Class JEIlM. 
 Book__: 
 
 ^^ 
 
V 
 

 
PREFACE. ' '6-' 1^ 
 L4(3 
 
 AN apology for the present publication 
 may be derived from the scantiness and 
 incorrectness of the inforn^iation to be 
 found in any collected and methodical 
 form relative to New- York. This city, 
 which has more commerce than any plage 
 in North America, which is a great and 
 growing capital, and contains a numerous 
 and increasing population, is not as well 
 known to its own inhabitants as it de- / 
 serves to be. There is no wonder, there- 
 fore, that strangers and travellers have 
 not done justice to it in their printed wri- 
 tings. '^ 
 
 Mistakes, when they once get into 
 books, are often verv difficult to correcU 
 The}^ are but too often continued from 
 one edition to another without alteration. 
 And thus they diffuse and perpetuate er- 
 ror from generation to generation. The 
 only eftcctual method of preventing the 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 misrepresentation of those who visit our 
 city, is to write a full and true account of 
 it ourselves. By taking this course, am- 
 ple and genuine information will be given 
 to all v\ ho seek it ; and there will be no 
 excuse afterwards for such authors and 
 compilers as treat cur city and its inhabi- 
 tants with their accustomed neglectful- 
 ness or perversion. 
 
 In Guthrie's J\'erv System of Mo- 
 dern Geography^ the VA'hole account of the 
 btate of New- York does not occupy more 
 than three pages of the London quarto 
 edition. In this there is hardly any thing 
 that there ought to be. The information 
 is so general, old, and inapplicable to the 
 present state of things, that a lover of 
 truth might rather wish the whole chap- 
 ter expunged than that it should stand as 
 it does. And yet, this book is almost 
 universally read and quoted as authority ; 
 in some places it is even used for instruc- 
 lion in schools. 
 
 The Atnericayi Gcograp/jy o^ our couri'^ 
 try man Morse, is a work of much merit. 
 The author traced the first great outline 
 
PREFACE. V 
 
 of our collected geography ; and he has 
 done more justice to his country than any- 
 other writer. But the improvements in 
 New- York outrun the editions of his 
 M ork. They are so numerous, and carry 
 with them such an alteration of the con- 
 dition of things, that the statement which 
 was tolerably accurate seven years ago, 
 is at present a very imperfect guide. And 
 yet, this work, which is extant in a quar- 
 to, octavo, and abridged form, is exten- 
 sively read in families and seminaries of 
 learning. 
 
 Payne's jYew and Complete Sijs^tem 
 of Universal Geography is, by far, pre- 
 ferable to Guthrie's in the chapter on 
 New- York. The reason however, is, that 
 he almost cntiiely copies Dr. Morse, 
 though he endeavours to conceal this by 
 transposing the paragraphs and sections, 
 'i'he same o!:jections \^'hich were made 
 to the geographer of Massachusetts apply 
 to the Englishman ; and with stronger 
 force, because he must wait for Morse '^ 
 corrected edition to copy from. 
 
 And even Pi n k e r i o n > in his Modern 
 
Vlll ?REFAr^E. 
 
 view of the city of New- York. And, in- 
 deed, it may be owned, that such is th6 
 author's design, should he be favoured 
 with the means of accomplishing it. 
 
 They who are acquainted with the 
 Picture of London^ the Oxford Guide^ 
 the Tableau de Paris, and other descrip- 
 tions of the gi eat and celebrated cities of 
 Europe, will immediately comprehend 
 the scope and object of the Picture of 
 New- York, It is to be hoped that the p-rin- 
 cipal cities of the United States will fol- 
 low the example, and prepare for travel- 
 lers and strangers faithful statistical man- 
 uals of their respective situations. 
 
PICTURE 
 
 OF 
 
 NEW-YORK. 
 
 Situation, 
 
 JL HE city of New- York stands on the island 
 of Manhattan. This island is separated from 
 New- Jersey by the river Hudson ; from 
 the continental part of the state of New- 
 York by Haerlam river ; from Long-Island 
 by the East river, which is a branch of the 
 Sound ; and from Staten-Island by the bay 
 or harbour. 
 
 Size and CGiifiguration, 
 
 The island from north to south is about 
 sixteen miles long ; and its breadth varies 
 from a quarter of a mile to a mile and a half* 
 Its basis is very rocky, and consists princi- 
 
2 
 
 pally of grey granite, though in somt places^ 
 especialh' where the city has been built, there 
 are great quantities of soap-stone and mag- 
 nesian^rock, some of which are beautifully 
 chrvstqlized in stars, and stained with arbo- 
 res rent figures. Among the granitical strata 
 large garnets are frequently found, in twelve- 
 sided regular figures ; and the flakes of mica, 
 or isinglass, are in some places large and 
 brilliant.. The rocks in many places rise 
 above the surface, and on the eastern side of 
 the island, from Bellevue northward, they 
 oppose to the tides a naked, steep and impas- 
 sable barrier. Naturally the face of the land 
 was marked strongly by the abruptness of 
 crags and vallies, hills and dales, insulated 
 rocks and rnarshy inlets, which characterize 
 a maritime country wherein granite prevails. 
 But ■M'jany of these inequalities have disap- 
 peared before the leveling hand of improve- 
 ment. Hills- have been dug down, and swamps 
 have been filled up. Knolls have been pared 
 away, and gullies brought to a level. By vast 
 labour and expense much of the original as- 
 perity has been taken olf, and the surface 
 smoothed as far as was desirable. A great 
 deal of this regulating business is still going on 
 in the newly settled paTts of the city. The 
 quantity of earth carted away, is in many pla- 
 ces, really surprising. . The lake of fresh wa- 
 ter, called the Collect, near the middle of ths 
 
City, is rapidly turning to dry land ; and tht: 
 neighbouring hill, called Hayard's mount, has 
 been cut through to its base. In a few years 
 both these natural o! jects will disappear, and 
 it will only be known ironi history that they 
 ever had an existence. 
 
 The city and county of New-York are of 
 equal extent. In Albany and Philadelphia it 
 is otherwise. In each of them the city -limits 
 are far more circumscribed than those of the 
 county. In Albany the city and tise county 
 have different judiciaiy establishments. la 
 Philadelphia the city and county choose dif- 
 ferent sets of members to represent them in the 
 assembly. But in New-York the city and 
 county elect the same assemblymen, and have 
 the same courts of common pleas and general 
 sessions of the peace. At present that branch 
 of the state legislature consists of one hundred 
 members, and o' this number, the city and 
 county of New-York send nine. The city- 
 jurisdiction extends to the land under the ad- 
 joining waters as f^r as low-water mark on thfe 
 opposite sides. Consequently, the counties of 
 ■Queens, Kings, Richmond, Bergen and West- 
 chester, are not separated from New-York by 
 the middle of rivers and channels, in the^f- 
 dinary way, but by a line drawn along lowwa- 
 ter mark on their respective shores. It hence 
 happens that Governor's, Elus's, and Bedlow's 
 islands, in New-York bay, and Blackw-ell-s, 
 
Parsell's, and several other islands of a small 
 size near Hell-Gate, belong to the county 
 of New- York. 
 
 Bay and Harbour. 
 The bav is about nine miles long and three 
 broad, without reckoning the branches of 
 the rivers on each side of the town. From 
 the ocean at Sandy Kook to the city at the 
 head of the bay is not more than twenty- 
 eight miles. The water is deep enough to 
 float the largest vessels. Sliips of ninety 
 guns have anchored opposite the cit\ . — 
 There they lie land-locked, and well secured 
 from winds and storms. And fleets of the 
 greatest number have ample space for moor- 
 ing. During the revolutionary war, New- 
 York was the great rendezvous of the Bri- 
 tish fleet from the time of its surrender in 
 September, 1776, to its recovery from them 
 in November 1783. Their ships of the line 
 and transports passed all seasons of the year 
 here in security. 
 
 It has been often observed that the cold of 
 winter has less effect upon the water of New- 
 York harbour than in several ])laces further 
 tothe south. When Philadelphia, lialti- 
 injpe, and Alexandria, are choked up by ice 
 in severe winters, as in that of 1804, for ex- 
 ample. New- York suffers scarcely any incon- 
 venience from it. This i» owing partly to 
 
the saltness of the sound and the bay ; while 
 the Delaware, Patapsc- , and Potom ck, at 
 the respective cities above mentioned are 
 fresh, and consequently more easy to freeze. 
 The water at New- York diifors imt iitde in 
 saltness from the neighbour ng Atlantic. The 
 openness of the port is also to be ascribed 
 in part to the greater ebb and flow of the tidt;. 
 Another reason of the greater fitness of New- 
 York for winter«navigation is the rapidity of 
 the currents. The strength ol these in or- 
 dinary tides, and more especially when they 
 are agitated by storms is capable of rending 
 the solidity of the ice, and reducing it to frag- 
 ments. And although the whole harbour 
 was covered by a bridge of very compact 
 ice in 1780, to the serious alarm of the Bfi- 
 tish garrison, the like has never occurred 
 since. 
 
 Several maps and plans of the city and 
 harbour arc extant ; that by lieutenant Rat- 
 zer, done in 1766, gives a good view of 
 the city and its environs as they then were, 
 on a large scale. In 1774, Mr. Sauthier 
 published his hne map of New-York, gen- 
 erally. The map by general and admiral 
 Howe, of the country and waters adjaceiit 
 to New- York, published in London for ^e 
 information of parlia-ment concerning tne 
 campaign of 1776, is an excellent piece 
 o£ physical and military topography. A 
 A3 ' 
 
map of tlie citr, published bv order of the 
 CO n non council, in 1801, which is the best 
 exhibition of the streets and intended im- 
 provements, included even the projected 
 works to be completed on the east and north 
 rivers, from the present sh»3res to the line 
 of limitation, at which all farther encroach- 
 ments sh'ill stop. The harbour has also 
 been surveyed by col. Williams, under the 
 direction of the secretary of war. This 
 was done in 1805, and only exists in manu- 
 script. 
 
 Discovery y N'ame and Settlement. 
 
 Henrv the Seventh, kin^ of England em- 
 ployed Sebastian Cabot, one of his subjects, to 
 discover a north-west passage to China: in 
 attempting which, the navigator, in the year 
 14'9r, discovered all the north-east coast of 
 America, from Gape Florida to 671-2 de- 
 grees north latitude ; the whole, of which 
 tract of country, the crown of England, as 
 the phrase was, became entitled to, by 7-ight of 
 discovert^. Afterwards, in 1584, Sir Walter 
 Ralei2:h, an Englishman, sent two vessels 
 
 Lth people to effect a settlement, who land- 
 it a place since called Roanoke, in Caro- 
 lina, and took possession of the country in 
 the name of the English sovereign, Eliza- 
 
beth, calling it Virginia, in allusion to hef 
 beinj^ a virgin queen. Then, between the 
 years 1584 and 1606, many voyages were 
 made, by various English subjects, to diffe- 
 rent parts of this north-east coast of Ame- 
 rica, who took possession thereof for the 
 crown of England, until, on April 10th, 
 1606, two companies were incorporated, by 
 letters patent, from James, then king of 
 England, by the names of the South Vir- 
 ginia Company, and th6 north Virginia Com- 
 pany ; the limits of the former being between 
 the lat. 34^ and 41^, and of the latter, be- 
 tween 38^ and 45"; by virtue of which the 
 South Virginia Company settled themselves 
 first in the Bay of Chesapeake, in 1607; 
 and the North Virginia Company made no 
 lasting settlement until 1620, when Ply- 
 mouth, in New-England, was settled. In 
 1608, Henry Hudson, an Englishman, dis- 
 covered what has been since called Hudson's 
 River, whose mouth is about 40. 20. N. 
 This mouth, and considerable part of the 
 river, lie within the limits of both the said 
 corporations. Hudson, without license from 
 his sovereign, sold his discovery to the 
 Dutch ; under colour of which, the Dutch 
 West-India Company made settlemei#s on 
 Hudson's River. Sir Samuel Argal, Gov- 
 ernor of the South Virginia Company, con- 
 
8 
 
 reiving the Dutch as iatruders upon his ter- 
 ritory, drove them off in 1618. 
 
 In the year 1620, King James I. gave the 
 Dutch leave to build some cottages on Hud- 
 son's river, for the convenience of their ves- 
 sels, bound to and from Brazil, touching 
 there for water and provisions ; under which 
 license the Dutch settled a colony, then called 
 New-Netherlands ; which colony of New- 
 Netherlands appears to have included all 
 New-Jersey and Hudson's river, and the 
 greater part of what is now New-York and 
 Pennsylvania, lying on both sides of New- 
 Jersey. 
 
 Complaint having been made of these 
 proceedings of the Dutch, by Charles I. to 
 the States General, the business was dis- 
 owned by them, and declared, in a public 
 instrument, to be only a private undertaking 
 of the West-India Company of Amsterdam. 
 By these people, the town, then called Nexv^ 
 Amsterdam and Manades^ which is now the 
 city of New-York, was begfun on the south- 
 west of an island called Manhattans^ near 
 the mouth of the river. 
 
 After this, the Dutch remained in posses- 
 sion of the New-Netherlands until 1664, 
 when Charles II. sent an armed force to 
 dispossess them ; whereupon, on the 27th of 
 August, in that year, the Dutch, on being 
 
summoned, made a surrender thereof to Sir 
 Robert Carr and Colonel Nicoll. 
 
 On the 12th March, 1653-4, King Charles 
 II. in the IGth year of his reign, by letters 
 patent under the great seal of England, gave 
 and granted to his brother, James, Duke of 
 York, his heirs and assigns, all Mattawaeks, 
 now called Long, or Nassau-Island, all Hud- 
 sou's river, and all the lands from the west 
 side of Connecticut river to the east side of 
 Delaware bay together with all royalties, 
 and the right of government ; by virtue 
 whereof, James, Duke of York, became 
 seized of the same. Of this he sold all 
 that part which includes the present state of 
 New-Jersey, by lease and release, dated the 
 23d and 24th days of June, 1664, to Lord 
 Barclay and Sir Georp^t; Carttret, their heirs 
 and assigns, in as full a manner as he had 
 received it. And this possession of the 
 English was confirmed on the 21st of July, 
 1667, by the third article of the treaty of 
 Breda, between Charles II. and the States 
 General. 
 
 Afterwards, on the 30th of July, 1673, 
 New- York and New- Jersey were conquered 
 by the Dutch, during a war which was car- 
 ried on between their nation and the Eng- 
 lish, under Charles II. and the English gov- 
 (M'nment abolished therein. Peace, h«wever, 
 
10 
 
 licing made between the contending parties, 
 on the 9 — 19th February, 1673-4, at Lon- 
 don, New-York and New-Jersey were again, 
 by virtue of the 6th article thereof, re-deliv- 
 ered to Charles II. 
 
 Then the letters patent were renewed by 
 him to the Duke of York, for the before men- 
 tioned extent of country, &c. on the 29th of 
 June, 1674. Whereupon the duke of York, 
 by lease and release, dated ^Sth and 29th 
 July, 1674, conveyed to Sir George Carte- 
 ret, his heirs and assigns, all of what is call- 
 ed East-Jersey^ bounded west by a straight 
 line from Barnagat creek to a certain creek 
 on Delaware river, next below Rancokus 
 kill ; thence up the Delaware to the northern- 
 most branch thereof, which is inlat. 41. 40. 
 N. and on the north by a straight line drawn 
 thence to Hudson's river, in lat^ 4i. and on 
 the east partly by the main sea, and pardy by 
 Hudson's river, with all the royalties and ap- 
 purtenances ; reserving to himself (the Duke 
 of York) all the other granted tracts, particu- 
 larly West-jferseif^ which he held and govern- 
 ed, in spite of the claims of Lord Barclay and 
 his agents, under the grant of 1664, until 1680, 
 when the matter was accommodated between 
 the assigns of Barclay and the Dulce. The 
 assigns of Barclay and Carteret came to a 
 division, the former holding West, and the 
 iatter East-Jersey, in severalty. 
 
11 
 
 THE EAST RIVER. 
 
 Long^ or Nassau Island. 
 
 This piece of land, which forms the eas^' 
 and south sides of the bay and harbour of 
 New- York, extends north-eastwardly about 
 120 miles, and terminates in a fork, the 
 shorter extremity of which is called Oyster" 
 Pbnd^ and the longer, Montauk-Point, The 
 land is very low, especially on the south 
 side, and, of course, not visible fn)m any 
 great distance at sea. The highest land on 
 the island is called Harbour- HilL Its aver- 
 age breadth is csjtimated at ab?)ut eight or 
 nine miles. A ridge of h lis runs almost 
 the whole length of it on the north side, and 
 completely divides ifS waters. The streams 
 have, on this account, much shorter courses 
 toward the Sound than on the side next the 
 ocean, and are, consequently, more rapid 
 and precipitous. 
 
 The face of the country, on the one side 
 of this elevation, which may be called the 
 Sf)ine of the hland^ is excet-dingly different 
 from that on the other. On the north side 
 it is variegated, uneven, and very much 
 diversified with hills and dales ; while, on 
 the south, little else is discovered by the 
 traveller than a flat surface, sloping gradual- 
 
ly away toward the ocean. Stones and rocks 
 are very frequent on the side next the con- 
 tinent ;^ but, on the Atlantic side of the hills, 
 a carriage niay be driven nnany miles with- 
 out the least impediment from them. Indeed, 
 the tract which lies northward of the ridge, 
 not only resembles the adjoining parts of the 
 main land in its face and general appearance, 
 but also in its fossils and mineral productions. 
 It appears to have been separated from the 
 continent, during the lapse of ages, by the 
 encroachments of the salt water. 
 
 From a survey of the fossils in these parts 
 of the American coast, one becomes con- 
 vinced that the principal share of them is 
 granitical, composed oj th? same scrts of ma- 
 terials as the highest Alp-\ Pyrennees^ CaU' 
 casiis^ and Andes^ and^ like tlitm^ destitute of 
 metals and petr i factions. 
 
 The occurrence of no horizontal strata, 
 and the frequency of vertical layers, induce a 
 belief that these strata are not secondary col' 
 lections of minerals^ hvt are certainly ifi a 
 state of primeval arrangeihent. 
 
 The steatites^ amianthus^ shoerl^feldf^path^ 
 mica^ garnet^ jasper^ shistus^ asbestos and 
 quartz must all be considered as primitive 
 fossils^ and by no 7?ieans of an allinial nature. 
 
 What inference remains row to be drawn 
 from this statement pf facts, but that the 
 
13 
 
 fashionable opinion of considering these 
 maritime parts of our country as flats, hove 
 up from the deeps by the sea, or brought 
 down from the heights by the rivers, stands 
 unsupported by reason, and contradicted by 
 experience ? 
 
 A more probable opinion is, that Long- 
 Island, and the adjacent continent were, in 
 former days, contiguous, or only separated 
 by a small river, and that the strait which 
 now divides them was formed by successive 
 inroads of the sea, from the eastward to the 
 westward, in the course of ages. This con- 
 jecture is supported by the facts which fol- 
 low ; to wit^ 1. The fossil bodies on both 
 shores have a near resemblance. 2. The 
 rocks and islands lying between are formed 
 of similar materials. 3. In several places, 
 particularly at White-Stone and Hell-Gate, 
 the distance from land to land is very small. 
 4. Wherever the shore is not composed of 
 solid rock, there the water continues to make 
 great encroachments, and to cause the high 
 banks to tumble down, as is true, not only 
 at Plandome, but at Montauk, Newtown, 
 and elesewhere, at this very day. 5. The 
 rocky piles in the Sound, soon to be describ- 
 ed, called Executions and Stepping Stones, 
 and Hurtle-Berry-Island, Pea-Island, Hart 
 Island, and many more that lie up aad 
 
 B 
 
14 
 
 down, are strong circumstances in favouf 
 of this opinion : for, from several of 
 them, all the earthy matter, as far as the 
 highest tides can reach, has long since been, 
 carried away, and, from the rest, the sand 
 and gravel continue to be removed by daily 
 attrition ; as is true also of the Brothers, 
 Ryker's, Blackwell's, and other islands. 6. 
 There is a tradition among that race of men 
 who, previous to the Europeans, possessed 
 this tract of country, that, at some distant 
 period, in former times, their ancestors could 
 step from rock to rock, and cross this arm of 
 the sea on foot at Hell-Gate. 
 
 On this side of the island there are som^ 
 solitary rocks, or enormous heaps of granite, 
 which are too remarkable to be omitted in 
 this description. 
 
 To the eastward of the"^trait called Hell- 
 Gate, all the considerable rocks are solitary 
 masses of granite. These are scattered over 
 the upland, and along the shores between 
 high and low-water marks, and under the salt 
 water of the bays and of the Sound. In the 
 latter cases they are much frequented by 
 fish, and many kinds of these animals are 
 caught around them by the hook and line. 
 Some of diese detached or insulated rocks 
 are of considerable size. The largest one of 
 the kind is to be found in the town of North 
 
15 
 
 Hcmstead. It is of a rcmarliable figure, form- 
 ing a sort of irregular square, of the extent 
 of about forty feet on the west, south, and east 
 sides, and of nearly twenty on the north. It 
 lies on the declivity of a hill, and its thick- 
 ness above ground increases from ten or 
 twelve feet ; as you descend, to seventeen, or 
 thereabout. The top of the rock is, to a con- 
 siderable extent, pretty nearly level, and 
 supports earth enough for a number of 
 plants to grow. Among others a peach-tree, 
 a yerva-mora (bozea), a species of cactus, a 
 thorn-bush, an oak and a lilac, besides 
 several other perennials and grasses. It is 
 known in the records of the town, by the- 
 nam'e of the Mill-Stone Rock, 
 
 Supposing the rock to be uniformly thick, 
 which is by no means an improbable suppo- 
 sition, then forty, the length, multiplied by 
 thirty, the average breadth, gives a sujjerfi*. 
 cies of twelve hundred square feet. This- 
 number, multiplied by seventeen, the sup- 
 posed thickness, gives twenty thousand and 
 four hundred cubic feet — A vast lump, in- 
 deed, of solid granite ! and lying remote 
 from all mountains and strata, for a distance 
 of eight or nine miles at the least. 
 
16 
 
 This rprk is considered as a mass of 
 compact granite ; not, indeed, that it has no 
 cracks or fissures in it, but because all the 
 pieces of which it is composed, and they are 
 not numerous, are well fitted to each other, 
 and show, by their shape and adaptation, that, 
 as they are now in situ, they were once unit- 
 ed into a whole. 
 
 There are, in the same town, other huge 
 rocks of solitary granite, though not so re- 
 gular and large as the one just described. 
 And the well-known shoal of Old Sifccess^ in 
 the Sound, near the mouth of Cow-Bay, has, 
 in its centre, a granite rock, whose top is 
 sometimes bare, when the water around it is 
 fifteen or sixteen feet deep. 
 ^ The appearance of things on the south 
 side of the Spine, lead the observer to sup- 
 pose that the foot of those hills was the an- 
 cient barrier of the ocean, and that the whole 
 extent of the land between them and the sea, 
 is a dereliction of the waters. As the north 
 part of Long-Island is evidently primeval, 
 so the south side affords tokens no less con- 
 vincingof its secondary nature. Its horizon- 
 tal strata, its sandy and gravelly quaiity, and 
 the roundish and water-worn surfaces of its 
 quartzy pebbles, all lead to such a persuasion. 
 The land, besides, is very bare of vegetable 
 mould, as well as of rocks and stones, and 
 
17 
 
 the timber is generally of a much smaller 
 growth. And, what is well worthy of note, 
 the soil is so peculiar, that various species of 
 vegetables grow on it, which are not seen on 
 the other side of the Spine. This is so much 
 the case, that the two sides of the island 
 make a strong contrast. On this side also, 
 shells of marine animals are more frequently 
 met with in digging wells, though it is said 
 that, toward the west end of the island, the 
 remains of testaceous creatures hav^e been 
 found at considerable depths, in some places, 
 on the north side of the ridge. 
 
 Between Long-Island and the continent 
 there are several shoals, with rocks scattered 
 over them, which are, apparently, sunken or 
 wasted islands. I'hese remains of what 
 was, probably, in former days, upland of as 
 j;>-reat height as the neighbouring islands, af- 
 ford strong evidence of the levelling power 
 of the waves. One of these shallow places, 
 whose rocks arc frequently bare at low water, 
 lies off the extremity of Cow-Neck, and oc- 
 cupies several acres near almost the mriddle 
 of the Sound. From the damage sometimes 
 done to vessels, by this shoal and its rocks, 
 they ar*e called Executions, Another sandy 
 spot of many acres, with several large rocks 
 appearing here and there above the little 
 water which covers it, stretches far toward. 
 B 2 
 
18 
 
 the m^in channel from the bottom of Great- 
 Neck. These rocks are crilled the Stepping 
 Stones, Such of the islands enumerated as 
 have not a rocky basis, will probably, in the 
 progress of things, be washed down, and 
 undergo a similar submersion. 
 
 Some facts remain to be mentioned, 
 which will tend toward an explanation of the 
 rapid currents and dangerous navigation of 
 Hell-Gate. This is a strait, one of whose 
 sides is formed by Long-Island^ and the 
 other by ParseWs and Manhattan, Between 
 the two latter, Haerlem-Creek empties itself 
 into Hell-Gate. It is proper to mention 
 that the great masses of rocky matter 
 run from N. E. to S. W. There is so great 
 a quantity of solid granite hereabout, that 
 both the shores, and the intervening rocks 
 and reefs, almost altogether consist of it. 
 Such a compact body of it impedes, o|| the 
 Long-Island side, the direct flow of the wa- 
 ter of the Sound, in a north-eastwardly and 
 south-wcstwardly direction, so completely, 
 that the current is forced to take a short and 
 sudden turn round the point of Parsell's 
 Island. The change of direction which the 
 water is obliged to take is north-westwardlv, 
 or nearly at a right angle with the ridges and 
 strata of rocks which formerly connected the 
 two islands. And such has been its impetu- 
 
19 
 
 oils and irresistible force, that the dams of 
 solid rock, which nature had constructed 
 across, have been broken down and carried 
 away, and nothing but their ruins are now to 
 be seen. The broken remains of these strata 
 of granite are visible, as they extend N. E, 
 from Long-Island, and S. W. from ParselFs 
 Island, partly above, and partly under water. 
 Where the strength of the current has 
 thrown the fragments of the strata irregular- 
 ly and confusedly about, the foaming and 
 agitation they occasion in the water, as it runs 
 among and over them, has given rise to the 
 whimsical names of the Pot^ the Fry ing~Pan, 
 and the Grid-Iron^ w4iich the boatmen apply 
 to these rude and disordered piles of sunken 
 rocks. Where the force of the water has 
 not been sufficient to break down a whole 
 stratum, but a part thereof still braves its 
 pow^r, a judgment may be formed, from the 
 parts v;hich are left, what the original con- 
 stitution was. llie Ho(^^s Back^ HalleCs 
 Point Ra^f, the MilURock, the Middle-Reef^ 
 and the South-Rock^ are plain and instructive 
 monuments of the ancient arrangement. — ^ 
 Thej^ are portions of strata remaining, after 
 all the rest had been swept away by the tides. 
 After having thus forced its way through and 
 across these mounds of granite for about one 
 quarter of a mile, the current turns, and 
 
20 
 
 pursues its former course, not any longer 
 acro'^^s the strata, but in a direction nearly 
 parallel with them. 
 
 Staten- Inland. 
 
 Is evidently a parcel of land, of much the 
 same quality with the north side of Long- 
 Island, left between the currents of the Nar- 
 roivs^ separating it from Long-Island, on 
 the one side, and the iv/7/.s, dividing it from 
 New- Jersey, on the other. 
 
 Governor'^s, Bcdlozv^s^ and EUis^s-Llands, 
 
 Are three small bodies of earth and sand 
 left in the bay of New- York, not memorable 
 for any thing mineralogical. 
 
 The ordinary rise and fall of the tide, at 
 the city, is about six feet. With spring- 
 tides it swells considerably more ; and, under 
 the influence of nordi-east storms, some- 
 times rises to such a height as to do consi- 
 derable damage by overflowing. But this 
 is less frequent of late years, by reason of 
 the improved condition of the wharves, lots, 
 and stores. 
 
 The Passage of the Hudson doxvn Glen's Falls. 
 
 About fifty miles north of Albany, near 
 
21 
 
 Kingsbury, is a very picturesque and magni- 
 ficent scene. The whole waters of the Hud- 
 son fall down a prodigious steep. The 
 country, from between two and three miles 
 above the falls to some distance below them, 
 abounds with calcareous rocks. 'I'hey are 
 hereabout the superior strata, and lie upon 
 the shistus or slate, which forms, as in other 
 parts of the state of New-York, the solid 
 mass of earthy materials below. A solid 
 bed of this lime-stone crosses the river a lit- 
 tle above the place where it descends. The 
 rock there divides itself into so many dis- 
 tinct masses, that when the water is low or 
 scant) it rushes through four diftcrent chasms 
 between the calcareous walls. When the ri- 
 ver is swelled with rains, all these fissures 
 and interposing mounds are covered, and 
 the distinction of currents is in some mea- 
 sure lost for about half the distance of their 
 irregular descent. The streams there assume 
 anew modification, and arrive at the bottom 
 by three principal channels. Over these 
 three streams there are as many bridges, 
 affording to travellers the singular spectacle 
 of beholding the roaring and foaming cata- 
 ract beneath them at the very place w^here 
 they cross. From the highest part of the 
 largest of these, the distance to the water 
 beneath is about thirty-five or forty feet. 
 
22. 
 
 The ma?ses of lime-stone which direct the 
 coLirst's of the vvattrs, and separate their cur- 
 rents, are disposed in horizontal strata as re- 
 gularly as if they had been laid by a level. — 
 in several pLict^s they are very abrupt, and 
 terminate with the perpendicularity of a 
 wall. Between them are profound openings, 
 through which the torrent forces its way. — 
 At the bottom all the streams re-unite, and 
 proceed in conjunction toward Fort Ed- 
 ward. 
 
 This cataract is uncommonly variegated 
 and wild, insomuch that it is impossible to 
 give any tolerable description of it. But all 
 persons who have a taste for grandeur and 
 rudeness in natural scenery, are highly de- ^ 
 lighted with the prospect which it affords. 
 
 The central mass of lime-stone forms an 
 island of such height as never to be over- 
 flowed entirely. A pine tree is growing on 
 the summit of it. And between this sum- 
 mit and the water-level there are several 
 long and large gxc.avations in the rock, 
 through which spectators may pass, under 
 natural arches, and obtain advantageous 
 views of this noble work of nature. From 
 this insulated spot, too, can be seen to great 
 advantage the saw-milis, grist-mills, and 
 forges, which are moved by portions of the 
 water led off from the main channel of the 
 
23 
 
 tiver to its two sides, and by their well- 
 adapted machinery are performing daily a 
 great amount of work, in wood, grain, and 
 iron. 
 
 The highest fall made by one of the four 
 currents has a great resemblance to that of 
 the Passaick* The water pitches obliquely 
 into a terrible chasm, which appears to be 
 about as deep. After rushing violently 
 through the narrow channels, it soon grows 
 calm in the great bason which receives it. — 
 
 1'his is very deep, and we were amused 
 with the sight of several young men, who, 
 for small sums of money, would leap from 
 the bridge, thirty fett and more, into the 
 current, as often as we pleased. 
 
 The Falls of the Hiichon above Fort FchvarcL 
 
 A few miles below Glen's Falls the lime- 
 stone ceases. Along the greater ]:)art of its 
 extent the Hudson winds his course between 
 its solid and almost perpendicular sides. — 
 After leaving the calcareous stratum, the ri- 
 ver travels over a bottom of shistic or slaty 
 composition. About half a mile from the 
 ordinary travelling road may be seen a cata- 
 ract, having considerable resemblance to the 
 upper falls of the Potomack, fourteen miles 
 above Georgetown, in Maryland. This is 
 picturesque and grand, but in a style remark- 
 ably different from the preceding ; though, 
 
24 
 
 like it, the scene is eminently deserving to 
 be beheld by persons of curiosity and taste. 
 
 The Passage of the Hudson through the Kaat- 
 skill andFishkill Mountains without a Cat- 
 aract. 
 
 The descent of the river towards Water^ 
 ford and Troy is interrupted by several small- 
 er falls and rapids, running over strata of 
 slaty rock. Of these the most considerable 
 is near Fort Miller, above Stillwater. Af- 
 ter passing many such declivities and steps, 
 the Hudson, travelling from the north, re- 
 ceives the waters of the Mohawk approach- 
 ing to meet him from the west. This ad- 
 dition determines nearly how high the Hud- 
 son is navigable. After its fall at the Co- 
 hoes, about a mile before the junction, the 
 Mohawk is divided into several streams by a 
 few small islands lying opposite to Lansing- 
 burgh and Troy. Its southern branch comes 
 within about seven miles of Albany, joining 
 its stream to the North River exactly oppo- 
 site to Troy. The influence of this body 
 of waters is immediately perceptible. For 
 though Albany and Troy, are so aided by 
 them as to be accessible by sloops of conve- 
 nient tonnage and capacity for the extensive 
 business those settlements have to transact, 
 it has been found necessary to deepen the 
 bed of the river, by a very laborious and ex- 
 
25 
 
 [tensive undertaking, in order to render it 
 navigable to Lansingburgh and Waterford. 
 The Hudson thus will be navigable from 
 Sandy Hook to the Half-Moon Point, adja-* 
 cent to the northern branch of the Mohawk. 
 In this long course of about two hundred 
 miles there is not a single cataract, nor even 
 a rapid. At Albany the tide flows about one 
 foot. The chief impediments to navigation 
 are some bars of sand and flats of mud, with 
 here and there rocks ; such as are common 
 in most rivers. 
 
 But between Albany and New-York the 
 Hudson passes two ranges of mountains ; and 
 yet neither the Blue Mountains nor the Rock^ 
 landCliain give any impediment to its course, 
 
 A few observations may explain this re- 
 markable circumstance. The Blue Moun- 
 tains do not exist on the east side of the 
 Hudson, unless the Taconick Hills, border- 
 ing on the western extremity of Massachu- 
 setts, may be considered as belonging to 
 them. But admitting this, there is still a 
 tract of level country extending from one of 
 these heights to the other. Through this 
 the Hudson finds its way ; and as the Blue 
 Mountains rise seven miles to the westward 
 of the river, it rather passes by than through 
 them. 
 
 Thus it glides along until the width to 
 
26 
 
 wliich it sprc.ids at New-Windsor is con- 
 tracted to the narrow bounds which restrain 
 it as it holds its almost unchanging course to 
 the south, through the mountains which lie 
 in the counties of Orange, Dutchess, Vv'est- 
 chester^ and Rockland. These seem, in an- 
 cient days, to have opposed a dam of granite 
 sixteen miles wide to the Hudson's progress ; 
 and formerly to have raised the v/aters above 
 the lands of the upper country to such a 
 height as to have formed a lake. And there 
 are traces on both sides of its present chan- 
 nel, showing where the probable outlets of 
 the lake used to be, but which are nozv dry^ 
 and greatly elevated above the present level. 
 In the lapse of ages, this mound of moun- 
 tains appears, either by attrition, undermin- 
 ing, forcible impulse, or some other cause, 
 to have given way to the confined waters, 
 and opened for them a free passage to the 
 ocean. And this has been so completely 
 done, that the mountains between Pollepel's 
 Island and Stony-Point have been cleft to 
 their foundations, leaving a free, profound 
 and sufficient channel between them. On 
 the rugged and ruinous sides of this, the 
 traveller explores the internal stratification 
 of the region to great advantage, while his 
 eye ranges over the picturesque and sublime 
 j[andscape scenery above and below Wc^t- 
 
Point, \vith uncommon delight. He beholds 
 marine plants growing near the river's edge, 
 and salt water, in this inland situation, bathr 
 ing the feet of the mountains. He becomes 
 convinced that the deep channel this ri\ er 
 has formed for itself through its rocky ob- 
 stacles, is a greater and more admirable work 
 of nature than all the cataracts afford. 
 
