SUNBUltY AME1UCAN AND SHAMOKIN JOUKNAL.
THE ISnlM OF NEW MEMCO, THE
Sl'NIS, MOHIH, N AVA JOS, APA(
We are permitted to publifh the following
Inferestinfj letter from Cel. A. W. Doniphan,
of Mo , lo Rev. John P. TWbin, O. D. in re.
f1y lo noma queries addressed to tiim on Ihe
subject of establishing missions tif the Me
thodist Episcopal Church among the Indians
of New Mexico.
Libertv, Mo., Arnit. 10, 585!. ,
Jlev. John P. Durbin, 1). D. ' ' ' j
1 can give jou liltlo information in rc'a--tion
to the Indians of New Mexico, other
than what has been published. On my arri
val in the city of New Orleans, as I returned
. from New Mexico, I furnished one of the
cily papers, (the National,) a brief descrip
tion of somo of these tribes and Iho country
they inhabit, and lo that I refer you, but
will hero givo yon a brief account of
those tribes of which Mr. Gurley speaks.
' A mission to the Zunians or Zmii?, is more
likely to prove successful than any other.
They reside on a branch of the River Gila,
the Southern branch ol the Colorado. They
are not numerous and are mainly confined tu
ono city. They probably number from
6000 to GOOO. They are comparatively civ
ilized. Indeed I consider them ns much so
as the population of New Mexico generally.
They live almost exclusively by agriculture
,nnd cultivato the ground rudely, as do all
ihe New Mexicans. They make good,
warm, coarso blankets and other clothing
from their flocks. When I visited them,
they vecro poor in herds, having been enga.
ged in a war with the Navajoes, their moro
warlike neighbors, who had plundered them
of many sheep, as well as mules and homed
cattle. Tho city in which they reside is
singularly built up, lesembling the old ruins
of tho Aztec towns and villages, as nearly as
I could ascertain from their ruins. Zunis is
divided into four quarters, by two streets
running through the city at right angles.
Every house is two stories high, the lower
ttory presenting a solid wall without win
dow or door, to the street. Tho second story
rises from this apparently solid mass, so far
back of the wall of the lower story, ns to
leave a pathway on lop of the lower, say
eight or ten feet, and on this are all tho al
leys and pass-ways ol tho entire quarter of
the city.
'Tho inhabitants ascend to tho top of the
first story by ladders, and at night or at the
approach of an enemy, these are drawn up
and every house forms a sort of a citadel.
The Zunis regard tho present inhabitants of
Mexico as greatly inferior lo the old Span
iards, and indeed they have, some years
since, thrown olf tho tyranny of Mexico and
her mongrel piiesthood ; for tho religion of
Northern Mexico is a compound of Paganism
and the most degraded form of Romanism.
I think, from these facts, added to tho tem
perament of those Indians, which is kind,
hospitable and pacific, that a mission would
succeed bolter with them than with the
Pueblo Indians of the valley of the Dul Nor-
lo, or even tho superstitious and degraded
jiriestridden Mexicans themselves. The
.Zunis have a large, fertile and delightful
.valley, compared to tho valley cast of tho
Sierra Madre, and, if they could be protect
ed, would soon be a thrifty people.
The Moquis, another tribe of Indians on
the same stream, further south west, are
remarkably mild, pacific, hospitable, indus
trious and honest. Tliey nie poor, because
tho Navajos and Apaches constantly rob
them. Still they make a living by agricul
ture and keep possession of their towns.
They, too, deny the power and jurisdiction
of the Priesthood and of tho Mexican gov
ernment. Their towns are built like the
Tuebla villages of New Mexico. Although
pacific, they are numerous and powerful,
and I think a mission might eubscrvo the
seven villages of Moquis and the Zunis;
they only living about 15 or 20 miles apart
as 1 now recollect.
Tho Navajos nro a bold, bravo, active and
numerous tribe ; possessing more wealth
than all the other Indians of New Mexico.
This consists of countless thousands of hor
ses, mulos and sheep. They are a strange
people, despising houses or even lodges or
touts, and living entirely in the open air,
and almost constantly on horse-back They
are consequently the finest horsemen on tho
continent. They have been at war with
the New Mexicans for many years and have
made them poor by their inroads and plun
dering excursions. They inhabit tha coun
try on the middle or contral water courses
forming tho Colorado. I found them brave,
truthful and magnanimous, and, to all our
Ioops, honest, although our 6lock was often
at their mercy. 13 ut woo to those at war
with them the Mexicans, Zunis and Mo
quis. They treat their females with more
consideration and attention, and require
them to perforin fewer menial offices than
any Indians I havo every met with. The
consequenco is, the females are more cheer
full, sprightly and good louking than those of
other tribes. They are remarkably ingeni
ous, making excellent blankets, with bril
liant and lasting colors ; and yet they spin
without wheels and weave without looms.
They also make saddles and bridles, from
the raw hide, of astonishing durability and
comfort. 15ul it would bo a Herculean labor
to civilize and christianize these bold sons of
the forest.
