p rfn in mm mmmMii Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 http://archive.org/details/pictureofnewyorkOObusb THE PICTURE OE NEW-YORK, OR THE STRANGER'S GUIDE TO THE COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS OE THE UNITED STATES. NEW-YORK: A. T. GOODRICH, 124 BROADWAY. 1825. PREFACE. A work of the following description has been long wanted, and repeatedly called for. It seems rather singular that a city so extensive, so populous, and possessing so many institutions and attractions as the maritime capital of the United States, should have been so long without a Guide to direct the Stranger, and furnish to the citizen useful information as to her municipal regulations. In the year 1807, an attempt was made to remedy this defect, by a publication entitled " A Picture of New-York," possessing considerable merit, and which might have been greatly improved, had the idea been cherished and acted upon. This, how- ever, was not done ; so that for a period of ten years, during which this city has risen in opulence, and the arts and sciences have advanced with a rapidity un- exampled in history, these progressions towards re- finement have gone on so silently, that it will be a matter of no small difficulty to convince many fo- reigners of their actual existence. Nor will this ap- pear improbable when it is considered, that until the recent triumphs of the arms of the United States, the inhabitants of these fertile regions were regarded, in many parts of Europe, particularly in the mother country, as a nest of demi-barbarians, utterly un- acquainted with the useful arts, and destitute of every social virtue ! By giving correct views of our establishments, the strong- hold of prejudice, now shaken to the cen- tre, will ultimately be broken down, and the most bigotted insensibly drawn to respect a people, whose friendship it is their interest at all times to cultivate, and from the study of whose political and social in- stitutions, it is not impossible, they may derive some advantage. The Editor has spared no pains to render this little volume generally acceptable. Although it was ori- ginally and principally intended for the use of stran- gers, it is presumed that those who have been con- stant residents in the city, will find it Q valuable as a book of reference. The tables contained in the Appendix, and other useful matter, cannot fail to render it a desirable work to every class in society, especially such as are more immediately engaged in trade and commerce. It will readily be perceived, that it must have oc- casioned great labour to bring into one view such a variety of scattered materials. This circumstance is not mentioned to excuse any defects that may ap- pear in the execution, but as an apology for those omissions inseparable from a work of this description, where the topics discussed regard a country in which alterations and improvements are daily taking place in almost every department. Perfection is not to be looked for in these circumstances : If the writer has faithfully and zealously employed his pen, he will not PREFACE. V likely be censured for unavoidable errors. Where any such appear, he will be grateful if they are pointed out, and prompt in their correction. It would be unpardonable not to notice the ready and handsome manner with which the facts, neces- sary for this work, were furnished by every one to whom the Editor had occasion to apply. Whatever merit it may possess, he considers them entitled to the greatest share of it ; and, as the best acknowledg- ment he could make for their assistance, it has been his most anxious wish and endeavour to render the compilation deserving' of their patronage, and that of a liberal and enlightened community. NewYork, ) CONTENTS, Page, Historical Sketch 13 General Description 3Q Plan and Extent of the City . . 33 Dwelling Houses 34 Streets, &c. 35 Public Markets . . •% . 38 Hotels and Boarding Houses , , . 41 Population ...... 43 Public Buildings . . , • ' . 45 City Hall ...... ib. Council Room .... 48 Governor's Room . . . 54 Court of Sessions . . • 58 Supreme Court ... 59 Court of Chancery . . .. ib* if 1'HhrACE. country, as a nest of demi-barbarians, utterly un- acquainted with the useful arts, and destitute of every social virtue ! By giving correct views of our establishments, (he strong hold of prejudice, now shaken to the cen- tre, will ultimately be broken down, and the most bigotted insensibly drawn to respect a people, whose friendship it is their interest at all times to cultivate, and from the study of whose political and social in- stitutions, it is not impossible, they may derive some advantage. The Editor has spared no pains to render this little volume generally acceptable. Although it was ori- ginally and principally intended for the use of stran- gers, it is presumed that those who have been con- stant residents in the city, will find it ^valuable as a book of reference. The tables contained in the Appendix, and other useful matter, cannot fail to render it a desirable work to every class in society, especially such as are more immediately engaged in trade and commerce. It will readily be perceived, that it must have oc- casioned great labour to bring into one view such a variety of scattered materials. This circumstance is not mentioned to excuse any defects that may ap- pear in the execution, but as an apology for those omissions inseparable from a work of this description, where the topics discussed regard a country in which alterations and improvements are daily taking place in almost every department. Perfection is not to be looked for in these circumstances : If the writer has faithfully and zealously employed his pen, he will not PREFACE. V likely be censured for unavoidable errors. Where any such appear, he will be grateful if they are pointed out, and prompt in their correction. It would be unpardonable not to notice the ready and handsome manner with which the facts, neces- sary for this work, were furnished by every one to whom the Editor had occasion to apply. Whatever merit it may possess, he considers them entitled to the greatest share of it ; and, as the best acknowledg- ment he could make for their assistance, it has been his most anxious wish and endeavour to render the compilation deserving of their patronage, and that oi a liberal and enlightened community. New York, ) CONTENTS, Page, Historical Sketch IS General Description .... 30 Plan and Extent of the City . . 33 Dwelling Houses 34 Streets, &c. 35 Public Markets • . . ^ . 38 Hotels and Boarding Houses ... 41 Population ...... 43 Public Buildings 45 City Hall ...... ib. Council Room .... 48 Governor's Room 54 Court of Sessions . . • 58 Supreme Court ... 59 Court of Chancery . . . %b* viii CONTENTS. IVTnirnr'Q Onurf 11 1 Ay KJl S vUUI l • « . . Of District Court of the United States 61 Circuit Court of the United States ib. Surrogate's Office . . ib. Register for the city and County 63 Marine or Justices Court . . ib. Police Department . . . 64 City Watch .... 65 New-York Hospital . . . . 66 The Hospital .... ib. Lunatic Asylum ... 71 Lying-in Hospital . . • 74 Alms House ib. Columbia College .... 80 College of Physicians and Surgeons • 82 •Ttf edical Societies • • . - • 87 Botanic Garden 89 Neiv-York Institution 92 The Literary and P hilosophical Society 93 The Historical Society 95 The American Academy of the Fine Arts 97 The Lyceum of Natural History . 99 The American Museum 01 104 State Prison .... ib. Penitentiary .... 114 Bridewell ..... 117 Jail, or Debtor's Prison 119 Board of Health .... 122 'ITER ART ESTABLISHMENTS Newspapers 124 ib CONTENTS. IX Magazines or periodical journals . 127 New-York Society Library . . . 129 Reading Rooms . . . .130 Booksellers 9 . ib. Private Schools and Academies . . 131 Philological Society . . . . ib. Free Schools No. I. II. aad III. . . 132 Public Amusements 135 The Theatre ib. Vauxhall Garden . . • .136 The Circus ib. Gallery of Paintings , . . .137 Mechanical Panorama . . ,138 Naval Panorama ... * 139 Battery Walk . . . . . ib. Bowling Green 140 Park 141 Marine Baths ib. Commercial Establishments . . . 143 Custom House . . . . . 144 Chamber of Commerce . . . .145 Post Office 147 Banks and Banking Houses . . 151 General Regulations ib. Bank of New- York . . .152. Manhattan Bank • ib. Merchants' Bank. ... 153 Mechanics' Bank ib. Union Bank .... ib. Bank of America . • ■ 154 City Bank ib. Phenix Bank . . < . . ib. CONTENTS. Saving Bank 154 Exchange Bank ib. Bank of the United States . . ib. Insurance Companies . . . 155 New- York Insurance Company . ib. Mutual Insurance Company . . %b. Washington Insurance Company . ib. Phoenix Insurance Company . . 156 Ocean Insurance Company . . ib. New-York Firemen Insurance Comp. ib. Globe Insurance Company . . ib. American Insurance Company of N. Y. ib. Fire Department . . . .157 Manufacturing Companies . . 160 The Commission Company . . 161 Eagle Manufacturing Company . ib. North American Coal Company . 162 Coal Company .... ib. Copper Manufacturing Company • ib. Patent Cloth Company ... 163 Patent Oil Company tb. Mining, Smelting and Refining Comp. 164 Linen Company . ib. Sterling Company .... ib. Fur Company .... 165 Paint Manufacturing Company . 165 Manufacturing Company . . ib. Slate Company ib. Sugar Refining Company . ib. American Society for the encouragement of Domestic Manufactures . . 166 CONTENTS. Xi Steam-Boat Companies . . . 167 The Fultoji Steam-Boat Company . 174 The York and Jersey Steam-Boat Ferry Company . . ,175 Brooklyn Ferry Company . . ib. Benevolent, Charitable and Friendly Institutions and Societies . 176 Humane Society .... 177 New-York Dispemary . . .179 Vaccine or Kine Pock Institution . ib. Deaf and Dumb Institution . . 180 Manumission Society ib. Marine Society . . . .181 Sailors' 1 Snug Harbour . . . ib. Shamrock Friendly Association . 182 Tammany or Columbian Order . 183 Society of Cincinnati • . . ib. Provident Society . . . .184 Mutual Benefit Society ib. Benevolent Society . ib. A Ibion Benevolent Society • . ib. Female Society for the relief of poor Wi- dows with small Children . . . ib. Society for the relief of distressed firemen ib. General Society of Mechanics and Trades- men 186 House Carpenters'* Society . . ib. Masonic Societies . . . ib. German Society . . . .185 St. Andrew's Society ib. St. Patricks Society • • ' ib. St. George's Society . ib. New England Society . . > 187 CONTENT*. Assistance Society .... 187 Butchers'' Benevolent Society . . if). Agtd, Indigent, Female Society . . l0 . Female Association . . . . ib. Widows'* Friend Society . . .188 Pilots' 1 Charitable Society ib. Female Assistance Society ib. Roman Catholic Benevolent Society . 189 Religious Institutions . . , ib. Churches, Chapels, and Meeting- Houses 193 Missionary Societies . . . 197 New- York Missionary Society . ib. Young Men's Missionary Society 198 N.Y. Evangelical Society of Yonng Men ib. United Foreign Missionary Society ib. New-York Baptist Missionary Society ib. Female Society . .• ib. Foreign and Domestic Society ib. Magdalen Society of New-York 199 Society for supporting the gospel among the poor in the city of New-York ib. Female Missionary Society . ib. Amer. Soc. for evangelizing the Jews 199 Episcopal Society ib. Bible Societies .... 200 American Bible Society . . ib« N. Y. Bible and Com. P. B. Society ib. N. Y. Bible Society ib. Auxiliary N. Y. Bible Society . ib. and Com. P. B. Society ib. N. Y. Female Aux. Bible Society 201 N. Y. Union Bible Society . ib. CONTENTS. xiii Female Juvenile Aux. Bible Society 201 Marine Bible Society . . ib. N. Y. African Bible Society . ib. Tract Societies ... ib. N. Y. Religious Tract Society ib. Protestant Epis. Tract Society 202 N. Y. Methodist Tract Society ib. Education Societies .... ib. Soc. for promoting Religion and Learning ib. Protestant Epis. Charity School . tb. Society for educating poor and pious youth for the Ministry * . ib. Two Female Cent Societies . ib. The Ursuline Convent . . ib. Orphan Asylum Society . . ib. N. Y. Sunday School Union Society 204 Bay and Harbour, Docks, Wharves, and slips ib. Sandy Hook, Long-Island, Staten-Island, and Hell Gate . . . .209 Sandy Hook . . . . . ib. Long-Island 210 Staten-Island ib. Hell Gate ib. Forts and Fortifications . . 212 APPENDIX. I. Time of sailing of Steam-Boats, Horse- Boats, Trading Vessels, &c. Rates and Regulations ..... 221 xiv CONTENTS. II. Departure of Mail and other Stages. Rates and Regulations . . . 229 III. Hackney Coach and Carriage Rates and Regulations .... 232 IV. Cart and Cartmens' Rates and Regu- lations 236 V. Porters' Rates and Regulations 240 VI. Chimney Sweepers' Rate* and Regu- lations 242 VII. Abstract of Corporation Laws and Ordinances 243 Observance of Sunday . . . . ib. Street Preaching ib. Gambling . . .• . . . ib. Masquerades ..... 244 Bathing - ib. Flying Kites ib» Horses and Horse Racing ib. Balls ....... ib. City Inspector . . . . . ib. Nuisances . . • . . . . ib. Night Scavengers • . o . ib. Filth and Dirt .... 245 Bills of Mortality . . .251 Streets ib. Pits, Vaults or Wells . . . 252 Railings ib. Cellar lights, porticoes, &c. . ib. Posts ib. Obstructions . . . . ib. Trees i°. Carts and Carriages . . . CONTENTS. XV Goods and Merchandize . . 252 Cross Walks . . . .253 Earth ib. Buildings . . . ib. Fire Wood . . . . . ib. Retailors of Liquors ib. Swine ib. Tin plate and Earthenware . . . ib. Awnings ..... 254 Lime ib. Sales by Auction . . . . ib. Coal 255 Rivers Manure ...... ib. Hay ib. Dogs 256 Vaults and Cisterns ib. Guns ib. Park, Battery, and Bowling Green . ib. Squibs and Crackers . . . ib. Snow and Ice .... ib. Raising and Lowering Merchandise ib. Vegetables. 257 Blowing Horns ib. Hand Bills ib. Pumps ib. Partition Fences . . . . ib. Weights and Measures . . . ib. Fish . ib. Fines and Penalties ib. VIII. Assize of Bread and Inspectors Re- gulations 258 VI CON TENTS. IX. Weigh Masters and Measurers Rates and Regulations ..... 261 X. Market Regulations . . . 263 XI. Money Tables.— -Weights and Measures 268 XII. Wharfage and Cranage. Rates and Regulations. — Regulations oe the Wharves and Slips .... 274 XIII. Harbour Masters Rates and Regula- tions ....... 277 XIV. Gun Powder Rfgulati©ns . . 279 XV. Inspectors of Native Produce . 281 Staves and Heading ib. Pot and Pearl Ashes .... 282 Soal Leather . 284 Flour and Meal ib. Beef and Pork ..... 287 Navy Beef and Pork . . . . 290 Fish ....... 291 Spirits . 293 XVI. Masters and Wardens of the Port 293 XVII. Pilots Rates and Regulations . 295 XVIII. Humane Society Directions . 297 XIX. Servants and Slave Regulations 299 Addenda. The Forum 306 Directions for placing the Plates. Plan of the City to front the title page. City Hall to front .... page 45 Alms House 74 State Prison ...... 104 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE TO THE City of New -York. HISTORICAL SKETCH. The north east coast of America, from cape Flor ida to 674 N. lat. was discovered in the year 1499 by Sabastian Cabot, who was employed by Henry VII. king of England, to discover a north-west passage to China. But it was not till the year 1608 that, what is now called, Hudson's river, with the islands at its en- trance, were discovered by Henry Hudson an English- man.* Previous to this, the whole country visited by Cabot had been taken possession of in name of the English Sovereigns, and charters granted by them to different companies, who formed settlements there. These charters having embraced the mouth and a * The humorous and satirical author of the History of Keiv-Tork fromlhe beginning of the world to tlieend of the Dutch Dynasty, makes Henry Hudson a Dutchman, although he associates with him Sir Walter Raleigh, from whom he acquired tbe elegant accomplish- ment of smoking tobacco, and gives him another Englishman of the name of Juet as chief mate and favourite companion. This, however, was pardonable in a work like Knickerbocker s, whose object, evi. dently, was not to dispute facts, but to ridicule the pretensions of those who, right or wrong, ascribe the discovery of the Hudson to a Dutchman. To such as read for entertainment chiefly* we would recommend the perusal of Knickerbocker. In point of real humour and characteristic description of low life, he is equal to Smollet or Richardson; and in the happy manner in which he exposes 'folly as flies,'' and drags the enemies of liberty and social happiness to light, he has been as successful as any writer of that description in Europe/ u THE STRANGER'S OUIDE large portion of the Hudson, though unexplored, this circumstance was afterwards founded upon by the English government to justify the occupation of this territory, and to drive out the Dutch who were in possession of the place. Henry Hudson, it is said, sold his discovery to the Dutch West India Com- pany, without consulting the king of England ; but, whatever may be in this, it is pretty certain that the Dutch were the first settlers on this part of the Hudson. When the Dutch first became acquainted with New- York island, it was called by the Indians the island of Manhattan,* and its situation and general appearance, in every respect, held out the most in- viting prospects to new settlers. Flattering accounts regarding it having reached Holland, the Dutch West India Company were not long in establishing a trading concern on the Hudson, which, in a few years, turned out very profitable. This coming to the knowledge of the English South Virginia Com- * Knickerbocker derives the word Manlmt'an from Manna, to signify u a land flowing with milk, and honey." The lively de- scription which he gives of it, when descried by Hudson and his crew from the dc»k of their vessel msv well justify this appellation.— " It was, indeed, a spot on which the eye might have revelled for ever, in ever new, and never ending beauties The island of Manna-hata spread wide before them, like some sweet vision of fancy, or some fair creation of industrious magic Its hills of smiling green swelled gently one above another, crowned with lofty trees of luxuriant growth ; some pointing their tapering foliage towards the clouds# which were gloriously transparent; and others, loaded with a verdant fcurthenof clambering vines, bowing their branches to the earth that was covered with flowers On the gentle declivities of the hills were scattered, in gay profusion, the dogwood the sumach, and the wild briar, whose scarlet berries and white blossoms glowed brightly among the deep green efthe surrounding foliage; and here and there a curl, ing column of smoke rising from the little fclens that opened along *he shore, seemed to promise the weary voyager a welcome at the Vrvtfc of their fellow creatures." tO THE CITY OF NEW-YOftK; 15 pany, it naturally excited their jealousy, and led them to devise schemes by which to turn this ad- vantageous trade to their own account. — According- ly, having* gone over their musty charters, they discov- ered what, they conceived, gave them a good right and title, forthwith, to dislodge the Dutch ; and in the year 1618, under the hollow pretence of obliging them to acknowledge submission to the English crown, they drove them out of the territory by force of arms. About two years afterwards, however, we find the Dutch again occupying this favourite spot, under the permission of king James I. who gave them leave to erect some temporary buildings, to supply their vessels engaged in the Brazil trade, which touched there, with water and provisions. These settlers, disposed to give a most ample con- struction to the permission of the English king, very soon planted a colony, and designated it by the high sounding title of the New Netherlands, giving the name of New Amsterdam to the huts which they had reared. Nor did they confine their views to the island of Manhattan : — they included the whole of New Jer- sey, Hudson's river, the greater part of what is now New- York and Pennsylvania, lying on both sides of New Jersey, in their infant and aspiring colony. Against these encroachments the English government contented itself, at first, with complaining to the States General, who entirely disclaimed them, de- claring that it was a private adventure of the West India Company of Amsterdam. From the year 1620, when leave was granted to the Dutch, by king James, to build a few cottages, down to the year 1664, this industrious people remained in tranquil possession of their new erected and flourish- ing Colony. " The accumulating wealth and conse- quence of New Amsterdam and its dependencies, at length awakened the tender solicitude of the mother country ; who finding it a thriving and opulent colony, and that it promised to yield great profit and no 16 THE STRANOEr/s GUIDE trouble, all at once became wonderfully anxious about its safety, and began to load it with tokens of regard, in the same manner that your knowing- people are sure to overwhelm rich relations with their affec- tion and loving- kindness. The usual marks of pro- tection shown by mother countries to wealthy colo- nies, were, forthwith, manifested ; the first care al- ways being- to send rulers to the new settlement with orders to squeeze as much revenue from it as it will yield."* The effect of this paternal solicitude was soon ap- parent. In the year 1629, their Hig-h Mig-htinesses of the mother country conferred a ruler upon this infant state, under the dignified title of " Governor of the Province of the New Netherlands." — This govern- ment, however, had but an ephemeral existence, Charles II. having ordered its expulsion ; an event which took place on 27th August, 1664. The troops employed for that purpose were commanded by Colo- nel Nicolls, who did not find it necessary to fire a shot, as the inhabitants of the city considered it ad- viseable to yield a ready obedience to the summons of surrender which he sent in. By the terms of the capitulation, the Dutch settlers were allowed to con- tinue trading with Holland, and their persons, rights and property respected. The invaders claimed only the Fort with its appurtenances. On 12th June 1665, Colonel Nicolls, who at this time acted as Governor, incorporated the citv of New- York under a Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriff. In the course of the sway of the Dutch governors, it does not appear that the arts and sciences made any progress, or that much pains was taken to im- prove the state of society. Even the little advance- ment which the mother country had made in these respects, proved no way beneficial to the colonists. The original settlers were men of boisterous manners, * Knickerbocker. TO THE CITY OF JfEtV-TORK* 17 altogether unacquainted with even the first rudi- ments of education. Their children were, of course, equally illiterate, and the government no way con- cerned themselves about a cure for this radical evil. The prejudices imported by the parents, and which they carefully continued to foster in the minds of their children, formed, in consequence of this neg- lect, a stupid, and, in some measure, a barbarous race, nearly as degraded as the natives, whom they denoted savages, that environed their infant colony, and kept them in a state of constant dread and alarm. Like all other despotic governments, however, that of the Dutch was not insensible to its own comfort, A house, which in these times might be considered splendid, and an appendage so strongly built as to merit the name of Fort Amsterdam, were soon built for his Excellency the Governor. Here he could lux- uriate at pleasure, issue his arbitrary mandates in safety, and look down with sovereign contempt upon the sen ile race that occupied the wretched hovels with which his stately and frowning castle was sur- rounded. To support his dignity, and give eclat to his author- ity, care was taken to assemble round him a set of * men, who were designated by the title of Magis- trates ; but who, instead of watching over the rights of the people, were careful only how they might se- cure the favour of him who respected no rights but those which coincided with his own selfish views. If the people happened at any time to show impa- tience under the yoke, or to express their sentiments with freedom on the abuse of power, a language al- ways disagreeable to despotic ears, a series of penal laws were enacted to put a stop to this discontent. These laws engendered a multitude of legal prac- titioners, who devoured with avidity the residue which had escaped the rapacious fangs of corruption, and who, as they always conduct themselves under despotic governments, were readv on everv oc- B 2 THE STRAXGER'S GUIDE casion to give the law a construction more favoura- ble to the oppressor than the oppressed. — These evils, consequent on such a state of thing's, might have been easily cured by a few wise regulations; but wis- dom has hitherto seldom fallen to the lot of rulers. At least, if they did possess any, so sweet is the de- sire of power, that rather than give this up, they made a sacrifice of the ;nost amiable feelings of the human heart. Under the " Dutch Dynasty," in- stead of seeking- a remedy for public abuses, its members, when the complaints of the people continu- ed unabated, terminated these for ever by a gal- lows, which they erected, as high as Haman's, on the beach of the isle " flowing with milk and honey." In this respect they certainly very closely imitated the paternal solicitude of the mother country. On the expulsion of the Dutch g-overnment from the island of Manhattan, it was named York Island by the English, in honour of the Duke of York, af- terwards king James II. to whom, bis heirs and as- signs, it had been previously transferred by his broth- er Charles II. The letters patent by which this trans- fer was made, are dated March 12, 1664, and in- clude Long-, or Nassau island, then called the Mat- tawacks, all Hudson's river, and the whole country extending- from the West side of Connecticut river to the east side of Delaware bay. The Engiish and the Dutch having- g-one to war in 1673, the troops of the latter succeeded in occupying- New-York and New-Jersey on the 30th July that year. They did not, however, possess them long-, as a treaty of peace was concluded between the contending- parties on the 19th of February following, by the 6th article of which New- York and New- Jersey were restored to the Engiish. Charles thereupon renewed the letters patent which he had formerly granted to the Duke of York*. • In the month of June, 1664 the Duke of York sold to Lord Bar- clay and Sir George Carteret, that part of his transfer now cansti* TO THE CITY OP NEW-YORK. 19 At the death of Charles II. the Duke ascended the English throne. On this occasion he gave a Charter to the inhabitants of New- York, dated April 22d, 1686, by which the city was erected into a corpo- rate body by the style and title of the " Mayor, Al- dermen and Commonalty of the City of New- York." This charter appears to have been granted by Thomas Dongan, Lieutenant Governor and Vice Admiral of New- York under James II. king of Great Britain. It was afterwards enlarged and renewed in January 1730 by John Montgomerie, who was stiled Cap- tain General and Governor in Chief of the Provinces of New- York, New- Jersey, and the territories de- pending ; and, by a law of the provincial Legislature, passed 14th October, 1732, the charter was formally and expressly confirmed. From this period down to the Revolution, New- York was entirely submitted to English domination, not more tolerant than that of the Dutch; until, at last, her wrongs, with those of the neighbouring states, became so unbearable that her citizens were tuting the state of New-Jersey. When the Duke received a renewal of his charter from his brother Charles, it might have been expect- ed that he would have made irood the title of Lord Barclay and Sir George Carteret to the state of New -Jersey, which h$ had sold them, their heirs and assigns, for a sum of money. But this did not square with the notions of equity which the royal Duke had imbibed at his brother's com t — He contented himself with giving a title to East Jersey, reserving the lands of West Jersey as a compensation tor the protection, no doubt, which he, as a royal personage, was willing to give to the other half of the territory. Palpably base and unjust as this was, it was not till the year 1680 that the Duke, ashamed of the transaction, found it necessary to act that honourable part towards the assigns of Barclay and Carteret, which he had long and pertinaciously refused to themselves. Having, at last given up both the Jerseys, the assigns of Barclay and Carteret entered into an ac- commodation by which the western pan was held by the former, an& the eastern by the latter. THE STRANGER'S GUIDE amongst the first who, in the month of September 1774, sent deputies to Philadelphia, to consult with the delegates of other nine provinces, assembled on that occasion, as to their common interests, and to oppose a barrier to what was deemed an encroach- ment upon the natural rights and privileges of hu- manity. That these had been invaded will appear obvious from a very slight acquaintance with the state of matters at that period, as instructed by au- thentic documents. In the month of October, 1683, about 20 years after possession was obtained by the English, the Duke of York granted a Charter of " Liberties and Privileges to the Inhabitants of New- York and its Dependencies," in which, after setting out with declaring " that the supreme legislative au- thority under his Majesty and Royal Highness, James Duke of York, Albany, &c. Lord Proprietor of the said province, shall be and reside in a Governor, Council and the People met in General Assembly," it goes on to state, that a General Assembly or Ses- sions of Representatives should be held in the pro- vince once every three years ; that every freehold- er and freeman should have a right to vote at the election of these representatives, who should have the power, collectively, to appoint their own times of meeting ; to judge, exclusively, of the qualifica- tions of their members, and of undue elections ; to purge the house when they saw meet, and to have the privilege of exemplion from arrest in civil cases dur- ing the time of Sessions; that the bills passed by them, on being presented to and approved of by the Governor and his Council, were to be the laws of the land ; that no freeman should be deprived of his liberty or property, or be exiled, otherways than by the judgment of his peers; that " no aid, tax, tollage, assessment, custom, loan, benevolence or imposition whatsoever, shall be layed, assessed, im- posed, or levied on any of His Majesty's subjects, within tins province, or their estates, upon any maa^ TO THE CITY OF 5EW-Y0RK. 21 ner of colour or pretence, but by the act and con- sent of the Governor, Council, and Representatives of the people in General Assembly met and assem- bled that there should be no excess of punish- ments ; that all trials should be by a jury of twelve men, fairly chosen ; that trials for capiatal offences should be preceded by a grand inquest; that bail, except for treason or felony, should be taken ; that this should not be excessive ; that soldiers or sea- men ought not to be billeted on the citizens in " time of peace, and that martial law should only ex- tend to such officers, persons and soldiers" as are in the pay of the government. How far the English government fulfilled the terms of this contract, will best appear from the De- claration of Independence of the general govern- ment, dated 4th July, 1776, in which the state of New- York bore a prominent part. In that memora- ble document, the people of America, through the voice of their representatives, openly proclaimed to the universe, that the history of the government of the king of England was " a history of repeated inju- ries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world : — He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome, and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless sus- pended in their operation, till his assent should be obtained ; and, when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would refuse to relin- quish the right of representation in the legislature — a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only. He has called together legislative bodies, at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of the public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures* THE STRANGER'S GUIDE He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly lor opposing-, with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people. He has refused, for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected ; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise ; the state remaining, in the mean- time, exposed to all the danger of invasion from with- out, and convulsions within. He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for the naturalization of foreigners ; refusing to pass others, to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands. He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers. He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to ha- rass our people and eat out their substance. He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislatures. He has af- fected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the civil power*. * The frequent wars in which the colony was involved in conse- quence of the collisions of the mother country with the nations of Europe, especially the French, plunged the colony into an enormous debt, which was severely felt by its inhabitants. As an evidence of the fact, it is barely necessary to mention, that from the year 1691 to 1709 inclusive, the sum of 61,861 11*. Sd was directed, by different laws to be raised by taxes or bills of credit, &c and applied to !the building of forts, the raising and paying of troops, and for other warlike purposes, besides the duty on excise, and a penny in the pound for the ordinary and incidental charges of the colony. From 1709 to 1717, the sum of 11, 742/ was directed to be raised for the tike purposes ; and on the 23d Dec. 1717, the sum of 1«,607£. was directed to be issued in bills «f credit, to extinguish the debts of the TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 28 ,c He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unac- knowledged by our laws ; giving 1 his assent to their acts of pretended legislation for quartering large bodies of armed troops among us ; for protecting them by a mock trial from punishment for any mur- der which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states; for cutting off our trade with all parts of the world ; for imposing taxes on us, with- out our consent ; for depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury ; for transporting us be- yond seas, to be tried for pretended offences; for abolishing the free system of English law in a neigh- bouring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for in- troducing the same absolute rule into these colo- nies ; for taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments ; for suspending our own colony. A tax of two per cent, was laid on all European goods, Nov, 19th 1720. From 1717 to 1746, the sum of 40,843/ 18f. 7d, was rais- ed by tax &c. for purposes of defence, troops. &c and on the 15th July 1746, the sum of 40,000/ was directed to be raised by tax Tor car- rying on the expedition against the French in Canada ; and 28,000i more on the 25th Nov. 1747, for the defence of the frontiets and the annoyance of the enemy. On the 7th March 1759 the sum of 100,000/ was directed to be levied for aiding in the invasion of Canada. On the 3d July, 1759, bills of credit to the amount of 150,000? were directed to be Issued. On the 22d March, 1760 the sum of 60.000Z was directed to be issued in bills of credit. On the 16th, Feb. 1771, the sum of 120,000i was directed to be issued in bills of credit, &c. to be loaned and the interest applied to payment of the public debt. It is not perhaps too extravagant to say, thaj the wars in which Great Britain was engaged from time to time, before the year 1776, cost the colony nearly a million of pounds—*, very large sum, considering the then infant state of our country, and the limited extent of her re* sources* Laws of Ne^-Tork^ vol, 2d, p, §23. •24 the stranger's guide legislatures, and declaring- themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. " He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection, and waging war against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our peo- ple. He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death> desolation and tyranny, already begun, with cir- cumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. He has constrained our fellow citizens, taken captive on the bigh seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the ex- ecutioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the mer- ciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions. — In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for redress, in the most humble terms : our petitions have been answered only by re- peated injury. A prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. " As it was not our intention to write a detailed or cir- cumstantial history, but only to give the outline of the principal occurrences which gradually led to the establishment of the city of New- York, we shall not enter upon the events of the revolutionary war ; nor upon the more recent and avowed attempt of Great Britain to overthrow the government of the United States; a mere sketch of which would swell this volume to too great a bulk. It is sufficient for our purpose to remark on these topics, that America triumphed over her enemies by her Union and the jus- tice of her cause: and that she will continue to TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 25 triumph while her citizens are united, and respect the institutions of their country.* The struggle of the Americans for liberty having" terminated so favourably, they soon evinced that they were not undeserving of it, or insensible to the necessity of a compact and perpetual union, without which every free people must fall under the yoke of foreign or domestic tyranny. Alive to their criti- cal situation, and justly appreciating Jhe great sacri- fices which it had cost to defeat the projects of their unrelenting foe, the states, which had so gloriously * \h! if in the countries even of Europe, in which slavery seems long since to have taken its seat in the midst of vices, of riches, and of arts : in which the despotism of armies supports the despotism of courts, in which man, chained from his cradle, and bound tightly by all the copds both of policy and superstition, has never breathed the air of liberty :— If in these countries, notwith- standing, they who have once in their lives reflected on the fate of nations, cannot forbear adopting the maxims, and envying the happy people who know how to make it the ground woi'k and foun- dation of their constitution— how much more ought'the English native* of America to be attached to the glorious birth-right they inherit I They know the price at which their ancestors had bought it. The very soil which they inhabit must produce in them a* sentiment favourable to these ideas. Dispersed throughout an immense continent, free as the wild nature which surrounds them, amidst their rocks, their moun- tains, the vast plains of their deserts, on the confines of those forests in which all is still in its savage state, and where there ate no traces of either the slavery or the tyranny of man, they seem to receive from every natural object a lesson of liberty and inde- pendence Besides, these people, given up. almost all of them , to agriculture and to commerce, te useful labours, which elevate and fortify the soul in inspiring simple manners, hitherto as far removed r rom riches as from poverty, cannot be yet corrupted either by the excess of luxury, or by the excess of want- It is in this state above ill others, that the man who enjoys liberty is most capable to main- lain it, and to show himself jealous in defence of a hereditary right, S vhich seems to be the most certain security for all the rest. Such .vas the resolution of the American?. RaynaVs Revolution of America* c 26 THE STRANGER'S GtTIDE maintained the contest, entered into articles of con- federation, on 8th July, 1778, under the stile of the w United States of America," in which it was recog- nized, as a first principle, that " each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States in Congress assembled." It was then declared, that the object of this union was for the common de- fence, the security of their liberties, and their mu- tual and general welfare ; and, the better to secure ^hese, that the free inhabitants of these states, with the exception of paupers, vagabonds, and fugitives from justice, should be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of free citizens in the several states, between which every thing tending to promote friendship and harmony should be cultivated. In the same spirit did the United States, on 17th Septem- ber, 1787, agree to the articles of a constitution for the general government, by which a Senate and House of Representatives was constituted for the pur- poses of legislation, and giving consistency and effect to the views of the original confederation. Mean- while each separate state occupied itself with form- ing such a constitution as might secure its own independence ; and, at the same time, give stability and energy to the general government. In the constitution of New- York, which was finally adopted in a convention of its representa- tives, held at Kingston, April 20th, 1777, it was ordained, determined, and declared, thatno authority should, on any pretence whatever, be exercised over the people or members of that state, but such as should be derived from, and granted by, themselves ; that the supreme legislative power within the state should consist of two distinct bodies, the assembly and the senate, who should meet once, at least, in every year, for the despatch of business ; that a c.ouneil, consisting of the governor, the chancellor, TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 2? and the judges of the Supreme Court, should be formed to revise all bills about to be passed by the legislature, and to give them their sanction; that voting at elections shall be by ballot; that every male inhabitant, of full age, who has resided in any part of the state for six months, if during that period he shall have possessed a freehold value twenty pounds, or rented a house value forty shillings, and paid taxes, shall be entitled to vote for representa- tives ; that the members of the assembly should be chosen annually, and those of the senate for four years, a fourth part going out every year, and others chosen to fill up their places ; that a governor of the state shall be elected every three years, and vested with the supreme executive power; al&o a lieu- tenant-governor, who, ex officio, shall be president of the senate, with a casting vote only; that the trea- surer of the state shall be appointed by the legisla- ture, but not a member thereof ; that a council nominated by the assembly every two years, shall appoint such other officers, as are not otherwise appointed by the constitution ; that all commissioned officers, civil and military, be appointed by the governor; the military officers during pleasure, and the chancellor, the judges of the Supreme Court, and first judge of every county court, during good behaviour, or till they respectively attain the age of sixty years ; that sheriffs and coroners be annually appointed ; that the delegates to represent the state in General Congress shall be chosen by the assem- bly and senate ; that the style of all laws shall be in the name of " the people of the state of New- York represented in senate and assembly," and all legal proceedings run in the name of " the people of the state of New- York." As to individual or personal rights, it was de- clared, that no citizen shall be deprived of any of his privileges, unless by the law of the land or the judgment of his peers ;° that " the free exercise and 28 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE enjoyment of religious profession, and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall for ever hereafter be allowed within this state to all man- kind ;" that no priest of any denomination shall be eligible to hold any civil or military office or place ; that a militia composed of citizens, shall be armed and disciplined and ready for the general defence ; such as are averse to bearing arms, from scruples ef conscience, to be excused on paying* a sum of money in lieu of their services ; that trial by jury shall be established and remain inviolate for ever ; that no acts of attainder shall work a corruption of blood ; that no new courts shall be formed but such as shall proceed according to the common course of law; that such parts of the common and statute law of England and of Great Britain, and of the acts of the legislature of New-York, as formed the law of the colony on 19th April, 1775, shall continue the law of the state*, subject to such alterations as have been or may be, made thereon ; and that it shall be in the discretion of the legislature to natu- ralize all foreigners who shall become subjects of, and take an oath of allegiance to the state, abjuring all subjection to every foreign ruler in every eccle- siastical and civil matter. Such is a short summary of the constitution of the state of New-York, which breathes the same senti- ments of freedom that are contained in the general constitution, and in the constitutions of the other states. It will bring the stranger to a nearer acquaintance with the laws and political institutions of New- York, than, perhaps, he formerly possessed, and, in many particulars, enable him the better to understand what may appear ambiguous in the fol- lowing pages. Born under an aristocratical, proba- bly a despotical, government, and accustomed to give implicit obedience to its mandates, he is not t The English stain tei eeased to be a law of this state, May 1st 1788 . TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 29 likely, at first sight, to admire, or applaud, these simple and unsophisticated principles of politics, adopted by a people totally unacquainted with the cunning* diplomacy of Europe. The object of those ap- pointed to prepare a constitution was to acquire cor- rect ideas of liberty, and upon these, to rear a fabric calculated to ameliorate the condition of man. It was not difficult to attain this ; they consulted nature, and she taught them, that all mankind were born free, and entitled to enjoy the same privileges. These principles they took for their guide when they sat down to legislate ; and it only remains to con- template, not at a distance, or with prejudiced eyes, but upon the spot, and with a mind open to convic- tion, the rapid and beneficial effects produced in this flourishing city by the application of these principles, to be fully convinced that they have not legislated in vain, but have attained, as far as was possible, what ought to be the object of all governments — the peace and happiness of society. Wor let it be objected, that the United States during the short period of their republican government, have been for several years engaged in war. This was not the conse- quence of their free institutions. It was a war of defence; a war to protect those very institutions from the spoiling hand of man. Such a war as na- ture dictates, and which never would be waged, if justice, as in this country, formed the basis of all other codes of law. 2 C THE STRANGERS GUIDE GENERAL DESCRIPTION. The city of New-York* is situated between 40° 42' and 40" north lat. and 74° 0' 45" W. long:. It stands on the island of Manhattan, now called New-York island, which measures in length, from north to south, about 15 miles, and in breadth from a quarter of a mile to a mile and a half. The river Hudson, called also the North river, separates the island from New-Jersey ; the river Haerlem * When we use the phrase the City of Nerv York, we include the County also, for their limits are the same. By an act of the legislature, dated March 26th, 1813, the extent of New York county- is thus described: "The county of New- York to contain the islands called Manhattan's islind, Great Barn island, Little Barn island. Manning's island, and the Oyster islands ; and all the land under the water within the following bounds : beginning at Spyteo. Duyvel creek, where the same empties itself into the Hudson river, on the Westchester side thereof, at low water mark, wher- ever the same now is or hereafter may be, and so running along the said creek, at low water mark as aforesaid, on the West- chester side thereof, unto the East river or Sound, and from thence to cross over to Nassau island, to low water mark there as aforesaid, including Great Barn island, Little Barn island* and Manning's island, and from thence along Nassau island a! ore, at low water mark as aforesaid, ih'to the south side of the Fvedhcok, and from thence across the North rivtr so as to iacluiei TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 3! from the continental part of the state of New-York ; the East river, which is a branch of the sound, from Long Island; and the Bay or Harbour from Staten Island. The soil and climate of New-York is greatly altered since its first discovery. The sur- face of the island presented, at that time, a very irregular appearance. In some , places it was hilly ground and craggy rocks ; in others low vallies and marshy swamps*. By great labour and expense, that part of the island in particular which is built, has been nearly levelled, and the marshes filled up.f Nutten island, Bedlow's islam], Bucking island, and the Oyster islands to low water mark on the west side of Hudson's river, or so far as the bounds of this state extend there, and so up along the west side of Hudson's river at low water mark, or along the limits of this state until it comes directly opposite the first mentioned creek, and thence to the place where the said boundaries first began." * In describing the natural appearance of the island, a miner*- alogist has remarked, that " its basis is very rocky, and consists principally of grey granite, though in some places, especially where the city has been built, there are great quantifies of soap stone, and magnesian rock, some of which are beautifully chrys. talized in* itars. and stained with arborescent figures. Among the granitical strata large garnets are frequently found, in twelve sided regular figures ; and the flakes of mica, or isingla s s, 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 impassable barrier. Naturally the face of the land was»marked strongly by the abruptness of crags and vallies. hills and dales, insulated rocks, and marshy inlets, which characterize a maritime country wherein granite prevails." Picture of New-York, 1807. t Only a few years ago there was a lake of fresh water, called the Collect, near the middle of the city, of which there is scarcely a vestige remaining : and, towards the East river, there was a hill, rising to a considerable height, called Bayard's mount, which is now ©.early all cleared away, ani the ground laid out ia level streets. 32 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE The ground laid out as gardens, and occupied as orchards, is remarkable for its fertility, producing a succession of fine crops with little labour, and almost without any manure. This alteration in the surface of the earth, has gTeatly tended to render the climate mild and healthy. The heat, it is remarked, is not so intense, nor the cold so severe, as formerly. Diseases are less frequent, and it has been calculated that fewer persons die in the city of New- York, in proportion to its population, than in most of the large cities and towns in England, the climate of which is justly held to be so salubrious. It is certain that IS ew- York is built in as healthy a situation as any other city of the United States : Encircled with water, and open to the sea breeze, the air is almost always clear*. In winter, the earth is stript of every thing having the appearance of vegetation. But the frost seldom holds possession of the ground beyond two months, and on the return of spring, nature makes ample amends for this, by wantoning in ail that luxuriance of which she is capable, and in producing crops so abundant as to leave little or nothing of this description to be desired by the inhabitants. Dews are very prevail- ing during the nights of the summer season. Their pernicious effects however can easily be prevented by avoiding improper exposure f. * We have more rain, more evaporation, more sunshine, and a greater number of clear days than in Europe. Our atmos- phere,* it is supposed, contains more electrical fluid. an5 ' TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. PLAN AND EXTENT OF THE CITY. The original settlers do not appear to have had any fixed plan of building- or laying out streets when they took possession of the island, nor even for ma- ny years afterwards. Hence the irregular appear- ance of the streets and houses towards the docks and harbour. In Knickerboker's history there is an engraving representing a view of the city as it ap- peared, about the year 1640, under the Dutch gov- ernment. The dwelling houses were then few, low, and straggling. The most prominent buildings were the Fort, the Church of St. Nicholas, the Jail, the Governor's house, the Gallows, the Pillory, the West India stores, and the City Tavern, of which there is now no remains. In 1729, an enlarged plan was published by James Lynes, Surveyor. In 1766 anoth- er map or plan of the city was published, and in 1774, one of New- York generally. The English par- liament, in the year 1766, caused a map of New- York and the adjoining waters to be engraved and published in London. Since that period, three other plans have appeared in this city; one in 1803 by C. T. Goerck and L F. Mansin, City Surveyors ; have also been collected in a few places. On comparing the births with the whole population, the deaths with the whole population, the number of births with the number of deaths, and considering our rapid augmentation of inhabitants, doubling in some states in 13 or U years, and upon a general average in eve- ry 20 or 23 years, there can be no doubt but that the United States have a decided advantage over the healthiest parts of Eu- rope. While in Paris, London, and Amsterdam, there are more deaths than births, it is ascertained that, in our great cities, there are at least two births to one death. The charges whicfe have been brought against the supposed deleter'ous efftecti of our cli- mate upon the human body, have been thus refuted with the cer> tainty of demonstration. Trans, of Lit. Se Phil. Society of New York, Vol. I. p. 43 &r 44. 3 4- THE STRANGER*S GUIDE one, by Wm. Bridges, in 1811, and another during the present year, by Prior and Dunning". That by Bridges was executed under Commissioners, appoint- ed by the state in April 1807, for the purpose of laying out the greater part of the island for building, according to a regular and uniform system. In the plan prefixed to this work, we have given an accurate delineation of the city as it now appears, by refer- ring to which a correct idea may be formed of its configuration, which is thought somewhat to resem- ble a shoulder of mutton. In extent, New-York city measures, in length, from the West Battery to Thirty first street, about four miles; and in breadth about one and a half mile. Its circuit is 8 miles. The whole of this space is not yet covered with buildings, but the greater proportion of it is, and it is probable as new houses are rapidly appearing, that the plan of the city will be filled up in the course of a few years. DWELLING HOUSES. The number of Dwelling Houses is estimated at 17,000. The population exceeds 100,000, which gives about six inhabitants to each house. The hous- es were formerly built of wood with shingle roofs ; but these are fast disappearing, and substantial brick houses with slated roofs rising in their place. In the principal streets they are generally three stories high besides the attics, and ground floor, which is used as kitchens and cellars. In consequence of the many destructive fires which happened in New- York, all houses erected within a certain district, must be built of brick or stone, with party or fire walls, rising six inches, at least, above the roof, which must be covered with tile, slate, or other incombusti- ble materials. Wooden houses may be repaired; but if they become totally decayed, they must be rebuilt conformable to the new regulations. This in- TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 35 terference on the part of the legislature, has introduc- ed much neatness and regularity in the general as- pect of the dwelling houses. To the English visit- or, most of them will appear equal to the best con- structed houses in England ; and, it is acknowledged by every traveller, that in their internal construc- tion and conveniencies, the dwelling houses of New- York are not surpassed in any other country. STREETS. The streets of New- York, including Lanes and Al- leys, amount to 252. Although towards the harbour a few of the streets are somewhat crooked and nar- row, they are in general straight, regular and spa- cious, particularly those recently formed. Running in parallel lines, and terminating at right angles at the corner of every street, a free circulation of air is greatly promoted; which is further increased by a gradual descent having been given to the streets, on both sides, from the centre of the city down to the Hudson and East rivers. The causeway is firm and neat, and the foot pavement, which was for- merly constructed of a reddish brick, is now giv- ing way to durable flat stones, from the quarries of Connecticut ; the crossings from one street to another are also generally laid with these stones.