HISTORY: Annals of Harrisburg, 1858, pages 197-221, 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. 197 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. THE "BUCKSHOT WAR." The first proceedings of the Legislature which convened at Harrisburg on the 4th of December, 1838, were marked with extraordinary scenes of disorder and confusion, and originated what is commonly called the "Buckshot War." The Senate met at three o'clock on that day, and organized by electing Hon. C. B. Penrose, Speaker. The Democratic members from the county of Philadelphia were refused their seats, and the opposition members admitted. Mr. Brown, one of the ejected members, was permitted to address the Senate, after which a motion was made to have the election returns brought forward; pending which the Speaker called Gen. Rogers to the chair which he had vacated, and the session shortly afterwards broke up in confusion. The House met at nine o'clock on the same day, when the Secretary of the Commonwealth was introduced, who presented the official returns of the members elected to the House of Representatives. 198 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. The clerk then read the returns from the city of Philadelphia, and was about proceeding to read the returns from the county of Philadelphia when Mr. Charles Pray stated, in his place, that this was not the legal return, and presented to the clerk a certified copy of what he alleged to be the correct returns from the Prothonotary's Office of Philadelphia county, and requested it to be read. The clerk then put the question, "Shall both of the returns be read?" and numerous shouts of "aye, " "aye," were echoed throughout the House. Several members protested against the reading of the latter returns; but the clerk put the question, which was carried, and both of the returns were read. Mr. Stevens suggested that the House proceed to its organization by electing a Speaker; and when tellers were appointed for that purpose, he expected they would read but the names of those members who had been returned from the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. When this was done, those gentlemen who did not think these returns proper might decline voting. If this course was pursued, and it should so happen that two Speakers were elected, he trusted there would be that courtesy exhibited which would find room for both gentlemen upon the platform. He therefore moved that the House proceed to the election of a Speaker, and that Messrs. Watts and Ziegler be appointed tellers; which motion was declared to be agreed to, and those two gentlemen immediately took a stand at the Speaker's table. Mr. Hopkins moved that the clerk be instructed to put down the names of the members from the county of Philadelphia who had a majority of votes, and were certified as members of the House by a majority of the return judges. Mr. T. L. Smith hoped that those who agreed with him in relation to the matter would vote "no" on this question. The motion of Mr. Hopkins was then agreed to, and the names of the Democratic members were inserted on the roll. 199 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Mr. Hill moved that the clerk of the House call over the roll according to the custom heretofore observed; which motion was agreed to, and the clerk proceeded to call the roll - the tellers at the same time commencing to call over the names of the members, for the purposes of electing a Speaker. Before the clerk had concluded the roll, the tellers announced that Thomas S. Cunningham had received 52 votes, and was therefore duly elected. Mr. Cunningham then took the chair, and called upon Mr. T. L. Smith to administer the oath of office, after which he proceeded to administer the oath to the fifty-two members who had elected him, the remainder of the House keeping their seats, and the clerk still calling the roll, at the conclusion of which he announced that fifty-six members had answered to their names. Mr. M'Elwee then moved that the House proceed to the election of a Speaker, and that the clerks act as tellers; which was agreed to. And the clerk having called over the names, announced that William Hopkins, having received 56 votes, was duly elected Speaker. Mr. M'Elwee conducted Mr. Hopkins to the Speaker's platform, where he obtained a seat beside Mr. Cunningham. Mr. Hopkins then called upon Mr. Smith, of Franklin, to administer to him the oath of office, and took and subscribed the usual oath. In the meantime that portion of the House over which Mr. Cunningham presided, adopted the rules of the last House for their government, and appointed committees to wait upon the Governor and the Senate, to inform them that the House was organized and ready to proceed to business, after which it adjourned. The body over which Mr. Hopkins presided appointed similar committees, and after nominating officers, also adjourned. Immediately after the occurrence of these extraordinary pro- 200 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ceedings, Gov. Ritner issued the following proclamation. [See Executive Minutes, 1838, page 64, Secretary of the Commonwealth's office.} "Pennsylvania, ss. In the name and by the authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by Joseph Ritner, Governor of the said Commonwealth: A PROCLAMATION. WHEREAS, A lawless, infuriated, armed mob from the counties of Philadelphia, Lancaster, Adams, and other places, have assembled at the seat of government, with the avowed object of disturbing, interrupting, and overawing the Legislature of this Commonwealth, and of preventing its proper organization, and the peaceable and free discharge of its duties; And whereas, the said mob have already, on this day, entered the Senate Chamber, and in an outrageous and violent manner, by clamoring, shouting, and threatening violence and death to some of the members of that body, and other officers of the government; and finally by rushing within the bar of the Senate Chamber, in defiance of every effort to restrain them, compelled the Senate to suspend business; And whereas, They still remain here in force, encouraged by a person