Chapter II: Introduction (1)

The Daily Stories of Pennsylvania were published in the newspapers under the title “Today’s Story in Pennsylvania History,” and there has been a genuine demand for their publication in book form.

During all his active life the author has been impressed with the unparalleled influence of Pennsylvania in the development of affairs which have resulted in the United States of America.

Since youth he has carefully preserved dates and facts of historical importance and has so arranged this data that it made possible these stories, each of which appeared on the actual anniversary of the event or person presented.

This idea seems to have been a new venture in journalism and the enterprising editors of our great Commonwealth, contracted for and published “Today’s Story in Pennsylvania History,” and their readers have manifested a deep interest to these editors and to the author.

Soon as there developed a demand for the collection of stories in book form, the author determined to add a story for the fifty-three Sunday dates, which have not before been published, and to arrange the entire collection according to the calendar, and not chronologically. In this arrangement they can be more readily found when desired for quick reference or study.

These stories have been prepared from many different sources, not a few from original manuscripts, or from writings which have not been heretofore used; many are rewritten from familiar publications, but too frequent reference to such sources has been omitted as these would encumber the foot of so many pages that the stories would require a much larger book or a second volume, either of which would be objectionable and unnecessary.

It is a hopeless task to acknowledge the many courtesies received, but in some slight manner the author must recognize the friendship of Prof. Hiram H. Shenk, custodian of records in the State Library, who so generously placed him in touch with many valuable papers, books and manuscripts, and in many ways assisted in much of the historical data. The names of Dr. Thomas L. Montgomery, Librarian Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Dr. George P. Donehoo, former State Librarian; the late Julius Sachse; the late Dr. Hugh Hamilton; former Governor Hon. Edwin S. Stuart and Colonel Henry W. Shoemaker, each of whom contributed such assistance as was requested. The valuable help extended by officers and assistants in the State Library, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, The Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, The Historical Society of Dauphin County, The Lycoming County Historical Society and other similar organizations deserves particular mention and gratitude.

It is also a matter of intense satisfaction that the author acknowledges the following progressive newspapers which carried the stories, and the editors of which so materially assisted by their personal attention in making his work such an unusual success: Allentown Chronicle and News, Altoona Mirror, Berwick Enterprise, Bethlehem Globe, Bloomsburg Morning Press, Carlisle Sentinel, Chester Times, Coatesville Record, Danville Morning News, Doylestown Democrat, Du Bois Courier, Easton Free Press, Ellwood City Ledger, Erie Dispatch-Herald, Farrell News, Greensburg Record, Greenville Advance Argus, Harrisburg Evening News, Hazleton Standard-Sentinel, Indiana Gazette, Johnstown Tribune, Lancaster Intelligencer, Lansford Evening Record, Mauch Chunk Daily News, Meadville Tribune-Republican, Milton Evening Standard, Mount Carmel Item, Norristown Times-Herald, Philadelphia Public Ledger, Pittsburgh Chronicle-Telegraph, Pittston Gazette, Pottsville Republican, Reading Herald-Telegram, Ridgway Record, Scranton Republican, Shamokin Dispatch, Sharon Herald, Shenandoah Herald, Stroudsburg Times-Democrat, Sunbury Daily Item, Tamaqua Courier, Titusville Herald, Uniontown Herald, Waynesboro Record-Herald, Wilkes Barre Times-Leader, Williamsport Sun, and York Gazette.

FREDERIC A. GODCHARLES.

Milton, Penna., September 4, 1924.

