1 to 106 inclusive, at contract prices $626,571 16

12,082 10 To which add original estimate of the engi-
neer, for the remaining 6 miles-see his re-
port of August 20th, 1827, viz:

100 Fencing lock No 21, aqueduct No 9.
culvert No 18, grubbing, excavation,
embankment & protection wall outside 17,319 34 Cost of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, in that

Total cost of the canal from Bristol to
Easton, from the foregoing data
From which deduct the amount paid on
work as above

Sum necessary to complete the work

763,599 05
101,057 88

$662,541 17 Note.-Damages, houses for the accommodation of lock keepers and current contingent expenses, not having been estimated, are consequently not embraced in the foregoing recapitulation.

$686,596 77

Comparison between the original estimate of the Engineer
and the actual contract prices.
Total cost of canal from Easton to Bristol,
see engineers report of 20th Aug.1827, Š
To which add for additional cost of locks&
road bridges, on the plan adopted, over
that on which the original estimate
was predicated

Add for fencing on the river sections, not
included in the original estimate, but
included in the amount at contract pri-
ces, as a protection in either of fencing
or wall, to an equal amount will be ne-
cessary in those places,

Original estimate

eral language of the law. The eighth section of the act of the 11th of April, 1799, in enumerating the kinds of seated property liable to assessment, mentions houses and lots of ground; but the words taken in connexion with the following part of the sentence, plainly mean that the house, and the land connected with it, shall be assessed together as seated; and can have no influence in giving a construction to the twenty-fifth section of the same act.

The act of the 28th March, 1814, directing all vacant adelphia, to be sold for the payment of all taxes as unlots and pieces of ground in the city and county of Philseated land, should not be considered as a legislative construction of the law that unseated lots in other parts of the state, could not be sold for the payment of county rates and levies. It would be difficult to make further 64,575 00 provisions upon this subject, without such an expression of legislative opinion, as might affect the rights of individuals, even if any doubt existed in the case; but in the opinion of the committee, there exists no necessity for any further enactment

3,840 00

755,011 77

Total cost of canal at contract prices from
section 1 to 106 incl. & at the original esti-
mate from thence to Easton, sec ab. recap. 763,599 05

Report of the committee on the Judicary System, relative to the sale of unseated lots of ground in the several towns, boroughs and cities.

House of Representatives—Read Jan. 10, 1829. Mr. Mallery, from the committee on the Judiciary System, to whom was referred the resolution concerning the sale of unseated lots of ground, in the several towns, boroughs and cities, made the following report, which was read, viz:

That they have carefully examined the subject contained in said resolution, and find, that under the provisions of the twenty-fifth section of the act of the 11th of April, 1799, and of the second section of the act of the 3d of April, 1804, all unseated lands, within this commonwealth, held by individuals, companies, or bodies corporate, either by improvement, warrant, patent or otherwise, shall for the purpose of raising county rates and levies, be valued and assessed as other property. And by the act of the 13th of March, 1815, the treasurer of the proper county, is directed to make sale of the whole, or any part of such tracts of unseated lands, as will pay the arrearages of taxes, levied by the provisions of the acts aforesaid. Every species of unseated real property, is clearly included within the words, all unseated lands, and certainly within the intention of the legislature. Indeed it is difficult to conceive what words of more comprehensive import could have been used by the legislature, than those found in the acts refer red to.

It may be observed, that the liability to taxation does not depend upon the quantity contained in any given tract, nor could any such distinction be made, while the commonwealth has granted land in any quantity, from one thousand acres, to one acre, or the fraction of an

acre.

Under the present laws, any portion of land held by an individual, &c. may be assessed, and sold for the payment of taxes, provided the same be unseated.

Unseated lots of ground could not be assessed as seated, and we are not to presume, that the legislature omitted to make provision for the taxation of this description of property, in defiance of the bread and gen

The committee therefore respectfully offer the following resolution:

Resolved, That the committee be discharged from any further consideration of the subject.

DISCOVERY AND INTRODUCTION OF
ANRHRACITE COAL.

Discovery and Introduction of Schuylkill coal-Anthra-
cite-Stone coal of Schuylkill county.

