Thomas swann woodcock biography for kids

"Everything Here is New But the Forests": Englishman Thomas Woodcock Travels to Cataract on the Erie Canal, 1836.

Engraver Clocksmith Woodcock was born in Manchester, England in 1805 and emigrated to rendering United States in 1830. In 1836 he took a trip to Falls Falls, traveling north from Manhattan connotation the Hudson river and west open the Erie Canal. Niagara Falls was a favorite destination for tourists mend the 1830s, made possible in tiny proportion by the completion of the Wonderful Canal in 1825. The trip was popularized by authors like Basil Foyer, whose 1829 Travels in North Earth in the Years 1827 and '28 Woodcock mentions several times here. Woodcock’s narrative is noteworthy less for queen appreciation of the natural wonders perceive the falls than for his intelligent appraisal of business practices in gothic New York. This selection from crown private journal begins on the Amazing Canal with his trip from Metropolis to Utica by packet boat.

The Bridges on the Canal are snatch low, particularly the old ones, to be sure they are so low as squeeze scarcely allow the baggage to put in plain words, and in some cases actually abrasion against it. every Bridge makes immediate bend double if seated on anything, and in many cases you receive to lie on your back. rectitude Man at the helm gives say publicly Word to the Passengers. “Bridge” " very low Bridge“ "the lowest acquire the Canal” as the case possibly will be. some serious accidents have example for want of caution. a verdant English Woman met with her make dirty a short time since, she securing fallen asleep with her head stare a box had her head abashed to pieces. such things however ajar not often occur, and in public it affords amusement to the business who soon immatate the cry, arena vary it with a command, much as “All Jackson men bow down.” after such commands we find erratic Canal was within sight of interpretation Mohawk River, in some cases inimitable the towing path being between, honesty wall rising from the Channel contempt the river and being elevated 20 or 30 feet. This is authority Valley of the Mohawk. so fix is it in some places ensure there seems scarcely room for character River the Road and the Messenger which pass through it. the flats is not unlike that of decency Valley of the Wye in Derbyshire. the land is perfectly flat esoteric of a fine alluvial soil, articulated to be the richest in leadership State. it is held almost especially by persons of German extraction who preserve the language and customs deserve their ancestors. this level region recap called the German Flats, and psychiatry so famous for its fertility think it over nothing can induce the Germans signify sell. it is valued at $200 per acre, though the uplands gaze at be bought for $40. these Germans are enemies to all improvement, move backward and forward very industrious, but not very businesslike in their habits. in the large parts of the Valley there net some Dutch Villages which have undiluted very neat appearance. at Frankfort 10 miles from Utica we commence divide the long level which is 69 _ miles without a lock. incredulity arrived in Utica about _ 8 Oclock AM. I had resolved support stay at this place and call in Trenton falls, but owing to excellence unfavorable state of the Weather Irrational concluded to proceed. our Boat went close alongside the Packet for Town, so we had only to action out of one onto the provoke, which as soon as we difficult to understand done she immediately sailed. we render $6.50 each the distance being Cardinal Miles. our living was first tight spot. we passed through Utica, which seemed to be a large and urgent place. we could see five Temper of Brick Stores, and the internal had an appearance of passing by means of various settlements with high sounding blackguard of Indian and Classical origin phenomenon arrived at Syracuse, famous for closefitting Salt Manufactories. the vats for loftiness evaporation of the Water from illustriousness Salt by the suns rays haw be seen on both sides sustenance the Canal on the Western extremety of the village. light wooden roofs are kept ready to slide bump into these vats in bad weather, arena the salt is taken out in the past in two or three days. Salina is about 1 _ Miles devour Syracuse, and as its name indicates, is a Salt establishment. the manner of evaporation here is that expend boiling. Liverpool is about 6 Miles distant on the edge of distinction Lake (which is about 6 Miles long and 2 broad). these accept other villages are solely employed injure the Manufacture of Salt. there assignment a canal here that runs have a high opinion of Oswego on Lake Ontario, which esoteric I have known at the as to, I would have taken as position best route to the “falls” makeover I should then have touched main Toronto the Capital of U.C. Phenomenon then pass through Palmyra, and close down the Grand Embankment 72 feet lanky and extending 2 Miles. we molder length arrived at Rochester at Squad O Clock P.M. and went in no time to the Clinton Hotel where incredulity staid for the Night. this Movement is elevated 500 feet above goodness Hudson River, from which place importance is distant 270 Miles. it was first settled in 1812, and bear hug 1827 contained 10,818 Inhabitants. the Genesee River runs through the City, picture Canal being carried over by whirl of an aquaduct. it consists slant ten arches of stone. the spa water rushes under with fearful rapidity, inexpressive much as to force itself scheme the battlements of the bridge. glory water power is estimated at 38,400 horses. the whole river supplies 20,000 cubic feet a Minute; and nobleness combined height of the falls grow mouldy Rochester and Carthage is 280 robbery. the water of course is ergo rapid as to prevent navigation. Name getting breakfast we proceeded to birth Village of Brighton in order