HISTORY: Annals of Harrisburg, 1858, pages 100-123, 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. THE MILL-DAM DESTROYED BY THE CITIZENS. "Saturday, 18th. - The committee met, and proceeded with a number of the inhabitants to the dam. Committee hired four persons to open the bed of the creek twelve feet wide, which was done, and the persons employed were paid six dollars, which was raised by voluntary contribution on the spot. "Saturday, 25th April, 1795. - The committee met. Peter, John and Abraham Landis attended, and offered to take $2,000 for the water- right, which the committee positively refused. THE MILL SEAT PURCHASED BY THE CITIZENS. "April 25, 1795. - Peter, John and Abraham Landis sold to Stacy Potts, Moses Gilmore, William Graydon, Jacob Bucher, 100 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. John Kean, John Dentzell, and Alexander Berryhill, of the borough of Harrisburg (a committee chosen at a public meeting of the inhabitants of the said borough, at the court room, on the 7th of April,) sold and conveyed to them their mill, &c., for L2,633 4s. 6d., "to hold and to have the said two pieces of lands, houses, mills, mill machinery, &c." This sum, as before stated, was raised by taxing the citizens. The payments were made in three annual instalments; one-half of the amount assessed was paid in 1794; one-half the balance in 1795, and the balance in 1796. For example, a citizen taxed L4 had to pay L2 in 1794, L1 in 1795, and L1 in 1796. It may be remarked that some citizens who refused to contribute to the subscription, were obliged to leave the town. No violence was offered to them, but no one would employ them in their several pursuits, and they at length went elsewhere. The mill seat, with the privileges of a dam and mill-race, was originally purchased from John Harris, Jr., by the Landis's, April 16, 1790; subsequently they purchased a small piece of land from Gen. John A. Hanna, adjoining that purchased from Mr. Harris. The mill was erected about one-quarter of a mile below Harrisburg, about as low down as the old "White House," between the "old mill road" and the canal; and the race extended up along or nearly along the present route of the Pennsylvania canal, to a lane which ran across to the ridge, about the upper line of the brickyard field opposite Pratt's Rolling Mill, where the dam was erected. ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE MILL-DAM TROUBLES. Another writer, in describing the mill-dam difficulties, states that "the money raised by subscription was tendered to the Landis's, who refused it. The citizens then prepared for the forcible removal of the dam, and the Landis's threatened to use 101 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. force to prevent it. The citizens accordingly marched in a body to the dam, on a cold, snowy day in March. The owners were there with several men, armed with guns, threatening to fire. The citizens, however, advanced into the water, and the dam was soon demolished. The Landis' threatened suit, and the citizens handed them a list of several hundred names to be sued; but the proprietors finally took the money." ALEXANDER GRAYDON, ESQ., ON THE SICKNESS. Alexander Graydon, Esq., an uncle of H. Murray Graydon, Esq., of Harrisburg, in his "Memoirs," a work of sterling interest, alludes to the sickness at this place while speaking of the Yellow Fever that raged in Philadelphia. He says: "Measures were taken in almost every town and village to prohibit the entry of persons suspected of infection; and even fugitives from the seat of it, though in health, were regarded with a jealous eye. Some of the people of Harrisburg were for following the example of their neighbors, though a malady not less fatal than that in Philadelphia was raging among themselves. But the difference was, that one was called a plague, the other but a simple fever. It is somewhat remarkable, that if yellow fever is of foreign origin, as insisted upon by many, that a disease of a similar type should make its appearance at the same time on the banks of the Susquehanna, at the distance of an hundred miles. Shall we say, that the state of the atmosphere which generated the one, was favorable to the diffusion of the other? This, I believe, is the doctrine of those who contend that the yellow fever is of exotic growth, and always imparted when it appears among us. I would venture, however, no opinion on the subject. With respect to the mortality produced by the two diseases, that at Harrisburg was, I believe, in proportion to the population of the place, as great as that at Philadelphia. I cannot take upon me minutely to describe the 102 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. symptoms of the Harrisburg disease, nor were they the same in all that were sick; but a general one was, an affection of the stomach, or nausea, with violent retchings, and a yellowness of the skin. Some were ill a week, some longer, some died in two or three days from the time of their being seized, and others who were walking about with symptoms only of the ague, suddenly took ill and expired. The black vomit, which has some time been supposed peculiar to the yellow fever, appeared in some cases. I was attacked with a quartan ague about the middle of September, but had none of the grievous symptoms of the malignant fever which prevailed. "The matter which produces