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CORRESPONDENCE
BETWEEN
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CADWALLADER COLDEN,
AND
WILLIAM SMITH, JUN. THE HISTORIAN,
RESPECTING
CERTAIN ALLEGED ERRORS AND MISSTATEMENTS,
CONTAINED IN THE
HISTORY OF NEW YORK,
WITH SUNDRY OTHER PAPERS RELATING TO THAT CONTROVERSY,
[MSS. New York Historical Society: Colden Papers, Vol; IV. INOTE.
In Smith’s History of New York, first edition, published in
London, in 1757, (page 179,) is a statement, referring to the scheme
of Governor Clarke for settling the lands in the vicinity of Lake
George with a body of Protestant Highlanders, which involves a
grave charge against the Governor and Cadwallader Colden,
then Surveyor-General of New York. The plan of Governor
Clarke was to form a line of border settlements, that would oppose
a barrier to the further encroachments of the French upon the fron-
tiers of New York. Governor Cosby, in 1734, had made a public
offer of grants of the vacant crown lands to European settlers:
and, in 1737, Captain Laughlin Campbell, of Scotland, came over,
to obtain a grant for the purposes of settlement. “ Ample prom-
ises,” says the historian, “ were,made to him. He went upon the
land, viewed and approved it; and was entreated to settle there,
even by the Indians, who were taken by his Highland dress. Mr.
Clarke, the Lieutenant Governor, promised him in a printed adver-
tisement, the grant of 30,000 acres of land, free from all but the
charges of the survey and the King’s quit-rent. Confiding in the
faith of the Government, Captain Campbell went home to Isla, sold
his estate, and shortly after transported, at his own expense, eighty-
three Protestant families, consisting of 423 adults, besides a great
number of children. Private faith and public honor loudly de-
manded the fair execution of a project, so expensive to the under-
taker, and beneficial to the colony. But it unfortunately dropped,
through the sordid views of seme persons in power, who aimed at a
share in the intended grant: to which Campbell, who was a man of
spirit, would not consent.”*
The charge here made, that the grant to Campbell failed “ through
* Smith’s Hist. N. Y. ii. 62. (Historical Society’s edition.)
I196
SMITH, THE HISTORIAN, AND GOVERNOR COLDEN.
the sordid views of some persons in power,” is made explicit by
Smith, in the continuation of his History, wherein he states, that
“ it was owing to a discovery that the Lieutenant Governor
(Clarke) and Mr. Colden, the Surveyor.General, insisted upon
their fees, and a certain share of the lands.”
To the imputation contained in the original publication of Smith,
Lieutenant Governor Colden opposed an emphatic denial, as soon
as it came to his notice. He addressed an earnest letter to the his-
torian, pointing out his errors, referring to sources which he thought
would convince him that he was in error, and asking him to make
a suitable reparation. But the only explanation which Smith ever
gave to the public, may be found in the following note, prepared
for the last edition of his History:
“ Mr. Colden, to vindicate Mr. Clarke, and to exculpate himself
though not named in the former representation of Campbell’s di&-
appointment, gave himself the trouble of two letters to the author,
of the 15th January, and 17th February, 1759.	* * * * The
author’s object being general, he declined entering into any partial
controversy respecting the criminality of individuals. Let it suf-
fice, that the account given was consistent with information pro-
cured from Mr. Alexander, whose intimacy with Mr. Colden gives
it force.”*
It is but just to the memory of Governor Colden, as well as im-
portant to a proper appreciation of the labors of the historian, that
the correspondence between them on the subject should be pub-
lished. A careful examination of the following papers, in con-
nection with the passages referred to in the History of New York,
will enable the reader to comprehend the merits of the controversy.
They are copied from the originals in the archives of the New
York Historical Society, and are now first published, with the ex-
ception of the letter from Colden to Smith, of the 15th January,
which is inaccurately printed by Dunlap.f—Editor.
* Smith's Hist. N. Y. Note B. vol. ii. p. 380.
t History of New York, vol. ii. Appendix 54.CORRESPONDENCE.
r
I.
LETTER FROM CADWALLADER COLDEN TO WILLIAM SMITH.
Flushing, Jan. 15, 1759.
Sir:
*##*#### j was surprised very lately on reading the
179th page of your Son’s History. Though my name be
not mentioned in it, it has been in the discourse in town
occasioned by that publication, and I am informed was to
my Lord Loudoun. This has occasioned my writing the
enclosed to your son, which I leave open for your perusal,
and desire the favor of your delivering it to him. I expect
that you on recollection may remember the substance of
what I write. I am very desirous, that a proper redress be
made, in a manner the least disagreeable to your son, and
I desire your assistance for that purpose. You know, some
persons may with some kind of satisfaction suffer this
calumny to pass, though they really know the truth, and
may likewise be as well pleased to have your son’s vera-
city, as an historian, called openly in question. Please to let
me know your thoughts freely on the subject. I expect it
from the friendship which has long subsisted between us,
and you will thereby likewise oblige
Sir, your most obedient,
CADWALLADER COLDEN.
