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A Description of a View of New York, now exhibiting at the Panorama, Leicester Square.

1. Hudson River.

2. St. Peter’s Church.

3. Columbia College.

4. Central Presbyterian Church.

5. Old State Prison.

6. St. John’s Church.

7. Hospital.

8. American Hotel.

9. St. Thomas’s Church.

10. Masonic Hall.

11. Reservoir.

12. St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

13. Bridewell.

14. New York Institution.

15. City Hall.

16. Park.

17. Rotunda.

18. Bowery Theatre.

19. Public School.

20. Athenaeum.

21. Baptist Church.

22. Chatham Square.

23. Quaker’s Meeting.

24. Mariner’s Church.

25. Tammany Hall.

26*. Presbyterian Church.

27. Williamsburgh.

28. Park Theatre.

29- Wallabought Bay.

30. Navy Yard.

31. Chatham Street.

32. St. George’s Church.

33. North Dutch Church.

34. Brooklyn.

35. Holt’s Hotel.

36. Baptist Church.

37. East River.

38. Presbyterian Church.

39. Exchange.

40. Dutch Reformed Church.

41. Ditto.

42. Custom House.

43. Governor’s Island.

44. Narrows.

45. Presbyterian Church.

46. Webb’s Hotel.

47. National Hotel.

48. Adelphi Hotel.

49. Staten Island.

50. Grace Church.

51. Trinity Church.

52. City Hotel.

53. Broadway.

54. Bay.

55. Bedlow’s Island.

56. Ellis’s Island.

57. Franklin Hall.

58. Jersey City.

59. Hoboken.

60. Emmett’s Monument.

61. St. Paul’s.

62. General Montgomery’s Monument.

PRINTED BY T. BRETTELL, RUPERT STREET, HAYMARK.ET.

DESCRIPTION

OF

A VIEW OF THE CTTY

OF

NEW YORK,

NOW EXHIBITING

AT

THE LtEQ(g[EiT[E^

PAINTED BY THE PROPRIETOR,

ROBERT BURFORD,

FROM DRAWINGS TAKEN BY HIM IN THE AUTUMN OF 1832.

LONDON :

PRINTED BY T. BRETTELL, RUPERT STREET, HAYMARKET.

1834.

NEW YORK.

New York, in point of wealth, population, and commercial enterprize, is the first City in North America-, it is also remarkable for the beauty and salubrity of its situation, and the advantages of its geographical position for purposes of trade are unequalled. Standing at the head of one of the noblest Bays in the world, on a narrow promontory, the west point of the Island of Manhatten, at the confluence of the Hudson and East Rivers, it may he said, like Venice, to rise from the sea. It is nearly in the centre of the Atlantic States, possesses the advantage of a capacious and excellent roadstead, probably one of the finest harbours in the world, open at all seasons, an unusually extensive natural basin, with two outlets to the sea, and a river capable of containing all the shipping in the world, where the largest vessels run alongside, and discharge their cargoes on the spacious quays. By means of the Sound, and its tributary waters, it has the closest connection with the State of Connecticut ; through the adjacent bays small vessels penetrate in every direction into that of New Jersey ; the Erie and Champlain Canals open a communication with the interior, and the East River with New England.

The present Panorama was taken opposite the city hall, about the middle of the Broadway; from this spot the eye embraces the whole city, but from its being built on nearly level ground, it does not present in itself any very marked or romantic features ; on the east it is bounded by the East River, an inlet of the sea, beyond which are the shores of Long Island, and the town and wooded heights of Brooklyn ; on the west is the Hudson, or North River, a mile in breadth, with a long line of shipping of all sizes and nations, to which the romantic town of Hoboken, and the graceful undulations of the richly-cultivated and fertile shores of Jersey, form a splendid back-ground ; to the south the Bay presents its vast expanse of silver water, studded with islands, some green and pleasant, with white villas peeping from amongst the trees, others covered with formidable and frowning batteries, the view being closed by the heights of the Narrows, which, jutting forward with a sweeping bend, give a nearly circular form to the immense basin ; in the opposite direction the Island stretches about fifteen miles, until it is lost in the continental part of New York, from which it is divided by the Hariaem River, the whole under a clear state of atmosphere, and a particularly brilliant sky, forming a most lively, agreeable, and inter¬ esting scene.