CONTENTS

Adoption of Federal Constitution Sept. 17

Allummapees, King of Delaware Indians Aug. 12

American, John Penn, the Jan. 29

Antes, Lt. Col. John Henry May 13

Antes, Pious Henry Jan. 12

Anti-Masonic Investigation Dec. 4

Anti-Masonic Outbreak in Pennsylvania Aug. 18

Anti-Masonic Period Terminates Dec. 4

Armed Force to Forks of Ohio Feb. 17

Armstrong, Captain John, Murdered April 9

Armstrong Destroys Kittanning Sept. 8

Arnold Arrested, General Benedict Feb. 3

Asylum, the French Settlement Dec. 20

Attempted Slaughter of Indians at Wichetunk Oct. 12

Attempt to Navigate Susquehanna Fails April 27

Baldwin, Matthias Jan. 8

Bank, First in America Dec. 31

Bank of North America Jan. 7

Bard Family Captured by Indians April 13

Bartram, John March 23

Battle of Brandywine Sept. 11

Battle of Bushy Run Aug. 6

Battle of Fallen Timbers Aug. 20

Battle of Germantown Oct. 4

Battle of Gettysburg July 1 and 2

Battle of the Kegs Jan. 5

Battle of Lake Erie Sept. 10

Battle of Minisinks July 22

Battle of Monongahela July 9

Battle of Muncy Hills Aug. 26

Battle of Trenton Dec. 26

Beatty, Rev. Charles, and Old Log College Jan. 22

Bedford County Erected March 9

Beissel, John Conrad July 6

Bell for State House June 2

Berks County Outrages Nov. 14

Bethlehem as Base Hospital in Revolution March 27

Bi-centennial Oct. 21

Bills of Credit Put State on Paper Money Basis March 2

Binns, John Nov. 16

Binns, John June 24

Binns, John, Fights Duel with Samuel Stewart Dec. 14

Black Boys Nov. 26

Bloody Saturday Aug. 14

Bloody Election Oct. 1

Boone, Daniel Oct. 22

Border Troubles Reach Provincial Authorities May 14

Border Troubles with Maryland May 25

Border Troubles with Thomas Cresap Nov. 23

Boundary Disputes Settled Nov. 5

Boundary Dispute with Maryland May 10

Boundary Dispute with Virginia Sept. 23

Bounty for Indian Scalps April 14

Bouquet Defeats Indians at Bushy Run Aug. 6

Bouquet Relieves Fort Pitt Aug. 10

Boyd, Captain John Feb. 22

Boyd, Lieutenant Thomas Murdered Sept. 13

Braddock’s Defeat July 9

Braddock’s Road Begun May 6

Braddock’s Troops Arrive Feb. 20

Brady, Captain James, Killed Aug. 8

Brady, Captain John April 11

British and Indians Attack and Destroy Fort Freeland July 28

British Destroy Indian Towns Aug. 25

British Evacuate Philadelphia June 17

British Invest Philadelphia Sept. 26

Brodhead Arrives at Fort Pitt to Fight Indians Mar. 5

Broadhead Destroys Coshocton April 20

Brodhead Makes Indian Raid Aug. 11

Brown, General Jacob Feb. 24

Brulé, Etienne Oct. 24

Buchanan, President James April 23

Buck Shot War Dec. 5

Bucks County Homes Headquarters for Washington and Staff Dec. 8

Bull, Ole Feb. 5

Bull, Gen John June 1; Aug. 9

Cameron, Colonel James July 21

Cameron Defeats Forney for Senate Jan. 13

Cammerhoff, Bishop John Christopher Jan. 6

Camp Curtin April 18

Canal Lottery, Union April 17

Canals Projected in Great Meeting Oct. 20

Canal System Started Feb. 19

Capitol, Burning of Feb. 2

Capitol, New State Jan. 2

Capital, Removed to Harrisburg Feb. 21

Capture of Timothy Pickering June 26

Carlisle Indian School July 31

Carlisle Raided by Rebels June 27

Carey, Matthew Sept. 16

Chambers-Rieger Duel May 11

Chambersburg Sacked and Burned by Rebels July 30

Charter for City of Pittsburgh Mar. 18

Charter for Pennsylvania Received by William Penn Mar. 4

Chester County, Deed for June 25

Church West of Alleghenies, First June 20

Civil Government Established in Pennsylvania Aug. 3

Clapham Builds Fort Halifax June 7

Clapham Family Murdered by Indians May 28

Clark Drafts Troops for Detroit Expedition Mar. 3

Coal First Burned in a Grate Feb. 11

Cochran, Dr. John Sept. 1

Cooke & Co. Fail, Jay Sept. 18

Cooper Shop and Union Saloon Restaurants May 27

Commissioners Appointed to Purchase Indian Lands Feb. 29

Conestoga Indians Killed by Paxtang Boys Dec. 27

Confederate Raids into Pennsylvania Oct. 10

Congress Threatened by Mob of Soldiers June 21

Constitutional Convention of 1790 Nov. 21

Constitution of 1790 March 24; Sept. 2

Constitution of United States Adopted Sept. 17

Continental Congress First Meets in Philadelphia Sept. 5

Conway Cabal Nov. 28

Cornerstones Laid for Germantown Academy April 21

Council of Censors Nov. 13

Cornwallis Defeats Americans at Brandywine Sept. 11

Counties, First Division into Feb. 1

Counties of Pennsylvania Organized Mar. 10

Courts, Early Records Jan. 11

Court Moved from Upland to Kingsesse June 8

Cruel Murder of Colonel William June 11 and 12
Crawford

Crawford Burned at Stake by Indians June 12

Crawford Captured by Indians, Colonel William June 11

Cresap’s Invasion Nov. 23

Croghan, George, King of Traders May 7

Crooked Billet Massacre May 1

Curtin Inaugurated Governor Jan. 15

Darrah, Lydia Dec. 11

Davy, the Lame Indian May 30

Declaration of Independence July 4

Deed for Chester County June 25

Deed for Province Obtained by Penn Aug. 31

Denny Succeeded by Governor Hamilton Oct. 9

De Vries Arrives on Delaware Dec. 6

Dickinson, John Nov. 10

Disberry, Joseph, Thief Nov. 22

Doan Brothers, Famous Outlaws Sept. 24

Donation Lands Mar. 12

Drake Brings in First Oil Well Aug. 28

Duel, Binns-Stewart Dec. 14

Duel in Which Capt. Stephen Chambers is Killed May 11

Dutch Gain Control of Delaware Sept. 25

Easton, Indian Conference at Jan. 27; Aug. 7; Oct. 8

Education Established, Public School Mar. 11

End of Indian War Oct. 23

Ephrata Society July 6

Era of Indian Traders Aug. 12

Erie County Settled Feb. 28

Erie Riots Dec. 9

Erie Triangle April 3

Etymology of Counties Aug. 30

Europeans Explore Waters of Pennsylvania Aug. 27

Ewell Leads Raid on Carlisle June 27

Excise Laws, First Mar. 17

