sequently, when the present foundation was built two of these bombs were walled in with the stones and now form a portion of the stone-work. Future antiquarians and monarchical adherents may regard this in a symbolic light, as typical of the ultimate downfall of Republicanism, because, beneath and within the very walls of the structure in which freedom of conscience and the rights of humanity wereasserted, are imbedded the elements of its own destruction. We congratulate ourselves, however, upon the fact that should Independence Hall ever crumble into ruins, there are associations connected with it sufficiently impressive to inspire the hearts and direct the sentiments of the American people in every thing pertaining to their own unsullied Nationality and Republican sentiments; for, as Milton remarks, "reconcilement never grows where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep." We have remarked that Independence Hall was used for various purposes. In the year 1802 the Legislature of Pennsylvania granted to Charles Wilson Peale, the use of the upper rooms in which the public banquets were formerly given, for the exhibition of curiosities which he had collected and arranged under the title of the "Philadelphia Museum." This institution was commenced in the year 1784, with the simple donation of a "paddle-fish" from the Ohio River. From that time until his decease, Mr. Peale was engaged in efforts of conveying instruction and amusement to the citizens of Philadelphia, and all who wished to visit his museum. The doors of the museum were never open to the profligate and licentious--the place having been scrupulously preserved as a resort for the virtuous and refined of society. In the arrangement and classification of his natural curiosities, Mr. Peale was singularly fortunate. He adopted the system of Linnæus in classifying his birds and mammalia: that of Mr. Cleveland in his mineralogical cabinet, which contained over 1700 specimens. In conchology, which contained more than 1000 specie, he employed the system of Lamarck. The museum contained a large collection of fossil reliquiæ of our own country and of Europe, at the head of which was the mammoth, the bones of whose skeleton were discovered in a morass, in Ulster County, New York, by persons digging for marl. Cabinets of fish, reptiles, comparative anatomy, and a numerous collection of miscellaneous articles of works of Art, implements, dresses, arms, antiquities, and so forth, from various parts of the globe, were appropriately located in various parts of the rooms. The museum contained many valuable paintings of officers and diplomatic characters who figured during the Revolution, which were painted by Mr. Peale during that stormy period. In that year the proprietors had succeeded in collecting 274 quadrupeds of various species, and 1284 birds. The collection of insects was very large, and arranged in geographical divisions. That portion of it embracing the Sessidosstera was well adapted to their perfect preservation and most advantageous display. This museum was incorporated in 1822, by an Act of the Legislature, and was then removed to the Arcade. As a place of literary entertainment, Independence Hall assumes a conspicuous reputation. In 1771, the Rev. Jacob Duché, Assistant Minister of Christ Church and St. Peter's, in Philadelphia, wrote as follows: "The 'State House,' as it is called, is a large, plain building, two stories high. The lower story is divided into two large rooms, in one of which the Provincial Assembly meet, and in the other the Supreme Court of Judicature is held. The upper story consists of a long gallery, which is generally used for public entertainments, and two rooms adjoining it, one of which is appropriated for the Governor and his Council; the other, I believe, is yet unoccupied. In one of the wings, which join the main building by means of a brick arcade, is deposited a valuable collection of books, belonging to a number of the citizens, who are incorporated by the name of 'The Library Company of Philadelphia.' You would be astonished, my Lord, at the general taste for books, which prevails among all orders and ranks of people in this city. The librarian assured me, that, for one person of distinction and fortune, there were twenty tradesmen that frequented this library." The Library Company of Philadelphia, to which the above reverend writer so sneeringly alludes, (and who, during the Revolutionary struggle for Independence, turned Tory to the cause of Freedom,) was first started by Benjamin Franklin, in 1731, and was called "The City Library," in consequence of a union which was made on the first of July of that year, of several Libraries. In October, 1732, their first importation of books from England arrived, amounting in cost to £45 15s. sterling. The Library was located in Pewter-platter alley, but in 1740 it was transferred to the State House. Thence in 1773 it was placed in the "Carpenters' Hall," where it remained until the year 1790. It received its incorporation in 1742, under the title In 1792 of the "Library Company of Philadelphia." this Company, the Loganian, and the Union, were merged into one-making a tria juncta in una. During the progress of the struggle for Freedom, the State House was signalized for many scenes which transpired within it, and was, at one time, used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. A "lobby" extended the whole length of the building, then eastward from the head of the stairs, and in this "lobby" the American officers who were captured at the battle of Germantown were retained as prisoners. It was used as a hospital after the battle of the Brandywine, where many a noble patriot breathed his last. Such were some of the sad purposes for which this sacred structure has been used. This building is also rendered immortal from the fact that here Washington "bade farewell to public life, and delivered that memorable address which will ever be cherished as a sacred legacy by his grateful countrymen." In 1824, Lafayette received his friends in Independence Hall. It has been subsequently used as the audience chamber of several distinguished visitors, and a reception. room for the Presidents of the United States. The body of the venerable John Quincy Adams here lay in state, on its way to his final resting-place. In connection with the historical associations which cluster around this immortal structure, we may use the remarks of Raynal, a distinguished Frenchman, who wrote a few years after the Declaration of Independence had been signed. He said: "With what grandeur, with what enthusiasm, should I not speak of those generous men who erected this grand edifice, by their patience, their wisdom, and their courage! Hancock, Franklin, and the two Adamses, were the greatest actors in this affecting scene; but they were not the only ones. Posterity shall know them all. Their honored names shall be transmitted to it by a happier pen than mine. Brass and marble shall show them to remotest ages. In beholding them, shall the friend of freedom feel his heart palpitate with joy; feel his eyes float in delirious tears. Under the bust of one of them has been written-' He wrested thunder from heaven and the sceptre from tyrants.' Of the last words of this eulogy shall all of them partake. Heroic country, my advanced age permits me not to visit thee. Never shall I see myself among the respectable personages of thy Areopagus; never shall I be present at the deliberations of thy Congress. I shall die without seeing the retreat of toleration, of manners, of laws, of virtue, and of freedom. My ashes shall not be covered by a free and holy earth; but I shall have desired it; and my last breath shall bear to heaven. an ejaculation for thy posterity." Thus do these historical incidents rush to our memory, while standing in Independence Hall. Few places there are sufficiently impressive to remind us of their associations, but "This is the sacred fane wherein assembled The fearless champions on the side of Right-- And as we send our memories back along the "ring |