Part 101
Fort Norris came next in the chain and was near Greensweig’s, Monroe County, and fifteen miles west was Fort Allen, and then Fort Franklin, in Albany Township, Berks County, and nineteen miles west was Fort Lebanon, also known as Fort William, about a mile and a half from the present town of Auburn, a short distance from Port Clinton. The next in the chain was the small fort at Deitrick Six’s, then Fort Henry; then Fort Swatara, both described in former stories, and then Fort Hunter, six miles above Harrisburg, and Fort Halifax, both on the Susquehanna River.
Crossing the river was Fort Patterson, in the Tuscarora Valley, opposite Mexico, Juniata County; Fort Granville, near Lewistown; Fort Shirley, near Aughwick Creek; Fort Lyttleton, at Sugar Cabins, and Fort McDowell, in Franklin County, the last of the line in the Province of Pennsylvania.
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Mason and Dixon Determined Starting Point for Boundary Survey, December 30, 1763
The dispute over the boundary of the province on the south began with the acquisition of the charter and continued through the life of William Penn and his descendants, until almost the end of Proprietary Government in Pennsylvania.
Charles Calvert, the fifth Lord Baltimore, drew an agreement, defining the boundaries between Maryland and Delaware and Maryland and Pennsylvania. On May 10, 1732, John and Thomas Penn agreed to this and signed the instrument. John Penn and Lord Baltimore then came to America, and, Baltimore changed his mind and caused every possible delay in having a survey made of this disputed line.
Commissioners had been appointed by both governments and they did nothing but wrangle for the eighteen months allowed in the agreement, and Baltimore believed this made it of no effect.
The Penn family won in court and the conduct of Baltimore was censured.
Frederick, the sixth Lord Baltimore, declined to be bound by any act of his predecessors, and again many years were wasted.
In 1760 a new agreement was made which was practically identical with the one of 1732. Commissioners on the part of Pennsylvania were the Governor, James Hamilton, Richard Peters, Reverend Dr. Ewing, William Allen, William Coleman, Thomas Willing, Benjamin Clew, and Edward Shippen, Jr., a selection which assured good and faithful performance.
The first three years were spent by the surveyors employed in marking the lines of Delaware. The circle around New Castle was drawn by David Rittenhouse, and added much to his reputation.
This work proceeded too slowly and on August 4, 1763, Thomas and Richard Penn, and Frederick, Lord Baltimore, then being together in London, agreed with Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, two well known English astronomers, “to mark, run out, settle, fix, and determine all such parts of the circle, marks, lines, and boundaries, as were mentioned in the several articles or commissions, and were not yet completed.”
Mason and Dixon arrived in Philadelphia, November 15, 1763, and forthwith engaged in work.
They began their survey by ascertaining the latitude of the southernmost part of the City of Philadelphia, which they agreed was the north wall of the house then occupied by Thomas Plumstead and Joseph Huddle, on the south side of Cedar Street. They determined it was 39° 56' 37.4”. This was ascertained December 30, 1763, and the actual survey of the boundary line properly began on this date.
During January and February, 1764, they measured thirty-one miles westward of the city to the forks of the Brandywine, where they planted a quartzose stone, six miles west of the meridian of the court house in West Chester.
With this stone as a fixed point they determined the point from which they should start to run the horizontal line of five degrees longitude to fix the southern boundary. This was of course the northeast corner of the State of Maryland.
From this point they extended the line 230 miles, eighteen chains, and twenty-one links, or 244 miles, thirty-eight chains, and thirty-six links, from the Delaware River. This was done during 1766 and 1767.
The Indians could not understand the object of an exploring expedition that spent every clear night gazing at the stars through big guns, and they soon stopped their progress. The Penns used their influence with the Indians and the work proceeded.
The western extremity of Maryland was reached and passed, and the astronomers were encamped on the banks of the Monongahela, when the Indians again interposed. Their attitude was so threatening that many of the servants and workmen of the expedition deserted. But the great delight and satisfaction of running an astronomical line through primeval forests raised Mason and Dixon above all fears, and they pressed on to the Warrior Branch of the great Catawba Indian trail.
This was on the borders of a stream called Dunkard Creek, about the middle point on the southern boundary line of the present Green County. Here the Indians took such a menacing stand that Mason and Dixon were obliged to return, and their Dunkard Creek trail, or Warrior trail, remained the terminus of their line for many years.
This Mason and Dixon’s line was a great achievement in that day, and a new thing in science. These two modest but skillful men had made themselves immortal. Their line was not marked by river, creek or even mountain range, it was an imaginary one. At every fifth mile a stone was set up marked on the northern side with the arms of the Penns and on the southern side with the arms of Baltimore, each intermediate mile was marked with stones having P. on the one side and M. on the opposite side.
