USA > New York > New York City > Old New York : a journal relating to the history and antiquities of New York City, Vol. I > Part 13
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We are not informed where the first printing press was housed. It was undoubtedly in some dwelling, the lower part, the most accessible, being occupied as a pressroom and composing room. No special strength for the floors was required, for the press was chiefly wood and the type would weigh but a few hundred pounds. Such a building could probably be easily secured in the neighborhood desired, near the Old Produce Exchange, the site of which is now occupied by the United States Military building. . There he was convenient to the Governor, and to the officers of the fort ; the merchants met at the lower end of Broad street, and vessels landed at Whitehall and Coenties slips. The dwelling undoubtedly had a bit of a garden with it. Fifty years later Kalın, the Swedish naturalist, describes the appearance of the town, with its gardens and trees. More cannot be told of the eireumstances which surrounded him, for the records are lacking. Ile appears never to have owned any landed property, nor were any leases recorded in his name.
We have no absolute knowledge as to the work which was first printed by him in this city. Ilildeburn enumerates thirteen pieces which were executed in 1693 in this city. It has generally been supposed that the first of these were two proclamations issued under date of June Sth giving permission to Warner Wes- sels and Antie Christians to collect money for the redemption of some captives in the Barbary States. The proclamations exist in both English and Dutch, in the latter form being discovered by John Romeyn Brodhead in the archives of the Dutch Reformed Church of this eity, and afterwards by him also among the state papers at Albany in English. The other pieces, except two later proclamations, are not dated. Recently, however, Dr. George HI. Moore, whose authority is very high on early New York typog- raphy, has entered into an examination of this question, and is in- clined to think that a " Journal of the Late Actions of the French
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Notes on Printing in New York.
at Canada "" is first. The publication of this little book was un- doubtedly the reason why Fletcher brought Bradford to this city, and I therefore think it very probable that he was put upon it as soon as his office was established and the copy was ready. The book was licensed in London, September 11, 1693, and was ad- vertised five days later. An average passage from New York to London at that time was from seven to nine weeks, and it may, therefore, have finished printing as early as the middle of July. From its size it would probably have taken Bradford, if he were alone, about two weeks to do, or if he had an assistant eight or nine days. This would bring its beginning to the first of July. But he had been at that date three months in New York, if his duties began with his salary, and two months, if he had departed from Philadelphia as soon as his tools were delivered to him. It is, therefore, probable that some of the smaller pieces preceded this, for even if he began upon the narrative of Col. Fletcher's exploits at the beginning of his labors in Manhattan it would have been set aside for a temporary matter, which could have been fin- ished in a day. It is true that the pamphlet might have been completed at a very early period, and could not be dispatched to London for want of a ship thither bound. It was a very frequent thing for American ports to be without means of sending news alroad.
The book, thus reprinted in London, does not exist in its Amer- ican original. Lord Bellomont, Fletcher's successor, characterizes it as a fiction. In a letter to the Lords of Trade on the 12th of November, 1698. he says that " the printed accounts of his great
* A | Journal | of the | Late Actions | of the | French at Canada. | With | The Manner of their being. Repuls'd, by | His Excellency, Benjamin Fletcher, Their | Majesties Governour of New-York. | Impartially Related by Coll. Nicho- las Reyard, | and Lieu- | tenant Coll. Charles Lodowick, who attended His Excellency, during the whole Expedition. | To which is added, | I. An Account of the present State and Strength of Canada, | given by Two Dutch Men, who have been a long Time Pri- | soners there | and now made their Escape. [ H. The Examination of a French Prisoner. | III. His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher's Speech to the Indians. | IV. An Address from the Corporation of Albany. to His Excellen- | cy, Returning Thanks for His Excellency's early Assistance for | their Relief. | Licensed. Sept. 11th, 1693, Edward Cooke. | London, Printed for Richard Baldwin, in Warwick-Lane, 1693. | Quarto. Title and preface two leaves. Text, 22 pages.
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Notes on Printing in New York.
exploits against the French which he published and sent into England I cannot possibly get one of them for love nor money, and I am told he made it his business to get up all the printed copies, which is an argument with me of his consciousness that he had imposed a romance instead of a true narrative." It is im- possible to say whether the retiring Governor or his successor tells the truth, but there is one verity in the last letter. It was very scarce. No example of the New York edition is now to be found, and our only knowledge of it at all is derived from the English reprint and an advertisement that announced its pub- lication which was also discovered by Dr. Moore.
