1829.] PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS. 253 REED BIRD, RICE BIRD, or ORTOLAN. found. The best shot I know of is a twenty-five cent (From the American Turf Register and Sporting Maga- piece, which will purchase a dozen of them from those people who make it a business to kill them for the market. Yours respectfully, C. zine, No. 2.) PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 7, 1829. MR. EDITOR:-These delicious visitors are now congregating in great numbers on the marshes of the Delaware and Schuylkill, and in a few days they will have arrived at that point of pinguidity, which gives them their deserved reputation among the delicacies of the table. They arrive in Pennsylvania in the month of April, and after a short sojourn in the grass field, steer their way to the north, where they breed. N. B. These birds are remarkably fond of millet, and some of our farmers along the Delaware sow a small strip of that grain near to the water, for the purpose of shooting them conveniently. [The interesting bird above alluded to, is the rice bunting (emberiza orizivora) of Wilson, and is represented in the second volume of his splendid work, plate xii. figure one and two. It is the ortolan de ris, of Buffon rice-bird of Catesby; boblink, of the eastern and northern states, and the rice and reed-bird, of Pennsylvania and the southern'states. In Jamaica, it is known by the name of Butter-bird. The following is its description as given by Wilson. "The rice bunting is seven inches and a half long and eleven and a half in extent;his spring dress is as follows: upper part of the head, wings, tail and sides of the neck, and the lower parts black;the feathers frequently skirted with brownish yellow as he passes into the colours of the female; back of the head cream color, back black sconced with brownish yellow, scapulars pure white, rump and tail consists of the same;lower part of the back bluish white; tail formed like those of the woodpecker genus, and often used in the same manner, being thrown in to support it while ascending the stalks of reed; this habit of throwing in the tail it retains even in the cage; legs burnished flesh colour, hind heel very long, bill a bluish horn colour, eye hazel. In the month of June this plumage gradually changes to a brownish yellow like that of the female, which has the back streaked with brownish black,the lower parts dull yellow;bill reddish flesh colour; legs and eyes as in the male. The young birds retain the dress of the female until the early part of the succeeding spring; the plumage of the female undergoes no material change in the colour." PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS. Thursday, Oct. 8th, 1829. On their arrival at this season they are sometimes quite fat, but on their return, which is the beginning of August, they are remarkably lean and indifferent. They remain in the stubble fields in small flocks, feeding upon the seeds of arsemart and ragweed, until the reed begins to ripen, and then it is they acquire that plumpness for which they are so remarkable. When they come on from the south, the male wears his winter plumage, which is black, with a white spot on the head, a stripe of white on the back of the neck and back; the female retains the autumnal colour. At this season, the amateur of nature's melodies, can be as much gratified with their delightful notes, as the gourmand will be with their flesh in the Autumn. Their notes are few, but the intonation is more distinct than that of any other bird; it resembles the tones produced by a musical box more than any other thing to which I can compare it. But, after all, the music produced by the knives, forks and plates at a table, honored by the presence of these little gentlemen, is incomparably superior to any other we have ever heard; nay the very sight of them, strung up in dozens on the stalls of the Jersey market, early in a September morning, is delightful. To see their little yellow rumps (ready picked for inspection) protruding between their wings, like lumps of amber, is indeed a great temptation; but when we come to the eating of them, then it is that we need not much wonder at the extravagance of the poet (I forget his name,) who paid a guinea which had been given him in charity, for one Mr. Johnson presented a petition from sundry citizens, of them. In short, no man can say he has tasted of the stating that the regulation in the neighborhood of Pine best things which a kind Providence has bestowed up- and Thirteenth streets, subjects them to considerable on us, until he has eaten a dozen or two of these little inconvenience, and praying that the subject may be rebirds nicely dressed. I am sure that if they had abound-ferred to the City Regulator and Paving Committee.