Back to New York

Wednesday, August 27th, 1823 - We set off by steamboat at 11 o'clock from Philadelphia to Bordentown. Here stands the house of Joseph Bonaparte, a most splendid mansion, fields well cultivated, pleasure grounds laid out in the English style; there are many fine views. We then took stage and came to Amboy during the night, where we slept all night. 

Joseph-Napoléon Bonaparte (7 January 1768 – 28 July 1844) was the elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1806, Joseph was given military command of Naples, and shortly afterward was made king by Napoleon, to be replaced two years later by his sister's husband, Joachim Murat. Joseph was then made King of Spain in August 1808, soon after the French invasion.
 

Joseph somewhat reluctantly left Naples, where he was popular, and arrived in Spain where he was very unpopular indeed. Joseph lived primarily in the United States (where he sold the jewels he had taken from Spain) in the period 1817–1832, initially in New York City and Philadelphia, where his house became the centre of activity for French expatriates, but later moved to an estate called Point Breeze in Bordentown, New Jersey. Joseph's home was located near the confluence of Crosswicks Creek and the Delaware River.

August 28th-31st, 1823 - [Last days in New York, for the moment].

Thursday 28th - took steamboat at half-past 4 o'clock and landed at New York at half-past 10pm. As soon as possible I had the plants from the office where they had been left, took them to the son of Mr Hogg and had them planted and secured. [Bear in mind that he hasn't arrived in NYC until 10.30pm, so he must be doing all this, including planting, in darkness!]  I cannot but consider myself happy at meeting with Mr Hogg; he careful attends to the little treasures during my absence. [Mr Hogg has indeed been a great help to Douglas as well as, I suspect, a congenial companion.  They will have further adventures together before Douglas leaves the USA.]

Friday, 29th - This morning I put the Osage apple in spirits; afterwards I waited on Mr Floy for the purpose of selecting specimen trees from his grounds.

Saturday 30th - I made in the morning a visit to the market and during the forenoon went round to a Mr Wilson, a market gardener, where I saw good vegetables, particularly celery, and a good stock of trees; he is building a large elegant greenhouse.

Sunday, 31st - I went to Flushing this morning; talked to Mr Prince of the plants. I found only the son at home, who is a great pedant. [Douglas really, REALLY, doesn't like the Princes, father or son]. I returned about 2pm [and] the remaining part of the day I was employed with my lists and catalogues [no doubt listing all the interesting specimens he has seen and considering, from the seed and plant catalogues, where he can get hold of seed to bring back to Britain]