ve been less than one
hundred thousand dollars, and the executors (six in number) at one time
received ten thousand dollars apiece.

Mr. Astor's project of the library was conceived long before his death,
and he had Dr. Cogswell for several years engaged in the collection of
books for this purpose. The full provisions, however, were not known
until the reading of the will developed the plan and funds. The plan was
not carried out in detail, but was left to the judgment of the trustees,
who modified it considerably, making an institution for reference
instead of a mere circulating library.

To the original bequest Mr. William B. Astor has since added a large
conveyance of real estate, and the institution is nearly double its
original size. Speaking of Mr. William B. Astor, we may be led to a few
references of a personal nature. As the ordinary street-passenger is
traversing Prince street, he is not likely to be struck by any of its
surroundings. The street itself is but of third-rate character, and the
houses are but of a common stamp. Near Broadway, however, one may notice
a small brick office, neatly built, of one story, with gable to the
street, but with doors and windows closed, and the whole appearance one
of security. Near the door may be seen a little sign which reads thus:
'Entrance next door: office hours from nine to three.' The next door, to
which we are referred, is a plain three-story brick dwelling, with no
name on the door, and might be taken for the residence of some
well-to-do old-fashioned family. Hence one is quite startled to find
that this is the headquarters of the chief capitalist of America.
Entering the street-door, one will find himself in a small vestibule,
neatly floored with checkered oil-cloth, and opening a door on his left,
he will enter a well-lighted front-room, destitute of any furniture but
a counting-house desk and a few chairs. At this desk stands an
accountant (or perhaps two) working at a set of books, and evidently
enjoying an easy berth. He will answer all ordinary inquiries, will do
the duty of refusing charitable demands, and will attend to any thing in
the ordinary run of business; but if one has any thing special on hand,
he will point to a door opening into a rear office. This apartment is of
moderate size and of simple furniture. On the table are a few books, and
on opening one of them, which appears well thumbed, it will be found to
contain maps of plots of city property,