What Brodhead esteemed to be the first fruits and what John William Wallace asserted to be so in his discourse before the His- torical Society of New York is the proclamation of Gov. Fletcher respecting the slaves in Sallee. It was a little thing, and probably came out at about the time it was dated, the Sth of June. As New York had then two languages, it was printed in both, more likely first in Dutch, because that was the tongue of their nearest relatives and best friends, and from them they could expect the largest subscriptions. The English version reads :
Benjamin Fletcher. Captain General and Governour-in-Chief of the Province of New York. Province of Pennsylvania, and County of New Castle, and the Territories and Tracts of Land depending thereon. in America.
To all Officers and Ministers Ecclesiastical and Civil throughout the Provinces and Territories under my Government.
THEREAS. I am credibly informed that the son of Warner Wessels, and husband of Antic Christians, inhabitants and sailors of the City of New York. following their lawful occupation were taken into Sallay, where they are now in misera- ble slavery under the power of the Infidel, and that their relations are not able to advance a sufficient ransom for their redemption, I have therefore. upon their application unto me, by and with the
On the opposite page is this proclamation in Dutch. It was intended to have this in photographic fac-simile, but owing to causes beyond the control of the photo-engravers this was found impossible. The original is about twice as large each way as the page that is presented.
Benjamin Fletcher, Capiteyn Generael, en opper- Governeur van de Provintie, van Nieuw-Yorke. de Provintie van Pennyfylvania, en't Landtschap van Nieuw-Cafteel, ende Terratorien en Lander- yen, daer toe belhorende in America.
Aen alle Officieren, ende Bedieniers, foo Kerkelyke, als Burgerlyke door de gant- fche Provintien en Landschappen onder myn Governement.
A Lfo ick fekerlyk ge-informeert ben, Dat de Soon van Warnaer Weffells ende de Man van Annetie Chrifliaens, Inwoonders en Zeelieden defer Steede Nieuw - Yorke, volgende haer beroep op gebraght fyn in Zule, waer de felven nu fyn in elendige Slavernye onder de Maght van de Ongelovigen, ende da't haere Vrienden niet maghtig zyn om te geven een genoegfaem Rantfoen tot haerer vryheyt en Verloffinge. Daerom heb ick op haer applicatie tot my, voor en met Advys vanden Raet, uyt Chriftelyke Liefde, ende tot medelyden van de fware dienft Baerhevt en Banden van de gemelte Perfoonen, vergunt, gelyk ick by defe vergunne, verlof en vryheyt aen de gemelte Warnaer Weffels en Annetie Chrifliacns, om te eyfchen en te ontfangen een vrye en goetwillige gifte van alle Chriffen onder myn Governement, fo wel in publicke Samencomften, als partic- yliere Huyfen. Ende om d' ongeregeltheyt voorte comen met fulex te Collect- eeren, werden alle Minifters en Predicanten, waer Kerken of publicke en private Vergaderingen fyn, belaft om te publiceeren een ware Copie van defe Vergunninge. om fulx opentlykte lefen, en daer na, aen te flaen aen de deuren of andre publyke plaetfen, en het Volk te vermanen tot alle Chriftelyke Liefde, om met de aenftaende ftamencomfte te fullen ontfangen de vrve en goet- Willige gefte van't Volk voor't gemelte gebruyk. Ende waer geen Kerken of publycke Vergader-plaetien fyn, foo werden de Conftables, Hierdoor, belaft in haere befondere plaetfen, hebbende een ware Copye van defe Vergunninge, om ront te gaen en collecteeren de Gifte van de goede Chriftenen Voort gemelte gebruyck. Van welke Gifte en Chariteyt de gemelte Minifters of Predicanten en Conftables fullen een diftincte Reekening houden, die fy fullen overleveren met het gecollecteerde Gelt, uyt cracht defer, fonder uytitel, aen Stephanus van Courtland, Efq ; Peter Jacobs Marius, Johannes Kerfbyll ende Johannes Kip, die by defe gemagtight fyn hetfelve t'ontfangen, en over te maken, ofte soo veel als nodig fyn fal ; voorde verloffinge vande gemelte gevangens, uyt haer flaverye doorde befte en bequaemite middelen en weegen. Met defe Conditie nochtaus dat by aldien daer foude overichieten, boven de de valeur van haer lofgelt ofte fo fe doodt, ofte anders, verlooft fullen fun, dat de Gemelte Stephanus van Courtlandt, Esq ; Peter Facobs Martin, Johannes Kerfbyll en Fohannes Kip, fullen aen my ofte aenden Governeur ofte opper-Com- mander in die rydt verantwoorden de gemelte gecollecteerde fommen, en't overfchot van haer ofte enige van haer lofgelt dat't magh aen gelyet werden tot gelyke, ofte andre Godsdrenttige gebruyken, en voor geen ander gebruyk, ofte intentie ter werelt te mogen employderen.
