United States History Student Edition

C

D

Observations on the Economy of Pennsylvania As the colonies became settled, their economies grew rapidly. Trade and labor became important topics of discussion. In this excerpt, Francis Daniel Pastorius, a lawyer and politician in Pennsylvania, discusses aspects of the local economy. PRIMARY SOURCE: MEMOIR “ Although this far-distant land was a dense wilderness, …there is much cause of wonder and admiration how rapidly it has already, … advanced, and is still advancing, day by day. … [N]ow we not only have enough for ourselves, but a considerable surplus to dispose of among our neighboring colonies. Of the most needful mechanics we have enough now; but day-laborers are very scarce, and of them we stand in great need. Of mills, brick-kilns, and tile-ovens we have the necessary number. Our surplus of grain and cattle we trade to Barbados for rum, syrup, sugar, and salt. The furs, however, we export to England for other manufactured goods. We are also endeavoring to introduce the cultivation of the vine [growing grapes], and also the manufacture of woollen cloths and linens. ” — from A Particular Geographical Description of the Lately Discovered Province of Pennsylvania, by Francis Daniel Pastorius, 1700 EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Drawing Conclusions How does Pastorius describe the changes occurring in Pennsylvania’s economy? Was Pennsylvania’s economy growing? Explain using details from the excerpt. 2. Inferring What geographic features were important to Pennsylvania’s economy?

Memoirs of an Indentured Servant in Pennsylvania Indentured servants were an integral part of the colonial economy. Colonists relied on workers to care for the vast amounts of land in America and to fill the need for labor in other jobs as well. In this excerpt, an indentured servant, William Moraley, describes his experiences while working in Philadelphia. Bishop, a Blacksmith, for eight Shillings a Week, and Necessaries found me, as Lodging, Meat and Drink. I worked at the great Hammer in making Horse Shoes, Horseshoe Nails, rounding of Ship Bolts, sharpening Coulters for the Plow, &c. …Many a hard Day I have had at this Employment, but necessity enabled me to surmount all Difficulties. During this employ, my Creditors at Philadelphia, where I owed [minor] Debts, … found me out and threaten’d me with summoning me before the Magistrate. This obliged me to leave my Blacksmith, … [and] I steer’d my Course for New York, to avoid their Impertinence. ” — from The Infortunate , by William Moraley, 1743 Journey Work work completed by a laborer for daily wages coulters cutting tools attached to a plow impertinence the state of being inappropriate EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Identifying What kinds of work did Moraley do during his indentured servitude? What kinds of items did he make? 2. Inferring What do the items that Moraley produced tell you about the colonial economy at that time? PRIMARY SOURCE: MEMOIR “ I worked Journey Work with Peter

(l)Pastorius, Francis Daniel. Pastorius’s Description of Pennsylvania, in The Old World in the New: The Old South Leaflets, 16th series. Boston: Old South Meeting-House, 1898; (r)Moraley, William. 1743. The Infortunate: The Voyages and Adventures of William Moraley, An Indentured Servant, edited by Susan E. Klepp and Billy G. Smith. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1992.

98