USA > New York > New York City > New York city and vicinity during the war of 1812-15, being a military, civic and financial local history of that period, Vol. II > Part 1
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES 3 3433 05875368 6
MICROFILMED FOR I.L.E.
NEW YORK CITY-IN COMMON COUNCIL.
The following preamble and resolution was unanimously adopted by the Board of Aldermen on the 7th April, 1896, as reported by the Commitee on County Affairs :
WHEREAS, Our respected and public-spirited fellow citizen, Mr. Rocellus S. Guernsey, has completed and published his work, entitled, " New York City and Vicinity During the War " of 1812-15-being a Military, Civic and Financial Local His- "tory of that Period," consisting of two volumes of nearly eleven hundred pages of closely printed matter, and has pre- sented a copy of the same to the New York City Library, and
WHEREAS, The said work being the result of many years' labor and research by the writer in collecting and preserving records, many of which were scattered and in obscure places, and were unknown and inaccessible to those who may be much interested in them, and
WHEREAS, Said work appears to contain very fully the official action of the Common Council of the City of New York during that eventful period, relating to the War of 1812, and also con- tains many Military Orders, Regulations and Proceedings, par- ticularly relating to this city during that time, never before printed and not before in the archives of this city, although pertaining thereto. Now, therefore,
Resolved, That said work by Mr. Rocellus S. Guernsey. entitled "New York City and Vicinity During the War of 1812-15," be placed among the Official Archives of the Common Council of New York City, and that the thanks of the Common Council of this city be expressed to said Rocellus S. Guernsey for the care, industry and research bestowed by him upon said valuable work. and that a copy of this resolution be presented to him under the official seal of this Body and that a commit- tee be appointed to present the same to said Guernsey.
WILLIAM H. TEN EYCK, Clerk.
JOHN JEROLOMAN,
President. [SEAL ]
JOHN P. WINDOLPH,
Vice-President.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from Microsoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/newyorkcityvicin02guer
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR LENDI AND TILDEN FOUNDANUN
L
PHOTO.ENG.Ca.
MEW
ORK
CITY
AND VICINITY
DURING
HE WVAR OF 1812-'15,
BEING A MILITARY, CIVIC AND FINANCIAL
Local history of that Period,
WITH
INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES THEREOF. AND
A DESCRIPTION OF THE FORTS, FORTIFICATIONS, ARSENALS. DE- FENCES AND CAMPS IN AND ABOUT NEW YORK CITY AND HARBOR, AND THOSE AT HARLEM AND ON EAST RIVER, AND IN BROOKLYN, AND ON LONG ISLAND AND STATEN ISLAND, AND AT SANDY HOOK AND JERSEY CITY.
WITH An Account of the Citizens' Movements, and of the Military and Naval Officers, Regiments, Companies. etc., in service there.
BY R. S. GUERNSEY. Author of Mechanics' Lien Laws Relating to New York City, etc., etc., etc.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
NEW YORK : CHARLES L. WOODWARD, BOOKSELLER, 78 NASSAU STREET. 1895.
)
-
1
A
ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE YEAR EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVE, BY R. S. GUERNSEY, IN THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS AT WASHINGTON, D. C.
LIMITED EDITION. NOT STEREOTYPED.
No.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY Astor, Lennx and Tilden Foundations. 19%
GIBB BROS. & MORAN, PRINTERS, 45 ROSE ST., NEW YORK.
NEW YORK CITY-IN COMMON COUNCIL.
The following preamble and resolution was unanimously adopted by the Board of Aldermen on the 7th April, 1896, as reported by the Commitee on County Affairs :
WHEREAS, Our respected and public-spirited fellow citizen, Mr. Rocellus S. Guernsey, has completed and published his work, entitled, " New York City and Vicinity During the War "of 1812-15-being a Military, Civic and Financial Local His- "tory of that Period," consisting of two volumes of nearly eleven hundred pages of closely printed matter, and has pre- sented a copy of the same to the New York City Library, and
WHEREAS, The said work being the result of many years' labor and research by the writer in collecting and preserving records, many of which were scattered and in obscure places, and were unknown and inaccessible to those who may be much interested in them, and
WHEREAS, Said work appears to contain very fully the official action of the Common Council of the City of New York during that eventful period, relating to the War of 1812, and also con- tains many Military Orders, Regulations and Proceedings, par- ticularly relating to this city during that time, never before printed and not before in the archives of this city, although pertaining thereto Now, therefore,
Resolved, That said work by Mr. Rocellus S. Guernsey. entitled "New York City and Vicinity During the War of 1812-15," be placed among the Official Archives of the Common Council of New York City, and that the thanks of the Common Council of this city be expressed to said Rocelius S. Guernsey for the care, industry and research bestowed by him upon said valuable work, and that a copy of this resolution be presented to him under the official seal of this Body and that a commit- tee be appointed to present the same to said Guernsey.
