History of Independence Hall : from the earliest period to the present time, embracing biographies of the immortal signers of the Declaration of Independence, with historical sketches of the sacred relics preserved in that sanctuary of American freedom

Front matter

HISTORY

EMBRACING

BIOGRAPHIES OF THE IMMORTAL SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,

Preface

Independence Hall ! How impressive are the associations that cluster around this sacred Temple of our national freedom ! They inspire the thoughtful patriot with veneration — they enhance devotion to the institutions of our country. As we gaze upon the portraits of those stern old heroes who declared that " these united Colonies arc, and of right ought to be, free an'd independent States," our minds go back to, and are busy with, events that signalized the " times that tried men's souls." In the reflective mirror of retrospection we behold them in solemn council deliberating upon the momentous issues that called them together — we hear the thunders of their eloquence ringing around the walls of this consecrated chamber — -we see their eyes flash with earnest desire for liberty, and their brows lower with contempt at the aggressive despotism of Kiiig George. These silent representatives of the past still speak to us in unmistakable patriotism, whilp -vye pay homage to the Cradle of Amerjca^ Ijjberty, bidding us preserve and keep sacred the costly inherir tance bequeathed by them. "When we consider the sacrifices they made — the trials they endured — the privations they suflTerei] — the struggles through which they passed — and remember that they were passing those fiery ordeals to secure the blessings of independence for 'ifs— how pan we look upon their sublime features without properly respecting their eff'orts ? AYe should feel that these patriots of the Eevolution scrutinize our thoughts and actions from the canvas upon which they are made immortal. The venerable appearance of the IJall itself has an awe-inspiring sanctity about it that makes us realize we are treading hallowed ground — while the carefully arranged relics and mementoes excite our inquiry and deeply iiiterest our thoughts. Everv

10 PREFACE.

thing about the room teems witli liistorical reminiscence?. Every relic in "this sacred Fane has some historical peculiarity worthy of our profound veneration. Yet, thousands upon thousands visit Independence Hall — pass hours in looking at and examining the relics there, more from idle curiosity than otherwise, and consequently return to their homos little better versed in the histories connected with them than they were before. The principal reason for this is, they can obtain nothing to aid them in acquiring the information they may need in this respect. For the purpose, therefore, of obviating this disadvantage, and, in order to furnish an authoritative history of Independence JIall, with accurate descriptions of all its contents, we have placed before the public, in this work, the result of many years' labor among the dusty records of past incidents respecting Independence Hall. We have not sought to make it a mere Guide- Book. — the magnitude of interests which all feel in this, the Mecca of our country's greatness, forbade us adopting such a plan — our object has been to give it a high-toned national character ; to place in the hands of our patriotic countrymen facts connected with the causes that led to the prosperous condition of our free and happy land— and to inspire a deeper love for the sacred Temple wherein our nation's infancy was cradled and defended. In the prosecution of this arduous' task, we have consulted sufficient standard authorities to give our work reliable accuracy in every particular, and we return our thanks to such friends as have aided us— likewise are we indebted to Mr. Lossing, for many facts •concerning the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The places which beneficent spirits have sanctified remain hallowed to all time ; and, while M'C contemplate the Hall where the actors in the great drama of the Eevolution performed their most stupendous work, we feel the force of the language of Horace, Privatus illis census erat hrevis, covivuine magnum, and bow uieckly in adoration to their exalted virtues.

IX W, BELISLE.

Camden, N. J.

Contents

Introductory, 13

I. — IncGntive Associations 27

11. — Primitive Settlers and Public Edifices, 37

Chapter I. Incentive Associations

"Meditation here May think down moments. Here the heart May give an useful lesson to the head, And learning wiser grow without his books." — Cowper.