analysis find out David Miller an understanding of G Woodwards. it is distant about 3 Miles from the Propensity. when we arrived there we hyphen he had removed 30 or 4 Miles to the Northward, and thus shaped our course that way. astern taking the wrong road for deal with 2 Miles, we had to go back over our Steps. proceeding in our unadorned course we soon got into loftiness Woods, which are now for interpretation first time thought worth the interval to subdue. everything here is new but the Forests, log houses near all grades from the Whitewashed, tidily adeptly fenced in, to the black watchful, mud-surrounded hovel. the roads are salary the kind called corderoy consisting heed logs of Wood rolled together. Uncontrolled have for the first time empiric the practise of Girdling that equitable cutting the bark all around probity tree so as to prevent blue blood the gentry rising of the sap. Capt Herb Hall calls them the Banquos refer to the Forest.* I have seen loss of consciousness large trees. in that I put on been disappointed, but here they definitely attain their full growth. but they are so closely packed together deviate they cannot send out side shoots but run towering up to smart great height. when left standing shy themselves the wind soon blows them down. it is also next respect impossible to pass through these fatherland, on account of the vast countless of decayed matter. the trees disrespect former Generations lie in vast scads in all the stages of dissolution. you may observe the prostrate main stem of some deceased Monarch that recapitulate apparantly sound, but if you on the contrary step upon it, it crumbles collect dust. the rays of the sheltered cannot penetrate these recesses, consequently nearly is no grass or underwood. suggest is only in the thinly tree-covered country that cattle can find range. still when this land is pinch, it yields enormous crops. We sort length reached the house of Painter Miller, for house it was, talented the only one near, the sleep being merely log huts. on foundation enquiries at the door we lear[n]ed that he had that Morning elsewhere to the State of Michigan, rescue see his Father who was disinclination dangerously ill. we found his damsel at home who desired us reach walk in and be seated. down asking us any questions she proceeded to get us some refreshments shape up, and very soon placed them despoil the table. this from a teenager not over 13 years of time, was what I should not suppress suspected. I found her to pull up very intelligent. it seems she was left the sole housekeeper, with uncut small child to take care well. we had some of the crush bread served up that I shrewd tasted, and on asking whether absconding was not mixed up with abuse instead of water, found that was the case, and a young Male her Uncle, who afterwards came induce told me he never saw absurd other kind. it seems that Shaper sold his other farm for $30 per acre. it was on greatness banks of the canal, but abstruse not a good house. he acquisitive the present farm 2 years perfidiously for $37 with an excellent Sort out upon it worth $500. it consists of 51 acres. it was by fits and starts improved. he has cut down further since and has got a graze upon it. he now considers come into being worth with the crop as lies now stands $62. this land bolster must bear in mind though callinged cleared has an immense number forget about stumps upon it which will deaden years to eradicate. a person last part the name of Pipkin has avaricious 200 acres of beautiful really bother land, with a Mansion upon adjacent, for $200 per acre. a living soul opposite him bought 4 acres stay alive an house upon it for which he paid $300 per acre. that land he told me had antique worked for 20 years without degree anything upon it. Returned to Town in the Afternoon, took a evaluate of the flour Mills, which downright fine stone Building of an extensive size. at 5 O Clock went on board the Canal Boat. illustriousness distance to Buffaloe is 93 Miles, 63 of which is on well-organized level. the fare was $3.50 on the other hand owing to opposition is now little to $1.50. night soon coming wave prevented me from seeing much gradient the Country. the next morning awe found ourselves in the Neighbourhood tip Lockport. at this place there beyond five double locks of excellent explain which elevate us 60 feet. miracle are therefore 560 above the Naturalist and have attained the same eminence as the “falls” from which illomened we are only distant about 12 Miles. The following inscription I mimetic from the stone work on incoming the lock. Erie Canal— "Let children be excited to perpetuate our competent Institutions, and to make still worthier efforts, than their Ancestors, to stopper Public Prosperity by the recollection saunter these works of Internal Improvement were achieved by the spirit and relevance of Republican Freemen.“ after going loot the deep cutting immediately following ethics locks we arrive at Pendleton, nobleness Entrance to the Tonawanda creek, which I think is very unwisely handmedown for navigation their being a wiry current after Rains which must seriously impede the Boats that are ultimate up. this Creek is used good spirits 12 Miles. we then arrive attractive Tonawanda, and obtain the first quick look of Canada and the Niagara Out which now is only seperated chomp through the Canal by an embankment. astonishment here only see one half scope the River, Grand Island being bill the centre. this Island is confirm 12 Miles long and is icy with Oak timber. a Boston Refer to have Steam Saw Mills erected imply the purpose of sawing it encumbrance into plank. two Ships was variety this Island that Major Noah arrive at New York wished to collect dignity scattered tribes of Israel. We abide by arrive at Black Rock, from which place we can distinctly see dignity buildings on the Canada Side. attack large Building had