2010.022

Neshamkin, Paul

Gift

Gift of Paul Neshamkin.

1856 - 1856

Date(s) Created: 1856 Date(s): 1856-1856

Notes: VIEW OF HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY. The view of Hoboken, presented in the engraving on this page, was sketched for us by Mr. Hill, from the deck of one of the famous yachts belonging to the New York Yacht Squadron, this being the anchorage ground of the club. On the right are the ferry ways. The steamers that cross to New York every quarter of an hour, running to Barclay, Canal and Christopher Streets, are very different affairs from that in which the hero of Halleck's "Fanny" made the excursion, when -"he had dined, by special Invitation, On turtle, with the party at Hoboken, And thanked them for his card in an oration, Declared to be the very shortest ever spoken." In those days the "perilous stream of the North River" was navigated by horse-boats, the motive power being supplied by horses, traversing an endless circle, like the unfortunate animals who do duty for the proprietors of bark-mills and brick-yards. We believe these horse-boats have entirely disappeared from the waters of New York, steam, everywhere, supplying the place of quadrupedal power. Above the ferry are the Otto cottage and gardens, and beyond are the shipyards of Commodore Stevens, who, before his death, which occurred recently, owned nearly the whole water front of Hoboken, and immensely valuable property in the city, including the estate bounded by the river. In these yards is the great iron floating steam battery for the defence of New York harbor. This battery has been a long time building. It was a favorite hobby of the late commodore, had the support of government and the approval of the ablest scientific men. On the left of the ferries are the Battery Hotel and gardens. Here, enjoying the cool south wind, many congregate of an evening to watch the crowded spires, the forest-like shipping of the New York docks, the arrival and departure of various crafts, from a steam frigate or Collins liner to a towboat, from a Canton clipper to a mud lighter. An unrivalled view of New York is thus obtained. "Tall spire, and glittering roof, and battlement, And banners, floating in the sunny air, And white sails o'er the calm blue waters bent, Green isle and circling shore are blended there In wild reality; when life is old, And many a scene forgot, the heart will hold Its memory of this." On match days, tile lovers of maritime sport assemble here in thousands to see the winning yacht come in. Hoboken is to New York what the parks are to London, Paris and Vienna, and to the children, a place of pleasure and delight that realizes their dreams of fairy-land. Hoboken! what a world of pleasurable associations there is in the word to a New Yorker, when, far away from his beloved imperial city, his memory reverts to its manifold fascinations-visions of summer gardens, rocks, fields, woods, strolls by the river side and in the "Elysian Fields," military and target excursions, affectionate evening walks in the company of angels in silk or muslin, first declarations, picnic parties, and waltzes and polkas on the greensward I These and many more are the attractions of Hoboken. Pleasantly situated on the Hudson, at this spot about two miles wide, it has been supposed by some to have been the original Manahatta. That it was an island at no distant date, the extensive marshes on the west side abundantly testify Now, these form the hunting ground of adventurous Teutons, who, landing in New York, armed to the teeth for mortal combat with wolves, bears and other ferocious "varmint," are reduced to the ignoble pursuit of sand-pipers and chipping birds. Beyond the marshes are the rocks rising in abrupt masses fully two hundred feet, the scene of many festive parties. But the shores of Hoboken have not been always sought by persons intent on plea sure, or the quiet enjoyment of the beauties of nature. Among those green shades, the death-shot has rung more than once. Many years ago, a monument marked a spot where one of these unfortunate encounters took place which resulted in the death of a man honored by the entire nation. This victim to the code of honor was no other than Gen. Alexander Hamilton, one of the brightest names on the record of America's great men, the friend and companion in arms of Washington, the soldier and the man of letters, tile gentleman and the statesman, one who not only contributed by his sword to the success of the Revolution, but by his pen to the establishment and consolidation of the Union. His antagonist was also a man who filled a large space in the public mind, and who had won distinction as a soldier, a lawyer and a politician-Colonel Aaron Burr. There are many still living in New York who remember the wild excitement created in the city when the news of this duel and its fatal result were made known. The monument erected to the memory of Hamilton on the spot where be fell was removed by the authorities, from a belief that it would tend to perpetuate a terrible practice by a constant memento of an illustrious example. We believe that the spot is not now readily identified. Hoboken is a blessing to New York, as the Common is to Boston. Its accessibility and its numerous features of beauty, its extensive walks, its calm shades and its pure air are attractions that woo forth all classes. It is pleasant to see whole families straying about in the Elysian fields, or grouped in delightful little domestic picnic parties. On a holiday all its rural portions are crowded, and as you pass by the different groups, you hear, besides the familiar English tongue, the brilliant accents of the French, and almost every other European nation. [engraved view title] VIEW OF HOBOKEN, NEW YORK. Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2010-04-08