To the Hon. William Smith, Esq.
II.
LETTER FROM CADWALLADER COLDEN TO WILLIAM SMITH, Jr.
Flushing, Jan. 15, 1759.
Sir :
I did not see your History of New York till last week.
The account you give, (page 179 of that History,) of the
transactions between the Government of New York and
Captain Laughlin Campbell* is in every circumstance a198
SMITH, THE HISTORIAN,
misrepresentation of facts. It is, in the principal part,
absolutely false, and an egregious calumny of the persons,
who at that time had the administration of Government in
their hands.
It is now about twenty years since that affair happened.
Many of the circumstances I cannot with sufficient cer-
tainty recollect; and it is probable, that none who were
not immediately concerned in that affair, can at this time
remember them. I shall content myself, therefore, with
giving you a summary account of that affair, so far as, I
doubt not, can be proved by living evidence.
It is true, that Captain Campbell imported a number of
families from Scotland, a great part of which, (I believe
the greatest,) had paid their own passages, and were at
liberty to dispose of themselves, after they arrived in Amer-
ica, as they thought fit. The others were bound by inden-
tures to Captain Campbell, to serve him or his assigns some
certain number of years, in consideration of the expense of
transporting them to America; or under some other obli-
gation to repay that expense with a profit to him. Soon
after their arrival, Captain Campbell presented a petition
to Lieutenant Governor Clarke in council, setting forth, in
substance, (so far as I can remember,) that he had imported
some certain number (which I have forgot) of families, or
persons, in order to cultivate or improve some part of the
vacant lands of this province, and prayed the grant of a
large tract of land (probably 30,000 acres, as you men-
tioned) to him, his heirs and assigns, in order to settle
thereon those families and persons which he had imported
for its cultivation and improvement. This petition and the
import of it, became immediately the subject of common
discourse in the town. Whereupon the persons who came
with Captain Campbell, and had paid their own passages,
met together in companies, in the streets, where they loudly
exclaimed against it; saying they had left Scotland to free
themselves from the vassalage they were under to their
Lords there, and they would not become vassals to Laugh-
lin Campbell, in America. The Governor being informed
of this, ordered these persons to be called together, and
to be interrogated on this head. They jointly and sev-
erally, to a man, declared they would not become tenants
to Laughlin Campbell. It being, likewise, doubted, whether
Captain Campbell was in capacity to settle a sufficient
number of persons, to have so large a tract of land culti-
vated pursuant to the directions in the King’s instructions ;AND GOVERNOR COLDEN.
199
he said that as his settling on the frontiers towards Canada,
would be a considerable additional defence of the province,
he expected that the Assembly would bear the charge of
supporting the families that were to settle upon it, till they
could support themselves by their own labor, and that he
had, or would, present a petition for that purpose. The
Assembly, knowing the aversion which the people who
came over with Captain Campbell had to him, for it was
notorious, did not enter on the consideration of his petition;
and I firmly believe that he gave in no other petitions to
the Assembly.
These transactions were public, and the subject of com-
mon discourse, yet I never heard Mr. Clarke, or any other
person in the administration, blamed at that time by any
indifferent person, on account of Captain Campbell’s peti-
tion, that it was not granted*
This being the state of the case, I leave it to you to say
whether Lieutenant Governor Clarke could, consistently
with the trust reposed in him, grant 30,000 acres of land
to Laughlin Campbell; or whether it would not have been
a lasting obstruction to the settlement of the frontiers, to
grant 30,000 acres of land there to any person, who was in
no capacity to settle and improve so great a tract. I like-
wise leave it to others, who are better acquainted with
Captain Campbell’s character than you are, to say whether
it be in the least probable that Captain Campbell would
have refused a share, in that grant, to any person who had
influence, to procure it for him, under color of the preten-
sions which he made.
Captain Campbell might have had 2000 acres of land for
himself on the frontiers, and the others quantities in pro-
portion to their abilities, but they chose to settle on the in-
habited part of the country. In short, Captain Campbell
had conceived hopes of erecting a lordship for himself in
America. He imagined that the people, whom he enticed
over with him, would'have become bis tenants on condition
of being supported till they could maintain themselves and
an easy rent afterwards. His disappointment came from
these people obstinately refusing to become his tenants on
any terms, and from the Assembly’s being unwilling to sup-
port them, at the expense of the people of this province,
and not from Mr. Clarke’s refusing them land; for they might
have had it as before mentioned, but none of them were
willing or in ability to make settlements on the frontiers.
