MiMiklK^ Ms !"' , ,ii!iim| YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY HISTORY INDEPENDENCE HALL: FROM THE Earliest ^ptriob to % present (Lime. EirBKACISG BIOGRAPHIES OF THE IMMORTAL SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, ¦WITH HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE SACRED RELICS PRESERVED IX THAT SANCTUARY OF AMERICAN FREEDOM. BT D. W. BELISLE, Patriots ! go — to that proud hall repair ! The sacred relics which are treasared there With ton^ele.s.s eloquence shall tell Of those who for their country fell. PHILADELPHIA: JAMES CHALLEN & SON, NEW YOEK: SHELDOX & CO.— BOSTON: BEOWN, TAGGAHD & CHASE. CISCIXXATI: RICKEY, MALLOEY & CO. CHICAGO; S. C. GRIGGS & CO. 1859. ;l7.^ Eutered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S59, hy D. "W. BELISLE, In tlic Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Uuited States, in and for the Eastern District of PeunsylvaDift. PHILADELPHIA: STEREOTYPED BY G ROUGE CHARLES, 607 SaQsoni Street. HON. MILLARD FILLMORE, EX-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, WHOSE UNTIRING ZEAL AND EFFORTS IN PROMOTING THE NATIONAL WELFARE, ARE GRATEFILLY APPKECIATED BY THE DESCENDANTS OF THOSE PATRIOTS WHO MADE INDEPENDENCE HALL THE SHRINE OP AMERICAN FREEDOM, THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR. (3) LIST OF PORTRAITS IN INDEPENDENCE HALL. 1. "WiLLTAM Penn— Born Octoher H, IG-li-^-dicd July 30, 171S. He was proprie tor of Peunsylviinia and fouudet of Plii'.adelphia. 2. John Hancock — Born 1737 — diet! 1793. He was President of the Congress tha-t adopted the Declaratioa of Independeuce, 3. KoBERT Morris — The great Americau Fiutiucier, aud signer of the Declaration of Anierican Independence. 4. Gen. Joseph Reed — ^President of Penn'^ylvania from 177S until his death in 17S1. 5. Thomas Jefferson — Born 1743 — died July 4, 1S26. He was the author of the Declaratiou of Independence. 6. Dr. John Witherspoon — Born 1722. He was President of Princeton College, and a descendaut of the Rev. John Knox, 7. Philip Livingston — Born January 1.3, 1716 — died June 12, 1778. He was one of the signers of our Liberty. 8. Richard Hrnrv Lee — Bi)rQ 17212 — died 1794. He was a member of the Cou- vention that framed the Constitution of the United States. 9. Samuel IIuNTfNGTOx — Governor of Connecticut. He succeeded John Jay An President of Congress. 10. Charles Carroll, of Carrollton — He was the last one who signed the Declara tion of ludependence-^died in 1S32. 11. Francis Hopkinson — horn ]73S-^died 1791. lie was Judge of the Admiralty Court of the United States. 12. Samuel Chase — Born 1741 — died ISll. He was Associate Justice of the Supremo Court of the United States. 13, Thomas McKean — Governor and Chief Justice of tlie Supreme Court of Penn sylvania. 14. Marquis De Lafatette — Born 1757 — died 1S34. He became early enlisted in the cause of American Independence. 15. Dr. Benjamin Rush — Born 1745 — died 1S13. A celebrated Physician, and member of Congress. 16. John Adams — Born 173.5 — died 1826. A member of Congress, and a most zealous patriot of Massachusetts. 17. Hernando Cortez — Born 14S5 — died 155i. lie was the Conqueror of MexicO) and an able Spanish commander. 18. Constantine Francis ChassBouf — An eminent Freucli writer and traveler. He was Count de Volney. 19. Robert Fulton — Born 1760— ^died 1815. He was the great inventor of steamboat navigation. 20. Gen. Count RocHAMBAuLt^^Otld of the French generals who served in thd American Revolution. 21. Col. James Wilkinson — A Majol'-General in tho Amel'ican Army, and a distin guished patriot. 22. Robert Wharton — One of the Mayors of Philadelphia, He was a liiglily respectable citizen. (6) 6 LIST OF POKTBAITS IN INDEPENDENCE HALL. 23. Admiral Penn — He was the father of William Penn, who founded the City of Philiidelphia. 24. Gukrral Du Portail — An oflicer of distinction in the American Revolution. He was a Frenchman. 25 Capt. NrciioLAS BrDDLE—Aneminent naval commander during the Revolution —was killed in 1778. 26. CoL. De Cambray— Wa-, one of the French officers who served the cause of American Independence. 27. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln— Born 1733 — died 1810. He was a General in the army of the Revolution. 28. John Page — One of the Governors of Virginia — was in the first Congress under the Constitution. 29. Capt. Merriwea'I'her Lewis — Was Governor of the Territory of Louisiana, and a Captain in the United States army. 30. Christopher Gadsden — Born in 1724— died in 1805. He was the originator of "Liberty Tree" in America. 31. Col. Samuel Smith — Defender of Fort Mifflin, on Mud Island, near Philadelphia. Was Senator in Congress. 32. CoL. John Eager Howard — Governor of Maryland, and an officer at the battle of the Cowpens. 33. CoL. Henry Lee— Commander of the "Lee Legion," Governor of Virginia, and author of the " War of the Revolution." 34. Chevalier de la Luzerne — Was the second Minister sent from France to this country. 35. John Dickenson — President of Pennsylvania in 1782, subsequently of Delaware. An able writer. 36. Thayendanega — The celebrated Indian Chief, Brandt. He was noted for his intrigue at the massacre of Minisink. 37. Alexander Hamilton— Financier, and patriot, Washington's Aid-de-camp. He was killed hy Aaron Burr. 38. Charles Thomson — Secretary of Congress during the Hevolntion. He was a devoted patriut to the country. 39. Timothy Pickertn(i — An oflicer in the Revolutionary army, Postmaster-General, Secretary of War, of State, and a Senator. 40. Commodore Hazlewood — A Revolutionary Kaval officer, who won for himself great distinction. 41. John Andrew Shdlze — Was one of the early Governors of Pennsylvania, and a highly esteemed citizen. 42. Red Jacket — The Indian name of this chief was La-go-you-wat-ha. He is well known in Indian history. 43. Dr. Benjamin Franklin- The Printer, Philosopher, Politician, aud advocate of Independence. 44. Coi.. Stephen H. Long — Commander of two Exploring Expeditions to the sources of the ^Mississippi aud Rocky Mountains. 45. Peyton RAxnoLpH — President of Congress in 1774-5, an eminent Lawyer and Statesman of Virginia. 