Schaus (ancestor of the Easton family of the name), who kept a public house near by, consented to manage the ferry for a year. The rates of ferryage, for foot passengers, each way, 3d., and for man and horse, 6d., in the absence of any patent were not demanded, but made by courtesy by travelers; hence the income for the year amounted to but £2.11.2. In January of 1747, Schaus was succeeded by Matthew Hoffman and John D. Behringer "the former to take passengers over, the latter to bring them back." It was during their incumbency, that on the night of 16th February, 1747, a sudden rise in the river tore the ferry boat from her moorings and she proved a total loss. On June 8th a second boat, 31% feet in length, 9 feet in breadth and 2 feet in depth, was launched. The first grant and patent for a ferry was obtained by the Moravians from the Proprietaries in 1749, the annual rental being five shillings. This was found necessary in order to meet the increasing uncertainty of remuneration from the people scattered on both banks of the Lehigh, and also to secure themselves against a possibility of competition from some rival enterprise in the adjacent neutral waters of the "Lecha." Wharves were built, roads cut for the easy ingress and egress of wagons, and the equipment generally improved.

In January of 1753, Daniel Kunckler was appointed ferryman. He filled the position for the longest term of years save oneValentine Feuhrer-in the history of the ferry, and happening at a time when important events were transpiring in the province, it was an eventful one. The year 1755 was an exciting one in Bethlehem, owing to the Indian war; a painstaking chronicler having recorded that 320 whites and 710 Indians had visited the town. We have failed to ascertain that the revenue of the ferry was benefited, but we did find that on the morning of November 18, at 4 o'clock, the shocks of a strong earthquake were felt for two minutes at the ferry and in the town.

In the spring of 1756, the Proprietaries reconfirmed the patent for the Bethlehem ferry for seven years. The document appears in Moravian records as the "Great Ferry Patent," and it is also of record, that William Denny, on the 17th day of November, was the first Governor of the Irovince, who enjoyed the immunity provided for his rank and station by the thoughtful Proprietaries. A new flat boat, forty-two feet in length, new poles and sweeps, and a speaking trumpet were now added to the equipment of the ferry, and the old boat repaired, and held in readiness for any emergency that might arise.

The constantly increasing prosperity of the ferry suggested improvements, hence early in 1758 it was converted into a rope ferry and

continued as such until the erection of the first bridge. A chronicler of that day, in noticing this improvement, observes with somewhat of enthusiasm, "that whereas formerly in times of high water, four men found it difficult to effect a passage in less than half an hour, the flat crosses the ferry by rope usually in ninety seconds." John Garrison succeeded Kunckler in September of the last named year, but in 1759 Kunckler was appointed for a second time ferryman. In October of 1761, Francis Steup followed next in succession.

In the year 1762, Augustus H. Fraueke, landlord of the Crown Inn, on the south side of the Lehigh, with Peter Petersen, assumed the management of the ferry, in consideration of £23 per annum. For the year ending 27th of March, 1763, the ferry and appurtenances was inventoried at £185.18.4; the gross receipts, £165.11d.; the cost of maintenance, £92.1.4%, and the net proceeds, £73.18.6: Valentine Feuhrer, who succeeded Fraueke, was connected with the ferry from 1763 to 1784, and again from 1791 to its final abandonment in September of 1795. His long service, falling as it did within the most eventful period in the history of the country, impels us to give more details than we have of some of his predecessors. Fuehrer was an inmate of the Crown Inn, until the completion of the ferry house in October of 1765. This house stood near the site of what was known as the Exchange Hotel, removed in 1853, and was occupied for some years also by the tollkeepers of the bridge.

In April of 1766, a great freshet visited the Lehigh, but owing to the precautions taken at the ferry, but little damage was done-the river rose ten feet, six inches above low water mark. We may also add, that on December 29th, 1768, the river rose nine feet, six inches, and that from February 16th, 1780, for seven weeks the river was frozen over.

In January of 1767, a new schedule of rates of ferryage were issued, with the exemption to "all persons that come to church at Bethlehem on Sundays or holy days, provided they do not come for the purpose of transaction of any business or carry parcels-in which case they are to pay the usual rates."

