manager, had for his benefit, that irresistibly amusing burlesque,
'Hamlet Travestie.' His line of acting is a broad-farce caricature of
that of Liston. He personated the modern Danish prince. The audience
were solemn, serious, and dull. The affecting entrance of the deranged
Ophelia, who, instead of rosemary, rue, &c. had an ample supply of
turnips and carrots, did not move a muscle of their _intelligent
faces_--the ladies, indeed, excepted, who evinced by the frequent use
of their pocket handkerchiefs, that their sympathies were engaged on
the side of the love-sick maiden. Some who had seen the original
Hamlet for the first time a few evenings before, gave vent to their
criticisms when the curtain fell. They thought Mr. Entwistle did not
look sufficiently grave; and that, as it was his benefit, he acted
very dishonourably in shaving (cheating) them out of two acts; for
that they guessed when Mr. Hutton played _that'ere_ king's mad son, he
gave them five acts for their _dallar_. Mr. ---- assured me that on
the following morning, a respectable lawyer of Pittsburgh met him, and
said, 'I was at the play last night, Sir, and do not think that Mr.
Entwistle acted Hamlet quite so well as Mr. Hutton.'" _Fearon's
Sketches of America, 1818._
_Thespian Society_
The Public are respectfully informed that on this evening, Jan. 14th,
will be presented the much admired Drama, called
the
Man of Fortitude.
The proceeds to be appropriated to the benefit of the Sunday Male
Charitable School.
Recitation, Alonzo the brave or the fair Imogen.
Song, I have loved thee, dearly loved thee.--Mrs. Menier.
----, America, Commerce and Freedom.
_After which the much admired Farce, called_,
The Review,
_Or, the_
Wag of Windsor.
Doors to be opened at half past 5 o'clock, and the curtain to rise at
half past six. Box, one dollar; Pit, _Fifty cents_.
"A citizen of Pittsburgh, and a lover of the useful and rational
amusement of the Theatre, begs leave to observe to his fellow
citizens, that on Monday evening next Mr. Alexander will stand forward
for public recompense, for his exertions in his profession.... It must
be readily acknowledged that no young gentleman of more transcendent
talent ever graced the dramatic floor of Pittsburgh; it is, therefore,
but just that he who has so often made _us_ smile, should from _us_
receive a something to make _him_ smile in turn." _Commonwealth, Nov.
4, 1815._
"The Theatre in this city is now opened by the Thespian Society, for
the double purpose of gratifying the public taste by a moral and
rational amusement and adding to the funds of the Male Charitable
Sunday School. The _Man of Fortitude_ and the Farce of the _Review_
have been selected for representation this evening. Since society has
been released from the chains of superstition, the propriety of
Theatrick amusements has not been doubted by any man of liberal
feelings and enlightened understanding.... The stage conveys a moral
in colours more vivid than the awful and elevated station of the
preacher permits him to use--it is his coadjutor in good, and goes
with him hand in hand exposing vice to ridicule and honouring virtue."
_Gazette, Jan. 14, 1817._
The Morals Efficiency Society of 1816
"The Moral Society of Pittsburgh announce to the public their
formation. The object of their association is the suppression of vice
and immorality, as far as their influence shall extend, and they shall
be authorized by the laws of the commonwealth, and the ordinances of
this city....
We hereby give this public information of our intention to aid the
civil officers in the execution of the laws of this commonwealth, and
the ordinances of the city, against all vice and crime cognizable by
said laws and ordinances. Such as profane swearing, gambling, horse
racing, irregular tippling houses and drunkenness, profanation of the
Lord's day by unnecessary work of any kind, such as driving of
waggons, carts, carriages of pleasure and amusement, or other
conveyances not included under the exception of the laws of the
commonwealth in case of necessity and mercy." _Commonwealth, Nov. 26,
1816._
Fourth of July, 1816
"A numerous and respectable concourse of citizens met at Hog Island,
nearly opposite the village of Middletown, on the Ohio river, to
celebrate the birth day of American independence. Colonel James
Martin, was nominated president, and Captain Robert Vance,
vice-president.--The utmost harmony and unanimity prevailed; and it
was a pleasing sight to see citizens of opposite political sentiments,
bury their former animosity, and with great cordiality join in
celebrating the American anniversary. After performing the manual
exercise, the company partook of an elegant dinner, prepared for the
occasion, and the cloth being removed ... patriotic toasts were drank
with great hilarity, accompanied by the discharge of musketry, and
appropriate music....
