HISTORY: Annals of Harrisburg, 1858, pages 123-151, 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. 123 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. HARRISBURG IN 1808-'9-'10-'11. In the year 1808, Mr. John Wyeth's paper, having reached its seventeenth volume, appeared enlarged from three to four columns, rendering its size nearly as large as the present daily papers of the borough. Its title at this period was simply "The Oracle of Dauphin," the words "and Harrisburg Advertiser," which formed part of the title when it was first published, being omitted. The publication office had also been removed from Mulberry to Second street, where it remained until September, 1809, when it was again removed to market Square. A large portion of each number of the paper is devoted to foreign news, detailing particulars of the Napoleonic wars. The following is a summary of the advertisements and items of local interest which appeared in the files of this paper from October, 1808, to October, 1811: 1808, October - The Harrisburg and Philadelphia stage advertised to start once a week. 124 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Frederick Wolfersberger, Sheriff. Result of the State and county election held in Harrisburg: Governor - Simon Snyder received 534 votes. James Ross " 92 " John Spayd " 3 " Congress - Robert Whitehill " 546 " David Baird " 539 " John Glonninger " 84 " Wm. Alexander " 78 " Assembly - Jacob Bucher " 557 " James Wallace " 559 " Andrew Shultz " 561 " John Stoner " 55 " Jacob Beam " 49 " Chris. Ley " 49 " Hon. John Joseph Henry, President Judge of the county court, offers to dispose of ten different tracts of land. A new mail stage line between Harrisburg and Alexandria, Huntingdon county, is advertised to run once a week. Fare for passage, $6. A dancing school "at Mr. Norton's large room" is advertised. Samuel M'Clintock advertises a night school at his residence, corner of Front and Market streets. November 12. - The friends of Mr. Simon Snyder, in Harrisburg, commemorated that gentleman's election to the Executive chair by a public dinner yesterday. Over one hundred and fifty persons sat down to the repast. In the evening a number of the houses were illuminated, and a huge lantern containing a number of lights, displaying sundry emblematical words thereon, was paraded through the streets. The stockholders of the Lancaster, Elizabethtown and Middletown turnpike company are admonished to pay up 125 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. arrearages to finish the road, otherwise "their names will appear in the papers." James M'Ginnis desires patronage for a public school. 1809, February. - The public are invited to attend the opening of the new Presbyterian Church, in Second street, on Sunday and Monday, the 12th and 13th. Several clergyman were expected to be present to install Rev. Mr. Buchanan as pastor thereof; and some attention to music was to be given. Died, at Fort Hunter, a few miles north of the borough, aged about twenty-five years, Dr. Gates M'Allister, second son of Capt. Archibald M'Allister. Messrs. Hamilton, Albright and Ehrenfried proposed to establish a German paper, to be called the "Volksfreund," in the borough. George Fisher, Esq., of Harrisburg, having laid out a new town called Harborton, at the confluence of the Swatara with the Susquehanna, in Dauphin county, proposes to dispose of the lots at $60 each. The name Harborton was subsequently changed to Portsmouth. "We learn," says the Oracle, "that the bill for the removal of the seat of government of Pennsylvania to Harrisburg has passed the Senate, and is to be taken up in the lower House this day," (February 25.) March 11. - The same paper says: "The act for removing the seat of government to Harrisburg is postponed in the Senate, and recommended to the early attention of the next Legislature. For postponing, 16; against it, 14. In the lower House it was agreed not to take up the question of removal this session - yeas, 47; nays, 42. March 25. - At the election for borough officers on the 17th inst., Thomas Elder, Esq., was elected Chief Burgess, and Moses Gilmore, Assistant Burgess. 126 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. April 15. - At an election held on Wednesday last for Chief Burgess, in place of Thomas Elder, Esq., who declined serving, William Graydon, Esq., was duly elected to that office. In the account of monies expended by the corporation of the borough of Harrisburg for the current year, appears the following: "To C. Kunkel, balance due for erecting market houses, $305 75" Mr. John Gingrich, of Londonderry township, offers to sell the time of a stout, healthy negro boy, aged about fourteen years. Mr. Jacob Stineman advertises entertainment for man and beast at the "Golden Lion," in Market street, opposite the Court House. April 22. - The books for subscription to the stock of the company incorporated to erect a "permanent bridge over the Susquehanna at or near Harrisburg," are advertised to be opened on the 2d of May next, at the public house of Andrew Berryhill, George Brenizer, Daniel Stine, George Zeiglar and Jacob Fridley, in Harrisburg. The "Harrisburg Volunteers" are requested to meet at Col. Zeigler's on Monday next, by order of the Captain, John Irwin. Andrew Miller, of Paxton, three miles from Harrisburg, offers to sell a mulatto wench who has five years to serve, and has a child five or six months old, which will be sold along. May 13. - The directors of the Philadelphia Bank appointed the following gentlemen directors of the office of discount and deposit established in this borough: Robert Harris, Samuel Laird, Christian Kunkle, George Hoyer, Obed Fahnestock, Jacob Bucher, John Forster, Conrod Bombaugh, of Harrisburg; Elisha Green, Edward Crouch, 127 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. of Middletown; John Carson, of Paxton; Thos. Duncan, James Given, Richard O'Bryan, of Carlisle; and Jacob M. Haldeman, of Allen township, Cumberland county. Robert Harris, President; Moses Musgrave, Cashier. The Bank commenced discounting on Monday, the 22d, following; and the days of discount were on each Monday afterwards. The office of the Bank was located in the building which stood until 1854, at the