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William Priest - Travels in the United States of America
least, it would be to
Yours, &c.,
* * * * *
Boston, September 23rd, 1797.
DEAR FRIEND,
I set out for New York on the afternoon of the 16th. We had a pleasant journey, over a rich and well
cultivated tract of country, to Bristol. We soon after crossed the Delaware, in a scow constructed to carry
the stage and horses over in a few minutes, without even taking the latter from the carriage. We then
entered the state of Jersey, and slept at Trenton, which we left before sunrise the next morning; a
circumstance I regretted, as I wished to see the falls of the river Delaware in that neighbourhood, which I
am informed are worthy the attention of a traveller.
Our journey across the Jerseys was pleasant; but the land is by no means so rich as on the other side of
the Delaware. Pennsylvania is, in my opinion, justly called the Garden of America, at least of the United
States East of the Allegany Mountains. We dined at New Brunswick, where there is a wooden
bridge, with stone piers, thrown over a broad and rapid river. Our landlord informed us, several
englishmen assured him, "It was very like Westminster Bridge." Though my conscience would
not permit me, exactly to chime with my countrymen, it is but justice to acknowledge, that when
the infant state of the country is considered, it is a work of equal magnitude, boldly designed, and neatly
executed.
About four in the afternoon, we embarked in a small vessel for New York, which is situate on an island,
in a bay, formed by the conflux of two large rivers, the Hudson or North, and the East river.
The city covers the south end of the island, and, as you approach it in that direction from the Jersey
shore, seems like Venice, gradually rising from the sea. The evening was uncommonly pleasant; the sky
perfectly clear and serene, and the sun, in setting with all that vivid warmth of colouring peculiar to
southern latitudes, illuminated some of the most beautiful scenery in nature, on the north river, and
adjacent country. For some minutes all my faculties were absorbed in admiration of the surrounding
objects! I never enjoyed a prospect more enchanting; but this pleasure was of short continuance; I
unfortunately cast my eyes towards the city, and immediately recollected two words I heard in
the Jerseys (yellow fever); at which the delusion vanished!
New York, Sept. 18th. - My Jersey intelligence was too true; but the disorder is chiefly confined
to one part of the city, and is effectually prevented from spreading at present by the N.W. wind, which is
set in this morning with uncommon severity; a circumstance which sometimes happens at this season of
the year, and is of long continuance. This kind of weather the Indians call half winter.
Unfortunately for the Philadelphians, they had no half winter in the year 1793. - I spent this day in
surveying the city, which, as well as the manners of the inhabitants, is more like England than any other
part of America. New York is a London in miniature, populous streets, hum of business, busy faces,
shops in style, &c.
Sept. 25th, - I spent this day in viewing the city with increasing admiration: It is certainly one of
the first maritime situations in the world. The extensive settlements on the banks of the Hudson, which is
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