New York derives its origin and commercial importance from the colonizing and trading spirit of the Dutch, and the rage for adventure which characterized other maritime nations of Europe, after the discovery of the western continent. In 1G09, Henry Hudson, a British sailor, in the service of the East India Company of Holland, first entered the bay, touched at Manhatten, and ascended the river which bears his name ; the following year his favourable report was confirmed by a second visit ; and

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in 1G12, the first settlement, called New Amsterdam, was formed, on the site of the present city ; at first the Manhatten Indians were hostile, and refused to sell their land, but in 1623 they permitted a regular fort to be erected at the junction of the rivers, and the traders, building their houses and stores near, formed the present Pearl Street ; the settlement, however, made but very slow progress, for after it had been established thirty years, it contained only 120 houses, and about 1000 inhabitants. In 1664, the town was surrendered to Colonel Nichols, who, by patent from the Duke of York, was appointed its Governor, and its name was then changed to New York. In a letter to the Duke, the Colonel describes the place as agreeable, with many houses of brick and stone, but the inhabitants as miserably poor. In 1673 the Dutch again had possession, but the following year it was restored; it then contained 380 houses. In 1682 the Duke of York’s charter was granted, which, with some few alterations, is the same at the present time. From this period the city gradually increased in extent and wealth, experiencing no material drawback, with the exception of being twice (in 1712 and 1741) fired by the Blacks, and a destructive fire in 1776, which destroyed one-eighth of its buildings; in the latter year independence was declared, but the British retained possession until 1783, when it was surrendered to General Washington. When it is remembered that but little more than two centuries have elapsed since the spot on which the city stands wae a perfect waste, the occasional residence of a wandering tribe of Indians, it must be allowed, that it exhibits in its career an almost unexampled rapidity of growth and prosperity, having risen in that comparatively short period to be the commercial metropolis of the United States ; and, in population, capital, shipping, and trade, the most important city of all America.

New York is at the present time nearly four miles in length, of a triangular form, one mile and a half across at its base, the whole comprising an area eight miles in circumference, closely covered with buildings, and continually and rapidly extending ; from the battery at the extreme ]>oint several streets emanate, and run in radiating lines to the opposite extremity ; of these the Broadway is the principal, occupying the highest ground, and being equidistant from both rivers ; the more ancient parts of the city, towards the docks and harbour, are irregular, and ill built, the original settlers having evidently had no fixed plan, either of laying out their streets, or in erecting their dwellings; much, however, has been done, as opportunity served, to remedy these defects. In the modern parts, the main streets are straight and spacious, in parallel lines, crossed at right angles by others gradually descending to the rivers, the whole comprising 256 streets, well paved, with footways of broad slabs of gneiss or mica slate, from the quarries of Connecticut, and brilliantly lighted with gas ; but the want of drains or underground channels is a serious defect, which, in wet weather, causes much incon¬ venience. The public buildings are numerous, a few have some pre¬ tensions to architectural beauty, but generally speaking they do not present any thing remarkable in their appearance, or claim particular attention from their style ; and to the eye accustomed to contemplate the works of successive ages, as seen in most European cities, they appear trifling. The churches and chapels, of various denominations, are plain

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spacious, and convenient; and the numerous buildings for purposes of charity, education, and commerce, are well regulated, and supported. The houses, which in 1828 numbered above 30,000, are of every descrip¬ tion, from one to five or six stories in height; many are large, elegant, and splendidly furnished, they are mostly built of brick, painted red, and lined with white, a fashion derived from the Dutch, which gives them a neat and fresh appearance, and cheerful character, essentially different to those of England ; many are painted white, and some of the most modern are wholly of white marble, which is abundant in the immediate vicinity ; a few old Dutch buildings, of small red bricks from Holland, with high pointed gables to the streets, still remain ; and in the outskirts may be seen wooden frame houses of one or two stories: the growth of the city being in one direction, these kind of buildings were generally forced out of existence before they had time to decay, or were, as is not uncommon in America, removed entire, as ground became valuable. Jt is supposed that there are not at present 500 houses older than the peace of 1783. The most fashionable part of the city is that west of the Broadway, the most mercantile, in the opposite direction ; that portion east of the Bowery comprises a dense population of the lowest orders, and may be compared to the Wapping or St. Giles’s of London. In those parts dedicated to retail business, the shops, or stores, offer considerable attractions, and are kept open to a late hour, being well lighted with gas ; the names of the proprietors exhibit a strange mixture of all nations, but principally English and Dutch.

