Knickerbocker's history of New York, vol. 2 (of 2)Irving, Washington
History
Knickerbocker's history of New York, vol. 2 (of 2)
Irving, Washington
New York (State) -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
The result of this speech of the inspired burgomaster was a memorial
addressed to the governor, remonstrating in good round terms on his
conduct. It was proposed that Dofue Roerback himself should be the
bearer of this memorial; but this he warily declined, having no
inclination of coming again within kicking distance of his Excellency.
Who did deliver it has never been named in history, in which neglect he
has suffered grievous wrong; seeing that he was equally worthy of blazon
with him perpetuated in Scottish song and story by the surname of
Bell-the-cat. All we know of the fate of this memorial is, that it was
used by the grim Peter to light his pipe; which, from the vehemence with
which he smoked it, was evidently anything but a pipe of peace.
[Illustration: A vintage pen-and-ink drawing of an Indigenous person
with a feathered headdress sitting on the edge of a dugout canoe on a
beach, watching a European sailing ship in the distance.]
=Chapter X.=
CONTAINING A DOLEFUL DISASTER OF ANTONY THE TRUMPETER—AND HOW PETER
STUYVESANT, LIKE A SECOND CROMWELL, SUDDENLY DISSOLVED A RUMP
PARLIAMENT.
Now did the high-minded Pieter de Groodt shower down a pannier-load of
maledictions upon his burgomasters for a set of self-willed, obstinate,
factious varlets, who would neither be convinced nor persuaded. Nor did
he omit to bestow some left-handed compliments upon the sovereign
people, as a herd of poltroons, who had no relish for the glorious
hardships and illustrious misadventures of battle, but would rather stay
at home, and eat and sleep in ignoble ease, than fight in a ditch for
immortality and a broken head.
Resolutely bent, however, upon defending his beloved city, in despite
even of itself, he called unto him his trusty Van Corlear, who was his
right-hand man in all times of emergency. Him did he adjure to take his
war-denouncing trumpet, and mounting his horse, to beat up the country
night and day,—sounding the alarm along the pastoral borders of the
Bronx,—startling the wild solitudes of Croton,—arousing the rugged
yeomanry of Weehawk and Hoboken,—the mighty men of battle of Tappan
Bay,—and the brave boys of Tarry-Town, Petticoat-Lane, and
Sleepy-Hollow,—charging them one and all to sling their powder-horns,
shoulder their fowling-pieces, and march merrily down to the Manhattoes.
Now there was nothing in all the world, the divine sex excepted, that
Antony Van Corlear loved better than errands of this kind. So just
stopping to take a lusty dinner, and bracing to his side his
junk-bottle, well charged with heart-inspiring Hollands, he issued
jollily from the city gate, which looked out upon what is at present
called Broadway, sounding a farewell strain, that rung in sprightly
echoes through the winding streets of New Amsterdam. Alas! never more
were they to be gladdened by the melody of their favorite trumpeter!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account