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silver; which the boldest assertor will scarce venture to affirm.

We further beg leave to observe, on their answer to the three last articles:

First, That to supply the want of a medium for commerce is the honest intention of the proposal for bills of credit, and not to discharge the debts of those who want means from the public, to get clear of them.

Secondly, All bills, bonds, &c. on an equal security, are the more valued the sooner they become due; and the sooner public bills are to sink, the greater will be their credit. It is true, that the longer the time is, the more easy it may seem to the first borrower; but, in the this will but diminish their credit. If eight years be preferable to five, because of the length of the time, the same argument may be urged for sixteen or twenty. Thirdly, It is extremely mannerly (we grant) to leave it entirely to the Assembly, to consider the manner of sinking the bills; but this complaisance, it is doubted, is more owing to an unconcernedness in that point, when, or whether ever they sink, provided they are once obtained, than to any real modesty; otherwise, it was certainly a breach of that, after the House had voted both the sum and the time, not to acquiesce in their wisdom, but to solicit an enlargement,

Their whole answer to the seventh head is grounded on another great mistake in the cause of the rise of silver amongst us; which is truly thus: In the year 1709, when the act of parliament for reducing our coin, took place, silver was our common currency; gold being then but rarely seen; but it was judged necessary (seeing the act was silent in it) to make that also, as well as silver, pass current by weight at some determinate rate; and being at that time, worth four pounds an ounce, or four shillings per penny weight in Britain, it was advanced in the same proportion with silver, (viz. one third,) to five shillings and four pence per penny weight; but because this sum could not be so divided by twenty-four as to render it practicable to reckon single grains by far-whole course of the bills, after their second payment, things, without a fraction, it was, by common consent, raised to five shillings and six pence, that a grain might be accounted at two pence three farthings. This seeming small difference, with the advance given in England by the East India company for Spanish silver, wrought so great a change in our currency, that our payments were mostly made in gold, New York and Britain gradually exhausting our silver; insomuch, that even nine or ten years ago, five per cent. advance was given, in gold, in exchange for Spanish silver; though afterwards, upon a greater importation of the latter, this difference, for some time, abated; but gold having still further fallen in value in Britain, the disparity has again further increased; for accounting pieces of eight, only at five shillings and four pence per ounce, which is under a medium for their common price; and gold at three pounds, eighteen shillings, which is near its present or late value, in England; an ounce of Spanish silver is truly equivalent to seven shillings and six pence in gold, at five pounds ten shillings per ounce as we rate it. It is therefore, neither avarice nor sharping that has occasioned this advance in the exchange of these two metals, but the essential difference in their intrinsic value at the market to which they are carried; which is estimated by rules, that ever will prevail among competent reasoners on the basis of trade, though such as go beyond their last, will meddle with matters out of their sphere, are uncapable of comprehending them.

But, from hence a sure rule may be taken in relation to paper, that by so much as the value of public bills sink, by so much will gold and silver rise, in proportion to their intrinsic worth; as we find our silver has done in proportion to our gold; and the constant standard to measure this by, will be the exchange between the English colony, where they are made current, and Great Britain. From hence the loss on bills is to be estimated in all places where they pass: the exchange in N. York before the bills fell: viz. in 1716, was fifty per cent. and in Boston, not long before; but since 1717, the year they uttered their last great quantity of bills, it arose to sixty-five per cent. and in Boston, it is now near one hundred and fifty per cent. as in Carolina, it is from five to six cents advance on one hundred pounds sterling.

The answer to the eighth is of a piece with the rest, a presumptuous denial of a positive truth that is in itself incontestible; for the language of the New York bill runs thus, viz. for a bill of twenty shillings. "This bill, of two ounces ten pennyweight of plate, due from the colony of New York to the possessor thereof, shall be equal in value to Seville pillar, or Mexico plate, &c. And yet that very bill shall, at this time, purchase little more, (if any thing) in pieces of eight than two ounces. It is there fore undeniably true, that such a bill is not equivalent to two ounces and a half of such plate; because, being fallen from its first intended value, it will not purchase so much; and it is really surprising how any men, in direct contradiction to common sense, can amuse themselves and others with such groundless notions. The price of goods at New York, whether cheaper or dearer than at Philadelphia, is out of the question; unless it could be alledged, that a bill of twenty shillings will purchase as much of those goods, as can be bought with the real weight of two ounces and a half of Spanish

We pay as great a deference, may it please the house, to the legislative authority, as any others; yet we well know their wisdom will influence them to lend constantly an open car to all necessary hints from without doors, that may contribute any advantage to the important affairs, brought from time to time under their consideration.

