the north side of Front street west of the officers' quarters after the extension of that thoroughfare, is the fact that there are no ends of sawed-off joists which supported the balcony to be seen upon the face of the front walls of the two houses in recess on Front street, while a glance up under the projecting eves, will plainly show the marks of the square upright posts that supported the balcony. This clearly indicates that the balcony was there, and out of some other walls than those there now must have projected the timbers that held the floor. Ergo, there must have been another wall there originally, and that wall must have been a stone wall corresponding with the one still extant on the face of the Barracks on the south side of the street. This reason does not exist as to the front wall of the mansion, but there is abundant evidence without it, and that evidence applies to all four houses on the north side of the street.

My theory is, that when Front street was extended and the north wing of the Barracks including the officers' quarters was detached and turned into residences, the brick walls were put in the fronts by the then owner or owners to give them a more modern appearance and to dissociate them as much as possible from the old Barracks of which they had been an integral part, little dreaming that that association would be a desideratum in future generations.

A matter barely mentioned, and which is of interest, is the fact that the Barracks have been known to some extent as "White Hall." Reference to them by that name is to be found frequently in old conveyances. Lossing in his "Field Book of the Revolution," vol. 2, page 244, makes mention of the building by that name and prints a sketch of it made by himself, when on his visit to Trenton in search of historic data in the year 1848.

Some of the pictures of the "Old Barracks" that have heretofore appeared, have shown it with plain walls running from the ground to the overhanging eves of its roof, and some have shown it with a balcony between

square.

the first and second stories on the inner sides of the That the balcony existed there is the most cogent proof. This matter has already been touched upon in explaining about the brick front walls in the present structures on the north side of Front street.

A glance at the walls facing north and east of the detached portion on the south side of Front street, will disclose the ends of sawed off joists on a line with the second floor. These joists are close together, thus giving the balcony great strength, which was required. This fact, coupled with the pictures, which amount to corroborating evidence, establish, beyond doubt, the fact of the existence of the balcony in the early days of the structure, and, therefore, I have had the balcony incorporated into the drawing which I send you. Another thing: MacGinnis, who drew the picture, discovered the exact number of posts that supported the balcony and has correctly reproduced them. The marks are still visible under the eves of the remaining roof on both sides of the street, and indicate the entire number originally existing.

Mr.

I will trespass upon your time to exploit but a single other thought, and one for which I claim no originality; one that has been rather wished than hoped for, but one that is perfectly feasible, and may some day be an accomplished reality. It is the restoration of the "Old Barracks" to their original condition. Independence Hall, the historic old State House in Philadelphia, has been restored, why not the "Old Barracks" at Trenton?

In my address at the unveiling of the tablets, I took occasion to remark, that in a humble way it may be said that this building bears something of the same relation to Trenton as does the Tower of London to the historic city of that name. We cannot boast that this stronghold has never fallen into the hands of a foreign foe, as England proudly boasts of her Tower, but we may with pride allude to the fact, that within these walls no such frightful scenes of blood and carnage have been enacted as in the gloomy fortress on the banks of the River

Thames. With us, quite differently, these bloodless Barracks are associated with hallowed memories of the Revolution.

Think of the possibilities to be derived from a restoration of this historic structure! Within its walls might be instituted an armory, as in the Tower of London, where various weapons used in warfare might be exhibited, especially weapons which are of historic value in themselves. Meetings of patriotic societies could be there held, and innumerable other uses and advantages could be attained. These are but suggestions. This is a fact: If these Barracks were restored they would comprise one of the most, if not the most historic building in the state of New Jersey! Is this not a matter in which not only the citizens of Trenton, but the citizens of the state should take an interest? Are not the "Old Barracks" something for the people of New Jersey to cherish with pride? At least, the Barracks as they now exist will be preserved, and I cannot, I think, more fittingly conclude this article than to again quote from my address at the unveiling of the tablets and say:

"If in the calm that succeeded the storm-if during the period that followed the Revolutionary struggle— the supporters and defenders of our country, weary of the conflict, turned their hearts and minds to other things, and permitted the ravages of time to obliterate many an object of historic interest, we, their descendants, atone for their sins of omission, and, fired with an unalterable zeal, are resolved, that every remaining relic shall be preserved a sacred altar! at whose shrine we may worship."

