ANNALS OF PHILADELPHIA.
From the recovered Minutes of Council.

Mar. 30, 1764. A petition was presented to the board from five butchers complaining of some hardships likely to attend the late ordinance for the weighing provisions with scales instead of steelyards; and the same being read and fully considered, it was resolved, (nem con) that the regulations made by the said ordinance are useful and necessary to prevent impositions on the inhabitants: and that this board will accordingly carry the same into execution.

Several persons had their fines remitted on condition of their being shipped off or enlisting.

be appointed by the Council to hear their cases and give discharges upon the above principle, taking the oath of a soldier when his enlistment cannot be found. Thirdly, the depreciation to be made up, arrearages of pay set- Jan. 30, 1764. It appearing to the Board that many tled and certificates given and comfortable cloathing frauds had been committed in the markets of this city provided for them. Fourthly, a general pardon of all by weighing the provisions sold to the inhabitants with offences upon complying with these terms. The even- steelyards-it was resolved that a bye law should pass ing they sent an answer complying with them in sub-to restrain the use of steelyards, and to compel the butchstance, but proposing they should appoint Commission-ers and others selling provisions by weight, to weigh the ers on the part of the men which I rejected and direct- same with scales and weights regulated and marked by ed them to march to morrow morning to Trenton.- the proper officer. What will be the issue I cannot tell, as there are many various claims and though they preserve military order, they have great confusion in their civil matters. The Serjeants have as much difference of opinion as the men, tho' they know it is their interest to keep together and not be disorderly. Many were averse to my going in, but I am glad I did, as I can now form a better judgment of them. They made no objections to my returning the same evening. Besides the complaints formerly recited they complain of being compelled to take new bounties, and being severely treated when asking for discharges-they also complain of rigorous punishments inflicted without trial or inquiry and that the state stores have not been equitably distrihuted; the proportion of the officers being too great. These things may deserve inquiry at another time. I endeavored to moderate and palliate what was said on these subjects. Some of the Serjeants are sensible fellows and reason very speciously; but w their nominal leader is certainly a very poor creature or very fond of liquor. They have rejected the propositions offered by Gen. Clinton, and hold the spies in prison. I am endeavouring to get them out of their hands. Gen. Wayne promised fifty guineas a piece to the two serjeants who brought him the letter Sir Harry sent and he is very particular in his inquiries, when he shall be enabled to perform his promise. You will say it was a great Reward; it was so and perhaps the promise hasty but still it will be best to comply with it. I do not learn that any of the money sent by Col. Nicola has yet been paid, but will inquire farther, I fear there has been some neglect in this matI believe it will be proper to send the hard money, returned by Gen. Potter, to answer Gen. Wayne's promise. To morrow will settle the business one way or other. We have no accounts of the enemy since I wrote last.

ter.

I am in haste,

Dr. Sir,
Your obed. Hbble servt.
JOS. REED.

P. S. I hope if all reasonable propositions should be finally rejected, that the militia will turn out under some system, or volunteers, as I fear the troops will turn towards the enemy, if an immediate settlement does not take place.

Princeton, 8th Jan'y. 1781. 7 o'clock, P. M. Dear Sir-Being determined to bring matters to a speedy issue at every risk and consequence, we sent for the serjeants at after 4 o'clock this evening and insisted upon their marching for Trenton in the morning or that we would leave them to act as they pleased and to abide the fatal effects of their own folly.

In consequence of which they had come to a resolution of moving for that place in the morning and bring ing along the two Caitiffs previous to the receipt of your's by Mr. Caldwell.

I am Sir, yr most obed. hbbl. servt.
ANT'Y. WAYNE.

His Excellency, Jos. Reed, Esq.
Per Mr. Caldwell who is to pass.
ANT'Y, WAYNE.

April 10, 1764. A proposal being made that the two walls between the new stone bridge in Front street, and the wooden bridge in King's street, should be rebuilt at the expense of this corporation, to prevent the danger that it is apprehended would otherwise arise to the health of the inhabitants-the same was unanimously agreed to. And William Bingham, and Joseph Sims are appointed a committee to engage workmen, and direct and inspect the work.

William Plumstead and Samuel Mifflin, Esq. and John Allen and Alexander Houston are appointed a committee to view the premises and consider whether the spot will admit of the erecting a fish market thereon, or what other public use it can best be applied to-and make report.

John Lukens, Surveyor General, is appointed by the Board one of the Regulators of this city, in the room of Nicholas Scull, deceased.

