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BOOKSELLERS.

Catalogue of Booksellers in Pennsylvania, from the first settlement of the country to the commencement of the revolutionary war, in 1775.

[From Thomas' "History of Printing."]
PHILADELPHIA.

1692. William Bradford,-sold pamphlets and other small articles.

1718. Andrew Bradford,-"sign of the Bible, in Second-Street." He was also a printer and binder. 1718. John Copson,-bookseller, but dealt chiefly in other goods; he was concerned with Andrew Bradford in the first newspaper which was published in Pennsylvania.

1729. Benjamin Franklin,-"in Market Street." He likewise was a printer and binder.

1741. Alexander Annard,—“in Second-Street, near the Church"

1742. William Bradford, the younger-"in Second Street."

1742. John Barkley,—“at the sign of the Bible in Second-street; from Great Britain.

1742. James Reed,-"next door to the Post-Office, in Market-street."

1742. Joseph Goodwin,-"in Second-street, near Black-Horse alley." He, afterward, removed into Black horse alley. Goodwin was from England, and was a bookseller, binder and stationer. It appears that he

was a considerable dealer.

1743. Stephen Potts,--"at the Bible and Crown, in Front-street."

1743. J. Schuppey,-"at the sign of the Book in Strawberry-alley," he was a binder,and sold a few books. It is probable that he was a German.

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1743. Cornelia Bradford,-"in Second-street." 1748. David Hall,-in Market-street.' He was a printer, and the partner of Franklin; he dealt largely in books and stationary.

1755. Henry Sandy,-"Lætitia Court."

first began business in New York. He sometimes advertised books for sale in his own name; and, at other times as connected with Sparhawk.

1768. Roger Bowman,-merchant, sold books on consignment from Great Britain.

1769. Robert Aitken,-commenced bookselling in Front-street; he was from Scotland, to which country he returned in 1770; but, in 1771, came back to Philadelphia, and opened a book store and printing house "in Market street."

1770. Crukshank& Collins,-"in Third street," were Afa short time partners as printers and booksellers. terward,

James Crukshank,-opened his printing house and a book-store in Market-street.

1770. James Steuart,-"in Second-street, between Chesnut and Walnut streets," from Glasgow, shopkeeper, sold Scotch editions on commission.

1770. Semple & Buchanan,-in Front-street;"shopkeepers, from Scotland, sold Scotch editions on commission. Semple, afterward, sold books and British goods. Robert MacGill,-"Corner of Lætitia Court,"

1771.

binder and bookseller.

1771. John MacGibbons,--"in Front-street, between Arch and Race streets." Not largely in trade. He published Josephus' works in four volumes, octavo.

1771. Samuel Dellap,-"in Front street, between Market and Arch streets;" he kept a book and print shop.

1773. James Young,--"at his Book-Store, adjoining the London Coffee House."

1773. Thomas MacGee, jr.--"Second-street, nearly opposite Christ Church."

1773. George Reinhold,--"in Market-street," traded in Dutch books.

GERMANTOWN.

1735. Christopher Sower,--from Germany, printed and sold books in the German language.

1744. Christopher Sower, jr.--succeeded to the bu

1757. William Dunlap,-"in Market-street." Dun-siness of his father.

1754.

LANCASTER.

William Dunlap,--printer and bookseller.

lap was bred to printing, which business he followed,
but dealt somewhat extensively as a bookseller. About
1767 he removed to Virginia, and settled there as a He removed to Philadelphia in 1757.
minister of the church of England.

1758.

Black Harry,-"in Lætitia Court," was a binder and sold small books, &c.

1759. Andrew Steuart,-"Lætitia Court;" but removed in 1762, to "the Bible-in-Heart, in Second-street." He was a printer and dealer in pamphlets.

1760. James Rivington,-"in Second-street," by his agent who became his partner in the following year.

1767. Charles Johnson,-"in King-street."

PENNSYLVANIA CANAL.
IMPORTANT RESOLUTIONS.