This line, fixed after nearly a hundred years of conflict, is more unalterable than if nature had originally made it. It became the boundary line between the great sides of the slavery question, and divided the armies of the North and South in the great Civil War.
The interference of the Indians having arrested further work, Messrs. Mason and Dixon returned to Philadelphia, where they reported to the commissioner, and on December 26, 1767, received an honorable discharge.
There were many minor disturbances occasioned by this line, and the
## actions of the rough border population were slow to become satisfied. A
surveyor’s transit or astronomy was not enough to determine the limits of their civil pride. These people had grown accustomed to the temporary lines which had been run about 1740, which was about one-quarter of a mile above the true one, and they became as much excited over that narrow strip as they had been when they hoped to penetrate miles into Pennsylvania.
The government of Pennsylvania determined to acquire its rightful jurisdiction and in 1774, a proclamation was issued, which has generally been considered the final act in the boundary controversy.
The residue of the southern boundary, a little less than twenty-two miles, was run in 1782 by Robert Andrews, Andrew Ellicott, John Ewing, David Rittenhouse, and John Hutchins, and completed and permanently marked in 1784.
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First Bank in America Chartered in Philadelphia, December 31, 1781
Congress again assembled in Philadelphia on July 2, 1778, and on the 9th the “Articles of Confederation,” engrossed on parchment, were signed by the delegates of eight States.
Pennsylvania was one of those states which immediately acceded to the Confederation. The delegation from this State consisted of Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, Daniel Roderdeau, Jonathan Bayard Smith, James Smith, of Yorktown; William Clingan and Joseph Reed.
The “Articles of Confederation” were submitted to the several State Legislatures. Slowly the States ratified them, some of them pointing out serious defects, and all taking time to discuss them. The first State to ratify, in addition to the eight which immediately signed, was North Carolina, July 21, but Maryland steadily refused until March 1, 1781, when the League of States was perfected.
It was soon perceived that under this new Government the Congress had no power, independent of the several States, to enforce taxation.
Robert Morris, then Superintendent of Finance (Secretary of the Treasury), proposed the establishment of a bank in Philadelphia, to supply the Government with money, with a capital of $400,000.
The promissory notes of the bank were to be a legal tender of currency, to be received in payment of all taxes, duties and debts due the United States.
But before Congress could act the patriotic citizens of Philadelphia moved for the establishment of a bank by which means the soldiers in the Continental Army could be supplied with provisions.
A plan for this bank was prepared in Philadelphia which set forth the entire scheme of subscription and operation, down to the minutest detail, even stating that the factor (cashier) “shall provide his store with rum, sugar, coffee, salt and other goods at the cheapest price to those who supply him with provisions, that he may gain a preference of what comes to market.” The provisions were to be purchased for the army in the field.
This plan named the original board of inspectors, Robert Morris, J. M. Nesbitt, Blair M'Clenachan, Samuel Miles and Cadwallader Morris. The two directors were John Nixon and George Clymer and the factor was Tench Francis.
The subscription list was headed:
“Whereas, in the present situation of public affairs in the United States, the greatest and most vigorous exertions are required for the successful management of the just and necessary war in which they are engaged with Great Britain; We, the subscribers, deeply impressed with the sentiments that on such an occasion should govern us, in the prosecution of a war, in the event of which, our own freedom and that of our posterity and the freedom and independence of the United States are all involved, hereby severally pledge our property and credit for the several sums specified and mentioned after our names, in order to support the credit of a bank to be established for furnishing a supply of provisions for the armies of the United States; and we do hereby severally promise and engage to execute to the directors of the said bank bonds of the form hereunto annexed.
“Witness our hands the 17th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1780.”
There were ninety-two original patriot subscribers, the total pledges of whom amounted to £300,000 Pennsylvania currency, payable in gold or silver.
Robert Morris and Blair McClenachan each subscribed £10,000; Bunner, Murray & Co., £6000; Tench Francis, £5500; James Wilson, George Clymer, William Bingham, J. M. Nesbitt & Co., Richard Peters, Samuel Meredith, James Mease, Thomas Barclay, Samuel Morris, Jr., John Cox, Robert L. Hooper, Jr., Hugh Shiell, Samuel Eyre, Matthew Irwin, Thomas Irwin, John Philip De Haas, Philip Moore, John Nixon, Robert Bridges, John Benezet, Henry Hill, John Morgan, Samuel Mifflin, Thomas Mifflin, Thomas Willing and Samuel Powell, each subscribed £5000.
None of the subscribers pledged less than £1000, and it is a question if ever a more liberal list of patriots could be found anywhere than this one.
This bank opened its doors on July 17, 1780, in Front Street, Philadelphia, two doors above Walnut.
