HISTORY: Annals of Harrisburg, 1858, pages 7-25, Dauphin County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judith Bookwalter Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/ _________________________________________ ANNALS OF HARRISBURG Annals, Comprising Memoirs, Incidents and Statistics of Harrisburg, From the Period of Its First Settlement, For the Past, the Present, and the Future. Compiled by George H. Morgan. Harrisburg: Published by Geo. A. Brooks, 1858. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1858, By George A. Brooks, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. _____ JOHN HARRIS - HIS FIRST SETTLEMENT. From authentic records, we learn that John Harris commenced a settlement, on the present site of Harrisburg, a short time previous to the year 1719. Mr. Harris was a native of Yorkshire, England, and appears to have been a brewer by profession, as he worked at that business in the city of London. In "Watson's Annuals" it is stated that "he was a middle- aged man when he came to America, and was one of the first emigrants with William Penn, at which time his entire capital amounted to only sixteen guineas." He first settled in the city of Philadelphia; and according to a writer in Hazzard's Register, "the nucleus of his future wealth was formed by a profitable contract he obtained from the authorities for removing the stumps and opening streets in that city." During his residence in Philadelphia, Mr. Harris was on intimate terms with, and enjoyed the friendship and esteem of, Edward Shippen, Esq., the first Mayor of that city, and for a long time one of the leading members of the Provincial Council. It was in this gentleman's family that he first saw and become acquainted with his future wife, Esther Say, also a native of Yorkshire, who is represented to have been a lady of superior intelligence and extraordinary energy. 8 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. HARRIS BECOMES AN INDIAN TRADER. From Philadelphia, Mr. Harris and his wife moved to Chester county; thence to the neighborhood of the present site of Bainbridge, Lancaster county. Being an enterprising man, he became an active pioneer, and with the fruit of his industry commenced a trade with the Indians, penetrating by degrees to the westward until he reached the present site of Harrisburg. On the 17th of December, 1733, the proprietaries of Pennsylvania granted to John Harris, by patent, three hundred acres and allowance of land, extending from what is now the upper boundary of the borough of Harrisburg, down the river to a black oak somewhere near the termination of Walnut street with Front street, and thence back by a line, now the upper line of the Messrs. Hamilton's brick-yard, to the rear line, now the line of Mrs. Sales' farm. On the same day, December 19, 1733, a patent was granted to Joseph Turner for five hundred acres and allowance, adjoining the above, and extending down the river from the aforesaid black oak to what is now the division line between the lands of the late John Mahan and Mrs. Hanna, deceased, extending back from the river, and embracing the James Harris tract, now the property of A. B. Hamilton. This was taken up by John Harris in the name of Joseph Turner, no doubt, to comply with certain usages of the Land Office, for on the next day (December 18) Joseph Turner conveyed to Edward Shippen, who on the next day (December 19) conveyed to John Harris. Here Mr. Harris deposited his merchandize, and opened a profitable commerce with his red neighbors, who at that time were very numerous. He gradually acquired the friendship of most of these tribes, receiving their peltry and other objects of Indian traffic for his ammunition and rum. This led to an active exchange of commodities, and gradually engaged him to pur- 9 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. chase the land adjacent to his establishment, and to undertake considerable agricultural improvements. The majestic Susquehanna, nearly a mile broad, flowed in front of his hut, while along its high banks nothing was to be seen but one dark mass of woods, reaching to the summit of the lofty hills that bounded the view in every direction. BIRTH OF JOHN HARRIS, JUNIOR. In the bosom of this wilderness Mr. Harris' family was located, and here was born, about the year 1727, John Harris, the founder of Harrisburg, who, it is said, was "the first white child born in Pennsylvania west of the Conewago hills who attained the age of manhood." The son thus born was carried to Philadelphia by his mother for the purpose of being baptized; and according to the Parish Register of Christ Church, in that city, this event was duly solemnized on the 22d day of September, 1728 - his age at the time being 11 months. HARRIS' MANSION ON THE SUSQUEHANNA. Mr. Harris' first habitation was on the lower bank of the river, about one hundred and fifty or two hundred feet below the spot where now repose his remains. The foundation walls of this