May 28, 1764. The committee appointed to consi der what public use the vacancy between the two bridges could best be put to, Report, That a fish market would be very convenient at that end of the town, and that this would be a proper place for that purpose, and might be built at little expense: It is therefore agreed that a fish market be accordingly erected there. Joseph Sims and Wm. Bingham were appointed to have it done forthwith.

October 2, 1764. Alderman Thomas Lawrence elect ed Mayor, and Isaac Jones and John Lawrence Alder

men.

It being represented by the late Mayor, that there is a necessity for a beadle or some other officer with a proper salary, daily to attend the Mayor of this city in the execution of his office-The Board agreed the same should be taken into consideration at some future meeting.-Danil Miller petitioned for the remission of a fine laid on him in the Mayor's Court-he being poor and having a family to support by his labour the Board rẹmitted it.

Nov. 19, 1764. The Recorder produced a deed of release from the Hon. Thomas Penn, Esq. to this Corporation, for the piece of ground claimed by the city lying on Dock, and bounded on the east by Front street, and on the south by Spruce street, which was accepted, and the Recorder requested to get the same proved and recorded,

A petition having been transmitted to London by the Assembly of this province, to be presented to his majesty for a change of government-The Board came to a resolution to send a petition to the proprietaries express-ing their disapprobation of such a change, and praying that if such a change should take place, they would use their best endeavours that the privileges of the people be preserved, and the rights of this corporation under their charter, be continued to them. And the Recor

der, Mr. Stedman, Mr. Tilghman, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Shippen were appointed a committee to prepare a draft of such petition.

Nov. 20, 1764. The committee appointed yesterday presented to the Board a draft of the petition to the proprietaries, which after some amendment was approved, and ordered to be engrossed and signed by the Mayor. May 27, 1765. An application of the county commissioners to borrow £100, to complete the bridge over the run at Schuylkill falls-deferred.

excellency General Gage, Commander-in-chief of his Ma jesty's Forces in North America, on his arrival in this city, and the same having been accordingly done--The board do now approve thereof, and order that the expense thereof, amounting to £159 6 0, be paid by the Treasurer.

The Recorder, Mr. Tilghman, and Mr. Shippen, are appointed a committee to consider a letter sent to this Board from the Select men of Boston, recommending measures similar to those taken in that place for lessen

Aug. 9, 1765. "The Shedd," at the middle ferrying the consumption of superfluities, and increasing the ordered to be repaired or renewed.

The Board considering it a public and useful work agreed to loan £100 to the commiasioners for completing the bridge at the falls of Schuylkill-on their giving their private bonds.

October 1, 1765. John Lawrence elected Mayor.

April 14, 1766. The lease of the Potter's field to Jacob Shoemaker, being some time ago expired, it was agreed to be leased to Jaspar Carpenter for seven years at the annual rent of £10 per annum.

The shad and herring sold at the market being in warm weather offensive to the neighbourhood, the Mayor is requested to direct the Clerk of the market not to suffer any stands for the sale of these at the market or other place in the city, except at the public

wharffs.

£750 loaned to the managers of the house of employment, they being "in great want of money for the paying off workmen, &c. for building said house."

The committee formerly appointed to settle the Treasurer's account, are desired to take back their report in order to correct some mistakes appearing therein.

July 6, 1767. A deed from this corporation to the contributors to the relief and employment of the poor in the city of Philadelphia, was executed in the presence and with the consent of the city, who signed the same as witnesses, agreeably to the act of Assembly for that purpose made. The mortgages executed on 22d January cancelled.

It was unanimously agreed-That for the future every Treasurer shall give bond with sufficient sureties in the sum of £2000 for the faithful discharge of his office.Samuel Shoemaker, Esq. elected Treasurer, in place of Benjamin Shoemaker, deceased.

manufactures of the country, and to make a draft of a proper answer thereto, agreeable to the sentiments of the Board expressed on the occasion, and to lay the same before the Board at their next meeting for their further consideration.

22 Dec. 1767. Answer to the Select men of Boston: Philadelphia, December 22, 1767.

Gentlemen,

We were favoured with your letter of the ninth of November last, and thankfully acknowledge your kind intentions of communicating to us the votes of your town meeting of the 28th October, which however you omitted to enclose, but we take for granted are the same as inserted in your public papers. We desire that you will be assured of our having regard to the general interest of the Colonies, which we conceive cannot be more effectually served, than by diffusing a spirit of industry and frugality: But, however the particular circumstances of your place may require any public measures to be taken for that purpose, we do not see the expediency of adopting them here, more especially in the present crisis of American affairs. Yet although we cannot on this occasion think the steps you have taken altogether suitable to our circumstances, we shall always wish to see and endeavour by every proper expedient to promote, the general union of the Colonies, so esssential to the preservation of their liberties.

