CHAPTER   X.

THE  CONDITION  OF  THE  CITY AT  THE  TIME  OF  THE  CAPITULATION TO  THE
ENGLISH   IN   1664, CONTINUED.

The Heere Graff, was that part of the present Broad
street, between Beaver street and the river, which then
ran along Pearl street. The centre of this street was
originally a brook, forming the natural outlet of a marshy
section occupying a considerable space above Beaver street.
Lots had been granted at an early period along the sides
of this outlet, which, from time to time, was deepened and
somewhat improved. Its condition being, however, a
serious detriment to the street, it was determined, in the
year 1657, to side the banks of the drain with plank, at
the expense of the owners on the street. This proposition
met with great opposition from those who were to be
assessed, they alleging that it was a public improvement,
in the expense of which the whole city should bear a part.
The work, however, was proceeded with, and finished in
the year 1659, at an expense of two thousand seven hun¬
dred and ninety-two florins, or about one thousand dollars.
The collection of the assessment was enforced by the
imprisonment of several of the delinquents.

A similar improvement was made in that part of the
present Broad street, above Beaver street, which became
known as the "Prince Graft.."