Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-11-18
The Yankee fixed it,
GOV. MIFFLIN'S FIRST COALFIRF
BY FALCONBRIDGE.

| BY FALcoNBRIDGE.
! Ii is truly astonishing that the inexhaus'ble
beds of anthracite coal, which extend along
the Schuylkill river, and stretch through the
valleys and mountains of Pennsylvania, from
old Berks county to, mountain of Shamekin,
were not found out and applied to domestic
uses, full fifty years before noticed
Coal has been exhumed from the earth, and
burned in forges and CRATES in Europe, from
time immemorial, we think, yet We distinctly
remember when few canal boats only were
engaged in transporting from the few mines
that were opened and worked along the Schuyl-
kill, the comparatively few tons of anthracite
coal consumed in Philadelphia or sent away.
AS far back as 1920, there was but little, If
any coal shipped TO Philadelphia from the
Schuylkill at all.
Our venerable friend, the still vivacious and
clear-headed Col. Davis, of Delaware, gave
us, few years ago, rather amusing account
of the first successful attempt of a very distin-
gulshed old gentleman, Gov. Mfflin, to ignite
pile of stone-coals. The date of the transac-
tion (more's the pity has escaped US, but the
facts of the case are something after this fash
ion.
! Gov. Mifflin, of Pennsylvania lived on and
owned fine estate in MIfflin county, in which
quantity of black rock, as the farmers common
ly called the then unknown anthracite Of
course, the old Governor knew something
about sione-coal, and had slight inkling of
its character. At hours of leisure the Govern
or was in the habit of experimenting upon the
black rocks, by subjectng them 10 .wood-ire
upon his hearths but the hard, almost flint
like anthracite of that region resisted with
most obdnrate pertnacity the repeated at
tempts of The Governor to set il on fire.
|. 1t finally became joke among the neighbor-
! ing Pennsylvania Dutch farmers, and Others of
the vicinity, that Gov. Miff1in was studying out
theory TO set his hills and fields on fire, and
burn out the obnoxious black rock and bould-
ers. But despite the jibes and and jokes of his
uoSudtCdi iIleuuS, TIE Olu IOVernOr SUCK 10
his experiments, and the result produced, as
most generally it does through perseverance
and practice, new and useful fact. or princi-
| pie.
One cold and wintry day, Gov Mifflin was
costly perched up in his easy chair, before the
great roaring, blazing hickory fire, overhaul
| ing ponderous State documents, and deeply
engrossed in the affairs of The people, when his
eye caught the outline of a~big block boulder
upon the mantle piece before him; it was
beautiful specimen of variegated anthracite,
with all the hues Of the rainbow beaming from
its lacquered angels. The Governor thought
"a heap of this specimen Of the black rock but
dropping all the documents and state papers
pelmell upon the floor, he seized the piece of
anthracite, placed it very carefully upon the
blazing crossticks of the fire, and in the most
absorbed manner watched the operation. To
his great delight the black rock was soon red
hot; he called for his servanl-man, sable son
of Africa, or some down-south Congo.
Isaac
Yes, sab, Use heah, sah.'
Isaac, run out 10 the carriage-house, get a
piece of that black rock
Yes, sab, Use gone.'
4 In twinkling the negro had obtained huge
lump of the anthracite, and handing it over to
the Governor it was placed in favorable po-
siiion alongside the first lump, and the Gov
ernors eyes fairly danced pokas as he wit
messed the fact of the two pieces of black rock
assuming red hot complexion.
Isaac again exclaimed the Governor.
Yes, sah'
Run out, get another lump
Yes, sam
A third lump was added to the fire. The
company in the Governors private parlor was
augmented by the appearance of the Governors S
lady, and other portions of the family who
seeing Isaac Juggling in the rocks, came 10 the
crazy conclusion that the Governor was going
clean crazy over his experiments. 1t was
in vain Mrs. Mifflin and the daughters tried to
suspend the functions of the chief magistrate
over the roaring fire.
Go away, women; what do you know
about mineralogy, ignitng anthracite1 Go
away, close the doors, I've got the rocks on
6re-I'll make them laugh tother side oftheir
mouths at my black rock fres.'
In the midst of the excitement, as the Gov
ernor was perspiring and exnltng over his
fiery operation, carriage drove up and two
gentlemen alighied and desired immediate au-
dience with Gov. Mff1in, but so deeply en-
gagged was the Governor, that he refused the
strangers an audience, and while directing
Isaac TO tell the strangers that they must come
Tomorrow and while he continued to pile on
more black rocks, brought in by Isaac, in
rushed the strangers.
Good day, Governor, you must excuse US,
but our business admits of no delay
Cannot help it, cannot help you-see how
it bazes; see how it burns!' cried out the ab-
stracted, or mentally and physically absorbed
Governor. .-
But, Governor, the man may be hanged,
if
Let him be hanged. Hurrah see how it
burns, call in the neighbors, let them see my
black rock fire. knew Id surprise thems'
But--but, Governor, will you please delay