prayer, were more necessary, for we are living upon a volcano which, at any time, may burst forth." But it is more to our purpose here to quote from official documents contained in the "Colden Papers,"-in the possession of the New York Historical Society, Vol. X. pp. 404-5, which not only tell the same dismal story of affairs in the colonies at that epoch, but also vouch for the high character of the subject of this sketch, particularly with respect to the special object of his visit to the mother country, in 1775. These are two letters from the Honorable Cadwallader Colden, President of the King's Council, addressed respectively to Lord Dartmouth and Lord North, dated each, "New York, 4th May, 1775," and which run as follows, the first being to Lord Dartmouth: "My Lord,-The state of anarchy and confusion into which this Province has run since the actual commencement of Hostilities between the King's troops and the People of Massachusetts Bay, induced several Gentlemen to go over to England with hopes of being able to do something to stop the Effusion of Blood, and the Harms and Calamities of a Civil War, which has already had such terrifying Effects. Among these is Lt. Col. Maunsell, a halfpay officer in his Majesty's service, who with great zeal offered to carry my Dispatches to your Lordship. I have not had more than a superficial acquaintance with Col. Maunsell, but on this Occasion, I have been told by Gentlemen who Know him, that he is a man of Honor and Probity, a warm Friend to the Government, and by a Residence of eleven years in this Place, is well acquainted with the General State of the Province. He will be able to give your Lordship a minute Detail of Circumstances, which you may wish to Know. I do not, however, my Lord, deliver up public Dispatches to him, as it is possible he may be detained by sickness or some accident.—If he should arrive in London before the Mail, your Lordship may confide in his account of our present State, which is a total prostration of Government and an Association with the other Colonies to resist the Acts of Parliament and oppose Force to Force. I am &c." The second of these two official letters, addressed to Lord North, reads: My Lord, "New York, 4th May, 1775. Lieut. Col. Maunsell was the person who, on the sudden change that has happened in this Province, took the Resolution of going to England, and engaged a Letter of Introduction to your Lordship. He is an officer on half-pay, served in the last war in America, and has acquired a knowledge of the state of this Colony by a residence of eleven years. He has been an Eye-Witness of the late extraordinary events in this place. So many Gentlemen have taken the Resolutions to go over in this Pacquet, that your Lordship may have the best information from a variety of hands." This letter closes with the mention of the same distinguished persons spoken of in the preceding. General Maunsell returned to New York the next year. As to his family residences in this city, Gaine's New York Gazette of Jan. 26, 1776, thus advertises one of them : "TO BE LET, (and entered 10th of April next) The pleasant, healthy and convenient house and five lots of ground, containing 26 acres of land in six enclosures, at Greenwich, where Lieut. Colonel John Maunsell's family now lives. Oliver De Lancey." The New York Directory of 1794, gives his residence at that time as 11 Broadway, which was also his widow's home for several subsequent years. She is said to have lived to the advanced age of ninety-seven, and was buried in Harlem, on the family estate. Her will before mentioned contains the following clause: “Whereas I have built a vault on the East River, on a part of my farm in Harlem, where the remains of my late husband, General Maunsell, now are deposited, and wherein, I now direct my remains to be placed by his side, agreeably to his will, said vault to be forever reserved a sacred deposit for the remains of my husband and my own,” &c. She speaks of this "farm," as where her "present dwelling-house is situate" -which our memorandum says was a frame structure, "standing nearly opposite the old Roger Morris place," adding, that the "Watkins mansion, was of stone, and near the 10th mile-stone." The religious clause of Mrs. Maunsell's will is sublimely concise: "I commit my soul into the hands of my Almighty Jehovah Saviour, trusting to his righteousness alone for eternal life." He was " a very handsome man, and a true gentleman." The portrait given is from the photograph of a miniature in the possession of H. M. Schieffelin, Esq., of this city, to whose courtesy we are indebted for its use. We learn from the same gentleman, that Mr. Henry Maunsell Bradhurst, who is living in Europe, has an old portrait of the General, about half-length and life-size. The Rev. Dr. Van Rensselaer, has also a miniature likeness of the general, as well as his uniform coat, and his Prayer-book, with other relics; and we are informed that Mr. Wm. Chamberlain has a handsome original miniature of our subject in a bracelet. We learn that the late Mr. Maunsell Bradhurst Field was named for John Maunsell Bradhurst, a friend of his father's, and partner in business, and, also, that his cousin, Hickson W. Field, Jr., whose name represents that of another noble old New York merchant, married Mr. Bradhurst's daughter. It has been a peculiar privilege for the writer to offer to the Magazine this record of a distinguished British officer, whose associations with old. New York were of so pleasing