USA > New York > New York directory for 1786, > Part 9
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As the proprietors have supplied the roads with fresh re- lieves of horses, and placed a number of new waggons, at proper distances, to prevent accidents; and also, regulated the stage houses on the roads, so as to prevent unnecessary
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FOR THE YEAR 1786.
and unequal expence to passengers; they flatter themselves that the safe, easy, expeditious and cheap methods of trav- elling, will undoubtedly engage the attention and approba- tion of the public.
The proprietors will not be answerable for baggage when the owners are with it.
The waggons will continue their usual rout until the first of May. The public are requested to take notice that no letters can be conveyed in the waggon, independent of the mail, as the contract made with the Post-Master-General for carrying the mail will not admit of it.
Found in the Street one dozen of stockings, the owner will apply to the printer of the Daily Advertiser.
11th
People talk about cash being scarce and credit low. When two acquaintances meet they naturally ask each other "what news" and they both as naturally answer "none-there's no news stirring our way, except the damned scarcity of money." Now how in the devil's name, as he is synonimous with money, can this be news ? What every one has in his mouth cannot be news.
The Regents of the University are requested to meet this day at Columbia College at 11 o'clock A. M. and proceed from there to St. Paul's church to attend the public commence- ment.
12th
After a long night of darkness and confusion, America, like anotlier Phoenix, rising out of the flames, begins to im- merge from the anarchy attending a tedious war. The seats of learning are again renewed, genius seeks her favorite re- treats, science and industry prompt to improvement, and our sons and daughters, from the schools come accomplished into society, useful to themselves and beneficial to their fellow citzens.
These reflections were suggested, and considerably height- ened, by seeing the first commencement of Columbia College, which was held in St. Paul's Church, yesterday. The most respectable and numerous assemblage of Ladies and Gentle- men that we recollect for a long time were present on this occasion. About 12 o'clock, a grand procession set out from the College, and went to St. Paul's Church, where the Rev.
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ANNALS OF NEW YORK CITY
Mr. Provost opened the business of the day, by a prayer suited to the occasion.
Mr. De Witt Clinton then spoke a salutatory oration in Latin-De utilitate et necessitate studiorum Artium liberalium.
Mr. Philip H. Livingston, on the Importance of Commerce. Mr. George Livingston, on the Usefulness and Necessity of the Knowledge of the Laws of our Country.
Mr. Abraham Hun, on the question, Whether a Nation bent upon Conquest, is acting on the principle of natural jus- tice and prudence.
Mr. John Basset, on the Descent, Depredations and Inde- pendency of the Algerines.
Mr. Peter Steddiford, on National Prejudices.
Mr. Samuel Smith, on Patriotism.
When the above gentlemen together with Mr. Francis Syl- vester, who spoke the valedictory Oration, with a dissertation on the Passions, received certificates of their degrees.
James Saidler at No 34 Queen Street, has commenced the business of Insurance Broker. He also offers his services in buying and selling all kinds of goods on commission.
The St. Andrew's Society being anxious that such persons as are entitled to their charity, may derive every benefit re- sulting from the Institution, give public notice to those who are, or hereafter may be in sickness, that on application to the assistants, Messrs. Samuel Kerr, William Shedden, David Mitchelson, Hugh Henderson, Thomas Lawrence and James Saidler, or either of them. The physician of the Society Doctor Tillary, will be authorized to give such medical help as may be necessary. Rob. Lenox, Secr'y.
13th
On Tuesday last, was held the first commencement of Columbia College, and the public, with equal surprise and pleasure, received the first fruits of reviving learning, after a lamented interval of many years.
The Hon. the Congress and both Houses of the Legislature suspended the public business, to support the interests of Education by their countenance, and grace the ceremony by their august presence. The procession moved from the Col- lege hall about half an hour after eleven in the forenoon in the following order
The Scholars of the College Grammar School, according to their classes.
The Students of the College, according to their classes.
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FOR THE YEAR 1786.
The Professors of the University. His Excellency the Governor. The Hon. the Senate. The Hon. the Assembly. The Regents of the University. * *
Mr. Clinton finished his Latin oration, with a polite and well adapted salutation in the same language, to the members of Congress, the Legislature, the Regents and Professors, and to the Public at large. The graduates received the degree of Batchelor of Arts from the hands of the Rev. Mr. Gross, Pro- fessor of Geography, who was appointed to deliver them.
The Races to be run on Staten Island on the 3d of May next, will be the best three two mile heats, near the Rose and Crown. The entrance money to be run for the day fol- lowing.
