1835.]

VENANGO COUNTY.

319

your valuable paper, to offer a few remarks, which may not be unacceptable to some of your readers.

WILLIAM PENN.-By J. K. PAULDING. Among all the venerable characters connected with the early settlement of this country, that of William Venango contains, perhaps, the greatest quantity of Penn stands, perhaps, most conspicuous, for its beauti- mineral products of any county within our state; and ful simplicity, its sober, yet, at the same time, uncon- all that is wanted to render it valuable, is the enterprisquerable perseverance; its invincible moral courage, ing hand of man to make a right use of its natural adcoupled with its mild philanthropy. Exiled himself vantages. There are now already ten furnaces in active by persecution, he never persecuted others; the vic-operation, and two bloomeries to convert the pig metal tim of overwhelming zeal or inexorable bigotry in one into a malleable state. There are also several-foundaries quarter of the world, he brought with him into another where large quantities of castings are annually manufacnot that spirit of vengeance which so often prompts tured and sent to market. men to practise in their strength what they suffered Another gaeat advantage possessed by this county in their weakness-he laid the foundation of his em- is its valuable and abundant supply of water; the Alpire in the wilderness, on the basis of equal and uni-leghany river furnishing great facilities for the transporversal toleration. He had demonstrated the sincerity tation of the produce of the furnaces and the farms to a of his own faith by sacrifices and sufferings, and did not ready market, by the union of its waters with those of think it necessary to offer up human victims to prove the Ohio; thus giving the inhabitants of this and the his devotion to that Being whose most beautiful attri- neighboring counties, the choice of markets lying be bute is forgiveness. It is believed he never broke his tween Pittsburgh and New Orleans. The Allegheny word with men, and in all his intercourse with the red river passes diagonally through the county, and in its children of the forest, he kept his faith with them, as course receives various tributary streams, among the he had done with his Maker. No one can ever forget most important of which may be named the waters of that famous treaty with the untutored savages, of which the Pionesta, Hickory, Hemlock, Sugar and Sandy. Oil it was said with equal truth and severity, that "it was and French Creeks, the greater part of whose streams the only one not ratified by oaths, and the only one are navigable for boats and rafts for many miles into the that was never broken." The old tree which witness- interior of the country-Oil creek being navigable for ed this memorable phenomenon, is decayed and gone; more than forty miles from its mouth. French creek forms but the spot where it grew is connected with true faith part of the great line of the Pennsylvania Canal, and is im and philanthropy, and the event which occurred be- proved by lock water navigation throughout the whole exneath its wide-spreading shade is recommended to all tent of its passage through this county. This creek future time, by the simplicity of its grandeur, and the is regarded as the natural route of the canal to Lake sublime moral it conveys. Erie, and will undoubtedly form part of the extension to the lake.

WESTERN TRADE.

Franklin, the seat of justice for the county, is situa ted at the junction of the waters of this creek with the Alleghany river. It was laid out into about seven hun

sembly of 18th of April, 1795. It has an industrious, thriving and rapidly increasing population. It has a stone court house and jail, and, as an evidence of the morality of the inhabitants, it may be mentioned, that the latter ouilding is now, and has been for the last four months, without an occupant.

A gentleman of this city has sold a lot on Ashton street, running into the Schuylkill at the corner of Fil-dred lots, by a commissioner appointed under an act of As bert street, the proceeds of which paid for a water lot on the Delaware below Lombard street, of equal size. The former entirely unwharfed or improved otherwise, the latter has a wharf and large stores erected on the same. It was predicted not long since, that the time would come when the Schuylkill front of the city would be more valuable than that of the Delaware.How soon has that prediction been verified.—Com. Herald.

The Episcopalians, Methodists and Presbyterians have each erected their respective houses of worship at this place. There are now seven stores in the borough, all of which appear to be doing an excellent business, and giving evidence of the rapid growth and improve ment of the surrounding country. The streets are wide and airy, and intersect each other at right angles. There has been a communication between this place and Pittsburgh, by means of steam boats on the Allegheny river; it is now suspended, but will no doubt be resumed ere long.

The Susquehanna and Waterford turnpike passes through this place, and the mail stage runs three times a week; besides this, there are six weekly arrivals of mails on horseback. One of the largest furnaces in the county is located at this place, and by the exertions of the enterprising proprietor, is kept in active operation, giving employment to upwards of two hundred hands.