So fhr as I know, this story, which you tell, was not prop-soo
SMITH, THE HISTORIAN,
agated till since Captain Campbell's death, at a distance of
time when these transactions are forgotten by people who
had no concern in them; and were propagated byxhis fam-
ily, after they were reduced to distress by his misconduct,
in order to move the compassion of some persons who had
it in their power to advance them; and they have suc-
ceeded. As these stories were only propagated in private,
it was not easy to take public notice of them; but now
that you have published this calumny in Europe and Amer-
ica, a public redress is become necessary.
This public defamation being an egregious injury to the
public faith and honor of the Government of New York, you
know the proper method for redress that may be taken.
But as I think that your writing this and publishing of it,
has only arisen from your credulity in some, who do not de-
serve the confidence you placed in their veracity, and from
a generous indignation at what you thought a base breach
of trust in the Lieutenant Governor and others, I shall at
present leave it to you to propose what you think may be
an adequate redress of so public an injury.
No doubt several of the persons who came over with
Captain Campbell, and were not servants, are still alive ;
from them you may learn the truth of the principal facts
which I now affirm. Perhaps some of them may now live
in the city. I have forgotten all their names except one
Montgomerie, brother-in-law to Captain Campbell, who
lately lived at Cackeyat. I shall expect your answer with-
out delay, and that thereby the opinion will be confirmed
of your sincerity and integrity, which has been hitherto
entertained by
Sir, your most humble servant,
CADWALLADER COLDEN.
To William Smith, Jun. Esq.
III.
New York, Jan. 31, 1759.
Sir :
*####*# i delivered the letter enclosed to me as di-
rected. I remember something of that affair, but as not
less than four gentlemen were concerned, cannot tell in
particular on whom the censure fell. But know that the
common opinion concurred with what is written. Public
acts are always subject to public judgment; and what
every body is concerned in, every one thinks he has a rightAND GOVERNOR COLDEN.
201
to give his opinion upon. As this case is circumstanced, I
choose to suspend mine. When your letter was read, I
perceived it gave offence. I urged an answer, and obtained
a promise, but suspect from what I observed, that it will be
with some resentment. I beg that you will consider it as
a certain truth, Quod Filii mei ex Ephebis excessi togam
virilem statim arripuint; they feel an independence, and
cease to be any longer accountable for their conduct. I
foresee a storm. “ Hoc Ithacus velit.”----And perhaps it
may be impar Congressus, on the younger side.
I remember that in the time of Mr. Cosby, a gentleman
whom we well knew was attacked in what was esteemed
a weak part. We that were his friends, judged it proper
that he should answer it; he smiled and said, I am not
named ; the censure is not applicable to me ; and upon con-
sidering the matter, we judged that he acted wisely, in neg-
lecting the censure.
For my part, I think, according to the old oracle, * That
the beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water” The
simile is beautiful. A hole pierced in a milldam, by the
incumbent pressure will soon grow larger. Hence the ad-
vice, “ Leave off contention before it be meddled with” These
are the best sentiments that I can suggest, in an affair
which as to me is of so much delicacy.
I am, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant,
WM. SMITH.
The Hon. Cadwallader Colden, Esq.
IV.
LETTER FROM WILLIAM SMITH, Jr. TO CADWALLADER COLDEN.
New York, Feb. 1, 1759.
Sir :
Your letter of the 15th January, which came to me un-
sealed, contains such a heavy charge of misrepresentation,
falsehood and calumny, that I am almost inclined to think
myself relieved from the obligation, which your age, rank,
character, and particularly your professed friendship to my
father, would otherwise, undoubtedly, have laid me under,
to take notice of every thing, wherein you might conceive
yourself in the least degree concerned. However, since
your papers may, after your decease, fall into such hands,
SECOND SERIES, VOL. II.	14202
SMITH, THE HISTORIAN,
as may make a bad use of that letter, I thought proper not
to leave it to pass entirely unanswered.
In historical accounts, it is scarce possible to avoid mis-
takes. As the memory of them, so the proofs relating to
facts, ordinarily decrease in proportion to our removes from
the period of action. All, therefore, that can be done, is to
make use of the best lights that offer, and to permit nothing
to slide into a work, unsupported by the best evidence
which the nature of the thing will admit. He that writes
under these guards, will escape all just censure, even
though he should happen to err; and yet every man has a
right to correct him, if it be done with decency and candor.
But an abrupt intrusion upon him, with an angry accusa-
tion, unhappily defeats the very design of the corrector, by
rendering his disinterestedness suspected; the unbiassed
advocate for truth being generally calm and unruffled.