Gegeven onder myn Hand en Segel in't Fort Willem Hendrick de Sfte Dag T'an Juny, 169 3.
Ben. Fletcher.
Gedruckt tot Nieuw-Yorke, by William Bradfordt, Anno 1693.
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Notes on Printing in New York.
advice of the Council, out of Christian charity, and in commiser- ation of the grevions bondage and slavery of the said persons, granted and do by these present grant license or liberty to the said Warner Wessels and Antie Christians to ask and receive the free and charitable benevolence of all Christian people nnder my Goverment, as well at publick meetings as private dwelling houses. And to avoid irregularity in collecting the same all min- isters or preachers where there are parish churches or publiek or private meeting houses are required to publish a true copy of this grant by reading thereof openly and affixing thereof afterwards upon the door or other publick place and admonish the people to Christian charity and at the next meeting shall receive the free offering and benevolence of the people for the nse aforesaid. And where no churches nor meeting houses are the constables are hereby required in their respective precincts, having a true copy of this grant, to go about and colleet the charity of good Christian peo- ple for the use above said. Of all which benevolence and charity the said ministers or preachers and constables are to keep a dis- tinet account which they are to transmit with what money they shall collect by virtue of this grant without delay ro Stephen Courtland, Esj., Peter Jacob Marius. John Kerbyll and John Kipp, who are hereby impowered to receive the same and trans- mit the said money or so much as shall be requisite for the re- demption of the said captives from slavery by the best and most convenient means and way. Provided always that in case there shall be a surplusage above the value of their redemption, or in case any of the said persons shall be dead or otherwise redeemed. they the said Stephen Courtland, Esq., Peter Jacobs Marins, John Kerbyl and John Kipp shall be accountable to me, or to the Gov- ernour and Commander-in-Chief for the time being. for the sum collected or so much thereof as is left upon their or some of their redemption that it may be set apart for the like or other pious nees and for no other use or intent whatsoever.
Given under my hand and seal at Fort William Henry the Sth day of June 1693.
BEN. FLETCHER.
Printed by William Bradford, Printer to King William and Queen Mary at the City of New York. Anno 1693.
THE CITY IN 1805.
Streets .- The streets are not regularly laid out. It appears that the first founders of the city were not aware of the consequence it was destined to hold among the cities of the world, and left it to chance or the caprice of individuals to lay out the streets; of course, many of them are narrow, crooked and inconvenient.
The corporations of late years have, however, done mnuch to correct the inconveniences which had occurred from the inatten- tion of their predecessors, and the streets are now more commo- dious and healthful than formerly. Broadway is one of the longest streets; it commences at the Battery on the southwest corner or point of the island and runs in a straight line in about the direction N. N. E. quite through the city. Some of the most elegant private houses, as well as public buildings. stand on this street. It has lately become the principal street for retailers of dry and fancy goods, and is by far the most pleasant street in the city. Greenwich street is another long street. It commences at the Battery, a few yards from the commencement of Broadway, and runs parallel to the North River the whole length of the city to Greenwich. This street has many very handsome private houses, and bids fair to be in a few years the second for beauty and conveni- ence in the city. Pearl street commences also at the Battery, and runs an easterly direction and winding course to Chatham street. This street has many large and elegant buildings, and this and the other streets on the East River, Water, Front and South streets are the principal streets for the wholesale business. Broad street. is a spacious and pleasant street, running from the old City Hall to the water. Many of the cross streets are pleasant and commo- dions. Wall street. in which is situated the Banks, the old City Hall, and the Tontine Coffee House, is one of the handsomest streets.
Historical Society .- The object of this society is to discover. procure and preserve whatever may relate to the natural. civil. literary and ecclesiastical history of the United States, and of this State in particular. The officers are elected annually. They meet on the second Tuesdays in January, April, July and Octo-
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The City in 1805
ber. Egbert Benson, President ; Rev. Benj. Moore, First Vice- President : Brockholst Livingston, Second Vice-President; Rev. Samuel Miller, Corresponding Secretary; John Pintard, Record- ing Secretary ; Charles Wilkes, Treasurer ; John Forbes, Librarian.
