Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York, for 1862
hardcover
1862 · New York
by VALENTINE, D. T. (David Thomas)
New York, 1862. First. hardcover. Illustrated manual of the Corporation of the City of New York. 775 pp. with 1 fold out map and 42 diagrams and chromolithographed views. Full embossed brown leather with gold stamped spine and cover. 12mo. Old New York map is repaired along two folds and show Dutch activity in the East Village. Illustrations complete according to the "Index to the Illustrations in the Manuals of the Corporation of the City of New York", published by the Society of Iconophiles, 1906. Inscription by Henry F. Reppen to Otto F. Jenz, August 18, 1862. New York: 1862. The "Manuals of the Corporation" were directories of extensive historical and contemporary records of New York compiled by D.T. Valentine. These books include detailed information on the meetings of the Aldermen Council, ordinances passed, public officials, the city's debts, directories of hospitals, alms houses and schools, ferry schedules, lists of public porters, demographics and census information, and descriptions of historic buildings and streets. Much of the information was gleaned from Dutch and English sources, as processed by Valentine. Notable illustrations in this edition include "New York, about 1790", "Departure of the 69th Regt. N.Y.S.M. Tuesday April 23d, 1861. The Irish Headquarters around St. Patricks Cathedral, co. Prince & Mott St.", "Interior of the State Arsenal 57th. St. occupied by the 7th N.Y.V. (Steuben Regt.) 1861" and several views of Central Park. The single map in this edition is "Old New York. 'The Bouwery' [Map of the Stuyvesant Estate]". D.T. Valentine (1801-1869) served as the Deputy to the Clerk of the Common Council for thirty-seven years without being promoted to Clerk. Valentine took it upon himself to compile the "Manuals", which he updated and published annually from 1841-1866. Many copies were personalized for prominent officials. This compendium is an excellent source of early New York City history. (Inventory #: 265789)