FRANCIS'S ST HANGER'S HAND-BOOK FOR THE CITY OF JNEW YORK lEx Htbris SEYMOUR DURST IVben you leave, please leave this book Because it has been said " Sver'tbincj comes t' bim vobo waits Except a loaned book." .X. **** f FRANCIS'S NEW GUIDE TO THE CITIES OP NEW-YORK AND BROOKLYN, AND THE VICINITY: GIVING A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE METROPOLIS AND ITS ENVIRONS, WITH A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS, INSTITUTIONS OF BENEVOLENCE, LEARN- ING, SCIENCE, ART, LITERATURE, BUSINESS AND RECREATION, Cfjurcfjcs, hotels, Banfts, E^catrcs, &t., TADLBS OF DISTANCE, AND THE VARIOUS METHODS OF CONVEYANCE IN AND FROM THE CITIES AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD. WITH MAM, AND NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS. NEW- YORK : C. S. FRANCIS & CO., 252 BROADWAY. 1856. S Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by C. S. FKANCIS A CO., In the Clerk'a Office of the District Court of the United States for Um Southern District of Sew- York. CONTENTS. FAQS Early History of New- York *..... 13 Bird's-Eye View 21 Environs of New- York 28 Public Buildings 38 miscellaneous places worth visiting 51 Public Squares 62,124 Principal Benevolent Institutions 65, 121 Literary Institutions 73 Theological Institutions 75 Medical Institutions 76 Mechanics' Institutions 76 Picture Galleries and Institutions of the Fink Arts 77 Daguerreotypes 79 Places ok Amusement. 80 Hotels 85 Private Residences 89 Markets 91 The Novelty Works 93 The Ferries 94 Railroads 96 Omnibuses and Rail-buses 97, 129, 131 Expresses 98 Hackney- Coaches 99 The Churches of New- York 102 Summary of Congregations. 102 New- York Pulpit 103 Description of Churches 105 Education — Public and "Ward "Schools 117 Antiquities of New-York 119 iv CONTKKTO. Banks 120 Benevolent Societies 121 Miscellaneous Items 124 OMNIUMS KoUTKS AND ClTY CaRS 129, 181 Location of Piers 132 Taiileb Of Dlstances in XeW-Y('RK and Bkook- ltn 127,128,148 The Crystal Palace. 133 City ok Brooklyn 137 Churches in Brooklyn 142 Greenwood Cemetery. .... 147 LIST OF ENGRAVINGS. View in Broadway (Frontis.) t. Distributing Reservoir, 51 8. Sir II. Clinton's House, SO 4. City Hall, 39 5. Halls of Justice, 40 6. Custom- 1 louse, 41 7. Merchants' Exchange, 42 8. New-York University, 44 9. Free Academy, 45 10. Astor Library, 46 11. New Bible House, 48 12. State Arsenal, 54 18. Asylum for the Blind, 69 14. Asylum for Orphans, 69 15. Penitentiary, 71 16. Trinity Church, 105 17. St. Mark's Church, 106 18. Baptist Church, 109 19. St. Patrick's Cathedral, 109 20. Dutch Reformed Church, 112 21. Fourth Universalis! Church, 112 22. Presbyterian Church, 113 23. Church of Messiah, 113 24. St. Thomas's Church, 114 25. Floating Chapel, 114 26. Ch. of Holy Communion, 115 27. French Church, 116 28 Synagogue, 117 1 29. Frankfort street Church, 119 ; 30. Walton House, 119 31. Old Dutch House, 120 , 32. Union and National Banks, 120 ; 33. Crystal Palace, 188 34 Bookstore, 136 35. Church of the Saviour, 148 36. Shield's Monument, 147 INDEX. Academy, Free, 45 Academy, National, of Design, 77 Albany Boats, 95, 96 Almshouse Department, 72 Amusement, Places of, SO ANTIQUITIES OF NEW-YORK, 119 Arsenal, 54 Association, Young Men's Chris- tian, 70 Astoria, 29, 95 Astor Library, 46 Asylum for Aged Females, 69 Asylum for Insane, 69 Asylum, Leake and Watts' Or- phan, 69 Asylum, Magdalen, 69 Asylum, New - York Orphan, 69 Assay Office, 43 Basks, 120 Battery, 62 Bible House, 4S Bird's-Eye View, 21 Blackwell's Island, 71 Blind, Institution for, 68 Bloomingda'e, 32 Bookstore, 136 Bowling Green, 63 Bridge, High, 54 British Emigrant Board, 121 Brooklyn, City of, 137 Buildings, Public, 38 Cars, City, 131 Cemetery, Greenwood, 147 Churches in New-Ycirk, 102 Baptist, First, 109 Dutch Reformed, 111, 112 Floating Chapel, 114 French Church, 11G Grace Church, 110 Holy Communion, Church of the, 115 Holy Redeemer, Church of the, 109 Jews' Synagogues, 116 Messiah, Church of the, 113 Presbyterian, Fifth Avenue, 116 Presbyterian, First, 110 Presbyterian, University PI., 113 St. George's, 107 St John's Chapel, ICS St. Mark's, 106 St. Patrick's Cathedral, 109 St. Paul's Chapel, 107 St. Thomas', 114 Trinity Chapel, 117 Trinity Church, 105 Universalist, Fourth, 112 Church, an old, 119 Churches in Brooklyn, 142 Christ's Church, 144 Dutch Reformed, 144, 145 Grace Church, 143 Holy Trinity, Church of the, 142 Pilgrims, Church of the, 142 Plymouth Church, 145 Presbyterian, First, 145 Presbyterian, Second, 146 vi INDEX. Saviour, Church of the, 143 St. A i.i,'-, 146 Climate, 23 Cohosh, Hackney, 99 College, Columbia, 45 College, New-York Medical, 76 College of Physicians and Sur- geons, 75 Co.\:=:= > > » > := > :r N > > r > :r. f* m o fS £-2 "iS = § C U = 3 © := := k > K > := > * :s >:= :s •=>>>>>:= x H .= ._ > - - -- >. I C y S — £ Ci S « « ■*» fc. S ■ i I If 3 .0 := > 5 ;= O ,£ .5; .t H := 1 M _ „ © 3 scarce — r S3 -3-3 = 3 t;22-«!:'-= — — — = S o c 5 - c=TCTJ-: = = = aBo-. i-L.3;= , = g o ESEI i i 3 ija e«£dAAJ.d.e.flA S "« essa uauuuBuauuauaoaauao ' es 5 SS>S> = > :3 >:= = >>:=:=>>> := -r > 2 3 ». - ._ ._ ._ * - - jj. = 11 "2 •B o »• a w = A SKETCH or THE (fctrl]i piston) of |teiir-|ork Citg; T was the custom of the Atlantic tribes of North American Indians to resort to the sea- coast during the summer months, where they spent their time in the peaee- ^ ful employments of hunt- ing and fishing; leaving the sterner occupations of war for the secret ambushes of the interior forests. They gener- ally selected for their sum- mer residences some place easy of access, and immediately contiguous to their sporting grounds. The island of New-York, or, as it was called by the natives, Manhattan, was a favorite resort of the Hud- eon river tribes. Abundant evidence of this fact is found in the history of its first discovery, and the indestructible relics that every where abound, buried in the ground. Excavations in the primitive soil often expose large quan- tities of shells, the remnants of their "clam-bakes;" and various specimens of arrow-heads, stone axes and chisels, are found in the upper parts of the island. From their temporary villages they went forth in search of game ; and long before the white man came, the expan- sive bay that now reflects the sails of a hundred nations, was dotted by the humble canoes of a race whose very name 2 14 CITY OF NEW-YORK. has long been lost to history. The ground that now sus- tains a million of inhabitants then hid in its forest shades the dusky forms of a few hundred wild men ; and the waters that are now burdened with the commerce of the world were then timidly navigated by the birchen canoe of a rate who never ventured beyond the protection of their inland bounds. On the 2d of September, 1009, a beautiful autumn day, the adventurous bark of Henry Hud- sou made its appearance in the lower harbor. Hie In- dians, whose fishing-canoes were scattered about in every direction, attacked one of his boats which was sent out to fish, and killed its commander. They buried him on an island which was named after him, Column's Island, now degenerated into Coney Island. After this, these Indians became more friendly, and came on board, where they exchanged tobacco and Indian corn for trinkets. Hudson passed up with his vessel (the Half Moon) as far as the present site of Albany, and then re- turned to Manhattan; and after sometimes trading with the natives, and sometimes killing them, he went back to Europe again. His mutinous men forced him to go to England instead of Holland, from whence he came. The British Government, which had formerly driven him from their service, now detained him, and in a subsequent voy- age to North America, he was set adrift by his crew in an open boat, with his young son and seven others, without compass or food, and never heard of after. This was brought about through the treacherous agency of one of his men, whom he had formerly befriended, under circum- stances that claimed lasting gratitude. Hudson was a bold and skilful navigator, and had formerly distinguished him- self in his attempts to discover a north-west passage to the East Indies. The Dutch, finding that they could get furs of the North American Indians, sent out another ship to New-York, to trade with them; and in 1614, the Dutch Government en- couraged a companv of merchants, and licensed them as the " West India Company." Soon after this the company sent out two ships, one of which was accidentally burned, but was replaced by another, which was built by her com- mander on the East river. After sailing along the coast to Martha's Vineyard, they returned to the Hudson river, and EARLY HISTORY. 15 proceeded up to Castle Island, near Albany, 'where they commenced a settlement. For many years after this first settlement, Albany was the remotest point of interior civili- zation. In 1614, a fort was built on Manhattan Island; a few huts were soon added, to accommodate the settlers who traded with the Indians. This fort was just in the rear of the present site of Trinity Church, on the immedi- ate bank of the river: the tide then came up to where the western wall of the churchyard now stands. In 1751, some workmen digging in the bank, back of the church, dis- covered a stone wall, which occasioned great wonder at first, but was soon ascertained to be the remnants if the long-forgotten fort. In 1621, the Dutch Government gave the New-Netherlands to their West India Company. The territory so denominated extended from Delaware river to Cape Cod. In 1623, they built a new fort, which stood on the ground now occupied by the Bowling Green, then a high mound of earth, overlooking an extensive ledge of rocks, the site of the present Battery. There is every indication that New- York was in primi- tive days the " city of hills" — such verdant hills, of succes- sive undulation, as the general state of the whole country part of the island now presents. The hills were sometimes precipitous, as from Beekman's and Peck's Hills, in the neighborhood of Pearl, Beekman and Ferry streets, and from the Middle Dutch Church, the building now conver- ted into the Post Office, in Nassau street, down to Mai- den Lane ; and sometimes gradually sloping, as on cither hills along the line of the water, near Maiden Lane. The water flowed in between many of the hills, such as "the canal," so called to gratify Dutch recollections, which was an inlet up Broad street. Up Maiden Lane flowed another inroad. A little beyond Peck's Slip existed a low water-course, which in high water ran quite up in union with the Collect, (Kolck,) and then joining with Lispenard's swamp on North river side, produced a union of waters quite across the city; thus converting it occasionally into an island. Boats were used occasionally to carry the foot passengers from either side of the high rising ground rang- ing on both sides of Pearl street. Part of the people who came out in the Tea Company's ships settled, in 1625, on an island, at what is now called 18 CITY OF KETT-YOP.K. the Wallabout, n word importing Che waloon bend. About thistime wefind intlie public records, that " Paulus Hook " was sold by Gov. Keift to Abraham Isaacs Flank for 450 guilders. l'or scandalizing the Governor, one Ilendriek Jnneson, in 1 G«8, was sentenced to stand at the foil door at the ringing of the bell, and ask the Governor's pardon.' On the Gth of August, 1038, two persons were appointed to inspect "tobacco cultivated here for exportation;" and on the l'lth of the same month it was ordered, that in con- sideration of "the hid) character it had obtained in foreign countries/' any adulteration should be punished witli a heavy penalty. In 1041, a cattle fair was established, to be held annually on the loth of October. The lands on " York Island," without the bounds of the town wall-, alone Wall street, were either used for public grazing grounds for the town cows, sheep or swine, or else lor the Governor's farms, under the name of Bouwer\a. The liouweiy or fanu sold to Governor Stuyvesant in 1031, now so valuable as building lots in the hands of his de- scendant, was originally purchased by him for 0,400 guil- der-, f£i,o00;) an ,i having, besides the land, "a dwelling- house, barn, reek-lands, six cows, two horses and two young negroes." On another farm the company erected a wint molcn (wind-millj for the use of the town. Its site wac neat the "Broadway," between the present Liberty and Courtlandt streets. The first having decayed, it was ordered, in 1002, that there be another on the same ground, "outside of the city land-port (gate) on the company's farm." In 1GC3, all the carmen of the city, to the number of twenty, ordered to be enrolled, and to draw for Hd. an or- dinary load, and to remove weekly from the city the dirt of the streets at Zd. n load. In 1676, the rates of tavern fare were thus ordered : For lodging, 'Ad. ; for meals, M. ; brandy per gill, (,d. ; and cider per quart. Ad. In 1670, all the inhabitants living in the street called the Here Graft (now Broad street) were re- quired "to fill up the graft, ditch or common shore, and level the same." In this same year are given the names of all the then property-holders, amounting to only 300 names, and "assessed at U dollars a pound on £99,695." Luke Lancton, in 1083, was made "collector of customs EARLY HISTORY. 17 at the custom-house near the bridge, and none shall un- load but at the bridge." The house called "Stuyvesant Huys," at the north-west corner of present Front and Moore streets, was then called the " custom-house." In 1683, it was ordered that "no youthes, maydes, or other persons may meete together on the Lord's day, for sport or play, under fine of Is." " No more than four In- dian or negro slaves may assemble together.' In 1683, the vessels and boats of the port were enrolled as follows : 3 barques, 3 brigantines, 26 sloops, and 4o open boats. The old Dutch records show that all the rear of the town was divided into farms called " Bouwerys," from whence we have Bowery now. In 1687, sixteen acres of the Basse Bowery was granted to Arien Cornelisson, for the consid- eration of one fat capon a year. In 1095, the celebrated Capt. Eidd came to New-York to see his wife. He soon after this commenced his piracies, and continued them till 1699, when he visited Long Island Sound, and made several deposits of mouey on the shores. One of these deposits was discovered a few years since by some laborers, while digging on the shores of the East river. Kidd was decoyed to Boston, where he wa9 arrested, sent to England, and hung in 1701. In 1698, the Council agreed to build the "new City Hall," by the head of Broad street, for £3,000 ; the same afterwards the Congress Hall, on the corner of Wall street. In 1699, they sold the old City Hall to John Rodman for £920, reserving only "the bell, the king's arms, and iron works [fetters, lot was caused by frequent alarms of fire, and robberies committed on the premises of one of the citizens. The first fire destroyed the Governor's house and the old church, both of which were within the walls of the fort A few days after this, another firo occurred under very mysterious circumstances, and subse- quently, in the space of three weeks, eight more fires served to spread great consternation among the people. Many negroes were executed, and the investigations were long and intricate. While the trials were going on, and the execution of sev- eral negroes taking place, proclamations were made, offer- ing pardon to the free who should make discovery of the plot, or accuse others; and pardon and liberty to the slaves who should do the same; and rewards in money to both. The consequence was, that the negroes who were in jail accused themselves and others, hoping to save their own lives, and obtain the promised boons. What one poor wretch invented, was heard and repeated by another; and by degrees the story assumed the shape of a regular plot In the course of the evidence it appears that the city was destined to be fired, and the inhabitants massacred, on coming out of the English Church in Broadway, ht. Pat- rick's night was selected for the catastrophe, and many Irish Catholics lately arrived enlisted in the gang of mur- derers. The negroes were led by one Ilughson, at whose house they were entertained, and where they brought their stolen goods. An unfortunate man, named Dry, an English clergyman, who had been teaching school in the city was tried and condemned on the roost trivial testi- mony. He was hung amidst the greatest excitement There were thirteen blacks burned alive at the stake, at a place then out of town, but situated near the present inter- section of Pearl and Chatham streets, where there was formerly a hollow place. Twenty were hung "on the island by the powder-house," where the Arsenal now is, in Elm street Seventy were transported to foreign parte; Hughson, his wife, and Peggy Carey, a noted informer, were hung. Several of the negroes declared that they had accused themselves and others because they had been told that, was the only way to save their lives. EARLY HISTORY. 19 "The Indians, in the year 1746, came to the city of New-York in a body, say several hundreds, to hold a con- ference or treaty with the Governor. They were Oneidas and Mohawks ; coming from Albany, crowding the X orth river with their canoes ; bringing with them their squaws and papouses; they encamped on the site now Hudson's Square, before St. John's Church, then a low sand beach." In 1756, the^iVs< stage started between Philadelphia and New York, three days through. In 1765, a second stage, announced to travel between New- York and Philadelpliia, to go through in three days, being a covered Jersey wagon, at 2d a mile. In 1766, another stage, called "the Flying Machine," to go through in two days, "in good wagons, and seats on springs," at 3d a mile, or 20.?. through. These extracts are principally drawn from "Watson's An- nals of New-York. The public records, always accessible at the City Record office, are very numerous, and will well reward the curious for their perusal. During the Revolution, the Middle Dutch Church, Nas- sau street, was used as a "prison for 3,000 Americans." The pews were taken out and used for fuel. Afterwards the church was used as a riding-school by the British cav- alry. The North Dutch Church, in William street, was also used as a prison-house, and at one time held 2,000 pri- soners ; all the Presbyterian churches were used for military purposes, but the Methodists' houses were spared on ac- count of their adherence to Wesley, who was known to b6 a loyalist. It is estimated that 11,000 Americans were interred from the British prisons at the Wallabout, near the present Navy Yard. In cutting down the hill for the Navy Yard, there were taken up as many as thirteen large boxes of human bones, which, being borne on trucks under mourn- ing palls, were carried in procession to Jackson street, on Brooklyn height, and interred in a charnel-house con- structed for the occasion beneath three drooping willows. Two of the burnt hulks of the prison-ships still remain sunken near the Navy Yard ; one in the dock, and one in the Good Hope, near Pinder's Island. In 1785-6, Alderman William Baj-ard sold his farm of fifty acres, situated on the west side of Broadway, where 20 CITY OF NEW-YORK. St Paul's Church now stands. He divided it into lots of twenty-five by one hundred feet, and bold them at twenty- five dollars each. The old Kennedy House, now converted into the Wash- ington IJotel, No. 1 Broadway, is an object of great interest. It was, during the Revolution, occupied succes- sively by ( 'ornwallis, Clinton, Howe, and Washington, and here Andre commenced his correspondence with Arnold. The house was erected in 1760, by lion. Captain Kennedy, afterwards Earl of Cassilis. the mat fires in 1776 and 1778 occurred while the British held possession of the city. The fire in 1776 commenced in Whitehall slip, late at iiijrlit, and consumed all the buildings west of Broadway and south of Barclay street Trinity Church was burnt at this time; four hundred and ninety-three houses were destroyed. The fire in 1778 Matured on Crugcr's wharf, and* burnt about fifty houses. The buil- dings destroyed on both of these occasions were of an inferior order, and built of wood. R HENIiY CLIXTON'8 HOUSE. A BIRD'S EYE VIEW. KOBABLY the finest view of New- York is that which is enjoyed by the spectator who gazes upon the city and its suburbs from the lofty spire of Trin- ity Church. To this point, therefore, as it is desirable to form at the out- set a correct idea of the position of the city and its sur- roundings, we will at once repair. With slight fatigue we ascend the stairway, and are abundantly repaid by the grandeur of the view. If we take a position facing the north — that is, looking directly up Broadway — we shall have upon our right the East river, a body of water flowing between New-York and Brooklyn, and which, if followed for fifteen miles in an easterly direction, is found to expand to the width of several miles, taking from this point the name of Long Island Sound. Before reaching the Sound, however, the water passes through a narrow rocky channel, known as the famous Hell Gate, so called by the early Dutch voyagers in consequence of its furious tide. Through this passage John Dermer sailed for the first time in 1619, and thus described the appearance of the place, as his account is given by Purchas : "Wee found," says the brave Dermer, " a most danger- ous cataract amongst small rockie islands, occasioned by 22 CITY OF NEW-YORK. two unrqunll tydes, the one ebbing and flowing two houros before the other." Thin account is (juite graphic, although it is almost needless to observe that the theory of the "two tydcs" is apocryphal. Turning to the left, we see the Hudson river, a body of water which may well be termed majestic; for whether we consider the volume of its current, with the rich freights it bears, or take into account the lovely scenery of its banks, together with the noble bay, which, grander than itself, receives it as a lit channel of conveyance to the grandest receptacle of all, the ocean — none, we think, will deny the propriety of the term. The Hudson is also sometimes denominated the North river — a name originally applied to it when the early Dutch settlements were bounded on the south bv the Delaware, then called the South river, and by the Hud- son on the north. To gain a full impression of the noble- ness of this last-named channel, it is necessary to pass in a steamboat through the highlands on a clear summer daj\ At such times we have heard the river extolled in terms of almost unbounded admiration even by those most fami- liar with the world-renowned beauties of the Khinc. An imperfect idea of the scenery of its banks may be had by directing our attention — even from this point — to the Palisades, the bold striking bluff discernible in the dis- tance on the left bank. This ridge, varying in height from 200 to 500 feet, extends along the west side of the river, from Weehawken, (the point now in view four miles up the river,) as far as Tappan, a distance of 20 miles. From this latter place the banks are lower until we reach Cald- well's Landing, 42 miles from New-York, and the southern entrance of the Highlands, where commences the sublime scenery, which numbers among its charms, Anthony's Nose, 1,128 feet in height; the Sugar Loaf, Crow Kest, Beacon Hill, 1,685 feet, the loftiest peak of the Highlands, and the attractions more gracious)}' named West Point Let us return, however, to the prospect, before us. The first edifice upon our left, as we look up Broadway, is Trinity Building, known by its faint yellow color — a hue which agreeably contrasts with the shades of red, w hite and green, that are seen around it. This color arises from the bricks of which the walls are built, and which are cnown as ililwaukie brick, being made of a light A BIRD S EYE VIEW. 23 yellow clay found in the neighborhood of that city. The rental of this building has been stated at §60,000. Opposite to this is seen the Metropolitan Bank, a struc- ture admirably adapted to its purpose ; and indeed one of the finest of the many elegant banking-houses which adorn the city. Particular attention is called to the orna- mental sculpture upon its two fronts, and to the tasteful gradation of ornament from the first to the upper story. The cost of the building, together with the grounds, was $105,000. It is on the corner of Broadway and Pine street. The first church on the left side of Broadway is St. Paul'* Chapel, belonging to the Corporation of Trinity Chureli. This fine old building deserves notice from having its steeple at one end, and a well-arranged porch at the other — an expedient which, in this instance at least, pro- duces a pleasing effect The height of the steeple is 203 feet. This church was once quite out of town. The father of the writer distinctly remembers having many years ago shot a wild pigeon which had alighted upon a tree in the churchyard. Crossing the street, we have in view Barium's American Museum — the wonders contained in which building none but a Barnum could either have collected, in the first instance, or can adequately describe. The granite edifice upon the left is the Astor House. "We have now readied the Park, an enclosure of about 10 acres, containing the most important buildings of the City Government. Here we have the City Hall, the new City Hall, the Hall of Records, and the Rotunda. The large white pile in view from our elevated position is the City Hall, which stands somewhat to the east of Broadway, and is ornamented by a well-proportioned cupola. Beyond the City Hall, and on the line of Broadway, we discover a building of snowy marble, whose size and beauty render it a conspicuous object. This is Stewart's Marble Palace, probably the most costly building in the world owned and occupied by one merchant, and devoted to the purposes of trade. It is said that the annual sales at this colossal dry-goods store amount to several mil- lions of dollars. 