Class ri?t Book l12 ri I si THE PICTURE OP NEW- YORK, ATJD STRANGER'S GUIDE TO THE COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS OF THE U^ITEB STATES. I^TTBLISHED BY A. T. GOODRICH, NO. 154 BRovnwAy. rj.t Soutfaern District of New- York, ss. BE IT REMEMBERED, That, on the 19tb day of April, A. D. t828. in the fifty-aecond year of the Independence of the United States of America, Andrew T. Goodrich, of the said district, hath deposited in this office the title of a Book, the right whereof he claims as pro- prietor, in the words following, to wit: — " The Picture of New- York, and Stranger's Guide to tho Com- mercial Metro])olis of the United States-" In conformity to the Act of Congrress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the enrourajjement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the auibor»"and proprietors of such copies^ during the times therein mentioned :" and also tn an Act, entitled •' AnAct, supplementary to an Act, entitled An Act for the encouragement of Learrine, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the au'.hors ami proprietors of surh copies, during the times therein mentioiied. and extendinp: the benefits thereof to the arlSofdesigning,engr.iving, and etching historical and other prints." FRED I. BETTS. Clerk of tho Southern District of New-York. ^^n h PREFACE. In issuing forth this volume, the editor requests the candid in- dulgence of the public, for any omissions or errors that may be perceived ; and this is more confidently claimed, as the present work may be called a pioneer, in the collection and arrangement of the large assemblage of commercial, 8tatistical,^and historical fects connected with this metropolis here given, on which much labour and research have been bestowed. Numerous volumes of manuscript documents, of the highest value, have generously been supplied, and have yielded the most curious particulars of local history, and of statistical information ; some of these, that may appear trivial, or unimportant at first sight, will, it is presumed, at some future day, be appreciated and received, as valuable mate- rials, in tracing the history and progress of this city, which exhibits in its career such an unexampled growth and prosperity. The editor will be thankful to receive, through the medium of the publisher, all the aid and improvement that may be derived from the kind suggestions of his friends and correspondents, that can elicit the smallest light on any portion ot our short, but eventful history ; as much undoubtedly remains, that is both inter- <>stlner and important, whir*h will be inserted, when any subseqnent IV PREFACE. edition may be demanded ; and if the Picture of New- York now presented to the public, should be deemed worthy the attention or perusal of the curious antiquary, the inquiring stranger, or fellow-citizen, the editor will be fully gratified. — The plan of the city and island, attached to this volume, which was drawn and enj^raved exoressly for the purpose, is of itself, a most valuable appendage, and is considered as the most correct ever issued here of a similar size ; comprising, at one view, the ancient limits of the island, and the encroachments since made on the sur- rouudins waters. GENERAL ARRANGEMENT. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE Chronological Record of the Origin and Progress of the • City 1—135 Geographical Description 136 Plan and Extent of the City 138 Length of the principal Streets 143 Geological Sketch of the Island 144 Henry Hudson 146 Hudson River '. 148 Mayors from 1665 to 1828 152 Dwelling Houses 153 Modern Improvements 153 Extent and Importance at different Periods. ... 158 Population 170 Climate and Diseases 17G Deaths at different Periods 178 Division of the City,— Wards 180 The ancient and modern City Halls 182 Receipts and Expenditures, City Debt, &c 188 Valuation of Real and Personal Estate 19.'» Rooms in the City Hall, Courts, &c , 196 Police and Watch 205 The Exchange , 20C Churches. Episcopal 210 Presbyterian 219 Dutch Reformed 221 Baptist 223 Methodist 224 Roman Catholic 225 Unitarian 226 Lutheran 226 Ti COr«TEKTS. Universalist. 22'/ Friends' 227 Jews' Synagogues 228 Columbia College , 230 Theological Seminary 235 New- York Society Library 236 New- York Athenaeum , ,... 237 Lyceum of Natural History 240 New- York Maikets 241 Banks 250 Brokers 260 Insurance Companies, Marine 260 Fire 261 Other Incorporations 265 Stocks of the United States 267 Commerce of the Port. 268 Commercial Tables 272—275 Lines of Packets 276 Piers and Places for unloading Vessels 278 Custom House 279 Public Store 281 Chamber of Commerce « 283 Post Office 284 College of Physicians and Surgeons 283 Medical College, Duane-Street. 290 Medical Societies 292 New- York Dispensary 295 Kine-Pock Institution 297 Health Department . . 298 Board of Health 298 New- York Hospital. 299 Alms House 303 Fever Hospital 310 Asylum for the Insane . , 311 American Bible Society 316 Other Bible Societies 319 Missionary Societies 320 American Tract Societies 323 Public Schools 326 High Schools 334 Sabbath Schools 338 Orphan Asyhims 341 CONTENTS. Vll Institution for the Deaf and Dumb 342 Hospitals for Seamen 345 Sailors' Snug Harbour ^6 New- York Eye Infirmary 347 iVew-York Asylum for lying-in Women . . 348 Humane Society 348 Fuel Society 350 Manumission Society • • • 351 Marine Society 351 New- York Nautical Institution 351 Relief Societies 353 Masonic Hall 354 Lodges ,• . • 356 St. George's and St- Patrick's Societies 357 St. Andrew's Society 357 New- England Society . . . n . . 360 Society for relievina; aged indigent Females 361 New- York Mechanic and Scientific Institution 363 Society for the Encouragement of Faithful Domestic Servants 364 Horticultural Society and Gardens 366 New- York Institution 366 Literary and Philosophical Society 367 New- York Hi?lorical Society 368 Academy of Arts 369 National Academy of the Arts of Design 372 Principal Artists 372 Panoramic Rotunda 374 Browere's GalW-ry of Busts 375 Places of Public Amusement 376 Park Theatre 377 New- York Theatre, Bowery 381 La Fayette Theatre 383 Chatham Theatre 383 The Circus 385 CastV? Garden 385 Musical Societies 383 Newspapers 389 Principal Hotels 397 Boarding Houses 399 Houses of Refreshment 400 Fire Department 401 Vlll CONTENTS. Ferries 407 Brooklyn 409 The United States' Navy Yard at Brooklyn , 410 Dry Dock Railways 411 Screw Dock 412 Manufacturing Establishments , 413 Water- Works of the Manhattan Company 416 New Burying Ground 420 Gas Works 421 Mercantile Library 424 Apprentices' do 424 Bathing Houses 425 The Arcade 425 Public Coaches 426 Carts, Cartmen, Porters, and Handbarrows 429 Military Force of the City, and LTnited States' Fortifi- cations lip 430 Bookselling Trade 433 Public Grounds and Squares 436 Tke Battery 437 The Park ^ 439 Hudson Square 439 Washington Square ... 440 Museums ... 440 Law Institute .... 441 Prisons 442 State Prison 442 Penitentiary 444 Tread Mill 446 House of Refuge 447 Bridewell 450 Debtors' Prison 452 Auction System ' 453 Lottery System 455 List of streets 457 The Environs of the City ^62 Steamboats 474 OHllONOLOGICAL HISTORY i)F THE CITY OF NEW-YORK lilSTORlCAIi AND CHRONOLOGICAX. ACCOUNT OP THE #rifitn antr Prosrrss OP THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. New-Yohk derives its origin and commercial im- portance from the colonizing and trading spirit of the Hollanders, and the general rage for adventure, which characterized other maritime nations of Europe, soon after the discovery of this western continent. Many of the early troubles and civil commotions of the various American colonies, soon after their settlement, were derived from the conflicting claims of England, France, and Holland, arising from real or pretended rights from prior discovery of territory. But leaving the abstract question of right un- touched, we shall merely give the following outline of facts connected with the early voyages made to the middle region of the western hemisphere, and such other facts, relative to the interior collisions of the colonies, as may be intimately connected with our early history, which is so much blended with the progress of the colony ; leaving it to those who are desirous of more minute facts, to resort to the copious sources of inform_ation that may be obtninr«! from numerous books and manuscripts . 1 2 CHEONOLOGICAL HISTOKY Sebastian Cabot, an Englishman, was employed by Henry VII., king of England, to discover a N. W. passage to China ; and in that service, in or about 1497, he discovered all the N. K. coast of America, from Cape Florida, in 250 to 67io ]>j^ j^t- itude, by which the crown of England became en- titled thereto, so far as the right of first discovery could confer the same. Sir Walter Raleigh sent two vessels to the N. E. eoast of America, in or about 1584. These vessels landed the people in Carolina, and took possession thereof in the name of Queen Elizabeth, calling the country Virginia after her. From 1584 to 1606, there were many voyages made by the subjects of England to sundry parts of the said N. E. coast of America, who landed and took possession thereof for the crown of England : and, April 10th, 1606, two companies were formed and incorporated by King James the first, by the names of the South Virginia Compani/ and the North Virginia Coinpany. In the year 1609, April oth, O. S., Captain Henry Hudson, an experienced English pilot, but then in the service of the East India Company of the United States of Holland, left the Texel in a vessel called the Half-Moon, navigated by 20 men Dutch and Enghsh. He doubled the cape of Norway, and made towards Nova Zembla ; but being impeded by the great cold and the ice, he formed a resolution of visiting the coast of America, towards Virginia. They arrived on the coast in latitude 44°, and were obliged to make a harbour in order to get a new foremast, liaving lost their old one. They found '■he nntivr'^ nj-'n Vind and willing to trndA \v\\h them OF JsKW-YORK. for difforent kinds of furs, upon the most profitable terms. They found here also the greatest plenty of codfish. Hudson's men not using the natives well, but taking their effects without paying for them, a quar- rel ensued, and Hudson was obliged to put to sea, and made land again August 3d, in latitude 420 ; continuing along from Cape Cod westward, they arrived at Sandy Hook, Lat. 40^ 30', Sept. 3d, 1609. Finding a good entrance and harbour, they came to anchor behind the Hook,* and sent their boat to * The following Indian tradition of the first landing of Europeans near IC^cw- York !•; extracted from Heck welder's history. "A long time ago, before men with a white skin had ever been seen, some I: dians, fishing at a place where the sea widens, espied something at a distance moving upi)n the water. They hurried ashore, collectetl their neighbours, who together returned and viewed intensely this aston- ishing i)heni)menoij. What it could be, batHed all conjeclure. Some sup- posed it a large fish or animal, others that it was a very big house floating on the sea. Perceiving it move towards land, the spectators concluded that it would be propor to send runners in different directions to carry the news, to their scattered chiefs, that they might send off for the immediate attendance of their warriors. These arriving in numbers to behold tha sight, and perceiving that it was actuully moving towards them, (i. e. eoming in»o the river or bay,) they conjectured that it must be ^i remark- able large house, in which the Manitto (or Great Spirit) was coming to visit thein They w re innch afraid, and yet under no apprehension that the Great Spirit would injure them. They worshipped him. The chiefs now a-iscmbied at York Island, and consulted in what manner they should receive thiir Manitto: meat was prepared for a sacrifice. The women were directed to prepare thf best of victuals. Idols or imagos were ex- amined and jiui ill order. A grand ^ith the na- tives, but the next day numbers of them came on board and traded as freely as if nothing had hap- pened. After the vessel had passed the narrows, they found a very fine bay, and in this bay at that time five islands : the one called Nutten Island, (now Governor's Island.) on account of the great quantity of nut trees growing on it : the other four islands lay near the west shore, and were not so large. (N.B. Only two of those islands are now re- maining, but the rocks where the others lay [Robin's Reef, and another near Bedlow's Island,] are to be seen at low water.) The Indians called bv the nam© of Sankikani. OF NliTW-VORK. / when the Dutch came, lived on the New- York bay and on the Jersey shore, opposite Manhattan Island, and from that some distance up the river lining the shore ; and they were deadly enemies to the Man- hattans. On the point of land where New-York is now built, they found living- a very hostile people, who would not deal or trade with them : but those who lived on the western shore, froui the kilns upward, came daily on board the vessel while she lay at an- chor in the river, bringing with them, to barter, furs and skins of different kinds, and the largest and finest oysters they had ever beheld ; also Indian corn, beans, pumpkins, squashes, grapes, and some apples, all which they exchanged for trifles. Hud- son landed. He then proceeded up the river called by him the Great River Montaines, (or of the Mountains,) since called Hudson River. As he went up, he all the v»ay found the natives on the west shore more affable and friendly than those on the east, and (hscovered that those on the one side were at war with those on the other. He proceeded up the river without molestation as far as he judged that he could go with his ship, and then took to his boat, to explore the river higher up. In his journal, he gives the following account of his reception at landing in lat. 42° 16'. '' I went on shore in one of the canoes, with an old man who was a chief of 40 men and 17 women, and whom i found in a house made of the bark of trees, and was exceedingly smooth and well finished within, and all round about. I found there a great quantity of Indian corn and beans ; indeed, there lay to dry near the house of these articles as much 8 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY as would load three ships, besides what was still growing in the field. When we came to the house, two mats were spread to sit on ; and immediately eatables were brought to us, in red wooden bowls well made ; and two men were sent off, with their bo^^'s and arrows, to kill wild fowl, who soon re- turned with two pigeons. They also killed imme- diately a fat dog^ and in a very little time skinned it with shells wliich they got out of the water. They expected I would have remained with them through the night ; but this I did not care to do, and there- fore went on board the ship again. It is the finest land for tilling my feet ever trod on, and bears all sorts of trees fit for building vessels. The natives here were exceedingly kind and good tempered ; for when they saw that I was making ready to return to the ship, and would not stay wjth them, judging it proceeded from my fear of their bows and arrows, they took and broke them to pieces, and then threw them into the fire. I found graj)es growing here also, and plums, pumpkins, and other fruit," Hudson, while with the Indians ashore, where Albany now stands, was very kindly treated by them, and got from them, in exchange for trifles, very va- luable furs. He was invited by signs to come and settle in the country, which they showed was at their service. In returning down the river, when they had got in or through the Highlands, the Indians in their canoes being round about the ship, one of them clambered up by the stern rope-ladder to the windows, and took from thence sundry articles. Being seen by the mate, he shot at and killed him. After this, all tho Indian canoes hastened to the shore, nor could OF NEW-YORK. » uuy of thein be prevailed to come on board after- wards. The alarm extended quite down to the Jersey shore, which put an end to their former friendly intercourse, and obhged Hudson to put to sea Oct. 4th, 1609. He arrived safe at Dartmouth in England, Nov. 7th, 1609. From thence he wrote to the Dutch West India Company, who had em- ployed him, and transmitted his journal and an ac- count of his discoveries to them. In consequence of which, the company sent a ship to Hudson river for trade, in 1610. The captain, no doubt, from the account given by Hudson of the hostile disposi- tion of the natives residing along the lower part of the river, and the friendly disposition of those re- siding near where Albany stands, and also an ac- count of the greater quantity of furs to be obtained there, was induced to fix the first trading place there; and in 1614, they obtained permission of the natives to build a small fort on an island lying a little below Albany on the west side. It was a redoubt, with a ditch round it of 18 feet width : it had two brass cannon and eleven iron ones mounted, and was defended by twelve soldiers. The officer that commanded this fort was Hendrick Christian, bis lieutenant was Jaques Elikins. The nation of Indians residing here were called Mohawks, and those on the east side of the river were called Ma- hicanders. 1 he advantages derived by the Mo- hawks from the trade with the Dutch, induced all the other nations to allow them a free trade and in- tercourse ; which was so encouraging and advan- tageous to the company by extending their posses- sions and trade, that desirous of securing the same to themselves, they sent orders in 1623 to build 10 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY forts near the limits of their possessions. They ac- cordingly built one at Hartford, on Connecticut River, one at Delaware, one at Manhattan Island, and one at Albany. In 1612, they already had a town and fort on York Island. This was only a redoubt, built near the corner of Garden-street and Broadway, overlooking" the Hudson river. In 16 1 4, an expedition from South Virginia, under Captain Argal, was sent out by Sir Thomas Dale, and took possession of New-Amsterdam. At that time, there were only four houses outside of the fort. But an arrangement was soon after made with the English government, by which the Dutch re- mained in undisturbed possession of this city and island, and of the trade of the neighbouring coun- try for exactly fifty years. The Privileged Trading Company of Amsterdam sent over ships laden with beads, trinkets, blankets, and hatchets, to trade with the Indians for furs ; and they appomted Christianse as their governor or deputy, who was soon suc- ceeded by Ehkins. Tliis state, when under the jurisdiction of the Dutch West India Company, did not populate as fast as the goodness of the soil and its advantages for trade would lead one to expect. Few emigrants left Holland for these parts, but those who came in a military capacity, or as merchants or factors under the company, or civil officers of government. It was the custom of the company to grant land to those who had served out the time they had con- tracted for with the company. Hence Bergen, and Communipaw, and several other places, were settled by disbanded soldiers ; and it is remarkable, that the 01? NEW-YOBK. 11 inhabitants of those places retain their ancient man- i ner of hving, and the very disposition of soldiers, es- pecially the old men still hving ; and their descend- I ants seem most of them to follow their footsteps. I 1620. — In the month of June, this year, the fa- I mous West India Company of Holland was estab- lished. It was invested with an exclusive traUe to the western coast of Africa, and to the eastern shores of America, from Newfoundland to the Straits of Magellan ! ! It was empowered to make treaties with the princes of the land, to build fortresses for the protection of commerce, appointing officers and soldiers for their defence, nominating magistrates for the preservation of good governnier«t, &c. ! The above-mentioned West India Company, some time this year, applied to King James ! . tor leave to bu'ld some cottages upon Hudson's River, for the conveniency of their ships touching there for fresh water and provisions, on their way to the Brazils : under colour of this license, the said West ^'idia Company settled a colony, and called it J\ew Neth- erlands. Complaints being subsequently made of the pro- ceedings of the Company to Charles I., he caused the saine to be represented by his ambassador to the States' General, who disavowed the business, and de- clared by public instruments that it was only a pri- vate undertaking of the West India Company of Amsterdam. Peter Minuetts was appointed Director-General, or Governor, under the West India Trading Com- pany. From this period until the change of government, this rojony had frequent quarrels witl? the people <°»V lii t!HRO]V'OLOMC'AL HISToKi New-England and on the Delaware, as to bounda- ries and trade, and forts were built, captured, and recaptured, and some blood shed on the occasion ; but eventually, the Dutch returned to the present limits of New-York. 1621, — This year, it is said^ the States General made a grant of the New-Netherlands to the West India Company, who paid i'or the province of New- Netherlands 412,800 guilders, 11 stivers. The Manhattan Indians were at first much op- posed, and very hostile to the Dutch, and refused to sell them any land on the island. They therefore settled first at Albany. At length, however, they were persuaded to sell that part on which New- York now stands. 1623.— This year, the Dutch obtained leave of the natives to build a better fort on Manhattan Island. After the fort was built, persons who came over from Holland to settle in America, or to spend some time in the fur trade, and who could not reside in the fort, built houses near the walls of the same, and formed the first street ever made in the city, now called Pearl-street. After the Dutch had got permission of the natives to build a fort at the island of Manhattan, they finish- ed it in the form of a regular square, with four bas- tions, on a piece of land at the junction of the North and East Rivers. At different periods, this fort was strengthened by making the walls of stone thicker, at successive periods, outside of the first wall. The Dutch Director-General, and the Commandant, be- sides the other officers, had houses within it ; and in 1642, a church was built in the south-east corner ^f the fort. The church and houses were burnt: WJt' NBW-YOKli.. iV' ilown in 1741 ; the secretary's office was over the gate ; the church was not rebuilt again. Kieft, this year, was Director-General. It would appear, from the discovery of a great number of red cedar pallisadoes under the founda- tion of the old fort in 1791, that the first fort was only stockadoes, perhaps with Block Houses. The time when it was built of stone cannot be ascertained by any old Dutch account ; but it was probably, in a few years after 1623. It was a good stone fort when the English took it in 1664. It had 42 guns, mostly brass 12 and 1 8 pounders, very neatly cast. Part of these were lent on the expedition against Louis- burgh, in 175H, and were never returned, and it is not known what became of them. The houses, chapel, and barracks above, were repaired in 1693 and 1726. The buildings referred to, while stand- ing, were always the residence of the Governor, and the fort was most of the time garrisoned by a company of independent regular soldiers ; in their absence, the militia did duty. The fort cost 4172 guilders. For several years, the first emigrants devoted themselves exclusively to traffic with the Indians, which progressed rapidly from year to year, as will appear by the following table of the Returns of Trade^ made to Holland by the Fur Company^ then so recently estabhshed, viz. : V2\ 4000 Ucavcrs, 700 Oltors, value '27,125 g uilde 162.5. 5295 do. 463 do. 35,825 do. 162H. ?J5R do. 8.57 do. 45,0S0 do. 1827. 7520 do. 370 do. 56,620 do. 1628. 0951 do. 734 de. fil,075 do. 162!>. 5913 do. 68t do. 62,08.5 «o. 1630. 6041 do. 1068 do. 68,012 do. 1632. 13ol3 do. 1661 do. 143,125 do. 5<)33. C?00 dr.. 1383 df. 01,375 do. t63.i. 14?''« dr.. Hl3 do. m,?:5 do. 14 CHRONOLObflOAli lIISTOKi 1627. — The Dutch factors at New- Amsterdam and Albany naturally cultivated a commerce with their neighbours at Nev/-PIymouth, to whom they sent their secretary Rosier, February, 1627. Rosier brought with him peltry and other Indian commodities, which they exchanged for corn and Jish. From this circumstance, it is probable, but little progress was made in the Dutch settlement here, or they would have had corn of their own. 1620. — Resolving at length to establish a perma- nent colony here, the Hollanders appointed Wouter Van Twiller governor, who arrived at Fort Amster- dam in June, 1629, and began to grant lands the subsequent year. This province was not much attended to by the States for a considerable time, they being much more interested in other objects ; and though the Dutch exerted their usual patience and industry, and culti- vated the good will of the surrounding tribes, which' insured them peace, they continued extremely in- considerable during the administration of their first governor. Van Twiller continued nine years in office. 1630. — Michael Paw, a Dutch subject, on or about the lOth day of August, 1630, by deed, purchased Staten Island of the native Indians. (Quere. Is not Pawlus, or Powles Hook named after this man?) The Indians, several years after, said they never had been paid for this land, and claimed and received a quantity of merchandise, and agreed to quit the island. 1631. — This year, 16 miles square of land was Durchased of the Indians at Cape May. Th'^. Dutch, who ?*?tt.]ed on the Delaware. «€e\v OF NEW- YORK. id to have applied themselves mostly to traffic ; but the Swedes were chiefly employed in husbandry. 1632. — The western end of Long Island began to be settled by the Dutch. 1633. — The Indians on Long Island were a very treacherous people, and had many canoes large enough to carry 80 men. A vessel from Plymouth, New-England, arrived at New-Netherlands, to trade, and with a letter to the Dutch governor, from Gov. Winthrop, requesting him not to settle on the banks of Connecticut River. Van T wilier wrote back a very polite aiiswcr, say- ing, the States' General in Holland had granted the land to the Dutch, &c. 1634. — This year the West India Company failed. 1635. — There arrived this year, two Dutch ships in New-England, one laden with salt, fish, and to- bacco, and one with stock, viz. 27 Flanders mares, at 34/ ear:h, and 3 horses, 63 heifers at 1 ./. each, and 88 sheep at 50*. each. Fort Amsterdam was erected by Gov. Van Twil- ler, on the site now^ occupied by the buildings south of the Bovvling-Green, Bridge, and State-street, then called Capsy-street, or the dividing point between the North and East River. The fort was on high ground, and was of a square shape, with tour bas- tions, and mounted 4'i cannon, 1636. — 'f'he land about IIa;laem was purchased of the Indians. 1637. — This year, Kieft was appointed governor, and arrived on the 28th March. Fie was a man of great vigour and address, ability and enterprise, which his station particularly required at this time, for the people of New-England began to settle on Connecticut River and at New-Haven, notwith It/ <#HHONOLOGICAt HISTOKl Standing his remonstrances and threats, which were unnoticed. On his arrival, he found matters in a disordered state ; several farms were untenanted, and the pubhc works were going to decay. The interest of money was 16 per cent. Mr. Van Corlaer, a mer{-hant, made insurance on his vessel, loaded with tobacco. The Swedes, on the Delaware, had established a trading-house near the ocean. Kieft removed them in 1638, asserting that the '* Dutch had been in pos- session of the South River many years, which had been unhappily sealed with their blood." This brought on a war with the Swedes, and they were conquered by the Dutch ; and the former agreed to become subjects of the States' General on 1st September, 1 655, by capitulation : thirty Swedes taking the oath of fidelity, a few others retiring to Sweden. After this, the encroachments of the surrounding colonies were continual and unbounded. Stuy vesant. tlie succeeding governor, represented most pathetically to the States the desperate condi- tion of New- Netherlands, from the causes before mentioned, stating what concern th«? demands, en- croachments, and occupations of the English gave the people. The whole of Pawles Hook was sold by William Kieft to Ahram fsaac Planck, for Ihl. — and a part of it was leased for a Tobacco Plantation. And in 1641, Gov. Kieft leased, for five years, to Thomas Hall, a plantation, with the negroes thereon, on the island Manhattan, not far from Tapopanikan, for 750 pounds of good inspected tobacco : by which it appears, it was formerly cultivated to a consider- able extent on this island. f OF NEW- YORK- 17 i6SS. — From a record of this year in the Secre- tary's office, relative to a lease of a certain tract of land near the fort leased by Gov. Kieft to John Da- men, it appears that negro slaves had thus early been introduced into the settlement. The agreenient was made in the name of the ^^ Privileged Trading Com- pany^'' by the '-'• Honourable^ ivise. and prudent Sir William Kieft^ Director General of New Nether- lands.'''' 1639. — The English settled at ( )yster Bay ; Kieft attacked, and drove them off. March 3 1 . All boats, &-c. were this day prohibit- ed, by William Kieft and Council, from going up the rivers Connecticut, Hudson, and Delaware, with- out a permit, to any of the Dutch forts. Sept. 15. An order of Council to lay contribu- tions on the Indians, in consequence of the West India Company having been put to so much ex- pense. 8i. a year was the hire of a servant. Kieft endeavoured to prevail upon the English on the east end of Lon^ Island and on Connecticut River, to pay him a tribute of one-tenth of the pro- duce of all tljeir farms. &-c. 1640. — April 30. There happened a high flood, twelve feet above the ordinary tides. The water came into Amsterdam Fort, insomuch that those on the fort were obliged to retreat into the woods, and live under tents ; and it was three days before peo- ple could make use of their houses near the water. 1641. — June 6. An order of Council to repel the violence, &c. of the Enghsh, at Fort Good Hope, (Hartford.) f^ept. An order made to build a small redoubt on 18 OHRONOLOGICiVL HISTOliY Staten Island, to preserve the inhabitants from the savages, who had killed some of them. 1643. — The first church which was erected in New-York, was built this year, and it was 72 feet long, 52 broad, and UJ high. It was built of stone, with a shingle roof, and cost 2500 guilders, or 41?/. 1 3s. ^d it stood within the fort, near the Bowling Green. This year, a Dutch ship arrived at Hudson River with 4000 weight of powder, and 700 pieces, &.c- The governor seized the same for his own use. 4th March. Wednesday. A day of fasting and prayer for fear o^ the Indians. All mechanics and labourers were to bugin and leave off work at the ringing of the bell. Until 1644, the fur trade of New-Netherlands had been reserved for the West India Company alone. But about that time, falling into some em- barrassments, or at least not being in a condiiiony as they said, to furnish the magazines with shops and goods, it became more extended. This year, a Dutch ship came from the West In- dies, and brought to L\ew-Netherlands 200 soldiers from Curacoa, which had been captured by the Por- tuguese. The first City Hall, Stadt House, or Tavern, was this year erected on the corner of Pearl-street and Coenties slip, and was a three story edifice, which is now supplanted and covered by the elegant build- ings of the Brinckerhoffs. It was a very important edifice in those days, in which all the courts and pubhc meetings of the citizens were held. The nu- cleus of the commercial part of the city was for many years in that neighbourhood, which ^till preserves its <^F NBW-YOHK. l*t character for industry, business, wealth, and enter- prise. 1645. — A day of thanksgiving for a peace con- cluded with the Indians ; and 67 of the principal savage chiefs from the surrounding country were in- vited to, and assembled in Fort Amsterdam on the occasion ; and were feasted, and exhibited their games and war dances to the multitude, and their services were subsequently engaged to fight against the northern Indians. 1646. — Great battle between the Dutch and In- dians fought at Horse Neck. During a controversy between the citizens of this place and the people of New-Haven, it took six days to send a message ! ! The distance is now passe^i in six or eight hours. 1647. — 1 1th May. Governor Stuyvesant arrived, being the last governor under the Dutcli dynasty, and held his otlice with great honour to his reputa- tion for 17 years, and until the coloiiy was captured by the English in 1664. Judge Benson says Stuyvesant came from Brazil to this colony. He lost his leg in an attack in takiiie the island of Tobago. '• High customs" were taken by the government at Fort Amsterdam, and commerce began to thrive. 1648. — The Dutch seized a ship at New-Haven harbour, in Connecticut, under the pretence of title to the land, &lc, 1651. — The Bowery, or Stuyvesant Farm, pur- chased for 6400 guilders, or 106G/. — (A small part of this, principally salt meadow, between North- street, the Third Avenue, and the East River, was recently disposed of l^y the descendants of Gov .i\) CHRONOLOGICAL HISTGRl Stuyvesant, to a company of speculators, tbr onf:? hundred thousand dollars.) 1652. — First public school established in the City Hall. 1653. — The public weigh-house erected. The great wall of earth and stones made from North to East ilivers, ruaning along between VVall and Pine- street, and with a gate near the ;)resent corner of Wall and Pearl-street, called the water-gate, and another in Broadway, called the land-gate. The walls and palisades were for the j)urpose of securing the city against sudden attacks from the aborigines, June 6 The Directors of the West India Company, at Amsterdam. " granted liberty to particular merchant.s u< send two or three ships to the const of Africa to purchase slaves, and to promote the settlement of the country by importing the same." 1654. — The land now called West Chester county, purchased of the {ndians by Thomas Pell, The Dutch protested against it, and imprisoned 23 of the people hving there ; but after some time, re- leased them, and drove the inhabitants off from the land. 1655. — Gov. Stuyvesant captured Fort Casimer, (Newcastle,) on the Delaware, from the Swedes, and Wm. Beekman was appointed Lieut. Governor. Two barrels of pov/der and 20 iron shot spent in reducing Delaware. A body of northern Indians attacked and killed several of the Dutch inhabitants on Staten Island. 1656. — A market-house built near the present corner of Pearl and Broad-street, (then called by other names.) Several new streets laid out. The city had one hundred and twenty houses, and one thousand inhabitants, including the garrison. in 1657, the whole of Stgten Island wa.? sold to 1 OF KB W- YORK. 21 the Dutch by the Indians, (of whom Warrina, Agriepo, and Minqua, were the three sachems,) for 10 shirts, 30 pair stockings, 10 guns, 30 bars lead, 30 lb. powder, 12 coats, 2 pieces of dutiill, 30 ket- tles, 50 hatchets, 25 hoes, and a number of knives and awls. In 1670, the Indians above mentioned stated that the bargain had never been completed, and they demanded and received 400 fathoms more of wampum, and a considerable number of guns, axes, and other articles ; and on the 1 3th April, the In- dians again appeared in council, and received pay- ment ; and on the 1st of May, formally dehvered up the island to Mr. Thomas Lovelace and IVIr. Matthias Nichols, who were deputed by Gov. Rich- ard Nichols, to receive it. 1658. — First public wharf built by the Burgomas- ters of the city, where Whitehall-street now is. The governor's house stood opposite the beginning of Water-street. 1660. — First map of the city sent to Holland by Gov. Stuyvesant. 1662. — Windmill erected near the present City Hotel. 1664. — Patent granted by the Duke of York. 27th August, Col. Nichols, Governor of New- York and New-Jersey, arrived with 4 frigates and 300 sol- diers from England, and summoned the city to sur- render, which was done without resistance, the city quietly changing masters, and all public property was confiscated. Nichnle found the town Romi^oscd of a few miseiable houses, oecupieri ^2 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTOKY by men who werft extremely poor, and the whole in a mean condition ; but he foreitild its greatness, if it were encouraged with the immunities which he fheu recommended Ho m ormed the Duke of York by a letter, dated in Novamber, 1665. such is the mran condition of thifc town, (New- York,) that not one soldier to this day has lam in sheets, (Query — Do they at the present day ?j or upon any oihor bed ihsn can- vass and straw. See Chalmers i. 75. Sovie of the houses, however, were hai dsomely built of bnck and fiione. and in part, covered with red and black tiles ; and the land being high, it presented an agreeable pros- pect from the sea. Aug. 24. Nichols gave permission to raise men on the west end of Lonn- Island by beat of drum. Gov. Stuyvesant wrote a concihatory letter to Nichols, while he was at Gravesend ; but he would listen to nothing but a positive surrender of the city, which was done the next day at Gov. Stuyve- sant 's farm : the surrender also included the whole colony to Albany. 1666 — The Court of Assizes, (erected by Nichols, composed of the Go- vernor, the Council, and the Juctices of the Peace, and mvested with every power in the color.y, legislative, executive, and judicial,) collected into one rofie :he ancient customs, wuh such additional improvements as the great ch^mgf of things required, regarding the liws of England as the 6upr>=!'ie rule These onlinances, transmitted to England, were coiirirmed by the Duke ot York the following year. It was ord iined by the govern- ment, that no purchase (rom the Indians without the governor's license, oxeciited in his presence, should be valid. Nichols, thii year, reluctantly resigned the government of New-Jersey to Carteret, its appointed governor, who took possession of Klizabeth- ti=wn, the capital, then consisting of four families, just settled in the wilderness Thomas fVillett, Esq. Mayor. Thp first mayir* aitci the conrjuest was an Englishman, who usuallj' lived, and fii ally died a< Swnnzey, at the head of Narrripa-isett Buy. He was a merfhan', -nd ha ■ lacloiies or Indian tiading-liouses. from Kenne- bec to Deifiuare, pa«iicularly at New-Amsterdam and Fcrt t)r;inKe. Jan. 1 5. Nichols confiscated all the property of the West India Trading Company. Marriage licenses given at the fort in the name of Nichols alone. In February, Nichols summoned the people of * This was called an incorporation, but the charter was not giver-, fill 16^6, UF NBU-YOKK. To Long Island to send Deputies at Hempstead, to form laws, and to bring a sketch of the town boun- I daries. Thirty four Deputies met. June 1 2. Proclamation made altering the style and form of government in New-York, from vScout^ Burgomaster, and Schepen, to Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriff. Sheriff, AUerd Anthony. Gov. Stuyvesant visited Holland this y6ar, and returned. Twelve hundred guilders raised by order of go- vernment for the support of the ministry in i\ew- York. Gov. Nichols gave permission teethe Lutherans to send for, and settle a minister of their persuasion in this city ; and in February, 1669, Jacobus Fabri- ceius arrived. Oct. 12. John Shute licensed to be the only English schoolmaster in Albany, to teach the Dutch people the English language. Town and county rates paid in beef and pork. 1667. — Treaty of Breda, between Charles H. and the States' General, in which the colonial bounda- ries of New-Jersey and New-York were decided. Nichols returned to England, and was succeeded "by Col. Francis Lovelace, in May. 1668. — Sept. Fast day appointed on account of a great sickness and mortality. Members of Council in 1668 — the Governor, the Mayor, Mr. BedJow, Mr. Boor, Mr. Whitefield, Mr. Buvall, and Mr. Secretary Nichols; and in 167U, the Aldermen were permitted to set with them. There being no wagon or carriage road yet from New-York to Harlaem, one was ordered to be made. l<^fio — fTor P MEW-rORK. i^iS pointed Governor ; but in the next year, it was re- stored to the English, and Manning was tried by a Court-martial for treachery and cowardice, and sen- tenced to have his sword broke over his head. 1674. — First valuation of citizens, and tax laid. JVicholas de Meyer, Mayor. March 13. All inhabitants required to take the oath of allegiance to the English government. The first records of Council after the English go- vernment was re-estabhshed, began 31st October. Nov. 9. Edict confirming all grants, privileges, and concessions made heretofore by the Dutch. 1675. — Edmund Andros, Governor. William Duvall^ Mayor. Court of Sessions established. No liquors to be sold to the Indians. Eng:Iish weiffhfs and measures fstahlished. Law 'hat al! persons '^n Long Island of ant-state worth from 20'. lo lO".iA. m.iy keep one breedinfx '"are, and no more, and ?o for every 100/. one, but as many worlung geldings as wanted. Rates levied for the support of the ministry. " Ffayre or market at Hreucklyn.for all graine, cattle, or other produce of the country, on the first Monday, Tue<^day, and Wednesday, and in New- York on the three succeeding" days. Magistrates told to do justice to Indians as well as Christians. Jan. 1 1. The watch set at 8 o'clock every evening, after rin-^ing of the bell, and the city gates locked at 9. and otioned again at daylight. No cur'^ing or swearing permitted. Every citizen to tiave a musket, and powder, and hall, constantly in rea-dness- No person allowed i«> -.ell or trade unless free burgcssers of Ih? c'ty for one year, and they not to de- part without giving six months novice therco! ; or, unless snch person or persona so ilepanin? »ha II d'iring th ; t time keep fir^ and candle, pav scot and lot. And every merciiant made free, shall pay six lf-avers,a!id al! handi- crafis trades two beavers for bein;^ made fre»men. All persons that keep public houses shall sell beere as well as wyne, and other liquors, and keep lo('Lring for strangers.'' Proposals made (o the governor by the mayor, that there be 'i.x houses appointed lo sell all sorts of wyne, and brandy, and rum, amt lodging, and eight houses to sell beere and syder, mum and rum, and to provide for s'vangers, to sell brandy, rOm, strong waters, and tobncco ; and ilin following prices of wines, itc. Wf re established to be sold by the tapperi% French wines, Is. 3J. per English quait. Ffaval wines and St. Georges, 1 6 do. Madeira wines and PortapiTt, 1 10 do. Canary, Preradoe:-. and Malagas, 2 do. Brandy. 6£f. per English frill 3 Jl'ifi ' n •^, do. 26 OHROTSOLOGICAL HidTOKi Sydpr, 4d. per Engiisb qiJrairt. Double Beere, 3 do. Mum, 6 do. The ordinaries at Uie wine houses, per English meal, Is. Do. at the beere houses, do. 8rf. Lodging: at the wine Iiousps, 4d. per English night. Do. at (he beere houses, 3d. do. March 10. " Ordered, that Mr. Cornelius i>teenwyck, Mr Johannes Van Brugh, Mr Johannes De Peyster, Nicholas Bayard, Egidius Luvck. Wil- liam Beekman, Jacob Kip,and Antonius IJeMill, be forthwith committed and examined, for disturbing the government, and 'endeavouring a re- bellion.' as appears by their late actions and writings. They were bailed out of prison for 200/. a-piece, to appear at the general Court of Assizes. They were i-eluctant in taking the oath of allegiance, and persuaded others not to take it, and did not wish to be obliged to fight against their -own country." Nov. 8. An irder of Council, that Thomas Lewis do call to his assist- ance Adolpb Peters and Abiam Janse^ ,and to make a calculation of the cost of building a lyo den cAwrcA, 62 English leet tong, and- 50 feel wide. " Ordered, thai the land in this city convenient to build on, if the parties who own the same do not speedily build thereon, their land may be valued and sold to those who are willing to buiid," &-c. In this early regulation, we can trace the dawning of the custom that now prevails, of taking property on assessiikcnt for the purpose of improving the city. Streets were to be cleaned every Saturday, or oftener, and cartmen obliged to carry away the dirt, or forfeit their license. Nov. 30. " Great packt or excise on all manner of wynes." Ordered, that a general or public slaughter-house be built for the use of the city, over the water, with- out the gate, at the Smith's Vlie, near the half-moon battery. A loft over the same was used as a pow- der-house. 1676. — Law passed to pave streets. The Heeren Gracht, or Broad-street, filled up, levelled, and paved. Before this, the water came up to Gar- den-street, and the ferry-boats landed near where the i present Public Store is situated. 1 OF J\EW-YORK. iJ7 runners and Curriers selected by the Aldermen, and approved, and no others allowed. JNo butchers allowed to be curriers or tanners, or shoe makers, and vice versa. Ebenezer Kirtland and Matthew Milliard petition the city for leave to keep a school, to teach reading, writing, arithmetic, Latin, or Greek : being wiUing to engage for two years, one was appointed, and a room provided. Jurymen fined sixpence if not present at Court before the ringing of the third bell. Law passed to prevent any profanation of the Sabbath, under severe penalties, strictly enforced. Not lawful to sell liquor to Indians ; and if they are found drunk in the street, without knowing at what liouse they obtained the drink, the whole street hable to a fine. No grain to be distilled except that which is unfit to be ground. Jan. 29. Markets established near the " fforts and plain." '^ It is further ordered, that the old church yard, or Lots burying place, in the Broadway, bee layd out in foure lotts, contayning 25 foot each lott in the front, English measure, and the same to bee sold at a vandou or outcry, and that the same bee layd out and surveyed by Mr. Adolphe Peterson, and the Clerk of the Court appointed vandou master." (Here is the first mention of an auctioneer in our city annals.) Matthias Nicoll was appointed vendue master, and gave 2000/. security, which is an indication of the importance and responsibihty of the office at that tune. 'Fho price of grain fixed by the governor, viz. : 2 a CHRONOLOGIC Al HISTORY winter wheat 5s., summer wheat 4s. 6d. per bushel, in consequence of a representation that wheat was lower here than in the neighbouring colonies. Leave given to the Wickersuckee Indians to live on Manhattan Island, at the far end, toward Spuyten Devil. Three parcels of land, of a mile square, pur chased of the Matinicock Indians, on Long Island, for GOO guilders. 1677. — Stephanus Van Courtlandt. Mayor. A lot in Pearl-street mentioned as not to be built on, it standing too near the Fort. Rate or tax made 24th Feb., on houses and vacant lands in the city, for defraying and discharging city debts, in- curred for building docks, bridges, &c. when each house was mentioned as follows, by streets, viz. : Vacant Lots. Houses. Twenty-seven bouses, street not named - - - - 27 By the water side --- _--8--46 Pearl-street ..---.- --23 Marketfield and Broadway -'--10 --65 The Walls ----.-■■ 5 - 17 The High-street 4 - - 86 The Suiith-street --.-.- . - 29 Mill-street lane -_----5-- 6 Srniih-street lane ------3--10 Thrt Heere Graft', ye Bever Graft', and Market - - - 46 Field-stieet - 8 - - 37 ■ Stone-street -....-- --l8 The Maruelt-street and Winkle-street - - 4 - - 12 Out of Town ------- - - 2 August 25. 384 In Council, queried, " Whether Attorneys are thought useful to plead in Courts or not ?" Answer. It is thought not. Whereupon, resolved and order- ed, " that pleading Attorneys be no longer allowed to practice in the government, excepting in the de- pending cases," dated May 19th. When the Hugonots first settled at New-Rochellot OP NEW-YORK. tl^ the only place of worship they had to attend was in New- York city. They had taken land on terms which required the utmost exertions of men, women, and children among them to clear. They were therefore in the habit of working hard till Sa- turday night, spending the night in trudging down on foot to the city, attending worship twice the next day, and walking home the same night, to be ready for work in the morning. Amidst all these hard- ships, they wrote to France what great privileges they enjoyed. 167a. — Thomas BclavaU Mayor. 1679. — FrancU Rumholt^ Mayor. 16 persons licensed to sell wines, and 48s. received from all of them. No bolting mills allowed, or flour packed out of New- York. Negro valued at 4^^/. 10s. 1680. — William Beekman. Deputy Mayor. 1682. — Duke of York's charter granted. Gov. Dongan arrived. Mr. Stemvick^ Mayor. 1683. — First House of Representatives con- vened. Twenty carmen and no more allowed. At this time, there belonged to the city 3 barques, 3 brigantines, 26 sloops, and 48 open boats. Jan. 15. First Recorder, James Graham, ap- pointed at the request of the Corporation, who took his place on the bench on the right hand of the Mayor. Style altered to Mayor, Recwder, and Al- dermen. 12d. per ton bridge money, exacted on all mer- chandise exported or imported. No person permitted to trade up Hudson River except freemen, who have resided for three vears in yO CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORl the city ; and all inhabitants of Hudson River for- bid to trade over sea. March 7. It is amusing at this time, to know that the city had a serious rival in trade on the opposite shores of the Hudson River, as appears from the following record, viz. : "The petition of tbe !VIayor, &.c. of the city, to the Government and Crow!), to have East Jersey, (which heretofore had been claimed as at- tached to the colony of ]\ew-York, but had been separated,) reannexed to this province, as trade and revenue had sufiVred by the disitieml»er- ment, and fears were entertained in consequence thai New-Vork would be suppinnted by the diversion of trade." On what slender threads hung at this early period the hopes and fears of our ancestors? Aidermeu fined three shillings if absent at Council after ringing of the third bell. Laws of a strict nature were passed, and ordered to be rigo- rously enforced, for observing the Lord's day, Vmtits leng(h prevents our inserting it : suffice it to say, that our worthy pro|:^enitors app-^ar to have been sensibly alive to this all important subject, as the frequent mention of this matter attests. .\ll stra.igers t/O were under strict surveillance. Only 3d. per load for cartmen, except Tirines ; for extra loads, such as lime, pantiles, bricks, or :::reat cables, C>d. per load; aodono shilling fore afing a cord of wood ; but to the iurther end of tlie Su ith's Vlie, or Fly Mar- ket, which was then 'he extreme eastern limits of the city, double those rates. No cartman al!ov*'ed to ride on his cart— enjoined to bebave civilly to all. At this time New-Yorl« had the exchisive privilege, by law, of bolting and pacliinj; flour aril mea!. and this wa* the sole support of at least «wo- thiroor tliere arc. " Order(!ri thiii Mr. Mayor, Mr. Lawrancc, and Mr Merrlot doo seli all the lots belonginu to the Towne along the wsitcr side, ffrom Mr John Ro- binson's, mclusifl', uuto Mr. William Raackman's, inclusiff; as also a lot of ground lying by the Mayor's pasture. " Ordend that tiie Jildornien and assi.stants in each ward shall provide for their poor in Ihoir own ward, and be paid out of the public treasury for what thov'disburpt up|)on the said accompt." About this time, the Heeregraft, or gentlemen's canal, alias the inlet, in Broad-street, was limited by frame work to a width of IG feet, and the streets or cartway on each side to 28 feet, amounting in all to 72 feet ; which is its present average width. The lots on each side were also laid out. Sunday. 2d Sept. — A general thanksgiving for her Majesty's being safely dehvered of a prince. Nov. 2d. — The assessors' valuation of the several wards, viz. I. West ward . 9,600 North ward . 7,625 South ward . 29,254 East ward . . 9,648 Dock ward . 16,241 Haerlem . . 1,723 Bowery . . . 4,140 Tot»l ... 78.231/. 31 CHKOAOLCKJICAL HISTOJRV and a tax laid of a penny half-penny on the pound. (The present assessed value of real and personal estate in the city and county of New-York is one hundred millions of dollars.) " Mr. Cumdall and Mr. Demilt were ordered to let unto John Tuder a place to build a shop on in the Market- house, for the term of three years, com- mencing the 2oth March, 1688-9 ; he paying yearly, and every year, the sum of 40^. The street before Mr. Beekman's door to be thirty feet wide. The ship Ann and Catharine arrived from Nevis, with a parcel of negroes having the small-pox. 1690. — The 1st of May, a meeting of Commis- sioners (called a Congress) from the several colonies met at New-York. 1691.^ — The Duke's laws ceased, and provincial laws began. Governor Slaughter arrived, who seized and exe- cuted Leisler and his secretary Malborne, for high treason, jn not giving up the fort to him promptly. Being no printing-press in New- York, the pro- ceedings in Leisler' s trial were printed in Boston. John Lawrence^ Mayor. Marrh 25th. — " Resolved ihat there be but one butchers' shambles ■within this city, and tliat ir be still dayly kept at the Groon before the ffort, until further order; and all butchers' meate to be brought to the said shauibles for sale, aad n" other pluce. " It is votee of such absence, except sick- nesse, being out of town, ur >ome rtasonuble excuse, to fforfeit three shil- lings : and if any one riseth tifter silting, without }eave, to flbt feit ona shilling and six pence, to be disposed of for the benefit of ihe Common Council iS thoy shall direct or think fit. " Ordered that there bo markets, one in Broadway over against tho fort, the other under the trees by tho Slipp ; and that the butcheis shall br* obliged to keep flesh in both places, and that the country people shall bring flesh to each of the two places : and that no butchers' meat be killed T.vithin tho city rates 'or south nf Wall-street), Secondly, that eggs, Oh iNJiVV-lOUK. 3:j buJtev, am] poultrv bo bronglit to said places fm eayle. Thirdly, thrxt fish be bruuglU unw »lic dock over against ihe City Hall, (then standing in Pearl-streel head o' Coenties-slip,) or the houso that Long Mary iormerly lived in : likewise heitrbs, truite, rootcs, E and B. " Richard Chapman ami Cornadus Vandor Becck appointed inviters to fuverals, and their profits to be equal " — (This important office is no\r extinct in this city ; hut in Amsterdam ir still exists, where the inviter makes his appearance liressed in black wiih a mourning crape or weed on his hat reaching nearly to the ground, with a scroll ni his hand contain- ing a list of the persons invited ) The shipping had increased to 9 or 10 three mast vessels, of ?0 or ?0 tons. 2 or 300 ketches or barks, of about 40 tons, and about 20 sloops, of 25 tons. April 9th. — The first general assembly convened in New- York, and was composed of 17 members, viz. City and County of New- York 4, Ulster and Duchess 2, West Chester 1, Richmond 2, Albany 2, Suffolk 2, King's 2, Queen's 2. Surveyors appointed to lay out streets and lots, and to have Gs. for each. " Ordered that old Bush deliver into the hands of tiio treasurer the scalds .ind weigiifs that he hath in his hands belonging to the city, being first satisfied tor the making ot them *' Ordered that no swino whafsoever be suffered to goe or range in any of tl e sireets or lands, within the fire wards, belonging to this city on tlji" poutii side of fresh water, under the penalty of the forfeiture of ell such swine, *;c. July 7th. — " Ordered that the poysonous and stinking weeds within this city, before mery one's door, be fbvtiiwiih pluckt up, upon the forfeiture of three shillings for the neglect thereof " Ordered that Top-Knot Betty and another person and her children be provided lor as objects of cliarily, and four shillings a week uUowod." Frequent grants of land were made by the Corpo- ration about this time for trilling considerations. " Ordered that the lots belonging to the ciiy, Irom Burger's path (Wil- liam-street) to the foot of the hill by Mr. liceknian's, be exposed to sale. " That the treasurer let Scarrbouch have a new suit, and a.ssiet him in what 's wanting." July 23d. — Governor Slaughter died ; and on the 26th, Capt. iiichard Inglesby was appointed by the Council to the chief command till Fletcher's arrival. Laws passed asrainst huck.=^ter.si forestallin.? in the market. - "^ 3V> CHRONOLOGICAL HiSTORV Oct. 7th.— " Ordered that the treasurer pay unto the attorneys tin; shillings a piece that are retained about the flour, (the cxcUisive priviit^ claimod by the city to grind and bolt all wheat raised in the province, 'dv.. which was objected to by the country,) and unto the Attorney General three pounds. " Ordered that there be a ducking-stool, to be built forthwith upon the wharfe before the towne-house." (The spot would now be in Coentieg- slip, between Pe^rl and W^iter-sireets.; Dec. 6th. — " Ferry ffarmed out, at a public outcry, for seven years, at the rate of 1411. per annum, to be paid quarterly." More water lots sold at one shilling a foot. Dec. 8th. — A piece of ground granted for the Dutch Church in Garden-street, 175 feet on the north, and 180 on the south, Enghsh measure, for 180 current pieces of eight, at six shillings per piece, to be paid upon sealing the patents ; the city selling only their right and property. The said lot not to be appropriated to any other use, or assigned to any other person : which grant was accepted by Aldermen Johannis Kipp and Brandt Schuyler, in behalf of the Dutch (^hurch. " Ordered that the treasurer pay iMr. Graham (Piecorder) the half of tliirty-two pounds ten shillings, which the cily is indebted unto him, and th.at he pay him the other Iialf so soon a3 fire money comes in ; reserving in hands what may be sufliciciit to supply the poor." That the treasurer pay English Smith one pound ihirteen sliillings for three cords of wood, -which he bought for the u=e of the city this day. " All the lands in Iront of 'he Vly, from the blof.k-honse to Mr. Beo.:k- man's, ordered to be sold. Voted, ihat from the blnck-Jionse to the Green iane (Maiden-lane) be valued at five-and-twenty shillings per foot: nod from the Green lane to Mrs Van Clyff's be valued at eijjhteen shillings per loot; and from Mrs. Van Clyff's to Mr. Rakeman's (Beeckman's) be valued at fifteen shillings per foot." The l;md was offered at the above rates, but the citizens did not appear an.icious to buy. King-street, Green lane, and Mrs- Vau Clyff's were ordered to be lelTt open to low water mark. August 29th. — Benjamin Fletcher, Governor, ar- rived from England with military supplies. The Governor was a high Church of England man. of a violent temper ; he quarrelled with the assembly, and was very unpopular. ..\ugust 30th.— .At a Common rtoiincil. it v^m •dgreed that tliere be a treat made to welcome his excellency Gov. Fletcher (a street of that name soon after was made, and christened by the name of his excellency,) to this city, to the value of twenty pounds^ or thereabouts ; and it is appointed to Al- derman William Merritt to provide the same accord- ingly. (The Corporation dinners at the present day are rather more expensive.) 1692. — Ahram De Peyster^ Mayor. Mr. Spratt's lot of land, at the end of Broad- street, was valued at 80Z. About this time, the following- lots vi^ere sold in the Smiths' Vlie, or the Fly-Market, then open to the water, and each buyer had to dock out, viz. Lots. Maj. Merritt, - - - 2 - ISIr Mayor, :'De rejster) - 5 - Mr. GeiTgo Heathcote, - 1 - Captain Clarke, - - - 5 - Derick Van iJcn Ber^li, - 3 - Capt Nicholas de Morrice, 1 Mr Morrice, . - - i - Capl. Schuyler, - - - 2 - Col. Cortlandt, - - - 3 - Aa average of 251. I65. 3d. per lot, The above were sold at " publick vandeu ;" and when contrasted with the present enhanced value of the same property is very remarkable. Some, if not all, of the above lots would now be valued at from ten to twelve thousand dollars. The lot in Broad-street was then worth nearly three times as much as one in the Smith Vlie. At the same time, the city made one wharf front- mg King-street (now Pine-street) of thirty feet wide, and two other wharves of twelve feet wide, one on each side of Maideu-slip, (the first mention of this place,) running to high water mark ; by 4 I. s. 61 - 153 10 38 10 - 135 59 5 26 10 23 10 44 S3 - 594?. 5s. 38 CHKONOLOGICAL HiSi'Olty which it will appear the tide entered at this! time up the street probably as far as William-street ! (What an astonishing change has since been effected !) The recent narrowness of the street at the corner of Maiden-lane and Pearl-street, corroborates the an- cient record above mentioned. The present im- proved aspect of this spot, the increased width, and line range of warehouses, have been so recently completed ( 1 823), that it is needless to enlarge upon such an obvious and noble improvement. The following extract from a petition sent by the Common Council to the Governor, relative to the former city monopoly, which appears to have been then lately repealed, and to have caused much anx- iety for the prosperity of its inhabitants, will now be read with astonishment and incredulity, that this city could have owed its prosperity at any time to such humble resources. " Whereas the bolting of Iflower and baking of bread hnth been and is the chiefe support of the trade and traffic of this city, and maintenance of its inhabitants of all degrees, &c. It hath for many years past been an ancient usage, &c." — Yet the city never regained this unjust mono- poly, and has managed to prosper tolerably well without it to this day. 1693. — Spuyten Devil Creek bridge built. July 8th. — " Ordered that the Mayor doo provide a coat of the city livery, with a badge of the city arms, shoes, and stockings for the bellman, and charge it to the account of the city." John Arsoon, the farmer or leaser of the ferry between this city and Brooklyn, complained of his inability to pay the rent 147Z., and it was reduced to 140Z. •' Ordered that the Recorder do draw up an address to congratulate his excellency on his safe return from Jilbany! (what an important event then ! but now accomplished in twelve hours !) And that the Mayor doo provide a cup of gold to the value of one hundred pounds, to he presented unto his excellencv on behalf of this city, as -i token of Jbcjr gralitnde> OV NEW-YOBK. 39 .fcc— The Mayor bought of Peter Jacob Marius twenty ounces of gold for the cup, cost one hundrod and six pounds, for which lie and some other gentlemen gave their bonds, and desired a fund might be raised to j>ay the same; and it was ordered tliat the revenue of the ferry, which doth annually ariee, bo not converted unlo any o'.her use whatsoever until the Slid one hnudrcd and six pounds be paid as above." — (Thus nearly a whole year's income from this source was absorbed in this expensive golden cup — the first of the kind over presented by the Corporation. But the honour h.is since been frequently conferred upon distinguished naval and military characters of our country, of being presented with the free- dom of (he cily in a gold box.) 86 cord of wood, at 13^. per cord, ordered for stockadoes, and to make a platform for a battery on the outermost rocks beyond the fort. 1694. — A printer's residence mentioned, William Bradford. Lots of ground in Wall-street ordered to be sold at thirty shillings a foot, and lots nearer the water at twenty-four shiUings a foot. The market house in Broadway let to farm unto Henry Crosby for one pound per annum. Kid the pirate committed great depredations on the coast about this time. Tonnage. " Ordered that uU vessels, sloops, and open boats, belonging to this city, do pay for lying within the dock or mould, or any of the slips in the Smith's Vlie yearly, viz. I. s. A vessel oc boat of 1 tun lo 5 tun?, - - - - e If above .'i to 10 tuns, f> From to lo 1.0 tuns, ----- i2 15 to 2.5, - - - 10 25 to -50, - - - - - - - 1 10 All above 50, - - - - - - - 2 10 A lot of ground in Queen-street (Pearl-street) granted to James Graham, the Recorder of the city : the .said lot thirty feet in breadth in front, and forty-four feet in the rear. Oct. 25th. — Charles Lodimch^ Mayor. 1095. Oct. 1st. — All swine running at large allowed to be shot. S.0 CHRONOLOGICAL HiSTORV In a petition to the Legislature, the Corporation take occasion to state that there was in town, when the bolting began, in the year 1678, only 384 houses. The revenue in 1678, 79, and 80, not exceeding 2000Z. ; in 1687, it had increased to 5000Z. In the year 1678, there were 3 ships, 7 boats, and 8 sloops ; in the year 1694, there were 60 ships, 40 boats, and 25 sloops. And that out of the 983 houses in New- York in 1694-5, 600 of them depended on bolting for a subsistence. 1696. — Trinity Church buih ; and service first performed in it by the Rev. Mr. Vesey, Rector, on the 6th Feb. 1697. It was enlarged in 1735 and 37; and was then 148 feet in length, and 72 feet in breadth, and had a fine organ. This building was destroyed in the great fire of 2 1st Sept. 1776. June 26th. — Ordered that a city hall be built— value 3000Z. Lodowik Vanderbergh leased a shop of the Cor- poration in the Broadway for five years, for one pound seventeen shillings per annum. 17th. — The petition of Capt. Teunis De Kay, that " a carte way be made, leading out of the Broad- street to the street that runs by the Pye-woman's, (now Nassau-street) leading to the commons of this city (now the park) ; and that he will undertake to doo the same, provided he may have the soyle.^* Six thousand inhabitants in the city at this time, and complaints of a great scarcity of bread. 1697. — Church-street laid out. Oct. 2d. — At a session of the supreme court in New-York, where a number of criminals were tried, it was feared the city hall would not support the concourse of people that attended : and six studa OP KEW-YORK. 41 and a i)lan1c were ordered to be purchased, and placed to secure the same. Nov. 20th. — A city watch of four sober men or- dered. Nov. 23d. — " Tliis board taking into consideration the great inconve- nioncy tlial attends this city, hemg a trading place, for want of having lights in the dark time of the moon in the winter season ; it is therefore ordered that all and evory ol the honse-keepors within this city shall put out lights in their windows froi;ting the respective streets of the said city, according to such maiiHcr and rule us shall be directed by the Mayor, two aldermen, and two assistants, under the penally of nine pence for each night ot default. — And on the 2d of December, it was ordered that every seventh house do hang out a pole with a lantern .md cundle; and the said seven houses to pay e()ual portions of tlie expense." — (Such was ihesinaple and cheap method of first lighting the city) Behnont was appointed to succeed Fletcher in the spring of 1695 ; but did not receive his commission tillJune, 1697 ; nor arrive here till the 2d of April, 1698. He was blown off to Barbadoes, as he was coming on the coast. 1698. April 4th. — Four barrels of powder or- dered to be purchased to salute the arrival of the ^ Earl of Bel^nont, Governor and Captain-General of c!# the province. A pew built in Trinit}' Church for the use of the Mayor, Aldermen, and their successors. Annually afterwards, the Mayor-elect, accompanied by others in authority, proceeded in grand procession from the City Hall to Trinity Church, where divine ser- vice was performed, and a sermon preached by the Rector for the time being ; after which the Mayor and suit went to Fort William Henry, and waited on the Governor ; and was sworn in at the City Hall. This ceremony was regularly continued until the revolution. In 1684, only 400 neat cattle in New- York. At this time, there were above 3,000, besides sheep, &c. 4* 4ii CHEONOLOGICAt HIST'ORY Great but unsuccessful efforts were made to re- store to the city its ancient privileges of bolting, Nov fltli.— The Mayor, De Peyster, appointed Enoch Hill to be Iiis Marshall and messenger to the Common Council; and hitherto having found him very diligent in his duty, desires that for hie encouragement hs be allowed a coat, breeches, hat, shoes, and stockings, and a clo ik of tho city livery, and a Boodle's stall', at the city charge. Ordered that the Mayor purchase the same at the city charge, and that the livery be bletOy with an orange list. Rates of ferriage to Nassau Island at this date : - — every single person to pay for going over eight stivers in wampum, or a silver two-pence ; each person in company half the above, or if after sun- set double price ; ea-^h horse or beast one shilling if single, or nine pence in company. Rip Van Dam was the fairest bidder for the ferry, on a lease of 7 years, at 165Z. per annum. On the 21st of March, the assembly met and passed a law in favour of the friends of Leisler, re- storing forfeited estates. 1699. Aug. 9th. — No hawking or pedling of goods permitted round the streets, under the penalty of twenty shillings for each offence. Aug. 17th.— The old City Hall sold by public outcry to John Rodman, merchant, for 920Z. ! (It was situated in Pearl-street at the head of Coenties- slip, where Brinckerhoff's buildings now stand.) At this period it is mentioned " That as the former line of fortifications that did range along the Wiill-street from the East to tho North river, together with the bastions that were thereon erected, are falling into decay, and the encroachments of buildings which have been made adja- cent thereto will render tho same useless for the time to come, and the city purposing with all sps-ed to build anew City Hall at the end of one of the principal streets (in Wall facing Broad-street) within the said city, frontins to the aforesaid line of fortifications ; therefore humbly pray that the Governor will allow the same to be demolished, and that the stones of the jaid bastions, with the consent of the owners thereof, may be appro- priated to tlie building of the said City Hall." The inhabitants of Queen-street (Pearl-street) l^etition for a market at Countess's Key (Coeiities- or NEW-yoRK. 4'o slip), to be built at their own expense ; granted : and with hberty to erect any public buildings at Coun- tess's Key for the conveniency and ornament of the city. Sept. 6th. — "Ordcrod that the Mayor agree with somo person for the keeping of an hospital for the maintenance of tlic poor of this city, upon the most easy terms that may be ; iind also that ho hire a house suitable for that occasion." The inhabitants of Haerlem permitted to erect one mill and no more, provided they do not hinder the passage of sloops or boats round Manhattan Island ! William Sharpas, town clerk, had a grant of land from high to low water mark, of one hundred feet^ for his good and faithful services for seven years past, and his encouragement to continue so for the future. Oct. 16th. — David Provoost^ Mayor. A committee appointed to view the block house near the Governor's garden^ to see if it can be fitted into a prison. Clement Ellsworth petitioned for a piece of ground fronting the East river, near Mr. Beeckman's, for the use of a yard, and for the building of ship- ping, &c. The new City Hall estimated to cost 1151/. 18*. 3d. 1 700. — Isaac D. Dromer^ Mayor. A law passed by the Legislature to hang every popish priest who entered the colony to entice the Indians from their allegiance. '• Ordered that the Mayor provide fire wood for bonfires on the 4th and 5th days of this instant, month of November, being the birthday of our sovereign lord King William, and gun powder iroason; and that the Mayor pay to the Rev William Vesey the sum of five pounds for preaching n sermon before this court on tho 14th of October last." Two hundred acres of land sold by tho Corpora- 44 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY tion in the vicinity of the city, for one pound ai) acre. A great mutiny among the king's soldiers in the fort. J. De Peyster, his Majesty's Receiver-General, farmed to this city the whole revenue and excise of King's County, on Long Island, for a year, for the sum of forty pounds. J 70 1 . — Thomas Hood^ Mayor. March 5th. — The Governor, Belmont, died ; and May 19th, Lieutenant-Governor Naufon arrived from Barbadoes, and found the colony in a confused state, the people split into factions, and a furious spirit of party prevaihng ; when a son of the Earl of Cla- rendon, Lord Cornbury, Governor and Captain- General, arrived, " Ordered that all the soldiers of his Majesty's garrison Fort William Henry in this city, th.it are his Majesty's natural born subjects, be made freemen of iJiia Corporation gratis, sny former law to the contrary not- withstanding; and that Mr. Mayor administer unto them the oatli of a freeman, and gr.mt unto thern ccrlificates of the same, under the seal of the ciiy accordingly." The dock and slips of the city farmed for twenty- live pounds per annum. 1702. — Great sickness this year in June and July — seventeen lay dead in one day; and in consequence the General Assembly was held at Jamaica. The Mayor died, people removed, much alarm prevailed. Tea and coffee unknown. "./9W dwellers in the city that are poor, and not able to purchase their freedom of the city, to have the same given to them, to enable them to carry on any trade for their support." (Which otherwise thi^y could not have done, as was the case with the soldiers above mentioned.) Oct. 19th. — Philip French^ Mayor. Grammar school established, and a master sent for to the Bishop of London," as there is not any person within this city (with whose conve- niency it wQuld be apreeabJp) prooer and duly qualified to take upon hitn- OF ]\EW-YOKK. 45 eelf the office of schoolmaster of the said city, that tha Bishop of London he recommended to send over hither a person of good learning, of pious life, and virtuous conversation, of English extract, and of good and mild temper, &c. and a part of the king's farm to be given for his support." The city granted to the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry of Trinity Church the old city burial place for ever ; they to keep the same in good fence and repair, and to be appropriated for a public burial place for ever : and takhig only for breaking of the ground for every person above 12 years of age ^s. \Qd.^ and for each child under 12 years 1^. 6d., and ino other or greater duty whatsoever for the break- ing the said ground. Feb 24ih. — " Ordered that a public bonfire be made, and ten gallons of wine and a barrel of beer provided, to celebrate a great victory over the Spanish and French fleets at Vigo, and all the houses to be illuminated." The charter first printed. 1703. Oct. 4th. — William Bastroo^ Esq. Mayor. March 1 7th. — Street vaults began. 1704.— The French Church du St. Esprit, in Pine-street, built, April ;W. — "The oiurt being informed that the widow Ronibouta and I Boveral other persons on the west side of the Broadway are levelling tho ' fortilications, and about to fence in the street fronting to Hudson river, order«;d that Alderman Hutchings and Mr. Laroux do forthwith warn them from so doiug, upon pain o( being prosecuted at law." April tith — "Th.' petition of sundry principal inhabitants of this city : was read, praying a method be taken for preventing rolaile and wholesale ' vendues within this ()or|>0!ation (except by (he freemen thereof.) the allow- ance wheieof having drained noi only this city but the whole province of the current cash, to the very great grievance of the same ; ordered that ! this Corporation lay before his> excellency the Governor this great griev ance, and pray his lordship to recomn^end the General Assembly that a hill be passed tor the cffbctual preventing thereof; and that the Recorder jirepare the same." May 25th.— Note, that the city owned 8,925 feet i of land, between Mr. Beeckman's and low water mark, which is ordered not to be sold at less than three pence per foot. Wall-street paved on south side from Smith-street (William-street) to the English Church. 46 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY Sixty acres of land leased for twenty-one years, to T. Coddington, at six pence per acre. 1706. — An attack on the city threatened by a French squadron ; and an embargo requested of the Governor by the Corporation. The harbour was so entirely unfortified, that a French privateer entered and put the inhabitants into great consterna- tion. 1707. — Broadway paved ; and the butchers' shop pulled down. The ferry let for 180Z. per annum. The Governor, Cornbury, prohibited Presbyte- rians from preaching in the city without his license ; and two ministers were arrested and tried, but ac- quitted by the court, on their paying costs to the amount of ^220. Oct. 1 4th. — Ebenezer Wilso7i^ Mayor. 1708. — Lord Lovelace, the new Governor, ar- rived ; and died on the 5th of May the next year. 1709. — Heavy taxes laid. — Richard Ingolsby, Governor. 1710. — Several hundred Palatines arrived, who had fled to England from religious persecution in Germany, and a scarcity feared in consequence. They built a Lutheran church where Grace church now stands. Jacobus Van Cortlandt^ Mayor. — Council met at nine in the forenoon. April 10th. — Gerardus Beekman acted as Govern- or till the arrival of Hunter on the 1 4th of June. 1711. — June 28. All the market-houses except one were set apart for the building of batteaux, to transport troops and stores to Canada ; and in con- sequence. Broad-street, from Wall to Garden-street. was appointed a temporary market-place. OF NEW- YORK, 47 July 2. — The General Assembly met in N. York, and bills of credit to the amount of 25,000/. were issued, to aid the war in Canada. Oct. 16. — Caleb Heathcoat^ Mayor. Law for regulating apprentices' indentures, re- (juiring them - to be bound, and to serve strictly for seven years. A slave market in Wall-street, near the East River. 1712. — April 7. An insurrection of the negroes took place, who set fire to the city, and killed several of the inhabitants. Nineteen of the negroes were executed. 17 13. —May 27. Assembly met, and passed an excise law. Aug. 17. Great bonfires and rejoicings for peace between Great Britain and France. Abram De Lancey had liberty to build an oven '. under ground, opposite his house in Queen-street, he paying for the same a nine penny loaf of bread [ on the 1st day of May^ yearly, for the use of the i poor. [ The pound removed frorii the Bowery, to the top of the hill, near fresh water, by the Domine's farm. I 1714. — John Johnson. Mayor. The Assembly '< issued bills of credit to the amount of ^78,000. f Retailers of strong hquors paid 30s. for license. 1715. — A new Assembly met in May, and con- tinued to the 21st July, when it was dissolved by the Governor. 1716. — June 9. A new Assembly met. 1717. — Tax of 16,607/. raised to extinguish the colony debt. 1718 . — Jan. 3. A rope-walk established in Broad- 48 CJIKONOLOGICAIi 1113T0111 way, opposite the Park, (then called the CommoiL-, and covered with brush and underwood.) 1719. — Jacobus Van Cortlandt^ Mayor. July 31. Gov. Hunter left the colony in the com- mand of Peter Schuyler, the oldest member of the Council, who surrendered it on the 17th September, 1720, to Gov. Wilham Burnet, a son of the cele- brated Bishop. During the time of Burnet, great complaints were made of the Court of Chancery, for extortion of illegal and exorbitant fees. Presbyterian Church in Wall-street built. 1720.- — A tax of 2 per cent, laid on European goods imported, being the first regular tariff of du- ties mentioned in the early history of this city. Robert Walton^ Mayor. 1722. — All slaves to be buried by day-light. A ferry to Long Island, from Burger's path, Old slip, rent 7 1 1. 1723.— Capt. Peter Solgard, Capt. of H. IVL ship Greyhound, engag^ed two pirate sloops off this coast, commanded by Low, that had done much naischief, and kilted many people ; took one, and the other escaped in the nighL 26 of the pirates were executed at Rhode Island. Solgard was presented with the freedom of the city, in a gold box. July 29. Great storm and hurricane, which ruined the docks, and did much mischief, and caused the city to incur considerable expense for repairs. 1724. — Francis Harrison, Recorder. 1725. — Johannes Janson^ Mayor. A newspaper printed in this city, and called the New- York Gazette, published weekly. 1726. — Robert hurting^ Mayor. A corn market foot of Wall-street. 1727.—Income of the city 285/. 17.s. 6c?. or NEW-YORK. 49 Jan. 18. Intense cold day. 1728. — A lot of ground granted to the Jews for a burying-ground, near the cripple bush or swamp, 1 1 2 feet long and 50 broad, situated opposite Chat- ham-square, corner of Fayette-street, then a long distance out of the city. Ten lots of ground, each 25 by 120 feet, sold to Jacobus Roosevelt, for 10/. per lot, in the swamp near the cripple bush, (now the site of Roosevelt- street.) « Resolved, That a little island in tbe fresh water is appropriated as the most convenient place for building thereon a mstrazine or powder-house." (The present arsenal in Elm-sireet, is on the identical site.) Gov. John Montgomerie arrived, to succeed Bur- net, who was transferred to Massachusetts. 1729. — The Corporation received a notice from the society in London for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts, of the presentation to this city of a Library, of one thousand six hundred andjorty-lwo volumes, belonging to the late Dr. Millington, which arrived in safety in the ship Alexander, Capt. Down- ing, and the books were arranged, and a room ap- propriated for their safe keeping, in the City Hall ; and the thanks of the Corporation were pohtely re- turned for this munificent gift. Three pence per foot given for land on the west side of Broadway, near the Battery. Rector-street, and other streets south and west of it, laid out. The Middle Dutcli Church built. Dec. 17. Burying-ground purchased between James and Oliver-street. 1730. — Jews' Synagogue built in Mill-streets 50 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTOlll John Cruger^ Deputy Mayor. The charter of the city renewed by Gov. Mont- gomerie, and several new privileges granted. The Governor died on the 1st July, 1731, and Rip Van Dam, the oldest member of the Council, succeeded him, until the arrival of Gov. William Cosby, on the 1st August, 1732. 1731. — This year, the boundaries of this colony were finally adjusted with Connecticut. The smallpox prevailed, and was very fatal. Wm. Sharpas, town clerk for the \diSi forty years, allowed 28Z. (extra) for his long and faithful ser- vices. Number of inhabitants, 8622. Houses 1400. 1732. — Charter confirmed by the Legislature and a tax laid on wigs. The first stage began to run between Boston and New-York, once a month, and wdiS fourteen days on the journey. May 6. A great sale of 7 lols of ground, near tbe Custom-house, an< l east of Whitehall-street, for the following sums, and to the persons named, viz. : Lot No. 1, to Stephen DeLancey, - - 155^ Do. 2, to Do. Do. - - - 151 Do. 3, to David Clarkson, - - - 155 Do. 4, to John Moore, - - - - 275 Do. 5, to Stephen De Lancey, - - 192 Do. 6, to Robt. Livingston, Jr. (son of Philip) 175 Do. 7, to Anthony Rutgers, - - 239 Average amount, 191^ 145. 3(f. 1342/. By which it appears, that real estate had increased in value immensei . since 1686, wh n lols in that quarter of the city sold for 35/., and in 169i^ in the Vlie, for about 26/. Sept. 11. A small gore of land given to Rip Van Dam, upon his peti- tioning for the same, at the present intersection of Liberty-street and Maiden-lane, of 103 feet in length, for the nominal sum of ten shillings, as being of little or no value to any one else but him ! This man was for- merly the lessee of the ferrj'. The ferry let this year for 213/. exhibiting an increased value over any previous year. The Bowlinsf Green Ioa.«ed. with walks therein. OF KEW-YORK. 51 for the beauty and ornament of the street, and for the recreation and delight of the inhabitants of this city ; and the streets each side to be 50 feet wide. Kip's Bay and Turtle Bay mentioned and re- served as winter harbours for shipping. 1733. — May 5. Courtlandt-street opened by the proprietors, and registered as a public street. Rev. Mr. Charlton had liberty to make a key to the library room, and to make a catalogue and ar- range the same. 40^ a year salary paid to a schoolmaster, Alex- ander Malcolm, for teaching Latin, Greek, and mathematics. Law passed to preserve the fish in fresh water pond, now Canal-street and the contiguous streets. All Beekman's swamp sold to Roosevelt for one hundred pounds. The Quakers restored, by Act of Legislature, to their right of voting, of which they had been de- prived for several years. 1734. — Treasurer ordered to provide a suitable cloth to cover the table in the court room, of blew^ or green cloth, not over 12s. per yard. The charter printed by John Peter Conger for IL and sold at 3s. a copy. House of Correction or Bridewell instituted. The Battery ordered to be always kept clear of houses, from Whitehall to Eeld's corner, (Market- field-street.) The government of the colony at this time was arbitrary, and the press was put under restraint. 1735. — Paul Richard^ Mayor. Gerardus Stuy- vesant, Deputy Mayor. ^^talls let in the market-house at Burger's patli» 5^ CHKONOLOGICAL HISTORY for 46/. ; stalls in the Fly-market for 26/. : only 14 butchers, and 7^7. for yearly rent of stalls. For the present value of stalls., &c. see the Description of the Fulton Market. March 7. Gov. Cosby died, and on the 30th of October, George Clarke was appointed Governor. 1736. — July 22. Water-street first mentioned as extending fiom Maiden-lane to Countess' Key and Rodman's wharf " Ordereii, that Servos VHerboom, Jacob Pitt, and Abram Blanck. three ancient and infini) caitruen, be licensed ti- sit upon the sliatts of their carts, and drive the same fii> tb-^ir ease and reU>-f. and better support of themselves and family, provided they drive not their carts faster ;ban a walk or foot pace, and not a trot, but slowly and patiently." Gaming houses denounced by law. 1737. — Town of Brooklyn disputed the Corpo- ration right to the ferry, and the city retained the Recorder, Daniel Horsmander, and Joseph Mur? ray, Esq. as counsel, for a doubloon each. The good debts due the city were 387/. 1 5s. Id. The 6ac2 debts do. 1-240 3 6 1627/ 19s Id. A market-house erected in Broadway, opposite Crown-street, (Liberty-street.) 1738. — June 28. Quarantine laws passed to pre^ vent the importation of the smallpox and spotted fever from South Carolina, Antigua, and Barbadoes. 1739. — John Cruger^ Mayor. Oct. 23. — England declared war against Spain, and the captain of an English ship of war got per- mission from the Governor and C^ouncil to impress thirty seamen ; but the JMayor, Cruger, strenuously opposed it, and saved the country from this disgrace in future. UF NEW-YORK. do Number of houses, 1416, only 16 having been built in 7 years. 1 740. — New- York Society Library founded. 1741. — March 18. A dreadful fire broke out in the Fort, which destroyed the Secretary's Office, and the old Dutch Church. A reward of lOOZ. was offered to discover the perpetrator of the same. In this and the following year, the yellow fever prevailed to an alarming extent, and a memoir of the same was written by Lieut. Gov. Golden, for which the thanks of the Common Council of the city were voted to him. THE NEGRO PLOT. Tlje celebrated Negro Plot, in )741, occurred when tbere were about twelve thousand inhabitants in this citj', of which one sixth part were negro slaves. " After a lapse of nearly a century, we look back with astonishment on the panic occasioned by the Negro Plot, and the rnncorous hatred that prevailed here againsithe Roman Cat holies. To judge trom tradi tion, and the journal of the proceedings against the conspirators, no doubt can b*- had of the actual existence of a plot ; but its extent could never have been so great as the terror of those times depicted. The very mode adopted to discover abettors by mutual criminations and confes- sions, tended in the progress of the trials to inculpate every negro slave in the city. We accordingly find, that the number of conspirators daily increased. As it was impossible to prove all equally guilt}', the ring- leaders only were executi d ; and those who. to save their lives, plead guilty, and threw themselves on the mercy of the court, were trass- ported. " Insurrections and conspiracies were at this juncture frequent in the West India islands, and great apprehensions were entertained of an inva- sion by the French and Spaniards These circumstances aggravated the horror of a domestic plot to such a degree, that the white inhabitants, re- garding every negro slave as an incendiary and an assassin, carried their apprehensions and resentment bej'ond all bounds. "A holy hatred of thf Roman Cathjlics was at that period inculcateil by church and state. Our Dutch forefathers, glowing with all the zeal of the early reformers, emigrated to this country shortly after the eman- cipation of the United Netherlands from the Spanish yoke, and tbstered alt the rancour of their race against i'apists and Spaniards. It was the policy of the English government, after the conquest, to cherish this ani- mosity, and those of our readers who were born and educated before the American Revolution, will recollect how religiously they were taught to abhor the Pope, Devil, and Pretender. The act of our Provincial Assembly, against Jesuits and Papist priests, passed 2d William aiul Mary, and which continued in full force until our independence, was 'Mving. not onlv to these prejudices, but to the exposed situation of tho 64 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY colony, the northern frontier of which was bounded by Canada, at tbui lime in possession of France, the natural and ever-daringr enemy ot England. The intolerant spirit of tliis act shows the horror and detestJi- tion in which the Roman Catholics were held, and will account why so few of this profession existed in this city and colony before the revo- lution. " In estimating this singular event in our colonial history, the circum- stances of the times should be duly considered beiore we too hastily condemn the bigotry and cruelty of our predeces^irs. The advantages of a liberal, indeed of the pJainest cilucation, vas the happy lot of veiy few. Intercourse between the colonies and the mother country, and be- tween province and province, was vpry rare. Ignorance and ^liberal prejudices universally prevailed. Their more faroureil and enli^jhtened posterity will thprefor>^ draw a veil of filial affection over the invt»luiiiary errors of their forefathers, antut of the roof of His Majesty's house, at Fort George, within this city, near the chapel, on the east side, and the wind blowing a violent gale at southeast, it soon became im|)ossible to stop its progress. The cit'zens and engines assembled promptly <>n the ringing of the chapel belj, and assisted in saving the records and papers in the office of the Secreiary of Siate. over the fort g.ite, which foriunately were preserved, although in the hurry they were t»)ssed out at the windows, and the papers blown and scattered. AtJ alarm being given, the people were soon after fearful of an explosion, and stood aloof, although assured by the Governor that it was groundless. In one hour and a quarter, the Governor's house, and the vencrr^ble old Dutch Church, weje thus con- sumed. A plumber had that morning been at work, with h'S pot of coals and soldering iron, •'> mend a leak in the gutter, between the house and the chapel, and the high wind had no doubt blown some sparUs. on the dry shingles, or under the eaves. On the 25th of March, a week after the fire at the fort, another broke out at the southwest end of the town, and on the 1st of April, another at the east end of the town, at Van Zandt's, corner of Burling's slip and Water-street. On the 4th of April, two other alarms were made, and fires discovered; and on the 5lh, being Sunday, Mr. Murray's haystack, standing near some stnbles and houses in Broad- way, had some live coals put under it, which weat out of themselves. On Monday, Uiree more tires occurred, a.id the panic commenced. IMany negroes were arrested, and the investigations were long and intricate. By the course of the evidence it appeared, that thi- city was destined to be fired, anil the inhabitants massacred on coming out of the English Church in Broadway. Si. Patrick's night was selected to begin the bloody scene, and many Irish Catholics, lately arrived, enlisted in the gang, were even detected as being concerned. The negroes were led on by a villain named Hugh- son, at whose house they were freely entertained, and brought their stolen g'oods, and were sworn to secrecy. Ury, a priest, was also deeply con- cerned. «F NEW-YOKK, do It is somewbnt remarkable, that London bas had its Popish Plot and fire : Boston and Salem its delusions of witrhcraft, and New-York its Negro Plot, and there can be no doubt that some innocent persons were at those limes accused, an.i suffered. One hundred and fifty-four negrroes, and twenty white persons, were eommitted to prison, of which fift\-five were convicted, and seventy eight confessed. Thirteen negroes' were burnt at the stake, at a place then out of town, but situated near the present intersection of Pearl and Chaibam-street, where there formerly was a hollow place, as recollected by one of our oldest citizens, who was present at the execution, and de- Clares that the horrible shrieks and cries ot the miserable victims still dwell on bis memory. Twenty « ere hung, (one in chains, •' on the island, by the powder-house," where the Arsenal t>ow is, in Elm-stieet.) Seventy were transported to forpi n parts, viz. Newfoundland. Madeira, Hispani- Ola, Cape Francois. Curac Ja. Surinam. &.c. &;c. and fifty were discharged. Although the black population has increased from that period lo the present, in this city, yet the proportion they noio bear to the whites is much less than at that time, being only oue-twelflh part ; then they were one-sixth. Oct. 7. Mothers or fathers of bastard children to pay a fine of \0l. or suffer corporal punishment. Cards, truck, or billiard playing prohibited under a penalty of 25Z. ; and a bill passed to prevent clan- destine marriages. Thirty-six watchmen appointed, and divided into three divisions, to watch alternately. Bedlow's Island used as a smallpox hospital. 1742. — Extreme fears were entertained of the negroes, and unusual precautions used to guard against surprise, and to prevent the blacks collecting together. 1743. — Arrived, George Clinton, Captain-Gene- ral and Governor of the province. Wheat quoted at 3s. i'd. a bushel. The various slips, viz. Old, Fly, and Beekman's, indicted as nuisances. The yellow fever prevailed in the vicinity of the tan vats and docks. At this time, coal was imported from England, as cheaper fuel than wood, which was 30s. N. York currency per fathom. 56 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTOKl 1744. — Land granted to Capt. Peter Warren, tbi public services. Oct. 15. Stephen Bayard, Mayor. 1745. — Only one coach in iNevv-York, and thai belonged to Lady Murray : and to go and deal in the market, the Dutch language must be spoken. April 19. James Parker, printer, appointed libra- rian to the Corporation, with liberty to let out the books* to be read, at six pence a-piece, and those borrowing to give security for double the value of each set taken out, the corporation to have the pre- ference ; and Parker to keep the books in repair at his own cost, and to send for new books to supply the place of old ones lost, (This was undoubtedly the first Circulating or Public Library ever kept in this city.) Wednesday, July 10. News arrived, and was communicated to the Mayor and Corporation by the Governor, that H. M.'s forces had captured Capo Breton, and ordered in consequence that a great bonfire be made at Spring Garden, and twenty gal Ions be sent there to be given to the people. 1746. — 40,000/. was raised in the colony by tax, to carry on the French war in Canada. AU5.29. "Resolred, nem. con. dis., That this board attend the drawing of •he governnieni lottery, i»i their turns, viz. the Mayor and Recorder the first day, and on the next, the senior Aldermen and Council man, and so on." 1747.— Jan. 14. A fire mentioned as having occurred at the City Hall, and the sum of eight pounds was voted to he given to two firemen, Dun- can Brown anci James Evetts, tor their activity and exertions in extin- guishing the fire. Sewer in Broad-street arched with stone, kc. » A Magazine for powder, built in a hollow, near the Poor-house, which sto(Kl then on the Commons, now the Park. The Poor house, Work- house, and House of Correction, were all under one house and keeper. June 4, Petition to Gov. Clinton, to relieve the citizens from the dutir^s * The Millington Library. ©P NEW-YORK- 07 oi a military watch, in tlie fort, which they had been subiect to for some time, owing to the absence of the Kinj^'s troops, at All)any, and on the frontiers. It is stated that each man's turn came round once in about five weeks. Oct. 2. " An Essay in writing:, showing- the duty and office of vesti-ymen of this citv, was presented to this bmen of this city for 1746, was read and considered ; and the board takinjj the same into con- sideration and being: willing to encourage xvords of this kind, ordered that the same be printed at the cha*^ge of this Corporation." 50 copies were printed, at an expense of 41. by James Parker, the primer and libra- rian. Oct. 14. Edward Holland, Mayor. Dec. 28. Ferry lease-d for 455/. per annum ! a great advance upon the previous years. In 1732, it was fanned at 243/. 1748.— Feb. 19. " Ordered, That every rommon Council man, on being summoned by notice left at his bouse by some white person, and not at- tending at half an hour after 'he ringing of the bell, be fined 2s. 6d. ; or if not attending at all on thai day, 6s." April 13. Israel Horsfield, of Brooklyn, sold to the Corporation his lot of ground there, 24 feet in breadth, and forty odd feet in length, ivith some ground behind lU for 70C/. June 28. A French privateer captured by John Burgiss, 6 leagues from Sandy Hook, under a great disparity of force, and brought into this city, and the freedom of the city was presented to him therefor. Council petitioned the Governor to prohibit the export of flour to the West indies, as the poor were suffering here by scarcity. Nicholas Bayard, owner of a strip of ground on the west side of the Broadway, adjoining the Eng- lish churchyard and the chief justice's lot, offered, if the city would give him as much off from the south side as he owned on the north, he would leave a street 21 feet in width, (Thames-street,) from Broad- way to Camfort's Dock. Agreed to. Ferry-street opened by Roosevelt. Number of houses this year, 1834 — increase 418 m 11 years. 58 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY 1750.— A Theatre established. April 26. Dey-street opened, regulated, ana paved, and mentioned that from Broadway to the river, at high-water mark, was a descent of 26 feet 2 inches. The markets leased to Skaats for 106^. per ann., and the slips for 1 IC/. The Mayor claimed the rent of the markets as clerk of the same by charter, but the Council refused to allot him the same. Aug. 16. Beekman-street laid out, and paved. Aug. 31. 196 persons licensed to sell liquors, who paid for their licenses 261:;/. t's. 1751. — Moravian Church in Fulton-street built. 