ague, i. e., miasmata, caused by vapors from low and marshy situations and waters, rendered baneful from certain adventitious circumstances, may be pronounced to be the support or aliment of all diseases, more particularly of the latter, perhaps, when the exhalations are rendered more than commonly noxious, from the general state of the atmosphere - this cause existed at Harrisburg. A mill-dam had been erected the season before on the Paxton, rather a turbid and sluggish stream, within five or six hundred yards of the middle of the town, on its eastern side. The obstruction must have spread the water over a surface of from eight to ten acres; and this, co-operating with a state of the atmosphere, unusually morbid this season in such situations, may fully account for the fear which prevailed. "In the fall of the year 1792, there were some cases of it, and still more in that of 1794, equally malignant, after which the mill-dam was removed. I have been the more particular on this subject, though without being able to offer anything satisfactory, from knowing it to have been a matter of some interest with the physicians of Philadelphia to ascertain the nature of the Harrisburg disease, thence to deduce data towards the solution of the question, whether the yellow fever, as appearing in our cities, be, or not, a malady of exclusively foreign origin." 103 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. The "Oracle of Dauphin," printed here at the time, contains a number of spirited communications upon the mill-dam troubles. One writer, in alluding to the tender of the terms of sale demanded by the Landis' a year previous, says: "Should they (Landis') refuse to accept them now, there cannot be a doubt but that we shall be fully justified, both upon the principles of law and justice, in prostrating the dam. * * * * As to those persons who may refuse to contribute, in proportion to their ability, to do away with this dreadfully destructive nuisance, I hope their fellow-citizens will have spirit enough solemnly to agree to have no kind of dealings with them, and (as far as in them lies) by all just means to oblige them to leave the town, and make room for others who may have more sense than humanity." Another writer says: "Fellow-citizens, you have acted justly, and you have acted with patience, in offering to pay the man's price before you came to the resolution of destroying this reservoir of contagion. * * * Go on, gentlemen, in an undertaking which is founded in such justice; make up the L2600, and tender it according to the man's terms; and if he does not receive it, have respect for yourselves, for your families, and for your solemn resolution - TEAR DOWN THE MILL DAM!" The editor of the "Oracle" wrote as follows: "On Thursday last, a committee appointed by the citizens of Harrisburg waited on Abram Landis and Peter Landis, and tendered the whole demand they made last year for the mill, with its appurtenances, agreeable to the terms they had proposed, but they now thought proper to require a much greater sum; wherefore, apprehending that the owners of the said mill intended, through the distressing calamities thought to be occasioned by the mill-dam, to extort an enormous price from the people for the enjoyment of health, by the unreasonable sum now demanded for the mill, they did almost unanimously proceed, on Saturday afternoon last, 104 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. to take down and destroy that intolerable nuisance which has for three years past rendered this borough a mere hospital and graveyard; and therefore it is now hoped that, under the blessing of Divine Province, this once flourishing place may be restored to its former state of healthiness and prosperity." FIRST NEWSPAPER IN HARRISBURG. The first newspaper printed in Harrisburg was established in 1791, by Mr. John Wyeth, father of the Messrs. Wyeth still residing here. It was called "The Oracle of Dauphin, and Harrisburg Advertiser," and was published every Monday, in Mulberry street, at fifteen shillings per annum. It was a common folio, and its pages measured 17 by 9 « inches, containing three columns each. We have before us several bound files of this paper from 1794 to 1802, from which we extract a number of items that will be read now with interest. THE "WHISKEY INSURRECTION" - UNITED STATES TROOPS AT HARRISBURG. 1794, Sept. - "On Friday, three companies of horse, containing in all 130, arrived from Philadelphia, the whole under the command of Capt. John Dunlap. The company of light dragoons, commanded by Capt. John Irwin, of this town; the corps of light infantry, commanded by Capt. George Fisher, with the most distinguished officers of the county, were paraded all in complete uniform, in order to receive them. After the usual ceremonies, the dragoons dismounted to refresh themselves, and yesterday morning they proceeded to Carlisle." "Tuesday last, passed through this place, on their way to Gen. Wayne's army, about 80 regular troops, commanded by Captain Lyman. They were from the State of Massachusetts, and in good spirits." 