the south side at the White Horse; thence across the country to a point on the Lancaster road, about a mile from Philadelphia. Whether the railway shall cross the Schuylkill, and what location should be selected for a bridge, will be questions for mature consideration, and the present termination of the line will correspond with any future decision. 1. From the mouth of Kiskiminetas, by the Allegheny, French creek, and Waterford, to Erie Harbour, 162 3-10 miles-1103 lockage-2,339,427 dollars cost. 2. From the same point by the Allegheny, French creek, Conneaut summit, and Elk creek, to Erie Harbour, 166 4-5 miles-837 lockage-2,664,373 dollars cost. 3. From Pittsburg by the Beaver and Chenango, Conneaut summit and Elk creek, to Erie Harbour, 167 miles-852 lockage-1,730,015 dollars cost. 4. From Pittsburg by Beaver and the Chenango, Conneaut Lake, French creek and Waterford to Erie Harbour, 186 miles-1118 lockage-1,576,131 dollars cost. The estimate of a canal from the mouth of the Swatara to Columbia, furnished by Major Wilson is $192,000. It is his opinion, although a proper estimate is not yet completed, that $1,000,000 will cover all the expenses of a railway from Philadelphia to Columbia; and that the same line may be extended (if thought advisable) to the mouth of Swatara for $100,000 more. For the purposes of this report, these sums may be deemed sufficiently accurate, and as the legislature will be furnished with a regular estimate long before a law can pass on the subject, the necessary corrections can easily be applied. The commissioners would not hesitate in choosing between the places suggested by the foregoing facts. They believe that a continuation of the Pennsylvania Canal as far as Columbia, and a communication thence by railway to Philadelphia is decidedly preferable. Regarding this railway as an important feature in the system of improve- After maturely weighing all the circumstances which ment, they have been gratified to find, that from the are worthy of attention, the Board are unanimous in exbank of the Susquehanna (for surmounting which a sta-pressing their belief that the communication between tionary engine will be required,) the limit of graduation for locomotive machinery may be preserved the whole distance to the city of Philadelphia. A survey along the Delaware, from Carpenter's Point to Easton, was commenced by Mr. Sargent on the 17th of September, and finished about the first of the present month. He estimates the expense of the proposed canal at $1,430,699 for a distance of 70 miles, or $20,438 per mile. The surveys of the past season, with a view to connect the Ohio with Lake Erie, are next to be considered. The arrangements with reference to this subject, were governed by a wish that every possible route might be explored, and all the materials collected for a final decision. Surveys from the Conneaut summit, and from Meadville by way of French creek to the harbour of Erie; from the mouth of French creek to the Conneaut outlet, and from Pittsburg by the Beaver and Chenango to the Conneaut lake, were consequently provided for. The first has been completely executed by Major Douglass. The second and fourth by Mr. Whippo, and the third by Mr. Ferguson. These lines, in connexion with the French creek feeder, as located last year, and with the survey of Judge Geddes from the mouth of Kiskiminetas to that of French creck, embrace all the modes of communication to which the attention of the Board has ever been directed. The expense of a route from Pittsburg by the Beaver and Chenango to the Conneaut summit, is estimated by Mr. Whippo at $1,003,401; and if slack water be used for about eight miles along the Beaver, as he recommends, it will reduce the cost to $928,301 for 120 miles, or an average of $8,000 per mile. The proposed canal from the head of the French creek feeder, by way of Waterford to Lake Erie, is estimated by the same gentleman at 416,016 dollars, for a distance of 46 miles, with 7 miles of feeder-or somewhat less than 8000 dollars per mile. From the mouth of French creek to the Conneaut outlet, a distance of 19 4-5 miles, a canal may be constructed, according to Mr. Ferguson, for 178,200 dollars, or 9,000 dollars per mile. From the Conneaut summit, by way of Elk creek, to the harbour of Erie, is estimated by Major Douglass, supposing expensive stone locks to be used, at 835,320 dollars for 47 miles, or 17,620 dollars per mile. With wooden locks it would amount to 569,894 dollars or 11,000 dollars per mile. Combining these results with those ascertained by the surveys of the last year, we obtain the following statement, which has been carefully prepared, that the relative merits of all the routes from the Ohio to Lake Erie may be perceived at a single view. As this table has been framed for the purpose of accurate comparison, and as the cost of lockage has been variously estimated by the several engineers, according to their preference for wood or stone; this item has been reduced in each instance to the lowest price fixed by either, which