the Antigua trade; with this Captain he continued until his death when he was promoted to the command of the ship Molly; he remained in the same trade until the revolutionary war, when he was sent to France with Mr. Jonathan Nesbit. Mr. Nesbit established a House in L'Orient. Captain Conyngham having received orders to intercept a British Packet, and take possession of the Dispatches from the English Court,proceeded to Dunkirk, purchased and fitted out a vessel called the Surprise,this was the first Privateer that appeared in those seas under the American flag. Captain Conyngham was so successful in capturing British vessels that his very name was a terror. In the year 1778 he was unfortunately captured and treated with barbarous severity. Congress by resolution dated July, 1779, directed their Secretary to write in their name to the Admiral or Commanding Officer of the British Fleet then lying in New York, to demand the reason of his being treated "in a manner contrary to the dictates of humanity and the practice of Christian civilized nations," and they further directed, in the event of a satisfactory answer not being given, that the Province Committee shall immediately cause to be confined in close and safe custody, such and so many persons as they may think proper, in order to abide the fate of the said Gustavus Conyngham. On the 13th of December following, Congress refused to allow Christopher Hale, then a prisoner, to be exchanged or to go upon his parole, declaring by resolution that he must abide the fate of Gustavus Conyngham." NO. 130. NOTE.-Conyngham was in height about five feet seven inches, slender form with a countenance remarkably thin, uncommonly active, daring and resolute. In his several confinements he suffered severely and his constitution never recovered its effects. Captain Conyngham when cruising in the West Indies captured a remarkable swift sailer sent by the English to watch his motions and give the information to a government Frigate, and soon after captured the vessel which was fitted out for the express purpose of taking him; Conyngham sent both vessels into Martinique. The English captains said there is no escaping Conyngham, he holds his commission from the Devil. The above person alluded to was the same Conyngham who was in a dungeon in England for one hundred and twenty days on the rebel allowance of 2-3ds of a lb. of beef and bread with a quart of water all of the worst quality nicknamed Rebel Diet. Copy of a Letter Extracted. "In all the pride of her swelling canvass the stately ship Bristol, of Bristol moved along with an imposing appearance calculated to awe any daring Privateersman. She was well armed with a sufficient crew, but what could protect her from such a spirit as that of Conyng. ham; this man with a daring and gallant crew, with a mate ready to enter Hell match in hand, in a privateer which could be sent to the bottom from one broad-side of the Bristol; but in sailing she made up for her want of force, for after a variety of manoeuvres he placed his little privateer under the stern of the Bristol, wedged her rudder which rendered her unmanagable, threw his men upon her deck and swore he would set her on fire if the crew did not immediately surrender; thus was this fine merchant Ship, with a most valuable cargo taken by a petty privateer of insignificant force." NOTE.-Conyngham was in the Revenge. Some interesting particulars relating to Captain Gustavus Conyngham in the revolutionary war by an eye witness. The Suprise was purchased in Dunkirk, and fitted out in the year 1777 by Franklin and Deane and a commission was given to Gustavus Conyngham, signed by John Hancock, President of Congress, dated first of March, 1777, attested by Charles Thompson, Secretary. In this vessel Conyngham made a cruise-captured the Harwich Packet on the third of May, and the brig General Washington, also wrote to the commanding Joseph on the fourth; returned to Dunkirk with the officer of the New York Squadron, that if Captain Co-prizes and sent on the mail to the American commis nyngham was hung, he would immediately cause to be sioners; the prizes were liberated by order of the French hung six of the British officers then in safe custody. In Government and Conyngham and bis crew placed in the Print shops of London there was exposed to sale an prison; Conyngham's commission was sent on to Verexact likeness of Conyngham the Pirate. The print sailles to the Count Vergennes and never returned. represented Conyngham to be a man of gigantic and powerful frame, six feet six inches in height with shoulders of extraordinary breadth; his whole person indicating herculean strength, with a countenance the most ferocious that can be imagined, holding in his right hand a sword six feet in length, with a belt round his body to which four pair of pistols was attached. Over the print in large capitals was placed these words-"The Arch Rebel."