9)747\ P589 ■<;-o-'' ' 1';'4'^j5;5i'j';ji*<«i):' mmmm NEW YORK mm H 5/ PICTURE NEW YORK; CONTAINING A TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY AND ITS ENVIRONS, With useful Information respecting its Commerce, ^ocittv, Climate, $jrc. A DESCRIPTION OF THE FALLS OF NIAGARA. WITH TWO MAPS. LONDON: WILLIAM SMITH, 113, FLEET STREET. Compton & Ritchie, Printers, Miiidle Stieet, Clotli Fair. ^ TO THE READER. r 5 The great facility of intercourse, the constantly "^ increasing number of persons who visit the metropolis of the United States, and the close commercial con- nexion of the two countries render a short but correct description of the city of New York highly interesting to most people, particularly to those who have relations or friends there, or who may intend X^o become residents or travellers. Care has been \J taken to embody the observations of the most intel- '^ ligent travellers, and to give a correct idea of the ^ peculiarities of the city, its society, commerce, and Q^ climate ; — the latter point especially deserves the at-^ ^j^ tention of emigrants, the Editor having the advan- *^ tage of personal observation and experience, and the "Subject in most works of any authority upon America having either been misunderstood and misrepre- sented or else noticed in such vague and general 1 ^ terms as to convey no information. W. H. R. CONTENTS. Introduction 1 Situation 3 Approach by Sea 4 Topographical Description 7 Public Buildings 9 Climate 12 Commerce 18 Banks, Insurance Companies, &c 22 Laws 24 Religion 28 Boarding Houses and Hotels 30 Society, Amusements, &c 33 Fires 38 Militia and Volunteers 40 General Remarks 41 Environs, &c 43 NIAGARA 49 Horse-shoe Fall 50 • Termination Rock 50 TableRock 51 Terrapin Tower 52 Biddle Staircase 52 Season for Travelling 55 Preservation of Health 56 Packets, Steam-Boats, Rail-Roads, &c 59 "VlCIHm vi TKl, 1M1L5 ©IF HIAGABA. Scale of 1 Mile 'TlCTi^ri'-'I o-i Vi^rw T©im PICTURE OF NEW YORK. THE success of the attempt to establish steam commu- nication with New York has afforded great facihties to travellers and visitors. Those who would have hesitated to have ventured on a voyage which would occupy from thirty to sixty days, may now safely calculate upon making the passage to New York in sixteen days outwards. The Great Western, The British Queen, and The Liverpool afford luxurious accommodation, and every comfort usual- ly to be found in the best hotels. In a few months The President and The United States will be added to the list of steamers navigating the Atlantic, and will offer more frequent opportunities for the voyage. Those who prefer sailing vessels for the sake of eco- nomy, and, from having plenty of time, are not disposed to avail themselves of new means of conveyance, will find in the Liners, as the regular packets are called, every thing to be wished for in well-appointed sailing vessels ; and it does not appear that the steamers have sensibly reduced the number of passengers by these ships. The American regular line of packets sail from London three times, and from Liverpool five or six times, a month. Some of the Liverpool packets are splendid ships of 800 tons burden^ well manned, and equal in point of sailing B 2 PICT ORE OF ^EVi YORK. qualities to any vessels in the British navy. With one exception, in the gale at Liverpool in 1838, there has been no instance of one of these ships being lost for many years. After some years' service they are sold, and are often afterwards employed as whalers. What are called transient vessels cannot generally be recommended; they are often crowded with steerage passengers, very probably short of provisions, badly manned, and nearly twice as long making their passage against head winds as the liners. A well-appointed steam ship is, perhaps, the safest, certainly the most speedy and pleasant, convey- ance that can be chosen ; and it is a great triumph of British energy and enterprize, to have first established a regular communication with so distant a port. The su- periority of British sea-going steamers is well known to nautical men, and the excellence of their engines, and the fitness of the Welsh coal for their use, is likely to preserve this. The voyage by a steamer does not last long enough to become monotonous ; and after the sickness is got over, plenty of amusement and occupation may be found, by watching distant vessels, and the changes of the weather, while pleasant society wiles away the hours. The com- fort of a dry and spacious deck for exercise can only be appreciated by those who liave been confined for weeks in a ship lumbered with deck load, leaving scarcely a gangway for persons to walk. The objects of interest which may be visited during a few months' tour in the United States and Canada are nu- merous. First of all, Niagara, the most sublime specta- cle in the world. The scenery of the Hudson river, the PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 3 Katskill mountains ; Lakes Erie, Ontario, George, and Champlain ; the St. Lawrence, Quebec, Montreal, the truly American and unsophisticated villages of New Eng- land, Boston, the scenes of the revolutionary struggle ; while a journey south of a few hours from New York brings the traveller to Philadelphia, Washington, Balti- more ; and, if the time can be spared, the railroad will take him from thence over the Alleghanies, towards the mighty rivers, forests, and boundless prairies of the far west. It may be remarked, that the observation so frequently made, that a traveller going from place to place, staying a short time only at each, can necessarily know nothing of a people, does not hold good in regard to America. The habits of the people are so different from those of Europe ; there is so little of private life — if we may be allowed the term — that a traveller going to a good board- ing-house, very likely mixes at once with the most re- spectable inhabitants, married and single ; and will have opportunities, if at all intelligent, of gaining valuable in- formation in a space of time which in England, from the greater reserve and want of intercourse one with another, he would probably spend in a solitary room without making a profitable acquaintance. Of course, letters of introduction are a great assistance, but are not essential to a traveller in America. SITUATION. The city of New York stands on a point of land (pro- perly an island) at the confluence of the Hudson river with the East river, which is a strait separating Long l^- B 2 4 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. land from the main land. The Haarlam river divides it from the continent, and is crossed by several bridges. The island was formerly called Manhattan, and is fifteen miles long, and from one to three broad. It is on 40*^ 4-1' north latitude and 74° 1' W. longitude. Its early his- tory, and the fortunes of the Dutch colony, have been rendered famous by the pen of Washington Irving. Its growth in size and importance since the revolution has been remarkable. In 1820 the population of the city was 123,000; in 1835, 270,000; and is now 300,000. This mav partly be attributed to its admirable situation as a commercial emporium, which is, perhaps, unrivalled in the world, except by Constantinople. Northwards the Hudson river, navigable for large vessels as far as Albany, 100 miles, is the channel of the vast traffic of the lakes, through the Erie and Champlain canals ; eastward. Long Island Sound affords ready access to vessels from Con- necticut, Rhode Island, Boston, the manufacturing districts of New England, and the rising towns of Maine ; and to the southward, the communication with the Atlantic is open through the Narrows, the strait between Long Island and Staten Island. APPROACH BY SEA. The approach to New York by sea is very fine. The first land seen is generally the high lands of Neversink, in New Jersey. Sandy Hook is a long narrow spit of land, with a light-house at the extremity. About ten miles inside of this the Narrows before mentioned are reached. This outer anchorage is often used by vessel^, and is called llariton Bay. On the bar, at high tide, there PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 5 are twenty-seven feet of water; and at low tide about twenty-one feet of water. To the eye wearied with the monotony of the