Official Documents, Addresses, etc. ... during the years 1862 and 1863

Preface

. The following papers constitute the official record of their author, as Mayor of the city of New York, during two of the most eventful years of its history. They have been collected and reprinted chiefly for the purpose of private distribution. The waiter de sired to place in the hands of his friends authentic evidence from which they might determine the de gree of fidelity with which he executed the trust confided to him. Influenced, however, by the suggestion that these papers are not without historic value, especially such of them as illustrate the pa triotism and liberality of this metropolis at a time of great national peril, he has, with some reluctance, consented that they be also offered to the public. The collection embraces only such official letters as relate to the subject-matter of the other papers.

The main body of the correspondence, though pre served at the Mayor's Office, is omitted, under the impression that much of it does not possess sufficient interest to warrant its appearance here, while on the other hand the author desired to avoid a partial reproduction. a* PAGE Address at Corporation Celebration, February 22, 1868 . ' . .19 at Opening of Ladies' Home, &c. ..... 39 at Corporation Celebration, July 4, 1862 . . . .58 at Union Square War Meeting, July, 1862 ... 71 at Inauguration of New Reservoir, August 9, 1862 . . 81 at Reception of Col. Corcoran, August 22, 1862 . . 83 at City Hall War Meeting, August 27, 1862 . . .84 at New-England Dinner, December 22, 1862 . . 136 at Presentation of Colors to 8th Regiment, &c. . . .193 at Corporation Banquet, February 22, 1863 . . . 195 at Reception of General Butler ...... 215 at Madison Square War Meeting, April 19, 1863 . . 222 at Reception of 37th and 38th Regiments .... 248 at Official Reception of Admiral Lessoffsky . . . 317 at Municipal Banquet to Admiral Lessoffsky, &c. . . 323 at Reception of Henry Ward Beecher, November 24, 1863 340 at New-England Dinner, December 22, 1863 . . . 351 Annual Message, 1862 1 Annual Message, 1863 147 Communication to Clerk of Board of Supervisors ... 44 Letter accepting Invitation to Brownlow's Reception . . .40 to Admiral Lessoffsky 342 to August Belmont & Co. . . . . . . 88, 89 to Board of Harbor and City Defence Commissioners . 212 to Captain Ringold of the Sabine 12 to Chief Engineer Decker relative to exemption of Firemen from draft . 299 to Clerk of Board of Supervisors ..... 44 to Col.

Corcoran . . . . • • • • .13 to Col. Farnham PAGE Letter to Committee of National Affairs relative to reception of remains of General Thomas Williams .... 80 to "New York Daily Times" 65 Memorial of National War Committee in favor of issuing Letters of Marque . . . 122 Messages to the Common Council, announcing death of Comptroller Robert T. Haws . . 211 announcing death of Alderman Andre Froment . . 348 on approving resolution authorizing Harlem Railroad Co. to lay tracks in Broadway, &c 224 objecting to increasing number of Steam Fire-Engines 244 recommending additional bounties 73 recommending extension of facilities to Judge Advocate General in estimating number of enlistments . . 110 recommending permission to erect recruiting tents in Park 72 recommending preparations for care of wounded soldiers 36 recommending relief of Florida Refugees . . .36 recommending removal of Volunteer Barracks to Battery 333 recommending repaving of Broadway and Fifth Avenue to Central Park ........ 23 recommending repeal of Ordinances allowing Powder Magazines within city limits . . . . . .237 recommending tender of hospitalities to Admiral Farrao-ut 296 recommending tender of hospitalities to Russian Officers . 311 relative to Broadway Railroad 220-224 relative to Chicago Canal Convention . . . .242 relative to fat-boiling establishments . . . .312 relative to General Prim 45 relative to Hackley Street-cleaning contract . . . 229 relative to Harbor Defences 30 77 196 relative to National Affairs ..... 60 relative to relief of Volunteers' Families . . . 52 transmitting application for new stage route . . .191 transmitting claims made against city . . . 197-203 transmitting communications from Chamber of Commerce 60-196 transmitting communications from Board of Health 312 356 transmitting communications on various subjects 17,38,41 44 102, 178-192, 229-297 transmitting correspondence with Captain Rinn-old . .12 transmitting correspondence with Postmaster-General in regard to Uptown Post-Office .... 92 transmitting flags and trophies . . . 22,75 87 101-177 PAGE Messages to the Common Council, transmitting presentment of Grand Jury in regard to sewers 341 Messages to Board of Supervisors, recommending earlier collection of taxes ... 16 nominating Marshals 142, 143 Nominations for Court-House Commissioner .... 38 for Street Commissioner . . . . . .105 Official designation of newspapers for Corporation advertising . 344 Proclamations, announcing death of Martin Van Buren . . .74 during riot of July, 1863 . 270,274,275,276,280,281 for Fasting and Prayer, April 30, 1863 ... 227 for Thanksgiving, November 27, 1862 . . .117 for Thanksgiving for Victories, August 6, 1863 . 295 for Thanksgiving, November 21, 1863 . . .339 for special observance of February 22, 1862 . . 19 in recognition of victories . . . . . 14, 35 offering bounty to volunteers . . . . .86 offering rewards ...... 109, 294 requesting citizens to facilitate recruiting. . . .86 Telegram to Governor Seymour

