and pleasant resting places, but especially suitable places for the construction of mills, for though there is no overflow of water, it can be used.

“A little east of New Harlaem, there are two ridges of very high rocks, with a considerable space between them, displaying themselves very majestically, and inviting all men to acknowledge in them the grandeur, power and glory of the Creator, who has impressed such marks upon them.  Between them runs the road to Spuyt den Duyvel.  The one to the north is the most apparent.  The south ridge is covered with earth on its north side, but it can be seen from the water or from the mainland beyond to the south.  The soil between these ridges is very good, though a little hilly and stony.  It would be very suitable, in my opinion, for planting vineyards, in consequence of its being shut off on both sides, from the winds which would most injure them; and it is very warm.  We found blue grapes along the road, which were very good and sweet, and as good as any I have tasted in the fatherland.

“We went from the city, following the Broadway, over the valley or the fresh water.  Upon both sides of this way there were many habitations of negroes, mulattoes and whites.  The negroes were formerly the slaves of the West India Company.  But, in consequence of the frequent changes and conquests of the country, they have obtained their freedom, and settled themselves down where they thought proper, and thus on this road, where they have grown enough to live on with their families.  We left the village called Bowery on the right hand, and went through the woods to Harlaem, a tolerably large village situated directly opposite the place where the northeast creek and the East river come together.  It is about three hours’ journey from New Amsterdam.”

From the account which these gentlemen give, the morals of the people certainly do not appear to have been essentially better than now.  They passed the night at the house of the sheriff.  “This house was constantly filled with people all the time drinking, for the most part, that execrable rum.  He had also the best cider we have tasted.  Among the crowd we found a person of quality, an Englishman, named Captain Carteret, whose father is in great favor with the king.  The king has given his father, Sir George Carteret, the entire government of the lands west of the North river in New Netherland, with power to appoint as governor whom he pleases.

“This son is a very profligate person.  He married a merchant’s daughter here, and has so lived with his wife that her father has been compelled to take her home again.  He runs about among the farmers and stays where he can find most to drink, and sleeps in barns on the straw.  If he conducted himself properly, he could be, not only governor here, but hold higher positions, for he has studied the moralities and seems to have been of a good understanding.  But that is all now drowned.  His father, who will not acknowledge him as his son, allows him yearly as much only as is necessary for him to live on.”

Saturday morning they set out from Harlaem village to go to the northern extremity of the island.