Expedition Against Indians Nov. 4; Nov. 8

Exploits of David Lewis, the Robber March 25 and 26

Farmer’s Letters, Dickinson’s Nov. 10

Federal Constitution Ratified by Pennsylvania Dec. 12

Federal Party Broken Up Nov. 29

Fell Successfully Burns Anthracite Coal Feb. 11

Fires, Early, in Province Dec. 7

First Bank in America Dec. 31

First Bank in United States Jan. 7

First Church in Province Sept. 4

First Church West of Allegheny Mountains June 20

First Continental Congress Sept. 5

First Excise Laws Mar. 17

First Fire Company in Province Dec. 7

First Forty Settlers Arrive at Wyoming Feb. 8

First Governor of Commonwealth Dec. 21

First Jury Drawn in Province Nov. 12

First Law to Educate Poor Children Mar. 1

First Magazine in America Feb. 13

First Massacre at Wyoming Oct. 15

First Mint in United States April 2

First Oil Well in America Aug. 28

First Newspaper in Province Dec. 22

First Newspaper West of Allegheny Mountains July 29

First Northern Camp in Civil War April 18

First Paper Mill in America Feb. 18

First Permanent Settlement Sept. 4

First Post Office Nov. 27

First Protest Against Slavery Feb. 12

First Settlement of Germantown Oct. 6

First Theatrical Performances April 15

First Troops to Reach Washington at Cambridge July 25

First Union Officer Killed in Civil War July 21

Flag, Story of June 14

Flight of Tories from Fort Pitt Mar. 28

Forbes Invests Fort Duquesne Nov. 25

Forney Defeated for U. S. Senate by General Simon Cameron Jan. 13

Forrest, Edwin April 7

Forrest Home for Actors April 7

Fort Augusta Mar. 29

Fort Freeland Destroyed by British and Indians July 28

Fort Granville Destroyed Aug. 1

Fort Halifax June 7

Fort Henry Jan. 25

Fort Hunter Jan. 9

Fort Laurens Attacked by Simon Girty Feb. 23

Fort Mifflin Siege Begins Sept. 27

Fort Montgomery Sept. 6

Fort Patterson Oct. 2

Fort Pitt First So Called Nov. 25

Forts Built by Colonel Benjamin Franklin Dec. 29

Fort Swatara Oct. 30

Fort Wilson Attacked by Mob Oct. 5

Frame of Government April 25

Francis, Colonel Turbutt, Leads Troops to Wyoming June 22

Franklin, Benjamin Jan. 17

Franklin at Carlisle Conference Sept. 22

Franklin at French Court Dec. 28

Franklin Builds Chain of Forts Dec. 29

Franklin County Erected Sept. 9

Franklin Sails for England Nov. 8

Free Society of Traders May 29

French and Indians Destroy Fort Granville Aug. 1

French and Indian War May 5

French and Indian War Started Feb. 20

French Defeat Major Grant at Fort Duquesne Sept. 14

French Plant Leaden Plates June 15

Frenchtown, or Asylum Founded by Refugees Dec. 20

Frietchie, Barbara Dec. 18

Fries Rebellion Mar. 14

Fulton, Robert Aug. 17

Gallatin, Albert Jan. 20

Galloway, Joseph Aug. 29

Garrison at Fort Pitt Relieved by Colonel Henry Bouquet Aug. 10

German Pietists Organize Harmony Society Feb. 15

Germantown Academy April 21

Gettysburg Address, Lincoln’s Nov. 19

Gnadenhutten Destroyed Nov. 24

Gnadenhutten (Ohio) Destroyed Mar. 8

Gibson’s Lambs July 16

Gilbert Family in Indian Captivity Aug. 22

Girard, Captain Stephen May 21

Girty Attacks Fort Laurens Feb. 23

Girty, Simon, Outlaw and Renegade Jan. 16

Gordon, Governor Patrick Aug. 5

Grant Leaves Philadelphia on World Tour Dec. 16

Grant Suffers Defeat at Fort Duquesne Sept. 14

Great Runaway July 5

Groshong’s, Massacre at Jacob May 16

Hambright’s Expedition Against Great Island Nov. 4

Hamilton, James, Becomes Governor Oct. 9

Hand, General Edward Sept. 3

Hand’s Expedition Moves from Fort Pitt Oct. 19

Hannastown Burned July 13

Hannastown Jail Stormed by Mob Feb. 7

Harmony Society Feb. 15

Harris, John Oct. 25

Hartley’s Expedition Against Indians Sept. 7

Hiester, Governor Joseph Nov. 18

Hiokatoo, Chief Nov. 20

Hospital at Bethlehem, Base Mar. 27

Hot Water War Mar. 14

Howe Moves Against Philadelphia July 23

Impeachment, Supreme Court Judges Yeates, Smith and Shippen Dec. 13

Inland Waterways Meeting Oct. 20

Inquisition on Free Masonry a Fiasco Dec. 19

Inauguration of Governor Curtin Jan. 15

Inauguration, Governor Thomas Mifflin Dec. 21

Inauguration of Governor Packer Jan. 19

Indian Conference at Easton Jan. 27; Aug. 7; Oct. 8

Indian Conference at Harris Ferry April 1

Indian Conference at Philadelphia June 30; Aug. 16

Indian Conference at Lancaster Apr. 1

Indian School at Carlisle July 31

Indian Shoots at Washington Nov. 15

Indian Traders, Era of Aug. 12

Indian War Ends Oct. 23

Indians Capture Assemblyman James McKnight April 26

Indians Commit Outrages in Berks County Nov. 14

Indians Defeated at Fallen Timbers Aug. 20

Indians Destroy Widow Smith’s Mill July 8

Indians Kill Major John Lee and Family Aug. 13

Indians Murder Colonel William Clapham and Family May 28

Indians Ravage McDowell Mill
Settlement Oct. 31

Indians Slaughtered at Gnadenhutten, Ohio Mar. 8

Jail at Hannastown Stormed Feb. 7

Jennison, Mary, Capture of April 5

Johnstown Flood May 31

Journey of Bishop Cammerhoff Jan. 6

Judges Yeates, Shippin and Smith Impeached Dec. 13

Kegs, Battle of the Jan. 5

Keith, Sir William Nov. 17

Kelly, Colonel John April 8

Kittanning Destroyed by Colonel John Armstrong Sept. 8

Know Nothing Party and Pollock June 5

Labor Riots After Civil War Sept. 18

Lacock, General Abner April 12

Lafayette Retreats at Matson’s Ford May 20

Leaning Tower, John Mason’s April 22

Lee Family, Massacre of Aug. 13

Lewis, David, The Robber March 25 and 26

Lewistown Riot Sept. 12

Liberty Bell Hung in State House June 2

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Nov. 19

Littlehales Murdered by Mollie Maguires March 15

Lochry Musters Troops in Westmoreland County Aug. 2

Locomotive, First Successful Jan. 8

Logan, Hon. James Oct. 28

Logan’s Family Slain, Chief May 24

