Newspaper Page Text
No. 47— — Vol. Vl.]
Froth the Richmond Enquirer. \
PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE!
SHAKERS.
From Letters on the condition of Kentucky.
The attentions I received at Harrodsburg
were flattering and 1 left it with regret, on
the day after my arrival, for Shakerstown,
a distance of 6 miles. The country imme
diately in the neighbourhood of the latter
/place is more broken than between it and
Harrodsburgh. Emerging from a valley,
and risiog a gradual ascent, Shakerstown
a lays itself to view on the contiguous
‘hi. This village is situated on the
thaiti road, leading to Lexington from Har
rodsburg; from one extremity to the other,
it is perhaps 300 yards long. On the one
side of the road is a (urge church, a hand
some garden tastily laid off, and a few brick
work shops. On,the opposite side, at the
eastern extremity of the town, i* a frame
building in which a tavern is kept; in regu
lar succession from this, and about fifty
yards apart, there are three large brick and
stone houses for the dwelling of the Sha
kfrs, and in the same row, is another large
bidding, larger than those I have mention
ed, yet unfinished, which is also intended
for a family bouse: in the rear of thee
buildings are their offices, other workshops
aod machine booses.
These family houses are seventy fire
feel long, about forty wide, and are all built
on the same plan, and within the same en
closure. The yard and the intervening
spaces, between the hou*e*, are set with
gia, and ha*, passing brOugh it, a wide
walk, neatly laid with fl,g stones. The
church t* situated as before mentioned on
the opposite side of the road and about the
centre of the town: the garden adj.uniog;
below this and on the same side, are the
barns and stables
The church is a frame building, under
piooed with nearness, with stone ;
is about 60 feet lung arid propurtionably
wide, plas'ered and white washed, with
clairhoards, &c., painted bine, in the nea'est
conceivable style. The floor looked as
though it was waxed. The church is warm
ed by two small stovs, placed at each end
of the room. Moveable benche* for the
worshippers, are arranged around the back
part of the room, and in front are similar
seats tor the accommodation of strangers;
in the upper part of the building, over the
worshipping room at either end, is an apart
ment each for the accommodation of the
Elder and Eldress. These apartments com
xounicale with the interionr of the church
by a small window which is about a foot
square, and near the C‘~;ingof the worship
ping room. In front of tfie church is an
rea paved with flag stones, and enclosed
with palings, which, as well as the exterior
of the church, is painted white. In the
neighbourhood oHlie town at various distan
ces, and in different directions, are seen
other houses, also belonging to the Sha
kers. These were occupied by lliem till
within a few years, since winch, they built
their town; these are called “the Blue
Houses.'” The Shakers own three thon-
acres of land, lying in a body, including
their town and out houses; they have a
large three storv mill on the same tract.
1 arrived at their town on Sunday about
11 o’clock: when I got in view of the
church, I heard a doleful noise. As Ip
preached nearer, the sound broke with in
creased strength on my ears. The air was
tilled with piercing shrieks, shout*, and coo
fused acclamations, resembling the wild and
maddened tenants of Bedlam. I was told
that (he Shakers were at worship. Such
were the direful feelings which these sounds
produced, ih.it I paused fur a moment to
consider, whether 1 should go inlo the
church. The question was soon decided.
I tied my hor*e and hastened in ; at tffls mo
ment all was calm, but presently their wor
ship was renewed ; there were about an
and thirty worshippers including
bothsexes, black and white. The females
were drawn up in Ihe west eud of the
church in ranges of eight a breast, and sev
en or eight deep. The men were drawn
tip in like manner in the opposite end; the
two column* fronting each other, with a
space of se.veral feet between the head of
each column.
The dies* of either sex is uniform, re
sembling that of the old Quakers; from
girls of ten years old, to wrinkled old age,
all dressed alike with long waisted gowns of
dark colour, long checked aprons extend
ing- to the nock, a white long-eared cap,
with n white kerchief thrown over the
eboulders, crossed and pinned before, and
a checked cotton handkerchief loosely hong,
over the arm ; every article of their dress
was in perfect order, and every individual
of the column presented a clean, neat, pre-
Wise dressed tigure. The dress of the men
consisted of light coloured domestick cloth,
Month coals and waistcoats of (he loog waist-
Mil fashion, with outer pockets in thesform-
Sr, half way down the leg, and those of the
Siaistcoats resting on the hips Their
were of coarse cotton, and they were
Suthout neckcloths. On this occasion the
rffiats were laid aside. The blacks of each
pffix were arranged indiscriminately in the
Hnne ranks, and atlired in lh*- -aim manner
fovltli the whites. The countenances of the
Htmale ranks were pale, their visages thin,
THE MISSIONARY.
land indicating great solemnity of feeling;
I those of the men, equal solemnity and devo
j lion of thought, and more vigorous health.
