WILLIAM PENN.

FOUNDER AND GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1681.*

GILES PENN, grandfather of William, was a Captain in the Royal Navy.

William Penn, son of Giles, born in 1621, followed the profession of his father, and became a distinguished naval officer. At an early age he commanded the fleet which Oliver Cromwell sent against Hispaniola. He was the author of several tracts on the naval service, some of which are preserved in the British Museum. He married Margaret, daughter of John Jasper, merchant of Rotterdam, "a woman of noble and religious character." There seems to be no evidence that he himself, in the prime of his days sustained the Christian's character. The following, however, is a portion of the inscription recorded on his monument, which is to be seen at Radcliffe church, in the city of Bristol. "Thus he took leave of the sea, his old element, but continued still his other employs till 1669; at that time, he withdrew, prepared, and made for his end; and in much peace, arrived and anchored in his last and best port."

William Penn, son of William, was born in London, parish of St. Catharine, on Tower Hill, October 14, 1644; died at Ruscombe, Berkshire County, July 30, 1718.

At an early age, he was sent to a free grammar school at Chigwell, Essex County. Here he gave evidence of promising talents, and here his mind was seriously impressed on the subject of religion. At the age of fifteen, he became a student at Oxford. He advanced rapidly in learning, cultivated the friendship of

"Memoirs of the Private and Public Life of William Penn," by Thomas Clarkson, 1814; Jannay's "Life of Penn"; Hazard's "Annals of Pennsylvania"; "Penn's Works, 1726; ""The Select Works of William Penn," 1782.

students most distinguished for talents and virtue, and gave suitable attention to sports and athletic exercises. Nor did he forget the religious impressions which he had received at the former school. These impressions had been strengthened by the preaching of Thomas Loe, a layman, who had formerly belonged to the University, but had then become a Quaker. Penn inclined to the Quaker belief, as did several of his fellow students. They withdrew from the established worship and held meetings of their own, in consequence of which a fine was imposed by the college officers. This did not deter their opposition. Penn engaged the co-operation of certain of his number, and fell upon those students who appeared in surplices, and tore them over their heads. The college took it up, and William and his associates were expelled. The young man returned home, and his father received him coldly. He resolved to send him to France, with the hope that the gayety of French manners might correct the growing gravity of his mind. Accordingly, in 1662, he went abroad in company with certain persons of rank, and resided for a time in Paris. But in the providence of God his journey did not serve the purpose which the father intended. He spent several months at Saumur, and there enjoyed the instruction of Moses Amyrault, a Protestant minister and professor of divinity, honored by both Calvinists and Catholics. His works, "Apology for his Religion," "Treatise on Free Will," "Exaltation of Faith and Abasement of Reason," had been widely circulated and read.

"In 1668, being then twenty-four years of age, William Penn came forth in the character of a minister of the Gospel, having joined in membership with the Quakers." Henceforth he exercised his gifts as preacher, author, superintendent of estates left him by his father, and legislator. As late as the year 1698 we find the following minute concerning him. "During his stay at Cork, he held several meetings which were crowded beyond former example. Of one in particular, Thomas Story writes in his journal: The Lord was mightily with him on that day, clothing him with majesty, holy zeal, and divine wisdom, to the great satisfaction of Friends there, and admiration and applause of the people.'"

The charter constituting William Penn proprietary of Pennsyl

vania was signed March 4, 1681. "Some debts being due to his father, at the time of his death, from the crown, and as there was no prospect of an early payment in any other mode, Penn solicited a grant of lands in America." The instrument reads:

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.. Know ye therefore, that we, favoring the petition and good purpose of the said William Penn, and having regard to the memory and merits of his late father, in divers services, and particularly to his conduct, courage, and discretion, under our dearest brother James, Duke of York, in that signal battle and victory fought and obtained against the Dutch fleet commanded by the Hur Van Opdam, in the year 1665: in consideration thereof. . . . have given and granted, and by this our present charter, for us, our heirs and successors, do give and grant unto the said William Penn, his heirs and assigns, all that tract or part of land in America, etc."

....

This document, embracing twenty-three articles written on parchment, is in the office of the Secretary of State at Harrisburg. The top of the first page exhibits a finely executed likeness of his Majesty, in good preservation..

Having received the charter, Mr. Penn writes to his friend Robert Turner, 5th of third month of 1681.

This day my country was confirmed to me under the great seal of England. . . It is a clear and just thing, and my God that has given it me, through many difficulties, will I believe, bless and make it the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care to the government, that it will be well laid at first. No more now, but dear love in the truth.

"Thy true friend,

"WILLIAM PENN."

Within a month from the dating of the charter, the king issued a declaration, addressed to the inhabitants and planters of Pennsylvania, stating the grant that had been made, and enjoining all due obedience to William Penn, his heirs and assigns, as absolute proprietaries and governors. Penn prepared the following, "for the inhabitants of Pennsylvania, to be read by my deputy."

"MY FRIENDS:

"I wish you all happiness here and hereafter.

"These are to let you know that it hath pleased God, in his providence, to cast you within my lot and care. It is a business that, though I never undertook before, yet God has given me an understanding of my duty, and an honest mind to do it uprightly. I hope you will not be troubled at your change, and the