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occasion we find an honest American praying to be delivered from the terror of an inundation of refugees from the island of Nova Scotia, and fear of arbitrary power; he also prayed that men of opulence might be inspired with true understanding, and that humility might be bestowed upon ladies of fortune. This eccentric man seemed to be constantly in fear that the emigrants from the English colonies would pour in too rapidly, and, as a matter of course, interfere with the prospects and progress of the original settlers.

On the 11th of June, 1788, the Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, of this city, appointed a day of humiliation and prayer; they set, thereby, an example for the remaining churches of the city. Nothing can be more beautiful or Christian-like than offerings or appointments of this kind, especially in a country so much blessed with wealth, resources and the means of obtaining comforts, happiness and religion; the latter, too, without molestation or hindrance of any kind or description.

The ladies of those days were like the men in many particulars. They maintained a certain dignity, asked but few favors, and were capable of administering advice to giddy, thoughtless and inexperienced urchins. With fineries and fashionable attire they were well supplied, and in the days of federal notions federal bonnets were imported from London, and were worn by the amiable and accomplished daughters of the Dutch and English families.

The officers and crews of the frigates Alliance and Bon Homme Richard, which composed the squadron under the command of John Paul Jones, received a large amount of prize money from the hands of a commissioner then residing in New York city. John Paul Jones alone received no less a sum than twelve thousand silver dollars, and the others, in like proportion, obtained their share of the spoils. Opportunities of this kind are not now very frequent, and though they have occurred to the great relief of gallant men, yet the less frequent we have to record them the less we will have to speak of the losses and distress of others.

The corner of Greenwich and Murray street was the northern boundary of the city, as only a few huts were to be seen beyond that section; and, even between Murray street and the present Washington Market, straggling habitations were visible. In the

rear of the City Hospital there stood a frame building, which had a garden and large orchard attached to it. On this spot a duel was fought in 1787. In the fields and meadows which extended far and wide, from the present Hospital grounds to the North river, hundreds of horses and cows were often seen grazing. Between Pearl and Anthony, and Elm and Cross streets, there was a large pond, in which several persons were drowned. Sportsmen visited this place, and returned from thence to their homes, generally, with as large a quantity of fly-abouts, as if they had traveled to the heights of Harlem.

At the evacuation, but few of the streets were paved. The workmanship displayed in these few was performed in such a manner as would now be deemed very awkward-one gutter running through the centre, which was the lowest part of the street, and the elevation on both sides being towards the houses. At the corner of Broadway and Reade street was a burying-ground for people of color; and when it was first dedicated for burial purposes there was scarcely a house to be found in this neighborhood. In the lower part of the city, after the Revolution, there was little to be seen but a mass of ruins. The few buildings then in existence were constructed of wood. At that same period, there were but nine places of public worship, while at the commencement of the Revolution there were nineteen. Trinity and the old Lutheran churches were consumed by the fire of 1776, and the others, as well as the College, used as barracks, jails, hospitals and riding-schools. The College, which was suspended in 1776, was completely re-established in 1784. Education had been almost totally neglected during the preceding seven years. The temporary residence of Congress in our city lasted for about six years, during which time an activity in business and great success among her merchants was universally apparent.

At the time that the first, or Vlaie Market was built, a creek extended through Pearl street, from Maiden lane to the East river. The term Fly Market is a corruption of the one originally adopted, Vlaie, meaning to imply the valley or meadow

market.

On the banks of the Hudson, near where the old Greenwich State Prison building now stands, was the Indian King tavern; at

this place, in 1790, twenty-eight of the chiefs and warriors of the Creek nation took lodgings, when visiting the city. A string of beads and a paper of tobacco were tokens of perpetual peace among this very peculiar people.

The Jews of the city worshipped for many years in what is now a very obscure locality; the building they occupied was in Mill, below Marketfield street. The congregation was called Shearith Israel, i. e., the remnant of Israel, and was incorporated by law.

On the 21st of December, 1788, the New York Society Library was formed. The Hon. Robert Livingston, Walter Rutherford, Matthew Clarkson, Samuel Jones, and others were appointed trustees. Messrs. Robert Watts, Edward Griswold, Hugh Gaine and Dr. Samuel Bard were authorized to receive subscriptions during the absence of Mr. Jones, the treasurer. This was the first society of its kind that was established in New York city. The number of learned and literary men at that period was quite large, and the citizens generally were in favor of the institution, having been heretofore destitute of any public library, or the means of acquiring much knowledge or amusement other than that which they derived from social intercourse and mercantile connexions. In these days, the library of an inhabitant was rather small, and those of the professionals were but seldom seen by the curious and uneducated portion of the community.

The manufacturers of the city, being composed of men connected with the most respectable families, aspired to elevate and improve their stations by forming societies of their own. The most prominent one was the New York Manufacturing Society, whose buildings were in Vesey street, and of which Melancthon Smith was president and Cornelius Cooper secretary; the shares of stock were valued at £10 each. This and other associations then in existence were productive of much good to the artisans of the city; they served to keep them united, and led them to respect themselves and their fellow citizens. They inculcated also a pride among them for the honor and calling they professed and practised, and the general effect they had upon the community was all that could be desired by an industrious and peaceable

race.

MINOR PARAGRAPHS.

