ContributloriB to Bbucatfon ZTeacbere Collesc Serlee Miiacn. Jfew fork BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE GIFT OF HENRY W. SAGE 1891 rt9t !"■ A f S- # 3H0 AUG 6 1949 R ^7' ']^Rfi 1. ;^ I97UV1 P Cornell University Library LA337 .K32 The support of schools In colonial New Y olin 3 1924 030 559 334 The original of tiiis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030559334 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts By WILLIAM WEBB KEMP, Ph.D. PROFESSOB OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITT OF MONTANA; SOMETIME FELU)W IN EDUCATION, TEACHEBa COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION, No. 66 PUBLISHED BY Sear^rra ffinlUge, ffi0tinubia Uniuttatg NEW YORK CITY 1913 / k3 X THE SOCIETY'S SEAL "The Society for Propagating the Gospel is the brightest light shining in the candlestick of the Eeformation." (Hon. Rufus King, quoted by Bolton.) Copyright, 1913 By William Webb Kemp PREFACE This monograph represents primarily an attempt to describe the work of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, in behalf of elementary instruction in the province of New York. The writer has included, however, such evidences of secondary instruction by the Society's agents as have been foimd among the available records; and the evidences of other schools in the province, as these were from time to time reported by the S. P. G. schoobnasters. The Negro school carried on by the Bray Associates in New York City has been included also because of the very close alliance between their activity and that of the Society. The sources for the study have been found almost entirely in various London archives. This material, the writer feels, has been exhaustively reviewed. American sources, for the most part, refer back to the London records, but both these and other available local sources have been examined. Attention should be called to certain peculiarities in the page references to some of the volumes of the S. P. G. manuscripts. This is because the paging is irregular. For instance, "S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (10)" indicates the second part of that volume. Again, "Letter-book A, 9, 7 fol. 97" is so written because the volume is divided into fifteen sections, the New York part be- ginning at fol. 97. The above reference would indicate the seventh letter in the New York section. In the preparation of material the writer hereby acknowledges the generosity of the following: His Grace, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and His Lordship, the Bishop of London, for the privilege of research among the archives of Lambeth and Fulham Palaces; C. F. Pascoe, Esq., Keeper of the Records and Secre- tary of the S. P. G-, for his many courtesies and cordial encour- agement; the secretaries in charge of the records of the S. P. C. K.; the officials of Sion College Library; the Rev. Wm. T. Man- iii iv Preface ning and Vestry of Trinity Church, New York City; and the Rev. R. T. Henshaw and Vestry of Christ's Church, Rye. To Dr. Paul Monroe and Dr. W. H. Kilpatrick there is due especial gratitude for their scholarly guidance; and to Dr. F. P. Graves, for his generous help in reviewing the manuscript. Teachers College, New York, August, 1913 CONTENTS PART I GENERAL INTRODUCTION 7BAFTEB PAGE I. Events Pbecedinq the Pounding of the S. P. G 1 The low ebb of education and morals in the later seventeenth century. — The religious society movement. — Religious and educational awakening of the Church of England at home and in the colonies. — Earlier steps taken for planting a colonial Church. — Jurisdiction of the Bishop of London in the colonies. — The Society for mission work among the Indians of New Eng- land. — The work of Rev. Thos. Bray in behalf of the colonies. — The organizing of the S. P. C. K. — the organizing of the S. P. G. — Founding of the Bray Associates. II. The Work op the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 16 The founders. — Cooperation of rehgious and educational leaders on the continent including Professor Francke of Halle. — General purposes of the S. P. C. K. — Their work in behalf of sailors, — in behalf of prisons. — Their interest in the Georgia emigrants. — The estabhshment of charity-schools. — Forms of subscription. — Appeal to the nation in the interest of charity children. — Some records of their schools.— Spread of the move- ment as a result of the Society's work. — Cost per pupil, boys, — cost per pupil, girls. — Supervision of the schools. — Qualifica- tions required of a master.— School hours. — Curriculum. — Society supplies books. — Lists of books for masters of schools, — for pupils. — Society's educational plans for colonies adopted by the S. P. G. III. The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G 28 Charter provisions. — Membership. — Aims. — Powers. — Funds and the sources of the same. — The various fields of the Society's work. — Extent of missions estabUshed in the thirteen colonies. — Sectarian controversies as obstacles to the Society's activities, — in New England, — in the middle colonies, — in the southern colonies. — The Whitefield inovement as a hindrance. — The failure to secure a resident American bishop. IV. The Society's Regulations Concerning Schoolmasters .... 54 Schoolmasters generally recruited in the colonies rather than in England. — Salaries of schoolmasters. — Col. Heathcote's plan for employing masters. — The design to engage the coopera- tion of the colonists in supporting schools, with ultimate colo- nial self-support in view. — Requirements of missionaries as to the encouragement of instruction. — Instructions for school- masters employed by the Society, — as to subjects of instruction, — as to regularity of attendance, — as to teaching prayers and vi Contents graces, — as to pupils' attendance at Church services, — as to manners and conduct of pupils, — as to consulting missionaries regarding methods, — as to sending accounts to the Society. — Special reports, Notitia Scholastica, adopted 1738. — Addi- tional regulations for schoolmasters as to personal require- ments, etc. — To what extent schoolmasters /fulfilled the So- ciety's requirements. — Channels of information about schools, other than schoolmasters' reports. — The special school com- mittee of 1742 and its possible status. PART II THE SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS IN THE COLONY OF NEW YORK V. Intkodtjctokt i . 63 Status of the colonial Church at the advent of the S. P. G. — Religious and intellectual conditions. — Status of education and the attitude towards it.— Eifect of rival sects on the progress of schools. — Provision of the colony for education, following EngUsh occupation. — Licensing of teachers. — Proposal of 1691 — Grammar Free School act of 1702.' — Grammar school opened by George Muirson. — Muirson succeeded by Andrew Clarke. — Public School act of 1732. — The school under Alex- ander Malcolm. — The grammar school of Robert Jenney. — The grammar school of Bang's College. — Evidences of gram- mar schools in New York City between 1741 and 1762. — Gov- ernmental indifference towards elenjentary education. — Gen- eral unstable conditions of school-keeping, ahaat 170|7. — Eng- lish schools in the province about 1708 as reported by Wm. Huddleston. — Elementary schools in New York City 1741- 1762, as shown by reports of S. P. G. schoolmasters. VI. The Society's Charity School in the City of New York .... 80 S. P. G. support begins in 1706. — WiUiam Huddleston first schoolmaster. — Teaching in New York as early as 1689. — Voted annual salary by S. P. G. in 1709. — Question of the date of the founding of Trinity school. — Steps leading to the adop- tion of the Huddleston school by the Society. — Huddleston's income from Society and Trinity Church. — His school becomes entirely free. — Inspection by city officials and minister. — First fist of pupils. — Statistics from Huddleston's reports. — Mrs. Huddleston as assistant. — S. P. G. supplies books. — Pro- visions for a schoolhouse. — Huddleston's pupils assigned seats in Trinity Church. — Thomas Huddleston succeeds to the school. — His remuneration. — Statistics and list of pupils. — Mrs. Huddleston in charge after her son's death. — Thomas Noxon appointed schoolmaster. — Trinity Vestry assumes formal in- terest in the school and appoints a permanent standing com- mittee to visit it. — Statistics from Noxon's reports. — Joseph Hildreth made schoolmaster. — His remuneration. — Activity of Trinity Church in the support and management of the school. — assumes charge of clothing and caring for children. — This work possible by (1) gift and bequests, (2) charity sermon collections. — Trinity Church builds a schoolhouse. — Statistics of the school from Hildreth's reports. — Assistant to Hildreth for instructing the girls. — Schoolhouse destroyed and rebuilt. — Second schoolhouse provided. — Interruption of school by events of 1776. — Destruction of two sohoolhouses. — Hildreth's school in the social life of the city. — Amos Bull succeeds Hil- dreth. — Progress of the school in spite of the war. — Alexander Street as schoolmaster. — Withdrawal of the Society's support. Contents yji VII. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester Countt. 122 The schools in the parish of Rye. — Col. Caleb Heathcote seta up a school at Rye. — Joseph Cleator appointed Society's school- master. — Remuneration. — His moving school later becomes fixed near the church. — Cleator's unfitness. — Statistics from his reports and lists of scholars. — SchooLhouse provided by himself with aid of town. — Samuel Purdy made schoolmaster. — Re- muneration. — Statistics. — Purdy irregular in serving school, employing substitute — Timothy Wetmore made schoolmaster. — His remuneration. — Statistics. — James Wetmore made assis- tant to Timothy — Dismissed for neglect. — Appointment of John Avery, John Rand and John Avery again. — Fre- quent changes due to better remuneration in other avoca- tions. — James Wetmore made schoolmaster. — Statistics. — School broken up by Rebels. — Richard Cudney S. P. G. school- master at Whiteplains. — Forced to desist for lack of encourage- ment. — School set up at North Castle, Flint Dwight master. — Indifference of inhabitants. — School removed to Whiteplains. — Schoolhouse built. — Statistics. — Secondary instruction in Rye parish by agents of Society. — Thomas Bradbury Chand- ler keeps a Latin school, 1747. — Latin school of Timothy Wet- more. — Rev. Mr. Avery's boarding Grammar school. The schools of Westchester parish. — Society offers to assist Yonkers. — Charles Glover appointed schoolmaster for West- chester. — William Forster succeeds Glover. — His remunera- tion. — Statistics. — ^Assistants to Forster. — Basil Bartow be- comes schoolmaster. — His remuneration. — Statistics. — Bar- tow employs an usher. — Bartow uses town schoolhouse. — Nathaniel Seabury made schoolmaster.— Statistics show de- chne of school. — George Youngs succeeds. — Statistics of his school. — After an interval George Gott appointed. — Society employs Samuel Jones at Miles Square for one year. — At- tempts to start schools at East Chester and New Rochelle. — Secondary instruction by Forster and by Rev. Samuel Seabury, missionary, in 1776. VIII. The Society's Support op Schools on Statbn Island 163 Three schoolmasters given bounties 1710. — Small schools. — After 1713 one school supported. — Charles Taylor school- master. — His remuneration. — His reports. — Succeeded by Andrew Wright. — Remuneration. — Few reports from him. — Nicholas Barrington, schoolmaster. — Remuneration. — Retires and Thomas Price appointed. — John Watts succeeds and is shortly followed by Tunis Egbert. — Meagre reports from these schoolmasters, but generally recommended by mis- sionaries. IX. The Society's Support or Schools on Long Island 173 The schools in Hempstead parish. — Missionary inaugurates school, 1707— Schoolhouse built — Thomas Gildersleve made first S. P. G. schoolmaster. — Remuneration. — Meagre reports. — Statistics. — IneflBciency. — Thomas Temple suc- ceeds .^-Statistics. — Decline of school. — S. P. G. withdraws sup- port. — William Leahy appointed to South of Hempstead. — Successful work. — Followed by John Leffert for part of a year. — Timothy Wetmore attempts a school for society during Revo- lution. — Secondary instruction offered in Hempstead by Rev. Samuel Seabury and by Rev. Leonard Cutting. — Denton ap- pointed schoolmaster at Oyster Bay. — Statistics. — Succeeded Viii Contents by Thomas Keble.— Statistics.— Reports of other schools.— 'Samuel Seabury, Jr., teaches at Oyster Bay.— James Wetmore reopens school at Oyster Bay.— Removed to Mosquito Cove. — ^The S. P. G. school in Jamaica.— Support of a school in Jamaica delayed.— Edward Willet appointed schoolmaster 1733.— Poor income.— Statistics.— Other schools.— Willet suc- ceeded by John Moore for about two years.— Support with- drawn about 1743.— Schools attempted at Southampton and Brookhaven. X. The Socibtt's Support of Schools in Upper Province 194 Proposals for schools among the Palatines. — Gratuities to the schoolmaster at Albany.— Encouragement given schools by the S. P. G. missionaries at Albany,— at Poughkeepsie.— Plans for setting up a school at Poughkeepsie. — S. P. G. "iter- est in elementary education in Schenectady.— The Latin school of Rev. WiUiam Andrews, — continued by Rev. John Doty, — revived by Rev. John Stuart. — S. P. G. school estabhshed at Johnstown.— Edward Wall, schoohnaster. — List of pupils. — Reports of progress. — Decline after death of Sir William John- son.— Support of schools among the Indians. — Early efforts.— Special mission of William Andrews. — Obstacles. — Supply of books in Indian language. — Failure of the work and with- drawal of Andrews. — Indians cared for by Albany mission- aries. — The more successful mission of Henry Barclay to the Indians. — Establishment of two schools with Indian schoohnas- ters. — Progress of this work. — Cornelius Bennet appointed catechist and schoohnaster. — Instruction in English lan- guage. — Proposals for extensive support of schools for Indians. — Colin McLeland commissioned as schoolmaster. — His re- ports and Ust of children. — Revolution puts an end to the work. • — The comprehensive scheme for the civilizing of the Indians presented to the British government by the S. P. G. XI. The Society's Catechising ScHOOii in the City of New York AND the Allied Negro School of the Bray Associates . . . 234 S. P. G. interest in the religious instruction of Negro and Indian slaves. — Catechising schools as distinct from the work of the ordinary catechist. — The Catechising School founded by EUas Neau in New York City. — His zealous labor and the opposition to him. — Reports and hsts of catechumens. — Oppo- sition of slave masters. — The uprising of 1712. — Success of Neau's work. — Statistics. — Encouragement of reading as well as religious instruction. — DecUne of the work under James Wetmore and John Colgan, succeeding eatechists. — Renewed progress under Richard Charlton and Samuel Auchmuty. — The Bray Associates take steps to establish Negro schools. — New York school opened 1760. — Reports of the school, with a hst of pupils. — Curriculum. — School disbands about 1775. XII. The Routine and Curriculum op the Society's Schools .... 262 School calendar. — Daily hours. — Subjects of the curricu- lum. — ReUgious instruction. — Reading. — Spelling. — Writing. — Arithmetic. — Higher mathematics. — Psalmody. — Curri- culum for girls. — An illustration of the method of instruction. — Day's program in the schools. — Reading text-books. — For beginners. — Reading texts. — Books supplied usually from England. — Illustrations of the contents of texts. Conclusion 275 Bibliography 278 PART I GENERAL INTRODUCTION CHAPTER I EVENTS PRECEDING THE FOUNDING OF THE S. P. G.* The seventeenth century was a period of extraordinary mental activity throughout Europe, no less in religious lines than in the field of natural philosophy. Schools of religious thought led to the formation of numerous sects, various systems being drawn from the great Protestant revolt of the preceding century. In England the centiuy opened with two opposing religious bodies, - — the orthodox Church of England and that body of reformers known as Puritans, the English followers of the Geneva School. With the coming of the period of the Commonwealth antagonistic sects increased until there were as many as sixteen, varying with each other in extreme positions and showing no nearer agreement than the acceptance of BibUcal authority for their respective doctrines. Of all these sects the Quakers seem to have taken the most extreme views and, accordingly, to have suffered the greatest persecution. Much of this was due, not to their re- ligious opinions, but to their having associated with these tenets an attitude toward the State that was viewed as antagonistic to its preservation and safety. A state of affairs similar to this prevailed on the Continent where the repeated divisions arising from the ranks of the two earlier divisions of "Lutheran" and "Calvinist" or "Reformed" crowded the seventeenth century with religious contentions. * For the details of much of this introduction I am indebted to Pascoe, Two Hun- dred Years of the 8. P. G. ; and Allen and McClure, The History of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Specific aclmowledgmeut will not be generally made. 1 2 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York In close association with the religious discord were the po- litical struggles of the century. Together they had a most dis- integrating effect on the social life of the period, in consequence of which education and morals found themselves at a low ebb. This is particularly the case in England in the period following the Commonwealth and the Civil War, where, probably, the morality and intelligence of the masses had never been in worse condition. A view of the teachers of this period is illustrated in the following quotation: "Amongst those of the late Reform- ing Age all learning was utterly cried down, so that with them the best Preachers were such as could not read, and the ablest Divines such as could hardly spell the letter. None were thought fit for the Ministry but Tradesmen and Mechanicks, because none else were allowed to have the Spirit. Those only were accounted like St. Paul, who could work with their hands, and in a literal sense drive the Nail home and be able to make a Pulpit before they Preached in it. . . . Latin was with them a mortal crime, and Greek, instead of being owned for the Language of the Holy Ghost (as in the New Testament it is), was look'd upon as the Sin against it."'- The early minutes and corres- pondence of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge show clearly the concern of the followers of the Church of Eng- land because of the prevailing ignorance and decadent morality of the time. "It is certain that Zeal for religion grow& extremely cold. The infinite disputes about Opinions, and the Licenciousness of Innovators . . . have everywhere oc- casion'd a certain disgust for Piety, which upon that account is nowadays much decay'd and very scarce. This Loosness has passed from Doctrines to maimers, and there is nothing more rare than the practice of Christian Virtues. "^ In a letter to the Governor of Jamaica the Society says: "That Inundation of Profaneness and Immorality which we find of late broke in upon us, puts all serious persons here into no small consternation at the prospect of those Judgements which according to the ordinary com-se of Divine Providence overtake an Apostatiz'd People."* ' Quoted from a sermon by Robert South preached at Westminster Abbev 1692 by Overton, Life In the English Church, 1660-1714, p, 240. ' » From "A Memorial for the Preservation and Furtherance of Eellition " read at a meeting of the 8. P. C. K., August 10, 1701— quoted by Allen and Mcblure. ov cit.t p. 10. • From a letter drawn up by Dr. Bray and adopted at a meeting of the S P O K January 6, 1700-01 — quoted by Allen and McCIure, op. cit., p. 10. (This datin'a is" according to the "Old Style" year which began on March 25th. It was not until 1752 that the year began on January 1st.) Events Fncedirig tfie Fminding of the S. P. G. 3 A great amount of evidence of this nature is adducible to show the apprehensiveness of the Church of England as well as the leader? of non-conforming sects over the unwholesome condi- tions of the latter half of the seventeenth and the earher decades of the following centiirj-. England was flooded with pamphlets dealing with one phase or another of the growth of vice and de- bauchers- and the ignorance of the true principles of Christianity.' A reaction to the excesses of the time began to assert itself toward the end of the seventeenth century. The Ketistic move- ment in Germany under the influence of Spener and Francke was begun in Frankfort as a protest against impiety. At almost the same time a similar movement started within the Chiu-ch of England led by Dr. Anthony Homeck (1641-1697). Hor- neok was a GSerman who came to England after the Restoration, was put in Orders, and, in 1671, b^an preaching in London. Through his sermons, in large measure, there were founded, from 1(57S on, many church societies which were devoted at first to religious conference and mutual edification only, but which soon started a Christian warfare for the winning of prose- Mes. These societies grew to the mmiber of fortj'-two in Lon- don and "Westminster alone and similar institutions were founded throughout the kingdom. La 1691 societies for the reformation of maimers began to be formed. Their membership was made up of both churchmen and non-conformists and their object was to secure and put into op- eration laws against profaneness and debaucherj-. Li "The Two and Twentieth account of the Progress made in the cities of London and Westminster and Places adjacent by the So- cieties for Promoting a Reformation of Manners," it is claimed that, "'By furthering the Execution of the Laws against Profane- ness and Immorahtj', and other Christian Methods the said So- cieties have in Pursuance of their Design from the first of De- cember 1715 to the first of December 1716, prosecuted divers sorts of offenders" such cases as drunkenness, breaking the Lord's Day, profane swearing and cursing, keeping of gaming houses, and lewd and disorderly practices to the number of nearly two thousand.' The Stage, too, came in for bitter antagonism 4 Tlioasands ot sodt {amphlets aie to^dar preserred in the AichiTes of Sioa College LUnrj-, Victoria £iii)»iikmeDt. London. i Ftom. " Sermcu to and Accoont of the Societies for tlie Befoimation of Manners." iriT — Sion College Anduves. 43: F: 21, No, 15. 4 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York because of its tendency to use "lewd and profane expressions" and the clergy were urged "to lay open in their Sermons, the intollerable Liberties and Corruptions of the Stage, with the Great Dishonour that such abuses must necessarily bring upon Religion and the Nation."^ But in spite of orders from Queen Anne, regulating the play-houses, the problem continued a serious oneJ The foregoing account has seemed material, to the writer, as explaining the great religious awakening of the Church of England in both the home and the foreign fields which began at the very close of the seventeenth century. The work of the Church societies and of the societies seeking the reformation of manners had prepared the way for the success of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. They were the direct antecedents of them. The S. P. C. K. took up immediately the work of the earlier societies, broadening their scope, introducing and em- phasizing the agency of schools for the inculcating of religious education, and directing attention to the reform of conditions in the English foreign possessions as well as at home. Fortu- nately, this work was inaugurated at a time when political events were unusually favorable and they must be noted as one of the causes making possible the successful activity of the two great missionary societies of the National Church.' At about this time England was being aroused to the neglected state of religion and morality in the colonies and especially to the extremely precarious condition of the National Church there. The Church of England had lagged behind in the field of mis- sion work in the nation's foreign possessions, to the extent, at least, of any organized system like that of the eighteenth cen- tury.' Colonization of America was at first carried on through private adventures, under grants from the Crown, and by means of small numbers of families. The different groups of colonists 6 S. p. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, Feb. 7, 1705-06. 7 Ibid. 8 The Peace of Eyswick, 1697, brought to an end the costly struggles that had been carried on in Europe throughout the century. The question of Royal title was settled for England and all domestic strife was at an end. The Crown welcomed the opportunity now before it to reform the internal administration. 9 Priests of the Church of England had been sent out to minister on the American shores, with the attempted settlements of the sixteenth century. Such provision was included in the expeditions of Martin Frobisher, Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Sir Walter Raleigh. Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 5 were nearly all dissenters from the National Church. Moreover they disagreed radically with each other in religion and church government and this was intensified through settlements made by other nationalities of Europe. Such religious foundations as were made were dependent on the opinions of the local group and were fostered altogether by themselves or by agencies in their old homes. Officially, it is true, the Church had interested it- self in the state of spiritual and ecclesiastical affairs in the col- onies as early as 1634. A commission was formed to regulate them which was to be under the control of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. In this same year the jurisdiction of the Bishop of London was extended to the English congregations and clergy abroad. The Bishop was one of the Council for Virginia. As a Member of the Company he was applied to for "help and assistance in procuring Ministers." This is probably "the first instance of the Bishop of London's concern in the Ecclesiastical affairs of the Plantations.'"" In 1638 a move- ment was started to send a Bishop to New England^' and shortly after the Restoration a Bishop of Virginia was nominated," but neither plan was carried out. In 1675 Henry Compton, then Bishop of London, instituted an inquiry into the status of the See of London's "pastoral charge of sending our Ministers into our British Foreign Plantations, and having the jurisdiction of them." He "found this title so defective that little or no good had come of it," there being "scarce four Ministers of the Church of England in aU the vast tract of America and not above one or two of them, at most, regularly sent over.'"' It was not until ten years after this that Compton was able to procure from the Government definite measures extending the jurisdiction of the Bishopric of London over the Plantations. In 1685 he got per- mission from the King to present to the Committee for Trade and Plantations the following proposals: (1) "That he may have all ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the West Indies, excepting the disposal of Parishes (that is, the right of presenting, instituting and inducting). Licenses for Marriage, and Probate of Wills;" (2) "That no Schoolmaster coming from England be received 10 Bishop of Loudon to the King in Council 19 Feb. 1759, Documents relative to the Colonial Hist, of N. Y., VII, pp. 360-9. " Classified Digest of the Records of the S. P. G. 1701-1892, p. 743. " Dr. Bray to the Bishop of Loudon, Oct. 28th, 1723, Fulham Archives. " Quoted in, Classified Digest of the Records of the S. P. G. 1701-1892, p. 2. 6 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York without License from his Lordship, or from other His Majesty's Plantations without they take the Governor's License."" From this time until the close of the Revolution the affairs of the EngUsh Church were under the care of the Bishop of London." Acting on his vested authority the Bishop appointed Commis- saries for the various colonies, beginning with the selection of Rev. James Blair for Virginia and Rev. Thomas Bray for Mary- land, in 1790 and 1796 respectively. Appointments for other colonies followed as the work of the church developed. It must be noted that the extension of the Bishop of London's jurisdiction was only in part. The intervening distance and the political character of the colonies precluded the possibility of an exercise of power such as that possessed by a Bishop in England. Without a resident Bishop in the colonies many things ordinarily under the care and authority of such a person had to be done by some other authority. "Such are the repairs of the Churches and the providing books and other necessities for the service, the Instituting, and Inducting Incumbents, the repair of the Glebe houses, the probate of the Wills, Licence for Mar- riage, examining and approving Clergymen, and schoolmasters, and the correction of vice and immorality by coercive power . . . therefore these powers are placed by several Acts of Assembly, partly in the Church Wardens, partly in the Justices of the Peace, and partly in the Governors of the Respective Provinces. '"' The Bishop's delegated power to license school- masters was probably exercised throughout, in the case of those who professed the doctrine of the Church of England. Of these, however, there were comparatively few," schoolmasters being for the most part obtained in the colonies. As to non-conform- ing schoolmasters, or schoolmasters hired by the Society, in the colonies, the authority of the Bishop was not acknowledged in any apparent way, nor does he seem to have attempted to ex- 14 Extracts from the Journals of tlie Oommittee of Trade and Plantations relating to the Bishop of London's jurisdiction in the British colonies. Hawks Transcriots G. C; Doc. re. Col. Hist. N. Y. op. cii., VII, pp. 360-9. <- •i'ra 15 Save a short period when this jurisdiction was transferred to the Archbishop of Canterbury. See the Royal instructions to Gov. Dongan of N. Y. in N Y Col Docs., op. cit.. Ill, p. 372; also Clews, Colonial Educational Legislation, p. 227. " 16 Doc. re. Col. Hist. N. Y., op. cit., VII, p. 369. " Fothergill has listed more than 30 such who between 1695 and 1748 qualified for the Royal bounty of ^20 passage money. Fothergill, Gerald, A List of Emlerant Ministers to America 1690-1811. ^ Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 7 «rcise authority therein.'* The activity of Bishop Compton in. behalf of the spiritual "welfare of the colonies was soon supplemented by "several em- inent Persons who observing this great Calamity, became zealous to redress it."" Among the first of these was Sir Leolyne Jen- ikins who, declaring that there were too few "Persons in Holy Orders, employed in his Majesty's Fleets at Sea, and Foreign Plantations," provided in his will, Nov. 9, 1685, two fellowships at Jesus College, Oxford. The bequest was on condition that the said two Fellows "may be under an indispensable obhgation, to take upon them Holy Orders of Priesthood and afterwards they go to Sea, in any of his Majesty's Fleets, when they or any of them are thereto Summoned . . . and in case there be no Use of their Service at Sea, to be called by the Lord Bishop of London to go out into any of his Majesty's Foreign Plantations, there to take upon them the Cure of Souls, and exercise their ministerial Function, reserving to them their full Salaries, with the farther Encouragement of twenty Pounds a Year apiece, while they are actually in either of the Services aforesaid."" Another bequest from the Honorable Robert Boyle, Esq., settled an annual salary on "some learned Divine or Preaching Minis- ter forever," requiring him, among other things, to encourage imdertakings for promoting the Christian religion in foreign parts .^ He also bequeathed money to the College of Virginia for supportiag nine or ten Indian children there, and providing them with a Christian education.^^ As has been stated above no organized mission work in the colonies had been undertaken up to this time by the English Church. The work was too vast to be made permamently suc- 18 As a proof of this the S. P. G. in 1731 resolved "to desire the Lord Bishop of London to direct his Commissaries abroad to receive and examine any complaints which may be made against Schoolmasters employed by the Society, and transmit to them the state of such matters. " S. P. G. Journal, V, 320. To this the Bishop rephed, that liis Commission from the Crown did not include such power and he "could not comply with the request. " Ibid., p. 328. 19 Humphreys, Historical Account of the S. P. G., p. 4. 20 Quoted by, Humphreys, op. cit., pp. 4-5; Annual Reports S. P. G., 1706, p. 7-8. One of these Fellows, Rev. Henry Nichols, was appointed first S. P. G. Missionary in Pennsylvania, at Chester 1703 — S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 170; Pascoe, op. cit., p. 840, 852. Nichols' fellowship was worth ^40 per annum — ^Jonathan Edwards to Sec, S. P. G., Letter-book, A, 3, p. 97. 21 Humphreys, op. cit., p. 6. " "Instructions from Gov. Nicholson to Robert Hicks and John Evans in treating with the Indians, as to trade 1700, ui Virginia. " — Fiolham Archives. Boyle was one of the Promoters and first Governor of the " S. P. G. amongst the Heathen Natives, of New England, and the Parts adjacent in America, " incorporated by Charles II. — Humphreys, op. cit., p. 6. 8 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York cessful through the isolated efforts of the heads of the Church, or through a dependence on individual initiative. What was needed was the cooperation of religious societies and this the Church came to realize with the opening of the eighteenth cen- tury. Before this, how^ever, the non-conformists had inaugurated a religious society movement for work in New England. The instigator of it was John Eliot, who devoted more than forty years of his life to the evangelization of the Indians about New England. Through correspondence and tracts his work became known in England. Parliament, in 1649, was induced to pass an ordinance establishing "A Corporation for the Promoting and Propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ in New England. " The said corporation consisted of a president, treasurer, and fourteen assistants and was to be called "the President and Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England."" After the Restoration the Corporation naturally required a new charter and letters patent were issued by Charles II for the same in 1661. The renewed organization was chartered as the "Company for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England, and parts ad- jacent in America."^ Churchmen and dissenters constituted its membership.^' Meetings were to be held in London "as oc- casion shall require," and the powers were as follows: "The Governour, or any 13 of the said Company, may under their seal appoint Commiss^s resideingin the said Colonyes, or parts adjacent in America, for them to treat and agree with Ministers, Schoole Masters, etc^, to reside in the parts aforesaid, for such Salaries and allowances to bee paid them for their paines, etca-, in the CivUizeing teaching, and instructing the Natives in the true Religion & MoraUty, in the English toung, and in the liberall Arts & Sciences, as also in educating & placeing, their children in some trade or Lawfull calling, and also to buy Books, Tooles, and other Implements ne- cessary for the same, and for payments of such sallarys, allowances, and ex- penoes aforesaid. And to do any other acts according to the Orders or In- structions of their said Commissions or orders, from time to time sent from the Govern^ or any nine of the said Company, which said Commiss^s shall from time to time give an account of their proceedings, as they shall be re- quired from the said Gov°r or any nine of the said Company, ""s With such collections as were made a fund was established, the income of which made it possible to maintain missionaries for " Classifled Digest, op. cit., p. 2. 24 JUd., p. 3; Abstract of patent. Perry, Historical CoUectlons relating to the Colo- nial Churcli in America, pp. 646-7; Acts of Privy OouncU, 1613-1680, p. 332: Lam- beth Mss. 1123, a copy of which is in Hawks Transcripts, G. O. 25 Classifled Digest, op. cit., p. 2. 26 Abstract of the Patent, Perry, op. cU., p. 648. The first Governor of this so- ciety under Charles II was Robert Boyle, Esq., founder in 1660 of the Boyal Society and benefactor to the College of Virginia. Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 9 instructing and converting the Indians, and chief among them was Eliot." The society carried on its operations in New Eng- land and parts of New York until the Revolution, there after transferring to the British possessions in America. Organized effort wholly under the auspices of the followers of the Church began with the founding of the Society for the Pro- moting of Christian Knowledge. This was a movement that imdertook to incorporate in the one association all of the under- lying purposes of the religious society movements which had preceded. It had for its aim the counteracting of schisms, the opposing of profaneness and immorality by coercive force, the care of the spiritual welfare of transmaritime possessions, the spread of religious education there and at home, among the poorer classes especially, and the effecting of the above by means of missionaries, schoolmasters, the disseminating of literature, and the establishing of libraries. The originating spirit in the founding of the S. P. C. K. was Rev. Thomas Bray, D. D., who had been named the first Com- missary of Maryland.'^ His services therein, as also in the for- mation of other affiliated societies of the Church, were remark- able. Dr. Bray was born in 1656 at Marton, Shropshire, and was educated at Oswestry Grammar School, and Hartford Col- lege, Oxford. Following preferments as curate and chaplain, he was, in 1690, made Rector of Sheldon in Warwickshire. His activities were numerous in connection with the various "Re- ligious Societies," the "Societies for the Reformation of Man- ners,"^ the revival of Church discipline among the Clergy,^" 2? The difficulties of the work are brought out in correspondence between Eliot and Bichard Baxter of London. See the Baxter Mss. in the Archives of Dr. William's Library, Gordon Square, London, especially III, pp. 94 and 264; and V, p. 83. 28 See p. 6. 29 Archives of Sion College Library, Bray Mss., p. 46. These Mss. were bequeathed to Sion College by Dr. Bray, most of them having been assembled by him about 1705. Jbid., p. 59-60. 30 " He cannot imagine what can be better pushed in order to Iceep the Rural clergy to their rule, & close to their Duty, and thereby to advance their character & reputa- tion and to create a due veneration towards y™ ye Resolutions there formed being these. That they will meet in their Library Monthly or oftener, to Consider or con- fer as upon ways & means of Augmenting ye same .... to consult upon ye best meth- ods of iJumishmg ye common People wtt small practical Devotional Peices, & Priu- cipling ye children & Youth w* Catechetical Instruction, of Erecting Schooles for ye Education of Poor Children, of getting ye Laws Put in Execution ag' Profaneness &c. ImoraUty &c. by what other means they can best discharge their Pastoral Care & Duty & Promote Publick Good." — Prom, "Part 1., A Narrative containing what passed from Dr. Bray's first acceptance of the Commissary's office of Maryland in the Yeare 1696, to his arrival there 1699" — Bray Mss., p. 50, in Sion College Library. The same Ms., p. 72 fl., being part of the appendix of this narrative, gives an account of a series of such monthly meetings. 10 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York .and the improvement of prison conditions in London.'* His success as pastor and as author of a series of "Catechetical Lectures" designed for the reUgious instruction of poor children brought him to the notice of the Bishop of London. He was selected in April, 1696, to go out to Maryland as the latter's Commissary in response to a petition from that province for the help of a "Superintendent, Commissary, or Suffragan.'"^ This office he was "content to accept, " "if their Lordships the Bishops thought fit to assist him in providing Parochial Libraries for the ministers that should be sent." For, said Bray, "since none but the poorer sort of clergy, who could not sufficiently supply -themselves with books, could be persuaded to leave their friends, and change their country for one so remote," it would be im- possible for them to answer the ends of their mission "without a competent provision of books. "^ Whereupon his proposal being well approved "and due Encouragement being promised in the Prosecution of the design both by their Laps and others, he did thereupon with all possible Application set himself wholly to provide Missionaries, and to furnish them out with Libraries, with an Intent, so soon as he should have sent both, to follow after them himself."'