of the eighteenth century; and I give and bequeath to the Library Company of Philadelphia aforesaid, their successors and assigns forever, in trust for the increase of the Loganian Library, and subject to the direction of the Trustees thereof, all my books printed before the beginning of the eighteenth century, and eight hundred volumes more to be chosen by the said trustees from my French bocks, and Latin books, printed since the beginning of the eighteenth century.

Introduction of the Perennial Cabbage —At a meeting of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, April 4th, a quantity of Perennial Cabbage-seed, imported from France, and presented to the Society by our patriotic fellow-citizen Elias Durand, was received, and a portion of it distributed. The remainder is placed with Messrs. Landreths, by whom it will be distributed to applicants. The seed should be sown thin, and the plants set out. in October, 20 inches apart, to remain out all winter. This is the practice in Maine and Brittany, but in this country a cover may be found necessary. The leaves are to be used the following spring as wanted, always observing to leave five or six leaves on the top. After November no more leaves are to be pulled, but the young sprouts used which appear in the place of those detached. The Cabbage-stalks last four years in France, and the leaves are extensively used for feeding cattle.

Since the opening of the navigation this spring until the 30th April, there had been despatched from Pottsville 236 boats, carrying 6472 tons, From April 24th to April 30th, 1829, 59 coal boats were despatched, carrying 1637 tons; during the same period last year, 32 coal boats, carrying 915 tons were despatched. Increase for the week in favour of 1829, 27 boats and 722 tons!Such is the grand effect of opening a water communication from a seaport to a coal region.

So great is the scarcity of teams at this place that it is impossible to obtain a sufficient number to haul coal to the landings as fast as it is transported. Persons at a distance owning teams, would receive very good wa ges for them by sending them here for that purpose. Miners' Journ.

Port Carbon.-This village lies at the head of the Schuylkill Navigation, which was extended up to the mouth of Mill Creek last summer, and about two miles to the north-east of Pottsville. The town is thriving ve ry rapidly-there are already 3 stores, 3 taverns, and about 20 dwelling-houses; and it is supposed that between 20 and 30 more will be erected in the course of the ensuing season. This place is very happily located, surrounded almost by lofty mountains, whose bowels are well stored with the mineral wealth of this region, Anthracite Coal, which can be conveyed to the landings with great facility.

adjoining this to the westward is Lawtonville, laid out by William Lawton, Esq. and on the continuation of the river Schuylkill is Rhoadsville, laid out by Daniel J. Rhoads, Esq.-the whole of which constitutes Port Carbon, and possesses advantages of no ordinary nature to become a place of considerable business.—Miner's In.

MILTON, May 7.

The ground plot for this town was laid out by several Small tribute to Genius.-A short time since I called enterprising individuals-the lots adjoining the landto see Jacob Miesse, Esq. of Bern township, Berks co.ings, by Abraham Pott and Jacob W. Seitzinger; and Pa, who showed me a number of engravings executed by his son Mr. Gabriel Miesse. This young gentleman has an undoubted claim to talents. The first piece of work of the kind he performed is surprisingly well done, when it is recollected that he had never seen a copper-plate, in fact not even a graver, for this instrument was constructed by a neighboring black-smith according to a pattern furnished by the young man himself. In consequence of the development of such promising talents, he was prevailed upon by the liberality of his father, to resort to Philadelphia and put himself under the care of an experienced artist. But from great constitutional delicacy of frame, he did not remain there more than ten days or two weeks before he was attacked by a severe illness, which obliged him to return to the country, and abandon those opportunities so congeHe continued however to amuse himself by engraving a great variety of pieces, among which are plants, flowers, animals, the human figure, &c. &c. executed with a spirit and fidelity truly astonishing, and turned off by an apparatus wholly constructed by himself, from the stile to the press. Schuylkill Journ.

nial to his taste.

POTTSVILLE.

H.