At a meeting of the Board of Canal Commissioners, at Harrisburg, on the 3d day of October, 1829, the following resolutions were adopted:

Resolved, That the Board have the fullest confidence 1761. Rivington & Brown,—“in Second-street, "but in the wisdom, justice and liberality of the legislature, they some time after took another stand. They were and feel assured that ample provision will be made, at both from England. Rivington soon after opened book- the earliest possible moment, to meet the engagements stores in New York and Boston; and resided in N. York, of the state in the prosecution of the public works au1764. William Sellers,-"in Arch-street, between thorised by law, and now under contract, and in proSecond and Third streets;" he was a printer and book-gress of execution. It is therefore recommended to the seller, from England, and became the partner of David Hall.

1765. Samuel Taylor,-"Corner of Market and Water-streets."

acting commissioners and superintendents to prosecute the work upon their respective lines without remi-sion.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the respective acting commissioners and superintendents to continue until the meeting of the legislature, on the first Tues

1765. John Dunlap,-"in Market-street," succeeded to the printing and bookselling business of William Dun-day in December next, to make the usual monthly estilap.

1766. Robert Bell,-"at the Union Library, in Third street," in 1770. He was from Ireland; became a printer, and was celebrated as a book auctioneer.

1766. William Woodhouse,-"in Front street, near Chesnut street:" afterward, "in Second-street;" he was a binder and bookseller.

1768. John Sparhawk,-"at the London Book-store, in Market-street;" afterward, at "the Unicorn and Mortar, in Second-street." He published several books. 1768. John Anderton,-"at the London Book-store, in Second-street." He was from England; and, was a bin der, letter case and pocket book maker, and, as such,

mates and to give to each contractor or person entitled to receive payment, a certificate of the amount due such person; which certificates shall be signed by the acting commissioners or superintendents, and countersigned by the clerks, on the respective divisions, except on the French Creek feeder, where, there being no clerk, the principal engineer shall countersign the certificates.

Resolved, That the respective acting commissioners and superintendents are hereby directed to make a return monthly to the auditor general, of the names of the persons to whom such certificates may be issued, with the amount and date of each.

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Whereas there is good reason to believe that monied institutions or individuals, friendly to the internal improvement of the state, will loan sufficient funds to the Commonwealth to carry on the works on the Delaware division, Columbia rail-road, Juniata division, Susquehanna division, North Branch division, and French Creek feeder, if an assurance be given that the funds so loaned will be expended on those lines: and

Whereas the good of the Commonwealth and a regard for public opinion require that under existing circumstances, where money can be obtained to carry on any part of the public works projected by the legislature and desired by the people, it ought not to be refused:

Therefore,

Resolved, That if ninety thousand dollars can be obtained on loan at five per cent. to be expended on the Delaware division, 45,000 dollars on the Philadelphia and Cumberland rail-road, 25,000 dollars for the Juniata division below Lewistown, 20,000 dollars for the Susquehanna division below Northumberland, 10,000 dollars for the North Branch division, and 6,000 dollars for the French Creek feeder, the proper authorities be requested to negotiate a loan for the aforesaid sums, or any of them, to be specially expended upon the divisions as above specified.

DICKINSON COLLEGE.

The annual Commencement of Dickinson College took place in the Presbyterian church, in Carlisle, on Wednesday, the 23d of September, in presence of a large and brilliant assemblage of citizens and strangers. After the delivery of the following addresses by some of the members of the graduating class, viz:

Latin Salutatory, by Robert M'Lelland;
English do. by Philip N. Meade;

An Oration on the emancipation of the Catholics of Ireland, by Edward J. Lowry;

An Oration on the probable effects of the Colony at Liberia, by Samuel M'Cullough;

An Oration on the religious susceptibility of man, by Thomas A. Carothers;

An Oration on the perception of moral beauty, by Thomas Forster;

An Oration on the moral effects of the fine arts, by Isaac Van Bibber;

An Oration on the American character, by James H. Brady;

A poem on the signs of the times, by James F. Latta; the degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on the following 32 young gentlemen, viz:--Robert M‘Lelland, John C. Spayd, Edward J. Lowry, Thomas A. Carothers, Thomas Forster, John C. M'Kinney, James H. Brady, James F. Latta, David Agnew, John R. Agnew, Joseph M. Briggs, Andrew B. Buchanan, Thomas K. Bull, James K. Davison, Lewis W. Foulke, Charles F. Himes, William I. Holmes, Edward C. Humes, Cyrus H. Jacobs, William C. M'Pherson, Heister H. Muhlenburg, Benjamin M. Nyce, John B. Patterson, James A. Slaymaker, of Pa.; Philip N. Meade, William F. Nelson, of Va.; Samuel M'Cullough, Isaac Van Bibber, William SDavis, John A. Inglis, James C. Palmer, of Md.; Robert Birch, of N. Y.

