The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 2, September, 1851 — John Shaqi
The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 2, September, 1851Various
History
The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 2, September, 1851
Various
Art, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Science -- History -- Periodicals
The Seamen's Retreat is also on Staten Island, a mile below the
quarantine ground, built upon a natural terrace, about one hundred
feet above the water, and fronting the Narrows. The location is one of
exceeding beauty, being surrounded by sylvan scenery of unsurpassed
loveliness, and commanding a prospect of great extent, which embraces
the city, the shore of New Jersey, the Palisades, Long Island, and the
highlands of Neversink and Sandy Hook. The Hospital is a noble
building, constructed of rough granite, three stories high, and
surrounded by piazzas, upon which the patients may inhale the pure
air, and beguile their confinement by watching the ever-changing
panorama presented by the bay, with its countless ships and steamers.
The Retreat is intended solely for sick but not disabled seamen. It is
supported by a fund derived from a state capitation tax, levied upon
all seamen sailing from this port, and is the only establishment of
the kind in the United States, or, we believe, in the world. Seamen
are the only class who are compelled by the law of the state to
contribute to a fund to form a provision for them in case of sickness.
The income for the support of the Retreat is ample, and the most
liberal provision is allowed for all whose necessities compel them to
seek admission. On the grounds are houses for the residence of the
physician and keeper.
[Illustration: SAILOR'S SNUG HARBOR.]
This noble Charity is situated on the north side of Staten Island,
about three miles from the Quarantine, and commands a magnificent
view, with the city in the distance. It is surrounded with elegant
villas, pretty cottages, and well cultivated farms, and is in the
midst of the loveliest rural scenery that the neighborhood of New-York
can boast of. The grounds belonging to the institution comprise about
one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is inclosed by a handsome
iron fence that cost, a few years since, thirty-five thousand dollars.
The principal building is constructed of brick and faced with white
marble, with a marble portico. The corner-stone was laid in 1831, and
the institution opened for the reception of its inmates in 1833. The
centre building is sixty-five by one hundred feet, with two wings
fifty-one by one hundred feet, connected with the main building by
corridors. There are two handsome houses for the residences of the
governor of the institution, and the physician, and numerous offices
and outhouses.
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