21 CITY OF NEW-YORK. No other building is recognizable in this direction until we come to Grace Church, which stands as an expectant bride, graceful]}' looking down tlirongli the turmoil of cart and carriage, toward her powerful and somewhat burly protector, Trinity Church. We are aware that the respective corporations are by no means so nearly related as this attitude might itnplyi hut only mean to intimate that the material structures referred to hare a sort of related look. Grace Church is, moreover, worth a visit upon a week-day, from its affording an opportunity for curious reflections upon the effect of light. The "modest mansion" which rises next, door to the church is the Rec- tory. The buildings stand on Broadway, within one door from the corner of Tenth street A few blocks higher up, Broadway is directly faced by Union Park, where the street turns to the left, and pursues its way until it reaches Twenty-third street and Madison Square ; where, after crossing tile Fifth and Sixth Avenues, it meets and takes the name of the Bloomingdale Road. Above Union Square, the wealthiest and most fashion- able residents of New-York have their habitations; but as these are not in sight from our observatory, we turn to survey the prospect from the right or east window, and find ourselves gazing directly down Wall street, seeming, as it were, to look into the golden throat of Plutus himself. We have immediately beneath us, on the corner of Broad- way and Wall street, the large and costly banking-house of the Bank of the Republic, a building which cannot be regarded with much approbation, since the main architec- tural purposes accomplished in this instance have been to magnify an attic, and make a glorious front door. The first prominent building upon our left, as we pa6s down Wall street, is the Custom-House. The spot it occupies is venerable from the circumstance that here stood the old Federal Hall, on whose balcony Washington took the inaugural oath as President of the United States, on the 30th of April, 1760. The present building is worthy of the place it holds, and is particularly noticeable from the beauty of its proportions and the solid elegance of its work." From our lofty point of survey we must not fail to notice its marble roof. One block in the rear of the Custom-House we descry as A bird's eye view. 25 old gray church, with quaint roof and cupola. This build- ing was formerly known as the Middle Dutch Church, but is now occupied by the New-York Post-Office. On the right side of the street, farther east, is seen a granite building, having an extensive dome, and orna- mented on the street by a row of granite columns; by which features we may easily recognize the Merchants' Exchange! In this direction, looking across the river, we have a view of Brooklyn, on Long Island ; beyond which, follow- ing the river, a portion of Williamsburg is also distinctly seen. Perhaps, however, the most attractive prospect is that on the south, in which direction we turn our eyes down Broadway, where we see the Bowling-Green and the Battery, together with Castle Garden, close at hand. The large island lying nearest to the city is Governor's Island ; beyond which is South Brooklyn — the locality of the Atlantic docks. The other large island in the distance is States Island ; between which and Long Island we see the Narrows, the well-fortified entrance to the harbor of New-York. The two small islands lying nearer to the city, on the right, are Ellis's Island and Bedloe's Island ; the latter of which is the most distant, and is fortified. Taken in all its parts, this bay of 25 miles in circum- ference, extending 8 miles from the Narrows to the city, affords, indeed, a lovely prospect to the eye. As we gaze upon it, we are not disposed to question the judgment of poor Hendrick Hudson, who, viewing the landscape in its almost primeval beauty, declared : " This is a very good land to fall (in) with, and a pleasant laud to see." The opinion of the old navigator seems to have been recorded on the morning of September 2d, 1009, when the beauties of the landscape were for the first time discovered to European eyes. The view from the west window presents to us Jersey City, in the State of New-Jersey, directly across the river ; north of which is Iloboken, a famous summer resort ; while farther up, following the left bank, we come to Weehawken, where our circuit began ; a place of surpass- ing interest, near the river bank ; in this neighborhood is the spot where Aaron Burr shot the brave and ac- complished Ilamilton ; killing him in a duel, fought July 3 it CITY OF NKW-TORK. 11th, 1804. A conspicivous object at Jersey City is the dock of the Cunard steamers, and here is also the I'hila- delpbifl or great Southern Railroad depot. Before leaving our survey, we must add, that, although no bridges span the rivers which hound Manhattan or New-York Island, except on the north, still the communi- cation is at all hours both rapid and convenient. This necessary intercourse is kepi up by new of 16 f.-nii", •whose boats, admirably constructed" and adorned, are seen darting from their piers, and pursuing their way in all directions. In concluding our sketch, it may be well to add a few words in regard to the statistics of the cities of New- York, Brooklyn, Williamsburg and Jersey City, which have been thus brought into view. Their population at the dates 1830, 1840, and 1850, was as follows: 1M0. 1840. 1850. New-York 1H7.112 3 1 2,7 1 0 5 1 5, 507 Brooklyn 15,394 30,233 96,838 "W llh.-.msburg 1,117 5,094 30,780 The present population of Jersey City is about 17,000; making a total of nearly 700,00o" human beings, whose various abodes, places of business, and resorts for recrea- tion have contributed to our view. We pass to a GENERAL DESCRIPTION. The city and county of New-York have the same limits, comprising the whole of Manhattan or New-York Island, which, as we have seen, narrows to a point at its southern extremity ; having the Hudson river on its west side, and the East" river on the cast. On the Hudson the island extends 13 miles, to Spuyten Duyvel creek; which, after a crooked course of about one mile, connects with the Har- lem river, near King's Bridge. The greatest length of the island is 13$ miles. The Harlem river runs south-east a distance of 6 miles, to the East river, which it enters near Randall's Island, 9 miles from the Battery point. The widest part of the island is on a line with* Eighty-eighth street, where it measures 2£ miles ; its narrowest part being little more than half a mile in width. Its circumference is about 29 miles, and its area 14,000 acres. Four bridges a bird's eye view. 27 cross the Harlem river : viz., the Croton High Bridge, Macomb's bridge, the Harlem Railroad and the Harlem turnpike bridge. The llndson River Railroad is carried over Spuyten Duyvel creek. The surface of the island was originally uneven and rough, as is now the case in the northern parts, with occa- sional low valleys and marshy swamps ; but the hills in the southern part of the island have been levelled, and the swamps and marshes filled up. Many creeks and inlets on the margins of the rivers have also disappeared, and the large ledge of rocks that occupied the site of the present Battery has long since been buried by made ground. The water line has been materially altered from what it was. A large part of "Water, Front and South streets, on the East river, and of Greenwich, Washington and West streets, on the Ihidson river, occupy made ground. The city population extends more than four miles on each river, and the compact part has a circumference of over ten miles. In latter times, care has been taken to lay out the streets straight, and of ample width. This is particularly true of all the northern part of the city, which was laid out under the direction of Gouverneur Morris, De Witt Clinton and others, and surveyed by Sir. John Ran- dall jr. The survey was completed in 1821, after having occupied ten years. No city can exhibit a more beautiful plan than this portion of the city of New-York, which ex- tends to One Hundred and Fifty-fourth street, about ten miles north of the Battery. Twelve noble avenues, each 100 feet wide, run parallel and lengthwise of the island, giving access to the city, and these are cut at right angles by numerous streets, every tenth one of which is also 100 feet wide, while the narrow streets are 60 feet in width. The island is mostly composed of granite, which is gene- rally buried from 10 to 15 feet under ground. The super- incumbent earth is composed of drift sand and pebbles, with large quantities of oxide of iron, which gives it a red color. The rocks crop out and appear on the surface, in the upper parts of the island, to a considerable extent The soil for the most part is fertile, but from the abundance of rocks, hard to cultivate. The island was originally covered with a very large growth of wood. 28 CITV OF RKW-YOKK. CLIMATE. IT"; average temperature of our climate throughout the year i- :>'/ u of Fahrenheit's thermometer; and that is also tli.- temperature of the deep Bet wells. The greatest degree of cold ever experienced is (J or 10" below zero; hut that is very ran — having occurred in 1780 and in 1820, when panOM M i nt between this city and Statcn Island on the ice. In winter the thermometer rarely (-inks lower than 10° or 20° below the freezing-point, and in a few hours the old always moderates. The highest temperature of our summer is seldom above B0*, mid is rarely of long continuance From the middle of September to about the last of October, the atmosphere will generally vie with any in the world for serenity and beauty. Winter generally sets in about Christmas, and continues for some two months, although sudden changes of temperature frequently occur in summer and winter, which, unless guarded against, will cause severe colds and other diseases; but it is to be added, that New-York, gene- rally speaking, is as healthy a spot as anv city in the worlJ. ENVIRONS OF NEW-YORK. The principal place in the neighborhood of the city jg Brooklyn. This city will be particularly described here- after. The expense of excursions by boat and railroad in the neighborhood of New-York may be usually estimated at about 3 cents per mile. WIIXIAMSBtKG, Formerly an independent city-, bnt now part of (the city of; Brooklyn, and opposite the north-east part of New-York, with which it has frequent communication by means of several steam ferry-boats. Its chief buildines are a town-hall and numerous churches, together with handsome private dwellings. The ferries to Williamsburg are on the East river, one at foot of Houston street, one at ENVIRONS. 29 Grand street, and a third at Ferry street, nearly due east from the City HalL Distance, 1£ miles. ASTORIA, A flourishing village of Queens county, six miles north- east from New- York. It has several churches, an academy, and an extensive botanic garden. It occupies a beautiful position on Long Island Sound, near that remarkable whirl- pool called by the Dutch Helle Gat, " Hell Gate." Asto- ria is one of the favorite summer residences of the New- Yorkers. Steamboats for Astoria leave the pier on the East river at foot of Fulton street, and a short distance above, at Peck Slip. FLUSHING, An incorporated town of Long Island, situated on Flush- ing Bay, an arm of Long Island Sound. Flushing was formerly the seat of several literary institutions, as St Pauls College, St Thomas's Hall and St Ann's Hall, but at present there are merely one or two inconsiderable schools. The Linnamn Botanic Garden is here; and this, with other advantages, renders Flushing one of the most attractive places of resort on the island. It is about ten miles distant from New- York. A boat for Flushing leaves the pier at foot of Fulton street JAMAICA, A large and well-built town of Queens county, eleven miles from Brooklyn. Its chief buildings, besides those of the county, are five churches, two academies, eight hotels and taverns, and several manufactories of pianos and car- riages. The Long Island Railroad Company have a large depot and machine-shop here. Constant communication with Brooklyn, Flushing, Hempstead, Rockaway, "ew- York for Coney Island several times a day during the sum- mer season. FOI£T HAMILTON. This fortress, which, in connection with Forts Lafayette and Tompkins, commands the Karrows, is situated on the Western end of Long Island, and about 8 miles nearly due south from IS'ew-York. A small assemblage of houses has grown up around it, including one church and an exten- sive boarding-house. It is a place of fashionable resort, chiefly for the convenience of sea bathing. NEW-BRIGIITOX AMI STATES ISLAND, A village of country-seats, erected for the accommoda- tion of some of the "best society" of New-York It occu- pies the most northern point "of fStaten Island, at the entrance of the "Kills," which separate the island fi om the Jersey shore. The situation is very fine, commanding a view of the bay, with its islets, the"city, Long Island, north-east of the City HalL Distance, 7 miles. NEWAKK Is by far the largest, and, as a manufacturing place, the most important town — or rather city, for it is organized aa such— in the State of New-Jersey. Its population is chiefly engaged in the various manufactories, which abound here to an unusual extent. Newark was first settled in 1666> by people from New-England. ENVIRONS. 33 The Passaic, here a beautiful stream, flows along the eastern side of the town, and gradually curves towards the east, in its passage into Newark Bay, three miles dis- tant from the city. Its streets and avenues are wide, and shailed by an abundance of trees, which add greatly to the beauty of the city and the comfort of its citizens. The many manufacturing establishments in and about the place, give it an active and business-like appearance. Besides the factories, most of which are on a large scale, there are several breweries, grist and saw-mills, dye- ing-houses, and printing offices, each of which issues a newspaper, f the long-forgotten fort. In 1621, the Dutch Government gave the New-Netherlands to their West India Company. The territory so denominated extended from Delaware river to Cape Cod. In 1623, they built a new fort, which stood on the ground now occupied by the Bowling Green, then a high mound of earth, overlooking an extensive ledge of rocks, the site of the present Battery. There is every indication that New-York was in primi- tive days the " city of hills" — such verdant hills, of succes- sive undulation, as the general state of the whole country part of the island now presents. The hills were sometimes precipitous, as from Beekman's and Peck's Hills, in the neighborhood of Pearl, Beekman and Ferry streets, and from the Middle Dutch Church, the building now conver- ted into the Post Office, in Nassau street, down to Mai- den Lane ; and sometimes gradually sloping, as on cither hills along the line of the water, near Maiden Lane. The water flowed in between many of the hills, such as " the canal" so called to gratify Dutch recollections, which was an inlet up Broad street. Up Maiden Lane flowed another inroad. A little beyond Peck's Slip existed a low water-course, which in high water ran quite up in union with the Collect, (Kolck,) and then joining with Lispenard's swamp on North river side, produced a union of waters quite across the city ; thus converting it occasionally into an island. Boats were used occasionally to carry the foot passengers from either side of the high rising ground rang- ing on both sides of Pearl street. Part of the people who came out in the Tea Company's ships settled, in 1025, on an island, at what is now called CITY OF NEW-YORK. the WallaLout, a word importing the waloon Lend. About this time vc find in the public records, that " Patilue Hook " •was sold by Gov. Keift to Abraham Isaacs Plank for 450 guilders, i'or scandalizing the Governor, one llendrick Janeson, in 1088, was sentenced to stand at the fort door, at the ringing of the bell, and ask the Governor's pardon. On the 0th of August, 1038, two persons were appointed to inspect "tobacco cultivated here for exportation;" and on the 19th of the same month it was ordered, that in con- sideration of " the high character it had obtained in foreign countries," any adulteration should be punished with a heavy penalty. In 1041, a cattle fair was established, to be held annually on the 15th of October. The lands on "York Island," without the bounds of the town walls, along Wall street, were either used for public grazing grounds for the town cows, sheep or swine, or else for tin- Governor's farms, under the name of Bouwerys. The Iiouu cry or farm sold to Governor Stuyvesant in 1031, now so valuable as building lots in the hands of his de- scendants, was originally purchased by him for 0,400 guil- ders, (£1,000 ;) and having, besides the land, " a dwelling- house, barn, reek-lands, six cows, two horses and two young negroes." On another farm the company erected a wint molcn (wind-mill) for the use of the town. Its site was near the "Broadway," between the present Liberty and Courtlandt streets. The first having decayed, it wa6 ordered, in 1002, that there Le another on the same ground, " outside of the city land-port (gate) on the company's farm." In 1003, all the carmen of the c"ity, to the numher of twenty, ordered to Le enrolled, and to draw for (>d. an or- dinary load, and to remove weekly from the city the dirt of the streets at Zd. a load. In 1075, the rates of tavern fare were thus ordered : For lodging, Zd. ; for meals, 8<7. ; Lrandy per gill, Od. ; and cider per quart 4lot was caused by frequent alarms of fire, and robberies committed on the premises of one of the citizens. The first fire destroyed the Governor's house and the old church, both of which were within the walls of the fort A few days after this, another fire- occurred under very mysterious circumstances, and subse- quently, in the space of three weeks, eight more fires served to spread great consternation among the people. Many negroes were executed, and the investigations were long and intricate. While the trials were going on, and the execution of sev- eral negroes taking place, proclamation! were made, offer- ing pardons to the free who should make discovery of the plot, or accuse others; and pardon and liberty to the slaves who should do the same; ami rewards in money to both. The consequence was, that the negroes who were in jail accused themselves and others, hoping to save their own lives, and obtain the promised boons. What one poor ■wretch invented, was heard and repeated by another; and by degrees the story assumed the shape of a regular plot In the course of the evidence it appears that the city was destined to be fired, and the inhabitants massacred, on coming out of the English Church in Broadway, fit Pat- rick's night was selected for the catastrophe, and many Irish Catholics lately arrived enlisted in the gang of mur- derers. The negroes were led by one llughson, at whose house they were entertained, and where they brought their stolen goods. An unfortunate man, named Ury, an English clergyman, who had been teaching school in the citv was tried and condemned on the most trivial testi- mony. He was hung amidst the greatest excitement There were thirteen blacks burned alive at the stake, at a place then out of town, but situated near the present inter- section of Pearl and Chatham streets, where there was formerly a hollow place. Twenty were hung "on the island by the powder-house," where the Arsenal now is, in Elm street Seventy were transported to foreign parts ; Hughson, his wife, and Peggy Carey, a noted informer, were hung. Several of the negroes declared that they had accused themselves and others because they had been told that, was the only way to save their lives. EARLY HISTORY. 