Two singers from each sex, now took their
stands at the head of their correspondent
columns. A signal being given, the singers
commenced, and the columns got into mo
tion. They gently advanced and receded
for some minutes, when on a sudden, they
reversed fronts, quickened their motions and
danced in a similar manner: suddenly, they
wheeled to their former positions increasing
in the violence of their actions, as they
were warmed by the spirit and animated by
the singing. By one impulse they now
broke the order in which they stood, and
each column whirled within its own limits,
in vertical commotion, throwing their heads,
hands and legs in wild disorder, occasional
ly leaping up and uttering a horrid yell.
Lnnng this lime, each individual had chim
ed in with the singers, who had themselves
(alien into their columns, and were all sing
ing with stunning violence; presently the
two small windows near the ceiling, were
seen partially and gently to open, and the
face ot a male and female were imperfectlv
presented at the opposite windows. At-this
instant the motions which were before vio
lent, became furious, and the noise, before
stunning, was appalling. Shrieks and yells
followed in alternate succession, till by their
violence, and (he incessant fury of their
dancing, the worshipper* were exhausted.
Some sunk on the floor, whilst others were
scarce able, to gel to their seat*. The war
ship closed, and I left the house with feel
ing* ot horrnur which yon can Letter ima
gine, thin I can describe. The singing
was “Vox nil piteterea,” sound without
word, rhyme or sense.
The Elder and Eldress, are individuals of
this society, who are supposed to have at
tained to ihe highest degree of purity of
lite, and strength of faith. On this account
their persons arS esteemed sacred, and
• boy receive the Confession of sins, though
they are not supposed to possess the power
of forgiving them ; they are al*o supposed
to poshes* the power of performing mira
cles, two instances of which, in effecting in
stintaneous cores of severe wounds, are
said to have been lately exhibited in their
town. These elders occupy (he upper
apartments of (lie church, anil wheo it
p!ea*eth Ibejp to look down Irorn their sa
cred abodeson the worshippers below, it i*
deemed a special act of condescension and
grace. I went among*! them with strong
prejudices, and I left them with feelings of
abomination, believing they were in the gall
of bitterfPes*, and in the bonds of damning
iniquity. I remained in the neighbourhood
that night, and on the invitation of one of
their members, returned the next day to
vi*it their houses and to learn something of
their domestick economy and police. I
stopped at ihe tavern, and from thence was
conducted by an intelligent guide, one of
(heir member*, ihrough the various apart
ments of their house*, from the ce.llar to the
garret, and into their kitchens.
You are to hear in mind lhat the funda
mental principle of the religion of these
Quakers is a total non intercourse between
the sexes; consequently husband and wife
are disunited a* .soon a* th°y enter into this
society. All their domestick arrangements
are, therefore, made with a rigid regard to
this object. Each family hou*e i* divided
into small rooms, large enough for two beds,
and each lias a wardrobe at'ached to it
There is one kilclvn, and dining room, com
tnon to tbe house ; tjie latter has two door*,
on one side, leading from the common pa*
sage. The house is divided in evpry story
by a wife pass-way; the one side of the
house through each story, is occupied by
the females; the opposite by the males;
there are also two pair of stair* leading to
the apartments on opposite side* of tbe
house; these houses are neatly finished.
Tbe tenants of each live as one family.
The women cook, wash, make and mend.
The men attend to all the farming, me
chanical and out of doors labour for the fam
ily. Unless by some domestick necessity,the
males and ‘etnalesare never seen iu the op.
posile sides of the house. In going to mor
ning and evening worship, which is held in
the dining room, and when going to and re
turning from their meals, they enter the
room at their own doors, eat at their own
tables, and return on their own sides of ihe
house; before eating they kneel down to
grace, each one saying it for himself. Ev
ery thing about them, within and without
their houses, about their farms, stable and
barn, indicate uncommon neatness, ingenui
ty and industry; and the countenances of
the males and females, when not at worship,
exhibit meek, contented, cheerful and hap
py minds, though now aod then I met with
a dark, sullen, and morose face. Whilst en
gaged in their labours together, they were
active, considerate, cheerful and social;
each evincing a personal interest while they
were labouring for the common good.
