USA > New York > New York City > Old New York : a journal relating to the history and antiquities of New York City, Vol. I > Part 21
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24th. Call'd at the Dr's. Spread a plaister and off again. Spent most of the day in engraving. Finish'd the letters GIBONNE for Cressin & did part of 3 other type-metal ents. My brother gone to public speaking at Flat-bush. I got an impression of the last copperplate and deliver'd to Mr. Rivington. Got a piece solder'd in a eut by G. Youle. Evening-I went with my glie-pot in my hand to Mr. Warner's & mended the frame of Mr. Banks's glass. Call'd in at Mr. Bailey's and sat awhile. Augustus is preparing for another voyage to St. Augustine.
25th. Finishi'd Freneau's engraving-walked on the Battery. Call'd at Gilfert's Musical Magazine and got a tuning fork for my Father. After-noon-partly spent in fixing up shelves for our books in the garret room. Before dark I finish'd the border for Mr. Carr-he came for it and paid me 10/. After playing a tune on the violin I took a short walk with my brother. Evening- overhaul'd my Chest. Sketchi'd a border for Bird-all', plate.
" A vendue is an auction sale, from the French word rendu, sold. Among old people in the country it is nearly always called vandoo. Vendues are commonly held at the place where the goods have been used, and before removal.
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26th. Sunday. Dull misty weather. At Church. I Epist. John iii. 10. After dinner walk'd with my brother. After-noon-at Church. Dr. Davidson call'd in about dusk. In the evening I went with my Brother to the New Dutch Ch. and heard Dr. Liv- ingston. Prov. xx. 27, " The Spirit of man is the candle of the Lord."
27th. A dull rainy day. I finishi'd Gowan's cut and deliver'd to him. A. Davis, Junr, spent part of the Evening with us, while I engrav'd his name on his umbrella.
28th. Began Birdsall's & Menut's plate by applying the varnish. I call'd upon Judge Yates, who inform'd me that I might make out my Patent. I went to Mr. Herttell's & got the form of it. From that to a Parchment maker & got a skin. After dinner I finish'd it. in German text. J. Ferguson loung'd away the afternoon with us. at the same time declaiming against Indolence. Evening -- I took my Violin to Mr. Martin to under- go a little attention. Stopp'd at J. Grozart's and play'd a few tunes.
29th. Began to etch Birdsall's plate, but wrought chiefly upon Scoles's map. I got Judge Yates's hand and seal to my certiti- cate, and afterwards left it with the Attorney General." Mr. Debow was at my Father's Shop. I deliver'd Rivington's Bill. After-noon-Mr. Scoles call'd in. I went to dunn Mr. Gowan and got a Box-ticket (for Mama in part payment. Made a short visit to Dr. Young's. He gave me the further nse of his share in the Library. I bought fb2 lead at Youle's. 14d. Mr. Swords sent me a Jobb. I east the metal & wrought 'till dark at filing it. Went out for a walk and to avoid some Company at our house. I stopped. first. at Mr. Rose'-they were busy removing. I went to Mr. Davis', and spent about half an hour. His hands are disabled by his oldl complaint. From that I went to Mr. Bailey's. Came home about half past 9. S. Magee was sitting there.
Both. Having fil'd my type-metal too low, I went to Mr. Cold- well's and got it solderd. Call'd upon Mr. Lawrence, who
* Nathaniel Lawrence was the Attorney General of the State. His prede- cessors in that office had been Egbert Benson, Richard Varick, Aaron Burr and Morgan Lewis, and he was succeeded by Josiah Ogden Hoffman.
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promis'd to leave my license at my abode. Gave Menut a hint respecting cash. Went to the City Library and took out Clavi- gero's History of Mexico. After-noon. employ'd in engraving, except what time was spent in a walk around the Battery and what was devoted to the company who drank tea with us, C. IJerttell and wife. I deliver'd 2 cuts to Hurtin (Printer). Be- gan to engrave Swords's cut. Evening, ealled at Mr. Martin's.
MAY.
