USA > New York > New York City > Old New York : a journal relating to the history and antiquities of New York City, Vol. II > Part 40
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DIARY OF DR. ALEXANDER ANDERSON. NOVEMBER, 1795.
1st. Sunday. A great change from warm to cold weather since yesterday. I went to town this morning and attended Church ; heard Mr. Moore from Hosea xiv. 7. While we were preparing for dinner at my Father's, A. Tiebout came in. His dog showed great dexterity in catching a large rat, which had introduc'd him- self into the room. My Brother and A. T. accompanied me part of the way back. I spent the remainder of the afternoon in writing and conversing with McFarlane. In the evening a dis- pute arose from reading a passage in Beattie, on the Soul, at last brought us upon Universal Restoration, which I endeavour'd to collect arguments for.
2d. This afternoon Dr. Smith came and proceeded to filling up a Statement of the Conduct of the Committee of Health and the Condition of the Hospital, not forgetting to make honorable men- tion of my Partner and me. This is to be laid before the public. I had a Duck-chase this morning along the rocks, but none of · them were complaisant enough to let me knock them in the head. In my precipitation I fell among the rocks and scratch'd my skin a little. One Patient dismiss'd. McF. was in town during most of the day. Evening. I read for him in Milton's Paradise Lost.
3d. Last night I lost one Patient, and dismiss'd another this morning. I went to town this forenoon, left my watch with A. Tiebout to repair. Tiebout advises me to look out for a place to set up business and "not to be wanting in Ambition ." I call'd at Jn. Reid's. He wishes me to finish his engravings as soon as possi- ble. I next went and sat a few moments with Mrs. Rose. She, having reasons to dread the ravages of this disease, had retir'd to the Country, whence she has lately return'd. After dinner I pre- par'd for my return. In my way I stopp'd at a Slop shop and bought a Dutch Coat for 10 Dollars, which swelter'd me finely ;
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before I got to Belle-vue I got a Vol. of the Spectator from Rob- ertson & Gowan's. A Mrs. Marshall was sitting with McFar- lane, a woman who liv'd in affluence and was well educated in Scotland, but was unlucky enough to marry a wretch, who took to Drinking, and failing to a considerable amount was obliged to fly his country with her. He has been employed in superintend- ing the Interments at Potter's Field, but, still a slave to liquor, he has treated his wife in a brutal manner. I took down my Violin to amuse a fine little baby which she held in her arms, but found that she was not a little pleased when I play'd some Scotch tunes. I continued to play for more than an hour, while she accompanied some of them with the voice, express'd her thankfulness and declar'd that she had not been so highly gratified since she left her own Country. One of the Hearsemen brought in his wife and Child, so that we had Company enough ; however, we got rid of them all about dusk.
4th. Confin'd to the house all day. I entertain'd myself with the Spectator and one or two interludes with the Violin. Three Patients Discharg'd which reduced the number to 7. Mr. Fisher may pass for a Disciple of Socrates, for his wife has been giving him such a Blast as was sufficient to exercise the patience of any man. Instead of answering her in her own way, he goes about his business with a great deal of apparent calmness. Perhaps he has by sad experience found it his interest to do so.
The cause of the storm was this. A Son of Mrs. Fisher, who brings market things from West Chester, had met with a loss and applied to his mother for 3 pounds. She applied to Fisher, and he by refusing drew down her vengeance on him. Among others she had recourse to me for the money, but I luckily forgot that I had any by me. She is actuated, no doubt, by the Inspira- tion of Bacchus, who was pleased to endue her with as excessive a degree of hilarity by night, so that the kitchen resounded with peals of laughter. McFarlane stuck his segar in his mouth and went down to enjoy the scene.
5th. This morning I went to town. Call'd at Reid's (Book- ' seller) who urg'd me to hurry on the Hieroglyphic engravings. I went home and once more began to use my engraving tools, now growing rusty. Before three o'clock P. M. I finish'd 7 of
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the cuts, and contriv'd to have a room fitted up for my winter quarters. In my way back I got Howard's Life from the Library, having returned the Spectator. My Brother and I stopp'd in at Capt. Rowe's at his invitation. He walk'd part of the way with us afterwards ; I met with something to flatter my vanity. This was the sight of my naine honorably mention'd in the Papers by the Health Committee.