The citizens retired at a late hour in the utmost harmony." _Mercury,
July 20, 1816._
Police
"When the borough was incorporated into a city [March 1816], the act
incorporating it authorized the authorities to establish a police
force, but there was none established for some years afterwards. The
act limited the city taxation to five mills on a dollar, and the
corporation could scarcely have paid a police force, even if one had
been required. The city authorities did, however, pass an ordinance on
August 24, 1816, establishing a night watchman, but soon found they
had no money with which to pay him. They accordingly repealed the
ordinance and for some years the city slept in darkness without the
benefit of police protection." _Boucher's Century and a half of
Pittsburg._
Eagle Fire Company
"In 1811 the second epoch in the company's history may be said to have
started, the younger element having gradually crept in and assumed
control of affairs, and the older men had to some extent lost interest
and perhaps gained rheumatism in the fire service. The company was now
re-organized on a more active and vigorous basis. The first engineer
to take charge under the new regime was William Eichbaum, who
continued to act in that capacity until 1832, when he was elected
First Chief Engineer of the Fire Department on its organization....
In the company organization the most important duty devolved upon the
Bucket Committee. Every citizen was required to keep two or three
heavy leather buckets with his name painted on them, and in case of
fire these were all brought on the ground. Two lines of men and women
were formed to the water supply, to pass the full buckets to and the
empty ones from the engine.... When the fire was extinguished all the
buckets were left on the ground till next day. Then, as many of the
inscriptions were obliterated, there was some stealing of buckets and
consequent fights. Certain folks ... picked out the best buckets, just
as in modern times some people get the best hats, or umbrellas, at the
conclusion of a party. The Bucket Committee, to put a stop to this,
decided to deliver all buckets to their respective owners." _Dawson's
Our firemen._
Water-Supply
"The water supply was gained, up to 1802, from wells and springs which
flowed from out the hillsides, these being sufficient for a small
town. An ordinance passed August 9, of that year, called for the
making of four wells, not less than forty-seven feet in depth. Three
of these were to be located on Market street, and were to be walled
with stone.... Wells, with the springs at Grant's Hill, furnished the
supply of water for public use until 1826." _Boucher's Century and a
half of Pittsburg._
Banks
"As early as the year 1815, there were only three banks in Pittsburgh;
viz., the Bank of Pennsylvania, located on the north side of Second
Avenue, between Chancery Lane and Ferry Street; Bank of Pittsburg,
south-west corner of Market and Third Streets; Farmers and Mechanics'
Bank, north side of Third, between Wood and Market Streets,--the
aggregate capital amounting to less than two million dollars, which
was considered abundantly adequate to the business of that period."
_Parke's Recollections of seventy years._
The Bank of Pittsburgh is situated on the s.w. corner of Market and
Third streets.
President,
William Wilkins,
Directors,
George Anchutz, Jun.
Nicholas Cunningham
William Hays
James Morrison
Craig Ritchie (Cannonsbr'g)
James Brown (baker)
Thos. Cromwell
John Darragh
Wm. McCandless
John M. Snowden
George Allison
T. P. Skelton
Cashier
Alexander Johnston, Jun.
Open daily from 9 o'clock a.m. till 3 p.m., except Sunday, Fourth of
July, Christmas and Fast days. Discount day, Wednesday. Capital
$600,000. Shares $50 each. Dividends, first Mondays in May and
November. _Pittsburgh directory, 1815._
The Office of Discount and Deposit of the Bank of Pennsylvania is
situated on the north side of Second between Market and Ferry streets.