1752, — St. George's Church in Beekman-street built. Jacob Turk ordered to buy six small speaking truiivpets for the Corporation. Exchange built at the lower end of Broad-street, on the west side, by private subscription, and the Corporation gave 100/ towards the same. 1753. — March 23. Petition for a ferry to be es- tablished to Harsimus, and the landing to be at the west end of Pearl-street. Oct. 10. James Delancey, Governor. In the winter of this and the three following years, the weather was so mild that sloops went from New- York to Albany in January and February. 1754. — Convention of Delegates from the colo- nies met at x'Mbany. King's (now Columbia) College, founded. 1755. — The Exchange let for one year from the nth February, for 30/. Ferry to Staten Island established. All the streets in the North ward paved. OF NEW-YORK. 6^ bept. 'iO. Sir Charles Hardy, Governor. One thousand stand of arms imported from Eng- land by the Corporation, at an expense of 3000L and deposited in the City Hall ; and the Corporation petitioned the Governor for a lottery, to raise money to pay off this " excessive and alarming" debt. Broadway, on the west side, near the Oswego market, ordered to be dug, paved, and fenced in. Armament fitted out from New-York for the French war in Canada ; and batteaux built, near Dey-street, where Franklin House now stands. 1756. — April 2. Council purchased fifty })ounds of pistol poivder, and fixed up the cartridge-boxes in the City Hall. May 5. '' Ordered, That Mr. Lispenard and Mr. Van Ranst be a committee to remove the gallows from where it now stands, to the place where the negroes were burnt, some five years ago, at the foot of the hill called Catiemut's hill, near the fresh water, (now Collect and Pearl-street.) Nov. 10. E, Holland died, and on the 12th Nov., John Cruger was appointed Mayor. This Mr. Cruger was son to the former mayor of that name. Nov. 19. St. Andrew's Society established. 1767. — The Corporation had barracks made for 300 men. The house was 420 feet leng, 21 feet wide, 2 stories high, and 20 rooms on a floor. It was built on the Commons, between the Jail and Catiemut's hill, (near the School House in Chatham- street and Cross-street, near the Rotunda.) The sum of 3500/. was received from the Treasurer of the Colony, for the barracks and support of soldiers. Dec. — A fire mentioned as occurring in the fort. 1758.— Ferry to Long Island leased for 660?. per annum. ^)^) OHSOISOLOGICAL HISTORV Bedlow's Island purchased by the Corporation for lOOOZ., of Archibald Kennedy, to erect a pest- house thereon. The Exchange leased for 50^. The Corporation muskets in the City Hall wanted for the northern army ; and sold for 31. 5s. each, including cartouch-box filled with ammunition. New gaol erected. Legislative laws enacted to prevent importation of contagious diseases. Mention of one or more public papers printed. 1 759 Bills of credit issued by the colony to the amount of ^10,000Z. March 14th. — Chatham-street began to be laid out and a few houses erected. Several lots of ground leased for 2 1 years, between the new jail and Capt. Brown's house, near the pa- lisadoes, where the windmill formerly stood, to com- mence on the 1st of 3Iciy, at 31. \0s. per annum each. Thirty pounds per acre paid for land in the out ward. 1 760. — Baptist church in Gold-street built. Name of Burling-slip occurs. Cadwallader Colden, Governor. Address and vote of thanks to General Amherst, for his services in Canada. The freedom of the city presented in a gold box. 1161. — Vesey -street regulated and paved: also Division or Partition-street. Lamps and lamp-posts purchased. The steeple of 'Frinity church struck by lightning, and consumed to the belfry. 1762.-— Lots near Spring garden leased at 41. per annum. (IF NEW-yOKK. bl (One hundred and two pounds given by the Cor- poration to refugees from St. John's, Newfoundland. No rain fell in this city from May till November, and this is recorded as the most remarkable drought ever known in this country. Sixty-six firemen in the city. 1763. — Complaints made by the citizens in a petition to the Gorpoiation of the high prices of meat,&c. " as considerably higher than other cities;" and iu consequence, a law was passed regulating tAe price of such things, which gave ofl'ence to the country people and to the butchers, as will be seen , fur on the 23d of December, '' John Carpenter, butcher, declared he would sell his beef for four pence a pound, in spite of ail that the wise heads could do, or words to thai ciTect :" and in consequence, his license was taken from him, he was turned out of the market, and also disfran- chised!! (This would now be considered as rather a harsh and unjust measure, and totally unjustifiable upon lair principles of political economy.) The following were the prices assessed by the Corporation for the. most important articles in market to be sold for, viz. beef H^d. per lb. — pork 5d. l>er lb. — hind quarter of veal 5d. per lb — fore quarter 4irf. per lb. — mutton 'lid. per lb. — butter Is. 3d. per lb. — milk 6 c ppers , er quart. This year the Methodists were fir^; introduced in I New- York. Some persons, member:^ of Wesley's Society, from England and Ireland, settled in various places ; and some few years after, two local preach- ers began to preach in New- York and one in Mary- land, and made some converts. About this time, a Mr. Webb, lieutenant in the army, preached at New- York and Philadelphia with great success ; and with tiie assistance of friends, erected a chapel in New- York, the first in America. 1764. — Trial of Forsey and Cunningham, in a case of assault and battery ; chiefly remarkable as it presents a case till then unprecedented, of setting aside the verdict of a jury without granting a new trial. 1765.— St. Paul's church built. Oct. — A Congress met at New- York, and dele- gates sent from the colonies. Grrnf excitement existed in the citv, and a civil 6 (i^ CHKOJSrOLOGICAL HlSTORk war feared. The Corporation induced the Govern- or and Commander-in-chief to deposit the stamped paper^ which was the cause of the offence, in the City Hall for safe keeping. The Stamp act was burnt, a non-importation agreement made by the citizens, and the spirit of whig and tory ran high. A great mob on the 1st of November : the Govern- or and the devil, holding the Stamp act, were burnt in effigy, after being paraded through the streets. Archibald Kennedy, William M'-Adam, and Cor- nelius Van Voorste petitioned for an exclusive ferry to the Jersey shore. The library room in the City Hall repaired ; and Mr. Thomas Jackson appointed librarian, and di- rected to let the books out for hire as follows, viz. folios 2^. a week, quartos 1*., octavos 6d.- his sa- lary 41. per annum, and his attendance to deliver and receive books to be on (Mondays and Thursdays from half past eleven till one o'clock. Robinson-street (now Park Place) laid out and regulated. 1766. — Governor Moore arrived. Grant of ground to the Dutch church of 28 lots for a burial place, viz. 10 lots bounded north on Queen-street, 8 lots east and south on Thomas-street, and 10 lots west on George-street, " some larger and some smaller." The Presbyterian church also petitioned, in a long and eloquent appeal, for the angular lot., lately called the vineyard ; stating the great increase of that persuasion : and the land asked for was unani- mously granted to them, at a rent of forty pounds per annum, as follows, viz. 152 feet on the south- west, 214 on north-west, 62 on north-east, and 200 OF KEW-YORK. 63 m\ the south-east side ; and the present Brick church m Beekman-street erected thereon in 1767. The grant was to John Rogers and Joseph Treat, minis- ters, and John Morrin Scott, Peter R. Livingston, and others as trustees. Powles Hook ferry let at 40/. per annum 1 (when at the same time the ferry over the East river brought 660Z.) and the landing established at the lower end of Thomas or Thames-street, at Roosevelt's pier. Wharves and slips let for 620/. per annum, and market stalls for 440/. Oct. 14th. — Whitehead HicJcs^ Mayor, and the last one appointed under the colonial government, he having been regularly appointed till 1776, a pe- riod of ten years. 1767. — Lutheran (German) church built in the swamp, corner of William and Frankfort-streets. Powles Hook ferry leased this year for 310Z. Bridewell rooms in the jail house. 1 768. — The Scotch Presbyterian church in Cedar- street built. Ihe first Methodist church built in America, erected in John-street. Vandewater-street regulated. Chamber of commerce established. 1769. — The New-York hospital founded by sub- scription. The North Dutch church in William-street built. The General Assembly denied the power of Great Britain to impose taxes. 1770. April 1 2th.- Marine Society incorporated. A house let to the surgeons and physicians for a hall, situated on the commons near the jail. Feb. 2d. — The citizens, animated with the spirit t>4 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORl of liberty, notified the Common Council that they were determined to erect a liberty pole opposite St. Paul's church in Chatham-street ; but the Corpora- tion refused the spot, and it was erected on private ground near. April 10th. — Cost of lamps, hghting the city, &,c. 760/. per annum. May i 7th.— Statue of his Majesty King George the third ordered to be erected in the Bowling-green ; and a statue of William Pitt, Earl of Chatham^ erected in Wall-street at the intersection of William- street. The Council, who had for some time past opened their sittings to the public, now closed them again on the citizens. 1771.— Ferry to Powles Hook let for 120Z. per annum. May 3d. — Iron railing made round the Bowling- green for 800Z. Warren-street laid out and regulated. Market house near Hudson river, foot of Dey- street. Lot granted for an hospital, 124 by 248 feet. 1773. — Murray-street regulated. The tea ships sent back to London. 1774. — Deputies sent to the American Congress at Philadelphia. Feb. 22. Fire in the fort. Gov. Tryon lost his papers, furniture, &c. and the Corporation address- ed him a letter of condolence : he soon after went to England. About this time, the names of the Common Council began to be entered on the minutes when voting on important questions, pro and con. April 22, Christopher Colles proposed t© erect a OP NEW-i'^OUK. b.) reservoir, and to convey water through the several streets. " Read and referred." Chatham-street, so named, (after the popular Earl of Chatham,) leading from St. Paul's Church to- wards fresh water. 1775. — March 6. Battle in the city between the whigs and tories ; the latter defeated. June 24. Gov. Tryon arrived in New-York. Aug. ^2. The Asia, British man-of-war, fired upon the city in the night, and threw the inhabitants into the utmost alarm and dismay. 1776. — In January and February, a detachment of American militia marched into the city, and early in the spring, the whole army followed. July 2. British troops land at Staten Island. July 8. The equestrian statue of King George, in the Bowling Green, destroyed. Independence proclaimed, and read to each bri- gade of the continental army. Aug. 26. Battle on Long Island. New-York captured by the enemy. Sept. 21. The great fire. 492 houses, l-8th part of the city burnt. Mr. Gritn's Account of the great Fire, 21st Sept. 1776. The fire of 1776 commeiice«l in a small wooflen house, on the wharf, near the Wliitehall slip. It whs then orcupied by a number of men and women, of a bad chan.cter The fire began late at night. There being but a very few inhabitants in the city, in a short time, it raged tremen- dously. It burned all the houses on the east side of Whitehall slip, and the. west side of Umad-street to Beaver-street. A providential and happy circumstance occurred at this lime: tl:e wmd was then southw.-sierly. About 2 o'clock that morning, the wind veered to the southeast : this car- ried the flames of the fire to the northwestward, and burned both sides of Beaver-street to the east side of Broadway, then crossed Broadway to Beaver-lane, and burning all the houses on both sides of Broadway, with some few houses in New-street, to Rector-street, and to John Harrison, Esq.'s three story brick house, which house slopped the lire on the ea^st side of Broadway ; from thence it continued burning all the houses in Lumber-street, and those in the rear of the houses on the west side of Broadwav to Ht. Paul's Church, then continueeing contiguous to houses adjoining the same fire, it was impossible to s.i ve it from destruction. This fire was so furious and violently hot, that no person could go near it, and there were no fire engines to be had at that lime in the city. The number of houses that were burned and destroyed in this city at that awful conflagration, were thus, viz. : From Mortkile-street to Courtlandt-street, 167 From Courtlandt-street to Beaver-street, 175 From Beaver-street to the East River, 151 Total, - 493 There being very few inhabitants in the city at the time, and many of those were afraid to venture at night in the streets, for fear of being taken up as suspicious persons. An instance to my knowledge occurred. A Mr. White, a decent citizen and house carpenter, rather too violent a loyalist, and latterly, had ad- dicted himself to liquor, was, on the night of the fire, hanged on a tavern sign post, at the corner of Cherry and Roosevelt-street. Sevei a) of the citizens were sent to the provost guard for examination, and some of them remained there i%vo and three days, until they ceuld give satisfactory evi- dence of their loyalty. Mr. Hugh Gain, in his Universal Register for the year 1787, page 119, says, New-Yorii is about a mile and a half in length, and half a mile broad, containing, before the fires on the 2!st of September, 1776, and 3d of August, 1778, about 4200 houses, and 30,000 inhabitants. 1777. — First constitution of the state adopted at Kingston. A French fleet, consisting of 12 ships of the hhe, and some frigates, with GOOO troops on board, ar- rived off Sandy Hook, but declined an engagement with the British fleet, and repaired to Newport 1778. — The winters of this and the following year were extremely mild. OF NEW-YOBK. 67 Mr. Lriim's Account of tkt great Fire, Aug. 3, illS. Another preat fire happened on tlie 3d of August, 1778, on Cruerer's wharf, in which there were about 50 nouses consumed. The cause of so many houses beinj;;- burned at this time, was the military officers taking (the ordering^ and directing of tlie fire from the firemen. The citizens complained tltereof to the Commander-in-Chief, who immediately gave I out, in general orders, that in future, no military man should interfere iAvith any fire that may happen in the oily, but leave the extinguishing thereof to the entire directions of the firemen and inhabitants. The military should place sentries over the goods that were saved from the fire. 1780.~May 19. A celebrated and fearful dark- ness commenced in the atmosphere at 10 o'clock in the morning, which lasted for several hours. A Coffee House estabiished. Very severe winter. The harbour entirely frozen over, and the British army endangered. The winter of 17B0 was so inlensely cold, thSt two cakes of ice completely closed the North River, from Powles Hook ferry to that of Courllandt- street. Hundreds of persons crossed daily: artillery, slays with provi- sions and stores of all kinds, passed the biidge of ice. It continued for some considerable time. Gov. Trj'on caused the same to be measureUj and found the North Itiver, in that place, two thousand vards wide. D. G. 1782. — Sir Guy Carleton commanded the British army in New- York. 1783.— Nov. 25. The city evacuated by the British troops, and Gen Washington entered at the head of the American army. On the 25th of November, the day appointed for the evacuation of this city, the American troops, under the command of Major General Knox, early in the morning, entered into the suburbs of (he city, and remained in the Bowery until noon, when the T'ritish army was withdrawn from their various posts, and were relieved by tlie Americans. A large number of tories and loyalists also left the ciiy with the British fleet, fearing to encounter the fury of their returning countrymen. As soon as the city was quietly in the possession of the American army. General Knox, with a great number of respectable citizens on horseback, repaired to the Bowery to receive His Kxtellency General Washington, and George Clinton, the Governor of the state ; who, with iheir respective suites, and followed by the Lieutenant Governor ard Senators, the officers of the army, and citizens on horseback, eight abreast, and cirizens on foot, four abreast, entered the city through the Bowery, Chatham, and Tearl-street, to the Baitery, where they found the British flag still tlying. OS our foes had greased the sliiff so liberally, thai some time clajxsed be. fore it could be hauled flovvji, and the (hirtef-n stars and striates hoisted in its piftre. 68 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTOK\ A public dinner was given the same day to Washington and his general officers, at the principal tavern, then situated on the corner of Wall and .Nassau-street, and in the evening, a splendid display of fireworks was made in the Bowling Green, under the direction of the French officers. This happy annivei sary has ever since been properly commemorated in the recollection of our citizens. At this period, there was not more than twenty thousand inhabitants in this town, but the citizens soon returned to their homes, from which they had been exiled seven years. The city did not extend farther north than Murray street. Most of the houses even in the best streets were built of wood. I he line of works erected by the British during the war, and which extended across the island, was near Duanestreet, and thence in an ir- regular line towards Corlaer's Hook, many remains of which were to be seen in various places until within ten years past; and for several years after the war, the land in the vicinity of the Hospital and Broadway, without the lines, was a rural, secluded spot. The large sheet of water called the Collect, or fresh water, which nearly intprsecti d the island, then laved the foot of several lofty hills surrounding it, which have since been entirely levelled. Most of the streets in the old parts of the city, were narrow, crooked, and poorly paved, and numerous vacant lots existed. All the churches but the Episcopal had been'destroyed, or u«ed for military purposes, such as hospitals, barracks, riding schools, &c There were no public monied or charitable institutions, no banks or insurance offices : trade was at a low ebb; education had been entirely neglected, and the schools and col- lege were shut up. Such was the g.oomy condition of this city, which had not been rebuilt from the ruins of ihe great fires which took place during the war; but the scene soon changed when the regular municipal government of the x:ity was re-established, and the country at large began to revive from the shock of the revolution. The books and accounts of the Corporation, du- ring the revohjtionary war, were taken away by Mr. Cruger, (treasurer,) who joined the British army, and left this country. 1784. — The civil authority again resumed their functions, and endeavoured to restore order out of confusion — to collect the city debts and rents, which had fallen greatly in arrear, and were, in a great measure, totally lost during the war — to trace out and secure the public property of every description, such as leased ground, water lots, &c. The seat of the State Government was removed to Albany, and the Council of Appointment vested with authority to name all civil officers in the state. OP NEW- YORK. 69 which before the war was exercised by the Go- vernor. Feb. 10. James Duane, Mayor. Richard A^arick, Recorder. April 14. The Exchange, in Broad-street, turned into a market-place. Sept. 11. La Fayette arrived in the city to em- bark for France, and was waited upon by the Cor- poration with an address, and the freedom of the city voted to him. Oct. 2. John Jay arrived from Europe, and was welcomed by the Corporation, who paid him the highest honours in their power. Oct. 6. Baron Steuben arrived, and was addressed by the Corporation, and the freedom of the city voted to him. Dec. 2. Gen. Washington arrived, and was re- ceived with the greatest enthusiasm by the citizens. The Corporation made him an address of congratu- lation and thanks, and voted the freedom of the city, Elizabeth town Ferry leased for 66/. a year. Streets cleaned for 150/. per annum. Wells and pumps repaired for 140/. per annum. Samuel Ogden proposed to establish waterworks. This subject has been before the citizens at different times for fifty years past, and is "not yet effectually executed. Greenwich-street regulated. Water lots offered to those whose lands had been taken to make the street, but the owners refused to take them in ex- change. Lot No. 1 16 Chatham-street, leased for 21 years, at 61. per annum. 70 CHRONOLOGICAL MTSTORr '• Lot No. 18 Chatham-street, leased for 21 years, at 41. per annum. The Corporation offered any accommodation in their power for the Federal Congress. 1786. — The first Congress of the United States, after the revolutionary war, met in New-York, and was organized in the City Hall that stood in Wall- street, corner of Nassau-street. A sale of 8 Corporation Lots, near the Bear- market, for 2879/. 8s., and one lot for 300/., and the proceeds applied to extinguish the city debts. Staten Island Ferry leased for 20/. a year. Mr. St. John, Consul of France^ asked leave for the Roman Catholics to meet in the Exchange, for a place of public worship. May 2. Gen. Washington made a reply to the address of the Corporation. Arrearages of quit rents from 1st May, 1776, to 24th November, 1783, given up by the Corporation to all who had left the city during the war. The Bank of New-York in operation. Oct. 5. A petition of Thomas Pool, praying that he may be permitted to exhibit some feats of horse- manship in the Bowhng Green, was read and re- jected. The salary of the Mayor 250/. per annum. Oct. 14. A donation of 40/. made to the Corpo- ration, for the use of the poor, by the company of Comedians, was by the Common Council '^ ordered to be returned, with a note of disapprobation at the establishment of a Play House without having been licensed, as unprecedented and offensive ; and while so great a part of the city was still lying in ruins, and the citizens still suffering under distress, there is a loud call to industry and economy, and it would OF -VEW-yuKJv. 71 be unjustitiable in them to countenance expensive und enticing amusements. That among those, a Play House, however regulated, was to be number- ed, while, if under no restraint, it may prove a fruit- ful source of dissipation, criminahty, and vice." Manumission Society established. 1786. — Robert R. Livingston proposed to con- tract with the Corporation for conveying the fresh water into the city. He received the direction and use of the Bowling Green- Annual city expenses 10,308?. 45. Mulberry-street opened and regulated. Market-house established at Catherine-slip. Nov. 15. Bakers not allowed to carry biscuit or rusk round the streets. Dec. 13. Great fall of snow. St. Peter's Church, (the first Roman Catholic edifice built in this city,) Barclay-street. 1787. — 364 tavern (or dram shop) licenses, at 30s. each, 546Z. Corporation lots leased for 21 years, at Peck- slip, for 35s. and 28s. per foot. Humane Society estabhshed. April 3. Monument to Gen. Montgomery, made by order of Congress, and was ordered by the Cor- poration to be placed in front of St. Paul's Church. James-street regulated. This state, from its first settlement till this year, presented no instance of divorce., in any case what- ever. 1788. — April. A great riot in the city, caUedthe Doctors' Mob, occasioned by indiscreet exposure and dissection of dead bodies at the Hospital. The mob attacked the jail in a furious manner, to maS' 72 tSKONOLGGIC'AL HlSTOii\ sacre some of the physicians who had taken refuge there, but they were repulsed, and several persons killed. An officer and 15 of the militia were or- dered out to guard the jail. Trinity Church rebuilt. The New-York Society Library kept in a room in the City Hall. July 26. New Constitution of the United States adopted by the Legislature, and a grand federal pro- cession made in this city. 1789. — General illumination on the President of the United States (Gen. Washington,) arriving in town. April 30. His inauguration, as President of the United States, took place in the gallery, in front of the old City Hall, facing Broad-street. Market fees 580/. 91 acres of the Commons sold for 2409/. to T. Buchanan and others. Broadway opened through the Fort to the Bat- tery. The City Hall repaired and enlarged, for the use of the Congress, at a great expense to the city, who borrowed the money from the bank, and some pri- vate contributions were raised. The whole was expended under the superintendence of Major L'Enfant, who received the thanks of the Corpora- tion, the freedom of the city, and was offered a lot of ten acres of the public land, near Provost's lane or street, but politely declined the same. Oct. 14. Richard Varick, Mayor, and so con- tinued till 24th August, 1801. Samuel Jones, Recorder, (now Chancellor.) Dec. 4. House and lot corner of Broad and Wall- OF MI'.V-i'OiiK. Street, purchased by tiie Corporation lor lour Iiini dred and fifty pounds. Salary of the Mayor, commuted ibr 600Z. per annum. Corporation issued 1000/. of paper money, for public accommodation, in one, two, and three penm' bills. Money raised by lottery. Adoption of the new Federal Constitution, and a great procession and show made through the city. 1790. — July 15. 28 Creek Indians arrived, and concluded a treaty with Congress. The salary of the Mayor was 7001-. per annum. Dec. 11. Census of the city, 29,900. The expense of taking the census, 155/. 5s. Sd, 1791 . — Jan. 2. Severe winter. Supphes of wood given to the poor. The exports this year from New- York to foreign ports, amounted to <52,505,465. Oct. 4. The city divided into seven wards. Feb. 25, The freedom of the city awarded to Major General Horatio Gates, the hero of Sara- toga, and tlie capturer of Burgoyne. March 21. A further issue of paper money by the Corporation, in one, two, and three penny notes, for city change. The city lamps ordered to be 114 feet apart, an- gularly. Bedlow's Island leased out for 28 years, at 10/ per annum. Rutgers' right io freshwater pond^ (now filled up^ and forming the site of Canal-street, and many ex tonsivo and vnluablc blocks of ground in the centrf' i4 (UIligXOLOGICAL IIlSTcH<\ of the cilv,) wr.s purchased ])v the Corporation for 1301. 100 lots of ground, in Broadway and adjacent streets, in the vicinity of tlie New-York Hospital, ^5 hy 100 feet, were offered for sale at 26/. per lot. The yellow fever prevailed in the vicinity of Bur- ling's shp. 1792. — March 14. General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen incorporated. Mechanic Hall huilt. The Tontine Coffee House in Wall-street built. Sept. 29. State-street laid out, and a great many other streets in the eastern and northern parts of the city, which was increasing with an>azing rapidity. Oct. 8. Apparatus for boring for water, imported by Abijah Hammond, Esq. from Boston, at his own expense, and presented to the Corporation, who ordered an experiment to be made on the lot adjoin- ing the City Hall. 1795. 721/. Bs- 0.-?. for 4S4 tavern licenfcs. 938 15 2 for fpcs in Fly, Feck slip, and Calbarine Blarket. 404 14 10 far fees in Oswego and Hudson Maihct. 20G4Z. 155. M. The Mayor's salary COO/, per annum. Lots filling in fast along Front and South-streets. May 27. A Musenm allov/ed in the City Hall. Aug. 21. A Watch-house erected in Wall-street. Sept. 16. The yellow fever prevailed in Philadel- phia, and caused great alarm inNev,-York : uncom- mon precautions were used to guard against its im- portation, and to prevent all intercourse with that city. The sum of ^5000 dollars was given by the Corporation to the distressed citizens of Philadel- phia, and the Bank of New-York loaned them \\w money, at 5 per cent. oi :>i:\v-v'OKK. to Jiattle ibuglit off Sandy Hook between the Bii- lish frigate Boston, and the French frigate Ambus- cade, in which both were severely crippled. 1 794. — Jan. 20. The new Ahus House, in Cham- bers-street, contemplated, and a grant for a lottery to raise 10,000Z. for that purpose, was given by the Le- gislature. Jan. 24. The various parts of a certain street call- ed Smith-street, WilUam-street, and King George's - street, ordered to be called William-street ; and Broadway, which was called from Vesey-street Great George-street, was ordered to take the name of Broadway in its whole extent ; and the continuous streets called Little Dock-street, Pearl-street, Hano- ver Square, and Queen-street, were ordered to be called Pearl-sired. April 14. Bcdlow's and Ellis's Island began to be fortified. Stone-street, Diike-street, and the little alley to Hanover Square, altered to Sione-slreet. Verlettenburgh, or Flattenbarrack-strcet, and Garden-street, altered to Garden-street. King-street named Pine-street. Little Qiieen-street called Cedar-sir eel. Crown-street called Liberty-street. Prince-street called Rose-street. Beaver and Princess-street called Beaver-street Ferry established to Nutten, or Governor's Island, at 3rf. each person — but all fatigue parties to pass gratis. The fort was now erecting on the island. Property at Bellevue purchased for 2000/. Corre permitted to sell small drinks on the Bat- tery, and to light a few lamps for the public benefit. Afterwards a Chinese pagoda, with a flagstaff was U:> lllKO^(;JL0t.'ICAL IllSTOllY erected on the spot, a few rods N. E. from the pre- sent bridge leading to tlie fort. Christ Church in Ann-street built, and the street paved and regulated. 1795. — St. MarUs Church in Stuyvesant-street built Also, the Baptist Church in Oliver-street. The New Alms House in Chambers-street built. Feb. 2. 622 paupers in the Alms House, of which 102 were born in New-York, 29 in England, 87 in Ireland, 30 in Scotland, 34 in Germany, 60 in the United States, and 21 others. The whole an- nual expense of their support was 8319/. 15s. Id. or \0d. each, per day, viz, for provisions, b\d.^ clothing, firewood, and medicine, 4|d. There were 73 persons on an average in Bridewell, who cost 600Z. over their earnings. March 16. The freedom of the city awarded to Alexander Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. April 7. Souih-stred laid out 70 feet Avide, and ordered that no water lots farther out be granted, or any more buildings erected in that direction. April 8. New-York Dispensary incorporated. April 20. Ricketis' Amphitheatre ofiered to exhibit one evening for the benefit of the poor, to purchase firewood, which was accepted by the Corporation, and the sum of )J^340 was collected on the occasion. Bakers allowed a profit of 12s. on 100 weight of flour. ^ Powles Hook ferry leased for 250/. per annum. ^ Hoboken ferry leased for 95/. per annum. June 1. Park Theatre erected. The yellow fever prevailed to an alarming degree : m this city during the summer and fail, 732 per- ^: s«ns died with it dnrinc" the season. OF .NT.w-Yoiiiv. ;; Oct. 0. ;^7000 remitted from the citizens of Phi- ladelphia, by Matthew Clarkson, mayor, for the re- lief of the distressed citizens of New-York, and also ^505 25 from the citizens of Southwark. 1796. — Potter's field bought for a burial place, and a keeper appointed at 65. a day. Superintendent of public works and repairs ap- pointed. West-street surveyed and laid out, and the city bounded and limited on the Hudson River. State Prison at Greenwich built. New- York Missionary Society established. Lot on tlie S. W. coriier o( Broad and Wall-street purchased by the Corporation for SOOl. July 1 9. Some sickness this season. A ship with 400 emigrants arrived, 'Av.d they beinix i^i a sickly state, were not allowed to land, and ^800 v/ere appropri- ated to support tliom during quarantine. Bedlow's Island given up to the state of New- Y^ork for the nominal sum of 8s. for a Lazaretto. 944Z. school money received from the state, and divided as follows : to the Episcopal Free School, 1 10/., to the Presbyterian do. 200/., to the Reformed Dutch do. 250/., to the German Lutlieran do. 54^., to the Scotch Presbyterian do. 100/., to the African Free School, 2.^0/. New Stalls (14) in Fly Market, between Water and Front-street, sold for 3,470/. ! also 58 lots of common land, sold for 1 7,600/. and 4 bushels of wheat each for ever. Dec. 5. All the City Corporation printing don© for 35/. ! per annum, by John Morton, proprietor of the Daily Advertiser. CURO-NOLOlifCAL IllsTUlll" Dec. 15. Repeated attempts to fire the city, and ;5500 rewafd oflered. New \¥atch House built in Chatham-square. 1797. — Presbyterian Ciiurch in Rutgers-street built. Presbyterian Church in Pearl-street built. James Kent, Recorder. South-street was now filling up rapidly. April 4. Hudson-street began. Arsenal established at the junction of Blooming- dale and Post roads. Brooklyn ferry leased for §2000 per annum. Oct. 17. John Adams, President of the United States, welcomed by the Corporation. Oct. 30. A menagerie of wild beasts, corner of Pearl and State-street. Free Schools estaldished. Carmen arranged in clas^-es, widi a foreman, as at present. Dec. 11. Goerck and Mangin appointed to make a map of the city. 1798. — Park Theatre completed. The proprie- tors petitioned for leave to erect a portico over the side walk, but it was not granted. Auction duties granted to tlie city by the state, to support foreign poor. Street Commissioner appointed. June 13. The Chamber of Commerce and citi- zens petitioned the Corporation to fortify the city, and ^50,000 were appropriated and expended for that purpose. The yellow fever prevailed f'-om the latter end of Julv to thf^ beo-inninir of November. The deaths OF XEW-YOUK. 79 iroin this dreadful disease in the city amounted to 'J086. Dec. 17. PubHc attention was attracted to the various propositions made for supplying the city with pure and wholesome water. Bronx River was sur- veyed by the English Engineer Weston. 1799. — Richard Harison, Recorder. Jan.— A large and rcipeclab!e coinmlueeof the Citizen*-, Piiysiclans, nndof the Corpor;ilioii, was appointPft to inquire into tiie causes of tlie Lite Pestilence, and in iwo long anil able reports on tiie subject, enume- rate the following causes. First. — Deep damp cellars, andjthhy surkeJt i/arJ,e Great Fire in 1804. On tl;p nlf^ht of the IGth Decejuber, aliout 2 o'clock,, an alarming fire broke out m a groreiy '-tore in Front-street, which, heingf aided >:ya hifjh wind, and a coid air, togethsr with ;!>e tardy asbemhiirg- of the citizens and the engines, progressed with unfjXainiiscopal Charity School incorporated. New- York County iMedical Society estabhshed. 1G.98 Tavern or Excise Licenses at i^3.75 each, g63C7.50. Mayor retained on each license § L 12, §191025 Ma'ket fees of various city Markets, 6844.52 Orphan Asylum Society, at Greenwich, founded by Mrs Isabella Graham and other ladies. March 24. 4 Lots in Broadwiv, near Amity- street, 4 m iMercer-street, and 4 in Green-street taken bv the Corporation of 'H. M. Van Soiingen for v^l 0.400 and Elizabeth Durvee for 3.930 Total <14.33«' U6 CHEOJSOLOGICAL HlSTOKi March 31. Soup House erected in Cross-slreei. Sale of Corporation lands at Incklenbcrgh, of 59 half-acre Lots, for ^G 1.990, subject each to an an- nual rent for ever of twenty bushels of wheat. April 7. Pierre C. Van Wyck, Esq. Recorder. The Corporation recommended the citizens to plant trees in all the streets of 40 feet wide 5 the trees to be not less than 12 feet apart. April 14. Rivinglon -street regulated. Bullock, changed to Broome-street, after Lieut. Gov. Broocie. Wharves, Piers, and Slips let for , and the revenue derived from their Water-works, in supplying 2316 houses, and fountains, from May 1, 1807, to May 1, 1800, amounted to g 1 8,561, deduct expenses, raidns" Avater. and snlaries for one vear OF NEW -YORK. ^J ^GoOO, equal to G^ per cent, on the capital jj 1 006 1 . The value of their real estate has since increased more than one hundred per cent., and revenues in proportion. The Auction Tax this year produced ^24,666.87. The Brooklyn Ferr^y do. do. $3,050. Wharves, Piers, and Slips, do. ^17,250. Committee of Defence appointed. A Floating Battery contemplated. A Monsieur Du Bue de Marintille offered for sixty-thousand dollars to communicate to the Cor- poration, a new and complete plan to defend the city ; which v;as seriously listened to, reported on, and communicated by the Corporation to the secre- tary of war, and rejected : the particulars were never disclosed. Such a proposition would now be treated with coiitcmpt, since the improved state of mihtary scienv:e, and the experience of our Engineers have enabled them to accom])lish much greater difficulties. Bridge-street was continued through the p«biic ground, from VYiiitehall to the Battery, or State- street. New-York Stste Arsenal in Elm-street built, and the old Arsenal in Ciiatham-street, corner of Tryoii- Row, was ceded for a Free School. Wednesday, 25th May. Great 'I'ammany proces- sion and ceremony at the Wallaboght, to inter the bones of Americans that perished in the Jersey prison-ship. Tlie Corporation attended in a body, the bells were tolled during the procession, colours Vvcre hoisted liaU-jnast, and minute guns fired. A contract for marble for the City Hall, was made at ;^3 per cubic foot ! the former contractors at ^1.25 havinir been ruined. 92 CIIRO^-OLOGIOAL HISTOP.V Fever at Brooklyn this j-ear. 1809. — Grace Church in Broadway buiit. New-York Historical Society established. 1556 public lamps, 97 private do., which were lighted at §9.50 each for 8 months. Duane, Barley, and Colden-streets, all called Duane-street. Bayard and Fisher-streets called Bayard-street. Commissioners of the Alms House report, from Jan. 6 to March 31, that they have issued 76,019 rations to out-door poor, each ration consisting of 1 lb. of bread, i lb. pork, 1 quart of been porridge, valued at 10 cents a ration, is §7,601 90 1799 i loads of wood, amounling to 4,366 03 Paid persons employed in assisting 215 25 Cash paid by Ch. A. W. McPherson, for the relief of sick and out-door poor 602 77 $12,785 95 New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book So- ciety formed. New-York Relio-ious Tract Society. Deaths in J 805,^2352; 1808,2225; 1807,2312; 1808, 2014. Average number of suicides in this city, for five years, 15. Average population, same time, 78,000. In fixing the permanent line of West-street, it was found i)y sounding, that at a point in the Hud- son River, 250 feet from the enst side of Washington- street, tlie depth of water was 29^ feet. May 1. The open triangular space at the inter- section of George (Market,) Cheapside (Hamilton,) and Lombardy-street, was reserved for a public Ground for ever. OF ^.'i:\v-YOKK. y-i June 5. Ground allotted for a Ciiurch and Aca-" demy in Hamilton-Square, (near 5 miles out) viz. 100 feet by 125. June 12. The fees for markets for one year, ^6034. 56. The fees for tavern, or 1703 excise licenses, $GSS6. June 2G. Daniel Phenix, the city treasurer, re- signed, having served as such for more than twenty years. No vaults for the interment of the dead under the streets to he pormitted. The Corporation refused to vote §300 for a Fourth of July dinner, or to dine together at their own expense. The Burl Rock Reef, 4 to 500 feet in front of Cherry-street, between Rutgers and Gouverneur- streets, mentioned as very dangerous to shipping. July 17. Steam ferry-boats across Powles Hook Ferry. Sept. 3. Second centennial celebration of the dis- covery of this part of America by Hudson, cele- l)rated in this city by the New-York Historical So- ciety. October. An inquiry into the Alms House ex- penditures, under the superintendence of Mr. Moo- ney, and great abuses made known and corrected. Nov. 6. Sale of lots belonging to the Corpora- tion, in White-street, rate from ;;s425 to g570, and on corner of Broadway for §3330, and in Broadway for $3010 to §3685, and §940 to §1060, and C bushels wheat annual rent. Total, §25,520. Dec. 26. 35 engine companies, 847 engine men, 1 floating engine, 3 hook and ladder companies and 46 men. 7 engineers, 55 fire wardens. 94 curonoloctKlvl nisToiiv 1810. — St. John's Church in Hudson-Square built. Cost over ^200,000. Marcli 5. Jacob Radclijfe, Mayor. March 23. Mechanics' Bank in Wall-street in- corporated. April 9. Triangular lot rear of Brick Church, ceded for a school house. May. Road between New- York and Albany, measured by John Randall, at the expense of the two cities, and the mail route ascertained to be under 150 miles. (The river route is 143 miles.) June 11. Mayor's salary $7000 per annum, in lieu of all fees. July 16. J. O. Hoffman^ Recorder. Nov. 12. The copper for covering the neAV City Hall, imported from England at an expense of $10,500, 181 1. — The Union Bank incorporated, (formerly the old Jersey Bank at Powles Hook.) Jan. 14. Gabriel Furman appointed superintend- ant of the Alms House, at a salary of $1500. Feb. IS. De Witt Clinton, Mayor. March 4. Sale of lots on a lease of 21 years, viz. in Augustus-street, $125 to $180 per annum ; Ma- gazine-street (liow Pearl) $75, $100, $105, $110, $135 per annum ; Elm-street, ^95, $1^0 ; South- street, $325, $405, $580 ; Peck-slip, $290, $305, $415. Cellars under Catharine Market, $45, $50, $55, $70, $75. The old government house fronting the Bowling- Green pulled down. Public docks, piers, and slips, rented to Charles Smith, for two years, for the sum of $20,760 per annum. OF i\'E\V-\OKK, i^o .Street beggars and gambling prohibitcti. Magazine-street changed to Pearl-street. Maiden-iane widened from IJroadway, on the south side, toward Nassau-street, and the old Oswego Market renK»ved to Vesey-street. French refugees reheved. Brooklyn Ferry leased for ^3450. May 19. A great fire in Chatham-street, which broke out about 9 o'clock on Sundo y morning, near the north-west corner of DiiaiiC and Chatham-street, and raged wirh groat fury for several Jiouis., beiure a brisk wino. from K. IJ., which for a turn? seemed to baffle all the exertions of the firemen and citizens, and sweeping the buildings on both sides of the street, until CO to 100 dwelling-houses were con- sumed. The steeple of the Brick Church, and the cupola of the Jail caught fire, but by the intrepidity of a sailor, and a prisoner on the limits, the fire was extinguished, and the buildings saved : they were liberally rewarded by the Corporation and the Trus- tees of the Church. ^3500 per acre paid by the Corporation for land at Kip's Bay, on which to erect the new Alms House, on the banks of the East River : G acres,. 1 rood, 27 perches, and 87 square feet, for $22,494.50, and 5^100 j>aid to Alderman Ilagerman for an ap- I proved plan of the intended edifice. i Tiiird Avenue ordered to be opened and regu- \ lated. Tammany Hall built. July 4. Corporation met at the new City Hall, in the Mayor's room, for the first time ; and on the second Monday in August, the offices of the Comp- troller and Street Commissioner were removed. \jii CllliOTsOLOGICAL HlSTOIik July 29. Corner stone of the new Alms Hoasc laid under the S. E. corne. of the chapel wing, witJi an inscription, and the iianies of the members of the Common Council. Sept. 23. Lots No. 102 and 103 Chatham-street leased for ^2G5 per year each for 21 years. Oct. 7. Sickness and mortality i;i Bridewell, and some of the invalids were removed to the Marine Hospital at Statcn Island, while the prison was puri- iied. (The same disaster has occurred since, owing to the limited size of the apartments, and the great number and crowded state of the inmates awaiting trial.) Oct. 21. The frequent alarms of lire about this time induced a reward of $300 to be offered to dis- cover the perpetrators. Dec. 2. P. C. Van Wyck., Recorder. Dec. 6. A Discourse delivered by the Honoura- ble De Witt Clinton, before the New-York iiistori- cal Society, in the old City Hali. 1812. — The Corporation wishing to make exten- sive improvements, and to build a new market on the west side of the cily, purchased of Col. Richard Varick, formerly mayor of the city, all his property between i)ey and Fulton-street, west of the middle of Washingron-street, for ihe sum of g42,C00, ?uarch 2. Alter a protracted contest Oii the subject by the Corporation, it u'as finally decided to reduce the size of the Grand Parade Ground, as laid out by the commissioners on a large scale, and also to abolish the intended sqjare, called L'nion Place^ which was laid out at the jmiction of Broadway and the Bowery. This will probably be a subject of deep regret by posterity, as the property might then or NEw-i'OKK. 07 havu been obtained for a trifling sum, aiid would have been a decided improvement to that quarter of tiie city. The old City Hall in Wall-street, and the lots adjacent belonging to the city, ordered to be sold on the 16th April. Also the lot corner of Pearl and State-street, the Collect lots, and 2 at Peck- ^lip and Brooklyn. From 26th July, 1734, to 1st January, 1803, there were 216 grants of water lots issued by the Corporation, the rents of which amounted to g2271 50. Presbyterian Church in Murray-street built. Bedlow-street changed to Bancker. The City Hail finished. The Bank of America incorporated. The City Bank incorporated. The Franklin Bank incorporated. New-York Manufacturing Company, now Phenix Bank, incorporated. April 6. De Witt Clinton, Mayor. ;\pril 24. George Clinton, Vice President of the United States, died. A funeral procession, both civil and military, took place, and tlie Hon. Gou- verneur Morris delivered an euloiry on the deceased in the Presbyterian Church in VV all-street, on the 19th May. Two hundred dolhirs voted to enal)le Charles Gobert to make experiments with a machine to blow up ships. The city debts funded in stock to the amount of ^900,000, at 7 per cent, per annum. June. Riot in James-street, and precautions taken bv the Corporation to preserve the peace. 01' CHROrsOLOGlOAL HISTORY The firemen volunteered their services in a body, and 100 citizens from each ward were selected as special constables. In case of alarm, a signal was to be given, the drums beat to arms, and the citizens to assemble in the Park. June 20. War was declared by the United States against Great Britain. A large number of priva- teers were let loose, who made many valuable cap- tures of British property. July 20. A market ordered to be erected in Grand-street, between Orange and R.hynder-street. A person by the name of Robert Boston., inform- ed the Corporation that he had discovered a seam of coal (on wStaten Island) in the vicinity of the city, and asked the loan of the boring machme to make further investigations. July 30. A day of fasting and prayer in this state by order of the Executive. Aug. 10. Freedom of the city voted to Robert Fulton, Esq. The new double boat, propelled by steam, began to run across the Powles Hook Ferry, and excited great admiration from crowds of citizens. The Corporation were invited to a dinner at Powles Hook on the occasion. At the annual commencement of Columbia Col- lege, held in Trinity Church, a riot took place among some of the students, and others, acting in opposi- tion to the Provost, Dr. Mason, and several persons were indicted and tried before the Court of Sessions. Government house and grounds, south of the Bowling Green, offered to be sold by the state to the Corporation, for ^60,000. Aug. 14. The old hulk provided by Gov. Tom})- OF NEW-YORK. 90 kins, and moored af, a suitable distance in the har- bour from the Battery, was fired at with balls, botli cold and hot, by the forts, and the brigade of artil- lery. Aug. 20. Day of the national fast, recommended by the President of the United States. Sept. 7. Freedom of the city voted to Commo- dore Hull, and his portrait requested, and thanks given to his officers and crew, for capturing the Bri- tish frigate Guerriere. October. The old Alms House in Chambers- street was ordered, when evacuated by the paupers, to be appropriated to scientific and hterary purposes, rent free, and rooms were appropriated for Scudder's American Museum, the Academy of Arts, the New- York Historical Society, the Lyceum, the Deaf and Dumb, Professor Griscom's Chemical Lectures, &:,c. and the whole to be called the Neiv- Yoi'Jc Institution, and leases given to the occupants for ten years. November. Thanks of the city voted to Gouver- neur Morris and John Rutherford, for gratuitous services as Commissioners, in laying out the island into streets and avenues. Nov. 15. Dr. Kemp, Professor in Columbia Col- lege, died, and the Corporation attended his funeral. "Nov. 23, Salary of the Chief Ivngineer, $800. Nov. 30. Brooklyn Ferry leased to Robert Ful- ton for $4000 per annum, for 7 years, on condition of establishing the new steam-boats. The freedom of the city, and an elegant sword, voted to Captain Jacob Jones, and thanks to his officers and crew, for capturing the British sloop of war Frolic. Dec. 4. The Corporation loan of $100,000. at f. 100 CHRONOLOGKJAL HISTORY Dec. 17. The frigate United States arrived vvitii her prize the IMacedonian, and the citizens gave Commodores Decatur, Hull, and Jones, a public dinner at the City Hotel ; and the next day, the crew were feasted at the same place, at the expense of the city. Salutes were fired on the arrival of the prize, colours hoisted, bells rung, and the citizens were with difficulty prevented from illuminating the city. Street manure sold for ^4170. 1313. — Abuses detected in the City Bridewell, caused by cruel and unnecessary arrests and impri- sonments. Jan. 5. Fire in Ferry and Beekman streets. Jan. 28. Sale of the public property in Wall- street, site of the old Citv Hall, viz. Lot No. 2, T. Kirk, $9350; No. 3, G. Storm, $8200 ; No. 4, G. Griswold, $7960; in Greenwich-street, Lot No. 1, A. Hunt, $8250; No. 2, do. $4550 ; No.3,J. Gra- ham, $3700 ; No. 4, J. VanOrden,$4450; No. 5, J. Berry, $3850 ; No. 6, W. Roe, $4200 ; No. 7, $5050; in Chambers-street, No. 1, E. Anderson, $4000; No. 2,W. Alburtis,$3500; No. 3, E.An- derson, $1850 ; No 4, A. Thompson, $2450 ; No. 5, in Duane-street, W. Alburtis, $2000 ; and 12 lots at Brooklyn Ferry, leased for 21 years, for $935 per annum. The slips foot of Grand-street, Walnut-street, Gouverneur-street, Rutgers-street, Charlotte-street and pier, Georges-street, Catharine-street, New-slip, Peck-slip, Boekman's-slip, Burling's-slip, Fly-mar- ket-slip, Coffee-House-slip, Old-slip, Coenties-slip, old Albanv Basin, Whitehall-slin, Albanv Basin on or rsEW-YOKS. 10 i Hudson River, Corporation Basin, fool of Dey- street, and the basin lately purchased of Richard Varick, Esq. are all enumerated as public property. March. Freedom of the city, in a gold box, voted to Commodore Bainbridge, and his portrait solicited, and thanks given to the officers and crew, for capturing and destroying the British frigate Java. March 8. Thomas R. Mercein appointed Comp- troller, vice G. N. Bleecker. Public slips and docks rented for |^ 19,000 for one year to James Jones. March 29. Spring-street ferry leased for ^25 a year, for 4 years. Street manure sold for ^5429. The freedom of the city, and a piece of plate, with an appropriate inscription, voted to Captain Lawrence, for capturing and destroying the Pea- cock, a British sloop of war, and a dinner ordered for the crew. ^100,000 borrowed for the defence of the city. April 12. J. O. Hoffman^ Recorder . April 19. Col. Rutgers petitioned for the perma- nent line to be surveyed on East River, along Front street, from Montgomery to Catharine-street. May. Ground voted to the Mechanics' Society, for a scliool-house, in Elm-street. The defence of the city contirmed to receive un- remitted attention. Fifteen Gun-boats were manned, equipped, and maintained at the expense of the city, and put under the command of Commodore Lewis. July. A sinking fund established. July 12". John McComb appointed Street Com- missioner. 102 GHRONOLOiilCAL HISTOliV S '"^ August. An experiment made with gas-lights in the Park. Steamboat Fulton built to run in Long Island Sound. Sept. 14. The bodies of Captain Lawrence and Lieutenant Ludlow brought from Halifax, and their remains interred with distinguished military and naval honours, in Trinity Church-yard. ^1000 voted to each of the two children of Capt. Lawrence. Sept. 20. The following alterations took place in the names of streets — Robinson-street to Park Place ; Charlotte-street to Pike-street ; Columbia- street to Burrows-street ; Georges-street to Market- street ; Henry-street, in Greenwich, to Perry-street. The City Hall was briUiantly illuminated in honour of Perry's victory on Lake Erie ; the Corporation voted him tlie usual honours of a portrait, and the freedom of the city in a gold box, October. The amount of the Canal-street assess- ment stated to be one- seventh of the whole city debt. Col. Jonathan WilUams, U. S. Engineer, for his services in fortifying the city, received the thanks of the Corporation, and was requested to sit for his portrait. December. First Avenue opened. Chimney fines in 1813, g1073. 1814.-— Salaries of the Coniptroller and Superin- tendent of the Alms House raised to §2000. The expenditures of the city the past year were ^508,000, mcluding the money appropriated for de- fence of the city, building Alms House, &c. Application having been made to the Corpora- tion to relieve the people on the Niagara frontier, «i>r isr.w-vouK. 103 who had suflered from tho ravages of war, the sum of $3000 was voted. Raised by private subscription 3023 Episcopal Churches, &c. 1285 94 Total, 1^7308 94 March 25. Ursuline Convent incorporated. A census of the city was taken in December, the result of which showed a total population of 92,448, \yhich was less by 2312 than in 1810. Freeholders, 3212 ; owners of personal estate over 150 dollars, 5612; tenants, 13,804; jurors,4138: aliens, 3495; slaves, 976. The direct tax of the United States, levied in this city, amounted to a sum equal to the city tax. The street manure of tlie city disposed of for $QGOO. Public wharves, piers, and slips, for ^17000. Fair-street, now Fulton-street, ordered to be opened from Cliff-street to Pearl-street, and the ferry 1o Brooklyji removed to the foot of Fulton-street. This was one of the most valuable improvements ever made in tltc city, and opened a new avenue and thorouoiifiire from the Hudson to the East River. Clill-strcet was widened and regulated to ts present form. The Literary and Philosophical Society of New- York incorporated, and their lirst meeting was opened on the 4th of May^ by a di^ourse from the Honourable De Witt Clinton. The old Hanover Square buildings, between Pearl, Stone, and Wilham streets, at the head of Old slip, ordered to be pulled down. Batterv of twelve ffuns constructed at Hallett's 104 CHKOItOLOGICAL IlISTUKl Point, near Hurl Gate, for the defence of the city June 20. Keel of the steam frigate laid. July. Secret inteUigence received of an intended attack on the city by the enemy. At this time, the city was in a defenceless state for want of men, the resources of the country having been devoted to the northern frontier. Aug. 29. The general sfoveniiiieiit made a requisition for ?0,000miliija, from the states of New- York and New-Jersey, to be concentrated in and arounil the city, and the Coi-porr^non raised the funds to meet the neces- sary expenses, under a pledge of reiir.hursement by the national govern- ment. It was determined to erect fortilied camps at the heights of Bi ook- lyn and Harlaem; a public meelin^^ of citizens was held in the Park on the 10th of Ang-ust; a spirited address was made to the chizens by the Committee of Defence, when oilers of voluntary service from all classes of people poured in upoa them ; and the militia officers under General Mapes, and a company of artillery under Capt. Bremner, had the honour of breaking- g-vound at Brooklyn ; the example was followed with enthu- siasm for several weeks in parties of citizens from 500 to lOGO each doy, and the works progresseti rapidly. A proud feeling of national pride and self-respect was engendered," and of confidence in our strength and una- nimity, which was of itself a liost ; the country lioops began to pour in ; •iOO heavy cannon were snounted in the various forts, and the followjng supplies of ammunitior; were picvided : — •11,131 round shot, for IP. pound- ers and opv\ards; 10&7 shot and shells, for the columbiads; 5241 shells;' 12,572 rop.nd shot, for 12 pounders and under ; t'lO case shot; SlSSstrappi^d cannister and grape; 12,203 filled cartridges, for heavy guns; J05,1S.5 lbs. of powder, for cannon and muskets ; 780,794 anisket cartridges ; 104,894 flints ; 2600 muskets. Commodore Deoati:r, and a body of brave seamen, were stationed to defend the city, by Ian«i or water, as the occasion might lequire. A strong flotilla was ready in the harbour, a military spirit pervaded all ranks, and a perfect readiness, and even desire, to lace the foe; every post w;;s fully manned, and furnished with all the nuinitions of war. ' I x\ug. 31. The scarcity of specie, and the drains ; made on the Banks, induced a suspension of specie payments, wliich continued until the first Monday in July, 1817. The want of specie and small change lor a circu- lating medium, induced the Corporation to cause to be issued a substitute, in the shape of paper money, in 6|, 12^, 25, and 50 cent bills, to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, signed by John Pin- tard, Thomas Franklius and WiUiam McNeal — I ov ^*K\v-voIlK. 1Q5 winch bills, beinj^ enrlovvcd with tiie public confi- dence, passed current in all payments, and facilitated business. September. On the receipt of the news of Mc Donough's victory on Lake Champlain, and capture of the British fleet, and of Gen. Macomb's brave repulse of the forces under Sir George Prevost, in their advance on Plattsburgh, the greatest joy pre- vailed, and the usual honours were voted to the heroes in command, viz. the freedom of the city, and their portraits, to be painted to ornament the gallery of the pubhc room in the City Hall. Soon after, the ceremony of presentation took place, when ad- dresses were made by the mayor, and replies return- ed, as in all preceding instances. Similar honours Avere soon after awarded to Maj. Gen. Brown, of the U. S. Army, for his gallantry on the Niagara frontier, and in Canada. Oct. 29. Steam frigate launched. On tbe expimlion of tbe term of spivice of the militia, a g:rand muster and review of all the troops th.it rould be spared off <1uty, took place in this city on the 30lli of Noveir.ber, and presented the fiiest military s}>cc- tacle (bat bad been witnessed since tbe American Revolution. The line WIS formed In Wroadway, tbe risfbt on Franklin-street, and reached out. beyond the junction of lbs Bowery. Tiie column marched through the principal siree's, luaded by Gov. ToropUins, the ccniuiander-in-cbief, and a numerous sta.T. In the beginning of December, the Corporation advanced ^440,000 to pay the militia, on a pledge of treasury notes. llobert Fulton died. The interments this year amounted to 1974. 1815. — Feb. 12. News of peace arrived, and diffused great joy. The Common Council addressed the citizens, and appointed a day of prayer and fhanksgivinff, to be observed in the various 106 CIIIlONOLOGtCAL HISTORY churches ; and a general illumination of the City Hall, anJ . ' well, 8,300; No. 12, corner of State and Bridge-street, John Swarrwoui,, 20,000; in Bridge-street, No. 13, A. Weston, 5,0l)0; No. 14, Ferd >iand Suydam, 5,000; No. 15, Edmund Smith, 5,200; No. 16, John Si.cirpe, 3,700; No. 17, do. 6,100 dollars. Tiie old Custom-Uouse sold for 5,050 dollars; the olher buildings i^^r 155.S dollars. Total amount of sale% or AEVV-VHicK. lOlf lii-i.'oo iloUais, wiiicli, iifierdeducihij the sums pruM to the State, and tlie United States, for their claims, left a fir.al net gain to the city of 80,37» dollars, which was miinly atlrihuted to the sagacity and good manage- ment of the Comptroller, Mr. Merctin. The exploit of the U. S. frigate Constitution, commanded by Commodore Stewart, in capturing (he British frigates Cyane and Levant, caused the Corporation to pass a vote of thanks to the Com- modore, his officers, and crew, and to offer him the freedom of the city in a gold box. June 13. Final grant of the large edifice in Chambers-street, (built for an Alms House, and oc- cupied as such for years,) to the following purposes ; the end next to Broadway, to J. Scudder, for a Mu- seum of Natural History, L:illiU^Oi.0(.it:AL lii5,T01ii for the sum of ;^1797, and paid in U. S. o pur ct;nt- stock, bought at C 1 . Female Society for tiie Promotion of Industry founded by Mrs. Isabella Graham, and other ladies, and patronized by the Corpora,tion, and a donation made. Hudson-street ordered to bo opened into Cham- bers-street. Washington Market finished. Nov. 6. Report of the Committee of Defence to tl:e Corj.oration, sla- ting tlie nauire and estt-nt of their dutie?, and the labour ot il^e citizcrs on the lines r.i Harlaem and Brooklyn. 1 he line iVom.ihe Waliaboshl ta Gowanus. was composed of Forts Gieen, Cnmniings, Fireman, Masonic, and Lawrence, and also of Fon Swift, in the rear, and comn.aiK'ing Go- vernor's Island, of all of which the remains of the euiba!d;menfsare siill perfect. On Manhattan, or York Island, from Hiirijate en the east to the Hudson on the northwest, there was the fo!lovving^ciuiin of wcri.s— Foris Clinton, Fish, Nutten's battery, near P.IcGowan's pass, Towers or Blocli Houses 1, 2, 3, and 4, on the ridge of land, Forts Laight and Horn, ntar the Biooraiugdale road, Benson's point, the i\li)l Rock Block House and Fort, in the middle of liurlgaie,Ha!Iett's Toiul Fort, and Casiie Bogartins, on the hill in the rear. The whole line was well furnishtd with ariii- lery, men, and ammunition, and was capable and prepared to make a brave defence ; and when viewed in coTmeciion with the regular foriift- cations around the liarbour, the Narrows, Sandy Hook, and the naval ;u- mament. was considered as rendering the city completely impregnable, except by an overwhelnung force, l he number of days' labour perform- ed by the citizens voluniarily on tlie various works, was computed at one hundred thousand, and was duly ajipreciated by the naiion at large in ils moral and physical effect. The whole vas under the immediate direc- tion of Gen. Jos. G. Swift, of t!;e U. States Engineers, who was particu- larly noticed by the Cummittee, and the Corporauon voted him their thanks, and requested his portrait for the gallt- ry. As a final close to the transaction, soon alter, the Secretaiy of the Treasury of the U. Stales re- mitted to the Comptroller of the city, in full for the oi-e million of dollais advanced during the war, by the Uorporation, for ihf- riefence of this port, stock of the 6 per cents, at the market valu<-, $l.i00,CU9 87 ; which, af;cr adding other claims, in all §.1,204,326 25, of the city to the principal loan, which the government did not immediately al;ow,stdl left a gain to the city treasury of about one hundred and ffty thoiisund dollars, in the ati- vanced price of the stock afterwards. Several years afterwards, the debt Vi'asJ'ully liquidated. Dec. 18. The smallpox reappeared in the city, after having been extirpated for a number of years ; but active measures were immediately taken to vac- ••inate gratuitously with tlie kine pock, all those r.\ I OF NEW-YORK. 109 posed to the former disease, which soon checked the contagion effectually. The whole number of interments this year was 2507. 1816. — This year will be ever memorable with commercial men in this city, for the prodigious im- portation of merchandise, of every description, from Europe, which gave an impulse to business that was felt by all classes. The revenue of the U. States rose from the depression of 1814, ^4,415,362, to j;37,695,625in 1815, of which $16,000,000 was paid in New-York. New-York and Liverpool Line of Packets estab- lished. January. A fire in Front and Fulton-street, and the Fulton Market was projected in lieu of the old Fly Market, ordered to be demolished. Sugar-loaf-street altered to Franklin-street. Feb. 12. A meeting of citizens at the City Ho- tel, and a memorial addressed to the Common Council, relative to the Ene Canal^ which was acted upon, a favourable report made, and sent to the State Legislature. g400,000 received from the Treasury Department, Washington, for the same amount loaned Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor of New-York, on 23d Dec. last, by the Comptroller. The old Watch-house, corner of Broad and Wall streets, sold for $1 1,300, to Mr. P. Burtscll. Two lots corner of William and Pearl streets, leased for 21 years, one at c^ 200, and 1 at g680 per annum. Twenty-six cellars under Washington Market for §1365. 10 110 CHRONOJLOeiOAL HIS 10141' The Hay Scales at Duane Market lor §825 per annum. liay Scales at Whitehall for ^250 per annum. The street manure sold for ^9035. New- York Sunday School Union Society formed February 26th. April 22. The Alms House and Penitentiary completed ; and on the 29tlj, the Board met there, the Chapel was dedicated, and a sermon preached by the Rev. John Stanford. This year, the houses were extending rapidly up Broadway, near Broome and Spring streets. May. The American Bible Society was formed at a meeting convened in the City Hall, and nume- rously attended. The new United States Bank chartered with a capital of 33 millions of dollars, and a Branch es- tablished in this city, in Broadway, next to Grace Church. May 13. A general turn-out of city-appointed office-holders. G. N. Bleecker reappointed Comp- troller, Ogden Edwards, Counsel, and Alpheus Sherman, Attorney of the Board. June 18 and Nov. 18. A long, learned, and fa- vourable report on the subject of gas-light, made by a Committee of the Corporation. July 22. Hoboken and Newark Meadows under the experiment of draining and embankment, by the Messrs. Swartwouts; and to aid them, they appHed to the Corporation for a loan of 100,000 dollars. Aug. 6. A court-martial under authority of the United States, to try Maj. Gen. Gaines, assembled in the District Court room, in the City Hall. The OP XEW-YORK. Ill General was honourably acquitted of the charges against him. Fuel Savings Society established. Fair-street and Partition-street changed to Fulton- street. Oct. 24. First exhibition of the Academy of Fine Arts, in their room in the New-York Institu- tion. The Corporation printing cost ^1400 per annum, viz. 6 offices at *J 150 each, and extras to the amount of ^500. The Auclion Duties which accrued in this cify hitherto, yearly, were devoted to ilie support of t'oreig-n poor, arriving in this port, and amount- ed to the tbllowin;^^ sums since the commeiicfnit-nt of ilie same, viz. : n 1718, $2,5rt3 52 1799, 15,155 42 1800, 15,872 44 180), 26,141 93 1802, 22,711 62 1803, 18,822 80 1804, 16,515 69 1805, 11,819 48 1806, I7,n6 52 1S07, 24,992 13 180B, 23.906 33 In 1809, $26,803 14 1310, 30,096 19 1811, 43.480 22 1812, 36,699 12 1813, 52,022 32 1814, 33.336 87 1815, 32,455 84 1816, 7^,706 89 Totr.l, $526,252 49 - The increased amount of the last year over any other, at once excited the cupidity of iUf Legislature, and drtw their att»-ntion to the sidyccl; and they passed a law to withdraw this branch of revenue from the city, and to devote it to other objects ; and the next year, and ever since, it lias gone on increasins^ in amount, and been devoted lo liie '• Canal Fund" — the sum of $!0.00 i of it only bein^ now devoted to ilie city p >or, and §22,000 to the New- York Hospual. and Asylum for the Insane, at Bloomingdale. A strong r.-raonstrance was sent to the Assembly, at Albany, agrainsi the measure oi withdrawing (he auction duties trom the city, in which it was jneuiioned thsit the sum of $l.4ti9.461 had been appropriated by the city lor the supjiort of |)aupers since 1798; anil at thai tmie, out of nearly *000 [)ersons in the Alms House, 905 were foreigners. Auction Duties in 1825, $285,854 63 ; 1826, $233,401 75; 1827, $298,000. Dec. 30. Society for converting the Jews formed. Deaths this year 2739 ; and of these 85 of small- pox. '"'himney fines ^1231. These fines are devoted 112 CHROTS'OLOGICAL HISTORY to the charity fund of the Fire Department, for the support of widows and children, or of disabled members. g500 were voted to the House of Industry. 1 8 17. — Jan. 6. A quantity of gunpowder, belong- ing to the U. States, which was carted through the streets, and was not guarded or packed accordmg to law, was seized by the high constable, and sold, for violation of the city law. The government officers claiming it, prosecuted for the same, and recovered the amount ; but the Corporation, to establish finally their right to enforce their own laws, appealed to the Supreme Court of the U. States. Jan 27. Another detailed report in favour of lighting the city with gas, from the trial made under the inspection of Dr. Hare, which cost ^6927 25, (including ^ 1400 for 7 months of his salary). The experiments were made in an old building, near the east corner of the City Hall, and temporary tin pipes were laid through Chatham-street and Broadway, as far as Dey-street, and a few store windows lighted up. The light was admired, but the city authorities shrunk from the expense of laying the requisite iron pipes, &LC. which was estimated would cost for the whole city several hundred thousand dollars. The Mayor made a report of the income and estate belong'ing to CapU Pandall's legacy, and called the Saihr's Snug Harbour, as follows : Rents. 95 Lots, - - - $1285 50 Mansion House, - - 750 00 No. 93 Front-street, - 337 50 Do. Cooper's Shop, - 150 00 No. 89 Water-street, - 500 00 1.01 and Wharf, Sonih street, • 450 00 $3523 OG OF XEW-i'ORK. 113 Interest. On $t('nO of 7 per cent, stock, - §1 70 00 On $t)Oc55 36 of old six per cent, stock, 630 83 On $1430 81 Deferred stock, - 114 46 On $7-23 47 of S per cent, stock, - 21 68 On $13397 18 six per cent, new loan, 923 95 Dividends. $1660 92 On 222 sliares of Manhattan Bank SiccU, $1017 00 On 78 shares of Meciuiiiics' Bank Slock, i7o 50 On S3 shares Eaele Fire Company Stock, 148 50 On 30 shares Mutual Insurance Coinpauy Stock, 135 00 —$1476 00 Total, $6659 92 The value of the real estate has since been very much enhanced, and jrroniises, in a short tin;p, to he productive of much good to the honest Jars for whom its jjenerous donor designed it. Tiie total amount of small change hills,, issued under authority of the Corporation, was §246,356. The city divided into Ten Wards. Gov. Tompkins having purchased a considerable tract of land on ^taten Island, facing the harbour and city, and adjacent to the Quarantine ground, and also leased the ferry, and largely improved the wharves and landing, a new steamboat was estab- lished to run from Whitehall to Staten Island, which was of the highest utility to the public. March 17. The triangular spot of ground at the intersection of Pearl and Cherry streets, name alter- ed from St. George's to Franklin Square ; and the streets east of the Bowery, from First to Sixth streets, received the names of Chrystie., Forsyth,, Eldridge., Allen., Ludlow., after the names of mili- tary and naval heroes of the late war. Rent of the public docks, wharves, piers, and slips, this year, ^26,500, A Panoramic Rotunda, erected bv permission on 10* 114 CHKO]\"OLOGICAL HISTORY the ground east of the old Alms House : size, 62 feet in diameter, and 30 feet high, on a lease for 9 years, free of rent, the building at the expiration of that period to revert to the Corporation. §300 given to Hays, the high constable, for dis- covering the incendiaries who caused the late fires in Mott and Water streets. Canal-street assessment, §159,237 17. May. A general reduction of the salaries of the city officers took place from the elevated war prices; and the pressure of the great overtrading of the last year began to be felt severely by the mercantile community. June 11. The President of tbe U. States, Jnmes Monroe, arrived in this city on his g^eneral tour through the country, and was received with the greatest respect, and tlie highest naval and military honours. An ad- dress was made to him by the mayor, he was requested to permit his por- trait to betaken, and lo accept of a public dinner ; quarters were assign- ed to hirn in Gibson's Hotel, in Wall-street, (the Buchanan House, where the Exchange now stasds.) The City Hall was most brilliantly illuminated on the evening of his arrival; the steam frigate, Fulton the First, at the Navy Yard, was manned, and made an excursion down the harbour and bay towards Sandy Hook, with the Corporation and a large party of ladies and gentlemen on board. It being the only visit officially made by the chief officer of the govern- ment to this city for nearly twenty years," there was a general and cordial welcome given to hin» by all classes of citizens. The President proceed- ed to West Point, to visit the Military Academy. The New-York Histori- cal Society admitted hira as an honorary member, when he was addressed on that occasion by De Witt Clinton. July 4. Erie Canal began, near Utica. United Foreign Missionary Society, and Marine Bible Society formed. Deaf and Dumb Institution, and the Lyceum of ' Natural History incorporated. A marble pedestal, or monument, was inserted in the ground on the Battery, designating the point of the S. W. bastion of Fort George, nearly opposite or KE%V-YOEK. Hi) t/j Bridge-street, with the latitude and longitude, as observed by David Rittenhouse, in 1769, marked on the stone. During; this year, the public feelings of the citizens were excessively irritated by au atiempt on the part of Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott, the U. S. officer ill conimnnd of this military district, whose head quarters were at Castle Clinton, the stone circular fort in front of the Battery, to erect two small offices on the Battery, one on each side, leading lo the bridge, in violation, as supposed, of t!ie rights of the city, and of the spirit of the grant made to the government. A correspondence passed on the sub- ject between the flavor and Gen. Scott, and an appeal was eventually made to the President of the United States, who oniered a suspension of the proceedings on the part of Gen. Scott, and it was abandoned. Great fears were at one time entertained, that it would produce a violent strug- gle between the civil and military power. Deaths the past year, 2527. George-street changed to Spruce-street. 1818. — On the 2d of February, a calm day, ex- periments were made to test the variation in the level of the Hudson and East Rivers, at the foot of Roosevelt-street and Canal-street, at different times of tide, and it was ascertained to be very trifling, from a quarter of an inch to 1 and 2 inches, by slight gradations, and at one moment 8 inches. The entire cost of the Bellevue Alms House and Penitentiary, at Kip's Bay, ascertained to be $421,109. March 2. A sale of lots belonging to the city, in Collect, Leonard, and Anthony streets, to the amount of 25,325 dollars — average about 900 dol- lars a lot. Cadwallader D Colden^ Mayor. On the retire- ment of Mr. Radcliff, the thanks of the Aldermen were voted to him, unanimously, for his zeal and ability in the performance of his official duties. The street manure was sold for the increased price of 13.700 dollars for the current vear. 116 CHEONOLOGICAL HISTORY First Universalist Church, in Duane-street, built. The Asylum for the Insane commenced at Man- hattanville. This is an appendage to, and under the government of the Managers of the New-York Hospital, and is endowed with funds by the state, viz. ten thousand dollars per annum for 44 years. This was a year of great commercial distress, and trade suffered an extreme depression. March 9. Public wharves, piers, docks, and slips, let for 42,750 dollars, for one year, to D. M. Hitch- cock. (The largest sum yet received from that source.) g600 voted to the New- York Dispensary, to pro- mote vaccination, and for other purposes. Society established for the prevention of pauper- ism. April 20. Return of the Butchers in the different markets, viz. Fly, 72 ; Washington, 56 ; Catharine^ 48 ; Centre, 14 ; Duane, 2 ; Spring, 6. A Mr. John Kenrick, the inventor of a machine for sub-marine ploughing, offered to the Corporation to 'plough and harrow a channel on the bar, outside of Sandy Hook, 10 rods wide, and 4 fathoms deep, for the modest sum of one hundred thousand dollars. July 4. The remains of Gen. Montgomery, which had been disinterred at Quebec, by order of the Legislature of this state, in " an act of honour to the memory of Gen. Montgomery," were brought to this city with great pomp, a funeral procession made, and the bones deposited beneath his monu- ment in the portico of St. Paul's Church. Iron railing made round the Park, fronting Cham- bers-street and Broadwav. OF NEW-YORK. 117 October 12. report of the sale of Corporation lots, at the new Albany Basin, in Greenwich-street. Ko. 3, on Greenwich-street, to Robert R. Hunter, $4600 4, do. to Curtis Belton, 50iX) 5, do. to John Turner, 5100 6, do. to N. & H. Weed, 5750 7, on Cedar-street, to R. R. Hunter, 2450 8, on Washington-street, to James T. Leonard, 4100 9, do. to do. 3500 10, do. to C. C. • unis, 3300 11, do. to W. H. Ireland, 3200 32, do. to do. 32£0 13, on Albany-street, to R. R. Hunter, 4300 14, do. to do. 3250 $47,800 Dec. 5. A heavy gale of wind occurred from the S. W., which tore up and demohshed the front of the Battery, and did considerable damasre to the ship- ping. On the 21st, a committee of the Corpora- tion recommended an immediate appropriation, to irchase stone to secure the remainder of the earth from being washed away ; and other incipient mea- sures were adopted preparatory to its more perfect enlargement and security. Entire length of the Battery, from the corner of Marketfield-street and Washington-street, to Whitehall dock, stated to be 1 295 feet. Deaths the past year, 3265. 1819.— In a detailed report of the committee appointed to consider of the propriety of repairini;, enlarging, and Pmbellishing- the Battery, and for olher pur|)oses, it is staif'd as follows : '-A line drawn from the Hudson io the Ea«t River, and running ihrou^h (he Hospital yard, will contain, on the southern side »{ that line, 40,000 inh.-ibitants. T he area of the island south of thp Parade Ground is aliout 2750 acres, which, when built upon compactly, will contain 250,000 inhabitants, supposing the same average to ea favourable opporiunity.) Jan. 21. Sale of lots, at auction, between Dey and Fulton streets, an Washington a id West streets, belonging to the Corporation, and lormer bought of Richard Varick. No. 1, on Dey -street, sold to Leonard Kip, $6100 2, do. do. 6160 3, do. Philip Brasher, 4800 4, do. do. 4260 5, do. Philip Hone, 3600 6, do. Wm. H. Ireland, 3760 7, do. VVm, Howard, 3660 8, on West-street, to John Suydam, 6540 9, do. ' do. 4280 10, do. John Van Bussum, 4780 n. do. Ueorge Lorillard, 4300 12, do. Isaac Goniilin, 5700 IS, do. • do. 11,000 14, on Fulton-street, reserved 7200 6700 6600 7100 7000 7100 7100 10,400 Total, §127,140 A project was entertained by the Corporation of establishing an insurance office. Feb. 19. General Jackson arrived in the city. An extra meeting of the Com. Council was called, and they voted him the customary honours of the freedom of the city in a gold box, and requested that he would let his full length portrait be painted for the 2[allerv. An offer was made him of a steam- 15, do. Philip Hone, 16, do. Joseph Newton, '■^j do. Charles Dmnison, 18, do. Abraham Valenilne, 19, do. Peter Embury, 20, do. Garritt Storm, 2«, do. Philip Brasher, 22, do. do. OF NEW-YOHE, 119 boat to go to West Point, and a ball was given him by the citizens and military, at the City Hotel. Public docks, wharves, and slips, let for 42,600 dollars. 842 vaccinated at the Dispensary. March 5. Cadwallader D. Colden^ Mayor. April 19. P. A. Jay^ Recorder. John Fleming, Chamberlain. Savings Bank instituted. Mariners' Church built in Roosevelt-street. Dutch Church built in Market-street, and Friends' Meeting House in Hester street. Swartwouts ask the Corporation to loan money on Hoboken and Newark Meadows, consisting of 4000 acres of deep alluvial soil, having 7^ miles of embankment, and 120 miles of ditch, and on which 150,000 dollars have been expended with success thus far. Sept. 13, The yellow fever appeared at Old shp, and was supposed to have been brought from Balti- more ; 23 deaths occurred with it during the season. The citizens generally removed from the vicinity, and the infected district was fenced up. (This was the first appearance of the fever since 1805.) A well of fine water mentioned by old Mr. Grim, as formerly existing on tiie corner of Wall and Wil- liam streets. Nov. 15. Population 119,657. 18 20. — Jan. 27. Meeting of citizens at the City Hotel, to concert measures to relieve the sufferers J)y the late dreadful fire at Savannah. The Corpo- ration dechned making any appropriation from the city treasury, for want of power ; but a committee 120 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY of citizens was appointed, and 12,000 dollars col- lected and remitted to the Mayor of Savannah, who took offence at a part of the resolution voted in New- York to be sent, and he returned the whole amount back to this city in disgust, and it was all refunded to subscribers. Feb. 7. Gen. Morton went to Washington, and succeeded in procuring the balance of 37,000 dol- lars due the city on account of lands occupied for fortifications, damages, &/C. during the late war ; and 1000 dollars were voted him for his trouble, be- sides his expenses. Feb. 28. Salaries of city officers reduced about 16 per cent. ; the Mayor's from 7000 to 5300. First Congregational, or Unitarian Church, built m Chambers-street. New- York Infirmary, for curing diseases of the Eye, founded. Robert Macomb received a special grant for 40 years, of a water privilege, at the dam across Har- laem River. A deficiency ascertained in the accounts of the late Chamberlain, W. Fish, of 9000 dollars. April 26. Public docks, wharves, and slips, sold for one year to Ed. Hitchcock, for 34,760 dollars. May 25. Park Theatre burnt. 1596 tavern licenses. May 30. The 120 gun ship OUo^ launched at the Navy Yard. July 10. S. Price offered 1500 dollars per year for a lot of ground in Chambers-street, east of the Alms House, 70 feet by 150, to erect a Theatre of marble. A remonstrance, with numerous sign a- 1 OP NEW-YORK. 121 tuies, opposed the same, and the Corporation re- fused the grant. July 30. 6277 dollars collected for sufferers by a fire at Troy. Aug. 21- Public property appraised by Jonathan ThompsoD, John Tar- gee, and W. Smith : — 1. Houses and h)ts productive, $405,200 2. Houses and buildings u»ed for public purposes, 1,769,536 3. Protluctive properly ai Brooklyn, 62,150 4. Not productive do., at do. " 1,950 6. Ferries, including the necessary wharves, piers, and slips, 122,000 6 Common lands, productive, 119.150 7. Do. unproductive, 37,800 8. Do. rent in wheat, 2,650 9. Do. payable in corn, 1,260 10. Public wharves, piers, and slips, 842,257 11. City lots, rents in wheat, 5,200 12. Personal properly, 65,564 §3,434,707 A proposition was brought before the Board by Alderman Swartwout, to enlarge the Park, from Anne, to Beekman and Nassau streets, to make the same nearly square. Cost, .'^34,000 dollars. In the summer. Monsieur Guille ascended from Vauxhall, in a parachute attached to a balloon, and descended at Newtown, on Long Island, being the first ascension of tlie kind ever made in America. Interments this year, 3515. 1821. — Mr. John Randall, jr. finished his surveys and maps of the island, having been engaged in the business under the commissioners, for ten years past, in laying out all the avenues and cross streets N. of North-street and Greenwich- lane. The total ex- pense was $32,484.98. Jan. For the first time since 1780, the Hudson lliver and harbour was entirely closed by ice, in the s'^vorc cold weather of this month. The citizens 11 12^ CHRONOLOGICAL HISTOEY crossed in great numbers on the ice to Powles Hook and back, and some to Staten Island. Measure- ments of distance were made upon the ice across the Narrows, and from Courtlandt-street to the Jersey- shore, and ascertained to be one mile and a few feet. Thermometer of Fahrenht^t 14^ below zero at the coldest, and for three days not more than 10° above zero. A fire took place in Fulton-street, Front-street, and Crane wharf, which destroyed all the unsightly wooden buildings which occupied the site of the present Fulton Market, and the Corporation decided at once the market should be built on that spot. City debt, §1,192,209. Feb. The iron railing ordered to be continued all round the Park, at an expense of §15,622. The principal gateway at the southern extremity, con- tains a cavity in the pillar, filled with coins and arti- cles to interest future generations ; and Dr. Mitchiil made an address to the spectators on the occasion of their being deposited. The Battery tax was assessed as follows, on the different wards, viz. the sum of §25,000 a year, for six years, in the following ratio : — First ward, §6666 ; Second and Thiid wards, each §5000 ; Fourth ward, §2334 ; Fifth ward, §1666; Sixth ward, §1334; Seventh and Eighth wards, §1000 each. The Savings Bank received in one year, from 5073 persons, the amount of §342,085.23. March 12. The premium of §100 awarded to O'Donnell, the architect, for his plan, which was adopted for the new market in Fulton-street. Lot in Chambers-street leased to the Mechanics' OF NEW- YORK. 123 Society for a scliool-house, &lc. for the term of 80 years, a.t$V25 per annum. March 19. Stephen Allen^ Mayor. Richard Riker^ Recorder. The salary of the Mayor was fixed at ^3000 per annmn, and his duties were defined and altered principally to those of police and finance. The Mayor's Court was abolished, or rather his presence not required upon the bench, as always heretofore, and the Recorder has since presided in the Criminal Court. Court of Common Pleas estabhshed, and John T. Irving appointed First Judge. Public wharves, piers, and slips, let for g 25,370. 10 markets, contaming 206 stalls, and the aggre- gate rent ^9909. A premium of ^4680 given for ^150,000 of new city stock. 436 acres of land in the (old) Ninth ward, be- longing to the Corporation property. May 28. State convention at xilbany, to alter the Constitution, and the Council of Appointment abol- ished ; the appointment of most of the officers being now given to the people. Col. Manley, of the 2d Regiment, 1st Brigade N. Y. State Artillery, presented to the Corporation, on the 25th of June, the national standard which was displayed at Washington's first inauguration as Pre- sident of the United States, in this city, in front of the old City Hall, Wall-street, in the balcony facing Broad-street. July. A meeting of citizens called in the Park, relative to violating the Sabbath, which produced considerable excitement, from an overheated zeal on 124 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY the part of some of the persons originating the meeting. The following churches were erected this year : St. Luke's, m Hudson-street, and the Presbyterian Churches in Vandewater, Broome, and Christopher streets. North River Bank chartered, and a bonus of ^60,000 paid, on a compromise with the Swart- wouts, to assist them in reclaiming the Jersey mea- dows. New- York Mechanic and Scientific Institution chartered, and edifice erected in Chambers-street. Sept. 5. Great hurricane, which began from S. E. about 3 P. M., and lasted six hours; it was the tide of ebb when the storm commenced, but the water#rose rapidly above high water mark, and did great injury to the wliarves and shipping, and to buildings, chimneys, &:c. It hauled round to S. and S. VV. and soon finished the destruction ©f the battery, which the former December gale had injured ; many vessels were driven ashore at the Quarantine dock and other places, but the U. S. ship of war Franklin rode out the gale in safety in the Hudson River. Had the gale occurred during high water, incalculable injury would have been suf- fered, as all Greenwich, South, Front, Water, and part of Pearl and other streets, would have been overflowed to a depth of 6 or 8 feet. A similar storm happened in this city more than a century be- fore, as recorded. October. A. Burtis appointed superintendent of the Alms House. R. Graves, Street Commissioner, and George B. Smith, Assistant. OP NEW-YOKK. 12[J Nov. 27. Beekman-street ordered to be opened through Pearl, Water, and Front streets, to the river. Interments this year 3542. 1822— March 30. Castle Chnton, at the Bat- tery, ceded by Congress to the Corporation. Statue of Washington contemplated by the citi- zens, to cost jj50,000. Maiden-lane ordered to be widened on the east side, from Pearl to William streets. April. Attempts made to explore supplies of pure and wholesome water, from Rye pond and other sources. Public docks, wharves, and slips, let for ^30,650. June 24. Franklin Market began. The stepping-mill ordered to be finished. July. The yellow fever appeared in Rector-street, near the river, about the middle of July, and spread gradually into the neighbouring streets, and into Broad way. About the 20th of August, the Custom- House, Banks, Insurance ( >ffices, and merchants, and auctioneers, removed to Greenwich. The fer- ries from Powles Hook, Hoboken^ and Brooklyn, also were moved. The Butchers' shambles were in Hudson-street, at the Square, and in Chatham Square. The infected district was fenced in, and lime sprinkled in the streets and gutters ; a general panic prevailed, and business was totally interrupted. Numerous temporary houses were erected in the upper wards, and particularly in Greenwich ; liardly any residents were left south of the City Hall. 388 died of the fever. Early in November, the citi- zens returned to their homes. 11* liiG CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY Oct. 11. A day of fasting and prayer recom- mended by the Clergy and City Authorities. Watch House built corner of Prince and Mercer streets. The slepphig-mill in the Penitentiary was finished 7(h September, and went into ncive operation. It was built of sione, 30 by 60 reet,2 stories high, each wheel einployirg S2 persons, 16 at a time : a bell strikes every half rainuie, when one steps off ai;ci atother ^ oes on, leaving every eight minutes (or rest. U grii^ds 40 to 50 bushels yf corn per day. and is capa- ble of doini; 60 or 70. The consumption of the Alms House, Penitentiary, and Bridewell, is 50 Dushels of grain, ground into meal, per day, which costs from §1600 to $2200 per year. Average, $1900, which this mill saves to the public ; and the cost of the mill and machinery was $3050.09. Nov. 25. Fever Hospital, at Bellevue, recom- mended by the Mayor to be erected. Burying in Trinity Church yard discontinued. The interments this year were 3231, being 311 less than the last year ! For nine montlis in the year the city was crowded, yet 1 76 deaths less occurred than in the same months the year previous. Bowery Presbyterian Church, and St. Matthew's Church, in Walker-street, built. Apprentices* Library, and the Mercantile Library founded. Tradesmen's Bank incorporated. United Domestic Missionary Society established. St. Thomas's Church built, in Broadway, corner of Houston-street. Universalist Church, in Prince-street, erected. 1823. — Jan. 6. Mayor appointed by the Com- mon Council, under the new Constitution, and Ste- phen Allen, Esq. re-elected. Jan. 20. Distance from New- York to Albany, by the post road, ascertained to be 149|| miles. Post- age supposed from 7 to 8000 dollars per annum. The celebrated Interment law passed, forbiddinsr burials south of Canal-street. OF NEW-YOEK. 127 Maiden-lane opened, and great improvements made near Pearl-street. Sharon Canal Company incorporated. §560,000 capital, to supply the city with water. The new law taxing bank stock in the city, passed the Legislature ; and a great meeting of citizens was held in tiie Sessions room, City Hall, to remon- strate against it. New burying-ground laid out, between 40th and 42d streets, on the 4th and 6th Avenues, containing 10 acres, cost g3449 ; and the old Potter's Field levelled, and a beautiful square called " Washing- ton Square'"' formed on its site. Christ Church, in Anthony-street, built. Fulton Bank incorporated. The New-York Gas-Light Company incorpo- rated. Hudson River steam-boat monopoly dissolved by a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States. April. Corporation granted to the N. Y. Gas Company the exclusive privilege, for 30 years, of laying cast iron gas pipes in the streets south of Grand-street^ and reserved the privilege of using the gas for the street lamps, on the same terms and cost as oil. Salaries — of the District Attorney, ^2500 ; Spe- cial Justices, '^IGOO ; Clerk of Oyer and Terminer, to^l per quarter. OP NEW-YORK. 13c5 f- inlormenls this year, 5018. 1826. — Jan. 3. PhUip Hone elected Mayor of the city. Feb. 20. Savings Bank deposites, remaining, 1,367,689 dollars. Value of real estate, 22,286 dollars. Cash not invested, 30,250 dollars. March. The State Prison and appendages, cover- ing about six acres of ground, and which cost the state of New-York to erect about 280,000 dollars, was purchased of the state by the Corporation for 100,000 dollars. This was a year of great commercial embarrassment and distress, causetl by the failure of several spurious banks, chartered by the siate of Kew Jersey, and located §t Powles Hook, but circulating iheir paper principally in the city of New- York. Tlieir failure caused a temporary panic for the fate of all banking institutions in the city : they all, however, sustained their reputation at that time. But soon affer, a scene of iniquity was unfolded by the cranh of several Insurance Companies, and othej- events that transpired, and in the building of several large ships of war for fDrei^n governments, which, in its effects abroad, shook ihe commer- cial character of this city to its deepest foundations. A run was made on the Tradesmen's, and Fulton Banks, the former of which was put tinnier an injunction, and its doors closed, until an investigation was nsade into its affairs, which resulted in a loss of one-lhird of its capital. It re- opened soon afiHrw-uds, under a difftrent n>anagement. Bills ot indictment were found by the grand jury against a large num- ber of persons, of hitherto respectable standing in the community, and trials took place of a most protracted and tedious nature, which resulted in the conviction of some of the ; ersons indicted. Several were sent to the Peiiiientiary, but others appealed from the vei to Nassau island, to low water mark there as aforesaid, including Great Barn island. Little Barn island, and Manning's island, and from thenc^ along Nassau island shore, at low water mark as aforesaid, into tbesout side of the Redhook, and from thence across the North river so as to it chide Nutten island, Bedlow's island, Bucking island, and the Oyste islands to low water mark on the west side of Hudson's river, or so far a^ the bounds of this state extend there, and so up along the west side ol Hudson's river at low water mark, or along the limits of this state until it comes directly opposite the first mentioned creek, an-1 thence lo thd place where the said boundaries first bejan.'* or KEW-YORK. 137 hour and expense, that part of the island in particular which is built, has been levelled, and the marshes filled up.* The ground laid out as gardens, and occupied as orchards, is remarkable for its fertility, producing a suc- cession of fine crops with little labour, and almost with- out any manure. This alteration in the surface of the earth, has g-reatly tended to render the climate mild and healthy. The heat, It is remarked, is not so intense, nor the cold so se- vere, as formerly. Diseases are less frequent, and it has been calculated that fewer persons die in the city of New- York, in proportion to its population, than in rnost of the large cities and towns in England, the climate of which is justly held to be so salubrious. It is certain that New- York is built in as healthy a situation as any other city of the United States : Encircled with water, and open to the sea breeze, the air is almost always clear.f In winter, the earth is stripped of every thing having the appearance of vegetation. But the frost sel- dom holds possession of the ground beyond two months, and on the return of spring, nature makes ample amends for this, by wantoning in all that luxuriance of which she is capable, and m producing crops so abundant as to leave little or nothing of this description to be desired by the inhabitants. Dews are very prevailing during the nights of the summer season. Their pernicious effects, however, can be easily prevented by avoiding improper exposure.! * Only a few years ago there was a lake of fresh water, called tho Collect, near the middle of tho city, of which there is not a vesiige re- Tnainiiig : and, townrds the East river, there was a hill, rising to a con- pidora!)le height, called Hayard'e tnouni, which is now cleared away, and the e;r. GEOLOGICAL SKETCH OF THE ISLAND. The island of New- York is essentially primitive, ex- cept in one solitary instance: no transition or secondary rocks are found in it. We may say that it consists of one formation, granite, which in some few places, is overlaid or penetrated by other rock. At the southern exiremity from the Battery, reaching- along tJ-e East Kiver nearly as far as Coenties-slip, and on the Hudson as far as Thames-street, in the renjembrance of many persons now living, there was a range of sharp and rug- ged rocks of shistose mica, precisely similar to those which are on the banks of the river, 4 miles from the city. Tliese contained great quantities of garnets, which it was the amusement of the children of those j days to collect from the debris at their feet. If we draw a line from a point about 3 miles from the Battery, | nearly where the Penitentiary now stands, to the Hud- son Kiver, inclining more to the north than west, we | shall cut off that portion of the city which may be called l| alluvial. It is a great and capacious basin, to the hot- | torn of which our deepest wells do not reach, filled with sand of different appearances, and of different natures, enveloping an immense variety of fragments of almost every kind of rock, primitive, transition, and secondary ; many of them unlike any thing at present found in the neighbourhood, or within fifty miles. It is in this im- mense collection of extraneous matter, that many of the minerals reckoned as belonging to us have been found, such as apatite, different varieties of asbestos, j and serpentine basanite, actynolite, and organic remains in sand stone. The first rocks that make their appearance at the line that we have supposed drawn across from one river to the other, are true granite and shistose mica ; this last; gradually decreases in quantity, until at last, in the most elevated parts, we meet with nothing but granite, of the most decided character, in which, on that part forming the ridge near Harlaem, are sometimes found imbeddec black tourmaline, indicolite, beryl, in very small crys- GEOLOGICAL SKETCH OP THE laiLAND. 