who is an officer of the General Government, from Philadelphia, and are setting the law at open defiance, and rendering it unsafe for the Legislative bodies to assemble in the Capitol; THEREFORE, This is to call upon the civil authority to exert themselves to restore order to the utmost of their power, and upon the militia force of the Commonwealth to hold themselves in instant readiness to repair to the seat of government; and upon all good citizens to aid in curbing this lawless mob, and in reinstating the supremacy of the law. 201 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State, at Harrisburg, this fourth day of December, in the year [L. S.] of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, and of the Commonwealth the sixty-third. By the Governor: THOMAS H. BURROWES Secretary of the Commonwealth." The publication of this document, as may readily be conceived, created the most intense excitement throughout the state; and large numbers of people flocked into the borough daily, attracted by curiosity, or to participate in what many conscienciously believed would terminate in a sanguinary struggle. A mass meeting of citizens from all sections of the State was held at the Court House on the evening of the 4th December, and a committee of safety, consisting of nineteen prominent men, was appointed. This committee met on the same evening, when it was informed that there was a body of men stationed in the State Arsenal, and that large quantities of powder, cartridges, and other ammunition, had been taken there since the last evening. At this moment, Major George Ford, of Lancaster, and Mr. Joseph Henderson entered the room where the committee was assembled, professing to be a committee from the State authorities, and wished to confer with this committee in reference to the protection of the Arsenal, and the public property of the Commonwealth, such as arms, ammunition, &c. They went on to state that the Arsenal had been assailed by a large force of the people, and that great danger was to be apprehended. The committee informed them that, under existing circumstances, they had no power to allay the excitement; that certain intelligence had been received that Gov. Ritner had issued his orders for the assembling of the militia, which orders were sent last evening by express to Carlisle and other places; and that the people expected Harrisburg would be filled with persons 202 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. who would supply themselves with arms and ammunition from the Arsenal; that the people were acting only on the defensive, but that they would not permit the public stores to be employed against themselves in the lawful pursuit of their rights. Messrs. Ford and Henderson, on the part of themselves and those who sent them, made the following pledge: "That as men of honor, no ordnance, arms, muskets or ammunition should, by any order of the Governor, or any other authority whatever, be taken from the Arsenal for the purpose of arming any forces that might collect in obedience to the proclamation of the Governor; and that if any use of them should so be made, they would hold themselves personally responsible for the consequences." This pledge was satisfactory to the committee, who believed that the only object of the people in making a demonstration upon the Arsenal was, not to employ the public arms themselves, but, if possible, to prevent their adversaries from making use of them. At this time a large multitude had collected around the Arsenal, having been attracted thither by the intelligence that a quantity of ammunition had been taken there, and that their adversaries had stationed in the building a body of armed men as a rendezvous to subdue the people. The excitement had became tremendous, and for the purpose of acting in good faith on the part of the committee, on motion of L. Kidder, it was Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to go and address the people, make known the pledge of Messrs. Ford and Henderson, and urge them quietly to disperse. Whereupon, L. Kidder, Gen. Adam Diller and Lewis S. Coryell were appointed the said committee, who immediately retired to discharge their duties. Afterward, the above mentioned committee, by L. Kidder, reported that they had successfully discharged the duties assigned to them, and that they had severally addressed the people, who 203 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. manifested every disposition to preserve the peace and to act on the defensive, and that the multitude had already quietly dispersed. On motion, the report was adopted as entirely satisfactory. On the 5th of December, the Governor made a special requisition on Major General Robert Patterson, commanding the first division Pennsylvania militia, for a force of troops sufficient to quell the "insurrection," and march them immediately to the seat of government. About one hundred of the troops arrived on Saturday night following, and obtained quarters in the Court House; and at four o'clock, p. m., the next day, the main body, numbering about eight hundred, under the command of Major General Patterson and staff, arrived below town, and halted until communication could be had with the State authorities, which was effected in about an hour, when the troops entered the town, and after marching through several of the streets, proceeded to the public ground in front of the State Arsenal, where they were divided off into detachments, who severally obtained quarters in the Arsenal, the Exchange, the Court House, the Lancasterian school house, and the Presbyterian Church. Several other companies from Cumberland county, called out by requisition from the Governor, were quartered on the opposite side of the river, not being able to obtain lodgings in the town. The Governor also made a requisition of the United States authorities for the troops stationed at the Carlisle barracks and other neighboring military posts, but this was not complied with. It is estimated that between thirty and fifty thousand strangers were in the borough at this period. In the meantime, each division of the House of Representatives