USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. VIII > Part 10
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120
Notes from the Newspapers.
It was claimed to have been the firm belief of this which enlisted the whole middling class of the city in behalf of this new bank, and caused hundreds of men to join in the application, and by personal effort to further its incorporation. But the commissioners, it was said, had proceeded in a manner that had defeated the public expec- tation and outraged public opinion. In answer to a call at the Capitol, a "large and respectable" meeting of merchants and other citizens of Albany convened there. Col. John Stilwell was called to the chair, and Isaac Fondey appointed secretary. Mr. Jeremiah Waterman briefly stated the object of the meeting, and Mr. John S. Van Rensselaer was called upon for an address. In obedience to the call, and appealing to the indulgence and favor of the audience, Mr. Van Rensselaer briefly explained what he considered to be the cause which had called together so unusual and respectable a number of his fellow citizens. He concluded by submitting, inas- much as the just and reasonable expectation of commu- nity had been disappointed in the erection of the Com- mercial Bank, and inasmuch as the subscription to that bank had shown the large amount of surplus capital sought to be vested in bank stock, whether it might not be expedient to apply for a bank to be located in Albany, with a capital of $400,000, to be divided into shares of $25 each, in the charter of which there should be a pro- vision that if the commissioners in the distribution of the capital stock should allot to any individual more than fifty shares, they should be adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor, and forfeit each to the use of the bank, $1,000. Upon the conclusion of Mr. Van Rensselaer's speech, it was
Resolved, That the charter of the Commercial Bank was not granted by the legislature of the state of New York to create a monopoly for the profit of speculators, but was granted at the pressing instance of hundreds of citizens who subscribed the petitions for said bank, for the general advantage of the community of Albany.
June 11 .- Gen. Lafayette made his second visit to
121
Notes from the Newspapers.
Albany, arriving from the west. He attended church on the following day, which was Sunday, and left for Boston on Monday, the 13th.
The weather during these three days was extremely warm, the thermometer being on Saturday the 11th at 97 deg .; on Sunday at 98 deg .; and on Monday at 86 deg.
A new daily line of mail stages commenced running from Albany to Rochester, by the way of Cherry Valley, which was claimed to be the shortest route by 16 miles, and the country through which it passed " more airy and sightly" than the route through the Mohawk valley.
June 11 .- A new stand of colors was presented to Capt. Gilbert's company of Albany Independent Volun- teers, by John Leman, a painter, through Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer.
June 18 .- The Albany Republican Artillery met at Crosby's Hotel, and passed resolutions of respect to the memory of the late Daniel D. Tompkins.
June 19 .- William I. Hilton died, aged 91.
June 21 .- The steam boat Constitution burst her boiler off Poughkeepsie, severely scalding the cooks, three of whom died.
June .- The Second Presbyterian Church received an organ from the establishment of Hall & Erban, New York.
June 27 .- Judith Van Vechten, daughter of Abraham Van Vechten, died, aged 22.
May .- The mean height of the thermometer for this month was 60.75 deg .; highest 82 deg .; lowest 37 deg. Rain on 4 days; 1.21 inches fell.
June .- The mean temperature for the month was 70.64 deg. Highest range 98 deg .; lowest 57 deg. Rain on 7 days; 5.78 inches fell.
July 1 .- The safety barge, Lady Clinton, towed by the steam boat Commerce, made her first appearance at Albany, with a large number of passengers from New York, among whom was the Danish minister, attracted by this new mode of traveling.
[ Annals viii.] 12
122
Notes from the Newspapers.
July 1 .- Lafayette arrived in the city from Vermont, accompanied by the governor of that state, and a mili- tary escort from Troy, it being his third visit during this tour in the country. He put up at Crittenden's, now Congress Hall. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon a dinner was served up by the citizens in the Capitol, Elias Kane presided, assisted by Harmanus Bleecker, Benjamin Knower, John Townsend, Gamaliel H. Bar- stow, then state treasurer, and William Caldwell. Judge Story and Daniel Webster, of Boston, John Woodworth, Ambrose Spencer and Stephen Van Rensselaer are men- tioned among the guests of distinction. The blessing was asked by the Rev. Dr. Chester. Among the toasts were the following, the first volunteer being by Lafay- ette.