is 150 dollars per foot. So much of the French creek feeder as would become a part of the main canal, has been added to the distances respectively, and its whole cost is included in the aggregates of the 2d and 3d routes. the Ohio and Lake Erie should begin at Pittsburg, and pass thence by the Beaver and Chenango to the neighbourhood of Conneaut Lake. Thus far the choice is indicated by considerations of economy, which cannot be overlooked. Whether the line shall then continue across the Conneaut summit, and by Elk creek to Presque Isle, or shall reach the same point by way of French creek and the Waterford summit, becomes next a question. The distance by the former is 47 miles, and by the latter 66 miles. The difference of expense is not very material-but the excess of lockage on the Waterford route, amounting to nearly 300 feet, is a decided disadvantage. When the additional fact is remembered that, according to the reports both of Mr. Whippo and of Major Douglass, the quantity of water to be obtained on the Waterford summit, though it would probably answer at this time for the purposes of navigation, is yet a bare supply, which a future diminution of the streams might render insufficient, the inclinaton of the Board is decidedly in favour of crossing the summit near the Conneaut Lake. The most serious objection ever urged against it, namely, the apprehended difficulty of crossing the valleys of Elk and Walnut creeks, is satisfactorily removed by the report of Major Douglass, to which the Beard with much pleasure refer, as exhibiting unusual care in the investigation of his subject, and a perfect. acquaintance with all its details. In pursuance of the 13th section of the act of 9th April last, the Board, during their session in Philadelphia, devoted a day to the examination of the proposed canal route, commencing on the Schuylkill, near the United States' Arsenal, and terminating below the Navy Yard, in the district of Southwark. Since then they have caused a survey to be made, under the direction of Mr. Sargeant, whose estimate is hereto annexed. Two modes are proposed for effecting the improvement. If a thorough cut be adopted, the expense will amount to 356,535 dollars. If the summit be reduced to 20 feet, and steam power be used for raising the water from the Schuylkill, the work may be accomplished for 108,000 dollars. The distance being a little less than three miles. It is difficult at this time to answer the question proposed by law, whether this improvement will constitute a necessary link between the Delaware and the western waters. The exigencies of a great western trade brought to Philadelphia by water, are as yet matters of mere conjecture. How far the Schuylkill part of the city may become the seat of business, and how far the cheapness of property there may counteract the advantages which the Delaware holds out to foreign commerce, are questions which can be answered only by experience. 1828.] REPORT-CONCLUDED. 35 It is not improbable, however, that difficulties in naviga-cessary for the general information of the Executive and ting the Schuylkill, may render the communication very the Legislature, as well as the several statements which important to that portion of the western trade, whose are required by act of assembly. ultimate destination is beyond Philadelphia-and this view of the subject would derive additional weight from the construction of a canal between the Delaware and Raritan. The commissioners are, therefore, of opinion that the probable expediency of the work ought not to be lost sight of. Whether it should be undertaken now, or at what future period is a question they are not prepared to decide, and which indeed belongs more properly to the Legislature. Among the documents annexed hereto, will be found the copy of a report made by Judge Geddes to the canal commissioners of Maryland, in the year 1823, with his estimate of the cost of a canal on the west side of the Susquehanna, from the Conewago Falls, to the Maryland line, and an extract from the report of these commissioners to the legislature. The report of Major Wilson, already referred to, exhibits the expense on the east side from the mouth of Swatara to Columbia. The remaining distance to the Maryland line on the east side, has been surveyed by Mr. Whippo, whose report is also annexed. By these documents it appears, that a canal on the west side, from the mouth of Swatara to the Maryland line, will amount to 1,660,000, for 61 miles, and that its execution must be attended with most formidable difficulties. The cost of a canal between the same points on the east side, (if it be practicable at all to effect the communication,) will not fall short of 1,245,408 dollars-of which, the distance below Columbia, will require 1,053,408. When, however, the character of the river below Columbia, and the ruggedness of its branches are considered, it may seriously be doubted, whether a safe and permanent work be practicable, within any limit of expense, not altogether extravagant. The original plan of