19 " The Indians, in the year 1746, came to the city of New- York in a body, say several hundreds, to hold a con- ference or treaty with the Governor. They were Oneidaa and Mohawks ; coming from Albany, crowding the North river with their canoes; bringing with them their squaws and papouses ; they encamped on the site now Hudson's Square, before St. John's Church, then a low sand beach." In 1756, the first stage started between Philadelphia and New York, three days through. In 1765, a second stage, announced to travel between New- York and Philadelphia, to go through in three days, being a covered Jersey wagon, at Id. a mile. In 1766, another stage, called "the Flying Machine," to go through in two days, "in good wagons, and seats on springs," at 3c?. a mile, or 20s. through. These extracts are principally drawn from "Watson's An- nals of New-York. The public records, always accessible at the City Record office, are very numerous, and will well reward the curious for their perusal. During the Revolution, the Middle Dutch Church, Nas- sau street, was used as a "prison for 3,000 Americans." The pews were taken out and used for fuel. Afterwards the church was used as a riding-school by the British cav- alry. The North Dutch Church, in William street, was also used as a prison-house, and at one time held 2,000 pri- soners ; all the Presbyterian churches were used for military purposes, but the Methodists' houses were spared on ac- count of their adherence to Wesley, who was known to b6 a loyalist. It is estimated that 11,000 Americans were interred from the British prisons at the Wallabout, near the present Navy Yard. In cutting down the hill for the Navy Yard, there were taken up as many as thirteen large boxes of human bones, which, being borne on trucks under mourn- ing palls, were carried in procession to Jackson street, on Brooklyn height, and interred in a charnel-house con- structed for the occasion beneath three drooping willows. Two of the burnt hulks of the prison-ships still remain sunken near the Navy Yard ; one in the dock, and one in the Good Hope, near Pinder's Island. In 17S5-6, Alderman William Bayard sold his farm of fifty acres, situated on the west side of Broadway, where 20 CITY OF NEW-YORK. St Paul's Church now elands. He divided it into lots of twenty-five by one hundred feet, and bold them at twenty- tive dollars each. 'J he old Kennedy House, now converted into the Wash- ington Hotel, N„. i Broadway, is an object of rrreat interest. It was, during the Revolution, occupied succes- sively by Cornwall!*, Clinton, Howe, and Washington, and 6«e Andre commenced his correspondence with Arnold The house was erected in 1700, by Hon. Captain Kennedy afterwards Earl of Cassilis. The great fires in 1770 and 1778 occurred while the British held possession of the city. The fire in 1770 commenced in Whitehall slip late at night, and consumed all the buildings west of Uroadway and south of Barclay street. Trinity Church was burnt at this time; four hundred and ninety-three houses were destroyed. The fire in 1778 occurred on ( riiL'ers wharf, and burnt about fifty houses. The | jU ji_ noga destroyed on both of these occasions were of an inferior order, and built of wood. SIB HENKY CLIMOS'S HOCSE. A BIRD'S EYE VIEW. ROBABLY the finest view of Sew- York is that which is enjoyed by the ;gg?= spectator who gazes upon the city and ~ its suburbs from the lofty spire of Trin- ity Church. To this point, therefore, as it is desirable to form at the out- set a correct idea of the position of the city and its sur- roundings, we will at once repair. With slight fatigue we ascend the stairway, and are abundantly repaid by the grandeur of the view. If we take a position facing the north — that is, looking directly up Broadway — we shall hare upon our right the East river, a body of water flowing between New-York and Brooklyn, and which, if followed for fifteen miles in an easterly direction, is found to expand to the width of several miles, taking from this point the name of Long Island Sound. Before reaching the Sound, however, the water passes through a narrow rocky channel, known as the famous Hell Gate, so called by the early Dutch voyagers in consequence of its furious tide. Through this passage John Dermer sailed for the first time in 1619, and thus described the appearance of the place, as his account is given by Purchas : " Wee found," says the brave Dermer, " a most danger- ous cataract amongst small rockie islands, occasioned by 22 CITY OF NEW-YORK. two unequall tydes, the one ebbing and flowing two houres before the other." This account is about 29 miies, and its area 14,000 acres. Four bridges A BIRD S EYE VIEW. 27 cross the Harlem river : viz., the Croton High Bridge, Macomb's bridge, the Harlem Railroad and the Harlem turnpike bridge. The Hudson River Railroad is carried over Spuyten Duyvel creek. The surface of the island was originally uneven and rough, a* is now the case in the northern parts, with occa- sional low valleys and marshy swamps ; but the hills in the southern part of the island have been levelled, and the swamps and marshes rilled up. Many creeks and inlets on the margins of the rivers have also disappeared, and the large ledge of rocks that occupied the site of the present Battery has long since been buried by made ground. The water line has been materially altered from what it was. A large part of Water, Front and South streets, on the East river, and of Greenwich, Washington and West streets, on the Hudson river, occupy made ground. The city population extends more than four miles on each river, and the compact part has a circumference of over ten miles. In latter times, care has been taken to lay out the streets straight, and of ample width. This is particularly true of all the northern part of the city, which was laid out under the direction of Gouverneur Morris, De Witt Clinton and others, and surveyed by Mr. John Ran- dall, jr. The survey was completed in 1821, after having occupied ten years. No city can exhibit a more beautiful plan than this portion of the city of New- York, which ex- tends to One Hundred and Fifty-fourth street, about ten miles north of the Battery. Twelve noble avenues, each 100 feet wide, run parallel and lengthwise of the island, giving access to the city, and these are cut at right angles by numerous streets, every tenth one of which is also 100 feet wide, while the narrow streets are GO feet in width. The island is mostly composed of granite, which is gene- rail v buried from 10 to 15 feet under ground. The super- incumbent earth is composed of drift sand and pebbles, with large quantities of oxide of iron, which uives it a red color. The rocks crop out and appear on the surface, in the upper parts of the island, to a considerable extent. The soil for the most part is fertile, but from the abundance of rocks, hard to cultivate. The island was originally covered with a very large growth of wood. 2ft CITV OF KKV.-VORK. CLIMATE. The average temperature of our climate throughout the year is 05° of Fahrenheit's thermometer; and that is also "tli.- temperature of the deepest wells. The greatest degree of eoM ever experienced is 6 or 10" below zero; but that is very rare — having occurred in 1780 and in ]M' by people from New-England. ENVIRONS. .33 The Passaic, here a beautiful stream, flows along the eastern side of the town, and gradually curves towards the east, in its passage into Newark Bay, three miles dis- tant from the citv. Its streets and avenues are wide, and shaded by an abundance of trees, which add greatly to the beauty of the city and the comfort of its citizens. The many manufacturing establishments in and about the place, give it an active and business-like appearance. Besides the factories, most of which are on a large scale, there are several breweries, grist and saw-mills, dye- ing-houses, and printing offices, each of which issues a newspaper, &e. There are schools almost innumerable, academies, and several literary and scientific institutions. The churches belong to the Episcopalians, the Presby- terians, the Baptists, the Dutch Reformed, the Methodists, and the Roman Catholics. The other public buildings are the Court House, county offices, three banks, and the immense depot of the New-Jersey Railroad Company. Cars for Newark leave Jersey City on the arrival of boats from Cortlandt street or Liberty street Distance from New-York, 9 miles. ELIZABET1ITOWN, A beautiful town situated on Elizabeth creek, in Essex county. It is a borough town, and one of the oldest in the State, its site having been purchased from the Indians by a company from Long Island, as early as the year There is in this town an unusual proportion of hand- some dwellings and churches ; which, with the wide and regular streets, impart an air of great neatness and beauty to the place, and render it a very desirable residence. One of the churches is under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Dr. Murray, the famous author of Kirwan's Letters. Take the boat at Liberty street Distance, 15 miles. KAIIWAT, A large and thriving town of Essex and Middlesex counties, formed by the union of several villages, the population having originally come from New-England. The Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists and Friends, have places of worship here. Those of the Presbyterians and: 34 CITY OF NEW-TOEK. Hp s-opal.ana , are beautiful structure*. Among the liberal institutions of the place, which possesses many, there are • public library and "Athcnean Academy," so called : a fine building, erected by a company expressly for the institu- tion, which partake, in sonic measure, of the nature of a high school. Bdiway is a lar^e manufacturing place. Establishments on an extensive scale are in dailv operation here. The manufactures consist of silk printing, carriages and carriage furniture, hats, shoes, clothing, clocks, earthen- ware and cotton goods. Boat from Liberty street, many times in the day. Distance, 20 miles. NEU-UKINMVICK. This place is situated in the counties of Somerset and Middlesex, and is the seat of justice of the latter, it is an incorporated city, and next to .Newark, the largest town in the Mate. Access as to Huh way. Distance, 31 miles. PASSAIC FALLS. This is a beautiful sheet of water, which present* an unbroken full of fifty feet It is situated at the town of Paterson, on the I'assaic river, whose banks here are nearly vertical The water in its passage, through the lapse of ages, has worn a deep chasm into the solid rock winch is obviously repeating, as the abraded banks below testify No spectacle can be more imposing than is pre- sented by the falling water, as it glides gently over the brow of the precipice. The town of Paterson is admirably situated for manufacturing purposes at the falls which attord a constant and abundant supply of water for the vast number of factories in operation "in the town, which is now one of the most important manufacturing places in the United States. The manufactory of the celebrated Colts repeating fire-arms is at Paterson. Besides nume- rous churches, there are also a society for the promotion of literature and science, which has an excellent library ■ a Mechanics' Institute, a Museum, a Circulating Library' a Pubbc Library, and some other institutions of a similar description. ELIZABETIIPOET, A very neat and flourishing village of New-Jersey, which has recently started into notice; being at the east- ENVIRONS. 35 ern terminus of the Elizabethport and Somerville Rail- road. Access by boat from foot of Battery Place. Dis- tance, 14 miles. PERTH AMBOT, A city and port of entry of Middlesex county, New- Jersey, at the confluence of Raritan river and Staten Island Sound. It derives its name in part from James, Earl of Perth, one of the original proprietors of the ground, which was laid off in town lots in 1683, and incorporated in 1784. A large portion of the buildings are elevated fort} - or fifty feet above the adjacent bay. Boat from Battery Place. Distance, 26 miles. This a delightful excursion. FORT LEE. This fort, with Fort "Washington on the opposite side of the river, was the scene of important military operations during the Revolutionary "War. A large body of American militia stationed here, in attempting to retreat, were over- powered by a vastly superior force, consisting chiefly of Hessians, when they were either slain or consigned to the prison-ship, a fate more terrific than death itself. The site of Fort Lee is upwards of 300 feet above the water. A hotel at the landing is much frequented. The Palisades at this point are nearly vertical, and range from 200 to 500 feet in height. TOXKERS, A pleasant village of Westchester county, situated at the outlet of Saw-mill Creek, 16 miles from New-York. It is built mostly on the river bank, which, being some- what elevated, commands a fine view of the river and the Palisades opposite. The Episcopal church, of which the Rev. A. B. Carter is Rector, is a substantial and beautiful building. There is scarcely a village in the State which has increased more rapidly than Yonkers in the last few years. The supposed derivation of the name is curious. It is said that the settlement was made by some young members of the Dutch community on Manhattan Island, and thus the name attached, Yonkers being the Dutch for young. The Hudson River Railroad conveys visitors to the village. 36 CITY OK NEW-YORK. A .small village and landing of tlic same county, L> 4 miles above Yonkers, on the Hudson River Railroad. I><» I! IIS FKIiKY Is a small settlement and public landing in WattcllMltB count}', with a ferry to the opposite side -of the Hudson. Tlie landing is 20 miles from New-York by the railroad. DEARM \N Is a new and thriving village, 25 miles from New-York; a short distance above which is Sunnyside, the Abbot sford of America — the residence of Irving. The care of the Hudson River Railroad convey passengers to Dearnian. I'IKHMONT, NlUni TAPI'AX KM)AT. Tliis village liaving been selected for the eastern termi- nus of the New-York and Erie Railroad, the secluded little Dutch settlement of the "Sloat" has received the classic toubriquct of " Piermont," and is now an important town of Rockland county. Its site is now covered l>v handsome public and private edifices, which form a striking contrast with the little Dutch houses of its primitive inhabitants. The Erie Railroad extends from this point to Dunkirk on Lake Erie, 44f> miles. Three miles west of Piermont ia Tappan, the head-quarters of Washington for a time, and the place where Major Andre was executed, October 2d, 1780. His grave is still shown. His remains, however, were conveyed some years aero to England. A pier about one mile in length, which forms the com- mencement of the railroad just mentioned, extends over the flats to a commodious dock, near the channel of the river. Piermont is 24 miles from New- York. EXCURSIONS. A Sail. — 'Weehawken and the Elysian Fields. This pleasant resort is of very easy access, by means c f the ■?oats which cross the Hudson every few moments from EXCURSIONS. 37 the foot of Barclay, Canal and Christopher streets, landing at Hoboken, half a mile north of which is the spot known as the Elysian Fields. A Drive. — One of the loveliest spots in the neighbor- hood of New-York, and one at the same time less resorted to than almost any other, is Throg's Point, 16 miles from the city, the termination at Long Island Sound of Throg's, or more properly, Throgmorton's Neck. This point is the dividing headland between the East river and the Sound, and affords a charming view of the bright waters of the one, and of the noble expanse of the other. Fort Schuyler, on the point, is also worthy of notice ; although not yet garrisoned, the strength and solidity of its masonry, and its curious defenses, repay a visit. A carriage may be taken at the city, and a day spent enjoy- ably in seeing Throg's Point, the Fort, and Pelliam Bridge. At the bridge, parties may get a comfortable dinner. Those who wish to save time and expense in making this trip, should take the Harlem cars for Fordham, 12 miles, and there engage a carriage, by which arrangement they will be able to accomplish their design with less outlay, and perhaps with much less fatigue than by driving directly from town. To Astoria. — Those who wish to see a thriving town, and also to view the scenery of Hell Gate, will do well to take the boat for Astoria, from the foot of Fulton street, East river. In this way, at a trifling cost, they may receive much pleasure. It is to be observed that the fury of Hell Gate is somewhat impaired by the recent removal of the rocks which lined the channel. Indeed, before this, it had sensibly deteriorated in impetuosity — a fact owing, as is supposed, to the docking out at New- York, which deepened the water and lessened the roar. An old lady, long a resident of Hunt's Point, informed the writer, that in her memory the sound of the waters was at times distinctly heard at the point, a distance of three miles. To Sandy Hook. — A capital idea of the configuration of New- York bay is to be had by taking the boat for Shrews- bury and Long Branch, which every day in summer leaves the foot of Robinson street, North river, and Peck Slip, East river, for these localities. The time of the boat's etarting may be learned from the daily papers. 4 CITY OF NEW-YOKK. To West Point.— Tlie visitor must not fail to see West Point, that gem of the Highlands, for the possession of which Andre lost his life, and for whose attempted betrayal Arnold lias been visited with the reprobation of mankind. The 1 1 odaon Hirer Railroad affords every facility far m driag this exclusion. Take the care for Garrison's, (fifty milca,) at which point a ferry crosses to the other side M the river. A day may thus be spent in the Highlands with L'r.at dcliidit, bringing improvement to the health, and furnishing tlie memory with a rich landscape, painted as only nature can paint it upon the mind. There Li an excellent hotel at West Point To Cuoto.n Dam. — Croton, a village 35 miles from New- York, on the Hudson River Railroad, is but a short walk from the famous Croton Dam. Here a lake five miles in extent, covering 400 acres, is formed by a darn 250 feet in length and 38 feet in width at the base, stretching across the Croton river. It is estimated to contain 650,000,000 of gallons, and will allow a discharge of 60,000,000 of gallons daily. This place is well worth visiting. Care leave the Chambers street dej.>6t, stopping to take up passengers at Thirty -fourth street A line of Broadway omnibuses convey passengers to the upper dcjxjt PUBLIC BUILDINGS. CITY II ALL. The City Hall is one of the most prominent buildings in New-York, standing near the centre of the Park, an area of about ten acres. From this situation it is seen in every direction to great advantage. A few years since, it was regarded as the finest building in the city, and now, with its interesting furniture and associations, com- mands great attention. Tlie front and ends are of white marble from Stockbridge, Mass., but the back is constructed of free-stone. At the time it was built, marble was expen- sive, and it was determined to finish the back with cheaper stone. It was maintained that the population would never, to any extent, settle above Chambers street; and therefore the rear of the hall woidd seldom be 6een. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 39 The corner-stone was laid on the 26th of September, 1803, during the prevalence of the yellow fever. It was finished in 1812, and the expense, exclusive of furniture, amounted to half a million of dollars. The architect of the City Hall was John MoComb, Jr., who, at an advanced age, survived until Ma} - , 1853. The City Hall is 216 feet long, 105 wide, and 51 high. It is two stories high above the basement* with a third or attic story in the centre building, from which rises a cupola. In the upper part of the cupola a man is lodged, whose business it is to give alarm in case of fire, by ring- ing the big bell, which occupies a small cupola at the back part of the roof. This bell is rung in cases of fire, when it indicates, by the number of its strokes, the part of the city where the fire is located. The City Hall bell weighs 10,000 lbs. : it is, with one exception, the largest in New-York. There are four entrances to the building — one in front, one in the rear, and one in each end : the latter communicates with the basement apartments. The front entrance is on the first story, to which there is access by a flight of twelve marble steps, surmounted by a portico of sixteen columns. In the centre of the rear of the building there is a projecting pediment. The first story, including the portico, is of the Ionic style, the second of the Corin- thian, the attic of the fancy, and the cupola of the com- posite. In the centre there is a double staircase, ascended by marble steps, at the top of which is a circular gallery, ornamented with ten marble columns, which support the ceiling. In the building there are twenty-eight offices and public rooms. The Governor's room is a long hall, running- 52 feet from wing to wing. It is used as a reception-hall by the Governor, Mayor, and other distinguished men. Its walls are hung with some of the finest pictures in Ame- rica, consisting principally of portraits of great national characters. Among them are the Governors of New-York, Mayors of the city since the Revolution, some of the Dutch Governors, and the principal naval and military heroes of the late war. These were painted by Jarvis, Sully, Stewart, Inrnan, Page, and some other distinguished artists. The Common Council hall is a beautiful room, 42 feet long and 30 wide. It contains some fine portraits, and the chair which was occupied by Washington when President of to CITY OF NEW-YORK. the first Congress. Tlic Assistant Aldermen's hall is e pacioua. elegantly furnished, and hung with valuable paintings, Acce-s to these rooms und the roof, free of expense, may be had by any person, by inquiring at the keeper's room. The keeper has no right to ask for remuneration, as he receives a salary from the city to attend to this business; but a small gratuity is usually given in acknowledgment of polite attention. The City Jlall, with its many interest- ing relics and paintings, is much visited, and is well wor- thy the attention of the stranger and citizen. The picture* Well repay the time spent in their examination. II ALL OF KECOItVH. This building, situated in the Park, east of the C'itv Hall, was formerly a city prison, when it presented a very gloomy and unsightly appearance, being built of coarse black stone. It has since been stuccoed in imitation of marble, and two lofty porticoes added, consisting of four marble Ionic columns at each end. Its name indicates its present use. It was used during the time of the prevalence of the cholera, in 1832, as an hospital HALLS OF JCSTICE. TliLs building occupies the space between Centre, Elm, Leonard and Franklin streets, tne site of the old Collect, a filthy pond, which had its outlet through Canal 6treet Tlic Halls of Justice is a much-admired specimen of modern- ized Egyptian architecture. It is built of light granite from Hallowell, Maine. It is 253 feet long, and 200 wide, and occupies the four sides of a hollow square, with a large centre building within the area. The front is ap- proached by eight steps, leading to a portico of four mass- ive Egyptian columns. The windows, which extend to the height of two stories, have massive iron grated frames, surmounted with cornices, ornamented with a winged globe and serpents. The two fronts on Leonard and Franklin streets have each two entrances, with two massive columns each. The gloomy aspect of this building has won for it the general name of " The Tombs," It is occupied by the Court of Sessions, a police court, and some other court- rooms, besides a prison for male and female offenders PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 41 awaiting trial. The open court within the walls, is used as a place of execution for State criminals. The house of detention is a distinct and isolated building, 142 feet in length, by 45 in width. It contains 148 cells. The lower cells are 6 feet 9 inches wide, 11 feet high and 15 feet long, diminishing 18 inches in length in each story. They are provided with cast iron water-closets, hydrant, water-cocks, ventilators, and are warmed by hot water pipes. Every part of the building is constructed in the most substantial manner, and with particular reference to the security of the prisoners. The