Their labours aod all their mechanism is
performed by their own members. They
are a trafficking, humane, honest and thrif
ty people. Each department ha* an officer
by which it i* regulated, who is chosen by
vote at convenient *easons, and most fre
quently,against hi* inclination. They also
have.officers for foreign, as well ns home
departments; tbe duty of the former is, to
mqunt zion, (Hancock county, Georgian Monday, may 30, 1825.
attend to distaut purchases and sales, and to ;
collect debts. Tiey dn not meddle with
politicks, although often urged to attend the
elections by candidates for offices, and al
though their number of voffes would be of
ten sufficient to decide important elections.
1 hey have preachers who occasionally vis
it other similar establishments in their own
state, and in Ohio, Between these estab
lishments there is a constant and friendly
intercourse: these preachers also make
trequent missionary tours into the distant
parts of the country, and out of their own
state. In this society are seen persons of
all ages, from the tenderness of infancy to
the decrepitude of old age : they receive
all persons, whether rich or poor* aod
children of any age, that may be given
them by their parents, rear them in comfort
and with care, and give them plain rudi
mental educations. As all are permitted to
join them, so no one is restrained from
leaving them, though once entered into
“the covenant,” they caxnot reclaim their
property. Sudden conversions to their re
ligion, though not often, sometimes happen.
I will give you two of several instances lhat
have happened. A gentleman of North
Carolina, of distinguished family and wealih,
being in had healm, travelled ihrough Ken
tuc.ky, and was led by curiosity to visit these
ppopje : in a tew days he became a convert,
joined them, and surrendered to them all
his estate. His connexions soon heard of
it; with great concern and hasta they des
patched another of the family to dissuade
his brother from his purposes, and to bring
bun home. The messenger had scarce ar
rived before he became also a convert,
joined them, and surrendered his property.
It became necessary that these brothers
should return to their own stale, to make a
disposition of their lands. They went, in
tending to bring the proceeds with them,
lor the benefit ot the society. They, how
ever, never returned, being prevented by
the influence of their friends. A compro
mise was made with the society, and a di
vision of the property took place. Al
though there are but few instances of aban
donment, ihe society increases but slowly.
This has been established twenty years, and
there are not live hundred members belong
irig to it. 1 was introduced among*! the
women; they were social, civil and cum
munveative.
To ijescrltie me many useful fixtures arut
labour-saving machines, which I was shown,
would engage too much of iny time and pa
per. I will, therefore, content myself with
uoticing a few of them. In the kitchen*
are pumps by which they are supplied with
water, kettles fixed in furnaces, besides, an
ordinary fire place and a bake oven. I
have already said, they have a large three
story and complete manufactory mill: the
wheat being deposited from the wagon, the
machinery is brought tp act on it, and it is
not handled till the flour is deposited in the
parking room; by elevators, it i* carried
three times into the upher story of Ihe mill
before il filially descend*. Attached lo this
is a corn-shelling machtie, which with the
attention of a lad, will shell four hundred
bushel* of corn a day. This consists of a
circular cast iron plate three feet in diame
ter, with ridges on the inner side running
likp the radios a circle, are perhaps two
inches apart, at the circumference the plate
i* hung and revolves on an axis like a grind
stone, at a small distance from the inner
surface of this plate a horizontal spring of
wood is fixed upon a firm piece of timber,
leaving just space enough between the
spring and the ridges of the plate to receive
an ear of corn. The axis of this plate is
connected with the machinery of the mill
by a band ; the ear of corn being thrown
between the spring and this plate it is shel
led by Ihe ridges of this revolving machine ;
the spring yield* & adapts itself to ears of
corn of any size. The construction is sim
ple and not expensive. Their flax is bro
ken and “gwiogled,” by machinery and
without previous rotting. By this machine
ry they can break 4,000 weight of flax a
day. The operation is performed by means
of three iron rollers, about the size and
form of a common apple mill, and like it,
these rollers are fluted and run into each
other, being placed horizontally, and one
on the top of the other: it is actuated by a
two horse power: the swingling is done by
means of a wheel six feet in diameter with
six or more wooden knives fastened to the
rim, this is united by a band to the other
machinery; the rollers which I have des
cribed, are cast in segments, and fastened
on a cylinder. Their washing is done by
horse power, and the ironing by weight and
rollers, without the application of heat.
There are three wooden rollers, six inches
in diameter; Ihe clothes are wrapt around
them, the weight which is a large oblong
box 3 or more leet long, and two wide, fil
led with sand and weighing a ton, is placed
upon these rollers; by a small windlass,
this box is drawn horizontally on a platform,
the two front rollers deliver their clothes
at the end of this fora, the weight is push
ed back and the rollers are replaced under
the box. The operation is simple, expedi
tious and effectual. The silk worm is
reared here, and sewing silk of superiour
quality is made of its web.