ocean, the green shores of Long and Staten Islands — the gently swelling hills, variegated with neat white buildings — the transparency of the atmosphere, and a bright sun, give almost an enchantment to the scene, and justify the praises which have been lavished on this spot. The nautical visitor will be struck by the graceful appearance of the small craft, the tall masts of the schooners without topsails, a single sail reaching from the mast-head to the deck, and the sloops or periguas of the same rig, are novelties to the Englishman only fami- liar with the clumsy and lumbering coasters from the Thames and Dutch ports. The New York pilot boats are elegant little vessels. Some distance to the right on Long Island, is Rockaway Beach, the scene of a melan- choly catastrophe some winters since, which was attri- buted at the time to the neglect of the pilots in not coming off to the ship. The violence of the north west- erly gales in winter occasionally drives ships making the coast some hundred miles out of their course ; and ves- sels from Europe in the winter months have sometimes to bear up, unable to contend with them^ when they have made half or two-thirds of the distance. At the Narrows are situated the fortifications defend- ing: the harbour, and there are several forts on the small islands near for the same purpose. On the Long Island shore are Forts Hamilton and La Fayette ; on Staten Island are Forts Tomkins and Richmond. The Narrows are about eight miles from the city : about two miles nearer on Staten Island is the quarantine ground, 6 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. and lazaretto. Ships with many steerage passengers are unavoidably detained some hours, and great efforts are made by the most squalid and poorest of them to show themselves to the best advantage. After passing this point, the panorama of the city begins to open. Gover- nor's Island, on which there is a strong fort, is near the city. The castle gardens and battery are at the south- western extremity, handsomely laid out, and much fre- quented in the summer. The city stretches along the banks of the Hudson on the left, and the East river on the right. This last-named is the most convenient and secure part of the harbour, and great part of the com- mercial business, particularly the foreign, is transacted on this side. The water is deep enough to allow the largest vessels to lay alongside the wharfs or slips, which are tim- ber, projecting some distance into the stream. On the right is Brooklyn on Long Island, divided from New York by the East River, which is from one- third to half a mile in width. On landing, the visitor is struck by the bustle and activity exhibited in this part of the city. If in the sum- mer, the lightness of the dresses of the gentlemen, the straw hats, the number of negroes, of a more jet black than those met with in London, all contribute to give the scene a foreign appearance to the Englishman, which is belied by the people speaking the same language. The heavy loads drawn by the light and active blood horses will also appear strange; and he may soon have occasion to remark the often noticed and universal habit of fre- quent expectoration. The dresses of the generality of the inhabitants indicate their easy circumstances ; and the PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 7 beggars, and objects of pity, which too often pain the sight in the cities of Europe, are, happily, seldom to be met with here. Many of the stores are very handsomely built of stone, and the brick houses are neatly painted red, which gives them a light and cheerful appearance- The streets are well paved and lighted. TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION. New York is, generally speaking, regularly built. The frequent and destructive fires, however much to be lamented on other accounts, have caused great improve- ments to be made in the lower and close part of the city within the last few years ; and it is to be hoped that the yellow fever will not again ravage this neighbourhood. The principal and best known street is the Broadway, which runs North and South three miles, the whole length of the city. It has many noble private dwellings and splendid shops, several elegant and commodious hotels, besides churches and public buildings. Washington Hall and the Masonic Hall are in this street, which is mostly eighty feet in width, well paved and lighted. Greenwich Street is a wide street, running parallel with the Broad- way, between that street and Washington Street, which extends along the North or Hudson River, on the oppo- site side of which, at the distance of a mile, is Jersey city. This side of the Broadway is not the most fash- ionable part of the city ; and the seat of the greatest bu- siness is on the other side of the Broadway, about Pearl and Wall Streets. Pearl Street is about a mile in length, and has a great 8 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. many wholesale stores and warehouses, and is the prin- cipal spot for the dry goods and hardware business. Front and Water Streets, between Pearl Street and the East river, are occupied principally by wholesale grocers, commission merchants, and mechanics connected with the shipping business. South Street, running along the East river, contains the warehouses and offices of the principal shipping merchants. Wall Street runs from the Broadway to the East river, and is occupied by the banks, insurance companies, merchants' exchange, newspaper and brokers' offices, and is the seat of the heaviest money transactions in America. Here sovereigns are readily exchanged for notes or dollars, and vice versa. In Maid- en Lane, close by, are the dining rooms, the first opened in New York on the plan of those in London, noticed by Captain Hall. The concern was conducted by a very worthy Englishman, lately deceased, Mr. Clarke. This part of the city was devastated on the 16th and 17th December, 1835, by the most tremendous fire which has ever taken place in the United States, remarkable as it is for occurrences of the sort. It commenced near Wall Street at nine o'clock at night on the 16t.h, and was not got under till one o'clock in the afternoon of the next day. The destruction of property was immense, and must have been a severe shock to the prosperity of the city, and from the consequences of which it cannot even yet have fully recovered. The value of the merchandize consumed was 13,115,692 dollars, and the buildings were estimated to have cost 4,000,000 dollars more. The places of the destroyed edifices were supplied with a rapi- dity unparalleled in any other country. PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 9 Canal Street run across Broadway to the Hudson river, near the centre of the city, and is a spacious street, principally occupied by retail stores. The Bowery is a wide and extensive street, running directly North and South-east of Broadway. The third avenue, extending- from the Bowery to Haaerlem, is macadamized, and is the principal avenue to the city from the East. Chatham Street, East Broadw^ay, Nassau Street, Broad, Fulton, Cortland, William, Hudson, Division, Grand, and Broome Streets, deserve notice among the principal streets and avenues. The northern part of the city, which is the most fash- ionable, is handsomely laid out in squares, wide streets, and avenues, constant communication being kept up along the Broadway by omnibusses. This part of the city is elevated, and the ground slopes east and west to the ri- vers, along Broadway. Washington Square is the prin- cipal : Hudson Square contains an area of four acres, and is composed of very handsome and superior houses. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. The City Hall is the principal and most prominent. The front is of white marble, 216 feet long, and 60 feet in height. It contains the courts of law and the muni- cipal halls. It was begun in 1803, and finished in 1812, at an expense of 500,000 dollars. The back part is built of freestone, and altogether it is an edifice of which the citizens are justly proud. The fittings up of the different suites of rooms are rich and expensive. In the large room are some good pictures and busts of the different presidents, mayors of the city, military and naval officers. 