ir Henry had now three prisoners and he guarded them
very closely. Yet the natives, either from policy or from fear, made
no hostile demonstrations against him.

The half Moon remained in the outer bay nine days. Several exploring
tours had been sent out, visiting what is now known as the Jersey
shore. None of these, with the exception of the one to which we have
alluded, encountered any hostility whatever from the natives.

On the 11th of September, Hudson sailed through the Narrows, and
anchored in the still and silent waters of New York harbor. These
waters had never then been whitened by a sail, or ploughed by any
craft larger than the Indian's birch canoe. The next morning, the 12th
of September, Sir Henry again spread his sails, and commenced his
memorable voyage up the solitary river, which has subsequently borne
his name. Only here and there could a few wigwams be seen, scattered
through the forest, which fringed its banks. But human life was there,
then as now, with the joys of the bridal and the grief of the burial.
When we contemplate the million of people, now crowded around the
mouth of the Hudson, convulsively struggling in all the stern
conflicts of this tumultuous life, it may be doubted whether there
were not as much real happiness in the wigwam of the Indian as is now
to be found in the gorgeous palace of the modern millionaire. And when
we contemplate the vices and the crimes which civilization has
developed, it may also be doubted whether, there were not as much
virtue, comparatively with the numbers to be found, within the bark
hut of the red man, as is now to be found in the abodes of the more
boastful white man.

Sir Henry Hudson hoped to find this majestic river, inviting him into
unknown regions of the north, to be an arm of the sea through which he
could cross the continent to the shores of the Pacific. It was not
then known whether this continent were a few miles or thousands of
miles in breadth. For the first two days the wind was contrary, and
the Half Moon ascended the river but about two miles. The still
friendly natives paddled out from the shores, in their bark canoes in
great numbers, coming on board entirely unarmed and offering for sale,
excellent oysters and vegetables in great abundance.

On the third day a strong breeze sprang up from the southeast. All
sail was set upon the Half Moon. It was a bright and beautiful
autumnal day. Through enchanting scenery the little vessel plou