WILLIAM H. TEN EYCK,
JOHN JEROLOMAN, Clerk.
President. [SEAL ]
JOHN P. WINDOLPH,
Vice-President.
PREFACE.
NEW YORK CITY, May 15, 1895.
In placing this the concluding volume before the public the writer will say to those who may read this and the previous vol- ume that this work was not pursued and did not progress with- out personal sacrifices to the writer, if that can be called a sac- rifice which is willingly surrendered or exchanged by choosing one of several courses. The writer felt in the work that it Would be its own reward, if completed, in any event which might result to the writer.
Again, it was a useful and effectual diversion from the petty cares of life, and rendered it worth something more than a struggle with them.
He still feels a peculiar personal gratification and satisfaction about it that all along made the labors light, while they ex. tended over more than a score of years. He felt that no one else would gather the material for the work, and that none other would write it with so much detail. The laurels that he thought to wear in his younger days are fully replaced in his mature years by the feelings of satisfaction at the completion of this lifework of his leisure moments.
After the materials for this subject were gathered and the knowledge of its treatment by writers had been ascertained, the writer would have lost his self-respect had he not pursued the work to completion in the manner that it is now placed before the world in the present comprehensive volumes.
The makers of history are the partakers of history, which Include those that record the famous achievements and events of mankind. We have come and we will go, but the march of history will go on forever. Its records must and will be studied to enlighten and interest those who seek to govern mankind and wish to learn the results of past efforts, as well as to gratify a pride in the achievements of their ancestors. The printing press
iv
PREFACE.
has now rendered such records indestructible. They are foot- steps on the rock of ages.
With a realizing sense that " they are not dead who live in works they leave behind," this work is placed in the world as a contribution to local history at an eventful period, showing an example of life and government in war. Not fearing to have it compared with any history of the past in interest and detail, and hoping that future local histories of other places will surpass it in interest and merit is the sincere expression of the writer.
14
1
CONTENTS OF VOL. II.
CHAPTER XXII .- Gloomy Prospects for the Winter of 1813-14- High Prices-Action of the Fuel Association-Special Election of Member of Congress-Charitable Objects-Action of the Washington Benevolent Society-Action of the Common Council-Church Donations and Contributions, pp. 1-17.
CHAPTER XXIII .- Views of Political Parties-Effect of Na- poleon's Campaign of 1813-Hopes of Peace-Public Feeling -- Dinner to Commodore Chauncey at Washington Hall-Dinner to Commodore Rodgers at Tammany Hall-Running the Blockade, pp. 18-28.
CHAPTER XXIV .- Military Preparations by the State-Volun- teers Wanted-Bounties Offered-Gunboat Service in New York Harbor-Commodore Lewis-Fulton's Steam War Ves- sel-Fortifications Needed at the Narrows-Blockhouses-De- lay in Building Forts-Proposition to Make New York City the Seat of State Government-Action of the Common Council- " The Governor's Room" in City Hall, pp. 29-48.
CHAPTER XXV .- Enforcing the Embargo-Seizure of Specie at New York-Unpopularity of the Embargo-Repeal of the Embargo Laws-Revival of Trade-Local Politics-Election of State Officers and Members of Congress, pp. 49-64.
CHAPTER XXVI .- Financial Conditions-Treasury Notes Is. sued-Loans Called For-Jolin Jacob Astor-Jacob Barker- Subscribers to the Loan-Paper Money Plenty, pp. 65-75.
