of Miles, "No man can gather cherries in Kent at the season of Christmas." The first winter and spring at Plymouth contained nothing idyllic, and the Mayflower went home bearing only a tale of woe. Historically considered, "The Courtship of Miles Standish" is mixed. Mr. Longfellow himself finally came to entertain a vague suspicion that he had dealt too freely with facts, and, in the prefatory verses of his "Tragedies," he makes an apology, saying: "Nor let the historian blame the poet here, If he perchance misdate the day or year, That in the chronicles lie far apart." This attempt, however, to break the force of criticism will not be likely to go far in the face of the now rapidly growing taste for accuracy in American History. With all of one's respect and affection for Mr. Longfellow, there remains, therefore, the regret, that in treating historic themes he has not shown more devotion to the letter of our annals, especially as he is represented as having a superior knowledge of local and general history. In a general way, however, we may accept the following, spoken under circumstances when the voice of friendship could not have said less: "He took the saddest of our New England tragedies, and the sweetest of its rural home scenes: the Wayside Inn, the Alarum of War, the Indian Legend, and the Hanging of the Crane in the modest household, which his genius has invested with enduring charms and morals. Wise and gentle was the heart which could thus find melodies for the harp, the lyre, and the plectrum in our fields and wildernesses, wreathing them as nature does the thickets and stumps of the forest with flowers and mosses. While all his utterances came from a pure, a tender, and a devout heart, addressing themselves to what is of like in other hearts, there is not in them a line of morbidness, of depression or melancholy, but only that which quickens and cheers with robust resolve and courage, with peace and aspiring trust." Nevertheless, with all of the writer's personal regard, he cannot add, with unqualified approval, the statement that "the scenes and incidents and personages which most need a softening and refining touch, receive it from him without prejudice to the service of sober history." ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS NEW YORK PENDING THE REVOLUTION Letters from Thomas Ellison, Jr., Merchant at Coenties and Old Slip, to his father, Col. Thomas Ellison, of New Windsor. [The following extracts are from the letters of Thomas Ellison, Jr., who was the successor of one of the oldest mer cantile houses in New York, his grandfather, John Ellison, having located in 1703 "without the north gate of the city," where he was the owner, in 1728, of one of the four wharves on the west side of the city. The observations upon current events are from a mercantile view.] July 8. 1762. Yesterday afternoon we had a terrible gust of rain, wind, thunder, and lightning, the severest ever known. For about half an hour, it was one continued peal, during which, the steeple of the old English Church (Trinity) was set on fire, just under the ball, or partly within it, which was happily extinguished by some daring men, who ripped the shingles from the lath, and so went up on the outside of the steeple to the ball. Feb. 4. 1765. Extremely cold weather. The river entirely frozen over, and people crossing on the ice. Sept. 5. 1765. By report, there is a great disturbance in Boston, about the Stamp Act, &c. It is said, they have pulled the Lieut. Governor's house down, taken what money and plate he had in the house, and destroyed all his papers they could come at, and have ransacked two other houses. They have also pulled down two other houses, at Rhode Island. The flames seem to be coming westward, and there is a good deal of talk in town. Sept. 11. 1765. The authorities are carrying provisions and ammunition into. the Fort, and the Governor's family (Gov. Colden) are moving in. There has been nothing done here, but there is a good deal of talk, and I do not think there will be any disturbance unless it be when the stamps arrive. It is reported Hook, to guard the ship up, that brings there are two men of war, lying at the them. Oct. 23. 1765. Captain Davis has come at last, who has the disagreeable stamp papers on board. Most of the vessels in the harbor, had their colors half hoisted. She was guarded up, by two men of war, who have carried her in the North River, to land the stamps at the Fort. Nov. 4. 1765. The Governor, by advice of the General, has consented to deliver the stamps to-morrow morning, to the Corporation. If they will receive them, it will settle the minds of the populace, in some measure, which have been greatly excited by fortifying the Fort, in so strong a manner, and spiking all the guns on the Battery. The Governor has made a great many enemies, by this proceeding, and it is dangerous to say anything in his behalf. The City Hall bell is now ringing to call the inhabitants together, to have their advice, and ascertain if it be agreeable, that the Corporation should take them, (the stamps) under their care. Have just heard that a letter was sent to the Treasurer last night, to deposit a sum of money, in a certain place, or take the consequences. Nov. 6. 