 On this river, Daniel M^Kinnon, Esq, 
 has written a Poem, entitled the Hudson ; 
 which was published in New-York in 1803, 
 together with several other poetical pieces. 
 From this the following extract is taken : 
 
 Now meeting the pure breath of mom, and borne 
 Within the -teep projecting Highlands' ridge. 
 The prosp^ci rises round. Gigj^ntic, vast, 
 0'er5hado\>ring mountains soar, invested thick 
 Their shaggy waists, and to their summits far 
 A wilderness unbounded to the eye. 
 Profuse and pathless, unsubdued by toil. 
 Diminutive beneath, the Hudson, deep 
 Coerc'd by rocks, and silent, penetrates 
 The solitudlnous and woodland scene ; 
 His former course disordered, wir ding tbrougli 
 Uncertain, struggling for a passage. Far 
 "Within the lofty desert we behold 
 The Fort,* and thund'ring car.rop on its brow, 
 Kais'd on the western rocki>, where travelers It^ng 
 The base and vain design that had beiray*d 
 Columbia shall relate. Here one while steep, 
 Ip clitis, and pei-pendicular, the sboi« 
 Sublime, abrupt its craggy front exalts, 
 And blactens o*er the tide : then low at Brst 
 
 * West-Point. 
 
28 
 
 And rising- from the naked granite banks, 
 
 A sunny length of wood, out-stretch'd fi*om hill 
 
 To hill, iig-ht unduh.ting- o'er the yoke 
 
 Of distant mountains, swells into the skies. 
 
 It is understood, that in convenient states 
 of the water, a vessel which can pass the 
 bar at Sandy Hook, may be navigated to 
 the city of Hudson. 
 
 CHARTER OF THE CITY. 
 
 After the surrender of the city, by the last 
 Dutch governor, Siuyvesant, to the English 
 commandant, colonel Nicoll, in 1674, a 
 new order of things took place. Among 
 others, was the granting of a charter to the 
 city, in 1 686, by I'homas Dongan, then acting 
 as lieutenant-governor and vice-admiral of 
 New-York, under James the second, king of 
 Great-Britain. This James is the same to 
 whom, when duke of York, the grant of 
 New Amsterdam and New Neth.erlands, 
 with the islands on the coast, and the lands 
 near the Hudson, had been made in 1663, 
 by his brother, Chnrles the second. This 
 charter was renewed, with many additional 
 powers and privileges, in 1730, by John 
 Montgomerie, tiien captain general and gov- 
 ernor in chief of the provinces of Ntw- 
 York, New-Jersey, and the territories de- 
 
29 
 
 pending thereon. The stile of the inhabi- 
 tants, in their corporate capacity is, **• the 
 mayor, aldermen, and comn)onalty, of the 
 city of New- York." This royal charter re- 
 ceived the confirmation of the provincial 
 legislLL-jre, by a formal and express statute, 
 passed in 1732. 
 
 By this the mayor may appoint one of the 
 aldermen to be a deputy inay or, who may act 
 during his absence. He appoints the high 
 constuble ; has a right to summon a common 
 council. He is himself principal clerk of the 
 market, and water-bailiff, and receives the 
 fees of both to his own use ; and he appoints 
 and licenses marshals, porters, cj rriers, cart- 
 men, carmen, cryers, packers, cullers and 
 scavengers ; and removes them at pleasure. 
 He also licenses tavern-keepers, and sellers 
 of exciseable liquors, by retail. 
 
 The mayor, recorder, clerk, sheriff and 
 coroner, are appointed by the council of 
 appointment, consisting of the governor and 
 four senators, chosen in the manner prescrib- 
 ed by the state constitution. The aldermen, 
 assistants, assessors, constables and collec- 
 tors, are chosen by the inhabitants. Each 
 free male inhabitant, of the age of twenty- 
 one, and possessing a freehold estate of the 
 value of fifty dollars, for one month before 
 the election, or being a free man three 
 C2 
 
30 
 
 months, and resident of the ward one month, 
 and paid taxes, is a qualified elector. This 
 election is held on the third Tuesday of No- 
 vember. 
 
 The city now consists of nine wards ; each 
 of which sends an alderman and an assistant 
 to the common council. This body consists 
 of the mayor, recorder, aldermen and assist- 
 ants. They have the power to appoint a 
 chamberlain or treasurer ; to make laws and 
 ordinances for their own good rule and gov- 
 ernment, and of all the inhabitants, to be 
 in force for twelve months, and to contain a 
 punishment for disobedience. These laws 
 of the common council, relate to many 
 branches of the police ; and are printed in a 
 small volume, for their better promulgation 
 among the citizens. They may establish as 
 many ferries as they think lit, and receive 
 the fees and profits. They mav lay out and 
 alter streets, lanes, alleys, highways, water- 
 courses and bridges, throughout the city, 
 and the whole island of Manhattan. They 
 may establish markets to be held every day, 
 except Sunday, when and where they choose. 
 They have the assize of bread, wine, beer, 
 ale, and all other victuals and things set to 
 sale ; but none of these is exercised but that of 
 bread. They have, further, the power to 
 appoint guagers of liquors ; measurers of 
 salt and grain -, surveyors and packers of 
 
31 
 
 bread, fiour, beef, pork, and other provi- 
 sions ; of carters, carruTs and porters of 
 goods, wares and inerdiandizes ; and pjar- 
 blin^- of spices, and other things of that kind ; 
 with all the fines and profits, thereunto be- 
 longing. They possess, too, the poweV of 
 making freemen of the said corporation ; and 
 all persons exercising trades, or following 
 occupations, in the city, (except in the public 
 fairs) without first purchasing their freedom, 
 are liable to be fined five pounds. Aliens 
 are forbidden to be made freemen of the 
 citv, until after they have been naturalized or 
 denizenized. But this part of the charter 
 has, of late years, been but little acted upon. 
 Freemen are seldom created ; and no prose- 
 cutions are brought against those who carry 
 on business without taking out their free- 
 dom. They have power to build bridewells 
 and work^houses ; to appoint keepers, and 
 commit rogues and vagabonds. They may 
 erect alms-houses, and make regulations for 
 the same ; and as many gaols and keepers as 
 they may deem necessary, for the confine- 
 ment of traitors, felons, and disturbers of 
 the peace. 
 
 The mayor, deputy mayor, recorder and 
 aldermen, are.ex-officio justices of the peace ; 
 and are empowered to hold courts of general 
 sessions, to inquire of, hear, and determine^ 
 
32 
 
 all offences cognizable before justices of the 
 peace, in the city. The mayor, recorder 
 and aldermen are also declared to be justices 
 of oyer and terminer, and named as such in 
 every commission. The mayor, aldermen 
 and commonalt)^ are authorised to hold a 
 court of record or common pleas. In this 
 the mayor, deputy or recorder, may preside 
 without the aldermen or assistants ; the lat- 
 ter may attend if they please. In this court 
 there is cognizance of all actions real, per- 
 sonal and mixed. This is called the mayor's 
 court, and may be adjourned for any time 
 not exceeding twenty-eight days. The clerk 
 of the common council is also the clerk of 
 the sessions, and of the common pleas. The 
 mayor, recorder, and aldermen, may deter- 
 mine causes, not exceeding forty shillings, 
 with or without a jury. 
 
 This court is much confided in, as a tri- 
 bunal of justice. Causes of great importance 
 arc often brought before it. Attornies and 
 counsellors are required to undergo special 
 examinations previous to obtaining licenses 
 to practice in it. The proceedings are 
 inodelled upon the process of the court of 
 Kings Bench, in England ; but conforming 
 to the constitution and laws of the common- 
 wealth. 
 
 The mayors of the city, in successioA^ 
 
33 
 
 have been, Nicholas Bayard, William Lur- 
 ting, John Cruger, Whitehead Kicks, be- 
 fore the revolution ; during the time New- 
 York was in possession of the enomy, Ijiavid 
 Matthews ; and since the revolution, Jnmes 
 Duane, Richard Varick, Edward Living- 
 ston, and Dewit ClinLon. 
 
 POPULATION. 
 
 The population of the city and county, as 
 found by the census taken under the authori- 
 ty of .the United States in i bOO, amounted 
 to somewhat more than 60,000. By an enu- 
 meration made alter the disappearance of 
 the endemic and local sickness, in li^05, 
 by order of the common council, there vvas 
 found to be an increase of fifteen thousand. 
 This addition of ))eople appears from the 
 report of the city inspector on the 4th Feb. 
 1806. On diat day, John Pintard, esq. in- 
 formed the mayor, aldermen and commonal- 
 ty that, "in conformity with the order of 
 the common council, an enumeration had 
 been taken of the jurors in the city and 
 county of New-York, agreeably to iin " act 
 of the Legislature for regulating trials of is- 
 sues, and for returning able and sufficient 
 jurors," passed 31st March, 1801. Vv hich 
 enumeration also comprehends the number 
 of inhabitants who retired from the city dur- 
 
S4 
 
 ingthc prevalence of the malignant fever in 
 1S05, together with the total population :" 
 
 
 Inhabitant. 
 
 Pcoph 
 
 of Colour 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 andfn 
 
 ^eNegroes. 
 
 Slaves. 
 
 tj 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 Males 
 
 Fe- 
 males 
 
 Males 
 
 Fe- 
 males 
 
 M. 
 
 Fein 
 
 1st 
 
 3422 
 
 3748 
 
 37 
 
 37 
 
 186 
 
 249 
 
 2d 
 
 3414 
 
 3663 
 
 72 
 
 101 
 
 118 
 
 18^^ 
 
 Sd 
 
 3283 
 
 3597 
 
 106 
 
 119 
 
 101. 
 
 162 
 
 4tb 
 
 4346 
 
 4520 
 
 70 
 
 87 
 
 68 
 
 143 
 
 6tli 
 
 52,20 
 
 5993 
 
 558 
 
 438 
 
 85 
 
 146 
 
 6th 
 
 4101 
 
 4266 
 
 183 
 
 253 
 
 5Q 
 
 9Q 
 
 7th 
 
 8053 
 
 7498 
 
 
 
 38 
 
 79 
 
 «th 
 
 2420 
 
 2134 
 
 38 
 
 61 
 
 49 
 
 70 
 
 yth 
 
 1025 
 
 959 
 
 
 
 111 
 
 100 
 
 
 35,384 
 
 36,378 
 
 864 
 
 1096 
 
 818 
 
 1230 
 
 
 
 t 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total 
 
 73,770 
 
 Persons who retired from the city durhigthc malignant 
 ftxer, in 1805. 
 1st Ward 
 
 2d do, 
 
 3d do. 
 
 4th do. 
 
 ^th do. 
 
 6112 
 
 5961 
 4152 
 4320 
 
 3453 
 
 6th Ward 
 7tli do. 
 8th do. 
 9th do. 
 
 224 
 2775 
 
 26,996 
 
 Ihis population of the city alone, makes 
 a considerable approach toward that of the 
 ^yhole commonwealth fifty years ago. This 
 will be evident from the return of the general 
 census in 1756; making the entire number 
 of inhabitants in the government, no more 
 than 96,765 souls. 
 
35 
 
 
 
 r>} 
 
 f?i 
 
 ^ 
 
 -1. 
 
 f^^ 
 
 00 
 
 'O 
 
 rr. 
 
 'O 
 
 "1 
 
 fN 
 
 
 Total. 
 
 iv 
 
 —1 
 
 —3 
 
 'O 
 
 CO 
 
 CO 
 
 ■-^ 
 
 o 
 
 * 
 
 o 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 liV 
 
 
 -o 
 
 .X-, 
 
 
 CO 
 
 30 
 
 
 o 
 
 '^i" 
 
 
 
 
 c^t 
 
 •>j 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 C) 
 
 
 
 
 
 Fetn. abo'oe 16 
 
 .71 
 
 :-^ 
 
 3 
 
 t.O 
 
 "* 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 o 
 
 CO 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 < 
 
 P5 
 
 
 <iJ 
 
 •o 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 C-'J 
 
 
 '^t* 
 
 c^ 
 
 en 
 
 ^ 
 
 Ftm. under 16. 
 
 '-? 
 
 •o 
 
 C7% 
 
 ^p 
 
 o 
 
 '0 
 0"i 
 
 -»^ 
 
 .-^ 
 
 o 
 
 t 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 '^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 CO 
 
 r-< 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 M 60 & iipiv. 
 
 00 
 
 o 
 
 
 ';o 
 
 
 M.a6l6&un60 
 
 .-5 
 
 •o 
 
 :.-0 
 
 "-O 
 
 
 'O 
 
 X 
 
 -^ 
 
 ?;? 
 
 a-. 
 
 rr, 
 
 
 
 
 X) 
 
 I- 
 
 •^ 
 
 
 •^ 
 
 -i* 
 
 '^^ 
 
 'O 
 
 (» 
 
 
 
 Males tindcrld 
 
 •S 
 
 -O 
 
 •o 
 
 03 
 
 T-l 
 
 -^ 
 
 rr-, 
 
 CN 
 
 T, 
 
 00 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tt< 
 
 •o 
 
 -.0 
 
 tN 
 
 >-( 
 
 Ci 
 
 Of 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 X 
 
 'O 
 
 
 rri 
 
 •r) 
 
 rr, 
 
 r>} 
 
 )^ 
 
 'O 
 
 N- 
 
 CO 
 
 
 Total. 
 
 to 
 
 x^ 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 rTi 
 
 
 o 
 
 ,- 
 
 
 cs> 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 -5^ 
 
 '■O 
 
 CO 
 
 '^^ 
 
 
 
 X 
 
 
 '"< 
 
 
 
 
 
 •"^ 
 
 
 
 
 rH 
 
 
 
 to 
 
 CO 
 
 t^ 
 
 00 
 
 
 Ftviales 
 
 ■c 
 
 o 
 
 ':;•' 
 
 n 
 
 .ri 
 
 X 
 
 
 ^O 
 
 ■o 
 
 2 
 
 
 above 16. 
 
 ^. 
 
 CO 
 
 CO 
 
 ^D 
 
 
 -'^ 
 
 'r^ 
 
 lO 
 
 7-} 
 
 c^ 
 
 '^ 
 
 g 
 
 Fcynales 
 
 en 
 
 ^ 
 
 X 
 
 o 
 
 :o 
 
 3 
 
 ;o 
 
 CN( 
 
 >o 
 •o 
 
 •o 
 
 
 
 wider 16. 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 'O 
 
 CO 
 
 CO 
 
 -> 
 
 
 
 -n 
 
 3D 
 
 
 :0 
 
 ,'- 
 
 O 
 
 
 Males 60 .C^ 
 
 
 
 upward.1. 
 
 
 -^ 
 
 
 O} 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 C^ 
 
 £>» 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 X 
 
 Males above 
 
 o 
 
 Oi 
 
 ^ 
 
 -0 
 
 '^ 
 
 oo 
 
 1.0 
 
 '■* 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 16 (Cr'Hrt^.-r 60 
 
 7^ 
 
 CO 
 
 ■o 
 
 ?, 
 
 ,~ 
 
 0-) 
 
 ^ 
 
 c-^ 
 
 
 
 
 Males wider 
 
 2 
 
 1^ 
 
 
 o 
 
 ■'3 
 
 CO 
 
 1— ( 
 
 ^ 
 
 'f3 
 
 
 
 16. 
 
 
 •-i' 
 
 •o 
 
 -.71 
 
 CN 
 
 
 ■^ 
 
 
 '/( 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 
 :o 
 
 r~l 
 
 CO 
 
 ^ 
 
 CO 
 
 
 ■^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 > 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 •J 
 
 >•. 
 
 J 
 
 .• 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 '^ 
 
 < 
 
 c. 
 
 d 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 ■^ 
 
 
 
 U 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 d 
 
 d 
 
 V 
 
 
 c3 
 
 7J 
 
 c 
 
 a 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 £ 
 
 
 
 
 cii 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 rt 
 
 (V 
 
 c 
 
 1/ 
 
 7' 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 d 
 
 y- 
 
 p 
 
 r-! 
 
 6 
 
 r* 
 
 14 
 
 qJ 
 
 vii 
 
 A 
 
 
Tonnage cf the Port. 
 
 TOKS. 
 
 The tonr.a.q^e of registered vessels 
 outstanding on the 30th June, 
 1805, on the books of the cus- 
 tom-house, amounted to 
 
 The tonna;^e of enroUed vessels, to 
 same date, 
 
 The tonnage of licensed vessels 
 under twenty tons, 
 
 Tons 
 June 30th, 1805, ^ the registered 
 tonnage may be estimated to 
 amount to 
 At the same time the enrolled ton- 
 nage mav be supposed to be 
 And at that period, the licensed 
 vessels, under 20 tons, may be 
 set down at 3,241 
 
 Tons 183,671 
 
 Increase 17,338 
 Making an increase during the last vear of 
 lAore than seventeen thousand tons of ship- 
 ping ; and a large proportion of this addition- 
 al tonnage, is of registered ships for the for- 
 eign tra Je. 
 
 The gross amount of New- York tonnage 
 
37 
 
 at the end of the year 1803, was 149,158 
 tons. 
 
 Duties Collected* 
 
 The monies collected in New- York for 
 the national treasury, for imports on mer- 
 chandize and tonnage have, for several 
 years, amounted lo one fourth of the public 
 revenue. 
 In 1804-, the gross revenue was 5,082,656 
 
 The drawbacks were 1,901,517' 
 
 Neat revenue 3,181,139 
 
 In 1805, the gross revenue was 6,866,168 
 The drawbacks were 3,203,680 
 
 Neat revenue 3,662,488 
 
 In 1806, probable gross revenue 6,200,000 
 Probable drawbacks 1,800,000 
 
 Probable neat revenue 4,400,000 
 
 Making an amount of four millions, and 
 four hunared thousand, dollars of revenue, 
 
. 38 
 
 for the treasury of the XTnited States, col- 
 lected in the port of New-York, in one 
 year. 
 
 BANKS AND OFFICES FOR THE DTS^ 
 COUNT OF BILLS AND DEPOSIT OF 
 >lONEY. 
 
 1. The Bank of Nezv-TorL 
 
 This is the oldest establishment of this 
 kind in the city. It was formed soon after 
 the termination of the revolutionary war, and 
 proceeded to do business as a private corn- 
 pan 3% until March 21st, 1791, when an act 
 of incorporation was passed in its favour by 
 the state legislature to endure until the se- 
 cond Tuesday of May, 1811. It consists 
 of a capital stock of 950,000 dollars, divid- 
 ed into 1 vOO shares of 500 dollars each. — 
 Of these lOO belong to the commonweahh. 
 This company possesses a spacious buildings 
 at the corner of Wall and William-streets. 
 The whole estate was originally limited to a 
 a ni'llion of dollars. By an act passed 17th 
 February, 1797, this Bank was authorised to 
 buy of the treasurer all the 6 per cent and 
 deferred stock belonging to the state, and to 
 
39 
 
 sell the same and extend its credits there- 
 on. 
 
 2* The Office of Discount and Deposit^ 
 
 Established by the Bark of the United 
 States ; commonly called the Branch Rank. 
 The Bank of the United States vas es- 
 tablished by an act of Congress, incorpora- 
 ting the subscribers thereto, passed on the 
 second day of March, 1791. The act is 
 in force until March 4, 1811. Its capi- 
 tal stock is ten millions of dollars, divided 
 into shares of 400 dollars each. Its legal stile 
 is " The president, directors and company 
 *^ of the Bank of the United States." In the 
 exercise of the powers given to them by the 
 fifteenth section of the law, they have estab- 
 lished branches of the central Bank at Phila- 
 delphia, in different parts of the nation ; as at 
 Boston, Baltimore, Washington, Norfolk, 
 Charleston, and Orleans. There is one also 
 established at New-York. This company does 
 business at its commodious house m Wall- 
 street, next door but one to the Bank of 
 New- York. 
 
4G 
 
 Office of Discount and Deposit^ 
 
 Established by the Manhattan Company ; 
 called the Manhattan Bank. 
 
 The state legislature passed an act on 
 the second day of April, 1799, incorporating 
 a company ** for supplying the city of New- 
 York with pure and wholesome water." 1 hey 
 were allowed to raise a capital ol 2,000,000 
 dollars in 40,000 shares of 50 dollars each. — 
 The corporation of New -York was enabled 
 to hold 2,000 of them. Alter erecting the 
 Water- Works, the company was further au- 
 thorised to employ their surplus capital in 
 anv monied transactions or operations, not 
 inconsistent with the constitution and laws of 
 the state and of the United States. 1 he 
 charter is unlimited as to time. The office 
 is kept in Wall-street, about mid-way be- 
 tween the Bank of New-York and the City- 
 Hall. The concerns are managed by 13 
 directors, of whom the City Recorder shall 
 always be one, ex officio. 
 
 Merchants' Bank. 
 
 A company of stockholders associated 
 
41 
 
 under this firm in 1803, and issued notes as 
 a private association. Soon afttr, in 1804, 
 the legislature passed an act to restrain unin- 
 corporated banking associations. But dur- 
 ing the session of the legislature in 1805, 
 an act of incorporation was passed in their 
 favour. Their stile is •■' The president, direct- 
 *' ors and company of the Merchants' Bank, 
 ^' in New-York." Their capital stock amounts 
 to 1,250,000 dollars, in 25,000 shares of 50 
 dollars each. Their office is in Wall-street, be- 
 tween the Manhattan and New- York Banks. 
 Their affairs are managed by 13 directors, — 
 The treasurer of the state was directed to 
 subscribe for 1000 shares upon condition of 
 nothing being demanded for them by the 
 company ; and the directors were authorised 
 to assess the 50,000 dollars they were worth 
 upon the stockholders. These shares are to 
 remain a fund lor the support of common 
 schools. 
 
 5. Jersey Bank. 
 
 Is is not foreign to the object of this work t* 
 mention a monied institution established by 
 a statute of the commoawealth of New-Jer- 
 d2 
 
42 
 
 sey, during the winter of 1805. The build, 
 ingis at Paulus-Hook, where the new city of 
 Jersey has been begun. Its capital is 
 dollars, held in shares of dollars each. — 
 The new city, though by an act of Congress, 
 passed during the session of 1806, it is crea- 
 ted a port of delivery, is not yet very popu- 
 lous. I'herefore the Bank is virtually a 
 New- York establishment, though incorpora- 
 ted by an act of a neighbouring state. 
 
 INSURANCE COMPANIES. 
 
 1. The U7ilted Insurance Company, 
 
 This company was incorporated by an act of 
 the state legislature, on the 20th day of March, 
 1798, calling them " the United Insurance 
 " Company, in the city of New-York." Its 
 capital must not exceed 500,000 dollars, in 
 10,000 shares, of 50 dollars each. Their af- 
 fairs are managed by a president, and one or 
 more assistants, chosen by the directors.— 
 They are authorised to make insurances upon 
 vessels, freight and goods, houses and stores, 
 goods in houses and stores, furniture in 
 
43 
 
 houses, on lives, and for the ransom of per- 
 sons in captivity ; and in cases of money lent 
 upon bottomry, and respondentia. Their of- 
 fice is kept in Wall-street, almost opposite 
 the Branch Bank. 
 
 2. Nexv-Tork Insurance Company* 
 
 This existed from 1796 as a private asso- 
 ciation ; but an act of incorporation was 
 passed April 2d, 1798. It is entitled ''The 
 *' New-York Insurance Company." Its cap- 
 ital stock consists of 500,000 dollars, in 
 10,000 shares, of 50 dollars each. They 
 have power to make insurance upon vessels, 
 freight and goods, houses and stores, goods 
 in houses and stores, furniture in houses, 
 upon lives, and for ransoming persons in 
 captivity, and for lending money upon bot- 
 tomry and respondentia. Their office is in 
 Wall-street, between the New-York and the 
 Branch Banks. 
 
 3. Columbian Insurance Campany, 
 
 The legislature, on the 21st March, 1801, 
 incorporated certain stockholders under the 
 appellation of " The Columbian Insurance 
 ^' Company." The capital stock is 500,000 
 
44 
 
 dollars, in 10,000 shares of 50 dollars each. 
 Their affairs are conducted by a president and 
 two assistants. They are empowered to make 
 insurance on vessels, freight, and goods, on 
 houses and stores, on specie, on goods and 
 furniture in houses and stores, upon lives, 
 and for the ransom of persons in captivity, to 
 sell annuities, and in cases of money lent 
 upon bottomry and respondentia. '1 heir of- 
 fice is in Wall-street, nearly opposite the 
 Tontine Coffee-House. 
 
 4. Marine Insurance Company. 
 
 On the 16th March, 1802, an act w^as pass- 
 ed incorporating a society, under the name 
 of" The Marine Insurance Company of New- 
 " York." Their capital stock is 250,000 dol- 
 lars, in 5,000 shares of 50 dollars each. — 
 They may make insurance on vessels, freights, 
 money, and on all goodn, wares and merchan- 
 dizes. Their office is kept in Wail-street, al- 
 most opposite that of the United Insurance 
 Company. 
 
 5. Commercial Insurance Company, 
 
 By an act passed 4th April, 1 805, a compa- 
 ny was incorporated under the title of " The 
 
" Commtrcial Insurance Company of New- 
 " York." It ma\ hold property to the amount 
 of 250,000 dollars. The shares are 1,000 in 
 number, and the value of each is 250 dollars. 
 Its affairs are conducted by a president and 
 two assistants, members of a board of 18 di- 
 rectors. They may make insurance upon 
 vessels, goods, wares, merchandize, freight, 
 bottomrv, respondentia-interest, and all other 
 marine risks. Their office is in Wall-street, 
 near the Branch Bank. 
 
 6. Mutual Insurance Company. 
 
 For the purpose of promoting the safety 
 and insurance ot houses, and other buildings, 
 from loss by fire. The Mutual Assurance 
 Company, of the city of New- York, was in- 
 corporated on the 23d IViarch, 1798, vvith con- 
 tinuance until 1818. It is not to hold real 
 estate except for its immediate accommoda- 
 tion, and by way of mortgage, or judgment 
 for five years. All persons insured are deem- 
 ed to be members. Affairs are managed by 
 24 directors. These have power to make in- 
 ternal regulations and byt-laws. They meet 
 on the second Tuesday of every month, or of- 
 tt:ner. Thev are authorised to insure from loss 
 by fire, houses, stores, and other buildings 
 within the city of New- York, upon such terms, 
 
46 
 
 in such places, and for such times as their bye- 
 laws may prescribe. 
 
 Seven directors form a quorum. The pre- 
 sident, treasurer, secretary, and surve} or, are 
 assigned their respective duties. On applica- 
 tion for a policy, three dollars earnest-money 
 must be paid, which is forteited if the policies 
 are not taken up within thirty days after they 
 have decided thereon. Insurances are for se- 
 ven years. The corporation allows their sur- 
 veyor one dollar fifty cents for each survey ; 
 and the applicant for insurance pays two dol- 
 lars twenty-five cents lor policy and badge, 
 and one dollar for making a transfer. Losses 
 by fire are paid for on the principle of general 
 average ; hut in assessing the proportion 
 which each member shall pay, regard shall be 
 had in the estimate to the sum insured, and no 
 one person shall be bound to pay above ten. 
 shillings for every hundred pounds insured, 
 for their quota on the loss sustained at any 
 single ^Yt. The director^ may reward meri- 
 torious firemen. They do not insure against 
 fires conse-quent upon mvasion or insurrection 
 at all ; nor against their occurrence in build- 
 ings con.aining hazardous prop, rty, such as 
 hemp, flax, tallow, pitch, tar, turpentine, rosin, 
 gunpowder, spirits ot turpentine, bhingies, 
 bay, straw, and fodder of all kinds : nor any 
 
47 
 
 bake-bousc, brew-house, sugar-house, still- 
 house, cooper's or joiner's shop ; nor buildings 
 where hazarr!»us trades are carried on by che- 
 mists, ship-chandlers, tallow-chandlers, stable- 
 keepers, tavern-keepers, printers, malt-dryers, 
 oil-men, and colour-men. The rates of insur- 
 ance upon the ten rates of buildings for 
 which the company issues policies, with the 
 amount of deposit and premium on each, may 
 be seen at large in the company's printed 
 Charter and Bye-laws, published by James 
 Oram, in 1798. Office is in Pine-street, near- 
 ly opposite the French Church. 
 
 7. Eagle Fire Company, 
 
 A Body Corporate was formed 4th April, 
 1 806, by^the name of" The Eagle Fire Compa- 
 ^' ny of New- York." It is established for the 
 sole purpose of insuring against losses by fire, 
 houses, and buildings of all kinds, and all 
 manner of goods, chattels, and personal estate, 
 for such times and premiums as the company 
 and the assured may agree upon. The capital 
 stock consists of 500,000 dollars in 5000 shares 
 of 100 dollars each ; but the company may, if 
 they judge expedient, increase it to a million of 
 dollars upon the like terms. Real estate for the 
 accomodation of its officers may be held to thea- 
 mount of-L0,000 dollars. Business is conducted 
 
48 
 
 bv tii'irteen directors, one of whom shall be the 
 president. Seven with the president forma 
 quorum. The president and directors may ap- 
 point and pay orhcers, and make the necessary 
 bye-laws. Policies are to be under seal, and 
 signed by the president and secretary. The 
 assured may convey policies by consent of the 
 company, llie company may not trade, but 
 may vest their capital or any part of it in the 
 national funds. Tney will engage to make 
 good, losses sustained by lightnmg, and will 
 insure ships in port or their cargoes, and ships 
 on the stocks and under repau', against fire. — 
 Their policies are not limited to the city, but 
 may extend to any part of the country. 
 
 No loss or damage by fire will be paid that 
 may be the consequence of invasion, civil 
 commotion, riot, mihtary or usurped power. 
 Nor will insurance be made upon books of ac- 
 counts, written securities, notes, bills, bonds, 
 deeds, ready monev, or buUion. Jewels, plate, 
 medals, or other curiosities ; paintings and 
 sculptures are not included in any insurance 
 unless the articles are specified in the policy. 
 
 Soap-boilers, tallow-chandlers, brewers, malt- 
 stores, bakers, rope-makers, sugar-refiners, 
 distillers, chemists, varnish makers, stable- 
 keepers, tavern-keepers, china, glass and earth- 
 enware-sellers, oil and colour-men, turpentine 
 works, paper-mills, printing-houses, coopers, 
 
49 
 
 carpenters, and cabinet-makers, coach-makers,, 
 boat-builders, ship-chandlers, apothecaries, 
 theatres, mills and machinery, and all manu- 
 factories that use fire-heat, are deemed extra- 
 hazardous, and must be particularly described 
 in the policy ; and for all such risks an addi- 
 tional premium is demanded. Losses arc 
 paid in 60 days after proof, without allowance 
 of discount, fees, or any deduction whatever. 
 To bind an insurance the premium must firgt 
 be paid ; and insurance may be made for seven 
 years bv paying the premium for six. For a 
 less number than seven a reasonable discount 
 is allowed. The four classes of hazards, the 
 ratesof annual premiums of insurance, with all 
 the conditions upon which this companv trans- 
 act business were printed by Collins, Perkins 
 and Co. in 1806. The office is kept in Wall- 
 street, just above the corner of Pearl-street. 
 
 3. Washington Mutual Assurance Company, 
 
 On the 30th March, 1802, a corporation 
 was erected by the name of " The Washington 
 "Mutual Assurance Company," and to endure 
 until the 1st March, 1805. They are not to 
 hold any more real estate than is necessar) lor 
 buildings to accommodate them, nor cieai in 
 trade, nor stockjoobrng. Ail persons who in- 
 
 E 
 
50 
 
 .•=fure are deemed members of tlie corporation. 
 Their concerns are managed by 1 8 directors. 
 They have the power to make the necessary 
 bye-laws touching the disposition of their ef- 
 fects and property, the duties and conduct of 
 their officers, and all other matters appertain- 
 ing to the object of the institution. They 
 have also the power to appoint officei-s, clerks 
 and servants, and to pay them for their ser- 
 vices. Their object is to promote the safety 
 aifd insurance of buildings from loss by fire. 
 Directors meet the fourth Wednesday of every 
 month, and oftener if need be ; and seven 
 make a quorum. Annual election is held on 
 the second Tuesday in June. Directors 
 choose a president out of their own body. — - 
 Policies are signed by the president, and secre- 
 tary, and sealed with the seal of the corpora- 
 tion. They mav insure against fire, houses, 
 stores, and other buildings, upon such terms 
 and for such times as the bye-laws or board of 
 directors may prescribe. 
 
 Insurances are made for not less than one, 
 nor more than seven j^ears. Persons insur- 
 ing for less than five years must pay the whole 
 premium, charges and deposit, at the time of 
 making the insurance ; and they who insure 
 for five years and more, must pay down the 
 whole of the premium and one-fourth part of 
 the deposit, and pay the remaining three- 
 
51 
 
 fourths of the deposit in ^hree annual instal- 
 ments with interest at six per cent, to be ex- 
 pressed in the policy. In case of losses to a 
 greater amount than the money in the funds, 
 the directors may demand payment sooner 
 than the times expressed in the poHcies ; and 
 persons not paying in thirty days forfeit their 
 policies. The assured however shall always 
 be paid their sums as mentioned in their poli- 
 cies ; and the money due on the oldest policies 
 shall be first demanded. 
 
 There shall be insured in one policy but one 
 house and kitchen, except where two or more 
 small houses stand contiguous to each other, 
 and do not exceed 1250 dollars in value ; and 
 except where a stab, or coach-house stand 
 contiguous to the same . of ground with the 
 dwelling house ; and in thtje cases each build- 
 ing is to be distinctly valued. 
 
 The price of the policy and badge with the 
 incidental services is two dollars, and of en- 
 tering a transfer seventy- five cents. Two 
 dollars and a half earnest-money must be 
 paid towards the charges of such insurance, 
 to be credited in case the insurance is effected 
 in three months, and to be forfeited if not com- 
 pleted within that time. Though if the di- 
 rectors agree not to make insurance, the earn- 
 est money is returned. Policies are consider- 
 
52 ' 
 
 ed to be valid from the time that the charges 
 of insuring, the premium and deposit money- 
 shall be paid or secured to be paid. ^.Every 
 person insuring in the company is bound to 
 pay his proportion of all losses and charges, 
 provided that this shall be in a ratio to the 
 sum insured, and that it shall not exceed forty 
 cents upon a hundred dollars, for a single 
 fire. 
 
 These and other particulars, together with 
 their ten classes of buildings, and the amount 
 ot premium and deposit on each, with the enu- 
 meration of hazardous occupations and trades, 
 are contained in the b}'e-laws, printed by E. 
 Belden & Co. in 1802.' 
 
 Sugar-houses, brew-houses, bake-houses, 
 still-houses, coopers' and joiners' shops, and 
 houses where hazardous trades are earned on 
 by chemists, ship-chandlers, tallow-chandlers, 
 stable-keepers, minters, malt-driers, oil or co- 
 lour-men ; or hich are used as stores "for 
 hemp, flax, tallow, pitch, tar, turpentine, rosin, 
 gunpowder, spirits of turpentine, shingles, hay, 
 straw, fodder of all kinds, and corn unthresh- 
 ed, will not be insured, but on such terms as 
 may be specially agreed upon. Nor will the 
 policies cover accidents consequent upon inva- 
 sion or insurrection, nor houses in which 
 more than twenty-eight pounds of gunpowder 
 was kept immediately before the fire. 
 