14th
A few days ago, Mr. Law, who has taught vocal music with great reputation in various parts of America, received a polite request from the Trustees of the College, that he, with his School, would perform some pieces of music at the public commencement. Most of the Gentlemen and Ladies had consented ; several pieces of music were prepared, and par- ticularly an Ode to Science composed for the occasion. But it seems that some people interfered and used their influence to prevent some principal performers from attending ; and thus the plan was defeated.
A young Man wants a place, who can speak French, Eng- lish German and Dutch, and who besides understands hair dressing, in the newest style, and shaving.
Mr. Micheaux, Botanist to His Most Christian Majesty, having purchased a lot of ground at Wehocken, near the Three Pidgeons, is erecting a garden there, which for mag- nificence &c. will exceed anything of the kind in America. In it will be introduced many exotic and domestic botanical curiosities.
At the request of some gentlemen Mr. Webster will repeat his course of lectures.
15th
The principal part of the proprietors of Wall, as well as Queen and Water streets request the Corporation to order all sea going vessels out of Wall Street Slip, except the coasters
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ANNALS OF NEW YORK CITY
and wood boats. They want the same privileges of other slips, after being deprived of them for twenty years.
Duplessix and Mechtlen, French musicians, teach music, the harpischord, German flute and clarinet. They lodge at Mr. Nestie's, Chatham Street No 65, where they are to be found every morning till 12 o'clock.
To be sold, the house and lot No 43 on the east side of Gold Street, next door to Medcef Eden's, and opposite the Ana- baptist Church, apply on the premises to Albert Smith.
Nicholas Low at 116 Wall Street has to sell, Looking-glasses from London, Carolina Indigo, Glass Ware, French Brandy, Rum and best James River Tobacco.
Jacob Le Roy & Sons, No 31 Maiden Lane have Linseed Oil in casks, Russia Duck, Teas, Ironmongery etc for sale.
To be let an elegant house two miles out of town on the Bowery Road, formerly in possession of Mr. Seton. Enquire on the premises of William Smith.
17th
Yesterday arrived the French packet Courier l'Orient, Capt. Coetnemprem in 60 days from l'Orient. And the ship Ann, Capt. Stevens, from Liverpool in 40 days.
Theatre this evening. The Provoked Husband and the Poor Soldier.
For Savannah, the brigantine Rock-a-hock, Cornelius Schermerhorn, master, for freight apply to Peter Schermer- horn No 73 Water Street opposite the Crane Wharf.
To be sold a lot of ground between Beaver street and Mar- ketfield street (or Petticoat Lane), and opposite the Elipsis.
Sleght & Van Wyck dissolve partnership, accounts settled at their store No 9 Albany Pier.
To be sold, the well known stand at King's Bridge, in pos- session of Joseph Crook, 15 acres and a stone house.
18th
By a gentleman from Sandy Hook, we are informed that . the British packet, Speedwell, from Falmouth, arrived there yesterday, with Mr. Anstey a commissioner from the Court of London, who is to settle the claims of Loyalists here, and then proceed to Canada.
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FOR THE YEAR 1786.
To be sold, the lot and store 76 Water Street the property of John Gilbert, senior, located between Peck's and Beek- man's slips-Also that elegant dwelling house No 17 Wall street belonging to the estate of Samuel Van Horne, deceased, now occupied by Mrs. Banks, it is built of brick three stories high- The house and lot on the east side of the Broadway, near the Oswego Market, occupied by John Tier-Three houses in Elizabeth Street, near Bunker's Hill.
19th
Augustus Nicoll, No 14 New Dock street near the Ferry Stairs, has imported an assortment of glass and earthen ware from Liverpool.
Theatre this evening. She Stoops to Conquer and Rosina, or the Reapers.
Robert Montgomery, clock and watch maker No 33 Wall Street opposite the Coffee House Bridge.
20th
The co-partnership of Alexander Robertson & Co. is dissolved the business is carried on by the firm of Robertson, Smith & Co. who have removed from 12 Hanover Square, to No 52 Smith Street where they expect a new assortment of Dry Goods.
Jolın Nitchie. carries on his manufactory of Poland Starch and Hair Powder, at No 7 Garden Street nearly opposite the Old Dutch Church.
John and L. Bleecker, have removed their office to 186 Water Street between the Coffee House and Fly Market, where they continue to sell and buy paper securities as usual.
William Backhouse & Co. No 163 Water Street, lave for sale Northern Beaver, Timber, Salt, Coals, Pins and Needles, Boots and Shoes, Madeira, Malaga and Sherry Wines.
