ន៍
A
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
SI QUAERIS.PENINSULAM AMOENAME
1837
TUEBIH
CIRCUMSPICE
SCIENTIA
ARTES
LIBRARY VERITAS
OF THE
E PLURIBUS UNUM.
:
::::
::::::::
THIS BOOK
FORMS PART OF THE
ORIGINAL LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
BOUGHT IN EUROPE
1838 TO 1839
BY
ASA GRAY
TY
1t4
,078
TYOL MODS
Old RY
SO ME INFORMATION
2
RESPECTING
A M E RICA,
COLLECTED
BY
:
THOMAS
Τ
COOPER,
LATE OF MANCHESTER.
#
L O N D ON:
PRINTED FOR ). JOHNSON, IN ST. PAUL'S CHURCH YARD.
MDCCXCIV.
P R E F A C E.
N
my
return from America, I found myſelf preſſed
by ſo many enquiries reſpecting the ſtate of Socie.
ty, the means of living, and the inducements to ſettle
upon that continent, that I determined to reply in print
to ſuch queſtions as were moſt frequently put to me,
and which ſeemed to be of the moſt general importance.
Hence the preſent publication which I ſhould not have
ventured upon, if I were not fully ſatisfied, that the in-
formation it contains (ſmall as it is) would be very ac-
ceptable to a numerous claſs of readers in this country.
I quitted England in Auguſt 1793, and embarked
at New-York, for Europe, in February 1794.
I left this kingdom expreſsly to determine whether
-America, and what part of it, was eligible for a perſon,
like myſelf, with a ſmall fortune, and a large family, to
fettle in. During my reſidence in Philadelphia, the
Congreſs fat, and I had therefore the means of acquiring
fatisfactory information reſpecting every part of the
continent which I had not a perſonal opportunity of vi-
fiting. I had no other employment, while in America,
than to make obſervations and enquiries to this purpoſe ;
I therefore made this my buſineſs, and having compleatly
fati fied my own mind upon this ſubject, I left part of
my family there, and have returned (probably for the
laſt time) to this country to fetch away the reſt.
I mention this, that the reader may be truly apprized
of the degree of authority due to the remarks with which
I preſent him. Such of them as are the reſult of my
own obſervation, I think may be ſafely relied on: fu,
indeed, in my opinion, may thoſe which I have ven-
tured
.
176468
$
!
iv
PRE FACE.
tured to make on the authority of others, ſince they are
deduced from the collated information of perſons on
whom I can depend,
Perhaps ſome part of my predilection for America,
may be juſtly attributed to my political prejudices in fa-
vour of the kind of government eſtabliſhed there. It
certainly does appear to me preferable to the preſent
Britiſh government; and being convinced (as I am) that
the majority of the people in this country, are of an op-
poſite opinion, and not being an advocate for propagat-
ing liberty by the bayonet, or terrify a nation into free-
dom by the guillotine, I chuſe for this alſo among other
reaſons, to quit a country whoſe politics I cannot ap-
prove.
I believe the ſame inducement will have its weight
with many others in Great-Britain; and in my humble
opinion, it will contribute, not only to the happineſs of
individuals, but to the peace of the country, to give free
vent to the perturbed ſpirit of the nation, rather than
by compreſſure and confinement to increaſe the poli-
tical acrimony already too prevalent in this Iſland.
I ſhould make perhaps fome apology for the plainneſs
with which I have related the facts, for the apparently
trifling circumſtances I have introduced, and the in-
compleatneſs of the work itſelf. But I have not the
mcans of making it more compleat; it contains all I
know upon the ſubject worth communicating-I have
neither the time, nor the talents, to make it entertaining
-and I have inſerted nothing but what I ſhould have
been glad to have known when I went out.
Such as it is, I hope it will anſwer a good purpoſe to
the reader.
THOMAS COOPER.
L Ε Τ Τ Ε R
RS
FROM
A
M E R I C
A
,
TO A
FRIEND IN ENGLAND.
L E T T E R I.
;
MY DEAR SIR,
.
I SHALL willingly give you ſuch informa-
tion as I can reſpecting this country. Your fup-
poſitions are certainly well founded reſpecting
manufactures. While land is ſo cheap, and
labour is ſo dear, it will be too hazardous a
fpeculation to embark a capital in any branch
of manufacture which has not hitherto been
actually purſued with ſucceſs in this country. *
B
Even
* While America and England are at peace, there will be
little or no temptation to ſet up manufactures in the former
country. The prices of labour are too high; the maſter has
got the ſame kind of command over his men; the men have
the
.
:
(2)
Even though theſe obſtacles did not preſent
themſelves, I fhould fear the common lot of in-
ventors and firſt improvers; they uſually enrich
the country and impoveriſh themſelves. I am
firmly of opinion, that the firſt capital employed
in eſtabliſhing the Mancheſter, the Birming-
ham, or the Staffordſhire manufactures in
America, would be funk; and thoſe who bore
the “ burthen and heat of the day," would go
without their reward: their ſucceffors would
probably be enriched.
The ſtaple of America at preſent conſiſts of
Land, and the immediate products of land;
and herein ſeems to me the moſt pleaſant, the
moſt certain, and the moſt profitable means of
employment for capital, to an almoſt indefinite
However, as your enquiries are li-
extent.
the alternative of becoming farmers, and look forward moſt
frequently to becoming independant, by inveſting their fav.
ings in Land. But ſhould there be war with America, ne-
ceſſity may and probably will induce the government of that
country to encourage the inveſtiture of capitals in manufac-
tures of the moſt general demand. The perſons thus inveſ-
ing their property in time of hoftility, will probably apply
with ſucceſs to the legiſlature of their country on the com
mencement of peace, to be ſecured from loſs, by prohibi-
tions on the articles of foreign competitors. Thus may Ame-
rica be forced to become the permanent rival of Great Britain
in thoſe articles of manufacture, which the latter country now
fupplies.
mited
( 3 )
mited to a certain object, I ſhall confine my ob-
ſervations chiefly to that.
Suppoſing you ſhould determine to ſettle in
America, what part do I recommend ?
I know that your fortune is moderate; that
you have political objections to many parts of
the preſent government in England; and you
have been an opponent alſo of the ſlave trade.
What then will probably be the conditions you
would ſeek in the ſituation you are finally to
adopt?
Coming from a country where the church is
forced into what you dcem an unnatural con-
nection with the ſtate, and where your religious
opinions are the ſubject of popular obloquy,
you would ſeek in America in the firſt place, an
afylum from civil perſecution and religious in-
tolerance-fome ſpot where you would ſuffer
no defalcation in political rights, on account of
theological opinions; and where you might be
permitted to enjoy a perfect freedom of speech
as well as of ſentiment, on the two moſt importa
ant ſubjects of human enquiry.
Being oppoſed to the ſyſtem of Negro Navery,
you will have very ſtrong, if not inſuperable
objections, to thoſe parts of the continent where
flaves are the only ſervants to be procured;
and where the law and the practice of the coun.
try tends to ſupport this humiliating diſtinction
between
B2
( 4 )
between man and man. But as labourers in
huſbandry, as well as for domeſtic purpoſes,
will be neceſſary, fome ſituation muſt be choſen
where ſervants may be procured with tolerable
facility, although Navery do not prevail.
As the period of civil commotion and inter-
nal warfare ſeems, in your opinion, not far
diſtant in almoſt every part of Europe ; you
would wiſh, I ſuppoſe, to fix in a place where
you are likely to enjoy the bleſſings of peace,
without the hazard of interruption from any cir-
cumſtances at preſent to be foreſeen. Dreading
the proſpect, however diſtant, of turbulence and
bloodſhed in the old country, you will hardly
expoſe yourſelf unneceſſarily to ſimilar dangers
in the new : you will, therefore, not direct
your courſe toward thoſe parts of the continent
where the preſent enmity, or uncertain friend-
ſhip of the American ſavages, will render peace
and property, and perſonal ſecurity in any
de-
gree dubious.
As your fortune is not large, you will think
it an object to conſider in what way you can
improve it ; where and how you can live moſt
comfortably upon finall property and moderate
induſtry. If, indeed, a number of people per-
fonally, or by reputation, acquainted with each
other, with ſimilar habits of life, and general
purſuits, were to quit your country, they would
naturally
( 5 )
upon ſome
naturally endeavour to pitch upon a ſettlement,
where they need not be ſo divided as to renounce
the ſociety they have been accuſtomed to enjoy ;
or to accommodate themſelves ſuddenly to a
change of habits, and manners, and friends, and
aſſociates. With many of them in middle life, or ad-
vanced in years, this would be a circumſtance of
the utmoſt importance to their future comfort :
and, therefore, no ſituation for a number of perſons
of this deſcription could be perfectly eligible,
where this accommodation could not be pro-
cured. It would, in ſuch a caſe, therefore, be
deſirable to fix
part
of the continent,
where a large body of contiguous land could
readily be procured at a reaſonable price. I
ſay, at a reaſonable price; becauſe the perſons
who would be likely to quit your country for
this, muſt, in my opinion, as a principal induce-
ment, have in view the more eaſy improvement
of a ſmall fortune, and the more eaſy ſettle.
ment of a large family with us, than with you:
and it would, therefore, be expedient that ſuch a
ſituation were choſen, and ſuch a plan of ſet-
tlement adopted, as would hold out a reaſonable
expectation of a gradual increaſe in the value of
that
property in which they ſhall be induced to
inveſt the wreck of their Britiſh fortunes. Per-
haps the purchaſe of land in ſome of the Ame-
rican ſtates, is the moſt ſpeedy as well as the
moſt
B 3
(6)
moſt certain means of improving a preſent ca-
pital; eſpecially to thoſe who can give an im-
mediate increaſed value, by ſettling as neigh-
bours on their own contiguous farms. In this
view, therefore, and for this purpoſe, they ſhould
endeavour to procure a large tract, and at a
price not only reaſonable, but ſo low in the firſt
inſtance as to admit of an early increaſed value,
by the means of a neighbourhood and improving
reſident proprietors. Were ſuch a plan to take
place, I have no heſitation in ſaying that the
perſons adopting it would ſettle here more
comfortably to themſelves, and more beneficially
to their intereſt, than if they were to go out as
inſulated, unconnected individuals,
opportunity preſents itſelf. I have no doubt of
your acting wiſely in taking it, rather than come
hither to ſeek your fortune ſingle handed. But
if not, ſtill the next moſt adviſeable plan for
you would be, (as you do not mean to follow
trade) to go where land is cheap and fertile
where it is in a progreſs of improvement, and
if poſſible in the neighbourhood of a few Eng-
liſh, whoſe ſociety, even in America, is intereſt-
ing to an Engliſh ſettler, who cannot entirely
relinquiſh the memoria temporis a£ti.
Nor is the article of Climate unimportant.
It will be wiſhed, I conceive, that any ſudden or
violent change ſhould, if poſſible, be avoided, and
(cæteris
Such an
+
(7)
(cæteris paribus) that a new-comer ſhould be
expoſed to no greater exceſs of heat or cold, be-
yond what he has been accuſtomed to bear, than
the difference in point of natural ſituation be-
tween the two countries muft inevitably pro-
duce. The United States contain ſo many va-
rieties of climate, that there is great room for
choice in this reſpect; but there is no doubt
about the propriety of avoiding in this article
the ſeven months winter of New Hampſhire
and Maſſachuſetts, and the parching ſummers
of Georgia and the Carolinas. Soinewhere
among the middle ſtates, a ſituation not very dif-
ferent from the climate of England, may eaſily
be found. A perfect ſimilarity is neither necef-
ſary nor poſſible, and the human conſticution
eaſily and ſpeedily adapts iiſelf to light varia-
tions.
With theſe preliminary obſervations in view,
let us examine the inducements, which the refa
pective ſtates of America preſent, co a Britiſh
emigrant in your ſituation.
The ſouthern ſtates of Georgia, and North
and South Carolina, ſeem quite out of the queſ-
tion, from the extreme heat of the climate and
the prevalence of Negro Navery.* --The intenſe
* About one-third of the grofs number of the inhabitants
of the ſouthern provinces (Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas,
Georgia, and Kentucky) are ſlaves. The whole number of
Slaves in the United States of Emerica is about 700,000.
B 4
and
( 8 )
and long continued cold of New Hampſhire
and Maſſachuſetts (including Vermont and the
province of Maine), appears highly, though not
perhaps equally objectionable. To me at leaſt,
it ſeems a moſt unpleaſant circumſtance, that
not much above one-third of the year is afforded
by nature to the farmer, wherein to provide
ſuſtenance for the remaining two-thirds; which
(to uſe an expreſſion of Mr. J's) like Pharaoh's
lean kine devour the fat ones.
In the north-eaſtern ſtates moreover, (New
Hampſhire, Maſſachuſetts, Connecticut, &c.)
property is much divided,* farms are ſmall,
and land in general dear; hence purchaſes are not
eaſily made here, with the ſame proſpect of fua
ture increaſe in value, which many of the other
ftates afford. Add to this, that theſe parts of
the American continent do themſelves furniſh
yearly a very conſiderable number of emigrants
to the middle and weſtern ſtates. They are
o the northern hive" of this country. And the
fame reaſons that operate upon the natives to
emigrate from thence, will be reaſons alſo
againſt an emigration thither.
The ſtates of Rhode Iſand, Jerſey, Delaware,
New York, Pennſylvania, Maryland and Virgi-
nia, with the ſettlements on the weſtern waters,
* Connecticut contains at leaſt 62 perſons per ſquare mile.
have
as
(9)
have all of them claims to conſideration on the
preſent occaſion.
Rhode Iand in point of climate and produce
tions, as well as in appearance, is perhaps the
muſt ſimilar to Great Britain of any ſtate in the
Union. The winters are ſomewhat longer and
moie fevere, the fuminers perhaps a little warmer:
but it participates with Great Britain in ſome
meaſure in the defects of climate, being from its
ſituation ſubject to a moiſter atmoſphere, * than
many of the other ſtates. The ſoil of Rhode
INand alſo, (though not in general of a good
quality) is too much improved, and the land too
much divided to admit of any large contiguous
purchaſes as a ſpeculation, though ſingle farms at
a rate comparatively moderate might be pro-
cured here. This, however, is owing to a decay
of trade in this part of America, and to the in-
habitants themſelves, quicting their ſituations for
the proſpect of a more advantageous trade. It
is rather adapted for a grazing than a corn coun-
try; ſcantily timbered, comparatively plentiful
in milk and butter, and cheeſe ; but not abound-
ing in what the Ainericans term good or rich
* This obſervation is applicable to the vicinity of New
York alſo, where they find that wood intended for uſe in the
ſouthern climates, cannot be ſufficiently ſeaſoned. In Penn-
ſylvania it may. Indeed this remark will evidently apply to
the whole northern ſea-coaſt of America,
land.
( 10 )
land. The diviſion of property, however, and
its preſent tendency rather to decreaſe than in-
creaſe in value, renders it ineligible for your pro-
poſed ſcheme.
The climate of New Jerſey (were there no
other objections), is unpleaſant to Europeans,
particularly in the ſummer ſeaſon, from its
eaſtern ſituation, the many ſwamps it contains,
and the quantity of ſea coaſt in proportion to its
extent. * Muſquetoes and agues are more trou-
blefome in this than in many of the other nor-
thern or even middle ſtates; and in the more
eligible parts of New Jerſey property is too much
divided, and too dear to promiſe ſucceſs to an
# It
It may be taken as a general rule admitting of few excep-
tions, that the whole eaſtern ſhore of America, from Boſton
to Georgia, and the diſtance of from 50 to 150 miles from
the fea, is comparatively barren and uphealthy. This latter
circumſtance ariſes from two cauſes : firſt, the variableneſs of
the climate from the expoſure of this part of America to the
Atlantic winds, and which in the north-eaſtern provinces pro-
dace rheumatiſms, catarrhs, and conſumptions : and ſecond-
ly, from the low fituation and great proportion of water in
reſpect to land, where the large rivers are about to empty
themſelves into the ocean. Hence, in the ſouthern and mid-
die provinces, the plagues of infects and reptiles, oppreſſive
heat, and fever and ague. The influence of a hot fun upon
the moiſt and low land of the American coaſt almoſt infallibly
fubjects an European (particularly an Englifhman) to attacks
of intermittents. Hence, I ſhould not prefer the ſtates of
Jerſey, Delaware, or Maryland. A view of the map will
caſily explain this
eſtabliſhment,
()
eſtabliſhment, ſuch as I would recommend to
you.
The ſame remarks will in a great degree apply
to the ſtate of Delaware, to which allo there is a
farther objection ariſing from the illiberality of
the religious teſt law, contained in its conſtitu-
tion; not to mention the preſent prevalence of
Negro Navery in that portion of the Continent.
The ſtate of New York ſeems increaſing more
rapidly in every circunſtance of proſperity, than
any other ſtate perhaps in the Union, Pennſylva-
nia excepted. The city of New York ranks
next to Philadelphia as a place of trade, and the
back parts of the ſtate afford, at no very dear
price, immenſe tracts of the richeſt land. Nei-
ther is the climate in general ſo different from
that of Great Britain, as to conſtitute
dable objection to Britiſh ſettlers. It is colder
and warmer than your country; but in ſome
parts, a little more warmth would in my opinion
be no diſadvantage : for although the numerous
tribes of American apples are to be found here
in great perfection, the peach, it is ſaid, does not
perfectly ripen at Albany.
Beyond compariſon, the moſt fertile part of
this ſtate is the Geneſee country; which, ſince
the preſent unfortunate war with the Indians,
has attracted a great number of the New Eng-
land emigrants, who a year or two ago were
induced
any formi.
( 12 )
induced to travel to the weſtern frontier of the
Ohio, in ſearch of cheaper and better land, than
could be found in their own country. Indeed
there does not appear to be much difference in
the kind or quality of the foil, between the firſt
rate land of the Geneſee and the Kentucky terri-
tory: whatever difference there is, may be fairly
attributed to the greater warmth of the climate
in the laſt mentioned part of America, which
has its diſadvantages in others to counterbalance
its benefit in this reſpect. If the mere circumn-
ſtance of richneſs of ſoil therefore were to deter-
mine emigration, a New England einigrant
might reaſonably ſtop in the Geneſee country,
without taking ſo long a journey as many of his
countrymen have heretofore done.
To this part of the ſtate, however, rich and
fertile as it is, there are ſerious and formidable
objections. ift, The difficulty of procuring fer-
vants in huſbandry, or indeed of any other kind:
for as the land is but lately begun to be ſettled,
the inhabitants, therefore, conſiſt at preſent al-
moft wholly of the claſs of firſt ſettlers, who de-
pend chiefly on the labour of themſelves and
their families for ſupport. 2dly, The ſuperflu-
ous produce of the Geneſee lands muſt be ſent
either to Philadelphia or New York, by the way
of Albany. The conveyance will be troubleſome
and expenſive both ways. That part of the Ge-
nefee
( 13 )
neſee which is neareſt to the Suſquehannah and
the Delaware, will of courſe find vent for its
pro-
duce at Philadelphia. This city will alſo attract
the produce of a great part of the Geneſee coun-
try, which from mere ſituation would feem
more in the vicinity of New York market, in
conſequence of the greater exertions* making
by the ſtate of Pennſylvania, to facilitate the
carriage of commodities by means of new roads
and canals, and the improvement of river navi-
gation. It is evident from hence (as indeed it
is from a ſimple inſpection of the map) that
the interior parts of Pennſylvania, in the vicinity
of the Suſquehannah, where the land for the
moſt part is extremely fine, have very conſidera-
ble advantages over the moſt advantageous part of
the Geneſee tract, in the facility of tranſporting
produce to market. Therefore, unleſs under
circumſtances of much greater ſuperiority of ſoil
in the Geneſee, than as yet appear to exiſt, the
produce of the interior of Pennſylvania muit
come firſt and cheapeſt to market. But the
preſent price of lands in the Geneſee, is full as
high as in the rich parts of Pennſylvania, a hun-
* Compare what Morſe fays of Pennſylvania, in this reſpect,
page 424, quarto edition, with page 377, where he ſpeaks of
the roads of New York State; and read the propoſals for im-
proving the roads in Pennfylvania, which I have added to
this Letter.
dred
( 14 )
dred and fifty miles nearer to Philadelphia. 3dly,
The general richneſs of the foil in the Genefee,
renders it difficult to make pleaſant and commo-
dious roads : humidity makes the ground ſoft
and muddy.* 4thly, The ſame circumſtances
are unfavourable allo in reſpect to health. In-
deed, the whole tract of the Genefee country
lies under the probable imputation of being in-
falubrious. The rivers are Nuggiſh; the coun-
try fat; the foil moiſt; ſmall lakes are nume-
rous; and not a mountain is to be found from
the Geneſee river to the falls of Niagara. So
prevalenc indeed has been the fever and ague, that
the new ſettlers on the one ſide, and the Indians
on the other ſide of the Geneſee river, not long
ago were alınoſt equally affected with this de-
bilitating diſorder. As the ſettlers become ac-
cuſtomed to the climate, they become leſs liable
to attacks of theſe intermittents; but few, if any,
eſcape a very unpleaſant ſeaſoning. Hence alſo
it may ariſe, that the tribe of Indians in that
neighbourhood are ſo inferior in ſize and
* The winters are milder, and therefore more rainy, in the
Geneſee country, near the large lakes, than in the part of
America comprehended between the latitudes of 40 and
42 1. Near the lat. 42, the ſtreams run both ways, towards
the Atlantic and towards the lakes.
ſtrength.
( 15 )
!
Arength.* Sthly, It is rather an unpleaſant cir-
cumſtance attending the Geneſee country, that it
forms the frontier to the Indians, who navigate the
lakes along the whole tract. Indeed many tracts
in the Geneſee territory itſelf are reſerved by the
Indians. At preſent they are friendly; and ſhould
they become otherwiſe, they will be ultimately
fubdued: but the ſtate of intermediate conteft on
fuch an occaſion would ill ſuit the habits and in-
clinations of a peaceable European. Along the
Mohawk river, the lands are rich and heavily
timbered; and ſell at preſent at a price, not
much ſuperior perhaps to the comparative advan-
tages they preſent; but they are liable to moſt of
the objections which may be made to the Gene-
fee country.
It ſeems evident from the circumſtances I have
enuinerated, that this country, (which in other
reſpects is the moſt eligible part of New-York
ftate for many purpoſes of a new ſettler) has
numerous diſadvantages attending it. Diſadvan-
tages, which an American emigrant from the
thick ſettled ſtates of New-England would
regard as triling; but which I think will appear
in a more formidable light to Europeans.
* This has been a great objection to Williamſburg on the
Geneſee River : In the new ſettlement of Bath Town, in the
Geneſee, this ſeems to have been foreſeen, for it is placed
ſomewhat above the level of the ſurrounding country.
( 16 )
There is another objection to New York
State, ariſing frorn its laws, which do not per-
mit aliens to purchaſe, tranſmit or convey landed
propery; ſo that until actual reſidence makes a
pu: chaſer a Citizen, he muſt act thro' the agercy
of a Truſtee, in whoſe honour and integrity he
muſt implicitly confide.
I know of very few objections that can be
made to the ſtate of Pennſylvania. In point of
climate, the difference between this part of the
American continent and Great Britain is not only
very ſupportable, but in my opinion much in
favour of the former, even to Britiſh feelings,
eſpecially in the northern and north-weſtern parts
of the ſtate. The ſummers are ſomewhat warmer
and the wincers colder here than at London; but
the general ſtate of the air, is more dry, more
pleaſant, and I think more healthy. The central
ſituation of this ſtate with reſpect to the others,
the proſperous ſtate of its treaſury, the numerous
projected improvements in roads and canals, the
poffeffion of the largeſt and moſt Mouriſhing city
of America,* and the ſuperior proportion not
only of imports and exports,t but particularly of
* Philadelphia.
+ This will be ſeen by the Table of Exports hereafter given.
The number of Emigrants will bear a proportion to the quan-
sity of Shipping trading to the reſpective parts of America.
The two ports of Philadelphia and New York enjoy about one-
third of the whole trade of America, and the proportion of the
former is double that of the latter port.
emigrants
( 17 )
emigrants of every claſs that come to the port of
Philade.phia-altogether make it probable that
Pennſylvania may fairly be regarded as the moſt
fouriſhing ſtate of the Union. I do not count
much upon the reſidence of Congreſs at Phila.
delphia, becauſe that is an advantage (if it be
one) merely temporary, and becauſe I think you
will not be diſpoſed to a reſidence in a metropolis;
though the occaſional advantages of being within
ſome moderate diſtance of a great town are very
nuinerous,
I prefer, in a general view, Pennſylvania to
New York, becauſe the climate is more dry,
and therefore more favourable to health; fome-
what warmer, and therefore more favourable to
vegetation, in the former than in the latter ftate.
In Pennſylvania, the government is more intent
upon thoſe public improvements that will force
population and the ſpeedy riſe of lands, its
revenues are more productive, and its treaſury
richer. In all other circumſtances, Pennſylvania
is at leaſt equal to New York, and in thoſe juſt
enumerated, it has in my mind the preference.
But we are not to ſeek in the ſouth-eaſtern line of
this ſtate, either for large tracts of land, for good
land, or for cheap land. As you approach che
* This holds almoſt throughout the whole extent of two ſtates ;
from the more inland ſituation of Pennſylvania, both with rea
ſpect to the Atlantic Sea, and the Lakes.
С
coaſt,
( 18 )
coaſt, property is divided, the land is barren, and
the prices high. Neither is the climate in the
ſouth-eaſtern line of Pennſylvania (for 200 or 250
miles, for inſtance, from the ſea) ſo pleaſant, or ſo
favourable to health, or to vegetation, as in the
more northern and north-weſtern parts of the
ſtate.* Thus, in Philadelphia during the preſent
and the laſt winters, the ſnows have repeatedly
appeared and diſappeared; froſts ſucceed to
thaws, and the roots of the grain are left expoſed
to the ſeverity of the cold. This inconvenience
is more frequently experienced by the farmer in
the part of Pennſylvania approaching to Mary-
land, and often proves a very ſerious incon-
venience. While in the northern parts of
* I have already obſerved, (page 10,) that the part of the
American coaſt within the influence of the Atlantic winds is
very variable in point of climate. This will not only apply to
the part of Pennſylvania above mentioned, but indeed to every
part of the Continent on the Atlantic ſide of the blue ridge,
which is the eaſternmoft of the chain of mountains ſtretching
in a north-eaſt direction from Carolina to the extreme of New
York ſtate. Between this ridge and the ſea, the north-eaſterly,
the eaſterly, and ſouth-eaſterly winds are felt in full force, and
the winters and ſummers are equally liable to frequent, ſudden
and conſiderable variations of temperature, which produce an
efect unpleaſant and unhealthy. Beyond the two or three firſt
ridges of mountains juſt mentioned, the climate is more fettled,
the country higher, the air clearer, the foil leſs ſwampy and
more fertile, and in ſhort it is a very different, and in my
opinion, a much more eligible country, to reſide in.
Northumberland,
( 19 )
Northumberland, Luzerne ånd Northampton
counties, the ſnow, when it once falls in a quantity;
generally remains through the winter ; producing
more ſettled weather, and protecting the crops
underneath.
Moreover, the largeſt unoccupied tracts of
land, of courſe the cheapeſt, and beyond compa-
riſon the richeſt lands in this ſtate, are to be
found in the northern parts of the counties juſt
mentioned, and of Allegany courty; that is, ge-
nerally ſpeaking, north of latitude 41°. Of theſe
I prefer the eaſtern, rather than the weſterni
diviſion, becauſe a vicinity to the branches of the
Suſquehanna, which will convey produce to
Philadelphia and Baltimore, is and ever will be
much more valuable, than the neighbourhood of
thoſe waters that communicate at prefent only
with the Ohio. Add to this, that Allegany and
Northumberland counties, from Sinnamohing
weſtward, is entirely unſettled, while the ſecond
claſs of ſettlers are faſt occupying the eaſterå pare
of the fame line of country, to the confines of the
ſtate. A farther conſideration has ſome weight
with me; namely, that the American Indians are
fill in the practice of frequenting the weſtern part
of this tract, even to the ſource of the Sinnamo-
hing; and they claim the Allegany to be the
future and perpetual boundary between the
Indians and the whites. Thefe obfervations you
c
will
( 20 )
will eaſily judge of, by caſting your eye over
Howel's, or Adlum's map of Pennſylvania, or
that given in this work.
The objections to Maryland and Virginia re-
late to climate and ſlave-labour. Theſe ſtates
are very unpleaſantly warm in the ſuinmer ſeaſon
to an Engliſh conſtitution, particularly the
former; and the impoſſibility of procuring any
ſervants but Negro-ſaves, is an objection almoſt
inſuperable. Add to this, that Philadelphia is a
much better market for produce than Baltimore,
particularly for wheat, which uſually ſells a ſhil-
ling higher at Philadelphia, than at the port juſt
mentioned, which however is in a very rapid ſtate
of improvement.
The Federal City, recently laid out between
the Forks of the Potowmack, muſt give a con-
fiderable encreaſed and encreaſing value to the
country round it; and the future reſidence of
Congreſs there may, in time, make Waſhington
City what New York and Philadelphia are now,
although the Ports of Alexandria, Baltimore and
Annapolis will long be competitors of great im-
portance. I have no doubt however that half a
dozen or a dozen perſons might find, and ſettle
upon, plantations, in the neighbourhood of
Waſhington City, each ſufficiently extenſive to
occupy a moderate capital; and to which there
would be a yearly acceſſion of value, independant
of
( 21 )
of their own exertions, whatever the preſent price
of the lands might be. But ſtill, the climate
and Nave-labour would remain : and, whether it
be owing to one, or to both of theſe cauſes com-
bined, there certainly is a want of individual
and national energy in the ſouthern ſtates, which
you do not find in the others: the ſtile of farming
is more ſlovenly, the individuals are more idle and
diffipated, and the progreſs of public improve-
ments in general more flow than in the ſtates
on the northern ſide. I have no doubt the cli-
mate contributes ſomething to this indolence
of diſpoſition : but where labour is confined to
Naves, who do not benefit in proportion to their
induſtry, and where the white inhabitant regards
himſelf as a different and ſuperior being, the
general ſtate of improvement muſt be affected
by ſuch opinions univerſally adopted in theory,
and purſued in practice.
Hence, whatever may be the caſe as to partia
cular ſpots, the gradual acceſſion of value to
landed
property, from the operation of conſtant
and regular cauſes, neither is, nor can be, ſo
great in countries of this deſcription, as in others
where the climate admits and requires exertion,
and where it is no diſgrace for a white man to
labour.
It appears to me, that the gradual acceſſion
of value to landed property which I have juſt
ſpoken
C 3
( 22 )
ſpoken of, will accrue more certainly, more
ſpeedily, and to a larger amount, in the ſtates
of Pennſylvania and New York, than in either
of the remaining ſtates: ift, On account of the
preſent cheapneſs of good land; 2dly, On ac-
count of the reſort of European emigrants to
the ports of Philadelphia and New York; and,
3dly, Becauſe the northern counties of theſe
ftates are now very reaſonably preferred to the
weſtern territory, by the New England ſettlers.
Where good lands can be procured in favour-
able ſituations, at from three half crowns to half
a guinea an acre, a capital employed in the pur-
chaſe of ſuch lands will much ſooner be doubled,
than if the original price had been 21. or 31.
ſterling per acre. An acceſſion of three half
crowns per acre, additional value to the former
deſcription, will produce a duplication of the
capital employed; while an additional value of
three half crowns per acre to lands of the latter
deſcription, will produce about 15 or 16 per
cent. only. Moreover, 5s, or 75: 6d. additional
value is much more eaſily given to land of the
firſt kind, and when given is more viſible, more
evident at firſt ſight, than in the other caſe ;
and farther, land of this deſcription muſt necef-
ſarily entice perſons of ſmall property, and de-
rive conſequent value from new ſettlers, even
though value ſhould not be given by the gradual
Į
population
3
( 23 )
population of the country itfelf. It is clear
alſo, that other two cauſes I have mentioned
muſt give a decided advantage to the two mid-
dle ſtates, and render them for ſome years
more eligible ſituations for the employment of
time and trouble, as well as capital, than
the other ſtates. Of the two, I give the
preference to Pennſylvania, for the reaſons I
have already mentioned; and alſo, becauſe the
current of improvement is beyond compariſon
more rapid in this than in New York ſtate; but
in both theſe ſtates, emigrants eaſily find plenty
of land, rich, cheap, well watered, within the
reach of navigation, under a good government
and in a favourable climate.
You will wonder perhaps that I haye ſaid ſo
little about the Shenandoah Valley, which Briffot
has recommended; or of Kentucky, that land of
promiſe, of which Imlay has given ſo fattering
a deſcription.
The Shenandoah Valley extends in fact from
Wincheſter in Virginia, to Carliſle and the Suf-
quehannah in Pennſylvania. What I have ſaid of
the ſtates of Virginia and Maryland as to climate
and ſave-labour, will of courſe relate to ſuch
parts of the Shenandoah Valley as are within thoſe
ſtates: but throughout the whole extent of it,
land is too dear to admit of the fame advantages
as are to be found in cheaper ſituations, and
being
CA
( 24 )
being inhabited chiefly by Germans and Dutch,
it would beft fuit emigrants from thoſe nations.
With refpect to Kentucky, Imlay has told the
truth: but he has not told (and perhaps he was
not aware of) the whole truth.
The climate is full as hot in Kentucky as in
Maryland ; and the atmofphere is moiſt.
There is ſcarcely any labour to be hired but
that of ſlaves, let out for the purpoſe by their
owners. Theſe Naves forın about one-ſixth of
the whole number of inhabitants.
There is no part of Kentucky (Lexington
perhaps, and a few miles round it excepted)
which is perfectly ſafe from the incurſions of the
Indians; and the road in going and returning,
boch by Pittſburg and the Wilderneſs, is liable
to perpetual moleſta:ion by the favages.* The
Indians ſeem determined upon making the Ohio
and
* Extract from the Philadelphia General Advertiſer, of
January 1, 1794--Staunton, December 14. A gentleman
who arrived in this town on Tueſday laſt from Kentucky in-
forms, that as he and his company were coming through the
Wilderneſs, they came up with a wounded man, who inform-
ed, that he had received his wound in company with four
men-who were attacked by a party of twenty Indians-IWO
of the men were killed, two made their eſcape, and the
wounded man was taken into a ſtation by the travellers.
The preceding extract relates to the paffage by the Wilder-
neſs, where there are regular ftations of troops for the protection
of travellers. When I and Mr. Joſeph Prielley went to Ame-
rica,
( 25 )
and the Allegany the boundary between there
and the whites: the weſtern ſettlements upon the
Ohio, the Miami, and Scioto rivers, are there-
fore quite out of queſtion in point of ſafety,
whatever may be thought of the eaſtern territory
of Ohio: and it is not long ſince the Indians
made excurſions as far as Frankfort, which is the
preſent ſeat of the Kentucky government.
Much, indeed the greateſt part of Kentucky,
is liable to a deficiency of water in ſummer time
for agricultural purpoſes. This is the caſe in
the richeſt lands of the ſtate,
The ſituations worth having on the ſafe ſide
of the Ohio in Kentucky, already ſell beyond
their real comparative value, and are going
now out of faſhion : ſo that a gradual increaſe
in value is not to be looked for at preſent.
The negligence and inattention of the Virgi-
nia land office, in granting more patents than one
for the ſame land, has rendered it almoſt inevi-
table, that a purchaſer in Kentucky buys a law-
ſuit with every plot of unoccupied land he pays
for there.
The frequent diſputes with the Indians, im-
poſe the duty of perſonal militia ſervice in Ken-
rica, we intended to have gone directly from Philadelphia to
Kentucky: on enquiring whether the paffage was ſafe down
the Ohio, we were aſſured it was perfectly ſo, becauſe regular
ar.ned packet boats were eſtabliſhed at Pittſburg, to protect
paſſengers from the Indians. On both roads therefore force
is receſſary for protection,
5
tucky;
.
( 26 )
tucky; if a ſubſtitute be purchaſed, it amounts
to a conſiderable tax.
The diſtance from European connections
and intelligence, is an unpleaſant circumſtance
attending this part of America. If our Euro-
pean friends hereafter, from motives of com-
merce or curioſity, ſhould be induced to pay a
viſit to America, we might ſtand a chance of
ſeeing them if we reſided only 100 or 150 miles
from Philadelphia or New York; but a viſit at
8co miles diſtance is not to be expected, even
from thoſe who have voyaged from Europe to
America: for when they have arrived upon
our continent fron Europe, they have not com.
pleted more than two thirds of the journey to
Kentucky, in point of tine.
Add to this, that the ſoil is ſo rich, and there
is ſo great a proportion (comparatively) of moiſt
weather, that roads are difficult to be made, and
when made are frequently ſo muddy as to be very
unpleaſant to travel in. This is particularly the
caſe in winter, at which feaſon the moiſture,
which in more northern latitudes appears in the
form of ſnow, in Kentucky falls in rain.
To Europeans, fome few European coin-
modities are abſolutely neceſſary; in Kentucky
they are ſcarce and dear. But if they were not
ſo, they muſt be purchaſed chiefly with the
money carried thither; for till the Mililippi be
opened,
ca
( 27 )
opened, there is no permanent vent for any
fuperfluous produce that may be raiſed. Hence,
the ſuperior richneſs of the lands is of little
importance till ſervants can be procured to cul-
tivate them, and a market be found where the
planter can diſpoſe of the commodities he
pro-
duces.
If it be faid, that the Miſfillippi is in fact open
at preſent on payment of duties to the Spaniſh
governinent, I ſay in return, that both the ſafety
of the cargo, and the amount of the duties, are
at preſent uncertain ; and certainly will not be
obtained but by force. Of an expedition for this
purpoſe, the people of Kentucky muſt bear al-
moſt the whole danger and expence; and it
is doubtful whether a feparation between the
eaſtern and the weſtern ſtates, muſt not previ-
ouſly take place.
Even when the Milliſſippi ſhall be perfectly
free to American navigators, the length of time
occupied in exporting produce down the Miſif-
ſippi, and returning by land through Wincheſter
or Pittſburg, (ſetting aſide the danger) is ſuch a
drawback upon the pleaſures of domeſtic life,
as to form in my mind a deciſive objection to
a fettlement in that quarter, if I looked to
raiſing more produce than my own family could
confume.
If
( 28 )
1
If an intermediate “ depot" be adopted (as
muſt be the caſe in time), this will be ſuch a
drawback froin the value of the produce, as muſt
detract alſo from the value of the land.
The ſtate of Kentucky is too poor as yet
to adopt any material improvements in reſpect of
roads or water carriage, although the moiſ-
ture of the climate at certain ſeaſons renders
good roads moſt deſirable in that country. This
muſt be the caſe for many years to come, and of
courſe the ſtate of commercial and ſocial com-
munication will long be imperfect.
To theſe, many other objections might be
added; but I fancy they are ſufficient to out-
weigh all conſiderations of mild winters and
luxuriant vegetation, which comprize the chief
advantages Kentucky can boaſt of. The rage
for emigration thither is nearly ſtopt in America,
and there is ſtill leſs inducement for Europeans
to give into it. However I recommend to your
perufal on this ſubject the following paper.
You have now all the ideas I am able to fur-
niſh you, reſpecting the proper places for ſettle-
ment. I leave you to form your own opinion
of the credit due to them. There may be ex-
ceptions and limitations to ſome of them, but
upon the whole I dare venture to affert, they
are
( 29 )
are ſufficiently accurate to be prudently acted
upon.
I am, &c.
T. C.
Some Particalars relative to the Soil, Situation,
Produ£tions, &c. of Kentucky. Extracted from
the Manuſcript Journal of a Gentleman not long
fince returned from thoſe Parts.*
THE river Ohio is, beyond all competi-
tion, the moſt beautiful in the univerſe, whether
we conſider it for its meandering courſe, through
an immenſe region of foreſts, for its clean and
elegant banks, which afford innumerable de-
lightful ſituations for cities, villages, and im-
proved farms, or for thoſe many other advan-
tages, which truly entitle is to the name origin-
ally given it by the French, of La Belle Riviere.
After paſſing a diſtance of five hundred miles
upon thoſe waters, I arrived at Limeſtone, which
is the general landing place for people coming by
water from the United States. The deſcriptions
hitherto given of Kentucky have generally
been thought extravagant ; but as nobody has
come forward in contradiction to the common
reports, we naturally conclude a country muſt
* See American Muſeum, January 1792,
be
( 30 )
ever by extraordinary which every body unites
in extolling
Influenced by this idea, I approached this
earthly elyſium, (as I ſuppoſed it) upon which
nature has been thought to beſtow her moſt pe-
culiar favours, and the ſeaſons have been ſaid to
ſmile without interruption. The firſt appear-
ance of Limeſtone, however, will be found diſ-
ſatisfactory to every one that lands from
up
the
river. A number of houſes ſituated on a lofty
and uneven bank, apparently at the foot of a very
high hill, (which, on account of a bend in the
river, is not ſeen till you come within two miles
of it) gives the ſtranger notice of his approach
to Limeſtone. As you arrive, you are mortified
at finding the creek on which the town ſtands,
(ſo very conſpicuous in the finalleſt maps) no-
thing better than a mere gut, which may be
nearly leaped over. In this harbour are ſeen a
few Kentucky boats, generally lying near the
mouth, many of which have been broken up to
form thoſe ſtraggling houſes which are perceived
on the bank—the people of this place never fail
to inform you, that this is the fag end of Kentuc-
ky, and as you are willing to conſider it ſuch with
them, for want of comfortable accommodation,
you are glad to get away from it as faſt as pof-
Gible.