53 
 
 Deposit-money is returned on the expi- 
 ration of the policies, losses and incidental 
 charges only being deducted, provided it be 
 demanded within a year. Losses are paid 
 for in three months after notice ; but gilding, 
 historical and landscape painting, and carving, 
 are not allowed to be calculated. 
 
 If any loss by a single fire requires a contri- 
 bution of forty cents on every hundred dollars 
 more than the premium and deposit, any mem- 
 ber paying the same and giving up his deposits, 
 may surrender his policy and be discharged 
 from the company. 
 
 The directors have power to reward extra- 
 ordinary exertions of persons at fires. 
 
 9. Plicemx Company of London* 
 
 An office for insuring houses, buildings, 
 st-ores, ships in harbour, goods, wares, and 
 merchandize, from loss or damage by fire, has 
 been opened in New-York, on account of the 
 Phoenix Company of London. I'he reason 
 of this extension of their plan to America, is 
 alleged to be, the frequent applications lor the 
 insurance of property in the western world, 
 that had been made to them in Great Britain ; 
 and they therefore believed the object would be 
 facilitiited by the establishment of a branch of 
 their institution in New-York. 
 
54 
 
 In this company, no injured person is liable 
 to any call to make good the losses of others : 
 but, in case of fire, the sufferer is fully indem- 
 nified by the company. The company will 
 make good losses on property burned by light- 
 ning. The fou7- classes of hazards, the rates 
 of annual premium to be paid for assurance 
 against fire, and the conditions on which poli- 
 cies are entered into and agreed upon, are both 
 in their great outlines, and in most of their 
 details, the same as those of the Eagle Fire 
 Insurance Company, already described. 
 
 yiistices^ Court. 
 
 For the more speedy recovery of debts, to 
 the value of fifty dollars, between citizen and 
 citizen ; of wages due to seamen by masters 
 and owners ; and of demands of masters and 
 owners against seamen, though in both cases 
 the sums exceed fifty dollars ; and for trying 
 all actions of assault, battery, and false im- 
 prisonment, among masters of vessels, their 
 officers and crews, cognizable in courts of com- 
 mon law ; there are two courts established in 
 New-York. They consist, each, of four jus- 
 tices or judges, appointed by the state-council. 
 
 These eight magistrates have all the powers 
 of justices of tiie peace, as to keeping the 
 peace in the city and county. But they have 
 
no power to hold sessions of the peace, or of 
 sitting as judges in anv court of sessions of the 
 peace, h^l I by the charter officers. They 
 have, power to commit offenders to prison ; 
 to take recognizance for their appearance ; 
 for thoir keeping the peace, and for their good 
 behaviour ; and to take recognizance for the 
 appearance by witnesses against offenders, as 
 other justices of law possess. They have also 
 power to rake affidavits and depositions, to be 
 read in the supreme court ; and to take the al- 
 lowed fees for the same. 
 
 One of these courts sits in the City-Hall,, 
 and has for its district the first, second and 
 third wards. The other sits in a hall, not far 
 from the new watch-house, at the head of 
 Catherine street ; and includes for its district, 
 the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth 
 wards. Where both parties in a suit reside in 
 the city, the action must be brought in the 
 court of the district to which they belong.— 
 And, where the plaintiff is a non-resident, the 
 action must be brought in the court of the dis- 
 trict in which the defendant resides. Jurors 
 are taken from the respective districts to which 
 the courts belong. 
 
 Persons arrested on warrants, from either 
 of these courts, while the court is not sitting, 
 may be admitted to bail. If the defend mt 
 does not appear in court at the time mentioned 
 
56 
 
 in the bond, and the plaintifF approves the ball, 
 by actep ing an assignment ot the bond, the 
 officer may return the warrant in the same 
 manner as if the defendant had been brought 
 personally into court. In such cases the court 
 may proceed in the same manner as ii the de- 
 fendant had appeared and denied the plaintiff's 
 charge by plea ; and the bail shall thereafter be 
 liable to pay both debt and damages, with 
 costs ; unless the defendant gives sufficient 
 surety to pay the same in 30 days ; or surren- 
 ders himself in execution within 48 hours from 
 the time judgment is entered. Defendants in 
 custody, not giving bail or security, may be 
 taken to gaol until the court sits. But the 
 gaoler shall not detain a«y prisoner, upon such 
 warrant, longer than 48 hours. 
 
 When a defendant is brought into court, 
 and the court cannot immediately attend to 
 his cause, he may give security to the clerk, 
 for his appearance next day. If he docs 
 not do this, he may be carried to prison ; 
 but the keeper shall not keep him beyond 48 
 hours. 
 
 Any one of the justices may, while the court 
 is not sittings administer the oath of danger, 
 grant execution, make any necessary order 
 thereon, take confession of a defendant, enter 
 judgment, and grant execution thereon, as ef- 
 fectually as in open court. Executions arc 
 
in 
 
 returnable in any time, not exceeding tv/enty 
 days. Money collected by the constable, in 
 pursuance thereoi, to be paid to the clerk. 
 The clerks are to give bond in the penalty of 
 two thousand live hundred dollars. Constables 
 and marshals are to give bond in a penalty of 
 five hundred dollars. And these bonds may 
 be put in suit against clerks, constables and 
 marshals, for deceit or misconduct. An ap- 
 peal lies from the justice or justices, who tried 
 the cause, to the whole bench of justices, any 
 three of whom, excepting the justices who 
 tried the cause, shall decide ; and if they de- 
 cide in favour of the appellant, a new trial 
 shall be granted, by jury, if required. — (Laws, 
 April 4, 1803, and March 4, 1804.) — The 
 bill of fees, for services rendered in this court, 
 are specially detailed in the 44th section ot the 
 latter of these statutes. In these courts a great 
 number of suits are brought and settled. 
 
 Alderman's Court, 
 
 By the charter, and by a law passed 24th 
 March, 1801, aldermen of the city are de- 
 clared to be justices of the peace, and to have 
 cognizance of civil cases to the amount of for- 
 ty s'liili igs. By virtue of their authority of 
 justices, some of rhem, previous to the year 
 1791, considered they had a right to try causes 
 
S8 
 
 under the act for the recovery of debts to the 
 amount of txventy-five dollars^ as the justices 
 have, who are appointed by the state council. 
 But the legislature interposed, and restricted 
 aldermen from the exercise of that power ; 
 and appointed civil justices for the purpose- 
 Aidermen are, therefore, confined to their 
 chartered powers ; and as there are other 
 courts established, seldom interfere with the 
 forty-shilling causes. 
 
 Police Office. 
 
 A police office is held, daily, at the city-hall, 
 for the more effectual discovery and apprehen- 
 sion of offenders/The chancellor, justices 
 of the supreme court, mayor, recorder and 
 aldermen, whenever they shall deem the occa- 
 sion to require it, may lawfully be in the office, 
 and do all that shall appear requisite for them, 
 as conservators of the peace. 
 
 This office is conducted by two special jus- 
 tices, appointed for the city and county of 
 New- York. They execute the authorities of 
 justices, as conservators of the peace. They 
 have a clerk, who is called the clerk of the 
 police office. The clerk, and one, at least, of the 
 justices, are constantly in attendance at the 
 office, Sundays and convenient intervals of 
 refreshment, excepted'. 
 
59 
 
 All recognizances from parties to appear and 
 answer, or from witnesses to appear and tes- 
 tify ; and all examinations of parties charged 
 with offences taken elsewhere in the city than 
 in the police office, are to be lodged forthwith 
 in the police office, by the chancellor, judge, 
 mayor, recorder, special justice, or other 
 magistrate taking the same. Recognizances 
 taken in other counties, for the appearance of 
 parties and witnesses at any court in the city, 
 are transmitted from the magistrate taking the 
 same, to the clerk of this office. Recogni- 
 zances taken in this office, for the appearance 
 of parties or witnesses at courts in other coun- 
 ties, and depositions and examinations touching 
 the papers lodged there, are transmitted by the 
 clerk to the clerks of the respective counties. 
 At every term of the supreme court, and at 
 every sessions of oyer and terminer and gaol 
 delivery, and of the peace, held in the city, 
 the clerk delivers to the court all recognizances 
 then in the police office, for the appearance of 
 persons at the said courts respectively ; to- 
 gether with all examinations and depositions, 
 which shall then be in the police office, respect- 
 ing offences charged to have been committed 
 in the city. 
 
 The clerk's duty is to reduce to writing all 
 examinations and depositions ; make out, in 
 due form, all recognizances, warrants and 
 
60 
 
 other precepts ; and, generally, to perform all 
 such business of the office as shall be to be 
 done in writing. He is to execute every such 
 other reasonable service relating to his trust, 
 as shall be required of him by the magistrate 
 or magistrates, who, for the time being, shall at- 
 tend in the office. And he is also to have the keep 
 ing of all recognizances, examinations, de- 
 positions and other papers belonging to the 
 police office. He is allowed certain fees for 
 drawing affidavits, and performing some 
 other services, specified in an act of March 
 28, 1806. Certified copies of recognizances 
 to keep the peace, taken before any court in 
 the city, are forthwith lodged, by the clerk of 
 such court, in the police office. All recogni- 
 zances from persons licensed to retail spirituous 
 liquors in the city, are deposited there. The 
 special justices are required to be vigilant of 
 the conduct of the several persons bound by 
 recognizances. And if it appears, to either 
 of the special justices, that there is probable 
 cause for supposing the recognizances are for- 
 feited, the clerk of the police shall thereupon 
 estreat the same into the court of exchequer. 
 
 It is the duty of the special justices, or one 
 (yf them, to examine all persons apprehended 
 or detained in custody by the night-watch of 
 the city ; and to make such order thereon, as 
 the circumstances of the case and justice re- 
 
61 
 
 quire ; and to superintend and direct the dis- 
 charge of the watch, every mornnig, after the 
 service of the night is concluded. 
 
 These two magistrates have, by virtue of 
 their office, the same powers as are exercised, 
 out of the sessions, by aldermen of the city, 
 in relation to bastards, apprentices, servants, 
 vagrants and vagabonds, arising within fhe 
 citv ; and may take recognizances of special 
 bail ; and administer oaths in causes depend- 
 ing in the mayor's court of common pleas, and 
 take affidavits to be read in the same. For 
 these strvices they may receive the like fees as 
 the aldermen. They may, also, take affidavits 
 to be read in the supreme court, and take ac- 
 knowledgments of the satisfaction of judg- 
 ments in the same. The justices and clerk 
 rec-ive, each, 750 dollars per annum, paid out 
 of the fund for defraying the contmgent charges 
 of the city. And. the common council may 
 make them allowance, as they may judge ne- 
 cessary and proper. The special justices, at 
 present, are Jacob Delamontagnie, and Theo- 
 philus Beekman. (See the act more effectually 
 to discover and apprehend offenders in the cite 
 of New-York, passed 27th March, 1801.) 
 
 Taxes, 
 
 The mayor, recorder and aldermen of the 
 
62 
 
 city, are the supervisors. They meet, riQiiaally, 
 on the second Tuesday in July, and at other 
 convenient times, to examine v/hat sums of 
 money are imposed on the citv for the main- 
 tenance of the poor, defraying contingent 
 charges, and other purposes ; and cause the 
 same to be raised as the money for the contin- 
 gent charges of the other counties of the state 
 are directed to be raised. 
 
 The chamberlain is the city treasurer, and 
 must give bond and be accountable as other 
 county treasurers are. ' Once a year he m.ust 
 exhibit a state of his accounts to the common 
 council. He must pay money on the warrant 
 of the mayor or recorder, by order of the 
 common council. He retains seven mills in a 
 dollar, for his compensation in receiving and 
 paying. He must publish, on the first Mon- 
 day of December, every year, a statement of 
 all the monies received by him, for the use of 
 the city, and the purposes to which the same 
 have been applied, as mentioned in such w^ar- 
 rants. 
 
 Any five of the mayor, recorder and alder- 
 men, of whom the mayor or recorder must 
 alwavs be one, may execute this law ; and all 
 questions arising under it, are decided by a 
 majority of votes of the attending members. 
 The penalty for neglect of duty, is the same 
 as for defaulting supervisors in the other coun- 
 ties of the state. 
 
65 
 
 The collectors of taxes are to pay the sums 
 collected to the city treasurer, on the first 
 Monday in every month, and oftener, if re- 
 quired by him. They must exhibit to him, 
 their assessment rolls, when he shall demand 
 them, for the inspection of the mayor, alder- 
 men and commonalty ; under a penalty of 250 
 dollars for each default. 
 
 JVells and Pumps, 
 
 ■I. 
 
 On the first Tuesday of May, annually, the 
 ma\ or, recorder and aldermen, or any five of 
 them, of whom the mayor or recorder shall 
 always be one, are authorised to appoint one 
 or more fit inhabitants for each ward of the 
 city, to be overseers of the wells and pumps 
 in their respective wards, for the ensuing 
 year. Their duty is to cause the wells and 
 pumps to be viewed, examined, cleansed, and 
 put in good order and repair, and to maintain 
 them so ; and to keep regular accounts of the 
 money expended for the same. In case of 
 neglect of duty, the overseers may be each 
 fined five pounds, for the use of the city. 
 They are to account with the common council 
 once in three months. Persons wilfully in- 
 juring the wells or pumps, are, on conviction, 
 to be fined 40 shillings ; or, on refusal or in- 
 nbility to pay the same, they are to be conir 
 
mitted to bridewell for a month, or until the 
 forfeiture and costs are paid. When servants 
 or apprentices do damage to the pumps or 
 wells, the fine shall be paid by the master or 
 owner ^ and in default thereof, the oifender 
 shall be sent to bridewell.— (Revised Laws of 
 New-York, vol. 2. p. 89.) 
 
 Public Roads, 
 
 The common council have power to act as 
 commissioners to regulate and k^ ep in repair 
 the present public roads and highways ; and 
 to lay out, regulate and keep in repair others, 
 when necessary. They mav widen and alter 
 highways, and lay out new ones ; paying for 
 the lands taken for those purposes such prices 
 as they may agree for, or as may be assessed 
 by a jury of inquiry. 
 
 The road to Kingsbridge must be, at least, 
 four rods wide. The commissioners have 
 power to construct causeways, bridges and 
 ditches ; and to appoint overseers, and employ 
 labourers to keep them in repair. 
 
 Persons wilfuUv obstructing or damaging 
 the roads, or leaving broken carriaf:^es, dead 
 bodies of animals, or other nuisances in them, 
 may be fined 40 shillings, to be applied to the 
 repairing of the roads. The overseers are to 
 take immediate order for removing nuisances. 
 
65 
 
 to detect and convict offenders ; and, besides 
 the fine and cost, to compel them to pay th6 
 charge of removal, with a reasonable compen- 
 sation to the overseer, for his trouble. The 
 process against offenders is by warrant, and 
 not otherwise. And, on conviction, execu- 
 tion shall be against goods and chattels ; and 
 for want of them, against the body, in a prompt 
 summary way. Persons destroying trees, in 
 the road, maybe compelled to pay three pounds 
 for each. And persons travelling northward, 
 or out of the city, are to yield and give the 
 road to those who are coming southward, or 
 into the city, under a penalty of 40 shillings 
 for every offence. — (State Lavv^s, March 21, 
 1787.) 
 
 Storing of Gun- Powder. 
 
 No greater quantity than 28 pounds of gun- 
 powder to be kept in any one place, within one 
 mile northward of the city-hall. 1 he 28 
 pounds shall be separated hi four stone jugs, or 
 tin cannisters, neither of which shall contain 
 more than 7 pounds. Persons keeping more 
 than 28 pounds in one place, or not dividing, 
 as directed into parcels, forfeit one hundred 
 and twenty-five dollars, for every hundred 
 weight ; and in that proportion for every 
 greater or less quantity, to be recovered with 
 
<56 
 
 costSo The suit, however, must be brought 
 within two months from the time the offence 
 was committed. Commanchrs of vessels, 
 bringing gun-powder, are required to land and 
 store it within 24 hours after arriivai, and be- 
 fore she hauls in beside any wharf, on pain of 
 forfeiting the whole. 
 
 All gun-powder, carried or carted through 
 the streets, must be in tight casks, well headed 
 and hooped, and entirely covered by bags or 
 leather cases, so that no grains may be scat- 
 tered ; under pain of forfeiture, in case of 
 transgression of the rule. When there is 
 oath made of reasonable cause of suspicion 
 that gun-powder is unlawfully concealed, the 
 magistrates may issue search warrants to look 
 for the same, in the day-time, both on ship- 
 board and on shore. Packets and ships of 
 war are exceptions. Vessels, also, are exempted 
 from the search, which lie one hundred yards 
 from the wharf or shore. 
 
 Any quantity of gun-powder, exceeding 
 28 pounds, if found by any fireman, during 
 any fire or alarm of fire, may be seized with- 
 out warrant, and condemned by the magis- 
 trates, to the use of such fireman. 
 
 Prevention of Fires, 
 
 Buildings, of all kinds, within certain limits 
 
nrescribed by law, must be constructed of 
 stone or brick, with party or fire-walls, rising, 
 at least, six inches above the roof ; and must 
 be covered, except the flat root thereof. Math 
 tile, slate, or other incombustible materials, 
 and not with boards or shingles. Proprietors 
 may be fined 500 dollars, for offending against 
 this provision, and builders 250. All build- 
 ings, within certain other limits, which are 
 more than 25 feet hig.:. trom the ground to the 
 foot of the rafter, are to be constructed in like 
 manner, of similar materials. Offences against 
 this regulation, are punisha!)le by a forfeiture 
 of 400 dollars, by the ow^ner, and 200 by the 
 builder. 
 
 Buildings, erected contrary to these direc- 
 tions, are declared, by law, to be public nui- 
 sances. Justices cf the supreme court, of 
 oyer and terminer and gaol delivery, and of 
 tlie general sessions of the peace, are to charge 
 grand juries to present all violations of these 
 regulations. In cases of conviction, they are 
 to adjudge such fines and penalties as they may 
 think proper ; and in their discretion, cause 
 the nuisance to be abated and removed. Build- 
 ings, already erected, may be roofed with the 
 like materials as before. Roofs and steeples 
 of churches, may be roofed with shingles ; and 
 small privies, fire-engine houses and lime- 
 houses, mav be built of wood and boards. 
 
 No greater quantity of brimstone than 
 
68 
 
 half a ton, nor of hemp or flax than one 
 whole ton can be stored within the limits to 
 ■which magazines of guncowder are restrict- 
 ed without leave specially obtained from the 
 Common Council, under a penalty of twen- 
 ty-five dollars for each offence. 
 
 Pitch, tar, turpentine, rosin, spirits of tur- 
 pentine, linseed oil, and shingles, are prohib- 
 ited to be put in any place within the aforesaid 
 limits, other than such as the Common Coun- 
 cil shall approve, under, penalty of twenty- 
 five dollars for each offence. 
 
 Persons firing guns, rockets, squibs, or 
 other fire-works, in the city, are liable to a fine 
 of two dollars and fifty cents for each offence, 
 and masters are liable for the transgressions 
 of their slaves. — (Laws, 21st March, 1801.) 
 
 The system adopted for further preventing 
 and extinguishing Fires* 
 
 Pursuant to a law of the state, the Com- 
 mon Council appoint a sufficient number of 
 citizens, who are freeholders or free men of 
 the city, who voluntarily engage in the ser- 
 vice, to be firemen. 1 hese are to have the 
 care and management of the Fire-Engines, 
 and other tools and instruments for extin- 
 guishing fires. And they are to be ready at 
 all times, both by night and day to execute 
 
61) 
 
 the duties of firemen. Tl\at they may ht 
 Vne better prepared for this prompt and ac- 
 tive business, they are during- their contin- 
 uance as firemen, exempted from serving as 
 constables, jurors, or militia-men ; except 
 when in the latter capacity invasion or immi- 
 nent danger may require their enrolment. 
 Their names must be registered with the 
 clerk, and they may be removed by the Com- 
 mon Council. 
 
 The Common Council has authority to 
 make rules and orders for the government 
 of the firemen, and for their breach, to im- 
 pose fines and penalties. 
 
 In cases of fire breaking out, it is the duty 
 of the sheriff, constables and narshals, to 
 repair to the place with their badges of au- 
 thority, and there assist in extinguishing the 
 fire, in causing the inhabitants to work, in 
 preventing the stealing of goods, in seizing 
 such persons as steal or pilfer, and in assisting 
 to remove and save goods, furniture, and pro- 
 perty. In the performance of these duties 
 they shall obey the orders of the mavor, re- 
 coriter, and aldermen, or such of them as 
 shall be present. 
 
 A he inhabitants are obliged to provide 
 leather buckets to be kept in their houses, for 
 tht purpose of conveying water to fires ; and 
 fov neglect of this they may be fined. If 
 
70 
 
 these buckets are lost or destroyed at l^res, 
 the Common Council v/ill, in certain cases, 
 replace them. 
 
 By ordinance of the Common Council the 
 firemen consist of engineers, fne-wardens, 
 3 hook and ladder-men, 4 other firemen ;, 
 and they receive their appointments from 
 that authority. 
 
 1st. — Of the first division, one is (!;alled 
 the Chief Engineer. In all cases of iire, this 
 oilicer has the controul and command over 
 the other engineers and firemen of every 
 class. In this, however, he is subject to the 
 orders anvd directions of any member of the 
 Common Council. Under this controul, the 
 Enginee7-s shall take proper measures for 
 working the engines and extinguishing fires. 
 The chief engineer must make a report in 
 IVIay and November, of the exact condition 
 of the engines, buckets, and other fire appa- 
 ratus belonging to the city. He shall cause 
 all necessary repairs to be made. And after 
 fires are extinguished shall cause the buckets 
 to be collected and conveyed to the City-Hall, 
 that the citizens may find their own. 
 
 . Second. — In each ward, a certain number 
 of the firemen are assigned to htji re-ward- 
 ens. Their duty is, immediately on an alarm 
 of fire to repair to the place, and jointly, with 
 the engineers and members of the Common 
 
71 
 
 Council, to direct and aid the inhabitants in 
 torsning ranks, handing backets and the like. 
 They are required also, yearly, in Septem- 
 ber, and October, to examine the buildings 
 in their respective wards, and see that they 
 are properly furnished with buckets ; they 
 shall examine nre-places, chimneys, stoves, 
 pipes and ash-holes, and direct what shall be 
 done to render them safe. 
 
 Third. — The hook and ladder-men are 
 divided into companies, and choose out of 
 their own number a foremen, assistant, and 
 clerk. On an alarm of fire they are to con- 
 vey their instruments to the place, and employ 
 them under the direction of the common 
 council-men and engineers. 
 
 Fourth. — The other firemen are divided 
 into companies, one of which is assigned to 
 each engine. They each elect from their 
 own body a foreman, assistant, and clerk.— 
 Their duty is, on the breaking out of fire to 
 repair immediately to their engines, and draw 
 them to the place ; and there to work and 
 manage them according to the directions they 
 shall receive. 
 
 At fires, the mayor, recorder, aldermen, 
 and assistants, are distinguishable by their 
 white wands with a gilded flame at the top ; 
 the engineers by white leather painted caps, 
 with gilded fronts, and. aa engine painted 
 
thereon, and with black speak nig trumpets , 
 the hre-\vardensbysimilarcaps,with the crown 
 painted black and the city anns in front, and 
 white speaking trumpets. When fire is dis- 
 covered to be raging, the watchmen of one 
 station shall communicate it to those of an- 
 other, and also to each of the members of 
 the common council, engineers, and wardens, 
 within their respective districts as their cap- 
 tain may direct. And make an alarm to the 
 citizens by an outcry of fire as they pass 
 from place to place. 
 
 Wharves and Wharfage. 
 
 The rates of wharfage are fixed by a law 
 of the commonwealth, passed 31st March, 
 1801. If a vessel is repalringor careening, 
 she must pay one third more. The money 
 may be collected by wharfingers appointed 
 by the proprietors. In case of difiPcrences a^ 
 to the burthen of vessels, reference is made 
 to the wardens of the port, whose judgment 
 is final. The expense of this reference is 
 paidby the party against whom the decision 
 is made. Masters of vessels, or in their ab- 
 sence, consignees, whether factors or agents, 
 are accountai)le for wharfage. Wharfage 
 may be levied by distress upon the goods 
 and chattels on board. Vessels, if the ma^- 
 
73 
 
 ter or owner refuses or neglects to pay : and 
 be repeated every twenty-four hours. The 
 goods are to be disposed of in the same 
 manner as in cases of distress for rent in ar- 
 rears. 
 
 If ballast is discharged into any dock or 
 on any wharf without leave, the master for- 
 feits two dollars and a half with costs, for 
 each offence ; and if he does not remove the 
 same, he may be compelled to pay for every 
 day's neglect, the same sum as by law is 
 chargeable for the wharfage of the vessel. 
 Persons throwing obstructions into docks 
 from vessels under repair, forfeit five dol- 
 lars with costs for each offence. If owners, 
 factors or agents do not in reasonable time 
 remove goods or obstructions from wharves, 
 such goods or property may be removed by 
 proprietors of wharves, or their wharfinger, 
 who may keep them in custody until the char- 
 ges of removal and storage are paid. 
 
 BuildlngSy Streets^ Wharves and Slips, 
 
 The common council have power to make 
 bye-laws and orders for regulating and uni- 
 forming buildings : andfor regulating streets, 
 wharves and slips. They may appoint two 
 or more surveyors, to see that all buildings, 
 streets, wharves and slips which are laid out 
 
- 74 
 
 and altered In the city, be regulated with 
 uniformity lor the accommodaiion of habi- 
 tations, shipping, trade and cominerce, con- 
 formably to the bye-lavvs and orders. 
 
 The common council may also prevent en- 
 croachments by buildings ; and may take 
 ground belonging to individuals for the u^e 
 of streets and slips, paying such damages 
 therefor as shall be assessed by a jury. 
 
 In pursuance of their powers, they have 
 laid out and extended streets on both sides 
 of the city, parallel with the East and ^iorih 
 rivers ; and compelled the proprietors of the 
 lots adjoining the streets and rivers to fill up 
 and level the same at their own expense ; in 
 consideration of which ex[ ense they are to 
 enjoy the advantages and emoluments of the 
 improvements made. If proprietors do 
 not comply with such orders for making- 
 ground and filling in water-lots, the common 
 council may cause the same to be done and 
 charge the proprietors with the expense with 
 lawful interest. And if this is not paid in 
 eighteen months, the same may be levied 
 with interest, costs and charges, by distress 
 and sale of their goods and chattels. In ad- 
 dition to this, such sums as are thus expend- 
 ed become liens and charges on the proper- 
 ty assessed, and bear lawful interest until 
 paid. They may alsdvprder piers and bridges 
 
75 
 
 fo be made into the rivers for the accom- 
 inodation of vessels ; and if the adjoining 
 proprietors do not comply, may construct 
 them themselves and receive wharfage and 
 profits to their own use. They may, in their 
 discretion, grant a common interest in such 
 bridc^es and piers, to the proprietors of the ad- 
 jacent lots, in proportion to their breadth in 
 front. On these extreme streets, piers and 
 bridges, no buildings whatever are to be erect- 
 ed ; but thev are to be forever left open for 
 business. (Act, 3d April, 1801.) 
 
 Sczvers. 
 
 Common council may cause sewers, 
 drains and vau'ts to be made, and streets 
 paved, and the same to be cleansed. The 
 expenses thereof are assessed among the in- 
 habitants intenderi to be benefited, by five 
 disinterested freeholders. The sums so as- 
 sessed are liens or charges on the respective 
 lots and their improvements ; and the owners 
 are moreover liable to a personal action. — • 
 rjbid.J 
 
 Lots, 
 
 When a general rejrulation is made in any 
 part of the city for raising, reducing, levej,* 
 
76 
 
 ing or fencing in any vacant or adjoining 
 lots, and the proprietors do not comply, an 
 estimate is made of the whole expense in re- 
 lation to each lot included in the impending 
 regulation, by five freeholders ; and the own- 
 ers are publicly called upon for payment. In 
 default of payment the lots are sold at pub- 
 lic auction for a term of years to reimburse 
 the expense ; and the surplus remains in the 
 city treasurer's hands for the use of the own- 
 er or his legal representatives. If owners 
 of lots do not raise, fill up, reduce or level 
 their lots conformably to the regulations, the 
 common council may order the same to be 
 done, and the amount of expense with law- 
 ful mterest, is a lien on the lots respectively 
 until paid. (Jbid.J 
 
 Chamber of Commerce* 
 
 On the 5th April, 1768, twenty merchants 
 met in the city of New-York, and formed 
 themselves into a voluntary association, which 
 they called "The New-York Chamber of Com- 
 merce." On the 2d of May, 1769, they re- 
 ceived a message of thanks from the House of 
 Assembly, to the merchants of the city and 
 colony, for their patriotic conduct in declining 
 the importation of goods from Great Britain, 
 at that juncture. The words of the speaker. 
 
77. 
 
 i)n this occasion, were the following : " I have 
 ^' it in charge, from the General Assembly, to 
 " give the merchants of this city and colony, 
 " the thanks of the house, lor their repeated, 
 " disinterested, public spirited and patriotic 
 " conduct, in declining the importation orre- 
 *' ceiving of goods from Great Britain, until 
 '^ such acts of Parliament as the General As- 
 " sembly had declared unconstitutional, and 
 " subversive of the rights and liberties of the 
 '* people of this colony should be repealed." 
 
 On the 13th March, 1770, during the ad- 
 ministration of Dr. (golden, as lieutenant 
 governor of the province, a cliarterwas grant- 
 ed to the society, by the name of " the Cor- 
 poration of the Chamber of Commerce, in 
 the city of New- York, in America." They 
 are enal^led to hold property not exceeding a 
 clear yearly value of 3000 pounds sterling, 
 per annum. The objects are, to enable them 
 the better to carry into execution, encourage 
 and promote, by just and lawful ways and 
 means, such measures as will tend to promote 
 and extend, just and lawful commerce : and 
 to provide for, aidand assist, at their discretion, 
 such members of the corporation as may here- 
 after be reduced to poverty, and their widows 
 and children. They are to hold an annual 
 meeting on the first Tuesday of May ; and a 
 monthly meeting the first Tuesday of each 
 month, JSio act, in any meeting, is yalidj 
 Q3 
 
78 
 
 unless the president, one of the vice presidents, 
 and twenty other of the members are present. 
 The merchants, in their address to the gover- 
 nor, for his condescension in allowing the 
 charter, observed, among other things, that 
 thev are thereby enabled to execute many plans 
 of trade, which, as individuals, they could 
 not before accomplish ; and promised them* 
 selves many and gi^at advantages to the colony 
 from their incorporation. 
 
 T'le chamber, by its charter, is authorised 
 to make regulations for the government of the 
 officers and members ; and for regulating all 
 Its other aifairs, with penidtics ior the vio- 
 lation of them. By the 13th of these hye- 
 laws, enacted 10th May, 1769, a committee 
 of five members is to be appointed at each 
 monthly meeting, to adjust and determine all 
 mercantile disputes, which may be referred to 
 them. And the secretary is directed to cause 
 the names of this monthly committee, to be 
 published in one of the public newspapers, for 
 thf information of those who may wnsh to 
 submit any disputes to their decision. Mem- 
 l)ers named on this committee, and neglecting 
 to lUtend, when summoned by the chairman, 
 shall pay the treasurer one dollar for each ne- 
 glect. No person can be admitted a member 
 but merchants and insurance-brokers. 
 
 Comaiittes mus» report to the chamber, at 
 
79 
 
 the next stated meeting after their time of ser- 
 vice is ended, the several objects of dispute 
 which have been referred to their decision, 
 with the names of the parties, together vvith 
 the arguments and principles upon which dieir 
 adjudications have been founded, to the end 
 that they may be recorded by the secretary. 
 
 If members of the chamber, refuse to sub- 
 mit all disputed matters of accounts between 
 each other, to the final arbitration and deter- 
 mination, either of the monthly committee, or 
 such members as .may be chosen by the par- 
 ties, they may be punished by expulsion. The 
 members will receive gold and silver at the rate 
 established by the bank of the United States. 
 Bills of exchange, drawn upon any of the 
 West- India Islands, Newfoundland, or the 
 foreign possessions in America, and returned 
 protested for non-payment, shall be paid with 
 10 per cent damages, on demand, at the cur- 
 rent exchange, when the bill, with the protest, 
 is presented either to the drawer or indorser 
 thereof. 
 
 Bills of exchange, drawn on any part of 
 Europe, shall be paid in like manner with 20 
 per cent damages. 
 
 The chamber has published, also, regula- 
 tions for estimating the tonnage of bulky arti- 
 cles, for correcting mistakes in freight, and 
 for fixing inland and foreign commissions.— 
 
80 
 
 For further details, reference may be had to 
 the " bye-laws, resolutions and orders, print- 
 ed by Archibald M'Lean, 1796." 
 
 On the 7th May, 1771, the chamber, oa 
 the motion of Mr. W. Walton, resolved 
 unanimously, to procure a portrait of Doctor 
 Golden, at their own expense, to decorate 
 their hall, to testify their gratitude to him 
 for his goodness in granting them a charter. 
 This picture is still extant in the upper long- 
 room of the Tontine Coffee-House, where the 
 chamber holds its meetings. 
 
 By an act of the state legislature, passed 
 13th April, 1784, all the privileges granted 
 in the charter are fully confirmed and perpe- 
 tuated. 
 
 INSPECTIONS OF NATIVE PRO^ 
 DUCE. 
 
 1. Inspection of Lumber, 
 
 If any person, shall put on board any ship 
 or vessel, for exportation to a foreign market, 
 any lumber that has not been inspected by 
 one of the authorised public inspectors, he 
 incurs a forfeiture of fifty cents, for every 
 thousand feet superficial measure, and four 
 dollars for every thousand feet cubic mea* 
 sure } to be recovered with costs, one h<\lf x^ 
 
81 
 
 the prosecutor, and the other to the poor of 
 the town. If any person, other than lawful 
 inspectors, usurp the powers of inspectors, 
 and be convicted thereof, he forfeits to the 
 inspectors ten dollars for each offence. 
 
 The inspectors of the city of New-York, 
 are appointed by the state council, and are 
 not less than seven, nor more than ten in 
 number. One of them is a superlntendant— — 
 he must keep an office, at w hich applications 
 for inspectors must be made, except in cases 
 where the quantity shall not exceed five thou- 
 sand superficial feet. He receives one tenth 
 or one seventh, as the case may be, oi the lees. 
 The superintendant may convene the in- 
 spectors as often as he shall think proper, 
 and with the consent of a majority of them, 
 establish needful regulations fr)r executing 
 the law for the inspection oflun)ber, passed 
 30th March, 1805. Inspectors are prohib- 
 ited from doing their duty by deputy, and 
 from buying and selling lumber, except for 
 their own use. 
 
 They must mark with a marking iron on 
 all lumber by them inspected, the number of 
 cubic or superficial feet contained therein ; 
 except on mahogany, red-cedar and live-oak, 
 the number of feet on which shall be express- 
 ed on their bills, severally annexed to the 
 number of each log. All raft-timber shall be 
 
82 
 
 numbered, and the bills made in like man- 
 ner. Their fees are, on all raft-timber, 
 inspected and measured, 14 cents for every 
 ton of 40 cubic feet, and for measuring only, 
 6 cents for the like quantity : For every 
 1000 feet superficial measure of boards, 
 plank and scantling, 37 1-2 cents ; for every 
 thousand superficial measure of mahogany, 
 one dollar. The parties may compromise 
 in cases not explicitly mentioned in the act. 
 