In this spirit these Barracks will be preserved :—preserved in the name of their builders; in the name of their owners: for all time and for all the people,—a link connecting the martial past with the peaceful present.

Respectfully,

Trenton, February 6, 1911.

EDWIN ROBERT WALKER.

NOTES OF A JOURNEY FROM PHILADELPHA TO NEW MADRID, TENNESSEE, 1790.

CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN W. JORDAN.

There has recently been added to the Manuscript Division of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, many of the papers of the firm of Reed and Forde (composed of John Reed and Standish Forde), well known in their day as enterprising merchants of Philadelphia, both in the foreign and domestic trade. These papers, which date from just after the close of the Revolution to the end of the second war with England, are interesting and valuable, for they cover a period when the merchants of this city were striving to regain their export trade, largely suspended during the Revolution, and developing an extensive trade in the territories dependent on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

Many accounts of "Adventures," in which this firm were interested have been preserved. The following "Notes of a Journey from Philadelphia to New Madrid," in the Winter of 1790-91, made by a member of the firm (in connection with the account in the firm Ledger, under the caption "Adventure to the Mississippi"), describes the difficulties of navigation of both the Ohio and Mississippi, and the delays and expenses connected therewith, over a century ago. Flour formed the chief part of this "Adventure," and was exchanged for furs at the following prices, per skin: Bear, $1; Wild Cat, 65c; Otter, $3; Beaver, $1; Buffalo, $10, and Cash.

JOURNAL.

Wednesday, 27 October 1790, started from Philada at 9 o'clock, stop'd at the 6 mile tavern and wrote to R & F. [Reed & Forde] by a negro wagoner. Fed at Unicorn

VOL. XXXVI.-14

Tavern, 16 miles, a good house; went on to the 37 mile stone, Sheaf of Wheat Tavern; good house excellent food for man and horse.-Breakfasted at -- 1211⁄2 miles then to Lancaster 18 miles, to Weavers and Cross Roads, and to Middletown, lodged at Mores', tolerable house; to Chamber's Ferry on Susquehanna, crossed and went 8 miles to Pollock's. Breakfasted and went on to Carlisle put up and fed at Postlethwaits; then to W—— 121⁄2 miles, a private house. Lodged and started at daylight. Breakfasted at Sheriff Leipers, 15 miles; lodged at Capt. Burds, 24 miles. Breakfasted at foot of Sideling Hill, 9 miles, fed at Morgan's 13 miles, lodged at Todd's, 14 miles. Breakfasted at Medsker's, 91⁄2 miles; fed at Spykers, 11 miles; lodged at Coldpenny's, 11 miles. Breakfasted at Jones Mill, 7 miles; fed at Woodrufs, 14 miles; lodged at 9 miles; to the Broad Ford 2 miles. Breakfasted at an Irishmans, 5 miles, bad house; then to Redstone 12 miles; arrived at one

the 3d of November.

on Wednesday,

Nov. 4th. At Redstone, met with John Hayden. Nov. 5th. To the mill on Ten mile by Virgin Ferry. Nov. 6th. To Clayres.

Nov. 7-8th. At Morgantown.

Nov. 9th. Set out Early for Tyger Valley Falls with

Major Hanway Haidly & Mr. Hickman.

Nov. 11th. To Laidly's Mill, on White Clay.

Nov. 12th. To the Ore Bank, 5 miles from Morgantown and return.

Nov. 13-15h. At Morgantown and the Mill.

Nov. 16th. In the morning to Redstone.

Nov. 17-18th. Waiting for the wagons.

Nov. 19th. This evening the wagons arrived at Redstone.

Nov. 21st. Finished loading and left Jackson's Mill at 2 p.m.

Nov. 22d. At 3 o'clock a.m. run on Pierce's mill-dam;