The population of New York at the present time is above 200,000 ; at the census taken in 1828, it was 180,000, showing an extraordinary increase in 28 years of two-thirds, there being in 1800 only G0,400. The situation of the city, nearly surrounded by water, renders it extremely healthy, excepting the occasional visits of that scourge the yellow fever, which has latterly been of rare occurrence ; the deaths are not the usual average of large cities, being only 5000 annually. To what extent the population may continue to increase, it is impossible to foresee, or what checks it may probably receive ; but speculating on the prodigious change during the last thirty years, and to keep pace with other parts of this extraordinary country, it may be fairly estimated that in half a century the city will cover nearly the whole of the Island, and contain, at least, a million inhabitants.

The black and coloured population is about one in fourteen; yet, though so numerous, and slavery has been abolished in New York since 1827, they are still a proscribed and despised race ; custom has planted a barrier between them and the whites of so inveterate a nature, that it will not speedily be removed ; there is no reciprocation of kind offices, no connecting tie or good will, let their character, condition, or abilities be what they may ; they cannot sit in a public assembly, court of law, or even the house of God, except in a particular quarter, set apart for them, which is generally the most obscure. That freedom, so much the boast of the American, is not extended to them, yet they are a happy industrious class, remarkably gay in their apparel, lively in their demeanour, and independent in their feelings. They are generally employed as servants, but many are persons of substance; they have chapels, where blacks officiate; and a theatre, where blacks perform.

EXPLANATION OF THE ENGRAVING.

1. — Hudson River.

The length of this noble river (one of the sources of wealth to New York), to the lakes in Rssex and Hamilton counties is 300 miles, receiving in its course the waters of the Mohawk ; it is influenced by the tide as far as Troy, 160 miles, to which place it. is navigable for steam boats and sloops ; large vessels only reach Hudson, 1 15 miles ; where the navigation ends the Erie Canal commences, communicating with Lake Erie, and thence to the Ohio, Missouri, Mississippi, &c. ; about 1200 vessels are employed on this river for mercantile purposes; the banks, which in some places rise very high, afford through its whole course noble and picturesque scenery.

2. — St. Peter's.

A plain brick building in Barclay Street, belonging to the Catholics, erected in 1786; it has a square tower, surmounted by a dome and cross; the interior is orna¬ mented with some good paintings, and contains a fine organ. 'Ihere are four places of worship belonging to the Catholics in New York.

3. — Columbia College.

An extensive and handsome building of stone, stuccoed, 200 feet in width, and three stories in height, surrounded by neat grounds; it contains a chapel, lecture room, hall, library, museum, and apartments for the professors ; it has a good library, and extensive astronomical and philosophical apparatus. It was founded by royal charter in 1750, and called King’s College; in 1776 it was converted into a military hospital; in 1787 it was restored, and its name altered to Columbia College ; and in 1816 the whole was thoroughly repaired : the present faculty consists of a president, and seven professors of different branches. Captain Sabine, who made a series of astronomical observations and experiments with the pendulum, by order of the British Government in 1S23, was accommodated with apartments in this building.

4«. — Central Presbyterian Church.

A handsome building, 92 feet by 77, the front, in Murray Street, being of brown stone, with pillars, &c. in has relief; the spire of wood is 200 feet in height ; the pews are ranged in an ainphitheatrical form, gradually ascending from the pulpit.

5. — Old State Prison.

Recently sold to the corporation for 100,000 dollars, a prison capable of containing 1000 persons in solitary confinement, being in course of erection thirty miles from the city. This building, when evacuated, will be converted into a debtor’s gaol, bride¬ well, <Nc. Imprisonment for debt seldom occurs, unless under very aggravated circumstances.

6. — St. John's.

Erected in 1810, at the expense of 200,000 dollars ; it stands opposite the centre of Hudson Square, one of the most fashionable parts of the city; the church is 111 feet in length by 73, wholly of stone, plastered ; it has a portico, of the Corinthian order, on a noble ilicht of steps, and a handsome spire, 210 feet in height; the interior is divided by Corinthian pillars, in good taste, and contains a fine organ. The Bishop of New York has a house adjoining.

7. — Hospital.

Between Anthony and Duane Streets, in a healthy situation, on the highest ground in the city, with a lawn 200 feet in length, gently sloping to the Broadway ; the

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building is of grey stone, 124 feet in width, and three stories in height, with a small cupola; it contains a medical library of about 4000 volumes, a theatre, laboratory, apartments for the resident physician and surgeon, and sixteen wards, accommodating 200 patients. It was established in 1709, by subscription, and incorporated by charter in 1778; the first erection was destroyed by fire in 1775, and during the war the new building was used as barracks by the British, not being re-opened as a hospital until 1791. The requisite funds arise from private subscription, a grant of 12,500 dollars annually, and a trifling tax on seamen’s wages, to defray the expenses of the few mariners admitted.