105 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. "Thursday evening, arrived here from New Jersey, under the command of Richard Howell, Esq., Governor of that State, about 370 dragoons, completely mounted and equipped - all volunteers. It raining very rapidly on their arrival, the citizens of Harrisburg, with their usual degree of affection to the sons of liberty and patriotism, voluntarily opened their doors for their reception. The next morning they crossed the Susquehanna, on their way to Carlisle, after expressing their satisfaction in the following manner: 'The commander of the Jersey militia detachment feels himself bound to acknowledge the politeness of the citizens of Harrisburg to his company, and requests that their gratitude and his own, joined with the highest respect, may be signified in a proper manner. RICHARD HOWELL, Commandant Jersey detachment. HARRISBURG, Sept. 25, 1794.'" "HARRISBURG, Dec. 1, 1794. - On Tuesday last, arrived in town from the westward, Capt. M'Pherson's company of Blues, belonging to Philadelphia, and the next morning proceeded homeward. "And on Saturday last, Brigadier General Proctor's brigade also arrived, and this morning early marched for their respective homes. "Col. Chambers' brigade, we hear, will also arrive this day or to- morrow, with one hundred prisoners." VOLUNTEERS FROM HARRISBURG CALLED INTO SERVICE DURING THE INSURRECTION. The following is a list of the companies composing the second Pennsylvania regiment, ordered into service by President Washington during the "Whiskey Insurrection." The regiment was composed principally of citizens of Harrisburg and vicinity. 106 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Regimental Officers. - Lieutenant Colonel, Thomas Forster; Major, Frederick Hummel; Paymaster, John Brown; Sergeant Major, Philip Stoher. Infantry. - Captain Wallace's company, composed of 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 4 sergeants, 2 corporals, and 32 privates - served 1 month and 20 days. Riflemen. - Captain Ainsworth's company, composed of 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 2 sergeants, 1 corporal, and 19 privates - served 1 month and 20 days. Captain Devin's company, composed of 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, and 30 privates - served 1 month and 20 days. The above list of companies is taken from the advertisement of the paymaster of the troops, published in the "Oracle of Dauphin," in January, 1795. It is presumed that the companies named were only mustered into the service of the United States, but not march to the scene of the rebellion. A company of volunteers, however, from this place, commanded by Capt. George Fisher, father of J. Adams Fisher, Esq., actually marched as far as Carlisle on their way to the seat of the rebellion. At Carlisle, Capt. Fisher was elected Major of the battalion of troops from this and adjoining counties. GEN. WASHINGTON IN HARRISBURG. "On Friday last, (October 3, 1794,) the President of the United States arrived in town. The pleasure excited in beholding, for the first time, our beloved chief in this borough, is not easily described. The following address was delivered to him by the Burgesses, in behalf of the town: To his Excellency George Washington, President of the United States of America: SIR: We, the Burgesses and citizens of Harrisburg, while we rejoice in the opportunity of presenting our respects to 107 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. a character so justly revered and dear to Americans, we cannot but lament that we should owe it to an interruption of the peace and prosperity of our country, those constant objects of our public care. We trust, however, that the just indignation which fires the breasts of all virtuous citizens at the unprovoked outrages committed by these lawless men, who are in opposition to one of the mildest and most equal of governments of which the condition of man is susceptible, will excite such exertions, as to crush the spirit of disaffection wherever it has appeared, and that our political horizon will shine brighter than ever on a dispersion of the clouds which now menace and obscure it. Though our sphere of action is too limited to produce any important effects, yet we beg leave to assure your Excellency that, so far as it extends, our best endeavors shall not be wanting to support the happy constitution and wise administration of our government. Signed, in behalf of the borough, CONROD BOMBAUGH ALEX. BERRYHILL, HARRISBURG, October 3, 1794. Burgesses. GEN. WASHINGTON'S REPLY. To the Burgesses and other citizens of Harrisburg: GENTLEMEN: In declaring to you the genuine satisfaction I derive from your very cordial support, I will not mingle any expression of the painful sensations which I experience from the occasion which has drawn me hither. You will be at no loss to do justice to my feelings. But relying on that kindness of Providence towards our country which every adverse appearance hitherto has served to manifest, and counting upon the tried good sense and patriotism of the great body of our fellow- citizens, I do not hesitate to indulge with you the expectation of such an issue as will serve to confirm the blessings we enjoy under a constitution that well deserves the confidence and support of virtuous and enlightened men. To class the inhabitants 108 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. of Harrisburg among this number, is only to bear testimony to the zealous and efficient exertions which they have made towards the defence of the laws. GEORGE WASHINGTON." MR. GRAYDON ON THIS OCCURRENCE. Mr. Graydon, who then resided at Harrisburg, speaks of this occurrence in his "Memoirs," as