How Do I
Mrs. Royall's Pennsylvania
or Travels Continued in the United States
Mrs. Royall's Pennsylvania or Travels Continued in the United States by Mrs. Anne Royall. Volume II. Washington : Printed for the Author, 1829. "Journey to Pittsburg," pages 37-135.
Geography of the City
Topography
Police
Western University
Miss Parry
Misses Roberts and Campbell
The Sisters of Charity
High School
Museum
Physicians
The Mayor
Merchants
Editors
Ladies
Manufactures
Journey to Pittsburg.
The day was fine, and the country beautiful; and my pleasure may easily be imagined.After gaining the west side of the mountains the land is broken off into rounding swells of exquisite beauty, with a deep soil, covered with sugar-tree, walnut, beech, hickory, and locust--the tops of the trees in the hollows being even with the summit of the hills. The winding streams--the neat bridges, intermingled with factories and fertile meadows--the sportive colt--the massy barns, enlivened the prospect the whole way.* On the top of every hill we have a grand prospect of the country for many miles, all uniformly rich, and the sugar-tree growing upon the summit of the hills as thick as hemp-stocks. It is impossible to describe the stateliness and exquisite symetry [sic] of these trees--so tall, so straight and slender; and yet the inhabitants, from never having seen any other, do not seem to appreciate the beauty and wealth of their country.
Every now and then the rolling volumes of smoke proclaimed a dwelling at hand. Here we have brick instead of stone houses--very few stone houses appear west of the mountains--also, white headed children and handsome young women. These always come to the door to peep at the passengers. But, to their great disappointment, there was but one rather shabby beau in the coach, and advanced in years, and, very probably a married man.
The woollen frocks, red and blue stripes, seems to be the national dress of the females from Bedford to Pittsburg. But the flush of the cheek, bright and lively eye, the glossy hair, fair complexion, and steady, innocent countenance threw the costume far in the shade.
We had not proceeded more than half a dozen miles from Greensburg when
a poor old man met us in the road, and taking his old hat from his head,
held it out for charity, without speaking a word. The cruel driver was
passing him rapidly, when I called to him to stop,
* You scarcely go a mile in Pennsylvania but you see a Preacher as signboards are called. They point out the road, but never travel it.
and had to speak very sharp to him before I could prevail. I threw a trifle into the hat, and my fellow-traveller, much to his honor, did the same, though his purse, like my own, was light. The beggar was the most pitiable looking object I ever saw, doubtless the victim of drink. He looked as if he had been half roasted, and tottered as he walked along, his limbs being scarce able to carry him. He muttered something upon receiving the bounty, and would no doubt spend it at the first tavern he came to, though he had more need of meat than drink.
At the last stage on this side of Pittsburg, where we changed drivers, horses and coaches, another of the line of robbers lives. I forgot my gloves in the coach, which were a present from Miss Keime, of Reading; and, upon getting into the fresh coach, I left them on the seat of the other stage-coach, but the landlord denied they were there! I was much hurt to part with the gloves, for the sake of the donor. They would have proved a great friend eventually, had the robber not stripped me of them--the last thing that was left me. Not contented with this act of cruelty, the ruffian had the insolence to walk some distance to the stage I was sitting in, and bringing an old book in his hand, opened the door of the carriage and said, "Here is a book some gentlemen left here, is it your's [sic]?" He seemed well acquainted with the gentlemen, as he called them, and was no doubt in the secret of the robbery. Thus, a regular line of robbers, as well as stages, is formed from the top of the Allegheny to Pittsburg; and this line I see has recently been advertised as one of the best in the Union. It must have mended its manners greatly since I travelled in it.
Towards evening we came in sight of the Monongahela, on our left: the
appearance added to the multiform picture which now presented itself to the
astonished eye! It is in vain to attempt a description of the stranger's
feelings upon a first view of the scenery. Fields encircled by hills, and
hills encircled by fields; the multitude of teams laden with iron for the
Pittsburg forges; the vast black coal-wagons; the jolly drivers and
work-hands,
We soon however, lose sight of Monongahela, and the Allegheny meets your eye to the right, and the throng and bustle continue to increase till we arrived in the city.
It grew dark some time before we reached the suburbs, which from the volumes of smoke, fires, and thundering of steam-factories, I took for the city itself; we pass through this uproar of machinery upwards of two miles before we reach Pittsburg. The blood-tinged blaze, intermingled with volumes of smoke, rushing onwards and upwards, crossways and oblique; it was equal to an exhibition of fire-works.
The Arsenal of the United States, lies about two miles above Pittsburg on the Alleghany [sic] river, here the man who travelled with me got out of the stage and proceeded to the arsenal where he it appears was engaged as a gunsmith. The woman who lived in Ohio, went on to Pittsburg, where I arrived the 4th of December, 1828, having lost every thing but the clothes on my back and the reticule in my bosom, where I placed it for safety. From the time I left Philadelphia, 14th October, one month and 20 days, I had travelled ----- miles. The only time reckoned as lost was one day perhaps at Greensburg where I spent three days. The public will therefore see by my travels how this time was filled up. I ought to have mentioned that my friend Col. Rhorer came to Pittsburg the same day as commandant of a guard, who conveyed a prisoner from Greensburg to the State prison in Pittsburg. They did not however permit me the honor of travelling in company. The Col. called on me however sundry times while he remained in the city, and I parted with him finally with great regret.
It may be supposed I felt a little anxiety upon drawing near the stage house, (the worst house, but one I ever set foot in;) I longed to hear, but was afraid to ask, about the baggage which I faintly hoped must be in Pittsburg; but as this is a great town, to say nothing of the great
tavern and great stage line--I must be more circumspect. Everyone knows that at taverns or stage-offices, (which are mostly the same thing,) there is a small share of attention of some sort or another paid to the arrivals and departure of the stages. Either the landlord himself, his barkeeper, his farther [sic], his son, his ostler, his cook, or his shoe-black, and I have once in my life seen a chambermaid come to the door after dark with a candle in her hand to aid people--woman, an aged woman particulary [sic], in dismounting from the stage, but no one appeared with a light at this place. I requested the driver to go and tell the landlord to come and help me out, he being one of the corps aforesaid, said it was none of his business, and made himself easy; meantime, an old shabby man so drunk that he could scarcely stand brought the steps, (which are kept at stage houses for this purpose,) and placing them against the coach called to us to descend; not having recovered from my lameness, and without a light was by no means willing to trust myself with Tom Toper, and told him to go and request the landlord or bar-keeper to come and bring a candle--not even a lamp at the door! He staggered into the house, and after staying some time, he returned. I asked him "If any one was coming with a candle," "O do you want a candle?" said he. To be brief, he appeared to be a stranger, and did not know the bar-keeper from Adam. His highness the driver, who had amused himself in exchanging salutations with his brother ruffians, began to be impatient, and we had to risk our neck at last by dismounting as well as we could. The old drunkard was the politest man I found at last, and offered me his hand. "Get away you old drunkard," said I, "do you think I would let you touch me." "Not so drunk as you think," he replied with much spirit. The lady and myself, rendered each other all the assistance we could, and descended safe, and bid adieu to the line for ever I hope. As we stept in at the door we were met by a finished-up, shrivel faced, grey headed animal, more like a babboon [sic] than a man, he had a candle in his hand and thought he came to conduct us in--not he, he only came to receive the way-bill, to ascertain how muchmoney was due for our fare. This was the stage-agent who kept his office in the house. But as for the landlord or barkeeper, saw none. Some of the people who put up at the place, had the politeness to show us into a small dirty over-heated parlor, where Tom, Dick, and Harry, were enjoying themselves at their ease, about two thirds drunk; a servant coming in, I request supper, and to be shewn into a private parlor, it being customary at all taverns that ever I was in before to keep a separate parlor for females; the servant replied only by a grin. Meantime the windows being without shutters or curtains; the rabble from the supper table would stop at them, and gaze at us, and one of the fellows in the room who was very drunk, and who said he had seen me at such a place, was very troublesome. I prevailed with him however to go and hunt up the barkeeper and say, "We wanted supper and a chamber as quick possible [sic]." He sat [sic] off with great cheerfulness, and returning said, "Tea would soon be ready;" "but will the bar-keeper come," "he would be in, in a moment." All this while he had never seen the bar keeper, and doubtless, did not know such a man. After waiting events, patiently some time, a negro [sic] came in. I spoke very sharp to the servant, and asked if I was to have supper or not, he grined [sic] and went off. Shortly after this the bar-keeper, (as I found afterwards) came in, and I requested to be accommodated as quick as possible, or he must show me to another house. He was an awkward young man, but the best in the main about the house. After sitting in the parlor till I was ready to drop, and gazed at by every boatman in the vicinity, I was called to tea in the common dining room--no such thing, the servants apprised me, as setting private tables in Pittsburg; my heart began to ache your [sic] sure, but if any one I thought, could put up with such privations I could, and set down contentedly.
But you all wish to know about the baggage--then there was no baggage
of mine in Pittsburg so far as I was able to learn; the landlord who came
to see me at the supper-table, went to the bar-keeper, and returning,
brought the ill news that no baggage of mine had arrived.
She was unaccustomed to travelling, and observing she had not taken tea
when I did, I thought, perhaps, she was scarce of money, and gave the
chamber maid a trifle to give her a cup of tea and some bread and butter.
She had complained of a head ache, and being a widow, and destitute, I
felt for her. I sat up till she should have finished the tea, (she being
in bed,) to lock the door after the maid, she waiting till the lady should
have done. Whilst I was sitting at the table, deliberately reading a
newspaper, the lady sipping her tea, which was placed in a chair by her
bed-side, some one knocked at the door: the maid opened it, and in pops a great negro [sic]with a load of something, which he took from his head, and setting it down in the middle of the room, said
"Trunks!! are these your trunks, madam." "Yes, those are my
This was quick work: "But where have they been all this time?" He could not tell; nor have I heard from that day to this who had them in possession, or where they came from; and had I made a great stir I should, probably, never have seen them again; but the perfect indifference I testified at the loss no doubt alarmed the proprietors of the line, as it proved I considered them liable.
I have my doubts however, as to the fact of their coming that evening, from a similar occurrance, [sic] which I shall mention after a while.