145 tals, g-arnets, epidote, and actynolite. In this same tract, near the villag-e of Manhattanville, is a rock of horn- blende, of some extent ; and this same mineral occurs again among the almost perpendicular rocks on the northern side of Kingsbridge creek. Near its mouth, at the distance of about 12 miles from the city, the granite suddenly disappears, and is succeeded by marble, of which tlie remainder of the island is formed ; the gra- nite, at some depths, shoots into the limestone, and is even found in separate masses, unconnected with the range we lately left, and imbedded in the calcareous matter. This range of marble extends, with some par- tial interruptions, into the neighbouring country, as far as Verplanck's Point, and is probably a continuation of the same range that skirts at Kent and Dover, in Con- necticut, to the east, and on the Schuylkill, in Pennsyl- vania, to the west. This marble forms the most valuable building-stone, and as it lies so convenient to the river, and can be obtained of any size and form, it is a matter of sur- prise that it has not long ago superseded the unsightly red sand stone we are so fond of using. It only requires to be a little more used, and it will become fashionable. Habits of long standing are difficult to eradicate ; but it will not be long before the good sense of our feliovv-citizeos will discard the brick and sand stone, and build all their houses of this material, which cannot be surpassed in beauty or durability. We have also in it an inexhaustible supply of lime, of the best quality, far superior to any that is brought to us from abroad. Hereafter, when the bounty of Nature comes to be properly appreciated, it will be a matter of surprise, that this important material was so long disregarded. The labours of the workmen in open- ing quarries, have discovered in this part of our country, •imbedded in the marble, white augile, in large cry^^tah, reddish brown tourmaline, rubellite, tremolite, pyrites, galasna, in small quantities, red oxyd of tetanium, in ^rysttals, sometimes two inches in length, and one-fifth of vn inch in diameter. The only transition rock to be found is one of a com- 13 HB H'ENKY HI?BSO^. pact, ciose-grained black ma«-nesian stone, with radi- ated spots of white asbestos. This is fouod on the shore of the Hudson, four and a half miles from the city, appa- rently springing- from the granitic rocks which surround it, and unconnected with any thing of a similar nature ; indeed, it may be doubted if a similar mineral has been found any where in America. When partially decom- posed, as it is near the surface, it loses its compact and close-grained appearance, and becomes a stellated asbes- tos, of the finest kind, the fibres long, silky, and close. On the eastern and western sides of the island, north of the line before mentioned, the rocks still oppose to the tides a naked, rough, and impassable barrier ; and the face of the island is still strongly marked by the ab- ruptness of crags and valleys, hills and dales, insulated rocks and marshy inlets, which characterize a maritime country where granite prevails. The gneiss, or slaty granite, is now almost exclusively used for the foundation of buildings, and also in the con- struction of some of the most important edifices in the city, such as the New- York Hospit 1, several churches, the Alms House, &c., and being found in great abun- dance on this island, and in many places in the vicmity, it affords a valuable and inexhaustible material for the future use of the city. The range of palisadoeson the Jersey shore, opposite this island, in its whole extent, composed of trap rocks, and forming perpendicular bluffs of 200 to 400 feet in height, also constitutes another valuable resource for building materials, convenient to the city. Porcelain clay has been found on this island in small quantities. HBNRY HUDSON, Little is known of the eventful life of the celebrated navigator, Henry Hudson, except that he was an Eng- lishman, born in 1569, of good education, and an expe- rienced and bold seaman. He early entered into a ma ritime life, and soon attained a distinguished rank in h:« profession. lie resided in London, and had a famny , HENEY HUOSOK. 147 ftod his only son, a youth of great promise, shared with him in all his perils. His first voyag-e of discovery was in 1607, when he sailed from Gravesend to the coast of Oreenland, and made important discoveries, and re- turned in safety. The next year he made a voyage to the northern regions. Both of the foregoing- voj age-* were made by him in the employment of a company of merchants at London ; but they not wishing his services any longer, Hudson went to Holland, and entered into the service of the Dutch East India Company, who pro- vided him with a small ship called the Half Moon, and a crew of 20 men. He left Amsterdam on the 4tb of April, 1609, and after sailing along the coast of America, and touching in different places, he entered the bay in- side of Sandy Hook, on the 3d of September, and de- voted one month to the exploring of the coast in the vi- cinity, and in ascending the river that bears his name. His narrative is full of interest, and his voyage and ad- yentures up the river, and his intercourse with the natives, are told in a faithful and descriptive manner, but our limits will not admit of any minute details. Th(^ reader that is desirous of farther information on this sub- ject, is referred to the eloquent description in l^Ioulton's History of this State, which dues full justice to it. The island of Manhattan, at tbat period, presented a wild and rough aspect ; a thick forest covered tho^e parts of it where vegetation could find support ; its beach was broken and rocky, and had several inlets ; the inte- rior was hilly, wiih occasional rocks, swamps, and ponds. Jkll traces of this roughness have long since disappear- ed from the southern part of the island, where the city js now built, and great inroads have been made on all sides into the waters of the harbour ; but to the curious, a lively idea may still be given of what was formerly the appearance on the city's site, hy examining the interior of the island, 5 or 6 miles north, on the middle road, or the 3d and 8th Avenues, especially the latter, and also on the banks of the Hudson and East Rivers, by which may ,be discovered the immense labour and expense that have been bestowed by preceding generations, in altering th^ jjatural appearance of this island 148 THE HUDSON RIVEE, Hudson, on his return, was forced to put into England by his crew, of wbcm a part were natives of that couij- try ; and he subsequently perished on a vojag^e to the great bay that bears his name, by the mutiny of some of his sailors. A portrait of this distinguished navigator is in the City Hall, painted in 1592, when he was 23 years of age. He is represented with a frill round his neck, and hold- ing a compass in his hand ; he has a youthful and very in- teresting appearance. It was deposited by an ancient Dutch family, and is of undoubted originality. THE HUT3SON RIVER. The sources of this river are in 44° N. latitude, in a series of 1-^.kes in Essex and Hamilton counties, that lie in the mountainous and unfrequented region between Lake Champlain, the Mohawk River, St. Lawrence River, and Lake Ontario. The main, or north branch, rises 30 miles N. W. from Crown Point ; the Sacondaga, or west branch, rises 30 to 40 miles W. of Lake George, and both branches unite on the eastern side of Saratoga county, in the town of Hadley, near the celebrated falls of that name. From thence, the course is southerly for a few miles, and then east, to Glenn's Falls, beyond which it turns south, and pursues a course varying but little from N. to S. nearly all the distance lo the ocean, from which circumstance it derives its usual, but incor- rect appellation of the JSortli Rwer. In maijy points of view, it may be considered one of the most important strean-s in the world for its extent, and only, if at all, inferior in usefulness to the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, but superior to them for steam- boat navigation, viz. in the most remarkable circumstance and exclusively characteristic of the Hudson River from every other stream in this country; its penetrating through the chain of highlands, and being affected by the tides as far as Tro}^, i60 miles north, thus carrying the oceanic influence far into the interior, and yielding the greatest facilities to commerce. The depth of water is sufficient for ship navigation THE HUDSON RIVER. 245 -AS far as Hudson; and beyond that, for sloops and steam-boats, to Albany and Troy. It is closed by ice from the 1 0th or 20th of December, to about the 1 0th of March, with occasional exceptions; but the harbour and bay of New-York are always open, so that vessels can enter and depart at any period of ihe winter, while the harbours of Boston. Philadelphia, and Baltimore, are entirely closed for weeks. This is one of the principal causes of the preference g-iven to New-York, as a sea- port, beyond atiy other on this coast, except Newport. Ships, with a fair wind and tide, can gut to sea in one hour and thirty minutes after leaving- the wharf; the distance from the city by ship channel to Sandy Hook light-house being- only 18 miles. The width of the river for 25 miles N. from New- York, is about one mile, bounded on the west by preci- pices of trap or green stone, from 200, and rising- gradu- ally to 500 feel in height. Bcjond these, there is an ex- pansion of the river to the width of 4 miles, called Tap- pan and t^Iaversiraw bays, with the mountains on the western shore rising boldly to 700 f< et in height. The traveller then enters into the romaaiic regioQ of the highlands, wliere the river is contracted into narrower limit--, hut is of greater depth, and the moun- tains rise on b«.tl) sides with abruptness from nine to sixteen hundrel feet in height. At West Point, the river turns suddenly, at right angles, to its previous course, and soon displays an opening between the moun- tains on the norlh, beyond which the country subsides into a feitile, but hilly region, which continues for a hundred miles, with a noble view of the Catskill, or spur of the Allegany ftlountains, at the dibtaoce of S or 10 miles. Such are the attractions possessed by this noble river, that it annually allures thousands of strangers ; and this, in connection with the canal navigation, the suiji- mer visiters to the springs, the Lakes, and to the Falls of Niagara, causes the sum of one or more mdliocs of dollars to be expended in this state every year, and forms a very considerable item in the prosperity and r.^sourres of the city and country. 1 T)* !50 DISTANCES. The Hudson Fiver, in connection with Lake Cham- plain, has always been the g^reat highiray to Canada, and the path or channel of military enterprise. There are 15 to 20 steam- boats, of various sizes, ply- ing from IVew-York to Albany, and other places on the river; their passage to \lbany is now effected in 10 to I '2 hours ! The.e &rc several falls on the river, viz. :— Baker's Fails. G'enn's Falls, fladley Falls, and others of less no?e The sources of the river have never been fully surveyed; but the graaiiic region thereabouts undoubt- edly contains many fine landscapes and scenes that will soon be better known. Its entire length may be esti- mated at 300 i^.iiles. Its only tributary stream of any magnitude, is the Mohawk River, that falls in from the west, at VVaterford, which rises 19.0 miles distant, in the county of Oneida. On this are the Cohoes Falls, and the Little Falls ; and on West Canada Cre&k, emptying into the Mohawk, are the celebrated Trenton Falls/that deservedly rank high in public estimation. As a navigable arm of the sea, aud the chief cause of the prosperity of this g'-eat metropolis, the Hud- son River caonot be too highly estimated : and when viewed as the connecting means of ou" great system of inland navigation, aod with the Lakes, from' Buf- falo to Detroit, Michilimackioar!, Green Bay, Chicago, and we soon may be enabled to say, through the Illinois River to St. Louis and New-Orleans, and also by a canal round the vSault St. Mary with the distant shores of Lake Superior, we can hardly appre- ciate the extent of inland trade that may, at no distant day, visit this commercial metropolis of the United Slates. Distances in the vicinity of the City. From Normau's to Tubhy Hook, 11 miles from the city of New York, the river is 1370 yards. Point near Fori Washington to the opposite bank, i^ 15G7 yards* Fori Lee to the above poiut, is 1950 yards. Do. to East Bank, is 1S70 yards. Do. to Harlaera Cove Mill, is 2840 yards. Point Woolsey (0 do. i>; 1473 yard?. DISTANCED- 151 Huil s Ferry is 7-8ths of a mile wide. Btevens's Point to Rap«>lyea's wharf, is 1421 yards. Dt). to Fort Gansevoorl, is 1390 yards. Do. to Castle Garden, is 504S yards, or 2 87-100 miles. Fort Gan<;evo8rt toPowles Hook, is 4107 yards, or 2 S3-t00 miles. Hoboken Ferry, foot of Barclay-street, is 2746 yards, or 1 56-100 mile. Te-rv from Courtlandi svreet to Po-.vles Hook, is 1797 yards. Castle Clin'on to Powles Hook, is 1948 yards. Castle Williams to do. is2738;ards. Do. to Cast'e Garden, 1217 yards. The Battery, to tlje nearest part of Governor's Island, is 1060 yards. Piei-pont's Distillery to the nearest wharf on Goverf.or's Island, is 1155 varus. Do. to Sautilus sieaia-boat wharf, is 1472 yards. Brooklyn steam-boat Ferry, from Fu',ton-stre<'t, is 731 yaic's. Do. (TMn Caiharine-street, is 736 yards. Do. from Walnut-street, is 707 yards. Williamsburgli Ferry is 897 yards. Across Buttermilk Channel is 948 yards. Castle Garden to Ellis's Island, is 2049 yards. Dc. to Bedlow's Island, is 2946 yards. Do. to Staten Island^ is S9! 6 yards, or 5 7-100 miles. Do. to the Narrows, near Fort Tompkins, is 7 i3-lOO miles. Whitehall, to Staten Island steam-boat dock, is 5 35-100 miles. Across the Narrows, from Fort Richmond to Pui-yea's wharf, is 1760 yards. Yellow Hook to Staten Island steam-boat dock, is 3419 yards, or 1 98-100 mile. Telegraph, at the Narrows, to Sandy Hook light-hoase, is 10 railss. JSTew- York is distant from— Boston miks 220 Providence 180 Ncw-llaven 73 Phiiartelphia 96 Bal'-imors 191 Washington 228 Norfolk 329 Charleston 670 Savantiah 760 St. -\u;;ustine 900 Havan.iah 1395 N. Orleans (coasi.wise) . . .2047 Newburgb on the Hudson, 60 Pougbkeepsie 75 Hudson 115 Albany miles 144 Troy 150 BaUston Springs 175 Saratoga Springs 1 82 Lak? George 210 Whiieh:ill, on Lake Cham- plain 217 Burlington 292 Plattsburgh 309 Cana.-la L^ae 329 iMontreal 37S Quebec 618 Ltica 2*9 Kochester 403 Baffalo ,.. 152 MAYORS. MAYORS. i665. Thomas Willett. 1674. Nicholas De. Meyer. 1^75. William Dcvall. 1677. Stephanus Van CoRT" landt. 1678. Thomas Delaval. 1679. Francis ilOMBOLDT. 1680. William Beekman, Deputy INIayor. 1682. Mr. Stenewick. 1687. N. Bayard. 1668. Stephanus Van CoRT LANDT. 1689. P. D. Le Roy. 1691 John Lawrence. 1692. ABRAM De Peyster. 1604. Charles Lodwik. 1699. David Provoost. 1700. Isaac D. Dromer. 1701. Thomas Hood. 1702. Philip French. 1703. William Bastroo. Z707. Ebesezer Wilson. Thirty-one Mayors from 167 1710. 1711. 1714. 1719. 1720. 1724. 1725. 1726. 1735. 1737. 1739. 1744. 1747. 1756. 1766. I ' 1777 5 to 177i Jacobus Van Cort- LANDT. Caleb Heathcote. John Johnson. Jacobus Van Cort- landt. Robert Walton. Francis Harrison, Re- corder. Johannes Janson. Robert Lcrting. Paul Richard. Gerardus Stuyve- SANT, Deputy. Daniel Horsmandee, Recorder. John Cruger. Stephen Bayard. Edward Holland. Nov. 12. John Cruger. Oct. 14. Whitehead Hicks, 10 years. to 1783. D. Matthews. 1784. James Duane. 1789. Rich. Varick, 12 years. 1801. Edward Livingston. J. B. Prevost, Rec'der. 180S. Nov. 1 De Witt Clin- ton. 1807. Mch. 7. Marikus Wil- lett. Maturin Livingston, Recorder. 1808. De Witt Clinton. P. C. Van VVyck, Re- corder. iSlO. Jacob Radcuff. JosiAH O. Hoffman, Recorder. 1611. De Witt Clinton. P. C. Van Wyck, Re- corder. 1813. JosiAH O. Hoffman, Recorder. 1815. Mch. 20. John Fergu- son. Richard Riker, Re- corder. July 10. Jacob Rad- cliff. 1818. Cadwalladep.D. Col- den. 1819. P. A. Jay, Recorder. 1821. Stephen Allen. Richard Riker, Re- corder. 1824. William Paulding. 1826. Philip Hone. 1827. William Paulding. 1828. William Paulding. Forty-two different Mayors since tJie foundation of the city. IMPROVEMENTS, ALTERATIONS, &C. 16^3 Dwelling- Houses The number of dwelling-houses is estimated at 30,000.* The population exceeds 180,000, which giTCs about six inhabitants to each house. The houses were formerly built ef wood, with shingle roofs ; but these are fast disappeanng-, and substantial brick houses, with slated roofs, rising in <^heir place. Id the principal streets, they are generally 3 and 4 stories high, besides the attics, and ground floor, which is used as kitchens and cellars. In consequence of the many de- structive fires which have happened in New-York> all houses erected within a certain district must be built of brick or stone, with party or fire walls, rising six inches at least above the roof, which must be covered with tile, slate, or other incombustible materials. Wooden houses may be repaired ; but if they become totally decayed, they must be rebuilt conformable to the new regulations. This interference on the part oi the Legislatures has in- troduced much neatness and regularity in the general aspect of the dwelimg-houses ; and it i-* acknowledged by every traveller, that in their internal coustructioo and conveniences, the dwelling-houses of New-York are not surpassed in any other country. IMPROVEMENTS, ALTERATIONS, &c. The moderate expectations of the founders of the city as to its future extent and influence, together with the European notions imbibed by them as to compact- ness and narrowness of streets, as in the continental cities, caused that closeness and irregularity in the an- cient form and aspect of thin city, which has devolved on their posterity a full measure of vexation and ex- pense, in remedying the mistakes of their ancestors. As early as 1614, we find that the first street mention- ed, Pearl-street, was formed under or near the south walls of the fort, from State street to Whitehall, or under command of the guns, for protection from the savages ; and it is probable, that other streets were soon after formed io the vicinity, under the same precautions. * In 18t6. iherc \vere 17.000 housss. t&'i IMPROVEMENTS, ALTEElTIOJfS, &G. For 10 or 50 years subsequent to the settlement of the city, the same fears of the aborig'ines continued, and probably with augmented force, as in 1653 the great wall was erected across the island, which continued until i6S9, when the pressure of population caused it to be demolished, as the houses within the walls were so numerous that there was not sufficient building room remaining. Very early, the streets assumed the winding- shape of the eastern shore of the island : thus Pearl-street, be- ginning at the Battery, then fronted on the water, and of course (he other parallel streets assumed the same direction ; the cross streets were laid out where the least obstruction of hill or valley presented itself, as they could nat level and cut down, fill up and alter, the entire face of the island, as their descendants have done and are now doing. In 1656, when the first plan of the city was made, by order of the Governor and Council, and sent to Holland for the inspection of their high mighti- nesses the Directors of the West India Trading Com- pany, they objected to the width of the streets as unne- cessary, and that too much space was allotted to gar- dens and open grouads. From the original form which was thus impressed on the city previous to the revolutionary war, in the width and direction of the streets, and the general outline of what is now coosidered as the ancient part of the town, much has been done by the present generation where it was practicable, to alter, improve, and modify, and this has priaci pally been effected within 30 or 40 years, and even less, as the war of 1776 to 1783 totally prevented any improvement whatever, and a part of the city which had been destroyed by fire during that time, lay in ruins as late as 1787-9. After that time, the alterations and increase of the city were rapid, and have progressed steadily to the present time. Among the most prominent alterations have been the enlargement of the Battery from time to time, the huge rocks that formerly covered the southern extremity of the island, and which came up to State-street, being BOW entirely buried or concealed ; the fprU which under J IMPROVEMENTS, ALTERATIONS, &C. t65 Tcinous names and masters, had occupied a lar^e space of ground between Whitehall-street, the Battery, and the Bovvh'ng Green, and which stood until 179!, tlien g-ave way to a splendid building- erected by the stale for the mansion of the Governor, which in its turn has heen demolished, and the present mass of spacious and ueat private building's, erected on that famous spot. The widening of the old streets has caused t^ie j^reat- est alteration in the external aspect of the city, par- ticularly m Maiden-iane, at the corner of Broadway, where the Oswego Market and a group of old wooden building's stood, on the south side ; and also at the intersection of Pearl-street on the east side, where, until 1823, it was hardly wide enoug'h for two carts to pass. When we recollect the former narrowness and g^loomy appearance of this spot, the old and decayed building's, and tfie dark and mean appearance of the houses, contrasted with ihe present width and cheerful appearance of tlie street, the difference is so stTiking as to cause both astonishment and pleasure at the wonder- ful change. Another improvement of g'reat importance was the cutting: and widening" of Pair-street, now Fulton-street, from Cliff-street throug'h to Pearl-street, and thus crea- ting' a new thoroug'hfare from the Hudson to the East River; also the entire demolition of a trian'::ular block of unsig-htly old brick buddings, called Hanover Square, and occupying' the space between Pearl-street, Old-slip, or William-street, and Stone-street, which then extend- ed to Slote-lane, (now Exchange Place.) So many other parts of the city have been subjected to the same magic and rapid chang'e, that any person who has not Visited the city for ten, or even five years past, would not be able, in some pl.'ces, to recog'nise his situation. The most tedious and expensive undertaking' of a pub- lic nature has been the filling' up of the ^reat ponds and bodies of fresh water, that formerly covered many acres of what is now the very centre of the city, from Orange- street to Elm-street, and Pearl-street to Grand-street, and on the west side of Broadway, in the rear of St. J oha's Church, and several blocks on each side of Caaal- 156 IMPKOVEMEKTS, ALTERATIOKS, 6lC, street, leading from Collect-street to the Hudson River , all this larg-e space was formerly covered with water, which in some places was of very considerable depth, and communicated with the East River through Roosevelt- street, and by the present Canal-street with the Hudson, draining- a surface of 400 acres of land. Several large hills or mounds of earth that environed this pond, under various names, such as BayarcVs Muunt^ which elevated itself on the site of Grand and Rhynder streets, have all been levelled, and the ground thrown into the ponds at their base. The expenses of these proceedings have fallen very heavily on the adjacent property. The mat- ters connected with this great operation were a subject of debate with the city authorities for 20 or 30 jears. It was recommended by the first street commissioner, Mr. Brown, and also by Mr, Fulton and Mr. Whitney, more recently, who were appointed to view, consider, and report on the subject, that the ponds should be pre- served in their original extent, and the banks faced with stones, walks formed on the margins, trees planted, and the access of the tide-water permitted, and a mar- ket erected on its borders ; but these suggestions were overruled, from a fear that the constant filling up with putrid matter would render it useless, and a source of disease. In winter, during the skating season, the Col- lect was formerly a scene of amusement and activity to many of the citizens. Great labour has also been bestowed in reducing to a proper level that portion of the island near Corlaer's Hook, and in the filling in of a large tract of low land and water lots in that vicinity, and near the ship yards at Manhattan Island. The utmost limit of the city has already been attained in docking out into the Hudson River on the west, and also into the East River. Near, or quite 100 blocks, covered with several thousand houses and stores, have been thus recovered from the water surrounding the city, as marked out on the plan of the same, thus forcing the future increase of population out into the northern suburbs. Since the erection of the Exchange, in Wall-street, IMPROVEMENTS, ALTERATIONS, &,C. 167 the most extensive alterations have been effected in the immediate vicinity, particularly in Garden-street, which has been widened from Broad-street, on the south side, and extended east of William-street, beyond the Ex- chang-e, and the whole is now called Exchange Place. In Slote-lane, (now Exchange-street,) which has also been widened and extended east, and thence by an angle lo meet Pearl-street, ranges of the most capacious four story buildings have been erected. The style of architecture, and the taste of the public, has evidently improved of late years ; and the materials now introduced into buildings, such as the eastern white granite, and the marble of West Chester, (of the latter, the Exchange and the U. S. Branch Bank are con- structed,) have conduced much to improve the aspect of the city. The brown sand stone of New- Jersey is quite neglected in domestic architecture, compared with its former exclusive use. Numerous churches, of an elegant style of architec- ture, have been built within a iew years; and two spa- cious public squares, Hudson Square and Washington Square, laid out, planted with choice trees and shrub- bery, and surrounded with expensive private mansions. It is much to be regretted there are not more open spaces left in the lower wards, to promote the health of the in- habitants ; but that invaluable public walk the Battery, and the noble river environing the city, are redeeming qualities that render the city as healthy and pleasant as any other in the United States. Besides the alterations before stated that have occur- red on this island, and in the city, during the present generation, others of minor importance have also taken place, the aggregate of which has caused a total change in the architectural appearance of various parts of the town. Whole streets, such as Wall-street, Pearl-street, Water-street, Broad-street, Garden-street, and many others in the First Ward, that were formerly filled with private dwellings, have changed their character, and are now occupied by warehouses, and places of business M 158 32XTENT ANB IMPOJRTAIVCE. of various descriptions, or as Banks, Insurance Officer, Brokers, &c. Since the beg-inning" of the present century, there have been erected in this city the FuHon and Washing' ton Markets, the City Hall.* the Ahiis House, Fever Hospital and Penitentiary, the new Cemetery, and many other vporks of utility and splendour. The va- rious fortifications on the island, and in the harbour, under the management of the general government, have been completed within the same period. The total expense of all these combined, has amounted to severa! mil lions -of dollars, EXTENT AND I3IPORTANCE AT DIFFERENT PERIODS. The earliest authentic record extant of the populatioa of this city, is of the date of 1656, when several nevr streets were laid out, and a plan of ihe town sent to thte city of Amsterdam, for {lie examination and approval of the Directors of the West India Trading Company. At that time, the village called IN ew- Amsterdam, now New- York, contained only 120 houses, of the humblest de- scription, and '000 inhabitants, including the garrison. There is now extant a rough engraving, copied from the original which was pubhshed in 1673; from this it appears, at that period. Wail-street was the northern and eastern bouridary of the town, and a wall of earth and palisadoes then extended across the island, with two gates, or poorts, viz. the land poort, in Broadway, corner of Wail-street, and the waier poort, in Wall-street, cor- ner of Pearl-street, then close to the v/ater. Outside of the wall, only six houses and one windmill, on the highest land, appear to have exibled, and been loosely scattered about. Broad-street, then called the Heeren Gracht, or gentlemen's canal, was filled with water, as high up as the present corner of Garden-street, where the public stores are now situated, and where the old ferry-house stood until recently demolished, and was ao old fashioned, Dutch built, low two story house, with EXTENT AND IMPOHTANCE. 159 g-able to the street, and steep roof rising- in front by steps, surmounted with a poin ed ornament or weather-cock. There were only ten houses between Wall -street and Broad-street, that stood between Pearl-street and the East River, and they were from Old-slip to Wall-street ; of course, the northern side of Pearl-street was the Water-street, or South-street of that day. Only one wiiarf and basin appeal rs then to have ex- isted between Broad-street and Whitehall, with ranges of warehouses of two and three stones in heig-ht on the west; and behind them, on the N. W., towered the huge stone walls of the original Foit Amsterdam, with ramparts and bastions bristling with heavy cannon, and displaying- a fl<,\g on the top of a verv high poie, with cross bars for climbing up. Within the wall? of the fort were the governor's house, and the original church, with a small cupola, and a bell, the same that is now la the Garde;>-street church. One hundred and eight;^ -eight houses are distinctly seen in the picture, which is in the worst kind of per- spective ; and the most prominent objects facing the East River, were three semi-circular bastions, mounted with cannon, projecting beyond the general line of the wharf, one from Wail-streei, one from Old -slip, and one from Coeaties-oj^p', and these bastions, and ali^o the wharves, appear to h^ive been constructed of stone and regular masonry, in which respect the citizens of that day were w;ser than the pre-ent generation, who are contented with unsightly wooden piers, of a penshabie and unwh ilesome appearance, that cannot be too soon discarded. The town must about this time have experienced a rapid increase, from tljc influx of population following the English conquest under Gov. Nichols, as in '677, it had 368 houses within tiie w^ills, and three years after, the revenue amounted to £2000, and in Ifi87, to jG50(H), and V.e city debt was £'>()h. In 1 {13. there were be- longmg to this port onl\ 3 barques, 3 bngantines, 26 sloops, and 4P. oyjen boats : and the various fears that prevailed among the colonists at this time, that the city would suffer in its trade from the recent separation of 160 EXTENT AND IMPORTANCE. New-Jersey, to be under a distinct g^orernment, with an anticipated rival city on its borders, indicates that the sources of internal commerce were then almost un- known, or extremely limited. Soon after 1 683, a law was passed by the colonial au- thorities, giving' to the city the sole privilege of bolting" and packing flour for exportation, which soon became the sole occupation of two-thirds of the inhabitants, and a source of emolument. The object intended by this law was to improve the quality of flour, by a rigid sys- tem of inspection ; and as this was then, as now, the most valuable staple commodity of the land, it was thought highly important to cherish that business ; and at this period, the New- York flour had a preference in all foreign markets, which it maintained for many years. With the assistance of this monopoly, a steady augmentation of population and resources ensued ; and in 1697, seventy to eighty years after the commencement of the settlement, there was 4302 inhabitants ; and in 1699, there were 6000, and the houses had increased to 983 ; but a temporary check was given to its prosperity by the repeal of the law giving ihe city the exclusive privilege of bolting, packing, and exporting the flour of the colony. This law had become odious and oppres- sive upon the country people, and their growing and im- portant influence with the Governor and the Legislature, caused its repeal, but not without a long and strenuous resistance from the city authorities, who, from having enjoyed the sweets of a few years of lucrative mono- poly, were extremely loth to have it withdrawn. When the Dutch Church in Garden-street was erect- ed in 1693, an objection was made to its location by- some, as being too remote from the centre of the town'; now, by a concurrence of circumstances at this time, such as the increase of warehouses, and consequent re- cent desertion of that vicinity by its former inhabitants, a house of worship in that street is rendered rather in- convenient to many of the citizens, as being too far to- wards the southern extremity of the city. Trinity Church, which was first erected in Broadway, facing Wall-street, in 1696, was for a long time the EXTENT AXD IMPORT AXOE. Itll li*ndsomest edifice in the city, and for those days was considered a really splendid buildinj^ ; the Governor and city authorities being- then of the Episcopal character, gave it an impress and influence which has continued to be fully maintained. At the period of its erection, this church was in the outskirts of the own. The following y^ar, the city began to be lighted at night by candles and lanterns, stuck out in a rude manner on poles, from every seventh house. In 1691, the public authorities sold all the land front- ing the water, from Wall-street to Maiden-lane, for -Z5s. per foot, from thence to ChfF-street for 1 85. per foot, and thence to Beektnan-street for 15s. per foot. The next year, a lot of land at the end of Broad- street was valued at £}>0; and betvveen '20 and 30 lots were sold on Fly Market at £20 to £30 per lot. and three wliarves were built near Maiden-lane, and the town began to increase in that direction fast. In !694, lots of ground in Wall-street were sold for 30s. per foot, about poo the lot of 25 feet, (since sold for 20 to 30,000, dollars,) and a lot in Pearl-street was given away to the Recorder, A City Hall, head of Broad-street, was ordered to be built, the old one in Coenties-slip which was built ia 1542, by Gov. Kieft, having gone to decay. On the 9th of August of this year, the old City Hall, which stood in Pearl-street, facing to Coenties-slip, was sold by public sale to John Rodman, merchant, for £920, a large sum for those days ; but being at that time in Juhn, William, Cuatham, and Rooseyeit streets and the Kast River East ward, tjp Old-slip and William-street, anO d<.wn John-slreet to the East River Dock ward, up east side of Broad-street, ibroiigh VVal street to Wi;liam-slreet and thi- East River North ward, all beiween William, JNassau, and Wall streets, and the C-oilect Out ward, all east of Roosevelt-street and the Collect f k 222 173 213 9 less. 2901 17 inc. 150 350 200 326 356 20 228 233 5 !?? 261 131 65 20 1416 1834 413 This table indicates very sacisfactorily m what quarter the city was extending ar this period, which was between Kassau-street and the East River, from John-street to Roosevelt-Si reet, wherein 265 houses were erected: and ©Q the western side q( the city, from the Battery towards the Commons or Park, 1 17 houses were erected : while io the olde.9l parts of the city, viz. up Broad-street, throug-b Wiill-street to William-street, and down John- street to the East River, there were only 25 houses built in 11 years I and in the south ward there were 9 houses less in 1749 than io 1738, owing probably to a loss by the fire of 1741, or some other calamity. Courtlandl-street was opened in 1732, and the city was gradually extending northward. The first newspaper was commenced in New- York, but the press was put under severe resti'aint. In 1734, the charter was printed for £7, and sold at 3*. a copy. A House of Correction, or Bridewell, began. In 1736, Water-street is first mentioned as extending from Maiden-lane to Countess' Key, or Coenties-slip, and east to Rodma.o's-slip. iJXTBNT AND IMPOHTANCE. IQb A market was established in Broadway, opposite Crown-street, now Liberty-street. This was afterwards removed to the corner of Maiden-lane, and went by the name of the Oswego Market until 1810, when it was de- molished. Quarantine laws were first established in 1738, to pre- vent the importation of the smallpox and the yellow fever. At this time, there were 1416 houses, only 16 more than existed 7 years before ; and none north of the present Fulton-street, in Broadway, or the vicinity. The Cit) Library was founded in 1740. In 1749, there were 1834 houses, being an increase of 418 in 11 years. 1750. A Theatre established. A Moravian Church built in Fulton-street, in the year 1751 ; and in 1752, St. George's Church in Beek- man-street, and the Baptist Church in Gold-street were erected, from which it is probable the city was rapidly increasing in that direction. Columbia College founded in 1754. 1755 and 1756. Batteaux built in Broadway, corner of Dey-street, for the French war in Canada. 1765. St. Paul's Church built in Broadway, and a Baptist Church in Nassau-street ; and in 1767, the Brick Presbyterian Church m Beekman-street, and the Lu- theran Church in Frankfort-street, corner of William- street ; and in 1 769, the North Dutch Church in Wil- liam-street. The New -York Hospital was also founded by subscription. From the building of so many new churches in what was then considered the outer parts of the city, it may be inferred that the city was rapidly increasing in popu- lation, wealth, and importauce, which continued until the Revolution, when a check was given to its pros- perity, and it did not advance much in population for nearly ten years. During the occupation of this city by the British troops, the head-quarters of Sir Henry Clinton, the Commander-in-Chief, were in the house No. 1 Broad- way, now owned by N. Prime, Esq. ; and those of Gen, Washington, when the American army were in posses- 166 EXTENT AND IMPORTANCE. sion, were at No. 1 Cherry-street, now aUered to the Franklin Bank. 1776. On the 2d July, the enemy landed in great force at Staten Island, and on the 8tb, the equestrian statue of King- George, in the Bowling- Green, was destroyed, aud independence declared. On the ?Otb Aug-ust, the decisive battle of Long- Island took place, the American army was defeated, and the city of JNew-York fell into the hands of our foes. Fortifications were thrown up by the enemy on every commanding- situation in the environs of New-York, and at Brooklyn. At < orlaer's Hook, Kip's Bay, and across the island to {he Hudson Biver, there were %tron^ mili- tary works, many of wliieh were visible until vvitbin a few years ; but the progress of improvement has caused them to be demolished. A great fire broke out on 'he 21st September, ia Whitehall, which being impelled h\ a strong- southerly wind, spread with great rapidity, and destroyed all the western part of the city, including Trinity Church. The first Constitution of the state was adopted at Kingston in 1777. On the "5th j\ov ember, 1783, the city was evacuated by the British troo[ip and lories, and Gen. Washington eiQtered at the head of the American army. At this time, a line passing from the Hudson T'iver up Murray-street, across the Park, through Frankfort- street to the East River, would have sncluded nearly all the compact part of the city, besides many vacant lots and houses. Soon after, the inhabitants who had left tl-eir homes began to return, and the cify slowly recovered fron» the shock of the revolution. The city authorities resumed their charter powers^ and from that time to the present, the cjtv has progres^^ed wsth astonishing rapidny. The Congress of the United States tnei in this city for the first time in i785, and the old City Hall, wi Wall- street, was fitted up for their accommodation, at consi- derable expense to the city, and also with the aid of several wealthy and influential citizens, who were aware of the great benefit that would result from making this EXTENT AND IJIPORTAKCE. 1G7 place the seat of the national g-overnment; but in 1792, the Congress was removed to Philadelphia, and in 1800, to Washing-ton, The next remove will probably place it west of the Alleg-hanv Mountains. After the revolutionary war, when the nation begao to eajoy the benefits of a constitutional and well organ- ized system ot government, a census was taken, which gave this city in 1790 a population of 33,000, which ex- hibits an increase of about 10,000 in 7 years, caused by the influx of adventurers from abroad, and natives, com- mencHig business ; and from this period, we may dat6 the rise of thar unexampled course of commercial pros- perity, which continued almost uninterrupted for seven- teen years ; which nearly doubled ihe number of inha- bitants in ten years, and raised the city at once to a state of opulence ; the average increase of inhabitants was 3000 per nnum for the next twenty years; our ships and commerce were seen in all parts of the globe, competing successfully with foreign nations. The only seriou"? drawbacks that occurred during this memorable periu<', were made by the scoufges of pestilence at in- tervals, and the insidious attacks of various European naiions on our unprotected foreign trade; which at length, soon after the commencement of the present century, b.?gan to assume a more definite and alarming aspect, and resulted in that seiies of commercial re- strictions that began with the embargo in 1807, and ended in the war of 1812 to 1815. During tiiis calamitous season, however, the city con- tinued steadily to be enlarged, and its inhabitants in- creased gradually to 100,000 in 1816, the first year after the peace ; and the ensuing four years witnessed the astonishing accession of 24,000 to our population, or 6000 per year; and the next five years, the still greater number of 45,000 ! were added, as was proved in each instance by the censuses taken in those years. The subsequent enlargement of the population has continued to be v^ery considerable, (probably to near 200,000,) but it will remain unknown until the census of 1830. Sales of public property in the vicinity of Dey-strcef, were made in 1785, which produced from ^300 to JC350 168 EXTENT AND IMPOBTANCE. per lot. (See 1813 in Chronological Chapter, and also J 818 and 1819, when large sales were made in that Deighbourhood.) The proceeds of these sales were ap- plied to reduce the city debt, which began to increase with the corresponding enlargement of the city, which required wharves to be built, and streets opened, regu- lated, and paved, at the public expense. The Mayor's salary this year was £250, (but in a few years it amounted to £600, and in 1810, to 12 or 15,000 dollars per annum. In 1821, under the mayoralty of Mr. Allen, it was reduced and fixed at 53000 per year.) The city was not yet entirely rebuilt from the ruins of the fire which took place during the war. The city ex- penses, which this year were £10,308 4s. have since pro- gressed to the sum of ;^300,000 per year ; and the tavern or excise licenses have increased from 364 to 2000 in the same period. Ninety-one acres of the common land were sold for £2409 ; and in 1789, a house and lot corner of Broad and Wall streets, was bought by the city for £480, which, in 1813, was sold for $11,300. The exports of this city in 1791 were $2,505,465; and the first equalization of the city was made into seven wards, named in rotation, and the old names abolished. Nothing can exhibit, in a more striking light, the great change in the value of real estate on this island, within a few years, than the extinguishment of the Rut- gers' claim to the fresh water pond, or Collect, 1791, for £150, which covered a large tract of ground to the ex- tent of 20 or 30 acres, which is now in the centre of the city, and of inestimable value. A check of a most serious nature was this year suffer- ed in the appearance of yellow fever, for the first time in 50 years. A large number of new streets were laid out in 1792. In 1793, the income from tavern licenses and market fees was £2064 15*. ; and the water lots in Front and South streets were filling in. The building in Chambers-street, called then the new Alms House, was erected in 1794, and the funds raised EXTENT AND IMl'OETAKCE. 169 by lottery. The old colonial names of streets were al- tered to present names. In the year 1 798, the yellow fever prevailed ; and this year, the Park Theatre was completed, and the auction duties levied by the state were granted to the city for the support of foreign poor arriving- here. Tavern licenses this year, 1071. In 1 80 1 , the hills around the Collect were ordered to be levelled, and the pond filled up, which at this time was far beyond the thickly settled part of the city. Total valuation of real and personal estate in the city and county, g2l,964,037; (in 1827, $111,000,000.) Steam- boat navigation began in 1806 on the Hudson River, and the first boat ran 4 miles an hour, and ex- cited great astonishments Now, the best boats effect the passage to Albany in 10 or 12 hours, and go 13 to 15 miles an hour. The new City Hall was now progressing^, and was finished and occupied in 1812. The declaration of war against Great Britain in 1812, caused the city to retrograde for a time in population and wealth ; but soon after the peace, commerce and trade of every description revived, and invigorated the country for a time with its influence. The year 1816 was remarkable for an enormous importation of goods from Europe, which, in the subsequent years, caused much mercantile embarrassment and distress to the community at large. The mammoth U. S. Bank was chartered in 18i6, with S. capital of 35 millions of dollars, and gave some relief to the national government. Nothing can evince more distinctly the growing im- portance of the commerce of this city j than the advance of the auction duties from ^2583 in 'l 798, to the sum of S7:,705 in iCI6, and to j^298,000 in 1826 !— the duty is 21 percent. For information as to the general progress of public buildings, incorporations, &c. for the corresponding se- ries of years, the reader is referred to the Chronological Chapter for minute particulars ; and also as to the pro- 15 1 70 POPCLATIOX. gressive valae of real estate, from the origin of the city to the present time. Public property of the city, which in 1820 was esti- mated by appraisers at ^3,434,718, has since nearly doubled in ^alue. POPULATION. A g'encral census of the population of the United States is taken every ten years by the general govern- ment, and a state census in the intermediate five years. By that of 1800, it appears that New-York city and county contained 60,489 inhabitants. In 1805, imme- diately after the disappearance of the epidemic disease which had previously ravaged the city, an enumeration was made b^ the Common Council, when it was found that the population had iocreased to 75,770; of which 35,384 males, and 36,378 females, were whites ; 864 males, and J 096 females, were people of colour and free negroes ; and 818 males, and 1230 females, were slaves. In 1810, under the general census, the population was ascertained to have increased to 96,373, being only 392 persons short of the entire population of the whole pro- vince or state of New- York in the year 1756. The in- habitants were again enumerated by the Common Council in I8j6, when the number was found to be 100,619 ; of which 51 .878 were females, and 48,741 males, giving an excess of 3137 females on the whole population. In this return was included 6985 aliens, 7774 people of colour and free negroes, and 617 slaves. The following is the official census of the whole popu- lation, taken duving the year 1816, under the authority of the Ccmraoa Council. It contains also a return of the official number of jurors in each ward of the city, and the number of fenaats renting houses at £5 per annum, together with those possessing freeholds of £30 and under, and of £100 and upwards.— POPULATION. 171 Return of the Inhabitants in the City and County of JYeio-York.—lSie. 'sjuvjiq -nyuj fa j.dq •MHU P'JOJ^ cr^ 05 -^ cr^ Tf to CO CO o c- s^ CD CO <^> c» CO CO uD CO L.0 cocooo — Tt(j*a>— CO ■5- G-* yo o ■mnuavu»d-,q OTfOO'tOO-^ CO e^>S^tOcOO«CC0<;£> G* C- -rr CO lO S;^ — O CO CN CO G» r- ^ ^ ■p, CO 1! Coloured Inhabit- ants not Slaves. 1 (TO OJ cr> cr> en cr> CO Tj. — u^O^G^OC- — COiO '.C 'O CO LO ^ CO CO (?J S' -— 1 1 co3->ais^Tr»--cr>o c^ '-0 io cr. -^ r- CO t- a> go CO — G^COO^— <— — cr. Gl 1 ^ •^ CO t c= o I-r^«i^-rrC0CO Jr -< Tt CO — •-" i-O — uO CO _»,_iOCOCO'^uO E^ 00 cr> CO' C'*'X)co— ooot'COwCor-'O ■| -^r-ioroocr^c^r? — CO-'* § ?7 CO CO T}< O TT '"t -O y^ Lf5 c^ i 1 OOOCOOG^'^'^-'^OCOO.O ocotocT'vor-OL.oo — COCOGO-^'O'^OOTf — lO i suou -nf Jo udq -mnu jvjox s g ^ 1st Ward 2d 3d 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th State 9th Alms i !T2 POPIFLATIOK. iA Table of the Population of the City of JSTew-Yot^k, from 1656 to 1828 ; and also of the State of JVew-York, and of the United States, from 1750 to the present time. S City of N. York. State of N. York. United States. No. of houses White. Black. >< inly.Y. Male. Fem'e. Male. Fem. 1656 1,000 120 1673 2,600 300 167? S68 1697 1699 4.302 6,000 1731 8,622 49,819 1,940 3,771 3,271 785 792 1750 10,000 100,000 1,000,000 1,900 1756 13,040 6,700 5,068 1,172 1,100 1771 21,865 170,000 2,000,000 1774 1786 22,750 23,619 250,000 3,0i;0,000 1790 1795 1800 1805 33,131 60,489 75,570 340,000 586,000 8,929,386 5,309,750 35,384 36,378 1808 83,530 1610 96,373 959,220 7,238,903 1816 100,619 17,000 45,315 46,913 3,198 4,676 1819 119,657 1820 123,706 1,372,812 9,638,226120,000 55,312 57,508 4,194 6,174 1825 168,000 1 1828 180,000 30,000 In 1816, there were 6,985 aliens, 617 slaves, 3,300 freeholders, and 16,197 tenants. In 1820, there were 5,084 aliens, 628 slaves, 6,331 acres of improved land, 3,142 merchants, 9,523 mechanics, 28,854 subject to military duty, 19,925 electors. The relative proportion of the population of this eity to that of the whole state, has generally been from one-eighth to one-tenth ; and the State of iVeic-For^ has borne the same relative propor- tioa alfo to the vhole United States* POPULATION. n; Vensus of the City «/ J^evo-York in 1825. 1 Wards. Males. Pemales. Total. first 5,191 4,738 9,929 Second 5,535 3,780 9,315 IThird 5,30;^ 5,499 10,801 If ourth 6,240 6,000 12,240 'Fifth 6,777 8,316 15,093 Sixth 10,197 9,8641 20,06 1| Seventh 6,900 7,2^2 14,192 Eighth 11,638 12,647 24,285 Ninth 5,o47 5,30') 10,956 Tenth 11.706 12,227 23,332 Eleventh 3,842 3,502 1,344 Twelfth 4,003 3,935 7,938 83,037 83,049 166,086 The followinf>: separate items were obtained at the time of taking- the census. — Males, between 18 and 45, (except aliens) subject to militia duty, . . . 14,956 Electors, 18,283 722,778 18fi0, 2.153.470 1 88.5, 2.691.837 189:-., 3,364,796 1?95, 4.205,995 1900, 5,257,493 From this table it appears that the population of this c5tj', sixty years henre, will considerably exceed the reputed population of the cities of I'aris and London. Cities and natio'is, however, like individuals, expe- rience their rise, profrress, and decline : it is liardly probable that ^ew- York will be so highly favoured as to form an exception. Wars, pesti- lence, and political convulsions must be our lot, and be taken into calcu- lation. With every allowance, however, for the numerous "iils which flesh is heir to," from our advnDlr.effOus maritime situation, and the in- crease of agriculture and commerce, our numbers will, in all probability, at the end of this century, exceed those of any other cily in the worlil, I'ekin alone excepted. From the data here furnished, the politician, financier, and above all, the speculator in town lots, (a subject w hich, to our shame be it spoken, Rbsorbs every generous passion,) may draw various and interesting refer- ences.— J. P. That which was only prophecy in 1806, has thxts far been nearly con- firmed by the actual progress of "the city, as may be seen by reference to the census in each year. This ratio, however, will by no means continue in the same proportion as here piven, from various causes, but especially from the want of adecjuate building room to accommodate suitably such an enormous increase on this island. It is barely p^issible, that the year 1850 may see this city have a population of 4 to 500,000 ; but beyond that number, the increase must be more limited yearly. London, which at the beginning of the last century, contained 674,000 inhabitants, and 000,000 in 1801, now numbers a million and a quarter, and has 152,752 liouses, average 8 and a fraction to each. The increase has been entirely fince 1758. and from ICOI it ha? been 2 per cent. |>eranntim. 17f> CLBIATE AND niSEASEa. CXIMA-TE AND DISEASES. The average temperature of our atmosphere througli? out the vear is 55° of Fahrenheit's thermometer; and that is also the temperature of the deepest wells. The greatest «^egree of cold ever experienced, is 6° or 10*^ below zero ; but that is very rare, only one or two in- stances having occurred wiihiu a century, viz. in i780 and 1820, when the bay and harbour were partially closed with ice for a (ew days. In winter, the thermo- meter rarely sinks lower than 10° or 20® below the freezing- point, and in a few hours, the cold always mode- rates. The vicinity of t'ne Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream produces a perceptible influence on our atmos- phere, and conduces to ameliorate the rigour of the Winter. The snow seldom continues longer than two or three weeks in January or February, and early in March the winter break up. The highest temperature in summer is seldom more than B0*=* or 90°, and is never of long continuance. The sultriness is frequently i-elicvcd by refreshing showers, and winds from the north and west, accompanied by vivid lightning and loud peals of thunder. From the middle of September to about the last of October, the atmosphere will generally vie with any in the world for serenity and beauty : indeed, that period is by fer the pleasaatest of any season of the year in this climate. Winter usually sets in about Christmas, and continues for about two months. The first frosts appear about the middle of October, and the last are usually seen in April, and very rarely in May. Gardening in the vicinity be- gins in March, and the forests are in full leaf in the latter part of April, or the beginning of May. Sudden change- of temperature frequently occur in summer and winter, which, unless guarded against by care and prudence in clothing, will cause colds, and its concomitants consumption and other diseases; but New- York, generally speaking, is as healthy a spot as any city in tl>e world. The accompanying Meteorolo- gical Table, and documents relative to the diseases and deaths, will give all the necessary information. JJIETKOKOLOGICAL TABLE, 'sSmo UI8H &*Tte4'f5SOGOGO''5cO^COCO X E- < •Mong 1 ^ « -^'' ■"!«H 1 r* viGTi STeo'oJ li^"e* — ®» sT^" -m^ueA |^'*c^«fi'Oo,coa>«rr-co •A-pnOlO 1 ^0«OOQO«^CO«01-C2 •a.Bi j2222:2£?,i2s^i:2« •SP'1IA\ ^* Z ;5 2 aj c/3 Z w 2* 15 Z Z Q O d CO a ^5^ jQoove^o«ott50>i:>coo3--* S^ -H*Tj' —1 t^ -5* aj ^ « STco CO 50 ^"ob"^ •* 00 ©» ST CO O O 1— 1 GQ i^ G1*S 5< " ^" o o X nJ 1 o »> — ''5 t?o -/r. ~ 5^ G-J — — y 1 O O -K«— O O O r-, O -t"0 O . i^W 1 r- CD ■?!> GO GO — -• '* -i t- 00 QO t^ 1 -<«-(«HN -IN -1!1 .. ^ IOG^^SO(«aOTjti5^»GOCOiOt~ I 1 u S H 330BH 1 i.-t, rj< .o -V «^ ■^ GO TT GO 'T TJ< -^ ,Taio7' |^*"SlJ^^S3?^?,'li2 SlJ??J2S^^SS?iSS JS3PI'\0 OS^TT"— ''"'^'^CC'-Cii— iCOCO jsaiuJHA\ C» S> S^ — (N G^ — 1 1 CS -^ iJl t^ t^ C O — S< '5^ CD ; o si o — ^ J-^ »j I— o I-- o c» CO 1 r-^ ^c "-J i o ^* lo 00 t-* 5^GOTr^.oco«--f-ou:i~5 50| 1 1 January, February, March, April, May, June, July, 1 August, September, October, November, December, a^i^ c . *=! o* °12; -a ©) « o CO --^ j» .^ h « , . ~ CO "T '^ S b^-S ie = -y > 2 " - ^ « u -►^ C-^ S'" C « tr ^ C C fc, < s The winter of 1827—8, was the mildest ever known in this climate, (here i'eirig: a great predominance of moist or rainy weather, with the wind from Uie S. and W. The whole season will stand recorded as ver^ remarkable, • -?r i»s exemption from severe cold and storms 178 NUMBER OF DEATHS. Years. No. of Deaths. Popula- tion. Average. 1805 1806 2,352 2,225 75,570 Xv'ge. No. of suicides for 5 year.., 15 1807 2,312 Average Pop'n. IBO:: 2,014 83,530 samp time, 78,000. 18 In 2,507 100,000 2^ per cent. 1816 2,739 100,619 !817 2,527 18:8 3,265 1819 3,176 119,657 1820 3,520 123,701 nearly 3 per cent. 18?1 3,542 + 1S22 3,231 1823 3,444 1824 4,341 1825 5,018 168,000 t3 per cent. 182r 4,973 1827 5,181 23 Returns of the interments were ordered by the Coi poration to be made by the sextons, soon after the yellov ^ fever of 1798, but they were not reg-ularly published ; '•) at present. There is no accurate printed record of tl deaths in this city previous to 1815. Now the returi. ^ are made weekly to the City Inspector, and publishea in the papers ; and at the end of every year, a minute annual report is given, and we subjoin the last one foi 1827. Statement of the number of Deaths and Diseases in th City of J^''ew-Yorh\for 1827. Total number of deaths, 5181 Men 1536— Women 991— Boys 1457~Girls 1197. * During- the fever this yoar, a preat niiniber of inhabitants left the city, which accounts for tlie diminished number of deaths in the annua? report. ■\ If the deaths of strangers while in the city should be deducted, th average would be considerably less, as the transient residents amount J some seasons of the year to 5 or 10,000, and occasienally much more. DI9BASES AKD CASUALTIES. 179 The deaths in the separate months were as follows: — January 420— February 406— March 420— April 397 —May 356— June 340— July 576— August 607— Sep- tember 426 — October 426— November 392 -December 401. Of whom were of the age of one year and under, 1336 — between one and two, 54G — two and five, 389 — five and ten, 185 — ten and twenty, 192— twenty and thirty, 682 — thirty and forty, 657- forty and fifty, 501 — fifty and sixty, 285 — sixty and seventy, 221 — seventy and eighty, 124— eighty and ninety, 50— ninety and one hundred, 12 — and one of upwardsof one hundred. Diseases and Casualties, Abscess, 1 ; aneurism, 1 ; apoplexy, 117; asphyxia, 3 ^ asthma, 6; burned or scalded, 29; carbuncle, 1 ; can- cer, 6; caries, 1 ; casualty, 42; catarrh, 3; childbed, 43; cholera morbus, 24; colic, 8; compression of the brain, 4 ; consumption, 829 ; convulsions, 328 ; cramp in the stomach, 19; diarrhoea, 94; drinking cold water, ,.21 ; dropsy. 126; dropsy in the chest, 40; dropsy in the _ head, 235 ; drowned, 68 ; dysentery, 199 ; dyspepsia, 7 ; '^epilepsy, 10, erysipelas, 12; fever, 132; fever, bilious, Qjl6; fever, bilious remittent, 18; fever, inflammatory, 1 ; gpfever, intermittent. 20; fever, puerperal, 5 ; fever, pu- f trid, 2; fever, remittent. 43; fever, scarlet, 4 ; fever, typhus, 96; flux, infantile, 238; fracture, 6 ; gout, I ; , gravel, 1 ; haemorrhage, 12 ; haemoptysis, 4 ; herpes, 1 ; hives or croup, 171 ; hysteria, 1 ; jaundice, 10; inflam- mation of the bowels, 114; inflammation of the brain, 77; inflammation of the chest, 195; inflammation of the '^ liver, 57 ; inflammation of the stomach, 4; influenza,!; insanity, 20 ; intemperance, 73 ; killed, 7 ; locked jaw, 9; lumbar abscess, 4; manslaughter, 1; marasmus, 41 ; measles, 172; mortification, 17, nervous disease, 8 ; old age, 202; palsy, 34; peripneumony, 33; pleurisy, 34 ; quinsy, 8 ; rheumatism, 9 ; rickets, 2 ; rupture, 4 ; * St. Anthony's fire, 3; schirrous of the liver, 3; scrofula <» or king's evil, 15; smallpox, 149; sore throat, 31; ' «;pasms, 9; sprue, 27; still born, 291; stone, 1; stran- IbO I>lVIS10i\ or THE CITi'. gury, 2 ; sudden death, 9 ; suicides, 23 ; syphilis, 2b ; tabes mesenterica, 146 ; teething-, 45 ; tumour, 1 ; ulcer, 7; unknown, 153; white swelling, 1 ; whooping cough, 61 ; worms, 13. The daily average amounts to fourteen deaths ; and the total number, yearly, when compared with the sup- posed population of the city, is one for every forty inha- bitants. The total number of coloured persons that died were 718, and are included in the statement, and 100 of them were of consumption, composing about one-seventh part of the whole number of deaths, but not corresponding to the proportion they bear to the white population. Of the diseases and deaths of 1826 and 1827, the latter year furnishes an excess beyond the former as follows : apoplexy, 48 ; consumption, 9 ; convulsions, 46 ; diar- rhoea, 19; dropsy, 10, dropsy in the head, 46 ; dysen- tery, 9 ; fever, 4; flux, infantile, 16; hives, 17; intem- perance, 18; measles, 141 ; old age, 1 ; smallpox, 91 — and a less number of the following, viz. : inflammation of the bowels, brain, chest, liver, &c. 4; influenza, 68; still born, 1 1 ; whooping cough, 65. The total increase of deaths in 1827, over 1826, was 208. There is no official record of the births in this city. DIVISION OF THE CITY. The city is now divided into fourteen wards, as fol- lov/s : — The First comprises all south of Liberty-street and Maid en -lane. The Second, from the East River, through Maiden-' lane and Liberty-street, Broadway, Chatham-street, Spruce-street, and Ferry-street, and Peck-slip. The T7iird, from the Hudson River, up Liberty-street and Broadway to Reed-street, and westward to the river. The Fourth, from Ferry and Spruce streets, through Chatham-strHet to Catharine-street, and S. to the river. The Fifth, up Reed-street, Broadway, and Canal- street, to the Hudson River. The Sixth, from Canal-street, through ^roadway. mnsio.v 01 the cui.. 181 around the Park, through Chatham-street and the Bow- ery, down Pump-street to Collect-street, and through Canal-street to Broadway. This forms one of the cen- tral wards of the city, and includes the large area of the Park, together with the City Hall, and other public buildings. The Seventh^ from the river, up Catharine-street, through Division-street and Grand-street to the East River. The Eighth, from the Hudson River, up Canal-street and Broadway to Houston-street, and through Houston and Hammersley streets to the river. The JSTinth^ through Hammersley and Houston streets, through the Bowery to Fourteenth-street, and thence to the Hudson. The Tenth, from Division-street, through the Bowery to Rivington-street, and through Rivington, Norfolk, and Division streels. This is another of the central wards, similar to the 6th and 14th, neither of which touch the water, as do all the remaining divisions. The Eleventh, from the East River, up through Four- teenth-street to the Bowery, through the Bowery and Rivington-street to the river. The Twelfth, comprises all the island north of Four- teenth-street. The Thirteenth, from the East River, through Grand, Division, Norfolk, and Rivington streets. The Fourteenth is in the centre of the city, between Broadway and the Bowery, Houston and Pump streets. The rapid growth of the city will soon require a fur- ther division of the present wards, and an increase of the number to twenty or twenty-four, unless the size of the old wards should be altered and increased. in lo2 pinLic fetiLciAatf. PUBLIC BUILDIJfGS. The Ancient and Modem City Halls. Soon after the foundation of the city, our forefathers' \Tere impressed with the necessity of having- a building-, wherein the citizens raig-ht assemble on all public occa- sions: according-ly in !642, under the reig-n of Governor Kiefft, and when the town was yet in its infancy, (as in fourteen years after it had only 120 houses, and JOOO in- habitants, including- the g-arrison,) a " Stadt-Huys,'' State House, or City Hall, also called the Stadt-herberg-, or City Tavern, was built on the corner of Pearl-street and Coenties-alley, fronting- the Slip, where Brincker- boff's building's now stand. It was built at the expense of the West-India Company, and called the Company's Tavern., as it was partiv devoted to the entertainment of straug-ers, who, on arriving" in the city, were usually re- ceived under the hospitable roof of the Governor, which had probably been found inconvenient to him. The building- was of stone, three stories high — and some remains of the original edifice are yet to be dis- covei'ed in vaults, or dung-eons, in the cellar. In this celebrated building-, the most important affairs of the city and colony were transacted ; courts were held ; the transfers of sovereignty were made in 1664 and 1674 ; the first school was held in it 1652, and some lime afterwards ; the first court of admiralty in 1665, organized by Governor Nichols, was convened, and held their sessions there ; and during the difficulties between Leisler and Bayard, in 1689, one party held possession of the fort, and the other of the City Hall; and the jail of the city was kept here for many years. In front of this building the militia paraded, and the stocks, whip- ping-post, and ducking-stool were placed ; and also the wooden horse for riding criminals : and one of the re- doubts, or half moon batteries, was placed a little dis- tance in advance, on the water's edge, to defend the city ; and a stone-wall was erected, to connect it with other works of the same kind, at the foot of Wall and ll||ll!lllll||Plllllllllllllllilllllllllllllllllillliiiiiiliiii"""ti"i""i"""""i""'''"" PLULIC BUILDIlVtS. ISL^ Whitehall streets, and also to protect the town troni the inroads of the water. That this building- was existing-, but in a decayed and dang-erous state, in 1697, is evident from a record, that " at a session of the supreme court in New- York, where a nun:iber of criminals were tried, it was feared the City Hall would not support the con- course of people that attended, and six studs, and a plank, were ordered to be purchased, to secure the same." It was disposed of at public mie, to John Rodman, merchant, in 1699, on the 17th August, for 920^. ; and at the same time a new and more commodious edifice, under the same name, was ordered to be erected : and ••' A committee was appointed to view the Block House, near the Governor's garden^ to see if it can be fitted into A prison -y until the new Hall and Court House could be linished, which was done about the year 1700, and was situated on the corner of Nassau and Wall streets, where the Custom House now stands: it cost 1151/. 18s. 3d. (less than the furniture of a single room in the present City Hall,) and of course was a modest, plain, substantial edifice, sufficient for those days of primitive simplicity, and is correctly represented on a plan of this city in MS., drawn by Mr. David Grim, deceased, and now deposited in the New-York Historical Society. This building- continued, with occasional repairs and alterations, until after the war of the revolution, and the assembling of the Congress of the United States in this city in 1787 and 1789, preceding which, the building was altered, and very much enlarged, for their accom- modation, by the corporation of the city, at a heavy ex- pense for that period, and continued to remain until de- molished in 1811. It had a spacious portico projecting into Wall-street several feet, and resting on arches, with arcades underneath, and extending round into Nassau- street. From tlie portico of the second story, and facing Broad-street, General Washington was inaugu- rated first President of the United States. When this second City Hall was erected in 17(X), it was located at what was then termed the north end of aie of the principal streets, IJroad-street, which has now 184 CITi HALL. become quite the southern extremity of the city, by the revolution of a single century ; and it is not improbable, that another century may find the present third and last City Hall, quite as far removed from the centre of this metropolis. The present City Hall is the most prominent and important building in New-York. Situated in the Park, with a spacious and noble area around, it is seen to great advantage in every direction, and forms to the eye of a stranger one of the handsomest structures in the United States ; and, perhaps, of its size, in the world. The building is of a square form, two stories in height, besides a basement story. It has a wing at each end, projecting from the front, and in the centre the roof is elevated to form an attic story. The whole length of the building is 216 feet, the breadth 105, and the height 51 feet. Including the attic story, it is 65 feet in height. The front and both ends, above the basement story, are built of native white marble, from Stockbridge, Massachusetts ; and the rest of the buildmg is con- structed of brown free stone. The roof is covered with copper, and there is a balustrade of marble entirely round the top. Rising from the middle of the roof, is a cupola, on which is placed a colossal figure of Justice, holding m her right hand, which rests on her forehead, a balance, and in her left, a sword pointing to the ground. Justice is not blindfold as she is represented in Europe. There are four entrances to the building : one in front, one in the rear, and one in each end. The front, which is the principal, is on the first story, to which there is access by a flight of 12 marble steps, rising from which there are 16 columns supporting a portico immediately over the entrance, also composed of marble. In the centre of the rear of the building, there is a projecting pediment. The entrance in this quarter is also on ihe first story, hy a flight of free stone steps. The first story, including the portico, is of the Ionic, the second of the Corinthian, the attic of the Fancy, and the Cu- pola of the Composite orders. At the front entrance there are 5 doors leading into the lobby, the roof of which is supported by 20 square qiTY MALU l^iJ piers or marble. To the rig^ht and left, there is a g-al- lerv stretching- to both ends of the building" : the floor is also of marble. —In this story apartments are allotted to the first Judg-e, Recorder's office, Mayor's office. Clerk to the Council, County Clerk, Street Commis- sioner, Sheriff, Reg-ister, Clerk of Sessions, Surrogate, Clerk of Supreme Court, Committee rooms, aad house- keeper's room; in all 14 apartments. Three staircases lead from the first to the second story. The principal of these is in the centre, of the geometri- cal construction, with marble steps ; the other two are in the gallery, one tovyards each of the ends, of a plain form, and the steps of the same materials. Round the top of the centre staircase there is a circular gallery, railed in, likewise floored with marble; from which tea marble columns ascend to the ceiling, which here opens and displays a handsome pannelled dome, ornamented in great taste, with stucco, and giving light from the top to the interior of the building. Another gallery runs in the centre from one end to the other. On this story are the Common Council room, the Governor's room. Comptroller's office. Court of Sessions, District court, Circuit court. Supreme court, and United States District court. Tiie entrances at the ends lead to the basement story, llirough the middle of which there is an arched passage or gallery, stretching from one end to the other. Open' ing into this passage are the Marine, or Justice's court, Police office. City Inspector's, Jury, and Watch room. The foundation stone of this noble building was laid on 26lh Sept. 1803, during the mayoralty of Edward Livingston, Esq., and at a time wlien the yellow fever prevailed in the city. It was finished in 1812, and the expense, exclusive "of the furniture, amounted to half a million of dollars. The City Hall was originally intended for, and is now applied to, the use of the Common C'ouncil, in their dif- ferent meetings respecting the affairs of the city,* and * ^- It has beeo remnrke.l, thai tberei« irn apartment in tlie City Hall suf- ficffiiutv hrstf to complin tlip ciiizens at arv ren*"™! niRCthv^. This ii 186 CITY HALL. for the judges of the courts of law to hold their sittings, as well as for the various offices connected with these departments. Of these we shall give a short sketch, be- ginning with the Council room. This apartment mea- sures 42 feet by 30. — It is fitted up in an elegant and commodious manner for the meetings of the corporation, which are open at all times to the citizens. The chair for the mayor is the same that was used by General Washington when he presided at the first Congress, which was held in this city. It is elevated by a few steps on the south side of the room, and surmounted by a canopy. The aldermen sit in a circular form in the body of the room ; and at the upper end, immediately beneath the chair, there is a table for the clerk of the council. Neither ihe mayor nor aldermen wear any distinguishing dress or insignia of office. In the Coun- cil room tliere are full length pictures of General Washinginn ; of George Clinton^ the first Governor of the state of New-York; of Governor John Jay. Chief Justice of the United States, and envoy extraordinary to Great Britain; and of Alexander Hamilton, Esq. aid- de-camp to General Washington, and first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. These pictures were painted by Trumbull; are well executed, and do honour to the talents of the artist- That of General W^ashington is considered the best likeness of him, during the prime of life, in all the Union. The Common Council of the city and county of New- York, consists of a Mayor, Recorder, 14 Aldermen, and 14 Assistant Aldermen, who choose a Chamberlain or Treasurer, and a Clerk. The city is divided into 14 wards. The citizens resident in these, elect the Alder- men and assistants, two assessors, one collector, and two constables, annually. All citizens of the United States, who have resided six months in this city next previous to the elections, and who have paid taxes, or done mili- tia duty, or worked on the highways, or paid an equiva- considered a delect, which, however, may be easily remedied by erecting another building conner^led with it- fornhich there is ampJe space oi grs'jnd in the rear. CO^IMO^" COUNCIL. 187 lent therefor, are qualified to vote at these elections. The Register and Clerk of the city and county, Sheriff, and Coroner, are appointed by the people. Besides the power belonginj^ to the corporation, of enacting all municipal laws, and of enforcing their ob- servance under proper penalties, the Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen, are by virtue of their oflSce, jusvices of the peace, having- power to hold courts of g-eneral ses- sions, and to decide as to all offences coming- under the cognizance of the regular justices of the peace. They are likewise included in (he commission of Ojer and Terminer for the trial of capital offences ; and hold a court of common pleas, in which civil actions are tried of every description. It belongs to the Mayor and Aldermen, who are su- pervisors of taxes, to regulate all levies of public money, previously authorized by the legislature, for supporting the poor and other necessary purposes ; and on the first week in January, annually, the city comptroller exhibits to the finance Board, composed of members of the com- mon council, a particular statement of all the money received, and the sums paid, for the us;e of the city. This is afterwards published for the information of the citizens. In the other counties of the state, the su- pervisors of their own power levy taxes. All taxes in the city and county of New-York are raised by laws, specially enacted for the purpose by the legislature. The following official statement of the receipts and expenditures for the year ending 31st December 1827, will show the magnitude of the financial concerns of this citv. 188 G05IPTB0LLEB*S REPORT. ANNUAL REPORT Of the Receipts and Expenditures of the City ofJ^ew- York^ for the year 1827, and an Account of the Com- missioners of the Sinking Fund^for the same period. Balance in the Treasnry, December 31, 1826, . $ 39,999 02 Received do. to December 31, 1827, . 1, 144,631 39 1,184,630 41 Paid out on 2003 Warrants, 1,179,634 65 Balance in the Treasury, December SI, 1827, . . 4,995 76 CITY DEBT. Total amount of Six per Cents § 900,C00 00 Do. Five per Cents, of 1820, . . . 200,lX)0 00 Do, Fire per Cents, of 1821, . . . 200,000 00 $1,300,000 00 Bonds, 183,800 00 v<^l,483,800 00 Purchased by tl e Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to December 31, 1827, Six per Cents., . . $481,200 00 Five per Cents, of 1820, 81,500 00 Five per Cents, of 1821, 48,200 00 $610,900 00 Cash to their Credit, . 64,525 90 675,425 90 Total amount of City Debt, December 31, 1827, $808,374 10 1826. December 31, $858,584 91 1827, December 31, 808,374 10 Amomt of Citv Dobt, reduced in 1827, . , ^ . $ 50,210 81 COMPTEOLLEE S EEPOET. 189 January I— For Balance in the Treasury this date, (539,999 02 For Keceipts during the year under the following heads of Account, viz : — Bonds RecHvablCj George M'Kay's bond, . 1,270 95 Taa: for 1826, {^236,671 26; Tax of 1827, $143,100, . , 399,771 26 TVatei^ Lot Rent, . , . 5510,024 26 Ground Rent, . . . 22,580 03 Home Rent, .... 4,255 75 Common Land Rent, . . . 1,17139 Ferry Rent, .... 10,082 68 48,114 U Docks and Slips— for rent $40,852 50, on as- sessment for repairs &c. ^2,389 65, . . 43,242 15 Intereat Account, Interest on Bond, Assess- ments and Taxes, 4,178 81 Tavern and Excise Licenses, . . . 31,320 CO Justices^ Courts, Fees from the Five Courts, . 13,071 51 Commutation for Alien Passengers, . . 10,460 00 Vendue Sales, from the State Treasurer, . 10,000 00 Penalties, for violations of the Burial and other Laws, 5,178 90 Ar7ears of Taxes, of former years, collected and paid in, 2,437 67 Intelligence Office Licenses, .... 425 00 Mayoralty Fees, 3,091 62 Bonds Payable, amount borrowed on Bonds, 226,400 00 Streets, on Assessments, Opening, Widening, Regulating and Paving, &c. Sewers included, 822,144 93 Lamps, sales of empty Casks, and lighting pri- vate Lamps, 102 91 Fire Department, sale of old Engine, . . 400 00 Police^ fees and sales of unclaimed Property, 3,805 80 Courts, fines and forfeitures from Sheriff, and fees from District Attorney and Clerk of Sessions, 2,802 83 County Contingencies, sales of Street incum- brances, &c., 276 96 Lien on Lots, amount of Expenditure refunded, 2,200 88 IVells and Pumps, digging Wells and making and setting Pumps, . • . . . 7,884 16 Charges on Arrears of Assessments and Taxes, expenses attending the advertising and sale of Property, 1,869 94 Markets, sale of old Govemeur Market, . 40 00 Amonnt carried over, v«^l,180,489 41 ISO COMPTROLLER S RUPORT. Amount brought forvmrd, $1,180,489 41 IMtery Office Licenses^ received from the Mayor, .... . . 3,875 00 fVasnington Square^ received on the Assess- ment, . 266 08 §1,184,630 41 3y amoQct of Payments daring the year, under the following Heads of Account, viz. — Real Estate^ for purchase of Lot No. 48 of Common Lands on Middle Road, AlmS'House^ Bindewell, and Penitentiary, Sup. A. H. 5^85,550. Sup. Repairs, ^1864. Pest-House, {J4521 21. Fever Hospital, $764 67. Salaries, $10,723 33, . Watch, Salaries^ ....... Hepairsy Roads, JDocks and Slips, Superintendents' Salary, building and repairs and expenses of Mud Machine, Jnterest Account, Interest on Permanent Debt, ^74,000. On Temporary Debts, JJ6576 69, Tavern and Excise Licenses, Com'rs, f 1256. Clerks, 168. Marshall, $52. Register, $100, Justices Courtft, Salaries, 5?ilO,675. Rent and Fixtures, $670 29. ... . Commutation for Alien Passengers, for fur nishing Lists, Public Schools and Charities, Schools $13,274 69. Charities, $4000, . Street Expenses, for improvements and repairs to Streets and Sewers not to be refunded, Working Convicts, Warrants to Superintend ent of Alms-House, .... Printing and Stationary, Mayoralty Fees, Clerk, Inspector and Marshal —issuing Cartmcn's Licenses, Coroner^ s Fees, from 1st October, 1826, to 31s December, 1827, inclusive, . Bonds Payable, amount of sundry Bonds paid Streets, awardn and expenses, opening, widen ing, regulating and paving. Amount carried over. 3.000 CO 103,423 21 84,205 21 28,587 68 12,633 00 7,804 00 55,105 24 80,576 59 1,576 00 11,245 29 100 00 17,274 69 8,898 05 4,000 00 6,771 52 78 75 2,682 49 159,600 00 364,083 97 ,«895L645 P9 C0311'TfiOLLlSB; S KEPOKT. 191 Amount brougJdfonvard, g>951,545 69 Lamps, makinfr and repairing and settinjr Lamps and Posts, $'137 81. Lighting, ^14,240 64. Oil, §18,910 13. Salary, JJBSO, . . , 40,938 65 Fire Dcpartmtnt, Chief Ejigineer, making and repairing Engines, Hose, &c. and Ground Rent, 12,278 00 Po/ice, Salaries, 557112 50. Officers extra ser- vices, §1576 41. Sunday Duty, $1161. Conveyance of Prisoners, $762 50. Petty Charges, $76 62, 10,689 05 Courts, Salaries of Recorder, District Attor- ney, Clerk and Crier, $6700. Aldermen, $2S28. Witnesses, $217 75. Refreshments for Court and Jury, $424 37. Officers at- tending, $8224 06. Serving Subpoenas, $97186. Extra Counsel, $2712 48. Report of Trial, $200. Jury Lists, $650, and Con- veyance of Prisoners, $63, . . . 22,991 51 County Contingencies,* , . . . 20,913 5S Amount carried over, $1,059,366 34 ♦ COUNTY CONTINGENCIES. riaffping and Curbing at Battery, $1839 14. Fuel for City Hall and Watch bouses, SiOOO," $-5,839 14 Regulating; Batierv. Park and Wa.shington Square, i?4936 01. Survtysand Maps,$288 13 5,225 04 Celebrations of 4lh Julv, $2407 65, and 25th Kovember, S278 47, . . " 2,686 12 Portraits of Gov. Clinton, $600— Gov. Yates, S600- Rfayor H(me,$l50.and bustof Assistant Alderman Van Wyck,$2o0, 1,600 GO Furnishing Supreme Court Kooni §"738 52. Table furniiure for Keeper's Itooms, $^02 6.'5, IfiOl 15 Expenses of Corporation at City Hall, Si 156 49. Coach hire, $573 75, 1 ,7S0 24 To restore the Fund of the Heirs of Capt. Lawrence, . . 1,090 00 Drawing Laws and Ordinances, and costs in sundry suits, . 893 69 Dr. Bancker for costs of suit against him while employed in Vaccinating, . 548 88 Boring for water rear City Hall, §125. Registering Deeds, $31 12. Postages. .$12 20 168 33! Auction fees sales, $39— Arbitration fees, ^10— Posting Bills, $3— Copy of State Law, $1 60, SO Water for Jail $1-5— Copying vote of thanks to Chief En- gineer, $15, . . SO 00 Jmamt carrkd orrV, §20,863 OS 192 COilPTROLLER S REPORT. Amount brought forward^ $1,059,356 Lien on Lots, Expenses of filling in and fencing to abate Nuisances, 1,530 JVells and Pumps, digging Wells, and making, setting and repairing Pumps, . . . 11,732 Charges on Arrears of Assessments and Taxes, Expenses attending the Advertising and Sale of Property, .... 1,243 Markets, Clerks and Sweepers, $4814 74 Boring for Water, $2088. Building Gouver near Market and repairing others, &c $3743 98, 10,646 Lottery Office Licenses, paid to Treasurer of Public School Society, . . . . 3,750 IVashington Square, Commissioner's and Counsel's Fees, and Expenses and Court Charges, 2,546 Eighth Avenue, Balance of appropriation for Working, 1,600 Board of Health, Salaries of Assistants, J?1466. Removing Nuisances, §377 05, . 1,843 Elections, Inspectors, Clerks and Officers at- tending, 1,252 Cleaning Streets, Warrants to Superintendent, §3000. To Chairman of Finance Commit- tee for intersections, $4060 94. Salaries, $2500, 9,560 Census o/182o, amount of additional Compen- sation .granted to the Marshals, . . . 639 Battery 'Fence, to Contractors, S 14,890 61. Inspector, $348. Surveyor, $79. Labour and Watching, $102 75, ... . 15,420 ! Potter's Field, Survey and calculation for fill- ing in, 11 ' City Burying Ground, Work at Vaults, &c., 334 . Levying Tax, Assessors, $3360. Supervisors, $172. Preparing Books, $300, . . 8,832 Amount carried over, 0) $1,125,300 AnwurUhraught forward. $20,866 C Adjusting measures for Public Sealer, $6— Expenses of Book Litliographic prints, $7 95, 13 S Expenses of Funeral Attendance, T.A.Emmet, and P.O. Van Wyck, Esqs., S3 " $20,91 S ; COMPTRoLLfiR's REPORT. li)S Amount brought forward, 81,125,300 02 Errors and Delinquencies, amount of errors of Taxes refunded, 13 57 BilU of Credit, amount of Bills redeemed, . 42 68 Canal-Street Market, for Property taken, $41,800. Exi)en.«ei of Proceedings, ^259 72, 42,059 72 Manhattan Market, regulating ' the Site, $1306 25. Building Market, $1975, . , 3,281 25 Gajt Lights, Lamps, $313 53. Glass for Lamps, $72, , 385 53 Canal Celebration, Warrants to Chairman of . Coii.inittee, Balance in full, . . , 5,311 01 Paulding Monument, Warrants to Chairman of Committee, $1100. Printing, $86 87, . 1,186 87 Atlas of Public Property, amount paid on ac- count 2,054 00 Balance in the Tr8a8ury this date to debit, 1st January, 1828, 4,995 76 $1,184,630 41 G. N. BLEECKER, Comptroller. New-York,' December 31st, 1827. Amount of Receipts to the Credit of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, under the following heads of account, viz : — Market Punts, 32,168 89 Market Fees, 16,760 83 Interest on City Stock, .... 28,087 60 Real Estate, for property sold, . . . 2i,812 66 Street Vaults, 7,020 86 Commutation of Water Lot Quit Rent, . . 4,564 00 Hack Licenses, 2,462 00 Pawn Brokers' Licenses, .... 1,910 00 Water Lot Rent, 1,281 32 Total of Receipts by the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, from its coitjn.cncemenl, August 23d, 1813, to December 31st, 1827, inclusive viz : For Interest on City Stock, $156,888 S3 Market Rents, 146,282 61 Market Fees, 136,859 75 Real Estate Sold, 103,087 60 Street Vaults, 41,218 84 Commutation of Water Lot Quit Rent, . 27,543 31 Amount carried over. $611,880 34 194 GGMPTKOLLER S KBPOST Amount brought forward Water Lot Rent, .... Interest on Balance in the Treasury, Hack Licenses, .... Pawn Brokers' Licenses, Commutation of Land Quit Rent, Interest on U. S. Stock, Profit, do., .... Interest on Defence Bonds, Do. New- York State Stock, New-York, Deeember Slst, 1827. $611,880 S4 21,612 94 14,532 88 13,000 00 10,376 63 4,649 91 1,971 00 987 14 230 18 158 00 $679,399 02 III connexion with this statement, is given, on the next page, a full and oGlcial detail of the vaiuation of real and personal estate, (on whicb taxes are paid,) in the city of rsew York, from the books of the assessars of the several wards, for the years 1826 and 1827. The valuations of a similar description, made in pre- vious years, are mentioned in the chronological record, in various places. VALUATION OF EEAL ESTATE, &C. 19d ^3 — o^':!=-^c^01J^C0^^-- WVIs cr. _ ■-. >■ f' CO 63 rfi. 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"cn "cD tx> — I4 "tt^Zo CJ' cn C^ Ci Cn — ? oooo»o coo ' ?1 ,3 _ — "~H — ■ J^"— CJi W CO ji. ^ c^rocc^^oo^— vx u Oppp-J^p— p cn ■Ljto"co"cO CO W — Cn CJ1 Cn c r. 00000000 — 3 »3 cetD c >3 cn p J- pp t "cn ""^"kj « .., s, Si n i9G GOVERNOR'S ROOM, By act of the Leg-islature, the Mayor, Recorder, five Aldermen, and five Assistants, are declared ne- cessary to form a quorum for transacting any business. The salary of (he Mayor is $3000 per annum. For- merly it arose chiefly from perquisites of office. The Recorder's and Comptroller's annual salary is g^OOO. No salary is attached to the Aldermen or Assistants. Governor's Room. This apartment is appropriated to the use of the Governor of the state, when he visits the cil^. On the 15ih April, 1814, the legislature granted 1000 dollars towards the furnishing of the Governor's room in a suitable manner. This sum not being ade- quate to the purpose, the common council supplied the further advances. It is a very handsome apartment, measuring 52 feet by 20. It is in the centre of the se- cond story, a»id, from the windovt^s there is a communi- cation with the top of the portico in front of the Hall. This is surrounded by a balustrade, and commands a delightful view of the Park- and surrounding objects. The walls of the room are hung with pictures, among which are the Governors of the state, the Mayors of the city, since the revolution, some of the Dutch Governors, and the principal aaval and military heroes, who distin- guished themselves during the late struggle with Great Britain. The whole display great taste and judgment, and are held to be excellent likenesses. Over the fire-place, at the east end of the room, is a full length of Governor Tompkins, and a portrait of Governor Bayard. On the right hand a full length of Commodore Decatur, and on the left, a full length of Commodore Bainbrid^e. Decatur commanded the frigate United States when she fell in with and captured the British frigate Mace- donian, on 25(h October, 1812. Bainhridge is celebrated for having captured the British frigate Java, of 38 guns, when commanding the Constitution of 44 guns, on 29th December, 1812. On the north side of the room, and on the right of Decatur, there are portraits of General Williams, and Governor Stuyvesant the last Dutch governor, and a full length of General Siaift of the Engineers, who laid out GALLERY OF PORTRAITS. 197 and superintended the military works at Ilaerlem and Brooklyn heights during the last war. Next to these are portrais of J«co6 Raddiff^ Esq., and of Col. Willet, former iVlayors ; the latter held the rank of colonel du- ring' the revolutionary war ; of the present Governor of the state, De Witt Clinton^ also formerly Mayor; and of Edward Livingston^ Esq., under whose Mayoralty the foundation of the City Hall was laid; one of Richard Varick, Esq., and of James Duaney both formerly Mayors of the city. A full leng-th of General Brown is the next in order. This veteran was orig-inally a schoolmaster, and taught the children of the Friends in New- York. He sig-- nalized himself during; the last war in so disting-uislied a manner, that he was made Commander in Chief of the armies of the Republic for ihe northern district. On the west end of the room are placed, full leng-th pictures of Governor Lewi's, General Macomb, and Commodore Hull. Lewis occupies the centre, over the fire-place ; Hull is on his right ; and Macomb on his left. The naval enterprise of Commodore Hull was most conspicuously displayed in his capturing the British frigate Guerriere, of 38 guns, being the first naval ac- tion of tlie late war. Genera! .'>/acom?> commanded the forces of the United States at Plattsburgh, on I ith September, 1813. A por- trait of General Jackson and General La Fayette, and President Monroe, in full length, are also in tlie room. The south side of the room, to the left of Commodore Bainbridge, is graced with full lengths of Captain^Wcrc- donough and Captain Perry, and a small picture of Ge- neral Monk ton. Captain Perry, the hero of Lake Erie, has justly ac- quired that title by the gallant and skilful manner in which he captured the whole of the British fleet on that lake, on 1 0th .September, 1813. The British squadron was commanded by Captain Barclay, and its force of metal amounted to 63 guns, while that of Perry's was only 54. The action continued 3 liours and 30 minutes. The British had 41 killed and 94 wounded, and the 17'^ 198 COURT OF SESSIONS. Americans 27 killed and 96 wounded. Perry is ex- hibited in this picture at a very interesting period of the action. He is standing upright in the boat which con- veyed him to the Niagara, after his own vessel, the Law- rence, had been disabled, and the greater part of his crew killed or wounded. The sailor in the stern of the boat, pulling him down as he was too much exposed to the enemy's shot, is a correct likeness from Mr. Jarvis the painter. Captain Macdonough has acquired equal celebrity with Perry, by his engagement on Lake Champlain^ 11th Sept. 1814, with the British fleet commanded by Commodore Downie. The American fleet was at an- chor in a bay when the en my made the attack. The British vessels carried 88 guns. Those under Mac- donough 95 guns. On each side there were 13 row galleys, those of Downie carrying 18, and those of Mac- donough 16 guns. The conflict continued for 2 hours, at the termination of which the whole of the British, except the row boats, remained trophies of victory in the hands of the Americans. This room was occupied by Gen. La Fayette as a levee room during his visit to the city. Court of Sessions. This is a spacious apartment, mea- suring 70 feet by 42. It is situated in the north-west end of the building, and is neatly and conveniently fitted op for the accommodation of the judges, the officers of Court, and for the public, who have access at all times during the sittings. In this room are held the General Sesdons of the Peace., and the Sessions o^ the State Court of Oyer and Terminer. These being Courts of criminal jurisdiction, they excite much interest, and draw a large concourse of auditors. The largest room in the Hall is, therefore, appropriated to their use. The Court of Sessions sits on the first Monday of every month. This Court consists of the Recorder, and Aldermen, one or more of the latter being always pre- sent. It determines in all cases of felony, and of of- fences committed within the city, and has power to ap- point special Sessions of the peace for the same pur- poses, but these are never resorted to. The judges '\> SUPREME AND CIRCUIT COURT. 109 composing the Court of Oyer and Terminer, consist of a judge of (he Supreme Court, or the Circuit Judg-e, assisted by the Recorder and two Aldermen. This Court tries all cases of treason, felony, and other in- ferior crimes. Its periods of meeting- are fixed by the Supreme Court. Courts of Oyer and Terminer were first established here in 168.3. The seats and furniture in this room are constructed in such a manner that they can be easily removed, to prep;;re for the corporation feasts that are held here on particular occasions. The Circuit Court, consisting of Judg-e Edwards, sits on the third Mondays of March and June, and fourth Mondays of September and November. Court of Common Pleas, formerly called the Mayor's Court. (This room measures 42 feet by 40. It is a plain neat apartment, filled up with benches for the accommodation of practitioners and the public.) Its sitting-s are held on the third Monday of every month. Judge Irving' now presides.— In this, and the Circuit Court, a great number of important causes are tried by jury; yet the accumulation of business, within a few years, has been such, that much procrastination Las ensued, and the law's delay has become a subject of just complaint in this city. A new organization of the Courts, in reference to the city alone, is esteemed very desirable. Supreme Court. The room belonging to this Court is also very neat and convenient. It measures 42 feet by 30. This <"ourt consists of a Chief Justice, and 2 puisne judges, appointed for the trial of civil causes, and determining questions of law arising out of the facts. The regular terms are four: on the third Monday of February and October, they hold two terms in Albany ; and one in the city of New York, on the first Monday of May, and the first Monday of August, at Utica. Each of these terms continues about a fortnight. The de- cisions of the lower Courts are subject to the review of the Supreme Court, whose judgments may be reviewed by the Court of Errors.* The salary of each of the . * Tlie Court for the trial of Tmrfeachmejiff and the Corrertiov. of Error" 200 COBRT OP CHANCEKY. judges is 52000 per annum. This Court was first es- tablished in the year 1691, and has since received seve- ral modifications. Court of Chancery. The apartment appropriated to this Court, is the Council room. The Chancellor alone presides, aud appeals lie from his decisions to the Court of Errors. He holds a Court twice every year in thp city of Albany, or in such other place as to him may §eem meet ; and twice a year, at least, in the city of New-York. The periods for holding- these Courts are entirely at the discretion of the Chancellor. Salary ^2000 per annum. The Court of Chancery was first organized in March 1778.* District Court of the United States. — The room in which this court meets is 42 feet by 34. It is a conve- Eient, unoroamented apartment, fitted up with benches. The jurisdiction of this court, which consists only of one judge, extends exclusively to all admiralty, mari- time, and revenue cases. In criminal maritime cases, where the punishment to be inflicted is whipping not ex- ceeding 30 stripes, a fine not exceeding 100 dollars, or is the court of the \a-x resort, and holds its sittingrs in Albany, the seat of governnien It co-isisis of the President ol The Senaif for the time being, and vSenaiors. ihe chancellor, a.id Judges of the Supreme Court, or the majoiity of ihem. * On "the 1st Ni^v. 1683, the General Assembly of ihe colony passed a temporary act en itled " An Act to set.le Couits of Jusi.ce," and" thereby enacied -'that there sliall be a Court of Ckancery within the province, which said rourt shall have power to hear and lietermiiie all matters of equity, aud shall be esteemed and accounted the bupreme Court of this colony." It was also thereby enacted, " i hat a ChanctUor be appointed, to hold and keep the said Court, assisted with such persons, as by the Governor and his council shall be thought meet and convenient." The Governor and council returned the bill with an amendmtnt. declaring- "the Governor and council to be the Court of ( hancery." with power to the Governor " to depute in his stead a Chancellor. &.C." On 2d Sept. 1701, the Governor i>sued an ordinance establishing a Court of Chancery, and de- claring himself ex ojfficio Chancellor, k.c.—On ihe Bth Nov. 1735, the ge- neral assembly resolved, " Thai a Court of Chancery in this province, in the hands, or under the exercise of a Governor, without consent in gene- ral assembly, i> contrary to law, unwarrantaljle, and of dangerous con- sequence to the liberties and properties of the people." Several struggles were made by the colonial assembly to destroy this Court, without effect. Until the revolution, it was in the hands of the Governors of the colony, whe^, by the Constitu'ion of the state, it was recognised as a Court, aiic. a C^a?ice//or directed to be appointel. Ptnn^ieHLuws of JSew-YoH; U. S. DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT COURTS. 201 imprisonment, not extending beyond 6 months, it has jurisdiction exclusive of all other courts. Where an alien sues for redress in a case of violation of the laws, the matter in dispute not exceeding the value of 100 dollars; and in all actions against Consuls and Vice Consuls, it has a jurisdiction similar to these courts. During the sitting of any of the Courts of Law, especially the Court of Chancery, Supreme Court of the State, or the U. S. Distric* Court, we would recom- mend all fetrangers to attend uccasionally, to hear the eloquent pleadings of the learned and eminent counsel- lors tliat practice in the city. Circuit Court of the United States holds its sittings in the apartment appropriated to the District Court. This court consists of one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, Judge Thompson, and the judge of the District Court, Judge Betts. Its jurisdic- tion extends not only to all civil cases, in which the United States are plaintiffs, where the matter in dispute exceeds 500 dollars, but also where an alien is a party, or where the plaintiff and defendant are citizens of differ- ent states. Except where otherwise provided, it has also an exclusive jurisdiction as to crimes and offences, and a concurrent jurisdiction in these matters with the District Court. The Surrogate's Office is a small, though neat apart- ment on the first story. The duties and business of this office are multifarious, in all testamentary and in! estate estates. This officer has, by a law of the state, concur- rent power to ap{)oint guardians to the persons oud es- tates of infant children ; and, in certain cases, to order the sale of real estate, where the personal property is insufficient to pay the debts of the deceased. He has also power to cite executors and administrators to ren- der inventories, to account for the assets received by them, to enforce the pa\ ment of legacies, and the distri- bution of intestate estates, and a variety of other statu- tLi-7 and civil law powers. An appeal lies from liis de- cision, in all cases, either to the Court of (Chancery, or Court of Probates*, provided it is made in the time pre- scribed by law. ♦ The Conrt of Probates hoWs its sUtinss at AIHnny. 