^ As early as 1692 Maryland had been divided into parishes and s, legal maiutenance proAdded for ministers in each.'* The Act was neglected until the arrival of Governor Francis Nicholson August, 1694, who revived it by an additional one "for the increase and maintenance of Religion."'^ But Royal confirmation of the laws was delayed by certain objectionable features, so that the maintenance of the clergy was too uncertain'' and it was three years before Bray was able "to follow after." On "Deer 16, 1699 he took his voyage, and arrived in Maryland, after an ex- treme tedious, and dangerous Passage, the 18th of March follow- ing."'' 31 Ibid., p. 46. Also see, "A General Plan of a Penitential Hospital" for reform- ing the method of detaining women prisoners, ibid., pp. 65, 107, 331. « Ibid., p. 32. " From a "Memoir of Dr. Bray" m a Report of Dr. Bray's Associates, 1906, p. 32. 34 Bray Mss., op. cit., p. 35. 35 IMd., p. 32. 36 Ibid., p. 101, being a printed pamphlet on "The present State of the Protestant -Rehgion in Maryland. 37 Ibid., p. 41. 38 Ibid., pp. 55-56. Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 11 In the interval between his appointment and his setting out for Maryland Dr. Bray was "fully employed under my Ld of London in Enquiring out, and providing Missionaries to be sent" into that and other colonies. But above all it was his care "to furnish out all whom he had an hand in sending with good Li- braries of necessary and useful Books."'' In order "better to promote both this main Design of Libraries, and to give the Missionaries direction in the use of them in the prosecution of their Theological Studies, he pubhshed two Books one Intituled, ■'Bibliotheca Parochialis, or a Scheme of Theological Heads, both general and particular as are more peculiarly requisite to be well Studied by every Pastor of a Parish : Together with a Catalogue of Books which may be Read on each of these Points.'"** The second book bore the title, "Apostolick Charity its Nature and Excellence considered in a Discourse upon Dan. 12. 3. Preached at St. Paul's at the Ordination of some Protestant Missionaries to be sent into the Plantations. To which is Prefixt : A General View of the English Colonies in America, with respect to Re- ligion, in order to shew what Provision is wanted for the Propa- gation of Christianity in those parts. "*^ As a result of his zeal ■for libraries we are told that "by the exactest account that has been procured upwards of fifty Libraries, it appears, were founded "by Dr. Bray in America and other countries abroad, and sixty- one Parochial Libraries in England and Wales;" and that "he «ent into America upwards of 34,000 religious Books and Tracts."*' With the first thirty libraries sent over an expense of £2,000 liad been incurred towards which there was collected only £1,500. The deficit Bray had to meet personally. "Besides yt, " he writes, "I have spent Three full Years and upwds in ye icarrying on of this Design solely at my own Charge & have under- gone an unspeakable Labour & Fatigue in ye prosecution there- of."^ The question of funds, therefore, became all-important 39 Ibid., p. 37. «) Ibid., p. 40. Observe the burdensome title wMcb was customary at that time. the betterment of religion and education at home and in America.. The condition of the Negroes and Indians in the colonies hact ever excited a feeling of pity in Dr. Bray. In the Archives of Fulham Palace there is a manuscript endorsed, "Dr. Bray's. Plan of a congregation Pro propaganda fl&de" in which he lays, down the plan of a society for carrying on work "amongst yt> Poorer sort of people, as also amongst ye Blacks & Native In- 53 Bray Mss., op. ctt., p. 342. There are two other copies of this scheme; on p. 62, the copy does not Include work "at home"; on p. 321 is a rough draught probably' the original one. 64 Classified Digest, op. dt., p. S. 66 The charter is printed in full In Pascoe, op. cit., p. 932, being a copy of the flrst printed edition, that of 1706. 66 Bray Mss., op. cit., p. 257. The letter is undoubtedly intended for the GoTemoE- of Maryland. Events Preceding the Founding of the S. P. G. 15 dians.'"' Through his interest and concern, work similar to that represented by the Catechetical Schools of England was included in the aims of the Society of 1701. Later, "on a visit which he paid to Holland to seek the King's patronage of his designs, he made acquaintance with a gentleman at the Hague, M. Abel Tassin, more commonly known as Sieur D'AUone, secretary to the King, whose mind was also turned towards the subject, and who gave the sum of nine hundred pounds in his life^ to be applied to the instruction of Negroes. Dr. Bray, at his request,*' undertook the disposal of it, and being attacked by a dangerous illness™ about Christmas 1723, nominated certain trustees, his Associates, whose authority was ratified by a decree in Chancery "^1 obtained on June 24th, 1730.*^ In addition to the instruction of Negroes, which continued until long after Independence had been won, the Associates were also devoted to the work of distributing books in England and in the Plan- tations, thus perpetuating the library work of the founder. Dr. Bray died Feb. 15, 1729-30, at the age of seventy-three years, bequeathing his estate to the promotion of his designs in different parts of the world. His power to create and organize the great extension work of the Church was extraordinary. In view of his services to the colonies he deserves to be known as one of the greatest contributors to that period of American history. 67 This is undated but was probably prepared In the interral between Bray's being commissioned to Maryland and the foundmg of the S. P. G. Very likely it was sug- gested to him by the work of the " S. P. G. for the Natives of New England " which has been already alluded to. 68 See Extracts of D'AUoune's letters, S. P,G. Letter-book, A, 19, pp. 21-23. The actual sum received from D'Alloune is drCBcult to determine. Not only did he make gifts during his life, probably to the amount stated in the quotation above, but in his Will, dated the 1st of July 1721, he bequeathed one-tenth of his English Estate, and the arrears of his pension due from the Crown "at ye time of my death. " The in- come from it was to be used by Dr. Bray and his Associates for " Y« erecting a school or Schools for ye thorough Instructing in ye XUan Eeligiou ye Young Children of Negro Slaves & such of their Parents as show themselves Inclineable " S. P. G. Ijetter-book, A, 19, p. 17. (This is a copy of an extract from his Will.) 69 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 19, p. 18. 60 Ibid. 61 From, "Memoir of Dr. Bray," in the Report of Dr. Bray's Associates, 1906, pp. 34-35. 62 Archives of the Bray Associates, Minute-book, 1729-1735, p. 1 ; S. P. G. Journal v., p. 257. CHAPTER II THE WORK OF THE S. P. C. K. AT HOME AND ABROAD. The Society for the Promoting Christian Knowledge formally began its work on March 8, 1698-9,i with five members, viz: Dr. Bray, Lord Guilford, Sir Humphrey Mackworth and Mr. Justice Hook, members of the English bar, and Col. Maynard Colchester, a country gentleman of Gloucestershire, who had abeady established on his own account a charity school in that shire. On April 19th Mr. John Chamberlayne was elected and became the Society's secretary, later being selected for the same of&ce in the S. P. G. In the next few months many of the prom- inent clergy of the Church had become members, and corres- ponding members were enrolled from centres in England, Wales and Ireland, and from the English territory beyond the sea. Moreover the Society invited and received the cooperation of men on the continent who were engaged in similar work of re- formation.^ Unusual success seemed to attend the venture from the beginning. The four resolutions of the first meeting indicate the range of the Society's interest and the guiding hand of Dr. Bray. They are recorded in the Minutes as follows: "1. Resolv'd that Col. Colchester and Dr. Bray go and discourse George Keith in order to be satisfyed what progress he has hitherto made towards the instruction and conversion of Quakers, and to know what he designs to attempt further, under the conduct of God's Providence and assistance, in order to redeem that misguided people to the knowledge and behef of Christ, and that they report the same to the Society to-morrow morning. "2. Resolv'd that we consider to-morrow morning how to further and promote that good Design of erecting Catechetical! Schools in each parish in and about London, and that Col. Colchester and Dr. Bray give their thoughts how it may be done. "3. Resolv'd that the Right HonWe the Lord Guilford be desired to speak to the Archbishop that care may be taken that a Clause be provided in the Bill for imploying the poor, to have the Children taught to read and be in- structed in the Church Catechism. 1 S. P. C. K. Minute-book. s Professor Prancke of Halle, and later his son; Osterwald of Neuchatel; Mr. De Beringhen of the Hague; and Dr. Briucke, a Danish Minister of Copenhagen, were some of these associated members. 16 The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 17 "4. Resolv'd that Dr. Bray be desired, as soon as conveniently he can, to lay before this Society his Scheme for Promoting Religion in the Plantations, and his accompts of Benefactions and Disbursements towards the same."' Here are proposals to enter upon the work of combating the growth of sectaries particularly "that misguided people," the Quakers, of supporting Charity Schools, of espousing the wel- fare of children apprenticed by ensuring them some religious education, and of supporting Bray's plans for the American colonies. The Society, shortly thereafter, added other aims that had been vmdertaken by the earlier organizations mentioned in preceding pages. It prosecuted cases of profaneness. It ob- served and brought to public notice the infractions of the Stage. Following Bray's ideas, it took up the task of circulating books and founding libraries, at home as well as in the colonies. Later it engaged in translating books into foreign language to further increase their dissemination. In order to improve the moral and spiritual condition of the mariners of England it began the dis- tribution of books and tracts to them, and the records of the Society contain numerous acknowledgments thereof by famous sea-fighters of the past, from Sir George Rooke hero of Gibral- tar to Admiral Lord Nelson hero of Trafalgar. The Society early took up the problem of the reforming of Newgate and the other prisons in and about London,^ and through its efforts the conscience of the nation was awakened out of its indifference to such matters. The Society became a friend to the Reformed Communities on the Continent in their struggles for life. When the Crown of England secured a part of the Salzburg emigrants for its domain in Georgia, the S. P. C. K. collected, between 1731 and 1734, nearly £5,000 for them.^ This was the beginning of an interest in the settlement in Georgia that continued until the separation of the colonies from the mother-country by means of which salaries for missionaries and schoolmasters were secured to the emigrants. As early as 1710 the Society began work in the East Indies, by assisting the Danish missions there » S. p. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, March 8, 1698-9. < A report containing vigorous proposals was presented at the meeting of February 22, 1699-1700. It is printed in Allen and McClure, op. cit., p. 54 fl. 6 Attached to a "circular letter" of the S. P. C. K., Oct. 4, 1734, in behalf of the Salzburg emigrants, there Is an "accoimt of the Money Kecelved and Disbursed by the Trustees for receiving Benefactions etc. " From this it appears that £314 were already advanced to a "Conductor, Two Ministers, and the Schoolmaster," and that £2237 had been invested "to secure the Payment of 901. per ann. Salaries to the Two Ministers and Schoolmaster," sent out to Ebenezer in Georgia. From, the Sloane Mas., British Museum, 4053, fol. 278. 18 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York with funds, and then by taking over these missions entirely about 1728. It continued such support till the S. P. G. under- took the charge in 1826. The educational work of the Society, however, made up the most important part of its operations for the first century. It was, indeed, the first society in Great Britain which came for- ward to advocate and support the general education of the people. In accordance with the resolution of the first meeting it was ordered on the 10th of March, that a form of subscription be prepared for circulating in the parishes and, therewith, a form to insure a more dependable and permanent fund. Four days later the following "forms" were reported and approved of: "The Form of Subscription to ye Charity Schools Erected or Promoted by the Honble. Society, &c.: — "Whereas it is evident to common observation, That the growth of vice and debauchery is greatly owing to the gross ignorance of the principles of the Christian Religion, especially among the poorer sort. And also whereas Christian vertue can grow from no other root than Christian Principles, we whose names are underwritten, inhabitants of the Parish of [ ] in the County of [ ], being touched with zeal for the honour of God, the salvation of the souls of our poor brethren, and the Promoting of Christian Knowledge among the poor of this Parish, do hereby promise to pay yearly during pleasure, by four equal quarterly payments, viz., at Michaelmas, Christmas, Lady-day, and Mid-simimer, such respective sums as we have hereunto subscribed for and towards the setting up a School within this Parish for teaching poor Children (whose parents are not able to afford them any education) to read and write, and to repeat and understand the Church Catechism according to the Rules and Orders lately printed and published by the direction of the Honble. Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge. "As witness our hands this [ ] day of [ ] Anno Domini. " "The Form of Insurance of Charity Schools. "We whose names are underwritten having agreed to promote the setting up of Schools for Instructing Poor Children in the Principles of Christianity in the several Parishes where they are most wanted in and about the City of London, and having also to that purpose agreed to provide a sum of money to be imployed by way of insurance for ye encouragement of such well-dis- posed persons as shall undertake to set up the same in such methods as we shall from time to time direct. Now we do hereby further agree that we will severally pay the respective sums which we have hereunto subscribed (to be disposed of according to the discretion of this Society) to the Treasurer for the time being, who shall or may receive the same (or such part thereof as the Society shall think necessary to be raised) on demand, and shall and may dispose of and lay out ye same accordingly. "^ Even before this Col. Colchester had been "desired to find out three persons to begin an endeavour of setting up Schools in 6 S. p. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, March 16, 1698-9. Printed in Allen and McOlure, op. cil., p. 27. Tlie term "Charity Schools" is used here for the first time In the Society's Minutes. The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 19 three Parishes,'" and nearly every succeeding meeting devoted a large proportion of its time to the work of religious education. of the poor. By the end of November, 1699, more than two thousand children' were being cared for in the charity schools. The Society thereupon appealed for a nation-wide movement on the part of the Clergy, doing this by means of the following docmnent: "The First Circtilar Letter from the Honourable Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge to their Clergy Correspondents in the several Counties of England and Wales.' "The visible decay of Religion in this Kingdom, with the monstrous in- crease of Deism, Prophaneness, and Vice, has excited the zeal of several persons of the best character, in the Cities of London and Westminister, and other parts of the nation, to associate themselves in order to consult together how to put a stop to so fatal an inundation. "The cause thereof they beheve in great measure to arise from the bar- barous ignorance observable among the common people, especially those of the poorer sort, and this to proceed from want of due care in the education of the Youth, who, if early instructed in the Principles of true Religion, sea- soned with the knowledge of God, and a just concern for their everlasting welfare, cou'd not possibly (with the ordinary Assistance of God's good Spirit) degenerate into such vile and unChristian practices as they now gen- erally do. "To remedy these Evils, which cry aloud to Heaven for vengeance, they have agreed to use their best endeavours to incline the hearts of generous and well-dispos'd persons to contribute toward the erecting of Schools in these Cities, and the parts adjacent, for the instruction of such poor Chil- dren in Reading, Writing, and in the Catechism, whose Parents or Rela- tions are not able to afford them the ordinary means of Education; and as they look upon this to be the most effectual method to train up the poorer sort in sobriety and ys knowledge of Christian Principles, so they assure themselves that the good effects which may be wrought thereby wiU prove a powerful! argument to engage others in better circumstances to make so necessary a provision for their children. "The success of this undertakiug (whereby the education of above two thousand poor Children is already taken care for) encourages them to hope that, if the like industry and application were observ'd in the other parts of this Kingdom, the Children and Youth might be universally well principled, and the growing generation make a conscience of fearing God; and these hopes have induced them to use their utmost endeavours to prevail with all pious and well-inclined Christians in ye several parts of y^ nation to joyn their hearts and purses in advancing to perfection so excellent and glorious a work. "9 Through this and succeeding appeals the Church was gradually impressed with its own responsibility for a system of national education on a religious basis. It assumed the responsibility and, under the leadership of the S. P. C. K., developed a system ' S. p. C. K. Minute-book, op. cil., March 12, 1698-9. 8 See the following "Circular Letter." 9 Adopted by the Society Nov. 16, 1699. Printed in Allen and McClure, op. cit.', p. 43. 20 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York of Church schools that were thus maintained through the seven- teenth century and until the work was taken over, in 1811, by "The National Society for the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church throughout England and Wales," known by the shorter name of "National Society." By 1704 there had been established 54 charity schools in London and Westminister, and within ten miles thereof. In them, 1386 boys and 745 girls were enrolled^" of whom 306 boys and 75 girls were put out apprentices. In 1708 there were 74 schools and 5706 boys and girls." In the next decade the schools had increased to 1358 (in London 127, in other parts of Great Britain and Ireland 1231) with 28,610 children (in London 5109, in other parts, etc., 23,501)." In 1728, the statistics showed 132 schools for London, 1279 for South Britain, 78 for North Britain, and 161 for Ireland. This made a total of 1650 schools with 34,051 children of whom 7079 were girls." And in 1742 the movement had grown to 133 schools for London, 1329 for South Britain, 131 for North Britain, 128 for Wales, and 186 for Ireland. Thus the total for this year was 1907 schools, with 43,847 children of whom 6664 were girls." Doubtless the edu- cational work of the Society had within fifty years grown to be the most significant movement of its kind in any country. The report of 1711 shows how far-reaching the Society's influence had become, the movement having been taken up in various parts of Northern Europe, as well as in America. The report adds: "Some of our preceding Anniversary Charity-Sermons, and Accounts of Charity-Schools, have been translated, by a very eminent Hand, into High-Dutch, and two Charity-Schools have already been set up at Copenhagen on the Model of ours, and Endeavours are using to do the like in several Parts of Ger- 10 An Account of Charity Schools 1704, — Sion College Archives, 42: F: 2, No. 1. This list of 54 contains some schools that •were set up before the Society organized, probably by private initiative as the same account shows: "AH the Schools above- mentioned have been set up within the space of Eight Years last past except tliat in Norton-Folgate, and 1 of the 3 in St. Margaret, Westminister which were set up about 3 or 4 years before. " In the Account of Charity Schools, 1718, it is stated that Blue- Coat School in St. Margaret was set up Lady Day (March 25th) 1688 for 50 boys, and Norton-Folgate School in 1691 for 60 boys. — Sion College Archives, 43 : F: 3, No. 6. 11 Accoimt of Charity Schools 1708, Sion College Archives, 43: F: 2, No. 3. lilUd., 1718 — 43: F: 3, No. 6. 13 Ibid., 1728 — 43: F: 23, No. 11. 14 Itnd., 1742 — 43: E: 10, No. 5. Eighteen of the Irish schools are herein reported as being "encouraged by Royal bounty of £1000 per Ann." It was impossible for the writer to make a complete search through the enormous masses of bound pamph- lets of Sion College Library. However, he succeeded in finding 20 reports for years between 1704 and 1742. The Work of the S. P- C. K. at Home and Abroad 21 many and Switzerland. It is inexpressible, with what Zeal and Application, the Religious Education and Catechizing of Chil- dren has been of late promoted in other Protestant Countries beyond the Seas."" Work similar to that of the S. P. C. K. was set on foot in Scotland about 1709,'° and there is no doubt that school support in America by the S. P. G. received great stimulus from its sister organization. The initial expense of the schools was met by the members of the Society but subscriptions soon came in which by the end of the first year amounted to £450. By 1704 annual subscrip- tions had grown to £2164 and individual schools had received benefactions from private donors in the sum of £3202. Ad- ditional revenue came from special collections made in the churches annually on a day set aside for the preaching of "Charity Sermons." In 1704 this amounted to £1042. The funds had doubled by 1708 and were gathered from the same sources. We learn that in 1717 the workmen in county Dur- ham "allow one farthing and an half per shilling, per week, which together with their master's contribution, maintains their poor, and affords about £17 per annum for teaching their chil- dren to read."" But this type of contribution could not have been frequent. The great body of the fund represents the phil- anthropic activity of the upper classes in behalf of the poor. From the 1704 report we learn that, "The ordinary Charge of a School for 50 Boys Cloath'd comes to about 75 1 p. ann. for which a School-Room, Books, and Firing are provided, a Master paid, and to each Boy is given yearly, 3 Bands, 1 Cap, 1 Coat, 1 pair of Stockings, and 1 pair of Shoes"; and "For 50 Girls, 60 1 p. ann. etc. . . . and to each is given yearly, 2 coyfs, 2 Bands, 1 Gown and Petticoat, 1 pair of Knit-Gloves, 1 pair of Stock- ings, and 2 pair of Shoes."'* Details of the cost of clothing the children are given in various reports; that for 1710 is as follows: " The Charge of Cloathing a Poor Boy of a Charity School in London." £ s d I Yard and half quarter of Grey Yorkshire Broad Cloth 6 quarters wide, makes a coat 00 03 00 16 From report of Society for 1711, printed in Allen and McClure, op. cit, pp. 122-3. u Ibid.; also, Sloane Mss., British Museum, 4051, fol. 313; also, Lambeth Mss., 1123, a copy of which is in Hawk's Transcripts, G. O. 17 Accoimt of Charity Schools, 1717. 18 Account of Charity Schools, 1704 — Sion College Archives, 43 : F: 2, No. 1. 19 Quoted by Allen and McClure, op. cit., p. 141. 22 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Making the Coat with Pewter Buttona and all other materiala. 00 01 00 A Waistcoat of the same Cloth lined 00 03 06 A pair of Breeches of Cloth or Leather hned 00 02 06 1 Knit Cap, with Tuft and String, of any Coloxir 00 00 10 1 Band . .... 00 00 02 1 Shirt V 00 01 06 1 Pair of Woollen Stockings 00 00 08 IPairof Shoes 00 01 10 1 Pair of Buckles 00 00 01 00 15 01 "The Charge of Cloathing a Poor Girl of a Charity School in London. £ 8 d 3 Yards and half of blue long Ells, about Yard wide at 16d. p. Yard makes a Gown and Petticoat 00 04 08 Making thereof. Strings, Body-lining, and other Materials . .00 01 00 A Coif and Band of Scotch Cloth plain with a Border 00 00 09 A Shift 00 01 06 A pair of Leather Bodice and Stomacher 00 02 06 1 Pair of Woollen Stockings 00 00 08 IPairofShoes 00 01 08 1 Pair of Buckles 00 00 01 00 12 10 School inspection began by the appointment of agents whose primary duties were to assist in the setting up of the schools. They made reports weekly.^ Then the Society sought the as- sistance of the Bishop of London for directing Parochial min- isters "frequently to catechise" the children.^^ In 1700 Rev. Mr. Coghan was elected "Inspector of all the Charity Schools in and about London and Westminister" at a salary of £20 a year."^ Thus the inspection was to be done by the parish clergy and, in large centres, by a minister specially designated, a work which seems to have been conscientiously looked after through- out all sections. Rules and orders for Charity Schools are found in the accounts of 1704.^^ The qualifications required a master to be "a Member of the Church of England, of a sober Life and Conversation, not under the Age of 25 Years; one that frequents Holy Communion, one that hath a good government of himself and his Passions; one who understands well the Grounds and Principles of the Christian Rehgion, and is able to give a good account thereof to the Minister of the Parish, or Ordinary, on 20 The first report occurs May 18, 1699. See S. P. O. K. Minute-book, 1698- 1706, under this date. 21 IMd., Nov. 30, 1699. 22 Ibid., Jan. 13, 1700-1. 23 Slon College Archives, 43: P: 2, No. 1. Dr. Bray was requested to formulate and bring in the first orders March 16, 1698-9, S. P. O. K. Minute-book, 1698- 1706. The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 23 Examination; of a good Genius for Teaching; one who can write a good Hand, and who understands the Grounds of Arithme- tick." He must keep school "from 7 to 11 in the Morning, and from 1 to 5 in the Evening, in the Summer half -Year; from 8 to 11 in the Morning, and from 1 to 4 in the Evening, the Winter half-year." Three hoUdays a year were allowed "at the usual Festivals and by no means during Bartholomew Fair for fear of any harm by ill examples," and the regulations held that "a Register of Attendance is to be kept and the Tardy as well as the Absent is to be noted." Orders were also given con- cerning the curriculum. The Master must "teach them the true Spelling of Words and distinction of Syllables, with Points and Stops." "As soon as the boys can read competently well, the Master shall teach them to write a fair legible hand, with the grounds of Arithmetick, to fit them for Service or Appren- tices." The girls were "to learn to read etc., and generally to knit their stockings and gloves, to mark, sew, make and mend their Cloathes, several to learn to write, and some to spin their Cloathes." Instruction in Church Catechism came twice a week, when it was required that the Master "shall first teach them to pronoimce distinctly and plainly; and then, in order to practice, shall explain it to the Meanest Capacity, by the help of The Whole Duty of Man, or some good Exposition approved by the Minister." To guard their maimers and behaviour he was "to correct the beginnings of Lying, Swearing, Cursing, Taking God's name in Vain, and the Prophanation of the Lord's Day. " The children were to be " brought to Church by the Master twice every Lord's Day and Holy Day." It was fur- ther maintained that "they are always to have ready their Bibles, bound up with the Common Prayer. When a sufficient number know the Catechism, he is to give notice to the Minister, so that they may be catechized in the Church." Finally, "Prayers are to be said in School, Morning and Evening, and the children are to be taught to pray at home, when they rise and when they go to Bed, and to use Graces before and after Meat. " In the beginning the Society took up the work of publishing Christian literature,^ circulating the same through gifts out- right and through the setting up of libraries in the parishes." M S. p. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, March 10, 1698-9. 26 S. P. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, Dec. 3, 1699. 24 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Books for the Charity Schools were included among the rest. Distribution was gratis at first and continued to be so where means of purchasing were wanting. Large quantities of Bibles, New Testaments, Prayer-books, elementary books of instruc- tion and tracts were thus provided for the schools. After 1703 effort was made to get a partial return for the books, and small rates, less than cost price, were charged to places that were in a position to contribute something. Catalogues of the Society's publications were issued as early as 1706 and prices ranged from a few pence to four and five shillings. There were two marked exceptions, viz.: "A Quarto Bible with a Chronological Table" was worth 18 shillings and "Philips's English Dictionary" was worth 16 shillings. In the Accounts for the Years 1713 and 1715,''' as well as for succeeding years, there appear two inter- esting lists that show the range of the Society's publications, and the large number of books made available for the use of the schools. The first is, "A Catalogue of Books fit to be put into the Hands of Masters of Charity Schools." Following a con- siderable list of doctrinal works, there are a number of treatises directly applicable to the instruction of youth in Christian prin- ciples and secular knowledge, for example: — "The Christian Monitor. Price 3d. Professor Franck's account of the Hospital at Halle, intituled Pieias Hallen- sis. Price 3d. Munro's Just Measures of the pious Institution of Youth, 2 Vol. Pr. 9s. Mr. Talbot's Christian School-Master. Price 2s. The Christian Education of Children. Price Is. A Method for Instruction of Children and Youth. Price 4d. Sermons at the Anniversary Meeting of the Charity-SchooIs in London. Disney's First and Second Essay concerning the Execution of the Laws against Immorality and Profaneness. Price 5s. 6d. Philip's EngHsh Dictionary. Price 16s. Or, The Abridgment of it. Price 5s. 6d. Mr. Turner's Spelling-Book, and English Grammar. Price Is. 6d. Mr. iSnell's New Copy-Book. Price 5s. John Johnson's Arithiaetick. Hatton's Arithmetick. Price 4s. Vernon's Compleat Counting-House. Price 9d. Ayre's Youth's Introduction to Trade." The second list contains books prescribed for the use of the scholars, as follows: — "Books Proper to he Used in Charity Schools.'" "A Bible, Testament and Common-Prayer Book. 2« Slon College Archives, 43: F: 1. 27 These lists are printed in Allen and McClure, op. cit., pp. 186-7. The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 25 The Church-Catechism. The Church-Catechism broke into short Questions. Lewis's Exposition of the Church-Catechism. Worthington's Scripture-Catechism. The first Principles of practical Christianity. Dr. Woodward's Short Catechism, with an Explanation of divers hard Words. New Method of Catechizing. Prayers for the Charity-Schools. The Christian Scholar. An Exercise for Charity-Schools upon Confirmation. Pastoral advice before, and after Confirmation. The Whole Duty of Man by Way of Question and Answer. Abridgement of the History of the Bible, which may be well bound up at the Beginning of the Bible, or at the end. The Anatomy of Orthography: Or, a practical Introduction to the Art of Spelling and Reading English. The Duty of PubUc Worship proved, &c. Lessons for Children, Historical and Practical &c. Hymns for the Charity-Schools. " Later reports show a number of additions to these lists, those of a secular nature being: "Archbishop Wake's Commentary on the Church-Catechism. Monro's Essay on Christ and Education. Dr. Talbot's Christian Schoolmaster. An Exercise against Lying. An Exercise against Taking God's Name in Vain. The Way of Living in a Method and by Rule; Or a Regular Way of Em- ploying our Time. The Devout Psalmodist. "28 Throughout the period of S. P. C. K. support and long after the National Society took charge of the schools, they were sup- plied with books by the former society, either at an exceedingly low rate or else by free grant. The interest of the S. P. C. K. in the Plantations was awakened at the outset, as is shown by one of the Society's first resolves.^ Shortly thereafter Dr. Bray had submitted, "A Gen- eral View of what has appeared to me to be wanting for the Propagating Christian Knowledge in the Plantations, so far as hitherto and at this distance I can give an estimate." The things "wanting," in Bray's estimation were: (1) To fix Paro- chial Libraries as an encouragement to Clergymen, the same to be stocked almost wholly with religious treatises. (2) "To give further means of Instruction and Edification to the people in the Plantations, it is requisite there should be considerable quan- 28 Prom an Account of Charity Schools, 1727 — Archives of Sion College Library, 43: E: 9, No. 11. 29 See p. 17. 26 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York titles sent of practical Books to be distributed gratis amongst ym." (3) "To train up their youth in the knowledge of Christ, Catechetical Free Schools for ye Education of the Children of the Poorest Planters appears highly expedient." (4) To make suitable provision for the wives and Children of Missionaries who die in the service. (5) "To reduce the Quakers, who are so numerous in those parts, to the Christian Faith, from which they are totally Apostatiz'd" by means of special missionaries to them. (6) "And lastly, in order to convert the Indian Na- tions, it seems a likely method, could there be provision for the Education of some of their Youth in Schools for that purpose, who, after a thorough Instruction in the Christian Faith, might be sent back amongst their own natives, as ye properest persons to convert them and to deale with them for their soul's good." The Minutes of the first two years and more show a constant desire to support Dr. Bray in his colonial schemes. The per- sonal debt incurred by him was assumed by the Society. This amoxmted to £631.^ Additional money was collected and packets of books were dispatched across the sea.'' Writing to the Governor of Virginia, Mr. Chamberlayne, the secretary, says, "The main part of their Design, with relation to America, is to assist Dr. Bray in Raising of Libraries for the Clergy, and in Distributing practicall Books amongst the Laity. "'^ But more than this, a start was made in sending missionaries. On March 17, 1700-1 "Dr. Bray reported that 9 Missionaries to the Plantations are in a very fair way of being completed, £400 per annum being already subscribed, besides £50 extraordinary."" Support of schools in the colonies was not taken up, however, the Society having its resources fully taxed with such work as it did undertake. Yet it is evident that schools were to be en- couraged in time. In an attempt to secure the cooperation of American Merchants and Planters in the Society's work, the secretary solicited, among others, Mr. Elias Neau, merchant of New York, for assistance. He said, in part, "The success of this undertaking (that is, the work of the S. P. C. K. in England), whereby the Education of so many Thousands of poor Children 30 s. P. C. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, June 8, 1699 and Nov. 9, 1699. 31 Ibid. Aug. 17; Sep. 1, 21; Oct. 5, 12; and Nov. 30, 1699. Sep. 12, 19: Oct. 10- and Dec. 16, 23, 1700. March 17, 24, 1700-1; Apr. 21, Aug. 5, 1701. 32 By order of the Society, Oct. 3, 1700. 33 S. P. O. K. Minute-book, 1698-1706, under date given. The Work of the S. P. C. K. at Home and Abroad 27 is already taken care for, encourages them to hope that, if the Uke Industry and appUcation were but observed in our Plantations, the Children and Ser- vants of our Merchants and Planters in those parts might be universally better principled and Instructed, and the growing generation make a con- science of fearing God, with not only their Children, but Ukewise with all their servants, too many of which at present are designedly kept in profound Ignorance by their unchristian Masters and Governours, to the great scandaU of the Reformed Religion. Little do such prophane persons think what a dreadful account they have to give when inquisition shall be made for the blood of those poor creatures' souls at the great day of Retribution. The Progress which this Society has made for Propagating Christian Knowledge in our Plantations appears by the noble Provision of Books for ye Clergy in those parts (whereof the World has had already an acco* in Print), and that so blessed a Worke may not fail of success they are sohciting further benefactions for supplying from time to time what shall be wanting to accomplish it, and they do not in ye least doubt of your best Endeavours to procure what Assistance you can from ye Merchants and Planters in yo' neighbourhood and acquaintance, and to send us the names of such persons as you apprehend may be wiUing to Joyne with you and us in so noble and Christian an undertaking."" Before any definite action on schools could be taken plans were set on foot for the incorporation of the S. P. G. On October 28, 1701 the Society's activity in America practically came to an end, it having been "Resolved that from henceforwards the usuall Subscriptions to the Plantations shall cease. '"^ Packets of books continued to be sent over or were put into the hands of the S. P. G. missionaries before their departure. They were usually of the value of one or two pounds. This and the as- sistance rendered the emigrants to Georgia,'* between 1732 and the Revolution, complete the record of the work of the S. P. C. K. in what is now the United States. M Letter written October, 1700. Quoted by Allen and McClure, op. cit., p. 227. S6 S. P. O. K. Minute-book 1698-1706, under date given. This, of course, was ow- ing to the chartering of the S. F. Gr. M See p. 17. CHAPTER III THE FOUNDING AND GENERAL WORK OF THE S. P. G. "The Society for the Propagation of the Gospell in Forreigne- Parts" was incorporated by Royal charter granted by William the Third, June 16, 1701. The preamble of the instrument recites the reasons for incorporating and the purposes of the- corporation in general rather than specific terms: "Whereas Wee are credibly informed that in many of our Plantacons, Colonies, and Factories beyond the seas, belonging to Our Kingdome of Eng- land, the Provision for Ministers is very mean. And many others of our- said Plantacons, Colonies, and Factories are wholy destitute, and unprovided of a Mainteynance for Ministers, and the Pubhc Worship of God; and for- Lack of Support and Mainteynance for such, many of our Loving Subjects doe want the Administration of God's Word and Sacraments, and seem to be abandoned to Atheism and Infidelity and alsoe for Want of Learned and Orthodox Ministers to instruct Our said Loving Subjects in the Principles of true Religion, divers Romish Priests and Jesuits are the more encouraged to pervert and draw over Our said Loving Subjects to Popish Superstition and Idolatry. "And Whereas Wee think it Our Duty as much as in Us lyes, to promote- the Glory of God, by the Instruccon of Our People in the Christian Religion And that it wiU be highly conducive for accompUshing those Ends, that a sufficient Mainteynance he •provided for an Orthodox Clergy to live amongst them, and that such other Provision he made, as may he necessary for the Propa- gation of the Gospell in those Parts: "And Whereas Wee have been well assured, That if Wee would be gra- tiouslj' pleased to erect and settle a Corporacon for the receiving, manageing, and disposeing of the Charity of Our Loving Subjects, divers Persons would be- induced to extend their Charity to the Uses and Purposes aforesaid, "i The fact is to be noted, that such other provision as might be necessary, in addition to the maintenance of clergy, was made a fundamental object of the organization. It seems to have been an elastic clause that had in view the extension to the colonies of much of the work of the S. P. C. K. in England, and the furthering of the work of Dr. Bray in the Plantations .