However,
( 31 )
However, as the quality of the land is the
great object to emigrants, every one muſt be
pleaſed with the ſoil, and was that the only thing
requiſite to make a country valuable or pleaſing,
Kentucky would be the moſt ſo in the world, as
the land is no where excelled. After you are got
fairly into Kentucky, the ſoil aſſumes a black
appearance, rich and light in ſubſtance; and
ſhould
you
viſit the country in the ſpring, you
will be ſurpriſed at finding no leaves under the
trees.
The reaſon is, the ground is ſo rich and
damp, that they always rot and diſappear with
the winter, except where the ſoil is evidently
poor, for that country. It then bears the ap-
pearance of the better ſort of land in Pennſylvaa
nia and Jerſey, though differing widely in ſub-
ſtance, there being no fand to be met with in
the ſoil of Kentucky.
There is a ſpecies of fat, or ſplit limeſtone
that pervades all the country, lying at unequal
depths. In the rich and black-looking foil, it
lies near the ſurface, and in general, the nearer
the ſtone lies to the ſurface, the richer the land is
found to be. At the ſame time, the ſtone does
not, as I expected, impede the growth of the
trees, as they grow every where to an amazing
height, except near the ſalt licks, where the in-
fluence of the faline particles ſeems to check their
growth.
Ainong
( 32 )
Among the many accounts that have been
given of Kentucky, none of thein have done
juſtice to the timber. Oak and locuſt on the flat
lands are common at five feet diameter. Pop-
lars growing on the beach lands are ſo common
at five and ſix feet through, as hardly to be no-
ticed. The beech grows to the thickneſs of
four and five feet, and both of the laſt mention-
ed to the height of one hundred and twenty to
one hundred and thirty feet. Theſe, and the
advantage of paſture in the woods, conſtitute
the great excellence of Kentucky. The diſad-
vantages will, I fear, nearly counterbalance the
luxuriance of the ſoil.
The ſtories told of the abundance of graſs in
the woods, are in many inſtances true. You
frequently find beds of clover to the horſe's
knees--ſometimes a ſpecies of ruſh-graſs, com-
monly called wild rye, from the fimilarity of its
ſtalk to the rye fo called among us; in other
places we meet with large tracts of wild cane,
very much eſteemed by the wild and tame cattle,
it continuing in verdure all the winter. There
is alſo a ſpecies of vine, called the pea vine,
from its producing a ſmall pod, reſembling that
of the garden pea, of which both horſes and ·
cattle are extremely fond. There are ſcariered
generally through the country, according to the
different ſoils; but are not to be met with uni-
verſally.
( 33 )
ز
verſally. The woods, however, afford abun-
dance of food for cattle; and in conſequence of
this abundance, the people pay very little atren-
tion to the making and improving paſture lands.
The milk from this food is thin, and both that
and the butter retain a ſtrong taſte of weeds. In
hot weather, their milk will turn four in two or
three hours after milking; but as the cuſtom of
the country is to uſe four milk, this diſadvantage
is not much regretted.
It is generally the practice with the Kentuc-
kians, to turn out their horſes with the cattle ;
and a man is frequently two or three days hunt-
ing for a horſe he wants only for half an hour.
Their cattle have been, and are of neceſſity, ex-
poſed during the winter to fubfilt in the
woods; but the conſequence is, that many of
them die, and all ſuffer extremely; the common
opinion being not well founded, that the climate
is înore favourable than in the middle ſtates,
which is ſufficiently evident from the winters
here frequently proving as cold as in Pennſylva-
nia or Jerſey: with this difference, that the
changes are more ſudden, and the effects more
ſeverely felt.
The houſes in Kentucky, ſome few in the towns
excepred, are ſcarcely deſerving of the name;
which we ſhall have the leſs room to adinire at,
when we recollect the ſhort interval that has
eļapſed, ſince the firſt ſettlement of the country.
D
A tem.
( 34 )
A temporary hut is at firſt erected, at leaſt as
open as a New England corn-crib; yet in thoſe
miſerable habitations are ſeen ladies neatly dreſſed,
who are, as yet, obliged to reſide therein for want
of better houſes. The taverns are generally
wretched, unleſs one or two in the capital town,
Lexington; and you are charged extravagantly
for the worſt fare; ſhould a man go to Ken-
tucky, who could uſe neither milk nor bacon, his
caſe would be pitiable*; but I do not mean to re-
Hect--on the contrary, I am willing to allow that
the buildings of every kind are improving as faſt
as the circumſtances of the country will permit.
The convenience of a ſpring of water is the firſt
and chief confideration in chooſing a ſpot for a
houſe; and as the roads in general are laid out up-
on the higher grounds, the country, to a traveller,
appears ſtill to be uninhabited, an endleſs range of
ſolitary woods preventing the agreeable yiew of
farms and ſettlements. But upon a general muſter-
day, the ſcene is wholly changed. You are then
ſurpriſed at the number of inhabitants chat emerge
from the foreſts to practiſe in the art military.
* Whatever might have been the caſe at the time this
writer travelled, it is certainly not ſo now. In no part of the
world, ſo far as I can find, are proviſions cheaper or more
plentiful than in Kentucky. Doubtleſs a firſt fertler muſt de-
pend for near a twelve month on ſalted proviſions chiefly, till
his own crops are come round, and till his ground is ſuffi-
ciently cleared to ſupport fome ftock, and I preſume it is to
this period the writer muſt allude.
The
( 35 )
The great boaſt of a Kentucky-man is the
quantity of corn that the land will raiſe upon
an acre; of which, one hundred and ſeven buſh-
els are the greateſt quantity that I could find
aſcertained to have been produced. This, in the
fall, ſells for fixpence a buſhel. The common
produce of the ſoil is from fifty to eighty buſhels
an acre, in a favourable ſeaſon. This, upon an
average, is about three times the quantity we
can raiſe on an acre in the old ſtates; grain of
this kind muſt therefore always be low in Ken-
tucky, probably lower than at preſent, when the
country comes to be more opened.
Hitherto there has not been much more grain
raiſed than has been conſumed by the inhabi-
tants; and the perſons emigrating there, toge-
ther with the trade down the river, may afford a
fine proſpect in theory; to individuals, but will
never turn out of any folid advantage to the
public of this ſettlement; the difficulty in re-
turning up the river muſt render the voyage ter-
rible. To make head againſt the ſtream mult
be done by dint of ſevere labour and main
ſtrength, and would require exertions, which no
man would ever wiſh to make a ſecond time,
who was not urged by the inducement of gaining
a ſpeedy fortune thereby.
In paſſing through the country, during the
ſummer ſeaſon, your attention is always drawn
to the dryneſs of the creeks and runs. A little
D2
water
(:36)
water is in ſome places ſeen ſtanding among
the flat ſtones, but ſo warm with the ſun, that
cattle will ſcarcely drink it. We feel hurt at
the fight of a large and beautiful country, that
will forever labour under the inconvenience of a
want of ſprings and running water, at leaſt, five
months in the year. The lightneſs of the ſoil,
in wet weather, foon makes the roads unpleaſant
for travelling, wch are as ſoon dried again in
fair weather. The rain ſinks preſently below the
ſurface; the brooks, which were juſt now flow-
ing with water, are in a few hours dry, and ſeiz.
ed, as it were, with a general thirſt.
At preſent horſe mills grind a great part of
the corn and wheat of the country, although a
comparatively ſmall part of the latter is uſed by
the inhabitants, who generally give the preference
to Indian meal baked in a pot, or before the fire.
All ſtrangers, upon their arrival here, undergo
a purgation, which is thought to proceed from the
lime-ftone quality imparted to the water from
the nature of the ſoil. Gnats and Aies are very
troubleſome, particularly in the fall, at which
ſeaſon they become a perfect torment both to
man and beaſt.
Log houſes muſt be expected to be met with
every where, boards being a very ſcarce article,
for want of ſaw mills : but the materials will in
time afford beautiful habitations, walnut and
wild cherry being common articles of building.
A law.
I
2
( 37 )
A lawyer, in travelling through Kentucky,
might well exclaim in the language of Virgil,
Quæ regio in terris noftri non plena laboris ?
For of law there is enough, claiins for land in-
terfering continually, rights being ſo laid one
upon another, that ſcarcely any body knows who
is ſafe. The emigration to this part of the Con-
tinent has been amazing, and this is the beſt place
in the world for people to remove to with large
familes, where they will find Providence fuffici-
ently bountiful; or, if the view of the emigrant
ſhould be to render himſelf and his poſterity in-
dependent, here is the country that will ſuit his
wiſhes: at the ſame time, let him underſtand,
that if he does not bring a fortune with him, he
will find he muſt at firſt live low, and work
hard. It will require a long time to introduce
luxuries into the region called Kentucky, in any
great plenty. But if the emigrant ſhould be an
enthuſiaſt (as many are who come to ſettle here)
and looks forward to the compleat ſettlement of
this territory, he will think it the land of pro-
miſe, and point it out to his children to be the
ſpot for the millenium of the world, where the
farce of titular dignity, and the parade of courts
ſhall never be exhibited; where monarchy ſhall
never intrude, to trample upon the rights of
man; but a pure and equal republican form of
go-
D 3
( 38 )
government ſhall gradually introduce the prac-
tice of tho e virtues, which are confonant to the
true nature of our ſpecies,
The buffaloes have entirely quitted the culti-
vated parts of Kentucky: and the deer have
become ſcarce. Of wild turkies, however, there
are abundance, nearly as tame as thoſe bred in
the yard. From their being extremely poor in
the ſummer, they remain unmoleſted: in the
winter, they grow very fat, and are reckoned deli-
cious food: of other birds there is no great variety.
No land appears better adapted to the culture
of tobacco, than that of Kentucky; and it is
now become one of their ſtaples. At preſent
there are but few orchards; but as the country
opens, they will find it their intereſt to plant
them.
The four I have ſeenomade here is generally
black, and not ſo good as might be expected. Pof-
ſibly it inay be the fault of the mills, or it may
proceed from the richneſs of the ground, though
it muſt be confeſſed the grain itſelf looks well.
As to money, it is ſcarcely a nediuin of com-
merce, except with ſhop and tavern keepers.
Every thing has two prices, the trade and caſh
price. What caſh there is, ſoon becomes col-
lected in the ſhops, and returns for goods; im-
ports ſelling from one to two hundred per cent.
more than the Philadelphia price; notwithſtand-
ing which, every one dreſſes gay, and, except
about
)
( 39 )
about the houſes, you find the appearance of in-
duſtry and cleanlineſs. The general mode of
ſettling, with a new emigrant, is to build a little
log hut: he then ſets about girdling, or killing
the trees; and when that is done, puts in his
corn without delay. Should he, after all this,
not feel at home, nor reliſh his ſituation, nor ad-
mire his proſpects, his only conſolation will be
(if it can be called a confolation) that to the fa-
mily of a poor man, women and children, it is a
dreadful, I may ſay, almoſt an impoſſible thing,
to return.
Philadelpia, Nov. 5, 1792.
The following advertiſement on the part of
the government of Pennſylvania, is part of a
plan of a committee appointed to report on the
improvements requiſite to be made in the inter-
nal communication of that ſtate. I know of no
other ſtate of the union that has made or is making
ſuch inceſſant exertions to form roads, cut ca-
nals, and facilitate intercourſe in every direction,
SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
APRIL 12, 1793.
WHEREAS in and by an Act of the Gene-
ral Affembly, entitled, “ An act to provide for
D4
opening
( 40 )
opening and improving fundry navigable waters
and roads wiihin this Commonwealth, and the
ſupplernent to the ſaid act, the Governor is
empowered to contract with individuals, or with
companies, for the purpoſe of undertaking and
carrying into inmediate effect the improvement
of the navigation of the ſeveral rivers and creeks
herein after deſcribed :
Notice is therefore given,
By order of the Governor, that propoſals in
writing, directed to the following objects ref-
pectively, will be received at this office, to
wit,
1. For improving the navigation of the river
Suſquehanna from Swatara creek up to Starucca,
at the Great Bend, at the New York line, mak-
ing ſeparate ſtatements for the improvements
from the mouth of the Swatara to the mouth of
the Juniata; from the mouth of the Junial , to
the mouth of the weſt branch; and from the
mouth of the weſt branch to Starucca, at the
great bend.
Il. For improving the navigation of the weſt
branch of the Suſquehanna, from its mouth to the
mouth of the Sinnamahoning, thence up the Sinna.
mahoning to its north branch, and thence up
the north branch thereof to the place known by
the name of Drift Wood; making ſeparate ſtate-
ments
.
( 41 )
ments for the improvements from the north-
welt branch of the Suſquehanna to the Sinna-
mahoning; from the Sinnamahoning to its north
branch; and from the north branch of Sinna-
mahoning as far as the place called Drift Wood.
III. For improving the navigation of the
Alleghany river from the mouth of the Cone-
wango creek
up
the ſaid river, unto the place
where the road from Drift Wood ſhall ſtrike the
ſaid river.
IV. For improving the navigation of French
creek, on the river Alleghany, from the mouth
of the ſaid creek, to the portage leading there-
from to Preſque Ille on Lake Erie.
V. For improving the navigation of the Co-
newaugh, froin Stony Point to Richard's Run,
from thence through Chefnur Ridge, and from
Cheſnut kiidge to Loyal Hanning; making fe-
parate ſtatements for the improvements from
Stony Point to Richard's Run; from Richard's
Run through Cheſnut Ridge ; and from Chef-
nut Ridge to Loyal Hannir:g.
VI. For improving the navigation of the
Kiſkeminetas to the fecond falls incluſive;
and from thence to the river Alleghany; mak-
ing ſeparate ſtatements for the improvements
from the Kilkeminetas to the ſecond falls inclu-
five; and from the ſaid falls to the river Alle-
ghatıy.
VII. For
( 42 )
VII. For improving the Ray's town branch
of the Juniata, from the mouth thereof to Ma-
gauhey's Mill, about three miles above the town
of Bedford, and of Dunning's creek, from the
mouth thereof to the Big Fork.
AND WHEREAS it may eventually be
found expedient, under the authority of the ſaid
recited act of the General Aſſembly, to lay out,
open, and improve the following roads, or ſuch
parts thereof reſpectively, as may be connected,
and neceffary to correſpond with the ſtage of im-
provement of the navigation of the ſeveral wa-
ters before deſcribed,
Notice is further given,
By order of the Governor, that propoſals, in
writing, directed to the objects herein after men-
tioned, will alſo be received at this office : to
wit,
I. For opening and improving a road from
the place called Drift Wood, on the river Sin-
namahoning, to the river Alleghany, obſerving
a northerly courſe.
II. For opening and improving a road from
French creek, to Preſque-Ife on Lake Erie.
III. For opening and improving a road from
Frankſtown to Poplar Run.
AND WHEREAS certain fums of money
are appropriated by the faid recited act of the Ge-
neral
( 43 )
neral Aſembly, and the ſaid Supplement thereto,
and act entitled an act to appropriate certain
ſums of money for the laying out, opening, and
improving ſundry roads within this common-
wealth, and for other purpoſes therein mention-
ed—for opening and improving certain other
roads herein after mentioned,
Notice is further given,
By order of the Governor, that propoſals in
writing for opening and improving the follow-
ing roads, will alſo be received at this office:
to wit,
I. A road from Bedford to Pittſburg generally.
II. A road from Reading to Sunbury.
III. A road through Black's Gap over the
South Mountain.
IV. A road from Conemaugh, at or near
the mouth of Stoney Creek, to the north-weſt
ſide of the Cheſnut Ridge, at or near Thomas
Trimble's.
V. A road from Fort Penn, extending up the
eaſt ſide of the eaſt branch of Broadhead's
Creek croſſing the head waters of Bulhkill,
Shoholy and Blooming Grove Creeks, thence
on the moſt eligible rout, to the great falls of
Lachawaxen, thence northerly on the moſt ſuit-
able ground between the waters of Lachawaxen
and Delaware river, until the rout interſects the
portage between Delaware and Shohocking Creek.
VI. For
( 44 )
VI. For compleating the road extending from
the weſt end of High-ſtreet, of the city of Phila-
delphia, through the county of Philadelphia, to
the line of the county of Delaware.
VII. For improving the road from Perkeiom-
ing to the Swamp Meeting houſe, in Rock hill
townſhip
VIII. For improving the road from Tohicent
to the Springfield Meeting houſe, through Hay-
cock townſhip.
IX. For improving the road from Bracken-
bridges to the Northampton county line.
X. For aſſiſting in erecting a bridge over Per-
kloming Creek.
XI. For erecting bridges over Clark's Creek
and Powell's Creek, in Middle Paxton townſhip
in Dauphin county-and for improving the road
over Peter's Mountain, from John Ayres's farm
to M'Call's tavern.
XII. For compleating the road over Black's
Gap, and for erecting a bridge over Choneco.
cheague Creek in ſaid Gap.
XIII. For erecting bridges over Choneco-
cheague and Conechodogwinet Creeks on the
State road from Shippenſburg to Bedford.
XIV. For improving the road from the Burnt
Cabbins to the eaſt ſide of Sidling hill, by way
of Fort Littleton.
XV. For improving and compleating the road
from
:
( 45 )
part of
from Philadelphia to Sunbury, in that
the faid road which lies between the weſt ſide of
the Broad Mountain, to Titworth's tavern.
XVI. For improving the road over Trent's
Gap in Cumberland and York counties.
XVII. For improving that part of the road
leading froin Carliſle into Shearman's valley,
which extends over the North Mountain, and to
croſs the ſame, at or near Hurley's Gap.
XVIII. For improving the road leading up
Juniata river, from the mouth of a ſmall run on
the ſouth ſide of Buffaloe Hill, in Greenwood
townſhip and Cumberland county, to the mouth
of a ſmall run, called Wild Colt run, in the ſaid
townſhip
XIX. For improving the road from Spiker's
to Cherry's Mill.
XX. For improving a road from the top of the
Winding Ridge, on the Maryland Line, to the
weſt ſide of Laure Hill, near Union Town.
XXI. For laying out and improving a road,
beginning at or near the line dividing the coun-
ties of Lancaiter and Cheſter, on the north-weſt
ſide of the Welch Mountain, in the Paxton road,
and from thence to the road leading from Phila-
delphia to the borough of York, ſo as to inter-
fect the ſame in the townfhip of Bradford, Chef-
ter county.
XXII, For laying out and improving a road
leading
( 46 )
leading from M‘Call's or Newberry's Ferry, on
the river Suſquehanna, ſo as to interſect the road
leading from York Town to Peach Bottom Fer-
ry, between William Dougherty's and Charles
'William Porter's on faid road.
XXIII. For improving that part of the State
road leading from Bedford to Pittſburg, which
extends from Turtle Creek to Pittſburg.
XXIV. For improving a road from Frankf-
town to Pittſburg.
XXV. For opening and improving a road
from Wilkſbarre to Wyaluſing.
XXVI. For improving the road from Fort
Penn to the portage between Delaware river and
Shohocking Creek.
XXVII. For improving the road from the
Lehigh Water Gap, acroſs the Matchunk Moun-
tain, to interſect the Leſcopeck road.
XXVIII. For improving the road from
George Browne's through the Little Gap of the
Blue Mountain.
XXIX. For improving the road between
Lewis towards Mifflin county, and Huntingdon
Town.
XXX. For opening and improving a road
from Lewis Town to Penn's Valley.
XXXI. For opening the State road from
Peach Bottom Ferry, on the river Suſquehannah,
to the Maryland line, towards the waters of
Chriſtiana.
ALL
$
( 47 )
ALL the contracts will be founded on ac-
tual ſurvey. The perſons making propoſals
will therefore be pleaſed to ſtate, as accurately
as they can, the preſent condition of the road,
the opening or improvement of which they de-
fire to undertake; together with its courſes, diſ-
tances, and breadth ; the ſpecific improvements
that are meant to be made by levelling the
ground, removing ſtones, and bridging creeks,
or runs; and the names of the ſureties to guar-
antee the due and faithful performance of the
contracts for which they reſpectively apply. The
propoſals for improving the navigation of the
rivers and creeks, muſt, in like manner, ſtate the
preſent condition of the river or creek, to which
the propoſals reſpectively refer ; the obſtructions
in the ſtream; and the ſpecific improvements
that are intended to be made by blowing rocks,
erecting bridges and wing-walls, clearing ſhoals,
&c. For the conveniency of the perſons whoſe
propoſals ſhall be accepted, the contracts and
bonds will be prepared at this office, and tranſ-
mitted for execution, to the Prothonotary of the
county in which the contractors reſpectively re-
fide,
A. J. DALLA S.
Secretary to the Commonwealth.
LET.
1
( 48 )
L ET T E R II.
MY DEAR SIR,
I PROCEED to anſwer, as well as I can,
the reſt of your queries on the ſubject of Ame-
rica.
You aſk me, what is the flate of ſociety in
America, and whether European comforts and
conveniences can be procured there? whether
proviſions are cheaper and more plentiful there,
than in England ?
America is a large place : and between the
different ſtates, there are ſtrong ſhades of dif-
ference; nor does a large towır furniſh the ſame
anſwer to your queries as the country,
In Boſton, New York, Philadelphia, and Bal-
timore, the ſtate of ſociety is much the ſame as
in the large towns of Great Britain, ſuch as
Birmingham, Briſtol, Liverpool, and Mancheſter.
The American towns I have juſt enumerated,
contain together about the ſame number of in-
habitants as the Engliſh towns juſt mentioned;
that is, about 200,000. Boſton, in 1791, con-
tained 18,038 inhabitants. New York, 33,131.
Philadelphia, 42,520. Baltimore, 13,503. Rich-
mond,
( 49 )
mond, 3,761. Alexandria, 2,748. Lexington,
in Kentucky, 834. Since that year the increaſe
has been equivalent to make up the aggregate
what I ftate. New York, for inſtance, is a per-
fect counterpart of Liverpool: the ſituation of
the docks, the form of ſtreets, the ſtate of the
public buildings, the inſide as well as the outſide
of the houſes, the manners, the amuſements, the
mode of living among the expenſive part of the
inhabitants, all theſe circumſtances are as nearly
alike, in the towns laſt mentioned, as poſſible.
In all the American towns above noticed, there
are theatres and aſſemblies. They are, in ſhort,
preciſely what the larger and more opulent pro-
vincial towns of Great Britain are. Hence alſo
you may eaſily conceive, that European comforts
and conveniences are not ſcarce. In fact, you
may find in Philadelphia or New York, every
article of that deſcription uſually kept in the
ſhops in the Engliſh towns I have referred to, in
equal plenty, but not indeed equally cheap. To
the price of all articles of luxurious furniture
(pictures, pier glaſſes, carpets, &c.) add one-
third to the Engliſh price, and you have the full
American price. Houſe-rent is alſo much the
ſame as in the places hitherto compared : if any
thing, ſomewhat dearer in America for houſes of
the fame ſize and convenience.The houſes in
the one ſet of towns as in the other, are built of
E
brick
ma
( 50 )
brick and ſtone. In the country, houſes of equal
convenience are as cheap as in the country of
Great Britain.
Proviſions (milk and butter excepted, at
Philadelphia and ſouthward) are a full third
cheaper than in ſimilar places of Great Britain.
Butter, in Boſton and New York, is cheaper
than in Philadelphia, where it is from 15d. to
2od. per lb. Cheeſe about the ſame price as
with you, but not ſo good. Firing in the great
towns very dear, a chord of hiccory wood, 8 feet
by 4 feet and 4 feet, ſelling in Philadelphia and
New York, in winter, at 7 dollars. In the coun-
try
it would be about i dollar and a half.
In the ſettled country, however, from 15 to
250 miles from the large towns, the ſtate of ſo-
ciety, and the ſtyle of living, is, in my opinion,
preferable to the country life of Great Britain.
In the latter kingdom, the people are divided
into,-firſt, rich proprietors and great lords, who
come occaſionally to viſit their country ſeats ;-
ſecondly, gentlemen farmers, whom inclination,
or too ſtrait an income, prevent from living in
towns ;--and thirdly, farming tenantry, who cul-
tivate the ground for a ſcanty livlihood. In
America you have none of the firſt claſs : the
maſs of inhabitants, excluſive of ſervants, con-
ſiſts of thoſe who poffefs in fee ſimple, from 100
to 500 acres of land, actually in cultivation ;
together
( 51 )
"
together with the tradeſmen immediately de-
pendant on agriculture (all of whom are farmers)
and the fore-keepers diſperſed in the ſinal-
ler towns, almoſt all of whom are farmers
alſo. But they are all novenly farmers: their
fences are not neat; hedges they have few, and
thoſe few are rough and imperfect. The fence
in the middle and ſouthern ſtates is uſually wood
ſplit into lengths, of 5 or 6 feet, and 3 or 4
inches thick, of which the ends are placed one
on the top of another, angular-wiſe. In New
England, ſtone fences are common. In Penn,
ſylvania, about twenty years ago, there were
many hedges of privet, but one ſevere winter kil-
led them all. They have may indigenous thorny
ſhrubs that would anſwer for hedges, but they do
not give themſelves the trouble to try. For
gardening they have much leſs taſte than the
Engliſh ; for orchards more. Every farm-houſe
in the middle and ſouthern ſtates has iis peach
orchard, and its apple orchard, and with all their
Novenlinefs, abundance and content are evident
in every habitation. Theſe habitations are uſually
of wood: more generally of logs, caſed, or un-
caſed, with boards, than built of frame work ;
all the windows are faſhed, and the inſides of the
houſes, generally ſpeaking, are as creditable to
the miſtreſs of the family, as the grounds around
are otherwiſe to the maſter, whoſe induſtry, in-
E 2
deed,
"
( 52 )
deed, is uſually exerted upon more important
objects. Neatneſs among the common farmers,
and taſte among the more opulent cultivators,
have not yet found their way. .
Hoſpitality is relative : from Maſſachuſets to
Maryland, inns are plenty, and ſtrangers frequent
them' when they travel : from the ſouth
boundary of Pennſylvania to South Carolina,
taverns are more ſcarce and dear, and hoſpitali-
ty is on the moſt liberal ſcale. Nor are the peo-
ple ignorant, newſpapers are as plentiful in
America as they are now in France : book fo-
cieties are everywhere to be found, and though
learning, in the European acceptation of the
word, is uncommon, good ſenſe, and ſome read-
ing, are univerſal.
In the country, proviſions are from one-third
to one-half leſs than in Great Britain: fiſh and
game are in great plenty.
You aſk what appear to me to be the general
inducements to people to quit England for Ame-
rica ? In my mind, the firſt and principal fea-
ture is, “The total abſence of anxiety reſpeting
" the future fucceſs of a family." There is little
fault to find with the government of America,
either in principle or in practice: we have very
few taxes to pay, and thoſe are of acknowledged
neceſſity, and moderate in amount: we have no
animofities about religion, it is a ſubject about
which
1
x
( 53 )
the power
which no queſtions are aſked: we have few
reſpecting political men or political mea-
ſures: the preſent irritation of men's minds
in Great Britain, and the diſcordant ſtate
of ſociety on political accounts, is not known
there. The government is the government
of the people, and for the people. There are
no tythes nor game laws: and exciſe laws upon
ſpirits only, and ſimilar to the Britiſh only in
name. There are no men of great rank, nor
many of great riches. Nor have the rich there
of oppreſſing the leſs rich, for po-
verty, ſuch as in Great Britain, is almoſt un-
known. Nor are their ſtreets crouded with beg-
gars. I ſaw but one only while I was there, and
he was Engliſh. You ſee no where in America
the diſgufting and melancholy contraſt, fo com-
mon in Europe, of vice, and filth, and rags, and
wretchedneſs in the immediate neighbourhood of
the moſt wanton extravagance, and the moſt
uſeleſs and luxurious parade. Nor are the com-
mon people ſo depraved as in Great Britain.
Quarrels are uncommon, and b'xing matches
unknown in our ſtreets. . We have no military
to keep the people in awe. Robberies are very
rare. I heard of no burglary in Philadelphia
during the fever there, though no one ſtaid in
the town who could leave it. All theſe are real
advantages : but great as they are, they do not
weigh
E 3
( 54 )
weigh with me ſo much, as the ſingle conſidera-
tion firſt mentioned.
In Engla id, the young man Aies to proſtitu-
tion, for fe r of the expence of a family eſta-
bliſhment, and the more than poſſible extrava.
gance of a wife; celibacy is a part of prudence;
it is openly commended, and as ſteadily practiſed
as the voice of nature will allow. The married
man, whoſe paſſions have been ſtronger, whoſe
morals have been leſs callous, or whoſe intereſt
has furniſhed motives to matrimony, doubts
whether each child be not a misfortune, and
looks
upon his offspring with a melancholy kind
of affection, that embitters ſome of the moſt
pleaſurable moments of life. There are excep-
tions to this from great ſucceſs in the purſuits of
the father! there are exceptions from ſtronger
degrees of parental affection ; and the more
ſanguine look forward with ſtronger hope: but
I have ſeen too much not to be ſatisfied of the
perfect truth of this general poſition. I do not
care what may be the ſituation in life of the
parents, or the rank to which they belong; from
my own labourer, when I lived among you, at
125. a week, to Lord S-, of 25,000l. a
year, through many intermediate ranks, I have
had too frequent occaſion to obſerve this melan-
choly fact,
In
( 55 )
In the former inſtance, the man I employed
conſoled himſelf, with tears in his eyes, for the
loſs of his eldeſt ſon, (who was accidentally drown-
ed), becauſe he had one leſs to provide for; and in
the ſecond inſtance his Lordſhip laid down his
fox hounds, becauſe he had a large family.
In America, particularly out of the large towns,
no man of moderate deſires feels anxious about a
family. In the country, where dwells the maſs
of the people, every man feels the increaſe of his
family to be the increaſe of his riches: and no
farmer doubts about the facility of providing for
his children as comfortably as they have lived,
where land is fo cheap and ſo fertile, where
ſociety is ſo much on an equality, and where the
prodigious increaſe of population, from natural
and accidental cauſes, and the improving ſtate of
every part of the country, furniſhes a market for
whatever ſuperfluous produce he chuſes to raiſe,
without preſenting inceſſantly that temptation to
artificial expence, and extravagant competition,
fo common and ſo ruinous in your country.
In Great Britain, perpetual exertion, inceſſant,
unremitting induſtry, daily deprivation of the
comforts of life, and anxious attention to minute
frugality, are almoſt incumbent on a man of mo-
derate fortune, and in the middle claſs of life :
and the probabilities of ultimate ſucceſs, are cer-
tainly againſt a large family. In England, no
E 4
man
( 56 )
man has a right (calculating upon the common
chances) to expect that five or ſix children ſhall
all ſucceed.
In America it is otherwiſe; you may reaſon
ably reckon upon a comfortable ſettlement, ac-
cording to your ſituation in life, for every part
of a fatnily, however numerous. I declare I
know nothing in your country equivalent to the
taking off this weight upon the mind of a father
of a family
It is felt in the occurrences of every
day; and I have ſeen with pleaſure the counte-
nance of an European emigrant, in America,
brighten up on this very comfortable reflection;
a reflection which conſoles even for loſs of
friends, and exile from a native country.
To perfonis in genteel life, and of the claſs
which
you call men of fortune, nearly the ſame
difficulties occur : with you, every rank treads ſo
cloſe on the heels of the rank above it, that an
exceſs of expence above income, is general; and
perhaps the difficulties of a family are ſtill greater
in the claſs laſt mentioned. Temptations to
unneceſſary expence, owing to the numerous
gradations of rank in England, are perpetual,
and almoſt unconquerable. With us, a man is
more equitably appreciated : and in the country
of America, he is eſtimated more at what he is,
and leſs at what he ſeems. Something like
European manners, and ſomething of the ill
effect
( 57 )
effect of inequality of riches, is to be found in the
great towns of America, but nothing like what an
inhabitant of the old country experiences; and
the maſs of the people in America are nearly un-
tainted. Hence the freedom from artificial
poverty, and the univerſal diffuſion of the com-
mon comforts and conveniencies of life.
In your country, moreover, if a man has been
pecuniarily unfortunate, the eager croud preſs on
and trample over him, and, once down, he is kept
down. In America, a falſe ſtep is not irretrie.
vable, there is room to get up again: and the
lefs unfortunate ſtumbler looks round at leiſure,
and without diſmay, for ſome more profitable path
to be purſued. With you, every employinent is
full, and you are preſſed and elbowed on all ſides:
with us, every employment has room for induſtry,
and for many years almoſt every ſpecies of induf-
try muſt be ſucceſsful. In fine, ours is a riſing
country. I am ſorry to ſay it, but I fear, yours is
a falling country. A ſingle man, with you, may
be buoyed up by his unfittered exertions; but a
family is a mill-ſtone about the neck of inany,
very many, among you, whoſe anxious induſtry
deferves a better reward.
You aſk me what kind of people will find it
their intereſt to go to America ? Whether thoſe
who have acted as merchants, or ſhopkeepers, or
manufacturers in England will ſucceed there?
Whether
( 58 )
Whether a man of large income can pleaſantly
ſpend it? Whether a gentleman of moderate
fortune can improve it, or a man of large pro-
perty increaſe it there? Whether the American
continent holds out inducements to the profeſſions
of law, phyſic, and divinity? What is a literary
man to do there? Or whether a perſon of a literary
curn will eaſily find ſociety there?
I cannot enter into details on all theſe enquiries;
I have neither all the facts, nor the time for
this purpoſe. However, the reſult, the ſum and
fubſtance of my remarks on theſe queſtions, are as
follow. They will perhaps adınit of exceptions,
but they are generally true.
With reſpect to merchants, tradeſmen, and
ſhopkeepers, they will of neceſity have a kind of
local apprenticeſhip to ſerve, whatever be the
previous connections which induce them to go
thither: they muſt ſpend time there to acquire
a ſufficient knowledge of the habits and manners
of the people, of the characters and ſituations of
thoſe with whom they are to deal, of the channels
of commerce, the articles of barter, and the other
details of buſineſs, which nothing but actual re.
fidence and local inveſtigation can ſupply. With
this, no perſon of good character and recom-
mendation (with credit on the old country) can
fail to ſucceed in the new. Succeſs, however,
will be much accelerated, by a knowledge of
German
:
( 59 )
German and French, in Pennſylvania, and New.
York ſtates in particular. In Philadelphia, every
ſtorekeeper has the name of his firm, and his trade,
written in the German character and language, as
well as in the Engliſh.
With reſpect to manufactures, I think no one
will as yet ſucceed in eſtabliſhing a profitable
manufacture of woollen, linen, or of cotton
goods (ſtockings, perhaps, excepted) neither does
it appear to me, that the time is yet come for any
branch of the pottery to ſucceed. There are
more profitable means of employing the capital
neceſſary to embark in thoſe manufactures, and
there certainly is in this country a predilection,
partly founded on prejudice, and partly on intereſt,
in favour of articles manufactured in Great
Britain. It is in the power of your country to
continue this predilection; which the Americans
will continue to entertain till your Government
compels them to relinquiſh it.
I have no doubt of the ſucceſs of a glaſs ma-
nufacture, a gunpowder manufacture, of a paper
maker, a paper ſtainer, a letter founder, a manu-
factory of all the heavy kinds of iron work, ſuch
as caſtings from the ore, pig iron, bar iron, rolling
mills, fitting mills, and the making of nails. I
believe that no ſoap boiler, hatter, gunſmith, tal-
low chandler, whiteſmith, and blackſmith, brafs
founder, wheelwright, cabinet maker, carpenter,
maſon,
( 60 )
maſon, bricklayer, tailor, ſhoemaker, cooper,
tanner, currier, maltſter, brewer, diſtiller, faid-
maker, ropemaker, printer, and bookbinder,
whether maſter or journeyman, can miſs of em-
ployment there. Even filverſmiths and watch-
makers will find the ſtate of ſociety not unfavour-
able to their trade. Of filverſmiths (maſters and
journeymen) there are reckoned about four
hundred in Philadelphia alone. I cannot enu-
merate every trade, but all thoſe of common uſe
are now, and will long continue to be in demand
there. Thoſe I have enumerated, I know to be
fo at this moment: the wages of journeymen are
ſomewhat higher than with you, and the money
of a poor man will certainly go farther.
You aſk me whether a man of large income
can pleaſantly ſpend it in America ? a large in-
come is not ſo eaſily ſpent there, as in Europe;
there are not ſuch variety of amuſements, nor ſo
expenſive amuſements; nor does an expenſive
ſtyle of living procure ſo much reſpect there, as
with you.* I do not think it the place for a man
cf pleaſure, in your acceptation of the word.
Can a man of moderate fortune improve it?
Yes, by the purchaſe and improvement of land,
* I could not find on enquiry that the moſt expenſive per-
fons in Philadelphia and New York, lived at an expence be-
yond 2000l, ſterling a year,
the
( 61 )
the fureft and the eaſieſt way of improving a
moderate fortune.
Can a man of large fortune increaſe it? Yes,
in the ſame way: provided he does not purchaſe
at random. Thoſe who buy land on the expec-
tation of re-ſelling it at an advance of price,
muſt not buy in the thickly ſettled part of the
country; for there land is nearly at the maxi-
mum of price it will arrive at for many years :
he muſt not buy large tracts, far from all prefent
fettlements, unleſs he can force the ſpeedy fet-
tlement of them by his own connections and in-
Auence. If he can do that, he may buy indeed,
any where, uſing common prudence in chuſing
the ſituation : but if he cannot induce an emi-
gration thither by his own exertions, he muſt
buy where the current of population is evident-
ly tending, but where it has not yet reached.
Certainly, land ſpeculations in America, pru-
dently entered upon, are extremely profitable :
made at random, they are otherwiſe.* If theſe
do not fuit, part of the American ſtock pays
* Purchaſers in this country, and meaning to ſtay here,
will not find it their intereſt in general, to embark a portion
of property fo ſmall as not to pay for an agent on the ſpot.
In this caſe, it ſhould be a joint concern,
But ſo much cau-
tion is requiſite to perſons not going themſelves to America,
that I cannot recommend the inveſtiture of a fortune there,
unleſs the principal, or ſome of the principals, act upon pera
fonal knowledge.
above
( 62 )
above 6 per cent. per annum, and the deferred
ftock above 7.*
The profeſſion of the law is not ſo different,
in any of the ſtates of America, from what it is
in England, as not to afford a fair chance of
ſucceſs to any lawyer from the old country, who
will ſpend a couple of years in attaining the prac-
tice, and the knowledge peculiar to, and necel-
ſary for, the particular ſtate in which he wiſhes
to act. The fees are much the ſame as in
England. The reports of caſes determined in
England, are authority, but are not precedent.
6 13 4
* The American debt, fixteen million ſterling, is funded
in three kinds of ſtock, viz. the 3 per cent. ftock, the 6 per
cent. ftock, and the deferred ſtock; this latter bearing no pre-
fent intereſt, but intereſt at 6 per cent. will become payable
upon it from and after the ift of January, 1801.
In the beginning of June 1794, the prices of American
ſtock were in London,
Per cent. 1. s. 6d,
6 per cent. ftock, gol. per cent, paying an intereſt
of
3 per cent. 5ol. per cent. paying an intereſt of - 60o
Deferred ftock 571. per cent. upon which, if com-
pound intereſt be reckoned at 5 per cent. until 1801,
the 571. will amount to 80l. which therefore will
yield,
7 10 O
Shares in the American Bank, which has hitherto
paid 81. per cent. are at 1061. per cent. paying an in-
tereſt of
As the ſurplus revenue is about 1,200,000 dollars,
(270,000l. ſterling) per ann. this is laid out on the principle
of a finking fund, to diſcharge the debt.
615 9
They
(63)
1
They have great weight, and are generally deci-
ſive, but they are open to obſervation, to ani-
madverſion, and to contradiction. The law,
however, is a faſhionable, and therefore a full
profeſſion, and I doubt whether an Engliſh law-
yer will, in general, mend his pecuniary ſituation
by removing there; the lawyers of great prac-
tice (who all act as attornies) get from 500l. to
2000l. currency a year. I believe the profits of
none exceed 3000l. German and French, if not
abſolutely neceſſary, are very convenient to an
American lawyer.
The profeſſion of phyſic is well filled in Ame-
rica, but there are many foreigners who practice:
the profeſſion I believe is open, but (unleſs in the
caſe of a German or French practitioner among
the inhabitants, who ſpeak Engliſh imperfectly)
the American phyſicians have, and very juſtly,
the preference. Surgeons are not ſo experienced
as with you, nor indeed do ſurgical caſes ſo fre-
quently occur. The poor are leſs expoſed to ac
cidents and diſeaſe, and therefore hoſpital prac-
tice is not ſo inſtructive there.
With reſpect to divinity, I doubt whether
individuals of any claſs of that profeſſion, ortho-
dox or heterodox, would be much in requeſt.
If any, thoſe of the Arian or Socinian perſua-
fion would be ſo in New York and Philadel,
phia : there are many Unitarians in the two laſt.
mentioned
( 64 )
mentioned towns and in Boſton; where I be:
lieve there is one congregation, which is the
only one of that deſcription I know of in Ame-
rica. Were divines to emigrate, they would
probably ſucceed beſt as ſchoolmaſters, who are
much in requeſt every where on the American
continent.
With reſpect to literary men, it is to be ob-
ſerved that in America there is not as yet what
may be called a claſs of ſociety, to whom that
denomination will apply; ſuch, for inſtance, as is
to be found in Great Britain, and indeed in moſt
of the old countries of Europe. A claſs, whoſe
profeſſion is literature, and among whom the
branches of knowledge are divided and ſub-
divided with great minuteneſs, each individual
taking and purſuing his ſeparate department as
regularly as the reſpective fabricators of a watch
or a pin. Literature in America is an amuſe-
ment only-collateral to the occupation of the
perſon who attends, (and but occaſionally at-
tends) to it. In Europe, it is a trade-a means
of livelihood. The making of books is there
as much a buſineſs as the ſelling of books. No
wonder therefore it is better done in Europe
than in America ; or that with their uſual good
ſenſe the Americans ſhould permit you to be
their manufacturers of literature, as well as of
crockery or calicoes.