202 SURROGATE, ADMINISTRATOR, REGISTER, Previous to the year 1787, the Court of Probates had the supervision and approviog- of all the official acto of Surrogates in the different counties of the state. There were deputies {Snbrogatus) of the Prerogative Court ; and afterwards, under the Constitution, of the Court of Probates. The increase of population, and the neces- sity of having offiqes in each county, cause the officers of surrogates to be instituted in each county, with ex- clusive powers to prove wills, and srrant letters of ad- ministration on the estates of persons having a doinicil or residence there, although dying out of the county. &c. This office contains !he Books of Records of Wills from the years 1662 to i787, of the whole state; and the original wills of the southern district to the last period, as it was then constituted. All wills after the institution of this office, are also recorded here; as are orders* for the sale of real estates ; letters of administration, of guardianship, and every proceeding had in relation to them, and other judicial decisions over which the law has given power to this officer. There is a Public Administrator appointed by the Corporation of the city, under a law authorizing such an appointment ; in virtue of which, and by the provi- sions of the law, he takes possession of the "personal es- tate and effects of persons dying; intestate, having no re- latives, and where there is evidence or danger that the same may be wasted or embezzled. He gives 30 days notice to the widow or next of kin to the deceased, after which, if they do not appi) to the Surrogate to ad- minister, this devolves upon himself. This act directs the Public Administrator to exhibit his accounts annu- ally to the Common Council, who are to publish them in the newspapers for the information of all concerned. A commission of 5 per cent, to be retained by the admin- istrator on all sums administered by him till they amount to ^2500 ; when they exceed that sum, he is allowed only 2^ per cent, on the surplus. This is over and above the reasonable expenses attending the administration. Register for the City and County. — Formerly the business of this department was transacted by the Clerk of the City. This having been found inconvenient, the MARINE A]^'D WARD COURTS. 20o Legislature, on the 9th April, 1813, authorized the ap- pointment of a person to be called " The Register in and for the city and county of New-York.'' His duty- is to place upon record all mortg-ag-es, deeds, convey- ances, and other writings, which by law are directed to be registered or recorded. A note of all incumbrances on real estate, must be delivered to the Register, to be entered in his books, and when the incumbrance is cleared, the evidence thereof must be exhibited to the Register, \vho enters a minute to tha; effect in the regiii- try book. The Register's fee on both occasions is 25 cents. Free access is given at all times to inspect the books; and where a searcli is required to be made by the Register, he is entitled to charge for this service as provided by law. jyiarine or Justices^ Cmirf. — The apartments in the basement story allotted to this Court are convt^nient and suitable to all its purposes. It consists of three judges or justices, who are appointed by the Legislature of the State, two of which must always preside. They meet every lawful day at 10 o'clock, aud ar-^ empowered to try actions for debt to the amount of $100, to determine as to seamen's wages to any amount, and in actions of assault, battery, and false imprisonment, among seamen and passengers. It is distinct from all other courts of justice ; has no power to hold S'^ssioas of the peace, but as to keeping the peace, it has the same power as other magistrates. Besides the Marine Court, there are Ward, or Jus- tices^ Courts^ in which one person presides, who is called an Assistant Justice. He tries questions of debt and trespass to the amount of ^50 ; also determines cases where penalties are sued for under the act for levying duties "on strong liquors, and for regulating Inns and Taverns;'' and generally all actions competent to all other justices in the state, where the amount does not exceed fifty dollars. A vast amount of petty business is transacted in these [courts, which are held daily, Sundays excepted. The justices in these courts are remunerated out of 204 POLICE AND CITr WATCil. fees, prescribed by law, on the proceeding's of their re^ spective courts, of wliich tables are printed. Police Department. — The duties of the police are dis^ charg"ed by three justices, appointed for the purpose hx the CommoQ Council, and removable at pleasure. The Chancellor, Justices of the Supreme Court, and mem- bers of the C^ommon Council, as conservators of the peace, may attend and assist the police justices. A court is held every day, except Sunday ; at which one at least of the Jusiices, and the Police Clerk, must be in constant attendance at sunrise every morning, to take cogi>izance of otff.nces committed against the good order and peace of the city. Besides the ordinary duties of examining persons brought up for bi'eaches of the peace and other offences, and binding over the parties to pro- secute at the sessions, where this appears necessary, the police magistrates possess powers in certain cases* simi- lar to those exercised by the aldermen of the city out of the sessions. For these services, they receive the same fees as the aldermen ; and for discharging '^hc other du- ties of their office, they receive ^1600 per 3'ear, and the clerk an annual salary of $1250, and the assistant clerk | giOOO, which comes out of the funds of the city ; beside fees of oiSce. Recognizances taken in other counties for the appearance of parties or witnesses in the city courts ; copies of those taken to keep the peace, before any other court in the city ; and those from persons li- censed to retail spirituous liquors, are all lodged in the police office, under the custody of the Clerk. City Watch. — This department is under the imme- diate direction of the Corporation, who appoint, in the first instance, six householders, being citizens of the Btate, to act as " Captains of the Night Watch,'' and to have command over the other watchmen. It is the duty of the Captains, under the direction of the Watch Com- mittee, to fix the rounds of the watchmen, prescribe their duties, and visit their stations. When a watch- * These relate to bastards, apprentices, servants, va^arsts, and vagrs-. bonds. The acceptance of special bail, the administering' of oaths in causes before the Court of Common Pleas, and the taking of aflidavits fo be read there, come also •within the powers of the n\agistrates of police. CITT WATCir. 2Uu iiiaQ is giiihy ot misconduct, the captain of the district may suspend liim till the pleasure of the Common Council is known. He must make a return, early in the morning", to the Justices of the Police, of the num- ber and names of watchmen attending the precedinj^ nig-ht, and the defaulters, if any. Each captain receives one dollar and fifty cents for every night's service in that capacity. Watchmen are also appointed from among the citizens and householders, to perform the duties assigned them by the captains. They are divided into companies, and to each company is added 12 persons, denominated sub- stitutes, to act in case of the absence of the regular watchmen. If found sleeping, or urnecessarily absent, or intoxicated while on duty, or guilty of disorderly be- haviour, the watchmen are dismissed. Their duty is to receive offenders into custody, and to detain them until discharged. Their salary is 75 cents for every night's service. Besides the particular duties allotted to them in their own district, the captains and watchmen, in case of a riot, disorder, or other needful occasion, must assist those in the other districts. Captains or watchmen who do not obey the orders of the members of the Corporation, or of the Justices of the Police, are removed from office. Rooms are appropriated in the City Hall for the use of a keeper and his family, whose duty it is to keep the house clean and in good order ; and after 3 o'clock P. M. on every day, except Sundays and Mondays, a person is ready to attend upon company that may choose to view the elegant apartments of the Governor's room, Council Cliamber, &c., and occasionally to ascend to the dome, from whence there is a delightful panoramic view of the city and harbour, with the adjacent country, that are seen to great advantage from this elevation, which may be estimated at 100 feet. A small douceur is usually given to the person in attendance. It may not be amiss here to mention, that from thp spires of St. John's, St. Paul's, and Trinity Churches to which easy access may be had, as also to the roof o 18 206 THE EXCHANGE, the City Hotel, the stranger wiy have a noble and ex- tensive view, that will also give a correct idea of the shape and size of the city. THE EXCHANGE. In 1752, the first building for a public exchange was erected in Broad-street, at or near the intersection of Pearl-street; (the Corporation gave £100 towards it ; the rest was raised by private subscription, by John Watts and other respectable merchants,) and was let for £50 a year. It is mentioned in those days as the placa of frequent public meetings, when that quarter of the city was the chief seat of trade. It remained until the 15th March, 1799, when it was ordered to be removed. A pier extended in front of it as far as Water- street, where another from the east | and west side projected at right angles, only leaving sufficient space for the entry of vessels, and thus form- ing a spacious, safe, and secure dock. During the war of the revolution in 1780, a Coffct Houfse was opened by a Mr. Smith, and frequented by the British officers, in Wall-street. The Tontine Coffee House was erected in 1792, by the merchants, on the same spot, and continued to be the public exchange ] until May, 1827, when the new edifice, now called the \ Merchants' Exchange, in Wall-street, was opened. )1 The foundation stone was laid in April, 1825. The front on Wall-street is 114 feet, and the depth, running ! through to Garden-street, is 150 feet. The main body of \ the building is two stories high, besides the basement, and ii an attic story on the Wall-street front. Two-thirds of ; the S. E. portion of the basement story is occupied with ' the Post Office, and a large open saloon or corridor, i with entrances into Exchange Place, formerly Garden- | street, separates it from the refreshment rooms on the ! opposite side. The remaining rooms on the basement \\ are occupied with the offices of Brokers, &c. An area, and a flight of steps, each side of the portico, separate ■ it from the pavement fronting in Wall-street. The entire front of the building is formed of pure rilE EXCHANGE. 207 white marble, from West Chester county, 18 miles N. E. from the city. The grand flight of nine marble steps, ascending' from Wall-street, is 27^ feet in length, with pedestals at each end, in the Grecian style, projecting 8 feet; and 5 feet 6 inches in height, and 4 feet 6 inches wide, pannel ■ ed and moulded, on which are iron posts for gas-lights in oroamented lanterns at top. The portico of the building is ornamented with four Ionic columns, 27 feet high, and 3 feet 4 inches in dia- meter, each of one single block of marble, and weigh- ing about 18 tons. They were brought in a rough state to the street, and worked on the spot. They are surmounted with an entablature, on which rests the attic story, and the cupola ; and behind the colonnade is a semi-elliptical recess, through which are the corridors leading to the various parts of the house, and to Insu- rance Offices, and the Office of the New-York Daily Advertiser. The colonnade extending across the front of the ves- tibule, and forming a massive screen, is a distinguishing and effective feature in this edifice, and is copied from the temple of Ilyssus. From the vestibule, the ascent into the saloons of the second and attic story, is by a flight of winding steps, which is lighted by a skylight from the roof. There are two windows rising from tlie floor of the saloon, in the second story, which open into and command a bird's-eye view of the area below, frequented by the merchants ; and there are also three windows in front, under the por- tico. Galleries lead out to the right and left, and to various offices occupied by auctioneers or produce bro- kers, engravers and artists; and also on the attic story, from which a grated door leads to a flight of steps, and to the telegraphic room in the cupola, where signals are made, and returned from the telegraph at the Nar- rows, 71 miles distant S. W. The diameter of the cu- pola is?"4 feet, and its height above the attic story to the top of the dome is 60 feet, and 60 feet above the pavement of the street below. It has an exterior colonnade, with 208 THE EXCHANGE. pannel work, the whole forming a very imposing aspect, but is not seen to good advantage from the vicinity. From the most elevated part of the dome, the eye commands an uncommonly fine and extensive view of the entire city, harbour, the Hudson and East Rivers, and the surrounding country, to a distance of 20 miles P^. and W. ; on the east, the view is limited by the hills of Long Island, rising in the rear of Brooklyn and the Navy Yard. The stranger should endeavour to ascend to this height, as well as that of the cupola of the City Hall, and several steeples, to get various panoramic views of the city. The vestibule in the first floor, behind the colonnade, is flagged with marble, laid in a diamond form, of 18 inches square ; and passing from that through the cen- tral doors, leads into the principal room., or the Mer- chant's Exchange, which is in the centre of the building, and is of an oval form, 85 feet long, 55 feet wide, and 45 feet high, with three lofty arched windows at each end, with four Ionic fluted columns and eight pilasters supporting a full sized entablature and antae, with an arch resting upon the two opposite columns at each angle. The arches support a screen, which forms the termina- ting line between the vaulted ceiling of the centre and the alcoves at the ends. The ceiling is divided into pannels, and ornamented ; those of the centre being an oblong square, and those of the ends radiating from a centre. On the north side of the room is a clock ; and on the south side a wind indicator, regulated by ma- chinery on the roof above. The coup-d'oeil of this magnificent room is grand and imposing, and reflects the utmost credit on the taste and skill of the architect of the building, M. E. Thompson. The usual hours that the exchange room is frequent- ed by merchants, are from 1 to 3 P. M- The sum of ten dollars per annum is charged for each person or firm habitually resorting to the public room. There are various doors leading out of this room to ofiices adjacent, and three arched doorways to the ves- tibule in the rear, a room of 36 by 40 feet, with two columns and 8 pilasters of the Ionic order;, which is de-^ run EXCHANGE. '^VV voted to auction sales of real estate, &;c. and is fre- quented from 10 to 2 o'clock. On the right of this apartment is an office and a read- ing--room, belonging' to the editors of the New-York Statesman, and copiously furnished with newspapers from all parts of the United Slates. The terms and regulations are explained in another part of this work. The letter bags of all the regular packets are kept here till the hour of sailing arrives, and a charge of six cents is made for each letter deposited. A flight of marble steps leads to the Post Office in the basement below, and also to the saloon in the second story, which is of the same size as that underneath, and is appropriated to wholesale auctions of dry goods and merchandise, and has two columns and eight pilasters of the Corinthian order. On the right of this saloon, and over the reading- room, is the apartment occupied by the Chamber of Commerce, and by the Board of Brokers, which is ele- gantly furnished and carpeted. Several other rooms open into the saloon, one of which is occupied by the Merchants' Exchange Company. The purchase of the ground occupied by this vast building, and the erection of the edifice, cost 5230,000, and it was completed in three years. Great improvements and alterations have been made in the immediate neighbourhood, in consequence of the establishment of the Exchange on this spot. New streets have been opened, old ones widened, and nume- rous stores and offices, of the most elegant and spacious descriptio^i, erected ; and the value of the surrounding property has been much enhanced. The rear of the Exchange, above the basement, is two stories only, and stuccoed. The stock is owned in 2300 shares, of ^100 each, which bears a premium in the market. Telegraph. A line of telegraphs is established from the Exchange jn Wall-street to Sandy Hook. It consists of a pole, 1R* 210 EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. risingf from the cupola, with two arms, with which 12 different positions can be assumed, the first ten to repre- sent the nine digits, and the cypher the eleventh, as a separater of words and sentences, and the twelfth to excite attention. The marine or ship sig-nals are thirteen in number, the first ten also standing- for the dig-its and cypher, and the three others denominated first, second, and third re- peaters. The object of the repeaters is to obviate the necessity of duplicates and triplicates of the same signal. A dictionary of the signals is printed. It is divided into five parts, — the first embracing all the questions and replies requisite between vessels and telegraphic stations, together with the alphabet, and the points of the compass, and occupying 'he numbers from 1 to 1000 ; the second part contains sea phrases ; the third part con- sists of a vocabulary of all the words in the language essential to be used; the fourth is a list of vessel's names ; and the fifth a list of countries, ports, cities, and harbours. Much utility has been already derived from the ma- rine signals, by enabling ships to communicate with each other at sea ; and on approaching the shore, with the land telegraphs. CHURCHES. EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. Trinity Church, The first place of worship in this city, used by the Episcopalians, was the small church built by the Dutch in 1640, within the fort, the site of which is now occu- pied by the range of buildings at the south side of the Bowling Green, between Whitehall and State streets, wherein the service of the Church of Holland had been performed until 1664, when the city having changed masters by the arrival of an English force under Col. EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 211 Nichols, the fori and its appurtenances were taken pos- session of by the English troops. Thi^ ancient chapel was destroyed by fire in 1741. Previous to that, in 1696, an Episcopal Church was erected in Broadway, where the present Trinity Church now stands, and service was first performed in it on tlic 6th February, 1697, by the Rev. Mr. Vesey, Rector. It was originally a small edifice, but was enlarged in 1735 and 1737, when its size was 148 feet in length, and 72 feet in breadth — the steeple was 178 feet in height. The church was decorated with a fine organ, several paintings, and beautiful marble monuments. During the fire which destroyed the southwest part of the city on the 21st September', 1776, while the British troops were in possession, this spacious and venerable edifice was entirely destroyed, and lay in ruins during the war, and for several years after. The present edifice was rebuilt in 1788, and conse- crated in 1791, by the Right Rev. Bishop Provost. It is inferior to the old church in size, and is 104 feet long, and 72 wide — the steeple is 198 feet in height. The building is of stone, and much after the manner of the old one, and in imitation of the Gothic style; and the roof and spire are bordered with pointed turrets and battlements to correspond. It contains a chime of bells, the only set in New-York. It has galleries on the two sides, and on tiie east end, a part of the last of which forms the organ loft, in which is placed a fine organ, built in I^ondon soon after the church was finished. The galleries are supported by square, panneled columns, directly over each of which rises a clustered Gothic column to the roof. The ceiling consists of three arches over the nave, and one over each gallery. From the centre arch are suspended three large and elegant cut glass chande- liers, and four smaller ones under each gallery. The windows are long, finished at the top with the pointed Gothic arch, and glazed with very small panes. The communion table is placed against the western wall of tlie church, and above it is one of tlie largest windows in the United States : it is Gothic, with three compart- ments, and contains one thoiisand and thirtv-nine panes 2iti- liW^COrAL GilliRCiil^. of glass. Tim desk and pulpit are directly in front oi the chancel, without the rails. The front view of the build ing^, from Wall-street, is very generally admired. Trinity Charoh is the parish church of the parish of that name, which contains also St. Paul's Chapel, erect- ed in 1765, and St. John's, erected in 1807. St. George's Church was also formerly a chapel. Trinity parish is under the pastoral charge of a Rector, and three Assist- ant Ministers. The first of these oflSces is held by ihe Rignt Rev. John H. Hobart, D.D., and the last by the Rev. William Berrian, the Rev. Benjamin T. Onder- donk, and the Rev. John F. Scbroeder. Divine service is uniformly celebrated in Trinity Church and St. John's Chapel, not only at the usual hours on Sunday, but also on the morning of every Wednesday and Friday, and of every festival and holyday of the Protestant Episco- pal Church. Notwithstanding the antiquity of the parish, the pre- sent Rector is only the seventh that has held that office. His predecessors were the Rev. William Vesey, from 1696 to 1746 ; the Rev. Henry Barclay, D.D. from 1746 to 1764; the Rev. Samuel Auchmuty, D.D. from 1764 to 1777; the Rev. Charles Inglis, D.D. (afterwards Bishop of Nova Scotia,) from 1777 to 1783; the Right Rev. Samuel Provost, D.D. turn 1783 to 1800 ; the Rt. Rev. Benjamin Moore, D.D. from 1800 to 1816. Of tVie above, all except Mr. Vesey, Mr. Barclay, and Bishop Provost, were previously Assistant Minis- ters; in addition to whom, besides the present incum bents, the following gentlemen have, at different times, held that office: — the Rev. John Ogilvie, D.D. ; the Rev. John Bowden, D.D. ; the Rev. Abraham Beach, D.D. ; the Rev. John Bissett; the Rev. Cave Jones; the Rev. Thomas Y. How, D.D. ; the Rev. Thomas C, Browneil, D.D. L.L.D., now Bishop of Connecticut; the Rev. Jonathan M. Wainwright, D.D. The cemetery surroundmg it is one of the oldest ia the city, and by actual records faithfully kept, it has received within its bosom more than one hundred and sixty thousand bodies, or nearly as many as the present population of the city, and this exclusive of the seven EPISCOPAL CHURCHES, 213 years of tlie revolutionary war, when the record was omitted. This g-round was gratuitously ceded to the vestry by the Corporation of the city, in J 702, on condition that (he ground should always be neatly fenced in, and burials granted in it to the citizens for ever, for the small fee of 3s. 6d. for grown persons, and Is. 6d. for all under 12 years of ag-e — and no other or greater duty whatever. Many tombs and splendid monuments have here been .erected to the illustrious dead, among which are those of Gen. ITamiiton, and Capt. Lawrence, which convey to (he mind impressive lessons of the uncertainty of all human greatness. The interior of the church is adorn- ed with many beautiful tablets, and has one of the finest organs in the city. Trinity Church, from being the oldest and most opu- lent Episcopal establishment in America, is considered by Episcopalians as their mother church. Her exten- sive possessions have been confirmed and secured to her in the most advantageous manner by the Legislature of this state. She has annually devoted large sums for the erection and support of churches in the city and state. The vestry is composed of gentlemen of great respectability, and of well-known liberality ; and to this circumstance is the city indebted for much of that order and beauty, and the width of the streets, that per- vades the western and northern parts of the city, and which satisfies every generous mind that such extensive possessions could not have fallen into better hands, or been more judiciously appropriated. JVlost of the pro- perty is still subject to long leases, but is daily in- creasing in value; which value it would be almost im- possible to estimate with any certainty, but it cannot be stated at less tlran several millions of dollars. With this immense sum in possession, or in constant reversion by the expiration of leases, and the conse- quent increase of the price of new ones, is it unreason- able to anticipate, that in due time, the city may be or- namented with a Cathedral worthy of the cstahlish- rrjent. and of the wealth of h^ r cnmmnnion, and of the 214 EPISCOPAL CHtJRCHES. extent and population of this metropolis ? a Cathedral that shall vie with, if not surpass, any of those admirable and venerable structures that are so justly the boast of Eng-land, France, or Italy ? Although she already has erected here the most splendid temples that this city con- tains for Christian worship, 5 el this one is waiiting to seal and confirm her superiority, and to embellish the city. St. PauVs Chapel Is situated in Broadway, opposite the beg-inning- of Chatham-street, and with the cemetery adjoining, oc- cupies the whole of the square fronting Broadway, Vesey, Fulton, and Church streets, being 400 by 180 feet, v/hich is enclosed with a substantial brick wall. Fronting on Broadway, but separated from the street by a handsome iron railing, is a portico of the Ionic order, consisting of four fluted pillars of brown stone, supporting a pediment, with a niche in the centre, con- taining a statue of St. Paul. Beneath the portico, and under (he large window, is a handsome marble monu- ment, erected by order of Con^^ress to the memory of Gen. Montgomery, who was killed at the storming of Quebec, in J 775, and whose remains were brought to this city in 1820, by order of the Legislature of New- York, and reinterred with great pomp and military ceremony. The spire of this church is one of the noblest orna- ments of the city, and is, with the entire building, justly esteemed one of the best specimens of architecture. It rises from the western end of the house, to the height of 234 feet- Above the tower, which is iOO feet high, rises a quadrangular section of the Ionic order, with appropriate columns, pilasters, and pediments ; the two next stories are octangular, of the Corinthian and Com- posite orders, supported by columns at the angles ; the whole is crowned with a lofty spire and gilt vane. The church, which is 90 by 70 feet, was erected iaj 1765, and the steeple m 1794. The interior is finished' ki the Corinthian style, with columns supportinj^ an EPISCOPAL CHUBCIIBS. 215 archeJ ceiling ; and the pulpit and altar are eleg-ant, and appropriate to the rest of the interior. It has eigiit cut glass chandeliers suspended from the arch of the ceiling-, and the desk and altar are hung with crimsou silk damask; over the latter are the iwo tables of the law. It also contains a capital organ. The cemetery is crowded with tomb-stones, among "whicli is one to G. F. Cooke, the celebrated tragedian, erected at the expense of his successor, Edmund Kean. In the rear of St. Paul's Church-yard, is a neat edi- fice, erected in 1826, of brick, as a vestry room, library, and safe depository for records. Burials, both in this and in Trinity Church yards, are now prohibited by a law of the Corporation, under a penalty of 250 dollars, which has caused great excite- ment, and attempts have been made to repeal it, but without effect. Trinity Church covers 7474 square feet; St. Paul's 8136 square feet; St. John's 8103 square feet. SL JohVs Chapel. This is a magnificent edifice, and was completed in 1810, and cost over 200,000 dollars. It is finely situated in Varick-street, opposite the centre of Hudson Square, which is the most admired, fashionable, and retired part of the city. The Bishop of this diocess has his resi- dence in the house north of, and next adjacent to, this church. From the spacious square in front, which is tastefully laid out, and richly ornamented with the choicest trees and shrubbery, and surrounded with costly and uniform private dwellings, this church appears to great advan- tage. It is ornamented in front with a portico, and four columns in the Corinthian style, which are based on a flight of steps above the street ; and from the roof of the portico and church is built the lofty and splendid spire, to the height of 240 feet. The interior is orna- mented with Corinthian pillars and archer, similar to 216 GPiSCOi'AL CEVlWUEi. St. Paul's, and has a lar^e and capital organ, that was constructed in Philadelphia, and is very much admired. The church is constructed in the same manner as Trinity and St. Paul's, of stone, plastered and painted black outside, and pencilled. It is ill feet long, and 73 wide. The Bishop and two Rectors officiate alternately ia Trinity, St. Paul's, and St. John's. The other churches have their own separate Rectors. St, George's Church, in Beekman-street. Next to Trinity, this is the oldest Episcopal Church in this city, and was first erected in 1752. It is built of stone, is 104 feet long, and VI wide. By agreement, it separated from Trinity^ and became a distinct parish ia J8I I. On the night of the 5th of January, 1814, it was destroyed by fire ; but with the prompt aid of Trinity Church, it was again rebuilt, and consecrated in No- vember, 18 J 5. It is a plain edifice, and has a tower, with a raihng on the top, but no spire : it also has a clock, and an organ. St. Thomas's Church, in Broadway, corner of Houston- street. Since the rapid extension of the city to the north- ward, in a iew years, and the great number of genteel families that have removed to the vicinity, it became necessary that a church should be erected to correspond with the taste and wealth of the people in this quarter, and accordingly, in 1823, this edifice was commenced, and finished and consecrated in 1826. It is made of stone, and in the most pure Gothic style of any edifice in the city. Its distinguishing features are the two large, angular, projecting towers at the N. E. and S. EJ; corners, which rise in diminished proportions to a heightj of 90 feet, and end in pointed turrets of a dwarf size:] also, the immense, large Gothic window in front, be-| ^ween the towers, and occupying a large portion of the EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 217 suriace ; beneath this, and in each tower, are the en- trance doors. The interior is striking-, from the fact of there being no pillars to support the roof, which is sustained by but- tresses of timber, carved and painted in imitation of oak, which, at a proper elevation above the windows, project horizontally from each side, and then rise towards the roof, and sustain the arch, in imitation of Westminster Hall. There is an organ loft and screen elevated in the west end of the building-, behind the pulpit, which is highly ornamented. Christ Churchy In Anthony-street, opposite the Hospital, is about 96 feet by 65. The sides and rear are of neat gray stone; the front, and tower of the church, is f^ii^ed with brown hewn stone; and the doors and windows nicked and arched in the true pointed Gothic style. A quadrangular tower, projecting three feet from the face of the front wall, and elevated 90 feet, is crowned with an open battlement, and diagonal pyramids. The vestry room, 20 feet by 8, is in the rear, from which a flight of steps leads to the pulpit. The interior is finish- ed in a plain Gothic style, and contains 124 pews on the ground floor, and 66 in the galleries. There is a gra- dual declivity to the chancel, in front of the pulpit, and a neat railing excluding the reading desk. The pulpit, canopy, and altar, are in a style bordering on the florid Gothic, and of most exquisite workmanship. The ar- n^itect was Jas. O'Donnell. This building was finished in 1823. Grace Churchy in Broadimy^ corner of Rector-street^ Was erected in 1809, as an independent church. It is a substantial and neat edifice of brick, with a handsome cupola; the rear of the building is of an elliptical form, with a terraced garden, and the Rector's house adjoining. The interior of the clmroh is elegant, and has four massive pilbrs at each front angle of 1^ 218 EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. running up to, and supporting- an arched and panneied ceiling. The pulpit is in front of the ellipsis, with a railed mahogany enclosure surrounding the altar. In the gallery, fronting the pulpit, is a large and excellent organ, made by Geib. Pews in this church command the highest rents of any in the city : such is the influence of fashion, wealth, and of a much beloved and eloquent pastor. In the year IG"?!, a Lutheran Church was built on this spot, which stood until destroyed by the great fire in 1776. . French Church du SI. Esprit^ in Pine-street, near JVassau-street. This is the o! Jest religious edifice now in the city, and was erected in 1704, by the French Protestants, who fled from their country after the revocation of the edict of Nantz, and who here worshipped in their native tongue, which is still continued. It may here be men- tioned, that when the French emigrants first settled at New-Rochelle, and other places in West Chester County, about 20 miles from the city, they came regu- larly to town to attend divine service on the Sabbath. Their descendants constitute many of our most respect- able citizens. It is built in the plainest style, of stone, plastered out- side ; has a very steep roof, and a venerable looking tower. A few tomb-stones remain in the cemetery an- nexed to it. Size of the house, 70 feet by 50. The following Episcopal Churches do not require particular notice : — St. Mark's Church, Stuyvesant-street, founded 1795, size 100 feet by 64. A spire, constructed of brick, and plastered, was raised in 1827, on the tower of this church, and adds much to the beauty of the edifice. Zion Church, Mott-street, founded 1801, was destroy- ed by fire in October, 1815, and was soon after rebuilt of stone, size 80 feet by 64. ^ St. Stephen's Church, Chrystie-street, founded 1805. built of stone, size Id feet by 54. PRESBYTElilAN CHURCHES. 219 St. Luke's Church, Hudson-street, built of brick, founded 1821, size 48 feet by 64. St. Philip's (African) Church, Collect-street, founded 1821, size 60 feet by 50. All Saints' Church, Henry-street, built of stone, founded 1828. St. Michael's Church, Bloomingdale, founded 1807. St. James's Church, Hamilton Square, founded 1810. St. Mary's Church, founded 1824.— Total, 18. Living Clergy of eminence, besides those before enu- merated — Rev. Dr. Milnor, of St. George's; Rev. Dr. Feltus, of St Stephen's; Rev. Dr. Wainwright, of Grace; Rev. Thomas Breintnall, of Zion ; Rev. Geo. Upfold, of St. Thomas's ; Rev. Thos. Lyell, of Christ's. Presbyterian Churches. The First, in Wall-street, between Broadway and jVassau-street, was founded in 171 9, enlarged in 1748, and entirely rebuilt in 1810— size 97 by 68 feet. It is built of brown stone, and the front is ornamented with pillars of the same, in derai-relief, and with Corinthian capitals. The spire is ornamented with pillars to correspond, and is finished off with a low cupola and gilt vane. There are private vaults in the ground surrounding it, and the yard is enclosed with a handsome iron railing. Second, or Brick Presbyterian Church, in Beekraan- street, was founded in 1767. It is constructed of brick, and has a lofty spire — size 83 by 65. The ground was granted to tliem by the Corporation in 1 767. There are vaults under the church, and in the ground surrounding it, and a session room in the rear. The congregation is very large and respectable. Third, the Scotch Presbyterian Church, in Cedar- street, between Broadway and Nassau-street, was founded in 1758, and is built of stone— size 65 feet by 54. A few vaults exist in the yard, which is enclosed by an iron railing. The church is lighted with gas during evening service. Fourth, in Rutgers-street, a wooden building, founded in 1797— size 80 bv 60 feet. 220 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES. Fifth, in Pearl-street, near Broadway, founded in 1797, and built of stone — size 66 by 56. Sixth, Reformed Scotch Presbyterian Church, in Chambers-street, opposite the New-York Institution, built of brick — size 70 by 50 feet. Pastor, Bev. Dr. McLeod. Seventh, the Society meets in a room in Hudson- street, corner of Christopher-street. Eig-hth Presbyterian Church, jn Cedar-street, be- tween Nassau and William streets, was built of stone in 1807 — size 81 by 66 feet. It has a neat cupola, and a session room recently built in the rear of the church. Ninth, in Orange-street, built of wood in 1808— size 60 by 40 feet. Tenth, in Spring'-street, founded in 1810, built of wood — size 80 by 60 feet. Eleventh, in Murray-street, built of stone in 1812, size 92 by 77 feet. The front is faced with hewn brown stone, and has pillars in bas relief with an iron railing in front, and there is a handsome spire rising to the height of near 200 feet. The pews recede amphitheatrically from the pulpit. The Rev. Dr. Masen officiated in this congregation for several years, but retired from ill health, and was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Snodgrass. Twelfth, at the corner of Broome and Ridge streets, built of brick, was erected in 1827, and has a neat spire. Thirteenth, in Vandewater-street, built in 1821, of brick— size 78 by 60 feel. Fourteenth, Central Presbyterian Church, in Broome- street, built in 1821, of bricli— size 75 by 60 feet. Fifteenth, in Christopher-street, a handsome marble edifice, erected in 1821 — size 66 by 52 feet. Sixteenth, Bowerv Presbyterian Church, built in 1822, of brick— size 80 by 63 feet. Seventeenth, in Laight-street, built in 1825, of brick —size 60 by 40 feet. Eighteenth, Independent Presbyterian Providence Chapel, in Thompson-street, near Broome-street — size 60 by 40 feet. Nineteenth, Mission Church, in Allen-street, near Grand-street — size 40 bv 65 feet. ^ -m DUTCH REFORMED CHURCHES. 221 Twentieth, in Canal -street, corner of Greene-street, built in 1825, of brick— size 82 by 62 feet. Twenty-first Presbyterian Church, in Bleecker- street, built of stone, in 1825. It has a very classical front, with brown stone pillars, of the Corinthian order, and a handsome pediment. Distins^uished Clers;yinen, deceased. — Rev. John Ro- gers, first pastor of the Wall-street Church ; Rev. John B. Romeyiu first pastor of the Cedar-street Church; Rev. P M. Whelpley, third pastor of the Wall-street Church. Living' Clers^y of Eminence. — Rev. Dr. Miller, for- merly of the First ; Rev. Mr. Phillips, of the First ; Rev. Gardiner Spring-, of the Second ; Rev. Dr. Mason ; Rev. S. N. Rowan, of the Fifteenth; Rev. Dr. Mc Auley, of the Fourth ; Rev. Cyrus Mason, of the Eig-hth; Rev. Willtam Pa' ten, of the Fourteenth; Rev. M. Bruen, of the Twenty-first; Rev. S. H. Cox, of the Seventeenth. Dutch Reformed Churches. The first, or South Church, is in Exchange Place, be- tween Broad and William streets. This church stands upon the site of the second church which was erected in this city by the Dutch ■ (the first was in the fort, near the Bowling-Green.) In 1691 the corporation of Lhis city sold them the ground, namely, " 175 feet on jorth, and 1 80 on south, for 180 current pieces of eight." The church nr'=t buil< on this spot was erected in 1693, and enlarged in 1766; in 1807 the present edifice was built, and is a plain, neat, substantial house of stone, 86 by 66 feet — containing 122 pews on the first floor, and 54 in the gallery, together with a large organ. There is an open balcony on the tower, in which is the bell that was originally brought from Holland, when the first church was built, and at that time was used to con- vene all public meetings of the civil authorities and citizens. The ground surrounding the church contains a num- 19* 222 DUTCH REFORBIED CHUliCHEi;. ber of ancient tomb-stones and private vaults, and is supported by a stone wail, topped with a wooden railing. A convenient Lecture and School room adjoins the yard on the west. The first Church, at Haerlem, one of the oldest built on this island, was a small wooden edifice, 57 by 30 feet; a new building was erected in 1825, of brick, 50 by 65 feet, with a handsome spire. The third, or Middle Dutch Church, fronts on Cedar, Liberty, and Nassau streets. This is a spacious and ancient edifice, which was erected in 1729 of stone. Its size is 100 feet by 75. It has 180 pews on the first floor, and 80 in the gallery — and one of the finest organs in the city, together with an antiquated tower, surmounted with an open balcony in which is a bell, and above a low cupola and gilt weather-cock. An iron railing has recently been placed around the yard, and the church altered and improved, in the interior, with new en- trances in Cedar-street, and a low portico erected over the doors. The fourth, or North Church, is in William-street, be- tween Fultoti and Ann streets, founded in 1 769 — 100 feet long and bO broad, built of stone, in a plain manner. It has a lofty and handsome spire about 200 feet in height, in which is a gallery that commands one of the finest views in the city. This was erected in 1823 : the yard, which is enclosed with a handsome iron railing, contains private vaults. Fifth, in Herring-street, Greenwich, of brick, 84 feet by 66, built in 1827. Sixth, North West Church, in Franklin-street, — 80 by 60, built of stone in 1808. Seventh, at Harsenville, or Bloomingdale ; size 72 by 57 feet, built of stone in 1814. Pastor Rev. Dr. Gunn. Eighth, North East Church, in Market-street, — is a handsome stone edifice, of 81 by 67 feet, built in 1819. Ninth, in King-street, built in 1826, of brick, 50 by 65 feet, with a spire. Tenth, in Forsyth-street, built in 1822, of brick—, 60 by 45 feet. Eleventh, corner of Broome and Green streets, built in BAPTIST CHURCHES. 223 1 S23, of brick, 80 by 60 feet. The choir in this church is very good. Twelfth, comer of Green and Houston streets, is 56 by 75 feet, built in 1824, of marble. Thirteenth, in Orchard, between Broome and Delancy streets, is of brick, stuccoed; with two handsome co- lumns in front, supporting- a neat pediment; behind the portico is a square recess, or vestibule, through which is the entrance door ; there are no galleries. The consistory rooms of the Dutch Churches are in the new building and school rooms corner of Ann and Nassau streets, erected in 1823. Eminent Clergymen deceased. Rev. Dr. Livingston ; and Rev. Dr. Abeel. Living Clergymen of Eminence. Rev. Dr Ma- thews ; Rev. Dr. Milledoler ; Rev. Dr. Knox, Rev. Dr. De Witt ; and Rev. Dr. Brodhead. Baptist Churches, First, In Gold-street, between Fulton and John streets, was founded in 1760 and 1763, and rebuilt in 1 802, of stone ; size 80 by 65 feet. Second, In IV issau-street, between John and Fulton streets, founded in 1824, is built of stone ; size 46 by 65 feet. Third, In Oliver-street, founded in 1795, and rebuilt, of stone, in 1819; size 94 b) 64 feet. Fourth, In Rose-street, founded in 1799, and built of brick ; size 49 by 26. Fifth, In Anthony-street, founded in 1805, built of wood ; size 60 by 42. Sixth, In Broome-street, founded in 1806, built of wood; size 71 by 34. Seventh, In Mulberry -street, founded in 1809 ; the present edifice was built, of brick, in 1817; size 90 by 63 feet. Eighth, In Vandam-street, founded in 1810, built of wood ; size 55 by 40 feet. Ninth, In York-street, built in 1818, of wood; size 40 bv 27 feet. 224 METHODIST CHURCHES. Tenth, In Delancy-street, built in 1819, of brick, size 85 by 65 feet. Eleventh, In Provost-street, size 40 by 60 feet, founded in 1825. Twelfth, In the Bowery, opposite Spring-'Street. Thirteenth, In Broome-street, between Lewis and Cannon streets. There are two other societies, who have no edifice yet erected. Living Clerp^y. Bev. C. G. Sommers ; A. Maclay ; Aaron Perkins; W. Parkinson; and S. H. Cone. Methodist Churches. First, In John-street ; this was the first Methodist Church in America, and was founded in 1768. The present edifice was built in 1817, and it is a neat sub- stantial building of stone, with an iron railing: in front ; the size of the house is 78 by 62 feet. It is built in the modern fashion, with the pews sloping from the rear of the house down to the pulpit, which is low, and separated by a maliog-any railing ; the house is lighted with gas during the evening seivice. Second, In Forsyth-street, founded in 1789 ; size is 70 feet by 50, and built of stone. Third, In Duane-street, founded in 1797, built of stone ; size 75 by 56 feet. Fourth, In Church-street, (for Africans,) founded in 1800, in 1820 rebuik, of stone ; size 70 by 55 feet. Fifth. In Mott-street, founded in 1 806, built of wood : size 38 by 28 feet. Sixth, In Allen-street, founded in 1809, built of stone ; size 70 by 55 feet. Seventh, In Bedford-street, founded in 1809, built of wood ; size 60 by 42 feet. Eighth, In Elizabeth-street, (African,) founded in 1809, built of wood; size 55 by 40 feet. Ninth, In Broome-street, built in 1818, of wood; size 50 by 40 feet. Tenth, Bowery village Church, in Nicholas William- street, built in 1818, of wood ; size 56 by 54 feet. KOJIAN CATHOLIC CHURCHEy. 22a Eleventh, Wesleyan Seminary, in Crosby-street, built in 1820, of brick; size 65 by 40 feet. Tivelfth, In Chrystie-street, built in 1821, of brick ; size 78 by 50 feet. Thirteenth, In Delancy-street, built in 1823, of brick ; size 60 by 25 feet. Fourteenth, In Willet- street, built in 1826, of stone; size 70 by 50 feet. Roman Catholic. St. Peter's Church, In Barclay-street, is a plain brick building-, erected in i786, of the size of 81 by 48 feet. It has a square tower, surmounted with a dome and cross. The interior is ornamented with paintings from sacred subjects, and has an organ, and a select choir. St. Patrick's Caihedral, In Mott-street, corner of Prince-street, is the largest religious edifice in this city, occupying a space of 120 feet long by 80 feet in width. It was built in 1815, of stone, in a massive style, the walls being several feet in thickness, and between 60 and 70 feet high ; the roof rising in a sharp angle, to a height of more than a hundred feet, and forming, with the tower, a most conspicuous object, in approaching the city from the east. The front of the building, on Mott- street, is faced with hewn, brown stone ; and several niches are left open for statues that are to be placed. — The building is in the Gothic style, and is not entirely finished ; when completed it will be the most impressive looking edifice in the city. It has an organ, and a select choir; here may frequently be heard the finest strains of sacred music ; and in this place was given, by Mr. Garcia and the opera company, for a benevo- lent purpose, ihe best Oratorio ever heard in this city. St. Man/s Church. In Sheriff'-street ; size 60 by 45 feet, built of brick, and occupied by the Catholics in 1827. Christ Churchy In Ann-street; size 61 by 80 feet, built of stone, — repaired, altered, and occupied by the Catholics in 1827. The Roman Catholic Asylum, for Orphans, in Prince- 226 UNITARIAN AND LUTHERAN CHURCHES. street, is a plain commodious edifice, where 160 orphan and destitute children are nursed and carefully provided for ; they are of all ages, from the infant to the child of 10 or 12 years old. CongregeUional or Unitarian. The first, in Chambers-street, between Broadway and Church-street, is a very ornamental edifice, the front of which is faced with white marble, with pillars in bas relief, and surmounted with a pediment. The interior is very elegant, the pews being finished with mahogany ornaments, carpeted and cushioned ; the pulpit is raised on ornamental pillars, with an area and railing in front, before which the pews rise gradually to the rear, and facing to the entrances of the house ; there is also a gallery and an organ. The whole is beautifully lighted from a spacious circular skylight that rises from the centre of the roof. The size of the house is 68 by 50 feet. It was built in 1820, and opened by a most eloquent discourse, from the learned and celebrated Professor Everitt, then of Cambridge University. The second, in Mercer-street, corner of Prince- street ; this is a chaste specimen of architecture. It was built in 1826 of stone and brick, with a portico and columns of the Doric order, behind which is a recess, and the entrance door. Third, In Fourth-street, near avenue D., at Manhat- tan island. Lutheran. Evangelical Lutheran Christ Church, in Frankfort- street, corner of William-street, was built in 1767, of stone ; t,ize bO by 34 feet. There is a fine organ, and the service is performed in the German language. St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Walker-street, is a handsome brick edifice, and was erected in 1822; size 95 by 60 feet. It has a dome, and a fine toned organ, which is placed in "^n elevated re- cess behind the pulpit, and of course facing-to the a\i- I UNI VERBALISTS, FRIENDS, AND JEWS. 227 tiience. The pulpit is very neat, and is parted off by a recess and mahogany railing, from the pews, which rise gradually towards the rear, in the modern style : there are no galleries at the sides. The service is performed here in the English language. St. James's, in Orange-street. This is a plain wooden edifice, which was purchased and presented by an un- known individual, to the congregation here formed. Pastor Rev. F. C. Schaeffer, formerly of St. Matthew's. The Moravian Church, In Fulton-street, founded in 1751, is built of brick ; size 44 by 34 feet, with a ce- metery in the rear. Universalistsi First, la Duane-street, built in 1818, of brick; size 67 by 67 feet. Pastor Rev. Mr. Mitchell. Second, Corner of Prince and Orange streets, built in 1823, of brick ; size 60 by 70 feet. Friends^ Meeting Houses. The first site occupied by them in this city was, in 1704, in Green-street alley, between Liberty-street and Maiden Lane, afterwards removed in Liberty-street, to the building now occupied by Thorburn's Seed Store. In 1775 the late house in Pearl-street was built; but all these have given way to the increase of population, and change of residence ; and the houses now occupied by hem are, — one in Hester-street, built in 1819, of brick ; size 68 by 60 feet. One in Rose-street, of brick ; size 70 by 60 feet, built in 1024 One in Manhattanville, built in 1825, of wood ; size 25 by 35 feet. The Jews^ Synagogue, In Mill-street, built 1730, ami rebuilt in 18in, is a stone edifice, 58 by 35 feet. The worship is here performed in the Hebrew language, and in the same manner and form as in ancient times. 22b jews' synagogues. Strang-ers are admitted, but females are all accoiu- modated with seats in the g-ailery ; the service begins on Friday evening at sunset, and is continued on Satur- day mornmg at 10 o'clock. It is highly curious and impressive. The former Rabbi, Rev. Gersham Seixas, here officiated foi 50 years regularly. The interior or- naments are elegant and costly. A lamp is kept per- petually burning before the ark. The ark is the sacred depo itory of the book of the law, (of whioh a v finable manuscript copy of great antiquity belongs to the con- gregation,) and is of a semicircular form, constructed in the most finished style of workmanship, of curled maple and satin wood, with sliding doors. The Rev. Mr. Peixotto is the present Rabbi. It is upwards of acenturj' since the Mill-street con- g'regation was established, and few, if any, of the members then resided above Wall-street. The in- crease of the city has left few families in that neigh- bourhood, and this, with the great increase, and the con- tinued arrivals from the continent of Europe, rendered it necessary to erect a new temple. Accordingly aneu' Synagogue has been purchased in Elm-street, north of Canal-street, formerly the African church, and has been elegantly fitted up by the German and Polish Jews, whose form of prayers is somewhat dissimilar to the Portuguese. The building is about fifty feet front, and 60 feet deep, having a portico of four columns, the whole sur- mounted with a neat Gothic steeple. The interior, though small, is finished in a rich and neat style. A row of pillars supports the gallery, which has a railing of carved mahogany. The reading desk, or pulpit, Avhich stands in the centre, facing the east, is of mahogany, enclosed within a railing of fret work- The ark, on the east side of the church, and facing the desk for the reception of the law, is large and circular, of curled maple and mahogany, with a dome, support ed wiih Ionic . colurans, with caps and bases. The ten commandments 1 in front are of v .lised golden letters on white marble, ' supported by g',ld cornucopias. In front of the holy receptacle of the law hangs a rich curtain of blue satin, '^legantly embroidered with Hebrew inscriptions — the MARINERS CHURCH. 22t^ iatenor of the ark, opens with sliding" doors, is lined with the same materials. The centre chandelier, to- g'ether with four smaller ones and clusters of astral lamps over the gallery, with the candelabras, are richly finished with bronze and gold, the whole being- splendid and jn good taste. The building now occupied as the JVew Jerusalem Chapel^ in Pearl-street, was built in 1 796, and has been since occupied by various denominations. It is a plain wooden edifice, size 50 by 35 feet. The Mariners^ Churchy in Roosevelt-street, was built in 1819, of brick ; size 58 by 60 feet. Tins is particularly intended for the benefit of ma- riners. It was built by the liberality of different de- noininations of Christians, and is equally open to all. The Bethel flag is hoisted over it on the Sabbath, to in- vite the attendance of seamen. A great reformation has already been produced in their behalf, by the aid derived from this and other efficient sources. Tiiere are also Chapels^ and religious services per- formed every Sunday, in the State Prison^ and in the Alras House at Believue, and in the House of Refuge. Summary of the various Denominations. Episcopal, 18 Presbyterian, ....... 21 Dutch Reformed, 13 Baptist, 13 Methodist, 14 Catholic, 4 Unitarian, 3 Lutheran, 3 Moravian, I UniversaUst, 2 Friends, 3 Jews, ........ 2 Oibor? 4 Total 10 T i!30 COLUMBIA COLLEGE. The salaries paid to the Cierg-y of this city are ivoiu $1500 to $3000 per annum ; probably the average is about ^2000 ; and the number of clerg-y more than one hundred. Considerable sums are frequently collected in the various churches, for the different charitable institu- tions in this city, and for Bible, Tract, and Missionary Societies ; and besides these, each society has its anni- versary, which is publicly notified; when addresses and eloquent appeals are made to the audience, and collec- tions are then solicited. From these various sources, it is not extravag-ant to estimate the annual revenues and receipts for such lau- dable purposes in this city at ^150,000, which, with the amount paid to the Rev. Clergy, as above stated, constitutes an aggregate of $350,000 paid in this city, for the support cf the gospel, and for religious and charitable objects. There are 100 churches in this city, and there are, at this present time, near 200,000 inhabitants : which gives 2,000 to each church. At the lowest estimate, there would be at least 17 or 1800 to each; but allowing for all that are unable to attend, such as the old and the young, sick and infirm, there must still remain a large number who do not frequent any place of public worship on the Sabbath, probably fifty to eighty thousand ; as it would be esteemed a liberal allow- ance to give 500 to each congregation, as the average attendance, which amounts to 50,000, although some churches have many more, and others less. The city of London and environs have but 515 places of public worship, of all denominations, or one to about 3000 in- * habitants. COLUMBIA COLLEGE. Columbia College, in the city of New-York, was on- ginaliy founded by royal charter, in the year 1750, unJer the name of King's College, by which title it continued to be known until the period of the revolution. It was COLUMBIA COLLEGE. 231 established by lottery, and incorporated by Gov. De- lancey. The ediBce, and grounds attached to it, are very ex- tensive ; the building is three stories high, built of stone, and stuccoed ; it is 200 feet in length, and 50 in width, with two projecting wings at each end ; it con- tains accommodations for the professors : there is also a chapel, and lecture rooms, hall, library, museum, and an extensive philosophical and astronomical apparatus. The students do not reside in the building, as is the cus- tom in many other colleges in this country. The funds of Columbia College, though originally arising from precarious sources, have greatly increased since its establishment, by private and legislative dona- tions. One of its early trustees, Joseph Murray, Esq., an emment counsellor at law, left property for the use of the institution to the amount of $"25,000. The annual revenue may now be estimated at upwards of $4000. The management is confided to trustees, who direct and prescribe the course of study, and the discipline to be observed in the College. They appomt a president from among themselves, who holds his office during good be- haviour. No professor, tutor, or other assistant, with the exception of the provost for the time being, is eli- gible to fill the office of trustee. Eleven trustees form a quorum for the despatch of ordinary business. In the disposal of real estate, or suspension of a president, it requires thirteen. The trustees also elect a chairman annually, and have the power of declaring seats vacant on the non-attendance or death of members, and of electing others in their place. Il likewise belongs to the trustees " to grant all such literary honours and de- grees as are usually granted by any university, college, or seminary of learning", in this state, or in the United States," and to give diplomas thereof. It is an express condition of their charter, that none of their ordinances or by-laws shall make " the religious tenets of any per- son a condition of admission to any privilege or office in the said College." Columbia College was instituted for the purpose of educating youth in the learned languages, and in the 2o2 COLUMBIA COLLEGE. arts and sciences. In the year 1 769, a Faculty of Medi- cine was annexed to it. A Colleg-e of Physicians and Surg-eons, however, having- been established in this city in 1807, it was considered most ehgible that the Faculty of Medicine of Columbia Colleg-e should be attached to the new institution. This desirable union took place in September, 1813; so tliat Columbia College, having an- nulled their statutes which respected the medical school, now consists gf a Faculty of Arts only. On the 6th April, 1776, an order was issued by the Committee of Public Safety, directing the College buildmgs to be prepared within eight dajs for the recep- tion of the military. The students, in consequence, re- tired to their respective homes, and the libraty and ap- paratus having been deposited for safe keeping in the Ciiy Hall, the College edifice was converted inloa mili- tary hospital. At the close of the revolutionary war, by an act of the State Legislature dated May 1st, 1784, certain persons named therein were appointed to super- intend the general interests of education throug-hout the state, under the title of Regents of the University ; and these acted also as Trustees of the College. On the 13th April, 1787, an act of the Legislature was passed confirming the royal charter, altering the name of the institution to Columbia College, and ap- pointing a new board of Trustees. The government of the College has been administered in conformity with the last mentioned act unto the present time. The first public commencement after the reorganization of the College, was held A. D. 1786. In the infancy of thi- institution, the voluntary con- tributions of the wealthy, and the liberal benefactions of the corporation of Trinity Church, shed a cheering influence upon its progress. By the original charter, the various rights and immu- nities enjoyed by the English universities, were secured to this seminary; and the President was required to belong to the Church of England, and a form of prayer collected from the liturgy of the church, with an appro- priate prayer for the institution, was to be used daily morning and evening, in the College Chapel. No re'' COLUMBIA COLLEGE. 233 gious test, howrever, was required of any of the mem- bers of the College, or the Professors, and all denomi- nations were equally entitled to receive the benefits of education. The building- was thoroughly repaired, altered, and some additions made, in 1816 — a cupola added, and a very neat, classical appearance given to the edifice, which now contains about 50 rooms. The grounds, which comprise a square of 250 feet on each side, in Church and Murray streets, are neatly laid out, and en- closed with a stone wall, surmounted by an ironrailmg. The spacious lawn in front, and the venerable trees, give the place a secluded and agreeable appearance, although so near to the centre of business, and to the fashionable streets. In the Chapel attached to Columbia College are given the annual courses of Lectures of the Associates of the Atheneum. Capt. Sabine visited this city by order of the British Government, in 1823, to make a series of astronomical observations and experiments with the pendulum, con- nected with scientific research, aud was liberally ac- commodated by the College with the rooms for that purpose. The number of students now belonging to the College is 150. The expense of tuition, yearly, is ninety dollars. The number of graduates to the present time have been about 800. Many eminent men have here received their colle- giate education, and afterwards attained to distinguished stations in hfe. The Alumni of this university have formed an associ- ation, and have an oration and annual dinner on the commencement week, which is the first Tuesday in August. The present faculty consists of~ Rev. Dr. Harris, President. James Kent, Professor of Law. J. Renwick, Professor of Natural and Experimeatal Philosophy and Chemistry. 234 COLUBIBIA COLLEGE. H. J. Anderson, M.D., Professor of Mathematics^ Analytical Mechanics, and Physical Astronomy. Nathl. F. Moore, Professor of Greek and Latin Lan- guages. Charles Anthon, Adjt. Professor of Greek and Latin Rev. John McVickar, S.T.D. Professor of Moral and Intellectual Philosophy, Rhetoric, Belles Lettres, and Political Economy. Lorenzo Da Ponte, Professor of the Italian Language and Literature. The "^onual vacation commences first Tuesday in Au- gust, aud lasts till first Monday in October. Since the establishment of the College, it has had the following Presidents, under the Royai charter : — Rev. Samuel Johnson, S.T.P. 1754 to 1763; Rev. Myles Cooper, LL.D. Fellow of Queen's College, Ox- ford, 1763 to 1775 ; Rev. Benjamin Moore, 1775 to 1776. Presidents under the new charter — William SamuelJohnson, 1787 to 1800; Rev. Charles Wharton, 1801 ; Right Rev. Benj. Moore, S.T.D. 1801 to 1811; Rev. VViHiam Harris S.TD. 1811. Provost— Rev. John M. Mason, 1811 to 1816. A Grammar School has recently been proposed by the trustees to be established in connection with the College, to teach in the most efficient manner the clas- sics and other studies preparatory to entering the fresh- man class of this university ; also the usual branches of English education. The school is to be under the regu- lation and superintendence of the board of the College ; the instruction to be under the superintendence of a competent and approved master, and such assistants as shall from time to time be selected. The board of the College to have power to appoint and dismiss at pleasure the master and assistants ; to define their duties ; to prescribe the course of studies to be pursued ; to make by-laws for the school ; and they are to report its state annually to the trustees. The price of tuition $12 50 per quarter, the whole of which is appropriated to the school. The trustees reserve to themselves the right to annul- EPISCOPAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 2o.i or make such alterations in the plan of the school as experience may require ; and also of visiting the same, by a committee appointed for that purpose. Every school from which there shall be admitted in any one year into the College five students, has the pri- vilege of sending one scholar to be educated gratui- tously in the College ; the nomination to be vested iu the directors or trustees of the school, or the instructer. THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. This institution is established on the Hudson River, about four miles from the centre of the city, between 9th and 10th Avenues, and Twentieth and Twenty-first streets. No situation could possibly have been selected more appropriate in every respect. The view of the river, and the romantic shore of the Hudson on the opposite side, with the seclusion of the vicinity, are strictly in unison with the important studies that are h^>^e pursued. The lot of ground, which is about 3 acres, was pre- sented by Clement C. Moore, Esq. The portion of the building now completed, which is only a part of the plan in contemplation, is a substantial edifice of stone, three stories in height, and was completed in 18^26-7. Liberal donations have been made by Episcopalians, in all parts of the United States, to this national semi- nary ; but the most important was the one made by the late Jacob Sherred, Esq., which amounted to eighty thousand dollars. Wiih this solid foundation on which to commence ope- rations, it cannot be doubted that the highest prosperity will rest upon the institution, aided by the talents of the eminent professors that are engaged, whose names are. Right Rev. J. H. Hobart, D.D. Professor of Natural Theology and Pulpit Eloquence ; Rev. Samuel H. Tur- ner, D.D. Professor of Biblical Learning; Rev. Bird Wilson, D.D. Professor of Systematic Divinity; Rev. B. F. Onderdonk, Professor of the Nature, Ministry, 236 NEW-YOnK SOCIETY LIBKARY. and Polity of the Church; Clement C. Moore, A.M. Professor of Oriental and Greek Literature. The present number of students is 30, and the annual income §4223. Annual commencement, last Friday in June. NEW-YORK SOCIETY LIBRARY". In 1729, the Society in London for the propagation of the gospel in foreign 'parts, notified the Corporation of this city that Dr. Millington had made a donation of 1600 volumes, to establish a hbrary in this city ; and soon after, the books were received, and deposited in the City Hall for safe keeping, and a librarian appomted to manage them, who let out the books to be read at six pence a-piece, giving the Corporation the preference. This causing public attention to be drawn to the sub- ject, aud a taste for reading having been formed, in- duced, eleven years subsequent, the formation of an in- stitution on a more extended and useful plan. It was commenced in 1740, by an association of private gentlemen, who subscribed the sum of £,5 each, and agreed to pay ten shillings annually for the purchase of books. In November, 1772, their funds amounted to £600 currency, and on the 25th of that month, they ob- tained a charter from the colonial government, by which they became a corporate body. The society- continued to flourish till (he revolution, when the British troops, who were then in possession of New -York, de- stroyed or carried away all the books, amounting to about 3000 volumes. The termination of the contest led to the re-establish- ment of this important institution. On the i8th Febru- ary, 1789, M law was passed by which the original char- ter was confirmed, and full operation given to all its provisions. Since then the managers have been author- ized by the Legislature to increase the price of a share in the concern to §25, and the annual subscription has been raised to §4. The books now belongmg to the in- stitution amount to about 20,000 volumes, manv of :s'EW-YOUK ATHENEU3r. 237 which are very rare. Their vahie is estimated at up- wards of 540.000, and the lot and building in which they are contained at $^20,000 additional. The affairs of the New- York Society Library are under the management of 12 trustees, the number ori- ginally fixed by the charter. These continue for one year in office, and the election takes place on the last Tuesday of April, annually. Seven trustees form a quorum for transacting business. There is also a secre- tary, treasurer, and librarian, who are appointed by the trustees. The building is situated in Nassau-street, between Cedar and Liberty streets, opposite the Middle Dutch Church. It is a plain brick edifice, of two stories in height, with a basement, and a colonnade in front of the second story. The Library, which occupies all the upper part of the house, is well and neatly kept, and is open from 10 to 2 o'clock to subscribers. Strangers are admitted on introduction by a member. The collection of books is valuable, and is constantly receiving acces- sions by importations and home publications. The Library of the Historical Society is in the New- York Institution, and is a valuable repository of scarce books and manuscripts, newspapers and curiosities. There are many other libraries of minor importance, such as the Apprentices' Library, and the Mercantile Library ; and numerous private Circulating Libraries, the principal of which are — Behr and Kahl's, of French and vSpanish Books, in Broadway; Goodrich's, 124 Broadway; Francis's, Broadway ; Gilley's, Broadway ; Bartlett's, Bowery. NEW-YORK ATHENEUM, Broadway, corner of Pine-street. After several unsuccessful attempts to establish, on a liberal and permanent plan, a Public Reading Room and Library, in this metropolis, a movement was made in 1824 towards efiecting this desirable object, which has thus far been crowned with success. ^38 XEW-YOKK ATHEJJEUM. A subscription was made to the amount of upwards of ^30,000. The members are arrang-ed into four classes, called Associates, Patrons, Governors and Sub- scribers. ' Patrons pay for membership, ^200; and Governors ^100; Subscribers, ^10 and 520 per vear. A subscriber of §20 a year has tickets of admission for himself and family, to the lectures, library, and reading-room. A subscriber of $10 a year has a ticket for himself only. Of the Patrons, Governors, and Associates, the num- ber if confined to two hundred of each. There is a President, four Vice Presidents, a < orrespouding and a Kecordmg Secretary, a Curator, and a Treasurer. The Associates of the Society, consisting of gentle- men of the mo5-t distinguished talent and acquirement, select from among their number a certain portion, who each year deliver Lectures, in the Chapel of Columbia College, to all the members of the Atheneum, on those sciences or subjects which their professions or pursuits have rendered them the most competent to sustam ; and in the several courses of lectures heretofore delivered, they have been composed of the following subjects : 1826. Roman Literature, - by Professor Anthon. Phrenology, _ - . - Dr. F. G. King. Taste and Beauty, - - - Prof. McVickar. Classical Literature, - - - - R. Ray. Chemistrj, - . - . Prof. Ren wick. Commerce, - - - - John Hone, Jr. Painting, . . , . S. F. B. Morse. Political Economy, - - W. B. Lawrence. Poetry, W. C. Bryant. Oriental Literature, - - Rev. J. F. Schroeder, The Anniversary Discourse, Rev. J. M. Mathews. 1827. Dr. Revere, on Chemistry. Professor Morse, on Painting, in its connexion with the other Fine Arts. , Professor Renwick, on the Atmosphere and its Phe^ nomena. :SE\V-Y014K ATHEAEUM. iiJi.' The Lectures usually commence in January, and end in March or April. The annual meeting of the members is on the second Wednesday in May. There is a stand- ing- committee, who provide the requisite accommoda- tions for the public reading and lecture rooms, and library, and call a meeting- of Ihe Associates and Patrons, or of the subscribers generally. This committee meets on the first Tuesday in February, April, June, August, October, and December. The Associates meet on the second Thursday in January, April, Jul} , and October. The permanent fund of the society is entirely under the control of the Patrons. The Curator has the su- pervision of the literary property, and also nominates a Librarian, wl'.ose duiv it is to attend upon the sub- scribers and strangers that visit the library and reading- room, and to see that the regulations of the society are not violated. The reading-room is open daily, except on Sundays, from 9 o'clock in the morning till 10 at night, and is furnished with the principal newspapers and periodical works of this country, and of France and England. Strangers, while in the city, are admitted to the rooms on the introduction of a member. There are now on the list of members, 122 Patrons, 59 Governors, 50 Associates, 100 Subscribers at $20 a year, Subscribers at $10 a year. The sums paid by the Patrons and Governors form a permanent fund, the interest only being applicable to the general objects of the Atheneum ; which, added to the sums received from subscribers, amounts to $3,000 annually, which is expended in the purchase of a library, and in furnishing the rooms with the current literature, gazettes, and magazines, and in liquidating the annual rent of the rooms, arid other expenses. It is confidently anticipated, that in due time, the Atheneum will be able to build an edifice every way appropriate to the purposes of the institution, and to the character for wealth and munificence sustained by this metropolis of the western continent. 'i40 LYCEUM OF NATUILA^L HISTORY. THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. In the N. Y. Institution, in Chambers-street. This is a flourishing and vig-orous association of scien- tific and well educated young- gentlemen, for the pro- motion and study of Natural History, in all its branches; and in furtherance of this object, there are weekly meetings, and a scientific conversazione held, consisting of distinguished men from all parts, both honorary and resident members, at which meeting a paper is read, or a discourse made, upon some subject connected with the objects of the Lyceum ; curious specimens of dif- ferent kinds of minerals are laid on the table, and the latest discoveries are 'communicated. More has been done by this association towards ex- tending a knmvledge of the internal riches of our coun- try, in its mineral capacity, its botany, and many other branches of science, than any institution in this city ; and this fact is fully evinced by the valuable volumes that have been published by the society. An act of incorporation was granted by the Legisla- ture in 1818, and a room was appropriated for their use by the Common Council of the city, in the building in rear of the City Hall, now known as the New-York In- stitution, where the Lyceum have an extensive and choice cabinet of minerals, icthyology, conchology, and organic remains, fossils of Europe, S. America, the skeletons of the Mastadon and Megatherium, and a museum of spr rimens in comparative anatomy, to all which admission may readily be obtained. As yet, the library is deficient in the more expensive works, which is only attributable to the want of means to purchase them in the i'nited funds of the society. The funds of the U. S. ■'•^''^ilitary Philosophical Society have been generously annexed to this, by the former members of that body. Members of this society are continually employed in fEVV-YORK MARKETS. 247 oe much larg-er than is mentioned in the table, but no account is taken at the present time, as the victuallers pay a stipulated rent for their stalls, in lieu of taxes on 1 the quantity sold. Tlit^e is no official account taken in New-York of the vast amount of pork and provisions generally, that arrives coastwise, and down the Hudson, and is sold at the docks to consumers in the city, and which consti- tutes the chief source of supply of many articles of im- portance, such as butter, cheese, beef, and pork, both fresh and salted, fish, &c. The city of London consumes annually 200,000 hog-s, 110,000 bullocks, 1,020,000 sheep and lambs, 250,000 calves, which is not as much in proportion to its popula- lation as the city of New-York, althoug-h the English are esteemed a nation of meat-eaters. The fact is, that the cheapness of food in this country, and the hig-h rate of wages, enables the poorest family to indulge in animal food every day in the week, which is probably not com- mon in London, or many other European cities. In connection with the consumption of various arti- cles in this cjty, the followmg items have been procured from correct sources, for 1825. Firewood— Lo2ids of Hickory, . . 38,368 Loads of Oak, ' . . 206,773 Loads of Pine, . . 53,125 Total, 298,266 The average price may be estimated at ^2 25 per load, and two and a half loads to the cord, which amounts to the sum of ^671,098. The quantity of coal used amounts to VII. Bank of Jimerica^ corner of Wall and William streets, was incorporated in 1812, the charter to endure tor 20 years. Its capital stock amounts to 4,000,000 o^ dollars. Its affairs are conducted by a President, Vice-President, Cashier, and \o Directors, who are chosen on the 1st Monday of May ; and dividends are declared on 1st May and 1st November annually. The 'k days of presenting notes for discount are Mondays and Thursdays. VIII. City Bank, 38 Wall-street. This was formerly Inbuilt and occupied by the old United States' Branch liBank. — The front of the building- is of brick and hewn tl brown stone — a flight of steps leads to an open corridor,, »1 under the second story, from which are entrances to (< the banking rooms on the first fleor, and flights of stairs e leading to offices on the second floor, in front : there a)oe-hive in front. Much good has been derived from nis well managed institution, which needs no eulogium here on its merits, and for its services rendered to society at large. The receipts have been as follows : *uly 1819 to July 1820, 4,840 depositors, ^313,384 24 1820 to 1821, 5,299 do. 356,482 71 1821 to J 822, 6,164 do. 356,529 96 1822 to 1823, 5,450 do. 364,571 60 1823 to 1824, 7,682 do. 489,5^4 51 258 savings" ba:sk July 1S24 to July 1225, 9,173 depositors, ^.35 1,825 14 1825 to Jan. 1826, 4,980 do. 312,037 91 Jan. 1826 to J 827, 10,343 do. 639,775 5C 3827 to 1828,12,617* do. 721,842 44 Total, 66,550 ^4,105,513 93 Deduct amount repaid to depositors, 2,593,083 00 J 1,5 12,030 93 Add interest to, and including dividend to January, 1828, 354,642 51 Total due depositors, 1st Jan. 1828, ^1,867,073 44 The funds of the institution are invested in, and con sist of Funded Debt of the United States, and of thf State and City of New-York. The house in Chamber^ street, and furniture, cost ^22,292 78. Deposites Repaid. July 1819 to J illy 1820, by 396 drafts. $ 39,622 S4 1820 to 1821, ' 1274 do. 113,659 69 1821 to 1822, 1802 do. 158,761 00 1822 to 1823, 925 do. 230,311 97 1823 to 1824, 3314 do. 258,494 01 1824 to 1825, 4514 do. 443,033 52 ■1825 to Jan 1826, K 3002 do. 305,900 66 Jan. 1826 to 1827, 6476 do. 513,247 53 1827 to 1828, 7246 do. 503,051 78 Total, 30,949 $2,593,083 00 The deposites have been made in the following sums : 1 to 5 dollars, 1387 ; 5 to 10, 1G64 -, 10 to 20, 2108 ; 20 to 30, 1504 ; SO to 40, 1799 5 40 to 50, 1074 ; 50 to 60, 4.52 ; GO to 70, 284 ; 70 to 80, 230 ; 80 to 90, 142 ; 90 to 100,701 : 100 to 200, 771 ; 200 to 300, 240 ; 300 to 400, 107 ; 400 to 500, 64-, 500 to 600. 30 ; 600 to 700, 20 ; 700 to 800, 3 ; 800 to 900, 10 ; 900 to 1000, 3 ; 1000 to 2000, 1 1 ; 2000 to 3000, 2.— Total, 12,617. * Of wbirh number. 3201 are tipw aroonnt«.anfl PllSarp redeposltp''. riUVATE BANKERS. On the o 1st day of Aug-ust, 1814, the banks in thiv. ritj, and in the United States generally, (New-England excepted,) suspended specie payments, in which they were sustained by the influence of public opinion, and the exigencies of the times. On the first Monday in July, 1817, they resumed paying specie in connexion with the banks in Philadelphia and Baltimore. During the period of suspension, a mutual agreement was made not to extend their loans beyond a specified amount, which was generally observed by the banks in this city; but it was otherwise in the country, where ! lals amount to $4,100,000, have made no dividends, sc that the dividend has arisen upon a capital of $8,350,000^ making an interest of 7 209 cents on the dollar. State tax of 10 per cent, on the Dividends of the Marine Insurance Companies, for 1827, $228,000, . - . g 22,800 1 On the Dividends of Fire Insurance Compa- nies, ^602,000, - - - 60,200 On Bank Dividends, $1,025,400, - - 102,540 §185,540 A large portion of the capital of Insurance Compa- nies consists in bonds and mortgages on real estate ; and almost every species of fixed property, by means of hy- pothecations, familiar to the city, becomes a circulating capital, which is constantly changing its form and pro- ducing a profit. This system is peculiar to New-York, and is one of] the causes of its continued prosperity. The litcrease of stocks since the year 1800, is exhi- bited as follows:— 1800, $6,000,000; 1810, $11,100,000; 1820, $24,100,000; 1827, $39,500,392. .NEW-YORK LOMBARD. This association has been incorporated by the Legislature of the State of JXew-York, with a capital of ^200,000, for the purpose of making advances on depusites of goods and chat- tels ; and the whole capital having been paid in or se- cured to be paid, they commenced business on the 21st of June. Auctions for the sale of unredeemed pledges on which fhe loans have not been renewed, will be held (quarterly IxNCOUPORATED C'OMPAKlEss. i^O- on the first Monday in May, August, November, and February, due notice of which will be g-iven, and the s,urplus, if any, held subject to the order of the depositor for three years, after which, pursuant to the articles of association, it will be paid to the Corporation of the city, for the use of the poor. Shares 2,000, ^100 each, capi- tal $200,000. NEW-YORK DYING ESTABLISHMENT. Divi- ded into 200 shares, j^lOOO each, capital $200,000. The first three years of the profits to be applied to the ex- tending of the works. NEW-YORK AND SCHUYLKILL COAL CO., incorporated 1823, for the supplying- the city with coal, but not to be interested in any banking operations whatever, nor to be engaged in dealing in stocks, unless to sell such as may have been mortgaged to it in security for debts — the said corporation to endure until 1844. The capital to be g300,000, in 6,000 shai es of g50 each, with the privilege of increasing to ^500,000. NEW-YORK TONTINE COFFEE-HOUSE CO. This establishment was chartered in 1794, for the pur- pose of a Merchants' Exchange. The building was commenced in 1794, and finished in 1795. Original cost $42,787 61. There was originally 203 subscribers, at $200 each. The average rent until 1823 inclusive, was $3,500 per annum, makiiig an interest of nearly 8 2-3ds per cent, per annum on the share. The rent this year is $3,400. Cost of building, &c. g42,787 61 .203 shares at ^200 each, 40,b00 00 Deficient, g2,187 61 First 13 years rent at ^3,500 is ^45,500. This Company is managed by a committee of five, chosen the first Monday in June, annually. Of the ori- ginal subscribers, three now remain — 127 lives. The new Exchange was opened one year ago, when the Mpual business done here was transferred to it. This .t66 IKCOKPOBATED COMPANIES. building is now divided into offices and stores, and is still as productive as before. Dividend on each share, pe 83. NEW-YORK EXCHANGE CO. Established in J 825, for the purpose of a Merchants' Exchange. Its capiial is ;^230,000, in 2,300 shares of ^100 each. NEW-YORK LABORATORY ASSOCIATION. Incorporated 1825, for making White Lead. Capital 100,000 dollars, shares 50 dollars each. GAS LIGHT COMPANY, to light the city with gas, capital 1,000,000 dollars. PORCELAIN AND EARTHENWARE MANU- FACTURING CO., capital 100,000 dollars, in 1,000 shares of 100 dollars each. NEW-YORK SUGAR REFINING COMPANY, For the purpose of refining sugar. This company was incorporated in 1800 ; is conducted by a President and Board of Directors similar to other institutions ; makes its dividends in March, annually, payable in sugar, at the cash price of the day ; is divided into 750 shares of 185 dollars each, capital 138,750 dollars. NEW- YORK HIGH SCHOOL. Incorporated in April, 1825. The original capital was 30,000, but it was afterwards increased to 50,000 dollars. Shares 2,000, of 25 dollars each. This company have made a dividend of 6 per cent, this year, amounting to 3,000 dollars. NEW- YORK AND LEHIGH COAL CO. s? o. •1 f ^f M o. 5i. OO^ OOOo OOCd^ S ^ 3 1 ooooopreopppi — * • a> * 5. ore a c p p r » -5 c c r H- — N- .- ^ « = If 5* S. ? p D c a; d 1 ? tf g. ^ 1 r • ■ 1 o 2 tt». > S^F K> CO *»> J^i" PF^J^i" nb3. O" » to to k> o coftt^ tt>. b Oi "en tn sat' A Z.O' ^^t^a>rfi..tn^j^© ^2 « L > §|.s: S "J^ tu *^ "o — CO cft o 'k) "^ — "w'-j "Vs 2 <^ COOtncOCScOOtHH-^^COCO V « o- 1 D -J_ tSOtns en en "J- co'o>^^V 55 fe- K) Cr> CO >— C^ ^ •— 05 — CT> CO K) ll! jti.^jX»MCsen ~ cop ~i^^ - en t-t^i."© otj CO "k; 'co cotjijto P^5 c ^ Ki Oit»-00*>--J( C0K»*^O5coO D 9 JO coos — oocr> a> CO ^s CO o^ CO ." i^ c- ff • «^ ^s I-' »- en ocs 2. * * w — — en -J to a> ts e;i c »< S ^^ J-1 J^joa^^ jU j^H-^co o-* " CO "co'Vs Va Or "en V "co k) '■*> ^?^ •^ CO CO )0 tt^ O CO O) K3 en CO s CO o CO CO cr> CO CO CO »o *.. •^ . cF »T, O >* "cr coco .- ^ ^3 CO -4 ^> 5 Oi ^oco o a> ifc' ^isco^k 2.~ ^• 05 Pi^^ S'S^ '^ ^S^S^y*S' j5 e on? V "k co"^ "k lo 4i to "-oj co'co'Vj o 5- P , O O) en o ^^ CO *». en -j '»■ *■ cr <2 ^ C 91_ 4^ -J — *^ 00 ^ J5. Cr. CO K) U s ,— *- "J" r* ?.l "co CO *^ ^ o a> tD bto t^ ss ?r >— cojo"— 'o^co ^co — »t^a>^ ^•» 2 ' i® tt^aicntPk.*».en oeo — coenifc- <^- 3 ^ fsencoenco^ K;^en4i.coO .oc7>^ J-:SCT>ltIwc? «!. -a ^ a> oi CO ifc^ cr> M) <3^ CO »x) -J Oi po CO J~'i^>P *^ J^ ^ 4^O0rfi.W to ,/«> en *k>tD 'Ij cotD 4i. cntD"en"fS>« COitkCOtncOcOOcOCOiU — tncO "^ >— • S^ "i o i^^ ^"-j jfr" 0;aj?i en — O^K) ^ O) — O *«. o^"--! b'lj 'k) "i^ tD Vco "en CO tj5 "o: £ •c^ C/i CO coKioo•o-.1o-Jcoco^-^-^^^ -'^- CO w _cocooe;icr)COOco<>Scnei»OT ' 268 i;OMMERCE. COMMERCE OF THE PORT. The progressive increase of the trade and commerce of this city, from the earliest period of its settlement until the present time, is a curious subject of investiga- tion, and one that has not hitherto attracted much at- tention ; and the few insulated facts that are here offer- ed, are given as the only data that could be procured from correct oflScial sources. For several years after the Dutch came to this conti- nent, and at least as late as 1640 or 50, the fur trade was the only employment of those who ventured to this coast, which was then as unknown, and as exposed to Indian depredation and cruelty, as (he IN. W. Coast of America is at the present day ; and for two or three years, the trading" was done entirely on board the ships, for better security against surprise from the aborigines. The trade to and from the Dutch colonies of Curacoa and Guyana, and the West India Islands and Africa, aoon after commenced ; and we find that from 1673 to 1688, the principal occupation of our ancestors was the making of flour, and grain of all kinds, for which this city had a monopoly for several years, and at that time, the flour was in the highest estimation of any produced in this country. " From this statement of facts, connected with the foundation and early history of New-York, it is appa- rent that it had its origin in commercial interests, and that the causes to which its origin is to be traced, have little analogy with those to which the other settlements of the United States owe their existence. The first settlers of New-England, Pennsylvania, and the south- ern states, were, with (ew exceptions, refugees from re- ligious and political persecution, and their abodes in the wilderness were selected, not as permanent settlements, but as asylums to screen them from the oppression which had expelled them from their homes. These settlements may therefore be considered as consecrated by the pre- sence of a great moral principle. The first settlement of New-York was without the benefit of any moral im- COBlMliJRC'L'. i'b^ pulse ot* this nature : her shores were occupied by a commercial company, with a view to trade;- and every subsequent addition to her wealth and industry, is to be traced to the operation of the same cause."* From that time to the present, this city has continued to be the principal mart for the reception and exchange of all imported and exported commodities, for a consi- derable portion of New-England, New-Jersey, and this state, and some of the southern states, and is now destined to receive a vast accession of wealth and trade from states still farther west, and bordering the great lakes, and Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. It is estimated that the value of the merchandise shipped and unshipped in this port annually, is seventy to one hundred millions of dollars ; and the number of merchant vessels in port, of all descriptions, varies from five to seven hundred in the busy seasons, besides fifty steam-boats. The number of arrivals from foreign ports, for the last four years, has averaged 1400 per annum, and of coasting vessels 4000, which gives employment to several thousand sailors, together wi(h a large number of labourers, and mechanics of every description. New-York is now considered to yield a better market for buying or selling any species of produce, than any other city on this continent. Capital is fast concen- trating within it from all quarters, seeking investment or speculative employment, in stocks, or merchandise of every description, or real estate : and the constant ac- cumulation of profits and reinvestments, tends to in- crease, in a geometrical ratio, the effect of such multi- plied attractions. Men of extensive capital and great enterprise, have flocked hither to participate in commer- cial pursuits : under such auspices, our ships are seen in every quarter of the globe, and going and returning with the commodities of every clime and nation. The arrivals at, and departures of steam-boats from, this port during the year, or season of about forty weeks, supposing each boat to make but two trips a week both ways, will amount to six thousand four hundred : and if * Resources of New-Yor)*, 210 COMMERCE. an average of fifty passengers is allowed per trip, the number will be 320,000. A much larger number than flftjr, however, would probably be within the truth, as during the season of summer travel, the Hudson River steam-boats frequently carry 200 or 300 passengers:: there are great numbers also constantly arriving in coasting vessels, and from foreign ports, — the aggregate of the latter description during the last twelve months, has been 22,000 ; those by ships, sloops, and coasters generally, from southern and eastern ports, and the river craft, amount to an immense number. There are few stages employed in transporting pas- sengers to and from the city, except in the winter sea- son, when there is but an inconsiderable amount of travel of anv description. From the capaciousness and security of this harbour, its fine depth of water, and the many means of water communication with the interior, and the eastern and souihern coasts, this metropolis has great advantages, and they have been duly appreciated by an intelligent and enterprising people. The circumference of the port, beginning at Hobo- ken, and following the western shore of the Hudson to the Narrows, and thence by the eastern shore to the jSavy Yard at Brooklyn, and crossing to the ship-build- ing yards, and following the shores round the city to Fort Gansevoort, is from 25 to 30 miles. In eutering the outer harbour, the bar at Sandy Flook has a depth of ihree and a half fathoms, at the lowest tide ; from thence to the city, it is six to eight fathoms, by ship channel. Charts of the coast and harbour are published by Blunt, and also by Patten, of this city. Ships of war, of the largest class, can enter the harbour with facility. In 1820-21, the- harbour was closed for two or three days, and people crossed to Powles Hook on the ice in great numbers ; the cold then was very intense, the thermometer being below for a few hours. Gene- rally, however, the navigation is free to the ocean all the year, and only in a few distant intervals is it much impederd even by floating ice. Ships bound for Phila- C'OMMKRCU. (27 i tielphia and other ports, are frequently induced to put in here when the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays are closed by ice. The great strength of the tide, and the vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean, are the causes of this port being more open and accessible in the winter season. The line of shipping extends from the Battery to Corlaer's Hook, on the East, and lo the North Battery on the Hudson River, embracing an extent of at least three miles, with but partial open intervals. In the central part and principal wharves, along South-street as far as Dover-street, and in the principal slips, such as Coenties, Old, Coffee-House, Burling's, Beekman, and Peck slips, and along the principal markets on the N. and E. side of the city, the vessels are moored and crowded together in the closest manner. By the Chronological Record in this work, the reader will find, that in the year 1683, this city could only- boast of 3 barques, 3 brigantines, 26 sloops, and 48 open boats : of the number of the latter, at the present day, it would be quite difficult to form an accurate estimate. Distinct Facts relative to Commerce. In 1769, the imports of New- York from Great Bri- tain were - . - . £7o,930 19 7 From West Indies, - - 97,420 4 South of Europe, - - 14,927 7 8 Africa, - - - - 697 10 Total, sterling, £188,976 1 3 g'S39,782 This is presented, to contrast with the imports of the city for the last year. The exports of this city in 1791, were l-9tb part of the whole U. States; in 1794, about 1-Hth part; from 1796 to 1806, between l-4th and l-5th part, and has held that ever since. The most flourishing periods were from 1794 to 1806. Daring the embargo, a terrible falling off was experienced, and also during the war. The ex- ports were greatest in 1806 and 1825. OOMHEKCfi. The total inland revenue collected in three years, in the state of New- York, to 1820, was only J23,059 48. Imports in 1822, in New-York city, g33,9 1^,453. Duties, g9,941,702 92. Average 29 per cent, of value. J^wmberof Vessels frmn Foreign Ports. Years. Vessels. PassTs. 1819 993 9442 1 1820 930 4430 1 1821 912 4452 1822 1172 4811 1823 1217 4999 1824 1364 5452 1825 1436 8779 1826 1389 9764 The foreign arrivals in Philadelphia, in 1826, were 485. Heport of Foreign Arrivals at the port of Aew- York for 1827. Flag. i a c h'r Class. •r; £: ^ o £ j= J= 3 c 0) . s "o c s c3 E 9 3 o < o CQ ^ Ul c a ffi PQ H Ships 370 5 3 1 2 1 4 386 Barques 9 9 Brigs 550 4 39 1 2 7 3 3 609 Schooners 359 3 13 c 3 1 381 Ketches 1 1 2 Sloops 21 1 4 1 27 Aggregate 1310 8 61 4 5 !5 10 4 7 14 H Passengers, *22 000. * The enormous number of passengers tbe last year, arriving in this i)ort, is a cause of astonishment, being nhout one-eighth part of our ennre nopujation. OOMMERCi: ^7:^ statement of Ships launched in the port of J^ew-York vp to Jan. 1, 1828. 18i>3, 14 ships, 5870 tons. 1824, 14 54545 1825, 21 13541 1826, 5576i Ships built in iN'ew-York in 1827. 23 ships, 3 brigs, 49 schooners, 68 sloops, 12 steam- boats, 15 tow-boats, 19 canal boats. Total, 29,137 tons. Cotton Trade of J^ew-York in 1827. The total amount received from the southern states, was 215,705 bales, viz. :— From New-Orleans, 36,201 ; Savannah, 66,212; Charleston, 28,452; N. Carolina, 36679; Alabama, 39,549; Florida, 1,942; Virginia, 6,429 ; and 232 from foreign ports. Exported, 191,626. Taken by manufactnrers, 24,000. The following official tables, relative to the imports and exports, and tonnage duties on merchandise, con- nected with this port, have not before been submit- ted to public inspection, and have been collected with much care and research ; and show, in the most satis- factory manner, the rapid progression of our trade since the year 1790. Value of Goods imported in the District of J^ew-York. Years. 1821 1822 1823 1824 il823 !l626 Ist qiiar. 2d quar. 3d quar. 4th quar. American Vessels. 24,648,535 31,721,974 29,060,787 36,167,953 48,136,112 33,003,322 8,436,73! 10,434,562; 12,252,376 Foreign Vessels. 1,371,474 2,190,479 1,540,668 1,615,194 1,888,861 1,725,342 410,183 641,917 690,428 Total. 26,020,014 33,912,453 30 601,455 37,783,147 50,024,973 34,128,664 174 COMMERCE. Abstract of Duties on J^erchandise imported into tht\ District of JSTeiv-York. $ 145,320 56 471,338 71 738,712 93 1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1795, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1,233,903 38 1,248,351 14 2,140,510 55 2,717,361 15 3,053,538 17 2,801,541 82 2,696,505 62 3,545,772 11 3,611,588 15 4,834,998 77 3,621,151 40 4,067,366 54 6,157,138 57 6,938,891 14 7,287,144 77 7,612,299 04 3,600.347 38 1809, {$3,766,438 24 1810, 5,223,696 45 1811, 2,433,087 79 1812, 3,276,344 12 1813, 1,624,574 20 1814, 625,767 26 1816, 14,554,645 80 1816, 10,78r.,354 42 1817, 6,329,123 21 1818, 8,253,011 67 1819, 6,480,653 53 1820, 5,437,974 60 1821, 7,243,542 61 1822, 9,941,702 92 1823, 9,022,453 02 1824, 11,178,139 39 1825, 15,762,100 41 1826, 11,525,862 22 1827, ♦13,595,439 91 Jihdract of the Duties on Tonnage of Vessels, in th District of J^ew- York. Am-n. Vessels Do. in Coast-! Foreign Ves- | Y'rs. 1789 in For. Trade. inoj Trade. sels. 1 Tons. 18,768 Dolls. Tons. Dolls. Tons. Dolls. ! 1 1,126 4,765 479 19,429 9,714) 1790 37,352 2,240 6,929 780 40,334 20,16'' 1791 40,789 2,447 4,800 288 44,640 22,319 1792 50,408 3,024 7,700 462 40,875 20,437 1793 60,619 3,665 15,899 895 27,996i 13,890| 1794 91,163 5,444 19,644 1,142 19,360 9,649 1795 99,808 5,988 13,648 710 21,795 10,841 1796 123,919 7,435 26,194 1,733 23,408 11,724 1797 110,894 6,653 27,931 1,670 21 590! 10794 1798 04,726 5,693 24,699 1,478 33,'204l 16,628 1799 107,385 6,443 26,738 1,539| 45,313 22,656 1800 114,102 6,846 31,209 1,835: 61,9841 25,991 1801 146,282 8,773 34,304 1,9761 60,4091 30,203 827— 1st quarter, 2,512,666 38 ; 2d quarter, 3,915,940 53; Sd quart* ,833: 4th quarter, 3,000,000 The 1st, 2d, and 3d quarters are frc - io£i — isi quarier, :z,oii;,DDO ae ; i:a quarter, o,t>io,a^u c», o( 4,166,833: 4th quarter, 3,000,000 The 1st, 2d, and 3d quarters „ the official returns ; the last quarter i« from estimate, before the acrov wsrs complete. COMMEHCJi. 275 Abstract of the Value of Merchandise ex^poriedfrom the District of J^ew- York. Years. Whole Amouat. American. Foreign. Whole U. States. 1790 j 4th quar. 1791 X lst,2d,3d 9 t( - 4fie 19,012,041 Z|0l>.',40t> 20,753,098 1792 2,535,790 26,109,572 179S 2,932,370 33,026,233 1794 5,442,183 47,989,472 1795 10,301,182 67,064,097 1796 12,161,78i 8,990,064 3,174,717 56,850,206 1797 13,296,248 6,294,523 7,001,720 61,527,097 1798 14,279.911 6,037,334 8,242,577 73,665,522 11799 17,262,729 6,521,914 10,740,815 70,971,780 jisoo 13,978,123 6,297,589 7,680,534 94,115,925 !1801 19,734,021 11,179,255 8,554,766 72,483,160 !1602 13,?92,276 6,877,328 6,807,738 55.800,033 '803 10,818.387 7,571,153 3,160,220 77,699,074 804 16,081,281 95,566,021 ■1805 23,482,943 101,536,963 I18C6 21,762,845 108,343,150 1807 26,357,9631 2?,430,960 II8O8 5,606,058! 