A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, by Dietrich | Page 7

the latter, it must be confessed, plumed themselves vastly
thereupon; considering these recordings in the lights of letters patent of
nobility, establishing their claims to ancestry, which, in this republican
country, is a matter of no little solicitude and vain-glory.
It is also said, that he enjoyed high favor and countenance from the
governor, who once asked him to dinner, and was seen two or three
times to shake hands with him when they met in the street; which

certainly was going great lengths, considering that they differed in
politics. Indeed, certain of the governor's confidential friends, to whom
he could venture to speak his mind freely on such matters, have assured
us that he privately entertained a considerable good-will for our
author--nay, he even once went so far as to declare, and that openly too,
and at his own table, just after dinner, that "Knickerbocker was a very
well-meaning sort of an old gentleman, and no fool." From all which
may have been led to suppose, that, had our author been of different
politics, and written for the newspapers instead of wasting his talents
on histories, he might have risen to some post of honor and profit:
peradventure to be a notary public, or even a justice in the ten-pound
court.
Besides the honors and civilities already mentioned, he was much
caressed by the literati of Albany; particularly by Mr. John Cook, who
entertained him very hospitably at his circulating library and
reading-room, where they used to drink Spa water, and talk about the
ancients. He found Mr. Cook a man after his own heart--of great
literary research, and a curious collector of books At parting, the latter,
in testimony of friendship, made him a present of the two oldest works
in his collection; which were, the earliest edition of the Heidelberg
Catechism, and Adrian Vander Donck's famous account of the New
Netherlands; by the last of which Mr. Knickerbocker profited greatly in
this his second edition.
Having passed some time very agreeably at Albany, our author
proceeded to Scaghtikoke; where, it is but justice to say, he was
received with open arms, and treated with wonderful loving-kindness.
He was much looked up to by the family, being the first historian of the
name; and was considered almost as great a man as his cousin the
Congressman--with whom, by-the-by, he became perfectly reconciled,
and contracted a strong friendship.
In spite, however, of the kindness of his relations, and their great
attention to his comforts, the old gentleman soon became restless and
discontented. His history being published, he had no longer any
business to occupy his thoughts, or any scheme to excite his hopes and

anticipations. This, to a busy mind like his, was a truly deplorable
situation; and had he not been a man of inflexible morals and regular
habits, there would have been great danger of his taking to politics or
drinking--both which pernicious vices we daily see men driven to by
mere spleen and idleness.
It is true he sometimes employed himself in preparing a second edition
of his history, wherein he endeavored to correct and improve many
passages with which he was dissatisfied, and to rectify some mistakes
that had crept into it; for he was particularly anxious that his work
should be noted for its authenticity; which, indeed, is the very life and
soul of history. But the glow of composition had departed--he had to
leave many places untouched which he would fain have altered; and
even where he did make alterations, he seemed always in doubt
whether they were for the better or the worse.
After a residence of some time at Scaghtikoke, he began to feel a strong
desire to return to New York, which he ever regarded with the warmest
affection; not merely because it was his native city, but because he
really considered it the very best city in the whole world. On his return
he entered into the full enjoyment of the advantages of a literary
reputation. He was continually importuned to write advertisements,
petitions, handbills, and productions of similar import; and, although he
never meddled with the public papers, yet had he the credit of writing
innumerable essays, and smart things, that appeared on all subjects, and
all sides of the question, in all which he was clearly detected "by his
style."
He contracted, moreover, a considerable debt at the postoffice, in
consequence of the numerous letter he received from authors and
printers soliciting his subscription--and he was applied to by every
charitable society for yearly donations, which he gave very cheerfully,
considering these applications as so many compliments. He was once
invited to a great corporation dinner; and was even twice summoned to
attend as a juryman at the court of quarter sessions. Indeed, so
renowned did he become, that