5
Certainly
( 65 )
Certainly the Americans are not inferior in
abilities to the Europeans; they are comparatively
an infant fociety, and their numbers are compa-
ratively few; and yet old as Great Britain is in
experience; abounding in her eſtabliſhment
for the promotion of learning, pre-eminent in
reputation; and gigantic in her attainments of
knowledge and ſcience of all kinds, the ſtripling
of the new world has taught you war by Waſh-
ington, and philoſophy by Franklin: Ritten-
houſe ranks with your mathematicians and aſtro-
nomers; your diplomatiſts have ſhrunk before
the reaſonings of Jefferſon, and the lateſt and
acuteſt of your political philoſophers are more
than ſuſpected of being the diſciples only of
Paine and Barlow, whoſe knowledge is notori-
ouly the produce of the American ſchool-but
- though not in abilities, the Americans are in-
ferior to you in the opportunities of knowledge ;
their libraries are ſcanty, their collections are
almoſt entirely of modern books; they do not
contain the means of tracing the hiſtory of quer-
tions: this is a want which the literary people
feel very much, and which it will take ſome
years to remedy ; but the convulfed ſtate of Eu.
rope, and the increaſing proſperity of America,
will contribute rapidly to improve their ſituation
in this reſpect.
F
There
$
( 66 )
There is another circumſtance alſo which has
hitherto tended to keep back the progreſs of
letters with us. The war brought on much in-
dividual as well as national poverty; neceſſity
therefore, as well as the habitual induſtry and
frugality of the people, led every body to at-
tend to commercial purſuits, and their attention
was abſorbed in the improvement rather of their
pockets than of their minds. But ere long a new
generation will ariſe, and it is riſing, who will be
enabled by the accumulations of their parents
to difpenſe with the purſuits of buſineſs—they
will begin to feel the want of employment-they
will imbibe a taſte for literature and philofophy
-and the fine arts, and the uſeful fciences will
find their votaries as numerous and ſucceſsful
in America as in Europe ; even at preſent the
literati of the old continent will eaſily find
congenial fociety in the great towns of America,
particularly at Philadelphia.
You aſk me how ſervants are to be procured?
In the towns they are not very difficult to be
found: the country itſelf furniſhes nearly enough,
and the emigrations of all kinds from Germany,
from Ireland, from Scotland, and from England,
amount to about 10,000 a year ; theſe, toge-
ther with the liberated blacks, furniſh a ſufficient
ſupply to the ſtates north of Maryland; fouth of
that
는
​I
( 67 )
that ſtate they depend on the labour of Naves.
The wages of ſervants of all kinds in theſe ſtates,
may be regarded at about one-fourth dearer
than the ſame claſſes and deſcriptions in England.
This rule will hold for the country, as well as
the town. Few ſervants are kept for ſhew,
owing to every perſon being of ſome oſtenſible
profeſſion. For inſtance, I know of only one
profeſſed “ Gentleman,” i. e. idle, unoccupied
perſon of fortune in Philadelphia..Their time
is nor yet come.
You enquire about the ſtate of politics in
America, and the ſentiments of the people of
that country toward Great Britain.
We have among us about half a dozen fur-
pected Royaliſts, excluſive of ſome Engliſhmen
ſettled in the great towns, whom the Americans
regard as unreaſonably prejudiced againft their
government, and infected with a kind of maladie
du pays.
The reſt of the Americans are Republicans ;
but of two claffes: the one leaning to an ex-
tenſion rather than a limitation of the powers of
the legiſlative and executive government; rather
leaning to Britiſh than to French politics; in-
clining to introduce and extend the funding, the
manufacturing, and the commercial ſyſtems. In
this claſs, rank almoſt all the executive officers
of government, with Mr. Waſhington at their
F 2
head;
( 68 )
)
head; the majority of the members of the Se-
nates, and the greateſt part of the opulent mer .
chants of the large towns. This party is deno.
minated the Federaliſts, partly becauſe they
were the chief introducers and ſupporters of the
preſent federal government and the conſtitution
of 1787; and partly from the very ingenious
ſeries of letters in favour of that conſtitution by
Mr. Hamilton, termed “ The Federaliſt.”
The other party are called, “Anti-federaliſts:”
not becauſe they are adverſe to a federal govern-
ment, or wiſh like the French for a republic, one
and indiviſible, but in contradiſtinction rather
to the denomination of the other claſs. The
Anti-federaliſts, at the time when the preſent
American conſtitution was in agitation, were
hoſtile to the extenſive powers given to govern-
ment, and wiſhed for more frequent returns to
the people, of the authority they were to de-
legate to their truſtees in office. This party
objects to the large ſalaries given to the officers
of government, to the ſtate and diſtance af-
ſumed by ſome among them, not even excluding
the Preſident Waſhington, whoſe manners and
mode of living, cold, reſerved and ceremonious,
fas is faid) have tended in ſome degree to coun-
teract the effect of his great abilities and emi.
nent ſervices. The Anti-federalifts alſo rather
lean to the French theory, though not to the
5
French
4
( 69 )
French practice of politics; and they are averſe
to what they deem the monopolizing ſpirit, and
inſulting arrogance of fuperiority in your nation.
This ſpirit of animoſity againſt Great Britain
has been prodigiouſly encreaſed by the part
your country is ſuppoſed to have taken in fo-
menting the Indian war, in exciting the hoſtili-
ties of the Algerines, in ſeizing the ſhips and
obſtructing the commerce of the American
merchants, in refuſing or neglecting to give up
the poſts upon the lakes, or to make reparation
for ſtolen negroes. The corduct of your court
has certainly given ſtrength to the Anti-federal
party, among whom may now be ranked the
majority of the people, and the majority of the
houſes of repreſentatives. It is ſincerely to
be hoped that ſome terms of arnicable accom-
modation may ſpeedily be adopted. Perhaps
Mr. Jay's being a reputed Federaliſt, will rather
affiſt than obſtruct this deſired event, under all
the circumſtances of the two countries.
You will eaſily conjecture from the preceding
account, that the Federaliſts are the ins, and the
Anti-federaliſts the outs of the American govern-
ment; and this is in a great degree, but not uni-
verſally true. We are more moderate than you are.
You have forgotten to enquire about wine,
unleſs you included it under the head of Euro-
pean comforts and conveniences. The following
F3
prices
( 70 )
.
i
26s. per
per dozen.
prices I take from the Philadelphia price cur-
rent of the 11th of January, 1794. American
porter, in bottles, 8s. 3d. (ſterling) per dozen,
bottles included--this is about the quality of
your provincial porter. London porter, 75. 4 d.
excluſive of bottles. Beſt Cogniac brandy,
75. 4 d. per gallon. Arrack, 6s. 3d. per gallon.
Beſt Jamaica rum, 55. 3d. per gallon. Madeira
wine, sol. 175. per pipe. Port wine, 251. 11s.
per pipe. Teneriffe wine, 35. per gallon. Liſbon
wine, 281. 75. per pipe. Claret, 26s.
Sherry, beſt, 5s. 5d. per gallon.
In January, 1793, when Great Britain was at
peace, the London current price liſt gave Port
wine, 481. per pipe ; Madeira, 681. Liſbon, 451.
Sherry 551. per butt; Brandy 145.6d. per gallon;
and Rum 55. 3d. per gallon.
In New-York and Philadelphia Chocolate is
fold retail at iod, roaſted Coffee 14d. beſt Hyſon
Tea 6s. beſt Souchong 45. 4d. and 4s. 6d. ;
Sugar, double-refined, at is. 6d. per lb. lump
13d, and 14d. At preſent, the cultivation of
the vine is much in vogue in Pennſylvania, and
good wine has been already made in that ſtate.
You aſk me which line of life is upon the
whole the beſt for a man of middling fortune to
adopt? As a general rule I have no heſitation in
ſaying, that perſons of from 250l. to 5000l.
X fortune, had better become farmers. I do not
know
.
( 71 )
know that large fortunes are to be made by
farming, but I am ſure that a moderate fortune
will more certainly, more eaſily, and more
pleaſantly produce a common average profit in
that line, than in any other I am acquainted
with,
A hundred and fifty acres of land, with a to-
lerable houſe and barn upon it, and ſufficient
land cleared, for a perſon immediately to begin
as a farmer, may be purchaſed in many parts at
41. currency an acre,* payable one fifth, perhaps,
down, and one-fifth every year, with intereſt. I
doubt whether this is more profitable, than the
purchaſe with the ſame money of a large quan-
tity of 'unimproved land, if the ſettler chooſe to
encounter the difficulties of the firſt twelve
months, which are difficulties in England only;
to Americans they do not appear under that
form.
The land thus purchaſed is a ſpecies of pro.
perty that muſt of neceſſity receive an annual
increaſe in value, from the natural popu-
lation of the country, beſides that which the
induſtry of the proprietor may confer upon
it; I think I ſpeak within compaſs when I ſay,
that an induſtrious cultivator, beſides making a
plentiful livelihood and good intereſt of his
* Not quite gos, fterling.
F 4
capital,
!
to
( 72 )
capital, will find his farm quadrupled in value at
the end of ten years, if he bought it in any cheap
part of the back country, which was at the time
in the courſe of ſettling.
To perſons with a family, the advantages are
much on the ſide of farming; the value of the
produce in America is much higher than in
England, when you conſider the lightneſs of the
taxes, and the cheapneſs, and the fertility of the
land. Among farmers, there is not, as in great
towns, a perpetual temptation to unneceſſary ex-
pence, or a ſtyle of living above income; and a
man who has lived in the eaſe and plenty of
middle lift, need not give his fon a better or a
more certain eſtatliſhment at ſetting out in the
world, than 5co acres of land, and sool. to begin
with; and this, ten years hence, will eaſily be
within the compaſs of men of moderate fortune
who begin their American carcer now.
Nor is the term "farmer” fynonimous with
the fame word in England. With you it means
a tenant, holding of ſome lord, paying much in
tent, and much in tythes, and much in taxes: an
inferior rank in life, occupied by perſons of in-
ferior manners and education. In America a
farmer is a land-owner, paying no rent, no
tythes, and few taxes, equal in rank to any other
rank in the ſtate, having a voice in the appoint-
ment of his leginators, and a fair chance, if he
deferve
( 73 )
deſerve it, of becoining one hiinſelf. In fact,
nine-tenths of the legiſlators of America are:
farmers.
You aſk me, what ſum is neceſſary to com.;
mence farmer upon a moderate ſcale, in fome:
civilized, and tolerably well ſettled part of the:
back country?
A man may buy 300 acres of rich, but unim-,
proved land, for inſtance, at preſent in ſuch a
ſituation, for 30s. per acre, currency, payable by
inſtalments. In the courſe of a ſuinner, he may,
with a couple of men to help him, clear ground
enough to maintain ſome cattle throigh the ;
winter, and may have a comfortable loghouſe
built, which he may improve or enlarge at his
leiſure. To do this, to put one-third of the
whole into an arable ſtate, and to pay the firſt
and ſecond inſtalments, will coſt him, with the
wages of the men, the keep of himſelf and a
moderate family for a twelve-month, and the
neceſſary cattle and implements of huſbandry to
cultivate this quantity properly, about 450l. or
500l. iterling.
You aſk me why I prefer the place * I men-
tioned to you for ſettling? Becauſe, firſt, the
ftate of Pennſylvania, for the reaſons I have al-
* This relates to a propoſed ſettlement in Pennſylvania on
the Loyalſock creek; and extending between the caſt and
weſt branches of the Suſquehanna, about 40 or 50 miles from
Sunbury, and about 170 from Philadelphia.
ready
( 74 )
:
ready given, ſeems, upon the whole the moſt
eligible of the American ſtates. Secondly, be-
cauſe the place in queſtion is the higheſt part of
the ſtate, therefore the climate is more fettled, the
air is more clear, and the danger of intermittents
and the plague of inſects much leſs (cæteris pa-
ribus) than in any lower ſituation. Thirdly, be-
cauſe the heats of ſummer are not ſo intenſe, nor
the alternations of ſnows and thaws in winter ſo
frequent there, as in the more ſoutherly parts of
the ſtate. Fourthly, becauſe by common con-
ſent, the land to be found there is of the beſt
quality to be found in Pennſylvania. Nor have
I
any doubt but ſettlers * will be induced to go
thither, by the healthy ſituation of the place
fixed on, by the reputed fertility of the land,
the ſociety already ſettling, and about to ſettle
there, by the preſent cheapneſs of the land, by
the probable rapidity of improvement from the
ſum appropriated for that purpoſe, and by the
expectation of ſeeing ſhortly a good place of edu-
cation there. It is the only Engliſh ſettlement I
know of in America; and although American
manners and ſociety approach nearer to Engliſh
than any other, they are not quite Engliſh; and I
have no doubt of the inclination of Engliſh emi-
grants bending that way; in fact, I do not know
* The emigrations from the ſettled to the unſettled parts
of
America are computed at 40 or 50 thouſand annually.
2
what
( 75 )
3
what they can do better, or where upon the
whole they can pitch their tents ſo eligibly.
You aſk me whether, in my opinion, the eſtab-
liſhment of peace in Europe will not render
France a more eligible country than the United
States ? To this I anſwer without heſitation,
ino. Highly as I approve of many alterations in
the theory and practice of government adopted
by the French, it is impoſſible for me to approve
the ferocious injuſtice of many of their practices.
The vague, looſe, declamatory, prejudging ſtyle
of their accuſations; their denial of a full and
fair hearing, by authorizing the jury (the judges)
to decide before the defendant has produced all
his evidence; their total diſregard to paſt charac-
ter and ſervices, to genius and learning; their
evident accuſations froin motives of robbery
and plunder, againſt perſons whoſe only crime
appears to be their poffeffion of property; the
compleat and abſolute deſpotiſm they have
eſtabliſhed not only over the words, actions, and
writings of men in France, but almoſt over their
very thoughts ; amounting to a perfect annihila-
tion of the liberty of the preſs, and the liberty
of ſpeech; their deteſtable want of private ho-
nour, in the breach of confidence between pri-
vate friends; in their exciting every man to be-
come a ſpy upon the words and actions of his
acquaintance; in their even threatening with
puniſhment wives who ſhould conceal the retreat
of
( 76 )
of their huſbands, thus diffolving all the para+
mount objections of private life; their unnecef-
fary execution of females for mere political ſenti-
ments; their execrable accuſation of the unfor-
tunate Antoinette, whoſe crimes were the crimes
of the age and the nation rather than the indivi-
dual; their whole fyítem of proceeding againſt
female delinquents, without allowing the political
rights of females ; their preſent habitual delight
in contemplating the executions of their numer-
ous delinquents; their preſent animoſity againſt
the Engliſh in particular, which will take fome
time to wear off; all theſe circumſtances, much
as I admire the many great qualities of the French
nation, would excite me to ſhun the ſociety of the
preſent generation of that country. They are a
wonderful people; but in my opinion rather to
be adınired at a diſtance, than fit for a peaceable
man to reſide among It is true they are, ac-
cording to their own expreſſion, à la hauteur de
leur ſituation, but I look for happineſs amid
the attachments of friends and kindred; where
the obligations of private fociety ſhall be inviola-
ble; where I may talk foily and be forgiven;
where I may differ from my neighbour in po-
litics or religion with impunity; and where I
may have tiine to correct erroneous opinions
without the orthodox intervention of the halter
or the guillotine. Such times may and will
come
( 77 )
24
come in France, but I fear not before the
pre-
fent race ſhall die away.
Even in America, the cloſe of the war was a
period extremely unpleaſant for a ſtranger to fix
his reſidence. Violent political prejudices, impa-
tience of differing opinions, private and perſonal
animoſities, ferocious manners, inſecurity of
rights, individual and national poverty, inceſſant
political contentions, all men dividing into par-
ties, even upon the ſubdiviſions of political queſ-
tions, injuſtice in the taxation of emigrants, and
all the evils of an unſettled governmene were
for ſome time prevalent there. At preſent little
or nothing of this kind is perceived. But the
Americans are a much cooler people than the
French, and I fear a longer prevalence of theſe
evils among the latter. Moreover, however
ſettled the ſtate of France might be, however
excellent its government, and amiable as well as
admirable its inhabitants, yet for a man who
looks forward to the future ſettlement of a fa-
mily, France is not, and America in ray opinion
is, the country to be choſen.' The equality of
conditions, and almoſt equality of fortunes a-
mong the French, will be great obſtacles to the
eſtabliſhment of manufactures beyond thoſe of
mere neceſſity. I do not think this an evil to
the country, becauſe I deteſt the manufacturing
ſyſtem; obſerving the fallacious proſperty it in-
duces,
+
( 78 )
:
duces, its inſtability, and its evil effect on the
happineſs and the morals of the bulk of the peo-
ple. You muſt on this ſyſtem have a large por-
tion of the people converted into mere machines,
ignorant, debauched, and brutal, that the ſur-
plus value of their labour of 12 or 14 hours a
day, may go into the pockets and ſupply the
luxuries of rich, commercial, and manufacturing
capitaliſts. I deteſt the ſyſtem, and am grieved
to ſee that ſo ſenſible a man as Mr. Harnilton
can urge, in his report on American manufac-
tures, their furniſhing employment to children,
as an argument for their being eſtabliſhed in
America. I hope to ſee the time when not only
the childhood, but the youth of the pooreſt in-
habitant in this country, female as well as male,
ſhall be employed in the improvement of their
underſtanding, under ſome ſyſtem of national
education; and in labour no further than is con-
ducive to health and pleaſure. Let manhood
labour; but in my opinion even manhood was
not intended for inceſſant labour, nor is the ſyſ-
tem of inceſſant induſtry conducive to huinan
happineſs. The preſent imperfect ſtate of ſo-
ciety and of knowledge may make it neceſſary,
but I hope the univerſal annihilation of abſolute
ignorance among us will tend in time to material
improvement in the means of promoting human
happineſs. A ſmall quantity of labour will pro-
duce
( 79 )
*********
WWW.
duce the comforts and conveniences of life, and
the old ſyſtems of government have hitherto been
the chief ſupports of luxurious and unneceſſary
expenditure. Suppoſing, therefore, that the
French do not become a manufacturing nation,
I do think the country, on the agricultural
plan, will ſoon be too highly populated to make
the comfortable ſettlement of a family there ſo
eaſy as in America. For inſtance, France at
24,800,000 of inhabitants, contains 152 per
ſquare mile, according to Zimmermann; whoſe
calculation was certainly too low at the time.
Dr. Jameſon, in his excellent tables of political
geography, reckons 157 per ſquare mile in
France; this was before the war. Perhaps
Zimmermann's calculation will be true on the
eſtabliſhment of peace. In a ſquare mile are
640 ſtatute acres, which gives little more than
4 acres per head. Land, therefore, in France,
in the courſe of a few years, will probably be-
come ſcarce and dear, and after all we live by
the produce of land. America, on the contrary,
has land which will be unoccupied for ages;
and at preſent the higheſt population of the
American States is not above 65 per ſquare
mile, which I take Connecticut to have. The
people of this ſtate find themſelves too circum-
ſcribed, and yearly emigrate to cheaper ſitua-
tions. Pennſylvania has now about 12 per ſquare
mile.
Looking
( 80
eg forward therefore to ſociety for
own life, and to my circumſtances for eaſe to my
children, I chooſe America and not France. I
conjecture, if you remove at all, you will act
upon my ideas.
You wiſh to know what hints I can give you 'e-
ſpecting your voyage, ſhould you reſolve to ven-
ture upon a change of ſituation.
: On a ſuppoſition that you have no preferences
what part of America you land at, I ſhould re-
commend your going to ſome place in Virginia,
Maryland or Philadelphia, if you ſet out in the
fpring, or any time from the latter end of February
to the latter end of March, If you take your
departure in the ſummer, I would adviſe you to
go to Boſton or'to New York, rather than land
in the fouthern provinces during the period of the
autumnal heats.
Cabin paſſengers pay from 25 guineas to 301.
each, for which they are found in every accommo-
dation, excepting bedding and linen. They have
freſh proviſions, wine, ſpirits, porter, &c. plenti-
fully provided for their uſe. Steerage paſſengers,
8 to 10l. being found in ſhip's proviſions. Chil-
dren in both caſes, under ten or twelve, are acă
commodated at half price. Their bedding and
linen, paſſengers of each kind find themſelves.
A ſpring paſſage will be cold, and therefore the
beſt bedding is a feather bed cut in halves, which
ſupplies
1.
( 81 )
1
ſupplies two births-In fummer, a matraf fo
treated will be prealanier than a feather bed. In
{pring, provide yourſelf with a cloth jacket and
trowſers; in fum ner you ſhould have two or
three nankeen or other light jackets, and three
or four pair of cotton or linen trowſers. A
black cravat will be full as convenient on board
ſhip, as a white one.
You ſhould calculate upon a paſſage of ten weeks
from London, (which is uſually a week longer
than from the weſtern ports of Great Britain) and
although you will molt probably not be above
feven or eight from port to port; it will ſave
you ſome trouble if you pack up your linen
before hand, upon this calculation, for you will
have changes ready, without the neceſſity of
opening your boxes immediately.
Let your linen be put up in weekly parcels, for
inſtance, two or three ſhirts, two or three pair of
ſtockings, two or three handkerchiefs, and a
towel or two. Of theſe parcels make ten, and
you will find it readier than running to your
trunk every time you want to dreſs yourſelf.
Take care that the captain has a filtering ſtone,
or fome other machine for the ſame purpoſe, for
the uſe of the cabin paſſengers. Should your
water notwithſtanding ſmell ſomewhat offenſively,
which in ſummer time it will do, this may be re-
medied by ſome powder of charcoal. If there is
G
no
( 82 )
no filtering ſtone, the mere particles of dirt will
be eaſily thrown down and the water cleared, by
putting about a tea-ſpoonful of a ſolution of alum
into a pint of water, which in a quarter of an
hour will be very clear, and its wholeſomeneſs not
in the nighteſt degree impaired.
Take care to provide yourſelf with lemons,
apples, or any other fruit that will keep; you will
find them very grateful, eſpecially after fickneſs.
This latter complaint is not dangerous, and is
better ſubmitted to than prevented. It goes
off
earlier by exerciſe upon deck in the open air than
by ſtaying below in the cabin; and it is better
cured by gentle dilution, than by loading your
ſtomach with food, or by any preventative or
curative medicines. On landing, your health
will be better for having been fick at ſea. This
is, at leaſt, as true with reſpect to ferr.ales, as the
male ſex.
Sickneſs and want of exerciſe are apt to in-
duce coſtiveneſs: this ſhould be guarded againſt
by the laxative medicines you are accuſtomed to
uſe. Sena, Lenitive Electuary, Jalap, Rhubarb
or Calomel. This tendency is increaſed by
much animal food and porter, and even the
uſual quantity of wine. Engliſhmen are too apt
to live in hot weather and ſouthern climates, as
they do in the cold and rainy winters of their own
country
You
( 83 )
you for
You will foon get tired of ſhip biſcuit: there-
fore provide yourſelf with ruſks, or ſlices of bread
baked over again, which you will be obliged to
Dr. Franklin for having recommended.
A ſea voyage is very tireſome. Take, there-
fore, books, and cards, and cheſs, and draughts,
if you play at thoſe games.
With reſpect to the articles worth taking with
your own uſe in America, I think the
beſt general rule is to take whatever you can
pack up in a box, or a cheſt, keeping an ac-
count of the contents. You may take even your
glaſſes and your crockery. Stock yourſelf with
linen, but you need not over ſtock yourſelf with
other wearing apparel. Carry enough, however,
for a twelvemonth at leaſt.
Omit not your library; get all your unbound
books bound. Settle with fome friend of yours
an exchange of newſpapers, and concert regular
exchanges of letters.
The culinary vegetables of America are up-
on the whole ſuperior to thoſe of England, but
the fruits, peaches, melons, cherries, and currants
excepted, are inferior. The walnut is rank,
ſmall and oily; the cheſnut, though ſweeter, is
much finaller ; nectarines are not much culti-
vated; of filberts, I ſaw none; gooſeberries are
not plentiful ſouth of Long Inand. The
green
gage, the Orlean, and the magnum bonum plumb
G2
are
1
( 84 )
carry with
are not common: they have the Damaſcene
plumb in more abundance. If, therefore, you
mean to live in the country, you ſhould certainly
collect the ſtones of theſe fruits, or procure thern
to be ſent out to you.
For the ſame reaſon,
you
ſhould
you
fome garden flower ſeeds. For the Americans
prefer urility to ornament, ſo much as to make
the articles of this kind common with you, not
eaſy to be met with in country ſituations there.
Perhaps to an agriculturiſt it may not be amiſs
to mention, that they uſe the drill plough very
little in America : they uſe few or no artificial
graffes, except Timothy, upon which they dea
pend a good deal in the middle provinces. And
they have yet to aſcertain whether lucerne and
faintſoin, vetches and chicory will be of benefit
to them.
I believe. I have now anſwered moſt of
your
queries ; ſuch farther information as occurs to
me, likely to be of uſe to you, I ſhall ſpeedily
fend.
I am, &c.
T. C.
::
LET
1
( 85 )
L ETTER
III.
MY DEAR SIR,
N my two laſt letters you have received my
opinions of the moſt eligible part of the Conti-
nent of America, and information on ſuch other
topics as have occurred to you to enquire about,
or to me to ſuggeſt. I ſhall now endeavour
to give you fome facts refpecting the preſent
price of land, of produce, of wages, of carriage,
&c. in various parts of the Unised States, which
will enable you to judge in ſome meaſure for
yourſelf, in caſe you ſhould ſtill have views of
viſiting us.
The Rev. Mr. Toulmin, oChowbent, near
Bolton, in Lancaſhire, went to America in the
ſpring of laſt year (1793) with the ſame inten-
tions nearly as I did. When I arrived at Phi-
ladelphia in Oct. 1793, I found a letter from him
to me, of which the foll wing is an extract. This
will give you facts of the kind above-mentioned
from Richmond, in Virginia, through Maryland,
along the Szenandoah valley to Harriſbuig, on
the banks of the Suſquehanna, in Pennſylvania.
My own notes of a tour in company with
Meſſrs. Prieſtley, Humphreys and Bakewell,
wul
G3
(86.)
will furniſh information of the ſame fort toward
the moſt northern part of Pennſylvania, near the
confines of New York State, and thence through
the centre of the State firſt mentioned, to Phila-
delphia. This, with ſome ſcattered information
reſpecting the price of land in ſome other of the
as yet unſettled parts of America, will enable
you to judge how far a certain quantity of mo-
ney
will
go in the purchaſe of land there, and
where it may probably be inveſted to moſt ad-
vantage. You muſt recollect, however, that
the flouriſhing ſtate of America; the number
of emigrants thither from among perſons of
middling fortune in various parts of Europe, who
fear the reſult of the preſent calamities; and the
conſiderable ſums inveſted by monied people in
Holland and elſewhere, in the purchaſe of un-
fettled American lands, occaſions a continual
increaſe in the price of that commodity. Within
theſe laſt three years, the purchaſes of land in
Pennſylvania and New York States, have en-
creaſed in value, at leaſt three-fold on the aver-
age; and I have little doubt of their continuing
to encreaſe, eſpecially if Europe ſhould, unfortu-
nately for that continent, continue in a ſtate of
warfare, while America remains at peace with
herſelf, and with all the world. And this is a
ſuppoſition, for many years to come, far from
improbable,
The
( 87 )
The ſums mentioned are in ſterling money,
unleſs where it is otherwiſe expreſſed.
:
VIRGINIA. Urbanna, upon the Rapahannock
in the county of Middleſex.
Soil, white, looſe, fandy.
Price of land about one-third cleared, * 155.
iterling per acre of 69 and 2-thirds yards
ſquare.
Rent of corn land about is. 6d. per acre.
Labour. Slaves only, either purchaſed or
rented. They are hired at from 6 to 91. a year, the
maſter finding proviſions and clothing, and pay-
ing the tax.
The uſual allowance to a flave is a
peck and half of the meal of Indian corn, per
week; ſometimes pickled and falted herrings or
mackarel. The cloathing is very trilling.
Produce. Tobacco, wheat, corn. (By corn is
meant excluſively Indian corn, or maize. Ble de
Turquie.)
Market. By water direct from Urbanna to
Europe. Corn alſo. (maize) to New England,
Nova Scotia and the Weſt Indies. Wheat to
Europe.
Price. Wheat 45. 6d. per bulhel.
Corn
6d
per barrel of five buſhels.
135. 6.
By cleared is meant, the ſmall trees and ſhrubs grubbed
up, and the larger trees cut down about two feet from the
ground, the ſtumps remaining.
N. B. Ur-
G4
( 88 )
N. B. Urbanna has all the appearance of a
deſerted village.
܀
Richmond and the neighbourhood.
Soil. Sandy, but on the banks of james rivet
rich.
Price of land 4 to 6 guineas per acre. But
land by the whole tract, including buildings,
cleared and uncleared land together, ſeldom ex-
ceeds, at ten miles diſtance from the town, 2cs.
to 455. per acre.
It is reckoned hereabout an
advantage to have a great part of it in wood,
becauſe the culture of tobacco (which has been
common, but is now rapidly giving way to wheat)
exhauſts the land ſo much, that land, ſo uſed out,
is generally reckoned at nothing in the purchaſe.
Labour. Is. 6s. to 2s. a day, with proviſions.
In harveſt zs. 6d. and 3s 6d. a day. All Nave
labour.
Produce and price. Indian corn is. 6d. to 25.
per buſhel. Wheat 3s. 6d. to 4s.* The market,
Richmond. Vefſels of large burthen may come
within twenty miles of Richmond.
4
NEAR THE SOUTH-WEST MOUNTAIN.
Soil. Red clay, very good for wheat. The
country pleaſant and healthful.
* This differs in ſome ſmall degree from his Journal, of
which I Thall make an extract hereafter,
Price
( 89 )
.
Price of land. 205, to 305. an acre.
Labout. gl. to 121. a year for a Nave, with
food and cloathing. The very few white fer-
vants that are to be procured, coſt from 122. to
161. a year, and board, and are worth but
little ; for it being cuſtomary for all labour to
be done by" ſlaves, the whites thinking it de-
grading, will not work with the blacks. La-
bour in harveſt 2s. 3d. a day, with proviſions.
Produce. Wheat, corn, and ſome tobacco.
Market. Boats which carry four ton weight,
go up to the South-Weſt Mountain. Wheat is
taken down to Richmond at 7 d. per buſhel.
Tobacco at 135. 4 d. per hogſhead of 1200lb.
:
A
FREDERICK AND BERKELEY COUNTIES.
Soil. The beſt part of the country lies between
the waters of the Opeckan Creek, and the She-
nandoah. It is the richeſt lime-ſtone land on
the eaſtern waters of this ſtate. It is of a dark
grey, and ſuppoſed to be much about the ſame
quality as the third rate land in Kentucky.
N. B. Mr. Toulmin had not at that time
been in Kentucky.
Price of land from 155. to 41. an acre, but
ſeldom ſo low as 155. in the beſt part of theſe
countries, i. e. one-half or two-thirds cleared.
A good plot of land of 200 acres with a houſe,
orchard,
.
( 90 )
1
orchard, barn, meadow, and ſpring, may be rent-
ed at 45l. a year.
Labour from 5 to 7 dollars ( 4s. 6d. each) per
month, of twenty-ſix working days, with board.
White ſervants very ſcarce on the eaſtern ſide of
the valley.
Produce. Wheat and corn.
Market. Alexandria, carried in waggons for
75.
6d. per barrel of four weighing 196 lb. and
the barrel 17 lb. the diſtance 80 miles.
Price of produce. Flour one guinea per
barrel, N. B. The price of flour has uſually
been 3s. and this year even 6s. and 75, 6d. per
barrel of 196 lb. net, more at Philadelphia than
at Baltimore; owing probably * to the greater
number of ſhips coming to the former port.
When the federal city is fully eſtabliſhed,
which is nearly certain, larger capitals, &c.
will probably be employed on the Potowmack j
and proviſions and lands riſe in the neighbour-
hood. But the difficulty of procuring labourers,
and the objections to ſave labour will ſtill re-
main.
The opening of the Potowmack by the canal,
round the Falls, will alſo render it an object of
* Mr. Toulmir was not aware that the exports from Penn-
ſylvania State have nearly doubled in the courſe of two years.
This is ſufficient to account for the higher price and greater
demand at Philadelphia.
im.
( 9 )
.
importance to capitaliſts to embark in commerce
at Alexandria or George Town. At preſent
many boats come down from Fort Cumberland
to the Great Falls, about ten miles above George
Town. Six weeks work, it is computed, will
compleat the navigation to the mouth of Savage
river, the boundary of the propoſed plan weſt-
ward; and the canal at the Great Falls is ex-
pected to be finiſhed in eighteen months.
Whether the Shenandoah will be rendered na-
vigable is a much more queſtionable point. The
Potowmack company have the excluſive right of
undertaking the work, and they have as yet
ſhewn no ſerious intention of attempting it. The
obſtructions at the mouth of the river are con-
ſiderable.
The mouth of Savage river is about forty
miles from the Monongahela. Boats capable of
carrying'ten ton weight, or one hundred hogſ-
heads of four, will be able to go from thence to
Alexandria in four or five days; but it will take
more than double the time to return,
common for perſons who ſend their produce
about fixty miles to pay a quarter dollar (is.
! d.) per 100 lb.
Prices of land in particular places. Near
Charles Town, within eight miles of the Potow-
mack, the beſt land 31. 155. per acre,
Within
a mile of the junction, and upon the Shenan-
doah,
It is now
*
I
3
( 92
)
..
doah, it may be had for 21. 55. and 31. per acre,
as the land is broken and ſtoney, though fit for
wheat.
At Shippand's Town, on the ſouth ſide of the
Potowmack, it is from 21. 55. to 31. 155. per
acre ; but it is not equal to that in the valley.
It is, however, nearer to the market. A waggon
will
go in four days to and from Alexandria.
Eſtates here are ſmall and are generally cultivated
without Naves.
MARYLAND. The neighbourhood of Hag-
gars Town,* on the Antictam Creek.
Soil. A dark-coloured loam ſimilar to that
on the ſouth ſide of the Potowmack.
Price of land from 16 to 24 dollars, i. e. from
31. 125. to 5l. 8s. per acre, one-half cleared ;
within eight or ten miles.
Labour. Huſbandmen ſcarce. Wages is.
6d. and proviſions per day, or 5 to 6 dollars,
i. e. 225. 6d. to 275. per month.
Market. Baltimore; where wheat fetches
about 7d. a buſhel more than at Alexandria. The
price of taking Aour to Baltimore, ſeventy-
five miles, gs. 3d. per barrel. It may be ſent
to Alexandria, eighty miles, for a dollar, one-
with
Haggars Town will be found toward the ſouthern edge
of Howel's map of Pennſylvania, which I mention for the fake
of thoſe who have that map.
third
{
i
( 93 )
$
third of which is for the land carriage to William-
port, eight miles, at the mouth of the Conego-
cheague Creek. But for want of a warehouſe
at the Great Falls, this mode of conveyance is
leſs uſeful at preſent than it would otherwiſe be,
Ten miles north-weſt of Haggars Town, and
upon a part of the Conegocheague Creek, to
which the navigation may be eaſily extended,
Land one-half cleared, and the reſt in wood,
will fetch 61. per acre.
This creek has been
uſed already, during a week or two in the ſpring.
PENNSYLVANIA. Shippenſburg, twenty-one
miles ſouth of Carliſle.
Soil. A good loam, though not equal pro-
bably to that laſt noticed.
Price of land, 403. to 70s. per acre.
Labour, 5 to 6 dollars a month.
Market. Baltimore, eighty miles.
CARLISLE, and its vicinity.
Soil. A loam, as in the other parts of the
valley.* A ſtratum of Nate land runs through
all the valley, and is found on one ſide of the
Opekan Creek, in Virginia ; the Conegocheague
Creek, in Maryland and Pennſylvania, and the
* I have already obſerved that the Shenandoah Valley, is,
in fact, continued as far as the Suſquehanna, in Penſylvania.
T. C.
Co-
!
( 94 )
Conedogwinit Creek, in Pennſylvania, where the
foil is much inferior to the lime-ſtone ſoil.
Price of land upon the lime-ſtone ſide of the
Conedogwinit, Pennſylvania, 31. 6s. to 41. 105.
per acre; being in a proportion of meadow and
upland. Lands in general about three miles
round Carliſle, though not upon the creeks,
from 31. to 31. 12s. and 4l. ios. per acre, ac-
cording to its quality, ſuppoſing about one-
third cleared. Land at a greater diſtance, and
within 7 or 8 miles, 21. to 31. except the low rich
meadows. Lands nearer the Suſquehanna, being
richer and nearer market, 5l. to 81. Within
a mile of Harriſburg, 121. an acre. Land with
indifferent improvements, near Middletown, the
head of the propoſed junction between the Sul-
quehanna and the Skuilkyl, 31. to 41.
Produce. Principally wheat.
Market. Philadelphia.
Expence of carriage, by land as yet, 6s. per
barrel from Harriſburg.
The people of Carliſle have the character of
being unfociable, and jealous of new-comers,
and always careful that they ſhall not have too
much influence in public affairs.
Harriſburg and Middletown are delightfully,
and with reſpect to trade, eligibly ſituated on
the banks of the Suſquehanna, but are ſubject to
intermitting complaints.
NEAR
2
*
( 95 )
NEAR LANCASTER.
Soil, a durable clay, not liable to be much in-
jured either by the wet in winter, or the ſun in
ſummer.
Price of land. The moſt indifferent with
ſcarcely any improvement, 61. to 81. an acre. It
often ſells from 12 to 181.
Labour. 8 to 10 dollars a month, and board.
.
MARKET. PHILADELPHIA.
The above is the ſubſtance of Mr. Toulmin's
letter to me. I ſhall add a few more facts from
his journal upon that tour, which I have ſince
feen, before I write you the brief remarks I have
made in continuation.
He landed at Norfolk in Virginia, in July
1793. The country about there is very barren.
Animal food dear. Vegetables cheap. Houſes
of wood are cheaply built. A houſe of two
ſtories, fix yards by four, will coſt about 50l.
ſterling. Horſes cheap to purchaſe, but dear to
hire. The hire of a horſe, a dollar a day. They
go unſhod during ſummer. Board and lodging
for adults, in a plain, but plentiful way, four to
five dollars a week; for children, two dollars;
ſervants, three dollars. Board and lodging per
* At Carliſle and Lancaſter, and throughout the Pennſylvania
part of the Shenandoah valley, the Dutch ſettlers are numerous;
their unremitting induſtry and attachment to place always
makes land comparatively dear in their neighbourhood.
ann.
( 96 )
3
ann. 3.31. 155. The great influx of French emigrants
from the iſlands had rather increaſed the price.
Peaches, id, and ad. a dozen; apples, 6d. a
peck; cucumbers, 2d. a dozen; cyder, 2 d. a
quart; milk, 6d. a quart; owing to careleſsneſs
and bad farming:* bacon, 6d. a pound. Nor-
folk is about as large as Taunton in Devonſhire,
or Wigan in Lancaſhire, Moſt of the houſes
wood; ſome of brick. A neat houſe, 30 feet by
29 feet, 2 ſtories high, with a kitchen on one ſide,
and a ſmoaking room, (for bacon, hams, &c.) in
the yard, coſts, compleat, 1501.† Dreſs of the
peo-
ple, much the ſame as in England. Slaves all
barefooted.
Publiſhed rates at the Eagle tavern, Richmond
in Virginia.
Breakfaſt 25. currency i. e. is. 6d. ſterling.
Dinner with grog or toddy zs. currency, i. e.
25. 3d. ftērling.
Cold ſupper 25. currency, i e. is. 6d. ſterling.
A bottle of porter 2s. 6d, currency, i. e. is.
10 d. ſterling
A quart of punch the fame.
The cows range at pleaſure in the woods: no attention is
paid to their calving: they are not often milked above once a
day.
+ Houſes are generally covered with wooden ſhingles, oak,
or cypreſs plaiſtered within; and glazed in falhes.
( 97 )
.
A quart of toddy is. 6d. currency, i. 6. Is. 1 d.
A quart of grog 15d. currency, i.e. 11.10.
A bed room furniſhed, if above ſtairs, is. 6d.
j. e. 13 d. ſterling
Horſes kept at livery 39. (25. 3d. ſterling) per
24 hours: ſervants 35. (23. 3d. ſterling) per day.
Theſe prices are higher than in the northern
ftates. The tables are alſo plentifully ſupplied.
In the article of breakfaſt, all over the American
continent, are included, ham, eggs, ſtakes, chops,
&c. fome or all of them. You are not obliged
to drink after dinner. You have nothing to
give the ſervants or waiters. In the article of
fupper, tea and coffee are uſually included as ac-
companyments.
Prices of various articles at Richmond. (Sterling.)
Indian corn is. 6d. to is. 10 per Wincheſter
buſhel.
Wheat 35. 4 d. to 3s. gd.
Barley 2s. 7 d. to 3s.
Oats in d. to 1s. 4 d.
Rice 12s. to 13s. 6d. per roolb.
Potatoes is. 6d. to 1$. 1 and 23. 3d. per
buſhel.
Flour from wheat, per barrel of 196lb, net, 198.
6d. to 225, 6d.
Hops is. 1d. per Ib.
Coffee od. to 11d. per. 1b: bought by the cwt.
setạil gd. to is. 1 d.
H
Tea
( 98 )
}
Téa. Bohea (retail) 28. 3d. Souchong 45. 6d.
Hyfon 75. 6d.
By the cheſt is. 6d.to 1s: 10d. Hyſon 4s. 6.
to 5s. 3d.
Chocolate 7 d. to 9d. per Ib. by the box of
50lb. weight.