M. Rogers, at the sign of the golden Padlock and Key, between Burling and Beekman slips, has for sale German Steel, Ironmongery, Pewter ware, Whalebone &c.
21st
If we were to judge by our rents, this city was never in a more flourishing condition. A hut, a stall, a chamber, which once was scarcely inhabited, now lets for a handsome sum of
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ANNALS OF NEW YORK CITY
money, every shop, store, and house are in the same propor- tion. When every thing else is declining rapidly to its former level, the landlords are exacting the last farthing from dis- tressed tenants. Houses are even left vacant because their owners will not consent to a diminution of ther demands, proportioned to the reduction of other articles. This is one of the difficulties which ought to have redress, that honest industry may not suffer, to indulge these insatiable leeches, who fatten and are bloated by the blood of the honest me- clianic, and hard working labourer.
Let any person show a single reason why these things are thus. If a single case were submitted to a jury, and rested upon the real value of the rent, it would be soon on a differ- ent footing. The highest price for a house ever known be- fore the war, was one hundred pounds except under some extraordinary circumstances, but many at this moment let from eighty to a hundred and fifty pounds, per annum, and the smaller tenements in proportion. This is one among the number of causes which must ruin the city, by inhancing the price of labor, and by fixing a standard to support the extrav- agance of the present hour, and it must be reduced within a more reasonable compass if we mean to subsist as a people.
22d
Stolen from the barn of Hugh Gaine, near Turtle Bay, about five miles from New York, a dark bay horse, who paces and trots.
Wants a place, a young woman from England who is used to wait on a lady, dress hair, wash gauze, silk stockings &c. or take care of children.
24th
We are informed of an unfortunate encounter that took place on Friday afternoon last, (April 21), about 6 o'clock, behind the Hospital, between Mr. Samuel Curson, merchant of this city, and Mr. Burling, a gentleman from Baltimore. They were accompanied by two of their friends (as seconds) Mr. Farquhar, and Major Fairlie ; the distance agreed upon was only four paces ; Mr. C. requested his antagonist to fire first -this he did ; and Mr. C. fell on the spot, having received a wound near the groin, which is pronounced mortal. Cir- cumstances which led to this desperate decision, probably are reported erroneously, and exaggerated by the friends of either party, and in the relation are not material-the event is suf- ficiently distressing.
129
FOR THE YEAR 1786.
It seems Mr. Burling for some supposed injuries done his family by Mr. Curson, had pursued him to the West Indies, to London, and from thence back to the continent again, and lately arrived in this city, where he obtained that revenge which he had so indefatigably sought. On arriving at the destined spot, they took their distance at ten paces, when Mr. B. desired Mr. C. to fire, but he declined, saying " he had done him no injury, and he did not wish to shed his blood." After some altercation between the parties, Mr. B. fired and lodged the contents of his pistol in his antagonist's groin, which is pronounced mortal.
Theatre this evening. The Constant Couple and Midas.
Daniel Tucker & Co have for sale Barbadoes and St. Kitts Rum.
25th
We are happy to assure the public that our information of yesterday respecting the circumstances of the recounter be- tween Mr. Curson and Mr. Burling are not altogether founded in fact. We have it from anthority that no gentlemen ac- companied them as seconds; but such as were present, went out with a determination to prevent if possible, the disagree- able consequences which resulted from the unfortunate differ- ence between them, but without effect. With respect to the distance the gentlemen stood from each other we were also misinformed ; instead of only four paces, it was ten.
The Bank of New York declares a dividend of 3 per cent on the capital stock for the period of six monthis.
William Thomas, No 241 Queen Street between Wall and King Streets imported groceries.
Henry Shrupp No 20 Smith Street, declining his present line of business will sell a great variety of household furniture, amongst which are Two ten plated Philadelphia stoves, one six plated ditto, one Franklin ditto, Beds, Bedsteads and Bedding Chairs and Tables, Seats and Tables suitable for a Porter Room.
26th
Died much regretted on Monday evening, the 24th inst. of a wound received last Friday in a duel with Mr. Burling, of Baltimore, Samuel Curson, Esq. of this city, a very respect- able citizen, and one of the most eminent merchants in the United States.
.
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ANNALS OF NEW YORK CITY
Theatre this evening. Clandestine Marriage and The Lyar.
For Charleston, S. C. the Mercury Packet, James Tinker, master, has excellent accomodations for passengers, and is intended for that trade only. For freight or passage apply to the Captain on board or to Robert J. Livingston, Wall Street No. 52.
27th
A number of the relatives of the deceased Samuel Curson, and a respectable concourse of citizens, last evening attended his funeral to Trinity Church yard, where the body was in- terred.