9. — St. Thomas's.

Erected in 1820, of stone, in the purest Gothic style; it has two towers, 80 feet in height, between which is a window of large dimensions ; the interior is handsome, the roof being of timber, an imitation of that of Westminster Hall, carved, and painted to resemble oak ; an organ loft and carved screen at the West end are also in good keeping with the rest of the building.

10. — Masonic Hall.

The first stone of this building, erected under the direction of Mr. Hugh Reneigle, was laid in June 1820, with great ceremony; the front is Gothic, of Eastern grey granite, with buttresses surmounted by pinnacles and battlements ; the principal entrance is a Gothic arch, 14 feet in height, above which a fine window, 22 feet in height, lights the principal apartment, the noblest room in America, being 95 feet long, 47 wide, and 25 high, in the best style of Florid Gothic ; the roof is in imitation of that of Henry VII. ’s Chapel at Westminster, and the whole is ornamented with rich carved tracery. This hall is annually opened for the exhibition of the American Institute for the promotion of industry, agriculture, manufactures, &c.

11. — Reservoir.

New York is partially supplied with water by the Manhatten Company ; the water, being drawn from springs and deep wells, is forced by a steam engine into the reservoir in Chambers Street, whence it is distributed through the streets by wooden pipes ; the supply is however inadequate, and the wells in the old part of the city do not afford wholesome water.

12. — St. Patrick's Cathedral.

In Mott Street, erected in 1815, the largest religious edifice in the city, being 120 feet in length by 80 ; it is of brown stone, in the Gothic style, and very massive ; the walls rise to the height of 70 feet, from whence the roof springs in a sharp angle, making the whole height above 100 feet, forming with the tower a most conspicuous object ; when completed, and the front ornamented with statues, for which niches are left, it will be the most beautiful building in the city. It contains a fine organ, and has a select and well conducted choir for the performance of Catholic worship.

14. — Nexo York Institution.

Erected in 1795 for alms’ houses, but the paupers having been removed, in 1814 the use of the building was granted by the corporation to various scientific societies, for which it is well adapted, being very large, although not very attractive in its outward appearance. The following societies have apartments: The Literary and Philosophical, established in 1814, to cultivate the most useful branches of knowledge in literature, history, antiquity, and the arts ; they have a good library, collection of models, subjects of natural history, <kc. ; the chair of the president was that of the celebrated Franklin. The Historical Society, established in 1809 by subscription, and a grant of 12,000 dollars from the Government, who have a good collection of portraits of early navigators, &c. The Academy of Fine Arts, originated in 1801 by the late Chancellor Livingstone, and supported by subscription; they have a large collection of pictures, statues, busts, casts, and books ; public exhibitions take place twice a year, when pictures are sent from all parts for exhibition and sale; they

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possess a full-length portrait of Benjamin West, by Sir '1'. Lawrance, for which 2000 dollars were paid; a set of Piranesio works, presented by Napoleon Buonaparte; and the Galerie de Lticien Buonaparte, presented by himself. The Lyceum of Natural History, incorporated in 1818, which has been of infinite service in extending a knowledge of the mineral and botanical riches of the country, and has collected a large and capital museum. And in the west wing, facing the Broadway, Seudder’s Museum, a rare and valuable collection of natural and artificial curiosities of every description, with a series of cosmoramic views of celebrated places. The Institution for teaching the Deaf and Dumb, Board of Health, Society for improving the condition of, and rewarding domestic Servants, and several other societies, have apartments in the building.

15. — City Hall.

The most prominent and important building in New York ; it stands in the park, and is seen to advantage from all parts of the city ; it was erected in 1811, at an expense of £.100,000 sterling; it is of square form, two stories in height, the lower of the Ionic, the upper of the Corinthian order ; the front, which is 216 feet in breadth, and the sides, above the basement, are of pure white marble from Stockbridge, Massrchusets, which in this dry atmosphere admirably preserves its colour; the basement and other parts are of brown freestone, an injudicious mixture of colours, giving a patched appearance, and materially diminishing the apparent height and simplicity of this otherwise handsome building ; a marble balustrade surrounds the roof, which is covered with copper, and in the centre rises a cupola, the four sides of which exhibit illuminated dials ; the whole is surmounted by a figure of Justice, not blind-folded, as usually represented. The principal of the four entrances is by a flight of twelve marble steps, and a portico of sixteen columns, above which rises an attic story. The interior is well arranged, convenience being the presiding principle in the design ; the whole is appropriated to the use of the corporation, law courts, police offices, &c., which hold their meetings in many very noble apartments ; the chair in which Washington was inaugurated first president, and the banner which waved over his head, are carefully preserved in the council chamber, as interesting relics of independence.