Venango county belong to the sixth judicial district of which Judge Shippen is president; and the courts are held on the fourth Monday of February, May, August and November.

Possessing, as this county does, all the advantages of a fertile soil; an abundant and never failing water power; great mineral wealth, and the choice of some of the best markets in the Union for its products, what better situation, we ask, would the enterprising and industrious emigrant find for the investment of capital, or the available employment of industry, than this county and what greater additional inducement could be offered, than that of its salubrious and healthy atmosphere? H.

FALLSTON, PA. Oct. 27.

THE FRESHET.—The sudden rise of the Beaver, last week, was one of the most destructive that has occurred for many years past. Such an unusual freshet was unexpected to our citizens who were consequently onprepared to meet its fury. A few yards of the new wall and embankment of the Fallston Race, owing to the unguarded condition of the head gates was swept off. In the loss of logs, lumber, &c. some of our citizens have suffered severely; the loss of Messrs. Lukens & Townsend, alone, is estimated at 500 dollars. The factories, we are happy to say, however, have received little or no injury, and energetic measures are now being taken by our enterprising citizens to repair the injury to the race, and we hope, in a very short time, to see our works again in active operation.

The following gentlemen are stated to be the only survivors of that worthy band, who were members of the Convention and signed the Constitution of Pennsylvania. 1. James Ross, Pittsburgh. 2. Charles Smith, Philadelphia. 3. John Gloninger, of Lebanon. 4. Thomas Bull, Chester county. 5. Albert Gallatin, of New York. 6. Jonathan Shoemaker, near Baltimore.-Commercial Herald.

The Mint.-We learn that a new die for the coins of

The damage to the public works along the line of canal to Newcastle, we are informed, is very heavy. The high embankment between Dam No. 4 and Lock No. 9, is entirely washed away; to repair this alone, it is estimated by a gentleman well qualified to judge, will cost at least $1,500. Some of the locks on the line have been very much injured-the one near Conequenessing dam, we are told, is nearly demolished. The towing path, the whole distance of slack-water naviga tion, was completely inundated and very much damaged; in some places, no traces of it are left. From the extent of the damage there is little probability that the canal will be rendered navigable before spring-Ga-shield containing the coat of arms of the United States.

zette.

FOXITE POTATOES.-"Mr. Barclay Ivins, who resides in Penn's Manor, Bucks County, brings weekly to this market some of the real Foxite Potatoes, of a quality that may challenge competition. They are sound and mealy, and of the best flavour which that, the best kind of potatoes, can ever boast."

Of the growth and products of this necessary and valuable species of vegetable, we may be allowed to say, from observation and information, that it has rarely been exceeded in any former season. The crops are unusually abundant, and generally of a most excellent quality. The same may be said of the crops of apples, and turnips, beets, &c. The quantity of buckwheat exceeds the average crop, and will, in some measure, supply the deficiency where the corn crops have suffered by the cut worm, The season has been remarkably favourable for the Farmer, and the fall work in consequence, is in a great state of forwardness. With the husbandman, we rejoice and feel glad to hear of his abundance, and anticipate a continuance of the present favourable state of the markets, that he may realize a liberal and fair compensation for the toils and labours of the year.-Bucks Co. Intel.

From the Philadelphia Gazette.

Mr. Editor:-Observing in the daily papers, a day or two since, a notice of a sale of property on Schuylkill, a water lot at a large price, permit me to remark another change of prices in lots, of which I was informed. A lot on Broad street, of about 3 acres, sold, 8 months since, for $4000; in June last, resold for $9000; a few weeks since, it was resold to a respectable and enterprising gentleman of our city, for $25,000, and upon which, I understand, he has been offered a profit. This, I think, may be considered an evidence of the value that must in a short time be added to the property on that beautiful street, and which must soon be the great depot of Rail Road business in this city, and when Broad street shall be opened to the river Delaware, will make it much more valuable and beautiful; and in a few years, judging from the 2 or 3 years back, we may expect to see large brick stores and dwellings erected upon its front from Vine street to the Delaware, receiving all the immense products of the west and

the United States, is now in a state of preparation, and
will be ready for use in the ensuing year. The design
was prepared by Sully, and is said to be exceedingly
beautiful. It is a full length image of the Goddess of
Liberty, in a sitting posture, with one hand resting on a
On the reverse, will be the American Eagle, as at pre-
sent, without however, the shield and coat of arms with
which his breast is disfigured, and which somewhat re-
sembles a gridiron, exhibiting the bad taste of broiling
The first coin struck with
a bird with his feathers on.
the new device will be the dollar, of which there have
none been coined for thirty years.

