1785.] HISTORY OF DELAWAUE COUNTY. 341 



" But the walls were scarcely erected, when the winter set in, 

 and suspended the operations of the workmen, and before the sea- 

 son permitted them to re-commence buihling, the law authorizing 

 the Commissioners to build was repealed. This new Act of the 

 Legislature, procured, as is thought, by the influence of some of 

 the members from the southern section of the county, was passed 

 on the 30th of March 1785. The people generally in the neigh- 

 borhood of Chester, had been violently opposed from the begin- 

 ning to the projected removal, and a number now resolved to 

 demolish the walls already erected. Accordingly a cou'ipany 

 assembled, armed and accoutred, and having procured a field- 

 piece. aj)pointed Major IIarj)er commander, and proceeded to 

 accomplish their design. A few days before this expedition left 

 Chester, notice of its object was communicated by some of the 

 leaders to the neighborhood of the Turk's Head, and prepara- 

 tions were immediately made for its reception. In this busi- 

 ness Col. Hannum was particularly active. He directly re- 

 quested Col, Isaac Taylor and Mr. Marshall to bring in what 

 men they could collect, and began himself to procure arms and 

 prepare cartridges. Grog and rations were freely distributed, 

 and a pretty respectable force was soon upon the ground. The 

 windows of the court-house were boarded upon each side, and 

 the space between filled with stones; loop-holes being left for 

 the musquetry. Each man had his station assigned him ; Mar- 

 shall and Taylor commanded in the upper story — Underwood 

 and Patton below, while Col. Hannum had the direction of the 

 whole. All things were arranged fOr a stout resistance. 



" The non-removalists having passed the night at the Green 

 Tree, made their appearance near the Turk's Head early in the 

 morning, and took their ground about 200 yards south-east of 

 the Quaker meeting house. Here they planted their cannon and 

 made preparations for the attack. They seemed, however, when 

 every thing was ready, still reluctant to proceed to extremities ; 

 and having remained several hours in a hostile position, an ac- 

 commodation was effected between the parties, by the interven- 

 tion of some pacific people, who used their endeavors to prevent 

 the eff'usion of blood. To the non-removalists was conceded the 

 liberty of inspecting the defences that had been prepared by 

 their opponents, on condition that they should do them no in- 

 jury ; and they on their part agreed to abandon their design, 

 and to return peaceably to their homes. The cannon which had 

 been pointed against the walls was turned in another direction, 

 and fired in celebration of the treaty. Col. Hannum then 

 directed his men to leave the court-house, and having formed in 

 a line a short distance on the right, to ground their arms and 

 wait till the other party should have finished their visit to the 