1 6. — Parti.

About eleven acres, enclosed by an iron railing, well planted, and interspersed with gravel w alks, forming an agreeable shady lounge, much frequented by fashionable company ; the Gaol and Bridewell, which at present disfigure it, and occupy so much space, are shortly to be removed.

18. — Bowery , or Nezo York Theatre.

Erected in 1826, on the site of one destroyed by fire ; the front is a bold specimen of Grecian Doric, executed in brick, painted to resemble marble ; the interior is Grecian, well arranged, elegantly decorated, and brilliantly lighted with gas. The admission is something less than at the Park Theatre ; many English performers of note have appeared here, and Signora Garcia received the (to them) large sum of 600 dollars per night, for performing in Italian and English. In 1827, a French Ballet Company was first introduced, and met with great success.

20. — Athenaeum.

The premises at present occupied by this excellent society are at the corner of Pine Street, but it is expected, from the rapid increase of funds, that a building on a large scale, better suited to the purposes of the institution, will be shortly erected ; the society was established in 1821, by a subscription of 20,000 dollars, and the members are at present divided into four classes — Patrons paying 200 dollars for life; Governors of 100 dollars ; Subscribers of 20 and 10 dollars annually, the former having a family, the latter only a personal admission to the library, lectures, and reading rooms ; and associates, persons distinguished for their talent, who occasionally deliver lectures in various branches of the Arts and Sciences, in the Chapel of Columbia College; the reading rooms, furnished with the newspapers, and periodical works of America, Englaud, and France, are open all day.

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23. — Quakers' Meeting.

A plain brick edifice, in the usual unpretending style of the Friends ; the first meeting house was erected in 1704 ; they now have three in the city.

24. — Mariners'1 Church.

A small plain brick building in Roseveldt Street, erected by subscription in 1819; it is expressly appropriated to the use of mariners of all denominations, and the Bethel flag is hoisted on it every Sunday, to invite attendance, which is generally numerous.

25. — Tammany Hall.

Erected in 1811, the head-quarters of the democrats, and noted for the meetings of the party called Bucktails. The Tammany Society takes its name from an Indian chief celebrated for his humanity and benevolence; it was established in 1795, for the purpose of distributing relief to the indigent generally ; it is incorporated, with an annual stock, for charitable purposes, of 5,000 dollars.

28. — Park Theatre.

Erected in 1798 by subscription, and cost 179,000 dollars; shortly after sold by auction to its present proprietors for 50,000 ; the exterior is of brick, plastered and painted, and the interior, which was destroyed by fire in 1820, and rebuilt, is fitted with much taste and splendour; the roof is shingle covered with tin ; there are four tiers of boxes, and a capacious pit and gallery, capable together of holding 2,800 persons, also large coifee and punch rooms. The usual prices of admission are boxes, one dollar; pit, fifty cents; and gallery, twenty-five cents; all English performers of note who have visited America, have had engagements at this theatre. In 1824 a ball was given in aid of the Greeks, which realized 2,000 dollars. In 1825, Signor Garcia opened with an Italian Opera company, who were liberally patronized.

32. — St. George's.

Next to Trinity, the oldest episcopal church in the city, having been originally built in 1752; the parish was separated from that of Trinity, in 181 L. The old church having been destroyed by fire in 1814, the present edifice was erected; it is a plain substantial structure, standing in Beckman Street, 104 feet long by 72, with a tower and dock, and contains a good organ. There are seven churches ot the episcopal faith in the city.

34. — Brooklyn.

A city of some importance on Long Island, containing 12,000 inhabitants, and having in its vicinity many handsome villas, belonging to rich merchants. Long or Nassau Island belongs to the state of New York, it is 1 15 miles in length eastward from the Narrows, and in some parts 20 miles in width ; at New Utrecht Bay, south of the Narrows, the British Army landed in 1770, from whence they proceeded to the Red Mills, where a tremendous battle was fought on the skirt of the hills, and then to Brooklyn, where they crossed the river to New York, driving the American Army before them. Entrenchments are still visible on the hill in the rear of the Navy Yard, and the marsh and mill ponds in which so many Americans were smothered in the dis¬ astrous retreat, is near the bay on the right. Newtown, so justly celebrated for its apples, so much admired in London, is about seven miles from Brooklyn.