 They must measure the full length and 
 bigness of raft-timber and spars, except in 
 cases where by express agreement they ai^e 
 required both to measure and inspect. And 
 in all sucn cases there shall be no other de- 
 duction 'than for the quantity which is un- 
 sound. In their bills the inspectors shall 
 state whether the timber h"as been measured 
 and inspected, or measured only. 
 
 This statute will expire on the 1st April, 
 I80r. 
 
 Weigh - Masters, 
 
 Weigh-masters are appointed and displac- 
 ed by the common council, in as great num- 
 ber as they may think necessary'. They may 
 also fixand alter their compensations. Before 
 entering upon oflice, weigh-masters must tak& 
 an oath of fidelity. 
 
83 
 
 2. Inspection of Staves and Heading* 
 
 The council of appointment make an in^ 
 spector-gxneral of staves and heading for the 
 city and county of New-York. By the same 
 authority eight or more cullers are appoint- 
 ed, for the same district. Neither the in- 
 spector-general nor the cullers are permitted 
 to buy or sell staves or heading, for them- 
 selves, or as agents for others, under a penal- 
 ty of 50 dollars for each offence ; unless they 
 happen to be coopers, and purchase stock for 
 their own use in carrying on their business. 
 
 The inspector-general is required to su- 
 perintend the cullers, and cause them to ex- 
 ecute the law faithfully. 
 
 The cullers must follow the instructions 
 of the inspector-general, and once a month 
 make a return to him of the quantity of staves 
 and heading they have culled, the different 
 kinds, and to whom belonging. They may- 
 be displaced by the inspector-general for neg- 
 ligence, incapacity, mal-practices or abuse 
 of trust ; and others be appointed by him un- 
 til the pleasure of the council shall be known. 
 In case of death among the cullers, he may 
 fill up vacancies ad interim. Where any dis- 
 pute arises respecting the culling of staves 
 g^id heading, it shall be submitted to the in- 
 
84 
 
 spector-general, who shall determhie finally 
 thereon. 
 
 Any person putting staves or heading on 
 board a vessel for exportation without inspec- 
 tion, forfeits two dollars and 50 cents for ev- 
 ery thousand, and the owner five dollars, to 
 be recovered with costs. Persons who ship 
 for exportation condemned staves or head- 
 ing, forfeit five dollars for each offence. 
 
 The inspector-general is to report annual- 
 ly to the governor, for the information of the 
 legislature, what amendments appear to be 
 necessary in the law, and the number and 
 kinds of the staves and heading culled in the 
 city of New- York. He has also power to 
 search vessels, on which there is suspicion 
 that uncuUed staves or heading, or condemn- 
 ed ones shall have been shipped for exporta-* 
 tion, and if he discovers any such, to order 
 them to be relanded for inspection. Any 
 persons obstructing him may be compelled 
 to pay 50 dollars for each offence. 
 
 Disputes between bu3^ers and sellers, re- 
 specting the culling by the culler who was 
 originally employed, are conclusively settled 
 by reference to two other cullers, one chosen 
 by the buyer and the other by the seller. 
 
 The compensation of the inspector-gene- 
 ral is ten cents for each thousand merchanta- 
 ble staves and heading, one half paid by the 
 
'S5 
 
 ipuyer and the other half by the seller ; and 
 for all that are culled out and are not mer- 
 chantable, five cents a thousand, to be paid 
 by the owner. 
 
 The pay of the cullers is as follows ; for 
 every thousand pipe-staves 62 1-2 cents ; 
 for every thousand staves and heading 50 
 cents ; for every thousand barrel-staves 37 
 1-2 cents ; for every thousand long butt- 
 staves one dollar and 50 cents ; and for eve- 
 ry thousand short butt-staves one dollar and 
 25 cents ; one half to be paid by the buyer 
 and the other half by the seller. And for all 
 that are culled out and are not merchantable, 
 the cullers receive half price, to be paid by 
 the owner. 
 
 3. Inspectlcn of Pot and Pearl Ashes. 
 
 Inspectors of pot ashes and pearl ashes are 
 provided for the city of New- York, who are 
 not to be fewer than two nor more than six 
 in number. They shall not act by deputy, 
 hut do their business in person. They are 
 to inspect all those alkaline salts, before ex- 
 portation, by starting the same out of the 
 casks and carefully examining the same, and 
 distributing them into different sorts if ne- 
 cessary. They are to put each sort by it- 
 self into tight casks well hooped and cooper- 
 
S6 
 
 <Rd, and brand on them the words First 
 SORT, Second sort, or Third sort. Pot 
 ASHES or Pearl ashes, as the case may be, 
 in pl^in legible characters ; together with 
 the inspector's name and the place of inspec- 
 tion, at full length, on each of the casks. — 
 They mast also weigh and inscribe with a 
 marking iron on each cask the gross weight 
 and tare thereof. For all which service they 
 are entitled to nine cents a hundred weight, 
 half to be paid by the buyer and half by the 
 seller. But they shall not brand any cask 
 that is not twenty-nine inches long, nineteen 
 inches in diameter at each head, full bound, 
 made of white oak staves and heading, or of 
 such other timber as they shall think proper, 
 and also sound and tight. 
 
 In cases of fraud by mixtures of stones, 
 lime, salt or other adulterating ingredients 
 with the alkalies at market, the inspector 
 shallbrand the cask with the words condemn- 
 ed ; and be paid for inspection at the same 
 rate as if they were good. And if any per- 
 son otters for sale such alkalies for any other 
 than condemned^ he incurs a penalty of 25 dol- 
 lars for each offence. Persons mixing such 
 foreign substances, forfeit 20 dollars for each 
 offence. 
 
 Inspectors may search vessels for alkaline 
 «alts, and if they find any casks on board not 
 branded according to law, they are forfeited, 
 
87 
 
 and the master incurs a penalty of 12 dollars 
 and 50 cents. Any person obstructing tht; 
 inspector when on a search shall pay 25 dol- 
 lars. 
 
 Pot ashes and pearl ashes that have under- 
 gone inspection in Albany, or any other place 
 on Hudson river, where inspectors have been 
 appointed, may be exported from New-York, 
 without a re-inspection. 
 
 Inspectors delaying to inspect these alka- 
 line salts for a longer time than three hours 
 after application, unless they are actually em- 
 ployed in the duties of their office, forfeit 
 two dollars and 50 cents to the person de- 
 layed. Persons counterfeiting brand marks 
 forfeit 125 dollars, for each offence. (Laws 
 of New- York, 7th. April, 1801, and March 
 Sd, 1802.)—. 
 
 4. Inspection of Soal Leather. 
 
 Inspectors of soal leather are commission- 
 ed for the city, under authority of the coun- 
 cil of appointment. All soal leather for use 
 shall be previously inspected, unless it shall 
 have been already inspected at Albany, Sche- 
 nectady or Hudson. The inspectors must 
 seal and weigh it. If offered without having 
 been inspected, the seller forfeits five dollars 
 iur each offence. For inspecting, sealing- 
 
88 
 
 and weighing each side of soal leather, the 
 inspectors receive four cents, one half to be 
 paid by the seller and the other half by the 
 buyer. The inspector shall mark the inspec- 
 ted as good and merchantable leather with 
 his name and place of residence ; and coun- 
 terfeiters of these marks, forfeit for each of- 
 fence 25 dollars. Leather not passing in- 
 spection as good, may nevertheless be used 
 for all other purposes except making shoes, 
 boots and buckets. Such unmerchantable 
 leather shall be marked ^<7^. Persons work- 
 ing up soal-leather at all before inspection, 
 or making it into shoes, boots or buckets af- 
 ter it is marked bad^ forfeit for everv offence 
 25 dollars. (Laws N. Y. 6th April, 1801.) 
 
 5. Inspectica of Flour and MeaL 
 
 An inspector of flour and meal is appoint- 
 ed by the state council for the city of New- 
 York ; and he may, by writing, under his 
 hand and seal, appoint as many deputies as 
 he thinks necessary and remove them at plea- 
 sure. The inspector in New- York may ap- 
 point a deputy in Kings County to inspect 
 all flour and meal intended for exportation in 
 the county ; which articles, when so inspect- 
 ed there, may be exported in the same man- 
 ner as if inspected in the city. 
 
All wheat-flour, rye-flour, Indian-meal 
 and buckwheat meal must be approvtd and 
 branded by the inspector or one of his depu- 
 ties before shipment for exportation. No 
 Indian meal shall be branded for exportation 
 unless it is manufactured from maize proper- 
 ly kiln-dried, and ground fine and bolted. 
 
 The four sorts of flour and meal just men- 
 tioned must be packed in good casks of oak 
 or other suitable timber, secured with ten 
 hoops properly nailed. These barrels shall 
 be of but two sizes, one to contain 19Glbs. of 
 flour or meal with staves 27 inches long and 
 heads 16 1-2 inches wide; and the other to 
 contain 98 lbs. with staves 22 inches long and 
 heads 14 inches wide, or the staves 27 inches 
 long and the heads 12 inches wide. They 
 must be as nearly straight as may be for the 
 convenience of stowage ; and their weight 
 must be inscribed on one of the heads with a 
 marking iron. 
 
 Each barrel of flour, and of meal must be 
 branded with the whole surname and the ini- 
 tials of the christian name of the manufactur- 
 er ; together with the nett weight, of 196 lbs. 
 or 98 lbs. contained in each barrel. In ad- 
 dition to which, manufactured wheat which 
 is intended to be of the first quality must be 
 branded superfine, that of the second qual- 
 ity FINE, that of the third qu^ity fine 
 h2 
 
90 
 
 MiDLiNGS, and that of the fourth quality mid- 
 lings. Barrels of manufactured Rye inten- 
 ded for first quality must be branded super- 
 fine RYE-FLOUR, and of the second quality 
 fine rye-flour. On each barrel of manu- 
 factured maize shall be branded Indian 
 MEAL. And on each barrel of manufactured 
 buckwheat shall be branded b. meal. All 
 this must be done before either is offered for 
 inspection. 
 
 Indian meal, however, maybe packed in 
 hogsheads of eight hundred pounds, and be 
 then duly inspected and passed for exporta- 
 tion. 
 
 There is a penalty of fifty cents a pound 
 for the false-taring of barrels less than the 
 true weight, and any inspector having reason 
 to suspect that casks are tared falsely may 
 ascertain the fact by examination. 
 
 After the barrels are found to be construct- 
 ed and marked according to law, the inspec- 
 :or, if he finds the same to correspond with 
 .he contents, is to signify it by branding his 
 lame and the county where the inspection 
 :s made, on the quarter in a distinguishable 
 manner. And when the brands of the manu- 
 facturer do not in his judgment correspond 
 to the kind and quality of the contents of the 
 barrels, he must alter the same so as to make 
 them describe the real quality. 
 
91 
 
 It is also the duty of the inspector t® 
 weigh barrels which he suspects of being too 
 light, and if they are not found to contain 
 the true weight, he shall mark the heads with 
 the word jLIGht ; and be paid by the 
 owner or shipper for weighing them, 20 
 cents for each barrel and half barrel, and 45 
 cents for each hogshead. In such cases, the 
 manufacturer shall pay 20 cents for every 
 pound of deficient weight. 
 
 When flour or meal are so injured in manu- 
 facturing, or otherwise damaged as not to 
 be fit for exportation under any of the h gal 
 denominations, the inspector must mark the 
 barrels containing them bad. And that 
 which is marked light^ as well as that mark- 
 ed bad^ are forbidden to be carried out of 
 the state, under a penalty of five dollaj's for 
 each barrel, llie fee of the inspector is two 
 cents a barrel, to bt* paid him by the owner, 
 v/ho is authorised to charge the purchaser 
 with one half the amount over and above the 
 price of the flour or meal. 
 
 All flour and meal purchased for ex;>orta- 
 tion must be inspected at the time and place 
 of exportation^ under a penalty of five dol- 
 lars for each barrel, to be paid by the purcha- 
 ser or exporter. 
 
 Persons shipping for exportation flour or, 
 meal not duly branded, forfeit the same.-r— 
 
92 
 
 And persons convicted of having exported 
 from the state flour and meal without having 
 been first duly branded, forfeit, on convic- 
 tion, five dollars for each barrel. And for 
 the more effectual prevention of such practi- 
 ces, the inspector may go on board any ves- 
 sel, between sunrise and sunset, and search 
 for uninspected fiour and meal. Persons 
 obstructing him pay on conviction 100 dol- 
 lars for each offence. 
 
 Inspectors are prohibited from purchasing 
 fiour and meal except for their own private 
 use, under a penalty of 500 dollars. Persons 
 altering or counterfeiting marks and brands 
 public and private, forfeit 100 dollars. Per- 
 sons putting fresh Hour into old barrels alrea- 
 dy marked and branded, forfeit five dollars 
 for ever)^ barrel so repacked. Persons of- 
 fering for sale wheaten flour containing in it 
 a portion of Indian meal or other foreign ad- 
 mixture, forfeit five dollars for each barrel so 
 adulterated. And masters of vessels bring- 
 ing to New-York market Indian meal upon 
 their decks^ forfeit 20 cents a barrel, and 80 
 cents a hogshead for the Indian meal so 
 transported. 
 
 In cases of false-taxingor false brand-mark- 
 ing, the inspector may, in a summnrv way, 
 sei.e and sell the flour and meal so fraudu- 
 lently marked, for the recovery of the penal- 
 
^3 
 
 ties. But in the other forfeitures, the reco- 
 very must be before a justice of the peace, 
 or in any court of record having cognizance 
 of the same. 
 
 6. Inspection of Beef and PorL 
 
 Beef and pork can be exported only in bar* 
 rels and half-baiTels. The barrels and half- 
 barrels must be made of good seasoned white 
 oak or white ash staves and heading. The 
 barrels must measure 16 1-2 inches between 
 the chines, and be 28 inches long. The half- 
 barrels must be of the capacity of not less than 
 15 nor more than 16 gallons. They must be 
 hooped with at least 12 good white oak or 
 hickory hoops well set and driven ; and the 
 heads made of good substantial stuff. Each 
 barrel must contain 200 pounds of meat ; and 
 each half-barrel 100 pounds. 
 
 There must be one or more inspectors in 
 the city of New-York ; and one specially to 
 inspect, pack and put up beef according to 
 the usages of the Jews. They are appointed 
 by the state-council. Each inspector must 
 in June annually make a return to the gover- 
 nor, of the whole number of barrels and half- 
 barrels of beef and pork by him inspected for 
 the preceding year, and of the cities and 
 counties where the same is packed and done.. 
 
94 
 
 ' Beef for exportation must not be killed 
 under three years of age. It must be cut in 
 square pieces as nearly as may be, not exceed- 
 ing 12 pounds in weight, nor less than four. 
 Beef found bv the inspectors to have been 
 killed at a proper age and to be fat and mer- 
 chantable, is divided into three sorts for pack- 
 ing and repacking in barrels and half-barrels, 
 to wit, MESS, PRIME, and cargo. 
 
 Mess-beef consists of the choicest pieces 
 of oxen, cows and steers well fatted. The 
 shin, shoulder, clod and neck are taken from 
 the fore-quarters ; and the legs and leg-rounds 
 from the hind-quarters. Each barrel and 
 half-barrel containingbeef of this description, 
 is branded on one of the heads mess-beef. 
 
 Prime-beef consists of the choice pieces of 
 oxen, cows, steers and heifers ; among these 
 there is not more than half a neck, and one 
 shank with the hock cut off. The containing 
 vessels must be branded on one head prime- 
 beef. 
 
 Cargo-beef consists of the pieces of fat 
 cattle of all descriptions, of three years old 
 and upw^ards, with not more than half a neck 
 and three shanks without the hocks in each 
 barrel ; and half-barrel in proportion. To 
 be otherwise merchantable and branded 
 cargo-beef. 
 
 All these qualities ©f beef must be weH 
 
95 
 
 salted, with St. Ubes, Isle of May, Lisbon 
 or Turks-Island salt, or other salt of equal 
 quality, at the rate of seventy-five pounds a 
 barrel, exclusive of a pickle made as strong 
 as possible. To each barrel of beef is added 
 four ounces of saltpetre. Half barrels are 
 to be packed with half the proportions. In 
 the counties of Herkimer, Oneida, Tioga, 
 Cayuga, Onondagua, Ontario, Steuben, Che- 
 nango, Otsego, Genesee and St. Lawrence, 
 they may put up beef and pork for expor- 
 tation in Cayuga and Onondagua salt. A 
 fourth quality of beef is permitted to be put 
 up and exported from Nev/-York, This 
 consists of necks, hearts and the meat of 
 heads ; to be denominated and marked 
 HEADS, HEARTS and HOCKS. The barrels 
 containing these pieces are to be inspected 
 like the rest. 
 
 The weight, the inspector's name, and the 
 place of inspection, must be branded on one 
 of the barrel heads. 
 
 Pork must be packed and repacked in bar- 
 rels made of white-oak or white-ash staves 
 and heading, and in other respects conform- 
 ing to beef-barrels. Barrels must contain 
 200 pounds, an4 half-barrels one hundred 
 pounds of meat. 
 
 Tnere are three qualities of pork, mess, 
 PRIME and CARGO. MesS'Pork consists of 
 
96 
 
 the rib-pieces of good fat hogs only, and must 
 be branded mess-pork. Prime-pork con- 
 sists of the next best pieces, with not more 
 than three shoulders in one barrel. This 
 shall contain no legs nor more than 24 pounds 
 of head that shall have the ears cut off, and 
 the snouts above the tusks, and the brains 
 and bloody grizzle taken from the heads. — 
 Such shall be branded prime-pork. Car^ 
 go-Pork shall not contain in one barrel more 
 than four shoulders without the legs, nor 
 more than two heads with the ears and snouts 
 cut off and brains and bloody grizzle taken 
 out, which heads shall not exceed thirty 
 pounds in weight. The pork must be in 
 other respects fat and merchantable, and be 
 branded cargo-pork. Half barrels must 
 conform. 
 
 Pork must be cut into pieces as nearly 
 square as may be ; and none must exceed 
 twenty pounds, nor be under four. The salt 
 and pickle is the same which is provided for 
 beef. And the branding of the weight, in- 
 spector's name, and the place of inspection, 
 is executed in like manner. 
 
 '1 he inhabitants of Long-Island are per- 
 mitted to employ staves and heading of red 
 and black oak, freed from sap, the growth of 
 that island, instead of white oak and white 
 i^sh, 
 
97 
 
 No inspector shall inspect or brand out of 
 his district under the penalty of twenty-five 
 dollars. Any person usurping the inspector's 
 brand, shall pay one dollar tor every cask 
 so unlawfully branded. Inspectors guilty of 
 neglect or fraud in performing their duties, 
 forfeit two dollars for each offence. Persons 
 intermixing or shifting beef and pork from 
 cask to cask after inspection, forfeit for each 
 offence ten dollars. 
 
 The inspectors receive for each barrel 
 twenty cents, and for each half barrel twelve 
 cents, including their salting, packing, in- 
 specting and pickling, and exclusive of coop- 
 erage ; to be paid by the owner. 
 
 Rounds of beef may be still exported in 
 kegs and tubs as heretofore. 
 
 Beef and pork inspected according to the 
 laws of other states, need not be re-inspect- 
 ed, if they are accompanied by a proper cer- 
 tificate. Inspectors are prohil)ited buying 
 and selling pork and beef, as merchandize, 
 and restricted to dealing in them for their 
 private use and the sale of remnants. 
 
 Wardens of the Port. 
 
 By an act passed 4th April, 1805, it is pro- 
 vided that the council of appointment shall 
 appoint a muster and three or more wardens, 
 
 I 
 
98 
 
 to be called " The Master and Wardens of the 
 Port of New- York." They are to take an 
 oath of office and appoint a clerk. He must 
 keep an office and a book for recording their 
 proceedings. And fines and penalties incur- 
 red under the act, (except for the forfeitures 
 of the recognizances of pilots and their de- 
 puties) shall be sued for and recovered in 
 the name of the clerk. The master and war- 
 dens, or any two of them are the surveyors 
 of all damaged goods imported in any ship 
 or vessel ; and, with the assistance of one or 
 more skilful carpenters, are surveyors of all 
 vessels deemed unfit for sea. They are to 
 judge of the repairs needful for any such ves- 
 sel previous to her putting to sea. Sales of 
 damaged goods required by owners and con- 
 signees, shall be under their inspection. — 
 When required by the owners and consignees 
 the masters and wardens shall certify the 
 cause of such damage, the amount of sales 
 of such vessels and goods, and the charges 
 attending such sales. i'hev are allowed two 
 per cent on the gross amount of such sales. 
 For each survey of damaged goods on board 
 a vessel lying beside a wharf, they are seve- 
 rally allowed one dollar and 50 cents ; for 
 each certificate in consequence of damaged 
 goods, one dollar and 25 cents ; for every 
 survey on board a vessel arrived in distress. 
 
99 
 
 two dollars and fifty cents ; and for every 
 certificate of damages in such cases and re- 
 cording the same, two dollars and 50 cents. 
 None of them are to be concerned in any pi- 
 lot-boat. 
 
 The master and wardens, by consent of 
 the mayor of the city, may make rules and 
 orders for the better government of pilots, 
 and revoke and amend the same ; and alsa 
 impose fines for the breach of such rules and 
 orders by the pilots and their deputies ; not 
 however exceeding 25 dollars, unless on re- 
 fusal or nt- gleet of such pilots or deputies to 
 give all their assistance to vessels in distress 
 on the coast, or in want of a pilot. In such 
 cases any three of the master and wardens 
 may impose a fine not less than 12 dollars 
 50 cents, nor more than 50 dollars, and sus- 
 pend them from office until the pleasure of 
 the council of appointment. The master 
 and wardens are to furnish the pilots and de- 
 puties with printed instructions. They may 
 fill up vacancies happeninp^ among the pilots 
 during the recess of the council, by commis- 
 sion, under th^ir hands and seals, to be in force 
 unti! others shall be appointed in their stead. 
 They are also to examine, together with any 
 two or more branch pilots, pilots' apprenti- 
 ces daring the lastvearof their apprenticeship, 
 touching their knowledge of the tides, sound- 
 
100 
 
 ings, bearings and distances of the several 
 shoals, reefs, bars, points of land and every 
 other matter they or any three of the master 
 and wardens may think proper, tending.'- to 
 promote the safe navigation of vessels be- 
 tween the city and Sandy Hook. 
 
 Pilots. 
 
 On the 4th April, 1 805, it was enacted that 
 the council of appointment nominate a suf- 
 ficient number of persons to be branch pilots 
 of the port, each of whom is permitted to ap- 
 point one deputy under him. The same 
 authority mav appoint as many branch pilots 
 as they may judge proper for the East river, 
 Hellgate, or Sound. A pilot must have serv- 
 ed in a pilot-boat five years as an appren- 
 tice and two years as a deputy ; and be more- 
 over recommended by the master and ward- 
 ens as dulv qualified. Persons usurping 
 the office of pilots, to be fined 15 dollars for 
 such offence, if between Sandy-Hook and 
 New- York, and iO dollars if between the 
 Sound and New- York Pilots and their de- 
 puties must enter into a recognizance to the 
 people of the state, with two sureties, to be 
 approved by the master and wardens, in the 
 -sum of 250 dollars, with condition to execute 
 faithfully their trusts. Suits may be com- 
 
101 
 
 menced in the supreme court on these re- 
 cognizances by any party aggrieved for the 
 recovery of damages sustained by the mis- 
 conduct of pilots ; and discontinued on the 
 payment voluntarily to the party aggrieved of 
 such damages as shall be ascertained by the 
 master and wardens. Pilots and deputies 
 must obey the rules and orders of the war- 
 dens ; and abide by their printed instruc- 
 tions. Each branch pilot must be owner in 
 whole or in part of a pilot-boat. If masters 
 of vessels refuse to receive a pilot, they shall 
 nevertheless pay half-pilotage. If masters of 
 vessels carry pilots off to sea, they or their 
 owners or consignees shall pay, besides the 
 pilotage, seventy dollars a month for their 
 use during their absence. To entitle a pilot 
 to his fees, he must take possession of the 
 vessel to the southward of the upper middle 
 ground, and such vessels must be at least of 
 the burthen of 70 tons. An additional al- 
 lowance is given them between the 1st of 
 December and the 1st of April, and on for- 
 eign bottoms at all times. When detained 
 on board a vessel by the master, waiting for 
 a fair wind or otherwise, the pilot shall re- 
 ceive two dollars a day. Each master of a 
 Sandy hook pilot-boat must keep two appren- 
 tices. And when either pilots or deputies 
 take charge of a vessel either outward or in- 
 I 2 
 
102 
 
 xvard bound, they are to heave the leadVegu- 
 larly. The ordinary fees for piloting a vessel 
 from the eastward to the southward of the out- 
 er middle ground to the city or vice versa^ are 
 as follows : for every vessel drawing less than 
 14 feet water, one dollar and 25 cents for each 
 foot of water she shall draw ; for every vessel 
 drawing 14 feet and not less than 16 feet, one 
 dollar and 50 cents a foot ; every vessel draw- 
 ing 18 feet and upwards, two dollars for each 
 foot. The additional allowance during the 
 winter is four dollars for every vessel draw- 
 ing 10 feet and upwards, and for every vessel 
 drawing less than 10 feet, two dollars. And 
 an addition of one-fourth is made to the fees, 
 when alien vessels are piloted. East river pi- 
 lots receive such fees as the wardens decree ; 
 and for detention two-thirds the sum allowed 
 to Sandy Hook pilots. 
 
 Branch pilots and deputies aiding vessels in 
 distress, shall, for extraordinary services, have 
 such extraordinary pay as they and the master 
 or owner can agree upon, or if they cannot a- 
 gree, such as the wardens shall declare to be 
 reasonable. 
 
 BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. 
 
 1. Tammany Societij, 
 This national society was incorporated hy 
 
lt)3 
 
 an act passed 9th April, 1805,''by the stile of 
 *' The Society of Tammany or Columbian Or- 
 der in the city of New- York." The yearly 
 value of their estate is not to exceed 5000 dol- 
 lars. Their object is to afford relief to the in- 
 digent and distressed j and for that purpose to 
 make the necessary regulations and bye-laws. 
 
 2. Free School, 
 
 A society was incorporated by an act passed 
 9th April, 1805, under the title of " The Soci- 
 ety for establishing a Free School in the city of 
 New- York, for the education of such poor chil- 
 dren as do not belong to or are not provided 
 for by any religious society." Their concerns 
 are to be managed by 13 trustees, of whom se- 
 ven make a quorum : I'hey make bye-laws, 
 appoint teachers and other officers, and settle 
 their compensations. Persons contributing 
 eight dollars may become members ; and giv- 
 ing 25 dollars become members and acquire 
 the right for life of sending one scholar, and 
 subscribing 40 dollars, to membership and the 
 right of sending two scholars. The mayor of 
 the city is, ex-officio, a member. The trustees 
 are to report annually the condition of the 
 school, to the legislature. 
 
104 
 3. Provident Society. 
 
 The Provident Society of the city of New- 
 York was incorponned by an act passed 16th 
 February, 1 805. Their real and personal es- 
 tate is limitted to 10,000 dollars. They have 
 the power of making the necessary bye-laws 
 for carrying into effect the objects of the insti- 
 tution, which are to raise I'unds to be appropri- 
 ated towards the support of weak and infirm 
 members, their widows and orphans. 
 
 4. Mutual Beneft Societij. 
 
 This association was incorporated in the 
 same act as the Provident Society ; and with 
 the same powers, privileges, immunities, limi™ 
 tations and restrictions. 
 
 5. Benevolent Society^ 
 
 Was Incorporated in the same statute with 
 the two former; and on the like conditions, 
 and for similar purposes, 
 
 6, Albion Benevolent Soctetij^ 
 
 Incorporated in the same act with the three 
 preceding ones ; and for similar purposes, and 
 on the same terras. 
 
105 
 
 7. Ladies* Society for the relief of poor Wi- 
 dows zvit/i small Children. 
 
 This association, of which gentlemen cannot 
 be members though they may be contributors, 
 was cominenced in NovemlDer 1797, and or- 
 ganized the 29th December following. 
 
 At their first stated meeting in April 1798, 
 it was reported that 98 widows with 223 chil- 
 dren had been brought through the severity of 
 winter, with a degree of comfort, who without 
 this interposition would probably have gone 
 to the alms-house, or have perished. 
 
 Relief is given in necessaries, and never in 
 money, but by a vote of the directresses at 
 their board. It is not granted in any case un- 
 til after the applicants shall be visited at their 
 dwellings by one of the managers, and particu- 
 lar inquiry made into their character and cir- 
 cumstances. Immorality excludes from the 
 patronage of the society. Relief shall not be 
 given to any such applicant as refuses to put 
 out at service or to trades, such of her children 
 as are fit, and to place the younger ones, of pro- 
 per age, at a charity-school ; unless in very 
 particular cases of which the board judges. 
 
 The managers are required to exert them- 
 selves to create and maintain habits of indus- 
 try among their applicants, by furnishing thtm^ 
 ijs far as possible, with suitable employment. 
 
106 
 
 White and checked linen has been exten- 
 sively distributed among the poor widows 
 who could not find employment elsewhere, 
 to be made into shirts, on hire, and aiitr- 
 wards sold by the society at first cost. The 
 oriofinal constitution of this beneyolent fe- 
 male association was printed by James Oram 
 in 1799. 
 
 Since that time, an act of incorporation has 
 bet^n passed in its favor, to continue in force 
 until March 1st, 1810. The ladies were in- 
 corporated on April 2d 1802, by the name of 
 *' The Society for the relief of Poor Widows 
 with small Children." It may hold estate to 
 the amount of 50,000 dollars, applicable only 
 to the relief of po(^r widows with small chil- 
 dren. Their alEurs are managed by "a board 
 of direction," composed of a first and second 
 directress, a secretary, treasurer, and not 
 less than sixn! nor more than twelve managers. 
 Of tho'^e, two-thirds make a quorum. Hus- 
 ban Is of m^.rnel women who are members or 
 officers of this corporation, are not liable for 
 anv loss occasioned by the neglect or misfea-^ 
 sance of their wives, nor for any subscrip- 
 tion or engagement q£ their wives; except 
 in the case of their having received from their 
 wives money or property belonging to the 
 corporation^ 
 
107 
 S. Fire-DcpartmenU 
 
 The engineers and firemen of the city 
 were incorjioriued March 20th, 1798, by the 
 title of '*• The Fire-Depart iuent of the city of 
 New-York^ I'hey are to continue a body 
 politic until the first Tuesday of April 1818. 
 Their concerns are conducted by representa- 
 tives chosen annually, one by che engineers, 
 two by each fire-company consisting of eigh- 
 teen men, and one by each company of less 
 than eighteen men j and carried on by a Pre- 
 sident, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, 
 Collector, and aboard of nine Trustees, cho- 
 sen by the representatives, partly out of their 
 own body and partly out of the whole body 
 of fire-men. Their whole estate shaii not 
 exceed 20,000 dollars. These funds, whe- 
 ther arising from chimney-fines, certificates 
 and donations, or from such other objects 
 as have been agreed upon by the respective 
 fire-companies, are destined for the relief of 
 such indigent or disabled fire-men, or their 
 families, as may be interested therein, and 
 who may, in the opinion of a majority of the 
 trustees be worthy of assistance. The sur- 
 plus revenue, beyond%hat is applied to suc- 
 cour the distressed, may be applied to the pur- 
 pose ol extinguishing fires, in such way as 
 the common council oi the city may approve* 
 
108 
 
 The capital of this valuable establishment 
 has already amounted to 5000 dollars, and is 
 gradually increasing. The constitution, act 
 of incorporation, and bye-laws, were printed 
 at large by J. Harrison in 1 799, 
 
 9. NeW'Tork Mamifacturhig Societij,. 
 
 For the purpose of establishing manufac- 
 tures and furnishing employmtnt to the hon- 
 est and industrious poor, as the preamble of 
 the law recites, a body of citizens were incor- 
 porated on March 16th, 1790. They were 
 called "The New-York IVianufacturing Socie- 
 ty," and empowered to hold property to the 
 amount of 60,000, pounds New- York currency 
 (Si 50,000), A share was 25 dollars, and the 
 commonwealth subscribed for 100 of them. 
 The concerns were managed by 12 directors 
 and a treasurer chosen annually. They met 
 four times a year, had the disposition of the 
 funds, and made bye-laws. They carried on 
 for several years, spinning, weaving and seve- 
 ral other branches of business in their manu- 
 factory in Vesey-street. But the experiment 
 did not answer the expectations of the stock- 
 3ji>) ders. Finding that their exertions were 
 not successful, the directors settled the r ac- 
 counts, discontinued their operations and di- 
 vide the residue of their stock. By some it 
 
109 
 
 was supposed the adventure was not greatly 
 better than a total loss. This corporation may 
 therefore be considered as dissolved by con-, 
 sent of the parties, or by non-user. 
 
 10. Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, 
 
 The legislature passed an act of incorpora- 
 tion in favor of the general society of mecha- 
 nics and tradesmen of the city of New- York 
 for charitable purposes, on 14th March, 1792. 
 This association has gone on prosperously, 
 and among other things erected that large 
 l)uilding at the cornier of Robinson-street and 
 Broad-way, called after the society, 3Iechanic- 
 HalL It is now kept by Mr. Little, and is 
 one of the most genteel Hotels in the city. 
 
 11. The Dispensary, 
 
 " The Trustees of the New- York Dispensa- 
 ry" were incorporated on the 8th April, 1795, 
 for the purpose of relieving such sick, poor 
 and indigent persons as are unable to pro? itc 
 medical aid at their own dwellings, and ar . so 
 circumstanced as not to be proper objects lor 
 the Poor-House or Hospital. They may hold 
 estate to the amount of 3,000 doUars. The 
 trustees are 13 in number, and seven forma 
 
110 
 
 quorum. Any person paying five dollars, may 
 be allowed to have one patient in the charge 
 of the physicians for one year. The trustees 
 have the management of the Kine Pock In- 
 stitution, adjoining the Presbyterian Church 
 Yard, near the Park, whence supplies of 
 genuine matter for inoculation can be always 
 procured, and where the poor are vaccinated 
 and attended gratis. 
 
 12. Lying-ill Hospital, 
 
 For the purpose of establishing an asylum 
 for the reception of pregnant women, who 
 are unable to procure the necessary medi- 
 cal assistance, and nursing during the period 
 of their confinement in child-bed, a corpo- 
 ration was formed on 1st March, 1799, by 
 the stile of the *' Society of the Lving^in Hos- 
 " pital of the city of New- York." They are 
 much limited as to property, being allowed 
 only to hold enough for the necipssary build- 
 ings. Future subscribers are deemed 
 members. Its concerns are intrusted to 
 thirteen governors who are to appoint phy- 
 sicians not exceeding four to attend the pa- 
 tients. 
 
 The capital of this society not having yet ac- 
 
Ill 
 
 cumulated enougli to enable them to establish 
 a distinct institution, they have agreed with 
 the New-York Hospital for a temporary ac- 
 commodation of pregnant women, which is 
 stated under the article of New-York Hospi- 
 tal in this work. 
 
 13. Sailors'' Snug Harbour • 
 
 Capt. Robert Richard Randall, by his last 
 will and testament dated June 1, 1801, devis- 
 ed the principal part of his real and person- 
 al estate situated at the Sand-Hill, near the 
 junction of Broad-way with the Bowery road, 
 to trustees for the purpose of establishing and 
 supporting on some convenient point of the land 
 so vested in trust, an asylum or marine hospi- 
 tal to be called the " Sailors' Snug Har* 
 
 BOUR." 
 