46. William Moore — President of the State of Pennsylvania in 1781. He was a man of rare abilities. 47. Gen Nathaniel Green — Commander-in-chief of the Southern Army durino- the War of Indepeudeace. ° 48. Gen. James M. Varnum— An early member of Congress from Rhode Island and a Major-General in the Revolution. 49. Dr. Robert Hare— A Professor in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania. An eminent chemist. ' CO. Gen. Charles Lee— A Major-General in the American army, and rendered essential aid in the cause of Liberty. 51. Henht Laurens— Presideut of Congress in 1776. Minister to Hollanil in 1770 Signed the treaty of peace in 17S2. ^^ ^'^'^- LIST OF rORTKAlTS IN INDEPENDKNCE HALL. 7 52. RoBKRT Morris — One of the sternest aud uio^t olliciout pjiiriots in tho War of ludependeuco. 53. Albert Gallatin — A writer of profound acquiromcuts and vigor. His fiirao is univers.ll. 54. Capt. James Bipdlk — Was a native of Philadelphia, aud distinguished hini-^rlf in the wiir of 1S12. 55. Com. SrKrin:N Dkcatcr — Entered the navy in ITOS. He captured tho Britioh friyate .^laoedoniau ilu' same year. 5t5. CoL. ^'ATHANlEL Kam-^av — An officer of tho Revolution, Collector of tho Port of Baltimore, aud a true patriot. 57. John Babtkam — An eminent botanist, natumlist, etc. Ho wrote a good work on Ornitholou'v, Native of Philadelphia. 5^;. Baron Frederick William Steuben — A JIajoi-Gouenil in tho American ariny duriui: tbi-- Eovolutiou. 50. Gen Arthur St. Ci.air — Governor of tho North-Wosteru Territory, and Com- xuauder-iu-chief o( that divisiun of the army. 60. Chevalier Gkraud — Wa^ the fir&t Minister from France to this country. Ho was creatly esteemed. 61. Col. Henry Lke — Of the Revolutionary army. The American historian is familiar with hi- deeds. 62. Gen. Artemus Ward — A Jhijor-Geneml in the army — a member of Congress before and after the adoption of the Constitution. 63. Timothy Matlack— a patriot oi Philadelphia who never held an office. He was very active in public affairs. 64. Charles Tho.mson — Was Secretary of Cou^^ress when the Declaration of Inde pendence was adopted. ^. Francis John — A French Field-Marshal, and author of a work entitled " Travel^ in North America." 66. CoL. David Humphreys — One of Washington's Aid-de-camps. He was a distinguished patriot from Connecticut. 67 Gen. Laclan McIntosh — A member of Congress from Georgia in 1784. An officer in the Revolution. 6S. Rev. Bishop White — AVas the Chaplain in Congress when Independence was agreed upon and declared. 69. Mrs. Robert ^Iorkis — The wife of the great Financier, and daughter of Col. White. Her name was Ma; y. 70. D.wid RiTTENH'>rsE — A celebrated ^lathematician. He was once Director of the Mint, and Treasurer of Penosylvauia. 71. Lady Martha Washington — Wife of Gen. George Wivshington. SIjo was a most estimable lady. 72. Gen. Georoe Washington — This is a striking portrait of the Father of hia country. The fi-ame was taken from the frigate Constitution. 73. Rev. Henry JIuhlexberu — A profound Naturalist of Lancaster, Pa., aud a skillful holani^t. 74. Com. D.atid I'drter — An officer of the Uuited States Navy. He won enviable distinction hy his hravL^iy. 75. Gen. William Smallwood — Was Governor of Maryland, and a warm supporter of the American cau--e. 76. Gen. John Armstronh— Was Secretary of War under James Madison in 1S13. He was greatly distinguished. 77. Baron De Kalb— Served in the French armies furty-two years. Sided with the Americans. Was killed at Camden, S. C, 1778. 7S. Dr. Wm. Shippen — One of the fnuudeis of the University of Pennsylvania, and an early profe-sor in that institution. 79. Gen. Andrew Jackson— Born 17G7— died 1S45. Was the 7th Presideut of tho United State.-., and a military hero. SO. Brio.-General Z. M. Pike— Fell at the capture of York, Upper Canada, in 1S13. He was an accomplished disciplinarian. y LIST OP PORTR.UTS IN INDEPENDENCE HALL. 81. Jonathan Batard Smith— Was a Colonel in the army at Trenton, Princeton, and Braudywiue. An exemplary man. 82. Gov. William Finley— Governor of Pennsylvania, and United States Senator. He was an able officer. 83. Col. Tennant— Served our country's cause — went back to France, and returned as a minister here, 84. Gen. Daniel Morgan— Rendered efficient service to his country during the Revolutionary struggle. 85. Gov. Simon Snyder — He was Governor of Pennsylvania three terms. He gave general satisfaction. 86. William Findley— Was the author of the history of the "Whiskey Insurrec tion," a member of Congress from Pennsylvania. 87. Gen. He.'^ry Dearborn — A gallant officer of the Revolution, Secretary of War, aud a Major-General in 1812. 88. Elias Boudinot — President of Congress in 1782. He succeeded Rittenhouse as Director of the Mint. 89. Dr. John Hanson— Was President of the Confederacy. He was a vigorous and enei'getic patriot aud statesman. 90. RUFUS King— Was a member of Congress in 1784, also Minister to England, and a man of superior abilities. 91. Gen. Henry Knox — An officer in the army of the Revolution, and Secretary of War in 17S9. He was a brave general, 92. Col. T. Forrest — Was distinguished for his bravery during the severe contest for independence. 93. Gen. Otho Williams — By his intrepid military feats obtained the rank of Brigadier-General iu the American Army. 94. Gen. Sumpter — Was a native of South Carolina, and enthusiastic in tho cause of the Colonics. 95. Gen. William Clark — Was Governor of the Missouri Territory, and Surveyof- General of Public Lands at St. Louis. 06. Gen. Horatio Gates — The hero of Saratoga. He was a very useful officer in the country's service. 97. Dr. David Ramsay — Member of Congress from South Carolina for several years. Author of the American Revolution. 98. Cornet Real — Was » distinguished officer iu the Struggle for American, Independence. 99. Capt. Joshua Barnay— An officer in the Navy during the Revolution, of fereat forethought and vigor. 100. Commander John Rodgers — Whose brilliant exploits in the I?^avy won for him an enviable reputation. 101. Joseph Heister — Governor of Pennsylvania. Was a very able administrator of the office. 102. Capt. John Paul Jones — The celebrated Naval hero, who performed many brilliaut exploits. 