but before he left the Convention to take his seat in that body, he had the satisfaction of seeing the declaration of the Convention of Maryland published to the world, associating her fully with the other colonies in the great contest for independence.

But why should we further pursue this detail? His highest eulogy is pronounced in saying he was a signer of the Declaration of Independence-his character and his services are best portrayed by the statement, that he was worthy to be associated with the body from whom that declaration issued. To that eminence, as we have seen, he fairly won his way by his talents and his patriotism-by a career of animated and perilous exertion, beginning with the first attempts upon the freedom of his country, and continued throughout with unabated zeal and perseverance. The reputation of wealth, and even his unusually protracted life, may have in some degree obscured his just fame. There may be those, who, looking carelessly into the history of the past, are induced to believe, that riches were his chief distinction, and the tranquil repose of his long serene evening, extending so far beyond the common length of life, characteristic of his former habits. Noth

and with every blow striking down her constitution, ber laws, and her freedom.

Our part is clear. Union is our country, and we are on the side of our country, her constitution, her authorities, and laws. Within the temple of Union are the graves of our ancestors. We will not consent that the glorious fabric shall be torn down-we cannot consent that the graves of our fathers shall be divided. No: Let us supplicate the continued protection of Heaven, with a devout and earnest spirit, and let our prayer be, that our descendants, to the remotest posterity, may be able, together to make their pilgrimage in peace, as we have this day done, to the tombs of the departed patriots, and find them still united, in one country, and in one Union, watched over, and guarded, and reverenced by ONE PEOPLE. God in His mercy forbid that more should be required of us. But if the extremity must come,the voice from those tombs will tell us, That UNION IS OUR COUNTRY,

We are happy to notice in the "Blairsville Record," a series of essays commenced, illustrative of the early ing can be more erroneous In personal qualities and settlement of Indiana county in this state. Our pages exertions, Charles Carroll of Carrollton was of the have already been indebted to the "Record," for the full stature of the eventful times in which he acted. memoirs of Captain Brady, which were read with In zeal and determination he was unsurpassed. He interest. The suggestion made to country papers to neither sought repose, nor shrunk from danger, nor clung to his possessions, nor listened to the seductive furnish sketches of the counties in which they are locattemptations to enjoy in indolence, his individual advan-ed, will we hope meet with more attention than our tages-but with the steady and uncompromising spirit which distinguishes the period, could sincerely join with the patriots, who declared, "We have counted the cost, and find nothing intolerable but slavery." He is entitled to a full portion of our gratitude.

frequent calls upon them have been favored with upon the same subject. It has to us appeared extraordinary, that so little disposition is manifested, by gentlemen of leisure and intelligence in the interior, to devote a small portion of their time, to the collection of anec. dotes and facts relating to their early history, which every town and county of the state must furnish, and which can be so conveniently obtained in the new settlements especially, while many of the early settlers, or their immediate descendants are living. Every year that these investigations are delayed, increases the difficulty of obtaining the desired information, and diminishes the probability of the correctness of the facts, when obtained. What is now a well established, historical fact, and can be readily preserved as such, may in a few years become so interwoven with tradition, that the truth will not be easily separated from it, We will, as we have often before observed, be glad to transfer to our pages from the country papers, or receive directly from the writers themselves, communica tions throwing light upon the history of any portion of our state.