building was finished in 18SS. The female department is entered from Leonard street. It is superintended by a matron, who keeps it in the most perfect order and neatness. She is very attentive to visitors, who can always have gratuitous access, between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. The male prison opens on Franklin street. Persons can gain admittance here, on application for a written permit at the keeper's room, between 10 A. ML and 3 P.M. CUSTOM-IIOUSE. This building equals any in the world, both in the beauty of its design and the durability of its construction. It is situated on the corner of Wall and Nassau streets. The building is in the form of a parallelogram, 200 feet long by 90 wide, and about 80 feet in height. Brick, granite and marble were used in its construction; but its outside is entirely of marble from Massachusetts, except the steps. It is designed in imitation of the Parthenon at Athens, in the Doric order. At the southern end, on Wall street, is a portico of eight purely Doric columns, 5 feet 8 inches in diameter, and 32 feet high; and on the opposite end, on Pine street, is a corresponding portico; on each side are 13 pilasters, in keeping with the front pillars. The front por- tico is ascended by 18 granite steps. The interior is divided into a grand rotunda and numerous spacious rooms for the accommodation of officers. The rotunda is a magnificent room, 60 friet in diameter; the dome supported by 16 Co- rinthian columns, 30 feet high. These columns are beauti- fully wrought, the capitals being of the most exquisite Italian workmanship. The largest blocks of marble used in the building weigh 33 tons. The ceilings of the apart- 4* 42 CITY OF NKW-YORK. ments are arched, arid liahlj IMIHTOlllllI with stuc co. Tlie roof is of marble ; tin- slabs weigh over .'iOo pounds, mid lap over each oilier Sight inches, to allow of the expansive power and to keep out water. There is not a particle of wood in any part of the building, and it is probably the only structure in the world that has been erected so nearly fire-proof. The building was commenced in Mav, 1834, and finished in Mav, 1841. The cost, ground included, was $1,11)5,000 — building alone, $950,000. Hie architect was John f'nizee. The exquisite ornamental work was designed and executed by Horace Kneeland, since become famous as a sculptor. The number of officers employed in the Custom-House is .013. The building may be \isited by the stranger any time during the day, Hn lO A.M. to 3 P.M. He will do well to enter at the side door in Nas- sau street, and from thence ascend to the roof, inspecting the various rooms as he goes up. The key of the roof scuttle may be had by inquiring at 3113* of the offices on the upper floor. Here is no objection to the stranger's visiting any part of the building. The roof commands a fine view of the harbor. MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE. The Merchants' Exchange is located between Wall street, Exchange Place, William and Hanover streets. It is built in the most substantial form, of blue Quincy granite, and is 200 feet long by 171 to 141 feet wide, 77 feet high to the top of the cornice, and 124 to the top of the dome. The front on Wall street has a recessed portico of 18 massive Grecian Ionic columns, 38 feet high and 4 feet 4 inches in diameter, each formed from a solid block of stone, and weighing 45 tons. Besides numerous rooms for various purposes, the rotunda in the centre is 80 feet in diameter, with four recesses, making the length and breadth each 100 feet, the whole 80 feet high, surmounted with a dome, resting in part on eight Corinthian columns of Italian mar- ble, 41 feet high, and lighted by a skylight 25 feet in diameter. The granite columns cost $3,000 each They are the largest whole columns in the world, with the ex- ception of a church in St Petei-sburgh. The rotunda is 80 feet in diameter, and will hold 3,000 persons. The archi tect was Isaiah Rogers. The building cost a little more PUBLIC BUILDINGS. •13 than a million of dollars. It belongs to a corporation, and has been so far a losing investment, although its rooms command enormous rents. It contains a very extensive readiusr-room for merchant subscribers, accessible only to the stranger by introduction from a member, and the Board of Brokers occupy a room. The rotunda is used at 2 o'clock as an exchange by the merchants, and at other hours by auctioneers for the sale of real estate and stocks. The stranger may visit all parts of the building. POST OFFICE. The Post Office building, formerly the Middle Dutch Church, is situated in Nassau street, between Cedar and Liberty streets. This building has stood over a hundred and fifty years, and nine generations have worshipped at its altar. It is not generally known that its steeple, and much of its interior wood-work, was brought from Hol- land. During the Revolutionary War, most of the churches were used by the British, and many of them much injured, but tliis church suffered most, being used successively as a riding-school, a prison, and an hospital. In 1790, it was repaired and used for public worship again. The United States Government some years ago converted it into a Post Office, and pay for its use the annual rent of ten thousand dollars. It now presents the appearance of a Post Office in the heart of a graveyard ; a circumstance quite character- istic of New- York enterprise. The numerous signs which appear on the building, point out the various points of communication with the ulterior. Its internal arrange- ments are very extensive and commodious. The Postmas- ter's room is so situated that he can see every thing going on in the building. Office hours from 8 A.M. to 7 P.M. On Sundays, from 9 to 10 A.M., and from 12* to If P.M There are Penny Postmen attached to the office, who go their rounds twice a day, and deliver letters and papers to all who request them. I'N'ITED STATES ASSAY OFFICE. This is in the rear of the granite building adjoining the Custom House. Its object is the determination of the value of the gold brought into New York, and the preparation of it for coinage by the United States Mint 44 CITY OF NEW-YORK. at Philadelphia, or for transhipment in bars to foreign Bonn trim; and has all the machinery requisite for these purposes. The front, building is occupied by the Sub- Trca*urer's Office and Weighing Room, and byth<- private rooTns of various incumbents of Government Offices. About fifty men are employed in the Assay Office, and the processes of melting, refining, and parting the gold, are extremely interesting. The fineness of the bars manufactured at the Assay Office is "Vow, a success not hitherto equalled by any other similar establishment. This office is one of great importance to the commerce of New York. A single arrival from California on an average brings it a deposit of nearly a million and a quarter of dollars in value, and such arrivals occur weekly. NKw.YOKK umvciMxrr, Situated between Washington Place and Wavcilv Place, fronts Washington Square towards the west, forming a noble ornament to the eitv, being built of Westchester marble, and exhibits a specimen of the English collegiate style of architecture. "The building is 180 feet long and 100 wide. It was founded in 1831. In front this oblong is divided into five parts— a central building, with wings flanked by towers, one rising on each of the four corners of the edifice. This central building or chapel is superior to the rest in breadth, heiirht, and cha- racter, and is somewhat similar to that of King's College, Cambridge, England — a masterpiece of pointed architect- ure, and a model for succeeding ages. It is fifty-five feet broad and eighty-five feet deep, including the octangular turrets, one of which rises at each of the four corners. The two ends are gabled, and are, as well as the sides, crowned with an embattled parapet. The chapel receives its principal light from a window in the western end. This window is twenty-four feet wide and fifty high. From the central building, or chapel, wings project right and left, the windows of which have square heads, with two lights, a plain transom, and the upper division trefoiled. The principal entrance is under the great western window. The doors are of oak, richly panelled, and filled with tra- cery of open work, closely studded with bronze. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 45 The institution has a chancellor and eleven professors. It has in its collegiate department 150 students, and a valu- able library and philosophical apparatus. Connected with it is an extensive grammar school and a flourishing medical department The whole number of students is about 700. Commencement, third Monday in July. The chapel is probably the most beautiful room of the kind in America. It is open to the public on Sundays for religious worship. The Library and rooms of the New- York Historical Society are in the building. The building ia accessible to the visitor at all times. COLUMBIA COLLEGE. Columbia College is situated at the foot of Park Place, near Broadway. It had extensive grounds formerly, orna- mented with a large growth of forest trees. It was char- tered by George II., in 1754, by the name of King's Col- lege, and confirmed, with the necessary alterations, by the Legislature of New- York, in 1787. It has a president and ten professors, 150 students, and 16,000 volumes in its libraries. The building is 200 feet long and 50 feet wide, with two projecting wings, one at each end, in which are accommodations for the families of the professors. It con- tains a chapel, lecture-rooms, hall, museum, and an exten- sive philosophical and chemical apparatus. There is a flourishing grammar school attached to the institution, over which a professor presides as rector. THE FREE ACADEMY Is on Lexington avenue, corner of Twenty-third street^ and may easily be reached by taking a Broadway and Fourth Avenue omnibus, or the Harlem rail-cars, opposite the Astor House. The building is 80 feet wide, by 125 feet deep, and is intended to accommodate 1,000 pupils. It is in the style of the town-halls of the Netherlands, and is well adapted for its purpose, besides being a conspicuous ornament to the upper part of the city. The cost of the ground was $20,000, of the building $50,000, while the various appliances of apparatus and fur- niture have cost $10,000. The only requisites for admis- sion are a knowledge of the branches taught in the public 4C CITY OF NEW-YORK. schools ; it being also required that the applicant should have been a pupil in one of these schools for at least one year. It may be added that the graduates of few of our col- leges could pass the final examination at the Free Academy. THE ASTOK I.IBRAHT. Lafayette Tlace, between Fourth street and Astor Flaee. A codicil appended to the will of the late John Jacob Astor, and dated August 22d, 1839, is as follows: " Desiring to render a public benefit to the city of New- York, and to contribute to the advancement of useful knowledge and the general good of society, I do, by this codicil, appropriate 1400,000, out of my residue estate, to the establishment of a Public Library in the city of New- York ; the said amount to be disposed of as follows: " 1. In the erecting of a suitable building for a public library. " 2." In furnishing and supplying the same, from time to time, with books, maps, chart*, models, drawings, paint- inga, engravings, casts, statues, furniture, and other things appertaining to a library for general use, upon the most ample scale and liberal character. " 3. In maintaining and upholding the buildings and other property, and in defraying the necessary expenses of taking care of the property, and of the accommodation of persons consulting the library. "The said sum shall be payable, one third in the year after my decease, one third in the year following, and the residue'in equal sums, in the fourth and fifth year of my decease. " The said library is to be accessible, at all reasonable hours and times, for general use, free of expense to per- sons resorting thereto, subject only to such control and regulations as the trustees may from time to time exercise and establish for general convenience." In the further provisions of the codicil, twelve trustees were appointed to conduct the affairs and to hold the pro- perty of the institution. Also, the sum of $75,000 was appropriated to be expended in the erection of the build- ing, and $120,000 to the purchase of books and other ASTOR LIBRARY. Page 46. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. -17 objects in the establishment of the library, and the residue, after paying for the site, to be invested as a fund for the maintenance and gradual increase of the library. In accordance with the foregoing directions of Mr. Astor, a suitable building has been erected, and a collection amounting to about 80,000 volumes has been judiciously arranged within its walls. Dr. Cogswell, the learned and courteous librarian, has contributed about 1,000 bibliographical works, considering that department " of the first importance in the formation of a new and extensive library." The building is on the easterly side of Lafayett,e Place. The dimensions of the site were fixed by the founder of the library ; and the edifice, 65 front, by 120 in depth, covers the whole area. Out of the thirty plans submitted for an edifice, there were none found suited to the purposes of the library, though premiums of three and two hundred dollars were awarded to the two best plans. Under the direction, however, of Mr. Alexander Saeltzer, from Berlin, who obtained the first premium, a plan was drawn which was finally adopted on the 10th of December, 1849. The trus- tees, though at first somewhat embarrassed with the limitation of the cost of the building to §75,000, have still succeeded in erecting a substantial and beautiful edifice. The height from foundation to roof is 70 feet. It is built in the style of the Royal Palaces of Florence, and is partly composed of brown cut stone, and partly of brick. The truss-beams supporting the roof are made of cast iron pipes, in a parabolic form. The first floor contains the Lecture and Reading-Rooms, with accommodations for 500 persons. The latter are located on either side of the building, and separated from the Library Hall stairway at the front entrance by two corridors leading to the rear vestibule, and from thence to the Lecture-Room, &c. The basement contains the Keeper's rooms, cellars, coal, vaults, furnaces for warming, 0 feet- and the whole is crossed by the bridge. Ihere are eight arches over the river, with a span of SO feet each sprinein-r from piers 20 feet wide at the spring lme^ which is 60 feet above the surface of the river at high water. The under side of the arches are 100 feet from the river's surface. There are several other arches spring- MISCELLANEOUS PLACES WORTH VISITING. 53 ing from the ground, of 50 feet span each. The whole structure is of hewn granite, and measures 1,450 feet. The water crosses this bridge in iron pipes, and over this there is a way wide enough for carriages, but which is open only to foot-passengers. The Croton contains, by analysis, about five grains of solid matter to the gallon. The Schuylkill, or Fairmount water, a little less. In proof of the great purity of the Croton water, we may mention the following interesting fact: In April, 1852, for the first time since it was filled, in July, 1842, the Distributing Reservoir was drawn off for the purpose of examining the interior, and making such repairs as its condition might require. It was found to be as sound and perfect as when it left the hands of the con- tractors, (Messrs. Thomson Price & Son;) not the slightest crack or settlement being discovered in the entire basin ; though subjected for ten years to the enormous pressure of two hundred and fifty millions of pounds. It may therefore be placed among the most enduring structures of modern times. The sediment found on its bottom was not equal to one inch of solid matter ; and when it is con- sidered that a large portion of this is doubtless the pro- duct of dust carried into it by high winds, it most satisfac- torily proves how small a quantity of foreign matter is held in suspension when the water arrives in the city. The introduction of the Croton water has had the effect of reducing the rates of insurance about 40 cents on the 100 dollars. The facilities for extinguishing fires have greatly increased, as there are fire hydrants at short intervals all over the city. There are also free hydrants at con- venient intervals in the streets for public use. Fire plugs are not suffered to be opened, except by authority of certain officers. From the last report of the Board we learn that the daily delivery in the city for a largo portion of the years 1852 and 1853 has been about thirty millions of gallons a day — often in the last-named year at least five millions more, drawn from the reservoirs on the island — giving to each inhabitant within the water district (not more man four hundred and fifty thousand) a daily supply of nearly ninety gallons. In order to convey an idea of the lavish use of the 6* 64 CITY OF NEW-YORK. element on the part of the New-Yorkers, it may be added, that the daily supply of the city of London, with a popu- lation of two millions, does not exceed 40,000,000 of gallons. The nett sum of water-rates for the year 1852 is reported at $519,572 50 Some of the largest consumers of water are as follows: Ilowel, King & Co., sugar refiners, 38 days— average per day 170,201 gallons. People's Bathing and W ashing Estab- lishment, 136 days— average per day, 23,214 " R. & L. Stuart, sugar refiners, 238 days — average per day 48,690 " Ilodgkiss pers, are objects of interest to the stranger. Splendid vessels of both kinds are always to be found at our docks, and may be examined at all times without inconvenience. Their elegant cabins, vast size and exquisite models, excite the admiration and wonder of those unused to 6uch things. Their cabins are often fitted up at a vast expense, and their whole build and finish render them superior to any other vessels in the commercial world. Among the finest of the packets may be mentioned the American Congress, Star of the West, and Alfred the Great The largest and finest clippers are the Challenge, The Invincible, The Flying Cloud, The "White Squall, and The Queen of the Clippers. KIVEU BOATS. The successful establishment of steamboats in this State> by Robert Fulton, in 1806, was one of the most important events to this country, and to the world at large, that has ever occurred. The" success of Fulton, in spite of the opinions of his friends, excited the bitterest enmity in those whose interests were affected and disturbed; but this was soon silenced by strong legislative enactments for protection, and the powerful voice of public opinion. A company was chartered, with exclusive privileges, for the purpose" of running boats on the Hudson river, for a limited number of years. This monopoly became ex- tremely lucrative, and in a few years the legality of the ehartei was contested, and Fulton's supposed rights overthrown by the United States Supreme Court. Imme- diately after this decision, a superabundance of steamboats were "built, and the effect of opposition was manifested in the reduction of the fare %om eight dollars to four, and even twj dollars. Fulton did not live to see this consum- mation. Our limits will not permit of a minute detail of MISCELLANEOUS PLACES WORTH VISITING. 59 the interesting particulars connected with the rise and progress of steam navigation in New- York. The stranger will hardly be satisfied without seeing some of the noble specimens of steam architecture which abound at our docks. The North river boats are generally lighter and more graceful than the Sound steamers, but they lack the appearance of strength which characterizes the latter. They are, however, fitted up in most superb style, and all that the arts of gilding, carpentry, and furnishing can do to make them perfect specimens of naval architecture, has been lavished on them. The Sound steamers' berths are on the North river, near the Battery. The North river steamboats can be found all along the Hudson river, from the Battery to Grand street. SHIP- YARDS. The extensive ship-yards in the north-east part of the city, in the region called Dry Dock, are very interesting places of resort. Here may be found ships of the largest class, and steamers of ever}' dimension, in progress, and a vast variety of naval operations, rendering it a scene of infinite variety and interest Extensive machine-shops, for steam-engines, will be found here also. SECTION AX DOCK. This interesting machine, located at the foot of Pike street, attracts great attention. It consists of a series of tanks or vessels, connected together by timber frame- work, which may be sunk by filling them with water, and floated again by pumping them dry. In the pro- cess of lifting a vessel, the tanks are filled and sunk, and the vessel is floated over the frame-work, which gradually lifts her out of water, as the tanks are emptied by pumping out their contents, by means of a steam- engine. The several tanks are sufficiently buoyant to lift the heaviest vessel ; and by this means the Great Britain, the largest hull in the world, was raised far enough to repair her propeller. Near to the sectional dock, there is another on a different plan. The vessel is raised by means of a series of pulleys, which, coining from a common point of purchase, 60 CITY OF NEW-YORK. di verge, and are attached at different points along the length of a platform, on which the vessel rests, and which lifU licr out of the water, as the several pulleys act. The pulleys are acted upon by the powerful influence of a hydraulic pump. Mill another plan may be found in successful operation at the ship-yards. It is built on the plan of an inclined railway, the vessel being pulled out of water and carried up the inclined plane on a carriage, drawn by horse power. Tliis plan has been in successful operation many years. FOItTS AXD FORTIFICATION*. Tlie National Government has not been unmindful of fortifying the defenses of this important city and harbor, and during the last twenty years, enormous expenses have been and still continue to be bestowed upon this important subject Sufficient has been done to render the at}- safe from sudden attack by sea or land. The principal defense consists in the strong works at the Narrows. On the right, this entrance is commanded by Fort Hamilton and Fort Lafayette. Fort Hamilton is situated on Long Island, and fs a very complete and beautiful work. It protects Fort Lafayette, which stands on Hendrick's Reef, two hundred yards from the shore. Fort Lafayette has three tiers of guns, and is a very- strong and efficient protection to the Narrows. It has a very picturesque and castellated appearance. On the opposite side this passage is defended by Fort Tompkins and Fort Richmond. Fort Tompkins is situated on Staten Island height, and has under its protection many sea-coast batteries, among which is a permanent battery on the beach, called Fort Richmond. Fort Tompkins is in a dilapidated state, and being built in a very costly manner, it presents, in its ruinous condition, a very picturesque appearance. Its numerous underground passages, which are very extensive, and the splendid prospect enjoyed from its castellated summit, render it an object of great attrac- tion. It is about three miles from the quarantine station. All these forts may be visited at any time. To protect the inner harbor, there are Forts Columbus and Castle William, on Governor's Island, and the woik3 MISCELLANEOUS PLACES WORTH YISITINO. 