Full text of The Merchants' Magazine and Commercial Review : July 1855, Vol. XXXIII, No. I

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HUNT’S

MERCHANTS’ MAGAZINE.
E sta b lish ed J u l y , 1 83 9 ,

BY FREEMAN HUNT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
VOLUME X X X III.

JULY,

CONTENTS OF NO.

1 855.

I V

NUMBER I.

OL. X X X 1 11.

ARTICLES.
Art.

I.

pagk.

MERCANTILE BIOGRAPHY: THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS................................

19

II. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CITIES OF THE UNITED STATES.—No. xxxix.
NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA..............
53
III. THE PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE S E A ...................................................................

59

IV . COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CITIES OF EUROPE— No. xm . FRANKFORTON-THE-MAINE, GERMANY. Frankfort— Geographical Position— History—Govern­
ment— Its Population and Enormous Wealth—Restrictions as to Citizenship—The River
Maine—Products and Manufactures—German Railroads—Profitable Investment—The
Bankers, Brokers, Merchants, and Trarles-people of Frankfort— Banking on the Ameri­
can Plan—Dealers in Cotton Goods, Ribands, Laces, Jewelry, Books, Chemicals, etc.—
"Workings o f the Zollverein—The Fur Trade of Germany—The Proposal o f Secretary
Guthrie to admit Hatters’ Fur Duty Free—Shipments of German Wine, Cigars, Hosiery,
and Woolen Cloths to the United States—The Salaries o f Clerks, the Wages o f Mechan­
ics, Laboring Men, and Servants—Germany in its Political Aspect—The Germanic Con­
federation—Austria, Prussia, and the Minor Powers, etc., etc............................................... 63
V. THE SEVEN CENSUSES OF THE UNITED STATES—“ PROGRESS OF THE UNI­
TED STATES IN POPULATION AND WEALTH.” ........................................................... 70

J O U R N A L OF M E R C A N T I L E L A W .
Bills of Exchange and Bills of Lading—Decision o f the Tribunals o f Havre..................................
Express Business as Distinguished from Common Carriers.................................................................
The Book Trade— Injunction Perpetuated—Decision o f Judge Nelson............................................
Liability of a Lodging-house Keeper.....................................................................................................

71
72
74
76

COMMERCIAL CHRONICLE AND R E V I E W :
EMBRACING A FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, ETC., ILLUSTRA­
TED WITH TABLES, ETC., AS FOLLOWS \

Accounts o f the Growing Crops—Speculations in Breadstuflfs—The Bank Movement—Supply o f
Specie— Deposits at the New York Assay Office—Deposits and Coinage at the Philadelphia
and New Orleans Mints—Surplus of Silver Coin—The Stock Market— Foreign Exchange—
Imports at New York for May, and from January 1st—Imports o f Dry Goods— Exports from
New York lor May, and from January 1st— Imports and Exports for Elevea Months—Cash
Revenue at New York, Boston, and Philadelphia—Exports of Domestic Produce— Banks o f
Discount and Issue, with some Remarks on the recent Changes of Policy, etc.................. .
77-84
New York Cotton Market........................................................................................................................
V O L . X X X III.— N O . I .




2

85

18

C O N TEN TS

JOURNAL

OF

N O . I ., V O L . X X X I I I .

OF B A N K I N G ,

CURRENCY,

AND

FINANCE.
PAGE.

Property, Taxes, and Population o f Pennsylvania...............................................................................
Government of the United States—Its Cost...........................................................................................
Tabular Statement o f the Debt of late Republic of Texas..................................................................
Condition of the New Orleans Banks.....................................................................................................
Debts o f the United States and the States of the Union......................................................................
Value o f Property, real and personal, in Connecticut.—Transactions o f the Bank o f England.. . .
The Debts of Cities in the United States— Bell’s Philosophy o f Joint-stock Banking....................
Gold and Specie received in England in 1854.—Commerce and Finances o f Russia......................
New Banking Law of Indiana.—The Rates o f Interest in Louisiana..................................................

COMMERCIAL

STATISTICS.

Statistics of the Whale Fishery...............................................................................................................
Value of Exports and Imports o f United States...................................................................................
American and Foreign Tonnage Entered and Cleared the United States.........................................
British Excise Returns in 1853 and 1854................................................................................................
Import and Export of W ool in Great Britain.........................................................................................
Statement exhibiting the Commerce o f each State and Territory from July 1,1853, to June 30,1854
Trade and Commerce o f the Sandwich Islands.....................................................................................
Cotton and Slave Statistics.—The 44Indian Chief” —a Veteran Ship................................................
Trade between England and Turkey............................................................. .......................................

COMMERCIAL

95
96
97
98
99
100
101
101
102

REGULATIONS.

Treaty o f Commerce, etc., between the United States and the Argentine Confederation.............
Free Navigation o f the Rivers Parana and Uruguay............................................................................
Law of Louisiana relative to Seam en....................................................................................................
Custom Duties in Canada........................................................................................................................

JOURNAL

87
88
88
90
91
92
93
94
95

102
104
106
107

OF I N S U R A N C E .

Stock Fire Insurance Companies in New York January 1, 1855........................................................ 107
Fire, Marine, and Life Insurance Companies in New Y o r k ............................................................... 109
Recovery of a Steamer after abandonment to the Underwriters........................................................ I l l

NAUTICAL

INTELLIGENCE.

Lighthouse at Bass River, north side Vineyard Sound........................................................................
Notices to Mariners : Dundalk Flashing Light—Ireland, EastCosst. Broadhaven Fixed Light—
Ireland, West Coast. Fixed Light on the Beeves Rock— Ireland, River Shannon....................
Buoyage o f the Queen’s Channel.— Lighthouse in Northwest Passage, Key West..........................
Louisiana Quarantine Regulations.........................................................................................................

STATISTICS

Ill
112
113
114

O F A G R I C U L T U R E , &c .

Commerce in Animals and Consumption o f Animal F o o d ................................................................. 114
The Sorgho, a new Sugar Plant.—New York Cattle Trade for 1854 .................................................. 116

STATISTICS

OF P O P U L A T I O N , & c .

Results of the Census o f Great Britain—No. vi. Density and Proximity o f Population.—Islands.
Kansas Census in 1855.—Population o f St. Louis in 1854-5.................................................................
Population, Births, Marriages, and Deaths in Massachusetts.............................................................
Population of Paris...................................................................................................................................

120
121
122
123

J O U R N A L OF M I N I N G A N D M A N U F A C T U R E S .
Manufacture o f Plate Glass in New Y ork .............................................................................................. 124
The Alcohol of Chemistry and Commerce.—Gravel C oncrete........................................................... 125
Bonus for building Ships in Louisiana.— Combination o f Iron and G lass........................................ 126
Manufacturing Boots and Shoes by Machinery.......................................................................................126
Improvement in the manufacture of Bread.—Milk as a manufacturing Ingredient....................... 127
Men engaged in the Building Trades in Great Britain........................................................................ 127
Extensive Flouring Mill in Louisville.—Cheap Coal by a Chemical Preparation...................... . 128
Demand for Wool in Europe.................................................................................................................... 128
Lord Berriedale’s Patent for Paper from the Thistle............................................................................ 129

RAILROAD, CANAL, AND S T E A M B O A T S T A T I S T I C S .
Ocean and Inland Steamers out of the Port o f New York— No. n. “ The Plymouth Rock.” ....... 129
Stock and Debts o f the Railroads in operation in the State of New Y o r k ....................................... 131
A new Railroad B rid ge............................................................................................................................ 133

MERCANTILE

MISCELLANIES.

Memoirs o f American Merchants Eminent for Integrity, Industry, Energy, Enterprise, and Suc­
cess in L ife .............................................................................................................................................
The Boston Board o f Trade and the Merchants’ M agazine.................................................................
Integrity of Philadelphia Merchants......................................................................................................
The New England Merchant....................................................................................................................
The Mercantile Library Association o f Cincinnati...............................................................................
Where the Cork of Commerce comes from.—Direct Lake Trade with H olland..............................

THE

133
134
135
136
138
138

BOOK T R A D E .

Notices o f 33 new Books or new Editions..............................................*............................ ......... 139-144




HUNT’S

MERCHANTS’ MAGAZINE
k

AND

COMMERCIAL REVIEW,
J U L Y , 1855.

THOMAS HAKHASVJ) PERKINS.
T homas H andasyd P erkins wjis born in Boston, Decem ber 15, 1764,
and named for bis maternal, grandfather, Thomas Handasyd Peck, who
dealt largely in furs and the im portation o f hats.
H is father was a mer­
chant, w ho died in middle age, leaving a w idow and eight children, three
sons and five daughters, most o f them very young. She was a woman o f
excellent principles and remarkable energy, and undertook the heavy
charge thus devolved upon her with deep solicitude, (as appeared from a
subsequent reference o f her own to this passage o f her life,) but with firm­
ness and ability. She appears to have assumed some part o f the business
o f her husband, w ho had been connected with G eorge Erving, one o f the
principal merchants in the town.
Letters from H olland are remembered
w hich were addressed to her as M r. Elizabeth P erk in s; and when her
eldest son, having attained the age o f manhood, went some years afteward
to the Island o f St. D om ingo, where he established himself, he sailed from
Boston in a ship, the Beaver, o f which his m other was part owner, and
which had been chartered to the French governm ent to transport part of
their cavalry to Cape Francois.
This estimable lady discharged her duties successfully, rearing her chil­
dren with such advantages as fitted them for stations o f responsibility,
w hich they afterward filled with credit to themselves and to h e r ; and at
the same time taking an active part herself with the charitable associations
o f the town, w hich is shown by acknowledgments found am ong her pa­
pers and in records o f her services as treasurer and otherwise, from those
with whom she acted.




20

Mercantile Biography:

On her decease in 1807, it was voted “ that the officers o f the Boston
Female Asylum wear a badge o f mourning for the term o f seventy-one
days,” (corresponding probably to the years o f her life,) “ in token o f their
high consideration and respect for the virtues o f the deceased, and o f their
grateful and affectionate sense o f her liberal and essential patronage as a
founder and friend o f the institution.”
She is still remembered by a few
gentlemen, sons o f her former neighbors and associates, as an excellent
friend, o f active benevolence, and as a lady o f dignified, but frank and cor­
dial manners.
Numerous descendants o f hers, under various names, now m ove in dif­
ferent walks o f life in the United States, in Europe, and Asia, and not a
few o f them distinguished for prosperity and the wise use o f wealth, and
for intelligence and refinement, as well as for the sound principles which
she inculcated on all.
The success o f several o f the branches o f her family was essentially p r o ­
m oted by the energy and warm-hearted sympathy o f the subject o f this
memoir, who was the second son, only six years o f age at the death o f his
father in 1771. Some notice o f one, who was himself an eminent mer­
chant, and in reference to whom it may be said that both his father and
mother were merchants, seems to find an appropriate place in a commer­
cial magazine.
H is father lived in King-street, now State-street, where the conflict took
place between the citizens and the troops, called afterwards the “ Boston
m assacre;” and though he was hfetlaaaore than five years old at that time,
the sight o f the dead j^$qs,qri<£-qf “the blood, frozen ;tlie tfe'xt'day on the
street, made an impression on his mind that was never obliterated. The
troops being quartered near there; many o r’ thet officers were afterwards
visitors in his mother’s family..' . : . •
A t about seven years o f age he was,putaunder the care o f a clergyman
o f great respectability at M iddleboroughj about thirty miles from Boston,
and was afterwards at school in Boston’, uiitii intercourse with the country
being stopped, his mother retired with her family to Barnstable, where
she resided till the town was evacuated by the enemy. His grandfather,
Mr. Peck, remained in Boston through the siege, but was near being sent
hom e to be tried as a rebel for freedom o f speech.
"While living with his mother at Barnstable, both his legs were broken
by an unlucky accident, as he was returning from an excursion in the
w o o d s; and though the limbs were well set, and he soon recovered the
use o f them, he occasionally felt the effect o f the injury when the weather
was bad, even in advanced age. There, too, ho formed an early and close
friendship, that remained unbroken for nearly eighty years, until termina­
ted by death, with one o f his companions whom he had saved from drown­
ing— the late distinguished lawyer and statesman, Harrison Gray Otis,
nephew o f the revolutionary patriot.
Som e time after the return o f the family to town, his mother decided on
giving him a collegiate education, and he was sent, with other boys from
Boston— one o f whom was the H on. John W elles, now the oldest living
graduate o f Harvard—-to an instructor at Hingham, the Bev. Mr. Shute,
noted for his success in preparing lads for college.
After residing there
three years, and being prepared for Cambridge, he was so reluctant to en­
ter college, that it was decided that he should go into a counting-house.
H e was strongly inclined by temperament to active life. Vigorous and bold,




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

21

with a frame peculiarly fitted for endurance, which was afterwards devel­
oped in fine proportions for strength and beauty in manhood, lie saw
less to attract him in the life of a student than in one of enterprise, where
he might indulge a love of adventure and exercise the courage, equal
to almost every emergency, which characterized him. He was placed with
the Messrs. Shattuek, then among the most active merchants of Boston,
with whom he remained until he was twenty-one.*
On leaving the Messrs. Shattuck in 1785, not being well, he was ad­
vised to pass the winter in a warm climate, and visited his elder brother,
Mr. James Perkins, in St. Dom ingo.
From there he went to Charles­
ton, S. C., and in some memoranda made for his children within two years
past he refers to this visit to South Carolina in the follow ing term s:—
“ As I had taken letters o f introduction to some o f the most distinguished in­
habitants o f Charleston from Gen. Lincoln and Gen. Knox, the former o f whom
was the defender of Charleston during the war o f the Revolution and was a
great favorite, it gave me a pleasant introduction into the best society under
most favorable circumstances. As the inhabitants who have large plantations
spend as much o f their time on them as the climate will allow, I was an inmate
in several o f their families, but passed the principal part o f the time at the plan­
tation o f Mr. Thomas Ferguson, who had several rice plantations upon which
he numbered upward o f 800 slaves. The plantations were at a place called
Pon Pon ; and in the vicinity was Gen. Wm. Washington, who was a nephew
o f President W ., and during the war commanded a regiment o f cavalry. He
gained a high reputation as a soldier, and was an accomplished gentleman.
There was fine sport with the gun, geese, duck, teal, &c., being in great abun­
dance. Every Saturday the gentlemen o f the neighborhood met at a hunting
stand in a favorite spot for deer, hunted in the morning, and made good cheer
after the chase, dining in the woods, and in case o f not having success in hunt­
ing, always securing a succedaneum in the form o f ham, chickens, and other
“ creature comforts.” The Saturdays were real red letter days; and I could
name twenty who were in the habit o f meeting on such occasions all of whom
have long since retired behind the scenes.”
H e soon afterward accepted an invitation to join bis brother in St. D o ­
m ingo, and they formed a house there w hich was very successful; but
finding that the climate did not agree with his health, he returned to
Boston, and for some time attended to the business o f the house in the
United States, where their correspondence was extensive, his younger
brother, the late Samuel G. Perkins, Esq., filling his place in the firm.
In 1788 he was married to Miss Elliot, only daughter o f Simon Elliot,
Esq. It was a union entirely o f affection, and lasted for m ore than 00 years.
H is married life was com m enced with necessity for strict econ om y ; but
* Long afterward he recurred to this decision with regret lor having relinquished such a privilege,
and in advanced age repeatedly said that, other things being equal, (which condition Tie repeated
emphatically,) he should prefer for commercial pursuits those who had received the most complete
education. In this opinion he seems to have coincided with another experienced merchant, who
once gave it as the result of his observation in a long life, that as a general rule applied to the whole
class of commercial men, of whom it is well known that a considerable proportion fail, those had
succeeded best who were the best educated. It derives confirmation, too, from a fact generally no­
ticed, both here and in Europe, by those who know what goes on in the public schools where lads
are prepared by different courses of study respectively, either for college or for mercantile life, as
their friends prefer. Those who are engaged in classical studies for most o f the week and give but a
small portion of it to other pursuits, are generally found to be well up in arithmetic, geography, &c.,
with those who bestow their whole time on such branches.
Without underrating the importance of a habit of attention to detail, or the knowledge o f minute
affairs and the qualities o f merchandise, which may be acquired by early apprenticeship, it is to be
remembered that men of high culture who mean to effect what they attempt, show great aptitude
for the minutim,as well as for the general scope cf any new business which they undertake, and that
intellect well disciplined has considerable advantages in comparison with routine.




22

Mercantile Biography :

the connection probably gave an important bias to his commercial career,
as it led to intimacy with Capt. James Magee, a relative o f Mrs. Perkins,
who had made one voyage to Canton.
H e soon turned his attention to
trade with China, and sailed from Boston in February, 1789, as supercargo
o f the ship Astnea, belonging to E. H. Derby, Esq., o f Salem, bound to
Batavia and Canton, and commanded by Capt. Magee. Difficulties were
encountered and inconveniences were necessarily submitted to then which
are avoided now. The ship was not coppered, and her bottom becom ing
foul, they made a long passage to B atavia; being in want o f water before
arriving there, they stopped at Mew Island, at the mouth o f the Straits of
Sunda, for a supply. Referring to the voyage and this incident in some
memoranda made for his children m any years afterward, he sa ys:—
“ The casks in which a part o f our water was contained had been used in
bringing coffee from the Cape o f Good Hope, and although burned out, and. as
was supposed, purified, yet the water put in them was most disgusting. The
waters from the cascade on the Java shore were, of course, duly appreciated.
W e remained in this beautiful bay several days. There were at the time I speak
o f (now fifty-seven years since) no inhabitants on this part o f Java. I went on
shore every day, and in one o f my excursions climbed the precipice over which
the cascade flowed, to examine its source, and from what we learned on reach­
ing Batavia, we were led to believe that we had run great hazard, as more than
one instance had occurred o f persons visiting the same spot having been de­
stroyed by tigers, who were slaking their thirst in this beautiful stream. Bats
o f great size were seen crossing the narrow strait which'divided Mew Island
from Java, and returning towards the close o f day to their roosts on the Java
side.
“ I remember as if it were yesterday the fright I had in crossing a creek, the
bottom o f which was hard, about knee deep, and but a few yards wide. My
crossing alarmed half a dozen or more young crocodiles or alligators, which
were further up the stream than where I was crossing, and they came down upon
us with a celerity which was inconceivable. None o f them touched either my
servant or myself, and I have no doubt they were quite as much alarmed as we
were.
“ No boats or vessels o f any kind came into the bay while we lay there.
Prince’s Island was in sight; but the inhabitants, who had a bad name, were
otherwise engaged, and we met nothing to alarm us. The pirates from Sumatra
and the Eastern Islands made frequent attacks on vessels in those days, even so
far to the west as the Straits o f Sunda, though their depredations were more
confined to Banca Straits and the more eastern archipelago.”

That part of Java remains uninhabited now, as it was at the time which
he thus referred to, and both tigers and anacondas abound there.
Quite
recently a botanist, engaged in making collections for a British nobleman,
having crossed from Mew Island to the Java shore, his dog sprang from
the boafr.-as it touched land, and, dashing into the woods, was immediately
seized by a tiger, as his master doubtless would have been if lie had en­
tered the thicket first. The enormous bats here mentioned are well known
to naturalists. It is said that coal has now been discovered in that vicinity,
which may lead to some settlement there.
They were among the earliest visitors at Batavia from this country, and
were treated with great civility by the Governor-General and others in
authority, but found some difficulty in obtaining permission to dispose of
the cargo intended for that place. He kept a journal while there, and the
following extracts from it exhibit some obstructions in business and defer­
ence to authority, from which foreigners are now relieved.




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

23

“ July 13, 1789. At five o’clock anchored in three fathoms water in the harbor
o f Batavia, where we saw Capt. W ebb’ s brig. At seven the captain came on
board, and gave us the most melancholy account o f the state o f affairs at the
place— o f the prohibition and restrictions on trade, and everything else which
could serve to give us the dumps.
“ 14th. At eight in the morning took Capt. W ebb in our boat and went on
shore. The entrance o f the canal through which we pass is about half a mile
from the ship. The appearance in the habor beautiful. Canals, which cross
each other at right angles through the city, are about forty or fifty feet wide.
The water, which is always very dirty, must be unhealthy; they are continually
filled with boats, which carry up and down cargoes.
“ The variety o f nations, which are easily to be known by their different coun­
tenances, astonishing. Great numbers o f Chinese. Stopped at the custom­
house, where the names o f the captain and myself were taken, and other minutes
respecting our passage, &c. As the canal is difficult to pass after getting to this
place, which is about a mile-and-a-half from shore and through the centre o f the
town, we took a coach, which was provided us by the Scribe who questioned us,
and with whom I rode to the Shabendar’ s. Received with civility by him, but
discouraged from expecting permission to sell. Represented our situation— the
encouragement we had ever met with, &c. He told us he would do everything
in his power to serve us, but feared we should not succeed.
“ Was conducted to the hotel, where all strangers are obliged to put up.
Pound Blanchard, who speaks o f his prospects as distressing. Had been here a
week and done nothing but petition.
“ According to common custom, presented a petition through the Shabendar
for permission to sell. Waited upon the Director-General, for whom we had a
letter from Mr. L----------, his nephew. His house a palace; he received us,
Dutchman-like, in his shirt sleeves, and his stockings half down his legs; took
our address, and told us we should hear from him again; think he will be of
service to us. Made other acquaintances through my knowledge o f French, and
endeavored to make some friends. To-morrow the council sit, when our fate is
to be known.
“ This evening the British ship Vansittart arrived, and the captain, whose name
is Wilson, with his second mate, purser, and doctor, came on shore. Was very
happy to find the doctor to be the gentleman for whom I had a letter, and whom
I supposed to have been in the Pitt, Indiaman ; he seems to merit all which has
been said to me o f him; feel myself drawn towards him more from his being a
countryman than, perhaps, from any other circumstance, on so short an acquaint­
ance.
“ Thursday, 15th. Anxious for the reception the petition may meet. At ten
o’clock Capt. Wilson and I went with the Shabendar, with our petitions, to the
council chamber. After walking the hall a long time, and being witness to a
great deal o f pompous parade, was introduced to the council chamber, where the
members— who are eight in number— were seated round a large table covered
with silk velvet, with the Governor-General as president. I made my respects,
and presented my petition, and then left them to take another stroll in the hall,
till the Shabendar, upon the ringing o f a bell, once more introduced us to the
great chamber, when Capt. Wilson had liberty to land his articles; but we, poor,
despised devils, were absolutely denied the liherty o f selling a farthing’ s worth.
Whatever I thought o f the partiality, I very respectfully took my leave, but
determined to persevere— and after much difficulty, got leave to renew our peti­
tions.
“ 16th. Received an invitation to sup with the Director, where we were su­
perbly entertained and met much company. Many speak French; represented
our situation ; music at supper.
“ Friday, 17th. Nothing to be done until Monday, when the council meet
again. It is supposed we shall not have our future petition acceded to. Making
interest.




24

Mercantile Biography:

“ Sunday, 19th. Dined with the Governor, and received civility; an elegant
place. The area, where we dined, superb; and the prospect round it not to be
exceeded. Passed the evening, by invitation, at ihe Director’s, where were all
the Council o f Eight, the Governor, the old Director-General, and other grandees.
More parade than before. Played cards; custom o f washing before and after
dinner; the improvement in luxury; washing in rose-water; supper elegant—
superbly s o ; huzzaing, and the return from the owner o f the house after any
complimentary toast.
“ I wrote a petition in behalf o f Blanchard and myself, and had it translated into
Dutch.
“ Monday, 20th. Dined with the Fiscal, who treated us with good fare; the
British officers there, and many persons o f consequence.
“ Tuesday, 21st. Supped with one o f the Edelheeren; everything in superb
style; the same company as before; the Governor there; he does not honor
them more than once a year with his visits. Twenty ladies at table; their dress,
manners, style o f putting up the hair— sitting by themselves; toasts; huzzas;
bouquets; rose-water; superfluity o f everything which Europe and the Indies
can give.
“ Gained permission to sell.”
This restriction on sales by foreigners has been removed since that time,
and it is not necessary to wait for any such permission now. But at that
time the United States o f Am erica were little known or regarded in that
distant part o f the world, and it is easy to see that the final success which
the young merchant thus attained with the despotic authorities o f Batavia,
who had pointedly and formally refused his application in the outset, is
fairly attributable to personal qualities which distinguished him even at
that early period, and were characteristic through life.
Few men could
exert a greater influence over others with whom he had an important
point to carry.
ITis notes, on various subjects, in the same diary, show careful and gen ­
eral observation:—
“ It is death to take spices; and an acknowledgment o f having received no­
tice o f this is required, so that one cannot plead ignorance. The Chinese racked
on the wheel for running spices; yet any o f them will do it, bringing them to
one’s chamber in small quantities o f 20 or 30 lbs. The Chinese are the princi­
pal husbandmen. All the Eastern nations are represented here in greater or
less numbers— Armenians, Moormen, &c. Murders frequent; Malays revenge­
ful and cowardly, taking every advantage o f situation, fearing to attack a man
openly, and even afraid to hold a pistol. Gates o f the city ; strict regulations
respecting the going out and coming in at them. Four gates; walled all round
— kept in good repair; regularity o f the trees. Chinese live in the suburbs,
and obliged to be out o f the walls before night.
“ Procured two birds o f paradise; the bird a native o f the Moluccas or Spice
Islands; valuable at Bengal and on the peninsula o f India.
“ Birds’ nests at Batavia at 2,500 paper dollars the pecul. The birds that
make these nests are shaped like the swallow, and fly with the same velocity,
but are smaller. W e saw numbers o f them while at Mew Island, but did not
know them to be the same at the time. The coast o f Sumatra gives the great­
est supply o f them— called the Salignare, and found in great numbers in the
Philippines. They always lay in the same nest unless it be destroyed, and will
keep continually rebuilding when their nests are taken away; late method o f in­
suring good nests by destroying all the old ones. The nests are formed o f a
glutinous substance found in the water. They are about the size o f the inside
o f a swallow’s nest, and some o f them almost transparent. The soup made of
them is very palatable, but as it is dear, it is not often met with ; the old nests are
o f a black cast,anclnot near so valuable as the white. There are three layers or




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

25

thicknesses in the nests which, when separated, appear like three distinct nests;
the first or outside layer brings the least price, increasing to the inside, which
bears the amazing price above quoted.
“ The shark fins are also esteemed a great delicacy for soups, and to many are
very palatable ; but to me they were not so.
“ There are at Batavia nine persons who bear the title o f Edelheer, that being
a title o f nobility which they have assumed to themselves. Among these nine
persons is included the Governor-General, who is the president o f the Grand
Council o f the Indies, the other seven Councillors, and the Director-General of
the company, whose post is second in the settlement. The old Director also
who— being far advanced in years— resigned, holds this dignity o f Edelheer, and
has the same attention paid to him that the inhabitants are obliged to pay to the
rest o f them. Obeisance is exacted from all persons without distinction in one
form which has much disturbed the feelings o f some strangers who were not
used to acknowledge themselves the inferiors o f any one, and felt much galled
at not being able to help themselves. It is this : the carriage o f an Edelheer is,
when in the city or on meeting any carriage o f distinction, preceded by two run­
ning footmen, who carry each a baton or cane, with a brass head resembling the
weight used with a pair o f steel-yards, and o f an extraordinary size. This an­
nounces the carriage which follows to be that o f an Edelheer, when the other
carriage must drive up on one side the way, and there wait until his greatness
has passed. They are very civil in returning one as low a bow as is given
them. When no carriage o f distinction is on the road, and the Edelheer’ s car­
riage is without the suburbs, it is known by those canes before spoken of, being
projected from the back part o f the carriage in such a manner that they cannot
but be seen. There is a heavy fine exacted for passing the carriage o f an Edel­
heer without stopping.
“ Some time since there was an East India Company’ s ship at Batavia, the cap­
tain o f which thinking this a very great indignity offered him, upon his coach­
man’s attempting to stop his horses, ordered him by signs to go on, which order
not being complied with on the part o f the former, the captain gave him a very
severe prick with his sword. This made some noise at the time, but was over­
looked. I think it did no great honor to the good sense o f the captain, who
must have been aware that the poor devil who drove him knew that passing the
Edelheer would be attended with disagreeable consequences to himself, which
should have alone been sufficient to have prevented the captain from wishing it.
“ The captain o f a French frigate who was here fell upon a much more eligible
plan, and one which succeeded to admiration. On being informed that his coach­
man would stop on meeting one o f the Elderheeren, he determined on endeavor­
ing to overcome by civility what he had no hopes o f averting by any other
means. He had directions for distinguishing the carriage o f an Edelheer, and
as soon as he saw one, prepared himself for descending from his carriage. As
soon as his coachman checked his horses, he alighted from his coach and made
his respects to the Edelheer, who could do no less than dismount from his
upon seeing a person o f the appearance o f the captain thus paying him his re­
spects ; and after many ceremonious bows and testimonies o f civility, they again
resumed their seats in their several carriages. This piece o f outstretched polite­
ness was found to be the cause o f some trouble to the gentlemen Edolheeren
during the captain’s stay here, which induced them to send an order to the hotel,
giving leave to the coachman o f the French captain to drive on without stopping
for any one o f the council, or indeed o f the Edelheeren.
“ In private companies the greatest attention and studied politeness is shown
them, and they always when at table, sit opposite to the master of the house,
who divides the table lengthwise, and does not, like the host with us, take his
seat at the end. They have a privilege o f passing in and out o f the several
gates o f the city at any time in the day, which is what no other person can do,
as there are particular hours for passing and repassing the different gates.”

These dignitaries and the troublesome ceremonies attendant on their
rank are no longer known.




26

Mercantile Biography:

“ There is at Batavia a great medley o f inhabitants. The principal persons in
business, after the Hollanders, are the Moormen. Many o f them are very rich.
They are distinguished by a peculiarity o f dress and a turban on the head. They
wear square-toed shoes, which turn up and terminate at each corner in a kind of
ear, which has a curious appearance. They are rather slippers than shoes, having
no quarter or straps to them. In some respects these people exceed any set of
men whom I saw while at Batavia; they have an ease o f address and an air of
good breeding, which one would not expect to find in their countrymen. In their
houses they are courteous, and strive to make one’ s time agreeable while under
their roofs. They are the best-shaped o f any o f the Eastern nations whom I ob­
served while there; their complexion nearly the same as that o f the aboriginals
o f America; their features regular and well set, with the most piercing eye of
any people I ever saw. Their religion is Mahometanism. They carry on a great
trade to the different islands in the Indian seas, and by their traffic make great
fortunes; their mode o f saluting is by passing the right hand, with a slow mo­
tion, to the forehead, and at the same time bowing the head with a most grace­
ful ease. They are, with the Chinese, the great money changers. They are as
remarkably quick in casting and making calculations, without any assistance, as
the Chinese are with their counters. Some o f these people support as decent
carriages as any in the place, and live with a great degree o f taste.
“ They all chew betel, areka nut, and chunam. This has the effect o f render­
ing the teeth black and shining, like ebony.
They esteem it heathful, as it
causes expectoration in_a greater degree than tobacco. This, they aver, is abso­
lutely necessary in their country. It is, however, a filthy, vile practice in our
eyes, excusable in some degree in the men, but in the women truly disgusting.
I never saw any European gentleman use the betel, but many o f the European
women have adopted the habit o f chewing it, and have their mouths crowded
with it. The private secretary of the council, one o f the most genteel men at
Batavia, told me o f his great aversion to the use o f it in women, and observed
that his wife had so great an attachment to it, that all his powers o f persuasion
were not sufficient to wean her from it. She was quite young, not more than
nineteen or twenty at the extent. There is a child o f seven or eight years o f
age always in attendance on those who chew the betel, which is deposited in a
box, in some instances o f very curious workmanship. This child is the bearer of
the box, and ever waiting the wishes o f the person so attended.
“ All the people in this place seem very fond of being surrounded by domes­
tics. One seldom sees a coach pass, particularly if there are women in it, with­
out five or six slaves— some carrying the batons, others the umbrellas, &c., the
slaves being generally Malays, though there are some from all the inhabited isl­
ands in the India and China seas. The Malays are great cock fighters, and have
fine birds. They bet deeply, and go to as unpardonable a length as the Chinese
do, playing away the liberty o f their wives and children, and even their own.”

He proceeded to Canton for a cargo of teas. 'While he was there, a
vessel arrived whose name has since become one o f historical interest—
the Columbia— the ship which in her next voyage, under the command of
Capt. Gray, crossed the bar of the Columbia River, as it was always called
afterward, the incident being referred to in recent negotiations of intense
interest as the foundation of a territorial claim on the part of the United
States. Remaining several months in China, and attending assiduously to
the business o f the ship, he became well acquainted with the habits of the
Chinese, and collected a fund of information concerning trade there in all
its branches, and the value of sea-otter skins and other furs from the north­
west coast of our continent, which formed the basis of action for him after­
wards in planning numerous voyages and directing mercantile operations
of great importance between America, Asia, and Europe. He was long
remembered there, too, particularly by one occupying a subordinate posi­
tion at the time, who had observed him, though not known to him per­




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

27

sonally, who afterwards became eminently distinguished in the Commerce
o f the East— the well-known H on g merchant, Houqua.
Commercial re­
lations o f an intimate character and entire confidence were afterwards
established between them, and existed for many years with mutual advan­
tage.
Returning homeward, he found that the period o f his absence had been
eventful in changes that were to have important influence in the political
and commercial world.
They received news o f the revolutionary move­
ments in France from a vessel which they spoke in crossing the tradewinds.
On arriving at Boston, they found our government organized
under the new constitution o f 1789, and though this led to heavy duties,
particularly on teas, it was giving confidence and stability to trade. W ith
the information which he had brought home, he sent a brig— the Hope,
Capt. Ingraham— to the northwest coast, with the intention o f terminating
the voyage at Canton. The most important result o f this voyage appears
to have been the discovery o f the northern portion o f the Marquesas Isl­
ands, as now laid down on the map o f the Pacific. Its main object was de­
feated by untoward circumstances.
H e soon afterward joined his friend Capt. Magee, however, in building
a ship— the Margaret— o f which the captain went master for the north­
west coast, and after an absence o f two years and a half brought the voy­
age to a successful close.
Capt. Magee carried out the frame o f a vessel
with three or four carpenters, and set up the little craft o f about thirty
tons under Capt. Swift, then the chief carpenter, and the schooner col­
lected some twelve or fifteen hundred sea-otters during the season, which
added much to the profit o f the voyage, as the skins were worth 830 or
840 when Capt. Magee reached China.
In 1792 the insurrection began in St. D om ingo, where his brothers had
continued their establishment, doing a prosperous business up to that pe­
riod. Mr. James Perkins, the eldest brother, and his wife were in a peril­
ous situation at the beginning o f it, being in the interior on a visit to a
friend who had a plantation, next to the one first destroyed, on the plains
o f the cape.
They made their escape, however, from the frightful
treatment which awaited all w ho lingered, and reached the cape.
But things grew worse.
The place was taken by the insurgents and
burned, and the inhabitants were obliged to get away in the best
manner they could.
This, o f course, broke up his brothers’ establish­
ment. Their store was burned by the blacks, with its contents, which
were valuable.
This, however, was not the worst, as the planters were
largely in debt to the house, and their means o f paying destroyed. The
brothers (James and Samuel G.) returned to Boston, having lost most o f
their property, to begin the w orld anew. H e then formed a co-partnership
with his brother James, under the firm o f J. & T. IT. Perkins, which con­
tinued until the death o f the latter in 1822, though the name o f the firm
was altered on the admission o f their sons in 1819. They used the infor­
mation which had been acquired at St. D om ingo with advantage, by keep­
ing tw o or three vessels trading to the W est Indies, and shipping coffee
and sugar to Europe.
But their most important business was the trade o f their ships on the
northwest coast and in China. They were concerned in numerous voy­
ages in that direction, and eventually established a house at Canton,
under the firm o f Perkins & Co., which became one o f great importance
and eminently successful.




28

Mercantile Biography:

In December, 1794, he took passage for Bordeaux in a ship belonging
to his own house and that o f Messrs. 8. Higginson & Co.,— in which firm
his brother, Mr. S. G. Perkins, had becom e a partner— with a cargo o f pro­
visions ; the demand for them in the disturbed state o f French affairs otter­
ing the prospect o f a fair result to such a voyage. But the depreciation
o f the assignats, and other causes, threatening to defeat their hopes, he
found it best to continue abroad for some time.
His observations while
there, and the occurrences in which he became concerned, were o f an in­
teresting character. H e made full notes at the time, but the following ac­
count is takeu from the memoranda already referred to, written in a week
o f leisure long afterward, and com m encing th u s:—
“ TO M Y CHILDREN :---“ Sa r a t o g a S p r in g s ,

July 18, 1846.

“ It has often occurred to me that it would have given me infinite pleasure to
have known more than has come to my knowledge o f the early life o f my father.
He died when I was about six years o f age, and all I know o f him is from re­
port. My recollections o f him are very faint, though I have an impression that
I remember him in an emaciated state shortly before his death.”

After narrating, for the information of his family, some incidents of his
early life, part of which have been already mentioned, he proceeds to re­
late the occurrences that followed this voyage to France, as follows:—
“ I remained in Europe from December, 1794, to October, 1795— a very inter­
esting period o f the French revolution. What was called ‘ The Mountain’ in
the convention had been prostrated m some degree by the fall o f Robespierre,
the principal mover in the most bloody scenes of the revolution. He endeavored
to destroy himself, but failed, and left the final act to the guillotine. This in­
strument had done execution on thousands through his influence, and retributive
justice was satisfied in the fate which expiated his crimes.
“ France was by no means in a quiet state when I reached Bordeaux, and in
travelling with the courier day and night, we passed so near the theatre o f war
in La Vendee, as to hear the reports of the cannon o f the belligerent parties. If
we had been fallen in with by the Vendeens, we should doubtless have had our
throats cut, as public, agents and bearers o f dispatches from one province to an­
other. W e escaped, however, unharmed, though the fate we feared befell the
courier a few nights after we passed. During my stay in Europe my time was
passed principally in Paris, where I had rooms in the same hotel with my friend
Mr. Jos. Russell. W e kept a carriage between us, always visiting or travelling
together. It was a new English chariot which had been left behind by some
traveller on the breaking out of the war, and was in perfect order. W e found it
o f great convenience while in the city, as public carr'ages were not easily had
and no private ones Were kept by any Frenchmen. Indeed, they were kept by
very few except by foreign ambassadors.
“ There were in Paris several Americans o f my acquaintance besides Mr. Rus­
sell. W e used to dine at a restorateur and breakfast at home, the wife of the
porter o f the hotel furnishing our coffee. There was a great scarcity o f breadstuffs during the winter and spring. It was produced partly by the farmers
having their plowshares turned into swords, partly by the waste attendant on
war, and in part by an unwillingness to sell for assignats, which were constantly
declining in value. The whole population o f Paris was placed under restriction,
and each family received a certain quantity per day from the public bakers at a
fixed price. The hotels gave in their number of guests for whom they drew the
stipulated quantity, and those who dined out had their bread carried to the place
where they dined. I dined almost every Saturday with the minister o f the
United States, where J was in the habit o f meeting distinguished men.
“ I had little business to do in Paris, and leisure, therefore, to observe what




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

29

was passing. Having sold the cargo, or the principal part o f it, to government,
1 h ad little else to do for months than to dance attendance upon the bureau
which had the adjustment o f the account, and was finally obliged to leave the
matter to the care o f a friend.
“ After the fall o f Robespierre, the revolutionary tribunal o f which Fouquier
Tinville was the Accusateur Public— like our attorney-general— being abolished,
he, with five judges and ten jurymen, in all sixteen, were executed in the Place
de Greve by that operation which they had inflicted on men, women, and even
children, for pretended crimes. I went with Mr. Russell, Mr. Higginson, and
several others, and secured a room, the nearest we could get to the place o f ex­
ecution, that we might witness it closely. The prisoners arrived in two carts,
from which they were taken out and placed in the room directly under the scaf­
fold. From there they were taken, one by one, and by a ladder o f eight or ten
feet were brought to the instrument and decapitated. The attorney-general was
the last to suffer, and must have felt at the fall o f the axe in every execution as
much as he felt when his turn came. They all met their fate without a struggle,
except a man, one o f the judges, who had been o f the noblesse o f the country,
and whose name was Le Roi, which he had, by decree o f the convention, changed
to Dix Aout, or Tenth o f August, after the assault upon the Tuilleries on that
memorable day, when the Swiss and the king’s immediate attendants were so
shamefully murdered by the populace o f Paris. This man died game, but kept
vociferating his execrations upon his executioner, until he was silenced by the
fall o f the axe.
“ This mode o f execution is certainly merciful, inasmuch as its work is soon
done. From the time the prisoners descended from the carts until their heads
were all in long baskets placed in the same carts with the lifeless trunks, was
fourteen minutes! Two minutes were lost by changing the carts, so that if all
the remains could have been placed in one basket, but twelve minutes would
have been required for beheading the sixteen persons 1 The square was filled
with people. Great numbers o f the lowest classes— and the low class o f women
were the most vociferous— were there, clapping and huzzaing with every head
that fell. These were the same people who sang hallelujahs on the deaths of
those who had been condemned to the guillotine by the very tribunal who had
now paid the debt they owed to the city, for their convictions were principally
o f the city. Other wretches o f the same stamp were acting their infernal parts
in different departments o f France. Notwithstanding the deserts o f this most
execrable court, the exhibition was horrid to my feelings, however deserved the
fate o f the culprits.
“ Mr. Monroe, the minister o f the United States, told me that he wished a
service to be rendered by some one, and felt great interest that I should give
my aid to it. The object was that i should aid in sending Mr. George Washing­
ton La Fayette to the United States. His mother, the Marchioness La Fayette,
was then in Paris with her daughters and Mr. Frestal, their tutor. Mr. Monroe
gave me a letter to her, and I found her lodged in the third story in the Rue de
L’arbre Sec. She explained her object to me, which was to get her son sent to
the United States to prevent him from being drawn by the conscription into the
army. He was then fourteen years o f age. The proposal she made to me was,
that I should apply to the convention for permission to procure a passport for
her son to go to America for the purpose o f his being educated in a countinghouse. As the marquis was in bad odor in France, it was deemed necessary to
sink the real name o f the party, and to apply to the Committee o f Safety for a
passport for G. W . Motier, this being a name o f his family which he had a right
to assume. Madame La Fayette was intimately acquainted with Boissy d’Anglas,
the president o f the committee, and o f the old aristocracy o f France, and from
him she had assurance that if the application was made by an American, it would
be favorably received. The marquis was at the time prisoner in the Ciistle o f
Olmutz, in Austria— and the object o f madame was to go to him with her
daughters and solace him in his deplorable confinement, where his health was
suffering.
“ The application to the committee was complied with, and my friend, Mr




30

Mercantile Biography:

Russell, who took an active part in aiding in the plan, accompanied George La
Fayette to Havre, where was an American ship in which I had an interest, com­
manded by Capt. Thomas Sturgis, brother to Mr. R. Sturgis, who married my
eldest sister. T o him I gave letters, requesting that Mr. F. might have a pas­
sage in the ship, which was freely accorded. Mr. Russell and myself paid the
expense o f the journey and the passage, and Mr. F. arrived in Boston, where he
was cordially received by my family, and passed some time there. He after­
wards went to Mount Vernon, and lived in the family o f General Washington,
until, in the following year, he returned to Europe, when he entered the revolu­
tionary army.
“ He served with reputation; but as the name was not a favorite one with the
existing leaders, he was kept in the back ground by the influence o f General
Bonaparte, and retired, after a year or two o f service, to private life. He is yet
living, (1846,) and has been a member o f the House o f Deputies since the fall of
Bonaparte.
“ Madame La Fayette went to Austria, and remained with her husband to the
time o f his liberation. Immediately after his being set at liberty, he wrote me
a letter dated at Olmutz, thanking me for the share I had taken in enabling his
wife to visit him in his distress, and declaring that I had been the means of sav­
ing his life by the means used in restoring his family to him. This letter is now
in the possession o f Mrs. Bates, o f London, to whom I gave it as an interesting
article for her portfolio.
“ The circumstance of my interference in sending young La Fayette to this
country was the cause o f one o f the most interesting events o f my life. It was
known to General Washington, through the father or son, or both, that I had
been active in procuring the sending G. W . to this country, and from the great
partiality he had for the marquis, he was pleased to regard the actors in a favor­
able light.
“ In the summer o f 1796 I visited the city o f Washington, which was decided
upon as the future seat o f government, though Congress still sat at Philadel­
phia. While I was there General Washington passed some days at the new seat
o f government. He lodged at the house o f Mr. Peters, who married a Miss
Custis, granddaughter o f Mrs. Washington. At a ball given by Mrs. Peters, to
which I was invited, I was introduced to the General by Colonel Lear, his private
secretary, and was graciously received, and invited to visit Mount Vernon and
pass some time there. This was not to be declined, and a few days after I went,
as invited, to pay my respects to the man I cherished in mv mind beyond any
earthly being. There was no company there, except Mr. Thomas Porter, for­
merly of Boston, who then lived at Alexandria, with whom I was intimately ac­
quainted, and who was a great favorite at Mount Vernon. He took me to the
residence o f General Washington, and returned after dinner to his own resi­
dence.
“ It is generally known that the General was not in the habit of talking on
political subjects with any but those connected with him in the government. In­
deed, he was what may be called a silent man, except when necessity called upon
him to he otherwise. He conversed with me on internal improvements, and ob­
served to me that 1 should probably live to see an internal communication, by
canals and rivers, from Georgia to Massachusetts. The State o f Maine had not
then been separated from the old Bay State. He little thought at that time, or
ever, o f the railroads which now span the country. General Washington, it is
understood, was the first projector o f the Dismal Swamp Canal, between Chesa­
peake Bay and Albemarle Sound, in North Carolina, at that time a great under­
taking, as well as the lockage of the little falls o f Potomac. As was before
remarked, I was the only guest at Mount Vernon at the time spoken of. Mrs.
Washington and her granddaughter, Miss Nelly Custis, with the General, were
the only inmates o f the parlor.
“ The situation o f Mount Vernon is known to every one to be o f surpassing
beauty. It stands on the banks o f the Potomac, but much elevated above the
river, and affords an extensive view o f this beautiful piece of. water, and o f the
opposite shore. At the back o f the house, overlooking the river, is a wide




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

31

piazza, which was the general resort in the afternoon. On one occasion, when
sitting there with the family, a toad passed near to where 1 sat conversing with
General Washington, which led him to ask me if 1 had ever observed this reptile
swallow a fire-fly. Upon my answering in the negative, he told me that he had,
and that from the thinness o f the skin o f the toad, he had seen the light o f the
fire-fly after it had been swallowed. This was a new, and to me, a surprising
fact in natural history.
“ I need not remark how deeply I was interested in every word which fell from
the lips o f this great man. I found Mrs. Washington to he an extremely pleas­
ant and unaffected lady, rather silent, but this was made up for by the facetious
and pleasant young lady, Miss Custis, who afterwards married Major Lewis, a
nephew o f the General, and who is yet living. During the day the General was
either in his study or in the saddle, overlooking the cultivation o f his farm.
“ I shall never forget a circumstance which took place on the first evening I
lodged at Mount Vernon. As I have said before, it was in July, when the day
trenched far upon the evening, and at seven or eight o’clock we were taking
our tea, not long after which the ladies retired. Knowing the habit o f the
General, when not prevented by business, to retiie early, at about nine o’clock
I made a movement in my chair, which led the General to ask me if I wished
to retire to my chamber. Upon my answering in the affirmative, observing there
was no servant in the room, he took one o f the candles from the table, leading
the way to the great staircase, then gave me the candle, and pointed out to me
the door at the head o f the stairs as my sleeping room. Think o f this !
“ In the room in which I laid myself down, for I do not think I slept at all,
so much was I occupied with the occurrences o f the day, was a portrait o f La
Fayette the elder, and hanging over the fireplace the key of the Bastile, which, I
believe, retain the same places to this day. On the afternoon o f the second day
after I arrived, I took my leave o f Mount Vernon, more gratified than I can ex­
press.
“ In the autumn o f the year o f my visit, Mr. Stewart (Gilbert) painted the fulllength portrait o f the General, which is much the best likeness I have ever seen
o f him. The bust I have, also by Stewart, is a fac-simile o f the original. The
portrait o f Mrs. Washington, also by Stewart, now in the Athenaeum, is an ex­
cellent likeness o f that excellent lady. I remember her amiable expression of
countenance, and courteous, unaffected manner, as well at this time as half a
century since.
“ The President having inquired o f me if I had visited the Great Falls o f the
Potomac, and being answered in the negative, observed to me that I ought not
to leave that part o f the country without visiting them. I made the excursion,
though pressed for time, and to my great satisfaction.
“ I consider the visit to Mount Vernon as one o f the most interesting o f my
life. It was the only opportunity which I should have ever had o f conversing
familiarly with this great and good man. Tw o years after my visit he died at
his residence, o f croup. It is stated that he was not well treated for the disor­
der, and that with more skill his life might have been preserved, though I doubt
if his happiness would have been preserved to him, had his life been spared.
Detraction and calumny had assailed him.
“ The new city o f Washington, when I was there, had but few houses. The
capitol was not built for many years afterward, and when Congress first sat
there, it occupied, I think, a building erected by means o f a Tontine speculation
got up by a Mr. Blodget, who went from Massachusetts, and was well known as
a great projector o f speculations o f one sort and another.”
A bout this time he was made commander o f a military corps, the bat­
talion which constitutes the guard and escort for public occasions o f the
Governor in the Oommonweath o f Massachusetts, with the rank o f lieute­
nant-colonel, having for some time previously held that o f m ajor in the
same corps.
W ith some persons it may excite only a smile o f derision to mention




32

Mercantile Biography :

this as worth remembering, and particularly to add as the cause o f any
allusion to it that he was so generally known afterwards as Colonel Per­
kins, that his numerous acquaintances throughout the country might he
in doubt whether he is the individual spoken of in this memoir, if that ap­
pellation were omitted. But there are some considerations connected
with this that deserve notice. The foreigner smiles or frowns, as he feels
disposed, when he hears any reference among us to military rank beyond
the field or day o f parade, unless it be of the regular army ; but in this he
overlooks the fact that the customs of a nation are usually connected with
its history and political character. Military rank among quiet citizens is
not so empty a distinction here as it may seem, but constitutes a pledge
which it may become necessary to redeem in earnest. A large portion of
the bloodiest and most important battles that have ever occurred among
us have been fought chiefly by the militia. The deference paid to it here
is not greater now than that with which the same force was regarded in
England, when the regiment of Coldstream Guards formed a large part of
the standing army then no greater than ours is at this time.*
“ The king was captain-general o f this large force; the lords-lieutenants and
their deputies had the command under him, and appointed meetings for drilling
and inspection. There were those who looked on the militia with no friendly
eye. The enemies of the liberties and religion o f England looked with aversion
on a force which could not, without extreme risk, be employed against those lib­
erties and that religion, and missed no opportunity o f throwing ridicule on the
rustic soldiery.— In Parliament, however, it was necessary to express such opin­
ions with some reserve. The array o f the country was commanded almost ex­
clusively by Tory noblemen and gentlemen; they were proud of their military
rank, and considered an insult to the service to which they belonged as offered
to themselves. They were also perfectly aware that whatever was said against
a militia, was said in favor of a standing army; and the name o f a standing
army was hateful to them.”

As that standing army was gradually enlarged, however, and the pro­
fession of arms became an occupation for life, a change naturally followed;
the exclusive feeling in favor o f professional rank gained strength; and
the recognition of any similar claim for the militia was discouraged as a
matter of taste, because it affected privilege.
But no such change has taken place here. W e have no intention of
having a standing army, beyond a mere nucleus, from which we can ex­
tend, when necessary, with an academy for the thorough education of
officers, having no need of more.
It is not a mere channel or a narrow sea, but the broad ocean, that sep­
arates us from those nations whose power could ever endanger our safety.
And if such power should be directed against us, our coast and frontier
being equal in extent to those of several o f the kingdoms of Europe taken
together, no army that we are likely ever to have could guard the line of
exposure. W e rely, therefore, mainly on the local force of the country
for security in war, and for the maintenance of order in peace. Some at­
tempts have been made among us to break down the militia by ridicule ;
but it seems probable that until vast changes take place in other respects,
we shall not dispense with this system, which by its efficient action gains
deference for itself, in comparison with what is done elsewhere. Many
proofs that it does so might be given ; one will answer.
In 1849, the year succeeding that o f revolutions in Europe, a serious




Macaulay.

Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

33

disturbance occurred in the city o f N ew Y ork in the dramatic perform­
ances there, arising from displeasure toward an eminent foreign tragedian.
The theatre was surrounded by a vast multitude, many o f them in a state
o f great excitem ent; acts o f violence were com m itted; property and life
were endangered; and that state o f things existed which is thought to
warrant the use o f military force. It came prom ptly when sum m oned;
numbers o f people were killed and w oun ded; the m ob was dispersed; and
order was restored. W h en the account o f this reached England, it was
remarked in one o f the leading journals there, with reference to a similar
event which had just then occurred under British rule, that we had, at any
rate, given an example to governments o f greater energy in form than our
own how to deal with rioters. In the same steamer that carried this ac­
count, or the one that preceded it, there went the particulars o f a riot just
over our frontier, in Canada. There, the nobleman who represented the
majesty o f England was driven by the m ob from the seat o f government,
and pursued towards his country sea t; the Parliament-house was burned
with the archives, a library o f great value, and other public property ; and
if any punishment has ever been inflicted for this, it must have been so
slight that it has scarcely been heard o f out o f the province.
There is, likewise, something o f exaggeration in reference to the use o f
military titles in this country. W here a dozen instances can be given o f
it, often arising accidentally from assiduous attention, personal appearance,
or otherwise, probably a score o f others might be adduced where there is
no further allusion to rank in the militia after the service is performed, even
including some officers w ho have met a foreign enemy successfully in battle.
But Col. Perkins was a man distinguished for energy, for a lively inter­
est in all that concerned the welfare o f the community in which he lived,
and for a desire to maintain and promote its respectability. H e acted with
vigor in times o f great excitem ent; a prominent part was frequently as­
signed him, either to assist in the direction o f public meetings, or as leader
on important committees ; and his name being necessarily often in print,
he was designated, naturally enough, in the v'ay that indicated its con­
nection with public order, and thus added something to its weight. The
military rank, therefore, which m ight otherwise have soon been forgotten,
as it generally has been in regard to those who have held it in the same
corps, but with less distinction in other respects, became widely associated
with his name, and so continued until his decease.
This was the more
natural, because the tone o f his character and his ordinary bearing were
obviously in keeping with the sentiment which he once proposed for a
toast at some military festival— “ That high and honorable feeling which
makes gentlemen soldiers, and soldiers gentlemen !”
Soon afterward he was chosen President o f the Boston branch o f the
United States Bank— quite a distinction at that time, when there were few
banks in the country, and a remarkable one for a man so young as he was
then. The choice was owing to a warm rivalry for the honor between two
distinguished merchants, much older than himself, whose friends at length
mutually agreed to end the contest by selecting a third candidate, on w hom
all could unite. H e was too much engaged in his own enterprises to re­
tain the place long, and in a year or tw o he was succeeded by the H on.
George Cabot, eminent not only as a commercial man, but as a Senator o f
the United States.
In 1805, he was elected to the Senate o f the State, as he frequently was
V O L . X X X I I I .----- N O . I .
3




34

Mercantile Biography:

afterward; and for eighteen or twenty years following he was, most of the
time, member of one branch or the other of the Legislature, hut generally
of the Senate, unless absent from the country. Being a man of few words,
he rarely took part in debate; but his opinions were marked by decision,
what he said was to the point, his language was good, and when he was
strongly moved he spoke with power. One of his colleagues in the Sen­
ate, who afterwards had long experience in Congress, and was favorably
distinguished there as well as at the bar, has remarked since, that he had
rarely heard public men make a short, off-hand speech with more effect
than Col. Perkins occasionally did when his feelings w'ere deeply engaged
in the subject of debate.
He was never in Congress himself; although his election would have
been certain if he would have accepted a nomination as candidate, and
there were several occasions when it was desirable to his political friends,
who predominated by a large majority in his district, to have had a com­
mercial representative there like him. It is understood that he might at
one time have been made Secretary of the Navy if he had been disposed
to take charge o f that department of the national government. But he
does not appear to have been desirous of political distinction; and the
engagements in Commerce which required his attention were too import­
ant to be made subordinate to any other demands on his time.
In the narrative addressed to his children, after relating the foregoing
circumstances o f his visit to Mount Yernon, he proceeds as follows :—
“ But to return to the object o f these dotlivgs down— my own concerns. The
north-west trade led to a continued communication with China, and in 1798 wc
bought and sent to Canton direct the ship Thomas Russell; and Mr. Ephraim
Bumstead, then the eldest apprentice in our counting-house, went out as super­
cargo ; and in 1803, we entered into an engagement with him to go to China,
and there establish a house for the transaction o f our ow>n and other business
when presented to them. Mr. B. took passage in a ship from Providence, be­
longing partly to merchants there and to J. & T. H. P.
“ Mr. J. P. Cushing, then in our counting-house, went with Mr. Bumstead as
his clerk. He was then sixteen years old, wrote a fine hand, was a very steady
lad, and had a great taste for going abroad. Soon after their arrival in China,
Mr. B. was obliged, from illness, to leave Canton with the intention o f recruit­
ing, and then returning to China. But he never returned, having died on the
passage to the port for which he was bound.
“ Mr. Cushing was, therefore, left at this early age to manage the concerns o f
the house, which were increased by consignments, and which required a good
head to direct them. This, fortunately, Mr. C. possessed, and the business
which fell into his hands was as well conducted as if Mr. B. had been on the
spot. W e afterward sent a nephew o f my brother’s wife, Mr. Paine, to join
him. He remained but a short time in China. Mr. Cushing was taken into co­
partnership with us, and so continued until his return to America, or rather to
the dissolution o f the house in 1827. He had visited the United States in 1807,
but soon returned to China, and did not leave it until twenty years after that
time. He was well repaid for his undertaking by the result.”

When the tidings of Mr. Bumstead’s death reached Boston, Col. Per­
kins immediately decided to go to China himself, as there seemed to him
to be no alternative in such an emergency ; and he made preparations for
his departure accordingly. But just before he was ready to sail, a vessel
arrived in a short passage from Canton with letters from Mr. Cushing, who
was his nephew, giving so clear a report o f the business of the house, and
showing so much ability in the management o f it, that he felt safe in
postponing his voyage at first, and afterwards in relinquishing it altogether




Thomas Handastftt PTfleins.

35

as it became obvious that Mr. C., young as he was, needed no aid in per­
forming the duties thus devolved upon him.
.
Under his guidance, the house there was at length so favorably known
that consignments increased until they interfered with the business o f the
house itself, and it became desirable to give them some other direction. A
distinct commission house was, therefore, established at Canton for this
purpose under the auspices and with the favor o f Perkins & Co., which
continues to this day, although the first partners withdrew from it rich
many years ago. A long line o f successors follow ing them have managed
the same establishment by turns, and retired from it successively with for­
tunes, with which they have returned to the United States. I f all those
were enumerated whose success in life m ight thus be traced to that first
voyage o f Col. Perkins to China in 1789, the number would cause surprise.
“ Embargoes and non-intercourse,” he continues in the narrative, “ with polit­
ical and other causes o f embarrassment, crossed our path, but we kept our trade
with China, and during the war of the Peninsula, embarked largely in the ship­
ment o f provisions to Spain and Portugal. Our general plan was to freight ves­
sels, load them with flour at the South for Europe, and have the funds remitted
to London. To make some necessary arrangements respecting them, 1 took
passage in the brig Reaper, belonging to my friend Henry Lee, for London, in
August, 1811. The intention o f Mr. Lee was to proceed to India in the brig,
taking funds from England, and returning to Boston with Calcutta cloths, which
then paid a great advance. I sent funds in her. and she returned in the year
1812, during the war with Great Britain, and with great profit. Long-cloths o f
India then brought 25 cents per yard, though an inferior article to what is now
made in this country and sold at six cents, being less than one-fourth o f the
price the India cloths then sold at. I remained in London during the year, or
until the summer, and returned after war had been declared. While in London
I bought, with the elder Mr. Pligginson, goods brought into England for France,
which resulted in great gain.
“ In the spring, I bought a carriage, with Mr. Alexander Everett, and was
made bearer o f dispatches for France. At that time the onl y communication was
by Morlaix from Plymouth. There I took a vessel of about 40 or 50 tons in
which to cross the channel. As we had no use but for the cabin, we gave pas­
sage to a dozen or more Frenchmen, who had been exchanged and had no
means o f getting to France but by the privileged vessels which left Plymouth
from time to time. Among the persons to whom a free passage was given, was
one who had resided some years in our good city o f Boston, and who doubtless
had known me as active in resisting the principles o f the Jacobins. This indi­
vidual was the cause o f my detention at Morlaix nearly three weeks, having re­
ported me to the commissary at Morlaix as opposed to the French and a great
friend o f the English. In consequence, I was ordered to remain at Morlaix until
orders were received from Paris. After writing to Mr. Barlow, the then minister
o f the United States, and using other means, we were permitted to proceed to
Paris. During my stay at Morlaix, my limit was the town, unless accompanied
by one o f the gens d’armes. I visited the lead mines in that vicinity, and made
other excursions within 30 or 40 miles, and was upon the whole very civilly
treated by Moreau, the commissioner, after he was satisfied that my object in
visiting I'rance was commercial and not political. Moreau, the general, although
from the same town, was not a relative o f the commissioner, who was a great
Bonapartist.
“ An incident which caused me much anxiety, and which might have been at­
tended by serious consequences, occurred in or was connected with this journey.
On my leaving London, Mr. Russell, who was then charge d’affaires o f the Uni­
ted States at the court o f St James, on my going to his house for despatches,
put into my hands a package o f some sheets in volume, directed to Col. Tchernicheff, chancellor to the Russian minister, Prince Kourakine, at Paris. Had I
considered a moment I should have doubted th e ------ ”




36

Mercantile Biography:

Here the narrative is broken off. It was suspended, probably, at his
departure from Saratoga, nvhere it is dated, and was never continued. But,
in conversation, he g'ave a graphic account of the solicitude which he felt
while he was detained in Morlaix, at having with him dispatches so di­
rected, which might be discovered in his possession; of the momentous
state of affairs which he found on his arrival in Paris, shortly before the
open breach of Napoleon with Russia, that led to the fatal campaign in
the north ; of the difficulty that he had in safely delivering the dispatches;
the acknowledgements that he received from the Russian embassy for do­
ing it successfully; the angry look which he saw the emperor cast from
his seat in the theatre toward the box o f the Russian embassador, as if it
was meant that it should be observed; and the departure of the latter
from Paris the following day.
W hile he was at Morlaix an incident there called into action some of
those qualities o f heart and head which were repeatedly exercised after­
ward on a greater scale, the spirit that freely contributes to the alleviation
of distress, and the intelligent skill which can make one liberal contribu­
tion the means o f eliciting the action of a community in a good cause.
The story is told in a letter to Mrs. Perkins, too long to be inserted entire,
but interesting throughout, and some passages will show his habits of obser­
vation as a traveller, with something of the state o f France at that tim e:—
“ C herbourg,

June 2,1812.

“ M y D ear S a r a h :— I can easily conceive from my own feelings how much
pleasure the receipt o f this letter will give you, being the only one I have writ­
ten you for two months, excepting a short one from Morlaix which was not cal­
culated to afford you much satisfaction, as I was then under a degree o f restraint,
which has not left me from that time to this. I am now here waiting the arri­
val o f the W asp (sloop o f war) from England, where she returns again to land
me with the dispatches from the minister at Paris to the charge d’ affaires at Lon­
don. You may well suppose what iny anxiety is to hear from home, having re­
ceived no letters o f later date than February.
My anxiety is much increased
from the uncertainty as to our situation in regard to the war. If we are en­
gaged in the contest, I shall find it difficult to return. My passport to leave the
country was kept back, and but for exertions which I made through some per­
sons whom I had interested in my behalf, I might have been some months longer
detained.

“ You will want to know what has been the disposition o f my time since I
arrived in France. 1 was detained at Morlaix fifteen days, and but for the ex­
ertions o f my friends might have been there this hour, as a gentleman who ar­
rived there a month before me has been detained there till this time, and can get
no permission either to return to America or to go to Paris. Another bearer o f
dispatches was there a month. I was not so much ennuye as those gentlemen
who were looking to Paris as the place where they were to realize golden
dreams o f pleasure. As I am fond o f spying out wonders, I got permission to
visit a lead mine, which is at no great distance from Morlaix, and which afforded
me the highest gratification. There are upwards o f tvvetve hundred persons
employed at the works. The descent from the surface to the deepest part is
800 feet. I was astonished to find the price of this severe labor so low. Twelve
hours’ labor is exacted in the twenty-four. The time employed in going down
and returning is not included. And for this the men receive about ] 8 to 20
cents per day, and find themselves. Men only, with a few boys, are employed in
the mines. Women, both old and young, and children down to five years old,
are employed in selecting the good from the bad ore, breaking it in pieces, and
working it. They receive from four to seven sous, equal to as many cents, per
day. They find themselves, and work from the getting up to the going down
o f the sun, the year through. You will ask how they subsist. I can hardly




Thomas Ha.ndasyd Perkins.

37

imagine how they get along, but so it is ; and I do not see hut they appear as
healthy as people in general who are employed in hard labor o f a different kind.
Black bread, moistened with a kind o f lard, or bad butter, furnishes them their
food, and the spring quenches their thirst. Once in a while they have a few
pounds o f beef boiled to pieces in a pot, containing half a barrel o f water and
a few vegetables. This soup, as it is called, is a sort o f luxurious living, which
is too good to be served often. I found that were twice the number o f women
wanted they might be had; and even of men o f a certain age, which does not
include the term when they are wanted for the army.
“ When I returned to Morlaix I found my passport had arrived, so that I could
not go again to visit this very interesting work. Upon the whole, my fifteen
days went away much more pleasantly than I had expected, and I should not
have hung myself had I been obliged to remain there a week longer.
“ There is a tobacco manufactory at Morlaix, on a very large scale. Twelve
hundred and sixty persons are daily at work at it. All the manufactures o f snuff,
and tobacco in every shape, in the empire belong to the government, who pur­
chase the raw material and work it into the form in which it is used. I con­
trived to get admission, and was astonished at the extent o f the establishment.
“ It is astonishing to observe the difference in numbers between the men and
women you see in the streets in every town through which you pass. At Morkiix, they say there are fourteen females to one male in the town. You would
hardly suppose there was any part o f France, I mean o f France as it was under
the old government, in which the inhabitants o f whole districts do not speak
French. This, however, is the case in Brittany. The people who live a mile
from the town speak no more French than they do Greek. Their language is
the Welsh, and is the only one spoken by them, until they leave their villages
and come to the towns to reside, or go to the army, when they are obliged to
learn the French. The people who live in the towns are obliged to learn the
Brittany language, or they could not go to the market, or have any communica­
tion with the country people. Before taking my leave o f Morlaix, I must relate
to you a fact that came under my own knowledge, by which you can appreciate
the tenure by which liberty is held here.
“ The family in which I lived was one o f the most respectable in Morlaix, in
point o f property, previous to the revolution. Like many others, it was reduced
to very narrow means by the then existing state o f things, as their wealth con­
sisted principally in vessels, which either perished at the wharves, or were taken
by the powers which then ruled, and were totally lost to Monsieur Beau, who
was their proprietor. Having been the agent for the lead mines for a long time,
this was a resource to him, and although the stipend arising from this was a
moderate one, yet it served to feed his wife and children, who were some six or
seven in number. M. Beau died a few years since, and left his widow without
any resource for the support o f her family. Being a woman o f a good deal o f
character, the company to whom the mines belong concluded to continue the
agency in the hands of Mrs. Beau, who, with the aid o f her youngest son, has
carried on the purchases and sales to this time. The two eldest sons got clerk­
ships in the tobacco manufactory, and a daughter was married, so that but one
daughter and one son were upon the shoulders o f the old lady. Their means
were, to be sure, small, but their wants were few, and although their whole in­
come was not hjore than six hundred dollars per aim., the son who aided his
mother in the lead mine agency had made a matrimonial engagement; and not
believing that‘ Love would fly out o f the window, although Poverty looked in
at the door,’ a day was designated for the marriage, and I was invited as a guest
at the meeting o f the family, which was to take place in the evening. The mar­
riage ceremony took place in the morning at the parish church, and at about 10
o’clock I was introduced to the bride, whom I found to be, as I had heard her
represented to be, a very beautiful woman o f about twenty, with a very prepos­
sessing countenance, which it was universally acknowledged was a perfect index
o f her amiable mind. She seemed perfectly happy, and nothing but joy was
visible in every countenance in the family. All was happiness and gaiety, and
laugh and frolic. Mark the sad change. At 12 o’clock the bridegroom received




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Mercantile Biography:

notice that he had been drawn in the conscription, and that on Sunday he must
be at Campege, a distance o f thirty leagues. This was on Thursday. In such
cases entreaty is vain, and never resorted to, because always ineffectual. To go
to the army was to g o , to return when the exigencies o f the State no longer re­
quired his services. The whole family was in a state little short o f distraction
when I left the town, which was early on the next morning. The lowest price
at which a substitute could be procured was three thousand francs, and the fam­
ily could not command half the money in all its branches. The peculiar situa­
tion o f this family seemed to paralyze the whole town, and led to an exertion
which is seldom made, and which proved effectual in preventing this young
man from being torn from the embraces o f his charming wife and amiable
mother. I have the satisfaction o f having put the thing in train, and shall always
consider the opportunity as one o f the most gratifying which ever presented itself
to me. After my arrival in Paris, I received a letter saying that my example
had been followed, and that it had produced the effect desired. This is an an­
ecdote, or rather this part o f it, for your own private ear, and you will not, of
course, show this letter.”

Some years afterward he was again at Morlaix, and as a proof o f the
affection and respect with which the remembrance o f him was cherished,
he found that the room which he had occupied at the time of this occurrence
had been kept in the precise order in which he left it, no article having
been removed from its place.
After his return from this voyage to Europe, he took an active and very
important part in measures for establishing the Massachusetts General
Hospital with an Asylum for the Insane, the necessity for w hich had be­
gun to be deeply felt. H e was one o f those to whom an act o f incorpo­
ration had been granted for the purpose, with a valuable donation from
the Commonwealth, on the condition that the sum o f one hundred thou­
sand dollars should be raised by subscription within a limited time.
His
name was at the head o f the first list o f trustees, and he undertook the
w ork which his position involved with characteristic energy. H is influ­
ence and his services were highly appreciated by those with whom he was
engaged in that undertaking. The subscriptions were made on the con ­
dition that the full sum o f 5100,000 should be obtained, so that the whole
depended on entire success. Besides his exertions in rousing other sub­
scribers, he and his elder brother contributed five thousand dollars each
toward the fund, and it was completed agreeably to the terms o f condi­
tion. It is well known that the efforts o f those who were engaged in this
movement have been productive o f all the g ood which they hoped to ef­
fect. The institution bears a favorable comparison with those o f the same
kind in other places, and has become celebrated throughout the world for
the first successful application o f the great discovery in the use o f ether
for surgical operations.
His elder brother and partner, James Perkins, Esq., died in the year
1822. The follow ing passages from a notice o f his death, published at
the time, show the estimation in which he was h e ld :—
“ While his real and most eloquent eulogy is to be sought in the course o f
an industrious, honorable, and most useful life, it is due to the virtues he prac­
ticed, to the example he set, to the noble standard o f character on which he
acted, not to be entirely silent, now that nothing remains o f them but their hon­
ored memory. He had received in boyhood, under the care o f an excellent
mother, the preparatory instruction which might have fitted him for an acade­
mical education; but the approach o f the Revolutionary War, and the discour­
aging aspect o f the times, dictated the commercial career as more prudent.
“ In enterprises extending over the habitable globe, employing thousands o f




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

39

agents, constantly involving fortunes in their result, and requiring, on many oc­
casions necessarily incident to business o f this extent, no secondary degree of
firmness and courage, not a shadow o f suspicion of anything derogatory to the
highest and purest sense o f honor and conscience ever attached to his conduct.
The character o f such a man ought to be held up for imitation.”
Mr. James Perkins left a large fortune, acquired in this honorable cou rse;
and is still remembered for distinguished liberality in all appeals that were
made when he lived, for charity or public good, to the affluent and gener­
ous in the com m u n ity; for his liberal donations to several institutions;
and especially for a munificent gift o f real estate, o f the value o f about
$20,000, to the Boston Athenaeum, and the bequest o f $ 20,000 more to
the University at Cambridge. The decease o f such an associate in the
commercial vicissitudes o f nearly forty years was deeply felt by his sur­
viving partner and brother.
In 1826, it was proposed to raise a considerable sum for additions to
the Athenaeum. Something over $30,000 was required.
Col. Perkins
and his nephew, Mr. James Perkins, son and sole heir o f his deceased
brother, contributed one-half o f it, paying eight thousand dollars each, on
the condition that the same amount should be subscribed by the p u b lic;
which was done. H e made other valuable donations to the Athenaeum,
and was for several years president o f that institution.
Soon after this, having witnessed the successful com mencement o f rail­
roads in England, he resolved to introduce them h e re ; and having ob­
tained a charter for the Granite Railway Company, he caused one o f two
miles in length to be made, for the purpose o f transporting granite from
the quarries in Quincy to the water. This was the first railroad built in
this country, though there was a rough contrivance in Pennsylvania for
the removal o f coal, which is said to have preceded it. It has been the
means o f adding large quantities o f granite to the building materials o f
our cities, and its effect is seen extending as far as N ew Orleans.
In I 833, a movement was made to obtain funds for the establishment
o f a school for blind children in Boston. H aving been deeply interested
by an exhibition given to show their capacity for improvement, he made
a donation o f his mansion house in Pearl-street as a place for their resi­
dence. H e gave it on the condition that the sum o f fifty thousand dollars
should be contributed by the public as a fund to aid in their support.
Efforts were made accordingly to effect that object, and proved to be en­
tirely successful. The school was thus placed on a stable foundation, and
by means that insured it continued care. The incitement which had thus
been offered to the community to secure so valuable an estate as a gift to
the public, roused general attention to the subject that could induce such
a donation. Mutual sympathy in endeavoring to effect the purpose was a
natural result. This became widely diffused. A n institution which thus
offered intelligence, enjoyment, and usefulness in place o f ignorance,
sorrow, and idleness, was recognized by the government o f the State as
deserving aid from the Commonwealth, and liberal public provision was
made for the education there o f blind children whose parents needed as­
sistance.

Under the direction of Dr. Howe it has been eminently successful, and
is known through the country as an important example of what may be
done. Indeed, it may be said further, that the country itself is more
widely and favorably known in the Old W orld from the annual reports of
what has been effected there, not only by improvements in the art of




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Mercantile Biography:

printing for the blind, but by new discoveries in the possibility of instruc­
tion, which he has demonstrated.
The publications from the press o f the institution,'under his care, prob­
ably comprise more matter than all other works in the English language
that have ever been published for the use of the blind; and at the recent
“ Exhibition of W orks of Industry of all Nations” in the Crystal Palace
of London, the prize medal was awarded to his specimens for the best
system of letters and the best mode of printing such books. But, beyond
this, Dr. Howe has enlarged the science of mind by reaching and devel­
oping the intellect of the blind and deaf mute, shut up from human inter­
course by obstruction in all avenues of the senses but one, and proved
that the single sense of touch can be made the medium for effectual in­
struction in reading and writing, and for the free interchange even of the
most refined and delicate sentiments that are known to the heart of wo­
man. In this, he was the first to reduce to certainty what had before been
only a problem, and has shown that there is no solid ground for the prin­
ciple of law on the subject, as laid down by Blackstone, that— “ a man
who is born deaf, dumb, and blind, is looked upon by the law as in the
same state with an id iot; he being supposed incapable o f any understand­
ing, as wanting all those senses which furnish the human mind with
ideas.”
The estate given by Col. Perkins, although spacious in extent, was be­
coming, from its position, better suited for purposes of trade than of resi­
dence. From the same cause, however, it was rising in pecuniary value,
and not long afterward it was exchanged, with his consent, he releasing
all conditional rights of reversion, for a large edifice in the suburbs, built
for another purpose, but admirably adapted, by location and structure, for
the residence of young people. It overlooks the ••harbor, is secure by its
elevation from any interruption of light or air, and affords ample room
for all who may desire to come.
The institution bears his name. That something important would have
eventually been done in Massachusetts for the education of the blind, even
if he had rendered no assistance, cannot be doubted. Dr. John D. Fisher,
a physician of great worth, to whose memory a monument has been
erected at Mount Auburn for his early exertions in the cause, moving al­
most unaided, had previously obtained an act o f incorporation from the
Legislature for the purpose ; and Edward Brooks, Esq., and Mr. Prescott,
the historian, with some other gentlemen, had united with him to promote
it. W hat followed is in a great measure to be attributed to their prepar­
atory movements. But Col. Perkins, by the impulse o f a powerful hand,
suddenly roused the community to aid in the project, and placed it at once
in an advanced position, which otherwise it probably it would have required
the lapse of many years, with arduous exertions, to attain. A t that time
the institutions for the blind in England were little more than workshops,
affording hardly any instruction except for manual labor, and no printing,
though two small books had been printed in Scotland. But through his
aid and advice the means vrere obtained and effectually applied for an es­
tablishment on a more liberal plan, giving the precedence to intellectual
and moral education. There is little doubt, therefore, that a large portion
of the good which has been effected thus far, within the institution, and
by its example elsewhere, is the result of his munificent donation, and the
wise condition which he attached to it.




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

41

It should be remarked here, however, to guard against any mistake
detrimental to the interest of the blind, that while the pupils are placed,
through his means, in a building which might give the impression that its
inhabitants are likely to be in want of nothing, the institution is by no
means richly endowed. The money that has been liberally given has been
liberally spent in the cause of education ; and those who are inclined to
give or leave any portion of their wealth for the relief o f misfortune,
should be informed that the blind still need, and humbly hope to be re­
membered. There can hardly be any class of persons to whom books, and
a large library of books, can afford so great delight as those whose sources
of enjoyment do not include that of sight; and after reading in the re­
port of the juries on the awards at the exhibition o f the Crystal Palace in
London, ten close pages that are devoted to the subject o f printing for
the blind, with a historical sketch in which marked prominence is given to
what has been done at “ T he P e r k i n s I n s t i t u t i o n i n B o s t o n ,” it can
hardly be heard without sorrow that the printing there is suspended for
want of pecuniary means; and that the publication of the Cyclopedia in
twenty volumes, probably the most valuable work, with the exception of
the Bible, that has ever been attempted for the blind, was necessarily stopped
with the eighth volume.
A few extracts from that report, on a subject so deserving of interest,
will hardly be out of place here.
“ A few years ago printing for the blind was considered only a curious or
doubtful experiment, but it is now established beyond all question that books
are true sources o f profit and pleasure to them. Whilst embossed books have
recently very rapidly increased, it is delightful to notice that the blind readers
have multiplied far more rapidly.
“ The invention o f printing for the blind marks a new era in the history o f
literature. The whole credit o f this invention, so simple yet so marvellous in
its results, belongs to France. It was Mr. Valentine Hauy who, in 1784, at
Paris, produced the first book, printed with letters in relief, and soon after proved
to the world that children might easily be taught to read with their fingers. The
blind really received but little advantage from an invention that promised so
much. The fault, however, seems to have been not so much in the plan as in
the execution o f it. This noble invention, except perhaps within the walls of
the institution, soon sank into oblivion, and very little more was heard o f it un­
til 1814. The Institute o f Paris, since its foundation in 1784, has at times been
in a deplorable condition, but about the year 1840, it underwent a thorough re­
organization, and is now justly entitled to the front rank o f institutions o f this
class in Europe.
“ It was in Great Britain and in the United States that the first improvements
were made in embossed typography. Before 1826, when Mr. James Gall, of
Edinburgh, first began to turn his attention to the intellectual and moral educa­
tion o f the blind, it is believed that not a single blind person in any public in­
stitution o f this country or America could read by means of embossed characters.
To Mr. Gall is due the credit o f reviving this art.”
•

In 1827, he published a small volume for teaching the art o f reading
to the blind, and in 1834 he published the Gospel o f St. John, and after­
ward several other books, but they do not appear to have been generally
used. It is added in the report that, with one exception, “ it is believed
^hey are adopted by no public institution in Great Britain.”
“ While the puzzling question o f an alphabet best adapted to the fingers of
the blind and the eyes o f their friends was under warm discussion on this side




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Mercantile Biography:

o f the Atlantic, Dr. Howe was developing his system at Boston, in the United
States. In 1833, the Perkins Institution for the Blind was established at Bos­
ton, and Dr. S. G. Howe, a gentleman distinguished through a long series o f
years for his philanthropic labors, was placed at its head, and soon made those
improvements and modifications which have rendered the Boston press so fa­
mous. His first aim was to compress the letter into a comparatively compact
and cheap form. This he accomplished by cutting off all the flourishes and
points about the letters. He so managed that they occupied but a little more
than one space and a half instead o f three. So great was this reduction, that
the entire New Testament, which, according to Hauy’s type, would have filled
nine volumes, and cost twenty pounds, could be printed in two volumes for six­
teen shillings. Early in the summer o f 1834, he published the Acts o f the
Apostles. Indeed, such rapid progress did he make in his enterprise, that by the
end o f 1835 he printed in relief the whole o f the New Testament for the first
time in any language, in four handsome quarto volumes, comprising 624 pages,
for four dollars. These were published together in 1836. The alphabet thus
contrived by Dr. Howe in 1833, it appears, has never since been changed.
“ As the Boston books can now be obtained in London at a price cheaper than
any o f the five different systems o f books printed in Great Britain, it is to be
hoped that they will come into general use here.”

It is then shown by a table o f comparison that Dr. Howe’s books are
much less in bulk, and cheaper by more than one-half, than those printed
in any other o f the six systems used in the English language. And it is
added :—
“ His system has been fully described, and to it the jury give the preference
above all others. The jury beg to suggest that a uniform system should be
adopted, and that in future all books printed for the blind should be printed in
the same character. Dr. Howe’ s appears simple, and fit for general adoption.”
In 1838 his com m ercial firm was dissolved, and he withdrew from busi­
ness with a large fortune, after having been actively engaged in Commerce
for m ore than fifty years, though within the last ten his personal attention
to its affairs had been considerably relaxed. Ilis success had been great,
but by no means uninterrupted. Severe disappointments and disasters
from causes beyond his control made part o f his experience; and while
he had great confidence in his own ability to direct, he well knew the im ­
portance o f leaving as little as possible to accident in any enterprise that
he undertook."

An instance o f the readiness with which he could sometimes decide on
the advantages to be justly expected from commercial operations when
proposed, will serve to show the extent of his information, and the value
of such information in enabling those who engage in Commerce at all to
act with clear discernment, instead o f trusting to blind chance in specula­
tion. He had used such information and discernment himself with strik­
ing effect, even so far as to pause in his career and stand somewhat aside
for years, when others, moved partly by an ambitious desire to rival him
in Commerce, had sought to rise from the grade o f successful dealers in
purchases from his cargoes, and become the owners of ships, importing
cargoes of their own. Insolvency and melancholy oblivion or insignifi­
cance have, since then, been the lot o f most o f them. But when enter­
prises requiring capital and, still more, judgment, beyond their resources
and capacity had led them into embarrassment, there necessarily came £
pause on their side, of which he and those who were associated with him
took skillful advantage in a rapid succession o f voyages that have rarely
had a parallel for success.




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

43

The particular instance referred to was this :— About thirty years ago
the price o f coffee, which for a long time previously had been as high as
twenty-five cents, had declined to fifteen cents per pound, and Col. Perkins
being in New Y ork for a day or two, on a visit to a daughter who resided
there, a wish was expressed that it might be suggested to him that the
temporary depression having made it a fit subject for speculation, if he
should be disposed to engage in it on the extended scale to which he was
accustomed, there was an opportunity to secure a large quantity on even
more advantageous terms. A s coffee was an article out o f the line o f his
usual operations, and not likely to attract his particular attention, the sub­
ject was mentioned to him rather for entertainment, in conversing upon
the occurrences o f the time and the news o f the day, than in the belief
that he would give it serious thought. W ithou t hesitation and with the
ease and decision o f an able lawyer or surgeon in giving an opinion on
any case presented to either o f them professionally, he answered to this
e ffe ct:—
“ The depression in coffee is not ‘ temporary.’ Whoever makes purchases
now at 14 cents, or even at 13 cents, will find that he has made a mistake, unless
he means to take advantage o f any transient demand to dispose of it speedily.
There are more coffee trees now in bearing than are sufficient to supply the
whole world, by a proportion that I could state with some precision if necessary.
The decline in price is owing to accumulation, which will be found to increase,
particularly as there are new plantations yet to come forward. Coffee will
eventually fall to 10 cents, and probably below that, and will remain depressed
for some years. The culture o f it will be diminished. Old plantations will be
suffered to die out, and others will, in some cases, be grubbed up that the land
may be converted to new uses. At length, the plantations will be found inade­
quate to the supply o f the world. But it requires five or six years for the coffee
tree to reach its full bearing. Time, o f course, will be required for the neces­
sary increase, and the stocks on hand will be diminishing in the meantime. A
rise must follow. Whoever buys coffee twelve or fifteen years hence at the
market price, whatever it may be, will probably find it rising on his hands, and
fortunes may be made, unless speculative movements should have disturbed the
regular course o f events.”
W ith so clear an outline for tire future it was interesting to observe
what followed. Coffee gradually fell to less than ten cents, and remained
low. One consequence, usual in such cases, ensued.
The consumption
increased. Misled, perhaps, b y this, and an impatient desire to be fore­
most in securing advantages which by that time were generally foreseen,
parties began to m ove in a speculative spirit about five years before the
time thus indicated.
They made great purchases, and large quantities
were held in expectation o f profit.
It was curious to notice the action
and hear the remarks o f various persons concerned in what ensued, ac­
cording to their different degrees o f intelligence on a subject that was not,
even then, fully understood by all. Coffee rose considerably. Some o f
them secured a moderate profit while they could. Others, arguing on a
crude belief that as coffee had been at 25 cents, there was no reason why
it should not attain that price again, determined to wait for far greater
profits. The stimulant given to the demand by withholding large quanti­
ties from sale developed greater stocks than were supposed to ex ist; the
movement was found to be premature, and coffee fell again in price. Im ­
mense sums were lost. Bankruptcy followed, with many a heart-ache that
might have been prevented by counsel from one like him, who had the




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Mercantile Biography:

comprehensive views and thorough knowledge that belong to a complete
merchant.
This unwise anticipation somewhat retarded and diminished the wellfounded rise that had been foretold. But it came at length, and some
moderate fortunes were made by it, though the dreams o f the speculator
of a return to the high prices that prevailed in the early part of the cen­
tury have never been realized.
After his retirement from Commerce, Col. Perkins found sufficient oc­
cupation in the management o f his property; in various matters o f a
public nature which interested h im ; and in the cultivation of trees, and
particularly of fruits and flowers, on his estate at Brookline. He was re­
markable for his love of nature ; and in travelling sometimes v7ent far out
of his way to examine a beautiful tree, or to enjoy an interesting view.
Occasionally he made a voyage to Europe, renewing his observations on
the changes and improvements that were to be seen there. He had crossed
the Atlantic many times beside the instances that have been referred to, al­
ways keeping a diary, which he filled with the incidents that occurred,
with the results of his inquiries, and with remarks worthy of an intelli­
gent traveller; and sending home v'orks of art, some o f which v?ere be­
stowed as gifts. He took a lively interest in the progress and welfare of
American artists, kindly aiding some who desired to improve by studying
the great models in Europe, and liberally purchasing the works of those
who deserved encouragement. He was generally very agreeable to those
with whom he incidentally fell in as fellow-travellers; and where he became
known abroad as an American, he left a very favorable impression of the
character of his countrymen.
Active industry had been and continued to be the habit of his life. The
day with him was. well occupied, and equally well ordered. He had long
been accustomed to rise early, to consider what required his attention, and
to prepare so much o f what he had to do personally as he could perform by
himself, that he might meet the world ready to decide and direct, promptly
and clearly. This enabled him to transact business with ease and accura­
cy, and made him so far master o f his time that he found leisure for vari­
ous objects, both of usefulness and enjoyment, as well as for courteous and
kind attention to the affairs and wishes o f others, which it might have
been supposed would hardly be remembered by one so occupied. Each
day with him was the illustration of a thought which young men, and
particularly young men entering on commercial life, will find to be a safe­
guard against precipitation or perplexity, and against the irritation as well
as the miserable shifts to which they sometimes lead. The action o f the
mind in preparing with calm foresight what is to be done, before it is ab­
solutely necessary, is widely different from its action when affairs are left
until necessity presses, and the powers are confused by various calls on the
attention in the midst of hurry and embarrassment. W hat is only method
in the first case actually becomes a faculty, and sometimes passes for un­
common ability, of which it has the effect. On the other hand, some
men, who really show great powers when pressed by necessity for dispatch,
are in truth unable, without being aware of such a defect, to foresee and
prepare what they have to do before they feel the pressure. W hen that
ceases, the exertion too often ceases with it ; and important matters are
left to be done at some future time, which perhaps are never done. The
older they grow the more incurable is the evil, and melancholy instances




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

45

might be given of bankruptcy late in life, after great success, which might
be traced chiefly to this cause. It is said that the Hon. Peter C. Brooks,
o f Boston, who left a large fortune, after a life well worthy o f imitation,
on being once asked what rule he would recommend to a young man as
most likely to ensure success, answered— “ Let him mind his business
and to a similar inquiry, it has been said that Robert Lenox, Esq., of New
York, well remembered as one o f the most distinguished and estimable
merchants ever known in that great city, and for his wide hospitality, once
answered— “ Let him be beforehand with his business.” One answer seems
to include the other, as no man can be beforehand with his business, and
enjoy the tranquil self-possession that accompanies forecast, unless he minds
it unremittingly.
At one time when Col. Perkins had decided to leave home for some
time on a long journey of several thousand miles to the South and West,
application had been made to him to give his guaranty for a considerable
sum, to enable one whose welfare he wished to promote to engage in a
commercial connection that seemed to offer great advantages. As the
magnitude of the affair required caution, it was expected, of course, that
when he had considered the subject explanations on various points would
be necessary before he could decide to give i t ; and it was intended to take
some favorable opportunity, when he might be entirely at leisure, to ex­
plain everything fully. Suddenly, however, he found it best to commence
the journey a w'eek or two sooner than had been mentioned, and engage­
ments of various kinds, previously made, so occupied him in the short in­
terval left that there seemed to be no time for offering such explanation
without danger of intruding, and the hope of obtaining his aid at that
time, in an affair that required prompt action, was given up. The appli­
cant called at his house half an hour before he was to go merely to take
leave, knowing that the haste of departure in such cases usually precludes
attention to any matters requiring deliberation. On entering the room,
however, he found there was no appearance o f haste. All preparations
for the journey had been entirely completed in such good season that the
last half-hour seemed to be one entirely o f leisure for anything that might
occur. After a little chat, Col. Perkins introduced the subject himself,
and made pertinent inquiries; which, being answered satisfactorily, he
gave the guaranty, and very kindly added a further facility by allowing,
until his return, the use o f a considerable sum o f money which he was
leaving in the bank. The arrangements were, in consequence, completed
the next d a y ; they proved in the result to be eminently successful; all
pledges were redeemed; his guaranty was cancelled in due course without
the slightest cost or inconvenience to h im ; and the person whom he
wished to oblige received very large profits, wdiich happily influenced the
remainder of his life, and which he, perhaps, might never have enjoyed,
if that last half-hour before the journey had been hurried.
When doing an act of kindness like this, he seemed to derive great
pleasure from the consciousness that the action o f his life had given him
the power to produce such results by the single influence o f his name;
from all proofs, too, which followed that he had decided correctly in be­
stowing his confidence where he believed it to be deserved; and from in­
dulging an impulse of his nature that prompted him to diffuse happiness
where he had the opportunity.
Numerous instances might be given o f his kindness in promoting the




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Mercantile Biography :

success of others, and particularly of young men engaging in voyages or
other commercial enterprises; and he always showed a warm interest in
the Mercantile Library Association o f Young Men in Boston, to whom he
made a donation to aid in the erection of a building.
In a general view of his character, he appeared as exercising the influ­
ence of one having a nice sense of propriety, with reference to the opinion
of others; love of order; a high standard o f action ; and a desire to pro­
mote whatever tended to general advantage and respectability; with such
steadiness of purpose as gave power to his example. His manners, formed
in an age of ceremony which has passed, retained something of its cour­
teous dignity, divested of what was artificial, and united with the ease of
our own time.
His personal appearance so far indicated his character that an observer
of any class, who saw him for the first time, v'as very likely to he im­
pressed with a desire to know who that personage might be. “ A v e r y
noble looking man !” said a young woman who was called to fetch him a
glass of water, when he stopped one day at the house of a friend some
miles from town. “ Ce beau vieillard/ ”—-that beautiful old man!-— ex­
claimed the wife of a foreign embassador, in speaking of his reception o f
her at his country-seat, when some one was showing her the environs o f
Boston. And in repeated instances foreigners of rank have remarked in
a similar tone on his person and the high-bred courtesy of his manner.
Great personal strength and entire self-reliance made him almost heed­
less of danger, in the full confidence that he had the power and the pres­
ence of mind to do just the right thing at the right moment; and he had,
at different times, some remarkable escapes. On one occasion, when driv­
ing toward town over a road made in one part on the slope of a hill, with
a steep bank on one side and a descent, guarded by a wall, on the other,
some object fell from the top of the bank on his right so suddenly that
his horse, a powerful animal, sprang to the opposite side and dashed into
a run. Close before him was the stiff branch of a large apple tree pro­
jecting over that side of the roau at about the level of his waist as he sat.
He leaped at once from his seat over the wall, alighting unhurt in the or­
chard below, and in an instant the top was swept from the vehicle in a
manner that must have proved fatal to himself if he had remained in it a
moment longer.
Though fond of social intercourse, hiS opinions were often conveyed in
monosyllables or short and terse expressions, and he was more inclined,
whether abroad or at his own table, to promote conversation in others
than to talk much himself. But he listened with attention and contrib­
uted readily, from the stores o f his experience and knowledge, whatever
occurred to him as interesting; occasionally introducing an anecdote with
striking effect, but rather as if he were stating a fact than telling a story.
He used language with precision; his expressions were concise; anti his
wrnrds carried the full force that belonged to them, all the more because
there was no attempt to exaggerate their true and precise meaning. The
instances that he gave were usually such as had occurred within his own
knowledge in reference to remarkable events or distinguished men, and
most o f them might well have found place in history or biography. But
occasionally he related incidents o f an amusing character, such as the fol­
lowing, and in a manner that afforded great entertainment.
In one of his early visits to London, Stew art, the celebrated pot trait-




I

Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

41

painter, whom he knew well, resided there, occupying apartments as a
bachelor, with a boy to attend him. One day, Stewart sent the boy with
a message to a man of rank to say that he could comply with a request
to give him a sitting if he would come at a certain hour. The boy went
off accompanied by a large and favorite dog of his master’s, but did not
return at the time expected; and Stewart waited, receiving no answer,
until he found that the forenoon was lost. He then went out to take his
usual walk; and as he strolled on, finding himself in that part of the city
where the mother of the boy resided, he made her a visit and inquired
whether her son ever came to see her. “ Oh, y e s!” she said, he had
been there that morning, with a great dog, both of them full of mischief;
and there had been such a tim e! First, they discovered a piece of beef­
steak intended for her dinner, which, after great struggles, the dog had
been suffered to devour. Then, in a scene of frolic and riot, they had up­
set her wash-tub, and had just gone off. He desired the woman not to
mention his own visit to h er; and on returning home and inquiring what
was the answer brought, was told by the boy that he had been unable to
find the place, having lost his way and got back as he could; to all which
he said nothing except as a slight caution to be more attentive to the di­
rection in future. Soon afterward his dinner was brought, as usual, from
a chop-liousa, and the boy took liis accustomed stand opposite to him,
while the dog placed himself at his side expecting an occasional mouth­
ful. In due course Stewart, taking a piece of juicy meat on his fork, held
it toward the d og ; but, after looking at him for a moment, suddenly drew
back, with well-feigned surprise, exclaiming— “ How is this ? W h a t!
dined already ?” and he looked earnestly at the boy, who became alarmed.
Turning again to the dogr, with the meat still withheld over him, he said,
“Ah ! and beef-steak ?— Is it possible ?” Casting an angry and searching look
at intervals toward the boy, he went on— “ W h a t!— a wash-tub ?— and
upset it t o o !” He at length turned back to the table, and laying the fork
on his plate, folded his arms, and looked intently at the culprit. The boy,
aghast at these supernatural disclosures, as they seemed, from the dog,
confessed the whole, making solemn promises for his future behavior, which
became exemplary. The pretended wonder of the artist, the eagerness
and disappointment of the dog, and the conscience-stricken amazement of
the boy were all presented in vivid light, while he only seemed to be men­
tioning casually what had occurred.
The following is an incident of a different character, which occurred in
the National Convention during the French Revolution, and o f which he
was an eye-witness. He related it with great effect. Soon after the death
of Robespierre, one of his former associates proposed a sanguinary law,
which was objected to by a member, who had been a butcher, as unneces­
sarily cruel. The deputy who proposed it said, with a sneer, that he had
not looked for such fine sentiments from one whose trade had been blood.
The butcher, a burly, powerful man, starting to his feet as if he would de­
stroy his opponent, exclaimed— “ Scelerat! scelerat!! Je n’ai jamais
souille mes mains que du sang des animaux. Voila les votres !” *
It has been thought that he showed a lack o f discernment in judging of
character. Whatever might be the truth as to any defect of that sort, it
* u Wretch ! wretch that you are!! I have never soiled my hands but with the blood o f boasts.
Look at you ow n !”




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Mercantile Biography:

rarely, if ever, appeared in making unjust imputations; but rather in giv­
ing others credit for good qualities which they did not possess. Although
he used strong terms in condemning, on some occasions, what he disap­
proved, he seldom spoke in disparagement of any one ; and if he listened,
it was with no indication of pleasure at hearing anything to the disadvan­
tage of others. There certainly were cases in which he found that his
confidence had been misplaced, but as he was not apt to communicate his
motives fully, it was not clear whether it arose entirely from error o f judg­
ment, or partly from a readiness to take risks of which he was aware. In
some instances he misunderstood the intentions or difficulties and embar­
rassments of others, and occasionally spoke with warmth where he sup­
posed there was just cause for displeasure, though he was more likely to
be quite silent at such times; but no one was more ready than he to make
reparation if it was explained to him that he had been unjust. Probably
he was supposed to be unfriendly in other instances, when he would have
appeared to be entirely kind if he had talked more freely. His nature
was affectionate, appearing particularly so toward children, and many of
them were his intimate friends, habitually exchanging with him the live­
liest pleasantry with perfect freedom.
It is not uncommon with those whose feelings are characterized by great
energy, as his were, that from an apprehension, perhaps, lest strong emo­
tion might escape control if expressed in any degree whatever, it is
guarded with such entire suppression and reserve that they seem to those
around them almost to have no feeling at all, when, in truth, they feel
most deeply. A striking instance of this nature may be mentioned of
him.
The death o f his eldest son, who was named for him, and in person, as
well as in some points o f character, bore a strong natural resemblance to
himself, occurred about four years before his own. They differed in char­
acter as the son o f a widow, m oved by strong incitements to assist in re­
lieving her o f care, and to secure his own advancement in the world, might
be very likely to differ from one born to the enjoyment and expectation of
wealth, and advancing in youth under the auspices o f a parent who stood
high in public estimation, and possessed powerful influence. Like his fa­
ther, he had preferred action to the life o f a student, and went early abroad,
having sailed for China during the war o f 1812 in a private armed ship
that was prepared to fight her way for a rich cargo, as was successfully
d o n e ; and he took part in one bloody naval action beside other encounters.
D aring in spirit, o f a buoyant and generous temper, and eminently hand­
some, he was a favorite abroad, particularly am ong the officers o f our
public ships as he met them in foreign ports ; and he had seen much o f
the world, with various adventures, in China, in South Am erica, and in
Europe.

He eventually joined his father’s commercial house in Boston, and after
a few years of remarkable success, withdrew with a good fortune, and
lived in affluence and leisure, amusing himself with field sports, o f which
he was fond, and varying his life with an occasional -tour in Europe. After
rearing a beautiful family, he fell the victim of a distressing illness, and
died in the prime o f life.
A t his funeral, his father appeared tranquil as usual, advising on some
matters of detail; and having followed the hearse to the place of inter­
ment, chose, rather against the suggestions of those near him, to descend




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

49

to the tom b under the church, that he might see that all was arranged as
he had intended. But when nothing more remained to be done, when the
single lamp, by the light o f which the coffin had been adjusted in its place,
was withdrawn, and the door was closed in darkness and silence on all that
remained o f one who had been the object o f so deep interest from infancy
upward, nature prevailed, for one moment only, over all restraint, and an
involuntary burst o f grief disclosed the depth o f sorrow that remained
beneath the habitual composure o f his manner.
A bout two years after this, the death o f Mrs. Perkins took place, and
the dissolution o f a tie which had continued for sixty-three years had a
visible effect on him. His younger brother, Samuel G. Perkins, Esq., had
•died blind, past the age o f eighty. His own sight was failing. O f all
the family left by his father, he and two sisters only remained. His friend
through life, the Hon. Harrison Gray Otis, was dead. The companions o f
his youth and middle age were nearly all gone. O f the association re­
membered as the “ Saturday Club,” consisting o f some o f the most dis­
tinguished gentlemen o f the town in their day, who, while they found
mutual enjoyment in dining successively at the houses o f each other, gave
hospitable admission to such strangers as deserved attention, only two sur­
vived beside himself. The impression had long been habitual with him
that the close o f his own life was near, and he awaited it with tranquillity.
H e had lived as he thought it was right to do. There appears to have
been no period in which he had been addicted to vice o f any sort. His
life was marked by self-control; but beside that, he seems to have had an
innate purity and love o f order that made excess distasteful to him. In
the order o f events he had found the enjoyment and incurred the respon­
sibility o f great success in the acquisition o f property, and he had shared
it freely with the community in which he liv e d ; his gifts and contributions
continuing numerous to the last.
H e had becom e feeble, and moved with difficulty. But an indomitable
spirit which remained ready for action still, if anything was to be done,
carried him once more from home as far as W ashington. This spirit had
long before borne him through some passages o f ill-health that might have
proved fatal if it had not been that the energy with which his mind opened
itself to excitement and pleasure always imparted corresponding vigor to
his physical frame in a remarkable degree.
Twenty-five years before, being greatly debilitated after a severe illness,
he had resolved to try the effect o f a voyage to England, though some o f
his friends feared that he might never return; and he sailed with his
nephew and friend, Mr. Cushing, in a new ship belonging to his house.
H e was so weak that it was necessary to assist him, almost to lift him, on
board the vessel. But becom ing immediately interested in the manage­
ment o f the ship, and in getting to sea, when the pilot left them in the
outer harbor, he was already better for the excitem ent; he continued to
im prove during the v oy a g e; and returned in vigorous health.
A few years afterward, being again reduced to much the same state, he
left Boston for N ew Y ork, to embark for Europe in company with his
eldest son, (w ho thought it unsafe that his father should sail without his
personal care,) and with his grandson, three o f the name. H e went from
home so enfeebled that his family doubted whether he could reach New
Y ork in a condition to be carried on board the packet, (it was before the
day o f steamships,) and they were surprised to learn, after waiting with
V O L . X X X I I I .----- N O . I .




4

50

Mercantile Biography:

solicitude, that he was so well after the journey as to accompany his friend,
Mr. Otis, whom he met there on his arrival, to the theatre in the evening.
A t that time he went into Italy, where he had not been before, and as
might be supposed, looked with lively interest on the wonders of history
and art to be seen there. An American statesman of the most distin­
guished character, who recently passed a winter in Rome, mentioned to
an acquaintance who called on him that, when he arrived there, he heard
accidentally in inquiring for places of residence that a house once occu­
pied by Col. Perluns could be had, and that he lost no time in securing
that house, being confident that it had been well chosen, which, to his
great comfort, he found to be as he had anticipated.
After the decease of Mrs. Perkins, some important business in which he .
was concerned required attention at Washington, and his courageous
spirit still rising above the infirmities of age, he made one more journey
there, resolved to see to it himself. W hile there he was concerned to find
that work was likely to be suspended on the monument to the memory of
Washington. On his return home, he took measures to rouse fresh inter­
est in the work, and a considerable sum was raised for it, through his ex­
ertions. His action in reference to this has been publicly alluded to, since
his decease, by the Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, late Speaker o f the House
o f Representatives in Congress, who, at the close o f an eloquent speech
addressed to the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, at their
annual festival in Faneuil Hall, in October last, spoke as follows:—
“ The memory o f your excellent and lamented President (Mr. Chickering) has
already received its appropriate and feeling tribute. I can add nothing to that.
But I will venture to recall to your remembrance another venerated name. You
have alluded, in the sentiment which called me up, to an humble service which
I rendered some years ago, as the organ o f the Representatives o f the Union,
at the laying o f the corner-stone o f the National Monument to Washington. I
cannot but remember that the latest efforts in this quarter o f the country to
raise funds for the completion o f that monument, were made by one whose long
and honorable life has been brought to a close within the past twelve months.
“ I cannot forget the earnest and affectionate interest with which that noblehearted old American gentleman devoted the last days, and I had almost said the
last hours, o f his life, to arranging the details and the machinery for an appeal
to the people o f Massachusetts, in behalf o f that still unfinished structure. He
had seen Washington in his boyhood, and had felt the inspiration o f his majestic
presence; he had known him in his manhood, and had spent two or three days
with him by particular invitation at Mount Vernon, days never to be forgotten
in any man’s life; his whole heart seemed to be imbued with the warmest ad­
miration and affection for his character and services; and it seemed as if he could
not go down to his grave in peace until he had done something to aid in perpet­
uating the memory o f his virtues and his valor. I need not say that I allude to
the late Hon. Thomas Handasyd Perkins. He was one o f the noblest specimens
o f humanity to which our city has ever given birth;— leading the way for half a
century in every generous enterprise, and setting one o f the earliest examples
o f those munificent charities which have given our city a name and a praise
throughout the earth. He was one o f vour own honorary members, Mr. Presi­
dent, and I have felt that I could do nothing more appropriate to this occasion—
the first public festive occasion in Faneuil Hall which has occurred since his
death— and nothing more agreeable to the feelings o f this association, or to my
own, than to propose to you as I now do—
“ The m e m o r y o f T h o m a s H a n d a s y d P e r k i n s . ”

For a long time be had been deprived o f the use o f one o f his eyes
which was blinded by cataract; how long he could not tell with accuracy,




Thomag Handasyd Perkins.

51

for the discovery that it was useless, and that he saw only with the other,
was m ade by accident and much to his surprise ; but it must have been
m ore than twenty years. Opening it one morning while the right eye
was buried in the pillow, he found himself unable to perceive any objects
about him. For many years, however, he saw well enough for com m on
purposes with the o th e r; but more recently even that one had caused him
so much trouble that he lived in fear o f total blindness. Early in 1853,
cataract appeared in that eye also, and was making such rapid progress
that in a few weeks all useful vision was lost. Under these circumstances,
he resolved to submit to an operation on the one that had been so long
obscured. It was successfully performed by Dr. H. W . W illiams, o f Bos­
ton, the cataract being broken up in the month o f March. Some time
was necessary for the complete absorption o f the fragm ents; but in less
than three months the pupil had becom e entirely clear, and by the aid of
cataract glasses, he could not only see large objects as well as ever, but
could read the newspapers, and even the fine print in the colum n o f shipnews. His sight was at times rendered feeble afterward by the general
debility o f his system, and he never recovered the power o f reading and
writing with entire ease; but to do both in some degree was an advan­
tage, in comparison with total loss o f sight, that could hardly be appre­
ciated, particularly as it enabled him still to manage his own affairs, which
he always wished to do, and did to his last day, even keeping his books
with his own hand, excepting for a few months o f his last year, when the
entries were made from his dictation.
In this, the last year o f his life, he gave one more remarkable p roof o f
his continued interest in what was g oin g on about him, and o f his readi­
ness to aid liberally in all that he deemed important to public welfare and
intelligence. A large and costly building had been erected for the Boston
Athenaeum by contribution from the public, liberally made for that pur­
pose that there might be such an one as would correspond to the aspira­
tions o f the accomplished scholars who, fifty years before, had founded
the institution. A fund was now to be provided for annual expenses and
for regular additions to the library. W ith this view, an effort was made
to raise a fund o f $120,000. A s Col. Perkins had already done a great
deal for the Athenoeum, no application was made to him for further aid.
lie, however, voluntarily asked for the book containing the largest class of
subscriptions, and added his name to those contributing three thousand
dollars each. Soon afterward he inquired o f the president o f the A the­
naeum what progress had been made, and was told that the subscriptions
amounted to eighty thousand dollars, all o f them being, however, on the
condition that the full sum should be made up within the y e a r ; that every­
thing possible seemed to have been don e; but that as people were leaving
town for the summer, nothing further could be obtained until the autumn,
and that it was doubtful whether the object could be effected even then,
by raising forty thousand dollars more, as the applications appeared to
have been thoroughly made by a numerous committee. H e then gave
his assurance that the attempt should not be suffered to fail, even for so
large a deficit as that, and agreed to be responsible for it, in order that
the subscriptions already obtained m ight be made b in d in g ; stipulating
only that nothing should be said o f this until the expiration o f the 1 st
day fixed, and that the efforts to obtain it from the public should not be
at all relaxed in the mean time. Further assistance from him, however,




Thomas Handasyd Perkins.