follows: "The Western Expedition, as it was called, gave me an opportunity of seeing a number of my old friends from Philadelphia; and it afforded also a momentary triumph to the poor handful of Harrisburg federalists, who were stated by their opponents to amount to only five. A French flag, which had been flying at the Court House, then building, had been the cause of some squabbling in the newspaper; and this flag was peremptorily ordered to be taken down by the troops from the city. Had I been disposed for revenge, I might, upon this occasion, have been fully gratified, as I was repeatedly asked who had caused it to be put up, and impliedly censured for giving evasive answers to the questions; which, from their manner, evinced a disposition to treat the authors of it much more roughly than would have been agreeable to me. "Conspicuous among the crowd that rolled on to the eastward was Gov. Mifflin. On the day of his arrival he convened the people at the market house, and gave them an animated harangue, in which there was nothing exceptionable, save a monstrous suggestion that the British had stirred up the discontents to the westward, and been the cause of the present opposition to the Government. "A few days after the Governor, Gen. Washington, accompanied by Col. Hamilton, came on. After waiting on them, I prevailed upon the Burgesses to present an address to the President, which I sketched out, and which, from the cordiality of the answer, appeared to have been well received. 109 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. WHERE WASHINGTON LODGED. In the preface to Napey's Harrisburg Directory for 1842, it is stated that "General Washington's head-quarters while at Harris' Ferry, on the Western expedition, were in a small frame house which stood, until the last few years, at the corner of Vine and Paxton streets." A similar statement is made by another writer, in the preface to Osler & Irvin's Harrisburg Directory for 1856. This account, from all the evidence the compiler has been able to gather, is incorrect. The "small frame house" above alluded to was built for, and used for a number of years after Washington's visit here, as a ferry house, not a house of "public entertainment," but a common rendezvous for the ferrymen, and, in the language of an old citizen, who often visited it, "a place where people went to get booked for a passage over the river." The only houses of public entertainment that existed in that immediate neighborhood in 1794 - the time of Washington's visit - was that known as the "Bell Tavern," kept by one Simon Snyder, a vendue cryer by profession, and that kept by Nicholas Ott. The former was situated on the site of the new brick house recently erected by Mr. Shellenberger, on Front street, a few doors below what is now called Washington avenue, and the latter is still occupied as a tavern by Mr. Hogan. Both of these buildings were wooden structures, the latter at that time painted red, and were what might be termed second-rate taverns; hence it is not likely that the good citizens of Harrisburg would have permitted their beloved chief Magistrate to lodge here, if they had any better accommodations to offer. Mr. Peter Snyder, still living, was a lad about fourteen years of age when Washington visited the borough. Was standing at the corner of Mulberry and Second streets when Washington passed up the latter street in a carriage. The General had his 110 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. hat off, and Mr. S. distinctly recollects his commanding form, as he stood up in the carriage, returning the salutations of the surrounding multitude. The carriage containing the General passed up into market square, followed by an immense concourse of people. Is pretty certain the General lodged over night at the tavern situated on the east corner of Market street and the square. Never heard any other place assigned as his lodging place while here but that. The General was accompanied to the ferry next morning by the burgesses, Messrs. Bombaugh and Berryhill; and when he had embarked upon the flat to cross the river, there was a discharge of artillery, stationed on the bank of the river, near the graveyard. Mr. Henry Peffer, still living, was a lad about six years of age when Washington passed through the borough. Recollects the form and features of the General as he passed through Second street into the square. Heard the General deliver his address in reply to the burgesses, from the steps on the Market square side of the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. Believes that the General also lodged at that tavern, but is not positive. Has never heard any other place but that tavern assigned as his quarters while here. Mr. James R. Boyd, still living, was a lad about four years old when Washington arrived here. Came with his mother from Front street to Chestnut and Second streets, where he saw the General pass up the latter street into the square, accompanied by a great crowd of people. Concurs with Mr. Peffer in the belief that Washington made his head- quarters while here at the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. Never heard any other place assigned as his stopping place while here. The father of Francis Wyeth has often told him that Washington lodged over night at the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. Mr. Wyeth, with Mr. Thomas