10 PICTURE or NEW YORK. &c. It contains the Police Office of the city. It is about half a mile from the battery in the Park. Astor-house is of simple style of architecture, but has a grand and imposing appearance. The merchants' exchange in Wall Street was destroyed by the great fire. It had a frontage of 114 feet of white marble, and was 150 feet in depth. On the basement was the post-office, over which was the Exchange, 85 feet long and 4-5 feet high, surmounted by a dome. The rest of the public buildings have nothing remark- able in their appearance or architecture to attract much attention, and, of course, are not of a character to com- pare with the stately and time-worn edifices of the capi- tals of Europe, the works of many generations. The theatres and places of public amusement are nu- merous. The Park Theatre is spacious, being 165 feet deep, 80 feet wide, and upwards of 50 feet high, and capable of containing more than 2000 persons. The performances are of a very respectable character, and the patronage aflforded to the eminent performers of the London boards proves that there is no want of taste to appreciate histrionic talent. The Bowery Theatre is an ornament to the city, and is a beautiful structure. It is 75 feet wide and 175 feet in depth. It is not the custom for ladies to go to any part of the house but the boxes, and the gallery is appropriated to coloured people. There are gardens on a similar plan to those of Vauxhall, with the exception of the price of admission being much low- er ; and in the summer these are full of well-dressed and well-behaved people. Columbia College is an institution of general literary PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 11 instruction, and was founded in 1754'. Its situation is in a good handsome square, and the building contains a chapel, lecture rooms, hall, library, museum, and an extensive philosophical and astronomical apparatus, and the classical education of the students is of a high cha- racter. The University of New York was incorporated in 1831, and has a capital of 120,000 dollars, in shares of 25 dol- lars. It is governed by a council of thirty-seven mem- bers, one of whom is mayor, and four more members of the common council of the city. It comprises two de- partments ; one embraces the highest branches of litera- rature and science, and the other furnishes classical, phi- losophical, and mathematical instruction, with a course of English literature. It was projected on a liberal scale, and promises to be of considerable benefit to the national hterature. In 1837 there were 226 students. There is also an institution appropriated to literature and the fine arts, affording accommodation to the Literary and Philosophical Society, the American Academy of Fine Arts, and similar societies. It is built of brick, is 260 feet in length, and is called the New York In- stitution. We have given below a list of the principal buildings not before enumerated. The Medical College, The City Hotel, The Mansion House, The National Hotel, The Franklin House, The Tammany Hotel, 12 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. Clinton Hall, The American Tract Society's House, The Arcade and Baths, The Bible Society's House, The New York Baths, The Public Marine Baths, The Manhattan Water Works, Rutger's Medical College and School, The Masonic Hall, The Fever Hospital, The Orphan Asylum, The Refuge for Juvenile Delinquents. Many of the churches are large and handsome buildings, but have nothing very particular in their architecture. CLIMATE. The climate of New York is very different to that of places in the same latitude in Europe : while the summer heat is greater, the winters are intensely cold, and the harbour is sometimes completely choked up with ice, and the Hudson is firmly frozen over. The cold weather commences at the end of December or beginning of Ja- nuary, and lasts without much mitigation of its severity till the end of April. The thermometer is often below- zero, and in January 1835 it was noticed to be 40 degrees below zero at New Lebanon : this is, however, an ex- treme case. Such severe cold, though unfavourable to much out-door exercise, is not very disagreeable while the weather remains calm. The ground is covered with snow, and generally there is a bright sun ; but north-west winds sweeping over the frozen and dreary wastes towards the arctic ocean, are, unfortunately, frequent, and very PICTURE OF NEW YORK. Iti cutting. They often blow with great violence, and when they come on, always cause a sudden and rapid fall of temperature. In the spring the weather is very variable : warm sun- shiny days are succeeded by bitterly cold nights, and, frequently, a fall of temperature is observed of 40 or 50 degrees in a few hours. In fact, the spring is the most disagreeable and unpleasant season of the year throughout the United States. The summer weather is mostly settled and dry : the heat is great, though partially tempered at New York by the sea breezes. The thermometer often reaches 100° in the middle of the day : this, from its long continuance, is very oppressive. It has been observed, that it is often endured with less discomfort by newly arrived Europeans than by those who have resided longer in the country ; and there can be little doubt that it must be highly de- bilitating to the constitution. There are, occasionally, tremendous thunder storms with heavy rain. The autumn is generally temperate, with a mild and balmy air. Sometimes a sort of hazy atmosphere is ob- served in October, which lasts a few days, and is called the Indian summer : this is the most pleasant season of the year for travelling. Among the natives of New York there is wanting the look of ruddy health familiar to the eye of the English- man at home : there are seen no rosy-cheeked chubby children, and the complexion of the ladies is pale and de- licate. The observation of the writer induces him to be- lieve that the climate is particularly destructive to those engaged in sedentary occupations. The influx of new blood, and the frequent intermarriages of the natives 14 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. with persons of vigorous constitution from Europe, counteract its enervating influence in some measure, and may have caused the unhealthiness of it to escape the at- tention it deserves. In parts of Rhode Island and Maine, the appearance of the inhabitants indicates a better state of health ; but even in the beautiful villages of New England no native American thinks of walking as an exercise or recreation, and a female pedestrian on a road would be looked at with some curiosity. It is true, that the promenades of the Broadway, the Battery, and of Hoboken, are well fre- quented ; but there are no agreeable rural walks in the neighbourhood of American cities. The valley of the Hudson river is much colder than any part of Great Britain, and it is more severe in the northern part of the state, towards the Mohawk river, thau at New York, which is owing to the prevalence of strong north westerly winds. Nearer the lakes the temperature is generally about three degrees higher. The mean annual temperature of New York, though it is more than 10 degrees nearer the equator, is only about 2 degrees higher than that cf Lon- don, which is about 50^, and the variation of temperature at New York in one day is probably greater than that of the whole year in England. It is this that renders the spring months particularly trying to the constitution, and numbers of persons are compelled to go south, to save themselves from consumption ; others make a voyage to Europe, and these have a greater chance of permanent recovery ; for, unfortunately, though the air is milder in the Carolinas, it is not bracing, and, probably, the prin- cipal benefit mvalids derive is from the sea voyage to PICTURE OF NEW YORK. \5 Charleston, or whatever southern port is their destination. The physician, probably, recommends easy journeys north- ward, as the spring advances, and, no doubt, in some cases, the patient derives great benefit from the change of scene and occupation. It appears by the bills of morta- lity of the city, that the deaths in proportion to the popu- lation were in 1835, 1 in 38, and in 1836, 1 in 34. Out of 7969 deaths, only 131 were attributable to old ago, while