continued to hold sessions separately; that over which Mr. Hopkins presided in the Representatives Chamber of the Capitol, and the one presided over by Mr. Cunningham in the Su- 204 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. preme Court room; but as neither branch had a constitutional quorum of undisputed members, they were both refused recognition by the Senate. Affairs stood in this position until December 17, when Messrs. Butler, Sturdevant and Montellius left on the Cunningham branch, and were sworn in as members of the Democratic House, under Mr. Speaker Hopkins. This gave to the latter body a quorum of fifty-one members whose seats were undisputed, so that no legal obstacle could longer prevent the Senate from recognizing it as the legitimate House. Accordingly, on the 27th of December, in the Senate, Mr. Michler submitted the following preamble and resolution, which, after various fruitless attempts to amend, were adopted by a vote of 17 yeas and 16 nays: WHEREAS, Difficulties have arisen in the organization of the House of Representatives, and two bodies have for some time been in existence, each claiming to be the regularly constituted House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, but neither having had a constitutional quorum of members whose seats were regularly returned, and neither has yet been fully recognized by the Senate; And whereas, The House organized by the election of Mr. Hopkins as Speaker, is now composed of a constitutional quorum of regularly returned members; and being thus brought within the pale of the constitution, the Senate ought no longer to refuse to recognize the said House as the proper constituted House of Representatives of Pennsylvania; therefore, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inform said House that the Senate is now organized and ready to proceed to business. The committee so appointed immediately waited upon the House, and a joint committee was appointed by both branches to inform the governor that the Legislature was organized. 205 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. At the meeting of the House on the morning of the 27th, Mr. Cunningham, with some twenty of the members of his division, were present and duly qualified. Mr. Hopkins, the Speaker, then resigned, but was immediately re- elected. The troops from Philadelphia evacuated the borough on Sunday, the 16th of December, and the battalion from Cumberland county on the 23d following. The following is "a list of the ordnance stores issued to the Philadelphia troops from the Frankford Arsenal, on requisition of the Governor: "12,480 musket-ball and buck-shot cartridges; 600 pistol cartridges; 400 priming tubes; 68 6-pounder strapped shot, fixed; 132 6-pounder cannon balls; 200 musket flints; 100 pistol flints; 20 pounds slow match. GEO. D. RAMSEY, Capt. of Ord. Frankford Arsenal, Dec. 7, 1838." GREAT FIRES IN 1838. Two destructive fires occurred in the borough in the summer and fall of 1838. The first was on Friday, the 20th of July, which broke out in a stable belonging to Mr. Osler, very near to, and on the line of the wind from the iron foundry of Mr. Graydon, on Fourth street, between Walnut and Market. It was generally believed that a spark from the foundry originated the fire. The weather at the time was hot, and everything being dry, the flames spread rapidly to several adjoining stables, and from thence to an extensive lumber yard on Fourth street, between market street and Strawberry alley, and several houses on Market street and Huckleberry alley, nearly all of which were entirely consumed. The wind was brisk, and but little water could be obtained from the pumps, so that fears were entertained that the entire blocks of buildings from Fourth street to the canal, between Market street and Strawberry alley, would 206 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. be destroyed by the devouring element. The flames, however, were checked at Huckleberry alley by the fire companies, aided by the citizens, male and female, many of which latter stood in the ranks passing water with buckets for four hours, exposed to the heat of the flames and a fervid sun. The estimated loss of the property destroyed on this occasion was about $15,000, divided among twenty-five individuals. The entire insurance amounted to only $2,000. A meeting of the citizens was held after the fire, and committees appointed to solicit subscriptions for the sufferers. This meeting also petitioned the Town Council to provide the Citizen Fire Company with suitable hose, as there seemed to be a great want of this material at the fire. The second fire broke out about five o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, the 20th of October, in the carpenter shop of Messrs. Holman & Simon, in Market street, near Fourth, and directly opposite to where their extensive lumber yard was consumed at the previous fire. The flames communicated to the dwelling house of Mr. Simon, another (only partially burned,) owned by Mrs. Shannon, a grocery store of Mr. Hutton, (pulled down,) the Lutheran church, and a school house and lecture room standing near it. The cost of the property destroyed was about $22,000, most of which was insured. GREAT FLOOD IN THE SUSQUEHANNA. In the spring of 1846 the water in the Susquehanna rose to an extent scarcely excelled by the disastrous freshets of 1784 and 1786. The water upon this occasion carried away the eastern end of the old Harrisburg bridge, and four spans of the eastern end of the Cumberland Valley Railroad bridge, then in progress of construction, in place of the one previously destroyed by fire. All of the piers of this latter bridge, and those of the eastern end of the former bridge, were more or less swept away 207 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. by the violence of the water. Paxton street, and the low ground lying on the east side of the town between the canal and the ridge, were completely overflowed, and several inhabitants of houses located in that section were rescued from drowning with great difficulty. The engine and boiler rooms of the Waterhouse were completely