6th. A pleasant day. I sent home my trunk by Fisher. 2 Patients Discharg'd Cured to-day 5 only remaining. McFarlane being in town most of the day I employ'd myself as usual. I drew a pretty good likeness of him before he went. Towards evening, Marshall, the Grave-digger, came for me to see his wife. In our way he took me through the Potter's Field and seem'd to pride himself much in the appearance of the graves. An Inter- mitting Fever was his wife's complaint. I gave advice and left them. An old woman at the door asked my advice for a dislo- cated thumb. Marshall, who was half seas over, laid hold of it and gave a hard pull.
7th. This morning I went to town and engrav'd some more Hieroglyphics. Stepp'd in at A. Tiebout's shop. Got back to the Hospital between 3 and 4 o'clock. McFarlane introduced me to a young man from Jamaica (Mr. Leslie.)-They were drinking and Smoking together in the West India style. I made another attempt at drawing McFarlane's likeness.
8th. Sunday. Very pleasant weather. I went to town and at- tended Church, where I partook of the Lord's Supper. The Bishop preached from these words : " This do in remembrance of me." I din'd at My Father's and afterward's returned to the Hospital. Two of McFarlane's West India acquaintances were there.
9th. Pent up in the house all day by the rain. We have been looking out in vain for an opportunity to go to town, but were oblig'd to lay by and content ourselves. The time has pass'd rather heavily, though I've endeavor'd to employ myself at read- ing, not forgetting the Violin. One Patient has gone off without a Discharge. I spent most of the Fore-noon in drawing McF.'s likeness.
10th. This morning after breakfast we set off for town by the
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Post road. Stopp'd to see Mrs. Marshall. Call'd at Dr. Smith's, but he being out we separated & I went to my Father's; after the usual salutations and howd'-ye-do's, I sat down to my engraving. They had receiv'd letters from my uncle at St. Vincents & one from Dr. Davidson. At 2 I went again to Dr. Smith's, who agreed to meet us at the Hospital to-morrow and bring matters to a conclusion .- I stopp'd at Rob. Davis and sat awhile with him & his wife .- They seem rejoiced to find I have escap'd that which chill'd their souls with horror. They have been exceed- ingly timorous during the prevalence of the epidemic .- I had a little conversation with A. Tiebout. Play'd on the Violin for F. Bates, whom I found at my Father's. James Sacket came in. -I return'd to the Hospital before dark and began to read the Mirror, which I got from the Library .- Mrs. Black, a Nurse whose conduct has been highly praiseworthy, is unwell .-
11th. McFarlane came up about noon. In the afternoon my Brother came and spent some time with us-gave us some tunes on the Violin. I went part of the way back with him. I had not return'd long before Dr. Smith arriv'd and took a review of Hospital in order to make a general discharge. Mrs. Black was a good deal hurt when he propos'd sending her to the City Hospital. There are but 3 others remaining, who are all able to walk about. This Evening Mrs. Fisher came in to tell me a dismal story about an apparition she saw and the knocking she heard at her window. From hence she inferr'd that some person must have been wrong'd, and withal took care to inform me that she had done no * harm. Let those that are guilty take the blame to themselves, said I.
12th. This morning I took leave of Belle-vue Hospital, having agreed to return to-morrow to see Mrs. Black who still continues unwell. George, the black man, was much affected when I gave him his discharge. In my way home I met McFarlane, who re- turn'd with me. I made a pretty sudden transition in my busi- ness. Having kindled a fire in my new apartment I began at en- graving. After dinner I went with my Brother and sat a while with Dr. Young ; next call'd at Youle's and got some type-metal, for which I paid 13/10 .- Return'd & employ'd the remainder of the day in casting blocks for the Hieroglyphics and part of the
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evening in finishing them off. Began to arrange my letters which now form a considerable packet .- Mr. James Buchanan drank tea with us. The other day McFarlane entreated me to tell him candidly whether I had applied for the office of Physician to the Dispensary, or whether I had any intentions of applying. On my answering in the Negative he then said he would endeavour to procure it for himself.