103. Gen. Richard Montgomery — Born 1737— fell in tlie attack on Quebec Decem ber 13, 1775. 101. Gen. Joseph Warren — This distinguished man fell at the battle of Bunker's Hill, during that struggle. 105. Gen. Thomas Mifflin — A warm patriot, a Governor of Pennsylvania and a pure statesman. ' 106. William Rush— Was a soldier in Washington's army, and won many distin-- guished laurels. 107. Henry Clay. 108. Triumphal Arch. 109. Penn's Treaty. 110. Wm. White. 111. Lord Sterling. 112. Gov. Speight. P E E r A 0 E . IxDEPEXDEXCE 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 are, and of right ought to be, free and 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 coancil 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 con tempt at the aggressive despotism of King George. These silent representatives of the past still speak to us in unmistakable patriotism, while we pay homage to the Cradle of American Liberty, bidding us preserve and keep sacred the costly inheri tance bequeathed by them. When we consider the saci'iflces they made — the trials they endured — the privations they suffered — the struggles through which they passed — and remember that they were passing those fiery ordeals to secure the blessings of independence for us — how can we look upon their sublime features without properly respecting their efforts ? We should feel that these patriots of the Revolution scrutinize our thoughts and actions from the canvas upon which they are made immor tal. The venerable appearance of the Hall itself has an awe- inspiring sp,nctity about it that makes us realize we are treading hallowed ground — while the carefully arranged relics and memen toes excite our inquiry and deeplv interest our thoughts. Everv (9) 10 PREFACE. thing about the room teems with historical reminiscences. Every relic in this sacred Fane has some historical peculiarity worthy of our profound veneration. Yet, thousands upon thou sands visit Independence Hall — pass hours In looking at and examining the relics there, more from idle curiosity than other wise, aud consequently return to their homes 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 acciuiring 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 Hall, 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 In dependence 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 char acter ; 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 In dependence. The places which beneficent spirits have sanctified remain hallowed to all time ; and, while we contemplate the Hall where the actors in the great drama of the Revolution performed their most stupendous work, we feel the force of the language of Horace, Privatus illis census erat hrevis, comm,une magnum, and bow meekly in adoration to their exalted virtues. D. W. BELISLE. (Jamden, N. J. CONTENTS Intkoductoet, 13 I. — Incentive Associations 27 n. — Primitive Settlers and Public Edifices, 37 ni.— " The Old State House," 50 IV. — Independence Square, 66 v.— The Old State House Bell 81 Ti. — ^Washington's Statue, 89 vn.- — Alexander Hamilton, 96 VIII. — Convention of 1776, Ill s. — The Declaration of Independence 118 X. — Remarks on the Declaration, 128 XI. — John Hancock, 134 XII. — Thomas Jefferson, 143 xm. — Richard Stockton, 154 xiT. — Dr. Josiah Bartlett, 160 XT. — Samuel Adams, 165 XVI. — William Whipple, 170 XVII. — John Adams, 174 xvni. — William Huntington, 181 XIX.— Oliver Wolcott, 186 XX — Robert Treat Paine, 1 91 XXI. — Philip Livingston 196 XXII. — Francis Lewis, 201 XXIII. — John Witherspoon, 206 XXIV. — Robert Morris, 212 XXV. — Elbridge Gerry, 220 XXVI. — Benjamin Rush 226 11 12 Contents. XX VII.— Benjamin Franklin, 232 XXVIII.— Francis Hopkinson 242 XXIX.— Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, 245 XXX.— John Hart— Abraham Clark— John Morton- George Clymer, 250 XXXI. — James Smith — George Taylor — James Wilson- George Ross 262 XXXII. — Ca!sar Rodney — George Read — Thomas M'Kean — Samuel Chase — Thomas Stone — "Wm. Paca,.. 272 XXXIII.— William Floyd — Lewis Morris— "William "Wil liams — Matthew Thornton — Stephen Hopkins — William Ellery — Boger Sherman, 286 XXXIV. — George Wythe^ — Richard Heni-y Lee — Benjamin Harrison — Thomas Nelson — Francis Lightfoot Lee — Carter Braxton 303 xxxT. — Edward Rutledge — Thomas Hayward — Thomas Lynch, Jr, — Arthur Middleton, 319 XXXTI. — Burton Gynnett — Lyman Hall — George AV alton, 331 XXXVII. — William Hooper — Joseph Sewes — John Penn,. 341 XXXVIII. — Washington's Pew, 350 XXXIX. — Franklin's Desk, 357 XL. — A Singularly Historical Chair, 361 xi.i. — The Triumphal Arch, 365 xLii.— The Bible in 1776 370 xLiii. — The Charter Oak 377 xLiv. — Old Documents, 382 XLV. — Portrait of "Washington woven iu Silk, and other interesting Mementoes, 385 xLvi. — Conclusion, 390 INDEPENDENCE HALL: ITS HISTORY AXD ASSOCIATIONS. INTRODUCTORY. "Our country's welfare is our first concern : He who promotes that best, best proves his duty."' Sari-ard's Eegulus. ¦• The places sanctified by beneficent spirits," says Schiller. " remain hallo"wed to all time" — they are still sacred, though invaded by robbers. They are in vested ¦with associations calculated to inspire the thoughtful "n-ith sentiments of veneration — to a'waken feelings of patriotism — to strengthen researches after historical incidents, and to revitalize heroes and states men whose actions gave character to the scenes of their exaltation, and the ages in Avhich they flourished. Thoughts obtrude on the reflective mind, and peculiar emotions swell the heart, as sensitively refined patriots and scholars contemplate fields -whereon heroes strug gled, and on which victories have been achieved. To such the powers of local association address themselves with awful impressiveness. It was this that led Cicero, when he visited Athens, to exclaim : " Shall I ¦2 (13) 14 INDEPENDENCE HALL: ascribe it to a law of our nature, or to a delusive habit of mind, that, when we look upon the scenes which illustrious men of old frequented, our feelings are more deeply excited than even by hearing the record of their deeds, or perusing the works of their