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 29
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The Board of Education adopted resolutions of respect and recom- mended that the day of his funeral, between the hours of 10 and 11 A.M., be observed by such memorial services and appropriate exercises as the trustees and principals might provide. The Board of Education attended his funeral at Calvary Protestant Episcopal Church in a body, and many of the schools were represented by children with floral offerings, that were affectionately placed upon the coffin by them.
At the memorial meeting of the bar William M. Evarts concluded his address as follows : " From Homer's times until now, cheers and feasts in a life, tears and funeral trains after their death, are all that human nature can furnish as testimony of its regard. And tho-e who have attended the genial course of Mr. Gerard until death struck him at last, and theu at the touching scene at the funeral, will see that he has missed no form of popular affection and regard."
473
POLITICAL FEELINGS AROUSED.
invited to attend. The meeting was well atttended and was regarded with satisfaction.
In the evening Handel's Oratorio of the Creation was given in Dr. Romeyn's church, in Cedar street, by the Handelian Society of New York, with the assistance of the Euterpean and St. Cecilia Societies. It was requested that all carriages and sleighs enter Cedar street from Broadway in going to the church, and after the performance to enter Cedar street from William street, and in leaving the church to drive toward Broadway.
When the terms of the treaty were before the people the Federalists began to rejoice and boast that the war had been a failure and was now proved to have been needless ; that nothing had been gained by it ; that none of the objects for which it had been commenced had been obtained ; that the questions in dispute between the two countries had not been mentioned in the treaty ; that the only concession by Great Britain was to return to the United States the territory which she had taken possession of in the war.
Much dissatisfaction was now expressed because the Common Council appointed the 22d February as the day for the celebration. It was on that anni- versary that the Federalists always celebrated, and the Washington Benevolent Society had appointed, as usual, a dinner for that day without knowing the terms of the treaty. Many refused to honor that day in celebrating the peace. On the other hand, many were determined to celebrate it on that day. Popular feeling was so strong against the
474
CELEBRATION POSTPONED.
day that the Common Council was glad of an excuse for postponement. It had been designated by them as an appropriate day without any knowl- edge of the terms of the treaty or any thought of awakening partisan feeling.
The fore part of the 22d was stormy. The com- mittee of arrangements issued a notice at one o'clock on the 22d, which was published in some of the afternoon papers, "that in consequence of the severity of the storm it is impossible to exhibit the fireworks at the Bowling Green, or any of the transparencies intended to be placed in front of the City Hall this evening without having them imme- diately destroyed. They therefore, respectfully request that all illuminations intended for this even- ing be suspended, and inform them that the public exhibition will take place on Monday evening next, if the weather will permit, of which due notice will be given by the ringing of the bells at eight o'clock in the morning."
The Protestant Episcopal churches in the city held service at the usual hour of morning prayer in accordance with the recommendation of the Com- mon Council on the 22d.
In consequence of the storm the Washington Benevolent Society dispensed with their usual street parade on that anniversary. They assembled at Washington Hall at nine o'clock. The band played Washington's March. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Rowan, and at ten o'clock the society proceeded in the usual manner to instal its officers. First Vice- President Zachariah Lewis delivered an extempora-
475
WASHINGTON SOCIETY DINNER.
neous address to the audience. The oration was by Henry S. Dodge, Esq.
The reading of Washington's Farewell Address was omitted, because of the length of the proceed- ings.
The music was by the Macedonian band.
The members of the Hamilton Society were invited to attend. The wearing of their badge was sufficient to admit them to the hall.
The officers installed were elected on February 1st for the ensuing year, as follows : Isaac Sebring, president ; Zachariah Lewis, first vice-president ; David B. Ogden, second vice-president ; Leonard Fisher, treasurer; James B. Murray, secretary ; Anthony Woodward, assistant secretary ; John P. Groshon, John Baker, Charles Stewart and Lewis Hartman, standing committee ; Isaac M. Ely and Robert Sedgwick, counsellors ; William Stillwell and Casper W. Eddy, physicians.
In the afternoon the storm cleared away and some Federalists issued a burlesque notice contra to that of the Common Council, that the storm had been postponed and the il umination would take place.
It was of great satisfaction to some that the storm was so severe that it prevented the usual street parade of the Washington Benevolent Society.