35. — Holt's Hotel.

In Fulton Street, the first house of the kind opened in New York, and still one of the largest and cheapest ; refreshment of every kind may be had, from the most luxurious repast, to the simple julep, on reasonable terms.

38 . — Presbyterian Ch u rch.

The eighth Presbyterian Church, in Cedar Street, erected in 1807, is a very neat building of stone, 81 feet by 06, with a small cupola ; a spacious session room, in the rear, has been recently erected ; there are 21 places of worship belonging to this sect in New York.

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99. — Exchange.

The first Exchange was erected in Broad Street, in 1752, and was taken down in 1799 ; from that period a coffee house was the only place for the merchants to meet, until 1827, when the present handsome structure, erected by subscription of 2,300 shares of 100 dollars each, was opened in Wall Street ; the front, 114 feet in width, and three stories in height, is of pure white marble from West Chester ; the main building is of brick, two stories in height, the portico, to which there is an ascent of nine marble steps, is formed of four Ionic columns, 27 feet in height, each of a single block of marble weighing 18 tons, above which is an entablature, on which rests the attic story, the whole being surmounted by a handsome cupola, making the extreme height 120 feet. The merchants’ room is a noble apartment, of an oval form, 85 feet long, 55 wide, and 45 high, ornamented with Ionic columns, &c. ; in the rear is an apartment about half this size, similarly ornamented, devoted to sales by auction of real estates ; and above is another for the sale of merchandize, dry goods, &c. ; the remainder of the building is occupied by the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Brokers, Host Office, Office and Reading Rooms of the New York Statesman, Insurance and Brokers’ Offices, and Refreshment Rooms. On the Cupola is a telegraph, being a pole witli two movable arms, communicating witli the Narrows. In the vicinity of the Exchange are most of the principal Banking Houses, Bullion Brokers, and Insurance Offices.

40. — Dutch Reformed Church.

The south or first reformed church, stands in Exchange Place, on the site of an old church built by the Dutch ; it was erected in 1807, and is a neat substantial building of stone, 86 feet by 66, having a gallery, and a good organ. In the tower is the bell originally brought from Holland for the first church, then used to convene all public meetings. A lecture and school rooms are attached, and the surrounding ground contains some of the oldest tombs in the city. There are thirteen churches belonging to the Dutch reformed religion in New York.

42. — Custom House.

A large plain brick building, four stories in height, in Wall Street ; it was originally built for a book store and reading rooms, and occupies the site of the old City Hali, in which Washington was installed first President of the United States. It contains the Comptroller’s, Inspector’s, Collector’s, and other offices connected with the customs. Very little smuggling is supposed to exist on this coast, and but few frauds have been attempted, as detection is almost certain. The revenue collected at this port amounts to nearly one half the sum collected by the Government throughout the United States.

43. — Governor's Island.

Half a mile from the city; it has a large circular stone fort, with three tiers of embrasures, calculated to mount more than 100 guns ; but is in an unfinished state. In the centre of the island is a small fort, connected with the former by a covert way, containing barracks, stores, &c.

44. — The Narroxos.

The approach to New York from the sea is magnificent; there is the most happy disposition of land and water, varied and interesting scenes strike the eye on every side, and the most luxuriant vegetation approaches the water’s edge ; lofty hills or mountains are alone wanting, to give the w hole a greater boldness of character. After passing Sandy Hook, the entrance from the Atlantic, the passage continues through Rariton Bay, or the outer harbour, being skirted by the shores of New Jersey and Long and Staten Islands. Five miles from the city these islands approach each other within three quarters of a mile, forming a strait called the Narrows, which is defended by at least 400 pieces of cannon, in fortifications, principally erected during the last thirty years. One of these, called Fort La Fayette, from its having fired the first salute on the arrival of General La Fayette, in 1824, stands on Hendrick’s reef, 200 yards from the shore, forming a prominent object, as it appears to staud in the water.

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45 . — Presby terian Ch u rch .

In Wall Street, erected in 1719, enlarged in 1748, and entirely rebuilt in 1810, a handsome building of brown stone, 97 feet by 08 feet, the front ornamented with Corinthian pillars, in bas relief, and a tower to correspond, with a low cupola.

48. — Adelphi Hotel.