Signed at a Common Council, By order of the Board,
ISAAC JONES, Chairman.
Select men of
Boston.

To Joseph Jackson, Saml. Sewell,
John Ruddock, John Hancock,
Wm. Phillips, Timothy Shewell,
and John Rowe, Esquires,

Seven bills of indictment were laid before the jury, three of them charging the defendants jointly, and four charging James Rowe alone with the commission of various larcenies; five of the indictments charged the defendants with stealing dry goods, the property of different individuals, and in two bills they were charged with stealing boats, one, the property of some person unknown, and the other the property of Michael Snyder. To all these bills, the defendants pleaded not guilty, and the trial commenced on Friday morning last, and occupied the whole day. The principal witness relied upon in support of the prosecution, was an accomplice, named Caleb S. Bladen, who testified, that his acquaintance with the defendants was formed in prison, where The report of a committee formerly appointed to view he (Bladen) was undergoing a servitude upon a conthe damage done to the Middle Ferry by the last win-viction for horse stealing, but was pardoned before the ter's ice and floods, was read, and they being of opinion term to which he had been sentenced, had expired. that an allowance of £100 should be made to the tenant That in July last, they formed their plans to commit the out of his rent, on account of his loss, the same was several robberies, the subjects of the present prosecuagreed to by the board. tion, and named some other associates, who have thus far been able to elude the vigilance of the police. The first intention of the witness and Rowe, was to rob a store in Camden, which Foster had pointed out, and for that purpose crossed the river; being unable to effect this, they took a boat from the Jersey side, in which

October 6, 1767. Isaac Jones elected Mayor, and John Gibson, Alderman.

The public ground and wharffs near the Drawbridge, | rented at £60 per annum.

December 4 1767. It having been agreed at a meeting of the members of this Board, in the absence of the Recorder, that an entertainment should be given to his

day of the 14th, and did not return. Eldred had said, when he first came to witness's house, that he intended to go away shortly, and his conduct was fair and not suspicious. The defendants were very intimate to

they returned to the city. The bill charging the defendants with stealing this boat, was abandoned by the prosecuting officer, the larceny having been committed in Jersey. The first robbery in which they succeeded, was that of the store of Mr. Blackstone, in Mantua Vil-gether. lage, on their road to which they stole a crow-bar and The most important witness was the third, a Mr. pick-axe from a quarry, with which they effected an en- Buzby, who keeps a tavern over in New Jersey, about try into the store, which they rifled of boots and shoes 5 miles from Camden. He stated that on the morning to a considerable amount, assisted by another individual of the 15th of July last, Strong one of the defendants, named Weekley (who has escaped.) The goods were came to his house on foot, with saddlebags and a bundle. afterwards brought into town, sold, and the proceeds He said he had been to town to sell his cattle, and wantdivided equally between them. They afterwards rob-ed to buy a horse with his spare money.-Buzby told bed the store of Messrs. Thomas & Co. on the ridge him of a horse to sell in the neighbourhood, but he disroad, of dry goods to the amount of $140. On their played no anxiety to buy him. He called for breakfast. route to this store, as in the other case, they stole from As it was preparing, up rides Eldred astride of a brown a work shop, two augurs and a chisel, with which they horse, with the identical white marks described by the succeeded in entering the store. In this robbery only prosecutor. The two thieves instantly began to bargain Rowe and the witness were concerned. These goods for the horse, and finally agreed on a price, which was were just taken to Manayunk, and brought to this side $85. They breakfasted together, in company with the in a boat, which was taken from a wharf on the Schuyl- witness, and as soon as they had finished, they got the kill. The goods were sold to Hunt, who is awaiting his witness to write a receipt for the horse; it was signed trial in the Mayor's Court, and other individuals who but no money passed as Buzby saw; and the horse was have escaped. Some of the goods were taken to Wil- finally delivered to Strong. mington, and disposed of there.