upwards of 1500 were caused by consumption ; and the mortality from this disease would appear still greater, did not so many persons remove to the southern states, in the expectation of recovery, who never return. The mortality of the city might doubtless be lessened bv proper sewerage. Fever and ague often occur in the low and confined parts of the city. The supply of water is not sufficient, though there are facilities for remedying this defect. The ladies of New York are remarkable for their grace- ful carriage, but they are generally thin and pale : the frequent occurrence of bad teeth is probably caused by indigestion or dyspepsia, the curse of American cities, and from which few native citizens are entirely free. The want of sufficient exercise in the open air is the root of all the mischief, while the customs of the country tend to enervate the frame, and predispose it to disease. The third summer is considered particularly trying to Europeans resident in the United States, though with proper care, supposing them to be of sound constitutior, they have a better chance of preserving their health than natives. The best means for this purpose will be no- ticed in another place. That man. to be healthy and happy, should earn Lis ]G PICTURE OF NEW YORK. bread by the sweat of his brow, can nowhere be more forcibly demonstrated than at New York. We need only compare the sinewy and vigorous form of the Kentucky hunter, or of the noble savage, with the puny race that is bom and reared in the cities, to be sensible that the latter are not fulfilling the objects of their existence, many of them being only kept alive by means of daily doses of medicine ; and the rapidity with which many of the young and amiable are hurried to the graves by that scourge of the human race, consumption, is a humiliating lesson of the futility of the boasted progress of medical knowledge. That the European rapidly degenerates in this climate in physical qualities, while he acquires greater quick- ness and vivacity, cannot be doubted by a close observer, and this tendency can only be counteracted by great and constant exercise in the open air. There are, however, some favourable points to be no- ticed with regard to the climate. It is generally free from fog, the atmosphere is mostly dry, and the sky cloudless. During the summer and autumn the rain sel- dom lasts more than twenty-four hours before the weather again becomes settled and beautiful. The remarkable dryness of the atmosphere has doubtless led to the error of supposing it to be eminently healthy ; whereas in the most foggy districts of the United States are to be found people with a good and healthy complexion. The cli- mate of New York from this cause exerts a favourable influence in asthmatic complaints ; and the writer has known persons suffering severely from this disorder in England regaining comparative health in New York, and upon returning to England relapsing and becoming as bad PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 17 as ever. The transparency of the atmosphere has also the effect of rendering distant objects remarkably clear and distinct. Notwithstanding the unhealthiness of New York, and generally of the United States, as a residence, it is not so much so that it need at all deter visitors and travellers from spending a few months in the country; the bad effect upon the inhabitants results from their being so long and constantly exposed to the vicissitudes of the climate ; and an invalid leaving England at the end of August by a steam ship, or the beginning of August by a sailing packet, spending two or three weeks in excursions, and returning from New York about the middle of October, would probably derive considerable benefit from the pow- erful remedial agency of the sea voyage to and fro, of much service in cases of incipient consumption, indiges- tion, and many other complaints ; also having the advan- tage of the period of his stay in America, being the most delightful season in that country ; and were but the rest of the year like it, the climate would deserve all the praise it has ever received. Captain Marryatt observes, that the climate is one of great excitement, and, as such, its effects are most per- nicious. Diseases of the eyes are very common : there are, perhaps, annually more cases in the city of New York alone than throughout the whole of Europe. He also says, that he saw more cases of delirium tremens than he ever heard of before. He corroborates the preceding observations, respecting the inferiority of the Americans in point of physical development, and also notices the universal defect common to both sexes, narrowness of the C IS PICTURE OF >^EV*- YORK. shoulders, the physiological causes of which deserve ii*- vestigation : probably, it is some peculiarity of the air,, acting upon the dehcate organization of the lungs, which may also be the cause of the universal habit of expec- toration. The climate of the Wisconsin territory, west of Lake Michigan, is probably the finest in the United States, and superior to that of Upper Canada. The vicinity of the o-reat lakes renders it milder than more southern states, and it is free from the fevers so common and fatal in the rich and fertile valleys of the west. The upper parts of Virginia and Kentucky are also considered healthy, with parts of the State of New York in the vicinity of the lakes. Detroit, in the ^lichigan territory, has a high character for its climate, and, generally, it is milder as you go west. COMMERCE. The total annual value of the merchandize exported and imported in 1836 was upwards of 130,000,000 dol- lars. More than one-half of the total imports of the United States are into New York: in 1832 the amount was 53,214,402 dollars. The exports from New York are rather more than one-fourth of those of the United Stales. This smaller proportion is caused by most of the exports of the Western States going to New Orleans, being floated down the Mississippi. The foreign articles of consumption of these states, being generally less bulky than their produce exported, reach them through New York. The tonnage of the New York shipping is immense, PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 19 and bids fair to rival that of London, the metropolis of the parent country. Including the enrolled and register- ed, in 1832 it was 286,483 tons ; in 1835 it was 359,222, and 15,903 steam vessels, and now exceeds 400,000 tons. The New York ship-builders are unrivalled in the beauty of their models ; and their vessels, however mortifying to the vanity of John Bull, are superior in sailing qualities, and the finest merchant ships in the world. Mr. Eckford, who constructed many ships for the late sultan, was a celebrated New York builder : he was suc- ceeded in the employ of the sultan by his foreman, Mr. Rhodes, equally skilful. The author of the " American in England" observes, that John Bull consoles himself for his inferiority' in sailing, by saying that his ships are the strongest, notwithstanding which, when any collision oc- curs, they uniformly go to the bottom, and brother Jo- nathan passes on, as if nothing had happened. The masters and mates are generally native Americans, and able seamen ; but the crews of American ships are composed of four-fifths foreigners, sometimes entirely Eng- lish, Irish, Dutch, PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 41 GENERAL REMARKS. The city at present covers about three miles of the island. The remainder, a year or two since, was marked out into lots, for the purposes of buildings, which were calculated to accommodate nearly two millions more of inhabitants. Many of these lots, which at first sold for about one hundred dollars, were eagerly speculated in, and some fetched as much as 2000 dollars. During this mania a town on an extensive scale was planned on Staten Island, to be called New Brighton, and the neigh- bourhood of Brooklyn, Long Island, was lotted out for a similar purpose. Many of the undertakers' shops are very splendid, being fitted up with plate-glass fronts; where may be seen, standing upright, a large stock of handsome coffins, of all sorts and sizes, made of mahogany, French polished, &c. ; ready for the choice of mourning relatives. Many tradesmen, by way of greater attraction for cus- tomers, have