The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-04-07
The New York Battery "in Olden
Timcs.''

Timcs.''
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
Our old companions arc mostly gone and our num-
bers but few who relate to the present genera
tion the loneliness and beauty Of the Battery grounds
which New Workers charmed TO speak OF and
take their friends to walk, in good oden times with thu
greatest men Of America All Of us now living who
can remember that daily resort Of tho most elevated
New York population who considered 1t necessary for
their health to walk there at least twice day
during the heated weather. realize the fear
full change presents and the mortincat an old
New Yorker feels in seeing what the sacred
spot Of his health pride and pleasure transformed by
vandal power to Its present neglected loathsome
polluted situation.
We can well remember when the grass cultivated
and looked rich as velvet carpet. when the wal -
daily swept and arranged under the foliage
Of the trees where the children played and their parents
assembled enjoy with them the delicious breeze,
messenger from the Atlantic Ocean, with healing
its wings to all our con1ncd city popula on
We can we'll remember many an evening, when
days work done, congregating together with those
dear to us on the New York Battery, and with pride n
conversation, anticipating what feet, then or u
Battery, with the broad pennan ying from the frgas
President, Commodore Rogers would accomplish in tho
second war OF national independence. We then
realized that it necessary spend hour two
ing night Of sleep, and in the heated mornings hour
there nhaling the brssze gave life and animation to
meet the labors Of the day The Battery thcn the
beautiful spot OF vegetation with Will ID tho breeze
first united from its travel to transport the welded
love Of natures choicest opngs TO the homo Of every
inhabitant Of oar city.
II kissed the little child ASLEEP. - -
saaa ss H q IL Ssa ssT :mD,e.
And they who stood around sick friends bed
STsS s S.aa sa H. H e ss sGo 70 allow sRa Il. visit
Grateful TO the burning brow.
Now how changed the scene sacred and lovely
to every American for s destinations not confined
to New Workers. The New York Battery was blended
with the national pride Of our country.
The Destroyer's hands have obiterated everything
beautiful connected with that sacred spot and subs
uted for natures purest sweetest atmosphere the ma
aria from the Nth and pollution Of the city cared from
different streets ana dropped upon the TO annhlas
Its existence and prepare the nrst Of cholera that
contamnas this sacred spot TO there vegeate and
extend s deadly poison. When the lovely sea breeze
coming from the balmy gulf OF the ocean messenger
from Heaven vs 70 give health to a.. meats rs Isssnsai
front door OF Americas great commercial emporium,
pollution VIII be driven by IL into every street and
dwelling.
Tho WIN breathe it, pestilenoe and dis
The little child win struggle when i inhaies
The poisoned air and its rosy checks win dsappsaS
The NAH and shutter Of the sick friends room
Or That one they love dear win know 70 waking -
We have been twice round The world IN search q
any part have seen those 20 charming in . summers
SUP - 10 New York Battery presented embosoms6
In the embrace Of the Hudson and New York Bay wate
Far moro dear 70 us In old ago would be IL ~
generation 70 Ito former loneliness than all the
alurcments the Park affords, with It's carriage nies
and artificial ponds Of water Far more important for
the health and existence Of citizens to the
Battery grounds than 70 create by labor lakes and LAND
scape cenery ak miles from natures exhibition Of whas
art cannot rival.
Tho emisrants from the Old World should not b
ushersd into city and have their landing place
lectcd the New York Battery I'll time has been
allowed them for their baths and toilet dressing necss-
sary preserve health after the hardshps long psns
up sen voyage.
More retired and equally convenient places be ~
ranged 10 give hearty welcome TO ali landing our
Shores who 10 sustain with universal emancps
ton.
We, Of the old school, most humbly pray those who
have tho powcr 70 will and 70 do, that the hlth
may be removed from the grass plots VI Battery,
once sanctiaed by the tread Of Washington Adams JEFF
ferson, Madison Monroe, Jackson Van Buren, Harrison
and glorious legion Of New York merchants which
dears II with our ondcst recooctions OF infancy
founded and beloved by our fathers
We pray the vile shods may be removed, with overy-
thing offensive TO the senses, and more loathsoms
objects placed on that hallowed ground; that may
yet be allowed 70 live TO see commencement OF re-
generation 10 old Battery and cay prds OF deter
minaton 10 rescue from oblivion the beautiful eublcns
Of past generations ELIAS =. pURu0WA