genius ? Such are the emotions I now experience, when I think that here Plato was accustomed to discourse; these gardens around me not ouly recall the idea of that sage to my memory, but place, as it were, his very form before my eyes. Here, too, Speusippus taught — here Xenocrates — here his disciple Polemon : this is the very seat he used to occupy." Similar emotions seized the feelings of Dr. Johnson when he arrived at Icolmkill, in his "Tour to the Western Islands." A retrospective view of the inci dents which had occurred around him in ages far remote, elicited the beautiful sentiment: "We are now treading upon that illustrious Island which was once the luminary of the Qaledonian regions, whence savage clans and ro-ving barbarians derived the bene fits of knowledge and the blessings of religion. To abstract the mind from all local etnotiou would he impossible if it were endeavored, and foolish if it were possible. Whatever withdraws us from the power of the senses — whatever makes the past, the distant, or the future, predominate over the present, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings. Far from me and from my friends be such frigid philosophy as may conduct us, indifferent and unmoved, over any ground which has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, or virtue. That man is little to be envied, whose patri otism would not gain force on the plain of Marathon, or whose piety would not glow warmer among the ITS HISTORY AXD ASSOCIATIONS. 15 ruins of lona." Associations such as these have been surrounded with irresistible attractions to the culti vated and reflective of all ages, and the best writers of antiquity have feelingty alluded to them. " They snatch the soul awa)- in rapture, as if it had already traversed the tomb, and on the bosom of immensity imbue it with the inexhaustible glories which Jehovah has difiiised through the universe." Germaiticus wandered amidst the ruins of Athens, and looked with veneration upon its moldering architectural piles ; Atticus felt an undefined reverence when he paused among its tombs and moniiments; in the swelling emotions of patriotic zeal, Julian shed tears on quit' ting its groves and bowers; and so awe-inspiring were the associations that came gushing to the memory of Leo AUatries, that he wept over the ruins of a house once in the possession of Homer. And our own great statesman of the North, Daniel Web ster, felt its power when he exclaimed : " We shall not stand unmoved on the shore of Plymouth, while the sea continues to wash it ; nor will our brethren in another and ancient colotiy'* forget the .place of its first establishment, till their river shall cease to flow by it. ISTo vigor of youth, no maturity of manhood, will lead the nation to forget the spots where its in fancy was cradled and defended." Again: in the work De Finihxis of Cicero, is the following remarkable passage : — " Often, when I enter the Senate house, the shades of Scipio, of Cato, and of Laslius, and in par ticular, of my venerable grandfather, rise to my im agination." All great and refined intellects experi- * Jamestown. 16 INDEPENDENCE HALL: ence similar emotions, when meditating upon the same or similar important and thought-inspiring localities. Hence the remark of Southey : " He whose heart is not excited upon the spot which a martyr has sancti fied by his sufferings, or at the grave of one who has largely benefited mankind, must be more inferior to the multitude by his moral, than he can possibly be raised above them in his intellectual nature." Almost every great advantage which mankind have derived even from science and education, had an origin in some local incident. Gibbon informs us that, "it was in the church of St. Maria d^Ara Cceli, on the Capitoline Hill, at Eome, on the fifteenth of October, 1764, as he sat musing amidst the ruins of the Capitol, while the barefooted friars were singing vespers, the idea of writing the decline and fall of the city first started to his mind." The thoughtful traveler, who perambulates the subterranean streets of Pompeii, is filled Avith associations of the most thrilling character. He remembers that that city was well stricken in years when the Light of divine truth first dawned.upon the world, and the " Sun of Right eousness arose with healing in his wings" — that it is a city which lay entombed for two thousand years, while nations passed and repassed over its monuments — and that for centuries its sculptured figures, its domes and palaces remained in a well-preserved condition be neath the surface of the earth. He remembers, too, that, within its walls, along its avenues and streets, the ever-surging tide of humanity, with all its hopes and aspirations, its joys, its sorrows, once swept with unrestrained hilarity, unconscious that a doom of fearful magnitude impended over their city ! There. ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS. 17 too, he sees the temple, with its Doric columns yet standing, its walls painted with emblems commemo rative of the services of their deity, the sacred vessels, lamps, and table of Isis still remaining. And while he is contemplating these monuments of the past, and memory hurries baclcAvard in its rapid gyra tions, he might exclaim as a cotemporary of Augus tus: "I greet thee, oh my country! My dwelling is the only spot upon the earth which has preserved its form ; an immunity extending even to the smallest objects of my affections. Here is my couch, there are my favorite authors. My paintings, also, are still fresh as when the ingenious artist spread them over my walls. Let us traverse the town ; let us visit the drama. I recognize the spot where I joined for the first time in the plaudits given to the fine scenes of Terence and Euripides. Eome is but one vast museum ; Pompeii is a living antiquity." He likewise recalls the sad but truthful picture which Pliny gives in regard to the destruction of its inhabitants. "A darkness suddenly overspread the country — not like the darkness of a moonless night, but like that of a closed room, in which the light is of a sudden ex tinguished— ^women screamed, children moaned, men