As he was for many years the single representative on earth of the Congress of 1776, his grave seems to be the grave of the whole. It is finally closed, and we are assembled around it for the last time. What they have left to us, is now entirely ours-ours to enjoy, and ours, be it remembered, with the favour of Providence, to preserve. It becomes us seriously and earnestly to consider what this great inheritance is, and with resolute firmness to determine that what we can do, we will do, to preserve it. The path of duty is plain before us-we have more than a single star to guide our footsteps we have a brilliant constellation, set in the political firmament on the 4th of July, 1776, and all over resplendent with the light of Union. That is the light which embraces us all, and belongs to us all, and exhibits us to the world as the "One People" who declared themselves an independent nation. That it may be resolved into its elements, and these be hurled in mad confusion against each other, destroying and destroyed, until chaotic darkness be come again, is as true as that Heaven for our sins may withdraw from us protection and support, and leave us to our own blind weakness. But that man can do this, and not be an enemy of his country, is as difficult to conceive, as that he can do it and not undo the work of the Revolution SKETCHES OF THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF -as that he can do it and not destroy our hopes, and bring upon us a train of dire affliction and calamity, of which even the child unborn is to taste the bitterness, If blood be shed again, except under the flag of the Union, it can never mingle with that blood, which consecrated our land when men marched to battle with Washington to lead them. It will not produce the fruits. Armed men will grow up out of this peaceful soil-not such men as put on armour to establish the union, the independence, and the freedom of their country, and laid it down when her liberties were secured but men supplied with fury's arms, with the destroying rage, called military ambition, with the lust of dominion, and its dismal progeny, whose procession is closed with the despot and his bloody sword. Brother will be seen fighting against brother, and father against son, all wounding the bosom of their parent country,

From the Blairsville Record.

INDIANA COUNTY.
No. 1.

An extensive field is open for the labor of the compiler of the adventures and privations of the first settlers in the west, of the European stock. New England has done something toward preserving, for the infor mation of posterity, the incidents attending the early colonization of her swamps and forests, but Pennsylvania is comparatively at fault in this respect. King Philip, Capt. Church, and Anawon, figure through many a page of New England manuscript, and even have a place in the more permanent form of printed works; but the many moving incidents arising out of the progressive advance of the "pale face" upon the red skin" of the west and south, are not presented to the world with equal fulness of detail.

The Pilgrim Fathers of Plymouth are immortalized
in story, as the founders of a new empire. While the
English language endures their pious and successful ef-
forts to plant the tree of civil and religious liberty be
yond the blighting influence of the institutions of dark
and barbarous ages, will be lauded, and the time when
first their frail bark

"The Mayflower lay on the sands of the bay,"
will be regarded as one of those special visitations of a
benevolent Providence, of which our unworthiness
alone prevents the more frequent recurrence. Well
has their descendant Pierpont compared the moral
beauty of their perilous experiment, for sublimity and
rareness to,

"An angel's wing through the parting clouds,
Just seen, and then withdrawn,"

mains, when he discovered him sitting by a spring, washing the blood from his hair.

He had lain down in his cabin at night and fallen asleep-a wolf reached through a crack between the logs, and seized him by the head This was repeated twice or thrice before he was sufficiently awakened to shift his position. The smallness of the crack and the size of his head prevented the wolf from grasping it so far as to have a secure hold, and that saved his life. Some time after this, the two adventurers returned to Franklin county, (then Cumberland,) for their families. On their return, they were joined by others. Joseph M'Cartney settled near them at an early period.

The privations of such a situation can, in some degree, be measured by the difficulty of obtaining bread stuffs, and other necessaries of life, of which the follow. ing is an example.

Moses Chambers was another early settler. Having served several years on board a British man of war, he was qualified for a life of danger and hardship.

The country newspapers, it seems to me, might perform a most useful and pleasing service, by collecting and preserving the most prominent events in the early Moses continued to work on his improvement till he settlement of their respective localities. Independent was told one morning that the last Johnny cake was at of the value of the historical knowledge thus embodied, the fire! What was to be done? There was no possia consequence of still more practical utility, would be bility of a supply short of Conagocheague. He caught found in the amelioration of party heat, and partizan his horse and made ready. He broke the Johnny cake cruelty, that now disfigure our electioneering contro-in two pieces, and giving one-half to his wife, the partversies. By going back to the days of our simple, sin- ner of his perils and fortunes, he put up the other half cere, and honest ancestors, by accompanying them in in the lappet of his coat, with thorns and turned his their frugal cabins, or on the peaceful stream, or seclud- horse's head to the east. ed mountain, we would inhale a purer atmosphere and learn to contemplate the human character in its boldest || and best forms. We should see religion without hypocrisy, and patriotism without dissimulation, hospitality without ostentation, and all the endearing relations of domestic life in their fullest play of feeling.