We are led to believe that the following history of the use and introduction of Anthracite in Pennsylvania, will not be uninteresting to our readers. This coal was known to exist in this neighbourhood more than forty years ago; and some search was made, but the coal found being so very different from any which was previously known, it was not thought to be of any value, and the search was abandoned. It is supposed to be forty years since a blacksmith by the name of Whetstone, found coal and used them in his smithshop. At a very early period, Judge Cooper declared his belief of the existence of coal in this district and the Messrs. Pott's explored various places along the old Sunbury road, but, success did not attend their operations. A Mr. William Morris, afterwards became the proprietor of most of the coal lands at the head of our canal; he found coal, and took some quantity to Philadelphia, about the year 1800; but all his efforts to bring then into use, failed, and he abandoned the project, and sold his lands to Mr. Pott.

It does not appear that much notice was taken of the coal from the time of Whetstone, and the search made by Messrs. Pott's, until about twenty years ago; when a person by the name Peter Bastrus, a blue dyer, in building the valley forge, found coal in the tail race.About the same time, a Mr. David Berlin, a blacksmith, in this neighbourhood, permanently commenced and introduced the use of stone coal in the smith's forge, and continued to use and instruct others in their use for many years afterwards. But few persons, however, could be induced to use them; prejudice and old habits again became victorious, and appear to have held undisputable sway until about the year 1812, when Mr. George Shoemaker, a resident of this town, and Nicho Allen,discoverened coal, on a piece of land, they had purchased, now called Centreville. Allen soon became disheartened, and gave up the concern to Shoemaker, who, receiving encouragement from some gentlemen in Philadelphia, got out a quantitiy of coal, and took nine wagon loads to Philadelphia. Here again, our coal met with a host of opposition. On two wagon loads, Mr. S. got the carriage paid, the others he gave away to persons who would attempt to use them. The result was against the coal; those who tried them, pronounced them stone and not coal, good for nothing, and Shoemaker an impostor. At length after a multitnde of disappointments, and when Shoemaker was about to abandon the coal and return home,

1829.]

ARLY HISTORY.

Messrs. Mellor and Bishop, of Delaware county,made an experiment with some of the coal in their rolling mill, and found them succeed beyond expectation, and to be a highly valuable and useful fuel. The result of their experiments was published at the time in the Philadelphia papers. Some experiments with the coal were made in the works at the falls of Schuylkill, but without success. Mr. Wernwag, the manager at the Phoenix works at French créek, also made trial of our coal, and found them eminently useful. From that time forward, the use of the coal spread rapidly, and now bids fair to become a most important and valuable branch of trade, and to produce results highly beneficial to the interests of Pennsylvania generally.

73

serve such orders and directions as you shall from time
Given under my
to time receive from me or other superior officers ac-
cording to the trust reposed in you
EDMD. ANDROSS
hand and seale in New Yorke this 14th day of August
1677
To Capt Christopher Billop

A letter to the Justices of the Court at New Castle in
Delaware.

GENTLEMEN

New York, August 14th, 1677.

This is by Capt Billop who goes to releive Capt Collier and to be commander of the militia and fforces in the River and Bay and to take care as The foregoing statement may appear minute, but it chief officer and accordingly to determine any differis due to the individuals who laboured to force upon ence and order guards and guard places as occasion and us the great benefits which coal is and will be to our will presently for the out farms or plantations in state. We are aware that the credit of pointing out New Castle bounds, he is also sub collector and Mr. Harthe use, and perhaps of discovering the Anthracite, mans Clerk of ye customse I have also by Mr. Ephraim Herman returned you the old records the confusedness ⚫ has been claimed by, and awarded to, individuals in another part of our state: but it is within the knowledge or ill order of which I can in no ways remedy butt that of many, that those individuals joined in pronouncing Mr Tom the then clerk do forthwith put ye same in orthe coal good for nothing. We have abundant testimo- der & write or cause them to be fairly coppyed in a fitt ny also for the facts and dates we have given; from book and attested by him and answer for any defects which it appears, that to Mr. David Berlin, George Shoe-I intend making up your court again next month, the maker, and Messrs. Mellon and Bishop, are we indebted for the discovery of the use and introduction of our anthracite or stone coal.-Miner's Journal.