Localities whereon valorous deeds have been accomplished can never be blotted from pages of truthful history. They will still live, though the actors in such achievements have long since been gathered with the heroic to augment the ranks of the mighty dead. The external appearances of such localities may suffer from change and the onward progress of time, but their associations can never decrease in value to the sensitive mind. Sculj)tured columns may crumble from temples which have withstood the storms of ages ; the skill of the artist become defaced and even erased from their surfaces; but the fragments scattered over the ground in disintegrated masses will still speak of the beauty and symmetry which were theirs. We look upon such relics with sentiments of reverence, for they recall the fact that, in ages far remote, they were prominent supports and ornaments to gigantic edifices, within whose ■ halls and councilchambers sat statesmen and. patriots in solemn conclave, to deliberate on momentous national affairs. They seem yet to ring with the voice of eloquence and enthusiastic patriotism. Their age excites veneration, because, while we gaze on them, we feel ourselves in the presence of antiquity — living representatives of centuries which had their origin ''far back in the dim distance of the past." Emotions not dissimilar in character come over us when we stand on the Mount of Olives, or visit the scenes of our Saviour's ministrations. His labors and sufferings irresistibly force themselves upon our memories, and His voice still vibrates on the air as He wept over Jerusalem.

The garden of Gethsemane assumes the same melancholy characteristics it did the night He "sweat as it were great drops of blood," while our imaginations behold Him invoking the removal of the bitter cup ! We see the cross and the crown of thorns — the sepulchre in which He was laid after the crucifixion — the road which he journeyed with two of His disciples, unknown to them, to Emmaus, subsequent to His resurrection, and our "hearts burn within us" as we picture to ourselves their consternation when they discovered that they had been walking and conversing with their risen Master. The environs of Jerusalem are invested with associations at once solemn and interesting, and their hallowed influences excite the Cliristian's aspirations and hopes, inspiring him with Tenewed energy and devotion. He there beholds the Mount of Calvary upon which the Saviour of man propitiated the sins of the world, at the sight of which sacrifice the sun refused to shine, dense darkness covered the earth, the heavens shook, and the battlemented hills were rent asunder. He remembers also the particular incidents connected with that supernatural tragedy — he feels his soul grow warmer, and is ready to exclaim with tlie CenturioD : '' Truly this was the Son of God !" In contemplating these localities a vigorous impetus is given to the reflective ; and the thoughtful observer receives additional assurances of universal philanthropy.

But Independence Hall is a shrine at which millions of American hearts worship and beat with thrilling intensity; it is a Mecca Avhere unrestricted homage is paid — on whose altars sweet-smelling incense is burned as Liberty's oblation — and to which the jealous yet admiring eyes of every nation are turned. Around its unsullied walls is thrown an enchantment which makes the heart pulsate with burning emotions, and the spirit leap up with sentiments of unconquerable patriotism. Undefined sensations steal irresistibly over the senses, while standing in the presence of those mighty men, whose forms still live in " pictured immortality," uniting the present with the past, and recalling their sublime transactions.

" They never fail wlio die In a great cause ; the block may soak their gore, Their heads may sodden in the snn, their limbs Be strung to city gates and castle walls ; But still their spirits walk abroad. Though years Elapse, and others share as dark a doom, They but augment the deep and sweeping thoughts Which overspread all others, and conduct The world at last to freedom."

The very atmosphere seems redolent of their greatness, and still vibrates with the voice of their eloquence, while the gray walls reflect the awful purposes of that august convocation ! Their unanimity of thought, feelings, sentiments, and actions, indicated the sublime objects for wliicli they were assembled. They had felt, in common with their fellows, the iron hand of despotism, and knew how hard it was to endure its oppressions. They had experienced outrage and wrong — had borne for years, with meekness and fortitude, without murmuring, the tyrannical impositions and exactions of the home government ■ — had witnessed the efforts of the colonists to establish manufacturing and commercial enterprises stricken down — had felt the heavy burden of enormous taxation enervating the growth of their respective settlements and exhausting their individual resources — • they knew that " taxation without representation" was inimical to republican institutions, and that, when application for redress was made, their petitions were only answered by still more stringent exactions! They felt that upon them devolved the great responsibility of shaping the future destiny of their country, either for good or for evil. They knew that upon them the eyes of their constituents were turned with anxious anticipations, and that the result of their deliberations would lead their countrymen to sanguinary conflict and all its contingent deprivations and sufferings, or subject themselves to the guillotine and gallows !