* Almost *$We could have wished to have avoided censure of every kind ; but when public health is endangered, it would have been criminal to have remained silent. We believe that there is not a more com- plete set of laws in the Union for the promotion of cleanliness than those enacted by the corporation of this city ; yet it is remarked on all hands, that the streets of New- York are the dirtiest in the Unit- ed States. To us there appears one radical cause of this, and I hat is the number of noine which are allowed to go constantly at large. IVe are aware that there is a prohibitory law in existence respect- ing these animals, but it is seen that they roam i-broad at pleasure, no one considering it their business to interfere with them. We abo kn&w that the existing regulations aa to the remoral.of filth 36 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE the whole city is well lighted with lamps, the manage- ment of which is not left to the care of greedy con- tractors, but is under the immediate inspection of the Corporation; who have no interest in the mat- ter, but a deal of reputation to lose if they should violate the trust reposed in them. A regular night watch is also established, to give security to the in- habitants, and clear the streets of improper per- sons. On the sides of many of the streets there are rows of trees planted, which give an agreeable appearance to the city ; and, in summer afford a cool and refreshing shade from the intense rays of the sun *. The principal street is Broadway, which runs in a straight line from the Battery, through the centre of the city to its extremity in Bloomingdale road; and measures 3 miles in length, and about 80 feet in width. It is the Bond-street of New-York, and ex- hibits in the shops, on both sides, an elegant and ex- tensive assortment of every thing useful and fash- ionable. Here, as well as in a number of other prin- cipal streets in the city, every article of dress, fur- niture, and luxurious fare, may be got as readily, and at as low prices, as they can be purchased in Europe. Pearl-street is next in importance to Broadway, not for its uniformity and regularity, but from its being could not be better written than they are. ^ till, so long as im- mense numbers of swine are allowed to traverse the streets, so long will the inhabitants think themselves justified in throwing out their garbage to them for food; and so long will the streets of New- York remain proverbial for their filth. The evil will never be cured, until Scavengers are appointed by the Corporation, to clear the streets of all nuisances. This is a subject which calls loudly for the interference of the Board of Health. * In the Appendix we have given a summary of the Jarvs and ordinances of the city, ordained by the Corporation so recently as May 5th, 1817. These contain many interesting and useful muni- cipal regulations. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 32 the principal mercantile mart of the city, where the chief stores and counting 1 houses of the merchants are situated. It commences at the Battery, and leads, by a winding course, into Broadway. W iter- street, Front-street, and South-street, which run pa- rallel with Pearl- Street, betwixt it and the river, are occupied with extensive warehouses for deposit- ing" merchandise, and with stores containing" the ne- cessary supplies for shipping. In Wall-street, which commences at Broadway, crosses Pearl- street, and descends to the river, are situated the Banking-houses, Custom-house, In- surance offices, Tontine (Coffee-house, the offices of Exchange Brokers, and most other public mercan- tile offices. This is a very handsome, airy street. Towards the bottom, in the neighbourhood of Pearl- street, and in front of the Coffee-house, the public sales by auction are conducted, which renders this quarter extremely busy, and gives a very favourable and correct idea of the extensive trade and commerce of New- York. Chatham-street, is an elegant street, in which a good deal of retail business is transacted. It leads out of Broadway into the Bowery road, and together form one of the most spacious streets in the city. At its entrance, adjoining the Park, Chatham-street is as wide as Broadway ; and the Bowery road measures, in breadth, about 130 feet. The Bowery road termi- nates in the Bloomingdale road, where it forms a junction with Broadway. Washington-street, and Greenwich- street, are exten- sive lines on the Hudson side of the city ; the latter is a place of considerable retail trade. Both run parallel to each other, and to the river, to nearly the whole extent of the place. Maiden Lane, John-street, Nassau and Broad- streets, Pine-street, William-street, Hudson-street and Cherry-street, though second rate streets, are of con- siderable trade and importance. D 38 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE Fulton-street is remarkable chiefly from its having been lately formed, and so named after the ingenious and patriotic inventor of the Steam Boats. It runs across the city, from the Hudson to the East river ; and commences, very appropriately, on the Hudson side, near where the Steam Boats to Albany and Pawles Hook have their stations ; and terminates, on the East river side, where the Steam Boats to Brooklyn and New Haven take their departure. Wells and pumps are to be met with in almost every street; these afford an excellent supply of wholesome spring 1 water to the inhabitants. Most of the private families have also cisterns for rain water in their gardens, which they use in washing clothes. Overseers of the wells and pumps are appointed annu- ally by the magistrates ; whose duty it is to cause the wells and pumps to be regularly examined, cleansed, and kept in proper repair, under a penalty. Persons injuring the wells or pumps, are punished by fine or imprisonment*. Several Squares are laid down in the plan, which in a few years will prove a great ornament to the city. They are not, however, in that state of forma- tion at present, that will admit of any satisfactory description. Perhaps no place in the world is better provided with markets, or with a more regular supply of ex- cellent provisions, than the city of New- York. It has no less than eight established market places, viz. 4 Catharine do. 8 Grand-street do. Fly Market. — This is the principal market place * See Abstract of I^aws tpid Ordinances in the Appendix. PUBLIC MARKETS. 1 Fly Market 2 Washington do. 3 Duane do. 5 Spring -street Market 6 Greenwich do. 7 Governeur do. TO THE CITT OF JTEW-YORK. 39 in the city. It is situated towards the lower part of Maiden Lane, in the 2d ward. It extends across Pearl-street, Water-street and South-street, down to the Fly market Slip on the East river. The Dutch formerly called this the Vlaie market, which signifies the valley or meadow market ; the ground where it stands being formerly a salt meadow, with a creek running through it. Fly is a corruption of Vlaie. Washington Market* is in the 3d ward, between the bottom of Vesey-street and Fulton-street. It fronts Washington-street, having the Corporation Docks, on the North river, immediately behind it. This market ranks the second in importance in the city. Duane Market, is situated in the 5th ward, be- tween Duane-street and Read-street, fronting Wash- ington-street. Catharine Market. This market is in the 7th ward, and lies towards the lower part of Catharine- street. It crosses Cherry-street, Water-street, and Front-street, and terminates at the dock, near the Brooklyn Team Boat office. Spring-street Market, stands in the 8th ward, at the bottom of Spring-street, next the river Hudson ; it fronts Greenwich-street. Greenwich Market. This market is situated near- ly opposite to the State Prison. It is in the 8th • Formerly this market was called the Bear or Bart market, from the circumstance, according to some accounts, of the Indiana being in the practice at an early period of the colony, of bringing Bear's flesh to New York, and selling it here Other accounts *tate, that it derived the name from its once toeing, for a considerable time, very sparingly supplied with provisions, owing to few inha- bitants being in that quarter to create a demand. During the re- volutionary war, the houses in this part of the city were burnt down by the enemy. On their expulsion a new market was reared,, upwards of twelve months before the houses were rebuilt : hence the little demand for provisions, and the ban appearance of the p'ace. Picture of Nen- York, 40 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE Ward, at the bottom of Cristopher-street, fronting Washing-ton Street. Governeur Market, is situated in the 7th Ward, at the bottom of Governeur Street, nearly adjoin- ing- to Water Street. Grand-street Market. This market stands in the 10th Ward, at the corner of Goerck Street, in Grand Street, immediately above the Long Island Row Boat ferry Office. There is a public market every day of the week except Sunday in New- York, for the sale of beef, veal, mutton, lambs pork, poultry, butter, eggs, fruit and veg-etables. Fish and milk are sold every day of the week, but the market on Sunday for these must be closed by 9 o'clock in the morning-; the sale of milk may be again resumed at five o'clock in the evening-. Between the 1st of May and the 1st of Novem-> ber all other sales through the week, must be over by one o'clock P. M; and at two o'clock P. M. during- the rest of the year, with the exception of Saturday, on which day the market is kept open from sunrise to sunset, during- the whole year. The sale of all unwholesome and stale provisions is strict- ly prohibited. Every article brought to market in summer must be fresh killed ; and to prevent infec- tion, the intrails, offal and skins (except calves skins) of all animals, are not allowed to be brought into the market place from May to November. The greatest care is likewise taken to keep the stalls clear of all nuisance, and corruptible matter. The butchers meat of every kind, poultry, and every other eatable article exposed for sale in the markets of New- York, are not to be surpassed in quality in any other part of the world ; and the varieties of fowl, game, and fish, are, probably, unequalled any where else.* But, whatis of still more consequence, the * It has been ascertained, that, in the course of the year ther e may be t purchased in whole or in part in the markets of New-York, S TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 41 abundance which nature has here so amply provided, is within the reach of the poorest mechanic, his wages being* more than sufficient to purchase the common necessaries of life. Nor are provisions in IN ew- York markets apt to be increased in price by- engrossers, it being declared unlawful for any person to purchase to sell again, in any part of the city, before mid-day. As to flour and meal, no wholesale purchases intended for retail, can be made before 4 o'clock in the afternoon ; and Hucksters are confi- ned entirely to the sale of vegetables and fruit. Butchers being licensed for permission to occupy stalls, this gives the magistrates an immediate con- troul over them. HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES. The city of New- York is amply provided with these for the accommodation of visitors. There are no species of wild quad upeds ; 5 of amphibious creatures : 15 of shellfish and 150 of birds, &YL fit for human food. The Fish market may be considered as the general deposit of every eatable, and every curious inhabitant of the waters. Every thing that gratifies the appetite for food or for novelty centres here. Notwithstanding this, it is an extraordinary fact, that until Dr. Mitchill commenced his investigat ons, there Was not a good cat- alogue of our fishes, and it is well known that New-York is very seldom mentioned in the books of Ichthyology. That dist nguished gentleman commenced his labours in 1813, and he began at the very elements. Every sort of fish was p' ocured, examined a d described. The specimen and the description were next compared with those in the best books I he frequently dissected the individuals \*h ch he had described, in order to make himself acquainted with the internal marks and characters, and sometimes he satisfied himself experi- mentally on their qualities as food. The whole which the Doctor has examined and described amount to about One hundred and Sixty spec es and varieties. If the whole world conta'iD 1000 species of fish, as it is said, it is not unreasonable to suppose that the United States, and their dependencies contain between 3 and 400. See Tt ans. of Lit. and Phil. Society; in which the Doctor's account will be found of the New- York Fishes, illustrated by engravings, D 2 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE lodging- houses or furnished apartments here as in England. Strangers, whether families or individuals, must, on their arrival, board in the place where they lodge. Unfurnished rooms may sometimes be had; but these have been difficult to procure of late, owing to the rapid increase of the population. The usual time of letting houses is previous to the 1st of May. The following is a list of the Hotels : 1. City Hotel, Broadway. 2. Merchant's Hotel, Wall-street. 3. Mechanics' Hall, Broadway. 4. Tontine Coffee House, Wall-street. 5. Bank Coffee House, Pine-street. 6. Tammany Hall, Nassau-street 7. Washington Hall, Broadway. 8. Commerce Hotel, Pearl-street. The principal of these is The City Hotel in Broad- waj r . It is an immense building 5 stories in height, and contains 78 rooms of various dimensions, fitted up and furnished in a tasteful, elegant, and con- venient manner. In a place like New-York, where every luxury of the table is to be obtained, it is scarcely necessary to add, that the proprietor of this Hotel makes it his constant study to provide the best of every thing for his visitors. Next in importance to the City Hotel is Merchant's Hotel in Wall- Street. President Munroe, in his late tour through the United States, lodged here during his stay at New- York. The other Hotels will be found respec- table and the accommodation good. Of Boarding Houses there is a great variety, suited to the different ranks and conditions of life. Some, where the charge for board and lodging is as low as % 2 a week ; and others where as much, and in some cases, more, is charged per day. Strangers ought to be careful, when entering any of these, to understand the terms upon which they are to be received. TO THE CITY OF~NEW-YORK. 43 POPULATION. A general census of the population of the United States is taken every ten years by the general go- vernment. By that of 1800 it appears that New- York city and county contained 60,489 inhabitants. In 1805, immediately after the disappearance of the epidemic disease, which had previously ravaged the city, an enumeration was made by the Common Coun- cil, when it was found that the population had increas- ed to 75,770; of which 35,384 males, and 36,378 females, were whites ; 864 males, and 1096 females, were people of colour and free negroes; and 818 males, and 1230 females, were slaves. In 1810, under the general census, the popula- tion was ascertained to have increased to 96373, be- ing only 392 persons short of the entire population of the whole province or state of New-York in the year 1756. Last year, the inhabitants were again enu- merated by the Common Council, when the number was found to be, 10,0619; of which 51,378 were females, and 48,741 males ; giving an excess of 3137 females on the whole population. In this re- turn was included 6985 aliens ; 7774 people of colour and free negroes ; and 617 slaves. On contrasting the state of the population at pre- sent with what it was in 1805, it will be seen that the number of slaves has decreased more than two thirds. In 1805, they amounted to 2048 ; in 1816, to 617*. The following is the official census of the whole population, taken during the last year under the authority of the Common Council. It contains also | a return of the official number of jurors in each ward of the city, and the number of tenants rentir g I houses at $5 per annum, together with those possess- I ing freeholds of £20 and under, and of ,£100 and upwards. — * By section 32d of the Act of the Legislature relative to slaves and servants passed 3lst March 1817 it is enacted " that every I »e gro. mulatto or raustee within this state bom before the 4th dav of July 1799, stoDjfrom and afjer ths 4th day of Joly I8?7,be/;er. 44 the stranger's guide Return of the Inhabitants in the City and County of New-York*— 1816. tiuviiqDyu/ fo xdqmnu iv\oj. cuo^ai-rccccoo o co G^OCOG^GVCOCOCOCO tO OS ^^OOhtOO»0(0 G* CO COWOOH^^O^ CO ri r-i t- i-i ,^A^ r ~ l 100619| •uuv xid 75 3ui G^G^COCOOCOCCCO OJ 16197) /OOl puv ioz/o *vm*™f spxViUdn co o> o « OU5^G0rH&< i-i CO G« Oi cc GO | Male | CO iO *t iO CO LO CO LO 05 CO G* Coloured Inhabit- ants not Slaves, Fern cr^G^oscsciOsco^ — g* mOJG^COt^fHMiO CO CO LOCOuOTfcOOOG^G^ i-i Gt 4576 Male] COGC5CO CN» C5 tOCOOi^t-COt^O GO COi-tG^GOCOCO^r-i 1-4 G* e'- er. GO Aliens. Fern I* ^ m CO ^ rn o GO t- — O O CO ifl G* CO to r* '3094 Male j ait^rfLOr-^TtGOGO i> CO -H^MrHlOLTrHlfl GO CO tHHTHLQCOCOTtm G* to 3891 White Inhabitants, Female \ TfcOCOi— COCOi>COOC01>CO Tfr»iocooo5G^Tri-icor-i^ COf»COCOCOCO^-lNHHHTf COCOGO^CO^t^LO i-H to ob cc CO Male. | coco-^coa>cot*coLOO r-> COGOGOrfiOTfGO^ i-h to T 84 rt< •sjioinf Jb i3qxunu \v\oj, COOCOOOGOOO C CO COU^GOCOtO^COGO OS* £ GO PL, ffi GO C5 fc- co 1st Ward 2d 3d 5th 6th 7th 8th State 9th Alms I Oth T— * la 1699, shortly after the Dutch were expelled by the En TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 45 PUBLIC BUILDINGS. GITY HALL. The City Hall is the most prominent , and most important building in New-York. It is the hand- somest structure^ in the United States ; perhaps of its size, in the World. This chaste and beautiful edifice stands near the upper end of the Park, and though somewhat incumbered by the -••ear vicinity of the Bridewell and Jail, it is seen to considerable advantage from almost every quarter. The building is of a square form, two stories in height besides a basement story. It has a wing at lish, the population of the city of New York amounted to 6000* In 1790, a out a century after, it had increased to 43,131.— Comparative Census of the Capitals in the U. States NAMES. Philadelphia city and Liberties New-York County Baltimore C precincts Boston City 1730 1800 1810 1790 1. 00 18:0 1816 17.0 Charleston, S. C ( 18(0 ft r 1790 } 1800 ( 1810 ProvideDce 1790 . 1800 I 181Q 1810 1790 1S00 I 1810 [ 17.0 Portland, (Mne )) 1800 Washington Portsmouth, (N. H.) ( I7UU )) 1800 ) 1810 1810 Males Fem, free p Sla-v e* Total ln- ciease 19604 208 8 "1805 273 4*520 28742 29116 6123 «5 f4035 21515 41 M0 42323 10J75 2 93640 29605 14107 15254 1101 2: j 69 33131 26728 27394 3499 2868 60489 L'7358 43448 4: THE STRANGER'S GUIDE the payment of legacies, and the distribution of intes- tate estates, and a variety of other statutary and civil law powers. An appeal lies from his decision, in all cases, either to the Court of Chancery, or Court of Probates*, provided it is made in the time prescribed by law. Previous to the year 1787 the Court of Probates had the supervision and approving- of all the official acts of Surrogates in the different counties of the state. There were deputies (Suhrogatus) of the pre- rogative court ; and afterwards, under the Constitu- tion, of the Court of Probates. The increase of popula- tion, and the necessity of having offices in each county, cause the officers of surrogates to be instituted in each county, with exclusive powers to prove wills, and grant letters of administration on the estates of per- sons having a domicii or residence there, although dying out of the county, &c. This office contains the books of Records of Wills from the years 1662 to 1787 of the whole state; and the original wills of the southern district to the last period, as it then was constituted. All wills after the institution of this office, are also recorded here ; as are orders for the sale of real estates ; letters of administration, of guardianship, and every proceeding had in relation to them, and other judicial decisions over which the law has given power to this officer. There is a Public Administrator appointed by the Corporation of the city, under a law authorising such an appointment; in virtue of which, and by the pro- visions of the law, he takes possession of the personal estate and effects of persons dying intestate, having no relatives, and where there is evidence or danger that the same may be wasted or embezzled. He gives 30 days notice to the widow or next of kin to the deceased, after which, if they do not apply to the Surrogate to administer, this devolves upon himself. • The Court of Probates holds its sittinjs at Albany TO THE CITY OP NEW-YORK. 63 This act directs the Public Administrator to exhibit his accounts annually to the Common Council, who are to publish them in the newspapers for the infor- mation of all concerned. A commission of b per cent, to be retained by the administrator on all sums administered by him till they amount to 2500 dollars ; when they exceed that sum, he is allowed only 2J percent, on the surplus. This is over and above the reasonable expenses attending* the administration. Register for the City and County. Formerly the business of this department was transacted by the Clerk of the city. This having 1 been found incon- venient, the Legislature, on 9th April, 1813, autho- rised the appointment of a person to be called " The Register in and for the city and county of New- York." His duty is to place upon record, all mort- gages, deeds, conveyances, and other writings, which by law are directed to be registered or recorded. A note of all incumbrances on real estate, must be de- livered to the Register to be entered in his books, and when the incumbrance is cleared, the evidence thereof must be exhibited to the Register, who enters a minute to that effect in the registry books. The register's fee on both occasions is 25 cents. Free- access is given at all times to inspect the books ; and where a search is required to be made by the regis- ter, he is entitled to charge for this service as pro- vided by law. Marine or Justices Court. The apartments in the basement story allotted to this Court are convenient and suitable to all its purposes. It consists of three judges or justices, who are appointed by the Coun- cil of State, two of which must always preside. They meet every lawful day at 10 o'clock, and are empow- ered to try actions for debt to the amount of $1 00 ; to determine as to seamen's wages to any amount, and in actions of assault, battery and false imprisonment among seamen and passengers. It is distinct from 64 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE all other Courts of justices; has no power to hold ses- sions of the peace, but as to keeping- the peace, it has the same power as other magistrates. Besides the Marine Court, there is a Justice Court held in every ward, in which one person presides who is called an Assistant justice. He tries questions of debt and trespass to the amount of $25 ; also de- termines cases where penalties are sued for under the act for levying* duties " on strong liquors and for regulating Inns and Taverns;" and generally ell actions competent to all other justices in the State, wher? the amount does not exceed twenty-five dollars. The justices in these Courts are remunerated out of fees, prescribed by law, on the proceedings in their respective courts, of which tables are printed. Police Department The duties of the police are discharged by three Justices, appointed for the pur- pose by the Council of Appointment, and removeable at pleasure. The chancellor, justices of the supreme court, and members of the common council, as con- servators of the peace, may attend and assist the po- lice justices. A court is held every day, except Sunday ; at which one at least of the justices, and the Police Clerk, must be in constant attendance at sunrise every morning to take cognizance of offen- ces committed against the good order and peace of the city. — Besides the ordinary duties of examining persons brought up for breaches of the peace and other offences, and binding over the parties to prose- cute at the sessions, where this appears necessary, the police magistrates possess powers in certain cases* similar to those exercised by the aldermen of the citv out of the sessions. For these services, they receive the same fees as the Aldermen ; and * These relate to bast;irds, apprentices, servants, vagrant- and vagabonds. The acceptance of special bail ; the administering of oaths in causes before the < ourt of common pleat, and the tak- ing of affidavits to be read there, come also within the powers eF the magistrates of police. TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 65 for discharging the other duties of their office, they and their clerk are paid an annual salary of seven hundred and fifty-dollars each, which comes out of the funds of the city ; besides fees of office. Recog- nizances taken in other counties for the appearance of parties or witnesses in the city courts; copies of those taken to keep the peace, before any other court in the city ; and those from persons licenced to retail spirituous liquors, are all lodged in the po- lice office, under the custody of the Clerk. City Watch, This department is under the im- mediate direction of the Corporation, who appoint, in the first instance, six householders*, being citizens of the state, to act as " Captains of the Night Watch," and to have command over the other watchmen. It is the duty of the Captains, under the direction of the Watch Committee, to fix the rounds of the watch- men, prescribe their duties, and visit their stations. When a watchman is guilty of misconduct, the cap- tain of the district may suspend him till the pleasure of the Common Council is known. He must make a return, early in the morning, to the Justices of the Police, of the number and names of watchmen at- tending the preceding night, and the defaulters, if any. Each captain receives 1 dollar 87£ cents for every night's service in that capacity. Watchmen are also appointed from among the citizens and householders, to perform the duties as- signed them by the captains. They are divided into companies, and to each company is added 12 persons, denominated substitutes, to act in case of the absence of the regular watchmen. If found sleeping, or un- necessarily absent, or intoxicated while on duty, or guilty of disorderly behaviour, the watchmen are dis- missed. Their duty is to receive offenders into cus- tody, and to detain them until discharged. Their Salary is 874 cents for every night's service. Besides the particular duties allotted to them in F 2 66 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE their own district, the captains and watcnmen, in case of a riot, disorder, or other needful occasion, must assist those in the other districts. Captains or watch- men who do not obey the orders of the members of the corporation, or of the justices of the police, are removed from office, NEW-YORK HOSPITAL. This institution comprises the Hospital for the re- ception of the sick and disabled, ike Lunatic Asylum, and the Lying-in-Hospital. The area upon which the hospital is built, measures 455 feet long and 450 broad. It is bounded by- Broadway in front; Church-street in the rear; An- thony-street on the north ; and Duane-street on the south. The ground is enclosed with a brick wall ; the scite of the building is considerably elevated above the level of the neighbouring streets, and about 600 yards distant from Hudson river. The Hospital. This building is of gray stone, with a slated roof. In front it is 124 feet long ; its depth is 50 feet in the center, and at the wings, which project on each side, 86 feet. Besides the basement, it rises 3 stories, and measures 52 feet in height. From the center there rises a handsome copula, which commands an extensive and uninterrupted view of the country round. The principal story is nearly 14 feet high, and contains a room for the governors, used also as a library ; a parlour and bed. room for the superintendant and matron ; an apothecary's shop ; and a room for the clerk. In the center there is a hall and staircase. On the second and third floors in the center, there are apartments for the accommodation of the house physician and surgeon^ and other officers connected with the establishment* On the westerly side of the second story is the Lying- in-ward; on the third story, towards the north-west , is the theatre for surgical operations, which will ac- TO THE CITY OE NEW-YORK. #7 commodate 200 persons. In each story of the wings are 2 wards, 36 feet by 24, opening- into passages extending the whole length of the building, and com- municating by a staircase. There are 16 wards for the sick, 36 feet by 24, which will accommodate 300 patients. The basement story contains 2 kitchens, a laundry, bathing room, 3 store rooms, and 2 wards for patients, whose disease requires they should be kept separate from the others. The whole number of apartments is 39, exclusive of the lying-in ward, and the surgical theatre. Outside, and within the walls, there is a large wash house, bathing house, ice-house, stables, and a kitchen garden, besides ground laid out in walks, and planted with fruit trees, for the benefit of convalescents. No spot on the whole island could be better chosen on which to build a hospital than that on which the present stands. It is one of the most open and healthy places in the city, and although there are a number of lofty houses in its neighbourhood, the ele- vation of the building secures to the sick all the ad- vantages of a free circulation of air. The view from the top embraces the whole of the city, the Hudson and East rivers, the harbour and shipping, the bay with its different islands and fortifications, Nassau or Long Island, the Narrows, the beautiful and romantic shores of Jersey, and the numerous and delightful cottages, which of late years have arisen on the northern part of the city. Wherever the eye can reach, the prospect excites feelings of pleasure and admiration. New-York Hospital was originally established, by private subscription, in the year 1769, and incorpo- rated by charter from Governor Dunmore, on 13th July, 1776. This charter was confirmed by an act of the legislature, dated 9th March, 1810. In 1775, the hospital was burnt down by accident, and before another could be completed, the war broke out, dur- ing which the British converted the unfinished apart- 68 THS STRANGER^ GUIDE mcnts into barracks. In 1791 it was re-opened as an hospital for the sick and disabled, and afterwards extended to infirm and friendless seamen. The mo- ney arising from private subscriptions having- been found inadequate to pay the expense of this rising 1 establishment, the legislature was induced, at various periods, to confer grants upon it of the public money. These were increased from time to time, until 14th March, 1806, when an act was passed authorising 12,500 dollars per annum, to be paid to the institu- tion, out of the duties on public auctions, till the year 1857. The funds of the hospital derive also some trifling aid from the collector of the port, who allows a proportion of the public tax on seamen's wages, to defray the sustenance and medical expense of a limited number of that class of patients. Mem- bers of the incorporation pay on their admission 40 dollars each. These sums, however, are far from enabling the governors to keep up this establishment in the respectable way it ought. By their report of last year, it appears that the ordinary expenditure, including the lunatic asylum and lying-in hospital, amounted to 39,053 dollars 92 cents, while the re- ceipt was only 37,611 dollars 50 cents; leaving a ba- lance of 1442 dollars 42 cents. At the end of 1815, the debt was 5278 dollars 34 cents ; which makes a total debt against the hospital, on 31st December, 1816, of 6720 dollars 76 cents. By the report of 1816, it appears that on 31st De- cember, 1815, there were 193 patients in the hospital, including the lying-in paupers. In 1816 there were admitted 1656; of which, 1159 were cured; 65 re- lieved ; 224 requested to be discharged ; 25 were improper objects ; 58 disorderly and eloped ; and 163 died ; leaving, on 31st December, 1816, 202 patients. The management of the affairs of the hospital is in the hands of 26 Governors, who are elected on the third Tuesday of May annually. They appoint one of their number President; and who, with 6 othei'9. TO THE CITY OF NEW-YOP*K, 69 forms a quorum. There is also a Vice-President, Trea- surer, aud Secretary. They meet on the first Tues- day of every month, and their services are gratuitous. At the monthly meeting in June they appoint a super- intendant, a steward, an apothecary, a matron, and clerk. When necessary, the governors appoint phy- sicians and surgeons for the hospital ; and there is a visiting committee of 3 governors, who continue 3 months ; an inspecting committee of 2 governors, who serve two months, and an annual committee of go- vernors for auditing accounts, an abstract of which is laid every year before the legislature, with a report. The visiting committee attend the Hospital every Tuesday and Friday at 11 o'clock, A. M. for the pur- pose of admitting patients. They have also a general care and charge of the Hospital, hear complaints, and give directions to the officers and servants. The inspecting committee visit the Hospital once a week, to ascertain whether the house is managed with economy, and the sick properly attended to. There are 4 physicians and 4 surgeons who visit the Hospital. They are the most eminent of the pro- fession, and perform this duty gratuitously. One physician visits every medical patient afflicted with any acute disease once a day, at least ; every medi- cal patient, without distinction, is visited three times a week. One surgeon goes through the Hospital three times a week, and visits every surgical patient once a week. The house physician and house surgeon are general- ly young men about 21 years of age, who have been pupils three years of a practising physician, or sur- geon, and attended a regular course of lectures dur- ing that period, besides the practice of the hospital for one year. They reside constantly in the house, visit the wards morning and evening, and report the state of the patients to the attending physician and sur- geon. The apothecary also resides in the hospital. He TJIE STRANGER'S GUIDE undergoes a previous examination, and has the charge of preparing the medicines. He receives a salary of 350 dollars per annum. His assistant is called the orderly man, and is allowed 60 dollars per annum. The clerk receives an annual salary of 800 dollars. His duty is to enter the minutes, reports, &c. into the journal of the institution, under the direction of the .secretary ; to keep the books of accounts; to collect the monies; and to furnish the Secretary every three months, with the names of such seamen as die in the hospital, for publication. The superintendant and the matron have the charge of the domestic management and economy of the in- stitution. The former receives a salary of 1 ,000 dol- lars per annum. The salaries of the matrons, nurses, and servants, amount to about 4,00(1 dollars yearly. Here is an excellent library of books belonging to the hospital, under the charge of the house physician. It was established in August, 1796, in consequence of the recommendation of the medical faculty of Co- lumbia College, the members of which contributed books out of their private libraries, and part of their fees of public instruction. Five hundred dollars were at first appropriated to buy books out of the funds of the institution. In the year 1800 the library of Dr. Romayne was purchased; and in 1805 the num- ber of books was increased by the donation of a libra- ry belonging to a private association of physicians. In 1 805 the Governors appropriated 250 dollars annu- ally out of the funds of the establishment, to the pur- chase of books. Since then the botanical library of Dr. Hosack has been purchased, by which the num- ber of books is now increased to about 3,000 volumes, among which are some of the rarest and most valua- ble works in medical science. Clinical lectures were introduced at an early pe- riod of this establishment, by Dr. Bard of Columbia College; and since the institution of a college of physicians and surgeons in this city, the professors of TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 71 both colleges, being" physicians of the hospital, use the surgical theatre for that purpose. It is stated in the last report of the governors, that about 130 stu- dents attend the clinical lectures, both medical and surgical. These have access to the hospital library on conforming to the by-laws enacted respecting it. Lunatic Asylum. Until within these few years, those wretched victims of the most deplorable cala- mity to which human nature is incident, had no re- fuge but what was given them by persons who, in most cases, considered them a burthen, of which they were anxious to be relieved. When the violence of the disorder rendered all ordinary restraints unavail- ing, and carried them from their homes, no asylum was found in this state to shelter them from the pity- less storm. These poor helpless unfortunates were liable to be seized as disorderly persons, by a warrant of two justices of the peace, chained and locked up until an opportunity offered, not of inquiring after their friends, or of providing for them agreeably to the dictates of humanity, but until their " last legal place of settlement," was ascertained; to which they were immediately transferred, and " the charges of apprehending, maintaining, keeping, and removing," exacted to the uttermost farthing, and, with all due brnis of law, from " the overseers of the poor of the ;ity or town in which such person shall be legally set- Jed as aforesaid."* It remained for the governors of the Vew-York Hospital to vindicate human nature from he stigma such cold blooded regulations brought upon t. Apartments were at first assigned in the hospital or the reception and cure of lunatics, but as the wilding was not originally designed for patients of hat description, the governors erected an edifice on he ground belonging to the hospital, which was open- sd as a lunatic asylum on 15th July, 1808. This • This is a remnant of the benevolent laws introduced into this louajtrj by the Ijst paternal government. 72 T ITE STRANGER'S GUIDE building cost 5G,000 dollars, to assist in paying 1 which the legislature granted 3500 dollars per annum for 10 years out of the duties on public auctions. The asylum enjoys all the advantages of the healthy and beautiful situation of the Hospital. The building- is also of gray stone and the roof slated. It stands on the south side of the ground, and altogether separate from the other buildings. In length it mea- sures 90 feet; depth, at the centre, 40 feet, and at the wings, which project 124 feet on each side, it is 65 feet deep. The height, from the ground in front, is 46 feet. It has two principal stories, and a base- ment and subbasement on account of the declivity of the ground. There are 10 rooms, 11 feet by 8i; 2 rooms, 17 by 114 ; and 2 rooms, 24 by 17, open- ing into a hall 11 feet wide, in each of the two prin- cipal stories. The height of the first is 144 and of the upper 124 feet. The subbasement has 10 rooms, 11 by 84 feet, and 9 feet high; 3 rooms 164 by 114; and a kitchen 23J by 164- A hall runs through the centre into which the rooms open. It is paved with marble and has 7 circular iron stoves, so construct- ed as to convey heat into every apartment to the top of the building. Except the 4 largest rooms, and those in the upper story, the apartments are arched with brick ; and the walls are brick whitewashed. The number and size of rooms is the same in the basement as in the subbasement. The whole amount to 60, and will contain about 80 patients. The rich and the poor are here accommodated according to their circumstances. There are two yards inclosed, one for males and another for females ; the one is 200 feet by 50 ; the other 75 by 65. Such lunatics as can be trusted are permitted to walk in these. At the end of the year 1815, there were 74 pa- tients in the asylum. During 1816, there were 49 additional admitted. Of these 14 were cured; 10 relieved ; 1 5 discharged at their own request ; two were improper objects ; 1 eloped ; and 5 died ; leav- TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 73 inga total undischarged, at the end of the year 1816, of 76. It is stated in the last report, that " of the number admitted during the year 1816, the insanity of 4 was caused by the intemperate use of ardent spirits." None but paypatients are admitted. Luna- tics are received from the city alms house, but the sum allowed for these scarcely pays their subsist- ance, exclusive of medicine, clothing, and other expenses. The lunatic poor of any city or town in the state are also received, and paid for by the over- seers of their poor. From the great increase, of late, of persons in this unfortunate situation, the govern- ors of the hospital found it necessary to apply to the legislature for pecuniary assistance, to enable them to erect another building on a piece of ground which they had previously purchased. Ever alive to ap- plications of a benevolent nature, an act was passed by the legislature on 17th April, 1816, by which the sum of ten thousand dollars per annum is appropriat- ed to that purpose, out of the duties on sales by auc- tion for 40 years at least. The purchase money for the ground, extending to about 40 acres, and the materials and labour preparatory to its erection, amounted, on 31st December 1816, to 12,987 dollars 67 cents. — It is a healthy, elevated, and retired spot, between i\lanhattanville and Haerlem. The lunatic asylum is under the immediate man- agement of three of the governors belonging to the hospital, who admit and discharge all patients. One physician has the sole charge of their medical treat- Jment. He is required to visit the asylum thrice a |week, and oftener if necessary. Medicines are sent from the hospital. Here is likewise a visiting com- Kdttee composed of the governors of the hospital. A i'ceeper, with a salary of 600 dollars per annum, per- 1 brms the* duties of superintendant and acts under ■ he direction of the superintendant of the hospital. ■There is also a female keeper, and other necessary fiervants. G 74 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE No visitor is admitted into the asylum without permission from a governor, physician, or surgeon, of the hospital, or from the superintendant ; and then only at stated hours, fixed, by the asylum commit- tee. Lying-in Hospital, On 1st March 1799, a socie- ty was incorporated by the Legislature under the style of the " Society of the Lying-in Hospital of the city of New- York," for the purpose of establish- ing- an asylum for pregnant women unable to pro- cure necessary medical aid and nursing during their confinement. The funds of this association were too limited to enable them to carry their purpose in- to complete effect; in consequence of which an agreement was entered into between them and the New- York Hospital, by which the money belonging to the society was given up for its use, on condition that an apartment should be appropriated in the hos- pital to a lying-in ward. A suitable room was ac- cordingly fitted up on the westerly side of the second story of the building, which has ever since been oc- cupied as a public lying-in ward, under the same government and management as the hospital. Here female pupils are admitted, on a recommendation of a governor, a physician, or surgeon, of the institu- tion, for the purpose of being instructed in the art of midwifery. ALMS HOUSE. The buildings occupied by this useful and necessa- ry establishment stand at Bellevue on the banks of the East river, than which there is not a more healthy and pleasant situation on the whole island. The principal building fronts the river, between which there is a piece of ground allotted to recreation. It is a plain stone structure three stories high, with slated roof and measuring 320 feet in length and fifty in width. Is has three elevations or pediments in front ; 1 TO THE ClTlT OF HTEW-TORK. 73 one in the centre, rising* a story higher than the building-, from which spring-s a handsome cupola ; the two others project from the front, at each end, and are of the same height as the building. The en- trance is in the centre, over the ground floor, to which there is access by a flight of steps. In the rear, at a proper distance, stands a work house three stories high, for the employment of the poor. It is of brick and measures 200 by 25 feet. At each end, with a space between, there is an hos- pital, of the same height and materials, one for males and another for females. They are each 75 feet in length, and 25 in breadth. In the interior arrange- ment of these buildings, utility and convenience has been chiefly studied, while the health and comfort of the inmates has not been in any respect over- looked. — Including- the space on which the peniten- tiary stands, the ground occupied by the premises extends to about 24 acres, 18 of which are surround- ed by a board fence, and 6 by a stone wall, about 7 feet in height. Outside the walls, there is a school house for educating- poor children ; a bake house ; g-ardener's house and kitchen g?rden, for supplying the establishment with veg-etables; barn; wastehouse v and other necessary offices. The keeper and his family occupy the house nearly adjoining, which was formerly used as an hospital for persons affected by the epidemic disease. In the year 1699, when the population of the city did not exceed 6000, the poor received partial relief in their own houses, or in lodging-s provided for them by the vestry. About 15 years after, an Alms House was erected on the spot where the City Hall now stands, and the poor were maintained out of what was then called the Minister's Fund, a small tax upon the inhabitants, and by voluntary contributions. At the beginning of the revolutionary war, it was found necessary to remove the poor, first to West- Chester, then to Poughkeepsie. They did not, how- 76 TFIE STRANGER'S GUIDE ever, remain long here, as the establishment of in- dependence opened the door for their return, when several additions were made to the former buildings. The nipid increase of population, and the number of emigrants, which at this time flowed from different parts of Europe, soon rendered it necessary to erect a new Aims-House, being that building at present occupied by the City Institution in Chamber-street. This was opened for the reception of the poor in the year 1795. JS' early the same causes which gave birth to this last erection, led, in process of time, to the formation of the extensive buildings at Belie vue, of which we have given a short description. The first stone of the new Aims-House was laid August 1st, 1811, and it was opened in the beginning of the year 1816*. The expense, including the Peniten- tiary and other buildings, was 418,791 dollars 34cts. For some years previous and subsequent to 1807, it was estimated that the poor supported in this asy- lum amounted to about 700. In the beginning of August last, the numbers stood as follows : Men . Women Boys . Girls . Total 1487 i The increase had been much greater during the , last 18 months than at any former period of the same ] extent. That this is not directly occasioned by the ] immense emigration now taking place from foreign < countries, is evident from the circumstance, that j only 25 emigrants have been received into the Alms- * , House during the last two years. A great influx of { strangers, particularly mechanics, naturally produces } 400 410 433 244 * See the Rev. .». Stanford's disco ur-e at opening the chapel* preached before the Corporation, April 2'.\ 1316. TO THE CITY OE NEW-YORK. 7? a scarcity of employment. But it is not in New- York as in England. There they must starve, or go to the work-house, from want of employment. Here, although work may not be so plenty in sea port towns as formerly, owing to the increase of hands, yet the inland parts of the country offer to the enterprising and industrious, ample means of support. The rapid increase of paupers in this city ought, therefore, to be considered a partial evil, which, by a strict atten- tion to the circumstances of applicants for relief, may speedily admit of a remedy. The rules and regulations enacted by the Corpora- tion for the government of the Alms- House, are of the most salutary kind : Five " discreet and compe- tent persons, being freeholders of this city," are ap- pointed Commissionei s of this institution, and of the Cit3 r Bridewell and Penitentiary. They superintend and direct all the internal and external business, ex- cept the appropriation of money, and the appointment of officers ; and assist in examining the accounts, and reporting quarterly. There is a Superintendant, who is always a Com- missioner, and acts concurrently with them. He receives a salary of 2000 dollars per annum. Before entering upon his office, he is sworn faithfully to dis- charge his duty, and not to commit or suffer any wil- lful waste or embezzlement. He appoints matrons to take charge of the children ; cooks, officers, and other domestics of the house, removeable at his pleasure. He examines, daily, the entries and accounts of the Purveyor; subscribes the checks for money; takes account of the several articles under the control of the physicians, steward, and servants; examines and countersigns the statement of accounts prepared by the clerk for the use of the Corporation; and, on ex- hibiting these accounts, which is done every quarter, [he lays before the Corporation a return of the officers under him, and of the number, names, ages, place of ; birth, and condition of the paupers. G 2 7a THE STRANGER'S GUIDE The Purveyor?