house have been seen by some of our oldest citizens. A well, dug by Mr. Harris, still exists about one hundred feet east of his grave. It was covered over about ten years ago, but its site is easily distinguished by a small circular mound of earth. Mr. David Harris, a great-grandson of John Harris, states that in his early days "this well supplied a large neighborhood with water, which was exceedingly cool and pleasant to the taste." In connection with his mansion-house, he erected a large range of sheds, which were sometimes literally filled with skins and 10 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. furs, obtained by him in traffic with the Indians, or stored there by Indian traders, who brought them from the western country. These skins were carried, at an early day, on pack horses to Philadelphia for sale. HARRIS CONDEMNED TO BE BURNED - HIS RESCUE. In this state of affairs, it happened one day that a number of Indians of the Mahanoy, Mahantongo or Shawanese tribe, (most probably the latter,) who had been down the river either on a predatory or trading expedition, stopped at the house of Mr. Harris on their return northward. Most, or all of them, were under the influence of liquor, and demanded of Mr. Harris an additional supply of lum, meaning West India rum, as the modern whiskey was not then manufactured in the Province. Perceiving that they were already intoxicated, and fearing mischief, Mr. H. refused to grant the demand; whereupon they became greatly exasperated and dragged him to an adjoining mulberry tree, to which they firmly bound him. Here they declared their intention to torture and burn him alive, and bade him prepare for instant death. Dry wood was gathered and piled around his feet, and torches held in readiness to kindle it; the yells of the enraged savages echoed along the river shore and through the surrounding forest, while with demoniac gestures they danced around their victim. Death in its most cruel form was before him; and, bereft of hope, he gave himself up for lost. In vain he supplicated for mercy, and offered to give up everything in exchange for life; but the savages were deaf to his entreaties, and declared he should die. The flaming torch was advanced towards the pile, and about being applied, when a band of friendly Indians, supposed to have belonged to the Paxton tribe, and to have come across the river from either the Indian village opposite Harris' residence, or the one situated at the mouth of the Candogoguinet creek, burst suddenly upon the scene and set him at liberty. 11 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. These Indians were led on by a negro man named "Hercules," a slave belonging to Mr. Harris, who at the first alarm ran to the neighboring tribe to beg for succor, and now brought it to his master's relief. The deliverance was well timed. A moment's delay would have been fatal. The presence of mind, the decision, the speed of this negro alone saved Mr. Harris; and so sensible was he of the great service rendered to him by this poor slave that he instantly emancipated him, and some of the descendants of the worthy Hercules still reside in the borough, enjoying their freedom, so nobly won, in the bosom of the large community who occupy the ground on which the occurrence took place. An escape so providential was suited to make a deep and lasting impression on the mind of Mr. Harris. Pious and grateful feelings fastened to his heart. It was a signal deliverance; it was a manifest evidence of God's merciful interposition. Struck with this conviction - in order to perpetuate the memory of it among his own descendants - he directed that at his death his body should be deposited at the foot of this mulberry tree; and there it lies, with some of his children, a memento at once of savage ebriety, domestic fidelity, and above all, of the watchfulness of Him "who alone can inflict or withhold the stroke of death." The above facts are gathered chiefly from an account of the affair written and published in 1828, by Hon. Samuel Breck, at that time a State Senator or Representative from Philadelphia. Mr. Breck enjoyed an intimate acquaintance with the late Robert Harris, Esq., from whom he derived the particulars of the incidents as the latter gentleman had received them as part of the traditional history of his family. Mrs. Bell, a daughter of Mr. Plunket, a native of Ireland, who was married to Esther, a daughter of John Harris, Sr., made the following statement in relation to this affair to George 12 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. W. Harris, Esq., in the year 1840, she being then in the eightieth year of her age: "That in 1766 she was coming from Carlisle, where she lived, to Harrisburg, in company with her father and a son of her sister. When she came to the river opposite Harrisburg, at the Kelso place, where William Harris was then living, some of the children pointed out to her old Hercules, who was setting on a rock fishing in the