CHAPTER XXVII .- River and Harbor Navigation About New York-Coasting Trade-British Privateers in the Sound-Con- modore Lewis After Them-Reinforcement of the British Squadron-Blockade of All the Ports of the United States- Strength of British and American Navies-Official Inspection of Defences of New York-Major General Morgan Lewis in Command-Movements of the Enemy, pp. 76-90.
1
CONTENTS OF VOL. II.
CHAPTER XXVIII .- Political Effect of the Blockade-Peace Negotiations-Views of Democrats and Federalists-Tam- many Anniversary-Federalists Celebrate the Restoration of the Bourbons-Oration by Mr. Morris-Newspaper Accounts of the Celebration-Public Dinner and Toasts-Questions Be- fore the People, pp. 91-108.
CHAPTER XXIX .- Fourth of July Celebration-Tammany and Washington Society Processions-Mr. Wheaton's Oration- Tammany Dinner and Toasts-Amusements of the Day- Evening Entertainments-Fireworks at Vauxhall Garden, pp. 109-132.
CHAPTER XXX .- Rigorous Blockade-Great Fears of an Inva- sion by Sea-Action of the Common Council-A Torpedo Boat -Call for Militia-Sketch of Gen. J. P. Boyd-Desertions- Military Executions on Governor's Island-Citizens' Meeting- Exempts to be Enlisted-Committee Appointed-Report of Committee -Threatening Attitude of the Enemy, pp. 133-148.
CHAPTER XXXI .- Reports on Defences of the City-Fortifica- tions Necessary-Gov. Tompkins' Military Orders-Gov. Pen- nington's Address to New Jersey Militia-Apathy of the Peo- ple-Amusements of the Day -- Dinner at Tammany Hall to Crew of the Essex-Action of Common Council-Address of Common Council to the Citizens-Appeal for Aid to Build Fortifications-Public Meeting Called, pp. 149-181.
CHAPTER XXXII .- Active Military Movements-State Militia Ordered to Serve at New York City and Vicinity-Where They Came From-Cadets from West Point-Volunteers from New Jersey, pp. 182-189.
CHAPTER XXXIII .- Fortifications on Long Island-First Vol- unteers for Work on Defences in Brooklyn-Committee of Defence Appeal-Ground Broken at Fort Greene-Lines of Defence and Location of Forts in Brooklyn-Citizens' Meeting -Address by Col. Marinus Willett-Sketch of Colonel Willett -Resolutions Adopted-Enthusiastic Proceedings-Commit- tee of Citizens, pp. 190-207.
CHAPTER XXXIV .- Workers on Fortifications in Brooklyn and at Harlem-Depredations by the Enemy-Bombardment . of Stonington-British Fleet in Gardiner's Bay-Report of the
vii
CONTENTS OF VOL. II.
Progress of the Defences Around New York City-Attempt to Capture the City by Water Temporarily Abandoned-The Enemy's War Vessels Move to the South-Baltimore and Washington in Danger-Enthusiastic Volunteer Workers on Defence Still Continue in New York and Brooklyn, pp. 208-230.
CHAPTER XXXV .- Capture of Washington-Effect in New York-To Arms! To Arms !- Committee of Defence Appeal to Citizens-Major-General Lewis's Letter to Common Coun- cil-More Men and More Money Wanted-Recommendations of Committee of Defence Adopted-Large Loans Obtained by the City for Defence, pp. 231-240.
CHAPTER XXXVI .- Militia Ordered into Service-Training in Fort Columbus-Call for Implements of Defence-Militia Under General Stevens Mustered into Active Service Under : Major-General Lewis-Sketch of General Stevens' Family- Sketch of General Lewis's Family-Military Orders- Rockland County Militia-Martial Law in the City-Call for New Jer- sey Militia to Defend New York-Philadelphia Asks for New Jersey Militia-Secretary of War Grants the Request-Gover- nor Pennington Orders Nineteen Companies to Powle's Hook (Jersey City)-Colonel Frelinghuysen in Command There, pp. 241-268.
CHAPTER XXXVII .- Financial Situation in the Nation and in the City-Failure of the Attempt to Obtain Loans for the Nation-Suspension of Specie Payments-Resolutions and Reg- ulations by City Banks-Tlie City Issues Fractional Currency, pp. 269-277.