From hence it is, that we shall yet crave liberty to offer our further sentiments, not only in relation to a paper credit, but upon some other points, that nearly concern the prosperity of this colony.

Such bills, we find, have been issued in America on two different foundations, the one has been to raise a large sum immediately, on the credit of future taxes, duties, &c. by which they were to be regularly sunk in time; the other to be lent out on securities, and to be sunk by the borrowers, repaying them into the treasury. Those of New York and South Carolina, were by the first method, and those of New Eng land and Rhode Island, by the second.

In Carolina they were obliged, for the defence of their town and country, against some threatened invasions, to raise an immense sum, for so small a colony, vastly exceeding the occasion they had for a currency; especially since their rice, which foreigners come to carry away, will purchase most of the goods they want; and this sunk the credit of their bills to the low state they were depressed to. In New York, their first bills, raised by the same method, viz. by anticipating the duties, by which they were to be sunk again, kept up their credit; and, because of the certainty of their terminating, and the quantity being moderate, in a place of such large and extended commerce, they continued of equal value with their current silver, until the year 1717, when they issued another large sum, and for a longer term; upon which their credit immediately fell to a disparity with their real money.

Further to the castward, their bills being issued on loans only, by which method they cannot be called in, with so much certainty, they consequently fell more than one third below the value, at which they were first issued; and the same may be expected from the like measures to happen here; for seeing very few borrowers are found to discharge their mortgages to private persons, in time, and according to contract, it will be expected that the public, to whom such loud cries are raised, for succour to the distressed, will rather be more indulgent, than rigorous, to their humble suppliants.

It will, therefore, be evident, that to keep up the credit of bills the quantity need be moderate, and should be somewhat under a sufficiency for a circulating currency,

1829.]

DIFFICULTIES OF TRADE AND CURRENCY.

that we may as they do in New York, contrive means to supply ourselves with some quantities of cash, which is real treasure in a country, while bills are no more than borrowing from one another without adding one penný to the wealth or stock of the colony; and next, that a certainty of their being sunk in a reasonable time, will principally contribute to support that credit.

It was observed before, in the last article presented by us, to the House, that such measures ought to be taken for this, as shall render it absolutely necessary for the public that the bills shall be sunk regularly.

unless we compensate these natural defects, by such improvements in industry and other good qualities, as may deservedly acquire us a reputation.

That the husbandman and merchant are the principal supporters of the colony, from whom all other kinds of business among us, receive their encouragement; the one raising the produce, and the other exporting it by navigation.

That, by the common methods of our trade, for want of a vent abroad, for our wheat and what is manufactured from it, we can never become considerable; and therefore it is necessary that the countryman should endeavor for some other improvements, and the merchant labour to find out new channels for commerce, by pursuing it in all the branches that may lie open to us in other countries for both these will ever, in reality, have a natural dependence on each other.

It is therefore, upon the whole, with all due submission, proposed to the consideration of the House, whether it may not be rather requisite to retrench the quantity last voted, than to augment it, as some desire; considering that ten pounds of that currency will probably circulate more and faster than twenty or thirty of gold or silver; because the latter has a constant intrinsic va- That it is an unhappiness to this country, that there lue, while the other, more subject to change, and de-are not more wealthy men in trade, who, by large stocks, signed only for a medium of commerce, will be more briskly shifted from hand to hand, to answer that purpose? and whether the following methods of applying it may not render it more serviceable, viz. that, seeing the public is now, by the Treasurer's account, besides some other sums not yet settled, above one thousand six hundred pounds in debt, and the support for the ensuing year is yet to be provided for, a sum of about three thousand pounds, to be paid out of the bills to be sunk, by an excise or such other method as the House shall best approve of, for returning that sum in three, four or five years, as shall be judged inost convenient.

could force such an extended commerce as in New York and Boston; for by these means more shipping, and therefore more workmen and people would be employed; and both a greater exportation and consumption of the country produce, to the encouragement of the farmer, would be occasioned by it.