-"Admirable likeness." On some of the prints "A perfect Devil."--" Pirate of Hell."-" Ferocious Conyngham." VOL. V. 51 Captain Conyngham was permitted to go where he chose; he was placed in the prison merely to deceive Lord Stormouth, who ordered two British sloops of war from England to take Conyngham with his crew to Portsmouth. But Lord Stormouth was completely deceived for while he expected to receive the American prisoners the Revenge was purchased by order of the commissioners and fitted out by their agent and a new commission was given to Conyngham by Wm. Carmichael, Secretary to the Commissioners, dated 2d of May, 1777 attested by Charles Thompson, Secretary, to pay for any repairs or outfits, but had to use the means which war threw into his hands. In the year 1779, Captain Conyngham was unfortu The French Government receiving information of the fitting out of the Revenge demanded sureties and Andrew Hodge and David H. Conyngbam became respon. sible for the peaceable conduct of the vessel. Howev-nately captured; carried to New York, there placed on er, Conyngham and his crew were taken out from pris- the deck of a vessel of war, chained, loaded with irons, on and placed on board the Revenge and shortly sailed suffered every kind of ignominious treatment, which from France with orders to burn, sink and destroy the wanton cruelty could practice. Sent to England, plaenemy's vessels, which order he very faithfully obeyed.ced in Pendennis Castle, on a rebel allowance of six On the 18th of July, 1777 the Revenge was chased ounces of beef, six of bread, for every twenty-four hours; and fired on by several British Frigates, Sloops of war for forty-two days was he in a dungeon, on the half of and cutters but by superior sailing and seamanship es- the above allowances, but Conyngham was satisfied, for caped. his men were compelled to eat even oats to keep themHodge was thrown into the Bastile and D. H. Conyng-selves from starving. Three several times did Conyngham by the management of his father's great friend Dr. Franklin, was sent off with dispatches and thus escaped the Bastile. The capture of Hodge was merely to deceive the British Government for Count D'Estaing was fitting out a fleet at Toulon for the protection of the Colonies. Captain Conyngham made an offer to the Commissioners if they would supply him with two additional vessels he would cruise in a certain latitude and intersept the Hessian Troops going to America, it is much to be regretted that Conyngham's plan was not put into execution. Conyngham cruised in the German Ocean, North seas, Irish Channel, and Western Ocean, took a large number of prizes, destroyed many, sent several to America and some to the West Indies. At one time having suffered from severity of weather put into Lough Swilly got a supply of water, fish and potatoes, also, off Cork sent in for Newspapers, went into the Menai Passage and got some supplies from the Welsh. The House of Lagonere & Co. in Spain were entrusted with the money arising from the sale of his prizes. In the year 1777 fell in with the Brig Gracioso off Cape Ortugal from London bound to Corunna, with a cargo worth 80,000 pounds sterling, British property covered by a Spaniard in Corunna, captured her and sent her to Bilboa but went into St. Sebastians where they caused the American Commander and his men to be thrown into prison and placed the French Captain and men in possession of the brig. Captain Conyngham was compelled to go into Bilboa and it was with much difficulty he effected the liberation of his officers and men from prison. ham break from confinement, sometimes re-taken and reminded of the gallows, at last escaped from them, got safe to the Texel, and went on board the "Alliance,' Captain Paul Jones, and made a cruise with him, landed at Corunna, and afterwards went on board the "Experiment" to go to the United States, but was captured by the Admiral Edwards, sent to England, and lodged in Mile Prison, although ill, with a heavy weight of irons. Captain Conyngham undermined the walls of the dungeon, and made his escape. He received from the Duke of Richmond much kindness and attention; and Edmund Burke never visited the American Prisoners without leaving a guinea in the hands of some one of them. Extract of a letter from Captain Gustavus Conyngham. "I made a voyage to France in the "Charming Peggy, to procure munitions of war of various descriptions. and purchased powder, salt-petre, gun flints, medicine, Arrived at Dunkirk, Jonathan Nesbit went to Holland, and clothing. The goods arrived, I proceeded to Nieuport Roads to take them on board; a rascally sailor lodged information as to my views with the British Consul. The vessel was stopt, I was placed in confinement, and a guard placed on board, but a light breeze coming up, I liberated myself, took the arms from the guard and proceeded to sea-but fortune deserted me, there fell a calm, our situation was desperate, it requir ed a desperate remedy, we took to our boats, made a fire back of the rudder, and left her. If it had not been for the damp which put out the fire, she would have burnt up and blown up in handsome style, for she had a It was after this I large quantity of powder on board. took the command of the "Surprize," at Dunkirk." Copy of a letter from B. Franklin to Capt. Conyngham. "PASSY, February 6, 1782. Captain Conyngham after another very successful cruise, in which he had captured and destroyed a large number of British vessels, put into Cadiz to refit.