| | 1 | Author: | Myers
P. Hamilton
(Peter Hamilton)
1812-1878 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The first of the Knickerbockers  | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | The great State of New York, rejoicing now in its
separate sovereignty, and in its vast metropolis, the
conceded capital of the western world, and vieing in
resources, both of money and muscles, with the old
nations of Europe, seems scarce possibly the same
which, less than two centuries ago, was the colonial
appendage alternately of England and Holland, and
but lightly valued by either. But let it not lower thy
honest pride, oh vaunted Empire State! to remember
those earlier days, when, in the shuttlecock state of
thy existence, thou wast bandied about from owner
to owner, now seized by force, and now a mere makeweight,
thrown in to settle some more important bargain.
And thou, oh gorgeous city of Manhattan!
mart of nations! blush not to own thy former self in
a small provincial town, clustered around its parent
fortress, to carry out the pleasing illusion of protection
beneath its dread armament of sixteen frowning
guns. Formidable at least were they to the prowling
savage, lurking in undiscovered haunts, where now
the tide of human life rolls thickest, and where loudest
comes the busy hum of commerce to the ear. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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