The Apaches and other tribes are wholly
uninteresting, and I fear past all redemption,
at least during this generation. They are
theives, liars and drunkards, low, dirty, fil
thy and utterly degraded. They live South.
West of Zunis that is one tribe of them
another lives North Kai of Santa Fe. The
Zunis, Moquis and Navajoes are all sober
and cannot be induced lo taste intoxicating
liquors, under any circumstances.
These conclusions are hastily drawn fiom
II march through the country inhabited by
. these Indians and a few days ititeicourse
with each, f the respective tribes. Of
pourse, I caiiuit claim great accuracy, for
oven savage character cannot be coin pre-
1 bended in a moment and require some la
bor and lime properly to solve it. 1 shall be
pleased, huwever, if they can afford any in
lorinaiiim of value to the benevolent iiistitu-
' tion of which, you are secretary,
.
. Very respectfully
i Your obt, sorv't '
A. W. Do.N'IPIlAN.
Never rob a church or priming office,
THE AMEP.ICA1T.
PUiNBURY.
SATtltOAY, MAY 84, 19S1.
II. B. MASSm, Editor end PreprMer.
V. It. PAI.MKR l "r Hiiiliorixrt wrnt tnrcceive uli-
r-riptiiiu anil oilvrrliniin t liUoflice, in Pliiluilcl!iiii, New
Yotk, Boston ami Baltimore.
To Am-FicrrKii The rimilstiim of tha PnitVnry
Amt'ric-nn Hinnitf; tlic tlitlcrciit towns on the nftquehmiit&
in lint exceeded if equalled by nny paper ptililinhcd in North
em Pennsylvania.
FOR GOVF.RNOIl:
WILLTAM r.KilTCR.
Subject to the decision of tha Convention.
KIMTOR-S TABLE.
Untitles Notion.
Tits Juno number of Oodey'i I.ndj'a Book
hns been received, and like its predecessors it is
well filled and richly embellished. AVith tho
July number commences tho 43d volume, and
the 22d yenr of this valunlile and useful periodi
cal. The I.mly's Book receives 11 liberal support
which its merits justly entitled it to.
Mil. Joiix Yursn, advertises a new stoik of
Dry goods, Groceries, Quccinware &e., nt his
Store in Market Street in this place.
AnjortiMr.n SjT.h. The stile of the property
of James Johnson, dee'd., by his Adm'r, has been
adjourned to the 4th of June next,
KtXIGIOLS NOTf IE.
Tun Presbytery of NoRTHf.Miir.Ri.AND,
will hold nn adjourned meeting in Iho Pres
byterian Church, of Snnbnry, on Tuesday,
May 27, at 11 o'clock, A. M.
IL?" Trintixg f.K.
for cash at tins office.
A lew kegs for sale
AGH K'l'LTl'U AL MEETI.va.
Our farmers and others should not nee
lect to attend the Agricultural Meeting;
which will be held at the Court House, in
tli is place, to day, (Saturday.) In almost
every County in the State, we see that
similar meetings are held with a view of
forming agricultural societies. We trust
old Northumberland will not be found be
hind hor neighbors in this matter.
rjj The Rail Road Convention at
Georgetown. We would remind our
readers that the Rail Road Convention, at
Georgetown, in this County, lavorable to
the improvement of the Susquehanna val
lc.y, will be held on Tuesday, the 3d of
Juno next. Delegates are expected from
a, distance. All who feel an interest in
the construction of a Rail Road 1'rom Ilar
risburg to this place, should endeavor to be
present.
The "Sullivan County Democrat,"
is the title of a new paper at Laporte.
It is published and edited by Messrs. Mi
chael Meylert and It. II. Forster. We
wish the gentlemen success in their new
enterprise.
rU" We perceive by the Lewisburg
Chronicle, that a County Convention will
be held at New Berlin, on Tuesday next,
in reference to the completion ol the Sus
quehanna and Sunbury and Erie Rail
Roads. The people are moving in this
matter, and as certainly as the waters of
4he Susquehanna flow into the Chesapeake,
the road will be made.
THE SUSQUEHANNA RAIL ROAD
CONVENTION ON TUESDAY LAST.
The Rail Road Convention held in this
place on Tuesday last was numerously at
tended, notwithstanding the unfavorable
state of the weather. The rain of the pre
vious night had rendered the roads some
what heavy, and the threatening aspect of
the clouds in the morning, prevented many
more from attending. The Convention
was, however, fully represented from this
and tlte surrounding Counties, and from a
distance, by men of the highest standing
and influence in their respective commu
nities. Haltimore was strongly and ably
represented, by a delegation of some of her
most eminent and distinguished citizens, as
will be seen, by the following list of names
which composed the delegation as nearly
as we can recollect, viz:
R. M. Magraw, lion. John P. Kennedy,
Zetios Rarnum, Michael Ilerr, Henry Tif
fany, Enoch Pratt, P. II. Sullivan, Alonzo
Lilly, !. II. Richardson, Wm. E. Slay
hew, Alexander Fisher, Win. Murdock,
Thomas Whitridge, T. E. llambleton, O.