marble tablets let into the pavements, con- taining their names and occupations. The gentlemen of New York are very fond of fast horses, and occasionally give as much as 2000 dollars for an extraordinary good one. The hackney coach horses are very good, and the vehicles respectable in their ap- pearance, carrying four persons, and driven by men of colour, or Irishmen. Tobacco for chewing, used by three-fourths of the gentlemen, is sold at silk-mercers and hosiers : some ad- vertise Dulcissimus Chewing Tobacco. The temperance societies have reduced the number of 4^ PICTURE OF NEW YORK. liquor stores : at these places the spirits and wines are in decanters on the bar counter, and the visitors mix for themselves. It was formerly always customary, on visit- ing even at respectable houses, to be offered a glass of spirits. The annoyance from musquitoes in the city is not very great, some persons altogether escaping their attacks ; but in the country they are more numerous, and there the noise of the grasshoppers from the trees in the even- ing is quite overpowering. The common fly is very troublesome, and fire-flies abound in the evening. House-rent, especially in the lower part of the city, is very high, and ground in particular situations is sold for immense sums. Most articles of food are much cheaper than in London : turtle is plentiful, and venison generally to be had, though dry. Vegetables for the table are abundant and cheap; asparagus is sometimes sold at four cents per hundred. Peaches, melons, apples, strawberries, cherries, and walnuts, are plentiful. A person going into an orchard may eat the fruit at pleasure, if none is taken away. Rocking chairs are much used, from the languor caused by the climate: they are always found in the boarding houses. Newspapers are paid for by the year, and not by the single paper, which is also the case with all periodicals. The number of advertisements is immense. Upwards of thirty daily papers are published, and the profligacy of some of them is an universal complaint. PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 4>3 ENVIRONS, &c. From New York a greater number of excursions may be made than are practicable from any other city in the United States, steam communication with so many places being kept up during the summer. A list of the principal conveyances by steam, railroad, and stages, is given at the end of the work : the fares, of course, vary from time to time, but are generally exceedingly moderate. There is no such thing as travelling post; but if it is desired, on most roads what is called an exclusive extra stage may be had for a party. The President generally travels by steam-boat and the regular stage, in the same manner as the other passengers. Opposite to New York, on the other side of the East River, on Long Island, is Brooklyn. The principal object to interest the visitor there is the Navy Yard. Though not the most important in the United States, it covers about forty acres of ground, and cost about 40,000 dollars : several men of war are generally in ordinary ; and at present two first-class frigates upon the stocks, the Sabine and Savannah^ of forty-four guns. Nearly all the harbours of the United States being bar harbours, a large ship of the line has not sufficient water to enter them at all times of the tide. A very good view of the city and vicinity, and the most easily accessible, may be had from Brooklyn Heights ; though it is inferior to that from Staten Island in beauty. The population of Brook- lyn at the last census was 24,529. The steamers pass every five minutes from New York, and omnibusses pro- ceed to most parts of Long Island. Hell Gate, or Hurl-gate, is a strait in the East River, 44 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. or Long Island Sound, about six miles from New York. At high and low water the stream is as quiet as any other part of the Sound ; but at half tide it frets and foams, forming numerous whirlpools and eddies. Steamers pass without difficulty ; but an experienced pilot is requisite for sailing vessels, which, if they are caught in the eddies, are whirled about in all directions. The shores and neighbourhood are adorned with a great number of elegant villas ; and the views from the side of Long Island are very picturesque. Flushing is a very pretty village, a few miles from Hell-gate, at the head of Flushing Bay. Here is situated one of the largest botanical gardens and nurseries in the United States, belonging to jNIessrs. Prince. It covers about forty acres of ground, and contains upwards of 10,000 species of trees, plants, &c. Steamers are con- stantly passing to New York. Staten Island. — The situation of this island has already been noticed. Steamers run from Whitehall Slip, at the lower extremity of the City adjoining the battery. Its shores are indented, and covered with a number of neat white villas, detached and surrounded by gardens. The quantity of whitewashing which is here and everywhere performed on the lower parts of trees, fences, and some- times on rocks, is rather injurious to the picturesque, but has the effect of giving a clean and light appearance. There are some hills of considerable elevation, and be- hind the village, adjoining the quarantine establishment, a building is erected called the Pavilion, about 250 feet above the sea. The views from hence are delightful, em- bracing the city of New York ; to the left of which is PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 45 seen Jersey city, projecting into the bay. The islands and headlands and tracts of wooded country surrounding the bay, which is always studded with ships and coasting vessels, form the most variegated landscape upon the Atlantic coast. To the east the view extends to the Atlantic ocean, including Sandyhook, and Rariton Bay, There are other hills on the island, affording equally fine views as the Pavilion, and which well repay the trouble of the visitor. Mount Izard is the highest, and Tarbarrcl Hill is nearly 4-00 feet high, immediately above the Pa- vilion. The quarantine establishment is a short distance from the town. Good accommodation is afforded by the hotels at Castleton. HOBOKEN, on the opposite side of the Hudson, is crowded on Sunday afternoon, and is a delightful excur- sion. The walks are laid out very neatly, winding along the banks of the Pludson for nearly three miles to We- hawk, the spot where Mr. Hamilton was shot in the duel with Colonel Burr. Steamers pass every ten minutes to the town or village, from Barcklay and Canal Streets. The grounds are part of the domain of Colonel Stevens and family, who are large proprietors of steam-boats. Passengers in stages and carriages have no occasion to get out upon going on board the ferry boats, which mostly perform the distance, one mile and a half, in ten minutes. It is very httle visited during the winter. Jersey City is opposite to New York, in New Jersey. Its situation is low, and it projects into the bay. There are a number of Dutch families in this neighbourhood, who are much respected for uprightness of character. Long Branch is upon the sea coast of New Jersev, 46 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. about thirty-eight miles from New York, and is a great place of resort for sea bathing. The steamer from New York conveys passengers within eight miles of it, and the rest of the journey is performed in stages. There are some large hotels. The coast is steep, and the swell rolling in from the Atlantic often considerable. Newark is one of the prettiest villages of New Jersey, and the road to it excellent : the distance is ten miles. The falls of the Passaic are in New Jersey, near Pat- terson : the river is 1 20 yards wide, and falls into a deep basin, surrounded by perpendicular rocks eighty or ninety feet high. The Hudson. — To a lover of nature, the beauty of the scenery of this noble river is alone a sufficient re- compense for a journey of 4-000 miles. A voyage up it should, if possible, be divided into three days, landing at West Point and Catskill. On leaving New York, on the left is seen the Weehawken hills, behind Hobo- ken, approaching the river, and forming a rocky barrier, called the Palisadoes, from 200 to 700 feet high, in most places precipitous, with a small yellow strand at the bottom. These