chism,
and Adrian Vander Donck's famous account of the New Netherlands; by the
last of which Mr. Knickerbocker profited greatly in this his second
edition.

Having passed some time very agreeably at Albany, our author proceeded to
Scaghtikoke; where, it is but justice to say, he was received with open
arms, and treated with wonderful loving-kindness. He was much looked up to
by the family, being the first historian of the name; and was considered
almost as great a man as his cousin the Congressman--with whom, by-the-by,
he became perfectly reconciled, and contracted a strong friendship.

In spite, however, of the kindness of his relations, and their great
attention to his comforts, the old gentleman soon became restless and
discontented. His history being published, he had no longer any business
to occupy his thoughts, or any scheme to excite his hopes and
anticipations. This, to a busy mind like his, was a truly deplorable
situation; and had he not been a man of inflexible morals and regular
habits, there would have been great danger of his taking to politics or
drinking--both which pernicious vices we daily see men driven to by mere
spleen and idleness.

It is true he sometimes employed himself in preparing a second edition of
his history, wherein he endeavored to correct and improve many passages
with which he was dissatisfied, and to rectify some mistakes that had
crept into it; for he was particularly anxious that his work should be
noted for its authenticity; which, indeed, is the very life and soul of
history. But the glow of composition had departed--he had to leave many
places untouched which he would fain have altered; and even where he did
make alterations, he seemed always in doubt whether they were for the
better or the worse.

After a residence of some time at Scaghtikoke, he began to feel a strong
desire to return to New York, which he ever regarded with the warmest
affection; not merely because it was his native city, but because he
really considered it the very best city in the whole world. On his return
he entered into the full enjoyment of the advantages of a literary
reputation. He was continually importuned to write advertisements,
petitions, handbills, and productions of similar import; and, although he
never meddled with the public papers, yet had he the credit of writing
innumerable essays, and smart things, that appeared on all subjects, and
all sides of the question, in all which he was cle