USA > New York > Historic homes and institutions and genealogical and family history of New York, Volume II > Part 4
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Dy the Honourabie CADWALLADER COLDEN, Efq;
His Majefty's LieutenantGovernor and Commander in Chief of the Province of Rem-Work, and the Territories depending thereon in America.
To Klas Delletreau Egg? Erecting
Epofing Special Kauft and Confidente, as well in the Care, Diligence, and Circumfpection, as in the Lopalty, Courage, and Readinefs of bou, to do bis sajeffy good R and faithful Service ; HAVE nominato, conffitutco, and appointed, and 3 Do, by Virtue of. the Powers and Authorities to one given by bis @pajedy, HEREBY Dominate, Conftitute, and appoint you the fais Alas Delletreau to be Captain of the first Company of Militia Boot for the Township of Southampton in the last Balation of the Regiment of Militia for the bounty of Suffolk where of Richard Floyd Log es Captain !-
You are therefore to take the faid Company into pour Charge and Care, as Captain thereof, and Duip to erecife both the Officers and Soldiers of that Company in dems. and as they ate bereby Commanded to obey Dou as their Captain to ane you likewife to obferbe and follow ruch Divers and Diettions from Time to Time, as you thaft receive from age or any other pour fuperioz Dificez, according to the Rules and Difcipline of War, in Pufuance of the Cruft repofco in you ; and for fo Doing this thall be pour Committion.
Biben under my Hand and Seal at Arms, in new-york, the twenty Second Day of May only in the fifth - Year of His Majesty's Reign, Annoque Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty five"
By his honour's Command,
Cadwallader Plein
CHAPTER IV. THE FIRST NEW YORK NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper printed in New York was the "New York Gazette," by William Bradford, the first number appear- ing October 16, 1725. No complete file of this paper is known to exist. The earliest known number is No. 18, a copy of which is in the Public Library in Philadelphia. The oldest number in New York is No. 21, in the New York Society Library. The latest is No. 993, dated November 19, 1744. No. 21, mentioned above, is from March 21 to Monday, March 28, 1726. All the news is foreign, and two-thirds of the paper (of one sheet only) is occupied by "The Remonstrance and Representation made to the States General, of the Dutch West India Company, against the Treaty of Commerce between the Emperor and the King of Spain." Then follows news from London, of Novem- ber 13 preceding: "They write from Derby that last week several persons of distinction came to see the machine erected there by Mr. Lamb for working Italian Orgazine silk. It con- tains 26586 wheels and 97746 movements which work 73728 yards of silk every time the water wheel goes around, which is three a minute." All the domestic news is included in two advertisements, one announcing that "a Plantation called Dobies Plantation, of 400 acres, on the banks of the Raritan river," is to be sold; and the other stated that a dwelling house is for sale at Amboy. A line at the bottom of the page is: "New York. Printed and Sold by William Bradford, also by Ri. Nicholls, Post Master." Such are the contents of this, the old-
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est paper in the city. The following extracts are from the meagre file in the New York Historical Society:
"October 9, 1727. Those that incline to take the votes of the Assembly as they come forth, may have them for 2d per sheet."
"Very good Press Paper for the Fulling Mills to be sold by the Printer hereof."
The following is the first advertisement of real estate that ever appeared in a New York newspaper: "March 23, 1726. A Lot of Ground at the further end of the Smith's Fly in the City of New York, being twenty-three feet wide in Front and Rear, and ninety-two Feet long, to be sold on Reasonable Terms. Enquire at the Post Office and know further."
This lot was on Pearl street near Beekman.
"May 18, 1730. Ran away from Nicholas Mathison of the City of New York, Brewer, one Servant man, named Henry Fincher, about 26 years of age. He is by Trade a House Car- penter, a Mason and a Pump maker. Some time past he lived with Mr. Hold, in this city, Brewer. He had on when he went away, a sute of Broad Cloth Clothes, of a Chockalet Colour, and wears a speckled Cap. He is a West Country man, speaks pretty good English, and went away about the 28th of April last. He is of middle Stature. Whoever can take up said Servant man and bring him to his Master, or secure him and give Notice so that his Master can have him again shall have Five Pounds Reward, and all reasonable Charges paid, by Nicholas Mathison."
The above is a fair example of the advertisements for run- away servants, which occupy a large part of each number.
"To be SOLD. A Plantation called Mount Pinhorn, lying in the County of Bergen in New Jersey, near Snake Hill, and is about six miles distant from New York, Containing about six hundred Acres of upland, and one thousand Acres of Fresh and Salt meadow Land. Whereon is a New House and Barn. and about 200 Acres of said land cleared, Two Orchards con- taining 1200 good bearing Apple Trees, A good Cedar Swamp, and a Navigable ('reek for a Sloop to come up nigh the House.
