The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-21
The SUMMER RETREATS.

HAMILTON HOUSE,
Honn IL AN.rro. lima 10 IQs


HAMILTON HOUSE,
FoRT HAMILTON, June, Ii, 1852
DESCRIPTION of the Hamilton House-IhR of Fare
Cottages, "Reminiscences, &C., &c.
If Fort Hamilton was fifty or hundred miles
from New York we should hear much more Of it as
fashionable watering place than we now do. But
its being the city is really strong point in
its favor. The sail down here is very agreeable and
only requires thirty or fortyive minutes for its ac-
csmplishment.
Few hotels in the country can boast such extensive
dimensions as the Hamilton House. 1t is three
stories high and is surrounded on all sides by a
piazza. The front towards the ocean is three hun
dred and sxtyeight feet length and that towards
Staten Island is one hundred and ninety feet. The
view of Staten Island includes Quarantine, Staple
toms landing, Clifton, Aspinwall Point, the new
Fort Richmond, &c. &C. The view from the south
side, at one point, is limited by the Highlands Of
Nevisink, and at another it stretches ont over the
blue of old ocean as far as the eye can see There
is always fresh, pure air here. IN the summer,
when the thermometer indicates eighty or ninety
degrees in New York. it is perfectly comfortable
here with winter clothes on.
The Hamilton House is kept by Mr.. Hawley D.
Clapp, who is too well known to thousands Of your
readers to need any introduction, and those who do
not know him will find it most pleasant to make his
acquaintance at his own house.
The dining hall of the Hamilton House is one
hundred feet long by about forty.two in width. Co
lOred servants are employed. The bill Of fare for
yesterdays dinner was elegant and very tasty.
AS indicative of the healthfulness of the situation
Mr.. Clapp shows his son. a bouncing boy, 1.-TWO year
old, as large as an ordinary child of four years.
The yard in front of the house is tasteuy laid out
with graveed walks shaded by norse-chestnut, cher
ry, and other trees. The entire enclosure covers
about nine acres OF land On it, besides the hotel,
are nine cottages, which have been built by Mr..
nrnn f hAt1f nfa1x
ticularly designed by the proprietor for the accom-
mediation of the family Of James Gordon Bennett
ESQ.,, editor and proprietor of the New YORK
HERALD, if they should make him visit this season.
Mr.. Clapp says that he can accommodate between
four hundred and fifty and five hundred persons COM
fOrtably. At one time last summer there were five
hundred and ffty-fve here
None OF the servants, except the chambermaids,
sleep in the house; out-buildings being provided
with ample accommodations for them.
Mr.. Clapp has a very fine vegetable garden, so
that he is under the necessity OF using vegeta
bles of inferior quality.
There are, belonging to the house, good accom-
modations for salt water bathing billiard saloons,
bowling alleys for ladies and gentlemen, and other
sources Of amusement and pleasure. A large livery
stable supplies horses and carriages for those inclined
TO ride; boats always ready for those who wish
to sail, while pleasant walks efer their charms to
the pedestrians
The old Fort Hamilton is mere ruin; it is quite
abandoned now.
The old part of the Hamilton House, still standing
has some old interesting "reminiscences connected
with it. 1t was built as long ago 175l, by Lewns
Denyse and Dennis Denyse. A large room in this
portion Of the house now known as No. l. is said to
be the same in which George the Fourth was once
kept, when he was midshipman. The corner room
next to it, No. q was once occupied by Gen. Wash
ington. 1t now rents to a lady and gentleman for
fifty dollars a week. The rooms all connect by
doors. and to every there is convenient closet,
which contributes undoubtedly more TO the comfort
OF the occupant than George the Fourth or General
Washington can possibly do to-day.
The house has been, In great measure newly
furnished since last year. Carpets have been substi-
tuted for mating, and other improvements havebeen
made. About one half the rooms have already been
engaged for the season. 1t takes warm day to
make bees swarm, and so it does to make the city
swarm. As soon one co mes. the Hamilton House
will become crowded by those seeking more healthy
and comfortable home
should remark, in conclusion, that having passed
! Sunday at the Hamilton House, was agreea bly,
surprised to find none Of those rowdy disturbances
which have become too common at places Of resort
near the city on that day Of the week. Everything
vas as quiet as Quaker meeting; and can hardly
imagine anything which could be done to make the
place more delightful