ily drilled. It was very firmly resolved that the
city should not again surrender without the firing of a gun.

The municipal institutions were all re-organized to conform to those
of the fatherland. This second administration of the Dutch was of but
short duration. On the 9th of January, 1674, but about three months
after the re-capture of the city, a treaty of peace was signed between
England and Holland. The sixth article of this treaty read as follows,

"Whatsoever countries, islands, ports, towns, castles or
forts have been taken on both sides, since the time that the
late unhappy war broke out, either in Europe or elsewhere,
shall be restored to the former lord or proprietor in the
same condition they shall be in when peace itself shall be
proclaimed."

Several months however transpired before the actual re-surrender of
the city to the English. On the 10th of November 1674, a little more
than one year after the capture of the city by the Dutch, this change
took place. Mr. David V. Valentine writes:

"This event was not distasteful to the great body of the
citizens, whose national sentiment had, in a measure, given
way before the obvious advantages to their individual
interests of having a settled authority established over
them, with the additional privilege of English institutions
which were then considered of a liberal tendency."

In conclusion, we have but a few words to say respecting the manners
and customs in the thriving little village of New York, in these
primitive days. People were then, to say the least, as happy as they
are now. Food was abundant, and New York was far-famed for its cordial
hospitality. Days of recreation were more abundant than now. The
principal social festivals were "quilting," "apple paring" and
"husking." Birthdays, christenings, and marriage anniversaries were
also celebrated with much festivity. Upon most of these occasions
there was abundant feasting. Dancing was the favorite amusement, with
which the evening was almost invariably terminated. In this busy
community the repose of the night was necessary to prepare for the
labors of the ensuing day. The ringing of the nine o'clock bell was
the signal for all to retire.

A mild form of negro slavery existed in those days. The slaves danced
to the music of their rude instruments in the markets. The young men
and maidens often met on the Bowling green and danced aroun