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A Yankee's Impressions of Wilkes-Barre (1800-1)
" Dec. 5.—Arrived at Wilkes-Barre about 2 p.m. It is now in agitation to build a turnpike from here to Easton, sixty miles, and should this be effected Philadelphia will be the market via this route, which will shorten the distance one hundred miles from what it is by the Lancaster road.
The inhabitants emigrated chiefly from Connecticut. There are a number of gentlemen of education residing here, chiefly professional characters of the law, and this being the county town of Luzerne, has rendered it populous.
An elegant church with a spire has been built, and during the year a court-house will be erected.
Some gentlemen are possessed of large property to the amount of £20,000, and more. A stranger has no reason to complain of the want of friends, or friendly assistance, who falls among them.
The Sabbath is observed with great decency."
" On Sabbath, the 18th inst., I sent by Roswell Wells Esq. of this place, five letters to Sheffield and six to Canaan. "
"Information was received on Tuesday last, that Mr. Jefferson was elected President of the United States. The Democrats are making preparations to rejoice on Wednesday next the 4th March, when an ox will be roasted whole, cannon will be fired, and probably some whiskey will be drank. They feel important, go with their heads up, assume a new language, are busy in the streets."
"March 5.—Yesterday was celebrated by the Democrats in this place with festivity and rejoicing, that Thomas Jefferson, the infidel, was raised to the Presidential chair. They introduced the French flag and cockade; they stopped and insulted the mail, attacked and abused travelors, and committed many outrages. There are some Democrats of this place possessed of large property, they will do well to keep a good look out, for they have many brethren who have none at all, and who comfort themselves with the idea, of an equal distribution to be made in a short time. This is their glorious millenium, the reign of Liberty and Equality!"
"March 12 - The inhabitants of Wilkes-Barre are a mixture of good and bad - Lord Butler, Roswell Wells, Mathew Covel, Putlin Catlin, Ebenezer Bowman, Arnold Colt, Capt. Samuel Bowman, Jesse Fell, George Griffin, and others are Federal in heart and conduct. They are men of property, character and morals, and there is a frank, open, and friendly appearance in all their conduct. There are others of a different complexion, all Democrats, and consequently are rebel against God and man! I never saw a Democratic enmity expressed and acted out in such live colours as it is in this place.
The ladies of Wilkres-Barre might, perhaps, consider themselves neglected, should I pass them by in silence. Their circle is not large, yet there are a number, who have personal charms and other accomplishments, which render them engaging. Some in a fancy dress, with easy agreeable airs, have appeared to the best advantage, and were highly delightful. Their manners are easy, but not sociable in conversation."
"March 17 - This morning my hostess ws frying eggs without lard. They stuck to the pan, nor could she turn them without breaking the yolks. She wondered what was the matter. Her husband told her it was because there was no lard in the pan. She said she knew better, that it portended something very awful that was coming on the Democrats for celebrating the 4th of March with a roasted ox." (from The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography By Historical Society of Pennsylvania - Published by Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1888)
"March 24 - Concluding to view the country up the river, I this day left Wilkes-Barre, in company with Col. Hollenback. We passed though Kingston, and near its northern extremity he showed me the ground where the Indian battle was fought, in which we lost three hundred men. Col. Hollenback was in the action, and one of the few who escaped."