- The charter incorporated 94 members, more than half of whom represented the leading dignitaries of the Church. All of the 1 The charter in full is printed in, Pascoe, op. cit., p. 932. Italics not In original'. 28 The Founding and General Work of the S. P- G. 29 •original founders of the S. P. C. K. were in the list of charter members as, indeed, were practically all of the active members of the latter society and many of its corresponding members.^ In the first hundred years the membership rose to 300 and was for some time limited to that number. During the nineteenth century it grew to 6000. Broad powers were conferred on the Society, as is shown by the section of the charter relating there- to: "And Wee further Will, and by these Presents for Us, Our Heires and Sue- lessors doe Ordaine and Grant unto the said Society for the Propagation of the GospeU in Forreigne Parts, and their Successors That they, and their Successors, or the major Part of them who shall be present at the &st and second Meeting of the said Society, or at any Meeting on the Third Friday in the Months of November, February, May, and August, yearely for ever, ^nd at noe other Meetings of the said Society, shall and may Consult, De- termine, Constitute, Ordaine, and Make any Constitutions, Laws, Ordi- nances and Statutes whatsoever; as alsoe to execute Leases for Yeares, as aforesaid, which to them, or the major Part of them then present shall seem reasonable, profitable, or requisite, for, touching or concerning the Good Estate, Rule, Order and Government of the said Corporation and the more efectuaU promoteing the said Charitable Designes: AH which Lawes, Ordi- nances, and Constitucons, soe to be made ordained and established, as afore- said. Wee Win, Command, and Ordaine, by these Presents, for Us, Our Heires, and Successors, to be from Time to Time and at all Times hereafter kept and performed in aU Things as the same ought to be, on the Penalties and Amercements in the same to be imposed and limited, soe as the same Lawes, Constitucons, Ordinances, Penalties, and Amercements, be reason- able, and not repugnant or contrary to the Laws and Statutes of this Our Realme of England." The business of the Society was to be transacted at monthly meetings but it soon became necessary to facilitate work by the appointment of a committee whose duties should be, "to receive proposals that may be offered to them for the Promoting the designs of this Society, and to prepare matters for the considera- tion of the Society.'" This body became known as the "Stand- ing Committee"^ and became the quasi-executive head of the Society. The monthly meetings on the other hand represented a council for adopting or rejecting the committee's proposals.^ The funds of the Society began with a donation of £56 plus, subscribed by 12 members. It was used to cover the expense of getting the charter passed. On Oct. 17, 1701 a form of sub- 's, p. C. K. Minute-book 1698-1706, Nov. 4 and 18, 1701; compare also with S. P. G. Charter. > S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 39, March 6, 1702-3. t June 18, 1703, — S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 109. 6 Essentially every measure adopted for the American colonies was initiated by the Standing Committee and then submitted for final action. Very few recommen- dations were ever rejected by the Society. 30 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York scription was drawn up which soon netted over £184.' Imme- diately following, subscription rolls were circulated throughout England and, by the end of 1701, £204' had been subscribed. This form of fimd-gathering was carried on yearly and brought in sums ranging from £500 to £950. Besides this private bene- factors (members of Royalty and outsiders, as well as members of the Society) made frequent donations which far exceeded the subscriptions. In 1701, for instance, £1332 were acquired in this maimer. For a decade thereafter the "donations" were comparatively small. In 1713, there was recorded £1610, and from 1717 on to the end of the century the median for this par- ticular source of revenue was £2000. The general fimd was considerably augmented by public house to house collections for which Royal Letters were issued on six different occasions in the eighteenth century. By such means the Society collected in the reign of Queen Anne, £3060 (1711) and £3887 (1714); in the reign of George I, £3727 (1718) ; in that of George II, £15,278 (1741) and £19,786 (1751); and in that of George III, £19,372 (1779). Special funds began to be received from 1713 on and came in steadily. The median for these was about £1500 an- nually. They were different from the general fund in that they were fixed by their donors for specific benefactions and had to be so administered. Yet one other source of revenue remains to be mentioned, — the interest from the funds themselves. The expenditures for the first half century taxed the income to the utmost, but after that, through timely investments, funds began to be dividend-producing. In this way over £21,000 had been added to the general fund by 1780. During the same period (1701-1780), when interest was centred for the most part in the colonies that formed the American union, the entire collections reached the sum of £392,804. The entire expenditures, on the other hand, were £349,433, two-thirds of which represented the Society's benefactions in the said colonies. For over two hundred years the S. P. G. has been engaged in a work of evangelization that ranks as the greatest in point of accomplishment and as the most extensive in all history. Not 6 S. p. G. Joumsil, Sept. 19. & Oct. 17, 1701 — ^printed in Classified Digest, op. cit.' p. 822. 7 For this and the following statistics, I am indebted to the Table of Income and Expenditure 1701-1893, given in Classified Digest, op. ciU, pp. 830-32; also In Pas- coe, op. cit., pp. 830-32; see also Humphreys, op. cil., pp. V-VI. The Founding and General Work of the S. P- G. 31 only has it been active in every province where the British flag has gone, but its succor has been vouchsafed to nearly every country in Europe where it has been sought. Its work and in- fluence have been tremendous and far-reaching. The primary object has been, from the start, the spread of the Church of England and its doctrines. In English territory the goal has been more extreme, — that of making the Church the dominating influence religiously, thus carrying out and securing, as far as possible, the fundamental belief in Church establishment. Vari- ous lines of activity have been adopted to effect this purpose in the two and more centuries. Chiefly they have been: (1) the providing of Missionaries under Church Orders; (2) the establish- ment of Church organizations; (3) the inculcating and keeping alive the doctrines of the Church, and the feeding of the Mis- sions by means of (a) distribution of Church literature, and (b) the support of schools; (4) the distribution of libraries to the missionaries for their better equipment; and (5) the assisting and founding of colleges to insure the supplying of a trained clergy. Throughout its existence the Society has been devoted to the welfare of colonial settlers and "heathen natives" alike. This twofold aim was stated in the first anniversary sermon preached before the Society by the Dean of Lincoln. He therein said: " The design is, in the first place to settle the State of Religion as well aa may be among our own People there, which by aU accounts we have, very much wants their Pious care: and then to proceed in the best Methods they can towards the Conversion of the Natives."^ In 1710 there was a temporary departure from the design thus laid down. Resolutions were passed purporting that the work of propagating the Gospel "does chiefly and principally relate to the conversion of heathens and infidels" and declaring a stop to the sending of missionaries to new fields among the Christians.' An exclusive policy such as this would have been was not pursued, though increased efforts were made for some time in behalf of the Indians and Negroes. The resolu- tion, however, gave a basis for some of the opposition which the 8 S. p. G. Anniversary Sermon, 1702, p. 17. Italics not In original. 9 April 28, 1710, printed In Classlfled Digest, op. cit., p. 69. The action thus taken was the result of a wave of interest in the Indians, created at London, by the visit of four Indian Sachems, their object being to solicit the aid of Queen Anne in further- ing religious instruction among them. 32 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Society met with in New England and elsewhere a few decades later." The first missionaries were sent over in 1702, going to the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and New England. From then until 1785 the Missionary Roll shows a list of 309 men employed in that field of the Society's service. New York received the largest number for any single colony, namely, 58, Pennsylvania including Delaware 47, and New Jersey 44. Thus nearly half of them labored in the middle colonies. The southern colonies were assisted to the number of 107, of which South Carolina got 54, North Carolina 33, and Georgia 13." The New England colonies received 84." Throughout the century the provisions made for the support and equipment of these 309 disciples of the Church occupied by far the greatest portion of the Society's time, and required the major part of its funds. In addition to the salaries vouchsafed," there were frequent packets of books and tracts sent them both for their own use and for distribution among the people. Further, they were granted at the outset £10 in books and £5 in tracts." And as an encouragement for their undertaking the voyage, they were allowed £20 from the Crown. Such a bounty was settled in the reign of Charles II" upon every minister and schoolmaster going to the colonies, and it was renewed by succeeding sovereigns." Provision for the religious instruction of the colonists was started about two years after sending out the first ministers. In 1703 a catechist for New York was appointed." Early in 10 To be referred to in the following pages. 11 The Society supported only 2 missionaries in Virginia and 5 In Maryland. Thlsl with occasional grants of bool^, constituted all of their work In these two colonies. This was because they were so much better provided for In comparison with the dis- tressing Church conditions in the other colonies. For all of the flgnres quoted here, see the Missionary Roll of the Society, in Classified Digest, op. ciU, pp. 849-56. " Adding the numbers for the individual colonies gives a total of 340 and not 309- This is due to transfers from one colony to another, causing some names to be counted more than once. " £40 or £50 sterling per annum, were usually allowed; sometimes less amounts. 14 S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 109. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 47; ibid.. A, 7, p. 83, showing a long Ust of the above sent to ministers and schoolmasters between 1704 and 1712; iMd., A, 13, p. 34. So many instances of these gifts are found throughout the S. P. G. records that there can be no doubt of Its being a general rule during the entire period. 16 Humphrey, op. cit., p. 8. " PothergUl, A list of Emigrant Ministers to America, 1690-1811, p. 10; Lans- downe Mss., British Museiun, 8851, fol. ISO tt; Lambeth Mss., 1123, III, fol. 255 (dated 1762). 17 S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 98. The date is Jan. 15, 1702-03. The appointment was made for the province of New York, but more than a year elapsed before the cate- chist began his labors, which were confined to New York City rather than to the province as a whole. See S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 20. The Founding and General Work of the S. P- G. 33 1705, "A motion being made about an endeavour of erecting Charity Schools in the Plantations, Agreed that this motion be referred to the Committee & that it be an Instruction to consider of employing the widows of Clergymen in such Schools. "" But no immediate action was taken on the motion and the Society's activity in this field remained much in abeyance for the first decade. The fact is attributable, not to indifference to the need of such work, but to the more urgent demands for setting upon a substantial footing the Church itself. In Bray's reports on colonial conditions, and in reports sent back by George Keith and the other pioneer missionaries, emphasis had been laid over and over again on the general neglect of worship according to the Church of England." The same appeal for churches was stressed in the early petitions™ which the Society received from settlements in various parts of the colonies and the income was inadequate to meet all of these petitions."' During the entire period of its work in the American colonies the Society became involved in various forms of controversy. After 1750 opposition increased in bitterness and became more general. In the Revolutionary years and for a few years pre- ceding, it grew to hatred of an intense degree, as both Church and Society natiu^ally ranged themselves on the side of the Crown. Some of the controversies that arose were provoked by the Society's representatives or else by the Church party. It seems definitely clear that there were always representatives of the militant type'" who gave strong color to suspicions of the 18 March 16, 1704r-5, S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 189. u "Memorial Humbly Layd before his Grace the Lord ABp of Canterbury the Lord Bishop of London and the other Bishops of this Kingdom representing the pre- sent State of Bellgion in the Several Provinces on the Con tint of North America In order to the Providing a sufficient Number of Proper Missionaries so absolutely Necessary to be Sent at this juncture into those Parts." — Hawks Transcripts, G. C. This report is without signature or date but the context is convlnciug proof that It is by Dr. Bray. See also, extract from Keith's Journal, in Classified Digest, op. cit., pp 10-11; letters of Keith Dec. 11, 1702, Hawks Transcripts, New York, I, p. 9; and Feb. 24, 1702-03 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 6, I, p. 87; also letter of John Bartow, Aug. 14, 1708, Hawks Transcripts, New York, I, p. 125,; also letter of John Talbot, Sept. 1, 1703, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, I, p. 125; also letter from Gov. of New York, Apr. 27, 1699, in New York Colonial Documents, IV, p. 520. "> See for example the Salem, New Jersey, petition quoted In Classified Digest op. cit., pp. 53-54, and the letter from the Vestry of Philadelphia, 1704, ibid., p. 34; also Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., II, p. 5. M "Whereas it appears by the List of Missionaries & Schoolmasters that the an- nual charge of the Society to such Missionaries & Schoolmasters amounts to £1065 & whereas the yearly subscriptions of the Society amounts to no more than £759. Committee agreed to move the Society to consider of some method to advance the Income of the Society. " July 18, 1707, S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (86). M "It must not be a blind, outrageous Zeal That will make Proselytes here . . . Nothing of what the Dissenters . . . imagine proceeds from a Spirit of Bitterness against 'em will ever do any good to the church .... Mr. Commissary Price shows too much of this spirit in Preaching and Conversation." Extracts from a letter of Gov. Belcher of Mass. to the Bishop of London, July 24, 1731, FuUiam Archives. 34 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York non-conformists that the Church government in the colonies was bent on an estabhshment hke that -which the mother-church enjoyed in England. The Society at no time proclaimed such an aim, or any positive mihtancy, save probably towards the Quakers. Yet it is blameworthy to the extent that it did not sufficiently attempt to prevent over-zealousness and over-aggres- sion,^ and to the extent, also, that it was apt to espouse quietly the cause of such of its militant representatives as appealed to England for assistance. On the other hand, the Dissenters, the Quakers, and most of the non-conforming sects, showed an open hostility to the success of the Society and the growth of the Church interest. They viewed each step taken by the Church party as a most objectionable attempt, either open or veiled, to advance Church establishment." So that, through this means, frequent injustice was done the Society and the Church. Only a few of the incidents of these controversies can be noted here. When Keith, leading the first band of missionaries which the S. P. G. sent out, began his labor in Boston, June 1702, he fortunately introduced a subtle invitation to controversy. He succeeded in stirring up Increase 'Mather, an Independent preacher. A short pamphlet war ensued,''* which from this time on recurred intermittently between the opposing forces in all the colonies, particularly in New England and the middle colonies.^ The most conspicuous pamphlet war in New England was that of 1763-64 between Rev. Johnathan Mayhew, and East Apthorp, the Society's missionary at Cambridge. The former charged the S. P. G. with a departure from the original purpose of work on '• However it can be said that the Society did give definite instruction that the missionaries must give no offence "by intermeddling in affairs not relating to their own Calling and Function. " See, Instruction for the Clergy, part 1, No. XI. Again in part 2, No. X, of the same, they are Instructed to visit those Parishioners "that oppose us, or dissent from us, to convince and reclaim them, with a Spirit of Meekness and Gentleness. " These Instructions are printed in Peiscoe, op. cit., pp. 837-9. 24 This hatred of Episcopacy is well illustrated by a cartoon reproduced in Perry,. History of the Colonial Episcopal Church, I, p. 426. 25 Keith's Journal, p. 2; quoted in Classified Digest, op. cit., pp. 41— i2. 26 Pamphlet controversies to judge from their frequency and the numerous issues from the press, evidently occupied much of the tune and thought of New England in the eighteenth century. For a bibliography of these, reference may be made ta " ArchEclogia Americana," VI, 307-661, which contains a catalogue of publications tn what is now the United States, prior to 1775. The flood of tracts against the Church and the Society was the source of great annoyance to the missionaries. Their appeals for literature to offset the pernicious charges were almost constant between 1710 and 1775. See for example S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 19, pp. 243 and 448. On the other hand the Society maintained a constant supply of writings m defense of the Church and its doctrine, and against the unorthodox sects. See SPG Journals, I, p. (293); III, pp. 55, 71; IV, p. 179; VI, p. 49; VII, pp. 40, 262; VIIl" pp. 112, 281; IX, p. 251. See also S. P. G. Letter-books, A, 10, p. 95; A, 19, p. 457- A, 25, p. 159; B, 11, p. 21; B, 12, p. 149; B, 13, pp. 26, 47, 62. The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 35 the frontier among the Indians." Apthorp successfully an- swered this. Mayhew further charged misrepresentation of colonial conditions on the part of the Society's missionaries re- garding their work and influence, and there was occasional basis. for this, in spite of constant efforts by the Society to prevent it.^ Other animosities were engendered in New England the study of which shows that bigotry and sectarianism prevailed with both parties. New England printers refused to print the Church Catechism or other tracts,^ making dependence on England a necessity in this respect. The schools of the Dissenters looked well to the preparing of children against the danger of conver- sion to Episcopacy. An observer of this jealous care on the part of the schools, writing to the Society, spoke of it as "The great veneration for the dissenting Religion and its Ministers, Cere- monies and Peculiarities, which is with Surprising and inde- fatigable Industry instill'd into their Children with every Part of their Education.'"" A strong sectarian spirit prevailed at Harvard and Yale. Episcopal students at Harvard were "much discouraged from coming to our worship on Sundays" and were threatened with being entirely restrained on the "only pretence, That they are hindered in their Studies by it."" This is less prejudiced in spirit, however, than the suggestion of the mis- sionary, George Keith, that "a President and two or three fel- 27 The only possible basis for this has been referred to; see p. 31. The history and proceedings of the S. P. G. substantiate the denial made by Apthorp. 28 A series of these controversial pamphlets by Mayhew and Apthorp are in the New York Historical Society Library bound in a volume entitled: Mayhew, "Select Tracts. " Another list of them may be found in Perry. Hist. Col., op. cit.. Ill, pp. 688-©0. A cargo of books for the spread of infidelity, the freight of which was £45. was Imported from London about Dec. 1743, — S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 254. See also a letter of the Archbishop of Canterbury to Samuel Johnson against over-sanguine accounts by young missionaries, — Lambeth Mss. 1123, March 30, 1763; and a letter from this dignitary to Mr. Caner of Boston, — Ibid. A copy ofeachoftheselettersis in Hawlis Transcripts, G. C. From the latter the following is quoted: "Nothing: should be said against the Dissenters in general, but all endeavours used to satisfy them, that we desire only to make due provisions for the Members of our own Church and have no design to invade the rights or dlstiu'b the peace of theirs. Dr. May- hew's enormities should be set forth, not with bitterness but with mild expostulation, the Dissenters themselves should be begged to consider how much he wrongs us, the proper Questions should be put home in a serious yet gentle manner to his own Con- science. Allowances should be craved for the misinformation which the Society may have received, and the mistakes which it may have made, and the dissenters should be reminded that in one thing or another perhaps in some like things, they may have need of allowance also that mutual moderation always a christian duty Is more especially needful when we are surrounded by unbelievers eager to take advan- tage against us all." » S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 140. 30 Koger Vlets to the Sec, Simsbury, June 25, 1766, S. P. G. Letter-book B, 23, p. 376. " Timothy Cutler to Bishop of London, July 6, 1739, Fulham Archives. See also Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., Ill, pp. 225-6, for a complaint of Harvard's ecclesiastical excluslveness towards the Church of England. 36 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York low members of the Church of England be sent out from Oxford or Cambridge in England to instruct the youth att Cambridge in New England, by her Afa'*** Authority, wch if it could be done" might in a few years "induce the people of N. England to con- forme;'"' or than the accusation of John Talbot that the college had "gone a great way to Poison this country with Damnable Doctrines . . . worse than Heathenism or Atheism" and recommending that some grave, wise tutor and philosopher be sent there "to teach them humanity in the first place, that in time they might be brought to Christian Principles & Practices, for at Present they are not much better than the Quakers, & in the Latter much Worse. "^ In 1727 the Society's mis- sionaries at Boston started a controversy with the Harvard overseers which continued for four years or more and which greatly increased the bitterness towards the Episcopal party. These missionaries laid a claim to the right to sit with the over- seers in their deliberations.'* It was based (1) on their interpre- tation of the charter of establishment, (2) on the fact that the Church party paid its proportion of rates for Harvard's support, and (3) on the precedent that earlier Church of England clergy had been invited to sit and vote in that body, enjoying such privilege for some twenty years, although for two or three years last past the courtesy had not been extended.'* The claim was denied by the overseers and later by the General Court of Massa- chusetts. Appeals were made to England but they were inef- fectual. Memorials were then renewed before the overseers and the latter promptly dismissed them again, thus excluding the Church representatives from the management of Harvard Col- lege.'' Since there were no clergy of the Church in Massachu- setts at the founding of Harvard, the original charter could not have meant to include such persons in the governing board. The teaching elders of the six next adjoining towns, who were « Keith to Dr. Bray, Feb. 26, 1702-03, S. F. G. Letter-book, A, 1, p. 88. » Talbot to the Sec, April 7, 1704, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 1, p. 181. 34 Clergy of New England to the Sec, July 20, 1727, Perry, Hist. Col., op. ciU, III. pp. 224r-26; Cutler to General Nicholson, Aug. 10, 1727, ibid. p. 228. 36 Memorial of the Ministers and others of the Church of England to the Lieut. Governor and General Court July 24, 1727, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 205; same to Bishop of London, July 20, 1727, Fulham Archives; Cutler and Myles to the Lieut. Gov. and House of Representatives, Feb. 3, 1727-28, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 204; Cutler to Bishop of London, June 25, 1730, Fulham Archives. " For the several steps here given see Cutler's letters to the Bishop of London, Sept. 11, and Oct. 10, 1728, and June 25, 1730, Fulham Archives; also Cutler's second Memorial to Harvard Overseers June 11, 1730, and the latter's resolution of Jime 17, 1730, Fulham Archives; also Cutler's letter of May 13, 1731, ibid. The Founding and General Work of the S. P- G. ■ 37 named as members, were intended to be Independents, the or- thodox ministers of that colony. But aside from this, the action of the overseers was one based on prejudice and a fear of the in- crease of the Church's influence. Their earlier toleration and the public tax long shared by all parties established an equity in favor of the protesting clergy. If the Bishop of London took any action on behalf of his ministers, there is no indication of it in the many papers in Fulham Archives relating to the con- troversy. One can feel reasonably certain that he sounded the advocates of political expediency and found inaction the safest. The S. P. G., however, in responding to appeals from Boston, concluded that "the Society cannot properly concern them- selves in this affair."" Opposition to the Church was also experienced at Yale, in spite of the fact that Elihu Yale and Bishop Berkeley, who were the chief benefactors of the college in the early period, were both "Gentlemen of the Chm-ch."^ It must have given pro- found concern to the Independents of New England when at the Yale Commencement of 1722, Timothy Cutler, Yale's president, Daniel Brown, tutor in the college, and Samuel Johnson, the Independent pastor of Westhaven, besides three other pastors, declared themselves for the Church of England "in ye face of ye whole country.'"' The Church party appreciated the sig- nificance of the declaration and encouraged it by holding out promises of support from England.*" From this time on Yale graduated a considerable number of professors of the Church of England, sometimes five, sometimes ten in a class.^ All of this time the opponents of the Church, who were predominant in the Government, held control of the College and enforced a thor- oughgoing sectarian attitude. Students were fined for attend- ing the Church of England services. A fine of £11 was imposed against two sons of Mr. Punderson, an S. P. G. missionary, 37 s. p. G. Journal, Nov. 15, 1728, V, p. 178. 38 Samuel Johnson to the Society, 1754, S. P. G. Journal, XXI, pp. 376-9. 39 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 16, pp. 302, 298; S. P. G. Journal, IV, p. 242. Cutler became an S. P. G. missionary at Boston; see above. Johnson became missionary at Stratford and afterwards first President of Kings (Columbia) College. Brown was appointed a missionary, but died after entering on his new duties. 40 Geo. Plgot to the Sec. Oct. 3, 1722, S. P. G. Letter-book A, 16, p. 298; Church- wardens and Vestry of Newport, E. I., to the Sec. Oct. 29, 1722, iWd., p. 309; Gov. Nicholson to the Sec. Jan. 11, 1722-3, ibid., p. 95. It is worth noting here that very soon after this, invitations to Episcopal ministers to sit with the Hsirvard Overseers were stopped. « S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 266; ibid., 16, p. 24. By 1754 about 1-10 of the 100 students were Episcopalian, S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 376-79. 38 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York "for non-attendance in the Hall or attending the Ch. of Eng. services the ?^ths of the Sundays it is performed at New- haven."*^ Dereliction in the matter of religious worship was a serious offence then. It could be punished by fines or public whippings.^ "It seems to us," said Dr. Johnson, "an insolent treatment to deny our children a pubhck Education unless they constantly attend their meetings when we have a Church within a few Rods of the College, especially since . . . the parents of these children do aimually bear their proportion in the sup- port of the college."^ The payment of rates for the support of the ministers of the Dissenters was exacted of the partisans of the Church generally in New England.** It was an ever-presenb source of irritption to them. At times resistance was attempted, but such cases were decided on partisan lines.* In 1748 it was said that the Church party in Boston were paying "a fifth of the poor's rates, notwithstanding the Town contains ten Presbyterian Meeting Houses, one Irish, one French, one Anabaptist, one Separatists, and one Quakers."*' Unpopular as this must have been to the struggjiag Episcopal churches, it was merely the carrying out of a policy long maintained for the benefit of the Church of England at home. Moreover, the Church was taking advantage of the same privileges in colonies where the national religion was «stablished. One other phase of controversy in New England is to be noted. In 1761 the government of Massachusetts passed an act to in- corporate certain persons by the name of the Society for pro- pagating Christian Knowledge among the Indians of North America.** Representatives of the Society in Boston became suspicious that the intent of the act was "to frustrate the pious Designs of the S. P. G."*' and sent the alarm to England. Charges were immediately prepared against this new scheme and « S. p. G. Journal. XIII, pp. 57-9. 43 A case is reported of an old man of eighty-flve being whipped at the Town sign- post for leaving the Meetings of the Independents eind attending the Church of England. S. P. G. Journal, XII, pp. 376-79. 44 Ibid. 45 Perry, Hist. Col. Epis. Ch., op. cit., I, pp. 296-7, 299, 300f. 46 See the letter of Churchwardens and Vestry of New Cambridge to the Society. Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit.. Ill, p. 432. 47 A letter from Sir Harry Frankland to his Uncle, about the State of Religion at Boston, Dec. 13, 1748. Ibid., p. 423. 48 Lambeth Archives, 1123, III, p. 271. 49 Ibid., p. 269. The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 39 apparently presented to the Board of Trade, where the act was to be reviewed before final presentation for the action of His Majesty in Council.** The Committee of the Board of Trade advised the repeal of the act. "And on the 20th of May 1763 His Majesty in Coimcil was pleased to repeal the said Act."*' The dangerous features brought out in the objections to the new society are not warrantable in such papers as are to be found in either Lambeth or Fulham archives. It appears upon the face of the Church of England antagonism that it was prompted by a jealousy of the work of its S. P. G., and that the Church was suspicious of any and all measures that were enacted in New England. n At the beginning of their labors in New York the Church and the Society encountered some prejudice op the part of the Dutch. Albany is reported to have opposed so strongly the building of the first English church in 1716 that the workmen were com- mitted to jail to prevent work being carried on.''^ As late as 1762, too, objection was raised to the election of a brother of the Society's missionary as an elesor on the ground of his faith, and the point was carried.^ On the other hand, the Dutch in southern New York were tolerant and the relations between them and the English Churchmen were amicable to an unusual extent." An exception to this occurred in the rule of Governor " (Lord) Cornbury (1702-1709). The Governor came to New York with the usual orders from the Crown,^* regarding the licensing of ministers and schoolmasters, and he proceeded to carry out the same to the letter. He applied his orders to the ministers and schoolmasters of the Dutch Reformed Church, although they claimed exemption on the ground of the charter 50 A draught of the objections to the act Is In Fulham Archives, endorsed: "Kecd from the ABp of Canterbury, 1763. " It was based on a series of objections prepared by Wm. Smith of Pennsylvania, then in London, and sent to the Archbishop, Nov. 22, 1762. Lambeth Archives, 1123, III, p. 282. 51 IMd., p. 308. This interesting note is added: "No Bishop was present either at the Committee or the Council." But it is safe to say that the formal charges reached the Committee and Council in ample time, as well as personal objections from the Bishops concerned. 62 Col. John Bradstreet to the Sec. July 2, 1762, Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, p. 305. Bradstreet was in charge of the King's forces at Albany. S3 Ibid. 64 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 112. 65 "Royal Instructions given to Gov. Combury in 1703," copy of same in S. P. G. Jotmial, II, July 11, 1712; sections 60 to 65 of the same quoted in Pascoe, op. cit., p. 60. 40 Tfie Support of Schools in Colonial New York previously granted their church by William III/° He has been charged also with breaking up some of the Dutch schools on Long Island through his misguided zeal." Ill-feeling was caused between the Dutch and the Church party for the time being as a result of Cornbury's poUcy. Fortunately this did not survive him, for his successors adopted a pacific attitude. But in Lord Cornbury's defense it must be said that he had the statesman's vision in respect of the need of universalizing the English lan- guage, in order to successfully unify the colonies under the British flag.^ Antagonism was started between the EngUsh non-conform- ists and the adherents of the Church of England with the enact- ment of Church establishment in the colony at a much earlier date.'' But the Cornbury administration brought it into the open as it had not been before. First he was as vigorous in the matter of licenses for their representatives as he was with the Dutch. Then he encouraged the missionaries appointed to the established churches, to occupy and make use of the churches, parsonages and glebes which had heretofore been provided and occupied by the Dissenters. In Jamaica, on Long Island, a controversy of this kind arose" though for the first seven years the Dissenters bore their grievance with "a most laudable si- lence and wonderful patience."^ During the interval between the death of the S. P. G. missionary and the arrival of his suc- cessor the Dissenters seized the parsonage and glebe and held it against all arguments and trials at Court. The controversy lasted for more than twenty years,^^ and was a source of pro- longed and bitter irritation. 56 Provisions in tlie incorporation act of tlie Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, quoted in Dunshee, (ed. 1853) p. 57. In the same change from Dutch to English control, moreover, the Dutch had wisely preserved for themseives their full ec<3esi- astical and educational rights. 87 Smith, Wm., History of New York, p. 114. 68 See Cornbury's letter to this effect. Hawks Transcripts, N. Y., I, pp. 83-86; also similar suggestions from Thos. Moore in a letter to the Sec, New York, Nov. 13. 1705, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 122. 69 Sept. 22, 1693. Trot's Laws of the British Plantations relating to the church and clergy, religion and learning, p. 263; Col. Laws of N. Y., I, pp. 328-31. 60 In 1710. See letter of Thomas Poyer to S. P. G., Dec. 3, 1710, Hawks Tran- scripts, New York, I, p. 234; S. P. G. Journal, II, Jan. 19, 1710-11. 61 See guotation from a letter of Cotton Mather Oct. 14, 1706, sent to the Sec. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 6, p. 82. One suspects that the "wonderful patience" was due somewhat to the presence of Cornbury as Governor. 62 S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 314; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 23, p. 328; also A, 12, pp. 264, 266, 259, and A, 13, pp. 363, 439, 451. For the Society's appeal to the Queen and the resulting orders in Council, see Hawks Transcripts, New York, I, p. 296. The Founding cmd General Work of the S. P. G. 41 In April 1752, Mr. Wetmore, the S. P. G. missionary at Rye, reported: "The party disputes which have run high among us for several years, to my great grief obstruct the success . . . in my endeavours to promote a becoming zeal for piety and re- formation of manners among the looser sort of my Parishoners which are too numerous."^ Shortly afterwards he wrote again, "Factions and parties keep up but are more quiet than for some years. . . . Licentiousness and wickedness abound more than ever, occasioned by factions fanned by those sorts of teach- gj.g_"M Writing about this time from New York city a group of the Society's clergy expressed the fear that without good governors "the Church must sink in these countries (and indeed the State too) notwithstanding our utmost efforts amid such active and indefatigable Enemies as we are surroxmded with."^^ The tone of these quotations immediately preceding needs prob- ably to be discounted in part, yet it indicates thus early the ushering in of the spirit of revolution. In a more practical way the opposition to the Church of England in New York province was shown in the active antagonism to the foxmding of King's College on a semi-Episcopalian basis.'° At the first suspicion of such a possibility the enemies of the Church began a violent campaign of writing to defeat the design. Dr. Johnson, the first president, described the situation to the Archbishop of Canter- bury in these words: "Among the pernicious Books the Independent Wkigg grows much in vogue; & a notable sett of Young Gentlemen of Figure in New York have of late sett up for writers in that way in a weekly paper called the Independent Re- flector. Several worthy Gentlemen of the Church in that Province have of late been embarked in a Design of Erecting a College as a Seminary of the Church, tho' with a free & generous Toleration for other Denominations. Upon which these Reflectors have been indefatigable in their paper & by all possible means both private & pubUe endeavoring to spirit up the people against us & to wrest it out of the Church's Hands & make it a sort of free thinking or latitudinarian Seminary, as your Grace will see by several of these papers Mr. Smith will lay before you. We have several of us been writing in the Churche's Defence against them, 63 Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, p. 242. 64 lUd., Oct. 2, 1752. 65 Letter signed by Samuel Johnson and four other missionaries, Jan. 29, 1755, Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, p. 252. 66 The president wa,s to be of the Church of England and the Episcopal prayers were to be used in its services. 42 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York & eadeavoring not without some success to defeat their pernicious Schemes. "" Even after the Charter had been granted in 1754 the "clamor raised against it by their inveterate enemies" so far prevailed that it was impossible to procure from the Assembly more than half of the funds raised by lotteries for building the College.** Available documents bearing on this struggle indicate that a spirit of toleration prevailed on the part of the Church that was admirable under the circtimstances, and furthermore that the opposing of the charter was quite as political in its nature as it was religious.'' The Vestry of Trinity Church in a lette r to the Society claimed that the Episcopal party "never insisted on any condition, till we foxmd some Persons labouring to exclude all systems of Religion out of the Constitution of the College."™ When the Church did interpose for a religious foundation, it "had the coimtenance of many good men of all Denominations, and in particular the Ministers of the Foreign Protestant Churches" in the city, who acquiesced, too, in serving as Gover- nors of the CoUege.