Standing Committee .- William Johnson, Samuel L. Mitchell, David Hosack, Rev. John M. Mason, Daniel D. Tompkins, John Mckesson, Anthony Bleecker.
CLERGY.
Alphabetical list of the different ecclesiastical establishments in the city with the clergy belonging to each :
Associate Church-Rev. Mr. Hamilton.
Associate Covenanters-Rev. Mr. McLeod.
Baptist Churches-Gold strect. Rev. -- Parkinson ; Fayette street. Rev. John Williams, Rev. Jolm Stanford.
Catholic Church-Rev. Mathew O'Brian, Rev. William O'Brian.
Congregational Church-Rev. John Townley.
Duteh Reformed-Rev. John II. Livingston, S.T.P .; Rev. John N. Abeel, Rev. Gerardus Kuypers.
Episcopal Churches-Trinity, Right Rev. Benjamin Moore. Rector : Rev. Dr. Abraham Beach, Rev. John H. Hobart, Rev. Cave Jones.
Christ Church-Rev. Thomas Lyall. Rector.
St. Mark's Church-Rev. -- Harris, Rector.
St. Esprit-Rev. S. Albert, Rector: Rev. Edmund D. Barry, Assistant.
Hebrew-Rev. Gershom Seixas.
Independent-Rev. George Wall.
Lutherans (English)-Rev. David Austin. (German ) -- Rev. Dr. John C. Kunze, S.T.P., Senior Pastor of the Lutheran Churches in the State of New York.
Methodist Churches-Rev. Nicholas Smithen, Rev. Michael Coats, Rev. Samuel Marvin. Rev. Dr. William Phoebus.
Presbyterian Churches-Rev. Dr. John Rodgers, Rev. Dr. John McKnight. Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller.
Scotch Presbyterian Churches --- Rev. Dr. John M. Mason, Rev. Mr. Forrest.
United Brethren-Rev. John Bardill.
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The City in 1805.
Universalists-Magazine street, Rev. Edward Mitchill; Rose street, Rev. Dr. John Foster.
African Church-Jesse Thompson, June Scott, preachers.
Exhibitions .- Savage's Museum contains many curiosities of nature and art. The Shakespeare Gallery has a large collection of prints and paintings : and Delacoste's Cabinet is filled with rare productions of nature. The American Academy of Arts are in pos- session of a number of figures cast from the works of the greatest sculptors of antiquity.
Periodical Publications .- The only periodical work of much merit in the city is the Medical Repository, which appears quarterly, and is conducted with ability. Of newspapers we have many more than are good. There are seven daily papers, three half-weekly and two weekly."
The daily papers depend chiefly on the mercantile interest for their support, and are, of course, filled with advertisements. The half-weekly are generally filled with political matter, a feast for those who like to appear wise without the trouble of thinking. The discussions in these papers are generally better calculated to launch the unthinking upon the "tempestnous sea" than to promote publie tranquillity.
The weekly papers are -
Art of Printing .- This has been very much improved in the city of late years. Several English works have been reprinted, which vie with the London editions. Very few original works have, however. been published; the trade of bookmaking does not flourish in American soils. Whether it is for want of good workmen, or liberality in the people to support them, is not for us to determine. It were to be wished. however. that some one would undertake to publish a correct system of American geog- raphy ; such a thing would undoubtedly meet encouragement and support. Dr. Morse has done inch and deserves the thank- of his countrymen, but his numerous and glaring inaccuracies ought not to be continued. It is high time to attempt to be a little more correct.
* Daily-Daily Gazette, Daily Advertiser. Mercantile Advertiser, Commercial Advertiser, American Citizen, Evening Post and Morning Chronicle. Half- weekly -- Herald, Spectator and Watch Tower. Weekly-The Visitor and Museum.
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The City in 1805.
Manufactures .- There are a number of manufactures carried on in the city. Among the most considerable are the clock making, cabinet making, card making, chocolate making, coach making, hatting, iron founding, rope making, shoe and boot mak- ing, ship building, soap and candle making, starch making, sugar · refining, trunk making, etc., etc.
Government .- The city was incorporated in 1686. Since that time several charters have been granted and alterations made. It is at present divided into nine wards, and is under the govern- ment of a Mayor, Recorder, nine Aldermen, and as many assist- ants. The Mayor, Sheriff and Coroner are appointed by the Council of Appointment of the State. The Aldermen, assistants, Assessors and Collectors are elected annually in their respective wards. The Mayor, Aldermen and assistants form the Common Council of the City of New York, and this body has power to make by-laws for its government, to regulate ferries, markets, assize of bread, etc. The Mayor has the power of licensing tavern keepers, cartmen, etc.
