270 



ALBANY. 



them from that bondage from which no legis- 

 lative act could free them. 



Albany was an early Dutch settlement, on 

 the banks of the Hudson River ; and the town 

 is situated at the distance of about one hundred 

 and sixty miles from New York. Though of 

 little note, in comparison with the size and 

 population of that city, the Legislative Assembly 

 of the state of New York meet at Albany. 

 The Capitol, or State House, stands on an 

 eminence, at the end of a wide and handsome 

 street, and has its dome surmounted by a figure 

 of Justice. A number of old Dutch buildings 

 still remain, with the gable end to the street ; 

 which form a singular appearance with the 

 more modern and tasteful style of houses which 

 have been erected. The anniversary of the 

 fourth of July, the celebration of the national 

 independence of America, took place during 

 my stay in the town. An oration was pro- 

 nounced in the morning, as is the annual 

 custom in the United States on the subject of 

 their freedom and the causes which led to it. 

 In every other respect, the anniversary very 

 much resembled the public demonstration of 

 joy in England on the King's birthday. The 

 national banner was displayed on the public 