* duty consists in making purchases for the use o: the institution. The Clerk keeps a re- gulai entry of every purchase, and of its application, and attends in the office every day from 9 A. M. to 2 in the afternoon. On the first Monday in February, May, August, and November, he prepares, for the inspection of the corporation, a correct and fair state- ment of all money transactions. There is a liouse Physician and house Surgeon, each of w'.om receive a salary of 250 dollars per annum, besides the privilege of dieting in the house. There is also a visiting Physician and visiting Surgeon, but their appointments are purely honorary, as they do not receive any remuneration for their services. Any office bearer receiving emolument otherways than their stated salaries, or suffering any fraud, im- position, or extortion, relative to the poor, or the supplies of the house, or embezzling, or suffering to be embezzled, any thing belonging to it, or conceal- ing the same, or wilfully neglecting their duty, are dismissed with disgrace, and punished according to law. No pauper is admitted without a previous examina- tion as to situation and circumstances by the Com- missioners or superintendant. If it appears that the applicant is legally settled elsewhere, he is provided lor until a convenient opportunity of removal offers. None are received who have an infectious or conta- gious disorder, and no children are admitted who have not had the small-pox or been vaccinated, unless they submit to that operation, When received into the house, the paupers are classed into different rooms or messes ; due regard being had to character and sex, and that married per- sons reside together. Profane and loose conversa- tion, quarrelling, drunkenness, and other immoral practices, are punished by public admonition, re- moval from the mess, wearing a badge of infamy, so- litary confinement; or removal to Bridewell if incor- TO THE CITY OF STEW-YORK. 79 risible. Such as are able to work are furnished with employment, and rewarded if more than ordinary in- dustrious. None are allowed to go abroad without a written per mission. If found without this, or intoxi- cated, or guilty of disorderly conduct, or resorting lo beg'ging, they are apprehended, and proceeded against as common vagrants. The utmost cleanliness pervades all the apart- ments, and every thing like waste or destruction is carefully prevented. JN T o strong liquors are admitted without permission or when prescribed by the physi- cian. The diet of the paupers is wholesome, nu- tricious, and plentiful ; their clothing comfortable ; and their fuel given out regularly and in sufficient quantity. The sick, in particular, are attended to with the greatest assiduity, and the utmost care ta&en to remove from them every species of filth, and to preserve the rooms properly aired. Healthy and proper nurses are provided for the children, and when arrived at a proper age they are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, in the school belonging to the institution. The girls are also taught plain work and knitting. Every thing condu- cive to health, and decent behaviour, is studied by those under whose immediate care the children are placed. If any of them show uncommon capacity, the Corporation authorise their being instructed in the higher branches of learning, and take measures* that they profit by this in future. Others are ap- prenticed to suitable trades and occupations, and pro- tected by the Superintendent from bad usage, during the whole of their service, being " considered, in every respect, as the children of the public, under his care." Decent and well-behaved persons may visit the house at all seasonable hours ; and the citizens are invited to be " { vigilantin their attention to the Alms House and its management; to note every abuse which may take place, and to suggest such improve- ments as may occur to them, in confidence that their TttE b 1 h .. . . ER'S UV1D£ observations, addressed to the Common Council, will be duly noticed." This institution is supported by a tax upon the in- habitants. In 1307, under the old establishment, the annual expense amounted to 40,000 dollars. Last year it was 90,086. COLUMBIA COLLEGE. This edifice stands on an elevated and airy situation at the upper end of Park Place, between Broadway and the Hudson, in the near vicinity of the City Hall. It is a neat gray stone building-, three stories high, with slated roof. It has four staircases; there are 12 apartments in each story ; a chapel, hall, library, museum, anatomical theatre, and a laboratory. The institution is possessed of an extensive, valuable, and well adapted philosophical apparatus, for the purposes of mechanical philosophy and astronomy; and the library contains a numerous collection of scientific books, to assist the students in their researches. Originally this university bore the name of King^s College; but this was changed at the revolution. It was established by lottery, and incorporated by char- ter from Governor Delancy, on 31st October, 1754. In April, 1784, this was confirmed, with some modi- fications. By an act of the legislature, passed April 9th, 1813, it was enacted " that the present Trustees of Columbia College and their successors shall be and remain for ever hereafter a body politic and cor- porate, in fact and in name, by the name of the trustees of Columbia College in the City of New- York." Another act, dated April 14th, 1814, transferred the Botanic Garden, with all its appurtenances in property, to this institution : but on the " express condition that the college establishment shall be re- moved to the said tract of land hereby granted, or to TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. lands adjoining- thereto, within 12 years from this time." Another condition of this grant was, that the trus- tees " shall within 3 months from the time of the pas- sage of this act. transmit to the trustees of each of the other colleges in this state, a list of the diiferent kinds of plants, flowers, and shrubs in said garden; and within one year thereafter the said trustees of Columbia College shall deliver at the said garden, if required, at least one healthy exotic plant, shrub or plant of each kind, of which they shall have more than one at the time of application ; together with the jar or vessel containing the same, to the trustees of each of the other colleges of this state, who shall apply therefor." The funds of Columbia College, though originally arising from precarious sources, have greatly increas- ed, since its establishment, b} private and ieg-islative donations. One of its early Trust. ;es, Joseph Murray, Esq. an eminent counsellor at law, left property for the use of the institution to the amount of 25000 dollars. The annual revenue may now be estimated at upwards of 4000 dollars. The management is con- fided to Trustees, who direct and prescribe the coutije of study and the discipline to be observed in the Col- lege. They appoint a president from among s them- selves ; who holds his office during good behaviour.. No professor, tutor or other assistant, with the ex- ception of the provost for the time being, is eligible to fill the office of trustee. Eleven Trustees form a quorum for the dispatch of ordinary business. In the disposal of real estate or suspension of a president, it require^ 13. — The Trustees also elect a chairman annually, and have the power of declaring seats va- cant on the non-attendance or death of members, and of electing others in their place. It likewise be- longs to the trustees " tog-rant all such literary hon- ours and degrees as are usually granted 1 y any uni- versity, college or seminary of learning, in this state. TI1E STRANGER 1 S GUIDE or in the United States," and to give diplomas there- of. It is an express condition of their charter, that none of their ordinances or by-laws shall make M the religious tenets of any person a condition of admis- sion to any privilege or office in the said College." Columbia College was instituted for the purpose of educating youth in the learned languages, and in the arts and sciences. In the year 1769 a Faculty of Medicine was annexed to it. A College of Physi- cians and Surgeons, however, having been establish- ed in this city in 1807, it was considered most eligi- ble that the Faculty of Medicine of Columbia Col- lege should be attached to the new Institution. This desirable union took place in September 1813; so that Columbia College, having annulled their sta- tutes which respected the medical school, now con- sists of a Faculty of Arts only. This has a professor of Moral Philosophy, who is also President of the Faculty ; a professor of Classical Literature ; a pro- fessor of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Astro- nomy, Geography, and Chronology ; and a professor of Lo^ic, Rhetoric and Belle Lettres. The lectures on these different topics, commence in the beginning of August, and are continued annually. COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SUPiGEONS. The building occupied by this respectable body is situated in Barclay-street. It is an elegant and com- modious structure, and fitted up, in the interior, in a. style completely adapted to the different objects em- braced by this society. It was not till May 1813, that the trustees purchased the ground on which they afterwards reared the present building. In the Monthly Magazine for September 1817, published in this city, it is intimated, that " for the information of the friends of this University, who re- side in distant parts of the Union, it may not be un- interesting to state, that, by the aid of the enlighten- TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 83 ed and public spirited legislature of New- York, and the honourable the Agents, the college edifice since the last session has been augmented to double its former size." The charter by which this college was erected is dated 12th March, 1807. It was granted by the Re- gents of the University*, who were authorized by the * In 1784 an University was instituted in this sttte. In 1787 a repeal of that act too* place, by a new act of institution, under the title of the " Regent* of the Uo'versity of the State of New- York" This was merely a literary society of 2) gentlemen appoint- ed to superintend the interests of literature and invested with ade- quate powers By several amendatory acts their powers have heen somewhat extended ; and they now have the di-U*. button ofcomi- derable sums of money among the literary institutions of the stale. The Governor and Lieutenant-Governors are member': ex officio. The other Regents are appointed hy the legislature, and vacancies are so filled -They choose a Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University, from their own number who preside at their meet' iogs They are a corporate body, have a con.mon seal, and ap- point a Treasurer, and a Secretary who keeps a journal ot all their proceedings. It is their duty to visit all the Colleges, Academies, and Schools ; to inspect the system of education, their state and discipline, and make yearly report thereof to the legislature to visit each college once in each year, to make by-laws, to appoint presidents thereof in ca^e of vacancy, and principals of acauemies, and report also to the legislature They meet annually at the Assembly Chamber on the 2d Thursday after the annual meeting of the le d lature, and as oftan thereafter as occasion shall require They are authorised to incorporate Colleges and Academies, to confer degiees by diplo- ma, of a higher order than Ylaster of Arts and Medical degrees, and to apply the funds of the institution i'i s ach manner as they shall think rr.o«t conducive to the interests of literature, and the advancement of useful knowledge within th s state. The Hegents are, therefore, the literary and sciemi.ie censors of this state, and the institution has been of extensive me. Agreea de to their last report, they have received the regular returns from twenty of the incorporated Academies, and Co- lumbia and Union College, all In prosperous circumstance!. The THE STRANGERS GUIDE legislature to institute a College of physicians and surgeons. In November 1807, the business of the me- dical college commenced, by courses of lectures on all the branches of medicine. In the beginning of the year 1803, the legislature appropriated 20,000 dollars, for the benefit of this institution, which con- tinued to flourish till the year 1810, when seriousdif- ferences took place between the president and pro- fessors, of a na ire calculated to injure the estab- lishment. This, however, was prevented by the in- terference of the Kegents, and upon its re-organiza- tion, in 1 81 1, several material alterations took place, in its professorships and internal government. Dur- ing this year the legislature conferred another grant of 500 dollars per annum, and the College w r as au- thorized to confer degrees in medicine. On 15th May 1811, this degree was granted to 8 students, and in May 1814, the whole number graduated was 35 ; seven of whom had then published their inau- gural dissertations. In June 1812, anew charter was granted by the Regents, which was confirmed by the legislature on. 5th April 1813. property and funds iield by tiiese twenty Academies in ! 813 amounted to about iU0,009 dollars, besides their annual reve- nue derived, from tuition, &c —The Regents then distribu* ted about 2.000 dollar? annually among the academies Thi3 distribution, and the numl er of incorporated academies, has great- ly increased since Academies not repor'ing- precludes them from a share ol the money No new Academies are incorporated until endowed with a permanent fund, producing an annual reve- nue of 100 dollars, and until incorporated, draw no dividend of the monies distributed by the Regents They have also resolved, that no OUegc 'halt be established until endowed with perma- nent funds amounting to 60000 dollars, yielding an annual income of 3500 dollars The Regents have power to erect colleges from academies whenever, they think proper to do so, authorizing the trustees, to choose a President. No religious test can be required of presidents or professor' ; and no Regent can be a president or trustee or principal of any College or Academy in this stale.— Revised Laws of Ntn-Yor who joined in memorials to the legislature in favour of the measure. On 12th March 1810, the Botanic Garden became the property of the State by a spe- cial act of the legislature, and was immediately there- after put under the charge of Columbia College; since which, in consequence of the medical depart- ment having been united to the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons, the Botanic Garden is now un- der the immediate superintendance of that establish- ment. The amount of the purchase money was 74,268 dollars, 75 cents*. — Since the transfer, Dr. Hosack has published a second edition, enlarged, of * In March an act passed, authorizing the purchase for the ftite, under the direction of' the Commissioners of the Land Office, who appointed a Committee to make the appraisal under oath. The Committee accordingly returned their estimite at 49,968 dollars, 75 cents, for the garden, bein? 2,500 dollars, per acre, and 2-1,300 dollars for the buildings. These buildings and improve- ments consisted of hot bed frames the conservatory or green house and its appendage?, the dwelling house, hot houses, &c lod- ges, gate?, fences, &c. — Tne committee erimated the delay of payment under the act, equivalent to 5 and a half years, and re- ported a valuation, under these circumstances, of 103,137 dollars, But the commissioners excluded the commutation, and accepted the deed at 74,263 dollars 75 cts. The valuatioR was to exclude all plants, trees, shrubs, garden tools, &c. These have since been estimated, by com etent judges, at upwards of 12,600 dollars and by a botanist, at U,3S0." Spafford's Gaztitur, p. 46. 'Sz TI1E STRANGER'S GUIDE the " Horlus Elginensis ; or a Catalogue of the Plants, indigenous and exotic, cultivated in the Elgin Botanic Garden, arranged in alphabetical order, and embracing- the generic and specific names of Lin- naeus, the synonymes of various authors, the popular appellations by which they are known, the use of the different plants in medicine and the arts &c*." NEW- YORK INSTITUTION. This building stands behind the City Hall, on the north side of the Park, and fronting Chamber-street. From its elevated and healthy situation, this spot was fixed upon, in the year 1795, as a proper place to erect an Alms-house for the increasing poor of the city, and from this period down to the beginning of 1816, when the paupers were removed to Bellevue, it was applied to that purpose. Shortly after, the Corporation, on the application of the scientific insti- tutions of this city, munificently granted them the use of the building for ten years, in consequence of which its name was changed from " Alms-house, " to that of " New- York Institution." The exterior of the building has nothing attractive about it. It is 260 feet long, by 44 broad, with two projections in front, 15feet by 20; and is composed of brick. It rises three stories in height, besides a basement story, and the roof is covered with slate. In front there is a large space of ground, and in the rear it enjoys the advantages of that part of the Park lately laid out in agreeable walks, behind the City Hall. At present the apartments are occupied by 1 . The Literary and Philosophical Society, 2. The Historical Society, 3. The American Acadtmypf the Fine Arts % 4. The Lyceum of Natural History, and 5. The American Museum, * For a more circumstantial account of the Botanic Garden; see Trans, of the Lit. anil Phii. Soc and SpnJJ'ord's Gazetteer. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. The Literary and Philosophical Society, This so- ciety holds its meetings on the second Thursday of every month. The hall is neatly and commodiously fitted up, and the furniture valuable and altogether corresponding" to the nature of the Institution*. Round the walls are placed prints of Newton, Hale, Darwin, Warren, Withering, Montgomery, and oth- er distinguished scientific characters. There is also a painting of Dr. Mitchill by Jarvis, and several ele- gant whole length figures, in seve porcelain, of D"* Aguesseau, Sully, Bayard, Lafontaine, Vauban, and Turenne. The charter of the Literary and Philosophical So- ciety is dated March 25th, 1814. In the memorial presented to the legislature, praying to be incorpo- rated, it was stated, that the object of this society is " to cultivate the most useful branches of knowledge, to stimulate into activity the literature and talents of the community, and, by a concentration of men of different professions, and various acquirements, in one association, to collect a mass of information which may have a tendency to elevate the literary character, and subserve the best interests of our coun try;" and in the preamble to the act of incorpora- tion, the principle is distinctly recognized, that it is the duty of legislatures " to encourage all laudable attempts to promote the useful arts, diffuse know- ledge, and to enlighten the human mind." With these liberal and patriotic views, this socie- ty commenced its proceedings, and, on the 4th of * In this Hall the President of the United States entered during his visit to New- York. It was so ordered that the Society was in ses- sion. A numerous attendance of citizens was there. In their pre- sence the President of the Society, De Witt Clinton, presented to .lames Monroe the diploma of honorary membership, voted at a prior meeting : delivering it with an appropriate address, and receiving, in return, a suitable reply. All were impressed with the dignified alliance between science and patriotism, exhibited on this occasion . Med. Repos. Aug. 1817, p. 95. 94 the stranger's guide May, 1814, an eloquent and interesting Introducto- ry Discourse was delivered before them by their pre- sident. This discourse is printed in the 1st volume of the Society's Transactions, published in August, 1815. Of itself, it was sufficient to refute the charge of paucity of intellect, so often, and so unjustly, brought against the natives of the United State , even although no part of it had been directed to that object. Such a specimen of native talent, the nu- merous facts it exhibits, combined with the lumin- ous productions of several of the members of the in- stitution, which compose this volume*, must open the eyes of every impartial person to the unfounded nature of the charge, and restore this country to as elevated a rank, in the scale of intellectual improve- ment, as it has already acquired in that of nations, by the recent prowess of its arms. The management of this institution is in the hands of a president, 3 vice presidents, 12 counsellors, 2 recording secretaries ; 2 corresponding secretaries, • Besides the introductory discourse, this volume contains the act of incorporation, hy-Iaws and regulations, list of resident and hono- rary members, officers of the society for 1814 and 18;5: together with the following communications of its members, vi*.— Of Comets, by Dr. Hugh Williamson : on Contagious Diseases, by Dr. Hosack : on Earthquakes, by Dr.Mitchill : Hints on conducting Meteorologi- cal Observations, by John Griscom, Professor of Chemistry : the Fishes of New York described and arranged, by Dr. Mitchill : on the Fishes of the western waters of the state of New-York, by the presi- dent of the society : Tracts respecting the Rock-fish, or streaked Basse of the United States, by Dr. Mease, of Philadelphia : Cases of Morbid Anatomy, by Dr. Francis : chemical Analysis of the Mineral- water of Schooley's Mountain, in New- Jersey, by Dr. M'Neven : Cir- cular Letter of the Societj', as to a Statistical Account of the State of New -York : and a Catalogue of Donations to the Society. r l he vo- lume extends to 570 pages, 4to, and is illustrate with numerous plates, executed in this city, in the first style of engraving. Material* for a second volume, which may be soon exprcted, are now under Arrangement. TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 95" a treasurer, and 2 curators, who are elected on the 2d Thursday of January annually. The real and per- sonal estate is limited to 5000 dollars per annum. At the monthly meeting" of the society communica- tions are read, and referred to the consideration of the Counsellors, who are divided into four classes : — 1st, Belles Lettres, Civil History, Antiquities, Moral and Political Sciences. 2d, Medicine, Chemistry, Natural Philosophy and Natural History. 3d, Math- ematics, Astronomy, Navigation, and Geography. 4th, Husbandry, Manufactures, and the Useful Arts. When any of the communications are thought fit for publication, they are given out to be printed in the Society's Transactions. It is the duty of the cura- tors to take charge of the library, specimens of na- tural history, and models of instruments and machines, of which the Society are already in possession of a Beat and valuable collection. There are two classes of members, the Resident and the Ordinary. The first are those residing in New-York ; the ordinary, such as have distinguish- ed themselves by their attainments in science or literary publications, without regard to country or place of residence. Historical Society. The apartments belonging to this invaluable institution are spacious and conven- ient ; and, considering the short period of occu- pation, and the variety of books, MSS. &c. which it was necessary to arrange, every thing has the as- pect of neatness and regularity. The hall of meet- ing is ornamented with prints of Green and Lincoln ; busts of Washington, Hamilton, and J. G. Bogert, Esq. and paintings of Benson, Americus, Columbus, Cortery and Magellan, with other characteristic de- corations. There is also a portrait of John Pin- tard, Esq. the Secretary, painted by Trumbull. The Historical Society is divided into two branch- es, the Civic Branch, and the Natural Branch. Un- der the former, there has been collected an immense THE STRANGERS GUIDE number of books, maps, manuscripts, prints, paint- ings, busts, pamphlets, hand-bills, gazettes, coins, medals, rmd every document calculated to illustrate the civil history ^of the country. The other branch, called also "the Cabinet of Natural History," con- sist t of three divisions : 1 Zoology and Geology, 2. Botany and vegetable Physiology ; 3. Mineralogy; which have been organized to promote an intimate acquaintance with the productions of Nature. " It is almost incredible with what rapidity articles in the several departments have been gathered and ar- ranged. Already the exhibition of domestic and foreign specimens has become eminently instructive and intere ^ting, and is growing daily more so. The principal standard books of reference are already there, whereby the investigation of a species is ren- dered as easy as possible. Thus, the foundation is laid of a magnificent school of nature, which will be enriched by every thing that inland communication and foreign intercourse bring home*." This society was formed on 10th February, 1^09, by an association of gentlemen, in imitation, it is said, of a similar institution in Massachusetts. On 13th April, 1814, the legislature, always prompt in giving encouragement to science and literature, di- rected the secretary of state to transmit for the use of the society a set of the revised laws, and of all the subsequent journals of their sessions ; " and that the said society may, by their agent or agents, have ac- cess, at all reasonable times, to the secretary's office, and the other public offices of this state, and may cause such documents or records to be copied without paying office fees, as they may judge proper to pro- mote the objects of the institution." And, on the 15th of the same month, a permanent fund was cre- ated for its future support, by a legislative donation of 12,000 dollars, 41 for the purpose of procuring * Medical Repository, Avgust, 1817.^. 96. TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 97 books, manu.-cripts, and other materials, to illustrate the natural, literary, civil, and ecclesiastical history of America." In 1810 a 1st volume of the Societv's Collections appeared, and a 2d was published in 1 816. The value of the property of the institution, including the above donation, is now estimated 1 at 20^000 dollars. The management is conducted by a President, Secretary, and Committee, who are elected annual- ly, and meet on the 2d Tuesday of every month. There are also special Committees, to which are as- signed distinct departments, all calculated to promote the fundamental objects of the institution. These Committees have addressed circulars to ship masters, passengers, travellers, the learned, and curious, en- couraging them to forward facts and specimens, which have already been attended with beneficial effects. The American Academy of the Fine Arts. The specimens of the arts, and the designs belonging to this society, are kept in the east part of the build- ing ; the rooms appropriated for their use being spa- cious and convenient. These specimens consist of antique statues, busts, bass-reliefs, paintings, and books, &c. Among the statues arc the Pythian and Belvidere Apollos, the Venus of the Capita/, :aud Venus of the Bath, Lac-coon and bis Sons, Castor and Pollux, the Fighting Gladiator, and Grecian War- rior, and the Hermaphrodite. There are busts of Jupiter, Juno, Mercury* Bacchus, Homer, Pythago- ras, Niobe, Socrates, Plato, and other ancient gods and philosophers. Washington, Hamilton, Clinton. West, and three busts of Napoleon Bonaparte are among the modern characters. The statues, busts, and bass-reliefs are 45 in number. The Paint- ings, as enumerated in the catalogue, are exactly the same number. Some of these are excellent. There are five by Trumbull, the President of the Society, that are much esteemed fcr their exquisite designs I 98 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE and colouring'. These arc, the Woman taken in Adultery, Suffer Utile children to come unto me. The knighting of De Wilton, Peter the Great at Narva, and the Virgin, Infant Christ, and St, John. The Library consists of books of Views, Designs, and Drawings, chiefly relating- to antique subjects. Among these are the celebrated engravings and views of Piranesi, in 24 superb volumes, presented to the Academy by Napoleon Bonaparte; Galarie de Lucien Bonaparte, a present of Lucien Bonaparte ; BoydelVs Engravings; Cooke's Hogarth Restored, and a great variety of other valuable works of this description. The idea of establishing an Academy in New- York for the encouragement of the Fine Arts, ori- ginated with the late Chancellor Livingston, when Ambassador to France in the year 1801. On his suggestion, subscriptions were set on foot that soon led to the formation of the present society, on the 12th February, 1802, under the title of " The American Academy of the Arts." On 12th February, 1808, a charter was obtained, under that title, which, however, was changed to the one it now bears, and this, with other alterations, sanctioned by the le- gislature on 28th March, 1817. — Until the opening of the present general establishment, in consequence of the grant of the Common Council, the Society kept their specimens, &c. in a large room on the second floor of the old Custom House. From re- spect to Chancellor Livingston, they caused a full length portrait of him to be painted and hung up there. This has been very properly removed to the new hall of the Academy. The affairs of the Academy are conducted by a ' President, Vice-President, 11 Directors, Treasurer, Secretary, Keeper, and Librarian, who are chosen on the 1st Monday of May annually ; and the annual stock is limited to 5,000 dollars, divided into shares of 25 dollars each; the charter to endure till 1st Feb- ruaiy. 1833. The Directors meet on the 1st Satur- TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 99 day of every month, and not less than four forms a quorum for transacting business. Academicians and Associates are appointed by the by-laws of the institution. The number of each is limited to 20. The Academicians must be men of good moral character, artists by profession, and, at least, 24 years of age at the time of their appoint- ment. Within one year after his election, every academician must deposit a specimen of his talents with the Academy, to remain its property, otherwise he will be deemed to have renounced his election. Associates must also be artists by profession, exhi- biters in the Academy, and 21 years of age when elected. After the first elections of Academicians, none can be appointed such, unless they have pre- viously been associates. Twice every year, in the spring and in the fall, there are public exhibitions in the gallery and cham- bers of the Academy, of the productions of all paint- ers, sculptors, and designers, who may think proper to send in their works to be exhibited. Admission twenty-Jive cents. The office bearers of the Acade- my, the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of the state, the Chancellor, and Judges of the Supreme Court ; the Treasurer, Comptroller, Attorney Gene- ral, and Secretary of the state; the members and stockholders of the Academy, artists who are exhi- bitors in the gallery ; the Director of an Academy of Arts of any other state ; and the widow and children of the late Robert Fulton, are entitled to free admis- sion, at all times, to the exhibition. The Lyceum of Natural History. This is a re- cent institution, having been formed since the pre- sent building was appropriated to literary and scien- tific purposes. We shall here give, by permission, the account of this establishment, as it appeared in the Medical Repository for August last, which may be relied upon as correct : — In February 1817, a society was formed for the 100 TRE STRANGER'S GUIDE express purpose of cultivating Natural History. The members called it the Lyceum, in remembrance of the school founded by that sublime genius Aris- totle, at Athens. Disciples of the " mighty Stagi- rite," fhey determined, after his example, to be Peripatetics, and to explore and expound the arcana of nature as they " walked." The western hemi- sphere, and more especially the United States, offered innumerable subjects for examination. The air, the earth, and the waters, abounded with pro- ductions, equally unknown to ourselves and to the other members of the civilized and learned world. These came to the present generation, like the de- scent of an ancestral estate, a sort of rich inherit- -ance, in the rough, neither incumbered with debts, nor embellished with improvements. The associators here have resolved to court nature, and to gain her arcana by assiduity and solicitation. Knowing what a rich and extensive field there is in America, they are determined to cultivate it. They are aware, that no region of the globe is more fertile in natural productions, than the region around New- York city ; yet there is very little known of these to the scientific world. A bat, a stickleback, a wild cat, and an autumnal plant, (vernonia,) are all the animal and vegetable productions recollected as re- ceiving their specific name, Noveboracencis, from New-York. It is time to elevate the character of a country so abundant and diversified. The researches of her members are, nevertheless, not confined to domestic articles; they extend to the whole terraqueous globe. The Lyceum has already among its articles, the fossil' mastodon, of New- York, the right whale, of the Atlantic Ocean, the sword fish, of Sandy-IIook, the new kinds of carp and pike, from the Wall-Kill, and the white wild sheep of the rocky mountains beyond the sources of the Missouri. They have the fossils of the Hud- son and the Mohawk, to the northern and western TO THE CITY OV NEW-TORK. 1GI lakes, replete with shells and other organic remains, such as pectinites, cardiums, lerrabratulas, artho- cerites, and even the back bones and scales of stur- geons. The greater part of the tract from New- York city to Montreal, and from Albany to Niagara, abounds with these relics of former living beings. The Lyceum has taken measures for completing a catalogue of the vegetables growing within 100 miles of the city. A committee consisting of C. W. Edd} r , M. D. Mr. John Torry, and J. Knevels, have made great advances in this important undertaking. The travelling committees of the Lyceum, to the Fishkiii and Kaatskill mountains, and to the interjacent re- gion, have presented reports, observations, and dis- coveries that would do honour to any society. Among these, the papers of C. S. Rafmesque, Esq. merit distinguished approbation. The herbaniums are replete with undescribed plants, beyond any ex- pectation or belief. There is reason to suppose this authentic list will be ready for publication in the course of the present season. The members are chiefly in the vigour of life, ar- dent in the pursuit of natural science, and votaries of honourable fame. The president is Samuel L, Mitchell. C. W. Eddy and the Rev. Mr. Schaeffer, are vice-presidents. It may be said of this Society, in the words of Virgil, " Fervet opus, redolentque thy mo fragantia melia." The American Museum. This is the individual property of Mr. J. Scudder, and occupies the wes- tern division of the Institution. Although the col- lection of animals and other natural curiosities here exhibited, is not extensive, they will be found much superior, in point of preservation and arrangement, to most exhibitions of the kind. The proprietor has a happy talent for this branch of the arts, and an excellent taste ; added to which, he is uncommonly zealous. These are qualifications which must ac- complish almost anv enterprise. Accordingly, after I 2 102 THE STRANG E^S GUIDE eight years incessant labour, and at an enormous expense, Mr. Scudder, without legislative aid, lias so far perfected Ins Museum, as to command the attention of the best informed part of the community, while it affords to all a pleasing and permanent source of amusement. The hall of the Museum is on the second story, and enters by a neat staircase at the west end of the building-. It is 94£ feet long-, 41 2 wide, and 10£ feet high; well aired and well lighted. At the up- per end there is a space laid out, the whole breadth of the room, to resemble a forest, in which there are about 80 quadrupeds, birds, vipers, &c. Among these is the Wood Ibis, 3 feet high; a white Fox, from the coast of Labrador ; a black Racoon, from the Missouri river; the spotted Boa, 18 feet 2 inches long, from South America ; two species of Otters ,- the Hoop or Pine Snake, 8 feet in length ; the great Rattle Snake, and the S. American Ostrich, 6 feet high. The rest of the collection occupies 164 glazed eases, placed in the centre of the room, containing upwards of 600 varieties in all the departments of ■ Natural History. The most remarkable of the qua- drupeds in this part of the arrangement are the Cougar or North American Panther; the Royal Tigress of Asia with her three whelps ; the white Po- lar Bear, of Greenland ; and the Coata, or African vVild Man of the Wood. The Cougar is a large and beautiful animal, measuring from the end of the tail to the snout, about 9 feet. It is a native of the Kaatskiil and Alleghany mountains, and is much dreaded by the Indians. It makes great havoc ,among the deer and domestic animals, and is very rapid in its movements. It frequently lodges in the branches of trees, from which it springs upon its prey, and it will cross rivers and break through in- cisures in pursuit of food. The Tigress, when alive, weighed 326 lbs. She was brought to this TO THE CITY Of NEW-YOitK. 103 country, with the male, in 1805, by a vessel belong- ing- to Salem, Massachusetts. On the 1st June 1809, she produced, in this city, the three whelps exhibited with her, and in February following she was choaked by accident, with a bone of beef. The male is still alive, and forms part of a collection of living animals exhibited in different parts of the Union. There is a case containing upwards of 40 Turtles, among which is the Leather Turtle, caught 6 years ago, about 30 miles off Sandy- Hook. After it was taken, this extraordinary animal weighed upwards of 800 lbs ; it had lost a great deal of blood, and was supposed originally to have weighed 1000 lbs. It measures 13 feet in circumference, 8 feet two in- ches between the extremities of the fins, and the body is 7^ feet long. There are two small turtles, one with 2 heads and 6 legs, and the other remark- able from its having been found in the solid rock, when blowing a well at Newburgh, on the Hudson river. It is called the Snapping Turtle. A male and female, and the foetus of the Vampire or Ternate Hat of Java, are preserved in another case, and measure upwards of 4 feet between the extremity of the wings. Among the birds there is the Crowned Heron, the Vermilion, or Red Curlew, the Armed Rail of South America and Africa, Chinese Pheasants, Black Swan, of Botany Bay, Toucans of South America, Great Widow bird of Africa, male and female, Cock of the Rock, or Rock Manakin, Mino of Java, Milk White Robin, the Tropic Bird, male and female Pelicans, Snow Goose, male and female, from Lake Ontario, Snow Owl, and the King Bird of Paradise, the only one for exhibition in the Union. There is a collection of Minerals and Ancient Coins in the gallery ; thousands of rare and beautiful Shells; and a variety of Insects in a fine state of preservation. The proprietor is daily adding to the number of his 104 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE curiosities, of which the above is but a specimen. He attends almost constantly himself at the Gallery to show the collection, and strangers may pass an hour or two here with considerable satisfaction. Admittance 25 cents. There are four places of confinement in New- York city; 3 for felons and one for debtors. These are State Prision. This is an extensive, convenient, and strongly built structure of the Doric order, situa- ted at Greenwich, about a mile and a half from the City Hall, and occupying one of the most healthy and pleasant spots on the banks of the Hudson. It is con- structed of free stone, the windows being grated with iron for security. It is two stories high of 15 feet each, besides the basement, and has a slated roof.- — Rising from the centre there is a neat cupola, in which a bell is hung. The centre of the principal front, to- wards Washington-street, is projected and surmount- ed be a pediment, as is also the west front. The whole front measures 204 feet in length, and there are four wings which extend backwards towards the river. The buildings and yards cover 4 acres of ground, and the whole is enclosed by a stone wall of 23 feet high on the side of the river, and 14 feet in the front. There are 54 rooms for prisoners, 12 feet by 18, each of them large enough to accommodate 8 persons. The centre of the building is appropriated to the use of the Inspectors, Agents, Keeper, and Assistants. In the North wing is a chapel fitted up with galleries. In the South wing is the dining hall, over w r hich is a 1 large apartment, allotted to prisoners who work at shoemaking. On the second floor of the North West wing there is an hospital, and on the ground floors oi PRISONS. 1. State Prison, 2. Penitentiary, 3. Bridewell, 4. Jail. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 105 the first South and North wing-s there are two kitch- ens for the use of the prisoners. Adjoining- the end of each wing, there is a building- of stone, two stories high, containing" 7 cells on the upper floor for solitary confinement. They measure 8 feet long-, 6 wide, and 14 high, and the windows are 8 feet from the floor. In the yards are the different workshops of the pris- oners. These are constructed of brick ; are spacious, airy, and well adapted to the purpose. Here all the prisoners, except shoemakers, the sick, the females, who are kept by themselves, and a few men who are selected as assistants, are employed during- the day in their different occupations. The whole prison is abundantly supplied with water, and there is a bath for the use of the prisoners during the hot season. — There is also a kitchen garden inside the walls, which produces medicinal herbs and veg-atables in great abundance ; besides store houses, saw pit, cellar, ice house, smoke house, fire engine house, pumps, and a number of convenient places for storing fuel and oth- er essential purposes.* No convict whose sentence is below three years imprisonment is admitted into this prison. On en- trance, a prisoner is immediately stripped, washed and cleaned, and then dressed in a new shirt, trowsers,. shoes and -stockings. After a description of his per- son &c. is entered in the prison book, he is immedi- ately put to work, and kept at hard labour agreeably to his sentence. In summer the rooms are unlocked at 6 o'clock in the morning; in winter at day-light, when the prisoners are called to work, at which they continue till 6 o'clock in the evening, allowing- suffi- cient time for their meals, which are three every day. On the beat of a drum, at 9 o'clock in summer, and 8 * For a more particular description of the exterior and interior con- struction of this building , see ' A View of the New-Tork State / > m#r besides hoard, lodging", and washing". No fees are permitted to be received. It is the duty of the Keeper to be constant in his visits through every part of the prison, and to be careful that no one escape. He has no power, except in attempts of that nature, to strike a prisoner. At every meeting of the Inspectors he presents a written report, containing the number of prisoners, and those newly received and discharged, with the particulars of every occurrence in the prison. The Assistants are employed to watch over the conduct of the prisoners, and to be careful that all the regula- tions are observed. In case of default, they carry the offender immediately before the Keeper, who is empowered in certain cases, to order temporary punishment to be inflicted. — One of the assistants, selected by the keeper, acts as his deputy, for which he receives 100 dollars in addition to his salary. Formerly there was a guard stationed round the prison, consisting of a captain, sergeant, 2 corporals, drummer, fifer, and 20 privates, under the direction of the mayor. This has been lately reduced to 12 men and a corporal, who are engaged by the keeper, and subject to his command. The corporal receives 35, and the privates 30 dollars a month, besides fuel for the guard-room, arms, ammunition, and accou- trements. There is a watch-house erected at each corner of the prison walls, from which the guard can see every thing passing below and around. Besides this regular guard, a company of militia has been or- ganized, under the orders of the commander in chief of the militia, consisting of a captain, lieutenant, en- sign, 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, a drummer, fifer, and j 25 privates. It is composed of persons residing near- ) TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 109 est to the prison, who receive arms, &c. from the public arsenal, but no pay. They are exempted from all other military duty, and from serving on grand or petit juries. On alarm, or notice from the principal keeper, they aid and assist in defence of the prison or to prevent the escape of prisoners. Three physicians, who succeed each other month- ly, visit the prison weekly. They receive nothing" for their trouble except when called in on extraor- dinary occasions. A student, or young practitioner of physic, who is appointed annually, resides constant- ly in the prison to attend the sick, administer medi- cines prescribed by the physicians, and report week- ly to the Inspectors as to the health of the prisoners. He receives no salary, but 260 dollars are appropri- ated annually for his board. Two hundred and fifty dollars annually are allowed to the clergyman who performs divine service in the chapel. From the period of the opening of this prison in 1797, to 31st Dec. 1814, the total number of per- sons admitted was 3062. — Of these 1199 were par- doned and 378 died. One woman, from Ireland, had been committed Jive times; 3 other prisoners four times ; 33 thrice; and 218 twice. During the year 1814 there was received into the prison 2 1 3 convicts ; 1 73 of whom were Americans ; 13 English; 1 Scots; 15 Irish; 1 French; 1 Ger- man ; 3 Nova Scotia ; 3 West Indies ; 1 Portuguese ; 1 Swede and 1 Dutchman. — Of this number 156 were convicted of grand larceny; 26 forgery; 7 burglary; 6 assault and battery; 2 arson; 1 biga- my ; 2 breaking prison ; 1 sodomy ; 1 felony ; 3 highway robbery; 1 misdemeanor; 3 perjury; 3 rape ; and 1 robbery. At the end of the year 1813 the number of prison- ers was 496 Admitted during 1814 212 Returned who had escaped Dec 4th ; 1812 1 K 709 no THE STRANGER S GUIDE Of these there was discharged in 1814, by pardon - By expiration Died 176 10 29 404 30 29 Remained at the end of the year 1814 45 of which were imprisoned for life 4 for 21 years 3 20 years 17 years and 1 day 17 years 15 years 14 years and 1 day 14 years 12 years 1 1 years 10 years and 1 day 10 years 9 years and 3 days 9 years and 1 day 9 years 8 years and 1 day 8 years 7 years and 1 day 7 years 6 years 5 years 4 j^ears and 6 months 4 years 3 years and 6 months 3 years and 1 month 3 years and 10 days 3 years and 5 days 3 years and 1 day 3 years. Below we have given a list of the crimes punisha- ble by imprisonment in the State Prison*. Treason, 1 3 106 10 68 1 79 12 2 54 12 * l-.iprisojimcnt for Life Rape; iobbery: burglary :sndomy: mamingv breaking, into ami stealing &w» a dwelling house; iojye TO THE CITY Of ^EW-YORK. 1 1 1 hiurder and arson of an inhabited dwelling 1 house, were formerly the only offences punished with death in this State. By an act of the legislature, dated April 15th 1817, it is enacted " that if any prisoner confined in the State Prison, or any other person, shall wilfully and maliciously set fire to the said pri- son, or to any of the workshops, or other erections within the walls thereof, or procure the same to be done, or aid or abet the doing- thereof; or shall be guilty of an assault or battery, with an intent to com- mit murder upon any officer of said prison, such per- son being thereof convicted, shall be adjudged guilty of felony, and shall suffer death Sect, 13th. — By an- other section, convicts are authorized to be employ- ed on the great canals. P.especting these it en- acted " that in case any of the said convicts shall escape while so employed, as aforesaid, and shall be person therein being: put in fear ; forcing the proof of a deed, or 'he certificate of its being recorded ; forging public securities : counter- feiting gold or silver coins A second oflence in committing arson of an uninhabited house, building, bam or mill, or in forging a record, deed, will, bond, note, bill receipt, warrant or order, and ell offen- ces above the degree of petit larceny, not otherwise provided for. For Life, or some shot Ur period vntt the one 120 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE side of the gallery is fitted up as a chapel, in which prayers are read every Thursday. One of the wards is allotted for females, who are locked up during their confinement. The prison is open from 6* o'clock in the morning till sunset, during which there is con- stant access to the place. There is no settled allowance in this jail for the prisoners, nor have they even bedding. But the Hu- mane Society has benevolently stepped forward to their relief, and allows each poor prisoner half a pound of meat, 3 pints of soup, 2 potatoes, and an Indian corn meal dumpling, every 24 hours. During winter, they frequently receive donations of firewood, and make up any deficiency among themselves. The health of the prisoners is greatly promoted by their having permission to walk on the roof of the building at all seasonable hours. The use of spirituous liquors is prohibited by the legislature in all the prisons of the state. About the beginning of August last, there were only 34 men and 1 woman*, prisoners, inside the walls. Outside, and within the limits, there were between 5 and 600. This prison has not so clean an appearance as it ought to have. The turnkeys wash it out twice a week. Considering the vast number of visitors, this ought to be done as often every izy. Why should not a regulation to that effect be introduced? It might be expected that the prisoners themselves, for their own comfort, would be more attentive to this virtue. By an act of the legislature, passed April 15th, 1817, it is enacted, that any person confined in this prison for a debt not exceeding 25 dollars, exclusive of costs, upon applying to any judge or justice of the * By an act of the legislature of 5th April, 1813. it is enacted "that do female person shall be imprisoned upon execution, in any civil action for debt or damages hereafter to be brought, in any court whatsoever, in which the debt or damages recovered shaU not, exclm live of costs, amount to more rhan 50 dollars." Tt> THE CITY OF NEW-YORK, 121, , and making oath that his real or personal estate does not exceed in value 25 dollars, over and above the articles exempted by law from seizure in execu- tion, is entitled to be set at liberty. His person can- not be again attached for the same debt, but his pro- perty may. Persons charged in execution for debts to a greater amount than 25 dollars, after remaining in prison 3 calendar months, must, in order to obtain their liberty, present a petition to the court whence the process issued upon which they were imprisoned, setting forth the cause of imprisonment, and accom* panying this with a true state of their affairs, and an account of ail their property, which they must give up upon oath for the benefit of their creditors, with the exception only of their necessary wearing appa- rel, bedding, and working tools, not exceeding 50 dollars' in value. If there is no objection to the fair- ness of this statement, the debtor is immediately dis- charged from custody, and the property only which he may afterwards acquire, attachable for his debts, if, after remaining 3 months in prison, he does not apply, as directed by the act, for his release, the cre- ditor on whose suit he wis imprisoned, may then re- quire him by a written notice, to exhibit his accounts, and assign his property to his creditors. This he must comply with before the elapse of 30 days, oth- erwise he is " for ever barred from obtaining sucb discharge*." The limits of the city Jail extend to about 160 acres. The judges of the common pleas or Mayor's court, may alter or change these as often as they deem it necessary. Permission to reside in the lim- its may be obtained for 50 cents, and finding proper security to the satisfaction of the Jailor; but this is only granted after judgment has been obtained. Persons arrested for debt previous to judgment, se~ * There is now in New-York Jail, a person who has for thru year reTuStd to comply with ths requisition of life creditor* L V22 THE STRANGER'S CtflDE cure thrir liberty by finding bail for their appear- ance. The High Sheriff is Jailor by virtue of fiis office. He is also the public executioner. At pre- sent the duties of jailor are well discharged by the Depute Sheriff, assisted by two Turnkeys, whom lie appoints, and who are paid a salary oi 15 dollars each per month. By act of thfi legislature, of 6th April 1813, it is enacted " that it shall and may be lawful for the gaoler of the gaol of the city and county of IVew-York, to ask, demand, and receive of and from every person committed to his custody within the said gaol, upon or by virtue of any warrant, execu- tion, mittimus, or commitment, issued out of, or from the court of the justices of the peace, in and for the city of New-York, for any sum exceeding 25 dollars, fifty cents, and also the like fees for bringing up a prisoner by any rule or order of any court as are now allowed by law to a sheriff for bringing up a prisoner on habeas corpus ia civil causes." BOARD OF HEALTH. The members of this establishment hold their meet- ings in a room adjoining the Mayor's office in the City Hall. The health, and prevention of infectious diseases, appear to have been objects that attracted the particular notice of the legislature at a very early period. As far back as 1758, a law was passed upon the subject, by the colonial assembly, which was continued by several enactments till March 26th 1813, when the whole were consolidated in one act, entitled " an act to provide against infectious and Pestilential Diseases," and Commissioners of Health •appointed to carry its provisions inlo effect. As this act, however, more immediately regarded vessels arriving from for -gn parts, and placing these, the passengers, and crew, under the operation of the quarantine laws*, the Corporation of the city have, • See Append ix, for this a:?. TO THE CITY OP NEW-YORK. 123 from time to time, authorized the establishment of many saiutary regulations, for the special purpose of preventing epidemical diseases. In order to give these greater weight, a Board of Health has been instituted, consisting of the Com- missioners of the Health office ; and of the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of the city ; whose duty it is to " make diligent inquiry with respect to all nuisances that may exist, and which they may deem obnoxiou : to the health and lives of the inhabitants of this city.'' Power is given them to remove these at pleasure and to open one or more hospitals for the accommodation of the sick, and to employ Phy- sicians, and nurses, and provide medicines and other necessaries for them, all at the publie expense. This Board may also order the removal, from the city, of all persons and things, infected by, or tainted with pestilential matter. The city Inspector is bound to execute the orders of the board, and all persons refusing to comply with these, are subject to a penalty of 250 dollars. Distinct from this Board, and by the common law, the Corporation has pro- mulgated a body of " Laws and Ordinances, " in which all matters of police ; and every thmg con- nected with the comfort, and convenience of the citizens, is regulated*. To these excellent munici- pal laws, may in a great measure, be attributed the health and longevity, now enjoyed, to a greater de- gree than at any former period, by the inhabitants of New- York. The infectious and alarming disorder so prevailing here, which unrelentingly swept away thousands in a few days, and for which, it was long supposed, no radical remedy existed, has not made its aopearance, nor any symptoms of it, in this city since the year 1805. Even wet seasons, which used to be considered most favourable to the introduction of this disease, carry rone of those terrors with them * See Appendix, for an Abstract of these regulations-. 124 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE that formerly appalled the human heart. How can* soling* this is to the friends of humanity ; how gratify- ing" to those by whose efforts a disorder so dreadful has been disarmed of its pestilential powers, and, for «ver, it is hoped, banished from these delightful re- gions*. LITERARY ESTABLISHMENTS. Besides Columbia College, and the other literary and philsophical establishments noticed in this work., there are some of a more subordinate nature, deserv- ing our notice, the avowed object or tendency of which is the promotion of literature. These may bti classed under the following heads, viz : 1. Newspapers. 2. Magazines or periodical journals. 3. New-York Society Library. 4. Reading Rooms. 5. Booksellers. 6. Private Schools and Academies. 7. Philological Society. Newspapers. During the sway of the Dutch, their governor was instructed, by the mother country, not to allow a printing press to be used. It was not till 1693 that one was permitted ; and the first newspaper did not make its appearance till 16th October, I725f. These interesting and cheap vehicles of public intel- ligence, useful instruction, and amusing anecdote, * The commonweal: h of New- York,^ about 10 years ago, purchas- ed about 30 acres of land on the East side of c taten 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 the side of a hill : and the neat and com- modious appearance of the dwelling houses, stores, hospitals fences and other Improvements, is very agreeable, especially to those whu. have just arrived from sea. Picture of Nnv-l'ork hi 1807, />• 193. t Trans, of N. Y. L\t and RhUfi. Sockt:;, Vu\ I. V 3 ty TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 125 are now, however, numerous, and, in many instances, conducted with considerable ability. The advocates of the federal and republican cause, are nearly ba- lanced ; and although the editors are at full liberty t o animadvert upon, and even censure, the measures of government, they are liable to an action at law, for damages, where they defame private individuals, or falsely attribute unjust practices to persons holding* public situations. The maxim " the greater the truth the greater the libel," has no countenance here. If the President of the United States himself, was guilty of an act of turpidity, there is no attorney general or special jury, to shelter him, by ex officio manoeuvres, from the consequences of his crime. The law, as it always ought to be, knows no distinction of persons, and those to whom the execution of it is delegated, have too much respect for the public will, the source of all equitable laws, to show any partiality for those in power. He that conducts a newspaper, therefore, in this country, can do it without the dread of a dun- geon, the pillory, or being ruined in his fortune by excessive fines, imposed by an omnipotent govern- ment.* To avoid these, all he has to study is truth ; * The following is the law, which regulates all prosecutions for libel, enacted \y the legislature of the state of IN ew York, April 6th, 1805 Whertas doubts exist whether on the trial of an indictment or information for a libel, the jury have a right to give their \erdict on the whole matter in i c sue. I. Be it theiefore declared and enacted, &c. that on every such indictment or information, the jury who shall try the same shall have a .ightto determine the law and the fact, anderthe direction of the court, in like manner as in other criminal cases, and shall not 'be directed or requ red by the court or judge, before whom such indictment or information shall be tried, to find the defendant guilty merely on the proof of the publication by the defendant of the matter charged to be libellous and of the sense ascribed there- to in such indictment or inform* ion : provided n verthelets, Tha^ nothing herein contained shall be held or taken ti impair or de= 126 THE STRAJ»CER 1 3 GUIDE and if he conducts his journal with ability, no matted on what side, he will unquestionably find his interest in doing so. The newspapers published in New- York are, itroy the right and privilege of the defendant to apply to the court to have the judgneat arrested, as hath heretofore been practised II. That in every prosecution for writing or publishing any li- "bel, it shall be lawful for the defendant, upon the trial of the cause, 'ogive in evidence in h's defence, the iruih of the matter contain- ed in the publication charged as libellous ; provided always, that such evidence shall not be a justification, un!e?s, on the trial it shall be further made satisfactorily to appear, that the matter charged as libellous, was published with good motives, or for justi- fiable ends. III. That auy person or persons who shall, after the passing of this act, be convicted of wri'iug or publishing a libel, such person or persons shall not be sentenced to an imprisonment exceeding the term of eighteen months, or to pay a fine exceeding the sun; t>[ 5000 dollars IV. That from and after the passing of this act, it shall not be lawful to prosecute any person or pei sorts by information, f.r wri- ting or publishing any ISbeh National Advocate, i Columbian. Herald. Spectator. > Exile. Shamrock. Moniture, French. Museum. Cobbett's Reg-ister. Weekly, TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORE. 127 Magazines or periodical journals. The first work of this description was published in 1752, under the title of the Independent Reflector. It was a weekly production, and in the form of essays. " Although at this day there appears nothing* exceptionable in them, yet they did not suit the temper of the times; they excited the resentment of some of the leading men, and a clergyman denounced the writer from the pulpit, and compared him to Gog" and Magog". The printer was finally menaced into a discontinuance of the publication, and it expired with the 52d num- ber."