Butter, by the caſk of bolb. 5d. to 6d.
Cheeſe 4 d. to 6d.
Sugar, brown, by the bhd. 371. ros. to bol. per
cwt. Formerly it was 301, to 371. 1os. Retail 6d.
to 8 d. loaf 11 d. to 15d.
Treacle is. 6d. to 25. 3d. per gallon by the hhd.
Rum. American, by the hhd. 25. 7 d. to 35.
Weſt India, 3s. gd. tò 45. 6d. Brandy, French,
45. 60. to 55. 7 d. Virginia peach brandy, 3s.
apple-brandy, 25. 7 to 3s. Whiſkey, 3s. Gin, per
gallon, 35. 4 d. Gin in caſes of 41 gallons, brought
from Holland, 20s. to 225. Ed. Wine, Teneriff,
39. a gallon by the pipe, Liſbon, 61. 155. to 71.
105. Malaga, 51. 55. to 61. 155. per caſe of 30 gal-
lons. Madeira 45l. to 50 guineas per pipe.
Beer not uſed.
Porter, London, gs. gd. to los. 6d. per doz.
bottles included.
Cyder, per gallon, by the caſk or hhd. 3d. to
5 d.
Beef, grafs fed, 1 d. to 2d. ſtall or winter
fed, 2 d. to 3d.-Veal 4 d. to 5d.
Mutton 1 d. to 3d.-Lamb 4id, to sd.
Pork
Y
( 99 )
Pork of excellent quality 11S. 3di to 175. per
cwt. by the hog.
Bacon and hams 3 d. to 5 d.
Turkeys is. 6d, to 35. 4;d. each.
Salt is. 6d. to is. 10 d. per buſhel.
Soap per box 3 d. to 4 d. per lb.
Candles per box 6 d. to głd. per lb.
Fire wood 75.gd. to gs. a cord, that is a load,
8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4
feet broad.
Coals 7 d. per buſhel.
Hars, country made wool hats is, 10 d. to 45.
6d.-Fr hats (racoon and fox) 15$. to 27$.
Shoes 35. od. to 7s. 6d. a pair.- Boots 15s.
to 36s.
Wages of houſehold male ſervants 61. to
gl. a year.
White men, labourers, 131. to 181. a year.
Female ſervants (chiefly negroes) 41. 10s. to 61.
a year. Theſe are to be had either by purchaſe
or by hire from their maſters. Few are free.
Price of a cow 375. 6d. to 755.
Horſes fit for the waggon or plow 71. ios. to
151.-Working oxen gl. a pair.
Sheep 4s. 6d. to 128. each.
Waggons with geer compleat for four horſes,
that will carry a ton and a half, 12 to 181.
Cart for two horſes 7 to 81.
The following are the prices of ſome other
articles not included in the above lift, at Win.
cheſter in Virginia.-The prices are ſet down in
Virginia
H2
(100)
Virginia currency, which is reduced to ſterling by
deducting one fourth from the ſum mentioned:
Fiſh falted,--ſhad 30s. herrings 24s. ſalmon
bos. per barrel of 200lb. weight. oyſters, when
in ſeaſon, 35. per
buſhel.
Apples in autumn is. per buſhel : at chriſtmas
is, 6d. to 25.
Peaches from 2s, to 45. per buſhel.
Currants zs. per buſhel, but few raiſed for ſale.
Wild fowl and pigeons, few for ſale; pheaſants
6d. each, patridges is: to 15d. a dozen.
Cloathing at Wincheſter about dearer than
in England.
Caſks, oak of 30 gallons 55.-Tierces 7s, 6d.
Barrels gs.
:
Building materials.
Logs trimmed on both ſides, and delivered
at the place of building, 11d. per foot.
Scantlings id. per foot, meaſured fide and
cdge at the ſaw mill.
Flooring planks 14 inch, 7s. 6d. per 100 feet.
inch 6s.
do.
do.
Laths on which the covering is nailed 2s. 6d.
per 100 feet, running meaſure.
Wooden ſhingles.-Cypreſs from 3 to 4 dol-
lars per 1000, delivered at the place of building:
each ſhingle covering 4 by 6 inches.-Oak
Thingles 28s. per 1000, covering 10 by 4 inches.
Chelnut
1 inch 4s.
( 101 )
Cheſnut ſhingles 16s. per 1000, covering 6 by
4 inches.
Lime 6d. a buſhel.
Bricks delivered 24s. per 1000.
Window glaſs 8 by 10 inches 725. a box, con-
taining 100 feet.
Wages 2od. to 2s. per perch, when the
work is complete: when found with proviſions.
Plaiſterers 4d. per each ſquare yard, when
found.
Glaziers id per light, when found.
Paper hangings, American, 3s. to 128. per
piece of 12 yards.
Lodging and board in town 15l. to 301. in the
country 121. to 20l. per annum.
Such are the facts which I have ſelected for
your uſe from Mr. Toulmin's account; from
which you will be pretty well able to judge
of ſome material circumſtances reſpecting the
country through which they lead you, I ſhall
ſend you my notes in my next.*
I am, &c.
T. C.
* Mr. Toulmin has returned from Kentucky, as I have heard
ſince writing the above. He confirms the accounts of the
beauty of the country, the fertility of the foil, and the plea-
fantneſs of the climate, which, however, he ſays, in winter is
very rainy. The fociety he is pleaſed with. I much with he
would publiſh the whole of his journals. The few extracts I
have made contain a ſmall part only of the intereſting facts he
has noted.
LET,
.
H3
(102)
L E T T E R IV.
MY DEAR SIR,
I
Left Philadelphia on December 14, 1793, in
company with three friends, for the purpoſe of
going as far northward as the boundary line of
New York ſtate (the line of latitude 42,) if the
weather permitted. We had previoyſly ex-
perienced two ſucceſſions of ſnows and thaws at
Philadelphia, but the ſnow had not yet fallen ſo
thick, or ſo permanently, as to admit of the
amuſement of fleighing ; parties of ladies and
gentlemen riding through the ſtreets in Nedges,
or as they are there called Neighs.
The neighbourhood of Philadelphia is flat
and unpictureſque; the ſoil barren, the ſtrata
are mould 6 inches, ſand and clay 8 feet, fand
and quartroſe pebbles i foot, then a thick ſtra-
tum of brick coloured clay with a little fand.
The land about the town has a great deal of
micaceous ſtone in it.
I have already mentioned that houſe-rent is
much the fame in Philadelphia, but proviſions
a little cheaper than in the large provincial towns
of England. Board and lodging is from five to
ſeven dollars a week, and half that price for
children and ſervants.
The
( 103 )
The country from Philadelphia to Reading, 56
miles, preſerves in a general view the ſame
barren unintereſting character, excepting near
the falls of the Skuilkyl, which afford ſome
beautiful ſcenery. At Reading, land ſells in an
improved ſtate, with houſe and out-houſing at
from 8 to iol. currency an acre.
I wiſh you to remark, that in this letter I ſpeak
of money and prices in the language of the
country; meaning the currency of Pennſylvania;
this is reduced to ſterling by multiplying by 3
and dividing by 5. Thus., 101. currency is 61.
ſterling
From Reading we went on to Hamburg, or
Carter's Town, through a country prefenring
nothing remarkable, 16 miles, i. e. 72 from
Philadelphia,
On leaving Hamburg, the mountain ſcenery
begins, and continues for 60 miles to Sunbury
all this is a ſucceſſion of mountain and valley; the
former covered to the very top with trees and
Ihrubs; white, black and cheſnut oak, pines,
beech, hiccory, &c.The valleys interfected
by large ſtreams rolling at the foot of the
mountains, and breaking out here and there
amid the foreſt which covers their banks.
Here and there (at every three or four miles, for
inſtance, on the average) log-houſes, mills, and
plantations, give relief to the grand, unculti-
vated
j
H4
( 104 )
vated maſs of foreſt, and altogether form a ſcene
more pictureſque than any thing I had ever ex-
perienced. The roads, all circumſtances con-
ſidered, though not equal to the turnpike roads
of England, are much better than I expected
to have found, and are in a daily ſtate of im-
provement. The general character of the ſtones
of which the mountains are compoſed ſeemed of
the argillaceous genus, and indicated in ſeveral
places appearances of iron, &c.
The accommodations through theſe ſixty miles
of mountain were not comfortable. There are
indeed five places of entertainment between
Hamburg and Sunbury, but they are very in-
different.
Although the maſſes of wood are large and
grand, yet the trees fell much ſhort of my ex-
pections: I recollect none from Philadelphia to
Sunbury, of any kind, that would meaſure 18
inches diameter. Indeed they grow ſo cloſe and
ſo tall, that there is no reaſon to expect much
dimenſion of breadth, but they certainly appear
ņender and feeble to an Engliſhman, who has
viſited the park and foreſt ſcenery of his own
country. It is impoſſible however to paſs this
part of the journey without being ſtruck with
the perpetual ſucceſſion of beautiful and roman-
tic ſituations, numerous and diverſified beyond
what
( 105 )
.
what any part of England can ſupply, within
my recollection.
During all this rout froin Philadelphia, for 1 20
miles, the water ſcenery" (excepting here and there
the views of the Skuilkyl) is confined to creeks
and ſtreams; ſuch, indeed, as in your country
would be denominated rivers, But at this diſtance
you look down upon the Suſquehanna, about
three or four miles off; a river about half a mile
broad, running at the foot of bold and ſteep
mountains, through a valley, not much above
three miles broad in that part, rich, beautiful and
yariegated. At the diſtance of about four miles
on the bank of the river, you catch the town of
Sunbury, and on the oppoſite ſide of the river,
about two miles farther, Northumberland.
Theſe are towns of about two or three hundred
houſes each, delightfully ſituated near the Suf-
quehanna. The houſes are partly built of logs,
and partly of frame-work, one or two ſtories
high, ſaſhed and glazed, ſome of them painted on
the outſide, all of them neat without, and clean
within;. comfortable and commodious.
The price of building a log houſe here, of
four rooms on a floor, each about 12 feet
ſquare, one ſtory high, finiſhed within lide, with
plain wainſcoating, pannel doors, lock and thumb
Jatches, glazed windows, &c. compleat, about
2501. (recollect I mean currency throughout.)
The
1
( 106 )
The log houſes, of found ſo uncouth to an Engliſh
ear are as comfortable, and as clean, and as con-
venient, as any brick or ſtone houſe ca
your
country. They are made by placing legs of
trees tranſverſely, one upon the ends of two
others, which are notched to let them in; the
interſtices, are plaiſtered, and the outſide and
inſide frequently cafed. If the logs are placed
upon ſtone work, about a foot from the ground,
fo as not to be expoſed to alternate moiſture and
drought, they will laſt half a century or more
very well.
+
The foil about Sunbury and Northumberland,
(which, as the river only divides them, I ſpeak of
together,) is a fandy loam, ſeveral feet deep
near the river, and apparently excellent for
almoſt any kind of vegetation. Their produce
here, as in moſt other parts of Pennſylvania, is
corn, wheat, oats, rye, buckwheat, potatoes, and
fome little barley. Prices, when I was there,
were, wheat, per buſhel, ss. Outs, 3s, and 2s. 60.
rye, 4s. 6d. corn, (maize,) 4s. buckwheat,
25. 6d. potatoes in the ſpring, 3s. Od. to ss,
in the autumn, Is. 6d. to 25. 6d. a buſhel.
Cyder, per barrel, 3 or 4 dollars this year: laſt year
it was 10 or 125. Beer none; there was a brewery
at Northumberland ſome time ago, but it had
been diſcontinued. While it was carried on, ale
fold for 4 dollars and-porter 31. per barrel of 31
gallon
otánie
( 107 )
gallons. Wages in the town, half a dollar or
3s. ed. a day: in the country, 2s. 6d. or 3s, and
board. The common drink, cyder, or whiſkey
and water,
Beef 3 d. per Ib. mutton 3d. to 4d. veni.
ſon 2 d. to 4d; theſe are bought at the butchers,
or of farmers, who bring meat to town to retail;
butter at Chriſtmas, 2s. per lb, falt 2 dollars per
buſhel, owing to the want of importation to and
from Philadelphia on account of the fever.
A cord of fire wood, oak 4s, 6d. hiccory ios.
Produce of wheat 20 to 30 buſhels an acre. A
Mr. Grant, of Sunbury, one dry ſummer, ob-
tained 60 buſhels per acre. Indian corn has been
had from 60 to 70 buſhels per acre, but one-half
of this quantity is more common. The new
lands, and the ſtony rich lands near the river, are
too rich for wheat, and require to be reduced by
corn, fax, or tobacco. Otherwiſe, unleſs in a
very dry ſummer, the grain ſhoots up into ſtraw.
Wheat and barley grow beſt on the tops of the
hills, and even in ftony ground.
Land, in the immediate vicinity of Sunbury,
fells from 25 to 301. an acre. Building lots of
one-quarter or half an acre in Northumberland
or Sunbury from one hundred to two hundred
dollars each. Land a few miles diſtance, un.
cleared, 30s. to 465. an acre. Land with a log
cabin, a log barn, and about one-fourth improved,
i, e.
&
( 108 )
į. e. the trees cut down, and the underwood
grubbed up, about 31. or 31. 1os. an acre.
Two years ago, the land on which the town
of Northumberland ſtands, is ſaid to have been
offered to ſale by the Proprietor for 2000l. He
has fince refuſed 10,oool, for it. --Northumber-
land is about the ſize of Sunbury.
The Suſquehanna, oppoſite to Sunbury, is
about half a mile broad; at the ferry, oppoſite
Northumberland, about a mile higher up, it
feems full three quarters of a mile over. When
we croſſed it, December 17th, the ferry men
reckoned it about ten feet deep, midway; the
creeks were then low. Ferrage for man and
horſe 16d. The weſt branch of the Suſquehanna
is at preſent navigable for boats of ten tons,
about one hundred and fifty miles from Sunbury.
A perſon who had been with a boat of that bur.
then laden with proviſions for the ſurveyors in
the weſtern part of the State, informed me that
he ſtopt at Whetſtone Quarry, in the Forks of
Sinnamahoning, and could have eaſily gone fif,
teen miles farther. Hence the time is probably
not far diſtant, when by means of a cut to To-
by's Creek, there will be a compleat water car-
riage from Pennſylvania and Baltimore, along
the Suſquehanna, and down the Ohio and Mimir-
ſippi, through the Continent of America, as well
as by means of the Atlantic Ocean. Look for thę
11
I
names
( 109 )
names I have mentioned in a map of Pennſyl-
vania, and you will eaſily ſee this.
will eaſily ſee this.* The eaſt
branch is alſo navigable to about the fame dira
tance from Sunbury, but the navigation of this
part is conſiderably interrupted by the two falls
of Nanticope and Neſcopeck.
At Sunbury, which is ſituated ſomething lower
than Northumberland, the river once (1784 or
1785) over-fowed, and laid the whole country
under water as far as the mountains. In general,
however, it riſes about eleven feet only beyond
the level when we ſaw it.
From Sunbury downwards, the river is navi-
gable to Middletown. At this place there are
falls, which, unleſs in food time, interrupt the
navigation to Baltimore. To avoid theſe, a
canal is now cutting. At Middletown, the
Swetara Creek empties itſelf into the Sufque-
hanna. At ſome diſtance upwards, the Swetara
is joined by the Quitipahilla, which is navigable
near enough to the Skuilkyl to admit of a junc-
tion, by means of the Lebanon Canal, which
will be compleated during the ſummer of 1794.
This canal, about four miles in length, will
make a perfect water carriage between the Suf-
* Almoſt the only good map of any part of America is
Howel's map of Pennſylvania. This may be had at J. Phi-
lips's, George Yard, Lombard Street. Adlum's map of the
ſame State is not publiſhed in England.
quhanna,
( 110 )
quehanna, and the Skuilkyl, down to Philadel-
phia. At preſent, commodities intended for the
interior of Pennſylvania are brought by land-
carriage to Middletown from Philadelphia, and
from Middletown they are fent upwards by water
carriage.
The boats which navigate the Suſquehanna
from Sunbury and that neighbourhood, uſually
hold from five to eight hundred buſhels of wheat,
of which the average weight may be 61 lb. per
buſhel. The market weight is 60 lb. As the
back carriage is troubleſome, theſe boats require
from four to ſix men each. A boat with 1600
buſhels of wheat has gone from Penn's Creek to
Baltimore. The expence of tranſporting grain
from Sunbury to Middletown is 31. per 100
buſhels. The time employed varies, from two
to four days. At Middletown, there is a good
market for grain, on account of a large eſta-
bliſhment of mills there. The land carriage of
goods from Philadelphia to Middletown, is a dol-
lar (7s. 6d. currency) per cwt. and thence to
Sunbury, 25. 6d. per cwt.
The Suſquehanna
might be compleated by another rout to the ſea,
if the obſtructions of the Cheſapeak were re-
inoved; but a narrow and abſurd policy, which
creates a commercial jealouſy and jarring inte-
Jeſts between the ports of Philadelphia and Bal-
timore,
?
( 118
11 )
timore, ſeems at preſent to ſtand in the way of this
improvement.
There is a poſt and waggon road compleated
from Northumberland to Tyoga, and thence to
Bath Town, in the Geneſee.
About twelve miles from Sunbury, through
Northumberland, is Mill Town, a village of
fifty or ſixty houſes, delightfully ſituated on the
banks of the river. This having been laid out,
and built but lately, is not marked in How-
el's Map of Pennſylvania. At Major Piote's, *
two miles farther, where we ſtopt, we faw a
road ſtallion for ſale, of which the price was 8ol.
about as dear as an animal of the ſame figure
would coſt in England, (i. e. not quite gol. fter-
ling). As there was nothing worth notice in the
horſe, I mention it merely for the ſake of no-
ticing the comparative value.
Land in this vicinity, one-third cleared, 3and
41. an acre. The price has doubled in about four
or five years. Piott's is about a mile from the
river.
* In America, it is extremely common to find taverns on
the road, kept by Captains, Colonels and Majors. When the
American army was reduced at the cloſe of the war, many of
the officers had no prefent means of ſubliſtance, and therefore
recurred to the buſineſsin queſtion. Let it be remembered alſo,
that no fpecies of honelt industry is diſgraceful in that country
of good ſenſe.
From
::
(112)
From Philadelphia till we came within light of
Sunbury, we did not ſee one fpot of land that
had the appearance of remarkable fertility, nor
one tree that an Engliſhmen would deem of large
dimenſions; I think none of any kind that
would equal 18 inches diameter, and the gene-
rality much ſmaller. In fact, they grow ſo cloſe
in the woods, they are ſo ſhaded by their vicini.
ty to each other, and they ſo ſhoot upward to
meet the light and the ſun, that it is no great
wonder their diameter is not large. I was dif-
appointed in this reſpect. About half a dozen
miles from Northumberland, the trees began to
aſſume a more luxuriant appearance, and to be-
come of reſpectable ſize. I have heard of much
larger cimber on the rich lands at the heads of
the creeks, ſuch as Lycoming, Loyalſock, Muncy,
&c. but I ſaw none beyond 2 feet 6 inches in
diameter. The inore northern parts of America
bear trees of a much larger ſize. While we were
it Northumberland, the ſnow began to fall in this
part of the country, it remains on the ground
through the winter. Roads are a late and ex-
penſive improvement in every country. Here
they are excellently made by the hand of na-
ture; and, through the worſt part of the year,
permanently made. The climate of Pennſyl-
vania is delightful during the months of Odo-
ber, November, and December; and in this
high
&
45
*
( 113 )
high part of the country, where the variable winds
of the Atlantic have no influence, the winters
are, with little exception, clear, dry, and light.
From Piott's, we went acroſs Muncy Creek,
to Whitaker's, a public-houſe near the bend of
the weſtern branch of the Suſquehanna. Land
about Muncy Creek, uncleared, ſells at 4os. per
acre, about two miles from the river. Muncy
Creek is not navigable. It extends upwards
thirty or forty miles from the river. Whitaker
holds his premiſes as tenant. He clears land
where he pleaſes belonging to his landlord
(Wallis) paying one-third of the produce per an-
num rent; term ſeven years. The houſe is the
landlord's, the tenant finding labour only in the
building of it. This is a log-houſe, about 36
feet by 20, ſafhed windows, careleſsly finiſhed
within ſide, one ſtory high, coſt for labour 50l.
The logs of his houſe were all raiſed and fixed
in one day. One nan at each end of every log,
as it is raiſed, knotches it, while other logs are
ready to be handed up.
In new land, after grubbing and girdling, i. e.
taking up the underwood, and cutting through
the bark of the larger trees in a circle all round
the trunk; which prevents the leaves from
grow-
ing next ſeaſon, he ploughs about 2 inches an:
a half deep, then acroſs; then fows the feed and
harrows it. Upon the average of his land, his
crop of wheat is not above 12 buſhels per acre;
I
of
1
( 114 )
There
of oats from 15 to 20. This is to an Engliſh-
man aſtoniſhing. With you, I apprehend, the
average wheat crop per ſtatute acre is at leaſt 20
buſhels. The average of the Iſle of Wight, when
I touched there on my paſſage from London to
America, was at leaſt 35 buſhels. The average
of the whole ſtate of Pennſylvania, I cannot
reckon above 10 or 12. Maryland the ſame.
This is owing to the neglect of manures, to the
repeated working of the ſame ground with crops
of grain till it will bear no more, and to the very
Night labour they beſtow upon their tillage. It
muſt be conſidered alſo, that much of the land is
occupied by the ſtumps of trees not rotted, and
never grubbed up. .
But though in America leſs grain is produced
per acre than in England, they get more per man.
There, land is plentiful and labour ſcarce. With
you, it is the reverſe. Hence the accuracy of Bri-
tiſh, and careleſsneſs of American cultivation.
Prices of produce here. Wheat 5s. 6d. maize
4s. 6d. rye 4s. 60. ſheep of about 7 or 8 ftone
125. 6d. wool 2s. 6d. per lb. ſheep ſheared once a
year. The lands along the river from Muncy
Creek te Loyalſock Creek, for about one mile
and a half back, are owned by a Mr. Wallis.
They contain about 7000 acres, of which the land
'he farms himſelf is from 300 to goo acres, the
reſt ischiefly uncleared. The whole is worth about
31. or 31. 10s. per acre. I underſtand he has refuſed
400ool.
1
( 115 )
40000l. for this tract, including his farm, build-
ings, and ſtock.
Having ſet out from Whitaker's to Loyalſock,
6 miles, the ſnow prevented our proſecuting our
journey farther. We ſtopt a few days in that
neighbourhood making enquiries. While we
were there, a farm (plantation is the term in
America) adjoining to Lycoming Creek,* and
the river, about one-third cleared (i. e. grub-
bed and the trees cut off) fold by auction at 585.
an acre, and was deemed a very cheap purchaſe.
There was a log houſe and barn upon it, but
ſo indifferent as to add nothing to the value. We
were told that cleared land near the river, and
adjoining to the Loyalfock,+ was worth 61. and
if fold in gales, 71. 1os. an acre.
I think I have
before explained that gales are periodical pay-
ments or inſtallments. This is the common
mode of purchaſing. But although the pur-
chaſer, who pays by gales, pays intereſt at 6 per
cent. on the purchaſe money not immediately
paid down, (land ſells much higher in this way,
from the facility of making much better intereſt,
by employing ready money in freſh purchaſes
and improvements.
• The creek beyond Loyalcock weſtward, not navigable.
+ The Loyalſock is navigable 20 or 30 miles up, for bat .
teaux of 10 tons.
While
I 2
: Y
.
( 116 )
While we ſtaid in this neighbourhood and at
Sunbury, 200,000 acres on Toby's Creek were
offered us for ſale, which having no communi-
cation with the Atlantic but by means of the
Ohio, we refuſed. This land was ſoon after fold
for 6s. an acre, For 12,000 acres in Bald Eagle
Valley, on the weſt ſide of the Suſquehanna,
within a mile or two of an iron furnace, we were
aſked 255. an acre. This was ſaid to contain
ſome iron ore.* The common price of lands
there to purchaſers of finall farms 30s. an acre
uncleared. The land in Bald Eagle, in Buffa-
loe, Penn's, and Nepanoſe Valleys, are eſteemed
of the firſt quality and attract many ſettlers who
emigrate from the more ſouthern and dearer
parts of Pennſylvania.
When a firſt ſettler of this deſcription remov.
ing into the back country, fixes upon a ſpot of
land, which he uſually buys, paying for it in
gales, his firſt care is to cut down a few trees to
build his log houſe. A man can cut down and
lop from twenty to thirty trees in a day of the
ſize proper for the purpoſe. Theſe form the
walls of the building. In general, the log cabins
* The ore is ſaid to be found in nodules in beds of clay,
although the general nature of the ſtratum underneath is lime-
ftone. I was told at Sunbury that the ore was fluxed at once
without addition, and caſt iron goods made from the firſt fua
fion. There is a furnace in Penn's Valley.
of
( 117 )
of this kind are ſuch as half a dozen men will
eaſily finiſh in three or four days. Ten guineas
worth of labour thus employed will lodge a fa-
mily quite as comfortably as in the better kind
of cottages in England.
He then proceeds to grub the land, i. e. to
take up the ſmall trees, ſhoots, and underwood,
by the roots : theſe are burnt upon the ground.
In a general way this may be contracted for at
about 20s, an acre. Whittaker reckoned, that
it coſt him uſually five days work of a man to
whom (as it is very hard work) he pays 35. a
day, finding him in victuals, and allowing him a
dram of whiſkey morning and evening. The
price of this kind of work will eaſily be con-
ceived to vary according to circumſtances.
Where land is heavily timbered with trees of
two or three feet diameter, as it is about the
heads of the creeks, and on the iſands of the Suſ-
quehanna, the underwood is in ſmall proportion,
but the expence of clearing much greater.
The land being grubbed, the trees immedi-
ately about the houſe are cut down, and for the
preſent another portion is girdled only. This
proceſs deſtroying the vegetation of the branches,
lets in the light and air ſufficiently to enſure a
crop the next ſeaſon. The trees cut down, are
ſplit into a kind of rail for fences, which are
made by laying theſe pieces angular-wiſe one on
I 3
the
*
'?
( 118 )
the top of another, to the height of ſix or ſeven
in number, much in the ſame way as the logs of
a houſe are laid on each other,but llanting in al-
ternate directions. A poft and rail fence is not
thought of till ſome years afterwards. The
ground is then Nightly ploughed, or perhaps
ſcratched only with an harrow, and the grain is
ſown and harrowed in.
The trees cut down are never rooted up. The
value of the land gained will not pay the expence
of doing this. They are cut off about 18 inches
or 2 feet from the ground. The ſide roots are
obſtructions to the plough for about two years,
when they are compleatly rotted. The ſtumps
in New York and Pennſylvania States, do not
rot away compleatly under ten years. In Vir-
ginia and Maryland this happens in about ſeven,
It appears to me, that by cutting off the tree a
few inches below the ſurface of the ground, and
covering the ſtump with mould, the expence
would not be much encreaſed, the deformity,
which is indeed a great one in an American land-
ſcape, would be prevented, and the proceſs of
putrefaction accelerated. I never heard of but
one perſon (Lord Stirling in New Jerſey) who
had his trees rooted up; and I have no doubt of
its having been done at an expence much beyond
the convenience gained.
The expence of clearing heavily timbered
land
M
5
#1
( 119 )
land is conſiderable, ſometimes to the amount of
five and fix pounds per acre, but the great fertility
of this kind of land affords ample recompence.
In general the whole expence is not 40s. an acre.
One-half or two-thirds of the expence of clear-
ing land in New York itate, is repaid by the
pot-aſh, obtained in burning the wood. In
Pennſylvania, and the ſouthern ſtates, the back
ſettlers are not ſo much in the practice of this
uſeful method. The land ſurveyors have 4t.
per 1000 acres for ſurveying a tract of lard, and
making return of it; but as the owner finds
labourers and proviſions, theſe, with other inci-
dental expences, will make the coſt of ſurveying
altogether about 20s. per 100 acres.
In returning to Philadelphia through Sun-
bury, inſtead of taking the ſame road that we
came, by Hamburg and Reading, we went
round, inſtead of over the mountains, along the
banks of the Suſquehanna. The firſt ſtage from
Sunbury in that direction is to White's, twelve
miles and a half.
White is a reſpectable farmer, and like many
other perſons of that deſcription in the back
part of the country, keeps a houſe of accom-
modation for travellers, rather perhaps from
neceſſity than choice ; for where inns are ſcarce,
travellers are compelled to ſtop at private
houſes, till the population of the country oca
caſions Inns to be ſet up : however, the trade
I 4
being
:
( 120 )
4
being at leaſt as lucrative as it is troubleſome.
The farmers who begin, ſeldom lay aſide the
practice.
I found that White, in account with his men,
charges them for beef, 2 d. per lb. (exactly
three-halfpence Engliſh,) wheat 5s.6d, a buſhel,
rye 3s.gd. to 4s. fax ſeed 15d. a peck, for po.
tatoes in July, 1793, 2s. 6d. per buſhel. He
credits them, for labour 2s. 6d. a day* ; for
wearing linen (but I know not of what kind)
IS. a yard; for ſhad fiſh :os, a hundred.
Salted fhad is the common attendant upon
breakfaſt in moſt parts of America. It is the
fame fiſh as the Severn ſhad; weighs about 5lb.
Beſide ſhad, the river affords him trout of
four or five pound weight; chubb, dace, perch
and pike; falmont is in plenty all the year,
when perfectly in ſeaſon this fiſh weighs about
glb. A few days before we were there, he caught
by trolling, -fifteen in two hours, which weighed
about 41b. a piece. They get alſo from the
Suſquehannah rock, (a fiſh unknown, I believe,
in England) of about 2ilb. weight.
In every part of America, out of the great
towns, the common beverage is cyder, or ſpirits
and water. In the middle and ſouthern ſtates
$
* I underſtand this to be, beſides finding them in victuals.
+ This,'though called ſalmon, is, I believe, only the fal-
mon trout. The true ſalmon, is ſaid not to come ſouth.
ward of Connecticut River.
this
( 121 )
nument
this ariſes partly from the inaptitude (as they
ſay) of the land to produce barley, which in
thoſe parts ſhoots into ſtalk inſtead of having
the ears filled, and partly becauſe the heat of
the ſummer makes it neceſſary to brew inalt-
liquor too ſtrong for common drink, if it be to
be kept through the hot ſeaſon; farther, as it is
apt to ferment and grow ſour foon by removal
in the hot weather, it is neceſſary to keep it
bottled, with the corks wired. Theſe cauſes
combined make beer and porter too expenſive
to be the drink of the common people, ex-
cept in large towns, where the quick confump-
tion obviates much of this objection.
In New England, as the inhabitants of that
part of America trade much with the Weſt-
Indies, for black cattle and horſes; they bring
back, among other articles, a great quantity of
molaſſes. Hence the ſpirit drank in common
there, is New England rum. In New York
and Pennſylvania ſtates, the chief produce being
grain, the ſpirit uſed is diſtilled from ſome kind
of corn, generally rye. In Virginia and Mary-
laod, peaches and apples afford peach and apple
brandy ; * the latter is an indifférent ſpirit; the
former, when well made, carefully rectified and
* A hogſhead of apples produces about ten gallons of ap-
ple brandy. But the ſpirit from grain is much preferred.
kept
( 122 )
*
3
kept in a caſk for ſome years, is as fine a liquor
as I have ever taſted.
Hence, Planters of any conſequence frequent-
ly have a ſmall diſtillery as a part of their eſtab-
liſhment. White has one
White has one which may ferve as a
fpecimen of this kind : he has two ſtills, the one
holding 60, the other 115 gallons. To a buſhel
and a half of rye coarſely ground, he adds a
gallon of malt and a handful of hops; he then
pours on 15 gallons of hot-water, and lets it re-
main four hours, then he adds 16 gallons more
of hot water, making together a barrel or 311
gallons; this he ferments with about two quarts
of yeaſt. In ſummer the fermentation laits
four days, in winter fix; of this waſh he puts
to the amount of a hogſhead in the larger ſtill,
and draws off about fifteen gallons of weak fpirit,
which is afterward rectified in the ſmaller ſtill,
feldom more than once. One buſhel of rye will
produce about eleven quarts of faleable whiſkey,
which fetches per gallon 4s. 6d. by the barrel.
Whiſkey in England is uſually a ſpirit drawn from
oats. The rye produces the baſis of gin.
I have no doubt myſelf but barley could be
well grown, and well malted, and well brewed
in almoſt any part of America, and beer might
be more generally introduced. The American
ſimall beer, as well as the porter, is at preſene
very good; and as there is no exciſe upon malt,
nor upon malc-liquor ; as grain is cheap, and
the
:
( 123 )
the materials of a brewery to be had for little or
nothing, I am rather ſurprized that breweries
are not more generally eſtabliſhed.
I do not find however, that the plenty and
cheapneſs of ſpirituous liquors occaſions much
intoxication among the common people; nor do
I believe the uſe made of them has any percep-
tible effect unfavourable to the health of the
Americans. I believe that this kind, like other
kinds of poiſons, deſerves that appellation, re-
latively to the quantity uſed, rather than the
qualities, of the ſubſtances ſo called. In hot
weather it is extremely dangerous to quench
great thirſt with water alone, without ſpirit.
Hilly land unimproved ſells in this neigh-
bourhood from 205. to 30s. an acre.
The
iſlands in the river for about 81. per acre. Theſe
are very heavily timbered, and are exceedingly
fertile. On new land of a common quality,
White gets about 18 buſhels of wheat an acré;
this he fends by water to Middletown for 6d. a
buthel, and is fells there for 6s. 8d. and 6s. jodo
The ſame remarks apply to the vicinity of the
two next ſtages : land uncleared about 8 miles
from the river ſelling at 20 or 259. an acre.
At Paxtang, fix miles ſhort of Harriſburg, we
ſtopped at an inn, kept by a Mr. M'Alliſter ; 'by
inuch the moſt ſpirited and intelligent farmer we
had ſeen. As his place will afford a favourable
Specimen of an American plantation, I ſhall de-
fail his eſtablifhment.
His
( 124 )
His farn is about 300 acres, near the river;
a fandy foil, earlier in vegetation by 10 days or a
fortnight than the higher lands at a diſtance.
About of this quantity is in cultivation, the reſt
in wood.
Roration of crops-Grain; then clove mown
twice the firſt year, and once the ſecond year. In
autumn, it is turned in, and grain again, of ſome
kind, fown upon the fame land.
He manures for his crops either with dung, with
aſhes, or with plaiſter of Paris *. I did not find
* I never could underſtand the theory of the action of gypſum.
I know of no ſubſtance found in a natural ſtate in the earth,
that will decoinpoſe it, and I ſhould doubt whether it cculd
act chemically on any ſubitance, unleſs by mutual decompofi-
tion. Mechanically, it will be no more than fand. Mr. Kir-
wan, in his late paper on agriculture in the Iriſh tranſactions,
attributes the uſe of gypſum to its feptic quality; on the au-
thority of M. Gardane's experiments, in his Hiſtoire de la
Putrefaction. Fut the quantities in contact are fo ſmall in the
agricultural caſes, that I do not ſee the fufficiency of this ex-
planation. Manures appear to me to act, 1. mechanically, by
encreaſing or diminiſhing the adheſion of the ſoil. 2. Cbemi-
cally, by diminiſhing the fame adheſion, through the putre-
factive proceſs, which takes place in the manure in tlie earth;
by decompoſing metallic or earthy falts; by encreaſing or di..
miniſhing the capacity of the ſoil to retain water; by promot-
ing the putrefaction of dead or dying vegetables; by affording
the ſalts and the galles, which are the pabulum of vegetables.
3. l'hi fiolegically, (if I may coin a word) not enough noticed;
by acting as fiimuli to the living fibre of the plant. It is thus
perhaps that gypſum aéts; killing by too ſtrong a ftimulus the
weak and languid fibre, and exciting the healthy fibre to
Atronger action, as condiments do the ſtomach.
that
( 125 )
1
that he had any ſyſtem of proportion between
cattle and land, for the purpoſe of procuring a
regular ſupply of manure. The plaiſter of Paris
he procures in the ſtone from Philadelphia,
formerly at 7, now at 12 dollars perton: he grinds
it at home; i ton yields 24 buſhels. The
French plaiſter of Paris much the beſt: the
Nova Scotia plaiſter not ſo good. It will not an-
fwer at all as a manure upon wet lands: it anſwers
beſt on hot fandy foils, which, he ſays, it preſerves
moiſter than they would otherwiſe be during the
heats of ſummer. He fows the plaiſter in pow.
der with clover, 5 or 6 buſhels to the acre.
His average produce is of wheat and iye about
23 buſhels to the acre, corn (maize) and oats about
.30 buſhels. Weight of a buſhel of wheat from
6olb. which is the inarket weight, to 65lb. of
rye about 581b, oats about 35lb. corn (the white
Aint kind ſown the firſt week of May) about
bolb. per bulhel. The gourd-feed, maize, yields
larger crops, but it is a late grain.
By means of his plaiſter manure he obtains at
2 mowings, per annum, 31 ton of hay per acre.
The hay is ready to be ſtacked uſually the day
after it is cut.
Prices of produce and labour.-Huſbandmen
251, a year, with board, waſhing, and lodging; or
6 dollars a month, or 2s. 6d. a day in common,
and
3s.
in harveſt time. For mowing an acre he
pays
( 126, )
pays 3s. finding victuals and a pint of whiſky,
or 4s. 6d. without finding any thing elſe. Wo-
men in reaping have as much wages as men, but
at hay-making only 15d. a day, and their victuals.
Wheat 6s. 6d, a buſhel.-Corn 3s. gd.--Rye 4
to 55.-Oats 2 to 2s, 6d.-Buck-wheat 25, 6d.
- Salted pork 33s. per cwt.
His ploughs are the common light ploughs of
the country. Drill ploughs are little in uſe: in
moſt parts, the ſtumps of trees would
prevent
their being uſed. He has rejected the hoe-plough;
firſt, becauſe he finds it cuts off too many of the
young fibres of the plants; and ſecondly, becauſe
the land is too dry to require the furrow. In
lieu of the hoe, he harrows the ground, without
regarding the grain, ſo as to lay it quite fat and
deſtroy the ridge and furrow. This, he ſays,
has been the practice in the neighbourhood for
two years paſt, with ſucceſs.
In feeding his cattle, he makes it a rule to
give them as much as they will eat.
,
beſides clover-hay and Timothy-hay, have pota-
toes mixed with ground Indian corn, and the
waſh of the diſtillery. The hogs the ſame. His
cows, however, even in ſpring do not yield above
5 or 6 quarts of milk at a meal. Here, as
almoſt every where in America, Indian corn is
the food of the poultry..
Inſtead of the chaff-cutting machine, which he
now
The cows,
( 127 )
Aow uſes, he propoſes to bruiſe the hay between
two mill-ſtones, of which the edges come in con-
tact: he has tried this in a ſmall way, and finds
the hay much better and more expeditiouſly cut,
than by the chaff-cutter.
His fences are partly the common ſtake fence
of the country (which I have before deſcribed)
of wood ſplit into lengths of 6 or 7 feet, and 3 or
4 inches fcantling, and laid upon each other
angular-wiſe: partly a cheveux de frize fence
of wood ſtuck in the ground, and partly the
common poſt and rail fence. He has tried
thorn hedges and privet hedges without ſucceſs.
He then turned his attention to the prickly lo-
cuſt as an indigenous plant of the country. The
feeds of this tree are contained in a pod like a
a bean, and it is extremely common in Pennſyl-
vania. He ran a furrow with a plough about
2 or 3 inches deep, round his orchard, drilling
in the ſeeds and covering them. But from the
want of a ridge being previouſly thrown up, ſome
heavy rains, which ſucceeded in about 10 days,
waſhed away a great many of the ſeeds, and ren-
dered the fence incomplete. Thoſe that we
faw ſtanding were about 3 years and three quar-
ters old, from the feed. They were as thick as
a man's arm, at about a foot from the ground,
and were 8 or 9 feet high; and had they been
dubbed would have been a very compleat fence.
Buc
( 128 )
*
But the rains having ſpoiled the firſt plan, he
neglected them. The one year ſhoots of the
locuſt-tree laid along the furrow, would have
thrown out ſprouts. Perhaps this would be the
eaſieſt method of planting them for a hedge.
M'Alliſter ſays, that were he to go upon a new
farm, of a thouſand acres for inſtance, of un-
cleared land, his firſt object ſhould be to cut a
road of about 2 rood in width all around the
eſtate. The heavy wood he would cut up for
fences or fire wood, or ſuch other purpoſes as it
might be fit for: the bruſh wood he would lay
in two piles on each ſide this new road: between
theſe he would fow or plant locuſt, and by the
time the bruſh wood was rotten, the locuſt would
be a fence. The next operation ſhould be to
plant an orchard, and erect a faw mill. Thefe
ideas appear to me to be judicious.
His garden produces very fine grapes and
Itrawberries. The dry fandy land there ſeeins
well adapted to the culture of the vine. A Ger-
man in his neighbourhood, who poſſeſſes a very
ſmall farm, has made every year lately three or
four barrels of wine, which M'Alliſter, who has
tafted it, thought very good. He has no doubt
whatever of the practicability of making good
wine in Pennſylvania. This agrees with Major
Piott's information, who mentioned to us a Mr.
Furniau, living about 7 miles from him, who have
ing
( izgŚ
ing ſucceeded in the ſmall way, was planting re-
gular vineyards. Indeed there is a ſociety formed
at Philadelphia for the promotion of the culture
of vineyards, and I myſelf fee not the ſlighteſt
obſtacle to the ſucceſs of the attempt. Certainly
the Rhine grape, which promiſes fair at Sir
Richard Worſley's vineyard in the Iſle of Wight,
is much more likely to ſuceeed with us in
America.