61 on Bedlow's and Ellis's Islands, which unitedly mount over a hundred cannon, of the largest calibre. Vast quan- tities of ordnance and ammunition of every kind are de- posited in these public stores. Castle William is a circular stone battery, six hundred feet in circumference, and sixty feet high. The walls are ten feet thick, and in the castle are barracks and maga- zines, and two curious geometrical stone staircases, lead- ing from the lower tier to the terrace. This fort forms a very picturesque object in the harbor. Fort Columbus, on the same island, is built in the star form, consisting of several batteries, with a covered way leading to Castle William. On the island are barracks, where are constantly stationed a corps of United States soldiers. There is another small battery on the island. Governor's Island was formerly covered with trees, and nuts were obtained from it for the early inhabitants, from which latter circumstance it received at one time the name of Nut Island. It was afterwards laid out in gar- dens for the English governors. Row-boats belonging to the fort are constantly plying between the island and Castle Garden bridge, which will take and return any passenger who is desirous of seeing the forts. There are several other fortifications, intended for the de- fense of the city, but they are remote, on Long Island Sound. THE NAVAL DRY DOCK. There is perhaps no modern structure that compares with this national work, either in the dimensions or the durability of the materials of which it is composed, or the beauty and accuracy of their workmanship. It is the largest dry dock in the world, and will remain for ages one of the proudest monuments of the engineering and mechanical skill of the nineteenth century. Eighty thou- sand tons of stone have been used in its construction. The masonry foundations are four hundred feet in length, and one hundred and twenty feet in breadth. The main chamber is two hundred and eighty-six feet long and thirty feet broad at the bottom, three hundred and seven feet long and ninety-eight feet broad at the top, within the folding gates. By using the floating-gate, an addi- tional length of fifty feet may bo obtained. The height & 62 CITY OF KKW-YORK. of the wall is thirty-six feet The smallest face-stone exceeds three thousand pounds in weight, and the average is about six thousand pounds. The quantity of cement used was twenty-nine thousand one hundred and forty- seven barrels. The work was just ten years in process of construction. The aggregate expenditure exceeds two million one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Four hours and twenty minutes is the time required for the complete docking of the largest ship. PUBLIC SQUARES. BATTEItY'. This is the most delightful promenade in the city, and one of the finest in the world. The view from this spot embraces the whole of the bay, its islands and fortifica- tions, and the shores of New-Jersey. The intense heat of summer, which compels most people to keep within doors, is here moderated by the fresh sea-breezes from the ocean below. 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 became overgrown with grass and lofty sycamores, and became a favorite resort of the old burghers, who repaired to its grateful shade to smoke and gossip. It became the favorite 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 com- fort of the citizen, and the pride and ornament of Man- hattan. Some years since, the City Government expended $150,000 in beautifying the ground, embanking and fenc- ing its front, grading its walks, and surrounding it with costly iron railing. Originally its present site was a bristling mass of rocks, but this'appearance has long since vanished. The Battery approaches the form of a crescent, widened at its extremities, and contains about eleven acres. Extensive additions to its area are now being made. THE PARK Was in early times called the Common*, being the unappropriated ground in the outskirts of the city. It PUBLIC SQUARES. 63 contains about ten acres and a half. Rows of trees»are planted here, and on many places in the Park, which is interspersed with walks that afford a cool and shady retreat in summer weather. The whole is surrounded by an iron railing that cost the city f 15,000. It contains the City Hall, what is called the IN'ew City Hall, Rotunda, and Hall of Records. On the south end there was a marble gateway, beautifully finished, which was founded with great pomp, th? Mayor presiding at the ceremonies, and depositing in one of the vases various coins, papers, and memorials of present times. Two of the stone balls sur- mounting the posts were presented to the city by Com. Perry, they having come into his possession as gifts from the Turkish Government, having been used by the Turks as cannon balls. This gateway has been removed, and its place supplied by iron posts. The Park contains the largest fountain in the city. The basin is one hundred feet in diameter, and the circum- ference is sometimes entirely filled by the various jets of the "holiday fountain." The machinery of the fountain is so arranged as to supply a variety of forms in the jets, and they may be changed in a few minutes. When the water is thrown up in a single stream, it ascends to the height of about seventy feet. The basin is ornamented with a very elegant marble rim, flowers, er of their lec- turers to nine ; they procured from Europe a costly museum of external and internal pathology-, unsurpassed by any similar collection in any college ; they have arranged for giving an amount of clinical and hospital instruction, such as cannot be obtained in any other city in the Union ; and, in order to render Analytical Chemistry more promi- nent, a suitable laboratory has been prepared, and such instructions in practical chemistry are given during the course as to enable every student to become familiar with toxicological examinations; with the methods of detecting adulterations of drugs, the analysis of the fluids of the human system, the use of the microscope, and such other manipulations as modern chemistry and physics have rendered important to the medical profession. MECHANIC INSTITUTIONS. American Institute — Incorporated in 1829. — This insti- tution was established for the pnqiose of encouraging domestic industry in this State and the United States, in agriculture, manufactures and the arts, by bestowing rewards and other benefits on those who shall make any improvements, or excel in any of the above branches. The Institute has its rooms at 349 Broadway, where are a library, lecture-hall and exhibition-room. The library is PICTURE GALLERIES, AC. 77 extensive, and particularly rich in those branches relating to the objects of the institution. A large collection of models, agricultural products, issi:m>okf gallkrv. This choice collection of paintings, nearly all of which are by artists of Dnsseldorf, is of rare value and beauty. The gallery is in the spacious rooms formerly occupied by the (American) Art Union. 54 B Proadway, and is at all reasons a popular resort. THE BKYAN GALI.EKY, Is al-o known as the Gallery of Christian Art, and is unsurpassed in interest by any similar collection in New- York ; the pictures of which it consists being either valuable originals or copies of extraordinary merit. The Gallery is at the corner of Broadway and Thirteenth btreet. PORTRAIT, LANDSCAPE, AND MINIATURE PAINTERS. A day may be pleasantly spent in any one of the numerous studios of New-York's ingenious artists ; but as few sojourners will be able to devote as much time as this to a single visit, we shall rapidly lead them to a few of the most attractive fountains of art Chief among Portrait Painters is Huntington — now in Europe — whose historical and other pictures have rarely been excelled. Ellliot, 197 Broadway; Ilicks, 114 White street; Car- penter, 374 ; and Baker' 806 Broadway, are all promising artists and faithful delineators of the human face. The portrait of President Fillmore, by Carpenter, gained him a hiiih rank among our successful young artists. The Landscape Painter whose works are perhaps the most admired, is Durand ; one of whose pictures was well described bv Willis, as being 11 enough like nature to be sold for farms." The studio of this eminent artist is at 91 Amity street. Kensett, at the corner of Broadway and Fourth street, has also produced many excellent counter- feits of nature, which have passed current with the best judges, receiving from these the highest price. Cranch, 806 Broadway, "and Cropscy, of 114 White street, are PORTRAIT AND OTHER PAINTERS. 79 pleasing and effective artists ; while we would not omit to mention, among the rising members of the profession, Coleman, whose graphic portrayals of our mountain scenery have attracted much attention. The favorite Miniature Painters are Shumway, 497 Broadway ; Staigg, 133 Bleecker street ; and Schuster, 494 Broadway. Elegant and faithful miniature portraits are also painted by Hite. In concluding our notice, it may be added, that visitors are generally welcomed to the studios of the New- York artists. We need not say that such visits serve to culti- vate the tastes of those who thus spend a leisure hour ; while they promote and widen true and discriminating patronage of art DAGUERREOTYPES. In the cities of New- York and Brooklyn, there are upwards of 100 Daguerrean establishments, giving direct employment to about 250 men, women and boys, though the number who derive support from the art in the United States, in all its branches, is variously estimated at from 13,000 to 17,000, including those working in the manufac- tories. For some years, a great proportion of Daguerreo- type goods were imported from Europe, principally from France ; those made here being considered by operators as much inferior, especially the plates. A great improvement has, however, of late taken place in our production of these articles, and it will be seen bvthe number of persons employed, as given above, that this is now quite an import- ant branch of domestic industry, there being in this city alone six large establishments for the making, importation and sale of photographic goods; the amount of cash invested being about $300,000, and the annual sale of materials, $1,000,000. It is estimated that there cannot be less than 3,000,000 daguerreotypes taken annually in the United States; Bos- ton, Philadelphia, and Baltimore being extensively engaged in the trade, but not equally with New- York. Among the most skilful operators, we may mention Root, of 363 Broadway, whose pictures, for accuracy and softness, have not been surpassed ; Gurney, at 349 ; Brady, at 359 ; and Lawrence, at 381 Broadway. The pictures 80 CITY OF NEW-YORK. taken by the above-named artists are of superior merit; while several others might be named -whose works are almost equal to these in exactness and beauty. Admirable pictures for the stereoscope — an instrument giving remarkable boldness to daguerreotype pictures — are taken by Peters, of 394 Broadway. The prices of good daguerreotypes vary from $3 to *50, corresponding to the size and perfection of the picture. PLACES OF AMUSEMENT. METROPOLITAN THEATRE, Situated on Broadway opposite Bond Street, is the most commodius and comfortable Theatre in New York. The interior decorations are in excellent taste. BROADWAY THEATRE. This Theatre is well situated on Broadway, between Anthony and Pearl streets, and is one of the largest thea- tres in the city. The front, illuminated by thirteen lamps, in honor of the original thirteen States of the Confeder- acy, is much admired. BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery, near Chatham Square. This building is one of the most conspicuous in the city. Three theatres have been built and burned on the ground occupied by this establishment The first stone was laid in May, 1826, with great pomp and ceremony, by Philip Hone, then Mayor of the city, and the theatre continued to increase in favor and prosperity until the evening of March 22d, 1829, when, like its rival, the Park, it was totally consumed ; the conflagration presenting one of the grandest and most sublime spectacles ever witnessed in the city. It was not long, however, before another magnificent building rose in renovated splendor from its ruins. It was designed by the classical taste of Mr. Tourne, from the celebrated Temple of TLeseus, at Athens, and was said to PLACES OF AMUSEMENT. 81 be the finest specimen of Doric architecture then in the United States. The present building is rebuilt from the ashes of one that was burnt in the spring of 1845. It is celebrated for spectacles and patriotic pieces, sometimes lavishing very great sums in getting them up. Prices of admission : Boxes, 25 cents; pit, 12} cents. NIBLO'S OPERA HOUSE. This favorite resort is situated in Broadway, corner of Prince street It is elegantly fitted up, and capable of seating two thousand persons. The arrangements of the stage and the drop-curtain are tasteful and elegant, and the building on opera nights is often filled with a very fashionable audience. WALLACE'S THEATRE, BROADWAY. Near Broome Street. BURTON'S THEATRE, Chambers Street. These small but elegant theatres are much resorted to by the patrons of the drama. Great pains are taken to pro- vide for the public entertainment, and the result is in most instances successfully attained. BARNUM'S AMERICAN MUSEUM. This institution was founded in 1810, by the late John Scudder, by whose arduous efforts, and the persevering exertions of its more recent proprietor, it has arisen to its present state of popularity. Scudder commenced his ca- reer as an itinerant organ-grinder, and during his wander- ings he collected the first specimens towards the present large collection. This museum for many years, during his management, occupied the west end of the building back of the City Hall in the Park, and was then almost the only place of public amusement in the city. It is now on Broadway, nearly opposite the Astor House. It contains several large halls, each over a hundred feet in length, filled with curi- osities of every variety. It has numerous paintings, a mineralogieal cabinet, and a multitude of curiosities, well 82 nry of new-york. worth visiting. In addition to this, it lias a saloon con- nected with it, capable of seating one thousand persons, which is used for n variety of entertainments, all for the sum of 26 cents. The top of the museum, fitted up as a garden and promenade, eommands a fine view of the city. It i- the property of P. T. Barnum, Ksq., who has made it more than ever an attractive place of resort. CASTLE GARDEN' Is situated on a mole, connected with the Battery by a bridge. It was originally erected for a fortification, and used for that purpose till 1823, when it was ceded by the United States to this city ; since which it has been leased for a place of public amusement It was built in 1 f>ij7— 8 — 9. Immense turns of money were expended on its erec- tion, it having cost the Government, at different times, sev- eral hundred thousand dollars. The felicitous situation of this spot, projecting into the bay, and commanding one of the finest views in the world, causes it to be a favorite place of resort in the summer months. In 1824, on the occasion of the visit of Gen. Lafayette, a splendid file and gala were given to him at Castle Garden, which, for grand- eur, expense, and entire effect, were never before witnessed in this country. The building has lately been altered, by the addition of a roof and outside promenade, and fit- ted up with a stage for concerts, operas, is a noble piece of architectural painting by Allegri. The whole effect of the house is that of rich and massive elegance, displaying an audience well, and when filled with an elegantly dressed throng is a superb sight. The building is remarkably well constructed for sound. The faintest tone, the most delicate articulation is dis- tinctly heard in all parts of the auditorium. The entire cost of lot and building was about $350,000. THE EATTING OBSERVATORY. We desire to call attention to this building, although it is in little danger of being overlooked. It is in fact the M CITY OF KKW-YORK. most conspicuous new feature in the neighborhood of the Crystal Palace, and affords from its summit a grand view of the country around New-York. Its total height is 350 feet. It is not inappropriate to remark that the building itself is quite safe, having been carefully examined by scientific men, who have made a favorable report. It stands on Foi-t v-third street, the entrance being from Forty- second street through a building 125 feet long. On either gide of the passage is a continuous bazaar. Jn the upper story is an ice-cream saloon elegantly fitted up for ladies. The tower is an octagon, 75 feet in diameter at the base, with an extreme height of 350 feet It is of timber, well broced with iron, and is anchored at each of the eitrht angles with about forty tons of stone and timber. The first story is a refreshment-saloon, the second a ladies' ordinary. These stories are enclosed, and are together about twenty-five feet in height Above this are three stories of open work, and then an enclosed landing arranged in good 6tvle. Here is the first look-out 125 feet from the ground. Then come four open stories, above which is the second landing, 225 feet from terra firnia. Passing three open stories, we reach the third and highest landing, 300 feet from the base, and by reason of the height of ground, about 175 feet higher than the topmost windows in St Paul's spire. To aid the view there are telescopes at each landing, with maps and directions for the convenience of strangers. Ac- cess to the first and second landings is had by a steam elevator, running up a well-way in the centre about 15 feet in diameter. From the second to the third landing is a winding stairway. The tower terminates in a spire, with a flag-staff, in all 50 feet above the highest landing, thus making the extreme altitude from base to top of pole just 350 feet The cost is about §100,000 ; the proprietors have ten years' lease of the ground. Almost every body has named this Barnum's Tower, under the belief that the great showman was at the bottom of it. But such is not the fact : Mr. B. has no special interest in any affair of public entertainment in this city except the American Museum. Some idea of the success of the observatory may be formed from the fact that at least eighteen thousand persons ascend the Bunker Hill Monument in PLACES OF AMUSEMENT. 85 the course of a year ; the number who will resort to this higher elevation will probably be much greater. Relative height of several other lofty structures. The G reat Pyramid 514 feet St. Peter's, at Rome -164 " St Paul's, London, 404 " Trinity Church, New- York, . . , 284 " Bunker Hill Monument . . . . 220 " The Washington Monument, (not completed.) 520 " The name of this building is derived from its originator, Warren Latting, Esq. CHRISTY'S MINSTRELS, 472 Broadway, above Grand street. This is the oldest and most popular of the Ethiopian Minstrel bands, and their hall is resorted to by crowds of persons who find pleasure in observing their droll deline- ations of negro costume and character, and in the really admirable music of this well-trained brotherhood. WOOD'S MINSTRELS, 440 Broadway, above Howard street. This is another establishment, similar in its character to the Christys', offering to the public good music and the accommodations of a superior house. The two establish- ments are great favorites with those who love to beguile their cares with the charms of music and a hearty laugh. The price of admission is the same to both houses — 25 cents. Commence at 8 o'clock. HOTELS. There are upon Broadway alone some twenty-five hotels, all elegant in their appointments, and varying in the extent of their accommodations from 100 to 1,000 guests. The charge for lodging and board in these pala- tial tents is usually two dollars or three dollars per day. Besides those more recently erected, and which will be fully and separately described below, we must partiou- 86 CITY OF NEW-YORK. lariv mention the famous Astor House — a rare example of popular favor, deservedly secured in the first instance, nnd long and 6urely retained. Indeed, with all that has been done by those who have followed in the train of hotel improvement, we still find nothing that induces us to take away the palm of well-established supremacy from the Astor House. Then, also, we have the Irving, directly opposite to Stewart's marble dry goods palace, and midway between the depots of the Hudson River and the Harlem Railroads. The Irving House, like the Astor, is well arranged and well ordered, and offers a convenient resting-place for those who prefer to be near the banks, the places of wholesale trade, and all the other attractions of "down town." Those, however, who visit the city mainly for pur- poses of business will find comfortable accommodations at Bixby's, French's, and Lovejoy's Hotels, all of which front the City Hall l'ark, and are on the European plan— the guests hiring their rooms, and procuring their meals either in the hotel or where else they please. THE METKOPOLITAN, A new hotel, on the corner of Broadway and Prince street, is considered by many the largest and most magni- ficent establishment of the kind in the world. It is built of brown stone, six stories high, and the building alone cost above half a million of dollars. Every thing about it is in a style of princely magnificence. The halls, par- lors, ordinaries, dressing-rooms, bathing-rooms, bed-rooms, »<>\ KIVJ H It MI HO AD. The lower depot of tliis road is at the intersection of Chambers street and Hudson, from which ears convey passengers to the upper dejxH, corner of Tenth Avenue and fhirty-first street, where the engine is taken and the journey fairly begun. This road extends to East Albany, a distance of 144 miles. It cost $9,300,000. In order to promote the comfort of those who travel on this road, we append the following, from the Albany Journal: "Ax Aiimy with Banxlrs." — As you are whirled along over the Hudson River Railroad at the rate of 40 miles an hour, you catch a glimpse, every minute or two, of a man waving something like a white pocket-handkerchief on the end of a stick, with a satisfactory sort of expression of countenance. If you take the trouble to count, you will find that it happens some two hundred times between East Albany and Thirty -first street It looks like rather a useless ceremony, at first glance, but it is a pretty import- ant one, nevertheless. There are 225 of these " flagmen" stationed at intervals along .the whole length of the line. Just before a train is to pass, each one walks over his " beat," and looks to see that even - track and tie, every tunnel switch, rail, elamp and rivet, is in good order and free from obstruction. If 60, he takes his stand witli a white flag and waves it to the approaching train as a signal to " come on" — and come on it does, at full speed. If there is any thing wronpr, he waves a red flag, or at night a red lamp, and the engineer, on seeing it, promptly shuts off the steam, and sounds the whistle to " put down the brakes." Every RAILROADS. 