The dinner took place at three o'clock and was well attended. Gen. Matthew Clarkson presided, supported by Amasa Jackson and William Hender- son, Esqs., as vice-presidents.
The following toasts were drunk :
1. Peace-In the enjoyment of its blessings may
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WASHINGTON SOCIETY TOASTS.
the American people never forget the sufferings and privations of war.
2. The Memory of Washington-Revered by the just, honored by the brave and consecrated in the affections of every friend to his country.
3. The Navy-It has enlightened its opposers in the blaze of its glory.
4. The Army-It has torn laurels from the brows of conquerors.
5. The Memory of Hamilton-The gallant soldier, the profound statesman, the incorruptible patriot.
6. The President of the United States.
7. The Governor of the State of New York.
8. Perry and Macdonough-The heroes of the lakes, by their gallantry they conquered, by their humanity they triumphed.
9 The Treaty-The seal of peace, may its dura- tion be commensurate with its price.
10. Commerce-We hail the return of the " Golden days of its prosperity."
11. The People of America-Faithful to them- selves, formidable to invaders.
12. The Nations of the World Relieved From An- archy and Tyranny-May they long enjoy the bless- ings of national liberty.
13. General Jackson-The defender of the South. his wisdom in council and energy in action have erected to American valor an imperishable monu- ment of fame.
VOLUNTEER TOASTS.
By General Clarkson-The people of America and Great Britain, may they learn to know and to love
WASHINGTON SOCIETY TOASTS.
each other and henceforth strive to multiply the blessings and not the miseries of mankind.
By His Honor the Mayor-As little political con- nection and as much beneficial commerce as possible with foreign nations the true policy of America.
By Rev. Dr. Mason-The two late belligerents ; no more family quarrels.
By Amasa Jackson, Esq. (after the Mayor had retired)-The Mayor of the City of New York.
By William Henderson, Esq .- The seamen of the United States, freed from the bonds of the restrict- ive system of visionary statesmen ; may they never be fettered again by non-intercourse, embargo, or enforcing laws.
By Isaac Sebring, Esq .- Our Navy ; may the can- non of Independence soon proclaim to the barbari- ans of Algiers the watchword of our Constitu- tion, " Millions for defence, not a cent for tribute."
By Mr. Brinkerhoff (after the President had re- tired)-Our worthy President, General Clarkson, the distinguished merchant and the accomplished gen- tleman.
The toasts were interspersed by music rendered by the band of the Macedonian.
The Columbian of the 23d gives the following ac- count of that day and evening :
"The illumination intended for last evening was postponed until Monday next by the committee of arrangements on account of the snowstorm, which prevented the completion of the preparations for transparencies and fireworks making by order of the Common Council. At sunset, however, the storm
478
CITY CELEBRATION POSTPONED.
(according to a handbill issued on the occasion) was postponed until Monday on account of the celebra- tion ; and a pleasant evening and the readiness and desire of the citizens generally to enjoy and finish the scene induced a commencement of the illumina- tion at seven o'clock, and the example was followed until nearly half the houses in the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Wards were brightened with a lustre that almost eclipsed the flood of light from the unclouded rays of the full-orbed moon. Much taste, labor and genius were displayed in dif- ferent streets, but we have not the means and will not attempt to give a particular account of all that attracted attention.
"Transparencies, emblematic devices, inscrip tions and mottoes, pacific, sentimental, amicable, commercial and patriotic, were exhibited in differ- ent places, the most conspicuous of which were at the theatre, Washington Hall, Coleman's, Hodgkin- son's and Wells' taverns, at Parkhurst's, the den- tist, in Liberty street, whose front was covered with the effusions of genius; Crochran's, carver and gilder, in Maiden Lane ; Bloodgood & Lawrence's livery stable in John street ; Childs, the painter, in Water street, and perhaps some others not recollected. Turcot, the upholsterer, displayed the most elegance and taste of a private family. Some large and high buildings glittered both in front and rear, and sev- eral uniform ranges made a splendid and beautiful appearance.
"The streets were thronged with people, a great, number from the country, and the evening closed
479
SUBURBS CELEBRATE.
in general good humor without material accident or disturbance."
The celebration in the outer suburbs had previ- ously taken place.
Jersey City was splendidly illuminated on the evening of the 20th, and a federal salute fired from field pieces.