A division of the Moravian estates in 1775 led to the transfer of the ferry property to the Bethlehem congregation, who leased it to A. H. Fraucke. During the latter's lease he continued Valentine Fuehrer as ferryman, who, for three years, was assisted by John G. Youngman, formerly a missionary among the Indians. A new ferry boat was also built,

Throughout the war for independence the ferry, as may well be supposed, was the scene of constant activity and excitement. Twice the flat boat was impressed and taken to the Delaware: the first time in December of 1776, to assist in transporting Gen. Lee's division across the Delaware, and the second time in

July of 1777, for the transportation of troops and munitions of war. Between December, of 1775, and March, of 1776, several detachments of the prisoners of war captured in Canada, crossed the ferry en route to Bristol. Gov. John Penn; Gov. Livingstone, of New Jersey; Gen. Gates and staff, Lord Sterling, Glover, Arnold and other officers, members of the Congress, and the sick and wounded for the hospital, crossed and recrossed the ferry during the last named year.

It was during the year 1777 that the resources of the ferry were taxed the greatest. Among those who crossed over were John Hancock, Henry Laurens, Richard Henry Lee, Samuel and John Adams, Generals Schuyler and staff, Greene, Gates, Mifflin, Lafayette, Baron de Kalb, and Capt. Webb, the founder of the Methodist Church in America, a prisoner of war. Washington's private baggage wagons and seven hundred wagons belonging to the army were also ferried over after the battle of Brandywine, and the evacuation of Philadelphia. The year following Mons. Gerard, the French minister, Generals Baron Steuben, Pulaski, Ethan Allen, and others equally as well known, made use of the ferry. On the 25th July, 1782, Ferryman Fuehrer had the honor of taking over Gen. Washington and two of his aids.

In April of 1784 Valentine Fuehrer retired from the ferry and was succeeded by Massa Warner, who served for seven years.

We have now reached that period in our history, when the days of usefulness of the ferry are to end. The veteran ferryman, Fuehrer, for the second and last time was on July 1, 1791, appointed to manage its concerns, and continued to do so, until the completion of the bridge in September of 1795, when the ferry was abandoned, and he received a gratuity of £10 for his past services.

In January of 1792, the question of substituting a bridge for the ferry was first considered, and on October 3d ensuing, Gov. Mifflin approved "An Act for establishing and building a bridge across the river Lehigh at Bethlehem, etc." Work was begun in the spring of 1794, and despite the delays occasioned by high water, it was opened for travel 19th September, 1795. It was built of hemlock timber, cut in the "Little Spruce Swamp," between Panther Creek and Nesquehoning, uncovered, and cost $7,800, divided among the stockholders at $100 per share. Ferryman Fuehrer was the first tollkeeper, to his death in 1808. In 1816, a new and more substantial bridge was built, but it was swept away by the freshet of January 1841. The year following a new covered bridge was opened for travel, but it, too, was partially carried away in 1862, and was succeeded by the present structure. In April of 1827, the present Bethlehem Bridge Company was chartered.

AN EARLY LUZERNE JUDGE. Comments on the Politics of 1815-Strong Compliment to the Editor of the Gleaner.

The following autograph letter from Judge Bradley, one of the early judges of Luzerne County, finds its way to the RECORD. It is addressed to Judge Jesse Fell at WilkesBarre, and has many local allusions that will be of interest, even after a lapse of threequarters of a century. Abraham Bradley was commissioned by Gov. Mifflin about 1791 as associate Judge of Court of Common Pleas in Luzerne County. He was an extensive land-owner here:

[ since the foregoing was in type it is learned that the writer of this letter was not Judge Bradley, but the father of the Judge, both having the same name. EDITOR.]

WASHINGTON CITY, August 1, 1815, DEAR SIR: Not all the debilities incident to a State of superannuation have yet effaced from my mind the recollection of my good old friends. I have often had it in contemplation to write you, and as often neglected. And when the additional tax of 50 per cent. was attached to postage it seemed to present a new obstacle. And this our wiseheads and warhawks saw proper to blend with the other enormous taxes which necessarily resulted from Madison's holy war, for free trade and Sailor's rights, all which were totally overlooked and forgotten in the Treaty of Ghent. This I take the opportunity of transmitting by my grandson, Abraham B. 3d— And hear I cannot forbear to mention the satisfaction I enjoy in the prosperity of my children. My two sons are doing well. And I have here also three grandsons, Abraham, William and Eleazur Lindsley all (separately) well established in business, and Îlve younger ones coming on, and about as many grand daughters.