urging immediate organization of militia regiments, June, 1863 ...... 259 Riot of July, 1863, Report concerning, &c 263 Veto Messages to the Board of Aldermen, vetoing Resolutions relative to conscription ordinance . . 284,314 relative to establishing hospital in Central Park . 54, 67 relative to Fitz John Porter 197 relative to Fire- Alarm Telegraph . . 76, 100 relative to flag from Fort Pickens . . . .106 relative to locations of fire companies, &c. . 64, 253, 334 relative to redemption of post-office stamps . .115 relative to the war and emancipation ... 99 to appoint Commissioners of Deeds .... 107 to build well and pump in public street . . 330 to compile debates of Common Council . . .138 to confirm election of fire engineers ... 26 to constitute the " Staats Zeitung " an official paper 48 to construct additional steam fire-engine . . 259 to donate land, money, &c. . 135, 243, 245, 336, 337 to erect extra lamp-posts 124 to increase salaries 120,130 to open various streets X PAGE Veto Messages to the Board of Alderman, vetoing Resolution to pay various bills, &c. .

Ill, 124, 130, 322, 356, 357 to permit erection of pier foot of Twelfth Street . 114 to permit erection of elevated railway on pier . 355 to permit John T. Mills to use horse-cars on his stage routes ....... 345 to permit St. Gabriel's Church to extend buttresses beyond street line ...... 331 to permit tapping of Croton Aqueduct . . .27 to permit use of sidewalks and streets for stands, &c. . . . 57, 125, 192, 250, 251, 315, 330, 338 to rescind permit ...... 253 to sell ferry lease from Jones' Slip . . . .231 to tender a reception to Thurlow Weed . . 46 Ordinances appropriating $2,500,000 to relieve the city from operation of United States draft .... 284 making annual appropriations 205 to build sewers 319,329 to flag sidewalks . ...... 251,261 to pave and grade streets 260,262 to prohibit sprinkling of salt in streets . . . 15 Veto Messages to the Board of Councilmen, vetoing Resolutions relative to Fire- Alarm Telegraph . . . .106 relative to Fort Gansevoort property . . . 139 relative to issuing 83,000,000 city fractional currency . .127 relative to use of parks by United States troops 310, 319 to amend ordinance to pave Thirty-ninth Street 112 to appoint 162 Commissioners of Deeds . . 126 to appropriate S8000 for Fourth of July . . 63 to change polls in 4th Ward 108 to discontinue work on contract to fill in Fifty-seventh Street 118 to erect extra lamp in Ninth Avenue . . . 146 to fence vacant lots 127 to fill in sunken lots ..... 109 129 ..„„ — .„ ..... juj, 1ZV to give monopoly of removing night soil . . 349 to increase salary of Public Administrator . . 233 to paint market without contract . . . 354 to pay " New York World " for unauthorized advert'Siag 326 'S to pay contractor excess of inspection fees . . 334 to permit change of terminus of stage route . .