a character, and whose name has been so long and honorably preserved in family life among us. WM. HALL. POLITICAL AMERICANISMS* I It is impossible to look over the columns of a daily journal, especially during the progress of a vigorous political campaign, without encountering numerous expressions and phrases, the meaning of which cannot be learned from any dictionary, but which, to one who is familiar with the current argot of the period, are often quite as vigorously expressive as the most picturesque slang of the streets. The vocabulary of the American politician has indeed become copious beyond what is generally believed, and the glossary presented herewith lays no claim to completeness. It includes, however, a number of phrases which can be found in no other compilation. Some of these have passed out of current use, others are defined according to the best authorities available-often that of gray-haired veterans who may have cast their first vote for Jackson or Clay, and who were in the prime of life during the "Hard Cider" campaign. It has not always been easy to decide upon the exact meaning of a particular phrase, indeed meanings frequently vary with localities. Doubtless, careful readers will note sundry infelicities of definitions, which in point of fact may be due mainly to local variations. Wherever these definitions touch upon present issues, they must almost of necessity prove unsatisfactory in one way or another. Supporters of Mr. Blaine, for instance, may naturally think that a definition of the Mulligan letters is out of place in such a glossary, while his opponents will hold that a mere definition is ridiculously inadequate. This instance recalls the fact that while the writer was questioning a highly intelligent elderly gentleman of this city on the subject of certain phrases current half a century ago, the Mulligan letters" chanced to be men tioned. 66 "What are those letters," said the old gentleman, "and who was Mulligan?" The writer opened his note-book and read the brief explanation. "Well," was the comment, "of course I have seen no end of stuff about it all, but I never took the trouble to read it." He really seemed glad to learn, without spending too much time, just who Mulligan was. If this be true of a phrase so much bewritten as this, how much less likely are people to know the meaning of such terms as "Morganize," "hunker," "locofoco," and a hundred others, all possessing certain points of interest that may often be traced back to curious derivations? * Copyright by Chas. Ledyard Norton. 1884. ABOLITIONIST.-With this word widely divergent meanings are associated in different sections of the country. At the North an abolitionist is simply one who favors, or favored, the abolition of slavery, and the name is in itself honorable. At the South it is a synonym for all that is contemptible, mean, and dishonest, this in addition to its true derivative signification as understood at the North. Many an affray has arisen in consequence of this divergence of meaning, and the consequent misunderstandings. The history of abolition is co-extensive with that of the United States, the anti-slavery agitation having begun before the Revolution, while Vermont abolished slavery within her borders in 1777. ABSENTEEISM.-Adapted into American speech from the Irish "National" vocabulary, and generally used in this country with reference to wealthy Americans who reside abroad. ALBANY REGENCY.-So called from the residences of its members at the State capital of New York. It was an association of Democratic politicians organized in 1820, and including in its early membership Martin Van Buren, Silas Wright, John A. Dix, Dean Richmond, Peter Cagger, and many others. It absolutely, though unofficially, controlled the action of the party until 1854, when its opponents, having learned its methods, its power was broken. AMERICAN.-The "American' party originated in New York in 1844, its avowed object being to oppose the usurpation of the city government by foreigners. Owing to the extreme views of its leaders it fell into disfavor, but came to the front again in 1853, under the popular designation of "Know Nothings” (q. v.). AMERICAN KNIGHTS.-Knights of the Golden Circle (q. v.). ANTI-MASONRY.-A movement precipitated by the alleged murder of Morgan (q. v.) by the Free Masons in 1826. Wm. H. Seward, Millard Fillmore and Thurlow Weed were among the leaders of the Anti-Masons, and the party wielded political power for several years. are often classified as monopolists and antimonopolists. ANTI RENTERS.-The anti-rent movement bore a conspicuous part in the politics of New York during most of the decade prior to 1847. It resulted from the attempt of the heirs of General Stephen Van Rensselaer to collect rents. Laws had been passed abolishing feudal tenures in 1779 and 1785; but the tenants of Van Rensselaer-who by courtesy was styled the "Patroon" (a title never claimed) to the end of his long and useful life—still continued to enjoy the farms upon which they lived on leases for life tenures, or from year to year. Through the indulgence of the “Patroon" these tenants were all in debt. When he died they resisted the steps taken in the settlement of his estate, to collect rents, and complained that these semifeudal land tenures were totally inconsistent with the spirit and genius of republican institutions. When the matter was pressed, they armed and disguised themselves as Indians, and offered such resistance to the civil officers that military interference became necessary. sent troops to quell the riotous proceedings, and the disturbances attracted national attention. The newspapers were full of the subject, it was carried into politics, and then into the courts. In the end, the State constitution of New York, in 1846, abolished all feudal tenures. The leases were converted into freeholds-that is, the parties who had rented bought their farms, giving mortgages; and thus became freeholders instead of tenants. The governor 64 ASHLANDERS.