Washington City has, like the Phenix, risen again from its own ashes. It is considered now that the seat of government is permenantly fixt. The inhabitants seem to be inspired with new life and energies; more than ever engaged in trade, many new houses in building and many more would be so, but for the scarcity of materials. The value of property has taken a great rise, both in the city and its vicinity. Many architects, mechanics and labourers are employed in rebuilding the public edifices, and the Navy Yard. The Navy Yard it is said, Commodore Stewart has in charge as also the building of two ships of war. The Congress, Public Offices and Navy Yard, all tend and nearly equally to the emolument of the city. Ă steam boat now plies between the city and Fredericksburg in Va. she goes and comes every day and rests several hours at each landing, uniformly calling at Alexandria (distance 40 miles). The cities of Alexandria

96

and Georgetown both display much more energy in Trade than Washington, and equally as much in building houses and stores.

Marstellaer, late Cashire of the Merchants bank in Alexandria, being about the close of the war employed by government to build Fort Washington (8 miles below) upon a large scale, has been detected in exhibiting a fraudelent account amounting to 120,000$ more than he could produce vouchers for, his villany was discovered, and proved, last week, and he absconded. Public frauds are discovered very frequently. You have doubtless seen the account of James Whittlesey, State of N. Y., an agent of government, who had announced that he had been robbed of $40,000 and that his bail afterwards found hidden in his own house between two beds. And the Gleaner informs us that Joseph Von Sick, Commissioners clerk in Luzerne county, had been detected and committed for robbing the archives of obsolete County orders and passing them off for his own emolument. What will not democracy do?

Surely these among many other instances of democratic fraud, must have a powerful tendency to establish the integrity of Federalism.

We begin to look out, with some degree of anxiety for news from the contending powers of Europe. Murat has already gone over the dam; and it is to be hoped the Corsican bloodhound may soon meet with a similar fate. But this must depend much on the Sentiments of the French nation, if any, sentiments they have that are permanent. For if France is united in favour of Bonapart, the allies cannot conquer it. But if France is divided, the allies will conquer Napoleon and his army.

It is to be feared that rivers of blood must be shed in the contest.

I understand that Wilkesbarre is growing rapidly and all the country around it, in a flourishing State. Indeed the nation at large feels the happy effects of Peace altho the whole term of the war was a term of retrograde, and the enormity of the debt with which it has saddled us will be a long and heavy drawback upon its energies.

We had a hard winter, a cold and dry spring, and the Summer extremely hot and dry. Our gardens are nearly destroyed with the drought; and unless we are favored very soon with plenteous rains, little or no corn can come to maturity. Indian Corn is 125 to 150 cents per bushel and the present crops look gloomy in the extreme. General health prevails in this country, since warm weather came on, but in the cold season the epidemic which has ravaged almost every section of the United States was very rife and swept of great numbers, on every side of us but it was our good fortune to escape it. I have enjoyed a very comfortable state of health from my first arrival. Although I passed my 84th

winter in a climate deemed moderate, it had like to have been too much for me. You doubtless recollect that I used to be troubled much with sore eyes; they have never been well yet; after trying a great variety remedies, eleven months ago, I gave up all, and made use of nothing but cold water; twice in the meantime I have tried my old applications and found they made them worse.

I have the trouble of soaking them frequently every day, and I find them more comfortable this summer than they have been for several previous years. Two or three years ago I was at your house and understood that you was sick in New Jersey, but not long after was gratified with the news that you had recovered and returned home. Should be glad to hear from you once in a while, when opportunity offers. My best respects to Mrs. Fell and all enquiring friends. Your friend and most obedient ABRAHAM BRADLEY.

JUDGE FELL, Wilkesbarre.