- "SIR-I am to acknowledge the receipt of two letters While there, an English ship of the line and two frig. from you since you came to Nantes. In the first, you ates lay in Cadiz harbour; their officers formed a dia- desired a copy of your original Commission; I have bolical scheme of destroying us at the witching hour of caused search to be made for it, but can find no trace of night, by fire. We received secret intelligence of their it-as at the time it was given to you the Commissioners design, and were prepared to blow those who attempt-kept no minutes of their proceedings; and it is but a few They were afraid to make the at-days since I learnt from Dr. Bancroft, that it was taken tempt. The Spanish Admiral, very politely offered to from you at Dunkirk, and sent up with your other paCaptain Conyngham a 74 gun ship as a protection. Copers to the Count De Vergennes. The first time I go nyngham thanked him for the offer, but told him he was to Versailles I will inquire for it; if it is lost, I will send not afraid of fifty of their boats, all he wished was that you a certificate that it did exist, though at present not they might make the attempt, and if they did, they to be found. would never live to make another. ed it to "In your second letter you desire to know what moAfterwards made a cruise to the Canary Islands-ney Mr. D*gg*s has charged or advanced to you. I nev made prizes, and destroyed numbers. Went to Teneriffe, for wood and water, and were most hospitably treated. Conyngham was now in great danger; the seas were over run with British cruisers, with orders to follow the "Revenge," and wherever found, to destroy her, and throw Conyngham into confinement with heavy irons. Captain Conyngham received a letter from Arthur Lee, informing him he was sole Commissioner for Spain; requesting him to communicate to him at what ports in Spain he sent his prizes, who received the proceeds of their sales. Captain Conyngham gave him all the information, which enabled Lee to draw for the funds Captain Conyngham never received any money er was able to obtain from him a regular amount of the monies put into his hands for the relief of prisoners in England, but I think he mentions in one of his letters he paid fifty pounds for you: probably this may not be true, for he is the greatest villain I ever met with, having the last winter drawn on me for £495, for the support of American Prisoners, and applied but £30 to their use. However, he can have no right to demand re-payment from you, having received the money from me. "With very great esteem, and best wishes for your prosperity, I have the honour to be Your's, B. FRANKLIN, To Captain GUSTAVES CONYNGHAM.” 1830.] GUSTAVUS CONYNGHAM. 403 Extract from the Spanish Manifesto, declaring hostility to England-1779. "Spain gave, in regard to prizes, orders similar to those of France; and it caused them to be put in execution with so much rigor and exactness, that several American Privateers, and among others the famous Conyngham, exasperated against Spain, retaliated by using the Spaniards very ill, and making upon them reprisals, which have not as yet been delivered back, though often asked for." the favour and confidence of two successive Governors Copy of a letter from the Duke of Richmond. "WHITEHALL, April 6th, 1781. "Sir--I received your letter of the 18th of March,and am sorry to hear the distress you mention of the American prisoners. I had been informed before of the unaccountable partiality in giving a less allowance of bread to their prisoners than to French, Spanish or Dutch. "No person can wish to alleviate your sufferings more than myself, and I am endeavoring to get you the additional allowance of bread, by making private application In the Manifesto of the King of Great Britain, in an-for that purpose, which I think the most likely way to swer to the exposition of the Court of France. Extract. "Mr. Bingham, Agent for the Rebels, who enjoyed of Martinico, served always as a shelter to vessels who cruized under American colours, but manned by Frenchmen-he directed the arming of the Privateers and the sale of the prizes. be effectual. But if the American prisoners are desirous RICHMOND. Washington, and laid before Congress. "Two merchant vessels, the "Lancashire Heroe," and the "Irish Gambier," which were taken by the