At the corner of Bever Street, a spacious handsome edifice, six stories in height, of brick, stuccoed and painted, erected in 1827. The hotels of New York are numerous, large, and convenient, but are conducted on quite a different system to those of the “ old country private apartments may be had in some, blit they generally provide only sleeping rooms, and these are frequently two, or even three bedded ; the meals are taken in the public room, where from fifty to a hundred persons sit down at the same time ; many also who do not reside in the house joining the party. A vast number of dishes cover the table, and the dispatch with which they are cleared is almost incredible : from five to ten minutes for breakfast, fifteen to twenty minutes for dinner, and ten for supper, are fully sufficient ; each person, as soon as satisfied, leaves the table, without regard to his neighbour; no social converse follows, and the common courtesies of the table are rendered with as little speaking as possible. The boarding houses, or pensions, are very numerous, and are very agreeable places, being of all prices, to suit various classes ; in the better sort all the refinements and luxuries of London and Paris are to be found, and the evenings are passed at music, dancing, See., in well-lighted and splendidly-furnished drawing rooms by those “ who hire their board.”

49. — Staten Island.

A beautiful and healthy spot, occupied as quarantine ground, about six miles from the city. The Island contains 52 square miles, and rises in some parts to the height of 300 feet, Mount Izard, and Tarbarrel Hill, being the highest points. The shores are finely indented, and the villas, cottages, and quarantine buildings, have a pleasing appearance, being all white ; behind the village the ground rises abruptly to a point, crowned by a building, called the pavilion, from whence there is a most magnificent view.

50. — Grace Church.

An Independent Church, erected in 1809, at the corner of Rector Street, a plain brick edifice, with a small cupola; the rear is of an elliptical form, with a terraced garden, in which stands the rector’s house ; the interior is in good taste, having four pillars on each side, supporting an arched and panelled ceiling. This being the most fashionable church in the city, the pews let at a high price.

51. — Trini ty Church.

The first Episcopalian Church in New York, erected in 1C96, stood on this site ; it was totally destroyed by the fire of 1770, with many fine paintings and monuments it contained, and remained in ruins during the war. In 1788 the present handsome structure was commenced ; it is of stone, in the Gothic style, 102 feet long by 72 wide, the roof and tower ornamented with pointed turrets and battlements; the steeple is of wood, 198 feet in height, and contains the only peal of bells in New York; the interior is divided into a nave and two aisles, with galleries at the sides and east end ; the roof, in three arches, is supported by clustered Gothic columns ; from the central division hang three large cut-glass chandeliers, and four smaller are suspended from each gallery ; at the west end, in an archway 30 feet in height by 10 in breadth, is a monument to the memory of Bishop Hobart, erected in December 1832, and executed in New York by Mr. R. B. Hughes, an English artist of known and acknowledged talent; the whole is of pure white marble, and the figures are 7 feet in height; the Bishop is represented in his dying moments, in a reclining posture, with his hands resting on the bible ; a female figure, representing religion, supports him with her left arm, and with her right directs his attention to across above, surrounded by gl°ry ; tile recess is lighted by a large concealed window, of stained glass, which throw's a stream of mellow light over the whole, producing an extraordinary and almost magical effect. This is considered the finest work of art in America. In the cemetery surrounding the church (about an acre of ground), 160,000 persons have

11

been buried, omitting the time of the revolutionary war, when no record was kept ; the ground was presented to the vestry by the corporation, in 1702, and was finally closed in 1822, since which, willows and ornamental trees have been planted ; amongst the many monuments are two deserving notice, the one a Corinthian column, broken short, with the capital lying at the base, commemorates the fate of Captain Lawrance, who fell in the memorable action between the Shannon and the Chesapeake , which latter ship he commanded ; the other is to the memory of General Hamilton, who served with distinction under Washington, and ranked high as a statesman; he was killed in a duel in 1804, by Colonel Burr, the vice-president of the United States. The funds of Trinity, the mother church of the Episcopalian establishment in America, are very rich ; much is judiciously expended in erecting and repairing other churches, and in works of beauty and utility in the city.

53. — Broadway.