13th. I Rose at 6 this morning, and hearing a Cry of fire ran out, but before I had proceeded far it was extinguish'd. It was a Boat-builder's shop near the New-Market.
I spent the chief part of the Forenoon in engraving. Mr. Adams from St. Vincents was here. Mr. James Buchanan made us a short visit. In the afternoon I walk'd, with my Brother, to Belle-vue ; in the way call'd for McFarlane who was out. At the Hospital I found the Nurse still unwell and 3 patients still hang- ing about the house. Return'd before dark rather chilled. At home I found Miss Polly Davis & James Sacket who drank tea with us. A. Tiebout came in with his Big dog. Not long after this company were gone Mrs. Biggs and Mrs. Reid came. Mr. Reid came next, & I began at his engraving. He sat some time in my working room. Expenses 1/6 for hair-Powder. 3d for apples.
14th. This morning I applied myself pretty steadily at en- graving so that I finish'd the 2d sheet of Hieroglyphics by noon. After dinner, pack'd them up and deliver'd them up to Mr. Reid. Mr. Banks came to see me. Complain'd of a pain in his head and thinks bleeding would relieve him. Says he was quite flighty not long since. I took a walk with my Brother in the afternoon and Return'd and fell to work at casting type-metal for Babcock, who call'd on me yesterday. Dr. McFarlane and I went to Alderman Furman's and deliver'd our Accounts. I pass'd the Evening very agreeably in my room, in binding up my Letters, reading, etc., " Deus nobis hæc otia fecit." Mama can hardly reconcile her- self to a large silver bowl which my Father has had made.
15th. Sunday. This forenoon I went to Church and heard Mr. Rattoon from Lamentations of Jerem. iii. 33 .- after dinner I call'd at Dr. Smith's and enquired how the Nurse at Belle-vue was. Afternoon, at Church-Mr. Moore. Evening-after some
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conversation with the Family, I went with my Brother to Church and again heard Mr. Moore, on the Changes wrought in the dis- position of the Gospel.
16th. This morning I call'd upon Dr. Post and got a ticket for the Anatomical Lectures, which I presented to W. Debow. It cost £6. I sat awhile with Dr. Young, bespoke a pair of breeches at Gardner & Nivens. Employ'd the remainder of the forenoon in casting. Afternoon-Finish'd one of Babcock's cuts, deliver'd the cut which I engrav'd some time ago for Harrison. Went to the City Hall with an expectation of hearing Col. Hamilton plead, but the Court had adjourned. Evening. Read etc. A. Tiebout call'd in. Just return'd from Japan. Expences, 1/6 for Pomatum ; Ticket £6.
17th. Engraving was my chief employment to-day. I finish'd 13 Hieroglyphics. Bought a load of wood for my Fire. In the morning I call'd at Mr. Stanford's to get some directions about the engravings he wishes to have done ; he intends to publish a periodical work call'd the Christian's Pocket Library, and orna- ment it with several vignettes or devices. I bespoke a waistcoat at my Tailor's. I stopp'd in at Court, towards evening and heard Col. Hamilton plead. We had a number of Ladies, our neigh- bours, at tea My Brother and I play'd on the Violin for them. Mr. Adams came in. I attended several of the ladies home. Expences -Wood, 16/, Carting and Sawing 3/9.