The Valedictory was then delivered by William F. Nelson, and an appropriate address was made to the class by the principal, Dr. Neill. The Honorary degree of Master of Arts was conferred on the Rev. Alexander M'Farlane, of N. J. on the Rev. R. W. Cushman, of the Baptist Church of Philadelphia. The Alumnus degree of Master of Arts was conferred on the following alumni of College: George W. Buchanan, Henry L. Baugher, Lewis Eichelberger, William W. Gerhard, William N. Johnston, Adam Gilchrist, Robert J Poulson.

At the close of the exercises, the president of the Board of Trustees announced that the board had elected the Rev. Philip Lindsley, President of the University of Tennessee, and formerly Professor in Princeton College, as principal of Dickinson College; and that

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239

no interruption in the exercises of the College would take place. The large number of the class, and the great merit of their performance, combined, with other circumstances, to give the occasion unusual interest. The next session of the College will commence on Wednesday the 28th of Oct. inst.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Erratum.-Owing to an accident after the proof sheets had passed the inspection of the Editor, a paragraph of four lines, in the last number, were placed at the bottom of the 1st column of page 214, which ought to have been at the top of the same page--our readers are desired to correct it.

ED. REG.

There was a sharp frost in this city and vicinity on Saturday night. On the 14th there was frost at Athens, Georgia. Phil. paper, Sept. 29.

DOYLESTOWN, Bucks Co. Sept. 21. Large Potatoe.-We are informed that Mr. Jacob Edwards, of Northampton township, took from his patch, a few days ago, a potatoe which weighed two pounds and two ounces. We do not recollect of ever hearing of one so large before. Our potatoe crops are generally greater and the potatoes of a better quality this season, than for several preceding years.-Intelligencer.

A Squash was raised in the garden of Mr. John Weldy, Jr. at Reading, Pa. measuring 2 feet 74 inches in length, and 2 feet 3 inches in circumference, and weighing 34 pounds. One quarter of a bushel of seed was taken from it.

Sheep.-A gentleman who resides in the neighbourhood of this city, has sold, during the present season, a flock of one hundred and eighty full blooded merino sheep, for the sum of 250 dollars. In the flock were 100 ewes, and 50 lambs.

The same gentleman in 1817, received five dollars a head for a flock of sheep, 90 in number, which were no way superior to those he has sold this year at the rate of $1 38 cents a head.-Phil. Gaz.

BELLEFONTE, Sept. 22.

The healthiness of our town is somewhat remarkable. Since last March, there has not been a solitary death, with the exception of two Blacks, one in consequence of intemperance, and the other of a fever contracted in Lewistown. We do not believe that there is a town in the state, with any thing like the same population, can boast of less mortality. We have a pure and healthy atmosphere, and it is seldom, indeed, that epidemics, or endemics, of any kind prevail. In many other parts of the state, at this time, and for some time past, there has been a great deal of sickness, and in some parts, a frightful mortality. We cannot be too thankful that our town is an exception to all other towns, with regard to its general health.-Patriot.

The postage bill for the House of Representatives of this state, for the last session, amounting to $4,588 00; and taking one third that amount for the Senate, we have an aggregate of $6,117. Har. Iut.

DIED, on the 20th August last, at the house of Peter Lukens, in Mooreland township, Montgomery Co. after a few days illness, Mrs. Abigael Barnes, relict of Robert Barnes, in the 100dth year of her age. Her faculties were but little impaired. She walked about the house, and out of doors quite sprightly, but a few days before her death; could see to read, thread her needle, & sew without spectacles. She was remarkable for her cheerful temper and contented mind, which no doubt was one cause of her protracted life.