PAGE Veto Messages to the Board of Councilmen, vetoing Resolution to permit encroachment on street line . . . 335 to permit use of sidewalks for stands, &c. 20, 58, 142, 244, 317, 325 to print 1500 copies Assessment Laws . . 321 to procure badges, stationery, &c. . . . .42 to procure new hose-carriage . . . i 351 to purchase premises 195 Elizabeth Street . . 47 to remit penalty to contractor .... 228 to remove buildings at Forty-second Street Ferry . 321 to rescind permission to widen Pier No. 1 . . 204 to rescind permission to use dummy engine . . 254 Ordinances to appropriate $3,000,000 to relieve persons drafted 300 to fill in sunken lots 109,129 to regulate and grade Eleventh Avenue . . 257 to repave streets with Belgian pavements . 263, 298 Veto Messages to the Board of Supervisors, vetoing Resolutions in relation to Harlem Bridge . 115,119,134,178,236 in relation to New Court-House . 50, 69, 79, 131, 146, 183, 235, 238, 247 in relation to Sheriff's bills . . . . 34, 91 to advertise penalties under militia act . . 226 to appropriate $500,000 for support of volunteers' families . . . . . . . .112 to appropriate $3000 to correct books of enrolment 183 to authorize Police Commissioners to use surplus funds in erection of buildings . . . 174 to fix salaries of certain clerks . . . .347 to increase salary of District Attorney . . 179 to pay for clerical services . . . . .54 to pay S4000 to 22d Regiment 184 to pay for stamps for Surrogate's office . . .185 to pay for printing Court Calendars . . . 246 to pay bill of George H. Purser .... 258 to pay for articles furnished Superior Court . * 296 to pay " New York Transcript " for advertising . 298 to provide for taxation of corporations . . 215 to rent premises for 5th District Court . . .33 Ordinance making annual appropriations for 1863 . . 186 Appendix. — Complimentary letter of citizens tendering a dinner . 359 Reply to such letter . ...... 361 Complimentary address on retirement from office . . 362 Response thereto .• L THE MAYORALTY OF GEORGE OPDYKE.

Annual 3Iessage to the Common Council. Mayor's Office, j New York, January 6, 1862. | ' To the Honorable the Common Council: Gentlemen, — We enter upon our official duties under circumstances which demand our entire devotion to the inter ests of the city. These are confided mainly to our keeping. Their magnitude renders the trust one of great responsibility at all times, but especially so at present, when almost every business interest of the city is paralyzed by the existinowar. During the year that has just closed, the resources of the city have been taxed to the utmost. The outbreak of civil war, in April last, at once arrested the collection of debts from the South, and cut off all trade with the rebellious States. The same cause seriously affected our commerce in every other quarter, and at the same time weakened every other branch of industry.

In the midst of the exhaustion produced by these causes, the city was called upon to furnish a liberal share of the men and means required to prosecute the war in defence of the Union. To this call she responded by sending to the field sixty thousand, four hundred and forty -five volunteers, and by loaning to the General Government more than one hundred millions of dollars. History presents no more strik ing example of liberal and patriotic impulse, combined with great material resources ; and the fact deserves record as demonstrating the patriotism, the wealth, and the liberality of our noble city. But these heavy drafts on the resources of the city, com bined with the prostration of business, have not failed to give indications of partial exhaustion. Many mercantile houses have suspended payment ; others have been compelled to go into liquidation ; and all, of every pursuit, have felt a serious check to their usual prosperity.

These facts admonish us of the necessity of retrenchment in the public expenditures. They operate with irresistible force in compelling individual economy, and their influence upon our official action should be no less imperative. In this view of our duty I am sure you will concur, and that you will cheerfully cooperate with me in the adoption of all measures calculated to lighten the public burdens, without impairing the efficiency of the city government. If further evidence were needed to prove the necessity of adopting this line of policy, it may be found in the present exorbitant rate of taxation, which has more than quadrupled within a quarter of a century. In the year 1835 the rate was but i^jfhs of 1 per cent, on the assessed value of property. Since that period it has been regularly increasing, until we find it 2 per cent., exclusive of the taxes to be paid to the General Government.