18th. Employ'd as the preceding day. Mr. Ryan, who has been confin'd to his bed these two days, is become a patient of mine. I bespoke a pair of shoes at Lamplin's. In the Evening I went with my Brother, whom I treated to a ticket, to see Mr. Gonoty's Feats in Cortlandt Street. The Exhibition consisted of Balanceings, Imitations of Fireworks, ingenious. enough, and The Humours of Punch, which afforded us a hearty laugh. The music was retailed out by 3 Fiddlers & a Hand-organ. Got home before 9. Called at Ryan's and found the family very uneasy about him. Expen. 1/6 medicine, +/ Tickets .-
19th. Ryan was worse this morning. Dr. Hamersly being sent for, I had a sort of consultation with him. In consequence of this, the Decoction of the Bark which I had given was continued, a Blister & sinapisms applied, &c. Before night he was much
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better. I engrav'd at Reid's & Babcock's works. Afternoon - I stopp'd at Mackay's and heard some Scotch tunes. Evening- Spent some part of it at Dr. Young's and play'd on the violin. Enquir'd at several places for type-metal. Expences, 2/, Medicine, 8/. andirons for my fire.
20th. This morning I call'd at Harrison's and got some type- metal and some more at Durell's. Met Dr. Hamersly twice at Ryan's who is still in danger. I went to Alderman Furman, who audited my Belle-vue Account. I next took it to Mr. Hazard, who signed it, and then to Mr. Broome, who countersigned it ; then to Robt. Bowne who treated me with much kindness and gave me a check on the Bank of the United States, for the sum of £126/8, my compensation for my services for 79 days, at + dol- lars. In the afternoon I cast a number of cuts. Went with A. Tiebout and bought two pair of stockings of a man in a back house in Maiden Lane. A. Tiebout spent part of the evening with me. Expences-Type-metal, 2/, Medicine, 1/, Stockings, 14/9.
21st. Dull, rainy weather. I employ'd myself at Engraving. I bled Mrs. Reid, but with great difficulty, on account of the smallness and depth of her veins. Ryan is rather better. I call'd at Mr. Stanford's to return some papers which he lent me. Expences-1/9 for medicines, 9d. Shoe-ribbon, Shoes, 16/.
22d. Sunday. This fore-noon I went to St. Paul's and partook of the Sacrament. A young man preach'd from "God is Love." After-noon, heard Mr. Beach from " Pray without ceasing." Mr. Adams spent the Evening with us. This, and attending to Mr. Ryan, kept me from Church. 5/ given in Charity.
23d. Morning .. I paid Gardner & Nivens for waistcoat and Breeches ; call'd at Mr. Stanford's with a book which he had lent me. Bought the Looking-glass, a book with cuts by Bewick. Gardner Baker spent some time with us this after-noon ; intends publishing a book on the late Epidemic. Expences, Tailor's Bill £4.5; Book 7/. Engrav'd Hieroglyphics. Evening, A. Tiebout sat awhile with us.
24th.' Pretty busy at engraving. G. Forman brought 2 cuts to me which I had done wrong. I began to prepare others. Mr. Adams spent part of the afternoon with us and in the evening went to the Museum. I found a silver Knee-buckle. Alderman
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Furman call'd on me to know if I would undertake to draw out the Accts. of the patients at the Hospital, I excus'd myself and show'd him my engraving table. My Mother appears very un- easy at my intimating a desire of quitting the Study of Physic. In the evening I found Mr. Ryan much worse. I sat awhile at Mr. Bailey's. Expences-Medicine, 1/.
25th. Anniversary of the Evacuation of the City by the British. I went out in the fore-noon to view the Troops who form'd in Broadway and Wall Street. And one party, after making a re- treat down Maiden Lane, join'd the other and march'd to the Bowery, whence they return'd, follow'd by a procession of Citi- zens. I finished Forman's two cuts, and two of Babcock's, who call'd and took 7 of those I had finish'd before with him. Even- ing, Mr. Adams and Mr. Baker were here. Expences-Raisins, 6d .; Medicine, 1/4. Charles N-'s abominable attempt on his young Sister-in-law astonish'd me.