From the same source we should discover that many who now contend with acrimony, rival actors, it may be, in some petty political strife; are the sons of men who "fought shoulder to shoulder," against the savage in vaders of their wilderness home. Of men who, could they burst their "cerements of clay," would behold the changed condition and feelings of their posterity, only to bewail it.

Whether these observations be correct or not, I shall give them the credit of my belief, and so far as in my power discharge the duty of a faithful, though it may be, incompetent Chronicler, of the early settlements of Indiana county.

The first attempt at making a settlement in the limits of Indiana county, is believed to have been made in the year 1769, in the forks of Conemaugh and Blacklick. The country had been explored in 1766-7, and the explorers were particularly pleased with the spot on which the town of Indiana now stands. It was clear of timber or brush, and clothed in high grass; a sort of prairie. So was what is now called the marsh, near the town on the Blairsville road, though at this time, a nearly impervious thicket. When settlers had commenced improvements within a few miles of the town, they cut the grass off the prairie for the support of their cattle in winter. In making their hay they were greatly annoyed by rattlesnakes. Persons are yet living in the neighborhood, who have seen this natural meadow, with the hay cut and stacked upon it.

About the year 1771, or 1772, Fergus Moorhead and James Kelly commenced improvements near where the town of Indiana stands. Kelly's cabin stood within the limits that now inclose his son Meek Kelly's orchard. The country around might well be termed a howling wilderness, for it was full of wolves.

So soon as the cabins were finished, each of these adventurers betook himself at night to his own castle. One morning, Mr. Moorhead paid a visit to his neighbor Kelly, and was surprised to find near his cabin, traces of blood, and tufts of human hair. Kelly was not to be found. Moorhead, believing him to have been killed by the wolves, was cautiously looking about for his re

VOL. XII.

24

There were no inns on the road in those days-nor a habitation west of the mountains; save, perhaps, a hut or two at Fort Ligonier. The Kittanning path was used, to Ligonier, and from thence, the road made by General Forbes's army. Where good pasture could be had for his horse, Moses tarried and baited. To him, day was as night, and night as the day. He slept only whilst his horse was feeding. Nor did he give rest to his body or ease to his mind, until he returned with his sack stored with corn.

How forcibly would the affecting story of the patriarch Jacob, apply itself to the condition of families thus circumstanced.

"Jacob said to his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?—and he said behold I have heard that there is corn in Egypt; get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live and not die.”

Moses Chambers was not the only one who had to encounter the fatigue and trouble of procuring supplies from Franklin county-all had to do so. Such was the condition of this country, and such the prospects of settlers after the peace of 1763.

MOHULBUCKTEETAM.

From the Philadelphia Gazette.
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

Thursday Evening, Sept. 12, 1833.

SELECT COUNCIL.

The president presented a communication from the City Commissioners, representing that difficulties have arisen with the tenant of the wharf adjoining the north dock at the drawbridge, in relation to the occupation of that dock by vessels, and recommending the corpo. ration to extend a pier along the north line of the city property, into the said dock, thus obviating all difficulties, and securing to the city two landings. Referred to the committee on drawbridge lot.

The president presented a communication from the City Commissioners, enclosing a printed statement of their receipts and expenditures, for the second quarter of 1833, by which, it appears, that the amount of Market rents, from April 1st to June 30th, was $645 50; receipts for entries of Hackney coaches, &c. $328; permits for builing materials, $48; miscellaneous receipts, $229 66. Laid on the table.

The president presented a communication from the

Board of Commissioners of the Northern Liberties, en-buted greatly towards facilitating the works of the Rail closing certain resolutions refusing to concur in the pro- Road Company. position submitted as an agreement between the City, Kensington, and that District, for the supply of the Schuylkill water to the Kensington district, unless under certain provisions. Articles of agreement, to which the Board are willing to accede, were submitted. Laid on the table.

The committee are of opinion that those lands will, at no distant period, with judicious management, be productive of very considerable revenue to the city, but owing to the particular circumstances under which this part of Mr. Girard's estate is devised, they have thought it most prudent to enter into an arrangement with the agent, whose salary has been continued the same as fixexpenses, including taxes, shall not exceed the income of the estate, while all the proceeds of the estate beyond the amount of his salary are to be paid over by him to the treasurer of the Girard estates.