Copy of a letter written by Mrs. Conyngham to General "Revenge," assures us that out of her crew only two are Americans, for her commander the notorious Conyngham, is an Irishman, and her owner although an inhabitant of Martinico, is of Philadelphia, and a merchant of that city, and is owner to a number of privateers, and is suspected of acting with the approbation of the Gov ernor." The following is the English account of the capture of the Harwich Packet. "May 2d, 1777. The Prince of Orange Packet, Captain Story, from Harwich to Helvoetslay's, has been captured by the "Surprize" privateer, Captain Gusiavus Conyngham, within three leagues of the coast of Holland. "PHILADELPHIA, July 17th, 1779. would please to take such steps for his relief, as have in "Being night the privateer run along side of her.-gress to his distressed situation, and requesting they The captain of the watch cried out "what is the matter, you make bad steerage-take care you will run aboard of us-you will soon be foul of us, if you do not steer better-take care you will be on board." "That is my intention," said Conyngham who immediately leaped on board, followed by a dozen others, armed with pistols and cutlasses. Conyngham ran down hastily into the cabin, where he found the Captain and passengers eating supper. They jumped up-all were in confusionthe ladies screamed. Be not alarmed, (said Conyngham,) you are my prisoners, but no harm shall happen to you." "Prisoners to whom?" "To the American Congress." "And who in the name of the D-1 is the American Congress?" "That you will soon learn."The King's Messenger drew from his side pocket a small packet, and threw it through the cabin window into the sea, and notwithstanding every exertion of Conyngham to recover it, it was lost-but he got the mail and carried the packet into Dunkirk. The moment Lord Stormont received the intelligence he applied to the French Government who acted promptly on this occasion, and had the vessel restored, and threw Conyngham and his piratical crew into prison, from whence they will be sent to England in a few days, there to receive an ignominious death, which they justly merit, for their atrocious conduct." Conyngham is represented to be a bold and determined villain, of great resolution and muscular strength, but his sphere of doing injury is fortunately limited. "The delay of one single hour may fix my husband's fate forever. Pardon me, therefore, while I entreat your immediate attention to his case. "Consider your numerous officers' safety, and the safety of your soldiers by sea and land, in connection with that of my husband. This I presume will be a sufficient motive with you to procure justice for him, and to afford consolation to a distressed wife. Yours, &c. ANNE CONYNGHAM. THE COAL REGION. WINCHESTER, May 8th, 1779. Dear Sir-All is alarm here. On Monday night last a large body of prisoners, among whom is the terrible Conyngham, found means to let themselves down into a Any one whese employment requires more than anivault, from whence they dug a hole under the founda- mal exertion, but more especially the man whose emtion of the building, and undermined the ground for a ployment is sedentary and studious, will occasionally considerable distance. Had it not been for their great find himself overtaken by a certain feeling, that is coneagerness in getting out, in which a boys arm was broke stantly admonishing him of the various items of business whose cries alarmed the centinels, some hundreds would he has to transact, and of the neccessity of attending to have made their escape, but eleven only remain undis-them, while it totally unfits his mind for the performcovered, among whom is the noted pirate Conyng ham." ance. This feeling we think to be appropriately called "the Fidgets." It exhibits itself in towns, by persons being perpetually engaged in traversing space, tarry- at the public house of our old friend Henry W. Conrad, ing a minute at one corner and a minute at another, without object or aim, and of course without gratifica tion. We had heard much of the coal region, of Pine Grove, of Pottsville, of Mount Carbon and Port Carbon, and innumerable other groves, villes and mounts, and the coal region we determined to visit. All the world knows, that from Harrisburg to Lebanon you pass through a delightful, fertile valley of limestone land, highly cultivated, but not urged to the top of its capacity for production by science. Hummelstown, Palmyra and Millerstown are convenient resting points upon this road, if rest is wanted in twenty five iniles rolling upon a turnpike now in reasonably good condition. If you leave Harrisburg in the morning, you arrive with ease at Lebanon in time for dinner, and having refreshed yourself and horse may proceed to Pine Grove and reach it before sunset. It is called 18 miles from Lebanon to Pine Grove, but we should think it rather more. You leave the turnpike