Full text of The Merchants' Magazine and Commercial Review : May 1847, Vol. XVI, No. V

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“

' >* to

H U N T ’S

MERCHANTS’ MAGAZINE.
MAY,

1 847.

Art, I.— THE PROGRESS OF WEALTH IN MASSACHUSETTS, FROM 1790 TO 1840.
I t is the object of this article to exhibit the progress of wealth in Massachusetts, during the fifty years from 1790 to 1840, as deduced from the
six State Valuations, taken at intervals of ten years each. These valua­
tions have the legislative sanction of the General Court, and are the basis
of apportionment of all State taxation for the ten years following. They
are prepared from the returns furnished by the assessors of the several
towns and districts, and are intended to embrace all the taxable property
of the Commonwealth. They may be relied upon as sufficiently correct
for the purposes of comparison, or of showing the progress of wealth during these fifty years ; at least they furnish the nearest approximation we
have to the true amount of wealth in the State.
Certain items of property are exempted from taxation, and of course are
not included in these aggregates of valuation,—such as the property of the
United States, of incorporated literary institutions, &c., (Revised Statutes,
pp. 75, 76,) so that, at each valuation, the amount, on this account, proba­
bly falls short of the real amount by at least 1 or 2 per cent.
By the Constitution of Massachusetts, (ch. I. sec. 1,) it is provided that,
“ while the public charges of government, or any part thereof, shall be
assessed on polls and estates, in the manner that has hitherto been prac
tised, in order that such assessments may be made with equality, there
shall be a valuation of estates within the Commonwealth, taken anew
once in every ten years at least, and as much oftener as the General Court
shall order.”
In the first four valuations, the income value of the property, which is in­
tended to be 6 per cent of the true value, appears in the returns, and is
adopted as the basis of State taxation. In the following tables and views,
the income value is reduced to the true value, in order to make the com­
parison at different epochs.




436

The Progress o f Wealth in Massachusetts.
TABLE I.

Exhibiting the Value o f the Rateable or Taxable Property in Massachusetts, according
to the State Valuations, at six epochs, by Counties as now constituted.

1810.
Counties.

Income value.

True value.

Income value.

Suffolk....... $359,747 07 $5,995,784 50 $811,946
Essex......... 442,228 93 7,370,482 16§ 867,877
484,767
Middlesex. 328,637 49 5,477,291 50
Worcester.. 386,673 05 6,444,550 83} 545,151
Hampshire. 114,422 86 1,907,047 66§ 154,807
Hampden... 111,773 06 1,862,884 33} 148,200
Franklin.....
102,952 02 1,715,867 00
161,568
Berkshire... 157,389 54 2,623,159 00
207,937
Norfolk......
198,596 94 3,309,949 00
285,757
Bristol........
161,346 04 2,689,100 66§ 234,434
Plymouth... 193,274 41 3,221,240 16f 263,503
Barnstable.
858,866 16f
89,282
51,531 97
23,219
Dukes.........
259,572 661
15,574 36
N antucket.
45,488
17,313 20
288,553 33}

True value.

Income value.

12 $13,532,435 33}$1,297,132 18
17 14,464,619 50 1,059,319 69
8,079,453 66 §
22
632,853 97
52
9,085,858 66§
701,312 75
2,580,129 83}
79
213,608 24
64 2,470,010 6 6 |
211,101 46
2,692,801 83!
210,239 55
11
3,465,630 00
275,425 38
80
4,762,626
00
373,037 85
56
321,036 24
87
3,907,247 83J
315,863 87
72
4,391,728 66}
1,488,046 50
79
114,821 14
63
386,993 83}
24,974 21
16
758,136 00
126,268 48

2,641,460 94 44,024,349 00 4,323,943 10

72,065,718 33} 5,876,995 01

TABLE I . CONTINUED.

1820.

1810.
Counties.

T rue value

Suffolk...... 21,618,869
E ssex....... 17,655,328
Middlesex. 10,547,566
Worcester.. 11,688,545
Hampshire 3,560,137
Hampden. 3,518,357
Franklin... 3,503,992
Berkshire . 4,590,423
Norfolk..... 6,217,297
Bristol....... 5,350,604
Plymouth . 5,264,397
Barnstable. 1,913,685
416,236
Dukes.......
Nantucket. 2,104,474

Income value.

66*3,602,737
16 1,267,794
16 793,167
83 848,840
33 260,000
66 270,638
50 258,082
00 316,671
50 467,260
00 390,154
83 375,161
66 143,129
29,072
83
66 190,000

93
25
00
19
no
20
39
76
16
79
12
56
93
00

1850.

1840.

T rue value

True value

60,045,632
21,129,904
13,219,450
14,147,336
4,333,333
4,510,636
4,301,373
5,277,862
7,787,669
6,502,579
6,252,685
2,385,492
484,548
3,166,666

16* 80,244,261
16 24,335,935
00 21,678,604
50 21,166,640
33 5,603,255
66 6,548,342
16 5,452,300
66 6,744,648
33 10,229,111
83 11,346,936
33 7,576,932
66 3,500,000
83
534,166
66 3,895,288

T rue value.

25 110,000,000 00
57 31,111,204 00
00 37,593,082 00
69 29,804,316 00
87
7,298,351 00
20 10,188,423 71
00
6,548,694 00
34
9,546,926 76
09 15,522,527 00
33 19,493,694 84
06 10,694.719 00
00
4,896,683 00
75
1,107,343 00
40
6,074,374 00

$97,949,916 83 9,212,710 28 153,545,171 33 208,856,422 55 299,880,338 31

From the next table it appears that the proportions of the wealth in the
several counties were very different at the six epochs. We have given in
Table III. the proportions of the population in the several counties, in order
that the reader may easily compare the wealth with the population in the
several counties at those epochs.
TABLE II.

Exhibiting the Proportions per cent o f the Wealth o f Massachusetts in the several
Counties according to the six State Valuations.

1780. 1800. 1810. 1820. 1880. 1840.
Suffolk..............
Essex................
Middlesex.......
W orcester........
Hampshire.......
Hampden.........
Franklin...........
Berkshire..........
Norfolk.............

13.62 18.78 22.07
16.74 20.07 18.03
12.44 11.21 10.77
14.64 12.61 11.93
4.34
3.58
3.64
3.43
4.24
3.59
3.74
3.58
3.89
5.96
4.81
4.69
7.52
6.61
6.35

39.11
13.76
8.61
9.21
2.82
2.94
2.80
3.44
5.07

38.42
11.65
10.38
10.14

2.68

3.14
2.61
3.22
4.90

36.68
11.37
12.54
9 94
2.43
3.40
2.18
3.18
5.18

Increase or decrease.
In 50years. In 20years.
1790-1840. 1820-40.
+ 23.06
— 5.37
+ 0.10
— 4.70
— 1.91
— 0.84
— 1.71
— 2.78
— 2.34

* The fractions of a cent in these columns, are omitted for want of room.




—2.43
—2.39
+ 3.93
+ 0.73
—0.39
+ 0.46
—0.62
—0.26

+0.11

437

The Progress o f Wealth in Massachusetts.
TABLE H. COKTINUED.

Bristol...............
Plymouth.........
Barnstable.......
Dukes...............
Nantucket.......

6.11
7.31
1.95
0.59
0.65

5.42
6.09
2.06
0.54
1.05

5.46
5.36
1.95
0.43
2.15

4.24
4.07
1.55
0.32
2.06

5.43
3.63
1.68
0.26
1.86

6.50
3 57
1.63
0.37
1.03

+ 0.39
3.74
—
0.32
—
0.22
+ 0.38

+2.26
—0.50
+ 0.08
+ 0.05
— 1.03

It appears from Table II. that the increase of wealth in Suffolk county,
in relation to that in the whole Commonwealth, was greatly increased du­
ring the 50 years, but this relative increase was wholly during the first 30
years, while there was a relative decrease during the last 20 years. This
increase in Suffolk, during the last 50 years, was at the relative expense
of all the other counties, except Middlesex, Bristol, and Nantucket.
TABLE IU.

Exhibiting the Proportions per cent o f the Population o f Massachusetts in the several
Counties, according to the six United States Censuses.
Increase or decrease.
In 50 years. In 20 years.
Counties.

Suffolk...............
Essex.................
Middlesex..........
Worcester..........
Hampshire....... .
Hampden..........
Franklin...........
Berkshire..........
Norfolk............. .
Bristol............... .
Plymouth.......... .
Barnstable.........
Dukes............... .
N antucket........

1790. 1800. 1810, 1820. 1810. 1810. 1790-1840. 1820-40.
4.96
7.28
8.40 10.18 12.98
+8.02
6.1 0
+ 4.58
15.29
11.28
15.00
4.97
5.07
5.74
7.98
6.30
8.37
8.38
4.58

14.47

11.10
14.47
5.41
5.55

0.86
1.22

6.22
7.96
6.44

8.01
7.64
4.56
0.74
1.33

15.23
11.18
13.75
5.20
5.17
5.81
7.58
6.62
7.88
7.45
4.71
0.70
1.44

14.26
11.75
14.07
5.06
5.35
5.62
6.80
6.97
7.82
7.29
4.59
0.63
1.39

13.57
12.77
13.82
4.96
5.18
4.85
6.18
6.88
8.13
7.05
4.61
0.58
1.18

12.89
14.44
12.92
4.19
5.06
3.91
5.66
7.20
8.16
6.42
4.41
0.54

1.22

—2.40
+ 3.16
—2.08
—0.78

—0.01

— 1.83
—2.32
+ 0.90

—0.21

— 1.96
—0.17
—0.32
0.00

— 1.37
+2.69
— 1.15
—0.87
—0.29
— 1.71
— 1.14
+ 0.23
+ 0.34
—0.87
—0-18
—0.09
—0.17

The changes in the proportions of the population, during the 50 years,
were somewhat different from those of the wealth. The proportions of the
wealth in only three counties, Suffolk, Middlesex, and Norfolk, were in­
creased.
TABLE IV.

Exhibiting the average amount o f Wealth among the Inhabitants o f Massachusetts, at
six epochs, by Counties.
Increase or decrease.
50 years. 20 years.

1790.

1800.

1810.

1820.

1850.

1810. 1790-1810.1820-10.

Suffolk....... $319 06 $524 79 $628 80$1,366 53$1,290 86$1,148 54 $829 48 $217 99
283 03
293 70
327 53 200 27
Essex......... 127 26 236 36 245 59
44 50
352 61 224 45 137 57
215 04
278 06
Middlesex.. 12816 172 16 199 80
192 15 250 92
312 69 199 25 120 54
Worcester.. 113 44 148 48 180 07
163 60
236 21 134 90
185 20
Hampshire. 10131 112 74 144 99
72 61
160
97
206
97
272
66 175 60 111 69
97 06 105 28 144 07
Hampden..
146
21
184
01
227
29
78
91
102
38
127
78
148
38
Franklin....
81 08
226 30 139 48
Berkshire...
86 82 102 92 128 27
148 37
178 87
77 93
243 71
292 10 153 49
213 53
Norfolk...... 138 61 174 99 198 98
78 57
158 95
228 80
324 00 239 20 165 05
Bristol........ . 84 80 11532 143 95
176 02
225 75 124 27
163 95
Plymouth... 101 48 135 95 149 68
61 80
122 74
77 12
8615
99 28
150 44 100 95
Barnstable .
49 49
51 16
147 18
151 88
279 77 100 27 132 59
Dukes........ . 79 50 124 11 126 51
540 86
674 03 612 58 238 22
435 81
Nantucket. . 62 45 134 97 309 16
$116 22 $170 43 $207 50 $293 42 $342 15 $406 50 $290 28 $113 08




i

438

The Progress o f Wealth in Massachusetts.

It appears from this (IV.) table that the average amount of wealth
among the inhabitants of all the counties, was greater at each later epoch
than at the preceding, with the exception of Suffolk, from 1620 to 1840.
TABLE V.

Exhibiting the Increase o f Wealth in Massachusetts, according to the State Valuations,
by Counties.
Counties.
Suffolk....
Essex.......
Middlesex
Worcester.
Hampshire
Hampden..
Franklin..
Berkshire.
Norfolk....
Bristol......
Plymouth.
Barnstable.
Dukes......
Nanlucket

1790-1800.
$7,536,650
7,094,137
2,602,162
2,641,307
673,082
607,126
976,934
842,471
1,452,677
1,218,147
1,170,488
629,180
127,421
469,582

83$
33$
16§
83$
1E§
33$
83$
00
00
16$
50
33$
16$
66$

1810-20.

1800-10.
$8,086,434
3,190,708
2,468,112
2,602,687
980,007
1,048,347
811,190
1,124,793
1,454,671
1,443,356
872,G69
425,639
29,243
1,346,338

1820—30.

33$ $38,426,762 50 $20,198,629 08$
3,474,576 00
3,206,031 40$
66?
8,459,154 00
50
2,671,883 83$
7,019,304 19
16?
2,458,790 66?
1,269,922 53$
50
773,196 00
2,037,705 53$
00
992,279 00
1,150,926 83$
66?
797,380 66?
1,466,785 67$
00
687,439 66?
2,441,441 75?
50
1,570,371 83$
16?
4,844,356 49$
1,151,975 83$
1,324,246 m
16?
988,287 50
1,114,507 33$
16?
471,807 00
00
49,617 91?
68,312 00
728,621 73$
66?
1,062,192 00

$28,041,369 33$ $25,884,198 50

$55,595,254 50

$55,311,251 21?

TAELE V. CONTINUED.

Counties.
Suffolk,..............
Essex...................
Middlesex...........
W orcester...........
Hampshire...........
Hampden.............
Franklin...............
Berkshire.............
Norfolk.................
Bristol...................
Plymouth.............
Dukes...................
Barnstable...........
Nantucket...........

1830—
40.
$29,755,738
6,775,268
15,914,478
8,637,675
1,695,095
3,640,081
1,096,394
2,802,278
5,293,415
8,146,758
3,117,786
1,396,683
573,176
2,179,085

1820-40.

1790—1840.
75
43
00
31
13
51
00
42
91
51
94
00
25
GO

$91,023,915 76

$104,004,215
23,740,721
32,115,790
23,359,765
5.391,303
8,325,539
4,832.827
6,923,767
12,212,578
16,804,594
7,473,478
4,037,816
847,770
5,785,820

50
83$
50
16?
33$
37$
00
76
00
17$
83$
83$
33$
66?

$255,855,989 31

$49,954,367
9,981.299
24,373,632
15,656,979
2,965,017
5,677,787
2,247,320
4,269,064
7,734,857
12,991,115
4,442,033
2,511,190
622,794
2,907,707

83$
83$
00
50
66?
04$
83$
09$
66?
00?
66?
33$
16$
33$

$146,335,166 97?

TABLE VI.

Exhibiting the Proportions per cent o f the Increase o f the Wealth in Massachusetts,
by Counties.
Counties. 1790-1800. 1800-10. 1810-20.
131.49
Suffolk......... 125.69
58.64
22.05
Essex...........
96.25
1968
30.54
Middlesex....
47.50
25.33
28.64
21.03
W orcester...
40.98
21.71
Hampshire..
35.29
37.98
Hampden.....
28.20
37.95
42.44
Franklin......
30.12
22.75
56.93
Berkshire....
32.11
32.45
14.97
Norfolk........
30.54
25.25
43.88
36.94
21.52
Bristol...........
45.29
Plym outh....
36.33
19.87
18.75
Barnstable...
28.60
24.65
73.25
Dukes...........
49.08
7.55
16.41
Nantucket... 162.73
177.58
50.47
63.69




35.91

56.75

1820—
30. 1830-40. 1790-1840. 1820-40.
33.63
15.64
63.99
49.61
29.30
45.17
26.75
27.79
31.35
74.49
21.17
46.72
10.24
23.00

37.08
27.84
73.41
40.80
30.25
55.58
20.14
41.54
51.74
71.79
41.14
39.90
10.73
55.94

1,734.62
322.10
586.34
362.47
282.70
446.91
281.65
263.94
368.96
624.91
232.00
470.14
326.60
2,005.11

83.19
47.23
184.37
110.67
68.42
125.87
52.24
80.88
99.32
199.78
71.04
105.26
128.52
91.82

36.02

43.58

581.16

95.31

X

The Progress o f Wealth in Massachusetts.

439

Tabic VI. shows that while there has been an increase of the wealth
in all the counties, this increase has been very different in the several
counties. By comparing this table with the next, (VII.,) we perceive that
the increase of wealth in the counties has been very different from, and
much greater than that of the population, during every period, and in every
county, except Suffolk, from 1820 to 1840. In that county, during these
20 years, though there was an absolute increase of wealth, its proportional
increase was less than that of the population. During 20 years, from
1820 to 1840, the increase of wealth in all the counties, was 95.31 per
cent, while that of the population was only 40.97 per cent, considerably
less than half. During the 50 years, the increase of wealth was over sixfold, while that of the population was not doubled. The average increase
to each person was nearly three-fold, from $116.22 to $406.50. (Table IV.)
The increase of the wealth of the State has been unequal in the several
decennial periods, as will be seen by inspecting Tables V. and VI. It
was the greatest from 1790 to 1800, a period distinguished by wars in
Europe, in consequence of which the commercial part of the community
derived great benefit from a neutral commerce. This increase is particu­
larly manifest in those towns that were engaged in commerce and naviga­
tion, as Boston, Salem, Beverly, New Bedford, Nantucket, &c.
It will be perceived that the absolute increase of wealth during the 50
years, was $255,855,989.31, of which $146,335,166.9 7 |, or about threefifths of the whole, was during the last twenty years, and is to be referred
to manufactures ; while, during the preceding 30 years, the amount was
only $109,520,822,331, or about two-fifths of the whole. The rate of in­
crease, however, during the period of 20 years, from 1790 to 1810, when
the increase of wealth was owing chiefly to commerce, it being 122.48
per cent, was greater than during the last 20 years, in which the increase
was owing mostly to manufactures. The increase from 1800 to 1820 was
113.06 per cent. The increase of wealth in Boston, from 1790 to 1810,
was 260.56 per cent; from 1790 to 1820, 901.46 per cent; and from
1820 to 1840, only 83.9 per cent.
TABLE VII.

E xhibiting the Increase per cent o f the Population o f Massachusetts, according to the
United States Censuses, by Counties.
Counties.

Suffolk...........
Essex.............
M iddlesex__
W orcester....
Hampshire.....
Hampden.......
Franklin.........
Berkshire.......
Norfolk...........
Bristol............
Plymouth.......
Barnstable ....
Dukes.............
N antucket....

1790-1800. 1800-10. 1810-20. 1820-90. 1810-10. 1790-1840. 1820-40.
37.21
5.66
9.80
7.72
21.58
22.24
20.95
11.44
13.97
6.84
1.77
11.17
—4.19
21.58

33.33
17.47
12.48
6.07
7.28
4.08
4.26
6.2S
14.80
9.70
9.18
15.12
5.51
21.18

27.80
3.84
16.44
13.42
7.87
14.74
7.28
—0.60
16.72
10.06
8.43
8.17
0.00
6.74

41.47
10.98
26.80
14 57
14.29
12.91
0.72
6.31
15.08
21.22
12.86
18.67
6 83
—0.88

54.06
14.63
36.74
12.99
2.12
18.10
—2.76
10.71
26.60
21.31
10.05
14.14
12.53
25.13

409.64
64.01
149.45
67.78
64 12
94.68
32.51
38.16
122.54
89.74
49.25
87.55
21.22
95.06

117.96
27.23
73.43
29.45
16.64
33.34
—2.05
17.38
45.70
47.07
24.22
35.46
20.23
24.02

11.63

11.63

10.85

16.64

20.85

94.75

40.97




440

The Progress o f Wealth in Massachusetts,
TABLE VIII.

E xhibiting the Wealth o f Six Towns in Massachusetts, according to six State Valuations.

1790.
$5,854,053
1,344,212
259,747
158,545
291,205
288,553

Salem.....................................
Charlestown..........................
Chelmsford and Lowell.......
New Bedford and Fairhaven
Nantucket.............................

66§
50
00
831
16!
33!

1800.

-

$13,377,779
4,346,526
731,043
196,935
722,185
758,136

.33J
83*
16!
00
66?
00

$20,132,606 00

$8,196,317 50

1810.
$21,456,960
5,459,353
1,281,173
210,996
1,566,615
2,104,474

00
66|
16§
33!
83J
66!

$32,079,573 6 6 |

TABLE VIII.— CONTINUED.

1820.
$59,759,466
8,115,597
1,848,608
266,566
2,188,427
3,176,666

Boston....................................
Salem.....................................
Charlestown..........................
Chelmsford and Lowell.......
New Bedford and Fairhaven
Nantucket..............................

1830.
66§
33J
00
33!
16|
66§

$80,000,000
8,515,091
2,441,167
2,757,039
3,960,817
3,895,288

1810.
00
75
00
00
15
40

$75,345,332 16§ $101,569,403 30

$109,304,218
10,218,109
4,033,176
10,604,336
7,697,291
6,074,374

50
00
39
90
30
00

$147,931,506 09

TABLE IX.

Exhibiting the Increase o f Wealth, and the Proportions o f Increase in Six Towns in
Massachusetts, according to six State Valuations.
I. AMOUNT OF INCREASE.

1790-1800.
Boston................... §>7,523,725
Salem.................... 3,002,314
471,296
Charlestown.........
Chelmsford,Lowell
38,389
N.Bed ford, Fairh’n
430,980
469,582
Nantucket............

1800-10.
6fi§ $7,079,180
33i 1,112,826
16'§
550,130
14,061
16?
844,430
50
66§ 1,346,338

1810-20.

1820-80.

6C| $38,302,506 6C§ $20,240,533
83J
2,656,243 66§
399,494
00
567,434 83J
592,559
33J
55,570 00
2,490,472
16§
621,811 33-i
1,772,389
66f
1,062,192 00
728,621

33$
41f
00
66|
98J
73J

$11,936,288 50 $11,946,967 6 6 | $43,265,758 50 $26,224,071 13!
AMOUNT OF INCREASE— CONTINUED.

1830-40.
Boston..................................
S alem ..................................
Charlestown........................
Chelmsford &. Lowell.......
New Bedford & Fairhaven
N antucket...........................

$29,304,218
1,703,017
1,592,009
7,847,297
3,736,474
2,179,085

50
25
39
90
15
60

$46,362,102 79

1790-1840.

1820-40.

$103,450,164 83J
8,873,896 50
3,773,429 39
10,445,791 0£§
7,406,086 13J
5,785,820 66f

$49,544,751 83!
2,102,511 661
2,184,568 39
10,337,770 56§
5,508,864 13J
2,907,707 33J

$139,735,188 59

$72,586,173 92J

TABLE IX. CONTINUED.— II. PROPORTIONS PER CENT OF INCREASE.

Boston.........................
Salem ..........................
Charlestown................
Chelmsford & Lowell.
N.Bedford&Fairhaven
Nantucket....................




1790-1800. 1800-10. 1810-20. 1820-30. 1830-10. 1790-1810. 1820-10.
128.52
223.35
181.44
24.21
147.99
162.83

60.39
27.90
75.25
7.14
116.92
177.58

178.50
48.65
43.82
26.33
39.69
50.47

145.62

59.28

134.87

33.86
36.33 1,765.15
82.90
4.92
19.99
660.15
25.90
32.05
65.21 1,452.72
118.17
934.27 284.62 6,588.49 3,878.12
80.98
94.33 2,543.25
251.72
22.97
55.94 2,005.11
92.13
34.80

45.64

1,704.85

96.33

The Progress o f Wealth in Massachusetts.

441

The whole increase of the wealth of the State, from 1790 to 1840, was
§255,855,989.31, which is nearly six times $44,024,349, the whole value
in 1790. The amount of increase in three towns, (Table VIII.,) namely,
Boston, Chelmsford, including Lowell, and Salem, was $122,769,852.40,
or half of the whole increase within $5,158,142,251. If we take the six
towns in this table, we perceive that their increase was $11,807,193.93^,
more than half of the whole increase. There was, indeed, an increase
throughout the Commonwealth, but exceedingly various in the different
towns. The increase of the wealth of the State, from 1820 to 1840, was
$146,335,166.97§, one-half of which is $73,167,583.48f, which is only
$581,409,561 more than the increase of the above six towns.
During the 20 years from 1820 to 1840, there was a decided falling off
in the proportion of wealth, and in the average amount per head among
the inhabitants of Suffolk, constituted chiefly by Boston, (Tables II. and
IV.,) though there was a large increase of the population of that county,
{Table III.) This is the only county in which there was a decrease of
wealth per head. It may seem, at first view, from the localities of wealth
in 1840, that the people of Suffolk, on an average, were poorer, or possessed
less wealth per head than they did 20 years before ; but it should be recol­
lected that a large portion of this increase of wealth, though located in
other counties, as of railroads and manufacturing establishments, is the
property of residents of Suffolk, to say nothing of the large amounts of
capital which they have invested in similar enterprises out of this Com­
monwealth. Instead of becoming poorer on an average, we apprehend
that the reverse has been the case, and that the inequality in the distribution of wealth was greatly increased, during this period, in favor of those
who live in Suffolk. We apprehend that throughout the Commonwealth,
in the progress of society, with the advance of manufactures, greater de­
pendence is a necessary consequence, and greater inequality of wealth a
■usual, if not invariable concomitant. It is the opinion of many that the
proportion of real estate owners was, during this period, decreased, and
especially that the proportion of unincumbered real estate was decreased.
The amount of wealth in Massachusetts, in 1840, was $299,880,338.31,
averaging to each individual, $406.50. Nearly six-sevenths of the whole
amount is the increase of the last 50 years.
This amount of wealth is the accumulation of over two centuries, and
comprehends not merely the value of the soil, but the result of the toil and
saving of the people during these centuries, together with what they and
their fathers brought from abroad, or gained by commerce.
The whole number of persons who have lived in Massachusetts during
the 50 years from 1790 to 1840, is computed to be equivalent to 26,003,922
persons living one year, or 520,078 living through each year during the
period. If we divide by 26,003,922, $255,855,989.31, the whole increase
of wealth during the 50 years, according to the State valuations, we obtain
$9.83 as the average annual increase to every individual that lived ; and
$491.97 as the aggregate increase to the average number of persons liv­
ing during the 50 years.
•
The average amount of wealth to each individual in the Commonwealth,
in 1840, was $406.50, having been increased to each person living,
$290.28, or from $116.22, during the 50 years preceding. This amount
of $406.50 per head, seems to be small, but in reality it is larger than
the average is in almost any other State in the Union. We perceive




442

The Progress o f Wealth in Massachusetts.

from this, that most o f the earnings o f a community are consumed in the
year that is passing, and but little remains to be added to what was pos­
sessed the year before.
The whole population of Massachusetts, in the year 1840, was 737,700,
as follows :—
W hite Males. W h ite Females.

Census of 1840...............................................
Under 15 years...............................................
15 years and upwards.

360,679
125,580
235,099
Colored Males.

368,351
122,260

T o tal W hites.

729,030
247,840

246,091

481,190

Colored Females.

T otal Col’d.

Census of 1840.......................
Under 24 years.......................

4,654
2,027

4,016
1,958

8,670
3,985

24 years and upwards.

2,627

2,058

4,685

The value of the whole property of Massachusetts, in 1840, was
$299,880,338.31, and the interest on that amount, per annum, is......
The number of white males, of 15 years of age and upwards, in
1840, was 235,099, whose aggregate of earnings, at $320 each, per
annum, is.......................................................................................................
The number of white females of 15 years of age and upwards, in
1840, was 246,091, whose aggregate of earnings, at $100 each, per
annum, is.......................................................................................................
The number of colored persons, of both sexes, over 24 years of age,
in 1840, was 4,685, whose aggregate earnings, at $75 each, per an­
num, is...................................................................................

$17,992,820 30
75,231,680 00
24,609,100 00
351,375 00

And we have, as the annual amount of income................................ $118,184,975 30
From which deduct, for the annual accumulation of wealth, according
to the average accumulation for 50 years, at $9.83 per head, for
737,700 inhabitants......................................................................................
7,251,590 00
And we have............................................................................................. $110,933,385 30
As the annual consumption of the people; which, divided by 737,700, the number of in­
habitants in 1840, gives $150.37 as the average annual amount for the support of an in­
dividual in Massachusetts.

This amount of expenditure, or cost of living, $110,933,385.30, may
be distributed somewhat as follows:—
One-quarter, or 25 per cent of the whole, for rents or their equivalents $27,733,346 32J
Aggregate amount of provisions, eatables and drinkables, at $1.25
per week, on an average, to each person.............................................
47,950,500 00
Aggregate value of clothing, at $30 per annum, on an average, to
each person................................................................................................
23,131,000 00
For education, charity, amusements, luxuries, &e..................................
12,118,533 97 J
T otal...............................................................................$110,933,385 30

The income, or productive value of all the property and industry of the
people of Massachusetts, amounting to $118,184,975.30, indicates what
is equivalent to a capital of $1,969,740,588.33, at interest at 6 per cent
per annum ; of which sum only $299,880,338.31, or but little more than
one-seventh part, is taxable property, while nearly six-sevenths ofthe whole
is derived from the industry of the people of this Commonwealth, applied
to the raw material, and aided by whatever there is of fertility in the soil.
In fact, as a community, we are dependent for a living, and for the ordinary
comforts of life, upon the continued industry of the people, not merely du­
ring the year, but during every week and day of the year.




The Progress o f Wealth in Massachusetts.

443

As the population of Massachusetts has become more dense, and the
manufactures have increased, the modes of living have changed, the de­
pendences of individuals upon each other for the. necessaries of life have
multiplied, and a greater demand has shown itself for every species of pro­
perty to supply the wants of society. In this way, some items of property
have greatly accumulated, and prices of real estate have greatly risen.
Besides, the increase of dependences requires a greater amount of a
circulating medium, which in turn inflates in some degree the value of
property. To some extent, the State valuations, though furnished by the
assessors of the several towns, and regularly increasing in every town,
during every period, seem to be affected by the increase of a circulating
medium, and by the increased amount of barter for the necessaries of
life.
By consulting the annual bank returns of this Commonwealth, we find
that for the 18 years from 1803 to 1820, the average amount of bank
capital, per annum, was $7,772,068, or $16 to each inhabitant, while for
the 20 years from 1821 to 1840, it was $23,163,771.60, or $37 to each
inhabitant. The proportion of population to bank circulation averaged
as 1 to 4 during the 18 years, and as 1 to 11 during the 20 years.
This increase in the banking capital was rendered necessary for the
conveniences of the community, who formerly were chiefly engaged in
agricultural pursuits, except those living on the seaboard ; but during the
last twenty years, the agricultural interest has remained stationary, and
the whole increase has been substantially of those engaged in manufactures.
In a community where the currency is convertible into the precious
metals, the prices of articles, or the value of property, will depend very
much upon the amount of those metals on hand or at command, or sup­
posed to be so, as well as upon the numbers of those who seek the same
property. But considering that there has been a uniform increase of
wealth in every town, county, and range in this Commonwealth, during
each decennial period, and an increase, too, depending upon causes well
known, and having a certain proportionality to the number of inhabitants,
the kind of their employment, and the general prosperity of the commu­
nity, we regard the six valuations, prepared from materials furnished by
the assessors of over 300 towns, and which materials were sanctioned as
substantially correct by the acquiescence of all the tax-payers of those
towns, and published by authority of the Commonwealth, as not merely
containing a very near approximation to the truth, but all which it is import­
ant to know, for comparing the wealth of the several parts of the Com­
monwealth, at six epochs, from 1790 to 1840.
The increase of the wealth of Massachusetts, during the 50 years from
1790 to 1840 was nearly six-fold, or three times as great as that of the
population. The increase of wealth was in every town, during every de­
cennial period; but very unequally, to be sure, in the several towns during
some of the periods. It may, however, be doubted whether, notwith­
standing the increase of wealth, there has been an increase of the means
of happiness; in other words, whether more happiness has been en­
joyed or prospectively secured to the people of this Commonwealth.
This is certain, that important changes have taken place' in the
habits of the people, and in the modes of living. It would be inter­
esting to inquire, for example, into the comparative number of land own­
ers, in 1790 and 1840, and the comparative freedom of real estate




444

The Progress o f Wealth in Massachusetts.

from mortgages at those epochs, from which important inferences might
be drawn, respecting the comparative inequality of wealth at those epochs
among the mass of the people.
The habits of the people have been essentially changed since 1790.
We conclude this article by an extract from an article on the “ Banks of
Massachusetts,” published in the February number of the Merchants’
Magazine for 1840, simply premising that the amount of manufactured
articles, which, in 1836, was $86,282,616, with 117,352 hands employed,
in 1845, nine years after, was $114,478,448, with 152,760 hands em­
ployed :—
“ But it is the circulation in its relation to the habits and condition of the peo­
ple, to which we would particularly direct the attention. This has risen, during
the period in question, from $1,565,189, in 1803, to $10,892,249 50, or been in­
creased seven-fold, and per head five-fold, in 1836. Its average, per head, for the
thirty-seven years, has been $8 07, or more than double what it was in 1803.
What does this increase of paper currency indicate and imply ? It implies a
change in the habits and condition of the people. It implies that the greater
amount of a paper currency (for we may suppose that the proportion of specie
among the people has been, during the whole period, and is now, as great as it
was in 1803) has been used in the way of trade—of buying and selling; that the
people have come into the habit of buying more than they used to ; that they have
come into the habit of living less within themselves; and that they have become
more dependent upon others than they formerly were.
“ It is well known that the habits of the mass of the people have greatly changed
during this period, as is indicated by the currency alone. The value of the pro­
ducts of certain branches of industry in Massachusetts, for the year ending April
1,1837, was estimated at $86,282,616; and the hands employed, at 117,352—over
a seventh part of the population. A large portion of this business has been
created in the last thirty-seven years; in other words, a larger proportion of indi­
viduals was then employed, and a larger proportion of manufactured articles pro­
duced, than in 1803 ; and we presume that it is not materially different now from
what it was three years ago. Thus the attention and labor of many have been
diverted from other pursuits, especially agricultural, to various manufacturing
pursuits, which have rendered them more dependent for the necessaries of life
upon others, and also others more dependent upon them for manufactured articles,
which at length have become necessaries to all. The people, formerly, wore
homespun, now they wear factory and imported cloths and silks; formerly, they
subsisted chiefly upon provisions of their own raising, now they rely much more
upon foreign produce. In fact, if we survey the houses, the furniture, the luxu­
ries—in fine, the whole apparatus of living, we shall find that, in the last thirtyseven years, the habits of the people of Massachusetts, their labors and occupa­
tions, have rendered them more dependent upon others and upon foreign countries.
Should this circulation be greatly and suddenly diminished, or wholly withdrawn,
without a substitute, it would be attended with great distress among thousands
and tens of thousands. It would take a long time, if it were possible, for them
to return to their former habits and condition.”




Annuities, L ife Insurance, Tontines, <SfC.

445

Art. II.— ANNUITIES, LIFE INSURANCE, TONTINES, &c.
NUMBER n .

a former communication, contained in the January number of the
“ Merchants’ Magazine and Commercial Review,” (Vol. XV., No. 1.,) I
endeavored to show the astonishing effect produced by a systematic accu­
mulation of small amounts, through the agency of compound interest; and
to explain, in a few practical examples, the great benefits which may be
secured in a variety of cases and positions, by the application of the prin­
ciple. This salutary result is still more enhanced, when, besides the in­
terest of money, the chances of life are also taken into consideration.
Human life may, with some truth, be compared to a great race, in which
nearly every individual starts with equal hopes, and almost equal chances,
of reaching the goal, or at least an average term of life. From his infancy
he prepares for his future career,—wishing and expecting to enjoy a long,
happy, and successful one ; but alas ! a few only will ever reach the extent
of their hopes. Sickness, accidents, and premature death, put a sudden
stop to the sanguine expectations of some, while others meet with reverses
of fortune, and are condemned to live in a state of poverty and want.
Comparatively few only are more lucky, and either arrive at an old age,
or they are successful in all their enterprises, and blessed with a gratifi­
cation of their wishes.
The system of annuities and life insurance is calculated to avert, in a
pecuniary respect, the evil consequences of this uncertainty of our exist­
ence, to equalize the fluctuations and sudden changes in life, and offers an
opportunity to every individual, in proportion to his means, and according
to his peculiar position and fears, to provide for every emergency, and to
shelter himself from the dreadful necessity of being dependent upon the
charity of others ; and this he can do, by the sacrifice of some luxuries,
by increased economy, or by the judicious employment of surplus means
in time of youth, health, and prosperity.
A number of individuals, none of whom can say that he is exempt from
the dangers above alluded to, no matter how rich, how healthy he may be
at the time, can associate together, each contributing at once, or in partial
payments, a certain amount,, in proportion to the risk he wishes to cover,
forming thus a common fund, out of which the parent will procure the
means for the education and establishment of his children, or the support
of his family after his death. The husband can secure his widow an in­
come for the rest of her life, the industrious mechanic can lay up a certain
sum, to be received at an age when he is desirous to quit his daily work ;
and many other equally desirable benefits.
It is to be regretted, and most surprising, that in a country where every
useful discovery is immediately copied and improved upon, annuities and
endowments should have attracted so little attention and been so seldom re­
sorted to; while, for a number of years past, Europe has placed such a
good example before us,—the advantages of the system having become
there so universally known and appreciated. We have, it is true, some
public institutions, where “ immediate annuities and endowments for chil­
dren” are granted, and the terms published ; but while the former are only
suitable for a small class of people, of very old age, having no relatives to
leave the money to, and wishing to make the most of it while they live,
In




446

Annuities, L ife Insurance, Tontines, <fyc,

the latter show no advantage whatever, from the age of four upwards; as,
with $100 placed into a savings bank to accumulate at 5 per cent com­
pound interest, $229.20 is produced at the age of twenty-one, without
losing the money in case of death, while only $225.42 is allowed by the
companies. Other benefits may also be obtained, but the terms are not
made public, and their nature and advantages remain unknown.
The English companies, on the contrary, take great pains to make the
various benefits well known, explaining them in a very simple and intelli­
gible manner, giving tables of rates, and many practical examples in their
prospectuses, and raising thereby the attention of the reader, who easily
discovers the advantages which either of the various branches would afford
him in his peculiar position ; and many, who otherwise would never have
dreamed of it, may find some remedy for their own wants. To this cir­
cumstance must be principally attributed the extent to which their opera­
tions have reached, and the benefits which they have spread over the
whole community, saving many a family from poverty and distress.
The rate of interest being so much higher in this country than in Eu­
rope, with every prospect to remain the same for many years to come, the
development of our immense and daily increasing resources, creating a
constant demand and steady employment for money, it remains only to
examine what better terms we are able to establish, in introducing and
promoting the system on the most liberal and advantageous principles.
My principal object being to show, in a few practical examples, in what
manner persons in different situations would be benefited, and not to dic­
tate terms at which it should be done, those which at present are
charged not being sufficiently known to me, nor, in my opinion, liberal
enough, money being worth more than the rate at which calculations are
generally made, I take 5 per cent as the ground-work for these examples,
deeming this a fair standard, and leaving a good margin for any fluctua­
tions in the value of money for permanent investments.
The selection of a proper table of mortality for these calculations is
of no less difficulty than of importance. Those generally used for the
purposes of life insurance do not answer for annuities, at least not without
making some adequate allowance. They all represent the mortality to
be far greater than in reality it is believed to b e ; and no tables have ever
been constructed which could implicitly be adopted for that purpose, and
entirely depended upon with unreserved confidence. If a bargain for life
insurance is made, and the premiums are calculated by a table showing
the average term of life to be shorter than it really is, it is evident that the
payment of the stipulated sum will be protracted, and more premiums will
be received, placing the office cn the safe side ; and, indeed, some offices
derive their immense profits from this source, and from the premiums being
thereby enhanced. But in the case of annuities it is just the reverse ; for
if the person lives longer than contemplated by the tables, the office will
be the loser. I have carefully examined and compared the following ta­
bles, viz., the Carlisle, the Equitable Experience, the Actuaries’ Combined
Experience, Mr. Finlaison’s Government Table, the English Life Table,
the Northampton, Ansell’s Friendly Societies’and the Amicable Experience.
The result was, that the three first are, if not the nearest to truth, at least
the safest and the most profitable for the computation of annuities. I have
selected the Carlisle table as the basis for my examples, above the age
of 2 1 ; while, for the earlier ages from birth, I have formed a table from




Annuities, L ife Insurance, Tcmtines, <SfC.

447

the reports of the Registrar-General of England, agreeing very closely
with the observations made in Paris on a large scale, as given in the “ Annuaire du Bureau des Longitudes.”
I would not, however, pretend to recommend either of them as a stand­
ard for an office, in the absence of more accurate information, unless some
slight addition were made to the price of a purchase, as it cannot be expected that any company would guarantee the payment of annuities too
strictly calculated, without a sufficient margin to cover expenses, to com­
pensate any incorrectness of the tables, and to produce a moderate profit,
though the difference between the 5 per cent and the rate at which in­
vestments can be made, is an item of some consequence.
Annuities, as well as life insurance business, can only be conducted with
perfect safety, by an association on a large scale, as a large number only
of individuals will produce an average and be a guard against fluctuations ;
but it is not necessary that each separate branch or benefit should consist
of many members, as every one joining, though for different purposes, in­
creases the security.
The price, or premium charged, whatever may be its nature, is measured
by the degree of risk produced to the whole concern, and the difference of
age, the amount secured, the period of payment, the time of joining, and
the kind of risk, are all taken into consideration ; the interest of each party
is therefore equalized, and each stands on a footing of equality and proportion with the others.
IM M E D IA T E

A N N U IT IE S .

The principle of this kind of annuities is, that an office undertakes to
return to the annuitant all the money received, with the interest thereon,
in regular periodical payments, which, being larger than the interest, will
gradually absorb the principal, and when the party arrives at the average
term of life, the whole amount is gone. If the party lives beyond that
time, the office loses; and if he dies before, the remainder of the sum
originally deposited, becomes the property of the company. If 1,000 per­
sons, all of fifty years, joined together, whose expectation of life, per Car­
lisle table, is 21.11 years, 13 would die the first year, 14 the second year,
and after 21 years, only 518 would be remaining, whose annuities would
of course continue until their death ; but the profit made on those deceased
before the age of 71, would compensate the loss on those surviving.
The following extract from the rates of several offices, shows that we
allow a larger per centage for every §100 than any other country:—
Ages—
) males
►females

New York Life Insurance and Trust Co....... <

40

50

7.38
7.03

8.50
7.87
7.72
7.92
6.97
7.40
7.77
7.39
6.45
7.94

Philadelphia Pennsylvania Company................
London Royal Naval, Military, and East In- <) males 6.65
dia Company...................................................( > females b.13
London National Loan Office............................ .
6.26
London Family Endowment Society............... .
6.63
Paris L’Union........................................................
6.09
Lubeck Lebensversicherungs Anstalt...............
5.76
Trieste Assicurazioni Generali...........................
6,74

60

10.68
9.68
9.47
10.07
8.72
9.71
10.35
9.37
8.10
9.95

70

15.16
13.57
12.87
14.27
12.37
14.12
14.90
11.76
11.28
13.12

75

19.47
16.85
16.39
17.78
19.08
13.00
14.62
14.45

The rat'-s of the above foreign offices are for an annuity payable an­
nually, while the New York Company above mentioned pays it semi-an­
nually without extra charge.




448

Annuities, L ife Insurance, Tontines, <SfC.

Immediate annuities are useful— 1st, to a person who, having no re
lations to whom to bequeath his money after death, obtains thereby a
higher rate of interest for it than any other investment would produce ;
2d, as a legacy in favor of some aged relative, friend, or faithful servant;
3d, to clear an estate of a life-interest, substituting for the same an annuity.
TEM PO RARY

A N N U IT IE S .

If an association were formed of individuals of different ages, each con­
tributing, in one sum, $100, for the purpose of dividing the principal and
interest during ten years, those aged 40, 50, 60, and 70, would be entitled
to receive $13.91, $14.02, $15.68, and $18.66, annually; because if the
deaths occurred according to the tables, the above payments would absorb
the whole fund in that space of time. An annuity certain for ten years,
would have produced only $12.95 ; but as, in the former case, the number
of members is constantly diminishing, their forfeited shares enhance those
of the survivors. This description of annuities is but seldom resorted to ;
cases in which they may be useful occurring very rarely.
D EFERRED

A N N U IT IE S .

Deferred annuities may be procured by a single payment, or by regular
annual instalments, and are payable after the person arrives at a certain age.
By the payment of $100 at the age of 20, an annuity of $131.64 could
be procured, to commence at the age of 60, and to continue for the re­
mainder of life; and by the annual payment of $10, commencing at the
age of 20, and continued regularly until the age of 60, the above an­
nuity would amount to $210.06.
It will be remarked that in this mode a very small sum paid at an early
age, or still smaller amounts paid annually, would secure an adequate in­
come for old age.
An annuity of

and in annual paym’ts

the age of
at 20.......
30.......
40........
50.......
at 20........
30.......
40.......
50.......

50 years,
$194 79
342 48
620 19
13 25
28 53
81 00

60 years,
$75 96
133 56
243 54
457 88
4 76
9 38
20 81
60 22

70 years,
$21 78
48 22
69 36
130 40
1 31
3 16
5 13
11 69

Thus, a young man of 20, with the trifling sum of $1.31, paid annually,
would secure an annuity of $100 after the age of 70, if he then lives, and
with $104.51 paid annually, a man 40 years old can purchase an income
of $500 after the age of 60, or with $25.65, from the age of 70. A hus­
band may, with a small sum, purchase an income for his wife, to commence
at a certain ag e; and a mechanic who has to depend upon his daily labor,
can gradually lay the foundation for a sufficient income for old age.
The cases in which deferred annuities may become of great benefit are
very numerous, and it would require more space than would be allotted to
me, if I were to enumerate them ; but I cannot refrain from relating a
singular, and no doubt very good suggestion, made by an eminent actuary
of London, as a substitute for the very unpopular poor rates of England :—
“ To enforce the payment from every parent, of every rank and station,
rich or poor, for every child born, and annually afterwards, of such a sum
as would secure an annuity during the whole of life, after a given age.




Annuities, L ife Insurance, Tontines, <^-c.

449

“ In the event of the parent being unable to provide the means, then the
parish to which he belongs to be compelled to supply the requisite funds,
until the child shall attain the age of twenty-one.
“ The child, on attaining the age of twenty-one,-to be required not only
to reimburse, by instalments or otherwise, the sums advanced by the parish
for his future and exclusive benefit, but also the annual payments, until the
period prescribed for entering upon his annuity.
“ Supposing, also, to give efficiency to this system, the legislature en­
acted that the sale, purchase, transfer, or assignment, directly or indirectly,
in any way, by or to any person whatever, should be considered, prose­
cuted, and punished as a misdemeanor.
“ The annual sum of 14s. 3d. paid for every child so soon as born, and
continued to be paid until he reached the fiftieth year of his age, but to
cease should he die in the interval, would be required for an annuity of
£20, to be then entered upon and enjoyed during the remainder of his
life, (Northampton table, at 4 per cent.) Only a few shillings per annum,
treasured up in the days of manhood and vigor, to secure the valuable re­
version of a home and a crust in the evening of old age and helplessness !
Would that such a self-supporting system of relief were carried into active
operation ! then, indeed, would the condition of the poor be ameliorated,
and want and destitution banished from the land forever!”
D EFERRED

T E M P O R A R Y A N N U IT IE S .

Among other benefits which this description of bargains offers, the
following claims particularly the attention of parents for the facility it pre­
sents to prepare in a most advantageous manner the means for the educa­
tion of children. We will suppose that they require an outlay of $100 a
year when they arrive at the age of 12, until they are 21 years of age, and
that it is desirable to make provision at once, in a single sum, or by gradual
easy instalments. (English Life Table ; interest, 5 per cent.)
If the benefit is to be commenced at the age o f.. . . 12 years, 16 years,
requiring, therefore, payments of $100 each............... lOpay’ts, 6pay’ts,
it would cost in one single sum, paid at birth............... $267 26 $139 87
or for a child at the age of 3 years................................ 426 89 223 42
or for a child at the age of 6 years................................ 523 35 273 91
Or, in annual payments, ceasing one year before the
benefit begins,— for a child just born........................ $35 80 $16 33
60 59
25 29
for a child of 3 years old................................................
34 90
for a child of 6 years old................................................ 100 37
And if it was desired to divide the premiums upon a
much longer period, the last to be paid at the age of
20, it would reduce the annual payments, for a child
just born, to.................................................................. $26 28 $13 76
37 54
21 36
for a child of 3 years old................................................
49 79
26 06
for a child of 6 years old................................................
It will be easily understood that the child may die without reaping any,
or only part of the benefits expected, and that the premiums would then be
lo st; but it may be so arranged with a company to have the same returned
in case of such an event, without increasing materially the expense.
VOL. x v i.—

no

. v.




29

450

Coal and Iron Trade o f the Ohio Valley.

