The salubrity of its clime, the beauty of the scenery, the abundance and purity of the waters, the spacious harbor, the luxuriance of the soil and the unexplored rivers opening communication with vast and unknown regions of the interior, all combined in giving to the place charms which could not be exceeded by any other position on the continent.
The success of the first trading vessel was so great that, within three years, five other ships were sent to the "Mauritius river" as the Hudson was first named.

There was thus opened a very brisk traffic with the Indians which was alike beneficial to both parties.

Soon one or two small forts were erected and garrisoned on the river for the protection of the traders.

Manhattan island, so favorably situated at the mouth of the river, ere long became the headquarters of this commerce.

Four log houses were built, it is said, upon the present site of 39, Broadway.
Here a small company of traders established themselves in the silence and solitude of the wilderness.