plottings, repositories of tumult's deadly weapons! These were facts of a startling and threatening character. They addressed themselves with burning intensity to the spirit that actuated those representatives -our forefathers-in that revolutionary struggle, and led to the consummation of the object for which they were called together—the framing of a DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. CHAPTER II. PRIMITIVE SETTLERS AND PUBLIC EDIFICES. "Here the free spirit of mankind, at length, Or curb his swiftness in the forward race?"-Bryant. EVERY nation has some particular, some sacred enclosure, or consecrated building, which they regard as a Mecca or shrine, at which they pay national oblations and homage. These are generally places where important events have culminated advantageously to the reputation and nationality of the people, or where circumstances of vast magnitude have transpired. Sometimes, too, they are rendered sacred by inhumation of the great, or the expiring throes of heroes on ensanguined fields of valor. England has her Westminster Abbey, France her Hotel des Invalides, and the United States-the great American republic-her INDEPENDENCE HALL. The affections of the people of England and France become more elevated at the baptismal shrines of their respective nations, and swell out with idolizing patriotic intensity. Pestilence and famine-war with its incidental misfortunes may sweep, like a burning sirocco, millions to the dustyet their survivors will turn to their holy places as the surest refuge to invoke consolation in hours of calamity and danger. The American people are no less superstitiously inclined. They regard the sacred building in which their "Declaration of Human Rights" was vitalized and rendered operative, with as much reverence as did the Scandinavians the fabled well of Mimer. They gaze upon its venerable walls and drink deep inspiration-they feel themselves standing in the focus where concentrate the united efforts and influences of a mighty people-or rather in a centre whence radiate scintillations of freedom. over a wide and prosperous continent. From its hallowed dome we can look out upon the illimitable blue of the world around-can see a fertile country stretching away to a point where ceases the scope of human vision, teeming with every thing calculated to increase the happiness and welfare of its inhabitants we can see the white sails of commerce dotting the noble Delaware, freighted with the products of industry for our transatlantic neighbors, while over the city and over the country hangs a spirit of sublimity and augmenting grandeur. It is not unreasonable, therefore, to suppose that the inhabitants, from the associations which surround them, with all their peculiarities and discrepancies of taste, education, sentiments, private and social habits, national prejudices and preferences, should cling ardently to the early reminiscences of their ancestors. From the mass of mental elements scattered over these fertile regions, is formed a public mind, deep, powerful, and independent, which will retain its own great interests with a strength and firmness that cannot be shaken by any other elements or powers. Over these hills and val· leys, yet moist with the blood of the Revolution, and consecrated by heroic bravery-no dogmatical forms and ceremonies, conventional creeds and systems, social deferences or distinctions of wealth, can check the bold inspirations of natural freedom-but thought and fancy are free to roam in all the strength and vividness of their character. Amid the florid beauty that waves over these variegated fields, refreshed by the most delicious dews and breezes--amid the associations of youth, sacred domes and puritanical restraint, the spirit seems quickening with new and more expansive powers and susceptibilities, while the sweetest melodies of nature, her multiform beauties, boundless and picturesque displays, combine to enchant the ear, and awaken in the bosom new energies, emotions and enjoyments. There, instead of the narrow streets and pent walls, the dim and smoky atmosphere of large cities or towns, we may feel ourselves free and invigorated by a pure and fragrant atmosphere, and can gaze with a brighter glow of admiration over the expansive scenes, broad landscapes teeming with spontaneous luxuriance, which strike the view, and make us realize more deeply the harmony that prevails around us. Surely scenes so grand, natural, and free, cannot fail to awaken a more active energy, excite stronger emotions, and inspire the thoughts with bolder or more excursive powers. With such scenes and associations everywhere around this, the cradle of American liberty, it is not strange that the American people should exhibit a natural pride for, and a strong attachment to, the land of their own and the birth of their forefathers. Historically considered, Independence Hall presents many interesting features. To the student of American archæology, it is one of the most inspiring buildings in the country; its antiquity excites our veneration; its associations our patriotism! Standing within the room where the Convention of Delegates assembled, the American citizen feels surrounded with holy influences-he almost hears the pulsatory throbbings of each member's heart while gravely considering the country's welfare in that Convention-for the occasion was one of awful moment. Every portion of the building is equally sacred-the walls, the ceiling, the carvings, recesses and corners, still ring with the voices of the unforgotten dead. We remember, while gazing on them, the sore difficulties experienced by the early settlers of Philadelphia, and feel that it is pleasant and instructive to revive and recreate pictures of the incidents which must have engaged them. We can imagine what a bustling, spirited, emulous scene it must have been; and we can transport the mind back to the primitive site of Coaquanock, to witness the busy landing from the ships anchored in the river, of men, women, and children upon the gravelly strand at the foot of the precipitous banks of Dock Creek-the hurrying backward and forward of lighters, discharging from the ships in the stream, the furniture, implements and provisions for their future usethen the efforts of men, women, and children endeavoring to gain the higher river banks. We may also imagine the mingled emotions of such families— how they must have felt an exhilarating effect in inhaling the pure air, after a confined and irksome voyage, among the towering groves of spruce pines, which stretched their umbrageous arms abroad-glad, no doubt, to feel themselves again safe on solid land. Again, we may behold, on the other hand, those |