30 



EMIGRATION, Git 



probably from the glowing brightness and warmth of the 

 atmosphere, aided by a wide expanse of water, surrounded 

 by woodland scenery. I was led to this observation by the 

 beautiful prospects presented on approaching New York. 

 A bright serene air, and cloudless sky a gentle breeze 

 ships sailing, others at quarantine fishing-boats here, 

 steam-boats there. Houses rising every minute, as we ap 

 proach, on each hand, on the eminences and slopes, inter 

 sected with woodland scenery, and enclosures, \vith cattle 

 and sheep grazing in them. In front the city, with its 

 spires the masts of the numerous shipping along the 

 wharfs, all presented to the sense of vision nearly at 

 once, caused a most pleasing sensation. An American 

 passes such a scene and the dullest objects with equal indif 

 ference. Indifference and shrewdness are the most striking- 

 features in the character of an American. They are never 

 intoxicated with joy at success, nor depressed to despon 

 dency; defeated in one object, they are planning and cal 

 culating on the success of another ; never at a loss for an 

 expedient; generally content, if not cheerful; never lose 

 their confidence, or are thrown off their guard by passion ; 

 this nonchalance arises probably from equality in circum 

 stances and much intercourse by travelling. But to return, 

 \ve landed, and after some search for lodgings, took my 

 trunks to a tavern in Albany Street; 6^d. for lodging-, and 

 Is. Id. for each meal; five beds in the room I sleep in, 

 occupied by civil and respectable decent- looking young men, 

 who gave me not the least molestation. No suspicion was 

 attached to going to and from the bed-room at any time of 

 the day, which I think speaks very favourably of the ho 

 nesty of the Americans. 



June 17. Fine pleasant day, thermometer 78. On see 

 ing an advertisement in a newspaper, for an overseer to 

 superintend a plantation in a southern state, I made appli 

 cation, but found several applicants before me 



&quot; Still I think I shall succeed, 

 But still am disappointed.&quot; 



Had a walk through the town and vicinity: it is situated on 

 the south-east end of Mahatten Island, which is apparently 

 about two miles across, and several in length. North or 

 Hudson liiver runs on one side, and East River on the 

 other, at the end of which they join. A very great num- 