* The Medical Repository, a quarterly publication, was begun in 1797, by the present distinguished Dr. Mitcrjsll, to whom literature and the arts and sci- ences owe so much, and the deceased Drs. Smith and Miller. Dr. Mitchell has, for some time, been assist- ed in his labours by Drs. Pascalis and Akerfv. The 18th volume of this work was completed in May last. No. L of volume 19 was published on the 1st of Au- gust. The whole work is replete with important and interesting" information respecting* the natural aud medical history of the United States. Its pages also are devoted to a review of new publications in every branch of literature. A work entitled c; The American Monthly Maga- zine" possessing* also the character of a Review, com- menced on the 1st of May last. It was announced iu the prospectus, that " this work is wholly unconnect - ed with either religious or political controversy," It is a monthly publication ; has been well received ; and, we have no doubt, will continue to meet with due encouragement by inculcating" liberal and philoso- phic principles. To the above may be added The Christian Herald. a work devoted to the promotion of the interests of religion. This is a weekly publication, which com- * Trans, of Lit. and Philo. Society of IS T, TIIE STRANGER'S GUIDE menced in March, 1816, and has now extended to three volumes. It professes to give correct informa- tion as to Bible Societies, foreign and domestic; Missionary Societies, of all persuasions; Tract Soci- eties ; Sunday Schools ; benevolent and philanthropic institutions; and every thing connected with the state of the Christian religion throughout the world. The vain glorious faction in Europe, who embrace every opportunity of deteriorating America, have in- sisted much upon the few literary works produced in the United States as being an undeniable proof of the want of talent in the natives. It is true that the original literary productions of this country have not been numerous. But it is also the fact, that many of those works possess merit entitling them to as high a rank as those published in Europe on the same subjects. As to their limited number, it will not surely be pretended, that a people, who have not been 50 years free from the paralising influence of foreign despotism, should all at once, as if by en- chantment, become a nation of scholars and authors. The institutions under which they formerly lived, benumbed their faculties, and compelled them to occupy their minds with objects very opposite to those of literature. Amidst all the deprivation of liberty in Europe, it was never attempted to put down the press in toto. Here it would have been a crime, and that not many years ago, to have ventur- ed to set up a press. How unreasonable, then, is it to censure the inhabitants of the United States, be- cause they have not hitherto displayed acquirements, which they have been prevented from attaining, by circumstances entirely beyond their control. Besides, as the Presidentjof the Literary and Philo- sophical Society has pertinently remarked, " in Europe there is a literary corps, who are authors by profession. Here we have scarcely any person of this description, and we have not much vernacular literature. The consequences axe obvious : while books are written TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 129 across the Atlantic as a matter of course, they are here the offspring" of some accidental direction. There the seed is, at all events, thrown into the ground, and the harvest is reaped ; while here we rely upon the for- tuitous produce of the chase, or the occasional supplies of the si ream. This condition of things has inculcated upon us the vast superiority of Europe, and has made Us despair of successful competition. America leans for literary support upon Europe, and we have been too much in the habit of estimating- the value of books by the place of their origin. The time will surely arrive when an eminent American author shall be no longer considered an anomaly, deriving his celebrity more from the singularity, than the merit of his pro- ductions." New-York Society Library. This society has a valuable establishment in Nassau-street. It was originally formed in 1740, by an association of private gentlemen, who subscribed the sum of five pounds each, and agreed to pay ten shillings annually for the purchase of books. In November 1772, their funds amounted to six hundred pounds currency, and on the 25th of that month, they obtained a charter from the colonial government, by which they became a corporate body. The society continued to flourish till the Revolution, when the British troops who were then in possession of New-York, like the Sa- racens of old, ransacked the library, though private property, and destroyed or carried away all the books, amounting to about 3,000 volumes. The termination of the contest in favour of liberty, led to the re-establishment of this important institu- tion. On 18th February 1789, a law was passed, by which the original charter was confirmed, and full operation given to all its provisions. Since then the managers have been authorised by the Legislature to increase the price of a share in the concern to $40, and the annual subscription has been raised to $ 2 50. The books now belonging to the institution amount to 130 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE about 14,000 volumes, many of which are extremely rare. Their value is estimated at upwards of 40,000 dollars, and the lot and building in which they are contained at 20,000 dollars additional. The affairs of the IN ew- York Society Library -ire under the management of 12 trustees, the number originally fixed by the charter. These continue for one year in office, and the election takes place on the last Tuesday of April, annually. Seven trusted form a quonri: for transacting business. There is also a secretary, treasurer, and librarian, who are appointed by the trustees. RendirLg-Rooms. There is only one institution of this sort in the city. It was criminally founded by Mr. Sargeant the bookseller, under whose active management it flourished, till his declining health, and the difficulty of procuring books from Europe, occasioned by the war, led to its abandonment. Af- ter several fruitless attempts to revive it, a plan on a similar scale was projected, in 1813, by Messrs. J. Eastburn, 8$ Co. which has since been carried into effect, and promises considerable success. For the purpose of accommodating subscribers, theyhave fitted up very commodious apartments in Broadway, cor- ner of Pine-street, and published an account of the establishment, to be had gratis, and to which we re- fer for a more enlarged detail respecting its object, and the literary works introduced by the proprietors. Strangers are admitted free for one week, if intro- duced by a subscriber, or if they have an introduc- tion from the proprietor of any similar establisment in the Union. Booksellers. This trade has greatly increased of late years, and is much benefitted by the duty im- posed on imported books and paper. Although paper may not be manufactured here at as low a rate as in England, owing to the high price of labour, yet the duty laid on by the government in that country, and TO THE CITY OP SEW- YORK. 131 the expense of transporting* it thither, added to the impost here, renders the English paper as dear as that manufactured in ^he United States, while the quality, in many instances, is equal to that produced in Eritain. Booksellers and authors in America are, therefore, not only able to cope with foreigners in bringing out original works, but they can, and do reprint books published in other countries, upon nearly the same terms, which they actually sell at a much lower rate, to the entire exclusion of foreigners in this market. Books und pamphlets have literally become a luxury in England, in consequence of the enormous duties. Here, the government has done what it could to lessen the price, by exempting from duty all rags imported ; and the booksellers have, in general, shewn a disposition to second the intentions of Congress, by adopting a more oeconomical mode of publication than is followed in England. Private Schools and Academies. These are nu- merous and increasing daily. No place in the world is better adapted for the education of youth than this city. Philological Society. This association meets every Tuesday evening in Ely's school-room, Frankfort- street. It was formed on 5th November 1808, for the purpose of promoting discussions on literary and moral topics. All religious and political subjects •are excluded. Members pay one dollar on admis- sion, and 25 cents monthly thereafter,which is applied, after paying necessary expenses, to the purchase of books, maps, or pamphlets, for the use of the so- ciety. The books, &c. are now valued at 500 dollars. The business of the institution is conducted by a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, as- sistant-secretary, recorder, librarian, and a com mittee of S.neirners. 13* THE STRANGER'S GUIDK FREE SCHOOLS. "By an act of the legislature of this Slate, dated J ine 19th, 1812, a superintendent of Common School* w authorised to be nominated by the Council of Appoint- ment, to reside at Albany ; and also to appoint com- missioners, for the purpose of raising- a fund to aid and establish free or common schools in all the counties of the State. This fund consists of the proceeds of the vacant and unappropriated lands of the State to the extentof half a million of acres; of " all surplus monies that may be received into the treasury from the several clerks of the Supreme Court, for the fees, perquisites, and emoluments of their respective of- fices;' 1 and of certain sums of money " directed to be paid into the treasury by the Bank of America, and the City Bank of New- York*. 1 ' The application of this money has given rise to avast number of free schools throughout the State. The original act, how- ever, having been found very defective, it was repeal- ed, and the one now existing passed April 15th, 1814. Free Schools JVb. /, If, and HL The first of these schools was incorporated April 9th, 1805, and the second, April 1st, 1808; not in consequence, of course, of the common school act, but by voluntary subscription, and for the purpose of educating such poor children as did not belong to, or were not pro- vided for by any other religious Society. Since the passing of the common school act, however, these in- stitutions have been chiefly supported out of the fund * This fund in 1813, amounted to half a million of do'ltrs. and produced an annual revenue of 36,000 dollars —Stafford's Gazetteer. The editor of the Hevised Laws of New-Yoik observes, that 44 there feems to be no general provision in England for encou- ragement of schools."— In this he is orrect ; but parochial schools, supported by the different parishes, have been lopg esti TiTlshed in Scotland* TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 133 Set apart by the legislature. One of these schools stands in Chatham-street, and the other in Henry- street. No. III. is not yet built; but as ground has been voluntarily granted by the inhabitants of Man- hattan, and the legislature has appropriated $2000 for the purpose of erecting a school, nothing now stands in the way of its speedy completion. The mode of education adopted in these schools is that of Joseph Lancaster, The management is in the hands of trustees, who report annually to the legisla- ture, and by a late act, an annual subscription of 24 dollars entitles any person to be a member or trus- tee. From the last report of the trustees, dated May 9th, 1817, it appears, that in school No. I, there were then 557 scholars, and in No. II, 458. During the preceding year, the whole number of children admit- ted into both schools was 815 ; and the number dis- charged 788. The receipts, including a former ba- lance of 627 dollars 87 cents, amounted to 6702 dol- lars 95 cents, and the expenditure was 4347 dollars 6 cents. The property and funds of the corporation consist, at present of a balance in the Treasurer's hands of 350 dollars 6 cents ; of 50 shares in the capital stock of the Globe Insurance Company ; of 2000 dollars in the 7 per cent. State Stock ; of the two^school-housos, with the lots on which they stand ; of a lot on the corner of Hudson and Christopher streets, granted by the Corporation of Trinity Church ; and of the money derived from the bounty of the legislature. Last year there was received from the City Corpo- ration, for State annuity, 1500 dollars; and, as pro- portion of common school fund, 3428 dollars 48 cents. To this may be added the lots in the eastern parts of the city, and the 2000 dollars lately granted for the purpose of establishing a third School. By an act of the legislature, passed April 5th 1817, it is enacted, that any surplus fund belonging to this corporation shall, in future, be applied to the mstruc- M 134 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE tion of school-masters on the Lancastrian plan, and to the erection of school-houses. In connection with the above, there is an associa- tion of Females, who devote their attention to the instruction of their own sex. It has existed about 18 years, and the number of young girls educated annually amount to between 3 and 400. The funds of this institution are in a flourishing" way, as it is paid annually a considerable sum out of the common school fund. Last year, it received 1335 dollars 84 cents, and the private subscriptions amounted to 621 dollars. Of this association the report of the trus- tees of the Free School Society states, that " it continues to be pre-eminent in usefulness, and to acquire new claims to the respect and confidence of the community. Under a full conviction that the ob- jects of its care possess advantages superior to any which this society, under the present organization of its schools, can afford to the female scholars, the trustees have entered into an arrangement with the directors of the association, by which the girls belong- ing to school No. I. are to be hereafter taken under their charge, and an additional apartment is furnish- ed for their accommodation." The affairs of the female school society are con- ducted by directresses, a treasurer and secretary. In addition to reading and writing, the girls are taught needle work, and the trustees of the Free School Society have gratuitously granted them the use of their school rooms. There is also a Free School established by the Me- thodists, upon the Lancastrian plan. It is situated in Forsyth Street, and, at present, there are about 120 boys and 80 girls receiving education in this estab- lishment. The funds are respectable, and the man- agement is similar to that followed in the other Free Schools. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 135 PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS. Besides the Museum and Academy of the Fine Arts, of which we have given an account under the general title, " The New-York Institution," there are several other places of amusement where money for admission is received. These consist of 1. The Theatre, 2. Vauxhall Garden, 3. The Circus, 4. The Gallery of Paintings, 5. The Mechanical Panorama, 6. The Naval Panorama. The Theatre. This building stands in Chatham Street, immediately opposite to the Park. It is a large and substantial stone and brick structure, well adapted for the drama, which is liberally supported in New-York. The outside of the building is rather plain, but in fitting up the interior, much taste has been displayed, and it is so arranged that the perfor- mers and the stage are seen with great advantage from all parts of the house. The hand of the artist is obvious in the painting of the scenery, which is much in unison with the performances; and the excellent construction of the machinery is apparent in the great facility with which it is worked. The house will hold 2,500 spectators, and many of the performers are possessed of talents which rank them high in their profession. Some of them might even be considered a valuable acquisition if connect- ed with many of the first rate theatres in England. During the revolutionary war, and while the English troops held possession of New- York, the characters in the drama were frequently supported by the officers of the enemy, which rendered the theatre a very fashionable resort. Nor did it lose any of its attrac- tions after the establishment of peace ; the subse- quent managers having found it their interest t TO THE CITY OF FEW-YORK. 137 want of variety of entertainments. Astonishing* horsemanship; wonderful performances on the tight rope and slack wire ; the wonderful liliputian poney ; the flying* horseman and the hunted tailor, are the principal items in the bill of fare with which that equestrian entertains all ranks, and excites the won- derment of the inhabitants of this populous city. Gallery of Paintings. This valuable collection of antique paintings and prints is the property of Mr. PafF, who has neither been sparing of cost nor labour to render his exhibition worthy the patronage of the public. This gentleman first opened a gallery in Broadway, during- 1811, from which he removed in May last to more convenient and extensive pre- mises in Wall-street, formerly occupied by the Custom-house. The collection consists of upwards of 300 original paintings and sketches, and of up- wards of 2,000 etchings and engravings, by the most eminent and celebrated masters, chiefly of the old school. Among the paintings there are some extremely rare and valuable. The Last Supper, an undoubted original by Titian, is in great estimation by the best judges. The inside of a Prison, by Teniers, is very unique, and in a high state of preservation. Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross, and the Virgin Mary inside the tomb, are two of the best produc- tions of Carlo Dolce. This artist was celebrated for painting divine subjects, in which he was unrivalled. For delicacy and pleasing tone of colour, these two pictures rank among the finest specimens of the arts in this country. The Scourging of Christ, by Titi- an ; the Carrying to the tomb % by Dominico ; and the Birth of Chrut, by Ludiviro Carracci, are exqui- site specimens of the talents of these distinguished masters. St. Peter in Prison, is considered by con- noisseurs as the finest picture in the collection. The Consecration of the Cards, painted about 300 years ag-o by Albert Duror, is very rare and in high preservation. There is a curious representation $n M2 138 THE STRANG EK/b GUIDE rawed work, of the Taking down from the Cross.. in which, though cut in wood, a remarkable and striking" expression of countenance is given to the whole groupe of figures. A Battle of the Boyne, by PalamadUz, is an un- commonly higti finished and transparent picture; and an Architectural Piece, representing 1 the inside of a Turkish Mosque, by Peruzsi, is highly attracting from its beautiful perspective. There is a delightful Landscape by Rubens, and a very uncommon Flower- piece by Baptist c. Among the portraits is a sketch of Grotius by Vandyke; a portrait of Marshal Turemte, by Ru- bens; Vandyke painted by himself; a fine picture of Frederick the Great, painter unknown ; a portrait of Prince J\Ioy*ris, by Mirevelt; and two curious pic- tures of king James I. and his wife, by Com. Tassan. The only modern picture in the room is " Love with- out success," by the proprietor Mr. Paff. This is a virgin painting, Mr. P. having never attempted any thing of the kind before nor since. Mr. Paff is a man of liberality as well as taste. He gives free admission to all professional artists, and has intimated that their works shall have an eligible situation in his gallery. A single admission 25 cents. Subscribers 3 dollars per annum ; a lady and gentleman 4 dollars ; two ladies and one gentle- man 5 dollars ; and a whole family 8 dollars, for the came period. Mechanical Panorama. This ingenious piece of mechanism, is exhibited in Broadway. It is a very pleasing artificial curiosity, representing, in perspec- tive, and in motion, an extensive commercial city. The figures moving along the streets ; mechanics at w ork in different parts on the buildings ; carriages, Sic. driving along the bridges; ships entering and departing from the ports ; all seem to be animated or guided by the principle of life, and give in miniature r a pretty correct idea of the reality. TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 133 AavaJ Panorama. In this \ libition, the pro- perty of Mr. Scuddef of the S tuseum, there is a col- lection of paintings represcr' the followteg naval victories.- 1. Engagement Between the U. S. frigate United States and H. B. M. frigate Hie Macedonian. 2. Boarding- of the Frolic by the U. S. shir) Wasp. 3. Surrender of IT. B. M. frigate Guerriere to the U. S. frigate Constitution. 4. Destf action of the Peacock by the U. S. ship Hornet. Aho Cosmoraroa of Bo- man Antiquities, consisting of views of the most splendid and ancient edifices of that city ; the palace of St. Cloud, with moving- figures ; and a cabinet of wax work, natural curiosities, &c. This collection is exhibited at No. 21 Chatham-street. Prepara- tions are in progress to remove the Naval Panorama to the Institution, when it will form an interesting" appendage to the Museum. THE BATTERY WALK, BOWLING GREEN. AND PARK. The Battery Walk. This is the most delightful promenade in the city. It is an open space on the south west point of the island, to which every one has access. The view from this spot embraces the whole of the bay, with the numerous vessels riding at anchor, or in full sail to and from the Narrows ; the islands and fortifications, which defy the ap- proaches of the enemies of the country ; and the en- chanting and fertile shores of Jersey and Nassau Island. It is the most healthy walk that can be ima- gined. The intense heat of the sun in summer, which compels most people to keep within doors, is here greatly moderated, and even rendered tolerable, by the fresh sea breezes, which almost constantly blow upon this favourite spot, to regale and invigo- rate its visitors. To such as wish to enjoy the shade, the wide spreading foliage of the trees, immediately 140 THE stranger's ClIDE adjoining, affords a cool and refreshing retreat. Ou the national anniversary, the citizens resort here in great numbers, to regale themselves in booths erected tor the purpose, and the military parades, which have been frequent here, tend greatly to enliven the scene. Originally this point of land was fortified by the Dutch, who threw up embankments, upon which they placed some pieces of cannon. " In process of time it came to be pleasantly overrun by a verdant carpet of grass and clover, and their high embankments overshaded by wide spreading sycamores, among whose foliage the little birds sported about, rejoicing the ear with their melodious notes. The old burghers would repair of an afternoon to smoke their pipes under the shade of their branches, contemplating the golden sun as he gradually sunk in the west, an em- blem of that tranquil end toward which themselves were hastening ; while the young men and the dam- sels of the town would take many a moonlight stroll among these favourite haunts, watching the silver beams of chaste Cynthia tremble along the calm bo- som of the bay, or light up the white sail of some gliding bark, and interchanging the honest vows of constant affection. Such was the origin of that re- nowned walk, the battery, which though ostensibly devoted to the purposes of war, has ever been con- secrated to the sweet delights of peace. The favour- ite walk of declining age ; the healthful resort of the feeble invalid ; the Sunday refreshment of the dusty tradesman; the scene of many a boyish gambol; the rendezvous of many a tender assignation ; the com- fort of the citizen ; the ornament of New-York, and the pride of the lovely island of Mannahata*." Bovjlmg Green, This is a circular inclosed piece of ground at the bottom of Broadway, near the Bat- tery Walk. Formerly it was a place of amusement * Knickerbocker. TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK, 141 for the citizens, who used to play here at ball, quoit s, and other diversions. These, however, have been prohibited by an sict of the Corporation, which ex- tends also to the Battery Walk and Park. Previous to the Revolution, a gilt statue of George III. stood on a pedestal in the centre of the Bowling Green. On the commencement of hostilities, this statue, being of lead, was melted down, converted into cannon balls, and used in the cause of liberty against the soldiers of that monarch. The pedestal, which is of stone, still remains within the enclosure. The Park, This is a very elegant, pleasant, and fashionable resort. Its extent is about 4 acres, and its situation, in the middle of the city, on the right hand as we ascend Broadway, renders it easy of ac- cess. Rows of trees are planted round, and on many places of the park, which is interspersed with walks, that afford a cool and agreeable shade from the heat. The whole is enclosed with a railing, in which there are a number of gates, through which access may be had at all hours. The City Hall greatly enhances the beauty of the place, and as it is in contemplation to remove the Jail and Bridewell, which at present occupy a considerable part of the grounds, to some other quarter, these improvements will greatly add to the attractions of a spot already so highly and de- servedly prized by the citizens. MARINE BATHS. These beneficial establishments are situated on the banks of the Hudson ; and, in the bathing season, are much resorted to by the citizens of New- York. There are two baths belonging to different proprietors. The oldest established is at the bottom of Murray- street ; the other at Arden's wharf near the Battery, The situations chosen for these baths are considered superior to any others on account of the purity of the 142 THE 6TRANGER 1 S GUIDE water; and, from the buoyant principle upon winch they are constructed, they are easily raised out of the water, when necessary, to be cleansed, or fixed at any depth, at pleasure, most agreeable to the bathers. The rooms for single bathers are roofed and closed in on all sides. Those who wish to prac- tise swimming-, are accommodated with a large bath uncovered at the top. There are also shower baths for such as require this mode of bathing-. The ladies and gentlemen's apartments are perfectly distinct, and regulations are adopted for the purpose of main- taining decency, propriety, and decorum ; any viola- tion of these is punished by exclusion from the baths, or by a fine. Refreshments are to be had on the spot suitable to such establishments. The terms of admission are: — for a family ticket during the sea- son 7 dollars ; for a single person 4 dollars ; non-sub- scribers pay 25 cents for a single bath, or 1 dollar for 6 baths. Shower baths are a separate charge. Schools or Academies, coming under the conduct of a proper person, are^charged 1 dollar a head for an annual ticket. TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 143 COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, The happy situation of New-York for commercial enterprise, has naturally given birth to several com- mercial establishments. The revenue collected at this port, amounts to nearly one fourth of the total sum collected by government throughout the United States. This circumstance alone is sufficient to ex- cite a most enlarged idea of the extent of her trade with foreign countries. But when to this is added her internal commerce, which, by means of the Hud- son* and East rivers, is extended to the most distant parts of the Union, its magnitude will then appear in a more correct light. The following table of exports, customs, and ton- nage, during the respective years, is made out from the official entries, in the books of registry, for the port of New- York : Exports. Customs. Tonnage. Dollars. Dollars Tons. 1792. 2535790 1256738 17^5. 10304581 273.^204 128227 1800. 14045079 3671906 171806 1805. 23482943 7046'04 189426 1810. Domestic. Foreign. 17212330 6341670 272092 1811. 8006438 + 339 J 131 = 11399569 1978105 247893 1812. 6316521 2355165 8671 6 86 2860005 249740 1813. 7058380 1124636 8183066 1391108 236526 1314. 197990 11683 209673 1031299 243144 1815. 7757668 2444510 10*?02 178 14409790 278868 * The trade on the Hudson eroploys a vast number of sloops, schooners, and other vessels, and the gross amount of property of every description afloat on this river annually, probably exceeds 5© millom of dollars*— Sflajfo d\ Over 30, and not over 80 miles 10 Over 8 r, and not over 150 miles 12 1-2 Over 150, and not over ^00 mile* 18 1-2 Over 400 miles - 25 Double Letters, or those composed of two pieces of paper, double those rates. Triple Letters, or those composed of three pieces of paper, triple those rates. Packets, or letters composed of four or more pieces of paper, or one or more other articles, and weighing one ounce, (avoirdu- pois) quadruple those rates, and in that proportion for all greater WUgat 148 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE Skip Letters, not carried by mail, 6 cents. Newspapers —Each paper carried not over 100 miles 1 cent. Over 100 miles - • 1 1-2 But if carried to any Post-Office in the State where printed, what- ever be i lie distance, the rate is 1 tent. Magazines and Pamphlets are rated by the sheet. Can i( (1 nut over 50 miles - 1 cent. Over 50, and not over 100 miles - - 11-3 Over 100 mites - - 2 Erery four folio pages, eight quarto pages, or sixteen octavo or Cesser pages, are to be considered a sheet. Journals of the legisla- tures of the several States, are to be charged with pamphlet postage, although not stitched. Post-masters are not to forward pamphlets in the mail, when it is very large, or where it is carried with great expedition, or on horseback. The delivery of letters and Newspapers out of New- York post-office, on lawful days, is from sun- rise to sun-set; on Sunday from 9 to 10, and from 1 to 2. Letters to be sent by mail, should be ad- dressed in the clearest manner ; and if the person for whom they are intended does not reside where there is an office, they should be addressed to the nearest office, and the name of the State ought never to be omitted. All letters going by British Packets, should be distinguished by the words per packet, leading vessels to foreign ports usually have a let- ter-bag at the Tontine CofFee-house, in which letters may be put on paying one shilling for each. The postage of letters going out of the United States, must be paid for, if lodged at the post- office. The cover of Newspapers should be left open at each end, and the number of free papers and those for subscribers endorsed on each packet ; and all newspapers for each post-office, should be enclosed in one package ; but not exceeding 20 in number. Any person enclosing a letter or written memoran- dum in any newspaper, forfeits five dollars, and the package is charged letter postage. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 149 TIMES OF ARRIVAL AND CLOSING THE MAILS. Eastern Mail is closed every day throughout the year at 1-2 past 6 o'clock, A. M and arrives every day at 4, A, M. The mail despatched every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, is carried by the way of New- London to Boston, and returns by the same route, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: and the mai of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, is conveyed by the route oF Hartford, Springfield and Worcester, to Boston, and returns the same way on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Mails to Providence and Rhode-Island State, and New-Bedford, Itfass. are closed every day with the eastern mail. Southern Mail is closed every day in the year at half past 12 o'clock, P. M. and arrives every day at 6 o'clock, A. M. Mails for post-offices on the main southern route, as far as Sa- vannah, Geo. inclusive, are made up every day (Sunday excepted,) and on Sundays, mails are closed for Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington city only Mails for the Sates of South Carolina and Georgia, except for offices on the main route to Savannah are made up every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, and arrive three times a week. Mails for Kentucky and Ohio States, and Indiana and Upper Lou isiana Territories, are closed every Tuesday and Wednesday. Mails for the State of Tennessee and Mississippi Territory, are closed every Saturday. The mails for Oileans Territory are closed every Wednesday and Saturday— the time of its arrival is uncertain. New- Jersey Mails — Mails for Jersey city, Newark, Elizabethtown, Rahway, Woodbridge, Amboy. New-Brunswick, Princeton. Trenton, Burlington, N/J. and Bistol, Holmesburgh, and Frankford, Penn. are closed every day, (Sunday excepted,) and arrive every day, (Monday excepted,) with the Southern mail. The mail to Newtown, N. J. via Morristown, Bordentown, etc. commonly called the Sussex mail, is closed and arrives every Mon- day with the Southern mail— and mails for Morristown, New- town, Pittstown, N. J. are closed every Wednesday with the Southern mail. The mail to Morristown, N. J. and Nazareth, Easton, and Wilkesbarre, Penn. is closed every Wednesday, at half past 8 p'clock, A. M. The mail to Allentcwn, Freehold, Shrewsbury, and Middtetpwn; N2 no THE STRANGER'S GUIDE N J branching off eastwardly from the main southern route, eon, monly called the Monmouth mail; also the mail blanching off south, vardly f ora Trenton via Bordentown Mou:t Holly, &c to Hadden* fk Id, and the mail branching off from the same place northerly, via Flemington, Piustown. New Germantown, c. to Hemstead, Penn. are closed every Monday with the southern mail. Letters and newspapers destined for the other post offices in West Jers y. are put up daily in the Pennsylvania state mail, and distribu" ted at Philadelphia Swift surf Mai — Mails for Springfield, Scotch Plains, Plainfield, Bound Bro k Somerset Court-house, Millstone and Ringoes N J. and New Hope. Jeiikinton and Buckingham, Penn are closed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 5 o'clock, P M and arrive every Monday Wednesday and Friday T/ie Northern Mail*— is dispatched on the east side of the Hudson via Poughkeepsie to Albany , is closed every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at half past 7 o'clock, A M. and arrives every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 8 o'clock, P. M. Mails via Hudson to Hillsdale. (N. Y.)and West Stockbridge, (Mass ) are closed every Monday with the northern mail. The mail on the west side of the Hudson, via Hackensack, (N J ) and Goshen, Kingston, &c, (NY) to Albany, is closed every Tues« day. Thursday, aud Saturday at half past 7 o'clock, and arm es every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 8 o'clock, P M. Mails via Kingston, (N Y ) Woodstock, Shondaken, Middletown, and Delhi, (N. Y.) are closed every Saturday with the northern mail Mails via Catskill, (N Y.) for Canton, Freehold, Windham. Blen- heini, Stamford, Meredith, Unadilla, Oquago, Hapersfield, Walton, * During the Fteam-Boat season the North River Steam-Boat irials will be closed every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and S itur- day, at 4 o'clock, P- M for Albany and Northern, and for the follow, lug intermediate towns on the Hudson River, to wit, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Catskill, and Hudson: and mails will be received in retuni every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and c unday. The land mails to Albany, will be conveyed three times a week, as usual, on each side of the Hudson to all the offices between the two cities, except those above named. In addition to the above, theJand mail for Albany and Northern will be made «p every Tuesday and r lhur«day morning, at half past 7 o'clock. TO THE CITY o? NEW^TOSK. 1*1 Chenango Point or Binghamton, Union, Oswego, Chemung, New- town. Painted Post, Lindsleylown, Bath, Roscommon, Ark, Canisteo, Jke are closed every Sa ardaj with the northern mail Mails for Bennington and Western Vermont, are closed every day .with the northern mail, and arrive twice a week I etters and newspapers addressed to the British Provinces of Upper Canada, will be forwarded with the northern mail via Niagara, (N*Y.) and Lower Canada, by the eastern mail, via Suffield, (Con ) to Bur*- iington, ; Vt ) and also for New-Brunswick and Nova Scotia, in the mail for Maine District ; provided the United States' postage be pre- viously paid. Letters and newspapei-3 lor Upper Canada are made up with the northern mail daiiy— and those for Lower Canada every Wednesday and Saturday. Dover Mail— Mails for White Plains, Bedford, South East, Pater- $on, Pawlings, and Dover, (N. Y ) Ridgfield and Danbury, Con. are closed every Friday, at half past 3 o'clock, P. M. and arrive the same day in tne morning. Long h- and Mai'— is closed every Wednesday at 5 O'clock, P. M- and arrives the same day in the forenoon*-. BANKS AND BANKING HOUSES. The premises occupied by these establishments are situated in Wall-street. They are plain, though very commodious and spacious, brick buildings. During- the colonial government, there was no incor- porated banks. On 11th April, 1782, the legislature enacted, that the Bank of " North America" should be a body politic and corporate in this state, and pro- hibited the establishment of other banks during the- ivar. The banks and banking houses in the city alone are now 10 in number, exclusive of the branch of the National Bank. General regulations. Upon notes or bills not hav- ing more than 60 days to run, the interest for discount is fixed at 6 per cent, per annum. The days of grace * In the Append : x we have given the rates of the mail and other stages, with the places a»d hows gf departure*. 152 TIIE stranger's guide arc three, upon which discount is taken at the same rate. The person offering" bills or notes to discount, must transmit these to the Cashier, inclosed in a sealed cover containing his name, one day previous to the discount. Deposits of money may be drawn at pleasure, without expense ; but no drafts paid beyond the actual deposit. The Banks will present for payment, and collect free of expense, all bills or notes lodged with them - y and in case of non-payment and protest, the charge only for protest to be made against the holder of the bill. I. The Bank of New- York took its rise during the revolutionary war ; but it was not till 21st March, 1791, that it did business as a corporate body. The charter then granted was for 20 years, and the capi- tal stock was to consist of 950,000 dollars, divided into 1900 shares, of 500 dollars each. On the expiring of the charter, in May, 1811, it was renewed until the 2d Tuesday in May, 1820. The management is in the hands of a President, Cashier, and 14 Directors, who are appointed on the 2d Tuesday of May. Notes for discount must be sent in on Mondays and Wednes- days ; and dividends are declared on 1st May and 1st November annually. II. Manhattan Bank. This establishment was or- ganized in 1799. The Manhattan Company obtained an act from the legislature, or. the 2d of April that year, authorising them to supply the city with water, and, after completing the works for that purpose, to em- ploy their surplus capital as a discount bank. They were authorized to raise a capital of 2,000,000 dol- lars, in shares of 50 dollars each, of which the Cor- poration of New- York was entitled to hold one hun- dred. The charter is unlimited as to time. The affairs of the company are managed by a President, Cashier, and 1 1 Directors, the city Recorder, for the- TO THE CITY OP NEW- YORK. 153 time, being" always a Director. They are chosen on the iirst Tuesday in December. Wednesday and Saturday are the days for presenting" notes for dis- count ; and dividends are declared on 10th July and 10th December annually. III. Merchants'* Bank. This was originally a pri- vate company, who issued notes without being incor- porated, from 1803 to 26th March, 1805, when they obtained a charter for 13 years, by which their capi- tal was fixed at 1,400,000 dollars. The charter has been extended since to June 1st, 1832. The state of New- York holds 1,000 shares, which were present- ed to the state by the other stockholders as a fund for the support of public schools. The concerns of the company are regulated by a President, Cashier, and 13 Directors, the Treasurer of the state, ex officio, being always one. They are elected on the 1st Tuesday of June, and dividends are declared on 1st June and 1st December annually. Notes foi discount must be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. IV. Mechanics* Bank, The charter of this com- pany is dated 23d March, 1810, to endure for 13 years. Its capital was originally fixed at 1,500,000 dollars; but in 1811 it was increased to 2,000,000 dollars. Its affairs are managed by a President, Cashier, Assistant Cashier, and 13 Directors, who are elected on the 1st Tuesday of April. Divi- dends are declared on 1st February and 1st August aunually; and notes for discount are received on Tuesdays and Fridays. V. Union Bank. This was originally the Jersey Bank, and did business at Pawlus Hook for some years before it removed here. It was incorporated in March, 181 1. Its charter endures for 20 years, and its capital is fixed at 1,800,000 dollars. The management of its concerns is in the hands of a Pre- sident, Cashier, and 10 Directors, who are elected on the 1st Monday of March. Dividends are declared on the 1st November and 1st May annually; and 154 TIIE STRANG KPTs GUIDE Mondays and Thursdays are the days of offering notes for discount. VI. Bank of America, was incorporated in 181 2, the charter to endure for 20 years. Its capital stock amounts to 4,000,000 of dollars. Its affairs are con- ducted by a President Vice-President, Cashier, and 13 Directors, who are chosen on the 1st Monday of May; and dividends are declared on 1st May and 1st November annually. The days of presenting- notes for discount are Mondays and Thursdays. VII. City Bank. This company's charter is dated in 1812. Its capital is 2,000,000 dollars, and its endurance is for 20 years. A. President, Cashier, and 14 Directors, who are elected on the 1st Tues- day in June, have the management of its affairs ; and dividends are declared on 1st May and 1st Novem- ber annually. Saturday and Wednesday are the days of offering" notes for discount. VIII. Phenix Bank. This bank was originally chartered on 15th June, 1812, under the title of " New- York Manufacturing* Company," with a capi- tal of 700,000 dollars ; the charter to endure for 20 years. The capital is now raised to 1 ,200,000 dol- lars. The concerns of the company are conducted by a President, Cashier, and 15 Directors, one of whom is appointed by the state. The annual election is on the 1st Tuesday of July. Notes for discount must be presented on Tuesday and Friday. IX. Saving Bank. This is a private concern, re- cently established for the purpose of receiving- de- posits as low as one dollar. When they amount to 50 dollars, 6 percent, interest is allowed. Below that sum, 5 per cent. The management is conducted by 29 Directors. X. Exchange Bank. This establishment belongs altogether to an individual. It was formed in 1815 for the purpose of discounting notes at the legal in- terest of 7 percent. The office is at 29 Wall-street. XI. Bank of the United States. A branch of this TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 1&5 Bank was lately opened here. Business is transact- ed at No. 65 Broadway, under the management of 13 Directors and a Cashier. The Bank itself is at Philadelphia. It was incorporated, as a National Bank, on 3d March, 1816, and the capital was fixed at 35,000,000 dollars, divided into shares of 100 dol- lars each. The United States hold shares to the amount of seven millions of dollars, in 5 per cent stock. The charter to endure for 20 years. INSURANCE COMPANIES. All the offices in which these Companies transact business except the Washington Insurance Com- pany's office, are eligibly situated in Wall-street. They are 11 in number. I. JSew- York Insurance Company, From the year 1796 to 2d April 1798, when it was incorporated, this company did business as a private co-partnery. Its capital stock is 500,000 dollars, divided into 10,000 shares of 50 dollars each. Its affairs are managed by a President, 2 Assistants, and 17 Directors, who are elected on the 2d Monday of January ; and divi- dends declared on the 1st Monday of January and J uly annually. This company formerly did fire in- surances, but it is now confined to Marine only. II. Mutual Insurance Company, was incorporated on 23d March 1798, and its charter was renewed, for 15 years, in 1809. Its business is confined to fire in- surances. Its capital is 500,000 dollars. The affairs of the company are conducted by a president, secre- tary, and 23 directors, who are appointed on the 1st Tuesday of April ; and dividends are declared on the 1st Tuesday of May and November annually. III. Washington Insurance Company, The office of this company is in William-street corner of John- street. It took its rise in 1801, but was not incor- portated until 18th March 1814. Its capital is fixed, at 500j000 dollars, in shares of 50 dollars each, ars.i- 156 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE it is confined by its charter to fire insurances. The management is in the hands of a President, Secreta- ry, Surveyor, Clerk, and 17 Directors, who are elect- ed on the 1st Tuesday of April annually. IV. Phccnix Insurance Company. This company's charter is dated 20! h February 1807, to endure 21 years. Its capital is fixed at 500,000 dollars, Whicfo it may reduce to 200,000 dollars, or increase to 1,000,000 dollars, if necessary. Shares 20 dollars each. Its aiiairs are managed by a President, Secre- tary, and 16 Directors, who are elected in January each year. The business of this companj r is con- fined to insurance against fire. V. Ocean Insurance Company. This institution was formed March 2d, 1810. lis capital is 500,000 dollars, which it may increase to 750.000. A Presi- dent, Vice President, Secretary and 20 Directors manage its affairs. They are elected on the 2d Mon- day of January ; and dividends are declared on the 1st Monday of January and July annually. VI. New-York Firemen Insurance Company. Thisj company's charter is dated in April 1810, and its ca- pital is 00,000 dollars. The managers are a Pre- sident, 2 Assistants and 14 Directors, who are elect- ed on the 2d Monday of November, and dividends declared on the 2d Tuesday of May and November annually. VII. Globe Insurance Company. Its charter is dated March 18th, 1814, and its capital is fixed at 1,000,000 dollars, divided into shares of 50 dollar* each. Its business is confined to fire Insurances. The management is in the hands of a President, Secretary, and 29 Directors, who are elected on the 2d Tuesday of February, and dividends declar- ed on the 1st Tuesday of June and December an- nually. VIII. American Insurance Company of New- York, was incorporated on March 1st 1815. — Its capital *s 500,000 dollars. The managers are a President. TO THE GHTY OP NEW-YO&K. 157 assistant president and 12 directors, who are elect* ed on the 2d Tuesday of May annually. IX. National Insurance Company. This institution was chartered 14th April, 1815, to continue for 20 years. Its capital amounts to 500,000 dollars, and the management is conducted by a President, Secre- tary, assistant President, and 17 directors, who are elected on the 2d Monday of January. Dividends declared on the 1st Monday of January and July" annually. X. Pacific Insurance Company. This company was incorporated April 14th, 1815, for marine Insur- ances only. Its capital is 500,000 dollars, in 10,000 shares of 50 dollars each ; its affairs are in the hands of a President, assistant and 15 directors, who are elected on the 3d Monday of January, and dividends declared on the 1st Monday of January and June annually. The charter to endure for 21 years. FIRE DEPARTMENT. By the former practice, the citizens of New- York voluntarily engaged in taking" the charge and manage- ment of the Fire Engines. It having been considered expedient, however, to place this department on a more permanent footing, the fireraea were incorpo- rated by the Legislature, and, by a law passed on April 12, 1816, it was enacted, that they should con- tinue to be " a body corporate and politic, in fact and in name, until the 1st day of May, 1838." By the rules and regulations of the Common Coun- cil a Chief Engineer is appointed, with a salary of 800 dollars per annum, to whom is confided the sole and absolute control over all persons belonging to the fire department ; the charge of the fire engines, fire buckets, engine houses, and all other fire appa- ratus. These he examines twice every year, and reports to the Common Council as to their condition, together with the names of the members of the d'if- 15C THE STRANGER'S GUIDE ferent associations ; which report is published in the newspapers every month of January. He also re- ports all accidents by fire, the number and descrip- tion of the building's destroyed or injured, the names and occupations of the sufferers, and the probable causes of the fire ; which are registered by the City Inspector. Fire Wardens are appointed by the Common Council ; and attached to such company in the ward having* an engine, as the Mayor judges proper. They receive a certificate of appointment under the seal of the Mayoralty. In every ward they form separate companies, choose, amongst themselves, a Foreman and Clerk, and make reg ulations for their own go- vernment. Vacancies are filled up on the recom- mendation of the Chief Engineer, but none are eligi- ble unless they have been firemen for 5 years. Fire- wardens proceed to the spot, on an alarm of fire, as- sist in procuring water to the engines, prevent the hose from being trodden on, and keep idle and sus- pected persons at a distance. In the months of June and December they examine all fire places, hearths, chimnies, stoves and pipes, ovens, boilers, kettles, &c. and if defective, order the owners immediately to repair them ; penalty of non-compliance with these orders, 25 dollars. They also examine all buildings, livery and other stables, hay boats or ves- sels, and places where gunpowder, hemp, flax, tow, hay, rushes, firewood; boards, shingles, shavings, or other combustible materials may be lodged, and give orders for their removal or safe custody, under a penalty of 25 dollars. Reports of disobedience of orders to be made by the wardens to the Foreman, under a penalty of 10 doliars. The Firemen are divided into companies, and a foreman, assistant, and clerk, out of their own number. Their duty is to convey the engines to where a fire breaks out, and to work them under the directions of the engineer. To accustom them to I his 3 and to keen the engines in order, the firemendraw V TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 159 them out, wash and clean them, in the months of May, June, July, August, September, October, and November : penalty of not attending a fire 3 dollars ; of neglecting to cleanse the engiues, 1 dollar, besides being liable to dismissal. Firemen also receive a certificate of appointment. As distinguishing badges, at fires, the members of the Common Council carry a wand with a gilded flame at the top; the engineers wear a leathern cap, painted white, with a gilded front, and a fire engine blazoned thereon, and carry a speaking trumpet, painted black, with the words " Chief Engineer," " Engineer No. 1," &c. in white, painted on their caps. The fire wardens wear a hat, the brim black, the crown painted white, with the city arms blazoned on the front, and carry a speaking trumpet painted white ; with the word " Warden" in black. The firemen have also their distinguishing badges. When a building takes fire in the night, notice is immediately given, by the watchmen, to all the members of the Common Council, engineers, fire-war- dens, foremen, and bell-ringers, within their districts. The watchmen call out %t Fire !" the bells are set a ringing, and the inhabitants place lighted candles at their windows, to facilitate the passage through the streets: neglect of duty in watchmen, subjects to a penalty of one dollar. Constables and Marshals of the city attend, with their staves of office, and obey the orders of the mem- bers of the Corporation, under a penalty of 10 dol- lars. No obstructions of vessels, or otherways, to be placed in the way of the floating engines on the ri- ver, under a penalty of 50 dollars. Every householder having less than 3 fire-places, provides himself with one leathern bucket ; 3 fire- places and less than 6, two leathern buckets ; 6 fire- places and ? less than 9, four'leathern buckets ; and 9 fire- places and upwards, six leathern buckets, which are marked with the owner's name and residence. Eve- 160 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE ry brew-bouse, distillery, sugar-house, soap and can- dle manufactory, and ship-chandlery store, 9 leathern buckets; every bake-house and air-furnace, G lea- thern buckets, besides the dwelling-house. Each bucket holds 2 gallons of water, and must always be suspended and ready to be delivered and used fur extinguishing fires when they occur. Penaltv for be- gleet, 1 dollar 50 cents each bucket; refusing to de- liver them on alarm of fire, 50 cents each bucket. The owner of a dwelling-house may deliver up one half of his buckets, as public buckets, for which he receives a certificate of exemption to that extent. The occupier of every dwelling-house, in which a chimney, stove-pipe, or flue takes fire through ne- glect, is liable to a penalty of 5 dollars. Carpenters must cause their shavings to be carefully put away, every day after work, under a penalty of 5 dollars. To light a fire in any street, road, or lane, (except for boiling tar, not six feet from the end of the way,) subjects to a penalty of 10 dollars. Hay or straw in any stack or prle uncovered, within a certain dis- trict ; and hay, straw, hemp, flax, shavings, or rush- es, kept in any building, not built of stone and brick, and covered with tile or slate, within 10 feet of any dwelling house or chimney, subjects to a penalty of 25 dollars, and 10 dollars for every 24 hours they re- main after notice of removal. To use alighted can- dle or lamp in a stable, unless securely placed in a lantern, forfeits 10 dollars. MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. The Legislature of New-York, ever anxious to promote the welfare of the state, particularly as it regards its Manufactures, passed a law, on 22d March, loll, by which it is enacted, that " any five or more persons who shall be desirous to form a company for the purpose of Manufacturing woollen, cotton, or linen goods, or for the purpose of making* TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 161 glass, or for the purpose of making' from ore, bar iron, anchors, mill irons, steel, nail rods, hoop iron and ironmongery, sheet copper, sheet lead, shot, white lead and red lead," might, on filing the proper certificates, be erected into a corporate body for the term of 20 years. This privilege was afterwards ex- tended to manufactories of pins, Morocco leather, beer, ale or porter, and other useful domestic occu- pations. As another powerful stimulus to Manufac- turing exertions, another law was passed, 9th April 1813, incorporating a company under the designa- tion of The Commission Company ; the immediate object of which was declared to be 44 for the purpose of disposing of articles solely of American Manufacture, and to make loans thereon when deposited for sale.'" The capital stock is limited, by the charter, to 600,000 dollars, divided into shares of 50 dollars each. The management is placed in the hands of 9 direc- tors, who are elected on the 1st Tuesday of Novem- ber each year. The stock of the company is ient out on all articles manufactured in the United States, except salt, at the lawful interest of 6 per cent, and no commission is charged on goods deposited except upon actual sales. The company cannot legally employ its capital in purchasing goods, hills of ex- change, stock or funds, nor in any bank or monied operations, but entirely in advances of money on American Manufactures, and selling the same on commission. States of accounts are laid annually before the stockholders, and dividends declared year- ly or half yearly, in the option of the directors. Under these encouraging circumstances, the follow- ing manufactories have since applied for, and obtain- ed, charters of Incorporation: — Eagle Manufacturing Company, This company was incorporated on 26 th April 1813, for the pur- pose of manufacturing cotton, woollen, and linen goods. With that view they erected an extensive O 2 J 62 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE building* at Greenwich, where they have a great number of people employed. Having ineglected to provide by bye laws, for the election of directors for the second year, this company censed to be ,a cor- porate body ; but this was remedied by an applica- tion to the legislature, who continued the charter, on 28t> February 1817, for 20 years from its original date. JYorth American Coal Company. The charter of this company is dated 6th April 1814. Its members " associated together for the great and important purpose of finding coal and other mines and minerals, and supplying the public with the same." In pursuit of those objects, and at great expense and personal labour, they, some time ago. became the proprietors, for long terms of years, of several parcels of land in the States of New- York, Connecticut, and New- Jersey, in which good coal was discovered, and since worked in considerable quantity. Their charter en- dures until 1st May 1834, and their stock is 750,000 dollars, divided into shares of 25 dollars each. The affairs of the company are regulated by a president and 10 directors, who are elected on the 1st Monday of May annually. A majority of the board consti- tutes a quorum. Coal Company, was incorporated April 6th 1814, " c for the purpose of exploring and working mines of eoal and other valuable minerals, and for delivering at the city of New- York, coal for fuel at a reason- able price, from the Ohio river, or from any part qf this State, or of the United States, wherever good coal may be most advantageously procured." — The capital of this company is not to exceed 700,000 dollars, divided into shares of 50 dollars each. Its affairs arc managed by 12 directors, one of whom is president, who are chosen on the 2d Tuesday of June a nnual ly. Copper Manufacturing Company. This company was instituted for the> purpose of " carrying on and TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 163 perfecting the manufacture of copper and brass, and the construction of large copper works in general, in such parts of the State of New-York as they shall think most advantageous." The charter is dated April 9 th 1814, by which the capital of the company is limited to 250,000 dollars, divided into 1000 shares of 250 dollars each. Six directors and a president, who are chosen on the first Tuesday of May annu- ally, conduct the affairs of the company. Patent Cloth Company. This company was in- corporated 13th April 1814, "for the purposes o manufacturing of hair hy itself, or hair mixed with any other material or materials. " Their stock is limited to 400,000 dollars, divided into shares of 25 dollars each ; and, in the event of there being any surplus stock, the company is authorized to employ it as a capital in manufacturing wool, cotton, or hardware only. The company's affairs are managed by 7 Trustees, one of whom is President, who are elect- ed on the first Monday of June annually. The ma- jority of the Trustees form a quorum. '* This corporation (observes the Collector of the State Laws,) will become of singular importance to society. The cloth to be manufactured, being in whole or part composed of Iiair, will, by its being more durable, become a good substitute for wool, &c. The cloth has stood the test of experiment, and bids fair to add another splendid evidence of the ever active inventive genius of America." Patent Oil Company. This company was incor- porated 15th April 1814, " for the purpose of pressing and straining oils, and separating fluids from solids, by means of a new and useful machine." The charter endures until 1st May 1828, and the stock limited to 100,000 dollars, divided into shares. The management is in the hands of the inventors, who are also patentees of the machine ; and a meeting of stockholders is held on the 1st Wednesday of June annually, to establish bye laws, nominate a president, [64 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE Sic. Contracts signed by the president are" binding on the corporation. Joining, Smelting, and Rt fining Company. By an act of the legislature, dated February 25th 1814, this company may hold a capital of the value of 500,000 dollars divided into shares of 100 dollars each, to be employed in " digging", mining, smelting and refining gold, silver, lead and copper ores, and for erecting a shot tower for the manufac- turing of shot in the state of New- York, and for the purposes of establishing a factory for the making red and white lead." The company's affairs are under the management of 13 directors, one of whom is president, who are elected on the 1st Tuesday of June annually. A majority of the directors forms a quorum.