wondered very much that birds so large and strong should be so much tamer than the wild tur keys; at this place, however, all was right, excepting the large birds which they called geese. The cabin and its furniture were such as I had been accustomed to see in the backwoods, as my country was then called.

At Bedford every thing was changed. The tavern at which my uncle put up was a stone house, and to make the change still more complete, it was plastered on the inside, both as to the walls and ceiling. On going into the dining room, I was struck with astonishment at the appearance of the house. I had no idea that there was any house in the world which was not built of logs; but here I looked round the house and could see no logs, and above I could see no joists. Whether such a thing had been made by the hands of man, or had grown so of itself, I could not conjecture. I had not the courage to inquire any thing about it. When supper came on," my confusion was worse confounded. A little cup stood in a bigger one with some brownish looking stuff in it, which was neither milk, hominy, nor broth: what to do with these little cups, and the little spoon belonging to them, I could not tell; and I was afraid to ask any thing concerning the use of them.

It was in the time of the war, and the company were giving accounts of catching, whipping, and hanging the tories. The word jail frequently occurred: this word I had never heard before, but I soon discovered, and was much terrified at its meaning, and supposed that we were in much danger of the fate of the tories; for I thought, as we had come from the backwoods, it was altogether likely that we must be tories too. For fear of being discovered, I durst not utter a single word. I therefore watched attentively to see what the big folks would do with their little cups and spoons. I imitated them, and found the taste of the coffee nauseous beyond any thing I ever had tasted in my life. I continued to drink, as the rest of the company did, with the tears streaming from my eyes; but when it was to end I was at a loss to know, as the little cups were filled immediately after being emptied. This circumstance distressed me very much, as I durst not say I had enough. Looking attentively at the grown persons, I saw one man turn his little cup bottom upwards and put his little spoon across it. I observed that after this his cup was not filled again. I followed his example, and to my great satisfaction, the result as to my cup was the same.

The introduction of delft ware, was considered by many of the backwoods people as a culpable innovation. It was too easily broken, and the plates of that ware dulled their scalping and clasp knives. Tea ware was too small for men ;-it might do for women and children. Tea and cof. fee were only slops which, in the adage of the day, "did not stick by the ribs." The idea was, they were designed only for people of quality, who do not labor, or the sick. A genuine back. woodsman would have thought himself disgraced by showing a fondness for those slops. Indeed, many of them have to this day very little respect for them.

There are three incorporated boroughs in Bedford co. besides the county seat,-MARTINSBURG, MCCONNELLSTOWN, and SCHELLSBURG,-each taking its name from the person who laid it out and sold the lots. Besides these, there are WARFORDSBURG, RAINSBURG, ST. CLAIR, and BLOODY RUN. The latter takes its name from a run which flows through it. Some traditions state that the Indians had here murdered a party of whites, with their cattle, and the mingling of the blood with the water had suggested the name; but see a different version in Capt. Smith's adventure, above. MCCONNELLSTOWN is pleasantly situated in a luxuriant limestone valley, between Cove mountain and Scrub ridge, on the turnpike, 28 miles east of Bedford, and 19 west of Chambersburg. A turnpike also runs from here to Mercersburg. There are at this place two Presbyterian churches. Population in 1840, 486. It was incorporated 26th March, 1814.

MARTINSBURG is a large flourishing borough, about 23 miles north of Bedford. It is situated in a broad and fertile limestone valley, called Morrison's Cove, bounded by Dunning's and Lock mountains on the west, and Tussey's mountain on the east. The valley abounds in iron ore of excellent quality, and the manufacture of iron is extensively carried on. Population in 1840, 422. A considerable number of Quakers settled in this region about the year 1793.

Morrison's Cove was settled at a very early date by a Mr. Morris from Washington county, Maryland. From him the valley took its proper name of Morris's Cove. Afterwards several settlers came in from the Conococheague settlements, among whom was John Martin, from whom

Martinsburg took its name-although the place was laid out by Jacob Entriken, who bought it from John Brumbach. Jacob Nave built the first grist-mill in Morris's Cove. At that time the fort was at Holliday's, where most of the neighboring pioneers were in the habit of forting. While all were gone to the fort but himself, he had been delayed for some cause about his mill, and on leaving it he espied a large Indian and a small one just emerging from the bushes, each with a rifle they pointed their rifles at him several times, and he at them; but neither fired. At length he shot the big Indian through the heart, and ran. The young Indian gave chase, but Nave found time to load, and fired at him; but the fellow fell to the ground, and missed the ball. This farce was repeated several times, when Nave waited until he had fallen before he fired, and then killed him. He threw their bodies into the creek, and escaped to the fort. The next day the Indians burnt his mill and his dwelling.

BERKS COUNTY.

BERKS COUNTY was formed from Philadelphia, Chester, and Lancaster, on the 11th March, 1752. A portion was set off to Northumberland in 1772, and in 1811 another portion to Schuylkill co. Average length 32 m., breadth 28; area about 927 sq. m. The population in 1790 was 30,179; in 1800, 32,497; in 1810, 43,046; in 1820, (then without Schuylkill co.,) 46,275; in 1830, 53,152; and in 1840, 64,569.