His orchard contains 30 acres of ground and
1600 apple trees, part of them planted 8 and
part 13 years ago. They are 2 rood (33 feet)
apart. This laſt year (1793) was a very bad year
for apples, and he made only 15 barrels of cyder:
the year before he made 600 barrels, and if 1794
ſhould be a good year he expects to make 1000
from his orchard. He ſuppoſes his trees in this
caſe likely to yield ten buſhels of apples on the
average. Perhaps this is the leaſt troubleſome
and moſt profitable application of the ground.
When the general appearance of the orchard has
a red tinge the trees are healthy. Againſt the
grub he uſes decoction of Tobacco. He has
ſeveral peach trees, but they have not long been
planted. But one plumb tree of the dameſcene
kind, and few pear, or apricot, and no nectarene
He gives 6d. a piece for apple and peach
trees, about 3 or 4 years old, that is, fit to plant
out. In England I believe they are not planted
K
out
trees,
1
(130)
out till 7 years old. Peach trees grow about the
thickneſs of ones thumb, and 4 or 5 feet high in
one year, from the ſtone, and bear fruit in 4
years from the ſtone. Cyder uſually ſells at 10s.
and 12s. per barrel of 30 gallons, but this year
being a bad one it fells for three dollars
rer
bar-
ląr; (i. e. 135. 6d. ſterling, 225. 6d. currency).
His cyder preſs conſiſts of two caſt-iron cog
wheels, about one foot diameter, with Nanting
cogs, turning vertically; theſe he means to change
for wooden wheels; owing to the action of the
acid upon the iron. They are fed with apples
by a hopper; the motion is given by a; horſe
moving round. The maſh of apples thus pro-,
duced, is put into a kind of caſe, and preſſed (not
by a ſcrew,) but by one end of a maſſy beam,
which is forced down by means of the other end
being raiſed by a lever. A man depreſſes the
lever, which raiſes the neareſt, and depreſſes the
fartheſt end of the beam. The juice is thus
forced upon a platform about 7 feer ſquare, with,
a groove all round, and an outlet for the juice
from one of the grooves. The beam ſeems about
25 feet long, and about 15 inches ſquare: the
frames in which it moves, about 20 feet high.
He ſometimes finds a difficulty in clearing his.
cyder, which he has not yet conquered. In
England this is not an eaſy part of the proceſs,
nor is the mode of doing it fettled among the
cyden
$.
+
(131)
cyder makers. In the warmer climate of Ame-
rica the liquor will be ſtill more liable to ſponta-
neous fermentation after being once fined. The
cyder however of this country, is much ſupe-
rior in flavour, at leaſt, to the Britiſh.
He has a fiſh pond of two or three acres, in
which he keeps all the kinds of fiſh which the
river produces. The waſte water from the fiſh
pond is applied to ſeveral purpoſes, particularly
to irrigate a quantity of meadow ground at half
a mile diſtance. The Americans ſeem more
alive to the benefit of irrigation than any other
kind of agricultural improvement.
He has a diſtillery, much on the ſame plan as
White's, already noticed. It is managed by a
profeſſed diſtiller, who receives one-third of the
ſpirit produced, for his trouble.
His ice houſe ſeems well conſtructed. An
external building contains the proper ice houſe,
which is a kind of well, divided into two ſtories;
the firſt 10 feet deep, the ſecond and loweſt,
where the ice is kept, 13 feet; in all-23 feet deep.
The ſides are of ſtone, 4 feet thick, then planked
with 3 inch plank cloſe againſt the wall; then a
kind of frame work, between which and the
planks is a ſtuffing of ſtraw, about 4 inches thick.
The ice houſe is 11 feet ſquare in the clear. In
the room of the building, directly over the ice
houſe, lié keeps the liquor liable to ferment with
heat,
K ?
!
( 132 )
.
heat, or intended to be drank cool, ſuch as porter
and cyder.
His ſmokery for bacon, hams, &c. is a room
about twelve feet ſquare, built of dry wood; a
fire place in the middle, the roof conical, with
nails in the rafters to hang meat intended to be
ſmoked. In this caſe a fire is made on the
floor in the middle of the building in the morn-
ing, which it is not neceſſary to renew during
the day. This is done four or five days fuccef-
fively. The vent for the finoke is through the
crevices of the boards. The meat is never taken
out till it is uſed. If the walls are of ſtone, or
green wood, the meat is apt to mould.
His Saw mill, which coſt about 100l: conſiſts
of an underſhot water wheel, with a crank, which
in its revolucion moves one ſaw in a frame up
and down. Another movement is annexed, by
which a ratchet wheel is puſhed on, and this
moves the logs forward in a frame; to the frame
are annexed pins, which when the ſaw has paſſed
through the log, throws the works in and out of
geer, one faw working 1000 feet a day, is as
much as that neighbourhood can at preſent keep
employed. It is leſs complicated than if it
worked more faws, and is about ſufficient tɔ
keep one man employed in attending it, ſupply-
ing it with logs, and removing the planks as
they are cut. This fawyer has for wages 6d.
per
( 133 )
per 100 feet. In eighteen hours the ſaw will cut
2200 feet. M'Alliſter receives from 25. to 25.
6d. per ico feet. He purchaſes the logs from
people who live up the country, and they ſend
them down in rafts. He pays from 2s. 6d. to 35.
a piece for logs of from 15 to 20 feet long, and
about a foot diameter. They come down in
rafts conſiſting of from 50 to 100 logs broad,
and one 8 or 10 feet longer than the reſt, faſtened
acroſs the reſt with withy twigs: the projecting
ends of the long croſs log anſwer for the pur-
poſe of ſteering by.
His grijt mill coſt about 8ool. He lets it
out to a tenant. A load of wheat is 60, buſhels,
which coſts 255. grinding, the farmer having
the offal, (i. e, the ſeconds, middlings, and bran.)
The waſte in grinding is about 12lb. per cwt.
60 buſhels of wheat make 1 2 barrels of flour, of
196 lb. each, net, i, e, ſomewhat more than three
buſhels to one cwt. The offal is worth about
31. a load; barrels coſt about eod. each, if too
green they turn the four four. The offal pays
the expence of grinding and barrels. Flour fells
at Philadelphia for about 455. a barrel.* It is
fent thither from Paxtang, (M'Alliſter's) by
way of Newport, at ros. a barrel. The boulting
mills which I ſaw afterwards at Middletown, ac
* When we reached to Philadelphia, it had riſen to 475.
and 485.
K3
che
:
( 134 )
the miller's there, are ſix-ſided cylinders, of about
12 feet in length, and one foot diameter, covered
at about every two feet with white filk, (perſian
or farſenet) of various fineneſſes. It is inclined
in an angle of 45 or 50 degrees, and turned
round by a movement connected with the water
wheel. It ſeparates the four into ſuperfine, tail
flour, middlings, ſheep's ſtuff, ſhorts and bran.
Sometimes the tail-ſtuff and middlings are dreſ-
ſed over again; and in ſome caſes a boulting
machine is appropriated to the middlings. I be-
lieve the braſs wire boulting machines are not in
uſe in America, Superfine flour I have not noted
the price of at Middletown; tail-ſtuff is here
55. per 28lb. middlings 3s. gd. per 281b. ſheep
ſtuff 28. 6d. per buſhel, ſhorts 15d. per buſhel,
bran gd per buſhel; wheat at Middletown 6s.
6d. to 6s. 8d. per buſhel. I put theſe obſerva-
tions reſpecting flour and corn-mills together,
though relating to different places, becauſe they
belong to the fame ſubject.
The mills at Middletown, though apparently
an a very good plan, and very neat, are inferior
as I have heard, to thoſe on the Brandy Wine, nor
have they yet adopted the method in uſe there
"
"of taking up the corn and diſcharging the four.
The flour of America ſeems to me ſuperior in
fineneſs and dryneſs to that of Great Britain, and
the bread better,
The
1
.
( 135 )
The details I have given you reſpecting
Mr. M'Alliſter's eſtabliſhment may appear
long; but I am anxious to let you into the
actual ſtate, and mode of living of the Ame-
rican Planters, of which this is a tolerably
fair, though a favourable ſpecimen. Com-
fortable as it is, M'Alliſter, like almoſt all the
Americans whom I have ſeen or heard of, having
improved the land he occupies, is not ſo ar-
tached to the ſpot as to be unwilling to remove
to the wilderneſs of the back country,' to ſee a
new creation of the ſame kind form around him,
the produce of his own exertions.
On quitting Paxtang, we quitted alſo the laſt
ſpecimen of beautiful ſcenery. From Hamburg,
over the mountains to the Loyalſock, and from
the Loyalſock to Paxtang, our eyes were regaled
with a conſtant ſucceſſion of landſcape, novel
and delightful, beyond any expectation I had
formed of it. The noble maſſes of wood and
mountain, the Suſquehanna fometimes rolling
through rich valleys, and ſometimes waſhing the
baſe of ftupendous rocks, almoſt every where
taking the form of a lake, and interſperſed with
numerous iſlands, well wooded, of all forms, and
ſtretching out in a variety of directions; theſe
combined with the brightneſs of the atmoſphere;
the diſtinctneſs of diſtant outlines, and the clear
wholeſome cold of the ſeaſon; the ſky unde-
formed
K4
( 136 )
formed by wintry clouds, and free from the foggy
vapour I had been accuſtomed to execrate in the
old country, made this journey one of the plea-
ſanteft I had ever experienced.
From Paxtang to Harriſburg is only fix miles.
Harriſburg is a pretty large American town,
beautifully, but unhealthily ſituated on the banks.
of the Suſquehanna. It is low and damp, and
therefore very ſubject to the fever and ague.
Indeed all ſituations immediately cloſe to a river
in America, induce the riſque of that diſorder.
Ą hot ſun acting upon damp foil, infallibly pro-
duces it among thoſe who are much expoſed to
its influence. It is far from improbable, as the
poiſon in this caſe enters by the lungs, that Dr.
Beddoes's application of the gaſes may be of
ſervice in this too frequent malady. From Har-
riſburg we proceeded to Middletown, a place of
fixty or ſeventy houſes, but ſeemingly not upon
the increaſe. The corn-mills I have noticed,
The prices of land here and at Harriſburg, Mr.
Toulmin's letter has mentioned. The canal
which avoids the falls here, will ſoon be com-
pleated, as will the more important one which
opens a wațeș carriage from the Suſquehanna at
this place to Philadelphia. I think I mentioned
before that the land carriage of dry goods be-
tween the two laſt mentioned towns, is a dollar
per cwt.
From
( 137 )
$
From Middletown to Elizabeth Town; this
is in Lancaſter county, which is the belt culti-
vated of any part of the ſtate of Pennſylvania,
Here therefore we thought it right to enquire
ſomething of their practice of agriculture,
The courſe of crops appeared to be:
iſt. Indian corn, ſown from the middle of
May to the firſt week in June, in hills about
four feet apart each way, dropping three or four
ſeeds in a hole. This is uſually gathered off
time enough to ſow wheat in the fall of the
year,
though the Indian corn will ſtand without da-
mage into the winter.
2nd. Crop is wheat; for which the ground is
prepared by two hoe plowings between the corn
in the preceding ſummer, the plough going up
one ſide of a ridge and down the other, and the
ſame tranſverſely, which earths up the corn
(Maize) in the form of a hillock. The wheat
is reaped at the uſual time in the latter end of
the ſummer. In the ſpring of this ſecond year
however, clover is ſown among the wheat, and
when the latter crop is gotten off the ground, a
few cattle are turned into the clover for a ſhort
time, juſt to top it, but not to eat it cloſe.
3rd and 4th year, clover mown twice in each
year. After the laſt mowing in the autumn of
the 4th year, the ground is plowed and fallowed
Themen
( 138 )
!
till May, when in the 5th year, Indian corn
comes on again.
Sometimes rye or winter barley is ſubſtituted
for wheat, and ſometimes oats for Indian corn;
in which caſe the oats are ſown in April. Fre-
quently the ground is made to yield an autumnal
crop
of buck wheat (making two corn-crops in
one year) in which cafe the buck wheat is ſown
in June, before the wheat harveſt, and is cut juſt
before the November froſts. The fall (autumnal)
crops are uſually fown as near the middle of
September as poſſible. Here, as in England,
white clover is the produce of limeſtone foil.
There is little wafle land near Elizabeth Town.
Improved land fells from 61. to 20). an acre.
Land for building in plots in the town of about
a quarter of an acre, lers at 16s. 8d. per ann.
rent. Farming land bears the price juft men-
tioned, from hence to the vicinity of Philadel-
phia.
The firſt experiment of a turnpike road in
America, is making between Lancaſter and Phi-
ladelphia, diſtance of ſixty-ſix miles. The pre-
fent price of land carriage from Lancaſter to
Philadelphia is 75. 6d. (a dollar) for a barrel
(12 cwt.) of four. I aſked a waggoner on the
newly made part of the road, how much he
had in his waggon of four horſes, he ſaid, twelve
barrels
( 139 )
barrels of four, which was enough for the bad
part of the road, but not above half a load for
the road he was then upon. I obſerved ſeveral
ſpecimens of gypſum on the road between Wags
gon town and Downings town. Wheat, here-
about, 8s. 4d. a buſhel, barley 75. 6d. Maize 5s
and 55. 3d.
On this journey we were out 16 days; we rode
on horſeback; it coſt us 10s. (i. e. 6s. ſterling) per
day, each, for man and horſe, including every
expence.
Meals coſt, breakfaſt and ſupper from 1od. to
is. Dinners is. to 15d. Horſes hay at night is. to
Is. 6d. oats 2d. per quart, beds 4d. to 6d. per
night.
I hope you have remembered all along that I
ſpeak of Pennſylvania currency.
In my next; I ſhall throw together fuch ſcat-
tered information reſpecting the prices of land
and produce in other quarters, as I have been
able to obtain, mean time
I am &c.
T.C.
LETTER
>
(140)
LETTER V.
MY DEAR SIR,
THIS
HIS will be a letter of ſcraps: but tending
to the point I think you wiſh to be informed of,
viz. the price of land and of produce in various
parts of this country:
From Philadelphia to New York, the road and
country has been ſo often deſcribed, that I have
nothing to add to it. When I went, the ſnow
admitted of the ſtages being put upon Neighs, &
very ſafe and very pleaſant mode of travelling. I
cannot ſay much in praiſe of the elegance, or con-
venience, either of the public carriages, or thoſe
that you can hire in America; a total want of
taſte and neatneſs is prevalent among them.
In New Jerſey, an eſtate of the late Lord
Stirling's was offered for ſale at iol. an acre,
which I apprehend to be the general price of culti-
vated land, in tolerable ſituations all through this
ftate. Of uncultivated land, there is very
little.
The expence of travelling between Philadelphia
and New York, both as to carriages and as to
living, is about one third cheaper, than between
the metropolis and any of the great towns of
England.
At
( 141 )
At New York, you pay at the Tontine Coffee
houſe, 8 dollars a week for your board and
lodging, wine excepted: in the former reſpect you
are much better provided than in any place in
England, where you would pay only the ſame
price. I think the advantage in point of cheap-
neſs, for equal accommodations at an inn, is at
leaſt one third in favour of New York, beyond
any of the great trading towns of England: board
and lodging at a private houſe, may be had
from 5 to 7 dollars a week.
The price of land, &c. ſouth of Albany, I have
not been informed about. At Albany, board and
lodging in a plain family way, is half a dollar a day,
Butter 15d. a lb. Beef 5d. Cheeſe gd. Pork 5d.
Theſe, and the other prices I am about to
mention, are not in ſtirling, or in Pennſylvania,
but in New York currency, which reckons a
dollar at 8s. and according to which, one ſhil-
ling is equal to 6 d. ftirling. I would have re-
duced all the prices to ſtirling, but it is right
that you ſhould accuſtom yourſelf
, in ſome
degree, to American calculation. A dollar in
ſterling money is 4s. 6d : in Pennſylvania currency
7s, 6d. An eſtate of 500 acres, two miles from
Albany, and four from Troy, part in woodland,
fold in November 1793, for 3300l. (currency re-
member.) For a farm of 60 acres, about 7 miles
from
1
( 148 )
.ir
of very
from Albany, the farmer paid 25 ſkipples, or
18 buſhels of wheat, per annum, as rent.
For a farm, not far from the above, (about 7
or 8 miles from Albany;) conſiſting of 100 acres
very rich land, long ago cleared, and too more
acres not cleared, having a good brick houſe
and a commodious barn upon it, the owner aſked
2000l.
Prices of proviſions hereabout and at Ske-
nectady, (which is inhabited chicfly by Dutch)
beef 3d, cheeſe gd. butter 15d. apples 2s. 6d. a
buſhel, wheat 8s. ditto.
About 10 miles beyond Skenectady, up the
Mohawk river, beef 24s. per cwt. pork 6d. a
lb. turkies 25. 6d. Geeſe 25, 6d. Fowls 15d.
butter is. ſalt 14s. per buihel; cheeſe gd. a lb.
wheat 78. a bufhel; wood 6s. a cord. Wages of
a labourer 23. 6d. to gs. in ſummer, and is. to 25.
in winter; carpenters 2s. 6d. maſons 3s. beſides
victuals.
The canals intended to go from Skenectady to
Albany, and that which will paſs the falls of the
North river and connect Saratoga with Albany,
and that which is intended to obviate the little
falls of the Mohawk river, are all likely to pro-
ceed.
Land at the German flats, ſells from 5 to 151.
an acre, Land higher up toward the black river,
though good, not above a dollar.
Land
?
!
( 143 )
Land near Hartford in Connecticut 10 to 151.
an acre.
i
Land upon one of the branches of the Dela-
ware in New York State, was offered to fale ja
London, in June 1794 for gs. an acre (ftirling).
Land near the Miſhoppen and Tuſcorora
creeks in Pennfylvania, about 8 miles on the
average, from the eaſt branch of the Suſquehanna,
belonging to the perſon who owns the preceeding
parcel, was offered at the ſame time for 8s. (ſtir-
ling) an acre in London.
The price of two dollars has been aſked at the
fame period and place, for land near the Loyal-
rock, between the eaſt and weſt branches of
Suſquehanna. And the ſame for land in Luzerno
country upon Lehawannock.
I have obſerved in a former letter, that in New
York ſtate, the ſettlers were more in the habit of
uſing the aſhes of their wood to make potaſh, and
diminiſh the expence of clearing the land, than
they were in Pennſylvania or the fouthern ſtates.
In July 1793, hearth alhes ſold for is, a buſhel,
field aſhes at rod. it coſts 41. a ton to make them
into potaſh; 500 buſhel of hearth, or 700 of
field afhes, are computed to make a ton of potaſh,
which at New York is worth 481. or 120 dollars.
But I ſhould think this allowance of alhes, hardly
fufficient for the purpoſe.
From
j
1
( 144 )
*
From theſe detached facts which I collected
from the information of ſome of
my
friends
you
will be enabled to form fome judgment of New
York itate. You will obferve that proviſions are
ſomewhat cheaper here, than in Pennſylvania
ftate; this would be an advantage in the expendi-
ture of an income, but a diſadvantage to the culti-
vator of land.
There are full as many, if not more Dutch and
Germans here, than in Pennſylvania, In New
York ſtate much flax feed is grown, which is ex-
ported to the amount of many thouſand buſhels
yearly to Ireland. It is ſurprizing, conſidering
this circumſtance that the Americans ſhould im.
port any flax. Flax ſeed ſells at New York,
when dreſſed, at about a dollar a buſhel: the
freight from thence to Ireland is 14 or 155.
ftirling, per barrel of 7 buſhels; a veſſel of 300
ton will take 1000 buſhels.
I ſhall ſend you a table of the money of
America, of the duties on imported articles, a price
current to compare with your own, and there with
the conflitution of the American congreſs, will
nearly exhauſt all the information I recollect
you
are in want of.
I am &c.
T. C.
***
+
Table
V
(145)
A TABLE of the Weight and Value of ſundry Coins, as they now paſs in Great
Britain and the United States of America.*
TABLE
Weight.
Standard
А
dw. gr.
1.
8. d.
S.
S.
8.
I
1
O
I
I
1 14
I 16
o 5
O
0.0 O
5 0
19 0
O
I 21
o
Il
OOO O Oudheng
1
o
3 12
Penſylvania, New Hampſhire,
Sterling
New Jerſey,
Maſſachuſetts, New York and South Carolina,
NAMES or COIN S.
Money of
Delaware,
Great Britain.
Rhode Illand, North Carolina. . and Georgia,
Maryland. Con. Virginia.
l. d. 1.
d. ).
d. 1.
English Guineas
5
6
I 15 0
8 O
I 17 4
1 1
9
French ditto
5 4
6
1 7 6
1
5
Engliſh Crowns
19
o 8 4 o
6 8
O 9
French ditto
5
O
4
O 6 8
9
5 0
English Six-pence
6
O
010
O 8
O
o 101
6
Spaniſh Dollars
17
6
o 4 6 7 6
O
6
O 8
O 4 8
Johannes
18
6 o
O
6 8
4 0
Half Johannes
1 16
2 8 0
3 4
2
French Piſtoles
4 4 O 16 0
7 6
I 2
I 8
Spaniſh ditto
4
6
8
9
018
Doubloons
3 6 0
5 12
6
4 8 O
Moidores
6 18
7 0
I 16 0
I 8 0
* It will be uſeful to remember, ift. that Pennſylvania currency is reduced to ſterling by multiplying by 3
and dividing by 5. col. ſterling making at par 1661. Pennſylvania currency. That is, a merchant, when ex-
change is at par, will give a draft on Pennſylvania for 1663i. on receiving rool. fterling. At preſent a mer-
chant in London will give more, and therefore it is advantageous to buy bills on America.
zdly. That New York currency is reduced to ſterling by multiplying by g and dividing by 16. A filling
New York currency is 64d. ſterling.
3. That New England and Virginia currency is reduced to ſterling by multiplying 3 and dividing by 4.
4. That South Carolina and Gcorgia currency is reduced to ſterling by deducting it.
OO a
4 16
L
9 0
3 0
1
ооооооо
o 17
оооооо
O 16
1
O
I
2
O
1
16 21
5 16
3 To
I
5 0
2 8
$
( 145 )
TABLE of the Value of the Gold Coins of the
following Countries, as eſtabliſhed by Act of
Congreſs, paſſed February 9th, 1793, viz.
78
II
van WN
4 38
6 - 22
8 29
8 29
7 88
Great Britain and Portugal,
Gr. Cts. dwt. Dol. Cts.
1 3
1
89
2 7
2 I
3 II
3
2 67
4 14 4 3. 55
5
18 5 4 44
6
5 33
25
7
8
7 11
9 33 9
8 00
ID 37
IO 8 89
II 40
11
9 78
12 44
I 2 IO 67
13 48
13 55
14 51
14 I 2 44
15 55 15 13 33
16
59
16
14 2 2
17 15 II
18 67
18 16 00
19 70 19
IÓ 89
20
17 78
21 78 21
67
22 81 22 19 55
23 85
23 20
44
24 89 24 21 33
France, Spain, and the Dominions
of Spain.
Gr.
Ct.
• dwt. Dol. Cts.
I
3
I 0 87
2 7
I
75
3
3
2 63
4 14 4 3 50
5 18
6 22
5 25
7 25 7
6
13
8 7
J
9 33 9
10 36 io 8 76
40
II
I 2 44
I 2
IO
51
13 47
11
39
14 51
I 2
26
15 55 15 13 14
16
16
14 1
17 14
14.89
18 66 18
15 76
1969 19
16.64
20
20 17 52
21 76 21 18
39
22 80
22 19.27
23 84
23
20 14
24 87
24 21
9 63
13
14
58
17 63
17 62
2074
73
13
2
Poftage of Letters throughout the United States.
For the poſtage of any ſingle letter to or from any place
by land, not exceeding 30 miles, 6 cents; over 30 to 60,
8 cents; over 60 to 100, 10 cents; over ico to 150, 12
cenis; over 150 to 200, 15 cents; over 200 to 250, 17 cents;
over 250 to 350, 20 cents; over 350 to 450, 22 cents; and
from every place more than 450 miles, 25 cents.
A TABLE
34
( 147 )
A TABLE of the Value of Cents in Pence*,
as computed at the Banks of the United
States and North America.
Cents o
I
2
2
70 to
71
72
78
79
80
73 ani
3
4
5
6
7
8
3
4
5
7
8
9
IO
81
82
83
84
1 1 1
85
9
IO
55 61
87
II
88
در با ام دی اف سی در ا د
w w wa W
O QUI WN
89
1 1 1 1
en
13
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
go
90
9.1
92
24 27 47 52
25
28
48
53
26
29 49 54
27 – 30 50 a 55
28
31 51 57
29 32
52 - 58
30 33 53 59
31 34 54
бо
32
35
33 - 37 56 92
34 - 38
57 63.
35 39 58 - 64
36 40
59 - 65
37 41
60 -
67
61 - 68
43
62 69
40 44
63 - 70
41 45
64 - 71
42 47
63 72
43 48
44 49
67
45 50
46 51 69
1-16 of a dollar, 6 cents.
1-8
1-4
do.
1-2
do.
1-2 a piſtareen, 10 do.
1 piltareen, 20
do.
38
Palio 42
12
I 2 13
14
14 15
15 17
16 - 18
17 19
18 20
19 menit 21
20 - 22
21
23
22
24
23 25
93
39
94
95
97
98
99
66 x 73
- 74
68 - 75
77
100
..
12ź do.
do.
do 25
do. 50
· * That is pence in currency, wherein one penny cur-
rency is equal to of a penny fterling.
L2
TABLE
( 148 )
A TABLE of the value of Cents in ſterling money.
s. d. far.
I Cent is equal to
3 2,16
2
O O O O
2
ON WAWN
O
2
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
бо
O
s. d.
d. tar.
0 2,16
I
0,32
I 2,48
% 0,64
2 2,8
3 0,96
3 3,12
4 1,28
4 3944
5 1,60
O 5 3,76
6
1,92
7 0,08
7 2,24
0
OO
2
61
62
3,76
9
IO
II
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
OOOO
63
64
65
8 0,40
8 2,56
0
I
..
66
67
68
62
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
wNNload OO
2,32
4 0,32
4 2,48
5 0,64
5 2,80
2
6 0,96
6 3,12
7 1,28
2
7
3,44
8
1,60
8
2 9
1992
2 10 0,08
2 IO 2,24
II C940
2,56
3 0,72
3 0 2,88
3 1,04
3 I 3,20
3 2 1,36
3 3,5
3
3 1,68
3 3 3,84
3 4 4 2,
3 5 0,16
3 5 2,32
3
3 6 2,64
3 7 0,80
3 7 2,96
3 8 1,12
3
8 -3,28
3 9 1,44
3 23,60
3 jo
1,76
3 10 3,92
3 II 2,08
4
0,24
2,40
4 I 0,56
4 1
2,72
4 0,88
4 2
3,04
4 3 1,20
4 3 3,36
4 4 1,52
4 4 3,58
4 5 1,84
6
6 0948
9 0,72
o
9 2,88
olo
1,04
0 10 3,20
O II 1,36
II 3,52
I 1,68
I o 3,84
I
22
I 0,16
2
1 3 0,48
3 2,64
1
4 0,8
I 4 2,96
I 5 1, 12
5 3,28
I
6
1,44
I
6
3,6
1 7 1,76
I 7 3,92
I
1 9 0,24
9 2,40
I 10 0,56
2,72
I
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
80
81
82
83
84
85
8 2,08
0
І
I 10
I II
0,88
86
87
88
89
go
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
I II
2
O
3,04
1,20
3,36
1,52
2
o
I
48
2
I
3,68
2
2
49
50
1,84
2
3 O
Table
( 149 )
:
TABLE of the Value of Dollars in Sterling,
reckoning the Dollar at 45. 6d. Engliſh
Money.
S.
S.
d.
Dol.
1.
100,000 = 22,500
Dol.
200
1.
S.
non
45
go,coo
11,250
IOO
22 IO
20,000
4,500
50
II 5
10,000
2,250
40
9
5,000
1,125
30
6 15
4,000
900
20
4 IO
3,000
675
IO
2 5
2,000
450
9
2 0 6
1,000
225
8
I 16
900
202 IO
7
III 6
800
180
6
I 7
700
157 10
5
I 2 6
600
135
4
18
500
II2 JO
3
13 6
400
90
2
9
300
67 10
1
I
4 6
I 3
( 150 )
-6
I have thought it would be acceptable to have am
opportunity of comparing the prices of the
fame articles in America and England. I have
choſen a London Price Current of
çaufe Great Britain (like America in 1794)
was then at peace with all the world,
1793, be.
PRICE CURRENT.
PER QUANTITY.-DOLLARS 100 Cents each
PHILADELPHIA, JAN. 11, 1794.
Dlls. Cts. Dils. Cts.
ANchors
11110
Nchors, pr, lb. from
Allum, Engliſh, pr. cwt,
Ditto, Roch pr. 1b.
Aſhes, pot, per ton,
Pearl,
Arrack pr. galla
Brandy, cominong
Coniac
Braziletto, per tong
Bricks,
Bread, ſhip, pr. cwt,
Ditto, pilot
Ditto, ſmall water, per keg
Beer, American, in bot-
tles, pr. doz. bot. includ,
Ditto, pr, barrel,
7 to
O IO
4 33
0 0
O
O II
O
120 Q
134
0 140 7
1 33 I 36
100
O 120
0 130
O 140
O 50 O
7
0
2 67
O
5
o 36 o 40
11
pr. M.
I 74
6
1
HO
( 151 )
Dlls, Cls.
IO
0
0111
O
20 O
14
16
24
10 67
1. O IO
20
O
O
O
2
O
O
IO
II
O
O
O
pr. 16.
O
O
Wax
O
O
.0
O
0
O
IO O
4 67
O 25
O 18
o 48
0 56
O 18
O 16
0 14
0 25
O I 2
0
2 67
I 33
II O
O 16
O
Dills. Cts.
Boards Cedar, pr. M feet from 0
o to
New England
Oak
14
Merchantable pine
Sap,
do.
Mahogany, per foot
The above are the ſhallop
prices, for the yard price,
add i dollar 33 cents per 1000.
Brimſtone in rolls, pr. cwt.
Beef, Boſton, abar, of 200lb
Country ditto
9
Freſh, per cwt.
3 33
Butter
in kegs
15
Candles, Spern. per lb.
53
Myrtle Wax
Mould, tallow
Dipped
Cheeſe, Engliſh, pr. lb,
Country
Chocolate
16
Cinnamon
40
Cloves
Cocoa pr. cwt.
Coffec, pr. lb.
Coal, pr. buſhel
24
Copperas, pr, cwt.
Cordage, American, per cwt. 9
Cotton pr. Ib.
27
Currants
Duck, Ruſſia, pr. piece of 42, yds. O
Ravens
Dutch fail duck,
Feathers, pr. lb.
Flax ditto
Flaxſeed, pr. buſh.
80
Flour, Superfine pr. bar: of 196 lb. o
Common.
Bur middlings, beſt
Meal, Indian
L4
O
0
IO
18
2
O
IO
O
IllIIlIIlIlIlIlIlIIIIIIIIIIIIII
O 33
32
O
0
O
0
0
0
0
O
0
18 - O
O
I 6
IO
0 37
1 2
14
II O
20 0
0 50
12
90
6
o
5 67
5 O
2 52
Ditto
o
II
0
O
o
O
=
Nuru
( 152 )
1
4 66
원
​0
O
O
O
O
0
O
O
O
0
I
10
OIIIIIIlIlIlIIlIllIIlIlIl
o 70
O
O
O
56
I
O
1
O
O
O
Dlls. Cts. Dils. Cts.
ditto Rye, from
0 O to 2 67
Ship-Ituſt pr, cwt.
40 I 67
Fuſtic pr. ton.
0 O
20 o
Gin, Holland, pr. caſe,
O
Do. pr. gall.
o 80
o
90
Glue, pr. ewt.
20 O
21 33
Ginger, white race, per lb.
12
Ditto, common
8
Ditto, ground pr. lb.
IO
Ginſeng,
O 20
24
Gunpowder, cannon, pr. q. calk, 3 73 4
O
Ditto, fine glazed
4
Grain, Wheat pr. buſh of 60 lb. O 100 were
Rye
Oats
35
Indian corn
o
Barley
IO
Beſt ſhelled pr. lb.
7
Buckwheat, per buſh.
40
Hemp, imported, pr. ton,
16о
150
American, pr. lb.
7
Herrings, pr. bbl.
3
Hides, raw pr. Ib.
9
Hops
13
Hogſhead hoops, pr. M.
15
Indigo, French per lb.
I 67
Carolina
80
Irons. fad pr. ton,
133 33
Iron, Caſtings pr. cwt,
4
Bar
pr. ton,
82 66
Pig
O 25
Sheet
173 33
Nail rods
Junk, pr. cwt.
4
5 o
Lard, hogs pr. lb.
12
Lead, in pigs pr. cwt.
5 33 5 67
33
in bars
7 o
white
10
10 67
red
6 40 6 6
Leather, foal, pr. 1b.
17
20
Lignum vitæ pr. ton,
7 O
Logwood
O
O
NO
?
O
O
O
O
O
I
Home Omo
o
0
IIIII
O
0
100 33
33
O
Il
O
nuo
O
11
O
( 153 )
Dlls. Cis.
O
30
0
0
21 |
9
O
O
O
O
I
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
0
0
9
4
O 20
2 67
0
41
087
1 20
0 10
8 O
o 55
087
5 20
IO 50
IO 0
o 48
IO 50
33
5 33
I
60
I 81
2
15 O
I 2
O
O
Dils. Cts.
Logwood from
O to
Mace pr. lb.
Mackarel, beft pr. bbl.
ſecond quality
O
Madder, beſt pr. lb.
16
Marble, wrought, pr, foot,
33
Maft ſpars
ditto
33
Molaſſes pr. gall.
33
Muſtard per lb.
0
flour, in bottles, pr. doz.
Nails, 8d. 10d. 12d. and 20d. pr. lb. o
Nutmegs pr. lb.
7
Oil, Linſeed, pr. gall.
Olive
Ditto pr. cale
Sweet, beſt, in flaſks, pr. boxo
Ditto baſkets, 12 bottles
Spermaceti pr. gall.
Train per barrel
Whale
25
Porter pr. calk,
O
London, pr. doz.
American ditto bot. incl.
Pitch, pr. bbl,
73
Pork, Burlington, per barrel, 200lb.o
Lower county
Carolina
Peas, Albany pr. byſhel
Pepper, pr. ib.
Pimento
Raiſins, beſt, pr. keg 100 lb,
Ditto pr. jar
Ditto pr. box
Rice pr. cwt.
Rofin pr. barrel
Rum, Jamaica, pr. gallon
Antigua
Windward
IIIIIIII
Q
O
O
1
0
o
O
O
I
III
O
O
O
10
O
0
I
0
o 40
0
0
O
O
O
O 18
7
3 33
3 33
3 29
2 78
I 16
O
o 86
Barbadoes
0
O
0
O
I
O O
( 154 )
0
O
o
o
O
0
O
0
O
INI
O
0
0
per lb.
0
0
O
0
O
O
0
o
0
5 60
0
Millil
O
0
O
36
O
O O
0
Dils. Cts. Dlls. Cts.
Rum Barbadoes from
O
O to
87
Country, N. E.
0
O 60
Salt petre, pr. cwt.
14 33
Saffafras pr. ton
6
8
Shot ditto
140
141
Steel, German pr. 1b.
9
Engliſh, bliſtered, pr, cwt.
IO
American pr. ton
II3 33
Crowley's per faggot
10 67
Snake root pr. Ib.
20
42
Soap Brown,
6
White
8
Caſtile
IT
Starch
7
Snuff pr, doz. bot. .
4
Spermaceti, refined, pr. Ib.
0 48
Sailcloth, Engliſh, No. I pr, yard, o
40
Boſton, No. I. ditto
No. II.
35
Sugar Lump, pr. lb.
21
Loaf, ſingle refined
Ditto, double do
33
Havannah, white
14
Ditto, brown,
IT
Muſcovado, pr. cwt.
9
O
Spirits Turpentine pr. gallon
027
Salt, Allum pr, buſhel
80
Liverpool
O 100
Cadiz
80
Liſbon
80
Shipbuild W. O. frames p. ton,
20
Ditto Live Oak,
Ditto red cedar, per foot
37
0 45
Shingles, 18 inch. per M.
3 33
Ditto 2 feet,
Ditto 3 feet, dreſſed,
13
15
Staves, Pipe pr. 1000
32
White Oak hogſhead,
20 33
Red Oak do,
19 50
Leogan
21 33
Barrel
16
Heading
25 33
Skins,
O
O
22
all
0
O
O
12
O
IO
I 2
O
sama
O
a
0
O
O
O
0
O
0
0
22
O
o
3 67
6 50
0
III
O
O
O
O
0
0
O
O
Q
( 155 )
20
40
O 80
Q
·O
I
o
O
o 60
II
I
O
I
O
O
O
O
O,
o
O
0
0
O
Dlls.Cts. Dlls, Cts.
Skins, Otter, beft pr. piece from O
O to
4 67
Minks
O
Fox, grey
40
Ditto red
20
Martins
o 24
I
Fiſhers
33
o 67
Bears
3
Racoons
0 27
Muſk-rats
Q
20
Beaver, pr. Ib.
o 67
33
Deer, in hair
0 20 -
30
Tar, N. Jerſey, 24 gal. p, bbl. 0 0
Carolina, 32 gall.
2
Turpentine pr. bbl.
Tobacco, J. River, beſt roolb.
4 33
inferior
3 33
old
4 67
Rappahannock
O
Coloured Maryland, 5 33
Dark,
Long-leaf
40
Eaſtern-ſhore
23
Carolina, new
7
3
old,
3 33
Tea, Hyfon pr. lb.
93
28
Hyſon ſkin,
53
60
Souchong,
50
Congo,
43
50
Bohea,
33
Tallow, refined, pr. lb.
9
Tin pr. box,
13 33
13 67
Verdigreaſe pr. lb,
Vermillion, do
33 I 67
Varniſh,
per gallon
33
37
Wax, Bees pr. lb.
o 25
27
Whale-bone, long pr. lb,
13
30
Wine, Madeira, pr. pipe, 176
226
Liſbon
120
126
Teneriffe, pr. gallon
o 63
Fayal
052
Port
0
o
40
O
2
o
2
O
O
I
0
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!
0
O
o 93
0
0
0
36
0
0
0
0
0 60
I
O
0
0
0
0
0
O
o
0
:
«
( 156 )
Dils. Cts. Dlls, Cts.
=
113 33 to
O
0
O
Port pr. pipe, from
Ditto in bottles, pr, doz.
Claret
Sherry pr. gall.
Malaga
0
4
6.
I
0 80
4
99
77
O
20
COURSE OF EXCHANGE.
On London, at 30 days, per £. 100 ſteri.
466
at 60 days
463
at 90 days
461
Amſterdam, 60 days, pr. guilder,
90 days,
Government bills, drawn at io days fight, at 426
per guilder.
to the clinical ponto
:
2
*.
( 157 )
THE
Univerſal London Price Current :
Containing the Prices of Merchandize in general, with the Duties on Im-
portation and Exportation, computed to the laſt Seſſions of Parliament, and
the Drawbacks on each Article, regulated and corrected by the moſt emi.
nent Brokers, Factors, &c. The Prices of Stocks and Bullion; the Pub.
lic Sales that occur weekly ; likewife the Hon. the Eaſt-India Company's
Sales and Cargoes; the Premiums of Inſurance to and from the moſt con-
ſiderable Places of Trade ; and the Weekly Importation of Goods into the
Port of London.
Publiſhed every TUESDAY by THOMAS MORRIS and Co.
B. ſtands for Barrel, C. for Cwt. D. for Dozen, F. for Fodder, Ft. for
Foot, G. for Gallon, Jr. for Jar, L. for Laſt, Q. for Quarter, S. for
Skin, Ti, for Tierce, T. for Ton.
n Denotes an Alteration higher, and £ lower in the Price, ſince the laſt
Publication,
N. B. Thoſe Articles marked thus, 1, are Indian,
No. 464.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15. 1793.
Current Prices of
Per
from
to
Duty Im. & Ex. Drawback
S.
ALMONDS Jordan-c.135.
7 I2
O
im
d.
im 43 3
im 21
8
im
im 37 4
im 84
ex.
im
2 o
im 1
im I JO
130 8
me O OOO mene
1
он оur oЯе воонооо
WOOOO
ex.
Ulriceul la loll
3 18
lim, ai
s.
d. £. s.
d. d.
c. 7 5
46 3
Valentia
uncertain
23 2
Bitter
ditto
14
Aloes Barbadoes
16 O 0 16 15 o 56 0
Succotrine-
1 0 0 24 O o 130
Allun Engliſh
T.16 o 16 15 0 23 4
Roch
C. I O
2 0 3
Ambergris
oz. o 8 6
O 15
6 2
Anchovies
13 lb. B. o 96 I
2 I
Annatto Flag
2 4
2 6
O 1
Spaniſh ib. o
4
2
Aniſeeds Alicant. C
3 15 O
Straits
23 2
3
6
Antimony Crude
2
2 70 4 8
Aqua Fortis s.
7
D.
2
Argol Bologna
2 IO
Leghorn
I 18 o 2 5
Naples Red
O 17 @ 18
>Free
White
O 19 0 1
Port
O 16 6
o 17
6
Rheniſh
29
Arſenick
2 I
4 8
Athes American Pot-
1
6
O I 14 0
Free
w Pearl
I 7 O
O
Barilla Spaniſh-
I 3
1 5
Sicily
$ 3
019
o 1
Dantzick
uncertain
! 8
im
GO4
ex
I
porno
2 15
O
I 17
im
I 14
O
lim
o 5
O
( 158 )
Current Prices of
from
to
Per
Dutylm. & Ex. Drawback
S.
d.
im
0
Nu
15
I 14
113
lim
BALI
O O O
im
im
lim
2
6
2
O
lim
1
O
Sex.