Log College, Old Jan. 22

Lost Sister of Wyoming Nov. 2

Lottery for Union Canal April 17

Lower Counties in Turmoil Nov. 1

Lumbermen’s War at Williamsport July 10

Lycans, Andrew Mar. 7

Maclay, Samuel Jan. 4

Maclay, Hon. William July 20

Magazine, First in America Feb. 13

Major Murdered by Mollie Maguires Nov. 3

Maguires, Mollie Jan. 18; Feb. 1#; March 15; May
4; Aug. 14; Nov. 3; Dec. 2

Mason & Dixon Boundary Line Dec. 30

Mason, John, and His Leaning Tower April 22

Massacre Along Juniata River Jan. 28

Massacre at Conococheague Valley July 26

Massacre at Crooked Billet May 1

Massacre at French Jacob Groshong’s May 16

Massacre at Mahanoy Creek Oct. 18

Massacre at Patterson’s Fort Oct. 2

Massacre at Penn’s Creek Oct. 16

Massacre at Standing Stone June 19

Massacre at Williamsport June 10

Massacre at Wyoming July 3

Massacre of Americans at Paoli Sept. 20

McAllister, Colonel Richard Oct. 7

McDowell’s Mills, Outrages at Oct. 31

McFarlane, Andrew Feb. 25

McKee, Captain Thomas Jan. 24

McKnight, James, Captured by Indians April 26

Meschianza May 18

Mexican War Dec. 15

Mifflin, General Thomas Jan. 21

Mifflin, General Thomas, Inaugurated Governor Dec. 21

Military Laws Repealed Mar. 20

Militia Organization Jan. 23

Minisink Battle July 22

Mint, First in United States April 2

Minuit, Peter, Arrives Mar. 30

Mob Attacks Court House at Lewistown Sept. 12

Mob Attacks Home of James Wilson Oct. 5

Mob Threatens Congress June 21

Monmouth, Battle of June 28

Montour, Madame Sept. 15

Moravian Church Established when Mob Assails Pastor July 27

Moravian Indian Mission at Wyalusing May 23

Moravians Massacred at Gnadenhutten Nov. 24

Moravians Visit Great Island July 11

More, Dr. Nicholas May 15

Morris, Robert Jan. 31

Mother Northumberland, Old Mar. 21

Mott, Lucretia Jan. 3

Murder of Sanger and Uren by Mollie Maguires Feb. 10

Mutiny in Pennsylvania Line Jan. 1

Navy of Pennsylvania May 8

Negro Boy Starts Race Riot in Philadelphia July 12

Negro School at Nazareth Started by Whitefield May 3

Neville, Captain John, Sent to Fort Pitt July 17

News of Revolution Reaches Philadelphia April 24

New Sweden, Governor Printz Arrives Feb. 16

Northumberland County Erected Mar. 21

Oil Discovered at Titusville Aug. 28

Pack Trains Attacked at Fort Loudoun Mar. 6

Paoli Massacre Sept. 20

Paper Mill, First in America Feb. 18

Paper Money Basis Mar. 2

Pastorius and Germans Settle at Germantown Oct. 6

Patent for Province Given Duke of York June 29

Patriotic Women Feed Soldiers in Civil War May 27

Pattison to Burning of Capitol Feb. 2

Paxtang Boys Kill Conestoga Indians Dec. 27

Pence, Peter Mar. 22

Penn, John Feb. 9

Penn (John) Succeeds Richard Penn as Governor Feb. 4

Penn, John, “The American” Jan. 29

Penn Lands in His Province Oct. 29

Penn Obtains Deed for Province Aug. 31

Penn Receives Charter for Pennsylvania Mar. 4

Penn Sails for England Nov. 1

Penn, William Oct. 14

Penn’s Creek Massacre Oct. 16

Penn’s First Wife, John June 6

Penn’s Frame of Government April 25

Penn’s Second Visit to Province Dec. 1

Penn’s Trip Through Pennsylvania April 6

Pennamites Driven from Wyoming Aug. 15

Pennsylvania in Battle of Monmouth June 28

Pennsylvania Line, Mutiny in Jan. 1

Pennsylvania Navy in Revolution May 8

Pennsylvanian Proposes Railway to Pacific June 23

Pennsylvania Railroad Organized Mar. 31

Pennsylvania Ratifies Federal Constitution Dec. 12

Pennsylvania Reserve Corps April 19

Perry Wins Victory on Lake Erie Sept. 10

Philadelphia Evacuated by British June 17

Philadelphia Invested by British Sept. 26

Philadelphia Riots July 7

Pickering, Colonel Timothy June 26

Pitcher, Molly Oct. 13

Pittsburgh Gazette July 29

Pittsburgh Receives City Charter Mar. 18

Pittsburgh Railroads Fight for Entrance Jan. 14

Plot to Kidnap Governor Snyder Nov. 9

Pluck, Colonel John, Parades May 19

Plunket Defeated by Yankees Dec. 25

Plunket Defeats Yankees Sept. 28

Plunket’s Expedition Against Yankees Dec. 24

Pollock and Know Nothing Party June 5

Pontiac’s Conspiracy May 17

Post, Christian Frederic April 29

Post Office, Pioneer Nov. 27

Powder Exploit, Gibson’s July 16

Powell, Morgan, Murdered by Mollie Maguires Dec. 2

Presqu’ Isle Destroyed by Indians June 4

Preston, Margaret Junkin Mar. 19

Priestley, Dr. Joseph Feb. 6

Printz, Johan Feb. 16

Provincial Conference June 18

Provincial Convention July 15

Provincial Troops March Against Wyoming Settlements June 22

Public Education Established Mar. 11

Purchase Caused Boundary Dispute June 9

Quakers Protest vs. Slavery Feb. 12

Quick, Tom July 19

Race Riot in Philadelphia July 12

Railroads Fight to Enter Pittsburgh Jan. 14

Reading Railroad Organized April 4

Rebels Raid on Carlisle June 27

Rebels Sack and Burn Chambersburg July 30

Records of Early Courts Jan. 11

Reign of Mollie Maguire Terror Ended Jan. 18

Riots at Philadelphia July 7

Rittenhouse, William Feb. 18

Ross, Betsy Jan. 30

Ross, George July 14

Ruffians Mob Pastor July 27

Runaway, Great July 5

Sailors Cause Bloody Election Oct. 1

Saturday Evening Post Aug. 4

Sawdust War July 10

School Law, First Mar. 1

Schoolmaster and Pupils Murdered by Indians July 26

Second Constitution for State Mar. 24

Settlers Massacred at Lycoming Creek June 10

Settlers Slay Chief Logan’s Family May 24

Shawnee Indians Murder Conestoga Indians April 28

Shikellamy, Chief Dec. 17

Sholes, Christopher L., Inventor of typewriter Feb. 14

Siege at Fort Mifflin Opens Sept. 27

Slate Roof House Jan. 29

Slavery, Quakers Protest Against Feb. 12

Slocum, Francis, Indian Captive Nov. 2

Smith, Captain James Nov. 26

Smith, Captain John Sept. 29; July 24

Smith, Colonel Matthew Mar. 13;
[Oct. 10].

