180 The Story of The Bronx 



allowed them "a ferry to and from the main which may 

 redound to their particular benefit," and to construct one or 

 more suitable boats or scows for the transportation of men, 

 horses, and cattle at reasonable charges. In January of the 

 following year (1667), the authorities of Harlem, in carrying 

 out the provisions of their charter, determined to establish 

 a good ferry, and that a suitable ordinary, or tavern, should 

 be built for the accommodation of those who used the ferry. 

 Mayor Delaval promised to furnish the nails for the making 

 of a scow, provided their value should be paid to him by the 

 ferryman. 



Johannes Verveelen agreed to take the ferry and maintain 

 the tavern for six years; and he was duly sworn to provide 

 lodging, food, and drink to travellers, and to ferry them over 

 the river at their convenience ; but no liquor was to be sold to 

 Indians. The ferry and inn were located about three 

 hundred feet west of the present First Avenue, at East 123d 

 Street. The site on the Borough side is unknown, but it 

 was probably within the limits of the yards of the New York, 

 New Haven and Hartford Railroad. The filling in and ex- 

 tension of water-front property have changed very materially 

 ancient sites and locations ; places which were upon the shore 

 in olden days are now very often several blocks inland. 



Verveelen did not always strictly observe the excise laws, 

 and this brought him into conflict with the authorities; but 

 his contention that he was a public benefactor and should, 

 on account of expenses, be exempt from excise fees, seems to 

 have prevailed; for on July 3, 1667, a new arrangement was 

 made with him by which he was to maintain the tavern and 

 ferry for five years without the payment of rent therefor. In 

 addition, he received an acre of land on the Bronx side of the 

 river, and a place to build a house, which should be bought 