Art. III.— COAL AND IRON TRADE OP THE OHIO VALLEY.
T he coal and the iron fields that exist between the Alleghany Moun­
tains and the Mississippi River, are commensurate in extent, because the
strata of ironstone and coal alternate with each other. Iron is, it is true,
a mineral not confined to one rock or formation, but ranges from the primi­
tive rocks, up through the sedimentary strata, to the recent alluvion. But
the world over, it is a geological law, that the coal-bearing rocks are com­
posed in sensible quantities of the ores of iron ; so that an explorer, hav­
ing discovered that he is in the midst of the carboniferous system, expects
to find beds of iron with as much confidence as he expects coal.
This metal may not be so abundant in all parts, as to be of economical
value ; but strata of greater or less thickness may be relied upon, as form­
ing part of the regular geological structure of the country. Thus we may
foresee the immense product of iron that the W estern coal fields will, of
certainty, yield to posterity.
During the past two years, four furnaces have been built on the Ma­
honing Canal that use raw bituminous coal, in lieu of charcoal, in reducing
ores. Three of them are in the county of Mahoning, Ohio, at Youngs­
town and Lowell, and another at Tallmadge, near Akron, in Summit coun­
ty. Two of them have been in operation long enough to test the project,
and the results are, that good pig metal can be produced in this way at
less cost than with charcoal. The consequences of this experiment, and
its success, are prodigious. Ores, that are called “ harsh ” by the founders,
containing silicious matter, and therefore refractory and expensive, are
found to be more easily reduced by the concentrated heat and blast of the
coal furnace than by the charcoal stack. The limit to the manufacture of
iron, is thus not restrained by the want of tim ber; nor are the woodlands
of the country destroyed to supply the furnaces. Mineral coal being liter­
ally inexhaustible, the only bounds to the production of iron, are the supply
of ore and the demand for the article. Coal and coal lands, become thus
of higher importance in the economy of a country, and of more local
value.
Geological investigations have gone so far as to determine, with general
accuracy, the boundaries of the Alleghany coal field. It is of an oblong
form and somewhat irregular, the longest axis extending Northwest and
Southwest, from the neighborhood of Meadville, Pennsylvania, to that of
Huntsville, Alabama, nearly 600 miles in length. It is widest at the
Northern part, tapering to a point at the Southern extremity. Its breadth
is greatest at Pittsburgh and Wheeling, where the Ohio River occupies a
central position, and its thickness at the centre is estimated at 2,000 to
3,000 feet. By this is meant, that all the strata of sandstone, shale,
coal, limestone, and ironstone, that compose the coal series or “ formation,”
from the conglomerate, the base of the formation, to the top of the same,
are, inclusive, so many feet thick.
The region occupied by these strata is called a basin, or a coal basin,
because the strata plunge towards a common centre, or central line ; so
that a boring, or well, made in the valley of the Ohio River, at or near
Wheeling, would pass through 2,000 or 3,000 feet of these rocks before
reaching the conglomerate, which is seen at the surface, at Akron on the
West, and at the summit of the Alleghanies on the East. In physical




Coal and Iron Trade o f the Ohio Valley.

451

level, the Eastern outcross of the lowest bed of coal is higher than the
surface of the upper beds of coal; but in geological order of super-position,
it is lowest of all. For instance : the bed which is worked near the sta­
tion-house of the Portage Railroad, is the one at the bottom of the series,
but is 2,000 feet above tide-water. The beds in the neighborhood of
Wheeling are higher up in the series, and 2,000 or 3,000 feet above the
continuation of the Portage summit bed, extending Westward to that place ;
but the Ohio River is here only about 640 feet above the ocean, and the
hills adjacent about 300 feet more. The bottom of the coal strata, is
therefore 1,500 or 2,000 feet below the surface of the ocean. Such is the
result of a gradual plunge, continued through long distances ; the lower
bed of coal, having descended from the summit of the Alleghany Moun­
tains, 2,000 feet above the sea, to a point as many feet below it, and then
rising towards the West, appears at the surface, on the other side of the
basin, at Akron and Newcastle, 900 to 950 feet above the ocean level.
The distance between the two sides of the field or basin, on its lesser axis,
is about 200 miles.
The entire number of coal and iron strata, embraced in this mass, is
not known ; but if we could penetrate it from top to bottom, or make a
vertical section, as we are enabled to do by observing the face of the
rocks at various points, we should probably find at least fifty strata of coal,
and more than twice that number of ironstone, lying in regular order one
above another. Of these, twenty or twenty-five of the coal strata might
be workable ; or say, three feet thick and upwards, to six feet; and of the
iron, more than one-half would pay for stripping, at the edges around the
hills. In Lawrence county, Ohio, on the Western verge of the field,
where the strata dip gently to the Eastward, in the vertical space of about
800 feet, there are seen fo u r workable strata of coal, and eight of iron,
with many more regularly stratified beds of less thickness. Here, a bed
of coal less than three feet, is not considered valuable ; and ore is thought
worth stripping, when an inch may be had by removing a foot of earth.
All parts of this great field may not be as rich, but some are known to be
more so ; and iron is found, in several instances, outside of the coal re­
gion. Here is an area, therefore, larger than all England and Scotland,
over which furnaces may be supported, if a demand for iron could by pos­
sibility arise equal to such a capacity for production.
On the Lower Ohio, in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, is another basin,
or field, of coal and iron, of large dimensions, but detached from the one
above noticed. It is also oval in form, and more regular than the Alle­
ghany field ; its greatest length being in a Northwesterly and Southeast­
erly direction, from the Northwest angle of Illinois, passing the mouth of
the Cumberland to the South line of Kentucky, say 300 miles. It em­
braces a large portion of Illinois, several of the Southwestern counties of
Indiana, and four or five of the Green River, Tennessee, and Cumberland
River counties, in Kentucky. But because a large part of the tract is
level, the strata do not cross out advantageously for mining; and their
edges are seen principally on the banks of streams and collateral valleys,
that part out from the main ones. The mineral power of this region is
but little understood. At Honesville, and a few other points, coal is fur­
nished for steamboats and taken to New Orleans.
Beyond the Mississippi, in Missouri and Iowa, and even to the sources
of the Arkansas, coal is known to exist; but as yet it is not explored, so




452

Coal and Iron Trade o f the Ohio Valley.

as to define its limits or value, or to determine whether it is a part of the
Illinois field, or of one or more separate basins.
In Michigan, also, there is a basin, including about one-half the lower
peninsula; but the strata are thin, and the position retired from naviga­
tion. And in addition to the iron ore, necessarily attendant upon such
numerous and extensive beds of coal, there are, extending from Lake Su­
perior, with occasional intervals, through Wisconsin, Missouri, Arkansas,
and Texas, masses of iron, in the primitive and volcanic beds, that exist
along a line from Michigan to Mexico.
By the census of 1840, there were, in the United States, 804 furnaces,
producing annually 285,903 tons of pig metal and castings. There were
also 795 forges or refineries, turning out 197,233 tons of malleable iron.
The bituminous coal raised, was 27,603,191 bushels ; which, at 70 lbs.
to the bushel, is 966,111 tons; of anthracite coal, 863,489 tons.
On account of the increased demand, and also in consequence of the
introduction of the hot blast, by which the yield of a furnace is increased
from one-third to one-half, without knowing the number of the furnaces
and iron-mills erected since 1839, I think it safe to allow 25 per cent, or
one-quarter, for the enlarged production of 1846 over 1839:—
That is, for pig metal in the United States,.......................... tons 358,024
For malleable iron and iron rails,........................................... “
246,531
The increase in the quantity of bituminous coal, raised and consumed,
is still greater—probably 50 per cent, or one-half.
In February, 1846, the descending coal trade of the Ohio was estima­
ted at 12,000,000 of bushels, or 480,000 tons.
In 1840, there were received at Cleveland, by the Ohio Canal, 6,032
tons ; in 1846, 31,283 tons.
This is not all the coal consumed upon the lakes ; for the Erie exten­
sion, now in operation, delivers at Erie, in Pennsylvania, a large amount,
probably 12,000 tons. At the time of the census of 1840, the mines on
the Lower Ohio had scarcely been opened; and the steamboats on the
Ohio River, like those on the lakes, had not become habituated to the use
of coal.
With all these indications of increased consumption at the West, where
the principal beds of bituminous coal exist—for the United States, I think
it safe to put the augmented business in that time, at 50 per cent. The
new use in stack furnaces, and the increased use in rolling-mills and
forges, add much to the already monstrous application of this fuel. We
will therefore state the present amount of bituminous coal raised, which
is principally at the West, at 1,449,161 tons.
This does not probably show more than one-third of the consumption
of the United States, including the anthracite and imported coals. At that
rate, the total consumed in the United States would be 4,347,748 tons, or
about the same as that of France, in 1841.
It may appear singular, but it is nevertheless true, that in the experi­
ments upon the heating power of coal, made at Washington, in 1843-44,
at the expense of the government, under Professor Johnston, only three
specimens were taken from the W est of the Alleghany Mountains, out of
fifty-eight specimens operated upon. Of the three, one was from Pitts­
burgh ; one from Connelston, Indiana; and one from the New Orleans
coal-yards, its origin not known. We are therefore still without the bene­
fit of most of the splendid results that flow from these experiments.




Coal and Iron Trade o f the Ohio Valley.

453

The practical value of the coal, everything else being equal, is its ca­
pacity to make steam ; and the rule of the experimenter was, to determine
the quantity necessaiy to convert one cubic foot o f water into steam :—
The Pennsylvania and Maryland free burning coals required for
Lbs.
that purpose,..................................................
7.33
The anthracite,............................................................
7.71
Richmond,.........................................................................................
8.20
English and W estern,......................................................................
8.97
In regard to Western coals, the number of specimens was too small to
give much value to the conclusion, in regard to their heating power. It
is satisfactorily settled, however, that the heating power is not in direct
proportion to the carbon of the coal; for although the anthracite is nearly
pure carbon, it stands below the free burning Maryland and Pennsylvania
coals that contain bitumen.
According to Professor Silliman, the George’s Creek coal, Maryland,
of which four specimens were analyzed, contained 18^ per cent bitumen;
and it is this and the kindred kinds which, according to Professor John­
ston, stand at the head of the list. It is well known, that in Pennsylvania,
there is a regular gradation from anthracite to bituminous coal, as we pro­
ceed from Mauch Chunk towards Pittsburgh. The Ohio coals contain,
in general, a larger amount of bitumen than those of the Eastern edge of
the field on the summit of the Alleghanies, that is to say, from 30 to 40
per cent.
Reducing the bitumen to its elements, the Ohio coals, as far as analyzed,
give about 81 per cent carbon, while the English coals have about 73 per
cent. Professor Johnston ranges the English and Western, according to
their heating effect, about the same.
Let us now refer to the return of coal and iron for the whole United
States, by the census, and compare the proportion of both down to the
Ohio Valley, by which I mean the region drained by its waters.
No. o f furnaces, and
tons of cast iron.

No. o f forges, and
tons o f iron.

Bush, o f bitu­
minous coal.

Western Dist. of Pennsylvania,__
“
Virginia,..............
Tennessee.........................................
Kentucky,.........................................
O hio,.................................................
Indiana,...........................................
Illinois,..............................................

134
30
34
17
72
7
4

53,101
10,892
16,128
29,206
35,236
810
158

67
38
99
13
19
1
0

63,431
3,721
9,673
3,637
7,466
20

11,620,654
8,073,364
13,942
1,158,167
3,597,769
242,000
461,807

For the Ohio Valley,.......................
For the United States,....................

298
804

145,531
286,903

237
795

87,948
197,233

25,167,703
27,603,191

By these footings, about one-half the iron made in this nation is turned
out upon the waters of the Ohio, and almost the whole of the bituminous
coal.
I have no means of stating the quantity of anthracite coal now raised,
or of giving the probable increase since 1839-40. In Ohio, since the
above enumeration was taken, there have been at least eight furnaces erect­
ed, and in Kentucky, fo u r ; most of them hot blast furnaces. There has
also been an increase in Western Pennsylvania. Throughout the West,
generally, it may be asserted, that the number of works and the product
of individual works, have increased in greater proportion than East of the
mountains. If this is true, the relative product of the Ohio Valley and of




454

Coal and Iron Trade o f the Ohio Valley.

the nation, at this time, would be different from that shown in the prece­
ding table, and the difference would be in favor of the West.
The duty on coal, under the act of 1842, was $1 75 per ton. From
September 1st, 1845, to March 1st, 1846, (six months,) New Orleans re­
ceived by the river 300,000 bushels, which it was supposed might be met
by imported coal, under a duty of $1 per ton. The act of 1846, fixes upon
coal a duty of 30 per cent ad valorem.
It is an article that varies greatly in price, at different places, and almost
as much at the same place at different times.
At New Orleans, by retail, per bushel, from................ 12 to 18 cents.
Cincinnati................................................. ....................
9 to 15
“
W heeling,..................
3 to 5
“
Pittsburgh,....................................................................
4 to 5£
“
Cleveland,.....................................................................
8 to 12
“
Philadelphia, (February, 1846,) bituminous,........... 20 to 22
“
18 to 21^ “
New York, Nova Scotia coal,.................................
New York, English coal,............................................ 23 to 25
“
These prices are, of course, mere approximations.
By the experiments of Professor Johnston, the effect of anthracite, in
generating steam, is not greatly superior to that of bituminous coal; and
consequently, for household consumption, the bituminous, if furnished at
about the same price, will work its way into favor. The cheerful bright­
ness of its flame is, to many persons, more than a compensation for the
difference in heat.
At Albany, there is already a small demand for coal from Lake Erie, at
anthracite prices—say $6 to $7 per ton. It is more than probable, that
after the Erie Canal is enlarged, this article, like the wheat, flour, and
pork of the lakes, will become an important item in Western trade.
At Cleveland and Erie, it can be delivered in bulk on large contracts,
at $2 25 and $2 50 per ton of 2,000 pounds.
H alf a ton, or fourteen and a quarter bushels, of bituminous coal, is
more than equal to a cord of four-foot wood; in fact, some regard ten
bushels, and others twelve bushels, as equal to a cord.
There is therefore seldom, if ever, a time, even in the greatest scarcity
of coal in market, when coal is not cheaper than wood as a fuel; ordi­
narily, it is about one-half less. This fact, taken in connection with its
greater safety, less trouble, uniformity of temperature, and the increasing
scarcity of timber, explains why mineral fuel conquers every other, every­
where, and works its way into all departments of life.
In the coal regions, for most purposes of power applied to machinery,
it is crowding hard upon the old method of water-wheels, substituting the
steam-engine in their place. For such uses, the bituminous coal seems to
please best, on account of the readiness with which it may be set on fire,
and thus a quick steam is obtained. It will undoubtedly always bear a
higher price in the principal Eastern cities than anthracite.
The interior of the great Alleghany coal field, may be thought too re­
mote from the principal communications to be of anything more than a lo­
cal value. But in Virginia and Kentucky, the Cumberland, Kentucky,
Licking, and Kenawha Rivers, extend far into the coal museums, and in
high water the arks or flat boats are enabled to descend with a full load.
The Monongahela and the Youghiogheny, likewise cut through coal strata
for their entire length, and the same may be said of the Muskingum.




United States' Commercial Regulations with Mexico.

455

From the sources of the branches of the Upper Ohio, to the neighbor­
hood of Portsmouth, all the streams flow over beds of coal, or have worn
their way through them in the course of ages.
The “ Erie extension” is cut in the coal strata,and also the Mahoning,
and the Sandy and Brown Canals. The Ohio Canal, from Akron to
Dresden, is in the same series ; and thence to Portsmouth skirts its West­
ern edges. The Hocking Canal is also in the coal region.
At present, the principal mines on the river are at Honesville, Pomeroy,
Wheeling, Pittsburgh, and thence to Brownsville. It is from these points
that the flat boats are filled; but at a hundred other places can coal be
taken, in any quantity, with equal facility, as soon as it shall be needed.

Art. IV.— UNITED STATES’ COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS WITH MEXICO:
W IT H R E F E R E N C E T O T H E E F F E C T S O F T H E T A R I F F O F D U T IE S , E T C ., I M ­
P O S E D ON M E X IC A N P O R T S I N T H E M IL IT A R Y P O SSESSIO N O F T H E U . S.
W h o e v e r contemplates the map of the world, and reflects upon the
course of commerce in relation to the East, from the discoveries of the
Portuguese, down to the present day, will naturally fix upon Mexico as
that nation of all others best calculated from its frontier to take the lead
in commerce. H er geographical position is good ; and the eyes of all na­
tions have, since the abandonment of a Northwest passage to India, been
fastened on the isthmus as the great future road for commerce between
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Mexico labors, however, under many
disadvantages. On the gulf coast, she has not a single good harbor ; and
the cities are not habitable for foreigners during many months in the year.
The land ascends rapidly from the coast to the interior, making the trans­
portation of goods difficult and expensive. But Mexico also enjoys many
great advantages. Nature has blessed it with every possible description
of mineral and agricultural wealth, in profuse abundance ; and an indus­
trious people, with an efficient government, would not fail to place it fore­
most among the nations of the earth. Unfortunately, however, the W’eak
and imbecile natives passed under the dominion of proud, indolent, and
rapacious Spaniards— a people essentially anti-industrial and anti-commercial. Down to 1789, Spain continued its barbarian prohibitive policy, al­
lowing only one galleon of 1,400 tons to enter Mexico annually, with
Chinese merchandise ; and one, once in three years, from Seville or Ca­
diz, was chartered by government with European merchandise. In 1790,
the trade was thrown open ; and private capitalists engaging in it, it soon
reached from $11,000,000 to $19,000,000. This trade was, however,
still burdened with most onerous impositions under four general heads :
first, on articles of Spanish produce in the markets of Seville or Cadiz ;
second, on shipment for Mexico; third, at Vera Cruz; fourth, transfer
duties at every step from merchant to consumer. Under such arrange­
ments, the trade did not prosper much ; but on the breaking out of the
civil war, the new government opened the leading ports to commerce.
The Spanish merchants withdrew to Cuba and Cadiz, and their places
were supplied by British and American, who, settling in the interior,
supplied the natives with goods in exchange for dollars. The jealousy of
the natives, who, themselves exceedingly indolent, are insanely enraged




456

United Stales’ Commercial Regulations with Mexico.

at contemplating the prosperity of a diligent foreigner among them, caused
an imbecile government to make absurd threats against foreign artificers
and traders, and thereby prevented the growth of enterprise, and the settling of a more vigorous race among the Mexicans. These circumstances
conspired to leave Mexico, at the era of the war of independence, in
1822, entirely without those great conservative commercial and industrial
interests, without which, the military inevitably obtain the mastery and
control of affairs. The long war of independence turned all the little
energy that nation possessed into a military direction. From 1808 to
1821, the history of the revolution is only that of a sanguinary guerilla
warfare, leading to no results other than destruction to trade and inse­
curity to property. In 1821, the sudden secession of Iturbide from the
royal cause, in favor of liberalism, resulted in his ascending the throne as
Emperor Augustin I. From that time, down to the present day, the po­
litical history of Mexico has been one rude scene of violence and military
anarchy. A turbulent banditti, as faithless in their foreign dealings as
they were rapacious, cruel, and treacherous, in their domestic affairs, have,
for twenty-six years, held possession of that unhappy country. Room for
enterprise, encouragement to industry, or security for property, there were
none. The roads, particularly the splendid way constructed by the mer­
chants of Vera Cruz from that city to the upper country, were suffered to
go to decay; not even the injuries they sustained during the war have
been repaired. Their antipathy to carriages, and means of transport and
communication, is even more strong than that of the Spaniards. While
the government, in its enactments and practice, has shown itself far more
hostile to commerce than to crime, traffic has been more oppressed than
vice, and merchants more rigidly fined than murderers. The repeated
revolutions have left those who gain power, no other prospect than to get
rich by peculation ; and it has become a seemingly well understood sys­
tem, that those going out of power should empty the treasury, and leave
their successors to fill theirs by the most approved system of plunder.
The desperation created by fortunes ruined at the Mont6 table, has been,
perhaps, the most frequent cause of revolution in Mexico. The readiest
mode of replenishing the treasury and feeding the cupidity of the officers,
has been found in the prohibitive tariff system ; because, while under pre­
tence of encouraging home manufactures, by keeping foreign goods scarce
and high, it made the sale of special privileges to import goods, to mer­
chants, more profitable to the Dictator. The higher were the profits to
be realized by the merchant, the better price could he pay for the privi­
lege ; hence, although a dishonest government had pledged the customs’
revenues to discharge the interest on the debt, by this device of the privi­
leges they could be still made available to the officer. A system of low
duties would not have admitted such an operation.
All these causes have operated powerfully against the development of
those great conservative industrial and commercial interests, without
which there can be no stability of government, no efficient execution of
the laws, nor any means of keeping in check those military adventurers,
whose turbulence has torn that ill-fated country in internal brawls, and
whose non-observance of treaties and plighted faith has involved two
countries in the horrors of war.
As, however, there is no evil so unmixed that some good may not be ex­
tracted from it, the turn which affairs have taken may, it is not improba­




United States’ Commercial Regulations with Mexico.

457

ble, result in the political regeneration of Mexico, and advance it to the
rank of a useful member of the commercial world. And no country has
the material for general wealth in greater abundance than Mexico. The
mere assurance that property will be secure, and that merchandise in
transit or in deposit will not be exposed to the rapacity of officials, will
alone give a great impulse to Mexican resources. The facility with which
the American forces have overrun the cities of Mexico, and the ease with
which they may be held by small forces, are circumstances calculated to
enable the United States to suppress, not only the military marauders, but
the professed banditti, at least along the great lines of communication.
On this occupation, as a basis, the plan of revenue adopted by the Treas­
ury Department, and which may be found under another head,* seems
eminently calculated, not only to divert from the Mexicans their principal
means, and to throw those revenues into the hands of the United States
in amounts sufficient to support the occupation, but to confer on Mexico
the great and lasting benefit of planting commerce on her soil under cir­
cumstances that will insure its growth. We have said, that hitherto,
Mexican commerce has been one of prohibition, on the law books, and of
private bribery, in practice. The tariff, as it was, may be found in this
Magazine, Vol. XIII., p. 566, and can be usefully compared with the new
tariff; as imposed by the United States, in the present number. It will be
observed that the prohibited articles will be admitted at comparatively
easy rates. In order to show the probable extent of the trade, w'e annex
a table of the exports of certain goods from Great Britain to Mexico, in
the year 1846 :—
EXPORTS OF CERTAIN ARTICLES FROM ENGLAND TO MEXICO.

Cotton twist and yarn,....
Cotton thread,..................
Calicoes, plain,.................. yards
Cambrics, muslins, lawns,
Other plain cottons,..........
Lace, gauze, & c.,............
Cotton hose, & c.,............
Heavy woollens,..............
Woollen hose,..................
Silks and mixed,..............

66,178
39,922
1,968,600
5,198,833
31,956
10,142
207,906
2,605
107
353
3,417

Cotton shawls, & c.,....
Cotton and linen cloth,. ..yards
Other Cotton goods,.....
Woollen yarn,..............
Woollen and cotton,....
Long cloths,...................
Woollen and worsted,..
Flannels and blankets,.
Other woollens,.............
Total value woollen goods,......

42,375
6,896
495
2,379,179
3,024
£10,310
1,343
14,180
1,028
9,062
36,403

This is pretty well for prohibited goods in time of war. The printed
calicoes, in 1845, were over 7,000,000 yards. The trade may be in­
creased to a considerable extent; and, while it improves Mexico and re­
lieves the United States of a burden, it may conciliate foreign nations by
throwing open to them a trade to which they have been strangers. There
are a few disadvantages. Those creditors, to whom the Mexican customs
are pledged, may grumble ; those English, who have enjoyed the trade by
buying it of Santa Anna, may complain; and lastly, the priests may, if
they take part with Santa Anna, interdict the use of such articles as have
paid the duties. These objections are, however, not important; and the
opening of the trade, in connection with the admirable system of ware­
housing now being perfected, will have the effect of restoring to our ship­
ping their ascendency in the carrying trade of this continent. From the
* For tariff and regulations instituted for Mexican ports in the possession of the United
States, see our usual department for “ Commercial Regulations,” in a subsequent part of
the present number of this Magazine.




458

Mercantile Biography.

time high cash duties were established, this trade began to decline ; but
now our warehouses are becoming filled with assortments of cheap goods,
calculated to supply any description of assorted cargo. The tonnage du­
ties are to be, in Mexican ports, §1 per ton registry measurement. The
old duties were, on a vessel of 100 tons, as follows:—
Pilotage in and out, per ton, $ 1 ,.........................................................................
W ater draught, per foot, $2,.............................................................................
Pilot’s fe e ,.............................................................................................................
Tonnage, $1 50,..................................................................................................
Port captain’s fee,.................................................................................................
Hospital,.................................................................................................................
Total.........................................................................................................

$100
15
6
150
10
10

00
00
50
00
00
00

$291 00

Duties payable in hard dollars, eight reals to the dollar. The new
regulations are great modifications from those duties. In 1842, a decree,
changing the mode of measurement, increased the duties 75 per cent.
The foot is that of Burgos, of which 109.38 were equal to 100 English.
The revenues of the Mexican government, under this system, were
nearly as follows :—
Customs’ duties,......................
Interior commerce...................
Mint profits,............................
Post-office, salt, &c.,.............
Direct taxes,............................

$6,500,000 Tax on m ines,........................ $1,000,000
4,500,000 Tobacco monopoly,.................
500,000
500,000 Tolls, &c.,................................
500,000
500,000
3,000,000
Total,.......................... $16,000,000

The United States may, on a liberal system, realize probably this sum
from the resources in their hands.
If, through this operation, a great commercial interest can be built up
in Mexico, that will enforce the laws and control the military, the greatest
boon will be conferred, not only upon her, but upon the commercial world,
and the products of the precious metals may easily be quadrupled.

Art. V.— MERCANTILE BIOGRAPHY.
T H E L A T E D A V ID K IC A R D O , E S Q ., M . P .

M r . R icardo was placed, in early life, under circumstances apparently
the least favorable for the formation of those habits of patient and com­
prehensive investigation, which afterwards raised him to a high rank among
political philosophers.

He was the third of a numerous family, and was born on the 19th of
April, 1772. His father, a native of Holland, and of the Jewish persua­
sion, settled in England early in life. He is said to have been a man
of good talents, and of the strictest integrity; and having become a mem­
ber of the Stock Exchange, he acquired a respectable fortune, and pos­
sessed considerable influence in his circle. David, the subject of the pre­
sent memoir, was destined for the same line of business as his father; and
received, partly in England, and partly at a school in Holland, where he
resided two years, such an education as is usually given to young men in­
tended for the mercantile profession. Classical learning formed no part
of his early instruction ; and it has been questioned, with how much jus­
tice we shall not undertake to decide, whether its acquisition would have
done him service ; and whether it might not probably have made him seek




The Late D avid Ricardo, Esq., M. P .

459

for relaxation in the study of elegant literature, rather than in the severer
exercises of the understanding ; and prompted him to adopt opinions sanc­
tioned by authority, without inquiring very anxiously into the grounds on
which they rested.
Mr. Ricardo began to be confidentially employed by his father in the
business of the Stock Exchange, when he was only fourteen years of age.
Neither then, however, nor at any subsequent period, was he wholly en­
grossed by the details of his profession. From his earliest years, he
evinced a taste for abstract reasoning ; and manifested that determination
to probe every subject of interest to the bottom, and to form his opinion
upon it according to the conviction of his mind, which was a distinguish­
ing feature of his character.
Mr. Ricardo, senior, had been accustomed to subscribe, without inves­
tigation, to the opinions of his ancestors, on all questions connected with
religion and politics ; and he was desirous that his children should do the
same. But this system of passive obedience, and of blind submission to
the dictates of authority, was quite repugnant to the principles of young
Ricardo, who, at the same time that he never failed to testify the sincerest
affection and respect for his father, found reason to differ from him on
many important points, and even to secede from the Hebrew faith.
Not long after this event, and shortly after he had attained the age of
majority, Mr. Ricardo formed a union, productive of unalloyed domestic
happiness, with Miss Wilkinson. Having been separated from his father,
he was now thrown on his own resources, and commenced business for
himself. At this important epoch of his history, the oldest and most re­
spectable members of the Stock Exchange gave a striking proof of the
esteem entertained by them for his talents and character, by voluntarily
coming forward to support him in his undertakings. His success exceed­
ed the most sanguine expectations of his friends, and in a few years he
realized an ample fortune.
“ The talent for obtaining wealth,” says one of Mr. Ricardo’s near re­
lations, from whose account of his life we have borrowed these particulars,
“ is not held in much estimation ; but, perhaps, in nothing did Mr. R.
more evince his extraordinary powers, than he did in his business. His
complete knowledge of all its intricacies; his surprising quickness at fig­
ures and calculation ; his capability of getting through, without any appa­
rent exertion, the immense transactions in which he was concerned; his
coolness and judgment, combined certainly with (for him) a fortunate tissue
of public events, enabled him to leave all his contemporaries at the Stock
Exchange far behind, and to raise himself infinitely higher, not only in
fortune, but in general character and estimation, than any man had ever
done before in that house. Such was the impression which these qualities
had made on his competitors, that several of the most discerning among
them, long before he had emerged into public notoriety, prognosticated, in
their admiration, that he would live to fill some of the highest stations in
the state.” *
According as his solicitude about his success in life declined, Mr. Ri­
cardo devoted a greater portion of his time to scientific and literary pur­
suits. When about twenty-five years of age, he began the study of some
branches of mathematical science, and made considerable progress in
* See an Account of the Life of Mr. Ricardo, in the Annual Obituary for 1823, sup­
posed to be written by one of his brothers.




460

Mercantile Biography.

«
chemistry and mineralogy. He fitted up a laboratory, formed a collection
of minerals, and was one of the original members of the Geological So­
ciety. But he never entered warmly into the study of these sciences.
They were not adapted to the peculiar cast of his mind ; and he abandoned
them entirely, as soon as his attention was directed to the more congenial
study of political economy.
Mr. Ricardo is stated to have first become acquainted with the Wealth
o f Nations, in 1799, while on a visit at Bath, to which he had accompanied
Mrs. Ricardo for the benefit of her health. He was highly gratified by
its perusal; and it is most probable that the inquiries about which it is
conversant, continued henceforth to engage a considerable share of his at­
tention, though it was not till a later period that his spare time was almost
exclusively occupied with their study.
Mr. Ricardo came, for the first time, before the public as an author, in
1809. The rise in the market price of bullion, and the fall of the ex­
change that had taken place in the course of that year, had excited a good
deal of attention. Mr. Ricardo applied himself to the consideration of
the subject; and the studies in which he had latterly been engaged, com­
bined with the experience he had derived from his moneyed transactions,
enabled him not only to perceive the true causes of the phenomena in
question, but to trace and exhibit their practical bearing and real effect.
He began this investigation without intending to lay the result of his re­
searches before the public. But having shown his manuscript to the late
Mr. Perry, the proprietor and editor of the Morning Chronicle, the latter
prevailed upon him, though not without considerable difficulty, to consent
to its publication, in the shape of letters, in that journal. The first of
these letters appeared on the 6th of September, 1809. They made a con­
siderable impression, and elicited various answers. This success, and the
increasing interest of the subject, induced Mr. Ricardo to commit his
opinions upon it to the judgment of the public, in a more enlarged and sys­
tematic form, in the tract entitled “ The High Price o f Bullion a Proof
o f the Depreciation o f Bank Notes.” This tract led the way in the farfamed bullion controversy. It issued from the press several months pre­
viously to the appointment of the bullion committee, and is believed to
have had no inconsiderable effect in forwarding that important measure.
In this tract, Mr. Ricardo showed, that redundancy and deficiency of cur­
rency are only relative terms ; and that, so long as the currency of any
particular country consists exclusively of gold and silver coins, or of paper
immediately convertible into such coins, its value can neither rise above,
nor fall below, the value of the metallic currencies of other countries, by
a greater sum than will suffice to defray the expense of importing foreign
coin or bullion, if the currency be deficient; or of exporting a portion of
the existing supply, if it be redundant. But when a country issues incon­
vertible paper notes, (as was then the case in England,) they cannot be
exported to other countries in the event of their becoming redundant at
home ; and whenever, under such circumstances, the exchange with for­
eign States is depressed below, or the price of bullion rises above, its
mint price, more than the cost of sending coin or bullion abroad, it shows,
conclusively, that too much paper has been issued, and that its value is
depreciated from excess. The principles which pervade the report of the
bullion committee, are substantially the same with those established by
Mr. Ricardo, in this pamphlet; but the more comprehensive and popular




The Late David Ricardo, Rsq., M. P .

461

manner in which they are illustrated in the report, and the circumstance
of their being recommended by a committee composed of some of the
ablest men in the country, gave them a weight and authority which they
could not otherwise have obtained. And though the prejudices and igno­
rance of some, and the interested, and therefore determined, opposition of
others, prevented for a while the adoption of the measures proposed by
Mr. Ricardo and the committee for restoring the currency to a sound and
healthy state, they were afterwards carried into full effect; and afford one
of the most memorable examples in our history, of the triumph of princi­
ple over selfishness, sophistry, and error.
The fourth edition of this tract is the most valuable. An appendix ad­
ded to it has some acute observations on some difficult questions in the
theory of exchange ; and it also contains the first germ of the original
idea of making bank notes exchangeable for bars of gold bullion.
Among those who entered the lists, in opposition to the principles laid
down, and the practical measures suggested, in Mr. Ricardo’s tract, and
in the report of the bullion committee, a prominent place is due to Mr.
Bosanquet. This gentleman had great experience as a merchant; and as
he professed that the statements and conclusions embodied in his “ Prac­
tical Observations,” which are completely at variance with those in the
report, were the result of a careful examination of the theoretical opinions
of the committee by the test of fact and experiment, they were well fitted
to make, and did make, a very considerable impression. The triumph of
Mr. Bosanquet was, however, of very short duration. Mr. Ricardo did
not hesitate to attack this formidable adversary in his stronghold. His
tract, entitled, “ Reply to Mr. Bosanquet's Practical Observations on the
Report o f the Bullion Committee,” was published in 1811, and is one of
the best essays that has appeared on any disputed question of political
economy. In this pamphlet, Mr. Ricardo met Mr. Bosanquet on his own
ground, and overthrew him with his own weapons. He examined all the
proofs which Mr. Bosanquet had brought forward, of the pretended dis­
crepancy between the facts stated in his own tract, which he said were
consistent with experience, and the theory laid down in the bullion report;
and showed that Mr. B. had either mistaken the cases by which he pro­
posed to test the theory, or that the discrepancy was only apparent, and
was entirely a consequence of his inability to apply the theory, and not of
anything erroneous or deficient in it. The victory of Mr. Ricardo was
perfect and complete ; and the elaborate errors and mis-statements of Mr.
Bosanquet, served only, to use the words of Dr. Coppleston, “ to illustrate
the abilities of the writer who stepped forward to vindicate the truth.”
This tract affords a striking example of the ascendency which those
who possess a knowledge both of principle and practice, have over those
who are familiar only with the latter; and though the interest of the
question which led to its publication has now subsided, it will always be
read with delight by such as are not insensible of the high gratification
which all ingenuous minds must feel in observing the ease with which a
superior intellect clears away the irrelevant matter with which a question
has been designedly embarrassed, reduces false facts to their just value,
and traces and exhibits the constant operation of the same general princi­
ple through all the mazy intricacies of practical detail.
The merit of these pamphlets was duly appreciated ; and Mr. Ricardo’s
society was, in consequence, courted by men of the first eminence, who




462

Mercantile Biography.

were not less pleased with his modesty and unassuming manners, than
with the vigor of his understanding. He formed, about this time, that in­
timacy with Mr. Malthus, and Mr. Mill, the historian of British India,
which ended only with his death. To the latter, he was particularly at­
tached, and readily acknowledged how much he owed to his friendship.
Mr. Ricardo next appeared as an author, in 1815, during the discussions
on the bill, afterwards passed into a law, for raising the limit at which for­
eign corn might be imported for consumption, to 80s. Mr. Malthus, and
a “ Fellow of University College, Oxford,” (afterwards Sir Edward West,)
had, by a curious coincidence, in tracts published almost consentaneously,
elucidated the true theory of rent, which, though discovered by Dr. An­
derson as early as 1777, appears to have been entirely forgotten. But
neither of these gentlemen perceived the bearing of the theory on the
question in regard to the restriction of the importation of foreign com.
This was reserved for Mr. Ricardo, who, in his “ Essay on the Influence
o f a Low Price o f Corn on the Profits o f Stock,” showed the effect of an
increase in the price of raw produce on wages and profits ; and founded a
strong argument in favor of the freedom of the corn trade, on the very
grounds on which Mr. Malthus had endeavored to show the propriety of
subjecting it to fresh restrictions.
In 1816, Mr. Ricardo published his “ Proposals fo r an Economical and
Secure Currency, with Observations on the Profits o f the Bank o f Ehrgland.” In this pamphlet, he examined the circumstances which deter­
mine the value of money, when every individual has the power, to supply
it, and when that power is restricted or placed under a monopoly; and he
showed that, in the former case, its value will depend, like that of all other
freely supplied articles, on its cost; while, in the latter, it will be unaffect­
ed by that circumstance, and will depend on the extent to which it may be
issued compared with the demand. This is a principle of great impor­
tance ; for it shows that intrinsic worth is not necessary to a currency, and
that, provided the supply of paper notes, declared to be legal tender, be
sufficiently limited, their value may be maintained on a par with the value
of gold, or raised to any higher level. If, therefore, it were practicable
to devise a plan for preserving the value of paper on a level with that of
gold, without making it convertible into coin at the pleasure of the holder,
the heavy expense of a metallic currency would be saved. To effect this
desirable object, Mr. Ricardo proposed that, instead of being made ex­
changeable for gold coins, bank notes should be made exchangeable for
bars o f gold bullion o f the standard weight and purity. This plan, than
which nothing can be more simple, was obviously fitted to check the over­
issue of paper quite as effectually as it is checked by making it converti­
ble into coin ; while, as bars could not be used as currency, it prevented
any gold from getting into circulation, and consequently saved the expenses
of coinage, and the wear and tear and loss of coins. Mr. Ricardo’s pro­
posal was recommended by the committees of the Houses of Lords and
Commons, appointed in 1819, to consider the expediency of the Bank of
England resuming cash payments ; and was afterwards adopted in the
bill for their resumption introduced by Mr. (now Sir Robert) Peel. In
practice, it was found completely to answer the object of checking over­
issue. But inasmuch as it required that the place of sovereigns should be
filled with one pound notes, the forgery of the latter began to be exten­
sively carried o n ; and it was wisely judged better to incur the expense of




The Late David Ricardo, Esq., M. P.

463

recurring to and keeping up a mixed currency, than to continue a plan
which, though productive of a large saving, held out an all but irresistible
temptation to crime.
At length, in 1817, Mr. Ricardo published his great work on the “ P rin ­
ciples of P olitical E conomy and T axation .”
This was a step which
he did not take without much hesitation. He was not, and did not affect
to be, insensible of the value of literary and philosophical reputation; but
his modesty always led him to undervalue his own powers ; and having
acquired a very high degree of celebrity as a writer on currency, he was
unwilling to risk what he already possessed by attempting to gain more.
Ultimately, however, he was prevailed upon, by the entreaties of his
friends, to allow his work to be sent to press. Its appearance forms a
memorable era in the history of political science. Exclusive of many
valuable subsidiary inquiries, Mr. Ricardo has pointed out, in this work,
the source and limiting principle of exchangeable value, and has traced
the laws which determine the distribution of wealth among the various
ranks and orders of society. The powers of mind displayed in these in­
vestigations, the dexterity with which the most abstruse questions are un­
ravelled, the sagacity displayed in tracing the operation of general princi­
ples, in disentangling them from such as are of a secondary and accidental
nature, and in perceiving and estimating their remote consequences, have
never been surpassed; and will forever secure the name of Ricardo a
conspicuous place among those who have done most to unfold the mechan­
ism of society, and to discover the circumstances on which the well-being
of its various orders must always mainly depend.
Mr. Ricardo maintains, in this work, the fundamental principle, that the
exchangeable value of commodities or their relative worth, as compared
with each other, depends exclusively on the quantity o f labor necessarily
required to produce them, and bring them to market. Smith had shown
that this principle determined the value of commodities in the earlier stages
of society, before land had been appropriated and capital accumulated ; but
he supposed that, after land had become property and rent began to be
paid, and after capital had been amassed and workmen began to be hired
by capitalists, the value of commodities fluctuated, not only according to
variations in the labor required to produce and bring them to market, but
also according to variations of rents and wages. But Mr. Ricardo has
shown that this theory is erroneous, and that the value of commodities is
determined in all states of society by the same principle, or by the quan­
tity of labor required for their production. He showed that variations of
profits or wages, by affecting different commodities to the same, or nearly
the same extent, would either have no influence over their exchangeable
value, or if they had any, it would depend upon the degree in which they
occasionally affect some products more than others. And Dr. Anderson
and others, having already shown that rent is not an element of cost or
value, it follows that the cost or value of all freely produced commodities,
the supply of which may be indefinitely increased, (abstracting from tem­
porary variations of supply and demand,) depends wholly on the quantity
of labor required for their production, and not upon the rate at which that
labor may be paid ; so that, supposing the labor required to produce any
number of commodities to remain constant, their cost and value will also
remain constant, whether wages fall from 3s. to Is., or rise from 3s. to 5s.,
or 7s. a day. This is the fundamental theorem of the science of value,




464

Mercantile Biography.

and the clue which unravels the intricate labyrinth of the laws which regu­
late, the distribution of wealth. Its discovery has shed a flood of light on
what was previously shrouded in all but impenetrable mystery; and the
apparently knotty, and hitherto insoluble questions, regarding the action of
wages and profits on each other and on prices, have since ceased to present any insuperable difficulties. What the researches of Locke and
Smith did, for the production of wealth, those of Ricardo have done for its
value and distribution.
The establishment of general principles being Mr. Ricardo’s great ob­
ject, he has paid comparatively little attention to their practical application;
and sometimes, indeed, he has, in great measure, overlooked the circum­
stances by which they are occasionally countervailed. In illustration of
this, we may mention, that society being laid under the necessity of con­
stantly resorting to inferior soils to obtain additional supplies of food, Mr.
Ricardo lays it down that, in the progress of society, raw produce and
wages have a constant tendency to rise, and profits to fall. And this, no
doubt, is in the abstract true. But it must at the same time be observed,
that while on the one hand society is obliged constantly to resort to inferior
soils, agriculture is on the other hand susceptible of indefinite improvement;
and this improvement necessarily in so far countervails the decreasing fer­
tility of the soil; and may, and, in fact, very frequently does, more than
countervail it. Mr. Ricardo has also very generally overlooked the influ­
ence of increased prices, in diminishing consumption and stimulating in­
dustry ; so that his conclusions, though true according to his assumptions,
do not always harmonize with what really takes place. But his is not a
practical w ork; and it did not enter into his plan to exhibit the circum­
stances that give rise to the discrepancies in question. The “ Principles
o f Political Economy and Taxation,” is not even a systematic treatise, but
is principally an inquiry respecting certain fundamental principles, most of
which had previously been undiscovered. And though it be often exceed­
ingly difficult, or, it may be, all but impossible, to estimate the extent to
which these principles may in certain cases be modified by other princi­
ples and combinations of circumstances, it is obviously of the greatest im­
portance to have ascertained their existence. They are so many land­
marks to which to refer, and can never be lost sight of even in matters
most essentially practical.
That part of Mr. Ricardo’s work, in which he applies his principles to
discover the incidence of taxes on rent, profit, wages, and raw produce, is
more practical than the others ; and must always be a subject of careful
study to those who wish to make themselves well acquainted with this de­
partment of political science.
Mr. Ricardo had now become an extensive landed proprietor, and had
wholly retired from business, with a fortune acquired with the universal
respect and esteem of his competitors. But he did not retire from the
bustle of active life, to the mere enjoyment of his acres—Non fuit, con­
silium socordia atque desidia honum otium conterere—he had other objects
in view ; and while his leisure hours, when in the country, were chiefly
devoted to inquiries connected with that science, of which he was now
confessedly at the head, he determined to extend the sphere of his useful­
ness by entering the House of Commons. In 1819, he took his seat as
member for Portarlington. His diffidence in his own powers had, how­
ever, nearly deprived the public of the services which he rendered in this




The Late D avid Ricardo, Esq., M. P .

465

situation. In a letter to one of his friends, dated the 7th of April, 1819,
he says : “ You will have seen that I have taken my seat in the House of
Commons. I fear that I shall be of little use there. I have twice at­
tempted to speak ; but I proceeded in the most embarrassed manner ; and
I have no hope of conquering the alarm with which I am assailed the mo­
ment I hear the sound of my own voice.” And in a letter to the same
gentleman, dated the 22d of June, 1819, he says : “ I thank you for your
endeavors to inspire me with confidence on the occasion of my addressing
the House. Their indulgent reception of me has, in some degree, made
the task of speaking more easy to me ; but there are yet so many formida­
ble obstacles to my success, and some, I fear, of a nature nearly insur­
mountable, that I apprehend it will be wisdom and sound discretion in me
to content myself with giving silent votes.” Fortunately he did not adopt
this resolution. The difficulties with which he had at first to struggle, and
his diffidence in himself, gradually subsided; while the mildness of his
manners, the mastery which he possessed over the subjects on which he
spoke, and the purity of his intentions, speedily secured him a very ex­
tensive influence, both in the House and the country, and gave great
weight to his opinions.
Mr. Ricardo was not one of those who make speeches to suit the
ephemeral circumstances and politics of the d ay : he spoke only from
principle, and with a fixed resolution never to diverge in any degree from
the path which it pointed out; he neither concealed nor modified an opin­
ion for the purpose of conciliating the favor, or of disarming the prejudices
or hostility, of any man or set of men ; nor did he ever make a speech,
or give a vote, which he was not well convinced was founded on just prin­
ciples, and calculated to promote the lasting interests of the public.
Trained to habits of profound thinking, independent in his fortune, and
inflexible in his principles, Mr. Ricardo had little in common with mere
party politicians. The public good was the grand object of his parlia­
mentary exertions ; and he labored to promote it, not by engaging in party
combinations, but by supporting the rights and liberties of all classes,
and by unfolding the true sources of national wealth and general pros
perity.
The change that has taken place in the public opinion, respecting the
financial and commercial policy of the country, since the period when Mr.
Ricardo obtained a seat in the House of Commons, is as complete as it is
gratifying. Not only are the most enlarged principles advocated by all
the leading members of both Houses; not only are they now ready to ad­
mit that the exclusive system is founded on vicious principles, and that it
is sound policy to admit the freest competition in every branch of industry,
and to deal with all the world on fair and liberal principles ; but they are
about to make these doctrines a part of the law of the land, and to give
them the sanction of parliamentary authority. Sir Robert Peel has the
signal merit of having, despite the most formidable obstacles, carried out
and established, in their fullest extent, the great principles of commercial
freedom developed by Smith and his followers. And we believe, that that
distinguished statesman would readily admit that the writings and speeches
of Mr. Ricardo have powerfully contributed to pave the way for this most
desirable consummation. As he was known to be a master in “ the mas­
ter-science of civil life,” his opinion, from the moment he entered the
vol. xvx.— no. v.
30




466

Mercantile Biography.

House of Commons, was referred to on all important occasions ;* and he
acquired additional influence and consideration, according as experience
served to render the House and the country better acquainted with his
talents and his singleness of purpose.
In 1820, Mr. Ricardo contributed an article on the “ Funding System,”
to the Supplement to the “ Encyclopaedia Britannica.” This tract, though
somewhat confused in its arrangement, embraces many valuable discus­
sions. He was a decided friend to the plan for raising the supplies for a
war within the year, by an equivalent increase of taxation ; and he also
thought (in which opinion few probably will be disposed to concur) that it
would not be only expedient, but practicable, to pay off the public debt by
an assessment on capital.
In 1822, Mr. Ricardo published, during the parliamentary discussions
on the subject of the corn laws, his tract on “ Protection to Agriculture
This is the best of all his pamphlets, and is, indeed, a chef-d’cemre. The
important questions respecting remunerating price, the influence of a low
and high value of corn over wages and profits, the influence of taxation
over agriculture and manufactures, and many other topics of equal diffi­
culty and interest, are all discussed in the short compass of eighty or nine­
ty pages, with a precision and clearness that leaves nothing to be desired.
Had Mr. Ricardo never written anything else, this pamphlet would have
placed him in the first rank of political economists.
Though not robust, Mr. Ricardo’s constitution was apparently good, and
his health such as to promise a long life of usefulness. He had, indeed,
been subject, for several years, to an affection in one of his ears ; but as
it had not given him any serious inconvenience, he paid it but little atten­
tion. W hen he retired to his seat in Gloucestershire, (Gatcomb Park,)
subsequently to the close of the session of 1823, he was in excellent
health and spirits ; and, besides completing a tract, containing a plan for
the establishment of a National Bank, he engaged, with his usual ardor,
in elaborate inquiries regarding some of the more abstruse economical
doctrines. But he was not destined to bring these inquiries to a close !
Early in September, he was suddenly seized with a violent pain in the
diseased ear : the symptoms were not, however, considered unfavorable;
and the breaking of an imposthume that had been formed within the ear
contributed greatly to his relief. But the amendment was only transitory;
within two days, inflammation recommenced ; and after a period of the
greatest agony, pressure on the brain ensued, which produced a stupor
that continued until death terminated his sufferings, on the 11th September,
in his fifty-second year.
In private life, Mr. Ricardo was most amiable. He w as.an indulgent
father and husband, and an affectionate and zealous friend. No man was
ever more thoroughly free from every species of artifice and pretension ;
more sincere, plain, and unassuming. He was particularly fond of assem­
bling intelligent men around him, and of conversing in the most unre­
strained manner on all topics of interest, but more especially on those
connected with his favorite science. On these, as on all occasions, he
* Mr. Ricardo made the first of his prominent appearances on the 24th of May, 1819,
in the debate on the resolutions proposed by Mr. (now Sir Robert) Peel, respecting the
resumption of cash payments. He did not rise until he was loudly called upon from all
sides of the House.