That it has ever been accounted a great advantage to a country, to have men in it who can supply others with money in their necessities, on such terms as the laws approve; for from such opportunities the industrious and ingenious, who for want of something in their hands, might be ever tied down to poverty, may find That a sum, sufficient to finish the prison and work- means to raise themselves (as many have done) to forhouse of Philadelphia, be lent out of the bills of the tune, and a capacity of being extremely useful: From city and county, to be returned into the treasury, by a hence many have received vast advantages, by compassyearly tax on the inhabitants, not exceeding one pennying bargains, that otherwise they must for ever have per pound, till the said sum be discharged; the present taxes of three pence per pound being too heavy, in these difficult times, for the public to bear.

gone without. In short, there is nothing more equitable, than that the active and industrious should, for a moderate consideration, have the use of other mens stocks, who either for want of skill or inclination, cannot employ it themselves.

That the rest be lent out, as is already proposed to the House, on good unquestionable securities, at the interest agreed on; but, for the better assuring their sinking, that all public monies, raised by any taxes, excise, or duties whatsoever, be paid into the respective treasuries only in that specie to be there sunk; and the full value of such public monies be made good out of the sums paid in by the borrowers, whether in coin, paper, or country produce, to answer the ends for which the same was raised; by which means the bills must necessarily be sunk, and the payments be duly made by the borrow-commerce, on which great numbers of the people have ers without any excuse or favour.

That, for the more effectual support of the credit of the bills, sixpence in the pound be allowed to the person who pays them in, as public money, to be made good out of the interest paid by the borrower.

These measures, may it please the House, it is believed, will very much contribute to answer the just ends proposed by the bills, with the least injury or loss to the

receivers.

The reflections in this last paper as well as others, which have industriously been rendered popular, shall be answered by showing, from the state of the country, how destructive to its true interest that spirit is, to which too many appear to have resigned themselves, that those who are sincerely well affected to the public, may, with more distinguishing judgment, observe the measures, by which our common interest may be most effectually promoted; for which end, we beg leave to add the following remarks, viz.

That this small colony, consisting at present, only of three counties, and of no extraordinary soil, situate but on one side of one navigable river, is therefore inferior in natural advantages to all others around us; and having no produce but what other colonies more commodiously situated, not only rival us in, but of late Irave outdone us, we cannot therefore equally flourish with others,

That the wealth of a country consists in the riches of its Inhabitants, and the richer every country is, the better it is for a poor man to live in. All these being unquestionable truths, it is astonishing to consider, while we have scarce one man in the country that can be accounted rich, when compared with divers in other colonies; while the Province really suffers for want of more men of ability to promote its interest, and enlarge its

their dependance; while money can scarce be had on any terms, to lend or borrow, and seldom ever could be obtained on loan, but by intreaty, and with solicitation: It is astonishing, we say, to consider how 'tis possible, that there should be any amongst us, who in despite of common sense, will suffer themselves to be misled into such a spirit of malignity, as in direct opposition to the interest of the whole, to insult and abuse those few in the place, who are the most capable of promoting that prayer, and under the endearing appearance of popu interest; to return reproaches for what was obtained by larity, to strike at the very sinews of a country's strength, and the evident means of its prosperity, in which all would, according to their ranks, be more or less par

takers.

We humbly crave the House's excuse for these observations, which the unhappy prevailing humour of the time, (as this honourable house, from the last and other applications, cannot but be sensible) has rendered necessary, for rectifying the distempered notions of the misguided. On which, no better advice, (we conceive) can be recommended to such persons, than that of the apostle, viz. To follow after the things which make for their peace; to study to be quiet, and to do their own business, as he has recommended, Rom. xiv. 19. 1 Thess. iv. 11.

Although, it is true, we are at present very poor, yet Love and Unity appears not less wanting amongst us,

than Money; and while we are applying to the Legislature for means to supply the one, if we could be so happy as to join in the other, it would more effectually render it easy to this honourable house to provide for our public necessities, which that we may, is the earnest desire of their most faithful friends.