extend nearly thirty miles along the bank. On the opposite side the New York shore exhibits a waving, cultivated, tract of country, dotted with villas and farm houses. Further on the river widens into the Tappaan Sea, and the hills rise higher. On the right is Tarry Town, near which is Washington Irving's house ; Sleepy Hollow lies behind. Ten miles further on the river is hemmed in by abrupt and rocky mountains, which scarcely appear to leave a channel for the stream. These Hiorhlands rise PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 47 to the height of 1200 or 1500 feet, and the passage between them is one of the most interesting scenes on the river. Fort Putnam, Stony Point, and other military posts of the revohitionary war, and St. Anthony's Nose, are passed before arriving at West Point, which is on the left. Here is the United States Military Academy ; and also a good hotel, the view^s from which are very fine, and will repay the delay of a short time to enjoy them, and an excursion to the Crow's Nest. The view from Fort Putnam is also of great beauty. After leaving the Highlands, the banks of the river are lower, and for sixty or seventy miles open into beau- tiful bays, this is called the Valley of the Hudson, and the land is some of the richest in the state of New York. The town of Newburg is about ten miles from West Point, on the same side of the river; Fishkill and Pough- keepsie are on the opposite side. Hyde Park is about thirty miles from West Point, on the right, with a good hotel. The seat of Dr. Hosack is situated on a natural terrace, overhanging a beautiful reach of the river. About thirty miles further on the left is Catskill, 1 20 miles from New York, from whence stages convey pas- sengers to Pine Orchard House, twelve miles from which is a sublime prospect over the Hudson, the plains of Con- necticut, and a vast tract of country, extending to the Atlantic and mountains of Vermont. From the great elevation, the temperature is much lower here than at New York. The mountain house contains excellent public rooms, and good bedchambers. It is customary for visit- ors to get up in time to see the sun rise from the Piazza. 48 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. There are some fine waterfalls in the neighbourhood, among the Catskill mountains, which range to the height of 3000 feet and upwards. Many pleasant excursions may be made, and this spot is a delightful retreat during the very hot weather. Five miles from Catskill, on the other side of the river, is the comparatively old city of Hudson, though its his- tory does not extend beyond the memory of that respect- able person, "the oldest inhabitant." The city is well placed, on a fine promontory: from hence to Albany, about forty miles, the banks of the river become less steep : before approaching Albany, there are several fine islands, and some handsome villas. The city of Albany extends from the side of a hill to the w^ater's edge, and is a striking object-'from the river. From the Capitol, which contains the chambers of the senate and state representatives, and stands at the top of a wide street called State Street, there is a fine view of the city, the river, and canal. The city, being near the end of tide navigation, is a place of great resort : passen- gers may proceed either by the Erie Canal to Niagara and the great lakes ; to Canada, by lakes Champlain and George ; or by stage to the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire, or any part of IMassachusetts and Con- necticut. Saratoga Springs, and Ballston, are the great watering places of the United States. Saratoga is thirty-two miles from Albany, in an elevated situation. There are four very large hotels, besides many smaller ones, and several churches. The Congress water is most used, thouo-h there are a dozen other springs. It is useful PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 49 in indigestion, bilious disorders, chronic rheumatism, and other maladies, though a great deal is drunk by- visitors in the fashionable season, who come merely for amusement, and to avoid the heat. Ballston Spa, a similar place of resort, is seven miles from Saratoga, pleasantly situated in a hollow. Here also are two lar^e hotels. NIAGARA. Flow on for ever in thy glorious robe Of terror and of beauty ; God hath set His rainbow on thy forehead, and the cloud JIantles around thy feet. And he doth give Thy voice of thunder power to speak of Hlni Eternally bidding- the lip of man Keep silence, and upon thy rocky altar pour Incense of awe-struck praise. Mi's. Sigournej/. The Niagara is a large river, running from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, and connecting the St. Lawrence with the great lakes. Its length is thirty-three miles, and in this space it descends 334 feet. It forms the boundary between the state of New York and Upper Canada. When it issues from Lake Erie it runs through a level country, and the banks are but little elevated; the stream is not rapid, the current hardly flowing three miles an hour. Its width is about a mile till the river reaches Grand Island, which contains about 17,000 acres, and di- vides it into two arms. Below Grand Island the width E 50 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. of the river increases, and at Navy Island, where th-e arms reunite, it is about two miles wide. At the mouth of the Welland, or Chippeway river, the stream contracts, and the current becomes more rapid, and flows at the rate of about eight miles an hour. From the river de- scending down an inclined plane, the banks rise to upwards of fifty feet above the level of the water, and as it de- scends further, the banks rise higher. At this part of its course the river flows nearly due west, when it suddenly turns, and takes a direction about north-east. The waters here rush with great force against the banks on the Ca- nadian side, having previously descended about sixty feet in rapids, over ledges of rock eight or ten feet at a time. Just before reaching the precipice over which the vast mass of water is hurled at the P'alls, two small islands on the American side, Bath and Goat Island, separate it into two branches. Goat Island, which is about 320 yards wide, divides the cataract. The width of the fall on the American side, between the banks and Goat Island, is about 220 yards, and 164? feet deep, divided in two by a rock. The Horse -shoe Fall, between Goat Island and the Canadian shore, is 600 yards in width ; and here the great body of water sweeps over the preci- pice with such tremendous force that a space of upwards of fifty feet is left between it and the water which curves in its descent. It is estimated that seven eighths of the water of the river pass over this part of the fall. The precipice is composed of a mass of limestone rock, lying upon soft shale, which crumbles away ; the limestone above over- hangs, leaving a cavern, so that it is possible to proceed PICTURE OE NEW YORK. 51 from thirty to forty j^ards directly under the great body of water from the bottom of the rock, till further pro- gress is stopped by a projecting rock, called Termination Rock. A rope has been stretched along as a rail, to prevent the footing being lost on the slippery ground ; and which renders the danger of falling into the boiling vortex less than it otherwise would be. Persons who un- dertake the adventure are furnished with a proper dress and a guide. A book is kept to enter the names of the parties, and a certificate also is granted. From the cold and wet unavoidably encountered, the adventure can only be prudently undertaken in the summer season. The description of the localities will be better under- stood by a reference to the Map. Table Rock projects over the falls, and from it the cataract, on both sides, may be seen at once. It is an excellent point of view, and may be reached by a way across the field, from the hotel on the Canadian side, which is about 300 yards from the falls. Fixed against the Table Rock is a spiral staircase, leading to the edge of the river, and also to the cavern underneath. The ground being very slippery from the quantities of spray continually driving in, a false step might be fatal, and most travellers stop somewhat nearer the falls than the foot of the ladder. A wooden