52

was rendered unnecessary, chiefly b y the noble bequest o f Samuel Appleton, Esq., a man o f liberality and benevolence like his own, who died du­
ring the summer, leaving the sum o f two hundred thousand dollars to
trustees, to be distributed at their discretion for scientific, literary, religious,
or charitable purposes. The trustees appropriated twenty-five thousand
dollars o f this to the fund for the Athenseuin, and the remaining sum o f
fifteen thousand dollars was easily obtained by further subscriptions at
large. But the assurance given by Col. Perkins, although any call on him
thus became unnecessary, was useful in warranting that confidence o f suc­
cess which helps, in such cases, to secure it.
In January follow ing (1854) he found it necessary to submit to a slight
surgical operation for the removal o f some obstruction that troubled him.
H e had passed most o f the day, the 9th, in attending to his domestic pay­
ments for the preceding year, arranging the papers himself with his usual
method in business. The operation was successfully performed by Dr.
Cabot, his grandson ; and he went to bed with the agreeable prospect o f
finding himself relieved for the remainder o f his life o f what had, for
some time, made him uncom fortable; but with a caution, too, from his
surgeon, not to rise the next morning but remain in perfect quiet. In
such matters, however, he had habitually ju dged and chosen to act for
him self; and in this instance he gave too little heed to the caution, refus­
ing, too, to have any attendant in his chamber, as had been recommended.
H e passed a good night, and feeling only too well after it, chose to rise
rather early the next day. After being partly dressed, becom ing faint, he
was obliged to lie down on the sofa, and never left it. H e became m ore
and m ore feeble through the d a y ; and falling into a state o f unconscious­
ness toward evening, he continued to breathe for some hours, sleeping
without pain or distress, and died tranquilly on the morning o f the 11th,
soon after midnight, in the 90th year o f his age.
The impression o f his character left on the community was such as had
been sketched, a short time before, in language that admits o f no improve­
ment, and needs no addition, by the H on. Daniel W ebster, in a note writ­
ten with his own hand on the blank leaf o f a copy o f his works, presented
to Col. P erk in s:—
“ W a s h in g t o n , A p r il

19, 1852.

“ M y D e a r S i r : — I f I possessed anything which I might suppose likely to be

more acceptable to you, as a p roof o f my esteem, than these volumes, I should
have sent it in their stead.
“ But I do n ot; and therefore ask your acceptance o f a cop y o f this edition o f
my speeches.
“ I have long cherished, my dear sir, a profound, warm, affectionate, and I may
say a filial regard for your person and character.
I have looked upon you as
one born to do good, and who has fulfilled his m ission; as a man, without spot
or blem ish; as a merchant, known and honored over the whole w orld; a most
liberal supporter and promoter o f science and the arts ; always kind to scholars
and literary men, and greatly beloved by them a l l ; friendly to all the Institutions
o f Religion, Morality, and Education; and an unwavering and determined sup­
porter o f the Constitution o f the country, and o f those great principles o f Civil
Liberty, which it is so well calculated to uphold and advance.
“ These sentiments I inscribe here in accordance with my best judgment, and
out o f the fulness o f my heart; and I wish here to record, also, my deep sense
o f the many personal obligations, under which you have placed me in the course
o f our long acquaintance.
Your ever faithful friend,
“ DANIEL WEBSTER.
“ To the Hon. Thos. H. P kbki .ns.”




Commercial and Industrial Cities o f the United States.

53

A lthough private interment is most com m on now, it seemed inappro­
priate for one who had filled so large a space in public regard. The fu­
neral service took place at the church o f the Rev. Dr. Gannett, where he
had long worshipped, and was marked by one incident peculiarly touching
in its association. The solemn music, usual on such occasions, was im ­
pressively performed by a large choir o f pupils from the Perkins Institu­
tion for the Blind, who had requested permission to sing the requiem for
that friend through whom they enjoy the comforts o f their spacious dwell­
ing. A further p roof o f their regard for his mem ory was seen, but lately,
in gleams o f pleasure lighting their faces on being promised that they
should soon listen to this story o f his life.

Art. II,— COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CITIES OF THE UNITED S T A T E S *
NUMBER XXXIX.

NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA.
M r . R o b e r t s o n , the author o f the volume, the title o f which we have
placed at the foot o f this page, sailed from Liverpool for New Y ork in the
Collins steamer “ A tla n tic” on the 16th o f November, 1853, and passed a
few months in the United States in the winter o f 18 5 3 -4 . D uring that
time he visited most o f the leading commercial and industrial cities o f the
Union, picking up, as he went along, a considerable amount o f informa­
tion upon various subjects, generally, however, relating to the material in­
terests o f our country. Mr. Robertson, as a manufacturer and merchant,
directed his special attention to those subjects with which it is the business
o f mercantile men, having commercial relations with the States, to make
themselves m ore or less acquainted. The information thus acquired, is
communicated in an intelligible manner, and with a degree o f accuracy
that is highly creditable to the author’s candor and fairness, and the whole
is given in a small compass.
The subjects are connected by a brief narrative, in order to give variety
to what m ight otherwise be deemed tedious. This arrangement has been
convenient for the m ore natural introduction o f the topics which are
brought under review.
After Mr. Robertson’s arrival in New Y ork, he visited Philadelphia,
Baltimore, Richmond, Charleston, N ew Orleans, Louisville, W ashington,
Buffalo, and Lowell, and has introduced a variety o f statistics, touching
the trade and industry o f each.
These statistics will not, however, be particularly new to the readers o f
the Merchants' Magazine, as all o f them have been embodied in its pages.
His remarks are generally judicious, and he seems disposed to speak with­
out prejudice on all topics falling under his notice.
D uring the first few weeks Mr. Robertson was in the States, as he in­
forms us, he was much impressed with their apparent wealth. On this
* A Few Months in America, containing Remarks on its Commercial and Industrial Interests.
By J a m e s R o b e r t s o n . 12mo., p p . 230. London: Longman & Co. Manchester: James Call &
Co. 1855.




54

Commercial and Industrial Cities o f the U. States :

subject he remarks :— “ The solidity o f the buildings in the cities, the im ­
mense quantities o f produce brought to the sea-ports, the activity o f the
people, and their liberal, I m ight say, their profuse expenditure, led me to
form a high opinion o f the great natural resources o f the country. W ith
longer experience, and with m ore information, those opinions were much
modified. The country is not so rich as it seems to be at first sight,
though its wealth is more equally diffused than in England, and is much
more freely expended.
“ I would here venture to make a remark which m ore properly should
have formed a part o f the text. The New Englanders— the Yankees, pro­
perly so called— are essentially a commercial people. Their natural incli­
nations lead them to trade— to- manufacture— to drive a bargain— to spec­
ulate. To secure a field for the exercise o f this their peculiar talent, they
have encouraged, and succeeded in establishing, an illiberal commercial
p olicy throughout the Union, under favor o f which,' undertakings o f vari­
ous kinds have thriven that otherwise would not have existed for many
months. B y means o f protection, undertakings have been fostered that
are a tax upon the com m u n ity; and their profits have been made at the
expense o f the nation. Hence, capital has been diverted to unnatural
channels, and the average rate o f profit has been diminished throughout
the Union.
“ On this account, the New England States, to some extent Pennsylva­
nia, and part o f Louisiana, may be said to be burdens on the industry of
the other States in the Union, and to prosper at their expense. W ere the
other States to inaugurate a more liberal policy, and to introduce the
principles o f free trade, I venture to believe that in a few years the popu­
lation o f the N ew England States would be considerably diminished, and
that in the meantime, emigration would g o on towards the W est as actively
as it has done in recent years from Ireland.”
The people o f the United States are not only “ profuse ” in their “ expen­
ditures,” but extravagant to a degree amounting to prodigality. W e sin­
cerely believe that Americans, particularly in the city o f New Y ork, are
the most extravagant people on the face o f the earth. There are men,
merchants in that city, who live in houses costing £100,000, and expend
at the rate o f £25,000 or £30,000 per annum, and some o f the wives o f
these men and merchants wear thousand-dollar shawls, and other things
to match. The sound, wholesome, prudential, and econom ical proverbs o f
honest Ben Franklin are repudiated, and we have heard them designated
as “ scoundrel maxims.”
W ithout, however, moralizing on the extravagance o f our people, we
proceed to give a few brief extracts from Mr. Robertson’s book, with spe­
cial reference to the several commercial and industrial cities o f “ the
States.” W e begin (in the order o f his travels) with the city o f New
Y ork, the point at which he arrived on the 29th o f Novem bef, 1 8 5 3 :—
B R O A D W A Y THE REPRESENTATIVE OF N EW YORK.

“ A s New Y ork may be said to represent America, so may Broadway be said
to represent N ew York. A t one end, it is the center o f the Commerce o f the
city, and at the other, o f its fashion. It contains the handsomest buildings in
the c it y ; all the large hotels, some o f the large stores, and all the most fashion­
able and most expensive shops. A t the south end its pavement is busied with
mercantile men, in active pursuit o f their business, and its center is crowded
with omnibuses freighted with passengers, and wagons loaded with goods. Be­




New York and Philadelphia.

55

yond its commercial limits, the omnibuses still continue to ply, but largely in­
terspersed with brilliant equipages; and its side-walks are thronged with ladies,
richly, I might almost say gaudily, dressed, whose chief occupation seems to be,
to admire the tempting wares which are exhibited in the shop windows, and to
spend the money which their husbands or other relatives strive to make at the
lower end o f the street. Thus one end o f Broadway may be said to represent
the active commercial spirit o f the city, and the other its extravagance and
gaiety.
“ Tlie other parts o f the city proper have no special attractions, except for their
Commerce; but in the northern end, many o f the streets contain very handsome
houses, the residences o f the wealthier merchants.”
W h a t our author says o f the “ excessive filthiness” o f N ew Y ork city,
it must be admitted is generally just, although that filthiness has been
somewhat abated under the energetic and efficient administration o f Mayor
W

ood .
FILTHINESS OF N EW YORK.

“ A great drawback to the attractiveness o f New York arises from its excess­
ive filthiness. Till I went there I had never seen such a dirty city. Although
the weather was then fine, and it had been dry for some time previously, yet
parts o f some o f the streets were almost impassable from mud and pools o f dirty
water. Many of the streets had not been cleaned for years, and although the
citizens complained bitterly o f the nuisance, their remonstances passed unheeded.
Even Broadway, the resort of the beautiful, the gay, and the fashionable, in
some places was not much better than others. Opposite the hotel at which I
lived, there was a large pool o f water at least 200 feet in length, and o f width
sufficient to prevent any one from attempting to leap across it without the risk
o f going up to the ankles. In other parts o f Broadway matters were not much
better; and I have seen some o f the inhabitants not hesitate to throw their ashes
and dirty water into the middle o f the street.”
Mr. R. then goes on to show that the state o f things above described
did not arise from scarcity o f means at command to effect improvement,
quoting from official documents the taxes levied in the city, which he con­
siders “ unusually large.”
On his return to the city in the spring o f 1854, he found Broadway “ in
the most beautiful order,” presenting “ a striking contrast to what it had
been six months before.”
As a contrast to the expenditure o f the city o f N ew Y ork, Mr. Robert­
son says that Manchester, (England,) with a population o f m ore than half
that o f New Y ork, amounted in 1853, exclusive o f poor-rates, to £101,222,
a little m ore than §500,000 ; while the taxes levied in N ew Y ork in 1853
amounted to $5,067,275, o f which sum $4,704,789 were collected, and o f
this amount $3,311,741 were appropriated for the expenditure o f the city
government. B y refering to Controller Flagg’s report for the year ending
June 30th, 1854, we find that the expenditures for that year were
$3,706,593, or upwards o f $3,000,000 m ore than the city o f Manchester,
with more than half the population. A n d yet, Mr. Robertson affirms, and
we place entire confidence in his statement, “ that in respect to the efficiency
o f its police force, and its fire department, the cleanliness o f its streets, its
pavements, its general sanitary condition, and indeed the entire adminis­
tration o f its municipal affairs, Manchester is under far better management
than New Y ork.”
W ith one m ore extract from the chapter devoted to New Y ork, we pass
on to other cities visited by the au th or:—




56

Commercial and Industrial Cities o f the U. S tates:
CH ARACTER OF N EW YORK MERCHANTS, ETC.

“ For that activity, and what they themselves denominate ‘ smartness,’ the New
York men o f business claim pre-eminence in the Union, and I believe they do
so with much justice. The extent and variety o f the New York Commerce, and
the multitude o f people with whom the merchants come in contact, favor confi­
dence in themselves, quickness o f apprehension, and promptitude in action, and
these are the qualities which form the character o f a smart man.
It may be
questioned, however, whether these qualities form the character o f a merchant,
properly so called ; or, whether the turmoil and constant excitement in which
New York business is carried on, is favorable to the prudent management o f
those operations which require much consideration and foresight. Hence, as is
contended by some conversant with the business o f New York, much o f that
more properly called mercantile— in contradistinction to that conducted by deal­
ers and commission agents— and extending to a distant period, is conducted by
merchants in Boston and Philadelphia. Undoubtedly most o f the trade o f the
port is carried on by merchants resident there, but as New York offers the best
point for shipment o f home produce, and for the distribution to the interior o f
foreign commodities, merchants o f the other cities I have named, transact much
o f their business through this city, finding it to afford them the largest, and fre­
quently the most advantageous market.
“ A s a specimen o f the smartness o f New York men, I may repeat what was
related to me by a German merchant, who had opportunities o f knowing some­
thing o f the nature o f the Commerce o f the city.
“ A dealer has a quantity o f goods which he is anxious to sell. A buyer pre­
sents himself, but his credit is not undoubted. Wishing, however, to secure the
sale o f his goods, and at the same time desirous o f avoiding any undue risk with
the buyer’s long-dated acceptance, the dealer endeavors to find out at what rate
this acceptance can be 1 sold on the street,’ If, though that should be at a high
rate o f discount, there still remain a profit on the sale, that is at once effected,
and the transaction is closed. With the acceptance he has no further concern ;
for as selling a bill on the street means ‘ without recourse,’ his liability ceases
when the bill passes out o f his possession.”

From statistics derived chiefly from the Merchants' Magazine, Mr. R ob ­
ertson exhibits in a comprehensive form the sudden rise and unprecedented
progress o f the Commerce o f New Y ork. “ The proud position,” he says,
now occupied by New Y ork as the first commercial’ city o f the New
W orld, insures it a still more rapid progress and yet higher pre-eminence.
On the evening o f the 14th o f November, 1853, Mr. Robertson left
New Y ork for Philadelphia, and devotes some dozen pages o f his book to
its population, Commerce, industry, and other matters o f kindred interest.
PH ILADELPH IA AND N EW YORK CONTRASTED.

“ A marked change is perceptible in the character o f the people, in compari­
son with what is seen in New York. The streets are much less bustling, and
the tone o f the place altogether much more subdued, partaking, as one might
almost suppose, somewhat o f the quiet earnestness peculiar to its founders. In
population, wealth, enterprise, and activity, it is inferior to New Y o rk ; and its
progress in recent years, though very striking, has been much less rapid. H ow ­
ever, as the port o f a State, scarcely second to any in agricultural, as well as
mineral wealth, it will, with the development o f these resources, becom e a city
o f much importance.

“ Till about the year 1820, Philadelphia was the largest city in the States;
but about that period it was outstripped bv its great rival New York, and every
year since that time, the disproportion between them has become more and more
marked. Still its progress has been very striking; and in almost any other
country in the world would have excited surprise.
“ The condition o f the population o f Philadelphia d o .s not present the same




New York and Philadelphia.

51

extremes o f wealth and poverty— luxury and misery— that is to be found in
New York. Though it has a smaller population, it has more houses— an indi­
cation o f the more comfortable circumstances o f the masses; and in consequence,
it may be, o f the small immigration at this port.”
FOREIGN COMMERCE OF PHILADELPHIA.

“ The foreign Commerce o f the city does not show the same progress as its
population, and is no indication o f its wealth. Indeed, in comparison with the
earlier years o f the century, it would be difficult to say whether it has increased
or diminished. Till very recently it had declined, but wiihin the last three or
four vears a favorable change has taken place.
“ By the recent extension o f their communications with the West, the inhabi­
tants are sanguine that their city will become a large market for the distribution
o f foreign merchandise. Indeed, it is that already, but its supplies are to a large
extent received at second hand in New York. The merchants are now striving
to emancipate themselves from this dependence on their rival, and by the appoint­
ment o f a line o f screw ocean steamers, bringing them into direct intercourse
with Europe, they expect to bring direct to their port a large portion o f those
commodities which have heretofore reached them through other channels. These
improvements in their internal communications, and foreign intercourse, will, at
the same time, favor the increase o f the export trade o f the city.
“ The imports consist o f dry goods, iron, cotton, sugar, and other articles o f
general domestic consumption, most o f which till recently was used within the
State. By the improvement o f the railways and canals, a considerable portion
of the imports are now forwarded for distribution in the West.
“ The exports consist o f wheat, flour, corn, provisions, coal, &c., neatly all of
which are the productions o f the State, for thus far a very small portion o f the
heavy products o f the West find this route a convenient outlet to the sea. The
exports o f breadstuffs alone, in 1853, were worth $3,736,098 ; and, in 1852,
there were shipped from Richmond— which almost joins Philadelphia— 1,236,649
tons o f coal.”
PH ILADELPH IA AS A MANUFACTURING C IT Y.

“ As a manufacturing city, Philadelphia occupies the second place in the Union.
In 1850, she had $33,737,911 capital invested in manufactures. At the several
establishments 59,106 people were employed, and the value o f the produce o f
their labor amounted to $64,114,112. This information is derived from the cen­
sus, but, in the report o f the Philadelphia Board o f Trade, it has been shown
that the statements in the census are very imperfect and unreliable, and that, in
reality, the manufactures o f the city are greater than here shown.”
W ith a few more paragraphs from Mr. Robertson’s book, touching the
“ industrial and commercial interests o f Philadelphia,” we bring the pres­
ent paper to a close. These extracts, as will be seen, relate to the several
causes which have combined, in the author’s estimation, to injure the trade
o f Philadelphia. These causes, he says, were—
“ The opening o f the Erie Canal, which brought New York into easy and
cheap communication with the West, drawing the traffic o f those immense re­
gions to its harbor; the mineral wealth o f the State o f Pennsylvania, to the de­
velopment o f which the attention and capital o f its merchants were too largely
directed, at an early period, and before other circumstances rendered it possible
that the mines could be worked— the capital being diverted from the more legit­
imate trade o f the city and port; and finally the failure o f the United States
Bank, and the ruin in which it involved the capitalists o f the State.
“ Philadelphia is in nearer communication with the W est than New York, even
with Lake Erie, and much more so with the Ohio and the far W est; and there­
fore, had its citizens been attentive to their own interests, they would not have
lost the opportunity o f drawing to their harbor the products of the West. While,
however, New York pressed forward its great undertaking, the Erie Canal, the




58

Commercial and Industrial Cities o f the IT. States.

Philadelphians looked idly on, and were made sensible o f the consequences o f
their neglect, only when too late to remedy their error. The bulky and heavy
produce o f the West— the products o f agriculture and o f the forest— will seek
the cheapest route to the sea-board, and that is obtained by the Erie Canal. For
the conveyance o f such articles other channels can be merely supplementary to
that route.
“ The extensive introduction o f railways into the States led many to believe
that, as Philadelphia was at a less distance from the leading points o f the West
than New Yoik, she might be able, by her railway connections, to recover much
o f the carrying trade, which rightly belonged to her situation, but which, by the
opening o f the Erie Canal, had slipped out o f her hands. This expectation is
more sanguine than reasonable. For the carriage o f articles o f country produce,
o f great bulk and weight in proportion to their value, and which have to be con­
veyed a long distance, canals seem to offer the cheapest, though not the most
expeditious route; and at the points o f transhipment, either on the lakes, rivers,
or on the sea-board, they present greater facilities for the loading and unloading
o f cargoes than can be offered at any railway terminus; and those facilities are
obtained at a much smaller cost— an important consideration where cheapness
alone can enable the trade to be pursued to advantage. T o these add, that the
quantities o f produce coming forward annually is much greater than can be
readily conveyed by any ordinary channel.
“ When the New York Canal and the railways which connect that city with
Lake Erie are completed, they will have the capacity o f carrying to the east
coast in a season 9,000,000 tons o f produce, while the railways o f the State of
Pennsylvania, running to the same quarter, can carry only 1,700,000 tons. True
enough, other works are in progress, or in contemplation, which will enlarge her
carrying power to between five and six million tons per annum, but they will
not be in operation for some years to come.
“ The goods carried westward are very much ligher in proportion to their
value than those brought to the east, and consequently are o f far less total
weight. In that case, cost o f carriage will notadd nearly so much to their value.
It is therefore highly probable that, from Philadelphia being nearer to the West,
and, indeed, in the line o f direct communication between New York and the
Ohio, she may supply that great valley with a large portion o f the goods re­
ceived from the east coast. Indeed, she now claims to be the great distributor
o f the W est, but with more enterprise on the part o f her merchants, she may
hereafter make that claim with more solid pretensions.
“ The natural and acquired advantages o f New York city, and the position she
now occupies, will, for a long period, if not entirely, defeat any hopes that may
be entertained in Philadelphia o f competing with her with any success, even in
the import trade. Still, the position Philadelphia holds in respect to the West,
ought to encourage her merchants to make an effort to diminish the disparitynow existing between the Commerce o f the two cities.
“ The distance o f Philadelphia from the ocean— nearly one hundred miles—and
the limited accommodation afforded by her harbor, are by many deemed insuper­
able obstacles to her ever becoming a great commercial city. Those obstacles
are, however, only apparent, for the Delaware is at all times navigable to the
largest merchantmen, and the wharves can be extended to double their present
length. After the all but insurmountable obstructions which were removed in
the improvement o f the navigation o f the Clyde, by the enterprise o f the mer­
chants o f Glasgow, and after the triumphant success which has resulted from
that undertaking, the citizens o f Philadelphia have no need to fear for the pros­
perity o f their city, if they be only true to themselves.
“ By the opening up and extension o f their western communications, by rail­
ways and canals; by the improvement and enlargement o f their river and har­
bor; and by the encouragement o f increased intercourse with Europe— in all o f
which undertakings they are now embarked— they will go far t.o recover much
o f that commercial prosperity which was lost through neglect or mismanage­
ment, and they will come near to realize some o f those hopes, which they so
generally and so very sanguinely entertain.”




Physical Geography o f the Sea.

59

W e designed, when we com m enced this article, to have followed our
traveler in his visits to the other points o f observation embraced in his
tour. But the great length o f the interesting m em oir o f that “ P rince o f
Merchants,” the late Thomas H. Perkins, in a former part o f the present
number, compels us reluctantly to defer the subject to a m ore convenient
opportunity.

Art, III.— THE PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE SEA.
L i e u t e n a n t M a u r y has already won a distinguished reputation as an
explorer o f science, in association with the National Observatory, and his
recent work, upon “ The Physical G eography o f the Sea,” * will cause no
diminution o f his well-earned fame. In this work he has presented us the
result o f profound study and observation, acute analysis, and logical de­
duction, throwing valuable light upon navigation and the physical causes
bearing upon it, in connection with the laws which regulate the winds
and currents, and other phenomena o f the sea. It will doubtless exercise
a beneficial influence upon nautical science, and consequently upon the
maritime enterprise which is prosecuted upon the ocean.
It appears that the treatise is in some measure based upon the facts in­
dicated by “ The W in d and Current Charts,” which were constructed
from the collected experience o f navigators, respecting the winds and cur­
rents which prevail in different parts o f the ocean.
The charts, thus
founded upon the observations o f successive navigators who recorded the
observations made at the time, are ascertained to be o f practical advan­
tage in determining what would be the circumstances bearing upon any
particular voyage, and have tended to diminish the duration o f voyages,
by enabling mariners to select their courses according to the indications
o f the chart.
It was formerly customary for navigators to take their courses b y what
were termed “ track charts,” w hich defined the tracks o f previous voy­
ages, and thus the ocean was coursed b y prescribed roads, which were
pursued with almost as little deviation as the turnpike roads o f the land.
In consequence, with a view to the solution to im proved tracks, and the
more thorough exploration o f the ocean, inducement was proffered, through
the agency o f the National Observatory at W ashington, for masters o f
vessels to send an abstract log o f their voyages to the Department, on con­
dition that they should be provided with a copy o f the charts and the
sailing directions founded upon them.
The result thus far has been an
improved knowledge o f the best tracks o f navigation, and the consequent
diminution o f the time em ployed and the distances required to be sailed
in such courses.
From the advantages which had been derived from those observations,
and the probable benefit o f their continuance, the General Government in­
vited all the maritime States o f Christendom to a general conference, with
a view to a uniform system o f observation o f the character which has been
described. On the 23d o f August, 1853, the conference was held at Brus­
* The Physical Geography of the Sea. By M. F. M a u r y , LL. D., Lieut. U. S. Navy.
Harper & Brothers. 1855.




New York :

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Physical Geography o f the Sea.

sels. It was constituted o f representatives from the United States, Eng­
land, France, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Holland, Denmark, Belgium, and
Portugal.
A uniform plan o f observation which should he conducted on hoard the
vessels o f the respective countries was recommended. Co-operation in the
same cause was subsequently proffered by Spain, Prussia, Hamburg, the
republics o f Bremen and Chili, and the empires o f Austria and Brazil.
The minute records o f m eteorological and other observations which will
doubtless be made by the vessels o f those nations, will probably furnish
the basis o f more improved charts.
The present work contains precisely those scientific observations and
deductions which might be anticipated from the investigations to which
allusion has been made ; and they relate to the circulation o f winds and
currents, the temperature and depths o f the sea, its inhabitants, and the
phenomena which it sometimes assumes. W e are presented with a phi­
losophical view o f the G ulf Stream, which the author terms one o f the
most marvelous things in the s e a ; he calls it “ a river in the ocean,”
whose banks and bottom are o f cold water, and w’hose current is warm,
with its fountain in the G ulf o f Mexico, and its mouth in the A rctic Seas ;
with a speed more rapid than the Mississippi or the Amazon, with waters
as far out from the G ulf as the South Carolina Coast, o f an indigo-blue,
yet the track so distinctly marked that its line o f junction with the com ­
mon sea water can be discerned by the e y e ; the water o f a quality which
appears to possess but little chemical affinity with the ordinary water o f
the sea. The actual causes which have produced the G ulf Stream have
not been ascertained. A theory has been started that it draws its current
from the Mississippi— a theory which has been exploded.
Others have
maintained that it is produced by the escaping waters which have been
forced into the Caribbean Sea by the trade winds, the pressing o f those
winds upon the water forcing up into that sea a head for the stream, a
cause which the writer does not deem adequate to the effect.
It would seem that this current exercises an important agency in the
physical econom y o f the ocean.
The Niagara is an immense river, de­
scending into a plain, and its channel is lost as it unites with Lake O ntario;
but the waters o f the G ulf Stream, to quote the language o f the author,
“ like a stream o f oil in the ocean, preserve a distinctive character for more
than three thousand miles.” Constituting a species o f conducting pipe,
it is supposed to exert an influence upon climate.
H e remarks that it is
now no longer to be regarded merely “ as an immense current o f warm
water running across the ocean, but as a balance-wheel, a part o f that
grand machinery by which air and water are adapted to each other, and
by which the earth itself is adapted to the well-being o f its inhabitants.”
It is termed b y mariners the “ weather breeder” o f the N orth Atlantic
Ocean, being swept by the most furious g a le s ; while the fogs o f N ew ­
foundland, which so much impede navigation, are believed to be derived
from the vast bodies o f warm water which are carried through it to that
sea.
W e are informed that several years ago, inquiries were set on foot by
the British Adm iralty regarding the storms which prevailed in certain
parts o f the Atlantic with disastrous results to navigation, and the conclu­
sion to which the investigation arrived was, that they were “ occasioned
by the irregularity between the temperature o f the G ulf Stream and o f




Physical Geography o f the Sea.

61

the neighboring regions, both in the air and water.” This ocean river
appears, however, to have been formerly a sea mark o f navigation more
generally than at the present time, in consequence o f the greater skill o f
seamen and the greater accuracy o f nautical instruments in our own day.
A s early as 1770, the more rapid voyages which were made between our
own country and Europe by one class o f vessels than by another, were
supposed to have been caused by the knowledge o f the track o f the G ulf
Stream.
Another important office performed by this current is, that it furnishes
a refuge which supplies a summer heat in mid-winter to mariners, on their
approaches to our northern coasts, from the snows and tempests o f that
season.
A consideration o f the nature o f the atmosphere constitutes an im port­
ant part o f the geography o f the sea.
A s there are ascertained to be
uniform currents in the sea, so also there are regular currents in the at­
mosphere. Tw o zones o f perpetual winds extend around the earth, which
blow continually, and are alleged by the author to be as constant as the
current o f the Mississippi.
The laws which regulate the winds are uni­
form, and so are their general courses. Their prim um mobile, or original
cause, is ascribed to h e a t; but other causes in combination act upon
them.
W e are likewise presented— in connection with a view o f atmospheric
laws— with a consideration o f the red fogs which are sometimes met near
the Cape de V erd Islands, as well as o f those showers o f dust which are
precipitated in the Mediterranean, termed “ Sirocco dust,” and by others
“ African (hist’” kfnde'thfty“are’ us(ta“d<Cciriv£u *by”winds supposed to pro­
ceed from (he .S;ropco,Phsert, px ^oipe* otjie;; jkjrcjied portion o f Africa.
A lthough the vessel may be a hundred, miles from land, these showers o f
dust— o f a bright cinnamon color-'^frequently fall in such quantities as to
cover the entire sailkknd rigging’. 1 W e 'a t e presented with philosophical
arguments indicating whence these showers proceed, and how they are
blown from the shore and circulated through the atmosphere.
A considerable portion o f the volume is devoted to a consideration o f
“ the magnetism and circulation o f the atmosphere.” It is maintained that
heat and cold, rains, clouds, and sunshine, are distributed over the earth
in accordance with uniform laws.
Indeed, the influence o f magnetic
forces— a subject which has formerly been but partially investigated— is
considered in its relation to the circulation o f the atmosphere, and even
the effect o f geographical configurations o f territory, is traced in its in­
fluences upon climate.
W e are told that the sea, like the air, has its system o f circulation ; and
that there are currents running hither and thither, m odifying submarine
climates, which, like those o f the land, furnish resorts for different classes
o f the inhabitants o f the ocean. It must be admitted that the circulation
o f the waters bears a shade o f analogy to sanguineous circulation, although
the present state o f knowledge upon the subject appears to be somewhat
meager. P r o o f o f the circulation o f sea water is even derived from the
existence o f those minute insects that have quarried from the sea those
coral islands, reefs, and beds which abound in the Pacific Ocean, construct­
ing shell-like groves, grottoes, and palisades amid the crystal depths, and
which without currents supplying new drops for their aliment, would have
perished in the very drop o f water in which they were produced. Hence,




62

The P h ysical Geography o f the Sea.

we say, says the author, “ that the sea has its system o f circulation, for it
transports materials for the coral rock from one part o f the world to an­
other, its currents receive them from the rivers, and hand them over to
the little mason for the structure o f the most stupendous works o f solid
masonry that man has ever seen— the coral islands o f the sea.”
Light, heat, electricity, and magnetism, are the forces which are sup­
posed to cause circulation to the atm osphere; hut electricity and magnet­
ism are believed to perform an important office in giving dynamical force
to the waters in the system o f circulation.
Marine currents are believed
to derive their m otive powers from heat; but the author assumes that an
’ active agency in the system o f marine circulation is exerted from the salts
o f the sea, through the medium o f winds, marine plants, and animals. In
reference to the influence o f animal life upon marine circulation, it is re­
marked that a single little insect secretes from a single drop o f water a
certain amount o f solid matter, constituted o f lime, for his cell. By this
subtraction the specific gravity o f this drop o f water is changed, and it
must accordingly be displaced by another drop, and it moves about until
the original specific gravity is recovered; and here we find one o f the
principal elements o f circulation derived from animal life. Thus it is that
these minute insects perforin their part in the econom y o f creation.
A s the sea is divided into regions, characterized by peculiar winds, the
clouds perform important offices relating to the production o f rain and
snow, and causing variations o f climate. In that part o f the work treating
o f the geological agency o f the winds, the author concludes that the vapor
which is condensed into rains, for the valley o f the great American lakes
o f the Northwest, as well as the Mississippi' valley genera'ly, ,and which is
carried off by the St. Lawrence,ps i& t (jps’ived {ronl the .Atlantic, but is
taken off by the southeast trade winds o f the Pacific, Ocean. The precise
depth o f what is denominated/'[blue water,” ;is unknown.
Soundings of
great depth have been reported1*by effidefs o f our r.&vy— one o f 34,000
feet, and another with a line o f 39,000 ‘feet..; Minute insects have, more­
over, been brought up from a depth o f inefre.than two m;]es below the sea
level-— a portion o f that variety o f animalculse, some o f which cause the
sea to glow as by the influence o f phosphorescence.
Charts indicating
the temperature o f the Atlantic, in its various parts, have been constructed
from actual observation.
It appears that the highest temperature o f the sea occurs during the
month o f September, and the lowest in the month o f March ; while upon
the land February is deemed the coldest, and August the hottest month.
It is likewise maintained that the climate o f our own hemisphere is m odi­
fied by the curve o f the line against which the sea dashes in the other.
It is well known that the ocean has its “ drift,” depending upon causes
which have not been ascertained by the present state o f nautical science,
and that it is subject to violent periodical com m otion, from reasons which
have not been analyzed. Tracts o f colored water-— either crimson, brown,
black, yellow, or white— have often been perceived, w hich are supposed to
be derived from animal or vegetable organisms.
In the present work we
have a discussion o f the causes which influence the occurrence o f tem­
pests, and charts have been constructed, or are in the progress o f com ple­
tion at the Observatory, designed to show the direction and usual time o f
the occurrence o f fogs, calms, light winds, rains, and storms, in the various
parts o f the sea.




Commercial and Industrial Cities o f Europe.

63

H aving pointed out some o f the prominent features o f Lieut. Maury’s
able treatise, to which we have been indebted for the facts in the present
paper, it may be remarked in conclusion, that it is a valuable work, indi­
cating the author to be profound in science, w ho has explored with signal
ability the laws w hich govern the ocean, and in this labor he has done an
important service to the cause o f navigation. The volume is provided
with numerous plates which illustrate the text, and it w ill doubtless attain
a wide circulation.
« Lieut. Maury dedicates his book to George Manning, Esq., “ as a token
o f friendship and a tribute to worth.” Mr. Manning is an intelligent and
well-known merchant o f N ew Y ork city. A personal acquaintance o f
several years, enables us to say that there is no one whom we would be
happier to see the recipient o f the compliment.

Art. IV.— COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CITIES OF EUROPE.
NUMBER XIII.

FRANKFORT-ON-THE-MAINE, GERMANY.
FRANKFORT—GEOGRAPHICAL P08ITION—HISTORY— GOVERNMENT—ITS POPULATION AND ENORMOUS
WEALTH —RESTRICTIONS AS TO CITIZENSHIP—THE RIVER MAINE— PRODUCTS AND MANUFACTURES
— GERMAN RAILROADS— PROFITABLE INVESTMENT— THE BANKERS, BROKERS, MERCHANTS, AND
TRADES-PEOPLE OF FRANKFORT— BANKING ON THE AMERICAN PLAN—DEALERS IN COTTON GOODS,
RIBANDS, LACES, JEWELRY, BOOKS, CHEMICALS, ETC.— WORKINGS OF THE ZOLLVEREIN—THE FUR
TRADE OF GERMANY— THE PROPOSAL OF SECRETARY GUTHRIE TO ADMIT HATTERS’ FUR DUTY
FREE— SHIPMENTS OF GERMAN WINE, CIGARS, HOSIERY, AND WOOLEN CLOTHS TO THE UNITED
STATES—THE SALARIES OF CLERKS, THE WAGES OF MECHANICS, LABORING MEN, AND SERVANTS—
GERMANY IN IT8 POLITICAL ASPECT— THE GERMANIC CONFEDERATION— AU8TRIA, PRUSSIA, AND THE
MINOR POWERS, ETC., ETC.

T he famous commercial city o f “ Frankfort-am-Main," one o f the four
free cities o f Germany, capital o f State o f same name, and seat o f the
German government, is situated on both sides o f the River Maine, in lati­
tude 50° 8' north, longitude 80° 36'. The city proper is on the north,
and its suburb, Sachsenhausen, with w hich it communicates by a substan­
tial stone bridge o f fourteen arches, on the south side o f the river.
The old town o f Frankfort is antiquated, ill-built, and irregular; but
the new town has many noble public and private buildings, and line thor­
oughfares, including the Zell, New Mayence-street, Alle, a fine quay along
the Maine, the horse-market, &c. The territory o f the city, fixed by the
Congress o f Vienna, contains ninety-five square miles, some 10,000 inhab­
itants, and 5,000 houses. The government is republican, according to the
constitution o f M ay 16, 1816. It has tw o burgomasters, chosen annually,
a legislative senate, and an executive assembly.
Frankfort has the first seat among the free cities, and was a free im pe­
rial city in 1 1 5 4 ; its rights and privileges being confirmed by the peace
o f Westphalia. It was made a free port in 1831 ; is also one o f the four
great emporiums for 'supplying Germany with all kinds o f merchandise,
but the principal source o f its great wealth is in extensive banking, com ­




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Commercial and Industrial Cities o f E u r o p e :

mission, and funding transactions.
It communicates by railroads with
Carlsruhe, Mainz, and W iesbaden ; with Paris and Calais via C o lo g n e ; and
has a regular and constant traffic with steam packets on the Maine. Tw o
large fairs are held at Frankfort annually. Napoleon L made it capital o f
a Grand Duchy. The revenue o f Frankfort in 1853 amounted to 1,655,200
florins, and the expenditures to 1,686,139 florins; the debt o f the State,
6,680,000 florins, and for construction o f railroads, 6,768,700 florins.
A correspondent o f the State Department at W ashington, probably the
United States Consulate at Frankfort, enables us to lay before the readers*
o f the Merchants' Magazine in a condensed form, recent (1855) and some
very interesting and reliable statements in relation to the .Commerce and
general character o f this important commercial city, which we here sub­
join :* —
“ Frankfort-on-the-Maine, the political capital o f Germany, is indeed the true
metropolis o f all those countries which are not immediately placed under the
sentries o f Austria and Prussia. It is the industrial and commercial center of
the south-western and central provinces. It is the regulator o f the German
stock exchanges. It possesses o f itself the capital employed in German manu­
factures, and is the market to which the whole country is tributary. Yet Frank­
fort is not a large city, like many o f those in Europe and America. Its popula­
tion does not exceed 70,000 inhabitants, but its geographical situation— its
ancient rank, first as the residence of the emperors, then as a free city o f the
empire— its great fairs, formerly the most renowned in Europe— and its immense
wealth— have rendered Frankfort what it now is. It is probably the wealthiest
city in the world, in proportion to the number o f its inhabitants. That number
is but very slowly increasing, since the Senate o f the city is extremely anxious
to admit to the franchise o f citizenship only those who can prove they are able
to maintain a family; so no merchant can be admitted unless he proves himself
to possess at least five thousand florins ($2,000,) and generally persons who do
not possess even more wealth are not admitted at all unless they marry a citi­
zen’ s daughter. In that case the law is more favorable. The ancient customs
o f the city corporations also prevent the increase o f population. None shall
mend a shoe or drive a nail unless he be a master and a member o f one o f the
corporations, and he cannot become a member unless he be the son o f a citizen
or marry a citizen’ s daughter. This is a remnant o f those ‘ olden times’ con­
demned by all judicious people, and maintained and praised only by the be­
nighted. The corporations o f Frankfort have, during a long period, prevented
the establishing o f manufactories in the city, and they have been near destroying
the mighty Commerce, the life and blood o f Frankfort.
“ The Commerce o f the city originated with its two great fairs, held in the
months of April and September, and o f which I will speak more at length in
another place.
“ Frankfort has about 4,200 houses, estimated to'be worth eigthty millions o f
florins, and giving a yearly rent o f three millions. This will give an interest of
4 per cent, if we reckon one-sixteenth o f the houses as without tenants. Yet
the capital invested in houses is generally reckoned to yield 5 per cent; so it is
probable the difference results from the understating of rents before the author­
ities. Each proprietor is expected to make a return o f the real rent, and the
sttm-of three millions is from the rent-tax office.
“ The River Maine on which Frankfort is situated, is navigable up to the city
o f Bamberg, in Bavaria. From Bamberg the Donan-Maine Canal leads to Kehlheim, on the banks o f the Danube. King Louis, o f Bavaria, ordered that canal
to be excavated, (moved, perhaps, only by the idea that Charlemagne had en­
* These extracts are published in a late number o f the “ Union," under the general head o f
“ Department News.”




Frankfort-on-the-Maine, Germany.

65

deavored to create it a thousand years ago,) but it proves o f no great profit to
the country, and scarcely gives an income sufficient for restoration and annual
expenses. The Maine has, between Mayenee (where it joins the Rhine) and
Frankfort, a depth o f forty to fifty inches; between Frankfort and Wurzburg,
from thirty to forty inches; between Wurzburg and Bamberg, from twenty-four
to thirty inches. This would be sufficient for vessels from 1,000 to 3,200 pounds
weight, but there are many obstacles to the extension and security o f the navi­
gation, particularly towards the head o f the river.
“ From the most remote times the Maine has been the most important com­
mercial road o f the interior parts o f Germany. There are brought down it the
products o f the country, particularly wood and timber from the Fitehtelberg,
the Frankenwald, the Steigerwald, the Thuringerwald, the Kasswald, the forests
o f the Franconian Saal, (river,) the Rhoen, the Vogelsberg, the Spessart, and
the Odenwald. All these forest mountains are o f many square miles in extent,
and furnish immense stores o f material. The sand-stones from the banks of the
Middle and Upper Maine are renowned. The wines o f Wurzburg and Kockheiin (Kock) are o f the best o f Germany. Grain o f every kind is exported
from the Middle Maine in large quantities.
“ These are the natural productions o f the country. As to the products o f
industry, the cities o f Nuremberg and Furth, on the Donan-Maine Canal, and
Sehweinfort, Wurzburg, Kanaw, and Offenbach, on the banks o f the river, are
the principal manufacturing centers. Nuremberg is known all over the world
by its toys; Sehweinfort by its tapestry. Kanaw is the first place in Germany
for carpets and jewelry; Offenbach for leather ware and fancy cases o f every
kind.
“ For all these manufactured goods, as well as for the products o f nature,
Frankfort is the great emporium.
“ I scarcely need say that the River Maine has lost a part o f its ancient im­
portance since railroads are crossing the country in every direction ; still it re­
mains, and always will remain, the indispensable road for heavy goods.
“ Frankfort has lately become one o f the three important centers o f railroad
communication in Germany. Four great lines, and some others o f a more local
character, meet in this city. The Maine-Neckar Railroad goes toward the south.
It leads to the Grand Duchy o f Baden, wherefrom railroads are directed to
Switzerland, Wurtemberg, and Bavaria. The Cawnus Railroad leads to the
west and north-west, to Mayenee, and to Wiesbaden, the capital o f the Duchy
o f Nassau. From Mayenee a railroad goes to Ludwigshafen, the harbor o f the
Bavarian Palatinate, opposite Manheim, and up to Strasburg, and therefrom to
Paris, as well as to Switzerland. Another branch leads from Ludwigshafen,
and at the Nancy intersects the railroad from Strasburg to Paris. From W ies­
baden another iron road (not yet finished) goes down the Rhine to Coblentz;
and another, on the left side o f the Rhine, will in a few years be directed from
Mayenee to the same city o f Coblentz.
“ The Maine-Heser Railroad goes through the greater part o f the two Hesses
up to Cassel, and communicates with Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, &c. On the
right side, its branches lead to Berlin and Saxony. On the left, a railroad com­
munication will soon be opened to Cologne, the metropolis of the Rhine.
“ The Kanaw Railroad connects Frankfort with Kanaw, and the chief places
on the Maine up to Bamberg, and from that city towards the south with Nurem­
berg, Augsberg, Munich, and Austria; taking another direction from Bamberg,
it communicates with Leipsic, Dresden, and Bohemia.
“ There are local railroads to Offenbach, the chief manufacturing town of
Hesse Darmstadt, to Soden, a much-frequented bathing place, and to near Ham­
burg, one o f the famous spas o f Germany. The whole o f this distance is about
to be finished.
“ With the only exception o f Berlin, no German city is placed at the startingpoint o f so great a number o f railroads. Frankfort well understood how to
apply its wealth so as to secure for the future the advantages o f its past leader­
ship o f German Commerce.
V O L . X X X I I I .— N O . i .
5




66

Commercial and Industrial Cities o f E u r o p e :

“ The territory o f this free city is so very small that it would have been easy
for the neighboring governments to lead the iron roads round it, but on the
other side, the Frankfort money-keepers formed railroad companies before the
governments thought it possible to make those roads at their own expense, and
so they rendered themselves masters o f the Mayence, Wiesbaden, an NananBavarian roads. On the other side, when the governments were negotiating to
make the railroads— a speculation o f their own— Frankfort profited by the rivalry
o f the different surrounding States, and, by offering to spend greater sums than
were required for the small extent o f its own territory, it secured for itself the
terminus of the Maine-Necker and the Maine-Weser roads. This apparent sac­
rifice o f money to have established here the great starting-point, proved to be
most profitable in every respect, for both o f these railroads are yielding an in­
terest o f nearly five per cent, whilst the money invested had been raised at about
three and three-fourths per cent. And as Frankfort obtained the condition that
the entire benefit o f the roads should be shared in proportion to the amount o f
cash actually advanced by each one, the free city at last made a most profitable
business o f it.
“ The high rank occupied by Frankfort in the stock trade, makes it the first
banking place o f Germany. There are about twenty first-class banking-houses;
amongst these are the Rothschilds, Grunelius, Metzter, Bethmann de Neufville,
Ph. Nie Schmidt, and others, all well known in the commercial world. But the
number o f possessors o f a million, and o f some millions, is much greater than
the number o f the great bankers. The number o f those in the stock trade and
exchange business may amount to 200 at least. There are about 60 brokers for
stocks, exchange, and dry goods.
“ A city bank, with a capital o f 10,000,000 o f florins, was established last
summer, and has just commenced business operations.
“ The cotton-goods trade o f Frankfort is in the hands o f some fifteen or more
wholesale houses; amongst these are firms known in England, America, and
China— as, for instance, Reiss, Brothers & Co., (in London, Manchester, New
York, and Hong K ong;) Shuster & Brothers, (in London, Manchester, & c .;)
W . M. Shuster & Son, Du Fay & C o , Kessler & Co.
“ O f dealers in ribands and laces, there are some twenty-five houses; in jew­
elry and bijouterie, fifteen to twenty houses; sp rits, ten wholesale houses; book­
stores, paper manufactories, and stationery warehouses, some fifty; chemical
and pharmaceutal products, many manufacturers, one o f whom, the quinine ma­
nufacturer, Mr. Zumner, is perhaps the first in the world. There are some
twenty houses for the sale o f iron and metal, and a great number for the retail
o f French quincailienie. For German woolens and yarn, some thirty houses.
Glassware, from six to eight wholesale houses, some with extensive and rich
supplies. Agricultural products, from sixty to seventy houses. Clothing and
articles o f fashion, one hundred or more. Wholesale silk houses, ten; some
extensive soap and candle manufactories; and stoves, from fifteen to eighteen.
Lithographic establishments, twenty; those o f Mr. Dorndorf and Mr. Nauman
are known all over Europe and America. Wholesale wine houses, from sixty
to seventy. Hats and caps, from twenty-eight to thirty houses. Colonial goods,
twenty houses. Sticks and canes, ten houses. Hops, (an article o f great im­
portance,) twenty houses. Preserved and dried fruit, from ten to fifteen houses.
Tobacco and cigars, some fifty houses. Tapestry, carpets, and cloth o f all kinds,
at least fifty houses. Watches and clocks, thirty houses. There are manufac­
tories o f brassware o f much importance, o f perfumeries, o f optical instruments,
o f papa-stem ware, &c. There are four large establishments for preparing for
market hares, rabbits, &c. There are several breweries, wood and timber deal­
ers, and establishments for making printers’ black, &,c.
“ As I have already stated, the manufacturing industry o f the surrounding
country may be looked upon as living upon Frankfort capital. I have heard the
yearly revenues o f the total o f the inhabitants o f the city estimated at twenty
millions o f florins, which, at the rate o f five per cent, presupposes four hundred
millions of florins o f capital. It is clear, the city and territory o f Frankfort are




Frcinkfort-on-the-Maine, Germany.

61
<

quite too limited for the employment o f such a capital, and hence many o f the
inhabitants have been obliged to employ their funds and wealth in foreign enter­
prises. The great tradesmen have founded houses in France, England, America,
and over the whole business world.
“ Frankfort is a member o f the Great German Commercial Union, and its cus­
tom-house is one o f the most considerable o f the league. In the partition of
duties it obtains a part three times greater than the share which would be al­
lowed to her if made on the proportion o f the number o f inhabitants. The mo­
tive is obvious. The city generally consumes three times and more o f the
provisions and merchandise than any o f the German countries with the same
amount o f population.
“ The Commerce of Frankfort since its accession to the Zollverein in 1836,
has declined in some articles, particularly in English cotton manufactures and
silk goods. In others it has been constantly increasing, especially in leather and
leather ware, in German woolens and lace goods.
“ One o f the chief articles o f export is hatters’ fur. Frankfort and neighbor­
hood are among the principal places o f production, or rather for preparing this
material.
“ The hare skins are brought here from Russia, Wallachia, Turkey, Austria,
and Germany generally, to the estimated amount of three millions o f skins, or
six thousand bales annually. Much o f this great supply is obtained at Leipsic,
which is one o f the centers o f this trade.
“ About 1,500 bales o f these skins are consumed by the hatters in Germany
and Austria, and the remaining 4,500 bales go into factories to be turned into
hatters’ fur for more distant markets. About five-sixths o f this, or the produce
of 3,750 bales, are forwarded to the United States, and the other one-sixth, or
the produce o f 750 bales, goes to France, Italy, and other parts o f Europe. The
aggregate value o f the supplies o f this article sent yearly to the United States
has been stated to me by one o f the largest dealers here to amount to $400,000
or $500,000. If he be correct, a great number o f invoices must have escaped
notice. He may, however, have had reference to the amount realized for the ar­
ticles in the United States.
“ France, England, and Belgium produce also in some quantity hares’ fur, but
the far greater amount o f their export is Coney wood, ol which this part o f Eu­
rope furnishes very little.
“ In the last report o f the honorable secretary o f the treasury it is proposed to
admit hares’ fur duty free. This would certainly not prejudice any branch o f
industry in the United States, because neither hares nor rabbits, in any number,
are grown there, and there are no establishments there to cut and prepare the
fur, nor can there be any to compete with those o f this country, in consequence
o f the higher price for labor.
“ Hatters’ fur may be said to be an article o f first necessity. I f admitted free,
it would, to be sure, enable our hatters to compete with those o f France, but I
do not think it would have the effect to increase the importation, because it is
one of those articles of natural production the supply o f which is not at all in­
fluenced by the demand, and the United States already receives the larger por­
tion of what this country has to offer. Nor would it check the importation of
French hats materially, for those who have used such will probably not be de­
terred from continuing to do so by a trifle o f difference in the price.*
“ The export o f German wines had rather increased during the past year, but
for the year now commencing it may not be so great in consequence o f the bad
vintage. Some have estimated this year’s produce o f the German vineyards at
only one-fourth, and others at only one-eighth o f an ordinary yield. I confess I
have not been able to gather information on this subject on which I can place
full confidence. In fact, the true character of the vintage is not yet known, but
it is certain that prices are some 25 per cent higher than one year ago.
* The bals made in New York by our beet manufacturers, Genin, &c., are superior to those made
in England or Frauce.—Ed. Mer. Mag.




