The Washington herald., 1909-04-25
NAVAL ASYLUM ON
HISTORIC GROUNDS
Site of Institution Was Penn
bePtOn Plantation.
ITS OWNER ONCE AN EXILE
Interesting Historical Incidents Con-
nected with Reservation Near
PhIIadeIphia-One Commander, in
Bitter Cold Winter, Cut DOysa
Every Tree on Place for Fuel.

Every Tree on Place for Fuel.
Philadelphia. Pa. April 24-Not many
who pass by the United States Naval
Asylum on the historic Gray's Ferry road
remember OF perhaps knew that the
ground on which it stands was once occu-
pied by one Of the fine old country seats
that abounded in the neighb0rhood OF
Philadelphia. This was Pemberton plan
tatiOn, and was owned at the time Of the
Revolution by James Pemberton, a grand
son OF Phineas PembertOn. who came to
Pennsylvania in 1662 and purchased large
tracts of land in what is now Bucks
County and settled there.
This Pemberton estate on the Schuyl-
kill was portion Of a large tract lying
in Passyunk township. which had been
purchased from the proprietors in T735 by
Thomas Masters. who sold 20 John Kin
sey, who in turn sold 20 the Pembert0ns.
The substantial and attractive-looking
mansion which was erected was the sum
ner home Of James Pemberfon and dur
ing the Revolution was much sought
after residence
James Pemberton was a well-knoWn
and much respected citizen Of Philadel-
phia, a leader OF the Quaker or peace
party in the province. and a consistent
member OF the Society OF Friends. and
for several years sat in the assembly.
The Revolution naturally put an end TO
his political activities, as he was not in
sympathy with the war for independence.
Three PembertOns Arrested.
In the fall OF I777 the three Pemberton
brothers. James. John. and Israel. and
several other prominent members Of the
Society OF Friends. were arrested by the
Supreme Executive Council Of PennsyI-
vania and sent into exile IN Virginia.
their Influence in the province being
deemed dangerous to the cause Of the
struggling patriots
Although James PembeTton was obliged
TO leave his polarization" Il was not un-
cared for during his enforced absence. for
his wife, Mrs. Phoebe Pemberton. was as
capable as her husband in managing the
affairs OF the estate.
The mansion was a rO0nly brick e5ifce.
Win q aF4lT aif+aA EatFiataAAtE AaaANta9lt Ats"
center and handsome rooms on either
side. Above these were also good sized
rooms. a sloping roof, large dormer win
dows and balcony Altogether II was
a comfortable and attractive place. with
a large vegetable garden attached. vel
cultivated. and was tempting spot TO
the British when they occupied Phila-
delphia Mrs Phoebe. however depended
on the fact that her family were British
in sympathy for protection from maraud-
ing bands.
Il seems the Hesslans helped them
selves to the Pembsrton potatoes and
e2bbages. and other troops made free
with the wood intended for fuel. and Mrs.
PembeTtOn thereupOn wrote n letter Of
.remonStrance u Sir William Howe.
which was a model Of diplomacy
Made Gen. Howe Act.
Esteemed Friend" she began, 7 an
extremely concerned that 7 sI1 once more
obliged 70 Trouble GenI Howe with any
affair OF mine. when his own important
engagements no doubt engross his time
and thoughts. but by the cruel Banish-
ment Of my Husband. his business neceA
sarfIy devolves on ne. and. being pos
Fr-EEW NE kmN TfaAeta art4 us EirftN hifr
on one Of which there IS a small piece %
wood. Intended for Firing for myself and
children. with a few Of the Inhabitants
some Of whom are not able 10 pay for II.
but have constantly partook OF Ny be
loved Husbands bounty. by supplying
them IN the winter season with a small
quantity. which I shall be rendered in
capable o. doing. as the soldiers are TAX
ing II away. and say they do Il BY per-
mission Of the Generals Secretary.
The Tenants Of these places have IN
formed me that they must be obliged 10
leave their HabitstiOns. being Stript OF
their Hay. Vegetables. Sc. on which
they depended for a Living, and II some
expedient cannot be found. I expect the
Enclosures VIII be laid open. This will be
a singular disadvantage 10 ne. as 7 de-
pend on the Rents Of Husbands Estate
for q support. The Generals kind inter-
position IN this matter VIII Greatly oblige
THY ASSURED FRIEND
The kind interp0sition'- was evidently
forthcoming. for the soldiers molested
Pemberton plantation 10 more The off,
GERS Of the British army, however. were
Tot so easily restrained. and again did
Mrs. Pemberton write 20 complain !n
vigorous terms OF an officer of the guard
who passes by the name or style Of Lord
Murray" who had behaved AT my huS-
bands plantation on the Schuylkiil in an
ungentlemanly manner
II seemed this Lord Murray had been
stationed al the plantation and had
broken into parts occupied by the ten
ants ana treated them with baTbarOus
and unbecoming behavior, very IN
worthy OF q British nObleman and off,
GER and Mrs Pemberton concluded to
take this method to inform the said
Lord Murray that If he don't think proper
10 make some suitable acknowledgements
I shall Immediately enter a complaint at
headquarters
AS the letter was sent to Lord Murray
himself, and he had been shown Gen
Howe's protection posted up in the
house" the letter evidently had its due
weight. and depTedsti0ns Of the officers
also ceased.
Rented TO Gen. Pattison.
The plantation" was looked upon as
most desirable place Of residence. and
Mrs. Pemberton had several applications
20 rent f. In March. HIS she decided
to allow Gen. Pattison. Of the royal ar
tiliery. TO become the tenant and notified
him OF the fact IN this wise:
Phoebe Pemberton's best Respects to
wait upon Genl. Patterson. and has the
Pleasure 10 inform him that upon recon
siGering his Proposals respecting her
House upon the SchuyIkiII she has con-
cluded that the Genl. may make use of II
as soon as convenient TO him: and she
shall ever esteem It a Happiness to oblige
him in this or any other Instance IN her
Power. As she formerly depended upon
that Garden for a supply Of Vegetables
for her Family. would thank the General
TO reserve part Of the Garden for her
use
After TIE war was ended and the coun-
try was adjusting itself to new conditions
the Pembertons became active again in
the affairs Of the city. though they took