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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*.