68

Commercial and Industrial Cities o f Europe :

It would be difficult for me at present to state the difference between the
wholesale and retail rates, as profits here— as elsewhere— are constantly fluc­
tuating.
“ The exports o f stationery show an increase during the past three years, and
I am assured the coming year will exhibit a further augmentation. This station­
ery is o f the fancy order, such as cards, envelops, &e.
“ Cigars now form an important item in the exports to the United States.
Those from this neighborhood are mostly made o f tobacco produced in the coun­
try, especially on the river lands between this and Carlsruhe, in Baden. Some
o f this tobacco is o f good quality, and the low rate o f labor here makes the
manufacture and export o f cigars a large and profitable business.
“ The shipments o f hosiery have not proved to be profitable, and will probably
cease altogether. The article o f varnished leather is in the same category. It
has been said that the exports o f jewelry ceased some three years ago, but such
is not the case. At Hanau, in Hesse Cassel, at about half an hour from this, are
some o f the most renowned jewelry manufactures in all Germany, and very large
quantities are there made expressly for the American market.
“ The trade to the United States in woolen cloth is mostly in the hands o f
two or three houses. Some establishments manufacture expressly for the Amer­
ican market, and other supplies consist o f goods that remain over from the great
German fairs, and are sent to distant places, so that they may not press upon the
home market, and affect the regular prices here. The last fair at Leipsie was a
very bad one, in consequence of the Eastern troubles. I am told that at the
close of the fair dealers from this city secured large quantities o f woolen goods
at less than the manufacturer’s price, and shipped them off to America according
to the conditions o f the purchase.
“ As to the salaries o f clerks and prices o f labor, 1 am enabled to give the fol­
lowing rates furnished me by a citizen o f the place:—
“ The salaries o f clerks in banking-houses, 1250 to $700 per year; the salaries
o f clerks in merchant-houses, $200 to $600 per year; servants in banking and
merchant houses, $120 to $150 per year.
“ Wages o f a carpenter per day, in summer, 29 cents n et; wages o f a carpen­
ter per day in winter, 27 cents net; wages o f a mason per day in summer, 29
cents net; wages o f a mason per day in winter, 27 cents net; wages o f a black­
smith per day 40 cents, or 50 cents per week and boarded ; baker, 40 cents per
week and boarded; coopers, 48 cents per week and board; house servants, wo­
men, from $1 to $2 40 per month— men at all prices, from $6 to $8 down to
their board only. Recently the price o f labor has somewhat advanced, but still
there are a great many unemployed hands. Expert workmen and good and ex­
perienced servants obtain higher rates than here stated, but there is a vast throng
who cannot even get work at rates under these.
“ Frankfort is the center o f the German confederation, where is traced out
the political course o f all the minor governments o f this country. Nothing im­
portant can be done in Germany without having been known here, without hav­
ing been discussed or resolved by the Diet, composed o f the representatives o f
the minor governments, as well as o f Austria and Prussia.
“ The importance o f this position has become more evident since the compli­
cation o f European affairs, as the part to be played by Germany will decide, one
way or the other, the great questions now dividing and agitating the govern­
ments o f this continent.
“ Austria and Prussia have been contending for more than a century for the
preponderance in Europe. Their rivalry is the guaranty, I will not say o f the
existence, but without doubt o f the independence, o f the minor governments.
Since the peace o f Paris in 1814 and 1815, it has been the first object o f these
smaller States to be the followers one day o f Austria, and the other day of
Prussia, according as the questions o f the day would seem to require it for
keeping up that beloved independence which, for the greater part o f them, can­
not bo anything else than a name. Another course might have been adopted,




Frankfort-on-the-Maine, Germany.

69

but the selfish ambition o f the most o f these phantoms of' States did not allow
them to lay aside their little hostilities and rivalries in order to unite themselves
sincerely and firmly against the preponderance o f the greater power.
“ O f the minor States, Bavaria, a kingdom o f four-and-a-half millions o f sub­
jects, is the most important. Bavaria more than once endeavored to put herself
at the head o f the other confederates, and to form with them a more united
body, that would be able to lay its weight in the balance o f European politics;
but it was in vain. Those governments that bore with impatience the domina­
tion o f the great powers would still less submit to a neighbor whom they looked
upon as their equal.
“ The constitution o f the German confederation seems to have been made for
the purpose o f destroying their strength, so far as regards the questions o f lead­
ing order in European affairs. Germany never can act as one power, and on
every occasion o f any importance she has proved unable to play the part which
her geographical position and her population ought to have assigned her. The
treaties which were intended to unite her governments never preserved them
against divisions and hostilities among themselves, whenever there was a neces­
sity for general and intimate union.
“ The authority o f the German emperors having become a mere nothing some
centuries atro, and the increase o f the power o f Prussia rendering it quite im­
possible to revive it, there were no means o f constituting a new empire until the
fall o f Napoleon seemed to afford an opportunity for restoring the independence
of Germany. Then, if there should be a future Germany, the only way to be
followed was to make her a confederation, whose members should have equal
rights, however different their powers and importance might be. There are
States having five or six thousand inhabitants— as, for instance, the principality
of Lichtenstein— and yet there are questions in which, the unanimity o f votes
being prescribed, the vote o f that title prince may destroy the resolutions o f
Austria and Prussia. In the questions o f war and peace, the votes of Austria,
Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, Hanover, Wurtemberg, Hesse Cassel, Hesse Darm­
stadt, Baden, Brunswick, Hassan, Mecklenberg Schwerin, Luxemburg, (King o f
Holland,) Holstein, (King o f Denmark,) though united in the same resolution,
may be rendered nugatory by the votes o f the other governments, because these
States put together have only forty-five votes In the full Diet, and the funda­
mental law requires two-thirds o f the sixty-eight votes o f the full Diet in decis­
ions o f questions o f this character. Thus, by right o f law, the rulers of twoand-a-half millions o f subjects have the power to control or to render null the
decisions o f governments that have more than a million o f soldiers at their dis­
posal. It is clear that such a state o f things in Europe can by no means main­
tain itself, only so long as great interests are not involved in the contest. Neither
in questions o f secondary importance is Germany more able to move and act as
one body. It is now more than thirty years since Prussia first endeavored to
unite Germany in a commercial confederation, and it is only recently she suc­
ceeded in overcoming the opposition o f some o f the weaker governments.
“ Whatever may be considered necessary by the state o f public affairs in Eu­
rope— whatever may be useful for the interior— the questions o f war and peace
— the questions o f Commerce and social economy— require in this country long
and tiresome diplomatic negotiations, and, notwithstanding the incessant watch­
words o f German welfare and German glory, none o f the rulers think o f Ger­
many, but only o f their important little selves, and they even forget at every
moment that most o f them would be reduced to dust at the,same time when the
remains o f German unity, however weak and precarious it is, should be broken
down. On every possible occasion the jealousies o f these governments appear,
and the weaker they are the more they are anxious for opportunities to make a
show o f importance. The great object o f the ministers to the Diet is to find
out the business o f others, and to prevent the accomplishment o f anything ben­
eficial except to his own particular chief.”




70

The Seven Censuses o f the United States.

Art. V.— THE SEVEN CENSUSES OF TnE UNITED STATES.
“ PR O G R E SS

OF

TH E

U N ITE D

STATES

IN

P O P U L A T IO N

AND

W E A L T H .”

A n e w edition of the work o f Hon. G e o . T u c k e r , of Philadelphia, for­
merly of the University of Virginia, and a member of the lower hall of
Congress from the latter State, first issued in 1843, has just appeared from
the press of the Merchants' Magazine, with an addendum by the author,
embracing the results o f the census of 1850.
Here we have a summary
view of all the statistics furnished by the seven decennial enumerations,
consecutivelv made under the injunction o f the constitution, and a concise
exhibit of the more remarkable facts developed from a careful collation of
these interesting tables. It is exceeding well adapted to the use for which
the author intended it, as “ a sort o f hand-book to the legislator, the
statesman, and to all who are conversant with political arithmetic.”
The author’s inquiries have conducted him “ to important inferences on
the subjects of the probabilities of life, the proportion between the sexes,
emigration, the diversities between the two races which compose our pop­
ulation, the progress of slavery, the progress of productive industry,” &c.
As the matter, both o f the original volume and the appendix, was pub­
lished in the Merchants' Magazine, it will be unnecessary to particu­
larize the results of Mr. Tucker’s investigations, but a few randon instances
of the facts elicited, may be given.
The largest decennial increase of population in any New England State
was in Vermont in the period 1 7 90 -180 0, being 80.8 per cent; the least
decennial increase o f any State of the same section was in Ehode Island
during the same period, that State being then almost entirely stationary.
The largest decennial increase of a Middle State was in New York 1790—
1800, being 72.5 ; the least in Delaware 1810—20, being 0.01.
The
largest and least decennial increase in any State of the Southeastern sec­
tion were in Georgia 1 7 90 -180 0, and North Carolina 1830 -40, being
96.4 and 2.09 respectively. In the Southwest Arkansas gave the largest
per centage 221.09 in 1830—40, although Mississippi, while a territory, in­
creased 1800 -10, 335.95 per cent; and Tennessee 1 8 40 -50, the least,
20.92, In the Northwest, the largest per centage, 886.88, was in favor
of Wisconsin in 1 8 4 0 -5 0 ; and the least, 13.36, against Kentucky in
1 8 3 0 -4 0 .
The annual mortality in the United States is estimated at 1 in 43.4,
and by other data at t in 39.3 for the w hole population ; but from imper­
fections o f the census, neither o f these rates is to be considered reliable.

One curious result is the fact exhibited by the census in each of the
years 1830, 1840, and 1850, o f an excess of males over females in all
classes below 70 years of age, except in the single class o f fifteen to twenty
years, where the females outnumber the males by an excess o f five per cent
in the two earlier and two-and-a-half per cent in the latter year. Unknown
natural causes may produce this astonishing result, but we are sorry that
no reasonable explanation of it appears to us, other than in the reluctance
of unmarried females to pass into the region o f gloomy hope that lies be­
yond the teens. W e had hoped the prevalent idea o f this proclivity of fe­
males at a certain period of life to depreciate their experience, was a mere
calumny, emanating from the malicious of the other sex; but as a sober,




Journal o f Mercantile Law.

71

fact-dealing people, we must say, the census figures, that could not well
lie, in this case, too strongly confirm the charge. Let the ladies beware
when the census-agents pay them the next decennial visit.
The census o f 1850 justifies the suspicion entertained, w e m ay say,
rather, the absolute certainty o f the errors o f that o f 1840, in regard to
the number o f insane am ong the free colored. There must necessarily be
inaccuracy on this point, as regards both whites and blacks. The question
o f insanity is often one that puzzles the judgm ent o f the shrewdest medi­
cal gentlemen, and is sometimes matter o f great perplexity in the courts.
Hundreds and even thousands o f perfectly sane people are accounted in­
sane by their neighbors, merely on account o f some eccentricity which
they are unable to comprehend. W h o decides for the census-takers the
character o f a man’s mind ? Certainly no man admits his own derange­
ment o f intellect, and if the opinion o f his neighbors is taken, it may be
rendered according to either the malice, the whim, or the stupidity o f the
neighbor himself. W e want the truth in the census, and the result o f the
effort o f 1850 has conclusively shown that more questions may be asked
than can be well answered, and that by trying to get at too much, discredit
may be thrown upon the truthfulness o f the whole result. Mr. Tucker
endeavors, while admitting the palpable errors o f the census o f 1840 in
regard to the insanity o f the free colored, to partially sustain the exploded
inference against the health o f that class; but a sufficient reply to even
this compromise between the two censuses, is found in the fact which Mr.
Tucker himself freely sets forth, o f the superior longevity o f the free blacks
to either the slaves or the whites. W e allude to this matter in no relation
to the subject o f slavery, but simply as a question o f fact.

W e might mention some other points in regard to which Mr. Tucker’s
inferences are questionable, but as there is so much sterling merit and
sound truth in the book, we will pass these by. As a whole, perhaps, no
other writer would have used his material more judiciously than Mr.
Tucker has done.

JOURNAL OF MERCANTILE LAW.
BILLS OF EXCHANGE AND BILLS OF LADING— DECISION OF THE TRIBUNALS OF HAVRE.

A case o f much interest to commercial men has recently been decided in the
French courts in Havre, directly the reverse o f the English practice in regard to
the use o f shipping documents for the security o f bills o f exchange drawn against
cotton and other produce from this country. It is also at variance with the hith­
erto received custom adopted by our bankers in regard to French bills. The
ship’s bill o f lading has been held to control the property not only until the ex­
change is presented and accepted in Liverpool or Havre, but until the acceptance
itself is made satisfactory to the holder, or cashed at bank rate by the acceptor
himself. Such, however, is not the law o f France. The consignee in Havre is
no party to any contract here outside the bill o f exchange itself. The property
passes to his control when the bill is accepted. The case was as follows :—
A merchant in Mobile bought for a merchant in Havre 353 bales of cotton,
and drew for the amout at sixty days’ sight. The draft was sold to L. W . & Co.,




72

Journal of Mercantile Law.

accompanied with the bill o f lading, with the understanding that if the draft was
accepted, hnd the acceptance was satisfactory to the holder, the bills o f lading
be remitted to the person on whom the draft was drawn ; but if it was refused
acceptance, or if the acceptance wasjnot satisfactory, then the holder was author­
ized to put said bills o f lading in the hands o f another to operate the sale on
account o f the proprietor, and apply the proceeds to the payment of the draft.
The bill was accepted by the drawee, who claimed in exchange for his accept­
ance the bills o f lading, which the holder refused except on receiving good secu­
rity for the ultimate payment o f the acceptance.
An action was brought by the acceptor before the tribunals o f Havre to obtain
the bills o f lading. The following points were decided by the court: —
1. The holder o f a bill of exchange, not yet accepted, but who intends pre­
senting the same for acceptance, cannot exact from the drawee who is charged
with the fulfillment o f the provisions o f said bill any guaranty not stipulated in
the contract o f exchange itself.
Especially the holder o f a bill o f exchange cannot exact from the drawee, in
addition to his acceptance, a security for payment at the expiration o f the term,
or any other guaranty not stipulated in the original contract.
2. The holder o f a bill cannot produce, in justification o f his position, agree­
ments between him and the drawer which are irrelevant to the bill, and to which
the drawer is an entire stranger.
3. An acceptance is sufficient when given in conformity to the rules laid down
in Articles 122 and 123 o f 1he Code o f Commerce, and the drawer has the right,
when he offers an acceptance conformably thereto, to insist on a delivery of the
bills o f lading o f the goods for the payment o f which the bills o f exchange has
been drawn.
EXPRESS BUSINESS AS DISTINGUISHED FROM COMMON CA RR IERS.

In Supreme Court, (New York,) before Judge R. H. Morris, Herman Herifield, et al., vs. Alvin Adams, el al.
This case, which is o f great importance to persons engaged in the express
business, as distinguished from common carriers, came before the judge without
a jury, as the following statement o f facts is admitted by the parties:—
That the plaintiffs are in partnership in New York and have a resident partner
in San Francisco, and that the defendants are co-partners in the express business,
carrying packages for hire between the city o f New York and San Francisco.
It also appeared the defendants do not own any o f the means (vessels and boats)
o f transportation between New York and San Francisco, neither are they in any
manner interested in them, nor have they the least management or control of
them either in person or by agents. The packages which the defendants ex­
pressed to San Francisco, they have conveyed in their own name from place to
place, in the vessels and conveyances owned by others, plying upon the route
between the two cities, used in common by the community. The plaintiffs on
the 28th day o f August, 1850, delivered to the defendants two trunks contain­
ing clothing, worth $2,025 09, to be forwarded and transported by the defend­
ants to San Francisco to Mr. Burnett, the house o f the plaintiffs, to be sold for
plaintiffs, and on their account. The trunks were properly protected with can­
vas. The plaintiffs paid to the defendants $219 75 compensation for forwarding
and transporting the trunks. The defendants, upon the receipt o f the trunks
and the money, gave the plaintiffs the following receipt:—
A

dam s

&

Co.’ s N e w Y o r k

C a l if o r n ia P a c k a o e E x p r e s s , )
N e w Y o r k , August 2 8, 1850.
J

and

Received from Hersfield, Burnett & Back, in apparent good order, to be trans­
ported by our Express, the following articles, marked as below, which we prom­
ise to forward in like order, subject to the agreement now made, to Mr. Burnett,
at San Francisco. It is agreed, and is part o f the consideration o f this contract,
that we are not to be responsible for any loss or damage arising from the dan-




Journal o f Mercantile Law.

73

gers of ocean or river navigation, leakage, fire, or from any cause whatever, un­
less the same be proved to have occurred from the fraud or gross negligence of
ourselves, our agents or servants, and we are in no event to be made liable be­
yond our route as herein receipted, value under $100, unless otherwise herein
stated. Freight paid here, $219 75—marked [N3,] *50.51. Packages— two
trunks. San Francisco.
For Adams & Co.,
COBB.

The defendants shipped the trunks on board one o f the steamers plying be­
tween New York and Chagres in their own name, and paid the freight on them.
The trunks arrived safely at Chagres. On the 9th o f September, 1850, the de­
fendants shipped these trunks in their own name, paying freight for them, on
board a flat-boat, Capt. Thomas Angels, for Cruses, on the route to San Fran­
cisco, which was the usual conveyance. The boat arrived safely at a point upon
the Chagres River below the town o f Yarmos, on the evening o f the 12th o f
September, 1850. The night was dark, and the river was rising rapidly. Capt.
Angels deemed it imprudent to proceed, and made the boat fast at the bank of
the river. At 1 o’clock on the morning o f the 13th o f September, it was dis­
covered that the boat was leaking, owing to the springing o f a plank, produced
by the pressure o f the current and drift wood passing down the river, and not
by any insufficiency of the boat or neglect o f master or crew. Captain and
crew made every effort to prevent the boat sinking, but the pressure o f the cur­
rent caused the boat to careen, and she sank. Captain and crew exerted them­
selves to save the cargo; they got much o f it on the bank, and among it the
trunks in question, and then the crew deserted. The master o f the boat re­
shipped to Chagres the trunks in question, and other packages saved from the
flat-boat. On the 26th o f September, 1850, Capt. Angels called upon three re­
spectable merchants o f Chagres to survey the packages saved from the flat-boat,
and among them the trunks in question. The surveyors considered the trunks
in question and their contents as being damaged and unmerchantable. They
signed a certificate to that effect, advising that they should be sold. The con­
duct o f the captain and the surveyors was honest. On the 21st o f September,
1850, the trunks and goods in question were sold by Capt. Angels at public auc­
tion, and were purchased by W . Porter, the highest bidder, for $350. The sum
$350 was afterwards remitted to the defendants at New York, and was received
by them. The goods from the two trunks were sent by Mr. Porter to San
Francisco, and sold by him for $2,000. There was a semi-monthly means o f
transportation from Chagres to San Francisco. The goods were never forwarded
to Mr. Burnett. There was a semi-monthly means o f communication between
Chagres and New York. The plaintiffs were not notified o f the accident or o f
the sale. The defendants have offered judgment for $569 75, being the amount
for which the trunks and goods sold at Chagres, and the amount o f freight paid
in advance, and interest on both sums. There is no pretence that fraud has
been committed by the defendants or their agents, or that defendants or their
agents knew o f the accident or o f the sale, until informed o f both at New York
by the receipt o f the amount o f sale transmitted to them.
The judge delivered the following opinion in writing, which the plaintiff en­
tered to contest before the court above:—
The defendants in this case, not being owners o f or interested in the vessels'
and boats in which these trunks were to be conveyed between New York and
San Francisco, were not common carriers, and are not liable as such. The de­
fendants are bailees for hire to receive these trunks at, and to forward them from
and to, place to place, to destination, by the ordinary and approved means o f
conveyance, and had a legal right to define the extent o f their liability. By the
contract in this case, defendants obligated themselves to deliver the trunks and
contents specified to Mr. Burnett, at San Francisco. They were not to be liable
“ for any loss or damages arising from dangers o f the ocean or river navigation,
leakage, hre, or from any cause whatever, unless the same be proved to have
occurred from the fraud or gross negligence of the defendants, their agents or
servants.” In this case it is established that up to the time when Captain An­




74

Journal o f Mercantile Law.

gels and his crevr recovered the tranks from the sunken flat-boat and placed
them upon the bank o f the River Chagres, there had been no fraud or gross
negligence by the defendants or their agents— consequently, the defendants are
not liable for any damage that had occurred up to that period. The only re­
maining question is whether, according to the spirit and letter o f the defendants’
agreement with the plaintiffs under the facts proved, they or their agents were
guilty o f gross negligence in not delivering the trunks and contents in their
damaged condition to Mr. Burnett, at San Francisco. The defendants’ contract
must be construed with reference to the rights and obligations o f other persons
engaged in the transportation o f these trunks to and with the plaintiffs. Capt.
Angels, o f the flat-boat on the River Chagres, was a common carrier, and during
the time he was in possession o f the goods was responsible to the plaintiffs to
the full value o f the trunks and contents, $2,025 09, for the faithful perform­
ance o f his duty, and as an insurer, and for all his legal liability as common car­
rier; and he has a right, for the purpose o f saving himself harmless o f legal re­
sponsibility, to do with these trunks and contents whatever the law, under similar
circumstances authorized common carriers to do; and the defendants under the
authority contained in their agreement had no power to prevent him. In addi­
tion to this, the defendants and their agents had no knowledge o f what Capt.
Angels was doing. The first information thev received upon the subject was
after he had sold the trunks and goods. The defendants, therefore, had not been
guilty o f negligence.
D e c isio n . There must be judgment for plaintiffs for $567 75, being the
amount for which the defendants offered that plaintiff's might take judgment,
(and vvnich offer must control,) with costs to the defendants, since the offer of
judgment.
THE BOOK TRADE— INJUNCTION PERPETUATED— DECISION OF JUDGE NELSON.

In United States Circuit Court.

In Equity, before Judge Nelson.

Josephine

M. Bunkley v s. R obert M. D e W itt, James Davenport, W illiam S. Tisdale, aud
Charles H. Beale.
MOTION FOR AN INJUNCTION.

JUDGE NELSON, J.

This is a bill filed by the complainant against the defendants for the purpose
o f restraining them from the publication o f certain manuscripts o f a work en­
titled “ My Book, or the Veil Uplifted,” o f which she claims to be the proprietor
and authoress, and for which she has taken out a copyright.
The motion is now for a preliminary injunction, and involves the merits o f the
controversy only so far as may be necessary to ascertain whether or' not the
cese presented is such as to require the court to interfere and restrain the publi­
cation till the final hearing.
The defendants set up two main grounds of defense: 1, that the complainant
is not the proprietor or authoress o f the manuscripts: and 2, that admitting her
to be the proprietor and authoress, Beale, one o f the defendants, was duly au­
thorized to contract, on her behalf, for the printing and publication o f the work,
and did, in pursuance thereof, contract with De W itt & Davenport, two o f the
other defendants, for such publication.
As to the first ground— the book has already been printed, and a copy handed
up with the papers on this motion, and is now before me.
It is entitled “ My Book, or the Veil Uplifted; a Tale o f Popish Intrigue and
Policy. By Josephine M. Bunkley, late Novice at St. Joseph’s, Maryland. In­
cluding a Narrative o f her Residence at, and Escape from that Institution.”
There is also on one o f the fly-leaves the following: “ To American parents
and daughters, as an affectionate warning against error; and to those unselfish
patriots who have nobly dared to free, and to preserve the public from the dan­
gers o f Jesuitical influence, this volume is respectfully dedicated by the author.”
Aud in address to the reader on another leaf, it is remarked, “ that the writer
would have preferred to remain unnoticed, and to enjoy the quiet repose o f do­




Journal o f Mercantile Law.

75

mestic life, without being forced to assume a position to which she is totally un­
accustomed. After having effected her escape from the institution in which she
was confined, and which she entered with pure intentions and bright anticipa­
tions, she would willingly have suffered the veil o f oblivion and pardon to have
fallen over the transaction. But as her assertions have been denied, her motives
misrepresented, and her good name threatened, she has no alternative, in justice
to herself and friends, but to speak the ‘ whole truth and nothing but the truth,’
in order to vindicate her action. Her ‘ statement’ will be found in the following
pages; as she earnestly desires to impress the American people with a sense of
their danger from the controling influence o f a religion which tends to degrade
the mind, and subject the will to the sway o f a wily priesthood, a simple story,
founded on facts, is added, for which the author requests the indulgence o f her
readers.”
W e have referred to these extracts as evidence o f the authorship o f the work
contained in the book itself; and whom, as it respects the complainant and these
defendants, has a very material bearing upon the issue between them. Their
position is, as respects this branch of the defense to her bill, that she is not the
authoress, but, on the contrary, that the work is the joint production o f Beale,
one o f the defendants, and Miss Upshur; and, being the authors, they, or any
one representing them, had a right to contract for the publication, and to take
out a copyright.
The book itself, as we have seen, refutes this position, unless, indeed, we
adopt the conclusion that the complainant’s name has been most unwarrantably
used.
It is said, however, that she consented to the use o f her name, although not
in point o f fact, as the authoress. This defense sounds harshly in a court o f
equity from parties who deny her authorship, and at the same time are seeking
to realize to themselves great profits, which it is supposed will result in the sale
o f the work from the use o f her name. If the fact o f consent was shown, it
would indeed turn the complainant out o f court, but it would be upon the de­
fect o f her own case as presented, rather than any merit in the defense.
A complete answer, however, is that the consent claimed is not sustained
upon the proof before me. W e will simply add, upon this branch of the case,
that there is considerable evidence o f the authorship o f the complainant to a
large portion o f the book, as the case stands, besides that derived from the work
itself, and which, taken together, overcomes the contrary evidence relied on.
The next question is, admitting the complainant to be the author, was Beale,
one o f the defendants, authorized to contract for the publication o f the book
with the publishers?
There is certainly some conflict in the evidence on this point. As this branch
o f the defense assumes the complainant to be the proprietor, and are charges,
the burden is upon the defendants to establish the authority. W e have looked
into the papers with some care upon this question, and with a view to its proper
determination, and must say that the weight o f the proof, as it stands, is
against it.
The defendants, De W itt & Davenport, the publishers under the contract
with Beale, have already printed the book, and o f course have been subjected to
a considerable expense, and an appeal has been made on this ground in their
favor, as distinguishing the case from that simply between one complainant and
Beale. But the proofs showed that these defendants not only had notice o f
complainant’s rights, but were expressly forbidden by her to print or publish the
books— she complaining that Beale had no authority to make the contract before
they had entered upon this expense.
They are, therefore, chargeable with notice o f the want o f authority on the
part o f Beale, if, in point o f fact, no such authority existed, and are in no better
situation than Beale himself in this issue with the complainant.
Indeed, the proofs show that these defendants, after they were forbidden to
Pfint and publish, and before they entered upon the business, sought a negotia­
tion themselves, through their friend and agent, with her, to procure her consent,




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Journal o f Mercantile Law.

and failed, the complainant insisting that the manuscripts belonged to her, and
had been improperly withheld, and that Beale had no authority to make the
contract.
The case is a peculiar one. The defendants are seeking to print and put into
circulation a work in the name o f an authoress, which name, as is obvious, is
supposed to give to it its chief interest and attraction in the public estimation,
against her remonstrance, and, as she claims, not only in violation o f her rights,
but also in some respects, as printed and sought to be published, in disparage­
ment o f her chart cter, and one, and the principal answer to her complaint is
that she is not the authoress, and that the work is the production o f other minds.
Another ground is, that although not the authoress, she consented, in consid­
eration o f receiving a portion o f the profits o f the work, that her name should be
used as the authoress o f it.
A third, that being the authoress and proprietor, and therefore having a right
to control the printing and publication, she authorized Beale, one o f the defend­
ants, to contract for the same with De Witt & Davenport, two o f the other de­
fendants.
There is no pretense that he had any written authority. It is sought to be
made out by verbal statements and corroborating circumstances. This is met
by the denial o f authority in any form by the complainant, supported by the de­
position o f her father and sister. If they are to be credited, Beale has repeatedly
admitted that he had no authority, had done wrong, and expressed his regret at
his conduct in the business.
The deposition o f the father, who naturally must have taken a deep interest
in the matter, is very full and particular, both as to the relation on which Beale
stood in respect to the manuscripts o f his daughter, the terms and conditions of
it, and also as to his admissions since the difficulty has arisen, repeatedly made
to the father, that he had acted without authority in entering into the contract
for publication.
The book itself contains a certificate o f the mayor, and other public men o f
Norfolk, o f the character o f the father as “ a gentleman o f probity and honor,”
and entitled, therefore, to the highest confidence.
W e are satisfied, therefore, that neither of these grounds o f defense has been
sustained, and that in the present posture o f the case, the preliminary injunction
heretofore granted must be continued till the final hearing.
L IA B IL IT Y OF A LODGING-HOUSE KEEPER.

In the American Law Register, for March, is an essay on the “ Liability of
Lodging-House Keepers,” with which it would be well for such persons to be
acquainted. A case came before the Queen’s bench in England, where a lady
sought to obtain damages, o f the woman who kept a boarding-house in which she
resided, for the loss o f a box, which was taken as follows:
The lady being about to leave the house, sent one o f the defendant’s servants
for biscuits. The servant left the door ajar, in consequence o f which, during
his absence, a thief entered and stole the box from the hall. The plaintiff, as
has been said, was a boarder in the house at a weekly payment, upon the terms
o f being provided with board, lodging, and attendance.
The judge, at the trial, instructed the jury that the defendant was not bound to
take more care o f the house and the things in it than a prudent owner would
take, and that she was not liable, i f there were no negligence on her part, in
hiring and keeping the servant. And he left it to the jury to say, supposing the
loss to have been occasioned by the negligence o f the servant in leaving the
door ajar, whether there was any negligence o f the defendant in hiring or keep­
ing the servant.
When the case came before the full court o f four judges, two o f them, (Wightman and Earl J. J.,) held the ruling o f the trial to be correct. But the Chief
Justice Campbell, and Justice Coleridge, held the contrary, with whose opinion
the essayist coincides. Lord Campbell said, “ There might be negligence in a
servant in leaving the outer door ot a boarding-house open, whereby the goods




Commercial Chronicle and Review.

77

o f a guest are stolen, which might render the master liable. I think there is a
duly on his part, analogous to that incumbent on every prudent householder, to
keep the outer door o f the house shut at times when there is a danger that
thieves may enter and steal the goods of the guest. If he employs servants to
perform this duty, while they are performing it they are acting within the scope
o f their employment, and he is answerable for their negligence. He is not
answerable for the consequences o f a felony, or even a willful trespass commit­
ted by them; but the general rule is, that the master is answerable for the neg­
ligence o f his servants while engaged in offices which he employs them to do ;
and I am not aware how the keeper o f a lodging-house should be an exception
to the rule. He is by no means bound to the same strict care as an inn-keeper;
but within the scope o f that which he ought to do, I apprehend that he is equally
liable, whether he is to do it by himself or his servants. The doctrine that in­
quiry is to be made, whether the master was guilty o f negligence in hiring or
keeping the servants, is, I believe, quite new.”

COMMERCIAL CHRONICLE AND REVIEW .
ACCOUNTS OF THE GROWING CROPS— SPECULATIONS IN BRKADSTUFFS— TnE BANK MOVEMENT— SUP­
PLY OF SPECIE — DEPOSITS AT THE NEW YORK ASSAY OFFICE — DEPOSITS AND COINAGE AT THE
PHILADELPHIA AND NEW ORLEANS MINTS — SURPLUS OF SILVER COIN — THE STOCK MARKET —
FOREIGN EXCHANGE—IMPORTS AT NEW YORK FOR MAY, AND FROM JANUARY 1ST— IMPORTS OF
DRY GOODS— EXPORTS FROM NEW YORK FOR MAY, AND FROM JANUARY 1ST—IMPORTS AND EX­
PORTS FOR ELEVEN MONTHS—CASH REVENUE AT NEW YORK, BOSTON, AND PHILADELPHIA—
EXPORTS OF DOMESTIC PRODUCE— BANKS OF DISCOUNT AND ISSUE, WITH SOME REMARKS ON
RECENT CHANGES OF POLICY, ETC.

W e stated in our last that the business o f the country for the next year de­
pended in a great degree upon the incoming harvest. At the date o f writing
that statement, there were many fears in regard to the harvest on account o f the
drouth then prevailing in all parts o f the country. These fears are now for the
most part happily dissipated. The breadth o f ground sown is greater than ever
before, and the most cheering accounts reach us from every quarter. There are
instances o f local damage, but the great portion o f the crops are yet uninjured,
and we may hope will be safely garnered. The influence o f these favorable
prospects is everywhere apparent. Trade is reviving, and business men are re­
newing their operations with fresh courage.
Our caution in regard to speculation in breadstuff’s, we are glad to know,
saved some o f our readers from heavy losses, and our position has been fully
sustained by the course o f trade. Notwithstanding all the predictions o f famine
prices, based on estimates o f a short supply, flour has come forward freely, and
the markets on the seaboard have steadily declined. There may be a temporary
reaction before the new wheat shall be threshed, but if the yield is as abundant
as now promised, speculators will have the worst o f it. Never were the harvest
fields in this country so closely watched as during the current season, and the
“ harvest home ” will this year swell into a song o f thanksgiving that shall be
heard throughout our remotest borders. The deficiency last year was not
owing so much to the damage done to the growing grain by the drouth, as to
the diversion o f labor from agricultural pursuits. For several years the various
railroad enterprises, and a growing inclination for trade or speculative projects
that promised an easier fortune than could be wrung from the soil, had united
in drawing our people from the pursuit o f husbandry, so that the production did
not increase so rapidly as the hungry consumers.




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Commercial Chronicle and Review.

The surplus o f old crop was each year relatively less, until a partial failure o f
the crops in Europe drew off nearly all our stores, and the decreased production
o f the last year, owing to the want o f rain, completed the depletion. Many
writers among us became seriously frightened, and, reckoning the home con­
sumption the same as in years o f plenty, predicted a serious deficiency that
could only have resulted in an absolute famine. Our readers will bear us wit­
ness that we steadily opposed these efforts at panic making, and while we gave
the writers in question due credit for their sincerity, avowed our belief in a
sufficiency for all practical purposes.
Comparatively high prices have been
maintained, but not within 30 per cent o f the rates thus anticipated, and no
scarcity lias been felt, and no suffering has resulted at any point, or in any mar­
ket throughout the country.
Money is everywhere abundant, and although the demand for it has revived
under the increased activity in other business, the rates o f interest are unchanged,
and at the principal money centers capital is freely offered upon prime security
at 6 a 7 per cent. The banks stand very strongly, and notwithstanding the large
shipments o f specie to Europe, their stock o f coin is quite sufficient for all use­
ful purposes. At New York the amount o f specie in the vaults o f the banks
has but slightly varied. W e continue our table o f the weekly averages since
January 1st:—
WEEKLY AVERAGES NEW YORK CITY BANKS.

Date.

Capital.

Loans and
Discounts.

Jan. 6, 1855
Jan. 13.........
Jan. 20.........
Jan. 27.........
Feb. 3 .........
Feb. 10.........
Feb. 17.........
Feb. 24.........
March 3 . . . .
March 10 . . .
March 17 . . .
March 24 . . .
March 31 . . .
April 7 . .
A pril 14 . . .
April 2 1 __
April 2 8 ....
May 5 . . . .
May 1 2 ___
May 1 9 ___
May 26 . . . .
June 2........
June 9........
June 16........

48,000,000
48,000,000
48,000,000
48,000,000
48,000,000
48,000,000
48,000,000
48,000,000
48,000,000
48,000,000
48,000,000
48,000,000
47,683,415
47,855,665
47,855,665
47,855,665
47,855,665
47,855,665
47.855,665
47,855,665
48,684,730
48,684,730
48,684,730
48,684,830

82,244,706
83,976,081
85,447,998
86,654,657
88,146,697
89.S02,17 0
90,850,031
91,690.504
92,386,125
92,331,789
92,447,345
93,050,773
93,634,041
94,499,394
94,14 0,399
93,632,893
92,505,951
93,093,243
91,642,498
91,675,500
91,160,518
91,197,653
92,109,097
93,100,385

Specie.

13,596,903
15,488,525
16,372,127
16,697,260
17,439,196
17,124,391
17,339,085
16,370,875
16,531,279
16,870,669
16,933,932
16,602,729
16,018,105
14,968,004
14,890,979
14,355,041
14,282,424
14,325,050
14,585.626
15,225,056
15,314,532
15,397,674
15,005,155
14,978,558

Circulation.

7,049,982
6,686,461
6,681.355
6,739,823
7,000,766
6,969,111
6,941,606
6,963,562
7,106,710
7,131,998
7,061,018
7,452,231
7,337,633
7,77i.534
7,523,528
7,510,124
7,610,985
8,087,609
7,804,977
7,638 630
7,489,637
7,555,609
7,502,568
7,452,161

Deposits.

64,982,158
67,803,398
69,647,618
20,136.618
72,923,317
73,794,342
75,193,636
74,544,721
75,958,344
76,259,484
76,624,227
76,289,923
75,600,186
77,313,908
77,282,242
75,744,921
76,219,951
78,214,169
75,850.592
77,351,218
75,765,740
76,343,236
77,128,789
77,894.454

W e also continue our weekly statements o f the Boston banks from the date
given in our last:—
May 21.

May 28.

Jnne 4.

June 11.

June 18.

Capital...................... $32,710,000 $32,710,000 $32,710,000 $82,710,000 $32,710,000
Loans and discounts...
52,887,857 52,004,324 51,992,053 52,313,211 52,698,944
Specie.........................
3,137,441
3,201,248
3,375,353
3,409,181
3,598,651
Due from other bauks
7,145,037 8,040,083
8,006,670
8,621,400
8,314,169
Due to other banks. .
5,864,881 5,989,178
6,056,304
6,155,384 6,113,894
D eposits.................... 14,929,017
14,620,292 14,781,932 15,004,125 15,446,898
Circulation................
7,321,806
7,292,823
7,113,978
7,595,795
7,354,402




79

Commercial Chronicle and Review.

It will be seen that at Boston the specie has slightly increased, and is larger
than at previous periods since April 23d. From most other parts o f the country
there has been a flow o f specie towards the seaboard, while the balance in the
Sub-Treasury has also decreased. From California the receipts continue large,
but are less easily summed up, owing to the fact that since the second suspen­
sion o f Messrs. Page, Bacon & Co., large sums have been brought in the hands o f
passengers, not entered upon the ships’ manifests.
The following will show the deposits at the New York Assay Office during
the month o f May:—
DEPOSITS AT THE ASSAY OFFICE, NEW YORK, FOR THE MONTH OF MAY.

Gold.

Foreign coins.....................................
Foreign bullion................................
Domestic bullion...............................

Total deposits.....................

$28,000 00
47,000 00
1,847,S00 86
$1,922,800 86

Silver.

Total.

$4,000 00
274 36
15,939 74

$32,000 00
47,274 36
1,863,740 60

$20,214 10

$1,943,014 96

Total deposits payable in bars.....................................
Total deposits payable in coins....................................

$1,854,265 41
88,749 55
--------------- $1,943,014 96
Gold bars stamped......................................................................................
1,364,704 43
Transmitted to the United States Mint at Philadelphia for coinage..
37,085 62

The deposits at the Philadelphia mint for the month o f May were $496,000 in
gold, and $372,200 in silver, the latter purchased by government, making a total
o f $868,200. The coinage was $355,756 in gold, and $440,000 in siiver, inclu­
ding 1,635,845 pieces. Nothing was coined at New Orleans. The deposits
were $79,256 20 in gold, and $818,246 63 in silver — making a total of
$897,502 83.
The government has now coined about $20,000,000 o f the new silver coin
made under the law o f Congress o f February 21st, 1853, which reduced the
weight o f half dollars, quarters, dimes, and half dimes, about 7 per cent. This
coin is not a legal tender in payments o f over five dollars, and only about
$15,000,000 is in the hands o f the people, the remainder being in go.ernment de­
positories and not wanted for convenience.
The stock market has been buoyant both for railroad stocks and State bonds,
and prices o f nearly all descriptions have steadily improved. There has not
been, however, much fever o f speculation, and but little sustained animation is
expected until after the summer holidays.
Foreign exchange has been firm at rates above the specie point, and there has
been a steady flow o f specie to London and the continent. The average for the
month has been 110 for 60-day bills on London, and 5.12J for Paris. The
heavy rains have given hope o f an increased supply o f cotton bills, but no per­
manent relief is now expected until we shall renew our shipments o f breadstuffs
to Europe.
The imports from foreign ports continue to decline. At New York the total
for May was $5,535,195 less than for May, 1854, $2,894,257 less than for May,
1853, and $3,926,251 more than for May. 1852, as will appear from the following
comparison:—




Commercial Chronicle and Review.

80

FOREIGN IMPORTS AT NEW YORK FOR MAY.
1852.

1851

1854.

1855.

Entered for consumption...............
Entered for warehousing...............
Free goods........................................
Specie and bullion.........................

$6,096,996 $10,255,071 $12,004,338 $8,082,524
453,109
2,590,000
3,151,964
2,336,959
739,046
1,487,248
1,868,954
1,156,913
380,584
207,924
165,925
69,590

Total entered at the p ort..............
Withdrawn from warehouse.........

$7,719,735 $14,540,243 $17,181,181 $11,645,986
1,380,371
1,049,550
1,588,652
1,782,834

This leaves the total imports at New Y ork since January 1st, $25,071,725
less than for the corresponding five months o f last year, $24,421,855 less than
for the same period o f 1853, and $4,417,787 more than for the same time in
1852.

W e annex a comparison, including the several dates specified:—
FOREIGN IMPORTS AT NEW YORK FOR FIVE MONTHS FROM JANUARY 1ST.
1851

1855.

1854. -

1855.

Entered for consumption ........... $39,418,731 $63,242,647 $61,971,984 $37,877,250
Entered for warehousing..............
4,387,027
8,496,277 10,721,104 11,116,646
Free goods .....................................
6,281,838
7,851,707
7,083,241
6,574,584
Specie and bullion .......................
1,448,434
785,041
1,249,213
385,337
Total entered at the port . . . $61,536,030 $80,375,672 $81,025,541 $55,953,817
Withdrawn from warehouse.
7,615,198
6,343,258
9,285,372 10,936,450
The warehousing business has been less in May, but during the last five
months it shows an increase upon the total for the same time last year.

O f the

decline in the imports, as shown a bove,not quite one-half has been in dry g ood s;
the total o f this description for the month is $2,030,562 less than for May, 1854,
$1,512,244 less than for May, 1853, and $414,563 more than for May, 1852, as
will appear from the follow ing summary:—
IMPORTS OF FOREIGN DRY GOODS AT NEW YORK IN MAY.
ENTERED FOR CONSUMPTION.
1852.

Manufactures o f w o o l........................
Manufactures of cotton ......................
Manufactures of s ilk ..........................
Manufactures of f la x .........................
Miscellaneous dry goods...................

1851.

1851.

1855.

$397,305
277,351
518,368
263,607
246,796

$1,026,451
380,308
1,500.358
357,649
241,651

$1,023,867
738,932
1,026,381
360,087
129,218

Total entered for consumption . $1,703,427

$3,506,417

$3,278,485 $2,160,777

$549,137
326,545
813,045
288,471
183,579

WITHDRAWN FROM WAREHOUSE.
1851

1854.

1855.

Manufactures o f w o o l........................
Manufactures of co tto n ...................
Manufactures of s ilk .........................
Manufactures of f la x .....................
Miscellaneous dry g o o d s .................

$70,584
37,902
188,717
40,365
26,705

1852.

$83,567
29,007
79,177
9,390
9,597

$153,521
87,123
100,182
28,724
12,511

$108,223
77,553
124,181
75,428
57,148

T o ta l............................................
Add entered for consumption...........

$314,263
1,703,427

$210,738
3,506,417

$382,061
3,278,485

$442,533
2,160,777

Total thrown on the m arket. . .

$2,017,690




$3,717,155 $3,660,546 $2,603,310

Commercial Chronicle and Review.

81

QO

ENTERED FOR WAREHOUSING.
1854.

1855.

$178,918
68,967
107,694
48,740
26,459

$542,867
194,201
311,391
82,347
46,222

$109,821
58,549
26,633
18,139
51,032

$430,778 $1,177,028
3,506,417
3,278,485

$264,174
2,160,777

$2,010,388 $3,937,195 $4,455,513

$2,424,951

1851

Manufactures o f w o o l ...................
Manufactures of co tto n .................
Manufactures of s ilk ......................
Manufactures of flax.......................
Miscellaneous dry g o o d s ...............
Total........................................
Add entered for consumption___ . .
Total entered at the port . . . . .

111,309
26,580
19,817
$306,961
1,703,427

The receipts of dry goods at that port since January shows a decline of
$16,451,103 as compared with last year, $15,177,024 as compared with 1853,
and $2,231,515 as compared with the same period of 1852:—
IMPORTS OF FOREIGN DRY GOODS AT THE PORT OF NEW YORK FOR FIVE MONTHS, FROM
JANUARY 1ST.

185 2.

Manufactures of w o o l ...................
Manufactures of cotton...................
Manufactures of silk.......................
Manufactures of flax......................
Miscellaneous dry goods................

1851

$4,588,869
4,295,267
8,156,557
2,643,389
1,858,522

$8,495,117
6,718,790
13,395,311
3,799,591
2,539,874

1S54.

1855.

$7,626,547
7,948,364
12,149,433
3,436,496
2,538,771

$4,408,650
3,362,233
6,529,639
2,051,548
1,936,325

T o ta l............................................ $21,542,604 $34,948,683 $33,699,611 $18,288,395
W ITH D RAW N FRO M WAREHOUSE.

1852.

1851

Manufactures o f w o o l...................
Manufactures of co tto n .................
Manufactures of s ilk .....................
Manufactures of flax.......................
Miscellaneous dry goods................

$779,610
1,004,230
1,163,650
566,149
219,324

$498,791
554,598
671,656
117.230
201,758

$1,155,141
1,503,532
1,308,667
501,445
190,676

$1,066,763
1,612,108
1,481,547
741,420
505,887

Total w ithdrawn.......................
Add entered for consumption__

$3,732,963
21,542,604

$2,044,033
34,948,683

$4,669,461
33,699,611

$5,407,725
18,288,395

185 4.

1855.

Total thrown upon the market. $25,275,567 $36,992,716 $38,359,072 $23,696,120
ENTERED FOR WAREHOUSING.
GO

1851

185 4.

1855.

Manufactures o f w ool....................
Manufactures of co tto n .................
Manufactures of s ilk ......................
Manufactures of flax.......................
Miscellaneous dry g o o d s ...............

$683,4.35
536,073
1,434,510
187,772
187,967

$767,202
610,254
826,778
180,294
204,659

$1,603,180
1,378,597
1,519,176
438,203
153,182

$792,168
939,259
1,271,733
586,176
463,115

Total........................................
Add entered for consum ption... .

$3,029,757
21,542,604

$2,566,187
34,948,683

$5,092,338
33,699,611

$4,052,451
18,288,395

Total entered at the p o r t ......... $24,672,361 $37,517,870 $88,791,949 $22,340,846
The exports for the month of May from New York to foreign ports have been
large, both in specie and general merchandise.

Exclusive of specie, the total is

only $624,437 less than the very large amount shipped in the same month of
last year, when breadstuffs were going out freely; and is $777,694 more than
for May, 1853, and $772,161 more than for May, 1852.

The exports of specie

are not larger than has frequently been cleared from New York in one month

VOL. x x x m .—

no .




i.

6

82

Commercial Chronicle and Review.

since the discovery o f gold in California.

Thus, in September, 1854, the exports

o f specie were $6,547,104; in June, 1851, $6,462,170; and in July, 1851,
$6,004,170. T he exports o f foreign goods have slightly increased. W e annex
a comparison o f the several item s:—
EXPOETS FROM NEW YORK TO FOREIGN PORTS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY.
1852.

1858.

185 4.

1855.

Domestic produce.................. ........
Foreign merchandise (free)...........
Foreign merchandise (dutiable)...
Specie..............................................

$4,249,924
106,818
545,973
1,834,898

$4,165,954
243,598
487,670
7,162,467

$5,824,427
132,449
342,437
3,651,626

$5,071,890
244,254
358,732
5,320,152

Total exports..............................
Total, exclusive of specie..........

$6,737,608
4,902,715

$7,059,649
4,897,182

$9,950,939 $10,995,028
6,299,313
5,674,876

T he total exports from New Y ork to foreign ports, exclusive o f specie, since
January 1st, are only $1,893,256 less than for the corresponding five months o f
1854, and are $4,590,332 more than for the same period o f 1853, and $6,277,987
m ore than for the same time in 1852, as will appear from the annexed sum­
mary :—
EXPORTS FROM NEW YORK TO FOREIGN PORTS FOR FIVE MONTHS FROM JANUARY 1ST.
1852.

1853.

1854.

1855.

Domestic produce........................... $18,579,452 $20,365,061 $26,671,057 $22,380,718
Foreign merchandise (free).........
395,719
587,809
584,315 2,555,875
Foreign merchandise (dutiable)..
1,936,981
1,646,937
1,828,023 2,253,546
Specie................................................
9,067,654
5,390,700 11,017,684 13,212,402
Total exports............................. $29,979,806 $27,990,507 $40,101,079 $40,402,541
Total, exclusive of specie......... 20,912,152 22,599,807 29,083,395 27,190,139
W e are now within one month o f the close o f the fiscal year, and as there is
much interest felt in regard to the result o f the year’s foreign Commerce, we
have carefully compiled a comparative statement showing the exports o f specie,
and the total exports and imports at New York from July 1st to May 3 1 st:—
FOR EIGN IMPORTS AND EXPORTS AT NEW YORK FOR ELEVEN MONTHS, ENDING MAI’ 3 1 S T .

Exports o f specie. Total exports.

Total imports*

1855..........................................................
1S54.........................................................

$34,195,941
29,116,058

$91,278,827
97,175,348

$142,511,914
177,286,671

Difference............................................

$5,079,883

$5,896,521

$34,774,757

From this it will be seen that the exports o f specie from that port for the last
eleven months have increased $5,079,883; the total exports o f all descriptions
to foreign ports have decreased only $5,896,521, while the total imports from
foreign ports have decreased $34,774,757. The exports from the g u lf ports
have doubtless declined in a greater proportion, hut this is a very favorable show­
ing for the Commerce o f New York, considering the times through which we
have passed.

Nearly all o f the exports have paid a profit to the shipper, while

that portion o f the imports which has been sent to us on foreign account, being
chiefly a refuse o f stock unsaleable to other markets, has mostly sold for less
than the invoice price.
The revenue has o f course declined with the imports, hut the receipts are am­
ple for all the wants o f government, and there is still a handsome balance in the
Treasury.

T he follow ing will show the comparative receipts at New York




83

Commercial Chronicle and Review.
CASH DUTIES RECEIVED AT NEW TORE FOR FIVE MONTHS, FROM JANUARY 1ST.
1851

January......................
February.....................
March..........................
Total 3 months..
A pril........................
May...........................

1851.

$2,600,562 64
2,286,955 47
2,730,369 61

1854.

$3,311,137 37
3,878,395 47
3,935,967 63

1855.

$4,379,285 32
2,867,294 60
3,627,119 49

$2,560,038 32
2,665,164 94
2,363,084 95

$7,617,887 72 $11,125,500 47 $10,873,699 31
2,447,634 07
3,348,252 14
3,168,490 21
1,952,110 86
2,852,853 56
3,243,164 41

$7,588,288 21
1,994,710 10
2,400,482 60

Total 5 months.. $12,017,632 65 $17,326,606 17 $17,385,353 93 $11,983,480 91
The total cash receipts at New York for the eleven months of the fiscal year
are $30,342,408 23, against §39,206,250 26 for the same time of the previous
year, showing a decline of §8,863,842 93 at that port.
W e also annex a comparative statement of the receipts for cash duties at Phil­
adelphia and Boston since January 1st:—
RECEIPTS FOR DUTIES.
,-----------------BOSTON.----------------- ,

First quarter..............................
A pril............................................
M ay.............................................
Total from January 1 s t ___

,-------- PHILADELPHIA.-------- ,

1854.

1855.

1 85 4.

1855.

$2,343 604
680,908
657,147

$1,998,638
624,818
577,431

$1,380,724
379,472
328,423

$958,711
228,983
225,388

$3,681,559

$3,190,887

$2,088,619 $1,413,082

This shows a falling off since January 1st of $490,672 at Boston, and $675,537
at Philadelphia, equal to a falling off in imports at those ports of neatly five
millions and a half of dollars.
W e annex a summary comparison of the shipments of certain leading articles
of domestic produce from New York to foreign ports. The weekly exports
continue large, although there is little of breadstuffs or cotton to go forward.
Had the crop of cereals in this country last year been a large one, the exports
hence would have been nearly as large as during the famine year nearly ten
years ago.
EXPORTS OF CERTAIN ARTICLES OF DOMESTIC PRODUCE FROM NEW YORK TO
PORTS FROM JANUARY 1ST TO JUNE 18TB :---1 85 4.

1855.

1854.

FOREIGN

1855.

4,541 Naval stores.. .bbls. 300,268 333,653
1,138 Oils— w h a le.. . •galls. 106,291
66.891
sperm .. ......... 220,782 426,192
97,610
la r d __ .........
15,894
27,879
linseed . .........
B rea d stu ffs —
1,584
5,839
Wheat flour . .bbls. 560,972 203,384
Rye flo u r...............
9,438
12,543 P r o v is io n s —
Pork............. •bbls.
Corn meal...............
43,315
28,431
42,182 107,964
W h e a t...........bush. 1,163,453
29,803
44,616
Beef............... .........
36,893
R y e ......................... 315,158
5,139
Cut meats,lbs. ..10,791,452 13,763,790
B u tte r......... .........1,112,330
Oats .......................
11,503
12,111
324,536
C orn ........................ 2,245,655 1,653,422
Cheese.........
Candles— mold-boxes
29,849
28,932
Lard............. ......... 7,476,097 4,940,239
sperm.........
3,259
6,937 R i c e .................
9,349
Coal........................tons
14,378
3,666 T a llow .. . . . . ..lbs. 1,733,657 1,095,342
19,636
Cotton.................. bales 162,091 133,513 Tobacco, crude. .pkgs
17,999
H ay..............................
1,689
3,004 Do., manufactured.lbs. 1,416,139 2,155,086
H o p s............................
475
5,983 Whalebone................ 750,644 747,387
Ashes— p o t s .. . .bbls.
p e a r ls ......
Beeswax..................lbs.




3,248
331
110,915

84

Commercial Chronicle and Review.

T he above shows a falling o ff since January 1st equal to 6 6 f per cent in wheat
flour, and 33 per cent in corn, while it shows an almost total cessation in the
shipments o f wheat and rye, the total o f both being less than 35,000 bushels
against about 1,500,000 bushels for the same time last year. The shipments o f
cotton since January 1st from New Y ork have fallen o ff about 20,000 bales, but
from all other ports the shipments from September 1st to date have increased
about 80,000 bales. In pork the shipments in the above table show a very large
increase for the current year; and the same may be said in b eef and cut meats,
the latter including bacon o f all descriptions.

In shipments o f butter and lard

there has been a large decline, both ruling very high.

I f the present prospects

are realized we shal^ have a more abundant stock o f produce for export another
year.

