CHAPTER VI.
 

THE  PROGRESS  OF  THE  CITY.
 

After the quiet of the country was restored, and events
appeared to justify the inhabitants in the expectation that
no further apprehension need be felt with respect to the
designs of England against the Dutch possessions in Amer¬
ica, the progressive welfare of the city received the atten¬
tion of the magistrates.

The city then contained several thoroughfares, irregu¬
larly laid out, having been adapted to the nature of the
ground in its original state, diversified by hills, valleyS;,
marshes and streams; all the thoroughfares being yet in
the condition of country roads, without pavement or other
improvement. To establish some regularity with regard
to the streets, was a primary object, with which intent a
survey of the town had been ordered in 1654; but the more
stirring events of that year had caused the subject to drop
for that time. In 1656, however, this survey was com¬
pleted; and the city was laid down upon a map, and con¬
firmed by law, " to remain, from that time forward, without
alteration."

Most of the houses were then built of wood, and many
of them in such a rude manner as to have chimneys made
of boards, and merely plastered, and roofs thatched with