Page images
PDF
EPUB

ADDRESS-NOTICES.

TO SUBSCRIBERS AND THE PUBLIC.

On the termination of the first volume of the Register, we beg leave to return to our subscribers, our acknowledgements for the patronage they have afforded us, and to remind them that agreeably to the terms of the prospectus, payment for the first year is now due. From the flattering expression in favor of this work, and from its entire devotion to the interests of this state,

We received last week, the first number of a periodigister of Pennsylvania." If the plan be pursued in cal work to be published in this city entitled "The Resubsequent numbers which appears marked out in the one before us, we have no hesitancy in saying the Register will deserve extensive patronage, and we believe and hope that it will meet with such reception. U. States Gazette.

We are extremely gratified by the receipt of the first we must confess, we were prepared to anticipate a much number of the "Register of Pennsylvania," published at Philadelphia by Samuel Hazard. It is a paper of larger share of public patronage, than it has been our great importance, and will no doubt, find a place in the good fortune to experience; and we candidly acknowlibrary of every man who wishes to be thoroughly acledge, that we have for some weeks, been hesitating as quainted with the past as well as the present statistics of to the propriety of continuing a publication for the pub- Pennsylvania. This work has been brought into existlic benefit, which to this period has not defrayed the dured for a publication of the kind, and consequently it ence by the necessity which the public have long encurrent expenses. But encouraged by the wishes of will meet with ample support.-States' Advocate. many of our subscribers, for its continuance, and in the hope, that as it proceeds, and becomes better known, its value will be more highly appreciated, and relying upon the public spirit of the citizens, we have concluded to publish another volume, which must terminate our labors, unless our list of subscribers be considerably augmented. It is no doubt in the power of our subscribers to assist us very much in extending the circulation of this paper; and if each one would upon an average, procure one new subscriber we would deem ourselves justified, in prosecuting our work with some prospect of The 'Register of Pennsylvania,' promises to be a very its permanence. To this object, we therefore respect-deratum in this State. It will be interesting as a weekuseful work, of a description long known to be a desifully invite their attention, and solicit their aid.

We have just received the Register of Pennsylvania,' a weekly paper devoted to every kind of useful information respecting the state,' published at Philadelphia, for the promotion of objects distinctly avowed in the title page. The first number now before us, is sufficient evidence of the talent and judgment with which it is conducted. The paper is printed on an imperial sheet in an octavo form and gives promise of very great usefulness in the department to which it is appropriated. Miner's Journal.

ly publication, and highly valuable and convenient in after times as a book of reference. It ought to be well patronised in every county. The first number can be examined at this office.-York Recorder.

Averse as we are to whatever may have the appearance of self praise, we should not have presented to view, the favorable testimonials respecting this work, which have occasionally, and unsolicited, appeared in the papers Register of Pennsylvania.-Thirteen numbers of a throughout the state, had it not been with a view to exhi-weekly paper, under the above title, have been publish. the general sentiment which prevails of the need of such a work, to record in a permanent form, the eventful occurrences of the past and present period. Sanctioned also as we are, by the practice of the day, we hope we may without the charge of ostentation, invite attention to a few of the many favorable notices which have been taken. With these remarks we present the index and first volume to the public, and resume our labors, with a sincere wish to render each future volume,luable stock of information to the politician, the histo more useful and interesting than the past.

Editors of newspapers throughout the state will confer a favor on us, by their endeavors to procure subscribers for the Register.

ed in Philadelphia. From the numbers we have exam-
ined, we think the paper highly deserving of patron-
Besides much curious and valuable miscellaneous
age.
matter, the portion of the Register which has already
appeared, contains some very important and interesting
statistical and historical information, respecting the early
settlement of Philadelphia. The editor, Samuel Ha
bour which he has so successfully commenced; and we
zard, is, we think, peculiarly qualified for the la
have no doubt that he will furnish an accurate and va

rian, and the antiquary.-Dr. Green's Christian Adv.