" Albany as I have known it, and Albany as it is now- a comparative standard between royal guardianship and the self government of the people; may this differ- ence be more and more illustrated at home, and under- stood abroad."
By Daniel Webster .- " The State of New York ; the national link which connects the east and the west; regardless of the greatness conferred by her numbers, she seeks to be great by the spirit, and the works, of im- provement."
By Judge Story .- " The Judiciary of New York; its past glory set in unclouded brightness; may its rising sun beam in a clear sky."
By Ebenezer Baldwin, recorder of the city .- Gen. Lafayette ; " When our country numbered but three millions of citizens, he imposed upon it a national debt, that thirteen millions in vain attempt to discharge-a debt of gratitude."
By Daniel Webster .- " The ancient and hospitable city of Albany ; where Gen. Lafayette found his head quarters in 1778, and where men of his principles find good quarters at all times."
The General attended the Theatre in the evening, which closed at 12 o'clock, soon after which he proceed-
123
Notes from the Newspapers.
ed to the steam boat Bolivar, which awaited him at the dock, and proceeded to New York.
July 1 .- The first anniversary of the Albany Institute was held at the Albany Academy, Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer presiding. The annual address was delivered by the Rev. John Chester.
July 4 .- The forty-ninth anniversary of national independence was celebrated by the military and citi- zens with the customary enthusiasm. The Declaration of Independence was read by Salem Dutcher, and the oration was delivered by Henry G. Wheaton.
July 4 .- William Churchill died, aged 66; a soldier of the Revolution, and a worthy citizen.
July 12 .- Robert O. K. Bennett, who had for many years been an able and successful instructer of youth in this city, died, aged 52.
July 12 .- A public dinner was given to Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer by the citizens of Detroit. The follow- ing toast was given by Alderman Rowland:
" Gen. Van Rensselaer, our esteemed guest; on the banks of Miami and the heights of Queenstown, his blood flowed with no stinted tide; may the gratitude of his country flow as freely."
July 17 .- Mrs. Johannah, widow of Obadiah Van Benthuysen, died, aged 75.
July 20 .- John Paul died, aged 28.
July 22 .- Anthony McMurdy died, from exposure to the heat of the sun, aged 36.
This was a remarkable summer for the height of the temperature over the whole of the northern states.
July 23 .- Fanny Stewart died, aged 90.
July 27 .- The sale of the Pier lots took place on the State street bridge, where a splendid canopy had been erected for the occasion, surmounted by the national flag. The cost of the Pier was $130,000. The sale of all the lots but one, which was reserved, being 122 in number, amounted to $199,410, ranging from $1,200 to $2,625 each.
124
Notes from the Newspapers.
July 27 .- The new steam boat Saratoga arrived at the dock. She was built by the North River Company, for the purpose of taking passengers to and from the large boats, when the tide would not admit of their crossing the bar.
July 30 .- Several persons largely concerned in the shipping interest went down to examine the overslaugh in the new steam boat Saratoga. After having made soundings and considered the measures that seemed to be necessary to remove the obstructions and improve the navigation, a formal meeting was called, at which Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer presided, and John T. Norton acted as secretary. The meeting resolved that an effort ought immediately to be made to improve the navigation of the river at the overslaugh, and that a meeting of the citizens of Albany should be called to deliberate upon the subject. Such a meeting was held on the 2d of August at the Knickerbacker Hall, at which Joseph Alexander presided, when a committee was appointed to raise money, and another to devise the best mode of removing the obstructions.
July .- The steam boat Swiftsure Capt. Stocking, made her appearance, with the safety barge Lady Van Rensse- laer.
July .- The temperature of the month averaged 77.69 deg. Greatest height 96 deg .; lowest 60 deg. Rain on 6 days; 1.13 inches fell.
Aug. 5,-Thomas Barry Hill died, aged 21.
Aug 7 .- The steam boat Constellation, Capt. Robert G. Crittenden, made her first appearance at the steam boat landing. She was built by a company of Albanians, and was fitted up with unusual elegance.
