BELFAST
GENERAL & COMMERCIAL

DIRECTORY

for  1819

containing an Alphabetical List of the Merchants, Manufacturers and Inhabitants in General:

and
A History of Belfast and its Institutions;

with a

Directory and History

of

LISBURN

also, a List of English, Scotch and Irish Bankers and other local information

with

A New Plan of Belfast

by

THOMAS BRADSHAW

Price, Subscribers, 5s. - Non-subscribers, 6s. 8d.

Belfast
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Printed by Francis D. Finlay
1 Corn Market

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1819

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ADVERTISEMENT
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The Compiler of the present work, truly grateful for the kind attention he has experienced through the
progress of his compilation, cannot omit this opportunity of expressing his gratitude to the inhabitants of
Belfast, and its vicinity, for the promptitude with which all ranks of society have contributed their quota
of authentic, ancient and modern information. The clerical and mercantile gentlemen have both evinced
a wish, and shown a disposition, to assist in rendering the work of that utility, which no pains nor expense
have been spared to attain. With a becoming diffidence, the Editor purposes continuing this publication
triennially; and any alterations that may occur in the interim, shall be correctly delineated in the map, or
any useful improvement his friends may suggest, will be adopted. The arrangement of the different trades
under their respective heads, in the easy alphabetical manner in which they appear, will be found extremely
useful; and the more the public are acquainted with it, they will better know how to appreciate its utility.
The Subscriber, when employed in a similar work in the sister kingdom, frequently anticipated the
pleasure he would experience, from the completion of a Directory in the place of his nativity; and as there
is almost an universal disposition in the heart of man, to revisit the spot which was the theatre of his juvenile amusements, and to enjoy solid satisfaction in the conversation of those remaining acquaintances who have survived - this was the magnet which drew him Lancashire, and, in all probability, will transfix him here.
The ancient survey, in the year 1660, when contrasted with that of 1819, will show in a strong point of view the industry, spirit, and taste, of the present generation. As in our time much has been done, and as our predecessors have not been inactive, within these last thirty years, the town has been literally rebuilt.
In 1660, there were not more than 150 houses (many of them miserable thatched cabins) in the town, the
castle and its appurtenances excepted;- now, see what an influx of wealth and population commerce has
produced!
LISBURN has also an imperative demand on my gratitude, insomuch that I am deficient in language, to
express my sentiments on that subject. I have not, in the exercise of my public capacity, experienced more disinterested friendship; and, considering its population, my subscribing friends have been numerous. The arrangement of their Directory, and List of Trades, will be found correct; and their epitome of ancient history having been taken from the most authentic sources, will be found useful and entertaining. I contemplate with pleasure the increase of its markets, recent improvements in commerce, literature, and taste; and may justly conclude, that a progressive increase in knowledge and industry, will be productive of the more lasting advantages. It stands unrivalled, in a great degree, in the manufacture of Damask, Diaper, etc.; and the Cotton manufacture, notwithstanding the present depression, is carried on with a degree of spirit, scarcely to be expected.
For the favours mentioned, the publisher shall ever feel grateful; and trusts, he will retain that confidence he at present has the honour to enjoy.

                                                                                                 Thomas Bradshaw
                                                                           Belfast, July, 1819

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CONTENTS
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ALL ON THIS PAGE :-

Historical Account of the Town of Belfast
Population
Trade
Excise Customs
Ships belonging to Belfast
Ballast Office
Government of the Town
Police Committee
Chamber of Commerce
Banks
Saving Bank
White Linen-hall
Brown Linen-hall
Markets
Public Bakery
House of Industry
House of Correction
Exchange
Commercial Buildings
Custom House
Post Office
Inns
Post-Chaises, Coaches and Jaunting Cars, etc.
Arrival and Departure of the different Mail and Stage Coaches
News Rooms
Newspapers
Resident Magistrates
Constables appointed at Court leet
Smithfield Market
Spring Water
Warm Baths
Dispensary and Fever Hospital
Lying in Hospital
Female Society for clothing the Poor
Academical Institution
Belfast Academy
Sunday and daily Lancasterian School
Public Library
Belfast Literary Society
Association for Discountenancing Vice
Old Church
St. Ann's Church
Chapel of Ease
Meeting-House of First Presbyterian Congregation
         ditto               Second
         ditto               Third
         ditto               Fourth
Meeting-House of Independents
Methodist Chapels
Reformed Presbyterian Meeting-House
Friends' or Quakers' Meeting-House
Seceders' Meeting-House
Baptists' Meeting-House
Roman Catholic Chapels
Poor-House and Infirmary
Steam Packets
Lagan Navigation
Addenda to Ballast Office
List of Churches, etc., in Belfast, with their situations, Preachers, and times of service
Miscellaneous Notes respecting Belfast
Reference to the Streets of Belfast
Penalties for breaches of the Police Act

Directory of Belfast - Names Alphabetically

Trades and Professions in Belfast

Historical Account of the Town of Lisburn

Directory of Lisburn - Names Alphabetically

Trades and Professions in Lisburn
         Gentlemen, Merchants, etc., in the neighbourhood of Belfast, not in the Directory

Bank of England
London Bankers
English and Scotch Provincial Bankers
Bank of Ireland
Dublin Bankers
Irish Provincial Bankers

ADDENDA
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The Long Bridge of Belfast

A report, upon oath, having been made, November, 1817, by McLarkin, as surveyor to the general Post Office, of the total insufficiency of this bridge, and the danger attending it - the Editor of the Directory trusts, that the following two measurements of the River Lagan, about the parts where a new bridge may probably be erected, will, in the present early stage of the subject, be an interesting document to the noblemen, gentry, and others interested in the connexion between the two great and flourishing counties of Down and Antrim.
The River Lagan, in a direct line, in continuation of May Street, passing the south side of the markets, measures, from bank to bank, at high water, six hundred and twenty six feet. This line would enter the County of Down near the road from Saintfield.
Do. in continuation of Chichester Street, passing the north side of the markets, measures thirteen hundred and fourteen feet. This line would enter the County of Down near the east end of the present bridge, running diagonally across the river.

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Customs of Belfast

The Editor has not been able to ascertain, in precise numbers, the customs paid by the great commercial city of Cork, so as to present a comparative view of them, with those of Belfast; but it is certain, that Belfast exceeded Cork, last year, about Sixty Thousand Pounds! Were Belfast on a footing with Cork and Waterford in Parliamentary Interest - a town which pays more customs that the one, and out of all comparison more than the other, it would experience a fairer share of public bounty, from that source to which it so eminently contributes.

Historic Account of the Town of Belfast
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Belfast is situated on the western side of the Lagan, in latitude 54° 35' 42" north, and in longitude 6° 1' 30" west of London,** where that river runs into the southern extremity of Carrickfergus bay. Near the present bridge was formerly a ford at low-water, and a ferry when it was high tide. It is supposed to have derived its present name from Bela Fearsad, which signifies a town at the mouth of a river, expressive of the circumstances in which it stood. This estuary, indiscriminately called Carrickfergus Bay, or Belfast lough, (and probably the Vinderius of Ptolemy,) is the most safe and commodious harbour, the entrance being in breadth about five English miles, from the point between Groomsport and Ballyholme bay, in the county of Down, and the White Head in the county of Antrim. The length of the bay, from the White Head to the quays, is about twelve miles, gradually growing narrower as it approaches the bridge, where it is much contracted by the different landing-places on the one side, and the embankments of Ballymacarret on the other. Formerly, at full sea, there was not more than from eight to nine feet water at the town; now, the depth is so much increased by the judicious labours of the Ballast office, that vessels which draw fourteen feet, can come close to the quays.