52,203,233 1809 12,581,562) 66,757,970 1810 17,242,3301 61,316,833 1811 12,266,215 33,527,236 1812 8,961,922 27,855,997 1813 \ 8,185,494 6,927,441 1814 > 209,670 62,557,753 18l5~r4tb quar. 1816 { . 4,936,609, 4,189,951 746,553 81,920,452 13,946,598| 10,475,985 3,470,613 87,671,569 1817 '• 17,024,014 12,639,197 4,384,817 :I818 17,594,171: 11,873,934 5,720,237 93,281,133 ;i819 10,861,665 6,542,742 4,318,9ii3 70,142,621 1820 11,769,511; 7,034,312 4,735,199 69,691,669 1821 12,124,640. 8,102,522 4,022,123 64,974,332 1822 15,405,694 9,228,631 6,177,063 72,160,281 1823 21,089,696 11,526,632 9,563-064 74,699,030 1824 22,309,362 11,657,312 10,652,050 75,986,657 1826 34,032,279 19,257,749 14,774,530 :I826 19,437,229 10,743,846 8,693,383 i827 23,976.4891 13,313,845 10,662,641 ! ^76 LIKES OF PACKETS. In the three years preceding the celebrated embargo of Mr. Jefferson's administration, the exports of New- York averaged $23,869,25*.', per aouum ; and in the three years preceding the late war, to $14,030,035; and during the years 1825, 6, and 7, the average has been ^26,000,000 : the year 1825 was upwards of thirty-five millions of dollars. The trade of New-York has been highly benefited by the establishment of the packet ships to Liverpool, London, Havre, and various other ports in Europe, and to the southern and eastern states. LINES OF PACKETS. The establishment of regular lines of packets' from New- York to foreign ports, and also to every principal port in the United States, has produced a new era in the commerce of this city, and has redounded equally to the benefit of the enterprising merchants who pro- jected it, and to the public at large. The city of New- York has the undisputed honour of taking the lead in this undertaking; which commenced in the year 1815, by ships leaving New-York and Liverpool on the first day of every month, throughout the year, for each of those cities ; and from the first trip to the present time, it has been an invariable rule to sail on the appointed day, and the aid of steamboats is called in to counteract the obstacles of opposing tides or winds : thus passen- gers from any part of the United States or Canada, by arriving the day before, or on the morning of sailing, are not delayed one hour needlessly. The steamboat punctuality of the regular packets is proverbial, and has, together with Iheir splendid and unrivalled accom- modations, raised the character of the New-York ship- ping, in Europe and America, to the highest pitch. For several years, the old line of packets, that was first established by the very respectable houses of Isaac Wright & Son and Francis Thompson, continued to run with such increasing reputation, that in 1822 they de- termined to rub a second line, starting from Liverpool uad Nerz-York. simultaneouslv, on the 16th dav of each LIKES OP PACKETS, 211 uTOJuh in the year ; an additional number of ships were udded to the line, and every ship was of the first class in mercantile esti* lation. In a short time, a third and fourth line of packets from New-York to Liverpool was set on foot by other owners ; and thus a full and regular weekly line of ships, all of the largest and best description, was permanently established. At the present time, there are no less than twenty ships in the four Liverpool lines. "■ They were all built in New- York, of the best materials, and in the most approved style; their accommodations for passengers are uncommonly extensive and commodious; and they are all commanded by men of great experience. The price of passage from New-York to Liverpool, in the cabin, is 30 guineas, for which sum passengers are fur- nished with beds, bedding, wine, and stores of every description." From an average of several years, the passages of the packet line of ships, from this city to Liverpool, have been usually made in twenty-two days; and in re- turning, the average has been one-third more. This remarkable success for ten years past has esta- blished the public confidence most completely in this new and regular mode of conveyance ; and it is now considered to be more a voyage of pleasure than of danger, and consequently it has caused great numbers to undertake the voyage, both from Europe and Ame- rica. Several other lines of packets from this city to Havre and London, and various ports in Europe, were com- menced in 1823 and 1824. The following statement exhibits a complete view of every regular line at the present time. Between Liverpool and JVeio-Yo7^k, and vice versa. — The 1st of each month the old line sails from New-York, 8lh do. new line do. do. ICth do. old Mac do. do, 24th do. new line do. do. •20 sliips in this line — price 30 guineas. .XrwYnrk to London, touching at Cowes.— -Ist and ^'1 ^78 LINES OF PACKETS. 16th of each month sails from New- York; and irom London on the 10th and 25th.— There are 8 ships in this line. JVew-York to Havre — Price g 140, stores all found included: 1st and 15th of each month from New-York, and 1st and 15th from Havre. — 12 ships in this line. Greenock to JSTew- York, in 4. Liverpool to do. \ *^°^ '^^^'^^^ passengers,- 10th of each month. — 4 ships in this line. To ports in Ireland, twice a month. — 4 ships. To and from Gibraltar. — 4 brigs, once a month, on the 1st.— Passage 5 100. To Vera Cruz. — 1st of each month. From JVew- York to Carthagena.—S brigs — on the 1st; and from Carthagena on the 10th of each month. — Pas- sage $15, stores included. To Savannah.— Weekly,— O Bee 181 Front-street. To Charleston. — Every Thursday,— Office 181 Front- street. To Mobile. To J^Tew-Orleans. — 5 ships, — sail 1st and 15th of each month. Office 62 South-street. To Boston. — Every Saturday. To Baltimore. To Richmond. To Havana, The influence derived from regular and rigidly ob- served periods of sailing, to all the principal ports in this country and in Europe, now pervades every class ; and is productive of incalculable benefits to the trade and navigation of this port, causing it to be the focus of commercial and political intelligence of this western hemisphere, and producing an increased amount of busi uess to all classes of society. Piers of JVcic- York, — with the Places from which <. Vessels usually unload. , x 1. S. side of the Battery, W. side Wlutehall-slip, Statcn Isl. Steamboalt' 'J. East side of Whitehall slip, Elizabethtown-Poinf ^ • Moore-street wharf, N'owbtirgh and New-Windju'.i THE CUSTOM HOUSE. 279 4. Broad-street wharf, Exchange-slip, South Amboy. .3. Lent '3 Kasin, Albany sloops. 7. S;SlVt;'o?"^"t.""'" i ^l^any, Troy, Hudson, Catskill. 8. East side of do. Hudson, Mobile, Blakeley, Boston Packets- i>. Dustan's wharf. 10. Saltus' wbar'", Charleston, Boston. 11. West side of Old-Slip, SHvannah, Philad. and Baltimore Packets. 12 Kast side of do. Norfolk, Petersburg, and Richmond Packets. 13 Gouverneur's wharf, Liverpool, New-Orleans, Richmond. 14. Jones's wharf, west side of Coffee-houst- slip, ) New- Orleans, lo. Murray's wharf, east side of do. J J 6. Pine-street wharf. Savannah, Mobile, Blakeley. 17, West side of Fly-market slip, Savannah, 18. East side of do. Savannah, Mobile. II SMife^f ^"t.'""''' ( »-^'"-^' New-Haven, Boston. 21. Fullon-st. wharf, E. side Brooklyn ferry, R. Isl. & Liverpool Packets. 22. Stevens' wharf, Liverpool, Charleston. 23 West side of Peck-slip, Norwalk, &c; 24. East side of do, Liverpool Packets. i" ionl' wEarfr^"^' \ ^'^«'P°«'' Stockholm, and Hamburg. 27. Agnew's wharf. 28. Minturn and Champlin's wharf. ^. West side New-slip, New-Rochelle, Rye, Mamaroneck. X East side do. Egg Harbour wood vessels. '. West side Newmarket Ferry. 32. East side of do. i Shingles, Staves, Lumber, &c. •. Trn^^r^d^wfarf, \ f'- Albany,'Athens, ^c. • West side of Market-st. slip, New-Haddam, Hampton, lime & wood. M. East side of do. 37. Barnes* wharf. S8. Dunlap and Grant's wharf. ?n y^'f -'^^ f Pike-3troet-6lip, ) New-Haddam wood vessels. 40. East side of do. S 41. Clason's whnrf. 42. Akerly's wharf. 43 W. aide Rutger-slip: 41. East side of Rutger-slip, Brookhaven wood vessels. 1.5. Butter's wharf. 46. Gouverneur'a-market slip, Hay-market, Numbers extend to 56— Eckford's wharf. THE CUSTOM HOUSE. The happy situation of New- York for commercial en- er prise, has naturally given birth to several commer- lal establishments. The revenue collected at this port mounts to nearly one-half of the total sum collected y 5>overnment throughout the United States. This rcumstauce alone is sufficient to excite a most en- rged idea of the extent of her trade with foreign coun- IPS. Put when to this is added her internal commerce . 280 THK CUSTOai HOUSE. which, by means of the Hudson* and East rivers, is ex=^ tended to the most distant parts of the Union, its mag- nitude will then appear in a more correct light. A trade so extended and so rapid in its increase, re- required a corresponding number of commercial esta- blishments. Accordingly, the city of New- York will be found to possess an ample share of these, both public and private. The first which naturally claims atten- tion, is The Custom Home. — This is a plain brick build- ing, situated in Wall-street, corner of Nassau-street- It is four stories in height, and stands on the site for- merly occupied by the City Hall, where Washington was installed first President of the United States. Be- fore it was applied to its present purpose, it was used as a book store and reading room. In former years, the business of the Custom House was transacted in what was formerly called the Government House, near the Battery, on the site of the houses south of the Bowling- Greea. The hours of attendance are from 10 o'clock A. M. to 3 o'clock P. M. Every thing is conducted with great regularity and promptness. This department takes cognizance of all goods, wares, and merchandise im- ported into New-York, in American or foreign ships or vessels ; and also of all passengers. There is a table or tariff published of the duties payable on these goods. The office of Collector of this port is one of great trust and importance ; and is ably and faithfully filled by the present incumbent. It is on the second floor of the house, facing Broad-street : and under his imme» diate inspection are 2 deputy collectors and about 20 clerks The J^aval Office is in the room on the north, facing Nassau-street ; and underneath that is The Surveyor and Inspector'^s Office, who has the di * The trade on the Hudson employs a vast number of steamboaU, to\' boats, sloops, schooners, and other vessels, and the gross amount of pre perty of every description ufloai on this river annually, probahlv excp'"' - 5f> millions of doHais.— Sjjoforrf's Oazetteer. rHE CUSTOM HOtlSE. 481 v-ection of landing cargoes, and giving orders to his de- puties to board ships on arrival, &c. There are regular custom-house brokers constantly in attendance, who vpill, for a small charge, enter bag- gage and transact all needful business for strangers. There are custom-house weighers, gangers, and mea- surers of goods, and numerous inspectors, who are men of respectability ; and it would be useless to induce them to accept of a bribe for an\ breach of trust, for they are liberally paid by government $3 per day. The Public Store and Appraiser's Offit e is situated in Broad-street, on the corner of Garden-street ; and hither are sent a certain select number of packages from each invoice, to be examined, valued, or weighed, to prevent fraud on the revenue : and this is a scene of much activity and bustle at all times, and a fair index of the whole state of the imported goods in this port may here be witnessed, except the West and East India de- partments. There is also a room on the first floor under the cus- tom house, connected with the public store, where all small packages of magazines, &c. are sent on the arri- val of every ship from Europe. Another room on the first floor is the Comptroller'' s or Auditor's apartment, but is not a public room. There are about one hundred persons employed in {.lie various departments of the New- York custom house in and out of doors. The salary of the Collector is ^4000 per annum,—- Naval Officer $'2000, — Surveyor $'2000, — besides occa- sional fees arising from seizures, &c. divided by the 3 officers. Very little smuggling is supposed to exist on this coast, and very few frauds on the revenue have ever rjGcn attempted : the danger of detection is almost sure, and the inducement not sufficient for the risk. A credit of 8, 10, and 12 months is allowed upon the duties bonded, by giving good and sufficient security to the Collector. This of itself gives the merchant the use of a large capital without interest. It is necessary to state, for the information of passen- 282 THE CUSTOM HOUSE, gers entering the harbour of New-York, that, by SecL 46 of ihe Act of Congress regulating these matters, an entry must be made at the Custom House, on their arri- val, of their names, clothes, tools, or implements of trade or professions, (all which are exempt from duty,) and an oath taken respecting them ; the form of which, and of the entry, to be had at the office gratis. Cabin passengers make this entry themselves, and pay 20 cents each for a permit ; on exhibiting which to the officer on board, thev are allowed to remove their baggage, after it has been inspected. Only one entry and permit is necessary for a family^ and only 20 cents demanded, whatever may be the number of the family. Remains of sea-stores, such as tea, sugar, foreign spirits and wines, are liable to pay duties ; but, unless these are of great bulk or quantity, they are generally allowed to pass free. An entry is usually made by the master of the ves- sel,* of steerage passengers and their baggage ; they pay each 20 cents for a permit. When entry is made by any person not the owner, he gives bond for pay- ment of the duties, if any ; and if, after entry is made at the Custom House, and the oath taken, any article is found belonging to a passenger, liable to pay duty, not specified in the entry^ it is forfeited, and the person in whose baggage the article is found, subjected in tre- ble the value. * Besides making entry at the Custom Hooso, it is provided by a lavr of the State, that every master of a vessel arriving from a foreign coun- try, or from any other of the United States, " shall, within 24 hours after entering his vessel at the Custom House, make a report in writing, on oath, to the Mayor, and in case of his sickness or absence, to the Re- corder of the said city, of the name, age, and occupation of every parson who shall have been brought as passenger in such ship or vessel on her last voyage, upon pain of forfeiting for every neglect or omission to make such report, the sum of 75 dollars for every alien, and the sum of 50 dol- lars for every other person neglected to be so reported as aforesaid." The master must also give bond, that none of his passengers shall be- come chargeable upon the poor rates of the city for the space of two years. If he permits an alien to come ashore before he grants this bond he subjects himself to a penalty of 500 dollar?. Rt^-hrd Larrn>: of Vi< fitafe.voh 3.7?. 441. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. ^S-*^ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The members of this establishment meet in the Ex- change, in Wall-street. It was instituted on 5th April, 1768, by twenty merchants in New-York, who formed themselves into a private association for the purpose of promoting and extending all just and lawful commerce ; and for affording relief to decayed members, their wi- dows and children. They obtained a charter on 13th March, 1770, by which they are enabled to hold pro perty to the value of £riOOO sterling, per annum ; and on the 13th April, 1784, these privileges were confirmed and perpetuated by the State legislature. The Cham- ber of Commerce holds its annual meetings on the first Tuesday of May; and on the first Tuesday of every month there is also a general meeting, at which a com- mittee of five is appointed to determine all mercantile disputes subsisting between the members ; it being a settled law of the Chamber, that they shall "submit all disputed matters of accounts which they may be con- cerned in with each other to the final arbitration or de- termination either of the monthly committee, or of such of the members as may be chosen by the parties, or the corporation collectivelv, on pain of being expelled the Chamber." Merchants and insurance brokers only are eligible to become members of the Chamber of Commerce.* *The merchants of the city and colony having resolved, during the revolutionary war, not to import goods from Great Britain, the House of Assembly, on the 2d of May, 1769, addressed to them the following vote of thanks, through their Speaker : " I have it in charge, from the Gene- ral Assembly, to give the merchants of this city and colony the thanks of the House for their repealed, disinterested, puhlic-epirited, and patriotic conduct, in declming the importation or receiving of goods from Great Britain, until such Acts of Parliament as the General Assembly had de» clared unconstitutional, and subversive of the rights and liberties of the people nf this colony, <)hould be repealed" THE POSl'-OIlriCSv THE POST-OFFICE. I The Post-Office is situated in the basement of liic Exchange, in Exchang-e-Place, and occupies a suite oi" rooms that are well adapted to the public convenience. The windows that front to the interior of the basement display 800 small glazed compartments, or boxes, all numbered, and each rented and paid for at the rate of $4 per annum, by mercantile houses to receive their letters. This income of ^3200 is the property of the postmaster, and is additional to the regular salary of ^3000, allowed by the government. The office is opeo from 8 or 9 o'clock in the morning until sunset. There are several sub-post-offices in the upper parts of the city, where letters may be deposited, and regu- larly transmitted every hour to Wall-street : for this service two cents on each letter is charged. The Subs are, one in Canal-street, near Mercer-street ; one irt Grand-street. These have no connection with, and are not under the control of the postmaster in this city-, but are private establishments for the convenience of the public who live remote from Wall-street. The revenue collected here from the Post-Office is now ^120,000, per annum ; and is double the amount it produced 20 years since. 1810. P0,000 .•*1815. 90,855 *I819. 108,027 1820. 78,011 1821. 75,802 1822. 78,547 1823. 83,271 1824. 92,073 1825. 106,821 1826. 113,893 1827. 121,4&7' There are 25 persons engaged at the Post-Office, in- cluding clerks, letter-carriers, &c. The General Post-Office is at the seat of government-, the offices in this and other States of the Union, amount- ing to 7000, being merely branches connected with it. The post roads are established by an act of Congress - and the posl-offices by the postmaster-general. * The douh'.e postage was lepealefl in l'^2'^. THE I'OST-OFl'ICI'.. 235 The United States are divided into 400 routs, through which the mails are carried by contract. Between the great and commercial towns, they run daily ; to the capitals of other States not commercial, twice a week, and to other places, once a week. Between the great con»mercial towns, the usual rate of posting is from 60 to 120 miles in 24 hours ; on the cross roads, 40 miles. From Robbinstown, on the N. E. extremity of the sea coast of the United States, to St. Mary's, on the S. E. extremity, there is a post road extending 1,733 miles; and from Washington to New-Orleans, another post road, 1,233 miles. Rates of Postage. On Single Letters.— Tot any distance not exceeding SO miles, 6 cents; over 30, and not over 80 miles, 10 cents ; over 80 and not over 150 railes, 12^ cents; over 150, aiid not over 400 miles, 18^ cents; over 400 miles, 25 cents. Double Letters, or those composed of two pieces of paper, double those rates. Triple Letters, or those composed of three pieces of paper, triple those rates. Packets, or letters composed of four of more pieces of paper, or one or more other articles, and weighing one ounce, (avoirdupois,) quadruple those rates : and in that proportion for all greater weight. Ship Letters, not carried by mail, G cents. J^ewspapers. — Each paper carried not over 100 miles, 1 cent; over 100 miles, 1^ cents. But if carried to any Post Office in the State where printed, whatever be the distance, the rate is 1 cent. Magazines and Pamphlets are rated by the sheet — Carried not over 50 miles, 1 cent ; over 50, and not over lOO miles, lA cents', over lOO miles, 2^ cents. Every four folio pages, eight quarto pages, or sixteen octavo or less pages, are to be considered a sheet. Journals of the legislatures of the several States are to be charged with pamphlet postage, although not stitched Postmasters are not to forward pamphlets in the mail when it is very large, or where it is carried with great expedition, or oa horset>"Ck. JVot Periodical.— Noi over lOO miles, per sheet 4 cents ; over 100 miles, 6 cents. A'l pamphlets and magazines to be sent bj mail must have written or printed on them the number of sheets they contain. Letters and newspapers are delivered out of the office every day (ex- cept Sundays) at all hours, from 8 o'clock A. M. till 8 o'clock P. M. ; and on Sundays from 9 to 10, and from 1 to 2. If a letter or memorandum in writing is contained in any newspaper, the person who deposites the uame forfeits five dollars, and flie naekagp h^".orvf"i liable to l»»tter po>ata?e ;iG6 THE POST-On-'ICE. Times of Arrival and Closing the Jllails. The Eastern Mail is closed every day at 8 o'clock A. M. and arrives every day at 6 o'clock, A. M. The Southern Mail is closed daily at 5 o'clock, A. M, and 2 o'clock, P. M. ; and arrives at 7 o'clock, P. M. The Jforthern Mail. — During- the season of steam- boat navigation, the northern mail is despatched as often as the boats run ; and the mail is closed an hour and a half previous to the time appointed for the departure of each mail boat. During* the suspension of steamboat navigation, the mail is closed every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 8 o'clock, A. M. ; and arrives every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 8 o'clock, P. M. A regular mail for Vera Cruz^ embracing all letters for the Mexican States^ is made up at the New- York Post-Office on the 1st day of each month, to be con- veyed by the line of Mexican packet ships to that place. Lietters and papers are received, free of expense, until half past nine o'clock of the day of sailing , at which time the mail closes. Letters to be sent by mail should be addressed in the clearest manner ; and if the person for whom they are intended does not reside where there is an ofl&ce, they ;should be addressed to the nearest office, and the name of the State ought never to be omitted. All letters go- ing by British Packets should be distinguished by the ■words per packet. All the foreign packet ships, for Li- verpool, London, and Havre, have a letter-bag at the Exchange, in which letters may be put on paying six cents for each. The postage of letters going out of the United States must be paid for, if lodged at the Post- Office. The following table is given as an indication of the comparative amount of commercial correspondence ia a few of the principal cities of the (Tnited State*' TJIE POsT -OFFICE. Postage of One Year, ending 2lst March^ 1826, a* re- ceived by the General Post-Office at Washington. State of New-York, City of New-York, . State of Pennsylvania, City of Philadelphia, State of Massachusetts, City of Boston, State of Maryland, City of Baltimore, Charleston, . Albany, Providence, . New-Haven, Pittsburg-, Cincinatti, Richmond, Lexington, (Ky Augusta, Savannah, New-Orleans, $212,536 15 113,893 71 118,066 5» 73,429 95 92,428 93 51,257 08 56,046 13: 40,442 14 24,530 53 8,804 59 7,859 54 4,649 44 4,651 07 5,620 46 14,994 09 3,721 44 10,298 79 10,403 95 20,593 56 238 THE ^ElUCAL COLLEGES. THE MEDICAL COLLEGES. College of Physicians and Surgeons, in Barclay-street. King's College, in 1767, had a course of Medical Lec- tures, connected with Anatomical Dissections, conduct- ed by Doctors Bard, Middleton, and Clossey, which was the first attempt of the kind in this city ; but the inter- vention of the revolutionary war put a stop to the Col- lege for several years, and the building was converted into a military hospital. After the re-establishment of the University, ,the Medical Lectures were not resumed by the former pro- fessors; but in 1792, a new organization was given to the College, by which a Faculty of Arts, and one of Physic were established — of the latter, the venerable Dr. Bard was the head, and this continued to be the only regular course of medical lectures in this city until 1807, when the Regents of the University instituted the College of Physicians and Surgeons; and in 1813, the Trustees of Columbia (formerly King's) College, an- nui\pa their Medical Faculty, and the Proiessors were consolidated with those of the College of Physicians and Surg^eons, which, since its establishment in i807, had g-one on prosperously, under full courses of medical in- struction, from the most eminent professors. The Le- gislature granted a lottery to raise the sum of ^30,000, and the institution was eminently successful until 1810, when the demon of discord was let loose among its pro- fessors, which caused an interruption to its favourable career, and the resignation of the President, and of several of the Professors, and important alterations in the management of the institution. On the 15th of May, loll, the first medical com- mencement was held, and degrees conferred, and they have been continued annually. Until 1826, the Professors that lectured in this College were Doctors Hosack, Post, INIott, Mac Neven, Fran- cis, and Mitchill ; and formerly, Doctors Miller, Smith, Hamersley, Osborne, De Witt, Bruce, and Stringham. For several years past, the number of students that have fiequented these lectures, has been between two and three hundred. But the dissensions that arose, and which had been gathering strength for years, between the Trustees and the Professors, at length produced an. open rupture, and the resignation of the latter, who im- mediately established an independent Medical School, under the name of the Rutgers' Medical College, iu Duane-street, near Broadway and the Hospital. The Trustees of the old College belonging to the Medical Faculty, and hanging as a useless incumbrance upon the Professors, and causing constant turmoils and dis- turbance, was the cause of the final separation. On the 7th July, 1826, the Regents appointed an en- tire new board of Professors, as follows; John Augustus Smith, M.D. Professor of Anatomy and Physiology. James F. Dana, M.D. Professor of Chemistry. John B. Beck, M.D. Professor of Botany and Materia Medica. ^ Alexander H. Stevens, M.D. Professor of Surgery. Edward Delafield, M.D. Professor of Obstetrics. 2dO THE MEDICAL COLLEGES. Joseph M. Smith, M.D. Professor of the Tli^ory aoti Practice of Physic and Chnical Medicine. John Watts, M.D. President. Jonas Piatt, Vice President. John Torrey, M.D. now occupies the Professorship vacated by the death of Dr. Dana. The building now occupied as the College of Physi-[ cians and Surgeons is a plain four story brick edifice, [ situated in Barclay-street, near Broadway, in the rear' of the American Hotel. It is amply furnished with the- requisite apparatus for full and complete courses of lec- tures, in every branch connected with medical science. { The Lectures usually begin the first week in November, and end in March. The terms are from ten to twenty dollars for each course, besides matriculation fees. Rutgers' Medical College, in Ditane-streei. Soon after the resignation of the late Professors Ho sack, Mac Neven, Mott, and Francis, of their offices in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, they deter- mined to erect a new and commodious edifice, at their own expense, which was commenced in the summer oj 1826, and finished ready for the opening season in No- vember, when the following courses were commenced and have been regularly continued, and attended by s respectable number of students, from various parts o the United States. David Hosack, M,D. F.R.S. Professor of the Insii tutes and Practice of Physic, and Clinical Medicine. William J. Mac Neven, M.D. Professor of Thera peutics and Materia Medica. Valentine Mott, M.D. Professor of Surgery. John W. Francis, M.D. Professor of Obstetrics am Forensic Medicine. John D. Godman, M.D. Professor of Anatomy am Physiology. John Griscom, LL.D. Professor of Chemistry. The Lectures commence the first week in November and end in March. Those of Doctors Hosack, Mai ;Neven, Mott. ami Godman. are delivered dailv, and c THE MEDICAL COLLEGES. £91 Doctors Francis and Griscom four times a week. The fees are, for matriculation, $3 ; tickets for the various courses, 5^15 each ; practical anatomy, ^10; gradua- tion, $20. The apparatus for the respective courses is unsurpassed by any in the United States, particularly in Chemistry, Practical Anatomy, and Surgery. There are three principal Lecture Rooms, with seats arranged in an amphitheatncal manner, thus affording to the most remote an unimpeded view. The first floor contains the Chemical room, the Cabi- net of Minerals, and a full set of apparatus to illustrate the lectures. On the second floor is the principal room, wherein the introductory and gratuitons lectures, at the beginning of the course, and those of the Practice of Medicine, iVIateria Medica, and Obstetrics, are delivered, and all the public exercises of the College are held. Adjoining this is the library room. The whole of the third floor is occupied by the Surgi- cal and Anatomical department; and that of the fourth for Practical Anatomy, the arrangement, extent, and convenience of which is said to be on the most approved plan. It occupies the entire floor, and is lighted during the day by four windows and a skylight, and at night by- gas, of the most brilliant and effective description. A forcing pump in the basement fills the cistern in this room with water, which, with the aid of a furnace that consumes the fragments of the anatomical chamber, keeps this room remarkably clean, and obviates the disgust liable to be produced by this study. The teacher of Practical Anatomy makes his dissec- tions in the presence of his class while lecturing ; and by his profound knowledge, and the free devotion of his time to his class, has succeeded in producing among his pupils an ardent devotion to this science. The Cabinet of Specimens in Morbid Anatomy is ex- tremely valuable, from its having been collected by the lecturer during a long and successful practice. The building is effectually and speedily warmed from a single furnace in the basement, from which flues are conducted to all parts of the house. In short, nothing 291^ 3rEDit;AL societies. has been neglected or forg-oiten in the entire arrange- ment, which can facihtate the study of medicine, or conduce to the most successful results in every depart- ment. By an agreement made with the Trustees of Rutgers' College, at New-Brunswick, N. J., candidates for de- grees of this Medical College, who had pursued a full course, and were qualified bj^ examination to receive the same, were to receive their diplomas from that in- stitution; but the Legislature of this state, in 1827, having passed a law to prevent such diplomas from being received as license to practise physic in this state, a sub- sequent arrangement has been made with the Trustees of Geneva College, in this state, to the same effect, and Ihe highest legal opinions been given of their validity — thus establishing the ability to grant diplomas, indepen- dent of the Regents of the University. After the asperity and excitement of violent party animosity has subsided, it cannot be doubted for a mo- ment, that the law of interdict of the state affecting this institution, will be repealed ; and if taken under the fostering care of the Regents, or allowed to go on as an independent College, and thus creating a spirit of rivalry between the Professors of the two Colleges, will pro- duce the best effects upon the public mind. A gold medal is annually awarded by the Faculty to the author of the best Medical Dissertation, by an}'^ pupil of the College, written in Latin, French, or Eng- lish. Col. Rutgers, of this city, instituted this gift, for the improvement of the science of Medicine, and to excite a laudable spirit of emulation. MEDICAL SOCIETIES. Associations for the cultivation of medical knowledge have existed for a great length of time, in almost all countries where the profession has been deemed re- spectable. But those for regulating the practitioners in medicine are of more recent date. In this city, the practice of physic and surgery re- mained without anv legislative interference till lOth MEDICAL SOCIETIES. 293 June, 1760, when some attempts were made to regulate it. The narrow views of the government, however, prevented these from producing any general beneficial effect. In 1 792, several salutary regulations were in- troduced ; but it was not till March, 1797, that the first regulation throughout the state was adopted. By this, the Chancellor, a Judge of the Supreme Court or Com- mon Pleas, or a Master in Chancery, were authorized to license Physicians and Surgeons, on receiving evi- dence of their having studied two years, &c. Another act, explanatory of the former, was passed April 4, 1801, which was amended in one of its provisions March 22, 1803. On the 4th April, 1806, the Legislature authorized the establishment of Medical Societies in each of the coun- ties of the state where there was a sufficient number of physicians residing. On these devolved the duty of ex- amining and licensing such candidates as were found qualified to practise physic and surgery. In order to prevent abuses, and for other purposes, it was likewise provided, that each County Medical Society might ap- point one delegate, to form a State Society, which should also have the power of examining and licensing candi- dates, especially such as had been rejected by any of the county societies. A State Medical Society, thus formed, meets annually at Albany. Since April, 1806, several amendments have been made to the original act, the whole of which were consolidated into one act on the 10th April, 1813. Jfew-York County Medical Society was organized in July, 1806, and continues to hold stated meetings in the city on the second Monday of each month, and the an- niversary on the first Monday in July. Ten dollars is paid as initiation fee, and also by candidates for license, and five dollars for diplomas. There are eleven public lecturers, and one hundred and sixty members. In common with the other County Medical Societies, it may hold property not exceeding 1,000 dollars. Three dollars annually may be collected from the members ''for the purpose of procuring a medical library and ?94 MEDICAL S^OCIETIi:??. apparatus, and for the encouragement of useful disco veries in chemistry, botany, and such other improve- ments as the majority of the society shall think proper.'' Students to pay two dollars for a diploma. Persons practising- physic or surgery without a license, forfeit twenty-five dollars for each offence ; excepting such as prescribe gratis, or those using, for the benefit of the sick, the native roots, barks, or herbs, of this country. Licensed persons to deposite a copy of their license with the clerk of the county before they can practise. The office bearers of the society are a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and five Censors. There is also a state delegate, who is chosen annually at the election of the ofl&ce bearers. Physico-tMedical Society. The members of this society, consisting of medical practitioners, hold their meetings every three months. The office bearers are a Presi- dent, two Secretaries, Treasurer, four Counsellors, and a Committee of three members. Medico-Chirurgical Society. This society holds its meetings at the Hall of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, ou the Friday evening of every week during the winter session of the College. It was formed on 12th December, 1807, *' for the purpose of encouraging liberal discussion on medical and surgicar subjects.'' By the constitution of this society, the Regents of the University, and the Professors of the College, are ever after declared honorary members. They have also honorary and corresponding members in different parts of the United States, and elsewhere. The resident members are composed almost exclusively of students of medicine, belonging to the university, though other respectable medical practitioners are not excluded. Since the organization of this society, several inter- esting dissertations have been read at its meetings ; and a variety of theses in medical science discussed with great ability and liberality. The office bearers are a President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Librariq,n, and a Standing Committee of three members. NEW- YORK DISPENSARY- 'id 5 The ^sculapian Society has weekly meetings at the Hall of the Colleg-e of Physicians and Surgeons. Its oflSce bearers are a President, two Vice Presidents, a Treasurer, and a Secretary. The JVew- York Dispensary Was incorporated April 8, 1795, for the purpose of affording relief to the sick poor, who, from peculiar cir- cumstances, cannot avail themselves of the benefits of the Hospital. The society may hold funds to the amount of three thousand dollars annually. A sub- scription of 5 dollars constitutes a member for one year, and 50 dollars a member for life, and to hare two pa- tients constantly on the list. Annual subscribers may have two patients on the list, and for every two and a half dollars additional, another patient. The management of the institution is in the bands of thirteen trustees, who have stated meetings on the third Monday of every month ; they also visit the Dispensary once a month. There aie six attending physicians, six consulting physicians, and an apothecary, annually elected by the trustees. The city is divided into dis- tricts, to each of which a physician is allotted, wh-tse duty it is to give constant attendance to vhe poor. The consulting physicians are called on in dangerous cases. The former receive a salary. An apothecary, who has a salary, attends daily at the Dispensary. Persons wishing to be relieved, must bring a certificate signed by a contributor to the institution, that they are proper objects. A commodious edifice is yet wanting for a more suita- ble discharge of the duties of the society, as the present accommodations in Tryon Row, rear of the City Hail, are very small and inconvenient- The finances of the society are not in a flourishing condition, and its merits have been too much overlooked m the various objects that engross public attention, which, together with the death of many of its earlier patrons, and the lukewasm- ness of others, have considerably diminished the former receipts. These, combined with the unparalleled ex- 296 NEW- YORK DISPENSARY. \ tension of the city, render an increase of patronage ne- cessary to meet the accumulating' demands. From the avails of the subscription list, and the contributions of the city Corporation, the institution has hitherto derived its yearly support. No institution in this city commends itself so strongly to all who are charitably disposed ; an institution which is emphatically a house of refuge for the sick poor, who, destitute of the comforts of life, would, without its succouring relief, fill our hospitals and alms-house, or expire amid the protracted sufferings of disease and poverty, neglected and unknown. During the past year, medicine and professional ad- vice have been gratuitously furnished to 8669 persons, of whom 54 died, 100 were relieved, 48 were incurable, 63 sent to the Alms-house and New- York Hospital, 20 were disorderly^, 7 removed, and 837 cured. Besides the ordinary duties of the attending physicians, they have, during the last year, vaccinated 5275 persons, and visited every house. A Dispensary for the northern part of the cit}' has recently been established in the Ninth Ward, at the corner of Herring and Commerce streets, its object being to furnish medicine and medical attendance gratuitously to those considered proper objects in that quarter. It is governed by a board consisting of a President, three Vice Presidents, a Secretary, Treasu- rer, and fifty directors, chosen annually by ballot. They appoint the Physicians and Apothecary, and attend to the ordinary business, and carry into full and efficient operation all the objects of the institution. Annual meeting, second Monday in April, when the transactions of the previous year are reported. Fifty dollars constitutes a life member, with the privilege of voting for and being eligible to any ofl5ce in the board of directors, and of retaining two persons on the Dis- pensary list at all times ; five dollars annually consti- tutes a member so long as paid, with all the privileges of life-membership ; three dollars annually constitutes a member so long as paid, with voting and eligible pri- vileges, and one patient on the list. i VACCINi:, OK KINE POCK INSTITUTION. 297 There are four attending and two consulting' physi- oians. Office open from 9 A. M. to 1 P. M. and from 4 to 6 P. M. It commenced its operations on the 4th June, 1827, since which 7 to 800 indigent persons have re- ceived gratuitous medical aid. Vaccine, or Kine Pock Institution. Soon after the discovery made by Dr. Jenner, of the efficacy of the kine pock in securing from the dreadful ravages made by smallpox, some of our most eminent physicians took the earliest opportunity to introduce this blessing into this city, and the country at large ; and this establishment was then originated, and counte- nanced by the most enlightened of the faculty, who allowed no considerations of interest to obsttuct their laudable attempts, which, aided by a few other indi- viduals, soon overcame public prejudice, and induced, in 1802, the Trustees of the City Dispensary to take its affairs under their own management, since which vac- cine inoculation has been constantly and gratuitously performed by th ■ physicians of that establishment. Many thousands have been thus preserved from the contagion of the smallpox pestilence, which has only appeared at distant intervals, and has always been sub- dued by the vigilance of this department, and with aid derived from the city authorities. Continual attend- ance is given to vaccinate gratis all persons who apply at the office, which is in the rear of the City Hall, facing Tryon Row ; or if this is inconvenient, calls are made at private houses. In the year 1824, 6,000 persons were vaccinated, and 394 died of smallpox, which caused a temporary alarm, that soon subsided after proper persons had visited every family, and vaccinated great numbers of children and prrown people. A special appropriation was made by the Corporation to defray this expense, besides a sum that is given annuallv. !iJ98 DOAKD OP HEALTH. HEALTH DEPARTMENT. Board of Healthy and Laws relative to the Health of the City. The multifarious and important duties connected with the preservation of the public health of this metropolis, have long- continued to engross a great share of atten- tion ; and laws have been passed, at various times, for a hundred years past, by the Legislatures of the colony and state, with reference to this object. The Health Department, consisting of the Health Officer, Health Commissioner, and Resident Physician, are annually appointed by the Senate of the State, on the nomination of the Governor, and are denominated the Health Commissioners, and as such, have the sole charge and trust of the Marine Hospital^ and other pub- lic property on Staten Island, attached to the Quaran- tine establishment ; they also have the sole conservation of all vessels arriving from southern or sickly ports, which the pilots are obliged to bring or anchor within a certain distance, for examination. This visitation is performed by the Health Officer, or his assistants; and on its faiihful and vigilant discharge, rests the immense responsibility of permitting such vessels and their pas- sengers to approach the city, or to cause them to be de- tained a sufficient time for examination. The laws con- nected with this department having undergone a com- plete revision within the present }ear, and being very voluminous, we refer the reader to them for particulars. The Board of Health Consists of the Mayor, and a certain number of Alder- men, together with the Recorder and Health Commis- sioner, who hold their meetings in a room on the first floor of the eastern wing of the New- York Institution. They have power to remove all nuisances which they may deem obnoxious to the health and lives of the inha- bitants, to provide medicines and hospitals for the sick^ NEW-YORK HOSPITAL. i*99 iiid to cause the enforcement of all the laws of the itate, and of the Corporation, relative to this subject. The Health Officer may grant or interdict all commu- nication with vessels at quarantine. Physicians and keepers of hotels and boarding- houses are compelled to report to the Board any cases of yellow or pestilential fever, soon as it may occur in their houses. Any infected district or portion of the city may be fenced or closed up, and no intercourse with it permitted, except by phy- sicians or nurses. No burials are now permitted south of Grand-street, under a penalty of ^-i50. Penalties exist for the violation of other ordiuances, ) rom $2 to ^2,000, besides imprisonment. NEW-YORK HOSPITAL. The area upon which the Hospital stands is the block of ground bounded in front by Broadway, in the rear by Church-street, Anthony-street on the N. and Duane- slreet on the S. being 465 feet long, and 450 broad. The whole is enclosed with a brick wall, JO feet in height. The site of the building is considerably ele- ^ ated above the level of the neighbouring streets, and is on the highest ground of any building in the city. In front of the building is an extensive lawn, sloping to- wards Broadway, with a paved walk and venerable elms on each side. A handsome iron railing and granite columns separate it from the busy street in front. The edifice is situated in (he centre of the lot, about 200 feet from Broadway, and is constructed of gray stone, with a slated roof. It is i24 feet long in front, its depth is 50 feet in the ceo(re, and at tlis wings, which project on each sidQ, 86 feet. It is three stories, besides the basemenl, and is 52 feet high, with a cupola, which commands aa extensive panoramic view of the entire city, and of the harbour and country beyond to a great distance. The first story is 14 feet high, and contains a room for the governors, in which is a valuable medi- cal and scientific library ; a parlour and bed-room for the superintendent and matron ; an apothecarjr's shop, and a room for the clerk : io the centre, there is a hall 600 .NEW-YORK HOSPITAL. and staircase ; on the second and third floors of tiie mid- dle part of the house, there are apartments for the ac- commodation of the house physician and surgeon, and other officers connected with the establishment ; on the third story, towards the northwest, is the theatre for surgical operations, which will accommodate two hun- dred persons. In each story of the wings are two wards, 36 feet by 24, openmg into passages extending the whole length of the building, and communicating by a stair- case. There are sixteen wards for the sick, 36 feet by 24, which will accommodate 200 patients. The base- ment story contains two kitchens, a laundry, bathing- room, three store rooms, and one ward for patients, whose disease requires they should be kept separate from the others. The whole number of apartments is thirty-nine, exclusive of the surgical theatre. Outside, and within the walls, there is a large wash-house, bath- ing-house, ice-house, stables, and a kitchen garden, be- sides ground laid out in walks, and planted with fruit trees, for the benefit of convalescents. No spot on the whole island could be better chosen on which to build a hospital than that on which the present stands. It is one of the most healthy places in the city, and although there are a number of lofty houses in its neighbourhood, the elevation of the build- ing secures to the sick all the advantages of a free cir- culation of air. When this excellent institution was first contem- plated, the situation selected for the site was quite dis- tant from the limits of the populous parts of the city, and so continued for twenty years ; but the extraordi- nary increase of inhabitants, and consequent extension of the city, has now caused it to be not far removed from the centre of the metropolis, and to be surrounded with the noise and turmoils of an active and busy popu- lation. The New- York Hospital was originally established by private subscription, in the year 1769, and incorporated by charter from Governor Dunmore, on 13th July, 1776. This charter was confirmed by an act of the Legisla- tare, dated 9th March, 1810, In 1775, the hospital was .\KW-VORK HOSPITAL. JUi burut down by accident, and before another could be completed, the «var broke out, during which the British converted the unfinished apartments into barracks. In 1791 it was reopened as an hospital for the sick and dis- abled, and afterwards extended to infirm and friendless seamen. The money arising from private subscriptions having been found inadequate to pay the expenses of this rising establishment, the legislature was induced, at various periods, to confer grants upon it of the public money. These were increased from time to time, until 14th March, 180G, when an act was passed authorizing 12,500 dollars per annum, to be paid to the institution, out of the duties on public auctions, till the year 1857. The funds of the hospital derive also some trifling aid from the collector of the port, who allows a proportion of the public tax on seamen's wages, to defray the sus- tenance and medical expense of a limited number of that class of patients. Alerabers of the incorporation pay on their admission 40 dollars each. The management of the affairs of the hospital is in the hands of twenty-six Governors, who are elected on the third Tuesday of May, annually. They appoint one of their number President, and who, with six others, forms a quorum. There is also a Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. They meet on the first Tuesday of every month, and their services are gratui- tous. At the monthly meeting in June, they appoint a superintendent, an apothecary, a matron, and clerk. When necessary, the governors appoint physicians and surgeons for the hospital: and there is a visit- ing committee of three governors, who continue three months ; an inspecting committee of two governors, who serve two months ; and an annual committee of govern- ors for auditing accounts, an abstract of which is laid every year before the Legislature, With a report. The visiting committee attend the Hospital everj'' Tuesday and Friday, at li o'clock A. M. for the pur- pose of admitting patients. They have also a general care and charge of the Hospital, hear complaints, and ^^ive directions to the officers and servants. The iospectiug committee visit the Hospital once a 26 " " 302 ISEW-YOBR HOSPITAL week, to ascertain whether the house is managed with economy, and the sick properly attended to. There are four physicians and four surgeons who visit the Hospital. They are the most eminent of the pro- fession, and perform this duty gratuitously. One phy- sician visits every medical patient afflicted with any acute disease once a day, at least ; every medical pa- tient, without distmction, is visited three times a week. One surgeon goes through the Hospital three times a week, and visits every surgical patient once a week. The house physician and house surgeon are generally young men about 21 years of age, who have been pupils three years of a practismg physician, or surgeon, and attended a regular course of lectures during that pe- riod, besides the practice of the hospital for one year. They reside constantly in the house, visit the wards morning and evening, and report the state of the pa- tients to the attending physician and surgeon. The apothecary also resides in the Hospital. He un- dergoes a previous examination, and has the charge of preparing the medicines. He receives a salary of 450 dollars per annum. His assistant is called the orderly man, and is allowed 60 dollars per annum. The clerk receives an annual salary of 750 dollars. His duty is to enter the minutes, reports, &c. into the journal of the institution, under the direction of the secretary ; to keep the books of accounts ; to collect the moneys ; and to furnish the Secretary every three months with the names of such seamen as die in the Hospital, for publication. The superintendent and the matron have the charge of the domestic management and economy of the insti- tution. The former receives a salary of 1,250 dollars per annum. The salaries of the matrons, nurses, and servants, amount to about 4,000 dollars yearly. Here is an excellent library of books belonging to the Hospital, under the charge of the house physician. It was established in August, 1796, in consequence of the recommendation of the medical faculty of Columbia College, the members of which contributed books out oi their private libraries, and part of their fees of public ALMS HOUSK- 303 instruction. Five hundred dollars were at first appro- priated to buy books out of the funds of the institution. In the year 1800, the library of Dr. Romeyn was pur- chased; and in 1805, the number of books was increased by the donation of a library belonging- to a private as- sociation of physicians. In 1805, the Governors ap- propriated 250 dollars annually, out of the funds of the establishment, to the purchase of books. Since then, the botanical library of Dr. Hosackhas been purchased, by which the number of books is now increased to about 4,000 volumes, among- which are some of the rarest and most valuable works in medical science. Clinical lectures were introduced at an early period of this establishment, by Dr. Bard, of Columbia Col- lege ; and since the institution of a College of Physi- cians and Surgeons in this city, the professors of both colleges, being physicians of the Hospital, use the sur- gical theatre for that purpose. The students attending the clinical lectures, both medical and surgical, have access to the Hospital Library, on conforming to the regulations respecting it. Marine Hospital. Adjacent to the Hospital on the S. is a large stone building, formerly occupied as an Asylum for the Insane ; but in 1827, a hospital for seamen was commenced, and it is now exclusively appropriated to them, and contains from 70 to 100 sick or disabled seamen. The sum of |[3 per week each is paid from government funds towards their support. ALMS HOUSE. The very extensive enclosure and buildings occupied for the support of the poor of this city, stand on the eastern shore of the island of Manhattan, three miles from the City Hall, on the immediate banks of the river, having a situation unrivalled for its salubrity and convenience. The premises, consisting of 26 or 30 ?»cre8, are all enclosed by a stonewall. 10 feet in height. 304 ALMS UOUSL'. The main edifice is constructed in the best manner, of stone found near the spot ; it is three stories in height, 325 feet in length, and 55 in width, with two wings at each end, projecting beyond the centre build- ing, which has an attic story, and is surmounted with a cupola, from whence there is a commanding panoramic view of the island, the city, and shipping, the U. States Na«ry Yard, with the ships in ordinary, and the hills of Long Island in the distance, and the water in front leading to the Sound, and enlivened with moving ves- sels of all descriptions. The hall of entrance is in the centre, facing the east, to which the access is by a flight of steps. A spacious area, tastefully laid out and em- bellished, intervenes between the house and the shore of the river. In the interior arrangement of this vast construction, utility and convenience have been studiously pursued, while the health and comfort of the inmates have not been overlooked in any respect. It contains 60 apart- ments, from 45 by 28, to 30 bi^ 24 feet, of which 41 rooms are fully occupied by the indigent. There is a neat chapel for divine service, two dining rooms, an office, three kitchens, a tailor's room, and two rooms in one of the wings converted into cells ; also, two rooms are set apart for the accommodation of lying-in women, viz. one m the north wing for the white, the other in the south wing for the coloured women. One of the Public, or Free Schools, (No. 6,) con- ducted upon the monitorial system, and containing 300 scholars, is in appropriate rooms for males and females. A Sunday School is also held, and the children attend divine service in the chapel. The school is well conducted, and the teachers are under the direction of the Public School Committee of the city. The children are orderly, clean, decently clothed, and in good health. In the rear of the Alms House stands a workshop or factory, which is three stories high, 200 feet long, and 25 broad ; and one of stone, 100 by 25 feet, and two stoiues Wgh. Ob the basement floor of the former are two roomsj \ ALMS HOUSE. 305 in one of which the white women from the Penitentiary Sick oakum, and the coloured women in the other, iver these is a room where the men belonging- to the Alms House carry on weaving-. The room where the warping- is made is to the left, as you enter this build- ing-, to which adjoins a room where wool is stored. On the upper floor are the school rooms. There is also the spinners' room, one for leather, one for shoemakmg-, and one for the overseer of this department. The south end of the building- is appropriated to the Medical De- partment. Such of the paupers as are capable of work, are pro- vided with suitable employment ; but the labour assig-n- ed them is highly conducive to their health, and is easily performed. They are allowed plenty of wholesome food, and provided with clean, comfortable clothes, and when sick, they receive medical attendance and nursing. The number of paupers varies according to the sea- son of the year, from 1600 to 2000, mostly composed of poor foreigners, and paupers from other parts of the United States, who are thrown on this city for support; and most of them are worn out by disease and intem- perance, before they apply for admission. The deaths among them are consequently very numerous in pro- portion. There are two brick buildings, one at each end of the factory, 75 by 25 feet, containing six rooms each, which were formerly occupied as hospitals, one for men and one for women, who have been removed to the new hos- pital, and these rooms are now used for children and their nurses. There are two engine houses, and a house for the dead. The Superintendent of the Alms House has his dwell- ing on the banks of the East River, between the Alms House and the new Hospital, to which a spacious gar- den, a green house, ice house, and a summer house are attached. North of these is a bake liouse, wash house, and soap factory, with a building for the carpenters, blacksmiths. 306 ALMS HOUSE* and oakum pickers ; a barn and cart house, and houses for the stewards and gate-keeper. On the most southerly point is erected over the water a bathing house, to which is annexed a smallpox house; thus every facility is given to recover the health, and afford all reasonable comfort to the sick and aflOlicted. The present number of men, women, and children, is 2166, but is constantly fluctuating. Their food is boiled beef every other day, wheat bread of a good quSility, tea, and a mush of indian meal ; the labourers on the highway are allowed beef every day, and a plug of tobacco weekly ; the washerwomen, and some of the elderly people, have butter. Soup is furnished to all every day. Persons who behave well can procure a ticket to pass the gate, and visit their friends in the city ; and the friends of the paupers are also allowed to visit them, and to bring such articles as they may desire, but all ardent spirits are strictly prohibited. In the year 1699, when the population of the city did □ot exceed 6000, the poor received partial relief in their own houses, or in lodgings provided for them by the vestry. About 15 years after, an Alms House was erected on the spot where the City Hall now stands, and the poor were maintained out of what was then called the Minister's Fund, a small tax upon the inha- bitants, and by voluntary contributions. At the begin- ning of the revolutionary war, it was found necessary to remove the poor, first to West Chester, then to Pough- keepsie. They did not, however, remain long here, as the establishment of independence opened the door for their return, when several additions were made to the former buildings. The rapid increase of population, and the number of emigrants which at this time flowed from different parts of Europe, soon rendered it neces- sary to erect a new Alms House, being that building at present occupied by the New- York Institution, in Chambers-street. This was opened for the reception of the poor in the year 1795. Nearly the same causes which gave birth to this last erection, led, in process of time, to the formation of the extensive buildings at 1 ALMS HOUSE. ^07 Bellevue, of which we have g-iven a short description. The first stone of the new Alms House was laid August 1, 1811, and it was opened in the beg-inning of the year 1816. The expense, including the Penitentiary and other buildings, was ^418,791 34. Here, although work may not be so plenty in sea port towns as formerly, owing to the increase of hands, yet the inland parts of the country offer to the enterprising and industrious ample means of support. The rapid increase of paupers in this city ought, therefore, to be considered a partial evil, which, by a strict attention to the circumstances of applicants for relief, may speedily admit of a remedy. The rules and regulations enacted by the Corporation for the government of the Alms House, are of the most salutary kind. Five " discreet and competent persons, being freeholders of this city,'' are appointed Commis- sioners of this institution, and of the City Bridewell and Penitentiary. They superintend and direct all the in- ternal and external business, except the appropriation of money, and the appointment of oflScers ; and assist in examining the accounts, and reporting quarterly. There is a Superintendent, who is always a Commis- sioner, and acts concurrently with them. He receives a salary of 1600 dollars per annum. Before entering upon his office, he is sworn faithfully to discharge his duty, and not to commit or suffer any wilful waste or embezzlement He appoints matrons to take charge of the children ; cooks, officers, and other domestics of the house, removable at his pleasure. He examines, daily, the entries and accounts of the Purveyor ; sub- scribes the checks for money ; takes account of the several articles under the control of the physicians, steward, and iservauts ; examines and countersigns the statement of accounts prepared by the Clerk for the use of the Corporation ; and, on exhibiting these ac- counts, which is done every quarter, he lays before the Corporation a return of the officers under him, and of the number, names, ages, place of birth, and condition of the paupers. The Purveyor's duty consists in makiniaf purchases 308 ALMS HOUSE. for the use of the institution. The Clerk keeps a regu- lar entry of every purchase, and of its application, and attends in the oflSce every day from 9 A. M. to 2 P. M. On the first Monday in February, May, August, and November, he prepares, for the inspection of the Cor- poration, a correct and fair statement of all money transactions. There is a Resident Physician, who receives a salary of 1600 dollars per annum, besides the privilege of diet- ing in the house. There is also a visiting Physician and visiting Surgeon, but their appointments are purely honorary, as they do not receive any remimeration for their services. Also, 3 stewards, at 500 dollars each, a matron, 200 dollars, and a superintendent of workshops, 850 dollars. Any oflSce bearer receiving emolument otherways than their stated salaries, or suffering any fraud, impo- sition, or extortion, relative to the poor, or the supplies of the house, or embezzling, or suffered to be embezzled any thing belonging to it, or concealing the same, or wilfully neg'lectjng their duty, are dismissed with dis- grace, and pun;shed accordmg to law. No pauper is admitted without a previous examina- tion as to situation and circumstances by the Commis- sioners or Superintendent. If it appear that the appli- cant is legally settled elsewhere, he is provided for until a convenient opportunity of removal ofi'ers. None are received who have an infectious or contagious disorder, and no child)-en are admitted who have not had the smallpox, or been vaccinated, unless they submit to that operation. When received into the house, the paupers are classed into different rooms or messes ; due regard being had to character and sex, and that married persons reside to- gether. Profane and loose conversation, quarrelling, drunkenness, and other immoral practices, are punished by public admonition, removal from the mess, wearing a badge of infamy, solitary confinement, or removal to Bridewell if incorrigible. Such as are able to work are furnished with employment, and rewarded if more *han ordinarily indn'^lrious. None are allowed to go ALMS HOUSi:. o09 abroad without a written permission. If found without this, or intoxicated, or guilty of disorderly conduct, or resorting to begging, they are apprehended, and pro- ceeded against as common vagrants. The utmost cleanliness pervades all the apartments, and every thing like waste or destruction is carefully prevented. No strong liquors are admitted without permission, or when prescribed by the physician. The diet of the paupers is wholesome, nutritious, and plenti- ful ; their clothing comfortable, and their fuel given out regularly, and in sufficient quantity. The sick, in par- ticular, are attended to with the greatest assiduity, and the utmost care taken to remove from them every spe- cies of filth, and to preserve the rooms properly aired. Healthy and proper nurses are provided for the chil- dren, and when arrived at a proper age they are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, in the school belonging to the institution. The girls are also taught plain work and knitting. Every thing conducive to health and de- cent behaviour, is studied by those under whose imme- diate care the children are placed. If any of them show uncommon capacity, the Corporation authorize their being instructed in the higher branches of learn- ing, and take measures that they profit by this in future. Others are apprenticed to suitable trades and occupa- tions, and protected by the superintendent from bad usage during the whole of their service, being "consi- dered, in every respect, as the children of the public^ under his care." Decent and well behaved persons may visit the house at all seasonable hours, and will be gratified in witness- ing the neatness and order that prevails in the work- shops, schools, and wards ; and the citizens are invited to be '' vigilant in their attention to the Alms House and its management, to note every abuse which may take place, and to suggest such improvements as may occur to thera, in confidence that their observations, addressed to the Common Council, will be duly noticed." This institution is supported by a tax on the inhabit- ants. In 1807, under the old establishment, the annua! 310 THE FEVER HOSPITAL. expense amounted (o 40,000 dollars. Last year, it was 81,546 dollars, including the Bridewell and Penitentiary. There is a farm attached to the establishment, where a portion of the veg^etables required are raised. Only a small part is well cultivated, and there is room for much improvement in this respect. The average expense of the paupers in the three cities of Philadelphia, New- York, and Baltimore, exhibits the following difference on the average of four years Phi- ladelphia, 84 cents per head ; New-York, 47 cents ; Bal- timore, 29 cents. The salaries and other expenses in the latter city are small compared to this. THE FEVER HOSPITAL, at Bellevue. The crowded state of the Alms House at particular seasons, and the necessity of separating those sick with contagious diseases from the well, several years since, induced our most respectable physicians to represent to the Common Council the absolute necessity of a large and commodious edifice, to be devoted to this particular object, and accordingly, the building was commenced in 1823, and finished in three years, aided by a liberal grant of the State Legislature. It is situated a few rods southwest from the Alms House, on an elevation immediately adjoining the East River in front, and a more appropriate, airy, and conve- nient situation, could not have been selected. The building is constructed of stone, (a quarry of whici was on the spot,) and is 180 feet long, and 50 feet wide,^ with a projection of 8 feet in the centre, and four storiei high. The first and second stories contain 24 room?, including 32 cells, for the reception of insane paupers. The apartments for the keeper and assistants, together with six other large rooms, are in the third story. The fourth story contains lodging rooms, and large airy wards for patients afflicted with fever or smallpox. Hither are I removed, from the confined and unwholesome abodes of poverty and distress, all poor persons in the city, whose diseases require pure air, well ventilated and clean ASi'jLUM lOK THE iJNSAAJ^. J 11 apartments, good nursing, and medical aid. The re- sults have been highly satisfactory thus far, and very salutary to the generafhealth of this metropolis, in pre- venting the spread of contagious disorders. When not wanted for the specific purposes for which it was erect- ed, the rooms are sometimes occupied for other objects. ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE, At Manhattanville. Before the erection of the present beautiful, exten- sive, and commodious establishment, 7 miles from the city, the few insane patients that could be received, about 19, were badly accommodated in apartments as- signed to them in the New- York Hospital; but in 1808, .n edifice was erected capable of receiving 60 patients, nearly adjoining the south wing of the Hospital, for the sole accommodation of lunatics, which continued to be used for that purpose until 18^0, when they were re- moved to their new situation, which, like other public and useful objects, derives its funds from the aid granted by the Legislature of the State, that in 1816, appropri- ated the liberal sum of ^10,000 per annum for 44 years, to further the objects proposed by the representations of the Governors of the Hospital, which weie, to eiect a large edifice, with sufficient ground attached, to pur- sue a new method of curing, and alleviating the mise- ries of the insane, by a course of mild and humane -'eatment, uniting amusement, exercise, and innocent ^joyment, together with rural pursuits, in lieu of the ^rict confinement, cruelty, and hai*-;h measures usually idopted towards this unfortunate and neglected portion i( the human familj. Measures yxere immediately adopted to carry the plan iuto effect, and 77 acres of laud bought at §500 per acre, situated on ground elevated 150 feet above the Hudson River, from which it is distant about a quarter of a mile. Its site is dry, and eminently pleasant, and ^omm.^nds an extensive and delightful vi'^w' of the 3 our criminal courts. In every respect, these schools are productive of the utmost possible good, and deserve to receive, as hereto- fore, the most constant attention and liberality of the cily and state. in 17 years after their establishment, there was re- ceived from private donations and subscriptions, ^-23,430 Special grants from the State Treasury, 5,000 Excise Fund, $23,500 ; from the city, $2,000; School Fund, ^42,000, - - - 67,500 Other sources, 31,070 Total, g 1 27,000 Paid out in 17 years for lots and buildings, g67,56i2 Other expenses, 70.000 Total, $137,56 No part of the common School Fund is allowed to be used in the erection of buildings. The branches taught in these schools, together with the prices, are as follows, viz. : For the alphabet, spelling, and writing on slates, as far as the third class, inclusive, 25 cents per quarter. Continuance of the above, with reading and arithme- tical tables, or the fourth, fifth, and sixth classes, 50 cents per quarter. Continuance of the last, with writing on paper, arith- metic, and definitions, or the seventh, eighth, and ninth classes, $1 per quarter. The preceding, with grammar, geography, the use oi maps and globes, book-keeping, history, composition, mensuration, astronomy, fee. $2 per quarter. No additional charge for instruction in needlework, nor for fuel, books, and stationary. It is not expected that these charges will defray the expenses of the various schools, the principal reliance being upon the common School Fund. The objects in view by changing the old Free School rUBLIO SCHOOLS. J31 system to the present Pay Schools, were to remove the imputation of being charity scholars, which prevented many parents from sending their children to the Free Schools, even at the risk of their growing up in igno- rance. Also, to substitute the spacious, airy, well regulated monitorial seminaries, in lieu of the many small, ill managed, unwholesome minor schools, where, in many cases, the time of the pupils and the money of the parents were wasted, and habits of idleness and in- subordination acquired. Also, to create and foster in the less affluent classes of society, a spirit of self-re- spect and laudable pride, inducing them to reject as the gift of charity what they could command as the price of honest labour To accomplish these desirable objects, I :M children whatsoever, without regard to religious sect or denomination, or whether they are proper objects of gratuitous education, are received, and entitled to all the benefits of the institution. The whole is under the superintendance of a Board of Trustees, which is divided into sections, one for each school, and frequent visits and examinations are made by them. The citizens generally, and strangers, are earnestly invited to visit and examine these institutions, which form such an important part of the mental machinery of our civil and political privileges ; and these visits, in connection with those of the trustees, and public au- thorities, are said to have the happiest effect in exciting the emulation both of the instructers and the pupils. As the very foundation of our national existence de- pends upon a steady perseverance in a system of gene- ral elementary education, among all classes i»f oociety, this subject will always continue to excite the most ianxious solicitude among the enlightened and benevo- lent of every age, and will no doubt continue to be fos- tered by that munificent aid from public and private sources, which has heretofore been so judiciously bestowed. The buildings now completed will each on an average accommodate from 700 to 1 000 pupils; thus not a child in the city need be excluded from the blessings of education. The visiter, on entering within one of these schools, is J32 yVBLlC SCHOOLS. immediately struck with the neatness and clcanlioei^i; which are observable throughout. The floors, tables, walls, and windows of the apartments, and the dress persons, and looks of the children, bear these distin guishing' marks in a remarkable and exemplary degree. Indeed, the same observation applies to the external as well as the internal parts of the several buildings, the yards, stoops, and stairs of each being habitually in a state of wholesomeness and good order. The regulations of the schools are of an exact and simple description. The principal teacher never has to fatigue himself, or pain the ears of pupils or visiters, by loud talking. By the touch of a small bell, or the use of a whistle, the whole school, consisting of from five to seven hundred scholars, is called in a moment to the most profound stillness and order. If a particular ope- ration is to be performed — for instance, the slates to be prepared for ari'hmetical labour, the order is given by means of a telegraph, consisting of a board 3 or 4 inches square, drawn up by a string, which produces a small noise as it is thrown against the casement that inclose^ it, and this noise (the only one that is made) draws the eyes of the school to the board, which shows the letter:. *' C. S.'' which are immediately interpreted by the clean- ing' of slates on the part of the industrious and active little tribe. After the different sums are set down, another telegraphic board is drawn up, and the letters "H. U." are shown, and receive a most prompt exposi- tion by the raising of the right hand of each scholar up from his slate, and placing ii behind him, until an exa- mination of the work, by the monitor, takes place. And so on with the other heads of instruction. At intervals, the children are relieved by a sort of manual exercise, consisting of many varieties. In order to this, an active, smart-looking little fellow is chosen as a fugleman. He mounts a table, and all eyes being upon him, he raises his right arm perpendicularly. In an instant, every right arm is up, in a similar position. Then his arm drops, and in immediate succession every other arm is down. Then he raises his left arm — every Jeft arm follows. Then both his arms are raised -tO" INFANT SCHOOL. cJ33 gellier, and each boy raises both his arms in similar po- sitions with those of the leader. Then the latter claps his hands once, twice, or thrice in succession, and in- stantly the din of six or seven hundred pair of hands clapping in the same manner, and at reg"ular intervals of time, (for order and regularity are predominant,) is heard. The monitors are numerous, and this exercise is frequently repeated, — the object being the health and amusement of the scholars. The same method of in- struction takes place in the girl's apartments ; and to observe the ease with which the whole business is per- formed, and the pleasure that atteuds it on the part of teachers, monitors, and pupils, is truly exhilarating to the humane and philanthropic visiter. In various parts of this state, it has been ascertained, by official returns, that the scholars that attend the Public and other schools are from 1 to 3, and 1 to 5 out of the whole population, while in this city the propor- tion is only 1 to 7. This great disparity should be im- mediately remedied, whatever may be the expense, as by the data above mentioned, when applied to this city, there must be 52,300 children between 5 and 15 years of age, of whom only 10,000 are taught in the Public Schools, and about 20,000 in 2C0 male, and the same number of female. Private Schools; thus leaving up- wards of 20,000 uninstructed, besides those under 5 years of age, for whom arrangements are now in progress. A large portion of Sunday School scholars also at- tend Private Schools. In the city of New York, there is not, as yet, any legal provision for the support of Common Schools, except the state funds ; but energetic and praiseworthy efforts are making to raise a permanent fund by means of a tax of half a mill on the dollar of the assessed valuation of the property of tliis city ; which, if carried into effect, will fully accomplish the business. The In/ant School, corner of Canal and Greene streets, in the basement of the Presbyterian Church, has 2 to 400 pupils, all less than 5 years of age. The plan of instruction pursued is quite different from other schools : nature is pursued without being too much obstructed : 334 THE HIGH SCHOOLS. there is no task to disgust, but every thing- to charm and enlighten the infant mind, and guide the little ones in paths of peace and happiness, and to correct the per- versities of the heart, and of temper. The utmost suc- cess has hitherto attended these benevolent efforts, which are wholU supported by the aid of afetv ladies of respectability, as the tuition is oearlv gratuitous. The exercises at the opening of the school, at 9 A. M. aod 2 P. M., are in the highest degree both interesting and affecting to every serious visitant. THE HIGH SCHOOLS. The formation of the High School, in New-York, to teach the more elevated studies connected with a class- ical education, as well as the minor and initiatory branches of the English language and literature, was first suggested to our citizens by Professor John Gris- com, after his return from a European tour in 1822. From the result of his various examinations of the best schools, that of the Edinburgh High School was de- cidedly preferred as the bes* model for imitation ; and it was subsequently determined, at a public meeting of gentlemen interested in the subject, to open a subscrip- tion among the citizens for a slock sufficient to purchase the ground, and erect the edifice required. The plan, after being fully developed, received the most prompt approbation and success, the subscription being imme- diately filled to the amount of ^30,000, divided into shares of ^'5 each. A lot of ground was purchased in Crosby-st'-eet, between Grand and Broome streets, a very central, healthy, and eligible situation, on which was erected a three story brick edifice, 50 feet in breadth, and 75 feet long. It was finished and opened on the 1st March, 1825, under the superintendence of John Griscom and Daniel H. Barnes, on the system of Lancaster, or of mutual instruction, sometimes called the monitorial system, which admits of a large number of pupils, at a smaller expense than the old system. Near 700 pupils are in the three departments when full. The children of the THE HIGH SCHOOLS. .355 stockholders are entitled to a preference in admission; which, with the interest arising annually on the stock, is the only privilege enjoyed by them. It was incorporated in 1825, to endure till 1846. The annual election of 25 Trustees, to manage the affairs of the association, takes place on the second Monday in November, and from the said board of trustees is elect- ed a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secre- tary. The regular meeting of the trustees is held on the second Thursday of every month, at which seven form a quorum for the transaction of business. A clause in tlie charter prohibits the school from any participation of the benefits derived from the Common School Fund, as by the other Public Schools in this city. ^Arrangement of Studies. Introductory Department. — The Alphabet, Spelling, Reading, Writing on Slates, first notions of Drawing, Arithmetic, Geography, and Natural History. — ^3 per quarter. Junior Department. — Spelling, Reading, Writing on Paper, first principles of Geography and English Gram- mar, Arithmetic, mental and mechanical, as far as through the rules of Proportion, Elocution, continuance of Natural History. — ^5 per quarter. Senior Department. — Grammar and Geography, com- plete. Mapping, Higher Arithmetic, Book Keeping, Al- gebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, plain and spherical, Astronomical Calculations, Surveying, Mensuration, Navigation, Con :c Sections, Dialling, Latin, Greek, French and Spanish Languages, Ancient Geography, Antiquities, History, Rhetoric, Elocution, Composition, Lectures on Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, and Natu- ral History, with experiments and specimens, Athletic Exercises.— ^7 per quarter. Another edifice, on the same plan as the Boys' School, was erected in 1825 for girls. The site was selected also in Crosby-street, next to the corner of Spring- street, the lot being 100 feet in depth, and 72 feet in '^idtli- The bnildinjr is of brick, three stories hisrh, 6*^ 336 TUU HIGH SCHOOLS. feet long", and 44 wide, and capable of receiving about 500 pupils. The cost of the whole, gl8,000, including furniture. The interior arrangements differ slightly { from others, in the disposition of the desks, one being ] appropriated to each pupil, and insulated from any other, but closely arranged in a horse-shoe form, about twelve j around each monitor, who sits at his separate desk facing i Lis class. I The subjects taught in the girl's school are similar to ' the former, with such additions or variations as are ne- i cessary and suitable to the female sex. The terms are | the same, and in both schools, payment is required in : advance. The female school is exclusively consigned I to the care of six ladies, two in each department. 1 No charges are made in either department for fuel, j slates, pencils, quills, ink, or for the use of maps and j globes ; and all books and articles of stationary are i charged at first cost. B.ewards and premiums to a very | liberal extent, are distributed for good conduct and im- I provement in learning. [ " The monitorial method is among the greatest iin- ' provements of the age we live in. Its effects, in regard I to the business of education, are not unlike those of I labour saving machines in the manufacturing arts. The ' benefits of this system of education are universally ad- i mitted, and yet it has hitherto been confined to thr> benefit of the poor until the erection of these edifices. The trustees hope, that parents will be induced to in- i trust their children to the school, at a very early intrc- i ductory age. It is intended that that department of the institution shall be conducted much upon the same plan as the infant schools of London, Bristol, and Ne\r- Lanark. SuflScient pains have not hitherto been taken to con- nect the pleasures of sense with ihose of knowledge, and to make them the stimulants of a rational, instead of idle curiosity. There is hardly any limit to the useful information which may be conveyed in this way : for |i example, in Natural History, and the Mechanic Arts. 'I Children are thus led, with the assistance of familiar ! conversation, to inquire into the origin, causes, design, j TUB UIGH SCHOOLS. 337 and utility of things, which they see about them, but which before were as little understood as an unknown tongue." It is thought best not to carry all the scholars through the same routine of studies, but to select such as are best adapted to their intended pursuits in life. The general design of this institution is, first, to teach to all that general knowledge which distinguishes the learned from the illiterate : and, second, to prepare the students for entrance into some college or university, for the immediate study of some of the learned profes- sions, or for their ultimate destination to agricultural, mechanical, or commercial pursuits. If children can be educated in these schools for less than one- third the price heretofore and still charged in many schools, with a better chance too for comfort, air, and exercise, it will be conceded, that a very desirable revolution and improvement in that respect has been accomplished, and the result thus far, in this, as well as the Common or Public Schools, fully supports this asser- tion. The children of our most esteemed and respect- able citizens are freely consigned to all of them. The religious instructions of the institution are strictly conformable to its general character, being simple and entirely free from sectarianism, and consist in readiug-a portion of Scripture in the morning and evening. By the establishment "f such numerous and constantly increasing facilities for acquiiiog and disseminating in- struction in this city, at such a reduced and most rea- sonable rale, it will be the fault of parents, and an un- pardonable one also, if they do not suffer their offspring to participate in the golden opportunities that are pre- sented to them, to enjoy the delights of knowledge. The trustees are required to present, at every annual meeting, a report exhibiting an account of the receipts and expenditures during the preceding year, the situa- tion of the schools, the progress of the pupils, and such other matters as in their opinion may be necessary to be known, or interesting to the members of the society. In all the departments of the High School, the profi- ciency which has been made under the monitorial svs- 338 SABBATH SCHOOLS. tern, has fully satisfied the most sanguine expectatious which were formed of its efficiency Instruction is multiplied in this way almost indefinitely, so that it may be said, that a teacher who ^ive^ but six hours in a day, multiplies them to 120 with the help of 20 monitors. The two great instruments of learning', attention and emulation, are made to act with the great- ; est possible power. Monitors are themselves materially ' benefited by acting as teachers to others, and often pos- ' sess the power aad facility of communicating their ideas , to those of their own age superior to the)r teachers, who ' may have forgotten the processes by which they acquired | their own knowledge. j The principles upon which the High Schools are i established, combine in an eminent degree the import- i ant requisites of cheapness and efficiency m instruction, il mildness and energy in government, and the highest in- j centives to mdustry and moral order in the habits and ; deportment of the scholars. SABBATH SCHOOLS. About seventy of these excellent associations exist in our city, and have produced a vast amount of g jod to the pupils, and occasioaed a striking dfiTerence in the ; aspect of the streets on the Sabbath, which were for- ; merly filled with riotous and noisy children, but are now i remarkably quiet. ' The number of superintendents, teachers, and visiters '! is about 1500, of scholars 11,000. Each school is ucder the management of one or more superintendent, a secre- tary, and several teachers, who hold stated meetings. The schools are opened by reading a portion of Scrip- ture, or singing and prayer. The younger students are taught the first rudiments, such as to enable them j to read : and to all, religious instruction is c^Oitantly ] given. A committee to look after absentees, and ' search out new scholars, is attached to every school ; and a general visiting committee of fifty members- subdivided into two each, who visit the schools eveiy Sabbath, three or four of which, according to thd- SVNDAY SCHOOLS. ^39 location, are assig-ned to each committee for one month, and It is so arrang'ed that each committee visits every school in th'i course of a year; and in the performance of this duty, thev exhort, animate, and encourage teach- ers and scholars, and distrihute rewards where thej are deserved. The teachers of the difFersnt schoils have formed an association, ^vho hold stated meetings on the second and third Mondays of every month, for the purpose of prayer, and for discussing- subjects relating to the best means of promoting- Sabbath hchools. The whole system is under the superintendence and government of a board of officers who have the control of the funds, and to whom the schools look for advice, countenance, encouragement, and support. In Tifl.ny schools, libraries have been established, con- sistin r )•' a judicious selection of books, which the pupils are entitled to carry home and read. A systematic plan of instruction from the Scriptures is pursued, by arranging select portions for every Sab- bath in the year, of 10 to 20 verses each, one of which portions is announced each Sabbath to the whole school. Each scholar is supplied with a printed card, containing the selection and the lesson, numbered in order. The scholars are required to read the portion during the week, and after receiving instruction on it, to commit it for recitation. The lessons are chronologically ar- ranged, so as to embrace all the leading incidents of the gospel, in due order. The lectures are calculated greatly to inform and interest the teacher, and are beau- tifully adapted to facilitate the instruction of his pupils in a knowledge of divine truth. Each scholar is entitled, for punctual attendance du- ring the month, to one cent ; for good behaviour, to two cents ; for every 30 verses of Scripture well committed to memory, one cent, pajable in Bibles and Testaments. A Testament is valued at 30 cents, and a Bible at 75 cents. Whenever their tickets amount to those sums, they are redeemed, and rewards publicly bestowed. During the past year, the nu:nber of Bibles distributed as rewards, amounted to 175, and of Testaments to 271, :UU PRIVATE SCHOOLS, ACAUE5IIES, &:C. together with a great number of tracts. The number of scholars who can read the Scriptures is 2500. The society has been in operation about 12 years. The anniversary is commemorated on the second Tues- day in May, when the pupils and teachers assemble at their respective places of meeting, and from thence, preceded by their handsome silk banners, containing ap- propriate mottos, and the number of the school, proceed to Castle Garden ; which, from its great size and ara- phitheatrical construction, offers the best accommoda- tion for this purpose. From 10 to 20,000 scholars and spectators have met together on these occa ions without accident, and after fulfilling the objects of the meeting, have been dismissed. In the evening of the same day, the Society assembles in one of the largest churches, when the annual report is read, and other important business transacted. The New- York Sunday School Union is auxiliary to the National Society, called the American Sunday School Union, at Philadelphia, and is wholly dependent upon private contributions, and on the free services of its numerous, active, and eflScient teachers, for its auc- cessfal existence and support. The JSTew- York Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society wz-s instituted in 1817. There are at present 12 schools, containing 2,900 scholars. The board of mana- gers consists of the bishop of the diocess as president, 3 vice-presidents, a treasurer, secretary, and 30 managers, besides an adequate number of superintendents. ^25 paid constitutes a manager for life, and ^10 a member for life : the annual subscription is any sum not less than ^1. 135 prayer books and 3,550 tracts were last year distributed as rewards. This society is auxiliary to the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union, at Philadelphia. PRIVATE SCHOOLS, ACADEIIIIES, AND BOARDING SCHOOLS. The number of minor schools has been estimated at 400 in this city, at which are taught from 30 to 60 scho- I'lilVATB SCHOOLS, ACADEMIES, &-C. o41 lars each, in the various elementary branches of a com- mon English education. There are also several acade- mies of a superior order, where the Latin, Greek, French, and Spanish Lanj^uages, together with the higher branches of the Mathematics, and many ornamental branches of education, are all taught by the best mas- ters in the country, and in which }oung men are pre- pared to enter any of the colleges or universities in our country. Connected with some of these acade- mies, gymnastic exercises have been introduced, and found eminently useful, as a relaxation from study, and in strengthening the muscular system, and guarding against consumption, and other diseases incident to a close application to sedentary employments. The mania for military schools has caused a recent introduction of a portion of the West Point system into private establishments, and the adoption of a uniform dress and martial exercises. The price of tuition, merely, is from 10 to 15, or $20 per quarter of 12 weeks. At boarding schools, the price is from 200 to S500 per annum. There are numerous boarding schools for young la- dies, on the same plan and terms as the foregoing, and where also music, dancing, drawing, and every other or- namental accomplishment, as well as the ancient and modern languages, are taught by the ablest teachers, professors, and artists in the city. BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. Orphan Asylum Society at Greenwich. The late Mrs. Isabella Graham, of blessed memory, and a number of other benevolent ladies, in the year 1806, instituted this Society for the purpose of educating, protecting, and supporting destitute and poor orphan children. A suit- able house was soon after erected in the northern out- skirts of the city, large enough to accommodate 200 chil- dren, and additional accommodations there have since been provided. There is no other benevolent institu- tion in our city, which has continued for so considerable a period to partake so largely, and steadily, of the cha- op* 342 BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. rities and kindest feelings of our citizens, generally, to- wards it ; and the continued protection and blessing of Divine Providence have been bestowed upon it. It is entirely dependent upon the voluntary bounty of the citizens to enable it to struggle along in the world, and has occasionally received a helping hand from the public purse of the State, or city; which, together wiih occa- sional donations, legacies, and charity sermons in va- rious churches, has given it a continued and prosperous course. The directors are ladies of respectability, and the children are nursed wtth the utmost care and solici- tude by proper persons. The annual subscription for a member is ^3. The annual meetings of the Society are in May at the City Hotel, when the orphan children are always present and form an interesting group. It now contains 104 boys and 58 girls. Roman Catholic Asylumfor Orphans in Prince-street. This is a capacious three story brick edifice, opposite the Cathedral, on the corner of Mott-street, with suita- ble accommodations for 160 children. It was opened with due ceremony on the 23d Nov. 1826 ; and will, no doubt, share with the other Asylum, which is not restrict- ed to any religious sect, in the bounties of a liberal com- munity. Institution for the Benefit and Relief of the Deaf and Dumb. In 1817, this Society received an act of incor- poration to endure for 20 years, and was immediately commenced by receiving a number of pupils, and em- ploying adequate teachers, and the most surprising suc- cess accompanies this auspicious beginning. The pub- lic exhibitions made by the mutes of their progress, excited the liveliest emotions of sympathy, joy and sor- row commingled, in every audience that witnessed them, and was followed by liberal subscriptions to support the undertaking. In due time, the aid of the Legislature of the State was invoked in furtherance of its objects, and granted to a very limited extent and under certain re- strictions, that rendered it of little avail, by causing a certain number of free pupils to be sent from each Se- nate district. A portion of the money paid by dealers in Lottery tickets^ was subsequently awarded it, which INSTITUTION FOR DEAF AND DUMU. J4o for a few years enriched the treasury, and enabled the Society to'extend their operations and usefulness. The Corporation gave tbem the free use of rooms for instruc- tion in the third story of the East wing- of the New-York Institution, where the school has continued for several years under the superintendence of Mr. Loughborough and assistants. This was the second institution of the kind in the United States : the first one having been commenced a year or two before, in Hartford, Connec- ticut. The management is in the hands of a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, Secretary, and a Board of Directors, consisting of 20 members, who are elected annually ; two thirds at least of ihe Directors must be residents of ihe city and county, and 7 form a quorum. In the session of 1827, the I^egislature made a liberal grant of te7i thousand dollars, to enable the Society to erect a suitable edifice, on condition that a like sum should also be obtained from other sources ; which has since been happily obtained, and the city authorities have also granted a lot or square of ground, on the 5th avenue, between 49th and 50th-street, a short distance N. E. of the new burying ground ; and on the 1 9th day of October last, the foundation stone of the new build- ing was laid, with proper ceremonies, in the presence of the Secretary of the State, and a large assembled au- dience, when an address was made by the Rev. Dr. M'Auley. The number of pupils at present is about 100. The new edifice is a plain substantial building of stone, three stories high, and has ample accommodations. The males and females are instructed in separate apart- ments. It is an interesting spectacle to the benevolent stranger, to witness the method of teaching that is here adopted, and the progress that has been made by the pupils. Donations to the Institution are thankfully re- ceived, and oarnot be more beneficially bestowed. JSTeW'York Auxiliary Female Association, to aid in giving Support and Instruction to the Deaf and Dumb. This Society was organized in 1825, under the name of the New-York Female Association, &c. The great ob- iects of which were to raise the means to administer aid 344 INSTITUTION FOR DEAF AND DUMK* for the support and instruction of such indigent Deal and Dumb persons as might be selected and placed in the Institution for the instruction of the Deaf and Dumb in the city of New-York ; and who, for want of adequate provision, cannot otherwise receive the benefiis of in- struction. The Society and its managers consist of la- dies, who have associated for the purpose of uniting their feeble endeavours with others, who are engaged in the benevolent objects of rescuing from abasement and ignorance such deaf mutes as the means at their disposal will enable them to select and place in ihe In- stitution for instruction; and who, without that instruc- tion, must remain in a state of irreligious and moral de- gradation in the midst of a warld, which to them is at best an inexplicable mystery. The Association have the entire disposition of their own funds, which are de- posited in the Savings Bank by their own treasurer. They select and place in the Institution such deaf mutes as show prightliness and aptitude to learn, and they pay to their parent institution the amount of board and tuition for such pupils. The State of New- York having provided for the instruction of 32 indigent mutes, and there being numerous applicants excluded for want of means, it became a matter of serious inquiry, whether New-York is capable and whether this growing and wealthy cit}" ought not to do somethmg more for the Deaf and Dumb. An appeal was made, and the Asso- ciation have been enabled to keep in the Institution seven pupils, for whose board and instruction during the last year, they have expended {^943 32 ; the parent pro- viding them with clothing. American Seamen's Friend Society. The objects io view, are the assistance of seamen while n port, to give them advice and protection from imposition of every description. A school is established for their gratuitous instruction in navigation, and other useful branches of education. A perm nent agent attends to the concerns of the Society, which has also a respectable set of di- rectors, and a corresponding secretary. HOSPITALS FOR SKAMEK. 