The president presented a communication, from Benamin Tilghman, Esq. in relation to certain patent re-ed by Mr. Girard-by which his salary and all incidental flecting lamps, in Fourth, between Walnut and Spruce streets, which had been purchased by citizens, and placed under the control of the corporation. Laid on the table.

Mr. Groves presented a remonstrance against making Crown street a stand for stages, which was laid on the table.

In conclusion, the committee beg leave to remark, that it is doubtful whether the boundary lines of this estate have ever been correctly established, and conMr. M'Creedy presented a petition praying for the ceiving this to be a matter of much importance, they rerepaving of Front street, between Arch and Market.spectfully recommend the adoption of the following reReferred to Paving Committee.

Mr. Groves from the committee, to whom was referred a memorial of citizens, praying for liberty to extend a rail road in Market street to Eighth, made a report favorable to the petitioners. A resolution was attached authorising the construction of said rail road, under the direction of the Select and Common Councils, whenever petitioners shall give security for the amount necessary to cover expenses. Laid on the table.

Mr. Groves, from the committee appointed to examine and report on the situation of the Girard estate, presented the following report:

solution:

Resolved, That the committee having in charge the lands belonging to the estate of the late Stephen Girard, out of the county of Philadelphia, be, and they are hereby authorised to take such measures as they may think the most expedient for ascertaining and establishing the boundary lines of the lands in Schuylkill county, and that the Mayor be authorised to draw his warrants, (at the request of the said committee,) on the treasurer of the Girard estates, for such sums as may be necessary to accomplish that object.

In compliance with the resolution of Councils, the The Committee having charge of the Girard estate committee have also visited the lands devised by the late out of the county of Philadelphia, beg leave to report. Elias Boudinot to this corporation, in trust, &c.—these That agreeably to a resolution of Councils, they have lands lie on the south side of the west branch of the recently visited the lands in Schuylkill county, and have Susquehanna, and on the western declivity of the Allethe satisfaction of stating that the improvements hereto- gheny mountain; they commence about four miles be fore authorised to be made are now nearly completed. Low Karthau's, and extend down the river several miles, The agent, Mr. Boyd, who was employed by Mr. Gir- and no doubt contain large bodies of bituminous coal ard, and who has been continued by the committee, and iron: the committee are of opinion that these minewill remove from his present residence near Danville, rals together with the timber in the vallies, constitute into the mansion house at Girardville, during the pre- the chief value of this estate, there being but little if sent month. The tavern, commenced by Mr. Girard, any farming land. The west branch canal, now authohas been finished-also a store, smith-shop, and stable, rised by act of assembly, will, when completed, be all of which were indispensable, and are now producing within about fifty miles from the lower end of the lands; rent; these improvements, together with several acres and when the river is high it can be navigated to that of land, which have been cleared, have materially chang-point without difficulty. These lands however, are so ed the appearance of the place since the first visit of the remote from the city, and the expense and difficulty committeee, and Girardville, which was then but a necessarily attending their management, will consewilderness, begins now to assume the appearance of a thriving village, affording comforts to the workmen and quently be so great, that it is presumed they cannot for a length of time be made to contribute much towards accommodation to the traveller. The road contemplat- the objects intended by the donor, in addition to these ed by Mr. Girard, and which connects the eastern with circumstances the taxes (of which two years are now the western part of the estate, has been completed suf- due) are still accumulating. In view of these facts, the ficiently to be travelled over with carriages. The grist committee, after having given the subject mature deand saw mills on the Catawissa creek, on the eastern liberation, are of opinion that the best course to pursue, section, which were much out of order, have been put will be for the city to obtain the sanction of the state, in good repair, and will be rented-some of the farms, by act of Assembly, for them to make sale of these (of which there are six,) in the eastern section, have lands to the best advantage, and apply the proceeds been rented upon the terms prescribed by the commit- thereof to the objects specified in the will of the testatee on a former visit, on improving leases. tor. They therefore offer the following resolutions:

Resolved, That application be made to the legisla ture, at their next session, for authority to sell the lands in Centre county, devised to this city, in trust, &c. by the late Elias Boudinot.