On Saturday evening (22d inst) was married, by the Rev. Mr. Moore, Mr. William Hill, an eminent merchant of this city, to Miss. Lætitia Carmer, daughter of Nicholas Carmer, of Maiden Lane.
Thomas Smitlı, boot and shoe maker has removed from his old shop to No 179, corner of Beekman or Chapel Street, in Queen Street.
Francis Panton, No 38 Wall Street, two doors above the Coffee House Bridge has imported a variety of fancy goods Scotch knit goods, canes, toilet articles, swords, boots slioes and Slippers etc etc.
Anchors made at Noble & Townsend's Anchory, of sterling refined iron to be sold by Solomon Townsend No 2. Burling Slip.
28th
Theatre this evening. Romeo and Juliet to which will be added a farce called Miss in her Teens.
The copartnership of Thomas and Hezekiah Ivers is dis- solved.
Died a few days ago at West Farms, Gabriel Leggett, Esq. a native of this country, aged 90. He was for a number of years one of the Aldermen of the Borough of West Chester. What is very singular there are 65 years difference between his oldest and youngest daughter.
131
FOR THE YEAR 1786.
29th
At the close of the poll on Thursday evening last (27th inst) it appears from a statement of the votes in the different wards, that the following gentlemen are elected to represent this city and county in the Assembly
R. C. Livingston, 552
Jolın Ray, .
308
William Malcom,
419
Wm. Denning,
290
Richard Varick, .
393
Evert Bancker,
274
Alex. Hamilton, .
332
David Brooks,
262
Nicholas Bayard,
312
The following treatise on Paper Money will be acceptable on account of its brevity. It is the production of a Dutch farmer.
Money is Money,-and Paper is Paper.
May 1st
Rain Water Cisterns made of the Albany pitch pine plank by Gilbert Giles, an ancient cistern maker, in Dover Street, No 2. near the Bank.
Noah Gardner, has removed to Queen Street No 28 where he continues Boot and Shoe Making.
2d
The destruction of a part of this city by fire in 1776, opened a door for improvement. Stimulated by the example of Lon- don, upon a similar occasion, the Corporation apply to the Legislature ; their requests are complied with ; two streets heretofore the abode of dirt and diseases are to be widened and thrown into one, a measure which would have contributed to the health and embellishment of the town. Some old women meet scold and exclaim against the profanity of ex- posing the dark recesses of Stone Street to public view, and suffering the garish sun to look in upon the hallowed mys- teries of Petticoat Lane : The magistrates are convinced ; they hang their heads ; they relinquish their scheme with as much rapidity as they embraced it. The widest and best situated street requires nothing but levelling and paving to be the most elegant in America ; an order is given for the purpose, is revoked and readopted ; building is suspended till the pendulum ceases to vibrate : some penurious citizens exclaim against the expence, it is determined to leave Broadway as it is, with one side some yards higher than the other and a pavement promising no entertainment either to man or horse.
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ANNALS OF NEW YORK CITY
Robert Stewart, tobacconist is removed from Hanover Square to No 7. in Water Street, next door to Samuel Lon- don's printing office.
The Sheriff's office is removed from Beekman Street, to No 36 Water Street, three doors from the Fly Market.
The Intelligence Office is removed to No 23 Wall Street, next door to Water Street.
Connor, Ladies Hair Dresser from London, No 217 Queen Street, nine doors from the corner of Maiden Lane. Cuts hair according to the London taste. He recommends to the Ladies his Artois Toupees being the inventor of them, can not be distinguished from the natural hair, price 4 dollars each ; fashionable dress silk cushions 4 shillings each ; combs and cushions for the back of the head 4 shillings. Ladies long braids two dollars and curls four shillings a pair. His balsamic lip salve of roses, keeps the lips from chapping and gives them a beautiful coral red, renders them smooth and soft and leaves a delightful odor one shilling per box, His ointment for destroying nits and vermin in the hair may be used with safety.
Shepard Kollock has removed the office of The N. Y. Gazetteer to 32 Maiden Lane.
Francis Child has published, to be continued weekly, The American Price Current, containing the market price of every commodity, duties, drawbacks, price of American stocks, marine list, ship news, sales at auction, premiums of insur- ance, exchange with Europe etc etc. The whole regulated by the assistance of several Brokers and Factors.
3d
Theatre this evening. Love in a Village and Miss in her Teens.
William S. Livingston has removed from No 52 in Wall Street, to the house in which Gabriel H. Ludlow formerly lived No 50 in Smith Street, fronting Garden Street, com- monly called the old Dutch Church Street.