President,
James O'Hara.
Directors,
Joseph Barker
Anthony Beelen
Thomas Baird
Ebenezer Denny
Boyle Irwin
George Wallace
David Evans
_Pittsburgh directory, 1815._
THE FARMERS' AND MECHANICS' BANK OF PITTSBURGH.
Cashier
George Poe, Jun.
Open daily from 9 o'clock a.m. till 3 p.m., except Sunday, Fourth of
July, Christmas and Fast days. Discount day, Thursday.
Is situated on the north side of Third, between Market and Wood
streets.
President,
John Scull
Directors,
William Eichbaum, Jun.
John Ligget
William Leckey
Jacob Negley
_Pittsburgh directory, 1815._
Post-Office
POST-OFFICE ESTABLISHMENT.
Arrival and Departure
of the
MAILS,
At the Post-Office--Pittsburgh
The Eastern Mail arrives on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings,
and closes on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 8 o'clock A.M.
The Western Mail arrives on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and
closes on Sunday at sunset, and Wednesday and Friday at 1 o'clock P.M.
The Beaver Mail arrives on Monday evening, and closes the same day at
sun-set.
The Erie Mail arrives on Monday evening and closes the same day at
sun-set.
The Steubenville Mail arrives on Sunday and Wednesday evenings, and
closes same days at sun-set.
The Huntingdon Mail, via Ebensburgh and Indiana, arrives on Tuesday,
and closes same day at half past twelve P.M....
As there are several places of the same name in the United States, it
is necessary that the directions should be particular, the states
should be distinguished, and, where it might otherwise be doubtful,
the counties....
Those who send letters may either pay the postage in advance, or leave
it to be paid by their correspondents.
RATES OF POSTAGE
For Single Letters
Cents
For any distance not exceeding 40 miles 12
Over 40 and not exceeding 90 do 15
Over 90 and not exceeding 150 do 18-3/4
Over 150 and not exceeding 300 do 25-1/2
Over 500 37-1/2
_Pittsburgh directory, 1815._
The Suburbs
"_Birmingham_ is a small village across the Monongahela, about one
mile south of Pittsburgh. It has works for green glass, furnaces for
casting hollow ware, &c. from pigs, and a saw mill, which is moved by
a steam engine. The coal for all these, is used fresh from the mine,
without mixture, coaking or desulphuration.
Many of the balls for Perry's fleet, were cast in this foundery. But
instead of forming such ministers of havoc, the metal is now moulded
for softer hands, and _flat_ or _smoothing_ irons are produced in
abundance. These are ground on a stone which revolves by a band from
the steam engine." _Thomas's Travels through the western country in
1816._
"At a respectable meeting of the inhabitants of Birmingham and its
vicinity, convened at the school-house, on Friday evening the 28th of
March, 1816, in order to take into consideration the expediency of
erecting a Market-House, in said town; Nathaniel Bedford, was called
to the Chair, and George Patterson, appointed secretary.
The chairman having stated the object of the meeting, the following
resolutions were proposed and unanimously adopted, viz.--
RESOLVED, That a Market-House be built on the plan exhibited by Mr.
Benjamin Yoe.
RESOLVED, That the site of the structure be the centre of the square.
Thus, another thriving and Manufacturing Town, is added to the many
which have been established in the western section of Pennsylvania;
and social order, with its concomitants, the arts and sciences,
illuminate those wild and dreary shades, where lately none but the
prowling wolf, or the restless and cruel savage held their haunts."
_Mercury, April 20, 1816._
"At the beginning of the century the site of Allegheny City was a
wilderness. In 1812 a few settlers had made inroads upon the forest,
and had builded their cabins. Notice is called to the fact in the
minutes of the Presbytery of Erie, in April of that year, in the
following words: 'An indigent and needy neighborhood, situated on the
Allegheny, opposite Pittsburgh, having applied for supplies,' the
matter was laid before the Presbytery.
