ing of the Declaration-The new State constitution-Re- treat of Washington through New Jersey-Philadelphia menaced-The battles of Trenton and Princeton-With- drawal of the British from Jersey-Landing on the Dela- ware-Battle of Brandywine-Affair at Paoli-Occupation of Philadelphia by the British-Fortification of the Dela- ware-Removal of Congress inland-Battle of Germantown -The storming of Fort Mercer-The British occupy Pro- Attempted surprise of Washington's camp-Skirmishing and retreat of the British-Manner in which the Americans were warned-Encampment at Valley Forge-Destitution and distress of the army-Embarrassment of the country- Treaties with France-Lord North's proposition to Franklin -His proposed measures of conciliation-Lord North's pro- positions circulated in America-Resolutions of Congress- Foraging operations of the British-Narrow escape of La- fayette-Evacuation of Philadelphia-Battle of Monmouth —Arrival of British commissioners-Refusal of Congress to treat with them-Tampering with individuals-Departure of the commissioners-Wyoming-Unadilla-Cherry Val- ley-British conquest of Georgia and South Carolina- Revolt of the Pennsylvania and Jersey troops-Turn of Treason trials-Benedict Arnold-President Reed-Difficulties of his position-Philadelphia benevolence-The Wilson riot -Extinguishment of the Penn titles-Gradual abolition of slavery Articles of confederation-Difficulties of govern- ment-State of the public mind-Discontent in the army- Noble conduct of the disbanded troops--Emeute in Phila- Federal convention proposed-Adoption of a constitution for the United States-New constitution of Pennsylvania- Subsequent amendments-Political history of Pennsylvania -Democratic character of the people-Whisky insurrection -House-tax difficulties-Common-school law-Internal improvements-Financial embarrassments-Integrity of the Pennsylvania legislators-Financial condition of the state -Coal trade-Iron, and other manufactures-Philadelphia -Its original extent-Present dimensions-Seat of ment removed to Harrisburg-Conclusion................Page 343 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. CHAPTER I. William Penn-His parentage-His birth-Circumstances of his youth-Politics and polemics-William Penn at Chigwell-His early religious impressions-He is entered at Oxford-Thomas Loe-Penn is expelled for nonconformityForbidden his father's house-Sent to make the tour of the Continent-Encounter in Paris-His reflections upon itReads theology with Amyrault-Returns a courtier-Enters at Lincoln's Inn-He is sent to Ireland-He desires a military command-His father refuses to gratify him-Correspondence on the subject-Penn takes charge of his father's estates, near Cork-Thomas Loe again-Penn joins the Society of Friends-Is imprisoned with others-Discharged by the President of Munster-Recalled to London-Difference with his father-Imprisoned for heresy-First imprisonment in Newgate-Second imprisonment in NewgateDeath of Admiral Penn-Penn becomes a trustee for one of the proprietors of New Jersey-Review of his youth. THE first chapter in the history of Pennsylvania is the life of William Penn. Though so recent an historical character, yet it is remarkable that the circumstances of his life are not familiar. He holds a position in the popular mind indefinitely great, yet little, understood. 19 His personal character challenges respect. The anomalies of his proprietary government have exposed him to mistake, and, in some cases, to uncharitable animadversion. A calmly written and unprejudiced history of Pennsylvania is William Penn's best biography. The reader of such a history will rise from the perusal with definite ideas of the great services the "Quaker sovereign" has rendered to humanity. A dispassionate review of his life, and of the history of his colony, alone can save him from the great injustice which he has suffered from the resultant effects of overpraise. William Penn was born to wealth and distinguished rank; advantages to which, in his youth, he does not appear to have been insensible, and which his characteristic prudence forbade that he should ever entirely lose sight of. His father was Sir William Penn, an English naval officer of high reputation, won in constant and active service. His life was a series of successes. He defended the naval honour of the Commonwealth under Cromwell, was promoted under the Protectorate, and knighted at the Restoration. The son of a naval captain, at oneand-twenty he was appointed captain; at twentythree, Rear-Admiral of Ireland; at twenty-five, Vice-Admiral; at twenty-nine, Admiral to the Straits; and at thirty-one, Vice-Admiral of England. 1644.] LIFE OF PENN. 21 The birth of William Penn took place on the 14th day of October, 1644, in the parish of St. Catharine's, Tower Hill, London. His father was early married; and Penn's birth taking place about the time of his first promotion, as the lad increased in years, his young ears were filled with the eclat of his father's advancement in honour. Under all the circumstances of his early life, we can but wonder at his successful resistance of the world's temptations. Far from being surprised at his evident hesitancy at several periods, whether to embrace preferment or deny all for his principles, we might be astonished at his final victory, were it not that the founding of a commonwealth afforded him at last the opportunity to reconcile ambition with duty; and while he innocently gratified the former, made it subservient to the higher demands of the latter. It was a compromise which has profited the world, and conferred posthumous fame on William Penn. But while he lived it only increased the mental "exercise" which made his days weary, without bringing that rest for which his soul thirsted. The mother of William Penn was the daughter of John Jasper, of Rotterdam. Her character was another proof of the rule, that the mothers of great men are women of a superior mould. Besides the advantages which he received from her personal instructions, it is not to be ques |