submerged, and the machinery therein considerably damaged. The cellars of houses situated in the town below Washington avenue, were in a like condition. Houses, bridges, fences, hay, hogs, cattle, sheep, &c., were carried down the river, all combining to present a scene of destruction never previously witnessed by the then "oldest inhabitant." THE MEXICAN WAR. The requisition of the President of the United States on the Governor of Pennsylvania for Volunteers to serve in the War with Mexico, met with a ready response from the citizens of Harrisburg. A company, composed of nearly 100 members, styled the "Cameron Guards," in honor of Gen. Simon Cameron, was enrolled on the 26th of December, 1846. This company was under the command of Capt. E. C. Williams, and was mustered into the United States service at Pittsburg, to serve "during the war," by Lieut. Fields, of the U. S. Army, on the 2d day of January, 1847. MUSTER ROLL OF THE CAMERON GUARDS. We annex a table containing a roll of the members' names, the place of their nativity and residence, their occupation, with remarks, &c. It is taken from the original roll of the company, in possession of Capt. Williams. Those of whom no mention is made in the column of "remarks," served "during the war," and were honorably discharged at Pittsburg. 208 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. MUSTER AND DESCRIPTIVE ROLL OF CAPT. EDWARD C. WILLIAMS' COMPANY, (G.) SECOND REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS Names. Rank. Age Height. Where born. Occupation. Remarks. Edward C. Williams, Captain. 27 5 9 1/2 Philadelphia, Bookbinder, Peter H. M'Williams, 1st Lieut. 25 5 11 Harrisburg, Printer, David J. Unger, 2d do. 24 5 8 Dauphin county, Merchant, Isaac S. Waterbury, 3d do. 27 5 8 New York city, Tailor, Henry A. Hambright, 1st Sergt. 26 6 2 Lancaster city, Contractor, Promoted 1st Lieut., Company H, Aug. 12, 1847, by order of Gen. Quitman. James Elder, Sergeant. 21 5 10 3/4 Harrisburg, Gentleman, Promoted 2d Lieut. 11th infantry, April 16, 1847, by President of United States. William G. Murray, do. 22 5 11 3/4 Harrisburg, Merchant, Do. Do. Do. John Fleck, do. 29 5 8 1/2 Harrisburg, Plasterer, Disch. from hospital, Vera Cruz, April 21, 1847. John Simons, Corporal, 31 6 4 1/4 Bedford, Teamster, Transf. to N.Y. regt. (since dead) Oct. 31, 1847. Thomas R. Jordon, do. 23 6 1 3/4 Lancaster city, Carpenter, Disch. from hospital, Puebla, Nov. 5, 1847. Wm. H.P. Derry, do. 27 5 6 Wilmington, Del. Boat builder, George Bressler, do. 23 5 10 Dauphin, Mill wright, Samuel Simons, Drummer 28 5 10 Perry county, Blacksmith, Promoted to Drum Major, Nov. 12, 1847. George Simons, Fifer. 22 5 7 1/2 Perry county, Blacksmith, Auchmudy, Samuel S. Private. 22 5 7 1/2 Northumberland co. Carpenter, Auchmudy, Shipman, do. 24 5 11 Northumberland co. Tailor, Promoted to rank of Sergeant, Feb. 29, 1848. Albert, John, do. 20 5 5 1/2 Middletown, Tailor, Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. Alexander, William, do. 22 5 6 Montreal, Canada, Tailor, Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. Brown, Alexander, do. 21 5 11 Bolton, England, Puddler, Bowman, George, do. 29 5 11 1/2 Lancaster city, Carpenter, Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. Brua, Jacob, do. 38 5 7 Harrisburg, Printer, Died in hospital, Perote, July 3, 1847, about half an hour after he received a Lieutenant's commission in the regular army. Boden, Hugh, do. 26 5 8 Perry county, Carpenter, Killed at city of Mexico, October 12, 1847. Balmer, Jacob, do. 19 5 7 Cumberland county, Blacksmith, Brobst, George, do. 22 5 6 Germany, Laborer, Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. Bolton, William, do. 29 5 7 Harrisburg, Blacksmith, Killed at Garreta de Belina, Sept. 13, 1847. Crooks, Clark B., do. 20 6 Westmoreland, Printer, Cosgrove, James, do. 23 5 9 1/2 Lancaster city, Laborer, Disch. from hospital for wounds received in storming Chapultepec, December 7, 1847. Cowhick, Daniel, do. 30 5 10 Perry county, Farmer, Killed at city of Mexico, December 15, 1847 Clendenin, Thomas, do. 21 5 8 Dauphin, Carpenter, Craft, Levi, do. 34 5 6 Lancaster city, Coppersmith, 209 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. MUSTER AND DESCRIPTIVE ROLL - CONTINUED. Names. Rank. Age Height. Where born. Occupation. Remarks. Colton, Robert do. 20 5 6 3/4 New Brunswick, N.J. Shoemaker, Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. Cromleigh, David, do. 29 5 9 Cumberland county, Merchant, Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. Daily, Joseph, do. 28 5 9 Dauphin county, Stone mason, Sent home on account of health, October 28, 1847; since dead. Dennison, Bartlett, do. 28 5 9 Bedford county, Clerk, Died in hospital, Mexico, October 23, 1847. Detrich, George, do. 38 5 8 Germany, Farmer, Died in hospital, Vera Cruz, April 28, 1847. Davis, Henry, do. 20 5 7 Harrisburg, Butcher, Promoted or Orderly Sergeant. Evans, Lewis, do. 24 6 Harper's Ferry, Va. Blacksmith, Died in hospital, Puebla, September 9, 1847. Furley, James A. do. 23 5 6 1/2 Smithstown, Md. Blacksmith, Disch. On Surgeon's certificate of pension, at San Angel, February 28, 1848. Foster, Weidman, do. 21 6 2 1/4 Harrisburg, Carpenter, Promoted 2d Lieut. 11th infantry, April 15, 1847, by President of United States. Glasbury, Lewis, do. 29 5 10 Philadelphia, Blacksmith, Disch. On Surgeon's certificate of disability, April 10, 1847. Griffith, Robert, do. 21 5 8 Philadelphia, Farmer, Sent home on account of health, Oct. 28, 1847. Grimshaw, James, do. 33 5 7 Philadelphia, Physician, Promoted Assistant Surgeon in regular army. Gould, James, do. 30 5 8 Carlisle, Shoemaker, Sent home on account of health, Oct. 28, 1847. Hester, Frederick, do. 24 5 7 Brakle, Germany, Farmer, Hovis, John D. do. 23 5 9 1/2 Harrisburg, Printer, Irvin, Matthew T. do. 29 5 6 1/2 Franklin county, Shoemaker, Irvin, Samuel C. do. 21 5 6 Franklin county, Farmer, Disch. at hospital, Puebla, Nov. 5, 1840. Killed on his return home. Klatz, William, do. 33 5 10 Lancaster city, Laborer, Died in hospital, Puebla, July 21, 1847. Killinger, John, do. 19 6 1 Lancaster county, Butcher, Kerr, John, do. 29 5 