PROPHARP OF THE TRW-YORK
Numb. 22
HE
New York Gazette.
From March 28. to Monday April 4. 1726.
His MAJESTY'S mot Gracious SPEECH | to have a Strong Fleet at Sea early in the Spring : to both Houses of Parliament, on Thurf- day the Twentieth Day of January, 1725.
My Lord's and Gentlemen,
I
Have had fuch frequent Experience of the Wifdom and Zeal of this Parliament on many important Occasions, that it is with
If the Pofture of Affairs fhall at any Time make it- neceffary to augment Our Maritime Force,, I Confide fo entirely in the Zeal and Affection of My Parliament, that I affure My Self you will enable Me to make fiich an Addition to the Number of Seamen, as fhall be found Requifite.
My Lords and Gentlemen, It is not to be doubted but the Enemies to
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GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY HISTORY
Whoever inclines to purchase the same may apply to Captain Timothy Bagley in the City of New York, or to Mr. Richard Warman of the County of Bergen. The Title is good and a good Warrantee will also be given."
The above continued for several weeks, and was then of- fered to hire "with a good stock of Cattle."
"July 20, 1730. Ran away on Sunday the 12th instant July. Two Irish Servants. The one named Michael Highland, the other named John Whilen." (Here follows a full descrip- tion.) Reward £3 each.
"July 27, 1730. These are to give Notice that the Real Estate whereof Cornelia De Peyster died seized is to be pub- lickly sold to the highest Bidders on Tuesday the first Day of September next. The said Estate consists of the Particulars following viz. 1. A House and Lot in Broad street joining to the House now building by Mr. Scott. 2. A house and Lot join- ing to the former, in which Mr. Annis lives. 3. A House and Lot joining thereto wherein Mrs. De Peyster lives. 4. A House and Lot adjoining wherein John Anthony lives. 5. A Lot in Mill Street near the Jews synagogue. 6. A House and Lot in Beaver street which reaches back to Petticoat Lane. 7. A Lot in Queen street."
The above lands are at the north corner of Broad and South William streets.
"August 17. 1730. Publiek Notice is hereby given. That Nicholas Bayard of the City of New York has erected a refining House for Refining all sorts of Sugar and Sugar Candy, and has procured from Europe an experienced Artist in that Mystery. At which Refining House all Persons in City or Country may be supplyed by Wholesale or Retail, with both double and single Refined Loaf Sugar, as also Powder and Shop Sugars and Sugar Candy, at Reasonable Rates."
The above is the first mention of this business, which was introduced in this city by the Bayards. The sugar house was on the north side of Wall street, half way between Nassau and William streets. On March 8, 1731, the prices of sugar are given : Double refined loaf sugar, 18 pence a pound; middling, 15d; single refined, 12d.
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"September 7, 1730. A very good Still, containing Ninety Gallons, with a Worm and Tub, and a Book, showing the whole Art of Distilling and making all Sorts of fine Waters, as also Rum and Brandy, are to be sold by Nathaniel Hazzard living near the Old Slip in New York, who will dispose of the same on Reasonable Terms."
Nathaniel Hazzard lived at what is now No. 129 Pearl street.
"A certain House and Lot of Ground situate lying and being in Hanover Square in the East Ward, of the City of New York, now in occupation of Mr. John Aubeneau. Front 28 feet, Rear 35. Reaching from Hanover Square to the Lane formerly called the Drain Ditch and now called the Sloat. Ap- ply on Premises to Jeremiah Tathill."
The above lot is now No. 119 Pearl street. The old Sloat Lane is now a part of Beaver street, which was extended to Wall street and obliterated the old lane after the great fire of 1835.
"September 21, 1730. To be sold at Benjamin D'Harriettes House, a Negro man named Scipio, a cooper, about 22 years old, and one ditto named Mustee, a House Carpenter and Ploughman and fit for all Country work, about 26 years old. And very good Pitch to be sold and Rosin at 10s per Hundred by the Barrel."
The house of Benjamin D'Harriette was about the middle part of the Custom House on Wall street.
On Monday, December 5, 1730, it is announced that "the Boston and Philadelphia Posts will perform their Stages once a Fortnight during the three Winter Months. And this Gazette will be Published every Tuesday morning during that Time."