8 10
6
ex.
ILI UFOLOGIE
lim
O
8
6 15
49
0
5 10
5 10
9
9
:* X.
CX,
im 130
£. s.
d. £. s. d.
d.si
di
Afhes Fæcia
С I I O 115 0 3
Kelp Scotch
T
4 15 5 15
16 6
Koningſburg Pearl I IZ
Ruflia Pearl
I II O
2 3
Trieſte
uncertain
Weed
ditto
oģ
Alfam Canada lb o
2
1
3 .: 3
Capivim
I 10 O
с
9
Peru
0 14 6
O 15
5 6
I
6
Tolu
7 9 0 8
3
Barley
•L I 4
4 0 I 12 O
Pearl
C 1 90 I II
Bar Wood Angola TI 75 117
16 8
Beans Tick
LQ
8
O I 11
Small
•L
I II
I 15
Beef Iriſh Mefs-
B uncertain
Free
Ditto
T
3 15 4 5
Borax Engliſh refined ib
4 9 5 313
1 O
Dutch refined
none
Brix-Wood Turkey T
o
7 5
O
53
Brandy Coniac
C O IO
9 O 11 3
Bourdeaux
9 9 O 10
3
Brazil Wood
T 59 O O 161 O o 20
Brazilletto
7
O O
7 5
13 4
Brimſtone.
12 JO
0 13 15 133 4
Butter Irith full
Ilta
uncertain
bound 2d.
ditto
Dublin Caſks
3 2
3 4
Free
RoſeCork
2 1
16 0
Waterford
3
3 1
YAmphire refined i llib O 4
6
unrefined H IC 21 10
5: O 37 4
Camwood
T 24
Cantharides
0 6 to
Cardamoms
8 6
9
9
Carraway Seeds
1
6 6 t
7
6
5
Caſſia Filula
3
6
28
3 12
Lignea-
10
11 IS
37 4
Buds
1 6 12 O 7 17
Caſtor New England
O JO
O 19 O
Ruffia
8 5
Oil.com
2 3
2 6
Cedar, Carolina
F
O 4
Free
Jamaica
3
Cinnabar.
Ib
6
5 9
I
Cinnamon
6 O 17
Cloves
O 10 O
8
Cochineal garbled
OI2 6
O 14 3 O
Cocoa Grenada
3
3 12
I
Coffee ditto
4 15 5 3
3
6
Jamaica...
O 5
Mocha (in time) 7 5 0 7 7
Do. (out of time)
uncertain
Colocynth Turkey ib 0 2 4
2 8
C 6
Columbo Root..
5 o 010
560
=
Collow
2 18
Camph
4 10
im
0 58
4
im
23
027
ex.
im
1090o
m
wO; O
8
6
4
8
im
13
m
8
25
ICE
o
in
I 4
8 12
im
||ار || من معاها ولارام
O ooOOOO
Ft
45
8
4
2
im
ww Om O
5
1
ex.
im
1
I 3
3 6
H
im
3 16
im
4
lim
vall 37 4
( 159 )
Cürtent Prices of
from
to
Dutyim.&Ex. Drawback
Per
8. d.
O
ооол
I
6 4
оооооор No
1
Salo
оооооо
6o
I
I
оооооо
OOO OO
Imported in Britiſh Ships, is Free ; in Foreign, Ships,
Drawback, de
Duty, Id,
I
I
2
I
£. s. d. l. s. d.
s, d.
Copper in Plates
C
2
5 7 O 16
15 9
Manufactured
I
O I 1 40 2 cwtim 37
Sheets, Tinned
4
Copperas (reen
o 6 8 I 8 im
White
2 IO
O 4 8 im
*Cordage
LT 133
14
O
8 6
Coriander Seeds
017
6
I
8 6
4 5 im
Cotton Surinam
lo O 2
2
2 2 g
Wool. Berbice
o 2 21 o 2 33
St. Domingo
I 7
1 9
Tobago
0 I 9
22 I
Demerari
O I 10
2 0
Brazil
O I
6
I 7
Martini
I
I 9
Barbadoes
I
72
o 1 jo
Grenada
I 8
I II
Jamaica
1 6 I
Adonia
0 1 1
I
Salonica-
I
1
Smyrna-
1 I
im
Bahama
7 0 I IO
Trinidad
I 9 0 I JO
Oporto
gio
I 9
Cayenne-
1 O 2 25
Iſſequibo
I
6
0 1 II
Montſerrat
I 2
0 1 97
Providence
5
I 8
St. Vincent's
I sem 1 of
Pernainbucca
2 1
2 2
Marenam-
I II
2
Para:
I JO
I )
Dardanell
ojca 2 I
Eaſt India
2
3
Cotton Yarn Smyrna
1 8
2 10 o 3 im o 3
Cowries (in time)
5 5 5 IS 0 633 4p.Clva 596 pr Ct
Cream of Tartir
3 2
3 5
Currants Zant
2 10
O
23 4
EALS Dantz, Fir,
O 16
3 inches 40 ft. I
im
22 2 36
O 12
og 09
36
10
6
30 -
8 6
Dragons Brood
9
14
imf 51 9
Leph. Teeth 1, 2, 3 24
24 10
im
9
21
26 5 24 S
Scriveil.
O
15 TO
Eb ny Green
5 15
Free.
VGS Faro.
C | 13
I2 I
12
Turkey
O
I 5
Flax Druana Rakitz
T 46
Narva 12 Heac
2
8
>Free.
Peterſb. 12 Head
31
uncertain
* Britiſh Cordage, if exported in quantity not leſs than 3 tons is intitled
to a drawback of al. 7s. Id. the ton,
O.O
O
I
I
won OOO
0 m
1
4 8
im
im 21
3 10
Por Piece
o 13
o
OOOO
2
O
74 8
0
+
EL
4,5,6.
0
13
T
O
5 18
F
}
0 0
I 15
0 47
0 33
0 29
9 Head
32
9 Head.
(
560 )
bu
Current Prices of
from
to
Dutylm. & Ex. Drawback
Per
S.
d.
£. s. d. £. s. d.
uncertain
Free
Flax Lithuania
Flour
Ift
O
1 18
im
2
1 17
I 14
8 IO
0
1 15
܀
ܨܹܐ
ex
IloIl Sack my
ex
GALLUS Turkey
४ 10
im 14
2
0
S 10
O
3 12
0
o
O
4 18
3 10
3 10
22
O
I
0
O
llloll
o 2
m
o
Duty on N OOCO SC
006d, per Ct.
Import.
25 8
and
ооооол л л а о
оо со
S 12
5 10S
18 8
26
NOO
o
H)
O
im
Fuſtick jamaica
'T
0 9
O
Tobago
9 5 0 9 15 0
3 4
Young
uncertain
ALLS Turkey
6 is
0
7 5
I
Gallingal-
8
5
O
18 8
Geneva Hollands-
G
8 10
o 9
5 10
im
Ginger Jamaica White.
4 10
Do. for Export.
4
5
O
Black
3 17
Do. for Export..
im 10 6
Ijo
3 3 . 3 7
Baibadoes
5 3 5 5
Do. for Export. 4 15
Glue British
3 5
O O II
Grains of Parad. Guin.
3 7
O 18 8
m 14
Ginſang
lb
4
2 6
8 im O
Gum Gopal
7
3
8
8
im
Elemi
1 4
I
6
1
Ammoniacum C 29
33 O O 37 4
im
Arabic Barbara.me
3 3 7
Paid on
Eaſt-India
4 5 4 15
Export.
Turkey 4 5 7 IS
33 4A
Senegal
5
Affafuerida L)
9
28
lim
Benjamin
25
560
Dragon-
]
9
O 10 10
im
Galbanum
21 O
im
25
8
-Gamboge )
19
O 27
o
Guaiacum
b
I 9
2
9
9
im
Myrrh
10 10 0 17 JO
56
Olibanum )
5 5 O
o 21
14 0
Opoponax. J
b
Ο χο O 15
I 4
O II
Sandrach
с
4
5 5
5
7
im
O
4
Mastic
2 8
3
O
EMP Riga Rkine. Il
30 O
32
Out ſhot uncertain
Paſs.
25 10
0 26 10
Codille 18
21
>73 4
Peteriburg Clean-
%
29 0 130
Out fhot-
O 26 10
Half-clean 24 0 24
24 5
Codille
15 10 15 15
b
Hides English
4
lim
-Buenos Ayres.-
5
0 6
im
Jamaica
4
61 od per Sk
Barbary.
Hogs Brilles Peterſburg 915 10
Archangel
10
5
Koningſburgh-
dez.ib.
9 5 9 10
Hops 91 Bags
2 10
3 10
-Pockets
4
O
lim
Pockets
4
5 S
Farnham Pockets.
7
38
37
56
im 37
C
im 37 4
im 14
5 10
اور مارنما
im
олоо
OOO
2
HE
o
O
O
O
im 66
O
0
0
11 Teoll
Snoo anting oooa
0
O
осоо
Exc. 1
O
im per lb.
WOOOO
1$ 484. lia.
OO
2 16
O
92 Bags
2 17
4 I 2
quoad or
Exciſe.
o
O
51
( 161 )
Current Prices of
from
to
Duty Im. & Ex. Drawbackt
Per
s. d.
S. d.
JA Ale ales Bark Opt.
O O O
OOOO
0.
оооооооооооос
I N D I G
O O
im
O O
7 IO
boontoren
I
o 16 15
O
6. s. d. £. s. d.
ALAP
lb I 8
I 10 09 im O 6
Jeſuits Bark
Opt.
4 3 5 3
Second
2 6
3 3
im
o 9
Common.
1
8
Red
8 6 8
Span, Flora ift & 20 olo
6 O II
Sobres-
8 6
6
Copper
o 7.
7. 3
O
3
Caracc, Flo, ift & zd
O JO
O 10
9
Sobres
8
9
6
Copper
6
O
7 3
E.Ind. Blue & Purp.
8 6
O 10
Cop. & Purp.
7
8
3
1. ex
Copper
6
8
N.Orlea, Bl.& Pur.
7
6 O 8
3
Cop. & Purp. 6 9 0
7 3
Copper
5
6 6 6
Carolina Copper
4
5 4
Cop. Pur. Blue
4
4 3
Brazila
5
6
7
LJamaica
4 3 7
Ippecacuana
9 3
O
9
6 I 8
I 1
Iron Pig Britiſh
T.
S
Free
American
17 7 5
Ruffia aſſorted
none
Old Sable.
IO
56
im 52.8
New Suble 16 o 16
5
O
Government-
none
British, in Bars
Free
Swedith, in Bars--
20
5 56 2 52 8
Norway
none
56 2 52 8
Ilinglaſs Staple
1 lb lo 6
9
7
6
Book
6
9
Juniper Berries German- C. O 14 6
O15 6
im
Italian
4 5
O 16
3 3
O
EAD in Pigs
F. 21
o
Free
on Board
Milled
T.123 5.0
Red-
20 10
73 4
White.
584
har Lead
22 O
Ore-
Biack
I 3
6 8
4 5
Sher
5
0 23 15
O
Leather Butts 50 to 55!b.lib. o 1 4
I
1 2
ex Exc1d1b
mm 60 to 6 gib.
O
6.
Backs
0
4
I 43
Hides for dreſſing
0 1
1
Calfſkins Dritiſh
I
4
2 I
Exciſe pc
Ditto French
I JO
2
Seal-Ikin tanrei D.
3
6 18
Lignum Vitae
1. 2 12 Sm. 6 o La.free
Lithaige
- 21 10
5
28 0
M
O
15 15 o 18
19 to
OO
C. II
6' 3
OOO
0
L.
و از آن را زام||
48 4
54
88 4
III
16 15
ex
T23
I
I
per Cwt.
I
I
3o
437
X
2
f
1
95
( 162 )
Current Prices of
Per
from
to
Duty Im. & Ex, 'Drawback
S. d.
S. d.
0
9 10
O
7 TO
0
-23 4
ex
O
o
2 17
ima 3 8
M Mad Roc: Smy.
2
0
0
O
3 12
O
2 15
0
1 17
2
2
2
IllIIllIo
I
O
2
im
0
II
9 9
4
2 8
H
I
2
ITIUS
OOOOO
25 8
roz.
2
ex
O O
I
4
£. s. d. I k. s. d.
Logwood Camp.
T.
9
Hand, chift
7 15
-unchipt. 5 TO
6.
5
Jamaica chipt 7
7. 5
-unchipt-
none
ACE
lb.
I 15
4 o
Mad. Roots Smy. HC. 2 5 O
9
O
Madder Dutch Crop
4
4 jo
Ombro
3 5
Gamene I 150
2 IO >Free
French Crop
uncertain
Ombro
II 2
Gamene
Malt
1Q 2
2
O
Mahogany Honduras-
5o
6
Free
Jamaica
7
5$
Manna Opt. in forts 115
2 4
6
Flakey.
3
3 o
3
8
6
Common
1 9
I II
Mats Archangel
3 17 3 TO
Millet Newm C I IO
I 13 4 5
Molafles
I 4
6
4 9 3 0
Syrup Eft-India-
4 5
Mother of Pearl Shells-1 7
9
37 4
Mulk China-
I to O 115
Rufia
O II
6 0 I 2
2
icaragua Wood, la. T 16
21
Ditto midding 12
15
4 5
Ditto ſmall
615
10 O
Nutmegs--
1b. I
7
0
2
Nur Vomica
C. 2 10
2 15
14
AK Blank Dantz.) L. 7
7 10
4
and inchi.
Oats Engliſh
3
Foreign
OI2
6
3
0 %
Oil Genoa
T.63 0 67 0
Spaniſh
52
140 9
Portugal
none
Gallipoli
uncertain
Lucca 256.-Jr.? 5
7 15
OGI I
Linſeed
HT.27 0 29 o 1484
-Rape-
39 041 o 48
484
Spermaceti-
o
37 O
Seal
126
O 129
Cod
C 27
Whale Greenland H bertem
24 jo
O 125 IO
Southern
22. O
0 23
Head-Matter i 39 0 41
Pilchard
14
015
-Turpentine Engliſh C. 2 6
French lb none
HA
Barbary
T. none
140 9
of Vitriol en Ib.. 4
I
Opium
12
O 13
3
6
O
N
0
0
m
I 13
O
I IO
}
0
O
19 10
18
4
3
O 15
1.
I
H
0
50
O
124 9
I
I
449
449
O O O
O
35 10
H
26
O O O O OOO
For Duties, ſee
the 167 page.
?
OOOO
O
-30%
upita
( 163 )
Current Prices of
from
to
Dutylm, & Ex. Drawback
Per
£o, s. d.
S. J.
S. d.
ام
ex
ооо
30
Perpesilapatam
for
Honie
Conſu.
mWhen ta.
out of the
Wareh. 60
14 0
Long-
6 15
£. s. d. £.
Orchilla Weed B.
T
none
Canary.
155 0
0 1650
11
8
Cape de Verde
45 0
0 150
Madeira
O
34
O
EPPER Janibee.-I. Ib. I 311 I 3
Billapatam 1
1 3
I 4
White
O I 61 o
16
IC. 6
5
0
O
23 4
Short Long uncertain
23 4
Pimento
O II
O
3
Pink Root
L.
O I 2
I 4
Pitch American
C.
7
6
0 8 0 II
Stockholm
Ο 1Ο 6
O II
I 2
5
Archangel.
8 6
0
9
1 2 5
Pork Iriſh Meſs
Ti
alone
Free
Cargo
•L
B.
3
6 o
3
8
Powder Hair Common C.
O
3
0
Prunes
O
I 2
5
14
Illllole lollil
o 21
O O O
9
II
9 B.
2 B.
II
2 B.
со
2 15
ex
I 16
I 18
3
lib. o 4
4
im) o
6
QUICKSILVER
RA
7 II
3 12
o
17 6
7 II
0
8
3
18 8
8
3
8
II
5
II
5
18 8
7 8
IO IO
2 -3
10 IO
.
OOO
17 6
I 13
T.10 15
7 8
IIIIIIllIreo
8
15
7
OOO
im 7
4
O 17
I
6
mantenerse
I O
.
1
0 0
5
DO O
I
o 10
AISINS Belvedere-1c. uncertain
Bloom
3 14
Lipari -
uncertain
Malaga
I
9
O I II
Smyrna Black-
I 17
0
I 19
O
Red
2 S O
Raiſins Sun
2 8
2 10 O
Muſcadine
4 O 4 5
Sultana-
2 18 o
Raiſins Lexia
O
1 14
O
Red Saunders
II 5
O
Rice Carolina
LIC.
I 4
6 5 6
for ExportationL
O 18
Rhubarb Eaſt-India
bo
7
6 8 6
Ruflia.
uncertain
Rock Mors
O 0 28
Roman Vitriol
ib.
0 o 7o
Rolin Engliſh Black C.
6
OJI O
Yellow
Oil
6
O I 2
American Biack..
8 6
O 9
-Yellow
9
6 O 10
Rum Jamaica.
G.
4
2
4 JO
Leeward Iſlands-
3 3
3
8
Grenada
3 4
3 9
LQ 8
I 12
ACcharum Saturni. ib.
O I
3
I 4
Saffron French-
I
7
Spaniſh
I JO
I 120
Safflower -
5
Sayo
5
Sail.cloth Britiſh No.
y
1 2
Sal Armoniac
6
5
Salt Petre E. Ind. Ro. H
3 9
3 10
Refined
2 13
3
Britiſh ditto i 315
3 17
M 2
} Free
I
1
6
6
4
4
1
1
o 5
4 8
OOO
Rye
o
S Saffron French
3
3
O O OWO WN
2
!| ر | ز | | | | | |
I
O O OOO
2
6
I
8
C. 3 17
9
4
8 10
4
O
28
ex
im:8 8
Bo. 2
|
6 10
2
4
X
7
9
im 7 3
( 164 )
Current Prices of
from
to
Dutylm. & Ex. Drawback
S.
0
o
im
0 17
2
d.
8.
4
6
6
6
1
2
S.
d.
o 55
1
7
1
2
1
8
4
2
6
O 13
2
0
3 10
O
1
0
2
9
1
3 12
I.
2
9
2
6
I 17
Free
i 17
Rape
34 0
menete
13 3
12
I 15
18 8
14
O
O
.
I
2
1
ex
5
|
O 16
o 17
O
o 33
O
IIl.
im
Italian Thrown Silk.
5 and
kis d. £. s. d.
Sarſaparilla
16
I 4
1 9
Safrafras-
C
O 16
6
6
Scamony Aleppo-
Ib
3
6
4
6
Smyrna
Ο 12
6
Senna Alexandria
8
Seed Clover Red Dutch.c 8
3 5
Engliſh I 15
White Dutch
5 4 5
Linſeed America HQ 1 19
2 3
Riga L
I 12
Ancona..H 20 2
2 5
Rufia-
I 15
L 134
Trefoil
CO 10 O
Seedlack
uncertain
Shellack
9 IS
12 10
Shumack Faro
I
Malaga
1 O
I
-Sicily
Oporto
II 6 O 12 6
Piedmont
Ib
O 38
Bergam.
0 31
O 33
Brescia
O
30 O
O 33
Modena
O 27 6 0 32 6
Vezina zd
0 360 O 37
Venetians
O
0
Baratti 2d
6
0 36 6
Cammerucci
uncertain
Zagnoni
none
Brutia
0 30 6
Reggie
O 28
Ap. Ito
o 24
6 0 25 G
Foffombrone
O 39
Pezzaro
6
032
6
Mantua-
O 30 6
0 31
6
Friuli
O 70
6
0316
Novi
O 25
O
Nice and Milan
China
021
( Bengal
O 22
Snake Root---
2 2
6
Soap Alicante
С 4 5 4 JO
English Yellow
3 O
Mottled
3 3 3
5
Spaniſh Liquorice
4 5
o
Spermaceti Fine.b I 3
6
Starch Poland
3 4 0 3 6 O
Common
3 2 O
3 3
SKIN.S.
Deer, Winter, in Hair-ik 6 3 8
3
Suminer, ditto
4 3 7
Indian, crefled 16
4
2 IO
Elik
lik 12 6
to Ireland,
0 29
O 30
6 JI
9
O 35 6
o 29
@ 27
7 4
7 4
7 4
7 4
7 4
7
7 4
7 4
7
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
O 37
0 31
RAV SILK.
OO
and
od.
28. jod, to
Ireland,
25.
O 33
32
O 34
O 23
o 34
بیا بیا دا 0
0
O O O O
2
o 6
44
Oww OOO
2 18
Iloillel
3 18
28
O
1
8
1111
O
Sie
105 8
2
Per Skin
O O O phoenen
2
2
4
!
vo
3
( 165 )
to
from
Current Prices of
Duty Im. & Ex /Drawback
ter
0 16 3
Canada Hud. B.
017
Pay id. on Im.
& 8d on Expº
aper ſkin.
6 3
Fpti!2o1k, oil
0
OOO
OⓇO
ocu
OOO
C
оооо
150 o jim 145
96 8
72
O O O o
20
40
78
Q
14
bo
O
O
O O OOO
im & Dk. 120 Ps.
per 1200 Ps.
0
£. s. dol 4. S. d. s.
d.
Beaver Parch, finelib
019 3
Cub ditto
012
O 13 3
Coat ditto
0
9
9
6
Beaver Parch. fine OIS
6
6
-Cub dicco
0 1 2 6
O 14
6
Coat ditto
7
6 0 10
I I
1 12 0
Goat, Raw
Kia, Italian, unde eſt 4 0
S 12
1 2 3
Spaniſh, ditto
4 15
6
5
Lamb, Italian, undreit 3 5
4 5
2 9
2 6
Spaniſh, ditio
4 5 4 15
Seal, Calted
I 4
6 6
6 im os
dry
I
S T A V E S.
Hamb. and Stectin Pipe
60 0850
m
Hhd,
15
165
100
6
Barrel
45
75
Heading
35
14emel Pipe
16
Barrel
-Danız. Cr. Pipe -
080
>150
145
Hhd.
40 0
96
45
100
Br. Pipe 45 o 55
150
145
Hhde
30
35
100
O
96
Koningiburg Pipe
Hhd,
-Barrel
New York Pipes
45
65
Hnd
90
55
Bariel
25
Free.
Virginia Pipe 6
0 17 10
Hhu.
olis
Barrel,
8
2
Sticklack
с 5
4 1 2
2 4
Sugar Antigua
2 17
4 4
Barbadoes Muſc.
4 5
Bar. clay'd
4 4 5 7
Dominica
4 4
Grenada
2 17
Ditto clay'd ift SO o 5 4
Ditto clay'd zd 4 2 O 4 5 >15
im 150
0
Jamaica
2 17 4 4
Montſerrat
2 19
4 7
-Nevis
2 18 O 4
St.Kitt's
3
4
St. Vincent's
2 17 0
6
Tcrtola
Ean. India
5 O
5 I
Double Loav.
I
On Bar
Lumps
5
8 5 14
Low Lumps
5
5 4
Powder Loaves
S
8
Graund
519
Single ditto
4 5 17
Sugars
Faces
6 4 14
14 4
Middles
3 5 4 5
Tips.
HC 2 17
3*4
The Duty on Sugar imported by the Eaſt India Company is 371. 268. and
3d. per cwt. When exported, the drawback is 361. 14. 3d. per cwb, upoa
the price fold for at their Cales
M3
SO
O
1
O
O
8 15
CY
ex
2
O
2 18
O
O
2 18
O
O
2
Inila
2 28
À
O
I
O
om O
HC
tard or
I
Il 6s od per Cwt.
Bounty British
refined Sugars.
H
H
H
1
O
( 166 )
Current Prices of
from
to
Dutylm.& Ex. Drawback
Per
8. d.
1
H
I
O
O
TAL
4 6
ا و ا ا ا ا ا ا ن ا ا م
im 14 0
8
II
O 18
O 16
o 8
I 14
o
1
а
A 00-p unt un w w
Duty imported 121. IOS.
on the Sale.
per Cent.
Price,
the Cuſtoms to Ireland
If exported, draws back
1
and tie Bricilh Planta.
tions
3 To
4 II
2
1
2
Ouiunur O Mene NA NNN O O O O O O O O OO
1
O
0
£. s. d. £. s. d. s, d.
Sugar Eaſt-India Lumps-Ib 0
4
I 5
Loaves
6
1 7
Powder ditto O I 7
I 10
ALLOW Engliſh-C 2 10
2 11 0
Ruffia Candle. 2 5
6
2 7
Free
Soap--
2
2 5 6
American Candle-
2 7 0 2 9
Tamarinds
B. 2 9
2 II
18 8
Tari Britiſh
uncertain
Archangel
O 16 O O 17
O
Stockholm
1 012
0 o 19
America
015
O II
Tares
0
I lo
O
Tea Bohea
lllb
I 882
Singlo Common-
0 I 10
3 4
Speck Leaf
2 8 O 3 4
Bloom
2 7
Congo-
2 II
8
Souchong
3
6
8
Pekoe
Hyfon Finc
7
6
8
9
Ordinary
4
4
Skin
8
4
-Campoi-
3 3 4 7
Twankay
9
3
6
Timber Dantz. Fir-
l..
4
6
Riga
2 14
2 16
6 8
Memel
2 1 2
American (ak-
4 15 5 5
Pine
5
Free
Plank-
5
O
5 15
Peterſburg Deals y H.lii
12 o 119
Tincat
10
9 IO 28
Tin in Bars -
5 3
in Blocks
B
3 4
Grain in Blocks-
Turpentine American H
O JO
6
O 11.6
3
French
none
TOBACCO. s.d.ls.d.
Maryland Yellow
blo 507
Bonded.
KM .
Mid. Brown
O 3 Tobacco,
-Long Leaf
O 2 imported
Virgmia York River.
O 2 04 from Treind
James ditto
o 4* r America, Yo 6
04105 Ex.Duty gd.
Rappahan ck!
0 Cuft. Duty
Carolina H.O 23 o 2160, per Ib.
South Potowmack
Tortoiſethel
0 I
26
O 13 6
1
Turmerick Eaſt-India
35o
4
18 8
Barbadoes
2 5 0 2 IO
18 8
ALONIA die TJI JO
o 13 0
Verde:er
Ib
4 3 C 5 104
Verdegris dry -
9
1 II
3
Vermillion
4 g 5
7
Vitriol, Roman.
7 0 71
6 4
2 17
2. IS
Exc. Malts
and
Yards,
6
18 8
O
0
8 10
B В
I
ex.
5 1 2
N
im
1 6
8 6
12
9
ex.
02
im I 3
Strip Leafar
0
022
2
1
14o
14 0
O
Ilolli
VA
O
3 II
3* 9
o
ex
im
3 11
I
0 0 0 0
O O O
O
2
0.45
( 167 )
Carrent Prices of
Per
from
to
Duty Im. & Ex. Drawback
d.
S.
5.
o
O
I
WAX Englim
9 IO
im
0
O
fut
O
in
2
im 61 4
O
o
O
ity
H
2
O
2
O
ollut lailaille rile
o
O
O
OOOO
70-6345 per T. a
0
35
IN
O
875
o
ما با ما 0
o
lex.
O
1*
ex
I 17
I 13
d. s. d. £. s.
d.
d.
AX Engliſh C. 9 JO
915
Dantzick
9 13
Guinea
8
8 19
31 7
American
9 10 9 13
7
Ham white. lb
2 4 162 4 cilin
Barbary C. 8. 14
$ 16
Whale-Fius Greenland LT235 O
0 280
See as
lint undir
S. Fiſhery I
85 01050
Wheat English -
8
imr.
O
foreign
none
6 ir
Wines Red Port-
0 47
im
Liſbon
O 142
37
lim
Madeira
32 o 164 0
5834
Sherry -
8043
54
Mountain-
33
O 44
Vidonia
34
in |375
0 945
Rheniſh
A.49
52
0
51 IO
Claret
25 O
0 45
945 o
Wool Carmenia
Ib. uncertain
Spanish --
uncertain
Goats Aleppo
uncertain
>Free
Smyrna
5 3 O
6 3
Vigonia Pale
O 43 5 3
Rec 0 10 3 OJI
Coney English-
O IG
O O 17
O
1
Irish
6
O 13
0 14
6
Wool Beav, fear, Wooms
2 6 0 2 10
Stage ditto
0
I 19
8
Seaſ. Coat
I 1
ELLOW Berries
5 4 5 9
Yarn Mohair
limo
3
6
3
7
o
*** Cocoa-Nuts of British Plantations to be warehouſed for exportation,
duty vs. 3d. per cwt. Drawback 15.3d. Ditto, of any other place, för ditto,
15. 3d. no drawback. When taken out of ſaid warehouſe for home conſumption
1256 6d. per cwt, more. Coffee of Britiſh Plantations, to be warehouſed, for
exportation, duty 35.6d. per cwt. Drawback 38. 6d. Ditto, of any other
place, for dicto 35.6d. no drawback. When taken out of ſaid warehi uſe for
home conſumption, 11.155. per cut. Cocoa- Nuts and Coffee, of Britiſh Plan-
tations, ſecured in warehouſes at time of importing, pay, when taken out
for home conſumption, an exciſe duty of 6d1. Rer lb. Cocoa-Nuts and Coffee
of any other place except Britiſh Plantation Is. 8d. per lb.
French Glaſs Bottles 43. old per cwt. duiy. If Phials, il. 8s. per cwt.
duty, and 1218 per cent. on the value. Train-Oil
, taken and imported by
Britiſh Tips, owners, and crews, is free of duty; but if taken by natives of
the Britiſh Plantations, and imported in thips whoſe owners are of ſuch Plan-
tations, duty 13s. 3d. per ton, drawback 105. 3d. If taken by natives of
Brigith Plantations, and imported in thips of Bri iſh owners only, duty 99.
ud. per ton, drawback 8s. 5d. On foreign train and ſpermaceti oil, duty
181. 35. per ton, drawback 135. 135. Whale-Fins, foreign fiſhing, duly 97).
18s. per ton, drawback 88). 185. Britiſh taken, imported in ſhips belonging
to the Colonies or Plantations, 21, 155. drawback il. 1os. British fiſhing,
imported in Britiſh ſhipping by which the fiſh was not taken, il. ,78. Gd
drawback 155.
Tin, if exported beyond the Căpe of Good Hope; pays ne
duty. Camwood, imported in foreign ſhips, duty ril. per ton, and no draw-
back atlowed.
The average price of Sugar, computed from the returns made in the week
ending the gth day of jan. 1793,
is 548 100 per cwt. Excluſive of the duty
of Cuſtoms paid or payable thereon, on the importation thereof into Great
Britain.
O
Y
6 3
3
( 168 )
Duties payable on Goods, Wares, and Mer-
chandize, imported into the United States
of America.
After the 30th Day of June 1792, in Conformity to
the ſeveral Acts of Congreſs of oth of Auguſt, 1790,
2d Day of March, 1791, and 2d Day of May 1792.
Allo Rates of Fees, Coins, and Tonnage, by the
Act for the Collection of the ſaid Duties, and by the
Ac for laying a Duty on the Tonnage of Ships and
Veffels.
Cents,
,
1
ADEIRAWine, London particular, per gal-
56
London Market, per ditto
49
Other Madeira Wine, per ditto
40
Sherry Wine, per ditto
33
St. Lucar Wine, per ditto
30
Liſbon Wine, per ditto
25
Oporto Wine, per ditto
25
Teneriffe and Fyal Wine, per ditto
20
All other Wines, 40 per cent. ad valorem pro-
vided that the amount of the duty thereon ſmall in
no caſe exceed 30 cents. per gallon.
Spirits diſtilled wholly or chiefly from Grain.
Of the firſt claſs of proof, per gallon,
28
Of the ſecond claſs of proof, per ditto
Of the third claſs of proof, per ditto
31
Of the fourth claſs of proof, per ditto
34
Of the fifth claſs of proof, per ditto
40
Of the fixth claſs of proof, per ditto
AID
29
50
( 169 )
32
38
46
IO
20
12
I 2
All other diſtilled Spirits. Dol. Ct.
Of the ſecond claſs of proof and under, per gallon, 25
Of the third claſs of proof, per ditto
28
Of the fourth claſs of proof, per ditto
Of the fifth claſs of proof,
Of the fixth claſs of proof, per ditto
Teas from China and India, in ships or veſſels of
the United States.
Bohea, per pound
Souchong and other Black Teas, per lb.
18
Hyron, per lb.
32
Other Green Teas, per lb.
Teas from Europe, in ſhips or veſſels of the United
States.
Bohea, per lb.
Souchong and other Black Teas, per lb.
Hyſon, per lb.
40
Other Green Teas, per lb.
24
Teas from any other place, or in any other frips or
veſels.
Bohea, per lb.
19
Souchong and other Black Teas, per lb.
27
Hyſon, per lb.
50
Other Green Teas, per lb.
30
Molafles, per gallon
3
Beer, Ale, and Porter, per gallon
Coffee, per lb.
4
Chocolate, per lb.
3
Cocoa, per lb.
Loaf Sugar, per lb.
5
Brown Sugar, per lb.
Other Sugar, per lb.
Candles of Tallow, per
1b.
Candles of Wax, and Spermaceti, per lb.
6
Cheefe, per lb,
4
Soap, per lb.
Pepper, per lb.
6
Pimento, per lb.
4
Manufactured
ht
1
1
1
2
I :I-2
2 I-2
2
}
2
(170 )
t
I
400
10
20
Dlls. Cents.
Manufactured tobacco, per lb.
6
Snuff, per lb.
IQ
Indigo, per lb.
25
Cotton, per lb.
3
Nails, per lb.
2
Spikes, per lb.
I
Bar and other lead, per lb.
Steel, unwrought, per 112 lbs.
100
Hemp, per 112 lbs.
100
Cables, per 112 lbs.
180
Tarred cordage, per 112 lbs.
180
Untarred cordage and yarn, per 112 lbs.
225
Twine and packthread, per 112 lbs.
Glauber ſalt, per 112 lbs,
200
Salt, computing the weight of a buſhel thereof, at
56 lb. avoidupois, per buſhel,
12
Malt, per buſhel,
Coal, per buſhel,
4 1.2
Boots, per pair,
50
Shoes and flippers made of filk, per pair,
All other ſhoes and flippers, for men and women,
per
Cts. pair
Shoes and Slippers, for children, per pair
.7
Goloſhes, per pair,
1ο
Wool and cotton cards, per dozen,
50
Playing cards, per pack,
25
Coaches and carriages, of all kinds, or parts of car-
riages, 15 1-2 per cent. ad valorem.
Swords, cutlafles, and other ſide arms; china ware,
fringes, muſkets, piſtols, and other fire arms;
glaſs (black quart bottles excepted), glue, hair-
powder, laces and lines uſed by upholſterers,
coachmakers, and ſaddlers ; paper hangings,
painters colours, whether dry, or ground in oil;
ftarch, taffels, trimmings, and wafers.
Annifeed, bricks, blank-books, ſhoe and knee-
buckles, buttons of every kind; bonnets of
every ſort; manufactures of braſs; clocks, cin-
namon, cloves, currants, comfits, capers, ſugar-
candy, cabinet ware, copper ware, or in which
copper is the article of chief value ; carpets and
carpeting; caps of every fort; coſmetics, dates,
inedicinal drugs, dolls dreſſed and undreſſed ;)
dentrifice
JO
vo
15 p. c. ad valo, Io per c. ad valorem.
( 171 )
mi-
dentrifice powder, earthen and ſtone ware; figs,
fruits, generally; artificial flowers, feathers,
and other ornaments for women's head-dreſles ;
fans, gold, ſilver, and plated ware ; gold and
ſilver lace; groceries, (except articles enume-
rated) ginger, gunpowder, gloves, and inittens;
hats of every fort ; jewellery, and paſte-work;
iron, caft, nit, and rolled, and generally all ma-
nufacturies of iron, or of which it is the article
of chief value, not being otherwiſe particularly
enumerated ; lampblack, lemons, and limes,
leather tanned or tawed, and all other manu-
factures of which leather is the article of chief
value, not otherwiſe particularly enumerated ;
marble tables, morters, and other utenſils; mace,
muſtard in flour, millinery ready made, matts,
and floor cloths ; nutmegs, oranges, oil, and
olives; writing and wrapping paper, theathing
and cartridge paper, parchment and paſteboard;
plums and prunes, pickles of every ſort; pewter,
cr where it is the article of chief value, not be-
ing otherwiſe particularly enumerated; powders,
paſtes, baiſams, oils, ointments, walhes, tinc-
tures, effences, or other preparations or com-
poſitions, commonly called ſweet ſcents, odours,
perfumes, or coſmetics; preparations or com-
poſitions for the teeth or gums; pictures and
prints, raiſins, flate and other ſtones, manufac-
tures of ſteel, of which it is the article of chief
value, not being otherwiſe particularly enume.
rated ; ſtockings, ſail cloth, tiles; manufactures
of tin, or of which it is the article of chief value,
not otherwiſe particularly enumerated; toys,
vellum, and watches,
On all goods, wares, and merchandize, imported directly
from China or India, in ſhips or veſels not of the
United States (teas excepted) 12 1-2 per centum ad
valorem.
Upon all other goods, wares, and merchandize, 7 1-2
per cent. ad valorem
Bullion, tin in pigs, tin plates, old pewter, braſs, teu-
tenague, iron and braſs wire, copper in plates, pigs, and
bars,
Io per cent, ad valorem,
3
EXCEPT
(172)
Amanitarna
bars, faltpetre, plaiſter of Paris, unmanufactured wool,
dying woods and dying drugs, raw hides and thins, wood,
fulphur, lapis calimiliaris, undreſſed furrs of every kind,
the ſea ſtores of thips or veſſels, the cloaths, books, houſe-
hold furniture, and the tools or implements of the trade
or profeſſion of perſons who come to reſide in the United
States, philofophic apparatus ſpecially imported for any
feminary of learning, all goods intended to be re-exported
to a foreign port or place in the ſame ſhip or veſtel in
which they Thall be imported, and generally all articles
of the growth, product, or manufactures of the United
States.
Anchors, bruſhes, canes, cloathing ready made,?
cambrics and chintzes, coloured calicoes, and all
printed, ſtained and coloured goods, or manufac-
ture cf cotton or of both; gauzes, lawns and laces,
mullins and muſlinets, ſaddles, nankeens, walking
flicks, fatins and wrought filks, velvet and velve-
rets, and whips,
J
An Addition of 10 per Centum,
To me made to the ſeveral rates of duties above ſpeci-
hea and impoſed, in reſpect to all goods, wares, and
merchandize imported in SHIPS OR VESSELS, NOT OF
TIJE United States, except in the caſes in which an ad-
ditional duty is herein before SPECIALLY laid, on any
goods, wares, and merchandize, which fhall be IMPORT-
ED IN SUCH SHIPS UR VESSELS.
Goods ad valorem, to be valued by adding 20 PER
CENT. to the actual coft, if from the CAPE OF Good
Hope, or from any other place beyond the fame, and 10
PER CENT. if from any other place, excluſive of charges.
BO U N T Y.
barrel of pickled fiſh of
the fiſheries of the United States,
7 per ct. ad v.
On every barrel of falted provifions
, falted } 15 cents.
within the United States
15 cents,
And from and after the iſt day of January, 1793, an ado
dition of 20 per cent to the allowances reſpectively
granted to ſhips or veſſels employed in the bank or
other cod fiſheries
( 173 )
1
Terms of Credit for the Payment of Duties, are,
When the amount of the duty, to be paid by one perſon,
or copartnerſhip fhall exceed fifty dollars,
On falt
Nine months.
On all articles, the produce
Four months.
falt excepted)
On all other articles
in ſix months
(Wines and Teas
in nine months
excepted)
in twelve months.
No beer, ale, or porter, after the laft day of December,
1792, to be imported from any foreign port, except in
caſks or veſſels, the capacity whereof ſhall not be leſs
than forty gallons, cr in packages, containing not leſs
than fix dozen of bottles, on pain of forfeiture of the faid
beer, &c. and of the ſhip or veſſel in which the ſame ſhall
be brought.
No diſtilled fpirits (arrack and ſweet cordials excepted)
after the laſt day of April, 1793, to be imported from
any foreign port, in veſſels of leſs capacity than ninety
gallons, on pain of forfeiture of the ſaid ſpirits, and of
the ſhip or vefſel in which the ſame ſhall be brought.
ON
TONNAGE is, by an Axt of the 20th July, 1792,
to be paid in ten Days after the Entry, or before
Clearance.
Cents.
N any ſhip or veſſel of the United States, entering
from any foreign port or place, per ton
6
Onany ſhip or veſſel of the United States, eritering in
a diſtrict in one ftate, from a diſtrict in another ſtate,
other than an adjoining ſtate, on the ſea coaſt, or on
a navigable river, having on board, good wares, &c.
taken in one ſtate, 10 be delivered in another ſtate,
per ton,
6
On all ſhips or veſſels of the United States, licenſed to
trade between the different diſtricts, or to carry on
the bank or whale fiſheries, while employed therein
to pay once a year, per tong
6
( 174 )
*
50
89
100
III
1
.
On all hips and veſſels built within the United States
after the 20th July, 1789, but belonging wholly, or
in part, to ſubjects of foreign powers, per ton 30
On all other ſhips or veſſels, per ton,
50
On every ſhip or veſſel, not of the United States,
which ſhall be entered in one diſtria from another
district, having on board goods, wares, and mer-
chandize, taken in, in one diſtrict, to be delivered
in another diſtrict, per ton,
DU TIES
Payable in gold coins of England, France, Spain,
and Portugal, and all other gold coins of equal
fineneſs, per penny weight,
Dols. Cts.