26th. This being recommended as a Day for a Public Thanks- giving, it was observed with the greatest propriety by all ranks of Citizens. Scarce a shop was seen open or a Cart appear'd in the Streets. The places of Public worship were well filled-at Trinity Church I heard an Hymn suitable to the day and a dis- course from Mr. Moore, from Psalm ciii, 1, 2, 3, 4, which by its excellence attracted universal attention. I spent part of the day at Engraving. In the afternoon I went with Mr. Adams to the Museum, and after viewing the Collections I return'd to meet Dr. Hamersly at Ryan's. Went back to the Museum and drank tea with Mr. Baker and family.
Mr. Baker presented a printed letter to me requesting informa- tion concerning the patients under my care at the Hospital, to contribute towards a Compilation which he is making on the Subject of the Epidemic. I bought a Ticket in the Newark Lot- tery-for 2 Dols. When I return'd from the Museum with my Mother and Mr. Adams, Mrs. Youle and Miss Minshull were there. My Brother and T. Hertell soon after arriv'd and we set 3 violins, agoing, and in that way contriv'd to spend part of the Evening. By a maneuvre of Mama's Adams was gratified with waiting on one of the ladies home.
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27th. We had a little specimen of snow, hail and rain this after- noon. W. Debow call'd to see me. Our Kitchen being new- white-washed my Brother and I sat about painting and ornament- ing it in a Theatrical Style. I finish'd the last of Babcock's work. Evening, I went to Mr. Davis's and sat awhile-he com- municated to me his design of publishing a song suitable to the 25th last, and wishes to have a caricature sketch prefixed to it. A. Tiebout spent part of the Evening with me. Expences, Medicine 1/1.
28th. I call'd upon Birdsall this morning and got some type- metal. Bespoke a coat of superfine Cloth at Gardner and Nivens, £5.18. Mr. Adams came to communicate some intelligence he had receiv'd from St. Vincents. In the afternoon I cast a number of cuts. Evening-T. Hertell and his wife sat with us and heard Nance sing several songs after her dayswork. I drew the design of Mr. Davis's Caricature. Expences, 1/ to Robertson and Gowan for loan of a book and for some wove-paper.
29th. Sunday. A Stormy day. Attended Church and heard two Strangers preach-one from I John, iii, 10, and the other from Psalm xliii, 3. I met Dr. Hamersly as usual at Ryan's. I made some additions to my book of Compositions. In this I write if possible a few lines every day on whatever subject pre- vails in my mind. Spent the evening in writing and reading.
30th. Was ashamed to find it 7 o'clock when I rose this morn- ing. I went with my Brother to a Hat Ware-house and presented him with a hat. This fore-noon I sat awhile with Dr. Young. In the after-noon W. Debow came and requested me to draw his likeness, at which I made an attempt. Evening, I copied my Essay on Walking, to be inserted in the Weekly Museum. Wrote to Babcock & began to copy the List of Patients at Belle-vue. I engaged to eugrave 10 type-metal cuts for a couple of Country Printers, for 7 Dollars. Took a walk with A. Tiebout & my Brother. Left the Sketch with Mr. Davis. Expences, Hat, 36/, Medicine, 1/6.
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JOHN CASTREE.
By the recent death of John Castree, President of the Irving Savings Institution, New York has lost one of her most valuable. citizens. Simple and quiet in his tastes, unobtrusive in his man- ners and content with fulfilling the duties which fell to him day by day, he was not so well known as some others, but wherever he was known at all, or wherever he had been able to give a word of counsel or of cheer, his loss will be deeply felt. In him the man and his native goodness overshadowed his performances. He was a native of Ireland, having been born on the 17th of February, 1811, at Fintona, in the County Tyrone.
In 1814 some of his relatives determined to come to this country, and brought the boy along with them, although he was then only three years old. His mother, Mrs. Eliza Castree, intended to follow, but did not, dying in Ireland, but his father, Richard Castree, who had been a Colonel in the British army, came over here twelve or fifteen years subsequently, and stayed here the re- mainder of his life, during the latter portion being tenderly cared for by his son.