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Mount Carbon Rail Road.-On Wednesday last, W. A few days ago, while levelling one of the streets of R. Hopkins, Esq. an able and experienced Engineer, Allegheny, the skeletons of four human beings were disarrived at this place, tu take charge of the construction covered near the outlet of the canal. The bones were of the above road. He is now actively engaged in level- perfectly sound. One of the four had been buried in a ing and fixing upon the route. We understand the road wooden coffin secured with iron nails, and had probably will be graded this fall, and the rails laid early in the been a white man. The other three, from the ornaSpring.

ments discovered about them were no doubt Indians.West Branch Rail Road.---Last week the ground was one of them appeared to have been a very large man; broken to commence this improvement, and upwards a gentleman, who measured a thigh bone, thinks not of one hundred and fifty men are now engaged in gra- less than seven feet high. Pittsburgh Gaz. ding the ground preparatory to laying the road. It will consist of two tracks-laid in a very substantial manner. Auction Duties. The following is the amounts of du.

The road commences at Schuylkill Haven, and exoties paid the last quarter by the undernamed auctioneers: tends up to the confluence of the West and West West R. F. Allen,

7310 46 branches of the Schuylkill—from whence branches will Jennings,

6678 16 follow the direction of the two streams to the foot of the

Gillingham;

5454 12 Broad Mountain; making a distance, altogether, of a- Ford,

4300 07 bout 17 miles. It is supposed that the whole route will Graham,

2284 14 be completed by the middle of next season.

Lippincott,

1695 44 At Schuylkill Haven, a beautiful town has been laid Richards,

880 out by Mr. Daniel J Rboads and others, who offer lots Thomas;

447 for sale on very accomodating terms.

Freeman,

297 17 The distance of the different rail roads completed,

PORT OF PHILADELPHIA. commenced, and contemplated, in this region, is as fol

Inward for September 1829. lows:Schuylkill Valley Rail Road,

10 miles Mount Carbon do.

8 Mill Creek do.

4

Where from. West Branch do.

17 Little Schuylkill do.

22
Holland,

263 Making an aggregate distance of

61 miles England,

4
2

2474 The estimate is independent of the numerous lateral British West Indies,

146 roads that will branch off from the main tracks through. British American Colonies,

8 1453 out almost every portion of the coal country,

Danish West Indies,

253 If we can send to market this season 65,000 tons of French Ports on Atlantic,

345 coal, with our present crippled mode of conveyance to South America,

1247 the landings, what quantity may the consumers expect Cuba,

438 from us next year, when the greater part of the above Hayti,

246 mighty engines will be put in force?- Miner's Journal. Brazils,

1

666 Malaga,

1

145 The Canal.--Yesterdy we understand the water was Madeira,

1

165 let into the Canal at the dam at North's Island, and a Gibraltar,

84 bout the middle of the day a boat with a number of pas- Africa,

1

227 sengers arrived and was hailed by the applause and

Total,

1611 25|121 8152 shouts of a large concourse of citizens, who had assembled there to witness the novel scene. The boat passed

Coastwise Inward, 92 vessels, 7626 tons. on the acqueduct, where, we are informed, the water

Outward for September, 1829.
was let out into the river, after a full test that this sec.
tion of the canal will answer every expectation, when
completely finished.-Perry Forrester, Oct. 1.

Where to.
Juniata Rolling Mill and Nail Factory.
This very extensive and well arranged establishment is
situated on the north side of the Allegheny river, and

Hanse Towns,

1 on the east side of the Pennsylvania Canal. The pro

190 prietors are Messrs. James Anderson, Sylvanus Lothrop, Danish West Indies,

England,

482

3 and Henry Blake. The works are propelled by an ad

426 Swedish West Indies,

2

369 mirable steam Engine of 110 borse power. When in full operation, the proprietors calculate to employ sixty Dutch East Indies,

Dutch West Indies,

1

122 1

290 hands. They expect to roll fifteen hundred tons of blooms into bar iron, boiler iron, sheet iron, &c. and British American Colonies,

South America,

1 | 2 692

373 to make four hundred tons of nails annually. To drive

Cuba,

2 2 480 the engine will require about 450 to 500 buhshels of coal daily, which will cost them three cents and a half per

Total,

3 10 8

3424 bushel at the works.