Mexican Dollar
Crowns of France and England, at
I JI
All ſilver coin of equal fineneſs, per ounce,
Cut filver of equal fineneſs, per ditto,
6
Each pound ſterling of Great Britain,
4 44
Each pound ſterling of Ireland.
4
Each Florin or Guilder of the United Nether-
lands,
39
Each Mark Banco of Hamburgh,
331-3
Each Rial of Plate of Spain,
Each Milree of Portugal,
24
Each Tale of China,
I 48
Each Pagoda of India,
94
Each Rupce of Bengal,
551-2
TAŘES allowed by the 34th Sestion of the Aet for
the Colletions of Duties, &c.
Pounds.
On every whole cheft of bohea tea,
70
On every half cheſt of ditto,
36
On every quarter cheft of ditto,
On every cheft of hyfon, or other green teas, the groſs
weight of which ſhall be 7olb. or upwards,
On every box of other tea, not leſs than solb. or more
than yolb. groſs,
18
On coffee in bags
2 per cent.
On coffee in bales.
3 per cent.
lo
10
I
17!
deleted
I
for role
20
20
antena
important
( 175 )
1
1
On coffee in caſks,
12 per cent,
Pepper in bales,
5 per cent.
Pepper in calks,
12 per cent.
Sugars, other than loaf, in caſks,
-12 per cent.
Sugars in boxes,
15 per cent,
FEES of OFFICE,
To the Collector and Naval Officer, jointly
Dols. Cts.
For entrance of any ſhip or veſſel of 100 tons and
upwards,
2 50
Clearance of any ſhip or veſſel of 100 tons and
upwards,
2 50
Entrance of any ſhip or veſſel under 100 tons, 50
Clearance of ditto ditto,
50
Every permit to land goods,
20
Every bond taken officially,
40
Every permit to load goods for exportation,
30
Every official certificate,
20
Every bill of health,
20
Every other official document (regiſter excepted) 20
SURVEYOR's FEES.
Dol. Cts,
FOR the admeafurement of every ſhip or veſſel
of 100 tons and under, per ton,
Ditto above 100 tons, and not exceeding 200 tons, I 50
Above 200 tons,
2
For all other ſervices to be performed on board
any ſhip or veſſel of 100 tons and upwards,
having on board goods, wares, and merchana
dize, ſubject to duty.
3
For like ſervices on board any ſhip or veſſel of
leſs than 100 tons burthen, having on board
goods, wares, and merchandize, ſubject to
duty,
On all veſſels, not having on board goods, wares,
and merchandize, ſubject to duty,
66
I
I 52
LA
( 176 )
1
Amount of Exports from the United States of America.
181,407
lil
For the Year ending zotli of
September, 1792.
Dollars.
New Hampſhire
Maſſachuſets 2,889,922
Rhode Inand 698,084
Connecticut
New York 2,528,085
New Jerſey
23,524
Penniylvania 3,820,646 *
Delaware
133,978
Maryland 2.550,258
Virginia - 3,549,499
North Carolina $03,294
South Carolina---2,430,425
Georgia
458,973
For the Year ending 30th of
September, 1793.
Dollars.
198,197
3,676,412
616,416
770,239
2,934,369
54,776
6,958,736
71,242
3,687,119
2,984.317
363,307
3,195,874
501,383
+
36,011,787
The Exports of the Year ending the 30th of September, 1793, went
to the reſpective Countries undermentioned :
Ruflia.
5,769 Italian Ports 220,688
Sweden
310,427
Morocco 2,094
Denmark
870,508 Eaft Indies
253,131
Holland
3,169,536 Africa-
251,343
Great Britain
8,431,239
Weſt Indies
399,559
Imperial Ports-
1,013.347 N.W.Coatt of America 1,586
Hans Towns
792,537 Uncertain
3,986
France.
7,050,498
Spain
2,237,950
26,011,788
Portugal
397,590
* The Exports of Pennſylvania, for the Quarter endişg the 31ſt of De-
cember, 1793, were 1,740,689 Dollars.
† Not having obtained correctly the Exports of Connecticut for this
Year, I have not caft up the total amount.
:
..
( 177 )
SCHEDULE of the whole Number of Perſons within the
ſeveral Diſtricts of the UNITED STATes, taken according
to “An Act providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabi-
« tants of the United States;" pafled March the ift, 1790.
RETURN MADE OCTOBER 1791.
DISTRICTS
Free white Males of
16 years and upwards,
including heads of
families.
Free white Maies
under foxteen years.
free white Females,
including heads of
families,
All other free per-
fons.
Slaves.
Total.
630
NONE
1009522
NONE
948
68825
Vermont
N. Hampſhire
Maine
Maflachuſetts
Rhode Illand
Connecticut
New York
New Jerſey
Pennſylvania
Delaware
Maryland
Virginia
Kentucky
N. Carolina
S. Carolina
Georgia
22435 22328
40505 255
16 85539
36086 34851
70160
158 141885
2438424748 46870 538
96540
95453 87289
19058215463
378787
160191 15799 32652 3407
605231 54401
117448 280 2764) 237946
8370078122
1523201 4654
213241 340120
452511 41416 832871 2762 11423) 184139
1107881106948 206363 6532 3737 434373
117831 12143 223841 - 3899
59094
559151 51339 101395
8043
103035 319728
110936116135 215046 12866 292627) 747610
15154) 17057 28922 114
12430 73577
6998877506 140710 4975 100572 393751
35576 37722 66880 1801
IC7094 249.73
13103 14044 25739
29264 82548
1017726
8887
1866387
398
8070047918501 15412631 59150
69428913893635
Total number
of Inhabitants
of the United
States exclu-
five of S. Wer
tern and N.
Territory.
Free white Males of
Twenty-one years
and upwards.
Free Males under 21
Slaves.
Free white Females.
age.
years of
Total.
All other Perſons.
S.W. territory
N. Ditto
6271
10277
15365
361
3417
35691
1
Mart
1
N
CONSTI.
3
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
UNITED STATES.
WE
E, the people of the United States, in or-
der to form a more perfect Union, eſtab-
liſh juſtice, inſure domeſtic tranquillity, pro-
vide for the common defence, promote the
ge-
neral welfare, and ſecure the bleſſings of Liberty
to ourſelves and our pofterity, DO ORDAIN AND
ESTABLISH this CONSTITUTION for the
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
ARTICLE I.
Se&t. 1. ALL the legiſlative powers herein
granted, ſhall be veſted in a Congreſs of the United
States, which ſhall conſiſt of a Senate, and a
Houfe of Repreſentatives.
Sect. 2. The Houſe of Repreſentatives ſhall be
compoſed of members chofen every ſecond year
by the people of the ſeveral ſtates; and the elec-
tors in each ſtate ſhall have the qualifications
requiſite for electors of the moſt numerous
branch of the ſtate legiſature.
No
( 179 )
No perſon ſhall be a Repreſentative who ſhall
not have attained to the age of twenty-five years,
and been ſeven years a citizen of the United
States, and who ſhall not, when elected; be an
inhabitant of that ſtate in which he ſhall be
choſen.
Repreſentatives and direct taxes ſhall be ap-
portioned among the ſeveral ſtates which
may
be included within this union, according to
their reſpective numbers, which ſhall be deter-
mined by adding to the whole number of free
perſons, including thoſe bound to ſervice for a
term of years, and; excluding Indians not taxed,
three fifths of all other perſons. The actual enu-
meration ſhall be made within three years after
the firſt meeting of the Congreſs of the United
States, and within every ſubſequent term of ten
years, in ſuch manner as they ſhall by law di-
rect. The number of Repreſentatives ſhall not
exceed one for every thirty thouſand, but
each ſtate ſhall have at leaſt one Repreſentative;
and until ſuch enumeration ſhall be made, the
ftate of New Hampſhire ſhall be entitled to
chufe three; Maſſachuſetts, eight; Rhode-
iſland and Providence Plantations, one; Con-
necticut, five; New York, fix; New Jerſey,
four; Pennſylvania, eight; Delaware, one ; Ma-
ryland, fix; Virginia, ten; North Carolina, five;
South Carolina, five; and Georgia, three.
When
N 2
(180)
When vacancies happen in the repreſentation
from any ſtate, the executive authority thereof
ſhall iſſue writs of election to fill ſuch vacancies.
The Houſe of Repreſentatives ſhall chuſe their
Speaker and other officers; and ſhall have the
ſole power of impeachment.
Sect. 3. The Senate of the United States
ſhall be compoſed of two fenators from each ſtate,
choſen by the legiſlature thereof, for ſix years ;
and each ſenator ſhall have one vote.
Immediately after they ſhall be aſſembled in
conſequence of the firſt election, they ſhall be
divided as nearly as may be into three claſſes.
The ſeats of the ſenators of the firſt claſs ſhall be
vacated at the expiration of the ſecond year, of
the ſecond claſs at the expiration of the fourth
year, and of the third claſs at the expiration of
the ſixth year, ſo that one third may be choſen
every ſecond year ; and if vacancies happen by
reſignation, or otherwiſe, during the receſs of
the legiſlature of any ſtate, the executive thereof
may make temporary appointments until the
next meeting of the legiſlature, which ſhall then
fill ſuch vacancies.
No perſon ſhall be a ſenator who ſhall not
have attained to the age of thirty years, and been
nine years a citizen of the United States, and
who ſhall not, when elected, be an inhabitant
of that ſtate for which he ſhall be chofen.
The
( 181 )
The Vice Preſident of the United States ſhall
be Preſident of the Senate, but ſhall have no
vote, unleſs they be equally divided.
The Senate ſhall chuſe their other officers,
and alſo a Preſident pro tempore, in the abſence
of the Vice-Preſident, or when he ſhall exerciſe
the office of Preſident of the United States.
The Senate ſhall have the fole power to try
all impeachments. When ſitting for that pur-
pore, they ſhall be on oath or affirmation. When
the Preſident of the United States is tried, the
Chief Juſtice ſhall preſide : and no perſon ſhall
be convicted without the concurrence of two-
thirds of the members preſent.
Judgment, in caſes of impeachment, ſhall
not extend further than to removal from office,
and diſqualification to hold and enjoy any office
of honour, truſt, or profit, under the United
States; but the party convicted ſhall neverthe-
leſs be liable and ſubject to indictment, trial,
judgment, and puniſhment, according to law.
Seet. 4. The times, places, and manner,
of
holding elections for Senators and Repreſenta-
tives, ſhall be preſcribed in each ſtate by the
legiſlature thereof: but the Congreſs may, at
any time, by law, make or alter ſuch regula-
tions, except as to the places of chuſing ſenators.
The Congreſs ſhall aſſemble at leaſt once in
every year ; and ſuch Meeting ſhall be on the
firſt
N 3
( 182 )
firſt Monday in December, unleſs they ſhall, by
law, appoin: a different day.
Seat. 5. Each houſe ſhall be the judge of the
elections, returns and qualifications of its own
members, and a majority of each ſhall conſti-
tute a quorum to do buſineſs; but a ſmaller
number may adjourn, from day to day, and may
Þe authorized to compel the attendance of ab-
fent members, in ſuch manner, and under ſuch
penalties, as each houſe may provide.
Each houſe may determine the rules of its
proceedings, puniſh its members for diſorderly
behaviour, and, with the concurrence of two-
thirds, expel a member.
Each houſe ſhall keep a journal of its pro-
ceedings, and from time to time publiſh the
fame, excepting ſuch parts as may, in their
judgment, require fecrefy; and the yeas and
nays of the members of either houſe, on any
queſtion, fall, at the deſire of one fifth of thofe
preſent, be entered on the journal.
Neither houſe, during the ſeſſion of Congreſs,
ſhall, without the conſent of the other, adjourn
for more than three days, nor to any other place
than that in which the two houſes ſhall be fitting:
Seet. 6. The Senators and Repreſentatives
ſhall receive a compenſation for their ſervices,
to be aſcertained by law, and paid out of the
treaſury of the United States. They ſhall in all
caſes,
i
3
( 183 )
caſes, except treaſon, felony, and breach of the
peace, be privileged from arreſt during their at-
tendance at the ſeſſion of their reſpective houſe,
and in going to and returning from the ſame;
and for any ſpeech or debate in either houſe, they
ſhall not be queſtioned in any other place.
No Senator or Repreſentative ſhall, during
the time for which he was elected, be appointed
to any civil office under the authority of the
United States, which ſhall have been created, or
the emoluments whereof ſhall have been encreaſed
during ſuch time; and no perſon holding any
office under the United States, ſhall be a mem-
ber of either houſe during his continuance in
office.
SeEl. 7. All bills for raiſing revenue ſhall origin-
are in the Houſe of Repreſentatives; but the
Senate may propoſe or concur, with amendments,
as on other bills.
Every bill which ſhall have paſſed the Houſe
of Repreſentatives and the Senate, ſhall, before
it become a law, be preſented to the Preſident of
the United States : if he approve, he ſhall ſign
it; but, if not, he ſhall return it, with his objec-
tions, to that houſe in which it ſhall have ori.
ginated, who ſhall enter the objections at large
on their journal, and proceed to reconſider it,
If, after ſuch reconſideration, two thirds of that
houſe ſhall agree to paſs the bill, it ſhall be ſent,
N 4
together
( 184 )
together with the objections, to the other houſe,
by which it ſhall likewiſe be reconſidered; and
if approved by two thirds of that houſe, it ſhall
become a law. But in all ſuch caſes, the votes
of both houſes ſhall be determined by yeas and
nays; and the names of the perſons voting for
and againſt the bill, ſhall be entered on the
journal of each houſe reſpectively. If any bill
ſhall not be returned by the Preſident within ten
days (Sundays excepted) after it ſhall have been
preſented to him, the fame ſhall be a law, in like
manner as if he had ſigned it, unleſs the Con-
greſs, by their adjournment, prevent its return,
in which caſe it fhall not be a law.
Every order, reſolution, or vote, to which the
concurrence of the Senate and Houſe of Repre-
fentatives may be neceffary (except on a quef-
tion of adjournment) ſhall be preſented to the
Preſident of the United States; and before the
ſame ſhall take effect, ſhall be approved by him;
or, being diſapproved by him, ſhall be repaffed
by two thirds of the Senate and Houſe of Repre-
ſentatives, according to the rules and limitations
preſcribed in the caſe of a bill.
SeEf. 8. The Congreſs ſhall have power
To lay and collect taxes, duties, impoſts, and
exciſes, to pay the debts, and provide for the com-
mon defence and general welfare of the United
States;
( 185 )
States; but all duties, impoſts, and exciſes, ſhall
be uniform throughout the United States :
To borrow money on the credit of the United
States :
To regulate commerce with foreign nations,
and among the ſeveral ſtates, and with the Indian
tribes :
To eſtabliſh an uniform rule of naturalization,
and uniform laws on the ſubject of bankruptcies
throughout the United States :
To coin money, regulate the value thereof and
of foreign coin, and fix the ſtandard of weights
and meaſures :
To provide for the puniſhment of counterfeit-
ing the ſecurities and current coin of the United
States:
To eſtabliſh poſt offices and poſt-roads :
To promote the progreſs of ſcience and uſeful
arts, by ſecuring, før limited times, to authors
and inventors, the excluſive right to their reſpec-
tive writings and diſcoveries:
To conſtitute tribunals inferior to the ſupreme
court:
To define and puniſh piracies and felonies
committed on the high ſeas, and offences againſt
the law of nations :
To declare war, grant letters of marque and
repriſal, and make rules concerning captures on
land and water:
To
( 186 )
To raiſe and ſupport armies ; but no appro-
piration of money to that uſe ſhall be for a longer
term than two years :
To provide and maintain a navy:
To make rules for the government and regu,
lation of the land and naval forces :
To provide for calling forth the miliția to ex
ecute the laws of the Union, ſuppreſs inſurrec-
tions, and repel invaſions :
To provide for organizing, arming and dif-
ciplining the militia, and for governing ſuch part
of them as may be employed in the ſervice of
the United States, reſerving to the ſtates reſpec-
tively, the appointment of the officers, and the
authority of training the militia according to the
diſcipline preſcribed by Congreſs :
To exerciſe excluſive legiſlation in all cafes
whatſoever, over ſuch diſtrict (not exceeding ten
miles ſquare) as may by ceſſion of particular
ftates, and the acceptance of Congreſs, become
the ſeat of the government of the United States,
and to exerciſe like authority over all places pur-
chafed by the conſent of the legiſlature of the
ftate in which the ſame ſhall be, for the erection
of forts, magazines, arſenals, dock-yards, and
other needful buildings :- And
To make all laws which ſhall be neceſſary and
proper for carrying into execution the foregoing
powers, and all other powers veſted by this con-
ftitution
.
1
(187)
ſtitution in the government of the United States,
or in any department or office thereof.
Se27. 9. The migration, or importation, of
fuch perſons as any of the States now exiſting
ſhall think proper to admit, ſhall not be prohi-
bited by the Congreſs prior to the year one thou-
fand eight hundred and eight; but a tax or duty
may be impoſed on ſuch importation, not ex-
ceeding ten dollars for each perſon.
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus ſhall
not be ſuſpended, unleſs when, in caſes of rebel,
lion or invaſion, the public ſafety may require it,
No bill of attainder, or ex poſt fa£to law, ſhall
be paſſed.
No capitation, or other direct tax, ſhall be
lạid, unleſs in proportion to the cenſus, or enu-
meration herein before directed to be taken.
No tax cr duty ſhall be laid on articles ex-
ported from any ſtate, No preference ſhall be
given by any regulation of commerce or revenue
to the ports of one ſtate over thoſe of ano-
ther: nor ſhall veſſels bound to, or from one
ſtate be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in
another.
No money ſhall be drawn from the treaſury,
but in conſequence of appropriations made by
law; and a regular ſtatement and account of the
receipts and expenditures of all public money
hall be publiſhed from time to time.
No
3
( 188 )
No title of nobility ſhall be granted by the
United States : and no perſon holding any office
of profit or truſt under them, fhall, without the
conſent of the Congreſs, accept of any preſent,
emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever,
from any king, prince, or foreign ſtate.
Sext. 10. No ſtate ſhall enter into any treaty,
alliance, or confederation; grant letters of
marque and repriſal; coin money, emit bills of
credit; make any thing but gold and ſilver coin
a tender in payment of debts; pats any bill of at-
tainder, ex poſt fàto law, or law impairing the
obligation of contracts, or grant any title of no-
bility.
No ſtate Mall, without the conſent of the
Congreſs, lay any impoſts, or duties on imports, or
exports, except what may be abſolutely neceſſary
for executing its inſpection laws; and the net pro-
duce of ail duties and impoſts, laid by any ſtate on
imports, or exports, ſhall be for the uſe of the trea-
fury of the United States; and all ſuch laws ſhall
be ſubject to the reviſion and controul of the Con-
greſs. No ſtate ſhall, without the conſent of
Congreſs, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops,
or ſhips of war in time of peace, enter into any
agreement or compact with another ſtate, or with
a foreign power, or engage in war, unleſs actually
invaded, or in ſuch imminent danger as will not
admit of delay
ARTICLE
( 189 )
ARTICLE II.
SeEt. 1. The executive power ſhall be veſted
in a Preſident of the United States of America.
He ſhall hold his office during the term of four
years, and, together with the Vice-Preſident,
choſen for the ſame term, be elected as follows:
Each itate ſhall appoint, in ſuch manner as
the legiſlature thereof may direct, a number of
electors, equal to the whole number of Sena-
tors and Repreſentatives to which the ſtate may
be entitled in the Congreſs : but no Senator or
Repreſentative, or perſon holding an office of
truſt or profit under the United States, ſhall be
appointed an elector.
The electors ſhall meet in their reſpective
ſtates, and vote by ballot for two perſons, of
whom one at leaſt ſnall not be an inhabitant of
the ſame ſtate with themſelves. And they ſhall
make a liſt of all the perſons voted for, and of the
number of votes for each; which lift they ſhall
ſign and certify, and tranſmit, ſealed, to the
ſeat of the government of the United States, di-
rected to the Preſident of the Senate. The Pre-
fident of the Senate ſhall, in the preſence of the
Senate and Houſe of Repreſentatives, open all
the certificates, and the votes ſhall then be
counted. The perſon having the greateſt num-
ber
( 1go )
ber of votes ſhall be the Preſident, if ſuch nüm-
ber be a majority of the whole number of elec-
tors appointed ; and if there be more than one
who have ſuch majority, and have an equal num-
ber of votes, then the Houſe of Repreſentatives
ſhall immediately chuſe by ballot one of them
for Preſident; and if no perſon have a majority,
then from the five higheſt on the liſt the ſaid
Houfe ſhall in like manner chuſe the Preſident.
But in chuſing the Preſident, the votes ſhall be
taken by ſtates, the repreſentation from each
ftare having one vote; a quorum for this pur-
poſe ſhall conſiſt of a member or members from
two thirds of the ſtates, and a majority of all the
ſtates ſhall be neceſſary to a choice. In every
cafe after the choice of the Preſident, the perſon
having the greateſt number of votes of the elec,
tors ſhall be the Vice-Preſident. But if there
ſhould remain two or more who have equal
votes, the Senate ſhall chuſe from them by ballot
the Vice-Preſident.
The Congreſs may determine the time of chu-
ſing the electors, and the day on which they
ſhall give their votes; which day ſhall be the
ſame throughout the United States.
No perſon except a natural born citizen, or a
citizen of the United States, at the time of the
adoption of this Conftitution, ſhall be eligible to
the office of Preſident; neither ſhall any perſon
be
( 191 )
be eligible to that office who ſhall not have af:
tained to the age of thirty-five years, and have
been fourteen years a reſident within the U-
nited States.
In caſe of the removal of the Preſident from
office, or of his death, reſignation, or inability
to diſcharge the powers and duties of the ſaid
office, the ſame ſhall devolve on the Vice-Prefi-
dent; and the Congreſs may by law provide for
the caſe of removal, death, reſignation or ina-
bility, both of the Preſident and Vice-Preſident,
declaring what officer ſhall then act as Preſident;
and fuch officer fhall act accordingly, until the
diſability be removed, or a Preſident ſhall be
elected.
The Preſident ſhall, at ſtated times, receive
for his ſervices, a compenſation, which ſhall
neither be increaſed nor diminiſhed during the
period for which he ſhall have been elected; and
he ſhall not receive within that period any
other
emolument from the United States, or any of
them.
Before he enter on the execution of his office,
he ſhall take the following oath or affirmation:
“ I do ſolemnly ſwear (or affirm) that I will
faithfully execute the office of Preſident of the
United States; and will, to the beſt of my abi-
lity, preſerve, protect, and defend the Conftitu.
tion of the United States.".
Seet.
( 192 )
Sect. 2. The Preſident ſhall be commander in
chief of the army and navy of the United States,
and of the militia of the ſeveral ſtates, when
called into the actual ſervice of the United
States; he may require the opinion, in writing,
of the principal officer in each of the executive
departments, upon any ſubject relating to the
duties of their reſpective offices, and he ſhall
have power to grant reprieves and pardons for
offences againſt the United States, except in
caſes of impeachment.
He ſhall have power, by and with the advice
anu conſent of the Senate, to inake treaties, pro-
vided two-thirds of the Senators preſent concur;
and he ſhall nominate, and by and with the ad-
vice and conſent of the Senate, ſhall appoint
ambaſſadors, other public miniſters and conſuls,
judges of the ſupreme court, and all other offi-
cers of the United State:, whoſe appointments
are not herein otherwiſe provided for, and which
ſhall be eſtabliſhed by law. But the Congreſs
may by law veft the appointment of ſuch infe-
rior officers, as they think proper, in the Pre-
ſident alone, in the courts of law, or in the
heads of departments.
The Preſident Thall have power to fill up
all
vacancies that may happen during the receſs of
the Senate, by granting commiſſions which ſhall
expire at the end of their next ſeſſion.
SEET,
:
1
( 193 )
A:
Sect. 3. He ſhall from time to time give to
the Congreſs information of the ſtate of the U-
nion, and recommend to their conſideration
ſuch meaſures as he ſhall judge neceffary and ex-
pedient: he may on extraordinaty occaſions,
convene both Houſes,' er either of them; and
in caſe of diſagreement between them, with re-
ſpect to the time of adjournment, he may ad-
journ them to ſuch tiines as he ſhall think pro-
per : He ſhall receive ambaſſadors and other
public miniſters : He ſhall take care that the
laws be faithfully executed, and ſhall commiſ
ſion all the officers of the United States.
Sect. 4. The Preſident, Vice-Preſident, and
all civil officers of the United States, thall be
removed from 'office on impeachment for, and
conviction of, treaſon, bribery, or other high
crimes and miſdemeanors.
ARTICLE III.
Sez. 1. The judicial power of the United
States, ſhall be veſted in one ſupreme court, and
in ſuch inferior courts as the Congreſs may
from time to time, ordain and eſtabliſh. The
judges, both of the ſupreme and inferior courts,
ſhall hold their offices during good behaviour
and ſhall, at ſtated times, receive for their fer-
vices, a compenſation, which ſhall not be di-
miniſhed during their continuance in office.
O
SEEL.
.
( 194 )
1
Se£, £. The judicial power ſhall extend to all
caſes, in law and equity, ariſing under this con-
ftitution, the laws of the United States, and trea-
ties made, or which ſhall be made, under their
authority; to all caſes affecting ambaſſadors,
other public miniſters, and conſuls; to all caſes
of admiralty and maritime juriſdiction; to con-
troverſies to which the United States ſhall be a
party; to controverſies between two or more ſtates;
between a ſtate and citizens of another ſtate ; be-
tween citizens of different ſtates; between citizens
of the fame ſtate claiming lands under grants of
different ſtates; and between a ſtate, or the citizens
thereof, and foreign ſtates, citizens or ſubjects.
In all caſes affecting ambaſſadors, other pub-
lic miniſters and conſuls, and thoſe in which a
ftate fhall be a party, the ſupreme court ſhall
have original juriſdiction. In all the other caſes
beforementioned, the ſupreme court ſhall have
appellate juriſdiction, both as to law and fact,
with ſuch exceptions, and under ſuch regula-
tions as the Congreſs ſhall make.
The trial of all crimes, except in caſes of im-
peachment, ſhall be by jury ; and ſuch trial ſhall
be held in the ſtate where the ſaid crimes ſhall have
been committed ; but when not coinmitted within
any ftacey the trial fhall be: at ſuch place or
places as the Congreſs may, by law have directed.
Sect. 3. Treaſon againſt the United States,
ſhall conſiſt only in levying war againſt them,
...
QR
(195)
or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid
and comfort. No perſon ſhall be convicted of
treaſon unleſs on the teſtimony of two witneſſes
to the fame overt act, or on confeſſion in open
court.
The Congreſs ſhall have power to declare the
puniſhment of treaſon; but no attainder of trea-
fon ſhall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture,
except during the life of the perſon attainted.
Seet. I.
ARTICLE IV.
Full faith and credit ſhall be given in
each ſtate to the public acts, records and judicial
proceedings of every other ſtate. And the Con-
greſs may, by general laws, preſcribe the manner
in which ſuch acts, records and proceedings ſhall
be proved, and the effect thereof.
Sect. 2.
The citizens of each ſtate ſhall be en-
titled to all privileges and immunities of citizens
in the ſeveral ſtares.
A perſon charged in any ſtate with treaſon,
felony, or other crime, who ſhall fee from juſtice,
and be found in another ſtate, ſhall, on demand
of the executive authority of the ſtate from which
he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the
ſtate having juriſdiction of the crime.
No perſon held to ſervice or labour in one
ftate, under the laws thereof, eſcaping into any
other, ſhall, in confequence of any law or regula-
tion therein, be diſcharged from ſuch ſervice or
02
labour,
1
( 196 )
labour, but ſhall be delivered up on claim of
the party to whom ſuch ſervice or labour may
be due.
Seet. 3. New ſtates may be admitted by the
Congreſs into this Union; but no new ſtate ſhall
be formed or erected within the juriſdiction of
any other ſtate; nor any ſtate be formed by the
junction of two or more ſtates, or parts of ſtates,
without the conſent of the legiſlatures of the
ſtates concerned as well as of the Congreſs.
The Congreſs ſhall have power to diſpoſe of
and make all needful rules and regulations re-
ſpecting the territory or other property belong-
ing to the United States; and nothing in this
conftitution ſhall be ſo conſtrued as to prejudice
any
claims of the United States, or of any par-
ticular ftate,
The United States ſhall guarantee
to every ſtate in this Union a republican form of
government, and ſhall protect each of them
againſt invaſion; and on application of the legi-
Nature, or of the executive (when the legiſlature
cannot be convened) againſt domeſtic violence.
ARTICLE V.
The Congreſs, whenever two thirds of both
Houſes ſhall deem it neceffary, ſhall propoſe
amendments to this Conftitution, or, on the ap-
plication of the legiſlatures of two thirds of the
feveral ſtates, Thuli call a convention for propoſ-
ing
Sect. 4.
le
2
( 197 )
ing amendments, which, in either caſe, ſhall be
valid to all intents and purpoſes, as part of this
Conſtitution, when ratified by the legiſlatures of
three fourths of the ſeveral ſtates, or by conven-
tions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the
other mode of ratification may be propoſed by
the Congreſs : Provided, that no amendinent
which may be made prior to the year one thou-
fand eight hundred and eight, ſhall in any man-
ner affect the firſt and fourth clauſes in the ninth
fection of the firſt article; and that no itate, with
out its conſent, ſhall be deprived of its equal
ſuffrage in the Senate.
ARTICLE VI.
All debts contracted and engagements entered
into, before the adoption of this Conſtitution,
Thall be as valid againſt the United States under
this Conſtitution, as under the confederation.
This Conſtitution, and the laws of the United
States which ſhall be made in purſuance thereof;
and all treaties made, or which ſhall be made,
under the authority of the United States, ſhall
be the ſupreme law of the land; and the judges
in every ſtate ſhall be bound thereby, any thing
in the Conſtitution or laws of any ſtate to the
contrary notwithſtanding.
The Senators and Repreſentatives before men-
tioned, and the inembers of the ſeveral ſtate le-
giſlators, and all executive and judicial of-
ficers,
03
.
( 193 )
ficers, both of the United States and of the
feveral ſtates, ſhall be bound by oath or affirma-
tion, to ſupport this Conſtitution; but no religi-
ous teſt ſhall ever be required as a qualification
to any office or public truſt under the United
States.
ARTICLE VII.
The ratification of the conventions of nine
ſtates, ſhall be ſufficient for the eſtabliſhment of
this Conſtitution between the ſtates fo ratifying
the ſame.
Done in Convention, by the unanimous conſent of the
States preſent, the ſeventeenth Day of September,
in the year of cur Lord one thouſand ſeven hun-
dred and eighty-ſeven, and of the independence
of the United States of America the twelfth. In
witneſs whereof we have hereunto ſubſcribed our
Names:
GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT.
And Deputy from VIRGINIA.
New-Hampſhire,
New-York,
John Langdon,
Alexander Hamilton.
Nicholas Gilman.
New-Jerſey,
Maſſachuſetts, William Livingſton,
Nathaniel Gorham, David Brearly,
Rufus King.
William Patterſon,
Connecticut, Jonathan Dayton.
William Sam. Johnſon, Pennſylvania.
Roger Sherman. Benjamin Franklin,
Thomas
( 199 )
>
Thomas Mifflin,
Virginia,
Robert Morris, John Blair,
George Clymer, James Madiſon, junior.
Thomas Fitzſimons, North-Carolina,
Jared Ingerſol,
William Blount,
James Wilſon, Richard Dobbs Spaight,
Gouverneur Morris.
Hugh Williamſon.
Delaware,
South Carolina,
George Read,
John Rutledge,
Gunning Bedford, jun. Charles Coteſworth
John Dickinſon,
Pinckney,
Richard Baſfete, Charles Pinckney,
Jacob Broom.
Pierce Butler.
Maryland,
Georgia,
James M'Henry,
William Few,
Daniel of St.Tho. Jenifer, Abraham Baldwin.
Daniel Carroll.
Attefi.
WM. JACKSON, Secretary.
IN
CONVENTION,
MONDAY, Scptember 17, 1787.
PRESENT,
The States of New-HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHU-
SETS, CONNECTICUT, Mr. Hamilton from
New-York, New JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA,
DELAWARE, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, NORTH-
CAROLINA, SOUTH-CAROLINA, and GEORGIA:
RESOLVED,
HAT the preceding Conſtitution be laid
before the United States in Congreſs af-
ſembled, and that it is the opinion of this. Con-
04
vention,
TH
( 200 )
vention, that it ſhould afterwards be ſubmitted
to a Convention of Delegates, choſen in each
State by the people thereof, under the recom-
mendation of its Legiſlature, for their aſſent and
ratification, and that each Convention aſſent-
ing to, and ratifying the fame, ſhould give no-
tice thereof to the United States in Congreſs
aſſembled.
Reſolved, That it is the opinion of this con-
vention, that as ſoon as the Conventions of nine
States ſhall have ratified this Conſtitution, the
United States in Congreſs aſſembled ſhould fix
a day on which electors ſhould be appointed by
the States which ſhall have ratified the ſame, and
a day on which the electors ſhould affemble to
vote for the Preſident, and the time and place
for commencing proceedings under this Confti.
tution. That after ſuch publication the electors
ſhould be appointed, and the Senators and Re-
preſentatives elected. That the eleEtors ſhould
meet on the day fixed for the election of the
Preſident, and ſhould tranſmit their vores certi-
fied, ligned, ſealed, and directed, as the Conſti-
tution requires, to the Secretary of the United
States in Congreſs aſſembled. That the Sena-
tors and Repreſentatives ſhould convene at the
time and place aſſigned. That the Senators
ſhould appoint a Preſident of the Senate, for the
fole purpoſe of receiving, opening and counting
the votes for Preſident; and, that after he
fhall
( 201 )
Thall be choſen, the Congreſs, together with
the Preſident, ſhould, without delay, proceed to
execute this Conftitution.
By the Unanimous Order of the Convention,
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Preſident.
WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary.
N. B. Agreeably to this reſolution, the New
Conſtitution (which is now fully eſtabliſhed by
the means therein contained) was forwarded to the
Preſident of the (Old) Congreſs then in being,
accompanied by the following Letter from the
Preſident of the Convention. The Congreſs on
the new eſtabliſhment was elected the following
year, and General WASHINGTON unanimouſly
elected Preſident.
IN CONVENTION,
SEPTEMBER 17, 1787.
SIR,
WE have now the honor to ſubmit to the con-
ſideration of the United States in Congreſs
aſſembled, that Conſtitution which has appeared
to us the moſt adviſable.
The friends of our country have long ſeen and
deſired, that the power of making war, peace,
and treaties; that of levying money and regu-
lating commerce, and the correſpondent, execu-
tive, and judicial authorities, ſhould be fully and
effectually veſted in the general government of
the
(202)
1
Union: But the impropriety of delegating
ſuch extenſive truſt to one body of men is evi-
dent-Hence reſults the neceſity of a different
organization.
It is obviouſly impracticable in the federal go-
vernment of thefe States, to ſecure ail rights of
independent ſovereignty to each, and yet provide
for the intereſt and ſafety of all Individuals
entering into fociety, muſt give up a share of
liberty to preſerve the reſt. The magnitude of
the facrifice muſt depend as well on ſituation
and circumſtance, as on the object to be obtained.
It is at all times dificult to draw with preciſion
the line between thoſe rights which muſt be ſur-
rendered, and thoſe which may be reſerved; and
on the preſent occaſion this difficulty was en-
creaſed by a difference among the ſeveral States
as to their ſituation, extent, habits, and particu-
lar intereſts.
In all our deliberations on this ſubject we
kept ftcadily in our view, that which appears to
us the greateſt intereſt of every true American,
the conſolidation of our Union, in which is in-
volved our proſperity, feliciiy, ſafety, perhaps
'our national exiſtence. This important conſide-
ration ſeriouſly and deeply impreſſed on our
minds, led each State in the Convention to be
leſs rigid on points of inferior magnitude, than
might have been otherwiſe expected; and thus
the Conſtitution, which we now preſent, is the
reſult
( 203 )
reſult of a ſpirit of amnity, and of that mutual
deference and conceſſion which the peculiarity of
our political ſituation rendered indiſpenſible.
That it will meet the full and entire approba-
tion of every State is not perhaps to be expected;
but each will doubtleſs conſider, that had her
intereſt been alone conſulted, the conſequences
might have been particularly diſagreeable or in-
jurious to others; that it is liable to as few ex-
ceptions as could reaſonably have been expected
we hope and believe; that it may promote the
laſting welfare of that country ſo dear to us all,
and ſecure her freedom and happineſs, is our
molt ardent with.
With great reſpect,
We have the Honor to bs,
SIR
Your Excellency's moſt
Obedient and humble Servants,
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Preſidenti
By unanimous Order of the Convention.
His Excellency
The PRESIDENT of Congreſs.
IN CONGRESS, March 4, 1789.
THE Conventions of a number of the States having
at the time of their adopting the ConstiTUTION
expreled a deſire, in order to prevent miſcon-
ſtruction or abuſe of its powers, that further
declaratory and reſtrictive clauſes fould be ad-
ded: And as extending the ground of public con-
fidence
( 204 )
filence in the government will beſt enſure the be-
neficent ends of its inftitution,
RESOLVED by the Senate and Houſe of Re-
preſentatives of the United States of America in
Congreſs aſſembled, two thirds of both Houſes con-
curring, That the following articles be propo.
fed to the legiſlatures of the ſeveral ſtates. as
amendments to the Conſtitution of the United
States, all or any of which articles, when rati-
fied by three fourths of the faid legiſlatures, to be
valid to all intents and purpoſes, as part of the
faid Conſtitution ; viz.
ARTICLES in addition to, and amendment of,
the CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA, propoſed by Congreſs, and ratified
by the Legiſlatures of the ſeveral States, pur-
ſuant to the fifth Article of the criginal Confti-
tution.
ARTICLE I.
AFTER the firſt enumeration required by
the firſt article of the Conſtitution, there ſhall be
one repreſentative for every thirty thouſand, un-
til the number ſhall amount to one hundred,
after which the proportion ſhall be ſo regulated
by Congreſs, that there ſhall be not leſs than one
hundred repreſentatives, nor leſs than one repre-
ſentative for every forty thouſand perſons, until
the number of repreſentatives ſhall amount to
two hundred, after which the proportion ſhall
be ſo regulated by Congreſs, that there ſhall
nor
( 205 )
not be leſs than two hundred repreſentatives,
nor more than one repreſentative for every fifty
thouſand perſons.
ARTICLE II.
No law varying the compenſation for the
ſervices of the ſenators and repreſentatives, ſhall
take effect, until an election of repreſentatives
ſhall have intervened.
ARTICLE IIT.
Congreſs ſhall make no law reſpecting an
eſtabliſhment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exerciſe thereof; or abridging the freedom of
ſpeech, or of the pres; or the right of the peo-
ple peaceably to aſſemble, and to petition the
government for a redreſs of grievances.
ARTICLE IV.
A well regulated militia being neceſſary to
the ſecurity of a free ſtate, the right of the peo-
ple to keep and bear arms ſhall not be infringed.
ARTICLE V.
No ſoldier ſhall in time of peace be quartered
in
any
houſe without the conſent of the owner,
nor in tiine of war, but in a manner to be pre-
ſcribed by law.
ARTICLE VI.
The right of the people to be ſecure in their
perſons, houſes, papers, and effects, againſt un-
reaſonable ſearches and ſeizures, ſhall not be
violated,
1
( 206 )
13
violated, and no warrants ſhall iſſue, but upon
probable cauſe, ſupported by oath or affirmation.
and particularly deſcribing the place to be ſearch-
ed, and the perſon or things to be ſeized.
ARTICLE VII.
No perſon ſhall be held to anſwer for a capi-
tal or otherwiſe infamous crime, unleſs on a pre-
fentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in
cafes ariſing in the land or naval forces, or in the
militia when in actual ſervice in time of war or
public danger; nor ſhall any perſon be ſubject
for the fame offence to be twice put in jeopardy
of life or limb; nor ſhall be compelled in any
criminal caſe to be a witneſs againſt himſelf, nor
be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without
due proceſs of law; nor ſhall private property
be taken for public uſe without juſt compenſa-
tion,
ARTICLE VIII.
In all criminal proſecutions the accuſed ſhall
enjoy the right to a ſpeedy and public trial, by an
impartial jury of the ſtate and diſtrict wherein
the crime fall have been committed, which
diſtrict ſhall have been previouſly aſcertain-
ed by law, and to be informed of the nature
and cauſe of the accuſation; to be confronted
with the witneſſes againſt him; to have compul-
fory proceſs for obtaining witneſſes in his favour,
and to have the aſiſtance of counſel for his de-
fence.
ARTI-
( 207 )
ARTICLE IX.
In ſuits at common law, where the value in
controverſy ſhall exceed twenty dollars, the
right of trial by jury ſhall be preſerved, and no
fact, tried by a jury, (hall be otherwiſe re-exa-
mined in any court of the United States, than
according to the rules of the coinmon law.
ARTICLE X.
Exceſſive bail ſhall not be required, nor ex-
cellive fines impoſer!, nor cruel and unuſual
puniſhments inflicted.
ARTICLE XI.
The enumeration in the Conſtitution, of cer-
tain rights ſhall not be conſtrued to deny or diſo
parage others retained by the people.
ARTICLE XII.
The powers not delegated to the United
States by the Conſtitution, nor prohibited by it
to the ſtates, are reſerved to the ſtates reſpec-
tively, or to the people.
FREDERICK AUG. MUHLENBERG,
Speaker of the Houſe of Repreſentatives.
JOHN ADAMS, Vice-Preſident of the Unit-
ed States, and Preſident of the Sexate.
JOHN BECKLEY, C'erk of the Houſe of Repre-
ſentatives,
SAM. A. OTIS, Secretary of the Senate.