 This estate is the one which before the revo- 
 lution belonged to Andrew ElUot, then col- 
 lector of the port, one of whose daughters is 
 the present lady Cathcart. It is estimated to 
 be worth 50,000 dollars, and is rapidly increas- 
 ing in productiveness and value ; being only 
 about two miles distance from the old city Hall 
 in Wall-street. The object of the donor was 
 to maintain and support aged, decrepid, and 
 v/orn out sailors i and to put the same into 
 
112 
 
 operation, as soon as the funds, in the judg 
 ment of the trustees, would be adequate to 
 the provision for fifty and upwards. 
 
 The trustees named in the testament of Capt. 
 Randall are, the mayor and recorder of the 
 citv, the president of the chamber of com- 
 merce, the president and vice-president of the 
 marine society, the senior minister of the epis- 
 copal church, and the senior minister of the 
 presbyterian church, all of the city of New- 
 York, for the time being, and to their succes- 
 sors in office respectively. 
 
 The trustees, who were also the executors, 
 finding the estate to be of considerable value, 
 and capable, with prudent management, of ful- 
 filling in time the benevolent intention of the 
 donor, and experiencing considerable difficul- 
 ty in managing its concerns as a simple trustee- 
 ship, applied for an act of incorporation. The 
 legislature granted this on 6th February, 1806; 
 and this benevolent institution is now in a fair 
 way to be carried into operation, and afford 
 succour to the aged and exhausted mariner. 
 
 14. Marine Societtj, 
 
 DurinjT the administration of Dr. Cadwalla- 
 der Golden, lieutenant-governor of New- 
 York, a charter was given to certain mer- 
 
113 
 
 chants, magistrates, mariners, and others, 
 constituting them a corporation by the name 
 of " t' e Marine Society." This was dated 
 April 12th, 1770. Its stile was "the Ma- 
 rine Society of the city of New-York in the 
 state of New- York," as expressed in an act 
 of confirmation passed by the legislature in 
 May, 1786. Their objects are to improve 
 maritime knowledge, and to relieve indigent 
 and distressed masters of vessels, their wives 
 and orphans. They may hold property, not 
 exceeding the yearly value of ^3,000 ster- 
 ling. 
 
 15. Manu7nissio7i Society. 
 
 This is a private association of individuals 
 founded about the year 1785; whose object 
 is to mitigate the evils of Negro-slavery in 
 the city and commonwealth. Their standing 
 committee exerts itself to enforce the laws of 
 the state forbidding the importation and ex- 
 portation of negro-slaves, to prevent offen- 
 ces against acts of Congress prohibitory of 
 the African slave-trade, to assist free blacks 
 unlawfully kept in slavery, to prevent kidnap- 
 ping, and to better the condition of negroes, 
 by teaching them reading, writing and ac- 
 K 2 
 
lU 
 
 counts, and by training them up in moral ha- 
 bis, and instilling into them religious princi- 
 ples. Governor Jay, General Clarkson, and 
 Senator Mitchiil have successively been presi- 
 dents of this society. It patronizes and sup- 
 ports a free school for black children. The 
 school- house and lot are in Cliff-street, between 
 Beekman and Ferry-streets, in the rear of St. 
 George's church-yard. The number of chil- 
 dren taught in this seminary, is about one 
 hundred of both sexes. 
 
 16. Kine Pock Institution. 
 
 In January, 1802, an association was form- 
 ed for the purpose of substituting the cow-pock 
 instead of the small-pox. Several distinguish- 
 ed physicians lent their aid, in perpetuating 
 the vaccine virus, and diffusing the effects of 
 it by inoculation. They published a pamphlet 
 of their rules, and circulated ample directions 
 in print, for obtaining, keeping, and employing 
 the contagious matter. They also coloured 
 likenesses of the inflamed pustule, to be sent 
 abroad, exhibiting the appearance of the pock 
 from the 3d to the 20th day inclusive. By the 
 intercession of this society, a piece of ground 
 was obtained from the common council, ad- 
 joining th'' brick presb3nerian church-yar d, at 
 the head of Beekman-street, near the park, for 
 
115 
 
 the erection of a suitable building, for facilita- 
 ting the object of the association. A neat and 
 convenient house, with three rooms, is erected 
 there, and answers all the purposes of receiv- 
 ing the medical attendants, patients, managers, 
 &c. The directors, having completed their 
 design, ju iged it no longer necessary to be 
 kept distinct. They, therefore, surrendered 
 it to the care and administration of the city- 
 dispensatory. Under the auspices of that cor- 
 poration, the vaccine inoculation is regularly 
 carried on by the physicians of that humane 
 establishment. The number of patients that 
 had been inoculated lor the cow-pock at this of- 
 fice, in September, 1806, was somewhat up- 
 wards of one thousand. 
 
 ir. The City Hospital 
 
 A charter for a hospital, was obtained from 
 Governor Dunmore, in 1771. It was begun 
 by private subscription, and the incorporation 
 took place on the 13th June that year. It 
 stands on the centre of the great square, form- 
 ed by Broadway, and by Barley, Church, and 
 Catharine-streets. It was accidentally burned 
 down in 1775. Before it was rebuilt, the war 
 came on, and it remained in an unfinished con- 
 dition, occupied as barracks for the British 
 and Hessian soldiery, until the conclusion of 
 
116 
 
 peace in 1783. Afterwards, its finances were 
 too low to allow it to be opened as an infirma- 
 ry until 1791. Since that time, it has been a 
 regular asylum for the sick and disabled. This 
 institution has ever since 1792, enjoyed the 
 patronage of the commonwealth. That year, 
 the legislature granted 5000 dollars a year for 
 five years, to be paid out of the city-excise on 
 licenses to retail spirituous liquors. In 1 795, 
 the former grant was repealed, and 10,000 dol- 
 lars a year granted for five years. In 1796, an 
 additional grant of 2,500 dollars was made, 
 making 12,500 dollars per annum. In 1801, 
 this grant was prolonged for five years more ; 
 and on March 1 4th, 1 806, it was extended to 
 fifty years ; that is, to 1857, and to be paid out 
 of the duties on sales at public auction in the 
 city of New- York. 
 
 Their stile is " The Society of the Hospital 
 in the city of New- York, in America." The 
 affairs of the corporation are managed by 
 twenty-six governors, chosen by the members, 
 at an election held on the 3d Tuesday in May 
 annually. Seven governors, of whom the pre- 
 sident or vice-president shall be one, make a 
 quorum for ordinary business, except the 
 choosing of governors, and other officers, and 
 granting lands for a longer term than one year. 
 In such cases a majority of the whole number 
 of governors must concur. They are to ren- 
 
117 
 
 der account to the legislature annually, or when 
 thereunto required. 
 
 The grounds of the hospital were in 1801, 
 inclosed with a handsome brick wall. Trie 
 roof has been covered with slate, and ad^^ned 
 with a cupola. A third story has d^o been 
 added to it. Within the inclosure are fine and 
 healthy walks, and rests, for the convalescent 
 patients. The approach to the hospital is be- 
 tween beautiful rows of elms. At the head of 
 it is the porter's lodge. On the right an excel- 
 lent kitchen-garden, to supply the house with 
 vegetables ; and on the left the stable, wood- 
 house, and other offices. 
 
 This is one of the most elevated, airy, and 
 healthy spots on the island. The water drawn 
 from the well is excellent, and like other wa- 
 ters drawn from equal depths in this latitude, 
 of the temperature ot 54 degrees of Fahren- 
 heit's scale. The wards are spacious, and sus- 
 ceptible of complttte ventilation. The sick en- 
 joy a fine atmosphere, in a situation that can- 
 not be encroached upon by the neighbouring 
 buildings. From the cupola, there is an ex- 
 tensive prospect of the city, the two rivers, and 
 the bay, of Staten- Island, Long- Island, and 
 the Jersey-shore. There is, likewise, an ex- 
 tensive view of the narrows, and up the Hud- 
 son, towards Tappan. The basaltic rocks on 
 the west side, appear very plain and precipi- 
 
118 
 
 tous. Looking to the northward, on Man- 
 liattan, the spectator beholds the city extend- 
 ing towards Greenwich and Rosehill, and 
 many beautiful villas rising between. 
 
 In 1801, an arrangement was made between 
 this hospital and another institution, called 
 '' The Lying-in Hospital," by which the in- 
 come of the kitter was paid over to the former, 
 on condition that an obstetrical ward should be 
 provided for the accommodation of helpless 
 pregnant women. This has been done, and 
 thereby an excellent practical school of mid- 
 wifery has been formed. 
 
 By virtue of a contract between the collect- 
 or of the port and the governors, the sick and 
 disabled friendless seamen are received into 
 this asylum. The expenses of their suste- 
 nance and attendance, are defrayed out of the 
 fund formed by the tax of 20 cents a month 
 upon their wages, pursuant to an act of con- 
 gress. Here, upon very economical terms, this 
 valuable class of men enjoy a salubrious air, 
 in a well-ordered hospital, with the best pro- 
 fessional assistance. Nothing can exceed the 
 care taken of the sailors. And although from 
 the limited amount of the seamen's hospital 
 money, there is not enough to defray all their 
 expenses as pay-patients, yet, such is the hu- 
 mane and charitable administration of the 
 New-York hospital, that a suffering mariner 
 
119 
 
 was never refused admittance, because he was 
 poor* 
 
 1 he sick-wards afford to the clinical pro- 
 fessor, good cases for lectures. Medical stu- 
 dents in the college are admitted to visit the 
 wards, and attend the ordinary medical and 
 surgical practice, for tjie small consideration 
 of 10 dollars a year. Arid if they attend the 
 clinical ward, they must make a special ar- 
 rangement with the practising professor for 
 that purpose. The surgical operations are 
 frequent. In such a populous city, accidents 
 often occur, which require manual aid. Stu- 
 dents are admitted to be present at the per- 
 formance of all sorts of operations, by skilful 
 surgeons, in a commodious theatre. 
 
 A library of about 1500 volumes, belongs 
 to the hospital. Students and others are ad- 
 mitted to it upon easy terms. By the appro- 
 priation of an annual sum, it is kept steadily 
 on the increase. There are many excellent 
 ancient and modern books, on physic and sur- 
 gery, in this collection. 
 
 A distinct house for the reception of luna- 
 tics, is now erecting. This will be calculated 
 to admit a sufficiency of air and light, to all the 
 cells. These, and, indeed, the whole building, 
 will be fire-proof. Each madman will have a 
 separate chamber ; and this, in cold weather, 
 will be warmed in such a manner, as to comfort 
 
120 
 
 the patient, while it is quite out of his power, 
 either to burn himself or the infirmary. Any 
 gentleman, by paying to the treasurer 37 1-2 
 dollars, becomes a member of the corporation ; 
 and, thereby, acquires the right to vote for 
 governor, and to be elected himself. 
 
 Further particulars of this institution, are 
 contained in a small book, pubhshed by Isaac 
 Collins, in 1804, entitled, " A brief account 
 of the New- York Hospital." 
 
 18. Alms House. 
 
 By their charter, the common-council are 
 empowered to build, erect, or convert any of 
 their buildings, already erected, into an alms 
 house, for the relief of the poor. They are 
 empowered by law, (April 8th, 1801) to ap- 
 point a number, not exceeding five, of the free- 
 holders and inhabitants of the city, to be over- 
 seers of the poor, by the name and style of 
 '*• The Commissioners of the Alms House and 
 Bridewell of the City of New-York." The 
 major part of these have power to oversee and 
 provide for the poor ; and any two of them 
 may bind out apprentices and servants, under 
 the same sanctions to which the overseers in 
 the several tov/ns of the state are subjected. 
 
 In consequence of this authority, the power 
 has been vested in one commissioner, called a 
 
121 
 
 :superintendant ; who, together with a clerk, a 
 steward, and a physician, administers to the 
 wants of the poor. Latterly, two physicians 
 have been appointed. These officers are com- 
 pensated, in a stipulated manner, for their re- 
 spective services. 
 
 The superintendant appoints proper mat^ 
 rons to take care of tlie children, cooks, offi- 
 cers, and domestics, and removes them at 
 pleasure. The steward makes all purchases 
 for the alms house and bridewell. The clerk 
 Iceeps distinct accounts of all the expenditures^ 
 in a set of books, kept by way of double entry, 
 and posted up once a v/eek. Every three 
 months, the accounts are exhibited, by the 
 derk and superintendant, to a committee of the 
 common council. 
 
 There is an ordinance of the common coun- 
 cil, r«,gulating the admissions and discharges 
 of paupers ; the arrangement of them into 
 classes, according to their conduct ; the clean- 
 liness and economy of the house ; clothing, 
 diet, and fuel ; care of the sick ; management 
 of the children ; admission of visitors ; and 
 abuses of official trust. 
 
 This building is situated on the nbrth side 
 f)f the Park, immediately behind the new city- 
 liall, and between h aud Chamber-street ; on 
 an elevated, healthy, and airy piece of ground, 
 and surrounded by open courts and gardens. 
 
 L 
 
122 
 
 The number of poor steadily maintained in 
 this asylum, may be estimated at seven hun- 
 dred ; frequently it is much greater ; and the 
 expense, independent of rents, &c. is about 
 40,000 dollars a year. 1 his sum is raised by 
 a tax upon the inhabitants. The expense of 
 the bridewell or county prison, amounts to 
 about 20,000 dollars more. 
 
 The poor-hst is exceedingly enlarged by 
 ■wretched emigrants from Europe, and by 
 needy adventurers from almost all parts of our 
 own country. 
 
 19. House Carpenters'' Society, 
 
 '' The associated body of House Carpenters 
 of the city of New-York," was incorporated 
 on the 14th March, 1806, for the purpose of 
 raising a fund for the support of sick and in- 
 firm members, and the relief of widows and 
 orphans. They may hold estate to the amount 
 of 10,000 dollars. Incorporation to continue 
 until 1816. 
 
 20. Bellevue Hospital. 
 
 On the shore of the East-river, about three 
 miles from the city hall, is a delightful spot, 
 of which our celebrated countryman, Lindley 
 Murray, wafi once the proprietor and resident. 
 
123 
 
 It has been purchased by the common coun- 
 cil for an occasional infirmary, whither during 
 the prevalence of sickness in the city, it is 
 thought advisable to remove those who Ian-, 
 guished. A more wholesome air is found 
 here, as well as accommodations for the sick 
 and the convalescent. The selection of such 
 a spot for the reception of the inhabitants 
 who are suffering the violent assaults of the 
 fever, redounds greatly to the feelings and 
 humanity of the common council. In com- 
 mon seasons, there are no sick persons here. 
 This hospital is opened only upon extraordi- 
 nary occasions. 
 
 21. Marine Hospital at Staten Island* 
 
 Under the care of the health-officer, are 
 all the sick who arrive in ships and vessels 
 from sea, under such circumstances as ren- 
 der it improper for them to proceed imme- 
 diately to the city. Convenient buildings, 
 well ventilated, even under the floors, and 
 sufficiently distant from each other to pre- 
 vent near approaches, have been provided 
 by the commonwealth, for their accommoda- 
 tion. To this excellent and salubrious asy- 
 lum the inhabitants of the city are sometimes 
 sent, in the beginning of one of our local and 
 endemic fevers, before the sick are suffi- 
 
124 
 
 ciently numerous to render it necessary tB 
 open the infirmary at Bellevue. 
 
 22. Humane Society, 
 
 This is an association of citiz<^ns, who ori- 
 ginally devoted their principal attention to- 
 wards the relief of distressed debtors confin- 
 ed in the city prison. To these they afford 
 supplies, chiefly of fuel and food. Their la- 
 bours commenced early in 1787. Within a 
 few years they have enlarged their plan, by 
 instituting a soup-house in the modern mode, 
 and extending to the prisoners the advanta- 
 ges of food, ready cooked. They have also 
 enlarged their establishment in such a man- 
 ner, that indigent persons throughout the 
 city may procure supplies of soup either gra- 
 tis, or for the small consideration of three- 
 pence a quart. The objects of this society 
 have been greatly aided by the common coun- 
 cil, who have given them a lot of ground, 
 adjoining the alms-house, and in rear of the 
 debtor^s gaol. 
 
 23. Masonic Societies^ 
 
 Under this head may be mentioned the 
 grand lodge of free and accepted masons, 
 and the twelve or more lodges and chapters ^ 
 
125 
 
 within the city ; all of which are engaged, ac- 
 cording to their respective funds and means, 
 in acts of beneficence. The names of some 
 of them are, St. John, Hiram, St. Andrews, 
 Howard, Adelphi, Trinity, Phoenix, A- 
 brams, Washington, Warren, Union Fran- 
 coise, and Clinton ; with the Independent, 
 Fredonian and Washington chapters of royal 
 arch masons. A book of the " Constitu- 
 tions of the ancient and honourable fraternity 
 «f free and accepted masons in the state of 
 New-York," was collected and digested by 
 order of the grand lodge, and published by 
 D. Longworth, in 1801. In Frankfort street, 
 a large and commodious modern building has 
 been erected for the accommodation of the 
 craft, and called by the_m St, jfohn^s Hall^ in 
 honour of their tutelar saint. »Many of the 
 lodges hold their regular meetings there. ' 
 
 25. German Society* 
 
 On the 6th of April, 1804, " the German 
 Society of the city of New- York, was incor- 
 porated, for the purpose of assisting Ger- 
 man emigrants, and of affording relief to 
 other poor distressed Germans and their de- 
 scendants. The incorporation is to endure 
 until 1825. Their estate must not exceed 
 ^5,000 dollars. 
 
 L 2 
 
126 
 
 25. Society of Unitas Fratrum, 
 
 *' The Society of the United Brethren for 
 propagating the Gospel among the Heathen^' 
 was incorporated in New- York, the 29th of 
 February, 1804. Their object is to pur- 
 sue the great work in which they have 
 been engaged, ever since the commencement 
 of the Moravian settlements in America, in 
 1740, that is, of carrying the glorious truths 
 of the gospel among the Indians, and of con- 
 verting the savages to Christianity. They 
 may hold estate to the annual amount of 
 2000 dollars, exclusive of contributions and 
 donations* 
 
 26. First Protestant Episcopal Charity 
 
 » " School. 
 
 An association had existed a number of 
 years, under the care of Trinity church, for 
 the education of poor children in piety and 
 useful learning. On the 14th of March, 
 1806, the members were incorporated by the 
 name of " the Trustees of the first Protest- 
 " ant Episcopal Charity School, in the city 
 " of New- York." It may hold real property 
 not to exceed, in clear annual value and in- 
 come, (exclusive of the buildings and lots 
 occupied for the school,) the sum of 15,000 
 
127 
 
 dollars. The school has been liberally en- 
 dowed by the corporation of 1 riuity church, 
 
 27. St» Andrew^ s — 28. St. Patrick^ s^ and 
 29. St. GeorgtPs Societies. 
 
 Though not incorporated, are understood to 
 be associations of Scotch, Irish, and English- 
 men and dieir descendants, tor social and 
 benificent purposes. 
 
 30. The New England Society 
 
 Is formed of the natives or descendants 
 from the states of Connecticut, Rhode-Island, 
 Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Ver- 
 mont, living in the city of New-York, and 
 embraces a large body of individuals. 
 
 31. The Cincinnati. 
 
 Near the close of the revolutionary war, 
 many of the officers who had served merito- 
 riously in the army of their country, on lay- 
 ing down th'.^ir commissions, returned to 
 their original culiings or to some other de- 
 partment of c^vil life. A i*espt ctable num- 
 ber of these, struck with the resemblance 
 of their situation to that of the great Ro'man 
 
128 
 
 dictator Cincinnatus, associated into a body 
 of military friends, which they denominated 
 " the society of the Cincinnati." This corps 
 of heroic gentlemen, still preserve its organi- 
 zation, and hold meetings from time to time, 
 to commemorate public events, perform deeds 
 of beneficence, and hold converse on the de- 
 fence of their country. 
 
 MARKETS. 
 
 In New- York, every day, except Sunday, is 
 a market day. Beef, pork, veal, mutton and 
 lamb, are cut up and sold in the public mar- 
 kets, by the joint or in pieces, by the licens- 
 ed butchers only, their agents or servants. 
 Each of these must sell at his own stall, and 
 conclude his sales by one o'clock in the af- 
 ternoon, between 1st May and 1st Novem- 
 ber, and at two between 1st November and 
 1st May. Butchers are licensed by the 
 mayor, who is the clerk of the market. He 
 receives for every quarter of beef sold in the 
 market, 6 cents ; for every hog, shoat or pig, 
 above 14lbs weight, 6 cents ; and for each 
 calf, sheep or lamb, 4 cents ; to be paid by 
 the butchers and other persons selling the 
 same. To prevent engrossing and to favour 
 housekeepers, it is declared unlawful for per- 
 sons to purchase articles to sell again, in any 
 
129 
 
 market or other part of the city, before noon 
 or twelve o'clock, of each day, exctpt flour 
 and meal, which must not be bought to be 
 sold again, until four in the afttrnoon. 
 Hucksters in the markets are restricted to the 
 sale of vegetables, with the exception of 
 fruits. The sale of unwholesome and stale 
 articles of provision, of blown and stuffed 
 meat, and of measly pork, is expressly forbid- 
 den. Gut-fat untried, sheeps trotters, un- 
 dressed heads of sheep and lambs, hides and 
 skins of all kinds, except calves skins, are 
 prohibited entry into the public mtirket be- 
 tween May and November, on account of the 
 nuisances they are prone to engender. 
 
 Butter must be sold by the pound, and not 
 by the roll or tub. Persons who are not li- 
 censed butchers, selling butcher's meat on 
 commission, pay treble fees to the clerk of 
 the market. 
 
 This market is abundantly supplied with 
 almost ev^ery thing in its season, which the 
 land and water affords. In an enume- 
 ration made a few years ago by several gen- 
 tlemen of experience, the species of wild 
 quadrupeds fit ^'or human food, which might 
 be bought in New-York in the course of the 
 year, in whole or in part, alive or dead, were 
 in number, eight, the amphibious creatures, 
 five, of shell fish, fourteen ; of birds fifty-one. 
 
130 
 
 and of fishes proper, sixty-two. Their names 
 are as follows : quadrupeds ; bear, deer, rac- 
 coon, groundhog, opossum, squirrel, rabbit, 
 hare. Amphibious ; greenturtle, hawksbill^ 
 loggerhead, snapper, tarrapan. Shell jish ; 
 oyster, lobster, prawn, crab, sea-crab, cray- 
 fish, shrimp, clam, sea clam, soft clam, scol- 
 lop, grey mussel, black mussel, periwinkle. 
 Birds : wild goose, brant, black duck, grey 
 duck, canvassback, wood-duck, widgeon, 
 teal, broad-bill duck, dipper, sheldrake, old- 
 wife, coote, hell-diver, whistling-diver, red- 
 head, loon, cormorant, pilestart, sheerwater, 
 curlew, merlin, willet, woodcock, English 
 snipe, grey snipe, yellow-legged snipe, robin, 
 snipe, dovertie, small sand snipe, green plo- 
 ver, grey plover, kildare, wild turkey, heath 
 hen, patridge, quail, meadow hen, wild pi- 
 geon, turtle-dove, lark, robin, large grey snow- 
 bird, small blue snow-bird, blue-jay, yellow- 
 tail, clape blackbird, woodpecker, blue crane, 
 white crane. Fishes : salmon, codfish, black- 
 fish,strea'ved-bass, sea-bass, sheepshead, mack- 
 erel, Spanish mackerel, horse mackerel, trout, 
 pike, sunfish, sucker, chub, roach, shiner, 
 white-perch, yellow-perch, black-perch, stur- 
 geon, haddock, pollock, hake, shad, herring, 
 sardine, sprat, manhaden, weakfish, smelt, 
 mullet, boftetto, king-fish, silver-fish, porgey, 
 skipjack, angel-fish, grunts, tusk, red-drum^ 
 
131 
 
 black-drum, sheepshead-drum, dogfish, kilii- 
 fish, bergall, tomcod, red-gurnard, grey 
 gurnard, spearings, gar-fish, frost-fish, blow- 
 fish, toad-fish, holibut, flounder, sole, plaice, 
 skait, stingray, common-eel, conger-eel, lam- 
 prey. 
 
 Much of the beef sold on the stalls of the 
 New-York butchers, is brought from Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 1. The principal market in New-York, is 
 the Fhj'Market. This is an uncouth name 
 to a stranger, who is naturally led to expect 
 from it, a market swarming with flies. This 
 however, is not the real meaning of the term. 
 This part of the city, south east of Pearl-street 
 hereabout, was originally, a salt meadow, with 
 a creek running through it, from where Mai- 
 den-lane now is, to the Bay or East river , 
 forming such a disposition of land and water 
 as was called by the Dutch Vlaie^ a valley 
 or wet piece of ground ; when a market was 
 first held there, it was called the Fly^ or Vlaie 
 Market^ the Valley or Meadow market ; 
 from which has come the corruption of" Fly- 
 market." This name certainly ought to be 
 rejected and a better one adopted. 
 
 2. On the west side of the city, in Green- 
 wich street, and between it and the Hudson, 
 is the market of the second importance. 
 This is known by as odd and whimsical a 
 
132 
 
 name as the former ; for it is commonly call- 
 ed the Bare-Market, 1 his name arose in 
 the following manner': a considerable part 
 of the houses on that side of the city, had 
 been consumed by fire, while it was in pos- 
 session of the enemy. As soon as conve- 
 nient, after its restoration to the rightful in- 
 habitants, a market was fixed there for the 
 accommodation of the citizens, who were 
 erecting new habitations on the ruins of those 
 which had been destroyed. In the progress 
 of improvement, it happened that the mar- 
 ket-house was finished long before the streets 
 were rebuilt, or the generality of the inha- 
 bitants re-established. As there were, for a 
 considerable time, but few housekeepers or 
 purchasers, so there were but a small number 
 of sellers of produce, to frequent this public 
 place. In short, there was for a year or 
 more, a spacious building, with very little 
 produce. This led the citizens, when they 
 mentioned it, to distinguish it by the name of 
 Bare-Market^ or the market at which there is 
 nothing brought for sale ; and the name is con- 
 tinued to this day ; though the supplies are now 
 steady and abundant. It is pretended by some 
 that it was called the Bear-Market^ because 
 a bear was once exhibited and sold there. 
 But this is not the correct story. This name, 
 as well as the other, ought to be changed for 
 some more approprate term. 
 
153 
 
 3. The Market at Catharine street. 
 
 This is situated where Catharine street joins 
 the East-river, after parting the fourth from 
 the seventh ward, all the way from the new- 
 watch-house at the head of Chatham street. 
 This market is enlarged as the population of 
 the city increases. 
 
 4. The OsTvego Market. 
 
 This is situated at the junction of Broad- 
 way and Maiden-lane. 
 
 5. The Exchange Market. 
 
 This is at the lower end of Broadstreet. 
 
 6. Hudson Market. 
 
 '^ This has been lately erected, at the lower 
 end of Spring-street, and accommodates the 
 people around. 
 
 Besides these, j^here are several single stalls 
 and shops, where butcher's meat is sold. 
 
 STATE PRISON. 
 
 By the law of New- York, treason, mur- 
 der, and the procuring, aiding and abetting, 
 any kind of murder, are the only crimes pun- 
 ishable by death. The mode of execution is 
 hanging by the neck. 
 
 Rape, sodomy, bestiality, burglary, house- 
 
134 
 
 robbery, highway, or other personal robbery, 
 arson, forgery, knowingly passing or utter- 
 ingforged documents, counterfeitinggold and 
 silver coin, aiding in the samt% and know- 
 ingly uttering them for true, and malicious 
 maiming, are punishable both principal and 
 accessaries, with imprisonment for life, in 
 the state prison ; to which sentence may be 
 added, at the discretion of the court, the pun- 
 ishment of hard labour, or solitude, or both. 
 
 Persons convicted of felonies, other than 
 the beforementioned, and above the degree 
 of petit larceny, with their accessaries, are 
 punishable by imprisonment, not exceeding 
 fourteen years, with the addition of hard la- 
 bour, or solitude, or both, as the justices 
 shall decree. For second offences, the con- 
 victs are to be imprisoned for life. 
 
 Petit larceny consists of the feloniously 
 taking and carrying away the mere personal 
 goods of another, to the value of twelve dol- 
 lars and fifty cents, or under, unconnected 
 with any other crime. Persons convicted of 
 this offence ; or of assault, with intent to 
 commit murder, robbery, or rape ; or of 
 buying or receiving stolen goods ; getting 
 property by cheating, or under false preten- 
 ces, with their accessaries, may, as the 
 court shall determine, instead of, or in ad- 
 dition to a fine, be punished by imprison- 
 ment, not less than one, nor more than three 
 
135 
 
 years, at hard labour. And for second ot- 
 fences, certain convicts niay be sentenced, 
 for terms not exceeding five years ; and for 
 assaults, with intent to murder, rob, or com- 
 mit rape, i>ot exceeding eight years. 
 
 Persons imprisoned for life, breaking out 
 and convicted of committing, afterwards, 
 any crime above the degree of petit larceny, 
 are punishable by hanging to death. 
 
 Persons imprisoned for years, breaking 
 out and retaken, shall be deemed guilty of 
 a felony, and be adjudged to imprisonment 
 and hard labour for double the original term ; 
 to be computed from the day of recapture. 
 
 Persons imprisoned for years, attempting 
 to escape, or aiding others thereto, are 
 deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and pun- 
 ishable with such further imprisonment, not 
 for life, after the expiration of the original 
 term, as the court shall direct. 
 
 Persons aiding the escape of prisoners, are 
 punishable with confinement in the state pri- 
 son, for a term not exceeding ten }xars. 
 
 Persons convicted of perjury, or suborna- 
 tion of perjury ; or aiding the escape of pri- 
 soners, confined in any gaol for felony, may 
 be adjudged to imprisonment at hard labour, 
 for any term, not exceeding ten years. 
 
 For carrying into operation the provisions 
 of the criminal law, a spacious, strong, and 
 
136 
 
 costly buildinghas been constructed at Green- 
 wich, about two miles from the city-hall, 
 near the shore of the Hudson, in one of the 
 most pleasant and healthy spots on Manhat- 
 tan island. The space inclosed by the wall 
 is about four acres. A very perspicuous 
 and circumstantial account of this great estab- 
 lishment was published in 1801, by Isaac 
 Collins. The information was derived from 
 the most authentic sources, being furnished 
 by Thomas Eddy, esq. then one of the in- 
 spectors. Copies of this the traveller ought 
 to procure. 
 
 The prison is governed by seven inspec- 
 tors, appointed by the state council. They 
 are to meet once a month, or oftener, toge- 
 ther with the justices of the supreme court, 
 the mayor and recorder of the city, the at- 
 torney-general and district attorney. The in- 
 spectors make rules for the government of 
 the convicts, and other persons belonging to 
 the prison. The inspectors appoint two of 
 their body to be visiting inspectors, month- 
 ly. The board of inspectors have charge of 
 the prison, and appoint a keeper, or deputy, 
 and as manv assistants as they find to be ne- 
 cessary. The salaries of the keepers are paid 
 out of the treasury of the state. 
 
 The inspectors, or rather the agents of 
 the prison, are empowered to purchase cloth- 
 
157 
 
 ing, bedding, provisions, tools, implements, 
 and raw or other materials for the employ- 
 ment of the convicts, and keep accounts of 
 the same. And also to open an account 
 with each convict, charging him with his ex- 
 penses, and crediting him with his labour.-— 
 And if there should be a balance due to the 
 convict at the time of his discharge, to give 
 him a part or the whole of it ; but if the 
 whole should not be given to him to convey 
 the residue to the credit of the state. 
 
 The expense of conveying and keeping the 
 convicts is always paid by the state. 
 
 Prisoners are dressed in uniforms of coarse 
 cloth, according to their classes and conduct, 
 and kept at some kind of work. For pro- 
 fane cursing, swearing, indecent behaviour, 
 idleness, negligence, disobedience of regu- 
 lations, or perverse conduct, the principal 
 keeper may punish convicts, by confinement 
 in the solitary cells, and by a diet of bread 
 and water, during such term as any two of 
 the inspectors advise. 
 
 For the greater security, there is a de- 
 tachment of Sremen allotted to the preserva- 
 tion of the prison. 
 
 1 here is also an armed guard, consisting 
 
 of a captain, a serjeant, two corporals, a 
 
 drummer, a fifer, and twenty privates, to 
 
 take care that no mischief is carried on among 
 
 M 2 • 
 
138 
 
 the prisoners, and that no escapes are made. 
 This guard is under the direction of the 
 mayor ; though any two of the inspectors, 
 with the aid of the law-officers beforemen- 
 tioned, are authorised to make rules and or- 
 ders relative to their discipline. 
 
 LITERARY INSTITUTIONS. 
 
 Newspapers. 
 
 New- York is amply supplied with these 
 vehicles of intelligence. There are eight 
 daily newspapers ; of which, some are pub- 
 lished in the morning, and others in the af- 
 ternoon. 
 
 The morning daily papers are, 
 
 The American Citizen. 
 The New-York Gazette. 
 The Mercantile Advertiser. 
 The Morning Chronicle. 
 The People's Friend. 
 
 The afternoon daily papers are^ 
 
 The Commercial Advertiser. 
 The Evening Post. 
 The Public Advertiser* 
 
139 
 
 Newspapers for country circulation^ published 
 twice a week. 
 
 The Republican Watch-Tower, from the 
 office of the American Citizen. 
 
 The Spectator, from the office of the Com- 
 mercial Advertiser. 
 
 The Express, from the office of the Morn- 
 ing Chronicle. 
 
 The Herald, from the office of the Even- 
 ing Post. 
 
 The People's Friend, from the office of 
 the People's Friend. 
 
 Weekly Papers, 
 
 The New-York Price Current. 
 The Weekly Museum. 
 The Weekly Visitor. 
 The Independent Republican. 
 The Weekly Inspector. 
 The New-York Spy. 
 
 Booksellers and the Bookselling trade* 
 
 The high price of paper, labour and taxes 
 in the British islands, has been very favour- 
 able to authorship, and the publication oi 
 books at home. Foreign publications too. 
 
iiu 
 
 come to us charged with a duty, in our own 
 ports, of 15 per cent in addition to other ex- 
 penses. To encourage the domestic manu- 
 facture of paper. Congress, in 1804, ex- 
 empted from impost, all imported foreign 
 rags, ihis has given a lively spring to the 
 whole complicated manufacture, of paper 
 from rags, and of books, pamphlets and ga- 
 zettes from paper. 
 
 Hence it happens, that authors find it easy 
 to publish their original works ; and editors 
 proceed with equal facility to re-print fo- 
 reign books. 1 he booksellers and printers 
 of New-York, carry on largely, both the im- 
 pressions of pamphlets and books written at 
 home, and those also which are composed 
 abroad. Many hands v/iih great capitals 
 are constantly engaged in these operations. 
 
 W ith the increase of population, there is 
 at least a proportional increase of reading. 
 The ratio may be calculated to be even great- 
 er from the democratic temper of the people^ 
 For several years, the literary fair has 
 been held alternately at New-York and Phi- 
 ladelphia. This has had a tendency among 
 other things, to facilitate intercourse among 
 booksellers, to circulate books through the 
 ijation, and to encourage the arts of printing, 
 book-binding, and paper-making. 
 
141 
 
 New- York, may, therefore, be considered 
 as a most extensive mart and manufactory of 
 books. 
 