Unless this tendency is arrested by the adoption of prompt and effective measures of retrench ment, it is to be feared the heavy burdens imposed on the in dustry, capital, and commerce of the city, will drive portions of them to cities less heavily taxed, and that we shall thus lose the commercial supremacy we have hitherto possessed, and which, with ordinary wisdom and economy in the city government, we may always retain, in virtue of our natural advantages. It is a mistake to suppose that property-holders are the only parties who suffer from excessive taxation. Its burdens are shared by all, and hence all classes are equally interested in securing economy in the public expenditures. The poor have to bear their full proportion ; for, although they pay nothing directly to the tax-gatherer, they indirectly contribute their share in increased rents and enhanced prices for everything they consume.

We shall, therefore, best consult the interest of every citizen by pursuing the policy I have indi cated. I trust we shall be able to accomplish many salutary re forms by the diligent and faithful exercise of such powers as are conferred on us by the present charter ; but I am per suaded we should be able to do much more, if that instrument were subjected to thorough and careful revision. The opinion is nearly universal that this is necessary to the efficient and frugal administration of the city government. At the last ses sion of the Legislature a commission was created for the pur pose of revision, but, after several sittings, it adjourned with out presenting any plan of city government. It seems strange that we should be so long looking for a suitable plan when we have a model before our eyes.

The best form of government ever devised by human wisdom is that of the United States. A single executive, period ically elected by the people, charged with the whole duty and responsibility of executing the laws ; a legislature, consisting of two bodies, representing different constituencies, and a judicial department, independent of both, and permanent in its tenure. These are the great features of the admirable scheme of republican government, devised and adopted by our fathers. Applving these principles to our city, and omitting the judi cial department as not pertaining to a government purely municipal, we should have a single executive head of the city, charged with all the functions of administration, by whom subordinate executive officers should be appointed and removed, subject always to the check of an advisory body, and a legislature, consisting of a Board of Aldermen, representing one set of interests, and a Board of Councilmen representing another.

The Mayor should, of course, be chosen by the electors of the whole city. He should be authorized to appoint, with the consent of the Board of Aldermen, all other executive or administrative officers, except, perhaps, the Comptroller, and also to remove them for cause. Two modes of electing the Aldermen have been suggested : one, of electing them as the Supervisors are now chosen, and vesting in them all the powers of Supervisors as well as Aldermen ; and another, of electing them by certain well-known bodies, representing different interests of great importance ; as, for example, one portion by the Board of Education, another portion by the Fire Department, another by the Chamber of Commerce, and another by the Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen. It is doubtful, however, whether the latter mode could be adopted under the present Constitution of the State.

The first-named mode is practicable, and would, in my opinion, be a great improvement on our present system. The Board of Councilmen might continue to be elected as at present, or, with the Aldermen elected by general ticket, it would, per haps, be better to have the Councilmen elected by single dis tricts or wards. If these changes were made I think a great improvement in the administration of the city government would soon be manifest. It must, nevertheless, be borne in mind by the people that no scheme, however perfect, can produce a good government, unless they elect faithful and capable officers to administer it. What 1 have said in relation to the executive department, has not proceeded from any desire to increase my own powers, for with that will come increase of responsibility and care, but from a conviction, long felt, that we have de parted from the plainest principles of government, and have suffered in the exact degree of our departure.

For myself, I can only promise to exercise, with the best intentions, and with as much diligence and skill as I can command, whatever powers may be confided to me. I feel it to be my duty to call your attention to the vexa tious abuse arising from the changes made at Albany in the annual tax levy. Persons who have doubtful claims against the city betake themselves to the State capital, and there often find means to introduce these claims into the levy, and the authorities of the city are obliged to submit to the injustice rather than lose the means of carrying on the city govern ment. No other city in the State is obliged to apply annually to the Legislature for authority to levy a tax ; and what good reason there can be for the discrimination against this city I cannot imagine. If, however, the practice is to be continued, it should be an inflexible rule that no item of expense shall be inserted by the Legislature which the authorities of the city have not asked for.