To immolate their own lives upon the altar of their country, as an offering to freedom, in case of failure to accomplish the great aim of the struggling Colonies, was regarded by them as an incentive to subsequent action and for the achievement of future glory ! All the great motives relating to a separation between the home government and her oppressed dependencies in America, discussed in private and small assemblages throughout the land, were duly and appropriately considered in this grand convocation of the people's representatives. They felt that a duty of more than ordinary character was to be discharged, for already the clash of resounding arms had thrilled the hearts of the colonists. Their friends in oppression had been shot down at Lexington by British soldiers, and rewards were offered by Parliament for the heads of the leaders in the Colonial rebellion. Taxation, although beyond endurance in point of severity, was still increased — their humble and resjDectful prayers for justice were treated with contempt ; and the last hope of an afflicted people lay in an implicit confidence in God, the exalted character of their cause, their military prowess and invincibility. No people since the establishment of governments exemplified a more striking devotion to the authority of their rulers than the colonists, while those rulers tempered their administrations with reason and justice ; but no people were more unwilling to submit when prudence and honor were outraged, or their right to govern themselves was called in question. Indignant at the arbitrary disposition of the mother country in refusing them a voice in the enactment of laws affecting their private and colonial interests, they regarded their national dignity insulted, their high and heaven-born prerogatives disallowed — and therefore refused allegiance to an unscrupulous ministry, whose acts of aggression every day became more and more despotic and intolerant.

Such grave considerations operated with convincing weight upon the minds of those reflecting delegates. Hence the important measures which they adopted, and the direct influences which their deliberative acts had upon tlie country, in a social and national point of view. In a social light; the result of their sublime proceedings had a tendency to unite the sentiments of the inhabitants in different States, and to give direction to a system of policy appropriately calculated to enhance their growth and prosperity, as well as to bind in indissoluble bonds of fraternization hearts that were once separated by sectionalism and estrangement. Socially, this was a potent achievement, for it illustrated practically the aphorism that, "in union there is strength." In several States sectional feelings partially alienated the people from each other, but a sense of danger, their common interest and personal safety, led to a confederation of sentiment which linked them together as a " band of brothers," in the cause of self-protection. It was to strengthen this sentiment in a general convocation that the colonies assembled in primary meetings, selected their delegates, and instructed them in reference to the great duties before them, determined, at the same time, that they would abide by whatever measures — be they mild or severe — which their chosen representatives might deem prudent to adopt. Stimulated by the encouraging instructions of their constituency, these delegates repaired to the scene of their exaltation with hearts glowing with patriotism and warm emotion — they knew that a feelino; of resistance actuated the masses — and that the ball of reformation when set in motion would continue unabated ah ovo usque ad mala. They were conscious of the fact that their cause was progressing Avith ever advancing steps toward ultimate triumph — that it was worse than useless — it would be the veriest madness to oppose it. Its success was no longer problematical — it almost bore the semblance of a fixed fact. Contrary to predictions or ungenerous vilifications, and despite misrepresentations of partisan and kingly adherents, the principles of Freedom were permeating the rural population of the country with a rapidity which augured significantly for the success of the cause. These were some of the effects which the action of this first great Convention of the people's delegates were likely to produce upon the future social condition of the country, by creating a unanimity of sentiment, a free interchange of thought, and a union of policy in their political and religious conduct which would inure to their own safety, and be productive of the greatest good of the greatest number.

Viewed in a national light, they saw and anticipated greater consequences. They realized that the price of liberty ivas to he eternal vigilance, that " no more truly do rising clouds and rumbling thunders foreshadow gathering storms," than did the indications on every side speak of an approaching national tempest. The signs of the times were dark, fearful, and portentous ! The shadows of the approaching outbreak bent luridly above them, with a warning to prepare for the sanguinary strife! The enemies of liberty were more than usually active — they left no avenue unoccupied which might be made auxiliary to their designs — " and stealthily and ruthlessly as the assassin's steel were they driving their death-thrusts at Freedom's heart, and planning destruction to all who gathered around her fair, wide-fluttering standard!" That, then, was no hour for slumbering indifference^no time for supine forgetfulness, of composure and security, when the invading hand of depotism, cunning and malignant; threatened to clutcli from tliem their dearest rights, their most sacred liberties, and lay low beneath unsparing rage and trampling feet, the homes of their affections, the altars at which they worshiped, and seal from their gaze the splendor of that divine truth which has since illumined our nation's onward progress, and been the guiding light in its march to elevated worth, prosperity and honor. They realized these truths, and felt how great were their responsibilities ! Upon their decision depended the future condition, happiness and prosperity, or servitude and oppression — of the country.