— ed in Greece, some of their poets would have told us that they were a standing dish at Jupiter's table. I was about to say something about cooking them; but I do not know how a cook can go very wrong, unless she would do as the Irish woman with the watermelon-boil them. However, that part of the subject I would refer to Mrs. Rubicam or Mrs. Inslee, not doubting but that they would give quite a scientific account of it (as Dr. Kitchener says.) But where am I going to? I intended to give you some account of the history of the bird, but in fact have got to eating him, which I have no doubt you can do as well as myself. Well, then, to my first intention. They leave Pennsylvania and New Jersey at the latter end of September and the beginning of October, if the weather becomes cold and stormy: but when it is mild, they remain for a considerable time in the latter month. They take their departure, like most other birds, towards the night of a clear day. Almost all the birds which frequent the marsh having congregated into an immense flock a little after sunset, a few at first start up in the air, and in a few moments the whole flock will follow them by degrees, in a kind of spiral column, until they have all left the place. This bird is one of the few that afford any profit to the shooter, inasmuch as they are shot for the pot and for the pot alone. No gentleman sportsman would think of wading through mud up to his knees; and mostly a bove them, sneaking and creeping for two or three hours to get a shot at a flock of them; and after they are killed, it requires an experienced eye to find them, their color so much resembles the reed in which they are Granted. A communication was received from the City Solicitor, stating that the securities of John Trout, a collector of the City Taxes, had paid into the City Treasury, the whole sum in which he was deficient, except a balance of 800 dollars, which also they had made arrangement for paying immediately. On motion of Mr. Baker, a resolution was adopted releasing the securities from the payment of interest on a part of the debt for a short time. On motion of the same gentleman, another resolution was adopted authorising the City Solicitor to mark the judgments obtained by him in the suit of the Corporation against John Trout, to the use of his securities. Mr. Johnson presented a petition from three laboring men, who had been employed by Joseph Purdon,a contractor in digging down one of the western streets, and who had lost their wages, through his failure. Laid on the table. A resolution was adopted, allowing the representative of the late Christian Young, the lessee of the City's property, west of Schuylkill, the sum of four hundred dollars on settlement of rent, on account of injury done to the lessee by running certain roads through the property. A resolution was passed allowing each of the city Constables the sum of six dollars, on account of expenses incurred in conducting the ward elections. The committee on the State House, made a report from which it appears that the whole expense of rebuilding the steeple, repairing the building, and purchasing a the clock and bell, has been 16,608 dollars. The cost canal it is well known was Thomas Leiper, (now de. of the bell was 2,157 dollars; of the clock, 2.075 dollars, ceased) who, owing to unforeseen circumstances in the exclusive of fixtures. year 1790, was unable to carry bis plan into operation, The old bell was sold for 400 dollars: the clock has | The project has, however, been successfully carried inbeen sold to the Rev. Michael Hurley,of St. Augustine's to effect by his eldest son, George Gray Leiper, to Church, for 250 dollars. whom the citizens of Delaware County are indebted for The joint committee on markets reported that they one of the greatest works of individual enterprise to be deemed it advisable to have moveable stalls erected un. found in the United States. der the arches adjoining the Court House at the corner At 1 o'clack, the ladies were escorted to the Canal of Second and Market streets. A bill was passed ac. Boat William Striekland, a beautiful boat about fifty-five cordingly. feet in length, and named after that distinguished EnginThe City Commissioners presented a statement of their eer. In the stern of the boat was stationed a band of expenditures, for the quarter ending 4th of October.