**Calculated by William Sloan, Esq., of Belfast

     Divis, the highest mountain in the county, which lies to the west of the town about two miles, and the other mountains that come in to the north-west, con-jointly with the high lands of the county of Down to the south-east, render it one of the most sheltered retreats for shipping in any part of the world; the width of its entrance giving an easy access from the channel, in different directions, and, the anchorage being excellent, few accidents occur. At the pool of Garmoyle, vessels ride afloat at low water, though, within a cable's length, all is dry around. This pool is about one mile and a half from the Antrim shore, one mile from that of Holywood, and near five miles from Carrickfergus. In the channel, pillars have been erected, and buoys have been placed, to direct the mariner, at high water, through its various windings.
      Although Belfast is mentioned by Spenser as having been wasted by Edward Bruce in his progress, at the beginning of the fourteenth century, it is not taken notice of by the old English writers, who enumerate the haven towns of the north of Ireland at an early period. Of the building of the castle there is no date known, though it was twice taken by the Earl of Kildare, first in 1503, again in 1512. Before the reign of Elizabeth, it was inhabited by a Randolphus Lane; and is mentioned as being then fordable, and lying eight miles up the river from Carrickfergus, where the passage is over at low water.
     By Elizabeth it was granted to Sir Thomas Smith, and to Thomas Smith the younger, with a vast tract of land, on condition that they should keep a certain number of horse and foot, harnessed and accoutred, to be ready in a certain number of days, after being required, to meet at Antrim. When Sir Arthur Chichester was Lord Deputy, in the reign of James the first, such a summons was issued, and, neither appearing, the castle and cinament (demesne) of Belfast were forfeited, and granted to Sir Arthur. The charter, constituting Belfast a corporation of a Sovereign, twelve burgesses, and commonalty, with the privilege of sending two members to Parliament, was also granted by James I. in the fifth of his reign, constituting Arthur Lord Chichester, his heirs, etc.
     Lords of the Castle. Thomas Vesey, the first Sovereign, was chosen in 1613; and in the same year, Sir John Blennerhasset, Baron of the Exchequer, and George Trevillian, Esq. were the first members sent by this town to Parliament. At that time, Belfast could not have been considerable; for, in the patent, it is styled town, or village. In the year 1635, mention is made of Lord Chichester's house there, by an English traveller, who styles it "the glory and beauty of the town;" but nothing of the town is said, except, that "many Cheshire and Lancashire men were planted in the neighbourhood by Mr. Arthur Hill, son of Sir Moyses Hill;" Belfast itself at that time being peopled with Devonshire men, and a number of the Scots who came in the former reign.
     In 1740. Lord Strafford purchased from the corporation of Carrickfergus, on the part of the crown, their privilege of importing foreign goods at one-third of the duties payable in other places; being deprived of this advantage, Belfast rose at the expense of the former, from whence the Custom-house was removed to it at the same time. This measure, of itself most judicious in Lord Strafford, would have been of small consequence, had not the country already been inhabited by an industrious people, who applied themselves to agriculture, and to the manufacture of linen, which, by their profits, enabled them to create a demand for articles of importation. A port, without a population near it, is of little importance. The wars, which ensued subsequent to 1741, must have caused a great interruption to the rising prosperity of Belfast, and the adjacent counties; and, in 1648, it was taken possession of by General Monk for the Parliament.
     During the Protectorate, the country seems to have been tolerably quiet; but in the reign of James II. it again met with some interruption, and he endeavoured to force a new charter upon the corporation, which, from its attachment to William III. was never acted under. But, from the day in which this latter monarch gave peace to the country, and that attention was paid to its interests, by the encouragement afforded to the already established manufacture of linen, a wonderful fabric of prosperity was raised; and, in the beginning of the last century, we find Belfast not only well known on the continent, as a place of considerable trade, but in a scale of credit appended to the names of the different commercial towns of Europe. In the Exchange at Amsterdam, Belfast stood in the first rank; which respectable situation it has, since that period, continued to occupy; and, from the credit annexed to it, joined with judicious enterprise, it has arisen to a degree of prosperity, in a course of years comparatively short, seldom exceeded, and not often equalled in any age or country.

Population of Belfast at different periods

1725 - The entire Parish of Belfast was returned to Parliament          Houses - Inhabitants
            by the Hearth-money Collectors, at                                       2,093
1757 - Town alone, returned by the same                                          1,779       8,549
1782 - Town alone                                                                           2,026      13,105
            Beside Ballymacarret                                                                 96           419
1791 - Town alone,                                                                          3,107      18,320
            Beside Ballymacarret                                                               270        1,208
1816 - Town alone,                                                                          5,578      30,720
            Beside Ballymacarret                                                                             2,000

     From the ancient plan, which will be found in the map-sheet, the town then (1660) contained only six streets, and four rows of houses. From a survey made in 1808, it was found to contain squares, streets, quays, lanes and entries, to the number of 114. In 1791, their number was only 75, being an increase, in seventeen years, of thirty-nine.
     It will be necessary to ascertain limits, that the extension of Belfast may be better understood. The following appears to be the present boundaries of the town:
     To the first arch of the long bridge on the County Antrim side; to the mile-water bridge on the Carrickfergus Road; to the porter's lodge on the road leading to Old Park, and round by the path-way to the back of the Poor-house; to the Mussenden's hole on the Lodge Road; to Craven's bridge on the Shankhill Road; to Reid and Cavart's factory on the Falls Road; to G. Bradberry's house on the Pound-fields Road; to the Salt-water bridge on the Malone Road; and to the houses at the back of Cromack bridge.

Trade of Belfast

     Rapid as the progress of population has been in Belfast, commerce has fully kept pace with it. The following tables of the amount of Customs and the number of Vessels belonging to it, at different periods will best illustrate the fact :-

Customs

  Years                                                                               Amount V Ann.
   1688                                                                                    20,000
   1772                                                                                    60,000
   1782                                                                                    65,000
   1783                                                                                    73,000
   1786                                                                                  106,034
   1812                                                                                  390.129
   1818 - Average of eight years previous to February 1818 - 360,000
                                                                                             370,000

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Ships belonging to Belfast, 1792

Trade to                                        Ships                                    Tonnage
West Indies                                     25                                       4,630
Liverpool                                          8                                          720
London                                             8                                       1,235
Streights                                            4                                          800
Miscellaneous                                    4                                       1,350
America                                            4                                          700
France and Holland                            1                                         120
Coasters                                            4                                         200
                                    Total             58 ships                            9,765 Tons

Ships belonging to Belfast, 1819

104 Ships  -  10,429 Registered Tons  -  755 Sea

Ballast Office, Chichester Quay

     Incorporated in 1785, has power to make bye-laws, for cleaning and improving the harbour, regulating the conduct of masters and owners of ships, lighters, etc.  Its revenue arises from a tax on registered tonnage. It has proved of great benefit to the port, by deepening the water at the quays to 14 feet; since its first establishment it has enabled ships of 400 toms to discharge at Tomb's or Donegall Quay. There have been made a considerable time ago, a handsome graven dock; and in addition, at present a new one, upon a more extensive scale, is building. This additional convenience will much benefit the shipping trade of Belfast

Government of the Town

     The Sovereign has the government of the markets, the regulations of the cranes and weights, and all things respecting the sale of provisions, etc., brought into the town, of which he is the chief magistrate, and for the time being also a magistrate of the county of Antrim, ex-officio. By patent, he is clerk of the market, which gives him the power, by himself or by deputy, of settling all matters relative to it; certain established duties and customs being payable to him, out of the sale of different articles exposed in the market, from the revenue of which he is paid, and the other expences of the situation defrayed.
     Commissioners and a committee of Police are appointed, by virtue of an act of Parliament obtained by the town in 1800. They are vested with authority to carry into execution all regulations therein specified, under certain penalties, respecting the paving, lighting, and cleaning the streets, as well as many other circumstances affecting the health, safety, and comfort of the inhabitants.
     The Commissioners are twelve, chosen for life, besides the burgesses who are so by Act of Parliament; the committee are chosen annually in February, and sit every Saturday. Whatever complaints may be made respecting the expences incurred and the mode of levying the Police taxes, the improvement of the town since its establishment is most manifest. By a late act of Parliament, (1816) a regular police establishment has been formed, comprising watchmen, police serjeants, etc. and a presiding chief magistrate. The office is in Rosemary Street

Committee Appointed The 11th of February, 1819, To Act For One Year

John McCracken     -     George Ash
William Newsam     -     Robert McDowell
Robert Grimshaw     -     John Barnett
Hugh Johnson     -     Robert Calwell
John Ward     -     John Riddle
John Gordon     -     Charles Thomson
Robert Matthews     -     James McAdam
Andrew McClean     -     George Langtry
William Park     -     Thomas How
Thomas Greer     -     John Lyle
John Heron

Sit every Saturday at 11 o'clock, at the Office in Donegall Street, James Hyndman, Clerk

Mr. William McClean, 32 North Street, Collector of Taxes
Timothy Keenan, Surveyor
John Riddle, Fire Engine Keeper, William Street, off Church Street, nearly opposite the Post Office

Chamber of Commerce

     A Chamber of Commerce was established in 1800; its duty is understood to be, to guard the mercantile interest against encroachments, as also to arbitrate any disputes between merchants. By the charter of Belfast, it appears the corporation had the power of appointing a guild of merchants with a seal; but no powers are mentioned as belonging to the body.