My meaning, sir, is this: that the first attack ought not to
be in such terms as these: “ Your account is in every cir-
cumstance a misrepresentation. It is in the principal part
absolutely false, and an egregious calumny of the persons
who had the administration of Government in their hands.”
Nor ought a threat to be so much as insinuated, because it
presupposes the person reproved, to have no other principle
or passion to be wrought upon, than fear, the most das-
tardly and abject of all passions.
From this recrimination, I would not have you under-
stand, sir, that I believe the passage against which you ex-
cept, is false and scandalous. If that was the case, free, as
I am, from the least consciousness of a design, wilfully to
misrepresent any gentleman’s conduct in Captain Camp-
bell’s affair, I should think myself bound by the most sacred
ties, to retract what I have written, and make immediate
reparation. And though the commencement of our cor-
respondence, may incline you to imagine me to be not very
much under your influence, I beg you’ll take my promise,
that I will hear any evidence you are inclined to offer,
in support of your charge; and if it is sufficient, I will in-
stantly expunge the guilty passage, against which you com-
plain.
In my own vindication, give me leave to add, sir, the oc-
casion of its insertion, the authority upon which it was
founded, and my motives for publishing that part of the
narrative.
I remember to have seen Captain Campbell when I was
a boy, and perhaps his Highland dress, which was then aAND GOVERNOR COLDEN.
203
novelty in the country, might at that age have made the
impression the deeper, and attracted my attention to the
general conversation about him and his affairs. When I
drew near the close of the detail of our public transac-
tions, and observed from the Minutes of Council, which I
perused, our inattention to the French encroachments at
Crown Point, Campbell’s project of settling the lands above
Saratoga, on the Wood creek, started into mind, and I be-
came anxious to know, why a design, which seemed to me
a very proper and salutary remedy to the late misstep, was
rendered abortive. I consulted public fame and tradition,*
and they warranted in the main what you see I have since
written; but choosing, in a matter of that importance, to
found myself on further authority, I sent for one of Captain
Campbell’s sons, and desired him on the next visit to his
mother, who then lived in your neighborhood in the high-
lands, to set down, from her own mouth, in writing, all she
could remember about the matter, and to give me a sight
of the papers which her husband had left behind him at his
decease. He did so, and I found the vulgar accounts still
farther confirmed. This last, indeed, was the evidence of
a party interested ; but that no stone might be left unturned
to come at the truth, I in the next place took occasion to
converse more than once with Mr. Alexander upon this
subject, a gentleman of his Majesty’s Council, famed for
his good memory, clear judgment and minute attention to«
the course of our public affairs, and to whose testimony,,
whether we consider his opportunities to know the truth, or
integrity in the relation of it, you, I am persuaded, will be
the last of all men to object. In these conferences, I re-
lated to him what I had collected relating to Campbell’s
disappointments, and their causes, and told him of my de-
sign to make a public use of the story. He seemed to know
it well, and expressed himself with that ready indignation,,
which usually accompanies a strong remembrance of an
injurious, wrong measure, for he immediately said, the ob-
structions given to Captain Campbell were scandalous ; and
then added some further particulars of information on that
head.
By these accumulated proofs, I had no reason to doubt
the main facts, of which, for the greater safety, I chose,
nevertheless, to draw up only a general relation. I have
since frequently mentioned Campbell’s sufferings, in acci-
dental companies of the best sort, and as I never, till the
receipt of your letter, found the account I gave, drawn into*204
SMITH, THE HISTORIAN,
question, I am apt to believe that no one has imposed upon
my credulity; that the facts are notoriously true ; and that
the authors of Captain Campbell’s misfortunes, whoever
they were, sensible of their guilt, hid their heads in silence,
not daring to contradict or oppose, what was once gener-
ally known, and still is believed to be true.
Among my inducements for publishing that anecdote,
which offends you so much, I need only to mention, that it
wras partly for the sake of historical truth, and partly to
call up the public attention to a similar project, should any
one be hereafter attempted. But principally to spread the
compassionate emotions I felt in my own breast, and to
keep up the claim of the widow and children of that loyal,
unfortunate adventurer, to the special regards of the pub-
lic. I am glad to hear, that three of his sons are now in
his Majesty’s service, preferred upon the score of their
father’s misfortunes, and in a condition to support their
mother, who, without the help of her children, through a
train of adversities, would, if I am not very much misin-
formed, soon be obliged to depend upon the cold charity of
mere strangers.
Upon the receipt of your letter, I took some pains to get
a second perusal of Captain Campbell’s papers, among
which I saw Governor Cosby’s proclamation, and I think
Mr. Clarke’s advertisement. And when they come to hand,
I believe it will be very easy from them, and the examina-
tions which I have now hopes of obtaining, to establish
what I have ventured to relate beyond all possible doubt.