FROM MANUSCRIPTS

usual time when you may also expect one of our Law Books, as the penal Bonds or such like cases of Equity itt is the custom and practice of courts here to hear and judge thereof according to Equity wch you may observe is allowed by Law I find no need of a general or high In the River every court having power to make

court.

IN POSSESSION OF THE AMER. PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. fitting rates for the high ways poor or other necessarys

EARLY SETTLEMENTS ON DELAWARE. An order concerning Lands on Delaware River and Bay.

BY THE GOVERNOR

Which I shall

as is practised in England and unless otherwise ordered by said court the clerk proper to be receiver and pay all by orders of court for wch your need no further authority or directions from the Governor than former or By virtue of the authority under ders and rules for keeping due accoumpts to be yearly his Royal Highnesse I doe hereby desire and require all examined and past in court and copies remitted herepersons that have or claim any Land in Delaware river You may appoint a vendue master he giving good secuand bay that they do without delay or as soon as conveni-rity and not to take above six per cent ently my bee make a due return to the Clerk of the be ready to confirme. Court in whose jurisdiction said land lyes of such their land quantity and situation according to the surveys Platts or Cards hereof and said courts to make a return of the whole unto me and whether seated and improved that all such wanting graunts or pattents may have them dispatched and sent this order to be published in the several courts which to take care therein and surveyor also to give notice and see it be observed where he shall know or find the defect actum in New E. ANDROSS. York this 13th of August 1677

Pray take care and fitting orders for ordinarys that they be fitt persons duly licensed and well provided according to Law and that none else bee admitted to reE. ANDROSS taille which is all at present from your affectionate friend

An Order appointing Mr. Walter Wharton To be sur-
veyor In Delaware Bay and river
BY THE GOVERNOUR

Whereas I have and do hereby by virtue of the authority derived unto me under his Royall Highness appoint Mr. Walter Wharton to be surveyor in Delaware

An order appointing MrEphraim Harman to receive Quit Bay and river I do hereby consent to allow and author

BY THE GOVERNOR

Rents.

By virtue of the authority under his Royal Highness I do hereby constitute and appoint you Mr. Ephraim Harman to bee receiver of Quit rents in Delaware river in the jurisdiction of New Castle and upland Courts for which to give due discharges and keep an exact account to be sent here by the first of May made up to the 25 of March afore for which this shall be your sufficient warrant to continue for the space of one whole year or till further order actum in New E. ANDROSS. York this 13th August 1677

Commission for Capt Christopher Billop to be Commander
in Delaware river and Bay

EDMUND ARDROSS &c.

ise his receiving for surveying of every fifty acres and under ten shillings above fifty acres and under one hundred Twenty shillings above one hundred acres and under one hundred and fifty Thirty shillings and so proportionabley for any greater quantity and no more giving to the persons for whom any lands shall be surveyed a survey platt or card of said lands and to make due returns of the same unto the office of records said persons also to find boat or horse or allow it and other travelling fitting charges of ye surveyor All Lands to be carefully Laid out from the water side if it may be or so as not to hinder any or be prejudiciall to adjacent lands and to lay out fitting high ways or convenient roads Given under my hand in New Yorke this 14th day of August 1677.

E. ANDROSS

A letter to the Justices or Magistrates of the County of
New Castle

By virtue of the authority derived unto me under his Royal Highness I do hereby constitute GENTLEMEN I have writ to the Commander and this and appoint you Capt Christopher Billop to be com mander in Delaware river and Bay you are therefore to is to acquaint you also that having his Royall Highnestake care that the militia in the several places be well ses leave for my occasions this winter so as to return in armed duly exercised and kept in good order and dis- the spring all things being well through the whole gov cipline and the officers and soldiers thereof are requirernment I intend God willing going home in a ship here ed to obey you as their Commander and yourself to obVOL. IV.