ITEMS

This

From Documents accompanying the President's Message..
Public Debt.-It appears from the report of the Se-
cretary of the Treasury, that there was paid in 1825, on
account of the debt, the sum of 12,099,044 78.
sum was not all derived, as will be seen hereafter, from
surplus revenue. In 1826, there were paid $11,039,-
444 60, all from surplus revenue; in 1827, $10,001,585
been paid by the close of the year, also from surplus
98, from surplus revenue; and, in 1828, there will have
revenue, $12,163,566 90, making for the four years,
$45,303,642 26. Of this sum, $30,373,188 01 were
applied to the principal, and $14,930,454 25, to the in-
terest of the debt; the whole of the former having gone
towards the reduction of that part of it which bears an
interest of 6 per cent.

On the 30th January, the subject again came before the house, and the proposition to lessen the sum of £15,000 negatived; the further discussion was deferred to the next day, when it was decided "That the punishment to be inflicted by virtue of this act, on the forgers, shall not be the pains and penalty of felony without benefit of clergy." The bill with the amendments and alterations was then recommitted-On the 1st February, the Mayor, &c. of Philadelphia, request the loan of £1500 of the bills of credit without interest to assist in paying their debts, and the house determine to withhold £3000 for the debt, from the 1st of January, 1817, the year in The total sum that will have been paid on account of the payment of the public debts. On the 5th, the act which the Sinking Fund Act passed, to the 1st of Jaentitled "An act to make country produce a lawful ten-nuary next, will be $146,669,773 48. Of this sum der, as well before as after the commencement of actions"-passed.

$88,834,108 66, were paid on account of principal, and $57,835,664 82, on account of interest.

1824, both inclusive, amount to $303,955,539; and the exportations to $287,820,350. Of the latter, $191,350, 881 were of domestic produce and manufactures, and tain that the whole mercantile shipping of the Union, $96,469,469 re-exportation of foreign articles. It is cerincluding that employed in the coasting trade, as well as all that is embarked in foreign commerce and the fisheries, exceeds, at this time, 1,500,000 tons. That of In 1818, the tonnage of the Union was but little more no other nation is probably as large, England eqcepted, than 1.200,000 tons.

Commerce of the United States.-The importations into Feb. 7. It was agreed to allow the signers of the the United States, during the last four years; amount, in bills £20 each for their trouble. On the 8th it was de- value, to $350,202,469. Those for a portion of the termined, that the mode of suing the mortgages shall be present year, are here given by probable estimate, rather than certain knowledge. by scire facias. £50 per annum was fixed as the salary same four years, calculated in the same way, amount to The exportations for the of each trustee of the loan office; and Charles Read $337,202,426. Of the latter, $233,690,035 were of Francis Rawle, Benjamin Vining, and Anthony Morris, domestic produce and manufacture, and $104,133,391were appointed signers, and Samuel Carpenter, a trus-portations for the four years preceding, or from 1821 to were re-exportations of foreign commodities. The imtee. On the 11th it passed the house, and a committee was appointed to carry it to the Governor; who "was pleased to say he would consider it deliberately in Council." On the 15th the Governor returned the bill with amendments; the house consider and reject most of them, and then return it to the Governor for his concur rence; who again "is pleased to say he will consider." On the 26th, the house acquaint the Governor, that "having sat long, they desire to know, particularly, if he has finished his consideration of the bill." He replies, next day, that it is the wish of the Council, that a Revenue. The receipts into the treasury during the committee of conference be appointed by the house, on the importations, amount to 97,957,559 dollars 86 centn last four years, these being all chiefly dependant upot, the points of difficulty, stating that he "daily perceives Those for the present year are here also given, in pars. more and more that the people languish for want of some by estimate, The expenditures for the same time, calcurrency to revive trade and business, which is at pre-culated in the same way, may be stated 95,585,518 dolsent wholly at a stand; wherefore I am of opinion, that all the dispatch imaginable, ought to be given to the paper bill, which I am ready to pass as soon as you please to bring it up, for I think the urgent necessities of the whole people most justly gives it a preference to all other business." The house appointed the committee of conference, who returned and reported—the house disagree. Thus it proceeded until the 2d of the first month (March) 1722-23, when the bill for issuing £15,000 became a law. The extreme caution which was manifested throughout the progress of this business, was occasioned no doubt by the fear of the depreciation of their bills, having some striking examples before them in the neighbouring colonies. The good effects of this emission induced the Assembly, during the same year, to issue £30,000 more. Further difficulties occurred some years afterwards, which we shall take occasion to

notice.

