#I can't believe you Mr Duane... this is hilarious

[littlewritingrabbit]

I have known some persons as absent, and perhaps, more so than myself. The late General Hamilton had the reputation of being so, but not to the same degree as I was; but Mr. Duane, who, after the revolution, was the first mayor of the city of New York was so to a most dangerous excess as you will see by the following anecdote. He was once to cross the north river, on his way to Albany, which he did frequently at that time. He rode on horseback and was accustomed to cross the river on a bridge. But the bridge not being thought very safe, it had been resolved to build a new one. The old bridge had been re moved the day before unknown to Mr. Duane, and planks had been laid across the river to enable the workmen to pass from one side to the other, which our traveller rapt in thought did not perceive. His horse, however, was sure footed; he picked his way as well as he could upon the planks and landed his master in safety, who was entirely unconscious of what was passing. Arrived at Albany, his friends were much astonished, and asked him how he had done to cross the river. "Why surely," said he, "I crossed it upon the bridge." He was then told that there was no bridge, as it had been removed the day before, but he would not believe it, until he was convinced by occular evidence. This anecdote is worthy of La Bruyere. It was related to me by your second, I don't like to say your step grand-mother who was in Albany at the time, and assured me that it was true.

The Autobiography of Pierre du Ponceau

For reference, “Mr. Duane” is James Duane, the mayor of New York and also the father of Polly Duane, who later went on to marry William North. Anne’s “step grand-mother” is du Ponceau’s second wife, Anne Latouche, who Anne was named after.