"War with its destructive concomitants and still greater despotism, or war with its sanguinary struggles and freedom, was to conclude the final vote of that assembly. Either alternative would be dear and difficult — either would cost years of fighting and hundreds of valuable lives. A nation of freemen^ possessed of characteristics belonging to independent sovereigns, each in an individual capacity, capable of self-government, was to spring up from their judicious deliberations, or they themselves become martyrs to the cause they represented. It was no wonder that they were sleepless at their posts— that they kept constantly in their minds the belief that ^^the "price of liberty was eternal vigilance^ and that he who would successfully combat the sneaking foe must bear the whole armor to the fight, and never falter nor turn his eves from the thickenino- contest. Their antao^onists were armed — armed for a desperate purpose! The temples they had reared and dedicated for pacific measures — places whose atmosphere should have been fragrant and glowing witli the sweetness of peace-offeriugs and holiness — were made theatres of whispered plottings, repositories of tumult's deadly weapons ! These were facts of a startling and threatening character. They addressed themselves with burning intensity to the spirit that actuated those representatives — our forefathers — in that revolutionary struggle, and led to the consummation of the object for which they were called together — the framing of a Declaration OF Independence*

CHAPTER n.

PKIMITIVE SETTLERS AND PUBLIC EDIFICES.

"Here tlie free spirit of mankind, at length, Throws its last fetters off ; and who shall place A limit to the giant's unchained strength. Or curb his swiftness in the forward race?" — Bryant.

Every nation has some particular, some sacred enclosure, or consecrated building, wliich tliey regard as a Mecca or slirine, at wliich they pay national oblations and homage. These are generally places where important events have culminated advantageously to the reputation and nationality of the people, or where circumstances of vast magnitude have transpired. Sometimes, too, they are rendered sacred by inhumation of the great, or the expiring throes of heroes on ensanguined fields of valor. England has her Westminster Alley, France her Hotel des Invalides, and the United States— the great American republic— her Independence Hall. The affections of the people of England and France become more elevated at the baptismal shrines of their respective nations, and swell out with idolizing patriotic intensity. Pestilence and famine — war with its incidental misfortunes may sweep, like a burning sirocco, millions to the dust — yet their survivors will turn to their holy places as the surest refuge to invoke consolation in hours of 3alamity and danger. The American people are no less superstitiously inclined. They regard tlie sacred building in which their " Declaration of Pluman Rights" was vitalized and rendered operative, with as much reverence as did the Scandinavians the fabled well of Mimer. They gaze upon its venerable walls and drink deep inspiration — they feel themselves standing in the focus where concentrate the united efforts and influences of a mighty people — or rather in a centre whence radiate scintillations of freedom over a wide and prosperous continent.