bridge or platform was thrown from the north side of Goat Island, along the very crest of the precipice, the logs reaching from rock to rock, and the flood rushing underneath with dizzying velocitv. This was, however, some time since carried away ; but it will most likely be replaced. From its extremity, the view of UNWERSaV OF 52 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. the precipice and great fall was absolutely terrific and appalling, even to persons of the strongest nerve. Goat Island is approached by a strong wooden bridge, over the Rapids, from the American side. There is an alcove erected above the Horse-shoe Fall. Terrapin Tower is forty feet in height, built on rocks among the rapids, and its summit affords a complete view of the cataract. The Biddle staircase is fixed against the perpendicular rock ; and there is a narrow path from the foot of it to the fall. Miss Martineau thinks the finest single impression of all is a view from the bank, half way up the American Fall; but not from the staircase. She observes, that the American falls are more level to the comprehension for a day or two than the great Horse Shoe Cataract; and that throughout, the beauty was to her more impressive than the grandeur. " One's imagination may heap up almost any degree of grandeur ; but the subtle colouring of this scene, varying with every breath of wind, refining upon the softness of the driven snow, and dimming all the gems of the mine, is wholly inconceivable." Mr. Steuart says, " the overwhelming sensations with which a spectator can hardly fail to be affected, are pro- duced by the immense flood (not less than one million tons of water per hour), the stupendous mass, and over- powering force of the roaring and falling waters. It is, in truth, a great deep ocean, thrown over a precipice nearly 160 feet high. " Every thing, every surrounding object, is viewed with indifference, whilst the mind is wholly absorbed in the PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 53 contemplation of a spectacle so sublime; surpassing- in majesty and grandeur and power all the works of nature which have ever arrested the attention, or presented themselves to the imagination. No just or adequate de- scription can be conveyed by language. Such words as grandeur, majesty, and sublimity, fail altogether to ex- press the feelings which so magnificent a sight, exceeding so immeasurably all of the same kind that we have ever seen or imagined, excites." The enormous mass of waters slowly rolling over the brink, falls mostly in an unbroken column, of a dark green colour, until it meets the spray and foam ascending in clouds from the abyss below. This vapour or spray, " the everlasting incense of the waters," rises more than thirty yards above the river, before its descent ; and can be seen at a very great distance, appearing like a cloud of smoke. Rainbows are constantly forming, sometimes two or three at a time, of the most brilliant colours : these must be watched for, but the prismatic colours are always visible in the spray. The thunder of the cataract may be heard for twenty or thirty miles in the direction in which the wind blows ; and for nearly half that distance even in unfavourable states of the atmosphere. The vast force which it exerts upon the rocks must be continually wearing them away; and it is supposed that the falls are receding. They have not been long enough under the observation of Europeans to determine whether this takes place at a rate at all per- ceptible ; but it is not improbable that the deep channel into which the river falls has been formed by its agency. How far it may have receded in this manner cannot be E 2 54f PICTURE OF NEW YORK. determined with certainty : it has been, however, supposed, that the falls may have been once at Queenston, seven miles below, and that at some remote period the river may wear its way back twelve miles further, draining Lake Erie. There is a want of the romantic scenery which often ac- companies considerable falls of water; but this is, per- haps, favourable to the full perception of the terrific power of the prodigious rush of waters. Mr. Darby says, "It is left alone in simple and subUme dignity, to impress upon the soul a sense of majestic grandeur, which loss of life or intellect can only obliterate, and the force of which no language can convey. Even sound is subservient to the impression made upon the heart. None is heard, except the eternal war of the cataract." Two or three hundred yards below the falls the river is crossed by a ferry boat, which is in some degree dan- gerous, as the river is here about 1200 yards wide, still impetuous in its course, the water foaming with spray, and whirling round the boat, which, if carried down the stream, would fare little better than if it were hurled over the falls, as four miles below there is a terrific whirlpool in a semicircular basin, which would totally destroy any vessel. Passengers should be provided with great coats or cloaks, as they will be wetted by the spray. The river contains many fish — sturgeon, bass, salmon trout, &c. It is usually frozen over in winter, except at the rapids and falls ; and glaciers of ice and snow may be sometimes seen, even in June, under the rocks. The current, for a mile above the falls is very swift> PICTURE OF NEW YORK. 55 and many accidents have occurred by persons trying to cross too near the rapids in boats, being drawn too near, and carried over. The neighbourhood of Niagara was, in the war of 1814, the scene of several bloody combats, which were mostly indecisive, though the killed and wounded were upwards of one-third of the belligerent armies, which, including both sides, were not more than 12,000 men. It is to be hoped that so fruitless a sacrifice of human life will not again be witnessed. SEASON FOR TRAVELLING, The best time for a tour in the northern part of the United States is the autumn, w^hen the heats of summer are abated ; but the Ohio and western rivers are some- times deficient of water in that season, and travellers by steam boats are consequently detained. The glory of the American woods commences about October. After the first night frosts the sumach becomes red, the maple scarlet, and the hiccory and walnut quite yellow. The appearance of the forests is magnificent, and superior in beauty to any thing to be observed on the old continent. In the winter the Hudson is frozen over, and journeys must be performed by the stage. The establishment of a line of steam ships between Halifax and Liverpool will probably induce some persons to return to Europe by way of Boston and Halifax, or vice versa. The New York packet ships are occasionally detained in the harbour by the ice; and the winter navigation of the Atlantic, either by steam ship or by sailing packet, 56 PICTURE OF NEW YORK. is not agreeable, from the violent gales of wind occasion- ally encountered ; so that a traveller not intending to remain the winter should not delay his voyage later than the beginning of November. Sleighing is a very pleasant mode of travelling in the winter, and may be enjoyed during several months. The sleighs glide easily and noiselessly over the snow, the horses having small bells round their necks. Stages and carriages of all descriptions have their wheels taken off, and are mounted on runners. The traveller in the United States will find very little to interest him in the Southern States, where his progress will be attended with greater difficulty, greater expense, and greater risk of health than in the North. If possi- ble, he should see the state of New York, New England, and, if his time will permit, go as far west as the con- fluence of the Missisippi and Missouri : that part of the country being totally unlike any other in the world. PRESERVATION OF HEALTH. Persons of delicate constitution, intending to reside in New York or the United States, should pay particular attention to their health, riding and walking as much as practicable. Upon rising in the morning in summer, which should be not later than five, it is recommended to sponge the body with sea water, or salt and water, using a little friction afterwards to promote the action of the skin : this is equally useful in winter, and perhaps more so, though the water should then be tepid, if the cold be