river, stating that he had saved the life of his master from the Indians. She understood it to be when Mr. Harris had been tied to the mulberry tree." Mrs. Bell died several years ago at the residence of her relative, Dr. Maclay, in Perrysville, Mifflin county. She is represented to have been a woman of remarkable good memory, and well educated. It has been asked by some why the figure of the faithful slave Hercules was omitted from the beautiful paintings representing this affair. It was done, we believe, at the instance of the late Robert Harris, Esq., who furnished the artist with suggestions relative to the scenery and grouping of the figures in the picture. Mr. H. at this period was disposed to doubt if Hercules had been in any manner connected with the affair. It is believed, however, by some of his children, that when he entertained this opinion his memory had become impaired by old age, and had entirely forgotten the circumstances which induced him to believe differently when relating the particulars to Mr. Breck, some years previous. Under these circumstances, there is no reason for doubting the agency of Hercules in preserving his master's life on this occasion; and whenever this story is told, let the virtuous African share largely in our praise and admiration. As there has never been any documentary evidence to substantiate this exciting episode in the life of Mr. Harris, there are some disposed to consider it a myth; yet we might very properly ask, Has there been anything adduced to disprove it? 13 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Tradition may err; but it strikes us that if it does in this case, it would not have remained over one hundred and twenty or thirty years without being discovered. If any other testimony was needed to prove the love and friendship the slave Hercules entertained for his master, we might also relate that, upon another occasion, he saved the life of Mr. Harris from being destroyed by an excited steer, while crossing the river on a flat. The truth of this is established beyond doubt. BURIAL PLACE OF JOHN HARRIS, Sr. Part of the trunk of the mulberry tree to which Mr. Harris was tied is still standing. It is ten feet high to the lowest limbs, and eleven feet six inches in circumference. There are still living those who have seen this tree in bloom, and eaten mulberries from it. The title to the graveyard, to the extent of fifteen feet, is secured by conveyance from the commissioners who laid out the town. The deed is recorded in book A, in the Recorder's Office, at Harrisburg, and reads as follows: Deed of Conveyance of the Burial Lot. This indenture, made the twenty-eighth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, between Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James Cowden and William Brown, all of the county of Dauphin, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, gentlemen, of the one part, and John Harris, of Harrisburg, county and State aforesaid, of the other part, witnesseth: That the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James Cowden and William Brown, in consideration of the sum of five shillings, lawful money of Pennsylvania, to them in hand well and truly paid by the said John Harris, at and before the execution of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and from the payment thereof the said John Harris, his heirs, executors, administrators, assigns are fully acquitted and forever discharged, have granted, 14 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. bargained, sold, released, enfeoffed and confirmed, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and release, enfeoff and confirm unto him, the said John Harris, his heirs and assigns, a certain lot of ground, situate on the common or front street of the town of Harrisburg, where John Harris was buried, beginning at a mulberry tree on the south-west side of the stone dwelling-house of the said John Harris, thence from the said mulberry tree on the north side so as to contain fifteen feet square, together with all and singular the rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issued and profits thereof, and all the estate, right, title, interest, use, possession, claim and demand whatsoever, of them, the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James Cowden and William Brown, of, in and to the same, to have and to hold the said lot and premises hereby granted or mentioned, or intended so to be, with the appurtenances unto him, the said John Harris, his heirs and assigns, to the only proper use, benefit and behoof of him, the said John Harris, his heirs and assigns, forever; and the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James Cowden and William Brown, for themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, do covenant, grant and agree, to and with the said John Harris, his heirs and assigns, the said described lot of ground, hereditaments and appurtenances, against them, the said grantors, their