Joseph Stockton seems to have been the first stated minister,
preaching a part of his time there until 1819." _Centenary memorial of
Presbyterianism in western Pennsylvania._
"The facility for getting to and from Pittsburg [from Allegheny] was
quite a different matter from what it is to-day. The only highway (if
it may be called such) leading west from Federal Street to the Bottoms
at that early day, was the erratic Bank Lane, which owing to the
natural unevenness of the ground upon which it was located, and total
neglect of the authorities of Ross township to put it in a condition
for travel, ... was for many years only accessible for
foot-passengers." _Parke's Recollections of seventy years._
Lawrenceville was laid out in 1815 by Wm. B. Foster, and had begun
with the building of the United States arsenal.
Courts
"The Supreme Court holds a term in Pittsburgh, on the 1st Monday in
September annually, to continue two weeks if necessary, for the
Western District, composed of the counties of Somerset, Westmoreland,
Fayette, Greene, Washington, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Mercer,
Crawford, Erie, Warren, Venango, Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana and
Jefferson." _Pittsburgh directory, 1815._
"Mr. Lacock submitted an important resolution for instructing the
committee on the Judiciary to enquire into the expediency of dividing
the state of Pennsylvania into _two Judicial Districts_, and
establishing a _district court_ of the U. States at the city of
Pittsburgh, which was agreed to." _Commonwealth, Jan. 6, 1817._
County Elections
"Henry Baldwin is elected to congress for the district composed of the
counties of Allegheny and Butler, by a majority of about 800 votes.
John Gilmore, William Woods, Samuel Douglass and Andrew Christy are
elected to the assembly.
Lazarus Stewart is elected Sheriff of Allegheny county, by a majority
of 181 votes.
Joseph Davis is elected commissioner by a majority of 249 votes, and
Charles Johnson, Auditor by a majority of 28 votes." _Gazette, Oct.
15, 1816._
The State Legislature
"The bill for erecting the two Bridges at Pittsburgh has passed both
houses. The sites are fixed at St. Clair-street for the Allegheny and
Smithfield-street for the Monongahela. The state subscribes $40,000 of
stock for each bridge.
A bill is about being reported for establishing a horse and cattle
market in the vicinity of Pittsburgh.
The bill for erecting Pittsburgh into a city has passed the senate and
is before the house, where it is expected to pass through without
opposition.
The bill for erecting a new county out of parts of Allegheny,
Westmoreland, Washington, and Fayette, is reported. This bill will
throw off the greater part of Elizabeth township from Allegheny
county. There have been no remonstrances against it received from this
county; but we understand that some have been received from the other
counties concerned.
The bill for erecting a Poorhouse for Allegheny county, it is expected
will pass." _Mercury, Feb. 24, 1816._
"We regret to say that neither from our correspondent at Harrisburg
nor from the papers printed there, have we been enabled to procure an
account of the legislative proceedings. We take two papers published
at the seat of government, but from some unaccountable reason they do
not contain the intelligence our readers require. We are reduced to
the necessity of picking up here and there from letters to
editors--from information derived from travellers--or from some other
like inconclusive sources of information, that intelligence with which
Journals published at the seat of government should supply us. They
ought to be the fountains of information to the mass of the community:
Instead of dabbling in politics and abusing or eulogizing party
leaders, they should deal in facts. The National Intelligencer we look
upon as the best model with which we are acquainted of a national
journal." _Commonwealth, Dec. 24, 1816._
Slavery
"Nearly all of the first residents of Pittsburg and vicinity who were
wealthy enough to afford the luxury were owners of slaves. The
Nevilles, John Gibson, James O'Hara, Alexander Fowler, Adamson
Tannehill, the Kirkpatricks and many others owned them, and several
continued to do so as late as the war of 1812. The old newspapers
contained advertisements for runaway slaves even as late as 1820."