7 1/2 Dauphin county, Distiller, Died in hospital, city of Mexico, Oct. 10, 1847 Kurtz, Lewis, do. 21 5 7 Philadelphia, Hatter, Kaufman, Franklin, do. 28 5 9 3/4 Lancaster city, Carpenter, Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. Lukens, William, do. 18 5 7 Dauphin county, Laborer, Looker, Charles, do. 29 5 7 1/2 New York city, Shoemaker, Leib, Christian, do. 31 6 Carlisle, Butcher, Promoted 2d Lieut. Company H, Nov. 12, 1847, by order of Gen Scott. Mullen, Chambers C. do. 22 5 10 Cumberland county, Brewer, Mills, George R. do. 21 5 6 1/2 Lebanon, Stone cutter, Myers, Jacob, do. 29 5 6 Wurtemburg, Germ. Cooper, Moyer, Jacob, do. 22 5 8 Harrisburg, Tinner, Died in hospital, city of Mexico, of wounds received at the storming of Chapultepec. Died October 28, 1847. Moyers, Emanuel, do. 20 5 9 1/2 Millersburg, Laborer, Disch. from hospital, city Mexico, Dec. 7, 1847, on account of wounds rec'd at taking of city. Mosely, Charles, do. 20 5 6 Manayunk, Puddler, May, Jacob, do. 26 5 7 Germany, Laborer, Died on march, at San Angel, Sept. 7, 1847. Novinger, George, do. 27 5 11 3/4 Millersburg, Farmer, 210 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. MUSTER AND DESCRIPTIVE ROLL - CONTINUED. Names. Rank. Age Height. Where born. Occupation. Remarks. Novinger, Hiram, Private. 20 5 11 Dauphin county, Farmer, Died on the march, at Beroges, July 3, 1847. Powers, John, do. 36 5 4 Lancaster city, Shoemaker, Palmer, Joseph, do. 19 5 5 Chemung, N.Y. Boatman, Patrick, John, do. 21 5 7 1/2 Lancaster city, Shoemaker, Reigle, Simon, do. 23 5 10 Centre county, Laborer Rock, David B. do. 20 5 7 Philadelphia, Printer, Disch. from hospital, Vera Cruz, April 21, 1847. Rees, David, do. 19 5 8 1/2 Lancaster city, Moulder, Rees, William, do. 19 5 9 Centre county, Moulder, Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. Rees, James J. do. 18 5 8 Harrisburg, Printer, Died in the city of Vera Cruz. Rexford, Ensign, do. 22 5 6 New York, Barber, Deserted at New Orleans, January 27, 1847. Roller, Samuel, do. 21 6 7 York county, Blacksmith, Rodgers, Robert A. do. 24 5 10 Cumberland county, Carpenter, Disch. at city of Mexico, from wounds received at the taking of the city. Reighter, Henry, do. 21 5 11 Carlisle, Brickmaker, Shaw, James, do. 21 5 7 Centre county, Printer, Died in hospital, Puebla, July 21, 1847. Shoemaker, John, do. 19 5 8 Stoystown, Shoemaker, Spayd, Christian R. do. 30 5 5 Middletown, Printer, Died in the city of Mexico. Spong, John, do. 22 5 7 1/2 Hummelstown, Miller, Snyder, Jacob, do. 23 5 6 York county, Farmer, Died in hospital, Puebla, August 17, 1847. Snyder, Jeremiah, do. 25 5 6 Pennsylvania, Boatman, Shaum, Frederick, do. 25 5 6 Lancaster city, Butcher, Stentz, Henry, do. 36 5 7 Highspire, Contractor, Disch. from hospital, Vera Cruz, April 13, 1847. Trexler, Michael P. do. 21 5 5 Shippensburg, Cab't maker, Underwood, Edward, do. 19 5 0 3/4 Carlisle, School teac'r, Disch. from hospital, Jalapa, May 19, 1847. Promoted Lieut. In regular army; since Captain. Unger, Franklin, do. 22 5 10 1/2 Lancaster county, Shoemaker, Wolf, Samuel, do. 20 6 1 1/2 Dauphin county, Blacksmith, Disch. from hospital, Puebla, March 7, 1848. Winower, George, do. 39 5 8 1/2 Lancaster city, Bricklayer, Died in hospital, Puebla, August 8, 1847. Willis, William, do. 22 5 8 Cumberland county, Stone mason, Ward, Patrick, do. 19 5 7 Ireland, Laborer, Disch. from hospital, city Mexico, Mar. 4, 1848. Wood, Henry B. do. 21 5 6 Harrisburg, Law student, Disch. from hospital, Jalapa, June 1, 1847. Walter, John, do. 33 5 10 York county, Cordwainer, Died in hospital, Puebla, November 9, 1847. Washabaugh, Lewis, do. 23 5 8 Franklin county, Carpenter, Died in hospital, city of Mexico, Oct. 12, 1847. Hagan, James P. do. 29 5 8 Tyrone, Stone cutter, Transferred from N. Y. regt. Oct 31, 1847. Henry Miller, do. 5 11 1/2 Carlisle, Printer, Joined from General Depot, April 17, 1848. Puchalski Eugene, do. Recruited at San Angel, April 27, 1848. 211 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEERS. The remnant of the "Guards" returned to town in July, 1848, and were welcomed with every demonstration of joy and delight by our citizens. The company was met at the foot of Market street by the citizens and military, who, after escorting it through the principal streets of the borough, amid the ringing of bells and the firing of cannon, repaired to the public grounds in the rear of the State Capitol, where the survivors were publicly welcomed by Edward A. Lesley, Esq., on behalf of the citizens, in a beautiful speech, replete with patriotic allusions. The entire multitude then sat down to an elegant and plentiful repast, which had been provided for the occasion, free of all expense. It is believed that there are not now living more than fifteen members of this company. EXECUTION OF CONVICTS AT HARRISBURG. We give an account of all the executions at Harrisburg of persons convicted of murder, since the establishment of Dauphin county: Execution of John Hauer and Charles M'Manus. The first persons who suffered capital punishment, by hanging, in Harrisburg, after the erection of Dauphin county, were Charles M'Manus and John Hauer, or Hoar, as pronounced by some. These unhappy men, with Francis Cox, Patrick Donagan, Elizabeth Hauer, and two others, were confined in the prison of Dauphin county, for the willful murder of Francis Shitz, in Heidelberg township, (now forming part of Berks county,) on the night of the 28th of December, 1797. 