south-west corner of Market Square and Blackberry alley, the site of the present Harrisburg Bank building. It appears to have been the first banking institution in the borough. June 3. - The annual Spring Fair is advertised to be held on Thursday and Friday, the 8th and 9th of June, in Harrisburg. Great accommodations would be provided for pedlars and merchants of all descriptions. June 17. - On Wednesday, while a flat was crossing the river at the ferry three miles below the borough, (loaded with very valuable goods belonging to a merchant in Kentucky,) several horses and sundry persons, it was suddenly overtaken by a very violent gust nearly in the middle of the river, and notwithstanding the utmost exertion of the ferrymen, was in a few moments sunk to the bottom. Fortunately, the wagoner had the precaution to disengage the horses from the wagon a few moments previous to the gale reaching them, by which means both the lives of the men and the horses were saved. The contents of the wagon were lost. June 10. - A grandson of the celebrated William Penn resided in the borough at this period, in the brick house owned at the time by Mr. John Wyeth, now occupied by Mr. John Knepley, situated in Second street, below Mulberry. 128 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. July 1. - Died, on Tuesday evening last, in Middletown, in the sixty-sixth year of his age, Mr. George Lauman, mason. His death was occasioned by a severe kick of a horse. July 8. - The anniversary of American independence was celebrated in a conspicuous manner by the Harrisburg Volunteer Light Infantry, and a number of other citizens of the borough. The Infantry, under the command of Ensign John Brooks, proceeded from Front street to the upper ferry, where they were received into a commodious flat, and safely transported to William Maclay's island, opposite the town, at which place, by previous arrangement, a delicious repast was prepared. Dr. James M'Ginnis was chosen President, and Dr. Samuel Agnew Vice President. The company then took their seats and dined sumptuously; after which a number of patriotic toasts were drank, each accompanied by a regular volley of musketry. A number of the citizens of the borough also celebrated the day on "Laurel Hill," near town. Dr. John Luther presided, assisted by John Downey, Esq. October 14. - At an election held at George Zeigler's, inn-keeper, on Thursday last, for officers of the Harrisburg Light Infantry, John Forster was elected Captain, James M'Ginnis, Lieutenant, and Charles Still, Ensign. The Harrisburg volunteers are notified to meet at Col. Zeigler's on Monday, the 16th, by order of the Captain. Henry Peffer, Sergeant. October 21. - "An act relative to a nightly watch. - Whereas, the President and Directors of the Philadelphia Bank, for the better protection and greater safety of the branch bank in the borough of Harrisburg, have appointed a watchman: and whereas, a number of the inhabitants of the said borough have contributed (with the approbation 129 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. of the officers of said bank) an additional salary, for the purpose of compensating the said watchman to patrol a certain portion of the said borough at certain hours of the night; therefore, in order to carry into effect the intention of so useful a regulation, be it ordained," &c. [The section invests the said watchman with all the authority of constables to arrest disorderly and suspicious persons.] The 'persons who wish to encourage a singing school in the borough are requested to meet at Mr. John Norton's." The Middletown races are advertised to commence on Wednesday, the 22d, on which day a subscription purse of $60 will be run for three mile heats. The Directors of the Poor advertise that the Poor House mill, with the appurtenances, will be rented on Thursday, the 7th of December. John Shoch advertises entertainment for man and beast at the sign of the "Wheat Sheaff," corner of Market and Front streets, in the borough. December 16. - Drs Samuel Agnew and John Cleaveland commence a spirited controversy in the "Oracle" upon their respective professional merits. December 23. - The Commissioners of the county advertise the ferry at Harrisburg for rent. 1810, January 12. - Mr. Colome, dancing master, Professor of the Academy at Paris and Madrid, gives notice that he will open a dancing academy at the public house of Col. George Zeigler, in the borough, on the 1st of March. February 17. - The editor of the "Oracle" says "we cordially congratulate our fellow-citizens of Harrisburg on the pleasing prospect of its shortly becoming the permanent seat of government for the great and respectable State of Pennsylvania. The following bill passed the House of 130 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Representatives of this State on Monday last, by a large majority, and in the Senate on Wednesday last, by a majority of one vote; and nothing but the signature of the governor is required to make it a law, of which not a doubt remains." [Here follows the act of Assembly establishing the seat of government at Harrisburg, which will be found under the head of "Removal of the Seat of Government."] March 3. - Accounts are given of experiments made at Washington city with certain torpedoes and harpoons invented by one Robert Fulton, for war purposes. The editor admits that the machinery of the instruments were ingenious, but places little confidence in their utility, and seems disposed to be facetious over their failure. [A few years previous, this same Robert Fulton had proved the practicability of navigating the North River, New York, with a steamboat of his own invention.] March 10. - In the proceedings of the Senate of February 21, appears the following: "To the Senate and House of Representatives: - Gentlemen: I have this day approved and signed the following act of the General Assembly, and directed the Secretary to return the same to the House in which it originated; 'An act establishing the seat of government of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, in the county of Dauphin'" March 24 - At an election held on Friday, the 16th inst., for borough officers, Joshua Elder was elected Chief Burgess, and John Wyeth Assistant