Resolved, That the Mayor be, and he hereby is au thorised to draw his warrant on the city treasurer, in favor of J. G. Lowry, Esq. treasurer of Centre county, for the sum of forty dollars and two cents, being the amount of taxes due on the Boudinot lands, for the years 1832 and 1833.

The Pottsville and Danville Rail Road Company, to whom a lease has been given to work the coal mines on the Bear ridge, have commenced their operations, and have ascertained from actual exploration, that there are sixteen large veins of coal on the ridge which they have opened, producing coal of superior quality-they are making a tunnel, and have penetrated the ridge about eighty feet, and as the rail road is expected to be finished as far as Girardville the present season, there is no doubt that coal will be brought from those lands to this city, during the ensuing spring. The saw mill on the Shenandoah creek has been put in good order-this mill as well as the two other saw mills on the Mahonoy, have been busily employed in cutting timber to fulfil the contract entered into by the agent, with the Pottsville and Danville Rail Road Company-these mills will Mr. Worrell, from the committee to whom was referyield a fair profit to the city, and have no doubt contri-red the petition of Griffith Evans and George Pepper,

Philadelphia, Sept. 12, 1833.

The first and third resolutions were adopted, and concurred in by the Common Council. The second resolution was laid on the table.

praying for an extension of the culvert in Mulberry
street, westward to the river, reported favorably on the
application, and submitted an ordinance authorising the
city commissioners to commence the work. Expense
of culvert, wharf, and dock, estimated at $3,500, Laid
on the table.

Mr. Wetherill, from the Watering Committee, made
report on the subject of the old Engine House, at Fair
Mount, recommending that the centre building be ar-
ranged for public meetings of citizens, and the wings
fitted up for the use of the men having charge of the
water works. Cost estimated at $3,000. Adopted.
Mr. Wetherill, from the Watering Committee, made
a report, recommending the appointment of two suitable
persons to examine the condition of the Fair Mount
dam, with a view to ascertain its stability. Also, recom-
mending that the Watering Committee be authorised to
appoint qualified persons to measure the quantity of
water flowing over said dam. Adopted.

Mr. Worrell, from the committee on the city proper-
ty, at Chesnut street wharf, Schuylkill, made the follow-
ing report:

To the Select and Common Councils of the City of
Philadelphia.

The commitee appointed to superintend the improve-
ments of the city property, at Chesnut street wharf, on
the Schuylkill, in addition to their report presented on
the 14th of February, 1833, further report-

That in conformity to the resolution of Councils, passed November 8th, 1832, they have caused the Old Engine House at the corner of Schuylkill Front and Chesnut streets, to be taken down, and made use of the materials thereof, in the erection of the Store House, authorised to be built, under the direction of the committee by resolutions of Councils-the said store is one hundred and twenty feet front on Beach street, and from thence extending westward eighty feet, and is now being roofed in.

The south dock or canal, is nearly completed with suitable floodgates, now in their places, and the north dock or canal is nearly walled up, the whole being in a satisfactory state of progress.

The money expended on these improvements up to the present time, amounts to the sum of thirty-two thousand and fifty-six dollars and thirty-five cents-and for removing the old engine house, the cost has been twelve hundred and thirty eight dollars, seventy seven cents; together amounting to thirty-three thousand two hundred and ninety-five dollars and twelve cents.

The committee have received from J. Erdman, an estimate of the probable cost of completing the build. ings, wharves, docks, &c. Which including the sums now due and unpaid, amounts to twenty-one thousand three hundred and twenty-five dollars, making the whole expense of this improvement when completed, (which the committee believe will be in the course of the present season,) fifty-four thousand six hundred and twenty dollars, and twelve cents. All of which is respectfully submitted.

Mr. Lippincott, from the committee on the subject, reported an ordinance for the regulation, government, and direction of the Wills' Hospital, which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Groves from the committee on the subject, reported an ordinance, directing the City Clerk to make correct accounts, annually, of all taxes and water rents levied on the estate of the late Stephen Girard, and ordering the same, when duly ascertained, to be paid over to the City Treasurer. Ordered to be printed.