A letter from an Engineer on the Pennsylvania Canal, states that the travelling over the portage rail-road, of passengers cars during the last year, has been 600,000 miles.

Appointment by the Governor.

Roberts Vaux to be an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of Philadelphia, in the place of the Hon. Jonathan T. Knight, resigned.

The transit took place on Saturday Nov. 9, according to predictions, though from the state of the weather it was only partially observed.

From the U. S. Gazette, Nov. 13.

A little girl, the daughter of a respectable soap-boiler in Kunkle street, was yesterday run over by a baggage car, on the Willow Street Rail Road, near Front street. The wheel passed directly over the thighs of the child, and cut them nearly off. The sufferer was taken home with little hopes of recovery.

Susquehanna.-This flourishing and intelligent county contains 3592 taxables-no slaves-and three deaf and dumb persons. The amount expended for public schools is-State appropriation $764 65 cents-county $1529 30; amounting to $2393 95 cents.— Harrisburg

Chronicle.

Printed every Saturday morning by WILLIAM F. GEDDES, No. 9 Library street.

The publication office of the Register has been removed from Franklin Place, to No. 61, in the Arcade, West Avenue, up stairs.

HAZARD'S

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

VOL. XVI.--NO. 21.

PHILADELPHIA, NOVEMBER 21, 1835.

From the United States Gazette, Nov. 13.
THE REGATTA.

For the last few weeks, the committee appointed to make preparations for the Regatta, have shown that the power was delegated to proper hands. The arrangements were made with caution, but promptness; and full notice was give from time to time, of the adoption of any resolution which had a bearing beyond the immediate action of the committee. The spirit excited by the announced arrangements, has been manifested in old and young who had the least claim to nautical skill, or even pretended to understand the use of an oar. Our younger friends who amuse themselves occasionally with water craft, though not included in the arrangements for the Regatta, have shown themselves deeply interested in the whole matter, by preparing their dresses, girding themselves with their shining belts, and occasionally bracing themselves as if at the oar. The ladies talked of the Regatta as of an event to form an epoch, and even we old folk, who have long since resigned the laboring oar, and trust to the scull for means to get ahead, caught a part of the enthusiasm, and sighed as the deep dark clouds of Wednesday sent down their watery treasures, and the wind seemed to promise an interference with the plans of the Regatta committee.

But the day opened clear and delightful, and a bracing wind from the northwest admonished of the neces. sity of outer garments.

No. 411.

and there an anonymous fell behind a canoe. The halloo of one company was responded to by another at a distance. There, too, was the jibe that provoked retort,

"And the loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind."

But as the time for commencing the race approach ed, the visiting boats swept away to the banks, and the course was left clear for the contending barges, which were seen occasionally lying quiet upon the water, and then starting off obedient to a sluggish application of the oars to the water-shooting ahead to regain what had been lost by the current, or to allow of a little exercise to the rowers.

At length the arrangements were made for the starting of the boats of the second class, the Ariel, the Nymph, the Dolphin, and the Neptune. They were brought abreast a short distance above the dam, and at about half past eleven o'clock, the signal was given for a start, and the forms of the youthful competitors were seen moving in rapid harmony, while the slight boats seemed almost to spring from the water, as they gave their strength suddenly to the oar.

The Ariel came in ahead about a boat's length, and took the first prize of this class, viz: the silver cup.The Nymph took the second prize, the flag presented by Mr. De Beaufre.