We were on Monday last, highly gratified in witness- Costwise, outward, 75 vessels, 8249 tons, ing the first operation of this establishment in rolling a

Aurora & Pa. Gaz. bar of iron from the bloom.----Pittsburg. The Rev. Mr. Hoover was on Monday afternoon unan.

Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F. imously elected Pastor of the First Presbyterian church GEDDES, No. 59 Lucust Street. Philadelphia; where, and at of Southwark, in German near Third street.

the PUBLICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, secand door back of the Post Office, (back room) subseriptions will be

thankfully received. Price FIVE DOLLARS per annum, payable Pennsylvania Hospital, Oct. 1st. 1829. annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where Rain fallen during September 2. 01 inches.

there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance.

THE

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.

VOL. IV.-NO. 16.

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 17, 1829.

BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF

THE HON. EDWARD SHIPPEN, ESQ.

Former Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of Pennsylv'a.

[From the Port Folio.]

NO. 94.

kind at large the history of infancy is rarely either instructive or interesting, because the character of the man is seldom developed in that of the child. About the usual age we find him at the grammar-school, always conspicuous among his fellows for his attention to When, in obedience to an irreversible decree of na- his studies, his respectful deference and submission to ture, a character of worth and eminence descends to his preceptors, the engaging politeness and affability of the grave, the duties which devolve on his surviving his manners, and the propriety and decorum of his geassociates are numerous and important. Of these du-neral deportment. With these invaluable attributes and ties, that is not the least sacred and pressing, which qualities, thus early acquired, he could not fail of being calls for a suitable tribute to the memory of the deceas- regarded as a youth of ample promise. Nor was it his ed, with a view to the perpetuation of his virtues and fortune, either now, or at any future period of his life, attainments, as honourable to himself and exemplary to to fall short of the most flattering anticipations of his others. For, to award the meed of a fair and well- history, that the scholar, the gentleman, and the man earned posthumous fame, while it is nothing but an act of business, refinement, and taste, were most happily of justice to the dead, operates on the living as one of blended in the constitution of his character. the strongest incentives to virtue and excellence. It His elementary attainments being finished with reputaurges on to achievements of usefulness and of honour, from a conviction in the mind of the actor, that such tion to himself and satisfaction to his friends, he comachievements will be publicly passed to his credit, when menced the study of the law, under the direction of he shall be slumbering in the silence of the tomb, Im-Tench Francis, Esq. then attorney-general of the propressed by sentiments and actuated by considerations vince of Pennsylvania. Having spent about two years such as these, the writer of the present article has at-in this situation, where the excellence of his opportunitempted to sketch a biographical memoir of the Ho- ties of improvement was equalled only by the assiduity nourable Edward Shippen, Esq. late Chief Justice of of his own attention, he, in the year 1748, repaired to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For, though not London, with a view to the completion of his legal edamong the intimate friends and associates of the vener-ucation in the Temple. Being a real American by atable deceased, he has long been an admirer of his con-tachment, no less than by birth, he felt now that the reputation of his native country was, to a certain extent, This consideration, awakenidentified with his own. ing in his bosom the sentiments of a dignified and laudable pride, operated on him as an additional incentive to the acquisition of whatever was honorable, useful, or refined. He, accordingly, availed himself of every opportunity for the cultivation of his mind, his manners, and his taste. Nor did his efforts, as to those various attainments, prove abortive. For, in a short time, he ranked with the most accomplished of his fellow students and associates, as well in matters of exterior elegance, as in those of greater solidity and weight.

duct and character.

The subject of this memoir, like most of the distinguished personages of our country, was of British ancestry. He was born in the city of Philadelphia, on the sixteenth of February, 1729, the country being then in

an infantile and colonial state.