^^ "We can with a good Conscience De- clare" continued the Vestry, "that we are so far from the Bigotry & Narrowness of Spirit, they have of late been pleased to charge us with, that we would not were it in our Power lay the least Restraint on any Man's Conscience, and should heartily rejoyce to continue in Brotherly Love & Charity with all our Protestant Brethren."'" 67 Letter of June 25, 17S3, Lambeth Archives, 1123, 1, p. 64. See also the follow- ing from the missionary of Eye (Mr. Wetmore) Oct. 9, 1753: "The a.flair of erecting a College in that province has given occasion to a set of yoimg lawyers to publish the doctrines of the Indej)endent Whig, & Tindal's Bights Ac. with the design to prjjmote EepubUcan Principles of Govmt & a Contempt of the National Constitution of the Ch., to prevent if possible, the establishment of the College, upon a Foundation, that may give a Prospect of promoting religion in the way of the National Ch. but it is hoped the Endeavours used to Jintldote the jnalignity of their writings wiU have a good effect. " S. P. G. Journal, XII, pp. 320- 21. The Church party was strong enough to get the charter passed in Council by a majority of two-thirds, and to secure its approval by the Assembly. Ibid., XII, pp. 387-88. 68 s. P. G. Journal, XII, pp. 105-6; Ibid., XIV, pp. 68, 71; S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 315. 69 The opponents on religious grounds were the two chief dissenting sects, Presby- terians and Independents. And closely associated with them were a group of politi- cal opponents. The leader of these was one William Smith, a lawyer, who with others of his profession, especially Livingstone and Scott, showed bitter hatred for the Church and CoUege and were believed to be the chief writers of the hostile papers mentioned above. In his History of New York, which appeared in the midst of the controversy, Smith included all the newspaper complaints against the Society and missionaries. These were the occasion of distrust and enmity for long years, and may have suggested the line of attack which Mayhew took up in Massachusetts shortly thereafter. See letter from President Johnson to Archbishop, King's College Marco 20, 1759, Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, p. 130; also Samuel Auchmuty to the Sec Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, p. 463. 70 s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 315. niud. n Ibid. The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 43 The effect of this warfare began to show itself in England as enemies of the colonies established the connections with the Church's foes at home. Such an object was doubtless stu- diously planned, in order that the Government might realize to what extent the dominance of the Episcopal cause would prove politically unwise. Charges made on the one side were assiduously made known on the other, and defences of the Church and So- ciety were frequently made necessary. The following extracts are taken from one of these defences written by one of the most reliable pens of that period: "It is indeed my Lord, a thing of most melancholy consideration that by such unaccountable methods our Adversaries should have procured such a formidable multitude at home to be disaffected to the Society, and that any should treat it with such insolence as to use even threatening intimations when ■at the same time there never was the least ground for that which it seems is their grand complaint viz., that the Society have unwarrantably changed their object from, the propagating of Christianity and Protestantism to the propa- gation of one form of it in opposition to other Protestants. This my Lord I believe never was designed nor attempted by the Society to this day. There have been indeed a midtitude of Proselytes to the Church especially in New England, but this has not been an originally designed but an accidental effect. No my Lord the Fact has been plainly this, of the course of which I have been a Witness almost 40 years. "There have been considerable numbers of honest conscientious English People of the Chiu-ch who have settled in many of the principal Country Towns in New England as well as other parts of America. Some of these have been sensible men, &, as is natural to suppose they have pleaded the cause of their Chiurch with their Dissenting Neighbours, till they have prevailed to proselyte some Dissenters to joyn with them, & beiag uneasy with the dissenting way, which was then generally very poor, & to them very imcouth, they at length being impatient for the Service of the Church, have joyned in petitioning the Society for Ministers, which after long solicitation they obtained. The consequence of which hath been that some Dissenters from ■curiousity, & others invited by their Neighbors have been led to frequent the service of the Church which upon experience they have admired, & by degrees endeavom'ed to propagate. Thus it was at Stratford, & at length it propagated to several Neighboring Towns: 'tiU from about 80 Fanulies with whom I began, it propagated in 10 or 12 years to several Congregations; for whom, as the burthen grew too great for me I procured them Ministers, till at length when I left that Province there were 25 small Churches & 10 or 11 Ministers. In aU which time, I never once tryed to proselyte Dissenters, nor do I believe any of the other Ministers did. We never concerned our- selves with them 'till they came to us, and when they did we could do no less than give them the best instructions and assistance we could in making a right judgement for themselves. And so far were we from promoting or taking advantage of any quarrels that happened among themselves that in many instances we obliged them to accommodate matters amicably with their former Brethren, or at least to do all they could towards an accommoda- tion before we could receive them to our communion. "Such my Lord hath been the method of our procedure when at the same time I all along maintained a very friendly correspondence with the chief men among them & endeavoured to do them all the good Office I could, & in par- ticular, I procured a noble donation from Bp. Berkeley for their College in land and Books to the value of much more than £1000 Sterling. But be- 44 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York hold my Lord the gratitude of these men! At the same time that I was doing them these good offices, they were contriving & did send along a letter to the Bp. of London of complaint against xis, fuU of gross untruths and misrepre- sentations, with a view to get aU the Church people in N. England deprived of their Ministers, & then of their subsistence. This Letter his Ldship re- ferred to the Society & I believe your Grace may find it among the Society's Papers of 1735. In reply to which the Society were so candid as to give them free Kberty and to direct them to produce Evidence to make good their com- plaints against us which they endeavoiu-ed to do, but could make nothing of it, & I believe never replied at least we never heard any more of it. "Amazing my Lord it is, that these people both at home & abroad cannot be content not only with the most indulgent Toleration by Law, but in many instances with the most kind treatment from the Chm-eh; but by how much the better they are treated, by so much the more indefatigably they are bent & engaged perfas & nefas, joyning and making interest with even the enemies of Christianity itself to vmdermine her, & if possible to raze her even to the foundation! And truly by their threatening insimtationa it should seem as tho' they apprehended they are going near to effect it. Hmo rrmch better our temper here towards them is than theirs towards us, may he obviously seen from this, that our College provides that their Children belonging to it have free lAerfy to go to their own Meetings where as in Connecticui their College will not admif that the Children of the Church belonging to it go to their own Church but punish them if they presume to do it. "'' For years after attacks continued against the Society and it& representatives some of which had foundation," but much of which v/as based on prejudices and a growing tendency to place the Chm-ch with the Crown and the Government as allied en- emies. Between 1765 and 1775 the conditions were extremely distressing to the S. P. G. ministers in New York,'^ and the British Government added to the aggravation by appointing to provincial offices some of their most avowed enemies.'' The Presbyterians had long been trjdng to procure a Charter of Incorporation for their Church. In 1766 they took up the matter with renewed activity. Having failed to effect anything through the governors," they carried their petition to the King" ra Dr. Johnson to Archbishop of Canterbury, Kings College, March 20, 1759, Lam- beth Archives. 1123, II, p. 130 ft. Itahcs not in original. 1* For instance, not a few among the S. P. G. missionaries and schoolmasters were unworthy and subject to severe criticism. The Society attempted constantly to avoid employing such persons. It was sincerely earnest in this and cannot be justly held responsible for the cases of failure. Among so many servants of the Society at such remote distances, some might naturally be expected to fail. See for example,, letter of John Bartow, West Chester, Oct. 15, 1765, Fulham Archives; also in Hawks Transcripts, N. Y. II, p. 335. 75 Hawks Transcripts, New York, 11, pp. 467, 471, 489, 476, 483, 481, 505. One of these (471) complains of an attack traducing the whole Bench of Bishops, execrating the Church and clergy and inflaming the people aganst Episcopacy, and adds: "It is not only the Church that they want to have demolished. " 76 Smith was made one of His Majesty's Council in New York. His appointment was vigorously protested by the President of Kings College, and by the Rector of Trinity Church. See Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, pp. 461, 435, 463. 77 Samuel Auchmuty to Sec. Mar. 29, 1766, Hawks Transcripts, New York, II,. p. 362. 78 IMd., p. 372. The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 45 and sought to bring pressure on both King and Parliament through the Church of Scotland." Undismayed by the intense opposition against themselves, the Church of England leaders took prompt steps to defeat the plan.*" Charging the petitioners with being enemies to monarchy, only seeking favorable oppor- tunity to show themselves such, they unfortunately evinced a retaliatory and sectarian spirit as strong as that of their op- ponents," — a spirit, in fact, that was hardly in keeping with the defense of Dr. Johnson seven years before. The work of the S. P. G. in New Jersey and Pennsylvania was continually opposed by the Quakers and the Society, in turn, kept up an uncompromising attitude toward them. Open hostility and contention were Uttle resorted to, but the more favored position and power of the Quakers, especially in Penn- sylvania,^ proved a factor against which it was difficult to make headway. A large proportion of the tracts sent from London were against Quakerism, and this fact may serve to explain why the Quakers opposed the Chvu-ch adherents more bitterly than any other sect. The Quakers defended themselves in kind and with a vigor, too, that was an evident annoyance to the mis- sionaries of the S. P. G.*' With the influx of emigrants from various countries of Einrope these colonies became peopled with a swarm of sectaries.^ J9 Ibid. p. 362. 80 See Auchmuty's protest against the Charter in a letter to the Bishop of London. March 28, 1766, FuiLam ArchiTes; also copied in Hawks Transcripts, New York, H, p. 370-1. That the Church had opposed earlier attempts is shown by the fol- lowing: "Ordered the Church Wardens pay to the Clerk of the Council the Sum of two pounds one Shilling being for fees accrued in opposing the Incorporation of the Presbyterian Meeting House in this City. " Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 125. a Samuel Auchmuty to the Sec., March 29, 1766, Hawks Transcripts, New York, n, pp. 362-3; same to Bishop of London, March 28, 1766, Fulham Arehiyes; also in Hawks Transcripts, op. cit., pp. 370-1. Auchmuty objected to a move that would put the Presbyterians on a par with the Church of England, or that would put the Church in danger in the province. Nor could he acquiesce in it while a Bishop was denied his own people. 82 This may haye been due. In part, to the earlier lack of other forms of worship. See letter of Col. Quarry and others to Gov. Nicholson, Jan. 18, 1696-7, Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., U, p. 5. 83 "The most impious & atheistical books & Tenets are cunningly & privately as well as impudently & publicly spread abroad to countenance the Quakers. " S. P. G. missionary at Burlington to Gov. Nicholson, May 11, 1714, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 203. Note also the following : " I also herewith presume to send you a Philadelphia Almanac which if you please to peruse the same you will see what is doing here to ridicule what the noble Society are propagating. And in order to do such things the Quakers out of their public Sto<£ have purchased a printing press and a Dutchman out of Holland to print such things, as their Monthly Meetings at Philadelphia shall allow; and they being the greatest body of people they are encouraged such like Aleimanacks, and ours are thereby discouraged. " Wm. Bradford to the Sec. Dec. 12, 1706, ibid., p. 57. St Pennsylvania so indulged and favored all sectaries that it was probably more at- tractive than any other colony to the foreigner of the 18th century. Interesting evidences of tills are to be found in Weber, The Charity School Movement In Colonial Pennsylvania, pp. 7-8. 46 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Churchmen, German Lutherans, Calvinists, Mennonites, Mora- vians, New Born, Dunkards, Presbyterians, Anabaptists, Se- ceeders. New Lights, Covenanters, Mountain Men, Brownists, Independents, Papists, Quakers, Jews, all vied with each other.''' It is no wonder that the relatively small number belonging to the national Church had to maintain their establishments under heavy odds.*^ The Church, upon the whole, gradually gained ground throughout the provinces. While literature was as- siduously distributed against Quakerism and other sectarian doctrines, an attempt was made to deal with the sectaries them- selves in moderation and charity. As a result, both German Lutherans and Dutch Calvinists were made friends to the point of close cooperation.*' The English speaking sects were also less intolerant, and, in the absence of their own churches, fre- quented the services of the Church of England.^ When at about the middle of the century the dissenting movement in New Jersey and Pennsylvania began to show marked growth, open opposition was engendered between them and the friends of the Church. The latter actively opposed the foimding of the College of New Jersey. The contention began at the first proposal for a charter. Appeals were sent to the Society and the Bishop of London in the hope of defeating the scheme.'' Later the missionaries charged that the chief reason for fixing the College at Princeton was "that their conduct might be imobserved and their pupils uninfluenced by persons of other persuasions'""; and it was felt, they reported, that a missionary was needed, near by, to "gain over some of the pu- pils."" Through such an attitude it was impossible for the Society to avoid the suspicion of sectarian prejudice, and, in 85 This diversity of sects prevailed in the individual counties as well as in the pro- vince as a whole. See Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., pp. 366-7. 86 The following shows the disproportionate influence of the Bpiscopalians in a political way: "At the last Election for the county to choose Assemblymen, Sheriff, Coroner, Commissioners, Assessors, &c., 5000 Freeholders voted, and yet not a single member of' the Church was elected into any of these offices. " From a missionary to the Sec, Ibid. 87 Proposals, in fact, for a imion with the Church of England were made by both. Ihid., p. 367. 88 Classified Digest, op. cit., pp. 54-5; S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 53, and VII., p. 296. 89 James Wetmore to Bishop of London, March 26, 1747, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 15, p. 78; Samuel Johnson to same, Apr. 28, 1747, IMd., p. 51; Wm. Skinner to Society, Apr. 21, 1747, lUd.. 16, p. 91. 90 Memorial of missionaries to Society, Feb. 6, 1758-59, S. P. G. Journal, XIV.^ pp. 190-2. 91 lUd. The Founding and General Work of the S. P G. 47 view of the efforts in behalf of Kings College, so soon thereafter, it is hard for the Church partisans to justify their position. Yet, as a partial offset, the opposition to the Episcopalian influence at the College and Academy of Philadelphia may be cited. This was shared by both Quakers and Dissenters.'^ An attack was made on the means of support of these institutions. A large part of the support was obtained through lotteries, "up- rightly managed by people of the best credit.'"' Lotteries had heretofore been resorted to for the purposes of fortifying the city and finishing the Episcopal Church, but they came to be used, almost solely, for acquiring fimds for the College and Academy.'^ In 1759, during the absence of Provost Smith in London, measures were taken to suppress "Lotteries and Plays" by act of the Assembly." The interpretation of the move as one intended to overthrow Smith and the Church interest was without doubt correct. The Presbyterian faction was fast in- creasing its hold on the College.'^ The Quakers had a peculiar dislike of Smith for pamphlets written, supposedly by him, and for his activity in helping to set up schools among the Germans to the detriment of Quaker influence." They also opposed his open avowal of vigorous measures against the depredations of French and Indians on the frontier.^* The Provost met this op- position in a militant spirit" and his enemies watched for an opportunity to humble him. This came when Smith caused the publication of an address criticising the Assembly."" He was committed to jail until he should make satisfaction.^"^ The pro- 92 Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, p. 175, iiid.. Ill, p. 320. 93 lUd., II, p. 136. 94 IMd. 95 IMd. 96 IMd.. Ill, p. 320. 97 IMd., II, p. 112. Smith was instrumental in having established a society In London for work among the Germans in Pennsylvania. It was organized In London about 1754, and was known as the Societjr for the Propagation of Christian Know- ledge among the Germans in Pennisylvanla. Smith and Benjamin Franklin were among the trustees appointed in the colony. One of the chief objects was to set up Enghsh schools among the Germans. The movement lasted about ten years. IMd., I, pp. 73, 76, 79, 80 ; II, pp. 90-93, 105, 125. For an excellent account of this work see Weber, op. cit. 98 Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, p. 112 f. 99 Reports from missionaries charged Smith with being too contentious, with "mixing politics with their real business and reviling those of their brethren who do not approve of this — especially Mr. Wm. Smith." Letter of Eev. Jenney to the Archbishop of Canterbury, iUd., p. 124; see also letters of Archbishop, iMd., fol. 128 and fol. 143; also fol. 149. 100 No action was taken against two other papers which had printed the same. Ibid., p. 112 f. 101 IMd., pp. 112 and 113, the latter being "A brief Narrative of the case of Rev. Mr. Smith." 48 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York ceeding appeared so partial that he preferred to go to jail rather than make acknowledgment. Subsequently he carried an appeal to England,""^ and was acquitted of any offence.^"' It was while Smith was in London that the act against lotteries was intro- duced. In the South the Society had almost a clear field, and the Church had more adherents in proportion to population than any other religious body. Sect rivalry caused the spread of books and tracts as elsewhere and there were occasional per- sonal grudges against the Society.™ But rivalry seldom de- veloped contentious factions. The great religious awakening that was at its height about the middle of the eighteenth century spread all over the colonies and was a "disturbing agitation" to the Church and missionaries everywhere. It originated in Great Britain and resulted in the organization of the Methodist societies which laid the founda- tion of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The fervor of the followers of the new religion was carried to America by some of its leading exponents ."'' Among them George Whitefield was the most active and a peculiar source of annoyance to the Epis- copalians. Whitefield . was himself a Church of England com- municant but had grown impatient of much that his church held dear. He was a powerful preacher and went up and down the colonies on several occasions, creating the greatest religious en- thusiasm wherever he went, from Boston to Georgia. He soon broke with the ministers of the Church who looked upon him as a dangerous fanatic, and was obliged to resort to the churches of the Dissenters or to private houses.'"* Ere long he began attacks on the Church, more especially on some of its primates at home.'"" He was further charged with printing libels in the newspapers against such Church publications as "The Whole Duty of Man" and advising people to burn them."* The So- ciety was attacked by Whitefield who also announced, in his letters to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of London, 102 Ibid., fols. 125, 140, 139. mibid., fol. 137. 104 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 10, p. 94; B, 5, p, 236. 106 Between 1735 and 1770. 106 Conmilssary Garden to Bp. of London, Charleston, Apr. 24, 1740 — FuUiam Archives. 107 Ibid. 108 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7 p. 195: B, 9, p. 111. The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 49 that the work of the S. P. G. was much overdrawn in the reports which were periodically sent over. The records in the Archives of the S. P. G. and Fulham Palace indicate very clearly the ex- tent of the irritation which the progress and success of the White- field movement caused the Church party. To them it was a "terrible State of affairs."™ From every quarter discouraging accovmts were sent to England concerning the "unnatural con- dition caused by Whitefield." "A distant person," said one letter, "can hardly conceive the confusions that have attended this visit, the Discord among the People & among the Teachers (ministers) of this Town, & the sad intermission of business." "The longer he tarries, the more he seems to gain ground upon inconsiderate People, & to what condition he will bring us at last times only will shew."™ The above serves to illustrate the feeling that was general among the Episcopalians. The usual pamphlet opposition was prepared in England and sent over by the S. P. G. in response to the frequent request for "proper antidotes.""^ The Commissary of South Carolina, in 1742, instituted proceedings against Whitefield and "sus- pended him according to the 38th Cannon of the Church.""* But for years thereafter the movement started by this man con- tinued and was looked upon by the missionaries as a great draw- back to the progress of the Church of England."' Another and one of the most serious obstacles the Society had to contend with is yet to be mentioned. The work of the Church was carried on at a very great disadvantage during the entire colonial period. This was because of the failure to get a resident American bishop appointed. The laws of the Church required that every minister must be regularly ordained by the bishop of the diocese who, in the case of America, was the Bishop of London. Therefore no colonial could become a minister of the Church without going to England for the ceremony of ordina- 109 S. p. G. Journal, IX, p. 29. 110 Quoted from a New England letter In a report to the Archbishop of Canterbury by the Sec., Jan. 18, 1754-5. Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, p. 89. See also Perry, Hist. Col. op. cit.. Ill, p. 394; Eev. A. Cummings, to Bishop of London, Aug 29, 1740, Fulham Archives; Rev. A. Garden to the same, Apr. 24, 1740, ibid.; S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 314, IX, p. 32. The extreme to which religious enthusiasm went is described in a letter to the Sec. from Lancaster, Pa., Dec. 17, 1770, Perry, op. cit., II., pp. 448-9. 111 S. P. G. Journal, VIII, pp. 113, 232, 288; IX, pp. 32, 48, 141, 128, 107, 203; S. P. G. Letter-boolc, B, 9, pp. 6, 62; B, 7, pt. II, p. 113; B, 10, pp. 4, 15, 138; B, 11. p. 134; B, 13, pp. 61,92. 112 S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 48; also S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 138. 113 Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., II, pp. 448-9. 50 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York tion. To do this involved a burdensome expense/" besides the many dangers consequent on sea voyages at that time."' When, after a few years, missionaries were recruited from conforming Dissenters and other candidates in the colonies, the need of a colonial bishop became all the more urgent. Aside from these difficulties the whole organization of the Church was such as to call for a resident primate of this kind. With the bishop on the other side of the Atlantic, the very soul of Episcopalianism was lacking. Of all the appeals sent from America to the Mother- Church, none was more emphasized or more frequently made than this. Lay members as well as the ecclesiastics urged it on every occasion."' That the heads of the Church and the So- ciety were not responsible for the delay and failure is manifest from the fact that they seized every opportunity of pressing the matter, either formally or through individuals, as circum- stances rendered advisable. In 1704 the Society reported that "earnest addresses" had been received "from divers parts of the Continent, and Islands adjacent, for a Suffragen to visit the several Churches.'"" Steps were taken to put the matter be- fore the proper officers of the Crown"* and the Queen herself."' The matter was entrusted to Archbishop Tenison as President of the S. P. G. He submitted to the Queen a plan for the main- taining a suffragan bishop, rather than an absolute bishop, in the colonies.^ The Society became so hopeful of success in this project that it purchased a house for a bishop's residence at Burlington, New Jersey."' The object seemed about to be at- tained, when the death of Queen Anne put an end to it. With the successive Georges the scheme could never gain the same 114 The expense averaged £100 or more in colonial days. Classified Digest, op. cit.. p. 84. 116 Several of the Society's representatives were shipwrecked and others were made prisoners by the French vessels. See Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, Oct. 25, 1754; also Hawks Transcripts, New York, II, p. 339. 116 Hawks Transcripts, G. C, Nov. 2, 1705, and Apr. 28, 1709; S. P. G. Letter- book, A, 11, p. 335, 12, pp. 178-9: Hawks Transcripts, N.Y.,I.,p. 59: II. pp. 224. 254, 399, 400, 409, 445-6, 480, 450-7, 567; Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, Oct. 25. 1754, Sept. 27, 1750; S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 38; Perry, Hist. Col., op. cit., II, pp. 405-6. I" Annual Report, 1704, p. 2. 118 S. P. G. Journal, I, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15, 1704. 119 Ibid., Aug. 15 and Sept. 19, 1707. 120 Such a proposal was probably outlined by the Bishop of London and tendered the Archbishop. See, "Bishop of London's Paper abt a Suffragan for the Planta- tions in America, Dec. 1707, " Lambeth Archives, 711, fol. 18; also in Hawk's Tran- scripts, G. C. 121 S. P. G. Journal, I, Feb. 10, 1710; June 22, 1711 ; May 23, 1712; Feb. 6, and Apr. 10, 1713. The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 61 momentum. Plans were continued with much vigor, however, and a fimd for the support of four bishops throughout the Plan- tations was inaugurated."^ The thought of an Episcopal bishop of any kind was most distasteful to non-conforming sectaries in America. To them it could mean nothing less than Episcopacy as powerful as in England, and such power, it was declared, "would be inconsist- ent with the Privileges of the People in those Parts. "^^ Much of the opposition already noted in the Plantations was due more to this ever-present suspicion than to any thing else. Dreading the possibility, opponents were organized in England to watch and effectually block all steps taken in that direction.''^ With the hope of removing apprehensions that the existence of other religious communities would be imperilled, the following plan was drawn up by Bishop Butler in 1750 setting forth the pro- posals of the New England Clergy: — "1. That no coercive power is desired over the laity in any case, but only a power to regulate the behaviour of the clergy who are in Episcopal Orders, and to correct and punish them according to the laws of the Church of Eng- land, in case of misbehaviour or neglect of duty, with such power as the com- missaries abroad have exercised. "2. That nothing is desired for such bishops that may in the least interfere with the dignity, or authority, or interest of the Governor, or any other officer of State. Probates of wills, Ucenses for marriages, etc. to be left in the hands where they are; and no share in the temporal government is de- sired for bishops. "3. The maintenance of such bishops not to be at the charge of the colonies. "4. No bishops are intended to be settled in places where the government is left in the hands of Dissenters, as in New England, etc., but authority to be given only to ordain clergy for such Church of England congregations as are among them, and to inspect into the manners and behaviour of the said clergy, and to confirm the members thereof. "^^ 122 Two for the continent and two for the Islands. See Hawks Transcripts, G. C, June 3, 1715. See also, "Preamble to the subscription roll for the maintenance of Bishops in America." Ibid. 123 Letter to Bp. of London, June 12, 1749, Pulham Archives; see also Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, fol. 121. 124 Note the following illustration of this: "It was reported & Generally believed, that there was a design on foot to erect 2 New Bishopricks in the West Indies, this the Deputies thought & have since been well assured would be very disagreeable to many of our friends in those parts & highly prejudicial to the interest of Several of the Colonies, they therefore appointed 2 of their body to wait on some of his Majesties principle Servants & to acquaint them with their sentiments on this subject which was accordingly done & the Persons deputed, were very civilly received, & whatever the event may be, the part that the deputation has acted, has been so kindly taken abroad, that the house of representatives of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, have retimied them their thanks in a Message signed by their Speaker. " (1749) Extract from a " Short account of some Proceedings of the Deputies & Committee, appointed to take Care of the CivU aSalrs of the Dissenters, " printed in 1767. Hawks Tran- scripts, G. C. 126 From Perry, Hist. Col. Epis. Ch., op. cit., I, p. 408. The following, too, from Samuel Johnson to the Archbisnop of Canterbury, March 20. 1759, is representative of the attitude of the Church in the middle colonies on this question: " And now my Lord as to the business of Episcopacy in these Plantations. We never pretended to desire any in these Plantations. We never pretended to desire 52 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Proposals of this kind, however, as well as the reasonings that accompany them were powerless to stem the tide of preju- dice."* As early as 1750 the hopelessness of the cause was ap- parent to the S. P. G. The Secretary sent to America the fol- lowing discouraging admission: "I write with freedom & in Confidence to you. The Bishop of London doth his best, & has not yet quite given over his Endeavours to obtain a Bishop for America, but some of the great men are so much against it and have given the Dissenters such assurances, that it will not be obtain'd, that I have little or no Hopes of seeing one. "'^' Fruit- less attempts were again made imder George III. Earnest and continual endeavors were used with his successive ministers and ministries, "but without obtaining more than promises to con- sider and confer about the matter; which promises have never been fulfilled."'^ After the Stamp Act of 1765, in truth, there was altogether too much at stake for the English Government to jeopardize the hope of reconciliation by espousing a religious issue of whatever nature. The controversies indicated in the preceding pages make up a record of trials and hindrances that proved to be a heavy handi- cap. The S. P. G. was carrying on the work of the National Church which was so thoroughly estabUshed and so powerfully dominant in England. Yet it had, nevertheless, to proceed in the face of obstacles that were doubtless greater than those en- countered by any other colonial religious body in that century. In spite of it there is no doubt that the Society made commend- able progress. There is no doubt, either, that the National any Episcopate that should have any jurisdiction over them, or Indeed any concern with them: so that they never, had aay reason to have the least apprehension, much less such terrible apprehensions from it. All that ever we aimed at was no more than just what yovtr Grace intimates — and when they enjoy without molestation their Presbytery in the full vigour of its Discipline, is it not a cruel thing that they shovdd be so bitterly against the Churches enjoying her own form of Government and Dis- cipline for want of which she suffers extremely, & many valuable Lives have been thrown away? And is she not reduced to a miserable pass indeed, that she cannot provide for her children abroad here, without their consent for it? We should be en- tirely contented if we were only upon an equal foot with them; but for that which is the established Church of our Nation, to be in these Colonies in a state that is so much inferiour to them is very hard indeed & what as your Grace justly observes they would think utterly intolerable, were it their own case; were they for Instance obliged to send their Candidates l,000d Leagues for Ordination!" Lambeth Archives. 1123, II, fol. 130 fl. 126 A General Congress of Presbyterian, Independent and Congregational ministers was reported to have been held at New Haven in 1767, having for its purpose the opposing an American Episcopacy and the preventing the growth of the Church of England. Hawks Transcripts, N. Y., II, p. 435. 127 Sec. to Dr. Miller of Braintree, Mar. 2, 1752, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 18, p. 201 ; also the same to Mr. Garden, Charleston, July 21, 1750, ibid, p. 226. 128 Hawkins, Hist, of the S. P. G., p. 393, quoted in Classified Digest, op. cit., p 748. The Founding and General Work of the S. P. G. 53 Church could not have mamtained itself without the help of the Society. That a narrow sectarian spirit stood out in the acts of its members, the writer is convinced. He believes, however, that a like spirit was no more unusual in the various sects with whom difficulties arose. The S. P. G. entered the colonial field to minister to the communicants of the Church and to welcome into the Church any non-conforming person who might be brought to a different viewpoint by the reasonings of religious literature.'^ It did not stand at all for any militant form of proselyting. Such a policy had never been favored by the Church. At times, though, it did persist in acts of intolerance which were aroused by its own prejudices towards the spread of dissenting movements. Further, the S. P. G. came to America to minister to the needs of the natives and slaves and persistently labored in this field against great discouragements. And finally it came designing, in all feasible ways, to offer religious educa- tion according to National Church doctrine and custom. 129 The thousands of books and tracts were only indirecUy of a controversial nature. They were aimed largely to establish a chain of logical reasons for defending the doc- trines of their faith and for convincing Dissenters of the errors of doctrines in dis- agreement. In 1726, the Society resolved that they "do not send books of contro- versy abroad." S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 104. CHAPTER IV THE SOCIETY'S REGULATIONS CONCERNING SCHOOL- MASTERS The first steps taken by the S. P. G. for the beginning of formal instruction in the colonies have been already indicated.' Though the members recorded themselves as favoring the em- ployment of the widows of clergymen in such "Charity Schools" as they purposed establishing in the Plantations, according to all available records, no further action was ever taken on that proposition. In May 1704 Mr. John Club, being ready to go as "poor Schoolmaster" for America,^ was voted £5 assistance. Few of the Society's schoolmasters, however, were recruited directly in England. Between 1704 and 1731 only nineteen applications for such positions were filed with the Society by residents of England, and of these there are no records to show that more than nine of them were ever sent over.' If similar applica- tions were made after 1731 there are no evidences of the same now in the S. P. G. Archives.^ There were a good many men in the colonies willing to undertake the work of instruction for the assurance of the Society's assistance. The requests sent by the different commimities for some form of instruction frequently, indeed usually, included a specific schoolmaster for whom a bounty was desired. The S. P. G. took formal action in this matter very soon after the receipt of some of the earliest peti- 1 See p. 32. The first step of appointing a catechlst will be taken up under Cate- <;hetical schools for Negro and Indian slaves. 2 S. P. G. Journal, I, pp. 152, 163. 3 For applications of those sent over see S. P. G. Journal I, pp. 152 f311 f28.';v II, pp. 94, 356; III, p. 364; IV. p. 154; V, pp. 20. 144; S. P. GTlStter-biok. A, 14 p 41. For apphcations of those not recorded as being employed, see. S. P G Journal ^' ^loi^A V'^^^'a- A^'lS^°*'i4^' ^' ^^' ^' ^' ^^®' Letter-book, A. 4, piTss; 4 This is possibly explained in part by the rule of the Society, adopted In 1712 that no schoolmaster should be sent out unless ordained deacon, when he was to have a salary not under £30. See Journal, II, p. 166; also, Begulation VIII of the Collection of Papers appended to the Report of 1715. But as a matter of fact school- masters in deacon's orders were not sent out, save in very few cases. 54 The Society's Regulations Concerning Schoolmasters 55 tions.^ In 1707, the Standing Committee reported, "that they had further agreed to move the Society to consider whether the Schoolmasters that are already settled in the chief Towns or Seats in the English Governments or the Continent of N. Amer- ica may not be employed & retained by the Society . . . with some small salary to encourage the instruction of youth in the principles of the Christian Religion according to the Church of England; agreed that it be referred to the Committee to enquire into the number of Schoolmasters their names, Conditiqns, & Places of abode and report the same."* The policy thus sug- gested became a regular one. Either by means of gratuities on specific occasions or by means of annual salaries, the Society recruited most of its scholastic agents from the Plantations. But in doing so they were scrupulous to put no schoolmaster on ^n annual salary who did not conform to the Church of Eng- land and they extended very few gratuities to those who did not.' When the missionaries began to be recruited in consider- able numbers from the colonies, as they did from about 1740, proposals were sent to England to employ the prospective can- didates for orders in the service of the Society.* This was to be an encouragement to them, during the interval between gradu- ation from college and final ordination as missionaries. The plan was adopted, it being, "Agreed that in appointing Cate- -chists & Schoolmasters, a principal regard ought to be had to such persons as are already in Holy Orders, or intend to offer themselves for it.'" Thereafter such candidates were assured of finding a temporary place till some vacant mission offered. Usually they were made catechists rather than schoolmasters where that was possible. The former position was more in line with the ecclesiastical functions of a missionary. It is unfor- tunate that the plan did not furnish enough teachers to equip the Society's schools generally from that time on. Where it «ould be carried out, it insm-ed a higher type of schoolmaster 6 See petition of Col. Caleb Heathcote to Bishop of London, N. Y. Oct. 23, 1704, S P G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 37 ; ditto from Wm. Huddleston to Bev. J. Postel- thwaite. Master of St. Paul's Free School, N. Y. Oct. 9 & Dec. 2, 1706, ibid.. A, 3, pp. 8, 18. • S. P. G. Journal, I, (69). 