Now, these trunks had been carried away five days since, where had they
been? why did they not arrive in the mail stage or any stage before? I had enquired at every stage-office on the way, they must have been known to be mine from my name, which was on the way-bill; and it
is not probable the drivers, honestly disposed, would leave trunks of
their appearance at any house but a stage-office. But let them have been,
in whose possession they may, every one who had a hand in the business
beyond doubt ought, and would have been sent to the state prison, had they
been prosecuted; and it was not only one man or one stage office, but the
whole line from the top of the Alleghany [sic]to Pittsburg, was
guilty in as much as they, seeing a woman's name on the trunks, and the
same in the way-bill, and no woman in the stage! If these robbers were not
combined, why did they not stop the baggage and make the drivers give an
account of themselves? how did they know, and what right had they to
suppose any thing than that I was murdered, and there is little doubt but
I would have been murdered, had I not quit the stage, as the driver and
passengers could have no other motive in attempting to keep me in the
stage by force. Had the proprietors been innocent, they would have come
forward as gentlemen (which they are not,) and apologised, and given up
the principals of this daring outrage. I should have spared them and exposed the guilty. This
* / ** The Broadface drinks rather freely.Return to Text;Return to Text.
Before I notice Pittsburg, I want to finish the business with this famous line; a large bundle of mine containing fifty books, was to have been forwarded to me in the stage by Colonel Lindsey of McConnelstown, and ought to have preceded me in course of time; I enquired for it when I first came; it had not arrived. I left word at the bar, which is also a stage-office, that such a bundle directed to me would arrive, and to apprize me of it the moment it came; having said this, I took a tour through the city, and was out until night; upon my return, the first thing was to enquire for the bundle. It had not arrived, I retired supposing it might come in some of the evening stages; next morning I enquired again, no bundle yet, and after taking my coffee, I set out through the city again and coming in about two o'clock, I was surprised at meeting Mr. Drum of Greensburg in the passage. I had left strict injunction with Mr. Drum to attend to the arrivals in the stage at Greensburg, (as the reader may remember the short-coming of the stage agent at that place also,) and attend to every thing with my name on it, and see it was put in the stage; Mr. Drum hardly took time to salute before he asked, if I knew my books had come: no, I replied, I am glad to hear it, I have been looking for them every moment; they were here yesterday or the day before, as I put them in the stage myself shortly after you left Greensburg; but they have not arrived here, said I, they must still lie on the road some where; they are here, said Mr. Drum, I saw them this moment, they were here yesterday when I arrived, and finding they were still in the bar, I enquired for you, to inform you, but you did not return until night, and not happening to be in when you came home, I have waited here all this day to tell you; I said it could not be possible, and he to convince me led me into the bar-room, and there was the bundle sure enough! What have the proprietors to say of this? It appeared that Mr. Drum being on a journey down the river, called to see whether the bundle had come safe, and my business calling me out late and early, Mr. Drum found great difficulty in seeing me, and from finding the bundle still in the bar-room, concluded I was ignorant of its arrival, and
delayed his journey until he should have seen me, and determined not to leave the city until he saw me in possession of the bundle. Now I would ask our great naturalists and all profound philosophers, whether these same two men Mr. D. and the agent, were made of the same materials? I should say not, I should say at least, that one had the heart of a man and the other the heart of a beast. This is the pinched-up monkey looking man, whom I met the first night, well matched and doubtless one of the corps; they thought they would have some thing out of me--fifty dollars was a good grab. "Why did you deny having this bundle, sir?' said I, to old pinch-face, (an old bachellor [sic].) He was silent, and, an hundred gallowses was pictured on his face. How much do I owe? [the man must be a missionary.] Mr. Monkey, "a dollar," he snarled out--he found his tongue at last, and rolled his wall-eyes upside down, inside out, and knashed [sic] his teeth, while his bushy grey hair stood on end. Why dont [sic] the missionaries convert him?If you see a man with a monkey's phiz, which looks as though it were incircled with the bushy tail of a grey squirrel, it is the stage agent of the Pittsburg and Philadelphia line. I have not the honor of knowing his name. He flew into a great rage, and shut the door in my face; and I believe in my soul if Mr. Drum had not protected me he would have struck me. So much for the stage line.
Mr. Drum, after putting me in possession of the books, but for whom, I should, probably, never have seen them, took his departure.
In the evening, the barkeeper came to me with my account, and requested me to get another house, as I had insulted the agent; the landlord would not keep any one in his house who would insult him. The account was only two dollars. I had dined, once, and been robbed twice. I leave it to the world to judge who was insulted.
Griffin, I think, is the name of the landlord; if that man deserves the name, who is not master of his own house:--all missionaries. I gave myself little concern about the matter, as they kept a sign, and stage bring-
ing me to their house, they were obliged to keep me. But I had, as you might suppose, intended to leave this den of robbers as quickly as possible; but, mind you, I did not go out till I saw my own good time. The mayor of the city, with my friend, Mr. Roberts, calling that same evening, I applied to them to procure me a boarding house. They, very politely, returned the next day; and Mr. Roberts, a most amiable man, took me to his own house, where, I had the honor of dining with the mayor, who dined at Mr. Roberts' out of respect to me, an honor which the clown at the tavern neither knew how to appreciate or to bestow.
This tavern was the most blackguard house, but one, I was ever in. This is the effect of money; his house being flooded with company, and the same of their line. Whenever people, who have been raised in the ashes, become rich, they immediately become insolent and tyrannical. The company, however, that resort to the house, are low and vicious, the refuse of society; chiefly boatmen; and you have, when passing out and in, to pass through a phalanx of these ruffians, who make the common passage their parlor, as there are but two small parlors in the house; and these are below stairs. The house is small and dirty; and the chambers, the most convenient part of the house, have some two, and some three, and even four beds. The chamber-maids are slow and sluttish, and inattentive withal. I happened to curry favor with one of the men-servants, by paying him nearly as much as I paid the landlord, to bring my meals up stairs, what few I eat in the house, rather than eat amongst such a rabble, and be attended by insolent servants.
Since I began to write the article on Pittsburg, I have noticed this man's advertisement; praising his house, himself, and saying a number of fine things about it. The decent part of the community, however, will take a word from a friend, and avoid it. I wondered at the man to come out in the papers in such language as, "Nothing shall be wanting to render the accommodations equal to any in the United States:" to this he pledges himself, "and moderate charges, and personal attention," such as
they paid to me when I got out of the stage with another female, without assistance, and the ruffians peeping at us through the windows, (hope he has purchased curtains or blinds,) and has the impudence to mention "mail stages and accommodation stages"--very accommodating stages indeed! But the public are not to be gulled. The best advertisement of a tavern, is a man who is master in his own house, in the first place; and second, a good table, and private rooms, and accommodating servants, to say nothing of order and genteel company. All I have to say, further is, that if people wish to be treated well for their money at Pittsburg let them go to Mr. Ramsey's tavern, and if they are disappointed, I am once in my life, mistaken. Any man and every man, might know, that if these people (for I believe, and have the best right in the world to think so) had any sense of honor left, they would have come out with a public apology, as they knew well, as a censor of morals, I should divert to it; but, their good opinion of themselves, kept their true interest behind the curtain. The tavernkeeper is quite a genteel, good-looking man, but is not, it appears, the master of the house.
There is no city in the Union I was more anxious to see, than Pittsburg. For though I had spent some years of my childhood in Westmoreland, the adjoining county, I had never seen it. Every book, however, in which it is mentioned, and the descriptions of the travellers, I devoured; and as I belonged to the western country myself, I felt proud of its astonishing prosperity and improvements. From the various accounts of travellers, I had endeavored to form some opinion of Pittsburg; but, from envy, jealousy, and carelessness in some, and ignorance in other writers, I never saw an accurate description of Pittsburg. My friend, Flint, of Cincinnati, though a fine writer, I should, if I dare say, he was rather too particular to his own dear city. Now, I cannot bring myself even to know what it is to be partial if I would, nor do I see what is gained by it. I cannot see what advantage is gained by concealing the advantages or disadvantages of any town or community: give them all they are enti-
tled to, and fairly outstrip them if you can. It ought rather to inspire us with emulation than envy, to hear of the temporal blessings of our neighbors. We are all one family; and the advantage of one is the advantage of the whole. Success to all our towns, I say--east and west, north and south; and that they may all become great and happy, is my fondest wish; barring the missionaries--the greatest curse we have in our land. I say, destruction to them; as nothing but ignorance and poverty follow them.
Of all states in the Union, Pennsylvania certainly combines more resources of wealth, ease and comfort, nature having enriched her with a bountiful hand. The whole state abounds with coal, iron, grain, and even sugar, and that curse of all our blessings, whiskey within itself. I have seen nothing but coal, since I have been in the state; but the coal west of the Allegheny, is by far the best. Dig any where, and you find coal, which is conveyed to the people's houses, for a few cents, off of their own farms. Iron and salt abound in west Pennsylvania, and their lands produce in abundance. The whole state, from one end to the other, excepting the mountains, is rich, and lies well, and not a bad managed farm in the whole. But Pittsburg enjoys more of the bounties of nature. In the midst of endless beds of coal, iron and salt, at its doors, and the trade of three fine rivers, to say nothing of its industry and skill in the application of its mechanical and physical powers.
The reader will perceive I am almost deterred from taking Pittsburg in hand; and I must say I dread it more than any subject I ever took up. I was thirteen days on my feet taking notes, viewing and admiring the workshops, from early in the morning till dark, and often long after; and from the mud on the pavements, occasioned by the bursting of the pipes (which happened at that time) to convey water over the city, the smoke and black from the coal, and fumes of the furnaces, I had a most fatiguing tour of it. It was infinitely greater than my tour through the whole state; and such was my ardor to complete it, that I never stopped to dine but once! The task was certainly too great for a female, particularly one of
my years, and being quite lame at the time, I was scarcely able to crawl home at night. My weariness was such, that I was unable to sleep or take sufficient refreshment; but, I determined not to look back.
The best description I have met with, of Pittsburg, is a small work by S. Jones, Esq. called a "Directory of the City, and a view of its various manufactories, population, &c." This little work is certainly the most accurate I have seen; though it has been written two years ago, and of course there are many improvements, and manufactories built since. But of all the bungling, incorrect, and insignificant accounts of Pittsburg, that given by the Duke of Saxe Weimer is the most so. He embraces the whole of it in a very few words, and there is scarcely a word of truth in any thing he says: he misapplies names, misplaces objects, and makes some of the most unpardonable misrepresentations ever published. He merely rode out in his carriage, to one of the manufactories, it is said, which he says, belongs to one man, while it belongs to another; and took the balance by word of mouth from some blockhead, doubtless.