Electric Machines of a new construction, exceedingly port- able and convenient, and which will operate in the most un- favorable state of the weather, made by Christopher Colles, at his Fig blue manufactory, the Lower battery.
133
FOR THE YEAR 1786.
He proposes to exhibit a variety of entertaining electrical experiments at his house on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Satur- days at 7 o'clock in the evening. Admittance two shillings.
4th
To be sold three and a half lots of ground in Reades Street forty years lease to run, on said lots is a dwelling house, one of the best spermeceti works, consisting of a large and spa- cious building, and utensils, under which is a very fine cel- lar, which will hold several hundred barrels, and is so constructed as to save any oyl that may leak apply to Manual Myers.
5th
Theatre this evening. The Constant Couple and Rosina or the Reapers.
To be sold, an elegant Phaeton, handsomely ornamented, never run, apply to Elsworth's Livery Stables in Maiden Lane.
Doctor Mcknight is removed from Maiden Lane to No 17 Great Dock Street.
6th
To be let a three story house in Water Street No 135 four doors east of Peck Slip, also a large store on the Dock, back of the house, where a vessel may load or discharge, likewise a back house with three rooms, all with fire places, enquire at the said house of Joseph Rose.
Yesterday the legislature adjourned to meet again in Janu- ary next.
8th
Last Tuesday morning (May 2d) died at her house in William Street, Mrs Anna Maria Schuiler, widow of Dirck Schuiler, aged 86 years ; and was on Thursday interred in the family vault in the new Dutch Church yard. She left no children to mourn her departure.
In the Supreme Court, on Saturday last the following judge- ments were given, John McDermott convicted of burglary and larceny to be hanged on the second of June next. Mary Roe, John Smith and Thomas Roebuck for petit larceny to be whipped 39 lashes at the public whipping post, between the hours of 9 and 12 o'clock. David Dickson Hinds convicted of
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ANNALS OF NEW YORK CITY
obtaining goods on false pretences to hard labor in the Bride- well for six months. David Campbell of the city of New York, gentleman, convicted of delivering forged notes, to pay his debts, knowing the same to be forged, to pay a fine of £100 and to be imprisoned for six months.
Lately arrived in this city from Great Britain, a gentleman of good character, who was married there to a young woman of a genteel education and family ; by whom he had two lovely children, the youngest a year old ; yet, however, strange and unnatural it may appear, this same remarkably little fair woman, left her tender husband and infant children, and went off a few days since with a low bred clown, a hatter by trade, who passed by the name of Richard, a native of Ireland, who 'tis said has a wife and three children in Phila- delphia.
Theatre this evening. The Roman Father and The Devil on Two Sticks.
To be let, that larg store house leading from Duke to Mill Street, now occupied by Shaler & Sebor, but formerly by Perry, Hays & Sherbrooke and well known by the Connecti- cut, New Jersey and North River traders. Also a large store house adjoining the former in Mill Street apply to William Ustick jun. 33 Queen Street or to Samuel Canfield No 48 Little Dock Street.
9th
James Giles is removed to No 58 Maiden Lane the house lately occupied by Isaac Stoutenbergh.
John Treat Cane hath removed his school into Wall Street No 46 where he continues to teach Reading, Writing and Vocal Music as usual. He also teaches a Morning School, from six o'clock to eight for Young Ladies.
The copartnership of McVickar & Cummings is dissolved. Nathan McVickar will settle accounts.
10th
On Monday evening last (May 8th) was married Richard Varick, Esq Recorder of this city, to Miss Maria Roosevelt, second daughter of the Hon Isaac Roosevelt, of this city.
135
FOR THE YEAR 1786.
The American Price Current is published and sold by Ae- neas Lamont, at the intelligence office 23 Wall street, price to non subscribers One shilling.
11th
The Corporation of the New York Hospital are requested to meet at Bradford's Coffee House on the 16th inst to choose Governors.
Thomas Allen, book binder and stationer, has moved from No 32 Maiden Lane to 16 Queen Street, where he carries on the book binding business in all its branches, particularly ruling to any pattern and binding merchants accounts books. He has for sale a variety of books, Bibles, Prayer and Hymn books etc.
Genteel bourding and lodging, to be had at No 47 Great Dock Street, the second door from the War Office.
To be seen at the house of Mr. Clerk, inn-keeper, at No 11 Albany Pier, price only six pence, A Wonderful Creature just arrived from Albany, with two heads, four ears, four eyes, two mouths, and two tongues, resembling a calf's ; the legs and feet resembling a cow's ; the body and neck those of a horse, and the tail like that of a panther.
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