Smith’s Mill, Widow July 8

Snyder Calls for Troops in War of 1812 Aug. 24

Snyder Escapes Kidnapping Nov. 9

Springettsbury Manor June 16

Squaw Campaign May 2

Stamp Act Nov. 7

Steamboat, Robert Fulton’s Aug. 17

Steamboat “Susquehanna” Explodes April 27

Stevens, Inquiry About Free Masonry Dec. 19

Story of “Singed Cat” Aug. 4

Stump, Frederick Jan. 10

Sullivan’s Expedition Against Six Nations May 26

Sunbury & Erie Railroad Oct. 17

Susquehanna Company Feb. 8

Susquehanna Company Organized July 18

Swedes Come to Delaware River Mar. 30

Swedes Make First Permanent Settlement Sept. 4

Tedyuskung Annoys Moravians at Bethlehem Aug. 21

Tedyuskung at Easton Conference Oct. 8

Tedyuskung Defends Himself at Easton Council Aug. 7

Tedyuskung, King of Delaware Indians April 16

Theatrical Performances, First April 15

Thief Joseph Disberry Nov. 22

Thompson’s Battalion of Riflemen, Colonel William July 25

Threatened War with France Nov. 11

Tories Flee from Fort Pitt Mar. 28

Tories of Sinking Valley April 10

Transit of Venus June 3

Treaty of Albany Oct. 26

Treaty Ratified by Congress, Wayne’s Dec. 3

Trent, Captain William Feb. 17

Trimble, James Jan. 26

Tulliallan or Story of John Penn’s First Wife $1

Turmoil in Lower Counties Nov. 1

Typewriter, Sholes Invents the Feb. 14

Unholy Alliance with Indians Sept. 21

Upland Changed to Chester Oct. 29

Venus, Observation of Transit of June 3

Veterans French and Indian War Organize April 30

Vincent, Bishop John Heyl May 9

Walking Purchase Sept. 19

War of 1812 Aug. 24

War of 1812 Begun May 12

Washington and Whisky Insurrection Sept. 30

Washington at Logstown Nov. 30

Washington Leads Troops in Whisky Insurrections Oct. 3

Washington Shot at by Indians Nov. 15

Washington to Command Troops in War with France Nov. 11

Washington Uses Bucks County Homes for Headquarters Dec. 8

Washington, Lady Martha May 22

Waters of State Explored by Europeans Aug. 27

Watson, John Fanning Dec. 23

Wayne Defeats Indians Dec. 3

Wayne Defeats Indians at Fallen Timbers Aug. 20

Weiser, Conrad June 13

Westmoreland County Erected Feb. 26

Whisky Insurrection in Pennsylvania Sept. 30

Whitefield Starts Negro School at Nazareth May 3

White Woman of Genesee April 5

Wiconisco Valley Suffers Indian Attack Mar. 7

Wilmot, David Mar. 16

Wilson, Alexander, The Ornithologist Aug. 23

Wilson’s Indian Mission Oct. 27

Witchcraft in Pennsylvania Feb. 27

Wolf, Governor George and Public Education Mar. 11

Wyalusing Indian Mission May 23

Wyoming, First Massacre Oct. 15

Wyoming Massacre July 3

Yankees Drive Pennamites from Wyoming Aug. 15

Yankees Humiliatingly Defeat Colonel
Plunket Dec. 25

Yellow Fever Scourges Nov. 6

York County in Revolution Aug. 19

York, Duke of June 29

Yost Murdered by Mollie Maguires May 4

Zinzindorf, Count Nicholas Dec. 10

Mutiny Broke Out in Pennsylvania Line,
January 1, 1781

As the year 1780 drew to a close there were warm disputes in the Pennsylvania regiments as to the terms on which the men had been enlisted. This led to such a condition by New Year’s Day, 1781, that there broke out in the encampment at Morristown, N. J., a mutiny among the soldiers that required the best efforts of Congress, the Government of Pennsylvania and the officers of the army to subdue.

New Year’s Day being a day of customary festivity, an extra proportion of rum was served to the soldiers. This, together with what they were able to purchase, was sufficient to influence the minds of the men, already predisposed by a mixture of real and imaginary injuries, to break forth into outrage and disorder.

The Pennsylvania Line comprised 2500 troops, almost two-thirds of the Continental Army, the soldiers from the other colonies having, in the main, gone home. The officers maintained that at least a quarter part of the soldiers had enlisted for three years and the war. This seems to have been the fact, but the soldiers, distressed and disgusted for want of pay and clothing, and seeing the large bounties paid to those who re-enlisted, declared that the enlistment was for three years or the war.

As the three years had now expired, they demanded their discharges. They were refused, and on January 1, 1781, the whole line, 1300 in number, broke out into open revolt. An officer attempting to restrain them was killed and several others were wounded.

Under the leadership of a board of sergeants, the men marched toward Princeton, with the avowed purpose of going to Philadelphia to demand of Congress a fulfillment of their many promises.

General “Mad” Anthony Wayne was in command of these troops, and was much beloved by them. By threats and persuasions he tried to bring them back to duty until their real grievances could be redressed. They would not listen to him; and when he cocked his pistol, in a menacing manner, they presented their bayonets to his breast, saying:

“We respect and love you; you have often led us into the line of battle; but we are no longer under your command. We warn you to be on your guard. If you fire your pistol or attempt to enforce your commands, we shall put you instantly to death.”

General Wayne appealed to their patriotism. They pointed to the broken promises of Congress. He reminded them of the effect their conduct would have on the enemy. They pointed to their tattered garments and emaciated forms. They avowed their willingness to support the cause of independence if adequate provision could be made for their comfort and they boldly reiterated their determination to march to Philadelphia, at all hazards, to demand from Congress a redress of their grievances.

General Wayne determined to accompany them to Philadelphia. When they reached Princeton the soldiers presented the general with a written list of their demands. These demands appeared so reasonable that he had them laid before Congress. They consisted of six general items of complaint and were signed by William Bearnell and the other sergeants of the committee, William Bouzar, acting as secretary.

Joseph Reed, President of Pennsylvania, who had been authorized by Congress to make propositions to the mutineers, advanced near Princeton on January 6, when he wrote to General Wayne in which he expressed some doubts as to going into the camp of the insurgents. The general showed this letter to the sergeants and they immediately wrote the President:

“Your Excellency need not be in the least afraid or apprehensive of any irregularities or ill treatment.”

President Reed went into Princeton. His entry was greeted with the whole line drawn up for his reception, and every mark of military honor and respect was shown him.

Articles of agreement were finally assented to and confirmed on both sides, January 7, 1781. These articles consisted of five sections and related to the time of their enlistment, terms of payment, arrearages and clothes. It was also agreed that the State of Pennsylvania should carry out its part of their contract.

The agreement was signed by Joseph Reed and General James Potter.

General Arthur St. Clair, the distinguished Pennsylvanian, and General Lafayette went voluntarily to Princeton and offered their services in the settlement of the difficulty, especially as they had learned of the attempt of the British to win the malcontents to their cause.

When Sir Henry Clinton heard of the revolt of the Pennsylvania Line he misunderstood the spirit of the mutineers and dispatched two emissaries—a British sergeant named John Mason and a New Jersey Tory named James Ogden—to the insurgents, with a written offer that, on laying down their arms and marching to New York, they should receive their arrearages; be furnished with good clothes, have a free pardon for all past offenses and be taken under the protection of the British Government and that no military service should be required of them unless voluntarily offered.

Sir Henry entirely misapprehended the temper of the Pennsylvanians. They felt justified in using their power to obtain a redress of grievances, but they looked with horror upon the armed oppressors of their country; and they regarded the act and stain of treason under the circumstances as worse than the infliction of death.

Clinton’s proposals were rejected with disdain. “See, comrades,” said one of them, “he takes us for traitors. Let us show him that the American army can furnish but one Arnold, and that America has no truer friends than we.”

They seized the two emissaries, and delivered them, with Clinton’s papers, into the hands of General Wayne.

The court of inquiry sat January 10, 1781, at Somerset, N. J., with the court composed of General Wayne, president, and General William Irvine, Colonel Richard Butler, Colonel Walter Stewart and Major Benjamin Fishbourne. The court found John Mason and James Ogden guilty and condemned them to be hanged.

