The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-04-20
CORRESPONDENCE.
Ngw YonS April, 1889.
SKETCHES OF NEW YORK.
PEARL sTREET--THE MILLINERs,

QUARTER.
DsAa SIN: Leave we the hurried Tread OF the
mixed multitude threading the mazes Of the main
artery Of the metropolis to linger within sphere OF
more quiet, but no, less facinaling enjoyment
Broadway, with lis phalanx Of cosmopoiies-the
turbaned Turk-the agile Greek-the sunny Italian
1.-The fair-haired German--the dun East Indian
the fierce Kaimuck--the mustachiod Spaniard-ihe
bronzed Arab--ihe sable Ethiopan--is already In
the distance and the echo Of The thousand voices is
lost in the wilderness Of the past Turn we to the
right from the hustle Of Chatham street into Pearl,
at point where the curve Of It's crescent gracefully
incines 10 the embrace Of the East river although
like male coquette, II dallies but for brief space
BY its side, and then s,ealhiy gldes to the bosom of
the Hudson.
Move gently, my friend while we pass these neat
bijous Of shops. with their parlicolored wares sus-
pended along the easement Tread lightly, lest you
disturb the fair occupants of these miniature palaces
in the rear OF each shop, plying their needles SO in
dustrously.
Reflect for moment on the heart-aches which
will follow disappointment, should these blooming
artses fail to accomplish their allotted tasks in time
for Madame CaeAiots fancy ball. With this timely
caution, will introduce you array of as love-
ly groups as ever clustered in the gardens Of the
FoioSSo Piai, when Florence poured forth the
pride Of lis beauty and chivalry to grace the Grand
Dukes triumph We will cross the street for an
instant, and take survey Of the brilliant show of
millinery, Haunting at every step from Chatham to
Vandewater street. IT'S rare sight, and will be
subject for calm reflection when we retire 10 our
sancfans, and think over the myriads Of hands whom
these fragile gauds continue TO employ; while
philosopher might worlhily tax his ingenuity in di-
vining the nature Of the thousand and one emotions
which these female decorations will excite in the
bosoms of their purchasers.
Beautiful as is the exhibition, viewed from this
distance, could introduce you to scenes within the
domestic sanctuary of these graceful vendors OF
bonnefs, caps, and artificial flowers, which would
you to forget the taste and fitness Of their crea
tions, in the more exciting details Of their newborn
affections You observe that neat two-story building
opposite, with bow window and glass door, in which
the fancful wreath OF artificial flowers is fesooned
along the window panes.
All! perceive that your attention Is enlisted; but
whether by the black eyes of the little roguish milli-
ner peepng through the hall opened door, the ex-
pected interest Of my embryo Aistoree is question
able.
The little parlor in the rear Of the shop have
pointed out, was, few months since graced by
the presence Of as charming sylph as ever glided
through the maZeS oil fary dance.
Slightly formed, tall and symmetrical, her lawn
like step arrested the notice Of the most Indifferent
while the susceptible hearts of the dry goods clerks
opposite beat double quick time whenever her laugh
ing blue eye threw one Of its witching glances in
the direction Of their wherea5ou In sooth, she
was as gay as lark, and nothing delighted her more
than TO vouchsafe smile of encouragem tor the
especial qualification of the more lmid of her ad-
at,y useka -
FACILITATING, and furnish them with subectto dream
Of. But the merriest maiden that ever displayed
fauess set Of teeth, will be winged by the blind
archer despite her bouyancy Of Spirits and Adelaide
L. one day became pensive-the next sighed
and on the third, stole away silently from the shop,
when her daily task was accomplished, without
deigning friendly glance of appreciation to either
of the numerous 6eaus who stood rank and file
awaiting her advent. From this time forth the once
cheerful Adelaide became silent and thoughtful,
and 10 a few weeks the began gradually to
fade from her ruddy cheek, and tear would occa-
sionalIy roll unbidden from its unseen fountain
Her young companions made kind inquiries as to
the cause Of her gloom. Which she attributed 10
i'll health but which they surmised originated in her
change OF worldly circumstances Her parents
having once moved in the elevated circles-un-
I'll misfortune came to blight their prospects, and
ultimately consgn them TO premature grave. At
length, increasing debility prevented her attendance
at the shop-and day-by-day the ravages Of The
canker-worm at her heart became more distinctly
visible until the benevolent and kind-hearted eech,
who ministered 10 her disease, deemed necessary
to apprise her. that his skill was exhaustede could
do no more. This annuncation was not
peced, and she evinced that resignation and forti-
tude which this world is not competent to bestow.
On the evening Of the same day, just as twilight
flung its veil of gauze over the city, young gentle
man was announced who earnestly desired an in
terview with the invalid.
On communicating his name, the feeble girl
tainted but after being restored to consciousness,
requested private audience with the stranger. To
the surprise of her than hour elapsed,
before she was summoned and on her return, the
hand Of The young gentleman was clasped in that OF
her charge. From that hour her recovery was
rapid and in few short weeks the daily chronicles
duly announced the marriage of the wealthy and
talented Selim W to the amiabe and accom-
plished Adelaide L., all of New York.
For the sympa'hisng companions Of her gir-hood,
Adelaide still evinces a deep-seaed regard, and her
praises are the theme of many tongue, whose
owner has been relieved by her b.nevolence. This
is but one Of the many incidents in the history Of
these female artisans, which might be worthly
chronicled. But, alas our romance writers are oc.
cupied in the regions of Fiction, and overlook the
beautiful gems that lie at their feet From shutdown
until dark, the apprentices and journeywomen de-
part for their several residences, and many smiling
bevy of bright eyed girls, with gypsey bonncs,
Moussetaia de Laine dresses silk aprons, and snow
white kerchefs may be seen at that hour issuing
from the milliner.shops, and tripping gaily along
the observed Of all Observers" the mirror Of