[3] Ibid.
[4] The Act was passed July 21, 1853. This was one of the very few public-spirited measures of the time. Tammany, however, immediately began to utilize the measure, through contracts for the clearing and improvement of the park, to the profit of its leaders and followers.
[5] Devlin was appointed by Mayor Wood to succeed Joseph S. Taylor, deceased. At the same time Daniel D. Conover was selected for the post by the Governor, who claimed the right of appointment. The Mayor used inflammatory language, a turbulent mob gathered, and the militia had to be ordered out to prevent serious violence between the partizans of each. (Assembly Documents, 1858, No. 80.) The courts later decided in favor of Devlin.
[6] Devlin was removed from office by Mayor Tiemann in April, 1858.
[7] Report of Special Common Council Committee, October 22, 1857.
[8] Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, November, 1856.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Statement to the author by Douglas Taylor, one of the “seven Sachems.”