CHAPTER XXXVIII .- Dangers of Invasion on the Frontiers- Admiral Cochrane Threatens-Large Naval Force of the Enemy-Almost a Panic in the City-Mayor Clinton's Charge to the Grand Jury-Words of Encouragement-Recommends an Adjournment of the Court-Resolution of Approval by the Grand Jury-United for Defence-Negotiations for Peace, pp 378-291.
CHAPTER XXXIX .- The Situation-City Officials Sent to Wash- ington-Workers on the Fortifications-Tammany Society- Cannon Loaned the City by John Jacob Astor and Others- The Privateer General Armstrong Sails-Capt. Samuel C. Reid, pp. 292-303.
viii
CONTENTS OF VOL. II.
CHAPTER XL .- Military Organizations in the City-Militia Unifo: ms-Station of Troops-New Jersey Militia-Dissatis- faction Among New York Troops-Riotous Conduct-Military Punishments, pp. 304-315.
CHAPTER XLI .- The Enemy Attack Baltimore-Great Excite- ment and Active Military Movements in New York-Means of Defence-Condition of Fortifications-Workers on the De- fences-Appeal of Committee of Defence-Fort Laight Built, pp. 316-334.
CHAPTER XLII .- Disorderly Militia-Courts-Martial - Military Duties-Military Life in the City-Drills and Parades, pp. 335- 350.
CHAPTER XLIII .- Fulton's Steam Frigate-Lack of Money to Complete Her-Petition to Committee of Defence for Help- Money Loaned by the City-Report to the Common Council - Display at the Launching-Description of Her and Her Arma- ment-Other War Vessels Proposed, pp. 351-359.
CHAPTER XLIV. - Militia Dissatisfied -- Another Commander Wanted-Appeal for Workers on Fortifications-Removal of Major-General Lewis-His Farewell Address to His Soldiers- Governor Tompkins Placed in Command-Objection of Gov- ernor Pennington-Reply of Secretary of War, pp. 360-367.
CHAPTER XLV .- Action of State Legislature-Governor Tompkins in Command at New York-Military Orders-Gov- ernor Tompkins Inspects the Fortifications-Reviews the Sol- diers-Privateers Sail-Grand Parade on Evacuation Day- Orders to Muster Out of Service-Major-General Stevens's Farewell Address -Common Council Thanks Citizens and Sol- diers for Services, etc., pp. 368-388.
CHAPTER XLVI .- Description of the Fortifications Around the City in 1814-Jamaica Bay-Brooklyn-Sandy Hook- Staten Island-Jersey City-General Swift Reports-Safety of the City, pp. 389-400.
CHAPTER XLVII .- National Financial Condition-Loans Ob- tained at Great Discount on United States Securities-More United States Treasury Notes Issued-Paper Money Abun- dant-High Prices-Banks Loan the Government-National Direct Taxes Increased- Quota for New York City, pp. 401-413.
ix
CONTENTS OF VOL. II.
CHAPTER XLVIII .- State and City Financial Condition-Loan by the City to United States on Treasury Notes Guaranteed by Governor Tompkins-State Militia Paid Off-City Banks Loan to Pay New Jersey Militia-Governor Tompkins' Patri- otic Action-Martin Van Buren on Governor Tompkins- Government Suit Against Him-Ilis Vindication by a Jury and by Congress- Repaid by the National Government-What New York City Should Do, pp. 414-426.
CHAPTER XLIX .- Financial Standing of New York City- Annual Expenditures-City Debt-Revenue and Taxation- Valuation of Real and Personal Property-State Taxes-City Fractional Currency-Charitable Aid to Soldiers and to Suf- ferers on Niagara Frontier-Charter Election, pp. 427-422.
CHAPTER L .- Holiday Season of 1814-15-Numerous Dinners to Prominent Men-Arrival of Cartel Ship Jenny-Rigorous Blockade of the Atlantic Coast-Vigilance of Military Authori- ties-General Boyd Placed in Command at New York by Gov. ernor Tompkins-Commodore Decatur Runs the Blockade- Skirmish With the Enemy and is Captured-Other War Ves- sels Run the Blockade, pp. 433-439.