- music which played during the passage up to the quarThe total is $95,863,63. ries, a distance of nearly two miles, some of the most The City Treasurer presented a statement of his ac- fashionable and patriotic airs. Attached to the boat counts for the last quarter. There not being time for were two handsome full blooded Wind. Flower Colis the committee on accounts to examine it previous to neatly decorated with covers trimmed with ribands. At the election, it was laid on the table, and recommended half past one o'clock the signal was given, and the proto the early attention of the next Councils. cession moved on;-carriages, gigs, and gentlemen on The Paving Committee, made a report, concluding horseback accompanied the boat as she smoothly glided with a resolution directing the City Commissioners to through the unruffled stream to her place of destination, pave Vine street from Broad to Schuylkill Eighth, The sight as may be well imagined was truly grand and Schuylkill Eighth from Chesnut to Broad, and George imposing. When the William Strickland entered the from Schuylkill Eighth to Seventh,so soon as the streets first lock (the Elizabeth Leiper lock) named after the already ordered to be paved in their respective districts wife of the venerable projector, three cheers were given shall be finished. Adopted. -in a few minutes after she entered the Thomas Leiper Mr. Walmsley, from the Committee appointed to lock, which for beauty of stone and superior workmanprovide for the removal of the sunken sloop from the ship is unrivalled in the United States. Such is the opi. Delaware, reported, nion of Messrs. Strickland and Strothers,of Philadelphia That the committee had attended to the duty assigned and Major Bender. them, and after addressing a communication to the On the Thomas Leiper Lock, the Delaware county Board of Wardens,and having had several consultations, volunteer battalions under the command of Lieut. Colo. with the President and other experienced ship masters nel Henry Myers, were posted, and as soon as the boat and Merchants, are of opinion that no injurious effects passed through it, a national salute was fired by the will result from the remains of the sloop being suffered Pennsylvania Artillerists accompanied with musketry. to rest in their present situation, the depth of the water The boat was precisely one half hour from the time she from low water mark being 44 feet, and the tide pass- left the great Southern Road until she arrived at the ing freely in the channel. mansion of the Hon. George G. Leiper. The ladies were The Committee was discharged. then landed, and the boat proceeded on her passage up The Committee on Rittenhouse Square, report, that to the quarries without any accident having occurred to after carefully viewing the same, they would respect. impede her progress. fully recommend, that the City Surveyor be directed to The troops then paraded in front of the mansion of ascertain the level of it, and lay out the streets which are Mr. Leiper, and were addressed by him in a very handto be its permanent eastern and western boundaries, af- some and appropriate manner. On this as on all other ter which, the City Commissioners be directed to fill up occasions, the hospitable dwelling of Mr. Leiper was the excavation in the North Western end, and that rows thrown open, where those who felt disposed tv refresh of trees be planted on its four sides. The Committee themselves were kindly invited. are not able to recommend any spot owned by or that There were at least one thousand persons present at could be procured by the Corporation, as a more eligi- the celebration, and had the weather been more favor. ble place for the deposit of street dirt, able, we belieye there would have been a much greater The subject wss recommended to the early attention number. We are happy to say amidst all the bustle in. of the next Councils. cident to such a parade no serious accident happened On motion of Mr. Thompson of the Select Council it to mar the pleasures of the day.—Upland Union. was Resolved, that the thanks of this Council be present- EARLY HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, ed to John W. Scott, Esq. their present President, for From the York Recorder. the ability and impartiality with which he has discharged the duties of his office. It is in the present year exactly a century since the first On motion of Mr. Johnson of the Common Council it authorised settlements were made in this part of Penn, was sylvania. Previous to the year 1729, Chester county Resolved, that the thanks of the Council be tendered extended westwardly to the Susqehanoa river, or so far to our present President, James M. Linnard, Esq. in as settlements had been authorized or lands surveyed testimony of the frank, impartial, and independent and sold; the territory west of the Susquehanna was, manner, in which he has discharged the duties of presi- bowever, considered as included in its limits. In the ding officer of this Council. year 1722, on the 18th of June, Sir William Keith, then Each of the Presidents made, in a short and appropri- deputy governor, by a warrant dated at Conestoga, di . ate address, his