In Connecticut and New Jersey the system o f banking under general laws is
to be abandoned, and the banks organized under it are mostly to go on under
charters. This is a retrograde step in legislation, and appears to be a concession
to the clamors o f a faction rather than a change o f policy through conviction.
W e believe that many o f the laws restricting the operation o f banking might be
repealed, and that in the end most o f them will be given up. Banking in its le­
gitimate sense, the loaning o f money, ought to be free as air. W e would go as
far as the repeal o f all laws fixing an arbitrary rate o f interest. W e have no
fears o f any monopoly not protected by law. If the banks combined to raise
the rate upon borrowers, so much capital would be drawn to the business that
the very competition would break down the combination. Let the usance for
money be fixed and regulated like the value o f any other commodity, by the de­
mand and supply. If a bank were organized by a set o f swindlers, they could
hurt nobody in the way o f loaning money, and let depositors look out for them­
selves ; they need the protection o f law no more than people who give credit in
any other relation o f business. The case is different, however, in regard to banks
o f circulation. T o facilitate the ordinary transactions of business, that which
passes as currency should command general confidence, and be worthy of it be­
yond a question. No man need make a deposit in a bank until he has had am­
ple time to satisfy himself o f its solvency. But the masses who receive and
handle bank notes in small transactions can know very little of the credit to be
attached to each, if such credit depended solely upon the character o f the insti­
tution itself, and hence the importance o f a general law compelling all who issue
such notes to give security for their redemption. Such security should be am­
ple and easily converted into coin, and bonds and mortgages should therefore be
excluded. Gold and silver form the best basis, but this security if left with the
banks is sometimes missing, and therefore the law requiring a deposit of value
with some responsible State officer. Gold and silver coin is now so plenty, that
all bank bills below five dollars should be prohibited in each o f the States. If
this were done there would be less importance in securing the redemption o f
bank notes, as there would be a much smaller amount left in the hands o f the
poor, who are always the greatest sufferers by bank failures, being less skillful
in matters of finance. Private banks will come in the end to do most o f the
regular banking business, and we should not be surprised if the only issue o f
bank notes should then be such as were based on an actual deposit o f the full
amount o f gold and silver in government vaults.




Commercial Chronicle and Review.

85

NEWTORK COTTON MARKET FOR THE MONTH ENDING JUNE 22,
PREPARED

FOR

T H E M ER C H A N T S’ MAGAZINE

BY UHLHORN &

FREDERICKSON, B R O K E R S, NEW YORK,

A t the close o f our last monthly report, May 18th, our market was active at
10J cents per pound for Middling Upland, and 10f cents for Middling Orleans.
A t that time there were but few parties in the trade who anticipated a further
advance, yet in reviewing the past month we find the sales to be the largest that
have ever taken place in this city, and at an improvement in price o f fully tw o
cents per pound on all grades, and for desirable lists and qualities the advance
has been greater in some cases.
T he transactions during the month have been mostly o f a speculative charac­
ter; our home trade has, however, materially aided to sustain prices, not so much
ow ing to their extensive purchases as to their confidence in prices, and the im­
provement in the value o f the manufactured article, which, on print cloths, is
equal to the advance in cotton during the past six weeks. W ith the exception
o f those spinners who are under contract, the purchases for the home trade have
been only for immediate consum ption; the probabilities are that our own manu­
facturers will be competitors for the balance o f the crop with the spinners o f
Europe, and that present prices will see little or no diminution until the opening
o f the season with the present growing crop.
The advices from Europe during the month have been o f a satisfactory char­
acter.

An abundant money market has enabled buyers in the Liverpool market

to operate to an enormous extent— the sales being over 100,000 bales per week,
and for seven consecutive weeks the total transactions were 841,120 bales, at an
advance o f l i d . per pound.

This improvement in the staple has caused a more

extended inquiry for and a rise in the manufactured article, and there is no talk
in the manufacturing districts o f working short time— that bug-bear has lost
much o f its pow er on this side o f the Atlantic, and i f the spinners o f Europe
are to day richer than they were ten years ago, it is also a fact that they are
com pelled to run their machinery even at a trifling loss, in consequence o f the
equalization o f capital and labor.

The day is passed in England when the bone

and sinew, “ the hewers o f w ood and drawers o f water,” were looked upon as
mere automatons to do the will and bidding o f the capitalist, and to be set at work
or cast adrift, as a rise or fall in the market occurred.

“ I f the rich but knew,”

says Bulwer Lytton, seems about to be understood and acted upon, and a resort
to short time, or a stoppage o f mills, is now an operation that requires more
nerve than it did ten years ago, and which would be more disastrous to capital
than labor.
T he quantity taken b y the trade in Liverpool from January 1st to June 8th
averages 46,997 bales against 33,497 bales fo r same time in 1854, and it is re­
presented that the stocks in spinners’ hands, either manufactured or unmanufac­
tured, is extremely small.
The amount o f cotton to be received up to the 1st September can now be
very nearly arrived at, and while opinions vary the general impression is that
2,750,000

to 2,775,000 bales will be the extent o f the crop o f 1854-5.

It is

satisfactory to know that the grow ing crop is represented to be in a fine condi­
tion, and it is not improbable that the receipts for the present year may be aug­
mented 20,000 to 30,000 bales from the grow ing crop.
T he transactions for the w'eek ending May 25th were limited by the increased
pretensions o f holders and the small stock offering. The sales were estimated




86

Commercial Chronicle and Review.

at 12,000 bales— one half on speculation, the balance to the home-trade and for
export; the advance for the week being fully } cent per pound, the market clos­
ing with an upward tendency at the follow ing rates:—
PRICES ADOPTED MAY 2 5 t H FOR THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES!----

Upland.

Florida.

M obile. N. O. & Texas.

Ordinary............................................
9}
9}
9}
10|
11
11}
Middling............................................
Middling fair....................................
Ilf
Ilf
12
F a ir...................................................
12
12}
12}
The advancing tendency in prices continued during the week ending

9f
11}
12}
13
June 1st,

the sales being 26,000 bales, at f cent per pound improvement. Much confidence
being felt in a still higher range o f prices, the week closed with buoyancy at the
follow ing quotations:—
PRICES ADOPTED JUNE 1ST FOR THE FOLLOWING Q U A L IT IE S !—

Ordinary...........................................
Middling............................................
Middling fair....................................
Fair....................................................

Upland.

Florida.

Mobile.

N. O. & Texas.

9£
Ilf
12}
12f

9£
Ilf
12f
13

9|
12
12}
13}

10
12}
13
13f

The sales for the week ending June 8th were estimated at 35,000 bales, includ­
ing 12,000 bales sold in transitu.

The stock in first hands being much reduced,

and an easy money market enabling speculators to hold their purchases for a
material advance, the quantity on sale was small.

The market closed with much

firmness at an advance for the week o f } a 1 cent per pou n d :—
PRICES ADOPTED JUNE 8 t H FOR THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES !----

Ordinary............................................
Middling............................................
Middling fair....................................
Fair.....................................................

Upland.

Florida.

Mobile.

N. O. & Texas.

10
12}
13
13}

10
12f
13}
13}

10}
12}
13}
14

10}
12f
13f
14}

The transactions for the week ending June 15th were 18,000 bales, at a fur­
ther advance o f } a f cent per pound.

A t the close o f the week there was less

inquiry in consequence o f telegraphic reports from the South o f increased re­
ceipts, ow ing to a rise in the rivers. W ith receipts even beyond, and a total
crop exceeding that o f last year— which is not possible— present prices would
be sustained if not enhanced so long as consumption abroad is not interrupted.
T he market closed firm, with light offerings, at—
PRICES ADOPTED JUNE 1 5 t h FOR THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES!----

Upland.

Ordinary............................................
Middling............................................
Middling fair....................................
Fair....................................................

10}
12}
13}
13}

Florida.

10}
12}
13f
13}

Mobile. N. O. & Texas.

10f
12}
13}
14

11
13
14
14}

The sales for the week closing June 22d were 10,000 bales, and although the
foreign accounts were of a highly satisfactory character, there was an increased
desire on the part o f speculators to realize on a portion o f their purchases. The
sales at the close o f the week were at irregular prices, and the quotations an­
nexed must be considered nominal:—
PRICES ADOPTED JUNE 2 2 d FOR THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES!—

Ordinary.............................................
Middling............................................
Middling fair.....................................
Fair....................................................




Upland.

Florida.

Mobile.

10}
12}
13
13}

10}
12f
13}
13}

10}
12}
13}
13}

N. O. &. Texas.

10}
12}
13}
14

Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance.

81

JOURNAL OF BANKING, CURRENCY, AND FINANCE.
PROPERTY, TAXES, AMD POPULATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.
The report of the Auditor-General of Pennsylvania furnishes the following state­
ment, showing the valuation of real and personal estate in the several counties of the
Commonwealth, taxable for State purposes; the assessment of tax thereon for the
year 1854, as fixed by the Revenue Commissioners at their last triennial meeting ;
also the population of each county, according to the census of 1850, and the taxable
inhabitants therein for the year 1854 :—
Counties.
Adams...........................
Alleghany.....................
Armstrong...................
Beaver .........................
Bedford.........................
Berks...........................
Blair...............................
Bradford.......................
Bucks.............................
Butler.............................
Cambria.......................
Carbon.........................
Centre...........................
Chester.........................
Clarion...........................
Clinton...........................
Clearfield .....................
Columbia.....................
Crawford.....................
Cumberland.................
Dauphin.......................
Delaware.......................
Erie........ .......................
Elk.................................
Fayette......................... .
Franklin........................
Fulton...........................
Forest...........................
Greene............................
Huntingdon..................
Indinia......................... .
Jefferson.........................
Juniata.........................
Lancaster.......................
Lawrence.......................
Lebanon .......................
Lehigh............... . . . . ,
Luzerne.......................
Lycoming..................... .
Mercer.........................
M’Kean.........................
Mifflin........................... .
Monroe..........................
Montgomery.................
Montour.......................
Northampton...............
Northumberland........

Perry...........................




Valuation.
$4,'749,366
26,235,810
2,476,487
4,104,954
2,337,887
22,599,200
4,670,689
4,073,992
17,66,7,012
2,974,324
1,371,344
2,248,125
5,041,476
22,690,413
1,787,327
1,987,113
1,249,182
3,112,983
3,424.527
10,946,856
10,456,133
8,544,593
4,353,916
622,425
6,183,825
12,492,572
797,800
145,339
2,957,862
5,447,844
2,690,475
1,026,890
2,827,846
32,592,596
3,174,935
8,105,654
8,599,966
6,771,527
4,361,187
3,913,003
591,546
4,351,475
1,591,210
17,529,013
1,864,427
13,953,772
6,234,929
8,113,603

Assessment
of taxes.
Population. Taxables.
§14.668 18
25,931
6,252
80,853 03
138,290
80,112
29,560
7,671
7,885 98
26,689
12,575 97
6,051
23,052
7,082 00
5,323
77,129
69,161 18
17,403
21,771
5,753
14,456 11
12,430 18
42,831
9,221
53,866 67
56,091
13,761
30,346
7,678
9,797 68
17,773
5,634
4,878 22
7,105 19
15,688
4,128
15,620 68
23,355
6,026
66,438
69,247 60
15,138
23,565
5,663
5,311 35
6,253 02
3,116
11,207
3,845 04
12,580
8,884
9,783 63
17,710
5,458
37,840
10,463 43
9,656
34,327
8,386
33,817 77
35,754
32,885 37
8,897
24,809
26,547 34
6,04 5
38,742
11,336
13,527 50
1,869 37
3,531
1,475
39,112
15,949 90
6,949
39,904
38,612 05
9,416
2,286
2,422 10
7,567
438 12
246
22,136
9,144 02
5,525
24,186
16,746 33
6,572
27,470
8,248 43
6,999
13,518
3,164 53
3,854
8,612 92
13,029
3,391
98,944
26,565
100,654 71
9,796 82
5,119
21,079
26,071
6,323
24,807 21
7,909
26,519 44 - 32,479
20,932 98
18,072
13,787
7,498
13,453 62
26,267
33,172
8,201
12,073 69
5,254
1,546
1,814 44
3,450
14,880
13,696 92
13,270
3,251
4,909 41
58,291
15,451
53,738 53
13,219
2,981
5,811 50
10,683
43,210 SO
40,239
23,235
5,401
16,347 19
4,796
9,608 43
20,088

Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance.

88

Assessment

Counties.

Valuation.

Philadelphia.....................
Pike .................................
Potter.................................
Schuylkill......................... .................
Somerset...........................
Sullivan...........................
Susquehanna ...................
Tioga................................
Union................................
Venango...........................
Warren.............................
Washington....................... ..................
Wayne............... .............
Westmoreland.................. .................
Wyoming......................... .................
York..................................

of taxes.
$474,391 96
2,225 55
2,252 79
36,628 97
8,940 46
1,357 49
8,353 92
5,023 51
19,095 41
4,280 49
4,230 62
30,413 40
4,942 07
24,593 00
2,890 84
35,336 75

Population. Taxables.

408,762
5,881
6,048
60,713
24,410
3,694
28,688
23,987
25,083
18,310
13,671
44,989
21,890
51,720
10,655
61,450

86,943
1,528
1,708
18,268
5,479
932
7,075
5,770
5,779
4,847
3,657
10,584
6,386
10,941
2,345
15,135

Total................................................. $531,731,304 81,649,967 76 2,311,786

55S.236

11,869,039

9,896,380
7,988,272
927,464

GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES—ITS COST.
The National Intelligen cer recently published in a supplemental sheet, filling some
twenty-four of its wide columns, a list of appropriations made at the Congressional
Session of 1854-55, (prepared and published agreeable to law.)
This document ought to possess interest for every reader, and ought to be examined
by every one, as exhibiting in the main the objects on which the public revenue is
expended. The aggregate of the classified heads of expenditure is as follows:—
Civil, diplomatic, and miscellaneous.....................
Army, fortifications, military academy, die.................................
Indian department, naval, revolutionary,and other pensions.
Naval service...................................................................................
Post-office department...................................................................
Ocean steam mail service.............................................................
Texas d e b t ......................................................................................

$17,265,929
12,571,496
4,453,536
15,012,091
19,946,844
8,574,458
7,750,000
$71,574,357

This vast sum o f $71,574,357 is only the amount of specified appropriations. The
great mass o f contingent objects of expenditure, of which the sums were unascertained
and could not be specified, may swell the grand total of the expenses of the year to
perhaps seventy-five millions of dollars. Although the Government expenses must
necessarily increase with the growth o f the country and the corresponding necessities
of the public service, one can hardly imagine the necessity of so vast an augmentation
of the necessary expenses of the Government as seventy-five millions of dollars; and
the immensity of the sum must arrest the attention o f every intelligent reader.

TABULAR STATEMENT OF THE DEBT OF LATE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS.
W e annex for the information o f our readers an official statement made up at the
Controller’s Office on the 1st of May, 1855, of the portion of the debt of the late R e­
public of Texas, which, according to the decision of the Secretary of the Treasury
and the opinion of the Attorney-General of the United States, is secured by a pledge
of Impost Duties, exhibiting the rate of adjustment established by Texas, and the rate
proposed by the recent act of the United States Congress. Also the excess and de­
crease of each mode o f payment compared with the other, and the dividend in the
dollar, on the ostensible amounts, realized by each mode of adjustment:—




Bonds and Treasury Notes;

$810,851 68
13,948 32
457,680 00
755,907 00
812,200 00
26,080 00
805,500 00
50,000 00
370,000 00
2,199,728 64

T ota l.......................................................................... $6,301,295 64

Bonds and Treasury Notes.

10
10
10
10
10
8
8
10
10

per cent
per cent
per cent
per cent
per cent
per cent
per cent
per cent
per cent

bonds, Funding Act, June 7,1837............................................
bonds, Funding Act, Juue 7, 1837, (special)..........................
bonds, $5,000,000 Loan Act, for loan from U. S. B ank.. . .
bonds, $5,000,000 Loan Act, for naval vessels.......................
bonds, Funding Act, February 5, 1840 ..................................
bonds, Funding Act, February 5, 1840...................................
Treasury bonds, Funding Act, February 5, 1840.................
Treasury Notes, A ct June 7, 1837, 1st issue.........................
Treasury Notes, Act June 7, 1837, 2d issue..........................

Total




Ostensible
interest on
each class.
$810,551 68
13,948 32
503,118
866,497
812,200
20,516
612,180
15,000
74,000

00
70
00
26
00
00
00

>3,728,011 96
Pro-rata paymeats proposed by the
recent acls of
Congress.
$1,252,683 58
21,556 52
742,210 70
1,253,689 27
1,255,232 30
36,006 20
1,095,491 60
50,227 80
343,094 25
1,699,807 78
$7,750,000 00

Total
ostensible
principal and
interest.
$1,621,103 36
27,896 64
960,498
1,622,404
1,624,400
46,596
1,417,080
65,000
444,000
2,199,728

00
70
00
26
00
00
00
64

Par principal
of each class
as adjusted
under the
laws of Texas.
$567,386 18
13,948 22
400,000
377,953
243,660
7,824
161,100
50,000
185,000
549,932

00
50
00
00
00
00
00
16

Total par
Par interest of
principal & ineach class
as atljusted
terest as adjustunder the
ed under the
laws o f Texas.
laws ol Texas.
$567,386 18 $1,134,772 36
27,896 44
13,948 22
440,000
433,248
243,660
6,154
122,436
15,000
37,000

00
85
00
87
00
00
00

840,000
811,202
487,320
13,978
283,536
65,000
222,000
549,932

00
35
00
87
00
00
00
16

$10,029,307 60 $2,556,804 06 $1,878 834 12 $4,435,638 18
Excess of the
Texas adjustment over the
pro-rata mode
of payments.

Excess of the
pro rata over
the Texas
adj ust ment.
$117,911 22

$6,339 92
442,486
767,912
22,027
811,955

92
80
33
60

14,772 20
121,094 25
1,149,875 62
$118,901 42 $3,433,263 24

Dividend
Dividend
on the dollar
on the dollar
realized by
realized by
the pro-rata
the Texas ad
justment.
system.
7 7 .2 7
$0 70
1 09
.........
0 87.-14
0 50
0 30
0 30
0 20
1 00
0 50
0 25
• • * •

Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Fv,

10 per cent bonds, Funding Act, June 7,1837...............
10 per cent bonds, Funding Act, June 7, 1837, (special)
10 per cent bonds, $5,000,000 Loan Act, for loan from
United States Bank.........................................................
10 per cent bonds, $5,000,000 Loan Act, for naval vessels
10 per cent bonds, Funding Act, February 5, 1 8 4 0.__
8 per cent bonds, Funding Act, February 5, 1840 . . .
8 per cent Treasury bonds, Funding Act, Feb. 5, 1840
10 per cent Treasury Notes, Act June 7, 1837,1st issue
10 per cent Treasury Notes, Act June 7, 1837, 2d issue
Treasury Notes, without int., Act June 19,1839, 3d issue

Ostensible
principal of
each class.

oo
50

so

Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance.

Interest has been calculated on all the above liabilities issued to bear interest from
their respective dates of issue, or from the date of the last payment of interest to 1st
July, 1850, except on the first and second issues of Treasury Notes, on which interest
is computed only to 1st January, 1841, as it is considered that interest ceased to run
at that time on those two classes of securities under the laws o f Texas.
Of the 8 and 10 per cent bonds entered in the above statement, the State has paid
1298,065 85, principal and interest, which sum under the Texas creditor’s bill recently
passed by Congress, would be refunded to the State.

CONDITION OF THE NEW ORLEANS BANKS.
W e have compiled from the official statement the subjoined table showing the con­
dition of the banks in New Orleans for the weeks ending Saturday, May 19 and June
2, 1855; also a comparative statement for the four weeks ending June 2, 1855 :—
ACTIVE MOVEMENT----LIABILITIES.
may

Banks.
Bank o f Louisiana.

Louisiana State . .
Canal....................
Citizens’ ................
Mech. <k Traders’ .
Union.....................
Southern...............
Bank o f N. Orleans

Circulation.

19, 1855.

jcn e

2, 1855.

Due distant
Due distant
Deposits. & local banks. Circulation. D ep osits.& localb’ ks.

$976,904 $2,641,345 $611,479
1,144,715 2,985,725 501,358
984,000
1,018,261 216,683
2,094,870
3,116,367
80,308
354,890
872,333
40,841
648,300
739,399 150,289
263,705
247,754
1,200
549,620
729,039
46,773

$938,889 $2,578,658 $534,711
1‘,090,435 2,944,718 443,514
987,795 1,033,363 236,947
2,174,495 2,989,844 119,939
355,815
772,969
49,300
596,925
541,627 133,807
240,790
197,711
1,200
538,790
755,834
80,583

Total.............. $7,017,004 12,350,223 1,648,331 $6,896,319 11,814,725 1,651,006
RESOURCES.

Specie.

90-day paper. Exchange.

Specie.

90-day paper. Exchange •

Bank of Louisiana. $1,960,150 $2,540,801 $717,302 $1,952,723 $2,565,974 $442,674
Louisiana State . .
1,837,376 3,560,798 128,777 1,710,095 3,479,661 162,458
Canal..................... 1,005,010 1,679,206 764,239
886,083 1,634,654 839,038
Citizens’ ........ ........ 1,887,548 3,478,532 752,126 1,736,130 3,449,189 746,670
Mech. * Traders’ .
426,433 1,148,008
69,126
870,439 1,096,768 48,946
431,142 727,927 510,952
249,154
671,590 440,386
U nion.......................
Southern...................
230,019 271,349 684,341
163,553
280,070 618,892
Bank o f N. Orleans
264.189 1,071,147 182,499
318,414 1,015,118 159,984
Total............. $8,128,024 14,477,768 3,809,352 $7,386,601 14,193,024 3,459,050
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT FOR FOUR WEEKS.

May 12.

May 19.

May 26.

June 2.

Specie................... $8,128,024 $8,041,867 *$86,157 $7,451,685 $7,386,601 *$155,080
Circulation......... 6,991,729 7,017,004 f 25,275 6,920,424 6,896,319 *24,105
Deposits.............. 12,669,666 12,350,223 *319,433 11,803,688 11,814,723
jll,0 3 7
Short loans......... 14,915,495 14,477,768 *438,727 14,382,817 14,193,024 *187,793
Exchange........... 4,065,062 3,809,362 *43,997 3,460,428 3,459,050
*1,378
Due distantb’nks 1,766,832 1,648,337
*2,763 1,579,707 1,551,006
*28,791
Long and short loans, May 19............... $20,653,487
Long and short loans, May 12............. 20,646,619
Total increase for the week. . .

$6,808

$21,100,337
20,947,824
$153,513

The decrease is signified by a (*,) and increase by (f.)
The deposits of gold at the Branch Mint at New Orleans for the month of May,
1855, amounted to $79,256, which was, with the exception of $2,222, from California
The silver deposits at that mint for the same month were $818,246, showing a total
of gold and silver of $897,502.




91

Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance.
DEBTS OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE STATES OF THE UNION.
[ f r o m THE CIRCULAR OF MARIE & K AN Z.]

Time.
November
March
December
Nevember
December
December
December
December
September
January
December
November
December
December
January
December
October
October

States.
30, 1854.. . . United States . . .
1855.. . . Alabam a.............
31, 1854. . . .California............
30, 1853..
81, 1854.. ..I llin o is .................
81, 1854.. . .Indiana................
81, 1854.. . .K entucky............
81, 1854.. . .Louisiana..............
30, 1853..
1 ,1 8 5 4 .. ..Massachusetts . .
31, 1854.. . .Michigan..............
1855 . . .Missouri...............
81, 1854.. . .New Y o r k ...........
81, 1854.. . .North Carolina.. .
1, 1854 . . .Ohio .....................
81, 1854.. . .Pennsylvania........
1, 1853.. . .Tennessee.............
1, 1854.. . . V irginia................

Debt.
Population.
. $44,975,456 23,191,876
4,671,000
774,622
1,284,143
264,435
2,801,982
906,185
. 13,994,615
851,470
6,893,139
988,416
6,067,283
982,405
. 12,459,350
517,762
. 15,132,909
583,034
6,853,730
994,514
2,531,545
597,654
3,052,000
682,044
. 25,250,000 3,097,394
2,928,663
869,039
1,980,329
. 14,239,857
. 40,084,915
2,811,786
5,746,856
1,002,717
1,421,661
. 22,474,177

Taxables.
79,233,027
56,982,320
354,425,174
137,818,079
290,418.140
300,000,000
444,131,512
261,243,660
573,342,285
59,787,255
137,247,707
1,268,666,190
226,800,472
693,396,348
581,731,304
201,246,886
465,542,179

The estimates of 1850, under the column of Taxable Property, are taken from the
census, and include property not taxed, a? well as that which is subject to taxation.
O hio . The State is at present redeeming $500,000 of the loan of 1856, at 103 per
cent.
P en nsylvania . Revenue from ordinary sources in 1854, $5,218,099. Expenses for
ordinary purposes, including interest, $4,116,744. The public works, which cost
$35,060,667, yielding no income to the State, the latter has authorized them to be sold
to the highest bidder, at a minimum of $7,000,000.
T ennessee . We have no later statement than the above (1st October, 1853.) The
State has further granted its credit to railroads to the extent of $10,000 per mile,
making probably an aggregate of $6,000,000.
V ir g in ia . The State has further guarantied $3,906,874, of City Canal and other
securities. The State owns $25,853,732 of stock, which yield an income equivalent to
6 per cent on $10,280,449.
REM ARKS.

A

labam a .

This debt is being rapidly reduced, under the operations of the Sinking

Fund.
G eorgia . No report has been made later than November 30, 1853. The debt has
not been increased since then.
I llin ois . The debt, during the last two years, has been reduced $2,750,038. The
Governor states that it will, no doubt, be entirely liquidated before ten years. The
proceeds of a special tax is applied to the back interest; the proceeds of the sales of
certain public lands, to the redemption of the principal.
I ndian a . The debt comprises $6,040,000 of 5 per cents, and $1,763,139 of 2J per
cents.
K entucky . The public works, costing $5,484,740, yielded an income in 1853 of
$460,289.
L ouisiana . Amount of debt bought in by the Sinking Fund in 1854, $93,000.
M a r yla n d . From this sum, the $3,178,637 lying in the Sinking Fund is to be de­
ducted.
M assachusetts. The State owns $13,965,105 of productive property; $2,077,796
unproductive real estate; and $5,049,556 mortgages on railroads.
M ich igan . The Governor recommends the application of the present surplus on
hand of $553,003 to the redemption of certain bonds, redeemable at the pleasure of
the State.
M issouri. The State has further lent its credit to railroads for $5,800,000.
N e w Y o r k . The canals, which have cost $40,000,000, yield a revenue equal to 6
per cent on $50,000,000.
N orth C ar olin a . The debt will be increased $1,000,000 by the loan to bid for on
the 14th inst., and $2,000,000 more in the course of 1855-56.




92

Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance.
VALUE OF PROPERTY, REAL AND PERSONAL, IN CONNECTICUT.

The assessed value of property in the State of Connecticut on the first day o f Oc­
tober, 1853 and 1854, is exhibited in the annexed table. Railroad stock and some
bank and insurance stock, amounting to about thirty millions of dollars, are not in­
cluded, as they pay taxes directly to the State:—
ASSESSED VALUE OF PRO PE RTY IN CONNECTICUT.

1851
Total amount of property..................................................
Total amount of polls.........................................................
Total amount of assessments............................................
Dwelling houses, number of..............................................
Dw elling houses..................................................................
Land.......................................................................................
Mills, stores, <fec...................................................................
Farming utensils.................................................................
Piano-fortes and other musical instruments...................
Household furniture...........................................................
Quarries, fisheries, die..........................................................
Bridge, turnpike stock.........................................................
Bank, insurance, and manufacturing stock.....................
State, canal, Ac., stock.........................................................
Railroad, city and other bonds...........................................
Amount employed in merchandise....................................
Amount employed in manufacturing operations.............
Amount employed in vessels andCommerce...................
Money at interest.................................................................
Money on hand.....................................................................
Horses, & c ............................................................................
Neat cattle.............................................................................
Sheep, swine, <Stc.................................................................
Coaches, pleasure-wagons, &c............................................
Other taxable property.......................................................

1854.

$194,141,867 $202,039,831
676,950
681,464
6,531,435
6,819,191
60,378
61,267
53,972,772
56,852,707
67,490,822
56,594,958
12,915,281
14,113,493
98,054
224,848
250,446
303,911
1,177,289
1,198,811
929,581
651,097
252,546
305,888
17,685,481
14,108,980
386,908
828,315
1,896,666
1,978,511
6,918,981
6,654,025
10,293,207
9,673,743
3,382,804
3,288,182
15,877,189
16,164,438
885,463
529,185
2,157,868
2,328,263
4,789,145
4,150,921
308,320
255,456
821,102
887,275
6,587,442
6,988,712

TRANSACTIONS OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND.
The annual accounts presented to Parliament pursuant to the Acts 26, 48, and 59,
George III., have just been published. They show that the amount of all exchequer
bills, treasury-bills, or other government securities which were purchased by the gov­
ernor and company o f the Bank of England, or on which any sums were lent or ad­
vanced by the said Bank of England, during the year ended the 5tli of January, 1855,
included the following sums— viz., in the quarter ending on the 5th of April, 1854,
£3,711,201; in the quarter ended the 4th o f July, £790,000; in the same quarter,
£5,852,048 ; in the quarter ending on the 10th of October, £500,00; in the same
quarter, £4,029,289 ; and in the quarter ending the 5th of January, 1855, £2,460,582.
A ll these advances were made on the growing produce of the Consolidated Fund.
There were also advanced on exchequer bills two sums of £1,750,000 and £300,450.
A ll these amounts were paid off during the year, except, £235,900, which remained
undischarged in the hands of the Bank on the 5th of January last. The balances
issued for the payment of dividends due and not demanded, and the payment of lotery prizes or benefits not claimed, amounted as follows— viz., on the 6th o f April,
1854, to £1,099,209, of which £990,958 was advanced to Government; on the 5th of
July to £1,079,164, of which £979,164 was advanced to Government; on the 10th of
October to £1,013,293, of which £913,293 was advanced to Government; and on the
5th of January, 1855; £1,066,081, of which £913,293 (the same sum as in the prece­
ding quarter) was advanced to the government. The sums left in the Bank of Eng­
land consequently amounted on the above-named quarter days to £108,256, £100,000,




Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance.

93

£100,000, and £152,788, respectively. An account of the receipt and expenditure of
the sum of £2,794,722 during the year 1854 by the commissioners for the reduction of
the national debt, shows that the greater portion of the receipts accrued from “ cash
received at sundry times from the Exchequer,” and that nearly all of this cash, or
£2,771,597, was expended in the purchase of exchequer-bills. The rest of the receipts
were appropriated to the purchase of £2,974 Consuls, and £24,921 Reduced Annuities
Consolidated. A supplementary return states that on the 16th of February, 1854,
Mr. Gladstone, the Chancelor of the Exchequer, applied to the Bank for advances on
Exchequer-bills, o f such sums as should not leave a larger amount of the said bills in
the hands of the Governor of the Bank than £1,000,000; and that on the 8th of June,
1854, a similar advance was requested to the amount of £750,000. Both requests
were complied with by the Court of Directors of the Bank of England.

THE DEBTS OF CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES,
The following table shows at a glance the debts, population, and value of taxable
property in several of the largest cities in the Union. It is believed to be nearly
correct:—
City.
Debt.
New York, Jan. 1, 1855............. $13,960,856
Albany, May 1 ..........................
2,632,016
Baltimore, Jan. 1 ....................... 11,672,8S9
Boston, Jan. 1 ............................
7,779,855
Brooklyn, Jan. 1 .......................
1,284,540
Cincinnati, March, 1854 ...........
2,929,000
Cleveland, June, 1855 .............
720,000
Chicago, Feb...............................
728,000
Detroit, June 1 2 .......................
817,624
Jersey City, May.......................
700,000
Louisville, March 9 ...................
1,137,000
Milwaukie, March.....................
1,031,550
New Orleans, April 1............... 12,147,262
Philadelphia, Jan....................... 19,870,035
Pittsburgh, Jan. 1 .....................
2,935,794
St. Louis, May 1 ........................
3,905,096
Sacramento, April 5 .................
1,480,536
San Francisco, Jan. 1 ...............
1,509,000
Wheeling, Jan. 1 .......................
1,215,951

Population.
Taxable value
1865. . 700,000 1 8 6 4 .. $462,285,790
1855. . 60,000 1 8 5 4 ..
21,506,261
1855. . 200,000 1 8 5 0 ..
80,237,960
1855. . 160,000 1 8 5 4 ..
207,013,200
1855. . 200,000 1 8 5 4 ..
88,923,685
1855. . 150,000 1 8 5 4 ..
40,000,000
1853. . 31,000 1 8 5 3 ..
18,510,779
1855. . 80,000 1 8 5 4 ..
24,392,039
1854. . 40,373 1 8 5 4 ..
12,518,115
1854. . 20,989 1 8 5 4 ..
12,373,285
1854. . 70,000 1 8 5 4 ..
35,000,000
1854. . 35,000 1 8 5 4 ..
4,700,000
1855. . 160,000 18 54.,.
72,247,420
1854. . 500,000 1 8 5 4 ..
155,260,000
1854. . 62,000
1855. . 115,000 18 54..
51,223,859
1852. . 10,000 1 8 5 4 ..
9,000,000
1854. . 34,776 1 8 5 4 ..
34,296,195
1855. . 14,136

BELL’S PHILOSOPHY OF JOINT-STOCK BANKING.
It will be seen by the following extract from a review in the London E c o n o m is t ,
that G. M. B e l l , Esq., (a name favorably known to the readers of the M erch a n ts'
M a g a zin e ,) has published a new edition of his treatise on the “ Philosophy of JointStock Banking.” In reviewing the work, the E con om ist justly remarks:—
“ It states nearly all that a book can state on the subject; for, after ingenuity has
exhausted itself in describing all the possible cases that ihe manager of a joint-stock
bank has to consider, there are always new circumstances arising which the motherwit of the manager must decide for himself. For them the ‘ file affords no precedent.’
Correctly and emphatically does Mr. Bell say, ‘ that the entire security of the whole
system of banking rests on this one word— managemen t .’ Banking, however, is not
in this respect singular. A ll business depends on management, and even when it is
precribed by an act of Parliament, there must still be management to adapt it to cir­
cumstances as well as the act. The direction of an act is really adding to all the diffi­
culties of a business the difficulty of knowing what the act prescribes, and conducting
the business accordingly. Mr. Bell is an enlightened advocate of perfect free trade in
banking; and we presume all men are by this time convinced that no folly or pre­
sumption is greater than that of ignorant legislators pretending to regulate a business
which those who carry it on have in a great measure yet to learn.”




Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance.

94

GOLD AND SPECIE RECEIVED UV ENGLAND IN 1854.
According to U era p a th ’s (London) J ourn al , the following are the net arrivals of
gold and specie; that is, the excesses of the published arrivals over the departures
for the past year 1854, up to the 30th December:—Total for the year, £21,400,133.
This is exclusive of sums brought and sent away by private individuals, loans, Ac.
In the following table, which has cost no little labor, from its size, to compile, the im­
ports of the precious metals are apportioned to the countries from which they were
shipped. It should be observed that these are the imports, irrespective of exports to
them or any other places. Imports are not included which are trifling in amount, or
from places which send us but little gold. It the last column, under the head of
South America, Pacific, Ac., is included £253,000 from the East Indies, £380,000 from
Mexico, and £40,000 from Russia:—

Total................................

United States.

Australia.

West indies.

South America,
Pacific. &.c.

£8,604,760

£9,428,880

£4,346,510

£1,573,130

“ This table shows that we have had nearly as much of the precious metals from the
United States as from Australia, and about half as much from our West India colo­
nies as from America. The balance of trade, therefore, has been greatly in our favor
from all three places. But it is a remarkable fact that our unbalanced exports from
America, if the payments were at all of short date, were much greater during the
last, than the first six months of 1854, that is during the wilder part of the American
mania. In December, however, the returns of gold fell off to less than half the aver­
age of the preceding five months, no doubt owing to the rupture of American credit,
and the fear of our merchants to export. The Australian trade, measured by a simi­
lar rule, showed much more done in the first half of 1854 than in the last, which is
easily accounted for by the markets being glutted by our wild exportations to that
colony.
“ It is here worthy of remark that, according to the gold returns, the unbalinced
exports— which are usually, though not always truly, considered a measure of our ad­
vantage by the trade'—are only about one-sixth to South America, the Pacific, Ac., of
what they are to our Australian colonies.”

COMMERCE AND FINANCES OF RUSSIA.
Some elaborate tables have just been published by the statistical department of the
British Board of Trade, conveying all the latest information obtained regarding the
commerce and finances of Russia. From these it appears that in 1852 the public debt
of the empire, domestic and foreign, was £63,185,308. In the same year the revenue
from customs and excise duties was £4,924,608. As regards the general revenue, the
amount is not given for a later period than 1849, when, exclusive of Poland and Fin­
land, it was £24,794,735, of which £7,275,458 was from direct taxes, £7,745,110 from
indirect taxes, and £9,774,167 from the brandy monopoly. Under the head o f shipping,
the tables show that the total of vessels entered at Russian ports in 1852 was 8,615^
of an aggregate burden of 1,570,645 tons, more than half of which were to the ports
in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azotf. The total clearances were 8,407 vessels, of
1,620,160 tons. Of this trade fully a fourth was carried on in British ships, Turkish^
Greek, Swedish, Sardinian, Dutch, Austrian, Prussian, and Danish, coming next in
order. The most important of any single port is Odessa, where the arrivals in 1853
amounted to 589,178 tons, while the value of the cargoes shipped, and which consist­
ed ^principally of grain, was £5,627,500, or about 150 per cent above their amount in
1851.




Commercial Statistics.

95

NEW BANKING LAW OF INDIANA.
All banks are prohibited from issuing more than one-twentieth of their bill circula­
tion in denominations under five dollars. No bank can reissue the bills of the banks
of other States. The majority of the stock of any bank must be owned by resident
citizens o f the State. The stocks allowed to be taken by the auditor as securities for
the issued bills, are “ such as form any portion of the public debt now created, or here­
after to be created, the United States or by that State, and chargeable on the treas­
ury, or such other States of the Union as pay interest semi-annually, or at any less
period, on their public debts; but such debts shall, in all cases, be, or be made to be
equal to a stock producing six per cent per annum ; and it shall not be lawful for the
treasurer to take any stock at any rate above its par value, nor its market value.”
The thirty-day notice of the old law, after suspension of payments, before the bank
can be wound up, is abolished, and the auditor is compelled to proceed to redeem the
bills of a suspended bank immediately after he shall have given notice to the. bank
which he is bound to give on evidence of any default in specie payments. Banks can
only be organized in towns having one thousand inhabitants and can only carry on
business at their respective locations. The owDer9 of banks have to prove that they
aie possessed of unincumbered taxable property in the State, subject to execution.

THE RATES OF INTEREST IN LOUISIANA.
We give below the several sections of a bill passed at the late session of the Legis­
lature of Louisiana, and approved by the Governor March 15th, 1855:—
S ection 1. That all debts shall bear interest at the rate of five per cent, from the
time they become due, unless otherwise stipulated,
S ec . 2. Ghat article two thousand eight hundred and ninety-five of the Civil Code
shall be so amended that the amount of conventional interest shall in no case exceed
eight per cent under pain of forfeiture of the entire interest so contracted.
S ec. 3. That if any person hereafter shall pay on any contract a higher rate of in­
terest than the above, as discount or otherwise, the same may be sued for and recov­
ered within twelve months from the time of such payment.
S ec. 4. That all laws contrary to the provisions of this act, and all laws on the
same subject matter, except what is contained in the Civil Code and Code of Practice,
be repealed.

COMMERCIAL STATISTICS.
STATISTICS OF THE WHALE FISHERY.
According to the annual statement of the New Bedford S h ip p in g L i s t , there was
imported into the United States in 1854 of sperm oil, 76,096 barrels; whale oil,
SI9,837 barrels, and o f whalebone, 3,445,200 pounds. The import of oil and bone
for each year from 1841 to 1854 has been as follows.—
Sperm oil, Whale oil.
bbls.
bbls.

1853 ___
1852 ___
1 8 5 1 ___
1850 ___
1849 ___
1848 ___
1847 ___

103,077
78,872
99,591
92,892
100,944
107,976
120,573




260,114
84,211
328,483
200,608
248,492
280,656
313,150

Bone,
lbs.

5,652,300
1,259,900
3,916,500
2,869,200
2,281,100
2,003,000
3,341,6S0

Sperm oil, Whale oil,
bbls.
bbls.

1846
1845
1844
1843
1842
1841

..
..
..
..
..
..

.
.
.
.
.
.

95,217
157,917
139,594
160,985
165,637
159,304

207,493
272,730
262,047
206,727
161,011
207,348

Bone,.
lbs.

2,276,939
3,167,143
2,532,445
2,000,000
1,600,000
2,000,000

Commercial Statistics.

96

VALUE OF EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF UNITED STATES.
The following table, compiled from the report of the Register of the Treasury, ex­
hibits the total yalue of exports to, and imports from each foreign country ; also the
value of the domestic produce, and of the foreign produce exported to each foreign
country during the year ending June 30th, 1854 : —
-E X P O R T S .- ---------------------^

Domestic
Countries.
produce.
Russia.........................................
$335,521
...............
Prussia........................................
Sweden and Norway.................
1,086,602
12,741
Swedish West Indies.................
D enm ark....................................
87,870
Danish West Indies...................
928,924
2,255.519
H am burg....................................
Bremen........................................
8,386,077
Holland.......................................
2,299,710
Dutch East Irdies.....................
109,203
Dutch West Indies....................
371,380
Dutch Guiana............................
53,745
Belgium ......................................
3,848,890
England...................................... 135,111,708
Scotland......................................
3,097,662
Ireland.........................................
1,006,017
G ibraltar....................................
446,445
M alta..........................................
148,528
Hanover..................... ................
...............
British East In dies...................
667,193
Cape of Good Hope..................
292,628
British Honduras.......................
203,913
British G uiana...........................
718,096
4,756,398
British West Indies...................
British American Colonies . . . .
4,693,771
10,510,373
Canada.........................................
Australia.....................................
2,999,635
Falkland Islands................... ....
...............
Other British possessions..........
...............
France on the Atlantic.............
29,749,466
France on the Mediterranean..
1,218,786
French West Indies.......... .
551,525
French Guiana...........................
100,148
French possessions in Africa . .
...............
Spain on the Atlantic................
1,390,348
Spain on the Mediterranean.. .
3,212,368
Teneriffe & other Canaries........
19,613
Manilla <Si Philippine Islands..
27,852
Cuba.............................................
8,228,116
Other Spanish West Indies . . .
990,886
Portugal......................................
127,150
M adeira......................................
47,708
Fayal and other Azores............
10,030
Cape de Verdes.........................
30,037
I ta ly ............................................
1,586,327
Sicily...........................................
246,151
Sardinia......................................
188,305
Tuscany.......................................
11,735
Trieste As other Austrian ports.
1,697,319
T u rk ey........................................
219,496
H a y ti..........................................
1,880,187
M exico........................................
2,091,870
Central Republic of America
250,539
New Grenada............................
855,254




Foreign
produce.
$145,095

23,547
84,026
618,761
825,901
142,956
75,573
22,065
7,678
1,168,004
5,563,631
190,336
86,485
81,327
21,245

Total.
$480,616
...
..
1,124,926
12,741
111,417
962,950
2,874,280
9,211,978
2,442,666
184,776
393,445
61,423
5,006,894
140,675,339
3,287,998
1,092,502
527,772
169,773

Value of
imports.
$1,544,235
47,773
515,178
22,590
8,097
286,044
2,322,971
14,643,927
1,695,970
1,041,609
534,978
104,236
3,462,241
140,388,733
5,820,469
229,335
59,673
83,695

69,219
7,330
58,728
1,153
153,277
2,572,383
6,790,333
149,444

636,412
299,958
262,641
719,249
4,909,675
7,266,164
17,300,706
3,149,079

5,378,321
448,903
288,954
47,489
1,126,417
2,206,021
6,721,539
214,202

978,355
201,374
60,502
685

30,727,821
1,420,160
612,027
100,833

4,344
32,892,021
2,889,372
161,085
29,618

1,390,348
3,243,408
20,417
74,502
8,551,752
1,051,883
150,865
47,708
10,470
32,245
1,751,766
260,051
190,325
48,767
1,903,609
325,198
2,209,725
3,135,486
308,884
937,306

538,504
1,579,074
39,598
2,965,282
17,124,339
2,850,353
243,592
80,007
21,584
8,985
971,728
959,300
85,676
1,152,717
741,919
803,114
2,357,262
3,463,190
2,360,422
1,478,520

39,324

31,040
804
46,650
323,636
60,997
23,715
440
2,208
165,439
13,900
2 ,0 2 0

37,032
206,290
105,702
329,538
1,04 3,616
58,315
82,052

91

Commercial Statistics.
f------------------ ---- EXPORTS.-

Countries.
Venezuela....................................
Brazil ........................................
Oriental Republic of Uruguay.
Argentine Republic..................
Chili............................................
Peru.............................................
China..........................................
West Indies generally.............
Europe generally......................
Asia generally...........................
Liberia........................................
Africa generally.......................
South America generally.........
South Sea Islands.....................
Ecuador ......................................
Pontifical States.......................
Greenland..................................
Pacific Ocean.............................
Atlantic Ocean..........................
Indian Ocean..............................
Japan...........................................
Sandwich Islands.....................
Northwest Coast.........................
Uncertain places.......................

Total

Foreign
produce.
69,279
192,384
62,102
103,005
250,929
33,448
104,163

Domestic
produce.
1,131,604
4,046,857
450,855
658,720
1,942,330
651,707
1,293,926
157,049
5,050

Value of
imports.
3,072,649
14,110,387
457,179
2,144,971
3,332,167
1,005,406
10,506,329

200

Total.
1,200,883
4,239,241
512,957
761,725
2,193,259
685,155
1,398,088
157,049
5,050
200

1,716,924
47,241
886,779

88,048
109,308
66,036

1,804,972
156,549
952,815

1,386,560
235,693
10,103
57,534

................

1,560

1,560

60

................

55,891

55,891

119,130

60,730

f 252,047,806 §23,748,514 §275,796,320 §301,494,094

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN TONNAGE ENTERED AND CLEARED THE U. STATES
A STATISTICAL VIEW OF THE TONNAGE OF AMERICAN AND FOREIGN VESSELS ARRIVING
FROM, AND DEPARTING TO EACH FOREIGN COUNTRY, DURING THE YEAR ENDING JUNE

30, 1854:—
/ -------

Countries.
Russia.........................................
Prussia.......................................
Sweden and N o rw a y .............
Swedish West Indies...............
Denmark ...................................
Danish West Indies ...............
H am burg..................................
B rem en.....................................
H ollan d....................................
Dutch East Indies...................
Dutch West Iudies.................
Dutch Guiana...........................
B rlg iu m .................................. ..................
E ngland....................................
Scotland...................................
Ireland.....................................
G ibraltar.................................
Malta.........................................
H anover..................... ............
British East Indies.................
Cape of Good H o p e .............
British H on d u ra s......................
British Guiana - .....................
British West Indies...............
British American colonies . .

Canada .................................
VOL. X X X III.-----NO. I.




AMERICAN.--------^

Entered.
11,487
519
4,747
1,168
....
12,749
8,423
34,661
10,830
8,545
15,166
4,899
36,480
826,359
30,856
3,781
197
581

Cleared.
3,891
....
4,731
367
714
22,846
5,717
18,048
15,204
3,638
7,920
2,927
42,532
S58,970
22,018
9,120
12,189
3,197

56,664
2,887
5,076
5,129
56,955
121,105
867,489

45,812
3,869
4,189
12,131
97,389
295,781
880,941

1

, --------FOREIGN.-

Entered.
945
5,623
567
6,992
35,014
129,576
8,865
441
4,808
....
13,217
482,122
86,895
26,037
862
628
1,379
477
2,821
1,172
40,762
358,460
674,188

Cleared.
1,485
295
4,896
1,894
7,984
28,968
74,252
15,004
4,313
690
130
11,171
438,246
23,003
14,432
624
302

685
381
3,537
3,161
39,678
537,309
648,239

98

Commercial Statistics.

Countries.
Australia...............................................
Falkland Islands..................................
Other British possessions...................
France on the A tlantic.....................
France on the Mediterranean..............
French West Indies..............................
French G uiana.....................................
French possessions in A frica ..............
Spain on the Atlantic .......................
Spain on the Mediterranean...............
Teneriffe and other Canaries...............
Manilla and Philippine Islands..........
C u b a ....................................................... . . .
Other Spanish West Indies.................
Portu gal...............................................
M adeira..................................................
Fayal and other A z o r e s .....................
Cape de V erd es....................................
I t a ly ......................................................
S ic ily .....................................................
Sardinia ................................................
Tuscany..................................................
Trieste and other Austrian ports . . .
T u rk e y ......................... '........................
H ayti......................................................
M exico...................................................
Central A m erica..................................
Hew Grenada........................................
Venezuela..............................................
B ra zil.....................................................
Oriental Republic of Uruguay...........
Argentine Republic..............................
C h ili.......................................................
Peru .........................................................
C h ina.....................................................
West Indies generally.........................
Europe generally..................................
Asia generally..................................
Liberia...................................................
Africa generally....................................
South America generally...................
South Sea Islands................................
Ecuador............... ...............................
Pontifical States............... ...................
Greenland..............................................
Pacific O cean........................................
Atlantic Ocean.....................................
Indian O cean..........................................
Japan......................................................
Sandwich Islands..................................
Northwest Coast..................................
Uncertain p la ce s.................................
Total...................................................

,------AMERICAN.-----Entered.
Cleared.
39,421
255
105
....

215,482
17,666
990
8,451
13,740
22,614
467,356
52,228
1,154

24,190
590
1,791
10,018
37,569
16,616
3,449
19,403

12,932

2,082

212,324
17,728
13,676
2,234
8,940
12,140
1,046
16,798
398,049
31,014
2,866
821
560
4,391
....
3,862
10,688
2,386
13,015
3,948
38,245
29,758
85,314
170,460
12,263
60,348
17,892
8,526
22,371
121,825
68,658

,----- FOREIGN.------ \
Entered. Cleared.
3,794
4,989
216
....
....
23,882
14,925
3,166
7,951
5,325
6,097
....
1,966
11,750
399
1,935
42,182
8,710
5,012
536
124
....
....
15,357
2,198
4,819
1,941
6,031
8,t505
1,467
1,950
3,893
14,612
531
1,669
22,316
21,322
19,230

131
3,164
37,224
843
25,188
8,528
5,094
286
463
....
....
3,713
2,246
387
6,401
569
4,797
15,173
3,499
1,164
4,074
2,829
1,751
1,830
22,403
36,685
18,547

....

....

....

....

....
....

....

639
18,572
700
3,487
409
48,449
6,412
3,814
500
19,835
2,862

1,361
....
2,097
255
....
1,078
....
....
1,451
4,408

....
1,709
....
536
192
....
....
2,111
....
....
1,417
6,092

3,911,392 2,132,224 2,107,802

BRITISH EXCISE RETURNS IN 1853 AND 1854.
The excise statements for the year have also been issued, and the subjoined table
exhibits the quantities o f each article charged with duty in the United Kingdom du­
ring that period as compared with 1853, and also the quantities retained for home
consumption. Paper continues to show an increase, caused by a further improvement




99

Commercial Statistics.

in the export demand. In spirits, likewise, there has been a considerable augmenta­
tion, with an increased home consumption. The small quantities o f sugar which ap­
pear in the list consist of that made by the Irish Beet Company:—
Quantities charged with duty.

1851
Hops.................... lbs.
Malt................. bush.
Paper.................. lbs.
Spirits............. galls.
S u g a r.............. cwts.

1854. '

31,751,693
42,039,748
177,633,009
25,423,444
1,538

9,877,126
36,819,554
177,896,224
26,148,511
2,204

Quantities retained for home
consumption.

1SS1

1854.

30,949,590
41,992,178
164,336,135
25,021,317
1,538

9,291.958
36,812,727
161,784,204
25,883,584
2,204

IMPORT AND EXPORT OF WOOL IN GREAT BRITAIN,
The subjoined statement of the import and export of foreign and colonial wool for
the years ending on the 5th of January, 1853, 1854, and 1855, is derived from the
circular of J. T. Simes & Co., of the 3d of March, 1855:—
IMPORTS.

1854.

1855.

Colonial.......................... ..................... lbs.
F oreign .........................

57,529,405

1851.

67,062,095
60,186,087

70,785,545
34,068,987

T o ta l..................... ...........................

91,692,864

117,248,182

104,854,482

EXPORTS.

1851.

185 4.

1855.

Colonial..........................
F oreign ......................... ...........................

3,911,690

8,460,209
3,236,795

16,940,858
7,526,426

T o ta l..................... ...........................

11,266,939

11,697,004

24,467,284

The export of British wool (in pounds) during the three years ending as above
was in—
1858.

185 4.

13,919,277

6,734,129

1855.

12,988,939

The consumption o f wool, of late years, has increased very rapidly in England and
the continent. The British woolen manufacture now stands next to the cotton manu­
facture, and employs one hundred and fifty millions of dollars of British capital; and
the product forms more than a fourth part of British textile manufactures. Down to
1814, the British imported forty millions of pounds of wool, mostly from Spain; they
then procured it from Germany; and within a few years immense supplies have been
derived from Australia. It was predicted and feared that the gold discoveries would
diminish the product in this country, but this has not been the case. Here are the ex­
ports from Australia in 1851 and 1853 ;—
1851.

1 85 1.

Western Australia............................................... ,lbs.
South Australia...........................................................
New South Wales.......................................................
Victoria.........................................................................
Van Dieman’s L a n d ...................................................
New Zealand................................................................

368,595
3,395,603
14,772,112
17,269,521
5,198,083
809,203

24,059
3,339,743
16,674,933
20,822,692
5,514,756
690,730

T o ta l.................................................................

41,810,117

47,075,694

But the war of last year has diminished the product of the continent; and in Great
Britain there has been a falling off of 50,000 bales in the import. At this time France
is the largest market in the world for wool. She uses sixty millions o f dollars’ worth
annually, and is largely increasing her exports. The Zollverein and Belgium use fifty
millions o f dollars’ worth.




STATEMENT EXHIBITING THE COMMERCE OF EACH STATE AND TERRITORY FROM JULY 1, 1853, TO JUNE 30, 1854.
,--------------------------------------------------------------------------- V. A L U E O F E X P O R T S . ----------------------------------------------------------/------------------- D O M E S T I C P R O D U C E . -------------------- n
t----------------- F O R E I G N P R O D U C E . ------------------- »
States.