The people of Pittsburg were greatly mortified when his book came out, and well they might.
Geography of the City.
Pittsburg is entirely concealed by hills, approaching it from any point, excepting the Ohio River.As we drove down the Allegheny river, we were closely hemmed in by a vast hill, on our left. This hill makes a sudden stop, as you draw near the city, and runs across a steep, perpendicular precipice, to the Monongahela, forming a perfect wall in its rear, seventy feet high. This hill takes different names in its progress; that part opposite the point, or the great body of the city, is called Grant's hill; so named from Col. Grant, who was defeated on its summit by the French and Indians in 1758. That part of it on Monongahela, is called Boyd's hill, from one Boyd, who hung himself there. That part, extending to Allegheny river, is also distin-
guished by the name of Quarry hill, 440 feet high.
Over each river there are vast hills, so that you are in the city, before you can see it.
Its situation is much lower than I expected to find it; more level, and the hills much higher. The city runs up the banks of both rivers, beyond its limits in the centre; much farther up the Allegheny, however, than the Monongahela; and the point gives it the figure of a triangle. It is about one mile on one river--one and three-fourths on the other.
The whole of the city sits on an even plain, from thirty to forty feet above low water mark; higher, however, upon the Allegheny side. On the opposite side of the Allegheny river, is a steep hill, called Hogback hill.
On the opposite of Monongahela, is another steep, called Coal hill: In this hill, nearly opposite the city, a fire has been burning for many years, which is visible by the smoke; the coal having caught fire, by what means is unknown to any of the present race. But it is generally supposed to have caught from the carelessness of the miners. Several attempts have been made to extinguish this fire by stopping the holes and fissures on the surface; but all in vain; it still continues to burn, and is daily increasing. Serious consequences are apprehended from it in course of time. There is another eminence called Castleman's Hill.
Coal Hill is 465 feet high, and very rugged. The height of Hogback hill is unknown: it is a barren eminence of an unsightly appearance.
"In all these elevations, coal is found in immense quantities, --except in Grant's, Boyd's, and Hogback hills, their altitude not being sufficient to bring them within the range of the great strata of that mineral which pervades this region.
"The scenery around Pittsburg is very beautiful, " I am told, in summer, "and when viewed from some points, presents the most interesting associations of nature and art. The view from Castleman's hill, is not surpassed in any country -- earth, air, rock, wood, water, town and sky, break upon the vision in forms the most picturesque
and delightful. Coal hill, immediately above the burning pits, is another point of interesting observation, where the eye, at a single glance, takes in a hundred beauties, which might vie with the purest and brightest of the other hemisphere.
"Pittsburg has several suburban villages, that contribute to, and are supplied from the great centre, with which their strength and prosperity are intimately connected.
"On, or nearly adjoining the north-eastern boundary of the city, and on the flat between Quarry hill and the Allegheny river, the Northern Liberties are situated, and are intended as a continuation of Pittsburg. They were laid out in 1816, by Geo. A. Bayard, and James Adams: and are now improving rapidly, and contain the Phoenix Cotton Factory, Juniata Iron Works, &c.
"Adjoining the south-eastern boundary of the city, on the Monongahela, stands Kensington, or as it is commonly called, Pipe-town: deriving this name through one of the early settlers, an eccentric little gentleman, still well known among all classes, for his odd humor, and the universality of his mechanical genius, Mr. William Price, who established a pipe manufactory there. Kensington is partly on a steep hill side: the houses which are low, seem to stick to the side of Boyd's hill, by magic.
Over the Monongahela, is another considerable village called Birmingham; it is incorporated into a borough, and sits at the base of Coal Hill, on the banks of the river; and here the celebrated Birmingham glass is manufactured. It also contains several steam mills, and an extensive lock manufactory. It is well built, and makes a handsome appearance from Pittsburg.
Over the Allegheny river, directly opposite the city, is another very handsome and flourishing town, called Allegheny. The Western Penitentiary is built here; one of the most splendid buildings in the United States; and the site of the town is, by far, one of the most pleasant of any in the vicinity, or even Pittsburg itself. It is unrivalled in the scenery and soil. There are two superb bridges; one over Monongahela, and one over Allegheny,
of the first architecture, and are the finest ornaments belonging to Pittsburg; cost, nearly one million dollars each.
Two miles above Pittsburg, is the village of Laurence, the seat of the United States arsenal, on the Allegheny.
As to the soil beyond the hills, which surround Pittsburg, I am unable to say any thing, as I did not extend my views beyond the vicinity.
The Allegheny river is 1100 feet wide at Pittsburg, and the Monongahela 1400 feet wide.
No language can convey the beautiful appearance of these rivers. I should say the Allegheny was the handsomest of the two; it is equal in beauty to the Ohio, and just such another river.
These rivers, and the Ohio and bridges exclusively, constitute one of the handsomest sights, beyond doubt, in the Union. I mean where beauty alone is considered.
Topography.
I had heard so much of the steam manufactories, and coal, and smoke, of Pittsburg, that I tried to form some idea of them; but was greatly disappointed; more smoke than I could have conceived; and the manufactories were far beyond my conception in skill of workmanship, and amount of capital. But I give the population of all the towns, in the first place:
Pittsburg City contains
Northern Liberties
Kensington
Birmingham
Allegheny Town
Miscellany
Total10,600 inhab*
711
390
459
702
260
13061Of those born in foreign countries, 3000 or nearly.**
* Increase, since last census, upwards of 3000.Return to Text.
** Taken two years since.Return to Text.
Pittsburg, at the last enumeration, contained--
Dwelling houses
Churches
Public buildings
Stores
Groceries1140
12
7
60
146Well done! how they convert the heathen here, with brandy. The missionaries are doing good: they ought to have a church, at least for every grog-shop. Give them more money,
Banks
Taverns
Factories, mills and shops
Ware-houses, &c.2
16
440
76This number, however, has greatly increased, and buildings are going up at this time in all parts of the city. Most of the houses are brick, and some of them are lofty, fine buildings, but all the houses are colored quite black with the smoke: the interior of the houses are still worse; carpets, chairs, walls, furniture--all black with the smoke: no such thing as wearing white: the ladies mostly dress in black; and a cap or white ruff, put on clean in the morning, is tinged quite black by bed-time: the ladies are continually washing their faces. Meantime, the smoke, particularly in the absence of the sun, is quite annoying to the eyes of strangers; and everything has a very gloomy, doleful appearance at first; excepting, always, the interior of the workshops. But, in a few days, the stranger becomes so familiar to it, that the novelty of the thing is completely worn off, and your walks and rambles through the city are pursued with the same pleasure common to others.
In all the towns of Pennsylvania, of any size, the public buildings and offices are built on squares, in the centre of their towns, or boroughs, as they are called. These squares are uniformly called "The Diamond." I had often heard the word, and from haste and inattention never stopped to ask what it meant; and that it meant the public square, is one of the last things I should take it to apply. "You will find such a man on the east, west, &c. of
the diamond," said my friend, Mrs. Roberts. "And what is the Diamond?" "Where the market-house is. Don't you know where Mr. Baldwin's office is? there is the Diamond."
The Diamond is about the centre of the city; is large, and contains the market-house in the centre, and the public buildings, attorney's offices, and a few oyster cellars.
The public buildings are large, and well built of brick: the churches are small, and make no show, excepting one just rebuilt, touched off in great Gothic style: the others will soon follow; as one fool makes many. Can men be such fools as to think that man believes in a God who gives such proofs of pride and show? How many poor people are there in Pittsburg, to whom this money (worse than thrown away,) would have been a salutary relief? and would it not have been more pleasing to God! This may be the religion of pride and wickedness; but that it is the religion of Jesus Christ, I deny.* These wicked priests always lead me St.Vitus' dance.
The streets of Pittsburg are not regular, running in all directions; most of them, however, angle with the Monongahela: they are paved, but not lighted: the sidewalks are narrow; and the whole are dirty, and in wet weather, very muddy in some parts of the town.
The citizens are now engaged in furnishing the city with good water, and have sunk a very handsome reservoir upon the site of Grant's hill for the purpose. But from some cause, to me unknown, the pipes have mostly bursted, and flood the streets with water, which I found rather unpleasant.
Pittsburg contains thirty-five streets, thirty-seven alleys, nine courts and two rows. Most of the houses are numbered.
Police.
Pittsburg is governed by a Mayor, Recorder, eight Select Councilmen, two presidents, fourteen Common
* How many fine churches did our Saviourbuild? Doubtless, he had the means.Return to Text.
Councilmen, and twelve Aldermen. Besides the Mayor's Courts, three other Courts hold their sessions in Pittsburg, viz: The United States Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Court of Common Pleas.There are in Pittsburg, thirty-two attorneys, and counsellors, and sixteen Physicians; and besides the public buildings mentioned, a museum, the Western University, a High School, and Academy, and sundry smaller schools. *
The manners of the people of Pittsburg, as in all other large towns, some are liberal and polite; and others quite the reverse: the latter, it may be supposed, are the Bible, tract and Sunday school people, which rather have the ascendency here; of course, education does not flourish. The university exists only in name; and cannot be said to be in operation, though it has a long string of professors. I shall notice the state of society before I have done, more particularly.
Western University.
The following gentlemen are the professors, viz;Rev. R. Bruce, Principal, and Professor of Natural Philosophy.
R. J. Balack, (of church and state memory) Professor of Ancient Languages and Classical Literature.
Rev. E. P. Swift, Professor of Moral Science.
Rev. C. B. McGuire, Professor of Modern Languages.
Rev. J. H. Hopkins, Professor of Rhetorick and Belles Lettres.If ever this university comes to any thing, under so many Reverences, I am greatly mistaken: and the building, instead of being erected out of the city, upon some of those beautiful eminences, away from the smoke and crowds of visitors, business-men and boat-men, it is buried in an obscure part of the city.
* The historian says, there are forty academies and schools in Pittsburg! in his brain, he meant.Return to Text.