acknowledgments for the honor thus rected three persons to cross the Susquehanna river, done him. and survey and locate about 70,000 acres of land, in the name and for the use of Springet Penn, Esq. to be calTHE LEIPER CANAL CELEBRATION. led 'Springetsbury Manor,' beginning on the south CHESTER, OCTOBER 13. west bank of the Susquehanna, over against the mouth of On Thusday last the 8th inst. the grand ceremony of the Conestoga creek. The survey & location were accordnavigating the LEIPER Canal took place. It is a little ingly made, though certainly in a basty & informal manbetter than a year since the commencement of this great ner; nor were the boundaries the same as those of the work of individual enterprise and its rapid completion present Manor, which were fixed by a subsequent surappears almost like a dream,to one who witnessed the vey and location. This tract remained totally unim. laying of the corner stone. The original projector of this proved at the time. 1829.] NOTES OF A TRAVELLER. 255 а The ap During several years previous to 1728, a number of leading on their bloody brethern of the forest, and their persons resided on tracts of land lying on the west side not less bloody allies from the abodes of civilization, of the Susquehanna, "so high up as to be four miles to massacre. Of the bloody battle between the Butlers more north than the city of Philadelphia." These per- we thought, and our eye rested on the spot where stood sons may be termed squatters; as they had no title to the fort, which contained the best blood of the valley's the lands whereon they resided, nor did they inhabit and was sacked. Those scenes have passed, and in the there with the approbation of the natives; and, in the place of war, there is peace, and the peaceful arts.latter end of the year 1728, they were removed by or- The object most worthy of curiosity here is the extender of the deputy governor and council, at the request sive coal formation, of which the Lehigh coal mines, of the Indians, and in conformity with then existing before mentioned, are a part. This valley literally lies ti eaties. on a bed of coal; for, dig any where—in the mountain, In 1729, May 10th, the 'upper parts' of Chester coun- on the flats, or in the bed of the river, and coal is soon ty were by act of Assembly erected into a distant coun. found. There are two principle mines worked, one in ty, called Lancaster, and the limits of the new county Wilkesbarre, and the other in Plymouth. a descripembraced the territory west of the Susquehanna. In tion of the former will suffice for both. The mine the spring of thát year, John and James Hendricks, un lies near the base of the mountain. First is a depth of der authority from the government, settled on the west soil, covered with a growth of wood; next, horizontal side of the Susquehanna, about three miles north of the strata of slate, of ten feet thickness, and filled with place from which the persons before spoken of had been vegetable impressions. We readily distinguished aremoved “And about the same time several other mong these, the leaves of the fern and flag: besides persons settled back from that river, south westerly these, were a great variety of species, of which none from John and James Hendricks, on and about a branch can give an account, only that they do not belong to of the river called Codorus creek, to the distance of ten the present vegetable world. All these leaves, in their or twelve miles.” These were the first authorised set position, observed the same order,-lying horizontally, tlements in what is now York county. and perfectly spread out, as if they had been carefully Sometime in the year 1731, Thomas Cressap, came laid down, and successive laminæ of slate placed upon from Maryland, and forcibly seized and settled on the them. Underneath the slate is the coal, in a horizontal lands from which the before mentioned squatters had bed, twenty seven feet in thickness, with a layer of been removed. With him originated the violent meas- slate, half an inch in thickness occuring in twelve or eigh ures, sometimes issuing in murderous affrays, which at- teen inches. So compact is the coal, that drilling and tended the disputes between the proprietaries of Penn- blasting must be employed to throw it out. sylvania and Maryland, respecting the proper boundary pearance of the mine presents a novel sight. The ex. of the two provinces. On the 24ih of November 1736, cavation is so managed, that large pillars of the coal, six this restless & quarrelsome individual was apprehended feet in diameter, are left standing, at suitable distances, by the Sheriff of Lancaster county, and committed to to support the super-incumbent roof of slate and forest prison on the warrant of the two provincial judges.