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lars 85 cents. Of this sum, besides what was applied to the public debt, about 14,000,000 dollars will have been expended on internal works, designed to improve the condition of the country, or, otherwise, on objecet not belonging to the mere annual support of government, in its civil, military and naval establishments. The receipts for the four years that preceded, were 84, 728,010 dollars 71 cents; and the expenditures 83,979, 874 dollars 78 cents. The actual receipts from all sources during the year 1827, amounted to 22,966,363 dollars 96, which, with the balance in the Treasury on the first of January of that year, of 6,358,686 dollars, 18, gives an aggregate of 29,325,050 dolls. 14 cts:. Of the sum received as above, during 1827, the customs yielded upwards of 19,500,000 dollars, and the sales of the public lands nearly $1,500,000 The expenditures of the United States for the same year, amounted to $22656,764 04. The same document will supply a speci- ̈ ̈ fication of the particulars, and show a balance in the Treasury on the first of January, 1828, of 6,668,285 dollars 10 cents. The actual receipts during the three first quarters of 1828, are supposed to have amounted to $18,693,580 27; and those of the fourth quarter it is

1829.]

ITEMS FROM NATIONAL DOCUMENTS..

supposed will amount to $5,461,283 40, making the total receipts for 1828, 24,940,863 dolls. 67 cts.; which, added to the balance in the Treasury on the first of January, as above stated, gives an aggregate of 30,763, 149 dollars 77 cts. The expenditures of the three first quarters of the year, are supposed to have amounted to 18,244,907 dollars 91 cents, and those for the fourth quarter it is supposed will amount to 7,392,603 dollars, 72 cents; making, the whole year, 25,637,511 dollars, 63 cents. This expenditure includes, as the items in the documents will show, upwards of 12,000,000 dolls. on account of the debt, and will leave in the Treasury, on the first of January, 1829, an estimated balance of 5,125,638 dollars, 14 cents. The estimated nett revenue for 1829 from commerce, is 21,500,000 dollars; that from the sales of the public lands, may be put down at 1,000,000 dollars; that from bank dividends, at 490, 000 dollars; and that from incidental sources at about 150,000 dollars; making a total of 23,140,000. The expenditures are estimated thus: For the whole civil list, including miscellaneous objects and the 10,000,000 dollars for the debt, $12,160,000; for the military establishments, and objects in connection with them, 5,060, 000 dollars; and for the naval, 4,420,000 dolls.; making on the whole, 21,640,000 dollars, giving an excess of receipts for the year 1829 over its expenditure, of 1,500,000 dollars.

SECRETARY OF WAR.-Troops stationed at Fort Del.4th regiment of artillery,--1 company commanded by Brevet Major Pierce, 5 commissioned officers, 55 noncommissioned do., musicians, artificers and privatesTotal 60.

Recruits. From the 1st January to 30th Sept. 1828, there were enlisted

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Lead made in the United States' Mines, from 1821 to 30th September, 1828, 22,299,564 lbs. of which 12,311, 730 lbs. were made during the year ending September 30, 1828.

Number of Pensioners, 14th October, 1828. In Pennsylvania, invalids, 338-non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, on the roll under act of 18th March, 1818, 702. Number of commissioned officers on roll under same act, 35. Ditto, dropped from roll of Revolutionary Pensioners, under act of 15th May, 1828. 5. Number of officers dropped from Invalid Pension List under same act, 1.

