which
Jenny Lind and many other celebrated singers made their first appearance in America. The
Board of Commissioners of Emigration was created in May 1847, and Castle Garden was
afterward selected as a convenient and suitable "entrepot" for immigrants, and
such it remains. The lower walls are the same that formed the old fort, and the
embrasures, through which the cannon peeped, are sometimes selected by the immigrants for
smoke and rest, or meditation.

Meanwhile, the emigrants on deck are looking wistfully toward the city, with its
high roof spires and towers. Many of them are anxious and sick at heart, almost afraid to
enter the new and unfamiliar world now that they are at its portals. Some happy ones
expect friends to meet them and know all about the beneficent offices of Castle Garden. By
and by thetrees and lawns of the Battery Park come into view, with the curious-looking
buildings, the form of the rotunda at the water's edge. The steamer's pulse ceases to
beat, and several barges are towed alongside. The baggage is brought from the hold and
transferred with the emigrant passengers to these tenders. There is the same confusion and
uproar as at the outset of the voyage. The barges are soon moored to the wharf at Castle
Garden, where the custom-house officers are waiting to examine the baggage.

When the baggage has been passed by the inspectors it is checked and sent to a room
prepared for its reception. The immigrants are examined by a medical officer, who
ascertains that no paupers or criminals are among them, and that no persons afflicted with
contagious or infectious diseases have escaped