His grandfather, William Shippen, had been a gentleman of fortune and family in the county of York About the year 1675, his father, Edward Shippen, whose name he bore, emigrated to America, and settled first in Boston, in the (then) province of Massachusetts. Nor was it till about the year 1700 that he removed thence, led by the brightening prosperity and growing Having passed in London two years of industry and importance of Pennsylvania, to become an inhabitant of enterprise, in pursuit of the knowledge of letters and of the city of Philadelphia. Of the general character of law, he was admitted a barrister of the middle temple. that gentleman, and of the sphere of respectability in On his return to l'hiladelphia, which took place shortly which he was destined to move, we may form no inaccu-afterwards, he entered on the practice of his profession rate estimate, from the various places of honour, trust, with the same application and zeal, that had manifested and emolument, which it was shortly afterwards his for- themselves in all his other pursuits. Here, as on former tune to fill. Among these places may be mentioned in occasions, he was embosomed in circumstances peculiparticular, his successive appointments as a member of arly auspicious. The superior standing of his family and the proprietary and governor's council, a commissioner connexions gave him weight in society, and the well of the board of property, a judge of the provincial or known excellence of his elementary and legal education, general court, and the first mayor of the city of Phila- together with the elegance of his address and the popdelphia, in all of which he acquitted himself with fidel-ularity of his manners, conferred on him an equal degree ity and reputation.

of personal distinction."

A descent from a parentage so highly respectable, With these advantages operating in favour of his perhad, no doubt, a material and very auspicious influence severing industry and attention, his professional progon the generous and aspiring mind of a favourite son.— ress could be neither slow nor doubtful. His prospects For to such a mind nothing can be an object of more of speedy elevation were, perhaps, superior to any othdarling ambition, than to maintain unsullied and undi-er young gentleman of his standing at the bar. minished, and even to swell by fresh acquisitions, the fair inheritance of ancestral fame.

We ac

cordingly find, that, in a short time, business and reputation seemed to vie with each other in their struggle Of the events of the early life of Edward Shippen, to approach him. We mean that adamantine reputation the worthy and distinguished subject of the present me- which results from a correct and extensive knowledge, moir, we know but little. Nor is this an object in any united to integrity of principle and solidity of judgment, measure calculated to call forth our regret. To man-not that brilliancy of fame, which nothing but the high.

VOL. IV.

31

est order of genius, breaking forth in an overwhelming eloquence, can bestow. For, though a perspicuous, pleasing, and even impressive speaker, he had no pretension to the character of a finished orator.

attributes of his character shone with the brightest and most amiable lustre. Possessed of Spartan uprightness and integrity, no species of hishonor ever dared to approach him. Throughout the whole course of a life protracted far beyond the usual span, his personal reputa tion was unsullied with a stain. Yet were these sterner qualities, the natural safe guards of honor and virtue, blinded in exquisite and delightful harmony, with all the benevolent and social affections.

Mr. Shippen had been but a very short time engaged in the practice of law, when he received the most flattering testimony of the confidence reposed in his talents and integrity by the British cabinet. He had not yet completed his twenty-fourth year, when he was appointed Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Pennsyl vania, and Judge of the Court of Vice Admiralty for the same province. Besides several other places of honor, trust and emolument, which were conferred on him, he was appointed a member of the proprietary and governor's council, a body of men not fortuituously drawn together from the mass of population, but select-polite literature and a spritely playfulness of fancy and ed with care from among the most respectable characters of the province. These several offices, some of which he held during the term of nearly thirty years, he filled with ability and reputation at the commencement of the revolutionary war.

As a friend and companion, Mr. Shippen had but few equals. His heart was open, manly and sincere, alike free from the meanness of dissimulation and the canker of distrust. A cheerfulness of disposition, which nature seemed to have tempered in one of her happiest moments, a mind enriched with the beauties of of wit, gave to his conversation peculiar charms. His presence was capable of taking from the social circle and the festive board their wonted sensibility to the movement of time.