disagreeable. Early breakfasts are customary; and if PICTURE OE NEW YORK. 57 that meal can be had by six or seven o'clock, to give time for a little exercise afterwards, before the heat becomes violent, it will be better, as the mornings are delightful till the sun's rays become oppressive and powerful. After an early dinner a siesta is very refreshing. The plan of joining tea and supper together should not be followed, as it has a tendency to produce indigestion or dyspepsia. A light supper, about eight or nine o'clock, may be fol- lowed by a glass or two of wine. Beef-steaks should not be eaten for breakfast, nor the preparations of fish some- times on table, a little ham or a couple of eggs being much better. Dyspepsia crackers are much used, and are very wholesome, as they relieve constipation without the use of medicine. Biscuits, confectionery, &c. should not be taken between meals by those subject to indiges- tion, and very little should be eaten with coffee or tea. Any rules as to quantity, and other points of diet, must be sought in works upon that subject. Cider is the usual drink at dinner, but a little brandy and water, or good malt liquor is preferable. A respirator would be of much service in the winter and spring to persons of delicate lungs. The Anthra- cite coal burned in stoves in many houses has a very un- pleasant effect upon the skin, and must be unwholesome, as it causes headache, &c.: wood, or English coal, which is not very dear, is far better. The usual fee to physicians for a visit is a dollar. Mr. Flint, the author of " Travels in the Western States," re- commends Europeans to take small doses of calomel, fre- quently repeated, the first season ; but this should not be done without the sanction of a medical man. A much 58 nCTURE OF NEW YORK. larger quantity of that drug may be administered in the United States than would be safely given in England. The summer costume is very light — jean coats or other slight materials, as woollen dresses are far too warm. Care should be taken in the spring not to leave off warm clothes too early — till the hot weather has set in. Flan- nel, fleecy hosiery, and the warmest gloves are absolutely indispensable in winter ; thick buffalo skins are much used for coverings. During very intense frosts, in sleigh- ing excursions, &c, the ears and face are apt to get frost- bitten : if numbness is felt it should immediately be at- tended to, and the place well rubbed to prevent disagree- able consequences. Packets, Steam-Boats, Hail-Roads, &cc. STEAM SHIPS For Bristol, ''The Great Western," on the advertised days of sailing. For London, " The British Queen" and " President," the 1st ol' every month. For Liverpool." — " The Liverpool" and " The United States" are advertised to commence rmming this summer. For Liverpool, via Boston and Halifax, between which port and Liverpool the Royal Mail Steamers will keep up a communica- tion twice a month. For Liverpool. There are several lines of Packets which sail upon the 1st, 7th, 13th, 10th, and 25th of each month, from both ports. The passage from Liverpool to New York is 3G guineas ; from New York to Liverpool, 140 dollars ; including Wines. For London. The 1st, 10th, and 20th of every month; leaving Portsmouth the same days. The passage from New York to London is 100 dollars, without wine. For Havre. Twice a month. — Cabin passage, 100 dollars. Regular Mail Line to Boston, via Stonington, from Pier No. 1, daily at 5 o'clock, p.m.— Steamers, " Massachusetts" and " Rhode Island." Passengers, on arriving at Stonington, take the rail-road cars, and proceed immediately to Providence and Boston. Providence and Boston. — Steamer, " John," W. Richmond, from Pier No. 6, North River, Wednesday and Saturday, at 4 p.m. Fare 3 dollars. New Route to Boston, via Norwich and the Worcester Rail- road, by Steamers " Norwich" and " Charter Oak," daily at 4, from foot of Beckman-street. Providence and Boston. — From Battery-place Pier, No. 1, North River. — Steamers, '* Mohegan" and " Providence," every afternoon. Camden and Amboy Rail-road Line for Philadelphia, daily (Sundays excepted), at 7 a.m. from Pier No. 2, North River. By Steam-boat " Independence" to South Amboy, thence to Bordintown via Railway, thence by Steamer "New Philadelphia" to Philadelphia, arrive a little after 2. Fare 3 dollars ; to Trenton 2 dollars. Breakfast and dinner on board, 50 cents. New York and Philadelphia Rail-Road Line direct, via Newark, New Brunswick, Princeton, and Trenton, through in six 60 PACKETS, STEAM BOATS, RAIL-ROADS, &C. hours. Leave the foot of Liberty-street, daily, at 9 a.m. and 4| P.M. Fare 4 dollars ; to Trenton 2^ dollars. Ladies' car, with separate apartments and dressing-rooms. Southern daily Mail Line for Norfolk, Charleston, Pe- tersburg, and Richmond. — Steamers " Alabama," " Kentucky," and " Jewess," run daily between Baltimore, Norfolk, and Ports- mouth, upon the arrival of the train from Philadelphia. New York, Newark, and Elizabeth-Town Kahway, Sec. — New Brunswick trains from the foot of Liberty-street, at 9 a.m. and 4| p.m. Fares, Jersey City, Elizabeth Town, 37i cents ; Rahway 50 cents ; New Brunswick, 75 cents. Newark Accommodation Line, from the foot of Cortland- street, at 9, 11, 2, 4, and 4f. Fare, 37A cents, including ferry ticket. New York and Harlem Rail-road, from the City Hall, everj- hour. Fare, 25 cents. Western Transportation, via Philadelphia and Pittsburg North American Portable Boat Line ; each divided into Sections, calculated for Canal or Rail-road, to avoid transhipment of goods. For Albany. — Steamers " Swallow" and " Belle," every after- noon at 5, from foot of Cortland-street. People's Line — Steamer "Rochester," &c. leaves the Pier be- tween Cortland and Liberty-street, afternoons at 5. Steamers to Albany every morning. Breakfast and dinner on board. Independent Opposition Line. — Tlie " Kosciusko" leaves Pier at foot of Robinson-street, above Barclay, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Fare, 2 dollars. The conveyances from Albany are too numerous to particularize. For Charleston. — Packet Brigs from East side of Burling Slip every four days. For Savannah three times a week. For New Orleans. — Ship line of Packets, 1st, 10th, and 20th, every month. Cabin passage, 80 dollars. Holmes' line, every second Monday in the season. Passage about eighteen or twenty days. For MoiJiLE. — Ship line of Packets, three times a month. Pas- sage, 60 dollars. — City line Packet Brigs, every ten days. STEAMERS TO Hartford Rocky Neck Ravcnswood Port Chester Flushing Newark CoWspriiig: Glen Cove New Brighton Newhaven Port llichmond Saueerties Astoria NewRochellc Pougkkcepsic Saw'Pitts Peacock's Point Port JclTerson Oyster Bay Elizabeth Port Kiiigyton And Stages to a great variety of places. The Railroad from New York to Lake Erie was commenced in November 1835, and it is estimated will cost from 2,700,000 to 3 million dollars. Its length is 505 miles. The British and American Steam Navigation Company's Steam Ship, BRITISH QUEEN, Of 2016 Tons Burthen, and 500 Horse Power, Lieutenant Richard Roberts, R.N., Commander, WILL SAIL Tor NEW VORK, From Blackwall, 29th June — From Portsmouth, 1st July. Ditto 30th Aug — Ditto 1st Sept. Ditto 30th Oct. — Ditto 1st Nov. From NEW VORK, 1st June, — 1st August, — 1st October. For Freight apply to Mr. Junius Smith, 4, Fen- Court, Fenchurch Street; and for Passage to Messrs. Emerson & Co., Paris and Havre ; James Brunton, Esq., Hamburg ; JoHN LiNDlGREN, Esq., Portsmouth ; James Beale, Esq., Cork; W. B. McKean, Esq., Edinburgh and Leith ; or at the Company's Offices, Derby Buildings, Fenwick Street, Liverpool, and 2, BilliteV Court, Billiter Square, London. STEAM TO NEW YORK. THE GREAT WESTERN, Lieut. HOSKEN, R.N., Commander, IS INTENDED TO SAIL Trom BRISTOL, ^th June, 25tli July, 12th September, 7th November. From NEW YORK, 9th May, 1st July, 18th August, 10th October, 8th December. For Freight, Passage, or further information, apply at Bristol to CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON; London T. M. Warp, Great Western Railway Office ; Liverpool... GiBBS, BRIGHT, & Co., North John Street; Glasgow.... H. B. Webb, Glassford Street; Paris Andelle & SOULAS. New York.. Richard Irvin. N.B. No Dogs allowed to be take-i on board. nii.4ol, 5t!i May, IrilO.