New York
"All this coast of America is low and little picturesque. In this country, covered by impenetrable forests two centuries ago, one has trouble finding a tree. Yet
land was on either hand; for we were passing between Long Island and
the shores of Connecticut. At sunrise we approached New-York,
entering its harbour, consequently, from the back. I don't know whether the
rather unattractive aspect of the country we had already seed, and our 35
days at sea, subjected us to an illusion; but what's certain is that we uttered
cries of admiration on glimpsing the environs of the city. Picture yourself an
attractively varied shoreline, the slopes covered by lawns and trees in bloom
right down to the water, and more than all that, an unbelievable multitude of
country houses, big as boxes of candy, but showing careful workmanship,--add
to this if you can--a sea covered with sails, and you well have the entrance to
New-York from the Sound. I have been so struck by how convenient these little houses must be, and by the attractive air they gave the countryside, that I shall try to have the sketch or the plan of one or two of the prettiest. Emily might perhaps profit by them for Nacqueville. I already know that they are not expensive. We have nothing like them in France. . . ."
Tocqueville (Pierson 55)
"So here we are in New-York. To a Frenchman the aspect of the city is
bizarre and not very agreeable. One sees neither dome, nor bell tower, nor
great edifice, with the result that one has the constant impression of being
in a suburb. In its centre the city is built of brick, which gives it a
most monotonous appearance. The houses have neither cornices, nor
balustrades, nor portes-cocheres. The streets are very badly paved,
but sidewalks for pedestrians are to be found in all of them. We had all the
trouble in the world getting lodgings because at this time of year strangers
abound; and we wanted to find a pension rather than an inn. At
length we succeeded in establishing ourselves admirably in the most
fashionable street, called Broadway."
Tocqueville, letter to his mother (Pierson 67)
Itinerary