Mr. Massey submitted a letter from Professor Hare, on the subject of lighting the city with gas, &c. and ex pressing his opinion as to the inexpediency of that measure. Laid on the table.

Mr. Lippincott submitted a resolution authorising the Mayor to draw his warrant in favour of the City Trea

surer, on B. Cooper, Treasurer of the Girard Fund, for $50,000, to be appropriated to the improvement of the city property on the Schuylkill. Laid on the table.

COMMON COUNCIL.

The president submitted a communication signed Richard Willing, and others, representing that a sloop, loaded with paving stones, which had recently sunk off Stamper's wharf, materially interfered with the naviga tion of the river, and praying that the corporation would direct its removal. On motion, the committee on the drawbridge lot, were authorised to confer with the wardens of the port, and take measures for the removal of said obstruction.

The president submitted a communication from Michael Woolf, the individual employed to attend to the committees of Councils, at their meetings in the City Hall, requesting some compensation for his services. Referred to a joint special committe, authorised to report at next meeting, the proper amount of compensation. Committee of Common Council, Messrs. Maitland and Yarnall. Select Council, Massey and McCreedy.

Mr. Wetherill presented a petition from a committee of the Fifth Baptist Church, in Sansom street, praying permission to erect in front of their house of worship, a patent reflecting lamp-the oil, &c. to be furnished by the city. Referred to the committee on Argand burn

ers.

Mr. Sailor presented a memorial remonstrating against making Crown street a stand for coaches. Referred to the committee on markets.

Dr. Huston presented a petition praying that west George street may be opened and regulated.

Mr. Smith presented a petition of like import. Referred to the Paving Committee, with power to act. Mr. Smith presented a petition, praying that Jacoby street may be paved. Referred to the Paving Com

mittee.

chael Andress, agent for John Brooks, in relation to a Mr. Chandler presented a communication signed Minuisance back of Third, above Union street, and asking permission to lay an iron pipe to the culvert in Union Referred to the Paving street, to remove the same.

Committee.

Mr. Gilder presented a petition asking that Lewis street may be paved. Referred to Paving Committee, with power to act.

Mr. Elliott presented a bill making the corporation debtor to J. B. Sewell, $30, for superintending the printing of sundry accounts of the Girard estate. Referred to the committee on Accounts.

Mr. Lapsley from the Market Committee, to whom was referred a petition praying for a change in the stand for market carts, from Pine above Third street, to Pine below Third street, reported against the application. Adopted, and concurred in by Select Council.

Mr. Lapsley from the Market Committee, to whom was referred petitions for erecting a stand for Manayunk coaches, reported against the application. Adopted, and concurred in by Select Council.

Mr. Merrick from the committee appointed to prepare an ordinance for the re-organization of the City Police, agreeably to the provisions of the will of Stephen Girard, made the following report which was adopted, and concurred in by Select Council.

they have examined into present arrangements, and
That in the fulfilment of the duties assigned them,
have called to their aid gentlemen whose practical
knowledge and long experience in its operation, ena-
bled them to point out wherein it is defective, and to
what extent changes may be made conducive to the
public good.

The result of these inquiries has been a conviction
on the minds of the committee, that to meet in its full

spirit, the wishes of the testator, and render the police an efficient protection to the lives and property of their fellow citizens, will require a change in the whole system, involving an increased expenditure, arising from additional duties, and an increased number of individu-of each company, and as the session was advanced too als to be employed.

In a matter of so much importance to the welfare and safety of the community, your committee are of opinion, that no hasty or ill-advised steps should be taken, but that the plan should be fully matured by gentlemen fully competent to the task.

The committee have applied for advice to the Mayor and Recorder of the city, and the late Mayor, and believing that the experience of those gentlemen, whose knowledge of the subject will enable them to judge of the practical operation of any change that may be made, better than can be done by any committee of Councils, recommend that the subject be referred to them to reMr. Gilder from the Paving Committee, reported a port to an early meeting of the next Councils, and in resolution for repaving Sixth street from Race to Vine pursuance offer the following resolution to the consider--Rye street-Walnut street from Schuylkill Third to