heirs and assigns, and against all and every other person and persons lawfully claiming, or to claim by, from or under them, or either of them, jointly and severally warrant and forever defend by these presents. In witness whereof, the parties to these presents have interchangeably set their hands and seals the day and year first above written. JACOB AWL, [SEAL,] [SEAL,] ANDR. STEWART, [SEAL,] JAS. COWDEN, [SEAL,] WM. BROWN, [SEAL,] 15 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Sealed and delivered in presence of us - J. MONTGOMERY, JOHN A. HANNA. Received, on the day of the date of the above written indenture, of the therein named, the sum of five shillings, being in full for the consideration money therein mentioned by us. JACOB AWL, JAS. COWDEN, WM. BROWN. Witness: J. MONTGOMERY, JOHN A. HANNA. Subsequent to this conveyance, the descendants of Harris secured from the borough authorities an additional five feet of ground, thus making the grave-yard twenty feet square, which they surrounded with a handsome iron railing. HARRIS' INDIAN NEIGHBORS. When John Harris first settled at Peixtan, as Harrisburg was then called, Indian villages were existing near the large stone house on the bank of the river, opposite Harrisburg, and at the mouth of the Conodoguinet and Yellow Breeches creek. There had been one on the low ground along the river, about the lower line of the town, and another at the mouth of Paxton creek, but these are supposed to have been abandoned at the time Harris made his settlement. The Indians who claimed the soil in this neighborhood were of the Leni Lenape, or Delaware nation. Day, in his Historical Recollections, says: "The Leni Lenape nation was divided into three principal divisions - the Unamis, or Turtle tribes, the Unalachtgos, or Turkeys, and the Monseys, or Wolf tribes. The two former occupied the country between the Atlantic ocean and the Kittatinny, or Blue mountain, (five miles north of Harrisburg,) 16 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. their settlements extending as far east as the Hudson, and as far west as the Potomac. These were generally known among the whites as the Delaware Indians. The Monseys, or Wolf tribes, the most active and warlike of the whole, occupied the mountainous country between the Kittatinny mountain and the sources of the Susquehanna and Delaware rivers, kindling their council fire at the Minisink flats, on the Delaware, above the water gap. These three principal divisions were divided into various subordinate clans, who assumed names suited to their character or situation." It is not definitely known what particular clan or tribe was located in this section, but it is supposed they were the Assumpinks. INDIAN REMAINS. Many vestiges of the Indian race have been from time to time discovered in and about Harrisburg, in the shape of spear and arrow heads, composed of flint or quartz, stone hatchets, pieces of crockery ware, beads, &c. The low ground below the town contains a vast number of these relics buried a foot or so beneath the surface of the soil. A few years ago, while digging the foundation for a new house, near the river, at the southern edge of the borough, the workmen exhumed a large number of human skeletons, some of which were in a remarkable state of preservation. They were all found in a sitting posture, with their faces fronting the east, from which fact, combined with other circumstances, there can be no doubt that they were the remains of Indians, and that the spot was the burial place connected with the Indian village already alluded to as existing in that vicinity. A few years prior to this discovery, similar remains were found while digging the foundation for the row of frame buildings belonging to A. J. Jones, Esq., at the corner of Raspberry and Blackberry alleys. 17 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. VISIT OF JOHN EVANS, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO PEIXTAN. Peixtan (Harrisburg) is frequently spoken of in the Colonial Records. From these we learn that Honorable John Evans, Lieut. Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania, in company with Messrs. John French, William Tonge, Michael Bazallion, one Mr. Gray, and four servants, visited Peixtan in June, 1707. The following is the journal of this visit: "On Tuesday, the 1st July, 1707, we went to Conestoga, and lay there that night, and the next morning proceeded on our journey, and arrived in the evening within three miles of an Indian village called Peixtan. The Governor had received information at Pequehan, that one Nicole, a French Indian trader, was at that place, against whom great complaints had been made to the Governor, of which he acquainted the chief Indian at Peixtan, as also of his design to seize him, who willingly agreed to it; but advised the Governor to be very cautious in the manner, there being only young people at home, who perhaps might make some resistance if it were done without their