John Castree dwelt with his grandmother, in whom there must have been many excellent qualities, judging from the result of her tuition. The war with Great Britain was in progress at the time of his arrival, but it soon after ended. He received his educa- tion, a well grounded one, which imparted to him a genuine love of reading which never left him, in the schools of the Public School Society of this city, founded not long before his birth. When still a boy, he left to enter the store of his uncle, James Beatty, who was a prosperous grocer.
From that time forward his life was one of labor and of strenu- ous effort. He was active in movement, determined to learn, and thought no exertion too great to please those who came to his place of business. Not long after attaining manhood, he pur- chased the grocery and its belongings. It was situated on Washing-
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ton street, on the southwest corner of Jay. Few of those who dwelt in its neighborhood did not know Mr. Beatty and his nephew, for it was then the habit of well-to-do people to do their own trading, as Daniel Webster continued to do till the end of his life, in Wash- ington. They were better served than their successors are now. Shortly after this, at about 1836, he removed to a corner higher up, at 121 Hudson street, northwest corner North Moore street, not far from St. John's Square, then a favorite place for fashion- able New Yorkers. In the center of this region was a beautiful park, since destroyed to make way for the development of modern commerce, but which then had a fountain, flower beds, majestic trees, and shady walks.
Before this, however, there were two incidents in his life that affected its entire tenor. It is the tradition in his family that he became converted at the age of fourteen, at a meeting held in the John Street Methodist Church, the mother church of that denomination in this country, and that this happened during a protracted revival, conducted by some one of the leading revival- ists, such as John Newland Maffitt. However that may be, he was admitted on probation into the Duane Street Methodist Episcopal Church on the 29th of November, 182S. This was the third old- est church of that denomination in the City, and there was no other church above it on the West side till the one in Bedford street'was reached. In Duane street he was a member of the choir, and disagreements having arisen between a portion of the congregation and the singers on one side, and the remainder of its members with the officers on the other side, the weaker party, which included the choir, seceded, and formed in 1831 the Greene Street Church, with an edifice between Broome and Spring streets. Here he taught the Bible class with enviable success, his successor being Joseph Longking. Two years later he became a member of the Vestry Street Church, and remained faithful to it the remainder of his life, either under its original name or when it removed to Seventh avenue, near Fourteenth street, under the title of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church.
In his youth he had a very melodious voice. As a child he was taken by a party of serenaders around with them, when he was so small he could not walk the distances they went, and was fre-
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quently carried in the men's arms. As he grew older his voice changed into a resonant bass. He was, as we have seen, a mem- ber of the Duane street choir, and he continued after this for many years to take an active part in the singing. He was no mean in- strumental performer. He played upon the violin and violoncello and the flute, and retained his proficiency as long as he cared to do so. This skill of his naturally made him widely acquainted, for nothing brings the young closer to each other than musical tastes.
Very soon after this he became interested in financial opera- tions outside of the line of trade to which he had been bred. He made money in real estate transactions. He saw greater opportu- nities in insurance and in banking than were possible elsewhere. Insurance companies were just beginning operations on a large scale when he reached manhood. Before the Revolution insur- ance was effected here by the agents of British companies on buildings and on ships, but to a very limited extent. After the contest a few companies were incorporated, and their number slowly grew till the great fire of 1835. This conflagration, and the one ten years later, which seemed as if they would effect the destruction of every existing company, were really the causes why effective insurance now exists. Nearly every organization of this kind suffered losses beyond its capital by this first fire, and many succumbed. Those that did not went on and built up a very profitable business, as their managers were sagacious enough to see that if they could borrow sufficient capital to continue without intermission the increased amount of premiums they would receive would speedily recoup them. This fire, which seemed a ca- lamity to even the best of the companies, was in reality a profitable incident in their existence. Their number was at that time thirty- eight. As soon as Mr. Castree acquired a little surplus capital he became a stockholder in several of these companies, and was soon a director. In this capacity he served the Irving, the Globe, the Commercial and several others. Of the Commercial he became the President, and as such wound up its business when it closed voluntarily, paying dollar for dollar, and leaving a surplus for the stockholders. Ile was President of the Irving Bank for several years, and filled the duties of his position with ability and tact.
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