Burgess. Messrs Robert Harris, George Zeigler, John Shoch, Christian Kunkle, Peter Keller, Jacob Boas, John Capp, John Irwin and Moses Gillmore were elected Councilmen. March 31 - Mrs. Smith, (late from Northumberland,) gives notice that she will open a school on Monday, the 2d of 131 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. April, "at the house of Mr. Dubbs, next door to Mr. Stine's tavern." Chambers' Ferry, three miles below Harrisburg, is offered for rent. April 7. - Adam Rupley advertises accommodation for man and beast "at the sign of the Bell," in the house formerly occupied by Simon Snyder, and latterly by Herman Frederick as a tavern, a few doors below Mr. Harris' stone mansion, in Front street. April 21. - A large vein of beautiful colored marble of superior fineness was recently opened near the borough; and another of a very fine white has likewise just been discovered on the plantation of Mr. Neidig, near the County Poor House [Is this quarry exhausted? - Com.] May 5. - Died, on Wednesday afternoon, in this borough, in the forty-third year of her age, of pulmonary consumption, Mrs. Polly Cox, consort of the late Cornelius Cox, of Coxestown. This lady was distinguished for her engaging deportment through life. Her remains were deposited in the family graveyard at Coxestown. June 16. - Died, on the 12th inst., in this borough, of pulmonary consumption, Mrs. Catherine Elder, consort of Thomas Elder, Esq., and daughter of the late Cornelius Cox, of Coxestown. June 2. - The "Oracle" contains the following advertisement taken from a Baltimore paper. We give it a place as a curiosity: "Riflemen attention! - A man to be shot for the benefit of his wife and children - $4 a shot, one hundred yards distance, with rifles - on Wednesday, the 13th inst., at Govanstown, at 3, P. M. The above mentioned man is in a very low state of health, and wishes to leave his family snug." July 7. - The thirty-fourth anniversary of American indepen- 132 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. dence was celebrated by the citizens of the borough with the usual demonstrations of joy and patriotism. The morning was hailed by seventeen volleys from Captain Boas' company of Infantry; and about ten o'clock one hundred and fifty citizens, preceded by Capt. Boas' company and martial and other music, walked in procession to an agreeable rural spot near the borough, where Moses Gillmore, Esq., was chosen President, and Jacob Bucher, Esq., Vice President of the day. The Declaration of Independence was read by the Vice President, and patriotic toasts drank. The "Harrisburg Volunteers," commanded by Capt. John Irwin, met at an early hour at Col. George Zeigler's, from whence they retired to Maclay's Island, accompanied by Col. George Zeigler and Major Umberger, for the purpose of celebrating the day. The usual number of toasts were drank, each accompanied by a volley of musketry. On Thursday, the 5th inst, about thirty young ladies of the borough, desirous of emulating the other sex in their 4th of July hilarities, marched to a beautiful spring near the town, and after an agreeable repast, spent the day in gay and cheerful conversation. During the entertainment they drank a number of patriotic toasts, "accompanied with animating cheers." August 11. - Previous to the erection of the public sewers in Market and Second streets, the Square, or at least the greatest part thereof, was usually flooded with water after a heavy rain, which sometimes would remain there for a considerable period. In alluding to this circumstance, the Lancaster Journal, under the head of "Inland Navigation," intimates a design on the part of the citizens of Harrisburg to adopt the Venitian style of visiting in gondolas! 133 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 1811, January 19. - The Hon. John Joseph Henry, President of the Courts of Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the district composed of the counties of Lancaster, York and Dauphin, resigned his office. January 26. - Appointment by the Governor. - Walter Franklin, late Attorney General of the State, to be President of the Courts in the counties of York, Lancaster and Dauphin, in the room of John J. Henry, Esq., resigned. February 2. - Departed this life on Monday morning last, after a short but severe illness, Dr. John Luther, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, for many years a useful, humane, and fortunate practitioner in the science of physic and surgery in the borough. March 23. - The bill to appropriate $30,000 to complete the public offices at Harrisburg passed both houses of the Legislature, and only awaits the signature of the Governor to become a law. April 6. - On Tuesday last the Legislature of this Commonwealth adjourned sine die. Among the most important acts it has passed was one appropriating $90,000 towards building a bridge across the Susquehanna river at Harrisburg. April 13. - On Sunday afternoon last, as two brothers and a sister, by the name of Hahn, belonging to Cumberland county, were attempting to cross the Susquehanna, near the borough, in a canoe, the youngest lad, aged about fifteen years, by some sudden jolt of the canoe, fell overboard, when the sister, about two years younger, with the view probably to save her struggling brother, was likewise precipitated into the river, and both were drowned before any assistance could be offered them. April 20. - Mr. John Wyeth, Editor and Bookseller, advertises a Circulating Library, charging each reader six 134 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. cents per volume for perusing duodecimos, and ten cents for octavos. An ordinance was passed by the Town Council authorizing the town regulator to contract with some person for the erection of a sewer, "to carry off such redundant water as may from time to time collect in Market square." April 27. - Died at Lancaster, after many years afflicting illness, John Joseph Henry. [The deceased was the first President Judge of the courts in Dauphin county after the adoption of the new constitution of Pennsylvania, in 1790, the judicial district then being composed of the counties of Dauphin, York and Lancaster. In the year 1775, Mr. Henry, then a young man, joined the American army at