To show the mode of doing business an old advertisement says: “All persons who have already lent money are desired to apply for bank notes; and the directors request the favor of those who may hereafter lodge their cash in the bank, that they would tie it up in bundles of bills of one denomination, with labels, and their names indorsed, as the business will thereby be done with less trouble and much greater dispatch.”
The bank continued in operation till the establishment of the Bank of North America, December 31, 1781, and was the first banking institution in America.
The plan for the bank for the Government was approved by the Continental Congress, May 26, 1781, and this financial agent of the Government was chartered by the Congress December 31, 1781. The capital stock was divided into shares of $400 each, in money of gold and silver, to be procured by subscriptions.
Twelve directors were appointed to manage the affairs of the bank, which was entitled by the Congress “The President, Directors and Company of the Bank of North America.”
Alexander Hamilton, observing the prosperity and usefulness to the commercial community and the financial operations of the Government of the Bank of North America, in Philadelphia, and of the Bank of New York, and the Bank of Massachusetts, which were afterward established, and which three banks held the entire banking capital of the country before 1791, recommended the establishment of a Government bank in his famous report on the finances (1790), as Secretary of the Treasury.
Hamilton’s suggestion was speedily acted upon, and an act for the purpose was adopted February 8, 1791.
President Washington asked the written opinion of his Cabinet concerning its constitutionality. They were equally divided. The President, believing it legal, signed the bill.
The bank was named “The United States Bank” and its charter limited to twenty years.
This bank was soon established, with a capital of $10,000,000, of which amount the Government subscribed $2,000,000 in specie and $6,000,000 in stocks of the United States.
The measure was very popular. The shares of the bank rose to 25 and 45 per cent premium, and it paid an average dividend of 8½ per cent on its capital. The shares were $400 each, same as the Bank of North America.
The United States Bank was chartered February 25, 1791, and established at Philadelphia, with branches at different points. Its charter expired without renewal March 4, 1811.
INDEX
A
Aaronsburg Lottery, 276 Abduction of Colonel Timothy Pickering, 438 Abe Little, 236 Abercrombie, Lieutenant Colonel James W., 307 Abington, 736 Abolition Society, 46, 114 Abraham, 540 Abraham, Heights of, 498 Absentz, George, 284 Academy, 45, 882 Academy, Germantown, 283 Academy of Music, 41 Acrods, Benjamin, 190 Adams County, 181, 218, 244, 264, 288, 416, 582, 596, 698, 811, 853 Adams, John, 53, 139, 191, 200, 263, 383, 459, 789, 791, 816 Adams, General John, 583 Addison, Alexander, 605 Address, Lincoln’s Gettysburg, Story, 810 Adet, 789 Adjouquay, 394 Adler (of Reading), The, 191 Adlum, John, 11, 731, 732 Agnew, General James, 691 Agriculture, Department of, 88 Agrippa, Cornelius, 151 Alabama, 8 Advocate, 866 Albany, 45, 491 Albany Township, 918 Albright, General Charles, 49, 109 Alden, Mason F., 906 Alexander, Captain Charles, 324, 713 Alexander, Major General, 854 Alexander, Mrs. Catherine, 369 Alexander’s Tavern, Allan, Mrs. Elizabeth R. P., 204 Allegheny, 300 Allegheny County, 64, 87, 131, 147, 156, 180, 181, 200, 208, 216, 223, 262, 596, 598, 687, 775, 896 Allegheny Episodes (quoted), 391 Allegheny River, 11 etc. Allegheny & Portage Railroad, 201 Allen, Andrew, 308, 661 Allen, Anne, 107, 393 Allen, Christopher, 531 Allen, John, 510 Allen, General Ethan, 848 Allen, Lieutenant, 759 Allen, Massacre of Family, 344 Allen, Nathaniel, 340 Allen, Nicholas, 110 Allen, Peter, 392 Allen Rifles, 277 Allen, Samuel, 150 Allen, William, 107, 392, 