The South mountain range, here broken into irregular spurs, crosses the county in a southwesterly direction; passing the Schuylkill near Reading, where one of its lofty spurs takes the name of Penn's mountain, which overlooks the borough. This range divides the primitive and "middle secondary" formations, in the southeast part of the county, from the broad limestone and slate belts of the Kittatinny valley, which occupies the greater portion of the county between the South mountain and the Kittatinny, or Blue mountain. The surface of this valley is undulating, the hills of the slate lands which lie next the Blue mountain being generally higher than those of the limestone. Both formations present an agricultural region of exceeding beauty and fertility; the slates being better watered by streams on the surface than the limestone, where the waters are absorbed beneath the surface. There are rich deposits of iron ore both in the limestone and sandstone formations, generally most abundant along the northwestern base of the South mountain. In 1832, there were in the county 11 furnaces and 22 forges. Many of the beautiful stoves of Dr. Nott's invention were cast in Reading; and it is said that one of these stoves was presented, some ten years since, to the convent of San Bernard, on the summit of the Alps-whether from this furnace or from Albany, N. Y., is not certainly stated.

The leading stream is the Schuylkill, which passes nearly through the centre of the county-watering in its course one of the loveliest and most picturesque valleys in the state-with its tributaries, Maiden creek on the northeast, Manataway and Monocasy creeks on the southeast, and the Tulpehocken and its branches on the west. The Little Swatara rises in the northwest corner of the county.

The Union canal follows the course of the Tulpehocken, joining the Schuylkill Navigation Co. canal just below Reading. The works of the Schuylkill Navigation Co., consisting of alternate canals and slackwater pools, occupy the valley of the Schuylkill, extending into the coal region.

The Pottsville and Philadelphia railroad passes along the Schuylkill valley, directly through the borough of Reading. Good roads intersect the county in all directions, among which are the turnpikes from Reading to Harrisburg, to Philadelphia, and to Pottsville. The main business of the county is agriculture: a business sure and profitable, and especially adapted to the habits and feelings of the German population, which almost exclusively occupies the soil. The iron business is also a prominent one in the county. The German language prevails over the whole county; in many districts and families, to the entire exclusion of the English. A change, however, is just commencing, and has shown itself most conspicuously in the recent determination of the younger members of the Lutheran congregation in Reading to hear preaching in the English language.

The county has a large almshouse on the Angelica farm of 480 acres, three miles southwest of Reading. The whole cost of the establishment was $33,000. This farm was formerly in the possession of Gov. Mifflin. At an early day after the establishment of his colony, William Penn was careful to proclaim to the persecuted religious sects throughout Europe, that in Pennsylvania they might find an asylum from persecution; and not only obtain ample sustenance from a fresh and fertile soil, but likewise enjoy unlimited freedom of worship according to the dictates of their own consciences. Many such sects of Protestants had wandered, in little communities, from one German principality to another, seeking protection from the persecutions of the Romish church, until at last the news of William Penn's new colony reached them, about the years 1700 to 1711; when many, "partly for conscience' sake, partly for their temporal interest, removed thither, where they say they found their expectation fully answered, enjoying liberty of conscience, with the benefits of a plentiful country. With this they acquainted their friends in Germany, in consequence of which many of them, in the years 1717, &c., removed to Pennsylvania." These first emigrants were generally the Mennonists and Dunkards, who settled in Lancaster co. between 1718 and 1734; and the Moravians, who settled in Northampton co. in 1739 and 1740. Another sect, the Schwenckfelders, from Nether Silesia, settled in the corners of Montgomery, Bucks, and Berks, about the years 1733-34, and subsequently. Thomas Penn purchased the lands on the Tulpehocken from the Indians, in 1732-33. The door of immigration thus being opened, the new colony became extensively known throughout all Germany. Those already here sent for their kindred, and they in turn enticed others; until thousands arrived annually, of all ranks, sects, and persuasions, from the haughty baron to the poor redemptioner who was sold into temporary slavery to pay for his passage. They scattered themselves, according to their various preferences, throughout the counties from Northampton to York inclusive; Berks no doubt receiving her share. The settlers in Berks were principally of the Lutheran, or of the German Reformed denomination; although as late as the year 1745 there was no Lutheran church nearer than the Swamp, (Hanover,) in Montgomery co. After Reading had been laid out and the county organized, in 1752, population increased more rapidly. Great alarm was spread among the settlers in 1755, by rumors that the French and Delaware and Shawanees Indians had made murderous incursions upon the towns in Cumberland valley,

and at Shamokin; and fears were entertained that the whole frontier The following are abstracts from the colonial re

would be laid waste.

cords of that date:-.

1755. Oct. 31. Conrad Weiser appointed colonel of the forces in Berks co.

Nov. 2. Accounts from C. Weiser and others, Reading, Oct. 31, 8 o'clock at night, that the people at Aughwick and Juniata were all cut off, and that they were all in uproar at Reading. No authority, no commissions, no officers practised in war, and without the commiseration of our friends in Philadelphia, who think themselves vastly safer than they are.