Elder, was boarding at that tavern at the time. Mr. Jacob Ziegler, still living, came to Harrisburg in De- 111 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. cember, 1794, two months after Washington's visit here. Has always heard that upon that occasion Washington lodged at the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. The house had been used as a tavern eight or ten years before his arrival here. Mr. Benjamin Taylor, still living, was about fifteen years old when Washington arrived here, but was out of town upon that occasion. Has always heard the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder as the place where Washington stopped during his stay here; never heard it contradicted. Messrs. Valentine Hummel, John Kelker, Robert Gillmore, George Eicholtz, J. Adams Fisher, Jeremiah Reese, and other old citizens, all concur in the belief, from what they have always heard, that Washington lodged while here at the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. From the above testimony it is pretty conclusive that during Gen. Washington's visit to the borough he made his head-quarters at the brick tavern which, a few years ago, stood on the site of the present "Jones House," at the east corner of Market street and the square, and that it was named the "Washington House" in remembrance of that event. It is probable, however, that a portion of Gen. Washington's staff, with the small troop of dragoons composing his escort, lodged for the night in the neighborhood of the lower ferry, perhaps at Ott's or the Bell tavern. The detachments of troops that had previously passed through the borough to join the main body of the army on the Western expedition, bivouacked for a few hours on the bank of the river, near the lower ferry. Some of these troops passed over the river at what was called the upper ferry, at a point above where the Water-house is now situated. POSTMASTERS OF HARRISBURG. The first postmaster in Harrisburg under the federal constitution was Mr. John Wyeth, editor of the "Oracle." The Post 112 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Office was kept with his bookstore, at his residence in the building at present owned and occupied by Mr. John Knepley, on the south side of Second street, below Mulberry. We append a list of the postmasters who succeeded Mr. Wyeth, to the present day: John Wright, Isaac G. M'Kinley, Mrs. John Wright, A. J. Jones, James Peacock, John H. Brant, George W. Porter FIRST MAIL CARRIER FROM HARRISBURG NORTHWARD. Mr. Benj. A. Taylor, still a resident of the borough, was one of the first mail carriers from Harrisburg northward. His route extended to Alexandria, Huntingdon county, and the mails were carried on horseback. In this way it was usual for him to ride two hundred and sixteen miles every six days. THE FERRY TO LET. The following are among the advertisements in the "Oracle" for March 23, 1795: "HARRIS' FERRY. - To be let, for the term of one year, by public vendue, on Wednesday, the 25th of March instant, at the house of Mr. Conrod Bombaugh, in Harrisburg. Attendance and terms made known by VAL. HUMMEL, CONROD BOMBAUGH, DAVID KRAUSE, Commissioners." THE HARRIS MANSION TO LET. In February, 1795, Mr. David Harris, of Baltimore, a son of the founder of Harrisburg, advertised several valuable lots for sale on Second and Back streets; also, "his large lot and stone 113 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. house, built of the best materials, containing four spacious rooms on the first story, with fire-places in each, and six rooms on the second, with a large stone kitchen, and a stable which will contain thirty or forty horses;" adding, "there is an excellent cellar under the whole house, divided into three apartments, with vaults, &c. This property is under rent till the first day of April 1796, at L80 per annum." A NEGRO FOR SALE. "A healthy, stout negro wench, about thirty-three years of age. She is excellent for cooking, washing, and any kind of house or kitchen work, and understands feeding cattle, and any work necessary on a farm. For terms, apply to the Printer." Similar advertisements frequently appear at this period. A FOURTH OF JULY IN HARRISBURG SIXTY-TWO YEARS AGO. "Last Saturday presented to our view another anniversary of Columbia's freedom, being twenty-three years since a noble band of her legitimate sons assumed the daring effrontery to declare us a SOVEREIGN AND INDEPENDENT NATION, capable of declaring war, concluding peace, contracting alliances, capturing whole armies, transporting, hanging and shooting tories, &c. &c., without the assistance of 'these our royal letters patent.' This memorable day was distinguished by every demonstration of joy and mirth which the importance of the occasion could possibly inspire true sons of patriotism in this town. About 12 o'clock the bell rang as a signal for the citizens to proceed to the Federal Spring, [on the ridge near Haehnlen's tavern, north-east of Harrisburg] where, and under the boughs of the spreading arbor, they partook of a public entertainment provided by a committee appointed for that purpose; after which, Gen. Hanna being unanimously appointed to preside as President, the follow- 114 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ing toasts were given under a discharge of cannon from citizen Fenton." - Oracle, July 6, 1795. REMOVING OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE SUSQUEHANNA. "On Wednesday next, the committee appointed by the Governor and directors of the Maryland Susquehannah Canal, meet in this town to concert with the citizens of Pennsylvania on the most eligible mode of removing the obstructions in the river Susquehannah. In consequence of which the inhabitants of this town, and those of the neighborhood, are requested to meet at the Court House this afternoon at 4 o'clock, in order to appoint a committee to co-operate in a measure calculated to promote the interest of the public in general." - Oracle. At a respectable meeting of a number of gentlemen from the counties of Lancaster, York, Dauphin, Cumberland, Mifflin, Huntingdon, and Northumberland, in the State of Pennsylvania, and the counties of Cecil and Harford, in Maryland, held at Harrisburg, on Wednesday, the 12th day of August, 1795, for the purpose of concerting the most eligible mode of improving the navigation of the river Susquehanna, it was. Resolved, unanimously, That subscriptions be immediately opened to raise a sum of money for removing the obstructions and improving the navigation in the bed of the river Susquehanna between Wright's Ferry and the Maryland line; and that half the money thus subscribed be made payable on the 11th day of September next, and the other half on the 1st day of August, 1796. Resolved, That the following persons be empowered and requested to solicit subscriptions for the purpose aforesaid, and that they transmit monthly to the Treasurer hereinafter named, a particular account of all the monies subscribed on their respective lists. [Here follows the names of persons appointed in Cumberland, 115 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Mifflin, Northumberland, Luzerne, Huntingdon, Bedford, Lancaster, York, and Philadelphia counties, to solicit subscriptions.] The following named gentlemen were appointed for Dauphin county: John Kean, Archibald M'Allister, Martin Weaver, John Murray, James M'Creight. Messrs. Ephraim Blane, Robert Whitehill, John Bratton, George Gale and Samuel Hughes were appointed commissioners to superintend the work; and Stacy Potts, Esq., of Dauphin county, Treasurer of the fund. After this organization, the association published a spirited address, dated at Harrisburg, "to all those interested in the navigation of the river Susquehanna;" but we can find no record of its subsequent operations. The following advertisement appears in the "Oracle" of the same date with the preceding: "WANTED. - A number of persons who are acquainted with blowing rocks and removing obstructions in the Susquehanna river, between the mouths of the Swatara creek and Juniata; those that can be well recommended shall have generous wages. Attendance will be given at Harrisburg during court week for making contracts, by SAMUEL BOYD and ELIJAH GREEN." HARRISBURG LIBRARY COMPANY. As early as 1794, some of the public spirited citizens of Harrisburg organized themselves into an association for mental improvement and the promotion of the arts and sciences. This organization was called "The Mechanical Society of Harrisburg," and it held weekly meetings, generally at some one of the taverns in the borough. We find among its members the names of Stacy Potts, Henry Beader, Jacob Bucher, Jacob Reitzell and Samuel Hill. From this Society originated the "Harrisburg Library Company," which was organized in the 116 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. early part of 1795, by the election of the following named gentlemen officers for the ensuing year, viz: Directors. - John Kean, Rev. Henry Moeller, Gen. John A. Hanna, William Graydon, Adam Boyd, John Dentzell, Rev. Nathaniel Snowden and Stacy Potts. Secretary - Henry Fulton. Treasurer - Stacy Potts. THE FOURTH OF JULY IN HARRISBURG, 1796. HARRISBURG, July 11, 1796. - "The Fourth of July was observed by the citizens of this town with much hilarity and social glee. The dawn of that auspicious morning was announced to the inhabitants and neighborhood by a discharge from the field piece of Captain Kean's company. At 12 o'clock the citizens assembled at the Market square, formed a procession, and marched to Federal hill, preceded by Lieut. Elder's Light Dragoons, the President and Managers of the day, Captain Fisher's Light Infantry and Captain Kean's company of Artillery, the Sheriff, the reverend Clergy and Magistrates. After partaking of a collation, the President, Gen. Hanna, gave the following toasts, each of which was accompanied by a discharge from Captain Kean's Artillery and Captain Fisher's Light Infantry." Oracle. THEATRE AT HARRISBURG IN 1796. "The Harrisburg Company of Comedians, we hear, intend giving the public a specimen of their abilities, some evening during the present week. Attendance and reasonable credit will be given." - Oracle, Sept. 12, 1796. " A number of young gentlemen of this town, on the evenings of Thursday and Friday last, performed the celebrated comedy of "The Prisoner at Large," to a very numerous audience; considering the many inconveniences which these young men 117 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. have surmounted in order to give a few hours amusement to this little social village, great credit is due them for their great perseverance and politeness." - Oracle. SQUIRRELS BY THE BARREL. "According to modern prediction, the ensuing winter will