513, 682, 779, 782, 867 Allentown, 81, 277, 384 Allentown (Pitts), 201 Allison, Benjamin, 209, 674 Allison, Dr. Francis, 224 Allison, Dr. J., 10 Allison, James, 827 Allison, Robert, 441 Allison, R. W. Francis, 782 Allison, William, 623 Allman, J. T., 88 Allemewi, 424 Alliance with Indians, Unholy, 654 Alloqueppy’s Town, 320 Allummapees, 255, 283, 301, 437, 449 Almanac, Lancaster County, 678 Almanac, Poor Richard’s, 45 Alricks, Jacob, 667 Alricks, Peter, 447 Altona, 667 Altoona, 40 Alumingh, Falls of, 666 Amatincka, 71 Amboy Railroad, 21, American Company, 271 American Ethnological Society, 54 American Magazine, The, 642 American or Know Nothing Party, 389 American Philosophical Society, 385 American Rebels, 831 Americans, Royal, The, 236 American Sunday School Society, 642 American, The, 75 American Weekly Mercury, 897 “Americanus,” 594 Amherst, General Jeffrey, 346, 372, 538, 587, 703, 710 Ancient Order Hibernians, 47 Anderson, John, 102 Anderson, Major, 39 André, Major John, 91, 138, 271, 347, 348, 607, 669, 709 Andrew (Indian), 437 Andrews, Mrs. (quoted), 811 Andrews, Robert, 662, 708, 921 Andrews, Robert A., 182 Andries, Gunla, 396 Andries, Lace, 792 Andros, Governor Edmund, 447, 610, 792 Anders, Christiana, 826 Anders, Gottleib, 826 Anders, Joanna, 826 Angelica, 835 Angle, The, 455 Annals of Buffalo Valley, 27, 445 Annals of Philadelphia, 900 Annapolis, 337, 364 Annapolis, Jail, 823 Anne, Princess, 763 Anne, Queen, 44, 118 Antes Burying Ground, 337 Antes Fort, 335 Antes Gap, 555 Antes, Heinrich, 31 Antes, Henry, 31, 32, 33, 312, 336, 512, 514 Antes, John, 33 Antes, Johan Heinrich, 31 Antes, John Henry, 335, 819 Antes, Mary Elizabeth, 31, 336 Antes Mill, 31 Antes, Philip Frederic, 31, 335, 336, 380, 731, 732 Antes, William, 336 Anthony, Captain, 859 Anthracite Coal, 110, 111, 112 Antoinette, Marie, 892 Anti-federalists, 518 Anti-Masonry, 182, 518, 567, 568, 850, 855, 868 Anti-Masonic Era, 839; Story, 850, 855 Anti-Masonic Convention, 568 Anti-Masonic Investigation, Story, 889 Anti-Masonic Party, 518 Anti-Slavery Society, Female, 7 Anti-Slavery Society, National, 6, 7 Anti-Slavery Society, World’s, 7 Antrim, County of, 23 Anvil, The, 628 Apollo, 167, 201, 263 Appoquincinnik Creek, 437 Arbor Day, First, 735 Archer, Elizabeth, 510 Archer, General Stephen, 452 Archer, John, 510 Archives of Pennsylvania, 302, 429, 880 Ardanda, Count de, 914 Argall, Captain Samuel, 589 Argus, Northumberland, 546 Argus Republican, 876 Armbruster, Gotthan, 899 Arms, King’s, 383 Armstrong, Alexander, 255 Armstrong Creek, 16 Armstrong County, 147, 156, 181, 185, 208, 596, 597, 775 Armstrong, Edward (Lieutenant), 525, 526, 619 Armstrong, James, 73, 254, 400, 630 Armstrong, John, General, 27, 67, 69, 178, 259, 268, 319, 381, 504, 525, 526, 545, 587, 597, 619, 690, 703, 711, 722, 762, 820, 828, 829, 830, 911 Armstrong, John (Jack), 254 Armstrong, Joseph, 320 Armstrong, Thomas A., 735 Armstrongs, 370, 393 Arndt, Captain Jacob, 541, 575 Arnold, Benedict, General, 3, 89, 90, 91, 188, 222, 309, 418, 461, 635, 509, 709 Arnold Expedition to Quebec, 699, 708 Arnold (quoted), 811 Arnold (ship), 324 Arnold, Woodward, 254 Arsenal, 5 Articles of Confederation, 5, 45, 570, 872, 873, 921 Ashburn, Elizabeth, 79 Ashburn, Zillah, 79 Ashburn, Joseph, 79 Ashcom, Charles, 151 Ashland, 1, 49, 107 Ashmead, John W., 8 Askey, Lieutenant, 305, 306 Assarandongnas, 701 Astor, Mrs. John Jacob, 220 Astor Place Theatre, 251 Astoria, 54 Asylum, Story of, 892 *Aetna (ship), 324 Atlee, Colonel Samuel John, 155, 545, 908 Attaock, 506 Auburn, 918 Auchmuty, Miss, 348 Audubon, J. J., 581 Aughwick (Old Town), 322, 525, 619 Aughwick Creek, 918 Aughwick Valley, 322 Augsburg Confession, 609 Augusta County, 660 Augusta Fort, see Fort Augusta Augusta Regiment, 393, 685 Augustus (Indian), 575 Augustus (ship), 671 Aurora, The, 434, 791, 877 Australian Ballot System, 87 Austria, 22 Averills, General William W., 521 Awl, Dr. R. H., 820
B