The Contrast.-A merchant of Middleburg, Portage county, Ohio, passed through this town last week, on his way to the city, who informed us that he purchases the principal part of his goods in the city of New York, sends them by water up the North River to Albany, through the Erie canal to Buffalo, up the lake to Cleaveland, and through the Ohio canal to his store in Middleburg, (a distance of 750 miles,) and that the freight amounts to only $1 37 per hundred!! Now look at the other side:-The merchants of this town who have their goods brought from Philadelphia, (a distance of 140 miles) in wagons, pay $1 50 per hundred!!! This simple fact speaks volumes; it sets scepticism at defiance. But one fact more;-merchants who have goods brought from Philadelphia to Pottsville in boats, pay for freight and storage 25 cents per cwt.; from thence to this place in wagons, 62 cents; making an aggregate of only 87 cents; reducing freight nearly one half by hav ing a canal part of the way. States' Adv.

Great preparations are making in this place for the purpose of putting up a large number of buildings during the present season. The ten buildings situated on Coal street, and ten situated on Mahantango street, and The supposition of the editor of the Mifflin Eagle, [see styled "Clinton Row," which were put up by an enter- last Register,] that the dam in the Susquehanna has had prizing citizen of Philadelphia, will be ready for the rethe effect of directing the course of the shad up the Juception of families in the course of the present month.niata, is not founded in truth. Certain are we that shad We are also pleased to state that a number of substanti- have not been caught in such abundance at this place al brick buildings will be erected. This is as it should and neighborhood for several years, as they are this seabe, as they will greatly add to the beauty and appear- son. Milton Adv. ance of the town.

Jacob Sperry has been appointed by the Governor, an Alderman for this city.

William Duane appointed Prothonotary of the Supreme court.

Rents here are very high; a two story building on the main-street will command a rent of between 2 and 300 dollars per annum. Capitalists could not lay out their money to better advantage than by purchasing lots and building upon them, as at the rate of rents above stated, they would realize an interest of from 12 to 15 per cent on the capital stock invested, without taking into consideration the increase in value the property undoubted-door back of the Post Office, (back room) subscriptions will be ly would undergo.

As an evidence of the increasing amount of business done in this town, we present the following statement:

Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F GEDDES, No. 59 Locust Street. Philadelphia; where, and at the PUBLICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, second

thankfully received. Price FIVE DOLLARS per annnm, payable
annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where
there is an agent.
Other subscribers pay in advance.

THE

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.

VOL. III.-NO. 21.

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

PHILADELPHIA, MAY 23, 1829.

NO. 73.

CAPTIVITY OF BENJAMIN GILBERT AND the Captain's brother John, one other Indian, and a

HIS FAMILY.

Continued from page 317, vol. 3d.

white prisoner-who had been taken at Wyoming, by Rowland Monteur; she was dressed altogether in the Indian manner, shining with gold lace and silver baubles: they brought with them from the fort a supply of provision. The captain being at a distance behind, when his wife came, the company waited for him. After the customary salutations, he addressed himself to his wife, telling her that Rebecca was her daughter, and that she must not be induced, by any consideration to part with put it upon Rebecca's, by which she was adopted as her daughter.

19th. Pounding hommony was this day's employment, the weather being warm, made it a hard task; they boiled it and prepared it for supper, the Indians sitting down to eat first, and when they had concluded their meal, they wiped the spoon on the soal of their mockason, and then gave it to the captives: hunger alone could prevail on any one to eat after such filth and nas-her; whereupon she took a silver ring off her finger, and tiness.

20th. Elizabeth Gilbert, the mother, being obliged to ride alone, missed the path, for which the Indians repeatedly struck her. Their route still continued through rich meadow. After wandering for a time out of the direct path, they came to an Indian town, and obtained the necessary information to pursue their journey: the Indians ran out of their huts to see the prisoners, and to partake of the plunder; but no part ofit suited them. Being directed to travel the path back again, for a short distance, they did so, and then struck into another, and went on until night, by which time they were very hungry, not having eat since morning; the kettle was again put on the fire, for hommony, this being their only food.

21st. The report of a morning gun from Niagara, which they heard, contributed to raise their hopes, they rejoiced at being so near. An Indian was dispatched on horse-back, to procure provisions from the Fort.

They feasted upon the provisions that were brought, for they had been several days before pinched with hun ger, what sustenance they could procure not being sufficient to support nature.