07 nch of the road is carefully examined after the passage of each train. Austrian espionage is hardly more strict NEW- YORK AND NEW-HAVEN RAILROAD. This road, built at a cost of $4,233,000, extends from New-York to New-Haven, a distance of 76 miles ; thence, a road runs to Springfield, 63 miles ; from which another extends to Boston, 100 miles ; the distance being travelled in about eight hours. This route to Boston is much travelled by those who object to a night upon the Sound. The stations of this road are at the corner of Broadway and Canal street, and Fourth Avenue and Twenty-seventh street. The engine is attached at Thirty-second street. NEW- YORK AND HARLEM RAILROAD. The route travelled by this road is from the depot on the east side of the City Hall, through Centre street to Grand, and thence to the Bowery ; up the Bowery to Fourth Avenue, which last it follows for the remainder of its way through the city. The cars take the engine at Thirty -second street. The trains run on this road to Albany and intermediate places. Up to William's Bridge, 14 miles from the city, the same track is used for the cars of the New-York and New-Haven Railroad. The cost of the road to Albany is stated at $4,873,318. The tunnel at Yorkville (an engraving of which will accompany this article) is an excavation in the solid rock, a quarter of a mile long, handsomely finished at both ends, and approached through a long, deep cut of more than a mile in length. This road furnishes the means of a delightful journey into the country. In -the spring and summer, when the weather is favorable, it is traversed by immense numbers of New-York citizens. Cars leave the d6pot, City Hall, for Twent} T -seventh street, every six minutes, from half-past seven A. M. to eight P. M. Cars leave City Hall (night line) every twenty minutes, from eight to twelve. Cars leave the City Hall every hour during the day for Harlem, and return as often. THE OMNIBUSES AND RAILBUSES. There are 29 lines of omnibuses now running in the city, comprising 671 veliicles. These stages make about 9 98 CITY OF NEW-YORK. 10 down and 10 up trips daily, or 13,420 trips per day, averaging at least 40,000 miles' travel. We estimate the number of passengers at an average of nine for each trip, which shows that 1-20,000 passengers are carried, for whick $7,200 per day is received. One year ago there were but 501 omnibuses, so the cars do not seem to have entirely ruined the stage business, as the latter has increased nearly 20 per cent during the first year of railroad com- petition. The Harlem and Sixth and Eighth Avenue Railroads now run about 100 cars for city passengers. These make 800 up and BOO down trips, with perhaps 18 passengers each wav, or 28,800 passengers, at $1,500 per day. This makes about 100,000 passengers daily in public vehicles, without counting 500 hacks, which are used irregularly, as the weather may demand. The entire number of rides in stages and cars are more than 50,000,000 per annum, collecting small change to the amount of two millions of dollars. The business gives employment to from 1,500 to 2,000 men, and more than 3,000 horses. A list of the omnibuses and their routes will be found at the end of this volume. EXPRESSES. Adams', East, South, and California, 59 Broadway. American Express Company, North and West, 10 Wall street. Berford's, California, 3 Vesey street Harnden's, East and South, 0 Wall street Kinsley's, East and South, 72 Broadway. Hoey*s, Charleston and New-Orleans, 19 Wall street Harlem Railroad, Tryon Row, east of City HalL Hudson River Railroad, 8 Hudson street. Long Island Railroad, foot of Atlantic street, Brooklyn. Note. — Express offices for the surrounding cities and villages, at some of the above offices. HACKNEY-COACHES, AC. 99 HACKNEY-COACH STANDS. L In Park Place. 2. In Broadway, around the Bowling Green. 3. In Pearl street, at Hanover Square. 4. In Hudson street, along St. John's Park. 5. In Hudson street, near Huane. 6. In Chatham Square. 7. On the north side of Canal street, near Broadway. 8. Near all the principal steamboat landings. rUBLIC PORTERS AND UAND-CART MEN RATES OF FARE. Every public porter shall wear, in a conspicuous place about his person, so as to be easily seen, a brass plate or badge, on which shall be engraved his name, the words " public porter," and the number of his license ; and it shall be unlawful for any other person to wear or exhibit any badge, purporting to be, resembling, or similar to, the badge of a public porter ; and no public porter shall per- mit any other person to wear his badge, or use his name in any way whatever, in the transportation or conveyance of any thing. Public porters shall be entitled to charge and receive for the carrying or conveyance of any article any distance within half a mile, twelve cents, if carried by hand, and twenty -five cents, if carried on a wheelbarrow or hand- cart : if the distance exceeds half a mile, and is within one mile, one half of the above rates in addition thereto, and in the same proportion for any greater distance. If any public porter shall ask or demand any greater rate of pay or compensation for the carrying or convey- ance of any articles than is herein provided, he shall not be entitled to an}' pay for the said service ; and to so ask, demand, or receive any such greater pay or compensation, shall be deemed a violation of this ordinance. It shall not be lawful for any person to represent him- self as, or to wear or exhibit any badge, inscription, card, or device, purporting or implying that he is employed or authorized by the keeper, proprietors, agent, or officer of any hotel, boarding-house, vessel, steamboat or railroad company, to solicit, receive, or convey persons, baggage^ or other things to or from any such hotel, boarding house, 100 CITY OF NF.W-YOKK. vessel, steamboat, or railroad company's station or d£p6t without being actually and duly authorized by such keeper, proprietor, officer, or agent so to do, under the penalty of twenty-five dollars for every offense. All "persons who shall violate or fail to comply with any of the provisions of this ordinance, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be pun- ished, pursuant to the provisions of sections 20 and 21 of an act relative to the powers of the Common Council of the city of New-York, and the criminal courts of said city, passed" bv the Legislature of the State of New-York, January 23d, 1833 ; or, in lieu thereof, shall forfeit and pay, for the use of said city, ten dollars for each and every offense, except where a penalty is prescribed in said ordi- nance. CARRIAGE FARES. The prices or rates of fares to be taken by or paid to the owners or drivers of hackney-coaches or carriages, shall be as follows: 1st For conveying a passenger any distance not exceed- ing one mile, fifty cents ; for conveying two passengers the same distance, seventy-five cents, or thirty -seven and a half cents each; and for every additional passenger, thirty- seven and a half cents. 2d. For conveying a passenger any distance exceeding a mile, and within two miles, seventy-five cents; and for every additional passenger, thirty -seven and a half cents. 3d. For conveying one passenger to the New Aims-House, and returning, one dollar ; and for every additional pas- senger and returning, fifty cents. 4th. For conveying one passenger to Fortieth street, and remaining half an hour, and returning, one dollar and a half ; and for every additional passenger, fifty cents. 5th. For conveying one passenger to Sixty-first street, and remaining three quarters of an hour, and returnim.', two dollars, and for every additional passenger, fifty cents. 6th. For conveying one passenger to Eighty-sixth street, and remaining one hour, and returning, two dollars and a half; and for every additional passenger, seventy -five cents. NEW-YOKK NEWSPAPERS. 101 7 th. For conveying one or more passengers to Harlem, and returning, with the privilege of remaining three hours, five dollars ; or to the High Bridge, five dollars, with the same privilege. 8th. For conveying one or more passengers to King's Bridge, and returning, with the privilege of keeping the carriage all day, five dollars. 9th. For the use of a hackney-coach or carriage by the day, with one or more passengers, five dollars. 10th. For the use of a haekuey-coach oi carriage by the hour, with one or more passengers, with the privilege of going from place to place, and stopping as often as may be required, one dollar an hour. 11th. In all eases where the hiring of a hackney-coach or carriage is not at the time thereof specified to be by the day or hour, it shall be deemed to be by the mile. 12th. For cliildren between two and fourteen years of age, half price is only to be charged ; and for children under two years of age, no charge is to be made. 13th. Whenever a hackney-coach or carriage shall be detained, excepting as aforesaid, the owner or driver shall be allowed after the rate of seventy-five cents an hour. NEW-TORK NEWSPAPERS. There are fifteen daily papers published in New- York, the average aggregate issue of which is 130,000 copies. Two fifths of these are circulated in the country, leaving three fifths for the town, which is at the rate of rather more than one copy for every ten inhabitants of New- York. There are ten daily papers published in London, the average aggregate issue of which is about C5,000. Only one third of these is supposed to be retained for circula- tion in the metropolis, being in the proportion of rather less than one for every hundred inhabitants. THE TRIBUNE PRINTING OFFICE Is open to the public, affording a view of the steam cylinder presses in operation, on any Thursday between 9 A.M. and 2^ P.M. This is the most favorable time for visiting the otfice, though admittance may be had on any day of the week from 2 to 3J- P.M. 9* 102 CITY OF NEW-YORK. THE CHURCHES OF NEW-YORK. SUMMARY OF CO.VGKEGATIOXB. There are in New-York no less than 272 congregations, some of which occupy churches of great elegance, while others resort to plainer and smaller structures. The most noleil of these are particularly described below, but some of those that we have omitted, through want of space, are well worth a visit. Many of the congregations have been scnsibl}- diminished of late years from the removal of pew occupants to the upper part of the city. In general, the churches of the metropolis are well attended. We add a table showing the number of churches belonging to the several religious bodies. Baptist 35 Congregational 7 Dutch Reformed 19 Friends 4 Jewish Synagogues 13 Lutheran 6 Methodist Episcopal 30 African Episcopal 3 Methodist Protestant 2 New Jerusalem 1 Presbvterian 38 Associate Presbyterian 4 Associate Reformed Presbyterian 2 Reformed Presbyterian 5 Primitive Christians 3 Protestant Episcopalians 49 Roman Catholic 24 Second Advent 4 Unitarian 2 Universalist 5 Miscellaneous 16 272 THE NEW-YORK PULPIT. 103 THE NEW-YORK PULPIT. The stranger visiting New-York will doubtless feel an interest in knowing where he may profitably and pleas- antly spend the hours of the Sabbath day. We therefore propose to give a brief and general notice of several distinguished preachers, indicating in each in- stance where they may be heard. Commencing our sur- vey at the upper portion of the city, we will enter the new church at the corner of Nineteenth street and Fifth Avenue, which is worthy of the highest regard, as well for the architectural excellence of the building as for the piety, earnestness, and true eloquence of the pastor who therein presides. Those who wish to attend a Presbyte- rian church will do well to avail themselves of an oppor- tunity of hearing the Rev. James W. Alexander, D. D., the pastor of this church. The style and manner of the reverend gentleman are well adapted to attract the young, especially young men ; indeed, we have sometimes felt regret that his ministrations were not more particularly accessible to this large and important class. Another church belonging to the same denomination is that of the Rev. Dr. Potts, situated on the corner of Tenth street and University Place. Dr. Potts is also an able and eloquent divine, powerful in his delivery, cogent and at- tractive in his exhibition of truth. Indeed, as a graceful and effective preacher, he has scarcely a superior in the city. We next notice the church of the Rev. Dr. Cheever, on the corner of Fifteenth street and Broadway. The Rev. Dr. is a distinguished preacher among the Congregational- ists, and attracts a large audience at his Sunday evening lectures. The church is on the left side of Union Square. Crossing the Square and passing up to the corner of Twenty-first street and the Fourth Avenue, we come to Cal- vary (Episcopal) church, of which the celebrated Dr. Ilawkes is rector. The claims of Dr. Hawkes to be es- teemed a powerful and eloquent preacher are generally conceded, and as a proof of this wo need only refer to the throng of citizens and visitors who frequent his church. On the corner of East Sixteenth street and Rutherford Place is St. George's Church, (Episcopal,) under the pas- 104 CITY OF NEW-YORK. toral charge of Rev. Dr. Ttnc. The church itself is very fine, containing seats for about three thousand persons, whose view of the preacher is not hindered by the inter- ference of a sinirle column. The whole interior is there- fore quite unique, and has been well compared by a nau- tical friend to the strong, well timbered frame-work of a great ship. The eloquent divine who here officiates, pos- sesses a voice capable of filling the house apparently without effort Another clergyman of the Episcopal church also worthy of mention as an attractive and forcible preacher, is the Rev. Dr. Higbie, who unites the graces of an accomplished rhetorician to the charms of a singularly tuneful voice and an engaging manner. Dr. EL is one of the assistant minis- ters of Trinity Church, and preaches at St Raul's and St John's Chapels. The Unitarians have also two eminent preachers, the Rev. Mr. Bellows and Rev. Mr. Osgood — the latter of whom is pastor of the Church of the Messiah, in Broad- way, at the head of Waverly l'laee. Mr. Osgood, although a young man, is a ripe and accomplished scholar, and is noted for the brilliancy of his oratorical gifts. His burst of impassioned eloquence when called upon for a speech at the Fennimore Cooper Commemoration, will not soon be forgotten by those who heard it Rev. Mr. Bellows' society having sold their church in Broadway, will, until their new building is completed, occupy a hall in the neighborhood of Union Square, with seats free to all comers. The Baptist church situated in Amity street near Wooster, is under the care of the Rev. Dr. Williams, a faithful pastor, a varied and profound scholar, and a writer of singular force and beauty. As an author, Dr. W. is well known, having presented to the public several vol- umes. Another clergyman (of the Congregational Church) who should not be passed over is the Rev. Dr. Thompson, who laboriously and effectively discharges the duties of pastor of the Tabernacle, 340 Broadway. For the thoroughness of the preparation for his pulpit work, as well as for his earnestness, judgment, and taste, Dr. T. deserves special mention. He is also an engaging and popular preacher to TEIXITY CHl'KCn. Pace 105. DESCRIPTION OF CHURCHES. 105 the young. The gallery pews of the Tabernacle are free. We would also mention the name of one more able minis- ter of the Baptist persuasion, the Rev. Mr. Weseott, whose church is on the corner of Laight and Varick streets, fac- ing St. John's Square. Those who attend the preaching of this gentleman will have occasion to remark the simplicity of his manner, and his earnest, impressive style. There are in the city upwards of thirty Methodist churches enjoying the services of able and faithful men, but as these are, in the arrangement of their peculiar sys- tem, settled only for a short period, it is not thought proper to insert their names. Those who desire to attend the worship of this denomination of Christians will find a list of their houses in the appendix to City Directory. The Universalists have several societies. The largest is that under the care of Rev. Mr. Chapin, now worship- ping in the church in Broadway, between Spring and Prince streets, which was built and occupied for some years by the First Unitarian Society. This church, de- signed by Lefevre, has a most beautiful interior, and it is always crowded with listeners to the most popular and eloquent preacher of this denomination in the country. Seats in Churches. — It may be added for the informa- tion of strangers, that seats in most of the churches may be had on application to the sexton before morning ser- vice. There is usually an abundance of room in the afternoon. DESCRIPTION OF CHURCHES. TRLVITT CHURCH, (Episcopal.) Broadway, opposite Wall street, erected in 1841-5. This is the principal church building belonging to the Episcopalians in the city. The first place of worship in the city was the "Chapel in the Fort," which was origin- ally the Dutch Church; but after the city was surrendered to the English in 1064, it became the Episcopal Church, and was called "The King's Chapel." In IG'JO, a small square building called " Trinity Church" was erected on the site of the present elegant building on Broadway, at IOC CITY OF NEW-YORK. the head of Wall street. In 1735, the ehureh edifice was enlarged, and a further enlargement took jilace in 1737, until it was 140 ft.-ct long, ani.i> dutch Haunt n icio. The out exhibits the fashion of most of the Dutch buildings in the early settlement of New-York. Tile building here represented stood in Broad street, and was built by Peter Minuit, the first Governor of New- Ainsterdarn. Ihis house was built in 1G29, and was a famous house in its time. The greater part of Broad 6treet was originally built up in the same manner. The houses were all built of bricks brought from Holland, and were constructed with the gable end to the street, and visually with a sharp and pointed root There is scarcely a building of the kind now left in the city. m:\v-york banking houses. Some of the most elegant structures in New-York are the buildings — chiefly in the lower part of the city — occu- pied as banking-houses. Hie spacious and elegant interior of the Metropolitan Bank, corner of Broadway and Pine street, deserves special mention. The lots upon which the building stan ds cost £ 1 1 0, 000. Those buildings which cost over $100,000 are as follows : Bank ofi^iferiea, $160,000 Bank of Sew- York, 114,850 Bank of State of New-York, .... 130,477 Manhattan Company, 291,868 Phenix Bank, 133,751 Bank of Commerce, 110,003 Bank of North America, ----- 110,205 Bank of the Republic, (No. 1 Wall) - - - 174,191 Broadway Bank, 126,856 Metropolitan Bank, 160,061 These are all in 'Wall street except two the last named. BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. I. O. OF O. F. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows number Lb New- York 85 Lodges and twelve Encampments, embracing many thousand members. The processions of Odd Fellows are among the most noted of our civic shows. Several of the Lodges also own a fine Hall, on the corner of Grand and Centre streets, erected at a cost of 8125,000; the building containing a number of large and elegant Lodge- rooms. BRITISH PROTECTIVE EMIGRANT BOARD OF THE ST. GEORGE'S SOCIETY OF NEW. YORK. Office, 86 Greenwich street. Established 1844, to pro- tect emigrants from fraud and imposition. President, Dr. John C. Bealcs, (President of St. George's Society;) John C. Wells and E. F. Ward, Secretaries; Robert Bage, Treasurer; Charles H. Webb, Superintendent. Charles Edwards, Counsellor and Solicitor to the St. George's Society. FREXCEC BEXEYOLEXT SOCIETY. Victor Durand, President ; J. P. Barre and A. Hoguet, Vice-Presidents; L. Boquet, Treasurer. FRIEXDLY SOXS OF ST. PATRICK. Joseph Stuart, President ; J. B. Dillon and George McBride, Jr., Vice-Presidents; C. H. Birney, Secretary; C. M. Nanry, Treasurer. GERMAX BEXEVOLEXT SOCIETY, (Witwen and Waisen Institute.) Jacob Brombaeher, President. GERMAN MUTUAL ASSISTANCE SOCIETY. J. A. F. Rachau, President ; E. A. Sterneburgh, Secretary; G. H. Koop, Treasurer. 11 122 CITY OK NEW-YORK. GERMAN SOCIETY OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORE. Office, 104 Greenwich street Established, 1787; Char- tered, 1804. President, J. C. Zimmerman; EL E. Ludewig, Secretary; F. Iloose, Treasurer; C. P. De Greek, Agent HEBREW BEXEVOLEJ.T SOCIETY. II. Aaronson, President; Morris Wolf, Vice-President; Jolin Leroy, Treasurer. HIBERNIAN INIVERSAL BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, No. 42 Prince street President, Francis O'Rielly; Vice- President, Cordelius Doras ; Secretary, Francis Flynn ; Kecording Secretary, James Brady ; Treasurer, Francis Gilmore. Number of members about 200. Object, to relieve members in sickness and defray funeral expenses. IRISH EMIGRANT SOCIETY, No. 51 Chambers street Employment Office, 29 Reade street Founded 1841, to afford protection and employment to Iri>h emigrants. President, Gregory Dillon ; Treasurer, James Stuart; Corresponding Secretary, Edward C. Don- nelly ; Kecording Secretary, Peter Crerar. Lawrence Keatings, Employment Agent, 29 Reade street ITALIAN BENETOLENT SOCIETY. E. F. Forresti, President; M. Pastacaldi, Vice-President; G. Cristadoro, Treasurer, Charles Ferrero, Secretary. MARINE SOCIETY. (1770.) Capt. Charles H. Marshall, President; John M. Ferrier, N. Briggs, Vice-Presidents; James Copeland, Treasurer; Henry Russell, Secretary. Office, 115 Wall street NE W.ENGLAND SOCIETY. Founded 1806. Meetings generally held at Astor Douse on the first Thursday of every month ; annual meeting, 22d of December. Officers: Moses BL Grinnell, President; Thomas Fessenden, Vice-President ; J. L. Pope, Treasurer ; Ephraim Kingsberry, IT. S. Commissioner's Office, City Hall, Secretary. The objects of the Society are friend- ship, charity, and mutual assistance. FIRE DEPARTMENT. 123 ST. ANDREW'S SOCIETY. Richard Erwin, President; J. J. Palmer, Adam Norrie, Vice-Presidents ; Robert Hyslop, Treasurer ; John Camp- bell, Secretary ; John T. Ferguson, Physician. ST. DAVID'S BENEVOLENT SOCIETY OF NEW- YOKE AND BROOKLYN. Charles Miles, President; H. P. Edwards, Vice-President; David Roberts, Treasurer ; Thomas R. Jones, Recording Secretary ; T. J. Jones, Corresponding Secretary. ST. GEORGE'S SOCIETY OF NEW- YORK. Established 1786. Incorporated 1838. Meeting at Astor House. J. C. Beales, President ; Robert Bage, Treasurer ; Josh. C. Wells and Edward F. Ward, Secretaries ; Charles H. Webb, Superintendent ST. NICHOLAS SOCIETY. Ogden Iloffman, President ; Wm. H. Johnson, Treasurer ; Charles R. Swords, Secretary : R. E. Mount, Jr., Assistant Secretary. THE NEW-YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT. The department now comprises 45 engine companies, 64 hose companies, 13 hook and ladder companies, and 3 hydrant companies, numbering in all 3,137 members. The strongest engine company is No. 14, which includes 70 members ; the greatest number of members in any one of the hose companies is 25 ; in any one of the hook and ladder companies, 30 ; and the most numerous hydrant company is No. 3, which has 30 members. The whole number of active firemen is 2,731. 