Belfast Banks

   In Belfast there are three Banks. The Belfast Bank, established in 1808; partners, David Gordon, Narcissus Batt, John Holmes Houston, and Hugh Crawford.
     The Commercial Bank, established in 1809; partners, William Tennent, Robert Callwell, Robert Bradshaw, John Cunningham and John Thomson.
     The Northern Bank, established in 1809; partners, Hugh Montgomery, John Hamilton, James Orr and John Sloan

The Belfast Saving Bank

     Was instituted on the first of January, 1816. Its object is, to afford a safe place of deposite for the savings of the industrious poor. It is open every Friday evening at 6 o'clock, at the office in the House of Industry, and receives deposites as low as 10d. and not exceeding £50. in the year from one person.
     The Institution is composed of fifty members, who meet quarterly, for the purpose of inspecting the affairs of the Bank, and of regulating its concerns; on them the framing of bye-laws, and the appointment of officers rests. The Establishment for conducting the business consists of a treasurer, secretary, cashier, two accountants, and four directors, which four attend at the Bank on Friday evenings, to transact the business. Besides those, three auditors are elected at each quarterly meeting, to audit the accounts, and to watch over the application of the funds.
     Five trustees have been appointed, agreeably to the provisions of the Act of Parliament for regulating Saving Banks. In their name the money is lodged in the Bank of Ireland, and drawn out of it when required. This extensive business is managed gratuitously.
     By the provisions of the Act of  Parliament, Saving Banks are entitled to receive interest at the rate of 3d. per £100 per day, equal to £4. 11s. 3d. per cent. per year, which is charged to the Commissioners for redeeming the National Debt, to whose account the money is placed in the Bank of Ireland, and the Belfast Saving Bank allows interest at the rate of £4. 10s. per cent. to the depositors.
     The expenses of this Saving Bank are defrayed out of an auxiliary fund, which is composed of donations from its well wishers, and any surplus interest that may arise from the deposites.

Belfast White Linen-Hall

     A large hollow square, erected by subscription on the site of the Castle Gardens in the year 1783, with intent of removing the sales of white linen from Dublin Hall, to the heart of the manufacture.
Commission Goods Received By The Factors In Nine Years, from 1810 to 1818.
Years   -   -   Packages
1810    -   -        159
1811    -   -        206
1812    -   -        247
1813    -   -        487
1814    -   -        561
1815    -   -        656
1816    -   -        374
1817    -   -        626
1818    -   -      1241
Total  4537 packages, average value about £65 each.
     The major part of those linens were exported to America and the West Indies.

Brown Linen-Hall

     In Donegall Street, where a considerable quantity of fine yard-wide linen is sold on each market day, (Friday.) This building has been lately repaired and improved, by a subscription of the linen merchants of Belfast and its neighbourhood.

Markets

     There are in Belfast, two markets for the sale of Flesh Meat, one in Hercules Street, and one in Castle Place. In the latter, the shops are fitted up in a style of neatness, which does infinite credit to the judgment and good taste of its proprietor, Mr. Montgomery. There are also in this market superior accommodations for the sale of Fish, Vegetables, Meal, Potatoes and Fruit. Its regulations are very strict and proper, and it is well supplied with the best and earliest productions; affording to the inhabitants of Belfast peculiar advantages, from its contiguity to the principal streets in town. One entrance is from the junction of High Street and Corn Market, through Hammond's Court, and the others from Castle Lane. Every stranger who visits this little market, must be peculiarly gratified by its clean and handsome appearance.
     A large market, for the sale of Meal, Potatoes, Vegetables, Butter, and Eggs, is also erected in Mr. May's reclaimed ground, at the extremity of Chichester Street, and lies on the Cromack Road.
     A small yard in William Street South, has also lately been converted into a Fish and Vegetable market, under the direction of Mr. Andrews, victualler.
     The markets of Belfast are, in general, very well supplied with Meal, Potatoes, Vegetables, and Fish; the latter coming in abundance from Ballycastle, Colerain, Lough Neagh, Carrickfergus, Bangor, the Ballywalter shore, and all round to Killough; and are sold, what maybe called on comparison, extremely cheap. Meal and Potatoes are also reasonable - but Flesh Meat is not so; neither are the butchers properly taught how to accommodate purchasers. They will only cut their meat into large joints, to the great inconvenience of small families. It is trusted, as the population of the town encreases, and as opposition makes these butchers more anxious to retain their customers, they will be induced to lay aside this system.
     There is a market for the sale of Pork and Butter at the bottom of Waring Street, on the opening at Donegall Quay, where large quantities of superior pork, and firkin butter, are daily sold, for exportation. This forms a large branch of the Belfast trade.

The Public Bakery, in Church Street

     Was set on foot in 1800, at a period when extreme dearth prevailed, and when the poor would have felt its effects still more keenly, had it not been for this useful institution. It is still conducted with great propriety; and affords not alone the advantages of accommodating the inhabitant with good bread, at a fair value, but operates in checking smaller bakeries from deteriorating the quality and weight of their bread.

House of Industry

     Instituted in 1809, partly for the purpose of abolishing mendicity, which it has effected in a very great measure; and grants rations of provisions and fuel to a great many poor families; it is supported by voluntary subscription. This institution also affords employment to hundreds of females, by giving out flax to be spun, and paying a high price for their labour; thus affording a stimulus to industry, and preserving in them any remaining portion of former independence. It is regulated in all its branches by a general committee of 28; whose conduct, and the usefulness of the institution, have loudly called forth the admiration of not alone the people of Belfast, but have also stimulated the citizens of Dublin to establish a new House of Industry, on similar principles. This may be considered the most serviceable institution in town, for it preserves the very existence of the forlorn and destitute.

House of Correction

     Erected by presentment of the Grand Jury of the County of Antrim, in the year 1817; site, south side of Henrietta Street, being a continuation of the line of Donegall Square South; length of its front, 236 feet, rear enclosure extends back 230 feet. The prison is divided into two separate parts, the right for females, and left for the male convicts. Greatest number of persons during the current year, 74.
     Public worship every Sunday, by the respective chaplains. The chapel is so contrived, that the males and females do not see each other at worship. A committee of gentlemen meet on Mondays, in the house, for the inspection if the prison discipline; and are found of inestimable use in promoting the morals and industry of the inmates.

Labour done from April 1, to June 29.

Woven, 2175 yards of 10 hundreds calico.
Linen yarn spun, 282 hanks, or 71 spangles
Oakum picked, 118 stone
Firkins made, 81
Cream of Tartar pounded, 5 barrels
Logwood chipped, 1 ton
Linen webs woven for sheets and shirts for the prisoners, 2

The Exchange

     Of Belfast is situated in the centre of the town, at the terminations of Waring Street, Donegall Street, North Street, Rosemary Street and Bridge Street. The building is handsome and light, of brick, and partially faced with stone. Above are elegant Assembly Rooms, and below a piazza, where the merchants assemble - on Mondays at 12 - on Wednesdays at 12 - and on Fridays at 11 o'clock, to transact business. This building was erected by the late Earl of Donegall, and was generally considered as having been given by him to the merchants of Belfast, for the conveniency of trade; however, a new building is now erecting, immediately opposite to the Exchange, called the

Commercial Buildings

     By shares of £100 each; £20,000 having already been subscribed. This is intended exclusively for the accommodation of the mercantile trade; and a good specimen of the independence of the town. It is building of the best granite, brought from Dublin; and, from the plan which was approved of, may be expected to be the handsomest building in Belfast.

Custom House

     A large building, situated on Hanover Quay, with appropriate stores and offices for transacting the business of the port.