At length the boats of the first class were summoned to the starting position. They dropped into their respective places like creatures of life, and cur

As early as eight o'clock in the morning, pedestrians,veted, pitched and rose to the short waves, which the male and female, were seen wending their way towards blustering north wester had awakened, as if they were the Schuylkill, each wearing that set earnestness of impatient for a start, like a steed champing his bit and look which denotes a determination to reach a certain pawing the ground for a single relaxation of the rein.object. By nine o'clock the current was strong up The appearance of the boats at this moment was truly Chesnut, Market, and Arch streets, and here and splendid. They were displayed from west to east, in there a vehicle was seen dashing along with expectant the following order:-The Cleopatra, Imp, Sylph, Falriders. Before ten o'clock, the omnibuses were crowd-con, Metamora, Aurora, Blue Devil. The following is ed, "alow and aloft, stem and stern." The driver in an account of the appearance of the boats and the front was crowded from his seat,the inside crammed, the crews. top covered, and the steps in the rear were clung to, by divers persons who dreaded to be left behind, and the Star Spangled Banner floated in triumph over the motley group. Old men and young, male and female, joined the current, and every sort of conveyance, from a hand cart drawn by a jackass to a splendid private carriage, swelled the stream of anxious pilgrims.

Cleopatra.-Boat-black, striped with gold. Dressdark trowsers and check shirt, with blue collars, starred with gold.

Falcon.-Boat-black, striped with white and blue. Dress-dark trowsers and white shirt, and cap to match.

Sylph.-Boat-Orange, with red gunwale. Dressi dark trowsers, and pink striped shirts, and red and white caps.

Blue Devil.-Boat-black, with broad gold stripe.Dress-dark trowsers and sky blue shirt, and cap faced with white.

Metamora.-Boat-black, with broad gold stripe.Dress-dark trowsers and deep blue shirt, trimmed with white, and leopard cap.

The shores of the Schuylkill near and above the wa. ter works, gave evidence of the disposition made of those who had left the city. Fair-mount on this occasion deserved its name, and all the coins and vantages of the water works were thronged with gay expectants; every position attainable on the banks of the Schuylkill, every eminence over-looking, and every point projecting into the river, was thickly studded with people, while the roads, lanes and by-ways were crowded with horses, gigs, wagons and coaches; nor was the bosom of the river, wide and placed as it is, without interest; hundreds who had determined to watch the first movements of the contest, had possessed themselves of boats, and were plying At 27 minutes past 12 o'clock, after due time for "Upward and downward, thwarting and convolved."preparation had been consumed, and the oarsmen had braced their feet, and bowed themselves, and struck Here a little skiff shot across the track of a barge, ar ahead their oars into the water-the signal for start

VOL. XVI.

41

Aurora.-Boat-sky blue, gold stripe. Dress-dark trowsers and broad striped white, and black shirt, and cap to match.

Imp.-Boat-black, with broad red stripe. Dressdark trowsers, and red shirt and cap.

322

IMPROVEMENTS.

Ing-a gun-was heard. Every muscle was bent-borhoods of Milton, a thriving town on the river, about
every head came up-and every boat sprung forward. 28 miles above Northumberland, and of Muncy creek,
Forward they a little higher up, are particularly famous for their large
as if alarmed by the echo of the cannon.
struggled-every man drawing his oar as if the success and productive farms.
of the whole race depended upon his single stroke, and
the coxswain watched with an anxious eye, the point
and bearing ahead that indicated the nearest approach
to a straight line, while the rapid motion of the barge
made her as obedient to the slightest touch of the helm,
as if she was a thing of intelligence.

Onward they drove-every muscle strained for victory, and every nerve thrilling with hope

"Oh who can tell, save him whose heart has tried,
And danced in triumph o'er the waters wide,
The exulting sense-the pules's madd'ning play,
That thrills the Wanderer of that trackless way."
The whole shot round the point above and oppo-

site Pratt's garden, and were lost to those who had oc-
cupied a position near the dam; but their appearance
was hailed with loud acclamation by those who cheered
the little fleet as it pressed rapidly and almost equally
on; and the deep huzza was passed down the banks
from group to group, or along the thick serrated co-
lumns of those who awaited their early return. In a few
minutes, the renewed cheerings near the point, gave
notice that more than half the race was accomplished,
and the whole were returning. All eyes were strained
to catch the first glimpse of the first boat, to be the
earliest to cry huzza for the victor; but so close were
the two first barges, that at a distance it was difficult to
tell which had the advantage, though their motion was
so rapid, so bird-like, that the uncertainty could not
long remain; and amid the loud huazzs of the assem-
bled people, the Cleopatra shot in about 20 yards ahead
of the Falcon. The other boats followed close upon
The order of arrival was as
the heels of the two first.
follows:

Cleopatra, 1, time 20 m. 00 s. taking prize boat, Prize.'
silver pitcher.
Falcon, 2,
"slv'r gb'lt by Wemyss.
Sylph,
Blue Devil, 4, time 21 minutes 30 seconds,

66 3,

66 21

66

45

66

22

Metamora, 5,
Aurora,
66
7,
Imp,
But two minutes expiring between the arrival of the
Cleopatra and Imp.