346 Hospitals for Sick and Disabled Seamen. During- the year 1826 the building- formerly used as an Asylum for Maniacs, adjoining the South side of the Hospital, was altered and converted into an extremely convenient and comfortable asylum for sick and disabled seamen, by whom it is now occupied. This building cost $56,000 ; to assist in paying which, the Legislature granted ^3,500 per annum for 10 years out of the duties on public auc- tion. The building is of gray stone, and the roof slated. Id length, it measures 90 feet ; depth, at the centre, 40 feet, and at the wings, wliich project 12^ feet on each side, it is 65 feet deep. The height from the ground, in front, is 46 feet. It has two principal stories, a base- ment, and sub-basement, on account of the declivity of the ground. There are 10 rooms, 11 feet by 8i ; 8 rooms. 17 by 11^ ; and 2 rooms, 24 by 17, opening into a hall 11 feet wide, in each of the two pnncipal stories. The height of the first is 14^ and of the other 12^ feet. The sub-basement has 10 rooms 11 by 8^ feet, and 9 feet bigb ; 3 rooms, 16i by lU; and a kitchen, 23i by 16^. A hall runs through the centre into which the rooms open. It is paved with marble, and has seven circular iron stoves so constructed as to convey heat into every apartment to the top of the building. Except the four largest rooms, and those in the upper story, the apartments are arched with brick ; and the walls are bricks whitewashed. The number and size of the rooms are the same in the basement as in the sub-basement. The whole amounts to 60, and will contain about 80 pa- tients; the expense of whose maintenance is about $12,000 per annum : 100 sailors are on an average also in the Alms House, which, together with the Staten Island establishment, constitutes an aggregate yearly expenditure of thirty or forty thousand dollars m this city, for the benefit of this useful class of society. Be- aides the foregoing, there are two very extensive edifices on Staten Island, at the Quarantine ground, for the re- ception of invalid sailors and passengers, that are aflBict- ed with yellow fever, or small-pox, or with anv other dis- order that prevents them from being allowed to go to the city. These patients are under the superintendence oC 346 sailors' snug harbouk. the Health officer of the port, who also boards vessels from all southern ports, in the warm season, and exer- j cises an unceasing vigilance in guarding the city from the influx of all imported disorders, and fil^h. shipping, which are obliged here to undergo a purification and quarantine before proceed ng to the city. The Sailors'' Snug Harbour. This is the result of a bequest made by Captain Richard Randal, in 1801, of certain houses, lands, and tenements, also, stocks and investments of a valuable description in this city, which were devised by him to be held b\ Trustees, consisting of the Mayor and Re- corder, for the time bf^ing, the Presideni of the Cham- ber of Commerce, the senior ministers of the Episco- pal and Presbyterian < hurches, and the President and Vice-President of the Marine Society, for the purpose of maintainmg worn o'jt and decrepid seamen. The building is in Broadway, corner of 9thstreet, and has, together with the annexed property attached to it, be- come of great value. An act of incorporation was) ffranted in 1806. The property left was originally va- lued at 550,000. The Trustees are required to give an] annual report to the Common Cf.uiicil and to rhe Legis- j lature of the State of their funds ; and by their last re- | port it appears, Jhat there is derived annually from rents t $4601 i Government and city stock $!605; Bank stock 51050 ; Insurance stock $717; bonds and mortgages 510"21 : — Total ^^056. The increased amount of this i liberal gift, has at length drawn forth the cupidity of • some dormant claimant, who, under a distant legal possi- bility of claim, has commenced a suit of ejectment iaji the U. S. District Court, to try which, a grand assize 11 was called, as being an extraordinary emergency, and j the result has been a rejection of the claim. It was I while acting as counsel in this suit, that Mr. Emmet j! suddenly expired in an apoplectic fit. A Society exists | to provide sailors with good boarding houses, where they shall not be imposed upon by the extortion of landlords ; there is also a ochoo! for educating the children of sailors. The Mariners' Church, the Bethel Union Society, and The eye iNMHaiAKV. J4v the Marine Bible and Tract Societies are all described under their respective heads. The extensive arrangements above detailed, we con- sider as ample, for many ^ears to conte, for the support of this worthy class of citizens, and will reader the con- dition of seamen in this city quite comfortable. A por- tion of their wages, under the name of Hospital money, is deducted, according- to the Laws of the United States, for the support of the .Marine Hospital on Staten Island and in this city, but this is by no means equal to the sums expended in the two f»laces for their support, the balance being paid by the city and state. The JVeiu- York Eye Infirmary was founded in 1820, by voluntary subscriptions of the citizens, and designed to cure or alleviate disordors of the eye. The number of patients received during the last year' was 800; re- maining from previous year 70 : — total 5223 prescribed for since the commencement of the institulion. The permanent fund at present is very small, and amounts only to $1500; and arises only from donations and life subscriptions. The interest only is applicable to pay the current expenses of the institution. Indigent per- sons, living out of the city, may resort to the infirmary, and be boarded and nursed for a small snm ; but $2 50 is charged where there is ability to pay. Besides such, there are many out-door patients in the city. v$l000 a year is annually granted by the Legislature to aid the objects of this institution. Much benefit has been de- rived since this infirmary was founded, in all ophthalmic diseases ; and a knowledge of the art of treating all affections of the eye has been extensively diffused. Surgeons attend gratuitously on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 12 to 2 o'clock. The board of direc- tors consists of a president, 2 vice-presidents, treasurer, secretary, 2 surgeons, 9. consul 'ing surge ns, and 17 governors, ci osen annually on the second Wednesday in April. $5 or S3 annually constitutes a member, and $40 a member for life. Delafield and Rodgers, sur- geons ; Job Wright, superintendent ; E. Condit, apo- thecary. JVcio-York Infirmary for treating diseases of th^ 34ii ASrLUM FOR LXINU-JLN WOili:^. Lungs. The objects of this institution embrace all the forms of consumption of the lung's, asthma, hydrotho- rax, and dyspepsia, in so far as it involves or impairs the functions of the respiratory organs ; and, in short, all those affections characterized by cough. These dis- eases, it is well known, include some of the most fatal diseases incident to our climate ; and are as insidious and varied in their character as the causes that induce them, and therefore Tor their successful treatment they require different modes of practice ; and, it is believedf, much good will result to the public at large, from a concentration of the knowledge of the method in which such disorders should be treated. The infirmary is under the inspection of Doctors James R. Manly, M.D. and Andrew Anderson, M.D. JsTew- York Asylum for Lying-in Women. It is the object of this society to furnish comfortable accommo- dations and skilful medical attendance to respectable married women, who desire an asylum during the pe- riod of their confinement. The society is under the management of females, a committee of whom attend at the society's house m Green-street, on Mondays and Thursdays, between the hours of 1 1 and 12 o'clock, to receive and decide upon all applications for admission. A suit of rooms, called the Lying-in Ward, was for- merly appropriated for this purpose in the Hospital, and funds adequate to the purpose were subscribed in 1798; the interest of which was paid to the governor of the Hospital, on condition of receiving the patients that were recommended. Subscribers of ^20 are allowed to name a patient, if the visiters consent to her admis- sion. The societj' is about erecting a separate building- for their further accommodation and enlargement; — they have applied to the Common Council for a lot. Humane Society. This excellent institution w^s ori- ginally formed by a \evj philanthropic gentlemen as far back as 26th January, 1787. It was named the "Society for the relief of distressed Debtors," having then the melioration of the sufferings of that class only in view. In 1803 the name was changed to that which it now bears, and in 1806 it extended its plan so a? to inclnde HUMANE SOCIETY. 340 I be recovery of persons apparently dead from drown- ing. On 4tb February, 1814, the society obtained a charter of incorporation. "This," observes the Col- lector of the laws of New- York, " is the Jirst instttution of the kind in this state which has for its avowed object the relief of imprisoned debtors. A society of a similar title in the city of Albany has been instituted for the resuscitation of drowned persons, &c. ; but it is not blended with the other humane object of relieving im- prisoned debtors." The views of the Humane Society are now directed to Ihe following- branches : Ist. the s'upp >rt and clothing of debtors in prison, and, as connected with the former, the maintenance of a soup house establishment. 2d. The liberation of such debtors as are by law entitled to be discharged, and of such as are confined for small sums, and are peculiarly deserving of assistance. 3d. The distribution of soup to the poor in general, espe- cially in cases of general public calamity. 4th. The resuscitation of persons apparently dead from drown- ing. A favourite object also of the society is to discou- rage the practice of street begging. This institution was supported by casual donations for a considerable period. For some time, however, it has depended on annual subscriptions, which enabled the committee of management to erect a soup house, in which they were greatly assisted by a donation from the Corporation of this city of ^600, and the lot of ground, i« Tryon-street, on which the house is built. By their charter the society may hold an estate of the value of ^:i,000 dollars. It; affairs are managed by a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and a committee of 21 members, who are elected annually. They meet statedly on the first Wednesday of every month. There is also a visiting committee of three, who are appointed monthly, and whose duty it is to superintend the soup house, and to visit the debtors' prison once, at least, every week. Among the numerous calls upon the charity of the community, none are better entitled to the considera- tion of the humane than those of this societv. Their 30 35U FUEL SOCIETY. object is to give relief to the unfortunate debtor, siiut out from the comforts of life, and debarred the privilege alike of earning subsistence, and of soliciting the means of relief; and lo furnish the poor a meal in time of ne- cessity. The society, for several years, not only supplied the debtors in jail with soup, but also with blankets and fuel ; but for some time past, in consequence of a dimi- nution of their funds, they have been obliged to confine their issues to soup alone', which is daily sent to the pri- son. — each person on their list receiving three pints of good soup per day, with a due proportion of bread, meat, and potatoes. During the last year, the number that have been supplied with soup in the jail amounts to an average of 12 persons each day. In seasons of public calamity, by sickness, or by the severity of cold in winter, the singular utility of the soup establishment has been experienced, not merely by the immediate objects of their charity, but by the poor of the city in general, to whom, in some inclement seasons, upwards of 1000 quarts of soup per day have been given from the soup house. The sympathy of the public, with ihe objects of this institution, has been commensurate with the demands upon the funds of the society. Donations in vegetables, flour, Indian meal, &c. are received at the soup house, in the rear of the debtors' prison, or in money by either of the members of the society. Society for reHeving the destitute, and supplying the poor with cheap fuel. The objects intended to be car- ried into effect by this society are, to induce the provi- dent and labouring portion of the community to lay by, and deposit with the society, during summer, or when- ever their circumstances will admit, a small portion of their earnings, which is returned to them in the winter season in fuel, at the lowest cost price in summer. Do- nations are also given in certain cases : and a fuel and relief committee attend on Friday evening, at 5 o'clock, at the room in Chambers-street, to hear and determine on the cases of those persons who may produce tickets MAKIKE SOCIETIES. 351 ol' recommendation from the members of the society. During- the past winter, depositors in the fuel savings fund received soft wood at $1 25, and rock oak at S\ 71 , per load, from the society; while the prevalent prices were $2 and $2 50. This institution is eminently cal- culated to encourage and reward the industrious, and to relieve the truly destitute, without regard to nation, colour, or religion. Donations are received by any officer of the society. Manumission Society. This society took its rise in 1785, and was incorporated 1 9th February, 1808. Its affairs are managed by a committee, the members of which are indefatigable in their efforts to meliorate the condition of the negro-slaves in this state, by effectually obtaining those advantages for them which are already sanctioned by its laws, and by conferring on them a vir- tuous education. The fruits of their labour are every day appearing in the gradual diminution of slaves, who, 'through their unwearied exertions, are now enjoying the privileges of freemen, and the advantages conse- quent on liberal instruction. The office bearers of the society are, a president, 2 vice presidents, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, and a standing committee, who have a chairman. The officers of the school are, a board of trustees, a secretary, chairman, and 7 coun- sellors. There is also a committee of correspondence, with a chairman and secretary ; and a committee of ways and means, with a secretary. Marine Society. On 12th April, 1770, this society was incorporated, and its funds limited to £3,000 ster- ling per annum. Its immediate objects are the improve- ment of maritime knowledge, and the relief of indigent masters of vessels, their widows, and orphans. The af- fairs of this institution are managed by a committee of magistrates, merchants, and mariners, who appoint office-bearers annually, for giving more ready effect to tiie purposes of the institution. JVeiv-York J^autical Institution and Shipmasters'* So- ciety. Commanders of vessels have here united their exertions for the promotion of maritime knowledge, and «ho extension and diffusion of nautical science gene- 3b2 CINCINNATI SOCIETY. rally, as well as for benevolent purposes. The society was formed the 27th day of January, 1820; and one of the articles of the association requires each member to keep a regular journal of his voyage, and of extraordi- nary occurrences that may happen ; showing his expe- riments (if any) in dangerous and difficult situations, — the course and rate of currents, — the depth of water, — quality of soundings, (the latter particularly on leaving Eort,)— the appearances and description of ice, should e meet with any, — to make thermometrical experi- ments irom time to time, — to improve every opportunity of observing the variations of the compass, — to com- pare and determine the latitudes and longitudes of all such places as he may visit, and to notice the rise and fall of the tides ; — to notice extraordinary fishes, birds, or beasts, or any other phenomenon he may meet with, — to endeavour to possess himself of every information that may in any way relate to the mode and practice of transacting commercial business at every port he may visit, tariff of duties, port regulations, custom house rules, price currents, list of shipping, and in short every thing that may have a tendency to promote the views and objects of the society. The Tammany Society or Columbian Order was insti- tuted on the 9th April, 1805, for the purpose of affording relief to the indigent and distressed generally. Regu- lar meetings are held in Tammany Hall, corner of Nas- sau and Frankfort streets. The society is incorporated, and the annual stock they are allowed to possess for charitable purposes is limited to v$6,000. This associa- tion derives its name from an Indian chief called Tam- many^ no less celebrated for his valour than for his be nevolence and humanity. Society of Cincinnati hold their meetings at Washing- ton HalJ, Broadway. It is composed of citizens, who after having fought in the armies of the republic during the revolutionary war, returned on its termination to their former employments. This resemblance to the Boman dictator Cincinnatus, induced these military ve- terans to form themselves into a society bearing his name, for the purposes of general benevolence. They I'EMALE SOCIETY. 353 !iave frequent meeling-s to celebrate public events con- nected with the revolution, and to felicitate each other on the part which they took in that memorable struggle. Provident Society was incorporated February 16, i 805, for the purpose of establishing a fund to support infirm members, and their widows and children on their de- cease. Their capital is limited by their charter to g 10,000. Mutual Benejlt Society, Benevolent Society, and Albion Benevolent Society, were incorporated by the same act which established the Provident Society. Their funds are restricted to the same amount, and their application is similar. Female Society, for the relief of poor widows with small children. This society was instituted for the pur- pose, as its title imports, of affording rehef to destitute widows and their small children. It commenced its be- nevolent proceedings in the end of the year 1797, but it was not till April 2d, 1802, that an act of incorpora- tion was obtained; this was to endure until March 1st, 1810; and, on the April following, it was extended to a longer period. The society, which is altogether com- posed of females, seldom affords relief in money. This is chiefly done in necessaries, and the greatest care is taken to ascertam that the persons to whom this is granted, are fit objects of their charity. They even find employment for such as are disposed to engage in it. They may hold funds to the amount of $50,000, ap- plicable only to the purposes of the institution, the af- fairs of which are conducted by 2 directresses, a secre- tary, treasurer, and 12 manag-ers. By the annual report made in November, 1826, it appears that 235 widotvs and 655 children were relieved during the last year. A donation of $2000 from the late James Thomson, Esq. and of ^1000 from Peter Hill, have been made to the society towards the permanent fund ; also y^lOO from the N. Y. Stock and Exchange Board, and $846 in sub- scriptions and donations the past year. The invested funds of the society amount to about $20,000, in bonds and stocks; yet the income of the society is inadequate io relieve the numerous wants of the helpless depend- 30* 354 MASONIC SOCIETIES. ants on their bounty ; although the utmost vigilance is used to detect imposition. The society also owns 2 lots of ground in Pitt and Stanton streets, the gift of Mrs. General Montgomery. Society for the Relief of distressed Firemen. This society is composed of the members belonging to the " Fire Department of the city of New-York," who ob- tained a charter March 20th, 1798, to continue for 20 years. Its estate is limited to $20,000, which is applied to the relief of indigent or disabled firemen ; the sur- plus, if any, to be employed, under the direction of the Common Council, in extinguishing fires in the city. The affairs of this institution are managed by a presi- dent, treasurer, secretary, collector, and 9 trustees. General Society of ^Mechanics and Tradesmen. This society has a hall, corner of Broadway and Park-Place, called the " Mechanics' Hall," which is occupied as a hotel. Here they hold their meetings, which hare in view the relief of decayed and distressed mechanics and tradesmen. The society was incorporated March 14th, 1792; and they obtained a renewal of their char- ter April 3d, 1811. House Carpenters^ Society. This society was insti- tuted March 14th, 1806. Its charter limits its funds to 10,000 dollars, which are solely applied to the relief of sick and infirm members, and their widows and chil- dren. J\Iasonic Societies. The principal object of these so- cieties, so universally spread over the civilized world, is too well known to require any illustration here. In New- York, they have erected an elegant Gothic edi- fice in Broadway, where all of the lodges meet, called Masonic Hall. An edifice of the pure Gothic style in this city was wanted to complete the variety of different specimens of architecture in our public buildings ; and this has supplied the deficiency in the most satisfactory manner. The front of the building is 50 feet in width, and it rises to the height of 70 feet from the pavement : and is F HASONIC HALL. 335 composed of the mnch admired eastern gray granite. There are three stories, besides the attic and cellar; in the latter are the various cooking apartments, and other rooms, which arc lO feet in depth below the level of the street, under which are extensive vaults. The main building is 95 feet in depth. On the first floor, which is nearly on a level with the street, are two rooms for stores ; and between them is the grand entrance, under a massive Gothic arch, which is 14 feet in height, and recedes 4 feet in depth. The door is constructed of solid oak, with carved pannels, in the style of past centuries. The doors on each side are small, but corresponding in style. The most effective appearance in front is derived from the large Goth.c window in the second story, (over the front entrance,) which is ^^2 feet in height, and 10 in width, with small diamond-shaped glazing in lead frames, and ornamented in the most correct manner, with iron castings, having the appearance of rich carved work, and painted to correspond with the colour of the gra- nite ; the door beneath, and the other wmdows in front, are likewise finished in the same manner. At each corner, and on each side of the large window, are two buttresses, resting on the basement, rising and termi- nating in Gothic pinnacles at the roof, with a range of stone battlements. The sides and interior walls of the building are of brick; and the upper stories are lighted by dormant windows, having open-work battlements at the sides, overlooking and commanding a beautiful view of the city, harbour, and adjacent country. The hail of entrance extends through the whole length of the building, and is of the width of 10 feet. At its eastern extremity are the flights of stairs to the upper rooms, the principal of which is elevated only 14 feet above the street. On entering beneath the music gallery, the visiter finds himself in the most splendid apartment of the kind in the United States, — being a saloon in the richest style of jGothic architecture, 95 feet long, 47 wide, and 25 high. From the ceiling, which is fancifully divided into light arches, is pendant numerous ornaments in the richest style, in imitation 336 MASOMC HALL. of the chapel of Henry Vll. in WestnnnsLer Abbey; with open-work columns supporting the arches project- ing from the side-walls ; between which are the false windows, with raised labels, enriched with crotchets, terminating with flowers at the points, and supported at the end with carved corbels. The front of the music gallery has Gothic tracery of a rich workmanship, and is supported by a trussed girder, leaving an unobstructed floor for dancing, or large assemblies of citizens. Thi room has already become a favourite place of resort, from its extreme beauty and central situation. The floor is on elastic springs, and is considered very agree- able as a ball or concert room. In the third story are four large rooms, for difierent masonic lodges ; and in the attic story are two rooms, for meetings of the Royal-Arch Chapters, which are ornamented in a gorgeous style. The architect of the building was Mr. Hugh Reina- gle; and it reflects upon him the highest reputation as an artist, and a man of classical and correct taste. Only one fault can justly bo charged upon the pro- jectors of this edifice; and that is, the low and squat appearance that it has from the street in front, which causes sincere regret that so costly and beautiful an edifice does not possess a more elevated and favourable site, similar to the Hospital in front. The foundation of the building was commenced on St. John's day, 24th June, 1826; when the corner stone was laid with all due ceremony by the craft, in presence of thousands of citizens. It was finished in the subse- quent year: the whole cost being $50,000. In this city and its vicinity are the following lodges of free masons, with their places and days of meeting Mrani's Lddgc, No. 84, meet on Uie Ist am) Sd Tuesday of every jnonlli, at Masonic Ilall, Broadway. Jidelphi Lodge, No. 91, 1st and 3d Thursday, at Masonic Hall. Albion Lodge, No. 107, 2d and 4th Tuesday, at Masonic Hall. Benevolent Lodge, No. 142, 2d and 4ih Tuf.sday, at St. John's Hall- Bolivar Lodge, No, 386, Isi and 3d Monday, at'Union Hall. Clinton Lodge, No. 143, 2d and 4th Monday, at Union Hall. Concord Lodge, No. 304, 2d and 4th Monday, at St. John's Hall. Fottitude Lodge, No. 8], list and 3d Monday, at the Military Garden, Brooklyn. LIST OF LODGES. 3o7 J ranklin Lodge, No. 380, 2d nnrl 4tli Friday, at Union Hall. German Union Lod^c, No. 301, '2d and 4lli 'riiui>day,ai Union Hal). Greenwich Lodge, No- 381, Isi and 3d Thursday. Hibei-nia Lodge, No 3.39, 2d and 4th Wednesday, at St. John's Hall. Hiram I^odge, No. 10, Ist and 3d Tuesday, al Union Hall. Hoffman Lodge, No. 378, 1st and 3d Thursday, at Masonic Hall. Hohcnlinden Lodge, No. 338, 2d and -Ith Monday, at Military Garden, Brooklyn. Holland Lodge, No. 3.5, l^t antl 3d Tuosdav, at Maponic Hall. Howard Lodge, No. 3'.. 21 and 4th Wednesday, at St. John's Hall; Indcptndent Royal Arch Lodge, No 2, 2d and 4ih Monday, at Ma- ■-0I11C Hall. La Fayette Lodge, No 373, 2d and 4li) Thursday, at St. John's Hall. La Sincerite Lodge,'No 122, 1st and 3d Monday, at Masonic Hail. // Union Francaise Lodge, No. 71, "st and 3d Toes- at Masonic Hall. JIankaltan Lodge, No 370, 1st ;ind 3d Friday, at Union Hall. Mariners' Lodge, No SH5, 2d and 'lih Wednesday, ai Union Hall. Mechanic /.odgc,No. i53, 2d and 4th. Tuesday, at Union Hall. Minerva Lodge, No. 371, 1st and 3d Wednesday, at Masonic Hall. Montgomery Lodge, No. 387, 2d and 4th Thursday, at St. John's Hall. Morton Lodge, No. 108. 1st and 3d Tuesday, at St. John's Hall. Mount Moriah J.odge, No. 132, 1st and 3d Thursday, at Union Hall. Mystic Lodge, No. 389, let and Sd Monday, at Su John's Hall. J^ew Jerusalem Lodge, No 158, 1st and 3d Wed. at St John's Hall. JWm- York Lodge, No 368, 2d and 4th Thursday, at Maaonic Hall. Phcenix Lodge, No. 40, 2d and 4th Wednesday, at St. John's Hall. Silentia Lodge, No 360, 1st and 3d Monday, at Masonic Hall. St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 7, 2d and 4th Friday, at Masonic Hall. St. John's Lodge, No. 1, 2d and 4th Thursday, at Masonic Hall. Tompkins Lodge, No. 388, 1st and 3d Friday, at St. John's H^ll.. Trinity Lodge, No. 39. 2d and 4th Monday, at St. John's flail. Washington Lodge, No 84, 1st and 3d Tuesday, at Masonic Half. German Society. The charter of this society is dated 6th April, 1814, to continue for 21 years. It was insti- tuted for the purpose of giving" pecuniary aid to Germau emigrants, and assisting such other natives of that coun- try and their descendants, as might be reduced in their circumstances. The affairs of the society are managed by a committee and office bearers regularly chosen 5 and its funds are limited to $\I5,000. St. Patrick^s and St. George's Societies. These are associations of Irish and English, who meet together chiefly for the purpose of encouraging social inter- course. Tiiey arc not incorporated, nor have they any established funds ; but when cases of distress occur, they are always ready to give assistance by voluntary donations. The J\''ew- York St. Andrev^'s Society, was instituted 358 , ST. AKDKEW'S SOCIETY. in 1756. On the 19th day of November, in that year, a number of gentlemen, natives of Scotland and of Scot- tish descent, met together, and agreed to form them- selves into a society for charitable purposes. They adopted a constitution, modelled by that of a similar Society in Philadelphia, and elected the following Mem- bers to serve, for the first year, as Officers of the Insti- tution. Philip Livingston, Esq. President, Dr. Adam Thompson, Vice-President, Malcolm Campbell, Esq. Treasurer, Richard Morris, Esq. Secretary, and David Johnston, Alexander Colden, Dr. James Murray, and Dr. William Farquhar, Assistants. During a period of nearly twenty years, the quarterly and anniversary meetings of the Society were regularly held and punctually attended. The purposes for which it was established were found to be fully answered. A social and friendly intercourse among the natives of Scotland, their connexions and descendants, was pro- moted and maintained ; hundreds of deserving objects were relieved by its bounty ; implements and materials for domestic manufacture were furnished to the indus- trious poor, who were liberally paid for their labour. The needy derived assistance from the Managers, in money, medicines, clothing and fuel ; and in some cases, a home was provided for the destitute, who were main- tained by the Society. Its funds, and the number of its members (which included many of the " Great and the Good" of that day,) progressively increased, until the commotions incident to the War of the Revolution, sus- pended the public meetings of the Society. Its records, from 1775 to 1784, are wanting: and whatever capital it may have previously accumulated, was in all proba- bility expended and distributed for benevolent purposes during the disastrous period alluded to. But, founded on a principle which ••' never faileth,'' the Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New- York, arose in all its vigour, at the restoration of peace. In 1784, its former Constitution was revised and amended, and from that period until the present day it has conti- nued to sustain its original character with the same spirit as at its first institution. ST. AXDKEW'S SOCIETi. 359 It is at present composed of about 130 Resident Mem- bers, besides those who are considered as Honorary. The Constitution of 1784 underwent some alterations in 1787; and being- found still imperfect, a Committee was appointed in 1794, to examine into its defects, and to re- port such amendments as were thought to be necessary. The Committee* prepared and reported the twenty-three articles composing the present Constitution of the So- ciety, which were unanimously approved. By the last article of this Constitution, it cannot be altered but at the meeting- preparatory to the anniversary assembly, and when the President or one of the Vice-Presidents, and at least fifty of the resident members are present. By another of the regulations adopted, (article 18th,) an equally numerous meeting of the members is re~ quired for the disposal of any part of the Society's in- vested funds. Tliese, by the excellent management of its officers, (seconded by the precautionary articles of the Constitution just mentioned,) have continued gra- dually to accumulate, until the Society now possesses a permanent capital of ^i 0,000. A part of this sum ori- ginated in investments of money in the public stocks at favourable periods, f which were afterwards disposed of at an advanced price. It was contemplated at one time to erect a building for the accommodation of the mem- bers, to be called St. Aiidrew's Hall. A sum of money was collected for the purpose ; an eligible site was chosen, and the ground purchased. — But it was after- ward deemed advisable to relinquish this undertaking; and the sums subscribed being returned to the contri- butors, the property was resold at a considerable profit.| The balance of this capital has gradually arisen from * The (Jomiiiilfee consisted of Robert Lenox, Esq. then Victi-Presi- iJont; Dr. James Tillarv, Physician ; Rev. John Bissett, Chaplain ; Pet«r Jay Munro, Esq. Secretary, Dr. John Kemp; Dr. Benjamin Kisaam ; and Hay Stevenson, Esq. t Between the years 1787 and 1791, the Society purchased B.ink Slock to the amount of ^4000, which was sold during the last mentioned year for $6000. X These lots, now distinguished as Nos. lO and 12 Broad-street, and Nos, 8 and 10 New-street, were purchased in 1791 for $4150, and sold in 1794 for ,$6759 ; the Society receiving rent for the premises during that period. J60 I^JEVV-EiStJLAAD SOClETi. interest receiFed on the above investments, irom tiitj fees of admission, and yearly dues of the members, while at the same time, the Society has been enabled to dis- burse annually for charitable purposes, about ^1,000. This amount is distributed by the Managers among the objects entitled to the Society's bounty, in small sums to each, and chiefly daring the most inclement season of the year. Such is the brief account of the St. Andrew's Society, of the State of New- York, to be found on its records: and it is believed if its members would communicate the situation and character of the Society to all those who are entitled to join them by birth or descent, a new sti- mulus would be given to an Institution, entirely, al- though silently, devoted to purposes of benevolence. J^ew-England Society^ consists of the natives of, or de- scendants from, the stal;es of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and Vermont. Their objects and institution nearly resemble those of the three preceding Societies. The busmess of this So- ciety is transacted by a Board of Officers, consisting of a President, two Vice-Presidents, four Coiinsellors, eightJAssistants, a Secretary, and Treasurer. Ttie duty of the Counsellors is, when required by the Board, to deliver their opinions and advice in writing, touching any question affecting the welfare of the Societj'. The Assistants are to superintend the distribution and appli- cation of all moneys collected from the members of the Society, and to perform such other duties as may be as- signed them by the Board. Standing Committees are annually appointed to distribute relief to the proper ob- jects of charity, and to manage the financial concerns of the Society. Each person, on being admitted a mem- ber of the Society, pays the sum of five dollars, and an- nually thereafter the sum of two dollars and fifty cents, until the total sum of his contributions, by donation or otherwise, shall have amounted to fifty dollars, when no further annual contribution is exacted. Any mem- ber may be released from the annual payment at the dis- cretion of the Board. The widow and children of a deceased member, left in indigent circumstances, are I A.■5S1STA^CE socitfy, \-(\ 3GI entitled, lor five successive 5'ears, to an annuity from the funds of the Society, to the full amount of the moneys which the deceased had paid into the treasury. The funds are vested in productive stock, and aniount to about nine thousand dollars. This sum is annually aug-- mented, including interes-t, initiation fees, and annual payments, to the principal; and is appropriated to the relief of indig-cnt members, when sick and disabled, and, in urg-ent cases, to the relief of natives of New- Eng^laud, who are not members, and to other legitimate objects of charity. Natives of New-England, and their eldest sons, of full age, and fair character, may, with the consent of the Board, be admitted members of the Society. 4 Assistance Society. This Society was organized .in ] 808, and incorporated 1 7th February, 1810. It was in- stituted ""for relieving and advising sick and poor per- sons in the city of New-York.'' It may hold real and personal estate to the amount of $25,000. The manage- ment is conducted by a President, Vice-President, Trr isurer, Secretary, two Stewards, and a Committee of '? members, who are elected on the first Wednesday oi December annually. Butchers' Benevolent Society. This Society was in- corporated 3d March 1815, to continue for 15 years. It may hold an estate not exceeding $5,000, to be applied to the relief of indigent and distressed members, their widows and orphans. The affairs of the Society are conducted by a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretar}'. Society/or the Relief of Aged, Indigent^ Females. This Society was instituted in the beginning of the year 1814^ and incorporated March 10th 1815, to continue 15 years. It consists entirely of female subscribers, of two dollars each per annum. Its object is the relief of respectable, aged, indigent females, and it may hold an estate to the amount of $100,000. The affairs of the Society are in- trusted to the management of a board of Trustees, com- posed of a first and second Directress, Treasurer, Secre- tary, and 12 Managers, who are chosen annually on the last Thursday of November. Durinff tlie last year 14't 362 FEMALE ASSOCIATION, ^C. aged women have been relieved : none are relieved under the age of 60, unless the case be a peculiar one. Re- lief is afforded in fuel, and fiannel, and other things, to the amount of about $1200, besides many ready-made garments from the Auxiliary Society. Female Association. The members of this Society ■consist of young females connected with the respectable body of Friends. Their charter is dated March 26th 1813, to continue 20 years. Their objects are the visit- ing and assisting the poor sick, and obtaining instruc- tion for the children of such persons as are not provided for, and who do not belong to any religious society. They may hold property of the value of $40,000. Fe- males subscribing 5 dollars per annum become mem- bers. The affairs of the association are conducted by a board of 12 trustees, who are elected on the 1st Mon- day of June annually. This Society, b^ a special clause in the act of incorporation, is entitled to a share of the Common School fund. Widows^ Fund Society, was incorporaled March 10th 1815, for the relief of the widows and children of de- ceased clergymen of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the United States. It may hold funds to the amount of $2,500 per annum, and the management of its affairs is in the hands of 9 trustees, a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary, who are elected on the 1 st Tuesday of J une annually. Ten mem- bers of the Society form a quorum. Pilots' Charitable Society. The object of this Society is " for the relief of distressed and decayed pilots, and of pilots' widows and children." It was incorporated April 11th 1817, and may hold real and personal estate to the amount of $3,000 per annum. Its affairs are managed by a President, Treasurer, Secretary, and 5 trustees, who are elected on the 1st Monday of February an- nually. Female Assistance Society, was incorporated April 1 1th 1817, "for the relief of sick poor women and children." It consists of females only, and endures till the second Monday of November 1830. Its funds are limited to #3.000; and the management is in the hands of a Di- MECHANIC AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION. 363 rectress, second Directress, Treasurer, Secretary, and 12 Managers, and as many assistants as shall be deemed necessary. Office bearers elected on the second Mon- day of November. Roman Catholic Benevolent Sociefij. The charter of this Society is dated April 15th, 1817. It was instituted " for the humane and laudable purposes of assisting* and relieving the poor, and of protecting and educating or- phan children.'' Its real and personal estate is limited to $2,500 per annum. The management is confided to a President, 3 Vice-Presidents, Secretary, 2 assistant Secretaries, Treasurer, and 13 members, who are elect- at Whitsun Monday annually. Members to subscribe no gieater sum than 3 dollars yearly, and 21 assembled at any meeting have power to transact business. JVeio- York Mechanic and Scientijic Institution. The great object of this association, which was commenced in 1822, is to foster the mechanic and useful arts, and to enlighten the minds and stimulate the genius of those who practise them. Hence, it is a prominent concern of the institution, to support an annual course of popular lectures on the principles of Mechanical and Chemical Philosophy, and such other branches of knowledge as may further the great ends in view ; the Lectures are accessible to members of the institution on the easiest terms. It is also contemplated to have a collection of philosop'iiical apparatus, and of models of machinery; a cabinet of minerals, and other objects of natural history, which will illustrate the manufacturing and agricultural resources of this country ; also a Library, selected with special reference to the wants of mechanics, — to offer premiums for ingenious inventions, and to have periodi- cal exhibitions of the finest productions of (he workshop, and manufactory, in imitation of the societies of London and Paris. A Society thus organized, if ably supported and judiciously conducted, must tend, in no small de- gree, to promote the interests and happiness of the me- chanical profession. The charter is for 20 years, and the Society is allowed to hold real and personal estate, the interest of which on the capital shall not exceed ^5,000 per annum. Officers of the Society : — a Presi= 364 sEllVAISTS SOCIETli. dent, 3 Vice-Presidents, a Recording and a Correspond- ing Secretary, a Treasurer, a Curator, and 17 Mana- gers, who are elected on the 2d Wednesday in January ; and Quarterly Meetings are held on the 2d Wednesday in March, June, September, and December. The fees of admission are $3, and 5^2 on every succeeding year — or $25 for life-membership. The Mechanics' Society have a school for the free education of more than 100 children of indigent or deceased members, in the same building which also contains the Apprentices' Library, (elsewhere described in this volume.) This Library was established by the perseverance and industry of Mr. William Wood, who devotes himself to such benevolent purposes, and has founded many such in the principal cities of the United States. Society for the Encouragement of Faithful Domestic Servants. The ofl&ce of this Society is kept in the base- ment room in the New- York Institution, in Chambers- street, formerly occupied by the Savings' Bank. There is a President and 8 Managers, being subscribers, who are chosen by ballot ; one of the Managers is also Secre- tary and Treasurer. They also appoint an Agent, with a salary of g 1 ,000 a-year, to attend to all applications from domestics for places, but no fee or gratuity, on any pretence, is allowed to be received from them. The primary object of the Society is, to offer liberal pre- miums to those domestics who conduct well, and remain longest in a family ; and to remedy that restlessness, and love of change in them, which produces so much inconvenience to all house-keepers. To accomplish this desirable end, a register is kept by the agent of all subscribers to the institution, who pay annually ^5. A register is also kept, of all persons applying for places as domestics, or servants of every description, who can produce good written recommendations, whether at ser- vice, or not, they are entitled to have their names re- gistered. None but members are permitted to have ac- cess to the register. Premiums are awarded annually to every nominated servant ; all applications for premi- ums must be addressed to the Agent. Premiums are bestowed for one. two. and three or more vears faithful SERVANTS SOCIETY. 365 services, and also a premium of one per cent^ on all ba- lances in the Saving's Bank, the books to be exhibited to the Ag-ent. It is requested that the certificates of cha- racter be full and explicit as the servants deserve. To avoid the unpleasantness of rejecting- any applications, which has necessarily been the case, and also to place wifhin the reach of every sei^ant the premiums award- ed by the Society, the yearly g^ratuity is a certain one to every nominated servant for prospective services. Subscribers pay $5 per annum, for which they are en- titled to the use of the office, and also to nominate one servant for a premium. A certificate of this nomina- tion is given by the Agent, and one year afterward, on the said servant's bringing this certificate to the office, with a letter from her employer, stating her con- tinuance in her place, and her good conduct, he or slic is entitled to receive A handsome octavo Bible, or in lieu thereof, ^2 In two years thereafter, - - - - 3 In three years, -------5 In four years, ---_.. 7 In five years -10 and every year thereafter ^10, making" in five years a larger amount than has been paid by the agent,' and in seven years, forming an excess of $22, or a total of ^47. The benefits of this Institution have been already mani- fested; but, it is believed, they would be materially in- creased if there were a greater number of subscribers, to afford employment to the multitude of servants which daily throng the doors. Any subscriber who may give a false, or a grossly defective character of a servant, or who entices or inveigles away a servant from any other person, whether a member of the Society or not, or that treats servants harshly or unjustly, is excluded from this Society. The operations of the Society commenced in May 1825, and have been attended with the happiest effects upon the class intended to be benefitted by it. The applications of servants have been numerous — they, at the same time, have full confidence in the good inten- tions of the Society. A committee of respectable ladies attends, in rotation, to examine and watch over the in- o66 LXEW-YOKK i:>{STITUTIOIS. terests of the Institution. The hours of attendance in the office, are from 12 to 2, and from 3 to 7, daily, except Saturday. The number of servants of all description in the city, is supposed to be 30,000. Horticultural Society of ISew-York, consists of a re- spectable associalionof gentlemen of science, and prac- tical gardeners, who hold their meetings in the roorii of the Literary and Philosophical Society of the New-York Institution, and have semi-annual exhibitions of flowers and fruits, of the most gratifying description, and well worthy the attention of the curious stranger or citizen. Access may readily be had by applying to any of the members. Horticultural Gardens and JSTurseries. In the city and its vicinity are several extensive establishments, be- longing to different individuals : — Mr. Hogg's near the House of Refuge ; Mr. Shawns in Prince and M'Dougal- streets ; Mr. Floy's in Broadway ; Mr. Wilson's, oppo- site Washington Square ; Mr. Parmentier's, on Long- Island, two miles from New-York, at the junction of Jamaica and Flatbush roads ; Mr. Prince's at Flushing, on Long-Island, 12 miles from New-York, to which stages and a steamboat run several times in a day. Mr. Thorburn and Sons' establishment in Liberty-street, is the first in this country for the sale of seeds, flowers, and plants of every description. It formerly was the old Friends' Meeting-House. It has been so much al- tered and improved in front, that it may fairly rank as one of the ornaments and attractions of our city. At present there is not any public Botanic Garden in the city or vicinity, (the late Elgin Botanical Garden, hav- ing, after sundry changes and vicissitudes, dwindled and entirely disappeared,) owing to the apathy of the public, and various other causes needless to enumerate. NEW-YORK INSTITUTION. This building stands behind the City Hall, on the north side of the Park, and fronting Chambers-street. From its elevated and healthy situation, this spot was ixed upon, in the year 1795, as a proper place to erect jLlTERAltV AN1> PHIlOSOrHICAL SOCIETY. 367 iiu Alinsrhouse for the increasing poor of the city, and IVom this period down to the beginning of 1816, when the paupers were removed to Bellevue, it was applied to that purpose. Shortly after, the Corporation, on the application of tlie scientific institutions of this city, mu- nificently granted them the use of the building for ten years, in consequence of which its name was changed from "• Alms-house," to that of*' New-York Institution.'' The exterior of the building has nothing attractive about it. It is 260 feet long, by 44 broad, with two projections in front, 15 feet by 20.; and is composed of brick. It rises three stories in height, besides a basement story, and the roof is covered with slate. In front there is a large space of ground, and in the rear it enjoys the ad- vantages of that part of the Park laid out in agreeable wall^, behind the City Hall. At present the apartments are occupied by 1 . The Literary and Philosophical Society^ 2. The Historical Society, 3. TVie American Academy of the Fine Arts, 4. The Lyceum of J^Tatural History, 5. The American Museum, 6. The Deaf and Dumb Institution, 7. The Board of Health, and ''i. Society for improving the Condition of Domestic Servants. The Literary and Philosophical Society. This so- ciety holds its meetings on the second Thursday of every month. The charter is dated March 23th, 1814. In the memorial presented to the legislature, praying to be mcorporated, it was stated, that the object of this society is '••to cultivate the most useful branches of knowledge, to stimulate into activity the literature and talents of the community, and, by a concentration of men of different professions, and various acquirements, in one association, to collect a mass of information which may have a tendency to elevate the literary cha- racter, and subserve the best interests of our country ;" and in the preamble to the act of incorporation, the principle is distinctly recognised, that it is the duty of 368 HISTORICAL SOCIETY* legislatures " to encourag'e all laudable attempts to pro- mote tUe useful arts, diffuse knowledge, and to enlighten the human mind." With these liberal and patriotic views, this society commenced its proceedings ; and, on the 4th of May, J 8 14, an eloquent and interesting* Introductory Dis- course vras delivered before them by their president. This discourse is printed in the 1st volume of the So- ciety's Transactions, published in August, 1815. The management of this institution is in the hands of a president, 3 vice-presidents, 12 counsellors, 2 re- cording secretaries, 2 corresponding secretaries, a trea- surer, and 2 curators, who are elected on the 2d Thurs- day of January, annually. The real and personal estate is limited to $5,000 per annum. At the monthly meetings of the society, communications are rea^ and referred to the consideration of the Counsellors, who are divided into four classes: — 1st, Belles Lettres, Civil History, Antiquities, Moral and Political Sciences. 2d, Medicine, Chemistry, Natural Philosophy, and Natural History. 3d, Mathematics, A^^tronomy, Navigation, and Geography. 4th, Husbandry, Manufactures, and the Useful Arts. When any of the communications are thought fit for publication, they are given out to be printed in the Society's Transactions. It is the duty of the curators to take charge of the library, specimens of natural history, and models of instruments and ma- chines, of which the society are already in possession of a neat and valuable collection. There are two classes of members, the Resident and the Ordinary. The first are those residing in New- York ; the ordinary, such as have distinguished them- selves by their attainments in science or literary pub- lications, without regard to country or place of resi- dence. JSTew- Fork Historical Society. The apartments belonging to this institution are spa- cious" and convenient; and the variety of books, MSS. &c. which it possesses, is large. The ball of meeting ACADEMY OF ARTS. ' 369 IS oruaniented with paintings of distinguished charac- ters, and ivith various specimens of the fine arts. This society was formed on 10th February, 1809, by an association of gentlemen, in imitation, it is said, of a similar institution in Massachusetts. On 13th April, 1814, the legislature, always prompt in giving encou- ragement to science and literature, directed the secre- tary of state to transmit for the use of the^ society a set of the revised laws, and of all the subsequent journals of their sessions ; " and that the said society may, by theii^ agent or agents, have access, at all reasonable times, to the secretary's office, and the other public offices of this state, and may cause such documents or records to be copied, without paying office fees, as they may judge proper to promote the objects of the institu- tion." And, on the 15th of the same month, a perma- nent fund was created for its future support, by a legis- lative donation of ^12,000, " for the purpose of pro- curing books, manuscripts, and other materials, to illus- trate the natural, literary, civil, and ecclesiastical history of America." In 1810, a 1st volume of the Society's Collections ap- peared ; a 2d was published in 1816, and a 3d in 1826. The value of the property of the institution, including the above donation, is now estimated at |[20,000. The management is conducted by a president, secre> tary, and a committee, who are elected annually, and meet on the second Tuesday of every month. There are also special committees, to which are assigned dis- tinct departments, all calculated to promote the funda- mental objects of the institution. These committees have addressed circulars to ship masters, passengers, travellers, the learned, and curious, encouraging them to forward facts and specimens, which have already been attended with beneficial effects. Academy of Arts. The late Chancellor Livingston, our ambassador to France in 1801, has the honour of originating this so- cietv for the encouragement of the fine arts, which was 370 ACADEMY OF ARTS. formed by subscription on the 12th February, 1^02. In 1808, a charter was obtained; which was modified in 1817. For several years after the formation of the society, they had a suite of chambers for exhibition rooms in the old government-house, facing- the Bowling Green ; but on the demolition of that building, the entire collection of pictures, busts, statues, &c. were removed to their present situation in the apartments in the New-York Institution in Chambers-street, which are spacious and well adapted to the purpose. There is a large collection of pictures, antiqufe sta- tues, busts, bass-reliefs, and books, all belonging to the society ; and there are two exhibitions annually, — one in May, and another in the fall, — when additional pic- tures are obtained on loan for a short period, or sent on sale ; and these united collections have frequently been of the most brilliant and attractive description. The fee for admission is 25 cents. Artists and others that are desirous of copying or studying from the exhibition, are admitted free of expense. Catalogues of the col- lection are always to be obtained of the keeper, at 12^ cents. The affairs of the academy are conducted by a pre- sident, vine-president, 1 1 directors, treasurer, secretary, keeper, and librarian, who are chosen ou the first Mon- day of May, annually. The stock is divided into shares of $25 each, and amounts to ;^5,000. The payment of $25 gives any person free admission, and constitutes him a patron ; and this privilege may be transferred and inherited. A full length portrait of Benjamin West, painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence, has been procured at an ex- pense of §2,000 ; and is a conspicuous and valuable or- nament of the collection. The specimens of the arts and the designs belonging to this society, are kept in the centre of the building; the rooms appropriated for their use being spacious and** convenient. These specimens consist of antique sta- tues, busts, bass-reliefs, paintings, books, &c. Among the statues are the Pythian and Belvidere Apollos^ the ACADEMY OF ARTS* 37! yefius of the Capitol, and Venus of the Bath, Laocoon and his Sons, Castor and Pollux, the Fighting G India- tor, and Grecian Warrior, and the Hermaphrodite. There are busts of Jupiter, Juno, Mercury, Bacchus, Homer, Pythagoras, Jfiobe, Socrates^ Plato, and other ancient gods and philoiophers. Washington, Hamilton, Clinton, West, and three busts of J^apoleon Bonaparte, are among the modern characters. The statues, busts, bass-reliefs, and paintings are numerous and valuable. There are others deposited by the owners, including casts from Canova's Hebe and The Graces. Improvements have recently been made in the Gal- lery, which is now composed of selections from the principal cabinets in the country, containing originals, as well as imitations, from the antique and modern schools ; forming a complete study for the artist, and to the public a delightful recreation and resort. The library consists of books of views, designs, and drawings, chiefly relating to antique subjects. Among these are the celebrated engravings and views of Pira- nesi, in 24 superb volumes, presented to the Academy by Napoleon Bonaparte ; Galarie de Lucien Bona- parte, a present of Lucien Bonaparte ; BmjdelVs En- gravings ; Cooke's Hogarth Restored, and a great va- riety of other valuable works of this description. The Academy is favoured by a free lease of their rooms from the Corporation : and in a room on the first floor, facing Chambers-street, Mr. Robertson keeps a school for teaching drawing and painting. Academicians and associates are appointed by the by-laws of the institution ; and the number of each is limited to 20. The Academicians must be men of good moral character, artists by profession, and at least 24 years of age at the time of their appointment. Within one year after his election he must deposit a specimen of his talents with the Academy. Associates must also be artists by profession, exhibiters in the Academy, and 21 years of age when elected. John Trumbull, Esq. is president of the Academy. The former presidents have been Edward Livingston , 37*2 inational academy of arts;- formerly mayor of the city, Chancellor Livingston, and his excellency De Witt Clinton. Principal Artists. John Vanderlyn, Historical and Portrait John Trumbull, do. do. S. F. B. Morse, do. do. , F. S. Agate, Portrait. Catlin, Georg-e, Portrait. Cole, Thomas, Landscape. Cummings, T. S., Miniature and Portrait - Danforth, M. I., Engraver. Davis, A. G., Architectural Draftsman, Dunlap, W., Historical and Portrait. Durand, A. B., Engraver. Frazee, J., Sculptor. Hatch, G. W., Engraver. Ingham, C, Portrait. Inman, H., Portrait. Marsiglia, G., Portrait and Landscape, Maverick, P., Engraver. Paradise, J., Portrait. Rogers, N., Miniature. Thomson, M. E., Architect. Town, I., Architect. Waldo and Jewett, Portrait. Wall, W. G., Landscape. Weir, R., Historical and Landscape, Lithographic presses and printing have been success- fully mtroduced, within five or six years past, in this and the other principal cities in the United States. J^Tational Academy of the Arts of Design. An association of young men and most meritorious artists and amateurs, under the name above given, was organized m 1826, and opened their first exhibition, con- sisting of portraits, landscapes, a few historical pieces, miniatures, models, and drawings cf various descriptions. ACADEMY OF TUE ARTS OP DESIGN. 373 ou the 1st of May the same year, in a private room in Broadway, on the corner of Reed-street, but they have now a permanent and beautiful exhibition room in the upper portion of a new building in Chambers-street, di- rectly opposite the Academy of Arts, and over the Ar- cade Baths. None but the productions of living artists, are here admitted. Students, desirous of entering, are required to show a drawing at the school, to be approved by the council. The evenings for drawing, are Mon- days, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The assessment fee is g V to defray the expense of light and fuel. The models are lighted with gas. The price of admission is 25 cents, to view the annual exhibitions of pictures, draw- ings, engravings, busts, models, and casts of every de- scription. The objects announced by the Society, in their address to the public, were stated to be, mutual im- provement, and the instruction of all others who wish to become students of the arts of design ; and they hope that the establishment of an institution, directed and sup- ported by artists, wll be found worthy of patronage. For the suoport of this institution, they look to the re- venues derived fi'ora exhibitions and lectures, for the funds to carry forward their plans, to pay the expenses of the schools, and to furnish a collection of models. They intend to be guided by laws framed by themselves, without any other interference ; as every profession in society knows best, what measures are necessary for its own government. Samuel F. B. Morse is President, and Henry Inman, Vice-President. 32 374 TUB PAXOIiAMIC ROTUKDA. The Panoramic Rotunda. John Vanderlyn, a disting-uisbed artist of this country, has the merit of bringing- forward this dehgbtful exhibi- tion, which was in a building* erected by subscription in 1818. on ground adjac'^nt to the Kast end of the New- York Institution and the City Hall, with the entrance in Chambers-street : the ground was given free of rent for ten years by the Corporation, on condition that the building should devolve to the city after that period. Splendid panoramic views of the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, painted by Mr. Vanderlyn, and of the City of Paris, pa-nted by Barker; the City of IVIexico, the Battle of VVaterloo, and other paintings, have been ex- hibited ; also, one of the City of Athens. The building is 53 feet in diameter, and 40 feet in height, of a circu- lar form, with a pantheon shaped dome, and a sky-Hght. The room is open from '^ o'clock till 4, Admittance, 25 <"ent<. browere's gallery of busts, &c. 375 The pictures here exhibited may fairly be termed the triumph of perspective ; so complete is the illusion, after being a short time in the room, that the spectator imagines he is present at the display of the real objects. Besides the panoramic vietvs, Mr. Vanderlyn has a gal- lery of his own paintings, which may truly be said tu dis- play the finest talents in this divine art. His Ariadne, is one of the best efforts of his pencil ; and his Caius Marius is (he painting that he exhibited in the Louvre of Paris, and to which was awarded the second prize by the Emperor ISapoieon. Mr. Paff has a col'eclion of valuable paintings, cameos- shells, coins, medals, and arncies of virtu, in a private exhibition room in Broadway, opposite the south gate of the Park. Artists are admitted free ; to others the price is twenty-five cents. No person in this city, un- derstands better than this gentleman, the art of buying, selling, or repairing pictures, or has a more intimate and extensive knowledge of the details of the science as applicable to such purposes. Browere's Gallery of Busts and Statues. The object of this institution is, to hand down to posterity, the fea- tures and forms of distinguished American personages, as they actually were at the period of the execution of their likenesses by Mr. Browere. The process is unique, and invariably produces a fac-simile of the original, as perfectly as a seal can impress on melted wax whatever is engraven on its surface, and therefore, needs no com- mentary OK its utility. Succeeding generations will ap- peal to these documents as the standard for their wcks in painting or sculpture. The success of Mr. Browere's invention, has been universally acknowledged, and we doubt not, will eventually be beneficial to himself and family, and to the cause of art, science, and literature. Among the number of his bu ts are, the originals of Washington, Franklin, Paul Jones, and Jefferson, by Houdon of France, who has been acknowledged the most eminent of his prot'ession in Europe. These are precious documents, and ought to be carefully preserved. The Gallery of original Portraits, Busts, and Statues by Mr. Browere, are, Ex-presidents John Adams, 376 PLACES OP PUBLIC AMUSEMENT. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Monroe. Pre- sident John Q. Adams ; Generals Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton, Jacob Brown, and Alexander Macomb. Go- vernors George Clinton, John Jay, and De Witt Clin- ton. Honourable Charles Carrol of Carrolton, Henry Clay, Richard Rush, James Barbour, Samual Southard, Samuel L. Mitchell, Marmus Willett, Churchell C. Cambrelling-, Commodore David Porter, Colonels Isaac Van Wart, and David Williams. Doctors David Ho- sack, Valentine Mott, &c. to the number of upwards of one hundred. We are given to understand, that all of the above busts to that of the Hon. Richard Rush, will be executed by Mr Browere, in bronze metal, and re- tained for their purchase by Government ; until which period, if ever, they will be exhibited for the benefit of their proprietor. The Gallery will be established in New- York, and copies exhibited annually throughout the United States. Miniature or cabinet editions of porcelain in glass, will be kept for sale, conditionally. Admittance^ twenty-five cents. The Architectural Room of Ithiel Town and 'M. E. Thompson in the Exchange, contains the most valuable and extensive collection of books and prints, relative to that noble art and science ; those gentlemen stand at the head of their profession in this city, and have pro- duced the best specimens of architecture. PLACES OF PUBLIC AMUSEMENT. The Park Theatre. The New-York Theatre, in the Bowery. The Theatre in Chatham-street. The Lafayette Theatre in Laurens-street. The Circus in Broadway. Mount Pitt Circus, in Grand-street.— jj ^ / Castle Garden, at the Battery. "" S ) Vauxhall Garden, Bowery, "g e 1 Contoit's New-York Garden, Broadway. «^ jc ( East River Garden, Corlaters Hook. The first theatre ever established in New- York, was THE PARK THEATRE. 377 in an old building on Cruger's wharf, near Old Slip ; but the first regu/ar Thevitre built in New- York, was in the year 1750, and was a stone building, in the vicinity of the Dutch Church, near Maiden-Lane. Hallam was the manager; and in this house, the sterling English tragedies and comedies were performed. The company subsequently went to Jamaica, and the house was pulled down. About the year ! 769, another temporary wooden theatre was erected in Beekman-street, which was de- stroyed by a mob. about the year 1774- Hallam's com- pany returned from Jamaica, when the Theatre in John- street was built, between Broadway and Nassau-street. This was destroyed by fire in 1779. During the revolutionary war, and while the English troops held possession of New- Yurk, the officers amused themselves by assuming the management of the drama, which rendered the theatre a very fashionable place of resort. Nor did it lose any of its attractions after the establishment of peace ; the subsequent manaigers hav- ing found it their intere&t to engage respectable per- formers, and to bring out .'■uch pieces as were suitable to the taste of a liberal and enlightened audience. The Park Theatre. This spacious edifice was erected in the year 1798, at an expense of $179^000, by a company of gentlemen who purchased the ground, in Chatham-street, opposite the park, and erected thereon the most elegant theatre at that time in existence in this country. It was sold at auction soon after, and was puT chased for $50,000 by Astor and Beekman, the present owners. The exterior of the building is quite plain, but the interior is splendid, and fitted up with much taste ; and is so arranged, that the performers and the stage are seen, with great ad- vantage, from all parts of the house. The Theatre was consumed by fire on the night of the 24th May. 1820. The performances of the evening previous, were, "'■The Siege of Tripoli," and the '"■ Battle of Chipp'^wa," for the benefit of the author, Mr. Noah. A large audience assembled, and seamen and marines were introduced in 37S THE PARK THEATRE. both pieces, which were tumultuously applauded through- out the evening. The fire was discovered about one o^clock, and by the dawn of day, the interior was com- pletely burnt. The walls were left standing in good pre- servation, owing to their great thickness, which, toge- ther with their height, confined the fury of the element, and prevented its injuring any of the contiguous build- ings, with the exception of the roof of an adjoining four story building, on the north east side, used as an hotel. The sight was awful and grand in the extreme ; the flames rising to the height of two hundred feet, or more, diffused a horrid glare of light, which contrasted strikingly with the deep verdure of the park in front, and the dark, lowering clouds, that bestowed a copious and beneficent shower, which effectually prevented any great exten- sion of the fire to the vicinity. It gradually subsided by completely exhausting every combustible material within the walls. After the fire, it lay in ruins for seve- ral months, but the proprietors, relying on the well- known liberality and good taste of the citizens, deter- mined to rebuild it on an improved plan, and it was re-r opened on the 1st of August, 1821, with a prize address, written by Mr. Sprague of Boston. The Theatre fronting the Park is 80 feet ; 55 in height to the top of the cornice, and 165 feet deep. The front is extremely plain. Adjoining the rear of the building, on Theatre alley, is a substantial wing, containing the green room, dressing rooms, and other apartments connected with the house ; the whole neatly finished, and fire proof. The entrance from the doors to the boxes is perfectly level ; the doors, of which there 2ire Jive to the boxes, two to the pit, and one to the gallery, all open outward. The vestibule, or ticket lobby is nine feet wide, and 47^ feet long. Here the company are perfectly sheltered from the weather, while tickets are procured from the offices. From this the audience enter the check doors to the corri- dor or box lobby, through a double colonnade, of 14 Io- nic columns. — Tlie stairs to the 2d, 3d, and 4th tier of boxes, lead from each end of this colonnade, and are 7 feet wide, with mahogany rail and bannisters throughout. The lobby at the narrowest part is 14 feet wide, and is THE PAIIK TUEATKE. 37^ sufficiently spacious to contain the whole audience, who can with great ease, leave the house through the vomi- toris on the least alarm. The saloon or cofFce room is on the second floor, and fronts the strt;el ; it is 50 feet in length, 16 wide, and 17 in height, with large arched windows. The punch room is of similar dimensions, on the third story. The form of the interior of the house is that of the Lyre., measuring at the stage boxes 52i feet. The stage, at the drop curtain is 38 feet wide and 70 deep from the front and 40 feet to the ceiling. In each of the circles there are 14 boxes, which are sup- ported by 15 small columns, 6 feet 6 inches in height., receding 1 6 inches from the front, which gives a fair view of the audience, and prevents the sight being obstruct- ed. The proscenium is composed of four columns 21^ feet high, which support the entablature. From the cor- nice, over the columns, springs an eliptic vault of 53 feet, receding from the auditory 15 feet, terminating in front on an eliptic arch 15^ feet high. The stage doors stand between two of the above-mentioned columns, on each side. Leading from the orchestra are two private boxes, with adjoining rooms, appropriated foi- the proprietors. The stage and machinery were executed under the im- mediate direction of Mr. George Concklin: Mr. Hugh Reinagle, was the architect who furnished the designs, and under whose inspection the house was erected and finished. The roof is shingled and covered with tin ; the whole completely fire proof. The front of the build- ing is covered with oil cement., in imitation of brown free stone. The house will hold 2,500 persons, and is under the management of Mr. Simpson. The yearly rent of the building is gl8,000. The following celebrated performers have appeared on he boards of this house : Hodgkinson, G. F. Cooke, T. A. Cooper, Wallack, Twaits, Kean, Mac ready, Con- way, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, Simpson, Booth, Mr. and Mrs. Hilson, Mr. and Mrs. Hackett, Mrs. Sharpe, Miss Kelly, Mr. Phillips, the vocalist, Incledon, Maywood, Pearman, Mrs. Knight, Miss C. Fisher, and numerous others. In the fall of 1825, Signior Garcia and family, with an Italian troupe, arrived in this city, and opened 380 PARK THEATRE. the Italian Opera to a delighted American audience. Never was any entertainment more cordially received, and more liberally patronized during their stay. On opera nights the pit tickets were $1 boxes $2 : on other nights, pit 50 cents, boxes g > , gallery 25 cents. The improvement of the public taste will nodoubt soon require and amply remunerate the establishment of an opera corps in this city. No city in the world, of equal size, gives better encouragement than this to entertainments cf every description, from the number of strangers in it, and the taste of the citizens for theatrical amuse- ments. Regulations for Carriages at the Theatre. Great difficulty and confu- sion havino^ recently occurred among tlie carriages ai the Park Theatre, by which the lives oi the citizens have been endangered and their car- riagfes exposed to injury, the following regulations are to be rigidly en- forced. 1. The street immediately in front of the theatre is to be k?pt entirely clear, and no carriage of any description will be allnwed to remain there after they shall have set down their company. 2. A.f'er 10 o'clock a; nisht no hackney coaches shall occupy the stand on the Park-side of Chatham-street, below the head of Beekman-street, but siia'l form in line above the theati-e, with their horses' heads towards St. Paul's Church ; and on the coming out of the audi-nce the first in line will take the first company which applies, and drive off immediately; and if the first applying is a single person, the driver shall not wait for more company. 3. No hack will be allowed to drive out of the line ; but if passengers shall apply for a particular nuraber, where the carriage stands, they may be taken up, and the carriage shall immediately drive away, and its place be supplied fiy the next in waiting. 4. A person will be employed to open the doors and let down the steps of ihe carriages ; and no driver will be permitted on any pretence to leave his box. 5. No driver shall be allowed to lake in passengers who shall not have two lamps, properly numbered and lighted ; and if found deficient in this respect, shall iramtdiateiy be ordered away by the Superintendent of Hacks, or one of the officers stationetl for the purpose. 6. Private carriages will form in line below tne theatre, with their horses hearts towards the Brick Presbyterian • hurcb, and in no case shall the line be broken ; but the owners may take their carriages where they stand and drive away, and the space left shall be immediately filled by the next in waiting. 7. Persons oi private carriages are requested to order their coachmen not to leave their boxes. The doors of those carriages which are not attended by footmen, will be opened by persoas stationed for that purpose. :SBW-YORK THEATRE. SS\ The JSPno- York Theatre, Bowery. As one of the modern public ornaments of this city, this building stands pre-eminent. The foundation stone was laid by the Hon. Philip Hone, Mayor, in May 1826, with much ceremony ; and the house was opened for theatrical representations on the 16th October following-, under the manag-ement of Mr. Charles Gilfert. The principal performers engaged are very respectable. The building has a front on the Bowery of 75 feet, is 175 feet deep, and 50 feet high to the cornice; 33 feet of the front in the centre recedes 16 feet, the entabla- ture of which is supported by two Grecian Doric co- lumns, and two antae of corresponding- proportions ; the diameter of the columns is 5 feet, their height 30 feet, and the height of the entablature 10 feet. The whole front, and all its ornaments, except the cornice, is finish- ed with cement, on hard brick, in imitation of marble a little shaded. The entire front is the boldest execution of the doric order in the United States, and is also more exactly according to the true spirit and style of the best Grecian examples in the detail, than any other specimen yet executed. Had there been six columns in front, as was originally intended by the architect, but prevented by a wish on the part of the proprietors for greater economy of room, this would unquestionably have been the most perfect as well as boldest specimen of Grecian Doric in this country. The steps and basement are of white marble ; the front centre door is of style and size to conform, but other doors and windows were from necessity placed in the front, which are an injury to the simplicity and dignity of this order. The interior is well arranged, and fitted up for show, convenience of seeing, and for ease equal if not supe- rior, in some respects, to any other theatre in the United States ; and it may in justice be said, that no one has been managed with superior talent, liberality, or suc- cess under all circumstances of difficulty, and competi- tion, than this has, ever since it was opened ; and this has been fully met, and constantly sustained by a liberal patronage from a judicious and discerning public. 382 r^^EW-YORK THEATRE. Mr. Town, the architect of this building', desei much praise for the results that have been produced in th erection of this edifice, from the limited sums that wert originally devoted to this purpose, and the economy that has been rigidly observed ; the framing of the roof was produced in a cheap, new, and peculiar method, com- bining strength with lightness. The basement and walls are massive, and constructed of blue stone and brick. The interior is elegant, chaste, and classical in its de- sign, the ground- work being of a light colour, with or- naments in the Grecian style. The scenery, which is very beautiful, was painted by Mr. Coyle, Mr. Inman, and others. The drop curtain represents an Italian landscape. The whole is lighted with gas in the most brilliant and effective manner, and, by means of globu- lar ground glass shades, the light is softened, and the effect is highly agreeable to the eye. The leader of the orchestra is Mr. Taylor, formerly leader of the band at the Park Theatre. The prices of admission are, to the boxes 73 cents, pit 37^, gallery twenty-five cents. The enormous sum of $600 per night, was paid by the manager to Signorina Garcia to perform a few nights in parts of Italian and English opera ; on those evenings the prices of box and pit tickets were doubled, yet the house was filled, and the receipts fully justified the ma- nager's liberality, and established the fashionable cha- racter of the house. The manager in the winter and spring of 1827, introduced to the American public the French opera dancers, Madame Hutin, Mons. and iWa- dame Achille, Mad'lle Celeste, Mad'Ue Heloise, Mons. Barbie re, and others, which drew crowded houses, and have since constituted one of the most powerful attrac- tions. They have produced several grand ballets and operas. Many English performers have been brought forward on these boards : Mr. Holland, Mr. Chapman, Mr. De Camp, Mr. Pearman, Miss George, Miss Rock, and Mr. and Mrs. Young ; also Mr. Forrest, an Ameri- c2Ln performer. LA PAYETTE THEATltE. 38 O The La Fayette Tlieatre. In Laurens-street, near Canal-street. It was first opened in 1824, as a circus and riding- school ; and on the 6th of November, 1825, was occu- pied for the Grand Canal Ball, and fitted up for that occasion with great splendour. The interior of the building was afterwards altered into its present appear- ance, viz. a spacious pit, and two rows of boxes, with a gallery. The stage is uncommonly large and deep, and capable of producing fine scenic effect. The melo-dramas and other pieces that are here brought out, have been much admired, and constantly draw crowded houses. The low prices of admission, viz. 25 to 75 cents, are strong inducements to visit this entertaining place of public resort. The v/hole concern is the property of Charles W. Sandford, Esq. ; and is under the management of Mr. Burroughs. The principal performers have been Mrs. Sandford, Mrs. Duff, Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Keene, the vocalist, Mr. Maywood, Miss Riddle, and Mr. Thayer. The side and rear walls of the building are of brick ; and the front, which is of granite, has some pretensions to architectural elegance. The edifice covers a space of ground of 80 by 200 feet. An equestrian troop are also attached to this concern; and they are introduced in the grand spectacles, that are frequently produced here in the best style. The Theatre^ Chatham-street. From small beginnings, this establishment has risen to be one of considerable notoriety, and of a very at- tractive character. A smail building was fitted up in 1822 and 3, for summer representations, and a large awning covered the spectators. In 1824, a new and very neat and commodious brick building was erected, and opened for the public on the 1 0th of May, by a poetical prize address. A very good company of per- torraers are engaged ; and this is now an established and 384 CHATHAM THEATRE, reputable theatre in every respect. The prices of ad- mission are, to the pit 25 cents, boxes 50 cents. The entrance is rather forbidding in its appearance, being- from Chatham-street through a long narrow entry leading into an open garden ornamented with shrub- bery and a fountain ; but the stranger is not a little sur- prised to find here a large plain edifice, in the rear of the buildings on the street, but occupying the whole interior of the block, and quite imposing in its appear- ance. The amount of receipts of all the various places of public recreation in this city, such as theatres, circuses, and gardens, may be estimated, from the best data, as rather over, than under, five hundred thousand dollars per annum ; which is far more encouragement in thea- tricals, in regard to our population, than is given by any otli' city of equal size in Europe or America. In the busiest seasons of the year, New-York has within it from 5 to 10,000 strangers, all eager for amusement, and rushing to the various spectacles with avidity. This, together with the moderate prices, and the increased population of our city, explains the cause of the liberal encouragement received by all the places of amuse- ment : and it is certainly due to the various managers, to state that they are extremely zealous in acquiring and liberal in remunerating the best talent of English and American performers. Besides the four established theatres, there are nume- rous other places of public amusement and resort, that are open for regular or occasional exhibitions. Thea- trical performances take place every evening in the year, except Sundays ; and at certain seasons the cir- cuses are open for several months. Concerts, balls, and parties, in the winter season, are thickly inter- spersed, and attended by the fashionable world. No cit}r in the United States supports a greater number or variety of public exhibitions ; and merit and originality in every department are sure to be well rewarded. «;1KCUSES AND PUBLIC GARDENS. 385 The Circus^ Broadway. A large wooden building in Broadway, between Ca- nal-street and Grand -street, is occasionally occupied as a Theatre, and for equestrian performances, principally during the warm season. It is uncertain whether it is long continued in that place ; it has latterly been ma- naged by Mr. Co well. Mount Pitt Circus^ Grand-street* This was erected in the fall of 1826, in a conspicuous situation in the eastern part of the city, and quite remote from the populous part of New-York : it was finished and occupied, before the public were generally aware of its existence. It is spacious and commodious, and the company consists of the same that formerly exhibited at the Lafayette, when that was used as a Circus. THE PUBLIC GARDENS, Castle Garden^ considered as an appendage to the Battery walk that adjoins it, is one of the noblest places of public recreation in the world. Formerly built as a place of defence, in 1807 — 8 and 9, and retained for public purposes until 1823; it was then ceded by the United States government to the Corporation of this city, after being dismantled. Immense sums of money were expended in its erection, and the foundation, su- perstructyre, and bridge, cost the government, at dif- ferent times, several hundred thousand dollars ! It is considered to be a valuable acquisition to the city, and was obtained through the medium of our representative in congress, Mr. Golden, and the application of our city authorities to the Tieads of department at Washington. It was leased in 1824, for five years at ^1400 per year, and became immediately a fashionable resort. The felicitous situation of this spot, projecting out from the line of the Battery into the deep waters of the harbour, and commanding one of the noblest views in the world, caused at its opening, a rush of genteel company. 386 CASTLE GAEDE3.. during the warm season, that was quite unprecedeiileii before in our city. The illusion of the scene at this place during the pleasant evenings of summer are truly delightful. The walls supporting the walk are 600 feet in circumference, 8 feet thick, and are elevated 35 feet above the water ; on this basis is a roof sloping- from the walls, towards the interior, and surrounded and co- vered with seats, in the form of an amphitheatre ; on the outside of, and at a superior elevation abuve the cir- culai- seats, is a circular horizontal walk of 15 feet in breadth, extending around three fourths of the circum- ference of the edifice, on which is the public prome- nade. The whole interior of this prea will hold con- veniently ten or fifteen thousand people, and allow suf- ficient moving room. The walk is railed in securely, and covered with an awning in the heat of the day, when it offers a charming retreat from the sultry air and dust of the city, while it also exhibits an ever varying scene to the eye, of water craft, moving around the harbour in every direction, and almost brushing the walls as they pass by the fort, where the depth of water allows a near approach. In the evening, the bridge leading to the garden, and the whole interior of the premises are gaily lighted with numerous lamps. A full band of music is always engaged, and fireworks and other exhibitions at- tract nightly, to this enchanting place, a vast concourse of genteel citizens and strangers ; the latter especially, are always seen in great numbers. The combination of objects that are here presented to the eye, are frequently of the most gratifying description. The Hudson river, with its rugged western border, stretching far to the north — the near view of large ships of war and mer- chantmen moored off in the river, or the harbour — the arrival and departure of steamboats^at various hours of the day, crowded with passengers, and noisy with bells, steam, and bugles, and smoky and foamy in their pro- gress — the distant forts, and not unfrequently the firing- of cannon from them, and also from shipping — the large and dry terrace and parterres of the Battery walk, usually swarming with visiters — the fine trees, and re- gular and handsome private dwellings around the east CASTLE GARDEN. 387 side of the Battery — the telegraph at work— the distant hills of Staten Island and New-Jersey, covered with ver- dure, and forming- the back ground to a noble expanse of water, and a harbour thirty miles in circumference. These are the attractions that cause the Castle Garden of New-York to be the most favoured place of public resort. The premises are leased out by the corporation ; and the proprietors have fitted up the interior at a larg-e ex-' pense, and erected a spacious ball room, 90 feet in leng-th. Admission is g-ained by a yearly payment of $10 for a family, or $5 for a single person, or by nightly tickets, sold at varving prices. Refreshments of every descrip- tion are furnished, and the whole mterior sometimes dis- plays numerous groups, and parties, seated around their tables, partaking of their delicacies, and presenting the appearance of a large and hapoy party of pleasure, while the enlivening strains of music, and the constant find moving variety of dress, feature, language and ac- tion, keep the attention constantly awake and gratified. Exhibitions of fireworks of a superior description are I made in the warm season at Castle Garden ; and oa ; such gala nights several thousand people are frequently I collected. The ascent of balloons with aeronauts, is ! very advantageously seen from this spot and the Bat- i tery. Within the walls of this Castle was given the fa- I mous " Fete to La Fayette,'' in 18'24, which far tran- scended in splendour any pageant ever witnessed in the I United States. I Numerous Public Gardens^ or enclosures, ornament- ed with trees and shrubbery, for the sale of ice cream, Boda water, and other refreshments, are to be found in Broadway, the Bowery, and the other principal streets. F^auxhall Garden is situated in the Northern suburbs of the city, between the Bowery and Broadway ; but it has been "recently much shorn of its former extent and splendour, by the opening of La Fayette Place, a street of JOG feet in width, through the centre of the garden ; it is still however, a place of agreeable resort in summer. East River Garden, near Corlaers Heok^ extends from )y3tPr-stroef: to the bank of the river, a short distance. .^88 3HJSICAL SOCIETIES. east of the Walnut-street ferry. It is prettily laid out, sloping to the water's edge, and is embellished with a shrubbery, and fountain, and a stage is erected where there is an occasional concert of music, &c The view from this spot of the Navy Yard, and ships of war on the opposite side of the stream, here only 707 yards wide ; of the harbour, forts, forests of Shipping at the distant wharves, ferry boats, and large steamboats, sloops, ships, and water craft of every description, con- stantly passing by, is highh amusing, and cannot be ex- ceeded, except by the Castle Garden and Battery. The price of admission is only 12^ cents. MUSICAL SOCIETIES. The Euterpean Society of New- York was, for many years, the only established and flourishing institution of the musical kind in this city. It consists of 100 or more members, who, on their first admission into the Society, pay a standing fee of initiation of ^5, and also ^5 on the receipt of the tickets for the annual concert, that is given during the winter at the City Hotel, or Washing- ton Hall, to a crowded audience. They also have re- gular weekly meetings, at 8 o'clock in the evening, from 1st October to May or June, at which are performed the best modern compositions, interspersed with vocal music, frequently from eminent amateurs or professors. Strangers are readily admitted, on the introduction of a member, and we recommend to every one desirous of a musical treat to repair to the room of the Society, in Nassau-street, on the corner of Fulton-street. J\Iusica' Fund Society^ consists of an association of professors, who give concerts, and have a permanent fund for benevolent purposes. The Handel and Haydn Society^ was organized in 1815-16, for the cuhiv^tion of sacred music, and consists of a large number of ladies and gentlemen ; of whom several are known to excel as vocal performers. They have given, at various times, oratorios in St. Paul's Church, at which the most eminent singers in this country have taken a conspicuous part. It h CONCERTS, ASSEMBLIES, &C. 38 9 Dut just to say, they take the lead of any other perform- ances ever witnessed here, both from the strength and the excellence of the choir. A small monthly tax is paid by the members to meet expenses. The Society meet in their room in William street, Tuesday evenings, from October to June. Strangers of respectability and musical taste, may always find admission by an applica- tion to any of the acting managers. Concerts. Public concerts are usually given during the winter season to fashionable houses, at the City Hotel, or Ma- sonic Hall ; and they constitute a popular and delightful source of amusement to strangers also. They are always advertised in the newspapers, and may be entered by application, at the bar of any of the principal hotels, or at the Music and Bookstores. Assemblies and Dancing Parties. The city assemblies are under the management of gentlemen, regularly appointed by the subscribers, that consist of the most respectable families in the city. They are held ijp the Assembly Room, City Hotel. Public Balls are held every week from November to May, by various teachers of dancing, at the City Hotel and the Masonic Hall, which are open to subscriptions for the season at $10. or for single evenings, ^1. The company is less select here than in the- city assemblies, but is more pleasing to strangers. NEWSPAPERS. About one hundred years have elapsed since a regular weekly newspaper, called the Weekly Gazette, was first published in this city. From that time until the revolution, there continued to be at least one, and oc- casionally two newspapers printed ; one of which was the New-York Mercury, in a small foho size. Under 0*90 NEWSPAPERS?. the Dutch g-overnment, the authorities in the mother country would not allow of any printing- press in the colony. Rivington's Royal Gazette* was published reg"ularly during the occupation of this city by the ene- my from 1776 to (783: and in 1786, the present New- York Gazette was esiablished. There are now !2 daily papers, (8 morning and 4 af- ternoon,) 8 semi- weekly, and — weekly papers, regu- larly printed in this city : and from actual inquiry, the number of daily papers circulated or issued by the dif- ferent offices is from I to 3,000 copies, or 15,000 in all ; of the semi-weekly in all about 8,000, and of the weekly 30,000 : and if the foregoing estimate is correct, and it cannot vary much either way, it would produce the fol- lowing results : — Per Week. Per Year. Daily, sheets issued, . 15,000 = 90,000 = 4.680,000 Semi-weekly, . . 8,000 = 16,000 = 832,000 Weekly, 30,000 = 1,560,000 Total, 7,072,000 which would consume yearly about 15,000 reams of pa- per, the average cost of the same being from $4 to $5 per ream. There are supposed to be 600 newspapers in the United States, viz. 50 daily, 150 semi-weekly, and 400 weekly; and that 1,000 are on an average printed of each paper : which would make, of the daily papers 50,000 each day, and in 313 days . . 15,650,000 Semi weekly, 150,000, .... 