Maine. ...........
N. Hampshire .
Verm ont..........
Massachusetts .
Rhode Island.. .
Connecticut . . .
New York........
New Jersey.. . .
Pennsylvania . .
Maryland..........
Virginia............
North Carolina.
South Carolina.
Georgia............
Florida..............
Alabama...........
Louisiana..........
Mississippi........
O h io ..................

Michigan..........
Illin ois.............
Texas ...............
California.........
Oregon..............
W isconsin........

In American
vessels.
§1,851,852
310,018
9,916,532
422,642
720,925
77,504,476
7,739,874
80,920
8,118,046
87,992
3,096^601
271,463
7,780,928
2,286,869
3,057,856
7,265,550
43,428,747
442,518
225,455
254,793
504,036
720,342
41,314
30,464

In foreign
vessels.
§78,179
913
7,979,206
3,404
382
28,047,264
2,225
2,106,936
3,537,204
1,655,617
120,434
4,201,380
2,520,806
906,841
6,650,062
17,227,840

Total.
§6,930,031
913
310,078
17,895,738
426,046
721,307
105,551,740
2,225
9,846,810
80,920
11,655,250
37,992
4,752,218
391,897
11,982,308
4.807,675
3,964,697
13,911,612
60,656,587

300,486

743,004

179,726
42,253
258,412
120,570
1,393

405,181
297,046
762,448
840,912
42,707
30,640

In American
vessels.
§407,851

In foreign
vessels
§251,159
118

1,185,166
2,270,918
13,935
18,268
10,282,137

6,700,766

Total.
§659,010
118
1,135,166
3,542,766
13,935
18,268
16,982,906

186,372

71,234

257,606

110,101

17,284

127,382

680

1,250

1,930

700

12,708
700

90,039

275,265

1,271,848

12,708

185,226

1,580

1,580

551,901
45,030
120

29,314

29,314

100
92,709

552,001
137,739
120

Minnesota........




176,100,273 §75,947,533 §253,390,870 §15,521,993

N

,

------------------V A L U E

434,495
297,046
1,314,449
978,651
42,827
30,464

204,286
71,421
125,480
2,015,377
45,641
740

1,101,680

1,343,064

T ota l...’ ___

'

Total American
and foreign
In American
produce.
vessels.
§2,589,041
§1,038,857
1,031
27,257
1,445,244
337,279
21,438,504
30,141,034
439,981
308,755
739,575
546,970
122,534,646 145,750,943
2,225
685
10,104,416
12,991,511
80,920
11,782,632
6,031,192
37,992
48,108
722,129
4,754,148
214,860
391,897
11,995,016
1,392,953
183,996
4,808,375
3,964,697
16,522
13,911,612
137,828
60,931,852
12,454,089
14,386
556^974
744,584

§8,526,521

§24,850,194 §275,796,320 §215,376,273

O F I M P O E ITS.------------------\

In foreign
vessels.
§1,323,043
7,248
18,422,754
129,217
16,007
49,676,990
3,286
8,367,795
756,360
554,087
97,773
318,432
152,955
12,447
587,782
1,968,065
233,108

7,923
105,943
3,324,037
48,932
3,533
104

Total.
§2,361,900
34,505
837,279
48,563,788
437,972
562,977
195,427,933
3,971
21,359,306
6,787,552
48,108
1,276^216
812,633
1,711,385
386,951
28,969
725,610
14,422,154
11,386
790^082
204,286
79,344
231,423
5,339,414
48,932
49,174
844
3,068,287

$86,117,821 §304,662,381

101

Commercial Statistics.
TRADE AND COMMERCE OF THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.
W. G ood ale , Collector General of Customs, publishes in the
tables of statistics for the year 1854:—

P o ly n e s ia n

1858— Value of goods imported..............................................................
1854— Value of goods exported..............................................................
Domestic exports in 1853.........................................................................
Domestic exports in 1854. .......................................................................
Number of national vessels at Honolulu, 1853 ....................................
Number of national vessels at Honolulu, 1854 ....................................
Number of merchant vessels, 1853.........................................................
Number of merchant vessels, 1854.........................................................
Number of whaling vessels, 1853............................................................
Number of whaling vessels, 1854............................................................
Gallons of spirits and wines for consumption, 1853 ...........................
Gallons of spirits and wines for consumption, 1854 ..........................
Revenue from spirits, 1853 .......................................................................
Revenue from spirits, 1854............

his official

$1,160,855
1,265,022
281,599
274,029

18
71
17
70
10
25
211
148
533
625
18,203
17,537
$70,209 68
65,965 87

The total quantity of oil and bone transhipped was as follows:—
Sperm oil....................... galls.
Whale oil.................................

156,484 I B on e................................ lbs.
1,683,922 |

1,479,678

The above was all shipped to the United States, except about 35,000 gallons whale
oil and 47,000 pounds bone, shipped to Bremen and Havre.

COTTON AND SLAVE STATISTICS.
The Baltimore

A m e r ic a n

says:—

The South-w estern N ew s makes up from the census reports some very important
statistics, peculiarly interesting to the cotton growing and slave States, South Carolina,
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas. The whole
area is 662,185 square miles, of which 21,675,682 acres are improved land. The whole
number of slaves is 1,798,768, whose average rate of increase for the last ten years is
54.46 per cent. The number of bales of cotton made is 2,204,521, averaging 1.197
bales per thousand slaves. Average number of acres of improved land per bale
is 10.12.
These statistical views are not limited to the present. The calculations are carried
forward forty years to 1890, with the following result:—
Actual number of slaves, according to the ratio of increase in the United States,
(28.97) 5,004,219. Actual number, according to the ratio of increase in the planting
States, (54.49) 10,295,962. Slave population demanded by the crop, 13,218,715.
Acres of improved land required, 160,102,539. Bales of cotton demanded by plant­
ing States, 15,820,400.

THE “ INDIAN CHIEF ” —A VETERAN SHIP.
A writer in the Norfolk H e ra ld , in noticing the arrival at Talchuana, February 10,
1855, of the ship In d ia n Chief,, Captain Fish, of New London, remarks:—
The above-named ship, In d ia n C h i e f is the same identical craft built by Mr. Porter,
in Portsmouth, Virginia, and launched in 1811— laid up at Broadway, in the Appo­
mattox, all the war, and began her first voyage to London in 1815, from which time
until 1819, (when she was sold to New York,) she was the pride of Virginia’s marine.
This noble ship was built for, and under the superintendence of, that noble old seaman,
Captain Edward Watson, of Norfolk, by whom she was commanded. Now, according
to my reckoning, this gallant old ship is forty-four years old, and she is still doing hard
service on the other side of the globe— still staunch, strong, and seaworthy. Only
two years ago her present owners represented her to the writer of this, as being, from
her model, soundness, and fine sea qualities, one of the best whaling ships in the Pa­
cific Ocean.




102

Commercial Regulations.
TRADE BETWEEN ENGLAND AND TURKEY.

The trade between Turkey and England has very considerably increased within the
last few years. One of the principal exports to England consists of grain, but it was
not until 1842 that the Turkish government permitted the shipment. Between that
year and 1848, the increase in the exports of Indian corn from Galatz was from
597,062 quarters to 1,270,745 quarters, or 110 per cent. The quantity of wheat ex­
ported from Ibraila during the same period increased from 667,909 quarters to
1,862,909 quarters, or 180 per cent. The increase in the exports of Indian corn from
the same port was from 224,810 quarters to 1,448,619 quarters, or 545 per cent. Some
opinion may be formed of the extent of the agricultural resources of Turkey, when
such results have been accomplished within the last few years.

COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS.
TREATY OF COMMERCE, ETC,, BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE
ARGENTINE CONFEDERATION,
The following treaty between the United States of America and the Argentine
Confederation was concluded and signed by their respective plenipotentiaries, at San
Jose, on the twenty seventh day of July, eighteen hundred and fifty-three, which
treaty being in the English and Spanish languages, (the English only being here pub­
lished,) is word for word as follows:—
TREATY OF FRIENDSHIP, COMMERCE, AND NAVIGATION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE
ARGENTINE CONFEDERATION.

Commercial intercourse having been for some time established between the United
States and the Argentine Confederation, it seems good for the security as well as the
encouragement of such commercial intercourse, and for the maintenance of good un­
derstanding between the two governments, that the relations now subsisting between
them should be regularly acknowledged and confirmed by the signing of a Treaty of
Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation. For this purpose they have nominated their
respect've plenipotentiaries—that is to say, the President of the United States, R ob ­
e r t C. S chenck , Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United
States to Brazil, and J ohn S. P endleton , Charge d’Affairs of the United States to the
Argentine Confederation, and his Excellency the Provisional Director of the Argentine
Confederation, Doctor Don S a lv ad or M a r ia d el C a r r il and Doctor Don J ose B en ­
ja m in G orostiaga —who, after having communicated to each other their full powers,
found m good and due form, have agreed upon the following articles:—
A rtic le 1. There shall be perpetual amity between the United States and their
citizens on the one part, and the Argentine Confederation and its citizens on the
other part.
A r t . 2. There shall be between all the territories of the United States and all the
territories of the Argentine Confederation a reciprocal freedom of Commerce. The
citizens of the two countries respectively shall have liberty, freely and securely, to
come with their ships and cargoes to all places, ports, and rivers in the territories of
either, to which other foreigners, or the ships or cargoes of any other foreign nation
or State, are or may be permitted to come; to enter into the same, and to remain and
reside in any part thereof, respectively; to hire and occupy houses and warehouses for
the purposes of their residence and Commerce; to trade in all kinds of produce, man­
ufactures, and merchandise of lawful Commerce; and generally to enjoy, in all their
business, the most complete protection and security, subject to the general laws and
usages of the two countries respectively. In like manner, the respective ships of war
and post-office or passenger packets of the two countries shall have liberty, freely and
securely, to come to all harbors, rivers, and places to which other foreign ships of war
and packets are or may be permitted to com e; to enter into the same; to anchor and
remain there and refit, subject always to the laws and usages of the two countries re­
spectively.
f




Commercial Regulations.

103

A r t . 3. The two high contracting parties agree that any favor, exemption, privilege,
or immunity whatever, in matters of Commerce or navigation, which either of them
has actually granted, or may hereafter grant, to the citizens or subjects of any other
government, nation, or State, shall extend in identity of cases and circumstances to
the citizens of the other contracting party gratuitously, if the concession in favor of
that other government, nation, or State shall have been gratuitous; or, in return for
an equivalent compensation, if the concession shall have been conditional.
A rt . 4. No higher or other duty shall be imposed on the importation into the terri­
tories of either of the two contracting parties of any article of the growth, produce,
or manufacture of the territories of the other contracting party than are or shall be
payable on the like article of any other foreign country; nor shall any other or higher
duties or charges be imposed in the territories of either of the contracting parties on
the exportation of any article to the territories of the other than such as are or shall
be payable on the exportation of the like article to any other foreign country; nor
shall any prohibition be imposed upon the importation or exportation of any article
o f the growth, produce, or manufacture of the territories of either of the contracting
parties, to or from the territories of the other, which shall not equally extend to the
like article of any other foreign country.
A rt . 5. No other or higher duties or charges on account of tonnage, light or harbor
dues, pilotage, salvage in case of average or shipwreck, or any other local charges,
shall be imposed in the ports of the two contracting parties on the vessels of the other
than those payable in the same ports on its own vessels.
A r t . 6. The same duties shall be paid and the same drawbacks aud bounties al­
lowed upon the importation or exportation of any article into or from the territories
of the United States, or into or from the territories of the Argentine Confederation,
whether such importation or exportation be made in vessels of the United States or
in vessels of the Argentine Confederation.
A rt . 7. The contracting parties agree to consider and treat as vessels of the United
States and of the Argentine Confederation all those which, being furnished by the
competent authority with a regular passport or sea-letter, shall, under the then exist­
ing laws and regulations of either of the two governments, be recognized fully and
bona fid e as national vessels by that country to which they respectively belong.
A r t . 8. A ll merchants, commanders of ships, and others, citizens of the United
States, shall have full liberty, in all the territories o f the Argentine Confederation, to
manage their own affairs themselves, or to commit them to the management of whom­
soever they please, as broker, factor, agent, or interpreter; nor shall they be obliged
to employ any other persons in those capacities than those employed by citizens of
the Argentine Confederation, nor to pay them any other salary or remuneration than
such as is paid in like cases by citizens of the Argentine Confederation; and absolute
freedom shall be allowed in all cases to the buyer and seller to bargain and fix the
price of any goods, wares, or merchandise imported into or exported from the Argen­
tine Confederation as they sLull see good, observing the laws and established customs
of the country. The same rights and privileges, in all respects, shall be enjoyed in
the territories of the United States by the citizens of the Argentine Confederation.
The citizens of the two contracting parties shall reciprocally receive and enjoy full
aud perfect protection for their persons and property, and shall have free and open
access to the courts of justice in the said countries respectively for the prosecution and
defense of their just rights, and they shall be at liberty to employ in all cases such
advocates, attorneys, or agents, as they may think proper; and they shall enjoy, in
this respect, the same rights and privileges therein as native citizens.
A rt . 9. In whatever relates to the police o f the ports, the lading and unlaoing of
ships, the safety of the merchandise, goods, and effects, and to the acquiring and dis­
posing of property of every sort and denomination, either by sale, donation, exchange,
testament, or in any other manner whatsoever, as also to the administration of justice,
the citizens of the two contracting parties shall reciprocally enjoy the same privileges,
liberties, and rights as native citizens; and they shall not be charged in any of those
respects with any higher imposts or duties than those which are paid or may be paid
by native citizens, submitting, of course, to the local laws and regulations of each
country respectively. I f any citizen of either of the two contracting parties shall die
without will or testament in any of the territories of the other, the consul-general, or
consul of the nation to which the deceased belonged, or the representative of such
consul general or consul, in his absence, shall have the right to intervene in the posses­
sion, administration, and judicial liquidation of the estate of the deceased, conform­
ably with the laws of the country, for the benefit of the creditors and legal heirs.




104

Commercial Regulations.

A r t . 10. The citizens of the United States residing in the Argentine Confederation'
and the citizens of the Argentine Confederation residing in the United States, shall
be exempted from all compulsory military service whatsoever, whether by sea or by
land, and from all forced loans, requisitions, or military exactions; and they shall Dot
be compelled, under any pretext whatever, to pay any ordinary charges, requisitions,
or taxes, greater than those that are paid by native citizens of the contracting parties
respectively.
A r t . 11. It shall be free for each of the two contracting parties to appoint consuls
for the protection of trade, to reside in any of the territories of the other party; but
before any consul shall act as such he shall, in the usual form, be approved and ad­
mitted by the government to which he is sent; and either of the contracting parties
may except from the residence of consuls such particular places as they judge fit to
be excepted.

The archives and papers of the consulates of the respective governments shall be
respected inviolably, and under no pretext whatever shall any magistrate or any of
the local authorities seize or in any way interfere with them.
The diplomatic agents and consuls of the Argentine Confederation shall enjoy, in
the territories of the United States, whatever privileges, exemptions, and immunities
are or shall be granted to agents of the same rank belonging to the most favored na­
tion ; and, in like manner, the diplomatic agents and consuls of the United States in
the territories of the Argentine Confederation shall enjoy, according to the strictest
reciprocity, whatever privileges, exemptions, and immunities are or may be granted
in the Argentine Confederation to the diplomatic agents and consuls of the most fa­
vored nation.
A r t . 12. For the better security of Commerce between the United States and the
Argentine Confederation, it is agreed that, if at any time any interruption of friendly
commercial intercourse, or any rupture should unfortunately take place between the
two contracting parties, the citizens of either of them, residing in the territories of
the other, shall have the privilege of remaining and continuing their trade or occupation
therein, without any manner of interruption, so long as they behave peaceably and
commit no offense against the laws; and their effects and property, whether intrusted
to individuals or to the State, shall not be liable to seizure or sequestration, or to any
other demands than those which may be made upon the like effects or property be­
longing to the native inhabitants of the State in which such citizens may reside.
A r t . 13. The citizens of the United States and the citizens of the Argentine Con­
federation respectively, residing in any of the territories of the other parties, shall
enjoy in their houses, persons, and properties, the full protection of the government.
They shall not be disturbed, molested, nor annoyed in any manner on account of
their religious belief, nor in tire proper exercises of their peculiar worship, either with­
in their own houses or in their own churches or chapels, which they shall be at liberty
to build and maintain in convenient situations, to be approved of by the local govern­
ment, interfering in no way with, but respecting the religion and customs of the coun­
try in which they reside. Liberty shall also be granted to the citizens of either of the
contracting parties to bury those who may die in the territories of the other in burialplaces of their own, which in the same manner may be freely established and main­
tained.
A r t . 14. The present treaty shall be ratified on the part of the government o f the
United States within fifteen months fiom the date, and within three days by his E x­
cellency the Provisional Director of the Argentine Confederation, who will also present
it to the first Legislative Congress of the Confederation for their approval.
The preceding treaty was ratified on both parts, and the ratifications of the same
exchanged in the city of Parana on the 20th day of December, 1854, and made public
by the proclamation of the President of the United States, bearing date, city of
Washington, 9th of April, 1855.

FREE NAVIGATION OF THE RIVERS PARANA AND URUGUAY.
treaty

betw een

the

u n it e d

states

and

the

a r g e n t in e

c o n f e d e r a t io n .

A treaty between the United States of America and the Argentine Confederation
was concluded and signed by their respective plenipotentiaries at San Jose de Flores,
on the 10th day of July, in 1853, which treaty, being in the English and Spanish lan­
guages— the English only beiDg here published— is word for word as follows :—




Commercial Regulations.

105

The President of the United States and his Excellency the Provisional Director of
the Argentine Confederation, being desirous of strengthening the bonds of friendship
which so happily subsist between their respectives States and countries, and convinced
that the surest means of arriving at this result is to take in concert all the measures
requisite for facilitating and developing commercial relations, have resolved to deter­
mine by treaty the conditions of the free navigation of the rivers Parana and Uruguay,
and thus to remove the obstacles which have hitherto impeded this navigation.
With this object they have named as their plenipotentiaries— that is to say, the
President of the United States, Robert C. Schenck, envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary of the United States to Brazil, and John S. Pendleton, charge d’affaires
of the United States to the Argentine Confederation; and hi3 Excellency the Provis­
ional Director of the Argentine Confederation, Doctor Don Salvador Maria del Carril,
and Doctor Don Jose Benjamin Gorostiaga; who, after having communicated to each
other their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed upon the following
articles:—
A rticle 1. The Argentine Confederation, in the exercise of her sovereign rights,
coucedes the free navigation of the rivers Parana and Uruguay, wherever they may
belong to her, to the merchant vessels of all nations, subject ouly to the conditions
which this treaty establishes, and to the regulations sanctioned, or wThich may hereaf­
ter be sanctioned, by the national authority of the Confederation.
A rt. 2. Consequently, the said vessels shall be admitted to remain, load, and un­
load in the places and ports of the Argentine Confederation which are open for that
purpose.
A r t . 3. The government of the Argentine Confederation, being desirous to provide
every facility for interior navigation, agrees to maintain beacons and marks pointing
out the channels.
A r t . 4. A uniform system shall be established by the competent authorities of the
Confederation for the collection of the custom-house duties, harbor, lights, police, and
pilotage dues along the whole course of the waters which belong to the Confederation.
A r t . 5. The high contracting parties, considering that the island of Martin Garcia
may, from its position, embarrass and impede the free navigation of the confluents of
the River Plate, agree to use their influence to prevent the possession of the said isl­
and from being retained or held by any State of the River Plate or its confluents
which shall not have given its adhesion to the principle of their free navigation.
A rt . 6. If it should happen (which God forbid) that war should break out between
any of the States, republics, or provinces of the River Plate or its confluents, the nav­
igation of the rivers Parana and Uruguay shall remain free to the merchant flag of
all nations, excepting in ■what may relate to munitions of war, such as arms of all
kinds, gunpowder, lead, and cannon balls.
A rt . 7. Power is expressly reserved to his Majesty the Emperor of Brazil and the
governments o f Bolivia, Paraguay, and the Oriental State of Uruguay to become par­
ties to the present treaty in case they should be disposed to apply its principles to the
parts of the rivers Parana, Paraguav, and Uruguay, over which they may respectively
possess fluvial rights.
A rt . 8. The principal objects for which the rivers Parana and Uruguay are declared
free to the Commerce of the world being to extend the mercantile relations of the
countries which border them, and to promote immigration, it is hereby agreed that no
favor or immunity shall be granted to the flag or trade of any other nation which shall
not equally extend to those of the United States.
A rt . 9. The present treaty shall be ratified on the part of the government of the
United States within fifteen months from its date, and within two days by his Excel­
lency the Provisional Director of the Argentine Confederation, who shall present it to
the first legislative congress of the Confederation for their approbation.

The preceding treaty was “ done ” at San Jose de Flores on the 10th of July, 1853,
by Robert C. Schenck, John S. Pendleton, Salvador Maria del Carril, and Jose Benja­
min Gorostiaga, and duly ratified on both parts; and the respective ratifications of
the same exchanged in the city of Parana on the 20th December, 1854. The procla­
mation of the President of the United States was published in Washington, April
9th, 1855.




106

Commercial Regulations.
LAW OF LOUISIANA RELATIVE TO SEAMEN.

The following being a correct copy of an act passed the last session o f the Legisla­
ture of Louisiana, and approved March 15th, 1855, is published in the M erch a n ts ’
M a g a zin e for the information of seamen and shipping merchants:—
AN ACT RELATIVE TO SEAMEN.

S ection 1. That the master of every vessel arriving from sea, at any port of this

State, shall give to every person shipped on board such vessel who shall be entitled
to his discharge, or who shall be discharged there, a certificate in the following form :
A B, one of the crew of the ship or vessel, called the
of
on her
voyage from
to
is hereby discharged.
Dated
of
in the year of
(Signed)
C D, Commanding said vessel.
S ec . 2. That if any seaman shall desert from any .vessel in any o f the ports of this
State, or in the voyage from the sea up to either of them, the master of the vessel
shall, within twelve hours after his arrival, if such desertion shall have taken place
before his arrival, or within twelve hours after the desertion, if it shall happen in the
port, make out an advertisement containing the name of the seaman and of the vessel
to which he belonged, together with a description of the person of the deserter, which
advertisement shall be signed by the master, and within the time aforesaid put up in
the office of the mayor of the city of New Orleans.
S ec. 3. That in all seaports in this State other than that of the city of New Orleans,
the advertisements required by law shall be made at the custom house of the parish
in which the port may be situated; and the legal proceedings herein provided for
shall be had before, and determined by any of the justices of the peace of the port.
S ec . 4. That no master of a vessel, nor any persou for him, shall ship any seaman
who shall not produce such discharge, unless he shall previously thereto give twelve
hours’ notice that such seaman has applied to be shipped without a discharge, to all
the masters of vessels then in port, who have within two months next before adver­
tised any deserter from their vessels. Until the expiration of which twelve hours, the
master of any vessel to whom such seaman may apply to be shipped is authorized to
detain him on board his vessel to the end that he may be reclaimed, if he is a deserter;
but if such seaman be not so reclaimed, it shall then be lawful to engage him without
producing any such certificate. And if any master of a vessel shall ship any seaman
contrary to the provisions of this section, he shall forfeit $50, to be recovered by any
person who shall sue for the same.
S ec . 5. That the justice of the peace, on the verbal complaint of any person that he
is entitled to receive his discharge, and that the same is denied by the master of the
vessel to which he belonged, shall issue a citation directed to the master, commanding
him to appear before him to show cause why such certificate should not be granted
the justice shall examine, in a summary way, into the circumstances of the case, and
if he finds that the seaman is entitled to his discharge, he shall give judgment to that
effect; and if the discharge has been previously demanded and refused, he shall add
to the judgment an order that the defendant pa}Tthe complainant $10 for his damages,
and pay the costs of the proceedings; and a copy of so much of the judgment as or­
ders the discharge shall be given to the complainant, which shall have all the effect to
a legal dbcharge.
S ec . 6. That it shall be the duty of all persons who shall carry on the business of
shippiug seamen, previous to their engagement of the same to give bond with two
good securities, freeholders of the parish, payable to the governor and his successor in
office, in the penal sum of $10,000, conditioned as follows: That he (the shipping
master) and his securities shall be liable, in solido, for the price and value of any slave
or slaves who have been regularly shipped by the said shipping master, and car­
ried out of the State of Louisiana; the same to be recovered by the owner of such
slave, with all damages accruing thereon, by prosecuting upon the bond: provided,
that said bond shall not become void by the first or any other recovery, but may be
put in suit and recoveries had thereon as often as any breach of the condition may
happen, until the full amount of the bond shall be paid. And any person who shall
act as shipping master without complying with the foregoing conditions, shall be fined
$1,000 and suffer imprisonment for six months at hard labor.
S ec . 7. That whenever any master or owner of any ship or vessel, steamboat, or
other craft, shall ship any seaman, cook, or steward, for said ship or vessel, it shall not




107

Journal o f Insurance.

be lawful for them, under a penalty of a fine of one thousand dollars, and imprison­
ment at hard labor for six months, to employ any shipping master or other person,
excepting they have complied with the preceding section.
S ec. 8. That all fines incurred under the provisions of the foregoing sections, shall
be recovered for ttie benefit of the New Orleans Charity Hospital, and may be prose­
cuted at the instance of the institution.
S ec. 9. That the owner of such ship, steamboat, or other water craft, and the master
thereof, as well as the vessel, steamboat, or other craft, shall be liable to the owner of
any slave so taken out of the State, for the value of said slave.
S ec. 10. That all persons engaged in the business of shipping seamen, who have
given bond in conformity with law, shall, in case of death, bankruptcy, or the removal
from the State of his sureties, be compelled, within fifteen days thereafter, to renew
his bond: and in case of neglect or refusal, the person so offending shall be fined five
hundred dollars, together with all costs.
S ec. 11. That whenever the sureties above named or either of them, shall remove
from the State, die, or become bankrupt, the bonds signed by them shall be considered
null and void, as regards the persons carrying on the business of shipping seamen.
S ec. 12. That all laws contrary to the provisions of this act, and all laws on the
same subject matter, except what is contained in the Civil Code and Code of Practice,
be repealed.

CUSTOMS DUTIES IN CANADA.
F. Hinks, Inspector-General at Quebec, has issued the following department order:
C ustom s D e pa r tm e n t, Q

uebec,

12th

May, 1855.

In virtue o f the authority of the third section of an act of a Provincial Parliament,
passed the sixteenth year of her majesty’s reign, and chaptered eighty five, entitled,
“ An Act further to amend the laws relating to duties of customs,” it is ordered that
the following packages be chargeable with duty, viz.: all packages containing spirits,
wines, cordials, or liquids of any kind in wood, bottles, flasks, and all packages of
glassware or earthenware, sugar, molasses, syrups, treacle, coffee, rice, tobacco, flour,
provisions, and no deduction to be allowed for the weight or value of the paper or
string covering sugar, cfcc. A ll packages containing soap, candles, pipes, nails, chains,
paints, spices, nuts, vermicelli, macaroni, glass, tin, Canada plates, tins, trunks, and
jars containing merchandise, and all other packages in which the goods are usually
exposed for sale, or which necessarily or generally accompany the goods when sold.
And that the following packages are to be exempt from the payment of duty, viz.:
Bales, trusses, cases covering casks of wines or brandy in wood, cases and casks con­
taining dry goods, hardware, or cutlery, crates and casks containing glassware or
earthenware, cases containing battled wines or bottled spirits, and all other packages
in which the goods are not usually exposed for sale, or which do not necessarily or
generally accompany the goods when sold.
By command,
F. HINKS, Inspector-General.

JOURNAL

OF

INSURANCE.

STOCK FIRE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NEIV YORK, JANUARY 1, 1855.
STATISTICAL TABLE OF THE REPORT MADE BY THE STOCK F IR E INSURANCE COMPANIES OF THE
STATE OF NEW YO RK TO THE CONTROLLER, JANUARY 1, 1855.
W e have compiled a table from the reports made by the Fire Insurance Companies
to the Controller on the 1st of January, 1855. W e have given in the first column the
amount of capital; in the second column the premiums received during the year 1854 ;
in the third the gross amount of assets on hand at thatVlate, beyond their capital; in
the fourth the amount of liabilities and unearned premiums, calculating the latter at
the rate of 45 per cent of the amount received during the year; in the fifth and sixth
the surplus or deficiency, as shown by calculation from the previous columns; in the
seventh the per centage of dividend on the capital paid b ; each company; and in the
eighth the amount at risk.




108

Journal o f Insurance,

W e have made this table for the purpose of condensing the reports of the com­
panies in such form that they may be seen at a glance; and have made a calculation
for unearned premiums at the rate of 45 per cent on the whole amount received by
each company during the year, and added this to the liabilities. This we think a lib­
eral allowance for short time policies, and we know that all careful underwriters make
an allowance of this kind when estimating their surplus, and the Controller, iu his re­
port to the Legislature on the 9th of March, 1854, pages 18, 19, and ‘20, calls atten­
tion to this, and there makes a calculation at 50 per cent as an illustration.
W e know that the business of each company is constantly changing, and that many
o f them are now in a much better condition from what they were on the 1st of Janu­
ary last, owing to the small number of fires since that time; but great care should be
shown in drawing from the surplus to make dividends, that the capital or unearned
premiums should not be encroached upon.
W e fear that our merchants do not examine this part of their business sufficiently.
They will not sell an invoice of goods without first making a thorough inquiry as to
the character, standing, and responsibility of the parties to whom they are making
sales, but •will often obtain insurance from any company they can find that will insure
them at a low rate of premium, without even asking the question if there is any re­
sponsibility. W e shall at some future time examine this subject more fully.
o
s_ as
a
oCP
5!P
o
t>
CP
£ O'
SB
C
e o Cl
tvg ip
o
CPCP
K
-1
p
P tt o
e
C
P
EL
5’
P
c
o'
pr
P'S
o
p.
Companies.
go
*<
"Is
■*o"O CP
5
CP2 <*
!§
ccEL'o
a fa
o B s
fa S
: ?
r VPiEtna............... ¥200,000 $37,372 $36,873 $16,921 $19,952
16 $5,086,625
A lb a n y ........... 100,000 60,247 63,504 30,467 33,037
18 6.465,728
A rctic............. 250.000 41,356 27,933 18,610
9,323
7 3,550,000
Astor___ . . . .
150,000 62,130 22,587 36,345
5 6,401,074
Atlantic........... 150,000 88,405 43,860 55,645
11,785
5 9,353,825
Beekman........ 200,000 49.533 20,866 27,439
6,573
4,157,626
Broadw ay.. . . 200,000 53,717 16,632 23,436
6,804
5 7,181,580
Brooklyn........ 102,000 59,277 39,881 39,904
23
6 7,035,311
City.................. 210.000 83 192 134,208 40,272 93,936
26 11,3.34,378
Citizens’ ......... 150,000 84,727 77,253 40,395 36,858
20 9,890,522
Clinton........... 250,000 47,207 34.933 25,243
9,690
7 5,371,563
Columbia . . . .
200,000 33,700 26.207 19,345
6,862
4 3,562,427
Comm’nwealth 250,000 72.099 32.481 36,732
4,251 12 5,743,711
. . . .
Commercial . . 200,000 75,900 32,497 45.777
13,280
4 7,468,598
Continental.. . 500,000 125,682 95,547 57,013 38,534
10 15,227,769
Corn Exchange 200,000 89.680 44,617 64,119
19,502
6
E a g le ............. 300,000 79,977 79.515 37,503 42,012
15 13,413,466
East River . . .
150.000 20,725
8,264 11.976
3,712
3,148,707
Empire City.. . 200,000 51,800 43,648 30,521 13,127
6 5,000,000
Excelsior.......... 200,000 66,073 33,036 42.678
9,642 10 5,414,623
.Fireman’s . . . .
204,000 98,896 76,222 55.703 20,519
25 11,180,460
Fulton.............. 150,000 65,646 23,930 36,108
12.178
5 6,559,490
Greenwich___
200,000 37,445 42,431 19,907 22.524
15 7,536,935
Grocers’ ........... 200,000 40,538 31,933 18,586 13,347
8 4,949,374
Hamilton........
150,000 50,523 139,740* 51,200
61,460
4,648.430
H anover......... 150,000 41,391 17,020 21,085
4,065 14 4.143,560
Harmony........ 150,000 63,024 28,820 34,842
6,022
4 5,000,000
H o m e ............. 500,000 399,720 241,578 254,104
12,526 13 26,597,084
H oward.......... 250,000 202,480 108,279 118,244
9,965 20 20,610,505
Irving.............. 200,000 50,908 23,432 27,619
4,187
7 5,406,006
Jefferson.......... 200,000 75,848 119,998 39,767 80,231
23 10,202,509
Knickerbocker. 280,000 57,180 55,606 34,036 21,570
20 9,242,981




Whole assets.

Journal o f Insurance.
op

o©

«—Pa
P cr ^

a o a
P< 3
p op
•< a M

ga.
Companies.

Lafarge...........
Lenox..............
Long Island...
Lorillard.........
Manhattan . . .
M arket...........
Mech. & Trad’s’
Mercantile. . . .
Merchants’ . .
Metropolitan ..
N assau...........
National . . . . .
N. Amsterdam.
N. Y . Bowery .
N. Y. Equitable
N. Y. Fire <fc M.
N ia g a ra .........
North R iver...
N. Am erican..
Pacific.............
P a r k ...............
People’s ..........
Peier Cooper .
Phenix.............
Republic..........
Rutgers............
St. Marks . . . .
St. JNicholas . .
Stuyvesant... .
United States.
Washington.. .
Williamsburg..

s i
-1
•©
150,000
150,000
2 0 0 ,0 0 0
2 0 0 ,0 0 0

250,000
2 0 0 ,0 0 0
2 0 0 ,0 0 0
2 0 0 ,0 0 0
2 0 0 ,0 0 0

300,000
150,000
150,000
2 0 0 ,0 0 0

300,000
2 1 0 ,0 0 0
2 0 0 ,0 0 0
2 0 0 ,0 0 0

350,000
250,000
2 0 0 ,0 0 0
2 0 0 ,0 0 0

150,000
150,000
2 0 0 ,0 0 0

150,000
2 0 0 ,0 0 0

150,000
150,000
2 0 0 ,0 0 0

250,000
2 0 0 ,0 0 0

150,000

c

48.285
34,735
72,795
72,175
84,148
75,200
41,729
53,455
79,625
11,536
45,144
77,339
55,728
71,099
105,618
88,571
81,379
70.258
55,142
70,823
41,9S4
32,001
22,250
59,460
42,972
4 3,224
55,514
61,514
49,797
58,732
68,943
45,463

=*

4,873
12,692
105,823
37,118
56,410
28,632
29,676
47,803
37,002
7,330
43,339
100,443
25,274
116,360
106,973
95,777
61,300
69,379
35,062
23,128
21,937
12,409
17,327
29,775
49,324
17,489
10,592
18,402
16,570
53,679
46,654
24,798

ills li
,U© "
V'Oa
“■•© ~
S3 |
29,865
16,980
35,738
33,141
41,940
35,425
2 2 ,0 1 0

109
5!
©

u
©
©
E3'

>

o

<

p.
©
P-

;

CO
24,992
4,288
70,085
3.977
14,470

20
10
20

6,793
7,666
9,248

38,555
41,976
6,951
1,379
30,529 12,819
37,735 62,708
26,226
35,641 80,719
49,503 57,470
49,592 46,185
40,321 20,9*9
37,710 31,669
26,862
8 ,2 0 0
41,040
22,893
14.873
10,277
7,050
30,677
20,036 29,288
21,551
39,869
39,833
23,669
33,885 19,784
41,095
5,559
30,229

4
4

5
8

5
4,974

6

4
8

25
953

10
20

24
20

17,912
956
2,464

18
15
18
5
6

4
902
4,062
29,277
21,431
7,089

7
4
4
8

16
6

5,431

6

3,299,532
3,334,635
8,986,974
7,175.508
10,014,672
6,654,560
4,395,467
5,464,164
9,765,295
1,771,120
5,306,195
8,499.320
5,412,036
13,344,209
13,605,881
9,262,885
7,254,746
10,901,910
7,779,885
7,344,741
4,110,029
3,969,052
2,821,594
5,586,164
4,681,474
3,788,633
4,847,396
4,898,521
6,413,383
7,783,939
6,217,195
3,9S2,320

FIRE, MARINE, AND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NEW YORK,
The general summary which follows, of the returns of the several fire, marine, and
life insurance companies, domestic and foreign, doing business in New York State in
the year 1854, was carefully compiled by Mr. Jones, the editor of the American In­
surance Manual for 1855 :—
I.

FIRE INSURANCE.

Returns have been made for 139 companies engaged in the business of fire insurance
in the State of New York for the year ending 31st December, 1854. One hundred
and ten of those companies belong to this State, 28 to other States of the Union, and
1 to England.
Of the 110 domestic companies, 65 are “ stock capital,” and 45
“ mutual.”
SUMMARY OF STOCK CAPITAL COMPANIES OF NEW YORK.

The 65 stock, or specific capital companies, represent an aggregate
capital o f ...............................................................................................
Their accumulated assets amount to.....................................................
Cash premiums received for 1854..........................................................
Notes taken for premiums.......................................................................
Gross income.............................................................................................
Losses paid in 1854, including portions of losses incurred in 1853..
Expenses for 1854, including commission to agents, taxes, sal­
aries, &c ..................................................................................................




$13,277,109
17,121,385
4,469,238
72,495
5,607,066
2,638,772

48
33
00
39
62
75

1,122,516 87

110

Journal o f Insurance.

Gross amount of risks against fire taken in 1854................................
Proportion thereof taken in other States..............................................
Amount o f inland navigation risks........................................................
“
marine..................................................................................
“
dividends paid for 1854......................................................
“
cash deposits in banks.........................................................

$464,336,612
64,185,687
46,494,255
6,697,558
1,387,658
433,068

60
30
30
85
14
39

8,030,458
681,952
2,287,322
1,534,558
1,202,335
332,750
192,665,289
47,813,933
13,521,930
21,400,856
37,724
41,884

97
44
75
26
04
09
73
14
38
50
97
41

12,152,279
5,112,177
3,647.017
72,686.836
910,307
591,803
5,128,493
51,230,324
241,500
1,543

43
39
61
72
70
28
00
00
00
27

9,940,406
12,782,959
3,934,024
12,683,679
11,826,973
2,074,442

50
29
97
80
60
77

SUMMARY OF MUTUAL COMPANIES.

The aggregate assets of the 45 mutual companies amount to ...........
Cash premiums received for 1854 .........................................................
Notes received liable to assessment.........................................
Gross cash income for 1854 ....................................................................
Losses paid in 1854, including portions incurred in 1853 ..................
Expenses for 1854, including commissions,taxes, salaries, &c............
Gross amount of fire risks held in 1854................................................
Amount thereof taken in other S tates................................................
“
of inland navigation risks..................... .................................
“
marine........................................................................
“
dividends paid in 1854.............................................................
“
cash deposited in banks..........................................................
SUMMARY OF FOREIGN COMPANIES.

The aggregate assets of the 28 American companies amount t o . . .
Gross income in 1854...... ........................................................................
Gross losses paid in 1854, exclusive of English lo s s .........................
Amount of fire risks taken in New York State in 1854 ...................
“
premiums received on.........................................................
“
losses incurred in New York State.................................
“
marine risks in 1854 ...........................................................
“
inland navigation.................................................................
The risks of the ‘•Monarch,” of London, amounted to .......................
Premiums to ..............................................................................................
I I.

MARINE INSURANCE.

Nine home and four foreign companies have transacted marine
business in New York State in 1854. Those companies are exempt
from making returns to the Controller in this State.
The aggregate assets of the 9 domestic companies amounted t o . , .
Premiums received in last financial year..............................................
Premiums not marked off at close of previous y e a r .........................
Premiums marked off in last year.........................................................
Losses paid and unadjusted....................................................................
Expenses, commissions, return premiums, and reinsurance...............
Amount of advance and premium notes and bills receivable includ­
ed in assets...........................................................................................
Two o f those companies took fire risks— namely, the Sun Mu­
tual and the Union Mutual. The premiums received and losses
thereon are to be deducted from the above summary for marine
business, viz.:—
Eire premiums.........................................................................................
Losses on fire ............................................................................................
Also, the New York Fire and Marine Insurance Co., whose return
is printed among the fire companies, took for 1854 on marine risks..
But the premium thereon or the amount of loss thereon is not
distinguished in the return.

8,229,088 04

402,834 68
376,693 21
559,500 00

FOREIGN MARINE COMPANIES.

Their aggregate assets amount t o .........................................................
Premiums receiven in last financial y e a r .............................................
“
not marked off for previousyear.........................................
“
marked off in last year.........................................................
Losses paid and unadjusted...................................................................
Expenses, commissions, return premiums, and reinsurance...............
Amount of advance and premium notes and bills receivable includ­
ed in assets............................................................................................




1,562,193
1,076,704
329,932
717,257
862,593
188,556

00
79
73
78
14
64

602,774 54

Nautical Intelligence.

Ill

Two of those companies took also fire risks, the premiums on
which amounted to $257,771 36, and are included in the above
summary; but the amount o f loss thereon is not distinguished in
the statements.
III.

L IF E INSURANCE.

The aggregate assets of the other 11 companies amount to.............
The aggregate income for 1854, from all sources................................
Gross amount at risk on whole-life and short-term policies.............
Number of policies issued in United States in 1854.........................
Amount insured thereby.........................................................................
“
cash premiums received in 1854.............................................
“
notes taken for premiums.......................................................
“
expenses, as far as returned....................................................
“
losses paid..................................................................................
“
losses accrued and unpaid.......................................................
“
premium notes and loans onpolicies estimated as assets ..

$6,727,273 72
2,592,982 10
72,431,797 32
5,583
15,023,047 00
1,796,378 37
306,310 52
300,441 13
886.932 34
257,100 00
1,596,284 82

RECOVERY OF A STEAMER AFTER ABANDONMENT TO THE UNDERWRITERS.
The Cincinnati Com m ercial , of May 31, 1855, notes a novel Insurance case. The
says :—
The case of the Merchants and Manufacturers’ Insurance Company, against Charles
Duffield and P. K. Barclay, was before the general term of the Superior Court on
error. Duffield and Barclay were the plaintiffs at special term, where they recovered
judgment. They were the owners of the steamboat Samuel Cloon, upon which four
insurance companies of Cincinnati issued policies o f insurance—namely the Firemen’s,
the Merchants and Manufacturers’, the Cincinnati and City Insurance Companies-—for
$3,750 each, making $15,000. The boat was valued in the policy at $20,000. In
February, 1853, she sunk in the Mississippi, and an abandonment was made to the
insurance companies, who paid the amount of the insurance. The boat was recovered
afterwards by the companies, and sold to Eades &, Nelson, of St. Louis. The owners
of the boat brought suit to recover one-fourth of the proceeds of the sale, in respect to
that portion of the boat which was not covered by insurance, and they recovered. The
proceeding is to reverse that judgment, on the ground that by the terms of the policy
abandonment operates as a relinquishment of all their right in the boat.
Confinercial

NAUTICAL INTELLIGENCE.
LIGHT-HOUSE AT BASS RIVER SOUTH SIDE VINEYARD SOUND,
The following notice to mariners is published by order of the Light-House Board,
(Boston, April 25th, 1855,) under the signature of A. A. Holcomb, Light-House In­
spector, Second District:—
A light-house has been erected at Bass River, on the north side of Vineyard Sound,
and the light will be exhibited for the first time on the evening of the 1st of May
next, and on each succeeding day from sunset to sunrise.
The apparatus is of the 5th order, fixed, of the system of Fresnel, illuminating an
arc o f 180° o f the horizon.
The tower is placed on the center of the keeper’s dwelling.
The tower and dwelling are painted white, and the top of the lantern red.
The light will be 40 feet above the mean level of the sea, and should be seen in
ordinary states of the atmosphere, by an observer ten feet above the water, a distance
of 10£ nautical miles.
The light will be visible from east around by south to west. Vessels approaching
from the westward must bring the light to bear N. by E. to clear the east end of the
breakwater, and those approaching from the eastward should bring the light to bear
N. W . before running in for the anchorage.




112

Nautical Intelligence.
NOTICES TO MARINERS AND NAVIGATORS,

The subjoined notices to navigators in regard to Lights on the North and East Coasts
of Ireland and the River Shannon, have been received at the Department of State at
Washington from the United States Consul at London, aud are published in the M e r ­
ch ant^ M a g a zin e for the information of mariners:—
'

D U N D A LK

F L A S H IN G

L IG H T -----IR E L A N D , E A ST

CO A ST.

The Tort of Dublin Corporation have given notice that a light house lias been erected
■within the entrance of Dundalk Harbor Channel, from which a light will be exhibited
on the evening of the ISth day of June next, 1S55, and which thenceforth will be
lighted during every night from sunset to sunrise.
The light will be a flashing light; th: t is, a fixed light varied by flashes, giving a
flash once in every fifteen seconds; its focal point is 33 feet over the level of the sea
at high water— aud in clear weather it will be visible at the distance of about 9 miles.
To seaward the light will appear of the natural color, bright, between the bearings of
W . by N., and N. \ W., and will be masked or screened in the direction of the Dunany
Reefs, between the bearings of N.
W., and N. by E. E .; it will be colored red
towards the west side of Dundalk Bay, and shown bright towards the Harbor Chan­
nel Northerly.
The light-house is borne on screw piles of red color, braced into an open framing
below the dwelling, which is of octagonal form and colored white ; over this the light­
house has a dome-formed top. It stands in lat. 53° 58' 40" N., and long. 6° 18' W.,
within the entrance of the channel, and bearing from Castle Rocks, (off Cooley Point,)
N. W. £ \Y\, distant
nautic miles; from Dundalk Patch, (rocky shoal,) N. by W. £■
W., distant 6£ nautic miles; from Dunany Reefs, (eastward of Dunany Point,) N. £
W., distant 6^ nautic miles.
The channel formerly northward of the light house now runs southward of it, and
on passing it outward the course alters. Masters of vessels are cautioned to give the
piles a sufficient berth.
A ll bearings are magnetic.
JOHN WASHINGTON, Hydrographer.
H y d r o g r a p h i c O f f ic e , A

d m ir a l t y ,

L o n d o n , 16th A p r il, 1855.

This notice affects the following Admiralty Charts:— Irish Channel, No. 1,824 ; East
Coast of Ireland, sheet 1, No. 1,468; also British and Irish Light house List, No. 296.
B R O A D IIA V E N

F IX E D

L IG H T -----IR E L A N D , W E ST

CO AST.

The Port of Dublin Corporation have given notice that a light house has been erected
on the west side of the entrance of Broadhaven Harbor Channel, from which a light
will be shown on the evening of 1st day of June next, 1855; and which from that
time will be lighted during every night from sunset to sunrise.
The light will be a fixed light, appearing of the natural color, bright, as seen from
between the bearings of S. by E.
E., and N. N. E. £ E., (round by the eastward.)
aud of a red color, as seen from the Harbor, between N. N. E. \ E., and N. E. by E.
The focal point is 87 feet over the level o f the high water of spring tides, and in clear
weather it will be visible seaward at the distance of about 12 miles.
The tower is circular, of stone color, and 50 feet in height from its base to top of
dome. It stands on Gubacashel Point, in lat. 54° 16' N., and long. 9° 53/ W., bearing
from Erris Head, (rocks north of,) S. S. E. £ E., distant
nautic miles; from Kid Islaud, S. W. S., distant 3 f nautic miles; from Tidal Rock, (in channel, off Coast Guard
Station,) N. N. E. f E., distant f nautic mile.
In entering Broadhaven Bay, keep the light open to clear the rocky islets off Erris
H ead; aud in sailing through the Harbor Channel, to clear the Tidal Rock off Coast
Guard Station, keep eastward or outside the limits of the red color of the light.
All bearings are magnetic.
H y d r o g r a p h i c O f f ic e , A d m i r a l t y , L o n d o n ,

JOHN WASHINGTON, Hydrographer.
9th April, 1855.

This notice affects the British and Irish Light house List, No. 323.
F IX E D

L IG H T

ON TH E

BE EV ES

R O C K -----IR E L A N D , R IV E R

SH ANNON.

The Port of Dublin Corporation has given notice that on the 14th of May next,
1855, a fixed light w’ ill be established on the Beeves Rock, in the River Shannon.




113

N autical Intelligence.

The light-tower stands on the south-west side of the rock, in lat. 62° 89' N., and
long. 9° 1' 18" W. o f Greenwich, and bears from Foynes Island, (north shore,) E. £ S.,
distant 3£ miles; from Herring Rocks, (north point,) N. N. E., distant £ m ile; and from
Carrig Keal, W. £ N., distant 4 miles.
The light will be a fixed light, at an elevation of 40 feet above the level of high
water at spring tides, and should be visible from the deck of a vessel in clear weather
at a distance of from 10 to 12 miles.
It will appear of the natural color, bright, as seen from the south or main channel
of the river, between the bearings E. £ N., and N. W. by W., or over an arc of 140°
of the horizon; and colored red towards the passage northward of the Beeves Rock.
A ll bearings are magnetic.
H y d r o g r a p h i c O f f ic b , A

d m ir a l t y ,

L on d on ,

JOHN WASHINGTON, Hydrographer.
26th March, 1855.

This notice affects the following Admiralty Charts:— West Coast of Ireland, Ho. 2 ;
River Shannon, sheet 5, No. 1,649 ; North Atlantic, Nos. 2$059 and 2,060 ; also River
Shannon Sailing Directions, p. 14, and British and Irish Light-house List, No. 336.
BUOYAGE

OF

TH E

Q U E EN ’ S C H A N N E L .
T r in it y H o u se , L ondon,

15th May, 1855.

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the advertisement from this House,
dated 1st March last, the West Pan Sand Buoy, chequered black and white, and car­
rying a staff and globe, has been removed a short distance S. S. E. from its former po sition, and now lies in 14 feet at low water spring tides, with the following marks and
compass bearings, viz.:—
The west end of Clevewood, in line with St. Nicholas Easternmost Preventive Sta­
tion, S. S. E .; Ash Church, nearly midway from Reculvers to Sarr Mill, S. £ E .; Girdler Light Vessel, N. by W. £ W .; North Pan Sand Buoy, N. by E .; Pan Sand Spit
Buoy, E. by S. £ S .; South Knoll Buoy, S. E. by E £ E .; West Last Buoy, S. £ W.
The following alterations have also taken place in accordance with the intention ex­
pressed in the said notice of the 1st March, viz.:— The Pan Sand Knoll Buoy has been
taken away, being no longer necessary.
CHANGE OF COLORS.

The West Pan Sand Buoy, the Pan Sand Spit Buoy, the Pan Patch Buoy, and the
West Tongue Buoy, have been changed from their former colors to black and white
chequered. The Wedge Buoy from red to black.
By the above alterations the buoys on the northern side o f the Queen’s Channel are
all black and white chequered, and those on its southern side, black.
The N. E. Margate Spit Buoy, previously chequered black and white, has been
changed to those colors in vertical stripes.
By order,
J. HERBERT, Secretary.

LIGHT-HOUSE IN NORTHWEST PASSAGE, KEY WEST,
Lieutenant Topographical Engineers, under date, Key West,
Florida, February 19th, 1855, has, by order of the Light-House Board, issued the fol­
lowing notice in regard to the light house recently erected in the Northwest passage:
G eor g e G . M eaoe,

This light-house, recently erected, is situated on the western bank, forming the N.
W. channel in 6 feet ordinary low water.
The position may be approximately laid down by the following magnetic bearings
and distances:—
Sand Key Light-House, S. 11° 13' east, distance 10 nautical miles.
Key West Light-House, S. 57° east, distance' 6.83 nautical miles.
N. W. bar buoy, N. 20° 46' east, distance 1.31 nautical miles.
The structure is founded on piles. The keeper’s dwelling is 23 feet above the water,
and is surmounted by the lantern.
The foundation is painted of dark color— the dwelling and lantern white.
The illuminating apparatus is a Fresnel, 5th order, illuminating 270° of the horizon,
and showing a fixed white light.
The focal plane is 40 feet above the sea le v e l; the light should therefore be seen in
clear weather from the deck of a vessel 10 feet above the water, at the distance of
11£ nautical miles, or about 10 nautical miles beyoud the bar.
V O L . X X X I I I .-----N O . I .




8

114

Statistics o f A griculture, etc.

The light will be exhibited for the 5th of March proximo, and will continue to be
exhibited from sunset to sunrise on each succeeding night till further notice.
To enter this channel by day, bring the light-house to bear S. by W. f W. magnetic,
or in range with the buoy on the bar, and the west end of Mullet K e y ; theu run till
the bar is crossed and buoy No. 2 is made, when haul up S. E. f E. magnetic, for
buoy No. 1.
To enter by night, bring the light to bear S. by W. f W. magnetic, and run on that
course till Key West Light bears S. E. J S. magnetic, when haul up for it, and when in
three fathoms anchor for the night.
This light is designed to notify mariners of their approach to the bar, and to guide
them over it by day and night, but it is not intended nor can it be used as a guide in
the passage from the bar to Key West. Dependance for this purpose must be had in
the day time on the channel buoys and ranges on shore, and at night on the bearings
of Key West and Sand Key Lights; to ascertain the relative position of which, mar­
iners are recommended to provide themselves with the chart of this harbor published
by the Coast Survey.

LOUISIANA QUARANTINE REGULATIONS.
By virtue o f an act of the Legislature of the State of Louisiana, approved March
15, 1855, entitled “ An act to establish quarantine for the protection of the State,”
the Governor of that State has thought proper to issue a proclamation, upon the ad­
vice of the Board of Health, declaring all vessels coming from any port in the torrid
zone, or any vessel which may have cleared from other ports, but haE last sailed from
a port within the tropics, subject to a quarantine of not less than ten days The ports
o f Savannah and Charleston are also included. This proclamation was published on
the 4th day of June, 1855.