being told of it. For this reason we lay short of the village that night; but early in the morning we went within a half mile of the town, and, leaving our horses, marched afoot near the same, from whence the Governor sent Martine to the village, ordering him to tell Nicole that he had brought two kegs of rum with him, which he had left in the woods, for fear any Christians were there; and withal to persuade Nicole to go with him and taste the rum. Martine returned with James Letort and Joseph Jessop, two Indian traders, but could not prevail with Nicole. Upon which Martine was sent back, with orders to bring down some Indians, and Nicole with them. Then we drew nearer to town, and laid ourselves in the bushes; and Martine returned with two Indians, whom the Governor acquainted with his intention of taking Nicole, telling at the same 18 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. time that he had spoken with the uncle of one of them upon that head, who ordered the Indians to submit to the Governor's commands, with which they were contented; though we perceived too well the contrary, by their inquiring how many we were, and how armed, and the concern they seemed to be in when they found we were in more number than they. But still Nicole was wanting; it was therefore resolved to try once more if he could be got into the woods. Accordingly, Martine went again to the place, and brought Nicole where we lay concealed, and asking him to drink a dram, he seized him; but Nicole started from him and run for it, when immediately we started out and took him, and presently carried him to the village, (Peixtan,) through which we were obliged to pass; and there we found some Indians with guns in their hands, who looked much displeased at what we had done; but being in readiness against any surprise, they thought it not fit to attempt anything. Here we staid about half an hour, and then started for Turphyocken, [Tulphocken,] having mounted Nicole on a horse and tied his legs under the belly' we got within a mile of Turpyhocken about two of the clock. On Friday morning about seven, the Governor went to the town; from thence we went to Manatawney that night, and the next day to Philadelphia." It will be perceived by the date of the above incident that it transpired about twelve years previous to the time fixed for the settlement of John Harris in this vicinity. The village (Peixtan) alluded to was evidently the Indian town previously mentioned as having existed on the low ground below the site of the present borough. A CLEARING COMMENCED BY HARRIS, AT THE MOUTH OF THE JUNIATA RIVER. By the following extract from the Colonial Records, it appears that John Harris was desirous of extending his trading 19 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. operations further westward, and with this view had commenced clearing land at the mouth of the Choniata (Juniata) river, about 1732 or 1733: "JUNE 19, 1733. "At a Council held at Philadelphia, Shickalamy, a chief, by Conrad Weiser, as Interpreter, asked whether the Proprietor had heard of a letter which he and Sassoonan sent to John Harris, to desire him to desist from making a plantation at the mouth of the Choniata, where Harris has built a house and commenced clearing fields. "They were told that Harris had only built that house for carrying on his trade; that his plantation, on which he has houses, barns, &c., at Peixtan, is his place of dwelling, and it is not to be supposed he will remove from thence; that he has no warrant or order for making a settlement on Choniata. "Shekallamy* said that though Harris may have built a house for the convenience of his trade, yet he ought not to clear fields. To this it was answered that Harris had only cleared as much land as would be sufficient to raise corn for his horses. Shekallamy said that he had no ill will to John Harris; it was not his custom to bear ill will; but he is afraid that the warriors of the Six Nations, when they pass that way, may take it ill to see a settlement made on lands which they had always desired to be kept free from any person settling upon. He was told in answer that care should be taken to give the necessary orders in it." *"Shekallamy was an Indian of much consequence among the Five Nations. He was the father of the celebrated Logan. It appears he was a Cayuga Sachem, and styled by Loskiel, 'First Magistrate and head chief of all the Iroquois Indians living on the banks of the Susquehanna, as far as Onandago.' He died at Shamokin, his residence, in 1749. He had been a great friend to Moravian Missionaries." - I. D. Rupp's History of Dauphin County. 