List of Officers

Sir Stephen May, Collector
James Green, Pro-collector
H. A. S. Harvey, Port-Surveyor
F. Coulson, G. Black, A. Handcock - Land Waiters
C. M. Skinner, Store Keeper
P. Heaney, F. Despard - Assistants
T. Smylie, Guaging Surveyor
George Bristow, Tide Surveyor
James Folingsby, Comptroller
D. Gunning, Clerk of Permits
Arthur Bailie, James Ross, Thomas Green - Clerks
J. Vaughan, R. Carson - Assistants
Henry Ross, James Cork, E. Crickard - Quay Officers
J. Algeo, Timber measurer
R. Ledwich, Land Carriage Officer
David Spence, Scale Porter
A. Hill, Porter in the dry stores

Post Office

     Situate in John Street, T. Whinnery, Postmaster. In 1796, the revenue amounted to £2,000. In 1803, 1804 and 1805, average of these three years, £5,500 each. For many years before, it did not exceed £2,000 annually.

Inns

     The Donegall Arms Hotel, kept by Mr. Thomas Wilson, in Castle Street, is considered the first in town.
     Mr. Patrick Linn's White Cross Hotel, also in Castle Street, is an old established house. Mr. Linn himself is long and well known in town, and known always to be extremely obliging.
     Mr. Thomas Campbell, of Ann Street, has a very excellent Hotel, much resorted to.
     Mr. Francis O'Neill, Belfast Arms, in Rosemary Street, has a commodious house, well fitted up.
     Besides various other Hotels, Taverns, etc., etc.

Post Chaises, Coaches and Jaunting Cars

     Mr. Wilson, of the Donegall Arms - Mr. Linn, White Cross - Mr. Thomas Campbell, Hotel, Ann Street - and Mr. Miskelly, Commercial Tavern, Rosemary Street, have very good Post Chaises, and travelling coaches. They have also Hearses, well mounted; and the two last persons have Gigs, Jaunting Cars, Dog-Carts, Buggies, etc. for hire.

Arrival and departure of the different Mail and Stage Coaches

     Royal Mail Coach, sets off from No. 10 Castle Street, Belfast, every evening at 4 o'clock, and arrives at the Waterford Hotel, Sackville Street, Dublin, at 7 o'clock next morning. Leaves said Hotel, Dublin, every evening, a quarter before 8 o'clock, and arrives next morning in Belfast, at 11 o'clock, in time for the Mails to Donaghadee, Londonderry, etc.
     Belfast and Dublin Royal Daily Mail, starts every morning from No. 10 Castle Street, Belfast, at 5 o'clock, and arrives at the Waterford Hotel, Sackville Street, Dublin, at 7 o'clock in the evening. Leaves said Hotel, Dublin, every morning at 7 o'clock, and arrives in Belfast at 10 in the evening.
     Belfast and Londonderry Royal Mail Coach, starts from the Donegall Arms, Belfast, at half-past 11, immediately after the arrival of the Dublin Main, and arrives in Derry at 4 next morning. Starts from Derry at 5 o'clock in the evening, and arrives in Belfast at 9 next morning.
     James Johnston's Belfast, Lurgan and Armagh Day Coach, starts from Magee's Hotel, High Street, Belfast, on the mornings of Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 10 o'clock; arrives in Lurgan at 1, and Armagh at 4; leaves Armagh on the mornings of Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 7 in the morning; arrives in Lurgan at 10, and in Belfast at 2 o'clock. Mr. J. also runs a Car every morning, (except Sunday) from Lurgan to Belfast, which returns in the evening.
     The Wellington Day Coach, starts from Larne at 6 o'clock, on the mornings of Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and arrives at Higginson's, Donegall Street, Belfast, at 10; starts same evenings at 5, and arrives in Larne at 9.
     The Commerce, starts from and returns to Larne same days and hours as above - stops at Jameson's Inn, North Street.
     The Eagle, starts from Mr. Wm. Wilson's, Carrickfergus, on the mornings of Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, at 8 o'clock in the morning; arrives at Higginson's Inn, Belfast; returns at 5 o'clock on the evenings of said days.
     James Stevenson runs a Car from Carrickfergus same days and hours as the Coaches.
     Mr. McComb's Coach, starts from Lisburn every day, (Sunday excepted) and arrives at the Donegall Arms at 11 o'clock; returns same day at half-past 5 in the evening.
     James Knowles's Car, starts from Ballymena every Tuesday morning, and arrives at Jameson's Inn, North Street, Belfast; returns every Thursday, at 10 o'clock in the morning.
     E. Vance's Car, starts from Antrim every Friday, and arrives at Jameson's Inn, North Street, Belfast; returns same evening.
     Robert Duffin's Car, starts from Holywood, and arrives at Mrs. McCully's, Lower Church Lane, every morning at 10 o'clock; returns same day at 1 o'clock.
     Alexander Halliday's Car, starts from Bangor every morning, and returns same evening.
     There are Cars which generally come three times in the week from Newtownards, and return same day. They stop at McCully's, Lower Church Lane.

News Rooms

     The Commercial News-Room, in Waring Street, is very generally resorted to. It is extremely well supplied with English, Scotch and Irish Papers - the Edinburgh and London Monthly Reviews - and various Magazines. Subscription, £1. 10s. per annum.

The Linen-Hall News Room

     Is situate in the White Linen-Hall buildings, and is resorted to by private gentlemen, as well as by persons in active mercantile life. It is also well supplied with a great variety of London, Scotch, and Irish Papers, Reviews, Magazines, etc. The room itself is beautiful, and very pleasantly situated. Subscription, £2. per annum.

News-Papers

     Three news-papers are published in this town, and sp arranged, that five days out of seven are supplied; the News-Letter being published twice, the Chronicle three times and the Irishman once a week.

Resident Magistrates

     G. Bristow, Esq., Donegall Square; C. M. Skinner, Esq., Hanover Quay; Arthur Chichester, Esq., M.P., Donegall Place; William Clarke, Esq., Donegall Place; W. H. Ferrar, Esq., Donegall Street; Rev. E. May, Donegall Place; Gilbert McIlveen, Esq., Donegall Place. Town Mayor, ? ?. High Constable, Charles V. Joyce, Esq.

Constables appointed at Court-Leet

     Messrs. J. McCutcheon, Church Quay; John McKelvey, South side North Street; James Crawford, Old Quay; Stephen Daniel, North side North Street; H. Montgomery, Mill Street - besides eight county constables, residing in Belfast.

Smithfield Market

     Held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Nine till Eleven o'clock, for the purchase and sale of wheat, barley and oats; and for hides on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Spring Water

     The town is supplied with spring water, conveyed through the streets, partly by wooden, and partly by metal pipes, from the reservoir in Fountain Lane. The Spring-Water Committee meet every Thursday at 1 o'clock, in their room in Fountain Street.
                                                        Mr. James Ferguson, Collector of the tax.

Warm Baths

     Have been erected at the head of North Street, by Mr. Milliken; and must prove, if resorted to, extremely useful to the inhabitants of the town. He has also Cold Baths in the same concern.