Aug 8 .- The Albany Patriot and Daily Commercial Intelligencer, the second daily newspaper in Albany, was first published this day by George Galpin.
Aug. 8 .- There were at this time 93 adults and 40 children in the Alms House.
There were 43 taverns, 201 ordinaries, 50 grocers,
125
Notes from the Newspapers.
22 victuallers, and 46 cartmen, who had licenses; and the amount received by the city for these licenses was $3,611.
Aug. 12 .- John Chestney was drowned, aged 26.
Aug. 16 .- Mrs. Maria Staats, wife of Dr. B. P. Staats, died, aged 24.
Aug. 16 .- The steam boat Constitution, Capt. Bartholomew, made her first appearance here, with 250 passengers.
It was asserted by the editors of the Daily Advertiser that the wholesale business of the city had quadrupled during the two years since the opening of the canal, and that Albany merchants had opened a direct business with the manufacturers of Europe.
The returns of the census marshal gave the following statistics of the Shakers at Niskayuna. There were four families, having each their head, or leader, subject to one general head, or elder.
4 heads of families,
112 males,
4 deaths during the year preced- ing July 1st,
153 females, 899 acres of land improved,
74 entitled to vote,
155 neat cattle,
13 aliens,
22 horses,
3 people of color, 475 sheep,
73 females between 16 and 45, 134 hogs,
51 do over 45, 1450 yards fulled cloth made during the year, 29 do under 16,
1945 yards flannels made during the year,
4464 do linen and cotton.
Aug. 17 .- Mrs. Charlotte H. Henry died, aged, 36.
Aug. 19 .- Roger Skinner died, United States judge for the northern district of New York.
Aug. 22 .-- An injunction having been obtained staying the opening of the Commercial Bank, the chan- cellor decided against the dissolution of the injunction, moved for by the commissioners of the bank.
Aug. 22 .- A person whose name does not appear, stated that he had discovered a bed of coal in the vicinity of Albany, and claimed the premium of $1,000, there-
126
Notes from the Newspapers.
4
tofore offered by the corporation for such discovery. His petition was laid on the table.
At the same meeting Mr. Stevenson, from the alms house committee reported a plan and specifications for building an alms house, which were adopted. Sealed proposals were at the same time opened for building the same, when the work was awarded to Fasset & Halen- bake, at $9,875.
Aug. 22 .- Maj. Edward Cumpston, died at Auburn, aged 72, and was interred with military honors. He had resided in Albany, was a soldier of the Revolution, and was on one occasion directed by Lafayette to per- form the duties of adjutant-general. He was a worthy and upright man.
Aug. 26 .- The steam boat New London was advertised to leave that part of the Pier opposite the Eagle Tavern, for New York, this afternoon at 4 o'clock. A prejudice existed at this time against iron boilers, which were thought to be unsafe. It was therefore stated that the New London had a copper boiler.
Aug. 27 .- James Elliot Thompson died.
Aug. 29 .- Dr. Samuel Dexter died, aged 69, and was buried from his residence No. 57 State street.
The mean temperature of the month of August was 72.05 deg. Greatest height 89 deg., lowest, 55 deg. Rain on 9 days; 6.43 inches fell.
Sept. 3 .- A meeting of citizens was held at Knicker. backer Hall for the purpose of forming a Prison Discipline Society. A constitution was adopted, and a board of managers chosen, of which Samuel M. Hopkins was pre- sident, and James Stevenson treasurer.
Sept. 9 .- John Gates, who had been a resident of the city about fifty years, died, aged 74. He early embarked in the war of the Revolution, and was one of the party that accompanied Arnold through the wilderness to Quebec, where he fought beside Montgomery when that general fell under her walls. He was also engaged in the battle of Saratoga. He was also distinguished for his virtues as a private citizen.
127
Notes from the Newspapers.
Sept. 12 .- Christopher Monk died, aged 55; character- ized as a very worthy citizen.
Sept. 14 .- A meeting was held at the Capitol, for the purpose of taking some action preparatory to celebrating the completion of the canal.
Sept. 18 .- Levi Cole, printer, died.
The following is a list of the steam boats that plied between Albany and New York, at this time:
Boat. Captain.