It seems to me that the right should remain with the people to check lavish and improper expenditures of the public money. As the law now stands, no citizen, however large may be his contributions to the city treasury, can interpose any obstacle to such expenditures. I accordingly recommend that application be made to the Legislature for a general law, applicable to all municipal corporations in the State, authorizing any tax-payer to sustain an action against the city authorities for the faithless and improper application of the public funds. Sucli a law exists in other countries, and it has been found to operate as a most salutary check on improper expenditures. The trifling revenue received by the city from its large investments in wharves, piers, and market property, proves that there must be some radical defect in the management of these important public interests.

The total value of the wharves, piers, and ferry franchises, owned by the city, is estimated at $5,500,000. The gross revenue from this source for the year 1860, as appears by the Comptroller's annual report, was From wharves, piers, and slips .... $169,309 97 From ferry franchises ....... 95,812 50 Total amount from both sources . . . $265,122 47 Amount of expenditure for the same period, exclusive of salaries and fees connected with their management $186,928 50 Leaving the total net revenue for the year 1860 $78,193 97 1* The market property of the city, according to the latest valuation, is worth $2,131,000, exclusive of portions of Tomp kins, Clinton, Essex, Union, and Jefferson Markets, which are omitted in the estimate because they are now occupied without revenue to the city. The gross amount of revenue from markets for the year 1860, was . . . • • • $117,944 92 Deduct amount paid for cleaning, lighting, salaries, &c 51,241 85 Leaving the net revenue from this source for 1860 . $66,703 07 It thus appears that the city receives but $144,897.04 of net revenue from wharf, ferry, and market property, valued at little less than seven millions of dollars.

There can be scarce a doubt that this property, by prudent and skilful management, is capable of producing half a million of net revenue per annum. This, however, cannot be expected while its ownership remains with the city. Public officers lack the incentives to careful and thrifty management that are to be found in the personal interest of individual owners. For this and kiriflred reasons, I am persuaded that the interests of the city would be promoted by the sale of this property, and the application of the proceeds toward the payment of the city's public debt. The city would, of course, reserve to itself the right to regulate the use of this property in protection of the public interests. The present, however, is not an auspicious time for making the change. Real estate shares too largely in the' general depression caused by the war.

The change, if it be deemed judicious, must therefore be postponed until the return of peace and the revival of business restore the wonted prosper ity of the city. Meanwhile, I recommend a thorough inves tigation of the management of this property, the removal of all existing abuses, and the abolition of all unnecessary offices connected therewith. It appears, by the Comptroller's last annual report, that the amount paid by the city government for salaries is about $550,000 per annum. This does not include salaries or fees paid to county officers ; nor does it include those paid in the Police Department, the Department of Public Charities, the Central Park Commission, nor by the Board of Education. I deem it our duty to inquire whether this sum cannot be materially reduced, by dispensing with the services of some of the employes, and by reducing the compensation of others, wherever the services required do not appear to be propor tional to the salaries.

From the best information I have been able to obtain, I am satisfied that a large annual saving may be made to the city by this means, without injury to the public, service, and without injustice to the employe's ; and surely the onerous rates of taxation and our impaired prosperity de mand it. But it is not alone to securing an honest and frugal city government that we are to direct our efforts. The sphere of municipal government, although comparatively limited, em braces much more than this. We are charged with the supervision of the general interests of the city. The people look to us for the preservation of their property from destruction by fire or domestic violence. They look to us for the preserva tion of order, for the security of life, and the prevention and punishment of crime. They look to us for sanitary regula tions calculated to preserve the public health ; for clean and well-paved streets, free from unnecessary obstructions ; for suitable provision for those who are incapable of providing for themselves ; and for whatever else we can do, within our proper sphere, to elevate the character of our city, and render it an attractive centre of commerce, civilization, and refine ment.