"May 11, 1730. James Foddy, Citizen and Glass seller of London, who arrived here the latter part of June and brought with him a Parcel of very fine Looking Glasses of all Sorts, and likewise offered several times in this Paper to acquaint the Publick that he undertook to alter and amend Old Looking Glasses, but he not meeting with suitable Encouragement is
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shortly determined for the West Indies. All Persons therefore who are inclined to have their Glasses repaired or buy new, may apply to the said James Foddy at Mr. Ver Planchs in New York."
The above is the first notice of looking glasses for sale.
On July 1, 1731, Governor John Montgomerie died, but no attention was called to the event as an item of news. In short, local events were not considered as requiring any notice, but on July 29th the following advertisement appears:
"On Thursday the Fifth day of August next, will be ex- posed for sale by way of Publick Vendue. Four Negro men, and Four Negro women. The time of two Men and one Woman servants. Also several Sorts of Fashionable wrought Plate. Most sorts of very good Household Furniture. And after the sale of the above goods, will be Sold several fine Saddle Horses, Breeding Mares and Colts, Coach Horses and Harness, and several other things, belonging to the estate of his late Ex- cellency Governor Montgomerie. Those Persons who incline to buy any of the above Goods may view the same at Fort George in New York. The Sale will begin at two in the After- noon and to be continued daily till sold. All Persons having any Demands on the estate of his late Excellency are desired to bring in their Accompts."
The paper of August 23, 1731, gives as foreign news a long account of the monument erected to the memory of Sir Isaac Newton, with its Latin inscription.
The following is the first financial advertisement that ever appeared in New York :
"Whereas many Persons have often Occasion to borrow Money at Interest, and others have sums of money lying by them, which they want to put out. Some want to Purchase Houses, Lands or other things, and others frequently want to sell, but for want of knowing where to apply on these occasions, are often disappointed in their Designs, to their very great Prejudice. Wherefore in order that all Persons may know where to apply, Publick Notice is hereby given, That Richard Nicholls Attorney at Law, near the Fort in New York, (at the Request of several Persons of Note) negotiates all such Affairs,
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for such Persons as desire the same, for a reasonable Reward, and with the greatest Secrecy and Integrity."
"N. B. He Advertises, if desired, (not otherwise) with- out charge unless successful.
"A Person has Four Hundred Pounds to put at Interest.
"Another has Forty Pounds to put out on good Personal Security."
Richard Nicholls, who was the first broker in New York, was of a good Welsh family, and was an attorney here for sixty years, and for many years postmaster.
In 1731 there was no public burying grounds, and persons dying were buried in yards of the churches with which they were connected. "During the week, ending October 11th, the burials were as follows: Church of England, 22; Dutch church, 44; French church, 3; Presbyterian, 1; in all, 70 whites, whereof 61 died of the smallpox, most of them children. Blacks, 9, whereof 8 died of the smallpox." The foregoing shows a frightful mortality in proportion to the population. The epidemic began in August, and from August 23 to November 15, the following number were buried in the various burying grounds: Church of England, 229; Dutch church, 212; French church, 15; Luth- eran, 1; Presbyterian, 16; Quaker, 2; Baptist, 1; Jews, 2; Blacks, 71; or a total of 549.
The following is the first notice of a drug store:
"February 25. 1732. Very good Cinamon, Nutmegs and Cloves, by wholesale or retail. Also all sorts of Drugs and Medicines at reasonable Rates, by John Briggs Apothecary, at the corner shop on the south side of the Meal Market."
This drug store, perhaps the first in the city, was on the southeast corner of Pearl and Wall streets.
The first book auction with catalogues, that ever occurred in this city is the following:
"May 8, 1732. On Thursday, June 1, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon will begin to be sold at Publick Auction, a Collection
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of Valuable Books, belonging to the Library of His Excellency John Montgomerie, Esq., late Governor of New York, etc, de- ceased. A Catalogue of the Books may be seen at the Coffee House in New York, with the Conditions of Sale."
The above is also the first instance in which the term "Auction" is used, "Vendue" being always used.
The first notice of the sale of a vessel is this:
"October 16, 1732. A Small Sloop of 25 Foot Keel, 11 Foot broad. and 4 and a half foot deep. She was launched last March and is now just Trimmed. Her Sails and Rigging are new. Anchor, Two Cables, Binnacle, Two Hen Coops, a good Cabin that will lodge 5 or 6 men. A Forecastle with a Fire Place in it, which can lodge 3 or 4 men, and other necessary Things fit for the Sea. Enquire of Samuel Lovridge, Ship Wright in New York, and know further."