Lieutenant Colonel Harmar, Inspector General of the Pennsylvania Line, was directed to carry the execution into effect. The prisoners were taken to “cross roads from the upper ferry from Trenton to Philadelphia at four lanes’ ends,” and executed.

The reward which had been offered for the apprehension of the offenders was tendered to the mutineers who seized them. They sealed the pledge of patriotism by nobly refusing it, saying: “Necessity wrung from us the act of demanding justice from Congress, but we desire no reward for doing our duty to our bleeding country.”

The whole movement, when all the circumstances are taken into account, should not be execrated as a military rebellion, for, if ever there was a just cause for men to lift up their strength against authority, these mutineers of the Pennsylvania Line possessed it. It must be acknowledged that they conducted themselves in the business, culpable as it was, with unexpected order and regularity.

A great part of the Pennsylvania Line was disbanded for the winter, but was promptly filled by new recruits in the spring and many of the old soldiers re-enlisted.

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General Assembly Occupies New State
Capitol, January 2, 1822

The General Assembly of Pennsylvania met in the Dauphin County courthouse for the last time December 21, 1821, and then a joint resolution was adopted:

“Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That when the Legislature meets at the new State Capitol, on Wednesday, the 2d of January next, that it is highly proper, before either house proceeds to business, they unite in prayer to the Almighty God, imploring His blessing on their future deliberations, and that the joint committee already appointed be authorized to make the necessary arrangements for that purpose.”

On Wednesday, January 2, 1822, on motion of Mr. Lehman and Mr. Todd, the House proceeded to the building lately occupied by the Legislature. There they joined the procession to the Capitol and attended to the solemnities directed by the resolution of December 21, relative to the ceremonies to be observed by the Legislature upon taking possession of the State Capitol.

The Harrisburg _Chronicle_ of January 3, 1822, printed an account of the proceedings from which the following is taken:

“The members of both branches of the Legislature met in the morning at 10 o’clock, at the old State House (court house) whence they moved to the Capitol in the following

ORDER OF PROCESSION
The Architect and his Workmen, two and two.
Clergy.
Governor and Heads of Departments.
Officers of the Senate.
Speaker of the Senate.
Members of the Senate, two and two.
Officers of the House of Representatives.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Members, two and two.
Judges.
Civil Authorities of Harrisburg.
Citizens.

“In front of the Capitol the architect and his workmen opened into two lines and admitted the procession to pass between them and the Capitol.

“The service was opened by a pertinent and impressive prayer, by Rev. Dr. A. Lochman, of Harrisburg. The prayer was followed by an appropriate discourse, by Rev. D. Mason, principal of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., which concluded as follows:

“Sixty years have not elapsed since the sound of the first axe was heard in the woods of Harrisburg. The wild beasts and wilder men occupied the banks of the Susquehanna. Since that time, with the mildness which has characterized the descendants of William Penn, and that industry which has marked all the generations of Pennsylvania, the forests have been subdued, the wild beasts driven away to parts more congenial to their nature, and the wilder men have withdrawn to regions where they hunt the deer and entrap the fish according to the mode practiced by their ancestors.

“In the room of all these there has started up, in the course of a few years, a town respectable for the number of its inhabitants, for its progressive industry, for the seat of legislation in this powerful State.

“What remains to be accomplished of all our temporal wishes? What more have we to say? What more can be said, but go on and prosper, carry the spirit of your improvements through till the sound of the hammer, the whip of the wagoner, the busy hum of man, the voices of innumerable children issuing from the places of instruction, the lofty spires of worship, till richly endowed colleges of education, till all those arts which embellish man shall gladden the banks of the Susquehanna and the Delaware, and exact from admiring strangers that cheerful and grateful tribute, this is the work of a Pennsylvania Legislature!”

The act to erect the State Capitol was passed March 18, 1816, and carried an appropriation of $50,000. A supplement to this act was approved February 27, 1819, when there was appropriated $70,000, with the provision that the said Capitol should not cost more than $120,000.

But a further supplement was approved March 28, 1820, for “the purpose of constructing columns and capitols there of hewn stone, and to cover the roof of the dome, etc.,” there was appropriated $15,000.

At this time the total cost of all the public buildings was $275,000, and consisted of the new Capitol, $135,000; executive offices on both sides of the Capitol building, $93,000; Arsenal, $12,000, and public grounds, its enclosure and embellishment, $35,000.

The cornerstone of this new Capitol was laid at 12 o’clock on Monday, May 31, 1819, by Governor William Findlay, assisted by Stephen Hills, the architect and contractor for the execution of the work; William Smith, stone cutter, and Valentine Kergan and Samuel White, masons, in the presence of the Commissioners and a large concourse of citizens. The ceremony was followed by the firing of three volleys from the public cannon.

The newspaper account of the event states that the above-mentioned citizens then partook of a cold collation, provided on the public ground by Mr. Rahn.

The Building Commissioners deposited in the cornerstone the following 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 United 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, stonecutter 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 departments, 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 that this cornerstone was not marked as such, and in after years it was not known at which corner of the building the stone was situated.

An act providing for the furnishing of the State Capitol was approved March 30, 1821: Section 1. The Governor, Auditor General, State Treasurer, William Graydon, Jacob Bucher, Francis R. Shunk and Joseph A. McGinsey were appointed Commissioners to superintend the furnishing of the State Capitol. This able commission expended the $15,000 appropriated, and the new Capitol was a credit to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania when the General Assembly formally occupied it January 2, 1822.

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Lucretia Mott, Celebrated Advocate of
Anti-Slavery, Born January 3, 1793

From the earliest settlement at Germantown, and especially in the period following the Revolutionary War, there were many thoughtful people in all walks of life who considered slavery to be an evil which should be stopped. But the question of actually freeing the slaves was first seriously brought forward in 1831, by William Lloyd Garrison, in his excellent paper, “The Liberator,” published in Boston.

Seventy-five delegates met in Philadelphia in 1833 to form a National Anti-Slavery Society. It was unpopular in those stirring days to be an abolitionist. John Greenleaf Whittier acted as one of the secretaries, and four women, all Quakers, attended the convention.

When the platform of this new society was being discussed, one of the four women rose to speak. A gentleman present afterward said: “I had never before heard a woman speak at a public meeting. She said only a few words, but these were spoken so modestly, in such sweet tones and yet so decisively, that no one could fail to be pleased.” The woman who spoke was Lucretia Mott.