1st. J. Ferguson made us an early visit and presented me with a Ticket for Commencement and one for Commencement Supper. At 10 I set off and took an hour's walk as far as Bunker's hill, and down the New road home again. Finish'd three more of Hurtin's cuts. Eff. Warner call'd in. Evening -- I went to Bird- sall's & received 5 Dollars. Stopp'd in at Dr. Young's & sat awhile. Got my Violin from Martin's.
2d. Finish'd & deliver'd Swords's cut. Receiv'd $18 from Rivington, which increases my stock to $40. clear of all debts and demands. Finish'd the 5th ent for Hurtin. After-noon, chiefly spent in engraving the Map letters. Mama & Jolm are gone to Mr. Melmoth's# Benefit this evening. After a short walk I treated myself to a tune on the Violin. and then sat down to read. Cousin J. Carpender eall'd about dusk. Mrs. Lockwood is going up the North River with Dr. Roberts 2 children. I saw poor little Hester, who catch'd me by the hand in the most affectionate manner.
30. Sunday. Fore-noon at Church. A Collection for the sup- port of the Episcopaey. After-noon -- the sun struck forth & the weather became pleasant. I walk'd with my Brother round Bel- videre House. Went to Church. John ini. 3. I Read in Beattie Ethics. &c). Evening-at Church with Mama. It began to rain. I ran home for an Umbrella. Capt. Stuart was at our house.
# Courtney Melmoth, whose real name was Pratt. He was an author, and carried away his wife from boarding school. Both went on the stage, and played in several companies in England and Ireland. Her first appearance here was on November 20, 1793, at the John Street Theatre, as Euphrasia in the Grecian Daughter. Her married life was unhappy.
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4th. Morning mostly spent on Birdsall's plate, and the fore- noon wasted in fruitless attempts to etch my Father's name on his tobacco box. Bought a Violin bow at Gilferts's for 14/. Went to Seaman's Cellar and spent od for Raisins. John Dou- gall sat with us most of the after-noon. Evening-Miss S. Mead with Harriet & Charlotte Bailey came in. We gave them some music. I attended the latter home.
5th. At 11, went again to the College, with my Brother, & heard the Examination of the Medical Graduates-Ross Anderson & Wetmore, & drew likenesses of Mrs. Reid's two Children. to their great gratification. Drew a tolerable profile of Mama. Evening -- went to Mrs. Rose's at their new dwelling and spent a little time with Thomas-saw'd on an old Violin.
6th. Bought Vaughan's Anatomy, 2 vols., from my Father. for 10;6. About 10 I went to the College, from whence I walk'd in the procession of the Students to St. Paul's. Not being able to procure a seat I stood 'till 2 on my feet & heard the candidates for A. B. deliver their compositions. Was particularly affected with that of Harry Sands on Philanthropy. Went again in the afternoon-found it needless to stay. as my distance prevented me from hearing. Came home & engrav'd. Mrs. Herttell & Miss Trueman drank tea with us. Birdsall came to see what progres. I had made in his plate. At & my Brother & I went to Hunter's Hotel." where the Graduates and their company were collecting. An elegant Supper was provided. to which we sat down abont 9 o'clock. AAbout 10 the Clergy left the room. Song- were now call'd for from each and wine began to stir about pretty briskly. Having already drank about 2 glasses, which serv'd for all the toasts. I beckon'd to my Brother and we de- camp'd. Took a little walk to settle our meal. & got home about 11. Mama was unwell-I gave her a dose of medicine.
Tth. After considerable enquiry I found out Broekholst Liv- ingstont and presented to him my Acet. for the College Library
# Kept by Robert Hunter, 69 Broadway.
+ Brockholst Livingston was then the treasurer of Columbia College. He was a son of William Livingston, once Governor of New Jersey, and was born in New York city. November 26th, 1257. He graduated at Princeton in 1774. served in the war, went to spain with his brother-in-law, John Jay, as private
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plate. He paid it, £2 S. The Attorney Gen., with whom I left my License. is sick on Long Island. Evening, I went to the Theatre with my Father, chiefly for the sake of keeping him company. We went to the Gallery & saw the Play, " Which is the Man?" & the entertainment of " La Foret Noire," with a Dwarf dance by Durang.# Got home about 11.
