Part 98
“In these endeavors I shall entertain no doubt of zealous cooperation by the enlightened and patriotic Legislature of the State. The people have willed the destruction of all secret bodies, and that will cannot be disregarded.”
Four days later, December 19, on motion of Mr. Stevens himself, all the petitions were referred to a committee consisting of “Messrs. Stevens, Cox, Huston (of Fayette) Spackman and Frew, with power to send for persons and papers.”
On the same day this committee organized and prepared a series of eleven questions which were to be put to each person brought before the committee. The questions were intended to establish the fact of membership in Free Masonry or Odd Fellowship and whether or not such witness could repeat the several oaths of the society to which he belonged.
This “Inquisition” held its first meeting December 23, 1835. To this star chamber they obtained the evidence of a man named Shed, who had been imported for the purpose from the State of Ohio. He seems to have resided in several States, and to have arrived at Fort Niagara about the time of Captain Morgan’s abduction, learned all about it, and was acquainted with the scoundrel Giddings, who, if his story was true, as well as Shed’s, ought to have been hanged with him. If not true, they were perjured villains. But the High Court of Inquisition was not after martyrs, it was wire-pulling in other directions.
A large number of prominent Masons, and citizens, were brought before the committee, among them being ex-Governor Wolf, Francis R. Shunk, George M. Dallas, Chief Justice Gibson, Josiah Randall, Samuel H. Perkins, Joseph R. Chandler, and the Reverend William T. Sproul. They invariably declined being qualified, or answering any questions propounded by Mr. Stevens, and for their refusal to so testify, several of the gentlemen were brought to the bar of the House, but nothing more was done to any of them.
Mr. Stevens was obliged to depend for witnesses upon seceding Masons, imported from Massachusetts, New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Their evidence, however, was only a rehash of Morgan and his successor, Bernard, in their so-called “Revelations of the Doings of Freemasonry and Odd Fellowship.”
Mr. Stevens, unfortunately, could not control his temper, and in the case of Rev. Mr. Sproul, when that gentleman, in reading his protest, came to the expression, “Gentlemen, if you are willing to convert yourselves into a modern Juggernaut, then roll on,” “Stop,” thundered the chairman of the “inquisition,” white with wrath and further reading was dispensed with.
Governor Wolf, in his letter to the committee, wrote:
“The Constitution is explicit and declaratory of the personal security of the people, and is the precious repository of the privileges of the freemen of this Commonwealth which never shall have a wound inflicted upon its sacred reservations, through any person, without a solemn asseveration of its principles.
“What article of the Constitution clothes the House with power to institute such an investigation? What article of the venerated instrument forbids the people from associating together in pursuit of their own happiness? If the association is criminal, or in violation of any principle of the Constitution or laws, the mode and manner of suppressing the unlawful combination must be in accordance with the Constitution and laws.
“I have yet to learn that an inquisition at whose shrine the rights and liberties of the citizens are to be invaded, is authorized by the principles of our institutions; or that any power exists by which a citizen can be coerced to give testimony before any tribunal, or for any object other than the investigation of matters at issue, affecting the rights of persons or of things.”
An incident occurred about this period which fully exemplified to what length the enemies of Freemasonry would go. All sorts of crimes or collusions with crimes were imputed to the craft. Everything that was vile was blamed upon the fraternity.
A murder was committed between Middletown and Hummelstown. Female apparel was found which was recognized as belonging to Sophia Garman, who was missing from her home. Search was made, and some one discovered where the earth had been recently disturbed in the center of which was a branch of a spruce or cedar tree. An investigation resulted in finding the body of the murdered girl.
The people who had been reading everything anti-Masonic at once jumped to the conclusion that this was the work of one who was a Mason. An individual who was last seen with the unfortunate girl was arrested and it was broadcasted that he was a member of Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, Free and Accepted Masons, of Harrisburg. His name was Tom McHenry.
In the course of events, there not being the least evidence upon which to convict him, the accused was declared not guilty.