It was my intention to leave town on (bis
day, but I was 90 earnestly invited to re-
main, that I staid till the next morning; by
doing so, I had an opportunity of witnessing
the evening devotion, ind of conversing
with the preacher, and others of ihe frater
nity. The evening worship presented
more order and decorum than that of the
preceding day. The worshippers were
drawn up in Ihe manner before described,
and the columns went through similar evo
lutions, except the whirling, I heir steps
were more orderly, and in some instances
were graceful; those who did not join in
‘he dance kept time by throwing their
hands, palms upward, tip and down, with a
motion from the wrist. They never have
prayers, and preaching but seldom.
Amongst tbe worshippers on Sunday were
a Swiss and a Norwegian, neither of whom
understood or could speak a word of the
English language. Under other circum
*tauces, I should have been amused lo see
these two fellows with long, prone faces,
and arms pinioned with awkwardness to
their sides, shuffling away in the corner by
themselves, with measured lime, and easy
step, whilst tbe others were leaping, dan
cing, shouting and singing with the wild ex
travagance ot untamed savages.
It would require more lime and space
than I have, to give you Ihe outlines of the
religion of the Shaking Quaker*. I most,
therefore, refer you to other sources ot in
formation. Every effort of their system i*
lo war against the lusts of the flesh; they
believe that the mode by which the world
is to be brought to an end, by its Creator,
i* by preventing the increase of the human
•pecies. The noviliatrs are placed in a
state of probation at the “Blue House,”
and before admitted into full membership,
are required to sign a conveyance of their
property to the society for the common
benefit; thi9 is called entering into the
“ first covenant:” they are then permitted
to live in town. They are an
peaceable, and in general, uninformed, and
I believe, virtuous community; there are
no written rule* for the government of the
society, nor any law to punish the disorder
ly, and I was assured that no instance of dis
order has occurred since the foundation of
their institution.
Is not this a secret in government worth
investigating? There is perfect equality in
(heir burthens and labours, and no distinc
tion of rank amongst tbetn. They all la-
nfe Preacher as well as the Layman,
and are governed by the same impulse, the
common good. The society is said to he
worth three hundred thousand dollars.
1 left Shakertosvn the next morning:
they refused to receive pay for my ar.com
modations at their Tavern, and urged me
to visit them again. I rode to Nicholas
ville about twenty miles. I have dwell
the longer on (he subject of this communi
ty of people, believing that you would be
gratified with a minute account of a people
so peculiar in iheir tenets, so singular in
their mo le of life, and who blend so moch
theological absurdity with practical sobriety
and common sense, and of whose moral*
character, I believe so many unjust slanders
have been propagated. It I have trespas
sed on your palienre, you may console
yourself with knowing, that ere long, l shall
close these letters, and hid you a final adieu.
7C! M* *>
INTERESTING TO FARMERS.
From the S. C. Hepubliean.
The increasing scarcity of limber, and
the little dependence to be placed in dead
fences of the best kind, ought to invite the
attention of our farmers to a method of fen
cing, attended with less expense and more
permanence. There is no doubt but the
native Cherokee. Rose, which is the one
Mr. Rowan designed to recommend, is the
best calculated of any plant in the world,
to form, speedily, a fence the most cheap,
permanent, aod useful.
The Editor, however, would suggest an
improved method of planting the vines:
Open a simple furrow with the common
shovel plough, make the cuttings sufficient
ly long, say 2 1 2 or three feet, to stand out
of the ground at both ends when covered;
the cuttiugs may be placed within a few
inches of each other, to allow for failures;
when laid in this mamier, crossing the fur
row, for 10 or 12 feet, lay a straight smooth
stick on them and tread down to the bottom
of the furrow with the feet: fillup the fur
row over the cuttings with a rich mould,
if the ground is poor; when the cuttings
are sufficiently weighted with the earth,
draw out the stick and pack the earth a lit
lie. This method will save labour in cut
ting and planting, both ends of the cuttings
will grow, and the hedge will commence
with two beahtiful rows of the vine; but
after the first year they will interlock and
appear as one row.
They should be protected from stock
while young, after which they will furnish
considerable pasture to them without being
injured, perhaps benefited by the mutila
tion of their extreme branches.
This fence will save-io the poor laborer
many a drop of sweat from being shed in
the splitting of sap rails which after all the
labor of cutting, hauling, erecting, and stak
ing, will rot down iu (hree s or four years,
and much vexation from oiber disappoint
ments from rail fences, by storms, floods,
&c. Let It also be remembered, this fence
will as effectually tarn the two, as the fear
[Price $3 50 per am.
legged animals which the honest farmer so
often finds tresspassing in spite of his wood
en inclosures: Sliding through, or over
like an other serpent into a paradise of
forbidden fruit. And in addition to the in
calculable value of this fence, it is also ve
ry pleasing to the eye. The Cherukee
rose will live, even if planted in (be sum
mer, if the weather is moist.
