OF JVEW   YORK  CITY.                       71
 

CHAPTER IX.

The house of John F. Delaplaine & Co. was at one
time a commercial house of considerable eminence.
John resided in Broadway, nearly opposite the old
Grace church, corner of Rector street. He had a
brother and partner named Isaac. The counting house
of the Delaplaines was on the corner of Old Slip and
Water street. Of course this house was a rich one, and
had a reputation at home and abroad. The firm was
largely in the Mediterranean trade, and dealt In drugs
specially, as well as in general merchandise. Both of
the Delaplaines died rich, and left sons and daughters.
One son, Isaac, married a daughter of the celebrated
Billy Post, the paint- dealer in Water street. Pie Is
'now a member of Congress from this city. Post kept
for many years in an old shanty that was covered with
green moss, and refused to burn whenever there was a
fire In the vicinity. Its escapes were almost miraculous,
and It was only torn down after the death of Its owner.

At one time Mr. Post made all his neighbors laugh, by
telling them of his intention to put a granite front to the
old wooden store.    Post was a miser, and died rich.

Another ancient firm was that of Tucker & Lauries,
— all English, or rather Bermudians. Richard Tucker
lived for many years in Bond street.    He was a stately