Boston, as a volunteer cadet, and at the close of that year he marched with the first Pennsylvania regiment on the expedition to Canada, a campaign distinguished in the history of the war for the gallantry and sufferings of the army. Of these sufferings Mr. Henry bore more than a common share, for he was among the first of seven (one of which was the notorious Aaron Burr) who volunteered to go in advance and explore a route for the army through the wilderness, for nearly 300 miles, a service of great fatigue and danger. During that time, as well as before Quebec, young Henry acquired, by his bravery and good conduct, the approbation of his officers, who gave very honorable testimonials of his gallantry. At the storming of Quebec, under General Montgomery, he shared the fate of his brave but unfortunate countrymen, and was taken prisoner. While in that situation, having concerted a plan of escape with some of his associates, in order to rejoin the American army, he was closely confined in irons for many months, in which position he contracted a scorbutic complaint, which prevented his re- entering the 135 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. army on being released, and which, after impairing his health, reduced him to a state of great disease and decrepitude, and rendered him prematurely old. - From the report of a committee made to the Legislature in January, 1811.] May 4. - Died, on Saturday last, at New Market Forge, in this county, Mr. John Elder, Sr., aged about fifty-four years. His remains were interred in Paxton burial ground, near the borough. May 25. - The "Yearly Market" at Middletown, Dauphin county, is advertised to commence on the 11th of June, at which time and place a great number of valuable horses, cows, sheep, lambs, calves, and hogs, with many articles suitable to the taste of the season, such as pickled oysters, roast beef, punch and wine, will be offered for sale. The market to be enlivened with all kinds of music. June 22. - An unfortunate occurrence took place on Monday last at the public buildings in this place. While a number of the hands were employed fixing a large stone about the cornice, a cross piece of timber which supported the scaffold broke, which occasioned part of the scaffolding to give way, and precipitated four of the workmen to the earth. A Mr. Jesse Gohagan, who probably had hold of the stone at the moment, fell under it, which mashed the entire upper part of his head, and killed him instantly. Two or three others had some of their limbs broken. The deceased resided within four miles of Baltimore. June 29. - The Trustees of the Harrisburg Academy advertise for a teacher. July 13. - The "Harrisburg Volunteers" celebrated the anniversary of American independence by a public dinner on Maclay's Island. Samuel Agnew, Esq., officiated as 136 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. President, and Mr. John Fager as Vice President, on the occasion. Appropriate toasts were drank, accompanied with discharges of musketry. REMOVAL OF THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT TO HARRISBURG. The first indication of a realization of the prophecy of John Harris that the town he had laid out on the banks of the Susquehanna would become the future seat of government of Pennsylvania, occurred in the winter of 1808-9. In the State Senate, on the 4th of January of the latter year, Mr. Laird presented the petition of sundry inhabitants of the town of Northumberland, in Northumberland county, stating the central situation of that place, and showing the advantages of fixing the State government there, offering accommodations for the officers of the State and members of the Legislature, and praying a removal of the seat of government thither. The petition was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Laird, Heston, Doty, Hiester and Laycock. On the same day, the following preamble and resolution was presented to the Senate, and also referred to the same committee: "Whereas, the books, records and documents belonging to the different departments of the government of this Commonwealth, particularly those of the Land Office, are in want of suitable buildings for their safe keeping, greatly exposed to dangerous accidents by fire and otherwise - for a remedy whereof, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare and report a bill to fix the permanent seat of government at _____, in the county of _____, and provide for erecting thereat suitable buildings for the accommodation of the Legislature, and the several offices attached thereto, before the first Tuesday in December, 18__." The committee to whom the subject was referred shortly after 137 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. submitted a report recommending the removal of the seat of government to the town of Northumberland, in the county of Northumberland. The Senate, however, when considering the report, struck out the words "Northumberland, in the county of Northumberland." February 17, 1809. - In Committee of the Whole, in the Senate, Mr. Sommer moved to fill the blank with the words "city of Philadelphia." Mr. Sommer said he was as far removed from being influenced by any local interest as any member of the Senate. He wished to fix the seat of government permanently where it would most conduce to the interest of the people, and he believed Philadelphia to be that place. Wherever the seat of government is, to that place trade will in some measure be directed; and it is the interest of the State to secure the trade to her metropolis. Mr. Dorsey said there were already buildings in Philadelphia sufficient for all the officers of government and for the Legislature. This was not the case elsewhere. If they removed to any other place, much expense would be incurred in the erection of these buildings. He had many other reasons for voting for Philadelphia; but, under a belief that the seat of government would not be fixed there, he would not take up the time of the Senate in mentioning them. Any other place than Lancaster however, would be cordially voted for by him. He would vote even for Pittsburg. The motion to fill the blank with the word "Philadelphia" was lost - only eight yeas voting in favor of the same. Mr. Laird moved