15,600,000 Weekly, 400,000, 20,800,000 Total, 52,050,000 which would require 104,400 reams of paper ; the cost of the same would be about half a million of dollars. From a comparison of these estimates, it appears that the city of JVew-York issues rather more than one- * This famous paper was issued from the house on the corner of Wall 3nd Pear) streets, now Hone's auction room. MOKNING PArEKb. JDi seventh of the whole number of newspapers in the Union, and one-fourth of all the daily papers published in the United States. From this exuberant supply of the daily and weekly presses, and the low price charged, as compared with the Englisli and French papers, these useful vehicles of public amusement are liberally patronized by all classes, and are found in almost every dwelling and counting house, and in all hotels, taverns, and groceries ; and attract a large portion of the public attention. As the paths of honour and of promotion are alike open to every one, it follows that political discussion forms the principal matter of newspaper admission. There is no country where the press exercises a more powerful sway over public opinion. DAILY MORNING PAPERS. The present JVew-York Gazette was commenced in Hanover-Square, by Mr. John M'Lean, in the year 1786; and was published twice a week by him, until the 1st of January, 1790; when he commenced the daily publication of it. J. Laag, the present senior proprietor of the New- York Gazette, bought one-half of the establishment of the Gazette in 1797 ; and the paper was published by M-Lean & Lang, until the death of the former, in the fever of 17^8. Mr. Lang subsequently bought the re= sidue from the widow of his deceased partner. At the commencement of the year 1801, Mr. Lang sold a por- tion ijf the establishment to Mr. John Turner ; and the paper has been conducted by them to the present time : theyhaving been aided latterly by their sons Robert U. Lang and William Turner. It is worthy of remark, that the celebrated papers of General Hamilton, entitled the Federalist, under the signature of Camillus, wei e originally published in the Gazette, in the year 1788. The New- York Gazette is published daily in the morn- ing, at No. 3 Hanover-Square, on a large super-royal sheet, and has a very extensive, regular, and respectable 392 MORNING PAPERS. patronage among- the various classes of citizens, espe- cially the old established and wealthy merchants. The political character of the editors is of the old an ti- demo- cratic school. The Mercantile Advertiser is, what its name indi- cates, a paper exclusively devoted to advertisements, and to the announcement of the news of the day, " with- out note or comment;" or, in other words, is not a party paper. It has a considerable circulation, and is one of the oldest established papers in this city. Editors and proprietors A. Butler and Georg-e W. Heyer. It is published daily, at 159 Pearl-street. The J^ew-York Daily Advertiser, established 17th of February, 1817, is one of the best and most important newspapers published in the United States, consider- ing the ability with which the editorial department is conducted by Mr. Dwight and his son, aided by Mr. Townsend in the commercial and Mr. Walker in the typographical departments, or the extensive circulation which it has attained ; it is also a popular vehicle for advertisements, having had upwards of 400 new ones inserted in one day. It is printed by a Napier printing press, which the proprietors imported from England at a great expense. A country paper is published semi- weekly, containing all the news of the daily papers. Office in the Exchange. The J\ational Advocate, published daily, was esta- blished in 1812, as the staunch supporter of the demo- cratic party, and edited at that time by Henry Wheaton, Esq. who was succeeded by Mr. Noah; but the con- cern has now devolved upon others. The paper is sup- ported by the party now in power. The J^ew-York Enquirer is published daily, and is ably edited by M. M. Noah, Esq. as the organ and leader of the great republican parly in this city and state. This is a paper of great pohtical power and in- fluence; and has also considerable advertising pat.'-on- age. M. Noah is well known for his talents for dramatic writing and criticism ; and no paper is more eagerly sought after than this, for the varied amusement always EVETilNO PAPEKS. 39.S contained ia its columns. A semr-weekly paper is also published. The Journal of Commerce was established on the 1st T)f September, {^11, and is published daily and semi- weekly. It excludes all theatrical and lottery adver- tisements ; and is edited by a {gentleman from Virginia, William H. Maxwell, Esq. This paper has an exten- sive patronage peculiar to itself, derived from the manner in which it was established. The office is in the base- ment of the Exchange, on Wall-street. The Morning Courier is published daily in Exchange- Place, opposite the Post-OfBce ; and is edited by Messrs. Brooks, Skillman, Lawson, and Webb. The Merchants'* Telegraph, edited by John J. Mum- ford, is published daily. It was established in January, 1828. EVENING PAPERS. The JSTew-York Evening Post, edited by William C. Bryant, Esq. and Mr. Burnham, is published daily and semi-weekly, at No. 49 William-street. It was esta- blished the 10th of November, 1801 ; and has long been considered one cf the most fashionable daily afternoon papers, and .has a very extended circulation. The Commercial Advertiser (daily for the city) and the JVeio- York Sppxtator (for the country, semi-weekly) are published at No 48 Pine-street. The editors and proprietors are William L. Stone, Esq. and Francis Hall. These are amusing and well edited papers, and give the earliest literary announcements ; and their co- lumns are always replete with variety. Their circula- tion is very extensive in Canada and the British colo- nies. The JVeio- York American is edited by Charles King, Esq. ; and is published daily and semi-weekly. This may be considered as the organ of the present national administration, in this city and state. It was founded the 8th of March, 1820. Its editor possesses distin- guished talents, and his paper is extensively circulated 394: WEEKLY PAPERS. in the fashionable circles of society. It is pi aited oii the Napier printing machine in New-street. The J^ew-York Statesman, published daily and serai- weekly, is edited by N. H- Carter, Esq. and George Prentiss. The office is in the Exchange, adjoining the Merchants' Rotunda. Connected with their office, the proprietors have a large subscription reading room, sup- plied with all the principal newspapers in the United States ; and a ship letter ojfice, where all the regular packets for foreign ports have their bags deposited to receive letters before sailing Terms of subscription to the room, $S per annum; subscribers to the N. Y. Statesman, or the Merchants' Exchange room, ^A per annum; yearly advertising subscribers to the N. Y. S. free. Rooms open from 8 A. M. to 9 P. M. ; and on Sundays, from 8 to 10 A. M. and 12 to 2 P. M. Sub- sd';^ribers have the right to put letters into the brgs with- out ^♦charge; and to introduce their friends from other places^*', for a term not exceeding three weeks, on enter- ing the> ir names in a book kept for the purpose. Mr. CiS'/arter is extensively known as the author of *' Letter^ from Europe;" which first appeared in this paper dufVing his tour through Ireland, Scotland, Eng- land, Fr' ance, and Italy; and which, since his return from abro.<^ad, have been collected and published in two vols. Svo. * The Statesman is also considered as the or- gan of that e^'xtensive class of our countrymen in this state that feel- strongly disposed to cherish the American System of eacdjuraging our own valuable manufactures. This paper has j a large country circulation, and consi- derable in this <^city. WEEKLY PAPERS. The Albican, or British Colonial and Foreign Weekly Gazette, is published on Saturdays, at No. 50 Wall- street, Jonf'is's buildings; price $6 per annum. It is devoted mf jre particularly to copious extracts from the English papers, relative to politics, literature, poetry, rriticisra^. &c. to!»-ether with a glance at the principal WEEKLY PAJfJilii-. 39a iloins oi American intelligence. It began its career the 22d of June, in22; and has been constantly and ably edited by J S. IJartlelt, M.D. It is closely printed, on a sheet of imperial quarto size; forming" 24 columns of the most amusing variety of any weekly paper in the United States ; and is extensively patronised in Canada and the British colonies. The JSTew- York J\firror and Ladies* Literary Gazette, edited by George P. Morris, is published on Saturdays; price $i per annum. This paper occupies 8 pages of royal quarto size, and is an amusing melange of selected and original matter, covefed by an advertising sheet. It was established in 1^23. Le Courier dcs Etats Unis is a paper in the French language, published weekly, in a large quarto size, simi- lar to ihe Albion, and like that more particularly de- voted to foreign politics and literature. Price $6 per annum. The JVew-York Observer and Religious Chronicle, edited by Messrs. Morse and Ilallock, is published and printed at the American Tract Society's house, in Nas- sau-street ; price ,^3 per annum ; issued on Saturdays. Being principally devoted to religious subjects and com- munications, and also the vehicle of intelligence con- nected with missionary, Bible, and tract societies, it has the most extensive circulation throughout the United States of any weekly paper published here., It com- menced 17th May, 1823. Freedorn?s Journal, a weekly paper, intended to dis- seminate good advice to the African race generally. Price $3 per annum. The Comparative Price Current and European and American Commercial Reporter, is published weekl}^ on a large royal sheet; price $6 per annum. It was commenced in the summer of 1827. The plan of the paper is original and extensive, and consists of accurate comparisons of the prices in the principal cities of the United States. The same comparative prices are ^wen under a separate head of the West Indies and South Americn ; and in London and Liverpool, in England, and Havre, in France ; and in Quebec, Montreal, Mali- fax, and St. John's, in the British Provinces of North America. The JVeto- York Price Current. The J^eW'York Spy. Devoted to theatrical criti- cisms. The Truth-Teller. The Telescope. The Redacieur Espagnol, — (in th'e Spanish language.! The Christian Herald. The Christian Advocate^ — (Methodist.) The Electic Recorder, — (Captist.) The principal political papers on both sides are con- ducted with too much asperity, as editors are at full liberty to animadvert upon or censure the measures of the government or of individuals, but are liable to an action at law if they defame or slander any person. The immense power and influence derived from a daily press is rarely abused by our editors, and but few pro- secutions for libel have ever been sustained by them. The editors and publishers of the daily papers in this city have unani- raously agreed to charge the following rates for advertising, the same as they have been for the last forty years, with tiie exception that fiity cents only is now charged for the first insertion of an advertisement making oiily ten lines, instead of seventy-five cents. For one square of twenty lines daily. Once, - - 75 cents Twice, ------- |1 00 Every succeeding time, - - - - ' 12| JVtff exceeding ten lines. •» Once, 50 Twice, -------- 75 Every succeeding time, - - - - 12^. Thrice a week. One week, ------ 1 25 Two weeks, - - - 2 Ou Three weeks, ------ 2 75 Four weeks, - - - - - 3 50 Twice a tceek. First insertion, - 75 Each succeeding insertion, - - - - 31 4 Once a week. One week, ----- 75 "Kach succeeding week, - - 5ii PKIMOIPAJL HDTELfe. o\)l i^tiull Ugal advtiriisemcnts, I2i cents por square for each insertion, in addition to the above rates. Annuul advertising' suljicribors $40 for one square, paper included ; or ^3i2 without the paper j and are not allowed to advertise in any other than their own names, or ihoso of the firm ; and the privilege not to ex- tend to administrators or executors of estates, chancery sales, or agents of any description for non-subscribers or others. Marriages retjuesicd to be inserted, 25 cents. For all notices of charitable or Bible societies half the above rates, to be paid in ad\ance. For all notices of ward or other meetings, whether political or literary, and for all duplicate notices of sales at auction, the full price. All forty dollars yearly lottery advertisements are limited to one square, and the regular charge made for all exceeding that amount of space. PRINCIPAL HOTELS. Most of the genteel and fashionable hotels and board- ing houses are to be found in Broadway. The Adelphi Hotels on the corner of Beaver-street and Broadway, is a new brick edifice, stuccoed, of six stories in height, erected in 1827, possessing elegant and spacious accommodations. The Mansion House, 39 Broadway, by Mr. W. J, Bunker, is a very large and commodious house, kept vrith the utmost neatness and attention, and usually filled with the best company ; it possesses much of the retirement and quiet of an elegant private residence.— The prices are %2 per day or $12 per week. City Hotel, by Chester Jennings, is between Thames and Cedar streets, and occupies an entire block, is the chief place of resort and is the loftiest edifice of that kind m the city, containing more than one hundred large and small parlours and lodging-rooms, besides the City Assembly Room, chiefly used for Concerts and Balls. The rooms appropriated for private families, parlours, and dining rooms, are superblj fitted up, and constantly occupied by respectable strangers. Exten- sive additions have recently been made to this establish- ment. The principal Book stores and Libraries are in the vicinity. Prices, over two days, $1 50 per day, ,510 per week, $416 per year — Board 07ily, $5 50 per week, dinner only, $3 50 per week. .\7ffio77nl Hnf"h ] 1?- Broadway, kept by Underwood 398 PRINCIPAL HOTELS. and Curtis. This house is nearly opposite to the City Hotel, and was finished in 1825. It has a large number of lodg^ing-rooms in the rear, and also a front on Cedar- street. $1 50 per day, $10 per week. Franklin House, Broadway, corner of Dey-street, kept by M'Neili Seymour, from Boston. Jimerican Hotel. Broadway, corner of Barclay-street, is a new, exrensive, and commodious establishment, oc- cupying- the most eligible situation in the city, facing the Park, and being in the vicinity of the City Hall and Theatres. The house extends on Barclay-street to the college of Physicians and Surgeons, is five stories high, with an ample number of smgle rooms and parlours for genteel families that constantly fill this establishment. Washington Hall, in Broadway, corner of Reed- street, kept by Mr. Chester Bailey, formerly of Phila- delphia. This is a very extensive establishment, and has this year been altered, repaired, and entirely new furnished in a style equal to any other, with many new parlours. Park Place House, B^-oadway, corner of Park Place, occupies a delightful situation, opposite the Park, and in the street that leads to Columbia College. It is a very respectable house. Pearl-Street House, No. 86 and 88, between Old and Coenties 31ips, is an extensive house, much resewted to by country merchants. JViblo's Bank Coffee House, in Pine-street, corner of William-street, is a famous house for good living, and is resorted to by strangers and country merchants, more than by private families. Prices ^1 50 per day, $7 a week, or ^300 per year. Its vicinity to the Exchange, Banks, and public Offices, renders it very convenient for men of business. 'S.N'ew-York Coffee House, in William-street, facing Beaver-street, is on a similar plan to the foregoing. Tontine Coffee House, in Wall-street, corner of Water- street, kept by Morse, from New-Haven. In the base- ment is an extensive and excellent restaurateur or re- freshment roomj kept by Lovejoy, where a good mesl BOARDING HOUSES IN RROADWAY. 399 may at any time be obtained for one or two shilliDgs. A bill of fare is ex()osed to suit every taste. JVew-York Hotel, ?\os. IG£?and IGl Greenwich-street, between Dey and Courtlandt streets, kept by Mr. Jesse Waterman. This fiouse is adjacent to the docks occu- pied by the Hudson river steam-boats, and is very commodious for country merchants, strangers, and fa- milies. Prices $1 50 per single day, $1 25 for more than one day — $7 per week, $300 per year ; board, without lodgin«-, $3 per week ; dinners only, $3 50 per week; single dinners 62^ cents. JVorthern Hotel, Courtlandt-street, corner of West- street, immediately adjoining the sleam-boat wharves, and consequently frequented by country merchants, &.c. Prices $1 per day, $6 per week. Walton House] No. 328 Pearl-street, between Peck Slip and Dover-street, in Franklin vSquare, kept by S. Backus. Prices $ 1 per day, ^5 per week, $260 per year. Tammany Hall, on the corner of Nassau and Frank- fort streets, is more generally known as the head quar- ters of the Republican party, and the arena of frequent political strife. Commercial Hotel, Broad -street, is frequented by French and Spanish. East River Mansion Home, No. 362 Water-street. JVew-Eno-land Hotel, Water-street, between Peck slip and Fulton-streets. -Rose Hill JIansion House, on the high ground on the east side of the third Avenue, 2 miles from the City Hall. Mount Vernon Hotel, on the banks of the East river, 5 miles out. Boarding-Houses in Broadway. The prices charged in the most respectable boarding- houses, are from one to two dollars per day : many of them contain extensive suits of rooms equal to the best hotels. No. 5 Broadway, M'Intyre. No. 13 do. Mrs. Baker. No, 24 do. Mrs. Wood. No, 33 do. Mrs. Chapman. 100 ORDINARIES. No. 35 Broadway, Mrs. Casati. No. 36 do. Mr. Street. No. 40 do. Mrs. W. C. Barker. No. 52 do. (the stone house) Mrs. Keese, for- merly Gov. Jay's residence. No. 56 Broadway, corner of Garden-street, Pearcy. No. 57 do. Mrs. Miller, corner of Garden-str. No. 58 do. Mrs Helme, do. No. 61 do. Mrs. Mann. No. 65 do. Mrs. Southart, next to Grace church. No. 66 Broadway, Mr. and Mrs. Storer- No. 126 do. Mrs. Waldron, corner of Cedar- street, opposite the City Hotel. No. 140 Broadway, Mrs. Rowland. No. 1 10. do. Miss Wade, corner of Pine-street. Mrs. Divan, corner of State and Bridge streets, op- posite the Battery. Mrs. M'Dougal, No. 6 State-street, opposite the Bat- tery. Mrs White, No. 8 do. do. Ordinaries and Houses of Refreshment. HoWs, in Fulton-street, corner of Water-street. This was the first house of this kind established in this city, where a hearty meal of victuals may at any time be had for twenty-five cents, or less ; or a cup of coffee or tea for six cents, and reUshes of soup, oysters, &c. ; also lodging" at night for twenty-five cents. Clarke and Brown's, in Maiden Lane, opposite Gold- street, on the same plan as the foregoing, for 12i to 25 or 50 cents. Dillon's, Maiden Lane. J\torse'Sy in the Tontine Coffee -House. Lovejoy\ under the Tontine Coffee-House, on a simi- iar plan. Pearson' Sy in Water-street, opposite the Tontine Cof- fee-House. Star Coffee-House, Nossau-street. between Cedar and Liberty streets. FIRE DEl'ARTMENT. 401 Exchange Coffee-House, corner of Pine and Nassau streets. The Shakspearo, corner of Fulton and Nassau streets, by Stoneall. Jackson''s^ corner of Fulton and Water streets. Broadvray House, corner of Grand-street. r4. KerVSy Water-street, near Tontine Coffee-House. Mr. Kerr also has a room for refreshments, elegantly fitted up, in the basement of the Exchange, opposite the Post-Office. In addition to the usual stock, Mr. Kerr furnishes warm coffee at six cents a cup. G. W. Brown's, CilizensV Rooms, Water-street, near Tontine CofFee-House. In the vicinity of the various Theatres are several new Taverns, and places for refreshments ; and others are continually appearing in various parts of the city. Of private boarding-hou?es the number is very large ; and in every street of the city, at prices from $2 50 to $10 the week. There are also a number of Oyster-cel- lars, and street-stands; oysters are to be had in great perfection here, and very cheap, from October to May ; and under and adjacent to the principal markets are swarms of places, where persons, having a few cents to spare, need not starve for lack of nourishment. FIRE DEPARTMENT. By the old practice, the cilizens of New- York volun- tarily engaged in taking the charge and management of the fne engine^, l!; huviug been considered expedient, however, after the fire in Water and Front streets, ia JK04, to place this department on a more permanent footing, ihe firemeu weie incorporated by the Legisla- ture, and, by a subsequent law passed on April 12, 1816, it was enacted thai they should continue to be "■ a body corporate and politic, in fact and in name, until the 1st day of May, 1838." By the rules and regulations of the Common Council, a Chief Engineer is appointed, with a salary of ^800 per annum, to whom is confided the sole and absolute control over all persons belonging to the fire depart- 34* 402 FUIE DEFARTJIEiST. ment; the charg-e of the lire engines, fire buckets, eu- giae houses, and all other fire apparatus. These he examines twice erery year, and reports to the Common Council as to their condition, together with the names of the members of the different associations ; which report is published in the newspapers every month of January. He also reports all accidents by fire, the Dumber and description of the buildings destroyed or injured, the names and occupations of the sufferers, and the probable causes of the fire ; which are registered by the City Inspector. Fire Wardens are appointed by the Common Coun- cil ; and attached to such company m the ward having an engine, as the Mayor judges proper. They receive a certificate of appointment under the seal of the Mayor- alty, la every ward they form separate companies, choose, among themselves, a foreman and clerk, and make regulations for their own government. Vacan- cies are filled up on the recommendation of the Chief Engineer, but none are eligible unless they h ve been firemen for 5 years. Fire wardens proceed to the spot, on an alarm of fire, assist in procuring water to the en- gines, prevent the hose from being trodden on. and keep idle and suspicious persons at a distance. In the months of June and December they examine all fire-places, hearths, chimneys, stoves and pipes, ovens, boilers, ket- tles, fcc. and if defective, order the owners immediately to repair them ; penalty of non-compliance with these orders, 25 dollars. They also examine all buildings, livery and other stables, hay boats or vessels, and places where gunpowder, hemp, flax, tow, hay, rushes, fire- wood, boards, shingles, sliavings, or other combustible materials may be lodged, and give orders for their re- moval or safe custody, under a penalty of 25 dollars. Reports of disobedience of orders to be made by the wardens to the Foreman, under a penalty of 10 dollars. The Firemen are divided into companies, and choose a foreman, assistant, and clerk, out of their own num- ber. Their duty is to convey the engines to where a fire breaks out, and to work them under the directions of the engineer. To accustom them to this, and to riRE DEPAKTMENT. 40o keep the engines in order, the firemen draw them out, wash, and clean them, in the months of May, June, July, August, September, October, and iNovember: penalty of not attending- a fire 3 dollars ; of neglecting to cleanse the engines 1 dollar, besides being liable to dismissal. Firemen also receive a certificate of ap- pointment. As distinguishing badges at fires, the members of the Common Council carry a wand with a gilded flame at the top; the engineers tvear a leathern cap, painted white, with a gilded front, and a fire engine blazoned thereon, and carry a speaking trumpet, painted black, with the words " Chief Engineer," " Engineer No. 1," &c. in white, pamted on their caps. The fire wardens wear a hat, the brim black, the crown painted white, with the city arms blazoned on the front, and carry a speaking trumpet painted white, with the word " War- den" in black. The firemen have also their distinguish- ing badges. When a building takes fire in the night, notice is im- mediately given, by the watchmen, to all the members of the Common Council, engineers, fire-wardens, fore- men, and bell-ringers, within their districts. The watchmen cry out " Fire !" and the bells are set a ringing ; neglect of duty in watchmen, subjects them to a penalty of one dollar. Constables and marshals of the city attend, with vheir staves of ofiice, and obey the orders of the members of the Corporation, under a penalty of 10 dollars. No ob- structions to be placed in the way of the engines while on duty, under a severe penalty. Every householder having less than 3 fire-places, pro- vides himself with one leathern bucket ; 3 fire-places and less than 6, two leathern buckets ; 6 fire-places and less than 9, four leathern buckets ; and 9 fire-places and upwards, six leathern buckets, which are marked with the owner's name and residence. Every brew-house, distillery, sugar-house, soap and candle manufactory, and ship-chandlery store, nine leathern buckets ; every bake-house and air-furnace, six leathern buckets, be- sides the dwellinqr-house. Each bucket holds two gal- 404 FIRE DEPARTMENT. Ions of water, and must always be suspended and ready to be delivered and used for extinguishing fires when they occur. Penalty for neglect, one dollar fifty cents each bucket; refusing to deliver them on an alarm of fire, fifty cents each bucket. The owner of a dwell- ing-house may deliver up one half of his buckets, as public backets, for which he receives a certificate of exemption to that extent. The occupier of every dwelling-bouse, in which a chimney, stove-pipe, or flue takes fire through neglect, is liable to a penalty of 5 dollars. Carpenters must cause their shavings to be carefully put away, every day after work, under a penalty of 5 dollars. To light a fire in any street, road, or lane, (except for boiling tar, not six feet from the end of the way,) subjects to a penalty of 10 dollars. Hay or straw in any stack or pile uncovered, within a certain district ; and hay, straw, hemp, flax, shavings, or rushes, kept in any building, not built of stone and brick, and covered with tile or slate, within 10 feet of any dwelling-house or chimney, subjects to a penalty of 25 dollars, and 10 dollars for every 24 hours they remain after notice of removal. To use a lighted candle or lamp in a stable, unless se- curely plac<^d in a lantern, forfeits 10 dollars. The engines ate made in the public yard, in Elm- street, by workmen employed by the Corporation ; where the repairs aie also made, and the ho?e and every thing required by ;he fire department is con'itriicted. The enf^mes are all of 65 chambers, "ork svAh brakes at the sides, are rv°markable for ihe neatness and b'^iauty of their workmanship, are very strong and compact, worked in a small space, and are easil\ turned in a nar- row passai^-e. There is 210 feet of hose attached to each engine, besides the suction. They ^^ill throw a column of water 140 feet, with 18 men working at the brakes, and 110 feet in height. The hose is attached on a re- volving reel, in lengths of 50 feet, connected by coupling screws, by which means they can be extended at plea- sure without twisting the hose. The screws are all of one size, and fit with great exactness, and the whole hose of the city can be united if necessary : and, in some FIRE DEPARTMEIST. 40i> biases, upwards of 20 engines have been extended in one line, connected with hose, and water propelled by them a distance of 9,000 feet, and thus extin^'uishing a remote fire. After use, the hose are cleaned, dried, and oiled. The cost of an engine is from 7 to 900 dollars ; and weighs, when complete, about one ton. On the alarm of fire, the engine arriving first resorts to the river or nearest supply of water, inserts the suc- tion-hose, or loosens a, fire-plug key to the Manhattan Company's water-pipes in and under the streets, ex- tends her hose from the goose-neck, and, if not able to reach the fire, the next engine arriving takes the water, and so on until they reach the scene of conflagration : by this means, the use of buckets is entirely avoided ; and all interference of the citizens, other than firemen, in extinguishing a fire, is entii'ely unnecessary- There are 46 engines, 3 hose companies, ai d 5 book and ladder companies ; the whole managed by about 1500 men. The hose companies have 1000 feet of hose, in 20 lengths of 50 feet each, wound upon a reel, and the whole transported upon light wheels. These are used in aid of the hose belonging to each engine; and to be ready if any accident or bursting of any piece of hose should occur, when the defect is immediately sup- plied, as all the screws fit exactly. The entire length of hose will reach two miles and over. It is made of thick leather, sewed in the most substantial manner. The hook and ladder companies have each an ample supply of ladders of various sizes, which, together with large hooks on long poles, are mounted on two pair of light wheels, and trundled off w»th great alacrity to the fire; where, if required, ladders are placed against the houses on fire, when an engine m'^n mounts it with his pipe and hose, and plays directly on the devouring ele- ment. Large reservoirs of water have been made in various parts of the city, which are usually supplied from the roof of some public building in the vicinity. Thej'- are built of brick, plastered with the coarse lime or ce- ment, hold about 200 hogsheads, and cost from 5 to bOO dollars. They have been found highly important in 406 FIKE DEPARTMENT. many cases, when a fire occurs in the northern part of the city, remote from the Hudson or East rivers. Peculiar privileg-es are attached to all firemen that are reg-ularly enrolled and admitted to any engine company. The law c^^ the state enacts, that all firemen who per- form their duty regularly for tea years, shall always be exempt from militia and jury duty in this state ; and while acting as firemen, the same privileges appertain. The association of firemen have sl charitable fund of considerable amount, for the assistance of poor and dis- tressed families of firemen that may chance to receive .•laiury in the discharge of their duty, or that maj stand 1^ -^p.eed of aid from other causes. Much benefit has hitherto, and still continues to be derived from this source. It is kept in funds by the appropriation of all $5 fines, for chimneys taking fire, to this object . also by initiation fees from every one admitted to member- ship, by donations from insurance oflBces, and other sources. In London, the extinguishment of fires, and the ex- pense of purchasing and managing the engines, is ex- clusively borne by the various insurance offices. The same arrangement might be adopted here, with great propriety and benefit. The firemen of this city are equal to any in the world for activity and intrepidity in the discharge of their duty. They are chosen by the Common Council on the recommendation of the Chief Engineer. Annually, in the montli of October, a review, exhi- bition, and procession of all the engine, hose, and hook and ladder companies take place, through the principal streets to the battery ; where the engines fill, and play singly first, and, at a given signal, all together, forming a curious and attractive scene : after which they return, bearing their banners, with much pageantry and splen- dour, to the Park, and are dismissed. The firemen have a hall and room in Fulton-street, between Gold and Cliff streets. i<£Ria£s. 10 : FERRIES TO BROOKLYN AND NEW -JERSEY. Brooklyn Ferry has always been one ot the most important belonging to this city of any in the vici- nity. In 1693 it was leased for £ 1 47 per annum: at that time the ferry was between the inlet in Broad- street, and the foot of Joralemon-street, on the opposite shore of Long island; but as this city increased, and extended eastward, the ferry-stairs were likewise changed to Old slip. Fly Market, and Fulton-sire'^v . other ferries still farther to the east have more recently been established. In 1698 it was leased for 7 years, at £l65 per annum ; and in 1707, for £180. In 17^22 there was a ferry from Burgers path. Old slip, which let for £70. In 1737 the town of Brooklyn disputed the rights of the city of New- York to the ferry, and a law-suit ensued, which was not definitely settled'. — At the present time the city of New- York claims and exercises jurisdiction to actual low water mark on all the •ahores opposite the city ; but the town of Brooklyn has concurrent jurisdiction in the ser- vice of civil and criminal process on board of vessels attached to wharves on that side of the river The old ferry-house in Broad-street was on the corner of Gar- den-street, now occupied by the public stores of the Custom House, and was standing until 1825. In 1795 a new ferry had become necessary between New-York and Brooklyn, and it was estaolished from Catharine-street to Main-street. Another one has since been allowed from Walnut-street, near Corlears Hook, to Jackson -street, near the Navy-Yard ; also one from Grand-street to Williamsburgh, on Long Island. At Hurl Gate, six miles from the city Hall, is another ferry over the east river. On the Hudson river there is the ferry from Court- landt-street to Powles Hook ; another from Barclay- street to Hoboken, and from Canal and Spring streets. 108 I'EltKIEa. To Staten Island, and Elizabethtown, there are steam ^ boats p];, iog several times a-day. We ought noi to foig-et that we are indebted to the genius of the late Mr. Fulton for the first establishment of the present iiiiproved state, in ^he style and manner of being- conveyed across the various ferries ; which, before his invention of ihc double boats, propelled by steam, was entirely performed in open row or sail boats, to the great hazard of the passengers, and not unfre- quent loss of life and property. The rate of ferriage across the f ludson river is twelve and a half cents for a single passenger. The present rate at which the Fulton-street ferry is leased until 1839, is $4500 per ann. This long lease was awarded to Mr Fulton and Mr. Cutting as a libe- ral remuneration for the newly contrived steam ferry- boats ; but it has since proved to be an excecsive and inconvenient monopoly, and cannot be too soon thrown open to competition, as the increase of population im- peratively requires another ferry between New-York and Brooklyn, from the south-west part of this island ; but which the present unexpired lease prevents the cor- poration from granting. The capital slock of this steam ferry-boat company in 1814 was 445.000, divided into shares of $10C0 each. From May, 1814 to November, 1815; the dividends on one share amounted to ^385 : this property has since much increased in value, and doubtless constitutes the best stock in this country. From these facts it «s evident that the rates oJ ferriage ought to be reduced three fourths, or even more, so as merely to cover necessary expenses . sound policy would dic- tate that for the sake of promoting the health of the citizens in the summer season, in allowing them free egress in all directions to the surrounding country, that the ferries should be a public charge^ similar to lighting the streets. Brooklyn is destined to increase pari passu with the city of New-York. At the close of the revolutionary war it had but 56 houses. In 1821 it contained 867, (of which 96 were groceries and taverns,) and several large fire-nroof brick store-houses near the water, which are PERRIES. 409 occupied from the month of May to September, with the storage of goods that the quarantine laws will not admit within the city. It has since increased rapidly, and is now supposed to contain from 1200 to 1500 houses, and from 10,000 to 1 ?,000 inhabitants. A corresponding increase has taken place in the value of real estate. The Nary-Yard, occupying 40 or 50 acres on the east side of the town, at the Wallabought, prfe^s^ents the ex- tension of the village suburbs in that direction. PopuiationofBrooklynin 1814, - - - 3805. do. do. 1:520, - - ' 7475. In 1706 all the real and personal estate of the town of Brooklyn was valued at £3122 125. 0^^., the tax on which was £41 3s. Id., and the whole county tax £201 16*. Id, In 1824 the real and personal estate of the town was assessed ^2,600,080, being more than half the value of the whole county ; and the taxes on the town ^^.b25 76, being an average of onh ^2 29 for each taxable person. April 21, 1701, a piece of land about 100 feet square, within the village, was sold for £75. In 1720, a dwell- ing-house and lot of ground of 62 feet front, 61 feet rear, and 1 1 1 feet deep, near the ferry, on the north- east side of the present Fulton-street, was sold for £260 currency. In 1784 all the estate owned by the corpo- ration of New-York in Brooklyn was assessed at £365, which is now valued at J 100,000. The site of the present populous part of the town was covered with fortifications, that were thrown up during the revolutionary war, by the American and British forces ; many remains of which may yet be discovered in the outskirts ; and during the war of 1814, very ex- tensive works, extending from the Wallabought on the east, to Gowanus on the west, across the isthnius, and completely enfilading and commanding all approach to the city of New-York from the east, were thrown up by the voluntary exertions of the citizens of New-York, Brooklyn, and the surrounding country, wiihin 30 miles; and they still remain in tolerable preservation, as an indication of the patriotism, zeal, and unanimity that animated the people at that threatening moment of our history. , 410 THE NAVY-YABD, From the height of Fort Green, south-east of the Navy-Yard, the stranger that wishes, can take a ilne panoramic view of the surrounding country, embracing the old and new fortifications, the Navy-Yard, and the ships of war, in ordinary ; the east river towards Hurl Gate, the city of New-York, and the island, together with the town of Brookl}n lying directly in front, at the slope of the hill. On the south- east and south rise the hills towards Newtown, Flatbush, and Gowanus, which was the scene of the battle on Long Island in August, 1 776, vvhen the Americans were shamefully de- feated by the British and Hessians. The ferries across the Hudson river have hitherto been unprofitable to the company interested ; but they are now established on a much better footing in every respect, and have swift moving steam-boats. The rate of feniage, however, bemg more expensive, prevents that great amount of travel possessed by those leading to Long Island. The passages are now in all instances safe, and n*ore commodious than any undge that could possibly be constructed, besides being of no mjury to the navigation. The United States J^avy- Yard at Brooklyn. Here are laid up in ordinary the following Ships of war, viz. The Ohio, of 120 guns. Washington, - - - - - 74 do. Franklin, 74 do. Sttam Frigate, Fulton the First, - 30 do. Frigate Brandywine, - - - One Frigate on the stocks, under cover. One Ship of the line, do. do. Immense stores of every description of munitions of war are here provided, carefully arranged, and secure' covereo and guarded by a company of marines. Tl, Navy-Yard is under the superintendence of Comnwdore Chauncey, and other efficient oflScers ; and the value of the public property here collected may be estimated at from five to ten millions of dollars. ot re 1 BEY DOCK RAILWAYfi!. 411 rTfae facilities for buildings and equiopin^ ships of war in;this port are of such a superior description, that it has received the preference by the government as the prin- cipal naval depot. Supplies can always be procuied in New- York of any description, and at a rate from ten to twenty per cent, below the other depots. The Navy- Yard was begun in March 20, 1801, by ihe purchase of 40 acres of land, of John Jackson, for ^40,000. The estimated cost of constructing a Dry Dock at the Navy-Yard, fit for government vessels, is ^380,117; and when we consid»^r the great extent of the com- merce of this port, and the consequent considerable amount of the public revenue that is derived thereby, it seems highly necessary that a Dock should immedi- ately be built. There is always in war a large portion of the naval force of th** United States concentrated in this harbour ; and it doubly requires every facility in repairing, or refitting, should be granted by the govern- ment, as during a time of war, the vessels could not safely be sent to distant places to undergo repairs, with- out great risk and loss of time. Materials and work- men of every description abouad in this city, and the surrounding country, for the building, repairing, and refitting of ships, as also an abundance of seamen for the replenishing of crews, of ships arriving in want of men. Dry Dock Railways. An entirely novel and important method of repairing ships, and vessels of every description, is now practised with great success in this city, by a company incorpo- rated for that purpose, and Avilh banking privileges. The company have purchased a large tract of ground near the water, at Burnt Mill Point, a little north of Manhattan Island, and south of Kip's Bay, at the eastern end of Tenth-street. Projecting several hundred feet under water, from about high water to a depth of 20 feet, is laid an in- clined plane of timber, resting on piles, firmly drove into the ground; on this Inclined plane, a cradle of 412 SCREW DOCK. sufficient width to suit any yessel, is made to travel upoii numerous small iron wheels ; after a vessel is m the pro- per position, the power is applied on shore, by steam or horses, turning a windlass and cranks of a powerful de- scription, connected with massive iron chains, which, with great ease and safety, haul up a ship of 500 or 800 tons in one or two hours, entirely high and dry; thus permitting the copper on any pan to be examined and repaired, or a leak found with less trouble and ex- pense than the old system of heaving down, or the still more expensive and tedious plan of wet docks. Whether this invention, which was first applied in Great Britain, will be adopted by that government, or by the United Stales, yet remains undecided; but the mercantile interest here have fully tested its utility, safety, and economy, in everv respect, and it may now be considered as completely engrafted upon our commercial system, and as giving this and every other sea-port equal and exact powers ; and as destroying, in a great mea- sure, the expensive erections of dry and wet docks. An hour or two can be very agreeably spent in witness- ing the hauling up o: launching of a ship on this in- clined plane; and also in examining the ship-yards in the vicinity, and the public works at the Navy- Yard. In no place on this island has the destroying hand of man done more to alter the face of nature, than in the vicinity of Corlears Hook, where hills of great magni- tude have been entirely levelled, or cut down, and used to fill up docks and wharves, and a dense population has taken the j^ilace of what was, a few years since, a bleak and unfrequented spot. Screw Dock. An invention of greater importance and simplicity, united to economy, for raising vessels with rapidity, ease, and safety, out of the water than this, has not yet been invented. A company has been formed and incor- porated to carry on the works on a large scale. MANUFACTORIES . 41":^ ' Manufacturing Establishments. Iq 1820 the returns made to congress with the census^ of the capital invested in the manufactures in this city, amounted to nearly two millions of dollars ; of which ^300,000 was invested in the manufacture of Steam En- gines and castings of every description; $238,750 in Sugar Refineries, and about" ^200,000 m Breweiies : all the other items are comparatively trifling, and consist of productions of daily use ; which proves that New- York does not foster any manufactures except such as are indispensable to any great commercial city. The absence of water privileges on this island, and other causes, will alwavs tend to push into the country the most extensive cotton and woollen manufactories ; such, accordingly, is the cause of the rapid growth of Patterson, m New-Jersey, about 20 miles northwest from this city, on the Passaic river, which possesses great water power. In the latest statistical account (published 1824) of the manufactures of this state, but which is quite incom- plete, it is said the county of New- York contains 2 grist mills, 1 saw mill, 3 fulling mills, 5 carding ma- chines, 2 colton and woollen factories, 2 iron works, and 22 distilleries ; the market value of articles manufac- tured annually $ 1 .063,300 ; cost of raw materials an- nually consumed ^8 iU,050 ; which employed 1207 men, 122 women, and 281 children. The amount of capital invested J ! ,788,050 ; the amount of wages paid annually §270,064; the amount of annual contingent expenses ^129,181. The number and importance of these companies have since been very much increased, as will appear by the following statement of the leading manufacturing esta- blishments. The Sterling Works, in Rivington-street, is an incor- porated company, for carrying on, on the most extensive scale, the manufacture of almost every article wanted of brass, iron, copper, and steel, from a nail to a chain ca- ble of the largest size. The workshops and offices, of everv description, occupy near two entire blocks of 414 MANUFACTORIES. ground, bet\veen Riving-ton, Arundel, Stanton and At- torney streets. The number of persons employed is between 3 and 400 ; there are three steam engines, and several furnaces, in one or more of which the Anthra- cite or Leb:gh coal, is successfully used. Charter un- limited : capital employed ^750,000 : and managed by a President, 13 Directors, 2 Clerks, a Superintending Manager, and an Agent. The tout ensemble of this concern is, to an inquisitive stranger, a curious, noisy, fiery, and apparently con- fused scene ; but exact order, and division of labour, prevail in every department. The West Point Foundry and workshops in Washing- ton-street, near the North Battery, is also a very exten- sive establishment, for the manufacture of machinery of every description, particularly for steamboats, who ge- nerally repair to its vicinity for that purpose. Here are 2 steam engines and a large number of men. McQueen's Foundry and workshops in Duane-street, are not inferior to any other in importance. Allaire's Foundry, in (.cherry-street, near Corlears Hook and the Ship Yards, is well known. YouWs Foundry, in Front-street, nearCorlaers Hook. The Glass Houses at Blooraingdale, Powles Hook, and Brooklyn. Whittemore's Card Factory at Greenwich, and at 64 and 67 Cliff-street, rear of 314 Pearl-street. The large Piano-Forte and Musical Instrument Ma- nufactories of Messrs. A. and W. Geib in the 3d Ave- nue, between 11 th and 12th-3treets ; also, in the same avenue, some distance farther out, another of the same description by Nun ; and one belonging lo Mr. Rickers in Carmine-street. The sale room of the first men- tioned maker is in Maiden-Lane, near tne Arcade ; and of the others in Broadway. The Coach Makers'* Shops in Broad-street, Broadway, .John-street, and Canal-street. White's Type Foundry in Tnames-street. Youle'sShot Tower, built of brick, of a circular form, on the banks of the East river, bevond Kip's bay, and rising to the height of 100 feet. PUBLIC PLACliS. 416 The extensive Su^ar Works and Refinery in Church- street, between Leonard and Anthony streets ; also the one in Liberty-street, near the Dutch Church, which during the revolutiqnary war, was the gloomy recepta- cle of American prisoners. The very important works belonging to the Chemical Manufacturing Company at 3lst-street, near the Hudson river, at the 1 0th avenue. Acio- York Steel Manufacturing Company. J^ew- York Dyin^ and Prmfing Establishment. JSTew- York Laboratory Association, for making Paints, and White and Red Lead. Public Places. The following places are worthy of being visited by strangers to have a correct idea of the city. The Auction Stores in Pearl-street, near Wall-street, from ten to one o'clock — then at the Exchange. Henry's Gal'ery and Auction Room, 100 Broadway, for the sale of Pictures, Furniture, Books, Watches, &c. This is a gratifying lounge. Wiggins and Pearson'*s Room, over 169 Broadway, for the same purposes as the foregomg. Many valuable as well as worthies'' pictures and engravings, are fre- quently exposed for sale in this city. The Arcade in Maiden-Lane, and extending through to John-street, containing Dry Goods, Fancy articles, Millinarie?, and othpr stores. The Arcade Baths, in Chambers-street, and in the upper part of the same buildmg, the exhibition room of the National Gallery of Artists. The various Public JMarkets, from sunrise till one o'clock. The two High Schools mCrosby-strcet, one tor males and another for females, in separate buildings ; also the Public, or Free Schools. The JVapier Printing Press in New-street, which prints tbe Daily Advertiser and the American, and is a complicated, but very curious and expensive machine. 416 MANHATTAN WATER WORKS. invented and constructed in England, and imported at a cost of $6,000. The Arsenal and Public Workshops in Elm-street. The City Hall, after 3 P. M., when the Common Council chamber and Portrait Gallery, can be seen, and the dome or cupola ascended. The Exchange in Wall-street, can be best viewed early in tiie morning-, or after 3 in the afternoon, when the throng of merchants will have retired. The Post Office in the basement of the Exchange. The Custom House in Wall-street, corner of Nassau- street, open from from 10 till 3 o'clock. The Banks in Wali-street, especially the United States and the PhcEni.x Bank. The Museums of Scudder and Peale. The Deaf and Dumb School^ the Academy of Arts, and the Rotunda m Chambers-street. The State Prison, House of Refuge, Penitentiary y Tread Mil', Alms House, and Fever Hospital. The Orphan Asylum at Greenwich, and in Prince- street. The Asylum for the Insane, at Manhattanville, 7 miles north of the city. The Fortifcathms on Governor's Island, and at the narrows on Long Island, which are on a very extensive scale. Tlie Hospital in Broadway^ and the Masonic Hall. Columbia College in Park Place. The ■N'eio- York Society Library in Nassau-street. Of Churches.. Grace, Trinity, St. Paul's, St. John's, St. Thomas's, and Christ Church, of the Episcopal ; the cathedral and other Catholic cimrches. The Jews' Syna- gogue in Mill-street, on Saturday morning. AH the foregoing objects are minutely described in their proper places. The Water- Works of the Manhattan Company. New-York is partially supplied with water by the Man- hattan Company's works, situated in Reed-slreet, a few rods north-east from the Citv-Hall. Their water is 3IANHA'fTAN WARER- WORKS. 417 drawn from deep wells and spring's, and forced up by a steam engine to a reservoir in Chambers-street, that is elevated 15 feet above the level of Broadway; from whence the water is distributed through every street in the city, by means of wooden pipes running 3 feet under the level of the pavement : lateral pipes extend into every house that pays the company the regular tax therefor, which is $10; but extra arrangements are formed, if a larger quantity of water is required. The supply thai is derived f om this source is inadequate to the wants of this great and increasing metropolis; and it has long been in contemplation to introduce a more copious and regular supply of pure and wholesome wa« ter from more distant sources, such as the Rye Ponds, Bronx River, Grolon River, and the Housatonic River. A company has been incorporated, to make a canal from Sharon, in Connecticut, to the waters of the Hud- son ; which, it has been conjectured, can be made sub- servient for the two purposes of canal navigation and a supply of water for the city. If a suflBicient quantity of water can be procured from or within a reasonable dis- tance and brought to Haerlem River, there is a suffi- cient water power produced by the tide there to raise the water for the supply of the city to an elevation equal if not superior to the elegant water-works of Fair- mount, near Philadelphia : no better model is needed or desired than the one there exhibited. That this sup- ply of water will eventually be procured, there can be no doubt whatever : necessity will compel the citizens to resort to purer fountains ; for many of the wells in the old settled parts of the city are far from being either pure or wholesome, although from constant use and cus- tom in those that drink it, no unpleasant taste is per- ceived. There are numerous public pumps or wells in every part of the city ; and those in the upper wards, where the streets have not been long paved, or sinks made, produce tolerably good water, and from these most of the citizens are supplied : but in the low parts of the town, where the city is constructed by encroach- ing on the ancient limits of the water, pumps cannot be had. and ,tbe sole supply is from the Manhattan pipe?. 4 IB MANHATTAN WATER- WORKS. A few springs also exist that produce remarkably good water, and are much resorted to, and water taken from them to distant parts of the city. Out of the populous part of the city, and all over the northern and middle parts of the island, the water is very pure and salubrious ; and on Long Island at Brooklyn, directly opposite the city, ib an abundance of excellent water, which is sold to and conveyed on board of all the shipping in port by regularly employed boatmea and labourers, Thfi Manhattan Company have the exclusive com- mand of all the springs of water on this island, and an unlimited charter, provided they furnish an adequate supply of pure and wholesome water. They intend to discard the filthy wooden logs in which the water has hitherto been conveyed throughout the city, and to sub- stitute cast-iron pipes, which are perfectly clean and ever durab'e. They have made several experiments in boring for water to a great depth in different places ; the result has not been very satisfactory. The Corpo- ration have sui«k shafts with better success in Washing- ton and Fulton markets, and in the rear of the City Hall ; and pure, soft water has been obtained, which, coming from a great depth below all the impurities of the surface, will be of much benefit, if to be obtained in adequate quantities in the southern wards of the city. But this is not a suflBcient resource for the wants of such an extended metropolis. They exist, however, in cer- tain streams and ponds from 30 to 50 miles distant, which have been duly explored by competent engineers, and pronounced satisiactory in every respect, both as to quantity and quality. " The minimum quantity or flow, in one of the driest seasons ever known, being from the Bronx River, at the point proposed to take it, 4.302,720 gallons every 24 hours; which can be increased by lowering the outlet of Rye Pond 4 feet, and raising the pond 6 feet above its present level, by makmg a dam across the outlet. The banks are very favourable ; the rocks approach near to each other, and almost form a natural dam : 3IANHATTAN WATER-WORKS. 419 the shores of the pond are also favourable, being" prin- cipally rocky. By this arrangement, an accession of 10 feet on the surface of the pond will be at command, and may be considered as a part of ihc permanent sup- ply, without interfering with the natural flow of the pond. '' The accession of water to the pond will amount to about 775,500,000 gallons, on the 10 feet of depth of its surface thus required. Connecffed with this, a dam may be constructed to cross the outlet of Little Rye Pond, into which the former discharges itself, and raised to a level with the other pond ; which wiil give an additional quantity of about 98,000,000 of gallons. Surplus waier may be drawn from these ponds, whicli W'll furnish a daily supply of 4,798.000 gallons, supposing a drought to continue 6 months in the year. No allowance is ne- cessary to be made for leakage or evaporation. *' By adding the natural flow of Bronx river to the quantity which can be procured from the ponds, in the manner above proposed, there will be a daily supply, at all season? of the year, of 9,100,000 gallons; which is ample for a city of half a million of inhabitants. To guard more fully against any possible contingency, Byram Pond may also be brought in as a reservoir, and will augment the volume of water to a river. *' The water can be brought to the Haerlem River in a brick lunncl, lined with cement, and placed 4 feet under ground, to secure it from the effects of frost. A durable stonf bridge to be erected over the river on arches, wi'h a sufficient depth of dirt to continue the tunnel ; which will be 13^ miles long, and cost $30,000 per mile, including all tlie expenses for that part of the work. There wiil be 9 miles of 24 inch iron pipe, in lengths of 9 feet each, and weighing near a ton; and, taking 021 pieces to a mile, including the ovclap of 6 inches, at $70 per ton, tiiey will cost ^43,470 per mile ; to which 50 per cent, more for laying, or g65,205. The pipes, to be laid -n the Third Avenue, as the best and less undulatmg than any other. " The estimated expense for delivering the water into a reservoir within the city, will be as follows : — 420 NEW BURYING GROUND. For 13i miles closed canal or tunnel, at ^31,174 per mile, . . . . $413,055 50 Stone bridge 07er Haerlem Rirer, . . 45,000 00 9 miles of 24 inch pipe, at ;^65,'205 per mile, 586,845 00 4 reservoirs, 38,000 00 1,082,900 50 Add for contingencies, 5 per cent . 54,145 02 Distributing water in tTie city, . . . 187,954 48 Total, $1,325,000 00 Exclusive of the purchase of water rights, and for damages, ail which will not exceed one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. *' With the foregoing expenditures, it is practicable abundantly to supply the city of New- York with pure water. The expense is moderate, compared with the utility to be derived in the health and comfort of the citizens." — Abstract from the Report of Canvas Whiter Engineer. It remains for posterity to create a system by means of which this city shall receive a copious and regular supply of good, wholesome water; and though we are aware of the vast expense of such an undertaking, yet it will no doubt be effected in due time, when the pro- gress of the city in wealth, and the voice of the public opinion shall demand it. Some of the noblest relics of antiquity in Rome, and other cities, are the splendid aqueducts and foun- tains, that are yet in the best state of preservation ; and are consecrated to perpetual veneration by their utility and convenience, though many centuries have elapsed since they were built. The new Burying Ground Is situated on the 5th avenue, near the three mile stone, and embraces 10 acres of ground, which is suitably laid out, and contains a large number of vaults, to accommo- date families, congregations, or !Ddividu?J?. THB GAS WORKS. 421 'V'he cost of laying out, fencing-, and finishing this public burying ground, was about ^8,000. The Hor- ticultural Society have petitioned to occupy and embel- lish such a portion of it, as is not immediately required for public use, and thus to render it a second " Pere La Chaise." The old Potters Field is now levelled, and is formed into a beautiful public square, called Washington Square, which is also used as a military parade ground. There are *hree large burying grounds icNorth-srreet, east of the Bowery, viz. one for the Friends, one for the Dutch, and one for the Presbyterian Churches : ano- ther for the Episcopalians in Clarksou-street. between Varick and Hudson-streets; for the Baptists and Scotch Churches in Wooster-street, near the old Potters Field, now the Washington Square. A law to prevent interments south of Grand-street, was passed in 1822 — 3, which inflicled a penalty of g250 for violating the law. There are numerous private vaults, under and adjoining many of the principal churches, although forbidden to be used under a penalty which is frequently paid by the owners. The subject has been bitterly contested, and every legal opposition mani- fested, until it has been finally settled, by the decisions of the highest tribunals, in favour of the validity of the law. The Gas Works. The manner in which Broadway and many of the public buildings and shops in the principal streets are now lighted with gas, and the effect it has upon the eye of a stranger, is as no\'^el as it is gratifying, and forms one of the principal modern improvements, especially, when contrasted with the first attempt at lighting the streets, made by our ancestors in 1697, as mentioned in the chronological part of this work. The establishment belonging to this company is one of the largest edifices in the city, and is situated in Fhyn- der-street, corner of Hester-street, near the East part of Canal-street. It is built of brick, and forms three 3f^ Htt'^ THE GAS WORKb. sides of a square ; the northern wing contains the tur- naces and retorts, where the Gas is formed from oil, and conducted into the great reservoirs, or gasometers, in the south east wing, which contain each 5,000 barrels, and are equal in size to a large brewer's vat, being 50 paces in circumference, and ^0 feet in depth. The gas is measured by a curious machine called a meter, and passes out into all the principal streets south of Grand- street, through pipes of cast iron, of various sizes, from six inches to two inches bore ; and by lateral pipes into the private hoiises, where the company pipes end, and the whole interior fitting is done at the expense of the person using the gas. The Company supply the public with oil gas by the meter only. The charge for every cubic foot registered is ^1. The meter is a patent machine, made in Lon- don, and is sold or rented to each customer as they may prefer ; the cost is from ^16, or upwards, according to size. The rent of the meter, including the cost for keepmg it in repair, is, for each 10 light metre per quar- ter 44 cents, for 15 light meter 62^ cents, 30 light meter ^l 50 ; when the meter is injured by accident, or care- lessness, the tenant pays the charge of repairing such injury. Individuals purchasing the meters from the Company, keep them in repair at their own cost. The Company's Inspector to be allowed occasional access to the premises of each tenant for the purpose of ascer- taining the quantity of gas consumed, and to examine the state of the meter and fittings. The payment for the gas consumed, and for the rent of the meter, must be made on the 1st of May, 1st August, 1st November, and Ist February, in each year. The following scale shows the comparative quan- tity of light given out by each burner generally, and the flame should in no instance exceed two inches in height. The 1 jet burner gives a light equal to 1 mould candle. 2 do. do. do. 2^ do. 3 do. do. do. 4^" do. 4 do. do. do. 5| do. 5 do. do. do. 6* do. THE GAS WORKS. 423 tO hole Argand gives a light equal to 10 monld candles. 12 do. do. do. 12 do. 14 do. do. do. 14i do. But by regulating the cock, the quantity of light given out, and, consequently, the gas consumed by each burner, may be reduced at pleasure. The comparative cost of the oil gas light is considerably less than the cost of that produced from mould candles, or from oil lamps. But the cleanliness, the beauty, and the convenience of the gas. over any other light, is the principal cause of its being preferred, without reference to expense. The Charter was granted in 1823, with a capital of one million of dollars, but only $200,000 was required to be subscribed to enable them to commence operations, and even this amount has not been absorbed in expenses. The shares are $50 each. The company have obtained from the corporation of this city, the exclusive right for thirty years, of laying pipes for lighting with gas, in all the streets south of Grand-street ; and the city has re- served the privilege of using the gas for the street lamps, on the same terms as it would cost (o light them with oil. The company have thus far, laid 15 miles in length of cast iron pipes in the principal business streets. The pipes, were, in the first place, imported from England. They were subjected to a severe proof to test their quality before being used, and are luted together in lengths of six to eight feet each. We would advise strangers to visit the Gas Works, as an object of great importance, and highly curious in all its details ; admittance is freely given by applying to tlie manager for permission. Fixtures and ornaments of every description, for consuming the gas, are sold by the Company. Gas Lights in London. 4 Companies, having^ 47 gasometers at work, capable of containing- in the whole 9i7,980 cubic feel nf gas, supplied by J 31 retorts, and these cossumirg 33,000 chnlriron of coal in the year, and producing 41,000 clialdrons of coke ; the whole quantity of gas gtnerated annually being upwards of 397,000.000 cubic feet, by which 61,208 private, and 7,268 public, or street l?mps, are lighted in the metropolis; 250 miles of iron main pipes are laid. There are also several private con^:- panies whose operations are not inrludetl. 424 MERCANTILE LIBRARY, &,C. Mercantile Library Association, (In Cliff-street, between Ferry and Frankfort streets.) This association of merchants' clerks has been in suc- cessful operation for four years, and fhey have accumu- lated a very respectable library. The readings room is open from half an hour after sunset until ten o'clock du- ring the year. The oflBcers of the Society are, a Presi- dent, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and eight Directors, who are all elected annually. Each member pays an initiation fee of gl, and the farther sum of $1, aunually. The Library contains over 4,000 volumes, and is constantly enriched with new books. No better institution could have been devised, for the improvement of the mind and morals of the numerous class of young gentlemen that frequent this Library and reading room ; its effects have already been highly fa- vourable, and are duly appreciated b^ the most enlight- ened and liberal part of the mercantile community. The Apprentices Library is in the building belonging to the Mechanics' Society in Chambers-street near Chatham. The building is built ot brick, 51 by 27 feet, and 3 stories high, on ground ceded to them by the Cor- poration ; and also occupied by the Mechanics' School, A.D. 1821. This Library was begun by gifts of books from the citizens, and now amounts to several thousand volumes. All apprentices have free access to them by their masters giving security for the safe keeping of the books. Bathing- Houses. Public warm or cold Baths may be had at all times, in the various houses established for that purpose, in Chambers-stre.?t opposite the New-York Institution, and in other parts of the city.— Price 37i cents. Salt- Water Floating- Baths are stationed during the warm season, in the Hudson river, at the foot of Mur- ray-street, and contain a large swimming-bath ; also shower-baths and private baths — 25 cents each. AKCADE BATHS. 42:1 Arcade Balks. This establishment is on the site formerly occupied by the New-York Bath, which was favourably known to the public during- the lasi twenty-five years. The enterprising proprietor has, in rebuilding, extended it so as to cover two additional lots of ground. It has 50 feet front on Chambers-street, No. 39, nearly opposite the Rotunda, and extends through the square to Reed-street, opposite the termmation of Elm-street, giving to the fine hall of one hundred and fift> feet long, which ex- tends through the Bath, immense advantage for air, and the beautiful effect of the perspective vista, seen in looking through it, extending the length of Elm-street, and exhibiting a living pictuve or moving panoramic view of the bustle of a populous city, which has excited the admiraiion of all who have seen it. The whole ar- rangement and finish of the Bath is tasteful, rich, and convenient ; and is said to bear a favourable comparison with the best establishments of the kind in Europe. The front, on Chambers-street, is three stories high, and has much of architectural beauty. The interior gives about 50 rooms for bathing, and, connected with the Ladies' bathing apartments, (which are entirely distinct from those for Gentlemen,) is a neatly furnished parlour for their accommodation. Warm, cold, sliower, soda, sul- phur, salt, and other medicated baths are given., and the proprietor is now about adding vapour and other fumi- gating Baths, upon a much improved plan. The upper floors are arranged for reading-rooms, and the exhibition of paintings, statuary, and other works of art, and are now occupied by the National Academy of the Arts of Design, the school of which is permanently established in them, and their public exhibition given annually at the same place, commencing on the first of May. The Arcade. The Arcade is 120 feet from Broadway, fronting nearly ♦10 feet on the north side of Maiden lane, and running "8^ 426 PUBLIC COACHES. parallel to Broadway, from thence to John-street, a dis- tance of 160 feet. The front, which was desig-ned by Mr. Haviland, is considered a very beautiful specimen of the art. It is of Grecian style, and is of white mar- ble. Three arches, embracing nearly the whole front, supporting a richly ornamented cornice, pediment, and balustrade, open into a semi-circular vestibule, which is handsomely flagged with freestone, and from the centre of which a passage of 14 feet in width passes through the whole building, having on each side 10 stores — in all, 40, of uniform size and construction. From the sides of the vestibule, stone stair-ways lead to the se- cond sfory, which recedes from the first, leaving a splen- did gallery or balcony around the whole building, being a distance of 350 feet. Over the whole passage is thrown a sky-light, so con-^tructed as to protect it from the in- clemenc}' of the weather in winter, and the burning rays of the sun in summer. The shops of the lower story are intended for retail fancy goods, and those of the second story for milliners, &c. — thus bringing into a small compass every variety that it is now possible to find from one extremity of the city to the other, in a situation free from dust, and the usual obstructions and noises of our busy thoroughfares. At night the whole building is splendidly lighted with gas. The beauty of the perspective, the richness and variety of the goods displayed, and ihe neatness of the whole, renders the Arcade an agreeable promenade. Public Coaches. There are 180 licensed Hackney Conches, besides several stages, continually plying from the lower to the upper parrs of the city. The Miivor of the city issues licenses to as many persons as he thinks proper, and has power to revoke the same. Every carriage has the No. of its 1 cense conspicuously affixed on the pannels of each dcor, and also on the lamp-glasses : ^12 50 is paid for each car- riage, and is renewable the first of May in each year. KE6ULAB FARES. 427 Carriages may be found on every day and evening, except Sunday, at the following regular stands : On the south-east side of the Park. At the Bowling-Green, and Trinity Churc}«. Hanover-square, Pearl-street. Murray-street, near West-street. Hudson-street, at Hudson-square, do. near the little Park. Chatham-square. Canal-street, east of Broadway. Courtlandt-street, near West-street : and at such other places as the Mayor and Aldermen may direct. An inspector of hackney coaches is appointed, and any person having- complaints to make against the drivers, may communicate the same to him at the City Hall, and they will be attended to without delay. REGULAR FARES. In case of disagreement., as to distance, the same must he determined by the Street Commissioner., or his Assist- ant y or the Inspector of Hackney Coaches. For conveying a passenger for any distance not exceeding- one mile ---------- |0 25 For convpyin? one passenger any distance exceeding a mile, and within the Lamp and Watch Districts - - - - 50 For every addiiional passenger ------025 For conveying one passenger to the New A'ms House, and re- turning -----------0 75 For every additional passenger, and returning . . - 37r} For conveying one or more passengers around the first or Sandy- hiilTour - - .. - 1 00 For conveying one or more passengers around the second or Love-lane Tour .....--.ooO For conveying one or more passengers around the third or Lake's Tour ----------- 2 SO For conve.Ting one or more passengers around the fourth or Ap- thorp's Tour, with tlie privilege of detaining the carriage two hours -.---.-..- 3 60 For conveying one or more passengers to Harlaem and returning, v/ith the privilege of detaining the carriage two hours - 4 00 For conveying one or more passengers to Kingsbridge and re- turning, with the privilege of keeping the carriage all day - 5 00 For conveying one or more passengers any distance not herein t mentioned or described and returning, for every mile which tlipy nray proceed from the .said stands respectively - ^ ^ Vm REGULAK FARES. For attending a funeral witbin tlie Lamp and Watch Districts ^'2 (.iu do. do. to the public burying-groimd - - 3 00 For children under fourteen years of age half price only to he charged- Whenever a hackney coach or carriage shall be detained, excepiing as aforesaid, the owner or driver shall be aUowed after the rate of 75 cents fbr an hour, and in that proportion for a greater or less period of time. No person can drive a hackney coach or carriage without being- licensed, and paying one dqllax for the same. The foregoing laws are applicable also to sleighs, except that those who have licenses for coaches are not obliged to take out another for sleighs. All public coaches, carriages, or sleighs, must huve two lighted lamps, with glass front and sides, and the No. painted thereon two inches in length. The Inspector may order off from the stand any coach-driver not com- plying with these laws, or not in decent order or re- pair ; or if the horses are unruly, or the driver is in liquor, or misbehaves: no minor alien can receive a license to drive. The Inspector, under the direction of the Mayor, may determine the number of coaches-for any particular stand, and the particular coaches for each stand, and the proper boundaries and limits. Proper caution should always be used by the stranger, before employing any public coach or carriage, in stipu- lating precisely for the amount to be paid, as flagrant impositions are frequently imposed upon the ignorant and unsuspecting. A tcd)le of distances within the city is here inserted, and may be referred to as correct in all disputes, it hav- ing been furnished by one of the city surveyors. CARTS, cartmk:^, porters, etc. 429 Table of Distances. >> 1 B "5 I S 'a. s '1 i It ibtatf Prison. Sandy Hill. ji c (4 > Bat'ry 4 3.V 6 7} 7 1 u 4 2.} 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 4 3 3 Kxch. 4 6 6 7A 3* 7 1 3 2U 2 1^ 1 6^ 2 1 3 W. M. 5h 6 3 5 6 7 J 1 3i 1 5 1 6 I 3 1 7 1 4 2 1 1 6 3 2'i C.Hall fi 6 3 1} 2i 3^ ■^ Hosptl 7d 7* 5 ■^ 5 ^ 4 1 3 1 4 1 2 1 6 1 5 2 3* 2 5 Fr.Sq. 7 3^r 6 2d 5 4 1 1 7^ Ch.Sq. 1 n 7 7 6 1 3 3> 1 5 3* 4 iT 4 1 1 7^ 1 6^ 6J 1 1 1 2 7^ 1 2~4i 12i 2 2 2 2 3 2 0* d. Sq. 1 2:V 2 I 1 3 2^ St.Pr. S. Hill C. Hk. 2 1 T2 2 1^ 1 5i 1 6 1 7 2 1 .; 1 3 1 4 1 6 2 4,V 1 u 1 4 1 6 1 2 1 5 1 2 1 1 2i 2 1 I li 1 6 2 2 3 2 4^ 2 2 2 Oi 1 7 1 3 .2 1 7 4 2 4 1 3 4 2 1 2 2 4 2 M. Isl. 2 4 2 J Bel' V 11 3 3 3 2 St 2 5 Look for the first place at the top, and for the other at the side, the In- tersection of the two columns contains the distance in mi/es and ywiong"*. Carts and Cartmen^ Porters and Handbarrows. The nuiTiber of regular licensed cartmen in this city is over twenty-one hundred— zx\& one hundred and five porters. The forn-ier have allotted stations in nearly every street in the city, but principally in the vicinity of the wharves, piers, and slips : the latter are in Cof- fee-House slip, Pearl-street, Maiden -lane, Courtiandt- street, and in the neighbourhood of the steam-boats. Each carl is numbered and registered, and pays an initiation-fee, for the first license, of two dollars ; and annually thereafter only 12.} cents on the renewal. 430 ivnuTARv: forces. To receive a license, the person must be a citizen of the United States, and of this city for the last six months, at least 21 years of age, and the owner of a g-ood horse and cart ; and if driving- without a license, a penalty of $15 is incurred. The usual price for carrying a pas- senger's trunk or box, or any light load, is 25 cents ; but if more is taken, the regular rates must be the guide. Military Force of the City^ and United States* Fortifications. The enrolled military force of this city, if computed on the basis of politicians, as being one-ninth of the population, would produce 20,000 men capable of bear- ing arms ; but the actual number enrolled and mustered is much less. They are divided into militia (infantry) and artillery. The latter force have peculiar privileges of exemption from jury duty, and, after 7 years' ser- vice, of being exempt from farther military duty, unless in case of invasion or insurrection. During the late war, an army of 20,000 men was encamped in the vicinity of this cit) , and on Long Island and JNew-Jersey : and it is undoubtedly a fact, that with the present numerous facilities for moving on the water and land, a much larger force than that could HOW be brought in a few hours, by means of the rapid steamboats, from the interior of the state by the Hud- son river, and along the coast, to defend this metropolis from any threatened attack. Frequent military parades of the various uniform in- fantry and artillery regiments take place in the city and its environs ; and the officers and soldiers appear to be expert and well disciplined. Encampments are made in the summer season, and the regular duty of a soldier strictly enforced, to their manifest improvement in mili- tary tactics. The national government has not been unmindful o^ fortifying and improving, in the most approved manner, the defences of this important city and harbour; and. during the last 20 or 30 years, increased labour and ^ormous expense have been, and still continue to be i. ORTII-ICATIOWS. 'Vol bestowed upon this important subject. Millions of dol- lars have been spent, and will yet be required, before the contemplated line of outworks can be fully com- pleted ; but sufficient has been effected to render the port safe from sudden attack, by sea or land. The principal defence consists in the strong- works at the Narrows, at the entrance of the harbour. On the right, this passag-e is defended by Fort Hamilton and Fort La Fayette. Fort Hamilton, so called in honour of the hero of that name, is situated on I^ong Island height, and is a very complete and beautiful work, and extremely well calculated for the object to be accom- plished. A quadrilateral figure, two longer sides par- allel and two sides subcentrarily situated, will give an idea of the body of the fort; the whole of which, with the exception of the longest side in full view from the water, is surrounded by a deep ditch coverface and gla- cis, extremely well protected by casemates and case- mated caponnieres ; and the approaches to the fort all taken in flank and reverse by Fort La Fayette and a redoubt three hundred yards in advance. This fort has under its protection Fort La Fayette, so called in testi- mony of gratitude to the highly esteemed La Fayette, who fought in the great struggle for American freedom. Fort La Fayette stands on Hendrick's Reef, two hun- dred yards from the shore, shows three tiers of guns, is well provided with furnaces, and affords to the Narrows a very efficient protection. On the opposite side, this passage is defended by Fort Tompkins and Fort Richmond. Fort Tompkins is si- tuated on Staten Island height, io full view from the water, is nineteen hundred yards from Fort La Fayette, and has under its protection many sea-coast batteries, among- which is the permanent battery on the beach called Fort Richmond. These works and those on thei^ opposite shore leave no doubt as to the defence of the Narrows. To protect the inner harbour, there are Forts Colum- bus and Castle Williams, oo Governor's Island, and the works on Bedilow''s and Ellis's Islands, which are im- i>ortant stations of defence, and uoitedlv mount sevcrai 4^^ lORTIFICATIOKS. hundred cannon of the largest calibre. INo vessel cau pass up the channel without being^ raked by these forts ; and immediately behind the islands on which they stand, oyster-beds and mud-flats, running- close in to the shore, prevent the approach of any niaritime force. Vast stores of ordinance and ammunition of every description are deposited in the public stores and arse- nals. Castle Williams is a circular stone battery, 600 feet in circumference, with three tiers of heavy guns, rising 60 feet above the level of the water, and standing on the extreme north-west point of Governor's Island, and completely commanding the entrance of the Hudson and East rivers. On the lop is a bomb-proof terrace, with 26 fifty-pound Columbiads. The walls are 10 feet thick ; and in the castle are bai racks and magazines, and two curious geometrical stone staircases leading from the lower tier to the terrace. Fort Columbus, also on Governor's Island, is a strong work, built in a star-shaped form, consisting of several bastions and a ravelin, with a covered way leading to Castle Williams. There is a battery near the water, on the south-west side, commanding Buttermilk Chan- nel: and in the principal fort are bomb-proof maga- zines, and furnaces for heating balls. On the island are barracks for several hundred soldiers. Projected Defence of the City. — The object of the pro- jected works for the defence of the vicinity of New- York is, to cover the city against an attack by land or sea, to protect its numerous shipping, to prevent as much as possible the blockade of the port, and to cover the interior communication by the Rariton with the Dela- ware. The fortifications on Throgg's Neck and Wil- kinson's Point on the East River, besides others at Hurl- Gate and various other points, will effectually protect the city from that direction. Additional w orks also on the east bank and middle ground, also on Sandy Hook, will completely protect the lower harbour, and compel an enemy appearing on this quarter to land upon a dan- gerous coast near thirty miles from the city, or to en- ibrce a blockade by riding on the open sea, with a dan BOOKSELLING TRADE. 435 g^crous coast on either hand. The islands in the vicinity of the city contain many permanent works, (besides Castle Clinton, which has been ceded, by the United States to the Corporation of the city,) and are main- tained and defended as the last barrier, and as affording convenient places of deposit for stores and munitions of all kinds, as a rendezvous for recruits, and as good po- sitions for military hospitals. The total cost of all the military works projected by the United States' Board of Engineers for the defence of this city and harbour, is estimated at f 5,201, 834 28, Bookselling Trade. The number of booksellers and stationers in th*s city, feoth wholesale and retail, may be estimated at 100; and the quantity of books disposed of annually is quite considerable. There are also several places where books are sold at auction in the evening-. The most conspicuous corners are decorated with book-stalls. Publishing of books, both original and imported, is carried on to considerable extent; and the offices of the American Bible Society and of the American Tract Society exhibit the various operations on a large scale. All the most popular and valuable books that emanate from the English press are reprinted in this city, or in Philadelphia and Boston, at the most moderate prices, and with great expedition. Two or three days only have been employed in printing a Waverley novel, on its first receipt from England ; and in a ievr hours after publication, the edition is extensively diflfused, by means of steamboats and rapid conveyances, to very distant parts of the United States, To Detroit, in Michigan Territory, the trip has been made in 5 days' travelling, — a distance of J'OO miles ! — and the same, or even greater spe'3d has been known in communicating with southern and eastern ports on the Atlantic coast. Original American works are now almost daily seen in every department of literature and science ; and the popular writings of Irving, Cooper, Sedgwick, an(i others, that were originally published in this city, havif :^7 4^4 BOOKS£LLir$G THADK. yielded to the authors not only great celebrity and libe- ral remuneration, but established in our country a self- respect for our own literature and native talent, that was highly necessary and entirely wanting a few years previous ; and has, moreover, raised the character of American literature in Europe. The paucity of periodical works in this city is a mat- ter of astonishment, when we consider the great num- ber of them, and their success in other cities. The North American Review, published at Boston, sustains the most exalted rank of anj periodical work in the United States; and has done more to enlighten the pub- lic mind, at home and abroad, relative to American his- tory, politics, and literature, tlian any other work ever published in America. The Medical Repository, a quarterly publication, was established in 1797, by Drs. Mitchell and Miller, and continued until 1825, when it gave way to the present JSTew-York Medical and Physical Journal, which is ably conducted by Drs. Beck, Peixotte, and Bell. It is published quarterly, at ^4 per annum, and has at- tained to the 19th number. It contains original and selected articles of interest and importance to the pro- fession, reviews of new medical works, and copious selections of medical and surgical information. The Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews were formerl}' republished in this city, but have been sold and trans- ferred to Boston. Blackwood's Magazine was also attempted, but soon discontinued. Most of the periodical works attempted in this city have proved abortive in a few years. The population is so nearly commercial, that the largest portion of the public attention is monopolized by the newspapers of the day. Their cheapness, and the variety and excel- lence of their editorial columns and selections, certainly constitute the strongest attractions for the public taste. Every hotel, tavern, and restaurateur has a reading- room, where a variety of papers are taken in ; and almost every private family receives one or more of the daily papers. With this universal diffusion of political and miscellaneous intelligence is conoected a corres- BOOKSELLING TRADE. 436 ponding- sensibility of the public mind upon all topics of general interest to the community, that causes public opinion to be obeyed and respected, as well as courted, for its friendly influence and moral streng-th. Several houses of respectability are now established in this city for the importation of books in foreign lan- guages, from England, France, and Germany, viz. — G. and C. Carvill, in Broadway, corner of Pine-street; Behr and Kahl, in Broadway ; Mondia, in William- street ; Berard and Mondon, in Maiden-Lane. The present Custom-House duty on English books printed since 1776, is 26 cents per pound weight if in sheets, or 30 cents if bound. On all books in the French, Spanish, or other European languages, the duty is only 6 cents per volume, without regard to size or price. All books printed previous to 1776, are allowed to be imported duty free. Books are printed and embellished here in a style equal to that of any nation in Europe, England ex- cepted : and authors of celebrity are liberally rewarded for their writings. Our bookstores are well supplied with a constant suc- cession of new as well as standard works ; and are the most agreeable lounging places for strangers. Books which have become a luxury in England, from the enormous price demanded, are here, from a more eco- nomical style of publication, sold at a very moderate price ; and the government exempts from duty all im- ported rags, which, with the absence of all taxes or duties on paper manufactured in the United States, has tended to encourage the publication and use of books freely by all classes of people. PUBLIC GROUNDS. In the plan of the city, the following reservations of land have been made for purposes of health and public recreation. The Battery, on the south western extremity of the island, containing about J 1 acres. The Park and grounds surrounding the City Hall. 436 PUBLIC GllOUNliS. The Bowling Green^ Hudson Square^ and Washing' ton Square. The foregoing-, together with the private ground and areas surrounding Trinity and 8t. Paul's Churches, Co- lumbia College and the New-York Hospital, and seve- ral other lots and squares, not yet filled up v^ith build- ings, in various parts of the city, constitutes the only space now freed from the encroachments of streets and buildings, and the aggregate may be estimated at 50 acres ; the squares reserved in the plan of the commis- sioners, are not taken into view, as their fate appears yet unsettled. By a receat decision the great parade ground is to be given up. This may appear much too small an allowance of open ground for a populous city, like this metropolis ; but the same reasons that have caused such a considerable por- tion of this city to be protruded into the harbour, have ever prevented any generous allotment of the public lands for the sake of promoting the beauty of the city, and the health of its inhabitants ; viz. the alleged value ef the ground, and the natural limits of the island being too small. However, the want of more open ground is in some measure obviated by the noble harbour and rivers almost environing the city, and by tbe width and airiness of the more modern streets, and the constant aim at improvement in widening the oldest portion of the town. There are several expansions of streets that are incorrectly called squares, such as Hanover Square, Franklin Square, Chatham Square : this appellation be- comes ludicrous, when, by looking on the map, these squares are found to be triangles. By crossing any of the ferries, leading to the opposite shores of New-Jersey, or Long Island, the citizen can in a few minutes exchange the city atmosphere for one of entire purity and health, and be at once amid groves, and shady retreats, or mount elevated hills and preci- pices, yet wild and uncultivated as they were first cre- ated ; or, by an excursion on board one of the numerous and cheap steamboats, that ply in various directions, can in a short time inhale the breeze from the ocean, or the fragrant highlands on the Hudson river. With such EATTEEY WALK. 437 aileviations and enjoyments during- the hot season, a re- sidence in New-York, is, on the wliole, rendered highly ag-reeable. The Battery Walk. This is the most delightful pro- menade in the city. It is an open space on the south- west point of the island, to v/hich every one has access. The view from this spot embraces the whole of the bay, with the numerous vessels riding at anchor, or in full sail to and from the narrows ; the islands and fortifica- tions, and the enchanting- and fertile shores of Jersey, and Nassau Island. It is the most healthy walk that can be imagined. The intense heat of ihe sun in sum- mer, which compels most people to keep within doors, is here greatly moderated, and even rendered tolerable, by the fref=h sea breezes, which almost constantly blow upon this favourite spot, to regale and invigorate its visiters. To such as wish to enjoy the shade, the wide spreading foliage of the trees, immediately adjoining, affords a cool and refreshing retreat. On the national anniversary, the citizens resort here in great numbers, to regale themselves in booths erected for the purpose, and the military parades, which have been frequent here, tend greatly to enliven the scene. Originally this point of land was fortified by the Dutch, who threw up embankments, upon which they placed some pieces of cannon. "In process of time it came io be pleasantly overrun by a verdant carpet of grass and clover, and their high embankments overshaded by wide spreading sycamores, among whose foliage the little birds sported about, rejoicing the ear with their melodious notes. ' The old burghers would repair of an afternoon to smoke their pipes under the shade of their branches, contemplating the golden sun, as he gradually sunk in the west, an emblem of that tranquil end toward which themselves were hastening ; while the young men and the damsels of the town would take many a moon- light stroll among these favourite haunts, watching the chaste Cynthia tremble along the calm bosom of the bay, or light up the vhite sail of some gliding bark, and in- terchanging the honest vows of constant affection. Such 37* 43£) liATTEIlY UALlv. was the origin of that renowned walk, the haiiery^ whicii thoug-h ostensibly devoted to the purposes of war, has ever been consecrated to the sweet delights of peace. The favourite walk of declining age; the healthful re- sort of the feeble invalid ; the Sunday refreshment of the dusty tradesman ; the scene of many a bo}isli gam- bol ; the rendezvous of many a tender assignation ; the comfort of the citizen ; the ornament of New-York, and the pride of the lovely island of Mannahatta.''+ The limits have recently been extended out, and filled in, on a line with Washington-street, and curved round to South street; numerous trees planted ; a paved walk made round the exterior side, and theiront built up with solid masonry, surmounted by stone posts connected with an opeia railing ; and a reef of rocks thrown in the water at front, to guard the wall from the effects of tem- pests ; a costly iron railing and gateways, have also been added on the interior front, towards State-street and Whitehall ; and the battery has been laid out in the handsomest manner, with gravel walks, and rows of seats at intervals. The entire expense, within ten years, has been about g 150,000. Originally the southern ex- tremity of the island was a bristling mass of rocks ; but, at great expense, this appearance has long since vanish- ed, and it is now placed on a permanent and respectable footing, in its aspect, that does honour to the city, and strikes the eye of strangers with admiration and pleasure. Bowling Green. This is a circular enclosed piece of ground at the bottom of Broadway, near the Battery- Walk. Formerly it was a place of amusement for the citi;&ens, who used to play here at ball, quoits, and other diversions. These, however, have been prohibited by an act of the Corporation, which extends also to the Battery Walk and Park. Previous to the revolution, a gilt statue of George III. stood on a pedestal in the centre of the Bowling Green. On the commencement of hos- tilities, this statue, being of lead, was melted down, con- verted into balls, and used in the cause of liberty ^ajnst the soldiers of that monarch. * Knickerbw.ks^r lUE rAllK, HUDSON SQUARE, &-C. 43^ The Park. This is a very elegant, pleasant, and fashiouable resort. Its extent is about 11 acres, and its situation, in tlie middle of the city, on the right hand as we ascend Broadway, renders it easy of access. Rows of trees are planted round, and on many places of the park, which is interspersed with walks, that afford a cool and agreeable shade from the heat. The whole is enclosed with a handsome iron railing, in which there are a number of gates through which access may be had at all hours. The City Hall greatly enhances the beauty of ihe place, and as it is in contemplation to remove the Jail and Bridewell, which at present occupy a consider- able part of tiic grounds, to some other quarter, these improvements will greatly add to the attractions of a spot already so highly and deservedly prized by the citi- zens. Hudson Square. This square now constitutes the fairest interior portion of this city ; and we are indebted to the wisdom and liberality of the vestry and corpora- tion of Trinity, St. Paul's, and St. John's (.hurches, for this ornament. The regularity of the elegant man- sions surrounding it, together with the choice trees and shrubbery, and the costly and much admired metropoli- tan church of St. John's, with its lofty and beautiful spire, places this square at once as the most desirable residence, and the most judiciously embellished spot con- tained in the city. It is not open to the public at large, at present ; it has recently, at the expense of the surrounding proprietors, been enclosed with an iron railing, combined with gra- nite pillars. Washington Square. Another great and most effec- tive ornament to our city, has recently been formed by laying out this open ground, on the site of the old Pot- ters field, or city burial place ; there have already been erected around it, inanj handsome private dwellings, and this vicinity has likewise become a most fash. ona- (>le residence, although somewhat remote at present from the centre of business. One third of the ground composing this square, was purchased for $80,000 ; shaking a gross vahie of $240,000 devoted to the im- 440 scudder's museum. provement of this quarter of the city. The square cou- tains 9 acres, 3 roods, 9 perches, and 141 square feet. As to the other squares that are laid out on the plan of the island, it is yet undecided if they are so to re- main, as the owners have never been paid for the ground, and its value has risen rapidly within a few years ; which causes sincere regret that the wise sug-g-estions of the Commissioners, Gouverneur Morris and John Ruther- ford, who were appointed under the act of 1807 for lay- ing out the island, were nol listened to at an earlier sea- son ; but it is not yet too late to adopt some of them, althoug-h the expense has been much enhanced. A public walk should be reserved near Fort Ganse- voort, on the banks of the Hudson, and another at Cor- laers Hook. Museums. Scudder's Museum^ in the New- York Institution, oc- cupies an extensive suit of rooms in the west wing-, facing Broadway, and contains an immense collection of rare and valualile articles of every description. The specimens in Natural History are extremely well pre- served, and are all in glass cases : there is also, in the fourth story, a Cosmorama of views of the most re- markable places and objects in the world. It is !00 feet in length The proprietor has his rent free, by the liberality of the corporation. The admirer of nature will, in this Museum, which is not inferior to any in the United States, have ample satisfaction in spending his leisure hours in the examination of the vast variety of articles here assembled. The charms of music, and of othe- extraneous exhibitions, are frequently called in to add to the variety of the entertainment. The price of admittance is 25 cents ; children 12^ cents ; yearly tickets $5, family tickets $\0. Peale^s Museum is in Broadway, opposite the City Hall. This new and beautiful Museum was commenced on the 25lh October, 1825, and has met with great success. It occupies the rooms in the second, third, and fourth stories, and has a terraced roof, commanding a capita? NEW-YORK LAW IKSTITUTK. 44 1 view of the Park, and all the neig^hbouring- streets, to- gether with the city and harbour. It contains an ex- tensive collection of objects in Natural History, and other curiosities, also a series of portraits of well known American characters. There is a commodious lecture room, where there are frequent exhibitions of popular and striking- experiments, accompanied with short and amusing explanations; also chemical, philosophical, and magic lantern exhibitions, to all which the visiters of the Museum have free access. The proprietor is inde- fatigable in his attempts to please, and procure constant sources of amusement to strangers and citizens. Ad- mittance 25 cents. There are various transient exhibitions that are more or less interesting, also constantly taking place in this city, such as rare living animals, &c. ; but there is no regular menagerie. Law Institute and Law Lectures. The Gentlemen of the Bar have formed a society called the JVew-York Law Institute^ with a view to *' advance the jurisprudence of the state, to promote an efficient administration of justice, and to regulate the practice of the profession, on principles beneficial to their fellow-citizens, and honourable to themselves." As a foundation to begin their operations, an extensive and valuable Law Library is to be procured, and de- posited in a room, devoted to thai object in the City Hall. Law Lectures are to be delivered at stated pe- riods. There are standing Committees on the Library, Jurisprudence, and Censorship. All Counsellors, So- licitors, and Attorneys of the Supreme Court and Court of Chancery in this state, are eligible to the society, by the ballots of three-fourths of the members, present at two successive meetings. James Kent (former Chan- cellor of this state) is President ; and Smith Thompson, (one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United Stales,) Peter A. Jay, and Beverly Robinson, Vice- Presidents. 