It is gratifying to be able to state, after such a con-
test, and such an almost unprecedented assembly of
people, that the whole proceedings were marked by
the utmost harmony and good feelings, and no impor-
tant accident to spectators, or those interested in the
fete, occurred to mar the pleasure of the occasion.

From the United States Gazette.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STATE.

Extract of a letter from a traveller in Pennsylvania
dated,

commerce.

The flourishing town from whence I date my letter, is situated on the northern bank of the river, forty miles above Northumberland. Extensive plains divided into rich farms, stretch for miles above and below it, whilst Southern shore suddenly rises, imparts a fine effect to the mountain spurs of the Alleghany into which the rally built in good taste, a commendation which is parthe scenery. The houses are mostly of brick and geneticularly applicable to the Court house. The numerous stores seem to be extremely well stocked, and the place has altogether an appearance of thrift and bustle, which distinguishes it as a centre of considerable internal Many useful branches of manufactures are In one establishment alone, I met with patent threshing machines, fans for cleaning thre grain, corn-shellers, grain washers, and various other labor-saving contrivances, including one for pareing apples. Connected with all this, is a foundry in which The site of Williamsport is nearly equidistant from an extensive variety of iron castings are produced. the mouths of the Loyalsock and Lycoming creeks, which enter the river about six miles apart. Over each of these streams the canal is conducted by aqueducts of admirable structure, both as to firmness and symmements of the munificence of the State, as well as of try. They are indeed imposing objects of art and monuthe skill of those by whom they were planned and exe

here carried on.

cuted.

But the intelligent inhabitants of this locality are by no means disposed to pause and rest contented with the completion of their fine canal, great as its advantages ahead of perhaps still more importance not only to undoubtedly are, whilst they see other enterprizes themselves but to the whole state, and especially its mercantile metropolis. They are now earnestly engag ed in opening a convenient channel of intercourse and trade with the flourishing country to the north, by means of a Rail Road to Elmyra, in the State of New York, a distance of 74 miles. The completion of this work is left to individual patronage and a company for the purpose was incorporated at the last session of our Legislature. In the multiplicity of Rail Roads made, making and projected, one may be pardoned for not knowing the specific importance of each one, and had I not been brought by accidental circumstances into this part of the State, it is highly probable that the peculiar advantages promised by the Williamsport and Elmyra route might have remained unknown to me. further information derived from the conversation of At present, judging from what I have seen and from intelligent persons, I am convinced that this is an indispensible link in the chain of internal improvements, connecting them most advantageously with those of the central portions of New York, and in fact forming the most direct inland communication between the great northern Lakes and Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and even the city of New York.

The site of the road pursues the valley of the Lycoming, and thence directly over in a northernly direction to the Chemung river, and is the only pass by which a communication can be opened to the northward without climbing the summits of the Allegheny mountains. The elevation to be overcome in the whole distance, is only about 900 feet, and this so graduated as to require no inclined planes with stationary power. The whole distance may be easily traversed with locomotives.

Williamsport, Pa. Oct. 12th, 1835. Dear Sir-In my last letter I gave you a sketch of my journey hither as far as Northumberland, where you know, the river divided into two branches, each of which is accompanied in its course by a fine canal, made by the state. There lay the Gertrude of Wyoming, inviting to an excursion up the North branch of the lovely valley, from whence she hails. But my destinies pointed in this direction, where, although I have met In regard to the transportation likely to take place on with no ground so classic, yet have I little to complain of in the sight-seeing way. The West branch retains this road, if we limit our view to the resources of the the distinguishing beauties of Susquehanna scene y, immediate section of country brought into connection, which, however, is not so bold as that along the main we find this portion of the State abounding with iron, river or North branch. For this reason it is all the bet- coal and lime, all articles of the first necessity in the po ter adapted to agricultural purposes, having a much pulous and flourishing section of New York, into which greater portion of arable land in its vicinity. The neigh-the road immediately leads. The present very bad con