C. Tiflany, Wm. S. Gittings, Wm. Wood
ville, Mr. Lee.
Sir. Magraw, the President of the Haiti
more and Susquehanna Rail Road, who
has been from the start a warm and zealous
friend of this improvement, was exceed
ingly active in its cause. Indeed the
whole delegation seemed to be, as far as
we could learn their sentiments, well
pleased and well satisfied with all they
heard and all they saw. A number of
them were anxious to extend their visit to
our Coal region, and regretted that their
time did not permit them to do to at pre
sent. We have reason to believe they
have left more fully impressed than ever,
with the great advantages which would re
sult from the completion of the Susque
hanna Rail Road, from the Northern ter
minus of the York and Cumberland Road
to this place, and its extension to Erie and
Elmira. The distance from this place to
the terminus opposite Harrisburg, is about
51 miles, and the grades will be descend
ing, and average Jess than two feet to the
mile. Between this place and Dauphin,
a distance of about 40 miles, the road will
be intersected by rail roads running from
lour Coal regions, vi the Shamokin, Tre
vorton or Slahonoy, Lykens' Valley, and
the Dauphin. We will ihen be within
six hours ride from JSallimore, and right
hours from Washington, making these pla
ces accessible, at all times, with the finest
and most rxtensive Coal regions in the
world. And when the extension is made
to Williamsport and Elmira, the whole
distance from Baltimore to Elmira, where it
intersects the New York and Erie Road,
will be 24-9 -miles, 34 miles less than to
New York, with grades not much more
than half the elevation.
The following brief synopsis of the re.
marks of some of the speakers, hastily
sketched by us, while acting as ono of the
Secretaries of the Convention, may nol
prove uninteresting to our readers.
Gen. William F. Packer, addressed the
Convention at length upon the subject for
which they wero convened. His speech was
listened lo with marked attention, and
abounded in much useful and interesting
statistical information. Ho spoke of the pro
posed Susquehanna 1? ail Road in a local and
a national point of view of the gieat diffi
culty in obtaining its charier, on account of
the prejudices nnd opposition encountered
from the Philadelphia members, and in fact
from nearly all tho members F.ast of tho
Susquehanna, but one or two having voted
for tho bill. Mr. Packer exhibited a map
showing tho route from the Lakes to Balti
more to be in nn almost direct line. He
then referred to tho immense trade of the
Lakes, according to statistics from an offi
cial source, which in 1343 was, on
Lake Erie, tl5,7S5 048
" Huron, 84S 152
" Michigan, . 24.320 431
" Ontario, 28,141 000
" Chainplain, 16,7M 700
" St. Clair, C39 524
5186,484 905
Showing tho total value, of our Lake trade
for the year 1848 to be over 136 millions of
dollars, 40 millions more than tho whole for
eign export trade of the United States.
Ha also referred to the vast income of Ihe
improvements of New Vork leading lo
tho Lake., viz: tho Krio Canal tho Bail
Bond from Albany to Buffalo the New York
and Erie Boad, and the Western Road from
Albany lo Boston, the profits of which were
S5,43!),335 making tho profits far a single
year nearly five nnd a half millions of dollars.
He also referred to the advantages of the
Susquehanna route in points of distance, viz :
the distance from Elmira to New Vork is
283 miles; from Elmira, by Iho valley of
tho Susquehanna, to Philadelphia is 277
miles; and from Klmira to Baltimore, is 256
miles ; by w hich it will be perceived that
Philadelphia anil Baltimore arc both nearer
to Lake Erie by this route, than New Yoik !
They arc not only nearer thu Lakes, but the
route through Pennsylvania has tho advan
lago in grades tho elevation in no instance
exceeding 45 feet lo tha mile, anil that only
for a shoit distance nt a single summit. For
moiu than 100 miles the grade is under four
feet lo tho mile. On the other hand, the
New York and Erie Railroad hns all the dif
ficulties of sleep grades, short curvatures and
high biidges lo encounter east of Elmira,
and wnrsn than all, a transhipment takes
place at Piermont from Ihe H.iilroad cars to
steamboats on the Hudson. Mr. Packer
having concluded.
Hon. John P. Kennkov, of Baltimore ad
dressed the Convention in an ablo and elo
quent speech, nnd was listened to with that
attention which his character as a literary
man, and his reputation as a statesman,
justly demanded. Mr. Kennedy commenced
by saying lhat he came to listen. He came
as a friend from a friendly city. Ho re
gretted the feeling of jealousy thai actuated
a portion nf tho citizens of this State.
Though separated by Slate lines, we are but
one people under the bioad flag of the Uni
on. Ho stated that the Susquehanna route
to tho Lakes was the roulo God and nature
had provided, and was beyond competition
the best and the most feasible. He alluded
to tho prejudices that unfortunately drove
Baltimore to construct the Baltimore and
Ohio Rail Road through another Slate in
stead of Pennsylvania, but he was glad to
see ihosi) prejudices wearing off. He would
bo willing to grant the right of way from
ono Slate to the other until, the whole Uni
on 'vas crossed, liku tho multiplication table,
with rail roads. He stated thai Philadelphia
was also deeply interested in this woik, and
if she would assist Baltimore in this great
work, she never would regret her associa
tion, lie assured the Convention that Balti
more would iuot earnestly unite with them
to accomplish this great enterprise.