Brooklyn was handsomely illuminated on the evening of the 21st, as also Governor's Island and around to Williamsburg. The houses on Brooklyn Heights exhibited a romantic and picturesque ap- pearance, and a row of bonfires on Governor's Isl- and, with music from the garrison and rockets from Castle Williams, had a pleasing effect.
Hoboken was also handsomely illuminated on the 21st.
The Favorite sailed from New York for Ports- mouth, England, about one o'clock A.M. on the 23d with the ratified treaty.
The news of the ratification of the treaty was conveyed to Governor Tompkins, which he received on 19th February, in the evening. He immediately directed that an order be issued to the men under his command, which was accordingly done on the morning of February 20th, as follows :
" ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, MILITARY DISTRICT, "NEW YORK, 20th Feby, 1815.
" General Orders.
"The commanding General has the honor to an- nounce to the troops of the 3d Military District that a treaty of Peace between the U. S. of America and
480
MILITARY CELEBRATION.
Great Britain was ratified at Washington on the 17th inst.
"In consequence of this important event the troops will parade on the 25th inst. at 11 o'clock, and a national salute will be fired, to commence at 12 o'clock, from Governor's Island, and followed in succession from Bedlow's, the West Battery, Fort Richmond, Fort Diamond, Fort Green, Fort Stevens, and the lines at Harlem. When the firing ceases at the Narrows the salute will commence at Fort Gates, Sandy Hook.
"The salutes from the Forts will be followed by a feu dejoie from the infantry under arms. An ex- tra ration of liquor will be issued to the troop to drink the glorious termination of an honorable war.
"By command, " THOS. CHRYSTIE, " Asnt. Adj .- Gen."
Garrison orders were issued accordingly. The following is a copy of the order issued by the gar- rison on Governor's Island, which was regarded as the most important and leading military quarters of the regular United States army in the Third Military District :
" Garrison Orders.
"FORT COLUMBUS, Feby 25, 1815.
"This day being appointed by the commanding general of the Third Military District for the cele- bration of the glorious termination of the war, the day will be passed by the troops of this garrison who are not on duty in festivity and rejoicing, and in the evening an illumination of the officers'
481
GOVERNOR TOMPKINS' ADDRESS.
quarters and barracks occupied by the troops and the guard house will take place, to commence at dusk and to continue until nine o'clock, when the lights will be extinguished.
"The joy which every patriotic heart must feel on this occasion, it is hoped, will be tempered with decorum and sobriety. The officer of the day will be particularly attentive in preventing any accident by fire in consequence of the illumination.
"At half past 7 o'clock in the evening 18 rockets will be discharged from the Castle under the direc- tion of the Artillery Quarter Master.
"By order."
Governor Tompkins issued the following order to the militia of the State :
"STATE OF NEW YORK. "General Orders.
" HEAD QUARTERS, ALBANY, 22 February, 1815.
" The Commander in chief announces, with the most heartfelt satisfaction, to the militia of the State of New York, the ratification of a treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain. In congratulating them on this auspicious event he cannot withold an expression of his praise and grati- tude, for the promptitude and fidelity with which they have on all occasions obeyed those various calls of service in defence of the State, which its safety compelled him to make. While he applauds their soldier-like deportment in arms and their forti- tude, which they have evinced under the suffer- ings and privations of war, he cannot but hope
482
GREAT CELEBRATION EXPECTED.
that the accomplishment of an honorable peace, the smiles of an approving conscience and the gratitude of a virtuous and patriotic people will be regarded by them as an ample reward for their many sacrifices.
" The Commander in chief is especially charged by the President of the United States to convey to the Militia of this State his thanks for the patrio- tism, zeal and perseverance so eminently displayed by them in defence of the rights of their country.
"By Order of the Commander in chief.
"SOLO. VAN RENSSELAER, " Adjutant General."
Commodore Decatur, at Bermuda, on February 3d received a parole for his return to the United States. He arrived at New London on 22d Feb- ruary on British frigate Narcissus in fourteen days from Bermuda, and then learned of the treaty of peace.
Robert Fulton's funeral took place in New York on February 25th.
The enthusiasm for a great celebration had reached a very high degree, and it was claimed that it was much better to have the time extended so that individuals as well as the city authorities could show their feelings and make more extensive prepa- tions for it than could be possible in a few days. The postponement until the 27th was welcomed by all, and elaborate preparations were designed for the occasion.
CHAPTER LIV.