On our last page, we have some ancient and curious facts under the head of our Ecclesiastical Record, from Mr. Hazard's Register of Pennsylvania. As we have not before offered our friendly respects to this paper, NOTICES OF THE REGISTER. we think the present a proper occasion to bear our tesThe first number of the "Register of Pennsylvania," timony to its merits. It embraces and embodies a class published weekly in this city by S. Hazard, has been reof historical and statistical facts in relation to this state, ceived It is designed as a repository for every kind which we think will scarcely be found in any other sinof useful information respecting the State of Pennsyl-gle work, and is neatly and judiciously methodized. vania. The object of the work and the talent and judgment displayed in the number before us, entitle it to a very favourable reception.-Penn. Gaz.

S. Hazard of this city has issued the first number of a weekly periodical entitled "the Register of Pennsylvania, devoted to the preservation of every kind of useful information respecting the state"-an article headed chronological sketches of events prior to 1682, as well as several others in the number before us, exhibits proof of talent, industry and judgment, which we hope will be rewarded by an extensive patronage. Democratic Press.

We should judge that every intelligent Pennsylvanian would feel it important to be possessed of the informa tion contained in this Register.-Columbian Star.

[blocks in formation]

THE

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

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

VOL. I.

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD, NO. 51, FILBERT STREET.

PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 5, 1828.

NO. 1.

For the benefit of those who have not seen our prospectus, we make the following extracts from it, exhibiting a brief sketch of the plan upon which it is intended to be conducted.

brace

It will be a depository for every kind of useful informa-
tion respecting the state of Pennsylvania, and will em-
State Papers and Public Documents.
Facts and Documents relative to the early settlement
and progressive improvements of the State.
Indian History, Treaties, Anecdotes, and Antiquities.
Revolutionary Documents, Anecdotes, and Facts.
Tables and Comparative views of the Finances, Com-

merce, Manufactures, and Agriculture of the State. Topographical descriptions of the Cities, Towns, and Counties.

Biographical Memoirs, Anecdotes, and interesting

Letters of Men who have distinguished themselves in the State.

With considerable solicitude, we this day issue the first of interest, to persons residing in those states. To natives number of THE REGISTER. From the nature of the of this state, who have been induced to settle there, or work, it is impossible that its character can be determin- elsewhere, and who have not lost their attachment to ed by an inspection of a single number; several must be their native soil, it must be desirable to know what is issued before the whole plan of it will be fully develop-passing at home. Without further introduction, we subed. Our design has not been to render the present num-mit the Register to a candid public; promising, on our ber the most attractive. We have selected those articles part, every exertion to render it useful and hoping which happened to be the most convenient-indeed we from them the encouragement necessary to its continuhave experienced no little difficulty, amongst the mass of ance. materials, to determine with which to commence. We hope, therefore, our readers will not make a hasty decision upon the merits of the publication—but defer it until several numbers shall have appeared. It is also to be recollected, that the Register is designed to be a work to be referred to hereafter, and to be permanently useful, rather than to be merely amusing for the present moment. We are aware, that as in this respect, it differs from the character of most publications of the present day-to a large class of readers it must prove uninterest-ing; but still we have too much confidence in the judg ment and good sense of the public, not to believe that our services will be duly appreciated. Many of our friends have expressed their fears that the design is too limited, and ought to embrace a larger section of our countryour object in this respect has been to render it a STATE work. We are naturally most interested with whatever more immediately affects us. Our attachments are strongest to the place and state which gave us birth, or in which are our homes, and our business; and we cannot but feel a pride, in seeing that state or place, rising into importance; and commanding the attention and admiration of others. While, therefore, other states are employing every method, to render the advantages and resources which they possess, generally known, it is in. cumbent on us, to exhibit to the world, the advances we have made; the improvements we are contemplating and pursuing; and the future eminence to which we are destined. We appeal, therefore, to this national feeling, which ought to exist in the breast of every Pennsylvanian; and trust, that while our exertions are making, to advance the interests and the honour of our state, we shall meet with the patronage necessary to continue and support this work. To the man of liberal views and feelings, every where, and especially to those who occupy public stations, it must prove useful and interesting. And though our views have a particular reference to this state, yet, as in its infancy it was connected with, and its interests may still be affected by proceedings in several of our neighboring states; we shall necessarily, occasionally, introduce documents and facts respecting week, in an octavo form, on a sheet of imperial paper— TERMS.-The Register will be published once a tne states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Mary-containing 16 pages-forming two volumes a year, each land, which will render the Register, not altogether void 'volume to be accompanied with a complete Index.

