67 



Occasionally, circumstances induce a departure, as the 

 expectation of much company, or unfavorable winds and 

 weather for fishing. In such case, a large rock fish or 

 shad are provided. Hence the necessity of fishing, there- 

 by fulfilling the original design of the company, which it 

 is perceived, can never become or exist as a mere Baccha- 

 nalian or Feasting Club, under its excellent well known 

 regulations and customs duly observed. 



Sobriety prevails at the festive board, promoting the 

 harmony and respectability of the institution, and there- 

 by securing its permanency. 



After the lamented decease of the late Governor, the 

 company were convened at the Castle, and elected Robert 

 Wharton, Esq. at that time and long afterwards the active 

 and efficient Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, for the un- 

 expired term of the deceased. To this respectable situation, 

 he was annually rechosen, and presided with honor and 

 usefulness, until recently, a period of sixteen years, 

 when declining years and impaired health, induced him 

 to tender his i-esignation of office, and membership. 



Thomas Morris, Esq. a nephew of the old Governor's, 

 and the senior member, was unanimously elected to suc- 

 ceed him, and now officiates in the Gubernatorial Chair. 



The year 1812, was productive to the gentlemen, fond 

 of the amusements on the water. Frequently five or six 

 persons would take and return with from thirty to seventy 

 dozen choice fish, principally the esteemed white perch. 



In October 1812, the company assembled in strength at 