cried; here children were anxiously calling their parents, and there parents were seeking their chil dren, or husbands their wives ; all recognizing each other only by their cries. Many wished for death, from the fear of dying. Many called on the gods for assistance ; others despaired of their exist ence, and thought this the last, eternal night of the world. Actual dangers were magnified by unreal terrors. The earth continued to shake, and men, half 2* 18 INDEPENDENCE HALL: distracted, to reel about, exaggerating their own fears and those of others, by terrifying predictions." All these come up rapidly succeeding each other in living realities, and invest that city, that awe-inspiring mau soleum of antiquity, with associations too hallowed to be resisted. Similar emotions imperceptibly steal over the soul, as we wander among the ruins of Athens ; for there we read, on her sculptured columns, her original glory as the mistress of Greece, and remember the period when she stood forth a towering prodigy of perfection to the gaze of an admiring world. What Greece was in her power — what Tyre appeared in the perfection of her greatness — mighty Athens was in the days of Pericles. Then it was that she, with her three ports, the lashing of the waves of which had so oiS;en blended with the vesper-chants, connected by her celebrated walls, formed one vast enclosure of ponderous fortifi cations. The Acropolis arose in her midst, a massive rock, upon the summit of which were collected some of the noblest monuments of Grecian taste — rearing itself in lofty splendor toward the heavens, "gleaming with its crest of columns on the will of man," as though they had been placed upon "a mount of diamonds.'' It Was there that the Arts and Sciences were not only cradled, but were carried to as great a height of perfection as was ever known in the ancient world. In a word, it was a sanctuary of the Arts, the residence of the gods, a place of sepulchres, altars and shrines for sacred rehcs, " and peopled with forms that mocked the eternal dead in marble immortality." Peaceful olives crowned its outskirts. There too arose the princely Propylon, the splendid Erectheum, ITS HISTORY AXD ASSOCIATIONS. 19 and the lofty Odeum, exhibiting in perfect unity that simplicity, grandeur and magnificence to which only Grecian arts and Grecian taste ever attained. And there arose the sublime Parthenon, affecting the admi ration of the astonished beholder as a production of the Deity rather than the art of man — a mighty fabric of sculpture, in which the human form shone deified by paganism, as the virtues do by Chi-istianity. In her silent halls were assembled the poets, gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, "while beauty in eternal sleep, seemed dreaming of herself." It also contained the statue of Minerva, in which the sculptor appears to have made the immortal spirit of the god dess speak through the cold and lifeless marble. And there was the Areopagus, where were the seats of the judges — ^the aiena within which the Apostle Paul entered, and in his wonted eloquence proclaimed to Greece's wisest sons the only and true God, and at the sound of whose voice, even the gods themselves trembled 1 Opposite this was the scene of the patri otic exertions of the Athenian orator ; a rock was the hema upon which Demosthenes stood while ad dressing the populace in those fervid strains of eloquence — "That shook the Arsenal, and fulmined o'er Greece, To ilacedon and Artaxerxes' throne;" Athens sat then amid her vine-clad hills and olive- wUds, a sceptred queen. The nodding promontories and blue hills, the cloud-like mountains and lonely valleys of Greece, smiled beneath the genial rays of her disseminating influences. But, alas ! how the mighty are fallen ! The birth-place of heroes, and the 20 INDEPENDENCE HALL : home of bards, is among the places that live only in history and monuments. Eire and embattled hosts have spread wide their withering desolations over this once fair city, blotting out the glowing footsteps of her ancient greatness. Time has trampled into dust her columned piles, and " like a famished beast of prey, satiated his lust to sickness upon beauty's corse." The Turk now roams lawlessly among her ruins, while the spirit of beauty broods over her fallen grandeur. Where once rose the fount of wisdom and sounded the wings of power, ignorance and weakness now prevail. As the roaring and tumbling torrent falls from its dazzling Alpine height, so ruin's current has drowned her towering greatness. "She is now a defenseless urn — the abode of gods whose shrines no longer burn." Slaves are in her senate, and beggars compose her nobility, while the stars that once illu mined her halls of wisdom shine through their rents of ruin. Gloom — the gloom of desolation— has let down her mantling pall, and broods over a nation's sepulchre. As the moon lights up her broken statues, they appear like pallid phantoms steadfastly watching the current of Time that proved their ruin. The old olive trees which shaded the borders of the Acropolis, now wave in the midnight shade — a noble wreck in ruinous perfection. The spirits of her departed great ones seem to mourn her desolation. "The stork plumes his wings upon a shattered shaft of the Acrop olis, while the colonade of Lysicrates stands an isolated relic of her former grandeur^" The nio-ht winds pipe her requiem— hooting owls and the hissing viper chant her funereal obsequies. In truth, Athens stands bereft of all her glory, the weeping Niobe and ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS. 21 the Lost Paradise of Greece ! Yet, honor decks her heroes' dust, and ruined splendor still lingers around her. Such are the melancholy reflections suggested by the local associations of Athens. We might profitably explore those of Eome, Palmyra, Tyre, and indeed every other renowned city of antiquity ; but we turn to our own country to examine its sacred relics and shrines ; for here " A spirit hangs. Beautiful region ! o'er thy towns and farms, Statues and temples, aud memorial tombs." Deeply did the poet feel the power of such influences when he penned this