20 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. HARRIS' REAL ESTATE POSSESSIONS. George W. Harris, Esq., a great grandson of John Harris, relates "that the latter was once offered by the Penns all of the land from the western shore of the Susquehanna to Silver Spring, and extending across the Cumberland Valley from mountain to mountain, for L5,000. He offered L3,500, and refused to give more. At his death he owned about 900 acres of land, including the present site of Harrisburg; also 200 acres on the opposite shore, mostly owned by Judge Hummel, and including the old ferry-landing and Gen. Simpson's place below Yellow Breeches creek, extending to the South mountain, including Shreiner's Island; and seven or eight hundred acres at the mouth of the Conodoguinet creek, on the upper side, once the site of an Indian town." PRESENCE OF MIND AND BRAVERY OF HARRIS' WIFE. The same gentleman also narrates the following anecdotes of Esther, the wife of John Harris, which establishes the promptness and energetic character of that lady: "The mansion house, situated on the river bank, as before mentioned, was surrounded by a stockade, for security against the Indians. An English officer was one night at the house, when by accident the gate of the stockade was left unfastened. The officer, clothed in his regimentals, was seated with Mr. Harris and his wife at the table. An Indian entered the gate of the stockade and thrust his rifle through one of the portholes of the house, and it is supposed pointed it at the officer. The night being damp, the gun simply flashed. Instantly, Mrs. Harris blew out the candle, to prevent the Indian aiming a second time, and he retreated." Watson, in his "Annals," alludes to this affair as follows: "We hear, says the editor of the Pennsylvania Gazette, July 21 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 20, 1758, from Harris' Ferry, that on Sunday night last, as Mr. Harris and some people were sitting in a room, a gun was attempted to be fired at them through a loop-hole, but luckily it happened not to go off, upon which the neighborhood was alarmed by some guns from the fort, and the next morning the track of an Indian was seen." A DANGEROUS CANDLESTICK. "It has been observed that John Harris kept articles for trade with the Indians. At one period, Mrs. Harris had an Irish girl in her employ. On one occasion she was sent up stairs for some purpose, and she took with her a piece of lighted candle, without a candlestick. The girl soon came down without the candle, and on Mrs. Harris asking her what she had done with it, replied she had stuck it into the barrel of Flaxseed. This, however, happened to be a barrel of Powder! Mrs. Harris instantly rose, and without saying a word, for fear of alarming the girl, went up stairs, and advancing to the barrel, cautiously placed her hands under the candle and lifted it out, and then coolly reproved the girl for her carelessness. AN INDIAN'S REVENGE. "A party of Indians from the Susquehanna, at one time went off on a war or predatory excursion against the Southern Indians. In the course of the expedition a hostile Indian was killed, and one of his relatives determined upon revenge. He is said to have come from the Catawba, in South Carolina. He came alone, and eventually reached the bank of the river opposite the present site of Harrisburg. He there secreted himself to observe the fording place, and watching an opportunity of glutting his revenge. Having observed the ford, below the island now owned by General Foster, he one night crossed the river, and cautiously approached the Indian town a short dis- 22 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. tance below. As he advanced, a dog barked, and an aged squaw came to the door of one of the wigwams to ascertain the cause of the disturbance. The Indian leaped forward, and sinking his hatchet into her brain, he drew his knife and scalped her; then raising the war- whoop, he ran to the river, leaped into a canoe and started for the opposite shore. The town was aroused and the warriors gave chase, but though closely pursued, it is said he escaped, and bore away in triumph the bloody trophy, the evidence of his courage and barbarity." - G. W. Harris, Esq. WILLIAM PENN'S CITY OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. In the year 1690, William Penn issued proposals for a second settlement, or city, upon the Susquehanna. Where the proposed city was to be located, or what was the reason for his relinquishing the plan, is not known; but as the site subsequently occupied by Mr. Harris was at that period on the great, and indeed the only, highway to Western Pennsylvania, besides being the nearest available point for communication with the Schuylkill river, which is looked to in the proposals, there is every reason to believe that it was the point selected for that purpose. The following are the proposals, extracted from Hazzard's Register, for 1828: "Some Proposals for a second Settlement in the Province of Pennsylvania. Whereas, I did, about nine years past, propound the selling of several parts or shares of land, upon that side of the Province of Pennsylvania next Delaware river, and setting out of a place upon it for the building of a city, by the name of Philadelphia; and that divers persons closed with those proposals, who, by