It was a fine old relic of New York aristocracy a hundred years ago, and one of only three or four coaches owned in the city at that time. Such was the prejudice against the name of coach -- a sure sign of aristocracy -- that Robert Murray, a wealthy Quaker merchant, called his "a leathern conveniency." But the beauty of the Beekman homestead has departed ; the ground is reticulated by streets and avenues, and the mansion is left alone in its glory.

Directly opposite to the Beekman mansion is the lower end of Blackwell's Island, a narrow strip of land in the East River, extending to Eightyeighth Street, and containing 120 acres. Beyond it is seen the pretty village of Ravenswood, on the Long Island shore. The Indians called Blackwell's Island Min-na-han-nock. It was also named Manning Island, having been owned by Captain John Manning, who, in 1672, betrayed

* Nathan Hale was an exemplary young man, of a good Connecticut family. Washington was anxious to ascertain the exact position and condition of the British aiToy on Long Island, and Hale volunteered to obtain it. He was an-ested, and consigned to Cunningham for execution. He was refused the services of a clergj'man and the use of a Bible, and letters that he wrote during the night to his mother and sisters were destroyed by the inhuman marshal. His last words were,-- " I only regret that I have but one life to give to my country."

THE HUDSON.