Another great fire happened on the 3d of August, 1778, on Cruger's Wharf, in which there were about fifty houses consumed. The cause of so many houses being burned at this time was, the military officers taking the ordering and directing of the fire from the firemen.

The citizens complained thereof to the Commander-in-Chief, who immediately gave out, in general orders, that, in future, no military man should interfere with any fire that may happen in the city, but leave the extinguishing thereof to the entire direction of the firemen and inhabitants. The military should place sentries over the goods that were saved from the fire.

1782.__Sir Guy Carleton commanded the British army in New York.

1783.__November 25__ The city evacuated by the British troops, and Gen. Washington entered at the head of the American army.

On the 25th of November, the day appointed for the evacuation of this city, the American troops, under the command of Major General Knox early in the morning, entered into the suburbs of the city, and remained in the Bowery until noon, when the British army was withdrawn from their various posts and were relieved by the Americans. A large number of tories and loyalists also left the city with the British fleet, fearing to encounter the fury of their returning countrymen.

As soon as the city was quietly in the possession of the American army, General Knox, with a great number of respectable citizens, on horseback, repaired to the Bowery to receive His Excellency General Washington and George Clinton, the Governor of the state, who, with their respective suits and followed y the Lieutenant- Governor and Senators, the officers of the army, and citizens on horseback, eight abreast, and citizens on foot, four abreast, entered the city through the Bowery, Chatham and Pearl streets, to the Battery, where they found the British flag still flying; as our foes had greased the staff so liberally, that some time elapsed before it could be hauled down, and the thirteen stars and stripes hoisted in its place.

A public dinner was given the same day to Washington and his general officers, at the principal tavern, then situated on the corner of Wall and Nassau streets, and in the evening a splendid display of fireworks was made in the Bowling Green, under the direction of the French officers.

This happy anniversary has ever since been properly commemorated in the recollection of our citizens.

At this period, there was not more than twenty thousand inhabitants in this town; but the citizens soon returned to their homes, from which they had been exiled seven years. The city did not extend father north then Murray street. Most of the houses, even in the best streets, were built of wood.

The line of works erected by the British during the war, and which extended across the island, was near Duane street, and thence in an irregular line towards Corlaer's Hook, many remains of which were to be seen in various places until within ten years past; and for several years after the war, the land, in the vicinity of the Hospital and Broadway, without the lines, was a rural, secluded spot. The large sheet of water, called the Collect, or fresh water, which nearly intersected the island, then laved the foot of several lofty hills surrounding it, which have since been entirely leveled.

Most of the streets in the old parts of the city, were narrow, crooked, and poorly paved, and numerous vacant lots existed. All the churches but the Episcopal, had been destroyed, or used for military purposes, such as hospitals, barracks, riding schools, &c. There were no public monies or charitable institutions, no banks or insurance offices; trade was at a low ebb; education had been entirely neglected, and the schools and college were shut up.

Such was the gloomy condition of this city, which had not been rebuilt from the ruins of the great fires which took place during the war; but the scene soon changed when the regular municipal government of the city was re-established, and the country at large began to revive from the shock of the revolution.

The books and accounts of the Corporation, during the revolutionary war, were taken away by Mr. Cruger (treasurer,) who joined the British army, and left this country.

1784.__The civil authority again resumed their functions, and endeavored to restore order out of confusion to collect the city debts and rents which had fallen greatly in arrear, and were, in a great measure, totally lost during the war to trace out and secure the public property of every description, such as leased ground, water lots, &c.

The seat of the State Government was removed to Albany, and the Council of Appointment vested with authority to name all civil officers in the State, which, before the war, was exercised by the Governor.

February 10.__James Duane, Mayor.
Richard Varick, Recorder.

April 14.__The Exchange in Broad street, turned into a market place.

September 11.__La Fayette arrived in the city to embark for France, and was waited upon by the Corporation with an address and the freedom of the city voted to him.

October 2.__John Jay arrived from Europe, and was welcomed by the Corporation, who paid him the highest honors in their power.

October 6.__Baron Steuben arrived, and was addressed by the Corporation, and the freedom of the city voted to him.

December 2.__General Washington arrived, and was received with the greatest enthusiasm by the citizens. The Corporation made him an address of congratulation and thanks, and voted the freedom of the city.