- trees, so that a stranger to the object of the excavation, Thereupon the President of the province called the looking at the capacious black roof with its rows of Council and Assembly, who detailed the facts connected black pillars, might mistake it for the vestibule of some with the outrages committed, and referred the matters, giant's castle. The odour of sulphur, by which the in a memorial to the King: which led ultimately to an whole coal is impregnated, is very powerful in the amicable adjustment of the disputes concerning the mine. boundary. At that period, it is believed, there were How was the coal produced? and whence the world between three and four hundred inhabitants within the of strange vegetables in the slate? We may guess, present limits of this county. that the hard anthracite mass was of vegetable origin, York county was separated from Lancaster in 1749. at a period, nobody knows when; and that the leaves at an equally remote period, were confusedly mingled NOTES OF A TRAVELLER. together with the slate, when in liquid solution, and Extract from "Notes of a Journey in Pennsylvania, in that the laws of chrystalization reduced them to their the early part of June." present orderly rank.and.file position, where, by symLeaving Nazareth, and proceeding northwest, the pathy, they transferred their nature from the vegetable Blue Mountains-otherwise the Kittatiny-rose in view, to the mineral kingdom, --but after all we must confess, displaying its two remarkable notches, Water Gap, “marvellous are the works of God-in the air, in the through which the Delaware forces its way between mighty deep, and in the bowels of the earth; how small precipices 1200 feet high, and the Wind Gap, which a portion of his ways are seen!”- Amer. D. Adv. affords a passage only to the wind and the stage. Here NEW BAPTIST CHURCH. we passed the line which separates the secondary and fertile region through which we had ridden from the The new Baptist church, to be built on Spruce st. betransition country, which immediately discovers its tween Fourth and Fifth, is rising rapidly on its foundasterility. Our road lay across an elevated table land of tion. The lot is 74 feet front on Spruce street, by 102 25 miles in breadth, and of indefinite length. The land feet deep, and cost $14,000. This sum included the is so sterile that for the most part, no one thinks of cul- price of several buildings by which it was occupied, one tivating it, or even laying claim to it. of them being a new three-story brick house, with backBy the time we had accomplished this journey, we buildings. The other tenements consisted of sheds and were well prepared to relish the brilliant prospect of the stables of little value, and, together with the ground Wyoming valley, which now opened upon us at once, they occupied, were the property of different owners. from an eminence of 3000 feet.-Here the eye beholds, The movements of the workmen have been uncommonin one view, an enclosed valley of 15 miles in length and !y rapid, and we presume, if the same degree of activity from 7 to 10 in breadth, of the richest alluvial soil , fitted is observed for a month or two, the church will be openfor the production of every fruit appropriate to the ed for Divine service by the first of January. It was inlatitude. At this season, the variety of the cultivation tended by the trustees to possess themselves of the was apparent, and beautifully diversified the landscape. whole lot to the corner of Green's court, by the purThe Susquehanna, moving gracefully along its wind. chase of a house, the property of the widow of the late ings through the extent, of the valley, added to the rich Thomas Goodwin, for which they offered, the lot incluness of the landscape; while the villages of Wilkesbarre, ded, $3,800. The necessary papers were drawn up, Kingston, Plymouth, and some others completed the preparatory to a sale, when, on proceeding to execute view. them, a flaw was discovered in the title there being As we gazed, we thought of Brandt and Johnson, I a ground-rent on the property which no one has called Henry Troth, John Horner, Charles Graff, 3860 Josh. Lippincott, Richard Price, Benjamin Jones, Jr. 2923 William Rawle, Jr. 2922 William Smith, 2885 Clerk -Nathan R. Potts. Messenger to both Councils-Thomas Young. Mr. 2905 We received on Thursday last, from Mr. John Gill, of THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. VOL. IV.