While walking in search of it, I passed a small brick building in one of the back streets, and still kept inquiring for the university. "Why there it is;" said my guide, I was astonished at the building, but Mr. Bruce (a very gentlemanly looking man by the way) said they were going to build an addition: and after apprising him of my views, he said I could not see the interior of the building then, as the students were in their rooms. I asked him for a catalogue: he had none printed, but would write one, which would be ready the next day. In passing the same street, the following day, the house reminded me of the paper promised by Mr. Bruce. I stepped into the lower part of the university, as Mr. Bruce's door (same building) was shut, and found a few rude looking boys there, and a yellow man teaching. I looked about for the black man, but saw none but the mulato, who appeared genteel, and seemed to be a man of learning, as he was teaching Latin. I inquired for Mr. Bruce; he was in the house. I requested his son, whom I found with the boys, to go to him for the paper. He ran off, and soon returned with it; and as I stepped out of the door, I met a young man coming down the stairs. I asked if any of the professors were up there. "Yes," said the young man, "you had better go up and see them;" rather sneeringly. I replied, I thought they might have politeness enough to come down and see me; and stepped out to pursue my tour over the city; when every boy in the school came to the door and blackguarded me--"huzza for Jackson," &c. as loud as they could bawl. Mrs. B. was sitting upon the sill of her door, within four feet of them. I pointed to the mob: "A fine specimen, madam, of your labors." She said nothing, and I walked on, when the whole of the scholars, in spite of their teacher, some nearly grown, mobbed me through the street, until I was forced to take shelter in the house of Mr. Smith, whose son was with me at the time. We had some distance to go, and had we not met a drove of four legged hogs, who joined our side, the two legged ones would certainly have worsted us. They had the insolence to pursue us to the very gate of Mr. Smith, who resented
the insult so highly, that he jumped up and ran for a constable. In the meantime, the ruffians ran away. I should think that Mr. Smith would make an excellent professor, as he taught these boys more, in the course of a minute, than they had learned in their whole lives. I am astonished that legislatures do not see these priests have become too abandoned to church and state principles, to have anything to do with the education of youth; and the money had better be thrown into the fire, than wasted in this manner. Learning is entirely extinct. Where is there a learned man to be found, since the reign of tracts and missionaries? Not one in the whole of these dens, or scarcely any where else. Mr. Bruce is a Scotch gentleman, and a man of learning, liberality, and cleverness; but what can he do? tied hand and foot by those artfully designing men, the trustees, and the other professors. Read an extract from the Rev. Black's Sermon, in the first volume of my Black-Book, and say whether such a traitor is fit to be trusted with the tuition of youths, unless it be to make slaves of them. The people say, in Pittsburg, Black is a covenanter; a sect, with whom the Presbyterians do not agree. Tell me nothing of covenanters. I saw the Presbyterians very busy, strewing his church and state sermon over the deck of the Union Line steam-boat. This sham story is not to deceive me; it is one of these seditious sermons I took the extract from, being on the boat at the time when a gang of these traitors were scattering a number of seditious papers, for which they ought to have been arrested. Let any man read the sermon, and say whether or not, a man, who would utter such treason, is fit to be trusted, one hour, with the instruction of youth.It appears to me that the people of the United States have entirely lost sight of their liberty, and are bent on becoming slaves.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce, when they heard who I was, sent a very polite apology, and an invitation to spend the evening with them. I called upon them, to show I bore them no resentment: but, poor things, I gave them a most cutting lecture, and I have little doubt but it had a good
effect. Mr. B. is a very fine looking man, entirely void of that black vengeance-looking countenance, common to these bluestockings; and, doubtless, they cannot get a better man, if he were free to act as he pleased; but, tied up as he is, by the trustees and professors, his learning and talents, which he certainly has, are thrown away.* I told him I would patronize him; but he must drive Black off, or I would put down the university. "My eyes," if there ever was a greater burlesque. Let the legislature, if it will give money to educate youths, see that it is properly applies, and put out all those traitors who have, wherever they are, turned the seminaries into tract and missionary societies. Little is the legislature aware of the deep-laid plans of these traitors. I will open their eyes before I am done: I will lay a few papers before them to show what they are about. University! not half as good as an old field school; not half as much in appearance, like a university as mother Dickinson. The whole of these colleges cannot be broken up too soon, and organized upon a different plan; and these bluestockings ought not to be allowed to remain in any school or seminary.
Miss Parry,
Is at the head of an academy for young ladies. I do not approve of her manner altogether , and gave her my opinion pretty freely ; and pointed out what method, I thought she ought to pursue. I dare say, the lesson I gave her, joined to her own good sense, may produce the happiest consequence. I do not approve of this praying in school; it only tends to hypocrisy, and destroys respect for religion by making it an old song; and those children are always the most vicious who are accustomed to those long spun prayers, night and morning. To avoid this, High Schools ought to be uniformly established, where the children and youths are instructed in useful knowledge in the first place, and left to their own free will, to
* He was some time professor in Columbia, N. Y.Return to Text.
choose what church they please. No sectarianism or catechism is allowed in High Schools. Miss Parry is quite young, and deserves much credit.
Misses Roberts and Campbell.
These young ladies have a large school, or academy rather, of both sexes, and also deserve much applause for their assiduity and method, which was very easily perceived by the politeness of the pupils, who all arose from their seats, upon my entrance.A variety of branches are taught here, as well as Miss Parry's school. They are both amiable and well educated females; and though quite in the bloom of youth, sacrifice the pleasures of society, and those amusements congenial to their age, for the benefit of their species.
The Sisters of Charity,
Also, have a very large school in Pittsburg, and are able teachers here, as well as every place they are found; but their academy being on the top of a quarry-hill, I was unable, from incessant fatigue, to visit it. Nor was I able to see the Roman Catholic priest, an aged and most worthy man, (from report,) who presides over the school. These Sisters of Charity are the most heavenly looking females on earth, wherever they are found.
High School.
This is the only High School I have seen in Pennsylvania. I understand there is a well established High School in Philadelphia; but being very imprudently called by some other name, "Franklin Institute," perhaps, I never dreamed of its being a High School. Why they do not call it by its right name, I should be pleased to know, they must lose considerable by it, as High Schools are becoming very popular.The High School at Pittsburg, of course, is, by far, the
best conducted seminary in the place; and I was pleased to find very full, and a liberal unitarian Yankee at the head of it. * It is kept in the unitarian church; the second I have seen in the state, since I left Philadelphia; the first was at Harrisburg.
This seminary, with the exception of the Moravians, is worth all the schools and universities in the state. Let the people take this as a pattern. See the intelligence, the modesty, and manly appearance of these boys: see the difference between them and the mob crew of the university; and though it may very possibly happen, that not more than one in one hundred is competent to judge between them; yet, that one is sufficient, when the fact to be decided is self-evident. But the plain truth of the business is, there is not one in a thousand, nay, ten thousand, take them as they run, who cares the amount of a straw which is the best, or which is the worst teacher--so that it is a school, and his child goes to it in the morning, and returns home at night! A lady once told me she never did any thing in her life, but go to school. "My father paid a hundred dollars for my eddicashin. I went to school seven years: very few people has done as well by their darters as daddy has:" at the same time she could not spell her own name. From the state of society at Pittsburg, I would suppose they follow daddy's example; "Oh, I just send him to be out of the way!" If the people of the United States go on in this way, the black
* I find my friends in the west, are far in the back ground with respect to liberal and general information: a very genteel man from Ohio invited me to call at his town, Cincinnati, in my intended tour. I asked him what sort of people they were; whether they were liberal, &c. and whether there were any unitarians there. "God forbid," said my friend. He was certainly one of the wise men. I have been told the Jackson people reckon the unitarians little less than the d---l, and set them down as Adams men, monarchy men, federalists, &c.--Stuff:---are not many of the unitarians firm Jackson men? I thought my countrymen had more sense. I say, the unitarians, as a sect, are amongst the most virtuous, moral, charitable, intelligent people I have found, and it is well known no one despises federalism more. "But they hold erroneous opinions about God." What is that to us? a sure sign of a hypocrite or a fool. Have we not all a right to think as we please: and as for God, their knowledge of him is about equal, in my humble opinion.Return to Text.
coats will very shortly take that trouble off their hands. These wolves in sheep's skin, have the children all classed as regular as though they were sheep and goats: some are to be servants: all the poor children are laid off in lots: one lot to serve in the houses of the great, such as Dr. Ely: others are to be hewers of wood and carriers of water; and they can clinch with a text of scripture. This is the intent of Sunday schools, and the end of picking up children in the streets. Little are the parents of these children aware of the industry of these men and madams, who coax their children off, right or wrong, to the Sunday schools, and pray over them, and stuff them with tracts and texts, to make them bigots, and train them up to their hand. What does a child understand of the Bible? No more than a goose. It is impious to put Bibles in the hands of children. Of a piece are their infant schools, now getting up. The people are certainly bewitched. But let facts speak. See how society has degenerated since the reign of tracts and missionaries. Where is the native of Pittsburg who once shown on the bench? Where is the illustrious orator, that once honored the Pittsburg bar? Where are their Temples, their Woods, their Campbells and Brackenridges? Swallowed up by that all devouring monster, priestcraft!The son of the great Brackenridge I was told was in Pittsburg, a gloomy bigot. For his father's sake I strove to see him; but in vain--he kept out of my sight. True, they have a few Yankees here, and were it not for them the course of justice would cease--they would not be able to hold a court but for them. Every one knows I allude to the Hon. Judge Tilghman, Messrs. Baldwin, Forward, and a few enlightened foreigners. What is the cause of this? Nothing else but suffering the blue-stockings to slip into all their schools; by which means they have completely blocked up the road to knowledge. Pennsylvania, but particularly Pittsburg, ought to blush at this picture, which they cannot deny. What sort of lawyers and judges and statesmen think you these hog-mob youths of the University would make? But that is the craft of the blue-skins, to plunge the people into ig-
norance that they may rule them.* Let the Germans open their eyes to this, and be busy, and haste to rid their schools of these fellows. I see they have begun the glorious work in Lancaster county, for which they will receive the approbation of after ages. Success to them--they are the only rational and free people in the State.
