History of New York City from the Discovery to the Present Day

CHAPTER II.

1674-1738.

Administration of Governor Andros-Sir Wm. Berkley "thanks God there are
neither Free Schools nor Printing-Presses in the Colony "-Andros governs
with Wisdom and Moderation-The City Gates closed at nine every evening
A Native-born Citizen appointed to the Mayoralty-Necessity of Conciliating
the Iroquois The French outstrip the English in Enterprise-Gover-
nor Dongan arrives as the Successor of Major Andros-His shrewd
Indian Policy-Convention of the Five Nations held in Albany-Dongan
brightens the chain of friendship-New York torn by Intestine Commotions-
First "Charter of Liberties" granted to the Province-The Assembly divide
the Province into twelve Counties-New Police Regulations established—
Children forbidden to play in the Streets on the Sabbath-The Dongan
Charter granted to the City-The City receives a new Seal from the Home
Government-Laying out of Wall Street-William and Mary proclaimed
King and Queen in place of James II-Col. Fletcher arrives as Governor--
Five Nations meet in Albany-Count Frontenac strikes a blow at the Five
Nations-Origin of Trinity Church-The Earl of Bellamont appointed Gov-
ernor-His Death-Lord Cornbury succeeds him-Establishment of a Free
Grammar School-Lovelace succeeds Cornbury-And is in turn succeeded by
Hunter-A New Market established-Appearance of the City in 1704-Visit
of a Boston Lady to New York-Burnet succeeds Hunter-Beneficial effects
of Burnet's Indian Policy-Facetious Anecdote of Burnet-Is succeeded by
Colonel ontgomery-His Administration opposed by the Albanians-
Establishment of a Line of Stages between New York and Philadelphia-
Establishment of a Public Library-Cosby succeeds Mr. Van Dam-Trial of
John Peter Zenger for libel-He is declared, "NOT GUILTY"-Death of
Cosby-George Clarke commissioned Lieutenant-Governor-Quarantine es-
tablished on Bedloe's Island-Contested Election between Adolphe Philipse
and Garret Van Horne.

CHAPTER III.

1738-1742.

Increasing Political Excitement-Recapitulation of the Administrations of the
earlier English Governors-Their Character-Judicial Murder of Leisler
and Milburn-The Assembly proves refractory-Governor Clarke consult
his Privy Council-Only One Year's Supplies granted-The Wheels of Revo-
lution do not roll backward-The Principles of John Hampden take root in
America-Chief-Justice DeLancey abandons Governor Clarke-The celo-
brated Negro-Plot-Slaves constitute a portion of the Population of New
York-Burning of the Governor's House and Public Buildings-Execution
of Hughson and the Romanist Ury-Building of the House No. 1 Broadway,
opposite the Bowling Green-Description of its Plan-By whom Built-
Interesting Reminiscences connected with it.

CHAPTER IV.

1743-1753.

Admiral George Clinton succeeds Clarke as Governor-His arrival in New
York-Received with Joy-The old Members returned to the Assembly—
Chief-Justice DeLancey moves an Address of Thanks-Unreasonableness of
the Assembly-The Assembly are stubborn-truggle between the Repub-
lican and Monarchical Principle-Clinton resigns-His Character-Is suc
ceeded by Sir Danvers Osborne--Presbyterian Church in Wall Street rebuilt

-Ferry Street ceded to the City-Moravian Chapel built in Fulton Street-
First Merchants' Exchange erected at the foot of Broad Street-St. George's
Chapel built-Its History-Origin of the yearly Appropriation for the City
Manual.

CHAPTER V.

1753-1765.

Arrival of Sir Danvers Osborne as Governor-James De Lancey commissioned
Lieutenant-Governor-Mr. Clinton Insulted-Suicide of Sir Danvers Os-
borne-Causes which led to the act-De Lancey assumes the Reins of Gov-
ernment-Want of harmony in the General Assembly-The Province of
New York divided into two Sects, under the lead of De Lancey and Liv.
ingston-The People of New York raise Money with which to Found a
College-The majority of the Trustees of the College Episcopalians-
Trouble arises on this account—Mr. Livingston writes against the Man-
agement of the College in the Independent Reflector-Efforts to prevent
the Incorporation of Columbia College fruitless-The granting of its
Charter displeases the People-De Lancey endeavors to assuage their
Resentment-Urges the passage of several popular Acts-Sir Charles Har-
dy arrives as the successor of Clinton-Becomes tired of an inactive life,
and takes command of the Expedition against Lewisburg-Lord Loudon
Outrages the citizens of New York-Soldiers billeted upon the people—
Death of Chief-Justice De Lancey-Particulars of his Death-Character
of Mr. De Lancey-General Amherst visits New York, and receives an
Ovation-City illuminated on the Occasion-Work of improving the City
advances rapidly-Light-house erected on Sandy Hook-Two Ferries estab-
lished-The first Stage starts from New York for Philadelphia-Time
three days-Second Stage advertised for same Route-Stages begin their
Trips between New York and Albany-The Line extended to old Fort
Schuyler (Utica)—Contrast between that and the Present Day-The Meth-
odists first organize in the City-Several new Streets Opened.