From its hallowed dome we can look out upon the illimitable blue of the world around — can see a fertile country stretching away to a point where ceases the scope of human vision, teeming with every thing calculated to increase the happiness and welfare of its inhabitants — we can see the white sails of commerce dotting the noble Delaware, freighted with the products of industry for our transatlantic neighbors, while over the city and over the country hangs a spirit of sublimity and augmenting grandeur. It is not unreasonable, therefore, to suppose that the iuhabitants, from the associations which surround them, with all their peculiarities and discrepancies of taste, education, sentiments, private and social habits, national prejudices and preferences, should cling ardently to the early reminiscences of their ancestors. From the mass of mental elements scattered over these fertile regions, is formed a public mind, deep, powerful, and independent, which will retain its own great interests with a strength and firmness that cannot be shaken by any other elements or powers. Over these hills and valleys, yet moist with the blood of the Eevolution, and consecrated by heroic bravery — no dogmatical forms 4 and ceremonies, conventional creeds and systems; social deferences or distinctions of wealtli; can check the bold inspirations of natural freedom — but thought and fancy are free to roam in all the strength and vividness of their character. Amid the florid beauty that waves over these variegated fields, refreshed by the most delicious dews and breezes — amid the associations of youth, sacred domes and puritanical restraint, the spirit seems quickening with new and more expansive powers and susceptibilities, while the sweetest melodies of nature, her multiform beauties, boundless and picturesque displays, combine to enchant the ear, and awaken in the bosom new energies, emotions and enjoyments. There, instead of the narrow streets and pent walls, the dim and smoky atmosphere of large cities or towns, we may feel ourselves free and invigorated by a pure and fragrant atmosphere, and can gaze with a brighter glow of admiration over the expansive scenes, broad landscapes teeming with spontaneous luxuriance, which strike the view, and make us realize more deeply the harmony that prevails around us. S^rrely scenes so grand, natural, and free, cannot fail to awaken a more active energy, excite stronger emotioAis, nixd inspire the thoughts with bolder or more e^tcursive powers. With such scenes and associations everywhere around this, the cradle of American liberty, it is not strange that the American people should exhibit a natural pride for, and a strong attachment to, the land of their own and the birth of their forefathers.

Historically considered, Independence Hall presents many interesting features. To the student of American archaeology, it is one of the most inspiring buildings in the country ; its antiquity excites our veneration ; its associations our patriotism ! Standing within the room where the Convention of Delegates assembled, the American citizen feels surrounded with holy influences — he almost hears the pulsatory throbbings of each member's heart while gravely considering the country's welfare in that Convention — for the occasion was one of awful moment. Every portion of the building is equally sacred — the walls, the ceiling, the carvings, recesses and corners, still ring with the voices of the unforgotten dead. We remember, while gazing on them, the sore difficulties experienced by tlie early settlers of Philadelphia, and feel that it is pleasant and instructive to revive and recreate pictures of the incidents Avhich must have engaged them. We can imagine what a bustling, spirited, emulous scene it must have been ; and we can transport the mind back to the primitive site oi Goaquanock, to witness the busy landing from the ships anchored in the river, of men, women, and children upon the gravelly strand at the foot of the precipitous banks of Dock Creek — the hurrying backward and forward of lighters, discharging from the ships in the stream, the furniture, implements and provisions for their future use — then the efforts of men, women, and children endeavoring to gain the liiglier river banks. We may also imagine the mingled emotions of such families — how they must have felt an exhilarating effect in inhaling the pure air, after a confined and irksome voyage, among the towering groves of spruce pines, which stretched their umbrageous arms abroad — glad, no doubt, to feel themselves again safe on solid land- Again, we may behold, on the other hand, those newly-arrived settlers, devoid of all tlie usual comforts and conveniences of civilization, in a gloomy wilderness, without a liouse or shelter ; but with the true spirit of heroic pioneers, impressed with hopes of a glorious and happy future, they set nobly to work to build homes for their wives and children.

And we may, at the same time, feel that some leading member of that Christian community, after piou.sly returning thanks to the Almighty for their safe landing, and asking His blessing on their future efforts, begins himself the good example of the toil before them, like Christian David, the pioneer Moravian settler at Hernhuth, b}^ striking his axe in the first tree, and exclaiming : " Here hath the sparrow found a house, and the swallow a nest for himself — near thine altar, O Lord God of hosts !" Yes — there, in the sweet quietness of the wood, free from the hurries and perplexities of Europe, they could not but remember they were quite removed from persecution,

"Nut like tlieir fatliers, vexed from age to age, Bj blatant bigotry's insensate rage."