But to return to the High school. The name of the principal is E. Worthington, Esq., a man of youthful, handsome appearance, and keen, sensible countenance. He has fifty-four students, who, besides the common branches, are taught drawing, which they do in a superior style. But the modesty, intelligence, and politeness of the youths was truly interesting--unlike the rabble at the University. The moment I entered they all rose from their seats, and after making the most graceful bow, sat down again to their studies, from which they never raised their eyes while I remained in the school. When students conduct themselves in this manner, no other evidence is wanting of the qualifications of the teacher or the plan of tuition. I scarcely ever pay attention to any thing but the pupils of any seminary--their conduct proves every thing.
I was told the University is about applying to the legislature for more money. Better give it to institute more High schools, or turn the University into a High school: for I will insure the people of Pennsylvania that it will never come to any thing in its present state.
Museum.
Lambdin's Museum and Gallery of Paintings was established 8th September, 1828, and now contains a valuable collection of paintings from ancient as well as modern masters. Fine landscapes, by Doughty, Birch, Lawrence, &c. Pictures from the collection of Baron
* What will Pittsburg be, if it goes on in this manner, half a century hence? They cannot carry on their business now without calling in assistance.Return to Text.
Basse Muller. Portraits of distinguished characters, by Stewart, Sully, Peale, and Lambdin.The Museum contains about two hundred foreign birds, among which are the birds of paradise; twenty quadrupeds; five hundred minerals; three hundred fossils, amongst which are many bones of the Mammoth; three hundred marine shells; twelve hundred impressions of medals; one hundred ancient coins; a handsome collection of articles from the South seas; marine productions; Indian articles, &c. &c.
I would suppose Mr. Lambdin to be man of great taste himself, from the neatness and skill displayed in the arrangement of the articles in his Museum--all the articles being put up in neater and better order than any Museum I have met with. The shelves are white, neat, and so regular that they are a show of themselves; and the whole enlosed [sic] with glass. Here I, for the first time, saw flowers of all sorts, pinks, roses, &c. &c. made of sea shells, the most extraordinary piece of labor and ingenuity I ever saw, excepting the wooden globe in Salem Museum. These flowers are of all sizes and colors, and are said to be the work of Mrs. Peale, of Philadelphia.
Mr. Lambdin is himself an Artist, quite a genteel and most amiable man. It is hoped he may receive the favor and patronage of travellers and enlightened strangers who pass through Pittsburg, it being the only specimen of taste or amusement in the city. No library--no athaeneum--no gardens--no theatre, lest they might offend God's people, the mob-boys, the tract people, Rev. Black, Rev. * * * * * , and a hundred other sly thieves. How godly-wise they are, and have to send to New England, Ireland, Scotland, and even to the Indians for persons to conduct their public institutions.
Every thing learned or liberal falls before the march of these priests. All the same--find them where you will, they are the same identical monsters of wickedness and despotism. I understood there was an apprentices' Li-
brary got up by a few liberal gentlemen.* I wonder the blue priests did not ask for the money to spread the gospel. No theatre! Now, let me ask the citizens of Pittsburg, seriously, which is the worst crime, to go to a play or get drunk! But I will bring the question nearer home: which is the greatest crime, to go to a play, or set down and write such a letter as I received from one of these godly women, it is supposed, as it in a woman's hand--much more abandoned and obscene than that which I received at Carlisle. Every gentleman in Pittsburg saw the letter, as I left it for a week or ten days in the Mayor's office to open inspection. The letter I received from the godly woman at Carlisle was not a priming to it. I never heard or read of such language, nor did I know the meaning of half the words. I challenge any gentleman, and every gentleman who saw this letter, to say whether they ever saw a parallel even in the lowest and vilest brothels, which I understand is the last grade of society; and were it not for the benefit of mankind, and to warn them against these wicked priests, it was too bad even to hint at. "Oh, throw it in the fire, Mrs. R.," said Mr. Roberts, who brought it from the post-office. "Throw it in the fire," said another. "No, sir; it is the very thing I wanted--it is worth millions to my country. This is proof--this is fact--it speaks for itself. I shall make a better use of it--I shall lay it before the Legislature of Pennsylvania. I will show them how godly these Presbyterians are making their women of Pittsburg and Carlisle, the head-quarters of these blue-stockings, as the people call them: the two Sodoms of Pennsylvania; the nurseries of infamy, pollution, and clerical despotism, unparalleled in history." Well might Pennsylvania call me to her aid! It was time, truly! The Mayor of the city very innocently informed me that he received num-
* Messrs. Holdship, Eichbaum, and several others.--No blackcoats you may be sure.Return to Text.
bers of such letters. I believe him; he being a very handsome man, it is easily accounted for.But let me ask the citizens of Pittsburg if they can think of raising children amongst these vile deceivers? If they can be so besotted as to suffer society to become annihilated before their eyes, and by such people as could write such a letter as this, and endeavor to cloak their villainy by declaiming against theatres, and other places of innocent amusement!! I blush for such a people! Freemen !--Americans !--Pennsylvanians !--so lost to shame and every honorable principle!!! As for the women, the godly ones I mean, they are too contemptible to notice; but I ask men of sense, what opinion they can have of Tracts and Sunday schools, and the whole abomination of the missionary frauds, upon so long and fair a trial--what opinion can they form of their effects upon society and morals, when a female, an aged female, in the very head-quarters of those religious tyrants, could not pass through their city without being beastly insulted by her own sex? What sort of wives and mothers would they make? That it was a tract-woman, or a blue-skin priest who wrote the letter I am constrained to believe. Why? Because every one else received me with expressions of joy, as the friend of civil and religious liberty; and because these religious demons have always persecuted me with the savageness of a Nero. Is this what they profess? is this gospel? is this letter dictated by the gospel? was the attempt on my life, by Hecock, gospel? was the letter I received from Carlisle dictated by the gospel? Instead of attempting to convert me, they seek my life, insult me--publicly in the papers, privately by the foulest slander. No other sect do this. North, south, east, west, they all breathe the same spirit of slander and vengeance; which alone, if we had no other evidence, ought to open the eyes of the people. "Their eyes are open, we do see the evil, Mrs. R., but where is our remedy?' "It is in these words--exert your rights as freemen, and keep these robbers from your women--a man who will not do this is unworthy the name of an American."
I have just learned that the proprietor of the stage-line is one of these godly ones. These missionaries, with the holy Bible, are improving society fast: we will soon have no need of penitentiaries or state prisons. If they make the heathen as pious as themselves, viz. steal, lie, get drunk, write scurrilous letters, and a thousand other crimes I have witnessed amongst them, they will deserve to enter the kingdom of ****.But what I was aiming to demonstrate is the abject slavery the people are already reduced to; and the question is not whether theatres are proper, or the contrary; it is whether freemen shall voluntarily surrender their liberty to the priesthoood, or any other men; or whether they have the courage to be free. If these priests can coerce freemen in one thing, they can in every other;; and proceed inch by inch until our freedom is gone. What is it to these wicked priests what freemen do? I do not mean because they are priests they are wicked, but because they, as priests, have power, which they exercise over weak minds; first over women, and through them over men. Any man possessed of absolute power will be a tyrant. Pittsburg and Carlisle are the strong holds of these blue-stockings in Pennsylvania: but their reign of terror is short. I understand there are a goodly number of them in Harrisburg likewise. I shall pay my respects to them too; also, one or two other dens.
There are, however, many liberal and enlightened men in Pittsburg, which I shall notice before I speak of the manufactories--they almost deter me from the attempt. The whole city, as some writer justly observed, is a perfect work-shop; and the most remarkable fact in regard to the character of the society of Pittsburg, and one which excites astonishment and pleasure, is, that the mechanics and artificers are, by far, the most enlightened part of the society! There is not a more honorable, orderly, and well-behaved collection of men, doubtless, to be found on the globe, of their calling. I was not prepared for this part of the history of Pittsburg, having never heard it mentioned by any writer--they appear to form an exclusive society of gentlemen. But we will begin with the judges.
His Honor, of the U. States' Court, Judge Wilkins, I had the very great misfortune not to see; but stepping into the court-house, merely to see the interior of the building, some person apprized the Hon. Judge Tilghman, (if I do not mistake the name,) of the Supreme Court, of my presence: he instantly descended from the bench, (court being in session,) and received me with the politeness and respect which bespoke him a gentleman of the first rank. The Associates remained on the bench.Judge T. had been familiar with my pursuits, and no cause being on trial, he sat down in a recess, and inviting myself and several gentlemen, Messrs. Forward and Baldwin to take a seat, we had a merry time of it, laughing at the missionaries and blue-skin judge and lawyer, of New Haven, Connecticut, whom he knew, being from the Yankee country himself. He said they were drawn to the life in my Black Book. I was now in my glory--in company with three of the first men in the State, and all Yankees, though I scolded Mr. Baldwin for suffering the blue stockings to usurp such an unwarrantable authority in the city. "Oh, Mrs. R.," said he, "I leave you to fight the missionaries, I have been cleaning out the big stable." Judge T., is a gentleman of young appearance, a tall, good figure, and highly accomplished. He is free and easy in his manner, and evidently a first rate man. I felt much indebted to him for the high marks of respect with which he honored me.
Mr. Henry Baldwin is the darling of Pennsylvania and the pride of Pittsburg. He is about thirty-five years of age; a thin, light figure, of good height, round, delicate face, and sallow complexion; his eye is a keen, or rather sparkling, deep hazle [sic], or what some would call black. His countenance would not indicate talents of the first rate, though he certainly does, very justly, rank among the first men of the State. But, of all men, he has the most pleasing countenance, and the most fascinating manners. He appears to most advantage when pleading. It is impossible to portray the winning smile which plays upon his countenance, while his head is elevated, and his
figure erect and manly; his voice is harmonious, and his actions pertinent and graceful; he is said to be an able statesman and of unshaken integrity; well may Pittsburg be proud of him: his talents are devoted to it, and have been for some years, while his generosity and goodness of heart keep him in the back ground.*
Walter Forward, Esq. is another Yankee, and second, if not equal to Mr. Baldwin at the bar, some do say he is superior. Mr. Forward is another man of towering talents and a great pleader, he is a brother of Hon. Chauncey Forward, of Somerset, member of Congress, and a stout middle aged man, of fine appearance, his face is round and rather sallow, his eyes are full, dark, keen and intelligent, his countenance open and pleasing, his manners are manly though mild and alluring, and take him all in all, one of the most spirited and noble looking men in Pittsburg. This gentleman, as well as Mr. Baldwin, seems to have lived for the world and not for themselves; both men of the first talents, legal knowledge and extensive practice; but from their excess of good nature and generosity, have been unable to lay up but little for themselves. It appears they are amongst the few who have laid their treasure up in another and a better world. May they meet their reward!