It affords me one of the greatest pleasures of my life to re-
flect, that the present ease of that poor lady (for she is a
well bred woman) is in some measure owing to me; and
rsinee the truth of the paragraph you dislike, may be the
next, as she conceives it to have been the first step, in the
ladder of her son’s preferments in the army, I shall not be
very forward to erase it, without full proof of the allegations
contained in your letter, the burthen of which lies upon
you; but when that comes, whether by your means, or upon
my own discovery, out of a single eye to truth and justice, I
shall act such a part as will confirm the opinion you do me
the honor to entertain, of the sincerity and integrity of
Sir, your most obedient
humble servant,
WM. SMITH, Jr.
The Hon. Cadwallader Golden, Esq.AND GOVERNOR COLDEN.
205
V.
LETTER FROM CADWALLADER COLDEN TO WILLIAM SMITH, Jr
Flushing, Feb. 17, 1759.
Sir:
I shall return no answer to the greatest part of your let-
ter of the first of this month, which I received on the 9th,
because the doing it would lead me from my purpose.
However much the style of your letter may become you, it
does not become me to make a return to it. At my time of
life, it is highly imprudent to enter into any kind of con-
tention. I am only desirous to have my character freed
from a vile aspersion, privately propagated, to which the
publication of your History gives great force. I enclosed
my letter open to your father, in hopes that his friendship
would prevent indecent warmth on both sides, and with
this view 1 shall enclose this in the same manner.
In a private letter to yourself, I charged you with too
much credulity in believing a misrepresentation of facts,
and a falsehood, on the evidence of persons interested, and
of publishing them to the world. 1 pointed out to you the
means by which you may be informed of the truth. I ex-
pected from your candor that you would take some pains
to inquire, and that if you found it as I represented, you
would make what proper redress is in your power to those
persons, whose characters are injured by that publication.
I affirmed, 1. That the heads of families who came over
with Captain Campbell, absolutely refused to settle under
him on the frontiers, and were not in ability to settle by
themselves. Several of them are still alive ; some of them
I am told, are in the city. The truth of this may be known
from them. 2. That Captain Campbell was in no ability
to settle 30,000 acres of land. The truth of this may like-
wise be known from the same persons, who came over with
him, and appears by the difficulties he was under in set-
tling a small farm in Ulster county. 3. That when Cap-
tain Campbell applied to the Assembty for their assistance
to support him in settling, they would not grant it. I ex-
pect some who were members at that time, may remember
it. If these things be as I affirm, I leave it to you to say
whether Mr. Clarke could, consistently with the trust re-206
SMITH, THE HISTORIAN,
posed in him, grant 30,000 acres of land to Captain Camp-
bell, and whether the granting of it, under these circum-
stances, could have been of any additional security to the
frontiers.
I repeat these plain simple facts, on which the dispute
between you and me depends, and I shall now add that, at
that time, I wrote only from memory. Since that time, the
minutes of the Council in Captain Campbell's affair, and the
files, have been inspected. There you will find many cir-
cumstances which had escaped my memory, in confirma-
tion of what I have wrote to you. I believed you had been
deceived, otherwise I had never given you the trouble of a
single line. You have now living and written evidence
pointed out to you, for your information. I gave you, and
now again give you, an opportunity of showing your can-
dor and love of truth, the most distinguishing qualifications
of an historian ; and I again give you an opportunity to
make redress, where you have undesignedly injured others.
By this method, I think I act most consistently with the
friendship, which has subsisted between your father and
me, and with some regard to your character; for, with all
the strength of evidence which can be produced, you know
that other methods might have been taken.
As Mr. Alexander’s memory is very dear to me, I cannot
entirely pass what you write as from him. On recollec-
tion, you will find, that Mr. Alexander was not in the Coun-
cil at that time. After near twenty years distance in time,
Mr. Alexander may have entirely forgotten the circum-
stances of an affair, in which he was in no manner con-
cerned, and he may have unwarily believed, as you and
many others have, after such a distance of time, in a tale,
privately propagated, to serve a private purpose ; but this
makes it the more necessary that the truth appear. I wil-
lingly receive what you have written in excuse ; and as I
desire nothing of you inconsistent with the strict rules of
honor, I remain confident that your answer will show your
resolution to make a proper redress, and thereby confirm
the opinion entertained of you, by
Sir, your obedient servant,
CADWALLADER COLDEN,
To William Smith, Jun., Esq.AND GOVERNOR GOLDEN.
207
VI.
LETTER FROM CADWALLADER COLDEN TO WILLIAM SMITH.
