Boston and Philadelphia say New York is light and frivolous, but I suspect that something of jealousy lies at the core of the charge.

We of New Amsterdam--again the name leaps to my lips--have a certain freedom in our outlook upon life, a freedom which I think produces strength and not weakness.

Manners are not morals, but I grow heavy and it does not become a seafaring man to be didactic.

What is it, Piet ?" The door of the dining-room opened, admitting a serving man who produced a letter.
"It comes by the Boston post," he said, handing it to Master Hardy.
"Then it must have an importance which will not admit delay in the reading," said Master Hardy.

"Your pardon, friends, while I peruse it." He read it carefully, read it again with the same care, and then his resonant laughter boomed forth with such volume and in such continuity that he was compelled to take a huge red handkerchief and wipe the tears from his eyes.
"What is it, Benjamin, that amuses you so vastly ?" asked Willet.
"A brave epistle from one of my captains, James Dunbar, a valiant man and a great mariner.