In imagination we still behold the men and the boys, with their implements for clearing away the forests on their shoulders, starting oft* to select places for temporary huts, cabins or caves in the side of the hill; and while some excavate the earth, three or four feet, near the margin of the river, others ply the axe to clear the underwood, or to fell trees, whose limbs and foliage were used to supply sides and roofs to their humble dwellings. Again we see others engaged in digging soclS; wliicli tliey employ in forming sides to their huts, and when these are completed, chimneys of grass or kneaded clay are set up, and the house is finished ! In the meantime the women have lighted fires on the ground, and "having their kettle slung between two poles, upon a stick transversed," their humble and frugal meal is quickly prepared ; all gather around and partake of it with light and happy hearts. Then, each famil}^ begins to convey to their new-made residence their goods and furniture, and they all feel settled for a season. Thus their frail hovels became occupied, and the families located close to each other for self-protection ; and

Raised sweet society in solitude."

And then the busy scene began ! No sooner had the surveyor, with much labor, by felling trees and dragging away the brushwood, made an imperfect passage, along which to draw his ^'lengthening chain," than he formed i\\Q '' city 2^lotr "With what alacrity and earnestness did the men start off to prepare the ground for permanent improvement? The echoing wood resounded with the ringing voices of the woodmen's axes and the crash of falling trees — the In?lians looked on amazed and affrighted at this, the first sounds of civilization that had ever reverberated on their ears. Starting here, and flying there, beasts and birds, were killed in large quantities, and served as excellent food for the people while they were clearing away the deep embarrassments of the soil. '^ Even the reptiles, deadly and venomous, then first felt the assault of the primeval curse; and tlie serpent's head was crusliedy

So soon as the permanent buildings had been generally started; and the forests disappeared, the rude original outlines of the city — not then as now — began to be apparent; and we may well imagine the cheerful greetings Avhich passed between those pioneers, while contemplating the steady progress each had made. And ofteU; toO; we fancy how reciprocally they must have aided each other at their " raisings, "^^ and other heavy operations requiring many hands and much physical strength. A mutual dependence upon each other was felt by all. Self-interest and self-protection led to this policy. With that sublime conception of revelation whicli inspires the heart to live out the precepts of an overruling Providence; the}^ permitted no dissension or evil report to mar the steady progress of their purposes. Thus it was that; not only the solitudes of the wilderness were converted into safe and pleasant retreats, but the rude denizens of the forests themselves were tamed into submission by the superior civilzation of the white man. Time passed OU; and their little colony spread its dimensions in various directions. Smiling fieldS; rich with virgin cropS; appeared where the " heavy oak and chestnuttrees^tood."

We remember; toO; that, at that time, the first houses lay chiefly south of what was called High — now Market — street, and on the northern bank of Dock Creek — then called the Swamp. At the mouth of this creek was the Ferry from the Blue Anchor Tavern — the place where William Penn first landed in a boat from Chester; when he visited his province in Pennsylvania — leading over to ^^ Society Hill," before tlie Causeiuay at Front street Avas formed. The first bridge, and their then first means of a cart-road leading westwardly, was a wooden structure laid across the water '' where the tide ebbed and flowed," at Hudson's alley and Chestnut street. Dock Creek then traversed Fourth and High streets, and on the north side of High street, formed a pond, which was surrounded with shrubbery, and was an excellent resort for wild foAvl and geese, where they were easily captured. On examining old documents, we find that another great duck pond lay in the rear of Christ Church, and the first Baptist Meeting House. Tradition relates tliat, at that place an Indian feast was held ; and in order to amuse William Penn and exhibit their agility, the Indians peformed a foot-race around the entire pond. From Dock Creek at Girard's Bank, divero^ino- in angular directions, ran a water- course through what was subsequently designated ''Beak's Hollo vV," near Sixth and Walnut streets, and terminated in another duck pond. All these places were regarded with peculiar interest by the inhabitants, who, during the summertime, frequently watched the deer, as they came down to drink and eat the " sjjatierdashes" which grew luxuriantly around their borders.

These ancient reminiscences inspire us with deep emotions, for by them we learn how patiently the founders of the city of Philadelphia toiled amid interposing dif&culties to open a way through the deep forests of Pennsylvania for the progress of civilization. Each effort of those struggling pioneers is regarded with peculiar interest, as they were directed toward the establishment of institutions from which should

44 ini)epend>:nce hall:

flow the choicest blessings to humanity — the blessings of Freedom and Indei-ienderice.