* Linen Company. The charter of this company is dated April 18th 1815. The capital stock is not to exceed 400,000 dollars, divided into shares of 100 dollars each, and employed in manufacturing flax, hemp, and other articles of a similar nature, into linen. The affairs of the company are in the management of 7 trustees, who are elected on the 1st of May annually-. Sterling Company was incorporated April 1st 1814, for the purpose of manufacturing iron and steel. Their capital is limited to 500,000 dollars, and the management of the company's affairs is in * By a grant of the legislature of the State of Vermont, about 16 year* finee, Col John A. Gra' a-n. for services ren iered that 8tate in England, obtained an exalugive pri ilege of mining, s neking and refining, all ores found in the said State, for the term of 35 years, e^cept-n^ Bradley*9 mine. Col Graham afterward* purctused one hall ot said mine, and a few years sin.:e formed a company in the city of New York, under the name of The Ver- mont Mining and Smelting Company. Tm , ive effect to the objects of this company, the present act of incorporation wjts applied for an 1 granted. Laws of IStm-York, vol 3, p 24. b. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 165 tlie hands of 13 directors, one of whom is president, who are chosen on the first Tuesday of June annu- ally. A majority of the directors forms a quorum. Resides the above, the following incorporations for manufacturing purposes, are mentioned in the ap- pendix to the 2d vol. of the Revised Laws of the Slate, as having- been formed under the general act of March 22d 1811. The editor has given the names only of these incorporated bodies. We shall be glad to receive the particulars respecting them and of all other companies or institutions omitted in this work. New- York American Fur Company, incorporated February 16lh 1805. Company for Manufacturing Paints and other articles, February 17th 1809. Manufacturing Company, June 15th 1812. Slate Company, March 23d 1810. Sugar Refining Company, March 22d 1811. It appears from Stafford's General Table of Manu- factures, published in 1813, that, at that period, there were 3 looms at work in the city and county of New-York, which produced annually 2,540 yards of woollen cloth, and 217 yards linen : Four carding machines, which carded 7,200 lbs. of wool : Two cotton factories, employing 190 spindles. JVtne tan- neries, that tanned 26,800 hides for soles, upper leather, and calf skins : Fifteen breweries, producing 1,528,872 gallons of ale, porter and beer: Eleven distilleries, producing 377,298 gallons of different kinds of spirits : Five hatteries, which manufactured 5,100 hats : Four glass and iron furnaces, producing 710 tons of iron, all in the course of one year. These establishments have greatly increased since, and to the number we can add type founders, brush makers, wire drawers, rope makers, besides those other useful trades, bakers, tailors, shoemakers, tin- smiths, house-carpenters, ship-carpenters, black- smiths, turners, printers, book-binders, candle- 166 tiie stranger's guide makers, &c. which have existed here in great num- bers, for many years and meet with good en- couragement. American Society for the encouragement of Domesfiu Manufactures, This society was organized in 1816. Its object is to give an impulse to national industry, by every possible and laudable means. The society lately published an energetic address, in which their views are fully and clearly developed. In this elo- quent document, they call upon manufacturers and artists of every description to communicate all facts tending to the prosperity of domestic manufactures ; they conjure agriculturists, and possessors of land to explore ami ietermine their statistics, economy, geology, and topography ; they invite merchants to aid in counteracting frauds upon themselves and the revenue ; they solicit men of science to apply its principles to the useful arts of life; they call upon the soldier to participate in the country's civic tri- umphs ; and upon the fair daughters of Columbia" to disdain the fashions of foreign climes, to let their dress be national, and their ornaments of native ma- nufacture. By the constitution of the society, persons paying one dollar on admission, and the same sum annually, become members. They must be previously pro- posed by a member and balloted for. They then subscribe the constitution and are held pledged to promote the objects of the society. The officers are a president, 3 vice-presidents, 2 secretaries, and a corresponding committee of 12 members, who are elected annually, on the 4th Wednesday of Novem- ber. The society meet in this city on the 4th Wed- nesday of November, February, May and August, in each year. Twenty members, exclusive of the pre- sident and secretary, form a quorum. Since this society was formed, several others have TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 167 been organized, in different parts of the Union, with the same object, and keeping- up a correspondence with the original institution. It is intended to apply to the legislature for its countenance and support, which when obtained, must greatly promote domestic manufactures, and, in a few years, render this country, already immensely rich in her internal resources, independent of all other nations. The object of the society is altogether national. It ought, therefore, to be supported^ by every inhabitant of the United States. STEAM BOAT COMPANIES. The great perfection to which these useful ma- chines have been brought in this country, through the indefatigable and patriotic exertions of the much and justly lamented Mr. FULTON, a native of the United States, seems to claim somewhat more of our attention than the common run of improve- ments. On no occasion did Mr. Fulton ever pretend to the discovery, that the application of steam would force a vessel through the water. He always readily and frankly admitted, that this was an idea enter- tained, and even made public, by many individuals, long before he was capable of thinking on the sub- ject. But if he did not lay claim to the invention, he had an indisputable right to say, that with him alone originated the method of applying the principle, so as to produce real utility , which no projector before him had ever been able to attain.* * It is very true, remarks the biographer of Fulton, that some ingenious attempts to propel boats by steam, bad been made, long before Mr. Fulton thought of it, or rather before the time when we know that he had thought of it. Indeed, it is natural to suppose, that the possibility of applying this power to so desirabie an object as navigation would be one of the first thoughts that would occur when it was seen that it might be made to move machinery. Frcrm 163 the stranger's guide It must be a matter of regret to every liberal mind, that Mr. Fulton did not reap the fruits of his ingenuity and talents. Needy speculators, both at home and abroad, unblushingly invaded his rights under the most frivolous pretences. It is some satis- faction, however, to find, that of all of the steam-boats set up in opposition to the rightful owner, not one of them can be said to be an useful improvement. In the year 1798 it appears that the late Chancel- lor Livingston had constructed a steam boat on new principles, which he thought of a nature calculated to ensure success. Under that impression he applied to, and obtained from the legislature of New- York, an act vesting him with the exclusive right of navi- gating steam boats on all the waters within the ter- ritory or jurisdiction of the state of New- York, for the term of 20 years, on condition that he should build a boat within one year which would sail at the rate of 4 miles an hour. In this, however, Mr. Livingston did not succeed. Afterwards, when minister in France, he formed an intimacy with Mr. Fulton, who had previously directed his attention to the subject, and, by their joint experiments, they succeeded in constructing a new boat, which fully answered their expectations. " This was dene in the year 1803, at their joint ex- pense, under the direction of Mr. Fulton ; and so fully evinced the justice of his principles that it was immediately determined to enrich their country by the valuable discovery, as soon as they should meet that time to this there have been many projectors, some of them ingenious and respectable: but most of them ignorant and presuming. In none of those, h->wev«-:r, who have attempted this great object, were united thos« j qualities and acquirements to which Mr Fulton owed his success: that is to say, a genius for invention, mathematical and philosophical science, mechanical knowledge, and what is rare in combination with these, considerable practice. LiJ> of Fulton, p. 122. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 160 there, and in the mean time to order an engine to be made in England. On the arrival at New-York of Mr. Fulton, which was not till 1806, they immedi- diately engaged in building a boat of, what was then considered, very considerable dimensions. This boat began to navigate the Hudson river in 1807 ; its pro- gress through the water was at the rate of 5 miles an hour. In the course of the ensuing winter, it was enlarged to a boat of 140 feet keel, and 16i feet beam. The legislature of the state was so fully convinced of the great utility of the invention, and of the interest the state had in its encouragement, that they made a new contract with Mr. Livingston and Mr. Fulton by which they extended the term of their exclusive right, for 5 years for every boat they should build, provided the whole term should not ex ceed 30 years."* The first steam boat, built according to the direc- tions of Mr. Fulton, was launched in the spring of 1 807, from a ship yard on the Ea3t river. " Nothing could exceed the surprise and admiration of all who witnessed the experiment. The minds of the most incredulous were changed in a few minutes. Before the boat had made the progress of a quarter of a mile, the greatest unbeliever must have been converted. The man who, while he looked on the expensive machine, thanked his stars that he had more wisdom than to waste his money on such idle schemes, chang- ed the expression of his features as the boat moved from the wharf and gained her speed; his complacent smile gradually stiffened into an expression of won- der. The jeers of the ignorant, who had neither sense nor feeling enough to suppress their contemptu- ous ridicule and rude jokes, were silenced for a mo- ment by a vulgar astonishment, which deprived them of the power of utterance, till the triumph of genius extorted from the incredulous multitude which croud- *IAfe of Fulton p. 150—1. P ]70 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE ed the shores, shouts and acclamations of congratula- tion and applause."* Thus it is with the narrow minded and vulgar in every country. If any feeling actuates the one at the moment he condemns, it is that of envy : the con- duct of the other flows from insensibility. It was the complete success of the invention, without any re- regard to the inventor, which drew from both the shouts and acclamations. Had it failed, the envious would have continued to hug themselves upon their superior wisdom, while the ignorant, if they ever ventured to open their lips, would not have been slow in pronouncing the inventor a fool. The vessel, which had been launched in such aus- picious circumstances, was called the Clermont, of 160 tons burden. Her first voyage was to Albany, and Mr. Fulton himself went a passenger. We have seen what the sentiments of those were who saw the Clermont launched, and who were aware of the use to which she was to be applied. The ac- count of the impressions produced on the minds of those who were previously ignorant of her existence, on seeing her, for the first time, moving upon the waters, is equally interesting, and evinces the ex- tended influence which superstition has acquired over the human mind. 44 The Clermont, on her first voyage, arrived at her destination without any accident. She excited the astonishment of the inhabitants of the shores of the Hudson, many of whom had not heard even of an en- gine, much less of a steam boat. There were many descriptions of the effects of her first appearance upon the banks of the river : some of these were ri- diculous ; but some of them were of such a charac- ter, as nothing but an object of real grandeur could have excited. She was described by some who had indistinctly seen her passing in the night, to those * Lift of Fulton, p 168. TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 171 who had not a view of her, as a monster moving on the waters^, defying the winds and tide, and breathing- flames and smoke. She had the most terrific appear- ance from other vessels, which were navigating- the river, when she was making her passage. The first stear, boats, as others yet do, used dry pine wood for fuel, which sends forth a column of ignited vapour many feet above the flue, and whenever the fire is stirred, a galaxy of sparks fly off, and, in the night, have a very brilliant and beautiful appearance. This uncommon light first attracted the attention of the crews of other vessels. Notwithstanding the wind and tide were adverse to its approach, they saw with astonishment that it was rapidly coming towards them ; and when it came so near as that the noise of the machinery and paddles were heard, the crews, (if what was said in the newspapers of the times be true,) in some instances, shrunk beneath their decks from the terrific sight, and left their vessels to go on shore, while others prostrated themselves, and be- sought Providence to protect them from the approach- es of the horrible monster, which was marching: on the tides and lighting in paths by the fires which it vomited."* It would be useless to descant upon the great utili- ty attending the introduction of steam boats. Their gener al use in Europe as well as in the United States, is the best proof that can be given of this. It is de- serving of notice, however, that the accidents' which have lately taken place in these vessels by the explo- sion of their boilers, have arisen, altogether, where machinery of a different construction from that in- troduced by Mr. Fulton, has been used. In no in- stance has any thing occurred, on board a steam ves- sel acting upon the principles which he adopted, to endanger the life of a single individual. Those therefore who may entertain prejudices against the use * Life of Fulton, p. 173. 172 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE of steam boats, ought justly to discriminate between the productions of a man that have stood the test of experience, and obtained universal approbation, and those of a set of pretenders to discovery, who have introduced nothing new into their machines but what has proved highly injurious to society. It is in the contemplation of Congress, we understand, to regu- late the construction of steam boats in such a way as to prevent the possibilty of future accidents. We trust, that in this laudable effort, they will not lose sight of the interest of those who have the best right to enjoy the fruits of the unbounded zeal, the labour, and the talents, of the lamented Fulton. The number of steam vessels built in the city of New- York, under the direction and superintendance, or according to the plan of Mr. Fulton, is 15. Of these the steam frigate Fulton the First is the largest. "We have given some account of her under the head " forts and fortifications." — The tonnage of the others, except the last built, is from 118 to 370 tons. The Chancellor Livingston, launched in 1816, is 52ft tons burthen. This vessel sails from New-York to Albany, and is the handsomest and largest passage boat impelled by steam in the world. She measures 165 feet in length, and about 50 in width. Her boiler, which is of copper, weighs 20 tons, and is of 80 horse power. There is ample accommodation for 200 passengers, besides births for 30 or 40 people em- ployed about the vessel. On deck there is a ladies' cabin, handsomely and conveniently fitted up; cap- tain's office, and mail office ; also a baggage house, smoking and wash room, and births for common sol- diers, all properly arranged and separate from each other. Below there are three sleeping cabins for gen- tlemen, the largest of which is also commodiously fitted up as a dining room for the use of the whole of the passengers. There is likewise a kitchen and pantry, every way adapted to their several uses. Not- withstanding the immense bulk of this vessel, and TO THE CUT OF NEW-YORK. 173 the great weight she carries, she has been known to sail at the rate of 15 miles an hour, wind and tide in her favour. Her ordinary course, against wind and tide, is about 10 miles an hour. Tiie two boats employed between New -York and Jersey, " are called twin boats each of them being two complete hulls, united by a deck or bridge. They are sharp at both ends, and move equally well with either end foremost ; so that they cross and recross without losing any time by turning about. He (Mr. F.) contrived, with great ingenuity, floating docks for the reception of these boats, and a means by which they are brought to them without a shock*." " The last passage boat which was constructed under Mr. Fulton's directions, and entirely accord- ing to drawings and plans furnished by him, is the boat which navigates the sound from New-York to New-Haven. She is nearly 400 tons burden ; built with uncommon strength, and is fitted up with great convenience and elegance. She is the first steam boat that had a round bottom like a ship. This form was adopted because, for a great part of her route, she would be as much exposed as she would be on the ocean. It was, therefore, necessary to make her a perfect sea boat. She passes daily and at all times of the tide, the dangerous strait of Hell- Gate, where, for the distance of nearly a mile, she often encounters a current running at the rate of at least 6 miles an hour. For some distance she has within a few yards of her on each aide, rocks and whirlpools which rival Scylla and Charybdis even as they are poetically described. This passage, previ- ously to its being navigated by this vessel, was al- ways supposed to be impassable except at certain stages of the tide ; and many a shipwreck has been occasioned by a small mistake in the time. The boat passing through these whirlpools with rapidity, • Lift of Fulton, p. 186, P 2 174 THE STRANGER'S GUTDE while tbe angry waters are foaming' against her bows, and appear to raise themselves in obstinate resistance to her passage, is a proud triumph of human ingen- uity. The owners as the highest tribute they had in their power to offer to his genius, and as an evi- dence of the gratitude they owed him, called her The FuLTONf." The patron — the inventor are no more. But the names of Livingston and of Fulton, dear to fame, shall be engraven on a monument sacred to the bene- factors of mankind. There generations yet unborn shall read, Godfrey taught seamen to interrogate, With steady gaze, though tempest tost, the sun ; And from his beam true oracle obtain. Franklin, dread thunderbolts, with daring hand, Seized, and averted their destructive stroke From unprotected dwellings of mankind. Fulton, by flame, compelled the angry sea, To vapour rarified, his bark to drive In triumph proud, thro' the loud sounding surge*. In the year 1815 a company was formed for the navigation of the East river under the denomination of The Fulton S learn Boat Company, It is compos- ed of many of the intimate friends of Mr. Fulton, from whom they acquired right to this navigation. Among these we find the name of Cadwallader D» Colden, the intelligent and respectable biographer of Fulton. The charter of this company is dated April 18th 1815, and endures until April 1 1th 1838. Their capital stock is 250,000 dollars, divided into shares of 500 dollars each. The management is in the hands of 5 directors, who are elected, on the 1 st of May annually, by the stockholders. t Life of Fulton,? 190 * C$v. Morris Inaugral Discourse : See Life of Fullon p. 364. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 175 The York and Jersey Steam Boat Ferry Company. This association existed for several years prior to 1814, under the name of " the Steam Boat ferry Company." They had rented from the city Corpora- tion, and from the Jersey Company, for the term of 18 years from May 1st 1811, "the Powles Hook Ferry," on which they established the two boats, built on Mr. Fulton's principles, now plying- be- tween New-York and Jersey. On March 18th 1814, they obtained a charter of incorporation, under their prpsent name, to endure for 15 years from the 1st of May thereafter. The capital stock of this company is 120.000 dollars, divided into shares of 100 dollars each ; the members of the original association being entitled, in addition to their original subscriptions, to hold 10 shares each of the new stock. Every stockholder to the amount of 20 shares, has liberty to pass and repass this ferry with his family, servants, carriages and horses, free from any charge of ferriage. The affairs of the company are managed by 5 direc- tors, who are chosen on the 1st Saturday of May an- nually. Their by-laws are subject to the review and alteration of the Common Council. Brooklyn Ferry Company. The persons compos- ing this association are not incorporated. It appears that the Common Council contracted, in the year 18 IS, with Mr. Fulton and Mr. Cutting, by which a steam boat was to be in operation on this ferry by the 1st of May following. This contract having been entered upon undet' the expectation, that permission would be granted to encrease the old rates of ferriage, an application to the legislature, was made by the Common Council, and an act obtained, March 4th 1814, by which the fare for a single pas- senger was raised from two to four, cents.- In other respects the old rates were confirmed*. Since then, * See Rates of ferriage and Regulations, in the Appendix* 176 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE the same steam boat has continued to ply on this fer- ry. She is named /'The Nassau Ferry Boat;" her length is 78 feet 6 inches by 33 feet ; her boiler 20 by 10, and 8 in depth; the cylinder of her engine 20, stroke 4 — 6 ; the diameter of her water wheel 12, and the length of her bucket 4. She usually crosses from one tide to the other, in about t> minutes. BENEVOLENT, CHARITABLE, AND FRIEND- LY INSTITUTIONS AND SOCIETIES. The institutions of this description are numerous, and, in general, highly creditable to their supporters. Those established for the purpose of affording pecu- niary assistance, might, at first sight, seem to indi- cate great poverty ; but, it will be found, that the class of society which they are intended to benefit, does not, when compared with other countries, bear an equal proportion to the population. Still there seems to be a defect in the mode of affording relief now prevailing in this city. While the hand of cha- rity is kindly and widely stretched out, few seem to be aware of the evil which this has a tendency to produce upon the objects of it. Extreme cases may be supposed, and, no doubt, have occurred, where pecuniary aid has produced beneficial effects. But there are few exceptions to this principle, that when an individual once condescends to put himself on the footing of a pauper, he, from that moment, falls in his own estimation. The proud reflection, that he is an independent man y is henceforth destroyed, and he gradually becomes not only regardless of his former fair fame, but indifferent to his political rights, and a slave to the worst passions of degraded humanity. The cure for these evils is plain and practicable : let the wants of no one, who is able to work, be sup- plied, unless he contribute to the general stock. Let an association be formed, for the purpose of giv- ing employment to the poor, particularly during win= TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 177 ter, in those professions to which every member of | society is obliged to have daily recourse. An esta- tablishment of this nature would not require a large sum to put it in operation. After this was done, it i would afford permanent relief, and keep up, in the i breasts of those whom it was intended to benefit, that respect which a free man ought always to entertain for himself. Here the numerous idle and dissipated children that infest the streets, would likewise be taught habits of industry, without which all the edu- cation in the world is of no avail ; and even adults, who might not have acquired a mechanical trade in their youth, would with proper care, in such an in- stitution, soon learn to employ themselves in some useful branch. At all events, any sort of employ- ment would be preferable to idleness. As a matter of policy, also, this is a measure which ought to be countenanced. It would relieve the pub- lic of a great proportion of the heavy contributions, which they are annually called upon to pay, for the relief of the poor, as well as of those donations which they are induced, from benevolent motives, privately to bestow upon the distressed. This sort of charity is, at best, of a temporary nature ; the other would be lasting, while the condition of the poor would be more effectually meliorated, and society progres- sively improved. The following benevolent institutions now exist in this city. — Humane Society. This excellent institution was originally formed by a few philanthropic gentlemen as far back as 26th January, 1737. It was named the " Society for the relief of distressed debtors," having then the melioration of the sufferings of that class only in view. In 1 803 the name was changed to that which it now bears, and in 1806 it extended its plan so as to include the recovery of persons ap- parently dead from drowning. On 4th February, 1814, the society obtained a charter of incorporation. 178 THE STRANG EK^S GUIDE tk This," observes the Collector of the laws of New- York, 44 is the first institution of the kind in this state which has for its avowed object the relief of impri- soned debtors. A society of a similar title in the city of Albany has been instituted for the resuscita- tion of drowned persons, &c. but it is not blendfid with the other humane object of relieving imprison- ed debtors." The views of the Humane Society are now direct- ed to the following branches: 1st, the support and clothing of debtors in prison, and, as connected with the former, the maintenance of a soup house esta- blishment. 2d. The liberation of such debtors as are by law entitled to be discharged, and of such as are confined for small sums, and are peculiarly deserving Of assistance. 3d. The distribution of soup to the poor in general, especially in cases of general public Calamity. 4th. The resuscitation of persons appa- rently dead from drowning. A favourite object also of the society is to discourage the practice of street begging. This institution was supported by casual donations for a considerable period. For some time, however, it has depended on annual subscriptions, which ena- bled the committee of management to erect a soup house, in which they wqre greatly assisted by a do- nation from the Corporation of this city of 600 dol- lars, and the lot of ground, in Try on -street, on which the house is built. By their charter the society may hold an estate of the value of 3,000 dollars. Its af- fairs are managed by a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and a Committee of 21 mem- bers, who are elected annually. They meet stated- ly on the 1st Wednesday of every month. There is also a visiting Committee of three, who are appoint- ed monthly, and whose duty it is to superintend the soup house, and to visit the debtors prison once, at Jeast, every week. In the Appendix will be found the directions, pub- TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 179 lished by the society, for the recovery of persons ap- parently drowned ; and to prevent the fatal effects of drinking- cold water. New-York Dispensary, was incorporated April 8th, 1795, for the purpose of affording- relief to the sick poor who, from peculiar circumstances, cannot avail themselves of the benefit of the hospital. The soci- ety may hold funds to the amount of 1,200 pounds annually. A subscription of 5 dollars constitutes a member for one year ; 10 dollars for two years ; and 50 dollars for life. An annual subscriber of 5 dollars is entitled, during- that period, to place 2 patients on the Dispensary list, and for every 2i dollars addition- al, another patient. Members for life, may have 2 patients constantly on the list. The management of the institution is in the hands of 13 Trustees, who have stated meeting's on the 3d Monday of every month ; they also visit the Dispen- sary once a month. There is likewise 6 attending- physicians, 6 consulting physicians, and an apothe- cary, annually elected by the trustees. The city is divided into six districts, to each of which a physician is allotted, whose duty it is to give constant attention to the poor. The other 6 are appointed to be called on in difficult or dangerous cases. They receive each an annual salary of 100 dollars. The apothe- cary, who must attend daily at the Dispensary, re- ceives 250 dollars per annum. Persons wishing- to be relieved must bring a certificate, sig-ned by a con- tributor to the institution, that they are proper objects. Vaccine, or Kine Pock, Institution. This esta- blishment took its rise in 1802, and was countenanced by the most eminent physicians in New-York, who, greatly to the credit of the faculty, allowed no con- siderations of interest to obstruct the laudable at- tempt then making- to eradicate the small pox, that terrific scourge of human nature. The countenance thus given to the institution soon rendered it of suffi- cient importance to induce the Trustees of the Dis* 130 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE pensary to take its affairs under their own manage- ment : since which, vaccine inoculation has been daily and successfully performed gratis on the chil- dren of the poor, by the physicians of that establish- ment. During the first year this society existed, there were 500 children vaccinated in New- York and New-Jersey; in 1812, there were 1000 in New-York and Massachusetts ; the following year 2560 in New- York alone; and in 1314, in Connecticut and New- York, there were 4500; none of which died of the vaccine, or had taken the small pox, up to the end of the year 1815.* Deaf and Dumb Institution. The object of this infant society is to afford " the necessary means of instruction to the deaf and dumb, and also to provide for the support and maintenance of those in that con- dition, whose parents are unable to maintain them during their course of tuition." It was incorporated April 15th, 1817, the charter to endure for 20 years. The real and personal estate is limited to 5,000 dol- ars per annum. The management is in the hands o a President, 2 Vice-Presidents, . measurer, Secreta- ry, and a Board of Directors, consisting of 20 mem- bers, who are elected annually. Two thirds, at least, of the Directors must be residents of the city and county, and 7 constitute a quorum. Manumission Society. This society took its rise in 1785, and was incorporated 19th February, 1808. Its affairs are managed by a committee, the mem- bers of which are indefatigable in their efforts to me- liorate the condition of the negro slaves in this state, by effectually obtaining those advantages for them which are already sanctioned by its laws, and by con- ferring on them a virtuous education. The fruits of their labour are every day appearing in the gradual , diminution of slaves, who, through their unwearied exertions, are now enjoying tlte privileges of freemen. # Progrcts 9f vccciitrfion in Amenrn by Dr. Fcmvff*. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 181 and the advantages consequent on liberal instruction. The office bearers of the society are a President, 2 Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and a standing Committee, who have a Chairman. The officers of the school are a Board of Trustees, a Secretary, Chairman, and 7 Counsel- lors. There is also a Committee of Correspondence, with a Chairman and Secretary ; and a Committee of'/ ays and Means, with a Secretary. Marine Society. On 12th April, 1770, this society was incorporated, and its funds limited to £3,000 ptej ling per ^annum. Its immediate objects are the improvement of maritime knowledge, and the relief of jndfgent masters of vessels, their widows, and or- phans. The affairs of this institution are managed by a Committee of magistrates, merchants, and mari- ners, who appoint office-bearers annually, for giving more ready effect to the purposes of the institution. Sailors* Snug Harbour. This is a commodious building, situated near the top of Broadway. It was Driginally devised by a Captain Randall, together with considerable property adjoining, for the purpose Df maintaining worn out and decriped seamen. With that view he executed a trust-deed on the 1st of June, 1801, by which he nominated the mayor and recorder )f the city, the president of the Chamber of Com- nerce, the president and vice-president of the Ma- ine Society, and the senior clergymen of the episco- >al and presbyterian churches, as trustees ; and on he 6th of February, 1806, they obtained an act of ncorporation. The property left by Captain Ran- iall was originally estimated at 50,000 dollars. From ts near vicinity and favourable situation, it has since Teatly increased in value, and now affords a snug .nd comfortable asylum to those brave defenders of heir country, who from age or honourable wounds, .re no longer able to fight the battles of their coun- ry. Bv a recent act, the trustees are required to 182 THE STRANGERS GUIDE report aunually to the legislature, and to the Cora-* inon Council, as to the state of their funds. Shamrock Friendly Association, was formed in 1815, for the purpose of befriending- emigrants on their arrival in the United States. This is done by giving* them useful information, and procuring" them employment. The society is composed chiefly of the natives of Ireland ; but their views are not confined to country, politics, or religion. It is enough that the applicant is a stranger, to engage their attention. They have already procured employment for up- wards of 1,200 individuals in various parts of the country. Having a regular correspondence and con- nexion with most of the Irish societies in the union, they are enabled to act at a distance with great ef- fect. ^ During last year, the society published a useful pamphlet, entitled " Hints to Emigrants from Europe who intend to make a permanent residence in the United States." It has been re-published in the United States and in Europe ; and contains valuable information, which ought to be known by eve ry stranger on his arrival here : — It considers, " 1st, what relates to his personal safety in a new climate ; 2d, his interests as a probationary resident ; and 3d, his future rights and duties as a member of a free state." On the most interesting and important sub- ject to the generality of emigrants, viz. employment, it gives the following correct information : " Industrious men need never lack employment in America. Labourers, carpenters, masons, bricklay- ers, stonecutters, blacksmiths, weavers, turners, far- mers, curriers, taylors and shoemakers, and the use- ful mechanics generally are always sure of wok and wages. Stonecutters now receive in this city (New- York) 2 dollars a day, equal to 9 shillings sterling ; carpenters 1 dollar and 874 cents ; bricklayers 2 dollars ; labourers from 1 dollar to 1 and a quarter ; others in proportion. At this time (.July. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 183 home carpenters, bricklayers, masons and stonecut- ters are paid 3 dollars per day in Petersburgh, Vir- ginia. The town was totally consumed by fire about a year since, but it is now rising- from its ashes in more elegance than ever. Mechanics will find em- ployment there for, perhaps, two years to come." — " There are not many of the laborious classes whom we would advise to reside or even loiter in great towns, because as much will be spent during a long winter as can be made through a toilsome summer, so that a man may be kept a moneyless drudge for life." — " Men of science, who can apply their know- ledge to useful and practical purposes, may be very advantageously settled ; but mere literary scholars, who have no profession, or only one which they can- not profitably practice in this country, do not meet with much encouragement ; in truth, with little or none, unless they are willing to devote themselves to the education of youth." This institution is conducted by a president, two vice-presidents, secretary, assistant secretary, trea- surer, and a committee of superintendance, consisting 1 of four members, who are elected annually. The Society of Tammany or Columbian Order, was instituted on the 9th April, 1805, for the pur- pose of affording relief to the indigent and distressed generally. It consists of persons in the higher ranks of life, w ho hold regular meetings in Tammany Hall, corner of Nassau and Frankfort streets. The society is incorporated, and the annual stock they are allow- ed to possess for charitable purposes, is limited to 5.000 dollars. This association derives its name from an Indian chief called Tammany, no less celebrated for his valour than for his benevolence and humanity. Society of Cincinnati, hold their meetings at Wash- ington Hall, Broadway. It is composed of citizens, who, after having fought in the armies of the repub- 184 the stthnoer's guide lie during the revolutionary war, returned on its ter- mination to their fanner employments. This resem- blance to the Roman dictator Cincinnatus, induced these military veterans to form themselves into a so- ciety bearing' his name, for the purposes of general benevolence. They have frequent meetings to ce- lebrate public events connected with the revolution, and to felicitate each other on the part which they took in that memorable struggle. Provident Society, was incorporated February 16, 1805, for the purpose of eetablishing a fund to sup- port infirm members, and their widows and children, on their decease. Their capital is limited by their charter to 10,000 dollars. Mutual Benefit Society, Benevolent Society, and Albion Benevolent Society, were incorporated by the same act which established the Provident Society. Their funds are restricted to the same amount, and their application is similar. Female Society, for the relief of poor widows with small children. This society was instituted for the purpose, as its title imports, of affording relief to destitute widows and their small children. It com- menced its benevolent proceedings in the end of the year 1797, but it was not 'till April 2, 1802, that an act of incorporation was obtained ; this was to endure until March 1, 1810; and, on the April following, it was extended to a longer period. The society, which is altogether composed of females, seldom af- fords relief in money. This is chiefly done in neces- saries, and the greatest care is taken to ascertain that the persons to whom this is granted, are fit ob- jects of their charity. They even find employment for such as are disposed to engage in it. They may hold funds to the amount of 50,000 dollars, applica- ble only to the purposes of the institution, the affairs of which are conducted by 2 directresses, a secre- tary, treasurer, and 12 managers. Society for the relief of Distressed Firemen* This TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 133 Society is composed of the members belonging to the ^ Fire Department of the city of New-York,' 1 who obtained a charter March 20, 1798, to continue for ~0 year*. Its estate is limited to 20,000 dollars, which is applied to the relief of indigent or disabled firemen ; the surplus, if any, to be employed, under the direction of the Common Council, in extinguish- ing fires in the city. The affairs of this institution are managed by a president, treasurer, secretary, collector, and 9 trustees. General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen. This society has a hall corner of Broadway and Park- Place, called the " Mechanics'-Hall, which is occu- pied as a hotel. Here they hold their meetings, which have in view the relief of decayed and distress- ed mechanics and tradesmen. The society was in- corporated March 14, 1792, and they obtained a re- newal of their charter April 3, 181 1. House Carpenters'* Society. This society was in- stituted March 14, 1806. Its charter limits its funds to 1 0,000 dollars, which are solely applied to the re- lief of sick and infirm members, and their widows and children. Masonic Societies. The principal object of these societies, so universally spread over the civilized world, is too well known to require any illustration here. In New- York they have erected a neat and convenient building, where several of the lodges meet, called Si. John? s Hall, in honour of their tute- lary saint. The following is a list of the lodges con- stituted in this city, with the times and places of their meeting : Grand Lodge, the 1 Wed. in Mar. June, Sept. and Dec. in the City Hotel. Election of officers at June mettiDg. Grand Steward's Lodge, last Wed in Feb. May, Aug. and Nov. City Hotel: St John's Lodge, No. 1, the 2 & 4 Thurs. at Tammany Hall. Independent Royal Arch Lodge, No 2, 2 & 4 Moo. do. 4 St Jndrtw's Lodge, No. 3, 2 & 4 Frid. &o> Q 2 186 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE St. John's Lodge, No. 6. 2 & 4 Wed. at St. John's Hall. Hiram Lodge., No 7, 1 & 3 Tu. do. Holland Lodge, No. 8, 1 k 3 Tu. City Hotel. Trinity Lodge, No. 10, 2 & 4 Mond St John's Hall. Phoenix Lodge, No. II, 2 & 4 Wed. Tarcnnny Hall. IS Union Francaise Lodge, No. 14, 1 k 3 Frid do. Abram's Lodge, No 15. 1 k 3 Mond. St John's Hall. Washington Lodge, No 16, 1 & 3 Tu. Tammany Hall. Warren Lodge, No. 17, 1 k 3 Thurs. do. Adelphi Lodge. No. 18, 1 & 3 Thurs. City Hotel. Fraternal Lodge, No. 31, 1 & 3 Mond Tar.many Hall. Morton Lodge, No. 50, 1 & 3 Wed- 55 Nassau-street. Mount Moriah Ledge, No. 132. 1 &3 Wed Tammany Hall. Benevolent Lodge, No. U2, 2 Frid 55 N assault re et. Clinton Lodge No. U3, 2 & 4 Tu. Tammany Hall. New Jerusalem Lodge, No. 158, 2 Tu Manhattanville. Since the establishment of the Common School Fund the Masonic Societies of New-York have creat- ed a fund for the education of the children of destitute Masons, sufficient to entitle them to the annual al- lowance set apart by the legislature. This is alto- gether independent of the usual donations of the dif- ferent lodges for charitable purposes. German Society. The charter of this society is dated 6th April 1814, to continue for 21 years. It was instituted for the purpose of giving 1 pecuniary aid to German emigrants, and assisting such other natives of that country and their descendants, as might be reduced in their circumstances. The af- fairs of the society are managed by a Committee and office bearers regularly chosen; and its funds are limited to 25,000 dollars. St. Andrew's, St. Patrick's, and St. George's Societies. These are associations of Scotch, Irish and English, who meet together chiefly for the pur- pose of encouraging social intercourse. They are not incorporated, nor have they any established funds ; but when cases of distress occur, they are always ready to give assistance by voluntary donations. TO THE CITY OP NEW-YORK. 187 NeW'England Society, consists of the natives of, , or descendants from, the states of Connecticut, fthode Island, Massachusetts, New-Hampshire and Vermont. Their objects and institution, nearly re- semble those of the three preceding* Societies. Assistance Society, This society was organized in 1808, and incorporated 17th February, 1810. It was instituted " for relieving and advising sick and poor persons in the city of New- York." It may hold real and personal estate to the amount of 25,000 dollars, and the charter endures till 1st December 1825. The management is conducted by a presi- dent, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, 2 stewards, and a committee of 9 members, who are elected on the 1st Wednesday of December annually. Butcher's Benevolent Society. This society was incorporated 3d March 1815, to continue for 15 years. It may hold an estate not exceeding 5,000 dollars, to be applied to the relief of indigent and distressed members, their widows and orphans. The affairs of the society are conducted by a president, vice pre- sident, treasurer and secretary. Aged, Indigent, Female Society. This society was instituted in the beginning of the year 1814, and in- corporated March 10th 1815, to continue 15 years. It consists entirely of female subscribers, of two dol- lars each per annum. Its object is the relief of res- pectable, aged, indigent females, and it may hold an estate to the amount of 100,000 dollars . The affairs- of the society are intrusted to the management of a board of Trustees, composed of a first and second directress, treasurer, secretary and 12 managers, who are chosen annually on the last Thursday of November. Female Association. The members of this society consist of young females connected with the respect- able body of Friends. Their charter is dated March 26th 1813, to continue 20 years. Their objects are the visiting and assisting the poor sick, and obtain 1GS THE STRANGER'S GUIDE ing- instruction for the children of such persona as are not provided for, and who do not belong to any religious society. They may hold property of the value of 40,000 dollars. Females subscribing" 5 dollars per annum become members. The affairs of the association are conducted by a board of 12 Ti ns- tees, who are elected on the 1st Monday of June annually. This society, by a special clause in the act of incorporation, is entitled to a share of the Com- mon school fund. Widows' 1 Fund Society, was incorporated March 10th 1815, for the relief of the widows and children of deceased clergymen of the reformed protestant Dutch Church in the United States. It may held funds to the amount of 2,500 dollars per annum, and the management of its afFairs is in the hands of 9 Trustees, a President, vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, who are elected on the 1st Tuesday of June annually. Ten members of the Society form a quorum. Pilots'' Charitable Society. The object of this so- ciety is " for the relief of distressed and decayed pilots, and of pilots' widows and children." l\ was incorporated April 11th 1817, and may hold real and personal^ estate to the amount of 3000 dollars per annum. Its afFairs are managed by a President, vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and 5 Trustees, who are elected on the 1st Monday of February an- nually. Female Assistance Society, was incorporated April 11th 1817, " for the relief of sick poor women and children." It consists of females only, and endures till the second Monday of November 1830. Its funds are hmited to 3,000 dollars ; and the management is in the hands of a directress, second directress, Treas- urer, Secretary and 12 Managers, and as many assist- ants as shall be deemed necessary. Office bearers elected on the second Monday of November. TO THE CITY OP NEW-YORK. 189 Roman Catliolic Benevolent Society. The charted of this society is dated April 15 th 1817. It was insti- tuted " for the humane and laudable purposes of as- sisting and relieving* the poor, and of protecting and educating orphan children." Its real and personal estate is limited to 2.500 dollars per annum. The management is confided to a President, 3 vice Pre- sidents, Secretary, 2 assistant Secretaries, Treasurer and 13 members, who are elected at Whitsun Mon- day annually. Members to subscribe no greater sum than 3 dollars yearly, and 21 assembled at any meeting- have power to transact business. RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS. If the piety of a nation is be estimated according to the number of its religious institutions, then, in- deed, may the citizens of New- York be considered a pious and religious people. There are no less than 53 places of public worship within the city, besides 32 other establishments, all devoted to religious purposes. Making allowances for the infant state of American institutions, we question much if any country in Europe, could, with the same population, exhibit so great a number Hut be that as it may, it has been questioned whether this vast and rapid extension of theology has rendered mankind more liberal-minded or less avaricious and ambitious, than their brethren on the other side the Atlantic? l Ve do not profess to be able to determine this ques- tion ; but of this we are pretty certain, that the free toleration which the law allows to all sects and parties in the Union, the equal protection held out to every man, whatever may be his religious senti- ments, and the discountenance uniformly given to every attempt at introducing a national religion, has completely overthrown the hypothesis, of those who have pretended, that no political institutions, not 190 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE even virtue itself, can be safe without an established Church /* Previous to the revolution, it appears, that u the public attention was principally engrossed in re- ligious controversies. In the time of Governor Fletcher, the episcopalians were favoured with a partial establishment in this and three of the neigh- bouring" counties. This exceptionable measure ex- cited much uneasiness, and a proposition to establish bishops in America was resisted with great zeal, and produced a long and violent polemic war, which was conducted with great talents. Our Dutch an- cestors were agitated about a question relative to their own church ; whether their clergy might be ordained in this country without the sanction of the classis of Amsterdam. The French and presbyte- rian churches were also torn asunder by internal feuds." j This struggle between the clergy of those days and the flocks committed to their charge, will not appear very extraordinary when the great advan- tages which the former had in view, are taken into consideration. In England alone the annual reve- • Processor Marsh says, that national rdigion must always mean the religion established by law. So say the Quarterly Reviewers : so said Percival, though G rattan pretendt-tl not to apprehend the propriety of an expression as applied by that pious minister to Ireland, where the religion established by law does not connr the people among its believers. But the law authorises this, and judge Rlackstone tells ut that the law is omnipotent So is the vote r>f the House of Commons. On 14th May 1811 they resolved that a one pound banknote, and one shilling, was equal in value to one guinea in gold, and on 11th Dec. 1312, they reaffirmed this, though, at that very time, Jews and others were under prosecution for selling guineas for 27 shillings and upwards. We must doubt if the Rajah, mentioned by Buchanan, who erected a college for Hindoos, Mahomitans and Christians, would understand national aft those understand it in Britain and Ireland. t Tran. of Lit. and Phil Society of N. Y. p. 31 TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 19* nues of the church amount to within a trifle of seven •million of dollars ! — Had the contest terminated in favour of the clergy here, the door would have been opened to the acquisition of similar wealth. Bishops would have been seen, as in Europe, arrogating the power and dignity of princes, rolling in affluence, idleness and luxury, at the expense of those who labour for a subsistence. Happily for humanity, the pretensions of these men were strangled in their birth, by that watchful spirit of liberty, which has uniformly characterized the people of this country in every part of their history. At the revolution, an insurmountable barrier was placed against the encroachments of all ambitious priests. One great object of the Articles of Con- federation and Perpetual Union, entered into by the different States, on 17th November 1777, was to. afford protection " against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on ac- count of religion." The 38th and 39th sections of the Constitution of this State, are still more explicit : u And whereas we are required by the benevolent principles of rational liberty, not only to expel civil tyranny, but also to guard against that spiritual op- pression and intolerance, wherewith the bigotry and ambition oi weak and wicked priests and princes have scourged mankind. This convention doth further, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of this State, ordain, determine and declare, that the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall for ever hereafter be allowed within this State to all mankind : Provided that the liberty of consci- ence hereby granted, shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practice? inconsistent with the peace or safety of the State." " And whereas the ministers of the gospel are, by their profession, dedicated to the service of God, * and the cure of souls, and ought not to be diverted 192 THE STRANGER'S GUISE from the great duties of their fimetion ; therefore u* minister of the Gospel, or Priest of any denomination whatever, shall at any time hereafter, under any pre- tence or description whatever, be eligible to, or ca- pable of holding any civil or military office or place within this stale/' While the inhabitants of the United States continue to respect those political institutions which it cost so much to establish, they need be under no apprehen- sions of having institutions imposed upon them which, under the pretence of maintaining the sacred rights of kings and priests, have in all ages, deluged the earth with tears and with blood. The clergy of this city have acquired the character of being intelligent and liberal. This will always ensure them respect. But if the people themselves imbibe fanatical and superstitious notions, or play the part of hypocrites, where is the security that this will not lead to the in- troduction of a spiritual domination? Where the mass is corrupted, how can any of its parts escape contagion? Of what avail are the exhortations of the liberal and the learned, if men voluntarily embrace the fetters of superstition ? Although the legislature could not, consistent with the general welfare, do otherwise than declare against giving a preference to any sector party, it was not insensible of the protection to which the proper- ty of every religious society was entitled. They had erected numerous places of worship, at great ex- pense, and accumulated funds to a considerable amount. These required to be placed under proper management. Under the colonial government a law was passed, 6th April 1784, incorporating reli- gious societies, by which powers were given to Trus- tees to manage their temporal concerns, and the s} T s- tem, with but few alterations, has continued down to the preseut time*. The last general act was passed on 5th April 1813. It enacts, that the majority of * ftei ised Lawg of ttie State of ft ew- York, vol. ii. TO THE CITY OF tfEW-YORK. 193 any congregation may choose not less than three nor more than nine persons, as Trustees for the manage- ment of its temporalities ; the annual value of which is limited to 3000 dollars, except some old established societies therein enumerated, who are allowed to hold stock, some to the extent of six thousand, some of eight thousand, and others of 10,000 dollars annu- ally. In this city there are the following CHURCHES, CHAPELS, AND MEETING HOUSES. Episcopalians — 1 2. 