Societies .- There are a number of Societies in the city, insti- tuted for different purposes. The following are some of the most important :
American Academy of Arts was established in the City of New York in the autumn of 1802. It has for its objects the improve- ment of public taste and the encouragement of American genius in the elegant arts. . Through the active exertions of the honor- able Robert R. Livingston, late American Minister at the Court of France, and now President of the Academy, a number of Inists and casts of the most celebrated statues were procured at Paris and transmitted to this country. They were handsomely arranged in the rotunda of the Pantheon for the gratification of the curious and to enable American artists to form their tastes on the most finished models of antiquity. Amongst the most admired of these statues were the Apollo Belvidere, Fighting Gladiator. Venus of the Capitol. Laocoon Group. Ceres. Hermaphrodite, Castor and Pollux. Germanieus and Grecian Cupid, with a variety of busts and some mutilated figures of exquisite execution. The members of the Academy are not numerous, but several gentle- men of distinguished taste and character are of the number.
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The City in 1805.
Among them are the honorable Aaron Burr, late Vice-President of the United States. and his excellency George Clinton, the present Vice-President. The Emperor Napoleon has accepted a station among the honorary members, as have also several foreign personages of high distinction, and others of great eminence in the different departments of science and the arts. In short, this infant institution has already obtained much celebrity and promises to be an ornament to the country. The affairs of the Academy are conducted by a board of directors, a secretary and a treasurer. The officers are elected annually in the month of January. The following are the officers of the present year :
Board of Direction .- Robert R. Livingston (late Minister at the Court of France), President ; Rufus King (late Minister at the Court of Great Britain), Vice-President.
Directora .- Morgan Lewis (Governor of New York). William S. Smith, Joseph Browne. William Cutting. Robert R. Murray. Peter Irving. Secretary : Charles Wilkes, Treasurer.
Public Buildings .- There are in the limits of the city upwards of thirty churches or places of public worship: many of these are elegant and all of them neat and convenient.
The old City Hall was formerly thought elegant, but is now neglected and losing its splendor. The Government House is a handsome building. but since the seat of government has been removed has, like the City Hall, been neglected.
The Theatre is an unfinished and clumsy looking pile of brick and stone, but very -paciou-, and its interior convenient and not inelegant.
The Tontine and City Hotels are large and commodious build- ings, but the latter. like the theatre, has very little in its exterior to recommend it to the eye except the stupendous bulk. The United States Branch and New York Banks are extensive, elegant building- and well calculated for their uses. The Hospital is a noble building, and from its commanding situation has a better effect upon the eye than any other building in the city. The College is a decent and convenient building. The Almshouse, Debtor's Prison and Bridewell are large and neat, and well calculated to answer the purposes for which they were intended. The State Prison, situated at Greenwich near the North River.
· 162
The City in 1805.
is very large and strong, and is, perhaps, a very useful building. The new City Hall, the first stone of which was laid in July, 1803, will be, when finished, superior to anything of the kind in America, and will vie with the public buildings in Europe. It is situated in front of the Park, near Broadway ; the foundation is finished, but as it will be some years before the building will be completed a description of it at this time would be useless. In some future publication, we hope to have the pleasure of describ- ing this building, which will, no doubt, do honor to the taste and munificence of the citizens of New York.
Markets .- Fly Market commences in Pearl street, at the foot of Maiden lane, and runs to the East River. It is handsomely built of brick, and for quantity and variety of provisions is not exceeded by any market in America. Hudson Market in Greenwich street is the next in importance. The best of provisions in great quantities are here offered for sale ; but these buildings reflect no great honor on the corporation of the city, any more than does the mode in which the butchers are permitted to arrange their stalls in all the markets. Catharine Market, in the street of the same name, is a neat brick market house. Beside these, there are three other market places : Exchange. in Broad street ; Oswego, near Broadway. and Green- rich. in Greenwich street.
Amusements .- In a city inhabited by almost every nation. people and language, it is to be expected that their amusements will be various. The most fashionable are concerts, balls, and theatrical amusements ; the conductors of these, however. com- plain for want of support, and perhaps with reason. Here are very few people of fortune. except those who have acquired riches by their own industry, and these know the value of money too well to throw it away on trifling objects.
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