Attorney General. Then Strong caried off the horse' Witness. No, the horse carried off Strong. Loud laughter. Eighty-five dollars was above the value of the horse, and the witness told the purchaser so, referring him to the horse he had first mentioned, that was to sell close by; but Strong preferred this one. The Jury, after a moment's deliberation, found a ver

The defence taken by the counsel for the prisoners, rested chiefly on the degree of credit which should be be given to the uncorroborated testimony of Bladen. With reference to the bill which charged Rowe with stealing the goods of Messrs. Thomas & Co., no defence was made, inasmuch as he was there supported by other testimony. With regard to the bill charging the defend-dict of Guilty. ants with stealing a boat from the Schuylkill, it was contended, that it was no larceny, it was taken merely to enable the defendants to transport the goods across the river, without any intention of making further use of it. A larceny must be committed animo furandi and lucri causer, with a felonious intention, and the purpose of gain.

The attorney general in a speech of great force, contended that the prosecution was amply supported, that the larceny of the boat was made out in law and fact; it was to assist them in the commission of a felony, and therefore there was a felonious intention.

Judge King charged the jury, that if Bladen was to be believed, the defendants must be convicted on all the bills except the two which charged them with stealing the boats; on the one, they must be acquitted, the court having no jurisdiction, and on the other, because the offence was not legally made out. If they took the boat for the mere purpose of enabling them to cross the river, although it was to facilitate the transportation of the goods previously stolen, it was no larceny.

The defendants were found guilty on five bills, and acquitted on the two bills which charged them with the larceny of the boats.

For the prosecution, G. M. Dallas, Esq. Attorney General. For the defendants, W. Grimshaw and J. B. Phillips, Esqrs.

COMMONWEALTH vs. ABRAHAM ELDRED and NATHNIEL STRONG.

Quarter Sessions.-Horse Stealing. The defendants were indicted first for conspiring to steal, and second for stealing a brown horse, belonging to a Bucks County Farmer, on the 14th day of July last, under circumstances as deliberate and artful as ever marked an ingenious robbery.

The first witness was the farmer who swore that he lost a brown horse, with white marks on his off fore foot and face, on the night of the 14-15 of July last. The stable was opened violently and the horse stolen.

The next witness, a Bucks County Innkeeper, swore that the defendants were both intimate and staid at his house in July last. Eldred was away the whole of the night of the 14th; returned in the morning, and went away that day altogether. Strong went away on the

G. M. Dallas, Esq. for the Commonwealth, W. Badger, Esq. for the defenants.-U. S. Gaz.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Aurora Borealis. -About eight o'clock, the evening before last this singular penomonon made its appearance to the north east. For a short time columns of light shot up to a great height in quick succession, sometimes singly and at others in clusters. The appearance was very brilliant. It afterwards changed into a bright steady light which illuminated the horizon from north east to north west.-Hottstown Aurora.

LYCOMING RAIL ROAD AND COAL COMPANY.

We are much pleased to learn that measures are taking to organize this company, under the charter granted by the Legislature of Pennsylvania at the last session. We understand it is the intention of the ecmpany, if they can procure a competent engineer, to have the route of their Rail Road surveyed and loeated this fall and that they speak confidently of its completion by November, 1829. Its whole length, from the Coal Mines to the Gazette. West Branch, will be from 20 to 21 miles.-Lycoming

A HERO OF THE REVOLUTION GONE!

At Washington, Lancaster co. Pa. on Thursday week last, in the 93d year of his age, LEWIS HIESCH.He was a native of France, and came to America with enlisted with Capt. Sterger, in the Maryland line, and Gen. La Fayette, as an 18 month's man, and afterwards served to the end of the Revolutionary War. in Franklin co. Pa. and was on a visit to his son at the He lived time of his death.

Printed every Saturday morning by William F. Geddes, No. 59 Locust street, Philadelphia; where, and at the Editor's residence, No. 51 Filbert street, subscriptions will be thankfully received. Price five dollars per annum payable in six months after the commencement of publication--and annually, thereafter, by subscribers resident in or near the city--or where there is an agent. -Other subscribers pay in advance.

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

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

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD, NO. 51, FILBERT STREET.
PHILADELPHIA, OCT. 11, 1823.

VOL. II.-NO. 13.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.