The Late D avid Ricardo, Esq., M. P .

467

readily gave way to others, and never discovered the least impatience to
speak ; but when he did speak, the solidity of his judgment, his candor,
and his extraordinary talent for resolving a question into its elements, and
for setting the most difficult and complicated subjects in the most striking
point of view, arrested the attention of every one, and delighted all who
heard him. He never entered into an argument, whether in public or
private, for the sake of displaying ingenuity, of baffling an opponent, or of
gaining a victory. The discovery of truth was his exclusive object. He
was ever open to conviction; and if he were satisfied he had either ad­
vanced or supported an erroneous opinion, he was the first to acknowledge
his error, and to caution others against it.
Few men have possessed, in a higher degree than Mr. Ricardo, the
talent of speaking and conversing with clearness and facility on the abstrusest topics. In this respect, his speeches were greatly superior to his
publications. The latter cannot be readily understood and followed, with­
out considerable attention ; but nothing could exceed the ease and felicity
with which he illustrated and explained the most difficult questions of po­
litical economy, both in private conversation and in his speeches. With­
out being forcible, his style of speaking was easy, fluent, and agreeable.
It was impossible to take him off his guard. To those who were not fa­
miliar with his speculations, some of his positions were apt to appear para­
doxical ; but the paradox was only in appearance. H e rarely advanced
an opinion on which he had not deeply reflected, and without examining it
in every point of view ; and the readiness with which he overthrew the
most specious objections that the ablest men in the House could make to
his doctrines, is the best proof of their correctness, and of the superiority
of his understanding. That there were greater orators, and men of more
varied and general acquirements, in Parliament, than Mr. Ricardo, we
readily allow ; but we are bold to say, that in point of deep, clear, and
comprehensive intellect, he had no superiors, and very few, if any equals,
either in Parliament or in the country.
He was not less generous than intelligent; he was never slow to come
forward to the relief of the poor and the distressed ; and while he con­
tributed to almost every charitable institution in the metropolis, he sup­
ported, at his own expense, an alms-house for the poor, and two schools
for the instruction of the young, in the vicinity of his seat in the country.
Besides the publications previously enumerated, Mr. Ricardo left one or
two manuscripts. Among others, a “ Plan fo r the Establishment o f a
National Bank,” was found in a finished state, and was soon after pub­
lished.
H e also left “ N otes” on Mr. Malthus’s Principles of Political Econ­
omy ; containing a vindication of his own doctrines from the objections of
Mr. Malthus, and showing the mistakes into which he conceives Mr. M.
had fallen.
Though not properly belonging to the Whig party, Mr. Ricardo voted
almost uniformly with the Opposition. He was impressed with the con­
viction, that many advantages would result from giving the people a great­
er influence over the choice of their representatives in the House of Com­
mons than they then possessed ; and he was so far a friend to the system
of the radical reformers, as to give his cordial support to the plan of voting
by ballot; which he considered as the best means for securing the mass
of the electors against improper solicitations, and for enabling them to




468

Mercantile Biography.

vote in favor of the candidates whom they really approved. He did not,
however, agree with the radical reformers in their plan of universal suf­
frage ; he thought the elective franchise should be given to all who pos­
sessed a certain amount of property; but he was of opinion, that while it
would be a very hazardous experiment, no practical good would result from
giving the franchise indiscriminately to all. His opinions on these sub­
jects are fully stated in the Essay on Parliamentary Reform, and in the
Speech on the Ballot, which will be found in the edition of his works, pub­
lished in 1846, by Murray, of London.
O f the value of the services rendered by Mr. Ricardo to political econ­
omy, there can be, among intelligent men, only one opinion. His works
have made a very great addition to the mass of useful and universally in­
teresting truths, and afford some of the finest examples to be met with, of
discriminating analysis, and of profound and refined discussion. The
brevity with which he has stated some of his most important propositions ;
their intimate dependence on each other; the fewness of his illustrations ;
and the mathematical cast he has given to his reasoning, render it some­
times a little difficult for readers, unaccustomed to such investigations,
readily to follow him. But we can venture to affirm, that those who will
give to his works the attention of which they are so worthy, will find them
to be as logical and conclusive as they are profound and important. It
was the opinion of Quintilian, that the students of eloquence who were
highly delighted with Cicero, had made no inconsiderable progress in their
a r t ; and the same may, without hesitation, be said of the students of po­
litical economy who find pleasure in the works of Mr. Ricardo : llle se
profecisse sciat, cui Ricardo valde placebit.
When the circumstances under which Mr. Ricardo spent the greater
part of his life, are brought under view ; and when it is also recollected,
that he died at the early age of fifty-one, it may be truly said that very few
have ever achieved so much. His industry was as remarkable as his sa­
gacity and his candor.
“ The history of Mr. Ricardo,” to use the words of Mr. Mill, “ holds
out a bright and inspiring example. Mr. Ricardo had everything to do
for himself; and he did everything. Let not the generous youth, whose
aspirations are higher than his circumstances, despair of attaining either
the highest intellectual excellence, or the highest influence on the welfare
of his species, when he recollects in what circumstances Mr. Ricardo
opened, and in what he closed, his memorable life. He had his fortune
to make ; his mind to form; he had even his education to commence and
conduct. In a field of the most intense competition, he realized a large
fortune, with the universal esteem and affection of those who could best
judge of the honor and purity of his acts. Amid this scene of active ex­
ertion and practical detail, he cultivated and he acquired habits of intense,
and patient, and comprehensive thinking; such as have been rarely
equalled, and never excelled.”
Mr. Ricardo left a widow, three sons, and four daughters.




Law o f Debtor and Creditor in Ohio.

469

Art. VI.— LAW OF DEBTOR AND CREDITOR IN OHIO.
T iteke are three grades of courts for the administration of justice in
the State of Ohio—Justices’ Courts, Courts of Common Pleas, and Su­
preme Court, besides certain local jurisdictions.
Courts of Justices of the Peace are always open for the application of
remedies within their jurisdiction. They are elected by the voters of each
township, for the term of three years ; receive their commission from the
Governor; have a limited criminal jurisdiction, and jurisdiction in matters
of contract, when the amount in dispute does not exceed one hundred dol­
lars ; and may render judgment, on confession of the debtor, in the sum
of two hundred dollars. Judgment may be recovered on the third day after
the service of process, unless proceedings are delayed by real or sham de­
fences. From these judgments, there is a right of appeal to the Court of
Common Pleas of the county; or the debtor may stay the execution there­
on from two to eight months, according to the amount, by giving security
to the satisfaction of the justice.
The State is divided into sixteen judicial circuits or districts, in each of
which there is a president judge, and in each county three associate judges,
who, with the president judge, constitute the Court of Common Pleas.
This court holds three terms a y e a r; has appellate jurisdiction from all
civil cases of which the justice takes cognizance, and original jurisdiction
over all controversies when the amount involved exceeds one hundred dol­
lars. The original jurisdiction of this court is of a very multifarious char­
acter. It takes cognizance of the whole range almost of civil rights ; is
charged with the settlement of the estates of decedents, and the appoint­
ment of guardians ; it licenses tavern-keepers, and ministers to m arry;
appoints auctioneers and school-examiners ; lays out and locates roads,
&c., &c. It has original jurisdiction in chancery, and original and exclu­
sive jurisdiction over crimes and offences, with few exceptions.
The Supreme Court is the court of dernier resort, and is composed o f
four judges. They have power to divide the State into two circuits, within
which, two of them are required to hold a court once a year. This court
sits annually in bank, at Columbus, for the final adjudication of such ques­
tions as have been reserved by it on the circuit. Its decisions have been
reported since 1821, and the forthcoming volume will be the fifteenth of
its reports. It has concurrent jurisdiction with the Court of Common
Pleas, over all cases in law and equity where the matter in dispute exceeds
one thousand dollars ; and appellate jurisdiction from the Court of Common
Pleas, over all cases in chancery in which the latter court has original
jurisdiction. Law cases may be removed from the Common Pleas to the
Supreme Court, by writ of error or certiorari, for decision; the right of
appeal having been taken away by a recent amendment of the law.
IM P R IS O N M E N T F O R D E B T .

Imprisonment for debt was abolished in Ohio, in 1838. The debtor
may, however, be arrested and held to bail, if the creditor, his agent, or
attorney, will make oath to the nature and amount of the indebtedness;
and,
That the debtor is about to remove his property out of the jurisdiction
of the court, with intent to defraud his creditors; or,
That he has converted, or is about to convert his property into money,
r th e purpose of placing it beyond the reach of his creditors; or,




470

Law o f Debtor and Creditor in Ohio.

That he has property or rights in action, which he fraudulently con­
ceals ; or,
That he has assigned, removed, or disposed of, or is about to dispose of
his property, with intent to defraud his creditors ; or,
That he fraudulently contracted the debt, or incurred the obligation, for
which suit is about to be brought; or,
That he is about to remove his body out of the jurisdiction of the State
or ------ , with intent thereby to defraud his creditors ; or,
That he is not a resident of the State.
From this arrest, the debtor may release himself by giving bail for his
appearance at court, when the process is returnable. Suits thus entered,
proceed in the same manner to judgment, as when commenced by sum­
mons, which is the ordinary process. The defendant is deemed to be in
court on the return of process served. The practice, in its details, varies
on the different circuits ; but on money demands, judgment may be recov­
ered at the first term of the court after the appearance term, unless de­
layed by a full docket, or the interposition of dilatory defences.
ATTACHM ENT.

There is no seizure or attachment of property upon judgment, except in
cases of absconding and non-resident debtors. If the creditor, his agent,
or attorney, will make oath of the existence of an indebtedness in an
amount giving jurisdiction to the court, and that his debtor is not a resident
of the State, or has absconded, an attachment will issue for the seizure of
his real and personal estate ; and, by what is called the garnishee process,
confiscating the credits of the debtor in the hands of his debtors.
Three terms of the court must intervene before judgment can be ren­
dered, and before the property can be sold, except what is of a perishable
nature. Other creditors may join in the prosecution of the suit, and en­
title themselves to a pro rata distribution of the proceeds of the property
and credits attached; and if the creditor, at whose instance the writ of
attachment issued, abandons the prosecution, or neglects to carry it on,
any other creditor may take it up and prosecute to judgment. There is
no other proceeding at law, by which the debtor’s property can be seized
before the creditor has obtained a judgment. It is a proceeding in rem,
strictly, and does not lie against joint debtors or copartners, unless all the
joint debtors or copartners are non-residents, or have absconded. It is
the property seized, or the credits attached, which gives to the court juris­
diction. The property may be claimed by a third person ; and if on trial
it should be adjudged to be in the claimant, the suit will fail for want of
jurisdiction, unless persons have been summoned as garnishees, who are
indebted to the defendant in the attachment, or have credits in their hands
belonging to him.
JU D G M E N T M E N S .

Judgments in the Supreme Court and Courts of Common Pleas, are
liens upon the real estate of the debtor lying in the county where the
judgments are rendered. Voluntary conveyances or encumbrances of his
real estate, made by the debtor on or after the first day of the term of the
court at which judgments are recovered, create no lien or encumbrance as
against those judgments. Judgments recovered in favor of different cred­
itors, against the same debtor, at the same term of court, have no prefer­
ence or priority, unless acquired subsequently by the greater vigilance of




Law o f Debtor and Creditor in Ohio.

471

one creditor. This would happen in case all the creditors should lie by
for one year, without causing executions to be levied upon the real estate
of the debtor; after the expiration of a year, the execution first levied
would be first satisfied as between those judgments.
In the meantime, other creditors may have acquired advantages in the
case of vigilance. This is the doctrine : judgments bind the lands of the
debtor one year without the levy of execution, as against judgments sub­
sequently recovered, and five years as against the voluntary conveyances
of the judgment debtor. Judgments recovered at the same term, will di­
vide the proceeds of the debtor’s real estate pro rata, if the lien is not lost
by delay. Judgments recovered at different terms, will be satisfied ac­
cording to the priority of the date, the oldest judgment being first paid,
unless this order should be deranged by the voluntary acts of the creditor.
The personalty of the debtor is not bound until execution is levied
upon it.
Judgments become dormant in five years after they are recovered, if no
execution issues, and in five years after the return of the last execution,
but may be revived by scire facias.
The judgment debtor may be taken in execution, for causes analogous
to those for which he might have been arrested on mesne process—the
capias ad satisfaciendum issuing in term time, on the allowance of the
court, and in vacation, on the allowance of a single judge, upon the oath
of the creditor, his agent, or attorney, and such other testimony as he
may present, establishing to the satisfaction of the court or judge, the ex­
istence of one of the causes specified in the statute for the arrest of the
debtor in execution.
The debtor thus arrested, may take the jail limits which are co-extensive with the county, by giving the required security; or he may release
himself entirely, by complying with the provisions of the insolvent debtor
act. The certificate of discharge from the proper court, exempts his
body from imprisonment for existing debt, but does not release or exempt
from execution the subsequent acquisitions of the insolvent.
L I M IT A T IO N

O F A C T IO N S .

The time limited by law for the prosecution of suits on contracts in
writing, whether sealed or unsealed, on bills of exchange, and promissory
notes, is fifteen years ; on book accounts and parol agreements, six years
from the time the party had a right to sue, as limited in the contract, or
after the last payment or acknowledgment of the debt or allegation.
There are certain disabilities, such as infancy, insanity, and imprison­
ment, which, if existing at the time the right of action accrued, will sus­
pend the operation of the rule.
Contracts made in another State, between persons not resident in this
State, will be governed by the law of the State where they were made.
If barred by the limitation acts of that State, they will be barred in this.
N E G O T IA B L E

IN S T R U M E N T S .

B onds. —Bills of exchange and promissory notes, made payable in

money to any person, or order, or bearer, or assigns, are negotiable by
endorsement, and each successive endorsee is invested with the legal title
to the same. The maker of a bond or note, the drawer and acceptor of
a bill of exchange, and all the prior endorsers, may be prosecuted by the
holder to a joint judgment.




Cost o f Wheat-Growing.

472

These instruments are entitled to three days of grace. Twelve per
cent damages are given on protested bills, when drawn on any person or
corporate body without the United States, and six per cent, when drawn
on any person or corporate body within the United States and without the
State of Ohio. To entitle the holder to the statutory damages, the bill
must be regularly protested under the notarial seal. No damages are
given upon protested bills, when the drawer and drawee reside within the
State, although the bill is made payable without the State.
A note made payable to any person, or bearer, may be transferred
without endorsement.
In actions against the makers of sealed instruments—against the drawee,
acceptor, or endorser of a bill of exchange—against the maker or endorsee of a promissory note, the plaintiff is not required to prove the sig­
nature of the party sued, unless the defendant will attach to his plea of the
general issue in the case, an affidavit that the signature purporting to be
his is not genuine.
U SU RY .

The law for the protection of the debtor against usury, is mild, but
salutary. Six per cent is the established rate of interest on liquidated
demands. A stipulation in a contract, for the payment of a higher rate,
will not be enforced ; but if illegal interest has been once voluntarily paid,
it cannot be recovered back. No forfeiture or penalty is attached to a
contract tainted with usury; it is valid and binding for the amount of prin­
cipal and legal interest. Courts of equity will not relieve a debtor from
a judgment covering excessive interest, unless he bring, or offer to bring
the money justly due into court, when he files his bill.
A stipulation in a contract to pay collection fees, in addition to the prin­
cipal and legal interest, is illegal, and cannot be enforced.
There are other points in our law interesting to the creditor, particu­
larly the remedy he may have against his debtor before, his claim has
ripened into a judgment, which will be considered in a future number.

Art. VII.— COST OF WHEAT-GROWING.
I n the Merchants’ Magazine for March, 1847, we published a letter
from an intelligent farmer of Western New York, in relation to this sub­
ject, with some comments of our own thereon. We have received the
following, in reply to those comments. We insert the communication of
our correspondent, premising, however, that a magazine is not exactly the
arena for a controversy; and we shall therefore forbear to push the sub­
ject further than to correct some apparent misapprehensions on his part;
the fact that wheat can be raised at the low price we stated, being too
well established, practically, to be overthrown by speculations.
We have italicised some lines that we wish to correct. We did not say
that seed should not be charged in the expense, but that it should be de­
ducted from the product, and the expense of raising charged upon the
balance. The prophecy in relation to what will le the result of a certain
system of farming, does not affect the expense of that system now. We
did not give the comparative statement o f the best eight wheat counties fo r
the purpose o f showing the product per acre per head, but simply to show




Cost o f Wheat-Growing.

473

the decrease of population in those counties where it costs much to raise
wheat, and the increase in those counties where it can be done for less. A
little reflection will show our correspondent that he is in error, in what he
thinks an “ important ” comparison, viz.: the product of wheat, with the
number of the population according to the census. If he can show that
all the population in each of the counties cultivate wheat, or that each
working farmer has the same number of children, his comparison will be
good. As thus—a man with 50 acres, 20 in wheat, raises 400 bushels,
numbering himself, wife, and hired man, being 133 bushels per head.
Next year his wife may have twins, and the average at the same crop
will be, according to the census, 80 bushels per head. In a few years he
may have four children, and, with the same crop, the average will be re­
duced to 57 bushels per head. There is, however, no diminution in the
reward of labor! The comparison of the number of the population with
the wheat raised in the county, is altogether erroneous!
We do not see that the fact of Detroit, Monroe, and St. Joseph’s, being
outlets for the products of other counties, weakens the inference that large
receipts at those places come from the wheat counties rather than from
those counties that produce but little of the grain ; nor that the continued
and regular receipt of increasing supplies, in years of low prices, can be
taken as evidence of a losing business.
M r . F reeman H unt :—
S ir —Although it may savor of presumption, for an obscure farmer, born and

bred upon the soil, to enter into a controversy with the accomplished editor of the
Merchants’ Magazine, albeit on a subject with which he is practically acquainted,
yet, as the cost of raising wheat is a subject of considerable interest, and to more
than one class of the community, I shall request you to publish this answer to
your comments on my communcation,* commenting on your paragraph in the
Merchants’ Magazine for October, 1846.
Your correspondent, however “ irrelevant ” his statements may have been, did
not “ mistake the point of your remarks,” which was, that “ wheat can be deliv­
ered in unlimited quantities in sacks, on the borders of the great lakes, for 16 cents
per bushel, free on board.” What I undertake to show, is, that it cannot be de­
livered in any quantity worth mentioning for that price. It may be observed here,
that the average per acre, is an item of the first importance in making up an es­
timate of cost. Your correspondent places it at 20 bushels,—not because a much
larger amount may not and has not been raised, for he knows that in isolated
cases it has been largely exceeded, both in New York and at the West,—but be­
cause he is satisfied that it is more than an average, both for this State or any
Western State. Having but imperfect statistical data from any Western State,
on this subject, my statements must necessarily lack the sanction of official au­
thority. The average for a section of country of some extent, is doubtless the
true data on which to found an estimate of this kind. It would be false to found
a statement of the cost of raising wheat in the town of Wheatland, from Mr. P.
Schaeffer's crop of 2,400 bushels, on 40 acres, or from Mr. Blackmer’s crop of
over 60 bushels per acre, both raised in this town, when experience shows, that
for a term of years the average is but 22 bushels per acre. The wheat crop of
England, with her cheap labor, high prices, and scientific agriculture, has not
yet, I believe, reached an average of 30 bushels per acre ; and it is but a few
years since it did not exceed 15. With these facts before us, can we believe that
30 bushels per acre is an average for any Western State, with its imperfect cul­
ture, low prices, and high labor ? But giving you that advantage, I propose to
show that it cannot be raised even on that average, in any considerable quantity,
for 17 cents per bushel.
See Merchants’ Magazine for March, 1847, Vol. XVI., No. 3, pp. 263-296.




474

Cost o f Wheat-Growing.

You state the expense of purchasing and fencing Western lands at $3 50 per
acre, which is probably not far from the truth. The interest of that, at 7 per
cent, is 24J cents, say 25. Well, after having fenced and broken up his land, the
Western farmer certainly has to plough once, at least, which we will put at 88
cents ; two harrowings, 25 cents each; sowing, 6 cents. Notwithstanding your
opinion to the contrary, I must still consider seed as an item to be charged to the
expense of producing wheat, as I before did; for the Western farmer certainly
has, in the beginning, to buy his seed corn, and in that case it cannot be estima­
ted on your principle; and so of any future crop. The true way to estimate the
profit or loss of a crop, is to charge it with all its expenses, and credit it with all
its products—seed, 1j bushels at 50 cents, 75 cents per acre. You are in error,
in supposing that the smooth lands of the Western lake shores afford facilities for
machine labor, which do not exist here, thereby reducing the items of harvesting
and thrashing to one-half of my statement. On the contrary, Hall’s Improved
Thrasher and Separator, made at Rochester, in this county, is believed to be as
good a machine as is to be found in any Western State, as it thrashes and cleans,
ready for market, from 300 to 400 bushels per day, in good wheat; he is also con­
stantly building them for the Western market. It has also become the annual
business of some men from this county, to transport their machines and horses to
all the Western States, as far as Illinois, for the purpose of thrashing; and if your
statement is correct, they go there to work for half price, with their expenses and
loss of time to boot. It costs more there than it does here—put it at about the
same—say $9 per 100 bushels, which is about an average, and it will give $2 70
per acre, or, on an average of 20 bushels, $1 80. The same general remark may
be made in relation to harvesting, as we have a firm in Brockport, in this county,
who are manufacturing harvesting machines by the hundred, on Western account,
and for this State, also; but as machine labor for harvesting, has not been yet
fully tested, it is too soon to say what its ultimate effects may be ; and as it has
not yet, either here or at the West, to any considerable extent, superseded the use
of the cradle, I must still base my estimate on that, which will be about, on an
average, $1 50 ; then there is marketing, which will cost more than 4 cents ; but
call it that, and we have the following results:—
Interest,......................... ...........
Ploughing,.....................
Harrowing,................... ..............
Sowing,......................... .............
Seed,............................. ...............

25
75
0 50
0
6
0 75

$0

Harvesting,..................... ...........
Thrashing,.................... ..............
Marketing,.....................
Total,.................... ............

50
2 70

m

4
$6

55

Which would give within a small fraction of 22 cents per bushel, and on 20
bushels, a small one over 28 cents. Good practical farmers will certainly smile
incredulously at the idea of producing wheat in this way; yet, to show its ab­
surdity, it is perhaps well enough to state it so ; but the practice of sowing wheat,
with once ploughing, after wheat, as is practised pretty extensively at the West,
is ruinous in the end. It has been tried here, and utterly failed ; it will do the
same there.
You give us a statement of the lest eight wheal-growing counties in this State,
compared with the same number of the best in Michigan, (and I believe them to
be as good as any eight counties in any Western State,) for the purpose of show­
ing that the average of wheat, in these counties, is 30 bushels per acre ; and that,
combined with cheap land and tillage, they can produce wheat at 17 cents per
bushel. But there is one comparison you have not made, and an important one, too,
in the absence of positive statistical data. It appears, then, that excluding the
city of Rochester, in Monroe county, the population of these eight counties, in
1840, amounted to 321,538, and the product of wheat, 6,137,838 bushels ; this
would give an average of 19i bushels for each inhabitant. In 1845, with a di­
minished population of 317,613 inhabitants, the same counties show an increased
production of 6,441,090 bushels, being 204 bushels to each inhabitant. In the
eight counties of Michigan, in 1840, with a population of 109,183, the product
was 1,394,452 bushels, or 12j bushels to each inhabitant—call it 13 ; and it shows
that in 1840, the product of one man’s labor, in New York, was 6 bushels greater




Cost o f Wheat-Growing.

475

than in Michigan, and in 1845, it was upwards of 7 bushels greater. Now, what
results do these figures produce, and what facts do they substantiate ? The first
is, that the labor of one man, in the State of New York, produced, in 1840, onethird more than the same amount of labor in Michigan. It demolishes the 30
bushels per acre theory. It also demolishes the theory of raising wheat
17
cents per bushel; for, if the labor of one man in New York, produces one-third
more than the same amount of labor in Michigan—when the average product of
wheat, in New York, is under 20 bushels per acre, and the cost over 50 cents per
bushel—by what process of reasoning can it be shown that the laborer in Michi­
gan produces double the amount at one-third the cost ? It is also to be observed,
that the population in Michigan is more essentially agricultural than it is in this
State. We have more men in other occupations than they have there. It is the
sons of our farmers who go West, not the men whose strong arms hewed down
the forests of Western New York; they stay here to eDjoy, in the evening of life,
the reward of their youthful toil. Consequently, there is, from these causes, a
greater number of unproductive inhabitants in New York, than in Michigan—
thus enhancing, in a still greater degree, the difference in favor of the New
York farmer. .
But your correspondent is not left wholly to inference, in this matter. He has
himself had some practical acquaintance with wheat-growing in Michigan, in
Van Buren county, adjoining Kalamazoo—which ranges highest in your list in
production, according to population, partaking of the same general characteris­
tics—and his product was much under 20 bushels per acre.
There are many other expenses, connected with the production of wheat, that
have not been enumerated in this communication. Thus, a barn is almost as es­
sential to a farmer, as fences; and although it costs a considerable sum of money
to get a good barn, yet it costs more to do without one. And as a farmer and his
family can neither, like the prairie dogs, burrow in the earth, nor, like the birds
of heaven, nestle amid the boughs of the forest, it follows that he must have a
house to live in. Although both may be of the cheapest kind, yet they go to in­
crease the amount of his investment; and as they are fixtures to the soil, the in­
terest and decay, incident to such structures, is just as legitimate an item of cal­
culation, in his profit and loss account, as the pull and wear and tear of a press
is, to a printer.
Although the statistics of the three ports of Detroit, Monroe, and St. Joseph’s,
are irrelevant to the present subject of inquiry, yet, as they are introduced for the
same apparent purpose, it may not be inappropriate to notice them. The export
of the three ports, in 1841, was 257,962 barrels of flour, and 164,607 bushels of
wheat; in 1846, it was 748,533 barrels of flour, and 722,889 bushels of wheat.
Comparing the exports for the two years, you come to the conclusion that if the
increased production in the eight counties bears the same proportion to the ex­
ports of the three cities, in 1846, that they did in 1841, the whole crop, for 1846,
must have reached 2,800,000 bushels. This reasoning might be nearly correct, if
the three cities named were the ports of transit for the eight counties only; but
they receive, not only their product, but that of fourteen or fifteen other counties in
Michigan, besides a part of one or two in Ohio, and four or five, in whole or in
part, from Indiana. It is also to be observed, that the Central Railroad has been
constructed to Kalamazoo, and the Southern road to Adrian, giving to the ports
of Detroit and Monroe a cheap and expeditious, in place of a slow and expensive
line of communication, besides adding a considerable extent of territory to each,
which before found an outlet elsewhere. Your conclusion, it appears to me, can­
not be quite correct, as these ports form the outlet for nearly three-fourths of
Michigan, and the eight counties named, produced, in 1840, about two-thirds of
the entire product of the State—the whole quantity produced in the State being
2,157,108 bushels; and as the parts of Ohio and Indiana are excluded in this ag­
gregate, and included in the amount of exports, they will about balance the re­
mainder of Michigan which goes elsewhere, so that the most correct basis would
be, the whole product of Michigan in 1840. This would show a different result
from that at which you arrive. Reducing the flour to wheat, it would give an




476

Commerce o f France, in 1844.

aggregate of 3,091,281 bushels, allowing a barrel of flour to be equal to 4JJ bush­
els of wheat. Allowing 4 bushels per head for home consumption, and the popu­
lation of the State now, to be 2,800,000, (I have not the census for 1846 to refer
to,) it would give, for the product of the whole State, 4,211,287 bushels. Deduct­
ing something for the exports included in this estimate from Ohio and Indiana, it
gives an increase of nearly 100 per cent for the whole State, since 1840.
Your remark in relation to the great increase at Chicago, without internal lines
of communication, is explained by the principle stated in my former communica­
tion. The year 1844, was one of low prices—wheat ranging from 40 to 60 cents
per bushel. At that place, in the winter of 1846, it was from 75 to 98 cents,
ranging for a considerable time at the last named price. The effect was, that an
unlooked-for quantity was called out from distant points, reducing the price of
flour in New York, in June, to $4 per barrel, and ruining the dealers. It was
not the $4 per barrel, in June, that called out the wheat, but the high price of
wheat of the winter preceding.
s. w.
Wheatland, Monroe County, New York.

Art. T ill— COMMERCE OF FRANCE, IN 1841.
A G E N E R A L R E V IE W O F T H E

C O M M E R C E O F F R A N C E W IT H

IT S C O L O N IE S ,

1844.*
T he following article is translated and made up from the Report of the
Department of Customs of France, for the year 1844.
Some technical terms of frequent occurrence, it is important to notice.
The terms “ General Commerce,” and “ Special Commerce,” are applied
both to imports and exports. As applied to imports, “ generalcommerce”
includes everything brought into the kingdom, by land or by sea, without
regard to its origin or final destination—whether it is for consumption,
warehousing, re-exportation, or transit. “ Special commerce” includes
only what is consumed within the kingdom. As applied to exports, “ general commerce” includes, in like manner, everything sent abroad, what­
ever its origin. “ Special commerce ” includes only articles of French
production, and those which, having been, as it were, naturalized by the
payment of import duties, are afterwards exported.
In speaking of the countries from which merchandise is imported, or to
which it is exported, no regard is paid to its origin, or its final destination.
Reference is made only to the country which the article last leaves before
reaching France, or to which it is first carried after leaving France.
The valuations are made according to the value called ilofficial.” These
are the average prices approved by the royal ordinance of the 29th of
May, 1826. The use of these values gives a uniformity to the national
commercial reports, which makes it easy to compare the business of va­
rious years.
A N D W IT H

F O R E IG N

P O W E R S , D U R IN G T H E

YEAR

* For a similar analysis of the commerce of France in 1843, see Merchants’ Magazine
for July, 1845, Vol. XIII., No. I., pp. 26 to 37. W e have also received the French official
document, the Report of the Department of Customs, which was published at the close of
1846, furnishing the materials for a corresponding view of the commerce of France in 1845,
which we shall lay before our readers in a future number of the Merchants’ Magazine. Also,
for an elaborate article on the trade and commerce of France, from 1827 to 1840, with
Full and complete tabular statements, derived from the French official documents, we refer
the reader to the Merchants’ Magazine for September, 1842, Vol. VII., No. III., pp. 229
to 241. Also, to same work, for May, 1843, Vol. VIII., No. V., pp. 435 to 439, bringing
the commerce of France down to 1841, and the present paper to 1844.




477

Commerce o f France, in 1844.

G e n e r a l a n d S p e c ia l C o m m e r c e .
In 1844, the general commerce
of France with her colonies, and with foreign nations, made renewed pro­
gress. Its total value was 2,340,000,000 francs.* This is 161,000,000
francs, or 7 per cent more than in 1843 ; and 248,000,000, or 12 per cent
more than the average of the five years preceding 1844. There was a
marked difference between the increase of the imports and that of the ex­
ports. Compared with 1843, and with the average of the period of five
years, the imports increased 1 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively ; the
exports 16 per cent and 14 per cent.
The foreign products which France received for her own consumption,
comprised 867,000,000 francs, out of the whole value of her imports. A
comparison with the year 1843, and with the average of the period of five
years, shows an increase in this respect, of 3 per cent and 11 per cent in
favor of 1844.
Out of the whole value of exports, French products comprise 790,000,000
francs ; 15 per cent more than in 1843, and 14 per cent more than the
average of the five years.
The following table shows the ratio of the special to the general com­
merce, from 1839 to 1844 ; the general commerce being represented by

100
Imports. Exports.

1839 __
1840 __

69 67
71 69

Imports. Exports.

Imports. Exports.

1841____
1842____

72 71 1843____ 71 69
74 69 1844------ 73 69
C om m erce by L and an d by S e a .
Of the whole foreign commerce,
that by sea amounted to 1,658,000,000 francs, or 71 per cent; that by
land to 682,000,000 francs, or 29 per cent. The value of the maritime
trade was thus more than two-thirds of the whole.
Compared with 1843, and with the average of the period of five years,
the maritime trade increased 6 per cent and 10 per ce n t; the land traffic
* The table below shows the value, in millions of francs, of the foreign trade of
France, for 15 years. The excess of the 2d period over the 1st, is 35 per cen t; of the
3d over the 1st, 65 per cen t; of the 3d over the 2d, 22 per c en t:—
Years.

First Period

'1830..............
1831..............
1832..............
1833..............
.1834..............

T o tal am ount.

1,211,000,000
1,131,000,000
1,349,000,000
1,459,000,000
1,435,000,000

3,368,000,000 -

6,585,000,000

834,000,000
961,000,000
758,000,000
956,000,000
1,003,000,000

1,595,000,000
1,867,000,000
1,566,000,000
1,893,000,000
1,950,000,000

Total.... .

4,359,000,000

4,512,000,000

8,871,000,000

.
.
.
.
.

1,051,000,000
1,121,000,000
1,142,000,000
1,187,000,000
1,193,000,000

1,011,000,000
1,066,000,000
940,000,000
992,000,000
1,147,000,000

2,063,000,000
2,187,000,000
2,082,000,000
2,179,000,000
2,340,000,000

Total...... .

5,695,000,000

5,156,000,000

10,857,000,000

fl8 4 0 .............
1841.............
1842............
1843.............
1844............




Exportations.

573,000,000
618,000,000
696,000,000
766,000,000
715,000,000

761,000,000
906,000,000
808,000,000
937,000,000
947,000,000

Total...... .
fl8 3 5 .............
1836............
Second Period.... • 1837.............
1838..............
1839............

Third Period.

Importations.

638,000,000
513,000,000
653,000,000
693,000,000
720,000,000
3,217,000,000

I

478

Commerce o f France, in 1844.

12 per cent and 17 per cent. From 1839 to 1844, there was an increase
of 27 per cent in the imports by sea, and of 24 per cent in those by land.
In the exports, on the other hand, the advance, from 1839, was greater in
the land trade ; that increase being 30 per cent, while the increase in the
exports by sea was only 9 per cent.
M a r it im e T r a d e .
The whole value (1,658,000,000 francs) of mer­
chandise transported by sea, was divided between French and foreign ves­
sels, as follows:—
French vessels............. ..
764,000,0001. or 46 per cent.
Foreign vessels.......................
894,000,000 or 54 per cent.
Comparing, as before, with 1843, and with the average of the period of
five years, we find in favor of 1844, an increase of 6 per cent and 11 per
cent, respectively, in the value of merchandise transported by French ships,
and of 6 per cent and 9 per cent in that under foreign colors.
The value of the products transported by French shipping was divided
in the following manner :— Restricted commerce, (with French colonies,)
250,000,000f. or 15 per cent of the whole ; open commerce, 514,000,000,
or 31 per cent of the whole.
In the restricted commerce, (still considering only the value of the mer­
chandise transported,) there was an increase, compared as before, of 13
per cent and 29 per cent, which was chiefly in the trade with Algeria,
Senegal, and the French East India establishments. In the open com­
merce, there was an increase of 3 per cent and 5 per cent.
T r a d e w it h V a r io u s C o u n t r ie s .
The countries with which the
trade of France was most active in 1844, were the United States, Eng­
land, Switzerland, the Sardinian States, the Germanic League, Spain, Al­
geria, Guadaloupe, Martinique, and Bourbon. H er trade with these coun­
tries amounted to 72 per cent of the whole of her imports and exports.
In 1843, her trade with the same countries was 69 per cent of the whole.
The trade of France was greater, with each of these powers, in 1844,
than in 1843, except in the case of Bourbon, whose trade with the mother
country fell off 19 per cent.
The increase in value was as follows :—
United States 12 pr. ct. Sardinian States 9pr. ct. Spain. . . . . 26 pr. ct.
“
Belgium........... 15
England.. . . 4 “
Algiers.. . . 46 “
German League 6 “
Switzerland. 13 “
Guadaloupe 17 “
The trade of France likewise improved in Europe, with Russia, the
Low Countries, the Hanse Towns, and Portugal; in America, with Brazil,
Mexico, Guatimala, and Hayti. With many other powers of the same
two parts of the world, it decreased; especially with Turkey, Tuscany,
the Two Sicilies, Norway, Austria, Cuba, Porto Rico, Rio de la Plata,
and Uruguay.
With the East Indies, and with the different countries of Africa, (except
the Barbary States,) the trade of France increased in 1844.
I m p o r t T r a d e w it h V a r io u s C o u n t r ie s .
Of the whole of the
general commerce of importation of France, for 1844, 12 per cent
(143,000,000 francs) was from the United States. Of the products im­
ported for internal consumption, 15 per cent (134,000,000 francs) were
from the same country. Compared with 1843, the general commerce of
France with the United States decreased 18 per c e n t; the special com­
merce, 7 per cent.




Commerce o f France, in 1844.

479

The value of the products imported into France from England, in 1844,
was, in general commerce, 3,000,000 francs less, and in special com­
merce, 5,000,000 francs more than in 1843.
1843, General Commerce I48,000,000f. Special Commerce 86,000,000f.
1844,
“
“
145,000,000
“
“
91,000,000
At no previous time had the imports from France into Belgium been so
large as in 1844. The value of merchandise of every kind and origin,
received from that country, was not less than 125,000,000 francs. This
was 22,000,000 francs more than in 1843, and 42,000,000 francs more
than in 1839, the first year of the quinquennial period. Compared with
the same two years, there was an increase of 13,000,000 francs, and of
32.000. 000 francs in the value imported from Belgium for internal con­
sumption.
The value of the imports from Russia, advanced, year by year, from
about 32,000,000 francs, in 1839, to nearly 63,000,000, in 1844. Of this,
45.000. 000 francs was for internal consumption.
The value of the imports from Switzerland, Tuscany, and the Germanic
League, varied but little from what it had been in previous years. The
imports from Spain and Egypt, on the other hand, advanced perceptibly.
In respect to other countries, a comparison of the values imported shows
an increase in the commerce of France with her colonies of Guadaloupe
and Martinique, with the English East Indies, the Low Countries, Brazil,
Hayti, and the Hanse T ow ns; and a decrease in that with the Isle of
Bourbon, Turkey, the Two Sicilies, Norway, Rio de la Plata, Austria,
the Barbary States, Chili, and the Roman States.
E x p o r t T r a d e w i t h V a r i o u s C o u n t r i e s . The exports from France
to the United States, during 1844, were not so large as in 1839 and 1841;
but compared with 1843, they advanced 67 per cent in general commerce,
and 45 per cent in special commerce.
1839, General commerce 205,000,000f. Special commerce I21,000,000f.
it
a
U
it
184,000,000
121,000,000
1841,
it
a
((
it
97,000,000
66,000,000
1843,
u
U
a
ti
161,000,000
1844,
102,000,000
Of the value of exports of special commerce, silk fabrics amounted to
44,000,000 francs, woollen fabrics to 17,000,000, wines to 3,000,000.
Similar variations were apparent in the exports to England. The value
of the exports to that country, which, in 1843, amounted only to 131,000,000
francs, (general commerce,) and 87,000,000 francs, (special commerce,)
exceeded, in 1844, 143,000,000 francs, and 99,000,000 francs. These
are, however, less than those of each of the first three years of the quin­
quennial period.
The value of the exports to Belgium, Russia, the Hanse Towns, Swit­
zerland, and the Sardinian States, differed but little from what it had been
in 1843.
In the value of merchandise sent to Algeria there was a sustained ad­
vance, as appears from the following table :—
General Commerce.

Average of the 5 y e a r s ,....
1843....................
1844,...................




Special Commerce.

39,000,000 francs. 29,000,000 francs.
51,000,000 “
41,000,000 «
77,000,000 “
63,000,000 “

480

Commerce o f France, in 1844.

Of the exports of special commerce, wines amounted to 7,000,000 francs ;
fabrics of every kind, to 32,000,000 francs.
In 1844, this colony held the fourth place among the countries which
consume the products of the soil and the industry of France.
Spain, the Germanic League, Guadaloupe, Tuscany, and the Low Coun­
tries, afforded a market to a larger amount of the products of France, in
1844, than in 1843. There was, on the other hand, a decrease in the
amount shipped to Martinique, Brazil, Bourbon, Chili, Rio de la Plata,
and the Two Sicilies.
A r t ic l e s o f I m p o r t .
Raw materials for manufacture comprised
709.000. 000 francs, or 60 per cent of the whole value of imports, in gene­
ral commerce, and 599,000,000, or 69 per cent, in special commerce.
Articles for consumption in their natural state, comprised 266,000,000
francs and 214,000,000 francs, or 22 per cent and 25 per c e n t; and arti­
cles for consumption, in a manufactured state, 218,000,000 francs and
54.000. 000 francs, or 18 per cent and 6 per cent.
Compared with 1843, and with the average of the five years, there was
an increase in the importation of each of these classes of articles, except
in these two cases. In general commerce the imports of raw materials
for manufacture, were 4 per cent less than in 1843 ; and in special com­
merce, the imports of manufactured objects of consumption, were 1 per
cent less than the average of the five years.
Cotton and silk were the articles holding the chief place among the im­
ports. Cotton amounted to 111,000,000 francs in general commerce, and
105.000. 000 francs in special commerce. These sums are less, by 13
per cent and 2 per cent, than those which represent the value imported in
1843.
The value of imports of silk was 103,000,000 francs ; of this 61,000,000
francs were consumed in manufactures. This is nearly as much as in
1843, and 4,000,000 francs more than the average of the five years.
The value of grain imported for consumption rose to 51,000,000 francs.
In 1843, it did not exceed 42,000,000 francs. In neither of the five years
did it reach so high an amount as in 1844.
There was an advance both in the importation and in the consumption
of colonial sugar. The increase was 9 per cent over 1843, and 14 per
cent over the average of the five years, in special commerce, and 6 per
cent and 5 per cent in general commerce.
In wool, imported for manufacture, there was an increase of 28 per
cent and 30 per cent.
In 1842, the value of the oleaginous seeds imported for consumption,
was 58,000,000 francs ; in 1843, 48,000,000 francs ; in 1844, 39,000,000
francs only.
The imports of spun flax and hemp amounted, in 1844, to 32,000,000
francs. This was 2,000,000 more than in 1843, but 14,000,000 less than
in 1842; in which year, more was imported than in any other of the
five.
The imports of linen and hempen fabrics were also less than in 1842,
but greater, by 10 per cent, than in 1843.
The value of coal imported for consumption, in 1839, did not exceed
17.000. 000 francs. In 1844, it reached 24,000,000 francs.
There was an increase, in 1844, both in general and special com­




Commerce o f France, in 1844.

481

merce, in the importation of indigo, coffee, cattle, horses, flax, and raw tal­
low.
The most important of the articles whose importation decreased, were
common wood, raw hides, leaf tobacco, olive oil, and unwrought copper.
A r t ic l e s o f E x p o r t .
The exportation, both of natural productions
and of manufactures, increased in 1844. In general commerce, the value
of the first class exported was 13,000,000 francs, or 7 per cent—that of
the second class, 91,000,000, or 18 per cent more than in 1843. The
value of natural products exported was 1 per cent—that of manufactures,
19 per cent above the average of the five years previous.
Among the natural products, wines, brandies, grain and madder demand
special attention.
The exportation of wines was 51,000,000 francs; less, by 4,000,000
francs, than in 1841—but greater than in any other year of the five.
The value of the brandy sent abroad was 11,000,000 francs ; less, by
3.000. 000 francs, than in 1843.
The grain of French production exported, amounted to nearly 7,000,000
francs. This was above 1,000,000 francs more than in 1843 ; but
6.000. 000 francs less than the average of the five years.
Madder figures for 10,000,000 francs, only, in the exports of 1844.
This was 3,000,000 francs less than in either of the five previous years.
In the amount of French manufactures exported, remarkable progress
was shown. The most important of these are woven fabrics, which ad­
vanced 71,000,000 francs beyond the exports of 1843. The following
table gives that increase in amount and per centage, for the various
fabrics:—
Cotton Goods............. *................
26,000,000 francs, or 32 percent.
24,000,000
“
31
“
Woollen “ ............. ..............
14,000,000.
“
11
Silk
“ ................................
Linen and Hempen goods...........
7,000,000
“
31
“
Prepared skins, paper, crockery, glass, toys, haberdashery, wrought
metals, perfumery and refined sugar, likewise show an increase more or
less great.
Jewelry, fashions, spun flax, and hemp, are the principal articles whose
exportation fell off.
G oods in T ransitu . The amount of merchandise that passed through
the kingdom, was greater in 1844, than at any former period. Its value
was 230,000,000 francs; its weight, 468,512 metrical quintals,—an ex­
cess of 38,000,000 francs and 83,004 metrical quintals, over 1843.
Silk goods, reeled and thrown silk, cotton goods, and woollen goods,
were, in point of value, the most important of the articles transported.
They alone comprised 67 per cent of the whole, in value ; though in
weight, they held but a secondary place. In point of weight, cotton wool,
cast iron, sugar and coffee, comprise more than half of the transitory com­
merce.
The transit of cotton wool, silk, and cochineal, decreased. All other artides partook of the advance, in this branch of trade.
The articles which crossed the French territory, were chiefly the pro­
ducts of Switzerland, England, the German League, the United States, the
Sardinian States and Belgium. Nine-tenths, in value, of all the merchan­
dise transported, came from these countries. A little more than threevol. xvi.— no. v.
31




482

Commerce o f France, in 1844.

fourths of all the transitory merchandise sent abroad, went to the same
countries.
The advance in this branch of commerce was chiefly in articles coming
from Belgium and the German League, and in those going to the United
States, Spain and Brazil.
W a reh o u ses.
The merchandise of all kinds bonded, in 1844, amount­
ed to 9,496,528 metrical quintals, valued at 664,000,000 francs—an ex­
cess over 1843, of 100,236 metrical quintals, in weight, and a decrease,
in value, of 22,000,000 francs. More than one-third of the whole value of
merchandise warehoused, was stored at Marseilles, and nearly one-third
at Havre. In weight, that at Marseilles was 49 per cent, and that at
Havre 20 per cent, of the whole.
The warehouses of Paris, Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyons, Rouen and Dun­
kirk, received 27 per cent in value, and 16 per cent in weight, of the mer­
chandise bonded.
The following table gives the value of the goods stored at the five prin­
cipal warehouses, in the years 1839 and 1844 :—

1839.
M a rse ille s....
H av re.............
P a ris...................
Bordeaux........
N antes............

1844.

178,000,000
241,000,000 an increase of 35 per cent.
148,000,000
202,000,000
“
36 “
29,000,000
43,000,000
“
48 “
65,000,000
59,000,000 a decrease of 9 per cent.
19,000,000
17,000,000
“
11 “

The principal articles bonded, and their respective amounts, are as follow s:—
M etrical
Quintals.

G rain.................
Coal....................
Colonial Sugar.
Cotton...............

Metrical
Q uintals.

Cocoa, Coffee and Pepper,
Oleaginous Seeds.............
Olive Oil..........................

383,112
344,457
281,950

B o u n t ie s .
The sums paid on the exportation of merchandise, in 1844,
under the head of bounties and drawback, amounted to 14,798,000 francs.
This was 2,000,000 francs more than in 1843. The bounties paid for the
encouragement of the fisheries, are not included here. They are paid by
the Department of Commerce.
The increase was divided as follows :—

Woollen cloths.. 1,210,000 francs. I Cotton c lo th s...
Fire-arm s...........
585,000 “ I Foreign su g a r...

297,000 francs.
256,000 “

The quantity of olive oil soap which received a bounty on export, was
43,000 metrical quintals. This shows a falling off, compared with 1843,
of 14 per cent.
C o d a n d W h a l e F is h e r y .
The returns of the French fisheries
amounted, in 1844, to 437,660 metrical quintals of cod-fish, sperm and
whale oil, and whalebone. In 1843, they were 453,870 metrical quintals.
The decrease was chiefly in pickled cod and in sperm and whale oil.
There was an increase in the returns of dried cod and of whalebone. The
quantity of cod re-exported with a bounty, was as follows :—




Commerce o f France, in
To the French Colonies.........
Algeria................................
Other Countries.................

1844.