212 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Francis Shitz, with his brother, Peter Shitz, had been at a vendue, and returned home in the evening greatly fatigued. The former laid himself on a bench near the stove to rest, while the latter retired to bed in an adjoining apartment. They had not been long in this tranquility before a female of the house discovered a light in the kitchen, and opening the door, was frightened at the appearance of several men, and immediately endeavored to awaken Francis Shitz; but she had only in part effected her purpose, when one of the assassins presented a pistol at his head, which he discharged, and killed him on the spot. In the meantime two others proceeded to the bed room of the brother, Peter Shitz, with axes, and at the first stroke which one of them made, his axe caught the cord of the curtain, which in some measure stopped the force of the blow. He was, however, very much cut on the shoulder, which caused him to leap from the bed to the floor, and to have the presence of mind to seize a chair, with which he knocked them both down; but in leaving the room he received another deep wound on his posterior, which did not prevent him, however, from locking the door and escaping out of a window, and retreating to a barn where he placed himself in a narrow passage, armed with a pitchfork; but after waiting a considerable time, and finding the murderers had gone, he repaired immediately to Shaefferstown and gave the alarm, and by the vigilance of the inhabitants the assassins were arrested. Peter Shitz was only seventeen years old. The motive which led to the deed was thought to have originated with John Hauer, brother-in-law to the deceased, who expected to fall heir to a considerable estate had he accomplished his wicked purpose. The grand jury, at the June term of Court, 1798, found true bills of indictment against Charles M'Manus and Peter M'Donoghy as principals, and John Hauer, Elizabeth his wife, Patrick Donagan, Francis Cox and Hugh M'Donough as accessories before the fact. 213 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. On Wednesday, the 13th of June, 1798, Charles M'Manus was brought to his trial first, which continued nearly eight hours, when he was convicted, upon the fullest evidence, of murder in the first degree. On the Friday following, a jury was sworn for the trial of John Hauer, Patrick Donagan, and Francis Cox, which trial continued until Sunday evening at half-past seven o'clock, when the jury, after having been out three and a half hours, returned with a verdict of guilty against John Hauer, but not guilty against Donagan and Cox. M'Manus and Hauer were sentenced by Judge Henry, at 10 o'clock next day. The "Oracle of Dauphin," of July 18, 1798, speaks of the execution as follows: "On Saturday, the 14th inst., were executed on the public ground, [between the State Arsenal and Surveyor General's Office,] John Hauer and Charles M'Manus, in pursuance of their sentence, for the murder of Francis Shitz. The deportment of Hauer was much more decent and composed than was expected from his conduct since his trial and condemnation. Whether his dumbness was real or affected, he was at least consistent, and sustained the concluding scene without uttering a syllable. "M'Manus, in his last moments, confirmed the testimony he had given to the grand jury, viz: 'That he was not in the house, or present at the murder, but that he held a horse at the end of the lane, in order to aid the escape of the perpetrators, who were Hauer and Hugh M'Donough. He appeared with the same manly and even cheerful resignation which he had invariably preserved during his trial and imprisonment, and which, added to his youth, had, notwithstanding the atrocity of his crime, procured him no inconsiderable degree of public sympathy and favor." After the execution, "Henry Orth, High Sheriff of Dauphin 214 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. county," published a card returning "his thanks to the inhabitants of the borough, and particularly to the officers of the several corps of volunteers and militia, for their indefatigable care in guarding the public jail for many months past, and for their attendance and good order on the day of the execution of the two late unhappy criminals." The "guarding the public jail" alluded to by the sheriff, was rendered necessary in consequence of several attempts having been made by the prisoners to escape. The "Oracle," of January 31st, 1798, states, "there never was, since the prison has been built, a greater number of criminals in it. "Last Friday night an attempt was made to burn the jail in this town, supposed by some of the criminals; but after the fire had penetrated through the floor, and the coals dropping on one confined in the dungeon below, who finding his situation rather critical, was obliged to give the alarm, when the fire was in a short time extinguished. "Much praise is due to Captains Henry, Connolly, and Berryhill, and the gentlemen belonging to their military companies, who voluntarily form a sufficient guard every night to prevent the prisoners from having any opportunity to escape." Execution of James M'Gowen and James Jamison. James M'Gowen and James Jamison were tried and convicted by the court of Dauphin county, for the murder of Jacob Eshleman. Monday, the 6th day of December, 1806, was the day fixed for their execution, at Harrisburg. Jamison, however, before that period, effected his escape from durance, and M'Gowen was, consequently, the only one who suffered the extreme penalty of the law on the appointed day. Although the day was excessively cold, a large number of both sexes assembled at an early hour about the jail, with a view to catch a sight of the unhappy culprit. About 12 o'clock the 215 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. culprit was brought out of the prison, when a lane was formed by the several militia companies which attended on the occasion; through this opening he marched with much firmness, behind the cart which contained his coffin, to the gallows on the public grounds, near the Arsenal. Here he expressed a desire to address the spectators, and begged a little liquor to exhiliarate his spirits; as he was thinly clad, and the weather intensely cold, some of the gentlemen on duty offered him a bottle, containing about half a pint, to taste; this he took, and before any interference could be made, he drained it to the last drop. The effect of this rather changed the tragedy to a farce. He became enraged with the executioner, tore off part of the mask the latter had put on to conceal himself, and even knocked him down from the cart. Indeed, such was his behavior in these, his last moments, that it in a great degree eradicated that compassion which many felt for him during his confinement. He