be very severe indeed; for never, perhaps, since the memory of man, were there known a greater quantity of squirrels than has been in this neighborhood since some days. We are told that during last week several hundred per day crossed the Susquehanna from Cumberland into this county. Some of the inhabitants, it is said, who live near the banks of the river, have been enabled to salt barrels of them for their winter's use." - Oracle, September 26, 1796. MISCELLANY. Among the business men in Harrisburg during the years 1794-'5 and '6, we observe by the advertisements in the "Oracle" the names of Andrew Forrest, druggist, Chestnut street, near Front; Doctor John Spangler, Market square; Robert Irwin, dry goods; Gregg & M'Connel, dry goods, Front street; John Kean, Dry goods and groceries; Irwin & Howard, dry goods, Market street; Peter Fahnestock, druggist, Walnut st.; Stacy Potts, lumber; John Wyeth, books, &c., Second street; Obed Fahnestock, books, "opposite the sign of the King of Prussia;" Dalzall & Awl, groceries, Front st.; Andrew Crouse, tobacconist, Paxton street, "next to Mr. Robert Harris;" Gustine & Ripton, groceries, brick house at the corner of Front and Chestnut streets; Stewart & Wier, merchandise, "Second street, at the sign of the Lion and Unicorn;" Thos. Murray, dry goods, Market street, "near the court-house;" Curtis & Dutton, button makers, opposite Casper Smith's tavern; Thos. Foster, dry goods and groceries, Front street; Jacob Singer, 118 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. dry goods, Market square; Lepelletier & Benoist, groceries, &c., Front street; George Reininger, rope maker, Chestnut st.; Jacob Fridley, hatter, Front street; Jacob Burckhart, merchandise, turning, &c, Market square. Messrs. Peter Shaw, Anthony Seyfort, Alpheus Johnson, _____ Moderwell, Richard Dougherty, and John M'Cann, respectively, advertise that they will "teach the young idea to shoot;" and while the above named gentlemen directed the heads of their pupils, Messrs. Richard Haughton, _____ Currier, and M. Peticollas, from France, instructed their feet in the "poetry of motion." The principal hotel at Harrisburg in 1796 was that known as the "Dauphin Hotel," at the sign of the "Indian Chief," kept by John H. Shaeffer, who devotes near a column of the "Oracle" in pointing out the superior merits of his establishment, in a style little less grandiloquent than that done now-a-days by the landlords of some of our hotel palaces. We cannot learn positively where this hotel was situated. Some old citizens think it was the building afterwards known as the "Washington House," at the east corner of Market street and the square. PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS IN 1797. The difficulties that existed between the American Government and the Directory of the French people in 1797, created an unusual degree of excitement throughout the country, and preparations for war were made everywhere. The following extracts will show the patriotism evinced by the citizens of Harrisburg on that occasion: "On Monday last, agreeable to notice given, the company of Light Infantry commanded by Captain Matthew Henry paraded at this place. Their commander, in a very animated address, informed them of the occasion of their meeting; when the young gentlemen unanimously offered their services as part of 119 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. the quota of this State - to hold themselves in readiness to march when called upon." - Oracle, Nov. 15, 1797. "On Saturday last, Captain Connelly's Artillery met at their usual parade in this town. The Captain addressed the company in a style of real patriotism, in which he plainly evinced the necessity and virtue of supporting the rights and laws of our country in time of danger. In consequence, we hear, all the members present, except one, voluntarily offered themselves as a part of the quota to be furnished by this State." - Oracle, Nov. 22, 1797. In May, 1798, a large and respectable meeting of the citizens of the borough was held at the house of Mr. Andrew Berryhill, when an address to the President, (John Adams,) of which the following is an extract, was agreed upon: "That in our opinion the conduct and designs of the French Republic (scarcely aggravated or made more apparent by the profligacy of their avowal) are such as to produce alarm and indignation in every breast which feels for the honor and happiness of America, and to excite the apprehensions of every man, of whatever nation or country, who may place a sense of justice, of morality and piety among the ornaments of his nature and the blessings of society. That under this persuasion, we hold it wise to be prepared for every event, and shall therefore most cheerfully acquiesce in such measures of defence as may be adopted by you, sir, and the other branches of the Administration, at the present momentous period." The address was transmitted to the President, who acknowledged its receipt in an appropriate and extended reply, which commenced as follows: "To the Inhabitants of the Borough of Harrisburg, in the State of Pennsylvania: GENTLEMEN: Your address has been presented to me by Mr. Hartley, Mr. Sitgreaves, and Mr. Hanna, three of your Representatives in Congress. 