Flushing, Feb. 19, 1759.
Sir :
1 have your favor of the last of January, and am obliged
to you for your advice. I received at the same time a let-
ter from your son, the answer to which I enclose. You
may be assured, that I shall avoid contention of any kind
at my time of life, and I have that opinion of your son’s
candor, that I cannot apprehend any on this occasion, after
the first impression is over, and he has had time to reflect.
However, he cannot excuse the not taking what informa-
tion he could from the Secretary’s office, before he had pub-
lished ; for if he had, any trouble which I now give would
have been prevented. The pointing out to him the evi-
dence, and where to be found, shows that I have no thoughts
of entering into a dispute to his prejudice.
I find by the Governor’s speech, that the settling the fron-
tiers is to come under consideration at this time. It is not
improbable that this story may be made use of on this oc-
casion to my prejudice. I am confident you will not per-
mit it, where you can prevent it; and I expect you will be
well pleased to make use of the opportunity, if it offers,
in vindication of,
Sir, your most obedient servant,
CADWALLADER COLDEN.
To the Hon. William Smith, Esq.
VII.
To the Honorable George Clarke, Esq., Lieutenant Governor
of the Province of New York and Territories thereon de-
pending, in America, in Council.
The humble petition of Laughlin Campbell, gentleman,
in behalf of himself and sundry Protestant families, lately
arrived into this Province of New York, from North Brit-
ain—showeth,
That whereas his late Excellency, William Cosby, Esq.
Captain General in Chief of the said province of New208
SMITH, THE HISTORIAN,
York, and seven of the gentlemen of his Majesty’s Council
for the said Province, in council, at Fort George, in said
Province, did issue forth a certain advertisement, notice, or
proclamation, and caused, (dated the 5th of November,
1734,) the same to be printed, setting forth that whereas
several large tracts of good and profitable lands within the
said Province of New York, in North America, did remain
uncultivated and unimproved, by reason that no grants for
the same have been made by his present Majesty or any of
his royal predecessors ; thereby inviting and giving notice
that if any persons from Europe be desirous to settle them-
selves or families and be at the expense of transporting
themselves from thence to New York, in America, every
such family should receive his Majesty’s royal grant for
two hundred acres of vacant and unimproved lands, and
that the said lands were purchased from the Indians for
such families without any charge or expense to the intended
grantees; and that they should be at liberty to take up the
said lands in said proportion either in one or more tracts,
and by one or more grants, as the heads of such families
should think proper. Provided, that from the time such
families, who shall first arrive here and shall apply them-
selves to the Governor in Council for such grant or grants,
and shall have their proportion of the lands aforesaid laid
out to them, that then such others as shall next arrive
should have their share or proportion laid out next and
adjoining to the first settlement made in such vacant lands,
otherwise in such near part adjacent as will afford a com-
fortable support to the settlers, until the full quantity of
one hundred thousand acres be granted and laid out; and
that the grants to the said persons be made without fee or
reward, except only that such settlers are to be at the
charge of laying out and surveying the same, &c. to be
granted to them under the quitrent of £0 1 sterling.
And whereas the said advertisement doth further set forth,
that the said lands are near to a navigable river, conven-
ient for transportation of goods to and from a considerable
town, where there is a constant market for the sale thereof,
reference unto the said public printed advertisement and
the minutes of this honorable board being had, to which
your petitioner doth refer himself, it doth more fully appear;
and whereas your petitioner, relying on the faith and encour-
agement of this Government in the said above recited pub-
lic printed advertisement, offered and promised at sundry
times, to wit, in August last, 1737, arrived here withAND GOVERNOR COLDEN.
209
sundry persons, and more particularly in 7her, 1738, he
caused not only his own family to be transported from
North Britain, but also sundry other persons to the number
of 153, and in this last August, 1739, he brought from the
same place into this Province 180 passengers, among whom
are seventy families, being Protestants ; and whereas your
said petitioner has not only been at great charge and ex-
pense, in transporting and bringing into this Province the
said persons and families, but has also undergone several
inconveniences and hardships, all which, your petitioner
is ready to verify and prove.
Therefore, your petitioner most humbly prayeth, that so
much of the lands in the said advertisement mentioned,
may be laid out, and surveyed, and granted to your peti-
tioner, as head of the seventy families, in proportion to
their number pursuant, agreeable to the condition, savings,
and with the advantages in the said advertisement, as to
your honor by and with the advice of the gentlemen of his
Majesty’s Council, shall seem meet; and your petitioner* as
in duty bound, shall ever pray.
LAUGHLIN CAMPBELL.
New York, November 27, in the nineteenth year of his
Majesty’s reign, Annoque Dom. 1739.