10

bound for London leaving all things to remain in all parts of the government as then settled and therefore

recommend your being very vigilant and carefull (wch
I will not doubt) for the due administration of justice in
your several stations particularly that inferiour officers
do their duty for the good and quiet of their respective
places according to Law any appeals to be to the Court
of Assizes which or extraordinarys may be to the Secreta-
ry Capt. Nicolls here and if occasion to be communica-
ted to the Councell. I am your affectionate friend to
serve you
E. ANDROSS
One of the same tenor and date sent to the Justices
or Magistates of the Co'rt of Upland and another to
those of the Whore kills

ber now it being sufficiently known that the said Alexander D. Himesa then governor was in Hostillity agt. his majesty for which reason all his Estate stands confiscated know yee that by virtue of the Commission and authority unto me given and in consideration of the good services performed by Capt John Carr in Storming and reduceing the Fort at Delaware have thought fitt to give and grant and by these presents do give ratify confirm and grant unto Capt John Carr the afore recited peice or parcell of meadow valley or marsh ground with all and singular the appurtenances To have and to hold the said piece or parcell of meadow valley or marsh ground unto the said Capt John Carr his heirs

Commission for Capt Antho: Brockhold to be Commander and assigns for ever yielding and paying therefore yearof Fort James &c

EDMOND ANDROSS ESQ

By virtue of his maj'ties Lett'r pattents and the Commission and authority given unto me by his Royal Highness I doe hereby constitute and appoint you Capt Antho. Brockhold to be commander of ffort James as also of the militia of this city Long Island and Dependences during my absence or till further order You are therefore to be very careful in your duty for his maj'tees and Royall Highnesses service according to the trust reposed in you and to observe such orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from me or other your superior officers and all inferiour officers and Soldiers are required to obey you as their Commander and cheif officer according to the rules and Discipline of Warr Given under my hand and seale in New Yorke this 7th day of November 1677

E. ANDROSS Commission for the Justices of the Whore Kills. EDMOND ANDROSS ESQ &c

ly and every year unto his maj'tees use one Bushel and
a half of Wheat as a quit rent when it shall be demand-
ed by such person or persons in authority as his majesty
shall please to establish and empower in Delaware Riv-
er in the parts and plantations adjacent Given under
my hand and seale at Fort James in New York on the
Island Manhatans the 1st of January in the 19th year of
his majesty's Reign Annoq Domini 1667

A Confirmation Granted unto Thomas Wollaston James
Crawford Herman Otto and Gerrard Otto for a Certain
Island in Delaware River

RICHARD NICOLLS ESQ

Whereas there is a certain Island situate lying and being in Christeen Kill or creek in Delaware river commonly called or known by the name of Swarton Natton Island containing by estimation Three hundred acres or thereabouts be it more or less which said Island is now in the tenure or occupation of Thomas Wollaston Jaines Crawford Herman Otto and Gerrard Otto or their assigns being bounded on the north with Christeen Kill By virtue of his maj'tees letters Pattent and the on the East with serjeant Erskins Land on the West by Commission and authority unto me given by his Royall a little Creek and on the south by the main Land now Highness I doe hereby in his maj'tees name Constitute the said Island having been heretofore granted by Alexappoint and authorize you Holmanus Wiltbunck Henry ander De Himesa the Late Governour there to some Smith Alexander Molesteyn Edwd Southeron Paul persons who have since appeared in Hostility whereby Mash John Barkstead and Jno. Roads to be Justices of it is forfeited and remained in his majesty's Disposal the peace at the Whore Kill and Dependences and any Know Yee that by virtue of the commission and authori four or more of you to be a coart of Judicature And in ty unto me given I have thought fitt to give and grant case of sickness absence or otherwise of the first &c and by these presents doe give ratifye confirme and the next in Commission to preside Giveing you and grant unto the said Thomas Wollaston James Crawford every of you full power to act in said employment ac- Herman Otto and Gerrard Otto their heirs and assignes cording to law and former practice of which all persons to be so divided between them as now it stands and is concerned are to take notice and give you the due res-possessed by them the aforesaid Island Together with pect and obedience belonging to your places in Dis- all the lands Wood Meadow ground and premises therecharging your duty This Commission to be of force for upon with all and singular their appurtenances To the space of one year after the date hereof or till fur- have and to hold the said Island together with all the ther order Given under my hand and seale of the pro- Land Wood Meadow ground and premises thereupon vince in New Yorke this 10th day of November In the with all singular their appurtenances unto the said Tho29th yeare of his maj'tees reign Annoq Domini 1677. mas Woolaston James Crawford Herman Otto and Gerrard Otto their heirs and assigns to ye only proper use & behoof of ye said Tho. Wollaston, Jas. Crawford, Herman Otto & Gerard Otte, their heirs & assigns for ever Yeilding&paying therefore yearly & every yeare unto his maj'tees use three Bushells of Wheat as a Quit Rent when it shall be demanded by such person or persons In authority as his maj'tee shall please to establish and empower in Delaware river and the parts and plantations adjacent Given under my hand & seale at Fort James in New York on the island Manhatans the 1st day of January in the 19th year of his maj'tees Reign AnnoqDomini 1667