Lucretia Coffin was born in Nantucket January 3, 1793. In 1804 her parents, who were Quakers, removed to Boston. She was soon afterward sent to the Nine Partners’ Boarding School in Duchess County, N. Y., where her teacher (Deborah Willetts) lived until 1879. Thence she went to Philadelphia, where her parents were residing.

At the age of eighteen years she married James Mott. In 1818 she became a preacher among Friends, and all her long life she labored for the good of her fellow creatures, especially for those who were in bonds of any kind.

She was ever a most earnest advocate of temperance, pleaded for the freedom of the slaves, and was one of the active founders of the “American Anti-Slavery Society” in Philadelphia in 1833.

She was appointed a delegate to the World’s Anti-Slavery convention, held in London in 1840, but was denied a seat in it on account of her sex. She also was a very prominent advocate of the emancipation of her sex from the disabilities to which law and custom subjected them.

When the Female Anti-Slavery Society was organized Lucretia Mott was its first president and served in that office for many years.

The anti-slavery enthusiasts dedicated a building, Pennsylvania Hall, in Philadelphia, May 14, 1838, which excited the rage of their enemies and the mob burned the building three days later. The excited crowd marched through the streets, threatening also to burn the houses of the abolitionists.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. James Mott stood on Ninth Street above Race. Lucretia Mott and her husband were warned of their danger, but refused to leave their home. Their son ran in from the street, crying, “They’re coming!”

The mob intended to burn the house, but a young man friendly to the family assumed leadership and with the cry “On to Motts!” led them past the place and the mob satisfied its thirst by burning a home for colored orphans, and did not return.

Such incidents failed to daunt the spirit of Lucretia Mott, and her husband, who approved the part she took.

A meeting of the Anti-Slavery Society in New York City was broken up by roughs, and several of the speakers, as they left the hall, were beaten by the mob. Lucretia Mott was being escorted from the hall by a gentleman.

When she noticed some of the other ladies were frightened, she asked her friend to leave her and take care of the others. “Who will look after you?” he asked. Lucretia laid her hand on the arm of one of the roughest in the mob, saying: “This man will see me safely through the crowd.” Pleased by the mark of confidence, the rioter did as she asked and took her to safety.

The home of the Motts was always open for the relief of poor colored persons, and they helped in sending fugitive slaves to places of refuge. On one occasion the Motts heard the noise of an approaching mob. Mr. Mott rushed to the door and found a poor colored man, pursued by the mob, rushing toward the friendly Mott house. He entered and escaped by the rear door. A brick hurled at Mr. Mott fortunately missed him, but broke the door directly over his head.

A sequel to the riot at Christiana, Lancaster County, September 11, 1851, which occurred on the farm then owned by Levi Powell, was the arrest of Castner Hanway and Elijah Lewis, two Quakers of the neighborhood, and nearly fifty others, mostly Negroes, on the charge of high treason for levying war against the Government of the United States.

The trial began in the United States Court at Philadelphia, before Judges Green and Kane, November 24. It was one of the most exciting ever held in the State. Thaddeus Stevens, John M. Read, Theodore C. Cuyler, and Joseph J. Lewis, conducted the defense, while District Attorney John W. Ashmead was assisted by the Attorney General of Maryland, and by James Cooper, then a Whig United States Senator from Pennsylvania.

Lucretia Mott attended the trial personally every day, and after the elaborate argument of counsel, Judge Green delivered his charge. The jury returned a verdict, in ten minutes, of “not guilty.”

A colored man named Dangerfield was seized on a farm near Harrisburg on a charge of being a fugitive slave. He was manacled and taken to Philadelphia for trial.

The abolitionists engaged a lawyer to defend the Negro. Lucretia Mott sat by the side of the prisoner during the trial. Largely through her presence and influence Dangerfield was released. The mob outside the court awaited Dangerfield to deliver him over to his former master, but a band of young Quakers deceived the crowd by accompanying another Negro to a carriage and Dangerfield walked off in another direction.

Lucretia Mott and her friends were rejoiced to see the Negroes all free. There was still much to be done after the Civil War. This noble woman remained a hard worker for their cause all through her life.

Lucretia Mott died in Philadelphia, November 21, 1881, at the age of nearly ninety years. Thousands attended her funeral, the proceedings were mostly in silence. At last some one said, “Will no one speak?” The answer came back: “Who can speak now? The preacher is dead.” Her motto in life had been “Truth for authority, not authority for truth.”

Lucretia Mott’s influence still lives. Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, Hampton Institute in Virginia, and Lincoln University in Chester County, Pennsylvania, are institutions made possible by such as she, and in them young colored persons are taught occupations and professions in which they can render the best service to themselves and to their country.

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Samuel Maclay Resigned From United
States Senate January 4, 1809

A monument was unveiled in memory of Samuel Maclay, a great Pennsylvanian, October 16, 1908. The scene of these impressive ceremonies was a beautiful little cemetery close by the old Dreisbach Church, a few miles west of Lewisburg in the picturesque Buffalo Valley, Union County.

Samuel Maclay was the eighth United States Senator from Pennsylvania and had the proud distinction of being the brother of William Maclay, one of the first United States Senators from Pennsylvania. The Maclays are the only brothers to ever sit in the highest legislative body of this country. The third brother, John, was also prominent and served in the Senate of Pennsylvania.

The imposing shaft was erected by Pennsylvania at a cost of only $1000, which included the contract for the marble shaft and the reinterment of the Senator’s body.

Miss Helen Argyl Maclay, of Belleville, a great-great-granddaughter of Samuel Maclay, unveiled the monument assisted by her two brothers, Ralph and Robert Maclay. Rev. A. A. Stapleton, D. D., delivered the principal address. Other speakers included Frank L. Dersham, then the Representative in the General Assembly from Union County, who introduced the bill for this memorial; Alfred Hayes, now deceased, also a former member of the Assembly, who represented the Union County Historical Society; Captain Samuel R. Maclay, of Mineral Point, Mo., a grandson of Senator Samuel Maclay.

Lieutenant Governor Robert Murphy attended the ceremony, as did many distinguished citizens from this and other States, school children and military, civic, historical and patriotic societies. There were thirty-five representatives of the Maclay family in attendance.

Perhaps the strangest emotion during the preparation of this shaft and its unveiling was caused by the seeming lack of knowledge of this statesman, farmer, frontiersman, soldier, surveyor, citizen, who was an officer in the Continental Army during the Revolution, who was a foremost actor in the actual development of the interior of the State to commerce, one who sat in the highest legislative councils of this Commonwealth and presided over its Senate, who represented his State in Congress and later in the United States Senate, and so serving was the compeer of men whose names are radiant with luster on the pages of American history.