to fill the blank with the words "town of Northumberland, in the county of Northumberland." Mr. Burrows said: This question was of the first importance to Pennsylvania; it was important to the State to concentrate her whole interest in fixing the permanent seat of government. And how is this to be done but by fixing upon as central a place as can be found. He confessed that, for this purpose, Harris- 138 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. burg was next to Northumberland; but then Harrisburg was but twenty miles from the southern boundary of the State, and Northumberland was eighty. And (said Mr. B.) are we to fix it at Harrisburg, and make the people come over the mountains with knapsacks on their backs, only that the rich at this end of the State may have an opportunity of riding to the seat of government in their coaches. Mr. Irish observed that he had lately examined all the situations from the mountains above Harrisburg down to Columbia, and he thought the most suitable situation was near to Middletown. That place, he said, was best to divert the trade to Philadelphia; a canal was contemplated which would afford water carriage for produce to the city of Philadelphia from Middletown. The situation at Harrisburg was very pleasant and handsome, but it was not so eligible for the purpose of intercepting the trade and preventing its going to Baltimore. He thought a committee should be appointed to examine the situations on the Susquehanna, and make report to the next Legislature. The question was then taken on filling the blank with the words "the town of Northumberland, in the county of Northumberland," and lost - seven only rising in favor of it. Mr. Lane then moved to fill the blank with the words "borough of Harrisburg, in the county of Dauphin;" which was agreed to - 14 to 10. The resolution attached to the report was adopted; when the committee rose, and the Speaker took the chair. The Senate proceeded to consider the report. Mr. Weaver moved to postpone the report for the purpose of introducing a substitute, which contemplated a purchase by the State of one hundred and fifty acres of land, the property of Abraham Huey, a short distance above Harrisburg. This (with the motion to postpone) was opposed by Burrows and Dorsey, on the ground that this land was to be purchased for the purpose of speculation, and that it was disgraceful for 139 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. the Legislature to enter into it. Neither, they said, did this tract of land adjoin Harrisburg. The report was postponed, and the substitute introduced. Mr. Sommer moved to strike out that part of the substitute which authorized the purchase by the State of one hundred and fifty acres of land from Abraham Huey. Carried - yeas 13, nays 9. The part appropriating money for the erection of public buildings, &c., was also stricken out. Mr. Roberts moved that the blank in the resolution attached to the substituted report be filled up with the words "first of November," which was agreed to; and the substitute as amended was carried. Subsequent to this action, a bill for the removal of the seat of government to Harrisburg was prepared and considered in the Senate, and postponed until the next session. The House of Representatives refused to take up the bill during that session. No further action on the subject appears to have been had in the Legislature until February, 1810, when a bill, of which the following is a synopsis, passed both branches of the Legislature, and became a law: "An act establishing the seat of government of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, in the county of Dauphin. SECT. 1. Be it enacted, &c., That within the month of October, 1812, all the offices attached to the seat of government of this State shall be removed to the borough of Harrisburg, in the county of Dauphin, by their respective holders, and shall after that period cease to be exercised elsewhere; at which said borough of Harrisburg the session of the Legislature thereafter, as well as all future sessions, shall be held; and the said borough of Harrisburg is hereby fixed and declared to be the seat of government of the said Commonwealth. 140 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. SECT. 2 - [Directs the Secretary of the Commonwealth, State Treasurer, Auditor General, Secretary of the Land Office, and Surveyor General, the clerks of both Houses of the Legislature, and all officers whose official duties are attached to the seat of government, to remove, or cause to be removed, all books, records, papers, &c., to the said offices respectively, or to the State generally, to the borough of Harrisburg, in the manner provided for in this act.] SECT. 3. That Robert Harris, George Hoyer and George Zeigler shall be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners, who, together with the respective officers aforesaid, shall superintend and direct the removal of the books, records, papers and other documents aforesaid, and shall provide at the borough of Harrisburg good and suitable rooms and apartments for the convenient accommodation of the Legislature, and also for the receiving, opening and depositing the said books, records, papers and other documents, and for conducting and transacting the business of the offices aforesaid, respectively; and in case of the resignation of any of the aforesaid officers, or of their or any of their neglect and refusal or incapacity to attend to the business of the removal aforesaid, then it shall be and may be lawful for the said commissioners, or a majority of them, to proceed therein as if the said officers were attending. SECT. 4. That the Governor be, and he is hereby authorized and required, on behalf and in the name of this Commonwealth, to accept of the offer of ten acres of land in or adjoining the said borough of Harrisburg, at one hundred dollars per acre, made by William Maclay, adjoining to the four acre lot formerly appropriated by John Harris, for the use of the State; and to pay for the same and receive sufficient conveyances and assurances in fee simple therefore, to be recorded in the office for recording of deeds in the county of Dauphin aforesaid. SECT. 5 - [Appropriates $3,000 for the purpose of making