Pensioners who have died in Pennsylvania, in year ending 30th September, 1828: Revolutionary Invalid

28

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1 chaplain

1141 75

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Presq' Isle Bay. The works projected for deepening the channel at the entrance of Presq' Isle Bay, have been completed in a substantial and satisfactory manner, and have already nearly accomplished the intended object, there being in no place less than seven feet water on the bar, where four feet was formerly the greatest depth-and steam-boats and other vessels navigating Lake Erie, enter and leave the port without difficulty. Violent storms on the lake have caused a breach in the point of land forming the bay, which, if not repaired, may cause serious injury to the harbour, by producing a bar inside. An appropriation for this object is asked

for.

Piers in the Delaware, New Castle.-Their construction and repair have progressed satisfactorily, and it is expected they will be placed before the end of the working season, out of danger from the ice. Arrangements have been made for effecting the repair of those at Port Penn, Marcus Hook, and Fort Mifflin. Cost on 30th September, 6,967 dollars 76 cents.

Surveys made under the act of 30th April 1824. Of the Allegheny River, from Pittsburg to Franklin, with a view to the improvement of its navigation.

Reconnoissance of a route for a road from Uniontown, Pa. through Pittsburg to Lake Erie.

Works projected.-Fort opposite the Pea Patch, Delaware river. Estimated cost 347,257 dollars 71 cents.

Apportionment of Arms.-To the militia of Pennsylvania for 1827, 2,341.

Number of Militia in 1827, in the United States 1,208,419, of which there are in Pennsylvania, 188,620, in New York 165,883, Virginia, 100,662, Ohio, 110,364, New England, 188,147.

VOL. III.

2

1 steward

Ordinary

1 lieutenant-1 master-1 carpenter4 able seamen-6 ordinary seamen S Hospital

1 surgeon and 1 surgeon's mate-12 steward-2 nurses-2 washers-1 cook S Civil

1 storekeeper, ($1200,) 3 clerks, 1 master builder, ($2300)-1 clerk-1 inspector & measurer of timber-1 porter.

6,150 00

$30,241 00

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ceived your prompt attention: and its execution, under your supervision, was confided to the secretary of the navy. Immediate measures were taken to advance the work. C. C. Biddle, of Philadelphia, was appointed the agent for the disbursement of the money, and instructions were given for his guidance and direction.He has executed a bond with sufficient sureties, for the faithful performance of his duties, in the penalty required of navy agents; and will receive the compensation allowed by law to them. His accounts will be transmitted to, and settled quarterly by, the Fourth Auditor of the Treasury. The fund and expenditures under it will be kept separate and distinct from all others.

On the 9th of June, Com. Rogers, Gen. Bernard, and William Strickland, Esq. were appointed commissioners to select a site, and prepare a plan and estimates of the work for the approval of the executive and naval officers placed under their control to make the necessary soundings and surveys. They have been employed | in discharge of the duties assigned to them, and their report is daily expected, and when received will be submitted to you. William Strickland has been appointed the engineer, to superintend the erection of the work. Advertisements have been issued, and contracts are now under consideration for a part of the materials. These contracts will, in a few days, be executed. Preparations will be made during the winter, and in the course of the Spring and Summer materials will be delivered, and the work progress to the extent of the appropriation. An additional appropriation will be required during the ensuing session."

A SKETCH OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, PA.

and which from the source from whence it is derived,
there is every reason to believe very nearly correct,
there is now in the county about 32 Grist Mills-65 Saw
Mills-8 Fulling Mills-2 Paper Mills-2 Oil Mills-5
Carding Machines, and 41 Distilleries-and a few Ash-
eries. In February, 1827, through the politeness of
the county commissioners and township assessors, at the
request of the Internal Improvement Society, here, it
was pretty correctly ascertained, that 145,831 lbs. of
Sugar, from the sugar maple-177,360 lbs. Black Salts
and Potash, and 48,754 galls. of Whiskey, were manufac-
tured in the county in 1826. And that, at the same period,
it contained 51,522 acres of Cleared Land,-12,169 of
Meadow-2,970 Horses-18,081 Cattle, and 18,999
Sheep. These articles with the exception of Sugar,
Salts, and Whiskey, must have considerably increased
since that time; at least ten to twenty per cent.
The county has not been explored for mineral pro-
ductions, but it is well ascertained that it abounds with
iron ore; and, no doubt, in process of time, as they are
sought after, other valuable productions will be found in
it, as is now the case in the adjoining counties of Mercer
and Venango.