442 PRtsoNs. JVeto Law Court. To obviate the alleg-ed delays of Ia\v and justice in this city, owing to a multiplicity of business in the in- ferior courts, the Leg-islature in the winter of 1828, constituted a new Court called the Superior Court for the city and county of New- York, with powers adapted especially to the wants of the city, and intended to re- lieve the pressure of business from other Courts. It remains to have its efficacy tested by experience. PRISONS. There are five places of confinement in New-York city ; four for felons and one for debtors. These are 1. State Prison, 4. Bridewell, 2. Penitentiary, 5. Jail. 3 Kouse of Refug^e, State Prison. This is an extensive, convenient, and strongly built structure of the Doric order, situated at Greenwich, a:bout a mile and a half from the City Hall, and occupying one of the most healthy and pleasant spots on the banks of the Hudson. It is constructed of free-stone, the windows being grated with iron for se- curity. It is two stories high, of 15 feet each, besides the basement, and has a slated roof. — Rising from the centre there is a neat cupola, in which a bell is hung. The centre of the principal front, towards Washington- street, is projected and surmounted by a pediment, as is also the west front. The whole front measures 204 feet in length, and there are four wings which extend back- wards towards the river. The buildings and yards cover 4 acres of ground, the whole is enclosed by a stone wall of 23 feet high on the side of the river, and 14 feet in the front. There are 54 rooms for prisoners, 12 feet by 18, each of them large enough to accommodate 8 persons. The centre of the building is appropriated to the use of the Inspectors, Agents, Keeper, and Assistants. In the North wing is a chapel fitted up with galleries. In the 5?outh wing is the dining hall, over which is a large STATE PRISO^. 44o apartnieut allotted to prisoners who work at shoemaking-. On the second floor of the North West wing there is an hospital, and on the ground floors of the first South and North wings there are two kitchens for the use of the prisoners. Adjoining the end of each wing, there is a building of stone, two stories high, containing 7 cells on the upper floor for sohtary confinement. They measure 8 feet long, 6 wide, and 14 high, and the windows are 8 feet from the floor. In the yards are the different workshops of the prison- ers. These are constructed of brick ; are spacious, airy, and well adapted to the purpose. Here all the prisoners, except shoemakers, the sick, the females, who are kept by themselves, and a few men who are selected as assistants, are employed during the day in their dif- ferent occupations. The whole prison is abundantly supplied with water, and there is a bath for the use of the prisoners during the hot season. — There is also a kitchen garden inside the walls, which produces medi- cinal herbs and vegetables in great abundance ; besides store houses, saw pit, cellar, ice house, smoke house, fire engine house, pumps, and a number of convenient places for storing fuel and other essential purposes. No convict whose sentence is below three years im- prisonment is admitted into this prison. On entrance, a prisoner is immediately stripped, washed, and cleaned, and then dressed in a new shirt, trowsers, shoes and stockings. After a description of his person, Szc. is en- tered in the prison book, he is immediately put to work, and kept at hard labour agreeably to his sentence. A chaplain voluntarily officiates twice every Sunday, and also visits the Alms House, Penitentiary, Bridewell, and House of Refuge. The old State Prison was sold by the state to the cor- poration, for $100,000; and will be evacuated soon as the new one is finished, and will then be converted to ->ther purposes, viz. a Debtors' Prison, Bridewell, Court Rooms, &c. It is impossible to compress within our iimits the details of the prison laws and discipline: for 444 THE PEKITENTIARY. information on this head, reference must be made to numerous books, pamphlets, and documents. The J^ew State Prison. This great building- is now erecting on the immediate banks of the Hudson river, about 30 miles north of the city, in the town of Sing Sing, or Mount Pleasant. 'The foundation of the prison itself is an immense marble quarry, which furnishes the materials for the budding, and employment for the con- victs, who are wholly employed in erecting it. Solitary confinement is hereto be the principal means of reform- ation, and 800 or 1000 cells will be contained within its gloomy walls. The Penitentiary. This building stands in the rear of the Alms-house at Bellevue, and within the same enclosure. Like the Alms-house, it is a plain stone structure with slated roof. There is a pediment in front, rising no higher than the building, which is three stories in height. It measures 150 feet in length, and 50 in width. At the main en- trance, which is on the ground story, there is a large hall, 20^ feet by 18, in which there are two apartments allotted to the keeper. There are two doors in the back part of this hall, which lead to the prisoners. A wall running across the building, forms a division between the males, who have each a gallery or hall for exercise in front of their apartments, 36 feet by 8. There are 4 looms for men and 4 for women, 13^ feet by 8^, the ■ windows of which are towards the front, and properly secured. Behind the women's gallery there is a kitchen. 38 feet by 22, and a larder and store room ; and behind the men's there is a mess-room 38 feet by 22, a cleaning room and a bath. A staircase in the centre, leads to the second and third stories, which are laid out on the same plan as the first. Besides the front entrance, there are two doors at each end of the building, through which there is access to the halls of the felons, the kitchen, and other apartments. This building was reared at the time the Alms-house was constructed, and opened 18th May, 1826; and en THE PENITENTIARY. 445 joys all the advantages of situation and free circulation of air peculiar to this delightful spot. By the Act of the Legislature passed 15th April, 1814, it is enacted, "that one of the buildings now erected by the Mayor, Alder- men, and Commonalty of the city of New-York, at Bellevue, in the 10th Ward of the same city, by the name of ' The Penitentiary of the city of New-York,' for the confinement and safe-keeping of all persons con- victed of any crime or misdemeanor, and sentenced to confinement therein by the general sessions of the peace, in and for the city and county of New- York, or any court of Oyer and Terminer there ; and also of all per- sons committed thereto by the Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen of the said city, or the special justices for preserving the peace in the said city for the time being, or any two of them." By the same Act, the Mayor, &c. may "commit any person who may be deemed and ad- judged a disorderly person within the meaning of the Act, entitled, ' An Act for apprehending and punishing disorderly persons,' to the above-mentioned Penitentiary, to be kept at hard labour, or any work or employment therem, for any period not exceeding 6 months ''' It is also declared lawful, in tlie Mayor, Recorder, and Council, to employ at labour on public v)orks^ such convicts as are sentenced to be imprisoned in the city and county, for offences under the degree which sub- jects to* confinement in the State Prison. At the pre- sent time, there are near 400 convicts in the Peniten- tiary, 236 of whom are men, and 143 women. Of the former, a considerable proportion are employed in im- proving the roads, and some in the garden and house work, and at various mechanical arts, and the women in making and mending clothes for the prisoners, and in slop work. The management of the Penitentiary is entirely under the charge of the commissioners appointed to con- duct the affairs of the Alms-house, and the superintend ant, and other officers of the one, officiates in the other, under similar rules and regulations. 3B 44ti TJREAD-MiLL. Tread Mill. This new method of employing and punishing crimi- nals, which was introduced here in 1822, has been found highly salutary in its operation, as affording an irksome employment, and one v^hich deters them from commit- ting future crimes, and incurnng this dreaded mode of punishment. The machine is contained in a two story stone house, 60 feet in length ; which is divided into 2 parts, one containing the wheel and apparatus, and the other, the machinery of the mill, or whatever else is in- tended to be operated upon. The wheel is similar to a common water wheel, and about 25 feet long, and 6 feet m diameter. On the ex- ternal part of this wheel, on a level with the axle, the prisoners are obliged to tread, moving up together as the wheel goes round, and at the same time edging off gradually to one end, and every minute or two, at the tinkling of a little bell, one steps off and sits still a few minutes, and at the other end another one gets on ; and in this manner is the operation continued incessantly for several hours, until it becomes excessively laborious to them. The power created by the revolving of the wheel, is here applied to the grinding of corn, or grain, for the supply of coarse food to the establishment. When in operation, each person on it will have to ascend equal to 2500 feet in an hour. As a species of prison labour it is very simple, and requires no previous instruction ; the machinery is not complicated or expensive; the whole cost of this house and its apparatus being only $3 000. In the Penitentiary are 60 cells, each 7 feet long, and 3^ broad, in which the most abandoned and refractory are confined. The convicts are all uniformly, but coarsely dressed ; and are under the strictest discipline of their keepers — 4 in number, besides the out-door keepers having charge of those prisoners at work on tiie public roads. HOUSE OF KEFUGE. 447 House of Refuge^ or- Jlsylumfor Juvenile Delinquents, The building and premises appropriated to this cor- rective institution, are situated about two miles from the City Hall, at the junction of the Bloomingdale and Boston roads, and on the area designated in the plan of the city as the Parade ground, and at the intersection of 5th avenue and 23d-street. The high stone walls en- close a space of 320 by 300 feet, and was formerly built for and occupied as an Arsenal for the United States. Additional buildings have been erected, consisting of a stone edifice 150 feet long and 38 wide ; the lower or ground floor of which is occupied as a kitchen, dining room, washing room, store room, tailors' and shoemakers' room, and cilice ; the floor above is occupied as a dor- mitory, and contains separate and comfortable sleeping rooms for each boy, on the modern plan of the Auburn and Sing-Sing State Prisons, with a shallow gallery in front of the cells, which is also used as a school room on the Lancasterian system, for 4 hours each day, and the North end of this floor is used for the Hospital. Another 2 story brick building for the females, of greater dimen- sions and more showy aspect, has also been erected within the walls, and is designed and used as follows : matron's room, on the right side of the entrance, and on the opposite side a neat Committee room ; laundry, 3 ^arge halls to be used as required, and the kitchen in the rear ; on the 2d floor is the hospital, over the kitch- en, and a suit of dormitory cells, and 2 school rooms, similar to the other house, and fronting the south is a large and airy room for a chapel, or place of worship, containing a gallery for the boys and girls, and seats for spectators; the whole being uncommonly neat, and under the superintendance of a man and 2 women. Workshops are placed in advance of the principal buildings, where different trades are carried on. such as plating, turning, chair making, button and brass nail making, &c. to all which visiters have free access in the morning on Wednesdays and Fridays, and also to divine service on Sunday. A handsome garden is enclosed. 448 HOUSE OP REFUGE. and tends highly to embellish the general appearance and healthiness of the place. The Legislature have bestowed liberal grants of money, and the citizens have raised 15 to 20 thousand dollars in aid of the noble objects embraced in this insti- tution. The entire number received since the commencement is 377 ; of whom '270 were boys, and 107 girls. The boys' department is now full, but changes are constantly oc- curring, as they are apprenticed out and new ones re- ceived. There is not a doubt remaining in the mind of any humane, well-informed person, of the beneficial in- fluence of the House of Refuge in ameliorating and re- forming the juvenile offender. Manufactures are car- ried on, but not as a source of profit, for as soon as some degree of dexterity is acquired, the boys are apprenticed out, and they are succeeded by the inexperienced ; and from the work of the females, no other profit is obtained than that which is saved by the performance of domestic duties; but profit is not the most important object in view, so much as to inflict upon them a suitable punish- ment for their offences, and to effect that moral reforma- tion, which will restore them to the world as enlightened and regenerated members of society. The health of the inmates is so much an object of attention, that but a single death has occurred among them since the esta- blishment commenced. Boys that evince uncommon improvement in moral character and behaviour, are promoted to the class of honour^ which forms the only night guard. Expensive and enticing amusements, are known to be the most general origin of youthful crime ; to gratify this desire, small thefts are committed, and money stole, which, from time to time, increases in amount, and leads the victim on to destruction. The House of Refuge combines together the advan- tages of a prison, a manufactory, and a school upon the Lancaster plan. The object is to receive such young persons who (from a vicious education, the abandonment of their parents, or evil example) are arraigned before our criminal courts for breaches of the laws; or from a HOUSE OF llErUGE. 44^ lite of street beg^ging-, and other vagabond habits that come under the vagrant act. They are put to labour al simple mechanic arts, such as will hereafter secure them a living; their minds are expanded by the principles of a virtuous education ; and when the managers are satis- fied that they are fit to return to society, they apprentice them to trades, to husbandry, or to the sea faring life. By this means, many children have already been rescued from depravity and crime, and restored to character and independence. Obstinate and unruly children may also be sent here by their parents or guardians, on proper application to the civil authorities. The board of managers consists of practical men, who are acquainted (from their official stations,) with the ex- tent of juvenile depravity and delinquency, and the ne- cessity of applying a remedy. Among them are the former Mayors, the District Attorney, the late Recorder, the Judge of the Common Pleas, several Aldermen, the Commissioners of the Alms-house, the Superintendant of the Penitentiary, and others. A superintendant has the immediate charge of the institution, manages it with a truly paternal care, and an ability united with great zeal. Its usefulness has been so conclusively proved, that it could not now be dispensed with ; and it has been imitated in other cities. Strangers are readily admitted, and feel well reward- ed for their trouble, by the appearance of order, neat- ness, and good government that pervades every part. The Broadway coach will take passengers for 12^ cents, to within a short distance of the place, which is distant about two miles from the City Hall. The number of inmates here at present are 161 ; of which 130 are boys, and 31 girls. , Bridewell. This building stands in the park, on the west side of the City Hall. It is a small structure of gray stone, two stories high, besides the basement. There is a pe- diment in the front and in the rear, which are carried a story higher than the rest of the building. The centre 450 BRIDEWELL, apartments are allotted to the use of the keeper and his deputies. On the first floor, on the right, there is an apartment called the Long Room, occupied entirely by females, in which there is a division to separate the whites from the people of colour. On the left of the same floor, there is a similar apartment for males, who are all whites. On the second floor there are two wards, the one called the Upper JHalt, and the other the Chain Room, in which men are kept, and the whites separated from the blacks, as in the female apartment. The Up- per Hall is appropriated to the higher class of convicts; and the large room, on the left of the first floor, to those committed for trial at the sessions. In the basement stor)', there is an hospital for the sick, which is well aired; and cells for confining the refractory ; bui these are seldom used. Except when under sentence of death, no fetters are applied, and even then a light iron is only fastened to one leg of the prisoner. Here, as in the Penitentiary, the prisoners pick oak- um, or are employed on public works, at the discretion of the Major, &c. The allowance of victuals to each prisoner daily is half a pound of beef, half a pound of bread, and as much Indian meal porridge and potatoes as they can consume. Along with the porridge, they receive a portion of molasses, and every other day a dish of soup, in which the beef has been boiled. During cold weather, they are abundantly supplied with fuel. The convicts are closely confined, no person being al- lowed to have access to them except the keeper or his assistants. Persons for trial may be seen, and the place visited, every day at 8 in the morning, at I o'clock, and at i past 6 in the evening. A- the present time, there are about 120 prisoners re- maining in Bridewell. Notwithstanding the building of the Penitentiary, the Bridewell is too small to contain the number of persons sent thither. Within these few- years, the sessions used to be held quarterly, when the number for trial did not exceed 100. Now, they are held on the first Monday of every month, and the pri- soners arraigned are about 170, on an average. Fre- quently 200 are tried. This increase of culprits has BRIDEWELL, io( poiated out the necessity of erecting- another place of confinement, which it is in contemplation to huild in a more ehg-ible situation, and to clear aivay the present Bridewell altog^ether. Meanwhile, by the act of the leg-islature, of i5th April, 1814, regulating the new Peni- tentiary, it is enacted, '' that the f>art of the Bridewell of the city of New-York, which is now established and used as tht^ jail of the said city, for the confinetnent and safe keeping u( ail persons charged with, or convicted of any crime or misdemeanor, except persons sentenced to imprisonment in the State Prison, shall, after the above-mentioned building at Bellevue becomes the Peni- tentiary of the said city as aforesaid, continue lo be the jail of the said city, for the confinement and safe keep- ing of sucn persons as shall be specially committed thereto, or sentenced to confinement therein, and espe- cially of all persons committed to prison in the said city for oflfences against the United States." The direction of the city Bridewell is under the con- trol of the Commissioners of the Alms- House and Peni- tentiary. There is a principal keeper, whom they appoint, with an annual salary of 600 dollars, besides perquisites, which consist of six shillings for the dis- charge of every prisoner; two deputies, who receive 400 dollars each annually ; and a physician, who also attends the Jail, and for both services is paid 400 dol- lars a year. Considering the crowded state of this abode of wretchedness, it is clean and healthy. This, in a great measure, is owing to the prisoners' being compelled to wash their apartments out regularly and frequently. Jail, or Debtors' Prison. The Jail for the confinement of debtors stands in the Park, on the east side of the City Hall, nearly adjoining to Chatham-street. It is a small stone building, nearly square, three stories in height, with a belfry rising from the centre. The entrance is on the south side of the building. The front part of the first story has an outer and inner lobby, from which a staircase ascends to the 452 debtors' pkison. top of the building. The apartments on both sides of the lobbies are appropriated to the use of the jailor and his family, and turnkeys. On the first floor there is a long gallery, on each side of which there are three wards for prisoners. The second floor is constructed in the same manner, excepting that the greater part of the one side of the gallery is fitted up as a chapel, in which prayers are read every Thursday. The prison is open from 6 o'clock in the morning till sunset, during which there is constant access to the place. There is no settled allowance in this Jail for the pri- soners, nor have they even bedding. But the Humane Society has benevolently stepped forward to their relief, and allows each poor prisoner half a pound of meat, 3 pints of soup, 2 potatoes, and an Indian corn meal dump- ling, every 2i hours. During winter, they frequently receive donations of firewood, and make up any defi- ciency among themselves. The health of the prisoners is greatly promoted bj their having permission to walk on the roof of the building at all seasonable hours. The use of spirituous liquors is prohibited by the legislature in all the prisons of the state. There are but few pri- soners inside the walls: outside, and within the limits, there are between 3 and 400. The limits of the city Jail extend to the whole city and island south of Love Lane. Permission to reside in the limits may be obtained for 50 cents, and finding proper security to the satisfaction of the Jailor ; but this is only granted after judgment has been obtained. Per- sons arrested for debt previous to judgment, secure their liberty by finding bail for their appearance. The High Sheriff is Jailor by virtue of his office. He is also tlie public executioner. THE AUCTION SYSTEM. Sales at auction, or public vendue, have been carried on in this city from a short time after its settlement to the present day, as may be seen by referring to 1704 and other years, in the chronological part of this work ; by which it will be perceived, that even in that remote THE AUCTION SYSTi:3I. 453 period of our history, it was complained of as an evil, but no remedy was applied. The first sales mentioned were in 1676. Auctioneers are appointed by the Senate of this state, on the nomination of the Governor. There are forty- six in this city ; but the principal portion of the whole business is transacted by eight or ten houses, as appears from the following- list of auctioneers, with the duties paid bv each to the state for the year ending- March 31st, 1828.— Hagg-erty and Austen, John Hone and Sons, T. Pearsall, . R. Lawrence, A. G. Thompson, . W. Timpson, Mills and Minton, . M. Hoffman, A. S. Glass, . From thirty-seven others, ^72,3^22 00 60,571 48 45,421 68 31,131 66 15,636 62 11,705 48 10,179 92 7,625 21 7,109 28 4261,703 53 36,586 12 Total, ^298,289 65 All goods, wares, and merchandise, and every other species of personal property, which shall at any time be exposed to sale by public auction in this state, is liable to pay the following duties, viz. — All wines or ardent spirits, fureign or domestic, at the rate of 2 per cent. ; teas, and all goods from beyond the Cape of Good Hope, 1 per cent. ; European and all other goods, 1^ per cent. — calculated on the sums for which the goods are struck off. No auction duties are payable upon ships and vessels, utensils of husbandry, horses, or cattle of any descrip- tion, nor on any articles of the growth, produce, or manufacture of this state, except distilled spirits, nor on all fabrics of cotton, wool, hemp, and flax, manu- factured within the jurisdiction of the United States, 454 THE AUCTION SYSTEM. nor if the articles sold belong to the United States or ta this state, nor if they are sold under any judgment or decree of any court of law or equity, or under a seizure by any public oflBcer for or on account of any forfeiture or penalty, or under a distress for rent, nor if the arti- cles belong to the estate of a deceased person, and are sold by his executors or admuiistrators, or any other person duly authorized by a surrogate, nor if they shall be the effects of a bankrupt or insolvent and are sold by his assignees, nor if the goods are damaged at sea, anS sold within twenty days after they shall have been landed. Auctioneers are required to give bonds for S5,000 for a faithful performance of the duties of their office ; — said bond to be approved by the Mayor. Selling goods without license subjects to a fine of $500, and 3 months' imprisonment. Auctioneers can have but one house or store to sell at, to be designated in writing. No auc- tioneer can demand or receive a higher compensation for his services than 2^ per cent, on the amount of any sales, public or private, made by him, unless by virtue of a previous agreement in writing made between him and the owner of the goods sold, under a penalty of $230 for each offence. Quarterly accounts of sales are made out, dated on the first days of April, July, October, and January, stating the day and amount of each sale, public or pri- vate ; and said account must be exhibited within twenty days thereafter to the Mayor or Recorder under oath ; and within ten days thereafter, they are required to pay into such bank in the city of New-York as may be de- signated by the Comptroller,* the duties accrued on said sales, together with the additional sum of 2^ per cent, on the whole amount of such duties : penalty for neglect ^750. All sales of goods by auction to be made in the day time, except books or prints, or goods sold m the origi- nal package, as imported, according to a printed cata- logue, of which samples shall have been opened and *Tho Manhattan Bnnk THK AUCTIOiV SYSTEM. 466 exposed to public inspection at least one day previous to the sale. The largest portion of the auction tax laid by the state is derived from the sales of dry goods of English and French manufacture, and the next largest from teas and silks from China, then sugars, groceries, and ardent spirits. On a fair average of the entire sales, it is presumed the duties would amount to one and a half per cent.; and from the gross amount of the duties for the past year, viz. $298,289 65, the entire value of the goods dis- posed of at auction in this city in one year must have amounted to about twenty millions of dollars. Formerly, the auction tax was solely devoted to the support of foreign poor arriving in this city ; and it had increased from $2,593, in 1798, when the tax commenced, to $72,716, in 1816, when it was all withdrawn from this city, and devoted and pledged to pay the interest of the Canal Fund, except a sum given yearly to the Hospital and Asylum. From the data afforded by the goods and merchandise disposed of by auction in this city, and from other docu- ments, an approximation might be made towards form- ing an estimate of the entire value of all merchandise annually transferred from first hands, whether by ves- sels from foreign ports or coastwise; and this might with safety be put down at one hundred millions of dollars. THE LOTTERY SYSTEM. According to the new constitution of this state, as adopted in 1821, no new lotteries are to be granted after the previous ones are fulfilled ; but there are lotteries enough still undrawn to continue the business a great number of years. Lottery dealers are licensed by the Mayor ; and have to pay for the same $250 per year, which is appropriated to the Orphan Asylum and the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. By the new combination system of draw- ing lotteries, by which the whole echeme is decided 9.nd 4 00 THE LOTTERY SYSTEM. the fate of each ticket ascertained in a fei*- minutes, great facilities are acquired by managers in getting up lotteries and disposing of the tickets ; and accordingh'^ there is a lottery drawn once in two or three weeks. During the year, "from 23d May, 1827, to 23d April, 1828, there were eighteen lotteries drawn in this city, of which one had 34,220 tickets at #5, one 34,220 tickets at $4, three had 24.000 tickets at $4, two 24,000 tickets at $5, one 24,000 tickets at $7, one 14,000 tickets at $16, one 14,000 tickets at $12, one 14,000 tickets at $10, three 14,000 tickets at $8, one 14,000 tickets at $5, and three of 14,000 tickets at $4, all at the original or scheme price ; the aggregate number of tickets amount to three hundred and fifty-two thousand four hundred and forty ^ and the amount of the whole at scheme price to two millions one hundred and nineteen thousand nine hundred and eighty dollars ; but as they are always advanced by the trade one-fourth or one-fifth, the amount of the . tickets when retailed to individuals would be two mil- ♦♦ lions fve hundred and forty-three thousand nine hundred -/; and seventy- six dollars ! . As it is contrary to law to sell any tickets in foreign ^ lotteries, or those not authorized by this state, it is pre- ' sumed that the foregoing is an accurate estimate of the ^ lottery business done in this state only ; of which the largest portion is dosed out to this city, and to the nume- rous strangers visitiog it. Every other state also has its own lotteries, by which the evil is increased tenfold. Within ten years, the number of ticket venders has multiplied to a great extent ; and they display great in- genuity in their puffs, advertisements, and other expe- dients to extend the sale of their tickets, and in coaxing the ignorant and careless out of their hard-earned mo- ney, and to dupe the credulous purchaser; by which immense sums are yearly sported with by the Americai¥ public, to the great advantage of a few cunning indivi-' duals, but at a dreadful sacrifice of the morality and resources of the people. LIST OP STREETS. 4^7 MST OF STREETS IN NEW-YORK, Alphahelically arranged^ with reference to the place of Beginning and Ending on the Plan, by finding the in- tersecting squares on the margin. B 1 Albany, B 1 ! Albany Basin, I Alien, D 4 ! Amity, B 6 i Amos, A 6 Ann, C2 Anthony, D 3 Arden, B 6 Asylum, A 7 Attorney, E 5 Augustus, C S 1st Avenue, D 5 2d Avenue, C 5 :M Avenue, C 6 4th Avenue, B 8 5tli Avenue, B 6 6th Avenue, B 6 7th Avenue, A 7 8lh Avenutt, A 8 9th Avenue, A 7 lOlli Avenue, Avenue A, D 5 Avenue B, D 5 Avenue U, E 5 Avenue D, E 5 Bank, A 6 Barclay, B 2 Barrow, A 5 Batuvia, D 3 Bavard, C 4 Beach, B4 Beaver, C 1 Beaver Lane, B I Beekman, C. 2 Bedford, B 5 & 6 Benson, C 3 Bethune, A 6 'Birmingham, D 4 lilcecker, C 3 Bond, C 6 Bowery, D 3 to C 7 Bowling Green, B 1 Bridge, C 1 Broad, C 1 Broadwav. B t to C ?• Broome, E 5 lo B 5 Burling Slip, D 2 Burrows, A 6 Burton, B 6 Canal, C 4 to A 4 Cannon, E 5 Carlisle, B 1 Carmine, B 5 to G Cathdriae, D 3 Catharine Sl-p, D S Catharine Lane, C 3 Cedar, C 1 to B 2 Centre, 4 Charles, A 6 Chambers, C 3 to B S Chapel, B 2 ♦-• 4 Charlton, B 5 to A 5 Chatham, C 2 to D 3 Chatham Square, D 3 Cherry, E 2 to 5 Chesnut, D 3 Christopher, D 6 to A 6 Chrystie, ; • 4 to 5 Church, B 2 to 4 Clarke, B 5 Clarkson, A 5 Clift; O 2 Clinton, E 4 to D 5 Coenties Slip, C 1 Coffee-House Slip, D 1 Columbia, E 5 Columbia Alloy, C 5 Collect, C 3 to 4 Collister, B 4 Commerce, A 6 Corlaeis, E 5 & 4 Corporation Dock, B 2 Courtlandt, B 2 Courtlandt Alley, C 4 Cornelia, B 6 Crosby, C 4 to 5 Cross, C 3 Cross All-y, C 5 to G Delancy, D 5 to E 5 Depev-ter. C i 4bii LIST OF STKEETS. Dcsbrosses, B 4 Dey, B 2 Division, D 3 to E 4 Dominick, 6 5 Dover, D 2 Dowliing, B S Doyer, D3 Duane, C S to B S Dutch, C 2 Eden's Alley, 2 Eldridge, D 4 to 5 Elizabeth, C 4 to 5 Elm, C 3 to 5 Eisex, D 4 to 5 Exchange Slip, C 1 Exchange-street, C I Excriapge Place, C 1 Factory, A 7 Ferry, C 2 First, C 5 Fletcher, C2 Forsyth, D 4 to 5 Fourth, C 6 to B 6 Frankfort, C 2 Franklin, B 4 to C 4 Front, C 1 to E 4 Fulton, C 2 Fulton Slip, D 2 Garden, B I Gay, B 6 Goerck, E5 Gold, V. 2 Gouverneur, E 4 Gouverneur's Lane, C 1 Grand, E 5 to B 4 Great Kiln, A 7 Groen, B 4 to 6 Green, C 2 Greenwich, B 1 to A 7 Gr€enwich Lane, B 7 to A 7 Hague, D 2 Ilamersley, B S to A 5 Hamilton, D 3 Hammond, A 7 to 6 Hancock, B 5 Hanover Square, C 1 Harman, D 3 to E 4 Harrison, B 6 Henry, D 3 to E 4 Herring, B 6 to A 7 Hester, C 4 to D 4 Hoboken, A 4 Howard, B 4 to C 4 Horatio, A 7 Fcuston, B"" Hubert, B 4 Hudson, B 3 to A 8 Hudson Square. B 4 Jacob. C 2 James D 3 James Slip, D 2 & S Jane, A 7 Jay, B 3 Jefferson, E 4 John, C 2 Jones, C 6 Jones's Lane, C 1 King, B 5 to A 5 La Fayette Place, C 6 Lajght, B 4 Laurens, B 4 to 6 Lent's Busin, C I Leonard, B 3 Le Eoy, A 5 Lewis. E 5 Liberty, B 2 Lispenard, B 4 Lombardy, D 3 to E 6 Ludlow, D 4 to 6 Lumber, B 1 M'Dougal, B 5 to G Madison, C 3 to E 5 Maiden Lane, C 2 Mangin, E 5 Market, D 4 to S Market Slip, D 3 Marketfield, B I Mercer, B 4 to 6 Mill, C 1 Minetta, B 6 Montgomery, E 4 Moore, C 1 Morton, A 5 Mott, C 3 to 5 Mulberry, O 3 to £ ^f array, B 3 Nassau, C 1 to 2 New, C 1 New Slip, D 2 Nortblk, D 4 to 5 North, O 5 to E 5 North Moore, B 4 Oak, D3 Old Slip, C 1 Oliver, D 3 Orange, C 3 to 4 Orchard, D 4 to 5 Park, O 2 Park Place, B ? res'-'. CI t'> - LIST OF STREETS. 459 Peck Slip, D 2 Pelhain, D 3 Pell, O 3 Perry, B 7 to 6 Pike, D 4 to 3 Pike Slip, E A Pine, B to C 2 Pitt, E 5 Prince, C & B 5 Provost, B 4 to 3 Pump, C 4 Reason, A 6 Rector, B 1 Reed, C to B 3 Ren wick, B 4 to 5 Republican Alley, C 3 Rhynder or Cenwe, C 4 Rider's Alley, C 2 Ridge, E 4 to 5 Rivington, D to E 5 Rooinson, B 2 Roosevelt, C 3 to D 2 Rose, C3 Rutger, D 4 to E 3 Rutger Slip, E 3 Scamnael, E 4 Scott, A 7 Sherifi; E5 Skinner, C 2 South, C 1 to D 2 Spring, C 5 to A 5 Spruce, C 2 Stanton, C 5 to E S Staple, B 3 State, B to C 1 Stone, C 1 St. John's, B 4 Stuyvesant, O 7 Suffolk, E 4 to D 5 Sullivan, B 4 to 6 Temple, B 1 to 2 Thames, B 1 Theatre Alley, C2 Thomas, B3 Thompson, B 4 to 6 Vandam, B 5 to A 5 Vandewater, C 2 to 3 Varick, B 4 to 5 Vesey, B 2 Vestry, B 4 Walker, B to C 4 Wall, B to C 1 Walnut, 3 4 Warren, B 3 Washington, B 1 to A 7 Water, O 1 to E 4 Wutte, B to A 4 West, B 2 to A 6 White, B to C 4 Whitehall, O 1 Whitehall Slip, C 1 Willett, E 5 William, C 1 to 3 Wooster, B 4 to 6 York, B 4 The streets of New-York, south of North-street and Greenwich Lane, including Lanes and Alleys, amount to 250. Although towards the harbour, in the Jst and 2d wards, a few of the streets are somewhat crooked and narrow, they are in general straight, regular, and s; acious, particularly those recently formed. Running in parallel lines, and terminating a<^ right aogles at the "orner of every street, a free circulation of air is greatly romoted ; which is further increased by a gradual de- cent having been given to the streets, on both sides, rom the centre of the city down to the Hudson and East ^ivers. The causeway is firm and neat, and the foot oavement, which was formerly constructed of a reddish )rick, is now made of durable flat stones, from the quar- ies of Connecticut ; the crossings from one street to 460 STREETS. another are also gfenerally laid with these stones. The city is well lighted with lamps : Broadway and some other streets are lighted with gas, on the most approved plan, and have fluted ornamental iron posts. A regular night-watch is also established, to give security to the inhabitants, and clear the streets of improper persons. The pleasantest streets for the residence of private and genteel families within this city, are as follows : State-street, fronting the Battery, Bridge-street, Bowl- ing Green, Greenwich-street, from the Battery toCourt- landt-street, Broadway from the Battery to Rector- street, and facing the Park; also north of Anthony-street, Bond-street, the streets around Hudson Square, Hud- son-street, Park Place, Chambers-street, Liberty and Courtlandt streets west of Broadway, Dey-street, Vesey- street, opposite St. Paul's church-yard, Barclay-street, Murray-street, Warren-street, Bleecker-street, Prince- street, the streets around Washington Square, La Fay- ette Place, Broome-street, Spring- street, and Grand- street, Franklin, White, and Walker streets. Many elegant private mansions are also scattered in other parts of the city. Other streets that are more within the vor- tex of business are also pleasant, but are not considered quite as fashionable a quarter of the town ; such are, Beekman-street, Pearl-street, ClifF-street, John-street, Cherry-street ; Harman and Madison streets, as now- widened, improved, and built up with neat and spacious houses, are also very convenient and respectable streets. Broadway, the Bowery, and Canal streets are all of un- common width. That large portion of the city, lying east of the Bowery, comprises a dense population, prin- cipally inhabiting small two story wooden, or brick build- ings. The streets on the west side of Broadway, are generally preferred by citizens and strangers. South-street, in its whole extent, is exclusively occu- pied by the merchants owning the shipping, and by those connected with that line of business, and it forms a range of warehouses, four and five stories in height, ex- tending from the Battery to Roosevelt-street, facing the East river. Front-street, and Water-street, together with the various slips intersecting them from South- STREETS. 461 street, are occupied by wholesale grocers and commis- sion merchants, iron dealers, or as warehouses for the storag'e of merchandise and produce of every descrip- tion. Pearl-street, is the pecuhar and favourite resort of wholesale dry good merchants, earthen ware dealers, kc. from Coenties Slip to Peck Slip ; and in it also, are the auction stores. Sales at auction are also made in Wall-street, between Pearl and Water streets. Wall-street commences at Broadway, and leads to Soutli-street, and comprises the Custom House and its ap- pendages, the principal banks, insurance offices, brokers, and Bankers ; also the Merchants' Exchange, with the Post Office, and offices of several important daily papers ; in short, it is the money depot of the city, and from 10 to 3 o'clock, it displays a busy scene, and gives a favour- able impression of the extensive trade, wealth, and im- portance of New-York. Broadway is the handsomest street, and the greatest thorough-fare in New-York. It runs in a direct line from the Battery to Tenth-street, and is three miles in length, and 80 feet in breadth. It contains the principal retail shops of jewellers and watchmakers ; also the principal book stores, merchant tailors, hatters, caryet and fancy dry good stores, confectioners, hotels aud boarding-houses ; also four episcopal churches, and the Hospital, the Masonic Hall, two Museums, and the City Hall. It is well paved throughout, with the side walks 19 feet in width, laid with flagging ston*^. The perspec- tive views in proceeding from the battery up this street towards the City Hall, are strikmg to the eye of a stran- ger ; we would notice especially the view standing by St. Paul's church, and looking towards the north and north east, as presenting the finest coup d'oeil in the city. Maiden Lane, from Broadway to William-street, and William-street from Liberty to Beekman streets, and Chatham-street from the Park eastward, are principally occupied by retail dry good and fancy stores ; Canal- street, west of Broadway, contains many similar shops. There are some trades so concentrated, that they are mostly contained in one neighbourhood, such are the tanners and curriers in Ferry-street. Jacob-street, and 462 ENVIRONS OF THE CITY. the vicinity ; also furriers ia Water-street, cabinet ana chair makers in Broad-street. Other trades and occu- pations are so diffused over the city, that no one parti- cular spot could be designated as appropriated to them. Pine, Wall, and Nassau streets, contain many of the offices of law practitioners. From the clear and well defined plan of the city, an- nexed to this book, it is very easy for any stranger im- mediately to discover any street or object that may be desired, by reference to the alphabetical " List of Streets,'' and the intersections of the figure and letter mentioned with it. All the streets and avenues, as laid out by the commissioners, and running at right angles, proceed in numerical order, and therefore do not require any reference. i« The Environs of the City. The peculiar situation of New- York, with reference to the surrounding country, does not require a very de- tailed description of the objects that may be visited, as a few hours spent in riding, will suffice to gratify the curiosity of the stranger in beholding the most frequent- ed and interesting objects ; such are the Passaic Falls in New-Jersey ; the ride around New-York Island ; also a ride on Long Island to Bath, on the shores of the At- lantic, through the villages of Brooklyn and Fiatbush. The excursions that may be made in steamboats, up the Hudson river, and through Long Island sound, are so various and extensive, that they require, and have re- ceived, a separate book of description,* that does full justice to the subject. New- York is such an important point, that the jour- neys both by land and water, that may be made in ra- diating lines from it, in most every direction, are nume- rous, and the facilities, and cheapness of the different conveyances, that await the traveller, are such as to offer every inducement. For particulars as to that head , see the article Steamboats. *The Northern Traveller PASSAIC FALLS, &C. 463 Passaic Falls are situated in the town of Paterson, New-Jersey, about 22 miles nortli-west from New- York. The town has risen rapidly in importance, from its nu- merous manufacturing establishments, and the valuable water power obtained from the falls; it possesses a popu- lation of about 7,000 inhabitants, that are principally connected with the various factories. The Morristown Canal runs through the town, connecting the waters of the Delaware with the Hudson, opposite New-York ; but the falls constitute the greatest attraction to stran- gers, and are worthy of a visit and an attentive exami- nation. By ascending the hill, south of the falls, where the road has been cut through solid rock, the falls sud- denly appear in all their grandeur, pouring into a nar- row and rocky chasm 70 feet in depth. Immense masses of trap rock rise perpendicular from the gulf below, and appear to enclose the water in an immense reser- voir, but a rent in the rock, admits of a passage to the east, wore it pursues its course over a rocky bed, until it meets the tide water, a few miles below. The ride to Schooley's mountain mineral spring, 50 miles west from the city, leads through Newark, Mor- ristown, and a pleasant portion of the state of New- Jersey. The water of this spring is a strong and pure chalybeate, and together with the pure mountain air, possesses great restorative powers to benefit the numerous invalids, that visit this spot in summer, from all the principal cities. The spring itself is a curiosity, issuing from a fissure of an immense rock. The summit of Schooley's mountain is 1200 feet above the ocean level. Long Branch. This is a favourite watering place, and is much frequented by the citizens of New-York and Philadelphia; it is situated about 30 miles south from the city on the eastern shore of New-Jersey, and on the immediate bank of the Atlantic ocean, and in full view of the shipping entering and departing from this port. The bank, which is 30 or 40 feet above the water that washes its base, offers a beautiful promenade of se- veral miles in extent, north and south ; the bathing is secure, and the surf offers the finest opportunity of enjoy- ing it in perfection. There are extensive accommnd'a- 464 STATEN ISLAND. tions for visiters during the summer season ; steamboats can penetrate to ShrcArsbury landing, and from thence passengers are taken in stages, or wagons, to Long Branch. Sandy Hook, and the highlands of Neversink, on which are light-houses and beacons for mariners, may be visited on this trip. The height of the hills on the Neversink, is about 300 feet, and from their sum- mit, owing to their proximity to the ocean, is the most extensive marine view on the coast, and the hills are a celebrated land mark for mariners. Staten Island. The steamboat runs several times daily to and from Whitehall -slip to the Quarantine Ground. The views which this trip affords of the noble and ex- pansive harbour, the various islands and forts which pass immediately before the eye of the spectator ; ships pass- ing in various directions, and the grand panoramic view which is seen of the distant shores around, must inevita- bly please and delight the beholder.. The refreshing coolness of the sea-breeze, and the salutary effect which is produced upon the health of those that frequent this delightful spot, must ever recommend it to the public as a place of agreeable resort in the sultry summer months. The salubrity of the spot caused the shore to be select- ed as a fit place for receiving invalids and sickly ships, arriving from abroad. Landing at the quarantine dock, the pedestrian, after surmounting the gentle acclivities nearest, will arrive at the highest summit of the island, which is estimated to be 300 feet above the level of the ocean, and from this position is an extensive, rich, and variegated land- scape presented to the eye. The Light-House on Sandy-Hook can readily be seen, and in front you have the fertile fields of Long Island directly beneath the view ; and more to the north, the city extending for a long distance on the North and East Rivers, diverging from the point of the Battery ; the wharves skirting the city, sun'ounded with a forest of shipping; the majestic Hudson on the extreme left, pe- netrating through a rich and mountainous interior, issu- ing forth its treasures and rich products in innumerable ve,3sels, whose white sails contrasting with the dark blue HOBOKEN AND WEEHAWK. 465 \)i the water present a lively pictnre of active com- merce. The strong- military works at the brow of the hill on the Westerly side of the Narrows or entrance of the harbour, together with the various batteries at the water's edge, constitute the bulwarks of the metropolis, and are well worthy of a minute examination by the curious visitant. The trip to and from the city by the Steamboat, is usually performed m 40 minutes ; anil the distance from the point of the Battery to the Quarantine dock does not exceed 6 miles. Hohoken and JVeehawk are situated on the western side of Hudson river, opposite the northern parts of the city. From the foot of Barclay-street, which leads directly from the Park to the river, boats propelled by steam, start every half hour, and are 15 minutes ia crossing the river. Ascending the sloping bank, near the river, and entering a beautiful lawn in front, we are at once introduced to a spot which has for years past been the delight and boast of the citizens — comjno- dious seats, under the refreshing shade of trees in full foliage — the deep verdure of the surrounding gardens, and the beautiful winding gravel walks, are well calcu- lated to charm the weary citizen in his moments of re- laxation. Amusements and refreshments in endless va- riety here offer themselves to view. Following the walk that leads north to Col. Stevens* seat, for about half a mile, we arrive at one of the finest country seats, and one of the noblest v'ews, presented by any spot on the margin of the Hudson River in its whole extent. Genteel companies are permitted by the wealthy and liberal proprietor to amuse themselves by rambling around this fine residence, provided no injury is offered to any of the trees, plants, or shrubs. The view from this delightful spot is indescribably fine, and embraces all the finest features and effects of landscape scenery that can be imagined, and from its projection towards the river and the boldness of its site and elevation, it has a most commanding view up and down the Hudson River and of the city of New- York, and the elegant gardens and country seats on the eastern side of the Hudson. 466 LONG ISLAND. Leaving- this interesting spot, and proceeding tor a short distance north-west across the marsh road, we ar- rive at the Weehawk hill, which is somewhat of a labo- rious ascent, but will fully reward t.ny person for the toil, by the fine views and romantic glens that are pre- sented on every side. On arriving at the foot of this hill you perceive on the right hand, at a short distance, the ferry-house and tavern, which is a place of conve- nient rendezvous for rest and refreshment. At this place a boat can be procured for the Duelling Ground, about a hundred rods north under the steep bank of the river, which cannot be readily approached any other way than by water. The perpendicular ridge known by the peculiar name of the pailisade rocks, here first appears at the western boundary of the river, and continues north about twenty miles. Its elevation is between one and two hundred feet, and it has a most imposing effect passing up the river. From the top and brow of the precipice, the view is most extensive, and embraces Long-Island Sound, and the island of Manhattan, with a view of the county of West Chester, and the highlands on the north. After reaching the summit, and proceeding westward one or two miles, it subsides into a gentle declivity, richly variegated with neat faim-houses, and presenting a softer picture, after leaving the rugged features of the shore of the Hudson. In the valley beneath, the Hacken- sack river winds its stream, and fertilizes the low lands. This portion of the country may be passed over in going or returning from the tour to the Falls of the Passaic. Tour on Long Island : to Flatbush^ Bath, Gravesend, Jamaica, and Rockaway. Crossing the East River, from Beekman-Slip (or Fulton-street) to Brooklyn, in the steamboat, the traveller can obtain any suitable conveyance ; and following the fine turnpike, we pur- sue the road leading south, after passing through the turnpike gate, and proceeding over the high ridge that pervades the island from West to East, descend on the southern exposure, through a romantic and winding road, towards the village of Flatbush, which opens hand- somely upon the view after emerging fiom the forest. LONii 1SLAM>. 467 iiud presents a beautiful perspective, with the road on each side skirted with neat houses, orchards, and finely cultivated grounds, vt^ith the village church and spire in the distance bounding the view. The ridge of hills which pervades Long Island in its whole extent, is bounded on the south by a flat alluvial soil, that bears a striking resemblance to the extensive plains and low grounds that prevail on the whole Ameri- can coast south of New- Jersey, and may be philosophi- cally considered as forming the first appearance, or ra- ther the most northern limit of the prairie country on the coast of North America. For upwards of a hundred miles east and west, there is little variation of the surface, and by walking to the hill in the immediate neighbourhood, we have an unin« terrupted view of the immense plain, far as the eye can reach, covered with beautiful farms, and all the luxu- riance of a well cultivated garden, and in the distant verge of the horizon on the south, we behold the Atlan- tic Ocean, with its foaming billows dashing on the shore, or glittering with dazzling radiance in the beams of the noon-day sun, and the far distant sail speeding a long and weary course to distant climes, or returning to the welcome of friends aud owners. From this place to the sea-shore, which is eight miles distant, the country is level, and the roads in every di- rection are good and pleasant. If he intention is to proceed to the sea-beach, we continue through the vil- lage, and pass by the church, in a course nearly south. The surf here is fine, and the beach, which is hard as a pavement, admits of a ride of six miles east and west. There is a bridge across the narrow inlet, that enables the public to cross with safety at any time ; the excellence of the road the whole distance, renders it but an hour's ride from New-York to this beach, which is a place of great resort in the summer months ; and enables citizens of this metropolis in a short time, and by the most charming rout, to frequest the sea-shorej where the finest of bathing, swimming, and fishing oan be enjoyed. These are great and important advantages 46K Lo^'G island. and tend greatly to promote the health of the citizens ol New- York. Returning from the beach, and taking the first road leading west, we arrive at Bath hoarding-house^ which is handsomely seated on the margin of the bay, a mile or two south-east from the narrows, or entrance of the harbour, and in full view of the military works and of all the shipping sailing in or out of the harbour, and the light-house on Sandy -Hook ten miles south ; from the top of the building may be seen a partial view of the distant ocean, dashing its billows on the breakers. To Jamaica and Rockaway the road is excellent : the distance to Jamaica is 12 miles from Brooklyn, and by. the new road over the causeway, it is 9 miles further to Rockaway beach. Oyster Bay is a small village, situated on an inlet from Long-Island Sound, and may be visited on the re- turn from the sea-shore, through he village of Jamaica, by continuing on the turnpike across the northern part ot Hempstead Plains^ (a celebrated place for sportsmen,) which is an extensive unenclosed waste, of twenty miles long, and on an average five or six miles wide, totally destitute of natural forest-trees or evergreen shrubberj^, and is esteemed unfit for cultivation : but with the addi- tion of hedges in the English style, it will, at some fu- ture day, be rendered valuable property. From Oysterbay to Musquito Cove, the road is pic- turesque, and diversified with hill and dale, and leads directly across Harbour Hill, the highest part of the island, being 405 feet above tide water, and the first land discovered by mariners at sea coming from the east. The view from the highest point of the hill, is one of the most extensive on the whole island. "Long, or Nassau Island, belongs wholly to the State of New-York, and extends eastward from the Narrows about twelve miles below New-York, a distance of 115 miles, terminating in Montauk Point. Its greatest width is near 20 miles, and its medial width may be about ten miles. On the S., it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and is separated from the main on the N., by Long-Island Sound, and East Rivn\ contracting to- jLOJNO ISLANJ). 469 wards the W. and mingling' with the waters of the Hud- son in New- York bay, at the city of New-York. The Sound, which spreads between Long-Island and the State of Connecticut, is of vanous widths, the greatest being about 22 miles ; at the mouth of Connecticut river, about 7. East River, at New-York, is 3 quarters of a mile wide. ** Long-Island is divided into three counties : Kings, at the west end. Queens, and Suffolk, the last of which comprises more than two thirds of the whole island. It is much indented with numerous bays; and Gardiner^s Bay, with several others, pccupie an extent of near 30 miles at the E. end. These bays also encompass many islands, several of which are of considerable extent. There is a ridge, which extends from the west end to the eastern extremity. The waters are stored with avast abundance and variety of fish, and Long-Island has long been celebrated for its Wild fowl and various forest game. Much of the land in the east is a light sand, still clothed with vast forests of pine ; and in these are found abun- dance of game." East of the Hempstead plains, the island is covered with shrubby oaks and pines, called the brushy plains; and here are found the grouse, or heath-hens. Farther eastward, towards Islip and Fire-plare, are streams where there is good trout fishing; and towards the cen- tre of the island, is plenty of wild deer, that are hunted and killed by way-laying them as they are driven along by hounds. In October or November, brent, wild geese, and other water fowl, are killed in great numbers along the bays and inlets. Deer cannot lawfully be killed on Long Island from January to July ; nor heath-hens, partridges, quails, or woodcocks, from 1st April to 5th October. The face of the country on the north side of the island is hilly, and in some places full of rocky boulders; while on the south, the country is mostly free from large stones, and presents a gradual slope towards the ocean, which appears to have formerly washed the base of the hills. The minftrajogical appearances on the north side are 40 470 LONIS ISLAi\i> similar to those of the Connecticut shore, and it appear? < to have been separated by some convulsion of nature, or by gradual inroads of the ocean. Long Island Sound presents a safe navigation, protected from the s /ell of the Atlantic, and affording to the coasting vessels from the eastern states a secure channel. The passage through Hurl-Gate is, to a stranger, a cause of both wonder and alarm, at the roaring of the water on the surrounding rocks and sunken reefs, and the dexterity exhibited by the experienced navigator. The rapid currents and dangerous navigation of this spot are ovring to the masses of granite or gneiss running from north- east to south-west across this narrow strait, that divides Long Island from New-York Island and (he main land, which impede the flow of the water, and force it to take an abrupt turn towards the north-west, at rigkt-angles with its previous course, and thus creating certain whirlnools or currents, called the Pot, the Frying-Pan, and the Gridiron : the huge masses of rock, that project in various places, are called the Hog's Back, the Mill Rock, Hallet's Reef, Middle Reef, &c. which are por- tions of the original strata, remaining after the rest had been swept away by the tides. These reefs have a dip towards the south-east, and form a natural dam to ob- struct the free passage of the water, which, after hav- ing forced its way through and across them, returns to its former course. Several insulated masses of granite, of great magni- tude, are found on Long Island, and on its northern con- fines. One at North Hempstead, called the Mill-Stone Rock ; its form is an irregular square, 40 feet on the west, south, and east, and 20 on the north. It lies on the declivity of a hill ; and its thickness, above ground, increases from 10 or 12 feet, as you descend, to 17 or 20; the top is nearly level, and has a number of trees and plants growing on its surface : its superficial mea- surement is estimated to be 1,200 square feet, or 20,400 cubic feet. Others of a similar description are to be found in the neighbourhood. The north part of Long Island is undoubtedly primeval, ^nd the south secondarv, as indicated bv its liorizouta! LONG ISLANU. 471 sirata, its sandy and gravelly quality, and the round and water-worn surfaces of its pebbles. The land also is bare of vegetable mould, as well as of stones and rocks, and the timber is generally smaller : and the soil is so peculiar, that various species of vegetables grow on it, which are not seen on the north side. Shells are met with at the greatest depth in digging wells. At Flushing, the traveller will be much gratified in visiting the garden and nursery of Mr. Prince, who possesses the most extensive and celebrated establish- ment of that description in the United States. On the excursion to Flatbush and Bath, the traveller may, by deviatmg but a little distance from his route, examine and visit several places connected with our Revolutionary history ; such are the remains of the for- tifications on'Brooklyn heights, now in the midst of the village, which contained a well 100 feet deep : this forti- fication was intended to command the city, Governor's Island, and the harbour, also the peninsula and sur- rounding country. Cobble Hill is another of the re- mains of the revolutionary fortifications, and was also occupied in the late war: it is situated in the rear of the Military Garden and old stone church, on the road towards Red Hook. To the south-east of this, are the salt-marshes, mill-ponds, and creeks of Gowanus, which impeded the retreat of the American army, and proved fatal to many officers and soldiers, who attempted to cross those muddy bottoms at high water; and here also Generals Sullivan and Sterling were made prisoners by the enemy • and on the hillv ridge, some skirmishing occurred between the two armies. Flatbush is the county town, and also contains a flou- rishing and respectable academy, called Erasmus Hall, which is much resorted to by pupils from the city of j>Jew-York, and from the southern states, West Indies, and South America. The proverbial health and advan- tages possessed by this village render it a pleasant resi- dence. The principal inhabitants of this county are descend- ants of the Dutch settlers, and are industrious and v;palthv farmer?. The English language is now gen*? 47:^ LONG 1SLAKJ>. rally taught in the schools, although the Dutch is stili used in some families. The slaves that formerly abound- ed in this county, are now all emancipated. At New-Utrecht Bay, south of the Narrows, is the place, where, under cover of the guns of their fleet, the British a. my landed in 1776, to invade this city, after having been previously disembarked and recruited on Staten Island, safe from molestation. From this they proceeded on to Flatbush, where the battle raged Otn the skirts of the hills ; and thence towards Brooklyn, Bus'hw'ck, and Newtown, whence they subsequently crosst«»d over to the city, driving the American army before them. The W ^allaboght, or bay at the Navy Yard, is so called from the L^utch words Waallen, Walloons', and Boght^ Cove ; and was derived from the Walloons, or Dutch Protestants ot ' French extraction, who first settled there, and whose na'mes and descendants still remain. They emigrated frc^m the banks of the river Waal, in the Netherlands. ' Newtown ig 5 or 6 miles from Brooklyn ; and is par- ticularly cele brated for the excellence oY its apples and cider. Jamaica i,s a pleasant village, 12 miles from Brook- lyn, on the 'main centre road of the island : it also con- tains a floui-ishing academy. It is passed on the excur- sion to RoC;Ijaway beach, which, like the entire south shore of the island, exhibits an excellent surf for bath- ing, and a hard beach at low water to ride upon: the prospect of the Atlantic Ocean is unobstructed, and the unceasing roaring and turbulence of the water is sub- lime. . In the bay and water near, there are plenty of sheep's-head and black fish, which are taken by the sein'a, or hook and line ; and there is also a variety of snipes, ducks, and plover. During the summer, a stage runs daily to and from the city. SANDY HOOK. 473 Trip to Sandy Hook and the Sea-Bass Banks, 1q the midst of the heat of summer, frequent trips are made by citizens and strangers to inhale the sea air, and for the purpose of fishing. Steamboats, sloops, and pilot-boats frequently proffer their services for the oc- casion. In gliding down the bay, we pass by Gover- nor's Island (formerly called Nutten Island, from its growth of hickory-nut trees,) which contains about 70 acres of land, belonging to the United States, and is strongly fortified. On its south side is also a channel, which has received the Dutch name of Buttermilk ; which was originally shoal and narrow, but has been much deepened and widened by a change of current, caused by the increase of wharves on this island. Tl ere are also two smaller islands on the west side of the har- bour, called Bedlow's and Ellis^s Islands, covered with military works. Passing down by a dangerous shoal, called Robbin's Reef, we approach the Quarantine ground, where ves- sels arriving from sickly ports are obliged to anchor, and report. The grounds and buildings belonging to the Quarantine establishment cover about 30 acres, and are beautifully situated on a hill, rising rapidly from the water, and presenting^ most inviting and delightful appearance on arrivmg from sea. At the Narrows on the west is the signal station, or telegraph, communi- cating with the oue on the Exchange, and also with shipping coming into port. Fort La Fayette, and the other works that are sepa- rately described, guard this important inlet to our com- merce and prosperity. After passing the Narrows, we see on the right the shore of Staten Island, tending to the south-west, and the mouth of the Rariton river, communicating to New-Brunswick, and Amboy, a port of entry, situated in New-Jersey. Sandy Hook is a low and narrow isthmus, or bank of sand, projecting fron>the Long Branch or Jersey shore, running north an^J south, and enclosing the outlet of Shrewsbury River, which runs beneath the eastern foot of the Neversink hills. The Hook is 6 to 8 miles 4Q* 4 i4 sa:^dy hook. in extent, and is covered with low shrubbery, sail grase and a stunted veg-etation. The north point of the Hook was strongly fortified during the late war ; but the works have gone rapidly to decay. The ship-channel leads close in to the shore, and is here very deep. The buoys, farther out, indicate the bar, which is said to carry over 21 feet at low water. The light-house, which is one of the most important on this coast, is situated on the north- r 1 part of the isthmus, and cannot be readily disco- vered by vessels coming from the south, until too near. To obviate this inconvenience government stationed a floating-light about 12 miles south-east from the Hook. A new light-house is to be erected on the Neversink Hills. At a. bay on the west side, called the Horse- Shoe, is secure anchorage for shipping ; and here the British army embarked, after their disastrous defeat at the battle of Monmouth, in New-Jersey. The entire isthmus of Sandy Hook is now the pro- perty of the United States, and was purchased for 520,000 ; and is to be well fortified. The full swell of the Atlantic Ocean is felt on leaving the light-house: and a few miles to the east is the place for catching bass, cod, and other fish. The trip is decidedly a plea- sant and salutary one, and affords the best general view of the configuration of the harbour and adjacent coast. The Tour around JVeio- York, or Manhattan Island, May be conveniently made in a few hours, going out the avenue or road nearest to the Hudson, and visiting the Asylum, the heights of Fort Washington, Haerlem, and Kingsbridge, so celebrated in revolutionary his- tory ; and returning on the East river side, visiting Hurl-Gate, the Aims-House, and House of Refuge. The scenery and views on the Hudson and East rivers will amply reward the trouble and expense incurred. rfrEABlBOA'J.S. tr.'j STEAMBOATS. The successful establishment of steamboats in this state by Robert Fulton, in 1806, was one of the most important events to this country, and to the world at lar^e, that has ever occurred. The full developement of the g-reat value of this discovery to our internal com- merce is now fully appreciated. Since 1806, there have been a< least one hundred steamboats, of every description, built in this city, — from a ferry-boat to the Steam Frigate. The incredu- lity of the public, in the establishment of the possibility of propelling a large vessel against wmd and tide, was quickly dispelled by the first effort made by Fulton, which was crowned with complete success ; which ex- cited for a time the bitterest opposition and envy among those whose interests were affected and disturbed ; but this was soon silenced by strong Legislative enactments and protection, and the powerful influence of public opinion and patronage. Several boats were successively built. A company was chartered, with the exclusive privilege of running steamboats on the Hudson river for a limited number of years. This monopoly became extremely lucrative : and in a few years, the legality of the charter was questioned and contested. The" rights of Fulton under his patent were openly violated on the Mississippi and other rivers ; and eventually overthrown by the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, against the constitutionality of the law of this state, granting exclusive privileges to Fulton and Liv- ingston and their associates. Immediately after the decision of the Supreme Court became known, a superabundance of steamboats were built ; iind the effects of opposition were manifested in the great reduction of the price of passage, which fell from eight to six, five, and four dollars, and occasionally even for two, between this city and Albany. Fulton did not live to witness this disastrous termina- tion of his rights ; and his latter years were embittered 4 76 STEAMBOATS. by, and his life fell a sacrifice to, tlie inveterate perse tion of his foes, in 1815. Our limits will not admit of a minute detail of the in- teresting particulars connected with the rise and pro- gress of steam navigation in this city and state ; but the I'eader may have the fullest information on this head in the Life of Fulton, by Mr. Colden, that was pub- lished some years since in this city. We subjoin the latest intelligence and arrangements of the various lines of steam passage-boats, beginning with those on the Hudson river, as the first in importance. From the number and uncommon excellence of these conveyances, and their great speed and moderate charges, it can hardlj be credited what an immense number of passengers are yearly conveyed in them. There are at present 15 to 20 boats in operation during the busiest season : the passage to and from New-York and Albany is effected in 10 to 15 hours; and the vary- ing times and places of starling are daily mentioned in the newspapers. There are boats leaving the city at 6 to 7 and 10 o'clock, A. M. and at 5 o'clock. P. M. throughout the season. They are found on the Hudson river, at the foot of Liberty, Courtlandt, and Dey streets. Passengers are landed at West Point, Newburgh, Pough- keepsie, Caiskill, Hudson, and at every intermediate place desired The accommodations, in every respect, on board of most of the boats, are luxurious in the high- est degree, and cannot be surpassed in any part of the world. The North America, Albany, New-Philadel- phia, Constitution, Independence, Constellation, and Victory are favourite passage- boats, and all of great speed and safety. Those leaving at 6 o'clock in the morning arrive at Albany by daylight, and are by far the pleasantest for travellers, and display the scenery of the Highlands. The safety-barges are also uncom- monly elegant and commodious, and of undoubted se- curity, as they are entirely distinct from the steamboat that propels them, and in case of accident or explosion, the passengers would not be injured. Numerous freight tow-boats are constantly employed ; they usually make oTEAMBOATS. 477 le passage in 30 hours to Albany, and take passengers ibr one dollar, without finding them provision. The steamboats to the various eastern cities, running through Long Island Sound, are also numerous, and offer every variety of accommodation. Passengers for Boston usually prefer taking the direct route to Provi- dence, R. I., distant only 40 miles from Boston The steamboats Washington, Connecticut^ and Fulton, that run this route, are all of the first class, and are con- structed with more solidity and expense than any other. Additional boats are now building for this line. The price of passage is $6. The boats are stationed at Ful- ton-slip. The steamboat Chancellor Livingston also runs through the Sound, to Providence. This boat was formerly at- tached to the North River Company, and cost $120,000. At the dissolution of that company last year, it was sold for $12,000, and purchased by a company, who fitted it up at considerable expense, and adapted it to the line in which it is now employed. The boats for Hartford and Middletown, on Connec- ticut river, New- Haven, New-London, and Norwich, are to be found near the Fulton market, on the East ri- ver. To the former places, the pas-sage money is $4; the hour of starting 3 to 4. P. M. To New-Haven, the hour of starting is 7, A. M. ; passage $3. Lines of stages are connected with the foregoing con- veyances, to expedite travellers to their various places of destination. The steamers connected with the stages on the fouth- ern routes to Philadelphia and other places, are found near the Battery on the Hudson river» The hours of starting are usually 6 and 12, A. M. The first or 6 o'clock boat is intended to have the passengers reach Philadelphia by daylight : in the other line, they remain at New-Brunswick or Trenton, and reach the city the ensuing morning at 10 o'clock. The expense is from 2 to 4 dollars. The mail stage for Philadelphia leaves this city at 2 o'clock, P. M., and arrives the next morning at l". There 9re stages to all the principal towns on Lone; 478 STEAMBOATS. Island, and to the principal places in the interior of New-Jersey and Connecticut ; and along- the shores of Long Island Sound are several small steamboats plying constantly to Norwalk, Bridgeport, and other places ; also to Fiushmg" and Newtown Landing several tiroes in the day. The Long Island stages are to be found at Brooklyn, opposite New-York; and those for New-Jer- sey at Courtlandt-street, or at Powles Hook, on the western shore of the Hudson river. At the south end of the Bowery road, near the theatre, are numerous stag-es for towns in Westchester county, and for Dan- bury, Litchfield, and other villages in Connecticut. The insular situation of New-York causes the g-reat- est portion of the travelling" to and from this metropolis to be made in steam vessels ; besides a large number of passengers that arrive in the smaller species of coasting craft. [ 479 ] x^ 2'ahle of various Foreign Coins, SfC. with their Value in Federal Money. Sixteenth of a Dollar, Half a Pistareen, Keal Plate of Spain, An English Sixpence, Eighth of a Dollar, Livie Tournois of France, Franc of b'ramce, A Pistareen, An English Shilling, Quarter of a Dollar, Marc Bunco of Hamburg, The Florin or GuiKJer of the Uni:ed Netherlands, Half-DoUar, ^ Rupee of Bengal, Rix-Dollar of Denmark, Rix-Dollar ot SvSeden, Spanish Dollar, ^ Ruble of Russia, * Crowns of Eng. and France, $ cts. m. 06 2i 09 10 11 1 12 5 18 5 18 Ih 18 5 22 2 25 23 40 50 50 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 09 Millrea of Portugal, Tale of China, Tagoda of India, French Pistole, Spanish Pistole, Pound of Ireland, 1 24 C 1 48 1 84 3 66 7 S 77 3 4 10 PounTew-Jersey, Delaware and Maryli)nd,~to the given sum add l-4th thereof. Of South Ceu'olina and Georgia, — from the givtn sum subtract 2-9ths thereof. To reduce New- York and North Carolina into New-Hampshire, Mas • sach'tsetts. Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Virginia, — from the given j_ 480 ] 3uni deduct l-4tb thereof. Into Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, juelawarf , ] and Maryhnd,— from the given sum deduct l-6th thereof. Into South Carolina,— to the sum given add 1 !6ih, then take half of the whole. To reduce Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, into New-Hampshire, Hassachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Virfrinia, —from the sum given deduct 1 -5th thereof. Into New- York and North Carolina— to the sum given add l-5ih thereof. Into South Carolina and Georgia, — multiply by 3 and l-9th, dtad divide the product by 5; or mul- tiply by 28 and divide by 45 To reduce South Carolina and Georgia into New Hampshire, Massa- chusetts, Rhode Island, Connoeticut, and Virginia,— to the given sum adt\ 2-7ths thereof Into Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware,and Maryland, — mukipiy the given sum by 45 and divide by 28. Into New-York and North Carolina,— from the given sum subtract l-Vth, and double the re- mainder. Rates of Commissions. — Recommended for general adoption, and allowed by the JSTew- York Chamber of Commerce, when no agreement subsists to the contrary^ established at a stated meeting on the 2d of^Iarch, 1819. On Foreign Bminess — On the Sale of Merchandise, 5 per cent.— Sale or Purchase of Stocks, 1 per cent.— Specie, l- per cent Purchase and Shipment of Merchandise, with funds in hand, on the aggregate amount of costs and charges^ 24- per cent. — Drawing or endorsing Bills, in all cases. 2k per ceni.— Vessel's, Selling or Purchasing, 2} per cent.— Procuring Freight, 5 per cent.— Collecting Freight on general average, 2h per cent- —Outfits or Disbursements, with funds in hand, 2i per cent.— Effecting Marine Insurance, in all cases, when the premium does not exceed JO per cent., on the amount insured, h per cent. — When the premium exceeds 10 per cent., on the amount oj premium, 5 per cent. — Collectini^ Dividends on Stocky ^ per cent— Collectio- delayed or litigated accounts, 5 per cent. — Adjusting and collecting Insurance L(.sses,2| per cent.— Rect-iving and paying Moneys, from which no other Commission is derived, 1 per cent. — Remittances in Bills, in all cases, A per cent. — Landing and re- shipping Goods trom vessels in distress, on the value 2k prr cent.— Re- ceiving and forwarding Goods, entered at the (Custom House, on the xahie^ 1 per cent. — and 2i per cent, on respunsibiliiies incurred. On Inland Business.— On the Sale of Merchandise, 24- per cent — Pur- chase anu Shipment of Merchandise, or accepting for Purchases, without funds or property in hand, 2J per cent.— Sale oi Purcltase of Stocks, I per cei.t.— Saie or Purchase ot Specie, ^ per cent.— Sale of Bills of E.':- change with Endorsement, ^ per cent. — Saie sf Bank Notes or Drafts not current, A per cent. —Selling or endorsing Bills of Excnange, 2} per cent. — Selling or Purchasing Vessels, 2J- per cent. — Chartering to pro- ceed to other ports to load, 2V \>er cent.— Procuring or collecting Freight., 2\ per cent.— Outfits or Disbursements, 2k per cent.— Ci-.llecling, general average, 2k per cent.- Effecting Marine "insurances, in all cases, when the premium does not exceed iO per cent., on the amount insured, k per cent. — When the premium exceeds 10 per cent., on the amount of pre- mium, 5 per cent — Adjusting and collecting Insurance Losses, 2^- per cent. — Collecting Dividends on Stocks, k per cent. — Collecting Bills, and paying over the amount, or receivinc and paviDe Mortpy* fronj v-h'.ch 1 4«1 j vjtuer Oonuaission is derived, 1 per cent. — Receiving and iorwaidiu^ Goods, on the value, h per cent.— The same when entered for Duty or De- benture, 1 per cent.— Remittances in Bills, in all cases, h per cent. The above Commissions to be exclusive of the {guarantee of debts for sales on Credit. Storage, Brokerage, and every other charge actually incurred.— The risk of loss by fire, unless Insurance be ordered, and of robbery, theft, and other unavoidable occurrences, if the usual care be taken to secure the property, is in all cases to be borne by the prepiietor of the goods.— When bills are remitted for collection, and are returned under protest, for non-acceptance or non-payment, the same commission to be charged as though they were duly honoui;ed. On Consignments of Merchandise, withdrawn or re-shipped, full commission to be charged to the extent of advances or responsibilities incurred, and half commission on the residue of the value. Rates of Storage^— Chargeable per month, as esta- blished by the JVew- York Chamber of Commerce, at a stated meeting held on the 2d of March, 1819. cents. Almonds, in frails or pack. cwt. 6 Alum, in casks or bags, per ton 40 Ashes, pot and pearl, bbl. 8 Beef, bbl. ' 6 Bottles, qt. in mats, cr. or limp. gr. 8 Bark, ({uercitron, in casks, ton 60 Bagging, cot. loose or in bales, pc. 3 Butter, in firkins of 60 lbs. per fir. 2 Brandy, see Liquors Candles, in bxs. of 50 or 60 lbs. bx. 2 Chocolate, in boxes of 50 lbs. box 2 Cocoa, in bags, per cwt. 2; in casks, do. 3 Cofiee, in casks, do. 2h in bags, do. 2 Copperas, in casks, per ton 40 Copper, in pigs, do. 20 in sheets or bolts, ton 30 braziers' bottoms, ton 75 Cordage, per ton 50 Cassia, in mats or bxs. per cwt. 10 Cotton, Amer. in sq. bales, 300 lbs. 12* do. in round bales, do. 16 W. I. in proportion to round E. I. in bales, per 300 lbs. 9 Cheese, casks, bxs. or loose, cwt. 3 Duck, heavy, per boll, 1^ Ravens or Russia sheeting, pc 5 Dry Gds. in bxs. or bales, 40 cu. ft. 40 Fish, pickled, per bbl. 6 dry, in casks or boxes, cwt- 4 in bulk, per cwt. 2^ Figs, in frails, bxs. or drums, cwt. 2J '^'lax, per ton, 60 Flaxseed, or other dry articles, in tierces of 7 bushels per tierce, 10 Flour, or other dry articles in bbls. 4 Earthenw. in crates of 25 to 30 ft. 15 in dhds. of 40 to 50 ft. SO Grain, in bulk, per bushel, Ginger, in bags, per cwt. 2 Glass, window, in boxes of 50 ft. l' Gin, see Liquors. Hemp, per ton 75 Hides, dried or salted, per hide 1^- Hardware, in casks of 40 cu. ft. 40 Indigo,inseroonsorbxs. per cwt. 4 Iron in bars or bolts, per ton 20 in hoops,shts. or nailrods,ton 30 Liquors, in puns.of 120 gals. pr. p. 30 in quarter casks, 6i in pipes or casks, 120 gals. 30 bottled, in cks. or bxs. dz. b. IV Leather, per side, 1 Lard, in firkins of 60 lbs. 2 Lead, pig or sheet, per ton 20 dry or gr. in oil, per ton 40 Molasses, per hhd. of llO gals. (other casks in proportion) SO Nails, in casks, per cwt. 2 Oil, in hbds. or casks, 110 gals. 30 in chests of 30 flasks, per ch. 4 bottled in bxs. or bskts. doz. 1.^ Paints, in casks or kegs, per ton 40 Pork, per bbl. C Porter, see Liquors. Pejiper, in bags, per cwt. 2 Pimento, in casks or bags. cwt. V I I 4b^i j Rice, iu tierces, per tierce in half do. per half do. Eags, in bales, per cwt. Ilaisins, Malaga, in casks, ■ do. in boxes, cents.] u/Ui- 12 [Sugar, refined, iu casks or pack. 3 8 jTallow, in casks or seroons, cwt. 2 6 !Tea, bohea, in whole chests, 15 3 do. in half chests, 8 1 green or black, in qr. chests, 4^ in other packages, per cwt. 2 i in bxs. in proportion to qr. ch. Rum, see Liquors. |Tin, block, per ion 20 Saltpetj e, in bags, per cwt. 2 in bxs. of usual size, per box U ' in casks, per cwt. 2k Tobacco, in hhds. per hhd. 37g Salt, in bags or bulk, per bushel, 1 in bales or seroons, pr cwt. 4 Shot, in casks, per ton 37 manuf. in kegs of 100 lbs. 2 Soap, in boxes of 50 to 60 lbs. 2 Wines, see Liquors. Steel, in bars or bundles, per ton 30 Woods,for dying, under cover, tonSO in boxes or tuijs, per ton 40 do. in yards, 25 Sugar, raw, in bags or bxs. pr cwt. 2 Whiting, in hhds. per Ion 37| do. in casks, per cwt. 2i On articles on which the rate is fixed by weight, it is understood to be on the gross weight ; and on Liquors, Oil, &c. on which the rale refers to gallons, it is understood to be on the whole capacity of the casks, whether niU or no*. — The piopiietor of Goods to be at the expense of putting- them in store, stowing away, and turning out of store — All goods taken on storage, to be subject to one month's storage ; if taken oui within 15 days after the expiration of the month, to pay half a month's storage ; if after 15 days, a whole month's storage. Rates of Cartage. Ale or Beer, per hhd. 2 hhd. from 60 to 90 gals. 2 Alum or Copperas, from 12 to 15 cwt. per hhd. 2 6 from 13 to 20 cwt. 3 -— over 1 ton, 4 6 Bar Iron, per load, 2 Boai'ds and Plank, per load, 2 Brandy, pipe over 1 00 gals. 3 Bread, 4 tierces, 2 Bricks, per load, 2 handled and piled, 2 6 Building or paving stone, load, 2 Calves, Sheep, and Lambs, 2 6 Cider, Cheese, and Cocoa, 2 Clay and Sand, 12 bushels, 2 Coal, half chaldron, per load, 2 6 Cocoa, per load, 2 Cofiee, m bags or bbls. 2 above 10 cwt. per hhd. 2 6 Cordage, small, per load, 2 Cotton, per load of 3 bales, 2 Cut Stone, per load, 2 6 Dried fish, loose load. 2 6 Bye-wood, per load, 2 .'•'artlicnware. loyse. oer load. 'C 6 s.d. European Goods, per load, 2 Flax, in bales and bundles, load, 2 6 Flaxseed, 3 tierces, 2 Fire-wood, per load, 2 Flour, in bags, 12 per load, 2 7 bbls. per load, 2 Gammons or Hams, (>er load, 2 Gin, pipe over 100 gals. S Hay, in trus. bdls. bales, per load, 2 6 — - loose, 6 Heading or Staves, per load, 2 Hides, 50 per load, 2 6 Hemp, in bales or bdls. per load, 2 6 loose, not over 12 cwt. 3 6 Hoops, in bundles, 2 Hoop-poles, per load, 2 6 Hollow-ware, per load, 2 6 Household Furniture, 4 Molasses, from 60 to 90 gals. 2 6 from 90 to 140 gals. 3 Oil, per load of 3 bbls. 2 Oysters, do. Shells, &.c. load, 2 G Potashes, per load of 3 bbls. 2 Paints, common load, 2 — prhhd.froml2tol5cw^t. 2 6 -.-.-.- fvoEi 1 5 1.0- 20 cwt. 9 e [ 483 ] s.d. Paints, above 20 cwt. 4 6 Paiitilps, per load, 2 6 Plaster of Paris, ton, 4 Pork, Beef, Tar, Pitch, and Tur- pentine. 5 bbis. 2 Rum, per hhd. S Salt, 20 bushels, 2 Shingles,longcedar,pine,inbd1s. 2 Cyf)rus, 2000 (22 inch) 3 Stone, paving or building, 2 Sugar, Havana, S boxes, 2 6 • from 9 to 15 cwt. 2 6 from 15 to 20 cwt. 3 abuve 20 cwt. 4 6 Scantling or Timber, per load, 2 Tea, per load, 2 6 Tiles or Slate, per load, 2 6 Tobacco, in hhds. from 9 to 15 cwt. per hhd. 2 6 from 15 to 20 cwt. 3 above 20 cwt. 4 6 Wheat or other grain, per load. 2 Wine, pipe over 100 gals. 3 in 4 quarter casks, 3 In all cases where the distance exceeds half a mile, and not two mileS; half in addition to be allowed. J.J. Whiting, common load, 2 per hhd. 12 to 15 cwt. 2 6 ■ from 15 !o 20 cwt. 3 above 20 cwt. 4 6 CABLES. For every Cable, whole shot of 5 in. in circumference lo 7 in. 5 Do. half shot of like dimensions, 2 6 Do. whole shot of 7 to lO in. 12 Do. half shot of like dimensions, 6 Do. whole shot of 10 and not ex- ceeding 12 in. in circurafer. 14 Do. whole shot of 12 and not ex- ceeding 14 in, in circumfer. 20 Do. halt shot of the dimensions of the two last mentioned, 10 Do. whole shot of 14 and not ex- ceeding 15 inch. 24 Do. half shot of like dimensions, 12 Do. whole shot of 15 inch. 32 Do.half shot of like dimensions, 16 *,* Goods, Wares, Merchandise^ or other articles not herein enu- merated, per loadf 2 Rates of Porterage, — For any distance not exceeding half a mile, 12^ cents •, over half a mile ^nd not exceeding a mile, 25 cents ; and in that proportion for any greater distance. For carrying a load upon a hand° barrow, for any distance not exceeding half a mile, 25 cents ; over half a mile and not exceeding a mile, 44 cents ; and in that proportion for any greater distance. Handcartmen. — For any distance not exceeding half a mile, 1 8$ cents ; over half a mile and not exceeding a mile, 31^ cents-, apd in that propor- tion for any gfrealer distance. Harbour Master. The office of Harbour Master was created in 1808, by Legislative en- actment, with pov/er to regulate and station all vessels in the harbour, or at the wharves, to accommodate vessels wishing to discharge their car- goes, and to decide promptly all disputes connected with the Yoregoing subjects. Resisting his authority subjects to a fine of $50 and costs, for the benefit of the New- York Hospital. Fees. — On vessels unloading 1^ cents per ton. Vessels paying foreign duties and tonnage, double; which must be paid within 48 hours after arrival. Schooners and sloops in the coasting trade, $2. For adjusting any difference respecting situation, $2. Pilots must register their vessels, names, and places of abode in his office; and are obliged to put to sea whenever ordered by him. Tb*"- penalty for refusing is $5 and loss of licen-^e. [ -^^4 ] Pilots. There are nine Branch and nine Deputy Pilots, and as many regis- tered boats. Rates of Pilotage. — Every Pilot who shall take charg^e of any vessel to the eastward or southward of the White Buoy on the Eastern Ridge near the Bar, and conducts and moors safely such vessel to a proper wharf, or from the ciiy to the southward or eastward of said buoy, is entitled by law to the following rules, to wit :— For vessels of the United States, and those who are entii led by treaty to enter upon the same terms as Ameri- can vessels, the sums which follow : — Every vessel drawing less than 14- feet, $1 50 per foot Do. drawing 14 feet and less than 18, $1 75 per foot. Do. drawing 18 feet or upwards. $2 25 per foot The same rates of pilot- age to be allowed, for any vessel that may be piloted any where within the Hook, whose master or owner does not wish the same to be brought to the city wharves. Ualf pilotage only to be allowed to any pilot who shall take charge of a vessel to westward of the White Buoy. No pilotage wh- tsoever to be given to any pilot, unless he shall lake charge ot' a vessel to the soutiiAanl of (he uj»per Middle Ground, nor unless such vessel shall be of 70 tons burthen, provided the usual signal be not given, in which ' ase half pdulage is to be allowed Between the 1st day of No- vember and the isi of April, inclusive, $4 additional to be allowed for vessels o' 10 feet water and upwards ; if iess than 10 feet, $2. One-fourth additional lo be given to the pilots wlio shall take charge of vessels out of sight of the Light House. For cverv day any pilot shall be required to remain on board. $3 per day. Foreign vessels not entitled by treaty to enter on the same terms a^ those ot the United :-tates,to pav one-fourth additional to the pilots, and also $t over atd above the foregoing rales of pilotage. Wardens of the Port Vessels and goods arriving in a damaged state, and required to be sold at auction fur the bei.ePt of underwriters out of the city of New-York, must be under the inspect 'on of the Wardens, who may be required to certify the cause of the damage, and amnu it of sale and charges. Fees. — li per cent on gross amount of sales ; and for each survey on board of any vessel, at an\ store, or aiong the doci3, 65. 67. 83. 99, 100. 107. 109. 122 131 Fireninn, 61.84. 354 Flatbush.. 466 471 Fletch.r, Benjamin, Gov. 36 Flood, great, 17 Flour, export of, 57 monopoly, 160, 268 I Flushing, 471 Fort, tirst at New- York, 10. 12. 15. 17 5'i. 64 I Fortifications, 78. 431 ! Franklin market, 245 Freedom of the city voted, 38. 48. I 57 69. 73. 76. 98, 99. 101, 102. 105, 107. 118 Friends' meeting-house, 227 French church, 218 j emigrants, 29 ' fleet arrives, 66 I Philip, Mayor, 44 Fresh water pond, 51. 59. 73. 81, 82. 155, 156 Fuel, 55. 83 1 10 Fulton, Robert, 98. 105 market, 122 244 Fur trade, 13. 18.268 Gaming houses, 52. 55 Gardens, public, 385—388 Gas lights introduced, 102. 110. 112, 127. 132 works, 421— 4i3 Geology of the island, 144 Gospel, sums paid in this city for its support, 230 Governor's island, 75. 473 room in City Hall, 19R 488 INDEX. Government house, 94. 93 Grace church, 217 Graham, James, first Elecorder, 29 Grain, price of, 27. 55 Greek ball, 129 donation, 134 Greenwich-street, 69 Growth of the city, 164 Gunpowder seized, 112 Hall, keeper of. 205 of Physicians and Surgeons, 63 Hamilton, Alexander, 76. 82 Hanover square, 103 Harbour of New- York, 270 Hardy, Sir Charles, Gov. 59 Harrison, Francis, Recorder, 48 Head-quarters of Sir H. Clinton and Washington, 165 Health department, 298 Heathcuat, Caleb, Mayor, 47 Hempstead, 469, 470 Hicks, Whitehead, Mayor, 63 High schools, 334—338 Hoboken, 4ti5 Holland, Edward, Mayor, 57. 59 Hone, Philip, Mayor, 133 Hood, Thomas, Mayor, 44 Horticult. society and gardens, 366 Hospital, 299 fever, 310 marine, 303. 345, 346 Hotels, principal, 397 Houses, number of, 28, 50. 53. 172 House of Refuge, 129. 447 Representatives first con- vened, 29 HtJdson, Henry, his voyage to Ame- rica, 2 first landing and reception, 3 discovery, and voyage up the river, 7 — 9 life, 146 river, description of, 148 depth of, 92. 115 square, 439 Hugenots at New Rochelle, 28 Hull, Commodore, 99 Humane Society, 71.348 Hunter, Gov. 46. 48 Hurl-Gate, 470 Hurricane, 48. 117. 124 Illumination, 102. 106 Irapressmen resisted, 52 Imports of New- York, 271—274 Improvements and alterations, 15S Income of the city, 163 Increase, rapid, 167 Independence, 65 Indians, their hospitable treatment of the whites, 8, 9. 27, 28 refuse at first to sell land, 12 feasted in the fort, 19. 73 Inglesby, Capt. Richard, Gov. 35. 4C Insurance companies, 260—264 Interments, 126 Jacob's well, 135 Jail erected, 60. 451 Jamaica, 472 Janson, Johannes, Mayor, 48 Jay, John, 69. 81 P. A., Recorder, 119 Jews' burying ground, 49 petition, 31 synagogues, 227 Johnsos, John, Mayor, 47 Jurymen fined, 27 Jury, verdict of, 61 Kent, James, 78 Kid, the pirate, 39 Kieft, Gov. 15. 17 Kine-pock, 82. 297 Kip's bay, 51 La Fayette, Gen. 69. 130 place, 134 theatre, 130 383 Lands, purchase of, 28. 43 grants of, 35. 39 Law courts, 198—201. 442 institute, 441 * Lawrence, tJapt. 102 John, Mayor, 34 Laws, 25. 34, 35 43 Leisler, executed, 34 L'Enfant, Major, 72. 80 Lewis, Gov. 87 Liberty pole, 64 Library received from London, 49. 56. 62 Lighting the city, 41. 60. 64. 73. 86. 92. 135 Limits of the city in 1783, 166 Liquors, licenses to sell, 58. 71. 74, 80. 85. 93. 120 Liverpool packet ships, 277 Livingston, Edward, Mayor, 81 Loan, city, 99 123 Lodwich, Charles, Mayor, 39 Long Branch, 463 Island, 1.5. 23. 46P. 46? INDEX. 489 lots, vacant, number or, 28 on the island, 141 water, sold, 36 50 Lotteries, 56. 73. 75. 87. 455 Lovelace, Lord, Gov. arrived, 46 Lusting, Robert, iMayor, 48 Lutherans arrived, 23 church built, 46. 63. 126 Lyceum of natural history, 240 M'Donougb, 105 Macomb, J 05 Made ground, 142 Magazine or arsenal, 26. 49. 56 Mai'ien-slip first mentioned. 37 Manbatiao company, 90. 416-420 islan'J, 147 Manufacturing estHblisnments, 413 Manumission society, 71 351 Maps of the city, 21. 78. 121. 138 Marble 86. 91 Marine court, 203 society, 63. 351 Mariners* church, 229 Markets. 20. 27. 31. 46. 48. 51, 52. 58. 64. 71, TZ. 74. 77 80. 85. 93. 98. 10 .. 123. 125 Marriage licenses, 22 55 Masonic Hall, 354 lodges. 356 Mayor appointed by Commoo Coun- cil- 126 Mayor's court, 80. 123 list of, 152 salary, 70 73, 74 85. 94. 123 Meadows near New York, 119 M^at, prire of, 249 Mechanics' society, 74. 354 Medical colleges and institutions, 8a~302 society, 85 Mercantile library, 126. 424 Merchandise, value of ex(>orled, 275 Merchants' Exci.ange, 134. 266 Meieorologifcal tables, 177 Mever, Nicholas de. Mayor, 25 Military force, 430 Mill at Harlaem, 43 Ministry of New-York, money rais- ed for the support of, 23, 24, 25. 230 Minnueis, Peter, first director-ge- neral, 11 Missioaary societies, 320—322 Montgomery, General, monument to, 71. 416 Montgomery, John, Gov. 49, 40 Moore, Gov. 62 Moravian church, 58. 227 Morning papers. 391 Morris, Gov. 80. 83 88. 97. 99 Museums, 74. 440 Musical societies, S8B Mutiny, 44 Narrows and forts, 473 Nassau ferry leeised, 42 National Academy of the Arts of Design, 373 Naufon, Lt. Gov. 44 Naval office, 280 Navy yard, 81. 410 Negro plot or insurrection, 47. S8 valued at, 29 New-Amsterdam, 158 N- w-England, first vessel from,ar-» rived at New- York, 15 society, 360 New-Haven, 19 New -Netherlands, grant to the W^ India Company, 12 Newspapers, 48. 51. 60. 389—397 Newtown 472 New Utrecht, 472 New-York, area of the city com- puted, 117 aspect of the city in 1783, 68 Asylum for Lying-in Women, 348 Athenaeum, 237 captured by the Eng- lish. 65 debts of the city, 97. 122. 159 Dispensary, 76. 116. 119. 295 Northern, 265 Dying Establishment, expeuse of, 71. 102 extent and importance at different periods, 168 Eye and Ear Infirmary, 120. 347 form of government al- tered, 23 geographical descrip- tion of, 136 great fire in, 65 High School, 266 Historical Society, 92. 368 Hospital, 63, 64. 2W 490 INDEX. New- York, income of, 48 Institution, 99. 107. 366 its appearance, 22 first census, 10 origin and progress, 1— 1S5 Laboratory Association, 266 and Lehigh Coal Com- pany, 266 Literary and Philosophi- cal Society, 103. 267 LombanlAssociation,l31. 264 Lung Infirmary, 348 markets, 241—249 Mechanics' and Scientific Institution, 363 Nautical Institution, 351 plan and extent of, 138 restored to theEnglish,25 retaken by the Dutch, 24 Schuylkill Coal Compa- ny, 265 Society Library, 53. 72. 236, 237 Sugar Refining Com- pany, 266 Theatre, in the Bowery, 133. 381 Niagara sufferers, 103 Nichols. Gov. 21, 22, 23 Nicoll, Mathias, first vendue-mas- ter, 27 Opera, Italian. 132. 380. 382 Orphan Asylum, 85. T34 341, 342 Packet ships estab. 109. 276. 278 Palatines arrived, 46 Panoramic Rotunda, 114. 374 Paper money, 73. 105, lOS, 107. 113 Parade ground, 96 military, 105 Park, 122. 439 Theatre, 377—380 Passaic Falls, 463 Passengers, 272. 282 Patent granted Duke of York, 21 Paulding, Wm. Mayor, 128. 134,135 Paupers, expense of, 76. 92 Paw, Michael, 14 Peace, news of, 105 rejoicing for, 47 Peale's Museum, 132. 440 Peddling or hawking, 42 Penitentiary, 444 restilencp. causes of. 79 Pierce, John, killed, 86 Piers of New- York, with their num^ bers, 278. 279 Pirates, 39 Places to be visited, 415 Police in 1675, 25. 204 Population, 50. 119. 170—175 Post office, 284—287 rirter from Boston. 24 Pound, 47 Powles Hook sold, 16 Premium for coal, 85 Presbyterians, 46 church, the first, 48 President of the United States ar- rives, 114. 132 Prince's nursery, 471 Printer, first mentioned, 39 Printing for Corporation, 77. Ill Prisons, 442—452 Privateer, French, 46. 57 Provisions, price of, 61 Provoost, David, Mayor, 43 Public administrator, 202 grounds, 435 markets, 245 press, 391 property, value of, 121' schools, 326—334 store and appraisers, 281 Quakers, first preacher of the, 24 Quarantine laws, 52, 60- 77. 473 Quit rents. 70. 107 Races instituted at Hempstead, 23 Radcliff, Jacob, .Mayor. 94. 107 Railwav, marine, 134. 411 Raleigh, Sir Walter, 2 Randal's legacy for sailors, 80 Reading-room in the Exchange, 209. 294 Reb»-llion of the Dutch, 26 Recorder, 29. 52. 79 Refreshment, houses of, 400 Regents of the University, 232 Register of the city and county, 202 Religious denominations, 229 dissentions, 31 Representative system abolished, 32 Revenue, 159 Revolutionary works, 471 Revolution in England, news of and effect, 33 Richard, Paul, Mayor, 51 Riker, Richard, Recorder, 106 Riot, 71. 79. 97, 98 Road from N. York to Harlaem, 25 INDEX. 4U .( Koduiau, Joliii, 4.: -^ Rope-walks, Broadway, 47 Roosevelt, Jacobus, grant to, 49 Rotunda, 374 Rutger's Medical College, 134 Rutherford, John, 99 Sabbath, 27 Sailors' Snug Harbour, 112 Salaries, 102. 120. 127 Sandy Hook, 473 Savannah, donation to, 120 Savings' Bank, 119. 131. 133. 257 Schools, free, 78. 84, 83. 89 high, 131. 334—338 inUint, 333 money, 77. 327 private, 340 public, 132. 326—334 Sunday, ilO. 338—340 when first established, 20 27.51. 162 for teaching Latin, 31 Schuyler, Peter, 48 Screw dock, 412 Scudder's American Museum, 440 Sea shore, 467 Sliarpas, William, town-clerk, 43. 50 Shipping, 271—273 in 1677, 159 Sbute, John, licensed to teach the Dutch at Albany, 23 Sickness, great, 44 Sinking fund, 101 Slaughter, Gov. 34, 35 Slaves introduced, 17. 20. 47, 48 Hmall-pox, 34. 50. 109 Societies, charitable, 353—383 Society for aiding poor debtors, 348 seamen, 3^4 — 346 the encouragement of s ervanls, 131. 364 preventing pauper- ism, 116 s r r supplying fuel, 350 missionary, 77. 115 'New-England, 84. 359 : New- York Bible, H2. 114 St. Andrew's, 357 St. George's and St. Pat- rick's, 357 Tammany, 84. 91.95 -Soldiers arrive from Curacoa, 13 Solgard, Capt., captures pirates. 48 *30'!p-hOUSC, 86 South-street, 70. 460 Specie payments suspended, 104 resumed, Spuyten Devil Creek bridge built, 38 Stamp act, 62 Stages, 50, 473 ©t Andrew's society, 59. 357 Si. George's church, 216 St. John's church, 95. 21 5 St. Paul's church. 61. 214 St. Thomas's church, 126. 216 Staten Island purchased, 14. 20 invaded, 20 ferry to, 113.464 State prison, 77. 133. 442 new, 131. 444 Steamboats, 85. 93. 98. 104, 105, lOC 127. 470—473 Fulton, 102 Stenewick, Mr., Mayor, 29 Stepping mill, 126 Steuben, Baron, 69 Stocks, increase of, 264 of the Unite