the Board for the business of the season embraced the surveys directed by law, through Franklin and Cumberland counties, and also examinations between the Delaware and north Branch, by the heads of Broadhead's creek, and of the Lehigh. The first would have been executed by Mr. Whippo, but for his necessary and unexpected detention in the neighbourhood of Lake Erie. The other two were defeated by the sickness of the party employed upon the Delaware who would otherwise have been able t finish them in season. In reference to the examination directed to be made between the Brandywine and Chester creek, it is sufficient now to remark, that it was rendered wholly unnecessary by the facts which Major Wilson ascertained while employed in that vicinity. It is seriously regretted, that an accurate location of the portage line across the Allegheny mountain, has not been practicable during the present season, without the sacrifice of objects more immediately pressing. This important subject will receive attention early in the spring. It is believed that an advantageous change in the plan proposed last year, will shorten the distance to about thirty miles. The engineers engaged upon the several surveys, have not been able to complete their drafts in time to be transmitted with this report.-Those of Messrs. Wilson and Mitchell, exhibiting the summits which they respectively surveyed, will be found among the papers annexed hereto. With all these facts and documents before them, the board have perceived no reason to change their opinions as expressed in the report of the 6th of February last. The system of improvement then proposed to the Legislature, was based upon the belief, that besides the establishment of a great western communication with the Ohio and Lake Erie, it was the interest of the Commonwealth, as far as possible, to develope its natural resources and give encouragement to its industry and enterprise. Hence they recommend that the great avenues of trade should all be improved, and that each should be placed in the closest practicable connexion with the commercial emporiums. When that report was made, the Commissioners, for want of more accurate information upon some of the lines which constitute the system, were unable to propose them for immediate adoption. This want is now fully supplied, and the Board are relieved from all the embarrassments on the subject, by the annexed reports of the surveys performed between the Ohio and Lake Erie; from the mouth of Swatara to Columbia; and along the valley of the Delaware. The results are of a nature so satisfactory and so consistent with the expectations previously formed, that every suggestion of last year as to the nature, objects, and extent of the Pennsylvania system of internal improvement is now confidently expected. If the Legislature shall again coincide with the views of the Board, it is respectfully asked, that the outline of the plan which must govern their proceedings may be distinctly marked. The uncertainty which has heretofore prevailed, as to the further extension of the several lines, has caused much inconvenience. To this source may be traced nearly all their difficulties about crossing the Susquehanna, and similar embarrassments are anticipated on the North and West Branches, unless the Board can be informed to what extent those improvements will certainly be carried, and may feel themselves at liberty to fix the location of a part with reference to the whole. The Board, in pursuance of their opinion expressed last year, would be disposed, without special directions from the Legislature, to advance the several works which constitute the system in a fair and reasonable proportion; urging each forward with the utmost rapidity consistent with the public good, and with the faithful execution of the work. To accomplish this purpose, if its expediency shall be sustained by the Legislature, a further appropriation of 2,000,000 dollars, will be abundantly suf ficient for the next season. One or two additional remarks will close a report already swelled beyond its usual limit. It is believed that the organization of the engineer department, upon a regular and well digested system, is necessary to insure economy of expenditure and excellence of construction. This object has not yet been accomplished, nor is it believed to be practicable, while the provisions of the act of 16th April. 