It is high time the farmers of Carolina
were awakened by the voice of their inter
est, and their honour to new model the ag
riculture of the slate, very many exhaust
ed and gollied old fields are already blush
ing as if ashamed of the conduct of their
proprietors. Those same scarified old
fields which are turned out as so many mon
uments of injudicious tillage, might under a
proper management have been more fer
tile, than the day the savage teoant gave
place to hi* civilized successor whom Col.
Taylor, with much truth, calls a land
butcher.
Tbe paper from which we copy tbe above, con
tains a letter from Charles E. Rowaqd, Esq. of
Charleston, to the Editor of the American Farm
er, warmly recommending this plant to tbe atten
tion of the planters. He has on his plantation a
fence of tbe kind mentioned, of many miles in ex
tent, and he speaks of it, after experiencing its
utility ten or twelve years. He says it is imper
vious to rattle of every description, and defies
the attack of a hog. A good fence is obtained in
three years from the planting of (lie cuttings. In
the early stage of the plant, it is necessary to hoe
and stir tbe earth, to check (he grass which would
otherwise injure its growth.
RELIGIOUS.
OBSTACLES IN THE WAY OF A REVI
VAL OF RELIGION.
“ Let us examine our hearts, whence are
the issues of life. How are they now—
and how have they been, for days, and
months, and years ? Have you not been
cold in your-affections ; aod inordinately
attached to the world? Have you not in
dulged in pride and sensuality ; become
tire at ly hardened—awl'nlly alienated from
God and his holy service ? Have you not
lost a tenderness of conscience in the duties
of religion—a concern for the glory of God
aod the salvation of perishing Sinners ?
Have you not lost the spirit of prayer, if
not the form ?—been unfaithful if not hypo
critical, both in the worship of the closet,
and the family ?—uttering an empty form
of words, without proper desires?—at
tempting the duly, not as a privilege and
delight—but as a task, imposed bv con
science to maiotian some degree of consis
tency —some satisfaction with yourselves—•
aud a feeble hold of the fragments of your
shattered hopes? Have you not insensibly,
yet rapidly sliden into a sinful conformity
to the world, aod so united with the impen
itent, and conformed to their habits, that
the most observing beholder, ignorant of
your profession, would be unable to distin
guish you from the more decent part of the
unbelieving world? Has nol your con
science become so stupid, that sin has in a
gieat measure lost its tnrpitude, and holi
ness become djvested of its attractive beau
ty ? Are there not certain sins, once dread
ed aud shunned, which you now commit ;
and certain duties, or.ce consciencionsly
performed, that you can now, with little
remorse, habitually neglect? Have you,
dear brethren, conscientiously kept the
holy Sabbath ; not allowing improper’
thoughts, reading, conversation, or employ
ment ?—Have you been faithful, in the
daily, devout reading of the word of God ?
Have you indulged in oo insufficient ex
cuse, for neglecting the publick worship of
the sanctuary ? If you have been punctual
in your attendance, have you been careful
to come with prepared hearts? Have not
your thoughts often been vain and wander
•ng ; —J°ur minds formal, undevout, and
even trifling ? If you have been attentive
to preaching, have you not been forgetful
hearers of the word ; and found yourselvea
unprofited and barren? Have you been
faithful in relative duties; especially in the
religious education of your children ? Have
you been attentive to the peculiar duties
of professors; and enjoyed the presence of
■ Christ, at his table ? Have you been consis
tent towards each other! not indulging in
slander ill will party spirit, or revenge;
but cherishing the most cordial Christian
affection ? Have you been punctual in at
tending religious conferences, and meeting*
for prayer,—those which have been pub
lic kly appointed ; and especially that high
ly interesting and important staled meeting,
the monthly concert of prayer ? How stand
your consciences, in relation to charity ?
Have you contributed to the treasury of
the Lord, according toyour abilities, in the
various calls of charity, for the spread of
the gospel, which distinguish the present
nay J Have you given cheerfully,—or
grudging ? Bui I will not prolong these
bumbling inquiries. I have no disposition
to reproach or give pain. My only wish is
to convince and reform—to assist you in re
moving stumbling blocks, and preparing the
way ot the Lord. Let us, individually, Ex
amine ourselves ; aod be faithful to our
selves. I doubt not, that the exercise,
however unpleasant in itself, will be salt*.