was launched into eternity precisely at 1 o'clock P. M. Jamison was subsequently arrested near Reading, brought to Harrisburg, and likewise publicly executed on the public ground, near the Arsenal. Execution of James London. James London, a free man of color, was tried and convicted before the Court of Oyer and Terminer of Dauphin county, in June, 1818, for the murder of his wife. The deceased and prisoner lived in Harrisburg, near the African church, which formerly stood at the foot of Mulberry street. On the morning of Sunday, the 1st of March, 1818, they were seen at home, sober, friendly, and rather playful. About 1 o'clock in the afternoon he had been abroad and returned. He asked her for victuals - was displeased with what had been prepared, and threw it, with some other articles, into the street. An altercation took place between them; he threatened her destruction, and she went for a constable. In the 216 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. meantime he was seen to charge a musket, and upon her return, after near an hour's absence, and before she had entered the door, he met her, and discharged the contents of the musket into her head. The report of the musket immediately drew together a considerable number of persons, to whom he stated that he had killed his wife, and he must hang for it. This he several times repeated on his way to, and before a magistrate. There was no evidence that he had drank any intoxicating liquor that day, although he was addicted to it. Messrs. Irvin, Foster, F. R. Shunk, and Roberts, counsel for the prisoner, made eloquent appeals to the feelings of the jury before whom the defendant was tried, admitting that the prisoner was guilty of murder in the second degree, but insisted that he was under the influence of intoxication at the time; and therefore the killing could not have been, in the language of the act of 1794, "willful, deliberate, and premeditated." Mr. Ellmaker was the Attorney general on the occasion of the trial, and Judge Scott presided. The jury retired about 6 o'clock P. M., and at 8 o'clock next morning came into court, and gave in a verdict of "guilty of murder in the first degree." The prisoner was sentenced on the 1st of July, 1818, and hung on the 8th of August following, between the hours of 10 and 2 o'clock. London died truly penitent; and on the scaffold, a few minutes before he was launched into eternity, it is said that, in reply to a remark of a lawyer at his side, he said, "Sir, I would not now exchange situations with you." The gallows upon which he was hung was erected in Second street, above State Street. Execution of Benjamin Stewart. On Wednesday, February 6, 1824, between the hours of 1 and 2 o'clock P. M., was hung, at Harrisburg, Benjamin Stew- 217 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. art, a colored man, convicted of the murder of Ann Oberholzer. He persisted to the last in denying that he had any intention of killing Mrs. Oberholzer, but freely confessed that he had been the cause of her death, in attempting to commit a rape on her person, and seemed fully satisfied with the justice of his doom. On the Monday preceding his execution, his coffin was brought into his room, at his own request, and with this memorial of his death before him, in the presence of a number of individuals, and the ministers of the place, the Rev. Dr. Lochman, Sr., administered to him the solemn ordinances of baptism. On Tuesday night, the prisoner was dressed in his shroud and cap, at his own request, and in these habiliments of death he partook, with the clergymen of the place and other pious citizens, of the Sacrament of the Supper. On Wednesday, he was led to the place of execution, in the centre of State street, a short distance below Second, accompanied by the military, the sheriff, (Gleim,) and the clergy. When he first came out of the prison his mind appeared oppressed, and the tears flowed freely from his eyes; he soon, however, recovered, and walked with firmness to the gallows; there, after two hymns had been sung, a prayer offered up, and two short addresses delivered, he ascended the scaffold, when a prayer was offered up for him, which he followed with a prayer for himself. The 51st Psalm was then sung, and just as the concluding lines of the 6th verse were sung, the trap-door on which he stood fell, and the prisoner was launched into eternity. On this occasion, the prisoner and the audience, which was very numerous, were spared the disgusting sight of a painted and disguised hangman, the sheriff performing this duty himself. This was the last public execution in Harrisburg. Execution of Courtland Charles Johnson. Courtland Charles Johnson, a boatman by profession, residing near Middletown, in this county, was arrested and confined in 218 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. prison, in the month of August, 1853, charged with the murder of his wife, Priscilla, and her alleged paramour, one Nathaniel P. Colyer. At the November session, 1853, he was arraigned and tried for the murder of his wife, and the jury returned a verdict of murder in the second degree. At the April session of 1854, he was arraigned and tried for the murder of Colyer, when the jury brought in a verdict of murder in the first degree. His attorneys made a motion for a new trial, which, however, was overruled by the court, and the unfortunate prisoner received his sentence. The warrant for his execution was issued on the 8th of June, 1854. A short time previous to his execution, he confided to the Rev. J. Mackey, one of his spiritual advisers, a confession of his crime, which was subsequently published, and from which we make the following extract, which explains the mode by which the murder was committed. After stating that the boat upon which he was employed had returned to Portsmouth, in this county, and that he had left the same at dark, to go and see his wife, who resided on the opposite side of the Swatara creek, he was informed, on his way, of her bad conduct, he continues: "But I had often heard such reports before, and was very certain they were too well grounded. Still I don't know that I was much moved by the story I now heard. Passing on I arrived at the board fence which surrounded the shed dwelling where she lived. On approaching the place, I thought I heard some persons conversing in a low tone of voice, and on coming nearer it appeared to me I recognized the voice of Priscilla. Now suspicious at once seized me, and creeping up quietly to the fence, and unobserved, I discovered my wife in the lot, on the ground with some man whom I did not know, and which afterwards proved to be Nathaniel P. Colyer. 