Samuel Kingston, Esq. also of the bar, is of middling age and height, his visage round, thin and fair, with a full lively grey eye; he is a perfect gentleman in his manners, and his countenance peculiarly interesting: he is alike eminent at the bar.
Robert Burke, Esq. another member of the Pittsburg bar, is a tall slender genteel figure, with a thin face, and keen intelligent countenance; he is a very amiable man, free and genteel in his manners.
Col. James M. Riddle, another of the corps. The conduct of this gentleman toward his species and myself in particular, confirms what I have often said of the profession, that they are the most generous class of professional
* On my way to Pittsburg, the people would say, "You will see our idol Mr. B." .
men in our country; though burdened with a large family and slender means, like the rest of his brethren, he was almost the first man to patronise me in Pittsburg--such men are an honor to our country, and I deeply lament it is not in my power to do more for them than enrol their names in the history of their country. It gives me, however, much pleasure to perpetuate the name and virtue of J. M. Riddle. Mr. R. is a tall manly figure, very plain, but very dignified in his manners; he is rather of young appearance and austere countenance; he has been some time at the bar and ranks amongst the first lawyers.Ephriam [sic] Pentland, Esq. is likewise of the bar, and a very excellent man; he is of middling age and stout make, with an oval fair face and very affable manners.
Besides these, Messrs. W. W. Fetterman and Samuel Gormly, were all I saw of the bar, at least worth naming.
Of the clergy, I saw but four.
Rev. Mr. Bruce mentioned; he is pastor of the Seceder church, I do not know the tenents [sic] of the sect.
Rev. John H. Hopkins, of the Protestant Episcopal church, is a perfect gentleman, and possessed of every personal and mental endowment, and quite a young looking man; he lives in the town of Alleghany [sic], though his church, if I remember, is in Pittsburg: his mansion occupies one of the most charming spots in the vicinity, it is on the border of the town upon an eminence which overlooks the Ohio, and from which he has a fine view of the numerous steamboats which are continually passing up and down the river. I was particularly struck with the politeness and hospitality of this gentleman, and for his sake, I the more deplore the falling off of the sect; he is the principal of a private seminary for the tuition of young ladies, and forms a wide contrast to Rev. --------, principal of the new theological school.
Being fatigued from a long and tiresome walk to the Phoenix factory, Dr. Shoenberger's, and on my feet the whole day, I became so weary, I was fit to drop, but could see no house I could venture to stop at, until I was at length attracted to an elegant building on my left, sup-
posing it must be inhabited by some princely gentleman, upon whose hospitality I might venture to intrude a few minutes to rest; I knocked at the door, which was open when I drew up to it: a servant soon appeared, and I asked, if the gentleman of the house was in, the servant answered, he was, and asked me to walk in. I stept merely in the front of the passage, and requesting to speak to the gentleman, remained standing: the gentleman, whose name and profession I knew nothing of at the time, came from a large parlor, and I announced my name, and intended to have apologised in the next breath: Mrs. R. said the man, I want nothing to do with you, and darted back into the room; you must be one of the blue-fellows, thought I, and sought my weary way home.When relating the circumstance, I was told he was one of the blue-stockings sure enough, and was come to Pittsburg to manufacture young men to spread the gospel, in the shape of a theological seminary.
To say nothing of a thousand instances of the like case, this man is to educate men to spread the gospel; of course it is presumed he must know something of the gospel, doubtless he is in favor of tracts and missionary societies, he must have read his bible, some time or another, though I doubt it; why did not this hypocrite ask me to sit down, and at least show as much hospitality as the heathen whom he is going to convert? Why did he not try to convert me? the vile deceiver: no, with worse than Turkish savageness, he wheeled off without showing even the sembance [sic] of civilization. Can the people of Pittsburg or any other burg, be gulled by such wild beasts? the wild beast could have done no more; when I reflect, it is well he did not break my other ancle [sic]. Can people expect this man capable of teaching any thing but barbarism (which they all evidently do,) and robbery. But this is latterly a good trade. What man of brains would send his son to such a brute? Had he been one of the laymen, his conduct was shameful in a christian city, and unequalled in a savage town. Let me ask any reasonable man in Pittsburg, had I stept into the lowest mechanic's house, whether he would not have invited me to sit down; and let me
ask them, what they can think of a man who would not; can they think such a man knows any thing of the gospel? He may know enough of the gospel, but he knows a great deal more of knavery. It is hoped, when the great struggle arrives (evidently a civil war,) the citizens of Pittsburg maybe the first to have their throats cut, for being such abominable fools as to suffer these firebrands of satan to runaway with their senses. If this man had the power he would make every street in Pittsburg run with blood; reports say he has a guillitine [sic] ready.
The Rev. John Taylor, of Liberty-street, is an aged man, and one of the most amiable of the human family; disgusted with the abuse of the gospel, he has left off preaching, and despises this religious swindling and tyranny as much as I do; he told me, he was persecuted by them until he was almost heart-broken. The old gentleman, hearing I arrived in the city, attended by his friend Mr. Byrne, clambered up stairs to see me in the night soon after I arrived in the city. He welcomed me in the most cordial language, while tears stood in his meek eyes as he repeated his mental suffering. And after preaching for, I think, forty years, at length unable to stem the tide of this new-fangled scheme of spreading the gospel, he retired in disgust. He is an Episcopalian and if there be a christian in their ranks, I would take him to be the man--and notwithstanding their hollow protessions [sic] of speading [sic] the gospel, this aged man, because he will not come into their measures, is now struggling with poverty, is this religion? Shame on the people of Pittsburg. These are all I saw of the clergy.
While I am upon the subject, however, I must entertain my readers with an anecdote of Rev. ----------, and the Osage mission, which comes in best at this place. It was related to me, and confirmed by some of the first people in Pittsburg. About two years or so before my visit, a missionary came to Pittsburg to collect money and goods, and property of any sort from a feather bed down to a horse-shoe, to convert the Osage Indians. The whole city was put in requisition: manufacturers, merchants, mechanics, and private citizens, were all called
on to contribute something, and as much money as they pleased; enough at least to purchase a boat to carry the missionary, his women, and his property. The Rev. -----------, of Pittsburg, went round with the missionary to every house. From some they got one thing, and from some, another, (they had better have given it to Rev. Taylor,) till the boat was so full, there was scarcely room for people to stand on the deck. It amounted to some thousand dollars.
When about to leave the shore, Rev. ----------- called to them to "stop, here is more." "The boat cannot take another article--it is impossible, sir; she is too heavily laden now," said the captain. "You must take in these barrels (or boxes)" "Can't, sir" "They must go," said the priest, and actually rolled them on board; and after sailing down the river a short distance, sold them for what they would fetch, and, pocketing the money, went on. But the cream is to come yet.
In the course of their calls, they stepped into a small grocery or grog shop. The shop belongs to a very generous, free-hearted, little Irishman, if I am not mistaken, by the name of Gallagher. But, no odds about the name, he is still keeping a shop in Pittsburg. The godly men say, "Well, sir, what will you contribute to the mission?" "I am so poor, gentlemen, I am not able to assist you." "Oh, if you cannot give money, give a little of any thing you have." "I have nothing in the world, gentlemen, that would suit you, I suspect: I have nothing but these liquors, which you see here, and I don't expect they would suit you." "Why, I d-o-n-'t k-n o w, but they m-i-g-h-t," the holy man drolled out:--"let me see; the atmosphere is very damp on the river; I d o-n-'t k-n o-w, but a little spirit would be a preventive;" (oh the covetous wretch.) "Well, gentlemen, if I have any thing in my line, that will suit you, you are welcome to it; make you choice; I have but little; but I do not wish to be backward" "Well, let us see what sort you have." The gentleman set out his decanters, hands a glass, and Mr. ------------, (the missionary not being a judge, he said,) pours out a glass of brandy put it to his head, takes a sip, smacks
his lips, takes another sip, smacks his lips again, holds up the glass, looks at it between him and the light, turns to his companion and says, "This is very good; we'll take three or four gallons of this:" takes up a decanter of cherry-bounce, pours out a glass, takes a pull at that, smacks his lips at it, "Better than the first." He went on tasting the man's liquors in this way, and telling him how much to put up of each, till he came to the cordial, which is said to be a very luxurious, costly liquor: he took a pull,--smacked his lips twice or thrice,--took another,--smacked again,--takes a third: "Oh, this is excellent; put us up ten gallons of this."
In the course of their tour through the city, they called on a blacksmith. The man was quite in low circumstances: they looked round the shop to see what they could devour; but saw nothing but a large chain, called a lock chain. They coveted the chain at once,--were going to a new country--and would be clearing, and hauling logs, and thought the chain, if he could spare it, would be excellent. The man urged his poverty, but they urged the cause of God; and finally persuaded him out of the chain. After securing this, Rev. ----------, casting round to see what else the shop contained, espied a horseshoe lying at his feet, and picking it up, said he would like to have a pair of them; they would need horses, and of course, horses would need shoes. The man now grew displeased, said he owed money, and had already done his creditors injustice by giving them the chain; and their reverences walked off.
When I arrived in Pittsburg, Rev.-----, had a mortification in his arm, occasioned by a slight bruise in his hand, of which it is said he has since died: he was given up when I left Pittsburg. Some of the wicked people said it was a judgment upon him, being the same hand by which he tasted the poor man's brandy.
Physicians.
Out of the 16 physicians, Pittsburg was said to contain, I saw but one,* Dr. Hannen. [Footnote indicated, but none provided.] These gentlemen, therefore, cannot charge me with neglect, as it was their place to have called on me, which is common, and such were my labors, that I had not leisure to call on them.On my way to Pittsburg, I met with a very genteel young man at Bedford: he was formerly of Philadelphia, but was then proprietor of a chair manufactory, East 4th near Main-street, Cincinnati, Ohio. He gave me the name of Dr. Hannen of Pittsburg: observing I would find the Dr. a gentleman, polite and hospitable, which, much to the credit of both, I found true; though I was but a minute in the Doctor's company. He is an amiable young man and keeps a drug store; the firm is "Hannen & Son, Market, between 5th and Liberty. Success to him; may he receive the patronage of the good and the generous.