483

56,559 metrical quintals, or 56 per cent.
3,085
“
. “
3
“
40,637
“
“
41
“

Total........................
100,281
100
Compared with 1843, there was an increase of 1,295 metrical quintals.
Most of this was in the re-exportations to Martinique and the different
American States.
D uties o f a l l kinds . The duties received from customs amounted
to 215,825,704 francs.
Duties on imports....................................................
152,114,261 francs.
“
exports, navigation, & c . . . .................
7,020,290 “
56,691,153 “
Tax on the consumption of salt..............................
The duties received on imports were 8,000,000 francs more than in
1843. The advance was chiefly on colonial and foreign sugar, coffee,
wool, grain, coal, castings, cattle, and raw tallow. There was, on the
other hand, a decrease in the amount of duties received on the importation
of cotton, olive oil, table fruits, and the oleaginous seeds.
The tax on the consumption of salt fell off a little less than 2,000,000
francs.
Navigation duties decreased 300,000 francs.
Duties on exports and incidental receipts varied but slightly.
The receipts were divided among the various custom-houses as fol­
lows :—
Marseilles.........................................
36,688,000 francs, or 17 per cent.
H avre...............................................
27,126,000
“
13
“
Paris (bonded,)...............................
23,476,000
“
11
“
Bordeaux..........................................
13,773,000
“
6
“
N antes..............................................
12,683,000
“
6
“
Dunkirk................
8,540,000
“
4
“
Rouen...............................................
5,851,000
“
3
“
Other custom-houses......................
87,689,000
“
40
“
N avigation. The maritime commerce of France, colonial and foreign,
employed 28,227* vessels, measuring 3,288,000 tons.
Forty-two per cent of the number of shipping, and 38 per cent of the
tonnage, was under the French flag; 58 per cent of the shipping, and 62
per cent of the tonnage, under foreign colors.
Compared with 1843, there was an increase in favor of the French
flag, of 330 vessels and 51,000 tons ; and a falling off, of shipping under
foreign colors, of 99 vessels and 10,000 tons.
Steam navigation comprises, of the whole, 6,297 vessels, measuring
750,000 tons ; an increase, over 1843, of 608 vessels and 102,000 tons.
This advance was divided between the French and foreign flags, as fol­
lows :—
French.................................. ..
68 vessels, measuring 26,000 tons.
Foreign..........................................
540
“
“
76,000 “
* This represents the number of voyages made by vessels employed in the maritime
trade, but does not include those in ballast.




484

Commerce o f France, in 1844.

W e annex, from the French official report, tabular statements of the
French export and import trade with the United States, Mexico, and Texas,
as follows:—
1844.

EXPORTS FROM FRANCE TO THE UNITED STATES IN

Articles.
Silk goods........................ kilog.
Woollen goods.........................
Cotton goods.............................
Rabbit, hare, and beaver furs...
Cambric, lawn, and lace.value
Manufactured skins.................
Colored silks....................kilog.
W ines................................ litres
Crockery, glass, & crystal... val.
Haberdashery..................kilog.
Madder, ground and unground
W ool..........................................
Clock & watch machinery .val.
Brandies............................ litres
General utensils................value
Straw, carpets & bundles....kil.
Olive oil.................. .................
Pasteboard, paper, books, &c...
Perfumery.................................
Table fruits...............................
Manufactures of India Rubber
Flax and hemp goods............?
Fashions........................... value
Toys..........................................
Cream of tartar.........................
Manufactured cork...................
Oleaginous fruits......................
Verdigris....................................
Articles of Parisian industry...
Unbleached silks......................
W rought metals........................
Essential oils.............................
Phosphoric acid.........................
Soap............................................
Jewelry......................................
Prepared skins..........................
Liquors.............................. litres
A nnato............................. kilog.
Percussion caps.........................
Prepared medicines.................
Musical instruments....... value
Sulphur.............................kilog.
Furniture......... ,.........................
Felt hats..... ..............................
Other articles............................

GENERAL COMMERCE.

Q uantity.

688,401
928,045
409,983
. 102,491
39,497
8,403,102
332,534
1,901,126
441,946
2,328,868
38,878
677,163
258,816
135,289
1,362,555
85,191
44,436
81,336
284,788
165,681
542,316
208,566
34,422
5,703
166,671
3,396
6,640
532,823
304
"'8 3 ,7 0 8
124,738
39,406
29,182
1,050,971

V alue.

f.77,755,744
21,185,231
9,380,626
4,099,640
4,095,430
3,976,656
3,752,215
3,306,623
2,823,246
2,707,828
1,901,126
1,767,784
1,658,655
1,630,208
1,350,260
1.299.176
1.151.177
981,370
947,023
904,741
851,910
776,178
711,572
537,884
498,377
497,043
431,169
417,112
396,773
391,360
369,451
339,600
332,000
319,694
280,265
271,189
251,124
249,476
236,436
202,850
197,931
170,209
143,368
134,269
5,677,237

SPECIAL COMMERCE.

Q uantity.

V alue,

379,041
790,695
265,990
16,180

f.43,788,248
17,436,164
5,756,402
647,200
3,125,107
3,958,488
53,105
3,224,636
2,776,605
2,627,122
1,901,126

559
8,031,618
"323,903
1,901,126
2,328,754
5,515
1,386
240,113
134,634
627,986
65,785
33,202
78,279
205,921
41,083
534,521
208,556
34,422
165,449
1,861
6,640
532,823
261
"'72,641
209
39,406
29,051

787,909

161,354,436

Total..

i

94,643
1,630,128
1,185,580
126,688
2,356
914,667
942,438
531,297
657,850
601,917
700,224
525,556
360,361
125,949
424,923
417,112
396,773
360,668
186,100
332,000
319,694
181,650
252,278
217,923
418
236,436
202,180
195,987
143,903
141,621
134,269
4,169,730
102,007,522

IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES INTO FRANCE.
GENERAL COMMERCE.

Articles.

Q uantity.

Value.

57,517,847 f.103,532,124
Cotton wool..................
9,061,543
20,841,549
Leaf Tobacco..............
7,731,953
4,252,575
Raw tallow and lard...
3,385,155
2,031,093
Potash............................
.
.
.......
1,947,099
5,121,791
Rice...............................
.......
.
3,210,297
1,444,634
Pig Lead.......................
3,766,850
....N
o.
1,209,673
Oak staves.....................
36,343
1,090,290
Gold dust....................... ..kilog.




SPECIAL COMMERCE.

Q uantity.

Value.

54,248,522
9,495,636
6,651,770
2,944,746
3,965,072
2,735,847
3,465,233
36,343

f.97,647,340
21,839,963
3,658,474
1,766,849
1,484,412
1,231,131
1,104,036
1,090,290

485

Commerce o f France, in 1844,

IMPORTS FROM UNITED STATES INTO FRANCE— CONTINUED.
GENERAL COMMERCE.
SPECIAL COMMERCE.

Articles.

Q uantity.
1 9 8 ,5 1 1
7 4 8 ,6 9 7
8 7 1 ,2 1 0

Rough whalebone........
Coffee............................
Salt m e a t.....................
Dye-woods.....................
Quercitron......................
Gum copal.....................
Pitch..............................
Tea...^..........................
Raw wax............................
Silk goods.....................
Manufactured tobacco.
Grain (ground).................
Arachides.....................
Essential oils................
Cabinet woods.............
Pearls..........................grammes
Cocoa.............................
Pure copper.................
Broom grass.................
H ops.............................
Vanilla...........................
Pimento......................... .......
Other articles............... .......
Total..................... .............

Value.
f.6 9 4 ,7 8 9
6 3 6 ,3 9 2
6 0 9 ,8 4 7
4 8 1 ,5 1 6
4 7 8 ,8 7 0
3 9 9 ,2 0 2
3 4 8 ,7 3 2
3 4 4 ,4 3 2
1 7 9 ,4 7 2
1 7 8 ,1 6 0
1 6 5 ,1 8 4
1 4 2 ,4 8 3
1 1 1 ,6 3 4
1 0 1 ,8 1 6
6 7 ,1 4 4
6 6 ,7 2 0
6 5 ,3 1 3
6 2 ,2 0 0
5 8 ,8 4 5
5 4 ,4 5 2
5 3 ,2 5 4
4 5 ,8 6 3
2 7 ,7 5 0

Quantity.
1 3 3 ,1 4 9
2 8 5 ,3 0 7
2 1 ,4 5 2

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

7 9 7 ,6 0 0

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

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

1 4 2 ,5 2 0 ,7 0 7

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

2 ,3 9 4 ,3 5 2
1 ,1 0 8 ,8 9 2
1 4 5 ,3 0 5
3 ,4 4 4 ,3 2 2
2 9 ,9 1 2
8 9 ,0 8 0
1 ,6 8 8
2 2 ,2 6 3
3 1 9 ,2 7 9
712
8 9 ,5 2 5
2 ,0 4 3
2 1 1 ,0 7 8
3 ,1 1 0
6 5 ,3 8 3
2 7 ,2 2 6
5 3 ,2 5 4
3 6 ,6 9 1
111

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

3 2 0 ,4 5 5
9 2 2 ,8 0 0
7 6 ,7 6 7
2 ,9 0 4 ,7 3 3
196
6 5 ,6 5 6
2
227
1 8 8 ,4 6 7
9 0 ,0 2 2
1 ,3 1 7
2 5 6 ,2 2 7
2 ,5 5 0
1 4 7 ,8 2 3
2 5 ,9 1 8
5 3 ,2 5 4
2 4 ,1 8 8
156
2 9 ,0 3 4

Value.
f .4 6 6 ,0 2 2
2 4 2 ,5 1 1
1 5 ,0 1 6
6 6 9 ,7 1 1
64^091
3 3 2 ,2 0 8
1 8 4 ,2 4 1
2 9 0 ,4 7 3
1 ,1 7 6
1 3 1 ,3 1 2
220
1 ,4 5 3
6 5 ,8 4 0
6 7 ,5 1 6
3 4 ,2 2 0
8 1 ,0 2 4
5 1 ,0 0 0
1 3 3 ,0 4 1
5 1 ,8 3 6
5 3 ,2 5 4
3 0 ,2 3 5
3 9 ,0 0 0
4 0 ,6 4 8
6 9 2 ,6 9 9
1 3 3 ,5 6 1 ,2 4 2

EXPORTS FROM FRANCE TO MEXICO.
GENERAL COMMERCE.

Articles.
Cotton goods.......................
Silk goods...........................

Linen and hemp goods.
Woollen goods..................
Paper, books, and engravings.
Crockery, glass, & crystal.. val.
Wines ...................................
Prepared skins................. .value
Haberdashery.................... .kilog.
Perfumery............................
Wrought metals............... ..........
Machinery and instruments.val.
Arm s .....................................
Brandy and liquors.......
Jew elry......................... ■kilog.
Other articles................. .......

Q uantity.
1 4 4 ,4 4 5
2 5 ,6 6 0
5 8 3 ,6 9 3
4 4 ,1 4 7
1 0 5 ,9 8 2
2 7 2 ,6 2 8
2 5 ,0 6 8
2 4 ,9 2 3
2 7 ,7 7 3
1 1 ,3 8 6
6 2 ,1 9 3
22

.....

T o tal...,.............. . ..........

SPECIAL COMMERCE.

Value.
f.3 ,4 9 3 ,7 9 3
3 ,0 0 5 ,3 7 0
2 ,7 2 9 ,8 4 1
9 9 3 ,0 6 8
4 3 3 ,6 0 2
4 0 0 .0 4 4
3 3 9 ,0 9 7
2 1 6 ,7 2 0
1 8 6 ,8 1 6
1 7 4 ,4 6 1
1 2 9 ,4 1 7
1 1 2 ,6 0 2
1 1 0 ,5 7 3
9 6 ,4 3 0
5 2 ,8 2 8
1 ,3 4 8 ,3 1 4

Q uantity.
1 2 2 ,5 7 0
2 0 ,6 1 2
5 8 0 ,0 9 0
4 2 ,5 0 0
1 0 5 ,4 9 2

1 3 ,8 2 2 ,9 7 6

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

2 7 1 ,8 4 4
2 3 ,8 6 3
2 4 ,8 1 2
2 6 ,9 9 7
588
5 6 ,6 8 9
19

.....

Value.
f .2 ,9 1 7 ,3 2 2
2 ,4 0 2 .9 6 0
2 ,6 5 7 ,8 2 4
9 5 5 ,7 7 3
4 3 0 ,1 8 6
3 4 1 ,7 1 8
3 3 8 ,4 6 5
2 1 6 ,7 2 0
1 7 7 ,6 3 6
1 7 3 ,6 8 4
1 2 6 ,0 1 6
1 1 2 ,6 0 2
9 ,2 6 7
8 5 ,0 3 6
4 0 ,9 8 8
9 5 7 ,1 7 5
1 1 ,9 4 3 ,3 7 2

IMPORTS FROM MEXICO INTO FRANCE.
GENERA L COMMERCE,

Articles.

Cochineal.............. .......... kilog.
Vanilla.................. ...............
Dye-woods...........
Raw bides..............
Sarsaparilla.......... ...........ldlog.
Jalap-root............. ...............
Fir-wood..............
Copper................... .......... kilog.
Other articles........ ............value

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




SPECIAL COMMERCE.

Quantity.

V a lu e .

Q u a n tity .

122,103

f.3,663,080
1,774,000
1,188,408
351,861
191,610
137,491
12,360
7,896
55,631

80,280
3,115
5,615,835
.............
28,503
6,014
412
613,191
.........

f.2,408,393
778,750
1,123,167
425,493
85,509
19,245
12,360
1,226,382
39,474

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

6,118,773

7,096

5,942,042
63,870
42,966
412
3,948

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

7,382,337

V a lu e .

486

Mercantile Law Cases.
EXPOETS FROM FRANCE TO TEXAS.
GENERAL COMMERCE.

Articles.

Quantity.

W ines.............................
Brandy and liquors........
Silk and velvet ribbons. .kilog.
Colored paper.................
Crockery, glass, & crystal... val.
Refined sugar................ .kilog.
Other articles................

54,807
13,384
85
2,749
2.191

SPECIAL COMMERCE.

Value.

Quantity.

f.14,198
12,801
10,200
6,872
5,438
2,629
15,048

54,737
13,384
85
2,749

Value.

f.14,093
12,801
10,200
6,872
5,438
12,188

67,186

61,592

IMPORTS FROM TEXAS INTO FRANCE.
GENERAL COMMERCE.

Articles.

Q uantity.

Cotton-wool.................... . kilog.
Masts..............................
Oak staves.....................
Raw hides.....................
Other articles.................

53,483
114
23,627

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

MERCANTILE

Value.

f.96,269
11,400
8,269
3,841
5,543

SPECIAL COMMERCE.

Q uantity.

45,509
114
23,627

107.965

125.322

LAW

V alue.

f.81,916
11,400
8,269
3,755
2,625

CASES.

SALVORS— NEGLIGENCE— DIMINUTION OF SALVAGE.

Where essential service has been rendered, the amount of compensation for that service
may not only be diminished by reason of the subsequent negligence or misconduct of
the salvors, but all reward may be forfeited.
A ship in great distress was taken by the salvors to, and anchored in, a place of compara­
tive safety: she might have been placed in perfect safety, if the salvors had then availed
themselves of further assistance, which was offered, but instead of so doing, they left her
at anchor for six hours, while they proceeded for ropes and spars to their own port:—
Held, that the salvors had not conducted themselves with due regard to the lives and
property on board the ship, and that the amount of salvage must be diminished.
I n the British Court of Admiralty. Before the Right Honorable S. Lushington.
The Dosseitei—July 18th, 1846.
This was an action brought by the owners, master, and crew of the pilot lugger
Pet, to recover remuneration for services rendered, on the 24th of February, to
the Dosseitei, an Austrian brig bound from London to Trieste, the value of the
ship, freight, and cargo, being estimated at £10,000. She left St. Katharine’s
Docks on the 15th of February, but before she got out of the channel, experienced
very severe weather, which caused her to labor extremely. On the 22nd, a tre­
mendous sea struck her, causing her bowsprit to break right over the figure-head,
carrying away the fore-mast and main-mast, the latter close to, and the former
four feet from the deck, breaking the caboose and starboard rails in several places;
the whole of the masts, yards, sails, &c., hanging over the side of the vessel, and
striking heavily against her. The master ana crew, fearing that some other
planks might be started, and being in so perilous a situation, came to the resolu­
tion, for the safety of their lives, the ship and the cargo, to cut away the rigging
close to the rails, and after much difficulty, they accomplished this, and got clear
of the wreck ; jury-masts were then rigged, and other measures adopted, and she
returned towards the Bristol Channel. On the 23rd, fearing a lee-shore, they bore
up for the Scilly Islands; and on the 24th, saw St. Agnes Light, bearing north­
east, distant about twelve miles. At eight A. M., they hoisted a signal for a pilot,
or as a signal of distress. In that situation they were perceived by the salvors,
eight in number, who immediately put off to their aid, and boarded her about two




Mercantile Law Cases.

487

miles from the anchorage and port of New Grimsby—the lugger took them in tow
for about five minutes, and then let go the anchor in twenty-two fathoms. The
master of the Dosseitei wished them to take the vessel further in ; but they al­
leged their ropes were insufficient for that purpose, and sent the lugger to St.
Mary’s for a hawser, though another cutter, the Antelope, had come up and oflered her assistance. The hawser being procured, and additional spars and sails,
the brig was conducted in safety into New Grimsby.
Jt
D r . Lusiiington, addressing himself to the Trinity Masters:—^There are two
or three questions on this occasion, respecting which I shall wish to avail myself
of the benefit of your advice. In order to put these questions clearly, it will be
necessary for me to advert, but shortly, to some of the circumstances attending the
case, because I think the great and most important facts are uncontradicted. The
question is as to the result of these facts, and the conclusion to be drawn from
them. This was a foreign vessel leaving the port of London, and going to the
Mediterranean with a valuable cargo, the admitted value being more than £10,000.
After she had got out of the channel, she met with tempestuous weather; the con­
sequence of which was, she became dismasted in latitude 47 deg. North and longi­
tude 9 deg. 50 min. West. The master and crew immediately resorted to the
usual methods for the purpose of repairing the damage as well as they could.
They then proceeded towards the Bristol Channel, according to their own state­
ment ; but, finding the wind came on from the South, they directed their course to
the Scilly Islands, and did so, notwithstanding the state of the wind and the wea­
ther, skilfully and successfully. On the 24th, they were in the neighborhood of
the harbor of New Grimsby,—at what precise distance is one of the contested
facts in the ease, which, I believe, it will be very difficult, if not impossible to
solve. But there always is this difference as to the precise spot at which a ves­
sel is boarded, and the precise length of time it takes to bring a vessel into a
place of safety; and on the present occasion it does not appear to me to be a mat­
ter of great importance as respects the questions which we have to determine. A
vessel belonging to St. Mary’s went out to her assistance; and here arises the first
question, whether there was a signal for a pilot or a signal of distress. It has al­
ways been held by me, as long as I have presided in this court, and the same
principle was acted upon by my predecessors, that where a dispute arises as to
whether it be a flag of distress or a flag for a pilot, we must determine that fact by
the state of the vessel itself. Every day’s experience shows us that on the one
side it is said to be a signal of distress, and, on the other, for a pilot. I should say,
on the present occasion, that, even if the master intended it to be nothing more
than a flag for a pilot, it would make no difference in this case: because, when a
vessel is in the condition this was in, notwithstanding all that was done to refit
her, her master is not in a condition to say, “ Give me a common pilot.” A pilot,
or any one else, who takes charge of a vessel in her condition to bring her to a
place of safety, does more than a pilot is bound by his duty to do for ordinary pilot
compensation. But let me not be misunderstood. I do not mean to say that it
is not the duty of a pilot to take charge of the vessel; but if he does take charge
of her in this state and condition, he is entitled to a higher reward than the sum
prescribed for common pilotage. The salvors then came on board, and they then
thought she had not sufficient sail to carry her to New Grimsby, and they sent
their own boat away to bring a quantity of additional spars for hoisting more sail;
and this duty was, according to their account, attended with very great danger,
considering the state of the wind and the weather. Upon this point, I want your
opinion as to whether it was necessary for the pilot and men, having boarded
the vessel, to go back in their own boat, and procure thesfe spars and sails.
Whether that was necessary, and attended with danger, is the first question.
To pass on: this was done, and the vessel was afterwards conducted till she
came where she was taken in tow, at a later period, by the pilot cutter. She
was conducted with facility to Shipman’s Head, and as soon as she was got
round the head, she was anchored in twenty-two fathoms water. So far, I do
not know that there is any point which requires further consideration; for I do
not know that it is a matter of dispute, that all this was rightly and properly




488

Mercantile Law Cases.

done. It was attempted to be argued, that the vessel might have been carried
into the harbor at once; but, looking at the evidence, I do not think that this ig
proved. The vessel, then, is brought to anchor; and here arises a question of
very considerable importance, which is, whether the vessel, so anchored, was
in a state of safety, or whether she was exposed to risk ; and whether, not only
according to the evidence, but according to your nautical experience, being ac­
quainted with the state and condition of these islands, and what supplies they
could properly furnish, you are of opinion there was improper conduct on behalf
of the pilot lugger, which, instead of attempting to procure all the warps that
might have been had in the neighborhood, left the vessel in that situation for six
hours, and went to St. Mary’s. This is a very important question; because, if it
was their duty to have immediately adopted every measure in their power to bring
the vessel further on, and to place her in a state of safety, and if they wilfully
neglected so to do, with a view of keeping to themselves the whole reward of the
service, to the disregard of the safety of the property, unquestionably it will con­
siderably deteriorate from any merit they may possess, and take from any reward
to which the court might consider them otherwise entitled.”
Having received the opinion of the Trinity Masters,
Dr. L ushington resumed :—“ The gentlemen who have favored me with their
assistance, are of opinion that, considering the state of the wind, this vessel was,
at the time she was boarded by the pilot lugger, sufficiently under command to
have accomplished her voyage to her then intended port, namely, Shipman’s Head ;
that there was no necessity for procuring further materials from on board the pilot
vessel, or adopting those measures which were pursued by her. They think the
lugger rendered assistance and was of service to the ship, by towing her round
the point so as to bring her to anchor off Shipman’s Head, and the bringing her to
anchor was a proper measure; but that, having so done, it was their duty imme­
diately to have availed themselves of every possible assistance in order to have
completed their undertaking, and have brought the vessel further up, so as to have
put her in a place of safety; that she was, during the time she lay there, exposed
to risk and danger, in case the wind had changed. Now, with respect to the fact,
whether they had additional means at their command, and whether those means
would be sufficient, looking at the evidence, I am inclined to come to the conclu­
sion that there would have been ample means without sending to St. Mary’s, and
incurring a delay of six hours; that there would have been sufficient ropes to con­
duct this vessel to a place of safety. But, whether these ropes would have been
sufficient or not, the Trinity Masters are of opinion, that those on board who
came from the pilot lugger, ought to have availed themselves of the assistance
proffered by the Antelope, and the ropes on board her, and any other ropes which
could be obtained. They ought to have made every effort to bring the vessel fur­
ther up, instead of leaving her where she was. The question is, in these circum­
stances, to what extent the court ought to allow remuneration of these parties. I
should he very reluctant to come to the conclusion, that this last act of these sal­
vors was wilfully done ; that is to say, that they deliberately, foreseeing a proba­
bility of danger, would not avail themselves of the means which offered of putting
this vessel into a place of safety; but, for the sake of keeping to themselves the
whole of the reward which had been offered, deliberately, and with malice afore­
thought, as it were, left the vessel at anchor, and proceeded to St. Mary’s. I am
inclined to take this view of the matter, that it was done without sufficient reflec­
tion and thought, though undoubtedly actuated by the improper motive of keeping
to themselves the whole of this reward. Were I of opinion that they had declined
to avail themselves of the services of the Antelope, or attempted to procure ropes
from the shore, with a wilful and deliberate disregard to the safety of this vessel,
and that they were entirely and exclusively actuated by the hope of gain, it would
be my duty to pronounce against this claim altogether. But I think I should go
too far, if, in the circumstances of this case, I visited these men with so heavy a
punishment. But these considerations do operate upon my mind, and very forci­
bly, to induce me to make a diminution of the amount which otherwise would
have been given to them. I should have thought, that, looking to the great value




Mercantile Law Cases.

489

of this vessel; looking to her damaged state and condition, and looking to the pro­
bable danger at that tempestuous season of the year, in which she might have
been placed by a change of wind and an alteration in the weather, they would
have been entitled to a considerable reward, even for the short services which
they did perform. Seeing of how great importance it was to those whose lives
were risked on board this vessel, and to those whose property was there, that she
should have been placed in a state of safety as soon as possible, I should have
allotted a large sum; but seeing that these persons have not conducted themselves
with the propriety they ought, I shall diminish that sum. The amount I shall
allot will be £60. With regard to the costs, I think I must allow them to the sal­
vors, because otherwise I give them nothing. But I wish it to be distinctly un­
derstood, and to be well known, that the court always will, and in another case
probably may, visit with great severity conduct on the part of salvors, who do not
avail themselves, in cases of danger, of any proposed assistance, to bring a vessel
into perfect security.
PROMISSORY NOTE.— ACTION OF ASSUMPSIT.

In the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, (1847,) before Judge Hubbard.
William P. Thompson, v. William Shepherd.
This was an action of assumpsit, commenced in the court of Common Pleas,
on a promissory note, dated November 15, 1843, for the sum of $200, payable in
ninety days from date, made by the defendant to Charles Beaumont, or order, en­
dorsed by Beaumont to S. C. Bugbee, and by Bugbeeto the plaintiff. The defence
set up was, that the note was given by defendant to Beaumont, and by him endorsed
to Bugbee, without consideration, and for the accommodation of Bugbee, and that
it was transferred by Bugbee to the plaintiffs after it had become overdue.
The facts, as they appeared in evidence upon the trial, were these:—Beaumont
and his wife conveyed certain land upon Jamaica Plain to Shepherd, for three
cents per foot, he agreeing to permit Beaumont to negotiate sales of it, and to re­
ceive for himself all that he could sell it for beyond that price. Accordingly
Beaumont negotiated a sale to Bugbee of a part of the land at four cents per foot,
making a difference of six or seven hundred dollars, and Shepherd conveyed to
Bugbee, and took back a mortgage to secure the purchase money. Beaumont
testified that he had released Shepherd from his engagement, so far as it con­
cerned this lot, before the note in question was made.
To induce Bugbee to purchase the land and build a dwelling-house upon it,
Beaumont, owning a tract of land adjoining, and believing that it would be bene­
fited by the erection of the house, promised Bugbee to loan him, to aid in building
the house, five hundred dollars, to be paid from the proceeds of the sale of it. And
Bugbee testified that he would not have made the purchase and undertaken to
build without this promise from Beaumont. Bugbee commenced building, and
Beaumont, when called upon by him for part of the money, procured, with Bugbee’s assent, the note in question from Shepherd, and endorsed it to Bugbee, who
gave him a receipt for it, promising to account for the amount out of the proceeds
of the sale of the house. Beaumont testified that Shepherd received no consider­
ation for the note, and that if Shepherd were obliged to pay it, he should be bound
to repay him. Bugbee endorsed the note, and had it discounted ; but at its matu­
rity it Was protested for non-payment, and Bugbee, as second endorser, took it up,
and afterwards transferred it to the present plaintiffs to pay for work done on the
house. The house had not been sold at the time of the trial.
The presiding judge instructed the jury, that the note having been taken by the
plaintiffs after it had become due, it was subject in their hands to all the objec­
tions and equities to which it was liable in the hands of Bugbee; and that if it
was made for his accommodation, they could not recover; but that if Beaumont
procured the note from Shepherd, and endorsed it to Bugbee in pursuance of a
valid agreement to lend him money, to be repaid from the proceeds of the house,
it could not be considered as coming within the rule of law, as to accommodation
notes without consideration, negotiated when overdue, although the note might
have been made by Shepherd for Beaumont’s accommodation, without considera­




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Commercial Chronicle and Review.

tion. The defendant’s counsel requested the judge to instruct the jury, that if
Shepherd, when he gave the note, were ignorant of Beaumont’s promise to Bugbee, above stated, their verdict should be for defendant. But the instructions
of the court were, that if Shepherd were a party to the agreement with Bugbee,
and gave the note to be transferred to him instead of money, and the note were
transferred to the plaintiffs before the sale of the house, they were entitled to re­
cover; but that if it were made by Shepherd for Bugbee’s accommodation, without
knowledge of, and assent to the agreement with respect to repayment, they could
not recover.
The jury returned a verdict for-the plaintiffs, and the defendant excepted to the
rulings and instructions of the court, as stated above.
H ubbard, J., delivered the opinion of the court. The instructions of the court
below were held to be correct. The note appeared to have been given by the de­
fendant to Beaumont for his accommodation,—not for the accommodation of Bugbee. And in order to affect it in the hands of the present plaintiff, it lay with the
defendant to bring home to Bugbee the knowledge of the fact of its want of con­
sideration.
Exceptions overruled, and judgment on the verdict.

COMMERCIAL CHRONICLE AND REVIEW.
LOAN OF THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT— AN EVIDENCE OF POWER AND RESOURCES
OF THE NATION— VALUE OF THE PRECIOUS METALS IN ENGLAND— CONSUMPTION OF BREADSTUFFS, AND BULLION IN THE BANK OF ENGLAND— PRICES OF LEADING IMPORTS IN LONDON—
BRITISH GOVERNMENT LOAN— IRISH LAND SYSTEM— IMPORTS AND DUTIES AT NEW YORK FOR
FOUR MONTHS,

1846, ’47—PRICES

OF EXCHANGE AT NEW YORK AND NEW ORLEANS— EX­

PORTS OF BREADSTUFFS TO ENGLAND----RECEIPTS OF PRODUCE— UNITED STATES MINT, ETC.,
ETC.

I n our last number we referred, among those general features which the mar­
kets present most prominently, to the contraction of a loan of $22,000,000 by the
federal government. Of this amount, bids for $18,000,000 were received to the
10th April, which, being Saturday, resulted in the promulgation of the contractson Monday, the 12th. Some surprise was manifested at the fact, that the total
bids amounted to more than $58,000,000, or three times as much as was required.
Of this amount, $55,000,000 was above par, and $18,000,000 at a premium; of
which, $16,000,000 was awarded to Corcoran & Riggs, at Washington;
$1,500,000 to Elisha Riggs, in New York, and $500,000 to another broker-house
in Wall-street. It is remarkable that these notes sold at 3 per cent premium
the day after the bids were known, and subsequently at 4 per cent. The
leading capitalists of New York and Boston, who, together, have heretofore con­
trolled operations of this nature, were left without a dollar; but it soon became
apparent that large quantities had been taken to sell, and at the board all brokers
showed a disposition to sell at 3 per cent premium. Considerable dissatisfaction
was manifested at the manner in which the bids were taken. It was intimated,
that, from the fact of there being no specified time and manner for opening, that
parties at Washington might have obtained information from other bids to guide
their own offers. The recent English loan of £8,000,000, was conducted in a
different manner. A day and hour being appointed, the Ministers met the lead­
ing capitalists of London, and the former laid upon the table a sealed paper con-




t

Commercial Chronicle and Review.

491

taining the lowest terms that the government felt authorized to take. The offers
were then taken, and that of Mr. Rothschild’s, being 89J per cent for a 3 per
cent stock, was accepted as the highest; and inasmuch as that it was higher
than the government proposals, the latter were not opened. This is supposed to
be a fairer mode of proceeding than that adopted at Washington; but, connivance
being supposed possible, we do not see that it is more effectually guarded against
in the one case than in the other. The facts are, that those who would offer par
only to the government, must now pay 3 per cent premium to individuals ; where­
as, those who offered i a f premium, got the stock. It is true that two circum­
stances operated in favor of the value of the stock after the bids were closed.
These were, the capture of Vera Cruz and the amount of the bids. The news
of the first reached Washington on Friday, and was in New York early on Satur­
day ; too late to affect bids, but it was sufficiently early in Washington, and could
not have been foreseen. The amount bid could not have been known until all the
tenders were opened. The fact, that an amount of capital so unprecedented in
this country was seeking investment, gave great additional value to the stock,
which was again enhanced by the prospect of peace.
The circumstances themselves are in the highest degree satisfactory, inasmuch
as that they speak volumes in favor of the power and resources of the nation,
which, for the first time in its history, displays, in a great emergency, the most
ample means within itself, and discloses its independence of foreign financial aid.
The taunt, that the United States could not go to war without loans from Europe,
cannot now be repeated. It being established that the military and financial re­
sources of the nation are fully equal to any and every emergency, the Union has
nothing henceforth to dread from foreign aggression; a fact, which will probably
do more to shield her from the horrors of war than almost any other considerations.
It is not, however, to be understood, that because $58,000,000 have been offered
the government and but $18,000,000 accepted, that therefore there are $40,000,000
seeking investment. It is the case, to some extent; but many of the offers were
from persons without present means, and who depended upon the sale of the stock
at a profit to make good the contract. To a considerable extent, however, prob­
ably $15,000,000, funds have been collecting, to await the bids. Of these, a
proportion will be demanded by the government, and the remainder seek other
channels of investment; hence, a more abundant money market is looked for.
It is remarkable that this unusual display of capital for investment, has been
made simultaneously with the operation of the new system of finance brought
into operation by the government. This system has, however, been supported by
very unusual circumstances in Europe. In 1844, when the Bank of England was
re-chartered, the hard money principle was applied to it with a very considerable
degree of rigor. The effect of this was, as we have remarked in former num­
bers, to cause the precious metals to be more valuable in England, as compared
to other commodities, than they had previously been since the American war of
independence ; and as the paper system had been gradually extending itself in the
smaller channels of commerce, on the continent of Europe, the precious metals
were consequently losing their value there, at the same time that their value in
England was becoming enhanced. From this general cause grew the fact, that
the bullion in the Bank of England, July, 1846, was greater than it had ever
before been, and that this took place simultaneously with inordinate importations




492

Commercial Chronicle and Review.

of corn. An importation of corn per se, does not necessarily derange the ex­
changes. The mere fact that corn, or any other one article is imported, does not
produce an export of coin. It is only when a general rise in prices, growing out
of an inflated currency, causes the sum of the imported goods and produce to ex­
ceed the aggregate money-value of the goods exported, that a portion of the pre­
cious metals isjequired to make up the balance. This may happen without an
importation of corn, and did so during the few years that ended in the revulsion
of 1837, during which no corn was imported. It was to guard against this, that
the specie principle was adopted in tire re-charter of the bank; and that it has
fully answered the anticipations, is manifest in the state of the bullion and money
market after the importation of such quantities of foreign food as were consumed
in England, in 1846. The following are the quantities of grain and flour con­
sumed in England, for each of the last five years, and the bullion in bank at the
end of each year:—

1842.

1843.

1844.

1845.

Grain............................... qrs. 2,945,398 3,172,349 2,533,631 1,344,221
Flour...............................cwt. 1,275,656 1,146,063
716,890
632,047
................
5 .....................................
Indian meal................. “
Bullion in bank, Dec. 31... £9,984,000 12,078,000 14,828,416 13,325,886

1846.
4,305,385
3,409,944

126,954
14,951,550
These enormous quantities entered for consumption, did not affect prices nor
diminish the amount of specie in bank. In January, 1837, however, ten years
previously, a convulsion had been produced through high prices. We may take,
from a London price current, prices of leading articles of import.—
PRICES IN LONDON FOE JANUARY—

Ashes, United States pots.............
“
“
pearls..........
Coffee, St Domingo....................
“ Brazil,...........................
Cotton, Georgia bowed................
Indigo,..... ..............................
Iron, Swedish...........................
Oil, linseed...............................
Seed, clover..............................
Pepper, Sumatra........................
Silk, China Tsatlee.....................
Tea, Bohea...............................
Tobacco, Kentucky fine...............
Turpentine...............................
Wool, Electoral.........................

1837.

1847.

£ s. d.
1 17 0
2 00 0
2 10 0
2 10 0
0 00 9 i
0 8 6
14 10 0
1 17 0
2 16 0
0 00 3J
1 50
0 14
0 00 5J
0 12 0
0 60

£ s. d.
1 10 0
1 12 0
1 16 0
0 00 7 |
0 64
12 00 0
1 60
2 50
0 00 2 f
0 18 0
0 50
0 00 5 i
0 10 3
0 34

Decrease.
£ s. d.
0 7 0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

18 0
14 0
00 14
2 2
10 0
11 0
11 0
00 0J
7 0
00 11
00 0+
1 9
2 8

These are sufficient to show the great difference between the general level of
prices in England, in 1837 and in 1847, and to account for the fact of the large
imports of foreign food not having materially disturbed the exchanges. The in­
flation of prices that took place in 1837, was, by the new bank charter, prevented
from returning, in 1846, when specie had become so abundant. Something simi­
lar to this operation has been the case here. Fortuitous circumstances have com­
pelled England to buy inordinate quantities of American produce, at a time when
various combined causes have conspired to check enterprise and speculation, and
therefore to check imports, by which means the current of the precious metals has
set strongly towards the United States, and has swollen the volume of the cur­
rency here, without materially disturbing that of England; because, when there




Commercial Chronicle and Review.

493

was no unnatural rise in prices, no values sustained by borrowed capital, the ef­
flux of the capital would not affect prices or produce revulsion.
Under the old system of finance in England, the government, in 1835, required
a loan of £20,000,000 to liberate the West India negroes. It was obtained, Au­
gust 3, 1835, at a rate of £86 9s. 5d. for every £100 of 3 per cent stock, inclu­
ding a discount of 2 per cent for prompt pay. The loan was required to be paid
up by January, 1836; and, to enable this to be done, the bank made money ex­
ceedingly plenty, loaning on all descriptions of securities freely. This action of
the bank on that occasion, in aid of the government, was one of the chief causes
of the distress which soon followed. Under the present system, the government
has, as above stated, obtained £8,000,000 at 89 per cent, without the aid of the
bank, and without any material effect upon the money market.
The decline which the bullion in the Bank of England has ufidergone, since
December 5, has been mostly for American account, circulation in Ireland, and
the agricultural districts. It has been a singular feature of the distress in Ire­
land, that money there has been very abundant, and the deposits in the savings’
and other banks unusually large. This is accounted for, to some extent, by the
fact, that the action of the English government in relation to the famine, has not
only aggravated the scarcity, but has, by interrupting the regular course of business,
disturbed customary investments. As thus: a large portion of the land of Ireland
is held on a system called “ conacre,” under which, the larger class of farmers
cut up their old grass lands into small strips, varying from a perch to half an
acre, and let them annually, at high rents, say $40 to $80 per acre, to cottiers.
These burn off the stubble, and universally plant potatoes, because that root yields
the greatest amount of nutriment to a given surface. Before the potatoes can be
dug at harvest, the rent must be paid. At the last harvest, a panic prevailed very
generally in relation to the disease in potatoes ; when, therefore, the cottiers, hav­
ing earned their rent by other means, came to pay, they hesitated. They natu­
rally calculated that the potatoes, injured by disease, might not be worth the rent.
At such a juncture, the government came forward with its pernicious scheme of
public works ; and the cottiers, retaining their rent money, took work under gov.
ernment, and abandoned their fields. The number so employed on the public
works, was, at the close of January, 680,000, representing at least 3,000,000
souls. The abandoned potatoes were, to a considerable extent, injured by frost;
but important quantities of food have subsequently been obtained from those fields.
These circumstances have contributed to the demand for foreign food; and the
means of paying for it have been the disbursements of the government, and
the money saved by the non-payment of “ conacre ” rents. The abandonment
of all works by the government now, will send back to the fields numbers of pro­
ducers of food; but it is a problem how far the potato-planting will be resumed,
and in that question lies the probable permanence of the sales of Indian corn and
coarse American grains. It is, however, to be considered, that the wants of Eu­
rope, and the consequent high prices, have exhausted all old stocks of grain in
Europe; and that England, even in the last few years of good harvests, wanted
a considerable foreign supply. That, she cannot get from Europe, and must de­
pend for it upon the American States. The state of affairs in Europe, is very
similar to that in Great Britain ; inasmuch as that the consumption of food has of
late years vastly increased, and from causes very similar to those which, in Eng­




Commercial Chronicle and Review.

494

land, have caused demand to outrun supply; and therefore, to some considerable
extent, the export of American farm produce must be continued.
The accounts from England down to the 3d of April, advise of an improvement
in the exchanges with respect to the continent, but of a stringency in the stock
market; consols, and the new loan scrip, having declined. The drain of specie
for America, was that, however, from which the most apprehensions were enter­
tained ; and the April packets, including the Cambria, which had £390,000 in
gold, were estimated to have had engaged £1,000,000. The state of affairs in
Ireland had, however, improved. The dismissal of laborers on the public works,
had taken place to a very considerable extent, without difficulty ; and extensive
arrivals of grain, particularly Indian corn, had, aided by fine planting weather,
greatly affected prices, and the fall in grain had favorably influenced cotton, which
had advanced. There was a great and continued scarcity of food in France, and
the embarrassments of the Bank of France were but slightly relieved, notwith­
standing that the Emperor of Russia had, by treaty, purchased of the bank
50,000,000 francs of French rentes held by it. The bullion in the Bank of
France had somewhat increased, being 77,000,000 francs, including a London
specie credit. The leading money markets on the continent were all much
more easy. The aspect of affairs was, upon the whole, considerably improved;
but it is evident that the demands for foreign food cannot be diminished between
this and harvest.
The operation of various events during the past year, has contributed to influ­
ence money affairs here, in the same manner that the changed nature of the Eng­
lish currency has done there. The large exports of produce, bringing important
sums of specie, amounting to more than $10,000,000, into the country since Jannary, 1847, have failed to excite speculation, and that overaction of the banks,
which, in former years, always attended a favorable state of the exchanges, is now
not apparent. Prices have not been affected by any collateral paper influence,
but have been governed by an effective demand, which, as yet, has not so raised
values as to stimulate importations. Freights and produce have advanced under
the urgent effective demand, and exchange has consequently fallen very low, not­
withstanding the large importation of specie, and a very considerable importation
of goods. As an index of the business of the Union, we annex a statement of the
imports and duties at the port of New York, for four months, ending April 1st:—
IMPORTS PORT OF NEW YORK.

Specie.

Free goods.

Dutiable.

T o tal imports.

Cask duties.

1847.
December....
January........
February......
March..........

$61,436
90,874
1,235,122
1,329,428

1846.

$537,496 $4,279,813 $4,878,655! &1,143,327 $1,056,896
478,443
5,499,682
6,068,999 1,434,836 1,471,845
285,128
5,889,387
7,409,637 1,496,716 1,255,651
786,937
6,060,746
8,177,141 1,652,092 2,608,734

Total, 1847. $2,716,800 $2,088,004 $21,729,628 $26,534,432 $5,726,971 $6,393,126
Total, 1846.
280,729 2,501,925 21,118,620 24,001,274 ................ ................
Increase....... $2,436,071
Decrease...........................

.................
$413,921

$611,008 $2,533,150 ....................................
............................................................. $666,155

In the dutiable goods there was a considerable increase, notwithstanding that
seventeen packets, which last year arrived in March, and the business of which
was included in the returns of that month, did not, this year, arrive until April,




Commercial Chronicle and Review.

495

owing to easterly winds. Had the vessels due, all arrived, there is no doubt but
that the revenue would have exceeded last year, and the specie for March have
been near $3,000,000. The average duties collected in 1847, were, it appears,
26.30 per cent of the dutiable imports, against 30.25 per cent, in 1846—a decline
of about 4 per cent only in the average. Notwithstanding the fact, that the quan­
tity of goods arrived and to be paid for, in the four months this year, was very
nearly the same as for the same period last year, and the quantity of specie re­
ceived, was greater by $2,436,071, yet bills have fallen to a very low point here
and at New Orleans. As compared with last year, at the same date, prices are
as follows:—
PRICES OF EXCHARGE.
NEW VORK.

Sterling.

1846 ..
1847 ...

Francs.

NEW ORLEANS.

Amsterdam. London.

F rance.

N . Y. sight. N.Y.60 days.

9*al0 5.27*a5.26£ 39fa39£ 9ial0 5.26a5.30
prem. 1 al^dis.
4^a4f 5.46 a5.43£ 38|a39 1 a2£ 5.52a5.57£ £a£ disc. 2§a2| dis.

Decline 5£a5£ 18£a 17
1 a § 8£a7£ 26a 27£ £a£
lfal*
This is a serious fall, amounting to less than 6 per cent average to shippers,
on the exports, making that sum in favor of the importers of goods. As thus,
the import of dutiable goods being, as above, $21,729,628, has been paid for in
exchange averaging 5 per cent less than last year, or more than a million of dol­
lars. As these goods paid 4 per cent less duties, and cost 5 per cent less in ex­
change, they come actually 9 per cent cheaper than last year to the importers.
The exports of flour, wheat, corn, and corn-meal, to England, have been as follows,
Sept. 1, to April 10:—
Flour.............bbls.
Corn-meal.............
Wheat........... bush.
Corn.....................

Q uantity.

A v’ge price.

V alue.

Freights.

Total.

1,420,557 $6.50 $9,233,570 $1,432,040 $10,665,610
325,127 4.25
1,381,749
372,180
1,753,929
1,400,942
1.25
1,751,175
560,376
2,311,551
8,508,176
88
7,444,645
3,403,270
10,847,924

Total............................................................................................... $25,579,014
These four articles come to over $25,000,000; but the bills have sold at a loss
of $1,200,000, being so much in favor of the importers of goods. It is observable
that the rates of bills in New Orleans on New York, are very low, and show a
high interest paid for money. There is a difference of 2 per cent between a sight
bill, and a 60 days’ bill, being 12 per cent per annum. Last year, the difference
was but | per cent. This great demand for money at that point, is no doubt attri­
butable to the vast receipts and value of produce.

1846.
Q uantity.

Bacon arrived....hhds. and casks
Corn...................bbls. and kegs
Flour........................... ..bbls.
Lard................tierces and bbls.
Lard................................kegs
Pork................................bbls.
Wheat............................sacks

5,438
515,130
561,679
76,210
236,446
240,365
54,385

V alue.

$244,710
592,399
2,527,595
1,219,360
709,338
1,922,920
108,770

1847.
Q uantity.

8,119
1,399,159
1,025,073
91,945
228,960
229,951
170,121

V alue.

$487,140
3,264,704
5,637,901
2,298,825
1,030,360
3,219,314
1,020,726

$7,325,092
$16,957,970
Total...............................
Here is an increase of $9,000,000, in the value of pork and grain received at
New Orleans, in addition to all the other large demands for money, including the




496

Commercial Chronicle and Review.

great operations of the federal government at that point, on account of the war
The larger .proportion of the produce sold at New Orleans, of the descriptions
enumerated, is for account of the Western States, from which, in the course of
business generally, a demand springs up in New Orleans, for eastern and northern
bills, to pay the indebtedness usually accruing against the West in eastern cities,
on account of goods purchased. This year the demand seems languid, or far less
than the supply. It is, however, the case, that since the diminution of banks in
the great valley of the Mississippi, money has been by no means abundant; and to
supply a sound currency, no more favorable year can occur than this, in which
sales of the proceeds of western industry are so extensive. It is by such means
that “ gold ” must “ flow up the Mississippi.” Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri,
Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas, are comparatively without banks,
where, collectively, $77,000,000 of capital, once employed in banking, has ceased
to exist. Of that amount, near $40,000,000 was actually money borrowed in
London, and lost. Of the remainder, a large portion was obtained in eastern cities,
and nearly all is worthless.
The natural growth of the commerce and internal business of the country re­
quires some money, and this is being supplied by the operations of commerce, as
indicated in the low rates of exchange. When a country requires money, it flows
in as a better remittance than perishable goods. As, however, the channels of
circulation fill, a demand for goods springs up, and stays the importation of the
precious metals. A healthy and increasing business must then result. To sup­
ply this demand for money, commerce must bring the material, and the mint con­
vert it into a desirable shape. In another part of this number of the Merchants’
Magazine, will be found the operations of the United States mint and branches,
for a series of years.* Since the 1st of January, however, the operations have
been on a much more extensive scale, and the coinage at Philadelphia, for the
month of March alone, approximates to that for the whole year 1846. This seems
to be effected by the successive transfers by the Treasury Department, from New
York to the mint. The law regulating the mintage, limits the amount that may
be deposited at one time, to $1,000,000. We would call attention also to the im­
portant increase in the deposits of United States gold for coinage. These have,
in a few years, doubled, and are now over $1,000,000 per annum. In view of
the supply of the precious metals, the war or peace with Mexico may be produc­
tive of important results. Should peace be effected on such a basis as to afford
security to property, very many prolific mines in that country, which are now not
worked by reason of the insecurity of property, must make important additions
to the quantities of gold and silver ; perhaps to an extent equal to that which the
first discovery of those mines made in Europe. The state of military anarchy
which has so long paralyzed industry in that country, has had an important influ­
ence upon the mining products, which require but emancipation from misrule to
assert their value.
* See page 506 of the present, number, for the coinage of 1846; and note at the bot­
tom of same page, referring to previous years.




Commercial Regulations.