7 For the Society's objection to maintaining any but their own orthodox ministers and schoolmasters, see S. P. G. Journal, VI. p. 232; Lambeth Archives, 1123, II, fol. 95. 8 Samuel Johnson to Sec. Nov. 10, 1740, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, part 2, p. 31. 9 S P G Journal, IS- p. 146, Apr. 15, 1743; see also S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, j>p. 188, 191, 197. 56 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York than most of the other colonial schools were able to secure, — that is, one possessing college training. The salaries of the schoolmasters varied. Usually they were £10 or £15 or £20 sterling. These allowances were worth from about one and one-half to two and one-half times as much in colonial currency in times of peace, and, in war time, frequently four times as much.'" In 1707 Col. Caleb Heathcote, one of the Society's correspondents in New York and a leading figure in that colony," proposed that the salary be henceforth fixed at £3 or £4 sterling in order to "enable an abundance of Places to have Schoolmasters" with the assistance of the Society's fimds. Four pounds, at least, he felt to be suflicient encourage- ment, "besides what the People in the respective places are able to give."^ The Standing Committee favored the proposal to such an extent that it, "Agreed to report that it should be re- ferred to the Governor of New York and all the other Gentlemen in these parts that are Members of the Society taking the advice of the Society's Missionaries, to provide Schoolmasters in such places where they think them necessary with a Yearly Allowance not exceeding £5 or £6 according to Col. Heathcote's Proposal. " And, in turn, the Society "Agreed that the matter of Schools be left to the Gentlemen proposed by the Committee."" Ex- perience soon showed that the people were either indifferent to or unable to meet their share of the responsibility, and the letters of the schoolmasters and their sponsors were urgent enough to prevent the threatened reduction. But the Society continued true to the record in following the advice of the governors and other gentlemen of the provinces, and of the missionaries as well, in the setting up or the assisting of schools wherever they seemed necessary. It did not cease, however, to express the expectation that the people of the colonies should cooperate in the work, and it wished in time to be relieved of financial burden in centres like the city of New York. This would enable its activity to be extended to the newer and more necessitous settle- ments. 10 S. p. G. Letter-book, A. 3, p. 161. This estimate is based on New York ciir- rency. It is typical, though there were variations from relative values in other colo- nies. " See his letter of Dec. 18, 1707, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 3, p. 161. 12 Ibid. Later proposals from him fixed the salary at £5 or £6 sterling. S. P. G. Journal, 11, p. 235. 13 S. P. G. Journal, i; p. 249, March 3, 1709-10. The Society's Regulations Concerning Schoolmasters 57 In 1731 the Committee was desired to consider the former and present state of the places where the Society sent school- masters and to "represent to the Board in what places, the people are so improved in their circumstances that the Society may abate or withdraw the allowances hitherto made. "" They reported at the next meeting" that they "have not yet received sufficient information to ground their report" in this matter. Subsequently the Board resolved on several occasions to con- sider the state of schools with this end in view, but no definite plan was carried through. Occasional withdrawals of support were decided on, the following being one instance: "Also that whereas Mr. Ellis himself represents in his letter, that there are four Schools in that town besides his — the Committee submit to Sec. whether there is any occasion to continue a School there."" Upon further consideration the Committee recom- mended the discontinuance of Ellis' support, which was agreed to." The same action was taken in 1743 with regard to the charity school at New York'' but representations from that city had sufficient weight with the Society to cause a renewal of its support." At the very beginning the S. P. G. established rules and regu- lations to govern the conduct of its missionaries and school- masters. These "Instructions" embraced every particular which seemed necessary for the guidance of the Society's agents and they described each with a faithful simplicity. With re- spect to their parishes, missionaries were told that, amongst the many functions pertaining to them, they shall "encourage the setting up of Schools for the teaching of Children;'"" and that they must attend to the proper religious instruction of those persons under their care, by encouraging the catechizing of such, "whether children or other ignorant Persons."^' 14 S. p. G. Journal, V, p. 328, Jan. 21, 1731. 16 Feb. 18, 1731, ibid., VI, p. 4. 16 Feb. 17, 1737, ibid., VII, p. 210. Ellis was schoolmaster at Burlington, New Jersey. 17 March 17, 1737, ibid., VII, p. 219. 18 "There doth not appear any Reason to the Committee to support longer a School at New York, there being 9 English, one Dutch, one Latin and one French School in that City. * * * * Agreed to." Apr. 15, 1743, ibid., IX, p. 140; see also S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 193a. 19 March 16, 1743-4, S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 246. For representations requesting further assistance, see letters of Commissary Vesey and Joseph Hildreth, the School- master, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 11, pp. 117, 120-2. so Instructions for the Clergy printed in the Collection of Papers appended to th Annual Report of 1706; also in the reports of 1711 and 1715, and subsequent ones. SI Ibid. 58 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York The first instructions for schoolmasters employed by the Society were also drawn up in 1706, and were the following : "I. That they well consider the End for which they are employed by the Society, viz. The instructing and disposing Children to beheve and live as Christians. "II. In order to this End, that they teach them to read truly and dis- tinctly, that they may be capable of reading the Holy Scriptures, and other pious and useful Books, for informing their Understandings, and regulating their Manners. "III. That they instruct them thoroughly in the Church-Catechism; teach them first to read it distinctly and exactly, then to learn it perfectly by Heart; endeavouring to make them understand the Sense and Meaning of it, by the help of such Expositions as the Society shall send over. "IV. That they teach them to write a plain and legible Hand, in order to the fitting them for useful Employments; With as much Arithmetick as shall be necessary to the same Piu-pose. "V. That they be industrious, and give constant Attendance at proper School-Hours. "VI. That they daily use. Morning and Evening, the Prayers composed for their Use in this Collection, with their Scholars in the School, and teach them the Prayers and Graces composed for their use at home. "VII. That they obKge their Scholars to be constant at Church on the Lord's Day, Morning and Afternoon, and at all other Times of PubUck Worship; that they cause them to carry their Bibles and Prayer Books with them, instructing them how to use them there, and how to demean themselves in the several Parts of Worship; that they be there present with them, taking Care of their reverent and decent Behaviour, and examine them afterwards as to what they have heard and learned. "VIII. That when any of their Scholars are fit for it, they recommend them to the Minister of the Parish, to be pubUckly Catechized in the Church. "IX. That they take special Care of their Manners, both in their Schools and out of them; warning them seriously of those Vices to which Children are most liable; teaching them to abhor Lying and Falshood, and to avoid aU sorts of Evil-speaking; to love Truth and Honesty; to be modest, gentle, well-behaved, just and affable, and courteous to all their Companions; re- spectful to their Superiors, particularly towards aU that minister in holy Things, and especially to the Minister of their Parish; and aU this from a Sense and Fear of Almighty God; endeavoiu-ing to bring them in their tender Years to that Sense of Rehgion, which may render it the constant Principle of their Lives and Actions. "X. That they use aU kind and gentle Methods in the Govermnent of their Scholars, that they may be loved as well as feared by them; and that when Correction is necessary, they make the Children to understand, that it is given them out of kindness, for their Good, bringing them to a Sense of their Fault, as well as of their Punishment. "XI. That they frequently consult with the Minister of the Parish, in which they dwell, about the Methods of managing their Schools, and be ready to be advised by him. "XII. That they do in their whole Conversation shew themselves Ex- amples of Piety and Vu-tue to their Scholars, and to all with whom they sahll converse. "XIII. That they be ready, as they have Opportunity, to teach and in- struct the Indians and Negroes and their Children. "XIV. That they send to the Secretary of the Society, once in every six Months, an Account of the State of their respective Schools, the Number of their Scholars, with the Methods and Success of their Teaching. "22 22 Printed in Collections of Papers as cited just above. The different provislonB were proposed and adopted at separate meetings, on May 17, June 21, and July 19. 1706. S. P. G. Journal, I, pp. 21, 28, 30. o H < O m D line, Ec. Rec. op. cit., p. S57; and its reafBrmation 1674, ibid., p. 662. See also, rights and privileges in the Charter of the Dutch Reformed Church, 1696, ibid., p. 1153. 39 Colonial Educational Legislation, p. 235f. 40 Annals of Public Education in N. Y., p. 87f. « Wm. Huddleston to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, pp. 57-S. « See p. 6. 70 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York out to New York, they were subjected to a series of qualifica- tions much higher than any which were imposed in the colonies. They had to meet the regulations for schoolmasters prescribed by the S. P. G." To this extent, therefore, it can be held that the Society's schoolmasters, in part at least, represented higher certification than did those of any other English schools.^ The first proposal for education by means of legislative enact- ment was made in 1691. A bill was proposed in the Assembly "to appoint a schoolmaster for the educating and instructing of Children and youth, to read and write English, in every town in the Province."" This did not become law. No further action was taken until the coming of Lord Cornbury as gover- nor. In his first address to the Assembly, Oct. 20 1702, he urged "the erecting of Public Schools in proper places."^ A movement was at once set on foot which resulted in the enact- ment of "An Act for Encouragement of a Grammar Free School in the city of New York," Nov. 27, 1702.'" The interest of the Church in this measure is shown by the final clause which de- clared: "Provided alwayes, that such Schoolmaster shall, from time to time as vacancy happens, be chosen and recommended to the Comon Council of the said city for the time being, in order to be lycensed and approved by the Right Hon'able the Bishop of London or the Governour or Commander in Chief of this Province, for the time being, anything herein contained to the contrary thereof in any ways notwithstanding."^ When the small percentage of the friends of the Church in the total population is taken into consideration, it may be questioned how the Episcopalian influence could have shown such strength. Whatever other reasons might be given, it seems evident that the directing hand of Cornbury in the government at this time was a fortunate thing for the Church and the Society. Complying with the spirit and the letter of the Act, the Com- mon Council of the city of New York petitioned Governor Com- « See pp. 58 and 60. 44 This certainly would hold true when applied to the Plantations as a whole. It may also hold true of the Dutch schools in New York. 45 Journal of the General Assembly of the Colony of New York, I, p. 7, quoted by Clews, op. cit., p. 277. 46 Ecclesiastical Records, III, p. 1502. 47 Colonial Laws of New York, I, pp. 516-7. The act provided a salary of £50 per annum "for the space or term of Seven Yeares. " 48 Itnd. This provision did not go through unopposed. For the attempt to change It, see Bcclesiastical Becords, III, pp. 1509-10. The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 71 bury to use his influence with the Bishop of London and the S. P. G. for the procurement of a schoolmaster, the Council being of the opinion that there was no available person in the city "proper and duly qualified to take upon him the ofiice of schoolmaster of said city."*' Governor Cornbury responded to the Council's request by the following interesting letter in which he made so apparent his desire to advance the Church's efforts for religious education: "Since mine to your LP of the 15th Instant the mayor & Common Comicil of this City have been wtl" me to desire me to recomend a fit Person to be Schoolmaster of a Free School which is to be Settled here att the charges of the City, they will allow him 601 p. An. besides his Lodging. I therefore Intreat your LP will send a good Sober Man fit for that purpose. I could wish he were in holy Orders, then he may be assisting to Mr. Vesey. Be- sides it will be one good Step towards bringing up the youth in y^ Service of ■the Church of England, to begin w*li the Prayers of the Church every Morn- ing. I think if y"" LP pleases it ought to be a sober & grave man at the first beginning, & not too yoimg a man, lest by the heat of his youth he may prejudice too good a design, which if well settled att first can't fail of good Buccesa. But this I submit to your LdPs better Judgement. "" The grammar school was opened early in 1704 by Mr. George Muirson,'^ who had been sent over to be schoolmaster at Albany .''' In detaining him at New York, Cornbury explained that "there being no allowance yet settled for a Schoolmaster there & there being Fifty pounds a year settled here by Act of Assembly for a Schoolmaster in this City, I stopped him here for some time and ye rather because when he arrived here there were several youths going to be sent to Boston, wch I thought would be better to prevent, by stoping Mr. Muirson here."*' But Muirson served only a few months. About November 1704 he returned to England to secure Holy Orders which he had come without." Thus he hoped to qualify himself to be as- sistant to the Rector of Trinity Church." Though his behaviour « Minutes of the Common Council of New Yorls, II, pp. 517, 519, 520; also quoted jn Pratt, op. cit., pp. 85—6, and Clews, op. cit., p. 235. 50 Cornbury to the Bishop of London, Dec. 21, 1702, S. P. G. Letter-book, I, p.90. Mr. Vesey was the Rector of Trinity Church and the Bishop of London's Commissary for the Province. 61 Cornbury issued a Ucense to him Apr. 25, 1704, and he seems to have taken up his duties forthwith. For license, see Clews, op. cit., p. 235. 62 Cornbury to Sec, Nov. 6, 1704, S. P. G. Letter^book, A, 2, p. 28. M This honor, it appears, had not been given before on the ground that Muirson was not University trained. Archbishop of York to Sec, June 30, 1703, ibid., I, p. ■94. But the requests from Cornbury and others overcame this prejudice. Ibid., 2, p. 44. 66 Ibid., p. 76. 72 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York as schoolmaster "was exceeding well"" his suddenly leaving the school stirred up such opposition to him and Mr. Vesey," that his retention of the schoolmaster's position seemed "likely to be of very ill Consequence to the Church."^ The Society there- fore appointed him missionary at Rye^ upon his return in 1705. After a lapse of over a half a year, Muirson was succeeded by Andrew Clarke who was sent over with the certificate of the Bishop of London in May 1705.®' A license to teach was granted him by Lord Cornbury on August 14, 1705, which date probably marks the beginning of his teaching.^^ In 1708 Clarke was still in charge of the school, having "33 scholars" under his in- struction.^^ In addition to the £50 per annum from the govern- ment he was receiving from each scholar the usual quarterly fee.^ Just how long Clarke continued in this work or when the grammar school came to an end, the writer has not been able to definitely determine. By 1712 Clarke had gone into the employ of the Receiver General of the Province, as is in- dicated by the following extract from the minutes of the Com- mon Council: "Mr. Andrew Clarke who was lately Elected Constable of the South Ward personally Appeared before this Court and Acquainted them that he could not serve in that Office by reason he was Imployed by the Receiver General of this Colony in CoUeoting her Majesties qmtt Rents, it is therefore Order'd that the said Andrew Clarke do pay the fine for his said Refusal and that the Mayor Issue his Warrant to the Alderman of the said Ward to Elect another fitt person on Tuesday Next to serve in the said office for the year Ensueing. "^ Sometime between 1708 and 1712, accordingly, Clarke's work in the school came to an end. At least it is possible that the "Grammar Free School" had an existence which lasted until 1712. There is reason to believe that he contiaued beyond 1708. His condition was certainly not an unhappy one. In- deed he had been, apparently, the best paid schoolmaster then in New York City, having, in addition to his fixed salary, the 56 Ibid., also p. 27. 67 Ibid., p. 76; also pp. 75, 77. 68 Ibid. 69 Ibid., p. 126; also S. P. G. Journal, I, pp. 186, 190. 60 On May 2, 1705 he wEis granted the usual Royal bounty of £20 towards defraying the charge of his passage to New York whither he was going as schoolmaster. Fother- gill, op. cit., p. 20. 61 Pratt, op. cit., p. 88. 62 Wm. Huddleston to Sec, July 15, 1708, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, p. 58. 63 Ibid. That is, the same fee which private schoolmasters were then receiving. 64 Oct. 25, 1712. Quoted by Pratt, op. cit., p. 89. The Support of Schools in New York iy the S. P. G. 73 fees from his thirty-three pupils.^' If the salary of £50 ceased in 1709, as the act wouJd indicate, there was still reason for his continuing in the school. Huddleston, moreover, referred to Clarke's salary as having been allowed "for some years yet to come."^ This was in 1708. There is no record of any such allowance by the government, so Huddleston may have been in error; or he may have intended to imply that the salary had been allowed for some years following the date of the enact- ment. On the other hand it is not impossible that the school- master had reference to facts of which there are no available records at present. When, after many years, educational legis- lation was next adopted, the Assembly referred to this first ex- periment in the following indefinite words: "the not rightly applying of a temporary Salary heretofore allowed for a free school, has been the Chief Cause that an Encouragement for the like purpose has ever since been neglected."^ It was not imtil 1732 that the government renewed any direct interest in education. In October of that year an act was passed "to encourage a Public School in the city of New York for teach- ing Latin, Greek and Mathematicks. "^ The school was es- tablished for a period of five years and provision was made for free tuition to twenty youths in the proportion of ten for the city and county of New York, two for the city and county of Albany, and one for each of the counties of King, Queen, Suffolk, West- chester, Richmond, Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess.*' The act itself appointed as master Mr. Alexander Malcolm™ who, since 1731,'^ had been keeping "a private school within the said city," and who had "given a Satisfactory proof of his Abilities to teach Latin Greek and the Mathematicks. '"''' In 1737 the school was continued for one year longer by another act," and then aban- doned by the government and by Malcolm, who went to London, was ordained, and became a missionary of the Society.'* The 65 According to Huddleston, no private teacher had that number of pupils in 1708, among the English schools of the city. See letter above. 67 See Preamble to Act of 1732, Col. Laws, N. Y., op. cit., II, p. 813. 68 JWd. 69 lua. 70 lUd. 71 Petition of Malcolm to Society, Dec. 21, 1739, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 267. " From preamble of the act, Col. Laws, N. Y. op. cit., II, p. 813. 73 Passed Dec. 16, 1737, ilnd., p. 973 f. " S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 107. 74 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York funds vouchsafed by the two laws were not realized and Mal- colm left with about half of his promised salary unpaid/' To the S. P. G., he reported the following: "That your Petitioner has lived these last eight years in the City of New York, Province ■of New York, in America, teaching the Latin and Greek lan- guages, & the Mathematicks. But finding this kind of Educa- tion less valued and encouraged in that Young Colony than it ought to be, and than he had reason to expect from the Invita- tions and promises that drew him thither, he is desirous to go into Holy Orders. '"= This attempt ended all official interest in the field of secondary education. There are evidences that such schools were privately conducted in various parts of the colony and, as a rule, for short intermittent periods. A few of these were undertaken in dif- ferent places by the agents of the S. P. G. to improve their in- adequate incomes." Between 1716 and 1722, a Grammar school was persimiably conducted in the city of New York by Rev. Robert Jenney. The records are definite as to half of the "time at least. It was closely allied to the Society, through its master, though it was an entirely private venture. Jenney had been a chaplain in the Royal navy'* and had been enrolled in the work of the S. P. G. as a schoolmaster in Philadelphia." In 1716 he was dismissed from the service of the Society and served as chaplain to the King's forces in New York until 1722.*" Then he was made the Society's missionary at Rye and Hempstead re- spectively. He wrote the Society in 1717 that he began first to teach "Latin Greek &c. for the service of a particular Friend only," but "his design had now become more universal" and had "in great measure removed that aversion to Literature beyond writing and Arithmetick, which did generally possess the Minds of the people." Though he had few pupils these were "the chief of the Enghsh Dutch & French.'"^ On Sept. 15, 1718, Mr. Jenney's scholars were assigned regular seats in '6 See an act passed Nov. 3, 1740, to reimburse Mr. Malcolm for £lll-7s-6d, back pay. Col. Laws. N. Y., op. cit.. Ill, pp. 86-7. '6 S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 267. " See following pages. 78 Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 852. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, p. 10. From here he went to New York as the S. P. G. assistant to Vesey, 1715-1716. Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 108. 80 Ibid., 14, p. 129; Classified Digest, op. cit, p. 855; Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 112. His dismissal was due to temporary economy on the part of the Society. Ibid. 81 Jenney to Sec, Nov. 4, 1717, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, p. 350. The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 75 Trinity Church,'^ and a year later the school is still referred to in the Society's correspondence.*' Another Grammar school somewhat affiliated with the work of the Society was founded in 1763. It was established by the College authorities to serve ■as a special preparatory centre for the higher institution. The lack of an efficient one was a drawback to the College. Re- ferring to the large entering class of 1763, President Myles Cooper wrote: "I wish their learning were equal to their numbers, but in both we must expect to be deficient, 'till such Times as Schools in this Country are better conducted than they are at present. Indeed, the Governors of this College have come to a Resolu- tion for establishing one under their own immediate Inspec- tion."^ And soon after Samuel Johnson, the retired president, wrote: "They have now at last established a good Grammar School, for want of which the College has much suffered. '"* It was deemed necessary to go to Boston in order to secure a worthy master for the school.*' His arrival was thus announced to the Archbishop of Canterbury, by President Cooper: "The School- master whom we expected, is arrived, and has begim with very good Success. The Number of his Scholars already amounts to upwards of twenty and several more are engaged so that I am in great Hopes of soon having an Augmentation to the College; and not only so, but likewise of seeing the pupils much better qualified for admission, than ever we have yet foimd them."*' The writer has here assumed that there was at least one Grammar school in the city at this time and that the action of the Governors of the College was not because of the reverse condition. Reports of the Society's schoolmasters show that one or more Latin schools were conducted between 1741 and 1762. These of course, were of a private nature.** While no report could be found later than 1762, the supposition is strong 82 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 115—116. 83 Thos. Barclay to Sec, May 25, 1719. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 452. 84 Letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, June 23, 1763, Lambeth Archives, 1123. Ill, p. 311. 85 Aug. 10, 1763, iUd., p. 316. 86 IUd., p. 311. 87 Sept. 23, 1763, iUd., p. 324. 88 These reports show for 1741, one Latin school; for 1742, one; for 1745, one; for 1747 one- for 1748, one; for 1749, two; for 1750, one; for 1751, one on March 28; for 1751, two on Dec. 9; for 1752, two; for 1761, two; for 1762, two. See reports of Thomas Noxon and of Joseph Hlldreth, schoolmasters to Society, S. P. G. Letter- took, B, 9. p. 64; B, 10, p. 69; B. 13, p. 221; B, 15, pp. 88, 120; B, 16, pp. 44, 54; B. 17, p. 98; B, 18, p. 100; B, 19, pp. 68, 70; B, 20, pp. 58, 59; B, 3, pp. 153, 155. Re- ports covering other years are not to be found in the Society's arcUves. 76 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York that secondary education did not then abruptly cease. Doubt- less it was represented among the schools of the city up to the Revolutionary period. In legislative provisions for elementary education, New York was a poor contrast to Massachusetts, where every village had its school supported, in whole or in part, by the public. No effective governmental action in behaK of these was carried out during the entire period of English occupation. In the early decades of the eighteenth century private elementary schools were gradually set up in the towns and villages generally, but they were not continuously maintained by any means. The S. P. G. found at the outset of its work a great lack of English schools, and frequent mention was made of this in the letters to the Secretary.^^ Bray in 1700 emphasized this drawback to the contemplated activity of the Church in the Province and said in his report: "It will be further requisite to have free Schools erected at least one in every county, for the Education of their Children."*' Keith's report to the Society, made two years thereafter following a survey of the field, declared there was "no School house yet erected in this Province" which "though it hath a great number of inhabitants, could never yet. obtain a public legally Established School. " This report further stated: "There is yet no provision for Schoolmasters made by law . . . and till then the Church of England Schoolmaster in the county of New York as heretofore, will be supported by the voluntary contributions of those whose children are instructed by him; notwithstanding it is humbly conceived that an annual Pension for the support and further encouragement of some Ministers and Schoolmasters in poor Towns will be of great use and service to the Church. "'^ The unstable conditions of school- keeping prevalent in 1707 were set forth by Col. Caleb Heath- cote, in a manner that seems fairly r^resentative. He said: "As for my giving an account of the number of Schools I can assure you 'tis very difiicult being so uncertain, some places having a Schoolmaster for a year at a time, and then perhaps 89 For example: "The greatest Disadvantage of ye Church in this Island la y» want of an English School for the Children." Mr. Mackenzie to Sec, Nov. 8„ 1705, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 116. 90 "A General View of the English Colonies in America, with respect to Bellgion; in order to show what Provision is wanting for the Propagation of Christianity in those Parts," prefixed to "Apostolick Charity etc., op. cit. 91 "Account of the State of the Church in North America, by Mr. George Keith, and others," Nov. 1702. Quoted in Pratt, op. cit., pp. 96-97. The Suppcyrt of Schools in New York by the S. P G. 77 none in 7 years after, and many towns and places have never had a,ny since their Settlement, that no regular Scheme can be found on that account, all that I am able to tell you is in Gen- eral, that nothing is more wanting in America than helps of that Nature and that I may not fall short in any Information I can give you, I will endeavour agst my next to get a List of all the Schoolmasters in the province. "^ If such a list was ever sent by Heathcote, there is no present record of it. However, an account of schools was furnished subsequently by Mr. Huddles- ton, a schoolmaster in the city of New York. It refers only to English schools and is probably incomplete even for them, but it is doubtless one of the fullest accoimts that is available for the period. After giving the data concerning Andrew Clarke's Grammar school, cited just above, the report continues: "Mr. Cornelius Lodge hath about 20 Scholars; Mr. John Stevens 28 Scho- lars; Mr. John Bashford 8 Scholars and I have about 30 and no more since these new Masters taught, People here being fond of Novelties, so that by this Acoo* you may see that there are but 119 Boys taught by all the five Masters whereas I have heretofore for several years (as may appear by Testi- monials heretofore presented to the Venerable Society) taught sixty Boys myself, and I am certain with as much satisfaction to their Parents as is now given, and as many Boys appeared in the Church as now generally do; I have nothing to charge any of the Gentlemen with but that they are all ingenious diligent and good men, but I am humbly of opinion that only two Masters betwixt whom if there were a right understanding might live well of their business, and wou'd be sufiBcient to discharge all that duty which now the five masters spend their time upon; and can but hve very poorly thereon. On Long Island ia King's County being generally Dutch there is no School Master. In Queens County at Jamaica at present I think there is one; At Flushing in the said County there is one Thomas Meeken a Quaker, teaches the people of that Town being mostly Quakers; I understand they allow him thirty pounds per Ann." At Hempstead in the said County one Mr. Alex- ander Beard teaches, and hath about 20 Scholars as he told me and hath £34 Eer ann. by Subscriptions besides a House and some Lands while he teaches. a Suffolk County at Southhold Thomas Huddleston'^ who is my Brother is lately settled and hath by Subscription £30 per Ann, he hath 20 Scholars. At Southampton in the said County there is a Gentleman teaches but being a great distance from where I hve have not as yet informed myself of his Name and Condition of his school; At West Chester I am informed is a School Master but know not his name at present. And in the said County at Rye teaches my Cozen Mr. Joseph Cleator whose iacouragement your Honeys is acquainted with. At Staten Island in Richmond County is no English School Master that I know of having enquired therein. At Kingston in Ulster County no Enghsh Schoolmaster at present the people being mostly Dutch. At the City of Albany in said Colony there is a Soldier belonging to the Garrison teaches but what quantity of scholars he hath I know not."'6 92 Letter to the Sec., Dec. 18, 1707, iWd., 3, p. 161. 93 Onderdonk, Hist. Grace Church, Jaimaica L. I., has Thomas Makta, teaching there In 1709. Quoted by Pratt, op. cit., p. 94. 94 Licensed for Jamaica, Aug. 29, 1705. Pratt, op. cit., p. 92. 95 Letter to the Sec, July 15, 1708, ibid., 4, p. 58. The number 119 above Includes the 33 under Clarke. 78 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Subsequent letters from the Society's missionaries and school- masters made occasional reference to other neighboring schools.* When the Notitia Scholastica came to be used, schools were re- ported in a more regular manner, but enough negligence was shown in this respect to make the Notitiae untrustworthy as a complete record for most places. A marked exception to this, fortunately, is the information furnished by Mr. Noxon and Mr. Hildreth in their reports of schools in New York City. Six- teen of these Notitiae are preserved, covering the years given on a preceding page.^ Besides the grammar schools and their own charity school, Noxon and Hildreth report the following:'' + Dec. 17 May 22 Nov. 29 Nov. 21 July 16 Jan. 8 1741 1742 1742 1745 1747 1747/8- Dutch Schools 1 1 1 3 2 2 English do 6 7 9 6 6 7 French do 1 1 2 2 1 Hebrew do March 26 Nov. 6 Apr. 1 Apr. 6 March 28 1748 1748 1749 1750 1751 Dutch Schools 1 1 1 1 1 English do 8 7 9 9 10 French do 1 1 1 1 1 Hebrew do 1 Dec. 9 Apr. 10 Oct. 28 Dec. 22 May 11 1751 1752 1752 1761 1762 Dutch Schools 2 2 2 2 2 Enghsh do 10 10 10 12 10 French do 1 1 1 2 1 Hebrew do 1110 1 From the accounts of Hildreth and other agents of the S. P. G.. there is a basis for believing that between 1740 and 1775 both the city and the province enjoyed school facilities probably comparable with the other provinces, except those of New Eng- 96 At least one other English schoolmaster was teaching in the city of New York by 1708, as the following shows: "The purport of this letter is to recommend the bearer Mr. John Humphreys, a Graduate of Trinity College near Dublin, to the Honorable- Society, as a sober & discreet person and one that has approved himself very indus- trious and diligent in the management of a School in the City of New York where he has lived these two years last past and discharged himself so well tliat I thought fit in conjunction with several of the Clergy in these parts to recommend him to my Lord Bishop of London for Holy Orders which I do without favour or affection or the last partiality." Rev. Mr. Evans to Sec, Philadelphia, July 12, 1710. Ibid.r. A, 5, p. 146. w 1741 to 1762, see p. 75. ss For references see footnote p. 75. The Support of Schools in New York by the S. P. G. 79 land.™ But, being private ventures, the schools were most ir- regular and were almost constantly being interrupted, except in the city itself. This resulted in a serious handicap to any se- quence of instruction for the children, as they changed from one master to another after the lapse of altogether too long intervals. 39 Valentine, History of the City of New York, p. 398, gives a list of schoolmasters in the city between 1695 and the Revolutionary War. There are 34 names in the list one of which, Hildreth, was employed by the S. P. G. Of the others four seem to be Dutch. The flies of the newspapers of the period and much of the other data, in the archives of the New York Historical Society point to the same conclusion. CHAPTER VI THE SOCIETY'S CHARITY SCHOOL IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK With the exception of the employment of a Catechist in 1704, the S. P. G. began its support of schools in the city of New York early in 1706. This was done through a gratuity of "£10 in money and £5 in tracts" voted to William Huddleston, schoolmaster of that place.* Mr. Huddleston had been a private schoolmaster for many years before this,^ although the exact date of the start- ing of his school is not known. He was in New York from the foimding of Trinity Church and was an active worker in its affairs, holding the office of clerk at least from Jan. 27, 1697/8, if not from the very beginning.' From June 30, 1697 until 1714 he was almost continuously a vestryman of the church.* His name occurs frequently on the committees for inspecting the work of the church buildtag* and for collecting fimds.° As clerk he received a salary of £20 "currant money of New York'" at first, which in 1704 was increased to £30,' the same to be paid quarterly "during the time he officiated as the Clerk of the Church. '" Lord Cornbury found Mr. Huddleston engaged in keeping a school upon his arrival ia 1702,'° and the Rector of Trinity on Jmie 9, 1702 wrote of him: "the Schoolmaster, Mr. Huddlestone brings all his scholars to Church in order, & 1 S. p. G. Journal, I, p. (11). J Vesey to Sec, Nov. 21, 1705, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 130; alao Heathcote to do., Nov. 14, 1705, iUd.. p. 118. 3 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 14. * Ibid., p. 2. Between these dates his name appears in the list of members present on an average of at least two meetings in three. s IMd., p. 2 fl. 6 Ibid., p. 18 ft. 7 Ibid., p. 14. i Ibid., p. 48. Berrian (History of Trinity Ohiurch p. 49) states the £20 was his compensation as Clerk of the Vesfry and £10 as clerk of the Church. ilMd. 10 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 132. Berrian, op. cit., p. 34 is very misleading in his reference to Huddleston. Evidently he did not consult the Vestry Minutes ^th care. 80 The Society's Chanty School in the City of New York 81 these I have formed, with many others, into 3 distinct classes, according to Dr. Bray's proposal, by which means I hope, out of different nations, to compose the most glorious church in America."" On Dec. 28, 1702 the Vestry "Ordered that John Welsh, Wm. Welsh the Sexton's third Son be kept at School on the Churches Account and thirty six shillings be paid by the Church Wardens to Mr. Wm. Huddleston for his Schooling the last year, the Boy attending the churches service on the Lords Day and other Holydays.'"^ Two months later it was again " Ordered that Wm. Huddleston's Acco* of £2 : 19 : 3 for teaching Wm. Welsh to read and write be allowed and paid by the Church Wardens."" From these various citations, therefore, it is evident that Trinity School rests on a private school origin that dates many years prior to the usually accepted date of its found- ing in 1709." Indeed it is presumable that when Mr. Vesey in his letter of 1705," spoke of Huddleston's having been school- master "many years," he referred to this early origin. Any doubt in the matter, however, is entirely swept away by the declaration of Huddleston himself, in a petition to the Society July 9, 1709, setting forth his service for twenty years in teach- ing school without any settled salary." We have, therefore, positive evidence that the origin of the school, on or before 1689, antedates the origin of Trinity Church itself. Again there. is an indication in the citations that, as "the Schoolmaster," Mr. Huddleston enjoyed the particular favor of the Church's official recognition." The school met with marked success, for it reached an enrol- ment of sixty boys." In time competing schools reduced the number of Huddleston's pupils to thirty." It was in view of this, perhaps, that the aid of the S. P. G. was sought. In 1705 11 S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 112. 12 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 43. 13 Ibid., p. 44. 14 fleirian, History of Trinity Cliurcli, p. 89. 16 Previously cited, see p. 80. 15 S. P. G. Letter-booJr, A, 5, p. 21; S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (208). 17 In "An Account of the State of the Church in North America by Mr. George Keith and others" (Nov. 1702) mention is made of "the Church of England School- master In the County of New York." This undoubtedly referred to Huddleston. Quoted by Pratt, op. cit., p. 96. 18 See quotation from Huddleston letter, p. 77. 19 Ibid. Several years after this in a memorial to General Nicholson he wrote as follows: " That your Excellency's Petitioner at the time he received these poor Boys Into his School had at least £100 p. annum for teaching other children of the City." S. P. G. Letter-book A, 9, p. 212. That amount of salary is dubious but, if true. It was received only when liis enrolment was as high as sixty. 