Annals of Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania, in the Olden Time (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1899. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... relics & remembrancers. "These we preserve with pious care." It may be deemed worthy of the subject, to give a special notice of those relics of the olden time, which have come to our know ledge, to wit: Dr. Benjamin Rush had a study-chair presented to him in 1811 made out of the Treaty tree. His letter of thanks for it, as a present from Mrs. Pritchett, I have seen. David Lewis, Esq., presented me with a piece of the mahogany beam of Columbus' house, in which he once dwelt in St. Domingo--of course of the first house constructed by a European in America. I have used parts of it in several snuff boxes of relic wood. An elbow-chair has been made of the elm tree wood, which grew in the State-house yard. It was made in 1824, on the occa sion of cutting down those once beautiful trees there, and was presented, by Adam Ramage, to the " Philadelphia Society for promoting Agriculture." Some of the timber of the Alliance frigate has been preserved by me, as a relic of the first navy of the United States. Some of the hair of General Washington, in my possession, is highly and justly prized. "Yea, beg a hair of him for memory, And dying mention it within their wills, Bequeathing it as a rich legacy." A writing-table of William Penn, of curious construction, of mahogany, is now in possession of J. R. Smith, Esq., of Philadelphia. Its general appearance is like a common breakfast table. By lifting up the lid, a regular writing-desk is exposed with drawers and casements, and by the use of elevators, two lids are thrown up, which furnish great convenience for placing books and papers thereon for copying from, or for writing upon. It was the gift to him from John Barron, Esq., once a venerable gentleman, who possessed large claims to lands about Philadelphia, from his progenito...