eloquent comparative inter rogatory : "Oh, if the young enthusiast bears O'er weary waste and sea, the stone That crumhled from the Forum's stairs, Or round the Parthenon ; If olive bo\ighs from some wild tree, Hung over old Thermopylae : If leaflets from some hero's tomb, Or moss-wreath torn from ruins hoary, Or faded flowers whose sisters bloom On fields renowned in story ; Or fragments from the Alhambra's crest, Or the gray rook by Druids blest : If it be true that things like these To heart and eye bright visions bring — • Shall not far holier memories To these memorials cling ? "Which need no mellowing mist of time To hide the crimson stains of crime ! ' ' In contemplating the progress and greatness of our 22 INDEPENDENCE HALL: own nation, the imagination is carried back to the "times that tried men's souls," and the scenes of forensic and physical struggle. Thus, while we stand upon the " Eock of Plymouth," the history and suf ferings of the Pilgrims rush impetuously on the memory, and we remember, that, it was when the dark woods and dreary mountains were covered with snow — the gushing brooks and bounding streams con gealed and fettered with ice — and cerements of deso lation appeared spread over the earth, this Eock — ¦ this Mecca of Freedom — was consecrated to immor tality by the landing, the prayers, the thankfulness, and the sufferings of that little band ! Their feet made the first impressions of civilization on that bleak and sterile coast — their prayers were the first oblations offered from that dismal shore, and their tears were the first of human sorrow shed upon that frozen soil 1 The country around them was wild and forbidding ; scenes new and strange were presented to their view, and amidst circumstances so pregnant with discour agement, many an anxious thought did they send back to the country they had left, and many a wish to return involuntarily took possession of their minds. We almost see them engaged in constructing rude huts to shelter themselves from the howling winds, and know that, in these miserable and wretched hovels, those of them who survived passed that fearful winter. But suffering and death had not been idle among them 1 Before the winter closed, and spring, with her wild buds and flowers had re turned, half their number had perished by continued suffering and the privation of those comforts, so neces sary to health and life which they had been accus- ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS. 23 tomed to enjoy! The participants in those scenes have long since passed away, but the records of their deeds remain to invest the spot of their exaltation with thrilling associations. " We cannot stand un moved on the shore of Plymouth, while the sea con tinues to wash it ;" the spot is consecrated to memory by endearing recollections. The work of Science and Art are now busy there — massive columns and im penetrable walls encroach upon its hallowed precincts — lofty spires and glittering turrets smile over that first burial-ground of our country — the white sails of conraieroe swell majestically in the breeze on the bay hard by — the shout of joy and the beaming eye of hope leap up, while the genius of Liberty waves her tegis over that sacred locality. We remember also, while standing there, that almost within sight of the very spot where the Pilgrims landed, in old " Pilgrim Hall," are yet preserved the records of their first winter on that dreary island, in their own hand writing — the plates on which they ate their simple food ; and we feel the spot to be a shrine at which all may worship while drinking in those hallowed asso ciations peculiar to our country and its institutions. But if such localities excite our admiration and in spire our patriotism — if our feelings are moved at the remembrance of deeds performed on the soil where the battles of freedom have been fought — if a spirit of reverence irresistibly swells the heart on visiting the altars of Liberty, and the places whereon our fore fathers struggled — what will be our emotions when we stand within the consecrated walls of Independence Hall ? A spot sanctified by events of a holy and ex traordinary character — the Forum of exalted debate — 24 INDEPENDENCE HALL: the arena of the purest thought — the birth-place of American Freedom, Jndependence, and Nalionaliiy f A place so sacred, blessed by so many beneficent spirits, and surrounded by such enduring associations, might well be designated the " Star Chamber" of Liberty. For here are still preserved relics of those brave spirits who dared to combat the powers of despotism, as well as the beU used on the Fourth of July, 1776, to sound the first notes of "Liberty throughout the land, and to all the people thereof."* Here was promulgated the charter which incorporated the colonies into a nation of freemen, and declared a separation from the mother country. Invested with forms and reminis cences of the past, it is one of the most awful and soul-inspiring theatres which the contemplative mind can explore; it spreads a mystic charm over the aspirations — leads the thoughts back through the archives of the past, and repaints the master spirits who figured within its sacred precincts in the dark days of our country's history. "If other battle-fields are interesting in their associations, what shall we say of this? What history, what picture can ever tell the half of what is suggested to every intelligent and susceptible mind, on entering this venerable edifice? Who is not immediately carried back to that day, thenceforth memorable forever, when an aAvful still ness pervaded the assembly for a few moments pre vious to voting that 'these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States? What devotion then filled this consecrated place, and * This is a scriptural motto, and may he found in the twenty- fifth chapter of Leviticus, and the tenth verse. ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS. 25 rose to heaven in silent prayer for firmness, unanimity, and deathless resolve! One almost hears Hancock suggesting to Franklin — ' We must all hang together, now!' 