and seditious libels," and the world waited breathlessly for the result. Two of the leading lawyers of New York, William Smith and James Alexander, counsel for the prisoner, were excluded from the bar at the outset, having commenced proceedings by a spirited attack upon the court itself. The services of the eloquent Andrew Hamilton, of Philadelphia, were then engaged, and he was hailed on his arrival as the champion of liberty. His gifted irony, his brilliant humor, and his subtle power in argument won the case. The jury returned their verdict of "not guilty" after only a few moments' deliberation. The shouts of delight shook the building with such terrific force as to startle and anger the judges, one of whom indiscreetly threatened the leader of the uproar with imprisonment, whereupon Captain Norris pertly responded that huzzas were somewhat loud in Westminster Hall at the acquittal of the seven bishops. The shouts were repeated and repeated, and when Hamilton emerged from the court-room Wall Street rang with the wildest enthusiasm, and it was with difficulty that he resisted a ride upon the shoulders of the crowd. The city corporation tendered him a magnificent dinner, the mayor presenting him with the freedom of the city in a costly gold box purchased by private subscription, and a gorgeous ball was given in his honor. The whole city complimented him with escort, and cannon, and huzzas, and banners on his departure for Philadelphia.
The public library of the city occupied one of the apartments of the city hall for several years, and was the popular resort of all scholars, authors, and lovers of literature. A handsome clock with four dials graced the cupola, which was presented in 1715 by Stephen De Lancey. He was one of the Assemblymen, who upon receiving his fee of £50 for services donated it immediately for this purpose.
Thus two churches, Trinity looking down the street, and the City Hall, were conspicuous features of Wall Street to the end of the century. Meanwhile an institution of another and opposite character flourished at the foot of Wall Street at the East River, on the site of the old Dutch block-house. It was a slave mart, where the traffic in negroes went on from day to day. It was established in 1709, and not until about 1762 do we find the fact registered that the Wall Street residents courageously complained of it as a public nuisance, and demanded its removal.
Another characteristic of early Wall Street for many years was Bayard's great unsightly sugar-house, which occupied nearly the whole northern front between the City Hall and William Street. It was built in the beginning of the century by Samuel Bayard, and used for its original purpose until his death in 1745. It stood back from the street and about in the