-NO. 17. PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 24, 1829. NO. 95. MIXUTES OF THE a An invitation to the President and Members of the CONVENTION OF PENNSYLVANIA, Convention from the Faculty of the University of PennHeld for the purpose of considering the FederalConstitution. sylvania, requesting their company at a commencement to be held to-morrow, was read. Tuesday, Nov. 20, 1787, P. M. Agreed to attend in a body, at 10 o'clock, tomorrow. This being the day appointed by the legislature of Thursday, Nov. 22, 1787. A.M. this state for the meeting of the Convention, a number Convention met, and proceeded to the University. of gentlemen delegated for that purpose met according. Hall, attended commencement, and returned to their ly at the State-house; And adjourned to to-morrow. chamber. Wednesday, Nov. 21, 1787, P. M. On motion of Mr. Wayne, seconded by Mr. Whitehill, Sixty of the gentlemen elected to serve in the Con. A committee was appointed to report rules and reguvention met. lations for conducting the business of the Convention. The returns of the elections held in the city of Phila- The committee consisted of Benjamin Rush, James delphia and the several counties of this state were read, Wilson, George Gray, Anthony Wayne and Robert by which it appears that the following gentlemen were whitebill. returned as delegates for the Convention for the said Friday, Nw. 23, 1787. P. M. city and counties, respectively, viz. Convention met, and proceeded to elect a Secretary. For the City of Philada. Nicholas Lutz, The ballots being taken, it appeared that James Camp. George Latimer, John Ludwig, bell, Esq. was duly elected. Benjamin Rush, Abraham Lincoln, A petition from Thomas Lloyd was read, praying to Hilary Baker, John Bishop, be appointed Assistant Secretary. James Wilson, Joseph Heister. On motion of Mr. Smilie, seconded by Mr. Whitehill Thomas M‘Kean. For Northumpton Co. The further consideration thereof was postponed. For Philadelphia County. John Arndt, Petitions from Andrew Burkhard, James Martin, William M'Pherson, Stephen Balliott, Nicholas Weaver, Joseph Fry, and Frederick Snyder, John Hunn, Joseph Horsefield, respectively praying to be appointed Messenger or George Gray, David Deshler. Door-keeper, were read. Samuel Ashmead, For Bedford County, The Convention proceeded to the choice of a MesEnoch Edwards. James Martin, senger and Door-keeper, and the ballots being taken, it For Bucks County. Joseph Powell. appeared that Andrew Burkhard was duly elected MesHenry Wynkoop, For Northumberland Co. senger, and Joseph Fry, Door-keeper. Tne committee appointed yesterday, to bring in Rules and Regulations, made report; and the same being Abraham Stout. Fur Westmoreland Co. read, was by special order taken up,read by paragraphs, For Chester County. William Findley, and agreed to, as fullows: Thomas Bull, John Baird, 1. When the President assumes the chair, the memAnthony Wayne, William Todd. bers shall take their seats. William Gibbons, For Washington County. II. At the opening of the Convention cach day, the Richard Downing, James Marshall, minutes of the preceding day shall be read, and are then Tbomas Cheney, James Edgar, in the power of the Convention to be corrected; after John Hannum. Thomas Scott, which any business addressed to the chair may be pro. For Lancaster County. John Nevill. ceeded to. Stephen Chambers, For Fayette County. III. Every petition, memorial, letter, or other matter Robert Coleman, Nathaniel Breading, of the like kind, read in the Convention, shall be deemSebastian Graff, John Smilie. ed as lying on the table for further consideration, unJohn Hubley, For Franklin County. less any special order be moved therein. IV. A motion made and seconded, shall be repeated by the President. A motion shall be reduced to wri. For York County. For Montgomery County. ting, if the President, or any two members, require it. Henry Slagle, Jonathan Roberts, A motion may be withdrawn by the member making it, Thomas Campbell, John Richards, before any decision is had on it. Thomas Hartley, Frederick A. Muhlenberg, V. No member speaking shall be interrupted, but by David Grier, James Morris. a call to order by the President, or by a member, thro' John Black, For Dauphin County. the President. VI. No member to be referred to in debate by name. For Cumberland County. Adam Orth, VII. The President himself, or by request, may call John Harris, John A. Hannah. to order any member who shall transgress the rules. If John Reynolds, For Luzerne County. a second time, the President may refer to him by name. Robert Whitehill, Timothy Pickering. The Convention may then examine and censure the Jonathan Hoge. For Huntingdon County. member's conduct, he being allo:ved to extenuate or For Berks County. Benjamin Elliott. justify. The Convention proceeded to elect a President. viii. Every member actually attending the Conven The ballots being counted, it appeared that Frederick tion shall be in his place at the time to which the Con. Augustus Muhlenberg, Esq. was duly elected. vention stands adjourned, or within half an hour thereof VOL. IV. 33 |