82 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Mr. Huddleston presented his request for an annual pension to the Society through Rev. John Postelthwaite, Master of St. Paul's Free School in London.'" At the same time testimonials in his behalf were forwarded to the Society by Governor Corn- bury, Rev. Mr. Vesey, Col. Heathcote, and others.^i The matter was referred to the Committee and they reported March 15, 1705/6, that, "It was their opinion that it was not proper to allow an annual Pension to any Schoolmaster who is not ap- pointed by the Society, but in regard to the ample testimonials that have been given of the said Mr. Huddleston in several letters . . . they are of opinion that some gratuity or present in money & books might be made the said Mr. Huddles- ton."^ Whereupon the gratuity already mentioned was agreed upon.^ The Society's favor was duly acknowledged, but Hud- dleston renewed his request to become the regular schoolmaster on a salary." Writing to the secretary July 30, 1707, he said: "I beg the favour of you to remind the HonWe Bord in my behalf that they wou'd be pleased to appoint me their Schoolmaster in New York, to teach such a number of poor children there, as they shall think fit and that they wou'd be pleased to allow me an annual pension for so doing. I have made bold by my humble petition to my Lord Bp. of London to pray him to move the Honorable Bord on my behalf on that head."^' Two years later than this he was still reciting "the great want of a public school and praying he ... be appointed Master of such a school Aivith a yearly Pension, the better to enable him to main- tain himself and large family. "^° Early in 1709 the Society made Mr. Huddleston a second gift, it being "4 dozen Copies of Brady so S. p. G. Journal, I, p. (8). 21 S. P. G. Letter-book, A. 2, pp. 130, 132. 118; S. P. G. Journal I, p. (11). The following is an interesting indication that Huddleston's school was looked upon as a Church school, and helps to explain the references to Mr. Huddleston as "the school- master": "I have been desired to give you my Thoughts concerning one Mr. Huddle- ston, who is & has been a Schoolmr in N. York for many years, & if I am not misin- formed is recommended to ye Society for some Consideration in relation to his past & present Services, he has been known to me this many years & has undoubtedly taken a great Deal of Pains to train up all ye youth under his Care in ye Discipline of ye Church, obUging all that sent their children of what nation soever to buy them comon Prayer Books & that they should attend ye Divine Service refusing otherwise to receive them into his School, by wek means he has grafted ye Church not only amongst ye Enghsh but many of ye French & Dutch youth, that I make bold to recommend him as worthy of yo' Consideration." From the testimonial of Col. Heathcote, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 118. 22 S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (11). 23 See p. 80. 24 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 3, pp. 8, 18; 4, p. 4; 5, p. 21. 25 Ibid., 4, p. 4. 26 s. P. G. JomTial, I, (208) ; based on Ms letter of July 9, 1709. The Society's Charity School in the City of New York 83 & Tate's Psalms and 50 Copies of the Translation of the Common Prayer in Dutch,"" the former for his school, the latter for distribution.'^ At the meeting of December 2, 1709, he was formally made the Society's schoolmaster. It was then "Ordered that £10 for 1 year from this time be allowed to the said Mr. Huddleston in consideration of his being well recommended to the society & upon condition that he shall teach 40 poor children gratis and transmit certificate thereof to this board. "^ The Charity School was set on foot, as it appears, sometime between February and Jidy of 1710.™ On July 24, 1710 Mr. Huddleston wrote accepting with pleasure the Society's offer and announcing that Vesey had published this in his Church," and that he (Huddleston) had applied to the Mayor and Over- seers of the poor, asking for their recommendation of worthy chil- dren, which was furnished in less than a month. These children he promised to teach to the utmost of his ability. He also asked the Society to consider that forty boys would take up the greater part of his time, and to allow him suitable yearly encourage- ment to discharge his duty with cheerfulness, as he had only eight paying boys left.*^ The reference to the "8 paying boys" throws some interesting light on the prevailing English attitude towards free schools. Parents who could afford it doubtless had their prejudices in favor of the "more select," private schools, though the following explanation was first made of Huddleston's loss of pa3ang scholars: "He is an honest & capable man for that Service as any I know, but I am afraid what you mean a favour to him will not prove such without his Salary's increas't; "Feb. 18, ITOS/g. ibid.. I, p. (154). 28 These were probably lost in transit, see S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 21; Jour- nal, II, p. 42. 29 Ibid., I, p. (209). 30 In the Memorial to General Nicholson, May 11, 1714, Huddleston stated that he collected in 1709 a " school of 40 poor boys. " In those days of slow ocean travel he could hardly have learned of his appointment before two months, which would be in February 1709 (old series). For quotation see S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 212. 31 Publication was made "in the English, Dutch & French Churches of this place. " Ibid., 7, p. 231. The Society's bounty was not offered in a spirit of sectarianism, as is definitely shown by this fact. 32 s. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 163, Note also the following extracts: "The City of N. York is much obliged to the Society for appointing good Mr. Huddleston their schoolmaster with an allowance for teaching 40 poor children. He has already that Complement, and 1 doubt not but his care & diligence in the Society's business will in due time encovu'age you to augment his Salary which will be an Act of great charity both to the Master & Scholars." (Vesey to Sec, July 26, 1710, ibid,, p. 154.); "Mr. Huddleston who is the Clerk of our Church and Master of the School has begun to receive poor children and to Instruct them gratis, he will have Cus- tomers enow upon that foot for we don't want poor." (Elias Neau to Sec, July 5, 1710, ibid., p. 134.) 84 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York for he taught about that Number of Scholars before, which did support him; but since the addition of these the parents have call'd the other children all but eight, saying he will not be able to teach the 40 poor children and theirs too.'"' Afterwards the real reason appeared in one of the reports which said: "He has not above 7 Scholars, except those he teachers on Soc's bounty for the townspeople have taken away their children, being un- willing to send them to a charity school."" At the end of the year the Society determined to continue the charity school voting an annual pension of £10 "during his (Huddleston's) teaching 40 poor children gratis.'"' At the same meeting £40 in books were voted him for the school. '^ Thus, through the joint assistance of Trinity Church and the S. P. G., the charity schoolmaster was assured of an annual income of £30 New York currency and £10 sterling respectively. In addition to this, there were perquisites belonging to the office of Clerk; that is, fixed fees for the performance of certain cus- tomary Church services. These were as follows: (1) "For at- tending at a Funeral, Five shillings and six pence"; (2) "For his attendance at a Marriage, six Shillings and Six pence"; (3) "For the Registering a Christening, Nine pence."" Besides, the Vestry in 1707 ordered that, "6sii be paid to the Church & to the Clerk three shillings" for the use of a "black Clothe Pall" presented by Gov. Cornbury, "on condition that no Person dying & belonging to Forte Anne shall be deny'd the use thereof Gratis";'' and that, when pew assignments were made, "the Clerk to the Vestry receive six shillings for making out every such Assignment.'"' What addition to his two salaries the perquisites made it is impossible to say, but the sum total was inadequate for the proper support of himself and his large family. This was attested by him and vouched for by those who testified to his certificates." Attempts to interest the Assembly in his behalf were unavailing and his salary from Trinity was 33 Col. Morris to Sec, July 25, 1710, ibid., p. 143. 34 " Certificate of Gov. Hunter, Col. Heathcote, & Col. Morris re. the charltv School in N. York, " Feb. 23. 1711/12, ibid., 7, p. 231. 36 Dec. 19, 1710. S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (329). 36 Ibid. 37 Trinity Vestry Minutes, I, p. 49. 38 iHd., p. 57. 39 Ibid., p. 62. « s. P. G. Journal, II, p. 233; Letter-book, A. 7, pp. 146, 231, 233. The Society's Chanty School in the City of New York 85 at times not forthcoming or else he misrepresented his plight. In 1712 he wrote the Society that he hoped his salary would be increased for he "had not had a farthing these 3 years, but the Soc's £10 p. A." which would scarce buy his family bread;" that most of his time was occupied in the school which had contributed largely to the growth of the Church; and that CoL Hunter had twice directed him to petition the Assembly, but it had had no result." Finally, in view of his urgent appeals, as well of those of his friends, the Society in 1713 ordered an ad- dition of £5 to be made to his salary.*' For the remainder of his term of service and during part of the term of the succeeding schoolmaster the salary allowance was £15 per annum. That Mr. Huddleston's school was to follow the plan of charity schools in England is shown by an entry in the Society's journal of proceedings, to the effect that, "he has received the book of printed orders with regard to the government of his school ac- cording to the method of Charity Schools in England, which he will continue to observe."" The reference was to the method and conduct of the school rather than to that more complete care of poor children which the S. P. C. K. schools represented. In one of Huddleston's letters he said: "The charitable sub- scriptions spoken of in it (the book of printed orders), are want- ing here, both towards my personal support and the poor chil- dren under my care. . . . The occasion of the deficiency proceeds not altogether from want of good inclination in the people here, as from the infancy of the country, and the number of poor in it."*'' To this he adds: "the children need apparel, books, & necessaries, as charity schools in England. "*° While free tuition and free books were guaranteed from the beginning for the forty pupils, it was not until many years later that the expense of clothing the children was provided for. It was then assumed, not by the S. P. G., but by Trinity Church. ast was Cler^ of Trinity Chnrtdi and had the care of the Trinity School here; He was always esteemed an up- ijght, honest Man. " The New-Yso Apr. 15, 17S2. ibid,, p. 424. Stareet did not receive the appointment of cate- chist from the S. P. G. la Ibid., p. 432. ' ss Ibid.. Sept. IS. 1783. ;» Ibi±, p. 441> SM Abstracts of the Society's Proceediags, Feb. 21, 1782 to Feb. 21, 1783. CHAPTER VII THE SOCIETY'S SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY* The Schools in the Parish of Rye The beginning of the educational work of the Society in Rye was due to the initiative and enthusiastic aid of Col. Caleb Heathcote, whose country seat was in the parish of Rye.' In 1704 Heathcote set up a school in the parish and engaged as the schoolmaster, Mr. Joseph Cleator.^ After a short period of teaching Cleator was called to England, whereupon Heathcote and the people used the opportunity to further urge the assistance of the Society. In a letter to the Bishop of London, Heathcote said: "I send your Lordship here inclosed copie of a short Letter wch went via Boston; this comes chiefly to accompany the bearer Mr. Joseph Cleator, who has lived about 4 years in this Province the greatest part whereof he has lived with me, & has always ap- proved himself a very honest man & regular in his life, & being exceeding firm & zealous for the Interest of the Church, I recom- * For this account the writer has consulted Bolton, Hist, of the P. E. Church in Westchester County; Baird, Hist, of Rye Parish; but it has been necessary to depend nearly altogether on the S. P. G. records direct. 1 The Manor of Scarsdale. ' " I did in my last Acquaint you that I would put forward a School in Westchester County wtdch I hope in a few months to inform you I have done, haveing the Pro- mise of an extraordinary good man for a Schoolmaster, one who is not only very Arm to the Church, but I am sure will be Indefatigable to Instill those Principles into the youth and Children of whom the greatest Hopes are I believe at first setting out. It will be attended with some Difficulties, that I beg the Favor of you to move the So- ciety that they would be pleas'd (imtill such time as we are able to carry it on wtiout help to give us £15 a year or what they shall think Convent, towards maintaining of the Schoohnr & I will take care wtt the blessing of Almighty God to make it as Usefull as I can to the Church and that Satisfactory Accts shall be sent over how the same is Employ'd and wt good is done for it & I pray for you likewise to move that some Catechisms and Prayr Books be sent over for the Scholars. 8', The People of the Westchester County are more Geniiy English than they are In any County of the Gov"!' & Altho' there is not at present above 2000 souls in it, yett it contains a very great Body of Land & generally the best I have seen in any of these parts, that time will make it a Great Peopled County, that, were the Church w"i Schools well settled in its Minority, It would in future ages probably bear no other ffruit. ' ' Heath- cote to the Sec, Jime 1, 1704, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 1, p. 174. In an earlier letter Heathcote had the project in mind, but his activity against Sabbath breaking and in behalf of the Church service raised a storm against nim and made him defer for awhile. Ibid., p. 182. 122 The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 123 -ended him to the Towne of Rye & Mamaroneck for their School- master & is yo same person I formerly mentioned to yor Lord- ship & ye Society, but before he had been very long in that Serv- ice he received Letters from his Friends in England, earnestly desiring his return to settle some of his private concerns, wdi he is come to do; ye People & his Scholars are so fond of him, that his leaving them is a very sore affliction to them all & have in an uncomon manner pray'd me to use my utmost Endeavours that he may return to them again. I have desired Mr. Claytor to wait upon yo^ Lordship & do most earnestly beseech your Lordship in behalf of those people to use yor Interest with the Society that he may have some allowance from them to encoxirage his return & really my Lord when ye Society hare been at never so much expence in sending Ministers a full haJf of the work must be done by good Schoolmasters, to root & fix ye principles of the Church in our Youth. I'm siire I need not use many Arguments in a matter so agreeable to yo^ Lordships Inclina- tions. "' The letter was accompanied by the following petition: "To the R* Reverend Father in God Henry Lord Bishop of London — ^The humble address of several of the Inhabitants and Freeholders of the Towns of Rye & Mamaroneck in behalf of Themselves & ye rest of the S• The children of his first class were not above eight years of age. At various times he stated that they were mostly small children. In 1717 none was above twelve and in 1718 the oldest was not thirteen. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 3, p. 151; A, 8, p. 114; A, 13, p. 339; Journal, III, p. 289. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 114; A, 9, p. 137. •• See citations under average attendance. " Nov. 4, 1712, ibid.. A, 8, p. 114. 128 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York The lists were nearly always in the form shown above. The one sent in October, 1717 varied from the others by including a full year's enrolment and by having the children grouped by sexes and according to their ability to recite the Catechism. It is shown below: "Boys who can Perfectly say and answer the whole Catechism. Mr. Christopher Bridge Joseph Piordy Jonathan Haight Jonathan Palding Charles Theal Jonathan Ogden Joseph Theal Daniel Ogden Elisha Budd Caleb Brundige UnderhiU Budd John Brundige Samuel Height Nathan Kniffin WiUiam Height DeHvarance Brown Isaac Lownsbury Solomn Purdy Samuel Lownsbury Edmond Weeks Joseph Bloomer 21. "Boys who cannot answer to the whole Catechism. Joseph Haight Nathan Purdy Charles Haight Caleb Haight Roger Parke Jonathan Horton Thomas KniflBn John Bloomer Jeremy Lownsbury Gilbert Bloomer Stephen Williams Ebenezer Brown Daniel Williams Joseph Green Joseph Bancks Isaac Anderson Nathaniel Merritt Jeremy Anderson Jonathan Lyon John Merritt Andrew KniflBn Ebenezer KnifRn James Purdy Ebenezer Purdy Munmoth Purdy Joseph Lyon Joseph Anderson 27. "Girls who can perfectly Answer to the whole Catechism. Mrs. Ehzabeth Bridge Phebe Lyon Mary Haight Anne Lyon Susanna Theal Phebe Kniffin Ehzabeth Robinson Hannah Bancks Hannah Coo Mary Brown Sarah Ogden Marty Brown Sarah Brundige Ruth Merritt Martha Purdy. 15. "Girls who cannot answer The whole Catechism. Sarah Lyon Abigail Banks Amy Lyon Mary Anderson Susanna Purdy Ruth Purdy Gertrude Purdy Sarah Kniffin Martha Brown Mary Steen Rod Mary Banks. 11. Whole Number 74."*' •"List of children from Sept. 1716 to Oct. 14, 1717, ibid.. A, 12, p. 353. "Mr. Christopher Bridge" Is intended for Christopher Bridge, Jr., son of the S. P. G. Minister of Rye. The writer has been told that such usage was customary in Eng- land, and is even now to be found, with reference to the children of the clergy. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 129 Mr. Cleator found Ms own schoolhouse, as appears from two of his reports in 1713 and 1714." This probably held true in the years of the moving school as well, though the owners of private houses may have been very willing to grant the use of rooms in Ueu of his own accommodation to the children. La 1711 he brought his school nearer the church as a constant centre, and in 1713 he purchased a house both for a residence and for this purpose," making use of it until 1716. He then moved the school two miles from his place of residence where he could have a great number of small children." In 171S again Cleator brought his school very near the Church and purchased a small house as a permanent location for it. In this move he had some assistance from the parish, in addition to his salary. The school thus located became pennanently fixed for the remaining years dur- ing which Cleator had charge of it,** and so continued under his successors with but a slight break. There were other schools in the parish dming Cleator's time, some of which it may be pre- sumed were in the town. In 172S Rev. IVIr. Wetmore wrote the Secretion-: "As to Schools for teaching Children there are sevenil poor ones in the differ* parts of the Parish, while Mr. Cleator had his sight they tell me he kept a constant and good School, but now where a number of ffnmilies live near together they hire a man or Woman ST a Cheap rate sabscribing every one w' they will allow, some M:isters get £20 per an™ it their Ih'ett, some £12 but there is no publick provision at all for a Sdiool in this Parish."" Mr. Cle,<3tor first appended for books in 1709, the lack of which he set forth as follows: "Books are veT\' much wanted; if your Honours would be pleased to bestow 3 or 4 dozen on me would do me a great Kindness, primers, psalters, Testaments, Bibles, & Catechism, for here hath not these six months been either Testa- ment or Bible to be cot at X. York."*« The S. P. G. immedi- c S. p. G. Jonmal, H, p. 3S0; HI. p. 6. «: lui.. n, p. sso. " Aiw. 16. ari6, iUi., m. p. 21s. « " I ha-FP had more Oonslaiit Sc^idlars this y^iar than I have fonnerlj' si^nen an aocomit of, twins I now teacb saar tlia Clmrch, and ia a small house I Purchased by tibeir Honois A^istaace (orer and above my salaiyV I think I shall be remoTsd no more this bdns ftn- sereral reasons the most Canvenient proper place in the Parish. " Caoator to tlie Secretarj-, Apnl -f, 171S, S. P. G. Liettiei»-boc>k, A, 13, p. 372. The 'Writer was not able to find any other data coacemiiis the details of this aid. Baird (Hist^ of Rt* Parish, C3». dt, p. 1761 says the sdiocdhoose was flrst mentioned in 17SS. The R-re VesstrswcasionaUy used the Schoolhotise far a meeting place. Kye TMlrj- Minutes I. pp. IS. 14, 16. « Iteb. as, 1727/'S. S. P. G. Lettei^boob. A. 20. p. 207. »i»»fl.. A, 5, p. la 130 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York ately "directed the Treasurer to send over to Mr. Cleator the Schooknaster at Rye by the first opportunity 200 primers, 50 psalters, 200 Church Catechism, 30 Common Prayer Books, 40 Testaments, and 20 Bibles for the use of his School. "<' In 1712 the schoolmaster reported that he was furnishing the children with books as they had need of them. He also desired Testa- ments, Psalters and Spelling books to be sent, since such were to be had only at great prices,'" and suggested that he might have the advantage of selling them.*' Such sales were against the orders of the Society, as he well knew,'" but notwithstanding he may have taken advantage of the occasional opportunities t» increase his income in this manner. Books were ordered out to- Cleator in 1712, 1714, 1717, and 1718." Besides the different kinds given above the Society in 1714 sent out two dozen horn- books for the use of the smaller children. '^ Two other packets were sent in 1724 and 1725 at the solicitation of the S. P. G. missionary.*' Cleator was succeeded in the school by Samuel Purdy, wha had been recommended to the Society by the missionary at Rye. "^ The affair was a grievous disappointment to Daniel Chubb, the assistant to Cleator,** whose long years of service had been given in the hope of being appointed to the place. Purdy was allowed the previous salary of £15 per annum." When appointed, he was holding some public posts which were not remunerative. Referring to them. Rev. Mr. Wetmore, the missionary, said: "Purdy is the foremost Justice of the Peace & one of the Quorum, & a chaplain of the Militia, but these places being such as rather require than make a fortune, he will accept a Mission from Soc, & the greater his interest in the people's esteem & affections he will the better be able to promote re- ligion & Church, for which he has always had a good af- fection."" Later he was made one of the Judges of the Common " S. p. G. Journal, I, p. (203). 18 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 114. " Ibid. " Ibid., A, 7, p. 201. " Ibid., A, 7, p. 201; A, 9, p. 225; A, 12, p. 427; A, 13, p. 433; Journal, III, pp. 6. 289, 402. « S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 225. M S. P. G. Journal, IV, p. 314; V, p. 83. M S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 24, p. 200. " Petition of Chubb to the S. P. G. Jime 15, 1733, ibid., B, 1, p. 26. s« S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 54, Dee. 15, 1732. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 24, p. 200. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 131 Pleas and so served until 1737. A political upheaval in the town then displaced Purdy and he was left with the position of Town. Clerk, the business of which was but small and the profits incon- siderable.'* The office of Town Clerk he held for the years 1745' to 1753.'' Furthermore, he had occasional work at surveying, and, at such times, employed an usher in his school. The sur- veying was said to be worth about £6 per annum, besides paying the usher. The people of Rye gave him about £20 yearly, in tuition fees.^" As far as can be ascertained, therefore, Purdy relied on a better income than his predecessor." Mr. Purdy's first report gave a total enrolment of 44 for the year with "about 34 attending at one time."^^ Such irregular reports as succeed this show a smaller school than Cleator had, save in 1741 when there were 51 pupils,'' and in 1751 when the number was as high as 50 again." Within the decade Purdy reported 32 in 1744, 29 in 1746, 27 in 1747, 37 in 1748, and 42 in 1749.*' There were two reasons for the decline in attendance. One was as follows, to quote from Purdy's report: "Such Chil- dren as grow up to be capable of Labor, their Parents will not afford time for further Instruction but take them away to busi- ness."" The other reason was the dissenters' growing objec- tion to the teaching of the Church catechism in the school. Cleator had not been rigidly insistent on this, much to the an- noyance of the S. P. G. missionary. «' Purdy from the begin- ning was zealous in his attention to this particular," and he con- tinued to adhere to it. Children of dissenting parents were withdrawn from his school on account of it, and Independent teachers were encouraged to set up opposing schools. In 1746 " S. p. G. Journal, VIII, p. 4. But Baird claims he was Justice of the Peace for more than thirty years, op. cit., p. 175. M Bye Vestry Minutes, I, pp. 104. 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 117. 120, 122. Purdy held also the honorary office of Churchwarden. Bolton, op. cit., pp. 224, 233. •» Said Wetmore in 1738: "His Employers, some of whom are very poor, scarce pay him £20. " S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 4. The few times that Purdy speaks of this allowance he states the same amount. In 1751 Purdy mentions "the per- quisites of the Scholars that are able to pay. " S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 19, p. 79. •1 This income was sufBcient to maintain Purdy and his family, consisting of a wifo and two children, and to enable him to employ a servant. IMd. " Dec. S, 1735, S. P. G. Journal, VII, p. 39. « S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 9, p. 76. " IWd., B, 19, p. 79. " Ibid., B, 13, p. 268; B, 14, p. 115; B, 15, p. 116; B. 16, p. 69; B, 17, p. 111. •< lUd., B, 7, p. 145, July 16. 1738. " Ibid., A, 12, p. 345; Journal, III, p. 405. While Cleator did not distinguish be- tween children of the Church and of dissenters the inference is a fair one that both attended his School on about equal terms and in equal proportion. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 24, p. 470. 132 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York and 1747 only seven dissenting children were reported.*' In 1738 there were no schools within two miles of Purdy,'" but in the following year a Presbyterian schoolmistress was established within one mile." She was not able to maintain herself and soon gave up, but in 1741 a schoolmaster and schoolmistress both at- tempted schools for a time;" while in 1747 two were again under way, both of which were brought within a half mile of the So- ciety's school. '^ Not until the failure of these last attempts do we find the scholars coming back to Purdy.'^ The number of children that were given free ttiition cannot be ascertained, but it is certain that some were thus privileged. On one occasion only did Purdy, Id such reports as are to be had, refer to the poor children. He then stated that such as were poor were taught gratis. ^^ The location of the school remained as it had been fixed by Cleator, that is, near the Church in the house built for that pur- pose." In 1749, Purdy wrote the Society that the dissenters had lately given him much trouble and opposition, on account of which he had agreed to move his school some three miles from the Chiu'ch." The agreement, it appears, was not carried out, because the opposition subsided.'* Whether Purdy's succession to the school led to any marked improvement is debatable. He was inexperienced as a teacher. In thanking the Society for his appointment, he expressed the wish that he might be better qualified for the work, and especi- ally for writing, which was his particular weakness. But with "such preparation as he had" he was "ready to teach the cate- chism and such other learning as he had, and to practice as much reading and writing and arithmetic as might serve the common occasions of vulgar people."" Yet his outside interest made him neglect the school. He was frequently absent, employing =■ Ibid., B, 14, p. 115; B, 15, p. 116. " S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 4. " S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 147. " lUd., B, 13, p. 268. » Ibid., B, 15, p. 116. " In 1741 the proportion of the two groups of children was as 27 to 22; In 1746 it was as 22 to 7; In 1751 It was as 30 to 20. Ibid., B, 9, p. 76; B, 14, p. 115; B, 19, " Dec. 10, 1751, ibid., B, 19, p. 79. " S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 4. " S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 17, p. 111. " Report of 1751, ibid., B, 19, p. 79. ™ Aug. 29, 1733, ibid.. A, 24, p. 470. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 133 on such occasions, as he afterwards declared, "at a considerable Charge such masters as are more capable."*' Some of the dis- senters' opposition may have been caused by his irregularity in this respect. In the later years of his service he constantly maintained an assistant at his house, as the following indicates: "When the Independent in the Neighbourhood, (having got a teacher of their Sort among them) began to undermine my School and set up another in opposition, I took a Gentleman into my house better qualified than myself, whom I imployed under my care and direction, for several years, visiting the School and assisting myself as there was occation; and finding this method Satisfactory to the better people, I still Continue to Imploy a Gentleman well qualified, whom in a Good measure I maintain myself and aUow him to Receive the perquisites by the Scholars that are able to pay; (Such as are poor, being taught gratise) I am at hand to observe the Master's Diligence and Childrens' Improvements, & do all I can to incourage both, and assist my Self as there is occation. "'^ The gentleman here spoken of, we learn in an earher report, was "a young Schollar Educated at New Haven."'^ He was, very likely, William Sturgeon, son of a Presbyterian minister, who had just graduated Bachelor of Arts from Yale and had become "an hearty Proselyte to the Church."*' In 1746, or even earlier. Sturgeon had undertaken a school in the precinct of the town of Rye, it was reported." This must have been Purdy's school according to his Notitiae. Until Purdy determined on the constant employment of an assistant his school was undoubtedly neglected in favor of other affairs, in spite of the commendations given him by the rector of the parish. Reports from the neighboring parish spoke of his miserable neglect.'^ That he saw fit to improve conditions in the last eight or ten years was due, perhaps, to the competition of the dissenters which threatened his school, more than to any- thing else. ■» Ibid., B, 15, p. H6. M Purdy to the Sec, Deo. 10, 1751, ibid., B, 19, p. 79. " Dee. 30, 1747, ibid., B, 16, p. 116. " 8. P. G. Journal, X, p. 168, notes from a recommendation of William Sturgeon by the missionary at Bye, April 3, 1746. Sturgeon afterwards became the S. P. G. catechist at Philadelphia. " Ibid. Bolton, op. cit., p. 351, lists Sturgeon as one of the S. P. G. schoolmasters, which can be true only in the sense of an assistant to Purdy. For this he had no al- lowance from the Society. " Hev. Thos. Standard to Sec., Westchester March 18, 1742, S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 132. 134 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York One packet of 100 catechisms was sent out for the school and for distribution in 1740.'^ This was in response to a request of the parish missionary and n,ot of the schoolmaster.*' Mr. Purdy's death on the 4th of March 175388 caused another vacancy in the school. The earlier opposition to him had ap- parently ceased and he died greatly esteemed by the commu- nity, according to the rector, Rev. Mr. Wetmore, who wrote: "His body was attended to Church on Ash Wednesday by a great concourse of people of all persuasions."*' Upon receipt of the annoimcement, the Secretary of the Society sent the following condolence to Wetmore: "I heartily condole with you on the death of Mr. Purdy the Society's worthy Schoolmaster, & if you find the poor widow & Children in such circumstances as to require it, I will endeavour upon her Petition supported by your Recommendation to obtain for her a Gratuity of ten poimds from the Society. "'» In a letter of December 4, 1753, Mr. Wet- more urged the prompt filling of the vacancy. Furthermore, we learn in the following quotation from the proceedings of the S. P. G.: "He recommends his son Timothy Wetmore, a youth of 19 years, prudent temper, sober & virtuous & with a sufiicient stock of learning, he having trained him up himself, & led him through most of the Latin Classics, & given him some instruc- tion in Greek & Mathematicks, History, Logic, & Ethics, in wh., as he improves himself, he hopes he may hereafter become qualified for some higher employments; and Mr. W. will do his utmost to make his son a worthy Schoolmr there."'' Acting on the reconamendation the S. P. G. elected the youth, Timothy Wetmore, the successor of Mr. Purdy at the reduced salary of £10 a year, the same to date from March 25, 1754.'^ Young Wetmore may have taken up his duties immediately upon Pur- dy's death for the value of such perquisites as the community afforded. Unfortunately we have no records from him until 1757, so that this is uncertain. Regarding tuition he wrote »< Ibid., VIII, p. 184. " No evidence could be found concerning the sending of otlier books or of a request for any by Purdy. M lUd., XII, p. 269. M Ibid. »' S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 20, p. 37, Aug. 1, 1753. The Society voted a gratuity of £5 instead. Journal, XII, p. 270. " Ibid., XII, p. 359. « May 17, 1764, ibid. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 13 5 that "the Reward that way was but small," even when the at- tendance was high." The statistics of Wetmore's school are found in eight of his Notitiae between 1755 and 1765. In these years his pupils numbered from 34 to 63, the average being about 46.°^ Fully half of these were the children of parents not affiliated with the Church of England. Indeed in 1762 there were 24 belonging to the Church and 38 from the dissenters, the odd one being a Negro. In 1763, 1764 and 1765 also the latter considerably out- numbered the former.'* The reason for the large proportion of non-Church children is perhaps explained in the same reports from the schoolmaster, since in the case of five of them it was claimed that there were no other schools within two miles of the S. P. G. school.'^ Wetmore's school continued in the quarters which had been previously provided until about the end of 1765. Then he trans- ferred his pupils to a room in his own house. The reason for this will appear shortly." A few years after Wetmore undertook the work he adopted the precedent of his predecessors and en- gaged an assistant, who gave entire attention to the school and left him virtually in the position of an overseer. He wrote in 1761 as follows: "I think my Father sometime before his De- cease desired the Salary might be fixed upon my Brother James Wetmore but as we have had no advice of his appointment it seems to me to be proper that I shou'd draw. If the Society have not yet made the Alteration if they shall think proper, if it remains as it is it will equally be Satisfactory to my Brother. My Brother has hitherto attended the School to good satisfac- tion, & I hope will continue faithfully to discharge his Trust.'"* Since the Society did not transfer the appointment to the brother, Timothy Wetmore's status remained the same as Purdy's had been. In the following year he wrote: "I herein inclose my Notitia Scholastica & beg this may serve as proper advice. My " S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 216a; Wetmore served as clerk of the Chvirch for one year only, 1762, and was allowed one pound therefor. Bye Vestry Minutes, I, p. 147. M 34 in 1775, 40 in 1757, 38 in 1578, 53 in 1761, 63 in 1762, 47 in 1763, 51 in 1764, and 42 in 1765. S. P. G. Journal, XIII, pp. 139, 284; XV, p. 95. Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 216 a, 217, 222, 224, 227. •s See citations immediately above for the years given. " IMd., B, 3, pp. 216 a, 217, 222, 224, 227. " See the quotations from his letter given on the two following pages. 's May 6, 1761, ibid., B, 3, p. 215. 136 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York brother James Wetmore has the Year past tended the School, I hope faithfully & will continue so to do. I allow him the Salary in full & wish on his Account that it was larger. His family is large having Seven Children & living at this Time un- commonly expensive."'' James Wetmore acted as school- master assistant to his brother until 1764. For the next two years the school was put under the care of George Harris, "an European who give's good satisfaction" according to Wetmore's Notitia."" In 1766 the Society received complaints from one of its agents in New York City'"^ to the effect that the school was badly neglected, and resolved that the salary should be withdrawn unless good satisfaction could be made."* The charge was confirmed by the new missionary to Rye, Rev. Ephraim Avery, and thereupon the Wetmores were discharged on January 7, 1767."' Timothy Wetmore wrote the Society at length in justification of himself and brother. His letter gives us the fact of the reestablishment of a dissenters' school and the consequent dwindling of his own. The account of it, together with his defense, is thus related by him: "I beg leave to justify myself as far as Truth will permit. I therefore assert that when I have kept the School never was the School more faithfully attended nor never was there any Scholars in Rye better taught. I am also bold to affirm that in the annual Let- ters I have sent to the Secretary I have endeavoured to represent the State of the School with strict Truth. I have in them in- formed that about three Years ago the School was kept by my Brother & notwithstanding his utmost Endeavours to please the people Yet the school being surrounded by Presbjrterians & hereditary Enemies of our Family (for no other Reason that I know of but because we wou'd not be Tools to ruinous Measures to Church & State) they agreed with a Master to set up another School — I then went into the School myself — ^but they had been about privately & by Misrepresentations got the people to Sign to this Master so that my School was so small that it wou'd not support my Family. I therefore & to prevent a mischievous Division which I had seen the bad Effects of in Mr. Purdv's " May 25, 1762, ibid., B, 3, p. 216a. ""> Apr., 4, 1764, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 224. 101 Samuel Auchmuty to Sec, Oct. 24, 1766, ibid., B, 2, p. 19. "2 S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 199. 101 s. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 232. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 137 Time — ^tho* it best (ia which I took Advice of such as I tho't most proper) to agree with the School Master to come into my School which he promised to resign to me at the End of the Year & all the Scholars. But at the End of the Year he insisted that as the Stamp Act prevented him from collecting his Debts that if I turned him out of the School he wou'd set up another. I therefore tho't it most adviseable to let him remain, as he was remarkably industrious — But I have kept from that Time a School in a convenient Chamber in my own House which was handy to another Quarter of the Town & though I did not get so many Scholars as I expected yet I have generally taught 7 or 8 for which I have never reed 20s nor do expect to — besides several others & some Latin Scholars — ^this School I continued as low down as I have drawn to; this was the best I cou'd do & I believe was better than to have gone into the School & thereby in all probability occasioned another School House to be built which wou'd have made such a Division as wou'd have spoiled the School. From this Representation it appears that I have not entirely neglected the School; so far from it that I have earned the money I have recdd ; My Crime has been going out of the School House into my own Chamber which I am certain the Society if they had been on the Spot wou'd have advised to — I have also a good Right to call the other School mine — he en- tered by Agreement with me & has kept it faithfully & of this I have truly informed the Society — ^to employ School masters is usual. "^°^ Wetmore's conduct had the appearance of imposi- tion on the Society. His school of seven or eight appears to have been more in the nature of a plausible continuation of his claim to the £10 salary, and his peculiar reasoning that the dissenting schoolmaster stood in the relation of Usher to him was for the same purpose. Indeed the George Harris mentioned in Wet- more's Notitia was perhaps this same Independent schoolmaster. During the services of the Wetmore brothers, at least one packet of books was sent."