A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, by Dietrich | Page 6

sent for answer, that he had not been there since the year before
last, when he had a great dispute with the Congressman about politics,
and left the place in a huff, and they had neither heard nor seen
anything of him from that time to this. I must own I felt very much
worried about the poor old gentleman; for I thought something bad
must have happened to him, that he should be missing so long, and
never return to pay his bill. I therefore advertised him in the
newspapers, and though my melancholy advertisement was published
by several humane printers, yet I have never been able to learn anything
satisfactory about him.
My wife now said it was high time to take care of ourselves, and see if
he had left anything behind in his room, that would pay us for his board
and lodging. We found nothing, however, but some old books and
musty writings, and his pair of saddle-bags; which, being opened in the

presence of the librarian, contained only a few articles of worn-out
clothes and a large bundle of blotted paper. On looking over this, the
librarian told us, he had no doubt it was the treasure which the old
gentleman had spoke about; as it proved to be a most excellent and
faithful History of New York, which he advised us by all means to
publish; assuring us that it would be so eagerly bought up by a
discerning public, that he had no doubt it would be enough to pay our
arrears ten times over. Upon this we got a very learned schoolmaster,
who teaches our children, to prepare it for the press, which he
accordingly has done; and has, moreover, added to it a number of notes
of his own; and an engraving of the city, as it was at the time Mr.
Knickerbocker writes about.
This, therefore, is a true statement of my reasons for having this work
printed, without waiting for the consent of the author; and I here
declare, that if he ever returns (though I much fear some unhappy
accident has befallen him), I stand ready to account with him like a true
and honest man. Which is all at present----
From the public's humble servant,
SETH HANDASIDE.
INDEPENDENT COLUMBIAN HOTEL, NEW YORK.
* * * * *
The foregoing account of the author was prefixed to the first edition of
this work. Shortly after its publication, a letter was received from him,
by Mr. Handaside, dated at a small Dutch village on the banks of the
Hudson, whither he had traveled for the purpose of inspecting certain
ancient records. As this was one of those few and happy villages, into
which newspapers never find their way, it is not a matter of surprise,
that Mr. Knickerbocker should never have seen the numerous
advertisements that were made concerning him; and that he should
learn of the publication of his history by mere accident.
He expressed much concern at its premature appearance, as thereby he

was prevented from making several important corrections and
alterations: as well as from profiting by many curious hints which he
had collected during his travels along the shores of the Tappan Sea, and
his sojourn at Haverstraw and Esopus.
Finding that there was no longer any immediate necessity for his return
to New York, he extended his journey up to the residence of his
relations at Scaghtikoke. On his way thither he stopped for some days
at Albany, for which city he is known to have entertained a great
partiality. He found it, however, considerably altered, and was much
concerned at the inroads and improvements which the Yankees were
making, and the consequent decline of the good old Dutch manners.
Indeed, he was informed that these intruders were making sad
innovations in all parts of the State; where they had given great trouble
and vexation to the regular Dutch settlers, by the introduction of
turnpike-gates and country school-houses. It is said, also, that Mr.
Knickerbocker shook his head sorrowfully at noticing the gradual
decay of the great Vander Heyden palace; but was highly indignant at
finding that the ancient Dutch church, which stood in the middle of the
street, had been pulled down since his last visit.
The fame of Mr. Knickerbocker's History having reached even to
Albany, he received much flattering attention from its worthy burghers;
some of whom, however, pointed out two or three very great errors he
had fallen into, particularly that of suspending a lump of sugar over the
Albany tea-tables, which they assured him had been discontinued for
some years past. Several families, moreover, were somewhat piqued
that their ancestors had not been mentioned in his work, and showed
great jealousy of their neighbors who had thus been distinguished;
while