23d. Their spirits were in some degree revived, by the enjoyment of plenty, added to the pleasing hope of some favourable event procuring their releasement, as they were not far distant from Niagara.

In this

The Indians proceeded on their journey, and continued whooping in the most frightful manner. day's route, they met another company of Indians, who compelled Benjamin Gilbert, the elder, to sit on the ground, and put several questions to him, to which he gave them the best answers he could; they then took his hat from him and went off.

Going through a small town near Niagara, an Indian woman came out of one the huts, and struck each of the Elizabeth Gilbert could not walk as fast as the rest, captives a blow. Not long after their departure from she was therefore sent forwards on foot, but was soon this place, Jesse, Rebecca, and their mother, were deovertaken, and left behind, the rest being obliged by tained until the others had got out of their sight, when the Indians to go on without regarding her. She the mother was ordered to push on; and as she had to would have been greatly perplexed, when she came to go by herself, she was much perplexed what course a division-path, had not her husband lain a branch across to take, as there was no path by which she could be dithe path which would have led her wrong: an affecting rected: in this dilemma,she concluded to keep as straight instance both of ingenuity and tenderness. Shemet sey- forward as possible,and after some space of time, she had the satisfaction of overtaking the others. The pilot then eral Indians, who passed by without speaking to her. An Indian belonging to the company, who was on the made a short stay,that those who were behind might come horse Elizabeth Gilbert had rode, overtook her, and, as up, and the captain handed some rum round, giving he went on slowly, conversing with her, endeavoured each a dram, except the two old folks, whom they did to alarm her, by saying that she would be left behind, not consider worthy of this notice. Here the captain, and perish in the woods; yet, notwithstanding this, his who had the chief direction, painted Abner, Jesse, Reheart was so softened before he had gone any great dis-becca, and Elizabeth Gilbert, jun. and presented each tance from her, that he alighted from the horse and left with a belt of Wampum, as a token of their being rehim, that she might be able to reach the rest of the com-ceived into favour, although they took from them all pany. The more seriously she considered this, the their hats and bonnets, except Rebecca's. more it appeared to her, to be a convincing instance of the overruling protection of Him, who can "turn the heart of man, as the husbandman turneth the water. course in his Field."

22d. As the Indians approached nearer their habitations, they frequently repeated their halloos, and after some time, they received an answer in the same manner, which alarmed the company much; but they soon discovered it to proceed from a party of whites and indians, who were on some expedition, though their pretence was, that they were for New-York. Not long after parting with these, the captain's wife came to them; she was daughter to Siangorochti, king of the Senecas, but her mother being a Cayuga, she was ranked among that nation, the children generally reckoningtheir descent from the mother's side. This Princess was attended by VOL. III.

41

The prisoners were released from the heavy loads they had heretofore been compelled to carry, and was it not for the treatment they expected on their approaching the Indian towns, and the hardship of separation, their situation would have been tolerable; but the horror of their minds, arising from the dreadful yells of the Indians, as they approached the hamlets, is easier conceived than described, for they were no strangers to the customary cruelty exercised upon captives on entering their towns: the Indians, men women, and children collect together, bringing clubs and stones, in order to beat them, which they usually do with great severity, by way of revenge for their relations who have been slain; this is performed immediately upon their entering the village where the warriors reside: this treatmen cannot be avoided, and the blows, however cruel, must be

27th. In this desponding situation, the kindness of sympathy was awakened in one of the Indian women, who even forgot her prejudices, and wiped away the tears which trickled down Elizabeth Gilbert's cheeks. The particular attention of Col. Johnson's housekeeper to them, from a commiseration of their distress, claims their remembrance. Benjamin, his wife, and Jesse GilBenjamin Gilbert, and Elizabeth his wife, Jesse Gilbert, were invited to her house, where she not only gave bert, and his wife, were ordered to Captain Rowland the old folks her best room, but administered to their Monteur's house, the women belonging to it, were kind necessities, and endeavored to sooth their sorrows. to them, and gave them something to eat: Sarah Gilbert, Jesse Gilbert was favored to get employ, which, as it Jesse's wife, was taken from them by three women, in was some alleviation of his misfortunes, may be considorder to be placed in the family she was to be adopted ered as a providential kindness. by.

went to her, and had some conversation with her, but could not learn where she was to be sent to; she then inquired of the Interpreter, and pressed on his friendship, to learn what was to become of her daughter; this request he complied with, and informed her that she was to be given away to another family of the Senecas, and adopted among them, in the place of a deceased relation. Capt. Powel interested himself in her case like wise, and offered to purchase her of them, but the Indians refused to give her up; and as the mother and daughter expected they should see each other no more, their parting was very affecting.