Dispensary and Fever Hospital

     In September, 1792, a Dispensary was established here; since which the Incorporated Charitable Society has been relieved from any expenditure for medicines. This kind of charity, for the relief of the sick poor, at their own habitations, had not been long known, prior to this, in Britain; and had been only partially tried in Ireland. It, however, became soon a very popular charity; for in the first four years and four months, it appears that 2,406 patients had received medical and surgical advice, and medicines, at an average expense of £120. per annum, which is the rate of 4s. 4d. per patient, or £21. 13s. 4d. per hundred patients. Of these
1740 were cured
336 relieved
50 dismissed as incurable
280 either died, or made no report.
     In the year 1797, the plan of a Fever Hospital was laid before the public, by the same person who had furnished the first idea of a Dispensary; and this was brought very speedily into use, being connected, from the first, with the Dispensary upon which it was originally grafted, and from which it has never been yet separated. The laws and regulations which were drawn up originally and printed, for the Dispensary, continue to be the principal laws of the joint institutions at present.
     In the original hospital, in Berry Street, 73 patients were treated in about six months, beginning in the summer of 1797. Of the first 60 patients that were admitted (all of whom were attended by Dr. Stephenson,) not one died; but when the number admitted had amounted to 73, the deaths amounted to 3. giving a proportion of 1 death to 26 1/3. This is a statement of the general mortality in this small number, without any exception, and is the earliest document respecting this branch of the charity.
     The Fever Hospital was shut up about the end of 1797, partly from want of patients, the town not being then prepared for converting it into a general hospital, as has since been always done, whenever the fever declined so far as to render it safe to admit other patients.
     In the year 1799, the Fever Hospital was received, and between 1st December, 1799, and 14th October, 1800, there is a document showing that 149 patients had been admitted, of whom 12 died; and from the last date until 18th August, 1801, 249 were admitted, of whom 18 died; total admissions up to the last date, 471; total mortality, 33. A calculation was made at that time upon the patients admitted between 1799 and 1801, from which it appears, that 249 females were admitted for 150 males, and yet the mortality in the males was greater that in the females, in the proportion of 8 to 7; that is, while the females exceeded the males in the ratio of 5 to 3, the deaths of the males was greater than that of the females, in the ratio of 8 to 7.
     From 1808, the Grand Juries of the County of Antrim presented for the Dispensary, sums equal to the voluntary subscriptions paid by individuals; and, from 1817, were enabled, under an Act of Parliament, to grant any sums under £500. per annum towards Fever Hospitals; £400 of which they grant to this Hospital.
     These institutions are under the direction of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Committee of 21; two attending Physicians [encreased in June, 1819, to three,] two consulting Physicians; two surgeons, and an apothecary, all acting gratuitously, the last excepted.
     The marks of a superintending Providence seem to have been visible, in the point of time at which an Hospital, on an extended scale, (absolutely necessary to the occasion,) was ready to meet those unforeseen events that were just at hand. This is apparent from the following circumstances:
     1st August, 1817 - Seventeen was the total number of patients removed from the Old to the New Hospital; but the dreadful typhus that was immediately to become so general over these kingdoms, encreased the number of patients in this Hospital to one hundred and forty one, in the short space of thirteen weeks, ending 1st Nov.
Total number admitted in those 13 weeks (three months,) was                    461
Of which were dismissed cured                                                                 305
Died                                                                                                           15
Nov. 27, Remained in Hospital                                                                  179
Dec. 6,                                                                                                      191
Dec. 27,                                                                                                    180
Jan. 8, 1818                                                                                              186
Total number admitted in these three months                                               959
Of which were dismissed cured                                                                  717
Died                                                                                                            46
Number in Hospital June 26, 1819                                                               44
(But in July, visibly on the increase.)
    In may fairly be alleged, that the inhabitants of Belfast, and its neighbourhood, are indebted to out enlarged Hospital for their not being visited with this dreadful complaint in a quadruple proportion.
     The cost of this excellent structure was £5,000, including the Dispensary; and defrayed by
A donation from the Sovereign and Burgesses, out of Poor's money                £400  0  0
Three Benefit Plays, by Amateurs (mostly respectable tradesmen)                     321  0  0
Bequests                                                                                                          206  0  0
Three Charity Sermons                                                                                     482  0  0
Surplus of a Poor's Loan Fund,                                                                         113  0  0
Donation from Poor's Fund                                                               97  0  0 -  210  0  0
Gift, by the Proprietors of the White Linen Hall                                                  300  0  0
Sundry Collections                                                                                            400  0  0
                                                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                                                       2319  0  0
Building Subscriptions, 1813 to 1817, Aug. 1.                                                  2000  0  0
                                                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                                            Total  £4319  0  0
     Of the entire cost, a balance is still due, which there is no doubt of the inhabitants cheerfully liquidating in gratitude for the preservation of their families from a desolating calamity, that has, by means of this Hospital, been almost exclusively confined to the working and poorer classes of the community.
     The incalculable value of the Dispensary alone, we have not been able to trace to any accurate calculation of the number of families relieved, - but we know that it has been very great, and proves of the utmost importance to the industrious classes of society.
     The attention of the Legislature to the wants and disorders of the poor, has been very honourably evinced, of late, in different acts of Parliament.

Lying-in Hospital

     Instituted in 1794, and supported by subscriptions of the ladies in Belfast, and a few in the country. The admission of women for delivery in two years, December 1, 1815, and December 11, 1817, were 251; average 125 each year.

Female Society for clothing the Poor

     Commences in 1812. In the first year 90 persons received clothes, purchased with private subscriptions; and, in a subsequent year, 200 families received clothing. In 1817, this institution was of the greatest importance, by affording clothing to the poor to the amount of £192; an appropriate part of which clothing was applied to the use of convalescent patients, sent out to the Fever Hospital. By this judicious application, a number of fever relapses were prevented.