at Lebanon, and direct your course for the mountain, but the road is good, and well provided with hand boards, some inquiry concerning which directories had better be made before starting from Lebanon. For instances "Huber's Mill" on one of these boards means "Pine Grove." If you cannot speak or understand the German, you may as well not trouble those you meet with your interrogatories, but keep your eye upon the mountains; for if you do this and get out of your course you will not go far without finding yourself upon the Jonestown or Stumpstown road, and neither of these towns is much out of the way, while from them to the mountain, the road is broad, palpable and direct. We were much disappointed in crossing the Blue mountain, which we expected to find steep, rocky and rough, but which turned out to be a much better road than that across Peter's mountain at Ayres's was before the construction of the turnpike. A gig passes over the mountain with ease and safety. Mr. Conrad Shindel has commenced carrying passengers in a stage twice a week from Lebanon, through Pine Grove, to Pottsville, and succeeds, we are told, well in the adventure. On the Blue mountain you have an extensive view of one of the largest and most fertile agricultural districts in the United States, east of the Allegheny mountains, extending from Easton on the Delaware, through Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Turning your eyes north, you see hill upon hill; but in these hills lie embodied inexhaustible bodies of anthracite coal. This is the Coal Region. We have given a hint of the uselessness of making inquiries concerning the road, unless one is conversant with the German tongue. At the foot of the mountain we inquired of a man engaged in splitting a tough piece of wood, "how far is it to Pine Grove?". His reply in German was, that he could not speak English. The inquiry was then repeated "we weid is nach Pine Grove?" When we were answered in plain English "three miles." We had proceeded but a short distance after this when the first evidence of our being in the coal region met our view--wood cutters, teamsters, and canal laborers. Here we crossed the Swatara, and here it is a beautiful and abundant stream, containing to every appearance as great a volume of water as flows at Middletown, where it empties into the Susquehanna. At this point, where the Swatara is crossed by a bridge a town called Swataraville has been laid out. Here a canal, to connect with the Union Canal above Judge Weidman's dam, is to terminate, and a Rail-road to penetrate into the coal mines is to commence. Both works are in progress, and it is supposed will be ready for the transportation of coal by the latter part of the season. A mile further carried ns to Pine Grove, where we were somewhat astonished in not meeting either Pines or Groves, but a large body of level and cleared land, with several private dwellings and four Taverns, and all around wearing the appearance of business. We put up Esq.-which is a spacious and elegant building, and the accommodations inside by no means disappoint the expectations formed by an inspection of the exterior. Here about 30 sat down to supper and had spread before them the substantial dishes called for by the cravings of appetites whetted by mountain air, with the addition of five or six dozen of trout, which latter dish was devoured with an extraordinary relish. For our own part, we prefer beef and ham. Pine Grove must become a place of extensive business if the working of coal mines, and the transportation of coal to market can make business to any great extent; for certain it is Pine Grove has the coal and will soon have the same facilities of transportation that Pottsville possesses, with the additional advantage of being able to go direct to Philadelphia, by the Union and Schuylkill canals, or proceed to Middletown, and down the Susquehanna, having at tide the choice of a Philadelphia or Baltimore market. It is but a moderate day's travel from Middletown or Harrisburg to Pine Grove. There ought to be a mail from Lebanon to Pine Grove, to run at least two or three times a week. Leaving Pine Grove, we cross the Swatara, pass over a hilly region, through a small village called Fredensburg, which exhibits no indications of coal, being destitute of either canal or rail road, and arrive at Schuyl kill Haven, fourteen miles from Pine Grove and four from Pottsville. Schuylkill Haven is the name of a town that has been laid out, but, like Swataraville, a view of the plot is scarcely interrupted by a house; yet at this point the Schuylkill canal is to be intersected by a Rail-road, stretching into the coal mines at the head of the West Branch of the Schuylkill; and if the theories of the holders of coal lands are sound, the working of the mines, the transportation of coal upon the rail-road, and the transfer of the coal from the car to the boat will make