There was a warm dispute going forward, at this dangerous crisis, between the governor and the assembly, on the propriety of taxing the proprietary lands; each refusing to yield, and each charging the other with promoting, by obstinate delays, the troubles on the frontier. Nov. 8, a deputation of Indians, Scarooyady and his son, Andrew Montour and Iagrea, came down, and taking with them Conrad Weiser, proceeded to Philadelphia, to make explanations and offer their services, and those of their tribes on the Susquehanna-" they were willing to fight the French, but wished to know whether the English would fight or no; if they would not, they would go somewhere else."

Nov. 17. Account of 16th Nov. that the Indians had passed the Blue mountains, broke into the county of Berks, and murdered and scalped 13 persons at Tulpehocken-which occasioned great alarm at Reading. "The people exclaim against the Quakers, and some are scarce restrained from burning the houses of those few there are in this town."

Dec. 16. Accounts from Bethlehem and Nazareth, that about 200 Indians had broke into Northampton county, beyond the Blue mountains, murdering and burning.

From Conrad Weiser, Reading, Dec. 13. "This country is in a dismal condition. It can't hold out long-consternation, poverty, confusion, everywhere."

Dec. 25. Accounts from C. Weiser, who had been sent to Harris's ferry, that he had gone up the west branch of the Susquehanna, and the Delawares at Nescopec had given that place to the French for a rendezvous. That the Paxton people had taken an Indian and shot and scalped him in the midst of them, and threw his body into the river.

Alarms of this nature continued to arouse the people of Berks from time to time, until the great battle of Wyoming, in 1778; soon after which the Indians were finally driven beyond the Allegheny mountains. The desolating track of the revolutionary war did not reach Berks county; although many of her brave sons were engaged in the struggle. Since that event, the history of the county possesses little interest. Farms have been cleared and improved; large stone houses and larger stone barns have been built; sons and daughters have been reared, and in their turn have reared others; the annual crops have been gathered; roads and turnpikes, and canals and railroads, and bridges have been constructed; banks have been established and have failed, and manufactories have been put in operation; churches and schoolhouses have been erected, (but not enough of either ;) and the county has immensely increased in wealth and population.

READING, the seat of justice, is situated on the left bank of the Schuylkill, about 53 miles from Philadelphia. The ground slopes gently up from the Schuylkill to the base of Penn's mount, a lofty ridge that rises directly east of the town. Other hills, with quiet and fertile valleys between, aid in rendering the scenery highly enticing and picturesque. Pure and copious springs gush out from the hills, one of which, from Penn's mount, supplies the whole borough with water. That this water is pure, as well as the atmosphere and climate of the vicinity, there is no better proof than the chubby red cheeks of the little boys in the streets, and the great number of hale, hearty old men to be seen in their daily rounds.

The general aspect of the place corresponds with the beauty of its site. The stranger entering the town from the west, is struck with the three unusually tall spires on the public buildings, with the dark, frowning mountain behind them, with the elegant bridge across the river, open

ing upon Penn-street, a noble avenue, and with the spacious diamond, or central area of the borough, surrounded with tall houses and stores, and alive with the bustle of a city. The general aspect of the centre of the borough reminds one somewhat of the grandeur of a European city, combined with the peculiar freshness and cleanliness of an American

The annexed view was taken from the west side of the Schuylkill. Penn's mount is seen beyond the town.

Reading is said to be the largest borough in the United States. The extent of the compact part of the town is about a mile east and west, and half a mile north and south. The town is rapidly extending towards the south and southwest, where the principal business with the canal is done, and where several extensive manufacturing establishments have been erected. Reading contains a new and magnificent courthouse, a jail, 12 churches, 32 hotels and taverns, a great number of stores and manufactories, 7 printing-offices, 5 or 6 extensive manufactories of iron in various forms, such as foundries of brass and iron; locomotive engine and machine shops, &c. &c.; a water-works, an academy, a female seminary, 9 private schools, and 13 public schools, but only 4 public school houses; a mineralogical cabinet, à masonic lodge, 3 public libraries, 1 German and 2 English, and quite a number of societies organized for useful instruction or charitable purposes. Reading was incorporated as a borough by the act of 12th Sept. 1783, and reorganized on the 29th March, 1813.

The following sketch of the early history of Reading was published in the Ladies' Garland, in Feb. 1839.

As early as 1733, warrants were taken out by John and Samuel Finney, and 450 acres of land surveyed under their sanction, which are now entirely embraced within the limits of Reading. Whether the inducements to this selection were other than its general beauty and fertility, it is now difficult to say, though it is asserted that when the proprietaries, John and Richard Penn, became aware of its advantages, and proposed to repurchase for the location of a town, the Messrs. Finney long and firmly resisted all the efforts of negotiation. This produced a momentary change in the design of the proprietaries, as they employed Richard Hockley to survey and lay out the plan of a town on the margin of the Schuylkill, opposite its confluence with the Tul.