P. S. The editor of the Gleaner has acquired the highest reputation among all ranks of people, and served his country and the cause he has espoused at least equal to any editor in the United States. The humour and pleasantry with which he fills his columns, serve more to the promotion of good morals than the most powerful arguments of the superb genius. And when he touches upon politics, under the signature of Uncle John, the humour and sarcasm are almost irresistable. His productions are copied into the most of the papers from Maine to Ohio, and some of the to the South. the National Intelligencer cannot withhold, with all his democratic austerity, from republishing those pieces which have no acrimony against his beloved system of Democracy. Every one is charmed with the humour.

Even

Abraham Bradley son of the writer of the above was one of the early Judges of Luzerne county, having been appointed in 1791. He had been admitted to the bar in 1788. He was a native of Litchfield, Conn., and at the age of 21 was admitted to the bar of Luzerne county. Three years later he was appointed to the judgeship, though he did not remain long in Wilkes-Barre. He removed to Washington where he became private secretaty to Timothy Pickering in the postoffice department. After holding the position for several years he was appointed assistant postmaster general, serving from 1800 to 1829. He died at Washington in 1838.

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VOL. III.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE.

Father Dennis O'Haran, pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of this city, died Sept. 28. His illness dates from Wednesday, when a congestive chill was followed by unmistakable symptoms of pleuro-pneumonia and heart failure. Hope was not abandoned until the last, but even the most sanguine watchers beside the bed of the sufferer know that his condition was very critical. Dr. Mayer, who was first called, bade all to hope for favorable symptoms, but at the same time he announced that the worst might be expected. On Thursday the patient's condition became very alarming, the pulse being very high and vitality becoming exhausted. Bishop O'Hara, for many years an intimate friend of Father O'Haran, came to Wilkes-Barre at once, and other prominent clerymen of the diocese attended also. Late Thursday afternoon the last sacraments of the church were administered to the dying priest by Rev. Father Nagle, of St. Nicholas' Church. A slight improvement on Friday night was followed by an alarming relapse during the early morning hours of Saturday. It was then that all hope was abandoned and the attending clergymen and Sisters of Charity waited with the physicians for the final summons. About 8 o'clock on Saturday morning the sufferer seemed entirely conscious, and the merciful freedom from pain which immediately precedes dissolution was his. He was fully conscious that he was about to die, and said so to Bishop O'Hara.

No. 3

Still for two hours the vital spark lingered. About 10 o'clock the pulse grew more feeble. The priest, conscious of the approach of the final moment, raised his hand to his forehead and made the sign of the cross. His arm dropped helplessly by his side and without a struggle he passed peacefully away.

Father O'Haran was called from Philadelphia to the charge of St. Mary's in 1868 by his friend, Bishop O'Hara. Here at once his great ability as a faithful worker became known and appreciated. At that time his congregation worshipped in the old church on Canal Street. Father O'Haran's first efforts were directed to building the present edifice on Washington Street. By his energy and perseverance the church was at once paid for and was entered free from any incumbrances. That accomplished, he turned his attention to the erection of churches in near-by towns and the same success attended these efforts. Nearly all these now flourishing branches of the church can point to the work of Father O'Haran with gratitude.

He was a straightforward, forcible preacher. His efforts in the pulpit were attended with the success incident upon deep convictions of the truths he uttered. He sought force rather than polished oratory and succeeded in impressing himself upon his hearers in a manner which always comes from deep earnestness.

The

But as a pastor he entered the affections of his people to an even greater degree, opportunities afforded by the Roman Church to her priests of offering sympathy, advice and in imparting comfort and strength to the weak hearted made him a power for good. The best evidence of this, perhaps, is the realization of loss manifested in various ways by his parishioners. The expression of sorrow and the silent grief which pervaded the church yesterday when Rev. Father Dunn spoke so feelingly of the deceased rector indicated that the sense of grief was of no ordinary import. The church was draped inside and out with the signs of mourning and the load of grief was in a measure relieved from many hearts by fast falling tears.

As a business man, for the priesthood demands this characteristic, Father O'Haran was notably efficient and able. The Catholic people of this community are not by any means all who sorrow. Father O'Haran's broad catholicity made him known and beloved among Protestants as well, and, indeed,

many of those who will cherish his memory 'most dearly are those whose church affiliations were elsewhere.

Many telegrams of condolence and sympathy have poured in from all parts of the country since the sad event became known.