1. Trinity Church, Broadway. 2. St. Paul's Church, do. 3. St. John's Church, Hudson- square. 4. St. George's Chapel, Beekman-street. 5. Christ's Church, Ann-street. 6. St. Mark's Church, Stuvvesant-street. 7. Du St. Esprit Church, Pine-street. !>. St. Stephen's Church, Broome-street. 9. St. Michael's Church, Bloomingdale. 10. Grace Church, Broadway. 11. Zion Church, Mott-street. 12. St. James' Church, Hamilton-square. Presbyterians— 6 . 1. Wall-street. 2. Beekman-street. 3. Rutger's-street. 4. Cedar-street. 5. Spring-street. 6. Orange-street Reformed Presbyterians — 1 . Chamber-street. Associate Presbyterians — 1 . Nassau-street. Associate Reformed Presbyterians — 3* 1. Cedar-street, 2. P^arl-street. R STRANG ER*S GVib£ 3. Murray-street. Reformed Dutch — 7. 1. South Church, Garden-street, 2. Middle Church, Nassau-street. 3. North Church, William-street. 4. Sugar Loaf-street. 5. . Haerlem-street. 0. George-street, Greenwich. 7. Biooimngdale-road. Roman Catholics — -2. 1. St. Peter's Church, Baroiay-street 2. St. Patrick's Church, Prince-street' German Reformed—A. Nassau-street. Evangelical L uth cran^r 1 » Frankfort-street. Melhodisis—d. 1. John-street. 2. Forsyth-street 3. Duane-street. 4. Alien-street, 5. Greenwich. 0. Bowery. African Methodists— Z. 1. Zion Church, Leonard-street. 2. As bury Church, Elizabeth-strec " Moravians — \, Fulton-street. Universalists—\ . Pearl-street. Baptists — 4. 1. Gold-street. 2. Fayette-street. 3. Mulberry-street. 4. Broome-strcet. Abyssinian Baptists-*- I » Anthony-street. Friend' *s Meeting Houses— & tm Pearl-street, to THE CITY OP KEW-TORK. 195 2. Liberty-street. 3. Manhattanville. Hebrew Synagogue — 1. [Mill-street. Total, 53— Sects 17. The places set apart in New- York for religious worship, are, in general, built upon the same model as thbfce in Europe, although, from the idea of a na- tional, or established religion being discountenanced here, they bear a chosen resemblance to what may naturally be supposed formed the temples of the pri- mitive christians. Here there are no magnificent: cathedrals, decorated with paintings, or other votive gifts, the fruit of superstition, and the objects of temptation to the covetous in every rank of life — Neatness and convenience have not been overlook- ed ; nothing bespeaks meanness or poverty. Osten- tation seems, indeed, to have been as much avoided in the erection of the churches and chapels of this city, as in that of any other of her public buildings. — To enter into detail, respecting these, would be an idle and unprofitable task. We shall, therefore, confine ourselves to a description of the most prominent. The corporation of Trinity Church includes Trini- ty Church, St. PauVs and St. John's, the most valua- ble endowments in the city. Trinity Church is a Gothic structure of grey stone, ■situated on the west-side of Broadway, immediately opposite to Wall-street. It was originally founded in 1696 ; and enlarged and beautified in 1737. — Dur- ing the revolutionary war it was burnt down by the conflagration, which the enemy lighted up, and which destroyed many buiidings on the western side of Broadwa) T . In 1708 it was rebuilt in its present form.— It is remarked that the spire is the most indiffer- ent in its appearance of any in the city, and the ar- chitecture no way corresponding to the rest of the building".— There is au extensive Cemetery belong? 196 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE . ing to this church, which is crowded with monu- ments and tomb stones. St. Paul's, which also fronts Broadway, is a very handsome structure of grey stone, principally of the corinthian order. It was built in the year 17G5. In length it measures 00 feet and in breadth 70 feet. The spire rises to the height of 234 feet; 100 feet of which is of stone and the rest wood, with a covering of tin. It has a clock and bell, and is surmounted with a gilt vane. The principal entrance is in the east end or front. Here there is a pediment, and fluted colonade of brown stone, with corinthian capitals. A figure in wood of St. Paul adorns the front, and underneath, in the centre of the building there is a marble monument erected by Congress, to the memory of Major General Richard Montgomery, aged 37 years, who was killed in the attack of Que- bec, 81st December, 1775. Inside the church, there are eight cut chrystal chandeliers, hanging from the ceiling for lighting it up. The pulpit aud altar are hung with crimson silk damask. Over the altar piece are the two tables of the law, surmounted by a triangular re- presentation of the Deity, and on the opposite end there is a w^ell-tuncd and handsome organ. In other respects the interior has a very neat and pleasing aspect; it is estimated to contain about 4,000 persons. There is a cemetery "attached to this building, in which there are a number of marble tombstones, and monuments. 3\ear the bottom is one erected to the memory of the French general Rochefontaine, who fought in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war. Pie died in this city Janu- ary 30th, 1814. The space occupied by the church and the cemetery is 400 feet long and 130 feel ivide. In front it is closed in with an iron railing; the re - mainder is surrounded by a substantial brick wall. TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 197 St, Johns Church resembles St. Paul's in its general appearance and formation. From its being" of a more modern date, and the ornamental part somewhat improved, it has a lighter appearance. They seem, however, to have been constructed upon ihe same model. Their dimensions are nearly similar, as is also the number of persons which they contain. The cemetery of St. John's is much smaller than St. Paul's, nor has it been yet used for burying" the dead. The Presbyterian Church in Wall-street, is a handsome modern building" of brown stone, with a spire, of the corinthian order. This is the first presbyterian church of New- York. It was founded in 1719, enlarged in 1748, and rebuilt in 1810. The Brick Jtleeting, so called from the materials of which it is constructed, situated in Beekman-street, and the church in Rutgcr's-street, both in the pres- byterian connection, have also spires, and are fitted up on a modern and convenient plan to accommo- date several thousands of hearers each. The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Churchy in Murray-street, is the only other place of religious worship ornamented with a spire. This is a hand- some modern structure, capable of containing nearly 4 ; 000 people. MISSIONARY SOCIETIES. TJie New- York Misstonaig/ Society. The parent Mock, was formed in the year 1796. It is composed principally of members of the presbyterian denomi - nation, including the Reformed Dutch Church. Its concerns are conducted by a board of directors, 21 in number, a president, 4 vice-presidents, treasurer^ corresponding secretary, and clerk, who are elected, on the 1st Tuesday of April annually. They hold regular meetings on the first Ptlonday of every month at No. 10 Garden-street. The principal de- ll 2 190 sign of this society is to 'evangelize the Indian Tribes on the borders of the United States. The Young Mcrfs Missionary Society. This asso- ciation was formed in January H:09 under llje name of the 14 Assistant New- York Missionary Society." with the view to aid the parent institution. It is composer] of men pi'ofessing the same principles, and under 45 years of age. In February 1,816, it withV drew its support from the old society, to employ its resources in propagating* the gospel among 1 the ivhUe inhabitants cf this country. Not satisilfi^ frith ac- complishing this, they differed among themselves on some doctrinal points, which occasioned a seces- sion that led to the formation of fcfoe Neiv-York Evangelical Society of Young Jim. After all, the general object of this society is avowied to be the same as that from which it sprung. The United Foreign Missionary Society^ was or- ganized on 2f)th July IP,,?, !*in ^sequence of a recommendation of the General Assembly of the presbyterian church, the Genera) Ryrto^s of iho reformed Dutch, and Associate Reformed churches. Its object is to spread the gospel among" the 111 dians of North America, the inhabitants of Mexico, awl South America, and in ether portions of \ I^aiben and anti-christian world." Its affairs are conduced by a president, vice- presidents, a corresponding" and recording secretary, a treasurer and [% cna- nagers, who are elected on the Wednesday pre< ed- ing the second Thursday of May annually. The office bearers meet cn the 4tii Monday of every month. The Mew-York Baptist Missionary Society and the New-York Baptist Female Society^ are recent in- stitutions for promoting Foreign Missions* There is also a New- York Baptist Foreign and Domestic * ' ary Society. TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 199 The Magdalen Society of New- York , was formed m January 1812. Its affairs are conducted by a president, vice-president, a treasurer and secretary, w ho are elected on the 2d Monday of January annu - ally. The office bearers meet regularly once every month. The Society for supporting the gospel among the poor in the city of New- York. This society was in- stituted in November 1813, " for the purpose oi' maintaining a stated preacher to the Alms-house, Hospital, Bridewell, Prisons and other receptacles of the indigent and wretched, who are not otherwise supplied with the stated ministrations of the gospel/* lis affairs are managed by a president, secretary, treasurer, and 6 trustees, who are elected on the ]&t Wednesday of December annually, an t American Society for Evangelizing the Jews, v, ...s instituted :30th December 1816. Its manage- tpmii is cdnd^icted by a president, vice-president, 2 secrehmes, a treasurer, and 7 managers, who are elected on the last Monday of December annually, j-he ojice bear* rs meet regularly on the 3d Thurs- day of ev,-iA other month beginning with January. Besides the above, ' there is an Episcopal Society, instituted for ihe purpose of procuring funds for the Committee of 'Missions of the pretcsiant episcopal church of this diocese. THE STR VNGER's GUIDE BIBLE SOCIETIES. The American Bible Society, This was instituted in May 1816, by a convention of delegates from Bible Societies in different parts of the United States. Its affairs are conducted by a board of managers, consisting of 36 laymen, of whom 24 must be residents of the city of New-York, or its vicinity. They hold stated meetings on the first Thursday of every month. The JY1 Y. Bible and Com. Prayer Book Society, was instituted in September 1809. Its affairs are under the management of the Bishop of the diocese, who is president ex officio, and by ministers and lay members of the protestant episcopal church. The A". F. Bible Society, an auxiliary to tha American Bible Society, took its rise in November Its concerns are conducted by a president, 6 vice-presidents, 2 secretaries, a clerk, treasurer, and 31 managers, consisting of the various religious denominations in the city. The anniversary meet- ing of the society is on the first Monday of December, and the office bearers hold stated meetings on the 3d Monday of every second month, beginning with J anuary. The Auxiliary JV. F. Bible Society. This society was instituted 28th June 1813. Its affairs are managed by a president, 4 vice-presidents, secre- tary, treasurer, clerk and 17 directors, who have stated meetings on the 3d Mondays of February, August and November. This society is also auxili- ary to the American Bible Societv. The Auxiliary JST. Y. Bible and C. P. B. Society, was instituted January 26th 1816. Its affairs are managed by a board of lay members of the protestant episcopal church, consisting of a president, 3 vice- presidents, 2 secretaries, a treasurer, an agent, and | TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 201 13 managers, who hold meetings once every two months. The JV. F. Female Auxiliary Bible Society, was instituted 14th May 1816. It is composed of ladies of all denominations, and its affairs are conducted by a first and second directress, treasurer, secretary, and 32 managers. They meet on the first Wednes- day of every month. This is also auxiliary to the American Bible Society. The JV\ Y. Union Bible Society, was instituted 27th June 1816. Its affairs are managed by a pre- sident, vice-president, 2 secretaries, treasurer, clerk, and 7 directors, who meet once a month. The Female Juvenile Aux, Bible Society, was in- stituted in October 1816. It is conducted by a di- rectress, treasurer, secretary and 8 managers, who meet on the 2d Saturday of every month. This is auxiliary to the N. Y. Female Aux. B. S. The Marine B. S. was instituted 14th March 1817. Its affairs are conducted by a president, 4 vice-presidents, 2 secretaries, treasurer, and 36 managers, who meet once every three months. The annual meeting of the society is on the 3d Monday of April. It is auxiliary to the American Bible Society. New-York African Bible Society, was instituted 21st March 1817. Its affairs are conducted by a president, 2 vice-presidents, treasurer, secretary, xnd 8 managers. TRACT SOCIETIES. The New- York Religious Tract Society. This was instituted in 1809, and re-organized in February 1812. Its affairs are now conducted by a president, 2 rice-presidents, secretary, treasurer, clerk, and 24 managers, who are chosen on the 2d Wednesday of February. The stated meetings of the board are on he first Tuesday of every other month, beginning ,vith February. THE STRANGER'S GUIDE The Prokstant Epis. Tract Society, was instituted in 1810. Its annual meeting is in November.- The JV. Y. Methodist Tract Society was formed in 1812. Its affairs are conducted by a president, trea- surer, secretary, and 12 managers, who are elected annually in the month of April, and hold stated meet- ings four times a year. EDUCATION SOCIETIES. Society for promoting Religion and Learning. This society's views are confined chiefly to the ad- vancement of the protestant episcopal church. To such as are desirous of becoming- preachers in that connection, but who have not the means of educating themselves, they give pecuniary aid. They also re- ceive donations and collect subscriptions, for pious purposes, for establishing a theological library, for erecting schools, and for providing fellowships in Columbia College. The corporation of Trinity church has the appointment of the trustees, 21 in number, the Bishop being always president. These manage the affairs, and conduct the correspondence £>f the society. They meet once a ~nonlh, and 7 forms a quorum. Protestant Episcopal Charity School. Thk school was incorporated March 14th 1806, fo. the purpose of educating poor children in piety and learning. It is under the immediate care of the corporation of Trinity church, the Rector of which is, ex officio, president, There is also a treasurer and secretary. The funds of this establishment enable the managers to educate and clothe about 100 boys and girls an- nually. Tlie Society for promoting the education of poor and pious youth for the gospel ministry. The objects of this society's beneficence must be regular communi- cants of a presbyterian church belonging to the Ge- neral Assembly, and under the care of the Nc#- TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK. 2Q3 York presbytery or their standing committee. Its affairs are conducted by a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and 17 managers, who are elected on the 1st Monday of November. They have stated meeting's on the last Tuesday of every other month, beginning in December. Two Female Cent Societies — one composed of ladies belonging to the first presbyterian church in Wall- street, and the other of ladies belonging to the pres- byterian church in Cedar-street. They contribute a cent a day each towards the support of students of divinity at the theological seminary in Princeton. The Ursuline Convent. This institution was in- corporated on 25th March 1814, to continue 21 years. It consists of females whose object is " to ex- tend the advantages of education to such poor girls as are confided to its fostering care, and who are destitute of the means of acquiring instruction ex- cept at the hand of charity." The real estate is fixed by the charter at 25,000 dollars, or 2,000 dollars per annum.* Orphan Asylum Society, was instituted in March 1806, for the purpose of educating and supporting poor orphan children. The establishment is at Green- wich, where the managers, in consequence of liberal donations, have been enabled to erect a building * In a note subjoined to the act of incorporation, by the col- lector of the laws of the State, it* is observed, that ** tl »> is perhaps the first incorporation of a Convent in a country decidedly protectant and evinces the liberality of the legislature : t'leir impartiality ard strict compliance with the principles of our government, in foster ing and protecting all religious denominations without distinction. It is a trait in the character of this State highly worthy of imi- tation, to guard against all bigotry and religious intolerance This act from its title, would seem to warrant something more than the mere establishment of a seminary for education. It is presumable that it will furnish an {asylum to such distressed fen ales as may cuter Hs wall 6 , and become subject to its ecclesiastical fljbcipjjire." 204 TIIE STRANGERS GUIDE suitable to the accommodation of 200 orphans. As the institution, however, entirely depends upon vo- luntary subscriptions, its benefits have only yet been extended to about halt that number. Its affairs arc managed altogether by females, consisting" of a first and second Directress, Treasurer, Secretary, and 8 Managers. New- York Sunday School Union Society, This association was formed 26th February, 1816, "to encourage and assist those engaged in the superin- tendance and instruction of Sunday Schools ; to pro- mote the establishment of new schools ; to improve the methods of teaching ; and to unite the Christian feel- ings, the counsels, and labours, of persons of different religious denominations, in these benevolent undertak- ings." By the first report of the society, dated Feb. 24, 1817, it appears, that 28 Sunday Schools, con- taining 3000 scholars, were then formed in this city, under their superintendance, and that they had ex- pended upwards of $3000 in promoting their esta- blishment during the preceding year. By the consti- tution of the society, subscribers of $1 per annum arc considered members. A donation of 15 dollars or upwards, constitutes a member for life. The manage- ment is in the hands of a President, 4 Vice-Presi- dents, Treasurer, Secretary, and a Committee of 21 members, who are chosen annually on the Tuesday next preceding the 2d Thursday of May. They meet statedly on the 3d Thursday of January, April, July, and October. BAY AND HARBOUR, DOCKS, WHARVES AND SLIPS. New-York Bay and Harbour presents one of the most interesting and beautiful scenes in the United States. The bay is 9 miles long and 4 broad, spread- ing before the city in delightful expanse, to the south- ward. It is formed by the confluence of East am! TO THE CITY OF NEW -YORK. 205 Hudson rivers, and communicates with the ocean, through the Narrows, scarcely 2 miles broad, between Staten and Long- Islands. On the one side of the bay, the eye dwells with calm and unabated pleasure on the romantic scenery of the Jersey shores and Staten Island ; on the other, though the coast at some points is rather more prominent, the gratification is not the less. The fertility of the soil of Long Island, the foliage of the numerous orchards from Brooklyn heights to the Bluff, particularly during the season when the peach and apple trees are in blossom, ren- ders the exhibition truly enchanting and picturesque. Within the bay there are three islands : Governor's Island, formerly called Nattan Island ; Ellis* s Island, also called 'Bucking's or Oyster Island ; and Bedlow's Island, known likewise by the names Kennedy's and Gibbet Island. Commanding fortifications, bristling with cannon, are erected on all these islands. Gov- ernor's Island contains 70 acres of ground. The other two are considerably smaller. The water of the bay, in many places, is 1 5 fathoms deep, and the anchorage is so safe, that the British, during the revolutionary war, made this the rendez- vous of their fleet. From its nearness to the ocean, by which its waters are greatly impregnated with salt, the bay, notwithstanding the severity of winter, has seldom been known to freeze. No instance of this has occurred since the year 1780. The ready [access which this circumstance gives, at all seasons, [to the port, must always ensure to the city of New- J York, a permanent and constant intercourse with [other nations, and thus, in a few years, render this [highly favoured spot, the commercial emporium of [the world, as it is already that of the United States. The facetious Knickerbocker, to whose highly en- [tertaming work we have already referred, has given [so humorous and eloquent a description of the scenery if the bay, and of a storm, that we cannot refrain irom transcribing it below for the amusement of such 206 THE STE.ANC"R 5 S GUIDE of our readers as are fond of the burlesque. Although us the author remarks, the storm was played off, to give a little bustle and life to the tranquil part of his work, and to keep his drowsy readers from falling asleep, " the panorama view of the battery was given to gratify the reader with a correct description of that celebrated place, and the parts adjacent*." * In the year of our Lord, 1804, on a fine afternoon, in the glow- ing month of September, I took my customary walk upon the bat- tery, which is at once the pride and bulwark of this ancient and impregnable city of New- York. The ground on which I trod was hallowed by recollections of the past 5 and as I slowly wandered through the long alley of poplars, which, like so many hireh brooms standing on end, diffused a melancholy and lugubrious shade, my imagination drew a contrast between the surrounding scenery, and what it was in the classic days of our forefathers. Where the go- vernment home by name, but the custom house hf occupation, proudly reared its brick walls and wooden pillars; there whilomc fclood the low but substantial red tiled mansion of the renowned Wouter Van Twiller. Around it the mighty bulwarks of fort Am- sterdam frowned defiance to every absent foe ; but, like many a whiskered warrior and gallaDt militia captain, confined their martial deeds to frowns alone. Alas ! those threatening bulwarks had long since been sapped by time, and, like the walls of Carthage, pre- sented no traces to the enquiring eye of the antiquarian. The inud breast works had long- been levelled with the earth, and their srte covered with the green lawns and leafy alleys of the battery * where the gay apprentice sported his Sunday coat, and the labori- ous mechanic, relieved from the dirt and drudgery of the week, poured his weekly tale of love into the half averted ear of the sen- | timental chambermaid. The capacious bay still presented the , same expansive sheet of water, studded with islands, spiiukled with fishing-toats, and bounded by shores of picturesque beauty. Ij But the dark forests whieh once clothed these shores had been ( violated by the savage hand of cultivation, and their tangled mazes ( and impenetrable thickets, had degenerated into teeming orchards ,!, and waving fields of grain. E ven Governor's Island, once a smiling , u garden, appertaining to the sovereigns of the province, was now , t eoveied with fortifications, enclosing a tremendous block house,— | j, so (hat tfcft «nre peaceable tsteud reseraMcd a fierce l.tttc warrfihet j TO THE CITY OF NE Vv-YORK. 207 The ordinary rise and fall of tide at the wharves, is about 6 feet. — For the greater security of the ship- in a big cocked hat. breathing gunpowder and defiance to the world ! For some time did I indulge in this pensive strain of thought contrasting in sober sadness, the present day with the hallowed 1 years behind the mountains ; lamenting the melancholy progress of improvement, and praising; the zeal with which our worthy burghers endeavour to preserve the wrecks of venerable customs, prejudices and errors, from the overwhelming tide of modern in^ novation, when by degrees my ideas took a different turn, and I insensibly awakened to an enjoyment of the beauties around me. It was one of those rich autumnal days which heaven particu- larly bestows upon the beauteous island of Manna-hata and its vicinity : not a floating cloud obscured the azure firmament; th» sun rolling in glorious splendour through his etherial course, seemed to expand his honest Dutch countenance into an unusual expression of benevolence, as he smiled his evening salutation upon the city, which he delights to visit with bis most bounteous beams. The very winds seemed to hold in their breaths in mute attynt on, lest they should ruffle the tranquillity of the hour; and the waveless bosom of the bay presented a polished mirror, in which nature beheld herself and smiled. The standard of our city, which like a choice handkerchief, is reserved for days of gala, hung motionless on the flag-staff which forms the handle to a gigantic churn ; and even the tremulous leaves of the poplar and the aspen, which, like the tongues of the immortal sex, are seldom still, now ceased to vibrate to the breath of heaven. Every thing seemed to acquiesce in the profound repose of nature The formidable 18 pounders slept in the embrazures of the r wooden batteries, seem- ingly gathering fresh strength to fight the battles of their country On the next 4th of July ; the solitary drum on Governor's Island forgot to call the garrison to their shovels; the evening gun had not yet sounded its signal, for all the regular, well meaning poultry :hroughout the country, to go to roost; and the fleet of canoes, at inchor between Gibbet Island and Communipaw, slumbered on heir rakes, and suffered the innocent oysters'to lie for a while inmolested in the soft mud of their native banks ! My own feel- ngs sympathized with the contagious tranquillity, and 1 should nfallilly have dozed upon one of those fragments of benches 208 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE ping-, and to facilitate the loading and unloading of goods, intersections have been formed, on the side which our benevolent magistrates have provided for the benefit of convalescent loungers, had not the extraordinary inconvenience of the couch set all repose at defiance. In the mid«t of this soothing slumber of the soul, my attention was attracted to a black speck, peering above the western ocean, just in the rear of Bergen steeple. Gradually it augments and overhangs the would-be cities of Jersey, Harsimus, and Hoboken which, like three jockies, are starting on the course of existence, and jostling each other at the commencement of the race Now it skirts the long shore of ancient Pavonia, spreading its wide sha- dows from the high settlements at Weebawk, quite to the laza- retto and quarantine, erected by the sagacity of our police for the embarrassment of commerce ; now it climbs the serene vault of heaven, cloud rolling over cloud, like successive billows, shroud- ing the orb of day, darkening the vast expanse, and bearing thun- der, and hail, and tempest in its bosom. Tte earth seems agitated at the confusion of the heavens : the late waveless mirror is lashed into furious waves, that roll their broken surges in hollow mur- murs to the shore ; the oyster boats that erst sported in the placid vicinity of Gibbet Island, now hurry affrighted to the shore; the late dignified, unbending poplar writhes and twists before the mer- ciless blast; descending torrents of drenching rain, and sounding hail, deluge the battery walks ; the gates are thronged by 'pren- tices, servant maids, and little Frenchmen, with V eir pocket hand- kerchiefs over their hats, scampering from the storm: the late beauteous prospect presents one scene of anarchy and wild up- roar, as though old chaos had resumed bis reign, and was hurling back into one vast turmoil the conflicting elements of nature- Fancy to yourself, O reader '. the awful combat ?ung by old He- siod of Jupiter and the Titans: fancy to yourself the long re- bellowing artillery ot heaven streaming at the heads of the gigan- tic sons of the earth. In «hort, fancy to yourself all tl>at has ever been said or sung, of bempest, storm, and hurricane — and you will save* me the trouble of describing it Whether I fled from the fury of the storm, or remained boldly at my po?t, as our gallant train band captains, who march their soldiers through the rain without flinching, are points which I leave to the conjecture cf . e reader. TO THE CITY OF SEW- YORK- 209 of the East river, called slips or docks, and between these, and also on the Hudson side, a great number of wharves have been carried out for a considerable way into the beds of these rivers. The slips are 12 in number : viz. 1 . Whitehall-slip, adjoining to the Battery, bottom of Whitehall-street. 2. Exchange-slip, bottom of Broad-street. 3. Coenties-slip, at Coenties-alley near Broad-st: 4. Old-slip, bottom William-street. 5. Coffee House-slip, bottom of Wall-street. 6. Fly Market-slip, bottom of Maiden-lane . 7. Burling-slip, bottom of John-street. 8. Peck-slip, bottom of Ferry-street. 9. James-slip, bottom of James-street. 10. Market-slip, bottom of Market-street. 11. Pike-slip, bottom of Pike-street. 12. Rutger^s-slip, bottom of RutgerVstreet. Two Docks, called the Albany Basin, and Corpo- ration Docks,&ve situated on the banks of the Hud- son ; the former at the bottom of Cedar-street, and the latter adjoining- to Washington-market, at the bottom of Fulton and Vesey Streets — Vessels engag- ed in the foreign trade, or coming from foreign ports, * jupy births at the wharves and docks on the East river ; those employed in the coasting trade, in the Albany Basin and Corporation docks. SANDY HOOK. LONG ISLAND, STATEN ISLAND, HELL GATE. Sandy Hook is a projecting beach of loose sand, jear to which is the channel for vessels passing from he ocean towards the harbour of New-York. The iand, forming this beach, is brought down by the ra- bidity of the currents of New- York and New-Jersey ivers, and stopped in its progress to the sea by the mrge of the Atlantic. Cedars and shrubbery cover 1 considerable part of the Kook ; the remainder is a. 210 THE STRING LR's GUIDE hard sandy substance, seemingly mixed with iron ore. There is a revolving Light on the northern ex- tremity of the Hook, and, as we have elsewhere noticed, a battery commanding the entrance to the buy. Long Island extends in length 140 miles, and its average breadth is about 14 miles. Its western ex- tremity forms the eastern side of the harbour of IN etr-x ork. Through the whole length of the island, and nearly in the centre, there is a ridge of sand lulls, the highest; part of which is called Hempstead Harbour, and is among the first land marks observed at sea on approaching this part of the continent. The soil of Long Island is fertile, and the situation healthy. Its salubrity is considered even surpassing that of Ne>r-York, which has made it a favourite re- sort of the citizens when they wish to restore their health, or enjoy themselves during the summer sea- son. Scdten Mmd is divided from Long Island by the pass called the .A V/ row.v, leading into New- York bay. It is 18 miles longt, atad from 7 to 8 miles broad. On the south it is botmded by Kariton bay; on the north an 1 west by a narrow channel, separating it from New-Jersey; and oil the East by the Hudson. - J - huatcn- Island is somewhat hilly, a circumstance which has rendered it so healthy that it has been preferred to all others by the Board of Health, as a most eligible spot for erecting buildings to accommo- date persons subject to the quarantine laws, and an hospital for such as might be affected by the epidem- ic sickness. As a connrranaling military position, it has also been fixed upon for the erection of several strong fortifications, which bid defiance to the ap- proaches of an enemv. Staten-Island is part of the state of New- York, and forms the coua iy of liich- mond. Hell-Gale, called also Hurl-Gate* is a narrow and dangerous pass, in the Last river leading into Long- TO THE CITY 01 NEW- YORK. 211 Island Sound. At slack water, and with a leading- wind , this pass may be safely attempted by frigates ; and smaller vessels may navigate it at all times with the tide and a commanding breeze ; but in foul weather, owing to the rapidity of the currents, it often proves fatal to vessels manned by the most skilful seamen, and under the guidance of the most experienced pi- lots. One of the sides of this strait is formed by Long-Island, and the other by ParselPs and Manhat- tan. " Between the two latter, Haerlem Creek emp- ties itself into Hell-Gate. It is proper to mention that the great masses of rocky matter run from N. E. to S. VV. — There is so great a quantity of solid granite here about, that both the shores, and the in- tervening rocks and reefs, almost altogether consist cf it. A compact body of it impedes, on the , Long-Island side, the direct flow of the water of the Sound, in a north-eastwardly and south-westwardly direction, so completely, that the current is forced to take a short and sudden turn round the point of Par- sell's island. The change of direction which the wa- ter is obliged to take is north-westward ly, or nearly at a right angle with the ridges and strata of rocks, which formerly connected the two islands ; and such has been its impetuous 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 ParselPs island, partly above, and part- ly under water. Where the strength of the current has thrown the fragments of the strata irregularly and confusedly about, the foaming and agitation they oc- casion in the water, as it runs among and over them, has given rise to the whimsical names of the Pot, the Frying Pan and the Gridiron, which the boatmen, apply to these rude and disordered piles of sunken 212 THE stranger's guide rocks. Where the force of the water has not bceii aufficient to break down a whole stratum, leaving a part thereof still to brave its power, a judgment may be formed from what is left, as to the original con- struction. The Hog^s Back, HalleVs Point Reef, the Mill Rock, the Middle Reef, and the South Rock y are plain and instructive monuments of the ancient arrangement. They are portions of strata remaining, after all the rest had been swept away by the tides. After having forced its way through and across these mounds of granite for about a quarter of a mile, the current turns and pursues its former course, not any longer across the strata, but in a direction near- ly parallel with it*." FORTS AND FORTIFICATIONS. The exposed situation of New- York, and the easy entrance into the Hudson, having afforded the enemy during the revolutionary war, an opportunity not only of bombarding the city, but of landing, almost at any point, and taking possession of it, or plundering it at pleasure, the legislature very pro- perly set about providing the means of defence against all future attempts. This has been accom- plished in a manner not only highly creditable to the engineers and others employed in the construction of the works, but with such judgment as to remove all apprehension of danger from whatever quarter. During the late contest, such was the terror with which the "invincible navy of England" was seized, by merely hearing of the erection of these works, that they did not dare, even with their first rate line of battle ships, to approach within sight of the outer- most of them. While the English were in posses- sion of New- York, from September 1776 to Novem- * Picture, of New York, p- IS. ""0 THE CITY OF "SEW- YORK. 213 ber 1783, their fleets rode in triumph in the bay, and anchored opposite to the city. But, during" the late war, not so much as a cockboat belonging* to that nation ventured to show its prow near Sandy Hook, a distance of no less than 27 miles from the city, although numbers of their armed cruisers were upon the coast. The fortification erected at Sandy Hook, is called Fort Gates, in honour of the hero of that name. It sufficiently commands the channel through which all vessels must pass to reach the city. The entrance to the bay is called the Narrows. On the right, this passag'e is defended by Fort Lewis, situated on the height of Long- Island, and, immediately below, by Fort Diamond, which stands on Hendricks Reef, close to the edg"e of the middle channel. On the opposite side, on Staten-Island, Fort Richmond stands, a strong work of hewn stone, and properly provided with the implements of war. On passing these for- tifications, Castle Williams and Fort Columbus pre- sent themselves, to the right, on Governor' "s-lsland, situated about half a mile from the city. Castle Williams mounts 52 pieces of heavy cannon on two tiers, the resting'-place being bomb-proof; and, above these, there is a terrace planted with twenty- six 50 pound Columbiads. Fort Columbus consists of seve- ral bastions and a ravelin. It has a furnace for heat- ing balls, a magazine for gunpowder, and barracks for 200 soldiers. There are barracks and a magazine also in Castle Williams. On the left of the bay, are Bedlow's and Ellis' Island, on which are erected Fort Wood and Crown Fort, in both which are barracks, magazines, and ample supplies of military stores. No vessel can pass up the channel without being raked by these forts; and immediately behind the islands on which they stand, Oyster-beds and mud-flats, running- close in to the shore, prevent the approach of any marine force. 214 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE The southwest corner of New- York Island is de- fended by an enclosed circular battery of stone, call- ed the West Battery. This fortification mounts twenty-eight ts2 pounders ; has a furnace for heat- ing balls, a large magazine, and extensive barracks. About a mile and a half from this, on the banks of the Hudson, standi the North Fort ; and about the same distance, and a little beyond the State Prison > is Gansevorl Fort, complete in magazines and mili- tary stores, and fully sufficient for the protection of the city, if an enemy should ever be so successful, and so daring, as to approach in that quarter. East of New- York Island, there is a castle situated on a rising ground, which commands the passage at Hell-Gale, leading into Long-Island sound, besides a battery on Hallett's point, with a blockhouse on the Mill-rock. But of all the means of defence, as well as offen- sive warfare, contrived by the ingenuity of man, the vessel constructed by the lately deceased and justly lamented Kobert Fulton, merits above all others the attention of strangers. A life of that estimable character, comprising a clear and interesting account of the invention, progress, and establishment of steam-boats, having been lately published by his in- timate friend Cadwallader D. Colden^we shall take the liberty of giving an extract from that valuable work, respecting this novel and extraordinary machine. " At the commencement of the year 1814, a num- ber of the citizens of New- York, alarmed at the exposed situation of our harbour, had assembled with a view to consider whether some measures might not be taken to aid the government in its pro- tection. This assembly had, in fact, been invited by some knowledge of Mr. Fulton's plans for sub- marine attack, and of his contemplating other means of defence. They deputed a number of gentlemen to act for them, and these were called the coast and harbour defence committee* TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 2l5 " Mr. Fulton exhibited to this committee the model and plan for a vessel of war to be propelled by steam, capable of carrying" a strong battery, with furnaces for red hot shot, and which, he represented would move at the rate of 4 miles an hour. The confidence of the committee in this design was con- firmed by the opinions of many of our distinguished naval commanders, which he had obtained in writ- ing and exhibited to the committee. In this docu- ment, which is signed by Commodore Decatur, Capt. Jones, Capt. Evans, Capt. Biddle, Commodore Perry, Capt. Warrington, and Capt. Lewis, these gallant and experienced seamen enumerate the fol- lowing advantages that such a vessel would possess : In a calm or light breeze she would make choice of position or distance. If she could move at the rate of 4 miles an hour, she could, in our harbours, bays, and rivers, be rendered more formidable than any kind of engine hitherto invented, and, in such case, she would be equal to the destruction of one or more 74's, or of compelling them to depart from our wa- ters. They therefore, gave it as their decided opinion, that it was among the best interests of the United States, to carry Mr. Fulton's plan into ex- ecution. It was contemplated that this vessel, be- sides carrying her proposed armament on deck, should also be furnished with submarine guns. " The committee, without delay, addressed a me- morial to Congress, recommending the invention of Mr. Fulton, and praying that measures might be adopted for executing his plan. With this memorial the committee addressed a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, soliciting, in a very earnest manner, his patronage and influence with the government. With- out the skill and talents, they say, of Mr. Fulton, the machine cannot be constructed. It was appre- hended that there would be great difficulty about funds. On the one hand, there was a disinclination tp make the protect public, by inducing a discussion 216 THE STRANGER'S GUIDE on the subject in Congress ; and »on the other, it was doubtful whether the executive was authorized to | make the necessary appropriations without a law for the purpose. To obviate these difficulties, the com- i mittee offered, in behalf of the association which they represented, to construct the vessel at their expense and risk, if assurances were given, that the i government, which alone could give employment to her, would receive and pay for her after she was I built and her utility demonstrated. It was estimated that she would cost about 320,000 dollars, nearly the sum requisite for a frigate of the first class. " This activity of private citizens for their own protection ; this voluntary offer to risk their funds ; I first, upon the success of the project, then upon a ■ bare assurance of the executive of the government ; and this intimate intercourse between the rulers and the people, present a view of a state of society, of which it is believed there are few examples*. " The project was zealously embraced by the ex- ecutive, and the national legislature, in March 1814, passed a law authorising the President of the United i States to cause to be built, equipped, and employed, one or more floating batteries, for the defence of thei waters of the United States. The building of the- vessel was committed by the coast and harbour de- fence association to a sub-committee of 5 gentle- men. They were General Dearborn, who then! commanded in this district, Col. Henry Rutgers, Oliver Wolcct, Samuel L. Mitchill, and Thomas Morris, Esqrs. who were rocognized by the govern- ment as their agents for this purpose. Mr. Fulton, whose soul, indeed, animated the whole enterprise, was appointed the engineer. " On theSOth June 1814, the keel of this nove!!J and mighty engine was laid, and in little more thanjj * Tiie writer mi^ht have said li no examples, 1 * without feft^ of cofnradkliao. TO THE CITY OP NEW-YORK. 217 4 mouths, that is, on the 29th of October, she was launched from the yard of Adam and Noah Brown, her able and active architects. The scene exhibited on that occasion was magnificent. It happened on one of our bright autumnal days. Multitudes of spectators crowded the surrounding* shores, and were seen upon the hills which limited the beautiful prospect. The river and bay were filled with vessels of war, dressed in all their variety of colours, in compliment to the occasion. In the midst of these was the enormous floating mass, whose bulk and unwieldy form seemed to render her as unfit for motion, as the land bat- erics which were saluting her. Through the fleet )f vessels whieh occupied this part of the harbour, vas seen gliding in 1 every direction, several of our arge steam-boats of the burthen of 3 and 400 tons. These, with bands of music, and crowds of gay and oyous company, were winding through passages left >y the anchored vessels, as if they were moved by mchantment. The heart could not have been hu- nan that did not share in the general enthusiasm ixpressed by the loud shouts of the multitude. He ;ou!d not have been a worthy citizen, who did not hen say to himself, with pride and exultation, this s my country ! and when he looked on the man vhose single geuius had erected the most interest- ng objects of the scene, this is my countryman ! ,4< By May 1815, her engine was put on board, and he was so far completed as to afford an opportunity rf trying her machinery. But, unhappily, before his period, the mind that had conceived and com - >ined it was gone*! It was the pleasure of the Al- nighty that Fulton should live to serve mankind, ind be taken to a better world %• his reward. " On the 4th of July, in the same year, the team-frigate made a passage to the ocean an<< >aek, and went the distance, which, going and eftrrning is 53 miles, in 8 hours and 20 minutes, y the mere force of her engine. These trials T 218 the stranger's guide suggested the correction of some errors, and the supplying of some defects in the machinery. In September she made another passage to the sea, and having at this time the weight of her whole arma- ment on board, she went at an average of 5^ miles an hour, with, and against the tide. When stem- ming the tide, which ran at the rate of 3 miles an hour, she advanced at the rate of 2£ miles an hour. IX. ing every day, they touch at the Blazing Star Ferry ; fare 6 shillings ; at Perth and South Amboy ; fare 8 shillings; and at Brunswick, fare 12 shillings; from Brunswick to Philadelphia, including stages and boats, 5 dollars and 62£ cents— Passengers breakfast and dine on board ; sleep at Trenton, and arrive at Philadelphia at 11 o'clock next morning. Persons going to Bruns- wick, and returning the same day for recreation or health, pa} 7 single fare only. N. B. This company have advertised, that the land carriage, in the course of their tract, is only twenty-Jive miles. To Albany.— The North-River Steam-Boats sail from the bottom of Courtlandt- street, on Tuesday and Friday, at 7 o'clock, A. M. and on Wednesday and Saturday, at 5 o'clock, P. M. To New-Haven and New- London.— The Sound Steam-Boats sail from the bottom of Fulton-street • very Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 7 o'clock, A. M;; fare to New-Haven 5 dollars; from New-Ha- ven to New-London 4 dollars ; from New- York to New-London 8 dollars. To Brooklyn.-— The Steam-Ferry-Boat sails from the bottom of Fulton-street every quarter of an hour, from sunrise to sunset. [See Rates of Ferriage below.] Row-Boats are constantly stationed on both sides this ferry for the accommodation of passengers ; fare G cents and 2 cents. A Team or Horse-Boat sails from the bottom of Catharine-street to Brooklyn every quarter of an hour, from sunrise to sunset ; fare 4 cents. To Elizabeth- Town and Staten- Island. — The Steam- Ferry-Boat to these places sails from the north side of the !Jatterv* twice a day (Sunday excepted) at 10, A. M. and*3 P. M. ; fare 4 shillings. *z To Pawles-Hoolc— The Steam-Ferry-Boat sails from the bottom of Courtlandt-street every half hour, from sunrise to sunset ; fare 12J cents ; carriages from 75 cents to 1 dollar and 50 cents. To TVU!iamsbitrgh.—A Team-Boat sails from the APPENDIX. 223 bottom of Delancey-street at all hours ; fare 6 cents ; carriages 3 shillings. £ A Row-Boat sails at all hours for the same place, from the bottom of Delancey street ; fare 6 cents. To Hoboken.—k Team-Boat sails from the bottom of Murray-street every half hour from sunrise to sun set ; fare 1 shilling ; carriages from 1 dollar to 1 dollar and 50 clents. A sail-boat for the same place starts from the bottom of Spring-street ; fare 12£ cents. To Weehawk. — An open or sail-boat goes from the bottom of Murray-street twice a day with passengers ; fare 9 cents. TRADING SLOOPS. To Philadelphia. — -Vessels, for the transportation of goods to and from Philadelphia, via Lambertou and Trenton, sail every Friday and Tuesday from Whitehall-dock. Agents, Linn and Hardenberg, 8 South-street. To Albany.— A sloop sails from the Albany-Basin, foot of Cedar-street, every day, with goods and pas- sengers for Albany ; fare b dollars. Western Line. — Vessels sail from New- York and Albany every Wednesday and Saturday, with goods, to any part the United States or Canada. Regulations anc?RATES of Ferriage in the Sleam r Boats and Barges from N eta-York to Brooklyn, estab- lished M arch 4th, 1814. cents. Every passenger 4 wagon, cart or sleigh, loaded or empty, drawn by 2 horses, mules or oxen, driver included .... 37j ditto, drawn by 1 horse, driver includ- ed, when loaded .... 25 ditto, when empty, . . .18 milk cart or sleigh, with not more than 4 kettles of milk, full or empty, drawn by 1 horae, driver included . 18 224 Ai'PKiNDlX.. Kvery wagon or rait, -with hay or straw, drawn by 2 horses f mulvs or oxen, driver included . . r . 50 horse, mare or gelding, with or without a saddle , 12J fat ox, steer or bull .... 25 all other neat cattle . . Ill (the ferry master to find head ropc... ; calf, hog or j-heep lamb dead calf, hog or sheep dead lamb, pig or shote a quarter of beef firkin of butter, lard or tallow , . 1 pail or tub of butter, lard or taliow . 2 ether package of ditto ... 3 cheese £ ham ...... £ cwt. of bar iron, nail rods, nail?, steel, shot, painters' colours, lead, pewter, rice, sugar, copperas, allum, brimstone, dye-wood, or any other grocery sold by the cwt cwt. of copper, brass or iron hollow ware 6 cwt. of gun-pou der C cwt. of beaver, racoon skins, or coats, or other furs .... 4 bushel of salt, wheat, rye, Indian corn, buckwheat, flaxseed, or any other grain sold by the bushel . . j bushel of apples, pears, peaches, pota- toes, turnips, walnuts, green beans and peas, and every other article sold by the bushel, heaped measure . « J 100 sheephead, shad or bass . . 12J 100 perch 3 bag of fiour meal or bread, not exceed- ing 2 bushels .... barrel of wheat or flour, rye, or Indian meal .... . ... 3 APPENDIX. 225 Every barrel of bread .... hhd. or pipe of wine, rum, brandy or molasses, containing 120 gallons [in that proportion for casks of a greater or less size.) barrel of soap .... hhd. of cider .... barrel of cider .... barrel of beef or pork empty pipe or hogshead empty tight barrel empty flour cask turkey, goose, brandt, or other wiid tame fowl doz. of small birds . . • 100 eggs . . coach ..... phaeton one-horse chair, standing top other riding chair or gig sulkey pair of cart wheels pair of chair or wagon wheels 1000 three feet shingles 1000 from 24 to 27 inches do. 1000 from IB to 22 inches do. 1000 feet of joist or scantling board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, 14 feet long (in that proportion for boards and planks of different lengths and thickness.) jSlQG lathes for shingling 1000 cedar or pine lathes for ceiling cedar bolt .... ^ 100 pipe staves or heading 100 hhd. do. 100 barrel do. 100 feet window glass tierce of lime .... bushel of loose lime cents. 26' APPENDIX. e€ni*. 100 brkks ..... full trunk or chest 4 feet long 6 empty do. do. *> do. 3 feet long 4 empty do. do. lull do. 2 feet long 2 empty do. do. . . 1 full do. less than 2 feet 1 empty do. do. book-case or cupboard 2 b secretary or chest of drawers 20 mahogany dining table 8 dining table, of other wood 4 mahogany card or tea table 4 card or tea table, of other wood 2 piano-forte • 20 mahogany bedstead 4 bedstead, of other wood 2 clock and case . 25 sideboard 37£ mahogany settee .... 20 mahogany cradle .... 6 doz. of Windsor, or other sitting chairs 12J case with full bottles 4 case with empty bottles 2 doz. wool or cotton cards . 2 bale of cotton or wool 10 cwt. of do. not in bales 6 doz. scythes 2 corn fan 1 piece of osnaburgs or duck o piece of blankets, duffels, coatings or frieze ...... 4 piece of broad cloth, serge, shrouds, flan- nel, halfthicks or druggist }• piece of duroy, calimancoes, shalloons, 1 or linen cloz. of men or bojV hat3 1 man or woman 7 * saddle 1 pair of blankets . ... 1 /LPPENDIX. very rug , • , doz. of spades or shovels looking-glass, as follows : plate 6 feet long do. 5 feet do. do. 4 feet do. do. 3 feet do. do. 2 feet do. all under 2 feet picture, as follows : glass 4 feet loDg or upwards do. 3 feet do. do. 2 feet do. all under 2 feet doz. frying pans empty firkin or pail 2 bushel basket (smaller in proportion, doz. empty bags .... i side of sole leather .... 1 aide of upper leather ... i calf's skin \ beef's hide 2 bear skin, or dry hide, or horse skin . h barrel of tar, pitch, turpentine, or rozin 6 ton of cordage, hemp, or flax . . 62 J coach body 25 chaise, chair, or sulkey body . . 9 crate of earthen ware . . 12A do. of flaxseed and dry beans or peas of 7 bushels 1 100 oysters or clams ... 1 sheaf of straw . - . . . £ feather bed 3 cat-tail, or straw bed ... 1 mattrass of hair or wool . , .. 2 chaldron of coals . . .50 cord of nut wood . . .80 cord of oak or other wood . . 70 kettle of milk, of 8 gallons or upwards 2 empty milk kettle ^ ... 1 cents 1 50 30 20 12 4 1 228 APPEITDIS. cents. E^erv musket or fowling piece ... 1 ream of paper .... 1 fruit or other tree, more than G or less than 10 feet long ... 4 all under G feet ... | pot or box of flowers or shrubs . i corpse of an adult .... 25 corpse of a child .... 124 cwt. of hay . . . . .10 do? .-4 boat of household furniture, when a sin- gle boat is required . . . 