120 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. I know not which to admire most, the conciseness, the energy, the elegance, or profound wisdom of this excellent address." The reply concluded as follows: "That America may have the glory of arresting this torrent of error, vice and imposture, is my fervent wish; and if sentiments as great as those from Harrisburg should be found universally to prevail, as I doubt not they will, my hopes will be as sanguine as my wishes. JOHN ADAMS. PHILA., 12th May, 1798." INDIAN VISITORS. "Last Friday crossed the Susquehanna near this town, on their way to the President of the United States, sixty-three Indians and seven squaws, having in their custody a white man prisoner, (charged with having murdered one of their chiefs,) whom they mean to demand of the President, in order to sacrifice according to their custom, [pine-knot splinters and the stake!] and agreeable to treaty. It is said they are the principal Indians who fought at St. Clair's defeat." - Oracle, June 6, 1798. SINGULAR OCCURRENCE. On the night of June 18, 1799, two farmers residing near this place took a tour in the woods, in company with their dogs, to hunt raccoons. They had not proceeded far ere they descried one of the animals they were in quest of, which they immediately shot. As the weather was intensely warm, and they expecting to be abroad some time, they concluded not to keep the meat of their game, and therefore took the skin off and threw the carcass away. The party continued scouring the woods during the greatest part of the night, but with indifferent success; at last, however, they observed their dogs had discovered something, which by their constant howling, induced the farmers to go to 121 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. them. They found, on going up, their faithful servants attentively watching an old log, and upon making incisions in the same with axes, judge of their astonishment to see running from the log the very raccoon whose hide they already had in their possession! This circumstance is related in the 'Oracle of Dauphin' of 1799, as a fact. THE SEDITION LAW. The only arrest in Harrisburg under what is termed the "Adams sedition law," is noticed in the following paragraph from the "Oracle of Dauphin" of August, 28, 1799: "On Saturday morning last, William Nichols, marshal of Pennsylvania, arrested Benj. Moyer and Conrad Fahnestock, printers and proprietors of the 'Dutch Aurora' of this borough, for publishing a 'false, scandalous and malicious libel against the laws and government of the United States.' They have given bail for their appearance at the District Court of the United States, to be held at the city of Philadelphia, October, 11, themselves in $2000, and four securities in $1000 each." The marshal who made the arrest was accompanied to the borough by a troop of horsemen, and they made their entry into town up Front street. DEATH OF GEN. WASHINGTON. The "Oracle of Dauphin" of December 30, 1799, appears in mourning for the death of Gen. Washington. "At a meeting of a number of gentlemen of Harrisburg, at Capt. Lee's, [old Washington House] on Monday evening, December 23, it was, among other resolutions, "Resolved, That as a mark of our unfeigned regret upon this melancholy occasion, we and our respective families will wear mourning for one month; and that we will recommend to such of our fellow- citizens as have similar feelings, to unite with us 122 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. in this small testimonial of respect and veneration for his (Washington's) illustrious character." The citizens generally carried out the recommendation of the meeting. On the 9th of January 1800, the citizens of Middletown and surrounding county testified their sorrow for the loss of the nation's favorite by meeting at the farm-house of Geo. Fisher, Esq., and moving therefrom in the following order to the meeting house: Trumpeteer. Cavalry on foot, swords drawn. Infantry, arms reversed, by platoons inverted. Rifle company, arms reversed. Militia officers in uniform. Music. Standard. Surgeons. Clergy. Pall bearers. Young ladies in white. Ancient citizens first. Citizens in general by two. Boys by pairs. Having arrived at the meeting house, the troops formed lines right and left, when the clergy, pall bearers and citizens entered, followed by the troops, while the Dead March from Saul was performed by the organist. The exercise was opened by a short prayer, and singing part of the 90th psalm. Rev. Mr. Snowden and Rev. Mr. Moeller then delivered impressive and well adapted addresses. Most of the military who joined in the procession were from Harrisburg. 123 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. EARTHQUAKE AT HARRISBURG. On Thursday morning, the 20th of November, 1800, two shocks of an earthquake were sensibly felt by the inhabitants of Harrisburg and vicinity. The first took place about fifteen minutes before five o'clock, and lasted about forty seconds. In some houses the effects were more visible than in others; the knockers on some of the doors rapped as though they were moved by hands, and in one dwelling a set of china was shaken from a table and broken to pieces. The fright occasioned many of the inhabitants to rise from their beds. The second shock took place five minutes after five o'clock, and lasted about half a minute. It was not as severe as the former, but was sensibly felt in every dwelling. In both instances a rumbling noise accompanied the trembling of the earth.