C Y. Hegins, Esq., made a few remarks,
staling that some of our citizens interested
in our mineral resources would liberally aid
in the extension of these improvements. A
town of COO inhabitants had nlroady sprung
up in the coal region ten or eleven miles
East of this place, w here one year since there
was not a tingle habitation. A region which
in a few years could send a million of tons of
Coal lo Ihe Market. This is but one of the
ftedeis nf this road. Fifteen miles of road
on the route between Ibis and Harrisburg was
already surveyed and would bespeedily con
struclud as an outlet for the Coat region.
Hugh Balloon. Tha Lancaster Rtnubli.
can says lhat Mr. John Wise has nearly
completed a Mammoth Balloon, capable of
holding fifty thousand cubio feet of gas, and
carrying up sixteen persons of one hundred
and fifty pounds each. He intends to make
his first voyage from the city of Philadel
phia, some lime soon.
The Turkish "trowsers" have been iiitro
duced into St. Louis. The feminities are
awake.
RcrriLO contains thirty-two churches and
50,000 inhabitants.
Hail ltoat Conucntioti.
SUSQUEHANNA RAIL ROAD CON
VEHTIOIT. Pursuant to publio notice, the friends of
Ihe Susquehanna Rail Road assembled in
Convention at Ihe Couit House, in this place,
on Tuesday the 20ih Inst., at hair past II o'
clock. On motion of J. B. Packer, Esq., the
Convention was organized by the appoint
ment of the following officer :
President
GEN. SIMON CAMERON.
Vice Presidents.
Hon. John P. Kennedy, of Baltimore.
Wm. E. Matrcw,
Enoch Pratt,
Alonzo Lilly,
0. C Tiffany,
Twos.' Whitridce,
Wm. Murdoch,
Lewis Dewart,
Rkuden Feuely,
A. Jordan,
Ida T. Clement,
II con Bellas,
Geo. C Welkek,
Sunbury.
Jos. R. Priestley.
Northumberland.
Wm. Forsyth, "
Jesse C Hortov, "
Wm. Cameron, Lewisburg.
Eli Slifer, "
John Walls, "
Samuel tlersi'RN, Milton,
R. M. Frick, "
Chas. A. Kut., "
John F. Cowan, VYilliamsport.
Wm. Wilson, "
ClIAS. D. El.DHEP, "
Geo. B. Wf.iser, Georgetown.
James Freeland, Millersburg.
Simon Sai.lade, Berrysburg.
John P. Leebkick, Halifax.
Jas. J. Naili.e, Hanover.
Wm. Glenn, , Lancaster.
F. K. Boas, Hariieburg.
David R. Porter, "
Henry C Ever, Selinsgrovo.
Jacob W. Smith, "
Felix Maurer, Lino Mountain.
Secretaries.
Ural II. Richardson, Baltimore.
Thos. E. Hamhletun, "
II. B. Massrr, Sunhury.
Geo. B. ToungimM, "
C. J. limner, "
H'm. Wilson, Northumberland.
Gen. Cameron upon taking his seat as
President of the Convention, returned his
thanks lo that body for the high honor con
ferred upon him, and proceeded to state the
object of the Convention the great impor
tance of the improvements, for tho further
ance and early completion of which, tho
Convention had assembled. He slated that
he was long familiar with the country
through which the road from Sunbury to
Harrisburg was to pass, and with him it had
long been a cherished object. He had the
most implicit confidence in the project and
felt satisfied lhat it would prove one of the
most profitable roads in the Union. The
tonnage of the three Coal fields between
Sunbury and Harrisburg would of itself, len
der the stock of the road highly profitable.
On motion of C. W. Ilegius, Esq., a Com
mittee of five persons were appointed to pre
pare business for the Convention. Whon
Iho President appointed the following, viz:
Chas. W. Ilogins, R. M. Magraw, Win. F.
Packer, A. B. Warfoid, and William L.
Dewart.
On motion Ihe Convention adjourned to
meet again at 2 o'clock, P. M.
The Conveution having assembled at thu
time appointed, Mr. Hegius, Chairman of the
Committee, reported the following resolu
tions :
Resolved, That ihe proposed rail way con
nection between ihe Northern terminus of
the York and Cumberland Rail Road, con
necting, as it does, with the great Pennsyl
vania Rail Road the Dauphin and Susque
hanna Ihe Trevorton and Mithonoy, and
the Shamokin and Sunbury, and extending
to the New York and Erie Rail Road, is a
project of great national as well as local im
portance. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Con
vention, the agriculluial and mineral pro
ducts of the valley of the Susquehanna, w ill
throw upon Ihe proposed rail way, a lonnage
which will yield more than a full return for
the amount of capital required for its com
pletion, while the immense trade and tiavel
between Ihe Lakes and the Gulf, must make
it one of the greatest thoroughfares in the
United States.