1765. I have already written you an account of the disturbances in the city, and the extraordinary fortifying of the Fort, even on the tops of the houses, which greatly excited the minds of the people. The most of the people living near the Fort, have removed their effects, and there would have been a great disturbance in the city last night, had not the stamps been delivered to the Mayor and Corporation, who have placed them in the City Hall. It is believed now, there will be no trouble with regard to the stamps, unless the new Governor, when he arrives, should endeavor to put them in force, which would be impossible, with what troops there are here. Nov. 13. 1765. Governor Moore arrived this morning, and his commission was published by one o'clock. I suppose, in a few days we shall know some of our new master's sentiments, as the Assembly met yesterday, though not in sufficient numbers, to make a house. The man of war has orders from Lord Colin to stop or seize all vessels that are not cleared on stamped papers, which puts a stop to trade, though hope it will not continue long. The Sons of Liberty are not satisfied, nor I suppose, will they be, 'till business goes on in the usual way. April 24. 1766. Yesterday afternoon the Packet came in, which brought the news that the Stamp Act was actually repealed, which occasioned great joy. Candles were put up at every house, and about 2 o'clock in the morning, all the bells began to ring, and colors were hoisted on almost every vessel, and in many other places in town. The bells kept ringing till the mail came up, about 8 o'clock this morning, when by the letters, it appeared that the repeal had but just passed the House of Commons, which put a stop to our rejoicings. It is reported that nine regiments of troops are coming over, the authorities at home, disliking very much the tone of the last remonstrances from New York. Jan. 18th 1770. Our city is yet in a ferment and last Saturday night, a party of soldiers attempted to cut down, or blow up the Liberty Pole. Last night they effected it, which raised the resentment of many of the people, who met in the field [now City Hall park] this day. They separated however, without any riot. The officers ordered all the soldiers to remain in their barracks, many of them remaining to see their orders obeyed. The citizens, in their enthu siasm, notified the Common Council, of their determination to erect a Liberty Pole opposite St. Paul's Church, but the authorities objecting, it was erected on private grounds. Dec. 30th 1773. Last night there was a dreadful fire. The Governor's house, in the Fort, was burnt, and not the least thing saved. The Governor, lady, and daughter, escaped almost naked as they jumped out of bed. The fire was discovered just after 11 o'clock, and though the sentry was, in a manner, around, it was not discovered, until it appeared out of the chimnies, when it soon burst out of the windows. The Assembly has made the Governor a present of £5000 towards his loss. April 9th 1774. There was, yesterday afternoon, very great seizure made of 36 Chests of tea, a number of cases of gin and other liquors, amounting in value to landing their goods. £5000. May 16th 1774. The Merchants had a meeting, in order to consult what means should be taken to effect a repeal of the duty on tea. A non-importation act is talked of, which if it should be resolved upon, the next step would probably be the stoppage of our Port, as in the case of Boston. Nothing was concluded on, at the time, but to choose a committee to correspond with the sister colonies, and to transact business. Subsequently, a large meeting was held by the inhabitants of the city, at the Coffee House, to approve of the nomination of fifty merchants, chosen as such Committee. Jan. 27th 1775. Yesterday, the ques tion came up before the Assembly, whether they should take up the proceedings of Congress. After a warm debate, it was decided against so doing, 11 to 10. Many here think the Assembly should take no notice of what the Congress has done, but petition themselves, which would be the most likely means of healing the unhappy breach. This morning (the 31st) the Packet arrived, bringing the King's speech, which is unfriendly to our proceedings, especially at Boston. I have seen it, and it is said, the address from the Commons echoes the same sentiments, being determined to enforce the authority of Parliament, over all the British dominions. It is said there are 4000 more troops coming over to Boston, and that Sir Jaffry Amherst, and Sir W'm Draper are coming over to take command, in place of General Gage. Two ships arrived