But other occurrences in the character of Mr. Shippen of a tender and more endearing character, are yet to be mentioned. Nor, though altogether of a domestic nature, is an apology deemed necessary to the mind of sensibility, for introducing them into the present memoir. Early in life it was his good fortune to contract an affection for, and afterwards to marry, a daughter of Tench Francis, Esq. his preceptor in law, one of the most amiable and accomplished young ladies of the province. By this marriage he became at once the father and the idol of one of the worthiest and most promising of families-a family possessing every thing calculated to conciliate his affections, rivet his esteem, and even to awaken his paternal pride. But as several members of that family are still living, an ornament to society in this and a neighbouring city, a dread of doing violence to the delicacy of cultivated minds, restrains us from pay

On the first occurrence of that gigantic struggle, which shook to its basis the whole fabric of civil society, all offices in the American colonies, issuing from the crown of Great Britian, were temporarily suspended, and, on the declaration of independence, they were immediately abolished. This measure, bold in itself, and worthy of a people daring to be free, swept from Mr. Shippen a very liberal income. For, with the abolition of the offices which he had hitherto held, the emoluments appertaining to them neccessarily ceased. But his mind was of too firm a texture to be shattered by misfortune, and his spirit too buoyant to ebb into despair. Instead of taking an active part in the contest for freedom, he gave a preference to the walks of private life. Accordingly, while others were engaged in the deliberations of the senate, the arrangement of the cabinet, or the turmoils and dangers of the embattleding the tribute that is due. field, he found content and pleasure in the bosom of retirement, and sufficient employment in the practice of his profession.

Soon after the close of the war of independence, when the wheels of civil society began to move afresh, he was appointed to preside in the Court of Quarter Sessions in the city and county of Philadelphia. He was also, about the same time, appointed president of the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia county. So faithful and with such ability did he discharge the du ties attached to these several stations, that in the year 1791 he received the appointment of Judge,and, in 1799, that of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. But his descent into the vale of years was already deep, for he had now numbered upwards of three score and ten. Placed in circumstances abundantly affluent, and feeling that the otium vesperis vitæ was imperiously called for by his weary and declining faculties, he resigned the office of Chief Justice about the close of the year 1805, a few months previously to his death.

In his character as a Judge, the venerable subject of this memoir never forgot that justice should be tempered with clemency. When seated on the bench, he was patient in his attention, in his perceptions clear and discriminating, in his decisions upright and impartial, and in the delivery of his opinions and charges, concise, perspicuous, and not inelegant. In his official intercourse with the gentlemen of the bar, he maintained a firmness of character and dignity of deportment, mingled with such politeness and suavity of manners, as never failed to command their respect, and to conciliate, in the highest degree, their affections and esteem. If the cause of justice or humanity ever suffered in his presence, his heart and his will were strangers to the transaction.Even the delinquent who received from the Judge the chastisement of the law, was forced to acknowledge in the dispensation, the mildness of the MAN.

But it was in his private capacity that the virtues and

In the bosom of that family, on the 16th of April 1806,
sunk suddenly but gently into the embrace of death,
their venerable father, at the patriarchal age of seventy-
seven years and two months.
C.

CANAL COMMISSIONERS' SECOND REPORT,
Office of the Canal Commissioners,
December 23d, 1826.

SIR-Herewith, I have the honor to forward to your excellency, a report of the canal commissioners of Pennsylvania, made in obedience to the eighth section of the of 11th April, 1825.

With great respect, your most obedient servant,
WM. DARLINGTON,
President of the board of canal commis-
sioners of Pennsylvania.

To his Excellency John Andrew Shulze,
Governor of Pennsylvania.

The canal commissioners of Pennsylvania in obedience to the act of 11th April, 1825, respectfully submit the following report:

The duties of the board are naturally arranged under two distinct heads, namely-the survey and examination of canal routes, as prescribed by the act of 11th April, 1825; and the location and construction of canals, under the act of the last session of the legislature, for the commencement of "the Pennsylvania canal."

It will be remembered, that the operations of the board under the first named law during the session of 1825, were intended only to determine the practicability of a water communication between the Susquehanna and Ohio.The result of these enquiries was communicated to the legislature; but from causes then stated, and beyond the controul of the commissioners, they were necessarily imperfect. To supply such deficiencies, and, as far as possible. to examine the other routes, pointed out by law, have been the objects of the board, in its surveys of the last season. The surveys are as follows:

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