The outside conclusion then was that the jury must have been composed of Masons and the result could not be otherwise.
The fact is that McHenry was not a Mason nor was a single member of the jury which tried him.
The Stevens investigation continued for nearly a month and ended in nothing.
The men whom the committee tried to impanel would not testify; those who did were pretended renouncers of Masonry. Concerning the real motive of Stevens public opinion was divided.
Stevens would have resorted to strong measures to compel witnesses to testify if he had not seen that the tide of public opinion was turning against the inquiry. To preserve appearances a lengthy report was submitted and adopted.
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Storm Stops French Refugees in Settlement Work December 20, 1793
Frenchtown, or Asylum, was the name of a settlement founded in Northumberland County (now Bradford) in 1793, by French refugees as the residence of the doomed Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. But the Terrorists prevented her ever seeing America.
During the French Revolution, when many of the Frenchmen fled from their homes, not a few sought refuge in San Domingo, and those jumped from the frying pan into the fire. The Negro slaves soon heard of the success of the Revolution in France and revolted against their masters. That bloody conflict was termed the “Horrors of San Domingo.” Many of the French exiles came to America and took up their residence in Philadelphia, where they were cordially welcomed.
So great was the number of refugees it was deemed necessary that some provision should be made for their settlement as a colony.
The two most active and influential promoters of the colony scheme were Viscount Louis Marie de Noailles and the Marquis Antoine Omer Talon. The former was a distinguished military officer under Rochambeau in the siege of Yorktown, Va., where he commanded a regiment. He was one of the Commissioners to arrange the articles of capitulation for the surrender of Cornwallis. He was a brother-in-law of Lafayette.
Marquis Talon belonged to one of the most illustrious families of the French magistracy. He was Advocate General when the Revolution broke out. In 1790 he was compromised in the flight of the King, Louis XVII, and was arrested and imprisoned for a time. He fled to Marseilles, where a wine merchant, Bartholomew Laporte, placed him in a large wine cask and carried him aboard a vessel sailing for America.
Laporte sailed with Talon and they became citizens of the United States. The borough of Laporte takes its name from Judge John Laporte, son of the early immigrant.
The refugees organized a company, and M. Charles Felix Beu Boulogne, and Adam Hoopes were delegated to select a site. They proceeded to Wilkes-Barre, where they arrived August 27, 1793. Judge Matthais Hollenback accepted their letter of credit from Robert Morris.
They examined several localities, and finally selected the Schufeldt Flats, now called Frenchtown, in the Township of Asylum, nearly opposite Rummerfield station, in Bradford County.
About the middle of November, M. de Noailles, who continued to reside in Philadelphia, visited the place which took the name of Asylum, or “Azilum,” as the French pronounced it. The plan of settlement was determined, and the town surveyed into lots.
The tract consists of 2400 acres and, in addition, the Asylum Company had secured title to a number of tracts of “wild land,” as it was termed, in the present Counties of Bradford, Sullivan, Lycoming and Luzerne, which were sold on liberal terms to actual settlers. The town, as laid out, contained, besides an open square and fine wide streets, 413 house lots of an acre each.
M. Boulogne bent every energy to get the houses ready for the colonists in the early spring, and was favored with mild weather until five days before Christmas, when the weather became stormy. The work, which was suspended December 20, was resumed in the spring. The emigrants then began to arrive. They traveled by land to Catawissa, thence in boats up the river.
The houses were built of hewn logs two stories high, roofed with pine shingles, and all houses had a good cellar. To the native Americans these houses looked like palaces.
The house built by M. Talon was the most pretentious, and is said to be the largest log house ever built in America. It was known as “La Grande Maison,” or the great house. This house stood until 1846, when it was torn down.
M. Talon, who was general manager, planned improvements on a large scale. He built a horsepower grist mill, several stores, a tavern, for which a license was granted in August, 1794, to Mr. Lefevre. A small Catholic chapel was erected, and later a theatre was built. They set up a bakery and built a brewery. A post was established with Philadelphia.