323

those unacquainted with these kind of falls. The French men who rowed the boats, kept them near the shore, and passed without much difficulty between the rocks. 6th, 7th, and 8th. Benjamin Gilbert had been much indisposed before they left the fort, and his disorder was increased by a rain which fell on their passage, as they were without any covering. They passed Oswagatchy, an English garrison, by the side of the river, but they were not permitted to stop here; they proceeded down the St. Lawrence, and the rain continuing, went on shore on an island in order to secure themselves from the weather. Here they made a shelter for Benjamin Gilbert, and when the rain ceased, a place was prepared for him in the boat, that he might lie down with more ease. His bodily weakness made such rapid progress, that it rendered all the care and attention of his wife necessary, and likewise called forth all her fortitude; she supported him in her arms, affording every possible relief to mitigate his extreme pains. And although in this distressed condition, he, notwithstand

The Indian woman who had adopted Rebecca as her daughter, came also to the fort, and Elizabeth Gilbert made use of this opportunity to inquire concerning her daughter, the Interpreter informed her, there was no probability of obtaining the enlargement of her child, as the Indians would not part with her. All she could do, was to recommend her to their notice, as very weakly, and of consequence not able to endure much fatigue. 2d and 3d. Not many days after their arrival at Niag-ing, gave a satisfactory evidence of the virtue and powara, a vessel came up Lake Ontario to the fort, with orders for the prisoners to go to Montreal. In this vessel came one Capt. Brant, an Indian Chief, high in rank amongst them. Elizabeth Gilbert immediately applied herself to solicit and interest him on behalf of her children who yet remained in captivity; he readily promised her to use his endeavors to procure their Liberty. A short time before they sailed for Montreal, they received accounts of Abner and Elizabeth Gilbert the younger, but it was also understood that their possessors were not disposed to give them up. As the prospect of obtaining the release of their children was so very discouraging, it was no alleviation to their distress, to be removed to Montreal, where, in all probability, they would seldom be able to gain any information respecting them; on which account, they were very solicitous to stay at Niagara, but the Colonel said they could not remain there, unless the son would enter into the king's service; this could not be consented to, therefore they chose to submit to every calamity which might be permitted to befal them, and confide in the great controller of events.

Here they became acquainted with one Jesse Pawling, from Pennsylvania, who was an officer among the British, and behaved with kindness and respect to the prisoners, which induced them to request his attention also to that part of the family remaining in captivity; it appeared to them of some consequence to gain an additional friend. The Col. also gave his promise to exert himself on their behalf.

After continuing ten days at Col. Johnson's, they took boat in the forenoon of the 2d, being the sixth day of the week, and crossed the river Niagara, in order to go on board the vessel (which lay in Lake Ontario) for Montreal. The officers procured necessaries for their voyage in great plenty, and they were also furnished with orders to draw more at certain places, as they might have occasion. These civilities may appear to many, to be too trivial to be mentioned in this narrative, but those who have been in equal distress, will not be insensible of their value.

4th. The vessel sailed down the Lake, on the 6th day of the week, and on first-day following, being the fourth day of the sixth month, 1780, came to Carlton island, where there were such a number of small boats, which brought provisions, that it had the appearance of a fleet. Benjamin Gilbert, and Jesse, went on shore to obtain leave from the commanding officer, to go to Montreal in the small boats, as the vessel they came in could proceed no further. They met with a kind reception and their request was granted.