COMMERCIAL

497

REGULATIONS.

U N ITE D ST A T E S T A R IF F REGULATION S FOR MEXICAN PORTS.
TARIFF OF DUTIES ON IMPORTS AND TONNAGE, AND REGULATIONS FOR COLLECTING THE SAME IN
SUCH OF THE PORTS OF MEXICO AS MAY BE NOW OR HEREAFTER IN OUR MILITARY POSSESSION
BY CONQUEST, PREPARED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, AND ACCOMPANYING HIS RE­
PORT TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, DATED 3 0 t H MARCH, 1 8 4 7 .

A ll ports or places in Mexico, that now are, or hereafter may be, in the possession of
the army or navy of the United States, upon the Gulfs of Mexico or California, or the
Pacific Ocean, or upon any of the navigable rivers or waters connected with any or either
of the said gulfs or ocean, are opened to our commerce, and to that also of all other na­
tions, in all vessels, except Mexican, subject to the regulations and restrictions herein pre­
scribed :—
1. Within twenty-four hours after the arrival of any vessel, the master must produce to
the military or naval officer in command of the port a manifest of the cargo of such ves­
sel, specifying the marks, numbers, and description of packages, by whom shipped, and to
whom consigned; which manifest, if the vessel be from a port in the United States, shall
be certified by the collector of the port from whence the shipment is made ; if from any
other port, by the consul or commercial agent of the United States, if any there be ; other­
wise, by a consul of any nation at peace with the United States. If no such manifest be
produced, the vessel shall be subject to a penalty of one dollar per ton, registry measure­
ment, in addition to the tonnage duty hereinafter prescribed.
2. There shall be paid by the master of every vessel arriving at the ports or places
aforesaid, a tonnage duty of one dollar per ton, registry measurement, in lieu of all other
port charges ; the registry of the vessel to be deposited with the consul of the nation to
which such vessel may belong, if any there be ; otherwise, with the commandant of the
port, until the master shall have complied with all the regulations herein prescribed.
3. Vessels arriving at any of the ports or places aforesaid, in the possession of our mili­
tary or naval forces, will be required to unlade their entire cargo at such port or place ;
but no vessel, except those registered in the United States, and owned wholly by a citizen
or citizens of the United States, will be permitted to transport coastwise any goods, wares,
or merchandise, the growth, produce, or manufacture of one port, State, or Department of
Mexico, or of any other country, into another port, State, or Department, the coastwise
cargo being subject to the same duties as in other cases, and any violation will subject the
vessel to seizure and confiscation.
4. Upon all goods, wares, and merchandise, imported into any of the aforesaid ports or
places of Mexico, in the possession of our military or naval forces, from other ports afore­
said in Mexico, or from ports or places in the United States or foreign countries, of the
growth, produce, or manufacture of Mexico, or of the United States, or of foreign coun­
tries, there shall be levied, collected, and paid in cash the following rates of duty; that is
to sa y :—
On all manufactures of cotton or of cotton
mixed with any other material, except
wool, worsted, or silk, in the piece, (ex­
cepting shawls and handkerchiefs,) not ex­
ceeding thirty-six inches wide, five cents
per running yard, (and for every additional
inch in width, one-fourth of one cent per
running yard additional duty.)
On cotton trimming laces, cotton insertings
and trimmings, tapes, cords, galloons, tas­
sels, and all other manufactures of cotton,
or of cotton mixed with any other mate­
rial, except wool, worsted, or silk, not
otherwise specially mentioned and pro­
vided for, forty per cent ad valorem.
On cotton shawls or rebosas, thirty per cent
ad valorem.
V O L . X V I.---- N O . V .




On cotton handkerchiefs, not over one yard
square, six cents each. (If over that size,
one-fourth of one cent per running yard,
each additional inch in width.)
On cotton yam and twist, eight cents per
pound.
On cotton thread and balls, twenty-five cents
per pound.
On cotton thread on spools, six cents per
dozen spools.
On all manufactures of silk, mixed with any
other material, in the piece or otherwise,
including every article of which silk is a
component material, not otherwise special­
ly enumerated; also, including sewing silk,
silk hosiery, and siik millinery, except
bonnets and caps, three dollars per pound.

32

498

Commercial Regulations.

On all manufactures of hemp, grass, and flax, On sheet, rod, hoop, and all other descrip­
in the piece, not otherwise specially enu­
tions of rolled and hammered iron, and
merated and provided for, and not exceed­
on cables, anchors, and anvils, four cents
ing thirty-six inches wide, six cents per
per pound.
running yard, (and for every additional On castings of all descriptions, not otherwise
inch in width, one-fourth of one cent per
enumerated, three cents per pound.
running yard additional duty.)
On cutlery, say pocket-knives, scissors, ra­
On cables and cordage, five cents per pound.
zors, and table cutlery, and on all other
On twine and packthread, four cents per
manufactures of iron and steel, except
pound.
those prohibited, (see article fifth,) and in­
On linen thread, twenty-five cents per pound.
cluding iron and steel wire, and cap and
On flax, hemp, or grass bags, not exceeding
bonnet wire, forty per cent ad valorem.
one yard square in size, twelve and one- On copper, in pigs or bars, old copper, sheath­
half cents each. (If exceeding that size,
ing copper, brass, in pigs or bars, old brass,
twelve and one-half cents per square yard
zinc or spelter, in pigs, bars, or sheets, and
of material.)
on steel, in bars, not over one inch square,
On cotton bagging, gunny bagging, and all
intended only for mining purposes, two
other bagging and matting of all kinds,
cents per pound.
five cents per running yard.
On tin, in sheets, pigs, or bars, four cents per
On linen handkerchiefs, not over one yard
pound.
square, twelve and one-half cents each. On all manufactures of copper, brass, tin,
(If over that size, one-half cent per run­
zinc or spelter, pewter, and German silver,
ning yard, for each additional inch in
except such as are prohibited by article
width.)
fifth, thirty per cent ad valorem.
On hemp, flax, Sisal, or India grass, coir or On brown sugar, three cents per pound.
jute, India, Saun, and Manilla, one cent On sugar-candy, ten cents per pound.
On syrup of sugar, two cents per pound.
per pound.
On all manufactures of wool or worsted, or On all other descriptions of sugar, five cents
of wool and worsted combined, in the
per pound.
piece, not otherwise specially enumerated On molasses, five cents per gallon.
and provided for, and not exceeding thirty- On fish, pickled or salted, in barrels, one dol­
six inches in width, fifty cents per running
lar per barrel.
yard. (And for every additional inch in Do. if in half-barrels, sixty-two and a half
width, one and one-half cents per running
cents each.
yard additional duty.)
Do. if in quarter-barrels or kegs, forty cents
On shawls of wool or worsted, thirty per cent
each.
Do. smoked or salted, dried codfish, and on
ad valorem.
On blankets and counterpanes of wool, or of
beef and pork, salted or pickled, in barrels
wool and cotton mixed, not exceeding six
or half-barrels, two cents per pound.
feet square, one dollar each. If over six On smoked and jerked beef, one cent per
feet square, and not exceeding ten feet
pound.
square, two dollars each. If exceeding On smoked hams and bacon, six and onequarter cents per pound.
ten feet, prohibited, to prevent frauds.
On flannels, baizes, and bookings, not ex­ On tongues, ten cents per pound.
ceeding sixty inches in width, twenty cents On butter, six cents per pound.
On lard and cheese, four cents per pound.
per running yard.
On oil-cloth and oil floor-cloth, not exceed­ On rice, two cents per pound.
ing seventy-two inches in width, fifty cents On Indian meal, one-half cent per pound.
On Indian com, ten cents per bushel.
per running yard.
On carpets and carpeting, not exceeding On wheat, rye, oats, and all other grain,
forty cents per bushel.
thirty-six inches in width, forty cents per
On potatoes, twenty cents per bushel.
running yard.
On all manufactures of goats’ hair or mohair, On rye-meal and oat-meal, one cent per
pound.
in the piece, not exceeding thirty-six inches
in width, fifteen cents per running yard. On wheat, flour, in barrels or half-barrels,
(And for every additional inch in width,
two dollars per barrel of ninety-six pounds.
(If flour be imported in any other descrip­
one-half cent per running yard additional
tion of package than in barrels or half­
duty.)
barrels, or if imported in bags or sacks,
On pig iron, one-half cent per pound.
the duty shall be one cent per pound.)
On bar iron, rolled or hammered, and on
old or scrap-iron, one and one-half cents On apples, one dollar per barrel.
On biscuit and ship-bread, three cents per
per pound.
pound.
On nails, spikes, tacks, brads, and sprigs,
On tobacco, stem or leaf, four cts. per pound.
four cents per pound.




Commercial Regulations.
On segars, five dollars per thousand.
On cigaritos or paper segars, three dollars
per thousand.
On snuff, fifty cents per pound.
On chewing tobacco and smoking tobacco,
ten cents per pound.
On hewn timber, boards, plank or scantling,
ten dollars per thousand feet.
On shingles, two dollars per thousand.
On laths, fifty cents per thousand.
On pitch, tar, rosin, and turpentine, one dol­
lar and fifty cents per barrel.
On printed books, bound, half-bound, or in
sheets or pamphlets, fifty cents per pound.
On blank books, twenty cents per pound.
On writing paper of all kinds, twelve and
one-half cents per pound.
On sand paper, seven cents per pound.
On brown or straw wrapping paper, three
cents per pound.
On playing cards, twenty-five cents per
pack.
On window-glass, ten cents per pound.
On looking-glasses, looking-glass plates, on
glassware of all kinds, except those spe­
cially mentioned otherwise, and on Chinaware, stoneware, and earthenware, forty
per cent ad valorem.
On demijohns, three dollars per dozen.
On black or green glass bottles, not exceed­
ing the capacity of one quart each, three
dollars per gross; if exceeding that capa­
city, five dollars per gross.
On brandy, if imported in pipes of not ex­
ceeding one hundred and twenty gallons
each, sixty dollars per pipe; if in half­
pipes of not exceeding sixty gallons each,
thirty dollars per half-pipe.
On brandy, if in quarter-casks of not ex­
ceeding thirty-two gallons each, sixteen
dollars a quarter-cask; if in Indian barrels
or octavos of not exceeding twenty gallons
each, ten dollars per package.
On whiskey, three cents per pound.
On all other spirits, not otherwise specially
mentioned, six and one-quarter cents per
pound.
On cordials, in bottles, of not exceeding two
and one-half gallons to the dozen, four
dollars per dozen, which includes the duty
on bottles.
On brandy and other distilled spirits, in bot­
tles, of not exceeding two and one-half
gallons to the dozen, three dollars per doz­
en, which includes the duty on bottles.
On gin, in square bottles, (in cases,) of not
exceeding three gallons to the dozen, four
dollars per dozen, which includes the duty
on bottles.
On wines of every description, in casks or
bottles, twenty-five cents per gallon, and
twenty-five per cent ad valorem: Pro­
vided always, T hat wine, in quart bottles
or in those of smaller capacity, shall al­




499

ways be considered as containing two and
one-half gallons to the dozen bottles, and
shall pay duty accordingly ; if in bottles of
larger capacity, or in demijohns, the duty
shall be estimated on the quantity con­
tained therein, at the rates above nam ed;
the bottles containing the wine, in all cases,
paying an additional duty, if quarts, or
smaller, of three dollars per gross; if of
larger size, five dollars per gross; and
demijohns, three dollars per dozen.
On brandy and other spirits, in demijohns,
one dollar per gallon. The same rules to
be applied to brandy and other spirits,
when imported in demijohns, or in bottles
of greater capacity than two and one-half
gallons to the dozen, as are made for
wines.
On vinegar, fifteen cents per gallon.
On beer, ale, porter, and cider, in quart bot­
tles, one dollar per dozen, which includes
the duty on bottles. In pint bottles, fifty
cents per dozen, which includes the duty
on bottles. In casks, or any other de­
scription of package other than above
named, twenty-five cents per gallon. In
all cases of liquids, imported in casks or
barrels, the duty shall be levied on the ca­
pacity of the cask or barrel, without re­
gard to any deficiency of its contents.
On paints of all descriptions, and painter’s
colors, dry or ground in oil, (except watercolors in boxes,) and on varnish, four cents
per pound.
On tortoise-shell, one dollar per pound.
On maccaroni and vermicelli, and on al­
monds and all other nuts, four cents per
pound.
On sardines and anchovies, twenty-five cents
per pound.
On preserved meats and fish, in cans or
firkins, twelve and one-half cents per
pound.
On sausages, ten cents per pound.
On coffee, currants, figs, prunes, cocoa, rais­
ins, and dates, three cents per pound.
On ginger, cinnamon, cassia, and cloves, fifty
cents per pound.
On teas, forty cents per pound.
On pimento and black pepper, eight cents
per pound.
On salt, fifteen cents per bushel.
On anthracite and bituminous coal, and on
charcoal, one dollar per ton.
On whale, sperm, linseed, and olive oils, and
on all other oils, except perfumery, five
cents per pound.
On wax and sperm candles, twelve and onehalf cents per pound.
On tallow candles, six and one-quarter cents
per pound.
On beeswax of all kinds, twelve and onehalf cents per pound.
On tapers, fifteen cents per pound.

500

Commercial Regulations.

On spirits of turpentine, twenty-five cents
per gallon.
On soap of all kinds, except perfumed, five
cents per pound.
On gold watches, ten dollars each.
On silver watches, three dollars each.
On wearing apparel, comprising all articles
of clothing worn on the person, except
those specially enumerated and provided
for; on millinery articles, say caps, collars,
cuffs, braids, and other ornaments for the
hair, curls, ringlets, and all similar arti­
cles, (except of silk,) forty per cent ad
valorem.
On hats, for men and boys, of straw, flir, or
silk, one dollar each.
On boots and bootees, for men, women, and
children, of whatever material composed,
one dollar per pair.
On shoes and slippers, for men, women, and
children, of whatever material composed,
thirty cents per pair.
On bonnets, for women and children, of all
descriptions, except silk, and on silk caps
for women and children, one dollar each.
On silk bonnets, for women and children,
two dollars each.

On silk hosiery, three dollars per pound.
On hosiery, say caps, gloves, cuffs, mits,
socks, stockings, shirts, and drawers, of
whatever material composed, except silk,
thirty per cent ad valorem.
On caps, for men and boys, made of fur,
leather, cloth, or straw, and on leather
shirts and drawers, fifty cents each.
On umbrellas, parasols, and sun-shades, com­
posed of silk, one dollar each ; if of any
other material, fifty cents each.
On epaulets and wings, one dollar per
pair.
On coaches, carriages, harness of all kinds,
saddlery, household furniture, musical in­
struments, artificial flowers, fancy boxes of
all kinds, pocket-books, purses, bead bags,
perfumery, perfumed soap, cosmetics of all
kinds, engravings, paintings, beads, rosa­
ries, alabaster and spar ornaments, toys,
paper hangings, opium, camphor, forty per
cent ad valorem.
On raw cotton, two cents per pound.
And on each and every article, not specially
enumerated and provided for herein, thirty
per cent ad valorem.

5.
The following goods, wares, and merchandise, are to be considered contraband of
war, and the importation thereof is strictly prohibited under a penalty of seizure and con­
fiscation of the goods, and of the vessel in which said goods may be found:—
Cannon, swords, dirks, lances, spears, bowie
Gmipowder; saltpetre.
Gun cotton.
knives, rifles, muskets, side-arms, and fire­
arms, and all other arms, implements, in­
Lead.
Sulphur and brimstone.
struments, and munitions of war.
And the importation of the following goods is prohibited under penalty of forfeiture:—
Steel, in bars, plates, sheets, or other form, except in bars less than one inch square, in­
tended for mining purposes.
6. W hen the duties are imposed by weight, no allowance will be made for tare or
draft; in that case, the duty will be computed on the gross weight, including the weight
of the cask, barrel, box, bag, or other package, and no allowance will be made for any de­
ficiency, leakage, or breakage, or damage sustained on the voyage of importation or other­
wise. Whenever a doubt exists as to the rate of duty to be collected on any article, the
highest rates which would be charged upon articles or fabrics which it resembles in charac­
ter, material, texture, or the use to which it may be applied, will be taken.
7. The consignee of goods, wares, or merchandise, imported under these regulations,
must produce to the United States’ commanding officer, naval or military, at the port, as
the case may be, an entry, invoice, and bill of lading thereof; in the entry, the marks,
numbers, description, and contents of packages, and the quantity and market value thereof,
and of each package, must be distinctly stated. The invoice must describe the goods, and
the weight, measure, or other quantity in each package, and the value thereof in the prin­
cipal markets of the country from whence the importation is made, together with all charges,
until laden on board at the port or place of shipment; which value shall be verified by the
oath of the owner or purchaser, and shall be of the form hereafter prescribed, (see Form
I.,) which oath, if the goods are imported from the United States, shall be administered by
the collector of the port from whence the importation is made ; if from a foreign port or a
port in Mexico, by a consul or commercial agent of the United States, if any there b e ;
otherwise, by a consul of any nation at peace with the United States.
Invoices must be made out in the currency of the country from whence imported, the
value whereof, if not fixed by the laws of the United States, must be stated in a certificate
of Form II., to be granted by a consul of the United States, if any there be ; otherwise, by
the certificate of two or more merchants residing at the port of shipment.
Goods fraudulently invoiced, and all goods landed, or attempted to be landed, without
permit, shall be confiscated.




Commercial Regulations.

501

The commandant of the port will receive all duties, and pay over the same the day suc­
ceeding, to the paymaster or purser, if any there be at the port, and if not, then to the
highest officer present, of the quartermaster or commissary’s department, and if none such
be present, then to such other officer as may be designated by the commandant, who may
also detail such non-commissioned officers, sailors, or marines, or other persons, as may be
necessary to aid in carrying into effect these regulations.
8. All goods, wares, and merchandise, upon which the duties have not been paid within
thirty days after the arrival of the vessel, will be taken possession of by the commandant,
at the expense and risk of the owner or consignee thereof, and will be sold at public auc­
tion, under the direction of said commandant, five days’ public notice being first given in a
public newspaper, if any there b e ; otherwise, by the public notice usually given at such
port. From the proceeds of such sale, the duties and expenses will be deducted, and
the residue thereof, if applied for within ten days, will be paid to the owner or consignee
of the goods so sold, otherwise said moneys will accrue to the government of the United
States.
9. All goods, wares, and merchandise, subject to confiscation, will be sold in like man­
ner within ten days after the seizure.
10. Upon goods, wares, or merchandise, the invoices of which are not verified in the
manner prescribed in the 7th article of these regulations, there shall be levied, collected,
and paid, on the importation thereof, besides the duties herein prescribed, an addition thereto
of one-fourth of the amount of the said duties.
11. If the port, or place of original destination in Mexico, named in the manifest, be
not in possession of the United States’ forces, the vessel may enter at any other port or
place in Mexico in such possession.
12. If upon the unlading of the cargo, any package or article, specified in the manifest,
shall be found wanting, the vessel shall be subject to an additional penalty of one dollar
per to n ; and if any goods, wares, or merchandise, shall be found on board, and not in­
cluded in the manifest, the same shall be forfeited to the use of the United States; and if
the value thereof shall exceed the sum of one thousand dollars, the vessel shall be seized
and confiscated.
13. The following goods, wares, and merchandise, are exempted from duty, to w it: ma­
chinery and machines, to be used for mining purposes in the gold or silver mines of
Mexico.
Quicksilver.
All articles, the sole property of the United States’ army or navy, in American vessels,
owned, chartered, or freighted by the government of the United States.
Whenever any goods are imported by sutlers, and the duties paid by them, as is required
by these regulations, and when the sutler shall first prove to the satisfaction of the com­
mandant of the post, that said sutler has actually sold any of said identical goods, so im­
ported by him, to any officer, soldier, sailor, or marine, for their own actual individual use
and consumption, and not as merchandise or for re-sale, then and in that case the duties so
actually paid on said goods so sold to any officer, soldier, sailor, or marine, as aforesaid,
shall be refunded to said sutlers; but before refunding the moneys so collected, it shall be
the duty of the council of administration which, under the direction of the commandant of
the post, fixes the price of sutlers’ goods, in determining the price of any of said goods so
sold, as aforesaid, to deduct the duty so paid from the price, with a view to avoid imposing
any of the burden of the duties herein prescribed upon the army or navy of the Union ;
and all officers’ individual stores, introduced for their own actual use, and equipments re­
quired by law, are exempt from duties.
14. Upon the arrival of any vessel within the ports aforesaid, a sentinel or sentinels
should be at once placed on board to prevent frauds upon the revenue. W hen the tonnage
duty has been paid, passengers can be permitted to land with their baggage, provided no
dutiable or prohibited articles are found therein. There will be required from the consignee
of any goods imported in each vessel, an entry as per Form III., to be deposited with the
commandant of the port; also an invoice verified as hereinbefore required.
The commandant of the port will direct the paymaster, purser, quartermaster, assistantquartermaster, commissary, assistant-commissary, or other disbursing officer of the United
States, who may be serving at such port or place, to estimate the duties, and upon the pay­
ment of the same, in cash, to the commandant, he will grant a permit of Form IV., which
the paymaster, purser, or other officer, will countersign, who. will also keep a record of the
amount received, to be compared with a similar record to be kept by the commandant who
receives the duties.
W hen the paymaster, purser, or other officer, is unable to ascertain the amount of duties
until the goods are weighed, guaged, or measured, the commandant will take a deposit




502

Commercial Regulations.

equal at least to the estimated duties; and any amount which, when the duties are correct­
ly ascertained, may appear to be overpaid, he will return to the importer.
15. Whenever the commandant, paymaster, purser, or other officer, has reason to sus­
pect that any goods are fraudulently invoiced, he shall institute such an examination as, in
his opinion, may be proper and necessary.
All goods, which may remain on board at the expiration of ten days from the arrival of
the vessel, should be warehoused on shore under the directions of the commandant, and,
if the duties are not paid at the expiration of thirty days after such arrival, they must be
sold under the regulations prescribed herein.
The currencies and weights, guage, and measures, of various countries, with their equiva­
lent United States’ standard, will be found in the table annexed.*
The commandant will require the paymaster, purser, or other officer, to transmit to the
Secretary of W ar or Navy, on the first of each month, a statement as per Form V., show­
ing the amounts received by him, the vessel in which imported, and by whom paid; also,
a weekly statement of the moneys received, and a statement of the goods sold at auction
as per Form VI.
16. All government monopolies for revenue, or income and prohibitions, except as herein
mentioned, of imports into any of the said ports of Mexico, and all duties on exports, or
prohibitions of exports, and all interior transit duties, and all auction and retail taxes or
duties on imports on the sale thereof, any law, usage, or custom of Mexico to the contrary
notwithstanding, are hereby annulled and abolished.
17. The commandant will use and occupy, for the transaction of business and for the
storage of imports, all public buildings in the ports aforesaid; and if such buildings shall
not be found sufficient for the purposes indicated, he will require the Mexican authorities to
furnish him with additional buildings, free of charge to the United States.
18. Prior to the departure of vessels from the ports aforesaid, the paymaster, purser, or
other officer, as the case may be, will require the master to produce to him a manifest of
the outward cargo of such vessel, specifying the marks, numbers, description, and contents
of packages, and the value thereof, as per Form VII., a copy of which, signed by the said
paymaster, purser, or other officer, and countersigned by the commandant, will be granted
to the master, together with a clearance, to be endorsed thereon, as per Form VIII. No
clearance will be granted to any vessel of the United States to any other port or place in
Mexico, except such port or place be in the possession of the United States.
The exportation of goods from any port or place in Mexico, in our possession, the im­
portation of which is prohibited by these instructions, is also strictly prohibited.
19. These regulations apply at once to Matamoras, Tampico, St. Francisco, and Mon­
terey, (in California,) &c., &c., and such other ports or places as may, from time to time,
come into-our possession, as soon as possession is taken.
All goods brought into the United States from any of the said'ports or places in Mex­
ico, will, of course, be chargeable with duty in the United States; but no drawback will
be allowed on exports from any of the said Mexican ports or places.
Moneys to be collected under these instructions, to be paid over to the paymaster, pur­
ser, or other officer, to be retained by him, under the directions of the commandant, as a
military contribution, subject to the order of the W ar and Navy Departments; but no
fees, charges, commission, or compensation of any kind, to be paid or allowed for the per­
formance of any of the duties prescribed by these regulations.
20. All the duties directed in these regulations to be performed by the commandant of
any post or place in our military possession, may be devolved by such commandant on any
subordinate officer to be designated by him, who shall perform the same, subject to the
supervision and control of such commandant. The apportionment and distribution of the
duties to be performed by the officers of the army or navy should be made with the ap­
proval of the President of the United States, by the Secretaries of W ar and of the Navy.
R. J. W alker, Secretary of the Treasury.
Treasury Department, March 30, 1847.

F orm I.
I,
John Brown, do solemnly, sincerely, and truly swear or affirm, that I am the owner
or purchaser of the goods, wares, and merchandise, described in the within or annexed
invoice; that the fair market value of said goods, in the principal markets of the countiy
* See “ Journal of Banking* Currency, and Finance,” in the present number of this
Magazine, pp. 507, 508*




Commercial Regulations.

503

of production thereof, at the present time, including all costs for bleaching, dyeing, press­
ing, and packing, and for inland transportation, and all other charges to the place of ship­
ment, amounting to three thousand Bremen rix dollars, is correctly stated in said invoice.
And I farther swear, that the quantity is truly stated therein. So help me God.
[l. s.]
(Signed,)
J ohn Brown.
Sworn to, before me, this 22d March, in the year 1847, at the United States’ Consulate
at Bremen.
A. B„ Consul.

F orm II.
I hereby testify that the value of the franc o f Switzerland, in which currency the
annexed or within invoice is made out, is equal to twenty-seven cents United States’
currency.
r
i Given under my hand and seal of office, at the United States’ Consulate at Basle,
[l. s.j jjjjg 22j March, in the year 1847.
A. B., Consul.

F orm III.
Entry o f merchandise imported hy John Brown, in the ship Fosca Helena from Bremen.
Marks.

Nos.

Value at Value at Value at Value at
Packages
and
Quantity. specific 40 per 30 per 20 per Val. at com­ Total.
contents.
rates.
cent. pound duties.
cent.
cent.

J. D. 1 to 14 14 pipes
brandy.

1,400
galls.

$1,400

$1,400

Duty, 14 pipes at $60, $840.
(Signed,)
T ampico, March 22, 1847.

J ohn Brown.

F orm IV.
John Brown having paid the duties, amounting to $840, on J. V. 1 to 14, fourteen pipes
brandy, imported by him, in the ship Fosca Helena, from Bremen, permission is hereby
given to land the same.
C. D., Paymaster,
A. B., Commandant
T ampico, March 22, 1847.

F orm V.

1847.
Ship
Mar. 23. Fosca Helena Bremen John Brown
$1,400 $840
ii
ii
it
Tonnage Duty
130
it
it
Tonnage penalty
$130
it
ii
it
Confiscated
600
$600
it
it
ii
Sold for duties
1,000 400
$600

Total.

Proceeds of goods
confiscated.
Proceeds of goods
sold for duties.

Penalties paid.

Duty paid.

Value of imports.

Consignees.

Where from.

Vessels’ names.

Date of arrival.

Statement o f revenue collected at the port o f Tampico, during the month ending 31 et
March, 1847.

$840
130
130
600
600
$2,300

(Signed,)
(Countersigned,)




C. D., Paymaster.
A . B., Commandant

504

Commercial Regulations.

F orm VI.
Statement o f goods sold at the port o f Tampico during the month ending 3lsf March,
1847.
Date of
Name of vessel. Wherefrom. Consignee. Gross Duty. Other Nett pro­
arrival.
sales.
charges.
ceeds.
1847.
M’ch 23, Ship Fosca Helena Bremen
Do.
Do.
Do.

Unknown
Confiscated

1,000
600

400

25
40

575
560
1,125

(Signed,)
(Countersigned,)

C. D., Paymaster.
A. B., Commandant.

F orm VII.
Manifest o f the cargo o f the ship Fosca Helena, which was laden on board at the port
o f Tampico, and bound fo r Bremen.
Marks. Nos. Descrip, ofpack, and contents. Quantity. Value. Ship’rs name. Consign’s name.

T ampico, March 25, 1847.
F orm VIII.
W e certify that the master of the ship Fosca Helena, has deposited a manifest of the
cargo of said vessel, with the United States’ authorities at this port, of which the within
is a true copy.
Permission is hereby granted for said vessel to sail for the port of Bremen.
Dated at T ampico, March 25th, 1847.
C. D., Paymaster.
(Countersigned,)
A. B., Commandant.
PA SSEN GERS IN M ERCHA NT VESSELS.
TREASURY CIRCULAR TO COLLECTORS AND OTHER OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS, IN REGARD TO AN
ACT OF CONGRESS TO REGULATE THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS IN MERCHANT VESSELS.

Treasury Department, March 17, 1847.
The particular attention of the officers of the customs is called to the provisions of an
act, entitled “ An Act to Regulate the Carriage of Passengers in Merchant Vessels,” ap­
proved 22d February, 1847; and also to the act to amend the aforesaid act, approved 2d
March, 1847.
It will be perceived that, by the amendatory act of the 22d instant, the regulations pre­
scribed in the law of the 22d February last, take effect and go into operation from and
after the 31st day of May next, in regard to all vessels arriving from ports on this side of
the Capes of Good Hope and Horn, and in regard to vessels arriving from places beyond
said capes, on and after the 30th day of October next ensuing. The second section of
this act, also repeals so much of the act of February last, “ as authorizes shippers to esti­
mate two children of eight years of age and under as one passenger in the assignment of
room” in the vessel.
It is not conceived that the provisions of the aforesaid acts repeal, or conflict with those
of the act “ Regulating Passenger Ships and Vessels,” approved 2d March, 1819. Hence
the limitation of the number of passengers to two for every five tons of the vessel, accor­
ding to custom-house measurement; also, the regulations in regard to the requisite sup­
ply of water, provisions, &c., and the penalties prescribed, are still in full operation.
It is strictly enjoined upon the officers of the customs to have all vessels about to depart
for foreign ports, or arriving therefrom with passengers, carefully examined, to see that the
number of passengers does not exceed the limit fixed by law, and that the space prescribed
in the first section of the act of 22d February last, for the accommodation of each passen­




Commercial Regulations.

505

ger, ha9 been allotted; and also to ascertain that due compliance is had with the provisions
of the third section, regulating the construction and dimensions of the berths. The num­
ber of tiers of berths is limited by the act to two, with an interval between the floor and
the deck or platform, of at least six inches. Each berth is required to be “ at least six feet
in length, and at least eighteen inches in width, for each passenger.” A separate berth of
these dimensions must be provided for each passenger, and it cannot be permitted to in­
crease said dimensions with a view to accommodate more than one person, as the law
clearly contemplates each berth to be assigned to a single passenger. Besides, it is to be
distinctly understood, that the berths are not to interfere or encroach upon the space allot­
ted by the first section of the act to each passenger, which is to be of the prescribed num­
ber of clear superficial feet of deck, according to the circumstances mentioned in the law.
Children of eight years of age, and under, are each to be considered and computed a sin­
gle passenger.
The penalties imposed by the 1st, 2d, and 3d sections of the act, must be rigidly en­
forced in all cases of a violation of the same.
R. J. W alker, Secretary of the Treasury.

D EFICIEN CY , DAMAGE, LEAKAGE, AND BREAKAGE.
The following circular to the collectors and other officers of customs, from the United
States Treasury Department, relative to allowances for “ deficiency, damage, leakage, and
breakage,” is published for the information of our importing merchants:—

T reasury Department, March 24, 1847.
The attention of the department having been specially called to the subject of allowances
for deficiency, damage, leakage, and breakage, under existing laws, and particularly in
reference to the provisions of the 58th and 59th sections of the act of 2d March, 1799, it
is decided that in all cases where allowances are claimed under said sections, or either of
them, the appraisers or other proper officers shall first ascertain whether any deficiency,
damage, leakage, or breakage has occurred during the voyage of importation, by stress of
weather, or other accident at 6ea; and if so, and the actual leakage, deficiency, or break­
age, cannot be otherwise ascertained, then to make the allowance, as the case may be, for
draft, tare, leakage, or breakage, to the extent authorized by said sections; but if said dam­
age, deficiency, leakage, or breakage, so occurring as before mentioned, shall be found by
said appraisers or other officers, to be less than the amount authorized by the said sections,
then the allowance shall only be for the actual damage, deficiency, leakage, or breakage ;
and if the amount be ascertained to be actually greater than the amount allowed in said
sections, the actual damage, deficiency, leakage, or breakage, shall still be allowed, subject
to the limitations and restrictions imposed by former circulars.
It must be remembered that draft can be allowed only on articles imported in bulk, and
tare on articles imported in casks, barrels, bags, boxes, or other packages, and leakage or
breakage in the case of liquors; but when there is an allowance for tare, draft, leakage, or
breakage, it must be confined to a separate allowance for one of them, and cannot be ex­
tended to two or more.
Under the 58th section, the allowances for draft or tare are only permitted on “ articles
subject to duty by weight,” and imder the 59th section, the allowance for leakage and
breakage is eonfined to liquors “ subject to duty by the gallon ;” and there being no duties
imposed by the act approved 30th July, 1846, either by weight or gallon, it is an extremely
liberal construction to allow, in any case, any operation whatever to those sections, even to
the limited extent permitted by these instructions.
R. J. W alker, Secretary o f the Treasury.
REGULATION S OF T H E PROVINCE OF MACAO.
In the Merchants’ Magazine for February, 1847, we published the new harbor regula­
tions for the port of Macao, China, which went into operation the 7th of May, 1846.
W e are now indebted to Joao Maria Ferreira do Amaral, for an additional order of the
Governor of the Province of Macao, Timor, and Solor, which we here annex:—
The Governor of the Province of Macao, Timor, and Solor, in council, determines as
follows:—
Considering that the duty of five mace per ton, which the vessels anchored in the Typa
have paid, is excessive, it is judged proper to enact as follows:—




506

Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance.

1. Native and foreign vessels, which heretofore were obliged to pay five mace per ton
in the anchorage of Typa, shall from this date pay one mace per ton.
2. This duty so reduced, shall be paid only by vessels that remain more than six days
in the Typa.
3. This anchorage duty shall be sufficient for one year, to be reckoned from the date in
which the vessels anchor for the first time in the harbor.
4. Thus, as by the preceding article, vessels which have once paid tonnage dues, may
enter and depart freely for the space of a y ear; in the same manner, vessels, which within
one year enter and leave the harbor oftener than once, shall be obliged to pay duty for
that year, when the sum of the days they have remained at anchor shall exceed six.
5. No tonnage dues shall be paid by—
§ 1. Vessels, whether native or foreign, not exceeding one hundred tons.
§ 2. Ships that have paid in the river of Macao, for the space of a year from the time
they anchored in the first port.
§ 3. Vessels having a cargo entirely of rice.
§ 4. Vessels that enter, having suffered great damage, for the whole time they are em­
ployed in repairs.
§ 5. Steam-vessels employed in conveying passengers between Hongkong, Canton, and
Macao.
The authorities, to whom the cognizance of this belongs, have so judged and decreed.

J oao Maria F erreira do A maral.
Macao, 30th July, 1846.

JOURNAL OF BANKING, CURRENCY AND FINANCE.
COINAGE OF T H E U N ITED S T A T E S’ M IN T AND BRANCHES.
W e are indebted to the Hon. B. B. French, Clerk of the House of Representatives, for
a copy of the Annual Report of the Director of the Mint at Philadelphia, and the Branch
Mints, for 1846, transmitted by the President of the United States to Congress, on the 4th
February, 1847. It shows the operations of that institution for 1846, and for former years.
From this Report, it appears that the coinage at the principal mint amounted to $3,623,443 ;
comprising $2,234,655 in gold, $1,347,580 in silver, and $41,208 in copper coins, and
composed of 7,447,335 pieces. The deposits of gold within the year amounted to $2,270,529,
and those of silver to $1,362,330.
A t the New Orleans branch mint, the coinage amounted to $2,483,800; comprising
$1,272,800 in gold, and $1,211,000 in silver coins, and composed of 2,578,780 pieces.
The deposits for coinage amounted to $1,207,538 in gold, and $1,216,436 in silver.
The branch mint at Dahlonega received, during the year, deposits of gold'to the value
of $455,149, and its coinage amounted to $449,727 50; composed of 80,294 half-eagles,
and 19,303 quarter-eagles.
The rebuilding of the branch mint at Charlotte has been completed, and the new ma­
chinery made and set up, at a cost short of the estimates presented. The mint began its
operations in October, 1846, and during the three remaining months of the year the de­
posits of gold amounted to $196,381, and the coinage to $76,995; composed of 12,995
half-eagles, and 4,808 quarter-eagles.
The whole coinage for the year, at the four mints, amounted to $6,633,965 ; composed
of $4,034,177 in gold, $2,558,580 in silver, and $41,208 in copper coins.*
* For an elaborate article on the Coinage of the United States’ Mint and Branches, w ith.
full tabular statements of coinage from the commencement of their operations in 1793, &c.,
to 1843, see Merchants’ Magazine, Vol. X., No. 3, pp. 240-250 -, also, for an article on the
United States’ Branch Mint at New Orleans, see Merchants’ Magazine, Vol. XIV., No. 1,
pp. 66-69; also, see Vol. XV., No. 2, pp. 202-205, for tables of Coinage at the United.
States’ Mint and Branches, in 1845, &c.




507

Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance.
FO REIG N CURRENCY, W EIG H TS, AND M EASURES.

The annexed table of foreign money or currency, weights and measures, as fixed by
law or usage, emanates from the Treasury Department at Washington, and was appended
to the tariff of duties imposed by the United States in such ports of Mexico as may be now
or hereafter in our military possession, for the information of collectors of customs in Mex­
ican ports. We republish it for the information of commercial men generally:—
THE RATES AT WHICH FOREIGN MONEY OR CURRENCY ARE FIXED BY LAW.

Franc, of France or Belgium.
Florin, of Netherlands..........
Florin, of Southern States of
Germany............................
Guilder of Netherlands.........
Livre, (Tournois,) of France.
Lira, of the Lombardo Venitian Kingdom.....................
Lira, of Tuscany....................
Lira, of Sardinia....................
Milrea, of Portugal...............
Milrea, of Azores...................
Marco Banco, of Hamburgh.
Pound sterl., of Gr’t Britain..
Pound, of British Provinces
of N. Scotia, N. Brunsw’k,
Newfoundl’d and Canada.

18 6-10 Pagoda, of India...........................
40
Real vellon, of Spain....................
Real plate, of Spain......................
40
Rupee, Company...........................
40
Rupee, of British India.................
184
Specie dollar, of Denmark...........
Rix dollar, or thaler, of Prussia &
16
the North States of Germany.
16
Rix dollar, of Bremen..................
18 6-10 Rouble, silver, of Russia................
Specie dollar, of Sweden and
$ 1 12
Norway.......................................
834
Florin, of Austria..........................
35
Ducat, of Naples...........................
4 84
Ounce, of Sicily............................
Tale, of China...............................
Leghorn livre.................................
4 00

$ i 84
05

10

i

444
44A
05
69
78*
75

i 06
484
80
2 40
1 48
16

CURRENCIES BY USAGE, IN WHICH A CERTIFICATE OF VALUE IS REQUIRED TO BE ATTACHED TO
THE INVOICE.

..................
Crown, of Tuscany... .................
Florin, of Prussia...... ...................
Florin, of Basle.........
Florence livre........... ...................
Geneva livre............. ...................
Jamaica pound..........
Leghorn dollar..........
Livre, of Catalonia... ..................

28
$1 05 Paper rouble, varies from 4 rou22*
bles 65 copecks, to 4 roubles 84
copecks to the dollar.
15 Rix dollar, of Saxony....................
21 Rix dollar, Rhenish........................
Swiss livre......................................
Scuda, of Malta.............................
534 Turkish piastre...............................

$ 0 264

69
60*
27
40
05

TABLE OF FOREIGN WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, REDUCED TO THE STANDARD OF THE UNITED STATES.

Amsterdam.
100 lbs , 1 centner.............. 108.93 lbs.
Last of grain........................
85.25 bush.
Ahm of wine......................
41.00 gal’s.
Amsterdam foot..................
0.93 ft.
Antwerp foot......................
0.94 ft
Rhineland foot....................
1.03 ft.
2.26 ft
Amsterdam ell...................
Ell of the Hague................
2.28 ft.
Ell of the Brabant................
2.30 ft.
China.
T ail.......................................
1£ oz.
16 tails 1 catty....................
l^lb s.
100 catties 1 picul................
133| lbs.
Denmark.
100 pounds of centner....... 110.28 lbs.
Barrel, or teonde, of coin...
3.95 bush.
Viertel of wine...................
2.04 gal’s.
Copenhagen, or Rhineland
foot...................................
1.03 ft.
England.
Old ale gallon.....................
1.22 gal’s.
Imperial gallon...................
1.20 gal’s.
Old wine gallon..................
1.00 gal’s.




Quarter of grain, or 8 im­
perial bushels..................
8.25 bush.
Imperial corn bushel, or 8
imperial gallons..............
1.03 bush.
1.00 bush.
Old Winchester, do...........
Imperial yard......................
36.00 inch.
Troy pound......................... 144-175 lbs. av.
France.
**
Metre...................................
3.28 ft
Decimetre (l-10th metre)..
3.94 inch.
Veit.......................................
2.00 gal’s.
Hectolitre............................
26.42 gal’s.
2.64 gal’s.
Decalitre,
2.11 pints.
Litre.............
Kilolitre.......
35.32 f t
Hectolitre....
2.84 bush.
Decalitre......
9.08 q’rte.
Millier..........
2.025 lbs.
Quintal.......
220.54 lbs.
Kilogramme
2.21 lbs.
Florence and Leghorn.
horn.
100 pounds, or 1 cantaro...
74.86 lbs.
Moggio of grain.................
16.59 bush.
12.04 gal’s.

508

Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance,

Genoa.
100 pounds, or peso grosso.
100 pounds, or peso sottile.
Mina of grain.....................
Mezzerola of wine..............
Hamburgh.
Last of grain........................
Ahm ofwine......, ................
Hamburgh foot...................
E ll........................................
Malta.
100 pounds, 1 cantar.........
Salma of grain.............-....
Foot.....................................
Naples.
Cantara grosso...................
Cantara picolo...................
Carro of grain.....................
Carro of wine.....................
Netherlands.
Ell........................................
Mudde of Zak....................
Vat Hactolitre....................
Kan Litre............................
Poud Kilogramme.............
Portugal.
100 pounds..........................
22 pounds..........................
4 arrobas of 22 pounds (1
quintal).........................
Alquiere............................
Majo of grain......................
Last of salt..........................
A lm udeofw ine..................
Prussia.
100 pounds of 2 Cologne
marks each......................
Quintal 110 pounds...........
Sheffel of grain...................
Eimar of wine....................
Ell of cloth..........................
F o o t.....................................
Pome.
Rubbio of grain..................
Barih of wine......................

76.87 lbs.
69.89 lbs.
3.43 bush.
39.22 gal’s.
86.64 bush.
38.25 gal’s.
0.96 ft.
1.92 ft.
174.50 lbs.
8.22 bush.
0.85 ft.
196.50 lbs.
106.00 lbs.
52.24 bush.
264.00 gal’s.
3.28 f t
2.84 bush.
26.42 gal’s.
2.11 pints.
2.21 lbs.
101.19 lbs.
22.26 lbs.
89.05 lbs.
4.75 bush.
23.03 bush.
70.00 bush.
4.47.gal’s.
103.11 lbs.
113.42 lbs.
1.56 bush.
18.14 gal’s.
2.19 ft.
1.03 ft.
8.36 bush.
15.31 gal’s.

Russia.
100 pounds of 32 laths each
90.26 lbs.
Chertwert of grain.............
5.95 bush.
Vedro of wine.....................
3.25 gal’s.
1.18 gal’s.
Petersburg!] foot.................
Moscow foot.......................
1.10 gal’s.
1.36 lbs.
Pood....................................
Sicily.
Cantaro grosso.................... 192.50 lbs.
Cantaro sottile.................... 175.00 lbs.
100 pounds.......................
70.00 lbs.
Salma grossa of grain.......
9.77 bush.
Salma generale...................
7.85 bush.
Salma of wine....................
23.06 gal’s.
Spain.
Quintal, or 4 arrobas......... 101.44 lbs.
Arroba.................................
25.36 lbs.
Arroba of wine...................
4.43 gal’s.
Tranega of grain................
1.60 bush.
Sweden.
100 pounds, or 5 lispunds.
73.76 lbs.
Kan of Can.........................
7.42 bush.
Last......................................
75.00 bush.
Cann of wine......................
69.00 gal’s.
Ell of cloth.........................
1.95 ft.
Smyrna.
100 pounds, (1 quintal,). . 129.48 lbs.
O ke......................................
2.83 lbs.
Quiltal of grain...................
1.46 bush.
Quiltal of wine...................
13.50 gal’s.
Trieste.
100 pounds.......................... 123.60 lbs.
Stajo of grain.....................
2.34 bush.
Orna, or eirna of wine.......
14.94 gal’s.
Ell for woollen...................
2.22 ft.
Ell for silk...........................
2.10 ft.
Venice.
100 pounds fresogroso....... 105.18 lbs.
65.04 lbs.
100 pounds peso sattile........
Moggio of grain..................
9.08 bush.
Anifara of wine................. 137.00 gal’s.

INSURAN CE COM PANIES IN M A SSACHU SETTS.
INSURANCE COMPANIES OUT OF BOSTON, IN MASSACHUSETTS, TO DECEMBER

Lynn Mechanics’ Fire
and M arine ......................
Marblehead Marine.......
Essex, Salem ..................
Oriental, “ ..................
Fairhaven........................
N. Bedford Commercial.
“
Mechanics’. ..
“
Pacific.............
“
W haling .........
Plymouth, Old Colony...
Provincetown, Union....
Nantucket, Commercial.




Capital.
$ 5 0 ,0 0 0
1 0 0 ,0 0 0
1 0 0 ,0 0 0
2 0 0 ,0 0 0
1 0 0 ,0 0 0
1 5 0 ,0 0 0
1 0 0 ,0 0 0
1 0 0 ,0 0 0
1 0 0 ,0 0 0
5 0 ,0 0 0
7 5 ,0 0 0
7 5 ,0 0 0

A t risk, Marine.
$ 3 0 ,7 0 0 00
5 6 ,5 5 0 0 0
3 1 1 ,7 7 0 0 0
3 4 2 ,3 0 5 00
2 ,3 3 4 ,1 5 3 66
1 4 ,0 0 0 00
6 1 3 ,6 3 7
1 3 9 ,2 4 5
1 2 6 ,1 6 1
2 8 5 ,7 3 0

50
00
00
50

$ 1 ,2 0 0 ,0 0 0 !$ 4 ,2 6 4 ,2 5 2 00

1, 1846.

A t risk, Fire. Fire losses. Mar. losses.
$ 1 4 ,4 5 0 0 0
.........
$ 6 0 0 28
.........
6 ,2 8 5 9 3
4 5 ,4 5 0 66 ......... 2 4 ,5 5 9 91
.........
1 ,6 8 1 41
.........
2 2 8 07
......... 4 3 ,8 2 5 0 0
..
.........
8 ,8 6 8 61
.........
1 ,4 9 0 61
.........
2 ,2 6 9 8 2
1 8 ,2 9 0 66 .........
5 ,3 3 2 67
.........
4 ,6 1 1 0 3
• • ......... 5 ,9 5 7 8 1

.......

.,

.......

$ 7 8 ,1 9 0 0 0

......... $ 1 0 5 ,7 1 1

15

Journal o f Banking, Currency, and Finance.
INSURANCE COMPANIES, WITH SPECIFIC CAPITAL, TO DEC.

American........
Boston..............
Boylstonand }
Fire Marine $
Firemen’s .......
F ranklin .........
Hope................
Manufacturers’
Merc. M arine.
Merchants’......
.National...........
Neptune...........
Suffolk.............
T rem ont.........
United States..
W arren............
Washington....

C a p ita l.

A t risk, M arin e.

A t risk, F ire .

$300,000
300,000

$4,683,528
2,180,311

$3,086,651

300,000

2,189,792

300,000
300,000
200,000
400,000
300,000
500,000
500,000
200,000
225,000
200,000
200,000
150,000
200,000

1,672,675
492,265
1,954,411
1,639,071
7,247,702
4,239,462
6,933,110
1,022,658
4,734,337
1,128,866
1,992,270
2,365,778

1, 1846,

509
IN BOSTON.

F ire losses,
last year.

M a rin e losses,
last year.

$13,093 46

$113,905 79
73,756 88
86,331 57

3,210,463

3,334 11

10,824,495
3,711,883

48,193 65
11,897 64

12,391,773

51,854 66

13,856,305
7,867,453
4,331,882
542,815
1,338,786
372,850

38,883
22,692
7,407
972
2,107
180

26
59
41
37
84
00

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

46,168
3,895
58,417
61,608
142,296
51,822
328,548
39,465
173,138
14,288
102,322
78,320

si
58
12
78
72
36
40
77
75
82
73
32

$4,575,000 $44,476,236 $61,535,356 $200,616 33 $1,374,278 10
U N ITE D S T A T E S T R EA SU R Y N O TES AND STOCKS.