8th. J. Ferguson made us a visit and gave an account of the proceedings after we left the company the other night. After- moon-I went, unknown to any person, and bought a Ticket in the Alms-House Lotteryt for £4, No. 9. Mr. Bogart drank tea with us. A Shower came on, which help'd to moderate the great heat of the weather. Before sun-set it clear'd off & the clouds exhibited the most beautiful colours, accompanied with a Rain- bow. I took a walk along broad-way and enjoy'd the delightful cloudscape.
9th. In the fore-noon I went out and left a waistcoat pattern with Gardner & Nivens to be made up. Bought a pocket micro- scope for 4/. and bespoke a pair of shoes at Lamplin's. Call'd at Messrs. Swords. Was directed to Badollet (watch-maker from Geneva) who wanted a plate engrav'd for a watch-bill. I went there, and after drawing a sketch of his design undertook to en- grave it for 2 Dollars. Went and sat with Mrs. Bailey & her daughters 'till 9. J. Herttell stopp'd in at our house with Mrs. II .. Mis. Tylee & Miss Trueman.
10th. At Church. I Tim. i. 15. After dinner my brother & I
secretary, was captured on his return and thrown into prison in this city, liberated on the arrival of General Carleton, and began the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1753. In 1802 he became a Judge of the New York Supreme Court, and in 1807 a Judge of the United States Supreme Court. He died March 19th, 1823.
# This was John Durang, who was born in Lancaster. Pennsylvania, January Gth, 1768. He made his first appearance on any stage in 1055 at the South Street Theatre, Philadelphia, as a dancer, and acquired considerable reputation in his calling. He died in Philadelphia in March, 1822.
1 At the present day lotteries are frowned upon. Yet a century ago, and for a period much later, they were the recognized methods of obtaining money for charitable and religious enterprises, as well as for other purposes It was not till the Legislature interfered with them that they ceased, and many of the booksellers, stationers, and druggists sold them. From 1820 to 1840 advertise- ments of lotteries are very common in the newspapers.
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walk'd out of town a considerable distance and return'd by the way of the North River. After-noon-At Church, I. Tim. ii, 8. I have had hard struggles to keep myself awake in Church, owing to the power of the dull weather. Evening -- After a walk on the Battery went & heard Mr. Pilmore."
11th. Busy at Birdsall's plate. Got a small piece of copper from Myer's for 1/6. Mr. Nairne and his wife drank tea with us. I play'd a few tunes for Mr. Nairne in the kitchen.
12th. Anniversary of Tammany.t Got my waistcoat from the Taylor and paid his bill 15/. Bespoke a blue coat. About 9 I went with my Brother to Gardiner Baker, who presented us with Tickets for the Oration. At 10 went to the Old Presbyterian meeting house. Sat in the pew with Dr. Davidson. About 11 the Society arriv'd, when Dr. Mitchill began the Oration. or rather Narration, in the Indian style, relating the fictitious his- tory of Tammany, interlarded with the Indian mythology. A collection was made for the Charity School .; to which I contrib- uted 2/. About dusk I went with Mama to Mrs. Bailey's.
13th. Paid 16/ for my shoes, brought home this morning. Bought a pair of Stockings for 12/. Finish'd Birdsall's plate and carried it to his house, where I got a proof. Stopp'd at Dr. Young's door and was reprov'd for being unsociable. Began
# The Rev. Joseph Pilmoor was an Englishman who was sent here by John Wesley in 1969. He bad then been four years in the connection. He labored faithfully on this side of the water for five years, part of the time being stationed at John Street Church, in this city, but returned in 1771. He came back after the war, but as a minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church, being ordained by Bishop Seabury November 24th, 1755. In 1802 a petition was presented to Trinity Church by one hundred and seventy three persons, praying that Mr. Pilmoor might be appointed an assistant minister, and a Sunday even- ing lecture established. The committee to whom it was referred made no for- mal report on the subject, but soon after the Church appointed for this position the Rev. John Bisset. Mr. Pilmoor was regarded as too warm in temperament. His friends were dissatisfied and broke off from Trinity, setting up a new church, which was in Ann street. It was called Christ Church. He removed to Philadelphia before 1805. where he became the rector of a Protestant Epis- copal Church. He was highly beloved and very useful. He was born in Tad- mouth, Yorkshire, October 31st, 1989, and died in Philadelphia, July 24th, 1825.