* It consisted of one hundred cate- chisms and a quantity of prayer books and doctrinal tracts. Both Timothy and James Wetmore reentered the Society's iM Wetmore to the Sec, July 7, 1767, iMd. There ia nothing further to show that he had "truly informed the Society. " Baird quotes from New York Revolutionary Papers, p. 159, in confirmation of the hatred of Timothy Wetmore, "that arch-tory or enemy of his comitry. " Baird, op. clt., pp. 159, 177. •" Dec. 17, 1762, S. P. G. Journal, XV, p. 292. 138 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York seTvice as schoolmasters. The former took up the practice of law in New York City vmtil the war made it no longer remuner- ative to continue thereia.*°° James Wetmore, on the other hand, probably continued as a private teacher for a few years, and was reappointed to Rye. The school was vacant for nearly a year."' The Society mean- time desired Mr. Avery the missionary to appoint a school- master.^"' He suggested that the missionary be made school- master as well and set forth his reason for it, saying "with humble submission to the venerable Society, beg leave to ask, whether it would be disagreeable to them that I should be appointed their School-Master (not that I would go into the School myself, neither could I because my publick Administration and Parish Duties are quite as much as I can manage). But my view in this Request is, in order to prevent the Society a great Deal of Trouble, on accoimt of the frequent change of Masters which will undoubtedly be the Case, because the Income of the School will be so small, that no good Teacher would willingly continue long in it, especially if better Business presented."'"' The So- ciety objected, however, to a combination of the two duties."" Avery was correct as to the imcertainty of schoolmasters. His first appointee remained in the school but one quarter.'" "Another," said Avery, "in two days succeeded him, who con- tinued likewise but one Quarter.""^ The name of the first man was not given, but of the second Avery said: "the Person was my Brother, a Man of a liberal Education but he has now left the School, & taken to Merchandizing: another Man upon his Removal immediately took charge of the School, how long he will continue I am not able to say, but conclude not long.""' He did, however, continue longer than the two before him, so that Avery could write, in the spring of 1769, "a third took Charge of the School and as yet continues in it, tho' am afraid will not tarry long. Him I would now take the liberty •»• In 1776 Wetmore advertized a " Day and Night School" to he kept by himself. See New York Gazette and Mercury, Dec. 30, 1776. i»' Prom about Sept. 1767 to May 1768. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 233, 234. "8 S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 427. "i» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 234. "» S. P. G. Journal, XVIII, p. 66. "1 Avery to Sec, May 2, 1769, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 235. "2 IMd. This teacher began May 1, 1768, ibid., p. 234. The Rector later men- tions the time more definitely as, "about half a year, " ibid., p. 238. "s Ibid. John Avery was the brother referred to. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 139 to recommend to the Venerable Society as their School-master; his Name is John Rand; was educated at Cambridge College New England, a sober, pious man & proposes shortly to take Holy Orders."'" John Rand was accordingly appointed the S. P. G. schoolmaster at Rye on July 21, 1769, ''^ with the usual £10 per annxun; but by this time he had left the school. From Mr. Avery we learn that Rand was succeeded by John Avery. He thus reported the fourth change: "Mr. Rand immediately succeeded him" (Avery's brother) "& remain'd in the School till July 1769, when my brother, not prospering in his Views re- tum'd & again took charge of it. The only Reason why Mr. Rand quited the School, was the People's not being pleased with his Method in teaching their Children.""^ Two years after this time John Avery quitted the school a second time and moved to Long Island."' Rev. Mr. Avery thereupon recommended that James Wetmore be returned to the school and his appoint- ment was confirmed by the Society July 19, 1771."* The school was continued imder his teaching until October 1776, when the belligerent state of the country about Rye brought it to a per- manent end. On January 10, 1777 Wetmore wrote the Society as follows: "I beg leave to inform the Venwe Society that I diligently taught the school in Rye until the 23rd day of Octbr last. For more than a year before the 23rd of Octbr I -was lookt upon as a Friend of Government & had Reason to expect con- tinually to be made a Prisoner; I thought myself then under an absolute necessity of escaping, being detected in assisting a Number of Persons in escaping from the Rebels to the Kings Troops — I have one son carried 200 miles from me & closely con- fined for his Loyalty; part of the time in Irons. I have another son engaged in his Majesties Service. I have another son, two young for the Service with me. My wife and 6 children are in the power of the Rebels.""' From 1777 to 1779 he continued to teach on Long Island with a fair degree of regularity. Between then and 1783 he was maintained on the salary list of I" Ibid., p. 235. "« S. p. G. Journal, XVIII, p. 156. "• S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 238. '" About May 1, 1771, iUd., p. 239; the letter giving the information Is Incorrectly- dated 1770. That it Is an error is made certain by the fact that the context stated that salary had been drawn for two years last past as schoolmaster. Besides the JVIinute in the Journal makes certain that the date should be 1771. "» S. P. G. Journal, XIX, p. 74. "» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 248. 140 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York the Society, but he rendered less than a year of service,"" and in 1783 he was formally dropped. "^ Between 1767 and 1777 the Society did not receive full reports called for by the Notitia. In fact no Notitiae for this period are to be found. For the three last years only do we know what the school enrolment was, namely 56 in 1775, 71 in 1776, and "upwards of 60" in 1777.i" But the nimiber of children who enjoyed free schooling was reported for nearly every year. From 10 to 16 pupils were taught on the bounty of the Society during almost the entire period."' In 1775 Wetmore reported that of his 56 enrolled, he was receiving no pay for 34."^ In 1768 we have the first definite information as to the actual number of charity children in the Rye school. Rev. Mr. Avery then stated in one of his reports to London, "there are now in the School eleven Charity Children, which number I propose to continue because the Bounty will just defray the Expense of so many at the Rate that the Master teaches other children."'" The bounty being £10, the tuition was therefore in the neighborhood of 18 shillings per annum.'^^ The school was kept in the old schoolhouse, which in 1770 Mr. Avery had repaired, "being out of Pocket 3 or 4£ " thereby."' The dissenter to whom Timothy Wetmore had granted the use of the schoolhouse probably foimd quarters elsewhere and con- tinued his work. Such a school, at any rate, was mentioned by James Wetmore in 1775. "There is but one School in the Town, " he said, "kept by a Dissenter from Ireland that has here- tofore drew many of the Children of those that are able to pay, but at present is upon the decline."'^ Thus far we have traced the history of the school originally set up by Cleator and serving the town of Rye primarily. But '" a. p. G. Journal, XXIII, p. 95. "1 Feb. 21, 1783. "Mr. James Wetmore not haTing kept school from 1779 to present time. Salary discontinued. " Ibid., XXIII, p. 51. "J S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 244, 246, 248. i» Ibid., B, 3. pp. 234, 235, 230, 238, 239. 240, 241, 243. "< Ibid., B, 3, p. 244. i« Ibid., B, 3, p. 234. ™ On this basis Wetmore's 22 paying scholars which he gave in the 1775 report brought him nearly £20 a year in addition to his fixed salary. I" Ibid., B, 3, p. 238. 1" Ibid., B, 3, p. 244. The teacher was doubtless George Harris, the European assistant to Timothy Wetmore. See p. 136. This Harris is mentioned in the Ab- stracts of the S. P. G. as having kept a private school opposite the Church at Kye, for many years. In the same record he is the reputed murderer of Bev. Mr. Avery^ the missionary. See Abstracts for Feb. 1776-1777. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 141 the S. P. G. was instrumental in the establishment of other schools in this parish. After Cleator gave up his moving school, the Society's missionary, Rev. Mr. Bridge, urged his superiors to allow bounties for two places remote from the Church. It was agreed to allow one bounty of £5 per annum towards the schoolmaster desired, with the provision that he should "teach Catechism Liturgy, & Certify that he teaches 30 children.""' More than a year ensued before a satisfactory schoolmaster could be found. In March 1714/5 Bridge appointed Richard Cudney, who set up a school at White Plains and taught for 18 months."" His enrolment was "about 30 scholars.""' Though most faithful in the discharge of his duty "he was forced to de- sist for want of necessary encouragement," having little or no help from the people. The Society voted £7-10 for the period of his teaching but did not see fit to make further provision for him."^ In 1729, Rev. James Wetmore requested the Society to establish a school at North Castle. Concerning this place he said: "My Congregation is considerably increased at North Castle, a new Settlement in the woods where I go to officiate every fifth Sunday. The Dissenters there are all Quakers, and I have thought if we had a good Schoolmaster there, it might be of great Service to Religion, in some sort to supply the place of a Resident Minister, in Catechising and instructing the Youth and keeping the People from running Wild in their Principles and practice, as they are in great danger of doing by being among so many Quaker Seducers and men of no Religion.""' His next letter represented that the "chief people" at North Castle had urged him to petition the Society for a schoolmaster to teach the children and to "read the Ch. prayers & holy Script- ures & good books on Sundays, & thus keep them from faith- lessness." "They have no subscriptions at present," he con- tinued, "but are confident that they will be able to raise full £20 p.a. for a Schoolmaster.""* For this position Wetmore recommended an ex-schoolmaster among the dissenters, named i» Oct. 10, 1712, S. p. G. Journal, II, p. 242. "» Ibid., Ill, pp. 198, 293. This was six miles from the Church. i« Ibid. "' Ibid. Failing in this. Bridge persuaded two women "that were in want," to teach school, one of them at White Plains. They also had, he said, "very mean encouragement from the People, " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, p. 372. ' "» July 21, 1729, ibid., A. 22, p. 342. "« Nov. 5, 1729, ibid.. B, 1, p. 51. 142 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Flint Dwight, in whose behalf it was stated: "He has had a liberal education at Cambridge in New England, & got his B.A. about 4 years ago. He is of a sober & exemplary life, & lately came over to the Church, & is wiUing to serve religion for a suit- able encouragement and to accept of a Catechetical office, till he have opportunity to furnish himself for further service. ""° The S. P. G. decided to grant Dwight an annual allowance of £10^ dating from midsummer 1729 "on condition that the people contribute £20 yearly according to their promise.""' The- clerkship of the church at Rye was also given Dwight, and with it an extra 20 shillings per year."' The obstacles in the way of Dwight's success at North Castle were set forth in his letter to the Secretary, after two year's work there. He said: "My School in this place has been under some discouragements the year past, partly by reason of some contentions among the People relating to the Place for the School, and partly through meer opposition, one to another, for when some that dislik'd the place agreed upon by the Major part, re- fused to Join in paying my Salary, four of the Principal Men offered to pay the £20, and those that did not become engaged with them, were to pay to them according to what Children they sent at the usual rate per quarter, which some seemed dis- contented with, tho' they refused to be engaged for the £20 and for a long time they would send none, but of late they grow bet- ter reconciled and send their children, and I have a prospect of a very full School for the next year; but I believe they would be better agreed among themselves, if I had liberty to remove my School to some other part of my Parish with Mr. Wetmore's advice in case they dont show themselves forward to promote the good design of it."'=« In 1732 the S. P. G. ordered the mis- sionary to reprove the people for their neglect of the school and, if necessary, to remove it. In spite of their failure to assist, the people were so unwilling to have Dwight removed from them that he urged further patience. In the same spirit Wetmore wrote of the situation: "The people are poor, & worse still, they are divided against one another. Those who chiefly encouraged UB Ibid., A recommendation from Mr. Vesey enclosed with this, stated that Dwight taught a Latin School in New York for some time, and while there showed himselT well qualified to be a schoolmaster and catechist. 1" Jan. 16, 1729-30, S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 235. I" Ibid., VIII, p. 4. ■M May 15, 1731, S. P. G. Letter-book, A. 23, p. 231. The Society's Support of Schook in Westchester County 143 learning & religion, are either dead or removed within 2 years. Mr. Dwight says they are a poor unfortunate people deserving compassion, & as he hopes their affairs will mend, so he is will- ing to make a further trial among them if the Soc. will allow him, being urged by some new comers among them. After some trial he will acquaint Soc. with his success.""' A year later conditions had shown no improvement and the Society ordered the school removed to White Plains."" Though the people were mostly Presbyterians here,"' Dwight found much happier encouragement. A schoolhouse was begun and until its completion he was allowed to teach in the meeting house.'** The people also paid for "his diet and horse keeping" and gave him £10 which was "at least equivalent to £20 per annum that currency.""' There are no statistics as to Dwight's school at North Castle. At White Plains, however, he had in 1735 between 20 and 30 pupils.'** By 1738 the number had increased to between 30 and 40,"* and in 1739 the last report of the school, in the form of a Notitia, showed a total enrolment of 46 scholars, of whom 27 belonged to the Church, 17 to the dissenters, and 2 were Negroes. "° In 1741 Dwight died and the school came to an end."' Some- time afterward Mr. Wetmore attempted to have the work re- vived and urged the appointment of a Mr. Lamson as school- master, catechist, and assistant minister in the parish.'** The Society ordered the matter to be considered later,'*' but it does not appear that further action was ever taken towards renewing the school."" i!» Jime 6, 1732, ibid.. A, 24, p. 200. "0 Dec. 21, 1733. S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 114. "■ S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 26, p. 75. i« 3. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 39. i« Ibid., VIII, p. 4. i« Nov. 12, 1735, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 26, p. 75. i« Aug. 31, 1738, S. P. G. Journal, Vltl, p. 4. "• July 20, 1739, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 151. Beports for other years were not to be found. 1" Oct. 9, 1741, S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 18. 1" May 1, and Dec. 13, 1744, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, pp. 253, 255. It is evi- dent, however, that Wetmore desired an assistant minister more than a schoolmiaster. 1" S. P. G. Joiu^al, X, p. 23. ISO Lamson or Lampson was ordained and served as an assistant to Wetmore in the capacity of catechist for North Castle and Bedford. He held the position for one year, 1745-1746, afterwards being transferred to New England. Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 855. 144 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York There are evidences of instruction in secondary education by the agents of the Society, on two different occasions. Both of these were in the town of Rye. The first mention of it was in the year 1747, in a letter of Eev. Mr. Wetmore to the Secretary from which the following is quoted: "Here is a very worthy yoimg Gentleman Mr. Thomas Bradbury Chandler educated at New Haven College who has lately declared himself a Conform- ist to our Church, and has desired me to present his hmnble Duty to the Honbie Society and request that his Name may be re- membered among the Candidates for Holy Orders designing to devote himself to the Service of the Church when of sufficient Age & the HonWe Society shall be pleased to send for him. He is now about 21 years of age, and has made Uncommon Pro- ficiency in Learning. He has undertaken to keep a Latin School in this Parish and for some small Encouragement is willing to undertake the Service of reading at Bedford and North Castle alternately, for three years after which he will become of Age for Holy Orders. And as I can think of no Young man that would perform that Service better, I would humbly Request that the HonWe Society would allow ten pounds pr. annum to Mr. Chandler ... If Mr. Chandler undertakes this service, besides the Perquisites of his School which will be about £30 a Year New York currency, I don't doubt but I shall be able to prevail with them to subscribe at least ten pounds pr. annum which I shall endeavour to do for his Encouragement, and I am much mistaken in my opinion, if he does not prove a Credit & Ornament to our Church.'"" The Society forthwith resolved that Chandler should become the catechist for North Castle and Bedford at £10 a year."'" In the ensuing year he was trans- ferred to the office of catechist at Elizabethtown, New Jersey,"' so the Latin School, according to the facts ascertainable, had an existence of about two years. The other venture was carried on by Timothy Wetmore. His reference to it has been previously quoted.'" For possibly three years, 1764-67, he conducted a Latin School in conjunction with his work in the elementary field. In 1774 there was "no grammar School,""^ but in 1775 >" Feb. 14, 1746-7, S. P. G. Letter-book, B. 14, p. 114. 1" S. P. G. Journal, X, p. 252. 1" May 20, 1748, ibid., XI, p. 26. "< See p. 137. >" Quoted by Baird, History of Eye Parish, p. 176, and taken from President Adam's Works, II, p. 345. The Society's Support of Schools m Westchester County 145 Rev. Mr. Avery, the missionary, advertised the establishment of a boarding Grammar School with tuition at £22 per annmn. This probably continued till his death in November 1776, if it was ever actually started.'*' One other incident relating to the Society's support of schools in Rye parish should perhaps be included here. Among a large number of benefactions in support of the work of the church in New York Province, Mr. St. George Talbot of the city of New York was one of the foremost individual donors. Besides vari- ous gifts and legacies to churches in other places he made gen- erous provision for the church in Rye. In 1759 he further "de- vised £500 for the use of Schools" in Rye parish, "& for cloth- ing poor children.'"" This and other legacies were put under the direction of the S. P. G.'** But the poor children of the school at Rye received no benefit from the bequest, nor in fact did the Society. Long years of ligitation followed Mr. Talbot's death, and the legacies were not available until the beginning of the nineteenth century.'*' No data have been found to show other provision of this kind for the poor children who were en- rolled in the Society's schools."" The Schools of West Chester Pabish The second missionary that the S. P. G. appointed for New York province was stationed at West Chester parish."' This was Rev. John Bartow. Before the Society began its support of schools in the parish, he provided, out of his own means, for the religious instruction of the children. "I take care," he in- formed the Secretary, "to Catechise the Children sometimes in the Church, and, to make amends for my Omission of that duty at any time, I allow a Schoolmaster 20 shillings per ann to en- ist New York Mercury, April 3, 1775; also Baird, op. cit., p. 176. 167 Wetmore to the Soc, April 7, 1759. S. P. G. Journal, XIV, p. 199. 1" Ibid., also XV, p. 167. IS" Bolton, quoting from a minute of Trinity Vestry meeting on March 3, 1803, Sxes the date of final settlement in that year. Bolton, Hist, of the County of West- chester, I, p. 25. 110 Pratt, op. cit., p. 114, includes Thomas Huddleston and John Carhart in the list of S. P. G. schoolmasters for Eye. His authority is Baird (op. dt.) and Bolton (op. cit.). The writer has already shown the relation of Thomas Huddleston Jr. to the Society. He has also indicated that the elder of that name was a private schoolmaster on Long Island in 1708. (See p. 77). If he taught at Bye, as Baird and Bolton contend, it was in a private school. He was never on the Society's roll, and neither was John Carhart as Bolton thinks (p. 126). The confusion of Huddleston was caused by a clerical error in the Abstracts of the S. P. G. which printed Huddleston of " Eye" in- stead of "New York." Carhart was Clerk of the Vestry of Bye. See Bolton, op. cit., p. 235 ; also Eye Vestry Minutes, I, meetings between 1722-1744. 161 1702, Classified Digest, op. cit., p. 58. 146 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York courage him to instruct the children in the Church Catechism. ""'' How long this plan was carried out by Mr. Bartow cannot be determined, but in 1709 the direct assistance of the Society waa sought. Bartow sent the following recommendation: "We want very much a fixed School at West Chester; If Mr. Daniel Clark, my neighbour now in England, shou'd wait upon you desirous of that employment I recommend him as a persou worthy of it, being of good report, a constant Communicant, & being a clergyman's Son has had a pious and learned edu- cation."^^' No appointment followed, and after three years Bartow was joined by other clergy of the province in an appeal for schoolmasters,'" who, said he, "are especially wanted at West & East Chester, for the people can give so little, that a good master will not stay long";'" and "one at Yonkers would be of great use to teach the Dutch children English.""^ The Society "agreed to allow £5 p. anum . . . to a schoolmaster there (Yonkers) to teach Catechism & Liturgy, & certify that he teaches 30 children.""' Not imtil 1714 was any action taken in behalf of West Chester. On December 17th of that year the Secretary acknowledged the petition of West Chester in behalf of "Charles Glover, Schoolmaster there," and was pleased to inform Bartow that the Society had agreed "to allow him £10 p. a. provided that he comply with the Soc's rules. "'^ In their petition the inhabitants set forth their belief that Mr. Glover was "well qualified to teach their children according to the Church of England" and that he already had "more than 40 Scholars,"'*' the poor children being taught for a small recom- pense."" From about the middle of 1714 until June 1716 Glover acted as the Society's agent"' with the exception of the winter "2 Dec. I, 1707, S. p. G. Letter-book, A, 3, p. 184. This Is the school, probably, to which Huddleston referred In his account of 1708. see p. 77. "s Oct. 30, 1709, ibid.. A, 5, p. 103. Another testimonial for Daniel Clarke was forwarded by Col. Caleb Heathcote, who said that Clarke "formerly taught School on Long Island yery much to satisfaction. " IWd., A, 6, p. 98. "' 1712, S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 243. "5 June 9, 1712, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 209. i«s Ibid. "I S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 243. Oct. 10, 1712. "8 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 246. "• S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 2. "0 Ibid., also S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, 7 fol. p. 97. (The paging of this voluma is entirely different from the others, there being several sets of Ms. each starting with page 1.) "1 S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 192; Letter-book, A, 12, p. 273. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 147 of ITl^^lS.'" His school during the time numbered between 30 and 40. One certificate, bearing the date July 18, 1715, in- formed that he "instructed above 30 children to the parents satisfaction, not omitting Ch. Catechism.""' The school was vacant for the next year. On May 1, 1717, William Forster assmned charge of it at the request of Bartow and other inhabitants."* Forster in writing a brief sketch of his biography to the Society, tells us that his father, Marmaduke Forster, is an attorney at law and his imcle, Pexall Forster, is a clerg3^man and Rector of Eggscliff in the Bishopric of Durham; that he was educated under Rev. Mr. Burton, the master then there, and has since served three years at sea with "Her Late Majesty's Letter," and four years a midshipman; that after this he found there was not much advancement in the service, as there was an abundance of old soldiers to provide for, and not many ships at sea; and that he came hither intending to follow the sea but was desired to keep school, which, if he was not helped, he must leave, as a laborer got more by his daily work."^ Petitions were sent desiring the bestowal of an annual boimty on Forster.^^ There was a delay in acting on this mat- ter which may have been caused by the hazards in the trans- mission of mail. At any rate Forster did not come before the consideration of the Society till the October meeting in 1718, when he was voted £10 per year from the commencement of his teaching, and a packet of books was ordered to be sent him, consisting of: "2 Bishop Beveridge's Catechism, 2 Ostervald's Catechisms, 2 whole art of Catechising, 50 Catechisms broke into Small questions, and 50 abc.""' In addition to the usual subjects taught, we learn that, "he Catechises them weekly in the School and makes the Quakers as well as other attend thereat, but does not ask the unbaptised any questions that are improper for them. On Sundays, when Bartow is away he catechises all i'2 "I cannot omitt toinforme that last winter I did not teach here, better incourage- ment then presenting. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 10, p. 194, July 18, 1715. This was from Oct. 29 to May 23, ibid., p. 193. Bartow observed that it was difficult to get a fixed schoolmaster because there were "greater advantages to be made by other employments"; and he added: "The Husbajidman earns 3 sh. p. day, & the joiner carpenter, mason, weaver, &c. 5 sh. or 6 sh. so that many prefer to be labourers & artisans to keeping a School — there was one lately at Eeist Chester that turned weaver, & we have one now in W. Chester, that keeps School in winter & in summer is a Shephard & ha« done this for many years." Feb. 16, 1716, iMd., A, 12, p. 273. 1" Ibid.. A, 10, p. 266. 1" S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 401 ; Letter-book, A, 12, p. 368. "' Ibid., A, 12, p. 364, Nov. 2, 1717. "» Ibid., A, 12, pp. 368, 411. "' Ibid., A, 13, p. 434; Journal, III, p. 401. 148 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York children whether Scholars or not that attend the Church, & reads the Psalms, Hymns & Lessons & has had good success. ""' Forster went to England to get his family about November 1718, having in the meantime given great satisfaction in the school, so that Bartow reported, "We all wish he would continue longer with us.""' He returned in the ensuing fall taking charge again in April 1720. On departing for England he, of course, had not yet received notice of his appointment and allow- ance, and, it appears, another reason for his trip was to per- sonally enlist the interest of the Society. In one of his letters he informed the Secretary, as follows: "After I had kept School here 18 months and had not had ye Hour of a Letter from the HonWe Society, I Returned to great Britain as I desired to do all ye Service in my power for the Society and also for the people here. I delivered to the Society's Clerk, in order to be laid be- fore them, a Certificate setting forth the satisfaction I had given by my method and Success in Teaching and also how earnestly the inhabitants of this place did in ye humblest manner request the Society's Encouragemt, For my return to them again. And I would have attended myself had I not been obliged to be in ye Country at ye time of their meeting, upon my return to Town the Clerk told me it was contrary to the Orders of the Society to send any Scoolmasters abroad but wt was in Deacons Orders, but if I return'd, tho' they could not give me an Order, yet they would Continue the Salary, I told him I resolved to re- turn and did accordingly the last fall but having my family to settle, and the winter being Extremely cold and no convent Schoolhouse then provided I did not then begin to keep school till the fourth of Aprill last past. I have here sent a Certificate signed by the principall inhabitants which will inform the honwo Society how much they desire I may be encouraged among them. ... I hope the honMe Society will be pleased to En- courage me & as the people here are of abillity to do very little for me, I hope they'l be pleas'd to make some augmentation to the £10 per Ann. & take into consideration my expenses in re- moving my family, and for any assistance I shall be always very thankfuU.""" This being backed by letters from Bartow and >"JMd., in, p. 401. Nov. 2, 1717. >'• Kev. J. Bartow to Sec, Nov. 18, 1718, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 395. ■"June 1, 1720, ibid.. A, 14, p. 115. The Soddy's Support of Sdiools in We^chester County 149 Heathoote, not only was the salary continued, but "the Commit- tee agreed as their opinion that the Society be moved to make Mr. Forster a Gratuity of £10, and send him also 100 Church Catechisms, 100 broke into short Questions, 12 of Archbishop Wake's Catechisms, and 12 Common Prayer books, and that the Secretan- acquaint Col. Heathoote herewith.'"^ While Forster was in England the school was continued by a substitute who met with very indifferent success. Mr. Bartow referred to this schoolmaster, saying: "I have set my hand to a Testimonial of one Edward Fitzgerald who kept School in Mr. Forster's absence one Year at West Chester; in the Summer he had upwards of twentj-five scholars, in the winter xmder 12, but attended the whole Year. I think he deserves a half Years al- lowance. "^ Forster, on the other hand, was unguarded in his accoimt of the affair, which said: "Here is one Edward Fitz- gerald who, during the ti me I was absent in England which was about twelve months, kept school in this Town, and he has by pleading povertj' prevailed with ;Mr. Bartow and some others to signe a Certificate in his favour for a Salarj- for that Year: Which Certificate as I am informed only setts forth the time he kept School and that he instructed in the principles of the Church of England, neither mentioning the Number of his Scholars nor his diligence. But that you may not be in the dark as to this man's true character I give them tMs acct. which if desired shall be sufficiently testifyed: he is much given to drink and don't attend the Church, for Mr. Bartow does not remember he saw him above once there in the time he kept ye school here.. On his request !Mr. Bartow let him have some of the Books that were sent to me but I cannot find, tho" I have Examined all the Scholars, that he gave them any save one to a child where he lodged, and what use he put them to is not known; as to the Encouragmt he gave by his dilligenee it was such that, from near thirty Scholars, they were before my Arrival reduced to Sis. "^ Forster was constantly conmiended in the earlier years of his service. His activity- in both the school and the Chmt;h so pleased the S. P. G. that the following recommendation was »> Adopted br the Sodety Jan. 30, 1720-21, S. P. G. Jonmal. IV, p. 135. Tho Secxelaiy also -wrote: ' The Society hare agreed to allow yoa a Salai? of £10 per amTiniTi frwa tlxB time ;oa began to teach St^ool at West Chester, also a grautaty of XIO. Letter-book. A, 16. p. 254. = Aug. 13. 1720. ibid.. A, 14, p. 121. "> Ang. 8, 1730, Urid., A, 14, p. 120. 150 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York passed in 1724: "Whereupon the Committee in consideration of the extraordinary Services of Mr. Forster in makeing of a Collection for reparing the Church at Westchester, surveying of Glebes and otherwise besides the diligent teaching of his School, agreed that the Society be moved to increase his salary to £20 a year to commence from Christmas last and also allow him a Gratuity of £10 for his past services.""^ From this time on he enjoyed a bounty as great as that conferred on the schoolmaster in New York. Forster held the office of County Clerk from 1733 to 1746,"' and enjoyed the perquisites of that office. He was also Recorder of the borough during some or all of this time,"' with such extra emoluments as might be afforded by this means. In 1733 Rev. Mr. Standard, the successor of Mr. Bar- tow, severely attacked Forster because of his too great interest in politics, his taking on outside work, and his consequent ne- glect of the school."' The affair brought about an investigation by Mr. Vesey and others of the clergy. Forster was amply cleared for the time being. It was declared: " Forster 's ap- pointments are Recorder of the borough and clerk of the county: the first engages him one hour in a day, once a month, & that out of School time; & the other twice a year, at most 4 times, generally 3 days each. He was never Judge of the Common pleas (wh. Standard confesses to have been a mistake), & that the Bonds or writings Forster may do for people may generally be done at home — Mr. Forster never had the nominating of the Justices, & they believe the offices & trusts he now enjoys are very compatible, and that he discharges them justly & dili- gently, which together with his great humanity piety & civil deportment hath gained him esteem & respect from all good men, & they believe him to be accused by an uneasy ill-tempered envious and avaricious person — As to Mr. Forster's being Scrivener to Mr. Vesey &c., Forster has only drawn 4 or 5 Bonds for him, one of which was 15 years ago, & has delivered 6 or 7 letters for him, & 2 or 3 times spoke to people who owed Vesey Money — Altogether Vesey & other Clergy have known Forster for many years as a zealous promoter of the Church, ready to serve her Ministers and as a sober religious industrious man & "' Feb. 19, 1723/4. S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 28-9. 185 Doc. re. Col. Hist, of N. Y., op, cU., V, p. 978; Be. Eec, op. cii., p. 2140. i8« S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 278. July 1, 1736. u' Ibid., VI, pp. 134, 192, 194. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 60. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 15 1 "well deserving of Soc's Salary."™ Though Mr. Standard's ■conduct was unduly bitter and contentious™ in the affair, he surely had some basis for complaint against Forster. The lat- ter's irregularity in sending reports and his failure to have them properly attested soon brought forth the Society's protest."" Public business, too, called him away frequently, though he usually kept the school in session on such occasions by em- ploying one of his former pupils to take charge."^ In 1742 Mr. Standard again complained of Forster's school, and of the one at Rye. His letter declares that they "have been miserably neglected, the masters absenting themselves for days or even weeks together . . . none have been neglected like theirs, A therefore the intelUgent part of the country are unanimously of opinion, that the Soc, had better save their expences on this head, & use it to better purposes.""^ After this, regardless of Standard's possible prejudices, the Society revoked the salary,"' and Forster retired from the school in 1744."* Seventeen reports of Forster's work at West Chester are avail- Able, much less than half of the number which the Society's rules required. They cover years between 1717 and 1742, the majority being for the decade 1730 to 1740."' In 1718 he had enrolled 82 pupils in fifteen months,"' and in 1731 there were "60 during the year.""' The lowest attendance shown was 20, recorded in 1723 and 1741;"^ the highest was 44 in 1734."' The average attendance was 35. The proportion of boys and girls was not given by Forster,^"" but four reports group the children ■»8 July 1, 1735, ibid., VI, p. 278. Gov. Cosby similarly defended Forster. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2S, p. 60. isg The missionary was himself under a severe Are of criticism about this time. Hawlis Transcripts, N. Y. II, p. 80, being a letter from Gov. Cosby to the Bishop of London, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 60. >•» S. P. G. Journal, VII, p. 55; VIII, p. 88. "1 Ibid., VI, p. 192. IK Ibid.. IX, p. 132. Mar. 18, 1742. »« Apr. 15, 1743, ibid., IX, p. 132. >" S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 336. This document from the Church and people of West Chester includes this quotation: "Wm Forster, Soc's late Schoolmaster, by reeison of his practising sm'gery & other employments, has left the school. " It is dated Apr. 5, 1744. >»s Mr. Standard in 1742 charged Forster with exaggerating reports, 8. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 132. But Standard's animosity towards Forster was such as to make Ms claim doubtful. "> Ibid., A, 13, p. 382. 1" IMd., A, 23, p. 349. i»s Ibid.. A, 17, p. 228; B, 9, p. 63. ■»• S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 192. too With this exception: In 1718 he adds, in speaking of Ills scholars, " Several of them being young men and women. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 382. 152 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York of dissenters and those of the Church, as follows: In 1723, 23 were of the Church, 5 were Quakers, and 5 were dissenters; in 1739, 17 of the 32 were classed as non-Church children; in Nov- ember of 1739, 16 out of 36 were so classed; and in 1741, 6 out of 20.^" Reports from 1737 to 1739 inclusive are the only ones that give the number of free children. Their proportion is from 45 to 62 per cent.'"'' Paying scholars, however, did not materi- ally increase his income for we have his own declaration that the people paid him but little on account of the school.'"^ In the quotation following he thus describes his work: "I shall take care to Comply with the Society's Standing orders and in Order thereunto Do thereby inform them that my method is the same as sett forth in my former Letters That the Number of my Scholars is uncertain being sometimes more and sometimes less as the people can spare their children from their Country business, but the greatest number has been between Thirty and fforty and the fewest about Twenty but then in the Winter some- times twenty or more Young people come to School in the Even- ing which come not in the day. I bless God my Success in the Instruction of my Scholars has been to the Content of their Parents and Severall of Scholars are not only qualified for Country Employments but for other business; for I teach all the Rules of Vulgar and Decimal Arithmetick, and Mr. Bartows eldest son is now about to learn Geometry, Trigonometry Surveying and other branches of the Mathematicks. '"*" But, at a later date, he says: "The Number of my Scholars at present is 31 and the reason there are no more, is my teaching them Quick, and as they generally learn no further than the double Rule of Three or Practice, one Sett goes off, before another is grown up fit to come. '""' The schoolmaster provided his own schoolhouse at first. In 1724 he reported: "This summer they are building a new School House ;'""' and in 1726 he wrote that he had "kept School in the new School-house" all the past winter and that it was "built »M Ibid., A, 12, p. 364; B, 7, pp. 115, 157; B, 9, p. 63. '" 18 or 19 out of 40 on June 6, 1737; 22 out of38onNov. 