Most of the emigrants had been wealthy, and some of them members of the royal household, entirely ignorant of farming and unused to manual labor, found great difficulty in adapting themselves to their new conditions. Yet they endured their privations with great fortitude.
The continuance of the Asylum settlement was less than ten years, but the Frenchmen set their Pennsylvania neighbors the example of better houses and roads, better gardens and orchards and courteous manners.
Robespierre issued a decree commanding all emigrants to return to France under penalty of having their estates confiscated. When the strong hand of Napoleon assumed power, all Frenchmen were invited to return. This was joyous news at Asylum, and they returned to their beloved France as soon as they could dispose of their property, until only two remained.
In 1796 Asylum consisted of about fifty log houses occupied by about forty families. Among the most noted, besides those already mentioned, were M. De Blacons, a member of the French Constituent Assembly from Dauphine; M. Le Montule, a captain of a troop of horse; M. Beaulieu, a captain of infantry in the French service, who served in the Revolution in this country under Potosky; Dr. Buzzard a planter from San Domingo, and M. Dandelot, an officer in the French Infantry.
But perhaps the best known of all, at least in this country, was M. Dupretit-Thouars, or as he was generally called by the Americans, the Admiral. Wrecked while on a voyage in search of La Perouse, he reached Asylum destitute of everything but an unfaltering courage, a genial temper and the chivalrous pride of a Frenchman.
Disdaining to be a pensioner on the bounty of his countrymen he obtained a grant of four hundred acres in the dense wilderness of what is now Sullivan County, and went out literally single-handed, having lost an arm in the French naval service, commenced a clearing, built himself a house, returning to Asylum once a week for necessary food and change of apparel.
He returned to his native country, obtained a position in the navy, saying he had yet another arm to give to France. He was placed in command of the ship Le Tonnant and was killed in the battle of the Nile.
The borough of Dushore, which includes the clearings of this indomitable Frenchman, was named in honor of him this being nearly the Anglicised pronunciation of his name.
During the continuance of the settlement, it was visited by many very distinguished personages who since obtained a world-wide reputation.
Louis Philippe, a future King of France, spent several weeks at Asylum enjoying the hospitality of M. Antoine Talon. In 1795 Talleyrand spent some time there and Count de la Rochefoucauld de Laincourt was several days at Asylum while on his journey through the States in 1795–6. Another notable visitor was Mrs. Blennerhassett the charming woman who figured in Aaron Burr’s conspiracy.
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General Thomas Mifflin Inaugurated First Governor of Pennsylvania December 21, 1790
The inauguration of the first Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania took place December 21, 1790, when Hon. Thomas Mifflin was inducted into office amid all the splendor of that now distant day.
The transfer of the present State of Pennsylvania from a feudal province to a sovereign State was effected by the promulgation on September 28, 1776, of the first Constitution. This was so thoroughly revolutionary that it was never fully approved of by the people of the State.
The Council of Censors, to which was delegated important duties, met for its only meeting, November 10, 1783. This body discussed various amendments and strong differences of opinion were manifested. They sat eight months and then recommended a continuance of the present form of government.
They said: “Give it a fair and honest trial, and if after all, at the end of another seven years (the time when this Council of Censors would again meet), it shall be found necessary or proper to cause any changes they may then be brought in and established upon a full conviction of their usefulness, with harmony and good temper, without noise, tumult or violence.”
Nevertheless the Constitution of 1776 proved inadequate for the requirements of a useful and an effective government, and its revision was imperatively demanded. The newspapers, from the close of the Revolution for a period of six years are filled with elaborate communications in favor of, and opposed to, any change. The adoption of the Federal Constitution in 1787, however, and its successful working, impressed the people that some revisions should be made in the Constitution of the State.
The resolutions of the Assembly were adopted by the electorate and the convention called, and organized with General Thomas Mifflin as president. After a long session, the new instrument was adopted September 2, 1790, and then by the people.
