chapter 3 Local Spaces

The previous section analyzed the merchants’ global relations, which con- nected New York to the world market. They were managers of flows of com- modities, information, and capital across oceans and geographic regions. They were, however, also very involved with their local environment, influencing it in several ways. The following chapters examine how they contributed to the development of land and city space, their impact on finance, industry, and community leadership as well as the promotion of consumerism.

New York City after Independence

After the United States gained independence, New York was a small town, en- compassing about four square miles and hosting a population of 12,000 people. The war had shaken the city politically and economically and its remaining population was confronted by a variety of new tasks and obstacles. The trans- formation of the colonial institutions into an independent government was one of the main challenges the city had to face in the coming years. Quarrels between radical and moderate Whigs still dominated large parts of the politi- cal discussion after 1784. Traders and artisans were especially disappointed with the leadership of Governor George Clinton and his congress, which was formed by radical Whigs shortly after independence. New import laws and tax- es hindered the city’s commerce. The British overloaded the city with cheap products, bringing in twice as much tonnage as all other countries combined and exhausting local markets, which antagonized New York’s merchants and artisans, who saw it as a downturn in their revolutionary gains.1 However, un- der Alexander Hamilton’s lead, moderate Whigs soon gained more influence. Hamilton and his supporters were convinced that the attacks by radicals on loyalists and their property hindered the city’s ability to build a ‘climate of confidence,’ which they believed was essential for international business.2 Hamilton argued that a commercial elite was necessary for the growth of a prosperous commercial society. In the 1785 state assembly elections, the city’s

1 E.G. Burrows and M. Wallace, Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898, Oxford, Oxford ­University Press, 1999, p. 279. 2 Burrows and Wallace, Gotham, p. 279.

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108 Chapter 3 artisans, merchants, and most working people fully endorsed the conservative and moderate candidates tied to Hamilton. The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen supported three merchants who were also Hamilton support- ers: William Duer, Robert Troup, and Evert Bancker. In 1786, Hamilton’s alli- ance gained power and many former Tories returned to New York.3 In 1787, when the ratification of the Constitution was a central point of polit- ical concern, the city’s commercial circles predominantly supported Hamilton and the Federalists, who emphasized the importance of a stable central gov- ernment to benefit foreign commerce. The city’s leading Federalists ­pressured delegates to ratify, threatening to separate from the state if the Constitution was not embraced. They organized a Grand Federal Procession to celebrate the Constitution after its signing in New Hampshire and Virginia, thus bring- ing enough votes for ratification.4 The parade consisted of five thousand men representing different trades and professions, passing through Broadway, the Great Dock Street, and Hanover Square with colorful banners. From there it continued through Pearl, Chatham, and Division Streets to Arundel and Bull- ock Street.5 At the center of the parade was the ship Hamilton, a frigate towed by horses, which showed the significance of foreign trade in maintaining the city’s well-being.6 One banner read: ‘This Federal Ship Will Pour Commerce Revive/And Merchants and Shipwrights and Joiners Will Thrive.’7 When the ship passed Bowling Greene salutes were fired to the President and members of Congress who were gathered there. On Pearl Street, the Constable and Ed- gar families were among the celebrants. It is said that when the ship passed Constable’s house, Mrs. Edgar rushed to the window and waived a colorful flag.8 The procession signified a great moment in New York’s history. For one, it demonstrated the great support for the Federalists in the city. Second, it showed the expanding artisanal presence in New York, ‘altering the course of municipal affairs.’9 The city’s artisans, mechanics, and tradesmen thought of themselves as equal citizens and laid the foundation for an active commercial society based on these principles. Forced by public pressure, the delegates in Poughkeepsie ratified the Constitution.

3 Burrows and Wallace, Gotham, p. 279. 4 Burrows and Wallace, Gotham, pp. 292–293. 5 Murphy and Mannion, Friendly Sons, p. 104. 6 Burrows and Wallace, Gotham, p. 293. 7 Burrows and Wallace, Gotham, p. 293. 8 Murphy and Mannion, Friendly Sons, p. 104. 9 Burrows and Wallace, Gotham, p. 293.