James Kent,
T. Wiswall.
Chancellor Livingston,
Lockwood.
Richmond,
Cochrane.
Olive Branch, .
Moore.
Wm. Penn,
Fountain.
Chief Justice Marshall,
Sherman.
Constitution,
Ricketson.
Constellation,
Cruttenden.
Henry Eckford,
Drake
Hudson,
. Brooks.
Bristol,
. Young.
Saratoga,
Benson.
Sept. 25 .- Duncan Stewart died, aged 33.
Sept. 26 .- Robert B. Hewson was buried from 51 Lydius street.
Sept. 27 .- Mrs. Phebe, widow of Uriah Benedict died, aged 45.
Sept. 27 .- The charter election took place on this day, and resulted in the choice of the entire Republican ticket. The following was the vote for aldermen and assistants. First Ward.
Republican.
Democratic.
John Townsend,. 237
Peter Van Loon, 151
Isaac Denniston,
201
James Stevenson. 159
Jonah Scovel, ..
213
Geo. R. Hendrickson, * 140
John D. Hewson. 368
Second Ward.
John Cassidy, 280
Allen Brown, 97
Jacob. J. Lansing, .
227
Wm. Seymour,. 146
Daniel McGiasban,
262
Christian H. Shear, . 103
Adrian Day, . 273
Arnold Nelson, . 116
* These were not of the Democratic party, but were run in oppo- sition to the regular Republican ticket.
128
Notes from the Newspapers.
Third Ward.
Gilbert F. Lush, 119
John Mancius, 33
Herman V. Hart,
130
Gerrit Gates, *
43
John Mancius, .. 126
Richard I. Knowlson, 34
Andrew Kirk, 159
Fourth Ward.
Charles D. Cooper,
195
Erastus Corning, 145
Welcome Esleeck, .
327
Moses Kenyon,
213
James Maher, .133
James Goold, .
196
Thomas Morgan, Jr., .. . 127
Fifth Ward.t
James Gibbons, Francis I. Bradt, Francis Costigan, Benjamin Wilson.
Sept. 28 .- The tragedian, Conway, made his first ap- pearance in this city.
Sept. 29 .- A splendid Masonic pageant was held to cele- brate the installation of Stephen Van Rensselaer as Grand Master, who succeeded De Witt Clinton in that office.
An association of twenty-four merchants was formed, to carry on a direct trade with the West Indies. The first venture was made with a schooner, which was laden partly with horses and flour. On the third day out, one horse and a quantity of hay was swept overboard by a gale. The trip was a rough one, but was successful.
The mean temperature of the month was 60.37 deg. Greatest height, 77 deg., lowest, 41. Rain on 6 days; 1 inch fell.
Oct. 4 .-- Mrs. Catharine, widow of Henry Van Woert, died, aged 75.
George Pearson, formerly of Albany, died in New York, aged about 30.
Oct. 7 .-- Daniel Waters died, aged 24.
Oct. 15 .-- Richard Dunn died, aged 81.
Oct. 18 .- De Witt Clinton issued a proclamation for a public thanksgiving, which is believed to have been the introduction of those observances that have been con- tinued annually ever since.
Oct. 18 .- The Albany Argus was first published daily.
* The division in this ward was not political but local.
t No opposition in this ward.
129
Notes from the Newspapers.
Oct. 22 .- Mrs. Harriet, widow of the Rev. J. B. Romeyn, and daughter of John N. Bleecker of Albany, died in New York.
It appeared by the returns of the census marshals, that the population of the city was 15,974, being a gain of nearly 3,500 in five years.
There were five extensive breweries in the city; that of Fiddler & Taylor, supposed to be the largest in the United States, was capable of manufacturing 250 barrels of beer a day.
Oct. 23 .- John N. Bleecker died, aged 87.
Oct. 24 .-- A fire destroyed the brass foundry of James Maxwell. in the rear of Peter Smith's coppersmith shop, No. 47 State street, by which Mr. Maxwell lost all his property, having no insurance.
Oct. 25 .- Mrs. Harriet S., wife of Ichabod L. Judson, died.