5th. On 2d-day following, they left Carlton island, which lies at the mouth of Lake Ontario, and took their passage in open boats down the river St. Lawrence, and passed a number of small islands. There is a rapid descent in the waters of this river, which appears dangerous to

er of a patient and holy resignation, which can disarm the King of Terrors, and receive him as a welcome messenger. Thus prepared, he passed from this state of probation, the eighth day of the sixth month, 1780, in the evening, leaving his wife and two children, who were with him, in all the anxiety of deep distress, although they had no doubt but that their loss was his everlasting gain. Being without a light in the boat, the darkness of the night added not a little to their melancholy situation. As there were not any others with Elizabeth Gilbert but her children, and the four French men who managed the boat, and her apprehensions alarmed her, lest they should throw the corps overboard as they appeared to be an unfeeling company, she therefore applied to some British officers who were in a boat behind them, who dispelled her fears, and received her under their protection.

9th. In the morning they passed the garrison of Cœur de Lac, and waited for some considerable time, a small distance below it. Squire Campbell, who had the charge of the prisoners, when he heard of Benjamin Gilbert's decease, sent Jesse to the commandant of this garrison to get a coffin, in which they put the corpse, and very hastily interred him under an oak not far from the fort. The boat-men would not allow his widow to pay the last tribute to his memory, but regardless of her affliction, refused to wait; her distress on this occasion was great indeed, but being sensible that it was her duty to submit to the dispensations of an over-ruling Prov idence, which are all ordered in wisdom, she endeavored to support herself under her afflictions, and proceeded with the boat-men.

Near this place they passed by a grist-mill, which is maintained by a stone wing extended into the river St. Lawrence, the stream being very rapid, acquires a force sufficient to turn the wheel, without the further expense of a dam.

The current carried their boat forwards with amazing rapidity, and the falls became so dangerous that the Boats could proceed no further; they therefore landed in the evening, and went to the commanding officer of Fort Lasheen to request a lodging, but the houses in the garrison were so crowded, that it was with difficul ty they obtained a small room belonging to the boatbuilders to retire to, and here they stowed themselves with ten others.

10th. The garrison of Lasheen is on the isle of Jefu, on which the town of Montreal stands, about the distance of nine miles; hither our travellers had to go by land, and as they were entirely unacquainted with the road, they took the advantage of an empty cart (which was going to the town) for the women to ride in.

The land in this neighborhood is very stony, and the soil thin; the cattle small, and ill-favored.

When they arrived at Montreal, they were introduced to Brigadier General M'Clean, who after examining

them, sent them to one Duquesne, an officer amongst mer, who was taken with them, inadvertently informed the loyalists, who being from home, they were desired the Indians she was not of the Gilbert family, all atto wait in the yard until he came; this want of polite-tempts for her liberty were fruitless. ness, gave them no favorable impressions of the master of the house; when he returned, he read their pass, and gave Jesse an order for three days provisions.

Daniel M'Ulphin received them into his house; by him they were treated with great kindness, and the women continued at his house and worked five weeks for him.

Jesse Gilbert met with employ at Thonias Busby's, where he lived very agreeably for the space of nine months.

(To be continued.)

REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS AND PAPERS. (Continued from page 308.)

GEN. LACEY TO COUNCIL.

Elizabeth Gilbert had the satisfaction of an easy employ at Adam Scott's, merchant, having the superintendence of his kitchen, but about six weeks after she engaged in his service, Jesse's wife Sarah, was taken sick at Thomas Busby's, which made it necessary for her mother to disengage herself from the place where she was so agreeably situated, in order to nurse her. These three were favored to be considered as the King's Pris-upon. Pray consider me; and if thought proper, let me oners, having rations allowed them; this assistance was very comfortable, but Elizabeth's name being erased out of the list at a time when they needed an additional supply, they were much straightened. Upon an application to one Col. Campbell, he, together with Esquire Campbell, took down a short account of her sufferings and situation, and after preparing a concise narrative, they applied to the Brigadier General, to forward it to General Haldimand at Quebec, desiring his attention to the sufferers, who speedily issued his orders, that the releasement of the family should be procured, with particular injunctions for every garrison to furnish them with necessaries as they came down.

As soon as Sarah Gilbert recovered from her indisposition, her mother returned to Adam Scott's family.