1827, continue in force. In every instance, where an attempt has been made to engage an engineer, the terms of that law have proved a serious obstacle, and in no instance has the Board succeeded, without giving an assurance that the necessity of a change should be urged upon the Legislature. If no alteration should take place at the present session, they cannot answer for the continuance of a sin fore, most respectfully asked, that the Commissioners, upon their responsibility to the Legislature and to the public, may be permitted to organize this department upon a footing at once permanent, efficient, and econo Before taking leave of the surveys, it is proper to mention, that the whole sum appropriated to those ob-gle individual whose services are valuable. It is, therejects, has been drawn from the Treasury. As the accounts of the season are not yet closed, and a portion of the engineers have not been paid, it is impossible to say what balance will remain for the service of another year. The amount, however, cannot be sufficient for any im-mical. portant operations. Having thus hastily glanced at the several subjects committed to their care, the board must refer for additional particulars, to the voluminous documents hereto annexed. They will be found to contain all that is ne One feature in the Act of the 16th of April, 1827, the Board in justice to a portion of their engineers, are bound to notice. In that law, while 2000 dollars per year is fixed as the maximum for engineers permanently engaged, those who may be employed for shorter periods As the Board and the public have great reason to be satisfied with the zeal and ability manifested by these gentlemen, their case is earnestly recommended to the consideration of the legislature. A provision allowing them to receive from the Treasury so much in addition to the four dollars a day as will place them at the rate of $2,000 a year for the days they have served, would be gratifying to the Board, and satisfactory to them. The underwritten resident of Sweden doth find him self obliged by express order, to declare unto their high and mighty lordships herewith, how that the commissioners of the West India Company of this country in the New Netherlands, now the last summer did unexpectedly assault by force of arms, the Swedish colony there, taking from them their forts, and drove away the inhabitants and wholly dispossessed the Swedish com The extension of the surveys, and the increased mag-pany of their district. It is true and without dispute, nitude and importance of the duty arising from it, during the past season, obliged the Board to consider seriously of some efficient plan for the organizing this branch of their business. It seemed to them indispensible for this purpose, that there should be an officer of known ability and competent knowledge, in all respects worthy the confidence of the Board to whom the general superintendance should be entrusted. The third section of the Act of April 16th last gave them the requisite authority, and they found in their Secretary all the qualifications for the performance of this interesting duty. Their expectations have not been disappointed. The service has been faithfully and ably rendered, in a manner to contribute equally to the convenience of the Board and the advantage of the public. In speaking of this meritorious officer, the Board deem it but common justice to bear their testimony to his unwearied devotion to the great objects committed to his care. His proper duties, as Secretary, are of a limited nature, and if he had been so disposed, he might with perfect justice have confined It will be recollected that in 1664, Sir Robert Carre his labours within those limits. The compensation allow-was dispatched from New York by Capt: Nicolls, &c. ed him by the Board would not have been more than with several ships to take possession of the Dutch settlesufficient even for such a construction. But regarding more the public interests than his own, he has willingly ments on the Delaware. The following are copies of applied his time and his talents wherever they could be the commissions and instructions to Carre, as also the aruseful, and has at all times rendered an amount of ser- ticles of agreement entered into by the Dutch & Swedes vice, of which his office of Secretary would give but an who without opposition surrendered. imperfect idea. that the Swedish company did acquire optimo titulo juris that part which they possessed, and did buy it of the natives, and consequently have had possession of it for several years; without that the West India Company of these countries did ever pretend any thing. Wherefore, the said resident doth not doubt but these hostilities will very much displease their high and mighty lordships; and doth desire in the name of his most gracious king and lord, that their high and mighty lordships would be pleased to take some speedy order for the redressing of such unlawful proceedings, as the justice, the mutual amity between both nations and the consequence of the business require, and is expected from their high wisdoms, whereby the Swedish company may be restored undamnified. The reduced rate of the salary allowed by the Act of last session, deducting the necessary expenses of his office, would have left him scarcely any compensation, and the Board must have lost his valuable services but for the inducement they were able to offer by the additional appointment they have mentioned. The particular duty referred to, having been performed, the Board can no longer offer this inducement. Yet it must be obvious that the objects of their care are constantly multiplied and enlarged, the necessity becomes greater for