124 CITY OF NEW-YORK- i MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. < 1 1 v PAXK& Is addition to those more fully described at p. 62, but which our limits merely allow ub to mention in this ptoce, are Madison, Hamilton, BloorniDgdale, and Manhattan Squares. The location of several of these may be seen by referring to the map. TABLE Exhibiting the aggregate number and value of horses employed in different occupations in New-York : xo. VALUE. Horses employed in omnibuses and rail-cars, "7,000 $700,000 Horses employed in hacking 3,500 625,000 Horses owned by licensed cartmen, 4,000 400,000 Grocers' horses, 2,500 250,000 Foreign express horses, 260 05,000 City express horses, 40 3,000 Horses owned by milkmen, 1,200 120,000 Horses owned by soda-water manu- facturers 210 21,000 Bakers' horses, 700 84,000 Horses owned by ice-dealers, 250 35,000 Horses employed in trucking 60 15,000 Scavengers' horses 120 12,000 Ash and dirt-cart horses, 1,500 135,000 Pedlars' horses, 500 25,000 Butchers' horses, 760 105,000 Total, 22,540 §2,495,000 T1IE PAVEMENTS. The citizens of New-York, weary at length of being jolted over the old-fashioned pavements of cobble-stones which still maintain possession of most of the streets, determined to find relief. In 1846, a great improvement was made by the introduction of what was called, from BOUNDARIES OF WARDS. 125 the name of its inventor, the Russ pavement; and which, thus far, has met all the opposition of heat and cold, sud- den changes, and immense use, without injury. The plan, however, is very expensive. It requires large blocks of stone about ten inches in depth, laid dia- gonally with the wheel track, and resting on a substratum of concrete, which again rests upon a foundation of granite chips; the whole forming a consolidated mass eighteen inches thick, so arranged as to afford access to the gas and water pipes. It has been fairly tested on Broadway. Another pavement is called, also from the name of its in- ventor, the Perrine. The peculiarity of this consists in combining a smooth wheel-track with a rough way for the horses, as may be seen, should there be any yet remain- ing, in Broadway, between Franklin street and Cannl. The cobble-stone portion of the Perrine is to be replaced with granite blocks, laid by Deghue ; an experiment, the success of which is yet to be achieved. The cost of the Deghue is S3 85 a yard ; that of the Perrine, about $6 00 ; while the Russ, costing nearly as much as both together, is probably the cheapest of the three. BOUNDARIES OF WARDS. First Ward. — Bounded, south, by Battery ; east, by East river ; north, by Maiden Lane and Liberty street ; west, by West street. Second. — Bounded, south, by Maiden Lane and Liberty street ; west, by Broadway ; north-west, by Park Row ; Borth-east, by Spruce and Ferry streets and Peek Slip : east, by East river. Hard. — Bounded, south, by Liberty street ; west, by "West street ; north, by Reade street ; east, by Broadway. Fourth. — Bounded, south-westerl} - , by Spruce street, Ferry street, and Peck Slip ; east, by South street ; and north- easterly, by Catharine street. Fifth. — Bounded, south, by Reade street; west, by West street; north-easterly, by Canal street; east, by Broad- way. Sixth. — Bounded, south, by Park Row and Chatham street; 11* 12G f*ITY OF NEW-YOWC. east, by Bowery ; north, by Walker and Canal street* west, by Broadway. Seventh. — Bounded, south-westerly, by Catharine street; north-westerly, by Division and Grand streets; east, by East river; south-westerly, by South street. Eighth, — Bounded, south, by Canal street ; west, by West Street; north, by Hainersley and Houston; east, by Broadway. Ninth. — Bonded, south, by Hamersley street; east, by Hancock and Bleeeker streets, and Sixth Avenue ; north, by Fourteenth street. Tenth. — Bounded, west, by Bowery; north, by Rivington street, ea-t, by Norfolk street; south-easterly, by Division street. Eleventh. — Bounded, west, by Avenue B and Clinton street; south, by Bivington street; east, by East river; north, by Fourteenth street Twelfth. — Bounded, south, by Eighty-sixth street; west, by North Kiver; east, by East river, (including Ward's and Randall's Island ;) north, by Harlern river and Spuyteri Duyvil's Creek. Thirteenth. — Bounded, south, by Division and Grand streets; west, by Norfolk street; north, by Bivington street ; ea 5 t, by East street Fourteenth. — Bounded, south, by Walker and Canal streets; west, by Broadway ; north, by Houston street; east, by Broadway. Fifteenth. — Bounded, south, by Houston street ; west, by Hancock and Bleeckcr streets and Sixth Avenue ; north, by Fourteenth street. Sixteenth. — Bounded, south, by Fourteenth 6treet; west, by North river; north, by Twenty-sixth street; east, by Sixth Aveuue. Seventeenth. — Bounded, 60Uth, by Rivington street ; east, by Clinton street and Avenue B ; north, by Fourteenth 6treet ; west, by Bowery and Fourth Avenue. TABLE OF DISTANCES. 127 Eighteenth. — Bounded, south, by Fourteenth street ; west, by Sixth Avenue; North, by Fortieth street; east, by East river. Nineteenth. — Bounded, south, by Fortieth street ; west, by North river ; north, by Eighty-sixth street ; east, by East river, including Blackwell's Island. Twentieth. — Bounded, south, by Twenty-sixth street; west, by North river ; north, by Fortieth street ; east, by Sixth Avenue. STAGE LINES. Harlem and Yorkville, every half hour, from 23 Chatham street. Astoria and Yorkville, every hour, from 23 Chatham street. Bloomingdale and Manhattanville, leaves every 40 minutes, from Tryon's Row, corner of Chatham street. Jamaica, L. I., Newtown and Flushing, leaves Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn. Rodin, Jfanhasset, Great Neck and Little Neck, from 340 Pearl street. DISTANCES FROM THE CITY II ALL TO DIFFERENT PUBLIC PLACES IN THE CITY, ETC. From the City Hall. MUes. To the Battery, south end, " north do. J- To foot of Cortlaudt st., -J " Barclay st, \ " Chambers St., \ " Canal st., 1 To the Old State Prison dock \\ To Fort Gansevoort, . . 2 To the Prot. Epis. Thco. Seminary, 1\ To the House of Refuge, %\ To Bcllevue 2£ To the Dry Dock, ... 2 From the City Hall. To Corlaers' Hook, Miles. • li To Catharine st. Ferry, . f To Fulton st. Ferry, . . £ To Brooklyn, foot of Ful- ton st 1 To Brooklyn, foot of At- lantic st., 2 To Brooklyn, Citv Hall, 2 To U. S. Navy Yard, . . li To Williamsburg, ... 2 To Jersey City 1-J To Hoboken, .... 2 To Harlem, 8 128 CITY OF NEW- YORK. TABLE OF DISTANCES IX XEW-YORK. From To Die To the City Hall. Battery. To the Exch. Rector street, .... - i mile. Fulton, ..... - i i i T - i 1 f ■ i n 1 - 1 n n - 1 H H - Li 2 i* Kinth, - H 2* 2 Fourteenth, .... - 1* 2± 2i Seventeenth, .... - 2 2f 2* Twenty-fourth, - - 2i 3 2* Twenty-ninth, ... - n H 3 Thirty-fourth, r - 2| H 3i Thirty-eighth, .... - 3 H 3i Forty-fourth, - - - - - H 4 3| Forty-ninth, .... - H 4* 4 Fifty-fourth, .... - 3f *i H Fifty-eitrhth, .... - 4 4f 44 Sixty-third, .... - 4i 5 4f Sixty-eighth, - - H 5i 5 Seventy-third, - - 4f - 5 5+ 5i Seventy-eighth, - - - - 5f 5i Eighty-third, .... - H 6 5f EMitv-eiehtii. .... - H 6i 6 Ninety-third, - - oi Oi &i Ninety-eighth, - — — - - 6 6£ il 1 One Hundred and Second, - - Ci 7 6f One Hundred and Seventh, - H * 7 *i 7 One Hundred and Seventeenth, - 7| H One Hundred and Twenty-first, - - v* 8 One Hundred and Twenty -sixth, - It H 8 One Hundred and Thirty-sixth, - - 8 8| 8* One Hundred and Fortieth, - H 9 8| One Hundred and Forty-fifth, One Hundred and Fifty -fifth, Si 9i 9 - 9 9f n OMNIBUS ROUTES. PItOPBIETORS. ROUTES. rFrom W. 48th, cor. Av. 9th, through Av. 9th ... . „ J to Hudson, through Hudson to Canal, through hipp & urown, s Cana i to Broadway, down Broadway to Bowl- l ing Green I From 42d, Av. 6th, down 42d to Av. 7, down Kipp & Brown, < Av. 7 lo Christopher, down Greenwich to Jer- ( sey City Ferry. ("From Grand street Ferry through Cannon to „„„ „r TT„, mo „ 2d. through 2d to A v. C, up A v. C to 14th, up George W. Holman I ]4[h M A * 3 Ay 3 to ' 2G Vh to Broadway, up K uo -' Broadwiy to 3.'d, to Hudson R. R. Depot, to (.the Crystal Palace. y, , , . „ t From Second A v. and 34th to 14th to Broad- Reynolds & Greene, \ way „ Barc , av 3lreet Fu ,. ry Siney, MrLelland & \ From 31st, Av. 9, to 14th, thence to Broadway, Richardson, / thence to South Ferry. p m> i p^i t S From East 32d, down Av. 4th to Broadway, rums &l itooeris j doWQ Broadwav and Whitehall to South Ferry. „ ,, . I From W. 42d and W, 49th, down Broadway Cornell t Forshay,. . j and vvhi!L . hall to South Fc ;,. y . 1 r From E. 42d and Av. 3d to the Bowery, down Ryerson, M'Elvaneyj the Bowery to Chatham, down Chatham to & M'Elroy, j Broadway, down Broadway to Whitehall, [down Whitehall to South Ferry. r From W. 31st, (Hudson R. R. Depot,) cor. Av. 10th, to W. 14th, up W. 14th to Greenwich, Lugar, Owens 4c Ap- J down Greenwich to Spring, through Spring to pluby, i Broadway, down Broadway to Broome, up I Broome to Bowery, down Bowery to Catharine I Ferry. I From W. 3lst down Av. 10th to W. 23d, John H. Clark, < thence to Av. 4th, th«nce Bowery and Chatham, ( Broadway and Wall street Ferry. (■From E. 16th through Av. B to Tenth, through .,„ . , I Tenth to \\. A, through Av. A to Eighth, Murphy & Smith,... I througJb mm „'„, Ast ^ r piact , to Broau ? wav ; (.down Broadway and Whitehall to South Ferry. J From W. 34th, cor. Av. 6th, down Av. 6th to and through Eighth to Broadway, down Broadway aud Whitehall to South Ferry. 130 CITY OF NEW-YORK. ( From \V. 4Mb cor. A v. lib, down A v. 6tb U> V. ung II Ward, < and through Ninth to Broadway, down Broad- ( way and Whitehall to South terry. r From Tenth, cor. A v. C, thrr ugh Tenth to At. I I), through Av. D to Lewis, through Lewtg Mackrell U Fimpw>u,\ and Grand to East Broadway, down East | Broadway, Chatham, Broadway, and White. I hall, to routh Ferry. r From W. 42d down Av. 7th, Greenwich At., to Marshall &. Town- J and through At. Oth to Amity, through Amity •end, j to Broadway, down Broadway to and through I Fulton to Fulton J'erry. rFrom W. 42d cor. At. 5ih, through Av. 5th to I IV. 13th, through W. 13th to University Place, Bolster, Andrews it. 1 through University Place to W. llth, through McDonald, ) W. llth to Broadway, down Broadway to Fui- l ton, down Fulton to the Ferry. ("From At. C, cor. Tenth, through Tenth to At. Jiinmerson & Beers. J t,,roul ! D Av - D to Columbia and Grand Jimmcrson at beers,. < t<) th(j Boweryi down lhe Bowery Chatham, I Broadway, and W hitehall to South Ferry. (■From Av 1. cor. E. 28lh, through At. 1 to Andrews, Walinsley 1 Allen, through Kivington to the Bowery, down & Co., ] the Bowery lo Chatham, Chatham to the South I Ferry. . o,__ j From Harlem Bridge down A v. 3d, Bowery and umfrnf at. i iynn,... j CualDam to i; arnUfn 's Museum. i ... n ii < S From Manhaltanville. down the Bowery and Luti, Doll & Co.,. . . . j Cbaluum t0 Try on Row. rFrom Eleventh near At. C, through Av. C to Surtlnw Hnev J llousI ° n i through Houston to the Bowery, auaiow i,. iney, ....< d(iwn thc BowcrVi Chatham, Broadway, and { Whitehall, to South Feny. n r>: ,„h;„„ i. I From E. 6 ' st a "d At. 3d. down A v. 31, Bow- John B. Dingiedien 4c ) ery> an( j chatnam to Pearl, through Pwrl to u>- > ( Peck Slip, and South to Burling Slip. ("From Williamsburg Ferry, through Grand William Tyson & I to and down Broadway to Canal, through Co, | Canal to Greenwich, down Greenwich to ICourtlaudt, to Jersey City Ferry. ,...„. . (.From Twenty-Third, down Av. 8;h, to and l inen, Sanderson & ? through Bleecker to Broadway, down Broad- Kj °"> ( way and Whitehall to South Ferry. rFrom W. 42d down A v. 8th to Fourth, down Finch, Sanderson it. J to At. 8th, through Carmine, Bedford, Hoiu- Co, 1 ton, to Broadway, to Maiden Lane, to Fulioa L Ferry. CITY CAES. 131 ("From Houston street Ferry, through Second, , T . .1 Bowery, and Bleeeker to Broadway, down A. Lcntfc Mumtord,< Broadway to and through Courtlaudt to Jersey I City Ferry. fFrom One Hundred and Twenty-Fifth street, , , ... , I cor. At. 4th, through One Hundred and Sheldon & Hynard,..^ Twenty . Fiflh to Av . 8th ^ M Comb's Dam to I the High Bridge. t»t-ii. ... o r> \ From Williamsburg Ferry through Grand WuharaTyson&Co., j ^ t0 tQe eastera % ide 0 \ Broadway. fFrom Crystal Palace through Forty-Fourth | street to Madison At., down Madison At. to Dewey, Dingeldieu & J Thirtieth street to Third Av., down Third Av., Co., I Bowery and Chatham street to Pearl street, down Pearl street to Peck Slip, and South I street to Burliug Slip. CITT CARS. The order observed in mentioning the various lines, is taken from the date of their respective charters. Harlem Company's ,' From Park Row to Centre street, through Eighth Avenue.. Ciiv Cars { Centre to Grand, through Grand to Bowery, up y ( Bowery to Fourth Avenue and 27th street. ("From Chambers street, up West Broadway to Sixth Avenue Cars. Canal, along Canal to Varick, up Varick to £H^"To Crystal Pal-< Sixth Avenue and 51st street. (Some of the ace, I Cars of this line start from corner of Broad- Lway and Canal.) ("From Chambers street, through West Broad- I way to Canal street, through Canal to Hud- I son, up Hudson to Eighth Avenue and up ' "j Eighth Avenue to 51st street. (Some of the cam of this line also start from the corner of { Broadway and Canal street.) j Park Row, Bowery, Third Avenue and 61st ' ( street. (From Peck Slip, along South street to Oliver, through Oliver to Chatham Square, through Bowery to Grand, along Grand to Allen as lar as First Avenue,up First Avenue to 83d Street, and thence on Second Avenue to Harlem. (Returning, pass through Second Avenue, Christy, Grand, Bowery, Chatham, and Pearl i. streets.) Third Avenue. LOCATION OF PIERS. NORTH EXTOL No. 1, tool Battery Place. " 2, 3. lift. Battery PI 4 Morris. " 4, foot Morris. - a, 6, 6|, bet Morris 4 Rector. " 7, foot Kector. « -. -!, bet Hector 4 Carlisle. " 9, root Carlisle. "10, " Albany. "11, het. Albany 4 Cedar. " 12, foot Cedar. "13, » Liberty. "H, bet Liberty k Cortlandt. "10, 16, foot Cortlandt. "17, bet. Cortlandt 4 Dey. "IS foot Dey. " 19, " Fulton. "8n, bet. Fulton k Vesey. " 81 , foot Vesey. " 88, bet. Vesey k Barclay. "8:», 84, foot Barclay. "80, foot Robinson. "86, foot Murray. " 87, " Warren. "8S, " Chambers. "29, " Puane. No. 30, bet. Duanc 4 Jay. "31, foot Jay "38, " Harrison. "83, " Franklin. "84, " North Moore. "30, " Beach. "3fi, " Hubert. "37, " Vestry. "371, " DesbroMei. »JBj " Watts. "39, 40, foot Canal. "41, foot Spring " 42, bet faring 4 Charlton " 43, foot Charlton. "44, " King. "45, " Ilamersley. " 46, " Clarluon. "47, " Morton. "43, " Christopher. " 49, " Amos. "00, " Charles. "01, " Perry. "02, '• Hammond. "03, " Bank. "04, " Troy. KAST RiVFR. No.l, 2, foot WhitehalL " 8, " More. " 4, bet. More 4 Broad. " 6, " Broad 4 Coenties slip. " 6, 7, 3, Coenties slip. " 9, 1», bet. Coenties 4 Old slips. "11, 12, Old slip. "13, b Old si. 4 Gouverneur's la. " 14, foot Jones' lane. " 10, 16, foot WaU. "17, foot Pine. "18, " Maiden lane. "19, " Fletcher. "20, 21, foot Burling slip. "88, " Fulton. " 83, " Beekman. "24, bet. Beekman 4 Peck slip "20, 26, foot Peck slip. " 27, foot Dover. "23, bet. Dover 4 Roosevelt "29, foot Roosevelt. "80, bet. Roosevelt 4 James. " 31 , 82, foot James' slip. "83, " Oiver. "34,35. " Catharine. "36,37, " Market. "38, (Z Ring's) bet. Market S Pike slip. "39, 40, foot Pike. "41, (Sectional dock,) bet. Pike 4 Rutgers. " 42, 43, foot Rutgers. " 44, " Jefferson. " 45, " Clinton. " 46, bet. Clinton 4 Montgomery " 47, foot Montgomery. " 48, not built. " 49, foot Gouverneur's slip. " 00, not built. "51, 02, foot Walnut. "03,44, " Grand. " 55, 56, " Broome. "57, " Delancey. I "53, bet. Rivington 4 Stanton. THE CRYSTAL PALACE. The Site. — The site of the Palace is Reservoir Square, being the unoccupied half of a plot of ground 1,000 feet long by nearly 500 wide, reserved by the city for the purpose in- dicated by its name. It is four miles from the Battery, and three and a quarter from the City Hall, but most con- veniently located with reference to travel. The depots of the Sixth Avenue, the Eighth Avenue, and the Harlem Railroads, and the upper termini of some dozen lines of stages, are in the immediate neighborhood ; so that for five or six cents one may reach the place from any part of New- York, and, with the addition of ferriage, from the remotest sections of Brooklyn, Williamsburg and Jersey City, without so much as two minutes' walking. Two years ago, the mile square which is now the busiest portion of the city was almost a solitude. A walk to the Croton Reservoir involved a country ramble. There were acre3 of gardens; vacant blocks overgrown with stramonium or heaped with the refuse coal ashes of the town; old hedges that once marked the boundaries of farms, and ditches of stagnant water arrested the pedes- trian, and sent him a long retrograde journey to some of the few graded streets. Twenty blocks southward was the red line of the built-up city, advancing like fire on a prairie against the wind, and devouring with its brick-and- mortar jaws every green thing in its way. East and west were broad open spaces, dotted with a few old houses, and bounded by the settled portions of the Third and Eighth Avenues ; while on the north, three or four public institu- tions were the only signs of habitation. The Pla\. — After securing the ground and appointing sundry officers, the next proceeding in order was to procure plans for the building. Sir Joseph Paxton, the architect of the London Crystal Palace, furnished one of singular beauty, but the shape of the ground upon which it was to be placed rendered its adoption impossible. Many other plans were offered, of much beauty and origin- Pi CITY OF NEW-YORK. ality, ami well adapted to the purpose, from which the one finally adopted, designed by George J. B. Carstensen and Charles Gildemeister, architects, was selected. This plan was chosen on the 26th of August, 1852. On the 4th of September, the masonry contracts were signed, and ou the 20th of the same month, the principal part of the iron work had been contracted for. The contracts for the mason work specified that the foundations were to be ready lor the erection of the iron work on the 21st »f October ; as at that time the delivery of the iron work was to commence. The piece of ground upon which the Crystal Palace has been erected being nearly square, its shape is unfavor- able for architectural purposes. In other respects, no better spot could be found in the city. The main features of the building are as follows: It is, with the exception of the floor, entirely constructed of iron and glass. The general idea of the edifice is a Greek cross, surmounted by a dome at the intersection. Each diameter of the cross measures 365 feet 5 inches long. Content. — The building contains, on the ground floor, 111,000 square feet of space, and in its galleries, which are 54 feet wide, 62,000 square feet more, making a total area of 173,000 square feet for the purposes of exhibition There are thus on the ground floor two acres and a halfj or exactly 2 52-100; in the galleries one acre and 44-100. Total, within an inconsiderable fraction, four acres. Columns. — There are on the ground floor 190 octagonal cast iron columns, 21 feet above the floor, and 8 inches diameter, east hollow, of different thicknesses, from half an inch to one inch. These columns receive the cast iron girders. The second story contains 148 columns, of the same shape as those below, and 17 feet 7 inches high. The dome is supported by 24 columns. The Iron. — The quantity of iron used for the build- ing amounts to about 1,250 tons. The roof covers an area of 144,000 square feet, and is in part tinned. The GL.tss. — The glass for the Crystal Palace was made at Camptown, X. J. The Managers made a contract for 40,000 feet, one eighth of an inch thick. The glass is enamelled by a new process, which saves the necessity of covering it with cloth, as had to be done in the Crystal THE CRYSTAL PALACE. 135 Palace at London. The enamel is laid npon the glass in a fluid state with a brush, and after being dried, it is sub- jected to the intense heat of the kiln, which vitrefies the coating, rendering it as fixed and durable as the glass itself. It has an effect similar to that produced by ground glass, being translucent, but not transparent. The Fountains. — In the centre of the Palace rises a beautiful crystal fountain ; and in other parts of the build- ing small fountains of cologne and essences perfume the air. General Effect. — On entering the building, the ob- server's eye will be greeted by the vista of an arched nave, 41 feet wide, 67 feet high, and 365 feet long ; while on approaching the centre, he will find himself under a dome 100 feet across, and 118 feet high. The aspect of the building is entirely different from that of the London Crystal Palace. Its form affords the requisite scope for a pleasing variety of architectural embellish- ment, by which all monotony can be avoided, and allows a very economical use of the ground. The rising dome, independent of its effect in the interior arrangement of the edifice, will give height and majesty. Motive-Power. — Steam, as a motive-power for the machinery, is generated in a building across Forty-second street, and is conveyed under the street to the building in which it is to be applied. The Machinery Department is in a building adjoining, but indf-pendent of the Palace. The edifice for the pur- pose is seen between the Palace and the Reservoir, with wings at each end. The main building is about 400 feet long, by 24 wide, and 50 high, divided into two stories, and covered with glass. The wings are each 100 feet long, by 27 wide, and one story high, and, together with the first story of the main building, are filled with moving machinery; thus making a grand hall of mechanism of 600 feet in length. This building also serves to separate the Reservoir and the Palace. BOOKSTORE OF C. S. FRANCIS & CO., BOOKSELLERS, PUBLISHERS, AND IMPORTERS, 252 BROADWAY. Strangers, as well as Citizen?, will And this a pleasant place of re- fort at all times of day and evening. The Booutobk is supplied with all the publications of the day, as well as a large stock of Standard Books, English and American. In- dividuals or Libraries supplied with every book in the market. C. S. V. k Co. are agents for the principal Reviews and Magazines published In the United State-, and they import all the British periodi- cals, of which a list may be had on application. They also have an Agency in London, and import books by every steamer. Orders sent out weekly, and filled with expedition and cheapness. C. S. F. & Co. are the publishers of The Life and Writings of SIB WALTER SCOTT, consisting of his Like, by Lockhart, in 4 vols. ; hi* Poems, in 6 vols. ; and the Waverlky Novels and Tales, 27 vols. The Poetical Works of Wordsworth, Coleriuge, Mrs. Hemans, Mrs. Nor- ton, Mr<. Browning ; the Writings of Maria Ciiild, and many other valuable books. They keep a very extensive assortment of Books for Young People, nnd are constantly receiving new books in this department, both Eng- lish and American. They publish the works of Maria Edgeworth, Hans Christian Andersen, Mary Howitt, Maria Child, Charles and Mary Lamb, Mrs. Giliaan, Mrs. Holland, and other approved writers for Children. Stationery of all kinds for sale. BOOKSTORE. Page 13B. CITY OF BROOKLYN. This town, the whole of which is now included within the corporation of the city of Brooklyn, lies upon the ex- treme western part of Long Island, opposite the southern portion of the city of New- York, and separated therefrom by the East river, which is here about three quarters of a mile in width. The pure air and delightful prospects of Brooklyn render it a favorite place of