 Columbia College* 
 
 Previous to the year 1 754, various acts of 
 the governor, council, and general assembly 
 of the province had been passed, authorising 
 lotteries to raise money for the establishment 
 of a college ; and the rector and inhabitants 
 of the city in communion with the church of 
 England, as by law established, had set 
 apart a parcel of ground for the site of the 
 building. In pursuance of which, governor 
 James Delancey, on the 31st of October, 
 that year, granted a charter of incorporation. 
 The college is built upon part of the said 
 ground, which is bounded eastwardly by 
 Church-street, southwardly by Barclay- 
 street, northwardly by Murray-street, and 
 westwardly by the Hudson. The original 
 title of the corporation was, " The governors 
 of the college of the province of New- York, 
 in the city of New-York, in America." The 
 institution was called King's College, and in- 
 tended for the instruction and education of 
 youth, in the learned languages, and liberal 
 arts and sciences. And for their encourage- 
 ment, are authorised to confer such degrees 
 
142 
 
 upon the students or other persons, as are 
 usually granted in the English universities 
 or colleges. Under these powers there ha^ e 
 been two faculties established in the college, 
 to wit, the Faculty of the Arts, and a Faculty 
 of medicine. The particular state of these 
 departments may be seen in professor Mit- 
 chili's report of the state of learning in the 
 college, printed in 1794. Since that time 
 there has been no further report made 
 public. 
 
 The Faculty of the Arts consists of a presi- 
 dent, who is also a professor of moral philo- 
 soph)^, of a professor of classical literature, 
 who also gives lectures on (irecian and Ro- 
 man antiquities, of a proftssor of mathema- 
 tics, natural philosophy and astronomy, who 
 likewise teaches geography and chronology, 
 and of a professor of logic, rhetoric, and 
 belles lettres. Sec. The faculty of physic, 
 is composed of a professor of anatomy and 
 surgery^ of midwifery and clmical medi- 
 cine, of botany and materia medica, of the- 
 ory and practice of physic, and of chemistry. 
 The annual commencement is the first Wed- 
 nesday in August. 
 
 Lectures are regularly delivered on all 
 these literary, scientific and professional 
 subjects ; and the professors labour with 
 zeal and ability in their several departments. 
 
143 
 
 There are sowe rare books and valuable 
 pieces of apparatus belonging to this institu- 
 tion. 
 
 Since the revolution, this seminary has 
 been so far altered, as was necessary to 
 adapt it to the r.evv statfe of affairs. It is 
 now called *' Columbia College," and its 
 stile is the " Trustees of Columbia College." 
 They have still, as they originally professed, 
 the power of filling up all vacancies in their 
 body, occasioned by death, removal or re- 
 signation. Its income is about ^1500, but 
 is expected to increase, with the renewal of 
 some of their expiring leases of lands. 
 
 The presidents are, Samuel Johnson, D. D. 
 and Myles Cooper, L. L. D. before the re- 
 volution ; and William Samuel Johnson, L. 
 
 L. D. Wharton, D. D. and Benjamin 
 
 Moore, D. D. since. To this college, Joseph 
 Murray, esq. one of its first trustees, and an 
 eminent counsellor at law, left his large library 
 and almost his whole fortune, estimated at 
 .^10,000. 
 
 The Library* 
 
 This Hall, in which the books of the 
 library company are kept, is in Nassau- 
 street, opposite the middle Dutch-church, 
 between Cedar and Liberty-streets. The 
 collection consists of about ten thousand vo- 
 
144 
 
 lumes. This society was incorporated dur- 
 ing the administration of governor William 
 Tryon, by a charter dated 25th November, 
 1772. 1 he books were scattered and prin- 
 cipally destroyed during the revolutionary 
 war. The present library has been purcha- 
 sed since 1784, and is rapidly increasing. 
 There are many valuable and rare books in 
 this collection. The privileges of this cor- 
 poration, were confirmed by an act of the 
 state legislature, passed in 1789. The le- 
 gal stile is " the trustees of the New-York 
 society library." '1 he)' are twelve in num- 
 ber, and meet once a month. Seven make 
 a quorum, and a majority can transact busi- 
 ness. 1 he holders of shares pay two dollars 
 and one half annually, to the treasurer, to 
 support the institution. 
 
 Medical Society, 
 
 A large assciation exists, under the deno- 
 mination of "the Medical Society of the 
 county of New- York." This is a corporate 
 body,' and was established in 1 806, by virtue 
 of a law " to incorporate medical societies, for 
 the purpose of regulating the practice of phy- 
 sic and surgery in the state," passed the 4th 
 of the preceding April. By this statute it is 
 declared lawful for these physicians and sur- 
 
145 
 
 geons (not less than five) who were then au*- 
 thorised by law, to practise in their several 
 professions, to assemble in their respective 
 counties, and incorporate themselves, by 
 choosing a president, vice-president, se- 
 cretary, and treasurer, and depositing in the 
 clerk's office, a copy of all their proceed- 
 ings within the twenty days immediately suc- 
 ceeding the first Tuesday of July, or their 
 other time of meeting. Each county socie- 
 ty may hold estate, real or personal, to the 
 amount of 1,000 dollars. A county society 
 thus organized, is empowered to examine 
 all students who shall present themselves for 
 that purpose, and to grant them diplomas. 
 These diplomas are general licenses to the* 
 persons in whose favour they have been al- 
 lowed, to practise physic and surgery, as 
 the case may be, all over the state. Such a 
 society may also appoint a board of censors, 
 consisting of not less than three, nor more 
 than five, whose duty it is to examine stu- 
 dents, and report their opinion thereon ia 
 writing to the president. After the 1st Sep* 
 tember, 1806, all persons practising phy- 
 sic or surgery, without having undergone 
 an examination and received a diploma, 
 are debarred from collecting any debts in- 
 curred by such practice, in any coiu-t of 
 
146 
 
 law. A county society may also enact byt- 
 laws relative to its concerns and property, 
 the admission and expulsion of members, 
 and the donations and contributions they 
 may receive. They may impose a tax of 
 three dollars a year upon each member, for 
 the purpose of procuring a medical library 
 and apparatus, and for the encouragement 
 of useful discoveries in chemistry, botany, 
 and iuch other improvements as the majority 
 shall think proper. 
 
 Each county society is authorised like- 
 wise to elect a delegate to represent it in a 
 central, or state society, to be held at Alba- 
 ny. Fifteen such delegates form a quorum, 
 may choose officers, and become a corporate 
 body, by the name of " The Medical Socie- 
 ty of the state of New-York." This general 
 society may hold estate to the amount of 
 5,000 dollars ; may grant diplomas, and 
 hear appeals from students, who deem them- 
 selves aggrieved by the county societies, and 
 grant them redress ; and may make bye-laws 
 concerning their estate and other affairs, ad- 
 mission and expulsion of members, and the 
 contributions and donations that may be 
 made them. 
 
147 
 
 Protestant Episcopal Society for promotmg 
 relig'ion and learning in the state of NeW' 
 
 Tork, 
 
 This association published its constitution, 
 from the press of T. & J. Swords, in 1802/ 
 The members are to be in amity with the pro- 
 testant episcopal church. The objects are, 
 (art. 6.) to adopt measures for insuring a suf- 
 ficient number and succession of pious and 
 learned ministers of the gospel, attached to the 
 doctrines and discipline of the protestant epis- 
 copal church ; to afford assistance to such 
 young men as are of good character, and com- 
 petent abilities, but in circumstances which do 
 not admit of prosecuting the study of divinity 
 without aid ; to encourage those who may dis- 
 tinguish themselves, by extraordinary attain-- 
 ments ; to receive all donations for pious pur- 
 poses, and to superintend the application of 
 them ; gradually to provide funds for procur- 
 ing a theological library ; for the establishmt nt 
 of schools, and of providing one or more fel- 
 lowships in Columbia college ; in a word, to 
 pursue a s>'stem of measures, whereby the 
 situation of the clergv may be rendered re- 
 spectable, the church obtain a permanent sup- 
 port, and learning and piety be generally dif- 
 fused throughout the state. 
 
 iShk. 
 
148 
 
 Its affairs are managed by twenty-one trus- 
 tees, of whom the bishop is, ex officio^ presidents 
 They are appointed, in the first instance, by the 
 corporation of trinity church. They are to 
 meet once a month, or oftener ; and seven 
 make a quorum. They are, by themselves or 
 thfir committees, to correspond, if possible, 
 with the members of the society, and of the 
 protestant episcopal church in every part of the 
 state, and seek all manner of information, re- 
 lative to the situation of religion and learning 
 throughout the same.. 
 
 Private Schools and Academies. 
 
 To the credit of New- York, it may be re- 
 marked, that common education was never 
 better attended to, than at present ; and that 
 classical learning has been increasing for seve- 
 ral years. Many excellent seminaries are kept 
 in the city, at which boys are prepared for the 
 college or university, under able teachers.. 
 The demand for the Roman classicks is great, 
 and increasing. Latin editions of the writings 
 of Csesar, Cicero, and Virgil, have been print- 
 ed in a very correct and beautiful style. 
 
 Learned Men and Literary Characters. 
 
 Governor Burnet, astronon"yk%_ 
 
149 
 
 Lieutenant-governor Cadwallader Colden — ■ 
 Medicine — Botany and History of the five In- 
 dian Nations. 
 
 Chief justice William Smith — History of 
 New- York. A continuation of the published 
 work is extant in manuscript ; but the heirs of 
 the author have not yet thought proper to pub- 
 lish it. 
 
 President Myles Cooper—Poetry — Politics. 
 
 Abraham Kcteltas-^Sermons. 
 
 Governor William Livingston — Poetry — 
 Politics — Literature. 
 
 Judge Daniel Horsemanden — ^^History of 
 the Negro Plot. 
 
 Lewis Evans, map of the middle colonies, 
 and analysis of the same. 
 
 Professor Samuel Clossey — Reports of 
 Morbid Cases, as investigated by dissection. 
 Professor Peter Middleton — Medical Dis- 
 course. 
 
 Professor John Jones — Practical Instruc- 
 tions to young surgeons ; his works have been 
 edited at Philadelphia by his pupil, James 
 Mease, M. D. 
 
 Professor JKichard Bayley — History of the 
 Yellow Fever at New- York, in 1795, and se- 
 veral other medical tracts. 
 
 General Alexander Hamilton — Politics — 
 Finance— Law. 
 
 John JSlair Linn, D. D. Poetry — ^Theology. 
 
150 
 
 James Duane, L. L. D. Law-Case. 
 Elihu H. Smith — Poetry — Medicine. 
 William Pitt Smith — Poetry — Theologyc 
 Walter Townsend — Odes. 
 Bishop Seabury — Sermons. 
 Richard B. Davis — Poems. 
 Mrs. Bleecker and her daughter, Mrs. Fau- 
 geres — ^Poems — Letters. 
 
 Succession of New-Tork Senators in Congress^ 
 since the organization of the Federal Go- 
 venwient^ in 1789. 
 
 1789, Philip Schuyler, 
 Rufus King, 
 
 1791, Aaron Burr, 
 
 1795, John Laurance,. 
 
 1798, John Sloss Hobart, (February) 
 William North, (May) 
 James Watson,. (December) 
 
 1^00, Govemeur Morris, 
 
 1801, John Armstrong, 
 
 1^02, Dewil Clinton, 
 
 1803, John Armstrongs 
 Thcodorus Bailey, 
 John Smith, 
 
 1804, Samuel L. Mitchill. 
 
 Representatives in Congress from Netju-Tork- 
 City^ 
 
 t''789j John Laurance, 
 
1791, John Watts, 
 1793, Edward LivingstOB, 
 1800, Samuel L. Mitchill, 
 1804, Daniel D. Tompkins, 
 tani 5 George Clinton, jun. 
 ^^^■^'^GurdonS. Mumlbrd. 
 
 PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS 
 
 Theatre* 
 
 The drama had been a favourite in New- 
 Tork, before the revolution. During the 
 time the city was possessed by the enemy, 
 theatrical entertainments were very fashiona- 
 ble ; and the characters were mostly sup- 
 ported by the officers of the army. After 
 the termination of the war, the play-house 
 fell into the hands of Messrs. Hallam and 
 Henry, who, for a number of years, exerted 
 themselves, and with much satisfaction, to 
 amuse the public. After the death of Mr. 
 Henry, the surviving manager, formed a 
 partnership with a favourite and popular per- 
 former, under the firm of Hallam and Hodgi 
 kin son. Their efforts were soon after aided 
 by the addition of Mr. William Dunlap. Af- 
 ter some time, Messrs. Hallam and Hodg- 
 Vinson withdrew from the concern, and Mr» 
 
152 
 
 Dunlap immediately commenced sble mana- 
 ger of the New- York theatre. In this capa- 
 city, he continued until 1804. During his 
 administration, he added materially to the 
 drama by pieces of his own composition, and 
 by translations direct from the German. Af- 
 ter him, the management was undertaken by 
 Mr. Cooper, who is now presenting to the 
 town the best comic and tragic compositions 
 that can be selected for the stage. 
 
 The theatre is on the south-east side of 
 the park, and is a large and commodious 
 building. The outside is rather in an un- 
 finished condition ; but the interior is well 
 finished and decorated. There are places 
 for 1200 spectators. The boxes are exceed- 
 ingly well adapted to the display of beauty 
 and fashion, as well as to the view of the 
 scenic performances. The scenes are va- 
 rious, painted with taste, managed with ex- 
 cellent machinery, and adapted by their bril- 
 liant and exquisite finish, to accompany any 
 of the modern performances. Of the com- 
 pany itself, it may be justly observed that it 
 contains persons fit to represent both the 
 gravest and gayest of the dramatic charac- 
 ters ; and that the New-York theatre is on 
 the whole, the most complete that the Uni- 
 ted States afford. 
 
155 
 
 Mr. Dunlap has commenced the publica- 
 tion of his dramatic works, in ten volumes 
 duodecimo* 
 
 Reading Rooms, 
 
 E. Sergeant and co. have an eligible es- 
 tablishment of this kind in Wall-street, where 
 newspapers and modern publications may be 
 found. 
 
 J. Osborn & Go. have also a large and va- 
 rious collection of the most recent and fa- 
 shionable publications, near the theatre, op- 
 posite the park. 
 
 D. Longworth, editor of the New- York 
 directory, at the Shakspeare gallery, in the 
 same nighbourhood, exhibits his extensive 
 collection of prints, chiefly illustrative of the 
 scenes in the plays of the great English dra- 
 matist. 
 
 PUBLIC WALKS, 
 1. The Battery. 
 
 The battery is an open space at the south- 
 western extremity of the city, situated be. 
 tween State-street and the bay- It is fyo call- 
 
154 
 
 ed, because part of its space was, in the ear- 
 ly settlement of the city, occupied by Fort 
 James, and much of the remainder was a 
 battery to strengthen the fort on the water- 
 side. It is reserved for that purpose to the 
 present day. 
 
 Military parades are frequently held here. 
 On the 4th July, which is the national anni* 
 versary, and on several other days, there is 
 usually a martial and brilliant exhibition of 
 the regiments of artillery, and the other uni- 
 form troops, upon the ground. The walk is 
 open to all the citizens. Here they may en- 
 joy the fresh breezes from the bay and the 
 shade of the trees, every afternoon of the 
 summer, and receive refreshments after ai, 
 sweltering day. In the morning, the pros- 
 pect of the Jersey shore, of Staten-Island, of 
 Long-Island, and of Fort Jay, and the other 
 small islands, of the ships at anchor, and of 
 the vessels passing and repassing, is at once 
 varitrgated and delightful. And if more 
 gratification is desired, musick, ice-creams 
 and other delicacies, are provided in the 
 evening, at Mr. Corrie's public garden, not 
 far from the centre of this exquisite place of 
 recreation. 
 
155 
 
 2, The Park. 
 
 The park Is a piece of inclosed ground si- 
 tuated between Broadway and Chatham- 
 street, in front of the new City-hall. The 
 area consists of about four acres, planted with 
 elms, planes, willows, and catalpas, and the 
 surrounding footwalk is encompassed with 
 rows of poplars. This beautiful grove, in 
 the middle of the city, combines in a high 
 degree, ornament with health and pleasure ; 
 and to enhance the enjoyments of the place, 
 the English and French reading-room, the 
 3hakspeare gallery, and the theatre, offer 
 ready amusement to the mind ; while the 
 mechanic-hall, the London hotel, and the 
 New-York gardens present instant refresh- 
 ment to the body. Though the trees are but 
 young, and of few years growth, the park 
 may be pronounced an elegant and improv- 
 ing place;. 
 
 3. Ranelagh, 
 
 This house and garden has generally been 
 known by the name of Mount Pitt. It is situ- 
 ated about the junction of Grand-street with 
 Division-street, near Corlear's-hook. From 
 the front of this hotel is an extensive pros- 
 pect of the city, and the eastern and souther^ 
 
156 
 
 parts of the harbour. The adjoining grounds 
 are shady and agreeable. At a short dis- 
 tance in front, are the ruins of a battery, 
 erected during the revolutionary war, on the 
 hill behind Belvidere, On these mouloer- 
 ing raraparts, there is a pleasant walk and 
 prospect ; and behind Ranelagh, are consi- 
 derable remains of that entrenchment made 
 by the enemy in 1781, across the island from 
 Corlear's hook by Bayard's Hill to Lispen- 
 ard's Brewery, to defend the city and garri- 
 son against the American army. The draw- 
 ing of these fortified lines from river to 
 river, was chiefly occasioned by the immi- 
 nent danger in which the British army was 
 placed, during the rigorous winter of 1780 ; 
 when the rivers were incrusted with solid 
 bridges of ice, their navy of no use, and 
 their whole rear exposed to assault and inva- 
 sion. But these entrenchments were left in 
 an unfinished condition ; for the treaty of 
 peace was concluded before their completion* 
 
 4. VauxhalL 
 
 This fashionable place of resort is in the 
 Bowery road, not quite two miles from the 
 city-hall. The garden is laid out with taste. 
 The walks are agreeably disposed, and strew- 
 ed with gravel. Their sides are adorned 
 
157 
 
 with sjhrubs, trees, busts and statues. In 
 the middle is a large equestrian ^figure of 
 Washington. The orchestra built among 
 the trees, gives to the band of music and 
 singing voices, a charming effect on sum- 
 mer evenings. Within this inclosure, the 
 large apparatus for fire-works, the artificial 
 mound of earth to view them from, the nu-- 
 merous booths and boxes for the accommo- 
 dation of company, refreshments of every 
 kind, and above all, the buildings and scene- 
 ry for public entertainment during the sus- 
 pension of dramatic exercises in the great 
 theatre at the park, are all of them proofs of 
 Mr. Delacroix's zeal and success to gratify 
 the public. 
 
 Academy of the Fine Arts. 
 
 While Robert R. t,ivingston, esq. was 
 acting minister plenipotentiary of the Uni- 
 ted States in France, (1801) he conceived 
 the design of establishing an Academy of Fine 
 Arts in Nev/-York. In consequence of sug- 
 gestions made by him, a subscription was 
 opened for raising a sum of money to obtain 
 statues and paintings for the instruction of 
 artists. Copies in plaister have been procur- 
 ed, of some of the finest pieces which have 
 o 
 
158 
 
 reached us from the hands of the ancient 
 sculptors. The Fighting Gladiator, the Ro- 
 man Senator, the reclining Hermaphrodite, 
 the Laocoon Groupe, the Jupiter Tonans, Ni- 
 obe, Socrates, and a multitude of others, 
 make up this part of the collection. After- 
 wards, the Emperor made a present to the 
 academy, of twenty-four 'arge volumes of 
 Italian prints, and several port-folios of draw- 
 ings. These works of taste and genius are 
 kept in the spacious apartment over the col- 
 lector's office, in the custom-house, where 
 m^ay also be seen a very striking likeness of 
 the founder himself, painted as large as the 
 life, in oil-colours. 
 
 TOURS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF 
 NEW-YORK. 
 
 1. To New Utrecht, 
 
 This is the nearest place for sea-bathing and 
 air. It is a commodious house for lodging 
 and entertainment, a little below the Narrows, 
 in King's-countv, on Long-island. The best 
 road to it, is from the village of Brooklyn, 
 through Flatbush. On the road thither, the 
 traveller may note several things connected 
 
159 
 
 with the history of the revokition. On Brook- 
 lyn heights, a Httle to the westward of the 
 road, are the remains of a large fort, began 
 towards the close of the war, and nearly finish- 
 ed. The fascines and labour were chiefly fur- 
 nished by the Long-Island militia, who were 
 assessed by companies or certain quotas of 
 the materials and service. In the middle of 
 the fort was a well, of more than a hundred 
 feet deep ; and near the bottom, the diggers 
 passed through a stratum of sand, mixed with 
 sea-shells. From this fortification, it was in- 
 tended to command the city. Governor's- Isl- 
 and, and the harbour, as well as the neck or 
 peninsula of Brooklyn, on which it stands. 
 
 A little further, on the right, the remains of 
 an American redoubt, called Cobblehill, erect- 
 ed in 1776, arc to be seen. To the southward 
 of this, are the salt-marshes, mill-ponds, and 
 creeks of Guanos, which impeded the retreat 
 of part of our army in that campaign, and were 
 fatal to some of those who attempted to cross 
 those muddy bottoms, at high water. It was 
 on the south side of this creek, that Generals 
 Sterling and Sullivan were taken prisoners by 
 the enemy, in 1776. 
 
 IVoceeding along towards Flatbush, is seen 
 the small hilly ridge, on which some skirmish- 
 ing took place, between the two armies under 
 Washington and Howe, about the end of Au- 
 
160 
 
 gust, 1 776. This is part of that spine or ele- 
 vation of ground, which runs through the 
 island, on the north side of the great plains, 
 from New Utrecht to Southhold. 
 
 At Flatbush there is a flourishing and re- 
 spectable academy, called Erasmus -Hall. 
 Boys are educated in common and classical 
 learning, and regularly prepared for the high- 
 er studies of the college and university. 
 
 This village is the county town. The pri- 
 son and court-house are here. Many of its 
 inhabitants are industrious and wealthy farm- 
 ers, who enrich their lands with street manure 
 and ashes from the city, and raise gi-eat crops 
 of grain and grass. Hereabout may be seen 
 some of the most productive agriculture in the 
 state, or perhaps in any part of the union. 
 
 The principal inhabitants of this county, are 
 descendants of the Dutch settlers, who first 
 encroached upon the natives, in these parts. 
 They have Dutch preaching in some of the re- 
 ligious meeting-houses, and many families 
 learn no other language, until they are old 
 enough to go abroad. But there are no Dutch 
 schools, and, consequently, the language is on 
 the decline. 
 
 The tavern at Bath^ where the tourist goe?; 
 for accommodation, is situated near the place 
 where the British army landed in 1 776. After 
 the arrival of the fleet, the troops were fjst 
 
161 
 
 9 
 
 disembarked on Staten- Island ; but a few days 
 refreshment having been given them, they 
 were taken across the Narrows, and put ashore 
 . on Long-Islanil. From this place, they march- 
 ed up to Brooklyn, Bushwick, Newtown, and 
 Whitestone, whence they were ferried over, as 
 the Americans retreated, to the citv of New- 
 York, to Kip's bay, to Horn's hook, and to 
 Throg's neck. 
 
 At this place, there is a broad view of the 
 Atlantic Ocean, intercepted to the south and 
 eastward only by Sandy-Hook and the light- 
 house, and by Coney- Island and Gravesend 
 point. Nothing can exceed the fine quality of 
 the salt-water for bathing ; nor the freshness of 
 the southern breezes for invigoration. To in- 
 crease the pleasures of the place, both the gun- 
 ner and the angler may find his appropriate 
 game. 
 
 2. Tour to Rockaxvaij^ 
 
 The route to Rockaway is from Brooklyn 
 through the village of Jamaica, situated twelve 
 miles to the eastward, in Queen's county. You 
 may travel thither along the old road, through 
 Bedford, and by the half-way house. But a 
 more agreeable and instructive route is by the 
 new- road, over the Wallabogt bridge, through 
 Bushwick and Newtown to Jamaica. 
 02 
 
162 
 
 The mill-pond over which this bridge passes, 
 belongs to the national navy-yard. In or- 
 der to effect it, an act of congress was first ob- 
 tained, granting permission to construct the 
 bridge, and then an act of the state legislature, 
 to incorporate the company. The road from 
 Newtown and Flushing, is shortened 2 or 
 2 1-2 miles by it, and is not so heavy and 
 sandy. 
 
 The navy-yard is inclosed with a stout fence^ 
 There is a marine guard there, to take care of 
 the timber, vessels and public stores. Near 
 the navy-yard wharf, lie the remains of thfi 
 celebrated British prison-ship the Jersey, on 
 board which upwards of 10,000 of the flower 
 of the American youth were starved and poi- 
 soned to death by the enemy. These unfor- 
 tunate victims of the revolution were buried on 
 the adjacent shore, and in digging down the 
 bank, a few years ago, to make wharves and 
 building sites, a vast quantity of their bones 
 were dislodged and strev/ed over the shore. 
 They were, however, collected by Capt. John 
 Jackson, the proprietor of the neighbouring 
 land, and re-interred at his expense, in a man- 
 ner that does honour to his heart and feelings. 
 It is meditated to set on foot a subscription^ 
 for a monument Qver their common grave. 
 
163 
 
 Capt. Freneau, who was coniined both on 
 board the hospital and prison-ships, in this 
 place, has celebrated them in verse. 
 
 The Prison Ships. 
 
 The various horrors of these hulks to tell, 
 Tiiese Prison-Ships where pain and penance dwell. 
 Where death in tenfold vengeance holds his reign» 
 And injur'd ghosts, yet unaveng'd, complain ; 
 This be my task — 
 
 Two hulks on Hudson's stormy bosom lie. 
 Two, on the East attract the pitying eye — 
 There, the black Scorpion at her moorings rides, 
 There, swings Strombolo, yielding to the tides ; 
 Here, bulky Jersey fills a larger space. 
 And Hunter, to all hospitals disgrace — 
 Thou, Scorpion, fatal to thy crowded throng. 
 Dire theme of sorrows and Plutonian song, 
 Requir'st my lay — thy sultry decks I know. 
 And all the torments that exist below ! 
 The briny wave that Hudson*s bosom fills 
 Dripp'd through her bottom in a thousand rills ; 
 Rotten and old, e'erfiU'd with sighs and groans. 
 
 No masts or sails these crowded shlp^ adorn. 
 Dismal to view, neglected and forlorn ; 
 Here, mighty ills oppress'd th' imprison'd throng. 
 Dull were our slumbers, and our nights were Iong-~. 
 From morn to eve along- the decks we lay, 
 Scorch'd into fevers by the solar r^y. 
 
 Wallabogt is so called from the Dutch 
 words Waallen^ Walloons, and Bogt cove ; 
 and, therefore, means Walloon- cove. It was 
 
164 
 
 so named from the Walloons, or Dutch pro- 
 tt^stants of French extraction, who first settled 
 there, and whose names and descendants still 
 remain. They emigrated from the banks of the 
 river Waal in the Netherlands. 
 
 Newtown is famous for its pippins. Its 
 wood was greatly consumed bv the enemy, 
 du^ring the war ; and the inhabitants now make 
 great use of the peat from an extensive bog in 
 the vicinity, for fuel.- At this village, there is a 
 Dutch, a presbyterian, and an anglican church. 
 In Jamaica, there are three similar religious 
 houses ; and an academy for the education of 
 youth. This was formerly the county town 
 m Queen's county, but the court-house havin'^ 
 been burned, it was determined to build a new 
 one, nearer the geographical centre of the 
 county. In pursuance of this determination, 
 they constructed it further eastward, in North 
 Hempstead, on the north side of the great 
 plains. During the yellow fever at the city, 
 in 1702, the legislature adjourned thence to 
 Jamaica, to hold the sessions. 
 
 South of Jamaica is beaver pond, round 
 which there have been many horse-races. 
 Since the law passed discouraging that exer- 
 cise, this place has been less frequented by 
 jockies, and sportsmen of the turf, thau 
 formerlv^ 
 
165 
 
 About seven miles east of Jamaica, begins 
 the prairie or savanna, calUd Hempstead -plavu 
 It is about twenty miles long and three wide. 
 It was naturally, or, at least, when the Euro- 
 peans arrived, bare of trees, but covered with 
 shrubbery and long grass. These have chiefl}^ 
 disappeared, except some andromedas, and 
 plants of a smaller growth, on account of the 
 vast herds of catde and flocks of sheep with 
 which it is pastured. These animals eat the 
 plants very close, and give to this fine and neg- 
 lected tract of land a barren appearance. It is 
 not a common, appurtenant to the adjoining 
 villages ; but is a body of undivided land, be- 
 longing to the heirs and assigns of certain ori- 
 ginal patentees. And the owners are now so 
 numerous and dispersed, that it is impossible 
 to settle the titles and quotas, or to do any 
 thing with it as property to be held in several- 
 ty. Individuals, however, encroach upon it 
 in all directions, and are rapidly converting 
 possessions into titles. 
 
 This plain is a noted resort of plover, and 
 great numbers of these savoury birds are shot 
 every year. 
 
 At Rockaway there is a great scope for ex- 
 ercise on foot, on horseback, or in carriages ; 
 as the country is very level, and free from 
 stones. There is as fine bathing in the surf, as 
 
166 
 
 is found in any place upon earth. And there 
 are several houses of shelter, on the sea-side, 
 for the accommodation of ladies and valetudi- 
 narians. At lovv'-water, the surf-side of the 
 beach is an excellent bottom to ride upon, and 
 is equal to a turnpike road. 
 
 1 he prospect of the unruffled ocean, is su- 
 perb. All the vessels going in and out of New- 
 York harbour, pass in sight. The lighthouse 
 at Sandy-Hook, and the Neversunk hills are 
 full in view. And the roaring and impetuosi- 
 ty of the waves, is sometimes truly sublime- 
 In the adjoining bay, plenty of king-fish, sheep's 
 head, and black-fish are to be taken, both in 
 the seine and with the hook. And the variety 
 of snipes, ducks, and plover, affoixls high gra- 
 tification to shooting marksmen. During the 
 warm season, a stage is kept regularly running 
 from Brooklyn through Jamaica to Rockaway. 
 
 3. Tour to Is lip. 
 
 Instead of visiting Rockaway, you may tra- 
 vel strait onward to Hempstead village. This 
 is one of the original English settlements ; and 
 among the records of this town, there is the 
 original copy of the code of laws passed for the 
 temporary government of the province, called 
 
167 
 
 the Duke's, or the Duke of York's lavvs."^" It is 
 said, they were passed at Hempstead. Here 
 was formerly an excellent school, kept by the 
 Kev. Mr. Cutting, an accomplished classical 
 scholar. 
 
 * Extracts from the Duke of York's laws, enacted 
 about 1665, for ihe government of the province of New- 
 York, immediately r.ftcr its surrender by tlie Dutch. 
 The duke's laws are contained in two folio books, of 
 moderate size. One of them is somewhat torn, and 
 several leaves are wanting-. A number of the orders 
 ;u*e subscribed in the proper hand- writing- of Matthias 
 Nicolls, as secretary to the governor and court of as- 
 iiizes, who then possessed the legislative power. At 
 the end of the second volume are some alterations, 
 amendments, and additions, made at New- York, near 
 the end. of September and beginning of October, 1665, 
 in the g-eneral court of assizes. These are subscribed 
 by the governor, Richard Nicholls, at Fort James, 
 on. the 30th of October, 1665. At that time, Nan- 
 tucket, Marthi's Vineyard, Nomai^.'s l.and, and the 
 Elizabeth Islands, were considered as lying within the 
 3>iLke's Patent, and erected into a count}', called Duke 
 Couirty. ' And another county, called Cornwall, was 
 *^rected at Pcmiquid, as belonging to New- York. The 
 few following extracts will show the spirit of the times. 
 
 Bond-Slauery.'^No christian shall be kept In bond- 
 Rlauery, villenage or captivity, except svich wl)o sliall 
 be judjg«d thereunto by authority ; or such as willingly 
 have sold ov shall sell themselves ; in \yiilcJi case, a 
 record of such servitude shall be entered i;>. a court of 
 Kcsslon.s held for that jurisdiction, wiieic such mas' 
 ters shall inhabit: Provided, that notliir.L;- in this law 
 contained, shall be to the prejudice of masters or duraes. 
 
168 
 
 The Hempstead patent was granted in 1644, 
 by the Dutch governor Kieft. It was after- 
 wards confirmed, in 1685, by governor Don- 
 gan, acting in behalf of the Duke of York. 
 This Duke of York was in the battle between 
 
 who haue or shall, by any Indenture or covenant, take 
 apprentices for terme of yeares, or other servants for 
 terme of yeares or life. 
 
 Capitall Lavjes. — 1. If any person within this g-overn- 
 ment, shall, by direct, express, impious, or presump- 
 tuous wayes, "deny the true God, and his attributes, he 
 shall be put to death. 2. If any person shall commit 
 any wilful or premeditated murder, he shall be put to 
 death. 3. If any person slayeth another, with sword 
 or dag-ger, who hath no weapon to defend himself, he 
 shall be put to death. 4. If anyone shall slay, or cause 
 another to be slain, by lying in waite privily for him, or 
 by poysoning-, or by any such wicked conspiracy, he 
 shall be put to death. 5. If any man or woman shall lye 
 with another beast or bruit creature, by carnall copu- 
 lation, they shall be put to death, and the beast shall 
 be burned. 6. If any man lyeth with mankijide, as he 
 lyeth with woman, they both shall be put to death, un- 
 less the one party were forced, or be under fourteen 
 yeares of ag-e, in which case, he shall be punished at 
 rhe discretion of the court of assizes. 7. If any person 
 forcibly stealcth, or carrycth away, any man or man- 
 kinde, he shall be put to death. 8. If any person bearti 
 false witness maliciously, and on purpose to take 
 away a man's life, he shall be put to death. 9. If any 
 man shall traiterously deny his majesty's right and title 
 to his crownes and dominions, or shall raise armes to 
 resist his authority, he shall be put to death. 10. If any 
 man shall treacherously conspire, or publickly attempt 
 
169 
 
 the Dutch and English fleets at Solbay, in 
 167^, when the former was commanded by the 
 celebrated De Kuyter. James is said to have 
 first invented the art ol giving orders at sea, 
 by means of the various movements of flags, 
 
 to invade or surprize any towne or townes, fort or forts, 
 within this government, he shall be put to death. 11. 
 Ifanychilde or children, above sixteen yeares of ag'e, 
 and of sufficient understanding, shall smite their natural 
 father or mother, (unless there unto provoked, and 
 forc't for their self-preservation from death, or maim- 
 ing) at the complaint of the father or mother, (and not 
 otherwise) they bringing sufficient witnesses thereof, 
 that childe, or those children, so offending, shall be put 
 to death. 12. Every marryed person or persons, who 
 shall bee found, or proved by confession of partyes, or 
 sufficient testimony, to have committed adidtery with a 
 marryed man or woman, shall be put to death. Eve- 
 ry single person or persons, who shall bee found, or 
 prov'd by confession of partyes, or sufficient testimony, 
 to have committed carnal copulation with a marryed 
 man or woman, they both shall be grievously fined and 
 punish't, as the governor and councell, or the court of 
 assizes, shall thinke meete, not extending to life or 
 member. 
 
 Chirurgion, Midvjities, Physicia7is. — That no person or 
 persons whatever, employed at any time about the 
 bodys of men, women, or children, for preservation of 
 life or health, as chirurgions, midwiues, physicians, or 
 others, presume to exercise, or put forth, any act, con- 
 trary to the known approved rule of art, in each mystery, 
 or occupation, or exercise any force, violence, orcruelty, 
 upon or towards the body of any, whether young or old, 
 without the advice and consent of such a$ are skilful in 
 P 
 
170 
 
 He succeeded his brother, Charles II. as Kiii^ 
 of England. While Duke of York, he had 
 been initiated into the order of Jesuits. He 
 was received, after his abdication of the Eng- 
 lish throne, in 1688, by Louis XIV. and sup- 
 
 tbe same art, (if such may be liad) or at least of some 
 of the wisest and i^rauest then present, and consent ol" 
 the patient or patients, if they bee mentis compotes, 
 much less contrary to such advice and consent, upoii 
 such severe punishment as the nature of the fact may 
 deserve ; which law, nevertheless, is not intended to 
 discourage any from all lawfull use of their skill, but ra- 
 ther to encourag-e and direct tliem in the rig-ht use there- 
 of, and to inhiioit and restraine tlic presimiptuous arro- 
 gance of such, as through confidence of their own skill, 
 or any other sinister respects, dare boldly attempt to 
 exercise any violence upon, or towards, the body of 
 young or old, one or other, to the prejudice or hazard 
 of the life or limbe of man, v*'oman, or child. 
 
