NEW YORK.                                24^^
 

CHAPTER IX.

Containing the dignified retirement, and mortal
surrender of Peter the Headstrong.

Thus then have I concluded this great his¬
torical enterprize; but before I lay aside my
weary pen, there yet remains to be performed
one pious duty. If among the variety of read¬
ers that may peruse this book, there should
haply be found any of those souls of true nobili¬
ty, which glow with celestial fire, at the history
of the generous and the brave, they will doubt¬
less be anxious to know the fate of the gallant
Peter Stuyvesant. To gratify one such sterling
heart of gold I would go more lengths, than to
instruct the cold blooded curiosity of a whole
fraternity of philosophers.

No sooner had that high mettled cavalier
signed the articles of capitulation, than, deter¬
mined not to witness the humiliation of his
favourite city, he turned his back on its walls
and made a growling retreat to his Bouwery,
or country seat, which was situated about two