+ Tammany was then six years old.
#See page 108 of this Magazine, in the number for October, 1889.
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Badollet's plate. Evening wrote a letter to Uncle Anderson -- attempted Mama's likeness.
14th. Finish'd the plate for the Watch Bill-got a proof at Burger's. Went to Richd Davis's and view'd a print. After dinner cross'd over to Brooklyn and saw Aunt Carpender much better, owing, as she supposes. to the medicine I sent, and prob- ably as much to the alteration of the weather. Naomi was scouring the room. I return'd about 3, being landed near New- slip. Engrav'd till 4. when I attended Mama to Mr. Davis's. Paid 3/ for green baise, of which Mama made a Violin bag while sitting there. Return'd to tea. My Brother had now arriv'd. We went with Miss Polly and a young Miss from Newark to see Mrs. Tapp. I return'd with Mama before dark-went home with Mrs. Reid.
15th. Rose at a little past 4. Got my new coat and put [it] on. while the other was left for mending. Went on the Battery, where I found J. Ferguson, with whom I walk'd round. Met Mrs. Rose and her daughters. After-noon, part of it spent in a walk out round Bunker's hill." Mr. Freneau sent for the title of his paper. together with the pay. 20 .
16th. Paid the Taylor $6. 4 for my coat. Got my hair cut and paid 1 !. Gave W. Debow my old Greek Grammar. After-noon, when tired of sitting, I went out and call'd on Menut. who promis'd me money next week. Bought lot of raisins at Hert- tell's store. A Gentleman eall'd on me to get a stump drawn. I was much at a loss for an instrument, but rummag'd up an old pair of pineers, which answer'd the purpose. He paid me 1. Mrs. Bailey talk- of getting me to inoculate her wench. Mr. Oramt came to give me a Jobb of engraving-a type-metal ent
* Bayard's Mount, sometimes called Bunker hill, was a high hill, overlooking all the surrounding country, and situated near the present Grand and Centre streets. It was on the farm of Nicholas Bayard. which extended along the west side of the Bowery from Canal street South to Bleecker street on the North, and across Broadway to Mardougal street on the West, and comprised more than sixty of our present city blocks.
+ James Oram, a printer, who at this time probably was Gaine's foreman. He was born before the Revolution, married about 1758, was in business in Trenton in 1805, and here afterwards. He died about 1527. He was an earnest mem- ber of the Episcopal Church, and represented it on several occasions. In 1825,
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for "Female Policy detected." At 8 in the evening I call'd upon J. Ferguson, and went with him to hear a public debate in the Horanian Society, in Garden Street. The question was whether a state of civilization was more conducive to Happiness than a state of nature. Much merriment was occasion'd by Mr. Curtenins's Introducing a Goose into his arguments.
17th. Sunday. Before breakfast I walk'd on the Battery, and after breakfast round Bunker's hill, in company with my Brother. Read in Newton on the Prophecies. At Church, Mr. Moore, Galat. vi, 7, 8. After-noon, Mr. Bisset-John vi, 63. I had a long discourse with Mama and John on family matters and past events. Evening-Mr. Moore Lectur'd. 'Twas with the greatest difficulty I could keep myself awake. It was raining when I came out. My brother had brought a Cloak for me.