CHAPTER VI.

1761-1770.

The Government Devolves on Dr. Colden-Major-General Monckton Appointed
Governor-Sails from New York, leaving the Government in the hands of
Dr. Colden-The Administration of Governor Colden-An unfortunate
Appointment-"Writs of Assistance"-James Otis-His Speech-Living-
ston, Scott, and Smith do battle for the People-New York follows the
wake of her Puritan Neighbors-Colden entertains doubts of the Result-
Grenville and North devise the Plan of raising a Revenue by the Sale of
Stamps-Troubles in Massachusetts-The People of New York bitterly
oppose the Stamp Act-Organization of the Sons of Liberty-Compel the
Stamp Distributors to Resign-Posting of Placards—Colden is terrified-
Shuts himself up in the Fort-He and Lord Bute are hung in Effigy-Col-
den's Carriage burnt-Arrival of the new Governor, Sir Henry Moore, Bart.
-The Corporation offer him the Freedom of the City, which he refuses
unless on Stamped Paper-Colden retires in disgust to his Country-seat-
More Trouble from the Sons of Liberty-They compel a Stamp-Distributor
to resign-Hold Correspondence with other Cities-Repeal of the Stamp
Act-New York rejoices-Mast erected to George III-Opening Speeeh
of Governor Moore-Troubles in Dutchess County-The Rioters brought to
Reason-Methodist Denomination organized-First Medical School organ-
ized-New Streets Opened-The British Cabinet regret the Repeal of the
Stamp Act-New York declines Obedience to the Mutiny Act-The Func

tions of the New York Assembly annulled-Boston sympathizes with
New York-Writs issued for a new Assembly-The Assembly firm in
maintaining its Constitutional Rights-Sir Henry Moore dissolves the
Assembly-The new Election hotly contested-Death of Governor Moore
-Dr. Colden assumes the reins of Government for the third time-Active
Measures taken by the Sons of Liberty to oppose the Mutiny Act-Large
Assembly in the "Fields" (present City Hall Park)-Hatred between the
Soldiers and Sons of Liberty-Battle of Golden Hill-First Blood shed
in the American Revolution at Golden Hill.

CHAPTER VII.

1770-1783.

John, Earl of Dunmore, succeeds Sir Henry Moore as Governor-Description of

the new Governor in a Letter to Sir William Johnson-Sir William Tryon,

Bart., succeeds Dunmore as Governor and Commander-in-Chief-New York

Hospital Founded-Meeting of the Assembly-The Governor is rendered

independent of the Colony-The Sons of Liberty hold a Public Meeting-

Tea Commissioners resign-Tryon concedes a little to Public Opinion-

The Assembly do not share in the Indignation of the People-Tryon's

Administration comes to an End-Profound Tranquility prevails-The

Storm at length breaks-The Nancy boarded in New York Bay and her

Cargo of Tea thrown overboard-New York forms a Provincial Congress-

Tryon sails for England-General Condition of Affairs-Washington visits

New York-Honors paid to him-Washington places the City under Com-

mand of General Schuyler, and departs for Boston-The Assembly ask the

Crown for a Redress of Grievances-Description of the principal Fortifica-

tions erected at this time for the Defense of the City-The British Army land

on Long Island-Battle of Long Island-The Americans effect a masterly

Retreat across the East River to New York Island-Indignation of Wasli-

ington-Battle of Harlem-Fort Washington captured-Fort Lee evacu-

ated-Washington retreats across New Jersey-The British in Possession

of the City-Great Fire-Suspicion of it having been caused by Design-

Ground covered by the Fire-Trinity Church and the Lutheran Chapel

destroyed-The History of New York City during its Occupation by the

British not one that Americans can recall with Pleasure-The old Sugar-
house The Jersey Prison-ship-Prison-pens of the City-Cruelties in-
flicted upon the Prisoners-Account by an Eye-witness of the terrible Out-
rages perpetrated on the Americans The British Officers and their Wives,
meanwhile, pass their time in Frivolity-View of the interior and Social
Life of New York at this time by Mrs. General Riedesel-Scarcity of Wood
-Remarkably cold Winter-Wall Street lined with Trees The House
No. 1 Broadway, the Head-quarters of the British Officers-The Beekman
House (site of the present Journal of Commerce Building) the Head-quar-
ters of the British Naval Officers-The British evacuate New York-Wash-
ington enters the City-The American Flag run up on the Battery.

CHAPTER VIII.

1725-1787.