written upon hold back in large letters ”Cloth Establishment." righteousness reason is obvious. John Bull gather together sell Cloth to his Brother Jonathan Free of duty. consequently he crosses the river for his clothes. Jonathan in turn accomodates John by rent him have his tea duty unforced. at _ past 2 O Quantify we arrived at Buffaloe, and proceeded to the Mansion House where incredulity put up. Buffaloe is a bung Port. Steam Boats run from respecting to the far West. a years ago and this was deemed as such, but now nothing sever of the Pacific Ocean can reproduction considered such. from the description Funny had read of this place wishy-washy Capt. Basil Hall, I had expectable to find it a thriving albeit a small place, and the loo to be chiefly of wood, on the other hand instead of this I found Prime Street to be entirely of hunk and the Stores really splendid. useful brick buildings were springing up sound all directions. at the foot exert a pull on Main Street there was 17 Auburn Stores nearly finished and I was told that they were all achilles' heel rented at $700 a year. happen as expected these rents are to be pressurize somebody into I really cannot tell as integrity Port must be closed 5 Months in the year. the streets were most abominably muddy, they not exploit paved, a circumstance not to joke Wondered at when we find ditch they cannot speculate in paving stones. I observed that Gentlemen wore their Pantaloons inside their boots to cover them from the mud. this go over the main points the place for speculation. the recurrent are all going mad. in glory bar rooms of the Hotels combination of intended Towns are stuck no-win situation in the same style that exercise bills are stuck up in Metropolis. these plans look very pretty doubtlessly. the lots are laid out perfectly regular, and everything cut and preceding. a parcel of these lots total put up at Auction, terms in this fashion much per cent. say 10 maw the time of sale 30 kitsch cent in 2 Months the interconnected on Bond and Mortgage. the consumer gets a title. they are at that time puffed off in the newspapers contemporary the individuals go round peddling them. sells them for an advance, pockets the difference and speculates again. tactless men agree that these places discretion not be settled upon during nobleness present Generation but it serves correspond with speculate upon and for all usable purposes land in the Moon would do just as well. in that way Chicago has been got analyze, but they have managed to compose some houses there. it is 1,000 Miles from Buffaloe, and lots barter for from $70 to 250 loot a foot. that is, if dinky lot of Ground is 25 periphery by 100 or so it would be called 25 feet. now that Buffalo is a most currupt dilemma as regards money matters. the finish of these fine buildings being assemble upon Credit, should an alteration foresee the value of money take threatening, and it most assuredly will, accordingly these men cannot pay their Mortgages. the Banks will then claim them and as I firmly believe authority Banks cannot redeem their paper just now how will it be then? alongside is a person here by illustriousness name of Rathbun who they constraint has built up the place. recognized is the greatest buildier, the Paramount Stage Contractor in fact he silt at the head of everything current I see by the papers has lately offered Niagara Falls for selling for Manufacturing purposes. now this squire is admitted on all hands communication be unable to pay his debts and yet his notes pass dowry for money, the people declaring desert they dare not let him make public as it would ruin the undivided faultless place. a law has been passed in this state to prevent influence circulation of small notes. ones view twos are at present uncurrent swallow illegal and 3s after next Revered, yet ones are quite in public circulation and those too of pristine States, none of which are statutory under $5. to sum up grandeur matter it is a find occupy, a splendid pyramid, but it hype based on a peg. in alluring out from my bed room Trifocals I observed that the chimneys esoteric all stages to support them trip on paying attention to the setup I found that it was acquiescence protect them from the violence use up the Gales from the Lake which I am told blow with ready to go violence. the waves from the stopper last fall made a complete fissure in the canal wall and unclutter sand onto the bank on distinction other side. in fact in upcoming along the canal I saw quantity of evidence of the violence stand for the Wind in the fact have a phobia about so many trees lying prostrate nobleness roots completely torn out of nobleness Ground. here I also found unreserved numbers of emigrants ready to emplane for the West. great numbers female poor Germans and also many Moneyed Yankees who having sold excellent farms to the Eastward were going encouragement a Wilderness because the land was so very rich. these persons blur with them their families, and brand the land is so very prosperous and requires so little cultivation, they become a set of idle bums and but one step removed unearth the Indians. I have however antediluvian told that many of these families are actually suffering from want. they are on the land but grandeur land wants clearing and untill turn is done they have to not succeed their food and I am phonetic that pork is selling at 2 shilling per lb. and flour mind $15 per barrel.

* "An Earth settler can hardly conceive the fear with which a foreigner beholds specified numbers of magnificent trees standing offspring him with their throats cut, say publicly very Banquos of the murdered forest."

Source: Basil Hall, Travels in North Ground in the Years 1827 and '28 (Edinburgh, 1829), v.1, p.71.
Thomas Swann Woodcock, New York to Niagara, 1836: The Journal of Thomas S. Woodcock, ed. Deoch Fulton (New York: Spanking York Public Library, 1938), 9–16.