Reports, Documents, and Facts, relative to the rise, progress, and present state of Internal Improve

ments.

Reports (entire or partial) of the various Benevolent, Scientific, Literary, and Religious Societies-exhibiting their rise, progress, receipts, expenditures, and such other facts as are calculated to show their relative importance and usefulness: particular attention will be given to the institutions devoted to the support, employment, or education of the poor-or to the reformation or punishment of the criminal. Proceedings of the Legislature, and City Councils. Interesting legal decisions.

Meteorological Tables-Facts and Comparative Views of the Climate.

Bills of Mortality-Tabular and Comparative State-
ments of Population.

So much of the proceedings of Congress, and Speech-
es of Members from this State, as have a more im-
mediate influence on the interests of the State.
Mineralogical Notices-Natural History of the State.
Essays, original and selected, furnishing plans or views
for the improvement of the State or City.
On the subject of Politics, only such facts will be
given as are necessary to a complete History of the
State-entirely avoiding controversy, which may be
offensive to any party.

Chronicle of events occurring in the State.

It will be delivered to subscribers, in the city, on every Saturday; and be forwarded to those at a distance by the first mail after publication.

The price, to subscribers, will be five dollars per annum-payable by those resident in the city and neighbourhood, and in places where the editor may have an agent, in six months from the commencement of the publication, and annually thereafter-other subscribers to pay in advance.

Should sufficient encouragement be afforded-the work will be accompanied by engraved views of the principal public buildings which may be described.

We take the liberty of forwarding this number, and perhaps also will transmit a few of the subsequent ones, to gentlemen,in different parts of the state, to afford them an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the existence and nature of the work, and with the hope that they will favor us with their names. Should they feel inclined to do so, they are requested to direct a line to the Editor, No. 51 Filbert street, Philadelphia; with informa tion how the papers are to be forwarded. We would observe further, that as the work is intended to be preserved, and it is desirable to have the numbers from the commencement, the sooner they forward their names, the greater the probability that they can be supplied. We have printed only a limited number for this purpose.

We will feel obliged by communications from gentlemen throughout the state, on any subject calculated to throw light upon its history-or of general interest.

The commencement of every work is liable to some irregularities; if any of our subscribers are not furnished with their papers, they will, on application at the Printing Office of W. F. Geddes, Locust street-or to the Editor, be supplied.

CHRONOLOGICAL SKETCH OF EVENTS PRIOR TO 1682.

As we design to publish some documents respecting this section of country, previous to the arrival of Penn, and, as to most persons very little more is known of the the transactions of that period, than that a few Dutch and Swedes were found here; we have concluded to make a hasty chronological sketch of the events of that time-believing that the documents, to be hereafter given, will be better understood by connecting them with the general history of the times in which they occurred-especially, as in a work like the present, we do not intend to be always confined by dates.

1584.

Sir Walter Raleigh obtained a patent from Queen Elizabeth, granting "to him, his heirs and assigns, forever, free liberty and license, from time to time, and at all times forever hereafter, to discover, search, find out, and view, such remote heathen and barbarous countries and territories, not actually possessed by any christian prince, nor inhabited by christian people, as to him shall seem good," to have and enjoy forever.

1606, King James, without any regard to Raleigh's April 10. right, granted a new patent of Virginia; (as the whole country was called,) in which were included New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The extent of land granted was from 34 to 45 degrees north latitude; with all the islands, lying within 100 miles of the coast. Two Colonies were to be

1609.

1610.

1621.

1623.

1627.

1630.

1631.

The

planted. The first, "The London Company," was to reach from 34 to 41°. The second, or "Plymouth Company," was to extend from the end of the first, to 45° north latitude. London Company fitted out several ships, and arrived and planted a Colony; but being complained of for bad management, a quo warranto was issued, in 1623, against the patent, and it was declared forfeited to the crown. The Plymouth Colony effected a settlement in 1620.. 'Notwithstanding the ancient right of the crown of England-New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and other lands adjacent, had two pretenders, the Dutch and Swedes.