The personnel of the Constitutional Convention of 1790 was one of unusual ability. Thomas Mifflin, soon to be elected the first Governor under its provisions; James Wilson and William Lewis, two of the most noted lawyers of that time; Thomas McKean, the second; Simon Snyder, of Northumberland County; William Findlay, of Westmoreland County, and Joseph Heister, of Berks County, each of whom filled in their turn the gubernatorial office, were members of this body. General William Irvine, of Carlisle; General John Gibson, of Allegheny County, and Colonel Jacob Cook, of Lancaster, all of Revolutionary fame, and Robert Whitehill, of Dauphin County. Charles Smith, author of “Smith’s Laws,” was Simon Snyder’s colleague from Northumberland County.
Of the seventy-one persons who composed this illustrious body there was not one who had not taken a prominent part in public affairs during the struggle for liberty. It was a body of intellectual men, such as any Commonwealth could be justly proud.
At the election in October, 1790, General Thomas Mifflin and General Arthur St. Clair were the opposing candidates for Governor. The vote in the State for Mifflin was 27,118, and for St. Clair 2819. Under the Constitution the General Assembly met on the first Tuesday in December, when the Senate and House promptly organized and a committee of conference was appointed by both houses to consider and report a time, place and manner in which the election of Governor should be published, notified and proclaimed, and the oath prescribed by the Constitution administered to the Governor.
On Friday, December 17, the House of Representatives attended in the Senate chamber, where Richard Peters, Speaker of the House, was seated on the right of William Bingham, Speaker of the Senate. The returns of the election for Governor were opened, when Thomas Mifflin was declared duly chosen Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
On the morning of December 21, 1790, after the members of the Senate and House had assembled in the Senate chamber, the Speaker of the Senate informed both houses that according to their order the certificate of the election of the Governor was recorded in the rolls office of this Commonwealth, whereupon the committee of both houses of the Legislature, three representing the Senate and three representing the House of Representatives, waited upon the Governor-elect and at the hour of 12:30 introduced Thomas Mifflin into the Senate chamber and he was seated in front of the Speakers.
The Chief Justice, the Hon. Thomas McKean, in solemn form administered to Mr. Mifflin the oath required by the Constitution of the Commonwealth and also the oath required by the Constitution of the United States, which said oaths the Governor-elect took, and subscribed in the Senate chamber, and Speaker and members of the House of Representatives and the Governor then withdrew from the Senate chamber in order to proceed to the court house on High Street, agreeably to the following order of procession:
Constables with their staffs; sub-sheriffs with their wands; High Sheriff and Coroner with their wands; Judges of the Supreme Court and Judge of the High Court of Errors and Appeals; Attorney General and Prothonotary of the Supreme Court; wardens of the Port of Philadelphia; Treasurer, Comptroller and Register General; Secretary of the Land Office; Receiver General and Surveyor General; justices of the peace; Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas and clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions; clerk of the Mayor’s court and the corporation; Mayor, Recorder and aldermen; Common Council, two and two; Master of the Rolls and Register of Wills; Register of German Passengers and Collector of Excise in the City and County of Philadelphia; assistant secretary of Council, members of Council, two and two; the Governor-elect; sergeant-at-arms of the Senate; clerk of the Senate; Speaker of the Senate; members of the Senate, two and two; doorkeeper of the Senate; sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives; assistant clerk; clerk; members, two and two; doorkeeper; provost and faculty of the University, two and two; officers of the militia; citizens.
Arriving at the court house, the certificate of the election of the Governor was read by the clerk of the Senate, when the official proclamation was thrice made by the clerk of the court declaring Thomas Mifflin Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and commander-in-chief of the army and navy thereof. This being done, the procession reformed, returning to the Senate chamber. The Governor then delivered his inaugural address.
On the days following various bodies of tradesmen and society organizations waited upon the Governor and tendered their congratulations, and upon the first day of January following, City Councils, with the Mayor and Recorder, waited upon his Excellency and formally congratulated him on his accession to his high office.
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First Newspaper in Pennsylvania Published December 22, 1719
The first newspaper published in Pennsylvania was entitled the American Weekly Mercury, and was established by Andrew Bradford, at Philadelphia, and sold by John Copsom. The initial number appeared December 22, 1719.