Oct.26 .-- A line of cannons was formed the whole length of the Erie canal, and extended down the Hudson river, and to Sandy Hook. At 3 minutes before 11 o'clock the first boat from Buffalo passed through the lock into the Albany basin, and was announced by the discharge of a cannon, which was continued in both directions by the cannons along the line as they caught the sound, and was returned in the same way. The return fire from New York was received five minutes before 1.2.
Oct. 26 .- Jacob Ackerman died, aged 26.
Oct. 29 .-- The first canal boat through from Albany reached Buffalo, on which occasion a celebration took place there.
The mean temperature of the month was 52.79 deg. Greatest height,;79 deg .; lowest 29 deg. Rain on 6 days, when nearly 5 inches fell.
Nov. 2 .-- The city of Albany held a special celebration of the opening of the canal. Philip Hone delivered an address in behalf of the city of New York.
Nov. 5 .-- A fire destroyed the two story wooden building in State street, owned by E. & E. Hosford, and formerly occupied by them as a printing office, now No. 74. The occupants at the time of the fire were L. K. Norton,
-
.
130
Notes from the Newspapers.
shoemaker, Wm. Carpenter, tailor, and Jesse Howe, gro- cer. Mr. Norton lost nearly all his property.
Nov. 7 .- The celebrated Miss'Kelly, the particular star of the theatrical firmament at this time, made her first appearance in Albany, as Letitia Hardy, in the Belle's Stratagem.
Nov. 9 .- The last day of election, the law at this time requiring the polls to be kept open three days. The con- test was vigorously carried on between the Democrats and Republicans, who accused each other of federalism. No one would allow himself to be a federalist now, but claimed to be either a Democrat or a Republican.
This was called the state election; the charter election being held in September. The following are county returns :
Senator.
Republican.
Democratic.
Ambrose L. Jordan, 2746 King,
2003
Assembly.
Samuel S. Lush,
2868
Staats, .
2077
Malachi Whipple,. . 2846
Chapman, .
1968
Andrew Ten Eyck,
2644 Van Kleeck, 2145
Sheriff.
Conrad A. Ten Eyck, ...... 2607
Calvin,
2251
Clerk.
James Van Ingen,. 666 Philip Phelps, 1424
Lawrence L. Van Kleeck, 2780
The latter ran as an independent candidate, and had held the office some time. The baptismal names of the Democratic candidates were not given in the returns from which the table was derived.
A vote was taken on the mode of choosing electors for president and vice-president. It stood for general ticket, plurality, 2684. For districts, 1738.
Nov. 14 .- At a meeting of the common council, John Gansevoort resigned his office as police magistrate, and John O. Cole was unanimously elected in his stead ..
Nov. 17 .- The drawing of St. Peter's church lottery took place.
Nov. 18 .- Mrs. Elizabeth Dyer died, aged 66.
131
Notes from the Newspapers.
On the 18th November, 1823, the canal froze up, and winter set in fiercely. Nov. 25, severe cold and one heavy snow storm. But January was as mild and open as spring. In some warm positions lilacs budded. The river was open four times during the winter, and free of ice on the 10th March.
1824 .- Winter set in on the 10th December. Rest of the month mild. Canal boats continued to run till the 15th. January like spring, and except a slight snow storm in February, the whole winter moderate. River only slightly frozen, and entirely open on the 6th March.
1825-Two extreme cold days in December, and two in January ; otherwise winter was remarkably mild; no snow south of Albany, but sufficient the great part of the winter north of Sandy Hill. River opened 26th of February, earlier than ever before known.
Nov. 20 .- Col. Peter Schuyler died at Natchez, aged 48. He was a nephew of Gen. Philip Schuyler, and entered the army at the age of 18, as an ensign, and rose to the rank of colonel. He distinguished himself under Wayne by his bravery and good deportment. He was treasurer of the state of Mississippi, and held responsible offices in the city of Natchez.
Nov. 20 .- A sermon was preached in the Second R. P. Dutch Church by the Rev. Isaac Ferris, and a collection taken up for the Albany County Sabbath School Union, which amounted to $119.32.