E. ANDROSS

A Confirmation granted unto Capt. John Carre for a piece
of ground in Delaware River
RICHARD NICOLLS Esq. principal commissioner for
his maj'tee in new England Governour General under
his Royal Highness James Duke of Yorke and Albany
&c of all his territories in america and Commander in
cheif of all the forces employed by his majesty to reduce
the Dutch nation and all their usurped lands and plan-
tations under his majestys obedience

To All To Whom these presents shall come
SENDETH GREETING

Whereas there is a certain peice or parcell of meadow valley or marsh ground scittuate lying and being in Delaware river near the Fort containing by Estimation one hundred and fifty acres or thereabouts be they more or less since in the tenure or occupation of Alexander D Himesa butted and bounded upon the south by the river upon the North and North East by the Land and meadow or valley lately in the possession of Gerrit Vansweering upon the North West by the plantation commonly called the Landsary and upon the South and South West by the Land lately belonging to John Web

A Confirmation granted unto Hans Bones for a certain parcell of Land in Christeen Kill in Delaware RICHARD NICOLLS ESQ &c

Whereas there is a certain piece or parcell of Land lying and being in Christeen Kill in Delaware River heretofore in the tenure or occupation of Joost Rugger the miller Deceased which said piece or parcell of Land was by the officers at Delaware who were impowered by my commission to Dispose of implanted land there for the best advantage of the inhabitants granted unto Hans Bones the said graunt bearing date the 21st day of

"

1829.]

SETTLEMENT OF THE SWEDES IN AMERICA.

February 1666 Now for a confirmation unto him the said Hans Bones In his possession and enjoym't of the premises Know Yee that by virtue of the Commission and authority unto me given I have thought fit to give and grant & by these presents do give ratifye confirm and graunt unto the said Hans Bones his heirs and assignes the afore recited parcell of Land To have and to hold the said land unto the said Hans Bones his heirs and assignes unto the proper use and behoof of the said Hans Bones his heirs and assignes forever Yeilding and paying yearly and every year unto his maj'tees use two Bushells of Wheat as a Quit Rent when it shall be demanded By such person or persons in authority as his maj'tee shall think fitt to empower in Delaware river and the part and plantations adjacent Given under my hand and Seale at Fort James in New York on the Island of Manhatans the 1st day of August in the 20th yeare of his majesties Reign Annoq Domini 1668.

INDIAN MINUTES-
--From the A. P. S. mss.

75

and will acknowledge that we are a good People, and
that we have made a good Peace.
"Brother,

"I have no more to say. This is all the
News I bring you. I hear from the outside of the Coun-
try all that is doing in the back parts, and I always let
you know what I hear, be it great or small. You know
that we agreed to hear one another. My ears was
to be open to what was doing on the outside of the
country, and your ear was to hearken to what was do-
ing in your parts. And I assure you that all the Indians,
little and big, are well pleased with the Peace.
"Brother,

"I know you feel sorrow, and I know what gives it you. You have not seen your prisoners, do not be out of patience. I am about collecting them, and I will bring them to you this fall, as soon as ever I can. I have done."

Teedyuscung being asked by the Governor what number of prisoners are with them, and in what places;

At a Conference with the Delaware Indians, on Thursday he answered, "That there are not above 5 prisoners a

the 4th of October, 1759.