STATISTICS OF AGRICULTURE. &c.
COMMERCE IN ANIMALS AND CONSUMPTION OF ANIMAL FOOD.
Heretofore we have known very nearly the number of animals raised in the United
States, but we have Dot known the number and weight of animals actually consumed
in the country. But this fact is very desirable, and will prove very useful. It is well
known that the cattle, as well as the hog trade, furnish a very large portion of the ex­
changes o f the country, and hence the question of how much, where, and when animal
food is consumed, has a direct relation to the financial as well as commercial concerns
o f the country. The progress of statistics, however, gradually furnishes the materials
to show this, and all similar problems. The great difficulty is to find a unit of meas­
urement for the consumption of cattle and hogs. In the cattle trade, we know that
the great cities of the country are the main purchasers of cattle, insomuch that what
enters into general Commerce is a very small amount of what is consumed in the large
towns. With hogs it is something different, for an immense amouut of pork and lard
enter into general Commerce for exportation, especially to southern latitudes, and for
the navies and armies of the world.
A t present we shall confine ourselves to the supply and consumption .of cattle and
sheep as food ; in other words, beef and mutton. For the consumption of beef, we
want a unit. It might have been furnished by the statistics of Smithfield market,
London but we are not aware that they have been kept and recorded. The New
York market, however, is a still better test, for the whole of our population are meat
eaters. Fortunately, all the cattle, sheep, and calves consumed in New York are sold
from some half-dozen yards. Fortunately, also, the New York T ribu n e has kept a
reporter especially for those yards, and has given us the entire number of cattle, sheep,
and calves consumed in 1854 in New York city, including Brooklyn, Ac. The aggre­
gate result is as follows:—
Cattle consumed.........................................................................
154,000
Sheep and lambs.........................................................................
470,000
W e know very nearly the average weight of these animals, and the population by
whom they are consumed. The average weight of the cattle may be taken at 750
pounds, and of the sheep and calves, 80 pounds. The population of New York,




Statistics o f Agriculture, etc.

115

Brooklyn, and Williamsburg, ia 1854, was about 750,000. Here, then, we have the
elements for the solution of the general problem.
Before we go farther, let us look at the financial aspects of the question, as between
New York and the West, where cattle sold for an average of $70 each; the sheep
and calves at an average of $5 50 each. W e have then this result:—
Value of 150,000 cattle.......................................................
$10,780,000
Value of 47(^0p0 sheep and lambs....................................
2,585,000
Aggregate value of beef and mutton in New York.
$13,365,000
Now, full three-fourths of this entire amount came from the West, beginning with
the valley of the Alleghany, in New York and Pennsylvania. New York, then, has
to pay ten m illion s o f dollars to the West for cattle and sheep, (independent of wool,)
and the West is thus furnished with ten millions in exchange for the payment of its
dry goods. This financial operation is one of great importance, and makes mo small
part of the business o f the banks in the interior of Ohio and Kentucky. It is a safe
and a profitable business; and in regard to their own operations, no banks are safer
than those based on the cattle trade.
But let us look at the general consumption of cattle in this country. The above
facts show that each 1,000 persons in civic population consume 205 cattle and 533
sheep per annum. What does this give us for the whole town population of the Uni­
ted States ? The following table will exhibit the account:—
Sheep and
Population.
Cattle.
lambs.
New York.................................................................
750,000
154,000
470,000
Philadelphia............................................................
500,000
101,000
313,500
Boston, including Roxbury and Charlestown.. . .
180,000
36,900
109,990
Baltimore..................................................................
210,646
43,050
125,980
New Orleans.............................................................
30,800
150,000
94,000
Cincinnati.................................................................
160,000
32,850
99,330
St. L o u is ..................................................................
90,000
18,460
47,997
Charleston.................................................................
50,000
31,333
10,276
Buffalo....................................................................... .
50,000
10,276
31,333
Cleveland............................................................... .
6,150
30,000
19,080
Chicago.................................................................. .
50,000
10,276
31,333
Detroit.................................................................... .
25,000
5,133
15,666
Albany .....................................................................
60,000
12,000
38,160
Troy..........................................................................
30,000
6,150
19,080
Rochester.................................................................
8,200
25,440
40,000
Portland.................................................................. .
25,000
5,133
15,666
Lowell......................................................................
35,000
7,175
22,260
Salem......................................................................
20,000
4,100
12,720
Manchester...............................................................
15,000
3,078
9,540
New Bedford.......................................................... .
18,000
3,690
9,599
Pittsburg, including Alleghany..............................
100,000
20,500
63,600
Wheeling................................................................ .
20,000
4,100
12,720
6,150
Richm ond................................................................
30,000
19,080
N orfolk ....................................................................
25.000
5,133
15,666
60,000 .
12,300
Louisville.................................................................
38,160
M em phis................................................................
15,000
3,078
9,540
763,200
Other towns over 5,000.........................................
200,000
246,000
Aggregate....................................................... .

3,938,656

806,232

2,453,483

The towns over 5,000 inhabitants each in the United States contain at present four
million o f inhabitants, or about one-fourth the population of the country. The large
towns consume eight hundred thousand beeves and two-and-a half million of sheep
and lambs. A t an average of $50 each for the beeves, and $3 each for the sheep,
which is not too much, we have the following result:—
Value of 800,000 b eeves.............................................................................
$40,000,000
Value of 2,500,000 sheep and lambs......................................................
7,500,000
Let us now add to this the hogs of Commerce—
3,000,000 at $8 .............................................................................................
24,000,000




116

Statistics o f Population, etc.

If, now, we add to this aggregate the pickled beef, the salt barrels, and labor used
in packing pork, and -finally the value of wool sold from sheep, we find the Commerce
in animals amounting in value to full one hundred millions of dollars; an amount
greater than the entire cotton crop. Two-thirds of this entire product comes from the
States in the valley of the Ohio; and we shall not be beyond the mark in saying, that
the States of Ohio and Kentucky create an exchange on the Atlantic States equal to
twenty millions of dollars per annum, derived from the Commerce in animals.
In reference to the average weight consumed, if the above number of beeves, sheep,
and hogs, be reduced to their aggregate weight, and then divided by four millions, (the
aggregate of town or city population,) the result will be about 16 ounces to each indi­
vidual per diem. Now, the daily ration of solid meat allowed in the British navy is
12 ounces, which may be taken as the average for adults. The excess of quantity
found in the above calculation will be fully accounted for by exportation to other
countries* and by the consumption of towns of less than 6,000 inhabitants. The gen­
eral accuracy of the above calculation is, therefore, sufficiently proved, and the mag­
nitude of the result furnishes another illustration of the value of internal Commerce.—
C in cin n a ti P r i c e Current.

THE SORGHO, A NEW SUGAR PLANT.
The scarcity of corn in France, as we learn from an English cotemporary, has drawn
attention to a new plant, recently introduced from China, which promises to supersede
to a certain extent, the use of beet-root in the manufacture of sugar and the distilla­
tion of alcohol. The agricultural committee of Toulon has recently addressed a report
to the Minister o f War, with respect to the use of the plant in question. It is called
the sorgho , or holeus saccharalus, and was first introduced into France in 1851, by M.
de Montigny, the French consul in China, who sent some grains of the seed to the
government. Since then the culture of the plant has been commenced with success
in Provence, and promises to be of great advantage to Algeria. The sorgho has been
called the “ sugar-cane of the north of China,and numerous experiments have recent­
ly been tried with a view to ascertaining if it possesses the properties necessary for
producing a crystallizable syrup, so as to become a rival to sugar-cane and beet-root.
According to the report of the Toulon Agricultural Association, it would appear to
have those properties. The fact has been ascertained by a series of experiments
made in the department of the Var. It also appears to be richer in the sacharine
principle than any known plant, except the vine. Beet-root contains from eight to
ten per cent of sugar; the sorgho produces from sixteen to twenty per cent, from
which eight or ten per cent of pure alcohol, fit for all industrial and domestic purposes,
can be produced. The refuse is excellent food for cattle, who are very fond of it.
The plant grows with great rapidity, and does not require irrigation. The sorgho is
not a new discovery, as it has been used from time immemorial by the inhabitants of
the North of China, by whom large quantities of sugar are extracted from it. But
this is the first time it has been produced on any thing like an extensive scale in
Europe.

NEW YORK CATTLE TRADE FOR 1854.
NEW YORK THE MOST EXTENSIVE CATTLE MARKET IN THE UNITED STATES— DESCRIPTION OF CATTLE SOLD WEEKLY IN 1854— AVERAGE PRICES OF BEEVES, COWS, CALVES, SHEEP, AND LAMBS—
COMPARATIVE MONTHLY STATEMENT OF CATTLE ON SALE IN NEW YORK MARKET, ETC.

New York is the most extensive cattle mart in America. The cattle brought to
the New York market come from nearly all sections of the Union east of the Missis­
sippi. Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, are
our most liberal contributors; but Western and Northern New York, with Connecti­
cut, Massachusetts, and other of the New England States, likewise send us extensive




117

Statistics o f Agriculture, etc.

supplies. A ll the lines of travel radiating from this city to the interior— the Harlem
and Hudson and Erie railroads, the New York Central, the Lake Shore, the Great
Michigan Central, and the Baltimore and Ohio, and some of the Eastern railroads—
find in the carriage of the live stock consumed here one of their most profitable items
o f freight from Oijio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania,
New England, and Northern and Western New York.
A considerable proportion of the cattle driven to this market, however, come from
districts not so distant. The counties on the North River raise some o f the finest,
while Long Island and New Jersey are occasionally large contributors. In New York
city there are principally four places for the sale of beef cattle— the well-known
Washington Drove Yard in Forty-fourth-street, between the Fourth and Fifth aven­
ues, of which A. M. Allerton, Esq., is the proprietor; 2d, the Lower or Hudson River
Bull’s Head, kept by Messrs. Chamberlain; 3d, George Browning’s Central Bull’s
Head, in Sixth-street; and 4th, the market kept by Mr. Morgan O’Brien, also in Sixthstreet, near the Third Avenue.
Sheep and lambs are sold at all these places except the last mentioned ; the largest
number at Browning’s, and the next at Chamberlain’s. The largest business in cows
and calves is done at Browning’s and Chamberlain’s. The market day hereafter will
be Wednesday, but sales to a greater or less extent will doubtless be made every
day. Independently of the regular transactions at those several city markets, there
are many cattle bought and sold on the boats at the wharves. Many cattle slaugh­
tered in the country are also brought to market here, ready dressed, but these do not
enter into the statistics below :—
STATISTICS OF THE SEVERAL DESCRIPTIONS OF CATTLE SOLD W EE K L Y

1854,
January

4 ___
11___
18___
24___
31___

February

March

April

May

June

1 ....

13___
21___
27___
7 ....
14___
21___
27___
5 ___
11___
17___
24___
2 ___
8 ___
15___
22___
29___
6 ___
13___
19___
26___

Beeves.
1,721
4,092
2,853
2,276
2,448
3,223
2,270
2,729
2,724
2,457
2,611
2,314
2,412
3,652
2,794
2,664
2,633
2,254
3,437
2,730
2,136
2,892
3,229
3,532
2,424
3,693

Total




DURING THE YE AR

AS COMPILED FROM THE PUBLISHED REPORTS.

Cows Sheep
& cal’s. & l’ bs.
9,254
259
373
7,837
248
7,404
4,611
297
333
7,433
126
9,451
444
6,581
521
8,828
441
7,348
330
5,981
877
6,284
872
3,144
978
4,992
932
4,496
1,254
4,128
1,127
2,603
1,409
3,703
1,959
7,132
728
8,429
1,489
4,434
1,584
5,062
1,418
5,648
8,240
1,730
1,426
8,167
1,130
7,980
9,706
1,100

July

4 ___
10___
17___
24___
31___
August
7 ....
14___
21___
28___
Sept.
4 ___
11___
18___
25 ___
October 2___
8 ___
16___
23___
30___
Nov.
6 ___
13___
20 ___
27 ___
Dec.
4 ___
14___
21___
28___

Beeves.
3,711
3,484
2,927
2,662
3,289
3,006
5,067
4,000
8,519
3,046
3,056
3,635
3,820
4,568
3,669
4,517
4,487
5,621
3,870
1,263
3,403
3,320
2,850
2,334
2,446
1,937

Cows
&. cal’s.
1,100
1,593
1,441
911
800
770
800
660
570
680
614
870
740
576
870
715
657
650
480
600
679
587
620
666
523
238

Sheep
& I’bs.
13,676
7,194
11,486
11,177
12,293
12,942
14,931
15,856
14,545
10,088
8,392
10,553
12,220
15,108
14,900
14,010
18,924
16,211
13,566
12,079
14,232
12,291
11,295
13,832
11,754
10,094

154,796 41,086 470,817

118

Statistics o f Agriculture, etc.

AVERAGE PRICES OF CATTLE SOLD DURING THE TEAR 1 8 5 4 , AS COMPILED FROM THE
W E E K L Y REPORTS.

January

4 ..................... ...............
11.....................
18.....................
24.....................
81.....................
February 7 .....................
14.....................
21.....................
28.....................
March
7 .....................
14.....................
21.....................
28.....................
April
5 .....................
12.....................
17..................... ...............
24..................... ...............
May
2 .....................
8 .....................
15.....................
22.....................
29 .....................
5 .....................
June
12.....................
19.....................
26.....................
July
4 .....................
10.....................
17.....................
24.....................
31.....................
August
7 .....................
14.....................
21..................... ...............
28.....................
Sept.
4 .....................
11.....................
18.....................
25.....................
October
2 .....................
8 .....................
16.....................
23.....................
30.....................
November 6 .....................
13.....................
20.....................
27.....................
December 4 .....................
1 4 ........................
2 1 . . . . ..............
2 8 ........................

Average.......................

Cows &: calves.
Beeves.
$30 a 60
$7 00 a 10 00
00 a 10 00
25 a 65
00 a 10 00
35 a 60
30 a 60
00 a 10 00
00 a 10 00
30 a 60
00 a 10 00
30 a 65
2f a 60
00 a 11 00
50 a 10 50
25 a 60
30 a 55
50 a 10 50
50 a 10 50
30 a 65
50 a 10 50
30 a 55
00 a 10 50
30 a 65
00 a 11 50
30 a 60
00 a 11 00
30 a 60
00 a 9 00
30 a 60
8 00 a 10 00
30 a 40
8 00 a 10 00
30 a 70
30 a 40
00 a 11 00
60 a 11 50
38 a 55
00 a 11 00
20 a 70
oo a 13 00
30 a 50
00 a 13 00
35 a 50
00 a 13 00
30 a 60
00 a 10 00
30 a 65
00 a 10 00
30 a 70
00 a 9 50
30 a 65
00 a 10 00
30 a 65
00 a 9 00
30 a 70
00 a 9 50
30 a 60
00 a 10 00
30 a 45
00 a 10 50
30 a 75
00 a 10 50
25 a 50
00 a 9 50
30 a 50
8 00 a JO 00
25 a 60
9
00 a
00
30 a 60
00 a 9 75
25 a 50
00 a 9 50
20 a 50
00 a 10 50
30 a 70
00 a 11 00
30 a 65
50 a 9 25
20 a 50
25 a 9 00
22 a 50
60 a 9 50
30 a 45
60 a 65
00 a 9 00
00 a 9 50
30 a 60
a
10
30 a 60
50
00
25 a 9 00
30 a 65
00 a 10 00
30 a 75
50 a 10 00
35 a 65
00 a ]0 no
30 a 60
50 a lu uo
25 a 75
50 a 10 00
30 a 76
50 a 11 00
30 a 75
$8 97

$43 48

Sheep & lambs.
$2 50 a 8 00
3 00 a 6 00
2 75 a 7 00
3 00 a 10 00
2 50 a 6 00
2 50 a 9 00
3 00 a 8 00
3 00 a 7 00
4 00 a 10 00
4 00 a 10 00
3 50 a 10 00
4 00 a 5 50
4 00 a 7 00
4 00 a 10 00
4 00 a 7 00
4 00 a 8 00
5 00 a 9 00
5 00 a 10 00
5 00 a 12 00
4 00 a 10 00
3 00 a 10 00
4 00 a 8 00
5 00 a 7 00
3 00 a 7 00
4 00 a 9 00
5 00 a 9 00
8 50 a 8 00
4 00 a 8 00
4 00 a 6 50
2 00 a 7 00
2 00 a 6 50
3 00 a 7 00
3 00 a 8 00
2 50 a 6 00
2 00 a 7 00
i 25 a 6 00
2 50 a 6 00
2 00 a 6 50
O 00 a 7 00
2 50 a 6 00
2 00 a 5 75
1 50 a 6 50
2 50 a 9 00
2 00 a 6 00
2 00 a 6 50
2 00 a 5 50
1 25 a 7 00
2 00 a 8 00
2 25 a 7 00
2 00 a 7 00
2 50 a 7 00
2 50 a 9 00
$5i 43

These results and the following comparisons enable us to see the general advance
there has been in the prices of all kinds of cattle during the year.




119

Statistics o f A griculture, etc.
COMPARATIVE MONTHLY STATEMENT- OF CATTLE ON SALE IN THE NEW YORK
DURING THE YEARS 1853 AND 1854.
N

t'

January .................
February.................
March.......................
April .......................
May...........................
June..........................
J u ly .........................
A u gust.....................
September................
October....................
N ovem ber...............
December.................

MARKET

r

Cows and Sheep and
lambs.
calves.

Beeves.

Cows and
calves.

Sheep and
lambs.

Beeves.

13,550
8,950
9,600
16,200
12,103
11,250
10,600
13,250
15,022
21,812
15,481
15,622

355
315
477
620
705
900
550
710
1,247
1,917
1,569
1,305

44,600
22,000
16,350
11,050
12,900
26,750
34,220
48,835
45,532
60,209
45,267
46,776

13,390
10,946
9,904
11.743
13,649
12,878
16,093
15,592
13,557
22,861
12,356
9,567

1,509
1,531
3,057
4,722
7,128
6,396
5,465
2,700
2,736
3,368
2,246
2,047

36,539
32,208
20,401
14,910
25,808
34,083
65,826
58,274
41,358
79,153
52,269
46,975

15*7,420

10,720

412,939

162,426

42,895

507,698

Comparing the monthly average of 1854 with that of the previous year, the differences are as follows:—
543
4,348
1854.......................
897
520
839
3,690
1853.......................
Increase.............

____

$0 58

$6 58

$0 23

This very material increase in values is referable to the now apparent fact of an ac­
tual scarcity of cattle during the year, owing mainly to the immense quantity of
stock sent to California from the Western States across the plains, which otherwise
would have found its way to the markets on the Atlantic seaboard. The financial
troubles which have embarrassed about every other branch of business during the
latter half of the year, have also had an undoubted influence on the grazing and agri­
cultural interests.
It will be seen by the following comparison that there were but a few thousand
more beeves sold during 1854 than in the preceding year. The excess in favor of ’54
is not at all in proportion to the iucrease of the city wants, superinduced by the rapid
increase of our population. Cows and calves show a substantial increase:—
Beeves.

1854....................................................
1853....................................................
Increase....................................... .

Cows & calves. Sheep & lambs.

162,425
151,420

40,843
10,120

501,698
412,989

5,006

80,129

94,109

The total value o f cattle sold at the several city markets above mentioned— accept­
ing the average prices as given above— during the year, is seen below. (W e have put
down $45 as the average of each head of beef cattle.) Some dealers consider this a
rather low figure, but as the more general opinion seems to be that this is about right,
we have concluded to adopt i t :—
1854.

Beeves............................................
Cows and calves...........................
Sheep and lambs..........................




1853.

$6,769,060
335,243
1,151,662
$11,387,034
9,255,965

Increase...................................... .................

■

$2,072,069

$9,255,965
** V .........

120

Statistics o f Population, etc.

These figures show at a glance the magnitude of the cattle trade of this city. I f
we include the occasional sales at the docks, of which no authentic record can be kept,
it is probable that the aggregate value o f cattle sold for the year does not fall short
o f eleven-and-a-half millions of dollars.
The bulk of the cattle brought to the city for sale are consumed here; but a large
lucrative business is done by the packers for shipment. Frequent shipments o f live
cattle are made to Bermuda on British government account.

STATISTICS OF POPULATION, & c.
RESULTS OF THE CENSUS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
N U M B E R V I.

DENSITY AND PRO XIM ITY OF POPULATION.

By comparing the numbers of the population with the area of the soil, we determine
the density or proximity of the population. A French writer has proposed the term
“ specific population,” after the analogy of “ specific gravity,” much in use in scientific
works. The terms in common use, “ thinly populated,” and “ populous,” express the
same idea, but in general terms.
The area of a large portion of the parishes and townships, and of the tidal rivers and
estuaries in England, was computed from the maps in the Tithe Office, under the di­
rection of Major Dawson, R. E .; and a report by that officer is included iu the publi­
cation. The areas of the remaining parishes were taken from the enumeration volumes
of 1831, as estimated by Mr. Rickman.
The following table shows the area of Great Britain in statute acres and square
miles, also the number of acres to a person, the number of persons to a square mile,
and the mean proximity of the population on the hypothesis of an equal distribution:
AREA OF GREAT BRITAIN AND DENSITY OF POPULATION IN 1861.

England..........
Scotland.........
W a le s..............
Islands..............

Area in
statute
acres.
32,590,529
20,047,462
4,734,486
252,000

Area in
square
miles.
50,921
31,324
7,398
394

Square
(in
miles.)
226
177
86
20

Acres
to a
person.
1 .9
6 .9
4 .7
1 .8

Persons
to a
sq. mile.
332
92
135
863

Proximity
of persons,
in yards.
104
197
162
99

Great Britain..
67,624,377
90,038
299
233
124
2 .7
The ratio, or proportion in size, o f the squares in the third column is, England 51,
Scotland 31, Wales 7, and islands 2-5ths; and the ratio o f the population is about
17, 3, 1, and l-7th.
The 624 districts of England and "Wales, classed in an order o f density, range from
185,751 persons to the square mile, in the Fast London district, to 18 only in North­
umberland. In all London, the number of persons to a square mile, in 1851, was
19,375. In 1801, the people of England were, on an average, 153 yards asunder; is
1851, only 108 yards asunder. The mean distance between their houses in 1801 was
362 yards; in 1851, only 252 yards. In London, the average proximity in 1801 was
21 yards; in 1851, only 14 yards.
IS LA ND S.

The British population is spread over a great multitude of islands which rise be­
tween the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, the large Island of Great Britain being
the chief of the group. This island is surrounded by the Isle of Man, Anglesey, the
Scilly Islands, the Isle of Wight, the outlaying Channel Islands, the Shetland Islands,
the Orkneys, and the Hebrides. Five hundred islands have been numbered, but in­
habitants were only found on one hundred a n d seventy fiv e ielands on the day of the
census of 1851.
In the earliest period of our written history, these islands were peopled by Celts,
Britain wa^their holy island, and the seat of their schools and most sacred groves.
The isles of Anglesey and Man, both known under the name of Mona to the Romans
were the seats of the Druidic hierarchy and worship. Iona, or Icolmkill, a small isl­




121

Statistics o f Population, etc.

and in the Hebrides, now containing 604 inhabitants, is celebrated as an early seat of
Christianity. It was the station of St. Columba, who founded an order o f mission­
aries there, and thus contributed to the diffusion of Christianity over Britain. The
celebrated ruins on the island consist of a cathedral, a nunnery, and St. Oran’s chapel,
together with many ancient tombs and crosses; this island is often visited by tourists
to the Western Highlands, and is only ten miles from the far-famed Staffa.
The population of the Island of Great Britain has been stated to be 20,536,357;
Ireland, as enumerated by another department, contained 6,553,357 inhabitants; An­
glesey, the next most populous island in the group, had 57,318 inhabitants; Jersey
57,020; the Isle of Man, 52,344 ; the Isle of Wight, 50,324 ; Guernsey, 29,757 ; Lewis,
22,918; Skye, 21,528 ; Shetland, 20,936; Orkney, 16,668 ; Islay, 12,334; Bute.
9,251; Mull, 7,485; and Arran, 5,857 ; 17 islands contained a population ranging
from 4,006 to 1,064; 52 had a population ranging from 947 to 105 ; and the remain­
ing 92 inhabited islands ranged from a population of 92 downwards, until at last we
come to an island inhabited by one solitary man.
The British Isles extend over 11 degrees of latitude and 10 degrees of longitude;
consequently, in the most northerly of the Shetlands, the night in the summer sol­
stice is three hours shorter than in Jersey; and the sun rises and sets on the east
coast of England 47 minutes before it rises and sets on the west coast of Ireland.

KANSAS CENSUS IN 1855.
The K a n sa s F r ee State, of April 30, 1855, furnishes in the subjoined table the com­
plete returns of Kansas census, as follows:—
Districts.
Males.
i ...................
623
2
316
3...................
161
4...................
106
5...................
6...................
7...................
82
8...................
9...................
10...................
97
11...................
12...................
13...................
14...................
15...................
16....................
17....................
18.................... ..................
5,088

Females.
339
203
91
71
583
318
36
27
25
54
3
80
116
512
381
475
59
...

Voters.
369
199
101
57
442
253
53
39
36
63
24
78
96
333
308
385
59
28

3,273

2,877

Natives. Foreigners.
887
75
506
19
215
12
169
2
1,385
22
791
12
1
117
76
6
66
12
108
23
30
6
206
37
9
273
301
46
846
16
1,040
104
143
5
...
••
7,161

Slaves.
7
6
1
26
11
1
10
3
..
7
14
35
15
33
23

408

192

Total.
962
518
252
177
1,407
810
118
83
86
151
36
243
284
1,167
873
1,188
150
...
8,500

POPULATION OF ST. LOUIS IN 1854-55.
The official returns of the census takers of St. Louis, just completed, give the follow­
ing as the number of inhabitants in the six wards of the city proper
White Population. Colored.

First W a rd ..................................................
Second W ard..............................................
Third W a r d ................................................
Fourth W a r d ............................... . . ..........
Fifth Ward..................................................
Sixth W a rd .................................................

18,902
16,686
13,036
11,512
15,723
18,819

T o ta l............................................ ..

94,686

149
824
1,033
453
292
205
2,956

Showing an increase o f about $12,000 since the census of 1852-53.
lation of the city and suburbs will reach nearly 120,000.




Total.

19,054
17,510
14,069
11,965
16,020
19,024
97,642
The entire popu­

122

POPULATION, BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS IN MASSACHUSETTS,

STATEMENT SHOWING THE POPULATION OF MASSACHUSETTS, MALE AND FEMALE, ACCORDING TO THE UNITED STATES CENSUS OF
AND DEATHS, MALE AND FEMALE, W IT H THEIR RESPECTIVE AVERAGES, DURING THE FIVE YEARS,

1 8 4 9 -5 3 ;

1850 ;

ALSO, THE NUMBER OF BIRTHS

THE AGGREGATE AND AVERAGE NUMBER OF M A R R I­

AGES, TOGETHER W IT H THE W H O LE NUMBER W H O HAVE DIED, WHOSE AGES HAVE BEEN GIVEN IN THE 8 A ME PERIO D, W ITH TH EIR AGGREGATE AND AVERAGE

Population, 1850.

Whole
No.
Barnstable. . . . . . . ......... 85,276
Berkshire.............. ____ 49,591
Bristol.................... ____ 76,192
4,540
D uk es................... ____
Essex..................... ____131,300
Franklin ............. ____ 30,870
H am pden............. ____ 51,283
Hampshire........... ____ 35,732
Middlesex............. ____ 161,383
8,452
Nantucket............. ____
Norfolk................ .. ____ 78,892
Plym outh............. ____ 55,697
Suffolk................... ____ 144,517
W orcester.............. ____ 130789
C o u n t ie s .

Total..............




Births, five years, 1849-53

Sex.
Whole No.
Males. Females. Males. Females.
17,868 17,408 1,942 1,831
24,629 24,962 3,082 2,721
37,342 38,850 5,324 5,042
2,328
2,212
181
237
64,148 67,152 9,541 8,873
15,455 15,415 1,781 1,588
25,171 26,112 3,337 3,021
17,550 18,182 2,135 1,890
77,286 84,097 12,032 11,303
4,061
332
4,391
297
38,679 40,213 6,635 6,093
27,749
3,534 3,320
27,948
69,557 74,060 14,118 13,614
64,624
8,877 8,329
66,165

Marriages,’49-53.

A verage.
Whole
Males. Females. No.
390
369 1,432
612
538 1,937
1,085 1,008 3,370
47
36
159
1,913 1,779 7,440
368
326 1,172
690
618 3,225
428
378 1.563
2,428 2,277 8,710
66
59
313
1,327 1,217 3,553
713
672 2,221
2,823 2 7 2 2 12,526
1,798 1,588 5,826

Average.
271
389
674
33
1,491
241
653
312
1,752
63
712
460
2,505
1,184

Deaths, five years, 1849-53.

Whole No.
Males. Females.
1,139 1,209
1,675 1,803
3,032 3,316
175
173
5,888 6,119
936 1.197
2,232 2,294
1,381 1,546
6,977 7,220
318
279
3,307 3,337
1,989 2,311
10,928 10,468
5,917 5,008

505,997 72,907 68,103 14,6S8 13,587 53,447 10,740 45,855 46,319

Average.
Age
Age.
Males. Females.. given. Aggregate. Aver.
228
242 2,314
67,150 29.01
337
360 3,496 114,664 3 2 .7 9
608
664 6,335 182,188 2 8 .7 5
35
34
340
13,188 3 8 .7 9
1,182 1,223 11,902 346,017 2 9 .0 7
188
243 2,139
74,207 3 4 .6 9
458
467 4,498 124,110 2 7 .5 9
310 2,915
277
94,512 3 2 .4 2
1,406 1,450 14,155 360,560 2 5 .4 7
56
64
601
20,431 3 3 .9 9
658
669 6,612 180,764 2 7 .3 3
408
472 4,287 141,410 3 2 .9 8
2,186 2,094 21,365 430,572 20 .15
1,090 1 ,2 1 0 11,857 349,941 29 .51
9,118

9,502 92,816 2,499,714

2 6 .9 3

Statistics o f Population, etc.

AGE AT DEATH, D ERIVED FROM THE REGISTRATION REPORT OF EPHRAIM M. W RIG H T, ESQ., SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Statistics o f Population, etc.

123

POPULATION OF PARIS.
The official publication of the census statistics of Paris began with the eighteenth
century ; and the first documents issued were found to be in material disagreement
with the observations of statisticians and economists. Previous to the eighteenth
century we have only the testimony o f historians in regard to the Parisian population
and they are equally contradictory among themselves. Under the two first races of
kings, the population of Paris appears to have been inconsiderable. The kings seldom
Resided there, and Charlemagne himself never went there. But after the fall of the
second dynasty, Hugh Capet, who bore the title of Count of Paris, fixed his residence
there. It soon became the chief city of the royal domain, and grew with the progress
of royalty.
The city received such accessions during the 12th century, that Philip Augustus was
compelled to enlarge the circuit of its w alls; and at the commencement of the thir­
teenth century the population was estimated at 120,000. Under Philip IV . (say in
1285) it was estimated at 200,000 ; but the tax lists of that period, do not justify the
estimate. A century of civil and foreign wars, and the prevalence of wasting epi­
demics, had so reduced the population, that in 1474, in the reign of Louis XI., it
amounted to tut 150,000. At the epoch of the League, (which took place in 1590, to
exclude Henry IV. from the throne,) it had reached 200,000.
Under the administration of Cardinal Richelieu, the emigration of the provincial
nobleman to Paris, which had been commenced under Francis I., was revived and
continued. The lords left their chateaux to fall to ruins, and built a great number of
hotels in the faubourgs of Paris. The vast space known under the name of Pre-auxClercs, was covered with dwellings. Besides this, the privileges successively accord­
ed to the inhabitants of Paris by the kings of France, such as exemption from taxes,
and from military service, and from other services of different natures, attracted to the
capital a crowd of people from the provinces, either to escape the misfortunes o f war
or local servitude, or to enjoy the privileges and immunities accorded to the bourgeois
of the city.
»
Thus, towards the end of the reign of Louis X IV ., we find that Paris contained
within its walls, 492,600 inhabitants; in 1719, 509,680; and from 1752 to 1762 about
576,650. About twenty years subsequent to the last-mentioned epoch, grave ques­
tions arose among the political economists, as to the exact population which ought to
be assigned to the city. During this interim, the population had probably increased
100,000. According to Buffon it was 658,000 in 1776; and in 1778, according to
Moheau, 670,000; while in 1784, according to Neckar, it was 600,000 only. The
farmers contributed much to the increase of the Parisian population, by obtaining per­
mission, one by one, to annex their individual estates or residences to the city, to avoid
octroi duties, and the boundaries, as well as the population, were gradually enlarged.
A t the end of the reign of Louis X V I., the population of Paris was set down at
610,620; in 1798 at 640,503 ; and in 1802, at 670,000. During the first years of the
empire, however, it was diminished, being 547,756 in 1806, and 580,609 in 1808. In
the following year the number was 600,000; and in 1807, notwithstanding the recent
wars and two invasions, it was 712,966; in 1827,800,431; in 1831, the commence­
ment of the quinquennial censuses, 714,328; in 1836, 909,126; in 1841, 912,033, not
including soldiers under arms, absentees, and infants; in 1846, 1,053,897, and in the
entire department of the Seine, 1,364,467. In 1851, the census gave Paris 1,053,262,
and the department of the Seine 1,331,782.
In 1852, the births in the city were 33,284, of which 22,426 were legitimate, and
10,858 illegitimate. In the same year the deaths were 27,880, and there were 10,424




124

Journal o f M ining and M anufactures.

marriages. It would be a curious statistical labor to ascertain the number of Parisians
born in the city and residing there. It is believed that deducting the soldiers and the
absentees, there would only be found about 200,000 native born in the whole popula­
tion of the city.

JOURNAL OF M IN IN G AND MANUFACTURES.
MANUFACTURE OF PLATE GLASS IJS NEW YORK.
The C ou rier and E n q u ir e r gives an interesting account of the success recently
achieved by the American Plate Glass Company, in that part of the city of Brooklyn
known as Williamsburg. The process o f manufacture is briefly described by a cor­
respondent o f the C ourier :—
The melting-pots, of a capacity to hold six hundred pounds of material, are made
of fire clay, prepared in a peculiar manner, and placed in the furnace, and when suffi­
ciently hot are filled with the alkali and silex, and the doors closed upon them. In
ten or twelve hours the mass is ready for casting. Near the furnace is an iron table a
little more than five feet by ten, under which a slow fire is placed, so that it is moder­
ately heated. At the head of the table is an iron roller some two feet in diameter,
and near that a swinging crane. The surface of the table is flush, but upon its edges
are placed bars of iron, corresponding to the thickness it is desired to cast the plate.
These bars serve as bearers for the roller. The material being ready, the first step is
to remove the furnace door, which is accomplished by means of long levers and tongs.
By similar means a pot is extracted from the furnace and placed on a carriage or
truck. From the outside of the vessel all adhering substance from the coal is scraped
off, and the surface of the matter is also skimmed by ladles of all impurities. A collar,
with two long handles, is then lowered by the crane, and incloses the pot just under
the projections or shoulders upon it, and by a windlass it is raised some six feet, and
swung directly over the table. The projecting handles are then seized by two men,
and in a moment the six hundred pounds of melted glass flows like a sea of lava over
the iron surface. Two other men instantly send the ponderous roller on its way from
the head of the table, reducing the mass to the thickness of which the iron bearers are
the guage. In fifty seconds the mass is sufficiently solidified to permit it to be pushed
rapidly upon a table having a wooden surface, resting upon rollers, which is at once
pushed blazing and smoking to the mouth of a kiln, into which the glass is passed,
there to remain from three to five days, when it emerges annealed and ready to be
trimmed. The edges, even if the glass be an inch thick, are smoothly cut by a dia­
mond, and it is then ready for market in a state known as “ rough plate glass.” The
whole process of casting is not only interesting but exciting; the men are drilled to
move promptly and silently, handling their implements with great adroitness. The
process described does not occupy more than four to five minutes, and everything is
immediately ready for another casting.
The company do not as yet polish their glass to fit it for windows or mirrors; but
are about to introduce the machinery necessary for that purpose. At present there is
sufficient demand for the rough plate, to be used in floors, roofs, decks, &c., to keep
their works constantly employed. They can produce plates two inches in thickness,
and one hundred and twenty by two hundred and forty inches square, a new table,
weighing thirty-two tons, being in readiness for castings of the latter dimensions. It
is believed that plate glass of great thickness, at a low price, will be introduced for
many purposes, for which iron and stone have hitherto been used.
The duty on imported glass is 30 per cent, but so bulky and fragile is the article
that the duty, expenses, and breakage, amount to nearly 90 per cent. The fact that
the company own a water front, and can ship directly from their works, is an import­
ant consideration in avoiding loss from breakage, affording at the same time advan­
tages for receiving fuel, sand, and other material direct.
The construction of the works commenced on the 1st of February, 1855, and the
first casting was made about the 1st of May, giving proof of a well-digested plan and
vigorous execution. The works are at present capable of producing seven hundred




Journal o f M ining and Manufactures.

125

feet of three-eighths inch glass per day. The furnace holds twelve pots, and there are
twelve annealing kiln9, each forty by eighteen feet. The fires, kept up by Cumberland
coal, are not allowed to go down until the furnaces are destroyed, which generally oc­
curs after a year’s use. The pots, after a casting, are at once returned to the furnace,
and refilled. They usually last a month. The temperature of the establishment is
decidedly high, above the top of ordinary thermometers. The furnace tires are watched,
as is a solar eclipse, through dark-colored glass, the intensity of the light being unen­
durable by the naked eye. The appearance of the “ sea of glass ” when poured upon
the table is extremely beautiful. A t first of bright whiteness, dazzling to the eye, it
rapidly changes to pink, scarlet, crimson, and a dark, murky red, streaked with black,
in which state it is thrust into the kiln.

THE ALCOHOL OF CHEMISTRY AIVD COMMERCE.
Alcohol is that combustible fluid which rises by the distillation of the juices o f sweet
fruits; from the infusion of malted barley or other grain ; the solutions of sugar,
honey, and other substances that are capable of being converted into sugar after they
have undergone that spontaneous change which is commonly known as fermentation—
the vinous fermentation. The word alcohol is of Arabic or Hebrew origin, and signi­
fies subtle or attenuated ; but although it has for many ages been used to designate
the material in question, it does not appear to have become popular; “ spirits o f wine,”
or “ spirits,” being the general interpretation of alcohol.
As alcohol is well known to be derived from sugar, malt, and grapes, it is generally
though erroneously believed that these substances contain it. By the hand of Power
a “ Greek Slave” can be produced from a solid mass of marble chained to a pedestal.
No one will believe that the beautiful form pre-existed in the marble, and that Power
merely removed the stone veil that inclosed it!
In like manner, when a chemist
manipulates sugar, barley, or grapes, for the purpose of making alcohol, he does not
separate it as a material pre-existing in the substances operated on, but merely uses
the ingredients contained therein to create alcohol. It is an ascertained fact that al­
cohol can only be made from sugar, although at first sight it appears to be made from
a variety of things, such as potatoes, treacle, <$sc. When it is known that any mate­
rials that contain starch can be converted into sugar, the mystery of making alcohol
from potatoes becomes solved. Moreover, when starch is manipulated in another
way, chemists can produce from it vinegar, sugar, alcohol, water, carbonic acid, oxalic
acid, carbonic oxyd gas, lactic acid, and many other substances ; but it must not be
supposed that these materials have any pre-existence in starch— no, they have been
created from the elements composing starch, but not from that substance itself. The
starch is broken up, and its elements are re-arranged into new forms. When alcohol
is made from barley, we merely complete a change which nature had begun. Barley
contains starch. When barley is malted, the starch becomes sugar; this we extract
by the use of water, and call it wort. Fermentation is now set up, and the sugar is
changed into spirit. How quickly this can be turned into acetic acid— that is, vinegar
— is well known to all beer drinkers.

GRAVEL CONCRETE.
The plan of building houses with gravel concrete— a mixture o f lime, stone, and
gravel— is exciting considerable attention, under the present high prices of lumber and
brick. It is comparatively a new thing, although in Ohio and other Western States
it has been practiced for fifteen or twenty years. The only question about it is that
of cheapness, for o f its durability there can be no doubt. The building now in progress
of construction on this plan in Waltham, Massachusetts, by the Boston Match Com­
pany, is said to have thus far saved the entire cost of brick.




126

Journal o f M ining and Manufactures.
BONUS FOR BUILDING SHIPS IN LOUISIANA.

The Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Louisiana in General As­
sembly convened have passed the following act relative to ship building. This act
was approved by the Governor March 15th, 1865, and is now in force:—
S ec. 1. That a reward or bonus is offered, and shall be given, by this State to each
person or association of persons, whether resident of this State or otherwise, who shall
build and complete, or cause to be built and completed, within this State, any ship or
vessel of a tonnage each of more than fifty tons burden ; which reward or bonus shall
be five dollars per ton, custom-house measurement, for each ship or vessel; and for
each sea-going steamer so built and completed as aforesaid; and four dollars per ton
for each and every river or lake steamer so built and completed as aforesaid.
S ec. 2. That any person demanding the reward or bonus shall file in the office of
the Secretary of State a certificate, signed by the collector of the port and the builder,
which shall state the name of the builder, the name and tonnage of the ship or other
vessel; was wholly built and completed within this State; and upon the production
of a copy of said certificate, countersigned by the Secretary of State, it shall be the
duty of the Auditor of Public Accounts to give to the holder of said certified copy a
warrant upon the Treasurer for the amount to which he may be entitled.
S ec. 3. That this act shall be in force during the term of five years from the 18th
day of March, 1855.
S ec . 4. That all laws contrary to the provisions of this act, and all laws on the same
subject matter, except what is contained in the Civil Code and Code of Practice, be
repealed.

COMBINATION OF IRON AND GLASS.
Mr. Campbell, of Columbus, Ohio, has made application at Washington for a patent,
making a bond of union between cast-iron at a very high temperature and glass in a
state of fusion, and designed for boxes in which the axles of wheels revolve. The
glass is for the interior of the box, and, causing but little friction, it requires but little
lubrication, and is, therefore, economical, costing less thau cast iron. The Intelligencer
says:—
“ The tests to which the specimen we have seen has been subjected, at once con­
vinced us that glass thus imbedded in iron could sustain extraordinary pressure and
the most powerful blow s; but a doubt arose in relation to the inequality in the con­
traction and expansion of the two materials, by sudden changes in their temperature.
Iron, however, expands and contracts by heat far more thau glass, and the ca9t-iron
box being expanded to its utmost when the glass congeals, all its after tendency by
this means must necessarily be to embrace the glass within it; and this glass, being
in the form of an arch, with its bases and apex both embraced by the iron, it can yield
to no power that is not capable of literally crushing it to powder.”

MANUFACTURING BOOTS AND SHOES BY MACHINERY.
A number of Frenchman are about getting up an establishment at Utica, New
York, for the manufacture of boots and shoes by machinery. It is said that the manu­
facture of a fine shoe will cost but ten cents, and that of a fine boot but fifteen or
twenty cents. The machines can be run by women and boys, and their proper man­
agement does not require any knowledge of the present way of making boots and .
shoes. The Telegraph says that the owners are now in Washington securing a patent
for their machine, and it thus speaks of its performance :—
The machine is so perfect that it is only necessary to place in it two pieces of sole
and upper leather, and in an incredibly short space of time it turns out a complete
boot or shoe, as is desired. We learn that a number of capitalists of this city are ne­
gotiating for the purchase of the patent, aud that it is their intention, should they suc­
ceed in securing it, to purchase the Globe Mills and to convert them into an extensive
boot and shoe manufactory, employing some seven hundred hands. A gentleman in
this city now extensively interested in manufacturing, is in New York negotiating for
the purchase of the patent.




Journal o f M ining and Manufactures.

127

IMPROVEMENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BREAD.
S. G o u l d , o f Columbia county, recently presented the State Agricultural Soci.
ety -with a loaf of improved bread— an article in the manufacture of which there has
been no marked improvement since the days of Pericles. This bread, as we learn from
the Albany Journal, is the invention of a M r . C r u m , (an appropriate name for the in­
ventor o f a l o a f) who was formerly baker in General Taylor’s army, during the Mexi­
can war. The improvement consists in a new application of the old principles of fer­
mentation, and modification in the old method of baking. Its advantages are thus
summed up by the J o u r n a l :—
1. It does not grow stale in eight or ten days. It is as fresh at the end of a week
as ordinary baker’s bread at the end of twenty-four hours.
2. It can be manufactured by machinery, which is impossible with ordinary bread.
Three men can manufacture eight thousand loaves per day in this manner.
3. Ordinary flour, of common brands, can, by this process, be converted into white
and sweet bread, as can by ordinary means be made from the best superfine flour.
Even sour flour can be made into good sweet bread.
4. The liability of bread to become sour is completely obviated.
5. No drugs whatever are used in making it, not even pearlasli. No ingredients are
employed in the manufacture of it except flour, salt, yeast, and water.
J

ohn

If half what is claimed for this new method of manufacturing bread is true, the im­
provement is certainly very important.
MILK AS A MANUFACTURING INGREDIENT.
Milk now performs other offices besides the production of butter and cheese and the
flavoring of tea. It has made its way into the textile factories, and has become a valueable adjunct in the hands of the calico printer and the woolen manufacturer. In
the class of pigment printing work, which is indeed a species of painting, the colors
are laid on the face of the goods in an insoluble condition, so as to give a full, bril­
liant appearance. As a vehicle for effecting this process of decoration, the insoluble
albumen obtained from eggs was always used, until Mr. Pattison, of Glasgow, Scot­
land, found a more economical substitute in milk. For this purpose buttermilk is now
bought up in large quantities from the farmers, and the desired indissoluble matter is
obtained from it at a price far below that of egg albumen. This matter the patentee
has called “ lactarin.”
A second application of the same article— milk— has just been developed by causes
arising out of the recent high price of olive oil, which having risen from £40 to £70 a
ton, the woolen manufacturers are now using the high-priced article mixed with milk.
This compound is said to answer much better than oil alone, the animal fat contained
in the globules of the milk apparently furnishing an element of more powerful effect
upon the fibers than the pure vegetable oil p e r se.
MEN ENGAGED IN THE BUILDING TRADES IN GREAT BRITAIN.
From a statement by Mr. Godwin, the architect, published in the London B u ild er,
it seems that there are 182,000 carpenters and joiners, 101,000 masons and paviors,
68,000 bricklayers, 63,000 plumbers, painters, and glaziers, 35,000 sawyers, 31,000
brickmakers, besides plasterers, slaters, and others; making a total of 536,000 per­
sons, exclusive o f 2,970 architects. The largeness of their interests involved, he added,
was evident. The position which builders and contractors had taken in England was
unexampled ; they commanded armies of men ; had their William Cubitt, Peto, Jackson, and others in Parliament; and were amongst the largest encouragers of art and
literature.




128

Journal o f M ining and Manufactures.
EXTENSIVE FLOURING MILL IN LOUISVILLE.

Messrs. Smith and Smyser, of Louisville, Kentucky, have recently completed a most
extensive flouring mill at the Falls near that city. It was erected at a cost o f $85,000,
and embraces all the latest improvements. Its five run of stones will grind 1,500
bushels of wheat daily, and its arrangements are such that 500 barrels of flour can
be packed in a day without spilling a handful. We quote from the C ourier of the
24th:—
The motive power o f this mill is the water of the falls of the Ohio, just where it
dashes with irresistible force thi ough the Indiana chute. The mill-race was excavated
at an immense cost of time, labor, and money, from the solid limestone that forms the
bed of the rapids. The wheels are on an entire new principle, being similar to the
submerged propellers used in war steamers, working an immense upright shaft, the
base of which is sunk fifteen feet through solid rock. The entire machinery of the
mill is worked or revolved by this shaft, which extends its power from the bed of the
river to the very roof of the building, the whole moving with the evenness and regu­
larity of clock-work, and with irresistible and untiring power. As long as the waters
of the Ohio roll onward to the Gulf, so long will the machinery of this great mill per­
petuate its action, and be an enduring monument of the energy, talent, and enterprise
of its builders.
Messrs. Smith and Smyser’s flour store is on Market-street, above First, where they
have constant supply of their superior flour, as well as all the different kinds of offal
of the mill. They have been in operation since the first of January, and during the
past week were making flour from wheat from Chicago that cost them $2 per bushel.
They will always be in market buying wheat, for which the farmers throughout Ken­
tucky, Indiana, and Ohio, are informed that they pay the highest cash price for a good
article.

CHEAP COAL BY A CHEMICAL PREPARATION.
Dr. Thomas Hooper, of New Orleans,has discovered a chemical preparation, which,
mixed with mud as a bricklayer would mix lime with sand, makes an excellent coal
— coal that can be made and sold in the New Orleans market for thirty cents a barrel,
if made by hand, or fifteen cents if made by machinery. It lights easily; there is no
offensive smell emitted, but little smoke, and but very little dust or cinders. What
little cinders are left, is good for cleaning silver, brass, or other similar metals; and
the ashes make a tolerable sand paper, and are also good for scrubbing floors, &c. The
patentee also assures us, says the A m e r ic a n E x p o n en t, “ that it will not only burn
well in grates, (where we saw it burning,) but in stoves, furnaces for smelting, and for
making steam. In fact, it can be put to all the practical uses of wood or coal, except
for the purpose of generating gas.”

DEMAND FOR WOOL IN EUROPE.
The London Jou rn a l o f Com m erce says: “ The demand for wool is increasing very
rapidly in all countries, especially on the continent. France is, perhaps, the largest
market o f the world for wool, and employs every year wool of the value of more than
twelve millions of pounds sterling, and is, moreover, annually increasing her exports of
woolen stuffs. France, the Zollverein, and Belgium, require yearly about £22,000,000
worth of wool, while their own production is scarcely to the value of £15,000,000.
W ool stands next to cotton in importance of the various raw materials employed in
our home manufactures, engaging upwards of £30,000,000 of British capital, and the
woolen and worsted trades forming more than a fourth part of our textile manufactures.
If, with all the obstacles to progression— deficiency of labor, colonial reverses, the rav­
ages of the scab, and the attractions of the gold fields— the exports of Australian wool
have doubled in the last ten years, we see no reason why even a much greater increase
should not take place in the next decade; and a more diffused and dense population,
with increased facilities of transport by water and rail, afford a certain promise, that
the mighty island of New Holland, which in our sphere ha9 already eclipsed all its




Railroad, Canal, anJ Steamboat Statistics.

129

predecessors and contemporaries, will, as regards the production of the equally neces­
sary staple wool, go on increasing in an enormous ratio, and furnish such a supply of
the raw material for our woolen fabrics as shall not only meet the enhanced British
demand, but also leave supplies for the increasing wants of our continental and transAtlantic brethren. With every such increase the shipping business must necessarily
prosper, and an enhanced demand for tonnage of consequence arise, affording valuable
return freights for the large fleet o f fine ships engaged in the Australian trade.”

LORD BERRIEDALE’S PATENT FOR PAPER FROM THE THISTLE.
Among the patents issued in England during the past year, is one, dated July 8,
1854, to Lord Berriedale, London, relative to the application and use o f the common
thistle, or Caiduus, as it is termed by botanists, in the production of pulpy material
from which paper may be made. All varieties of the plant, it is stated, are applica­
ble to the purposes of thi3 invention, but more particularly the large Scottish thistle,
which grows luxuriantly in many parts of Great Britain, attaining a great height and
thickness of stem, and which furnish in each plant, fiber of great tenacity to a large
amount. This, when duly prepared, is well suited for the preparation of a paper
pulp, which will cohere very powerfully, as well as prove useful in textile manufac
tures. It may be used whether green or dry, and for paper goes through a process
similar to that which rags are subject to, and if for manufactures, like flax.

RAILROAD, CANAL, AND STEAMBOAT STATISTICS.
OCEAN AND INLAND STEAMERS OUT OF THE PORT OF NEW YORK.
NUM BER II.

“ THE PLYMOUTH ROCK.”
In continuation of our series of descriptions of the newer and finer steamers out of
New York, we this month present a brief notice of the Plymouth Rock, another o f
the steamers recently completed for the navigation of Long Island Sound, forming
part o f the “ regular mail line between New York and Boston via Stonington and
Providence,” in connection with the Stonington and Providence, and the Boston and
Providence railroads.
It may not be out o f place, by way of introduction, to refer to the route to which
the Plymouth Rock belongs, as the oldest o f the three principal lines of travel be­
tween the cities o f New York and Boston. In the earlier days of steamboats, the
passage was made between New York and Providence the whole distance by water,
and many beside the “ oldest inhabitant” will remember the name and fame of the
steamers then engaged in this important service. A trip through the Sound, passing
Fisher’s Island, and the race around Point Judith into Narragansett Bay, stopping
perhaps for wood and water, poultry and vegetables, or it may be only by stress of
weather, at Hart Island, Huntington, New Haven, New London, Stonington, Newport
and other places all along shore, was an undertaking little less arduous than a voyage
across the Atlantic Ocean in the Collins steamers of to-day.
On the opening o f the Stonington Railroad in the year 1831, the outside steamers
were in part transferred from the route to Providence via Newport, to that via Ston­
ington, and after running thus in combination for two or three years, the boats were
exclusively assigned to the Stonington route, which had become more and more a
VOL. X X X I I I .----- NO. I .




9

130

Railroad, Canal, and Steamboat Statistics.

favorite with travelers, on account of its being inland and much more expeditious
than the old route.
Notwithstanding several new and popular channels of conveyance have been opened
between New York and Boston subsequently, we understand the proprietors of the
route via Stonington claim that theirs still remains the shortest in miles, and the most
direct as traced on the map.
A t all events, we know that the Stonington line has always enjoyed its share of
public favor, and that its steamers rank among the first in these waters.
The Plymouth Rock made her first trip to Stonington October 19, 1854. The hull
was built by J. Simonson, and is of unusual heavy timber, with a variety of extra
fastenings. The length of keel, 325 feet; length on deck, 335 fe e t; breadth of hull,
40 feet; whole breadth, including guards, *72 feet; depth of hold, 13 feet; register
1,850 $ons, custom-house measurement. The model has been much admired by ama­
teurs in marine architecture for its grace and symmetry. She is certainly a very finelooking steamer, and reflects great credit on her builder, whose success has before
been remarked.
The machinery was furnished by the Allaire Works of this city. The engine is a
beam, with a cylinder 76 inches in diameter and 12 feet stroke of piston; the shafts
and cranks are of wrought-iron, heavily fastened and braced. There are two lowpressure boilers, of very great size and capacity, placed on the guards. The steamer
has also an extra engine and pumps to supply the boilers, and so arranged in case of
fire, that a hose may be attached at a moment’s notice, and reach any part of the
boat. The engine of the Plymouth Rock is of the first class— massive in strength aud
complete in finish. It contains all desirable improvements, and is believed to be as
perfect a specimen of machinery as yet produced in this country.
In the construction of this mammoth steamer, it was deemed of paramount import­
ance to provide a strong and substantial vessel of great power, with the highest
speed, and particularly equipped for the security and safety of life and property.
But the comfort and enjoyment of the passengers has not been by any means ne­
glected.
The accommodations throughout are spacious, convenient, and elegant; the furniture
and appointments of the costliest description, and in taste and beauty. The beds and
bedding, chandeliers, china, cut glass, and table furniture, are the best that could be
procured in this country or in EuropeThe Plymouth Rock has one hundred well-ventilated state rooms, including numer­
ous bridal, family, and single-bedded rooms, and berths (wide and roomy) for five
hundred passengers, and a dining cabin remarkably spacious. The ladies’ cabin, with
its almost regal splendor, and the state room hall, with its immense proportions and
beautiful arched roof, must be seen to be fully appreciated.
The Plymouth Rock is supplied with several metallic life-boats, with patent cans,
seats, and buoys fitted as life-preservers, with fire-engine, force-pumps, hose, and
other apparatus and contrivances to protect and preserve from accident, danger, or
harm.
The Plymouth Rock is under the command of Captain Joel Stone, who has been
from early boyhood on the Sound, and is most favorably known as a competent and
courteous master.
The other steamers of the Stonington line— the “ C. Yanderbilt” and the “ Commo­
dore,” are among the established institutions of Long Island Sound. Their qualities
as staunch, safe, and fast steamers, have always rendered them popular with travelers
to and from the East.