Father O'Haran was born in Ireland, Fermanagh County, in 1831. He received his academic training in his native town, and his theological studies were pursued at Överbrook, near Philadelphia, in St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He was only 23 when ordained by Archbishop Wood. It was while studying theology that he met his lifelong friend, now Bishop O'Hara. The latter was then an instructor at the seminary. Father O'Haran's first parish was in Easton. Thence he went to St. Paul's R. C. Church, of Philadelphia, and from there to St. Mary's, WilkesBarre, in 1868. He has several cousins who are clergymen in Ireland, one of these is Rev. Dr. Dennis O'Haran, private secretary to Cardinal Moran, of Australia. With this cousin the aged mother of deceased lives. She is now 89 years old.

THE FUNERAL.

The remains of the late Father O'Haran were taken to St. Mary's Church Tuesday noon by bearers and a guard of honor from the Emerald B. A. Association, St. Aloysius and Father Mathew societies, composed of Charles Leighton, Joseph P. Burns, H. P. Sharp, Bernard Donohue, J. C. Leighton, J. J. Gallagher, O. J. Gallagher, P. Cavanaugh, John F. and William Dougher, R. J.Meekins, J. A. Keating, D. A. Mackin, J. F. O'Malley, Thos. and James Mack, A. C. Campbell, Dr. Frank Lenahan, John F. McGinty, Thomas Fitzsimmons, C. J. Kelley, J. M. Boland, William Mack, P. J. Burke, Austin Walsh, John Shea, John Gorman, Wm. O'Brien and Wm. McLaughlin.

A platform about fifteen feet square had been erected over the tops of the first few pews along the middle aisle and upon this the black broadcloth casket, silver trimmed, was placed. Long before the hour announced for opening the doors, an immense throng surged around on the sidewalk, up and down and across the street. Several thousand people stood there awaiting the signal of the opened doors. At 2 o'clock they swung aside and the immense gathering pressed forward. At the vestibule stood several members of the guard of honor, and members of this guard were stationed along the centre aisle, along which the throng passed toward the altar. On reaching the platform the guard assisted the people to mount the steps, at the same time parting the stream of on-comers into two parts, each passing on different sides of the casket. The body of the dead priest was propped up so that the features could be

more plainly seen. The face looks calm and peaceful and very natural. The body was clothed in the cassock with the beretta upon the head. The hands were clasped about a chalice of gold.

There were heavy black draperies about the altar and lighted candles burned on either side of the casket. On the raised platform were also some beautiful floral designs, including a harp, wreath, anchor and several others. The St. Aloysius Society gave a pillow with the inscription, "Our Spiritual Director," and that of the Father Matthew Society was the "Sacred Heart." The Emerald Society also furnished a floral design.

The people continued to throng into the church hour after hour, and the numbers did not seem to diminish. The centre aisle was completely filled and progress was necessarily slow. Everything was well managed and there was no disorder or confusion. Many after viewing the remains took seats in the auditorium or the galleries and remained there either at their devotions or quietly watching the people as they passed in and out.

The crowd did not perceptibly diminish until well along in the evening. Those who entered the church included every class and condition of people, Catholics and Protestants as well.

THE FUNERAL SERVICES.

Father O'Haran was laid to rest Wednesday amid all the pomp and ceremony of the church, which owed him distinction for the splendid manner in which he vitalized its precepts and honored its dignity and character.

Surrounded by a vast concourse of loving friends, who esteemed him for his great worth, exalted character and distinguished piety, he was tenderly consigned to the grave and to a blessed immortality.

Never before in the history of the city was there seen so large a funeral and so many sad faces following a beloved one to its last resting place. All classes of society joined the stately and melancholy procession, all creeds and nationalities helped to honor the occasion, for there was a universal desire to pay tribute to one who during his eventful life did so much to help the needy, contribute to the great course of Christianity and to promote the moral worth of an important element of the community.

Father O'Haran performed a great and lasting work as pastor of St. Mary's Church, and his reward followed in being tenderly loved by his parishioners and esteemed highly by the community in which he lived. The good done was not interred with his mortal remains, but will live long to stimulate others to equally honor the positions in which God has placed them.

The front of St. Mary's Church was solidly banked with people early yesterday morning,