Extract
Atteft.
{
.
( 208 )
mas
Extract from a Work not yet publiſhed, com-
piled and written ac Philadelphia, in the Au-
tumn of 1793, entitled' « A VIEW OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” By Tench
Coxe, Eſq.
C Η Α Ρ Τ Ε R
XV.
This concluding Chapter will be appropriated to a
fummary ſtatement of the principal faƐts, which
charaEterize the American people, and the coun-
try or territory, which has been aſigned to them
by the diſpenſations of Providence.
THE
HEY have exploded thoſe principles, by
,
the operation of which religious oppreſſions
and reſtrictions, of whatever deſcription, have
been inflicted upon mankind, and, rejecting mere
toleration, they have placed upon one common
and equal footing every church, fect, or fociety
of religious men.
They have exploded, in like manner, thoſe
principles, by the operation of which, civil op-
preſſions have been inflicted upon mankind; and
they have made an unexceeded progreſs in their
practice upon the principles of free government.
While the fermentations of a civil and revo-
lutionary
( 209 )
lutionary conteſt were yet operating upon their
minds, amidſt the warmth of feeling incidental
to that ſtate of things, they have recently ex-
amined with ſober attention the imperfections of
their national and ſubordinate civil eſtabliſh-
ments; they reflected, with due feriouſneſs, on
the numerous inconveniences, which thoſe imper-
fections had produced, and upon the awful ſcenes
in which they would probably be called upon to
fuffer or to act, if their civil conftitutions ſhould
continue unamended : and they have ſince exhi-
bited to the world the new and intereſting ſpec-
tacle of a whole people meeting, as it were, in
their political plain and voluntarily impoſing upon
themſelves the wholeſome and neceſſary reſtraints of
juſt government.
On two occaſions, at the diſtance of four
years, perſonal character and the public intereſts
have produced an orderly and unanimous ele£tion of
the chief magiſtrate of the United States, without
one, even the ſmalleſt, effort or meaſure of
pro.
curement.
During four years, the ſecond ſtation of na-
tional public employment and all of the third
grade have remained in the fame hands, nor have
any changes taken place in the more fubordinate,
but a few from voluntary reſignations and death.
The public debt is ſmaller in proportion to
the preſent wealth and population of the United
P
States
( 210 )
a
States than the public debt of any other civilized
nation. X-
The United States (including the operations
of the individual States) have funk a much greater
proportion of their public debt in the laſt ten
years,
than any nation in the world.
The expences of the government are very
much leſs, in proportion to wealth and numbers,
than thoſe of any nation in Europe.
There is no land tax among the national reve-
ņues, nor is there any interior tax, or exciſe upon
food, drink, fuel, lights, or any native or foreign
manufacture, or native or foreign production,
except a duty of about four pence ſterling upon
domeſtic diſtilled ſpirits. The greateſt part of
the public burdens are paid by an import duty
on foreign goods, which being drawn back on
exportation, it remains only on what is actually
uſed, and is in that view the loweſt in the world.
Trade has been encouraged by a drawback
of all the import duty on foreign goods, when
they are exported, excepting only a very few
commodities of a particular nature, which are
not deſired to be much imported into, or con-
ſumed in, the United States.
A national mint is eſtabliſhed under the direc-
tion of the ableſt practical man in the arts and
ſciences which this couuntry affords—David
Rittenhouſe. It is provided by law that the
purity
( 211 )
$
purity and intrinſic value of the ſilver coins ſhall
be equal to that of Spain, and of the gold coins
to thoſe of the ſtricteſt European nations. The
government of the United States foregoes all
profit from the coinage : a politic and whole-
fome forbearance.
The banks eſtabliſhed in the ſeveral cities of
Philadelphia, New York, Boſton, Baltimore,
Charleſton, Alexandria, &c. divide a profit of 7 to
8: per cent. per annum * at preſent, which is
paid half yearly. The intereſt of the public debt
of the United States is paid quarter yearly with
a punctuality, abſolute and perfect. There is
no tax on property in the funds and banks.
The ſhip building of the United States was
greater in the year 1792, than in any former
year ſince the ſettlement of the country, and it is
in the current year, than it was in the laſt.
Generally ſpeaking, the art of ſhip building was
never ſo well underſtood, never ſo well executed,
nor was there ever a time when ſo many of the
manufactures requiſite for the furniture, tackle,
apparel, and arming of veſſels were made in the
United States.
The value of the manufactures of the United
States is certainly greater than double the value
of their exports in native commodities.
greater in the
* More might be ſaid with truth.
P2
Az
The
( 212 )
The value of the manufactures of the United
States is much greater than the groſs value of all
their imports, including the value of goods ex-
ported again.
The manufactures of the United States con-
lift generally of articles of comfort, utility and
neceflity. Articles of luxury, elegance and
fhew are not manufactured in America, except-
ing a few kinds.
The manufactures of the United States have
increaſed very rapidly ſince the commencement of
the revolution war, and particularly in the laſt
five years.
A
Houſehold manufactures are carried on within
the families of almoſt all the farmers and plan-
ters, and of a great proportion of the inhabi-
tants of the villages and towns. This practice
is encreaſing under the animating influences of
private intereſt and public ſpirit.
The exports of the United States have in-
creaſed in the laſt two years about fourteen per
cent. *
Thoſe exports conſiſt, in a great degree of the
moſt neceſſary food of man and of working ani-
mals, and of raw materials, applicable to ma-
* In the laft three years they have increaſed from eighteen
millions and one quarter, to twenty-six millions of dollars.
September 30, 1793.
nufactures
( 213 )
:-
nufactures of the moſt general utility and con-
ſumption.
There is not any duty upon the exportation of
the produce of the earth, nor can ſuch duty be
impoſed on any exported commodities: the ex-
portation of produce may be ſuſpended or pro-
hibited.
Produce and all other merchandize may be
freely exported in the ſhips and veſſels of all na-
tions (not being alien enemies) without diſcrimi-
nation,
The exports of the United States are five
times the amount of the national taxes and
duties. *
The amount of the outward freight of the
ſhips and veſſels of the United States, at this
time, is probably equal to all their national taxes
and duties. The inward freight is conſiderable.
The earnings of the fiſhing veſſels, in lieu of
freight, are alſo conſiderable.
The coafting freights are greater in value than
both the laſt.
All ſhips and veſſels depart from the United
States, fully laden, excepting a part of the Eaſt
India traders.
A large quantity of tonnage is employed in the
coaſting trade.
&
They prove to be near or quite fix times.
Sept. 30, 1793
P 3
A con-
Å
( 214 )
A conſiderable quantity of tonnage is employ.
ed in the cod and whale fiſheries.
The imports of the United States are leſs in
value than the exports, deducting the outward
freights of their own ſhips (which are returned
in goods) the net ſales of their ſhips to foreigners,
and the property imported by migrators from
foreign countries.
The very great proportion of the imports,
which conſiſts of manufactures, (and from raw
materials, which America can produce) affords
conſtant and inviting opportunities to leſſen the
balance againſt the United States, in their trade
with foreign countries, holds out a certain home
inarket to ſkillful and induſtrious manufacturers
in America, and gives promiſes to the land.
holder and farmer of a very increaſing demand
for his produce, in which he cannot be dea
ceived *
The imports of the United States have not
been ſwelled in proportion to the increaſe of
their population and wealth. The reaſon is, the
conſtant introduction of new branches of manufac-
ture, and the great extenpon of the old branches.
The imports for conſumption into the United
Ştates are compoſed of manufactures in a much
leſs proportion than heretofore, owing to the
Jame two caufes.
* Witneſs the ſteady price of our produce, during the em-
bargo
The
( 215 )
i
1
The imports of the United States have almoſt
ceaſed to exhibit certain articles of naval and mi-
litary ſupply, and others of the greateſt utility
and conſumption, owing alſo to the ſame two
caufes.
The imports of the United States, conſiſt in
a ſmall degree of neceſſaries, in a great degree of
articles of comfortable accommodations, and in
fome degree of luxuries: but the exports conſiſt
chiefly of prime neceſſaries, with ſome articles of
mere comfort and utility, and ſome of luxury. The
following will be found to be the quantities of
ſome of the principal articles of exportacion from
the United States, during the year, ending in
September, 1792.
3,145,255 Buihels of grain & pulſe (principally
wheat, Indian corn, rye, beans, and
peas.)
44,752 Horſes, horned cattle, mules, hogs,
and ſheep.
1,469,723 Barrels of four, meal, biſcuit, and
rice, reducing caſks of various
ſizes, to the proportion of four
barrels.
146,909 Barrels of tar, pitch, turpentine and
rozin.
116,803 Barrels of beef, pork, mutton, fau-
fages, oyſters, tripe, &c. reducing
caſks of various ſizes, to the pro-
portion of beef and pork barrels.
231,776
PA
( 216 )
231,776 Barrels of dried and pickled fiſh,
reducing them to barrels of the
ſame ſize.
948,115 Gallons of ſpirits, diſtilled in the
United States.
7,823 Tons, 12 cwts, and 141b. of pot-alhes
and pearl-aſhes.
112,428 Hogſheads of tobacco,
60,646,861 Feet of boards, plank, and ſcantling.
19,391. Tons of timber.
18,374 Pieces of timber.
1,080 Cedar and oak ſhip knees.
71,693,863 Shingles.
31,760,702 Staves and hoops.
191 Frames of houſes,
73,318 Oars, rafters for oars, and hand-
ſpikes.
48,860 Shook or knock-down caſks.
52,381 Hogſheads of flax feed *.
The imports of the United States are now ge-
nerally brought directly (and not circuitoully)
from the countries which produced or manu-
factured them.-China, India proper, the iſles
of Bourbon and Mauritius, Good Hope, the
Southern ſettlements of America and the Weſt
The exports of the year of which the above are a part,
amounted to 21,000,000 of Dollars--but the exports of the
next following year (ending on the zoth September, 1793,)
amounted to 5,000,000 more, being 26,000,000 of Dollars.
Proviſions and raw materials have greatly increaſed. Of
flour alone there were thipped 1,013,000 of caſks.
Indies,
( 217 )
Indies, the Wine Iſands, the countries on the
Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, Great Britain and
Ireland, France, the Netherlands and Germany,
Spain and Portugal.
Leſs than half the ſhips and veſſels belonging
to the United States, are ſufficient to tranſport
all the commodities they conſume or im port.
Their citizens may be lawfully concerned in
any branch of foreign trade, whether carried
on from the United States, or from any other
country *.
Their commerce is diverſified and proſperous,
and conſiſts in importing for their own conſump-
tion, and for exportation, in the exporting, the
coaſting and inland trades, the Indian trade, ma-
nufactures, ſhipping, the fifheries, banking, and
inſurances on ſhips, cargoes, and houſes. There
is no branch of commerce foreign or domeſtic,
in which every diſtrict, city, port and indivi-
dual, is not equally entitled to be intereſted.
The lawful intereſt of money is fix per cent
per annum in moſt of the States : in a few it is
ſeven per cent: in one it is five per cent.
The commanders and other officers of Ame-
rican ſhips are deemed ſkilful and judicious
from which cauſe, combined with the goodneſs
of their ſhips and of their equipment, inſurances
upon their veſſels are generally made in Europe,
* Except the ſlave trade, March 1794.
upon
( 218 )
upon the moſt favourable terms, compared with
the correſponding riſques on board of the veſſels
of other nations.
We in EnglaThe ſeparate American ſtates have, (with one
ſmall exception) aboliſhed the Nave trade, and
in- they have in ſome inſtances aboliſhed negro
numbe Havery ; in others they have adopted efficacious
meaſures for its certain, but gradual abolition.
ke Sarri. The importation of Naves is diſcontinued, and
can never be renewed, ſo as to interrupt the re-
et kirpoſe of Africa, or endanger,the tranquillity of
the United States. The ſteady uſe of effica-
cious alternatives is preferred to the immediate
but an application of more ſtrong remedies, in a caſe
of ſo much momentary and intrinſic import-
ance,
Pue
The clothes, books, houſhold furniture, and
the tools or implements of their trade or profef-
fion, brought by emigrators to America, are ex-
empted from the import duty, and they may
begin their commerce, manufactures, trades or
agriculture on the day of their arrival upon the
ſame footing as a native citizen.
There is no greater nor other tax upon fo-
reigners or their property in the United States,
than
upon
native citizens,
All foreign juriſdiction in eccleſiaſtical mat-
ters is inconſiſtent with the laws and conſtitutions
of the United States..
Almoſt
1
th
( 219 )
Almoſt every'known Christian church exiſts in
the United States; as alſo the Hebrew church.
There has not been a diſpute between any two
fects or churches ſince the revolution. There
are no tythes. Marriage and burial fees, glebes,
land-rents, pew-rents, monies at intereſt and
voluntary contributions are the principal means
of ſupporting the clergy. Many of them are
allo profeſſors and teachers in the univerſities,
colleges, academies and ſchools, for which inte-
reſting ſtations, pious and learned miniſters of
religion are deemed peculiarly ſuitable. There
is no proviſion in the Epiſcopal, Preſbyterian
or Independent church for any clerical perſon
or character above a rector or miniſter of the
goſpel--and this is generally, if not univerſally
the caſe. There are ſome aſſiſtant miniſters, but
no curates or vicars.
The poor taxes in the United States are very
ſmall, owing to the facility, with which every
man and woman, and every child, who is old
enough to do the lighteſt work, can procure a
comfortable ſubſiſtance. The induſtrious poor,
if frugal and ſober, often place themſelves, in a
few years, above want.
Horſes and cattle, and other uſeful beaſts,
imported for breeding, are exempted by law
from the import duty.
Tuth
grievana). He purchakrat he tena
neitsigay it, the first when he made
puschare paying so much less thela
having her farm ad so much
Cefore
(220)
.
All the lands in the United States are free
from tythes.
The medium annual land rents of Europe are
greater per acre than the medium purchaſe is in
the United States, including in the eſtimate the
value of the old improved farms in America,
and the great maſs of unimproved lands.
The military regulations and articles of war in
the United States, are well calculated to main-
tain that ſtrict diſcipline and thorough ſubordi-
nation, which are indiſpenſible to the efficiency
of an army. All the officers of the land and ſea-
forces are, by the conſtitution appointed by the
Preſident, with the advice and conſent of the
Senate.
The productions and manufactures of military
ſupplies and articles, enable the United States
to derive from their own reſources, ſhips of war,
gun-powder, cannon and muſket-balls, ſhells and
bombs, cannon and carriages, rifles and cutlaſſes,
grapnals, iron, lead, cartouch-boxes, ſword-
belts, cartridge-paper, faddles, bridles and hol-
fters, foldiers' and failors' hats, buckles, ſhoes
and boots, leathern breeches, naval ſtores, ,
ſheathing paper, malt and ſpirituous liquors,
manufactured tobacco, ſoap, candles, lard, but-
ter, beef, pork, bacon, hans, peas, biſcuit, and
flour, and other articles for the land or marine
ſervice.
The
(221)
Wi
The education of youth has engaged a great
ſhare of the attention of the Legiſlature of the
States.
Night ſchools for young men and boys, who
are employed at labour or buſineſs in the day
time, have been long and beneficially ſupported,
and the idea of Sunday ſchools has been zealouſly
adopted in ſome places. Free ſchools for both
ſexes haye been increaſed. Greater attention,
than heretofore, is paid to female education.
The people of the United States are ingeni-
ous in the invention, and prompt, and accurate
in the execution of mechaniſm and workmanſhip,
for purpoſes in Science, Arts, Manufactures,
Navigation and Agriculture. Rittenhouſe's
planetarium, Franklin's electrical conductor,
Godfrey's quadrant improved by Hadley, Rum-
ſey's and Fitch's ſteam engines, Leſlie's rod pen-
dulum, and other horological inventions, the con-
ſtruction of ſhips, the New-England whale-
boat, the conſtruction of four-mills, the wire-
cutter and bender for card-makers, Folſom's and
Brigg's machinery for cutting nails out of rolled
iron, the Philadelphia dray with an inclined
plane, Maſon's engine for extinguiſhing fire, the
Connecticut ſteeple clock, which is wound up
by the wind, the Franklin fire-place, the Rit-
tenhouſe ſtove, Anderſon's threſhing machine,
Rittenhouſe's inftrument for taking levels, Don-
naldſon's
I
( 222 )
naldſon's Hippopotamos and balance lock, are a
few of the numerous examples.
It is probable, that all the jewels and dia-
monds worn by the citizens of the United States,
their wives and daughters are leſs in value than
thoſe which ſometimes form a part of the dreſs
of an individual in ſeveral countries of Europe.
All capital ſtock is kept in action. There is no
deſcription of men in America, and there are
very few individuals in the active time of life,
who live without ſome purſuit of buſineſs, pro-
feffion, occupation, or trade. All the citizens are
in active babits.
No country of the fame wealth, intelligence
and civilization, has ſo few menial ſervants (ſtrict-
ly ſpeaking) in the families of perſons of the
greateſt property.
Family ſervants and farming ſervants, who
emigrate from Europe, and who continue fo-
berly and induſtriouſly in family or farm fer-
vice, for one, two, or three years, very often find
opportunities to better their ſituations, by geiting
into ſome little comfortable line of dealing, or
trade, or manufacturing, or farming, according
to their education, knowledge and qualifications.
America has not many charms for the diffi-
pated and voluptuous part of mankind, but very
many indeed for the rational, ſober minded and
diſcreet. It is a country, which affords great
oppor-
( 223 )
opportunities of comfort and proſperity to peo
ple of good property, and thoſe of moderate
property, and to the induſtrious and honeſt poor :
A ſingular and pleaſing proof of which laſt aſſer-
tion is, that there are very few, if any day labourers,
in the city and liberties of Philadelphia, of the Qua-
ker church. That religious ſociety is very numer-
ous, but the fobriety, induſtry, and frugality
which they practice, enables their poor quickly
to improve their condition, in a country ſo fa-
vourable to the pooreſt members of the com-
munity.
That part of the tradefinen and manufacturers,
who live in the country, generally reſide on
ſmall lots and farms, of from one acre to twenty,
and not a few upon farms of twenty to one hun-
dred and fifty acres, which they cultivate at lei-
ſure times, wich their own hands, t'eir wives, chil..
dren, ſervants, and apprentices, and ſometimes by
hired labourers, or by letting out fields, for a
part of the produce, to ſome neighbour, who has
time or farm hands not fully employed. This
union of manufatures and farming is found to be
very convenient on the grain farms, but it is ſtill
more convenient on the grazing and graſs farms,
where parts of almoſt every day, and a great part
of every year can be ſpared from the buſineſs of
the farm, and employed in ſome mechanical,
handycraft, or manufacturing buſineſs. Theſe
perſons
(224)
perſons often make domeſtic and farming carri.
ages, implements and utenſils, build houſes and
barns, tan leather, manufacture hats, ſhoes, hofia
ery, cabinet-work, and other articles of clothing
and furniture, to the great convenience and ad-
vantage of the neighbourhood. In like manner
fome of the farmers, at leiſure times and
proper
ſeaſons, manufacture nails, pot aſh, pearl afh,
ſtaves and heading, hoops and hand ſpikes,
axe handles, maple ſugar, &c. The moſt judi-
cious planters in the ſouthern flates are induſtri-
ouſly inſtructing their negroes, particularly the
young, the old, the infirin, and the females in
manufactures--a wiſe and humane meaſure.
A large proportion of the moſt ſucceſsful ma-
nufacturers in the United States are perſons who
were journeymen, and in ſome inſtances fore-
men in the workſhops and manufacturies of Eu-
rope, who having been ſkilful, ſober and frugal,
and having thus ſaved a little money, have ſet
up
for themſelves with great advantage in Ame-
rica, Few have failed to ſucceed. There is
leaſt opening for thoſe, who have been uſed to
make very fine and coſtly articles of luxury and
fhew. There is not ſo much chance of ſucceſs
for the luxurious branches, unleſs they are capable
of being carried on in a conſiderable degree by ma-
chinery or water works; in which caſe they alſo
will thrive if the neceſſary capital be employed.
- There
( 225 )
There is already ſome conſumption of theſe
fine goods in America, and as free an exporta-
tion of them (without duty or exciſe) as from any
country in the world.
The views of the government of the United
States appear by its declarations, and by the
ſtrongeſt preſumptive proofs, to be the mainte-
nance of peace, liberty and ſafety. Intrigues at
foreign courts and ſecret or open interpoſitions
or intermeddling in the affairs of foreign coun-
tries, have not been imputed to the government
of this nation. They have not manifeſted any
inordinate ambition, by ſeeking conqueſt, alone or
in unity with any other nation, for they have not
attempted to eſtabliſh a navy* or to raiſe a great
or unneceſſary army.
The United States have been prudently and
unremittingly attentive to thoſe objects, which
enable a country to purſue to an happy and pro-
fitable iſſue unambitious, defenſive and neceſſary
wars. Amidſt an induſtrious cultivation of the
arts of peace, they have maintained and im-
proved the military organization of the whole maſs
of able bodied cilizens. They have reſtored their
public credit, as an indiſpenſible mean of war,
and they have ſucceſsfully encouraged all thoſe
!
* The preſent naval armament was manifeftly authorized to
reſtrain the pirates of Barbary, and the meaſures relative to the
additional regular troops, the felect militia, and fortifications
are manifeſtly grounded on juftiíiable caution and neceſſary de
fence. April 1794
arts
Q 2
( 226 )
arts, by which the inſtruments of naval and land
armaments may be expeditiouſly procured and
created. Their meaſure of retribution to their pub-
lic creditors, foreign and domeſtic, has been con-
ſidered, by ſome intelligent citizens, as even more
than juſtice required. From an equal love of juf-
tice, and from prudential conſiderations, they have
by a formal act of the people, ſanctioned a treaty
recognizing the claims of the ſubjects of a foreign
country, againſt whom an infraction and non ex-
ecution of the fame reaty was alledged. Refrain-
ing moſt ſcrupulouſly from intrigues and influ-
ence in the affairs of foreign nations, it cannot be
doubted, that they will be aware of correſponding
intrigues, and influence in their domeſtic affairs,
and that they will check the appearance of ſuch
attempts with diſpleaſure and effect.
in a Gouan
Or put yeans slanken, forta
191 endnet
من العمر
96
his country in war
Pas america har
me bomo unmer wiede wat op
m? - imablet The new Const
her appears that
instructed (the very reverse
INFORMASI
atve
ance) but time
exe
alacafy Direerint
State anetan vo nigh an
caure Kem ta seball saperne de
14
( 227 )
I N F O R M A TI ON
To thoſe who would remove to
A
M
E R R I c
A.
Written fome Time ſince by Dr. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
MANY
ANY perſons in Europe having, directly
or by letters, expreſſed to the writer of
this, who is well acquainted with North America,
their deſire of tranſporting and eſtabliſhing them-
felves in that country, but who appear to him to
have formed, through ignorance, miſtaken ideas
and expectations of what is to be obtained there;
he thinks it may be uſeful, and prevent incon-
venient, expenſive, and fruitleſs reinovals and
voyages of improper perſons, if he gives fome
clearer and truer notions of that part of the
world than appear to have hitherto prevailed.
He finds it is imagined by numbers, that the
inhabitants of North America are rich, capable
of rewarding, and diſpoſed to reward, all ſorts of
ingenuity; that they are at the faine time igno-
rant of all the ſciences; and, conſequently, that
ſtrangers, poffefling talents in the belles lettres,
fine arts, &c, muſt be highly eſteemed, and ſo
well paid as to become eaſily rich themſelves;
that there are alſo abundance of profitable offices
to be diſpoſed of, which the natives are not qua-
lified to fill; and that, having few perfons of fa-
mily arnong them, ſtrangers of birth muſt be
Q_2
greatly
( 228 )
greatly reſpected, and, of courſe, eaſily o'stain
the beſt of thoſe offices, which will make all their
fortunes; that the Governments too, to encou.
rage emigrations from Europe, not only pay the
expence of perſonal tranſportation, but give lands
gratis to ſtrangers, with negroes to work for
them, utenſils of huſbandry, and ſtocks of cat:le.
Theſe are all wild imagina ions; and thoſe who
go to America wish expectations founded upon
them, will ſurely find themſelves diſappointed.
The truth is, that, though there are in that
country few people ſo miſerable as the poor
of Europe, there are alſo very few that in
Europe would be called rich. It is rather a
general happy mediocrity that prevails. There
are few great proprietors of the ſoil, and rew
tenants; moſt people cultivate their own lands,
or follow fome handicraft or merchandiſe; very
few are rich enough to live idly upon their rents
or incomes, or to pay the high prices given in
Europe for paintings, ftatues, architecture, and
the other works of art that are more curious than
uſeful. Hence the natural geniuſes that have
ariſen in America, with ſuch talents, have uni-
formly quitted that country for Europe, where
they can be more ſuitably rewarded. It is true
that letters and mathematical knowledge are in
eſteem there, but they are, at the ſame time,
more common than is apprehended; there being
already exiſting nine colleges, or univerſities,
yiz. four in New-England, and one in each of
the
1
( 229 )
..
the provinces of New York, New-Jerſey, Penn-
fylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, all furniſhed
with learned profeſſors : beſides a number of
ſmaller academies. Theſe educate many of their
youth in the languages, and thoſe ſciences that
qualify men for the profeſſions of divinity, law,
and phyſic. Strangers, indeed, are by no means
excluded from exerciſing thoſe profeſſions; and
the quick increaſe of inhabitants every where
gives them a chance of employ, which they have
in common with the natives. Of civil offices or
employments, there are few; no fuperfluous
ones, as in Europe; and it is a rule eſtabliſhed
in ſome of the States, that no office ſhould be fo
profitable as to make it deſireable. The 36th
article of the Conſtitution of Pennſylvania runs
expreſsly in theſe words: “As every free
" man, to preſerve his independence, (if he has
“ not a ſufficient eſtate) ought to have ſome pros
“ feſfion, calling, trade, or farm, whereby he
may honeſtly ſubſiſt, there can be no neceffity
“ for, nor uſe in, ellabliſhing offices of profit;
“ the uſual effects of which are dependence and
« fervility, inbecoming freemen; in the poffeffors
« and expectants; faction, contention, corrup-
“cion and diſorder among the people. Where-
“ fore, whenever an office, through increaſe of
ce fees, or otherwiſe, becomes ſo profitable as to
occafion many to apply for it, the profits ought
" to be leffined by the legiſlature."
Theſe ideas prevailing more or leſs in all the
United
2.
Q3
( 230 )
1
United States, it cannot be worth any man's
while, who has a means of living at home, to ex-
patriate himſelf in hopes of obtaining a profita-
ble civil office in America; and as to military
offices, they are at an end with the war, the
armies being diſbanded. Much leſs is it adviſe-
able for a perſon to go thither who has no other
quality to recommend him than his birth. In
Europe it has, indeed, its value ; but it is a com-
modity that cannot be carried to a worſe market
than to that of America, where people do not en-
quire, concerning a ſtranger, What is be? but
What can be do? If he has any uſeful art he is
welcome; and if he exerciſes it, and behaves well,
he will be reſpected by all that know him: but
a mere man of quality, who on that account
wants to live upon the public, by ſome office or
falary, will be deſpiſed and diſregarded. The
huſbandman is in honour there, and even the
mechanic; becauſe their employments are uſe-
ful. The people have a ſaying, that God Al-
mighty is himſelf a mechanic, the greateſt in
the univerſe: and he is reſpected and admired
more for the variety, ingenuity and utility of
his handiworks, than for the antiquity of his
family. They are pleaſed with the obſervation
of a negro, and frequently mention it, that Bocor
carorra (meaning, the white man) make de
black man workee, make de horfe workee,
make de óx workee, make ebery ting workee ;
only de hog. He de hog, no workee; he eat,
( 231 )
ܕܽ
he drink, he walk about, he go to ſleep when he
pleaſe, he libb like a gentleman.
According to
theſe opinions of the Americans, one of them
would think himſelf more obliged to a genealo-
giſt who could prove for him that his anceſtors
and relations for ten generations had been
ploughmen, ſiniths, carpenters, turners, weavers,
tanners, or even ſhoemakers, and conſequently,
that they were uſeful members of ſociety; than
if he could only prove that they were gentlemen,
doing nothing of value, but living idly on the
labour of others, mere fruges conſumere nati*, and
otherwiſe good for nothing, till, by their death,
their eſtates, like the carcaſe of the negro's
gentleman-hog, come to be cup up.
With regard to encouragements from ſtrangers
from Goverment, they are really only what are
derived from good laws and liberty. Strangers
are welcome becauſe there is room enough for
them all, and, therefore, the old inhabitants are
not jealous of them; the laws protect them ſuf-
ficiently, ſo that they have no need of the pa-
tronage of great men; and every one will enjoy
ſecurely the profits of his induſtry. But, if he
does not bring a fortune with him, he muſt
work and be induſtrious to live. One or two
years reſidence gives him all the rights of a citi-
zen; but the Government does not at preſent,
whatever it may have done in former times, hire
* There are a number of us born
Merely to eat up the corn. WATTS.
people
i
i
1
Q4
( 232 )
people to become ſettlers, by paying their paf-
fages, giving land, negroes, utenſils, ſtock or any
other kind of emolument whatſoever. In ſhort,
America is the land of labour, and by no means
what the Engliſh call Lubberland, and the French,
Pays de Cocagne, where the ſtreets are ſaid to be
paved with half-peck loaves, the houſes tiled with
pancakes, and where the fowls fly about ready
roaſted, crying, come, eat me.
Who, then, are the kind of porſons to whom.
an emigration to America may be advantageous ?
And what are the advantages they may reaſon-
ably expect ?
Land being cheap in that country, from the
vaſt foreſts ſtill void of inhabitants, and not
likely to be occupied in an age to come, inſo-
much that the propriety of an hundred acres of
fertile foil full of wood may be obtained near
the frontiers, in many places, for eight or ten
guineas, hearty young labouring men, who un-
derſtand the huſbandry of corn and cattle (which
is nearly the ſame in that country as in Europe,)
may eaſily eſtabliſh themſelves there. A little
money, ſaved of the good wages they receive there
while they work for others, enables them to buy
the land and begin their plantation, in which they
are aſſiſted by the good will of their neighbours,
and ſome credit. Multitudes of poor people
from England, Ireland, Scotland and Germany,
have by this means in a few years become
wealthy
2
(233)
wealthy farmers, who, in their own countries,
where all the lands are fully occupied, and the
wages of labour low, could never have emerged
from the mean condition wherein they were
born.
From the ſalubrity of the air, the healthineſs
of the clinate, the plenty of good proviſions,
and the encouragement to early marriages by the
certainty of ſubſiſtence in cultivating the earth,
the increaſe of inhabitants by natural generation
is very rapid in America, and becomes ſtill more
ſo by the acceſſion of ſtrangers. Hence there is
a continual demand for more artiſans of all the
neceſſary and uſeful kinds, to ſupply thoſe culti-
vators of the earth with houſes, and with furni.
ture and utenſils of the groffer forts, which can-
not ſo well be brought from Europe. Tolerably
good workmen in any of thoſe mechanic arts,
are ſure to find employ, and to be well paid for
their work; there being no reſtraints preventing
ſtrangers from exerciſing any art they underſtand,
nor any permiſſion neceſſary. If they are poor,
they begin firſt as ſervants or journeymen; and
if they are ſober, induſtrious, and frugal, they
foon become maſters, eſtabliſh themſelves in bu.
ſineſs, marry, raiſe families, and become reſpect,
able citizens.
Alſo, perſons of moderate fortunes and capi-
tals, who, having a number of children to pro-
vide
( 234 )
.
vide for, are deſirous of bringing them up to
induſtry, and of ſecuring eſtates, for their poſteri-
ty, have opportunities of doing it in America,
which Europe does not afford. There they
may be taught and practiſe profitable mechanic
arts, without incurring diſgrace on that account;
but, on the contrary, acquiring reſpect by ſuch
abilities. There finall capitals laid out in lands,
which daily become more valuable by the in-
creaſe of people, afford a ſolid proſpect of am-
ple fortunes hereafter for thoſe children. The
writer of this has known ſeveral inſtances of
large tracts of land, bought, on what was then
the frontier of Pennſylvania for ten pounds per
hundred acres, which, after twenty years, when
the ſettlements had been extended far beyond
them, fold readily, without any improvement
made upon them, for three pounds per acre. The
acre in America is the ſame with the Engliſh acre,
or the acre of Normandy.
Thoſe who deſire to underſtand the ſtate of
Government in America, would do well to read
the Conſtitutions of the ſeveral States, and the
Articles of Confederation that bind the whole to-
gether for general purpoſes, under the direc-
tion of one aſſembly called the Congreſs.
Theſe Conſtitutions have been printed by order
of Congreſs in America; two editions of thein
have, alſo, been printed in London ; and a good
tranſlation
(235)
tranſlation of them into French has lately been
publiſhed at Paris.
Several of the princes of Europe, having of
late formed an opinion of advantage to ariſe by
producing all commodities and manufactures
within their own dominions, ſo as to diminiſh or
render uſeleſs their importations, have endea-
voured to entice workmen from other countries,
by high ſalaries, privileges, &c. Many perſons
pretending to be ſkilled in various great manu-
factures, imagining that America muſt be in
want of them, and that Congreſs would pro-
bably be diſpoſed to imitate the princes above-
mentioned, have propoſed to go over, on con-
dition of having their paſſages paid, lands given,
falaries appointed, excluſive privileges for terms
of years, &c. Such perſons, on reading the
Articles of Confederation, will find that the
Congreſs have no power committed to them, or
money put into their hands, for ſuch purpoſes; and
that, if any ſuch encouragement is given, it muſt
be by the government of ſome ſeparate State. This,
however, has rarely been done in America; and
when it has been done, it has rarely ſucceeded,
ſo as to eſtabliſh a manufacture, which the
country was not yet ſo ripe for as to encourage
private perſons to ſet it up; labour being generally
too dear there, and hands difficult to be kept to-
gether, every one deſiring to be a maſter, and
the cheapneſs of land inclining many to leave
trades
( 236 )
.
trades for agriculture. Some, indeed, have met
with ſucceſs, and are carried on to advantage;
but they are generally ſuch as require only a few
hands, or wherein great part of the work is per-
formed by machines. Goods that are bulky, and
of fo ſmall value as not well to bear the expence
of freight, may often be made cheaper in the
country than they can be iinported; and the
manufacture of ſuch goods will be profitable
wherever there is a ſufficient demand. The far-
mers in America produce, inderd, a deal of
wool and flax; and none is exported, it is all
worked up, bur it is in the way of domeſtic
manufacture for the uſe of the family. The
buying up quantities of wool and fax, with the
deſign to employ ſpinners, weavers, &c. and
. form great eſtabliſhments, producing quantities
of linen and wollen goods for fale, has been fe-
veral times attempted in different provinces; but
thoſe projects have generally failed, goods of
equal value being imported cheaper. And when
the Governments have been folicited to ſupport
fuch ſchemes by encouragements in money, or
by impoſing duties on importation of ſuch goods,
it has been generally refuſed, on this principle,
that, if the country is ripe for the manufacture,
it may be carried on by private perſons to ad-
vantage ; and if not, it is a folly to think of
forcing nature. Great eſtabliſhments of manu,
facture require great numbers of poor to do the
work
( 237 )
work for ſmall wages; theſe poor are to be
found in Europe, but will not be found in Ame-
rica till the lands are all taken up ani culivated,
and the exceſs of people who cannot get land,
want employinent. The manufacture of ſilk,
they ſay, is natural in Frunce, as that of cloth
in England, becauſe each country produces in
plenty the firſt material : but, if England will
have amanul cure of Glk as weil as that of cloth,
and France one of cloth as well as that of alk,
hefe unnatural operations muſt be ſupported by
mutual prohibitions, or high duries on the im-
porta ion of each other's goods; by which
means, the workmen are enabled to tax the
home cunſumer by greater prices, while
the higher wiyes th:y receive make them nei-
ther happier nor richer, ſince they only drink
more and work leſs. Therefore, the Govern-
ments in Ainerica do nothing to encourage ſuch*
projects. The people, by this means, are not
impof:d on either by the merchant or inechanic;
if the merchant demands tuo muc profit on
imported ſhoes, they buy of the boemaker;
and if he aſks too high a pric', they take them
of the merchant. Thus the two profeſſions are
checks on each other. The ſhoemaker, how-
ever, has, on the whole, a conſiderable profit
upon his labour in America, beyond what he
had in Europe; as he can add to his price a fum
nearly equal to all the expences of freight and
commiſſion,
1
(238)
1
1
commiſſion, riſque or inſurance, &c. neceſſarily
charged by the merchant. And the caſe is the
fame with the workmen in every other mechanic
art. Hence it is, that artiſans generally live
better and more eaſily in America than in Eu-
rope ; and ſuch as are good economiſts make a
comfortable proviſion for age and for their chil-
dren. Such may, therefore, remove with ad-
vantage to America.
In the old long-ſettled countries of Europe,
all arts, trades, profeſſions farms, &c. are ſo
full that it is difficult for a poor man, who has
children, to place them where they may gain, or
learn to gain, a decent livelihood. The artiſans,
who fear creating future rivals in buſineſs, re-
fufe to take apprentices but upon conditions of
money, maintenance, or the like, which the
parents are unable to comply with. Hence the
youth are dragged up in ignorance of every
gainful art, and obliged to become foldiers, fer-
vants, or thieves, for a ſubſiſtence. In America,
the rapid increaſe of inhabitants takes away that
fear of rivalſhip, and artiſans willingly receive
apprentices from the hope of profit by their la-
bour during the remainder of the time ſtipulated,
after they ſhall be inſtructed. Hence it is eaſy
for poor families to get their children inſtructed;
for the artiſans are ſo deſirous of apprentices
that many of them will even give money to the
parents to have boys from ten to fifteen years of
age
4
( 239 )
1
age bound apprentices to them till the age of
twenty-one; and many poor parents have, by
that means, on their arrival in the country,
raiſed money enough to buy land ſufficient to eſta-
bliſh themſelves, and to ſubſiſt the reſt of their
family by agriculture. Theſe contracts for
ap-
prentices are made before a magiſtrate, who
regulates the agreement according to reaſon and
juſtice; and, having in view the formation of a
future uſeful citizen, obliges the maſter to en-
gage by a written indenture, not only that, dur-
ing the time of ſervice ſtipulated, the apprentice
ſhall be duly provided with meat drink, apparel,
waſhing and lodging, and at its expiration with
a compleat ſuit of cloaths, but, alſo, that he
ſhall be taught to read, write, and caſt accompts ;
and that he ſhall be well inſtructed in the art and
profeſſion of his maſter, or ſome other, by.
which he may afterwards gain a livelihood, and
be able in his turn to raiſe a family. A copy of
this indenture is given to the apprentice or his
friends, and the magiſtrate keeps a record of it, to
which recourſe may be had, in caſe of failure by
the maſter in any point of performance. This
deſire among the maſters to have more hands .
employed in working for them, induces them
to pay the paſſages of young perſons, of both
ſexes, who on their arrival agree to ſerve them
one, two, three, or four years; thoſe, who have
already learned a trade, agreeing for a ſhorter
term,
5
I
(240)
term, in proportion to their ſkill, and the con-
ſequent immediate value of their ſervice; and
thoſe, who have none, agreeing for a longer
term, in conſideration of being taught an art
their poverty would not permit them to acquire
in their own country.
The almoſt general mediocrity of fortune that
prevails in America obliging its people to follow
fome buſineſs for ſubſiſtence, thoſe vices that
arife uſually from idleneſs are in a great meaſure
prevented. Induſtry and conſtant employment
are great preſervatives of the morals and virtue of
a nation. Hence bad examples to youth are more
rare in America; which muſt be a comfortable
conſideration to parents. To this may be truly
added, that ſerious religion, under its various
denominations, is not only tolerated, but re-
ſpected and practiſed. Atheiſm is unknown
there, infidelity rare and ſecret; fo that perſons
máy live to a great age in that country without
having their piety ſhocked by meeting with either
an atheiſt or an infidel. . And the Divine Being
ſeems to have manifeſted his approbation of the
mutual forbearance and kindneſs with which the
different ſects treat each other, by the remark-
able proſperity with which he has been pleaſed to
favour the whole country.
FINI S.
Errata occafioned by the Author's abſence from
the Preſs.
-1
towns.
Preface p. iv. l. 11, for terrify, read terrifying.
Page 6. line 15, inſtead of Such, &c. read If ſuch an opportunity pre.
ſentitſelf, I have, &c.
15. note, line 1, for This, r. This diſorder.
18, line 3, dele or 250.
line 10, after are, infert too often.
27, line 12, for certainly r. certainty, .
35, line 2, after corn, r. (maize).
49, line 4, after ſtate, add, as a noteAt preſent Philadelphia con-
tains about 70;boo, New York about 40,000, Lexington
1,500 inhabitants,
50, line 1, after country, add fituations of America.
13, inſtead of in the country, r. remote from the great
53, line 2, f. b. after could r. afford to.
76, line 2, for objections r. obligations.
79, line 3, after of, add, unproductive induſtry and
80, line 2, for my circumſtances for caſe to my children, r, the
eaſy eftabliſhment of a family hereafter,
8t, line 13, after eight, add, weeks.
89, The paragraph beginning N. B. ſhould have been inſerted as a
note.
95, At the end of the note, add T. C.
104, line 15, after indifferent, add from Philadelphia to Hamburg
they are very good
108, line 16, r. tons, from about one hundred and fifty miles above
Sunbury.
Joç, line 12, after it: add not high enough for inundation,
23, far will, r. was expected to be.
119, Add to the note, or thereabout.
320, line 22, for rock, r., rock.
325, line 10, f. b. for gourd-feed maize, r. gourd.feed-maize.
127, line 6, for Atake fence, r, faakcofence.
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