There are in the county about 28 Churches for divine worship, by the various denominations of Christians, and about 62 Schools.

The several Societies established in the county, for benevolent and other useful purposes, are-a Bible Society-The Sabbath School Union is extended pretty generally through the county-about 63 schools have been organized-a Colonization Society, auxiliary to the American Colonization Society-an Internal Improvement Society-an Agricultural Society, and an Emigration Society.

There are in the county about 30 Stores that pay license; and no doubt there are a sufficient number of Taverns. It also contains about ten small Villages, with Post Office, Stores, &c. in each.

Meadville is the seat of justice, and contains a population of about 1200. It is situated on the left bank of French creek, near the northern margin of a rich and handsome valley, through which that stream meanders

(Extracted from the Crawford Messenger.) CRAWFORD COUNTY is situate near the north-west corner of the state-is bounded on the north by Erie-on the east by Warren and Venango-on the south by Mercer and Venango-and on the west by the state of Ohio. Its length is 464 miles, and its breadth 254-and contains about 670,000 acres of land, and a population of about 15,000. The land generally is of good quality, and but little or no waste land in the is pretty central in the county-about 37 miles from county. It is, however, more particularly adapted to the town of Erie, on lake Erie-24 miles from Franklin, the raising of stock than of grain-but has, nevertheless, on the Allegheny, and 90 miles north of Pittsburg. The an ample proportion well suited to the raising of all town plot gradually rises from the water to its centre, kinds of grain. It is well watered and timbered, and is where is a handsome public square of about five acres. peculiarly favourable to health. French creek enters Immediately fronting the square, on the east, is the it from Erie county, and meandering pretty centrally Court-house, which, in point of beauty, convenience, through it, passes out through a small portion of Mercer and workmanship, is not surpassed by any in the state. into Venango county, and empties into the Allegheny The plan was gratuitously furnished by our distinguishriver, at the town of Franklin. It is a beautiful streamed Architect, Mr. Strickland, of Philadelphia. Its walls of water, and navigable for large boats and rafts a consi- are of brick and cut stone, and it is adorned by a handderable portion of the year-and affords an abundant some cupola. On the rising ground, a short distance supply, at all seasons of the year, for the various water east of the Court House, is the Presbyterian Churchworks established on its banks. It contains many other a good and convenient building—its walls are of brick; handsome streams of smaller size, but sufficiently large and it has a handsome spire and well-toned bell. Imfor mills, &c.-as Cussewogo, the Big and Little Sugar mediately fronting the public square, on the west, and Creek, Oil Creek, Woodcock, Muddy Creek, and Con- near to the north-west corner, stands the Episcopal neauttee, &c. and many other smaller streams-and Church-a very tasteful, neat, and convenient building, abounds with fine springs. And there are three hand- in the Gothic order; and with a handsome tower-and some lakes in the county-the Conneaut, near to the contains a neat and well-toned organ-its walls are of summit level of the Pennsylvania Canal-the Oil Creek brick, painted in imitation of free stone. A short disand the Sugar Creek lakes. The Conneaut is a beauti-tance west of the public square is the Academy-a large ful sheet of water, of about four miles by two, and abounds with fine fish-the other two are of smaller size, but are handsome waters.

The market for the surplus products of the county, and for the supply of its necessary merchandize will, when the canal from Pittsburg to Erie shall be completed, be principally Pittsburg. Indeed this is in a great measure the case at present.

Its manufactures are chiefly those of families for their own consumption and comfort, and are, I presume, at least three-fourths of all the manufactures used in the county.

From the best information at present to be obtained

handsome and convenient building-its walls of brickand has a neat cupola, and a bell. Near the northern border of the town, is erected the State Arsenal-a spacious, neat, and convenient brick building. And a short distance north of the Arsenal, on a commanding eminence overlooking the town, and the valley generally, stands Bently Hall, the edifice of Allegheny College -its walls are of brick and cut stone, and in the Ionic order. It consists of a main building 60 feet front by 44 feet deep; and 3 stories high-and two wings of 30 feet front each, and 2 stories high, with a basement story under the whole and has, also, a handsome cupola. This building would justly be considered an ornament in any

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