this morning, from Scotland. Our Committee meets this evening, and they will probably be sent back, without Province, in as bad This will make this order [odor] as the Feb. 7th 1775- One of the Scotch ships went down to the watering place this morning, on her return to Scotland, where she still remains, requiring some repairs. It is said some people were in favor of her coming up, though very few. Should she return it will kick up a dust, for there was some altercation on the deck, upon her leaving. I heard a noise before I was up this morning, and soon ascertained it was an informer they had got on a cart, and were administering a coat of tar and feathers to him. It seems he had informed against a lot of hemp that was lodged in a cellar. He was carted almost around the town, before the magistrates could collect; they rescued him however, and have got two of the acting persons in jail, and seem to be spirited in suppressing such conduct. Feb. 11th 1775. The January packet has arrived, and brings favorable accounts. It is said the King has received the petition from the Congress, and intends laying it before Parliament. The supporters of the measures of the Congress, attribute great merit to them, and the merchants in England, who have their connections here, are waking interest to have our grievances repealed, and are going to petition the King. I sincerely wish they would, and that many thousands of others would join to obtain our redress, upon a lasting foundation; but still, I can't be without fears, that we shall not have every redress our sanguine expectations could wish; therefore would have all constitutional measures still pursued, to effect a lasting reconciliation. Feb. 27th 1775. By the newspapers you will see the people to the eastward are exercising, and fitting their men, for war. It is suspected that there will be some sudden thing done in the spring, by the troops, as they have been preparing wagons, and field equipage. March 2d 1775. This is the day the non-consumption of tea, was to take place. I believe a great many in the city, have broken the agreement, already. How it will be, at the Assembly this evening, I do not know. One of the delegates (Mr. T.) is one of the managers who has said there shall be no tea drank, on that occasion; if so, it may make some disturbance. It was expected there would have been some parade this day, in burying the tea -canister, and burning some of the remains of the tea, but there was nothing. By the paper, you will see there was a great majority for the Provincial Congress, to elect delegates to the next Congress. The majority here, are for a Continental Congress, but that they should be instructed. Mr. Isaac Low, chairman of the present committee, has declined serving as a deputy, nor will he go as a delegate to the next Congress, so we suppose we shall have new ones. April 9th 1775. The Boston post brought us, last night, disagreeable news respecting our public affairs. The Parliament have voted the Bostonians in actual rebellion, and the other Provinces aiders and abettors-260 against 80, so that there was a great majority against those who will support his Majesty with their lives and fortunes. It is said all the ports on the Continent, are to be blocked up with men of war, and we are to be permitted to trade only with Eng land, and with no foreign port. It is reported as a certainty, that there are six regiments of foot, and two of light horse, coming over immediately, and also, twenty small men of war, to block up all the ports. Saturday afternoon, Captn Sears was arrested, and taken before the Mayor, when, refusing to give bail, was taken to jail, but on the way, and going up the steps, was rescued by a number of people, and carried through some of the streets. In the evening, there was a meeting in the field [now City Hall Park] when he took the sense of those present, as to whether he should give bail. Some were for, and some against his doing so. A handbill is in circulation, signed by Ralph Thurman, who has of fended many, by packing some straw in trusses, that was purchased for the troops in Boston. Accordingly many of those who were in the field on Saturday evening, went to Thurman's house, to cause him to make concessions to them, which he refused to do. His brother stood in the door, with a pair of pistols, with upper (half) door open, and declared if any entered, he would fire. None attempted to enter, and after staying till 9 or 10 o'clock, dispersed without obtaining any satisfaction. April 25th 1775. You will see, in yesterday's paper, the melancholy account from Boston, which is this day confirmed, by the way of Waterford. I fain would hope it is not so bad, as represented, yet I fear there is too much in it. If any lives are lost, it will be attended with bad consequences, and no doubt will raise America unanimously, against the troops, for who could see their countrymen butchered, and not endeavor to |