CHAPTER LI. - Prospects of the Campaign of 1815-Feeling in New York-Prospects of Peace-The Negotiations at Ghent- The Congress at Vienna-A National Day of Fasting and Prayer-Longing for Peace, pp. 440-450.
CHAPTER LII .- Colonel Bogardus in Command at New York- Presentation to General Brown by the City-Salutes for Victory at New Orleans-Treaty of Peace Arrives-Demonstrations of Joy in New York-Salutes From the Forts-Action of the Common Council-Preparations for a Grand Celebration, pp. 451-466.
CHAPTER LIII .- The Treaty and President's Proclamation Ar- rives-Newspaper Enterprise-Common Council Designates 22d February for the Celebration - Political Prejudices Prevail- Washington Benevolent Society Dinner and Toasts-City Cele- bration Postponed-Celebration in the Suburts-Military Cele- bration-Governor Tompkins' Announcement to the Militia- Commodore Decatur is Parcled-Grand Celebration Expected, pp. 467-482.
X
CONTENTS OF VOL II.
CHAPTER LIV .- City Celebration of Peace-Public and Private Illuminations-Grand Display of Fireworks-Statements of Eye Witnesses-Transparencies Emblematic, Allegorical and Patriotic -Those at City Hall-Fireworks at the Government House- Transparencies and Paintings Upon All Kinds of Buildings, Pub- lic and Private, pp. 483-494.
CHAPTER LV .- Terms of the Treaty-Negotiations at Ghent- Congress at Vienna-European Diplomacy-Effect of the Treaty in Europe and America-Origin of the Monroe Doctrine-Last Hostile Gun Fired in the War-Last Capture at Sea-President's Address on Disbanding the Army-Dramatic Part by New York City in the War-Concluding Remarks, pp. 495-509.
APPENDIX OF NOTES, PP. 511-569.
NOTE I .- List of City Officers, 1814-15, p. 511.
NOTE II. - List of Banks and Bank Officers, 1812-15, p. 512-514.
NOTE III .- Names of Taxpayers and Amount of Personal Prop- erty Over $5,000, 1815, pp. 514-526.
NOTE IV .- List of Privateers from New York City, 1812-15, pp. 527-532.
NOTE V .- List of Captured Vessels Brought to New York City, 1812-15, pp. 532-535.
NOTE VI .- General Swift's Report on Fortifications in 1814, etc. , pp. 535-544,
NOTE VII .- Final Report of Committee of Defence, pp. 544-551.
NOTE VIII .- Some Military Orders and Regulations, New York and New Jersey, p. 552-564.
NOTE IX .- The Muster Rolls of Soldiers That Served in the War, pp. 564-569.
INDEX OF TOPICS.
CHAPTER XXII.
Gloomy Prospects for the Winter of 1813-14-High Prices-Action of the Fuel Association-Special Election of Member of Congress -Charitable Objects-Action of the Washington Benevolent Society-Action of the Common Council-Church Donations and Contributions.
HILE the winter was at hand there were no fears of an attack along the sea- board, yet many thought of the pros- pects for the coming year with dread and apprehension. The outlook was anything but cheerful. Our military affairs so far were very discouraging. Little or no progress had been made by conquest, the offer for negotiations for peace had not been well received by the enemy, and had been declined.
In the President's message to Congress on the 7th of December, he clearly stated the situation. He said : "The British Cabinet, either mistaking our desire of peace for a dread of British power, or misled by other fallacious calculations, has disap- pointed this reasonable anticipation. No commu- nication from our envoys having reached us, no in- formation on the subject has been received from that source. But it is known that the mediation was declined in the first instance, and there is no evi dence, notwithstanding the lapse of time, that a
2
GLOOMY PROSPECTS AHEAD.
change of disposition in the British councils has taken place, or is to be expected.
" Under such circumstances, a nation proud of its rights and conscious of its strength has no choice but an exertion of the one in support of the other."
In fact, the only notice taken by the enemy of any offer to negotiate for terms of peace was to decline to accept the offer of the Emperor of Russia to act as a mediator in the matter.
