History of the Town of Flatbush

has attained a very respectable size. It was commenced together with the philosophical apparatus, by a liberal donation from the board of Regents of the University of the State, in the year 1791. By the prudent and efficient management of the Trustees, the library has been fostered and gradually enlarged, until at present it numbers fifteen hundred and thirty-four volumes, and is the second academical library in size in the State. It is in general also well selected. It contains most of the standard authors in English Literature, and for history, will compare with any library of its size in the country. It affords not only the means of recreation to the pupils, but of sound and useful knowledge. The whole arrangements of the Hall, indeed, are now such, and have in fact almost always been as to furnish to all who are connected with it, the opportunity of obtaining a good, substantial education, sufficient indeed, to give the promise of high standing to those who may engage in any of the learned professions, and of usefulness and respectability, to such as may pursue the ordinary avocations of life. It is unquestionably an institution of pre-eminent value to the village, and in fact, o all the surrounding country. We trust it will ever continue to flourish as one of the brightest ornaments of the town, and be a healthful fountain from which shall flow forth many streams to fertilize and bless both the church and the State.

Since the establishment of the Academy, several private schools have, from time to time been set up in the village. Some of these were of a high classical character, and were for a season flourishing. But we need not now enumerate them.

Connected with the literary history of the town, it is proper to state that about the year 1807, a very large printing-office wits established in the village, by Mr. Isaac Riley, This was located in the present elegant lawn of Matthew Clarkson, Esq. The edifice was planned by Pope, the celebrated architect, and was put up at great cost. The establishment of Mr. Riley was very extensive. connection with his printing-office he had a large bindery, at the head of which was Mr. James Olmstead. The printing department was superintended by Mr. Charles Wiley. In conducting the whole establishment, a large number of hands, male and female, were employed. It continued in operation for about seven years. The house a is subsequently taken down, removed to Brooklyn, and rebuilt on the Heights opposite the city of New-York, where it is still standing.

Some men of high literary attainment have been educated in this place, and the remains of Richard Alsop one of the poets of America, lie entombed in the public cemetery. None of the inhabitants of the town, however, have devoted themselves exclusively to literary pursuits, and of course we cannot boast of any distinguished author. It, is due to the memory of Mr. Alsop that we state the circumstances of his death in this place. He came to Flatbush in August 1815, to visit his sister, the wife of Mr. Riley. He had retired on a certain day to his room in the house now occupied by Mrs. Schoonmaker, and was subsequently found dead sitting in a chair by the window. It is presumed he had been struck with apoplexy. The tomb-stone which marks the place where his remains lie interred, bears the following inscription: — "In memory of Richard Alsop, Esq., of Middletown, Conn. Distinguished by genius and poetical talents, respected for integrity, and beloved for his amiable simplicity of character. He died suddenly, when on visit to this place, on the 20th of August, 1815, aged fifty-four years."