On February 5, 1733, appears the longest advertisement that has ever yet appeared, and occupies two and a half pages, in relation to fifty thousand acres of land in the "Oblong," granted to Hawley & Company. With this there is a small rude map, which is the first illustration that ever appeared in a New York paper. A very important sale of real estate occurred in 1731 :
"On Wednesday the 24th of March next, at ten in the morning at the Exchange Coffee House in the City of New York, will be exposed for sale at Publick Vendue, several lots of land fronting to Queen Street and King Street, in the East Ward, which ground did formerly belong to George Heathcote deceased, the sole power for selling them being now vested in David Jamison. A Plan of the Lots may be seen at the Coffee House."
The above lots are now the northwest corner of Pearl and Pine streets. These lots are held under a thousand years' lease from that time. The "Exchange Coffee House" was on the northeast corner of Broad and Water streets.
Inoculation for smallpox had been introduced in Philadel- phia, and like most improvements, met with great opposition.
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It was reported from that city that "the practice is growing among us." The "first patient of note" that tried it was F. Growdon, Esq., and it was successful.
"May 3, 1731. The Post Office will be removed to morrow to the uppermost of the two new Houses, in the Broadway op- posite to the end of Beaver street."
"A Parcel of Choice Negro men and Women to be sold by Enoch Stephenson, merchant in New York."
The following announces the sale of the house in which formerly lived the famous but ill fated Jacob Leisler, whose career is one of the most important episodes in the history of the province. His estate was confiscated, but afterwards re- stored to his family.
"July 30, 1733. To be Sold. Two Houses in the City of New York, next to the Place called the White Hall, all belonging to the estate of Mr. Jacob Leisler, deceased. Enquire of Abra- ham Gouverneur, or John Walters of the City of New York."
Abraham Gouverneur married Mary Milbourne, daughter of Jacob Leisler. These houses were on the west side of White- hall street, the second house south of Pearl street.
It is a question of some interest where the first printing press in New York was established. No. 81 Pearl street has been designated, and a tablet marks the spot, but upon what evidence, we do not know. In 1726 the corner house, bounded west by Smith street (now William), and fronting south to the Market or Old Slip, and north by the house of Gessie Lewis, and east by the house of Hendricus Vanderspiegel, is mentioned as "now in the occupation of William Bradford, Printer." This marks plainly the place where the first New York newspaper was printed. When William street was widened, about half of the house or lot was taken. The remainder is the south corner of the Cotton Exchange, and a tablet marks the place. On April 8, 1734. the following notice occurs :
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"The Printer hereof Removes next Week to the House where the Brasier lately dwelt, in Hanover Square, over against Capt. Waltons."
As Captain Walton owned and lived on the lot, No. 130 Pearl street, it is not difficult to locate the place to which the printer removed, now 131 Pearl street.
The first bookbinder in the city gives notice :
"September 30, 1734. Joseph Johnson of the City of New York, Book Binder. is now set up Book Binding for himself as formerly and lives in Duke street (commonly called Bavards street) near the Old Slip Market, where all Persons in Town of Country may have their Books carefully and neatly new Bound either plain or Gilt reasonable."
The "Printer" did not long remain at the house "opposite Capt. Walton's," for on April 25, 1737, the notice appears that: "William Bradford the Printer hereof is now Removing to the Sign of the Bible near the Fly Market, next door bnt one to the Treasurers." The "Treasurer" was Abraham De Pey- ster, who lived on the south side of Pearl street, directly op- posite Cedar street, and the house to which Mr. Bradford re- moved is now No. 158 Pearl street.
The first musical concert is thus advertised :
"January 13, 1735. On Wednesday the 21st of Jany, instant, there will be a Consort of Mnsick, Vocal and Instru- mental for the Benefit of Mr. Pachelbell. The Harpsichord part performed by himself. The Songs, Violins and German Flutes by private Hands. The Consort will begin precisely at 6 o'clock in the House of Robert Todd, vintner. Tickets to be had at the Coffee House and at Mr. Todds at + Shillings."
The first real estate advertisement of land in Brooklyn is as follows :
"May 31, 1736. The two Dwelling Houses and Hatter's Shop, at Brookland near the Ferry, which did belong to Cor- nelius Ewitse (and where he lived) are to be SOLD at Publick Vendue at the said Honses on the Ninth Day of June next."
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The printer's lot, even in those days, was not always a happy one, and he had his troubles:
"June 21, 1736. Whereas many of our Customers for the Gazette are in arrears for the same, some 3-4-5-6 or 7 years, they will please pay to enable the Publisher to continue the same."
This appears to be the first time that the name "Pub- lisher" appears.
"March 18, 1735. The Schooner, Judith and Rebecca, John Clark master bound for Philadelphia."
To this is prefixed a picture of a schooner, the first illustra- tion of the kind that occurs.