the aforesaid purchase and discharging the expense of removal, 141 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. to be paid in advance - $2,000 to the said commissioners, and $1,000 for the said purchase.] SECT. 6 - [Appropriates the further sum of $30,000 for the purpose of erecting the offices at the seat of government, to wit: one for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, one for the Secretary of the Land Office, one for the Surveyor General, one for the Auditor General, one for the Treasurer, and one for any purpose to which it may hereafter be applied, each of which shall be fire-proof, for the safe keeping of all the records and papers belonging to said offices.] SECT. 7. - That the Governor is hereby authorized and required immediately after the passage of this act, to appoint, and by supplying vacancies happening from refusals to act or other causes, to keep in appointment as long as may be necessary, three commissioners, whose duty it shall be, immediately after their appointment, to fix upon a site in or on the four acre lot described in the fourth section of this act, or on the ten acre lot purchased from William Maclay, and procure one or more plan or plans on which the said offices are to be built, and after a place shall be agreed on, according to the provisions which hereafter follow, it shall be their duty to contract for, direct and superintend the building and completing of the said offices. And it shall also be the duty of the said commissioners, as soon as they shall have ascertained the site for the said offices and procured one or more plans, to lay the said plan or plans before the Governor, Secretary of the Land Office, Surveyor General, Auditor General, and the Treasurer of the Commonwealth, who, together with the three commissioners aforesaid, shall each have one vote in order to decide on a plan for the offices aforesaid; and such plan as shall have a majority of the votes aforesaid, shall, by the commissioners aforesaid, be carried into execution. SECT. 8 - [Directs that as soon as the plan shall be decided on, the commissioners shall give notice in two newspapers of Philadelphia, Lancaster, York, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Pittsburg, 142 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. and Reading, for four weeks successively, that proposals will be received by them until a certain day, by them to be fixed, from any person or persons who shall be willing to undertake the building of the offices aforesaid: Provided, that every contract shall be made in writing, and that the parties contracting with the said commissioners give bonds with sufficient surety for the performance of their contracts.] SECT. 9 - [Provides that the money appropriated for this purpose shall be paid by the Treasurer of the Commonwealth, on the order of any two of the said commissioners, who are required to keep strict accounts of their transactions, and to transmit an abstract thereof to the Governor once in every three months after their appointment.] SECT. 10 - [Provides that the aforesaid commissioners, before entering upon the duties of their appointment, shall subscribe to an oath or affirmation that they will faithfully perform the duties enjoined upon them by this act; and that each of the said commissioners shall receive for every day's attendance upon the duties herein enjoined upon them, the sum of two dollars and fifty cents, and that any two of them may do and perform any act or duty herein enjoined on the said commissioners.] The commissioners on the part of the State, named in the third section of the above act, in their negotiations with Wm. Maclay for the purchase of the ten acres upon which the Capitol now stands, wished to have it adjoin the four acres and thirteen perches granted by John Harris, but as the grant of Harris was separated from the Maclay property by a range of five lots, extending from High street to Third street, originally the property of the heirs of Harris, viz: of David Harris, Mrs. Maclay, Mrs. Hanna, James Harris, and Robert Harris, Mr. Maclay could not convey the title without first purchasing these lots from the then owners, which he did, and then conveyed the ten acres, as described in the deed from him to the Commonwealth. This deed, however, did not convey all the ground now enclosed 143 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. as the public ground. In order to obtain it, the State, by virtue of an act of the Legislature, purchased lots Nos. 271, 272, 273, 274 and 275 in the plan of the borough, from the individual owners, and after enclosing what was necessary to complete or square the grounds, and open High street as it is, sold the residue of said lots, lying between High street and Tanner's alley, and from Cranberry alley to the Maclay line, to the present owners or their vendors. The commissioners appointed by the Governor, by authority of the 7th section of the above act, were Wm. Findlay, Richard M. Crain, George Bryan, John B. Gibson, and William Graydon, who immediately invited architects to exhibit to them plans and elevations for the contemplated buildings. A premium of $400 was to be given for the plan adopted by the Board, and $200 for that which they should adjudge the next best. Stephen Hills, Esq., was declared the successful competitor, his plan contemplating the connection of the main building with the offices by corridors. A supplement to the foregoing act was passed February 7, 1812, which provided in the first section for the removal of all the offices, within the month of April, to the borough of Harrisburg, the change of all papers, records, books and documents placed with the clerks of the two Houses, and expenses to be paid under the authority of the second section, out of the money already appropriated for that purpose. The second supplement to the original act was passed the 10th March, 1812, which appropriated, in the first section, $13,000 to complete the fire proof offices at Harrisburg contemplated in the sixth section of the original act. In the second section it directed the clerks of the two Houses, on or before the 1st of June next, (1812,) to remove, or cause to be removed, "all the papers, records, books and documents belonging to each House, as aforesaid, together with whatever furniture may be thought fit for removal." 