GREAT CONFLAGRATION-BURNING OF THE PARK THEATRE.-On Saturday evening, December 16th, about a quarter past six o'clock, the cry of fire was raised in the neighborhood of the Park, and immediately afterward dense volumes of smoke were observed issuing from the rear of the Park Theatre. A large crowd collected and the fire engines were promptly on hand; but before they could be brought to play upon the building, a broad column of flame shot up from the roof, and increased with such rapidity that it was at once evident the whole theatre would be destroyed.

The night was dark and rainy, and the clouds hung low, so that the air was filled with a broad glare, illuminating all the lower portion of the city. The flames, fanned by the wind, swept toward the front of the building, and shooting up for forty or fifty feet above the roof threatened to sweep away the entire block to Ann street and Broadway. A more magnificent spectacle could hardly have been imagined. The whole extent of the Park, with Broadway down to Fulton street, crowded by nearly one hundred thousand people, was almost as light as at noonday. The tall spire of the Brick Church stood like a column of light, and the fronts of the City Hall, Astor House, and the buildings on Broadway blazed as if in sunshine against the pitchy blackness of the storm. The gaslights dwindled down to faint white specks, and the reflection of the flames in the clouds cast such a glow that it was possible to read with ease at a considerable distance from the conflagration.

The firemen used every exertion to stay the destruction, and succeeded in confining it mainly to the theatre. By seven o'clock the whole roof was burned through and the flames poured out of the windows of the front. As the timbers fell, clouds of sparks rolled into the air, and, driven before the wind, seemed to fall upon the city like a hail of fire. The firemen and others busied themselves in saving the furniture of the Fountain House and other buildings adjoining, which were in imminent danger. The latter hotel was much injured in the rear, and the furniture damaged with water and broken in being removed. The high flagstaff on the roof caught at one time and blazed from top to bottom. Clarke's house was also considerably damaged by water, and one or two buildings on Theatre alley partially burned.

Finally, in about two hours after the fire first broke out, it was subdued, nothing of the Park Theatre being left but the four walls. The firemen con tinued to play upon the ruins for some time afterward, and it was nearly midnight before the red glow had entirely faded from the clouds. The origin of the fire is not known with certainty. It first caught near the prompter's stand, whence it was communicated to the scenery, and in a few minutes filled the interior of the building. It has been stated that during the afternoon there was a strong smell of vitriol about the stage, which was remarked by those who were rehearsing. When the conflagration broke out, a part of the ballet company of the Monplaisirs were preparing for the evening's performances.

Several of them had a narrow escape from death, and one, as we learn, was saved by the servant of M. Monplaisier. The loss of this latter gentleman will amount to about $1,000, consisting mostly of costumes.

Mr. Hamblin's loss is estimated at $25,000, and that of Messrs. Astor and Beekman, proprietors of the building, at $30,000, upon both of which sums there is but a small insurance. The entire amount of property destroyed is from $60,000 to $65,000. This is, we believe, the fifth time that Mr. Hamblin has met with a similar misfortune-a fatality as unusual as it is unequaled. The theater had been in existence twenty eight years, the old building having been burned in 1820.-Tribune, December, 1884.

OPENING OF CHAMBERS STREET TO JAMES SLIP-The line of this street is now in ruins. The old structures are being demolished and rapidly replaced by those of a more substantial character. The persons now building are Messrs. Conclin, who is putting up a brown stone front of five stories; Poillion, brick front, with iron columns: Blackwell, brick front, with iron columns; Sampson, Caen stone, with iron pillars; Ash, brick, with marble trimmings; Parkley. brick, with brown stone trimmings. The remainder of the stores, being for the most part of this latter style, will be adapted either for wholesale or retail purposes. They are the property of Messrs. Froughton, Mullen, McLoughlin, Goelet, Davis. Moore, Fordham and Launcey. Many objections were at first offered by property holders in this locality for various reasons against the opening, but now that they have all been overruled by the courts it is generally admitted to be an advantageous project. It is, however, the opinion of some that, had George Law owned Catherine street ferry, the present improvement would have been made in a straight line, instead of a crooked one as it now is. It is believed that he contemplates a railroad to run down to his slip. This street was the choice of its projectors in consideration of its facilities for making the most desirable thoroughfare from the East to the North River at the least cost, the expense of its construction reaching not more than $650,000. There were persons who objected on account of unequal assessment, but it has since been found that those having property involved have received offers of from 25 to 30 per cent more than its former market value. Mr. Goelet's property will pay an interest exceeding the entire previous rents after half of it was taken and paid for by the city. Mr. Blackwell also, although receiving $20,000 damages, perceives an increase in his rent roll. The Chatham Bank was cut off and the owners received $25,000, more than it could possibly have been sold for.

Chambers street will admit of an easy and natural grade throughout its entire length. The terminus at James Slip being opposite to the Fulton street ferry in Brooklyn presents the shortest and most direct transit between the two cities. No reason exists why this avenue, when completed, as it probably will be by May next. should not quite equal Fulton street for all purposes of business and traffic.

The more order loving of those who reside in the immediate vicinity of James Slip entertain a hope that the changes consequent upon a new order of things may prove salutary to the moral atmosphere of their locality. The property is now in the hands of certain rich persons. some of whom are not over scrupu

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