residence to persons doing business in New- York, and it is nearer to the busi- ness centres of the latter than residences in the upper part of the city; and these things have contributed to give it a very rapid growth. The increase of population from 1830 to 1840 was 20,837. Its present population is about 97,000. The name conferred upon this town by the Dutch was Breucklen, (or broken land ;) and in the act for dividing the province into counties and towns, passed November 1, 1685, it is called Breucklyn ; nor does the present appella- tion appear to have been generally adopted until after the Revolution. Many changes have doubtless taken place upon the shore, and it is believed that Governor's Island was formerly connected with Red Ilook Point. It is well known that, a short period previous to the War of Inde- pendence, cattle were driven across what is called Butter- milk Channel, now sufficiently deep to afford passage to vessels of the largest class. The first European settler in this town is supposed to have been George Jansen de Rapelje, at the Waalboght, or Waaloons Bay, during the Directorship of Peter Minuit, under the charter of the West India Company. In a record in the possession of the family 138 CITY OF BROOKLYN. of the late Jeremiah Johnson, Esq., it is stated that the first child of Rapelje was Sarah, born in 1 025— unquestionably the first white child born upon Long Island. Watson says Bhe was born on the 9th of June, and honored as the first- born child of the Dutch settlers; also that, in consideration of such distinction, and of her widowhood, she was after- wards presented with a tract of land at the W'allabout. In the journal of the Dutch Council in 1656, it is related that "the widow Hans Hansen, the first-born Christian daugh- ter in New-Netherlands, burdened with seven children, petitions for a grant of a piece of meadow, in addition to the twenty morgen granted to her at the Waalc-Boght A few of the other associates of Dc Kapelje were Le Es- cuycr, Duryee, La Sillier, Cershow, Conscillaer, Musserol; these, with some changes in the mode of spelling, are still found among us. It appears by the Dutch records, that m 1634, a part of the land at Red Hook was the property of "Wouter Van Twillcr, being one of the oldest titles in the town. The earliest deed for land w,as from Governor Kieft to Abraham Rycken, in 1638. The city is regularly laid out, and the streets— with the exception of Fulton street, the oldest in the city— are gene- rally straight, crossing each other at right angles, and are from fifty to sixty feet wide, and a number of them have creator width. A large number of the streets, including Ell within the most thickly settled parts, are paved and lighted. Many of the streets are bordered with trees, giving the place a peculiarly rural aspect. Fulton street, originally narrow in its lower portion, has been amply widened; and is bordered with ranges of lofty brick stores, and presents a commanding entrance to the city. No city in the country, of its extent, is better built than Brooklyn, and many of "its houses are distinguished for a chaste ele- gance, and some of them are splendid. Brooklyn, as laid out by the commissioners appointed by the State Legis- lature is sufficiently large to become another London. The thickly settled parts have no public squares or open grounds; and though some have been laid out within the city bounds, thev are not in such locations as to add, at present, to its beauty or its comfort Many of its princi- pal avenues, however, have a commanding width, and its whole appearance is open and airy ; and its great extent CITY OF BROOKLYN. 139 and the many fine situations presented in its outer parts, will probably long prevent it from being uncomfortably crowded in the portions now most thickly settled. Brooklyn was incorporated as a village in 1816, and as a city, with greatly extended limits, in 1834. It is divided into nine wards, and is governed by a Mayor and a Board of eighteen aldermen, two from each ward, all elected by the people. Brooklyn was first settled in 1636, but it did not choose regular magistrates until 1746, though some kind of authority was previously established. The first house for public worship, which was a Dutch church, was erected in 1666. Six years previous to this, the Rev. Henrieus Sel- wyn had been installed in Brooklyn, with a salary of 600 guilders, or §240, one half of which was paid by the in- habitants, and the other half by Fatherland, or Holland. FORTIFICATIONS. There are some remains of fortifications which were thrown up by both' armies during the Revolutionary War, which mav still be traced on the hills in the back parts of Brooklyn. The principal of these is Fort Greene. This was originally a large fort Many of the embankments were repaired during the war of 1812, and may still be distinctly traced. It is one of the most interesting spots in the vicinity of New-York. THE CITT HALL. At the junction of Court and Fulton streets, one mile from the Fulton Ferry, is a fine structure built of white marble from the quarries of Westchester, and of the Ionic order. Its length is 162 feet, its depth 102 feet, and its height to the top of cornice 75 feet. The height to the top of the cupola is 153 feet. The building is on one side of a triangular park. Its cost was about $200,000. THE POST OFFICE Is situated in Court street, opposite the City Hall, and is a creditable building, well adapted for its purpose. The mail between Brooklyn and New- York arrives and departs many times in the day ; the exact hours, which vary at different seasons, may be learned on reference to the Brooklyn City Directory. 110 CITY OF BROOKLYN. Till: MANSION HOl'HE. This House is situated on Hicks street, Brooklyn Heights, midway between Fulton and Wall street Ferries. It commands a view of the Bay of New-York and the country around, and is only ten minutes from the Ex- change, via Wall street ferry. It has been enlarged and newly fitted up expressly for transient or permanent boarders. Omnibuses pass every five minutes, to and from the different ferries. It is a pleasant house, plea- santly situated, and furnishes accommodation for 250 guests. THE GLOME HOTEL, No. 244 Fulton street, occupies a front embracing four lofty and well-built houses, and is conveniently situated, being near the City Hall, Post Office, and other public buildings. This hotel is much frequented by officers of the Navy. It contains about 100 rooms, and is a popular, well-ordered house. Omnibuses for Fulton Ferry pats the door every few minutes. THE BROOKLYN ATnEXJiUM. The Athenaeum and Reading-room has been erected by subscriptions, mostly from persons who reside in what is known as South Brooklyn. It is situated on the corner of Atlantic and Clinton streets; is 80 feet by 90 feet; three stories in height, built of brick, with brown stone facings, and cost $G0,000. The first floor is arranged for mercantile purposes. On the second floor is a large, well-lighted and commodious reading-room, an excellent library -room, and a number of private rooms. The third floor is a lecture- room or concert-hall, which is capable of seating about 2,000 people. THE BROOKLYN SAYINGS BANK, On the corner of Fulton and Concord streets, is a beau- tiful building of cut freestone, having a remarkably neat and attractive appearance. The institution is managed by careful men, and is in a prosperous condition. THE LYCEUM, On the corner of Washington and Concord streets, is a fine granite building, containing the City Library and that intended for the use of apprentices. The building also contains a commodious, well-arranged leeture-room. CITY OF BROOKLYN. 141 ATLANTIC DOCK. The Company which own this extensive work was in- corporated in May, 1840, with a capital of $1,000,000. The shares are one hundred dollars each. It is situated on the water-front of the Sixth Ward of Brooklyn, below the South Ferry, within " Red Hook Point," the outside pier extending 3,000 feet on " Buttermilk Channel." The basin within the piers contains about forty-two acres, with a sufficient depth of water to accommodate the largest ships. On the piers there are large warehouses, many of which are of great strength. Some improvement of this kind was needed, by the crowded state of the do;ks around New-York city, and the difficulty of finding suitable berths to unload vessels with heavy cargoes. The Hamilton Ferry runs from the corner of the basin to the Battery in New-York. The whole work is immense, and is well worthy the attention of a stranger. THE NAVY" TAKD, A place well deserving of a visit, is situated on "Walla- bout Bay, occupies about forty acres of land, and is sur- rounded on the land side by a lofty wall. The Yard is kept in admirable order, and may be visited every day except Sundays by making application at proper hours. For a particular description of the Naval Dry Dock at this place, see page 01 of this volume. Omnibuses convey passengers to the Yard from Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn side AN ELEGANT PRIVATE HOUSE. One of the most attractive private residences in either city, is that on the corner of Clinton and Remsen streets, occupied by Wm. Spencer, Esq. The house is of cut stone, in villa style, and is quite worthy of being noticed by the visitor, as it presents an agreeable departure from the stereotyped form of city residences, which are for the most part mere parallelograms covered with brick or 6tone. CHURCHES IX BROOKLYN. Theue are 77 churches in Brooklyn: Episcopal, 17; Roman Catholic, 7; Baptist, 7 ; Dutch Reformed, 6 ; Con- gregational, 10; Presbyterian, 7; Methodist Episcopal, 12; African Episcopal, 2; Universalist, Friends, Congre- gational Methodist, Primitive Methodist, Protestant Me- thodist, Second Advent, Reformed Presbyterian, one cajh ; and 8 Unitarian. CHIKCII OF THE IIOJ.Y TRINITY. Tin's, which is bv far the most costly and elegant church edifice in Brooklyn, and indeed capable of maintaining a favorable comparison with the most elaborate churches of the neighboring citv, U situated on the corner of Clin- ton street and Montague Place. The length of the build- ing, with the tower, chapel, and rectory, is 196 feet. Height of nave, 63 feet. Width of church, including buttresses, 80 feet. Length of chapel, 84 feet Height of tower and spire, 275 feet. The style of the architecture 18 Gothic, very elaborately decorated. Hie windows are of richly-stained glas?, the manufacture of Mr. John Bolton. The window in the chancel depicting the Ascension, and that in the chapel representing the Holy Innocents, are much admired. Cost of church, $100,000; of rectory, $8000 ; of spire (yet to be completed) $40,000. The archi- tect of t. i elegant and imposing structure was Minard Lafever, Esq. Rev. W. IL Lewis, D.D., is the Rector. CHURCH OF THE PILGRIMS, Henry street, corner of Remsen street Erected in 1845. The Church of the Pilgrims is a Congregational bodv, formed after the pattern of the churches in New- England. The church edifice is a very singular one, and altogether different from any other in this region. It is a Tery large building, being in extreme length 135 feet, and its breadth 80 feet The height of the walls is 38 feet There is seen in the centre of the main tywer, about six feet from the ground, a piece of the " forefathers' rock, CHCECII OF THE SAVIOUR. Page 143. CITY OF BROOKLYN. 143 from Plymouth, Mass., inserted in the wall, and project- ing clearly in view. In each side of the house there are three large arched windows, that being the style in which all the windows are made. The lecture-room is cut off from the rear of the building, and is a very large and commodious room. The rear of the building presents four short windows below, and one large one above, and a small circular window in the gable, near the apex. The cost of the building was about $50,000. Rev. R. S. Storrs, Jr., D.D., is the pastor. gk.ice rumen, Brooklyn Heights. The style of this handsome edifice is that known as Decorated Gothic, the exterior of the building being of wrought stone, and presenting an at- tractive appearance. The interior roof and columns are of wood ; the whole open to the view, and exhibiting a complete system of framing. The nave columns have arch-braces supporting the centre roof, the aisle-roofs being arranged in like manner. The length of the nave inside is 85 feet, its width and height, each 60 feet. The chancel is 28 feet by 24. In addition to the church build- ing, there is a chapel measuring 60 feet in lengtli by 22 in width. A tower is to be erected on the south-west corner, which, when completed, will be a conspicuous object from New-York City, and from various points in the harbor and bay. The cost of the church was §42,000, the ground having been purchased at $20,000. The Rev. Francis Vinton, D. D., is the Rector. CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR, (first unitarian congregational,) Pierrepont street, corner of Monroe Place. This church is built in the perpendicular Gothic style, of red sandstone : the walls, which are rubble, from the quarries at Nyack, N. J., and the ornamental portions, which are finely ham- mered, from those of Connecticut. The entire length of the building, exclusive of the front towers, which project eight feet, is eighty feet; and its width, exclusive of the buttresses on the corners, which project four feet, is sixty- five feet The outer doors, of elaborate tracery, open into the vestibule, ten feet in width, extending across the entire 144 CITY OF BROOKLYN. church, with stairs to the basement, ami galleries at either end. The roof of the nave is elegantly vaulted and groined, the extreme height being fil'ty-seven feet; that of the galleries is of the same style, the height being thirty feet from the floor of the church. The entire co»t of the building, land, furniture, organ, and external items, may be stated at about thirty-six thou- sand dollars. Thf church was consecrated on the 24th of April, 1844, and the present pastor, the Rev. Frederick A. Farley, was installed on the following day. C'llUIhT'* t ill It ( II, Clinton street Erected in 1R42. Tliis is a Gothic building of a reddish stone, about 100 feet long and 60 feet wide. The height of the walls is about 36 feet, and the extreme height of the tower about 100 feet. The tower in front is about 24 feet square, having heavv but- tresses on each corner, built to the top of the roof, and then becoming octagons to the top, ending in four large pinnacles. The main entrance is in the tower, and smaller doors on each side in the body of the church. There is a lar(:e Gothic window over the main entrance. In the tower is a bell and clock. The body of the house is lighted by fifteen windows, seven on each side and one in the rear, with buttresses between them, running to the eaves, and there terminating without pinnacles. In the rear of the building is a leeture-room of one story,, with a flat roof, showing above it the large pulpit window. On the apex of the roof in the rear there is a short stone cross. The cost of the edifice was about $28,000. Rev. E. H. Canfield is the present minister. FIRST REFORMED DUTCH CnCRCH, Joralemon street. Erected in 1834. This church is built of brick, stuccoed to represent clear while marble. The extreme length of the building is 111 feet, and its width 66 feet, and was erected at a cost of about $26,000. It is a noble-looking structure, and presents probably one of the best specimens of a Grecian temple which can bo found in this region. Viewing the building in front, we CITY OF BROOKLYN. 145 %re presented with a deep pediment, supported by eight Ionic massive fluted pillars, standing on a platform raised about four feet from the ground, and two similar pillars within these, and nearer to the body of the house. A lighter pediment projects in the rear of the building, sup- ported also by one row of pillars. The house is lighted on the sides only with eight long windows, four on a side, with square heads. The building is unornamented, ex- hibiting a plain grandeur well becoming the purpose for which it was erected. The interior is also plain. Instead of a close pulpit there is a table or reading-desk, on a raised platform, with a sofa seat. In the rear of this is a fine perspective, representing a recess, with a profusion of pillars. It is well executed, and the illusion very perfect. Rev. M. W. Dwight, D. D., is the present pastor. PLYMOUTH CHURCH. This plain but commodious building, which is to our mind a model of a church, is situated in Orange street, between Hicks and Henry; and to it multitudes resort to listen to the original and powerful discourses of the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. From an occasional attendance at this church, we judge that it has during the past five years been more frequently filled to an overflow than almost any other church edifice in either New- York or Brooklyn. There is in the building a large and powerful organ, whose notes, together with the voices of the congregation, nearly all of whom join in the singing, resound through the large building with fine effect. The cost of this church was about $45,000. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Is in Henry street, near Clark, and is a fine, commodious building, having lecture and session-rooms, with every arrangement for the convenience of the pastor and con- gregation. The church is lighted by windows of clear, unstained glass. The Rev. Samuel H. Cox, D. D., is the pastor. DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH, In Pierrcpont street, is a large edifice, peculiar from being situated in the middle of a block, and having no 14C CITV OF UliOOKLYN. Bide windows, tin: want of these being obviated by a large circular sky-liglit, tastefully arranged. The eburcli is in other respects Conformable to the ordinary style. The Rev. George W. Bcthune, I). J)., is the pastor. hECOXD I'KKMIiYlT.KI.YN tlltRCII, Fulton street, corner of Clinton street. Erected in 1834. This is one of the largest and most commodious church edifices in Brooklyn. It is built of brick and stuccoed, and after the Grecian model, with six heavy Dona pillars supporting the pediment, standing on a plat- form raided six steps from the sidewalk. The front presents three large uniform doors. In each side of the building there are six tall windows with square tops, having flat pilasters between them. On the roof, back of the pedi- ment) there is built a wooden turret about forty feet nigh, divided into three sections; the first being square, the second an octagon, anil the third round ; the upper section having several windows. This turret is not in very good keeping with the building, as an imitation of a Grecian temple, though the effect is not bad on the whole. The steeple contains a fine-toned bell, altogether the best in the city. The interior of the house is plain. It contains about one hundred and forty pews on the lower floor, and has a deep gallery on three sides. The cost of the build- ing was about $24,000. Rev. Ichabod S. Spencer, 1). D., is the present minister. ST. AXX'S CHURCH. No description of the churches of Brooklyn would be at all complete, without an especial mention of this, which is the oldest of their number, and perhaps the most hon- ored of all. St Ann's is situated in Washington street, near Sands ; 13 an unpretending structure of brick; and although large and commodious, has very few of the decorations now employed in the arrangement of a modern church. The churchyard on Sands street is, however, an attractive feature, presenting to the eye, during the summer, a re- freshing expanse of verdure. Rev. Benjamin C. Cutler, D.D., is the Rector, and Rev J. D. Cornell the assistant minister of the church. CITY OF BROOKLYN. 147 GKEEXWOOD CEMETERY. OFFICE, NO. 53 BROADWAY. TnE grounds of this institution, originally 'consisting of one hundred and seventy-five acres, now comprise three hundred and thirty acres. They are more extensive than those of any similar institution in this country or Europe, and are entirely free from encumbrance. These grounds are situated in Brooklyn, on Gowanus Heights, about two and a half miles from the South Ferry, at which place carriages may at all times be hired to con- vey parties to the Cemetery. Omnibuses also run to the Cemetery from the Fulton and South Ferries, conveying passengers to the entrance of the grounds for a trifling charge. The elevated portions of the Cemetery afford numerous and interesting views, embracing the bay and harbor of New-York, with its islands and forts ; the cities of New- York and Brooklyn, the shores of the North and East riv- ers, New-Jersey, Staten Island, the Quarantine, numerous towns and villages in every direction, together with a view of the Atlantic Ocean reaching from Sandy Hook to the Pavilion at Rockaway. The various avenues in the grounds (exclusive of paths) extend about fifteen miles. These, together with the prin- cipal hills, dells, etc., are delineated on a map of the Cem- etery, which is published in portable form, as a guide to those not familiar with the grounds. Greenwood Cemetery became a chartered institution in 1838. Its location was the result of a careful and exten- sive survey of the entire vicinity of New- York. The en- terprise, after four years of hard struggle, was at length placed upon a firm foundation, and the Cemetery was thrown open for interments in 1812. From that time, its history has been one of uninterrupted progress. Among the noted monuments in the Cemetery, that to the memory of Miss Canda is worthy of especial remark, both for its costly beauty and for the sad story of her whose ashes are here enshrined. The pilots' and firemen's monuments are also of deep interest; while the bronze 148 CITY OF BROOKLYN. statue of Clinton will soon take its place as another or- nament and attraction to these hallowed grounds. We must not fail to mention the grave of McDonald Clarke, the poet, nor the rcting-placc of Do-hum-me that gentle Indian maid Both sleep hy the still waters of the Sylvan Lake.- These and numerous other objects of inter- est will be pointed out to the visitor by the attentive driver. LONG ISLAND UAILROAD Extends from Brooklyn to Greenport, a distance of 95 miles. The whole cost of construction of the railroad, includ- ing the tunnel, was about 12,000,000. The tunnel under Atlantic street is 2,750 feet Ion* and cost jr!»*",,000. The termination of the Long Island Railroad is at the South Ferry, in Brooklyn, through Atlantic street. The land being somewhat elevated, it became necessarv either to cut down the street, or construct a tunnel. This last was done. The depth at the highest part of the street i'b about 30 feet TABLE OF DISTANCES. Comparative table of distances from Merchants' Ex- change, New-York, to different points in Brooklvn and New-York: — Brooklyn. To Fulton Ferry, " Catharine Kerry, " South " - " Jackson ■ " Henry street, " Clinton " " Court " - M Boerum " - - u Smith " - " Navy Yard, - " Hoyt street, - " Bond " " Powers " - " Parroenter's GardeD, " Clinton Avenue, " Denton street, " Mount Prospect, - " Bedford Corners, - " Flatbush, - Miles. New- York. X Same distance as Anthony street. 1 do. Canal " - 1 do. Canal " \X do. Houston " ■ 1 do. Canal " IX do. Grand " • IX do. Spring » «2 do. Prince " • i% do. Houston " i« do. Bond " ■ iy. do. Bond » IX do. Fourth " • 2 do. Ninth " 2X do. Nineteenth" 2X do. Twenty-fourth 3 do. Twentv-ninth. 3X do. Thirty-fourth 3X do. Thirty-ninth. 5 do. Sixty -eighth.