T reasury Department, March 22d, 1847.
All persons having business relating to the issuing and transfer of United States stock,
and payment of interest thereon, are requested to address their communications to the
Register of the Treasury, who has charge of all such matters.
On funding Treasury notes, he will hereafter issue certificates of stock on the receipted
schedule signed by the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurers for the principal. Those offi­
cers will pay the interest due thereon in money.
Persons wishing to deposit Treasury notes for stock, are requested in all cases to make
schedules of them, and cast the interest thereon according to forms which will be furnished
by the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers.
Parties depositing Treasury notes for stock, are requested to give the name of the per­
son to whom the stock is to be issued, with his residence, and with the place where he
wishes the interest to be paid.
The scrip will be issued to the person named in the certificate, unless when assigned and
witnessed, in the same manner as provided for the transfer of certificates of stock.
Holders of notes, issued under different acts of Congress, will present them scheduled
separately, and take separate certificates therefor.
After the 31st day of March, instant, all certificates of stock will be impressed with the
seal of the department, and signed only by the Register of the Treasury.
R. J. W alker, Secretary of the Treasury.
FREN CH TOBACCO CONTRACT.
The large tobacco contracts advertised by the government have been taken u p ; the
supply of 1,800,000 kilos, of Virginia, and 150,000 kilos, of Maryland, being taken by
M. Pescatore, the first at 86f. 33c., the latter at 163Jf. The supply of 2,400,000 kilos, of
different descriptions of Maryland was contracted for by M. de Rothschild, at 103f. 81c.
The conveyance of these vast quantities of tobacco from the United States to France
gave rise to a discussion between the American minister, Mr. King, and the French gov­
ernment. The latter at first laid down the condition that the contractors should be bound
to bring the tobacco to France in French vessels, but eventually consented to abandon it,
in compliance with the remonstrances of Mr. King. Had it been persisted in, it would
not only have been a heavy loss to American shipping, but a violation of the Navigation
Treaty of 1822.




510

Mercantile Miscellanies«

MERCANTILE

MISCELLANIES.

T H E GOOD M ERCHANT.

In the last number of this Magazine, we gave a brief extract from the Rev. T heodore
P arker’s “ Sermon o f M erchants” which was preached at Boston, on Sunday, the 22d
of November, 1846. Near the close of that discourse, he describes in contrast the “ Bad ”
and the “ Good Merchant.” As some of our readers would, perhaps, object to certain
unique, and rather pungent terms, used in that portion of the description which refers to
the former, we have concluded to transfer the more agreeable picture of the Good Mer­
chant, and refer the curious in such matters to the discourse itself, which was published
by request of those who heard i t :—
“ The Good Merchant tells the Truth and thrives by th a t; is upright and downright;
his word, good as his Bible-oath. He pays for all he takes; though never so rich, he
owns no wicked dollar; all is openly, honestly, manfully earned, and a full equivalent
paid for it. He owns money and i3 worth a man. He is just, in business with the strong;
charitable, in dealing with the weak. His Counting-Room, or his Shop, is the sanctuary
of fairness, justice—a school of uprightness, as well as thrift. Industry and Honor go hand
in hand with him. He gets rich by industry and forecast, not by sleight of hand and shuf­
fling his cards to another’s loss. No man becomes the poorer because he is rich. He
would sooner hurt himself than wrong another, for he is a man, not a fox. He entraps no
man with lies, active or passive. His Honesty is better capital than a Sharper’s Cunning.
Yet he makes no more talk about Justice and Honesty, than the Sun talks of light and
h e a t; they do their own talking. His profession of Religion is all practice. He knows
that a good man is just as near Heaven in his shop, as in his church; at work, as at
prayer; so he makes all work sacramental; he communes with God and Man in buying
and selling—communion in both kinds. He consecrates his week-day and his work.
Christianity appears more divine in this man’s deeds than in the holiest words of Apostle
or Saint. He treats every man as he wishes all to treat him, and thinks no more of that
than of carrying one for every ten. It is the rule of his arithmetic. You know this man
is a Saint, not by his creed, but by the letting of his houses, his treatment of all that de­
pend on him. He is a Father to defend the weak, not a Pirate to rob them. He looks
out for the welfare of all that he employs ; if they are his help, he is theirs; and as he is
the strongest, so the greater help. His private prayer appears in his public w ork; for in
his devotion he does not apologise for his sin, but asking to outgrow that, challenges him­
self to new Worship and Piety. He sets on foot new enterprises, which develop the na­
tion’s wealth, and help others while they help him. He wants laws that take care of Man’s
Rights, knowing that then he can take care of himself and of his own, but hurt no man by
so doing. He asks laws for the weak ; not against them. He would not take vengeance
on the wicked, but correct them. His Justice tastes of Charity. He tries to remove the
causes of Poverty, Licentiousness, of all crime, and thinks that is alike the duty of Church
and State. Ask not him to make a Statesman a Party Man, or the churches an apology
for his lowness; he knows better—he calls that Infidelity. He helps the weak help them­
selves. He is a moral educator—a church of Christ gone into business—a Saint in trade.
The Catholic Saint who stood on a pillar’s top, or shut himself into a den and fed on grass,
is gone to his place—that Christian Nebuchadnezzar. He got fame in his day. No man
honors him now ; nobody even imitates him. But the Saint of the nineteenth century is
the Good Merchant; he is wisdom for the foolish, strength for the weak, warning to the
wicked, and a blessing to all. Build him a shrine in Bank and Church, in the Market and
the Exchange, or build it n o t: no Saint stands higher than this Saint of Trade. There
are such men, rich and poor, young and old; such men in Boston. I have known more
than one such, and far greater and better than I have told of, for I purposely under-color
this poor sketch. They need no word of mine for encouragement or sympathy. Have
they not Christ and God to aid and bless them ? Would that some word of mine might
stir the heart of others to be such—of you young men. They stand there clean amid the
dust of commerce and the mechanic’s busy life; they stand there like great square Pyra­
mids in the desert, amongst the shifting tents of the Arabs. Look at them, ye young men,
and be healed of your folly. Think—it is not the calling which corrupts the man, but the
men the calling. The most experienced will tell you so. I know it demands manliness
to make a man, but it is that work God sent you here to do.”




511

Mercantile Miscellanies.
COM MERCIAL VALUE OF T H E MICROSCOPE.
METHOD OF DETECTING FRAUDS IN THE ADULTERATION OF MUSK.

Dr. Neligan, the lecturer on materia medica, in the Dublin medical school, has discov­
ered the means of detecting the adulteration of musk, by the aid of the microscope. This
gentleman states, as we learn from the British Critic, that owing to the high price and
great demand for musk, which, as is now generally very well known, is the secretion from
the male musk animal, the moschus moschiferus, and that it is generally imported into the
British market from China, in the natural bags of the animal, by wholesale London drug­
gists, by whom it is retailed to the trade, many of them finding it very much adulterated,
prefer purchasing the unopened b a g ; this precaution, however, is often found not a suffi­
cient protection against fraud, as spurious musk bags are very common, and so well pre­
pared by the ingenious Chinaman, that even the most experienced eye is often unable to
distinguish the true from the false. It appears that the Chinese, finding a greater demand
for musk than they are able to supply with the genuine article, squeeze out some of the
secretion, which is fluid in the recent state, and mix it with, it is believed, the dried blood
of the anim al; this compound, which presents the same physical characters as true musk,
they put into small sacs made of pieces of the skin cut off from other parts of the animal’s
body, and prepared with the usual ingenuity of this people, so much so, indeed, as almost
to defy detection with the naked eye. The method hitherto adopted for detecting this so­
phistication, has been the peculiar position of the hairs, which are arranged in a circular
manner around the orifice in the genuine musk pod. The means which, are now proposed
to detect the fraud, depend on the microscopic character of the hairs, which grow on the
sac of the musk animal, and which differ very remarkably from those of the false sacs
which are met with in commerce. On placing hairs from both under the microscope, it
will be seen that those from the natural sac of the animal are furnished in the interior with
distinct, regular, color cells, while in hairs taken from other parts of the animal’s body,
those cells appear to be obliterated, as is generally the case in this and the allied tribes of
animals. The method above proposed, to detect imposition, is a very simple one, and of
easy application now that every pharmaceutist is supposed to be provided with a microscrope, without which, he could not possibly detect the adulteration of arrow-root and of
the other feculas of commerce.

IM PRISO N M EN T FOR DEBT.

'

A correspondent wishes us to attack imprisonment for debt, which, we believe, still con­
tinues in this enlightened commonwealth, (Massachusetts,) provided the creditor swears
that he has reason to believe the debtor intends to leave the State. This law, our corre­
spondent says, is the fruitful source of peq'ury. It would be wonderful if it were not. W e
confess we can see no good reason for such a law. It is no crime to leave the State. It
is even no evidence that the debtor does not intend to pay. His leaving the State may be
necessary to acquire the means of paying. The law operates against the poor; for, against
those who have property, there is another remedy. But we wish the legislature, while
about it, would copy the wisdom of Wisconsin, and lay the axe at the root of the credit
system. Some time or other it must do so ; why delay ? Let there be no laws whatever
for the collection of debts under a certain sum, say one hundred dollars. We believe it
better to have none for any sum. But we must creep before we can w^alk. Let us first
abolish the small credit system which entraps the poor. This can be done effectually by
repealing all laws for the compulsory collection of small debts. Let credit five as it can
under this system. Live, it will, on the soil of humanity and honor. And in regard to
large debts, we believe those merchants, who have trusted altogether to honor and not at
all to lawyers or law, will be found to have come off best in the long run. Law is a poor
remedy for roguery—better keep clear of both. In saying all this, we beg the pardon of
our numerous legal patrons. W e hope they won’t stop.— Boston Chronotype.




512

Nautical Intelligence.

NAUTICAL

INTELLIGENCE.

PASSAGE THROUGH T H E ST R A IT S OF M AGELLAN.

T he following is a copy of a letter addressed to the editor of the “ European Times,”
by John Longmuier, master of the bark Cape Horn, of Glasgow. It contains informa­
tion of sufficient importance to mariners, to entitle it to a place in the “ Nautical Intel­
ligence ” of this Journal:—
“ On Monday, November 16th, 1846, at 8 P. M., we made the Evangelists, bearing
N. N. E. five miles, wind W . and tolerably clear; at midnight, Cape Pillar bore S. S- W.
three miles, and by keeping the starboard shore on board, strangers will find no difficulty
in finding Long Reach. On Tuesday, 17th, at noon, we entered Crooked R each; at 10
P. M., were off Port Famine, which is a safe anchorage ground, and where there is a
Chilian settlement, at which refreshments can be easily procured. On Wednesday, 18th,
at 4 30 P. M., came to anchor in Gregory’s Bay, in fifteen fathoms, good holding ground.
On Thursday, 19th, at 3 30 A. M., got under weigh; at 7 30 A. M., entered the First
Narrows, with a strong flood-tide against us, which we found no difficulty in stemming.
A t 2 P. M., we were clear of the Straits; at 6 P. M., we rounded Dungeness; and, after
the experience of four voyages round Cape Horn, in September, 1843, August, 1844, Au­
gust, 1845, and the present voyage, I must say, that the wear and tear, owing to the bad
weather we encountered, with heavy cross sea, so prevalent between the W . entrance to
the Straits and Cape Horn, contrasted with the passage through the Straits from the W.
coast, is, in my opinion, not to be compared; and, had I another passage to make at the
same season of" the year, or in the winter season, with moonlight, I would take the Straits
for my passage. The risk of life and property, and the wear and tear in the one, are not
to be compared with the other.”
W RECK N E A R T H E FIV E FA TH O M CHANNEL.
A green buoy, marked with the word “ Wreck,” has been placed W . N. W. of a sunken
smack, on the edge of the Cant, in the track of shipping proceeding to and from the Five
Fathom Channel. The buoy lies in four fathoms, at low water spring tides, with the fol­
lowing marks and compass bearings, viz: the highest windmill at Mile Town, in line with
the windmill near the beach, W. by S .; the Southernmost beacon on the Isle of Grain,
its apparent length open S. of the other beacon on the beach, W . i N . ; Nore light-vessel
N. W .; Minster Church, S. W. \ W .; Garrison Point at Sheemess, W.
BUOY ON T H E SA LT SCAR, OFF REDCAR.
A black buoy has been placed, to mark the extremity of the Eastern projection of the
Salt Scar rocks, off Redcar, in the North Riding of the county of York. The said buoy
lies in six and a half fathoms, at low water spring tides, and with the following marks and
compass bearings, viz: Seaton high light-house, N. W .; Redcar mill, and the tower on
Easton Nab in line, S. W . by W .; Marsk Church, S . J W . ; Hartlepool pier light-house,
N. N. W . i W .
W RECK IN T H E SH IPW AY.
A green buoy, marked with the word “ Wreck,” has been placed about eighteen fathoms
E. N. E. of a vessel sunk in the track of shipping passing through the Shipway. The
buoy lies in nine fathoms, at low water spring tides, with the following compass bearings,
viz: S. W. buoy of the Shipwash, (distant about one mile and three-quarters,) S. S. W . ;
Shipwash light-vessel, N. E . ; Baudsey Church, N. N . W.
PO RT OF GENOA LIGHT.
Official notice has been given, that a red light has been placed on a sunken caisson, about
six hundred and fifty yards off the sunken Mole Head. The light stands thirty-three feet
above the sea, and may be seen at the distance of a mile.




Commercial Statistics.

COMMERCIAL

518

STATISTICS.

COMMERCE AND NA VIGATION OF T H E U N ITE D ST A T E S,
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE

30, 1846.

W e are indebted to the Hon. B. B. F r e n c h , Clerk of the House of Representatives, for
the annual report from the Register of the Treasury, relative to the Commerce and Navi­
gation between the United States and Foreign Countries, for the year ending June 30th,
1846; and proceed to lay before the readers of the Merchants’ Magazine, our usual con­
densation of its tabular statements. This report was laid before Congress on the 5th De­
cember, 1846, more than five months after the expiration of the fiscal y ear; and its printing
has occupied nearly five months longer; so that ten months are suffered to elapse before
the statements for the year ending June 30th, 1846; are made public—a circumstance which
greatly injures the value of a document so important to the industrial and commercial
interests of the country. The only remedy for this evil, we have pointed out in former
years. It is, for Congress to pass a law authorizing the printing of the usual number of
the document, as soon as it is made up by the Register of the Treasury ; so that at the
meeting of Congress, in December of each year, it would be ready for the use of mem­
bers of Congress, as well as general distribution among their constituents.*
D O M E S T IC E X P O R T S O F T H E

U N IT E D

STA TES.

Summary Statement o f the Value o f the Exports o f the Growth, Produce, and M anu­
facture o f the United States, during the year commencing on the 1st day
o f July, 1845, and ending on the 30th day o f June, 1846.
Butter and cheese................. $1,063,087
THE SEA.
Fisheries—
Pork, (pickled,) bacon, lard,
live hogs............................
Dried fish, or cod fisheries..
$699,559
3,883,884
Pickled fish, or river fisher­
Horses and mules.................
382,382
ies, (herring, shad, salmon,
Sheep......................................
30,303
mackerel)...........................
230,495
Whale and other fish oil....
946,298
$7,883,864
Spermaceti oil.......................
697,570 Vegetable food—
Whalebone............................
W
heat....................................
583,870
1,681,975
295,606 Flour...................................... 11,668,669
Spermaceti candles...............
1,186,663
$3,453,398
Indian meal...........................
945,081
THE FOREST.
Rye meal................................
138,110
1,063,009 Rye, oats, and other small
Skins and furs............................
237,562
grain, and pulse................
Ginseng......................................
638,221
Product of wood—
Biscuit or ship-bread...........
366,688
Potatoes..................................
Staves, shingles, b’rds, hewn
69,934
2,319,443
Apples....................................
timber.................................
69,253
Other lumber.........................
324,979 Rice........................................
2,564,991
21,682
Masts and spars....................
61,382
Oak bark and other dye......
$27,163,449
All manufactures of wood...
957,790 Tobacco......................................
8,478,270
Naval stores, tar, pitch, and
Cotton........................................ 42,767,341
1,085,712 Wool..........................................
turpentine..........................
203,996
Ashes, pot and pearl............
735,689 All other agricult’l products—
165,438
$6,807,248
Hops......................................
41,692
AGRICULTURE.
Brown Sugar.........................
7,235
Product of animals—
Indigo.....................................
90
Beef, tallow, hides, horned
cattle..................................
2,474,208
$214,455
* For remarks on this subject, see Merchants’ Magazine, Vol. XV., No. 5, for May, 1846,
page 465, and previous volumes.

vot. xvi. —

no

.




v.

33

Commercial Statistics.

514

DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE UNITED STATES---- CONTINUED.
MANUFACTURES.

Soap and tallow candles.........
Leather, boots and shoes.........
Household furniture..................
Coaches and other carriages...
Hats............................................
Saddlery.....................................
W a x .................................. „ ....
Spirits from grain.....................
Beer, ale, porter, and cider__
Snuff and tobacco.....................
Linseed oil and spirits of tur­
pentine ...................................
Cordage......................................
Iron—pig, bar, and nails..........
castings............................
all manufactures of........
Spirits from molasses................
Sugar, refined............................
Chocolate....................................
Gunpowder................................
Copper and brass......................
Medicinal drugs......................

$630,041
346,516
317,407
87,712
74,722
24,357
162,790
73,716
67,735
695,914
159,915
62,775
122,225
107,905
921,652
268,652
392,312
2,177
140,879
62,088
200,505
$4,921,995

Cotton piece goods—
Printed and colored.............
W hite.....................................
Nankeen.................................
Twist, yarn, and thread.......
All other manufactures of...
Flax and hemp—
Cloth and thread...................
Bags and all manufactures of
Wearing apparel.......................
Combs and buttons...................

Brushes......................................
Billiard tables and apparatus...
Umbrellas and parasols.............
Leather and morocco skins, not
sold per pound.......................
Fire-engines and apparatus__
Printing-presses and type.........
Musical instruments.................
Books and maps................
Paper and stationery..............
Paints and varnish....................
Vinegar.......................................
Earthen and stone ware...........
Manufactures of glass...............
t i n ..................
pewter & lead
marble&stone
gold and silver
& gold leaf
Gold and silver coin.................
Artificial flowers and jewelry..
Molasses.....................................
Trunks.................................
Bricks and lime.........................
Domestic salt.......................

$3,110
1,583
2,477
26,667
9,802
43,792
25,375
63,567
124,597
52,182
17,489
6,521
90,860
8,902
10,278
14,234
3,660
423,851
24,420
1,581
10,613
12,578
30,520

$4,647,354
380,549
614,518
1,978,331 L ead...........................................
848,989 Articles not enumerated—
81,813
Manufactured........................
1,379,566
255,799
Other articles........................
1,490,303
1,364
10,765
45,140
35,945

$2,869,869
Grand Total.................... $102,141,893

RECAPITULATION.

The Sea...................................................................................
The Forest...............................................................................
Agriculture...............................................................................
Vegetable food........................................................................
Tobacco...................................................................................
Cotton.......................................................................................
Other agricultural products...................................................
Manufactures...........................................................................
W ool.........................................................................................
L e a d .........................................................................................
Other articles...........................................................................
D O M E S T IC E X P O R T S O F T H E

U N IT E D

A R T IC L E S N O T E N U M E R A T E D .

W hither exported.

Russia.............................
Prussia............................
Sweden and Norway...
Swedish W est Indies....
Denm ark........................




M anufactured.

Other.

$300
$1,320
970

616
410
.....

$3,453,398
6,807,248
7,833,864
19,329,585
8,478,270
42,767,341
214,455
10,948,915
203,996
614,518
1,490,303

STA TES, IN

1845-46.

T O T A L V A LU E OF M E R C H A N D IS E .

In American
vessels.

In Foreign
vessels.

T o each
country.

$442,033
40,093
53,337
138,121
19,164

$93,355
356,117
309,455

$535,388
396,210
362,792
138,121
97,746

78,582

Commercial Statistics,

515

DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF UNITED STATES TO EACH COUNTRY----CONTINUED.
A R T IC L E S N O T E N U M E R A T E D .

W hither exported.

Danish W est Indies...........
Hanse Towns.....................
H olland..............................
Dutch East Indies.............
Dutch West Indies............
Dutch Guiana....................
Belgium...............................
England..............................
Scotland..............................
Ireland.................................
Gibraltar..............................

M anufactured.

$5,973
22,820
7,984
1,433
151
6,421
389,294
118

363
540
.............
British East Indies 5,963
Cape of Good H ope.........
202
Mauritius............................
334
Australia............................
1,013
Honduras............................
5,812
British Guiana....................
6,063
British W est Indies...........
50,733
British American Colonies.
639,088
France on the A tlantic....
24,920
France on the Mediterran.
13,797
French W est Indies...........
10,138
French Guiana...................
210
French African ports.......
Bourbon..............................
Spain on the Atlantic.......
Spain on the Mediterran..
TenerifFe and oth. Canaries
Manilla and Philippine i’ds
519
Cuba....................................
41,004
Other Spanish W. Indies.
3,136
406
Portugal..............................
Madeira...............................
112
Fayal and other Azores....
Cape de Verd Islands.......
883
Italy.....................................
526
1,486
Sardinia..............................
S icily..................................
Trieste and oth. Aust. ports
Turkey, Levant, & c.........
1,774
H ayti...................................
8,778
12,142
T exas..................................
Mexico................................
29,276
Central Repub. of America
1,528
New Grenada....................
248
Venezuela............................
14,656
Brazil..................................
9,904
Cisplatine Republic...........
2,700
Argentine Republic...........
5,777
Chili.....................................
22,031
China........... ......................
2,746
W est Indies generally......
South America generally.
4,490
Asia generally....................
138
Africa generally.................
5,265
South Seas and Pacific__
14,381
Total.




Other.

T O T A L V A L U E OF M E R C H A N D IS E .

In American
vessels.

In Foreign
vessels.

$7,274 $919,601
$39,851
25,106
635,699 3,372,616
15,274 1,377,508
720,183
150
40,700
1,487
362,775
872
388
66,845
14,498 1,310,754
321,853
701,926 31,274,643 11,506,976
39,073
887,202
756,128
16 1,031,443
45,565
451,882
1,288
11,359
23,754
264,145
53,001
6,455
23,713
4
26,356
596
48,783
927
1,494
325,494
11,570
464,129
87,539
107,357 4,221,598
693,485
259,146 3,536,462 2,506,204
45,263 11,751,299
951,673
6,766
865,423
33,255
12,185
587,724
30,388
886
39,270
5,995
12,259
315,712
29,730
75,735
6,700
9,734
3,338
2,574
100,954
47,980 4,285,913
428,053
10,483
656,101
19,340
6,032
69,788
26,528
655
53,309
7,634
995
3,230
340
31,097
925
788,642
153,621
866
263,902
19,381
175
19,291
300,150
795
953,328
151,140
126,193
2,979 1,089,112
24,901
6,640
229,025
21,215
800,592
6,927
100,741
127
57,002
18,134
519
34,988
16,861
3,343
513,130
70,939
59,990 2,596,201
157,811
1,442
199,189
11,217
506
147,307
7,977 1,539,136
8,920 1,178,188
1,219
127,411
790
103,772
302,232
2,467
544,467
8,913
8,631
278,705

T o each
country.

$959,452
4,008,315
2,097,691
40,700
264,647
66,845
1,632,607
42,781,619
1,643,330
1,077,008
463,241
23,754
270,600
23,713
26,356
48,783
325,494
551,668
4,915,083
6,042,666
12,702,972
898,678
618,112
39,270
5,995
12,259
345,442
82,435
12,072
100,954
4,713,966
675,441
96,316
60,943
4,225
31,097
942,263
283,283
319,441
1,104,468
126,193
1,114,013
250,240
901,333
75,136
51,949
584,069
2,754,012
210,406
147,307
1,539,136
1,178,188
127,461
103,772
302,232
553,380
278,705

$1,379,566$!,490,303$78,634,410$23,507,483$102,141,893

Commercial Statistics.

516
F O R E IG N
W hither exported.

EXPORTS OF T H E

U N IT E D

STA TES, IN

Paying
Paying
F ree o f duty, ad val. duties. specific duties

Russia.................................. $46,896
Russia................................
30,058
Sweden and Norway.........
23,471
Swedish W est Indies.......
2,361
9,838
Denmark............................
Danish W est Indies.........
107,235
164,876
Hanse T ow ns....................
79,546
Holland................................
38,846
Dutch East Indies.............
Dutch West Indies............
9,218
45
Dutch Guiana....................
164,843
Belgium..............................
England............................... 1,164,694
8,678
Scotland..............................
290
Ireland................................
104,635
Gibraltar.............................
8,682
M alta..................................
82,426
British East Indies............
9,380
British Honduras................
British Guiana...................
British W est Indies...........
11,438
802,882
British American Colonies.
France on the Atlantic__ 1,232,888
95,577
France on Mediterranean.
5,687
French W est Indies.........
French Guiana...................
47,718
Spain on the Mediterranean
Teneriffe and oth. Canaries
731
Manilla and Philippine i’ds.
9,008
347,942
Cuba....................................
Other Spanish W est Indies
16,379
6,417
Portugal..............................
1,686
Madeira..............................
184
Cape de Verds....................
128,524
Italy.....................................
55,955
Sicily...................................
216
Sardinia..............................
114,485
Trieste, &c.........................
41,415
Turkey, Levant, & c.........
23,098
H ayti...................................
16,079
T exas..................................
23,641
Mexico................................
5,849
Central Repub. of America.
1,582
New Grenada....................
161,814
Venezuela...........................
270,462
Brazil..................................
10,231
Cisplatine Republic............
28,595
Argentine Republic............
25,188
Chili.....................................
Equador..............................
126,996
China..................................
W est Indies generally......
109,651
Asia generally....................
54,526
Africa generally.................
10,184
South Seas and Pacific.....

$4,506
3,218
5,182

$45,677
6,369
10,892
1,087
9,054
4,604 32,731
26,498
201,900
233,529
34,626
84,902
3,996
3,718
1,571
1,094
343,202
241,162
253,515
340,280
4,239
32,499
5,173
5,682
19,334
2,245
13,999
3,347
27,991
27,167
1,634
7,119
13,917
404,842
156,043
82,646
40,943
73,054
22,817
11,822
2,131
386
260,647
4,051
900
120

154,394
110,202

548
20,942
1,141
7,948
113,527
436,861
29,130
14,935
18,022
49,348
1,913
1,075
120,403
4,177
78
2,052
7,509
42,471

3,723
277
164,581
5,475
1,136
1,451
501
141,734
132,234
212

230,716
31,354
12,083
93,757
169,345
10,138
7,578
17,642
69,573
3,354
8,448
83,843
1,130
22,380
112

14,584
16,886
23,543

1 8 4 5 -4 6 .

$97,079
39,645
39,545
3,448
23,496
166,464
600,305
199,074
42,842
14,507
1,139
749,207
1,758,489
45,416
5,463
129,651
10,927
99,772
64,538
1,634
32,474
1,363,767
1,337,477
191,448
17,509
2,131
47,718
4,840
9,285
773,170
25,905
8,453
3,257
685
424,652
298,391
976
366,143
73,910
43,129
223,363
629,847
45,117
24,095
197,478
389,383
15,498
38,118
229,434
1,130
153,553
190
126,287
78,971
76,198

T otal..........................$5,824,046$2,702,251$2,820,32G$11,346,623
Entitled to drawback............................. 2,496,964 2,741,238
Not entitled to drawback. 5,824,046
205,287
79,088




T o dominions
o f each power.

Total.

5,238,202
6,108,421

$97,079
39,645
1
■

42,993
189,960
600,306

7
257,562
749,207
7

.

3,512,131

.

1,548,565

t.

860,918

\

12,395

7

s

424,652
298,391
976
366,143
73,910
43,129
223,363
629,847
45,117
24,095
197,478
389,383
15,498
38,118
229,434
1,130
153,553
190
126,287
78,971
76,198

$11,346,623

Commercial Statistics.
IM P O R T S

U N IT E D S T A T E S , I N 1 8 4 5 -4 6 .
Total.
Free of duty. A d valorem. Specific duties.

OF T H E

W hence imported.

$39,135 $595,115 $935,804
12,685
1,125
17,774
2,096
4,172
718,597
641
582
4,062
303
1,010
103,173
51,910
597,531
287,604
187,628 2,674,632
448,880
245,012
365,705
99,021
107,846
273,486
128,542
201,637
67,877
97
33,577
Belgium..............................
89,050
730,252
17,070
England.............................. 2,471,787 34,266,041 7,106,332
Scotland.............................
959,409
266,153
4,524
Ireland................................
55,249
30,454
71
21,083
6.718
Gibraltar.............................
5
M alta..................................
178
21,411
Brtitish East Indies...........
229,595
472,873
658,877
68,433
Cape of Good H ope.........
2,030
11,223
British Honduras................
16,195
29,706
162,096
British Guiana....................
10,105
18
2,438
British West Indies...........
471,719
55,399
306,560
347,531
618,612
British American Colonies.
971,574
138
21,885
France on the Atlantic__
433,72312,053,497 0,121,369
352,159
466,955
France on Mediterranean.
483,629
French W est Indies.........
237,195
3,480
107,561
French Guiana.................
11,831
8,000
51,465
Miquelon&French fish’ries
18
40,748
100,861
Spain on the Atlantic.......
5,754
88,913
Spain on the Mediterranean
757,034
18,469
357
8,708
Teneriffe and oth. Canaries
53,030
Manilla and Philippine i’ds.
64,123
763,678
18,065
Cuba....................................
764,962 6,464,889
929,781
22,040 2,143,447
Other Spanish W est Indies
111,623
Portugal...............................
2,111
367.732
8,407
Madeira..............................
2,337
124.733
Fayal...................................
10,310
26,217
4,770
Cape de Verds....................
140
717
401,410
Italy.....................................
699,535
88,841
152,412
Sicily..................................
294,760
66,063
174,394
40,591
164,734
265,978
T urkey................................
437,918
57,102
4,554
H a y ti................................... 1,337,384
177,003
28,575
Texas...................................
150,755
11,353
20,951
534,382
157,764
Mexico................................ 1,144,475
Central Kepub. of America.
39,830
37,001
39,902
22,170
New Grenada....................
1,500
43,373
Venezuela............................
940,748
415,834
152,410
Brazil.................................. 6,115,523 1,002,556
323,724
Cisplatine Republic...........
23.472
3,000
Argentine Republic...........
1
798,165
1,047
Chili.....................................
994,044
779
281,137
14,421
Peru.....................................
212,193
25,985
760,546
783,022
China.................................. 5,050,313
Asia generally....................
143,433
142,724
75,831
287,276
8,768
178,996
272
35,362
117,395
South Seas and Pacific....
55
232,265
10,714
Atlantic Ocean...................
166
W est Indies generally......
12
Total........................ $24,767,739 60,660,453 36,263,605

Russia..................................
Prussia................................
Sweden and Norway.......
Swedish W est Indies.......
Denmark............................
Danish W est Indies...........
Hanse Towns....................
Holland...............................
Dutch East Indies.............
Dutch W est Indies............




517

Fm.each power.

$1,570,054 $1,570,054
31,584
31,584
724,865
730,150
5,285
1,313
753,927
752,614
3,149,864
3,149,864
1,058,5971
480,353
1,971,680
398,056
33,674J
836,372
836,372
43,844,1601
1,230,086
85,774
27,806
21,589
1,361,345
81,686 49,666,422
207.997
12,561
833,678
1,937,717
22,023 J
22,608,5891
1,302,743
348,236 . 24,330,882
71,296
18J
147,363864,416
62,095
865,866 . 12,376,482
8,159,632
2,227,110
378,250'
127,070
547,474
41,297 ■
857
1,189,786J 1,189,786
513,235
513,235
379,719
379,719
760,998
760,998
4,554
4,554
1,542,962
1,542,962
183,058
183,058
1,836,621
1,836,621
116,733
116,733
35,043
35,043
1,458,000
1,458,000
6,903,803
6,903,803
26,472
26,472
799,213
799,213
1,275,960
1,275,960
252,599
252,599
6,593,881
6,593,881
361,988
361,988
475,040
475,040
153,029
153,029
243,034
243,034
166
166
12
12
121,691,797 121,691,797

A N D IM P O R T S

OF EA CH

OF T H E

U N IT E D

S T A T E S , FROM JU L Y

1, 1845,

V A L U E O F EX PORTS.
D O M E S T IC P R O D U C E .

States.

$1,299,303
2,745
215,316
6,852,656
176,160
713,796
24,353,483
4,087
3,932,579
144,045
5.172.550
771,347
3,245,539
384,040
4,610,505
1,075,169
132,116
3.159.550
21.929,201

208,333
251,890

In Foreign
vessels.

V A L U E O F IM PO RTS.

F O R E IG N P R O D U C E .

Total.

In American In Foreign
vessels.
vessels.

Total.

$18,796 $1,318,099
1,121
9,148 $10,269
4,997
2,252
75
75
215,316 188,504
188,504
984,359| 7,837,015 1,865,726 610,377 2,476,103
4,325
4,345
220,019
20
43,859
765,912
10,000
10,000
52,116
5,232,383 29,585,866 4,855,722 2,493,825 7,349,547
4,087
225,339 4,157,918 574,957
593,087
18,130
144,045
2,177
2,177
90,751
124,945
1,571,560 6,744,110
34,194
1,213
142,354
913,701
151
1,062
336
283,424 3,528,963
336
414,398
30,358
18,942
2,219,030 6,829,535
2,367
16,575
1,632,834 2,708,003
38,909
5,423
137,539
' 7,29i
31,618
2,100,767 5,260,317
8,818,332 30,747,533 287,099 241,072
528,n i

144,287

30, 1846.

T o tal of
American and
foreign produce.

$1,328,368
5,072
403,820
10,313,118
224,364
775,9121
36,935,413|
4,087
4,751,005
146,222
6,869,055
914,914
3,529,299
414,398;
6,848,477
2,708,003
176,448!
5,260,317
31,275,704

352,630

352,630

'251,890

251,890

In American
vessels.

In Foreign
vessels.

Total.

$674,146 $112,946
$787,092
10,936
4,549
15,485
127,223
127,223
19,256,942 4,934,021 24,190,963
2,444
208,045
210,489
403,775
9,703
413,478
65,903,763 8,350,520 74,254,283
635
635
7,989,396
469,851
7,519,545
11,215
11,215
265,829 4,042,915
3,777,086
72,338
79,770
7,432
202,884
209,004
6,128
3,526
239,333
242,859
69,242
902,536
833,294
47,277
158,218
205,495
44,165
140,584
96,419
259,607
140,239
119,368
6,027,281 1,195,809 7,223,090
831
831
3,412
3,412
73,569
73,569
98,985
3,729
102,714
32,958
32,958
154,406
522
154,928
15,065
17,266
2,201

T otal......................... $78,634,410 $23,507,483 $102,141,893 $7,915,765 $3,430,858 $11,346,623 $113,488,516, $106,008,173 $15,683,624 $121,691,797




Commercial Statistics,

Maine..............................
New Hampshire............
Vermont..........................
Massachusetts................
Rhode Island.................
Connecticut....................
New Y ork......................
New Jersey....................
Pennsylvania..................
Delaware........................
Maryland........................
District of Columbia....
Virginia............................
North Carolina................
South Carolina................
Georgia............................
Florida............................
Alabama..........................
Louisiana........................
Mississippi......................
Tennessee......................
Missouri..........................
Ohio................................
Kentucky........................
Michigan........................
T exas..............................

In American
vessels.

TO J U N E

518

EX PORTS

Commercial Statistics,
IM P O R T S A N D E X P O R T S O F T H E

U N IT E D

519

STA TES, IN

1 8 4 5 -4 6 .

Statistical view o f the Commerce o f the United States, exhibiting the Value o f Exports
to, and Imports from each foreign country, during the year ending June 30, 1846.
Total.

V A L U E OF
IM P O R T S .

Russia....... . .........................
Prussia..................................
Sweden and Norway.........
Swedish W est Indies........
Denmark.............................
Danish W est Indies........
Hanse Towns.....................

$535,388
396,210
362,792
138,121
97,746
959,452
4,008,315

VALUE OF E X PO R T S.

#97,079
39,645
39,545
3,448
23,496
166,464
600,305

$632,467
435,855
402,337
141,569
121,242
1,125,916
4,608,620

$1,570,054
31,584
724,865
5,285
1,313
752,614
3,149,864

Holland................................
Dutch East Indies...............
Dutch West Indies.............
Dutch Guiana......................
Belgium................................
E ngland..............................
Scotland..............................
Ireland..................................
Gibraltar.......... ...................
British East Indies.............

2,097,691
40,700
264,647
66,845
1,632,607
42,781,619
1,642,330
1,077,008
463,241
270,600
26,356
48,783
23,713
4,915,083
6,042,666
551,668
325,494
23,754
12,702,972
898,678
618,112
39,270

199,074
42,842
14,507
1,139
749,207
1,758,489
45,416
5,463
129,651
99,772

2,296,765
83,542
279,154
67,984
2,381,814
44,540,108
1,688,746
1,082,471
592,892
370,372
26,356
48,783
23^713
4,947,557
7,406,433
553,302
390,032
34,681
14,040,449
1,090,126
635,621
41,401

1,059,597
480,353
398,056
33,674
836,372
43,844,160
1,230,086
85,774
27,806
1,361,345
22,923

Countries.

Cape of Good Hope...........
British W est Indies...........
Brit. N. American Colonies
British Guiana....................
Honduras..............................
Malta....................................
France on the Atlantic......
France on Mediterranean.
French W est Indies...........
French Guiana....................
Miquelon&Freneh fish’ries
French African pdrts.........

Domestic produce. For’gn produce.

32,474
1,363,767
1,634
64,532
10,927
1,337,477
191,448
17,509
2,131

81,686
833,678
1,937,717
12,561
207,997
21,589
22,608,589
1,302,743
348,236
71,296
18

Spain on the Atlantic.........
Spain on the Mediterranean
Teneriffe and oth. Canaries
Manilla and Philippine i’ds
Cuba.....................................
Other Spanish W est Indies
Portugal................................
Madeira................................
Fayal and the Azores........
Cape de Verd Islands.........
Ita ly ......................................
Sicily....................................
Sardinia................................

5,895
12,259
345A 42
82,325
13,072
100,954
4,713,966
675,441
96,316
60,943
4,225
31,097
942,263
319,441
283,283

685
424,652
298,391
976

5,995
12,259
345A42
130,153
17,912
110,239
5,487,136
701,346
104,769
64,200
4,225
31,782
1,366,915
617,832
284,259

Trieste and Adriatic ports.
Turkey, Levant, &c...........

1,104,468
126,193

366,143
73,910

1,470,611
200,103

379,719
760,998

T ex a s..................................
M exico................................
Central America.................
New Grenada.....................
Venezuela........................... ..
Brazil....................................
Argentine Republic...........
Cisplatine Republic...........
Chili......................................

250,240
901,333
75,136
51,849
584,069
2,754,012
147,307
210,406
1,539,136

223,363
629,847
45,117
£4,095
197,478
389,383
38,118
15,498
229,434

473,603
1,531,180
120,253
75,944
781,547
3,143,395
185,425
225,904
1,768,570

4,554
183,058
1,836,621
116,733
67,043
1,509,000
7,441,803
799,213
26,472
1,275,960




47,718
4,840
9,285
773,170
25,905
8,453
3,257

147,363
864,416
62,095
865,866
8,159,632
2,277,110
378,250
127,070
41,297
857
1,189,786
513,235

....... ,

Commercial Statistics,

520

VALUE OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS— CONTINUED.
VA LU E OF
IM P O R T S .

V A LU E O F E X P O R T S .

Countries.

Total.

Domestic produce. F or’gn produce.

$252,599
$1,130
153,553
43,129
190

$1,130
1,331,741
1,157,142
103,772
127,651

302,232

126,287

428,519

361,988

553,380
278,705

78,971
76,198

632,351
354,903

475,040
153,029
243,034

China....................................
Hayti....................................
South America generally..
W est Indies generally.......

$1,178,188
1,114,013
103,772
127,461

Asia generally.....................
Africa generally.................
Pacific Ocean......................

6,593,881
1,542,962
12

166

T otal.......................... $102,141,893
N A V IG A T IO N O F T H E

$11,396,623 $113,488,516

U N IT E D

STA TES, IN

$121,691,797

1845-46.

Tonnage o f American and Foreign Vessels arriving from, and departing to each foreign
country, during the year ending June 30, 1846.
A M E R IC A N T O N N A G E .

Countries.

Russia..................................
Prussia..................................
Sweden and Norway..........
Swedish W est Indies.........
Denmark.............................
Danish West Indies...........
Hanse Towns.....................
H anover..............................
Holland................................
Dutch East Indies.............
Dutch West Indies............
Dutch Guiana.....................
Belgium................................
E ngland..............................
Scotland..............................
Ireland..................................
Gibraltar..............................
British East Indies............
Mauritius..,..........................
Australia...............................
Cape of Good Hope...........
British W est Indies...........
Brit N. American Colonies
British Guiana....................
Honduras.............................
Malta....................................
France on the Atlantic......
France on Mediterranean.
French W est Indies...........
French Guiana....................
Miquelon & French fish’ries
French African ports.........
Bourbon................................
Spain on the Atlantic........
Spain on the Mediterranean
Teneriffe and oth. Canaries
Manilla & Philippine Isles.
Cuba....... .............................




Entered U. States. Cleared U. States.

11,145
419
3,502
653
29,018
24,872

5,451
1,176
693
2,329
666
27,964
8,143

21,903
3,226
13,935
5,113
12,714
374,137
10,715
6,940
2,750
10,684

23,585
3,679
5,047
4,510
23,375
364,149
9,547
14,748
12,223
10,979
967

994
90,484
850,784
7,299
5,359

2,296
124,135
863,563
17,701
9,620
882
119,729
14,950
31,698
1,390
521

103,484
10,070
20,849
1,754

8,H 2
9,889
1,683
8,297
156,905

6,758
5,809
645
3,030
177,580

F O R E IG N TO N N A G E.

E n t’d U. States. Cleared U.S .

319
1,375
9,938

1,543
7,275
7,765

281
969
61,566

1.393
1,875
60,807
366
11,582

5,729
*
5,823
198,373
28,894
28,279

6,527
183,942
13,788
6,804
515
706

33,724
515,879
6,108
64

23,342
573,673
3,564
607

10,722
2,992
5,275

11,376
740
1,761

383
5,248
791

2,871
327

3,404

12,338

5*21

Commercial Statistics.
NAVIGATION OF THE UNITED 8TATES— CONTINUED.
AM ERICA N T O N N A G E .

Countries.

Entered U. States.

Other Spanish W est Indies
Portugal...............................
Madeira...............................
Fayal and the Azores.........
Cape de Verd Islands.........
Italy.....................................
Sicily....................................
Sardinia...............................
T uscanv..............................
Trieste and Adriatic ports.
Turkey, Levant, &c...........
Ionian Isles.........................
Morocco................................
T ex a s..................................
Mexico.................................
Central America.................
New Grenada.....................
Venezuela............................
Brazil....................................
Argentine Republic............
Cisplatine Republic............
C hili....................................
Peru.....................................
Republic of Equador.........
China................. ..................
H ayti....................................
South America generally..
W est Indies generally.......
East Indies generally.........
Asia generally.....................
Europe generally................
Africa generally..................
Pacific Ocean......................
Sandwich Islands...............
Indian Ocean......................
Atlantic Ocean....................
Northwest Coast.................
Uncertain Places.................
Total.............................
TO N NA G E

Cleared U. States.

FO R E IG N TO N N A G E.

E n t’d U . States. Cleared U.S.

51,284
5,128
1,060
1,612
107
335
21,798
454
3,387
5,019
7,171
228

30,056
4,815
3,535
152
1,004
1,196
767
9,865
343
13,852
3,208

487
2,037
396
202

1,373
1,874
577
151
548

3,742
1,468
1,412
592
1,477

4,318
1,191
255
3,341

21,908
22,410
2,423
1,699
13,370
61,014
5,988
1,214
6,560
496

28,204
14,224
957
1,069
11,125
48,026
4,134
5,599
8,649
291

3,059
4,539
107
180
1,219
4,952
987

3,245
3,964
214
293
1,244
4,682

18,937
30,264
214
111

306
803
605

9,418
37,465
606
6,156
3,706
662
167

13,697
23,425
1,635
11,221
2,175
713
384
9,269
41,977
1,377
14,599
7,704
1,746
497

2,431

2,151,114

2,221,028

959,739

303
1,452

2,281

614

1,055

OF T H E

U N IT E D

STA TES, IN

1,642
226

........

•
884
400

231

968,178

1845-46.

Statement exhibiting a condensed view o f the Tonnage o f the several Districts o f the
United States, on the 3 0 th day o f June , 1 8 4 6 , in tons and 9 5 ths.
Districts.

Passamaquoddy, Maine........
Machias,
“ .........
Frenchman’s Bay, “ .........
Penobscot,
“ .........
Belfast,
“ .........
Waldoborough,
“ ...........
Wiscasset,
“ .........
Bath,
“ .........
Portland,
“ .........
Saco,
“ ........
Kennebunk,
“ .........
York,
“ ........
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Burlington, Vermont.............
Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Ipswich,
“




Registered.
5 ,5 0 2 5 3
8 7 9 03
433 49
6 ,4 8 2 71
1 1 ,4 1 0 34
1 5 ,8 7 1 76
5 ,0 0 4 62
4 2 ,4 8 5 67
4 5 ,8 9 1 8 0
1 ,1 0 3 2 0
6 ,4 9 6 73
1 1 ,5 0 3 11
1 6 ,5 4 1 08

Enrolled
and licensed.
7 ,5 2 2 2 8
1 4 ,3 7 6 5 0
3 1 ,8 5 3 3 5
2 6 ,7 7 3 0 4
3 1 ,4 8 7 69
4 4 ,1 8 6 3 6
1 2 ,0 3 1 0 4
2 1 ,7 3 0 62
2 0 ,3 4 4 0 5
2 ,1 6 9 9 0
1 ,9 9 8 5 0
1 ,0 8 7 2 8
8 ,8 0 5 2 9
2 ,0 4 8 19
5 ,8 6 5 0 6
832 58

T otal o f
each district.
1 3 ,0 2 4 81
1 5 ,2 5 5 5 3
3 3 ,2 8 6 8 4
3 3 ,2 5 5 7 5
4 2 ,8 9 8 0 8
6 0 ,0 5 8 17
1 7 ,0 3 5 6 6
6 4 ,2 1 6 3 4
6 6 ,2 3 5 8 5
3 ,2 7 3 1 5
8 ,4 9 5 2 8
1 ,0 8 7 2 8
2 0 ,7 0 8 4 0
2 ,0 4 8 19
2 2 ,4 0 6 14
832 58

522

Commercial Statistics,
TONNAGE OF THE UNITED STATES— CONTINUED.