18th. I've got a bad sore throat. Confin'd myself to the house till towards evening. Hlad recourse to a medicine suggested by Mama, Raisins well boil'd with bread. of which I drank very freely and was the chief of my diet. I stitch'd my old Journals in 2 vols. My Brother renewed his determination of keeping a Journal. In the after-noon. W. Debow came to see me. I drew his likeness. and lent him Bell's Surgery. Miss Buchanan drank tea with us. I went to the coffee house to know the meaning of an uproar. in consequence of a badge of Freedom fix'd up by some Patriots. A number of men, chiefly French. were singing and kuceling before it. I soon made my escape from among them. After playing a few tunes on the Violin. I went out and sat a few minutes at Mr. Davis's.
19th. Before breakfast I took a walk with my brother as far as the Hospital .* Before 10 I finish'd Oram's cut. Ilaving engaged to engrave a card for Gilfert's. I bespoke a small plate of copper at Myer's. Dull. chilly weather, with slight showers. Saw a monstrous large Ox. which had just been sold for £100.
in the parade held in honor of the completion of the Erie Canal, he held the post of honor among the printer -. Miss Elizabeth Oram, a teacher remem- bered by some of our older ladies, and an author of text books, was his daughter.
" The Hospital was on Broadway, at the head of Pearl street. Its venerable appearance will be recalled by all our middle-aged readers.
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Mr. Reid (Bookseller) left the Hieroglyphiek Bible with me, to know my terms for engraving the cuts.
20th. I stopp'd at A. Tiebout's and fix'd on to-morrow for our Journey to the Copper mine. After-noon went to the Library and got Cellini's Life, in which I read by way of relaxation. Mr. Debow came & again sat for his Likeness. I was more success- ful than before.
21st. Rose at 4. Breakfasted and call'd on A. Tiebout before 6. After he had put his shop in order we set off for Paules hook * Ferry-house. Stepp'd into a Boat which was just going off, and after a short passage found ourselves transported into the delight- fully varied scenes of New-Jersey. We walk'd on, enjoying the beautifull and romantic prospects around us : pass'd over the New- Bridge of Hackinsae River, and took the road leading to the Mines. being a causeway form'd through the Cedar swamp. Stopp'd at a little cottage and refreshi'd ourselves with a drink of Buttermilk. About 10, we found ourselves at the mines.+ Some little Boys were employ'd in breaking the ore, near one of the Entrances. under the shade of trees with which the whole Hill was pretty well cover'd. We ventur'd in, after taking the precaution to cool ourselves, and were furnish'd with a candle by one of the Miners, who was very attentive to lead us thro' the different ave- nues. lle inform'd us that there were 16 Workmen, mostly Welch- men. in the mine. We put some specimens of the ore in our pockets. Left this dismal eavern by ascending a perpendicular ladder about 50 feet long, after giving our guide half a dollar, with which he appear'd well satisfied. From this we went to the mouth of the old shaft and view'd the Steam-engine, now out of use. After
* Paules Hook, Paulus Hook, Paul's Hook, or Pawles Hook, was the same place now known as Jersey City, which is a quite recent name. look is Dutch for corner; Kinderhook, children's corner; hookey, playing truant, is literally cornering or hiding in a corner.
+ This copper mine was in the present town of Harrison, cast of Belleville, but very near to it. It was worked for twenty years or more before the Revolution, the steam engine referred to being imported from England. While the war was going on labor ceased. It had not apparently been resumed long when Ander- son visited it, and this renewal of work did not prove to be permanent. Some of the cuttings and mounds of earth are still to be seen. It is nine mile- from New York.
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resting on the grass, we took the road to New-ark. 2 miles brought us to Second river," which we cross'd in a little ferry- boat. The heat became pretty violent and my companion per- spired prodigiously. Between 12 & 1 we arriv'd at New-ark and went to a Public house, where we got a bit of a dinner. Set off with fresh strength on the Road for Paules Hook, cross'd the 2 Bridges, and saw the Draw-bridge of one rais'd to let a sloop pass. A slight fall of rain overtook us in our journey over the long causeway. We were much diverted with a combat between a Crow & 7 Black-birds. Got to the Ferry honse before 5, not without having suffer'd some apprehensions from a Man who join'd us on the road. Arriv'd at home before 6. Mr. Reid had left the book for me to begin the cuts.