business, which business will make Schuylkill Haven a large and flourishing town. The Centre turnpike, from Reading to Sunbury, passes through this place, and leads you in four miles to Pottsville. There is no turnpike from Lebanon to Schuylkill Haven; but the road is good and the scenery bold and picturesque. The streams are remarkably clear and pure, which is as refreshing to the senses of some persons as the most interesting scenery, or landscape of the richest green. About three miles from Pine Grove a large wild Turkey gobbler was searching in the road for food, but on espying us started into the thicket; in a short space of time he was observed again ahead in the road, but disappeared as we approached. His mate was no doubt near by upon her nest, and we trust neither of them may be molested until the forthcoming brood shall be reared. Between Schuylkill Haven and Pottsville the mountains set in upon the Schuylkill, with barely enough of interval for the location of a good turnpike, road. Pursuing the Centre turnpike, towards Sunbury in about three miles we arrived at Major Kepner's tavern, and there put up, upon the calculation that we would have good eating, comfortable quarters, and quiet undisturb ed rest, while we were near enough to the coal emporium to visit it on foot. We were not at all deceived about the accommodations at the Major's, nor in the other branches of the calculation, but fared well in all respects; and after setting out on a walk to Pottsville, had not proceeded more than half a mile, until in making a turn at the point of a mountain we found ourselves in the immediate neighbourhood of business, store hous es, dwellings and immense heaps of coal. This was Mont Carbon, which is a distinct town plot but connects with, and makes part and parcel of Pottsville in all respects. Pottsville has been frequently described, its bustie and business, and we shall not go over that ground. The Centre turnpike running through it, from east to west presents the only street in that direction. The 1830.] PENNSYLVANIA AND MARYLAND BOUNDRY. cross streets are laid out wherever the intervals between the mountains will admit, and are three or four in number. Near the middle of Pottsville (proper) one of these streets, called Mahantango, has a row of two story buildings, called Clinton row, which have a very pleasing effect upon the eye that has been unused to order or uniformity since entering the Mountains. After sauntering on to the western extremity of Pottsville, we observed preparations for a rail road along the ravine formed by Norwegian creek. Immediately above the town, this rail-way branches off, one section extending to the coal mines on the Big Norwegian, and the other up the Little Norwegian. Opposite to Pottsville and on the eastern side of the ravine to which we have alluded, the hill and mountain is penetrated in many places by colleries. We were told, however, that these could not be worked to advantage, and hence the rail roads up the Norwegian, one is in progress up Mill creek, one up Wolf run, and a third up the East Branch of Schuylkill. These last rail roads start at Port Carbon, where the Schuylkill canal terminates. At Mont Carbon, the East Branch of Schuylkill turns short off to the East, and the Schuylkill canal extends along it to Port Carbon a distance of about two miles. The map tells us that a number of towns have been laid out upon these rail roads; for instance, St.Clairsville, Ravensdale, Newcastle, Coaquennac, Wetherill, Middleport, Tuscarora, Tamaqua, &c. The streets of Pottsville present a very lively aspect; coal wagons moving to the canal landings with coal, and wagons from the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna to the store houses for merchandise, horsemen dashing along the streets and footmen hurrying along the pavements, the taverns and groceries crowded, and men communing at corners earnest in conversation, and casting about sly and knowing looks. The tender part of creation seems to make an insignificant item in the multitude of Pottsville, for we saw but very few females moving to church on Sunday, altho' we happened there when Bishop Onderdonk was consecrating the Episcopal Church and on Monday we did not observe a single female face in the street. They say the town contains five thousand inhabitants, and strangers say that not more than one-fiftieth of these are females. One thing we are certain of, that very few country faces are met with, the business part of the population being chiefly Philadelphians, and the labouring portion either English or Irish. 405 were said to be making their forty per cent., cotton factories sprung up in all quarters, and to the greater part of them it has turned out to be a ruinous concern; the manufacture of iron was considered profitable, and furnaces and forges sprung up in all quarters.