144 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. From the above records, it is ascertained that the government of the State was removed, in all its departments, in the year 1812, from Lancaster to Harrisburg, and that the first organization of the latter was in December of that year. The first sessions of the Legislature in Harrisburg were held in the present Court House building; the Courts, as previously stated, having vacated all the rooms therein excepting those occupied by the Prothonotary and Register, for that purpose. The large room on the second story was occupied by the Senate, and the present court room by the House of Representatives. The State Library was in the room now occupied by the Town Council. The remaining rooms were used by the transcribing clerks and the committees of the Legislature. The circular vestibule in front of the building was erected by the State at this period. Recapitulation of Appropriations for Public Offices. By act of 21st February, 1810 $ 30,000 " 28th March, 1811, 30,000 " 10th March, 1812, 13,000 By resolution of 25th June, 1839, 10,000 " 21st April, 1840, 2,300 THE STATE CAPITOL - ITS COST. By "an act to erect the State Capitol, passed the 18th of March, 1816, there was appropriated $50,000 By "a supplement to an act providing for the erec- tion of a State Capitol, approved the 27th of Feb- ruary, 1819, there was appropriated 70,000 ______ With the provision that said Capitol building should not cost more than $120,000 By a further supplement, passed the 28th of March, 1820, for the purpose of constructing the columns and capitals thereof of hewn stone, and to cover the roof of the dome, &c., there was appropriated 15,000 _______ Whole cost of Capitol, $135,000 _______ 145 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. By the fourth section of a supplement to the foregoing act, approved the 27th January, 1819, the sums appropriated were directed to be paid to the builder and architect, as follows: First payment, $ 50,000 Second payment, 30,000 Third payment, 30,000 Fourth payment, 10,000 ______ Making $120,000 _______ The fourth payment of $10,000 by act of Assembly hereafter recited, was divided into two parts, for what reason is not stated; the first of $3,000, and the last of $7,000. The entire cost of the public buildings and grounds, up to January, 1819, as near as can be ascertained, was as follows: Cost of Executive offices north-west and south-east of Capitol building, $ 93,000 Cost of Capitol, 135,000 Cost of Arsenal, 12,000 Public grounds, its enclosure and embellishment, 35,000 _______ Total, $275,000 _______ LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL. The corner-stone of the Capitol was laid at twelve o'clock on Monday, the 31st of May, 1819, by Gov. Findlay, Stephen Hills, architect and contractor for the execution of the work; William Smith, stone-cutter; and Valentine Kergan and Samuel White, masons, in presence of the commissioners, and a large concourse of citizens of Harrisburg; and was followed by three discharges from one of the public cannon. The Harrisburg band of music attended, and added much to the interest and satisfaction which all seemed to feel and enjoy; and after the ceremonies of the occasion had been concluded, the commissioners, architect, stone-cutters, masons, carpenters 146 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. and workmen, with a number of citizens, partook of a cold collation provided on the public ground by Mr. Rahm. The commissioners deposited in the stone copies of the following mentioned documents: Charter of Charles II. To William Penn. Declaration of Independence. Constitution of Pennsylvania, 1776. Articles of confederation and perpetual union between the several States. Copy of so much of an act of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, by which indemnity was made to the heirs of William Penn for their interest in Pennsylvania. Treaty of peace and acknowledgment by Great Britain of the independence of the Untied States. Constitution of the United States, 1787. Constitution of Pennsylvania, 1790. Acts of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, by which the seat of government was removed from Philadelphia to Lancaster and Harrisburg, and the building of a State Capitol at the latter place authorized. A list of the names of the commissioners, architects, stone-cutter and chief masons; likewise a list of the then officers of the government of Pennsylvania, embracing the Speakers of the two Houses of the Legislature, the Governor, the Heads of Department, the Judges of the Supreme Court, and Attorney General, with the names of the President and Vice President of the United States. It was a singular oversight of the commissioners or architect to omit distinguishing this stone by some appropriate mark or inscription. Out of twelve of our old citizens who witnessed the ceremony, the compiler could find but one (Mr. George Eicholtz) who was able to inform him positively at which corner of the building the stone is situated. This gentleman states that 147 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. it is at the south-western corner; and further, that "when Gov. Findlay went through the form of laying it, he accidentally broke the mallet, which was considered by the assemblage of people as a bad omen." FURNISHING STATE CAPITOL. AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE FURNISHING OF THE State Capitol, and for other purposes therein mentioned, was passed March 30, 1821. Section 1. The Governor, Auditor General, State Treasurer, William Graydon, Jacob Bucher, Francis R. Shunk, and Joseph A. M'Ginsey appointed commissioners to superintend the furnishing the State Capitol. Section 2. Commissioners to contract in manner provided, for providing furniture for the Executive, enumerating the articles. Sections 3, 4 and 5 provide in like manner for furnishing furniture, closets, &c., for chambers of the Senate and House, and for the joint library and committee rooms, together with a six-faced clock, four of which shall be outside the dome, one to be fixed in a suitable place in the Senate Chamber, and the other in the Hall of the House of Representatives. Section 6. provides for building out-houses, leveling public grounds, paving, and authorizing the putting the telescope in the Library in complete order. Section 7. The sum of $15,000 appropriated, to be drawn on the warrant of the Governor to meet the foregoing provisions. DEEDS FOR PUBLIC GROUND, WITH THEIR DATES. Cost $490, from John Fleck and wife to Commonwealth, for lots Nos. 271 and 272, August 27, 1828. Cost $200, from Ebenezer Ward and wife to Commonwealth, for lot No. 273, July 16, 1828. Cost $200, from Joseph Black to Commonwealth, for lot No. 274, August 7, 1828. 