Resolved, That it is essential to tho im
mense trade, and especially lo the Coal and
(ion trade from the valley of the Susque
hanna, lo the great Lakes on the North, and
the Chesapeake on the South, that the rail
way lo be constructed lo connect these ex
treme points, should bo of the uniform Penn
sylvania and Maryland guage and lhat the
Companies whose roads will form this great
line of rail way, be earnestly requested to
build their improvements lo conform to thai
gunge, and lhat a Committee of five be ap
pointed to confer with the several Compa
nies on this subject.
Resolved, That an executive Committee to
consist of fifty-six poisons be appointed lo
asit in the furtherance of the object of
this Convention.
Mr. Gonder of Lancaster, referring to one
of the resolutions in regard to the contem
plated wide guage on the Williamsport and
Ehniia road, suggested that all ditficulties
on that score eould be adjusted.
Gen. Wm. F. Packer, of Lycoming, then
addressed Ihe Convention at considerable
leughlh on the subject for w hich they had
assembled. He spoke of the proposed road
in a local at well at a national point of
view, and proved by statistical information,
its great impoitance and ita ultimate value,
a il, must necessarily become the great
throughfare from the Lake to Ihe Atlantic.
Hon. John P. Kenedy, of Baltimore, fol
lowed Mr. Packer in an eloquent speech on
the subject such a one a might be expect
frora a acholor and a statesman. He assured
the Convention that Baltimore would heart
ily unite with them, and use every effort to
accomplish thia greet enterprise. He re
gretted that Philadelphia did not consult her
true interests, and aid in the construction of 1
the road.
C. W. He-gins, Esq., made a few remarks,
stating that somo of our citizens interested
in our mineral regions, would themselve
put under contract about 15 miles of rail road
along the route of the contemplated road
between this and Harrisburg. That a town
of six hundred inhabitants had sprung up
within a yenr pnst in this coal region, which
in a few years could send to market one
million of Ions of coat.
Robeit M. Magraw, of Baltimore, also
made a few remarks in relation to Ihe im
provements On Ihe Susquehanna.
The resolutions were Ihen adopted.
Tho following persons were appointed a
Committee in relation lo securing a uniform
ity of guage for the contemplated Rail Road
upon the Susquehanna :
R. M. Magraw, Baltimore.
U U. Richardson, "
A. B. Warrord,
H B. Masser, Sunbury.
R. M. Frick, Milton.'
Tho following persons wero appointed an
executive Committee for the purposes men
tinned in the proceeding resolutions.
Executive Committee.
Wm. F. Packer, Williamsport.
John II. Cowden,
G. Schnabel,
C. D. Eldred,
Thos. W. Lloyd, i
J. F. Cowen, 'i
Wm. A. Petriken, Muncy.
Samuel T. Brown, Milton.
11. M. Frit k,
James Cameron, '
Eli Slifer, Lewisburg.
Join. Walls, .
Geo. F. Miller, . u
Jos. R. Priestley, Northumberland-
Amos E. Kapp, "
Wm. Forsyth, '
John B. Packer, Sunbury.
Hugh Bellas, '
H. B. Masser,
Wm. McCarly,
Geo. B. Younginnn, 11
Win. L. Dewart,
Henry C. Eyer, Selinsgrovo.
Jacob W. Smith, "
Jas. K. Davis, ''
Dr. Geo. U. Weiser, Georgetown.
James Freeland, Millersburg.
David Hrindle, "
Wm. Miller, "
Geo. W. Bowman, '
Nicholas Buyer, Halifax.
Hmny Spies,
John Shanimo, "
John llaldeman, "
John II. Smith, '
Jeremiah Horner, Berrysburg.
James Cooper, "
Geo. Urban, Dauphin.
A. B. War.'ord, Harrisburg.
Philip Dougherty, "
Simon Cameron, Middletown.
John A. Gamble, Jersey Shore.
George Crane, "
George Tomb, "
G. W. Hollenback, Lock Haven.
Allison White, "
Geo. A. Crawford, "
H. L. Diellenbach,
R. M. Magraw,
Baltin
Henry Tiffany, "
Wm. Murdock, "
Enoch Pratt, "
P. II. Sullivan, "
Alonzo Lilly, '
John P. Kennedy, "
Alexander Fisher, "
Wm. E. Mayhew, '
B. H. Richardson, "
Thomas Whitridge, "
On motion it was resolved that these pro
ceedings be published. There being no fur
ther business, tho Convention Ihen adjourned.
(SIGNED BY THE OFFICERS.
C7 The Confederation before the Uni
on. Those who talk lightly of the Union,
and know not how to appreciate its value,
should read the following letter of Mr.
Breck, a venerable and distinguished citi
zen ol Philadelphia.
Philapf.i.i'hia. Jan. 2Slh, 1851.
My dear Dr. Mitchell.:
Nothing that I have read upon the danger
lo which our glorious Union has been expo
sed, equals in eloquence, argument, and
truth, ihe beautiful discourse of the Rev. Dr.
Board man.