[Holme, in his History of New Sweden, (1702) says, that Delaware Bay was discovered this year; and that it was named after Mons. de la Ware, one of the Captains under Jacques Chartiers-that its native name was Poutaxat.]

The Dutch claimed, under color of a discovery made this year, by Henry Hudson, an Englishman, commander of a ship called the Half Moon, fitted out from Holland, by the East India Company, to discover, by a North West passage, a nearer way to China.

This year Delaware Bay was discovered, by Thomas West, [Lord Delaware,] who named it after himself.

The Dutch government, having purchased the right of Hudson's discoveries, incorporated a company for trading to the country-to all which, from New York to the Delaware, they gave the name of New Netherlands.

The Dutch take possession of the Delaware, calling it Zuydt, or South River-and build Fort Nassau, at, or near Gloucester, on the Jersey shore.

This year the Swedes and Finns arrive; having been induced to it by the representations of an eminent merchant, named William Useling, who had previously visited the country. They landed at the interior Cape, and named it Point Paradise-it is said, they purchased of some Indians, all the lands on both sides of the river, (which they called New Swedeland Stream,) as far as the falls of Delaware.

The Dutch, continuing their pretensions, David Pietersz de vries, their countryman, built a fort, within the Capes, on the west, about two leagues above Cape Cornelius-at the place now called Lewistown, then named Hoarkill-(a pamphlet, entitled New Albion, says, this creek was called by the English Roymount-and by the Indians Cui Achomoca.

The Swedes built a fort on Manquas creek, and called it after their queen, Christiana; here their engineer, Peter Lindstrom, laid out a small town, which was their first settlement; and which was afterwards demolished by the Dutch.

The Swedes also, this year, built another fort on Tinnecum Island, 16 miles above Christiana, which they named New Gottenburghhere their Governor Jno. Printz, built a fine house, &c. planted an orchard, and called his settlement Printz Hall. The principal freemen had, also, their plantations on this Island.About this time, they built forts at Chester and other places.

This year, the ambassador of Sweden, chancellor Öxesteim, applied to King Charles I. to yield up the right of the English, claimed by being first discoverers; which the Swedes assert was accordingly done-and that they had also purchased from the Dutch all their pretentions. But it appears, that shortly after, the Dutch disturbed the Swedes, and both together joined to dispossess the English, who also

[ocr errors][merged small]

'1638.

1640.

1642.

1646.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

attempted to settle the Eastern side of the
Delaware. One Keift, a director under the
States of Holland, assisted by the Swedes,
drove the English away; and hired the Swedes
to keep them out.

About this time Fort Elsinburgh was built
by the Swedes, on the place from which the
English had been driven-and from which they
used great freedom with their vessels, by boar-
ding them. Here, however, the Swedes did
not long remain, owing to the annoyance of
the moschettoes; they accordingly removed,
and named the place Musketoe-burgh.

The Dutch assert their right to the country on the Delaware, as appears by a letter of Gov. Keift, to P. Minuitts, governor of New Sweden, in which he asserts "that the whole South river of New Netherland, had been in Dutch possession many years, above and below beset with forts, and sealed with blood.

It appears, that this year "a large purchase, for a number of plantations, was made for £30 sterling, by Captain Nathaniel Turner, agent for New Haven, on both sides of Delaware Bay or river; with a view to trade, and for the settlement of churches in gospel order and purity. The colony of New Haven erected trading houses upon the lands, and sent nearly fifty families to make settlements upon them; the settlements were made under the jurisdiction of New Haven, "and in close combination with that colony, in all their fundamental articles."-Trumbull's Conn.