219 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. "Remaining in this position long enough to satisfy me of their criminal connection, I raised myself up, which they discovered. They immediately rose up and passed hastily round the house into rather a dark and shady spot, for I think, if I mistake not, the moon shone or else the stars very brightly. - Discovering the direction they took I passed round the house the opposite way, which I think they did not know, nor do I think they yet knew who I was. Wrought up to the highest pitch of rage and jealousy, and being somewhat under the influence of liquor, for I had been drinking freely all the day, I now laid hold of my revolver. On turning the corner of the house my wife turned suddenly around, hearing my footsteps. We stood face to face, within a few paces of each other. I said, I have caught you now, raised the deadly weapon and discharged its contents, aiming for her breast. She dropped upon her knees and cried out, 'My God, Johnson, you have shot me!' and in a short time sunk over in the agonies of death. Where Colyer was precisely at this time I do not now distinctly recollect, nor the distance he was from me. It is said I fired another shot at some one, which, if I did, (for I was all confused,) it may have been at Colyer, as the evidence shows he received the ball in the spine." The day appointed for the execution of the prisoner was on the 25th of August, 1854. On the morning of that day he was busily engaged perusing the 14th chapter of St. John, in the New Testament, which was his favorite study. About twelve o'clock the jury, selected by the Sheriff, the physicians, Dr. Bombaugh, Seiler, Roberts, and Rutherford, with the members of the press and clergy, were admitted into the prison; while the latter proceeded to the cell of the prisoner and engaged in devotional exercises. At twenty-five minutes before one o'clock the cell was vacated by the clergy and the Sheriff entered with a white shroud, and proceeded to array him therein. The prisoner, led by the 220 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Sheriff, soon appeared in the vestibule of the prison, when a procession was formed, and the entire body marched to the scaffold, which had been erected the day previous, in the yard, at the rear of the building. When the procession reached the scaffold, the prisoner mounted with a firm step, followed by his spiritual advisers, the Rev. Messrs. A. Cookman, of the Methodist Episcopal; Colder and Mackey, of the Bethel; and Holmes, of the United Brethren Church. The Rev. Mr. Mackey, after a few remarks, gave out the hymn of "Jesus the Lord of my soul," which was sung by the congregation. A fervent and impressive prayer was then delivered by the Rev. A. Cookman. After which each of the clergy embraced the prisoner, and descended the scaffold. Sheriff Williams then adjusted the cap and rope, and after taking a fervent leave of him, descended, and precisely three minutes before one o'clock P. M., pulled the bolt of the drop which launched the prisoner into eternity. He appeared to die without the least struggle, and his pulse ceased to beat when he had only been suspended four and one-half minutes. The last sentence spoken by the prisoner was "Lord Jesus, receive my soul -" which hung on his lips when the drop fell. He remained suspended for thirty minutes, when he was pronounced dead by the physicians and cut down by the Sheriff, who had his remains placed in a coffin prepared for interment. Execution of William Williams. William Williams, a coal miner by profession, at the November sessions, 1857, of the Dauphin county court, was tried for the murder of Daniel Hendricks, near Lykenstown, in this county, by shooting him with a gun. The warrant for his execution was issued by the Governor on the 1st of March, 1858, and it fixed Friday, the 21st day of May, 1858, for the time of said execution. A little before twelve o'clock on the morning of said day, the 221 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. culprit, accompanied by Sheriff Jacob Eyster, Revs. Marquet, Martz and Bartine; the jury, Deputy Sheriff, and other persons who had been permitted to witness the execution, left the prison, and marched in procession to the scaffold, which was the same at that used for the execution of Johnson, and placed in the same position. Here the prisoner ascended the scaffold, with the Sheriff, followed by Revs. Bartine and Martz. After a solemn prayer by the former clergyman, an appropriate hymn was sang. His spiritual advisers then took an affectionate leave of him and descended from the scaffold, when the Sheriff proceeded to adjust the rope, and placed the cap over the prisoner's head and face; after which he likewise descended from the gallows, and proceeding to the rear thereof, touched the spring, which caused the drop to fall, and the unfortunate culprit was launched into eternity. This was the last execution that occurred in our county. A death- warrant, for the execution of an Irishman named Simon Green, had been issued on the 26th of October, 1856; but about one hour previous to the time fixed for his execution, he was respited by the Governor to a fixed day, which was subsequently extended without date; and he still continues an inmate of the county prison. CONCLUSION. This concludes our record of the most striking events that have transpired in our borough, from the period of its first settlement, to the present day. Many interesting incidents, however, connected with the early history of the town, will, for want of proper dates, be found in the appendix.