'Yes,' re-echoes the characteristic response of that plain old ISTestor of patriots, ' we must indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.'' " Yes, and we, too, can almost see John Hancock, when he appended his signature- to that memorable document which gave freedom to the American colonies, and hope to a world in chains, rise from his seat, and in a tone of manly boldness exclaim : " There, John Bull can read my name with out spieotacles, and may now double his reward of £500 for my head. That is my defiance.^' So in spiring were the associations and scenes connected with this Hall, that when Eichard Penn first came to this country, and was shown by Samuel Coates the trees about the State House, planted by the cotempo- raries of his father, during the infancy of the nation, and which still stood there when our manhood and independence were asserted, the crowd of associations which pressed upon his mind made him raise his hands in ejaculatory thanks, and his eyes to fill with tears. But Independence Hall, the great battle-field whereon our fathers met the the British Parliament, in its most august display of oratorical talent, braved the great kingdom with all its consolidated strength, and won the day under the most fearful odds, yet re mains. A writer who appreciated these associations, has feelingly said : " The heroes, indeed, are departed, but -here before us is still open their scene of action. Death has claimed them, but war and wasting ele ments have spared the theatre of their stupendous 3 26 INDEPENDENCE HALL: struggles. We can go and meditate there, gazing at the places where they sat, the floor on which they stood, the windows through which the bright sun looked in smilingly upon their sublime transactions, and may touch the walls, which seem yet to vibrate to the thunders of their eloquence." The genius of Liberty, and the spirits of those noble men who braved the storms of monarchical usurpation, preside with awful imperiousness on the altars of this conse crated structure — invisible guardians watch over it, to protect' its sacred relics from desecration — while Mercy and Justice, twin sisters of heaven, support the star-gemmed emblem of republican purity above its hallowed shrines ! Awe-inspiring as are the historical incidents connected with it, and impressive as are the reminiscences which are called into lively existence on reading the proceedings of that Convention which promulgated the declaration of human rights, thrice grand and beautiful is the mausoleum left to remind us of their labors. Ages may come and depart — nations may rise and fall — empires may spring into existence and cease — time may deface these sacred mementos; but their associations will remain to in spire patriotic hearts, so long as thoughts of Freedom burn, and Hope's beacon blazes out over the darkness of the earth, or the confederated institutions of the land of Washington are preserved to ameliorate the condition of humanity in bondage and chains. its history and associations. 27 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 hooks." — Cowper. Localities whereon valorous deeds have been ac complished can never be blotted from pages of truth ful 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. Sculptured 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 scat tered 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 council- chambers sat statesmen and patriots in solemn con clave, to deliberate on momentous national affairs. They seem yet to ring with the voice of eloquence 28 INDEPENDENCE HALL. and enthusiastic patriotism. Their age excites vene ration, because, while we gaze on them, we feel our selves in the presence of antiquity — living repre sentatives 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 t-wo of His disciples, unknown to them, to Enimaus, sub sequent to His resurrection, and our "hearts burn within us" as we picture to ourselves their consterna tion 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 Christian's aspirations and hopes, inspiring him with renewed 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 dark ness covered the earth, the heavens shook, and the battlemented hills were rent asunder. He remembers also the particular incidents connected with that super natural tragedy — he feels his soul grow warmer, and ITS history and associations. 29 is ready to exclaim with the Centurion : " Truly this was the Son of God 1" In contemplating these locali ties 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 where 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 who die In a great cause ; the block may soak their gore. Their heads may sodden in the sun, 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 hut 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 great ness,, and still vibrates with the voice of their elo quence, while the gray walls reflect the awful pur poses of that august convocation I Their unanimity of thought, feelings, sentiments, and actions, indicated 3* 30 INDEPENDENCE HALL: the sublime objects for which 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 out rage and wrong — had borne for years, with meek ness 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 tax ation enervating the growth of their respective settle ments 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 respon sibility 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 de liberations would lead their countrymen to sanguinary conflict and all its contingent deprivations and suffer ings, or subject themselves to the guillotine and gal lows ! 