Being now within a few months of eighty
years old, I may speak, with the authority of
an eye-witness, of the condition of our coun
try when in a slate of Dmumoii. I can re
port upon its evil.-1, as having been an anx
ious spectator.
After tho peaco of 17S3, when our inde
pendence was acknowledged by Great Brit
ain, the States were left to themselves, to en
deavor to recover from the exhaustion of a
seven years' war ; for Ihe general govern
ment, constituted as follows, was all but a
nullity :
1st. It was authorized lo recommend to
tho several slates and nothing more ; the
consent of every one of which was necessary
to give lagal sanction to any act so recom
mended. 2d. Il could not assess or levy laves.
3d. It had no power to execute punish
ments, except in the military department.
4lh. It could not regulate trade.
5th. It could institute no general judicial
powers.
6th. Neither could it regulate publio roads,
or inland navigation. With such an ineffi
cient form of government, it failed in al
most every appeal for pecuniary aid. It
asked fur authority to lay an impost on im
ported goods of only five per cent., and it
was refused, for want of unanimity in the
stales. A letter from Dr. Franklin upon the
necessity and reasonableness of lhat tax, so
moderate and equal, did nol mend Ihe mat
ter. A government so feeble must neces
sarily be without influeuce. It had little or
no legal or moral power, and was held in no
respect. Each state, acting for itself, began
to lose its feeling of Natlonalit) and Ameri
canism, and lo consider its late associate as
aliens. The people became unruly, disobe
dient, and even insurrectionary. For waut
of commerce, manufactures and money, they
wero unnbln to pay their debts, and were
generally discontented. Bodies of armed
men in Massachusetts and New Hampshire
interrupted Ihe proceedings of the Courts of
Justice. Daniel Shays assembled in tho first
named stnto an armed party of insurgents,
sufficiently formidable to require for its sup
pression a strong force under General Lin
coln.' The poor, weak Congress never
thought of interfering, but left the states to
fight their own battles. In Massachusetts
Ihe equipment of Lincoln's army was the
work of a few men in Boston, who had still
something left ; part of w hich they lent for
the occasion to the state government, whose
trensnry, nfter Shays' defeat, was so exhaust
ed, that riot enough was lefl for Iho most
common current expenses. So low, indeed,
wns it, lhat my father, who was a member
for Boston, of the General Court, at that pe-
riod, told mo that ho had been applied lo by
Jacob Kuhn, its well known messenger, lor
a loan of 7s. 6d. (a dollar nnd a quarter)
to buy candles for an evening ssssion of the
House of Representatives'.
In tho month of June, 1787, on my return
from a residence of a few years in Franco, I
arrived nt New Yoik. The present genera
tion will scarcely be able to realize the stale
of prostration and decay in which I found
that cily. Built chielly of wood, with a very
few vessels at its ruined wharves, it did not
show the smallest sign of revival. The
British had evacuated moro than tlnee years
before, nnd while they held possession, abort
1782, an extensive lire destroyed Triniiy
Church, in Broadway, and both sides of that
street down to Foil George J and now, four
or five years after, not Iho smallest effort had
been made to clear away the rubbish fiom a
singlu building. So spiiitles, so dead, was
ils population of about twenty thousand to
every ilesiio to restore their town! The
next year, in view of the adoption of the
present constitution, Mr. Macomb nnd oth
ers ber.au to rebuild. This was Ihe slale of
the cily of New Yoik when the country was
without a national government, ami v lieu
each sepnrnto- commonwealth was left to
shift for ilsell.
On arriving at Boston, I found the same
languor. Ihe same dearth of improvement.
No commerce, mechanics unemployed, so
much so with the shipwrights, that an asso
ciation of thu few who could command a
little capital, was formed, for the purpose, of
selling up three small ships, to keep the car
penteis from starving or emigrating. Thoso
ships were sold at a low, us I tliink'in 17SS
8!), fur account of the association. Seamen's
wages wero seven dollars a month; liouso
seivants, for men, four; and for females,
filly cents a week. So demoralized w ere iIk
merchants, and inefficient tliu state govern
ment, that smuggling was in universal :ac
liee. I myself havo seen one half of a car
go clandestinely slowed away in the store,
and only the other Imlf entered at the Custom-house,
and this by one of the first mer
cantile firms. The cloiks and apprentices
woio aiders, if not abettors, in this dishon
orable work.
Boston hail decreased in population, f.ul
ing n( sevetal thousands from its colonial
number to 18.0:10, which it contained at the
census of 173'). rii certificates of debt of
the Unite! Slates wero sold at twelve du'ilats
for a hundied! ('"-. fid. on Ihe pound ) Each
state, as well as Massachusetts, governed ils
own mercantile marine nccurdiug to ils own
laws. Of course lheie was no uniform tariir.
and the customs of each varied, levying one
on another as their respective legislutuies
directed.
From lhis chaotic, position, this slate of
disnrder and disunion, Iho federal eonslitii
lion, tinder which we now live, camo with
talismauie power lo operate a perfect cure,
and set everything right.
It wns that instrument, under tho guidance
of a merciful Providence, which raised this
disunited and prostrate people to their feet,
and put courage and hope into their hearts.