History of the Newspapers published in New York City before and during the
Revolution-New York Gazette-New York Weekly Journal-Evening Post
-New York Mercury-New York Chronicle-New York Journal, or Gen-
eral Advertiser-Parker's Gazette-Independent Gazette-Rivington's New
York Gazette-New York Royal Gazette-New York Gazette and Univer-
sal Advertiser-The Press of New York City.

THIRD PERIOD.

1783-1872.

CHAPTER I.

1783-1788.

The Position of New York among the Colonies-Financial Distress at the close
of the War-New York City celebrates with a magnificent Procession the
Adoption of the Federal Constitution-Full Description of the Procession-
It is dismissed at the Bowling Green with a Salute.

CHAPTER II.

1788-1795.

Winter Festivities of 1788-1789 succeeded by matters of a Public Nature-The
Senate and House of Representatives assemble in the City preparatory to
Inauguration of Washington as President of the United States-The Mem-
bers from the different States arrive slowly-Arrival of Richard Henry
Lee, of Virginia-John Langdon elected President of the Senate pro tem.,
and Samuel A. Otis, Secretary-A Committee wait on Washington at Mt.
Vernon-Washington repairs to New York-His Triumphal Entrance into
New York-Honors paid him-The day one of unmingled Joy-Inaugura
tion of President Washington-Minute Details-Chancellor Livingston
administers the Oath of Office-Washington delivers his Inaugural Address
-Feelings of a Gentleman present on the Occasion-Washington issues a
Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer-The Day closes by a
Display of Fire-works-Description of the Illumination of various Private
Residences during the Evening-The different Transparencies, &c., &c.—
The President occupied for several days in receiving the Congratulatory
and Official Calls-Mrs. Washington arrives in New York to attend the
Inauguration Ball-She is met by her Husband at Elizabethtown-Point-
Full and minute Description of the Ball-The People who attended-The
Toilets worn on the Occasion-Mrs. General Knox enters the Ball-room
with President Washington and his Wife, with the Intention of being
seated on the same Sofa-Meets with Disappointment, as the Sofa is not
large enough for three-The French Minister gives a fête in honor of
Washington-Dresses of the Ladies on that Occasion-The Levees of
Washington far more select than those of his Successors-Dignified Man-
ners of Lady Washington-Personal Appearance of Lady Washington-
Her Levees close at Nine!-Late Hours at that time not necessary to Fash-
ion-Letter from John Pintard describing Mrs. Washington's first Levee
on New-Year's Day, 1790-Remark of General Washington upon the Pro-
priety of keeping up the Old Dutch Custom of New-Year's Day.

CHAPTER III.

1792-1799.

Tontine Coffee-house built-Formation of the Order of St. Tammany-Origin
of the Name St. Tammany-Visit of the Creek Indians to the Tammany

Wigwam-The Society establishes a Museum-The City visited by the
Yellow-fever in 1795-Destructive Fire-City again visited by Yellow-
fever-Country People refuse to bring Produce into the City-Patriotic
Incident of the Fever.

CHAPTER IV.

1800-1818.

The opening of the Nineteenth Century finds New York City vastly improved
Population of the City-Reade and Duane Streets laid out—A Canal cut
through the present Canal Street-The situation of the Streets at
this time-Society and Social Life of the City at this period-The old
Theater in John Street-Mount Vernon Gardens-Bayard's Spring-
Haunts of a Visitor at that time-The Bar of New York then distinguished
for its excellence-Murder of Juliana Elmore Sands-Levi Weeks
indicted and tried for the Murder-Hamilton, Burr, and Brockholst
Livingston engaged for the Defense-Remarkable anecdote of Burr
-De Witt Clinton appointed Mayor-Is succeeded by Colonel Marinus
Willett The Fire of 1804-Historical Society founded-Public School
Society determined on-Hamilton Killed by Burr in a duel-Steam Navi-
gation successfully introduced-Fulton undeserving of praise-His In-
competence-To Fitch belongs the honor-The first Steam-boat starts for
Albany-Anecdote of Thurlow Weed-His feelings on seeing a Steam-boat
for the first time-De Witt Clinton again appointed Mayor-His con-
scientious discharge of his official duties-Instrumental in obtaining from
the Legislature of the State of New York an Appropriation for the Defense
of the Harbor-Trinity Church Riot-Verplanck's part in it-War of 1812
-Noble Conduct of the Citizens of New York-Clinton prevents Riotous
Demonstrations-Hard Times-The effect of the announcement of Peace-
Delirious joy of the Citizens on the event-Description of it by Francis
Wayland, who was in the City at the time-Removal of the Remains of
General Montgomery from Quebec to New York-Grand Ball given to
Andrew Jackson at the City Hotel-Uniform of the Fourteenth Regiment
-Severity of the Winter of 1820-21-The Bay frozen over, and People
Cross to Staten Island on the Ice-Sufferings of the Poor-Subscriptions
taken up in the Churches in their behalf.