The Mayor
Is deservedly reckoned one of the best men in Pittsburg, or even in the state. His name is M. M. Murry, [sic] a descendent of the royal family of that name in Scotland. He is stoutly made, of middle age, round face, fair, handsome features, and soft, full blue eye; but his countenance is beyond the power of pen or pencil; and the same of his manners--so mild, so winning and suasive."Nature, too, has nobly done her part,
Infused into his soul a noble grace,
And blushed a modest blood into his face."This gentleman, the soul of hospitality and kindness, like all other good men, seems to have lived for the good of mankind.**
E. J. Roberts, Esq. Clerk of U.S. Court, and Clerk of Common Council.
* I met with Dr. S. R. ------------, who will be noticed hereafter.Return to Text.
** I shall mention his lady under the head of 'Ladies.'Return to Text.
Of this gentleman, I could never say enough. He took me out of the hands of Philistines, and desired me to make his house my home. Leading me into his parlor, he delivered himself thus: "This is your parlor, madam. I give it up to you to entertain your friends as long as you choose to remain in Pittsburg." This was god like, and gospel-like, and gentleman-like; and the most noble instance of hospitality I ever met with. Mr. Roberts is likewise an attorney, and a son of the celebrated Judge Roberts, so noted in his day, as one of the best of men.Aldermen Scully and Lowrie are all I saw of the city authorities, besides the mayor. Mr. S. is a most interesting man, stout, and young looking, with a fine, full black eye. Mr. Lowrie is a brother of Secretary Lowrie, of the U.S. Senate, and a very different looking man: he has nothing of the malignity in his countenance, which distinguishes his brother. He is a low fair looking man. I told him I should try to get him in his brother's place:--wonder how it would do: we could not be worsted.
Merchants.
I wish to keep all classes separate, in Pittsburg; a general practice with me at all times to treat of every class, separately, but more particularly in this place, as being the first visit to Pittsburg; reserving the manufactories to the last.My time was so much taken up in viewing the manufactories, that I saw very few of the merchants; and more particularly, as they are a class of men who care little about literature.
I find they are mostly narrow-minded and penurious, unless you happen to come across a real gentleman, which sometimes happens.
In Pittsburg, I found Messrs. McCleery and King, wholesale merchants, in Wood Street, near the Monongahela. These are men of high respectability, and are extensively engaged in trade. I did not see Mr. King; but Mr. McCleery is a very amiable and intelligent man,
and lacks nothing of the complete gentleman. He, being a foe to priestcraft and tracts, we agreed well in sentiments: of course laughed enough at the Dismals. Mr. Mc. is a good figure, young, with a full black eye, and possessed of much ease of manner.
Mr. George Faris (if I am not mistaken in the name) is one of the most amiable of his species--mild, unaffected, and winning in his manners, and the very milk of human kindness. This gentleman is of Ireland, and I would suppose he left few equals behind him. The graces and every intellectual charm beams in his fine, open countenance, and his actions correspond with his looks. He keeps in Market Street.
N. Swarts, Esq. (I think) a merchant, is also respectable and a gentleman. He is of young appearance, with a very engaging aspect, and fine, lively, black eye.
Samuel Pettegrew, Esq. (calling unknown) is alike entitled to an honorable place in the history of this country. I do not know his profession, but I recollect the man perfectly to be highly deserving and agreeable in his manners.
I was equally pleased with Alexander Johnston, cashier of the Pittsburg bank, a tall, noble, stout figure, and very accomplished. He, with those I have mentioned, as gentlemen, are men of extensive learning and talents, and, of course, do not approve of tracts and missionaries, and yet they are so over-awed by these tyrants, that they dare not speak above their breath, shame on them, and let those ignorant raw fellows monopolize all the women, and the ugliest long faces in the world.
I overlooked Wm. Snowden Esq. a member of the Pittsburg bar, he is a very worthy man, and much respected. Mr. S. is a tall fine figure, good countenance, with a large bright blue eye and affable manners.
Mr. Isaac Murphy, likewise an attorney, is very respectable.
Amongst the other gentlemen worthy of remark, I have to notice Messrs. Wm. Caern, (if I do not mistake the name,) Byrne and Smith. I do not know the pursuit of Mr. C. but he is a very gentlemanly man; Mr. John
Bryne, [sic] an Irish gentleman, and once a man of independence, is amongst the most intelligent and shrewd men in Pittsburgh, and though struggling with adverse fortune, has a fine flow of spirits and is an excellent companion, I met with no man of more wit and pleasantry than Mr. B., he has spent much of his time since he arrived in America, in Boston, from which cause, and the hospitality of his nation, his manners are noble, frank and generous: I am under deep obligations to this gentleman and his enlightened family. He supports his family by manufacturing umbrellas, in 3d street, between Market and Wood, and though advanced in years and in delicate health, he is cheerful and gay; I hope he may receive the patronage he richly merits. Wm. T. Smith, is a white smith near Bakewell's glassworks, he and Mrs. S. (of whom I shall speak hereafter,) are of Scotland. This is the gentleman who manfully repulsed the Hog-mob students of the university, which alone ought to immortalize his name, he has the best educated and interesting family of children, with the exception of Mrs. Collins, I met with in Pittsburg, those children are hardly exceeded by any in the United States: nor did I ever meet with youths more amiable or possessed of a higher sense of honor. Mr. Smith, is himself, exemplary and a perfect gentleman. These youths and a few other young gentleman, have a small theatre, where they perform for their amusement and instruction, and not withstanding their limited means, (mere children,) and want of patronage, it is astonishing to see them perform--I was present at the performance of George Barnwell, in which these youths acquitted themselves to a degree, little inferior to the performers in New York--one of the children about thirteen years of age is a natural genius and paints the scenes for himself for his little theatre.
These exemplary youths as their parents informed me, have improved from the example of the parents alone, neither have ever exercised any authority or coertion [sic] towards them, more than over the child they never saw. It is shameful that the liberal part of the citizens of Pittsburg do not at least aid these youths--an honor to their
city, in, at least, furnishing them with a larger room; as the present one is too small, even for children.
The more I see of this civilized part of the world, the more I am convinced that the priesthood, so far from being a benefit, are a great enemy to the progress of society; and that there is no real liberty where they have any influence. Now here are ten thousand people who are kept in awe and bondage by three or four tyrants,* the most abominable monsters of wickedness in the city.
This proves the ignorance of the people. Why are the people ignorant? The increase of these priests who keep learning down. Witness the hog-mob scholars of the University--the letter I received here, and the letter I received from Carlisle, &c. &c. and many other black deeds of theirs which I shall bring to light before I have done; though not equal to breaking a female's single limb in three pieces, yet enough to prove that none but fools or ignoramuses would believe they were spreading any gospel but that of nonsense. You never hear the theatre attacked but by these monsters who want the money themselves for spreading fire and sword, as it appears, instead of the gospel. Give them no money and see what would be the consequence? bigotry, hypocrisy, and prejudice would soon disappear. Nothing flies faster than prejudice and deceit before facts. I hope the people of Pittsburg will no longer be bound by the galling chains of these deceivers.
But my greatest favorite is Mr. Eichbaum, the postmaster: an Israelite in whom there is no guile; a man of princely virtues, and beloved by all who has the pleasure of his acquaintance. Mr. E. is a pattern of every thing amiable in the human character. Nature has dealt bountifully with him, and he has improved the blessing she has lavished upon him beyond her fondest designs. Without parade, without professions, devoid of pride, he is at once a philosopher and philanthropist--intelligent, human, and mildness itself. He is the most enviable man I know. I would certainly, had I a vote in the business, vote for him to succeed the Postmaster General. Mr.
* This was the case in the dark ages: so we are going back.Return to Text.
E. is a stout, fine figure, of young appearance, with a dark complexion, and a countenance of unrivaled sweetness.
Editors.
There are four papers, (besides weekly and religious, of which I know not the number) published in Pittsburg; all liberal but one--Mr. McLean, a blue stocking, and his countenance bespeaks him what he is, though he is not devoid of talent. When I received the infamous letter, before mentioned, every editor in the city resented it in the most indignant and pointed terms except Mr. McLean; this shows his religion: and that he approved of it there is little doubt. All their conduct corresponds.* Why did not this hypocrite come out like a man, as the other editors did. His paper is the Gazette--it was for Mr. Adams. Mr. Butler also publishes an Adams paper. I do not remember the name of the paper; but I shall never forget the man--one of the most amiable men in the world. As a man, as a christian, as an editor or a gentleman, he has few equals. So mild, so easy, so affable--the milk and honey of human kindness. Mr. B. is quite a young man, tall, slender, and dark-visaged, with a countenance of ineffable sweetness.Mr. Andrews, and a young gentleman whom I used to know in New York, was the first to announce me, which gave great offense to the blue-skins: "Let envy alone." This was the occasion of the missionary letter--a very good thing--gave them plenty of rope. Mr. Andrews is a young gentleman of talents, and very promising. The bold and spirited manner in which he resented the infamous letter, proves him, by no means, deficient either in the knowledge of our civil and religious rights, or the independence to assert them. I fancy the blue stockings will long remember Mr.Andrews. Mr. Butler also resented it in a very handsome and spirited style.
* I understood Miss Wright gets a number of these letters. I suppose this is the way they convert the heathen--what abominable brutes. The pictures in my letters are, doubtless, well calculated to convert the heathen to their wishes, who cannot read. I would not be surprised at all to see the people rise and tear down all their dens. Return to Text.
The great offence of Mr. Andrews, I presume was, (as he was mentioned in the letter,) because he published my Carlisle letter. Mr. A. publishes the Commonwealth and went for Gen. Jackson.Mr. John M. Snowdon, also for Gen. Jackson, is another young man, and alike independent. He published the Carlisle letter also; and the blue-skins got it on all sides. They do not care, however--I mean the long-headed church and state people--so they get the money. Those in Pittsburg are only hirelings--catspaws--mere tools; and were they pelted nine times a day with rotten eggs, such is their meanness and servility, they would submit to it, at least the hen-pecked ones; and that includes the whole. Mr. S. is quite promising, and if properly encouraged, will make one of our most useful men. Here we are robbed of the most solid enjoyments by our ignorance. Millions of dollars go to--where? I should like to know. It would be as meritorious to go and seize it, as to seize the spoils of any other enemy; and I am much mistaken if it be not done before a hundred years. But if this money was given to encourage genius, and instruct the heathen of our streets, which is the same thing, a hundred to one, perhaps a thousand, would then take a newspaper who are now struggling for bread, or unable to read. All the evil and distress of the lower order of our citizens arise from the same cause and may be traced to the same source. Genius hangs her head; the arts neglected; churches defiled; colleges turned into missionary dens; old age insulted--nothing thrives but tracts, Sunday-schools, &c. &c.