_Wilson's History of Pittsburg._
"The year 1780 is memorable in the annals of Pennsylvania for the
passage of the act for the gradual abolition of slavery in this
State.... It provided for the registration of every negro or mulatto
slave or servant for life, or till the age of thirty-one years, before
the first of November following, and also provided, 'that no man or
woman of any nation or color, except the negroes or mulattoes who
shall be registered as aforesaid, shall at any time hereafter be
deemed, adjudged, or holden within the territory of this Commonwealth,
as slaves or servants for life, but as free men and free women.'"
_Egle's History of Pennsylvania._
Advertisements from the Newspapers of 1816
SHOT, POWDER, &c.
The Subscriber Has Just Received a quantity of first quality
Patent Shot, No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6.
Good Rifle Gun Powder
By the keg
Country Segars, Scotch and Rappe Snuff
Domestic Cloth, and Cotton Shawls.
-- On Hand --
A General assortment of Merchandize, suited to the present and
approaching season.
-- Also --
Prime Pickling Vinegar
Very strong and fit for immediate use
All of which will be sold Wholesale or Retail at the lowest market
prices, for Cash or approved Trade.
ISAAC HARRIS,
Diamond, Pittsburgh.
Will be received in Exchange Butter, Beeswax, Deer Skins, Clover and
Flaxseed, Flax and Tow Linen, Bags, Flax, Rags, and country produce
generally.
CANDLE MANUFACTORY
The subscriber, respectfully informs his friends and the public, that
he has erected a dip and candle manufactory in the Diamond,
Pittsburgh; where he will keep constantly on hand and offers,
Wholesale and Retail, dipt and mould candles of the best quality and
on the most reasonable terms.
THOMAS COLMAN.
N.B. Economical Lanthern Candles, at 12 cents per bunch.
D. & J. CHUTE
Have on hand, a handsome assortment of Shoes, adapted to the season; a
few pairs Boots, suitable for laborers; also, Currant Wine, by the
barrel or smaller quantity. The above are offered for sale low for
cash or negotiable paper.
N.B. When servants call for shoes, it is necessary that an order be
sent.
PITTSBURGH PIPE MANUFACTORY,
ROUND HOUSE.
WILLIAM PRICE
Informs the merchants of the Western country that they may be supplied
with any quantity of long or short
Smoking Pipes
as handsome and good as those imported--and hopes the merchants of
this place will give the preference to the Manufactures of our own
country.
OYSTERS
Gentlemen can be genteely accommodated at the City Hotel, with Oysters.
EDWARD CARR.
STOP THE THIEF!
Taken from the subscriber on the 19th of November last, a Black Great
Coat, with a large Cape, the Cape buttoned on the collar, on the front
of the Cape is black glass buttons, and on the front and hips of the
coat is cloth buttons, taken by James Dunlap from his boarding house.
This Dunlap is a large man with a red face, and on the fingers of his
right hand two of the knuckles are out of joint.
Said Dunlap is by occupation a sort of a saddler, but if you wish to
see him you may go to the grog shop or brandy house, for there is his
place of abode in general. Any person that will take up and return
said Dunlap and Coat, shall receive the reward of Five Dollars.
BENJAMIN CRANDALL.
THE BANKS
WEST OF THE MOUNTAINS,
Are most respectfully informed, that the Bank Bill Engraving and
Printing Office at Pittsburgh, shall in the future be kept constantly
open in such a style of elegance and punctuality as to merit the honor
of their patronage.
The Bank Paper manufactured for the office, by Messrs. Drum & Markle
of Greensburgh, is allowed by competent judges to be equal to any in
the United States.
CHARLES P. HARRISON.
PRACTISING BALL.
Mr. Boudet's first Practising Ball will be on Saturday Evening the
26th instant, at his School Room.
