Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V RANELAGH Now it must be understood that in the days when the stamp act was passed, and when it was repealed, the residence of the Governor of New York was within the walls of the fort at the extreme point of the peninsula. This fortification was the strongest and best equipped in the province, and around it the citizens had laid out pleasure grounds, where in their hours of idleness they might enjoy the cool breezes which came from off the harbor, at the same time they feasted their eyes on the military parade, and were regaled by the strains from the military band. Near by this fort, which ever bore the name of the reigning sovereign of England, the chief citizens had erected their residences that they might overlook the little park known as Bowling Green, and therefore it was that the rioters 82 of November, 1765, committed their greatest excesses in the fashionable dwelling quarter of the city. As has been said, inside the walls of the fort stood the government house, and just outside, near the angle which faced Bowling Green, was the residence of the Governor's secretary. Directly behind this last dwelling were the Governor's stables. The secretary, his family, and all the servants, including the grooms of the stables, fled for shelter within the walls of the fort when the rioting began, and, therefore, was it possible for the lawless men to plunder or destroy at will. Just one more word by way of explanation, and then the events of that first day of November, better known as "Stamp Act Day," shall be related in regular order. Lossing, the historian, tells us that " Major James' beautiful mansion stood on an eminence a little east of the present intersection of Anthony street and West Broadway, and was called Ranelagh....