It was this governing principle of union, that
made lliem fu'el again like Americans, and
restored those sentiments of honor and kind
brotherhood which had neaily become ex
tinct. With what eagerness did every statu hail
its adoption, and aid in its organization
Such a procession in its honor was displayed
at Philadelphia as had never, in magnifi
cence, been surpassed in that city. It was
the occasion of a jubilee in every adopting
state. Two only. Ninth Carolina ami Rhode
Island, kept aloof for a year or two, and then
came cordially into the fcdVral ranks ; where
up to this moment, thev, in common witli
their elder nnd younger brothers, have par
taken of a degree of prosperity far exceed
ing tho most romantic predictions ol the
warmest expectant.
When our present constitution went into
operalion, in 1789, one of tho chief elements
of its brilliant beginning was produced by
Alexander llamilion's system of finance,
which brought the continental and slale
debts up to their par value, and thus created
a capital, perfectly available, of about one
millions of dollars. Credit followed, smug
gling stopped, revenue was raised, and a
career of prosperity entered upon, that stands
unmatched in the history of the world !
To relinquish all this! Rut 1 stop: I
will not believe in the possibility of such dis
traction. Willi many thanks to Rev Dr. Boardman,
for his usulul exertions and display of pnro
pntiiotimn at this important juncture, I send
you this, my brief essay, to recall the past ;
and shall be happy if it bo acceptable loyon,
or in any way useful among your friends.
Ever, with greal respect,
Youi friend and humble servant,
Samuel Bhcck
To A. W. Mitchell, M. D.
Uswoaniv 11 is Name. Qua of the Suth
Carolina Congressmen, Gen. Wali.ck, says
he is for going out of the Union by the
shortest road.
Al A R K 1 12 I.
On the 14th inst., by ihe Rev. R. Duen
ger, Mr. Michael Pons v ah, to Mis. Soriiu
Beucta, formerly ot'Noilliiimbcrlatid.
OBITUARY.
Died, In trish Valley, Shamokin tp., on
Ihe 2d of May, MARY RACHAEL SINTON,
wife of John Sinlon, and daughter of George
and Susanna Bastian, nged 54 years, 7 months
and 7 days.
The deceased beforo her departnro was
anxious to leave this world, and exhorted her
friends nnd relatives to bq also prepared to
follow. She was a useful woman, and an
excellent neighbor, attending to tho wants
and ministering to the com foils of the tick.
She wns interred nt Sunbury, on Sunday the
4th ins!
On the same day, nf Consumption, SU
SANNA MOODY, wife of Allen Moody, hud
daughter of John and Susanna Mutchler,
aged 37 yenrs, 0 months and 18 days'"'
Tho death of Iho deceased was sudden,
and wn.i mused by tho rupture of a blood
vesssel while at tho door. She died Soon
after she was taken into tho house. She
was buried on Sunday tho 4th iust., in ihe
Gravo Yard of the Methodist Meeting House,
in Irish Valley. ' '.'
r.mimiiiiicated.J '
vI)c illavlcta.
- - -t
PLiladtlphia Market.
May 21, 1851.;'
Fi.ith AM) Mr.At.. The maiket for Flour
is belter. Slainlnid hiamU are selling at $4
2.";. Sales iwir.i al s t." 1 a $4 50. Fancy
brands nrr held at r 4 J:;i
I!r. l"i..o-a. 1 s.-aici; at t?3..'n.
Cons Mi Al.. I'nn ii. is held at
WltCAT Sales of I'l'ima. red nt '.." c ;
and of prime while at l.u.
Kyi:. U i.i demon !, sales at 70 cl.
Corn.--Tin supply about equals iho de
mand : olio v commands lilt ets.
Oats An1 in demand ul -II cts. for Pa.
nnd -1 1 ti; far Sn.'lhern.
Wm-K i v . Sal. s of bids, nt 23 cents.
Hoc., head,, air held at 22!c.
33aH inure Market.
May 21, 1S51."
GRAIN'. S.i a . f to strictly prime
reds wci e made . .n S.. i.i la v a! inl a tl.'i cent ;
S.des of com ;.t .'.-J ct i . : ; fur while, and
57 o:s., Irv vi: x. j
We ijllole' I ).i; at a 1 : C'S.
VlllSKKY.-.;-..Ys ol iVnnn. bids, nt 23
ets., and nf Id: i.. ',-2 '.Ij. Sales of Balli
iiinic .i!. al C't e:
I' cv; A 'Ivert bexents.
KEY G00DZ. AT T7IE STORE OF
' in ! t , ii V !t; s li-tunn'd from
'( r t iisiititH'iit of
Me v vin- Goods,
tth'rh !'' n!Vr- t',- si
Ul TIii-m' ..
.-si .,i.v... I!:.-: ..!.- i
it Ua eld Mantl ill Mar-
ii: !' sniil at I tie low
:r ;-,M ul' every valietYj
5. i'V i ;,::ils.