The Fire Department, the Police, and the State Uniformed Militia, are the agencies specially provided for protecting the city from fire and domestic violence. It affords me pleasure to say that each of these, in its appropriate sphere, performs its duty to the general satisfaction of the community. There is nothing more essential to the public health and to the comfort of citizens than clean streets. In this respect the city of New York has earned a most unenviable reputation. The condition of its streets has long been a disgrace to those who have had the supervision of their cleaning ; and yet it is safe to say that no other city has paid so liberally for such service. In this department our most earnest endeavors should be directed to an early and thorough reform. At present, so far as our streets are cleaned at all, the work is done under what is called the Hackley contract.

For many reasons, among which are the suspicious circumstances attending the contract, and the failure in its due execution, I recommend that it be abrogated. I have no doubt that a new con tract, or other arrangement, can be made that will insure to the citizens cleaner streets at less expense. If proper atten tion is given to this subject, I know of no good reason why street-cleaning in this city may not be ultimately made, as it is already in some oth£r cities, a source of revenue instead of expense. The fortifications of the harbor are provided by the General Government, and are intended to secure the city against for eign aggression. They are projected on a scale which will render them, when completed and aided by floating batteries, fully adequate to the end designed. At present, however, they are in such an unfinished state that it is feared a fleet of hostile steamers might succeed in passing them and holding the city at its mercy.

This should not be. In the present critical condition of our foreign relations, with the British Government giving repeated evidences of unfriendliness, the security of the city demands better safeguards. The General Government should be asked to hasten the completion of the forts, and to arm them with the most approved modern guns, of heavy calibre. In addition to this, it seems to me it would be a measure of wise forecast to devise a plan for obstructino the channel temporarily by means of rafts, or other barriers, to be anchored at the Narrows, and to have the materials in a state of readiness for immediate use in case the necessity should arise. This could be done at an expense of a few thou sand dollars, and it might prove the means of saving the city from seizure by a foreign enemy. The paramount interest of this city is its commerce.

It is to that it owes its imperial proportions and its wealth. It behooves us, therefore, to guard with jealous watchfulness against every encroachment on the harbor, and against all unnecessary burdens on the trade and commerce of the city. We should provide every needful security for the entrance and exit of shipping, and for their accommodation while dis charging and loading ; and we should do whatever else may be necessary for facilitating the purchase, sale, and delivery of goods. And here I feel it my duty to call your attention to a feature of the Tariff act passed at the last session of Congress, which cannot fail to prove injurious to the commerce of this city. I refer to the provision modifying the warehousing sys tem, which, in effect, limits the period during which foreigu goods may remain in bond, without the payment of duty, to three months.

Before the passage of that act the period was three years. This change cannot fail to prove injurious to commerce. It virtually destroys the benefits of the ware housing system, which was intended to promote the com merce of the United States, by enabling our chief commercial cities to invite trade from other countries, by presenting for sale the products of all countries, free from governmental charges. It has been on trial for many years, and has proved a most valuable auxiliary to our foreign commerce. Without detriment to the public revenue, or to any interest, it has enabled this city to build up a profitable trade, in the sale of foreign goods to Canada, Mexico, and South America, and thereby to enlarge the market for the products of our own country. In short, its tendencies are to make this city the entrep6t of the commerce of this continent, as London and Paris have been made the entrep8ts of the commerce of Europe, by the adoption of similar systems.

England and France are still liberalizing the provisions of their warehous ing systems, and sound policy dictates that, in this respect at least, our Government should follow their enlightened example. I think that early steps should be taken to ask Congress to restore the salutary provisions of the late system. At the commencement of hostilities in April last, our pred ecessors in office, with commendable patriotism and liberality, came promptly forward, and appropriated one million of dollars for the equipment and forwarding of volunteers to the seat of war, and for the relief of their families. The funds were placed in the joint custody of representatives of the city authorities and the Union Defence Committee, by whom some $800,000, it is understood, were expended, with the general concurrence of the Secretary of War, for the equipment of volunteers.