Districts.
Gloucester, Massachusetts..........
Salem,
“
.........
Beverly,
u
......
Marblehead,
“
.......
Boston,
“
..........
Plymouth,
4<
..........
Fall River,
“
..........
New Bedford,
“
..........
Barnstable,
“
..........
Edgar town,
"
..........
Nantucket,
u
..........
Providence, Rhode Island..............
Bristol,
“
............ .
Newport,
“
..............
Middletown,Connecticut................ .
New London,
“
.................
Stonington,
"
................. .
New Haven,
“
................. .
Fairfield,
“
..................
Champlain, New York..................
Sackett’s Harbor, “
..................
Oswego,
“
..................
Niagara,
“
..................
Genesee,
“
..................
Oswegatchie,
“
..................
Buffalo,
“
..................
Sag Harbor,
“
..................
New York,
“
............. . ..
Cape Vincent,
“
..................
Perth Amboy, N. Jersey..................
Bridgetown, w
.......................
Burlington,
“
..................
Camden,
“
..................
Newark,
*•
..................
Little Egg Harbor,“
..................
Great EggHarbor,"
..................
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,..........
Presque Isle,
“
..........
Pittsburgh,
“
..........
Wilmington, Delaware..................
Newcastle,
“
..................
Balti more, Maryland,..................
Oxford,
“
..............
Vienna,
K
..................
Snow Hill,
“
..................
St. Mary’s,
“
..................
Town Creek,
“
................ ..
Annapolis,
“
..................
Georgetown, District of Columbia..
Alexandria,
“
“
Norfolk, Virginia...........................
Petersburg,

Richmond,

York town,
East River,
Tappahannock/
Accomac C.H.,‘
Yeocomico,
Cherrystone,
Wheeling,
Wilmington, North Carolina..
Newbern,
“




Registered.
2,174 39
18,444 03
60 53
192,879 10
4,492 15
3,008 19
108,553 70
5,414 92
5,522 48
28,282 60
14,354 43
13,705 67
6,692 85
502 84
29,473 07
13,740 90
5,068 87
1,227 45

23,679 19
260,896 36
627 82
364 79
39,673 93
1,652 38
51,241 34

193
2,153
6,346
10,433
948
3,371

12
67
09
63
45
13

988 02
62 52
12,134 48
1,213 80

Enrolled

and licensed.
15,927 26
9,868 79
2,095 67
6,319 11
47,293 73
7,575 93
6,063 02
8,603 25
40,979 72
1,273 88
4,448 57
7,617 30
2,419 09
4,648 09
10,639 76
10,102 71
5,516 54
6,884 23
15,866 33
3,192 34
4,279 09
16,046 36
75 42
767 70
2,058 51
24,770 29
6,073 66
311,626 34
2,230 32
19,738 00
10,455 60
5,935 34
7,432 06
17,238 05
5,129 91
9,094 35
88,228 21
2,883 15
11,162 94
4,802 33
5,382 54
40,901 79
8,870 60
14,507 55
7,213 74
1,857 47
1,595 80
2,071 37
9,211 45
4,644 07
11,210 90
810 73
3,293 12
2,630 14
4,072 51
4,743 10
3,378 69
3,432 10
1,505 14
2,660 76
4,086 61
2,763 42

T otal of
each district.
18,101 65
28,312 82
2,095 67
6,379 64
240,172 83
12,068 13
9,071 21
117,157 00
46,394 69
6,796 41
31,731 22
21,971 73
16,124 76
11,340 94
11,142 65
39,575 78
19,257 49
11,953 15
17,093 78
3,192 34
4,279 09
16,046 36
75 42
767 70
2,058 51
24,770 29
29,752 85
572,522 70
2,230 32
19,738 00
11,083 47
4,935 34
7,432 06
17,602 84
5,129 91
9,094 35
127,902 19
2,993 15
17,162 94
6,454 71
5,382 54
92,143 18
8,870 60
14,507 55
7,213 74
1,857 47
1,595 80
2,264 49
11,365 17
10,990 16
21,644 58
1,759 23
6,664 25
2,630 14
4,072 51
5,731 12
3,378 69
3,432 10
1,557 66
2,660 76
16,221 14
3,977 27

523

Commercial Statistics.
TONNAGE OF THE UNITED STATES— CONTINUED.

Enrolled

Districts.
Washington, North Carolina.
Edenton,
“
Camden,
“
Beaufort,
“
Plymouth,
“
Ocracoke,
“
Charleston, South Carolina.
Georgetown,
“
Savannah, Georgia.................
Brunswick, “
.................
St. Mary’s, 11 .................
Pensacola, Florida................
S t Augustine, “
.................
Apalachicola, “ .................
St. Mark’s,
“ .................
St. John’s,
“ .................
Key West,
“ .................
Mobile, Alabama...................
Pearl River, Mississippi........
New Orleans, Louisiana........
Teehd,
“
.........
Nashville, Tennessee.............
Louisville, Kentucky.............
S t Louis, Missouri.................
Cuyahoga,
Ohio................
Sandusky,
“ .................
Cincinnati,
“ .................
Miami,
“ .................
Detroit,
Michigan....... .
Michilimackinac, “
........

Registered.

839 76
577 58
638 75
422 52
1,251 88
1,386 67
8,124 88
390 80
7,282 71
1,238
1,227
360
1,223
92

49
33
55
93
46

2,633 61
6,496 21
55,511 65

1,130,286 49

T otal.........................
V E S SE L S B U IL T IN

EA CH

S T A T E , IN

and licensed.
3,033 86
437 30
9,014 09
' 1,264 40
893 85
1,265 17
10,081 44
1,339 18
8,853 68
147 84
587 75
1,603 64
149 69
3,333 63
74 36
157 71
1,008 90
16,041 24
1,055 43
124,993 16
753 58
2,809 23
8,172 25
22,425 91
18,526 57
2,914 42
15,312 86
3,163 44
24,848 11
1,104 79
1,431,798 32

Total of
each district.
3,873 67
1,014 88
9,652 84
1,686 92
2,145 78
2,651 84
18,206 37
1,730 03
16,136 44
147 84
1,826 29
2,831 02
510 29
4,557 61
166 82
157 71
3,642 56
22,537 45
1,055 43
180,504 81
753 58
2,809 23
8,172 25
22,425 91
18,526 57
2,914 42
15,312 86
3,163 44
24,848 11
1,104 79
2,562,084 81

1845-46.

Statement of the number and class of Vessels built, and the tonnage thereof, in each
State and Territory o f the United States, during the year ending September 30,1846.
States.

Ships.

Brigs.

Sch’rs.

M aine........................
New Hampshire......
Massachusetts...........
Rhode Island...........
Connecticut.............
New Y ork................
New Jersey.............
Pennsylvania....... .
D elaw are..................
M aryland..................
District of Columbia
Virginia.....................
North Carolina......
South Carolina.......
Georgia.....................
Ohio..........................
Tennessee.................
Kentucky..................
Missouri....................

47
3
26
4
1
11
1
2

97
2
26

140
3
108
4
26
46
25
15
12
109

Alabama................
Louisiana.................
M ichigan..................

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




4

3
8
1
2
1
18

........
2

26
26
4

1

13

........

Sloops. S t’mboats. T otal.

2

3

4
2
5
170
26
87
6
3
23
6
4

4

25
7
55
3
3
11
1

1

4

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

........

1

3

100

1

164

2
14

3
576

4
7
355

34

289
8
160
10
35
260
60
161
22
137
23
45
31
4
1
52

4

4

46
11

46
11

3

4

2

8

8
5

33

2 25

1,420

8

T o tal tonnage.

49,4 4 7
2,171
24,321
2,394
3,712
33,253
5,856
15,787
2 ,2 6 4
13,817
951
3 ,4 6 5
1,884
34 2
21
9,615
5 74
8,661
2,338
557
451
5 ,1 7 4
840

60
08
43
56
32
37
19
59
13
64
20
22
83
00
45
50
59
47
02
92
35
01
35

1 8 8,203 93

IN T O

EA CH

OF T H E

A M ERICA N .

U N IT E D
FO R E IG N .

Tons.

No.

T O T A L A M ER IC A N AND FOREIGN .
CREW S.

Men.

Boys.

60,109
2,513
76,125
287^683
17,884
25,494
1,198,734

2,401
85
5,430
13^059
838
1,419
61,738

109
5
50
309
40
16
972

346
5
319
32
72
185
162
59
101
69
656

78,843
593
65,563
5^923
11,945
26,474
33>96
13,444
8j078
24,722
203j813

3,236
35
2,982
'281
559
1,283
lj429
564
566
877
7,707

255
1

99

7,866

Texas...............................

16
3

T otal........................

8,111

Massachusetts................
Connecticut....................
New Y ork ......................
Pennsylvania..................
District of Columbia__
South-Carolina...............




No.

Tons.
_ Men.

CREW S.

No.

Boys.

901
53

70,938
3,385

4,100
180

82

1,788
3
54
1,963
1
53

134,537
221
6,017
431,366
132
9,268

9,379
16
322
28,088
6
419

3

111
25
17
24
76
77
30
89
261

24,343
2^921
2,967
3,029
25^622
44,516
1,071
52,468
lli;8 7 4

1,194
162
147
170
964
1,612
253
1,897
4,534

561

41

4,818

1,327
785

87
48

122
13

2,151,114

105,165

5,707

8
1
6
9

1,781

Tons.

Men.

1,225
59
304
2,966
87
176
5,932
1
399
5
430
57
89
209
238
136
131
158
922

131,047
5,898
76^125
422^220
18,105
3i;511
1,630,100
132
88,111
593
89,906
8^844
14,912
29’503
58>18
57,960
9’l49
77490
315J87

6,501
265
5,430
22,438
854
1,741
89,826
6
3,655
35
4,176
423
706
1,453
2^393
2,176
819
2,774
12;241

250

140

12,684

811

26,694
3,552

1,114
186

138
16

28,021
4,337

1,201
234

959,739

54,993

13,818

3,110,853

160,158

i
247
60
2
188

583

Boys.

191
5
50
312
40
17
1,219
315
1
10
1
6
197

2,364

Commercial Statistics.

324
6
304
1,178
84
122
3,969

Maine..............................

1845-46.

S T A T E S , IN

CREW S.

States.

524

TONNAGE E N T E R E D

TO N NA G E

CLEARED

FROM

EACH

OF TH E

A M E R IC A N .

U N IT E D
FO R E IG N .

CREW S.

States.

Alabama.........................
Louisiana........................

CREW S.

Tons.

96,739
893
79,766
237^384
18,257
31,131
1,120,944
181
77,272
3,495
88404
15,390
48,571
38471
50414
13,493
8,159
46,044
238463

No.
Men.

Boys.

3,922
38

206
14
70
112
48
89
1,173

11,716
933
2,037
60,061
6
2,298
169
3,781
672
2.084
1,813
2,055
539
515
1,553
8,487

196
2
ii
1
25

CREW S.

Tons.

No.
Men.

Boys.

Men.

945
54

72,053
3,413

4,134
194

89

1,801
5
53
1,922

137,117
785
5,937
425,942

7,864
40
329
28,105

2
1
241

47

7,627

379

36

128
28
30
30
85
77
26
88
274

30,887
3402
7,103
3,791

1,452
190
339
204
1,039
1,556
241
1,862
4,383

27479
44,748
1,413
51,007

110423

Tons.

3
173

1,485
58
319
2,870
94
191
5,636
1
424
21
533
117
257
290
291
131
113
198
914

168,792
4,306
79,766

97451

8,056
232
5 444
10,580
973
2,366
88,166
6
2,677
169
5,233
862
2,423
2,017
3,094
2,095
756
3,415

348486

11470

374401
19,042
37,068
1,546,886
181
84,899
3,495
119,291
18492
55,674
42,262
78,093
58,241
9,572

295
14
70
114
48
90
1,414

1
198

2,492

232
2
14

*

T ennessee......................
87

6,222

414

41

4,831

265

128

11,053

679

540
695

64
40

126
10

27,920

Texas...............................

12
2

2400

1,198
121

138
12

28,460
3495

1,262
161

T otal........................

8,451

2,221,028

108,641

5,770

968,178

53,895

14,221

3,189,206

162,536




Boys.

525

Maryland........................
District of Columbia....
Virginia........................
North Carolina...............
South Carolina...............
Georgia.....................

540
4
319
1,069
89
138
3,714
1
377
21
405
89
227
260
206
54
87
110
640

T O T A L A M ER IC A N AND FO R EIG N .

Commercial Statistics.

M aine..............................
JNew Hampshire.............
Vermont..........................
Massachusetts................
Rhode Island.................
Connecticut....................
New Y ork......................
New Jersey....................
Pennsylvania.................

No.

1 8 4 5 -4 6 .

STATES, IN

1,947

........
545 '

526

Commercial Statistics.
U N ITE D ST A T E S IM PORT AND CONSUMPTION OF SUGAR.

For the following statements of the quantity of sugar imported and consumed annually,
in the United States, for the last forty-six years, we are indebted to the kindness of E d­
ward T remayne, Esq., of Washington, who was permitted to copy it from the books of
the Treasury Department, for publication in the Merchants’ Magazine. The table, it will
be seen, not only exhibits the quantity imported and consumed, but the rate of duty under
the several tariffs, and the total amount of duty paid in each year, from 1801 to 1846.
QUANTITY OF SUGAR IMPORTED AND CONSUMED, ANNUALLY FROM 1801 TO 1846, INCLUSIVE,
TOGETHER WITH THE DUTY WHICH ACCRUED ON THE SAME.
R A T E S OF D U TY .

SU G A R C O NSUM ED.

Y ears.

1801..lbs.
1802.......
1803.......
1804.......
1805.......
1806.......
1807.......
1808.......
1809.......
1810.......
1811.......
1812........
1813.......
1814.......
1815.......
1816.......
1817.......
1818......
1819.......
1820.......
1821.......
1822.......
1823.......
1824.......
1825.......
1826.......
1827.......
1828.......
1829.......
1830.......
1831.......
1832.......
1833.......
1834.......
1835.......
1836.......
1837.......
1838.......
1839.......
1 8 4 0 .........

1841.......
1842.......
1843.......
1844.......
1845.......
1846.......

B row n.

47,417,397
41,511,762
48,394,771
53,828,275
58,885,220
71,271,927
55.924,457
65,223,807
19,502,914
27,142,626
53,647,571
56,229,071
28,201,738
18,432,512
49,988,078
32,588,239
62,425,833
48,250,688
68,491,275
48,617,029
40,631,396
70,332,928
42,137,421
73,077,821
44,239,180
69,112,185
52,309,013
44,959,621
47,832,037
89,507,714
65,304,411
46,194,798
90,083,811
96,447,915
108,020,863
150,813,701
92,540,615
134,697,831
176,352,785
98,164,329
163,907,516
150,098,832
67,997,855
178,309,526
100,758,315
107,384,247

Clayed.

464,979
2,672,163
1,241,738
9,161,645
2,046,722
9,877,359
19,629,826
2,169,681
1,684,743
3,937,011
3,162,538
2,237,656
4,744,685
2,799,724
3,165,469
3,034,295
3,174,126
2,920,859
2,453,423
6,619,510
1,172,054
5,408,837
3,264,853
4,339,414
2,814,502
4,118,185
3,232,470
6,879,644
4,654,276
2,271,040
9,130,543
4,977,412
10,781,587
6,400,291
2,547,171
7,556,988
5,860,027
3,902,912
8,477,913
10,202,894
805,225
3,483,859
902,935
731,489

T o ta l.

47,882,376
39,443,814
51,066,934
55,070,013
68,046,865
73,318,640
65,801,816
84,853,633
12,381,330
29,312,307
55,332,314
60,166,082
31,364,276
20,670,168
54,732,763
35,387,963
65,591,302
51,284,983
71,665,401
51,537,888
43,084,819
76,952,438
43,309,475
78,486,658
47,504,033
73,451,599
55,123,515
49,077,806
51,064,507
96,387,358
69,958,687
48,465,838
99,814,354
101,425,327
118,802,450
157,213,992
95,087,786
142,254,819
182,212,812
102,067,241
172,385,429
160,301,726
68,800,080
182,793,385
101,661,250
108,115,736

B row n. Clayed.

D uty.

2icts. 3 cts .$1,199,384
975,755
1,290,034
1,382,959
1,746,979
1,843,199
1,694,432
2,219,489
273,925
743,656
1,391,731
2,058,121
6
5
1,619,565
1,055,884
2,784,085
1,150,176
4
3
1,998,093
1,568,892
2,181,703
1,575,345
1,315,143
2,374,768
1,311,004
2,408,688
1,457,769
2,246,942
1,681,850
1,513,516
1,564,259
2,960,417
2,145,303
1,476,685
24
34
2,570,425
2,416,052
2,881,032
3,596,234
2,113,848
2,943,566
3,798,605
1,915,676
3,255,003
4
24
1,961,697
1,732,155
4,597,092
2,555,075
2,713,865

29
61

16
01
85

84
20

96
03
08
56
73
02
96
00
43
81
44
29
23
40
24
79
11
51
11
47
03
91
18
37
54
32
33
46
56
12
22
79
38
48
30
37
51
28
74

P H IL A D E L P H IA IM P O R T S AND D U TIE S, SINCE 1830.
The following statement, showing the value of imports into the port of Philadelphia,
and the amount of duties accruing thereon to the United States, has been carefully pre­
pared from official records:—




527

Commercial Statistics,
Years.

Total imports.
*ip
1 8 3 0 ,.............. . . . 9 ,525,893
1 8 3 1 ,.............. . . . 11,673,755
1 8 3 2 ,............. . . . 10,048,195
1 8 3 3 ,............. . . . 1 1 ,153,757
1 8 3 4 ,............. . . . 10,686,058
1 8 3 5 ,............. . . . 11,868,529
1 8 3 6 ,............. . . . 1 6 ,116,625
1 8 3 7 ,............. . . . 1 0 ,130,838
1 8 3 8 ,............. . . . 1 0 ,417,815
1 8 3 9 ,............... . . . 14 ,7 5 3 ,5 8 9

Duties.
<&
np
3 ,5 3 7 ,5 1 6
4 ,3 7 2 ,5 2 5
3 ,5 0 0 ,2 9 2
2 ,9 8 5 ,0 9 5
2 ,1 1 0 ,4 7 7
2 ,5 0 1 ,6 2 1
3 ,1 4 6 ,4 5 8
1 ,8 2 0 ,9 9 3
2 ,1 0 9 ,9 5 5
2 ,8 8 4 ,9 8 4

Years.
10
98
50
50
32
43
43
21
30
16

Duties.
$
1 ,5 1 7 ,2 0 6
.......... 9,948,598 1,983,681
.......... 6,201,177 1 ,8 1 2 ,8 4 2
.......... 4,9 1 6 ,5 3 5 1,437,837
2,9 8 1 ,5 7 3
.......... 7,494,497 2,37 0 ,5 1 7
779,776
q’rte r, 2,4 8 2 ,0 4 4
690,114
“
2,047,528
7 50,504
“
2 ,3 3 0 ,5 2 7
Total imports.
$

1 8 4 0 ,.......
1 8 4 1 ,.......
1 8 4 2 ,.......
1 8 4 3 ........
1844,. ...
1 8 4 5 ,.......
1846, 1st
2d
“ 3d

70
64
82
84
15
71
13
51
52

IMPORT OF HIDES.
D u rin g th e y ear 1846, the im p o rt o f h id e s in to th e p o rt o f P h ilad elp h ia, from foreign
ports, w ere—
F ro m L a G u ay ra and P o rto C abello,
W est In d ie s an d S p an ish M a in ,................
B ahia and P ern am b u co ,............

*

42,8 8 3
18,089
17,041

DOM ESTIC EXPORTS OF PH ILA DELPHIA IN 1845-46.

The following is a statement of the amount and value of the leading articles of domes­
tic produce, exported from the port of Philadelphia, in the two years ending 30th of
December:—

1846.
Amount.
366,712
21,572
168,817
36,731
231,615
279,771
637,651
1,709
750

Wheat Flour,
Rye Flour,....
Corn Meal,....
Ship Bread,...
W heat,...........
C orn,..............
Cotton,...........
Rice,..............
Tobacco,........

1845.

Value.
$1,770,306
71,965
469,686
100,801
251,234
199,386
52,814
42,436
45,078

Total value in 1846,...
(<
1845,...

$3,003,706
1,574,502

Increase in 1846,.........

$1,420,204

Amount.
200,643
17,132
113,195
31,340
84,717 •
128,316
631,930
1,173
381

Value.
$980,339
58,203
276,547
90,687
95,711
74,992
51,474
24,215
22,334
$1,574,502

BRIGHTON C A T T L E M ARKET.
The following table indicates ithe number of each kind of cattle, and the aggregate
value, sold at the Brighton market annually, for a series of years:—
1835. .......................
1836.,........................
1837.,.......................
1838.,.......................
1839.,.......................
1840.,.......................
1841. .......................
1842. .......................
1843.,.......................
1844. .......................
1845........................
1846.,.......................




Beeves.

Stores.

Sheep.

Swine.

51,096
38,504
31,644
25,830
23,263
34,160
36,607
32,070
32,915
37,610
48,910
38,670

15,872
11,858
16,216
9,573
15,252
12,736
18,794
17,126
10,005
4,236
13,275
15,164

98,160
82,830
110,206
104,640
95,400
128,650
124,172
106,655
98,820
92,274
107,960
105,350

23,142
15,667
17,052
26,164
26,088
32,350
31,872
39,935
43,060
62,740
56,580
44,940

V alue.

$1,878,032
1,858,202
2,449,231
2,058,004
1,901,864
1,990,577
2,400,881
1,741,740
1,685,332
1,689,374
1,893,648
1,871,113

Commercial Statistics.

5 28

AM ERICAN E A ST INDIA AND PACIFIC TRADE.
A correspondent of the American (Boston) Traveller, famishes the following schedule
of arrivals and clearances at different ports in the United States, which have been and are
now engaged in the East India and Pacific trade, not including the whalemen which are
engaged in the Pacific, but of merchant vessels, trading to ports at and beyond the Cape
of Good Hope, and to ports beyond Cape Horn.
The whole number of arrivals, engaged in the above trade, has been, for the year ending
December 31, 1846, 140 ; of which, there were
A t Boston,..............................................
New York........................................

64
59

The 64 arrivals at Boston, were from—
Calcutta,................................................... 21
M anilla,................................................... 11
Batavia,...................................................
8
Canton and Manilla...............................
1
Valparaiso,..............................................
7
Cape Town, Cape Good Hope,...........
3
California,...............................................
2
Pulo Penang,..........................................
2

At Salem ,__
Baltimore,.
Paaang,.............................
Zanzibar,..........................
Sumatra,...........................
Canton, via Rotterdam,..
Batavia, via Amsterdam,.
Columbia River,..............
Realaja, W. C. America,

The 59 arrivals from New York, were from—
Canton,................................................... 41 Manilla,..................
Sumatra,..................................................
1 Zanzibar,................
Batavia,...................................................
1 Sandwich Islands,.
Calcutta,................................................
3 New Zealand,.......
Valparaiso,.............................................
5 Coquimbo,..............

12
5

1
2

2
1
2

1
1

4

1
1
1
1

Of the 41 arrivals at New York from Canton, 18 belonged to ports East of New York,
viz: 15 to Boston, and 3 to Salem ; and of the whole number of arrivals at the port, du­
ring the year, from India, 29 belonged to ports East of there. The vessel from New Zea­
land was ordered to Salem, where she discharged her cargo.
The 12 arrivals at Salem, were from—
Zanzibar,..................... ...........................
7 I Sumatra,..................................................
2
M anilla,...................................................
2 | Pulo Penang,..........................................
1
The 5 arrivals at Baltimore, were from— ■
Valparaiso,.............................................
1 Talcuhuana,............................................
Coquimbo,............................................... , 1 Payta,......................................................
Arica, Peru,....... .....................................
1

1
1

During the year ending December 31, 1846, the whole number of vessels which cleared
for ports in the Pacific, and to ports in the East Indies, from different ports in the United
States, was 139, viz:—
Boston,.........................
73 Newburyport,..
New Y ork,............................................. 43 Bangor,...........
Salem,...................................................... 11 New Orleans,..
Baltimore,...............................................
8
The 73 clearances at Boston, were for—
Calcutta,................................................... 11
do.
via Madras,.............................
5
4
do.
via Bombay,............................
do.
via Maulmein,........................
1
do.
via Cape Good Hope,.............
1
do.
via Cape de V erds,................
1
do.
via Liverpool,..........................
2
Bombay and Canton,............................
1
C anton,...................................................
6
do. via Liverpool,............................
1
do. via Batavia,..............................
1
Manilla,...................................................
6




Batavia,...........................
do. via Cape Town......................
Mauritius and m arket,.........................
Valparaiso,...........................
Sandwich Islands..................................
Cape Town and market,......................
New Zealand,........................................
Zanzibar,.................................................
Pulo Penang,..........................................
Realaja, W. C. Am erica,.....................
do.
via Liverpool,.........................

6
1
2
9
3
6
1
1
2
1
1

529

Commercial Statistics.
The 43 clearances at New York, were for—
do. via Liverpool,..................
Zanzibar,.......................................
Columbia River,.......................... .......
Batavia, via Cape Good Hope,.. .......
Callao,.............. , ..........................
Valparaiso and California,.......... ......
Valparaiso,....................................
Mauritius,...............................................
Batavia and Canton,..............................

California,......................................... . . .
Sandwich Islands,.......................... ...
...
Manilla, via Liverpool,.................. ...
Batavia,............................................. ....
Canton, via Rio Janeiro,................
Hobart Town, V. D. Land.............. ...
Cape Town, via Rio Janeiro,....... ...

2

...
...

2
2

6 Canton,.............................................. . ..

2

4
i
i
1
1

The 11 clearances at Salem, were for—
Manilla,......................................... ........
1
Zanzibar,...................................... .......
4
Pulo Penang,.................................

1
1

1
1
1
1

The 8 clearances at Baltimore, were for—
Valparaiso,....................................

.......

The clearance at Newburyport, was for Oregon; the two at Bangor, for Valparaiso; and
the one at New Orleans, for the Sandwich Islands.
In 1845, the whole number of arrivals of vessels, engaged in the above trade, was 128,
making an increase the last year of 11.
The same year, clearances were 150, making a decrease of 11 the past year.
There has been an increase of arrivals at Boston, over that of the year 1845, of 16, and
a decrease of 10 in the clearances.
A t New York, the decrease of arrivals has been 3, and the decrease of clearances, 6.

EXPORTS OF SUGAR AND M OLASSES FROM HAVANA.
The following table shows the exports of sugar and molasses from Havana, from the
1st of January to the 31st of December, in the year 1845 and 1846:—
BOXES SUGAR.

26,660
10,315
65,521
11,919
22,794
6,715
2,459
11,847
91,716
2,246
9,147

United States,........................
Great Britain,........................
Cowes,....................................
Baltic,....................................
Hamburgh and Bremen,......
Holland,..................................
Belgium,................................
France,..................................
Spain,.....................................
Italy,.......................................
Other ports,...........................

96,457
22,273
121.721
9,125
50,506
8,010
21,994
35,710
107,192
8,901
22,379

261,339

T otal,........................

Mataazas.
19,331
55,665
2,797
23,625
35,722
92,334
4,517
17,232
13,104
45,580
1,094
4,790
2,892
2,658
3,204
13,108
17,889
887
340
6,274
46,423

H avana.

515,278

104,282

285,184

IIOGSIIEADS MOLASSES.

United States,.......................
Brit. Prov. and oth. parts,...

17,301
1,999

26,334
1,404

29,671
2,837

47,742
6,235

T otal,........................

19,300

27,738

23,508

53,977

The exports of molasses from Cardenas, during the same time, were—
United States,................................ .
British Provinces and other parts,
Total,...................................
V O L . X V I.---- N O . V .




34

1845.

1846.

28,669

58,753
205

28,669

58,958

530

Journal o f Mining and Manufactures,

JOURNAL OF MINING AND MANUFACTURES.
M ANUFACTURE OF RAILROAD IRON IN T H E U N ITED STATES.

W e cheerfully give place to the following communication from an intelligent correspond­
ent residing at Lynchburg, Va., and a large stockholder in the “ Tredegor Iron Company,”
of that State. Our correspondent, it will be seen, refers to an extract from the “ Miners’
Journal,” published m the M e r c h a n t s ’ M a g a z in e for January, 1846, in which it is stated
that the first railroad iron was made in 1844; and to a correspondent in a subsequent
number* of our Journal, who states that the “ Great Western Iron Company,” on the Al­
leghany river, produced in 1842, two hundred tons of railroad iron:—
TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERCHANTS* MAGAZINE AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW :----

Sir—In the January number of your truly valuable work, I find an article on the manu­
facture of railroad iron, taken from the Miners’ Journal, in which it is stated that only two
years have elapsed since the first ton of railroad iron was made in this country ; and again
in your February number, this subject is noticed, and the belief expressed that the credit is
due to the “ Great Western Iron Company” of Pennsylvania, lor introducing this import­
ant branch of the iron business into our country. Both of these statements are erroneous,
doubtless unintentionally so. I have no doubt that the first railroad iron made in the
United States was manufactured by the Tredegor Iron Works, at Richmond, Va. The evi­
dence I will offer to sustain the claims of Richmond, is, I think, pretty conclusive. I give
it in an extract from a letter of John F. Tanner, Esq., secretary of the Tredegor Iron Com­
pany, dated Richmond, 1st February, 1846, to whom I made application for accurate in­
formation, after reading your January number, lest my memory should mislead me. Mr,
Tanner says, “ the first railroad iron made at these works was manufactured in (1837)
eighteen1 hundred and thirty-seven. In 1838, we made a considerable quantity for the
Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad Company, and other roads in this State,”
Ever since that period, occasional orders for railroad iron have been executed at these
works. The Tredegor works were erected in 1836-7; commenced operations, I think, the
8th May, 1837. They were built by Edward Cunningham, John A. Cunningham, and
Francis B. Deane, Jr., who conducted them on private account, till 1st January, 1838 ;
when a joint stock company was formed, under a charter obtained from the legislature, at
the session of 1837-8 ; to which company Messrs. Deane & Cunningham sold their works.
So it would seem that the individuals who projected and completed the Tredegor rollingmill were the pioneers in the manufacture of railroad iron in the United States.
The capital stock of the Tredegor Iron Company is about $280,000; the annual product
turned out, about $350,000 ; coal consumed, from 175,000 to 200,000 bushels ; pig iron,
about 4,000 to n s; annual payments for labor, from 50,000 to 60,000 dollars. This
: establishment manufactures as great a variety of sizes of bar iron, rods, hoops, bands, extra
sizes, rounds and squares, locomotive engines, screw moulds, boat plates, and rods for iron
vessels, as any other in the Union. The quality of its production is equal to the best iron
found in our markets, of English or American manufacture. Besides the extensive works
for making malleable iron, of almost every description, which the wants of commerce re­
quire, there is attached to them a very large foundry, with machine-shops, fitted up in the
best manner, with lathes, &c., for building steam-engines, sugar-mills, and, indeed, ma­
chinery of every description. Also, a large boring-mill, and all necessary apparatus for
finishing ordnance of the largest size ordinarily used, either in our army or navy. From
the Tredegor iron foundry, castings of excellent quality and great variety are annually
turned out. The ordnance made there is regarded equal to the best which the government
procures elsewhere, of which fact the records of the war and navy departments will afford
ample testimony.
I feel much confidence in claiming for the Tredegor works the credit of introducing
several other important branches of iron manufacture, as well as railroad iron. I believe
locomotive rolled axles were first made there; and if my information be correct, they have
to a great extent superseded the English and American hammered axles. The same may
be said of boat-rib irons ; these were also first made at the Tredegor works, and I am told
that even now,“there are descriptions of this important article used by government in build­
ing iron vessels, which can only be procured at these works.

* Merchants’Magazine forFebruary, 1846, Vol. XVI., No. 2, page 212.




531

Journal o f Mining and Manufactures,

Without intending any disparagement to other works, or the enterprise of my fellowcitizens in the Northern States, I am induced to make this communication,—first, that cor­
rect information may be placed before the public; and secondly, that it may be known that
the unrivalled advantages possessed by Virginia, for the manufacture of iron, are not so
entirely neglected as many believe them to be.
A Stockholder of the T redegor Company.
IRON M IN ES AND M A NUFACTURE OF BELGIUM.
The following account of the iron ore, and manufacture of iron, is from the unpublished
work of R ichard C. T aylor, Esq., of Philadelphia, who has kindly abstracted it from that
work, for publication in the Merchants’ Magazine:—

Metalliferous Mines, I ron Ore, and Manufacture of I ron.—There are a few mines
of lead, pyrites, and manganese, in the Belgian provinces, but iron ore is, above all, dis­
tributed in the greatest profusion. It is contained in great deposits, in'the form of basins,
and also in the state of immense pipes, or funnels, in limestone. Other accumulations fill
cavities and depressions in the oolite limestone, and elsewhere occur in great veins. These
minerals furnish all the varieties of the best, or strong iron. In general, they are treated
with charcoal; but in some localities, mineral coke is employed, especially all the recently
erected high furnaces.
The oxydes and hydrates of iron, have, for some years, been worked in several com­
munes on the north of the province of Namur and Luxemburg. In Hainault, the work­
ings of iron ore are not very important, and there are no other minerals mined. In Liege,
there are mines of iron ore, and some of zinc, or calamine. Iron ore does not accompany
the coal measures here, but forms separate bands and extensive deposits, towards the
Meuse, and extending to the Prussian frontier.
P laces of Concesextraction. sions.

Provinces.

A rea in hectares.

1816. ’I 8 . ’I8 .’4H. ’18.
H a in a u lt,........
N am ur and
|
Luxemburg,
Liege................

’42.

W orkm en.

’16.

’18.

T ons o f iron ore H igh St. eng. in
furn. ir ’n w ’ks.
extracted.

’16.

13

524
206 39,981
2 ..
2,559
1,061 569 22 27 35,685 36,857 3,213 1,687 528,925
153 12 . . 11,977
1,067 1,082 68,049

T o ta l,... . 1,323 740 36 27 50,221

36,857

4,804 2,975

633,955

’18.

’18.

31,826
231,665
71,347

22

334,833

139

H orse
N o . p ow er.

34
83

160

3,640

The reduction in the last year’s produce, arose from the excessive supply of the two pre­
ceding years, and the consequent encumbering of the magazines. It was the natural con­
sequence of an excessive supply. Metallurgic industry, in consequence of the previous ex­
cess of production beyond the wants of the consumers, suffered a reaction, the effects o f
which were considerable losses during the five succeeding years. W e have already ad­
verted to this epoch of over-production and speculation, and to its injurious influence and
results, when treating on the subject of coal. Little more than one-half the workmen
were employed this year.
In 1838, out of the two hundred and seventy mineralurgic establishments in the king­
dom, two hundred and twenty-one were for the treatment and the preparation of iron, of
which number one hundred and thirty-nine were high furnaces. Through the pressure of
the times, alluded to, several high furnaces were put out; and in 1841, eight high coke
furnaces, alone, out of sixteen, were in operation in the province of Liege.*
In 1830, the first high furnace was erected in Charleroi, for the smelting of iron. Seven
years after, 1837, there were twenty-five coke furnaces in action, producing annually 75,000
tons of metal.
On the termination of its union with France, Belgium possessed eighty-nine high fur­
naces, one hundred and twenty-four forges, and eighty other iron works.
The coke furnaces in Hainault, produced of pig iron, in—

1839.

1844.

T ons.

T ons.

t30,583

41,956

1845.

1846.

T ons.

T ons.

58,135 estimated 114,000

The condition of the iron establishments, in 1838, was as follows:—
* Rapport au Roi. 1843. LXVII. and p. 236.
t Report of the Sambre and Meuse Railway Company, July 2, 1846.




Journal o f Mining and Manufactures,

532

Active.
98

High furnaces,...
Foundries,..........
Fineries,.............
Affineries,..........
Forge-hammers,.
Other machines,.

Inactive.
41

...
220

36

Total.
139
47
17
256
131
263

853
In 1842, there were only fifty-eight blast furnaces in Belgium. Of these, thirty-eight
had been out of blast for three years; and of the remaining twenty, not one was paying a
dividend to the shareholders. There was not a single furnace at work with the hot blast;
and the lowest price at which a ton of forge pig could be produced, under the most favor­
able circumstances, was £ 3 14s. sterling, = $18.* The make of iron, this year, was
121,000 tons,t and advanced to 150,000 tons in 1845.
The demand for.iron has, however, of late years, been much on the increase—not only
for the home consumption, in consequence of the progress of railways from one end of
Belgium to the other, but for supplying numerous railways in France. Hundreds of fur­
naces are now (1847) in blast, where, twelve years ago, not one was seen, and the others
were abandoned.
The following table sufficiently indicates the periodical condition of the iron trade, in
one department, during the eventful periods of which we have been speaking:—
STATEMENT OF BELGIAN IRON EXPORTED TO FRANCE.

Tons.

Year*.

Years.

Tons.

Years.

Tons.

.
3,200 1832..
3,178 1843..
.
5,085
.
3,400 1834..
.
3,815 1 8 4 1 ..
.
9,029
.
.
3,587 1836..
12,543
9,303 1 8 4 2 ..
.
.
.
3,800 1838..
21,521
3,678 1843..
.
2,934 1839..
.
3,100 1644..
.
31,387
The price of iron has, in consequence of this favorable change and its enlarged demand,
increased, within the last sixteen years, at least from 25 to 30 per cent, although there
were, in 1846, more than five times the number of furnaces at work than formerly .t
The exportation of unwrought cast iron, during the first six months of 1845, was 19,000
tons; and during the first six months of 1846, 33,000 tons. The greater part of this was
sent to Germany and France.^
The home consumption of iron, in 1845, was 120,000 tons.
In 1846, Messrs. Sopwith and Smith, civil engineers, reported on the mineralogical
capabilities of the district, between the Sombre and the Meuse, and upon the apparently
exhaustless deposits of iron ore, particularly with reference to the iron mines at Couvin,
near the frontier of France. They state, that the limestone formation of that district con­
tains vast deposits of iron ore, in pockets, or funnel-shaped cavities, which admit of being
worked with great facility, owing to their proximity to the surface.
These deposits of iron ore extend upwards of seventy miles, in an east and west direc­
tion. For some years, the iron works of this region have remained in a state of inactivity,
arising from the commercial embarrassments of 1838-39, which caused so much loss and
interruption throughout the whole of the industrial establishments of Belgium. From these
great and ruinous causes of depression, many of these works never revived; others, in
time, began slowly, and under great disadvantages, to resume operations. The most ap­
parent of these difficulties was, the want of capital; but, it is stated, the iron works arc
now, almost without exception, doing well.
We infer that English capital, to a large extent, is now brought to bear on the mineral
resources of this quarter.
18 2 1 ,..
1 8 2 4 ..
1 8 2 7 ..
1 8 2 8 ..
1830,..

RUSSIAN GOLD AND PL A T IN A .
Gold was first collected in the Uralian Mountains, in 1815 ; and up to the year 1844,
only 9,000 pounds pure gold was produced, valued at 150,000,000 rubles, or 600,000,000
francs. Platina was first obtained there, in 1809, and produced more than 2,000 pounds,
and valued at 7,000,000 rubles, or 28,000,000 francs. The mines are situated along the
Uralian Mountains from 52° to 62° North latitude, and 80° and 135° East longitude.*§
* Correspondent of the Mining Journal. London, 1842.
t Traite de fabrication de la Fonte et du Fer. 1845. P. 1,2881 Mining Journal, Feb. 21, 1846.
§ Report of the Belgian government, in 1846.




Journal o f Mining and Manufactures.

533

T H E A G A TES FROM OBERSTEIN.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERCHANTS* MAGAZINE AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW.

Sir—It is well known that for centuries past, millions of marbles, snuff-boxes, buttons,
seal-stones, breast-pin and ear-ring ornaments, mortars and pestles, have been made from
agate, cornelian, chalcedony, onyx, quartz, or rock crystal, bloodstone, or heliotrope, jas­
per, amethyst, petrified wood, &c., and that they have borne the name of Oberstein pro­
ductions. It may be well to clear the path of the ignorant, and to state that there exists
at Oberstein but one agate polishing establishment, while Idar, a small place with 1,500
inhabitants, on the little river Idar, in the neighborhood of Oberstein, appertaining to the
Duchy of Oldenburg, is the principal depot. The little town of Idar is situated in a very
romantic valley, surrounded by steep columns of porphyry and amygdaloid, from which
the agate is dug out. It contains (including two small villages of the same parish) fifty
polishing establishments, and 300 polishers; and as many as forty men are wholly en­
gaged in boring and drilling the holes in the agates. Large quantities of the rough semi­
precious stones, such as amethyst, beryl, garnet, and others, are brought from Brazil, Si­
beria, and the East Indies, to this place, to be converted into the various useful utensils,
such as mortars and pestles, for enamellers and chemists; teeth and stones, for book­
binders, and burnishers of m etals; flints, cups, snuff-boxes, pen-holders, ftacons, thimbles,
finger-rings, letter-weights, necklaces, knife-handles, &c., &c. Oberstein furnishes, at
present, the greatest quantity of snuff-boxes of pasteboard, or papier mache, and cyprea
shell.
L. F euchtwanger.
M ANUFACTURE OF T A PE ST R Y CA RPETIN G IN M ASSACHUSETTS.
This beautiful branch of manufacture, as we learn from the “ Farmer and M echanic”
(a most valuable journal, conducted with ability by William H. Starr, Esq.,) hitherto exclu­
sively foreign, has recently been introduced into this country, and bids fair to become a pro­
fitable and extensive business. W ith that energy and enterprising spirit, so characteristic
of the mechanics and manufacturers of our country, Messrs. Clark & Hartman, of Clapville, Massachusetts, have embarked in this business, and we are gratified to learn that it
promises to be abundantly successful. Mr. Starr has seen specimens of their manufacture
which he pronounces equal in appearance to the finest Brussels, and one of its peculiarities
consists in having the figure beautifully and ingeniously printed upon the warp, before being
woven, instead of the insertion of the various separate colors during the process of weaving,
as was generally practised in Europe. The back of the web is of flax or hemp, rendering
it very strong and durable. It is woven on a simple common loom, requiring no extra har­
ness or pattern guides; as the figure, whatever its form or character, whether groups of
flowers, landscape, or fancy sketches, must come in right in the weaving. The colors are
laid upon the warp of the printing machine with such mathematical precision that there is
no possibility of getting the figures wrong. The entire machinery for this business is of
American origin, and patented. It was invented by Mr. Hartman, who is by birth a Scotch­
man, but a naturalized citizen of the United States, having been in this country over twenty
years, and was only acquainted with the Scotch plaid and ingrain carpet-weaving when
he left his native home. He has been now more than three years perfecting his machinery,
and making experiments with his coloring matter and process. He has now three printing
machines in operation that print one hundred yards each, per day.* He has also about a
* The plan of block printing, on the warp, was introduced into Scotland, about eight
years ago, and to this time, by their method, one man can only get off from ten to fifteen
yards per d a y ; but Mr. H. did not, nor does he yet know, their method of calculation for
laying the figure, or preparing the colors. Mr. H. sets the colors by steaming, after print­
ing, and uses every variety of shade.




534

Journal o f Mining and Manufactures.

dozen looms ready for weaving. The company will put up a building this spring, for one
hundred looms. The first piece of carpeting of the kind manufactured in America, was
made by this firm, in April, 1846; and since that time until quite recently, they have done
but little more tjian make experiments, in order to produce a perfect article. Mr. Hartman
says, that in bringing out this machinery, he is not indebted to Europe for any part of i t ;
and so confident was he of success, that he expended his whole property long before it was
completed, and was only able to mature it by parting with one-fourth of his interest in the
patent; and if he had failed, his family and himself must have been left pennyless. Ifc
gives us ^peculiar pleasure, however, to say, that success seems to crown his efforts, while
he rejoices that his invention is altogether American.
SHIP-BUILDING IN N E W YORK.
The demand for shipping, and the high rates which freights command in all our ports
and harbors, has produced great activity in this department of the industrial a rts; a cir­
cumstance, it is scarcely necessary to state in this place, that illustrates the mutual rela­
tions of commerce and the mechanic arts. Indeed, agriculture, commerce, and manufac­
tures, are mutually dependent on each other, and no considerable degree of depression or
prosperity can be experienced for any length of time by one, without producing a corre­
sponding effect on the other branches of enterprise and industry.
For the following list of vessels, now building and about to be built, at the different ship­
yards in the port of New York, we are indebted to a correspondent of the New York
Farmer and Mechanic:—
A t W . H. W ebb’s Y ard.—Ship of 1,000 tons burden, 160 feet long, 31 feet beam, and
21 feet hold, called the New York, designed for Messrs. Fox & Livingston’s line of Havre
packets. Ship of 1,300 tons, 175 feet long, 38 feet beam, and 22 feet deep, for C. HMarshall’s line of Liverpool packets. Ship of 1,000 tons, and about the size of the New
York, intended for Messrs. Taylor & Merril, Liverpool trade. Steamship United States,
the first of the line of the four between this city and New Orleans, under the direction of
C. H. Marshall, Esq. She is 244 feet long on deck, 40 feet beam, 23 feet hold, and 1,900
tons burden. The keels of two ships, 1,300 tons burden each, for Messrs. Grinnell, Minturn & Co.’s London line, will be laid immediately at this yard.
A t Brown & Bell’s Y ard.—Ship of a beautiful model, intended for the China trade.
She is 950 tons burden, 34 feet 6 inches beam, 175 feet long, and 20 feet hold. Steamship-of-war for the Peruvian government, about 800 tons burden.
A t W estervelt and Mackay’s Y ard.—A large ocean steamship, to be called the La­
fayette, the second in the Bremen and New York line of steam packets. She will meas­
ure 2,500 tons burden, 255 feet long, 40 feet beam, 24 feet 6 inches hold. Ship of 1,100
tons measurement, 162 feet long, 37 feet beam, and 21^ feet hold, for Robert Kermit’s line
of Liverpool packets.
A t J abez W illiams & Son’s Y ard.— A beautiful modelled ship of 850 tons burden,
145 feet long, 33 feet beam, and 20 feet hold. She is called the Creole, and is intended
for Messrs. Stanton & Frost’s line of New Orleans packets. Also, a ship of 1,000 tons,
160 feet on deck, 38 feet beam, and 22 feet hold, for the same line.
A t W . H. Brown’s Y ard.—A ship for the Charleston trade, measuring about 750 tons.
Also, about laying the keel of steamship Northerner, for Messrs. Spofford, Tileston & Co.’s
Charleston steam packet line.
A t L awrence & Sneeden’s Y ard.—A steamboat of 400 tons.
A t P erine, P atterson & Slack’s Y ard.—Ship for Messrs. Slate, Gardiner & Howell,
of about 1,200 tons burden, intended for a Liverpool packet. Ship for W arren Delano,
Esq., of about 950 tons burden, intended for the general freighting business. Ship for
Messrs. Slate, Gardiner & Howell, Liverpool packet, about 1,300 tons burden, now
commenced.
A t Smith & Dimon’s Y ard.—A magnificent ship for Mr. Delano, measuring 1,000
tons, length 170 feet, breadth of beam 34 feet 6 inches, and 20 feet hold. She is designed
for the Liverpool trade.
A t Bishop & Simonson’s Y ard.—A neat steamship, contracted for by Messrs. Mason
& Thompson, to run between Porto Rico and St. Thomas. She is about 450 tons, 135




Railroad, Canal, and Steamboat Statistics,

535

feet long, 26$ beam, and 1 L feet hold. Also, a steamer of 150 tons, for the Brazilian gov­
ernment, to ply as a mail or passenger boat on the Rio Grande. Also, a boat for the Ful­
ton ferry. The keel of a steamer will be laid immediately for the river trade, measuring
450 tons, 190 feet in length, and 28 feet beam.

AM ERICAN MANUFACTURED DUCK.
This article will soon become not only a desirable, but a decidedly popular article in
the commercial world. The editor of the “ Louisville Journal ” has received a letter from
Mr. J. Goulding, formerly of that city, dated January 19th, enclosing a specimen of duck,
manufactured by him from Kentucky hemp. The most expensive article of the sort, now
made, is the Holland hempen duck, which is not as handsome a fabric as that made of
flax. Mr. Goulding’s specimen is pronounced excellent in all respects, and in appearance
resembles the flax duck. In his letter, Mr. Goulding says:—
“ I send you in this letter a small sample of my duck. It is made ef Kentucky dewrotted hemp, and is the production of the first loom that was started. The machinery I
had, made in England, has required considerable alterations; and the ten looms, made in
Worcester, Massachusetts, contrary to my expectations, required considerable change. I
have overcome these difficulties, and expect to be under full headway in two months,
making an A. No. I. article—nothing better, to say the least of it. I can weave as thick
or as thin as there is any call for, and thicker than is needed; and I don’t know that I
have much to learn in the preparation of the hemp for duck.”
MANUFACTURE OF MARBLE BY CASTING.
The invention of a composition which perfectly imitates marble, and which mqy be
poured in a fluid state into moulds, for the making of casts, is found to answer so well that
a manufactory of these casts has been erected at Charlottenburg, in Prussia. The " Nu­
remberg Correspondent” states that the first samples have made their appearance, and that
they surpass all expectation, having all the soundness and transparency of the stone they
imitate, and perfectly resemble the Carrara marble. Statues may be cast of this material
as easily as of plaster of Paris, and will be afforded at so cheap a rate that it will be in the
power of persons of very moderate means to possess them. It is expected that this inven­
tion of marble castings will be applied to the building and ornamenting of houses. Moser
and Kriegk, the inventors, keep their method a secret, but admit that they obtain the ma­
terial from Bohemia.

RAILROAD, CANAL, AND STEAMBOAT STATISTICS.
ST E A M COM MUNICATION B E T W E E N ENGLAND AND N E W ORLEANS.

T he leading merchants of Liverpool, England, have addressed a memorial to the “ Right
Honorable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty,” representing to their lordships the
great advantages which would follow a direct steam communication between England and
the port of New Orleans, and earnestly request their lordships to avail of the opportunity
now open for such communication, by ordering the British West India steamships to call
at Cat Island harbor.
In regard to the number of passengers, and value of correspondence, the Liverpool mer­
chants say, “ there is no station, in the present route of the company, of equal importance
to that of New Orleans, which is at once the depot for the produce of the valley of the
Mississippi, and the port through which British manufactures find an entrance into the
Western States.”




536

Railroad, Canal, and Steamboat Statistics.