148 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Cost $300, from John Trimble and wife to Commonwealth, for lot No. 275, August 4, 1828. The foregoing lots had for their boundaries High street, South street, Farmers' lane and Cranberry alley, authority for the purchase of which was given by act of Assembly, passed April 14, 1828. The above lots, it appears by reference to acknowledgments of purchase moneys, cost the Commonwealth $1100, which, after cutting off such parts as were needed for public use, sold for $412. SALE OF PART OF THE ABOVE LOTS. The third section of an act to provide for additional clerk hire, &c., passed the 22d day of April, 1829, provides that the commissioners appointed to superintend the improvements of the public grounds attached to the State Capitol, or a majority of them, are authorized to sell such parts of five lots of ground adjoining each other, lying east of High street, in Harrisburg, which was purchased by them in pursuance of the provisions of an act passed April 14, 1828, as they may deem necessary for the extension and improvement of the said public grounds, and to execute a deed or deeds conveying an estate in fee simple therefore to the purchaser or purchasers thereof; and the money arising from such sale shall be added to the fund already appropriated by law for the improvement of the said public ground, under the direction of the said commissioners. The record of the sale of the lots is found in the accounting department of the State, as follows: July 10, 1829, from James Trimble, two lots, $239 00 July 13, 1829, from Henry Buehler, one lot, 58 00 July 13, 1829, from Mr. Carson, 115 00 ______ Total $412 00 ______ 149 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS. Dated Harrisburg, November 27, 1827, and signed by J. D. Barnard, Secretary of the Commonwealth; David Mann, Auditor General; William Clark, State Treasurer; united in by C. Blythe, Secretary of Commonwealth; Alex. Mahon, State Treasurer: January 11, 1828. - (See Journal of the House of Representatives, 1827-8, page 675.) The report is full and complete, evidences the ragged and uneven surface of the grounds, the marshy character of State street, the excavations necessary in front of the Arsenal, and recommends that the grounds be surrounded with an iron palisade or railing, on a low stone wall, containing the necessary number of entrances or gates, with the planting of trees in proper places. From the fact that they ask for an appropriation of $187 25 to cover deficiencies, the sum of $5,000 specially appropriated by act of 16th of April, 1816, appears to have been overrun. An accompanying statement of expenditures show work to have been done amounting to $5,187 25. THE HARRISBURG ACADEMY. The Harrisburg Academy, to which the State had become a patron as early as the year 1809, the Legislature having passed an act on the 4th of April of that year appropriating the sum of $1,000 "to enable these trustees to purchase a lot of ground whereupon to erect a suitable building," having for a number of years owned under title from the State a part of the now public grounds, is necessarily connected with their history. "An act for the aid of the Harrisburg Academy. "SECT. 1. Be it enacted, &c., That there is hereby granted to the Trustees of the Harrisburg Academy, and to their suc- 150 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. cessors, forever, the following described part of the public grounds in the borough of Harrisburg, to wit: Beginning at the corner of High and Walnut streets, thence up High street eighty-five feet six inches; thence south forty-five degrees west one hundred and sixty-three feet four inches; thence by a straight line to a point one hundred and fifty-eight feet four inches from the place of beginning, and thence in a straight line to the place of beginning, containing fifty-six perches and eight-tenths, for the purpose of erecting thereon a building for an Academy, and for no other purposes whatsoever. Approved March 8, 1814." The foregoing donation was a clear violation of the purpose of John Harris and wife, as expressed in their deed of conveyance to the Commonwealth, although within a liberal construction of its language. The Legislature, however, finding that they had committed an error in this generous donation, and that the intended improvements would be obstructed by it, passed a resolution on the 11th of April, 1825, authorizing and requiring the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the State Treasurer to purchase of the Trustees of the Harrisburg Academy, for the use of the Commonwealth, the lot of ground adjoining the Arsenal, granted to the Trustees of the said Academy by the act of March 8, 1814, for a price not exceeding $500. The purpose of this resolution was consummated March 28, 1831, when the sum of $500 was paid to the Trustees of the Academy. PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE CAPITOL GROUNDS TO THE RIVER. A resolution was passed by the Legislature, April 11, 1825, authorizing the Secretary of the Commonwealth and State Treasurer to purchase the several lots in front of the State Capitol, lying between North street and South street, and Third 151 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. street and the river, being the then village of Maclaysburg, but the purchase was subsequently abandoned in consequence of the high prices at which the said lots were sold, and the difficulty of obtaining the will of all the owners required by the act to sell. The price asked for the lots as reported by viewers, headed by Archibald M'Allister, was $24,400.