N.B. No gentlemen can be admitted without being introduced by a lady
with whom Mr. B. is acquainted; nor can any gentleman be permitted to
dance in boots. Admission tickets for gentlemen to be had at any time
of Mr. B. Price One Dollar, pupils half price.
GERMAN REDEMPTIONERS.
Just arrived from Amsterdam, Tradesmen and Farmers, single and
married, who are willing to bind themselves for the payment of their
passage money, amounting to about ninety dollars, for a term of three
years, and their children being upwards of four years old until they
are of age on paying half passage money. The steady habits of these
people and their general character for honesty and industry it is
supposed would render them particularly desirable in a country, where
the procuring of assistance is difficult and uncertain. For further
particulars apply to
BOSLER & CO. or to
GLAZER & SMITH
of Philadelphia.
READER ASK YOURSELF THE
FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
Do I, or do I not, owe the Printer? Shall I pay him his small
pittance?--Shall he stop his business for want of what I honestly owe
him? All just men will answer No! Then gentlemen, if such is your
answer, it certainly is a pleasing one to the Printer, who will, at
all times, be happy to attend the calls of those who have it in their
power to pay our just demand--for without money we must discontinue
our useful business.
H. D. & Co.
BALL
Mr. Boudet, respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of
Pittsburgh and its vicinity, that he will give a Ball this evening,
(Friday the 24th inst.) at the court-house, at half past seven
o'clock, and will be conducted as they are in our populous cities
viz--the ladies to be invited, and gentlemen to pay one dollar on
their admission--understood, that such gentlemen as are strangers to
the professor, must come introduced by some person with whom he is
acquainted, without which they cannot be admitted.
N.B. No gentlemen allowed to dance in boots. Tickets to be had at the
door--price one dollar.
CHARLES S. FIMETON
Carpenter--Late of Chambersburgh, Respectfully informs his friends and
the public in general, that he has commenced the Carpenter Business,
in Front-street, in the same house occupied by William Sands, barber
and hair dresser; where all orders in his line will be thankfully
received and promptly attended to.
LITERARY NOTICES.
John Binns of Philadelphia proposes to publish a splendid edition of
the Declaration of Independence, which shall be in all respects
American: The _paper_, the _types_, the _ink_, the _designs_, the
_engravings_,--the publication throughout shall afford evidence of
what our citizens have done in politics, and can do in art.
TO BUILDERS.
The public are respectfully informed that they can be accommodated
with any quantity of Iron Cannon Borings. In cities where these
Borings can be procured, they are much used as cement for any kind of
mason work, exposed to the weather, or the action of water, such as
chimney tops, parapat or fire walls, piers of bridges, etc.
M'CLURGS & M'KNIGHT.
OYSTERS
JOHN BYRNE
At his Umbrella Manufactory, Fourth, Between Market and Ferry
Streets.
Just received and for sale at his Oyster House, a few Kegs most
excellent Spiced Oysters.
He continues to make and repair Umbrellas and Parasols in the newest
manner, the smallest favour will be gratefully attended to.
GRAND NATIONAL LOTTERY
SECOND CLASS
Authorised by Act of Congress, for opening a Canal in the City of
Washington.
Begins drawing on the 30th September next.
35,000 Dollars }
25,000 Dollars } Highest prizes
10,000 Dollars }
Six Dollars the lowest Prize.
Tickets for Sale
At the Store of William Hill for cash only, who will receive the
drawings regularly.
NOTICE
My wife Fanny having thought proper to withdraw herself from my
protection, without the least cause given on my part for her doing so,
I am compelled, though very reluctantly, to forbid all persons from
trusting her on my account, as I will pay no debts which she may
contract hereafter.
J. TIBBETTE.
N.B. I also inform those who wish to be shaved in Imperial Style, that
I am always to be found at my Shop in Market Street, between Front and
Water Streets.
MECHANICS RETREAT,
At the Green Cottage, facing Mr. Jelly's Factory, Turnpike Road,
Is Opened,