Nov. 21 .- Hamblin, who had been in this country but three weeks, made his first appearance at the Theatre in Albany as Hamlet.
Nov. 21 .- A fire broke out in the Colonie, which de- , stroyed Cosgrave's soap factory and other buildings.
Nov. 22 .- It was announced that an application would be made to the next legislature, to incorporate a com- pany to construct a railway from Schenectady to the Hudson river at Albany or Troy, as should be deemed most advisable.
Jabez Hammond and Azor Taber formed a copartner- ship in law.
132
Notes from the Newspapers.
Mr. Parsons was engaged in erecting a circus building on the site of an old brewery in North Pearl street, above Columbia. The edifice was 66 feet by 111 deep.
City Finances .- It is interesting to look at the state- ment of the chamberlain at this time, it contrasts so strangely with our present financial transactions, although but thirty years intervene. The following report was made by Mr. Henry W. Snyder, chamberlain, of the re- ceipts and expenditures for the year ending Oct. 11, 1825.
RECEIPTS.
For lands sold previous to 1818, $452.92
excise,.
3741.72
fines received of P. Phelps, late police justice. 18.25
dividends on water works stock,.
918.00
tax for night watch and city lamps,
6000.00
.do support of the poor, 8000.00
market fees,.
444.50
sale of vegetable stalls,
102.49
ferry receipts, ..
5896.87
Expenditures refunded :
From Philip Phelps, late overseer of the poor per settlement,
27.00
For advances on improvements,
$152.58
opening Montgomery street,
901.00
do Centre street,
814.00
work done and vegetables sold at Alms House,
335.55
timber sold,,,
23.32}
old ferry scow sold, 30.00
stone sold, 12.00
From the county,
1810.49
S. Van Rensselaer, lighting 6 lamps, loans, .
60.00
28458.33
For account of commissioners :
rents, . 6617.41}
lands sold, 400.00
-
1018.50
do Marsh street,
Notes from the Newspapers. 133
Commutation, , $217.50
interest on lands sold, 93.37. do on quit rents, 2.66 city tax,. 8000.00
dividends on turnpike stock, 481.88
EXPENDITURES. $75030.36
Streets-ordinary repairs,
$935.38
extraordinary do, ..
1865.43
opening Montgomery street, 68.49
do Marsh street,
398.00
do Centre street,. 319.00
do. Water,.
186.18
widening Ferry street, paid assessment 1815 to estate H. Bradt,
6298.64
removing street dirt.
723.33
Drains, ..
124.91
Wells and pumps,.
1357.88
Engines, Hook and ladder companies, &c., ...
1448.04
Lamps,
3041.56
Watch,
4089.72
Salaries, . .
2527-50
Support of the poor:
alms house,. $4159.81
new alms house, 2000.00
6159.81
city physicians,
661.00
city poor,
2886.98
Lazaretto,.
158.41-
Payments on the city debt,
8667.80
Interest,
2405.80 221.35
Taxes on city property,
Forest,
79.37
Police office,
27.63
Ferry expenses,
3047.13
Surveys, ..
6.00
Fourth of July,
220.00
Capitol, .
10.00
Support of Lancaster school,
500.00
[ Annals, viii.] 13
134
Notes from the Newspapers.
Inspection of chimneys, . $183.00
Payments to commissioners of city stock, 15507.21
Printing and advertising, 470.08
Markets, - 35.12
Payments on loans,
5500.00
Contingencies :
repairing house on Truax farm, 12.00
charter elections, .. 10.75
making wheelbarrow for sealer, 6.00
common council room,
33.62
insurance of alms house, 20.00
removing nuisances, . 21.75
mayor's court room, . 19.37
repairing school-house in Beaver street, .
40.00
making fence round Potter's field, .
88.38
excavating at the foot of Rutten kill.
75.00
chamberlain's office, .
5.06
discount on uncurrent bills,
18.05
attorney's fees, .
330.69
reception of Gen. Lafayette,
1320.00
materials furnished for academy,
7.50
guarding the park, &c., front of Capitol,
13.00
expenses to New York, chamberlain, .
10.00
forty copies City Directory, 30.00
repairing dock,. 2.63
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