STOCK AND DEBTS OF THE RAILROADS IN OPERATION IN THE STATE OF ENW YORK.




2,381
46f

!,330*
46*

Capital stock,
as per
charter.
$600,000 00
1,000,600 00
1,866,000 00
1,500,000 00
565,000 00
1,300,000 00
1,600,000 00
200,000 00
4,000,000 00
3,000,000 00
23,085,600 00
10,500,000 00
8,000,000 00
3,000,000 00
2.000,000 00
350,000 00
610,000 00
175,000 00
300,000 00
1,350,000 00
1,200,000 00
80,000 00
1,000,000 00
325,000 00
30,000 00
1,500,000 00
$69,037,200 00
1,600,000 00

Amount of
stock
subscribed.
$445,000 00
1,000,000 00
1,701,000 00
951,150 00
565,000 00
1,300,000 00
700,000 00
200,000 00
3,770,851 97
3,000,000 00
23,085,600 00
10,023,958 84
5,716,050 00
3,000,000 00
2,000,000 00
350,000 00
610,000 00
175,000 00
300,000 00
899,900 00
832,500 00
75,600 00
510,000 00
265,000 00
30,000 00
1,370,378 19
$62,876,9S9 00
462,700 00

Amount paid
in as per
last report.
$200,830 00
1,000,000 00
982,292 31
755,709 96
664,116 70
1,100,000 00
687,000 00
27,012 00
3,727,826 80
1,875,148 28
22,2 13,983 81
10,000,091 00
5,127,650 00
2,992,450 00
1,611,627 *22
350,000 00
610,000 00
167,485 89
300,000 00
899,900 00
453,503 21
73,800 00
437,830 40
243,654 50
3,000 00
1,346,075 19
$57,750,687 27
426,117 06

Total amount
now paid in
of capital
stock.
$439,004 97
1,000,0C0 00
1,482,766 00
798,439 30
564,116 70
1,300,000 00
687,000 00
120,000 00
3,757,891 97
1,875,148 28
23,067,415 00
10,023,958 84
5,716,050 00
2,992,450 00
1,611,527 22
374,920 00
610,000 00
167,485 89
300,000 00
899,900 00
731,614 75
74,250 00
439,492 50
249,939 50
3,000 00
1,370,378 10
$60,656,749 49
434,096 32

Funded debt,
as per last
report.
$470,000 00
1,025,000
1,261,000
69,670
1,000,000
400,000
10,758
7,964,335
611,183
11,664,033
20,173,868
1,489,201
1,641,000
3,488,000
206,000
112,000
150,000
120,000
940,000

00
00
00
00
00
00
00
01
62
90
48
00
00
00
00
00
00
00

104,424
459,000
100,000
500,000
614,000

88
00
00
00
00

$54,363,474 37
800,000 00

131

Total...........................................
Canandaigua and Elmira.....................

Length
ot road
laid.
36
38*
100*
92*
22
81
35
7£
144
86*
533£
464
132*
61
119
37*
64*
18
22
54*
71
Si
27*
17*
2
97

Railroad, Canal, and Steamboat Statistics.

Length
of road,
including
branches.
36
Albany Northern...................................
Albany and West Stockbridge...........
38£
Buffalo, Corning, and New York........
134£
Buffalo and New York C ity ...............
92£
Buffalo and Niagara Falls...........................
22
Buffalo and State L in e ..........................
81
Cayuga and Susquehanna............................
35
Flushing.................................................
7fHudson River...............................................
144
Long Isla n d..........................................
86£
New York Central ..............................
533£
New York and Erie..............................
464
New York and Harlem........................
132£
61
New York andNew Haven..................
Northern..................................................
119
Oswego and Syracuse..........................
37£
Rensselaer ana Saratoga.....................
54£
Sackett’s Harbor and Ellisburg.........
18
Saratoga and Schenectady...................
22
Saratoga and Washington...................
54£
Syracuse and Binghamton..................
80
Troy and Bennington...........*..............
5^
Troy and B oston ..................................
34 f
Troy and R utland................................
17£
Troy Union.....................................................
2
Watertown and Rome................................
97
Name of Corporation.

132

STOCK AND DEBTS OF THE RAILROADS IN OFERATION IN THE STATE OF NEW YO RK — CONTINUED.

Name of Corporation.

New York and Erie..............................
New York aod H arlem .....................
New York aud New Haven...............
Northern................................................
Oswego and Syracuse.........................
Rensselaer and Saratoga...................
Sackett’s Harbor aud Ellisburg.........
Saratoga and Schenectady.................
Saratoga and Washington.................
Syracuse and Binghamton..................
Troy and Bennington.........................
Troy and Boston...................................
Troy and Rutland...............................
Watertown and R o m e .......................
Total..........................................
Canandaigua and Elmira ....................




H

114
86*
533*
464
132*
61
119
87*
25*
18
22
54*
80
51
341

Length
of road,
laid.
36
38*
100*
92*
22
81
35
7*
144
86*
533*
464
132*
61
119
371
25*
18
22
54*
71
5*
27*

17*
2

Hi
2

97

97

2,381
46*

2,330*
46*

Total amount now
of funded debt.
$1,200,000 00
1,360,500
1,720,000
55.000
1,000,000
500,000
160,000
8,006,435
610,833
11,947,121
22,601,000
2,714.201
2,126,000
4,095,000
196,500
140,000
250,000
114.000
940,000
914,500
143.700
493,500
100.000
680,000
509,000

00
00
00
00
00
00
00
01
04
00
48
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00

$62,577,290 53
800,000 00

\

234,518 49

800,000 00

Total
amount now
of funded and
floating debt.
$1,300,000 00
930,895 01
1,402,244 32
2,587,849 14
55,000 00
1,030,000 00
531,318 14
185,000 00
8,933.804 05
626.958 76
11.947,121 04
25,126,669 85
3,527,595 02
2,173,367 66
4,522,413 37
219,594 54
140,000 00
806,810 47
114,000 00
1,053,284 05
1,118,751 98
148,274 27
493,500 00
130,879 57
680,000 00
809,000 00

$7,394,551 66
7,141 15

$7,543,840 64
98,584 83

$70,094,281 24
898,584 88

Floating debt as
per last report.
$930,895
191,933
1,256,877
1,964
33.130
86,721
12,521
880,104
13,431
2,685,026
632.444
69.534
471,198
2,000

01
87
34
00
18
63
00
26
63
49
32
18
69
00

7,356 61
59,067 49
66,250 81
235,757 89
23,818 37

The amount now
of floating debt.
$100,000 00
930,895 01
41.744 32
867,849 14
30,000
31,318
25,000
927,369
16,125
2,525,669
813,393
47.367
427,413
23,094

00
14
00
05
75
85
54
60
37
54

56,810 47
113.234 05
204,251 98
31,424 27
30,879 57

Average rate
per annum of
interest on
funded debt.
7 per cent.
none.
7 per cent.
7
7
7
7
7
7

6
6.67 “
7

7
7
7

7
7
7

7
7
7
6*
7
6
7
7

“
‘‘

Railroad, Canal, and Steamboat Statistics.

Albany Northern..................................
Albany and West Stookbridge...........
Buffalo, Corning, and New Y ork.........
BufiVo and New York C ity..............
Buffalo and Niagara F a lls.................
Buffalo and State Line.........................
Cayuga and Susquehanna.................
Flushing ................................................
Hudson R iv e r......................................
Long Tsland...........................................

Length
of road,
including
branches.
36
881
131*
97*
22
81
35

Mercantile Miscellanies.

133

A NEW RAILROAD BRIDGE,
The model of a bridge invented by Mr. Q-. S. Avery. 0. E., was recently tested at
the Union Depot, in Troy, before several scientific men and a number of spectators.
The model is four feet and six inches in length, with the average height of five inches,
and constructed of white pine-wood and brass bolts; its weight being five-and a-half
pounds. It sustained a weight of eleven hundred pounds, being two hundred times
its own weight, with a deflection of one-quarter of an inch. On a recent visit to Troy
we had an opportunity of examining the model, and in our judgment, Mr. Avery has
succeeded in attaining to the fullest extent possible, and to a greater degree than has
been heretofore attained, the great desideratum of bridges—simplicity of construction
with the combination of lightness and strength.

MERCANTILE MISCELLANIES.
MEMOIRS OF AMERICAN MERCHANTS:
EMINENT FOR INTEGRITY", INDUSTRY, ENERGY, ENTERPRISE, AND SUCCESS IN LIFE.

We copy the following well-written editorial from the New York E v en in g A fir ro K
As the editor of that journal remarks in the last paragraph quoted, we propose to
publish a volume of “ Mercantile Biography,” in the course of the coming autumn,
which will include many but not “ a ll” the sketches that have appeared in the M e r ­
ch ant^ M agazine. It is our intention to select such only as comport with the design
of the series indicated by its title of giving the “ Memoirs of American Merchants,
eminent for Integrity, Industry, Energy, Enterprise, and Success in Life ”— the repre­
sentative men, who “ may serve as a key to universal mercantile history.” The series,
for we shall probably extend it to two or more volumes, will include many merchants
and business men of the present and the past, whose memoirs have not been pub­
lished in this magazine, or in any other form. The first volume will cover some five
hundred octavo pages, printed on a large, handsome type, and fine paper, and neatly
and substantially boufid. The volume will be illustrated with a number of portraits
engraved on steel, and form altogether a volume artistically equal, in every respect
to Irving’s Life of Washington, published by G. P. Putnam, or Bancroft’s History of
the United States, by Little, Brown & Co.
The first volume will contain biographies of Samnel Appleton, Thomas P. Cope,
Peter C. Brooks, Samuel Shaw, Joseph Peabody, Hon. Thomas H. Perkins, Jonathan
Goodhue, Hon. James G. King, Patrick Tracy Jackson, Stephen Girard, Walter R.
Jones, <fec., <fec., nearly all of whom belonged to the first era of the commercial history
of the United States, and died at an advanced age. Subsequent volumes will proba­
bly contain the lives of some of the most eminent living American merchants, and
will thus bring down this biographical history of the Commerce of America to the
present time:—
“ MERCANTILE BIOGRAPHY---- HUNT’S MAGAZINE.”

“ When the historian, yet to come, shall attempt to picture the mercantile phase o f
oar national annals, he will turn with thankfulness to the pages of “ Hunt’s M ercha nts'
M a g a z i n e as the largest authentic source from whence to derive the facts, philoso­
phy, and biography, which go to explain the marvelous rapidity with which the Com­
merce of our young republic has risen in competition and successful rivalry with that
of the eldest and proudest of maritime nations. Among the many admirable features
of the aforesaid magazine— the leading and best of its kind the world over— none af­
fords greater interest and instruction, or deserves more praise, than the department




134

Mercantile Miscellanies,

devoted to mercantile biography. As the history of oDe man, of cosmopolitan expe­
rience, may be said to typify in a measure the history of the human race, so the bio­
graphical record o f one eminent merchant may serve as a key to universal mercantile
history. The Astors, Girards, Grays, Brookses, and Lawrences of our country, col­
lectively or singly, illustrate the spirit and genius of the class to which they belong.
“ F re em an H unt, in his invaluable raagizine, whom we are proud, as Americans, to
know is equally popular and authoritative, in commercial circles, on both sides of the
Atlantic, has given several sketches of eminent mercantile Americans— all exceeding­
ly interesting, but none more so than the sketch of the celebrated Peter Chardon
Brooks, (with fine steel portrait,) contributed by the Hon. Edward Everett to the June
number of the magazine. Mr. Everett could hardly have selected a more marked
character, if his object was to best illustrate the integrity, the intelligence, the enter­
prise, or the sagacity and energy o f the pioneers and molders of American Commerce
— and his classic and graceful pen has done as ample justice to the great Boston mer­
chant, banker, marine insurer, and millionaire, as the limits of a magazine article
would admit.
“ W e have not space for even a synopsis of this interesting biography— which every
young man, intent on entering the ranks o f trade and Commerce, should read for ad­
vice as well as stimulus— but we have, from its perusal, had our life-long conviction
strengthened, that the best goals of fortune, and honor, and personal happiness, are
only open to those who begin their career aright, and live it aright— swayed by fixed
principles from the start, and never sacrificing honesty or honor, however present cir­
cumstances may tempt. Peter C. Brooks achieved a vast fortune, and a solid and
commanding reputation, not by hap hazard ventures, but by pursuing, evenly and
steadily, a well-calculated line of action, requiring a sagacity and enterprise, but much
more requiring a stubborn integrity and an indomitable will to resist speculation. His
business was well defined, orderly to perfection, and constantly supervised (during his
active business career) by himself.
“ If he was far-seeing and far-reaching in his enterprise, he was equally prudent
and moderate in the use of means to accomplish his ends. The most active part of
his life was passed between the years 1789 and 1803, and perhaps no man in this
country ever accumulated fortune more rapidly than he, during that period. But, in
the pursuit of fortune, Mr. Brooks cultivated the Christian and the man, and his right
hand was not more dilligent and successful in gathering than his left hand was in
beneficently dispensing. Ample fortune is a glorious thing in the hands of a true man,
enabling him to scatter blessing on every side, and at the same time to make fragrant
and bright his own pathway. But we must leave the reader to Mr. Everett’s sketch
for a broader and more complete view of Mr. Brooks, who was, decidedly, a repre­
sentative man.
“ Mr. Hunt’s forthcoming volume of “ Mercantile Biography,” which will include all
the sketches that have appeared ii. his magazine to the present time, will be warmly
welcomed as an interesting and long-needed addition to our national history and literture. Mr. H. may well pride himself on such contributors as Edward Everett.”

THE BOSTON BOARD OF TRADE AND THE MERCHANTS’ MAGAZINE,
In this Magazine for May, 1855, (vol.xxxii., page 647,) we published a letter, couched
in terms of high commendation, of S amuel L a w r e n c e , Esq., an enterprising, publicspirited merchant of Boston, ordering a complete set of the M erchants' M a g a z in e ,
which it will be seen by the annexed correspondence and resolutions, were presented
to the Boston Board of Trade by that gentleman. The resolutions were originally
published in the Boston E v en in g T ranscript, and have been transmitted to the editor
and proprietor of this work by order of the Board. Our Eastern merchants know
how to “ kill two birds with one stone,” and accordingly we find that in accepting the
gift, and returning their thanks to the donor , they did not forget to express their
“ high opinion ” of the character of the d o n a tio n : —
O f f ic e

of t h e

B o s t o n Bo a r d o f T r a d e , )
B o s t o n , June 5, 1855.
f

F reem an H unt , Esq., P r o p r ie to r o f the M erch a n ts' M agazine, N ew Y o r k : —

ISi r :— It gives me great pleasure to comply with an order of the Government of the
Board of Trade of this city, passed yesterday afternoon, and to transmit to you here-




135

Mercantile Miscellanies.

with an extract from their Records, containing Resolutions which refer to your Maga­
zine.
I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ISAAC C. BATES, Secretary o f the Board.
[.E x tra c t f r o m the R ecord s o f the G overnm ent o f the B o ston B o a r d o f Trade.']

The Secretary then read a communication from S amuel L aw ren c e , Esq., asking the
Board to accept of a complete set of H unt’ s M erch a n ts' M a g a zin e ; upon which the
following resolutions were proposed by J ames M. B e e b e , Esq., and unanimously
adopted:—
R esolved, That we will accept the copy of thirty-one volumes of H unt’ s M erch a n ts'
M a g a zin e , so kindly offered by S amuel L a w r e n c e , Esq., our President, as new proof
of the interest he has always manifested in our Association, and that the thanks of
the Board shall be presented to him for it, and for his liberality in giving so complete
and so perfect a copy.
R esolved , That we will take this occasion to express our high opinion of the work
itself, as one well conducted, devoted to the diffusion of useful information on com­
mercial and industrial affairs, and adapted by its freedom from party prejudices and
sectional views, as well as by its collections of valuable statistics, to the use of com­
mercial men in all parts of our country.
R esolved . That the Secretary of the Board shall be instructed to communicate our
thanks to Mr. L aw r e n c e , by sending him a copy of these resolutions, and that a copy
o f them shall also be sent to Mr. H unt, the conductor of the Magazine.
O rdered , That the Secretary of the Board see that these resolution are carried into
effect.
A true copy.
Attest
ISAAC C. BATES, Secretary.
Boston,

June 4, 1855.

The editor of the E v e n in g T ran script introduces the resolutions with the following,
among other remarks:—
“ W e have been gratified to hear that one of our most enterprising and publicspirited merchants has presented a complete set of H unt' s M erchants' M a g a zin e to
the Boston Board of Trade, and in accepting the donation, the government took occa­
sion to pass a series of resolutions, which, as we believe, express the unanimous opin­
ion of our merchants in regard to the value of the work to which they relate. After
such an indorsement, can we add more ?”
INTEGRITY OF PHILADELPHIA MERCHANTS.
The Rev. Dr. B o ardm an , in his address delivered at the Anniversary of the Mer­
chants’ Fund Association of Philadelphia, passes a well-merited eulogium upon the
integrity of the merchants of that city, which we take great pleasure in transferring
to the pages of the M erch a n ts' M a g a z i n e : —
“ The high mercantile reputation of Philadelphia has long been established on an
impregnable basis. If there be a witness among ourselves, who is competent to speak
on this subject, it is that great lawyer whose forensic abilities and private virtues have
for half a century shed so much luster on the Philadelphia bar, and whose fame be­
longs, not to our city or Commonwealth, but to the Union. This is his testimony:—
‘ In the course of an active professional life, I had constant opportunities to observe
how vastly the cases of good faith among merchants and men of business in this city,
outnumbered the cases of an opposite description, where at the same time there was
neither formal security, nor competent proof to insure fidelity. I should say the pro­
portion was greater than a thousand to one.’* If it has fallen to the lot of any body
of merchants, in any age or country, to have a loftier eulogy than this pronounced
upon them, the case has escaped my observation. Nor is it by any means a mere local
and unsupported opinion. The sentiment here expressed finds a cordial response
among foreign manufacturers, and throughout those portions of our own country which
have their trading relations with this city. The feeling all over the South and the
West is, that the merchants of Philadelphia, as a body, are upright and straightforward
men— men who use words in their common signification, and whose goods answer to
the labels. And this conviction it is, even more than your costly canals and railroads,




* The Hon. Horace Binney.

136

M ercantile Miscellanies.

which brings them here to make their purchases, and which secures your acknowledged
control of the south-western business. Let Philadelphia lose her hereditary character
for old-fashioned honesty, and the bales and boxes which every spring and autumn
make it so difficult for a pedestrian to thread his way along Market-street, will grad­
ually dwindle into very trivial obstructions.
“ The commercial integrity of our metropolis, I have said, is not a thing of yester­
day. A philosophic annalist will seek its origin in the character of the men who es­
tablished this Commonwealth. And he must be wilfully blind, who does not detect
the germ of it, in that immortal transaction which took place under the great Elm
Tree in Kensington. ‘ We meet,’ said William Penn to the Indian sachems, ‘ on the
broad pathway of good faith and wood w ill; no advantage shall be taken on either
side, but all shall be openness and love. I will not call you children, for parents
sometimes chide their children too severely; nor brothers only, for brothers differ. The
friendship between me and you I will not compare to a chain, for that the rain might
rust, or a falling tree might break. We are the same as if oue man’s body were to
be divided into two parts; we are all one flesh and blood.’ Thus was that famous
treaty made, of which Voltaire justly said, ‘ It was never sworn to, and never broken.’
In his intercourse both with the natives and the colonists, Penn adhered to the apothegm
he uttered, when that iniquitous trial was in progress, which ended in his being sent
to Newgate: ‘ I prefer the honestly simple to the ingeniously wicked.’ And well did
the red men requite his confidence ; for not a drop of Quaker blood was ever shed by
an Indian. Our city, then, was born in righteousness. Thanks, under a benign Prov­
idence, to the primitive Quaker colonists, they laid its foundations in truth, and peace,
and honesty. It must in candor be added, that their descendants have proved them­
selves worthy of such an ancestry. It has been their aim to make and keep Phila­
delphia what William Penn designed it should be. Like all other modern cities, it
has experienced seasons of great financial perplexity and distress. And it would be
going too far to say, that nothing has ever occurred at these crises to awaken solicitude
as to its commercial integrity. But I may say, that no class of men amongst us have
been more jealous for the honor of the city than our Quaker merchants; and that
whenever the maxims engraved upon our ancient wall have begun to rust, these de­
scendants of the early builders have been among' the first to brush away the mold,
and with pious care retouch the sacred inscriptions. One of them, a patriarch of more
than fourscore, has lately gone down to an honored grave, amidst the regrets of this
whole community. It is a great blessing, gentlemen, to have had before you for per­
haps the entire period of your business lives, such an exemplar of the mercantile and
social virtues as Thomas P. Cope. It is no disparagement to the living to say, that
his name was one which came spontaneously to every lip, when requisition was made
for a genuine Philadelphia merchant. Will you indulge me in a little anecdote, which
may illustrate a single trait of his character. A person highly recommended a p ­
proached him one day, and invited him to embark iu a certain joint stock enterprise.
In a careful exposition of the matter he made it appear that the scheme was likely to
succeed, and that the stock would instantly run up to a liberal premium, on being put
into the market. ‘ Well,’ 6aid Mr. Cope, 4I am satisfied on that point; I believe it
would be as thou sayest. But what will be the real value of the stock?’ ‘ Why, as
to that,’ answered the speculator, * I cannot say, (implying by his manner what he
th ou g h t; ) but that is of no moment, for all we have to do is to sell out, and make our
30 or 40 per cent profit.’ ‘ I’ll have nothing to do with i t : I’ll have nothing to do with
it:’ was the prompt and indignant reply of this incorruptible merchant. * And from
that day,’ he used to say, in relating the occurrence, ‘ I m arked that man, and shunned
all transactions with him.’ This was the integrity of Thomas P. Cope. And to men
of kindred principles with himself, both among the dead and the living, is Philadelphia
mainly indebted, under God, for her enviable commercial reputation.”
THE NEW ENGLAND MERCHANT.
A correspondent of the Boston T ranscript gives the following “ short sketch ” of the
career of the New England merchant. The character so graphically drawn will be
recognized by some of the readers of the M erch a n ts' M a g a z in e :—
There is the New England merchant, who may have been born in poverty and
reared in orphanage— “ the child of misery and baptized in tears.” Ail the added
force that educational discipline could impart to his stout heart and determined will,
was derived from the parish school. His progenitors had left no alluring and guiding




Mercantile Miscellanies.

137

light to brighten and encourage his early steps in his onward path; but he knew that
there was a Mecca to be reached by every assiduously faithful and persevering soul.
To his youthful promise, a ship-owner of discriminating mind extends the hand of
patronage, and in twenty-four hours he is afloat and finds himself master of the ves­
sel’s cargo and its destiny.
The cabin becomes his lyceum by day, and the deck his observatory by night.
Responsibility having been unexpectedly thrust upon him, the eye of his mind be­
comes more active and penetrating, and gains enlargement as the sphere of duty
widens. He is furnished with a copy o f Bowditch’s Navigator, and probably McCul­
loch’s Dictionary of Commerce, which, united, may be regarded as a bible to the dili­
gent inquirer after nautical and commercial lore. The captain never ceases to wonder
how it is that a mere youth should be placed as a sentinel over a matured Cape Cod
Salt. “ It must be,” says the captain, “ some infernal wild business that the old man
must needs send y o u as special agent.”
The characteristic traits that distinguished the Cape Cod captains more or less,
thirty years ago, appear to have been the love of money and laziness; they prayed
for an accumulation of just so much money as would enable them to buy salt works,
and lie on their backs and see the windmill pump up the water and the sun evap­
orate it.
The energy and discretion of our young merchant soon find an ample field for their
exercise, among competitors of maturer years, on a foreign soil. By the force of what
we may call “ mother-wit,” or something better, he manages to dispose of his assorted
cargo, and returns with another, realizing to his employer a handsome profit, whilst
older heads come home from the same port grayer and poorer than they went.
His next abiding impressions were probably received among the spice islands of the
East, and they caught here and there a hue which deepened as life advanced. The
bloom and odor of that charming region becomes so inwrought with all that is capti­
vating to his senses and profitable to his purse, that they have never ceased to sweeten
his existence; and blow high or low, the aroma remains. He can never speak of
Penang and its surroundings but as a physical heaven.
Success thus far has been challenged and won, and though it expands his desires, it
is made to wait on judgment. Wherever he goes, within or without the tropics, he is
come to be regarded as a sort of North Star, and as earnestly consulted. He imparts
more useful knowledge to the denizens of remote and half-civilized islands in a day,
than the learned pedant could in a month, backed by all the appliances o f classics,
codex, and philosophy. Mental food, opportunely prepared, is often more acceptable
than the savory compounds of professed cooks. He makes a capture of prejudices,
where the less skillful would incur and increase them.
The government of himself has fitted him for the governing of others. His general
ability and forecast elevate him to the rank of commercial ambassador at the age of
forty, but he is invested with no commission but that which he carries in his own head.
He projects himself into communities that have long lain in the ore, and siuks there a
shaft that strikes and develops a new mine of material wealth; he seeks the car of
public authority, and makes it ring to the tune of prospective millions ; and possibly
the enthroned monarch has been his pupil in political economy, suggesting to him
a new development of his means, and a brighter destiny for his people.
His outgo­
ings and his ingoings, which have been as regular and salutary as the tides, now cease,
aud he can be seen any day in our neighborhood, seated at his breakfast table in his
“ robe de chambre,” with the morning paper in his hand, wearing a ruddy complexion
and an untroubled aspect, quite significant o f the happy condition of his mind and
body.
This race of hero-merchants is rapidly disappearing. Modern enterprise has now
posted its allies on every inlet and by-way of commercial traffic; and the votary of
mercantile renown, however endued with courage and skill, finds few places on the
world’s map where those qualities can now be signalized or tasked to advantage.
W e have followed our New England merchant over seas and through varied climes,
and now to his home. If his satisfied and independent spirit did not find sufficient
consolation in the reflection that he has enlarged the circumference of civilization and
ameliorated the condition of his fellow-man, he might retrim his sails, aud safely navi­
gate to the gates o f the capitol; but he prefers to “ hear at a distance the noise of
the Cametia,” and pass the residue of his days among the grofbs of his own Egeria—




“ There in bright drops the crystal fountains play
By laurels shaded from the piercing day ;
Where summer’s beauty, midst of winter strays,
And winter's coolness, spiLe ot summer’s rays.”

138

Mercantile Miscellanies.
THE MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF CINCINNATI.

We have noticed in former volumes o f the M erch a n ts’ M agazine this successful as­
sociation. The twentieth annual report (1855) of the Board of Directors shows the
progressive character of tire institution. It was first organized in April, 1835, with
forty-five members. In 1836 it had one hundred and sixty-nine members, and seven
hundred and sixty-seven volume.? in its library. The roll of members now shows two
thousand five hundred and fifty members and fourteen thousand eight hundred and
forty-one volumes in its library. The organization subscribes for four daily, two tri­
weekly, and nine weekly foreign journals; and fifty daily, nine tri weekly, and sixtyseven weekly domestic journals— making one hundred and twenty-eight, besides about
sixty monthlies and quarterlies.
The aggregate revenue of the past year was $9,501 93, and the expenses about the
same— including subscriptions to magazines and newspapers, $781 46 ; books, $1,863 ;
winter course of lectures, $1,200; salaries, $2,332, Ac., Ac. The association owns and
occupies a suit o f rooms in the Cincinnati College building, for which it paid 810,000,
and has organized an auxiliary department denominated the “ Department of Classics,”
with competent professors, in which instructions are given in the languages.

WHERE THE CORK OF COMMERCE COMES FROM.
Cork is nothiog more or less than the bark of evergreen oak, growing principally in
Spain and other countries bordering the Mediterranean ; in English gardens it is only
a curiosity. When the cork-tree is about fifteen years old, the bark has attained a
thickness and quality suitable for manufacturing purposes; and, after stripping, a fur
ther growth o f eight years produces a second crop ; and so on at intervals for even
ten or twelve crops. The bark is stripped from the tree in pieces two inches in thick­
ness, of considerable length, and of such width as to retain the curved form of the
trunk when it has been stripped. The bark peeler or cutter makes a slit ia the bark
with a knife, perpendicularly from the top of the trunk to the bottom; he makes an other incision parallel to it, and at some distance from the former; and two short hori­
zontal cuts at the top and bottom. For stripping off the piece thus isolated, he uses
a kind of knife with two handles and a curved blade. Sometimes after the cuts have
been made, he leaves the tree to throw off the bark by the spontaneous action of the
vegetation within the trunk. The detached pieces are soaked in water, and are placed
over a fire when nearly d ry; they are, in fact, scorched a little on both sides, and ac­
quire a somewhat more compact texture by this scorching. In order to get rid of the
curvature, and bring them flat, they are pressed down with weights while yet hot.

DIRECT LAKE TRADE WITH HOLLAND.
The Chicago P r e s s states “ that an agent of the ‘ Netherlands Trading Company,
more familiarly known as the Dutch East India Company, has visited Chicago on a
tour of observation, with a view to opening a direct trade, through the St. Lawrence
and also through New York, with the north-west, for its productions of beef, pork,
flour, Ac., and with the south-west also, for its cotton, sugar, and tobacco. The head­
quarters of this rich association are at Amsterdam, and the company charters annually
some 800 large ships in the trade with the Indies, whose supplies and part of whose
out-cargoes may as well be composed of beef, pork, flour, etc., received at Amsterdam
from Chicago, where they are primarily collected, direct, as through intermediate
hands, and at an increased expense.”




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139

THE BOOK TRADE.
— L ite r a r y and H istorica l M iscellanies.
B y G eorge B ancroft .
8 vo . pp., SIT.
New York: Harper A Brothers.
In this collection of miscellaneous writings, Mr. Bancroft is presented as an essayist,
a literary critic and translator, an historical inquirer, and a popular orator. To those
who are acquainted only with his great work on the History of the United States,
this volume will furnish an interesting proof of the versatility of his talents, and the
wide range of his studies. For clearness and depth of thought, freedom of specula­
tion, catholicity of taste, variety o f knowledge, and splendor of diction, it would be
difficult to find its match in the whole compass of modern literature. Mr. Bancroft
combines many intellectual qualities, which are usually considered incompatible with
each other. He is at once a philosopher and a poet, a man of letters and a man of
affairs, with an equal aptitude for the subtleties of dialectics, the details of historical
research, and the select visions of fancy. Hence, this volume contains matter for every
class of minds. The essays will particularly attract the lovers of refined discipline
and acute discriminations— the scholar will recognize the graceful vigor and delicate
taste of the studies in German literature— the historical papers will be highly appre­
ciated by the student of politics and history— and the general reader will find an am­
ple store of instruction and delight in the occasional orations and addresses. We
gratefully welcome the collection as an honor to our native literature, persuaded that
writings of such noble purpose and admirable execution, are no less friendly to the rep­
utation of our country than to the fame of their author.

1.

2. — T h e C h em istry o f C om m on L i f e . By J ames F. J ohnson , M. A., F. R. S., F. G.S.,
etc., author of “ Lectures on Agricultural Chemistry and Geology,” Ac., Ac. Illus­
trated with numerous wood engravings. 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 381 and 292. New
Y ork: D. Appleton A Co.
The learned author in this work treats in their natural order o f the air we breathe
and the water we drink, in their relations to health— the soil we cultivate and the
plant we rear, as the source from which the chief substances of all life is obtained—
the bread we eat and the beef we cook— the beverage we infuse— the sweets we ex­
tract— the liquor we ferment— the narcotics we indulge in— the odors we enjoy and
the smells we dislike—what we breathe for and why we digest— the body we cherish
— and finally, the circulation of matter, as exhibiting in one view the end, purpose,
and method of all changes in the natural body. The author exhibits the present con­
dition o f chemical knowledge, and of matured scientific opinion, upon subjects to
which his work is devoted, and mingles with his familiar scientific investigations im­
portant statistical data. It is a most valuable, interesting, and instructive work, and
should be introduced into all our schools and academies as a text-book.
3. — T h e

; or Practical and Scientific Cookery. By a
12mo., pp. 267. New Y ork: D. Appleton A Co.
This work furnishes a collection of receipts for cooking and preparing all varieties
of food. The authoress in her preface prepossesses us in favor of her book by her
sensible and well-timed remarks on speaking of the importance of good cookery to
our comfort, happiness, and health, and the duties of the housekeeper to her family in
relation to cooking. Besides the receipts, which are graduated to the requirements
both of “ simple fare ” and the “ elaborate luxuries of the table,” the reader is furnished
with some general sanitary rules on diet and the time of eating, from high authorities,
which must be valuable.
P ra c tic a l A m er ic a n Cook B o o k

H o u sekeeper .

— B e ll S m ith A b r oa d .
Illustrated b y H e a l y , W alcott , O v e r a r c h e .
12m o.,
pp. 326. New Y o rk : J. C. Derby.
This book of travel gives an account of the author’s journey to Europe, and her ex­
perience of a sojourn in Paris; also some of the manners and customs of that people.
It contains a series of sketches, written in a very spirited style, and abounds in amus­
ing adventures, interesting stories, gossip, portraits, Ac. The pleasing variety of the
contents, with the lively, off-hand, humorous way in which the subjects are treated,
renders the work highly entertaining.
4.




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5 .

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— T h e A m er ic a n Statesm en : a Political History, exhibiting the Origin, Nature, and
Practical Operation of Constitutional Government in the United States; the Rise
and Progress of Parties; and the Views of Distinguished Statesmen on Questions
of Foreign and Domestic Policy. With an Appendix, containing Explanatory Notes,
Political Essays, Statistical Information, and other useful matter. By A n d r e w W .
Y o u n g , author of “ Science of Government,” “ First Lessons in Civil Government,”
“ Citizen’s Manual of Government and Law.” 8vo., pp. 1,016. New Y ork: J. C.
Derby.

This work, the copious title of which, above quoted, explains the general character
of its contents, is one whose design and the very respectable manner in which that de­
sign is executed should recommend it to the notice of the political student, and all
who wish to become familiar with the political history of their country. It is useful,
too, as a book of reference to the advanced politician. The diffusion of political knowl­
edge through the length and breadth of our land contributes to the public prosperity,
and the safety of our democratic republican institutions; and such a volume as this,
containing, as it does, in a compendious form, information which is to be obtained else­
where only from a multitude of sources, or in more voluminous works, should circulate
generally. In controverted questions of natural policy, or those involving constitu­
tional principles, the substance of arguments on both sides is given, with apparent
faithfulness and impartiality. The history of political parties is not an uninteresting
feature. The appendix contains the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Con­
federation, United States Constitution, statement of the electoral votes from 1789 to
1858, the members of the Cabinet, chief and associate justices of the Supreme Court,
speakers of the House, and presidents p r o tem . of the Senate, during the same period.
— T h e E m p re ss Josephine , first Wife of Napoleon. By P. C. H e a d l e y , author of
“ Women of the Bible.” 12mo., pp. 883. New York: Miller, Orton, &, Mulligan.
The design o f the author and publishers, it appears, was to furnish in a more popu­
lar form than any previous publication, an impartial delineation of Josephine’s char­
acter, and at the same time give a general view of the events upon the field of his­
tory, across which that extraordinary woman made a sad and brilliant transit. The
author lays no claim to originality, as he had no access to manuscripts or archives ;
his facts were derived from Bourrienne, Hazlitt, Von Rotteck, Scott, Alison, and others.
The author truly says, that the empress was a greater person than the emperor in
the elements of m ora l grandeur, and retained her sovereignty in the hearts of the French
nation, while he ruled by the unrivaled splendor of his genius. It is written in an
agreeable style, and will doubtless extend the admiration of the pure and beautiful,
in contrast with all the forms of corruption humauity could present in a period of
bloody revolution. The work has already reached a sale of more than thirty thousand
copies.
6.

7. — A L o n g L o o k A h e a d ; or the First Stroke and the Last. Ry A. S. R o e , author
of “James Montjoy; or I’ ve been Thinking,” “ To Love and to be Loved.” 12mo.,
pp. 441. New York: J. C. Derby.
This volume is written in an uncommonly easy and natural style, presenting pictures
of daily life, and inculcating lessons which can be made practically useful. The writer,
a true lover of nature, is happy in his descriptions of natural scenery, and the story
very successfully contrasts an independent country life with the uncertainties which
often attend a metropolitan career. Rural life is made very attractive. The events
of the book are related with simplicity and earnestness— the characters finely drawn.
Its perusal will have a tendency to correct an erroneous idea so prevalent, that a city
life has so much greater advantages and opportunities for real happiness, than can be
obtained in quiet villages and rural retreats.
8. — F e r n L ea ves fr o m F a n n y's P o r t-fo lio . Second Series. 12mo., pp. 400. New
York: Miller, Orton
Mulligan.
More than sixty thousand copies of the first series of Fanny’s leaves “ found a mar­
k et” before the expiration of the first twelve months, and of this second series some
thirty or more thousand have been published. That one who can write so well on
topics connected with domestic every-day life should disregard the ties of consanguin­
ity and the natural affections of the human heart, is an anomaly in the history of the
human race that we are unable to solve. The enterprising publishers have already
paid “ Fanny ” some eleven thousand dollars copy-right on her “ leaves.”




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141

9. — M em oirs o f the L i f e , E x i l e , a v d Conversations o f the E m p er o r N a p oleon . By
the Count d e L a s C a s a s . With Portraits and other Illustrations. A new edition
in four volumes. New York : J. S. Redfield.
The admiration of Las Casas for Napoleon was unbounded. It made him follow
him, without knowing him, and when he did know him, love alone, he declares, fixed
him forever near his person. While the world was full of Napoleon's military glory
and renown, and his deeds and his monuments spread all over it, but comparatively
little was known of his private qualities or the natural disposition of his soul. This
void Las Casas undertook to fill up, and it must be confessed that his advantages for
such a task, or rather, we should say, labor of love, were unexampled in history, with
perhaps the single exception of Boswell, the hero-worshiper of Johnson. He followed
him iu his exile, (an exile that reflects no honor upon England’s glory and fame,) and
recorded day by day all that he heard him say, or saw him do, during the period of
eighteen months, in which he was constantly by his person. “ In these conversations,"
says Las Casas, “ which were full o f confidence, and which seemed to pass, as it were,
in another world, he could not fail (unless we suppose him guilty of acting a part) to
be portrayed by himself as if in a mirror, in every point of view, and under every
aspect.” Allowing somewhat for the author’s devotion to Napoleon’s fame, and hN
natural enthusiasm, and the generally volatile character o f the French people, the
world, we say, may freely study these memoirs, as there can be no great error in the
materials, which the clear-visioned and philosophic writer has grouped with so much
apparent fidelity. The volumes contain a great number of appropriate illustrations.
W e commend the work to all who have not already studied the life and character of
the greatest general, and in some respects the most remarkable statesman of any age.
10. — A J ou rn ey Through the Chinese E m p ir e . By M. Hue, author o f “ Recollections
of a Journey through Tartary and Thibet.” In two volumes. 12mo., pp. 421 and
422. New Y ork : Harper <fc Brothers.
The author of these interesting volumes on China enjoyed unusual facilities for
seeing the people, and of observation generally. He was a missionary, and traveled
with pomp under the protection of the emperor. Previous to this journey he resided
fourteen years in different parts of the empire. His knowledge of the Chinese seems
to have been gained by a large experience rather than by hearsay. The narrative is
written in a felicitous style, and affords instruction and matter for study, while many
scenes depicted are unique as well as amusing in their character.
11. — H a rper’s S to r y B ook s. A Series of Narratives, Dialogues, Biographies, and Tales,
for the Instruction and Entertainment of the Young. By J a c o b A b b o t t . Small
quarto. New York: Harper & Brothers.
Two volumes of this delightful series have already been published. Each tale,
narrative, &c., is issued separately, and several of them form a handsomely bound
volume of three hundred pages. Mr. Al/bott, the author of a great number of books
for children, is beyond all question the most popular writer in this important depart­
ment of literature, and deservedly so, for bis books blend innocent amusement with
the most wholesome lessons of moral and social wisdom and virtue.
12. — T he W h im sica l W om a n . By E m i l i e F. C a r l e n , author of “ One Month in W ed­
lock,” “ The Bride o f Omberg,” ” Gustavus Lindorn,” etc. From the original Swed­
ish, by E l b e r t P e r c e . 12tno. New York: Charles Scribner.
The tales of Miss Carlen have obtained a wide and deserved popularity, and al­
though modestly disclaiming the aspiration for that brilliancy of expression, that
beauty of style, that richness of sentiment, and that majestic grandeur, which charac­
terize the works of some of her sisters in literature, she nevertheless depicts with
power life as it actually exists in nature. Those who have read the works of Miss
Bremer, will take an interest in the perusal of her Swedish cotemporary.
13. — L e

or Social and Religious Customs in France. By E u g e .v e d b
12mo., pp. 255. New Y ork : Harper & Brothers.
This work, fictitious only in form, is the autobiography of a peasaut. The charac­
ters, it seems, are drawn from actual life, and the scenes portrayed are a faithful re­
production of what the author has known and observed. The picture of the social
life of the provinces, and the peculiarities of the great body of the French people, are
graphically sketched, and afford reading of an entertaining character. The style is
oftentimes slyly humorous, as well as some of the incidents.
Cure M a n q u e ;

C o u r c il l o n .




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14. — A C om m on p la ce B o o k o f Thoughts, M em o ries , and Fa n cies. Part 1. Ethics and
Character. Part 2 . Literature and Art. By Mrs. J a m e s o n . 12mo., pp. 3 2 9 . New
York: D. Appleton
Co.
The contents of this volume are for the most part fragmentary— original and se­
lected— and are the result of a custom of this distinguished writer “ to make a memo­
randum of any thought which might come across her, and to mark any passage in any
book which excited either a sympathetic or an antagonistic feeling.” This collection
accumulated to such an amount, that she has embodied them in this form and sent
them to the world. It is a book which is replete with pure and lofty ideas. We would
recommend it as an excellent volume to keep near at hand for moments of leisure, for
in these fragments there are contained truths and sentiments which are suggestive of
much thought and reflection.
15. — K en n eth ; or the Rear Guard of the Grand Army. By the Author of “ Redcliffe
“ Heartsease,” “ Castle Builders,” “ The Two Guardians.” 12mo., pp. 320. New
York: D. Appleton & Co.
This novel, though it has not some of the attractions which the others possess, still
will be read with eagerness and pleasure. The style is easy and graceful. The
scenes are laid in Russia and France, and the author gives some account of the wars
of 1812, and the disastrous effects consequent upon the evils which war inevitably
brings upon countries. The dangers and sufferings to individuals growing out of such
an unsettled state of affairs are well delineated. The book leaves a moral sentiment
in the mind of the reader, when it is seen how fame and power can be rejected when
they do not come in the way of principle and duty.
16. — T h e Standard T h ird R eader f o r P u b lic a nd P r iv a te Schools. By E p e s S a r g e n t ,
Author of the “ Standard Speaker,” the “ Standard Fifth Reader,” the “ Standard
Fourth Reader.” 12mo., pp. 216. Boston : Phillips, Sampson & Co.
This manual contains exercises in the elementary sounds; rules for elocution, <&c.;
numerous choice reading lessons; a new system of references; and an explanatory in­
dex This number of the series seems to possess the merits of its predecessors. The
subjects are various, well chosen, elevating, and in every way adapted to the youth­
ful mind. A correct enunciation and articulation can be gained by following the di­
rections and explanations laid down with such simplicity and completeness by the
editor.
17. — H is to r y f o r B o y s ; or Annals of the Nations of Modern Europe. By J o h n G.
E d g a r , author of “ T h e Boyhood of Great Men,” and “ The Footprints o f Famous
Men.” 18mo., pp. 451. New York: Harper & Brothers.
The history of each of the States of Europe is briefly sketched, and the work is emi­
nently well adapted for the use of youth. It is also a convenient book of reference
for all, from the compactness with which it is constructed. It is written in excellent
language, and aims “ to assist in rendering historical knowledge interesting without
the smallest sacrifice of accuracy.”
18. — H erm it's D ell. From the Diary of a Penciler. 12mo., pp. 285. New Y ork: J.
C. Derby. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co. Cincinnati: H. W Derby.
These pencilings are very pleasantly written. The author describes his beautiful
rural retreat, Hermit’s Dell, and gives a picture of life, its joys and sorrows, in this
sequestered spot. The descriptions of natural scenery are very fine. The characters
and incidents recorded in this diary, with the pictures of country life, render the book
interesting and attractive.
19. — N a tu re and H u m a n N a tu re. By the author of “ Sam Slick, the Clockmaker,”
“ Wise Saws,” “ Old Judge.” 12mo., pp. 336. New Y ork: Stringer <fc Townsend.
A humorous Yankee story in the vein of Sam Slick, the Clockmaker. The author,
an Englishman, is a keen observer, and sees and depicts the unique and grotesque in
our full-blooded, genuine Yankee character to the life.
20. — Uncle Sam 's F a r m Fence. By A. D. M i l n e . With Illustrations by N. Orr.
12mo., pp. 282. New York : C. Shepard & Co.
A tale depicting scenes of misery brought about by iutemperance. The author is
in favor of a prohibitor. law against intoxicating drinks. The story was originally
published iu the New York People’s Organ, and its publication in book form is owing
to “ earnest request ” from different parts of the country.




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21. — E l le n N o r b u r y ; or the Adventures of an Orphan. By E m e r s o n B e n n e t t , au­
thor of “ Clara Moreland,” “ Viola,” “ Forged Will,” “ Pioneer’s Daughter,” <fcc., &c.
12mo., pp. 309. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson.
This novel is written with a high object, the purpose of which is to arrest public
attention in behalf of the misery, vice, and crime so common and alarming in large
cities. The scenes are laid in Philadelphia, the characters and incidents are drawn
from the author’s own experience and observation, the counterparts of which may be
found in every large city. He writes with much naturalness, and depicts the miseries
and horrors o f such low life with great fidelity. Many of the incidents seem very
startling, yet we feel they are not fictions, but what may be transpiring around us
daily. We are impressed with the moral truth of the book, that crime will sooner or
later meet with retribution, while virtue as surely meets its reward.
22. — W o m a n o f the N in eteen th C e n tu r y ; and kindred papers, relative to the Sphere,
Condition, and Duties of Woman. By M a r g a r e t F u l l e r O s s o l i . Edited by her
brother, Rev. A. B. Fuller. Boston : John P. Jewett & Co. 12mo., pp. 428.
No one can question the rare talent, original thought, and imaginative power of
Margaret Fuller: and no work can be more interesting than that which exhibits her
views of her sex, especially as she was a reformer on her own hook. This volume is
the best embodiment of her most valuable views. We accept with peculiar gratitude
her brother’s testimonial to her religious character. Her sad fate was no cruelty to
herself, but a vast loss to her country and her sex, to art and literature and humanity.
The account by Mr. Cass, at page 392, of her noble services to Italian liberty, should
make her memory dear to every friend of freedom throughout the world.
23. — H is t o r y o f the L i f e a nd In stitu tion o f S t. Ig n a th ts L o y o la , F o u n d er o f the S ociety
o f Jesus. By Father D a n i e l B a r t o l i , of the Society of Jesus. Translated by the
author o f “ Life in Mexico.” 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 342 and 439. New York : Edward
Dunigan & Brother.
*
Daniel Bartoli, a Jesuit eloquent in the pulpit, and a popular writer in Italy in the
seventeenth century, published the work of which the one before us is an elegant and
apparently faithful translation, in ths year 1650. It was translated into Latin, and at
a later period into French. The book contains a biography of Loyola, and an account
of his order— its rise, spirit, and progress; and as such will be interesting to Catholic
readers, and all who desire to study the spirit and genius of the order.
24. — Cornell's Interm ediate G eograph y. 4to., pp. 84. New Y ork: Daniel Appleton & Co.
This work, the second book of a series of school geographies by S. S. Cornell, is de­
signed for pupils who have become familiar with but a few elements of geographical
science. The maps contain only such of the physical and political divisions of the
earth as a student at such a stage of advancement is reasonably expected to know
and remember. The illustrations of the work are of excellent subjects and are well
executed, much superior to the wretched cuts of the geographies of the past. The
maps are clear and distinct.
25. — A School o f L i f e . By A n n a M a r y H o w i t t , author of “ An Art Student in
Munich.” 12ino., pp. 266. Boston : Ticknor
Fields.
This volume is well written, the characters skillfully delineated. The reader will
follow with much interest the fortunes of the two poor artists in their struggles with
an unsympathizing world, and the sorrows and trials which they experienced in the
working out and perfecting the gift of genius which they possessed. The story shows
that victory almost invariably crowns the earnest seeker of right— that the first great
lesson in “ the school of life ” is to learn to discern duty, then to perseveringly adhere
to its performance. We predict success to this youthful writer.
26. — T h e Closet C o m p a n io n ; or Manual of Prayer: consisting of topics and brief
form of Prayer, designed to assist Christians in their devotions. With an introduc­
tion. By A l b e r t B a r n e s . 12mo., pp. 306. New York: M. W. Dodd.
This volume contains a great number of well-worded prayers, on a great variety of
topics. The author is of the opinion that the efficacy of prayer depends very much
on our knowing, definitely and thoroughly, what we want and how to express ou r de­
sires. In our judgment a hungry man knows what he wants without consulting au­
thorities.




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27.— T h e

P a p a l C onspiracy E x p o sed , and P ro testa n tism D efen d ed , in the L ig h t o f
R ea son , H is to r y , awe? Scripture. By Rev. E d w a r d B e e c h e r , D. D., 12mo., pp. 432.

New York: M. W. Dodd.
Dr. Beecher arraigns the “ Romish corporation” on a serious charge, adduces evi­
dence and argues his case with system, force, and earnestness. Besides an introduc­
tion, the work is divided into four parts: 1. Romanism, a fraudulent and persecuting
conspiracy; 2. Romanism the enemy of mankind; 3. Romanism an imposition and a
forgery ; 4. The judgment of God and the burning of Babylon. The Appendix con­
tains a letter to the Hon. Joseph R. Chandler, called forth by the speech of that ac­
complished statesman in the House of Representatives, in which he gave his views on
the relation of the Papal power to our national and State governments.
28. — M od ern A g i t a t o r s ; or Pen Portraits of Living American Reformers. By D a v i d
W. B a r t l e t t ., author of “ Lile of Lady Jane Grey,” “ Joan of Arc,” etc., etc. 12mo.,
pp. 396. New York : Miller, Ortou Mulligan.
Some of the distinguished anti-slavery, temperance, and religious reformers of the
day are portrayed by one who sympathizes with and admires them. Beecher, Seward,
Chapin, Gough, Giddings, Greeley, and Bushnell, are among the twenty who are writ­
ten about. In most instances extracts are made from the writings of the persons
sketched. The author’s delineations will be interesting to a large class of the com­
munity. His style is vigorous.
29. — M y B roth er’s K eep er. By A. B. "W a r n e r , author of “ Dollars and Cents;” “ Mr.
Rutherford’s Children,” <$ic. 12mo., pp. 385. New York: D. Appleton tfc Co.
The scenes of this interesting novel are mostly American, occurring in and about
New York, and some of the incidents are connected with the late war of Great Britain.
The style is simple and uatural, and the stor}T, of which the title is suggestive, truly
exemplifies the moral power and silent influence which one can have over the way­
wardness of another, whose life is Consistently pure and good. The author has shown
it in the character of Rosalie, and its effect on that of her brother. The story cannot
but morally impress the reader.
80.— B ro o k si an a : or the Controversy between Senator Brooks and Archbishop Hughes,
growing out of the recently enacted “ Church Property Bill.” With an Introduc­
tion by the Most Rev. Archbishop of New York. I2mo., pp. 198. New Y ork:
Edward Dunigan <fc Brother.
The letters containing this controversy excited considerable attention when first
published. They have been collected by Bishop Hughes, who has added an explana­
tory introduction, displaying his usual ability.
— T h e C o n s c r ip t: a Tale o f the E m p ire. From the French of A l e x a n d e r D u m a s ,
author of “ Monte Cristo,” “ The Three Guardsmen,” etc. 12mot, pp. 400. New
York: Stringer tk Townsend.
For a French translation, we scarcely ever have read a more interesting narrative.
It is a simple recital of the history of two obscure families, whose woes grew out of
the Conscription, during the wars of Napoleon the Great. The character of Conscience,
the conscript, is one of deep interest; there is much beauty and sublimity portrayed
in the lives of these French peasants; their history is simply yet thrillingly narrated.
W e find this story free from the moral taint frequently found in French fiction.
31.

32. — P e g W offington. By C h a r l e s R e a d e , author of “ Christie Johnstone.” 12mo.,
Boston : Ticknor & Fields.
An episode in the life of a celebrated actress of the times of Quin and Cibber, re­
markable for her social qualities and dramatic talents. Interwoven with her history
is that of many others connected with her in her theatrical career. The style of the
novel is spirited, and its power to interest lies in the moral experience of the charac­
ters who figure in it.
33. — P oster’s F i r s t P r in c ip le s o f C h em istry. Illustrated by a series of the most re­
cently discovered and brilliant experiments known to the science. Adapted espe­
cially for Classes. 12mo., pp. 136. New Y ork: Harper & Brothers.
An excellent elementary work on the science of which it treats. Each natural di­
vision is presented in a strictly practical foiiu, illustrated by diagrams and experiments
■within the comprehension of youth. It is a work of rare merit.