Yet, strange to say, the memory of this man had so completely faded from public view that college professors, members of the General Assembly and men who held some claim to be styled historians asked in wonder, when the bill was before the Legislature, “Who was this man?”

The ancestors of Senator Maclay came from Scotland, where the clan Maclay inhabited the mountains of County Boss in the northlands.

When the darkest chapter of Scotch-Irish history was written in tears and blood, emigration was the only alternative to starvation, and among the 30,000 exiles who left for these shores were two Maclays.

These two exiles were sons of Charles Maclay, of County Antrim and titular Baron of Finga. Their names were Charles, born in 1703, and John, born in 1707. They set sail for America May 30, 1734.

Upon arrival they first settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where they remained nearly seven years, when they removed to what is now Lurgan Township, Franklin County, on an estate, which is still in possession of their descendants.

Here John, son of Charles, the immigrant, built a mill in 1755, which, with modern improvements and alterations, is still operated by the third succeeding generation. This mill was stockaded during the French and Indian War, as it was located on the well-traveled highway leading from McAllister’s Gap to Shippensburg.

During the Revolution every male member of the Maclay family, of military age, was in the service, and every one an officer.

John Maclay, the younger of the immigrant brothers, married Jane MacDonald in 1747. To this union were born three sons and one daughter; John born 1748, a soldier of the Revolution, died 1800; Charles, born 1750, a captain in the Continental Army, who fell in the action at Crooked Billet, 1778; Samuel, born 1751, also an officer, fell at Bunker Hill; Elizabeth, wife of Colonel Samuel Culbertson, of the Revolution.

Charles Maclay, the elder immigrant brother, died in 1753. His wife, Eleanore, whom he had married in Ireland, died in 1789. To them were born four sons and one daughter: John, born in Ireland, 1734, for many years a magistrate, and in 1776 he was a delegate to convention in Carpenters’ Hall, Philadelphia. He also served in the General Assembly, 1790–1792 and 1794; William, born in Chester County, July 20, 1737, whose sketch appears in another story; Charles, also born in Chester County, in 1739, was a soldier of the Revolution, died in 1834 at Maclays Mills; Samuel, the subject of our sketch, was born June 17, 1741.

Samuel Maclay was educated in the classical school conducted by Dr. J. Allison, of Middle Spring. He also mastered the science of surveying, which he followed for years. In 1769 he was engaged with his brother William and Surveyor General Lukens in surveying the officers’ tracts on the West Branch of the Susquehanna, which had been awarded to the officers of First Battalion in Bouquet’s expedition.

A coincident fact is that the remains of this distinguished patriot lie buried on the allotment awarded Captain John Brady, who drew the third choice, and which was surveyed for him by Maclay.

Samuel Maclay, November 10, 1773, married Elizabeth, daughter of Colonel William Plunket, then President Judge of Northumberland County, and commandant of the garrison at Fort Augusta. They took up their residence on the Brady tract in Buffalo Valley. To this union six sons and three daughters were born.

From the moment Samuel Maclay became a resident of what is now Union County until his death he was identified with the important history of the valley.

Samuel Maclay was one of the commissioners to survey the headwaters of the Schuylkill, Susquehanna and Allegheny Rivers. The others were Timothy Matlack, of Philadelphia, and John Adlum, of York. They were commissioned April 9, 1789. These eminent men were skilled hydrographical and topographical engineers and completed the first great survey of Pennsylvania.

The journal kept by Maclay is interesting and valuable and relates many thrilling experiences quite foreign to those of present-day surveyors.

He was lieutenant colonel of the First Battalion, Northumberland County Militia, organized at Derr’s Mills, now Lewisburg, September 12, 1775.

In 1787 Samuel Maclay was elected to Pennsylvania Assembly and served until 1791, when he became Associate Justice of Northumberland County. In 1794 he was elected to Congress. Three years later he was elected to Pennsylvania Senate, where he served six years. He was elected Speaker in 1802 and he served in this capacity until March 16, 1802, when he took his seat in the United States Senate, where he continued until January 4, 1809, resigning on account of broken health.

He died October 5, 1811, at the age of seventy years. His wife, Elizabeth Plunket Maclay, survived her distinguished husband until 1835.

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Amusing and Memorable “Battle of the
Kegs,” January 5, 1778

In January, 1778, while the British were in possession of Philadelphia, some Americans had formed a project of sending down by the ebb tide a number of kegs, or machines that resembled kegs as they were floating, charged with gunpowder and furnished with machinery, so constructed that on the least touch of anything obstructing their free passage they would immediately explode with great force.

The plan was to injure the British shipping, which lay at anchor opposite the city in such great numbers that the kegs could not pass without encountering some of them. But on January 4, the very evening in which these kegs were sent down, the first hard frost came on and the vessels were hauled into the docks to avoid the ice which was forming, and the entire scheme failed.

One of the kegs, however, happened to explode near the town. This gave a general alarm in the city, and soon the wharves were filled with troops, and the greater part of the following day was spent in firing at every chip or stick that was seen floating in the river. The kegs were under water, nothing appearing on the surface but a small buoy.

This circumstance gave occasion for many stories of this incident to be published in the papers of that day. The following account is taken from a letter dated Philadelphia, January 9, 1778:

“This city hath lately been entertained with a most astonishing instance of activity, bravery and military skill of the royal army and navy of Great Britain. The affair is somewhat particular and deserves your notice. Some time last week a keg of singular construction was observed floating in the river. The crew of a barge attempting to take it up, it suddenly exploded, killed four of the hands and wounded the rest.

“On Monday last some of the kegs of a singular construction made their appearance. The alarm was immediately given. Various reports prevailed in the city, filling the royal troops with unspeakable consternation. Some asserted that these kegs were filled with rebels, who were to issue forth in the dead of night, as the Grecians did of old from the wooden horse at the siege of Troy, and take the city by surprise. Some declared they had seen the points of bayonets sticking out of the bung-holes of the kegs. Others said they were filled with inflammable combustibles which would set the Delaware in flames and consume all the shipping in the harbor. Others conjectured that they were machines constructed by art magic and expected to see them mount the wharves and roll, all flaming with infernal fire, through the streets of the city.

“I say nothing as to these reports and apprehensions, but certain it is, the ships of war were immediately manned and the wharves crowded with chosen men. Hostilities were commenced without much ceremony and it was surprising to behold the incessant firing that was poured upon the enemy’s kegs. Both officers and men exhibited unparalleled skill and prowess on the occasion, whilst the citizens stood gaping as solemn witnesses of this dreadful scene.