22d. Found myself almost disabled from walking, with a pain in my left groin. Mr. Oram paid me 12/. Got 6/ for Old Cloaths sold in the shop. After-noon, went to Mr. Martin with a design of a mold for type-metal, which he promis'd to execute. with an improvement. to adapt it to any size. Evening-I went to see Dr. Young. He urg'd me to pursue the Practice.
23d. A rainy day. Our room being under the dominion of Nance and her white-wash brush, I was oblig'd to shift my en- graving to the room below. Mr. Reid came to see what progress I had made with the map.
24th. Whitsunday. At Church. Galat. v. 22. After dinner. walk'd round the Belvidere. part of the way in company with Mr. Tisdale. After-noon. Mr. Bisset preachi'd, John xvi. S. 9. 10. 11. Evening-Heard Mr. Bi-set lecture, on the Holy Spirit.
25th. Our old playmate Isaac Halenbeck came to see my brother and me. He teaches in the Academy at Newark. I made some mortar, and with it plaister'd a part of the roof which admits the rain. I finishi'd engraving the letters of the Map and in the Evening took it to Scoles's.
26th. Walk'd round the Battery-met J. Harrington there. I began Gilfert's plate. Mr. Debow made us a visit. I presented him with a waistcoat pattern. My Brother and I went to Long Island and rambled about near Wallabucht. I went in search of
* The Second River is a branch of the Passaic, and is the northern boundary ine of Newark.
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bones, but found none but what were too much decay'd. I call'd at Mrs. Bailey's, who concluded to defer the Inoculation of the negro child 'till some time hence. Mr. Roberts came in and fell to teazing Miss H. very gallantly. Capt. Stewart and his Daughter spent the Evening with us. Before they went away Mrs. Cum- mings & Mrs. Marshall came in.
27th. My shoulders ache with stooping over my work. I call'd on Birdsall and receiv'd £2. I bought a blow pipe for 2/6 and a pocket microscope for S/, having parted with the other to my Father. I made another tryal at my Mother's Likeness. Glued the finger board on my Violin.
2Sth. This Day pitch'd on for a walk. I began to settle what business I had. Finish'd Gilfert's plate, and having got a proof at Burger's. deliver'd it, and receiv'd 4 Dollars. Retouch'd a Stamp which I made some time ago for Frobisher, and engag'd to make another. I deliver'd the Book-binder's stamps to Scoles. A little after & my brother and I went down to the North River. After waiting about an hour, stepp'd into a boat and soon arrived at Hoebuck.# Were taken for Europeans by a gentleman in the boat. We followed a road which led to the high ridge of rocks, aseended these. & after enjoying the extensive prospect pene- trated into the wood. By a circuitous rout we got into the Hackensack road about noon. stopp'd at a house near Bergen. and din'd on bread and butter and a Bottle of excellent mead. Went up the Newark road and view'd the Bridge at a distance. turn'd back and reach'd Powles hook. After clambering up a high rock and drawing some sketches we recross'd the Ferry and reached home about 5. A letter from Babcock (at Hartford was left for me, wishing to know my terms for engraving the ents of a small book which he sent with it. I wrote an answer.
29th. Showers of rain. I went to Mr. Campbellt (Bookbinder) to enquire for type-metal. He gave me the State arms to cut on type-metal. I came home and cast the plate immediately. Bespoke some metal at Harrison's ( Printer), who gave me a border
# Hoebuck, modern Hoboken. The orthography of names around New York was not then settled. Wechawk for Weehawken was also common.
+ Campbell the bookbinder was undoubtedly Samuel Campbell, the publisher He had at this time a printing office and probably a bindery.
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to deepen. Went to the Library and took out Reid's Inquiry into the Human mind. A. Tiebout lent me the Citizen of the World. I finishi'd Harrison's border and Ad. Hicks's compass- plate. I took some pains to patch up our garret window. which still continues to admit the rain. Got some pieces of leather from Mr. Reid and bound my Journals in 2 volines. I bought 1b42 type-metal of G. Youle, for which I paid 31/.
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