12 



In the year 1747, for their more convenient accommoda- 

 tion, thej resolved to build a Court House, as it was 

 termed, for the meetings of the Governor, Assembly and 

 Colonists. It was erected at Warner's by permission, 

 on the slope of the hill on which the Mansion House 

 stands, adjacent to the river, and beneath the umbrageous 

 shade of the large and very ancient walnut trees — some 

 of which, spared in the innovating progress of canal im- 

 provement, yet rear their lofty heads, proud monuments 

 of olden times. 



The rude edifice of timber, probably cut on the spot cho- 

 sen for the scite, cost as appears by an attested account on 

 the minutes, presented, approved and liquidated on the 

 31st of January 1748, amounting to the sum of ^616. 7 9. 

 At this period, the proprietor granted a lease of the soil 

 on which it was located, with sufficient surrounding ground 

 for the colony's accommodation, and the next year after 

 the occupancy of the Court House, the stipulated rent was 

 paid in kind, as the receipt exhibits; 



« Schuylkill June 1st 1749, Received of the Hon- 

 orable Thomas Stretch, Esquire & Co. three fresh sun 

 perch, in full for one years rent, of the Court House lot 

 on Schuylkill, due this present month." 



WILLIAM WARNER. 



The gentlemen then composing the colony, were of the 

 first respectability and standing in society. Many of 