Mr. McFarland publishes another liberal paper. He is a genteel, well informed man, quite young, and was said to edit the paper in the absence of his father, then on the Legislature, or some where. There was a small weekly paper published by a Unitarian: neither he nor his paper was worth one cent--he being afraid to say his life was his own. I believe it is true that women hate cowards. This man calling in to see me in a book-store, told me he was a real Yankee--from Boston. "Then you must be a Unitarian," I replied; "yes," said he,
whispering in my ear--the sheep. No wonder the black coats take the women from such men! I guessed there must be some of the godly ones about the store, it being crowded, and seizing the opportunity, soon lectured the whole of them, Unitarians and all, out of the store.
But more facts from the Spectator, a religious paper. This is proof equal to the letter, and shows the march of intellect. Millions are thrown away on the macrh [sic] of this sort of intellect.
Extract--From 'the Spectator: Pittsburg,' December 11th, 1828.
Joseph and his Mother.
Joseph. When does church break up for the winter?
Mother. What does the child mean?
J. Why, our Superintendent told us last Sabbath, that the school would soon break up for the winter.
M. Well, is that any reason why there should be no church?
J. If it is too cold to go to Sabbath school, I think it is too cold to go to church.
M. Well never mind now, learn your grammar lesson for to-morrow.
J. I think, mother it will rain to-morrow, for it does not look much like clearing, and then I shall not go to school.
M. But you will go to school, my boy, if it does rain; with your thick shoes and warm winter coat, there is nothing to hinder you.But enough, it is too sickening. This is the spread of the gospel; these are the people who wrote the letter; these are the people who say to freemen "You shall not build a theatre." Does this not prove the march of the intellect?
It appears, however, that intellect is going to march toward the Rocky Mountains; and these Mr. Missionaries have already seized on the richest and fairest part of our country; and as the people are not in the way of
seeing all the marches of these traitors, I shall march the plan into my book, where every one will see it; and if the citizens of the United States will give these fellows money and boats and goods, and then let them march off with the women, (they never attempt to go without a score of women,) and take possession of the cream of our country, it is time for us to prepare for the yoke truly, or girt on our knapsacks and set off for Africa. Here follows the scheme, of which they must have as many as they have members: From the Spectator, same date.
American Tract Society. Appointment of a General Agent for the Valley of the Mississippi.
This great Valley, extending from the Allegheny to the Rocky Mountains, and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Northern Lakes, embraces a territory very fertile, capable of containing a dense population, and larger in extent than all the remaining territory under the jurisdiction of the United States. In 1790, the actual civilized population existing within these boundaries was less than 150,000; it now exceeds 4,000,000; and, according to the best calculation that can be made, it will be, in the year 1850 nearly or quite 12,000,000; will exceed the whole remaining population of our country; and will be entitled to a predominant influence in our national councils. Many a child, who reads these lines, may see the day when the Valley of the Mississippi will embrace one of the most populous and powerful nations in Christendom. There is a majesty and solemnity in this march of population, which ought deeply to affect the mind, and to be taken most seriously into the account in our plans of usefulness. The spiritual welfare of 4,000,000 of souls is an object that might well command the resources of the world; but when we are to consult; not only for them, but for their children and children's children; and
when in a few years they are to increase from 4,000,000 to 8,000,000; and then to 12,000,000; 20,000,000, and onward: the importance of supplying them with the gospel, outweighs all human estimation.
We know there are now some flourishing churches in the Valley of the Mississippi, and that they embrace many active Christians who are laboring for the cause of Christ; but, at the same time, we are assured that the population, taken as a whole, is very partially supplied with the institutions of religion; that infidelity and vice are, in many parts, alarmingly prevalent; and that there is a powerful and prevailing tendency to that moral deterioration, which threatens the destruction of all civil and temporal blessings, and exposes the soul to all the miseries of the second death. And if ever the voice of Providence indicated to any one people the duty of conferring spiritual blessings on any other, we believe it now directs this portion of our country to send the blessings of Divine truth to the destitute beyond the mountains. Our happiness and prosperity are most deeply involved: we are identified with them as a nation, they are not only our neighbors, but many of them are our children, and kindred and friends. Evangelical Christians, scattered throughout the territory, are ready to second our efforts; we have not national prejudices to encounter; no new languages to learn, and, probably, on no other spot on the earth, is there promise that the same amount of effort will be attended with so great success.
The duty of immediately sending the gospel to the destitute in that interesting portion of our country, is now, we believe, almost universally acknowledged; and the consideration has pressed with great weight upon the minds of the Committee of the American Tract Society, that, while there are not qualified preachers of the gospel in existence to supply their wants, tracts can without delay, be printed and sent to every family. The Committee have felt that, bearing in some degree the responsibility of conducting the Tract operations of the country, they must not slumber an hour over this subject; but enter immediately on the work. And in this view, they
have commissioned and sent forth the Rev. Oran Eastman, who has been three years engaged in faithful labors for the Tract cause, as a General Agent of the Society for the Valley of the Mississippi, and have appointed three other faithful men to labor in connexion with him. Rev. Mr. Eastman, in company with Mr. Charles Putnam, left the city of New York on the 17th November, for this service, expecting to meet the two other Agents appointed, after his arrival beyond the mountains.
Their object will be to form Auxiliary Tract Associations in every town and village, and neighborhood around; till, if possible, one or more tracts, "directing the sinner to the Saviour," shall be placed in every family. All who can be induced to associate themselves with these Auxiliaries, will be supplied with tracts at the cost prices: to all who have not the ability to pay for them, or, who knowing not their value, and caring not for their soul's salvation; will do nothing to supply themselves, it will be felt a duty to carry tracts and deliver them, as God's message, "without money and without price."
The Committee now look to the christian public to sustain them in this important measure. It will require great personal effort on the part of all christians scattered throughout the Valley of the Mississippi; and liberal pecuniary contributions from the friends of the cause in every portion of the country. These agents must be sustained and their number probably be soon increased; and tracts must be furnished for the supply of all the Auxiliaries formed, and for all the gratuitous distributions to the destitute. If there are 4,000,000 in the Valley of the Mississippi, and each family contains seven individuals, the expense of sending two tracts of the usual size to each family, will exceed $11,400. But far more than this must done every year, or the provision made by tracts, for the spiritual wants of that population, will be small indeed.
The Committee have felt that God called them to enter upon, and faithfully to prosecute this work, notwithstanding the Society's very limited pecuniary means. We hope the object will be remembered by christians in
their prayers, especially, on the first Monday in every month; for, with the blessing of God, we believe it will appear in the day of judgment, to have been among the very important movements of the Christian Church.
Am. Tract Magazine.It appears it is God's message to deliver tracts. Do they find tracts in the Scriptures? This piece needs no comment. I hope it may open people's eyes.
Ladies.
There are few in Pittsburg of accomplished and liberal manners; the mass of the females being under the control of the religious societies. I saw but few enlightened females: but those I was so happy to see were inferior to no ladies in the United States for pleasing manners and conversation, and some of them very beautiful; and would be more so but for the smoke, which gives a tinge to the skin difficult to remove. They are very easy and familiar, and some of them have fine features.Mrs. Hollingsworth, the sister of the Mayor, Mr. Murray, appears to be of the old school. She has all the nobility of her family in her appearance and deportment, which is stately, but affable and condescending. She is a female of splendid mind, and a great political stateswoman. There I lost her, as I am ignorant of both. But we agreed to a T on tracts, and the christian duties, viz: do all the good we can, and do no harm. Upon this point all people of sense agree. She is a Unitarian: so also, is the Mayor and many of the first people of Pittsburg. Mrs. H. is a stout figure, and must have shone in her younger days. She is one of the most pleasant women in Pittsburg; but, like her amiable brother, she is at odds with fortune. I never saw but one man who pleased me in every thing, who could be called wealthy. I mean, as every one may guess, the amiable Stephen Van Rensellaer, member of Congress.
Mrs. Roberts, my kind hostess, also a Unitarian, is a small female of great beauty and accomplishments, and
one of the most affable women in Pittsburg. Her manners, as well as her countenance, have an uncommon charm and sweetness. Her father, I think, as well as herself, were natives of England. He, if I do not mistake, was a Unitarian preacher. Miss Campbell, of the seminary, is her sister, and her partner is the sister of Mr. Roberts. Both are young, accomplished, and very handsome. Miss Parry I have mentioned.
Mrs. Collins, a widow lady of considerable wealth, is, doubtless, one of the first females in Pennsylvania, on every account. She lives a private life upon her income, and devotes her time to the education of her children, some of whom are married. One, a most fascinating female, Mrs. Duncan, was on a visit to her mother's when I called. She had two other beautiful unmarried daughters, one of which was not grown, and both were highly accomplished. They were the finest and most interesting females I saw in Pittsburg, or in any part of the State. It was Mrs. C. who was alarmed by the robber on Sideling hill. Mrs. C. is certainly entitled to the highest praise for the pains she has taken in the education of her daughters. Mrs. Anchutz [sic] and her daughter were, also, among the first females in Pittsburg.
But, of all women, I was most struck by the uncommon good sense and intelligence of Mrs. Smith, whose children and husband has been mentioned. This lady, as well as her husband, is of Scotland--she is a woman of sterling worth, and highly esteemed in her calling, and though not in affluent circumstances, is the idol of all parties in Pittsburg, and lives independent, she is the most courteous and well-bred foreigner or perhaps native, I have met in the Atlantic country: she is not handsome, but her cordiality and politeness render her charming. It is seldom now-a-days we meet with a woman worthy of notice, so that too much cannot be said in her praise.
Mrs. Rev. Bruce, of the royal family of that name in Scotland, has been noticed, she is herself a native of New York, and a very beautiful woman, she did inform me of her family, one of the first in N. York, but I have forgotten it. There may have been many other deserving females,
in Pittsburg but I was too much engaged to call on them, and though several called upon me, I was mostly out.