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 sub sequent action and for the achievement of future glory 1 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 con- ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS. 81 sidered in this grand convocation of the people's rep resentatives. Thoy 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 tho colonists. Their friends in oppression had been shot down at Lexington by British soldiers, and rewards were ofi'crod by Parliament for the heads of the leaders in the Colonial rebellion. Taxation, although beyond eudurance in point of severity, was still increased — tlieir humble and respectful prayers for justice were treated with contempt ; and the last hope of ail afliicted pe6ple lay in an implicit confi dence 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 them selves was called in question. Indignant at the arbi trary 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 alle giance 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 32 INDEPENDEXCE HALL: had upon the 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 estrange ment. Socially, this was a potent achievement, for it illustrated practically the aphorism that, "in ttnion there is strength." In several States sectional feelinsrs 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 in structed 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 re paired to the scene of their exaltation with hearts glowing with patriotism and warm emotion — they knew that a feeling of resistance actuated the masses — and that the ball of reformation when set in motion would continue unabated ab ovo usque ad mala. They were conscious of the fact that their cause ^\•as pro gressing with ever advancing steps toward ultimate triumph — that it ^vas worse than useless — it -^\-ould be the veriest madness to oppose it. Its success was ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS. 88 no longer problematical — it almost bore the semblance of a fixed fact. Contraiy 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 deleg-ates 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 pohtieal 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 liherii/ icas to be etaiial 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, feai-ful, and portentous ! The shadows of the approaching outbreak bent luridly above them, with a warning to prepare for the san guinary strife! The enemies of liberty were more than usually active — they left no avenue unoccupied which might be made auxihary 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 forgetfolness, of composure and se curity, when the invading hand of depotism, cunning 34 INDEPENDENCE HALL: and malignant, threatened to clutch from them 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 responsi bilities ! Upon their decision depended the future condition, happiness and prosperity, or servitude and oppression — of the country. War with its destructive concomitants and stdl greater despotism, or war -^dth its sanguinary struggles and freedom, was to conclude the final vote of that assembly. Either alternative would be dear and difiicult — 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 capa city, 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 behef that "the price of liberty was eternal vigilance," and that he who would successfully combat the sneaking foe must hear the whole armor to the fight, and never falter nor turn his eyes from the thickening contest. Their antago nists 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-offer ings and holiness— were made theatres of whispered ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS. 35 plottings, repositories of tumult's deadly weapons! These were facts of a startling and threateninar cha- racter. They addressed themselves with burning in tensity 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 OP Independence. 36 INDEPENDENCE HALL: CHAPTBE n. PRIMITIVE SETTLERS AND PUBLIC EDIFICES. "Here the free spirit of mankind, at length. Throws its last fetters ofi' ; 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 enclo sure, or consecrated building, which they regard as a Mecca or shrine, at which they pay national oblations and homage. These are generally places where im portant 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 inhuma tion of the great, or the expiring throes of heroes on ensanguined fields of valor. England has her West minster Abbey, France her Hotel des Tnvalides, and the United States — the great American republic — her In dependence 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 calamity and danger. The American people are no ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS. 37 less superstitiously inclined. They regard the sacred building in which- their " Declaration of Human 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 in dustry 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 inhabitants, from the associations which surround them, with all their pecu liarities and discrepancies of taste, education, senti ments, 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 inde pendent, 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 val leys, yet moist with the blood of the Eevolution, and consecrated by heroic bravery — no dogmatical forms 4 38 INDEPENDENCE HALL: and ceremonies, conventional creeds and systems, social deferences or distinctions of wealth, 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 hy the most delicious dews and breezes — amid the asso ciations of youth, sacred domes and puritanical restraint, the spirit seems c|uickening with new and more expansive powers and susceptibilities, while the sweetest melodies of nature, her multiform beauties, boundless and picturesque displays, combine to en chant 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 our selves free and invigorated by a pure and fragrant atmosphere, and can gaze with a brighter glo-w of admiration over the expansive scenes, broad land scapes teeming with spontaneous luxuriance, which strike the view, and make us realize more deeply the harmony that prevails around us. Surely scenes so grand, natural, and free, cannot fail to awaken a more active energy, excite stronger emotions, and inspire the thoughts with bolder or more excursive 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 tlieir 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 ITS HISTORY AND ASSOCIATIONS. 39 in the country ; its antiquity excites oiu' veneration ; its associations our patriotism ! Standing within the room where the Convention of Delegates assembled, the American citizen feels surrounded with holy in fluences — he almost hears the pulsatoiy 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 carvin