 Condemned. — That no man condemned to dye, shall 
 be put to death within some dayes next after his con- 
 demnation, unlesse the governour see speciall cause to 
 tile contrary, or in case of martiall law, and the person 
 executed shall bee buryed neare the place of execution. 
 
 Fornication. — If any man oommit fornication with a 
 single person, they shall both be punished bjenjoyning 
 marriage, tine, or corporall punishment, or any of these, 
 according to the discretion of the court. 
 
 Forgery. — If any person shall forge any deede, or con- 
 veyance, testament, bond, bill, release, acquittance, 
 letter of attorney, or any writing to prevent equity and 
 justice, he .ihaU stand in ths pillory three several court- 
 
171 
 
 por Led until his death, by that monarch. He 
 died at St. Germains, in 1700. The grant 
 was to John Jackson, and his associates, six 
 of whom are named in the patent. 1 here is a 
 quii-rent reserved of twenty bushels of wheat 
 
 dayes, and render double damages to the party wrong- 
 ed, and also be disabled to give any evidence or ver- 
 dict to any court or magistrate. 
 
 Horses and Mares. — No mares shall be transported 
 out of this government, either to the Barbados, Vir- 
 ginia, or any other remote or foreigne plantation, with- 
 out special license, under the penalty of the forfeiture 
 of the mare or mares, so shipt for transportation. 
 
 Innkeepers and Ordinaryes. — No licensed person shall 
 unreasonably exact upon his guests, for any sort of en- 
 tertainment ; and no man shall be compelled to pay 
 above eight pence a meale, (with small beere only) un- 
 less the guest shall make other agreement with the per- 
 son so licensed. Every person licensed to keep an or-^ 
 dinary, shall always be provided of strong- and whole- 
 some beere, of fower bushels of malt at least to a 
 hogshead, which hee shall not sell at above two pence 
 the quart, under the penalty of twenty shillings for the 
 first offence, forty shillings for the second and loss of 
 license. It is permitted to any to sell beere out of 
 doorcs, at a penny the ale-quart or under. 
 
 Indyans. — No purchase of lands from Indyans, after 
 the first day of March, 1664, shall be esteemed a good 
 title, without leave first had and obtained from the go- 
 vernour. The purchaser shall bring the sachem and 
 right owner of such lands before the governour, to 
 acknowledge satisfaction and payment for the said 
 
172 
 
 yearly, then valued at four pounds. Hence il 
 is evident that, ^ the date of the patent, money 
 was so dear, that half a dollar would buy a 
 bushel of wheat. Thus the settlemm. of the 
 town began and progressed, each of the aseo- 
 
 lands, whereupon they shall have a grant from the g-o- 
 veniour. And the purchase so made and prosecuted is 
 to be entered upon the records in the office, and from 
 that time to be vallid to all intents and purposes. No 
 Indyart, whatsoever, shall, at any time, bee suffered to 
 povvow, or performe outward worship to the divill, in 
 any towne within this government. 
 
 A Provision to supply the defect of Lawes. — In regard it 
 is almost impossible to prnide sufficient lawes in all 
 cases, or proper punishments for all crimes, the court 
 of sessions shall not ti.ke finlher cognizance of any case 
 or crime, where there is not provision made in some 
 law, but to rem.t the case or crime, with the due 
 examination uml proofes, to the next court of assizes, 
 ■where matters of eouity shall be decided, or punish- 
 ments awarded, acca:ding- to the discretion of the 
 bench, and not contrary to the knowne lawes of Engi> 
 land. 
 
 Marriages. — After providing that persons about to 
 marry, shull piirge tlicmselves by oath before the minis- 
 ter or justice, that ihey are noc under the bonds of 
 matrimony to any other person living, the statute goes 
 on to declare, that if it shall happen it bee after proved, 
 either or both of the parties are perjured, and tb.ereby 
 attayn a double marriage ; for the said perjury, the par- 
 ty or partyes offending, shall be bored thro the tongue 
 with a red hot iron, and, moreover, proceeded against 
 as i» cases of perjury is provided. But, if either party 
 
i/0 
 
 ciatcs tLiking up certain tracts of land, and pay- 
 ing a p(7rtion of the expenses incurred by sur- 
 veys and patent fees, &c. Things went on at 
 this rate, until the year 1 722, when all the as- 
 sociates, named in the patent of confirmation, 
 
 be proved innocent, as to him or her selfe, and igno- 
 rant of the other's fraud, the innocent person shall re- 
 cover damage against the nocent part}', and be set at 
 liberty, as if no such marriage had byn made. 
 
 No man shall harbour, conceale, ordetayne, contra- 
 ry to the consent of the husband, any married woman, 
 upon penalty of live shillings, for every hour that such 
 married woman remains under his roofe, after demand 
 made by her husband, at the dwelling-house where his 
 wife is so harboured, concealed, or detayned : Pro- 
 vided al waves, that any woman, flying from the bar- 
 barous crualty of her husband to the house of the con- 
 stable, or one of the overseers of the same parish, may 
 be protected by them, in the manner that is directed 
 for servants in such cases, and not otherwise. 
 
 Wok-es. — If any person, either christian or Indyan, 
 shall, at any time, bring the head of a wolf or wolves, 
 to any constable upon Long-Island, the said constable 
 is required to call two of the overseers to him, and then 
 and there to pay and satisfie such person or persons to 
 the value of an Indian coate, (ten shillings) to be al- 
 lowed out of the public charge, in the town rates ; pro- 
 vided always, that the constable or overseers shall re- 
 quire the oath of such christian, who brings the heade 
 of a wolfe or wolves, that he killed the same wolfe or 
 v.-olves, with the tyme and circumstances, upon Long- 
 Island onely : provided also, the constable and overseers 
 have due regard to such wolfe or wolves, brought by 
 the Indvan, that they appear to be fresh and newly killr 
 P 2 " 
 
174 
 
 being dead but Jackson, he made a cftnveyattci 
 of the several tracts of land to the associates 
 by name, mentioning only those who had paid 
 their quotas of charges. Thus they became 
 secure in their titles, not only of what they ac- 
 tually possessed, but of the meadows, plains, 
 and other undivided lands in the town. Va- 
 rious attempts have been made, from time to 
 time, in town-meetings and otherwise, to ob* 
 tain a partition of these undivided portions of 
 land ; but they have all been ineffectual. And 
 
 ed, with circumstances, upon Long-Island and not else- 
 where. The constable and overseers are to cause the 
 heades to be nayled over the doore of the constable, 
 there to remahi, as also to cutt of both the eares, in to- 
 ken that the heade is bought and payed for. 
 
 Whales. — Any whale, or such like great fish, upon the 
 shore of any precinct, shall be taken into the care of 
 any justice of the peace, mayor, sheriff, high or petty 
 constable, to be kept, or improved where it cannot be 
 kept, and by such officers onely, untill the governour 
 and counsell, after notice sent, shall give further order 
 therein. 
 
 (When this body of laws was enacted, the principal 
 settlement of the province, besides the cities of New* 
 York, Albany, and Schenectady, was Long-Island. 
 This was then called Yorkshire ; and like Yorkshire in' 
 England, distributed into three ridings, the east, north, 
 and west, corresponding to the three counties of Suf- 
 folk, Queen's, and King's, into which it is now di- 
 vided.) 
 
175 
 
 thus they remain to this day. They are not 
 commons to the whole inhabitants, but undi- 
 vided lands, belonging to the heirs, successors, 
 and assigns of the original associates. So that 
 41 years elapsed from the granting of the 
 Dutch patent by Kieft, to the confirmation by 
 Dongan. And 37 years from that time before 
 Jackson, the survivor of the original grantees, 
 executed the deed of conveyance, naming the 
 Associates. 
 
 Passing from this village to Thomas Sea- 
 man^s in the Brushij plains at Half-hollow-hills, 
 you find yourself on the grouse ground of Suffolk 
 county. After passing from the naked plains,you 
 enter the shrubby oaks and pines, which form 
 the brushy plains. Amidst these thickets live 
 the heath-hens. And guides are to be procur- 
 ed at several of the houses on the road, to car* 
 ry strangers to their haunts. 
 
 I'raveliing eastward to Islip, the angler may 
 amuse himself in catching the large trout of the 
 brooks, &c. may ride to Rockonkama pond, 
 near the middle of the island, and take yellow 
 perch ; or he may venture into the south bay, 
 in quest of the same kinds of fish that Rocka- 
 way affords. 
 
 Should the traveller incline to hunt deer, he 
 may be gratified by making up a party and 
 proceeding a few miles further eastward. Fix- 
 ihg themselves in convenient stations with 
 
176 
 
 loaded guns, the hunters wait the arrival of the 
 deer, alarmed and driven along by others of 
 the company who scare them with hounds. 
 As the deer pass, the hunters shoot and kill 
 as many as they can. 
 
 Patchagae, 12 miles farther, was former- 
 ly the rendezvous of the Blue-point oyster- 
 men. The quantities of ovsters carried 
 from the bay near the settlement, for more 
 than thirty years, has been enormous. Lat- 
 terly, hov/ever, they have failed remarka- 
 bly ; and oysters are at present nearlv as 
 dear at Patchague, as they are at New- York. 
 Pvlulford's was formerly a house at which 
 they might be got fried, in excellent order. 
 
 Should the expedition be undertaken in 
 October and later, when the brent and wild 
 geese arrive froni the northward, the oppor- 
 tunities of killing them, and many smaller 
 water fowl, at Smith's point in Mastick^ sur- 
 pass every thing, perhaps, that any part of 
 the island affords. The .lights of them seem 
 innumerable and endless j and there are 
 some stations, from which the gunners assail 
 them v/ith shot at a most destructive rate. 
 
 For the information of travellers, it is 
 proper to state, that there is an act in force, 
 for '\*he preservation of heath-hens and 
 other game," which was passed the 15th 
 Pebiuary, 1791. 
 
177 
 
 This statute makes it penal to kill any 
 heath-hen, within Queen's or Suffolk coun« 
 ties, or any partridge, quail or woodcock, 
 within Queen's, King's, or New-York coun- 
 ties, between the following lines, to wit : 
 heath-hen, partridge and quail, are pro- 
 tected by the law, from the 1st April, to the 
 5th October, and woodcock, from 20th Feb- 
 ruary, to 1st July, annually. They who 
 violate the law, by killing these birds within 
 the prohibited season, forfeit 2 1-2 dollars 
 for each heath-hen or partridge, and five- 
 eighihs of a dollar for every quail or wood- 
 cock, with costs. Any of these birds found 
 in possession of any person, is considered as 
 proof of the killing by him. Actions triable by 
 justices of the peace in the respective coun- 
 ties ; and the bringing them limited to three 
 months. But as this excellent law was often 
 violated, the friends to the principle of it 
 have Associated themselves into a society, 
 called the Brush Cliib^ for the purpose of 
 detecting poachers and interlopers, and pro- 
 secuting them to conviction. 
 
 There is also a special act, passed in 1788, 
 " to prevent the destruction of deer.'' They 
 are forbidden to be killed in January, Febru- 
 ary, March, April, May, June and July, 
 under a penalty of 7 1-2 dollars for each deer 
 so killed, contrary to the meaning of the 
 
178 
 
 kiv/. Fresh deer-skin, or venison, found in 
 any person's possession, is prima facie evi- 
 dence against si^ch possessor, and he shall 
 be adjudged guilty, unless he proves that 
 some other person was truly the killer. Per- 
 sons killing deer, by setting traps, sharp 
 sticks, or spears of iron, or digging pits for 
 catching deer, or watching in thenight time, 
 for the purpose of shooting deer, within 
 thirty rods of any road or highway, are fine- 
 able for each offence 25 dollars. The forests 
 of Suffolk county, furnish vast quantities of 
 v.ood for the consumption of the city. Land 
 ^hat has been cleared of its growth of oak, 
 5s found ;: furnish another crop fit for fuel, in. 
 48 or 50 yeais. 
 
 4. Tojr to Passaick Falls. 
 
 You are to cross the Hudson from Court- 
 landt-street ferry, and pass over to Powles- 
 hook. Yoi: may carry horses and carriages 
 over With vou, or you may take seats in one 
 of the ordinary lines of stages as far as New- 
 ark. Then you may make such further ar- 
 rangement as you please, in a village where 
 there is no difficulty in j^rocuring the means 
 of conveyance. But a better method than 
 either, if several are going together^ is, to 
 make an agreement with one of the stage of- 
 fices in New-York, a day or two before-hand^ 
 
179 
 
 for a carriage to meet you from Newark, 
 with a single or double team as yo'i may 
 wish it, and to be on the ground at Oowles- 
 hook, at the precise day and hour ) ou may 
 name ; and for tlie stipulated price you may 
 agree upon. The proprietors or some of 
 their connexions will do thii,. By this plan, 
 you are sure to have a carriage and horses 
 immediately at your dispcsai. Your party 
 may be exactly accommodated as to their 
 persons and baggage, if they take any, and 
 you proceed on your expedition without loss 
 of time. Some persons who are fond of ac- 
 tive exercise, go to Newark on foot, a dis- 
 tance of only eight miles, 
 
 Powles-hook is a peninsula, beset witii 
 creeks and salt meadows. It was one of the 
 British out-posts during the revolutionary 
 war, when New- York was a garrison. Yet, 
 strong as the works were at that time, and 
 difficult of access, by reason of the mud and 
 marsh, the American troops took it by sur- 
 prise^ and made the guards prisoners. This 
 brave party was commanded by colonel Lee, 
 of the Virginia line. 
 
 This place has been much improved with- 
 in a fev/ years, under the auspices of a com- 
 pany, who have began a settlement, which 
 they call the city of Jersey. Formerly the 
 passage from Powles-hook to Bergen, was 
 
180 
 
 through a slough ; but it is now a fine smooth 
 road. The rivers Hackinsack and Passaick 
 were, until about fifteen years ago, passed 
 in flats at ferries ; but since that time, trav- 
 ellers cross them on bridges, for the payment 
 of a toll prescribed by law. Bergen is a 
 Dutch settlement, being part of new Nether- 
 lands. The inhabitants have retained to 
 this day, much of the language, manners 
 and customs of their forefathers. 
 
 The causeways from Bergen to Newark 
 have shared in a full proportion, the improve- 
 ments of the present time. They are ele- 
 vated more above the rise of spring tides ; 
 they are smoother and better than they used 
 to be, and undergo more seasonable repairs.. 
 The meadows on each side abound in plants, 
 with which the florist and botanist will be 
 delighted. And this swampy region, which 
 the plough and hoe never disturb, will long 
 be the soil in which our indigenous plants 
 will vegetate. In the latter part of summer 
 or beginning of autumn, the andromeda and 
 hibiscus on each side of the road, are some« 
 times very frequent and beautiful. To the 
 northward, is a solitary mountain, called 
 Snake-hill ; and to the southward, Nezuark- 
 bay which is a shallow body of water, form- 
 ed by the junction of the Hackinsack and 
 Passaick, at their entrance into Staten-island 
 
181 
 
 Sound, a little to the northward o{ Elizabeth' 
 tozvn, 
 
 Newark is one of the most beautiful and 
 thriving villages in the United States — It 
 is tamous for its quarries of reddish sand- 
 stone ; great quantities are exported to 
 New-York ; and for its fine cider, which is 
 known all over the nation. It is also re- 
 markable for its manufacture of leather and 
 riding carriages. A number of beautiful 
 villas are seen in its vicinity. An academy, 
 a bank, a presbyterian and an episcopal 
 church, are among its public edifices. 
 
 Proceeding from Newark to the north- 
 ward, you have a delightful ride along the 
 west side of the Passaick. Scarcely any 
 thing can exceed this for rural beauty and 
 variety. Travelling in this direction about 
 18 miles, you arrive at the village (of TotO' 
 wai]^ as it used to be called) of Patterson, 
 where the operations of the great national 
 manufacturing society were carried on in 
 1790, '91, and '92. The company spent a 
 large sum of money in blowing rocks, digg- 
 ing canals, erectii:g buildings, and carryii-g 
 on cotton works at this place ; and finally 
 wound up their concerns, and dissolved 
 themselves with almost a total loss of their 
 stock. Many remains of their works are \ et 
 to be seen j and they form no small or in* 
 
182 
 
 different part of the objects of the traveller's 
 attention. 
 
 Not far above the village is the highly 
 picturesque cataract which the Passaick 
 forms in descending from the top to the bot- 
 tom of the precipice formed by a chasm be- 
 tween the rocks. There is a great deal of 
 rare and sublime scenery hereabout. Rain- 
 bows often appear amidst the spray, when 
 the sun shines. The peculiar appearance of 
 this great work of nature, has been deline- 
 ated by several artists ; but by none so well 
 as Mr. Archibald Robc-rtson, of New-York. 
 His represf ntcition of it is admirable — on an 
 alburn at the inn, you may write your name 
 and your reflections. 
 
 On your return you may pass the bridge 
 cit Ac quack ano nek, and visit Schuyler\s cop^ 
 .fr.r mine^ ^vriich was profitaljlv v>orkod be- 
 fore th'i revolution. But aUhcugh attempts 
 h,*v^ been made to re-establish the works 
 since the war, the adventurers have not been 
 very surceisfal. The shafts, the engine, a 
 parcel of refuse on , and several pieces of 
 j\iacl.inery and apparatus, are still to be 
 seen* 
 
 Aft-r surveying these woiks, you may 
 
 T-^i ; ) on a cross-road, which leads you by 
 
 .>' ni ric^e to the main causeway, about 
 
 bd of the distance from the bridge 
 
183 
 
 over the Passaick to that over the Hackhi- 
 aack. And to diversify your excursion, 
 you may return to the city by Hoboken^ the 
 beautiful residence of John Stevens, esq. 
 Between Jersev and Hoboken, you will ob- 
 serve the village and race-ground of HarsU 
 mui. This shore was formerly thie duelling 
 ground of the New-Yorkers. 
 
 5. To King^s Bridge. 
 
 This may be performed by proceedings 
 from one of the livery stables or genteel 
 boarding houses, in the lower parts of the 
 city, by the way of the Episcopal Church of 
 St. Paul's, the Theatre on the east side of 
 the Park, the brick Presbyterian Church, the 
 Dispensary, the Masonic Hall of St. John, 
 the New City-hall, the debtor's prison, 
 and the Public Arsenal, through Chatham- 
 street, one of the principal places for the re* 
 tail trade in drv goods, by the Watch-house 
 at the head of Caiharine-street, to the Bow- 
 ery road. In passing along this, you see 
 near the two mile stone, Mr. Delacroix's 
 garden called Vauxhall^ where a summer 
 Theatre is kept, and where fire-works and 
 othtr handsome exhibitions are made on 
 gala-days. A little beyond this is the Sai'- 
 lor\' snug harbour, a charitable institution 
 
184 
 
 by capt. Randall^ for the relief of poor and 
 worn out m-\rintrs« 
 
 Beyond this a little way, the ne7v building 
 fir the Manhattan company^ appears on the 
 right. This is intended to accommodate all 
 those who do business with the bank, in case 
 sickness should cause the inhabitants to quit 
 the lower wards of the city. A small dis- 
 tance beyond, on the main post road, on the 
 left is 2i powder house^ and on the right, ap- 
 pears RoseJiilU the residence of the late 
 General Gates j* at the northern aj proach 
 
 • General Gates died in March, 1806. A few days 
 before his death, he wrote to his fnend Dr. Mitchill, 
 then at Washington on some business, and closed his 
 letter, which was dated at New-York, 27th February, 
 with these memorable sentences, written with a him 
 arsd steady hand :— " 1 am very weak and have evident 
 sig'ns of an approaching' dissokition But 1 have lived 
 long enough ; since 1 have lived to see a mighty peo- 
 ple, animated with the spirit to be free, and governed 
 by transcendant abilities and honour. If from where 
 I am going, I am allowed to look down, and behold 
 the world I leave, I shall rejoice to find the United 
 States, beyond example, a great and flourishing peo- 
 ple." 
 
 A medal was struck in commemoration of the ca- 
 pitulation of general Burgoyne and the capitulation of 
 the British army, at Saratc'ga in 1777- As these are 
 very rare, a description is given of it, taken from the 
 original golden piece, struck in Paris, and valued at 
 ten half Johannes, in the general's possession. On 
 one side is a fine likeness of him in rnifle, surrounded 
 'by the words Horatio Gates, duct ttrenuo ; and at 
 
209 
 
 street, near Coarlaer's Hook. Damaged cotfee 
 Is specially prohibited. 
 
 No communication with vessels at Quaran- 
 tine is allowed without special permit, under a 
 penalty not exceeding two hundred dollars. 
 Measures are adopted to execute the law on 
 this subject with the utmost punctuality, and 
 offrnders will be most rigorously prosecuted. 
 All sick persons of whatever description, 
 found on hoard such vessels are conducted 
 to the Marine Hospital and there detained 
 till their recovt-ry or death. All vessels 
 found to be filthy or even suspected to be so, 
 are washed, cleansed, ventilated, and white- 
 washed at the Quarantine Ground, and in 
 ease of disobedience to the directions of the 
 He^^lth-Officer in this respect, the master, 
 ownrr or consignee is liable to a fine not ex- 
 ceeding one thousand dollars. All wearing 
 apparel, bedding, &c. are washed and cleans- 
 ed, or if it be thought proper, destroyed. 
 
 The foregoing may be considered as a 
 summary of the external ■preca.u.tious. The 
 internal precautions comprehend those laws 
 and regulations, which respect the removal 
 of nuisances and the preservation of cleanli- 
 ness in the city, the principal of which fol- 
 low. 
 
 No dead animal shall be left exposed in 
 any place within the first eight wards of the 
 city, under the penalty often dollars. 
 s2 
 
210 
 
 No pickled or salted beef shall be deposit- 
 ed in any place to the southward of Lispen- 
 ard's meadow and Grand-street, between the 
 1st of June and the 1st of November, under 
 a penalty not exceeding five hundred dol- 
 lars, or imprisonment for a time not exceed- 
 ing six months ; nor shall any beef or pork 
 be sold at auction within the said periods, 
 under the penalty of twenty-five dollars. 
 
 Boarding-houses shall be kept neat and 
 clean, and no more lodgers shall be admitted 
 than the City-Inspector shall think proper, 
 under the penalty of twenty-five dollars for 
 each person exceeding such number. The 
 City-Inspector or his assistant shall, likewise, 
 examine them at least once a week during 
 the summer. Persons taken sick in board- 
 ing-houses between the 1st of June and the 
 1st of November, must be reported to the 
 Health-Office, within twelve hours after they 
 are taken, under the penalty of one hundred 
 dollars, or six months' imprisonment. 
 
 All dirt and filth shall be brought out from 
 houses, cellars, alleys, yards, and lots on 
 sweeping days before ten o'clock in the morn* 
 ing, under the penalty of two dollars. 
 
 Garbage, shells and offals, shall not be cast 
 into the street, except on the morning of 
 sweeping days before 10 o'clock, under the 
 penalty of two dollars. Combustion of kitch- 
 en offals is earnestly recommended as the 
 
211 
 
 safest means to prevent the accumulation of 
 offensive and putrefactive substances. 
 
 No sexton shall inter any person who may 
 have died of a pestilential or malignant fever 
 in any place to the southward of Pump and 
 Nicholas-streets, under the penalty of one 
 hundred dollars ; nor shall they inter any 
 corpse within the above limits, except in 
 graves or vaults, at least six feet deep, and 
 ■without removing any other dead body or 
 coffin, under the same penalty. 
 
 No privy shall be emptied during the sum- 
 mer, except between the hours of eleven at 
 night and three in the morning, under the pe- 
 nalty of five dollars ; nor shall any human 
 excrements be thrown into any street, lane,> 
 alley, dock, &c. under the penalty of ten 
 dollars. 
 
 No new made ground shall be turned up 
 during the summer, under the penalty of one 
 hundred dollars. 
 
 Gutters shall be thoroughly scraped out 
 and cleansed on sweeping days, under the 
 penalty of two dollars. 
 
 Noisome, or offensive substances, shall 
 not be deposited in any place to the south- 
 ward of Grand-Street ; nor shall any pit for 
 tanners and skinners, or pool of stagnant wa- 
 ter, be allowed, except in Beekmau's Swamp, 
 under the penalty of five dollars. 
 
212 
 
 Manufactories, which emit offensive 
 smf^lls, may likewise be suspended by the 
 Board of Heahh. 
 
 Nri oysters shall be brought into or sold 
 in the city, between the Ist day of June and 
 the oOih of September, under -the penalty of 
 two dollars for every hundred. 
 
 Undressed skins, hides, blubber, &c. shall 
 not he kept to the southward and westward 
 of Catharine-street and the Fresh Water 
 Pond, under the penalty of ten dollars for 
 every 24 hours' neglect. 
 
 Putrid and unsvjLuid provisions shall be de- 
 stroyed by starting tliem into the river, or 
 otherwise, and no salted or pickled fish, ex- 
 cept smoaked, shall be kept to the southward 
 of Grand-street, between tne 1st of May and 
 the first of October, uuuer a penauy not ex- 
 ceeding iive hundred dollars, or imprison- 
 ment not exceeding six months. 
 
 Butchers bhall bruig no gut fat into the 
 market, nor the head of an}/ sheep or iamb, 
 unless the same be properly cleans: d, nor any 
 sheep or lamb in carcase or quarter with the 
 feet or trotters thereto, nor any hides or 
 skins, (calves' skins txcepteu) under the 
 penalty of two dollars. i hey shuii likewise, 
 immediaiielv after killing any animal, destroy 
 thfe offals, or convey me :?ame inio the river 
 under rhe penaitv of tweni.)-five aoliars. — 
 They shall not expose to sale any stale or 
 
189 
 
 You return from the survey of Fort Wash- 
 ington and King^s bridge to the place where 
 the Bloomingdale road appears. You then 
 take that course to town, and pass by the nu- 
 merous vilhis with which Bloomingdale is 
 adorned. 
 
 This brings you back to the main road 
 near RosehilL Thence you take the right 
 hand opening called the Abingdon road^ and 
 pursue your ride to Greenwich. This vil- 
 lage is near the Hudson on the west side of 
 the island. It is the principal retreat of the 
 inhabitants, when the city labours under lo- 
 cal and endemic fevers. By a removal two 
 or three miles, they find themselves safe 
 frv)m harm. In this place the bank of New- 
 York, and the Branch bank have buildings 
 ready to receive their officers and ministers 
 in cases of alarm from distemper. And ma- 
 ny of thfe citizens have houses and places of 
 business, to serve turn, while the sickness 
 lasts. And as this always disappears on the 
 occurrence of frost, the fugitives all return 
 to town before the cold becomes severe. At 
 this place too, you see the great penitenfwry 
 house^ erected by the commonwealth, at a 
 large expense, for the reception of criminals ; 
 thence called the State prison. It occupies 
 one of the most healthy and eligible spots on 
 the island. 
 
190 
 
 Having surveyed this thriving settlement, 
 you may return to town by the Greenwich road, 
 which will conduct you straight forward by 
 Richmond hill, St. John's Church, tht old Air 
 Furnace, the Bare market, and the Albany 
 bason, to the Battery ; or you may pro -eed by 
 the route of the public cemeterij^ or Patterns 
 field, to the upper end of Broadway, and 
 drive into town, leaving St. John's Church, 
 the new Sugar-house, the New-York Hospi- 
 tal, the College, &c, on the tight ; and Bay- 
 ard's hill, the Collect, the Manhattan water- 
 works, the County Prison for criminals, the 
 new City-hall, the Park, Theatre, &c. on the 
 left. 
 
 6. Trip to Sandtj'hook and the Sea-bass Banks, 
 
 A pleasant excursion for those who delight 
 in sailing, is frequently made to the Sea-bass 
 hanks^ a few leagues beyond the light-house. 
 
 There are several modes of being conveyed 
 thither. One is, to engage a passage on board 
 the public revenue cutter. Another is, to 
 procure accommodation in one of the pilot- 
 boats. But a third, and more easy course 
 is, for a convenient number of gentlemen to 
 charter a suitable coasting vessel or packet^ 
 to carry them a short trip to sea, and bring 
 them back again. 
 
191 
 
 (Gliding down the bay with the ebb-tide, you 
 pass betv/een the Battery and Governor's-isl- 
 and, in the great ship channel. On the other 
 side of that island, and between it and Long- 
 island, there is also a channel of considerable 
 width and depth, lliis is called Buttermilk 
 channeU Originally it was very narrow and 
 shallow ; but such have been the encroach- 
 ments of the streets and wharves, that they 
 have apparently changed the course of the wa- 
 ter, and urged it in a strong current through 
 Buttermilk channel ; deepening and enlarging 
 it so much, as to render it safe for ships of 
 gi*eat burthen to pass through it. 
 
 The island itself contains about 70 acres of 
 land. The jurisdiction has been ceded by the 
 state to the nation, for the purpose of public 
 defence. Fort Jay, a large and substantial 
 piece of military architecture, has been erected 
 on it ; and is now undergoing a complete re- 
 pair, with parapets of stone, ravalines, cur- 
 tains, half moons and slopes. When finished, 
 it will be able to command both the eastern and 
 western fronts of the city, and to annoy ene- 
 my's vessels which may attempt to pass on ei- 
 ther side of it. This is also called JSutten- 
 island. 
 
 An able and ingenious ship-wright, Mr. 
 C. Bergh, communicated to Dr. Mitchill, in 
 January, 1 806, some ideas on the fitness of 
 Governor's island for a navy-yard. 
 
192 
 
 Mr. Bergh thinks there is not a place in the 
 United States equal to this for building, ?nd 
 snore particularly for repairing ships of war. 
 The reasons of his opinion are the following : 
 1. There is seldom a season of the year, when 
 a ship cannot come up to the island, or go to 
 sea, notwithstanding the ice. 2. There is a 
 large space of water on the east side, which is 
 deep near the shore, and moved by a mode- 
 rate current. Ships may be in security, and 
 wharves be constructed at a small expense. 
 3. A convenient place may be easily found for 
 docking timber and plank. 4. The advantage 
 of having stores on the island, and lodging 
 houses for the men, who cannot easily run 
 away. 5. In such a situation seamen may be 
 employed to peculiar advantage, in assisting 
 the carpenters, riggers, &c. 6. The force 
 of the navy-vard would strengthen and rein- 
 force the garrison at fort Jay. 7. Valuable 
 naval stores of iron, copper, tools, &c. would 
 be much less exposed to thieves. 
 
 Two smaller islands appear to the westv/ard 
 of the channel, on the margin of the shoal, 
 reacliing to them from the Jersey shore. The 
 northernmost is called Bucking., Ellis^s., or 
 Oijstcr- Island, The southernmost is known 
 by the name of Kennedy''s.^ Be.dloxv^s or G^h" 
 bet- Island, Passing downward between Ret- 
 Hook and I^oi^h'n'''ree/^ you approach the qu.s.- 
 
193 
 
 rantinc ground, where the pilots bring vessels. 
 to anchor, that they may be examined by the 
 health-officer. The commonwealth of New- 
 York, about ten years ago, purchased about 
 thirty acres of land on the east side of Staten- 
 island, for the accommodation of the sick, and 
 for the detention of such vessels as were too 
 foul for admission to the wharves of the city. 
 The ground is situated beautifully on a side- 
 hill. And the neat and commodious appear- 
 ance of the dwelling-houses, stores, hospitals, 
 fences, and other improvements, is very agree- 
 abl>, especially to those who have just arrived 
 from sea. Adjoining the property of the 
 state, is a store, wharf, and yard, belonging to 
 the United States. This is a branch of the 
 custom-house, where a sufficient number of in- 
 spectors are employed to take care of the reve- 
 nue, accruing upon the merchandise unladen 
 and detained here. Immediately after leaving 
 this useful establishment, you behold Signal- 
 h'llL On this elevated point of land, the pub- 
 lic and private signals of the port are displayed, 
 and in fair weather can be discerned from the 
 Battery in New-York. This spot has been al- 
 ready purchased by the State, and it is to be 
 hoped, that before much time elnpses, a strong 
 battery may be erected upon it, for the destruc- 
 tion cf hostile fleets. Hereabf>ut the dis- 
 tance from Staten-island to Long-iJiland is the 
 
 K 
 
194 
 
 smallest ; and hence, this part of the bay or 
 river is called the Narrows, 
 
 From the western extremity of Long-island, 
 along Denyse's shore, a shoal extends almost 
 one third of the distance across the Narrows, 
 toward Staten-island. On the margin of the 
 shoal, next the channel, there is a bar of about 
 half a mile long, running N, and S. on which 
 there is, at low tide, not more than three or 
 four feet water. On this bar, it has been pro- 
 jected to construct an artificial island for con- 
 taining a formidable battery of cannon, to pre- 
 vent the approach of an enemy's fleet. It has, 
 likewise, been conceived possible, to fix a chain 
 across the Narrows at this place, between the 
 Signal-hill-battery and the shoal-battery, and 
 defend it on the inner side by a flotilla and gun- 
 boats. 
 
 As you advance on your voyage, the Never- 
 sink hills, the light-house, and the buoys 
 which designate the shoals, present themselves 
 to your view. The former is the highest land 
 on this part of the American coast, and first 
 descried by mariners at sea. The second, and 
 its assistant lamps, direct those who wish to 
 enter the harbour. The others direct the pi- 
 lots in keeping the true channel. On the 
 right, the mouth of the river Raritan is seen 
 rimning eastward from Brunswick ; as is also 
 
195 
 
 the bay of Amboy, a port of entry, on the 
 north side of the Raritan, at its junction with 
 the bay. On the left, you see Ntiv Utrecht 
 bath^ Coney Island^ and Gravesend Point. 
 
 Sandy-Hook is a narrow beach, running 
 iibout N. and S. for seven or eight miles, from 
 the foot of the Neversinks. It used to be 
 connected with the continent. But during the 
 winter of 1 804, it was detached from its con- 
 nection, and formed into an island. Small 
 coasting craft can pass through the opening at 
 high-water. On the Hook there is a variety of 
 shrubbery, a plentiful supply of salt-grass, and 
 some upland picking for cattle and horses. 
 But there is no arable land. The light-house 
 stands about due south from the City-hall of 
 New-York. It is one of the most large and 
 important structures of the kind, upon any 
 part of our coast, classing with those of Mon- 
 tock and Cape Hatteras. The keeper, Mr. 
 Schenck, entertains travellers with great civili- 
 ty. A commodious house, rising out of the 
 sands, supplies you with almost every thing 
 you want. Persons fond of shooting, may find 
 that pastime here. Nothing can excel the 
 horse-shoe^ a place on the west side of the 
 Hook and within the bay, as a place for hauling 
 the seine. The shores are so clean and sandy, 
 and so free from mud and shells, that vou en- 
 
1% 
 
 ]oy the full luxury of sea-bathing. From 
 this place, the British troops disembarked for 
 New-York, after their disaster and retreat 
 from Monmouth court-house.^ 
 
 If you incline to be tossed on the waves of 
 the ocean, and to amuse yourself with fishing 
 for sea-bass, you stretch out from the Hook, 
 live or six leagues to the S. E. There you feel 
 the majestic fluctuation of the Atlantic ; and 
 ii you are prone to be sea-sick, you will feel 
 the full effc' t of it here. Commonly, there is 
 plenty of amusement for those who are fond 
 of fishing ; for the sea-bass bite voraciously at 
 the bait which is offered them, and are taken 
 in great numbers. It will be remembered, 
 that this ranks among the best eatable fishes 
 v/hich are brought to the New-York market. 
 Shrewsbury and Long-Branch lie but a few 
 
 * During" the revolution, the Countess Dowager of 
 Morton, in Scotland, erected on the west side of Sandy- 
 Hook, a fine monument of marble, to the memory of 
 her son, lieutenant Halliburton, of the royal navj, who, 
 tog-ether with a boat's crew, perished there in a snow- 
 storm. But, a few years ag-o, tliis work of parental af- 
 fection was torn down and broken to pieces, by some 
 persons belong'ing- to a French armed ship, in a manner 
 that reflects no honour upon their professional or iTianly 
 feeling-s. It was ung-enerous to w:tg-e war with the 
 dead, or to demulish the works erected to perpetuate 
 their fame. 
 
