Prices in 1830

From John Fowlers book.

whether I considered their beef equal to " the roast beef of Old England ;" but I could only confess myself; not epicure enough to tell the difference.*

* In reference to prices of various articles and other matters connected with housekeeping expenses in New York, I have been kindly furnished by a friend with the following particulars :

As regards House-rent in the city of New York, much depends upon situation. Remote from the business part of the city, a genteel two-story house can be obtained for 200 to 300 dollars per annum; when at the same time, in the most desirable situation, near to the business part, a similar house would command from 400 to 600 dollars, and if of larger dimensions, with convenience of stables, &c. as high as 1000 dollars might be obtained. Such, however, as occupy these are generally the owners of the property. When houses are leased, the landlord, in most cases, pays the taxes.

The price of Fuel depends much upon the quantity in the marketLiverpool coal of the first quality, as used by many, varies from 9 to VI dollars per chaldron of thirty-six bushels. The consumption of this is much curtailed by the introduction of Lehigh and Schuylkill coal, from its being cheaper than Liverpool. It is not, however, in such general use as was anticipated, nor is there any probability of its having the preference, unless at a materially lower price, the quality of it being so vastly inferior. Wood is from 1§ to 1\ dollars per load (about one-third of a cord) according to its quality. In severe winters the price runs up much higher, and those who have not bad the prudence to lay in a good stock have often to pay about SO per cent. more.

. Provisions may be quoted as under:

Fresh beef, first-rate cuts, 8 to 12 cents per lb.;—Boiling and coarse pieces, 5 to 8 cents per lb.;—Mutton, 6 to 8 cents per lb. ;— Pork, 5 to 7 cents per lb.;—Veal and Lamb, 6 to 8 cents, per lb.; —Turkeys, 75 to 125 cents each;—Geese, 50 to 100 cents each ;— Ducks, 75 to 125 cents per couple. Other poultry in proportion.— Eggs about 1 cent each. Butter, 9 to 18 cents per lb.;—Cheese, 6 to 12 cents per UV

Of Vegetables there is a profusion of all kinds, the price varying much, influenced by seasons, &c. Potatoes may sometimes be bought as low as 30 to 37$ cents per bushel, whilst at others they will sell for 50 or 70 cents per bushel.

Groceries.—Loaf or Lump Sugar, 14 to 19 cents per lb.;—Moist ditto, 6 to 11 cents per lb.;—Candles (Sperm) 20 to22 cents per lb;; —Ditto (Mould) 10 to 11 cents per lb.;—White Soap, of best qua. I have spoken of the frequency of fires in New York, and, as necessity is called the mother of invention, no efforts have been spared to render the Fire Department, which appears to be conducted upon an admirable system, as efficient as possible. One of its regulations is the enrolment of the young men of

lity. 12 cents per lb.;—Yellow, 5 cents per lb;—Green Tea, 90 to 130 cents per lb.;—Black, 70 to 100 cents per lb.;—Coffee (Java) 13 to 15 cents per lb.;—Ditto (St. Domingo) 11 to 13 cents per lb.

Brandy, Rum, and Gin, 1 dollar to 1J dollar per gallon;—Madeira Wine, 3 to 5 dollars per gallon;—Port (very little good) 2{ to 4 dollars per gallon ;—Claret, 4 to 15 dollars per dozen ;—Cider, 3 to 5 dollars per barrel (32 gallons);—Beer, 4 to 6 dollars per barrel: —these to be understood as the retail prices.

The article of Bread, of course, varies in price with the dearness or cheapness of flour, or rather, perhaps, I should say, the size of the loaves vary, the alteration being more commonly made in this way than in the price. As a general thing it may be stated full one-third lower than in England.

Servants' Wages.—For a good House or Chamber Maid (an adult) from 4 to 6 dollars per month is usual. Girls from thirteen to eighteen years of age are frequently obtainable for 3 to 4 four dollars per month. Good Cooks will command 6 to 8 dollars, and where the family is large much more is often given.—For first-rate men-servants, either as house-servants or to take care of horses, &c, 10 to 12 dollars per month is the usual price.

Clothing is something more expensive than in England; that is, men's. For a good fine broad-cloth coat from 25 to 35 dollars tire usually paid ; other articles in the same proportion: the fit and cut, however, are incomparably better than in England. Boots and shoes are also very neatly made, though the leather is inferior to the English, and, being much tanned with hemlock bark, has often the unpleasant effect of leaving a red stain upon the stockings, &c. Wellington Boots may be had from 3 to 5 dollars per pair;.—Shoes 2 to 3 dollars per pair.

Hats Eire not so well made as in England either in shape or quality ; they are sold from 3 to 6 dollars each : London Hats for 9 or 10 dollars.

Woollen and Cotton Stockings may be bought better and cheaper in England, and Silk Goods are now very little cheaper in America than in England, and no better.

the city, many of most respectable families who are desirous of rendering personal services, and by such enrolment are by law excused from militia duty; these are supplied with the necessary dresses and accoutrements, and upon an alarm of fire being given, either by day or night, they repair with alacrity to the spot, duly equipped, to assist in its suppression. In the construction of their Fire Engines, too, they have certainly combined the useful and ornamental in a far greater degree than I ever witnessed elsewhere:—and though, perhaps, rather out of place, the same remark may be well applied to their Hackney Coaches, which are really elegant vehicles, drawn by something better than dog horses, and presenting an imposing contrast to the wretched conveyances which we are accustomed to distinguish by that name, and which (or the majority of them) are much fitter to carry felons to Newgate, or subjects to the dissecting room, than for any decent people to ride in. In addition to these, there are commodious coaches passing to and fro, almost constantly along the principal streets, and in which, for twelve and a half cents, you may ride from one end of the town to the other.