Thomas Gomersom hearing of their situation, came to see them; he was educated a Quaker, and had been a merchant of New-York, and travelled with Robert Walker in his religious visits; but upon the commencement of the war, had deviated from his former principles, and had lost all the appearance of a Friend, wearing a sword. He behaved with respect to the prisoners, and made Elizabeth a present.

The particular attention of Col. Closs, and the care he Shewed by writing to Niagara, on behalf of the captives, as he was entirely a stranger to her, is remembered with gratitude.

As there was an opportunity of hearing from Niagara, it gave them great pleasure to be informed that Elizabeth Gilbert was amongst the white people, she having obtained her release from the Indians prior to the others.

Sarah Gilbert, wife of Jesse, becoming a mother, Elizabeth left the service she was engaged in, Jesse having taken a house, that she might give her daughter every necessary attendance; and in order to make their situation as comfortable as possible, they took a child to nurse, which added a little to their income. After this, Elizabeth Gilbert hired herself to iron a day for Adam Scott; whilst she was at her work, a little girl belonging to the house, acquainted her that there were some who wanted to see her, and upon entering into the room, she found six of her children; the joy and surprise she felt on this occasion were beyond what we shall attempt to describe. A messenger was sent to inform Jesse and his wife, that Joseph Gilbert, Benjamin Peart, Elizabeth his wife, and young child, Abner and Elizabeth Gilbert. the younger, were with their mother. It must afford very pleasing reflections to any affectionate disposition, to dwell awhile on this scene, that after a captivity of upwards of 14 months, so happy a meeting should take place.

Thomas Peart who had obtained his liberty, and tarried at Niagara, that he might be of service to the two yet remaining in captivity, viz. Benjamin Gilbert, jun. and Rebecca Gilbert.

Abigail Dodson, the daughter of a neighbouring far

Camp, March 20, 1778. SIR-I wrote to you from from the Billet, on the 4th inst. wherein I gave you an account of some things on which I was very anxious to hear your advice; but as no answer has come to me, I conclude that my letter has miscarried. The times of the Cumberland county militia have expired; and those of the greater part of the York county militia will be up in a few days-which will leave me again in a manner almost helpless. I shall have but one battalion, from Northampton, to depend have some more men, or it will be out of my power to hold my own with them. These three weeks past, we have been such a terror to the enemy's Light Horse, that they have not dared to shew their heads without their lines. My party was so small that I could not divide them, to station parties on the different roads; but fixed my plan to move every two or three days, which baffled both the enemy and the inhabitants. One night I would move within six or seven miles of the enemy's lines, and the next night be ten miles on the other quarter. I could wish the Council would permit me to raise a troop of militia Light Horse during the campaign, which I could very easily do. Calling them for two months will not answer so good a purpose as to have them engaged I am, with respect, &c.

for a season.

GEN. LACEY TO COUNCIL.

J. LACEY.

Camp, Bucks county, March 26, 1778. SIR-Your favour of the 12th inst. has just come to hand. I have made every disposition to cover the country from the cruel ravages of the British mercenaries, which my numbers would admit of; and I have to flatter myself that my efforts have been attended with tolerable success-especially with regard to stopping their small parties from ransacking the country. But to stop the intercourse and marketing, is impossible, with the numbers which I have.

I wish Council would consider those infamous wretches which my parties take going to the enemy with marketing; and appoint some way for their trial.

Enclosed is a return of my Brigade; by which you will perceive that my scouts cannot be very strong. I beg Council will consider me. His Excellency Gen. Washington informed me in one of his letters that Gen. Armstrong promised him one thousand militia should be kept up on this side the Schuylkill by the state of Pennsylvania. I remain with respect, &c.

To the President of Council.

IN COUNCIL.

J. LACEY.

Lancaster, March 27th, 1778. SIR-Enclosed is a copy of what I wrote to you on the 12th inst. The difficulty of procuring the evidence against such persons as may be taken going with provi sions to the enemy, necessary to convict them, at a distance so great from the place of action as this borough be best to try them in the usual military way, at camp. is, and many other weighty reasons, make it appear to

Two classes are ordered from the militia of Cumber land county, one from Philadelphia county,and one from York county is more forward.

As to the raising of a troop of militia horse for the