150 Whenever a certain rate of ferriage is fixed for any particular quantity or weight of goods or merchandize, a proportionable rate . f hall be taken for any greater or less quantity or weight of the same goods. No ferriage shall be paid for a suckling child, or for such small articles, not before enumerated, as a woman carries in -her apron, or a man or a boy in his hand, or under his arm. Persons refusing to pay the above rates, to forfeit treble the rale, with costs of suit. Disputes to be set- tled by any justice of the peace. Ferryman overcharging, forfeits 2 dollars and 50 cents for each offence. Boats to be- at all times in readiness during May, June, July, August and September, fitem half an hour before sunrise to 9 o'clock in the evening; and from sunrise to o o'clock during the rest of the year. De- tention of passengers more than five minutes, except when the passage is dangerous, subjects to a penalty of 50 cents. Inhabitants of Brooklyn may transport their own goods in their own boats, but not the goods of others ; penalty 2 dollars and 50 cents. A sufficient number of barges to be kept at the fer- ries for passengers. No baggage or lumber admitted ; penalty 2 dollars Two men to be employed in each boat and barge un- der a penalty of 5 dollar- . APPENDIX. The inhabitants of Brooklyn, or Long-Island, may- compound by the year with the lessee of the ferry for the sum of 10 dollars, and in the same proportion for 8 months, for each person, for the privilege of passing: across the ferry in steam- boats, common barges, and sail-boats. Refusing or neglecting to compound, when required, subjects to a penalty of 20 dollars. All gambling prohibited in steam-boats by act of the Legislature, dated April 17, 1816. Penalty, fine, or imprisonment, in the option and discretion of th* court. No. II. Departure of Mail Stages. RATES AND REGULATIONS. To Washington. — United States Mail Stage, from No. 1 Courtlandt- street, every day at 12 o'clock ; fare 24 dollars. To Boston.— United States Mail Stage, from No. 1 Courtlandt-street, every morning at 8 o'clock ; fare 16 dollars, To Baltimore. — United States Mail Stage, from No. 1 Courtlandt-street, every day at 12 o'clock ; fare 18 dollars. To Philadelphia. — United States Mail Stage, from No. 1 Courtlandt-street, every day at 12 o'clock ; ar- rives at Philadelphia next morning at 5 o'clock ; fare 10 dollars 50 cents. Swiftsure Mail Stage to Philadelphia, from Samuel Lyon's, corner of Greenwich and Courtlandt streets, every morning at 8 o'clock ; fare 5 dollars 50 cents. To New-Haven. — Mail Stage, from No. 5 Court- landt-street, every morning at 8 o'clock ; fare 4 dol- lars ; 14 lbs. of baggage gratis, 100 lbs. the same as a seat. To Sag-Harbour. — The New- York and Sag-Har- bour Mail Stage, from S. Smith's, Brooklyn, every Wednesday, at 5 o'clock, P. M. ; fare 5 dollars. To Southampton. — The New-York and Southamp- ton Mail Stage, from S. Smith's, Brooklyn, every Wed- nesday, at 5 o'clock, P. M. ; fare 5 dollars. Departure of Stages and Stage Wagons. To Morristown. — Every morning at 9 o'clock, from No. 73 Courtlandt-street ; fare 1 dollar 75 cents. *To East-Town. — Every Wednesday and Friday, at 9 o'clock, A. M. from No. 73 Courtlaudt-strcct ; fare 5 dollars. To Newtown, Sussex County. — Every Thursday at 9 o'clock, A. M. from No. 73 Courtlandt-street ; fare 3 dollars. To Brunswick. —Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sa- turday, at 9 o'clock, A. M. from No. 73 Courtlandt- street ; fare 1 dollar 75 cents. To Paterson. — Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 11 o'clock, A M. from No. 73 Courtlandt-street; fare 1 dollar 50 cents. To Hanover. — Every Tuesday and Saturday, at 9 o'clock, A. M. from No. 73 Courtland-street ; fare 1 dollar 50 cents. To Parcipany.— Every Tuesday and Saturday, at 9 o'clock, A. M. from No. 73 Courtlandt-street ; fare i dollar 25 cents. To Neivajk. — Every morning at half past 8;o'dock, and at half past 4 in the afternoon, from No. 79 Court- landt-street ; fare 50 cents. N.B. No coach on Sun- day afternoon. To Belville.— Every Monday, Wednesday, Thurs- day, and Saturday, at half past 3 o'clock, P. M. from No. 79 Courtlandt-street ; fare 50 cents To Greenwich. — Every two hours, from New-street, corner of Wall-street ; fare 25 cents. To Jamaica. — Every day at 4 o'clock, P. M. from JohnR. Bedell's, Brooklyn; fare 62J cents. To Oyster-Bay. — Every Tuesday and Saturday, at 11 o'clock, A. M. from J.R. Bedell's, Brooklyn; fare 1 dollar. To Oyster-Bay, South. — Every Wednesday, at 1 o'clock, P.M. from Benjamin Smith's, Brooklyn; fare 7£ cents* APPENDIX. 231 To Hampstead. — Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sa- turday, at 3 o'clock, P. M. from J. R. Bedell's, Brook- lyn ; fare 75 cents. To Hampstead Harbour. — Every Tuesday, at it o'clock, A. M. from J. R. Bedell'sj^Brooklyn ; fare 75 cents. To Babylon. — Every Wednesday and Saturday, at 8 o'clock, A. M. from J. R. Bedell's, Brooklyn; fare 1 dollar 25 cent's. To Jericho, — Every Tuesday and Saturday, at 1 o'clock, P. M. from Benjamin Smith's, Brooklyn : and pvery Wednesday, at 1 o'clock, P. M. from J. R. Be- dell's, Brooklyn; fare 75 cents. To Buckram. — Every Friday, at 1 1 o'clock, A. from J. R. Bedell's, Brooklyn; fare 75 cents. To Musquito Cove. — Every Thursday and Friday, from J. R. BedelPs, Brooklyn: and every Tuesday and Saturday, at 1 o'clock, P. M. from Benjamin Smith's, Brooklyn ; fare 75 cents. To Jerusalem. — Every Tuesday and Wednesday, at 2 o'clock, P. M. from J. R. Bedell's, Brooklyn : fare 75 cents. To Herricks. — Every Saturday, at 2 o'clock, P. M. from J. R. Bedell's, Brooklyn: and every Saturday, at 1 o'clock, P. M. from Benjamin Smith's, Brooklyn ; fare 62£ cents. To Wesiberry and Whitby. — Every Tuesday and Saturday, at 1 o'clock, P. M. from Benjamin Smith's, Brooklyn ; fare 75 cents. To Eastwoods. — Every Friday, at 1 o'clock, P. M. from Benjamin Smith's, Brooklyn ; fare 75 cents. To Flatbush, — Every morning at 10 o'clock, and every evening at half past 6 o'clock, from Sammis & Place's, Brooklyn ; fare 25 cents. To Flushing and N ewtoven. — Every day at 4 o'clock, P. M. from Sammis & Place's, Brooklyn ; fare 62£ cents. To Huntington. — Every Tuesday at 9 o'clock, A. M. from Sammis & Place's, Brooklvn ; fare 1 dol- lar. To Rockaway (Jar). — Every Tuesday, Thursday and APPENDIX. Saturday, at 3 o'clock, P. M. from J, R. Bedell^. Brooklyn; Tare 1 dollar. To Rockaway (near). Every Wednesday, at 1 f o'clock, from J. R. Bedell's, Brooklyn; fare t/J cents. By an act of the legislature, passed April 11th. 1C17. it is enacted, " that no owner nor owners of any stage coach, wagon, or sleigh, running or travelling upon anv road in this state, for the conveyance of passengers, shall hereafter employ, or continue in employment, any person or persons to drive such stage, who is or are ad- dicted to drunkenness, or the excessive use of ardent spirits, or any spirituous liquor whatever." Penalty 100 dollars for every month such person is continued in employment. Running stage coach, &c. to pass or prevent being passed by any other, subject to a penalty of 5 dollars. By section 3d, it is enacted, " that it shall not be lawful for any owner or owners of any line of stages, that may have commenced, or may hereafter commence running on any road in this state, to exact or receive , from any passengers more than seven cents per mile fdi | each passenger." < No. 111. Hackney Coach and Carnage. \ RATES AJTD REGULATIONS. The Mayor of the city for the time being shall iia\ei p full authority, from time to time, to issue licenses, to li so many persons as he may think proper, to keep hack- ney coaches and carriages for hire, and to revoke all oi i; any of the said licenses: No license shall continue in ifa force for a longer time than until the first Monday in h May next after the date thereof : Every license shalli m state the number of hackne} r coaches or carriages which pei the person is authorized to keep, and also the numbei m of his license. Each person who may be licensed shal ) APPENDIX. 233 pay to the Mayor, for the use of the city, 5 dollars for every hackney coach or carriage. If any person shall keep any hackney coach or carriage for hire in the city, without being licensed, or any greater number than may be specified in his license, he shall forfeit 100 dolls. If any hackney coach or carriage shall resort to any of the stands hereinafter designated, without having the I number of the license placed in plain legible figures, of at least two inches in length, in a conspicuous manner, at the centre of the pannel of both of the doors of such hackney coach or carriage, and on the outside of the same, the owner and driver thereof shall respectively forfeit 10 dollars for every such offence. Hackney coaches and carriages may stand waiting 1 |or employment at all times, (Sundaj's excepted) ad- joining the side-walks, around the Bowling-green; on the easterly side of Broadway, from the poplar trees at the southerly corner of the Park, to a point opposite the southerly side of Murray-street ; on the northerly side of Chatham-row, from the poplar trees at the southerly corner of the Park, to a point opposite the southerly- side of Frankfort-street ; on Chatham-square ; on the easterly side of Broadway opposite to the corner of White-street ; on the northerly side of Courtlandt-street slip, adjacent to the Steam-Boat Ferry wharf; and in the centre of Fulton-street, adjacent to the Steam- Boat Ferry wharf: no hackney coach or carriage shall be placed along side of any other hackney coach or carriage. If any hackney coach or carriage shall stand waiting for employment at any other public street or place, or in any other manner than is herein directed, ) the owner shall forfeit the sum of 10 dollars. If the driver of any hackney coach or carriage, while r waiting for employment at either of the said stands , a shall snap or flourish his whip, or shall not remain upon a the seat of such carriage, (excepting when it may be II necessary for him to 1 :ave it,) or shall interrogate any h person about employing a carriage, he shall forfeit the ?t sura of 5 dollars. i The prices or rates to be taken by the owners of U 2 drivers of hackney coaches or carriages, shall be u» follows : d. c . For conveying a passenger for any distance not exceeding one mile - - - - 2a For conveying one passenger any distance ex- ceeding a mile, and within the Lamp and Watch Districts - - - - . 50 For every additional passenger - - 25 For conveying one passenger to the New Aims- House and returning - - - - 75 For every additional passenger and returning 37£ For conveying one or more passengers around the First or Sandy-hill Tour - - 10 For conveying one or more passengers around the Second or Love-lane Tour - - 2 For conveying one or more passengers around the Third or Lake's Tour - - - 2 50 For conveying one or more passengers around the Fourth or Apfhorp's 'J our, with the pri- vilege of detaining the carriage two hours 3 50 For conveying one or more passengers to Har- laem and returning, with the privilege c; de- taining the carriage two hours - - 4 For conveying one or more passengers to King.-- bridge and returning, wi-'h the privilege of keeping the carnage ail day 5 For conveying one or more passengers any dis- tance not herein mentioned or described and returning, for every mile which they may pro- ceed from the said stands respect ively - 50 For attending a funeral within the Lamp and Watch Districts 2 Whenever a hackney coach or carriage shall he de- tained, excepting as aforesaid, the owner or driver shall be allowed after the rate of 75 cents for an hour, and m that proportion for a greater or less period of time. The owners or drivers shall not be entitled to de- mand, or receive any hire-pay or compensation for the conveyance of any passenger, unless the number of the APPENDIX. 235 carriage, and the rates and prices shall be fixed and placed in the, manner herein directed, at the time such passenger or passengers were conveyed in such car- riage, nor from anv passenger from whom any such owner or driver shall demand or ask any greater price or rates than he may be entitled to receive as afore- said : and upon the trial of any cause for the recovery of any of the aforesaid prices or rates, it shall be in- cumbent upon the plaintiff to prove that the number, and prices or rates were placed and fixed, in pursuance of the provisions of this law. If the owner or driver shall ask or receive any larger sum than they may be entitled to receive as aforesaid, they shall forfeit the sum of 20 dollars. There shall be fixed up in a conspicuous place within the ^aid carriages, and in such a manner as will be rea- dily observed by persons in the same, a card, or paper, containing the number of the license, the name of the owner of said carriage, and the whole of the rates, printed in plain legible characters, under the penalty of 26 dollars for every time any such carriage shall come upon either of the said stands, or shall convey any pas- senger, without having such a card or paper so placed ; which penalty may be recovered of the owner or driver of said hackney coach or carriage. If the owner or driver of any hackney coach or car- riage, while on any of the said stand*, shall refuse or neglect to convey any person to any place on the inland of New- York, upon being applied to for that purpose, they shall forfeit 15 dollars. The Attorney of the Corporation shall be authorized, upon the recovery and receipt of any penalty under (bis ordinance, to pay over the whole oi the frame, after de- ducting his fees, to the person who shall give him such information as shall enable him to prosecute Ihe orlcn- der to judgment. It shall be the duty of the persons who are appointed by the Common Council to give information lor <,;:• :e s against the laws and ordinances, to examine the hack- ney coaches and carriages, at lea&t once in each n eck, 236 APPENDIX. and portico, cellar door, platform, stoop or step, which now is, or may hereafter at any time be erected or placed ! in any street, contrary to this ordinance, to be taken \ down, altered, or removed from the street," as to the , Commissioner shall seem meet ; penalty of obstruction I 25 dcllars. Incumbering streets, wharfs or piers, II 6i with any thing whatsoever," without permission ; pe- II, nalty 5 dollars. Trees. — Not to be planted on the streets to the south L and west of Grand-street less than 40 feet wide ; and on the foot-path only : penalty 5 dollars. Cutting L down, destroying, or injuring any tree standing in any ^ public street, prohibited: penalty 5 dollars. Carts and Carriages. — Not to be driven or backed on the foot-paths ; penalty 5 dollars. Goods and Murchandizt. — Not to be placed at a . M greater distance than 12 inches from stores or houses, ^ so as to remain longer than one hour ; and not to load, drive, or ride any horse, or drag or wheel any barrow* L or saw any wood, or lay any wood or coal, or other J , I timber, on th" foot-path : penalty 5 dollar*. J . APPENDIX. 253 Cross Walks. — Not to be obstructed by horses, carts, or carriages ; penalty 5 dollars. Earth— No turf, sand, clay, or earth, to be removed from the streets; penalty 25 dollars. Buildings.— Before erected, the ground to be pre- j viously viewed and iaid out by the surveyors : penalty 50 dollars. Fire-wood. — Cord-wood to measure 4 feet, including half the scarf: penalty 1 dollar each load. Not to be loaded on the docks or wharves until sold ; penalty $ 5. The rungs of each cart to measure 3 feet 8 inches i high from the floor of the cart ; the breadth between the I two foremost rungs 2 feet 5 inches, and between the two f hindmost, 2 feet 9 inches. The wood to be closely stowed to the top of the rungs : penalty 5 dollar*. Crooked wood to be sold as refuse. Short wood to J be stowed on the cart in sufficient quantity to make a (quarter of a cord, in the judgment of the inspectors of J fire -wood; penalty 1 dollar. Inspectors to inspect the loading of all fire-wood for I sale, and to receive, from the seller, three cents for each | load inspected. Cartmen and sawyers prohibited from purchasing hvood, except for their own use, or by order; penalty I 15 dollars. Wood for sale deposited in yards to be inspected, (j and sold under the same regulations. May be purchased in the 10th Ward by the cord or j! measurement ; subject to the inspectors. Retailers of liquors. — Every person licensed to keep | ,{ a tavern, ordinary, or victualling house, to sell wine. brandy, rum, strong waters, cider, beer, ale, or any ex- Icisable or strong liquors," must, within 10 days after opening store, &c. place a sign or board on front of Ijtheir house or store, containing their name at full length, |and denoting that they are licensed to retail liquors to | be drank in their house ; penalty for neglect $ 1 a-week. Swine. — Not to go at large without having a ring in Itheirnose ; penalty 3 dollars. I Tin plate and Earthen Ware. — Not to be sold in the ■public streets or slips; penalty 10 dollars. Mnv be Y #54 APPENDIX. sold on board a vessel, or in front of a shop or manu- factory. Awnings. — May be placed in front of any house, or store, from 1st April to 1st November. Not be less than 7 feet in height above the side walk, and the posts must be placed close to the curb-stone ; penalty 10 dollars. Lime. — To be sold by the load, and conveyed through the streets on a cart, with a tight box, to contain 1G bushels, and sufficiently covered over ; penalty 3 dol- lars each load. ITo lime to be sifted or screened in the open streets ; penalty 5 dollars. No vessel with lime to lay in the slips or wharfs, ex- cept when discharging cargo. No lime-house permitted in the streets longer than 3 months, nor between 1st November and 1st April; penal- ty 25 dollars each day. Inspectors not to purchase lime, except for their own use ; penalty 25 dollars. Sales by auction. — No goods to be sold on the streets except between 9 o'clock A. M. and 2 P. M.; penalty 10 dollars. Goods not to be sold in the streets without the per- mission of the occupant of the house, store, or lot, be- \ fore which the goods are laid ; not to be placed on the side walk, nor occupy more than a third part in width of the cart way, or lane ; penalty 10 dollars. j , Salted be^f or pork, dried or pickled fish, blubber, j ; hides, or cotton wool, not to be exposed fop sale be- tween 1st June and 1st November; penalty 50 dollars. ( Household furniture to be sold only at Peck-slip, be- | j tween Pearl and Water-streets ; at Fulton-street, be- tween Water and Front-streets ; at Burling-slip, be- , tween Pearl and Front-streets ; at Old-slip, between j Water and Front-streets; in Broad-street, between { Front and South-streets; and in Vesey street, between Greenwich and Washington-streets ; penalty 10 do!- . lars. s Carriages and animals to be exposed to sale in Elm- \ street, between White-street and Canal-street ; penaltv ^ TO dollars. APPENDIX. 255 »ery article exposed to sale at auction, in the pub- lic streets, to be removed by 5 o'clock P. M. of the day oi* selling ; penalty 10 dollars. No bellman, cryer, drum, or fife, instrument of mu- sic, or any other show, signal, or flag:, to be used at any place of sale by auction ; penalty 10 dollars. All dry goods, hardware, wooden or tin ware, ex- posed to sale by auction, in the streets, except articles of household furniture, to be sold wholesale, and not in small parcels or pieces ; penalty 10 dollars. Coal. — -To be sold by the bushel, in measures of the same capacity as those used at the Custom-house ; pe- n-airy 1 dollar. Coal vessels not to lie in front of any of the public markets ; penalty 10 dollars. Rivers. — Placing of fences or stakes, or any other thing to obstruct the navigation of the rivers or bays, or the fisheries, prohibited ; penalty 50 dollars. Manure. — To be sold in cart or wagon loads, con 1 taining 14 bushels heaped measure. All manure, sand, earth, or clay, to be carted in close boxes, with a tail board 16 inches high, and well secured ; penalty 5 dol- lars. Inspectors appointed ; to receive 3 cents for each load of manure inspected: one-third to be paid by the seller, and two-thirds by the buyer. Hay.— To be sold by weight, allowing 112 lbs. to the hundred weight ; penalty 10 dollars. Carters cart- ing without weighing, 5 dollars penalty every load. Engines erected for weighing hay ; the weigh-master to receive 25 cents for every cart or wagon-load, one- half to be paid by the seller and the other by the buyer. Hay-cartmea licensed, and sworn to be careful in in- specting the hay ; -penalty 5 dollars : to have the num- ber of his cart painted on a tin plate and fixed to the shaft ; penalty 20 dollars. Boats bringing hay to the city have the privilege, in preference to all other vessels, of occupying a large space at Whitehall-slip ; at Gouverneur's-slip, and one birth in Duane-street basin. Penalty for preventing their approach 10 dollars. APPEICDIX. No fire or lighted candle allowed on board, while at the docks wilh hay, or within 50 yards thereof; penalty 25 dollars. Dogs.— Noi suffered to go at large ; penalty 10 dol- lars. Owner to register every dog, and to pay a tax for each of 3 dollars per annum ; penalty 5 dollars. May be seized and killed, if at large, and the car- case buried, for which 50 cents is paid out of the trea- sury; penalty 100 dollars for preventing the execution of this ordinance. Vaults and Cisterns.— Not to be made in the streets without permission of the Common Council ; penalty 100 dollars. Fifteen cents for every square foot of ground to be paid for permission ; penalty 200 dollars. The outward side of the grating or opening of every vault to be within 12 inches of the curb-stone ; penalty 100 dollars. Guns. — No discharge of fire-arms permitted within 5 miles of the City-Hall, or within 100 yards of any road or highway in the county ; penalty 25 dollars. Military duties excepted. Park, Battery and Bowling-Green.— Playing at ball, quoits, foot races, or other sport, prohibited on these grounds ; penalty 5 dollars. Squibs and Crackers. — To sell, or expose these for sale, except in packages of 1000, subjects to a penalty of 25 dollars. Snow and Ice.— U Within the first 4 hours between sunrise and sunset, after every fall of snow, or hail, or rain, which shall freeze on the side walks and gutters, " the same to be removed to the breadth of one foot op- posite every lot, house, church, or other building, and the side walks strewed with ashes, sand, or other pro- per materials ; penalty 2 dollars ; and 12J cents for every 25 feet in length not cleaned or strewed. Gutters obstructed wilh " ice, dirt, or other thing," to be cleared out to the width of one foot, within two hours after notice given by the Street-Inspector ; pen- alty 5 dollars. Raising and lowenng of Merchandize.— Above the Appendix. 257 first floor, no cask, bale, bundle, box or crate, to be raised from the street, or lowered by a pully, tackle, or windlass ; penalty 25 dollars. Vegetables. — Potatoes, turnips and other vegetables sold by measure, to be sold by the grain bushel and half bushel, and to be heaped measure ; penalty 10 dollars. The buyer entitled to have any quantity, not less than half a bushel, measured, for which the measurer is paid 2 cents by the seller. Blowing Horns. — Blowing horns, ringing bells, or causing a noise to be made upon any instrument, pro- hibited ; penalty 5 dollars. Hand Bills. — Advertisements or handbills u giving notice of any person's having, or professing to have, skill in the curing of any disease, or of the sale of any nostrum or medicine," are prohibited ; penalty 50 dol- lars. Pumps.— Wilful damage to any of these a penalty of 15 dollars. Partition Fences. — Made and maintained by the owners of land on each side, at their mutual expense. Weights and Measures.— Weights, measures, or scale-beams, to be adjusted, sealed and marked by a sealer, conformable to the standard of the state. Once in every year at least he may inspect all weights, mea- sures and beams ; penalty for using other weights, or obstructing the sealer, 50 dollars. Fish.— The sale of meagre or black shad, prohibit- ed ; and trout not to be brought into the city between the 15th October and 15th March, or weighing less than 6 ounces ; penalty 10 dollars. Fines and Penalties.— To be sued for and recovered with costs, in the name of " the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New- York," and the one- half of each penalty to be paid by the Attorney of the Corporation, to the person giving him such information, as shall enable him to prosecute the offender to justice, The parent, guardian, master, mistress, or owner, ol* any minor, apprentice, slave or servant that xnav inctr Y 2 APPENDIX. any of the above penalties, to pay the same, and may be prosecuted on refusal. No. VIII. .'Issize of Bread and Inspectors Regulations. Every baker or other person who shall carry on the trade of a baker, either in person or by employing others, within the city, shall cause all their loaf bread to be marked with the initial letters of their christian and surname, plainly to be seen on each loaf; and all loaf-bread which shall not be so marked shall be for- feited, and given to the poor of the city; and the per- son offending shall also forfeit 10 cents, for every loaf so neglected to be marked as aforesaid. All bakers shall make, or cause to be made, all their loaf bread of good and wholesome flour or meal, and according to the assize established by this ordi- nance, or any other ordinance hereafter to be passed, directing the assize of loaf- bread ; and all loaf-bread baked within the city which shall be found not to have been made of good and wholesome flour or meal, or not to be of good quality, or wanting in weight, according to the assize established at the time, shall be forfeited for the use of the poor of the city ; and the baker shall moreover forfeit 10 cents for every loaf thereof. No bread shall be forleited for the want of weight only, unless the same shall be ascertained within eight hours after the same is baked ; and whenever any loaf- bread shall be inspected or weighed to ascertain the weight (hereof, more than 8 hours after the same shall have been baked, the Inspector shall make such allow- ance as in his judgment shall be just, having regard to the time the same shall have been baked more than 8 hours ; and if the same shall be found deficient in weight after making such allowances, the same shall be for- feited in the same manner as though it had been in- spected or weighed within the 8 hours after the same APPENDIX. 259 was baked, and then found under the due weight, ac- cording to the assize ; and whenever an allowance re- specting the weight of bread shall be claimed on ac- count of its having been baked 8 hours as aforesaid, the burden of the proof respecting the time when it was baked shall be on the baker or proprietor thereof. The Inspector shall, when inspecting or weighing bread, make sucb allowance as in his judgment shall be just for any deficiency of weight only, in what are called split or twisted loaves. The Common Council shall, from time to time, ap- point three lit persons to be Inspectors of Bread, and assign a district to each, whose duty it shall be to in- spect and examine all loaf-bread, on the same day on which the same shall be baked, and ascertain and de- termine whether the same is marked, is made of good and wholesome dour or meal, and is of a good quality; and to determine whether the weight be sufficient, ac- cording to this ordinance and the established assize ; for those purposes every Inspector shall have power and authority, at all suitable times, to enter any bake- house, shop, store- house, or other building or enclosure? where any loaf-bread shall be kept, within the district so to be assigned to him ; and also to stop and detain in any street, whether the same shall be within his in- spection district or not, any baker or other person car- rying any loaf-bread baked within the city ; and there, or in any suitable place, to inspect, examine, weigh, and determine respecting such loaf- bread, according to the true intent and meaning of this ordinance ; and if any uart thereof shall be forfeited, and liable to seizure, the Inspector shall immediately, or within six hours thereafter, convey all such bread to the .^Ims-House, for the use of the poor. And it shall be the duty of the Inspector to inspect and examine the loaf-bread baked within the inspection district so to be assigned to him, on the same day on which the same shall be baked, so far as it shall be practicable for him so to do. Each of the Inspectors shall receive as a compensa- tion for his services, the annual salary or sum of 40.0 jtoUars, payable ifi equal quarterly payments. 260 APPENDIX. The said Inspectors to be appointed as aforesaid,! shall, before entering: on the execution of the duties of ,{ their office, respectively take an oath or affirmation before the Mayor or Recorder, well and faithfully to ' execute the powers and trusts reposed in them, without favour or partiality. The Chamberlain shall cause to be published every Saturday in the newspapers employed by this Corpo- .| ration, an assize of bread for the ensuing week, in the form hereinafter mentioned. And every loaf of bread j of the price of 124 cents, and every loaf of bread of the price of 6i cents, shall be of the weight mentioned in , such assize. The weight of every loaf of bread of the price of 6k cents, shall be of half the weight of a loaf of bread of the price of 12^ cents ; and the weight of a loaf jof bread of the price of 12 j cents shall be ascertained as follows : \ barrel of flour shall be estimated to produce 4032 ounces of bread ; and a profit of 4 dollars and 25 cents shall be allowed to the baker on each barrel of flour, as a compensation for making the bread. Then the value of a barrel of such flour being added to the sum of 4 dollars and 25 cents, and the sum being divid- ed by 12J cents, and the number 4032 being divided by the quotient, the last quotient will be the number of ounces which a loaf of the price of 12i cents must weigh. Thus supposing the value of a barrel of flour to be $9 00 i Add 4 25 13 25 Divide 1325 by 12-J, and the quotient is 106. Divide 1032 by 106, and the quotient is 38_2_ ? being the weight of the loaf. But whenever the first quotient shall con- | tain a fraction less than half an ounce, such fraction shall, in fixing the assize, be omitted ; and when such fraction shall be more than half an ounce, then, in fix- ing the assize, one ounce shall be added in lieu of the I fraction. And the Chamberlain shall deliver to any 1 Inspector, and to any baker who may request the same, I a copy of such assize, which assize shall be estimated I on the market price of New* York flour. APPENDIX. 261 The assize of all bread made Avholly of wheat flour, or wholly of rye meal, shall be established by the Chamberlain alone ; and the assize of all mixed bread made of wheat flour and Indian meal, or of wheat flour and rye meal, shall be made by the Chamberlain and inspectors, or a majority of them, as they shall judge equitable and proper. The form of such assize shall be as follows : Y>h Cents loaf. 6$ Cents loaf. Superfine wheat flour oz. oz. Do. mixed with Indian meal oz. oz. Do. mixed with rye meal oz. oz. Rye flour oz. oz. No. IX. TVeigh-M asters and Measurers, RATES AND REGULATIONS. The Weigh-masters appointed by the Common Coun- cil of the city shall be entitled to demand and receive the following fees, the one half to be paid by the buy- er, and the other half by the seller , but the employer shall be liable for the payment thereof in the first instance : For weighing hemp, flax, and hides, 3 cents per cwt. — — — Brazilletta-wood, 4 do. do. ■ Anchors and cables above 8 cwt. - 5 do. do. — ' Anchors and cables of less weight, and all other goods and articles, - - - - 2 do. do. In that proportion for a greater or less quantity ; but if the amount of fees so received for weighing any of the foregoing articles at any one place do not exceed 10 dollars, then the said Weigh-master shall be entitled to receive 1 cent for each cwt. so weighed, in addition to the foregoing rates. Every such Weighniasler shall be entitled to demand and receive from the person employing him, the amount of the expense of remov- 262 APFENDIX. ing his scales and weights, provided the fees which he may receive do not exceed 1 dollar. It shall be the duty of every Weigh-master, if re- quired, to make a return of the articles neighed, and, where it can be done, to mark on each the weight in blacking or red chalk, in legible and durable figures. If any Weigh-master shall neglect to attend in person to the duties of his office, (except in case of sickness or inability to attend,) or shall ask, demand, or receive any greater compensation for his services than is allow- ed as aforesaid, or shall exercise the office of Weigh- master under any other appointment, he shall forfeit 50 dollars. If any person not holding the appointment of Weigh- Master under the Common Council shall exercise the office of Weigh-master, to weigh any article for any pri- vate person or persons, every such person shall forfeit and pay for every such offence the sum of 25 dollars. The Measurers appointed by the Common Council shall be entitled to demand and receive the following fees, to be paid as aforesaid : For measuring short ship timber, for every ton, con- sisting of 40 cubic feet, 25 cents ; all raft timber, for every ton, 6 ; every 1,000 feet superficial measure, of boards, plank, and scantling, 37£. Measuring salt or grain, 1 dollar every 100 bushels. Measuring lime, 12^ cents every load of 16 bushels. Measuring charcoal, J cent per bushel ; and for mea- suring sea-coal, 25 cents per chaldron. And after the same rate for a greater or less quantity. If any person not holding the appointment of Mea- sure under the Common Council shall exercise the office of a Measurer, to measure any articles except lumber or wood, of any description, for himself or for any other person, for any purpose whatever, except for the immediate and sole use of such person so measuring, and not for the purpose of sale thereafter, such person shall forfeit 10 dollars ; or in case of measuring lumber or wood of any description, such unauthorized persos shall forfeit 5U dcllare. APPENDIX . £53 No. X. Publie Market Regulations. fcvery day in the week, except Sunday, is appointed a public market-day within the said city ; and the pub- lic markets shall be held at such place or places as the Common Council of the said city shall, from time to time, direct and appoint. Such part thereof not ap- propriated to butchers, fishermen, sellers of vegetables, or others, may be occupied by all persons resorting to the public Markets to sell provisions. Suitable persons shall be appointed Deputy Clerks of the public Markets, whose duty it shall be to collect the market-fees. The Deputy Clerks shall, before entering upon the duties of their offices, execute a bond, with one surety, in the sum of 1000 dollars, for the faithful performance of their duties ; and also take and subscribe an oath or affirmation, well and faithfully to execute the office of Deputy Clerks, and make a true and faithful account of all monies received by them in that capacity, once in every month to the Comptroller, and pay the same to the Treasurer. No person, other than a licensed butcher, shall cut up in any of the public Markets, or in any street in this city, any beef, pork, veal, mutton, or lamb, or expose the same to sale by the joint, or in pieces, under the penalty of 12 dollars and 50 cents for each offence. No licensed butcher, nor his agent, or servant, shall cut, or expose for sale in any part of the public Mar- kets, other than at his own licensed stall or stand, any | beef, pork, veal, mutton, or lamb, under the penalty of I 5 dollars for the first offence ; and, if repeated, he shall forfeit his license. No butcher, nor his agent, or servant, shall sell, or expose to sale any kind qf meat in any of the public J Markets after the hour of 1 in the afternoon, between Ithe 1st day of May and the 1st day of November ; and I after the hour of 2 in the afternoon, between the last [ day of October and the 4st day of May, except ©n I 264 APPENDIX. Saturday, under the penalty of 3 dollars for each of- fence. Each and every Butcher shall have and use his own scales and weights ; which scales shall be displayed in some conspicuous place in front of or at the side of his stall, under the penalty of 5 dollars for each and every offence : Any two Butchers having stalls adjoining to each other, may have one set of scales and weights in common between them : such scales being suspend- ed in a conspicuous place between their stalls ; each of the said Butchers being responsible for the justness of said scales and weights. It shall not be lawful for any person or persons, until after the hour of twelve at noon, to purchase in any of the public Markets, any provisions, or articles of any kind usually sold in the public Markets, with intent to sell the same again at any place in this city, under the penalty of 10 dollars for each offence. It shall not be lawful for any person commonly call- ed a Huckster, to sell or expose for safe, in any of the public Markets, or in any street or place within this city, any provisions or articles of any kind usually sold in the public Markets, (other than vegetables and fruit,) under the penalty of 5 dollars for each offence. No person shall sell or offer for sale in any of the public Markets, or in any part of this city, any un- wholesome or stale articles of provision, or any blown, plated, raised, or stuffed meat, or measly pork, under the penalty of 10 dollars for each offence. No Butcher or other person shall, between the first day of May and the first day of November, bring into or place in any of the public Markets, any untried fat, commonly called gut-fat ; nor at any time or season the head of any sheep or lamb, unless the same shall be skinned and properly cleaned ; nor any sheep or lamb in carcase or quarter, with the foot or trotter thereto, nor any hides or skins, (calves skins excepted,) under the penalty of 10 dollars for each offence. All butter brought to any of the public Markets for nl^, shall be sold by weight ; and if in rolls, such rolls shall contain one or more pounds weight, without any APPENDIX. 2Bp fraction of a pound: no person shall sell any butter in any vessel other than such as hath the weight marked thereon before it is brought into Market, nor sell or weigh out therefrom any butter into smaller quantities, in any of the said public Markets, under the penalty of 5 dollars for each offence. The following fees, shall be paid by the licensed Butchers who have no leases from the Corporation, and country people with the produce of their own farms, for their respective stalls, standings, places, boards, shelter, and other things necessary for their standing in such public Markets respectively : cents. For every quarter of beef, ... 6 For every hog, shoat, or pig, above fourteen pounds weight, 6 For each calf, sheep, or lamb, ... 4 Every other person to pay for every quarter of beef 18 For every hog, shoat, or pig, above 14 lbs. . 13 For every calf, sheep, or lamb, . . .12 No person shall sell or expose for sale any fresh meat in quarters, joints, or in piece?, in any street or place in this city, other than in the public Markets, or the streets adjoining or contiguous thereto, used for such purposes, under the penalty of 10 dollars for each offence ; pork in joints or pieces may be sold any time from the 15th of October until the 15lh of February following. No poultry, eggs, or butter, shall be exposed for sale, or sold in the public Markets, or streets, or cellars contiguous thereto, except by the person from whose farm such poultry, eggs, or butter shall have come, or by some person who shall have been in the country, and there have purchased the same from the farmer, under the penalty of 10 dollars for each offence. If any person be prosecuted for any offence against this section* it shall be incumbent on them to prove, upon the trial of the cause, that such poultry, eggs, or butter, came from their farm, or that they had been in the coun- try, and there had purchased the same from the owner. No person shall have or keep any poultrv, fisji, ve- z v ■ 266 getables, or other articles usually sold in public Mar- kets in any covered box or chest during market hours, in either of the public Markets, or any street contigu- ous thereto, under the penally of 10 dollars. No person shall be allowed to sell fresh fish in any of the Markets, or streets contiguous thereto, other than Fishermen, and persons who shall purchase the fish at the fishing place from the Fishermen, under the penalty of 10 dollars. In order that a free and uninterrupted passage may be left for the citizens through the middle of the public Markets, and the streets adjacent thereto, no person shall erect, fix, or put up any stall, table, or bench, in any part thereof; nor put down any cask, chest, bag, basket, or any other article in the said Markets, more than six feet from the outside of the floor thereof, under the penalty of 5 dollars. No person shall occupy any part of the street at or near any of the public Markets for the purpose of exposing for sale any garden pro- duce, or other thing, other than such part as shall be assigned for that purpose, under the penalty of 5 dollars. Garden produce, or other thing to be sold, shall be un- loaded immediately on its arrival, and the cart or other vehicle removed to some other place, under the penal- ty of 5 dollars. If any person neglect or refuse to obey the direction of the Deputy Clerk, respecting the arrangement or removal, of any article, cart, wag- gon, or other thing in the Markets, or streets adjoining thereto, he shall forfeit 5 dollars. Market carts must have the owner's name painted on them, under a penalty of 5 dollars. And carts used by the licensed Cartmen of this city, and waggons, carts, or other vehicles owned by countrymen, and bringing such countrymen's produce to the said Markets, ex- empted from this article. No other person than licensed Butchers, shall occu- py any part of the Markets, or of the streets at or near any of them, without a permit in writing, from the Market Committee, and having the same registered with the Deputy Clerk of such Market, under the pen- alty of 10 dollars. Nothing in this section shall be po cvnitrued as to require country people, resorting to . APPENDIX. 267 the public Markets to sell their own provisions, to hare such permit. It shall be lawful for the Deputy Clerk of any Mar- jket, if he shall deem it proper, to require any person representing himself or herself to be a countryman or country woman, within the meaning of the last section, to obtain such permit as is mentioned in the said sec- tion ; and if any such person fhall thereafter occupy any pert of the said Markets, or the streets at or near the same, without obtaining such permit, and register- ing the same, they shall forfeit the sum of 10 dollars. It shall be lawful for the Deputy Clerk of each Mar- ket, to annul such permits as are abovementioned ; and no person shall occupy any part of the Market, or of the streets at or near it, at any time thereafter, and after notice from the Deputy Clerk that his or her permit has been annulled, under the penalty of 10 dollars. The Deputy Clerks shall keep a list of all persons holding permits, for their respective Markets ; and shall interchange such lists with each other, from time to time, at least Mice in eyery three months. No person shall exercise the trade of a Butcher in this city, unless he is licensed for that purpose, under the penalty of 12 dollars and 50 cents, for every of- fence. It shall be in the power of the Deputy Clerk of each Market to suspend any Butcher having a stated stand therein : but, in such case, the Deputy Clerk shall forth- with make report of such suspension, and the reason thereof, to the Market Committee, who shall examine into the matter, and either restore the Butcher to his place, or remove him therefrom, as to them shall seem meet. If any person, (other than a licensed Butcher,) shall be convicted of any offence against this ordinance, such offender shall thereafter be prohibited from frequenting the Markets, or any of the streets at or near the Mar- kets, for the purpose of selling any article whatever, under the penalty of 10 dollars for every day, or part of a day, he or she shall be there for the purpose afore- 263 ATPENDTX. 5aid, unless such person shall, after such conviction^ ohtain a new permit. If any person shall use, in any pnlrtic Markets of this tity, any weights, measures, or beams, not sealed by the sealer of weights, measures, or beams, such person ^hall forfeit the sum of 10 dollars for each offence. All potatoes and turnips shall be sold by measure; and, in case suspicion is entertained respecting the weight of any article sold by weight, or of the quantity of any article sold by measure, it shall be the duty of the Deputy Clerk, immediately to weigh or measure the same ; and if any such article shall be found defi- cient, the seller, or person offering to sell, shall forfeit the sum of 10 dollars. It shall be the duty of the Deputy Clerk?, ence in every month, or oftener if they shall think fit, to inspect and examine all weights, measures, and beams used in weighing or measuring in their respective Markets, or in the streets at or near the same, to suspend from the privilege of selling, and to report to the Attorney of the Board for prosecution, any person found using therein any false or unjust weight, measure, or beam : person* refusing to exhibit their beams, Sec. or obstructing the clerks, to forfeit 25 dollars. It shall be the duty of the Deputy Clerks to attend constantly in their respective Markets during market hours, for the purpose of carrying the provisions of this ordinance into effect, and inspecting the weights, mea- sures, and beams used in the said Markets ; and in case any Deputy Clerk shall neglect to give his con- stant attendance as aforesaid, or to perform the duties required by this law, he shall be removed from his of- fice. No. XI. Money Tables. Weights and Measures. COINS ' I* THE UNITED STATES. Gold coins. Eagle, value & 10, wt. 270 e;rs. stand, gold. Half Eagle, * 5, 135^ do. Quarter, 2}, 67£ do. Standard Gold is eleven parts pure and one alloy, APPENDIX. 569 Silver coins. Dollar, value 10 dimes, wt. 416 grs. st. sil. Half Dollar, 5 208 do. Quarter, 2J 104 do. Dime, 10 cents 41 3-5ths do. Half Dime, 5 do. 20 4-5ths do. Standard Silver is 1485 parts pure, and 179 alloy. A pound of pure gold is valued at 15 pounds of pure silver. Silver coins are received at the Banks as follows For 1 Crown .... 110 cents. I Dollar . ... . 100 do. 1 Pestareen . . . . 20 do. Coins of ike U. S- decimally divided. 10 Mills 1 Csnfc 10 Cents .... 1 Dime. 10 Dimes ... .1 Dollar. 10 Dollars 1 Eagle. Rules for reducing the currencies of (he different scales into each other. To reduce the currencies of New-Hampshire, Mas- sachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Virginia, into those of New-York and North Carolina, to the given sum add l-3d part thereof. Of Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, to the given sum add l-4th thereof. Of South Garolina, and Georgia, from the given sum subtract 2-9ths thereof. To reduce New-York and North Carolina, into New- Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Virginia, from the given sum deduct l-4th thereof. Into Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware, and Mary- land, from the given sum deduct l-6th thereof. Into South Carolina, to the sum given add l-16th, then take half of the whole. To reduce Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, into New-Hampshire;, Massachusetts. Rhode- Island, Connecticut and Virginia, from the sum given deduct l-5th thereof. Into New- York and North Caro- lina, to the sum given add l-5th thereof. Into South Carolina and Georgia, multiply by 3 and l-9th, and divide the product by 5 ; or multiply by 28 and divide by 45. Z2 270 APrENDIX. To reduce South-Carolinia and Georgia into New- Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut and Virginia, to the given sum add 2-7th thereof. Into Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, multiply the given sum by 45 and divide by 28. Into New-York and North-Carolina, from the given sum subtract l-7th and double the remainder. TABLE of Foreign Money. Pound Sterling Marc Banco of Hamburgh Rix Dollar of Bremen Guilder of Holland Franc of France . Keal Vellon of Spain Real of Gibraltar Pezza of Leghorn Ducat of Naples . Ounce of Sicily j>4 44 1-4 33 1-3 75 40 10 4-5 5 3 1-2 90 80 2 50 The gold coins of Great Britain and Portugal, of their present standard, at the rate of 27 grs. equal to 100 cts. or 1 dwt. equal to 88 8-27 cts. ; and those of France and Spain at the rate of 27 2-5 grs. equal to 100 cts. or 1 dwt. equal to 87 59-137 cts. The Spanish milled dollar weighing not less than 17 dwts. 7 grs. at 100 cts. ; and the crown of France containing not less than 18 dwts. 17 grs. at 110 cts. ; but at the expiration of three years after the coining of gold and silver com- menced at the mint of the U. States, all foreign coins were to cease from being a legal tender, except Span- ish milled dollars, and parts thereof. And at the ex- piration of six months after cents and half cents to the value of 50,000, dollars shall have been issued, all other copper coins are forbidden under the penalty of ten dollars, and the forfeiture of the pieces so offered. APPENDIX. 172 TABLE, showing the advance per cent, on one pound sterling, from 5 per cent, to 100 per cent. One pound sterling is . . #4 44 1-4 5 per cent, advance on it, is . 4 66 1-2 10 — 4 88 1-4 124 — 5 00 15 — 5 11 174 — 5 22 20 — 5 33 1-4 25 — . 5 55 1-2 30 — 5 77 3-4 35 — 6 00 40 — 6 22 1-4 45 — 6 44 1-2 50 — 6 66 3-.4 55 — , . 6 89 60 — 7 11 65 — . 7 33 1- 70 — . 7 55 1-2 75 — . 7 77 3-4 80 — 8 00 85 — 8 22 1-4 90 — 8 44 1-2 95 — 8 66 3-4 100 — 8 89 gO 5 ft*. 10 25 50 75 1 00 1 50 2 00 2 50 3 50 4 00 5 00 Stamp Table. Notes not exceeding $100 above $ 100 and not exceeding 200 200 500 500 1,000 1,000 1,500 1,500 2,000 2,000 3,000 3,000 4,000 4,000 5,000 5,000 7,000 7,000 8,000 8,000 272 APPENDIX. JVeighls and Measures. Grains, troy weight. 24 1 Penny-weight. 480 20 1 Ounce. 5,760 240 12 1 Pound. Dram*, avoirdupois weight. 16 1 Ounce. 256 16 1 Pound. 7,160 448 28 1 Quarter. 28,672 1,792 112 4 1 Hundred, ^73,440 35,840 2,240 80 20 1 Ton. APOTHECARIES WEIGHT. Grains. 20 1 Scruple. 60 3 1 Dram. 480 24— 8 1 Ounce. 5,760 288 96 12 1 Pound, GJ.OTH MEASURE. Inches. 2i 1 Nail. 9 4 1 Quarter of a Yard 36 16 4 1 Yard. 27 12 3 1 Flemish Elh 45 20 « 1 English Ell. Pints. WINE MEASURE. 2 1 Quart. 8 4 1 Gallon. 336 163 42 1 Tierce. 504 252 63 1 li Hogshead. 672 386 84 2 U 1 Puncheon. 1,008 504 126 3 2 lj 1 Pipe. 2,016 1,003 252 6 4 3 2 1 Tun APPENDIX. a&UARE OR LAND MEASURE. Feet. 9 1 Yard. 272^ 30i 1 Pole. 10,890 1,210 40 IRood. 43,560 4,840 160 4 1 Acre. COAL MEASURE. Pecks. 4 1 Bushel. 12 3 1 Sack. 36 9 3 1 Vat or Strike. 144 36 12 4 1 Chaldron. 3,024 756 252 84 21 1 Score, OE PAPER. Sheets. 24 1 Quire. 480 20 1 Ream. WOOL WEIGHT. Pounds. 7 1 Clove. 14 2 1 Stone. 28 4 2 1 Tod. 182 26 13 6J 1 Wey. 364 52 26 13 2 1 Sack. 4,368 642 312 156 24 12 1 Last\ LONG MEASURE. Barley Corns. 3 1 Inch. 36 12 1 Foot. 108 36 3 lYard. 594 198 164 54 1 Pole. 23,760 7,920 669 220 40 1 Furlong, 190,080 63,360 5,280 1J60 320 8 1 Mile. \>74 APPENDIX. DRY MEASURE. Quarts. 4 1 Gallon. 8 2 1 Peck. 32 8 4 1 Bushel. 64 16 8 2 1 Strike. 128 32 16 4 2 1 Coomb. 256 64 32 8 4 2 1 Quar. 1,280 320 160 40 20 10 5 1 Wey. 2,560 640 320 80 40 20 10 2 1 Last. No. XII. Wharfage and Cranage Rates and Regulations. REGULATIONS OF THE WHARVES AND SLIPS. Vessels or small craft above 5 tons burthen, belong- ing to the States of New-York, New-Jersey, or Con- necticut, and not employed out of the Union, to pay yearly to the lessee on first coming to lie at any of the docks, piers, or slips, belonging to the corporation, If between 1st May and last July inclusive, per ton, 40 cents. 1st August and last October do. 30 do. 1st Nov. and last January, do. 20 do. 1st February and last April, do. 10 do. All vessels under 5 tons coming after 1st May, 2 dollars. Neglect to pay within a month after demanded, forfeits an equal sum due for wharfage, to the city. Proprietor? of private wharves, are authorised, by a law of the legislature, passed April 9th, 1813, to make the following charges of wharfage : For every ship or vessel under 50 tons, per day, 50 cents. 50 tons and under 100 do. 624 do. 75 do. 100 do. 150 do. 150 do. 200 do. 874 do. 200 do. 250 do. 100 do. 250 do. 300 do. 1124 do. APPENDIX. 275 Vessels of 300 tons and under 350 per day, 125 cents. . 350 do. 400 do. 137$ do. 400 do. 450 do. 150 do, _ 450 do. * 500 do. 162£ do. 500 do. 550 do. 175 do. 550 do. 600 do. 187$ do. 600 do. and upwards, 12J cents in addition for every 50 tons. When brought into dock or to a wharf to repair or careen, and when stages are slung on the sides of the vessel, 33 1-3 per cent additional to the wharfage. Ships or vessels made fast for the purpose of loading, unloading, or careening to other vessels fasten- ed to the wharf, to pay half dues of warfage. In absence of the master of the vessel, the consignee is liable for the wharfage, if an account thereof is delivered to him before she sails. Differences may be settled by the warden of the port, who is entitled to charge not exceeding 1 dol- lar 25 bents for his trouble, to be paid by the person against whom the determination is given. The same regulations as to charging, apply to all vessels (not coasters) lying at the wharves or docks of the lessees of the corporation. CRANAGE. Taking out and putting in the mast of every sloop of 80 tons or upwards - $ 10 Taking out or putting in do. - 6 25 Do. and do. of any square rigged vessel of 200 tons and upwards - - - 7 50 Do. do. of any square rigged vessel or schooner under 200 tons - - - 6 25 Do. or do. of any square rigged vessel of 200 tons and upwards - - - 6 25 Do. do. under 200 tons 5 00 Masters of vessels refusing to remove them when ordered, forfeit - - - - 10 00 and the same sum every day the vessel remains hi her former birth. £7 6 APPENDIX. No vessels to be careened in the Corporation docks,! &c. under a penalty of 10 dollars, and the like sum j per day, while the practice is continued. Incommoding docks or slips with wrecks of ships, j subjects to a similar penalty. Casting any anchors, grappling, or killick, into orl near any of the docks, Sec. ; taking away stones, earth, j timber, or ballast from, or throwing stones, earth, tim-j ber, ballast, oyster-shells, ashes, or other dirt or rub- ] bish ; or bringing any masts, yards, spars, or other kinds of timber, or stages, or platforms for working on, within any of the docks, &c. forfeits 10 dollars, and 5 dollars for every day they are allowed to remain. No shells, ashes, stones, or dirt to be thrown from a vessel into any slip or dock, under penalty of 5 ollars. Only small craft, such as ferry-boats, market-boats, pettiaugers, and canoes, allowed to be brought with- in Fly-market-slip, under a penalty of 5 dollars. All boats or vessels, except ferry-boats, prohibited from entering Courtlandt-slip, those parts of the Cor- poration basin where Hoboken ferry is kept, or that part of Catherine-slip where the ferry-boats land passengers ; and from incommoding the ferry-boats in any manner, under a penalty of 10 dollars. All market-boats, pettiaugers, and canoes, under 5 tons, coming to the docks, Sec, of the Corporation, to have their owners' names painted, at full length, in legible letters, under a penalty of 2 dollars. No sea vessel, of whatever description, or coasting vessel, above 100 tons, allowed to enter any of the docks, &c. excepting Old Coffee-house-slip, without permission from the Mayor, Recorder, or one of th* Aldermen, under the penalty of 10 dollars. The Mayor, Recorder, or any one of the Aldermen or assistants, or the lessee of the wharves, may giv< orders respecting the births and fastening of all sloops boats, and vessels, lying therein. Disobedience sub jects to a penalty of 25 dollars. APPENDIX. 