the aid of an intelligent and experienced officer, to receive communications and effectuate the views of the commissioners, and furnish them at their meetings with full, exact and digested information. They submit this matter to the consideration of the legislature, and respectfully suggest the propriety of allowing them such a discretion in regard to compensation, as will enable them to keep the office of Secretary efficiently filled, as it hitheto has been. They are persuaded it will be advantageous to the commonwealth. Before closing this report, it is proper to mention that at the present session of the Board, the expediency of changing the dimensions of the locks on the Susquehanna and Juniata divisions, has been fully discussed, and that a resolution has been passed increasing their width to 17 feet, so as to correspond with those already built upon the eastern division. No increase of expense worthy of notice will be the consequence of this change, which is | H. APPLEBOOM. Done at the Hague the 22d March 1656. [x.s.] Thurloe's State Papers, vol. 4, p. 599. [From extracts from the Records of New York, authenticated by the Governor and Secretary under the great seal. In the land office of Pennsyl.-E.H's MSS.] Commission to Sir Robert Carre for reducing the inhabitants on Delaware Bay and River. Whereas we are informed that the Dutch have seated themselves at Delaware bay, on his majesty of Great Britain's territories, without his knowledge and consent, and that they have fortified themselves there, and drawn a great trade thither, and being assured that if they be permitted to go on, the gaining of this place will be of small advantage to his majesty: We his majesty's commissioners, by virtue of his majesty's commission and instructions to us given, have advised and determined to bring that place and all strangers there about, in obedience to his majesty, and by these do order and appoint that his majesty's frigates the Guinea and the William and Nicholas, and all the soldiery which are not in the fort, shall with what speed they conveniently can, go thither under the command of Sir Robert Carre, to reduce the same, willing and commanding all officers at sea and land, and all soldiers to obey the said Sir Robert Carre during this expedition. Given under our hands and seals, at the fort in New York, upon the Isle of Manhatas, the 3d day of September 1664. R. NICOLLS, G. CARTWRIGHT, Instructions to Sir Robert Carre, for the reducing of Delaware Bay, and settling the people there under his majesty's obedience. When you are come near unto the fort which is possessed by the Dutch, you shall send your boat on shore to summon the governor and inhabitants to yield obedience to his majesty, as the rightful sovereign of that tract of land; and let him and them know, that his majesty is graciously pleased that all the planters shall enjoy their farms, houses, lands, goods and chattles, with the same privileges and upon the same terms which they do now possess them; only that they change their masters whether they be the West India Company or the city of Amsterdam. To the Swedes you shall remonstrate their happy return under a monarchical government, and his majesty's good inclination to that nation, and to all men who shall comply with his majesty's rights and title in Delaware, without force of arms. That all cannon, arms and ammunition which belongs to the government, shall remain to his majesty. That all the acts of Parliament shall be the rules of future trading. That all people may enjoy liberty of conscience. That for six months next ensuing, the same magistrates shall continue in their offices, only that they and all others in authority must take the oath of allegiance to his majesty, and all public acts be made in his majes ty's name. 37 6. That all the people shall enjoy the liberty of their conscience in church discipline as formerly. 7. That whoever shall take the oath, is from that time. a free denizen, and shall enjoy all the privileges of trading into any of his majesty's dominions as freely as any Englishman, and may require a certificate for so doing. 8. That the Schout, the Burgo-master, Sheriff and other inferior magistrates, shall use and exercise their customary power in administration of justice, within their precincts for six months, or until his majesty's pleasure is further known. THE OATH. I do swear by the Almighty God, that I will beare faith and allegiance to his ma'tie of Great Britain, and that I will obey all such commands as I shall receive from the governor, deputy governor, or other officer appointed by his ma'ties authority, so long as I live within these or any other of his ma'ties territories. Given under my hand and seale this 1st day of October, in the yeare of our Lord God 1664. ROBERT CARRE. If you find you cannot reduce the place by force, nor upon these conditions, you may add such as you find necessary upon the place; but if those, nor force will pre-selves and the rest of the inhabitants, the 1st day of OcGiven under our hands and seales, in