Belfast Academical Institution

     Planned, and subscriptions entered into in 1807, incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1810, and opened 1814. It is now under the superintendance of a joint board of managers and visiters.
     The school department is conducted by several masters, and the collegiate department under the direction of a faculty, consisting of the several professors. The buildings form a fine termination of Chichester Street, Donegall Square North and Wellington Place; they were erected by voluntary subscription, amounting to above £16,000 and since enlarged to £22,000.
     The school Department is conducted by several masters, with suitable assistants. As the attention of each master is entirely directed to one branch of education, and the several masters are independent of each other, they are respectively enabled to promote the improvement of their pupils in those branches for which they are individually responsible; while they are all equally interested in the general prosperity of the institution.
     The business in this department continues throughout the year, with the exception of five weeks vacation at Midsummer, and two at Christmas. Public examinations are held twice every year, when premiums and medals are adjudged to such scholars as are distinguished for proficiency and good conduct.
     English - Rev. H. Montgomery, A.M., Master - In this school the pupils are instructed in spelling, reading, grammar, parsing, exercises, prosody, composition, recitation, history, and chronology. The principles of universal grammar, and the theories of the most eminent philologists are explained to the higher classes; and those Scholars who direct their attention to the study of History, are taught to make moral deductions from historical facts. Particular attention is paid to the theory and practice of Composition, in all its varieties; so that every Pupil who goes through a regular course in this School, has an opportunity of preparing himself to engage in mercantile or professional pursuits, with advantage and respectability. The Composition and Elocution Classes are taught at such hours as do not interfere with the regular business of the School; and are entirely conducted by the head master 0 Half a Guinea per Quarter.
     Writing - Mr. Thomas Spence, Master - Besides the usual instructions in writing, the scholars are taught an expeditious running hand, adapted to business; and instructions in stenography, or short hand, is given to such as require it - Half a Guinea per Quarter
     Arithmetic, Book-keeping, and Geography - James Thomson, A.M., Master - In the arithmetical classes the pupils are instructed both in the theory and practice of arithmetic; and while their attention is very particularly directed to those rules that are principally required in the counting house, they are also made acquainted, especially when their views render it desirable, with the rules that are preparatory to the study of the manufacturers and commerce; the construction of maps; the use of the globes, and various other particulars; with as much of the most important parts of astronomy as can be understood by pupils who are not acquainted with mathematics - Each Half a Guinea per Quarter.
     In the mathematical classes are taught Euelid's Elements, plane and spherical trigonometry, algebra, fluxions, and conic sections, with other parts of the higher geometry. The pupils are also taught the application of these theoretical branches in mensuration, surveying gauging, navigation, and other useful practical departments of this science. - One Guinea per Quarter
     Classical School - Rev. Wm. Neilson, D.D., M.R.I.A., Master - The business of this school consists in the study of the Greek and Latin languages, ancient geography, history and chronology.
     The junior scholars read the Dublin College entrance course. And while the senior study Cicero, Livy, Tacitus, and Dalzell's Greek Collectanea Majora, they constantly read a portion of each author in the above mentioned course, so as to have it always fresh in their recollection.
     They are instructed in writing and speaking Greek and Latin, During the recess of the collegiate department, Hebrew is taught in this school - One Guinea per Quarter
     French - Adelbert D'Oisy, a native of France, Master - The scholars are taught grammatically to read the best French authors, and are instructed in speaking and writing the French language - One Guinea per Quarter.
     Italian - Mr. Gaetano Fabbrini, of Florence, Master - The Italian language is taught grammatically, and read and spoken with the Tuscan accent. The works of Tasso, Guicciardini, Petratch, Davila, and other eminent authors are used in this school - One Guinea and a Half per Quarter.
     Drawing - Mr. Gaetano Fabbrini, of Florence, Master - Instructions are given in figure drawing, ornamental drawing, and oil portrait painting, on Grecian models, and in the style of the Florentine academy. Civil architecture also is taught on the proportion fixed by Vignola; and the theory of perspective, on the plan of Padre Pozzi - One Guinea and a Half per Quarter
     The Collegiate Department is under the immediate direction of a faculty, consisting of all the Professors. The College Session commences on the first of November, and ends on the first of May. Every regular Student is examined publicly in Greek and Latin, at his entrance, when silver medals are given for superior proficiency in these languages. At the end of each session the Students are examined publicly in the business of the classes which they have respectively attended during the session, and premiums are given to those who excel. At the commencement of each following session they are again examined on the business of the preceding session; and at the end of the philosophical course, those who desire a general certificate of their proficiency, are examined in Greek, Latin, Logic, and Belles Lettres, Moral Philosophy, Mathematics, and Natural Philosophy; and certificates are given to those who answer satisfactorily, authenticated by the signature of all the professors, and by the seal of the Institution affixed/
     The following classes form the Collegiate Department of the Institution.
     Greek and Latin - Rev. Dr. Neilson, Professor - In these classes regular lectures are given on Greek and Roman history and chronology, geography, and topography, drama, manners and customs, and philosophy. Universal grammar, origin and structure of the Greek and Latin languages, and of the Romaic, or modern Greek; and select works of the most eminent Greek and Latin authors, are read. The students are examined, every day, on the subjects treated of in the lectures, and write essays adapted to their course of study. Greek, Two Guineas, Latin, One Guinea and a Half, or both together, Three Guineas per Session.
     Logic and Belles Lettres - Rev. Wm. Cairns, A.M., Professor - The student is instructed by daily lectures and examinations in the first principles of the philosophy of the human mind, in the ancient logic, in the method of writing themes, and in those different kinds of reasoning and scientific investigation which are adapted to the state of modern philosophy.
     In Belles Lettres the scientific principles of taste and criticism are explained and applied; the nature of the beautiful, picturesque, and sublime investigated; the different kinds of style and figurative language considered, with discussions and illustrations on the nature and different kinds of oratory and poetical composition. The students are regularly employed in writing essays on the subjects which are treated of in the class - Two Guineas per Session.
     Moral Philosophy - John Young, A.M., Professor - In this class there are daily lectures and examinations, and weekly essays are written by the students, which are publicly criticised.
     The subjects taught are metaphysics, or the philosophy of the human mind; and ethics, or the science of human duty. In the former, the origin of our ideas, the faculties of the human mind, the laws of thought, the nature and tendency of our appetites, habits, and passions, are traced and discussed; and , in the latter, the theory and practice of virtue, the fundamental doctrines of natural religion, and the general principles of jurisprudence are explained to the student - Two Guineas per Session.
     Mathematics - James Thomson, A.M., Professor - In the Junior Class are taught Euclid's Elements, Plane Trigonometry, and the elementary parts of Algebra, with several of their applications, especially in Mensuration. In the Senior Class are taught Spherical Trigonometry, the higher parts of Algebra, Conic Sections, and Fluxions, with many if their most useful applications. Lectures are also delivered on the history of Mathematics, and other interesting subjects connected with these courses. The time of the Student's attendance is partly occupied in hearing lectures and instructions from the Professor, and partly in being examined on the instructions of the preceding day - Junior and Senior Courses, Two Guineas each.
     Natural Philosophy - William Knight, L.L.,D., Professor - In this Class, the Professor lectures once every day, and on two days of the week twice, on Dynamics, Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Hydraulics, Aerostatics, Pneumatics, Electricity, Galvanism, Magnetism, Optics, Astronomy. The lectures include mathematical demonstrations of the subjects explained, and are illustrated by means of an extensive philosophical Apparatus. The Students are examined daily, and write Essays weekly, on subjects connected with the business of the class - Two Guineas and a Half per Session.
     A course of lectures on Chemistry is also delivered by Dr. Knight, in which the history, theory, and practice of this science are detailed, with its application to the arts and manufacturers. These lectures also are illustrated by means of a very extensive apparatus, a cabinet of minerals, and a collection of those substances which have become objects of chemical research.
     Persons who attend only the lectures on Greek, Latin, Logic, and Belles Lettres, or Moral Philosophy, pay one guinea per session for each class; Natural Philosophy, one guinea and a half; and students who attend both the Mathematical classes during the same session, are not charged for the junior course.
     Hebrew - Rev. Dr. Neilson, Professor - This language is taught, with points, according to the pronunciation of Dublin College. The books used are, Fitzgerald's Grammar, Bible and Buxtorf's, Parkhurst's, or Frey's Lexicon - Two Guineas per Session.
     Irish - The Rev. Dr. Neilson - To the antiquarian, who would trace the origin of names and customs, the general philologist, and the person who expects to have intercourse with the west and south of Ireland, this language is equally interesting - Two Guineas per Session
     Elocution - Rev. W. D. H. McEwen - This class is conducted principally with a view to the elocution of the pulpit and the bar. The students are exercised in reading and reciting appropriate passages from the best English authors.
     During the last session, a course of lectures was delivered in the Institution by James L. Drummond, M.D., on the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of man and other animals.
     Lectures on Divinity are delivered to the students of the Synod of Ulster, by Samuel Hanna, D.D.; and to the students of the Associate Synod, by the Rev. S. Edgar, A.M.
     At the end of the collegiate course, which occupies at least three sessions, students who apply for a general certificate are examined in Latin, Greek, logic, belles lettres, metaphysics, moral philosophy, mathematics, and natural philosophy, and receive, if they give full satisfaction, a testimonial of their proficiency in the collegiate course, signed by all the professors, and authenticated by the seal of the Institution.
     Besides class-rooms, the buildings contain two excellent dwelling houses, with suitable accommodation for boarders. One of these is at present occupied by the Rev. Dr. Neilson, Classical head master, and the other by the Rev. H. Montgomery, English head master. The terms in each, exclusive of Tuition, are the same viz. Boarding, Thirty Guineas per Annum - Washing, Three Guineas.

The Belfast Academy, Donegall Street

     Was founded in 1786, under the direction of a president, trustees, and patrons - John Holmes, Esq., President; first Principal, James Crombie, D.D., succeeded on his death by William Bruce, D.D., the present Principal, and master of the boarding and classical schools. Rev. Josias Alexander, master of the mathematical and mercantile school. Mr. Robert Telfair, master of the writing school. Mr. James Mawhinney, master of the English school. Monsieur Louis Le Pan, French teacher.

Belfast daily Lancasterian School, Frederick Street

     This institution first originated in 1802, and was then called the "Belfast Sunday School;" its professed object being the communication of instruction to that class of children, whose occupations prevented them from attending school during the week, and also to those, whose parents were unable to pay for their education. It was then managed by a number of benevolent individuals belonging to the town. They formed themselves into a Committee of twenty, the one half of whom acted as teachers, and the remaining number were chosen by the teachers themselves, from among the subscribers. The Committee, not considering it their duty to exclude any persons from the benefits of education on account of the religious opinions which they held, opened the school to children of all denominations; and, in conformity with the same liberal principle, they deemed it expedient to allow no catechisms of faith, or books of controversy, to be used in the school. The plan of instruction adopted at that time, was nearly the same as is taught in other Sunday schools.
     The "Belfast Sunday School" continued to be conducted on the same scale until the year 1810, when it was determined to open a daily school, for the reception of 700 children, to be conducted on the plan invented by Mr. Joseph Lancaster. A Subscription was entered into for this purpose, and several hundred pounds were collected; but that sum proving inadequate to the erection of a building sufficiently spacious, an ingenious and useful expedient was resorted to, to supply the deficiency - a lottery. By the zealous and unremitting exertions of several individuals of the Committee, this mode of raising money was put into effect with considerable success. The profits, after all expenses were paid, amounted to a large sum, which, with the subscriptions that had been formerly collected, enabled the Committee to erect the present school-house. It is now called the "Belfast Lancasterian School," and is open every day in the week, except Sunday, for the instruction of children of all religious persuasions. The entire expenses of the institution are defrayed by public subscription.
     The building is calculated to accommodate 700 children - 500 males and 200 females. The number at present in attendance is 680.
     The boys' school is conducted by Mr. Maurice Cross; and the females are under the superintendance of Miss Sarah Johnston.