277 Vessejs paying wharfage by the day, must make way for the accommodation of such as pay by the year, on the orders of any Alderman or assistant Alderman, under the penalty of 10 dollars, and the like sum for every day's refusal. No. XIII. Harbour Masters. BATES AND REGULATIONS. By an act of the legislature, passed April 3d 1801, a Harbour-master was appointed for this port, to regulate the shipping, and keep order among- the crews of the different vessels. The great increase of trade led, in April 1813, to the appointment of two persons for that purpose, who before entering on their office, execute bonds with two sureties each in the sum of 2,500 dollars, for the faithful and impar- tial fulfilment thereof. The Harbour- masters have authority " to regulate and station all ships and vessels in the stream of the East and North Rivers, within the limits of the city of New-York, and at the wharves thereof ; and to remove from time to lime such ships and vessels as are not employed in receiving or discharging their cargoes, to make room for such others as require to be more immediately accommodated for the purpose of receiving or discharging their' s ; and as to the fact of their being fairly and bona fole employed in receiving or discharging their cargoes, the said Harbour-masters are hereby constituted the sole judges." They have also power " to determine how .far, and in what instances, it is the duty of masters and others having charge of ships and vessels, to accommodate each other in their respective situ- ations-." Resistance or opposition to a Harbour- 2 A 278 APPENDIX. master in the discharge of his duty, subjects to 'a penalty of 50 dollars, for the use of ihc city hospital. It is likewise the duty of the Harbour-masters " to superintend and enforce the execution of all laws of this State, and all bye laws of the Corpora- tion of the city of New- York, for cleansing' the docks and wharves, and for prevcntiug and removing all nuisances whatsoever in or upon them or either of them." Penalty for refusal or neglect 2 dollars 50 cents. In oase of sickness, the Harbour-masters may appoint deputies to act for them during its con- tinuance ; and, in the event of one dying, the sur- vivor may appoint a deputy to act until the council of appointment supply the vacancy. TAELE OF* FEES. All ships and vessels belonging to the United States which shall enter the port, and load and un- load, or make fast to any wharf therein, to pay, if not exceeding 100 tons burthen $ 1 50 Above 100 and not exceeding 200 - 3 00 Of greater burthen, to be ascertained by the respective registers. Foreign vessels to pay double the above fees. All fees must be paid within 48 hours after the arrival of the vessel, under a penalty of paying double. When a Harbour-master is required to remove, or a second time to procure a station for a vessel, or to interfere in adjusting any difference as to the birth, position, or fastening of the vessel, he is entitled to receive before exercising his authority, the sum of 1 dollar 50 cents. The same sum is chargeable on vessels not sub- ject to pay the preceding fees, when a Harbour- master's assistance is called for in similar cases. The emoluments are divided equajly among the U ardour-masters. APPENDliX. 279 No. XIV. Gun-Powder Regulations, It shall not be lawful for any person to keep any quantity of gun-powder, exceeding 28 lbs. in any one place, house, store or out-house, less than one mile to the northward of the City-hall, except in the public magazine, at the fresh water; which quantity of 28 lbs shall be separated in 4 stone jugs, or tin canisters, each of which shall not contain more than 7 lbs. Penalty 125 dollars for every cwt. and in that proportion for a lesser quantity, besides forfeit- ing the powder. The commander or owner of every ship or vessel, arriving from sea, and having gun-powder on board, shall, within 24 hours after the arrival in the har- bour, and before such ship or other vessel be hauled alongside of any wharf, pier, or key, land the gun- powder, by means of a boat, or other small craft, at any place on the East River east of Walnut-street, or at any place on the North River to the northward of the outlet of Lispenard's meadow, which may be most contiguous to any of the magazines, and shall cause the same to be stored in one of the magazines, on pain of forfeiting all such gun-powder, to any person or persons who will sue and prosecute for the same. All gun-powder which shall be carried through the streets by carts, carriages, or by hand or otherwise, shall be in tight casks, well headed and hooped, and shall be put into bags or leather cases, and entirely covered therewith, so that no powder may be spilled or scattered in the passage thereof, on pain of for- feiting all such gun-powder as shall be conveyed through any of the streets : And it shall be lawful for an)' person to seize the same to his own use and benefit, and to convey it to one of the magazines, and thereupon to prosecute the person offending against VOO APPENDIX. this act, before the Mayor or Recorder and any twe Aldermen of the city; and such gun-powder, upon conviction, shall be condemned to the use of the person seizing the same. The Mayor, Recorder, or any two Aldermen, may, upon information on oath, issue their warrant for seizing gun-powder kept in any building or vessel, contraray to this act, and to remove it to a maga- zine. If any gun-powder, exceeding 28 lbs. shall be found in the custody of any person during any fire or alarm of fire in the city, by any fireman of the city, it shall be lawful for him to seize the same without warrant, and cause it to be condemned to his own use. No greater quantity of sulphur than 10 cwt. and no greater quantity of hemp or flax than 20 cwt. shall be stored or kept, in any one place in the city, to the southward of the fresh water in the sixth ward, nor to the southward of Rutger's-slip in the seventh ward, other than in such proper place or places as shall be appointed and approved of by the Common Council, under the penalty of 23 dollars for every offence or refusal to remove the same. No pitch, tar, turpentine, rosin, spirits of turpen- tine, linseed oil, or shingles, shall be put in any place in the city to the southward ot the fresh water, other than in such places as shall be appointed and ap- proved of, under the penalty of 25 dollars for every offence, or refusal to remove the same. It shall be lawful for any of the ship-chandlers in the city to keep in any enclosure within the limits aforesaid, a quantity of pitch, tar, rosin, or turpen- tine, not exceeding in the whole 20 barrels at any one time* APPENDIX. 281 -Ko. XV. INSPECTORS OF NATIVE PRODUCE. Staves and Heading. The council of appoint- ment choose an inspector-general of staves and head- ing" for the city and county of fNew-York. By the same authority, 8 or more cullers are appointed for the same district. Neither the inspector-general nor the cullers are permitted to buy or sell staves or heading 1 , for themselves, or as ag'ents for others, under a penalty of 50 dollars for each offence ; un- less they happen to be coopers, and purchase stock for their own use in carrying- on their business. The inspector-general is required to superintend the cullers, and cause them to execute 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 be- longing. They may be displaced by the inspector- general for negligence, 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 va- cancies ad interim. Where any dispute arises re- specting the culling" of staves and heading", it shall be submitted to the inspector-general, who shall de- termine finally thereon. Any person putting staves or heading on board a vessel for exportation without inspection, forfeits 2 dollars and 50 cents for every thousand, and the owner 5 dollars, to be recovered with costs. Per- sons who ship for exportation condemned staves or heading, forfeit 5 dollars for each offence. The inspector-general is to report annually to the governor, for the information of the legislature. 2 A 2 APPENDIX. 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 sus- picion that unculled staves or heading*, or condemned ones shall have been shipped for exportation, 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 buyers and sellers, respecting the culling by the culler who was originally employ- ed, 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-general is 10 cents for each thousand merchantable staves and heading, one half paid by the buyer and the other half by the seller ; and for all that are culled out and are not merchantable, 5 cents a thousand, to be paid by the owner. The pay of the cullers is as follows ; for every thousand pipe-staves 624 cents ; for every thousand staves and heading 50 cents ; for every thousand barrel-staves 374 cents; for every thousand long butt-staves 1 dollar 50 cents ; and for every thou- sand short butt-staves 1 dollar 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. Laws of New- York, March 26, 1813. 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, but do their business in person. They are to in- spect all those alkaline salts, before exportation, by starting the same out of the casks and carefully ex- amining the same, and distributing them into differ- APPENDIX. ent sorts if necessary They are to put each sort by itself into tight casks well hooped and coopered, and brand on them the words First Sort. Second Sort, or Third Sort, Pot Ashes or Pearl Ashes, as the case may be, in plain legible characters ; toge- ther with the inspector's name and the place of in- spection at full length, on each of the casks. — They must 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 9 cents a cwt. half to be paid by the buyer and half by the seller. But they shall not brand any cask that is not 29 inches long, 19 inches in diameter at each head, full bound, made of white oak staves and heading, or of such other timber as they shallthink 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 shall brand the cask with the words condemned, and be paid for inspection at the same rate as if they were good. And if any per- son oners for sale such alkalies for any other than condemned, he incurs a penalty of 25 dollars for each offence. Persons mixing such foreign substances,, forfeit 20 dollars for each offence. Inspectors may search vessels for alkaline salts, and if they find any casks on board not branded according to law, they are forfeited, and the master incurs a penalty of 12 dollars 50 cents. Any per- son obstructing the inspector when on a search shall pay 25 dollars. Pot ashes and pearl ashes that have undergone inspection in Albany, or any other place on Hudson river, where inspectors have been appointed, may be exported from New-York, without a re-inspec- tion. Inspectors delaying to inspect these alkaline salts for a longer time than three hours after application, unless they are actually employed in the duties of their office, forfeit 2 dollars 50 cents to the person delayed. Persons counterfeiting- brand marks for- feit 125 dollars for each offence. Laws of New- York* Feb. 23th 1313. Soal Leather. Two inspectors of soal leather are commissioned for the city, under the authority of the council 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 5 dollars for each offence. For inspecting, sealing-, and weighing each side of soal leather, the inspectors receive 4 cents, one half to be paid by the seller and the other half by the buyer. The inspector shall mark the inspected as good and merchantable leather with his name and place of residence ; and counterfeiters of these marks, forfeit for each offence 25 dollars. Leather not passing inspection as good, may nevertheless be used for all other purposes except making shoes, boots and buckets. Such unmerchantable leather shall be marked Bad. Persons working up soal leather before inspection, or making it into shoes, boots, or buckets, after it is marked bad, forfeit for every offence 25 dollars. Laws of New- York, March 5th 1801. Flour and Meal. An inspector of flour and meal js appointed 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 neces- sary, and remove them at pleasure. The inspector in New-York may appoint a deputy in Kings County to inspect all flour and meal intended for exportation in the count}'; which articles, when so inspected there, may be exported in the same manner as if in- spected in the city. All wheat-flour, rye-flour, Indian-meal and buck- wheat meal must be approved and branded by the AFPE7SDIX. 285 inspector or one of his deputies before shipment for exportation. No Indian-meal shall be branded for exportation unless it is manufactured from maize properly kiln-dried, and ground fine and bolted. The four sorts of flour and meal just mentioned must be packed in good casks of oak or other suit- able timber, secured with ten hoops properly nailed. These barrels shall be of but two sizes, one to con- tain 196 lbs. of flour or meal, with staves 27 inches long,iand heads 16J inches wide ; and the other to conta 981bs. 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 conveni nee 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 surname and the initials of the christian name of the manufacturer; together with the nett weight of 196 lbs. or 98 lbs. contained in each barrel. In addition to which, manufactured wheat which is intended to be of the first quality must be branded Superfine, that of the second quality Fine, that of the third quality Fine Middlings, and that of the fourth quality Middlings. Barrels of ma- nufactured Rye, intended for first quality, must be branded Superfine Rye-flour, and of the second qua- lity, Fine Rue-flour. On each barrel of manufac- tured maize shall be branded Indian-meal. And on each barrel of manufactured buck-wheat shall be branded B. Meal. All this must be done before either is offered for inspection. Indian-meal, however, may be packed in hogs- heads of 800 lbs. and be then duly inspected and passed for exportation. There is a penalty of 50 cents a pound for the false taring of barrels less than the true weight, and any inspector, having reason to believe that casks are 206 APPENDIX. tarrd falsely, may ascertain the fact by examin- ation. After tlic barrels are found to be constructed and marked according- to law, the inspector, if he finds the same to correspond with the contents, is to sig- nify it by branding" his name find the. county where the inspection is made, on the quarter in a dis- tinguishable manner. And when the brands of the manufacturer 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. It is also the duty of the inspector to weigh bar- rels 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 Light; 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 manufaturer shall pay 20 cents for every pound of deficient weight. iWhen flour or meal are so injured in manufacturings or otherwise damaged as not to be fit for exportation under any of the legal denominations, the inspector must mark the barrels containing* them Bad. And that which is marked light, as well as that marked bad, are forbidden to be carried out of the State, under a penalty of 5 dollars for each barrel. The fee of the inspector is 2 cents a barrel, to be paid him by the owner, who 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 exportation must he inspected at the time and place of exportation, under a penalty of 5 dollars for each barrel, to be paid by the purchaser or exporter. Persons shipping for exportation flour or meal not duly branded, forfeit the same. — And persons con- victed of having* exported from the State flour and meal without having been first duly branded., forfeit? APPENDIX. 287 on conviction, 5 dollars for each barrel. And for the more effectual prevention of such practices, the inspector may go on board any vessel, between sun- rise and sunset, and search for uninspected flour and meal. Persons obstructing' him pay on convic- tion 100 dollars for each offence. Inspectors are prohibited from purchasing" flour and meal except for their own private use, under a penalty of 500 dollars. Persons altering or coun- terfeiting marks and brands, public and private, forfeit 100 dollars. Persons putting fresh flour into old barrels already marked and branded, forfeit 5 dollars for every barrel so repacked. Persons offer- ing for sale wheaten flour containing in it a portion of Indian meal or other foreign admixture, forfeit 5 dol- lars for each barrel so adulterated. And masters of vessels bringing to New- York market Indian meal vpon their decks, forfeit 20 cents a barrel, and 80 cents a hogshead, for the Indian meal so transported. In cases of false-taxing, or false brand-marking, the inspector may, in a summary way, seize and sell the flour and meal so fraudulently marked, for the recovery of the penalties. But in the other forfeit- ures, the recovery must be before a justice of the peace, or in any court of record having cognizance of the same. Laws of Netc-York, March 5th, 1813. •Beef and. Pork. — Beef and pork can be exported only in barrels and half- barrels. The barrels and half-barrels must be made of good seasoned white oak or white ash staves and heading. The barrels must measure 18J inches between the chines, and be 28 inches long. The half-barrels must be of the ca- pacity 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 lbs. of meat ; and each half-barrel 100 lbs. There must be one or more inspectors in the city of New- York; and one specially to inspect, pack, 288 APPENDIX. 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 governor, 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. Beef for exportation must not be killed under 3 years of age. It mnst be cut in square pieces as nearly as may be, not exceeding 12 lbs. in weight nor less than four. Beef found by the inspectors to have been killed at a proper age, and to be fat and merchantable, is divided into three sorts for packing and re-packing in barrels and half-barrels, to wit, mes±\ 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 leg3 and leg-rounds from the hind-quarters. Each barrel and half-barrel containing beef 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 oft. 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 upwards, with not more than half a neck and three shanks without the hocks in each barrel ; and half-barrel in propor- tion. To be otherwise merchantable, and branded cargo-heef A fourth quality of beef is permitted to be put up and exported from New-York. This consists of necks, hearts, and the meat of heads ; to be denomi- nated and marked heads, hearts, and hocks. The barrels containing these pieces are to be inspected like the rest. All these qualities of beef rmr?t he laid in s^t «i APPENDIX. 239 sufficient length of time to extract the blood before packing-; and all beef and pork must be pickled with a strong 1 good pickle, made of as much good clear salt as will dissolve in good fresh water. Every barrel repacked and iuspected, to have 2\ pucks salt, and 4 oz. salt petre, and in the same proportion for half- barrels, put into them. The salt manufactured in this state may be used if of good quality, end not less than 46 lbs. for a ban J, and 23 lbs. for half a barrel. 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 barrels made of white-oak or whitc-ash staves and heading-, and in other respects conforming to beef barrels, barrels must contain 200 lbs. and half-barrels J 00 lbs of meat. There are three qualities of pork, mess, prime, and cargo. Mess-pork consists of the rib pieces of irood fat hogs only, and must be branded mess-pork. Prime-pork consits of the next best pieces, with not more than three shoulders in one barrel. This shall contain no legs, nor more than 24 lbs. of head that -hall 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 leg-s, nor more than two heads, with the ears and snouts cut off, and brains and bloody grizzle taken out, which heads shall not exceeed 30 lbs. in weight. The pork must be i n 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 20 lbs. nor be under 4. The salt and pickle is the same which is provid- ed for beef. And the branding- of the weight, in- spector's name, and the place of inspection, is exe- cuted in like manner. 2B 290 APPENDIX.. No inspector shall inspect or brand out of his dis- trict under the penalty of 25 dollars. Any person usurping- the inspector's brand, shall pay 1 dollar for every cask so unlawfully branded. Inspectors guilty of neglect or fraud in performing- their duties, forfeit 2 dollars for each offence. Persons intermix- ing- or shifting beef and pork from cask to cask after inspection, forfeit for each offence 10 dollars. The inspectors receive for each barrel 20 cents, and for each half-barrel 12 cents, including- their salting-, packing, inspecting-, and pickling-, and ex- clusive of cooperage ; 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-inspected, if they are accompanied by a proper certificate. Inspectors are prohibited buying and selling pork and beef as mer- chandize, and restricted to dealing in them for their private use and the sale of remnants. Laws of JS"ew- York, March \2th, 1313. JSTavy beef and pork. — By a law of the legislature passed April 18th, 1815, the inspectors are authoriz- ed to inspect and repack the beef and pork used by the navy. The barrels for this purpose to be made of good seasoned heart of white oak staves and heading, with good hickory, white oak, or other substantial hoops. They must be the size of not less than 28£ and not more than 30 gallons, and contain 200 lbs. of beef or pork. The heads and staves half an inch thick ; and the barrels, when finished, to measure in length 28 inches ; the heads 26 inches from the outside of each; and between the chines not more than 17, nor less than 16 inches. Each cask to be branded with the initials of the maker's name. Casks to be condemned if otherwise constructed. No legs, heads, and hands of pork to be inspected and repacked for the navv ; the remainder of the APPENDIX. 291 animal to be cut, as near a3 mat be, in pieces of 8 lbs. each, so that 25 pieces shall^nake a barrel con- taining 200 lbs. of well fatted pork, of the best quali- ty. The leg's, shins, necks, shoulders, and leg-rounds, eibcef, to be excluded, and the remainder of the ani- mal to be cut in pieces, as nearly as may be. of 10 lbs. each, so that 20 pieces shall make a barrel con- taining" 200 lbs. of well fatted beef of the best quality. After inspection and repacking 1 , every beef barrel to be branded on one of the heads " U. S. prime beef," and every pork barrel, " U. S. prime pork," with the year, the words kC New- York," and the name of the inspector branding* the same. All beef and pork, whether for exportation or for the navy, to be inspected and repacked in stores or yards, to be provided by the inspectors or repackers, on the margin of the East or North river, under the penalty of 15 dollars for every barrel or cask ; and in strict conformity with this act, under a similar penal- ty. Persons branding who are not inspectors, alsc forfeit the same sum. Fish. — By an act of the legislature, passed March 26th, 1813, the Council of Appointment are authf- ized to appoint four inspectors of fish for this city, who are to provide stores for receiving and storing fish sent in for inspection. If the fish is removed within three days after notice of inspection, noallaw- an r, e is made for storing. Every barrel or half- barrel in which pickled fish is packed for inspection, must be made of well sea- soned white oak, rock oak, white ash, or pine, free from defect ; the length of a stave for a barrel to be 28 inches ; the distance between the chines net less than 26, and the diameter of the head, from stave to stave, 16£ inches. Half-barrels 24 inches long, and 1 3 inches head. Each to have 12 good hoops, and to be perfectly tight. Dry salted herrings may be put up in barrels of red APPENDIX. or black oak, with heads of pine, of the above dimen- sions, and 1 2 good hickory, white oak, or other sub- stantial hoops, to be nailed, well set, and drove. 1V0 fish to be exported unless inspected and brand- ed with the name of the person who puts it up in bar- rels, the name of the fish, and the place where it is put up. Every barrel for exportation to have a bushel of salt put into it. On inspecting- the fish, the inspector to brand the barrel with his name if merchantable ; if unsound, to be destroyed. If part sound, to be repacked and branded under the direction of the inspector, who is allowed 374 cents for every barrel repacked ; every half barrel 1 8 cents ; and for every barrel and half- barrel inspected, but not repacked, 124 cents; the same for every barrel and half-barrel of dry salted fish. Persons intermixing or shifting fish after inspected and branded, or altering' or changing the brand or aiark, forfeit 20 dollars for each offence. Every barrel of salmon inspected must contain 200 lbs.; every half-barrel 100; the weight to be marked or the head. The inspector to receive 50 cents for each tierce, and 124 cents for each keg. Barrels and half- barrels in which shad is repacked, to be of the size of beef and pork barrels, and to be re-packed and branded according to the preceding rules respecting salmon. Persons exporting fish without being inspected and branded, forfeit the value of the fish ; and if any in- spector is guilty of fraud or neglect, he forfeits 10 dollars for every barrel of salmon ; for every tierce 25 doUars: and for every barrel or cask of other fish 5 dollars. Spirits. — The Council of Appointment are author- ized, by a law of the legislature, passed April 13th, 1814, to appoint an inspector of distilled spirits for this city, with power to him to appoint one or more deputies, for whom he is responsible. Before enter- APPENDIX. 293 ing on office, the inspector and deputes take an oath faithfully, truly, and impartially," to discharge the duties of their office. On application to the inspector, it is his duty to inspect all distilled spirits, and to mark on the ca^k containing" the same, in a distinguishable manner, the proof or degree of spirits of such liquors, for which he receives 12£ cents for every cask. The proof or de- cree of spirits to be determined by Southworth's hy- drometer, and P on the said hydrometer to be the standard for first proof. No spirits distilled within the United States and contained in a cask of not less than 20 gallons, to be sold in this city, unless previously inspected and marked, under the penalty of 10 cents for every gal- ion offered for sale. Altering inspectors marks, changing the quality, bead, or nature of the liquor, at the time of marking, or filling the cask with spirits after it has been emp- tied without obliterating the mark, forfeits 25 dol- lars. The marks on casks to be defaced before they are sold or otherwise disposed of, under a penalty of 10 dollars. Persons adulterating distilled spirits, or whiie in a state of distillation, with any poisonous or unhealthy drug or substance, or selling the same, knowing them lobe adulterated, are deemed guilty of a misdemean- or, liable to a fine not exceeding 1000 dollars, and to imprisonment not exceeding 4 years, or both, or either, at the discretion of the court. No. xvr. . Masters and Wardens o f the Port. By an act passed 9th of April, 1813, it is provi ded that the council of appointment shall appoint a master and three or more wardens, to be call- ed " The Master and Wardens of the Port of New- York." They are to take an oath of office and ap- point a clerk. He must keep an office and a J)ook 2B2 204 APPENDIX. for recording their proceeding's. The master and wardens, 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 car- penters, are surveyors of all vessels deemed unfit for sea. They arc to judge of the repairs needful for any such vessel previous to her putting to sea. Sales of damaged goods required by owners and con- signees, shall be under their inspection. When re- quired 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. They are allowed two per cent, on the gross amount of such sales. For each survey of damaged goods on board a vessel ly- ing beside a wharf, they are severally allowed 1 dol- lar and 50 cents, for each certificate in consequence of damaged goods 1 dollar and 25 cents, for every survey on board a vessel arrived in distress, 2 dollars and 50 cents ; for every certificate of damages in such cases and recording the same, 2 dollars and 50 cents ; for surveying the hull or materials of any vessel 5 dollars ; and for giving a certificate of such survey and recording, 2 dollars and 50 cents. None of them are to be concerned in any pilot-boat. The master and wardens appoint pilots, make rules and orders for their better government, and revoke and amend the same ; and also impose fines for the breach of such rules and orders by the pilots and their deputies. They are also to examine, together with any two or more branch pilots, pilots' appren- tices during the last year of their apprenticeship, | touching their knowledge of the tides, soundings, bearings and distances of the several shoals, reefs, . | bars, points of land and every other matter they or anj r three of the master and wardens may thiuk pro- per, tending to promote the safe navigation of vessels between the city and Sandy Hook. All vessels of 50 tons, not belonging to citizens of the United States, must be reported at the wardens* APPENDIX. office, by the master, or one of the owners or con- signees, within 43 hours after arrival, under a penalty of 50 dollars. The following' fees are paid on making the report, one- fourth of which goes to the pilot, and the residue to the board of wardens : Every coasting vessel of 50 tons burden or upwards $0 50 Every foreign bottom, if less than 100 tons, 4 00 More than 100 and less than 200 - - 6 00 200 300 - - 8 00 If 300 and upwards - - - - 10 00 The emoluments granted to the master and war- dens are equally divided among them. The forfeitures, fines and penalties, after payment of law costs, must be paid, on the 1st Monday of June annually, to the trustees of the " Sailors' Snug- Harbour in tiie city of New- York," for the use of that corporation. No. XVII. Pilots. RATES AND REGULATION Formerly pilots and their deputies acted under the appointment of the Governor and council. By an act passed 9th April 1813, power is conferred on the master and wardens to grant licenses to fit and proper persons, not exceeding 30 in number, to act as pilots and deputy pilots for the port of New- York. Before appointment, they are examined by the wardens in presence of one or more licensed pilots : such as have served 5 years apprenticeship to a licensed pilot and otherwise qualified, are preferred before all other applicants. Next to these, such as have served for 2 years as deputes under a licensed pilot. Persons acting as pilots for hire, by the way of Sandy Hook APPKNDIX. without a license, forfeit 50 dollar* ; through the .Sound or Hell-Gate 30 dollars. Pilots and deputes must enter into recognizances, with two sureties of 260 dollars each, for the faithful discharge of their duty. Every pilot must be proprietor or part proprietor of a piiot boat, to be kept exclusively employed as such. Only two boats' crews, not exceeding* 20 per- sons, exclusive of apprentices, to be in partnership, without special permission from the wardens. Pe- nalty 50 dollars, and liable to be suspended. Pilots must give a true report of every vessel to Ihe wardens' office, within 24 hours after arrival in port, under a penalty of 10 dollars. ?>lisbehaviour when on duty, subjects a pilot to a fine not exceeding 25 dollars, or to suspension, in the option of the war- dens, besides being" liable to the owners of the vessel nr cargo for damages. For losing a vessel he is de- clared incapable of acting asa pi'otin this state; and forfeits all claim for pilotage if he runs a vessel ashore. On suspension, pilots must deliver up their licenses to the wardens under {he penalty of 100 dol- lars for each refusal. Fees of pilotage to and from the eastward cr south- ward of the ov ter middle ground. For every ship or vessel drawing less than 14 feet watejvper foot - - - - -4125 For ditto 18 ditto - - 1 50 18 or upw-Hs ditto 2 Additional Fees. Between 1 st December and 1st April inclusive, for even 7 ship or vessel drawing 10 feet and upwards - S 4 00 drawing less than 10 feet - - - 2 00 Foreign bottoms, one fourth the usual rate of pilotage* When a vessel is taken charge of at such dis- } lance from land as that Sandy Hook can- > dittc. not be seen in the day I ime in fair weather, ) Cvery day waiting on board for a fair wind or other- wise ------ $3 6.Q APPENDIX. 297 If the master of a vessel moors her within Sandy Hook, the piiot is entitled to the same pilotage, aud to be discharged within 24 hours thereafter. Half pilotage only when a pilot takes charge of a ship, coming into port, to the westward of the outer middle ground. No pilotage whatever for a vessel coming to New- York, unless charge of her is taken to the southward of the upper middle ground, and such vessel be at least 70 tons burden. But if the usual signal for a pilot is made, half pilotage is allowed. Extra fees are chargeable for relieving vessels in distress, which may be agreed upon between the master aud the pilot, or referred to the wardens. Masters of vessels refusing to receive a pilot on board at the proper station, pay half the usual fees. Pilots carried to sea receive during their detention-, at the rate of 75 dollars a month, besides the usual pilotage. Pilots offering their services to coasting vessels | through Hell-Gate, after a signal has been hoisted, iare entitled to three fourths of the usual rates if not accepted, or detained on board waiting for a fair wind, or otherwise. No. XVIII. Directions of the Humane Society for the recovery of persons apparently dead from drowning ; and to prevent the fatal effects of drinking cold- water. 1st. Avoid any violent agitation of the body, such as rolling it on a cask, or hanging it up by the heels % but carefully convey it with the head a little raised, to the nearest house. 2d. Strip and dry the body, and lay it in a warm blanket, which must be renewed every few minutes. If a child, place it between two persons in a warm bed, 298 APPENDIX* 3d. Immediately apply warm spirits or brandy to the temples, breast, belly, feet, and hands; at "the same time, the whole body should be diligently rub- bed with warm woollen cloths, or if at hand, immerse the body in a warm bath. 4th. Introduce the pipe of a pair of bellows into one nostril, keep the other nostril and the mouth closed, inflate the lungs till the breast be a little raised; the mouth and nostrils must then be left free, and the chest gently pressed in imitation of natural breathing; the bellows should then be applied ns be-? fore, and the whole process repeated and continued at least fifteen or twenty minutes. 5th. Inject into the botvels, by means of a syringe, a pint of warm spirits and water, composed of one part of the former and two of the latter : this injec- tion the Society prefer to tobacco smoke, usually re- commended in cases of this sort. 6th. vVhen the physician wno nas tne care of the apparatus, arrives with the same, he will, with the machine for this purpose, inject into the stomach some warm spirits and water, with a small quantity of spirits of hartshorn, or cause such other remedies to be applied as are indicated. 7th. Renew the external application of hot spirits to the surface of the body, and diligently continue the friction with woollen cloths at least two hours ? or till signs of returning life are apparent. 8th. Do not despair — by perseverance in warm friction alone many lives have been restored, and in some instances where the bodies have remained in the water for the space of half an hour. To prevent the fatal effects of drinking cold water. 1st. Avoid drinking whilst the body is heated, or during profuse perspiration. 2d. Wash the hands and face with cold water be- fore drinking. 3d. If these precautions have been neglected; an<2 cramps, or convulsions have been induced, let a tea- spoonful of laudanum be given immediately in a cup of spirits and water ; and repeat the dose in half an hour if necessary. 4th. At the same time apply fomentations of spirits and water to the stomach ami bowels, and to the lower extremities, covering the body with a blanket ; or immerse the body in a warm bath, if it can be imme- diately obtained. 5th. Inject into the bowels a pint of spirits and water, mixed in the proportion of one part of the former to two of the latter. With the view of carrying* into effect the foregoing; directions, the society have appointed six physicians^ who are provided with the necessary apparatus, and whose province it is to take charge of such persons as are contemplated in this provision, and on whom our citizens are requested to call when accidents of this nature may occur. No. XIX. Slave Regulations. From and after the first day of May, 1810, no per- son held as a slave shall be imported, introduced or brought into this state on any pretence whatever by any person or persons coming permanently to reside within the same, and that any person residing within this state for the space of nine months, shall be con- sidered as having a permanent residence therein, within the meaning of this act; but it shall not be construed to extend to such persons as may reside within this state for a shorter period ; and if any per- son so held as a slave shall be so imported, introduced or brought into this state contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act, he or she shall be and is hereby declared free* 300 APPEIVDIX. To evade the existing laws of this state concern- ing the importation and transfer of slaves, persons residing in adjacent states have manumitted their slaves and afterwards induced them to indent or bind t hemselves for a term of years to certain persons citi- zens of this state, receiving- at the same time for such term of service, a price or consideration equal to the full value of the slave, whereby the persons so manu- mitted are not only reduced back to a state of virtual bondage, but after having grown c () old in scrvi. e as to be incapable of gaining a subsistence, are turned out to become a charge on the community, to the great burthen of the public, ami against the tfoe in- tent and meaning of the laws of this state ; therefor*, No indenture, contract or bond, COnditi personal service, hereafter entered into or made by any person who has been holden or possessed as a slave by any person without this state, shall be in any manner obligatory within this state on the person so bound to service, but the same is hereby declared to be utterly void; and if any such person so having been holden as a slave shall be indented or bound contrary to the intent of this act, he or she shall thereafter be free. No slave shall hereafter be imported or brought into this state, unless the person importing or bring- ing such slave shall be coming into this state with intent to reside permanently therein, and shall have resided without this state, and shall also have owned such slave at least one year next preceding the im- porting or bringing in of such dave; And further* That every person importing or bringing any such slave into this state, shall within one year thereafter, make oath or affirmation before a judge, mayor, re- corder, alderman, or justice of the peace, that such person hath resided out of this state during one year next preceding the importing or bringing of such slave into this state, and that during the same year sttfcto slave hath been the property of such person : APPENDIX. 301 and a certificate signed by the judge, mayor, re- corder, alderman, or justice before whom the said oath or affirmation shall have been made, certify- ing" that the said oath or affirmation hath been made by the person importing such slave, shall, within one month after the making thereof be filed in the office of the clerk of the city or county wherein the person importing such slave shall reside ; and if any person whatsoever shall bring or import into this State any slave contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act ; or being permitted by this act to import and bring such slave into this state, shall neglect to make such oath and file such certificate as aforesaid, then every such slave shall be free. If any person whatsoever within this state, shall under any colour or pretext whatever, sell as a slave or transfer for any period whatever any person who shall hereafter be imported or brought into this state as a slave, every person so selling or trans- ferring such slave, and his or her factor or agent making such sale or transferring shall be deemed guilty of a public offence, and shall for every such offence forfeit the sum of 250 dollars, to be re- covered with costs of suit by any person who shall sue for the same, by action of debt in any court of record having cognizance thereof; the one half of which forfeiture shall be paid to the treasurer cf this state for the use of the people thereof, and the other half to the person who shall sue for the same to effect : And further, That every person so imported or brought into this state and sold contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act, shall be free. If any person shall export any slave, or any ser- vant born of a slave and made free by virtue of this act, to any place without this state, except as is hereinafter provided, every person so exporting or attempting to export such slave or servant, and every person aiding or consenting to such exporta- iation or attempt to export, shall be deemed guilty 2 C 302 AFFENDIX. of a public offence, and shall for every such offence forfeit the sum of 250 dollars, to be recovered and paid in like manner as the forfeiture mentioned in the last preceding section is directed to be recover- ed and paid, and the slave or servant so exported, or attempted to be exported, shall be free. It shall be lawful for any person, not an inhabitant of this state, who shall be travelling to or from, or passing through this state, to bring with him any slave, and take such slave with him from this state. Every master of a vessel who shall receive on board his vessel for the purpose of carrying out of this state any slave for whose exportation such li- cense as aforesaid hath not been obtained, shall be deemed guilty of a public offence, and shall forfeit the sum of 250 dollars for every slave so received on board, to be recovered and paid in like manner as the forfeiture last before mentioned is directed to be recovered and paid. If any person shall employ, harbour, conceal or entertain any slave or such servant as aforesaid, knowing such slave or servant to belong to any other person, without the consent of such owner, such person shall forfeit to the owner of such slave or ser- vant the sum of 12 dollars 50 cents for every 24 hours, and in that proportion for a greater or less time, while such slave or servant shall have been so em- ployed, harboured, concealed or entertained ; but such forfeiture shall not in the whole exceed the value of such slave, or of the service such owner is entited to receive from such servant : And further, If any person shall be guilty of harbouring, enter- taining or concealing, or of assisting to convey away any such slave or servant, and such slave or servant be lost or die, such person shall forfeit to the owner of such slave or servant, the value of such slave, or of the service such owner shall be entitled to re- ceive from such servant; all of which forfeitures APPENDIX. 303 may be recovered by action of debt, with costs of suit, in any court having cognizance thereof. If any person shall trade or traffic with any such slave or servant, either in buying" or selling without the consent of the owner of such slave, or the mas- ter or mistress of such servant, such person shall for every offence forfeit treble the value of the articles so bought or sold, and also the sum of 12 dollars 50 cents to the owner of such slave or servant, to be recovered with costs against such person by action of debt, in any court having cognizance thereof, and every contract so made with such slave or servant shall be void. If any person shall sell any rum or other strong liquor to any such slave or servant, without the con- sent of the owner of such slave or the master or mistress of such servant, such person shall forfeit for every such offence the sum of 5 dollars, to be recovered in the name of the owner of such slave or servant with costs, by an action of debt in any court having cognizance thereof, the one half of which forfeiture when recovered shall be paid by such owner to the overseers of the poor of the city or town where such offence shall he com- mitted. If any person shall by theft or trespass committed by any such slave or servant., sustain damage to the value of 12 dollars and 50 cents or under, the owner of such slave or the master or mistress of such ser- vant shall be liable to/make satisfaction for the same to the party injured, to be recovered by action of debt, with costs, in any court having cognizance thereof. If any such slave shall strike a white person, it shall be lawful on proof of the same by the oath of such person for any justice of the peace to commit such slave to gaol, who shall thereupon be tried and punished as in cases of pettit larceny according to ^he act, entitled " An act declaring the powers of 304 APPEMUA. the courts of general sessions of the peace, and the powers and duties of justices of the peace ;" but in all other cases such slave shall have the privilege of trial by jury. No such slave shall be a witness in any case except for or against another slave in criminal cases. Where any slave shall hereafter be convicted in the supreme court, or in any court of Oyer and Terminer and gaol delivery or general sessions of the peace, of any crime not punishable with death, or with imprisonment in the state prison for life, it shall be lawful for the master or mistress of such slave to cause such slave to be transported out of this state : Provided, That the court before which such conviction may be had shall previously certify, that the crime whereof such slave shall be convicted is of such a nature that transportation would be a proper punishment: And provided a/$o, That such court may also inflict such other punishment on such slave as from the nature of the offence and the course of the law they may judge proper. Slaves and Servants. It shall and may be lawful for every person who shall have resided 10 years within this state, and who shall be about to remove permanently therefrom, to carry with him or her every such slave as shall have been the property of such person during 10 years next preceding : Provided, That before such person shall attempt to carry away such slave out of this state, he or she shall make legal proof, before a judge of the court of common pleas of the county, or before the mayor or recorder of the city in which he or she last resided, that such slave hath been his or her property during ten years then next preceding ; and shall also prove to the satisfaction of the said judge, APPENDIX. 305 mayor or recorder, by the oath of two credible wit- nesses, who shall be known to the said judge, mayor or recorder, or who shall be proved to the satisfac- tion of such judge, mayor or recorder, to be credible witnesses, that such person intending- to carry away such slave out of this state, hath resided within this state during" the ten years next preceding ; and that such slave hath been in the service or employment of such person, as a slave, duirig that time, and shall obtain a licence from such judge, mayor or re- corder to carry such slave out of the state : And pro- vided also, That nothing in this act contained shall be deemed or taken to authorize any person, so re- siding as aforesaid, who shall be entitled to any slave or servant for a time only, or shall hold such slave or servant upon condition of services for a term of years, and who shall be about to remove permanently from this state, to take such slave or servant there- from; and every master of a vessel, who shall receive on board his vessel for the purpose of carrying out of this state, any slave for whose exportation such li- cence as aforesaid shall have been obtained, shall be deemed guilty of a public offence, and for every such offence shall forfeit the sum of 250 dollars, for every slave so received on board, to be recovered and paid in like manner as the forfeiture is directed to be re- covered and paid, in and by the 5th section of the said act. If any person shall knowingly and wilfully swear falsely on any oath or deposition made or taken by virtue of, or pursuant to this act, or by virture of or pursuant to the said act concerning slaves and ser- vants, such false swearing shall be deemed and taken to be wilful and corrupt perjury, and the person thereof convicted to be guilty of wilful and corrupt perjury, and be liable to all the pains and penalties thereof. 2 C 2 30t> ADDENDA- [Since the preceding* pages were printed, we hare been favoured with the following* particulars.] The Forum. — This Institution is composed of mem- bers of the bar, who debate publicly with the view of improvement in the art of speaking*. It was opened 28th Nov. 1816, and the members meet every Friday Evening during* the winter, in the City-Hotel. The meetings are attended by fashionable and literary audiences, and after the members have been heard on any topic under discussion, the debate is open to the public. The admission is 25 cerits, and the pro- fits are appropriated to charitable purposes. The number of members is limited to thirty. LANE'S PORTABLE OPEN PATENT STOVE. ^^sm* TTlHE subscriber ha- w ^HBH ving purchased the dwelling-rooms, bed-rooms, nurseries, stores, count- ing"- houses, offices, &c. &c. with all the advantages of a close stove to kindle the fire, and when open the fuel consumes moderately, and furnishes an agreeable warmth to the room, having none of the disagreeable effects of the close stove. This Stove is calculated for either wood or coal (having grates :) beside, it may be placed where any other Stove may be put ; but is particularly intended to be placed to any fire-place in a room, store, &c., the pipe pass- ing into the chimney through a fire -board or brick- work, under the mantle, (the closure to be as close as possible.) The Stove, standing on legs affixed permanent to the Stove, and by handles also affixed to the Stove, may be removed from room to room in a few minutes, with the pipe, which is also affixed secure to the privilege of manufac- turing and vending Lane's Patent Stoves for the present sea- son, offers them for sale, with sanguine hopes of meeting with encouragement from a generous Public. — Many gentlemen of genius and science, from experiment and observation, have de- cidedly given their ap- probation in their fa- vour, as preferable to any before offered to the public, for warm- ing rooms with the least quantity of fuel. They are exceedingly well calculated for stove. The larger Stoves, although open, are well calculate,] for cooking, &c. EL1J \H KELLOGG. N. B. The Stoves are for sale at toe Stove vV are- room of the subscriber in Elizabeth-town, and at the Store of Messrs. Cornell & Nostrand, corner of Pearl and Fulton streets, New- York. Elizabvth-town, Sept. 17, 1817. Haying used one of Mr Aaron Lane's Patent Stoves during' the last winter, 1 am pleased with it on several accounts : for when ornamented with brass, they form an agreeable piece of furniture, and have not that gloomy appearance with which the common stoves meet the eye; and carrying smoke so well with the door open, after the fire is kindled, they do not cause such painful sensations in the head as many other kinds of stoves do when fixed out of the fire-place ; and although I am persuaded they do not consume more than one half the quantity of wood which is necessary in a common fire-place, yet they diffuse an a^ree^ble warmth throughout the whole room; and their safety from communicating fire, greatly, in my opinion, enhances their value and recommends their use. — In order to this safety, the insMe of the fire-boards (if such are used) should be covered with two coats of thick white- wash, made of lime. Rev. THOMAS MORRELL. The subscriber most cheerfully acquiesces in the above recommendation of Lane's Patent Stoves, and feels a confidence that thev who make a fair trial of them will be pleased with them. J. M< DO WELL. The subscribers, having used Lane's Patent Stoves during the last winter, are well pleased with their utility, as calculated to warm the room with less fuel than any with which we are acquainted, and fully concur in opinion as expressed by the Rev. T. Mor- rell and J. M'Dowell. Elihu Brittin, Jeremiah Ballard, Esq David Mekker, William Shute, Oliver Hatfield, Isaac Cra^ne, J. Bovd, E. Hall. W. R. Williamson, Esq. EUzabctk-to-jcn. Sept. 1817, BOOK STORE AND LOTTERY OFFICE. SAMUEL A. BURTUS, York. Most of the eastern, southern, and northern bank notes, also prize tickets in former lot- teries taken in payment for tickets. A correct check-book kept for the examination of all tickets gratis. Cash given for prizes as soon as drawn, or prizes taken in payment for undrawn tickets. Orders for tickets [postpaid) inclosing" bank notes, attended to with the utmost punctuality, and the ear- liest information given of their fate. %.* A general assortment of books and stationary for sale on moderate terms. New- York, Oct. 1817. BRASS & COPPER GOODS WAREHOUSE. JONATHAN FAY would inform the public that he continues to manufacture, at his old esta- blished stand. No. 159 Cherry-street, New- York, copper sheathing- nails, spikes, bolts, rivets for stills, spelter solder ; brass andirons, tong-s, and shovels, jamb hooks, pokers, &c. &c. of the latest fashions. Also, every description of castings, made on the shortest notice and in the neatest manner. Oct. 1817. HARDWARE, CUTLERY, &c. OSBORN & CORNELL, No. 29 Fulton-street, (late Beekman-slip,) New- York, at the sign of the Gilt Plane, have constantly on hand, locks, hin j ges, and screws, knives and forks, razors and scissors, pen and pocket knives, brass nails and nails of all kinds, shovels and spades, anvils and vices, sledge, hand, and carpenters' hammers ; planes ; mill, cross- cut, pit, and hand saws ; files and rasps, smoothing irons, brass kettles, hollow ware, patent sauce pans^ tea kettles, iron and brass wire, English blistered and cast steel, &c. &c. The whole being laid in at the very lowest prices, will be disposed of on the most reasonable terms. corner of W ater-street, New- Oct. 1817. MATTHEW HAWKINS, SASH MAKER AND GLAZIER, at his old es- tablished Window and Sash Manufactory, No. 404 Broadway, New-York, makes and glazes Win- dow Sashes of every description. Fancy Fansash, Window Shutters, and Panel Doors. Any orders from southern or West India friends will be thankfully received and punctually attended to. Oct. 1817. MAHOGANY YARD. NO. 57 Fulton-street, New-York. J. F. GOULD keeps constantly on hand a general assortment Of Mahogany Boards, Planks, Joists, and Veneers, of a superior quality, cheap for cash or approved cre- dit Oct. 1817. INTERESTING TO THE PUBLIC. BURFIT KEELER, BOOT $ SHOE MA- NUFACTURER, informs his friends and cus- tomers, and the public in general, that he has taken the Store No. 40 Cedar-street, next door to the cor- ner, and on the east side of Broadway, and intends to carry on his business on a new plan. He will sell for cash and cash only ; ari^ he will moderate his price accordingly — he will sell Wellington Boots for $8 50, and long boots for &;0; the former being 15, and the latter 20 per cent, cheaper, than the present price of those articles in this city. He will always have the best of workmen in his employ, and will warrant his work to be as good as any made in this city. Waterloo Boots for $6 ; fine handsome light made Shoes for $3, and Pumps for $2 75. He has thought it for his interest to adopt this rule of selling for cash only, and he conceives that none of his customers will have cause to com- plain, considering the reduced prices at which he in- tends to sell. Oct.— 1817, FANCY AND WINDSOR CHAIR STORE. JOHN K. COW PERTH WAITE, informs his friends and the public, that he has on hand at his long established factory, No. 4 Chatham-square, ex- tending through to No. 2 Catharine- street, New- York, an elegant and large assortment of curled ma- ple, bronze, and painted Fancy Chairs ; likewise an extensive assortment of Windsor Chairs, Settees, &c. of the newest fashions and warranted well finished, which he offers for sale on the most reasonable and accommodating terms. All orders will be thankfully received and at- tended to with punctuality and despatch, A liberal allowance to shippers. N. B. Old Chairs repaired, painted, and re-gilt. Oct. 1817. ' THOMAS L. RICH, MERCHANT-TAILOR, No. 9 Wall-street, New -York, informs the public, that all orders he may be favored with, shall be executed in a su- perior style, and on the most reasonable terms. %* Navy and Military Officers, furnished in the most recent manner. Oct — 1817. THOMAS SMYTH, SMITH IN GENERAL, No. 3 Dey-street, New- York. Parlour Grates, Fenders and Pans of a very superior and fashionable kind. Oct. 1817. ^LOOKING GLASS MANUFACTORY. JOHN STEEN No. 161 Fulton Street, New- York Prints & Needle Work Neatly Framed* Oct. 1817. J& I. COX, No. 4 Court- • landt-street, near Broad- way, New-York, importers of the Liverpool Patent Lamps, thankful to the pub- lic and their friends for the liberal patronage they have hitherto met with, hope, by unremitting exertions, to me- rit a continuance of their fa- vours. They have the satis- faction to inform them that they have always on hand an extensive assortment of the above Lamps. Likewise, a superb assortment of Stand Lamps, intended for chim- nej'-pieces, sideboards, coun- ters, tables, &c. of elegw.t and new patterns — the puL- lic and their friends are re- spectfully solicited to call and inspect them. These Lamps have met with continual approbation ; the pur- chaser having such peculiar advantage over any where else, their lamps being warranted perfect, and should they prove otherwise, they are requested to return them, where they will be made perfect gratis — and from their thorough knowledge of the business, undertake to clean and repair lamps, and make them equal to new. N. B. All orders in their line executed with faithful, ness and punctuality* Oct. — 1817, THE PICTURE OF NEW YORK OR THE STRANGER'S GUIDE 1825 ivtryJ Vm:ti