No. 15L] 107 



was imported from England^ being considered cheaper fuel than 

 wood. 1745, Lady Murray owned the only coach in New-York, 

 1759, Chatham-street began to be laid out and a few houses to be 

 erected. At this time, land could be purchased at XSO sterling per 

 acre in the outer wards. 1765, ground was obtained by a grant from 

 the corporation, on the corner of Beekman and Nassau-streets, then 

 in the fields, for the erection of the Presbyterian church, in which Dr. 

 Spring now officiates. 



When the British evacuated New-York in 1783, the city did not 

 extend beyond Murray-street. In 1791, it was divided into seven 

 wards, and at this time one hundred lots, 25 by ICO, situated near 

 the City Hospital, Bror.dway, were offered for sale at .£25 sterling 

 per lot. 1801, Broadway was ordered to be continued through Tho- 

 mas Randall's land, called the "Sailor's Snug Harbor," near Eighth- 

 street, to meet the Bowery; and the hills levelled and carted into 

 Fresh Water Pond, which at this period was the northern limit of 

 Broadway, and much beyond the settled parts of the city. This pond 

 then drained a surface of nearly 400 acres, and the Indians were ac- 

 customed to encamp on its margin during the summer season, em- 

 ploying their time mostly in the manufacture of baskets and other 

 fancy articles, which they offered for sale, in the city below. A 

 creek then extended from the pond through Canal-street to the North 

 River, which was crossed in Broadway, now our fashionable tho- 

 roughfare, by a dilapidated stone bridge. The island above this was 

 in a rude state of nature; it was diversified by rocky hills, neglected 

 valleys, dangerous quagmires, and barren wastes; creeks ran from the 

 rivers to its very centre. It appeared to be waiting the improve- 

 ments destined to be made in its aspect by the energetic mind and 

 toiling hands of man. 



Previous to the extension of Broadway, as narrated above, the 

 Bowery was the only entrance into our city, and even this was 

 through woods and groves of cedar, leading to the " Bull's Head," 

 where now stands the Bowery theatre. The Horse Market, where 

 many a "gallant steed" was bought and sold, had Chatham Square 

 for its location, which was then surrounded by fields used for the 

 pasturage of cattle. Persons are even now living who fearlessly 

 confess to the guilt of having " hooked^' apples, cherries and other 

 :iruit near what is now designated East-Broadway, and also on the 

 land now occupied as Mulberry, Mott and Bayard-streets, west of the 

 Bowery. 