The petitioner humbly prays, that, whereas he intends
in a few days to depart this Province for Great Britain, his
necessary business calling him there, humbly prays an an-
swer to this his petition in a day or two, or as soon as con-
veniently may be.
LAUGHLIN CAMPBELL.
VIII.
To the Honorable George Clarke, Esq. Lieutenant Governor
and Commander-in-chief of the Province of New York and
Territories thereon depending in America, <^c. in Councils
The petition of Laughlin Campbell, on behalf of himself
and others—humbly showeth, that pursuant to the encour-
agement given by his late Excellency William Cosby, Esq.,
late Governor of this Province, and Council, and after-
wards by your honor, your petitioner, Laughlin Campbell,
at very great expense and hazard, did in the year 1738,
transport himself and family, together with thirty familiesSMITH, THE HISTORIAN,
210
more, consisting of 153 persons, being all Protestants, from
North Britain to this Province.
And in the month of August in the year 1739, your peti-
tioner did also (at a very great expense, on the aforesaid
encouragement) transport from North Britain aforesaid to
this Province, forty-one families more, consisting of 180
persons, who are also Protestants.
That in the month of November last, your petitioner, at
a further great expense, did transport and bring into this
Province from North Britain aforesaid, twelve more Pro-
testant families, which consist of 94 persons.
That your petitioner, since his arrival in this Province,
has been at a very great expense in supporting many of
the persons so by him brought over, besides the charge of
their transportation aforesaid.
That since your petitioner’s arrival here, he has not ob-
tained any grant of lands, either for himself or any of the
families or persons so by him brought over.
That the settlement of your petitioner and families so by
him brought over, upon the lands so proposed to be settled
by the late Governor Cosby and your Honor and Council,
will not only encourage many other Protestant families to
come over and settle there, but will also be a good barrier
and safeguard to all those already settled in the county of
Albany, and to the whole Province.
Your petitioner, therefore, most humbly prays your honors
to grant to your petitioner and persons by him brought over,
in fee simple, his Majesty’s letters patent, under the great
seal of this Province, for one hundred thousand acres of
vacant and unpatented lands, in the county of Albany, pro-
posed to be granted to Protestant families as aforesaid, next
adjoining to the lands already patented, under such moder-
ate quitrents,- reservations, and provisos as other lands are
usually granted in this Province, but free of all other
charges and expense, agreeable to the aforesaid encour-
agement, and your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever
pray, &c.
LAUGHLIN CAMPBELL.
April 15, 1741.			
Laughlin Campbell,	2000	Rose Campbell,	2000
Daniel Campbell,	2000	Margaret Campbell,	2000
George Campbell,	2000	Lillie Campbell,	2000
James Campbell,	2000	James Henderson,	2000AND GOVERNOR COLDEX.
211
John Mclver,	2000
Anthony Duane,	2000
John Nickoll,	2000
Robert Livingston, Jr. 2000
Peter V. Brugh Living-
ston,	2000
John Grusbeck,	2000
Thomas Bohanna, 2000
Neil Campbell,	2000
Edward Graham, 2000
Laughlin McLean, 2000
John McCunnell, 2000
Duncan McCollum, 2000
Alexander Campbell, 2000
Archibald McGowen, 2000
Mallcollum McGowen, 2000
Alexander Campbell, 2000
Patrick Green,	2000
William Adair,	2000
Alex. Montgomerie,	2000
Ronald McDougaid,	2000
Duncan Campbell,	2000
Robert Fraser,	2000
Charles McKellan,	1000
Arch’d McKellan,	1000
Arch’d Johnston,	1000
John Shaw,	1000
Donald Shaw,	1000
Arch’d McDougaid,	1000
John Smith,	1000
Malcolm Smith,	1000
Donald McCloud,	1000
Arch’d McDuffie,	1000
James Nutt,	1000
Alex. Graham,	1000
Duncan Gilchrist,	1000
Alex. McNaught,	2000
James Campbell,	1000
Alex. Gillis, 1
Duncan Taylor, >	1000
James Gillis, ;
Patrick McArthur,	1000
Neil McArthur,	1000
Duncan A. McArthur,	1000
Duncan McDougaid,	2000
Allan McDougaid,	2000
Donald McMullen,	500
John Parker,	2000
John McQuarie,	1000
Patrick Anderson,	1000
Hugh McDougaid,	1000
Mullcollum McDuffie,	1000
Duncan Reede,	1000
IX.
The Report of the Committee to whom the Petition of Laugh-
tin Campbell was referred.
In pursuance of an order of Council, referring to us the
petition of Laughlin Campbell, the Committee having read
and considered thereof, proceeded to examine the petitioner
as to the first allegation of his petition, who did confess
that from North Britain he arrived first in the year 1737,
in Pennsylvania, where, upon inquiring concerning the
terms on which he could obtain grants of lands in that
Province, he found that they were rated at £15 per hun-
dred, besides officers’ fees for the grant and quitrent, &c.