The Mercury was published weekly, generally on Tuesday, but the day of publication varied.
Andrew Bradford died November 23, 1742; and the next number of the Mercury, dated December 2, appeared in mourning.
The widow, Cornelia Bradford, took into partnership Isaiah Warner in March, 1742, and they continued to publish the Mercury until October 18, 1744, when Cornelia Bradford resumed the publication alone, and until the end of 1746, when it was discontinued.
The second newspaper established in the Province was the Universal Instructor in All Arts and Science; and Pennsylvania Gazette, which continued in publication for many years, becoming the oldest newspaper in the United States a half century after its establishment.
This newspaper first appeared December 24, 1728, and was edited by Samuel Keimer, and printed on a small sheet, pot size folio, 15½ by 12½ inches.
Benjamin Franklin soon after he began business formed the design of publishing a newspaper, but was prevented by the sudden appearance of this Gazette, and was so greatly disappointed that he used his endeavors to bring it into contempt. In this he was successful, and Keimer was soon obliged to relinquish it, for a trifling consideration, and Franklin purchased the good will and fixtures.
At this time Franklin was in partnership with Hugh Meredith. The first part of the title was soon dropped and the paper was called the Pennsylvania Gazette. It soon gained reputation, and when Franklin became postmaster the Gazette enjoyed a wide circulation and liberal advertising patronage.
The partnership was dissolved in 1732, and Franklin in 1748 took into partnership David Hall.
On May 9, 1754, the device of a snake divided into parts, with the motto—“Join or Die,” appeared in this paper. It accompanied an account of the French and Indians having killed and scalped many inhabitants along the frontiers. The account was published with this device, with a view to rouse the British Colonies and cause them to unite in effectual measures for their defense and security against common enemy.
The snake was divided into eight parts to represent first New England; second, New York; third, New Jersey; fourth, Pennsylvania; fifth, Maryland; sixth, Virginia; seventh, North Carolina, and eighth, South Carolina.
The Gazette put on mourning October 31, 1765, on account of the Stamp Act, passed by the British Parliament, which was to take effect the next day. From that time until November 21 following the publication of it was suspended.
In the interim, large handbills, as substitutes, were published. When revived, it was published without an imprint until February 6, 1766, when it then appeared with the name of David Hall, only, who now became the proprietor and the printer of it.
In May, 1766, it was published by Hall and Sellers, who continued it until 1777; but on the approach of the British Army, the publishers retired from Philadelphia and the publication was suspended while the British possessed the city.
On the evacuation of Philadelphia, the Gazette was again revived, and published once a week until the death of Sellers in 1804. After this event, it was printed by William and David Hall, then later by Hall and Pierre. When the Gazette observed its centennial of publication, a grandson of David and son of William Hall was the publisher.
The next newspaper to be established in Pennsylvania was the Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, which made its initial bow to the public, Tuesday, December 2, 1742. Its publisher was William Bradford.
In 1776, William and Thomas Bradford were the publishers and, like the Gazette, suspended publication during the British occupancy of Philadelphia, but it was revived soon afterward.
A newspaper in the German language was published in Philadelphia as early as May, 1743, by Joseph Crellius. It was called the “High Dutch Pennsylvania Journal.”
In September, 1751, the “Dutch and English Gazette” was published in the two languages “at the German Printing Office,” in Arch Street, by Gotthan Armbruster.
Der Wochentliche Philadelphische Staatsbote was first printed in the German language in January, 1762, by Henry Miller. This was a successful newspaper. It continued until 1779.
Two papers printed in German were published in Germantown, one by Christopher Sower, in 1739, called the Pennsylvania German Recorder of Events. This was discontinued in 1744, when Christopher Sower, Jr., began the publication of the Germantown Zeitung, and continued until the Revolutionary War.
The Pennsylvania Chronicle and Universal Advertiser made its appearance Monday, January 6, 1767. It was published by William Goddard.