-The rage for coal lands will also have its day; and coal mining must settle down like every other business, yielding moderate and sure profits to those who pursue it actively and prudently.—Harrisburg Chronicle. The following is copied from an old MS. (without date) in the possession of "The Historical Committee of the American Philosophical Society." It has been so much injured as occasionally to render it impossible to discover some of the words-which we have occasionally supplied in brackets [ ]. The astericks* denote entire omissions. THE CLAIMES OF Ye PROPRIETORS OF The Boundaries of, the Provinces of Maryland and Pensilvania, and of the three Lower Counties upon Delaware annexed to Pensilvania (all which joyn or each other) having never yet beeh fixed, nor any Division Lines run between them, the Northern Limits of Maryland and the Southern of Pensilvania are disputed by their respective Proprietors, the Ld Baltemore and William Penn, Esq. as is the Title also, in some measure, to the whole said three Counties, and the Grounds of the Dispute are as follows, viz: Cæcilius Calvert, Baron of Baltemore, in the Kingdom of Ireland, obtained of King Charles the first, by His Letters Patent, bearing date 20th of June 1632, the grant of a Tract of Land named Maryland, which in the sd Patent is thus described, viz: "That part of a Peninsula lying in the parts of America between the Ocean on the East, and the Bay of Chesopeake on the West, and divided from the other part thereof by a right line drawn from the Promontary or Cape of Land called Watkins point (Scituate in the aforesaid Bay near the River of Wighco) on the West, unto the main Ocean on the East, and between that bound on the South, unto that part of Delaware Bay on the North which lieth under the fortieth Degree of Northern Latitude from the Equinoctial, where New England ends. And all that Tract of Land between the Bounds aforesaid, that is to say, passing from the aforesaid Bay, called Delaware Bay, in a right line by the Degree aforesaid unto the true Meridian of the first fountain of the River Potowmeck, and from thence trending towards the South unto the farther Bank of the [river] aforesaid, and following the West and South side thereof unto [a certain] place called Cinquacke, scituate near the mouth of the said River, where it falls into the Bay of Chesopeake, [and from] thence by a Streight line unto the afores'd Promontory at a place called Watkins point, &c." By this Grant the present Lord Baltemore extends his Claim Northward to the Parallel of forty degrees of Latitude compleat, to be yet found out, and fixed, which according to their present Notion of it will fall much much more Northerly than formerly was imagined. A Furnace is in blast within a few yards of Pottsville, but nobody seems to note it, nothing, save coal, appearing to occupy attention in this quarter. The slow process of money making by the manufacture of iron, and the still slower operation of agriculture, are manifestly out of favour in the coal region. Indeed, from the time that we cross the Blue Mountain, which separates Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, a striking neglect of agriculture is every where apparent. Fields are lying waste within sight of Pottsville, while the inhabitants de pend upon supplies from a distance of the common garden vegetables. A woman lately visited the town with a venture of lettuce, and sold it readily for twelve and a half cents the handfull, her own grasp being the Rye straw brings twenty cents a bundle, and oats forty cents a bushel. What may seem remarkable, is nevertheless true, that the price of oats at Harrisburg, But King Charles the 2d by his Letters Patent bearhas been kept up by the demand at Pottsville, the ar- ing date the 4th day of March, A. D. 1680, Granted to ticle being purchased at Middletown, and sent by the William [Penn the] Countrey called Pensilvania, herecanal to the latter market. We are informed that main after described [between] fixed Bounds to the Southnure was to be obtained in Pottsville, for the trouble of ward, with which that extended claim of the Lord Balcarrying it away, and thanks into the bargain; and that temore much interferes, that according to their present the refuse of the lime-kilns, of which there are several pretensions (could they also come fully up to Delaclose by, could be had at the same rate. Such being ware) Maryland would take in the principal and most the case, the abandonment of agriculture, in the pur- valuable part of all Pensilvania, the Improvements and suit of coal, may well be termed a mania. For there Estates of a great part of the first adventurers, even all is no business in this country that can for any length of the City Philadelphia itself, the Buildings of which time, yield extravagant profits. This is emphatically a alone would at this time more than Doubly purchase all country of enterprize; when the manufacturers of cotton the Towns in Maryland measure. |