Merchandise and the necessities of life were be- coming higher, and the means of conveyance was greatly narrowed, particularly at the seaports and on the coast and along the water-ways. The supply from privateers was almost the only source for obtaining imported articles. Retail dealers were principally supplied by auction sales, where each one could get such goods at such price as he thought he could retail at a profit. There was really no fixed price for anything. When goods were purchased at auction they were retailed at a reasonable profit only so long as the price at future auctions remained nearly the same. If the auction price was up or down, the retailer must follow the prices paid by others, or keep his stock on hand if the price was lower than what he was willing to sell at. If higher than he paid, he would mark his goods up to correspond with the prices that others could afford to sell at. The embargo had enhanced imported articles, while home agricultural produc- tions were much lower, which was caused by a less demand of the latter for exportation.
The Federalists widely circulated the following statement, entitled, "Mr. Madison's Christmas
3
HIGH PRICES.
Box for Farmers ; or, Crumbs of Comfort Growing Out of the Embargo" :
" The farmer who brings his produce to market in the best order, and under an approved inspec- tion, will be able to barter it on the following terms :
" For ten barrels of superfine flour he may receive one bag of coffee (one hundred pounds).
" For one barrel of flour, one pound and a half of tea.
" For nine barrels of flour, one hundred pounds of brown sugar.
"For one barrel, two gallons of molasses.
"For one barrel, one bushel of salt."
This comparison of merchandise was calculated for the latitude of Philadelphia, and of flour at the farm, without cost of delivery. At New York, Bos- ton or Baltimore prices might be more or less than at Philadelphia. For instance, in September, 1813, flour was $11.87 in Boston, $8.50 in New York, $7.50 in Philadelphia, and $6 in Baltimore. Coffee was $21 in Boston and New York, and $25 in Bal- timore. Tea was $1.75 in New York and Boston, and $1.95 in Baltimore, $3 in Savannah. Brown sugar was $18.75 in Boston, $22 in New York, and $26.50 in Baltimore. A bushel of salt was sixty- two and a half cents in Boston, sixty-five cents in New York, $1.10 in Philadelphia, and $1.25 in Bal- timore Molasses was eighty-four cents per gallon in Boston, ninety-four cents in New York, $1.10 in Philadelphia, and $1.15 in Baltimore. Pork was $27 in Boston, $21.50 in New York, $17.50 in Phila- delphia, and $21 in Baltimore.
Combinations were many for the purpose of put-
4
MONOPOLIES ARISE.
ting up prices of the necessities of life. The Colum- bian, of December 1st, said : " Among the variety of monopolies to which the exigencies of the times have given rise, such as those of butter, groceries and other essential conveniences of life, and to those we have heard the article of leather added, none has excited more serious alarm with many citizens than a report of the forestalling of wood on the banks of the Hudson, which was mentioned some time ago. From the want of our usual supply of coal from Europe and Virginia, an additional quantity of wood is required for our winter's consumption. A species of turf has been tried, but with partial suc- cess. Notwithstanding the remarkably warm and open weather we have had till the present advanced state of the season, firewood has maintained the enormous price of about three dollars for a load of oak, and four dollars for hickory, which, at two and one-half loads to the country cord, will make $7.50 for the former and $10 for the latter, exclu- sive of the charge for carting, etc. At the same time a great proportion of our citizens have delayed procuring their winter's stock, which must raise the price still higher, if not prevented by the arrival of immense quantities, when they finally purchase their supply. Under these circumstances, the situ- ation of the indigent through the winter may be an- ticipated with the most painful sensations. The corporation are expected to pay liberal attention to the suffering poor, and private charity will be strongly excited in their behalf."
A cord of wood was eight feet long, four feet high, and four feet wide ; each stick was four feet long and might be large or small. It was usually
5
FUEL ASSOCIATION.
cut once for fire-places and cut twice for stoves. It was brought mostly from the north side of Long Island and from the Hudson River counties.
On the evening of the 22d of December a meet- ing of citizens was held at the City Hotel for the purpose of furnishing and distributing fuel to the suffering poor in the city. A general committee of one person in each ward was appointed to receive donations and purchase fuel, and a sub-committee of two in each ward was appointed to ascertain those in need of relief and give orders to general committee to furnish the fuel.
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