NO. 41.

a nominal, can have no efficient and profitable existence We have the pleasure to present to our readers the without your patronage and favor, is on the eve of an intended resuscitation; and, at this moment, comes forvery excellent "Inaugural Address of the Rev. WM. H.ward to ask at your hands, not only a candid interpretaDE LANCEY, D. D. Provost of the University of Penn- tion of the measures of its Governors, but a favorable sylvania, delivered before the Trustees, Faculty and Stu-estimate of its present claims; and your countenance to dents, in the College Chapel, on Wednesday, September 17th, 1828." This interesting appeal to the citizens, will, we trust, not be in vain; but produce the effect of arousing the attention of the public to this important institution, where, under our own eyes, our children may enjoy all the advantages, which have usually been expected for them from colleges abroad. GENTLEMEN:

The Trustees, the Faculty, the Students, and the Friends, of the University of Pennsylvania:

the united exertions of its Trustees and Faculty, to render it, in respect of its future discipline and instructions, as worthy of your support, as it is, in regard to its location, deserving of your favour. Every individual among us, who now sustains, or who shall ever sustain, the endearing and tender relations of a parent, must respond from his inmost soul to the present effort to revive à college, where his sons may attain an adequate collegiate education without encountering the increased expenses, and the moral perils, of an estrangement from the delights, associations, and counsels, of the parental roof. It will strike you at once, that as respects the indivi

The circumstances under which we meet at the pre-dual who addresses you on this occasion in a new capacisent period are, in every view that can be taken of them, peculiarly interesting to us all.

ty, the present circumstances are of a kind calculated to impress him deeply. I stand before you the incumTo you, Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees, the oc- bent of a station wholly unsolicited; the distinction of casion is one of interest, since it is the opening of that which is fully equalled by its difficulties; and in which new course of exertion in behalf of the University of the responsibility to the Board who have honored me Pennsylvania, on which the earnest expectation of an with the appointment, to the Faculty with whom I am interested community, as well as your own equally ear- called to act, to the youth who shall become the alumni of nest desires, are fixed, as the means of its future eleva-the Institution, and to the parents who may commit tion; and since, by the recent measures of your Board, you stand pledged to the public on the responsibility of your word, honor, reputation, and stewardship, to throw the entire weight of your extended and powerful influence into the scale of the institution of which you are the constituted guardians.

To us, my brethren of the Faculty, the present cirtumstances are interesting almost beyond the power of an estimate. For, whether the view be just or unjust, a scrutinizing public invariably associates the prosperity or decline of a literary institution with the character, diligence and talents, of those who conduct its government and its instructions; and they cannot be deterred from regarding, nor from pronouncing, the measure of the former the certain standard of the latter. To us, then, the present occasion marks the commencement of a career of labor in which not merely our personal and domestic interests, but, to a wide extent, our character and standing with the public, are deeply implicated.

their offspring to its care, is, and is felt to be, of the deepest and most solemn kind. To this office, if I bring no large amount of the peculiar experience which belongs to it, I may venture to say that I do bring the most cordial interest, the purpose of entire devotion, and the strongest convictions of its high responsibility. Such as my talents, information, and experience are, they shall be unsparingly bestowed upon its duties. I should shrink, however, from the station, were it not that I trust to be sustained by the wisdom, zeal, and experience of a most enlightened and influential Board of Trustees-by the talent, established characters, and tried capacities, of the able and learned Faculty with whom I am associated; by the favorable views of this distinguished community; and, especially, by the favour, guidance, and blessing of Him, on whom, neither on this, nor on any other occasion, would I omit to acknowledge my de-. pendence.

The very brief period which has elapsed between the To you, young gentlemen, the Students of the Uni- date of my appointment and the present moment, added versity, our present meeting is one of interest, because to the burden of the preparatory arrangements of the it is the beginning of a system of instruction and disci- new system, necessarily precludes my attempting at this pline in some respects new, under the tuition and con- time, any thing more than a rapid sketch of the benefits trol of a faculty, who are in some degree strangers to of a collegiate education; a brief developement of the you; but who, nevertheless, will cheerfully pledge a system of instruction and discipline adopted in the Uni paternal interest in your welfare, and their utmost ener-versity; and the exhibition of some of those claims gy in the effort to expand your minds, enlarge your acquirements, and implant the seeds of that knowledge which must be the foundation of your future eminence, respectability, and happiness in the world.

To the friends of the University, under which term I trust may be included not only the respectable audience whom I now address, but the great majority of the community within the limits of Philadelphia, the present meeting may be pronounced interesting in the extreme. An Institution, which was originally called into life for your accommodation; and which, however it may retain VOL. II.

27

which it is conceived an Institution located in this city. has upon the fostering encouragement of the public.

In displaying the benefits of a collegiate education, it may be stated as one of its principal advantages, that collegiate studies invigorate the mind.

That curious machine which the all wise and omnipotent Creator has placed within our frames, unlike the workmanship of human hands, is strengthened and improved the more it is employed. Its etherial materials do not wear out, and break, and thus stop its progress, like the yielding substances around us, which use or ac