That then in the same year he came to this Province, to
make inquiry concerning the terms on which he could get212
SMITH, THE HISTORIAN,
lands granted here, and on discoursing thereupon with the
Governor and Surveyor General, he was informed 100,000
acres advertised in the time of the late Governor Cosby, to
be granted to any Protestant that should come over to set-
tle, in pursuance of that advertisement and encouragement
therein, were then already granted; but that they would
engage that the petitioner should have lands granted here
at the rate of £3 per hundred, inclusive of the charges of
Indian purchase, survey, and all officers’ fees and other ex-
penses.
The petitioner did likewise further confess, that after this
he took a journey to Maryland, to inquire upon what terms
he could obtain grants of land in that Province.
But at last did determine to transport a number of fam-
ilies into this Province, upon the encouragement of the fore-
going discourse with the Governor and Surveyor General.
Accordingly, in the year 1738, he brought over thirty fam-
ilies. Whereupon the proposals in a printed paper, pro-
duced to the said Committee, whereof a true copy is here-
unto annexed, were made to the petitioner by his honor the
present Governor.
The petitioner did likewise further confess, that after his
said arrival, he was offered a grant of 19,000 acres, free of
all fees, except survey and quitrent, which the Committee
finds the petitioner neglected to take.
That afterwards, he returned to Europe, and in August,
1739, brought over fort}'-one families more (as in second
suggestion in his petition) several of which have left him
without paying their passage; that some have paid, but
that all the said families were bound for the payment
thereof.
It appears to this Committee, that on the 17th October,
1733, a petition from Alexander Montgomerie, Alexander
NacNaught, Peter McArthur, and Daniel Carmichael, in
behalf of themselves and twenty-six other heads of families,
praying 7200 acres of land; also a petition from John Mc-
Neal, lor 1000 acres of land; and a petition from Ronald
Campbell, for 1000 acres (the said petitioners being all of
them persons brought over by the said Campbell,) were
presented in Council, and the Council advised the granting
the prayer thereof. But the petitioners neglected to pro-
ceed further thereon. Since which time, it does not appear
to this Committee, that any further application has been
made by the petitioner, or any persons brought over by him,
to the Governor and Council on such accountAND GOVERNOR GOLDEN.
213
The Committee observes that in the list annexed to this
petition, there are inserted the names of several persons for
2000 acres each, whom this Committee well know to have
resided long in this Province before the petitioner ever
transported any person hither, or came himself into this
Province.
The Committee observes further, that in the said list an-
nexed to the said petition, that there are thirty-four person^
nominated for 2000 acres each, and twenty-three persons
for 1000 acres each, and only one for 500 acres. Whereas,
as this Committee conceives, it was the intention of the
Government to grant to each family, at the rate of about
fifty acres for each person therein.
Upon the whole, it is the opinion of the Committee, that
the allegations in the said petition contained, with regard
to any expectation concerning the 100,000 acres advertised
in Governor Cosby’s time, or with respect to any discourage-
ment that the petitioner, or any others brought from North
Britain hither, have received from the Government, are
false and groundless.
However, that when proper application shall be made to
the Government by the petitioner, or the persons already
brought over, or that shall hereafter be brought over, by
him, all due encouragement should be given to their settle-
ment in this Province, upon their giving satisfactory assur-
ance, that they will immediately after a grant passed, enter
upon and settle the lands.
All of which is humbly submitted, by order of the Com-
mittee.
DANIEL HORSMANDEN, Chairman.
New York, April 18,1741.
X.
[ADVERTISEMENT.]
Encouragement given for People to remove and settle in the
Province of New York, America.
The Honorable George Clarke, Esq., Lieutenant Governor
and Commander-in-chief of the Province of New York,
hath, upon the petition of Mr. Laughlin Campbell, from
Isla, North Britain, promised to grant him thirty thousand
acres of land, at the Wood Creek, free of all charges ex-214 SMITH, THE HISTORIAN, AND GOVERNOR COLDEN. ,
cepting the survey and the King’s quitrent, which is about
one shilling and nine pence farthing sterling, for each hun-
dred acres; and also to grant to thirty families already
landed here, lands in proportion to each family, from five
hundred acres unto one hundred and fifty, only paying the
survey and the King’s quitrent; and all Protestants, that
incline to come and settle in this colony, may have lands
granted them from the Crown, for three pounds sterling per
hundred acres, and paying the yearly quitrent.
GEORGE CLARKE.
Dated in New York, this 4th day of December, 1738.