their ingenuity, industry and charge, have advanced that city, from a wood, to a good forwardness of building (there 23 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. being above one thousand houses finished in it) and that the several plantations and towns begun upon the land, bought by those first undertakers, are also in a prosperous way of improvement and inlargement (insomuch as last year ten sail of ships were freighted there, with the growth of the Province for Barbados, Jamaica, &c., besides what came directly for this kingdom.) It is now my purpose to make another settlement, upon the river of Susquehannagh, that runs into the Bay of Chesapeake, and bears about fifty miles west from the river Delaware, as appears by the Common Maps of the English Dominion in America. There I design to lay out a plan for the building of another City, in the most convenient place for communication with the former plantations on the East: which by land, is as good as done already, a way being laid out between the two rivers very exactly and conveniently, at least three years ago; and which will not be hard to do by water, by the benefit of the river Scoulkill; for a Branch of that river lies near a Branch that runs into Susquehannagh River, and is the Common Course of the Indians with their Skins and Furr's into our Parts, and to the Provinces of East and West Jersey, and New York, from the West and North west parts of the continent from whence they bring them. And I do also intend that every one who shall be a Purchaser in this proposed settlement, shall have a proportionable Lot in the said City to build a House or Houses upon; which Town-Ground, and the Shares of Land that shall be bought of me, shall be delivered clear of all Indian Pretentions; for it has been my way from the first, to purchase their title from them, and so settle with their consent. The Shares I dispose of, contain each, Three Thousand Acres for L100, and for greater or lesser quantities after that rate: The acre of that Province is according to the Statute of the 33th of Edw. 1. and no acknowledgement or Quit Rent shall be paid by the Purchasers till five years after a settlement be 24 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. made upon their Lands, and that only according to the quantity of acres so taken up and seated, and not otherwise; and only then to pay but one shilling for every hundred acres for ever. And further I do promise to agree with every Purchaser that shall be willing to treat with me between this and next spring, upon all such reasonable conditions as shall be thought necessary for their accommodation, intending, if God please, to return with what speed I can, and my Family with me, in order to our future Residence. To conclude, that which particularly recommends this Settlement, is the known goodness of the soyll and situation of the Land, which is high and not mountainous; also the Pleasantness, and Largeness of the River being clear and not rapid, and broader than the Thames at London bridge, many miles above the Place intended for this Settlement; and runs (as we are told by the Indians) quite through the Province, into which many fair rivers empty themselves. The sorts of Timber that grow there are chiefly oak, ash, chestnut, walnut, cedar, and poplar. The native Fruits are pawpaws, grapes, mulbery's, chestnuts, and several sorts of walnuts. There are likewise great quantities of Deer, and especially Elks, which are much bigger than our Red Deer, and use that River in Herds. And Fish there is of divers sorts, and very large and good, and in great plenty. But that which recommends both this Settlement in particular, and the Province in general, is a late Pattent obtained by divers Eminent Lords and Gentlemen for that Land that lies north of Pennsylvania up to the 46th Degree and an half, because their Traffick and Intercourse will be chiefly through Pennsylvania, which lies between that Province and the Sea. We have also the comfort of being the Center of all the English colonies upon the Continent of America, as they lie from the North East parts of New England to the most Southerly parts of Carolina, being above 1000 miles upon the Coast. 25 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. If any Persons please to apply themselves to me by letter in relation to this affair, they may direct them to Robert Ness, Scrivener in Lumber street in London for Philip Ford, and suitable answers will be returned by the first opportunity. There are also Instructions printed for information of such as intended to go, or send servants, or families thither, which way they may proceed with most ease and advantage, both here and there, in reference to Passage, Goods, Utensels, Building, Husbandry, Stock, Subsistence, Traffick, &c. being the effect of their expence and experience that have seen the Fruit of their Labours. WM. PENN." "Printed and sold by Andrew Sowle, at the crooked Billet in Halloway Lane, Shore Ditch 1690."