''; 'i ; Ci-i 'o. ' ' e ' -. Cut if net;
(il.':''' I. ',-,$. i :i't tiiA .ll-
llt-S ih i ('.,' '-...-: tiO'u's
II.
A ; -t . :i "i ;i -rinu n of
lYJra Ic.f y-:.t:, Caps, &c,
llar,!,t:!i Jrci :i;J M.rl, .Mails, it(j
A grtici.ii a-virli!!-;it d' Groceries, Sugars
Coto T. ... Ci . -:-, Mi).
in crliani;
at i!h 'a : 111 i.i:. :
f'UniLlS COURT
A t WoriUN 1 j SALE-
V! - .'.in . :( .. HipLins' I'ourt
1 ..t .V .; .1,,..,. , ;,,,!, i.ii-, I. vph Johnson,
A.b-'h. - t 'i' '' ' . ol tar .4.1. ids, Ac, ol
!.- - ':r-. M. .i f . ... ::iiimi-rliitiil oYc'd.j
v i'i r )..-1 : 1 ! a. .1 vi-n.lue e.11 tlii? pre
hum s, en V 1 n : ... . v i'ii- till day of Junt
l:tl, a' 'J -.;. '.. P. a! l!.nt- I'aor crrtani
biln.it' 1 i:i
so lit I ' n : 1 1 '
i.l!iaiiilier!.iiiil, iii
:1
Twcn'v Ac rt's
inorr ur ! :, a-: iai I.inr". af tii lii'in of J'
la, ii- a'.:., .' 1- 1. 1 Waili-' and Anion Yr.
Kaj.p, 1. a ul.i !i i r.i. .1 1.1. id Two 1-Onrv
f:- iXAME DWELLING HOUSE
i.-. ' iiiid aial 1. i:..T iaipioveilli'lltt:
JDSKl'li JOHNSON.
Ai'ndr a nun of
.1 . .soiiNsoN, dec'.':
11- ,,i.'-r 1 ,,, :, )
J11.1. V. IV, m i. ix. o. r.i
Suul'u. v , :.i 1, IvM.
NOTICE
To tho IIs.L-3 -J 1'rtu 'k Raker, Dec'ii.-
JV'TIri; p, ;,. ,y t:i-.-u t.i I.uvinn Raker,
' niti-t i..,ii , .1 w a ii I.Vl i rt W. Lu-iu-licl, since
lUvi-jxi'd, a;;.! '..1.1 . i l.'-ik'-r, la iis and legal rc
rcsi iitaiivi s of lV- .n il,! I'ri'-li ri k linker, dec'ii.,
Ilial ! vi.ii.i- i f a o il :m nt of Partition nnd
alnaiii 11, i-ia il 1 ul i.f the Cipliiins' Court of
Noiilniiii! i'i I. in. I comity, ta im- liirrctcd, an In-iiiii-itiiii
uid In- laid at It) o'clock, A.M., OH
I f lJ'A, t'at- l.'ili i':iv of July next, upon
t!i" pi-inii-cs of liie Ke.t CMali' of saitl tleceast'd,
siiuatt- in l.ittli- Malion.'v wwiiMiip, Northum
berland luiiniy, at ulii.'li time, und place you are
Iiereliy warnul 10 U: ami appear if you think
proper.
JAMI.-s COVF.HT, SherifT.
Shr'tr. OaVe, Siinainy, )
May V. I, 1S1 Lt. I .
TO TI1K KI.F.CTORS ul' NoUTHL'.MRER
f.AN L) COt'NTV.
T 11 1 1) sii'.iKcil'f-r 1'' spri'li'idly informs his friends
JL und It How l ili.t'iia of N onlniiulicrluiid coun
ty, that In: o!lt-oi himself 11 a candidate, for
Countv ('timniUsioner,
nt the ensnim; i-liatian. 1ft! solicit from his
liieints am! ft'liaw i-itui-ns a suppoit, nnd promi
ses sliuui.l lie I e vli-.-ted to dim-barge the duties
ol tlic ollirc vsidi l'aitliiv.
I 'Il A RLE WEAVER.
Smi'.miy, .May -.'I, ls.'il. . -
ORPHANS' COURT
SALK.
X pursuance of in order of the Orphans' Court
ol .NoiUiuiidu rl.unl county, will lie exposed
1
lo pulilic nali: on A l'l i;i)A V, the Hill day of
June next, at die i'ulilii- ilounc of Henry Haas,
in tliu lioiougli of NoilliuuiU-rlaud, viz:
f-A A CERTAIN LOG HOUSE .
J I 3- inn! Lot of (iround ultuio in the Bor
uue.li nt Norttiumliiriainl, aforesaid, numbered
in the Ton 11 plan ui the untie, and contain
11115 'illy feet ill li out, und tvvo hundred and forty
lVet in di-plli. l.ate the Estate of Andrew Cjao-Iht-r
of Northumberland, deceased. Sal lo
commence at 11) o'clock, A. M. of uid iluy, when
the terms of sale will he made known by
ALEXANDER COLT, Adm'r.
IJv order of thu Court. )
joiix i 11 iw:i., Clk. J
Mav 10, lSOl U. .