Public Library

     Under the name of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge, contains a valuable collection of books, daily increasing, and a museum; supported by subscriptions of a guinea per annum, and two guineas entrance. Instituted in 1788. Its rooms are in the front of the White Line-hall, opposite Donegall Place. The Library contains between three and four thousand volumes, carefully selected by a committee that meets monthly; many of them scarce and expensive books, seldom found in private libraries. Two books lent out at a time, and complete accommodation for readers' in the rooms. A member may sell or bequeath his share, on condition of the person to whom it is sold or bequeathed being approved of on a ballot by the society.

Belfast Literary Society

     Instituted October 3rd, 1801, meets on the first Monday in every month, from October till May, inclusive. Its objects are science, antiquities and literature. The members read papers on these subjects in rotation. Each session is opened and closed with a discourse from the President.

Association for discountenancing Vice

     A branch of this highly useful institution was established in August, 1815, under the patronage of the Lord Bishop of Down and Connor, for the distribution of moral and religious tracts, at reduces prices; also, cheap Prayer-books, Testaments, and Bibles. Mr. Robert Hull, No. 18 Castle Street, is appointed their bookseller.

PLACES OF WORSHIP
The Old Church

     The Old Church and its burying ground were at the east end of High Street, south side; the site of the present Chapel of Ease. The wall of Forest-Lane was the eastern boundary from the sea, before that great square of ground was reclaimed from it, on which Hanover and Custom House Quays, Weigh-House Lane, Prince's Street and part of Ann Street were formed, and in considerable part built, by G. Macartney, Esq., in the reigns of Queen Ann, and Geo. I.
     It is traditionary report, that the Church tower had been erected by Oliver Cromwell, as a magazine for his troops, for which it was well calculated, by being raised on four massy arches. Probably he found it there, and, with his usual contempt for churches, converted it into that purpose.
     In 1710, it was stated to Parliament, that the tithes and dues received by the vicar amounted, communibus annis, to £180. per annum.
     The earliest vicar we have been able to trace, is the Rev. Claudius Gilbert, F.T.C.D., in 1696; after him, but how long is uncertain, the Rev. W. Tisdall, who was succeeded by a Dr. Stewart, the immediate predecessor of the Rev. James Saurin, who was appointed in 1746, and died in 1772, after being 26 years incumbent. He was father to the present Attorney-General of Ireland.
     In 1775, Mr. Saurin was succeeded by the Rev. William Bristow, who officiated in the old church till it was taken down, in 1777, in consequence of an alarm during divine service, that it was likely to fall. The congregation, till the opening of the new church, (St. Ann's) were accommodated in the meeting houses of their Dissenting brethren. The church yard was, several years afterwards, interdicted by Act of Parliament, as burying ground.

St. Ann's Church

     Situate in Donegall Street, on the site of a Linen Hall. Its erection commenced about 1777; its first pastor was the Rev. W. Bristow, who had for two years before been vicar. He died in 1808, at the age of 73; 33 years a minister in this parish.
     Through the ignorance of an English architect, in connecting the frame work of the foundation of the tower, with that of the body of the house, the former, by its greater weight, sunk deeper, and occasioned rents in the superstructure, which rendered it unsafe to finish the upper part of the tower with stone. It was, therefore, carried up with timber, and the intention of the late Marquis of Donegall to introduce a set of bells, was frustrated.

The Chapel of Ease

     Was erected in 1811, on the site of the Old Church, east end of High Street. The cost was defrayed partly by subscriptions of the inhabitants of all denominations, and by aids from the Board of First-Fruits. Its first and present minister is the Rev. J. W. Fea.
     Its portico is of the Corinthian order, and was the elegant gift of the present Bishop of Down, brought from the late Bishop of Derry's palace at Ballyscullion, upon the dilapidation and sale of that noble structure.

Meeting House of the First Presbyterian Congregation

     The present admired elliptical structure, was finished in 1783, on the site of their former Meeting House, in an enclosure off Rosemary Street. The time of the erection of the original house we have not ascertained; probably it was about the year 1645.
     It appears that in the years
1672 - Their Pastor was the Rev. W. Keyes, who, two years afterwards, was removed to Dublin, and died in 1696.
1675 - Rev. Patrick Adair, who died 1694, 19 years Minister.
1697 - Rev. John Macbride, died 1721, 24 years Minister.
1711 - Rev. Thomas Melling, (his colleague) ordained at Leyden, 2 years Minister' died 1713.
1719 - Rev. Samuel Haliday, (ordained at Geneva) died 1738, 19 years Minister.
1736 - (about) Rev. Thomas Drennan, his colleague and successor, died 1768, 32 years Minister.
1756 - Rev. James Mackay, Mr. Drennan's second colleague, and successor, died 1781.
1770 - Rev. James Crombie, D.D. (of Saint Andrew's) his colleague and successor, died 1790, 20 years Minister.
1790 - Rev. William Bruce, D.D., one of its present Pastors.
1812 - Rev. William Bruce, jun., his son and colleague.

Meeting House of the Second Presbyterian Congregation

     The original members of this Congregation formed part of the First, but separated in consequence of the house being too small to accommodate the increased number of the whole. 120 families divided, and the Second House was erected in 1708, in the same inclosure with the other, off Rosemary Street. For some years the stipend of both continued to form only one fund, and to be equally divided between the pastors of each.
In 1708, the first Pastor was the Rev. ? Kilpatrick, D.D. & M.D., author in 1713, of "An Historical Essay on the Loyalty of Presbyterians." He was succeeded.
In 1744, by the Rev. Gilbert Kennedy, who died in 1773, after having been Minister 29 years.
1773 - Rev. James Bryson
1791 - Rev. Patrick Vance, died 1800, 9 years Minister
1800 - Rev. W. H. Drummond, D.D., removed to Dublin 1815
1816 - Rev. W. D. H. McEwen, its present Pastor.

Meeting House of the Third Presbyterian Congregation

     This Congregation originally consisted of members of the First and Second; having separated, in 1722, on points of doctrine, particularly on subscription to the Westminster Confession of Faith.
In 1722 - its first Pastor was the Rev. Thomas Mastertown, who died in 1750, 28 years its Minister.
1747 - Rev. William Laird, his colleague and successor; died in 1791, 44 years its Minister.
?          Rev. Sinclaire Kelburn, latterly his colleague, and successor,
1799 - Rev. Samuel Hanna, D.D., its present Pastor

Meeting House of the Fourth Presbyterian Congregation

     In Donegall Street; was built in 1792. Its first Pastor was the Rev. James Bryson, who died 1796.
Present Pastor, the Rev. R. Acheson.

Meeting House of Independents

     In Donegall Street; built in 1804. Rev. William Brown Pastor.

Methodist Chapels

(Wesleyan) First Chapel, east side of Donegall Square; built 1805. Second do. off Waring Street; built 1816; erected by part of the society favourable to the administration of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Reformed Presbyterian Covenanters' Meeting House

     Built in 1812, is situated south of the White Linen Hall, having the Dublin road in front, and the Blackstaff river in rear. It is now finishing; and will comfortably accommodate 525 people. Cost, including the wall, retiring house, stables, etc. £1500. Its Pastor is the Rev. Josias Alexander.

Friends' or Quakers' Meeting House

     In Frederick Street; built in 1812; meet first day of the week, at 11 o'clock in the morning; and at 5 o'clock in the evening in summer, and 2 in winter; fifth day of the week, at 10 o'clock in the morning.

Seceders' Meeting House

     In Berry Street. Of the class denominated Anti-Burghers, till the union with Burghers in 1818. Built in 1770. Its first Pastor was the Rev. W. Carmichael, who died 1798; second, the Rev. John Nicholson, who died 1814; present Pastor, the Rev. Wm. Carr.

Baptists' Meeting House

     In King Street; a small congregation.

Roman Catholic Chapels

     Old one in Chapel Lane; built in 1783; cost £1200, first Pastor, the Rev. Hugh O'Donnell, who died 1813.
     New Chapel, in Donegall Street; built in 1811; cost £6000. Present Pastor of both Chapels, the Rev. W. Crolly.