197 
 
 leagues to the S. W. of the sea-bass bS^^es 
 When you are satisfied with your sport, y6^5 
 return to the city by the same route, and view' 
 once more the scenes which presented them- 
 selves to you, on your outward passage. A 
 beautiful view of Signal-hill, with its public 
 and private telegraphic flags, has been execut- 
 ed by Robertson. 
 
 COURTS OF JUSTICE. 
 
 Besides the Justice^s Court and Alderman's 
 Courts mentioned at pages 54 and 57^ there 
 are various other courts, civil and criminal, 
 of general and limited jurisdiction, which 
 are held in the city of New- York. These 
 will be mentioned in their order. 
 
 -1. The Court for the Trial of Impeachments 
 and the Correction of Errors. 
 
 Since the removal of the seat of govern- 
 ment to Albany^ this court is now held in 
 that place. It is the court of dernier resort ; 
 and consists of the President of the Senate, 
 for the time being, and the Senators, Chan- 
 cellor, and the Judges of the Supreme Court, 
 or the major part of them. 
 R 2 
 
196 
 
 ]oy the fall luxury of sea-bathing. From 
 this place, the British troops disembarked for 
 New-York, after their disaster and retreat 
 from Monmouth court-house.^ 
 
 If you incline to be tossed on the waves of 
 the ocean, and to amuse yourself with fishing 
 for sea-bass, you stretch out from the Hook, 
 live or six leagues to the S. E. There you feel 
 the majestic fluctuation of the Atlantic ; and 
 ii you are prone to be sea-sick, you will feel 
 the full eff<;' t of it here. CommonW, there is 
 plenty of amusement for those who are fond 
 of fishing ; for the sea-bass bite voraciously at 
 the bait which is offered them, and are taken 
 in great numbers. It will be remembered, 
 that this ranks among the best eatable fishes 
 which are brought to the New-York market. 
 Shrewsbury and Long-Branch lie but a few 
 
 * During- the revolution, the Countess Dowag'er of 
 Morton, in Scotland, erected on the west side of Sandy- 
 Hook, a fine monument of marble, to the memory of 
 her son, lieutenant Halliburton, of the royal navj', who, 
 tog-ether with a boat's crew, perished there in a snow- 
 storm. But, a few years ag-o, this work of parental af- 
 fection was torn down and broken to pieces, by some 
 persons belonging' to a French armed ship, in a manner 
 that reflects no honour upon their professional or manly 
 feeling-s. It was ung-enerous to wjtg-e war with the 
 dead, or to demvjllsh the works erected to perpetuate 
 their fame. 
 
197 
 
 leagues to the S. W. of the sea-bass ba 
 When you are satisfied with your sport, yo 
 return to the city by the same route, and view 
 once more the scenes which presented them- 
 selves to you, on your outward passage. A 
 beautiful view of Signal-hill, with its public 
 and private telegraphic flags, has been execut- 
 ed by Robertson. 
 
 COURTS OF JUSTICE. 
 
 Besides the Justice's Court and Alderman's 
 Courts mentioned at pages 54 and 57^ there 
 are various other courts, civil and criminal, 
 of general and limited jurisdiction, which 
 are held in the city of New- York. These 
 will be mentioned in their order. 
 
 -1. The Court for the Trial of I'npeachments 
 and the Correction of Errors, 
 
 Since the removal of the seat of govern- 
 ment to Albany^ this court is now held in 
 that place. It is the court of dernier resort ; 
 and consists of the President of the Senate, 
 for the time being, and the Senators, Chan- 
 cellor, and the Judges of the Supreme Court, 
 or the major part of them. 
 R 2 
 
198 
 
 2. The Court of Chancery, 
 
 This Court, consisting of the Chancellor, 
 is held twice a year, at least, in the city of 
 N w-York, and twice in the city of Albany, 
 and at such other times as the Chancellor 
 mav think proper. He fixes the times for 
 holding the Courts, and may alter them, 
 whenever he thinks public convenience may 
 require it. The present terms are, on the 
 last Monday of March, and the last Mon- 
 day of May in the city of New-York ; the 
 second Monday of September and the second 
 Monday of December in Albany. Appeals 
 lie from the decisions of the Chancellor, to 
 the Court for the Correction of Errors. 
 
 3. The Supreme Court. 
 
 This Court consists of a Chief Justice, 
 and four Puisne Judges. There are four 
 stated and regular terms ; on the first Mon- 
 day of May, and the second Monday of No- 
 vember, in the city of New- York, and on the 
 first Monday of February and the first Mon- 
 day of August in Albanif. The terms conti- 
 nue until the Saturday of the second week af- 
 ter their commencement. The court ap- 
 points Circuit Courts '.xnd Sittings for the city 
 of New- York, Circuit Courts to be held in 
 the vacation in the several counties, before 
 
199 
 
 one of the Judges, for the trial of all causes 
 before a jury. Questions of law which arise, 
 on the facts, are argued before the whole 
 court. One Circuit Court at least, and three 
 or vciore Sittings are held, every year, in the 
 city of New- York, for the trial of the issues 
 joined between the parties in the city and 
 county of New- York. Writs of error may 
 be brought on the judgments of the Supreme 
 Court, to the Court for the Correction of Er- 
 rors. 
 
 4. The Cottrt of Exchequer. 
 
 The junior Justice of the Supreme Court, 
 or in his absence, any other of the Puisne Jus- 
 tices, is, ex'ojficio^ J^idge of the Court of Ex- 
 chequer. 1 his court is held during the 
 terms of the Supreme Court and at the same 
 places. It hears and determines all causes 
 and matters relating to forfeitures, for recog- 
 nizances or otherwise, fmes, issues? amerce- 
 ments and debts due to the pepole of the 
 State. 
 
 5. Courts of Oyer and Terminer and general 
 gaol delivery. 
 
 These Courts are held pursuant to the act 
 of the legislature, without a special commis- 
 sion, by one or more of the justices of the 
 Supreme Court, together with the Mayor, 
 
200 
 
 Recorder, and Aldermen of the city, or any 
 three of them, of whom a Justrce of the Su- 
 preme Court must always be one. Similar 
 courts are held in the several counties of the 
 State, in which the Judges and Assistant 
 Justices of the Courts of Common Pleas, are 
 associated with one of the Justices of the Su- 
 preme Court. The times and places of 
 holding these Courts, are appointed by the 
 Supreme Court, and they have power to hear 
 and determine all treasons, felonies, and 
 other crimes and misdemeanors, and to deli- 
 ver the gaols of all prisoners confined therein. 
 
 6. Court of Common Pleas ^ commonly called the 
 Mayor'^s Court, 
 
 This Court is held before the Mayor, Re- 
 corder, and Aldermen, or before the Mayor, 
 or Recorder alone, without the Aldermen. It 
 sits on the third Monday in every month, and 
 is continued until Saturday of the second week 
 thereafter ; but the terms may be shortened 
 by an earlier adjournment, if business does not 
 require its continuance. This Court hears and 
 determines all actions, real, personal or mixed, 
 arising within the city of New- York, or within 
 the jurisdiction of the Court. Where the sum 
 demanded is above two hundred and fifty dol- 
 lars, the cause may be removed, at any time. 
 
2Ul 
 
 before the trial, into the Supreme Court. A 
 writ of error lies from all judgments of this 
 Court to the Supreme Court. 
 
 7. A Court of General Sessions of the Peace, 
 
 Is held the first Tuesday in February, Aprils 
 June^ August, October and December, in each 
 year, by the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen^ 
 of whom the Mayor, or Recorder, must always 
 be one. Courts of Special Sessions of the Peace ^ 
 may also be held at any time the Common 
 Council may direct, and may continue as long 
 as the Court may think proper for the dispatch 
 of business. These Courts have the power to 
 hear and determine all felonies and offences 
 committed in the city of New-York. 
 
 9. The Court of Special Sessions^ for the Trial 
 of Petty Offences. 
 
 Any person committing any petty larceny^ 
 misdemeanor, breach of the peace, or other 
 offence under the degree of grand larceny, in 
 the city, and being charged with the same, on 
 oath, before the Mayor, Recorder, one of the 
 Aldermen, or a Justice of the Peace, and shall 
 not give bail to appear and answer at the next 
 Court of General Sessions of the Peace, may 
 be committed to gaol, and if he does not find 
 such bail, within forty -eight hours, after hi-s 
 
202 
 
 commitment, the Mayor, Recorder and Alder- 
 men, or any three of them, of whom the May- 
 or or Recorder must be one, may forthwith 
 hear and determine on such offence and give 
 judgment against the offender, that he pay a 
 fine, not exceeding twenty-five dollars, and be 
 confined not exceeding six months, in the 
 House of Employment or Bridewell of the 
 city, at hard labour, or at any work or employ- 
 ment in any part of the city, or either of such 
 punishments, as the Court may think proper* 
 
 9. The Court of Probates, 
 
 Since the removal of the seat of government 
 to Albany the Judge of this Court is required 
 to reside in that city. He has all the powers 
 and jurisdiction relative to testamentary mat- 
 ters, w hich were formerly exercised by the go- 
 vernor of the colony, as judge of the preroga- 
 tive court, except as to the appointment of 
 Surrogates. 
 
 10. Court of the Surrogates 
 
 Surrogates for each county are appointed 
 bv the Council of Appomtment, one of which 
 resides and holds his court in the city of New- 
 York. They have the sole and exclusive pow- 
 er to take proof of the last wills and testaments 
 of persons deceased, who at the time of their 
 
203 
 
 death were inhabitants of the city, in whatever 
 place the death may have happened ; to issue 
 probates and grant letters of administration of 
 the goods chattels and credits of persons dying 
 intestate, or with the wills annexed. Appeals 
 from the orders and decrees of the Surrogate, 
 lie to the Judge of the Court of Probates. 
 
 11, District Court of the United States:. 
 
 This Court, consisting of a single Judge, 
 has four regular sessions in a year, and special 
 sessions are held as often as the Judge thinks 
 necessary. It has exclusive original jurisdiction 
 of civil causes, of admiralty and maritime juris- 
 diction, including all seizures under the laws 
 of impost, navigation or trade of the United 
 States, on the high seas and in the navigable 
 waters, as well as seizures on land within other 
 waters, and all penalties and forfeitures arising 
 under the laws of the United States. It has 
 also jurisdiction, exclusive of the State Courts, 
 of all crimes and offences, cognizable under 
 the authority of the United States, committed 
 within the district, or upon the high seas, 
 where no other punishment than Avhipping, not 
 exceeding thirty stripes, a fine not exceeding 
 one hundred dollars or a term of imprison- 
 ment, not exceeding six months, is to be in- 
 flicted ; it, also, has concurrent jurisdiction 
 with the courts of the state where an alien 
 
204 
 
 sues for a tort only in violation of the laws of 
 nations, or treaties of the United States, and 
 where the United States sue and the matter in 
 dispute does not exceed one hundred dollars. 
 It has a jurisdiction of the State Courts, of all 
 fiuits against Consuls and Vice Consuls. 
 
 12. The Circuit Court of the United States^ 
 
 For the District of New- York, in the second 
 Circuit, is held in the city of New-York, on 
 the first of April and the first of September in 
 each year. It consists of one of the Judges of 
 the Supreme Court of the United States, and 
 the Judge of the District Court. This Court 
 has original cognizance concurrent with the 
 State Courts, of all civil suits, where the mat- 
 ter in dispute exceeds five hundred dollars, and 
 the United States are plaintiffs, or an alien is 
 party, or the suit is between citizens of differ- 
 ent States. It has exclusive cognizance of all 
 crimes and offences, cognizable under the au- 
 thority of the United States, except where it 
 is otherwise provided by law ; and a concur* 
 rent jurisdiction with the District Court of the 
 crimes cognizable therein. 
 
205 
 HEALTH ESTABLISHMENT. 
 
 The system of regulations to preserve pub- 
 lic health in the city of New York, is establish- 
 ed by an act of the Legislature, entitled " An 
 Act to provide against Infectious and Pestilent 
 tial Diseases^^"* and certain other acts supple- 
 mentary to it. 
 
 The regulations respect the prevention and 
 removal of nuisances in the city, and the exam- 
 ination and cleansing of vessels arriving from 
 foreign ports. For the latter purpose, a Qua- 
 rantine station is assigned on Staten- island, 
 about nine miles from the city. 
 
 By the provisions of the statute abovemen- 
 tioned, a Health-Office is constituted in the 
 city of New- York, under the superintendance 
 of three Commissioners, respectively denomi- 
 nated the Health- Officer, the Resident Physi- 
 cian, and the Commissioner of Health. 
 
 The execution of the statute, so far as re- 
 spects the prevention and removal of nuisances 
 within the city, is committed to a Board of 
 Healthy consisting of the three Commissioners 
 of the Health-Office, and a committee of the 
 corporation of the city, chosen for the purpose. 
 
 The execution of the statute, as it respects 
 the examination, detention and cleansing of 
 vessels is -committed chiefly to the Health-Offi- 
 
206 
 
 <:er, who is occasionally aided by die advice of 
 the other commissioners of the Health-Office. 
 
 The regulations enforced under the statute 
 mav therefore be divided into external and in- 
 ternal ; or into such as are designed to guard 
 ag9 in sty^r 6-7^72 2C(\A domestic causes of disease. 
 
 The external precautions comprehend the 
 regulations of commerce and shipping. All 
 vessels arriving fr-om any part of the world, ex- 
 cept the ports of the United States lying to the 
 north-east of Sandy-Hook, between 1st June, 
 and the 1st of October, are strictly examined 
 at the Quarantine Ground, and made subject 
 to the directions of the Health-Officer, under 
 ii penalty not exceeding two thousand dollars 
 or twelve months' imprisonment. 
 
 All vessels arriving from any place in the 
 WestTndies, or the river Mississippi, between 
 the first day of June, and the first day of Octo- 
 ber, shall remain at the Quarantine Ground 
 not less thanybwr days after their arrival, and 
 no intercourse shall be permitted during that 
 period between the crews and the city, unless 
 subject to such restrictions as shall be prescrib- 
 ed by the Health-Officer ; and such vessel shall 
 remain at the Quarantine Ground for a longer 
 term than the aforesaid four days, if, in his 
 opinion, it shall be proper, under the penalty 
 of two thousand dollars or twelve months' im- 
 prisonment. 
 
 All vessels arriving from a place where a 
 malignant or pestilential fever was prevailing 
 at the time of departure, or if, during the 
 
207 
 
 Toyagc, any person has died, or been sick oit 
 board, with such fever, are absolutely prohi- 
 bited from approaching the city nearer than 
 the Quarantine Ground, until the first day ot 
 October, under a penalty not exceeding two 
 thousand dollars, or imprisonment lor a time 
 not exceeding three years. No person arriving 
 in such, or any other vessel, at the Quarantine 
 Ground, is allowed to proceed to the city, nor 
 is any part of the cargoes of such vessels allow- 
 ed to be conveyed to the citv without a permit 
 in writing, from the Health-Officer, under the 
 same penalty. 
 
 The Governor, or, in his absence, the Mayors 
 or in the absence of both, the Recorder, may 
 designate other descriptions of vessels that 
 may become liable to Quarantine, and may 
 prohibit or regulate the intercourse by land or 
 ferries with all sickly or suspected places. 
 
 For the sake of additional security, all ves- 
 sels arriving from any port in the West-Indies^ 
 in South America, in the United States, south- 
 ward of Savannah in Georgia, in the Missis- 
 sippi, in the Mediterranean, in Atrica, or in 
 Asia, (except Canton and Calcutta) although 
 no malignant or pestilential fever was prevail- 
 ing at such ports at the time of departure, al- 
 though no person had died or been sick on 
 board with such fever, and although the Health 
 Officer, after examination, had given his per- 
 mit to proceed, are prohibited from approach- 
 
208 
 
 mg within 300 yards of that part of the island 
 of New- York which hes southward of a line 
 drawn from the house of VViniam Bavard on 
 the North-River to Stuwesant's dock upon 
 the hast-Kiver, under a penalty not exD^edinir 
 two thousand dollars, or imprisonment for a 
 time not exceeding three years. 
 
 The Mayor, or Board of fiealth, mav order 
 to the Quarantine Ground, or other place of 
 safety, any vessel at the wharves, or in th- 
 yicinitv of the city, which they mav deem pre- 
 judicial to the public health, under the penalty 
 of one thousand dollars, and when the owner 
 cons:gnee, or commander of such vessel can- 
 not be found, they mav remove them at the ex- 
 pense of such owner, &c. The Board of 
 Wealth may hkewise order the removal of per- 
 sons and things infected by or tainted with 
 pestilential matter, to such place as they mav 
 thmk proper, and any one who resists in this 
 respect forfeits one hundred dollars. 
 
 Many articles of a suspicious kind are par- 
 ticularly excluded. Hides are excluded be- 
 tween the 1st of June and the 1st of No- 
 vember, under the penalty of being sold for 
 the use of the Health-Office. Foreign cotton 
 IS prohibited, within the same period ; but that 
 which is the produce of the United States is 
 only excluded from that part of the citv which 
 lies south of Lispenard's meadow, and Ferrv- 
 
^rcct, near Coarlaer's Hook. Damaged cofTet; 
 is specially prohibited. 
 
 No communication witli vessels at Quaran- 
 tine is allowed without special permit, und^r a 
 penalty not exceeding two hundred dollars. 
 Measures are adopted to execute the h^v on^ 
 this subject with the utmost punctuality, and 
 offenders will be most rigorously prosecuted. 
 All sick persons of whatever description, 
 found on board such vessels are conducted 
 to the Marine Hospital and there detained 
 till their recovery or death. All vessels 
 found to be filthy or even suspected to be so, 
 are washed, cleansed, ventilated, and white- 
 washed at the Quarantine Ground, and in 
 case of disobedience to the directions of the 
 Health-Officer in this respect, the master, 
 owner or consignee is liable to a fine not ex- 
 ceeding one thousand dollars. All wearing- 
 apparel, bedding, &c. are washed and cleans- 
 ed, or if it be thought proper, destroyed. 
 
 The foregoing may be considered as a 
 summary of the external precautions. The 
 Internal precautions comprehend those laws 
 anci regulations, which respect the removal 
 of nuisances and the preservation of cleanli- 
 ness in the city, the principal of which fol- 
 low. 
 
 No dead animal shall be left exposed in 
 any place within the first eight wards of the 
 city, under th^ penalty of ten dollars. 
 s2 
 
210 
 
 No pickled or salted beef shall be deposit- 
 ed in any place to the southward of Lispen- 
 ard's meadow and Grand-street, between the 
 1st of June and the 1st of November, under 
 a penalty not exceeding five hundred dol- 
 lars, or imprisonment for a time not exceed- 
 ing six months ; nor shall any beef or pork 
 be sold at auction within the said periods, 
 under the penahy of twenty-five dollars. 
 
 Boarding-houses shall be kept neat and 
 clean, and no more lodgers shall be admitted 
 than the City-Inspector shall think proper, 
 under the penalty of twenty-five dollars for 
 each person exceeding such number. 1 he 
 City-Inspector or his assistant shall, likewise, 
 examine them at least once a week during 
 the summer. Persons taken sick in board- 
 ing-houses between the 1st of June and the 
 1st of November, must be reported to the 
 Health-Office, within twelve hours after they 
 are taken, under the penalty of one hundred 
 dollars, or six months' imprisonment. 
 
 All dirt and filth shall be brought out from 
 houses, cellars, alleys, yards, and lots on 
 sweeping days before ten o'clock in the morn- 
 ing, under the penalty of two dollars. 
 
 Garbage, shells and offals, shall not be cast 
 into the street, except on the morning of 
 sweeping days before 10 o'clock, under the 
 penalty of two dollars. Combustion of kitch- 
 en offals is earnestly recommended as the 
 
211 
 
 safest means to prevent the accumulation of 
 offensive and putrefactive substances. 
 
 No sexton shall inter any person who may 
 have died of a pestilential or malignant fevei- 
 in any place to the southward of Pump and 
 Nicholas-streets, under the penalty of one 
 hundred dollars ; nor shall they inter any 
 corpse within the above limits, except in 
 graves or vaults, at least six feet deep, and 
 without removing any other dead body or 
 coffin, under the same penalty. 
 
 No privy shall be emptied during the sum- 
 mer, except between the hours of eleven at 
 night and three in the morning, under the pe- 
 nalty of five dollars ; nor shall any human 
 excrements be thrown into any street, lane, 
 alley, dock, &c. under the penalty of terv 
 dollars. 
 
 No new made ground shall be turned up 
 during the summer, under the penalty of on^ 
 hundred dollars. 
 
 Gutters shall be thoroughly scraped out 
 and cleansed on sweeping days, under the 
 penalty of two dollars. 
 
 Noisome, or offensive substances, shall 
 not be deposited in any place to the south- 
 ward of Grand-Street ; nor shall any pit for 
 tannf^is and skinners, or pool of stagnant wa- 
 ter, be allowed, except in Beekman's Swamp, 
 under the penalty of five dollars. 
 
2X:> 
 
 Manufactories, which emit otfensivc 
 smells, may likewise be suspended by the 
 Board of Health. 
 
 No oysters shall be brought into or sold 
 in the city, between the Ist day of June and 
 the 30th of September, under the penalty of 
 two dollars for everv hundred. 
 
 Undressed skins^ hides, blubber, &c. shall 
 not be kept to the southward and westward^ 
 of Catharine-street and the Fresh Water 
 Pbnd, under the penalty of ten dollars for 
 every 24- hours' neglect. 
 
 Putrid and unsound provisions shall be de- 
 stroyed by starting them into the river, or 
 otherwise, and no salted or pickled fish, ex- 
 cept smoaked, shall be kept to the southward 
 of Grand-street, between the Istof IViay and 
 the first of October, under a penalty not ex- 
 ceeding five hundred dollars, or imprison- 
 ment not exceeding six months. 
 
 Butchers shall bring no gut fat into the 
 market, nor the head ot any sheep or lamb, 
 unless the same be properly cleaned, nor any 
 sheep or lamb in carcase or quarter with the 
 feet or trotters thereto, nor any hides or 
 skins, (calves' skins excepted) under the 
 penalty of two dollars. I hey snail likewise,, 
 immediately after killing any animal, destroy 
 the offals, or convey the same into the river 
 
 under the penalty of twenty-five dollars. 
 
 They shall not expose to sale any stale or 
 
213 
 
 unwliolesome provisions under the penalty 
 of ten dollars. 
 
 Nuisances of every other description must 
 be removed or remedied, agreeabl) to the 
 mode prescribed by the City Inspector, un- 
 der the penahy of five dollars for every twen- 
 ty-four hours* neglect. And in addition to 
 the penalties prescribed in the cases of nui- 
 sances by the statutes of the State and ordi- 
 nances of the City, the remedies by common 
 law may likewise be enforced. 
 
 Any physician having a patient labouring 
 under a pestilential or infectious disease, 
 shall forthwith report, in writing, to one of the 
 commissioners of the Health-Office, under 
 the penalty of fifty dollars. 
 
 The station assigned for Quarantine, as 
 was before observed, is situated about ninc 
 miles below the city, and on that part of 
 Staten-island, which lies within half a mile 
 of its north-eastern extremity. The shore 
 gradually swells into the adjoining hills ; and 
 on the slope thus formed, lie the Marine 
 Hospitals, consisting of a number of smaU 
 detached buildings, and the houses requisite 
 for the accommodation of the officers and 
 others employed in the service. The build- 
 ings which constitute the Hospital are sepa- 
 rated from each other, for the purposes of 
 ventilation and cleanliness, and although con- 
 structed of wood, and generally of the height 
 
■2U 
 
 of onlv one story, are commodious and com- 
 fortable. They are sufficient to accomodate 
 from 200 to 30^ sick. 
 
 HARBOUR MASTER. 
 
 With the augmentation of foreign and 
 coasting trade, there were increasing diffi- 
 cuhies in respect to the accommodation of 
 vessels while in port. To lessen these, to 
 keep good order among masters and crews, 
 and to provide for every one a fair chance in 
 his turn to enjoy the benefit of the market, a* 
 Harbour Master was appointed, pursuant to a» 
 act passed April 3, 180U He has authority 
 to regulate and station all vessels in the stream 
 of the East and North rivers within the li- 
 mits of the city, and at the wharves thereof;, 
 and to remove, from time to time, such vessels 
 as are not employed in receiving or discharg- 
 ing their cargoes, to make room ft-r others 
 which require to be more imTnediately ac- 
 commodated for the purpose of receiving or 
 discliarging theirs ; and as to the fact of 
 their being fairly and bona fide employed 
 in receiving and discharging their cargoes, 
 the- Harbour Master is the sole judge. He 
 h^^,s ilso aiuhority to d(nermuie how far and 
 in whiit instances it is the dutv of masters, and 
 
others, having charge of vessels, to accommo- 
 date each other in their respective situations. 
 
 If any master or person having charge of 
 a vessel, disobeys or resists the Harbour 
 Master in matters within his authority, such 
 offender shall pay a penalty of fifty dollars 
 with costs, for each offt- nee ; which money, 
 when recovered, is to be paid to the treasurer 
 of the New- York Hospital, for the use of that 
 institution. 
 
 It is further the duty of the Harbour Mas- 
 ter, to superintend and enforce the execution 
 of all the laws of the State, ,and all the bye- 
 laws of the Common Council, for cleansing 
 the docks and wharves, and for preventing 
 and removing all nuisances with which they 
 may be incumbered. 
 
 AH pilots of the port must register their 
 names and places of abode in his office, to- 
 gether with the names, sizes and dimensions 
 of their boats respectively. And the Harbour 
 Master has authority to order any pilot and 
 boat to go upon duty whenever, in his judg- 
 ment, the safety of the navigation of the port 
 1-enders the going out of such boat necessary. 
 A pilot refusing to go, may be fined five dol- 
 lars by the Master and Wardens of the port, 
 for each offence, or to be rendered incapable 
 of acting afterwards as a pilot, according to 
 their judgment in the case. The first to go 
 to the use of the Hospital. The Harbour 
 
216 
 
 Master may appoint deputies to assist him in 
 executing the duties of his office. He re- 
 ceives for compensation, one cent per ton on 
 ail vessels which load, unload or make fast to 
 any wharf, excepting coasters. From these, 
 however, he receives one dollar in every 
 case where he interferes by request, to settle 
 II difference, the fee to be paid by the party 
 in default. 
 
 Masters of vessels and Pilots are caution- 
 ed against anchoring in the summer season 
 within three hundred yards of the island of 
 New- York ; and when they anchor in the 
 East or North rivers, they are to be moored 
 with at least forty fathoms of cable, to have 
 their lower and topsail yards topped, and their 
 ivrc and aft-spars rigged in. 
 
 THE END. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 I. TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION. '"^ 
 
 1. Situation of New-York - 1 
 
 2. Size and configuration - ibid. 
 
 3. Bay and Harbour - 4 
 
 4. Discovery, name and settlement - 6 
 
 IL THE EAST RIVER, OR SOUND. 
 
 1 . Mattowacks, Long, or Nassau-Island 1 1 
 
 2. Staten-Island - - 20 
 
 3. Governor's, Bedlow's, and Ellis's Islands ibid. 
 
 III. THE NORTH RIVER, OR THE 
 HUDSON. 
 
 1. Passage of the Hudson down Glen's Falls 20 
 
 2. The Falls at Fort Edward - 23 
 
 3. Passage through the mountains without 
 
 a cataract - - 24 
 
 4. Poem on the Hudson - 27 
 
 IV. CHARTER OF THE CITY. 
 
 ?. By Governor Dongan - 28 
 
 2. By Governor Montgomerie - ibid. 
 
 3. Population of the city in 1800 - 33 
 
 4. Population in 1805 - 34 
 
218 CONTENTS 
 
 5. Population of the whole province in 1756 3S 
 
 6. Tonnage of the port - 36 
 
 7. Duties collected on tonnage and imports 37 
 
 V. BANKS, AND OFFICES FOR THE 
 DISCOUNT OF BILLS. 
 
 1. Bank of New-York - - S8 
 
 2. The Branch bank - - 39 
 
 3. The Manhattan bank - 40 
 
 4. Merchants bank - - ibid. 
 
 5. Jersey bank - ' - 41 
 
 VI. INSURANCE COMPANIES. 
 
 1 . United Insurance Company 43 
 
 2. New-York Insurance Company - 43 
 
 3. Columbian Insurance Company ibid. 
 
 4. Marine Insurance Company - 44 
 
 5. Commercial Insurance Company ibid. 
 
 6. Mutual Assurance Company - 45 
 
 7. Eagle Fire Company - 47 
 
 8. Washington Mutual Assurance Company 49 
 
 9. Branch of the Phoenix Company of Lon- 
 don - - - 53 
 
 VII. MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS. 
 
 1. Justices' Court - - 54 
 
 Q. Alderman's Court - 57 
 
 6. Police Office - - 5ff 
 
 A. Taxes :: : ^i 
 

 CONTENTS. 
 
 219 
 
 5. 
 6. 
 
 Wells and Pumps 
 Public roads 
 
 PAGE 
 
 63 
 64 
 
 7. 
 8. 
 
 Storing of Gunpowder 
 Prevention of Fires 
 
 65 
 66 
 
 9. 
 0. 
 
 System for extinguishing Fires 
 Wharves and Wharfage 
 
 68 
 
 72 
 
 11. Regulation for buildings, streets, and slips 7^ 
 
 12. Sewers - - 75 
 
 13. Lots - - ibid. 
 
 VIII. COMMERCIAL INSTITUTIONS. 
 
 1 . Chamber of Commerce - 76 
 
 2. Inspection of Lumber - 80 
 
 3. Weigh-masters - - 82 
 
 4. Inspection of Staves and heading 83 
 
 5. Inspection of Pot and Pearl Ashes 85 
 
 6. Inspection of Soul Leather - 87 
 
 7. Inspection of Flour and Meal - 88 
 
 8. Inspection of Beef and Pork - 93 
 
 9. Wardens of the Port, their duties and fees 97 
 10. Pilots, their duties and fees - 100 
 
 IX. BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. 
 
 1. Tammany Society - 10^^ 
 
 2. Free School - - 103 
 
 3. Provident Society - 104 
 
 4. Mutual Benefit Society - ibid. 
 
 5. Benevolent Society - ibid. 
 
 6. Albion Benevolent Society - ibid. 
 
 7. Ladies' Society for the relief of poor wi- 
 dows with small children - in ■ 
 
220 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 8. Association for the relief of disabled 
 Firemen - - 107 
 
 9. New-York Manufacturing Society 108 
 
 10. General Society of mechanics and trades- 
 men - - 109 
 
 11. The Dispensary for relieving the sick 
 poor - - ibid. 
 
 12. The Lying-in-hospital - ilO 
 
 13. The Sailors' snug harbour - 111 
 14. 'Marine Society - 112 
 
 1 5 . Manumission Society - 113 
 
 16. Kine-pock Institution - 114 
 
 17. The City Hospital - 115 
 
 18. The Alms House - - 120 
 
 19. House Carpenters' Society - 122 
 
 20. Bellevue Hospital - ibid. 
 
 2 1 . Marine Hospital at Staten-Island 123 
 
 22. Humane Society - - 124 
 
 23. Masonic Societies - ibid. 
 
 24. German Society - - 125 
 
 25. Society of Unitas Fratrum - 126 
 
 26. First Protestant Episcopal charity School ibid. 
 
 27. 28, 29. St. Andrew's, St. Patrick's and 
 
 St. George's Societies - 127 
 
 30. The New-England Society - ibid. 
 
 31. The Cincinnati - - ibid. 
 
 X. MARKETS. 128 
 
 1. the Fly Market - - ibid. 
 
 2. The Bare Market - 131 
 

 CONTENTS. 
 
 ^AGE 
 
 3. 
 
 Catharine Market 
 
 133 
 
 4. 
 
 The Oswego Market 
 
 ibid. 
 
 5. 
 
 The Exchange Market 
 
 ibid. 
 
 6. 
 
 Hudson Market 
 
 ibid. 
 
 XL THE PENITENTIARY HOUSE, OR 
 STATE PRISON ibid. 
 
 XII. LITERARY ESTABLISHMENTS. 
 
 1. Newspapers, daily - 138 
 
 2. Twice a-vveek and weekly - 139 
 
 3. Booksellers, and the trade in Books ibid. 
 
 4. Columbia College - 141 
 
 5. The New- York Society Library 143 
 5. The Medical Society of the county of 
 
 New-York - - ' 144 
 
 7. Protestant Episcopal Society for promot- 
 ing religion and learning - 147 
 
 8. Private Schools and Academies 148 
 
 9. Learned men and Uterary characters ibid, 
 
 XIII. SENATORS AND REPRESENTA- 
 TIVES IN CONGRESS 150 
 
 XIV. PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS, 
 
 1. The Theatre - - 151 
 
 2. Reading Rooms - 153 
 
 3. The Buttery, walk, musick, prospect, Sec. ibid. 
 
 4. The Park - - 155 
 
 5. Ranelagh - - ibid. 
 
222 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 6. Vauxhall garden and summer Theatre 156 
 
 7. Academy of the Fine Arts - 157 
 
 XV. TOURS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD 
 OF NEW-YORK. 
 
 1. Tour to New Utrecht - 158 
 
 2. Tour to Rockaway - - 161 
 •3. Tour to Islip - - 166 
 't. Tour to Passaick Falls - 178 
 
 5. Tour to Kingsbridge - - 183 
 
 6. Trip to Sandy-Hook and the Sea Bass 
 
 Banks - - - 190 
 
 XVI. COURTS OF JUSTICE. 
 
 1. The Court for the Trial of Impeach- , 
 
 mchts and the Correction of Errors. 197 
 
 2. The Court of Chancery - 198 
 
 3. The Supreme Court - ibid. 
 
 4. The Court of Exchequer - 199 
 
 5. Courts of Oyer and Terminer and gene- 
 
 ral gaol delivery - - ibid. 
 
 6. Court of Common Pleas, commonly call- 
 
 ed the Mayor's Court - 200 
 
 7. Court of General Sessions of the 
 
 Peace - - - 201 
 
 8. The Court of Special Sessions, for the 
 
 Trial of Petty Offences • ibid. 
 
 9. 1 he Court of Probates . 202 
 
 10. Court of the Surrogate - ibid. 
 
 11. District Court of the United States 203 
 
 12. The Circuit Court of the United States 20 1 
 
CONTENTS:. 2^3 
 
 ^^ 
 
 XVII. REGULATIONS FOR THE PRE- 
 SERVATION OF THE PUBLIC 
 HEALTH - . 205 
 
 Harboiir Master '- ■- 314 
 
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