Boston is the capital, and being the largest city in New England, may properly be considered the metropolis of this whole section of country. It is built upon a peninsula at the head of Massachusetts bay, and has a most excellent harbor, capable of accommodating more than five hundred vessels, while the entrance is so narrow that only two ships can sail in, abreast. The wharfs are constructed with a degree of expense and neatness far exceeding those of any other city in the United States. The harbor is defended by forts, and contains one of the United States’ naval stations. Boston has communication with the surrounding country by means of seven bridges, all built of wood, with the exception of the Western Avenue, which is built of stone and earth. This city is noted for its literature, and for its many handsome public and private buildings, among which may be named the State House, Quincy Market, Tremont House, Masonic Temple, &c. The cut above gives a view of the City Hall, which contains the Rooms of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Council, Post Office, and City Treasurer and Clerk’s Offices. This building was formerly the State House. In this venerated edifice the first legislative acts on the American revolution were debated and acted upon. This continued to be the capitol until the year 1800, when the present State House was built. This city is also celebrated as containing Faneuil Hall, ‘the cradle of liberty,’ where the first popular assemblies were held, to discuss the question of Independence.
Salem, the next town in size, is considered the wealthiest town in the United States.
Charlestown, is noted in the annals of the Revolution, as being the place where the battle of Bunker Hill was fought.
CONNECTICUT.
Possesses a mild climate and fertile soil which is under a high state of cultivation. Manufactures of cotton, woollen, linen, iron, wood, and tin, are carried on with great activity and ingenuity in this State. General habits of sobriety and industry are the characteristics of the inhabitants, who are generally well educated, much attention being paid to schools. Connecticut and Massachusetts have furnished more emigrants to the western states than any other section of the Republic.
The General Assembly of statesmen, meets alternately at New Haven and Hartford, on which account both may be considered capitals. Yale College at New Haven, is one of the most flourishing seminaries in the Union.
RHODE ISLAND.
Is the smallest State in the Republic; its soil is moderately fertile, and the climate salubrious and healthy. It has a greater amount of manufactures in proportion to its population than any other State. Its commerce is considerable. This State takes its name from an island in Narraganset bay. On this island is situated Newport, which has one of the best harbors in the United States.
Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams, a celebrated advocate for religious liberty. This State has no written constitution, being still governed under the charter of the English king, Charles II, in virtue of which, the people annually elect a Governor, Senate, and House of Representatives. These constitute the General Assembly, which meets four times a year. Providence being the largest city may be considered the capital, although the Assembly meets alternately at Providence, South Kingston, East Greenwich, and Bristol. Brown University is in Providence.