The first number of the second paper in New York appears to have been issued November 6, 1733, and was called the "New York Weekly Journal," "containing the freshest Advices, Foreign and Domestick." It would seem from perusing its columns that its principal object was to criticize the governor and his government, and to find fault with Bradford's "Ga- zette." The earliest number we have seen is No. 7, December 17, 1733. After the death of its founder in 1749, it was con- tinued by his widow and by his son John until 1751, when it ceased entirely. When the paper was started the price of sub- scription was "3 shillings per quarter." Advertisements were "3 shillings for the first week and 1 shilling for every week after." There were four pages. The opening of Number 7 finds fault with the "Gazette." Then follows affidavits of Will- iam Ligget, of Boston, aged 22, and John Gardener, aged 28, in relation to an attack on Louisburgh. A brief advertisement announces : "To be Sold, a lot of Land between Mr. Gomez and Mr. John Blake. Inquire of Christopher Bancker."
The issue of December 24, 1733, has a small map of the harbor of Louisburgh. This, we believe, is the second illustra-
.
Numb. XVII.
THE
New - York Weekly JOURNAL
Containing the frefbeft Advices, Foreign, and Domeftick.
MUNDAT February 25, 1733.
Mr. Zenger ; . no Complement ; he who is affronted at the As. Libaling feems at Prefent the Topick, reading of the Ten Commandments would that is canvuffed both at Court and a- make the Decalogue. a Libel, if he durft,
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tion that ever appeared in a New York paper. There is also an advertisement for "A Lost Monkey," evidently satirical and meaning something very different from what appears on the face.
"March 11, 1733-4. This is to give Notice that George Brownell continues his School at the House where he now lives, in Broad Street."
The locality where this newspaper first started was prob- ably on the south side of Stone street, a little east of White- hall. On March 11, 1733-4 appears: "The Printer hereof in- tends to remove to Broad street near the upper end of the Long Bridge."
"July 22, 1734. To be Sold by Peter Lynch, near Mr. Rutgers Brew House, very good Orange Butter, it is excellent for Gentlewomen to comb up their hair with, it also cures Chil- drens Sore Heads."
Mr. " Rutgers Brew House" was on the corner of Maiden Lane and Cliff street. It would seem as if "very good Orange Butter" might be used for better purposes than those men- tioned.
"To be Sold, the House and Lot of John Symense in the Broadway, in New York. The House is as good as new, and has very good stone walls, there is a fine Kitchen, a grass plot, Wood yard and several Fruit trees and other Conveniences."
The following is the first dental advertisement that occurs :
"Jany 16, 1735. Teeth drawn, and old broken Stumps taken out very safely and with much Ease, by James Mills, who was instructed in the Art by the late James Reading, deceased, so famed for the drawing of Teeth. He is to be spoke with at his Shop in the House of the deceased near the Old Slip Mar- ket."
"May 13, 1734. The Printer hereof is removed to Broad street near the upper end of the Long Bridge."
On February 4, 1750-1, the paper appears as "Printed and
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Sold by John Zenger, at the Printing Office in Stone Street near Fort George."
On July 15, 1751, the following advertisement appeared in the "Post Boy :"
"Mr. John Zenger, Printer in this city, being lately de- ceased and leaving no Person qualified to carry on his Business, This is to give Notice that the Printing Press and Materials lately occupied by him, will be exposed to Sale at publick Ven- due, on Tuesday the 30th of this Instant July, at the Dwelling House of the Deceased. The Press is esteemed a good one, and much of the large Letter in good order."
Such was the end of the second newspaper in New York.
The "New York Weekly Post Boy" was a great improve- ment in comparison with its predecessors. The first number ap- peared January 4, 1742-3. It was at first four pages, but was enlarged at a later date. The first number in the collection of the New York Historical Society is No. 30, and dated July 25, 1743. It contains "News from London and different Countries of Europe." The interesting information is given that "The whole number of vessels that entered and cleared from New York during the past week were 1 ship to Fial [Favall], 2 brigs and 11 sloops."
The following is the first advertisement of a book that we have noticed :
"Just Published and to be sold by the Printer hereof, "THE SINCERE CONVERT, discovering the small number of True Be- lievers -- By Thomas Shephard."
"The New Printing Office is removed from Hanover Square to Hunter's Key about midway between the Old Slip and Meal Market. Also to be sold at the same Place, Bibles, Testaments, Psalters and Primers. Mason's Hymns or Penitential Cries, Watts Hymns and Psalms, Alliens Alarm, Choice English Parch- ment Writing Paper, Ink and Pens."
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