The Governor gave Teedyuscung an hearty welcome, and acquainted him that he had called bis Council, on being informed that he desired to speak with him; and was ready to hear him.

Teedyuscung thanked the Governor and made the following speech.

mong the Delawares, on the Susquehannah River. The Muuncies have a great number, but they join the Mohocks, and will deliver em together to be counted among the Delawares. The Mohocks have a great many prisoners among them. The English hold frequent Conferences with the Mohocks, but I never know what passes between the English and the Mohocks."

AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE
FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE SWEDES
IN AMERICA.

(From the Columbian Magazine, of 1788. j In the reign of Gustavus Adolphus, and in the year "Brother, I would have you listen to me a little 1626, an eminent merchant named William Useling, gave while I have something to tell you. If I happen to a great character of this country, applauding it for fruitspeak a word amiss, or any thing contrary to our friend- ful fertile land, abounding with all necessaries of life; ship, you must put it by. I am but a little man. You and used many arguments to persuade the Swedes to are a much stronger man. If I make any mistake, do setttle a colony here. These were so prevalent, that not take notice of it, as if I meant any thing contrary to Gustavus issued a proclamation at Stockholm, exhorting our friendship; ffor I assure I mean no such thing. his subjects to contribute to a company associated to the "Brother, purpose aforesaid, which was called the West India "Almost all the Indians are looking at us. Company, confirmed by that prince: In a general asThey all see us both sitting together,and consider us assembly the year following, sums of money were raised the first who began to make a Peace, are glad of it and to carry on the intended settlement, to which the king, desirous we should finish it entirely. I have no more the lords of the council, the chief of his barons, knights, to add on this article than this. Seeing we are look'd coronets, principal officers in his militia, bishops, clerupon in this Light, far and near, by my Conntrymen, gy, and divers of the common people of Swedeland, Let us strive together and we will finish the good work. Finnland and Lifflland, contributed; and responsible You are an able man. I am a weak man, but tho' I am persons were chosen to see what was proposed put in weak I will promote the peace to the utmost of my execution, consisting of an admiral, a vice-admiral, merPower. chants, factors, commissaries, &c. and it was concluded to get as many as they thought fit, of those who would voluntarily ship themselves to America, to settle and cultivate a colony.

"Gave a string of 4 Rows.

In 1627, the Swedes and Finns accordingly came over hither: Their first landing was at Cape Inlopen; the sight created pleasure, and they named it Paradise Point. Some time after they purchased of some Indians (but whether of such as had the proper right to convey is not said, the land from Cape Inlopen to the Falls of Delaware on both sides the river, which they called New Swedeland Stream; and made presents to the Indian chiefs, to obtain peaceable possession of the land so pur

"Brother, "When first I came down to you on this good Errand, there were some foolish Boys that gave you wounds that went deep into your Flesh. Our Creator provided some Roots out of the Ground to heal these wounds. These I collected and made a Plaister of them. I did not apply it only to the outside of your Flesh, but your heart where you felt the greatest pain. It is customary for all Doctors when they put Plasters to wounds to come again, and see if they be healed or not. Now all the Indians think that your wounds are perfectly cured. Even the women & children, & grand-chased. But the Dutch continuing their pretensions, children, know it, and say so. I speak on behalf of Five Nations, who are all of this opinion, and think you are quite well.

"Gave a Belt of 7 Rows.

"Brother, "In what we have done I think we have acted with so much Sincerity towards each other, that the Peace will be everlasting. I am a King. You are a King. Your people, or my people, might otherwise say that we had made a false Peace; but now that they have been Witnesses of our mutual sincerity, they must,

in 1630 one David Pietersz de Vries, their countryman, built a fort within the capes of Delaware, on the west, about two leagues from Cape Cornelius, at the place now Lewis-Town, then and at present often called by the name of Hoarkill.

In 1631, the Swedes also built a fort on the west of Delaware, to which they gave the name the ruins of it yet bears, Christeen. Here a small town was laid out by Peter Lindstrom, their engineer, and here they first settled; but this settlement was afterwards demolished by the Dutch.