behalf of ourvail, then you are to despatch a messenger to the go-tober, in the year of our Lord God 1664. vernor of Maryland, with this letter to him, and request. his assistance and of all other English who live near the Dutch plantations. Your first care (after the reducing of the place,) is to protect the inhabitants from injuries, as well as violence of the soldiers, which will be easily effected, if you settle a course for weekly or daily provisions by agreement of the inhabitants; which shall be satisfied to them either out of the profits, customs or rents belonging to their present master, or in case of necessity from hence. FOB. OUT GOUT, GERRET SAUNDERS VANTIELL, LUCAS PETERSON, HENRY CASTURIER. After the reduction of the country by Sir Robert Carre, Col. Nicolls was commissioned to repair to Delaware, to take such measures as he might think proper, till his majesty's pleasure should be known. The following is his commission, extracted from the New York Records— (E. H'S. MSS.) The Commissioners Warrant to Coll. Nicolls to go to Dela ware. The laws for the present cannot be altered, as to the administration of right and justice between the parties. To my Lord Baltimore's son you shall declare, and to all the English concerned in Maryland, that his majesty hath, at his great expense, sent his ships and soldiers to reduce all foreigners in those parts to his majesty's obedience, and to that purpose only you are employed.But the reduction of the place being at his majesty's ex"Wee his Maties. Commission'rs under written for pense, you have commands to keep possession thereof the present Settlement of his Maties. affaires in Delafor his majesty's own behoof and right; and that you are ready to join the governor of Maryland upon his majes-der and appoint, and by these presents doe order and ware Bay and Delaware River, have thought fitt to orty's interest on all occasions; and that if my Lord Baltimore doth pretend right thereto by his patent, (which is a doubtful case,) you are to say, that you only keep possession till his majesty is informed and satisfied otherwise. In other things I must leave you to your discretion and the best advice you can get upon the place. ARTICLES of AGREEMENT Between the honourable Sir Robert Carre, knight, on 1. That all the burghers and planters will submit themselves to his majesty's authority without making any resistance. 2. That whoever, of what nation soever, doth submit to his majesty's authority, shall be protected in their estates, real and personal whatsoever, by his majesty's laws and justice. 3. That the present magistrates shall be continued in their offices and jurisdictions, to exercise their civil power as formerly. appoint Colonell Richard Nicolls, to repaire to Dela- GEORGE CARTWRIGHT rate of 5d. per day, viz. wholesome Bread, Beer, Pork, Pease or Beef, that no just complaint be made of either: That the soldiers (so far as conveniently they may,) be lodged in the Fort, and keep the stockades up in defence: that the civil Government in the respective planta tions be continued till further orders. That to prevent all abuses or oppositions in civil magistrates, so often as complaint is made, the commission officer Capt. Carre, shall call the scout, with Hans Block, Israel Holme, Peter Rambo, Peter Cock, Peter Aldrick, or any two of them, as counsellors to advise, hear, and determine by the major vote, what is just, equitable and necessary in the case and cases in question. That the same persons also, or any two or more of them, be called to advise and direct what is best to be done in all cases of difficulty, which may arise from the Indians, who must obey and attend their summons upon such occasion. That two thirds at least of the soldiers remain in and about New Castle at all hours. That the fines or preminures and light offences, be executed with moderation, though it is also necessary that ill men be punished in an exemplary manner. That the commission officer Capt. Carre, in the Determination of the chief civil affairs, whereunto the temporary beforementioned councellors are ordained, shall have a casting voice where votes are equal. That the new appointed councellors are to take the oaths to his Royal Highness. That the laws of the Government established by his Royal Highness, be shewed and frequently communicated to the said Councellors and all others, to the end that being therewith acquainted, the practice of them also in convenient time be established; which conduceth to the public welfare and common justice. That no offensive war be made against any Indians, before you receive directions from the Governor for your so doing. That in all matters of difficulty and importance, you must have recourse by way of appeal, to the Governor and Council, at New York. Dated 21st April, 1668.-Smith's N. Jersey. AUDITOR GENERAL'S REPORT. SUMMARY STATEMENT Of the Receipts at the State Treasury, for the year commencing the first day of December, 1826, and ending the 30th day of November, 1827. William Anderson 122 10 23,466.34 8,453 97 |