Poor House and Infirmary

     Foundation laid in 1771 - built by subscription and private lottery; fir for the reception of the poor in 1774, and persons received into it, who were with difficulty persuaded to quit their ruinous cabins, in the vicinity of the town.
     Average number of persons supported in the house through the past year, (1774) and each succeeding one, up to November 1, 1818 - 358 persons, old and young.
Maintenance and expense in the year, £3368  6  5
Received by annual subscriptions of the inhabitants  £ 791  11   4
             Donations                                                     130  11 10
             Bequests                                                       234  16  5
             Sermons                                                       249  15  0

Steam Packets

     The Rob Roy, Captain Smith, sails regularly twice a week from Belfast to Glasgow; leaving Belfast every Monday and Thursday, and Glasgow every Wednesday and Saturday. The hour of sailing maybe known by applying at the agents office
                                                William Hill & Co., 3 Chichester Quay.
     The Sir William Wallace, Captain A. MacNair, sails from Belfast to Glasgow on Sundays and Wednesdays, and returns from Glasgow on Tuesdays and Fridays.
                Fares - In Cabin, Beds included   £1    1  0
                            In Steerage                        0  14  0

Lagan Navigation

     The works for making the river Lagan navigable, and opening a passage by water between Lough Neagh and the town of Belfast, were commences in the year 1754, and completed in the manner first intended, (with the exception of a track way for horses) under the management of the Corporation for promoting and carrying on an Inland Navigation in Ireland, and local Commissioners, as far as Blaris, about a mile S.W. of Lisburn, including the locks erected in the year 1768, called the Union Locks. Expense, about sixty thousand pounds; sixteen thousand pounds being granted directly by the Irish Parliament, ten thousand pounds lent by the late Marquis of Donegall and others, and the remainder produces by local duties of one penny per gallon on beer, and four pence per gallon on Irish spirits, brewed and distilled within certain parts of the excise district of Lisburn, or brought thereinto; which duties were granted by an act of the 27th Geo. II. chap. 3, and continued since by several successive acts. In the year 1779, it appearing that the produce of the local duties would be insufficient to complete the Navigation from Belfast to Lough Neagh, an act was passed in the session of 1779 and 1780, to incorporate such persons as had advances money on any former acts, or should advance money under that act, for carrying on the Navigation, under the name of "The Company of Undertakers of the Lagan Navigation." Under this act, the late Marquis of Donegall, who had, under the former acts, advanced £7,815 of the £10,000 formerly subscribed, advanced sixty two thousand pounds, for which sum the Canal, commencing at the Union Locks, and ending at Ellis's gut, a bay of Lough Neagh, was completed under the direction of Richard Owen, Esq. Engineer. The work was begun in the year 1781, and opened 1st January, 1794. This part of the Navigation is still water, fourteen English miles in length, crossing the river Lagan by a handsome aqueduct of four arches, having 10 descending locks, each of 7 feet fall, 66 feet long, and 15½ feet wide; and 13 public road bridges. The summit level, which commences at the Union Locks, and extends nearly to the village of Aghalee, is 11 English miles in length; 28 feet wide at bottom, and 52 to 60 feet at top, and 7 feet deep; expanding at Friars' Glen, near Soldiers' Town, into a beautiful lake, in surface upwards of 46 acres.
     In consequence of the injudicious plan originally adopted, (contrary to repeated remonstrances at the time, from the merchants of Belfast.) of adhering closely to the bed of the river, and the works being thereby much more exposed to injury, than if the Navigation has been carried on out of the bed of the river; and proper care not having been taken to keep them in any kind of repair; this part of the Navigation got into an extremely ruinous state. Besides, Mr. Owens being, from want of funds, prevented from completing works commenced by him, for supplying the summit level with water, this level was always, during summer, reduced so low as to render it unnavigable for three months in the year. So that, from the floods in winter, the bad repair of the old works, and the want of an adequate supply of water for the new Canal, the passage of boats was so tedious and uncertain, as to render the Navigation of little public utility.*
* An anecdote has been told, of the truth of which there is but too little reason to doubt - that when the original canal was first opened, a vessel made a voyage out and home, from the West Indies, during the time that a lighter passed from Belfast to and from Lough Neagh
     Such was the early state of the Navigation, when, with a view to render it useful to the public, a number of persons (principally merchants of Belfast,) purchased, in the year 1809, a considerable portion of the interest on the Marquis of Donegall therein, and also subscribed a large sum of money, as a fund for repairs and improvements, which were immediately commenced; and since that period, upwards of £20,000 have been expended on the Navigation. In consequence of this, although a full supply of water has not been obtained for the summit level, nor a tract way for horses completed throughout - yet, with the exception of a few weeks in the depth of winter, the passage is so regular, that this Navigation now enjoys public confidence, and the trade is rapidly encreasing.
     During the year ending 5th January last, 196 boats, of from 40 to 50 tins burthen, passed laden from Belfast to Lough Neagh; 63, principally laden with coals and lime, passed from Belfast to the summit level; 202 from Belfast to Lisburn; and 18 from Belfast short of Lisburn. And 63 lighters arrived, laden principally with grain, from the Lake to Belfast; 28 from summit level to Belfast.
     The time usually occupied in passing a loaded lighter from Belfast to Lisburn is 14 hours. Do. to summit level, 16 to 24 hours, according to distance. Do. to Lake, 28 to 30 hours. And this season, the average time occupied by a voyage from Belfast out, and home, to Moy, Blackwater Town, or Coal Island, is 7 days, including the time of loading and discharging. One lighter made three voyages this season, with coals, from Belfast to Moy, in three successive weeks.
     We have extracted from the returns ordered by Parliament the following account of the receipts and expenditure of the Company, for the last five years.
                      RECEIPTS
1814 - Duties      £3752  19    6
           Tolls             823  11    3
                            --------------4576  10   9
1815 - Duties      £1606  10    0
            Tolls            692    1  10½
                            --------------2295  11  10½
1816 - Duties      £2106  10    0
            Tolls            771  11    9
                            --------------2878   1   9
1817 - Duties      £3106  10    0
            Tolls            890    8    7
                             -------------3996  18   7
1818 - Duties      £3656  10   0
            Tolls         1046  19   4½
                             -------------4703   9   4½
                                                 -------------
                 Total in five years    £ 18453  12   4
                             Expenditure
1814 -                                   £ 5174  16   1½
1815 -                                      2999    5  11
1816 -                                      2501  12   3
1817 -                                      4733  16   4
1818 -                                      4422  15   4½
              ---------------
Total expenditure in five years  £19835   6   0
Of which only £620 have been paid in dividends to the stockholders!!!
     In consequence of the improvements of the Lagan Navigation, lighters are now enabled to pass, drawing six to nine inches more water than formerly; which, together with the  facility and despatch with which voyages are now performed, has been the means of reducing the rates of freight upwards of 25 per cent.
     An account of the number and tonnage of the boats annually plying on the Lagan Navigation, for the years commencing severally, 6th Jan. 1814, 6th Jan. 1815, 6th Jan. 1816, 6th Jan. 1817, 6th Jan. 1818, and 6th Jan. 1819.
Year commencing 6th January, 1814 - 56 boats; tonnage, per estimation, 3340 tons
Year commencing 6th January, 1815 - 41 boats; tonnage, per estimation, 1640 tons
Year commencing 6th January, 1816 - 44 boats; tonnage, per estimation, 1760 tons
Year commencing 6th January, 1817 - 57 boats; tonnage, per estimation, 2280 tons
Year commencing 6th January, 1818 - 68 boats; tonnage, per estimation, 2720 tons
                        DIRECTORS' NAMES
Messrs. Robert Bradshaw
             Robert Simms
             William Tennent
             Robert Tennent
             Hugh McCalmont
             William Boyd
             John Templeton
             Robert Getty
             Joseph Stevenson
     Meet every second Thursday - Office, 2 Queen Street
     Register, and Inspector of Lagan Duties, James McCleery.
     Engineer, Richard Owen

Ballast Office, Addenda

     The benefit resulting to the commercial interest, from the institution of a Ballast Office, (see here) appears in the following facts:
     Previous to its establishment, no vessel could discharge at the Coal-Quay, that drew more than nine feet water. Now, vessels of eleven feet and a half can be discharged there - At. Chichester Quay, in springs, vessels drawing twelve feet can be discharged - And at Donegall, called Tomb's Quay, (where the large ships and foreigners lie,) vessels drawing so much as fourteen feet water discharge.

List of Churches, etc. in Belfast, with their situations, Preachers, and times of service