City Celebration of Peace-Public and Private Illuminations-Grand Display of Fireworks-Statements of Eye Witnesses-Trans- parencies Emblematic, Allegorical and Patriotic-Those at City Hall-Fireworks at the Government House-Transparencies and Paintings Upon All Kinds of Buildings, Public and Private.
N Monday, the 27th, early in the morning, the weather prospects seeming favorable, the church bells rang the signal at eight o'clock to prepare for the celebration in the evening as had been announced.
There was considerable snow on the ground, but the weather had so moderated by noon that it was not cold. A thaw had made the streets sloppy and wet, and they might be icy in the evening.
The Committee of Arrangements issued the fol- lowing order in the forenoon :
"To render the walking as comfortable as possi- ble to the citizens who may be disposed to view the exhibition of the evening, it is requested that early and punctual attention be observed in clearing of the walks and gutters. And, also, to give as much brilliancy as possible to the fireworks, it is re- quested that the lights in the neighborhood of the
484
TRANSPARENCIES ON CITY HALL.
Government House be extinguished about nine o'clock."
The transparencies were placed in position during the afternoon, and preparations were completed for illuminating windows by wax candles. As the darkness of evening approached and seven o'clock drew near, the inhabitants stood ready with wax tapers in hand (there were no friction matches in those days) to begin the illumination when the signal was given. At seven o'clock precisely three guns were alternately fired at Battery Park and at the State arsenal, corner White and Elm streets, by a detachment from Second Regiment under Major Hunter, and three rockets were sent up, and the illumination commenced.
The celebration was confined to illuminations and transparencies until nine o'clock.
Those at City Hall, from every point of view, were the most conspicuous. From Chatham street you saw a transparency of the American eagle proudly bearing in one talon the thunderbolts of war, in the other the olive branch of peace. A similar transparency was seen as you approached the building from Murray street. In the front each wing was adorned by a large transparency : one repre- senting Columbia and Britannia uniting their hands in friendship, behind them the colors of the two nations crossed in peace, and borne by the seamen of the respective countries, holding a scroll con- jointly, with the following inscription : "Rejoice ! Rejoice ! ! Rejoice ! ! ! Bury in oblivion all past ani- mosities, and as citizens of the world at large let
.
485
TRANSPARENCIES ON CITY HALL.
concord be the universal sentiment." Above was seen the dove descending with the olive branch from a bright sky, while clouds rolled away from the harbinger of peace. On the other wing was a representation of the Temple of Concord, at the portal of which stood Minerva, who received Litera- ture and the Arts, pointing to the Temple, in which stood the figure of Fame, in her hand a trumpet, from which was suspended a scroll with the motto : "Peace ! Peace ! ! Peace ! ! ! With Commerce un- fettered, Industry encouraged, and the Arts revived -may both nations be ever prosperous." Behind was a sailor waving the flag of the United States over bales and barrels of merchandise. Each of these pictures was surmounted by smaller pictures, indicative of agriculture and art.
The body of the building was adorned by a very large transparency, in the center of which appeared the genius of America crowned with laurels, seated on clouds and resting on the globe ; in her right hand she displayed the signal of peace, with her left she pointed to the words "United States" on the globe ; behind her is thrown the trophies of war ; her sword, shield and helmet are beside her. At the lifting of the olive branch the god of commerce, Mercury, springs forward to visit foreign climes. The genius of Plenty pours from the cornucopia riches and abundance at the feet of America. On the highest part of the centre of the hall was an elegant transparency representing the city coat-of- arms.
The whole of these paintings were executed by
486
FIREWORKS AT
Messrs. Holland, Smith, Robertson and Dunlap in five days, and were ready at noon on the 22d.
The Columbian said of it : "The City Hall pre- sented a complete fabric of paintings and illumina- tion, and appeared a perfect edifice of living light from the foundation to the roof of the cupolas, the revolving lamps having a beautiful effect, and the whole seeming more like the magical palace of an Eastern romance than the real production of the mechanical and fine arts. The figures and devices of the transparencies were classical, patriotic, sig- nificant and appropriate."
There were no fireworks at City Hall.