The Regent Street of New York, and the pride of the metropolis of the Western world ; it runs in a straight line, from the Battery (which is planted as a promenade) to the extremity of the city, above three miles ; but when the present plan is com¬ pleted, it will be at least eight, the breadth is about 90 feet ; in it are the City Hall, four of the largest churches, several of the best public buildings, and the first hotels, boarding houses, private dwellings, and lottery offices, and the principal retail stores of the goldsmiths, jewellers, booksellers, and dealers in other “ fancy and variety dry goods.” Trees decorate the park, the entrance to the hospital, St. Paul’s and Trinity Churches, and other parts, altogether a more beautiful street no other city can boast ; the shops do not make the same display as those of London, aud are often of very mean exterior, but they contain riches from all parts of the world, canvas blinds are generally stretched from the tops to posts of a convenient height at the extremity of the pavement. The fashionable time for the promenade in this “ temple i of art aud fashion” is from one till three o’clock, when the scene is as bustling, varied, and brilliant, as an oriental fair; the gay and idle then throng the street, to stare and be stared at ; graceful belles in the newest and most fashionable Parisian style, gauze bonnets, silk dresses, and satin shoes, may be seen in the depth of winter ; dandies fresh from the tailors, some perhaps carrying home a leg of mutton or some such delicacy, no uncommon sight ; accurately apparelled quakers, settlers in loose coats and straw hats, blanketted Indians, merry children, servants with luxuries, and milliners with bandboxes ; in short, an endless variety of character and costume. The carriages are also very numerous, they are light and neat, every thing in America being for convenience, they are generally driven by a black coachman, in plain clothes, and have no powdered or bedizened footman behind, or armorial bearings on the panels.

54. — The Bay.

The bay of New York is the finest in the United States, capacious, secure, with a depth of water of from six to eight fathoms, and a tide seldom rising or falling more than 6 feet, it consequently admits ships of any burthen. It is estimated that the value of the merchandize shipped and unshipped at this port annually, amounts to above 100 millions of dollars. The number of vessels generally in port, in the busy season, is from 500 to 700, and 50 steam boats; they extend in a line about three miles close to the city, there being no docks, but piers projecting at right angles into the river, leaving intermediate slips, which have all the advantages of wet docks, without any of their inconveniences ; in 1827, 22,000 passengers were landed at New York from foreign parts.

55. — Bedloes Island.

A well fortified station, formerly used as a small pox hospital, and purchased in 1758, by the Corporation, for a lazaretto. In 1794 it was fortified, and two years after 1 given up to the State, for the nominal sum of eight shillings.

56. — Ellis Island.

A strongly fortified spot commanding the Narrows, so that no vessel can pass I without being raked by its guns.

59- — Hoboken.

A beautiful spot on the Jersey shore, to which steani boats cross every quarter of an hour. Colonel Stevens has here an elegantvilla, the grounds surrounding which, to a con¬ siderable extent, are simply, but tastefully laid out as a public walk, much frequented by Hie citizens in fine weather; a broad belt of light underwood and flowering shrubs, studded at intervals with forest trees, runs for two miles on the borders of the cliff overhanging the Hudson, and broad gravel walks lead through this to every part where the scenery may be viewed to advantage. Hoboken being out of the jurisdiction of the city, affairs of honour are generally settled at the duelling ground under the high bank, a little above the landing place, only approachable by water ; at this place General Hamilton was shot.

60. — Emmett's Monument.

A single block of white marble, 32 feet in height, ornamented w ith the American Eagle sheltering the Irish harp unstrung, also a medallion of the deceased, and two hands united, the wrist of one encircled by a wreath of stars, the other by a shamrock, with inscriptions in Latin and Irish.

61. — St. Paul's.

A handsome building of stone, erected in 1765 ; towards the Broadway it presents a portico of the Ionic order, of four fluted pillars, supporting a pediment, with a niche containing a statue of St. Haul ; beneath the large window is a handsome monument to the memory of General Montgomery, who fell in the unsuccessful attack on Quebec in 1775. At the west end is a tower and steeple, erected in 1794, the three divisions of which are ornamented with columns, &c., in the Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite orders, the whole crowned by a spire of wood, making the extreme height of 234 feet ; the interior is Corinthian, with columns supporting an arched roof, from which are suspended eight cut-glass chandeliers. In the chancel is a tablet to the memory of Sir John Temple, the first consul-general to the United States, also one to the w'ife of the British Governor of Jersey, who died of grief in being separated by events from her husband. In tbe centre of the church-yard is a handsome monument, erected by Kean, to the memory of G. F. Cooke, with this inscription —

“ Three kingdoms claim his birth,

Both hemispheres pronounce his worth.”

There is also an Egyptian obelisk to the memory of Thomas Emmett, an eminent counsellor of New York, brother to the celebrated Emmett, who suffered during the Irish rebellion.

FINIS.

A VIEW

OF

THE FALLS OF NIAGARA

IS NOW OPEN.

Printed by T. Brettelt, Rupert Street, Haymarlcet.

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