"Vie 6pettator, inpttnitier 21st, 1830
POLITICAL discussion in the United States, even the ceaseless quarrel on the Slavery question, is merged in the social gossip about the hanging of Professor Webster for murder, and the arrival of Jenny Lind at the land where her contractor, Mr. Barnum, is one of " the aristocracy."
The enthusiasm of the New Yorkers concerning Made- moiselle Lind transcends even that of Liverpool on her farewell. A discharge of artillery was the first welcome given to the Swedish Nightingale, as the Atlantic passed Sandy Hook. .. . Near to the canal pier some fifty thousand persons were con- gregated ; every piece of land and every roof and balcony being closely packed with spectators. " The European visiters all expressed their astonishment at seeing so many well-dressed people in the crowd. Mademoiselle Lind, especially, was very much struck with the air of respectability which marked the thousands assembled. Turning to Mr. Barnum, she asked: Have you no poor people in your country ? Every one here appears to be well dressed.'" As the steamer was turned round before being moored to the wharf-side, the crowd pressed for- ward with alarming force ; a large number of people were thrust to the very edge of the landing place, and half-a-dozen were thrown into the water. No one was drowned, but serious bruises were got by scores.
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