The value of such a trade, not only to the petitioners, but to England, will doubtless se­
cure for the measure the consideration of their lordships. The memorial is signed by
Brown, Shipley & Co.; Watson, Brothers & Co.; Rathbone, Brothers & Co.; Fieldon,
Brothers & Co.; A. Dennistoun & Co.; Todd, Jackson & C o.; Molyneux, Taylor &. Co.;
Geo. Green & Son ; and about forty other of the most influential houses in Liverpool.
COST OF CANAL REPAIRS.
We find, in a late number of the Rochester Democrat, the following tabular statement
in reference to a subject of interest at this time. It contains much interest for those who
desire to offer proposals for portions or sections of canal repairs—as it gives the average
cost o f repairs per mile, for several years:—
1828...........
1829...........
1830...........
1831...........
1832...........
1833...........
1834...........
1835...........
1836...........
1837...........
1838...........
1839...........
1840...........
1841...........
1842...........
1843...........
1844...........
1845...........
1846...........

Erie.

Oswego.

*513
529
461
382
743
746
976
893
704
830
851
676
827
581
732
676
844
907
843

*239
361
349
254
340
313
338
453
1,434
1,608
1,371
679
915
694
827
623
752
1,227
1,409

Cayuga
& Seneca.

Chemung.

Crooked
Lake.

*386
247
153
243
274
401
440
1,358
1,297
861
1,063
1,124
633
719
497
656
945
560

$666
691
269
251
393
364
391
335
933
386
344
485
485
385

*231
445
592
776
556
444
592
1,129
1,014
505
493
595
663

Chenango.

Genesee
Valley.

__
*201
214
177
159
160
195
155
164
195
190

*125
290
341
292
299
325
334

COST OF R A IL W A Y CONSTRUCTION IN G REAT BRITAIN.
The railways completed, from 1823, in which year the Stockton and Darlington, (the
first line,) was opened, to 1844, comprise altogether 64 lines, of an aggregate length of
2,0694 miles, and have been constructed at an actual cost of £64,238,600 ; being an aver­
age of £31,048 per mile, as will be seen by the following list, compiled from the Board of
Trade Reports:—

Completed.
1 8 2 3 .............
1 8 3 0 .............
1 8 3 1 .............
1 8 3 2 .............
1 8 3 4 .............
1 8 3 5 .............
1 8 3 7 .............
1 8 3 8 ............. . . .
1 8 3 9 .............

Railways. Length.

i

38
47J
14*
16
35

3
2
1
2
1
1
10

27
357*

6

78

6

Cost.

£ 2 5 6 ,0 0 0
1,780,000
185,000
175,000
375,4 0 0
38,400
158,000
11,471,600
2 ,6 9 2 ,2 0 0

Completed.

Railways. Length

7

1 8 4 0.............
1 8 4 1............. ..
1 8 4 2 .............
1 8 4 3 .............
1844.............
1 8 4 5 .............

219
4 23
3554

Cost.

3024
834

£ 8 ,4 0 5 ,7 0 0
17,452,900
10,472,600
3,052,800
5,586,000
2,1 3 7 ,0 0 0

64 2,0694

£ 6 4 ,2 3 8 ,6 0 0

12
8
2

7

664

—

Total... ..

In an able statistical paper in the Edinburgh Review, said to be written by Dr. Lardner,
it is stated that if we take the principal railways which have been completed and brought
into full operation, excluding only a few obviously exceptional ones, we shall find that the
average amount of capital which they have absorbed, is at the rate of £35,000 per mile.
This amount has in different cases been distributed in different proportions among the sev­
eral heads of expenditure ; but the following may be taken as near the average distribu­
tion:—Cost of land, £4,000; way and works, £22,000; office and sundries, £1,000; lo­
comotive power and working stock, £8,000; total, £35,000.




Railroad, Canal, and Steamboat Statistics

537

The railways constructed with the wide guage were more expensive. An extent of
240 miles had absorbed £9,704,368, at the close of last year, being at the rate of above
£40,300 per mile.
T A B L E O F F R E IG H T AND TOLLS ON COAL.
The following table shows the rate of freight and tolls on coal, per Philadelphia and
Reading Railroad, from March 1st to July 1st, 1847:—
From Mount
From Schuylkill
From Port
Carbon.

To Philadelphia,...........................................
$1
Inclined Plane,......................................
1
Richmond,..............................................
1
Nice town,................................................
1
Germantown Railroad..........................
1
Falls of Schuylkill..................................
1
Manayunk...............................................
1
Conshehocketi-.......................................
1
Turn-out, one mile below Norristown.
1
Plymouth Railroad................................
1
Norristown or Bridgeport.....................
1
Port Kennedy.........................................
1
Valley Forge...........................................
1
Phcenixville.............................................
Rover’s Ford...........................................
Pottstown................................................
Douglassville,..........................................
Reading....................................................
Mohrsville...............................................
Hamburg.................................................
Orwigsburg.............................................
By order of the Board of Managers.

H aven.

Clinton.

$1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

50
40
40
40
40
25
15
05
00
00
00
00
00
95
90
90
90
80
60
40
30

S.

40
©1 25
30
1 10
30
1 10
30
1 10
1 10
30
1 00
15
95
05
05
90
90
00
00
90
00
90
00
90
00
90
95
85
90
80
80
90
90
80
70
80
50
60
30
40
30
30
B radford, Secretary

TRO Y AND GREENBUSH RAILROAD.
This road extends along the eastern margin of the Hudson River, from the city of Troy
to Greenbush, (opposite Albany,) a distance of six miles, connecting with trains on the
Boston and Western Railroad. The following statement exhibits the number of passen­
gers, and the amount of passenger and freight earnings, for each month, from the opening
of the road to the close of the year 1846:—

1845.
No.

Amount.

1846.
Freight.

January.......
February.....
M arch.........
May............
Ju n e ...........
July.............
August’.......
September..
October.......
November..
December...

*3,429
15,811
16,191
18,434
18,270
17,215
9,361

' $425
1,968
1,994
2,271
2,249
2,124
1,167

62J
374
044
26
84
114
60

$37
218
290
545
577
617
1,359

984
8O4
83
35
40
51
44

No.

A mount.

10,729 $1,335 90
1,192 944
9,580
1,603 35
12,905
2,627 424
21,134
2,611 474
21,827
3,141 22
25,381
4,000 41
32,204
28,219
3,801 74
3,724 214
26,091
3,347 05
22,925
18,620
1,741 83
1,738 94
10,420

Freight.
94

$ 1 ,5 9 7

1,310
1,383
1,171
lj020
879
925
930
933
1,698
1,570
2,601

25
60
81
02

71
73
29
52
65
62
48

240,036 $31,966 50 $16,023 69
Total... 98,711 $ 1 2 ,2 0 0 8 6 $3,647 32
From January 1st, to August 17th, the fare over the road was 12^ cents. From that
date to December 7th, it was 15 cents. From that time it has continued at 20 cents.
* Road opened for travel, June 13th, and until July 4tb, only two trips each day were
made.




538

The Book Trade.

T H E BOOK T R A D E .
1.

— R e p o r ts o f C a s e s d e c id e d i n th e H i g h C o u r t o f C h a n c e r y , b y th e R i g h t H o n o r a b le L o r d C h a n c e llo r
C o tte n h a m , L o r d H i g h C h a n c e llo r o f E n g l a n d , w i t h N o t e s a n d R e f e r e n c e s to bo th E n g l i s h a n d
A m e r i c a n D e c i s i o n s . By J o h n A. D u n l a p , Counsellor at Law. Vol. X V III. Containing Myle &

Craig’s Chancery Reports, Vol. IV., and Craig & Phillips’, Vol. I., 1838,1839, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843,
1844, Victoria. New York : Banks, Gould & Co.
This is volume X V III. of the series o f English Chancery Reports now in course o f republication. I t con­
tains tw o volumes o f decisions made by the present Chancellor of England, Lord Cottenham, during his
former term of office ; for it has been the fortune o f Lord Cottenham to be both predecessor and successor
o f Lord Lyndhurst as Chancellor, having held the office in the Melbourne ministry as well as th at of Rus­
sell. As to the value of English cases, in American courts, w hatever controversy a t any time existed on
the subject has pretty much died away. Nearly all now adm it that, however little their binding authority
as decisions, they are at least worth all th a t their reason is worth ; and how much th a t is worth becomes
very evident the moment we consider th a t the legal systems of both countries not only rest on the same
great principles, but are similar in their organization of courts and in the forms o f remedy. This is par­
ticularly true of New York, where the law is identical w ith that o f England in very many o f the minuter
points o f pleading, and even of practice. As to the value of Lord Cottenham’s decisions in particular, we
believe they are highly esteemed by the profession at large for their soundness. It was the opinion o f Judge
Story that they carried far greater weight than those o f his successor, to whom, as we have seen, he has him­
self ju st succeeded. There is one point about this work deserving of special commendation. I t gives the
decisions o f the English volumes entire, and it gives a l l of them. Hitherto our publishers have been in the
habit of furnishing the profession w ith the English Reports condensed. Now we cannot conceive o f a book
less capable o f being abridged to advantage than a Book of Reports. Apart from Coke’s O m n ia C o m ­
p e n d i a s u n t d is p e n d i a , &rc., it is not disparaging a lawyer’s ability, but only denying his prescience, to say
th a t he cannot make a good or safe abridgment o f reports, to take the place o f the original. I t is impos­
sible for any lawyer, however great his legal insight, to foresee w hat cases may or may not occur, and, con­
sequently, w hat precedents may not be needed and may be omitted in such an abridgment. And the diffi­
culty is ten-fold greater in a country like this, with some thirty different S tate tribunals, which, though
having a family resemblance, yet, like the sisters in Ovid, who looked alike, yet unlike, f a c i l s n o n o m n ib u s
u n a n e c d i v e r s a , vary and differ in a thousand points more or less minute, so th at the precedent which may
be thought obsolete in one State may be of great value in another. A law book, therefore, republished or
edited for the use of the whole country, is the last thing to be edited with reference to any particular State.
W e hope and believe th a t the publishers o f this volume will be supported in their enterprise, and encouraged
to go on with the series in the same thorough manner.
2.

— A r g u m e n t o f {la te ) E d w a r d L i v i n g s t o n a g a i n s t C a p ita l P u n i s h m e n t . Published by the New York
S tate Society for the Abolition of Capital Punishment. Office of the Society, 140 Fulton street. W .
H. Graham, Tribune Buildings, New York.
E dw ard Livingston was one of those great intellects th a t appear at intervals in the world’s history, whose
views reach far beyond those of their cotemporaries. His “ Crim inal Code for Louisiana,” from which the
pamphlet before us is extracted, is an illustration o f this remark. In a volume o f 745 pages he spread out
the most comprehensive and enlightened system o f criminal jurisprudence ever produced. Every improve­
ment in the codes of our different States, th a t has been made or proposed, was shadowed forth by his great
mind. T he prison associations, the societies for relief of discharged convicts, and the homes for prisoners,
which are springing up in all parts of Christendom, are but emanations from the same source. O f course
he was opposed to the death penalty, and his argum ent on this point is concise, clear, and unanswerable.
T he N . Y. Society have done well in republishing it in a neat pamphlet of 24 pages. T he testimony o f
some fifty em inent jurists, philosophers, and clergymen o f all denominations, has been appended to the
work, also the names of the officers and honorary members of the S tate Society. T he subject o f capital
punishment is at present engrossing a large share of the public attention, and all classes o f the community
are interested in understanding the merits o f the controversy. W e know o f no way in w hich this can be
so easily done as by an examination o f this pamphlet.

3.— A S c h o o l G r a m m a r i n th e L a t i n L a n g u a g e . By C. S. Z u m p t , Professor in the University, and
Member o f the Royal Academy of Science o f Berlin. Translated and adapted to the use o f the High
School o f Edinburgh. By L e o n a r d S c h m i t z , F . R. S. E., Rector of the High School o f Edinburgh.
Corrected and Enlarged. By C h a r l e s A n t h o n , L L . D., Professor o f the Greek and Latin Languages
in Columbia College, N ew York, and Rector o f the Gramm ar School. 12mo., pp. 246. N ew York :
Harper &. Brothers.
In order to render this excellent manual still more serviceable to the young student, Dr. Anthon has in­
corporated, not only from the larger work o f the author, but also from other equally valuable sources, much
additional matter. Dr. A nthon’s reputation as a classical scholar is, o f itself, a sufficient recommendation
o f the work.




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539

— T h e W r i t i n g s o f G e o r g e W a s h i n g t o n ; b e in g h i s C o r r e s p o n d e n c e , A d d r e s s e s . M e s s a g e s , a n d o th e r
P a p e r s , O fficia l a n d P r i v a t e . S e le c te d a n d P u b l is h e d f r o m th e O r i g i n a l M a n u s c r i p t s ; w i t h a L i f e
o f th e A u t h o r , M o te s , a n d I l l u s t r a t i o n s . By J a r e d S p a r k s . Vol. I. 8vo., pp. 586. N ew Y o rk :

Harper & Brothers.
This is the first o f twelve large and handsome octavo volumes, originally published about ten years
ago, and now reproduced by the enterprising Harpers, in a style equal, if not superior, to the first edition,
and at less than one-half the p ric e; and this, notwithstanding a liberal copyright is paid to Mr. Sparks, the
able and laborious compiler. I t is incomparably the cheapest standard publication th a t has yet been pro­
duced in this country. T he publishers certainly deserve the thanks o f every American, for placing so
valuable a work in the hands of the whole people; as it must hereafter be found in every public library in
the land, including the ten th'ousond District School Libraries of the State o f New York, &c. T h e present
volume embraces a full, complete, and satisfactory life o f the F ather of his C o u n try ; to whom, under
Providence, we are indebted for our national existence, and th a t measure o f civil and religious liberty we
enjoy. T he volumes are sold at o n e d o l la r a n d f i f t y c e n ts each —the original price was §3 50.
— T h e T r u e B e l i e v e r : h i s C h a r a c te r , D u t y , a n d P r i v i l e g e s , e lu c id a te d i n a S e r ie s o f D i s c o u r s e s .
By Rev. A s a M a h a n , President o f the Oberlin Collegiate Institute, Oberlin, Ohio. 18mo., pp. 2 8 0 .
N ew Y ork: Harper i t Brothers.
T he revered and learned author of these discourses is at the head o f a denomination o f Christians known
as “ Perfectionists.” The present volume, o f course, inculcates views in harmony with the peculiar sen­
tim ents of the author, and the sect o f which he is an honored member and teacher. I t seems to us th a t a
system of religion which contemplates a high degree o f human excellence, is more likely to reach the mark
than one that reverses the standard, and views w ith despondency m an’s aspirations after perfection.
5.

6.

— T h e P r i n c i p l e s o f S c ie n c e a p p lie d to th e D o m e s ti c a n d M e c h a n ic A r t s , a n d to M a n u f a c t u r e s a n d
A g r i c u l t u r e ; w i th R e fle c tio n s o n th e P r o g r e s s o f th e A r t s , a n d th e i r In flu e n c e o n N a t i o n a l W e l f a r e .

By A l o n z o P o t t e r , D. D., Professor o f Moral Philosophy and Rhetoric in U nion College, S chenec­
tady. Revised edition. 12mo., pp. 444. N ew York : H arper & Brothers.
T h e present work, w h ich w as originally prepared for, and incorporated into, th e M assachusetts
“ School Library,” is designed for those w ho are engaged in industrial pursuits, and also for students,
an d for popular reading. So far as it presents a form al and som ew hat extended view o f th e connection
betw een science and art, it fills, perhaps, a place not y et occupied in our literatu re. T h e au th o r
appears to have had access to th e m ost recent works on th e subject, and h as introduced m any o f th e
im provem ents in such arts as are discussed. I t is w ell adapted for our District School Libraries.
7.

— L e t t e r s , C o n v e r s a ti o n s , a n d R e c o lle c tio n s o f S . T . C o le r id g e . Second edition. 12mo., pp. 266.
New York : H arper &. Brothers.
Bolingbroke, in a letter to Swift, once said th a t “ Pliny w rit his letters for the public ; so did Seneca, so
did Balzac, V oirture,” etc.. “ Tully,” he adds, “ did n o t; and therefore they give us more pleasure than
any which come down to us from antiquity.” T he last statem ent applies with equal force to Coleridge, o f
our own time. In these letters we are admitted, as it were, into the inner shrine o f the man, where we
hear him commune w ith his own soul. They place before us memorials o f one o f the greatest and best
men of this age ; for, in great and varied attainm ents, in the power o f placing scattered truths in harm o­
nious combination, and illustrating them out o f the stores o f a vast intellect, Coleridge is considered by far
the most wonderful man o f his time.
8.

— I m p o r ta n c e o f P r a c ti c a l E d u c a t io n a n d U s e f u l K n o w l e d g e ; b e i n g a S e le c tio n f r o m h i s O r a t io n s
a n d o t h e r D i s c o u r s e s . By E d w a r d E v e r e t t . 12mo., pp. 419. N ew York : H arper & Brothers.

This volume embraces selections from the orations and speeches delivered by the author on various pub­
lic occasions, within the last twenty years. They all refer to the subject o f education ; and, as models o f
a correct, elegant, and scholarly style of writing, they w ill have many admirers and imitators. Classic
grace, rather than Anglo-Saxon boldness and energy, characterise the orations o f Mr. Everett. They are
rather designed to stim ulate scholarship, than develop bold and original thought.
9.

— T h e I n s t i t u t e s o f M e d ic in e . By M a r t y n P a i n e , A . M., M. D., Professor o f the Institute o f Medi­
cine and Materia Medica in the University of New York ; Member of the R oyal Vereinfur H eilkunde iti
Preussen ; of the Medical Society at Leipsic ; o f the Montreal N atural History Society, etc., etc. 8vo.,
pp. 826. N ew York : Harper & Brothers.
This is an elaborate treatise on medical science—if, indeed, it can be dignified, in its present condition,
with th a t title. T h e author has aimed to keep before him the difficult objects o f adapting his work not
only to the student in medicine, but to the more advanced practitioner. How far he has succeeded in this
respect, there are those more competent than we are to judge. It is evidently a work o f great research and
ability, and will, no doubt, be duly appreciated by gentlemen of the regular alopathic school. T h e learning
and erudition displayed in its preparation, is creditable to this branch o f our country’s literature.
— R a m b le s A b o u t th e C o u n t r y . B y Mrs. E . F. E l l e t . 18mo. N ew Y ork : H arp er &. Brothers.
T h e se sketches are w ritten in a graceful and pleasing style, and are n ot only calcu lated to in te re s t
an d in stru ct those for w hose benefit they w ere designed, but to satisfy th em th a t th ere are in our ow n
co untry objects o f equal in terest to those o f other countries, and th a t th e re is no need o f going to
foreign lands to enjoy th e gratification o f w itnessing grand and beautifu l scenery, w h en so m u c h o f
i t is to be found a t home.
10.




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11•— T h e L e c t u r e s d e liv e r e d b e fo r e th e A m e r i c a n I n s t i t u t e o f I n s t r u c t i o n , a t P l y m o u t h , A u g u s t , 1846 ;
i n c l u d i n g th e J o u r n a l o f P r o c e e d i n g s a n d a L i s t o f th e O ffic e r s. P u b l is h e d u n d e r th e d i r e c tio n o f th e
B o a r d o f E d u c a t i o n . l2mo., pp. 203. Boston : W illiam D. Ticknor & Co.

Besides the few pages occupied with the proceedings and officers of this im portant Institute, the volume
contains eight lectures from as many individuals, whose education and experience cannot fail to command
the respect of all who are interested in the advancement of learning. An enumeration o f the titles of these
lectures will give the best idea of the contents of the volume, at least which our limited space will permit.
T h e subjects are—1st, Home Preparation for School—2d, T h e Influence o f Morals upon Intellectual Im ­
provement—3d, T he Essentials o f a Common School Education, and the conditions most favorable to their
attainm ent—4th, T he Education o f the Faculties, and the proper employment o f young children—5th,
Obligations to elevate the Character o f our Common Schools—Cth, Importance o f Cultivating Taste in
Early Life—7th, On Phronotype and Phronography, or Speech W riting and Speech Printing—8th, On the
Study of the English Language. T h e subjects are generally discussed in a satisfactory manner, and furnish
good evidence o f the progress of knowledge on the vital question o f education. W e cheerfully commend
the lectures to teachers, parents, and indeed to all who feel an interest in the intellectual and moral de­
velopment o f the race.
12. — E s s a y s . By T h e o p h i l u s P a r s o n s . Second Edition. 18mo., pp. 181. Boston : W m .D . Ticknor.
T h e number is small who have read any o f the writings o f Swedenborg, whatever may have been their
religious creed, who have not become impressed w ith the sincerity o f his convictions, and the purity o f his
character. Many, w ithout receiving in full all his teachings, find in his works much th a t harmonizes with
the instructions of their own minds. Mr. Parsons, the author o f these essays, a gentleman o f intelligence and
great moral worth, is a disciple of Swedenborg, or a devoted member of the “ New C hurch,” and in these
essays discusses the several subjects in th e light learned from the religion and the philosophy o f the Swedish
Seer. T he titles o f the essays are :—Life, Prudence, Correspondence, the Human Form, Religion, and the
N ew Jerusalem. “ W hatsoever is found in them ,” says Mr. Parsons, in his brief and modest preface, “ new,
and just, and interesting, belongs to that system
and he publishes them for the good they mny do, “ with
very great reluctance, from the fear that their faults and imperfections may be attributed to the system of
tru th, o f which they present a few portions.” Swedenborgians will read this volume with pleasure ; and
eclectics in religion, like ourselves, “ if we have any,” us a venerable divine once said, “ to speak of,”
gather, peradventure, from its pages, some grains o f “ truth and good.”
13. — P a s t a n d P r e s e n t , a n d C h a r t i s m . By T h o m a s C a r l y l e . “ Library o f Choice Reading, Nos. 96,97.”
N ew Y o rk : W iley & Putnam .
These two distinct works are so similar, both in their aim and their style, th at they seem parts o f one and
the same work. T heir bearing on British politics is not a matter o f indifference to us. Carlyle, w ithout
ranging himself under the banner of any party, pleads the cause o f the poor—their right to breathe and
w o rk ; to be fed, taught and governed. In defending their cause, he runs back to first principles a little
more than would be agreeable to those whose sole end is “ to own land.” T heir application contains some
o f the most perfect specimens o f sarcasm we have ever seen. T he lower classes, should they read his books,
would never know w hat their champion had done for them. W ere his argum ents done into plain English
they would tend to deluge England in blood ; but he seems purposely so to have veiled his meaning th at
i t should be to the upper classes a most pungent appeal—to the masses an unreadable rhapsody. I f he
would only add a third volume on the N ational Debt, in all its bearings, a more perfect political essay could
not be found in the English language.
14.— T h e H o m e T r e a s u r y , N o . 1.

C o m p r is i n g — C in d e r e lla , B e a u t y a n d th e B e a s t , G r u m b le a n d C h e e r y ,
th e E a g l e 's V e r d i c t , a n d th e S l e e p i n g B e a u t y i n th e IV ood. Vol. 1. 12mo. New Y o rk : W iley &

Putnam .
T his first volume of the Home Treasury is one of those enchanting little selections which all children
devour; and whose pages even grown persons are beguiled into reading, scarcely knowing whether it is
their manifest falsity, or the intense interest they excite and sustain so well. In short, these are tales which
almost every one reads a t some tim e—most when they are children—and even Macauley draws some of his
aptest illustrations from a quaint allusion to some such fairy tale.
15.

— T h e H a l g a n G o d s p e l i n E n g l i s c . — T h e A n g l o - S a x o n V e r s io n o f th e H o l y G o s p e ls . Edited by
B e n j a m i n T h o r p e , F . S. A., from the Original Manuscripts. Reprinted by L o u is F . K l i p s t e i n , M.
A ., author o f “ A Grammar o f the Anglo-Saxon Language,” “ A nalecta Anglo-Saxonica,” etc. New
York : W iley & Putnam .
T h e first edition o f the Anglo-Saxon version o f the four Gospels was printed at London in 1571, w ith a
dedication to Q ueen Elizabeth, by Foxe, the martyrologist. T he second was printed at Dordrecht in 1665.
T his reprint is laid before the public w ith the hope th a t it may conduce to the study o f the language of our
forefathers, as well as to a still higher purpose.
16.

— A S e r m o n o c c a s io n e d b y th e D e a t h o f H o n . J o h n D a v i s , L L . D . , a n d p r e a c h e d i n th e F e d e r a l S t r e e t
M e e t i n g H o u s e i n B o s t o n , J a n u a r y 2 4 , 1847. By E z r a S . G a n n e t t , Minister o f the Federal Street

Society. 8vo., pp. 42. Boston : W illiam Crosby and II. P. Nichols.
A beautiful tribute to the memory o f a good man, not unworthy of the pulpit consecrated by the eloquence
and power o f the sainted Channing.




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17.— T h e P r o s e - W r i t e r s o f A m e r i c a , w i th a S u r v e y o f th e H i s t o r y , C o n d i ti o n , a n d P r o s p e c t s o f A m e r i ­
c a n L i t e r a t u r e . By R u f u s W i l m o t G r i s w o l d . Illustrated w ith Portraits from O riginal Pictures.
8vo., pp. 552. Philadelphia: Carey 6c H art.
T h e present volume is designed to exhibit a general view o f the actual state and future prospects o f the
literature of the country, and also brief portraitures o f those individuals who have become most distin­
guished as prose-writers in this department of intellectual enterprise. I t accordingly contains biographical
sketches of those persons who seem to have attained the most eminence in the various branches o f literary
effort, with criticisms upon their writings, and quotations o f the most select passages from their several
works. W e have among the list not only the names of literary men in the narrow and technical sense in
which the term is understood, or that class who devote themselves to literature as an exclusive pursuit, but
also those of orators, statesmen, jurists, theologians, and others whose desultory efforts appeared worthy o f
permanent record. It must of course be expected that in so large an array o f names there will be found
various degrees of m erit; that there will appear the productions of those w ho have established a solid re­
putation as wide as the domain of public intelligence, as well as those who have made th e pursuit o f letters
an occasional occupation, without aspiring to the more lofty niches in the temple o f fame. Y et the whole
work presents a rather favorable specimen of the various powers of the prose-writers o f the nation, and
shows us that we possess much native ability of this sort, which requires only to be developed. T he exe­
cution o f the work is, on the whole, moreover, creditable to its author and compiler, and is illustrated with
engravings o f W ashington Irving, Mr. Justice Story, Jonathan Edwards, W illiam II. Prescott, Ralph
W aldo Emerson, Churles F. Hoffman, and other prominent writers o f the country.
18.

— M o d e m C h i v a l r y , o r th e A d v e n t u r e s o f C a p ta in F a r r a g o , a n d T e a g u e O 'R e g a n . By
r id o e . 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 381. P hiladelphia: Carey 6c H art’s “ Library o f Humor.”

H. H . B racken -

This is the second edition of this work w hich has been published since the author’s death, in 1816. It
embraces a biographical notice, a critical disquisition on the work, and explanatory notes. “ Modern
Chivalry” is a thoroughly American work—a political satire—its scenes, characters, incidents, all spring
from the soil with “ a raciness unequalled by any other American production, previous to its appearance.”
T he designs by Dnrley are capital—and, on the whole, we consider the present one o f the best o f the pub­
lishers’ series o f “ Humorous American W orks.”
19.

—A D i c t i o n a r y o f th e E n g l i s h L a n g u a g e , a b r id g e d f r o m th e A m e r i c a n D i c t i o n a r y . By N o a h
W e b s t e r , L L . D. Revised Edition. Containing several thousand additional words from the lust edi­
tion o f the larger work, im portant Etymologies, Rules for the Orthography and Pronunciation o f Words,
the Accented Vocabularies of W alker’s Key to the Classical Pronunciation o f Greek, Latin, and Scrip­
ture Proper N am es; Tables of Moneys, and of W eights and Measures, with a Memoir o f the A uthor.
8vo., pp. 546. New Y o rk : Huntington 6c Savage.
T h e great work of Mr. W ebster, the American Dictionary, we need hardly remark, has attained the
highest reputation as a sound authority upon the English language, both in our own country and in Europe.
Had the learned author left no other memorial of his labors, it would constitute an enduring monument,
w hich would bequeath his name to the latest posterity. I t is remarked in the preface, th a t “ in this second
edition th e principal object has been to furnish a work to those numerous classes o f the community who
w ant for consultation something above an ordinary school dictionary, but who are not disposed to purchase
W ebster’s larger works.” I t will doubtless have a deserved and wide circulation.

29.— T h e H i s t o r y o f O r e g o n a n d C a l if o r n ia , a n d t h e o th e r T e r r i t o r i e s o f th e N o r t h w e s t C o a s t o f N o r t h
A m e r i c a , f r o m t h e i r D i s c o v e r y to th e P r e s e n t D a y , a c c o m p a n ie d b y a G e o g r a p h i c a l V i e w o f th o s e C o u n ­
t r i e s , a n l a n u m b e r o f D o c u m e n ts a s P r o o f s a n d I l l u s t r a t i o n s o f th e H i s t o r y .
By R o b e r t G r e e n h o w , author of a Memoir, Historical and Political, on the N orthw est Coast o f N orth A m erica, pub­
lished in 1840, by direction of the Senate of the United States. 8vo., pp. 400. N ew Y o rk : J . Disturnell.
This is the fourth edition o f a most valuable work, revised, enlarged and corrected. Its author has with
persevering diligence examined the ancient records th a t were calculated to throw light upon his subject,
and has exhibited it in a satisfactory form. From the political circumstances now pending respecting the
territories o f which it treats, it is peculiarly valuable at the present time. T h e historic researches o f the
author have been heretofore cited with much respect in the discussions o f Congress relating to those coun­
tries, and we are gratified to learn th a t they have been received with so much favor by the public. T he
style is very clear and condensed, and the volume is accompanied by a general index, which conveniently
points out the matter of the text.

21.— M a r r i a g e : i t s H i s t o r y a n d C e r e m o n ie s ; w i th a P h r e n o lo g ic a l a n d P h y s io l o g i c a l E x p o s i t i o n o f th e
F u n c t i o n s a n d Q u a l i fi c a ti o n s f o r H a p p y M a r r i a g e s . By L. N. F o w l e r . i2mo., pp. 216. New York :
Fowler & W ells.
T h e present work furnishes a comprehensive history o f marriage, and a description o f the methods and
customs adopted by different nations and tribes, from the commencement o f the world to the present time,
touching their sexual feelings and social relations. T he main body of the work, however, is devoted to an
exposition c f man’s social nature, as explained and developed by Phrenology and Physiology. T he subject
is one of vast im portance; and the information this treatise contains, were it more generally diffused, would
prevent many o f the miseries of th e matrimonial alliance, besides incalculably advancing the physical,
social and moral progress of man and society. The wood-cuts, although they serve to illustrate the subject,
and render it more familiar, are by no means executed with the neatness and ca r th a t should characterise
the illustrations o f a work, in other respects, so truly valuable.




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22. — H i s t o r y o f th e R o m a n R e p u b l ic . By J . M i c h e l e t , Member of the Institute, author o f “ History o f
France,” “ Life of Luther,’ l* The People,” etc. Translated by W i l l i a m H a z l e t t , Esq., o f the Middle
Temple, Barrister at Law . 12mo., pp. 404. N ew Y ork: Appleton’s Library Miscellany.
“ This book is a history, and not a dissertation.” So says M. Michelet, who, (we quote from a former
reviewer,) first introduces the reader to the Ancient Geography o f Ita ly ; then, by giving an excellent pic-*
lure o f the present state o f Rome and the surrounding country, full of grand ruins, he excites in the reader
the desire to investigate the ancient history o f this wonderful land. H e next imparts the results o f th e
latest investigations, entire, deeply studied and clearly arranged, and saves the uneducated reader the
trouble o f investigating the sources, while he gives to the more educated mind an impetus to study the
literature from which he gives very accurate quotations in his notes. He describes the peculiarities and the
life of the Roman people in a masterly manner, and he fascinates every reader by the brilliant clearness and
vivid freshness o f his style, while he shows himself a good historian, by the justness and impartiality with
which he relates and philosophizes.”
23. — T h e F a i r y B o w e r , o r th e H i s t o r y o f a M o n t h , a T a l e . 12mo., pp. 310. N ew Y o rk : D. Appleton
&. Co. Philadelphia: George S. Appleton.
A domestic tale, which may be viewed as a successful attem pt, rather to represent characters as they
really are, than to exhibit moral portraitures for universal imitation or avoidance. It aims at the real
rather than the ideal, and though it may not possess the poetical beauty o f the latter, it has this advantage
over it, inasmuch as it introduces young persons to those scenes and situations o f life, which are their
actual sphere and trial. T he present American edition is from the third London ; a fuct th a t speaks well
for its popularity at home—and it forms, on the whole, no unw orthy addition to the “ Literary Miscellany ”
o f the publishers.
24. — M a s s a c h u s e t t s S t a te R e c o r d a n d Y e a r - B o o k o f G e n e r a l I n f o r m a t i o n , 1847. 12mo., pp. 280. Boston :
James French. New Y o rk : M. H . N ewman & Co.
This work is emphatically w hat its title implies, a record-book o f the State ; but while its chief object is
to furnish information in regard to Massachusetts particularly, it embraces a mass o f useful information in
reference to other States and countries, th a t imparts to it more than a local habitation or value. Besides
the usual almanac and diary, it contains a list of all the officers in the State, the principal traders and mer­
chants in each town, the names and residence o f attorneys and counsellors at law, banks, insurance com­
panies, with valuable statistical tables, and, indeed, an amount and variety o f information in every depart­
m ent ©f statistics, the bare enumeration of which would occupy two or three pages o f our journal. The
editor of the work, N a h u m C a p e r , Esq., has evinced in its preparation a degree o f research, industry, and
ability, that is rarely brought to bear on works of this class. I t is, on the whole, one o f the best digested
S tate registers ever before produced.
25.

— T h e G e n i u s o f S c o t l a n d ; o r , S c o t t i s h S c e n e r y , L i t e r a t u r e a n d R e l i g i o n . By Rev. R o b e r t T urn . 12mo., pp. 3 7 (J . New York : Robert Carter.
T h e author of this work was born and educated in Scotland, and his object in the present volume is to
“ give to the people of this country a ju s t idea o f his native land.” T he volume embraces descriptions of
scenery, w ith literary and biographical sketches, portraitures of character, moral and religious, incidents o f
travel, and reflections on matters of local or general interest. Many things which a tourist would not fuil to
notice are omitted, but their place is supplied with sketches of more enduring interest. T he notices of
Knox, Burns, W ilson, Chalmers, Bruce, Scott, and others, enliven the author’s rambles through “ fair or
classic scenes.” W ithout any rem arkable degree o f originality in matter or manner, Mr. T . has contrived
to give the reader, in an easy and natural way, quite a readable conception o f the scenery, literature, and
religion of Scotland.
bull

— T h e O ffice a n d W o r k o f th e H o l y S p i r i t . B y J a m e s B u c h a n a n , D. D., Professor o f Divinity, New
College, Edinburgh. I2mo., pp. 519. New York : Robert Carter.
Dr. Buchanan is a distinguished divine o f the Scotch Church ; and the present work elaborately sets forth
»* the Spirit’s work in the conversion o f sinners,” and the classification o f those who are converted, to w h at
the author considers evungelicul religion. His illustrations are drawn from the Scriptures, nnd the doctrine
he inculcates enforced by an array o f argument th a t will doubtless satisfy a large class o f the Christian
world. T he works published by Mr. Carter, we need scarcely repeat in this place, are uniformly printed
on fine paper, and handsomely bound.
26.

27 . — M a n u a l o f th e C o r p o r a tio n o f th e C i t y o f M e w Y o r k , f o r t h e y e a r 1847. By D. T . V a l e n t i n e .
18mo., pp. 386. N ew York : Casper C. Childs.
T his volume is prepared in accordance w ith a vote o f the city government. T h e compiler is the city
clerk, who has embodied in its pages every particular, in regard to our city officers, o f interest to the gov­
ernm ent and our citizens generally. N o adequate idea can be formed of the work, without an examination
o f the table o f contents, and for th a t we have not space; but must ask our merchants and businessmen,
and particularly those who wish to obtain correct information on city affairs, to examine the book, which
can be done by applying to the Clerk o f the Common Council. I t should find a place in every public
office, and every counting-room o f N ew York.




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88.— H i s t o r y o f W y o m in g , i n a S e r ie s o f L e t t e r s f r o m C h a r l e s M i n e r to h i s S o n , W M i a m P e n n M i n e r .
8vo., pp. 600. Philadelphia: Crissy &. Markley.
T he beautiful valley of W yoming has long been distinguished for its mineral resources, and the his­
torical circumstances of its early colonization, and particularly as the scene o f a horrid massacre, black
With cruelty, and crimsoned with blood. I t has moreover been rendered classic ground by the “ Gertrude”
o f Campbell, one of England’s undying poets. In the work before us, the worthy author, whose long
residence in this interesting section of Pennsylvania, and whose fam iliar association w ith its prominent
interests seem peculiarly to have qualified him for the labor, has exhibited the strongly marked feature#
o f its history in a very satisfactory manner. The exaggerated statements o f former writers, touching the
massacre, are corrected ; and, altogether, we have a narrative based upon the most authentic documents,
and the verbal statements o f persons who were familiar with many o f the events recorded. Although the
immediate scene of the work is rather circumscribed, the events connected with it are o f deep and thrilling
interest. Indeed, we can scarcely point to a local history that presents more startling facts.
29. — T h e P o e tic a l W o r k s o f P e r c y B y s c h e S h e lle y . Edited by M rs. S h e l l e y . R oyal 8vo., pp. 391.
P h ila d e lp h ia : Crissy & M arkley.
Mrs. Shelley, in h er introduction to th e poem s of h er husband, pays an unaffected and b eau tifu l
tribute to his m em ory. S he says he w as generous to im prudence, devoted to heroism , and th a t th ese
characteristics breathe throughout his poetry. “ T h e struggle for h u m a n w e a l; th e resolution firm
to martyrdom ; th e im petuous p u rs u it; th e glad trium ph in good ; th e determ ination not to despair—
w ere th e features th a t m arked those of his works w h ich he regarded w ith m ost com placency, as
sustained by a lofty aim .” S he divides his poems into tw o classes—th e purely im aginative, an d those
w h ich sprung from his heart. T h e second class, th e m ore popular, appeal a t once to em otions com ­
mon to us all. Some o f these rest on th e passion o f love ; others on g rief and despondency, and
others on sentim ents inspired by n atu ral objects. W h a te v e r m ay be th e difference o f opinion as to
th e character and tendency o f some of his poems, no one w ould be w illing to d etract from the genius
and pow er of the poet. T h e present, the first octavo edition th a t h as been published in th is country,
is printed on a fine w hite paper, w ith a bold, handsom e ty p e ; furnishing, altogether, a m ost beautiful
volum e for th e library.
30.

— T h e B o o k o f th e F e e t : a H i s t o r y o f B o o t s a n d S h o e s , w i t h I l l u s t r a t i o n s o f th e F a s h i o n s o f th e E g y p ­
t i a n s , H e b r e w s , P e r s i a n s , G r e e k s , a n d R o m a n s , a n d th e P r e v a i l i n g S t y l e t h r o u g h o u t E u r o p e , d u r i n g
th e M id d l e A g e s , d o w n to th e p r e s e n t p e r io d ; a ls o , H i n t s to L a s t - M a k e r s , a n d R e m e d i e s f o r C o r n s ,
Src. By J. S p a r k s H a l l , Patent Elastic Boot-nmker to her Mujesty the Q ueen, the Dowager, and t h e

Q ueen of the Belgians. From the Second London Edition, with a History o f Boots and Shoes in the
United States, Biographical Sketches of Em inent Shoe-makers, and Crispin Anecdotes. 12mo., pp. 216.
N ew York : J . S. Redfield and W illiam II. Graham.
Mr. Hall, “ Patent Elastic Boot-maker to her Majesty,” the reigning Q ueen of England, says he has given
the result of his experience, derived from twenty years practical acquaintance with this departm ent o f
trade. T he volume embraces the history o f boots, shoes, &c., from the earliest time, and treats o f the
structure o f the human foot, the method of making lasts, curing corns, &,c. In addition to all the matter in
the London edition, the American editor has subjoined a history of boots and shoes in the United States,
and numerous biographical sketches o f distinguished boot and shoe-makers—men o f genius, talents, and
worth, who have occupied eminent stations among their fellow-men.
31.

—A n E l e m e n ta l T r e a t i s e o n A n a l y t i c a l G e o m e t r y : T r a n s l a t e d f r o m th e F r e n c h o f J . B . B i o t , f o r
th e U se o f th e C a d e ts o f th e V i r g i n i a M i l i t a r y I n s t i t u t e , a t L e x i n g t o n , V a ., a n d a d a p te d to th e P r e ­
s e n t S t a te o f M a th e m a t i c a l I n s t r u c t i o n i n th e C o lle g e s o f th e U n ite d S t a te s . By F r a n c i s H. S m t t h ,

A. M., Superintendent and Prolessor of Mathematics o f the Virginia M ilitary Institute ; late Professor o f
M athematics of Hampden Sydney College, and formerly Assistant Professor iri the United States M ilitary
Academy a t W est Point. 8vo., pp. 252. Philadelphia : Thomas, Cow perthw ait & Co.
T h e design of this work is to furnish a text-book, which may be readily embraced in the usual collegiate
course w ithout interfering with the time devoted to other subjects; while, at the same time, it contains a
comprehensive treatise on the subject of which it treats. T he original work, o f which this is a translation,
was for many years the text-book in the United States Military Academy a t W est Point. I t is, we believe,
justly regarded as the best treatise on analytical geometry th a t has yet appeared.
32. — H a r t m a n 's T h e o r y o f A c u t e D i s e a s e s , a n d t h e i r H o m c e p a th ic T r e a t m e n t . T h ird G erm an E d ition.
Revised, and considerably enlarged by the author. T ranslated, w ith A dditions, an d adapted to the
use of the A m erican Profession, by C h a r l e s J . H e m p k l , M. D. V olum e I . 12mo., p p . 2 7 2 . N ew
Y o rk : W illiam Radde.
T h is is, w e believe, th e first system atic exposition o f th e treatm ent o f acu te diseases published by
th e homcepathic physicians ; an d y e t th e ir success in those diseases is considered th e m ost m arked
and certain. T h is omission is probably ow ing in part to th e in h eren t difficulty of th e undertaking, and
partly to th e rem ark o f H ahnem ann, th a t no treatm ent can be based upon th e classification of diseases
a s adopted by th e old school. Dr. H artm an, th e author o f th e present treatise, practised homoepathy
for tw enty-eight years, an d w ith great success. T ho u g h th e w ork is designed for m edical m en, w e
com m end it to a ll inquirers after tru th —to all w ho are not w edded to th e errors o f th e past. T h e
se cond volum e of H artm an’s A cute Diseases is in press, and w ill soon b e published.




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33. — H i s t o r y o f th e R e f o r m a t i o n i n E n g l a n d . By Rev. J . A . S pe n c e r , A. M., author o f “ T he Christian
Instructed in the W ays o f the Gospel and the Church,” etc. 18mo., pp. 205. New York : Stanford
& Swords.
This is the most condensed history of the “ Reformation in England” that we have seen. Mr. Spencer,
the author, is an accredited minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this country, and we believe the
present work is approved by “ high” and “ low” churchmen'; at least it has received the favorable notice
o f th e journals o f each party. T he features th a t w ill commend it to popular reading are, its precision,
brevity, and comprehensiveness. I t is printed in a bold, handsome type, and forms, altogether, a very
neat volume.
34.

— T h e C h u r c h m a n 's R e a s o n s f o r h i s F a i th a n d P r a c ti c e , w i t h a n A p p e n d i x o n th e D o c t r i n e o f D e ­
v e lo p m e n t . By Rev. N. S. R i c h a r d s o n , A . M., author o f “ Reasons W hy I am a Churchm an,” etc.

N ew York : Stanford &. Swords.
T h e object o f this treatise is to bring before the mind o f the reader a distinct view o f w hat the author,
who is an Episcopalian,considers the “ Church o f C hrist;” and also the leading arguments by which the
more prominent points o f that Church are defended. T he distinctive features o f the Church are set forth
with earnestness ; and, as the author “ trusts, under the chastening influence o f the responsibility which
he necessarily assumes, who, in the midst of a distracted world, claims to be a sure guide in the way o f the
Church, to a haven o f rest and peace.”
•
35.

— T h e M o d e r n S t a n d a r d D r a m a ; A C o lle c tio n o f th e m o s t P o p u la r A c t i n g P l a y s , w i t h C r i ti c a l R e ­
m a r k s ; a ls o , th e B u s i n e s s o f th e S t a g e , C o s tu m e s , e tc . E dited b y E p e s S a r g e n t , au th o r o f “ V e­

lasco, a T ragedy,” etc. Vol. IV . N ew Y ork: W illiam T aylor & Co.
T h e volum e before us contains eight popular plays, v i z : V irginius, by Jam es Sheridan K n o w le s ; the
King of the Commons, by th e Rev. Jam es W h i te ; L ondon A ssurance, by Dion L . B o u rc ic a u lt; th e
R ent Day, by Douglas J e rro ld ; S hakspeare’s T w o G entlem en o f V e ro n a ; th e Jealo u s W ife, by George
C o lm an; th e Rivals, by R ichard B rinsley S h erid a n ; and Perfection, or th e M aid o f M unster, by
T h o m as H aynes Bayly. E a c h play is introduced by critical notices from th e pen o f Mr. Sargent, th e
editor, as also a biographical sketch o f Jam es H . H ackett, w ith a handsom e portrait.
36. — C h r i s t i a n C o n s o la tio n s . S e r m o n s d e s ig n e d to F u r n i s h C o m fo r t a n d S t r e n g t h to th e A f flic te d . By
A. P. P e a b o d y , Pastor of the South Church, Portsmouth, N . II. 18mo., pp. 312. Boston : W illiam
Crosby and A . P . Nichols.
W e have in this volume twelve discourses, selected from the author’s “ common parish sermons,” writ­
ten at wide intervals of time, and many o f them with reference to individual cases o f affliction. Although
th e range of subjects is wider than the title would seem to authorize, many o f them are peculiarly per­
tinent to the subject, and all possess a bearing upon the leading idea indicated by the title. They possess
more originality o f thought than many volumes of sermons th a t are published ; and as literary compositions,
they will bear a favorable comparison with our best English essayists. T heir freedom from sectarian pecu­
liarities should secure for the volume a circle o f readers more numerous than th at to which their author
belongs.
A M o ti o n a l R o m a n c e . By S a m u e l L o v e r , Esq., author o f “ Legends and Stories
o f Ireland,” etc. W ith illustrations by the author. I2mo., pp. 275. Philadelphia : L ea & Blanchard.
Like everything from this versatile writer, this romance is rich in descriptions o f Irish character, rich
humor and innocent drollery. I f laughing is conducive to health, let lean, melancholic invalids read Lover
—“ laugh and grow fat.” “ An ounce of mirth is worth a pound o f sorrow.”
3 7 . — R o r y O 'M o r e .

38 .— T h e E l e m e n t s o f T h e o l o g y ; o r, T h e L e a d i n g T o p i c s o f C h r i s t i a n T h e o lo g y , P l a i n l y a n d S c r ip t u r a l l y S e t F o r t h , w i t h th e P r i n c i p a l E v i d e n c e s o f D i v i n e R e v e la t io n C o n c is e ly S t a t e d ; w i t h Q u e s t io n s
‘f o r t h e U s e o f F a m i l i e s , B i b le C l a s s e s , a n d S e m i n a r ie s o f L e a r n i n g . By D a n i e l I I a s c a l l , A. M.
18mo., pp. 261. New York : Lewis Colby & Co.
T h e design o f this work is, after a concise proof o f the existence o f God from creation, to set forth the
evidence o f a Divine Revelation contained in the tw o Testaments, or Bible. The attributes o f God, the
primitive and present character o f man, his recovery, the agency of creatures connected w ith this recovery,
and w hat befalls man a t and after death, are the subjects discussed; tinctured, o f course, w ith the peculiar
views of the writer, who holds the popular orthodox theology of the day.
33.— T h e R o s e C u l t u r i s t , a P r a c ti c a l L e c t u r e o n th e C u l t i v a t i o n a n d M a n a g e m e n t o f th e R o s e . 18mo.,
pp. 125. New Y ofk: W illiam II. Starr.
This appears to be a very complete treatise on th e rose in all its varieties, and furnishes ju s t th at kind of
inform ation required for its successful cultivation.
40. — T h e T r a v e l l e r : o r W o n d e r s o f M a t u r e . I8mo., pp. 202. N ew Y ork: M. W . Dodd.
T h e wonders of nature, as displayed in mountains, volcanoes, precipices, caverns, earthquakes, deserts,
Tivers, cataracts, whirlpools, whirlwinds, and waterspouts, are familiarly described in this instructive little
volume, which is admirably adapted to the taste and capacity of children.
41. — F l o r a l G e m s , o r S o n g s o f F l o w e r s . By Mrs. J . T h a y e r , author o f “ T he V acation,” “ Passion,” &c.
32mo., pp. 128. Boston: James French.
E ach flower, that opens its portals to the sun, imparts its appropriate social or moral lesson. T he selec­
tion of emblems from the floral creation is made w ith taste, and the poetic illustrations from some o f our
sweetest poets express the silent teaching of flowers in their almost infinite beauty and variety.




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