The Dutch seem to have been much irritated by this settlement from New Haven; and Gov. Keift, "without any legal protest or warning, dispatched an armed force, and with great hostility burned the English trading houses. Violently seized, and for a time detained their goods, and would not give them time to take an inventory of them. They also took the Company's boat, and a number of the English planters, and kept them as prisoners. The damages done the English, at Delaware, were estimated at £1000 sterling. This year, also, the Swedish government and Dutch agent, uniting in a crafty design against Mr. Lamberton, a principal gentleman of New Haven, made an injurious attempt upon his life. They accused him of having joined in a plot with the Indians, to cut off the Swedes and the Dutch. They attempted, by giving his men strong drink, and by threatenings, and allurements, to influence them to bear testimony against him; they proceeded so far as to imprison and try him for treason. Notwithstanding they were both his judges and accusers-they could find no evidence against him; they arbitrarily imposed a fine upon him, for trading at Delaware, though within the limits of the purchase, and At another time, jurisdiction of New Haven. when Mr. Lamberton was occasionally at Manhatoes, in the capacity of an agent for New Haven, the Dutch governor (Keift) by force and threatenings, compelled him to give an account of all his beaver within the limits of New Haven, at Delaware, and to pay an impost upon the whole. The Dutch did other damages, and insulted the English in various other instances. Both New Haven and Connecticut, from year to year remonstrated, but could obtain no redress.

This year, also, Keift fitted out two sloops, to drive away the colonists, from Maryland, who had settled on Schuylkill.

The Swedes erect a church, of wood, at Sept. 4. Tinnicum. At this time they had several settlements higher up the river; and a few forts

1649.

1651.

viz. at Korsholin, or Passaying-another on Manajung, (Schuylkill;)-one at Chinsessing, (Kingsess.)

At a meeting of Commissioners at Boston, Gov. Eaton, in behalf of the N. Haven colony, proposed that effectual measures might be immediately adopted for the settlement of Delaware Bay. The title which the merchants had by virtue of fair purchases from the Indians, was laid before them. The Commissioners decided it would not be prudent at that time to encourage the settlement, from the danger of involving the colonies in a war, and having scarcely men enough at home for their own defence. It was therefore recommended to the merchants and gentlemen at New Haven either to settle or make sale of the lands which they had. The commissioners resolved, that if any persons in the united colonies should attempt, without their consent, to make settlements on the lands, or to do any thing injurious to the rights of the purchasers, that they would neither own nor protect them in their unjust attempts.

The Dutch erected a trading house on the present scite of New Castle. The Swedish Gov. Printz protested, and was disregarded. Risingh,his successor, came before the fortress, fired a salute and landed thirty men, who were entertained by the commander as friends; but discovering the weakness of the garrison, seized upon it, and compelled the people to swear allegiance to the queen.

This year also "fifty men from New Haven and Tohoket, made preparations to settle their lands at Delaware. This spring, they hired a vessel to transport themselves and their effects into those parts. They had a commission from Gov. Eaton, and he wrote an amicable letter to the Dutch governor, acquainting him with their design, assuring him that according to their agreement at Hartford, in 1650, they would settle upon their own lands and give no disturbance to their neighbours;" but no sooner had Gov. Stuy ve sant received the letters, than he arrested the bearers and committed them to close confinement under guard. Then sending for the master of the vessel to come on shore that he might speak with him, he arrested and committed him; others as they came on shore to visit and assist their neighbours, were confined with them. The Dutch governor desired to see their commission, promising it should be returned when he had taken a copy; but when demanded of him, he would not return it to them, nor would he release the men from confinement, until he had forced them to give it under their hands, that they would not prosecute their voyage, but without loss of time return to New Haven. He threatened if he should afterwards find any of them at Delaware he would not only seize their goods, but send them prisoners to Holland. Petitions were presented to the commissioners seeking their interference, and they remonstrated with the Dutch governor, and at the same time for the encouragement of the petitioners, they resolved, that if at any time within 12 months, they should attempt the settlement of their lands at Delaware, and at their own charge, transport a hundred and fifty or at least one hundred men well armed, with a good vessel or vessels for such an enterprize, with a sufficient quantity of ammunition, and waranted by a commission of authority at New Haven, that then, if they should meet with any opposition from the Dutch or Swedes, they would still afford them a sufficient force for their defence. They also

« PreviousContinue »