other great work on "Toleration."

In 1729 the foundations of Independence Hall, the old State House,
were laid, and the building was completed in 1734. Here the first
Continental Congress was held in September, 1774; a Provincial
Convention in January, 1775; the Declaration of Independence
proclaimed July 4, 1776, and on the 8th, read to thousands assembled
in front of the building. These great events have made Philadelphia
the birthplace of freedom, the Mecca of this western world, where the
lovers of liberty go up to worship; and made the Keystone State so
rich in memories, the brightest star in the republican constellation,
where in 1776 freedom was proclaimed, and in 1780 slavery was
abolished.

Philadelphia remained the seat of Government until 1800. The British
troops occupied the city from September 26, 1777, to June 18, 1778.
During this period we find many interesting incidents in regard to the
heroism of women. In every way they aided the struggling army, not
only in providing food and clothes, ministering to the sick in camp
and hospitals, but on active duty as messengers and spies under most
difficult and dangerous circumstances. The brave deeds and severe
privations the women of this nation endured with cheerfulness would
fill volumes, yet no monuments are built to their memory, and only by
the right of petition have they as yet the slightest recognition in
the Government. A few instances that occurred at Philadelphia will
illustrate the patriotism of American women.[59]

While the American army remained encamped at White Marsh, the
British being in possession of Philadelphia, Gen. Howe made some
vain attempts to draw Washington into an engagement. The house
opposite the headquarters of Gen. Howe, tenanted by William and
Lydia Darrah, members of the Society of Friends, was the place
selected by the superior officers of the army for private
conference, whenever it was necessary to hold consultations.

On the afternoon of the 2d of December, the British
Adjutant-General called and informed the mistress that he and
some friends were to meet there that evening, and desired that
the back room up-stairs might be prepared for their reception.
"And be sure, Lydia," he concluded, "that your family are all in
bed at an early hour. When our guests are ready to leave the
house, I will myself give you notice, that you may let us out and
ext