Government House, at foot of Broadway, opposite Bowling Green. In front was a stage one hundred feet long, the rear representing the Temple of Peace, on the cornices of which were seven trans- parencies, with mottoes : Union, Hope, Charity, Am- ity, Commerce, Peace, Huzza ! Huzza ! Huzza ! The temple was one hundred feet front and thirty feet high, representing a perspective view, in the centre of which was the Seat of Peace, composed of four large brilliant columns, entwined with garlands and . gildings, on the top of which were four vases, hand- somely gilt, and full of garlands of flowers. In the centre of the Seat of Peace was seen the motto "Temple of Peace," with two branches of olive fastened together. On the top was placed the figure of Fame, holding in one hand a trumpet, with the motto "Peace," and bearing with the other a branch of olive, with the motto "Happy News ; " under its feet an eagle, holding a branch of olive encircled
487
GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
with a trophy in his beak, with two garlands of roses without thorns.
The stage was surrounded by forty columns, four feet high, in which was placed a balustrade in fire- works, consisting of pieces, when set on fire, repre- sented the following : The first one set on fire was at nine o'clock, and showed the motto, " 17th Febru- ary-Peace-1815," encircled with a glory in fire- works of twenty feet diameter.
On the balustrade of the Temple, 120 feet in length and ten feet in height, appeared the following al- legorical representations, and were set off in turn :
The Joy of the Two Nations.
Two Caprices.
Two stands of colors brilliantly illuminated.
Ladies' Fancy.
Drum of Peace ; or, The Recall of the Army.
Caduceus of Mercury.
Rose of Cincinnati.
Wheel of Commerce. Two wheels meeting. Whirlwind over. The Two Nations.
Blessings of Peace. A country. mill-wheel moving.
A cornet. A fixed sun. A screw revolving. Wishes Accomplished. Medal of merit. Horizontal sun. Brilliant sun.
488
FIREWORKS.
Wheel representing letter A.
The Hemisphere in Joy.
Egyptian pyramid.
Chinese umbrella.
Joyful.
The Stars of America.
Double sun.
Death and Life.
The English bouquet.
The American bouquet.
The Wheel of Fortune.
The Strength of Amity.
Feu de joie.
The whole was concluded by the illumination of the Temple of Peace, composed of more than four thousand brilliant lights.
Rockets were constantly flying during this ex- hibition.
These works were got up under the superintend- ence of Mr. Delacroix, of Vauxhall Garden, who, it was said, on that night exceeded all his former ex- hibitions.
Sky rockets were sent up from Bowling Green at short intervals from seven o'clock until ten o'clock.
There were no other fireworks in any other part of the city.
The windows of the houses and buildings were illuminated by a lighted wax candle at each glass that could be seen from the street.
It should be remembered that at that time Tam- many Hall was kept as a hotel by Martling & Coz- zens, and that Washington Hall was a hotel kept
.
489
TAMMANY HALL.
by P. McIntyre. The name of each hotel was de- rived from the society that had its meetings in the assembly rooms of the hotel.
Washington Hall was handsomely illuminated and adorned with the transparency annually ex- hil ited on front of the building on 22d February.
This was a permanent transparent picture ex- hibited in front of Washington Hall on the 22d, and it was left and used on the 27th. It had two side pieces : one on the north was a female figure with the olive branch and trumpet ; on the south Mercury returning to Columbia.
Tammany Hall. Many large and beautiful trans- parencies. The heroic figure of Columbia advanc- ing from between History and Fame, in the act of bidding farewell to Mars, who, having deposited at her feet the colors and shield of America, is just mounting his chariot, at which the goddess Bel- lona presides as charioteer, impatient to be gone where her services may be wanted. Two cupids amusing themselves with the colors and shield, when the eagle alights and joins in their gambols. A genii surmounts Columbia, bearing the olive and a crown of laurels, indicative of peace and glory ; Neptune, leaving his element to survey the group, being pleased with the present order of things. The whole riding on the clouds in the face of the rising sun, as an emblem of the growing prosperity of our country. Over the large picture a small one, representing an angel giving to the American eagle the olive branch, and bearing a trumpet, upon which was a scroll with the motto:
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OTHER PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
" America, it is enough ! The laurels thou hast gained Have immortalized thy name."
Park Theatre was decorated inside with the flags of various nations. The front of the building was brilliantly illuminated and an emblematic trans- parency descriptive of the meeting of Columbia and Britannia.
One of the three plays on that evening was "The Festival of Peace ; or, Commerce Restored," writ- ten by a gentleman of this city.
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