The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1867-02-14
Revolutionary Relies.

and no doubt, the qualification of sitting
at the table or desk on which it is alleged
the Declaration of Independence Was
signed. The House of Representatives,
on motion of Mr. 2. G. Lee, of Philadel-
| phia has resolved to send this table to
Independence Hall, there to be preserved
amongthe other relics of the Revolutionary
| period, and where its historic interest as
occupying Its old place IN that sacred
chamber will be morestrougiy appreciated.
What is known as the old State House
in Philadelphia was erected by the Colo
nisl authorities of Pennsylvania for the
use of the Colonial Government. This
building was furnished according to the
ideas OF the times with every convenience
for the mediation OF such a body
| The east roeul on the first floor was occu-
pied by the Colonial representatives of
the lover house, Whilsa smaller room, on
the second floor, was occupied by the
Provincial Council, p body corresponding
to the present Senatc. When the Cent?
mental Congress YVES ed to meet at
Philadelphia, it deyolse4 Apon the Penn
syivania Colonial authorities to provide
suitable accommodations for that body
| W nat ObnSE AGSUl WIS IHSE2 IN ulI2Qel-
phIs to offer, and whet other room sc
suitable in all its appointments as that OF
the one in which the Colonial House of
Delegates metz The room was rendered,
accepted, and occupied bY the Continental
/ Congress. There the Declaration of
Independence WAS first reported for con-
Eideration-there it was signed-signe3
On oDs of tbs tables owned and used by
the Provincial Assembly, and still owned
and In possession Of the authorities Of
! PeuBsylvania. After the Continental
| Congress had finished its sessions in
Philadelphia, that body proceeded to
New York and there transacted the legis-
latiye business of the country The
Provincial assembly of Pennsylvania re-
sumed possession of their former place of
meeting, which theDceforth took the name
of Independence Hall. The Continental
Congress brought or supplied no furni-
tufe for It's use while Ia Philadelphia, the
chairs and desks belonging to the Provin-
cial Assembly furnishing that body with
all the accommodations of that character
required. From Philadelphia the prov
inciai, then merged into State govern
ment, moved TO Laacast5T, earryiog with
it the archives, documents, and every
description OF property Of public char
acter. The Declaration of Independence
table and the Hancock chair, belonging TO
the State, were of course conveyed with
this property TO that locality At Ian
caster the Legislature decided upon a
permanent place for locating the State
capital, and after protracted contest
Harrisburg was finally named.
From Lancaster, therefore, the capital
of the State was subsequently removed to
Harrisburg, with all the furniture, docu-
ments, &c. Much of this furniture still
remains slowed away in the attic and
other parts of the capital building, its
place having been supplied with that OF
more modern and improved fabrication.
For number OF years an integral part of
it in the shape of the table in question,
was used IN the Hall of the House Of
! Representatives for clerical purposes
The increase of the business of legislation
demanded an enlarged clerical force, and
other furniture became necessary, so that
this table was dispensed with, when it
finally found its way into the State Libra
ry, where it at present forms feature Of
great attraction aud veneration. At this
period its surface was covered with black
leather, which being much defaced, was
removed, and its place supplied with
cover of ordinary figured baise. Upon
! removing the original cover, piece OF
faper was discovered, bearing evidence of
great age, upon which was written in
bold, round hand, the following words
| g Cys0a this table tcvs sig7ts1 The Declaration
of Independence.
Ia the great picture of Trumbeli, who
| lived cotemporane0us with the signing OF
the Declaration of Independence, aud who
was noted fer the accuracy with which ne
delineated the most minute details, it is
curious to observe that the table upon
which the delegates are represented sign
ing the Declaration, is al exact imitation
of the one ia question.
As further evidence of the historic
interest of this furniture. it IS important
to make use of an iilustrious witness,
who, during second visit to America,
and as tie guest Of the nation, while at
Harrisburg, recognized the "Haocock
chair" as the one used by John Hancock
when be signed his (the witness') COM
mission ss an officer in the Continental
army. We refer TO Lafayette While
Lafayette was in this city, and at his re-
ceptiou by the Legisiatnga Of Fsunsylva
MIA, he occupied the Hancock chair. Du-
ring the ceremonies of reception, he was
| reminded of this, and then it was that he
recognized the Hancock chair, and in the
presence of the Legislature confessed thai