-A political club of rowdies identified with Ashland Square in Baltimore, which city has been exceptionally prolific in names of this character, as Babes," PlugUglies," "Dead Rabbits," Blood-tubs," etc. BALLOT-BOX STUFFING.-Originally practiced in New York, where boxes were constructed with false bottoms, so that an unlimited number of spurious ballots could be introduced by the party having control of the polling place. mutual consent of parties this is now almost impossible. By ANTI-MONOPOLIST.-One who is opposed to BARBECUE (Spanish barbacoa, French barbe-àexistence of monopolies in the commercial world, queue).—To cook a large animal whole, over an on the ground that their political influence enopen fire. The French derivation suggests that dangers the liberty of the people. Legislators the goat, from beard to tail-de barbe-à-queue -was the first victim of this species of cookery. The barbecue was formerly a conspicuous feature of political meetings, and is still common at the South and West (see "Burgoo.") This year it has reappeared in New York State, a genuine barbecue having been held in Brooklyn. BAR'L (Barrel).—-A wealthy candidate for office is said to have remarked, Let the boys know that there's a bar'l o' money ready for 'em," or words to that effect. The use of the term in this sense became general about 1876. BARNBURNER.-A nickname given to certain progressive New York Democrats about 1835, who were opposed to the conservative "Hunkers" (q. v.). The name is derived from the legend of the Dutchman who set his barn afire in order to kill the rats which infested it, the analogy being that the Democrats in question would fain destroy all existing institutions in order to correct their abuses. BLACK JACK.-An army nickname of General John A. Logan, given him because of his very dark complexion. BLEEDING KANSAS.-During the border troubles resulting from the passage of the Kansas Nebraska Bill (1854), there was fighting of a more or less organized description, and many "free soil" advocates were killed. 66 Bleeding Kansas" became a popular phrase with the Northern orators of the day, and was used scoffingly by those on the other side. It is believed to have been originally coined to serve as a newspaper headline. BLOODY CHASM.-" To bridge the bloody chasm" was a favorite expression with orators who, during the years immediately succeeding the Civil War, sought to obliterate the memory of the struggle. BLOODY SHIRT.-This became the symbol during the reconstruction period of those who would not suffer the Civil War to sink into oblivion out of consideration for the feelings of the vanquished. To “wave the bloody shirt" was to harrow up the exciting memories of the war. BOLT.-Used as a verb to indicate the right of the independently minded to revolt against partisan rule, as, "He bolted the party nominations." Also pronominally, as "He has organized a bolt." The word derived this meaning from its sporting application to a horse when he becomes unmanageable on the race track. It is rarely used with its dictionary meaning in political connection, and when so used is generally misunderstood by the average reader. BOODLE.—A slang word adapted to political usage from the argot of counterfeiters. Originally it meant the main portion of the counterfeit money, and by an easy translation has come to mean a large roll of bills such as political managers are supposed to divide among their retainers. BOOM. Variously used as a noun or a verb. Derived, probably, from the nautical phrase "boom out," signifying a vessel running rapidly before the wind. Within a few years it has made its appearance in a variety of combinations, as the whole State is booming for Smith," or "the boys have whooped up the State to boom for Smith," or "the Smith boom is ahead in this State," etc., etc. 44 BORDER-RUFFIANS.-This came prominently into use during the Kansas-Nebraska troubles of 1854-5, and was originally applied to bands of voters who crossed the border from the slave States in order to carry the elections in the Territories. Boss.—The political "Boss" is the leader whose word is law to his henchmen. "Boss" Tweed of this city is believed to have been the first to wear the title in a semi-official way. The phrase "Boss Rule" is said to have been invented by Mr. Wayne MacVeagh, and employed by him in political speeches in Chicago. It is now in common use in this sense. Originally the word is Dutch (Baas), and is still used in New York and vicinity in a semi-respectful way. BOURBON. A Democrat of the straitest sect. A" fire-eater" (q. v.). Applied for the most part to Southern Democrats of the old school. This use of the word probably ante-dates the Civil War, but no instance of such use has been found in print. Bourbon County, Kentucky, is popularly associated with this kind of Democrat, but we must look to the old Bourbon party in France -uncompromising adherents of political tradition-for its true paternity. (To be continued.) CHARLES LEDYARD NORTON. |