18, 1737; 20 out of 32 on June 14, 1738; 26 out of 40 on Feb. 16, 1738-9; and 20 out of 32 on Oct. 19, 1739 S. P. G. Journal, VII, pp. 239, 257, 302; VIII, pp. 88, 144; Letter-book, B, 7, p. 116. w Oct. 14, 1724, ibid., A, 18, p. 193. iM May 18, 1723, ibid.. A, 17, p. 228. JOS July 10, 1728, ibid., A, 21, p. 348. "' S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 18, p. 175. The Societtf's Support of Sdiools in Westchester County 153 big enough to hold 60 scholars.""^ We learn from another source that The schoolhouse was '100 yds, from the County Hall."^ Forster did not employ an usher regularly, but on the occasions when other business occupied Ms time he did hire assistance. In 1734 we have the word of Thomas Bartow, son of the earlier mi^onaiy, to the effect that three years before and "now lately" Forster had employed hiin in his school several times, paying him for it. sometimes 3 shillings a day.*°* On the same date John B^tow stated that, whenever the School- master "was called away on business last autumn," he taught the school and that he did this a httle before the election.^* Forster made no reference to the matter when reporting to his superiors. To judge from his increasiag absence for outside busines, the Bartow boys were frequently called on in the later years of his teaching. Such books as were sent to Forster for the use of the school were contained in the packets already mentioned. Apparently he did not send requests for any others. In January, 1745, Basil Bartow, another son of the deceased missionary, was made the S. P. G. schoolmaster.^ The Chureh and people of the town had ui^ed his selection by the Society, in which Forster himself had joined.*" Commissary Yesey also wrote in his behalf from Xew York City, and said of him: "^Ir. Bartowe is 23, a single man, of good temper, prudent, and sober & pious in life and conversation, well affected to the present Government, conformable to the doctrine Sept 24. 1744, S. P. G. Journal. IX, p. 348. 154 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York set."' In 1747 he was made Clerk of the Mayor's Court,"' which he held until 1752 at least and, presumably, during the remainder of his schoohnastership.''" Bartow made two at- tempts to get his salary restored to the former amount. In 1746 he declared: "... in this luke warm Age it seems as if Parents (Dissenters in particular) were quite Negligent of their Chiddren's Christian Education — ^there is many poor Children here that I believe would be wholly without Education if it was not for the Society's Charitable bounty. The Charity of the people here is so Small (many of them poor) that as I make the School my whole Employment the income which I have is not sifEcient [sic] for my Support.""* The Society met the appeal to the extent of agreeing "to give Mr. Bartow a gratuity of £5 to encourage him to persevere diligently in his duty."^" In 1748, he appealed the second time for the allowances of his suc- cessor without which he felt he could not continue."^" His con- dition was vouched for by the Rector of Trinity, as follows: ^'I also recommend Mr. Basil Bartow to the HonWe Society's Favour, he being one of the most useful Schoolmasters in their Employment and his Stipend altogether Insufficient for his Support. I have been informed by some Gentlemen of this City who frequently visit Westchester, that he is very Diligent and Conscientious in the Discharge of his Office, and they are affraid it would prove a Detriment to the Interest of Religion, if he should betake himself to some other Employment. "^^ Information was returned that the S. P. G. was not then in a condition to augment salaries,^^^ and Bartow continued in charge of the school without urging the matter again. On account of "bodily infirmities" which prevented "his working any longer," he resigned at the end of 1761.^^' Between 1745 and 1761 there are thirteen reports of Bartow's school; in fact, for every year save 1754-57 inclusive. All but ■1' S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 337. 'I' Ibid., B, 15, p. 107. "As to my being Clerk of the Mayors Court, it is no hin- drance to me in the School, the Court being opened only the 1st Tuesday in Every Month to fulfil our Charter, And then its seldom that a Writt is Betumable. " Ibid. "' His Notitiae did not mention the ofBce after 1752, but doubtless he let it be taken for granted thereafter. '■« Sept. 29, 1746, ibid., B, 14, p. 119. ii> Apr. 10, 1747, S. P. G. Journal, X, p. 242. »M Ibid., XI, p. 118. «i Eev. Henry Barclay to Sec, Jan. 2, 1748, S. P. G. Letterbook, B, 16, p. 71. Barclay had succeeded Vesey as Eector of Trinity and Commissary of the Province. 221 Sec. to Bartow, ibid., B, 17, p. 199a. »• Dec. 14, 1761, S. P. G. Journal, XV, p. 202. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 155 "three of them are in the form of Notitiae. His average enrol- ment during the different years was 43, the lowest being 33 and the highest 61.'"^ Up to 1754 there were more of the dissenters' than Church of England children, the proportion being as 58 to 42 per cent;"" while after 1758, there was 36 per cent only of dissenting children.'''^ In explanation of the enrolment Mr. Bartow wrote in 1745 that he did not have the number of pupils in the list at one time. The most, he said, attended in winter when there were 23. Some of these were men who "in spring had to go to husbandry." In early summer there came in a set of small children who could not attend in cold and snow. This seasonal change may of course be applied to other years. Re- garding sects Bartow said: "Tho' part of the Children are of dis- senting families, I teach them the whole Catechism, except the parts relating to Baptism & the Lord's Supper.""" From 1753 to the end of his work Bartow employed an usher whose sole time was given to the children. The Society records state that, "being of a weakly condition, he had, by advice of his friends, taken in an Usher, & will take care that the School be duly attended. """* For the first years and until 1752, the reports specifically stated that no other schools were in the town. Thereafter no answer was made to this question of the Notitia, yet his silence is a fairly safe inference that his own school, lo- cated in the town schoolhouse, was the only one during the period. Though the Society promised the usual assistance for a suc- cessor to Mr. Bartow,""' it was three years before the missionary could report the securing of a satisfactory schoolmaster."'" Meanwhile the schoolhouse had been occupied by another master »« 42 in 1745, 33 In 1746, 36 in 1747, 46 In 1748, 46 in 1749, 44 in 1750, 61 in 1751, 55 in 1752, 51 in 1753, 38 in 1758, 34 in 1759, 34 in 1760, 36 in 1761. S. P. G. Letter- bool£, B, 13, p. 337; B, 14, p. 119; B, 15, p. 107; B, 16, p. 61a; B, 17, p. 109; B, 18, p. 120; B, 19, p. 84, B, 20, p. 62-3; B, 3, p. 275; B, 8, p. 276; Journal, XII, p. 341; XIV, p. 165; XV. p. 202. K5 In 1750 there were 22 of each group, in 1753 there was as wide a difference as 18 Ch. of Eng. and 38 dissenters. S. P. G. Letter-bools:, B, 18, p. 120; Journal, XII, p. 341. K» See citations above for these years. '" Oct. 28, 1745, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 337. K» S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 341. The usher is referred to later in 1759 and 1760. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 273. ; B, 8, p. 276. «• Ibid., XV, p. 224. HO Presumably on account of the S. P. G. requirements, the missionary reported many unsuitable offers and added : "It has not been in my power to procure a School- master as yet tho' I have taken all the usual methods of advertising & enquiry. " S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 284. 156 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York who taught for a year, if not for longer."" The missionary at West Chester finally appointed Nathaniel Seabury who entered upon his work September 25, 1764,^'" at the age of nineteen years."'' He served the school for the following three years and, "having entered on another Scene of Life, had come," we are told, "under such Engagements, that he tho't he could not at- tend the School, so as to do Justice to it, & therefore declined it.'"^' The school declined perceptibly under Seabury, though it was not altogether his own fault. The dissenters who could pay tuition were making other arrangements for educating their children. So, too, were the better families among the Church adherents. The following is an example of such provision: "Mr. George Youngs who has officiated as Clerk to the Churches, since I have been in the Mission, & has taught school for three or four families of sober pious People . . . about two miles from hence, for several Years past, to their very particular Satis- faction, & who supports a very good Character, is a Communi- cant, & very well known, both to me & the People.""" Young Seabury had only 18 or 20 pupils in the summer and about ^4 in the winter."'^ Of these but 3 or 4 were taught gratis, others paying "at the Rate of one Spanish Dollar the Quarter.""'' So far from being a charity school the Society was told at one time that it had become shamefully neglected and of no manner of use."'* The S. P. G. was on the point of with- drawing the salary, but refrained from doing so in view of other representations. The situation was thus described by a brother of the schoolmaster, who had become the Society's missionary at West Chester: "The Schoolmaster is my Brother, and since I have been in the Parish has lodged at my House, and I can honestly afiirm that he hath not neglected the School the year past. I have also enquired of those People who were most likely to inform me of his former Conduct, especially of those «i Prom the winter of 1763^ to about Sept. 1764. S P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 289. The name of the schoohnaster was not mentioned. ■" Ibid.. S. P. G. Journal, XVI, p. 299. This was confirmed with salary of £10. Feb. 15, 1765. Ibid. Ma S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 165. »« Rev. Samuel Seabury to Sec, Oct. 1, 1768, ibid., B, 2, p. 159; also B, 3, p. 291. Ml Ibid., B, 2, p. 159. «■ Ibid.. B, 2, p. 172; B, 3, pp. 289, 290. m Ibid.. B, 2, X). 172. The Spanish Dollar was equivalent to eight shillings. This would have made the yearly tuition £1-12 sh. M> Samuel Auchmuty to the Sec, ibid., B, 2, p. 19. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 157 who had Children at the School, and have heard of no Complaint. Notwithstanding I do not think the School is of so much use as the Society may reasonably expect. Those children that are poor, and the proper Objects of the Society's Bounty are the hardest to go to School. Their Parents are either careless and suffer them to grow up in Idleness, or they keep them at Home to labour; so that not more than three or four have been to School, and those not Constantly. ... By this Accoimt the So- ciety will see, that the Number of Children is so small that if they withdrew their Salary the School should cease. This I should be sorry should happen. I should also be sorry to see their Bounty productive of so little good. Tho' therefore I can- not urge them to continue their Salary, yet I can assure them that if they continue it, either to my Brother or any other Per- son, I will do everything in my Power to make the School use- ful, and will myself also see that the Master does punctually conform to such Directions as the Society shall give. '"^' A year after Nathaniel Seabury retired from the school, Rev. Mr. Seabury prevailed upon George Yoimgs, the private school- master, to open it, as the engagement with his patrons had ex- pired.^ "This he consented to do," wrote Seabury, "upon my promising to recommend him to the Society & endeavour to get him appointed their schoolmaster. Mr. Youngs is to begin the school in two or three Days; & as he is very agreeable to the People, & I believe every way qualified & disposed to do Justice to the School, & answer the Society's Expectations, I hope they will be pleased to appoint him their Schoolmaster here.""' Youngs was accordingly appointed "with £10 p.a. from Michael- mas last.'"^ As an assurance to the Society, Seabury promised a close inspection of the school, saying: "I have informed him that I shall frequently visit the School, & that he must teach such Children as I shall nominate to him upon the Society's Ac- count. I tho't it best to take that Matter into my own Hands, & shall after proper Inquiry among such People as I can depend upon, nominate such as I think the Society's Bounty will be best bestowed upon; & shall make it a Condition with the Parents or Friends, that the Children shall be sent constantly to School »' Dec. 28, 1767, from Eev. Samuel Seabury to the Sec, ibid., B, 2, p. 172. "» Ibid., B, 2, p. 159, Oct. 1, 1768. "1 Ibid. The school reopened about Oct. 3, 1768. »« S. P. G. Journal, XVIII, p. 84. 158 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York & not be kept at Home, one half of their Time; That they shall* moreover regularly attend Church & Catechising and I hope in due Time to give the Society such Accoimts of this School, as shall be agreeable to them.'"^' Youngs also officiated as Clerk of the Church and enjoyed such perquisites as that position might afford. His enrolment in the first year increased to 26^ and in the years 1770 and 1771 there were 41, '^ ten of whom were taught on the Society's bounty. In 1769, 16 were children of the Church, the others being dissenters and Quakers. In 1770 he had 28 of the first with 5 dissenters and 8 Quakers; and in 1771 he had nine Quakers in addition to the Church children.'"' As a means of better serving the community Yoimgs proposed to set in opera- tion the following interesting plan, which, unfortimately, was not allowed to materialize. In reporting on his work in 1771, he informed the Society: "I shall by Desire (if God permit) open an Evening School about two Miles and an half from where- I now keep and will be conducted in the same manner as the School is in the Day, the said evening School will be opened on the fourth Day of November next at 6 of the Clock every Even- ing and to continue till 9 at Night During the Winter Season, for the Conveniency of those that can't attend the School in the Day time. This Evening School will Consist of 20 Scholars,, of which some wiU be of the poor, that can't attend in the Day for they must be to their Business, having no other Support. Notwithstanding this, the School in the Day will be continued' and kept to Daily as usual.""' Just previous to the sending of the above. Rev. Mr. Seabury forwarded the following unfavor- able account: "I must in Faithfulness to the Society inform them, that the Conduct of their Schoolmaster here has not been so Satisfactory to me, the last Year, especially the latter Part of it, as formerly. He is become an Encourager of Conventicles, admitting stroling Independent and Methodist Teachers to hold forth at his House. He is by Several Persons accused of ne- glecting his School, & maltreating the Scholars, & by some of drinking too freely; tho' I do not imagine that this last article- "• S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 159. M« Notitia of 1769, ibid., B, 3, p. 294. Five of these were taught gratis. "« Ibid., pp. 295, 296. '" See citations above for these years. "' Ibid.. Oct. 15, 1771. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 159' can be directly proved upon him. When I sign his Notitia I shall acquaint him, that my signing any more after this Year, will depend iatirely upon his good Behaviour & such Directions as I receive from the Society. "^ The attitude of the missionary seems more narrowly partisan than justifiable and is to be re- gretted. He doubtless did reprimand Youngs in the manner indicated, which the latter must have resented. Some three weeks after this Youngs "abruptly quitted the Place, & went to New York. "^' Another long vacancy in the school followed. Not until 1774 did Seabury procure a schoolmaster who could meet his approval.. Writing on January 3, 1775 that he had been trying to find a proper person ever since the departure of Youngs, he announced further that "about 8 months ago, Mr. George Gott, a single man, bom in England, who had been an Usher in a school at N. York, offered for the employment," and was accepted. "H& came well recommended," continued Seabury, "& has behaved with great propriety & diligence, & the children improve greatly.""" Mr. Gott we learn elsewhere opened his school May 9, 1774,^^^ but scarcely could he have learned of his ac- ceptance by the London office before he gave up the work. He left the school May 23, 1775, which "want of health obUged him to relinquish," and returned to England."^ Regarding his^ schoolmastership, Mr. Seabury said: "He conducted himself in the most imexceptionable manner; & the Children made a very considerable Improvement under his Instruction. Those Chil- dren whose parents were unable to pay for their Schooling were admitted & properly attended to by him. I am really sorry to- part with him, & the people, who are duly sensible of the favour of the Society & desire to return their Thanks for it, are a good deal disconcerted, but hope the Society will still continue their bounty, when a proper person can be found to take charge of their School.""" With the departure of Gott, the Society's school at West Chester came to an end."^ "» Oct. 8, 1771, ibid.. B, 2, p. 182. "> About Nov. 1, 1771, ibid., B, 2, p. 184. »" S. P. G. Journal, XX, p. 328, His appointment was approved by the S. P. G. March 17, 1775, ibid. '" 8. P. G. Letter-boolc, B, 2, p. 187. "' Ibid. »■ Ibid. '" The Abstracts of Proceedings have listed George Youngs as the schoolmaster' imtil 1778. How misleading this is has been shown by the actual records. What the abstracts intend to convey is probably this: that the S. P. G. carried an open account for the school imtll 1778, bounties being allowable pending any appointments; and clerical carelessness kept repeating Youngs name. 160 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York The Society's resolution to assist in setting up a school at Yonkers has been referred to."* This action was taken in 1712, but no schoolmaster was found upon whom the bounty could be conferred. Rev. Mr. Bartow wrote in 1714 that the people at Yonkers were mostly Dutch, who came generally to church when he preached there, and added: "I hope their Children will be educated in ye Church way w^i we can get an English School- master of the Church.""' He followed this with the suggestion that "if Soc. would send over one of the poor youths of the Hospital wth £5 p.a. to teach the children sometimes at Yonkers & sometimes at East Chester, the people would contribute £20 p.a. (that country money).""' In reply the Secretary repre- sented that the Governor of Christ Church Hospital had been discoursed with on this matter, but would give them no answer.^^ Yonkers was again alluded to by the missionary in his letter of February 1716/7, from which the Secretary has made the following note: " ... nor could they ever get a Schoolmaster for Yonkers, wherefore Mr. Noah Barton, a Jus- tice of Peace, who dwells in the outer-most part of Yonkers de- sired him to request Soc. to grant one half of the five pounds, granted to Yonkers, to a Schoolmaster to instruct the children of the adjacent families at Miles Square and the other half to be for the other part of Yonkers, when they can get a Schoolmaster; which he submits to the Soc's pleasure, but observes the dif- ficulty to get a fixed Schoolmaster because there are greater advantages to be made by other employments; yet says a small encouragement from Soc. will oblige them to attend so long at least, annually, as to teach the children the Ch. Catechism, & to read their Mother tongue."^*' This ended Bartow's interest in behalf of Yonkers. With the sanction of the Society, as to Miles Square,^'" he foimd a candidate upon whom he bestowed the bounty of 50 shillings. "The people there," said Bartow, "have a Schoolmastr one Samuel Jones an inhabitant of the place who with the assistance of his wife when he is about his necessary business in the field does instruct the children of the '"■ See p. 146. '" S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 225. »' S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 2. «» S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 246. «• S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 288. "• lUd.; also Letter-book, A, 12, p. 428. The Society's Support of Schools in Westchester County 161 place to the satisfaction of the Parents.'"" But Jones "con- tinued his service for one Year and no longer" and then "left off to keep School.""' In 1718 Mr. Bartow urged that East Chester be given the balance of the allowance voted for Yonkers, inasmuch as "Justice Noah Barton & others of the Inhabitants of East Chester" had desired him to pray the Society to grant "50 shiUings per. ann. to a Schoolmastr at East Chester, Mr. John Gifford. "''" The request, evidently, did not receive the Society's consideration. In 1729 James Delpech, a former Society schoolmaster at Narragansett,'" was teaching at East Chester but there is nothing to indicate that he was then under S. P. G. auspices.''^^ Finally Rev. Mr. Standard made an un- successful appeal to the Society in 1733, in behalf of the ap- pointment of a Mr. Child at East Chester.'*'' The Society's first missionary at New Rochelle, in 1711, re- ported having set up "a School for young people," whom he made to read the Psalms.'" It did not, however, have any material support from London. In 1727 and the following year there was "no school nor Schoolmaster" there,'*' but in 1729 one school had been established in which both French and EngHsh were being taught.'*' There are slight evidences of any secondary education carried on by members of the Society. Accessible records show that Forster in 1720 had some Latin scholars besides his elementary pupils. This work he mentioned on one occasion only,"" so that we are left in doubt as to whether it was more than a tem- porary arrangement on his part. Again, after a long lapse of years, we learn that the S. P. G. missionary of the parish. Rev. Samuel Seabury, when hard pressed by the troubles of 1776, set up a Grammar school. Concerning it, he said: "To extricate my self from some Debts, which it was my Misfortune & not my Fault to contract I opened a Grammar School^ at West 151 Nov. 18, 1718, S. p. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 395. JK From 1718 to 1719. Bartow to the Sec, July 2, 1719, iMd., A, 13, p. 463. "' Ibid., A, 13, p. 395. "' Ibid.. A, 22, pp. 45, 159, 160. "' Ibid., B, I, p. 50. «« Ibid., A, 24, p. 480; Journal, VI, p. 134. '" May 18, 1711, S. P. G. Journal, 11, p. 37. "! Rev. J. Stoupe to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, p. 198; A, 21, p. 349. "' Bev. Mr. Standard to Sec, ibid., B, 1, p. 50. New Bocbelle was a French settle- ment originally. «o June 1, 1720, ibid.. A, 14, p. 115. 162 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Chester, which for two years past brought me in nearly £100 a Year this Currency, & in another Year I should have been freed from my Incumbrances. But my School is broke up, & the Profits of the past Year must go for the Support of my Fam- ily, as the Salary from the Parish which will be due on New Years day, has never been assessed. ""* "J Dec. 29, 1776, ibid., B, 2. p. 190. CHAPTER VIII THE SOCIETY'S SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS ON STATEN ISLAND The first appeal for the aid of the S. P. G. on Staten Island was made by Rev. Eneas Mackenzie, missionary, as early as 1705.* Upon the receipt of it the Society took prompt steps to supply a schoolmaster, as the following minutes show: "Mr. Townsend attending was called in and acquainted that the Society had agreed to send him as a Schoolmaster to Staten Island with an allowance of £20 per Annum to commence from Lady day last in order to instruct the Children of such poor people in the Said Island in reading, writing, & the principles of the Christian Re- ligion, as are not able to pay him for the same. . . . Agreed that the sum of £5 be allowed for Catechisms & other books for the use of the Scholars under the direction of the said Mr. Town- send according to the discretion of the Committee. "^ Mr. Townsend did not avail himself of the offer but remained in England and the order was countermanded the next year.' In 1708 there was still no school on the island, as we are informed by William Huddleston.* In the year following, however, Mr. Mackenzie succeeded in getting two schools under way and so wrote to London: "I have at last, with much adoe got two English Schools sett up upon the Island, but the children of the poor are not the better for it, for the Schoolmasters, having no set Sal- aries, but so much for each Scholar, they teach none but such as are able to pay 'em the Stated ffee, which the poor cannot afford. If the Society was pleased to allow the £20 that was once al- loted for a Schoolmaster upon this Island to be divided between these two now teaching, they shou'd be obliged thereby each of 'Nov. 8, 1705, S. p. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 116. 'Apr. 19, 1706, S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (18). 'July 18, 1707, ibid., I, p. (84). * Previously cited p. 77; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, p. 58. 163 164 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York them to teach so many poor children and besides it would be a considerable ease and encouragement to all."' Before the approval of the Society could be ascertained, these two men had retired and the missionary repeated his pro- posal in behalf of other candidates. " You desire me, Sir, " he said, "to be more explicite in my proposals concerning the two Schoolmasters upon our Island, to give their Names, an account of the places they teach ia, of those they teach &c. One Adam Brown, a young man teaches children in the South side of the Island, where there is a mixture of almost all Nations under heaven — ^And one Benjamin Drewit, a Man of 30 years of age, teaches in the ffresh Kilns about the center of the Island within a Mile of the place where we are a building of our Church and where most of the Inhabitants are fErench. The Schoolmasters we had there last year, wou'd serve no longer, their encourage- ment was so small and these two I named I have engaged to stay for a year in hopes the Society will be pleased to allow ten pounds p. Annum to each. I fear it may be thought an Act of Presumption & imprudence in me that I should engage these Schoolmasters in any Assiu-ance of this money, till I was first inform'd that the Society wou'd allow it. But the want of a -School (without wch the youth are incapable of any Spiritual Instruction) is so deplorable a want I wou'd run a great Risq to have it supplyed; and besides I took some encouragement from Mr. Chamberlayne desiring an Account of his Schoolmasters Names, and that the Society was pleased once before to settle £30 a year upon a Gentleman that was designed thither to teach School. In Short, I have so far assured the Schoolmas- ters of the Society's Bounty that it will fall heavy upon me every way to meet with a disappointment in it, but if thereby I have done myself a prejudice, I shall have this satisfaction to sup- port me under my pxmishment, that I did it with a design to Serve the Church; for there's such a diversibility of languages in the Island, that except they be taught English, their Conform- ity to the Church can't be expected."^ Whereupon Brown and Drewitt were formally appointed by the Society with £10 each per year to commence from midsummer 1710.' ' June 13, 1709, ibid.. A, 5, p. 18. » Jiily 28, 1710, ibid.. A, 5, p. 148. Brown's Christian name was Symon and not Adam. The mistake w£is later corrected. Ibid., A, 7, p. 190. ' S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (306) ; II, p. 70. The Society's Support of Schools on Staten Island 165 Brown opened his school on July 27, 1710' and continued in this work, teaching in the south precinct of the island, until about February 1714.^ In just two reports that could be found we are told that he "has 35 Scholars many of whom have been taught according to the intent of the Society to read, write, & cypher with the Catechism & the explanation thereof to such as are capable, together with the use of the Common prayer, & that 24 of them have been publickly catechised in the church by Mr. Mackenzie. ""» Drewitt was disliked by the people and Mackenzie after about a year displaced him and appointed in his stead two schoolmasters, Francis Williamson for the middle or west precinct and a Mr. Dupuy for the north precinct." It was mutually agreed that the £10 allowed Drewitt should be divided as their allowance from the Society." Nothing regarding Dupuy is known beyond his appointment. Williamson sent a report in March 1712 that he began teaching Nov. 20, 1710 and still continued, having 15 children." He was superseded within a month after the above report by Thomas Potts." Through the arrangement made by Mr. Mackenzie, Potts was to have the full £10 heretofore divided between the north and the west precincts, and from now on these two positions were combined according to the previous terms made with Drewitt." A letter from Potts to the Secretary, in April, 1713, represents that he has kept school for a year at the Freshkills in the west of the coimty (Richmond) where he was settled by Mr. Mac- kenzie and the people there. He had 23 children, and several of them according to the Society's bounty he had "taught to read & some to write & Cypher & Ch. Catechism."" Potts served for one year and his place was taken by Benjamin Miller in April 1713." Miller served two and a half years for the S. P. G. In 1715 he taught "above 30 Children with what poor « lUd., II, p. 239. • Ibid., Ill, p. 3; Letter-book, A, 8, p. 323. "March 1712 and April 1713. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 196; A, 8, p. 160 ; Journal, II, pp. 239. 330. "Reported Feb. 27, 1711/ 12 S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 190; Journal, II, p. 237. The change was made about Nov. 20, 1710, Letter-book, A, 7, p. 197. » S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 190; Journal, II, p. 221. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 197. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 172. Potts began in April, 1712. " Jfrid.; also. A, 8, p. 156; also Sec., to Mackenzie, Dec. 18, 1713, ibid.. A, 8, p. 323. '• Apr. 10, 1713, ibid.. A, 8, p. 172. " Ibid., A, 9, 10 fol. p. 97; Journal, III, p. 3. 166 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York have been sent."i' In October 1715 Miller went to England bearing Mackenzie's testimonial of his having served to the satis- faction of the people. "He designs," added the missionary, "to return to his post early in the spring. . . . Most of the Chiu-ch people here are willing if Soc. agrees that the whole or £15 of the £20 allowed for teaching School here be settled on the bearer to encourage him to return & settle here. For tho' the benefit of £20 divided between the two as at present may be more extensive, yet experience proves that £10 with what more he can make is not enough to encourage a good school- master & this has occasioned a frequent change among them."" In accordance with the proposed change, and upon Mackenzie's recommendation of Miller, "the Society resolved to allow £15 p. a. to a Schoolmaster in Statten Island, & that Mackenzie should choose whom he would." His salary was to begin when he commenced work.^" If Miller ever returned to the Province, he did not enter into the service of the S. P. G. With him ended the attempt to maintain more than one schoolmaster by means of the bounty. Following Brown in the south precinct the work had been taken up by Charles Taylor who began teaching for the Society February 17, 1713/14 in expectation of the former boimty of £10.^' After teaching more than two years on this bounty, and being the only S. P. G. schoolmaster on the island Mr. Mackenzie advised that he had agreed that Taylor should be allowed the increased salary, as previously voted." From 1714, then, until his death in May 1742,^' Taylor continuously served the Society on Staten Island. He taught in the south precinct up to 1724 and then moved to the west precinct.^* In 1735 he reports that he has again kept school "this last half year in the south part of Richmond County, "^^ from which time any other changes he may have made are not recorded. The bounty of the Society and tuition fees constituted his income, for on two occasions he " S. p. G. Journal, III, p. 92, report dated Apr. 18. 1715. " Mackenzie to Sec, October, 1715, S. F. G. Letter-book, A, 10, p. 214. " Ibid., A, 11, p. 366. " S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 70; Letter-book, A, 10, p. 214. « Oct. 29, 1716, S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 269. » May 27, 1742, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 83. " IMd., A, 18, p. 185. " Ibid., A, 25, p. 55; Journal, VI, p. 269. The Society's Support of Schools on Staten Island 167 reported no other employment than that of schoolmaster;" and the school occupied his evenings, as well as his days, up to 1725 at least.''' If he served as Clerk of the Church, he has not indi- cated it in such reports as are now accessible. Though Taylor spent twenty-eight years in the school at Staten Island, there are but ten reports of his work. He un- doubtedly sent many more, which seem not to have been pre- served, as nowhere do we find a reprimand for negligence in this respect. None of the reports are consecutive, save those for each year between 1722 and 1725 inclusive, and for nine years, between 1725 and 1735, there is not a single report. Up to 1735 the enrolment averaged above 40. ^^ Afterwards it barely ex- ceeded 30, except in September 1739 when it was given as 37." In 1739, 1740 and 1741 from one-third to one-half of the pupils were from the families of dissenters.'" Previous reports did not give the proportions. The specific number taught gratis was never mentioned, but those so privileged were usually reported as "some" or "several." Taylor furnished his own schoolhouse and does not seem to have employed an assistant. Other schools were not reported by him until 1739." In that year we are told: "One school- master teacheth English School at the Northside, Andrew White."" He fxirther reports that there are "other transient Schoolmasters that travel and hire themselves in familys for a small time and then go away to other places. "'' In 1741 there were two other schools, both being of the Chirrch of England.'* It has been already stated that Mr. Taylor taught in the even- ings. This can be assumed to hold true, at any rate, of the decade 1720-1730, since in his accounts for the period he in- " In 1739 and 1741. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, pt. 2, p. 149; B, 10, p. 107. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 16, p. 216; A, 17, p. 220; A, 18, pp. 169, 185. M Thirty-eight in 1715, 48 in 1722, 43 in 1723, 42 in 1724, 36 in Sept. 1724, 41 in 1725, and 42 in 1735. Ibid., A, 10, p. 138; A, 25, p. 55; B, 1, p. 107; and citations Immediately above. » In 1740, it was 31 and in 1741, it was 32. Ibid., B, 7, pt. 2, pp. 149, 151; B, 10, p. 107. •» Negroes are listed in half of the accounts, their numbers being given as from 2 to 6- " This was because of his first using the Notitia, wliich included the question among others. « Ibid., B, 7, pt. 2, p. 149. He was confused in the name and referred to Andrew Wright, soon to become Us successor. Moreover it seems certain that there was an- other private school at tliis time. Ibid., B, 10, p. 84. " Ibid. " Ibid., B, 10, p. 107. One of these was Wright's, and the other was kept by Peter Prefontaine, who for several years had "kept a private school, having been regularly educated in Snglaud. " Ibid., B, 10, p. 84. 168 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York eludes the following: "I have taught Several of them upon Accot of ye VenWe Societys bounty without any other Consideration & upon ye same Accot I keep night School, for teaching of Ne- groes & of such as canot be spared from their work in the day- time. "'^ On the death of Mr. Taylor the Church officials sent the fol- lowing petition for the appointment of Andrew Wright, one of the private schoolmasters: "Mr. Taylor died on the 27th inst. His application & endeavours tended much to the advancement of piety, catechetical knowledge & the principles of common learning among great numbers of poor children, who must other- wise have been utterly wanting in these advantages. There are many such here now, & the Petiters ask Soc. to continue the salary, & recommend Mr. Andrew Wright, an inhabitant of this place, & who is thoroughly well qualified. He is an Englishman, has lived here sevi years, & bears a good character, has a large family, & only a small school to supply it with."" The other private teacher, Peter Prefontaine, also petitioned to become Taylor's successor," but Mr. Wright was given the appoint- ment.'^ He was voted the same salary of £15, which the So- ciety agreed should begin from September 1742.'' As in the case of the former schoolmaster, Wright received tuition fees from a majority of his scholars. His income must have been fairly encouraging, for in the first year of his service in the S. P. G. school we are told that he "built a schoolhouse at his own charge in the midst of a poor neighborhood. "*° Since the salary voted Wright was to begin in September 1742, we may con,clude that he had started on his work at that time or even before, so that there was not a long break in the school as a result of the change. There are very little data con- cerning Wright's schoolmastership. He was in charge of the school for five years and upwards, in which time there are but two reports of his pupils and these are of a brief nature. In 1746 he wrote as follows: "For the year pass'd I have taught " March 8, 1721/2, ibid.. A, 16, p. 216; also A, 17, p. 220; A, 18, pp. 169, 185; B, 1, p. 107. It cannot be supposed that many availed themselves of the evening work though the Negro enrolment is the only data on which to base conclusion. =« June 5, 1742, ibid., B, 10, p. 83. " S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 100. " Ibid., Dec. 17, 1742. » S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 196. *' 8. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 296. He may have served as Olerk of the Church also. The Society's Support of Schools on Stolen Island 169 forty Children most of them very small, and may of them on the Honourable Society's account without any other Consideration; five of them Cj^pherers, Twelve Writers, the others Read in their Testaments several of them are well acquainted with the Com- mon prayer books the Church Catechism, and the Prayers set forth in the Venerable Society's Instructions, all which I dili- gently Teach."" Another letter dated October 20, 1747, ac- quainted the Society that he was teaching "42 Children to read and to repeat the Church Catechism" and that 14 of them were learning to write and 4 to cipher.^^ News of Wright's death reached the society in July 1748,^^ but the letter announcing it is marked "undated" in the S. P. G. Journal, and it is impossible to know definitely when the school came to an end. However, since a successor had been provided by March 1748, and Wright had reported on the school as late as the October preceding, there was probably only a short interval of delay. The next schoolmaster was Nicholas Barrington, whose first work in the school was thus announced by the minister of the parish: "The Decency & Seriousness of my Catechumens in their Devotion has already had an happy Effect even upon the Elder, who labour under the Infelicity of not having a like early Instruction. And I hope wtt Gods blessing that ye rising Gener- ation will have a more lively sense of their Duty & keep clear of yt Slovenly behaviour too prevalent in most Country places, during the time of Divine Worship; anor Advantage arising from this Lecture, is the Introducing of Psalmody wch now is carried on wth a far greater Decency than wn I first settled upon the Island for this I am greatly indebted to Mr. Nichs Barring- ton, A Sober, diligent & a capable Schoolmaster who began to Teach the Youth last March, upon Promise of my Recommend- ing him to the Society, & in humble hopes of their taking h^m into their service : his previous Instruction greatly promotes my Design and I most humbly entreat the Society may grant him such a Salary as may induce him to stay amongst us."" In adopting the recommendation above, the salary was reduced " Nov. 10, 1746, S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 14, p. 141. « S. P. G. Journal, XI. p. 10. "Ibid., p. 38. «* Eev. Eichard Charlton to Sec, Oct. 5, 1748, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 16, p. 48" 170 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York to £10 per annum," which with the tuition fees made up Bar- rington's income from the school. We learn definitely that Bar- rington also acted as Clerk of the Church during the entire time he was schoolmaster." But even with any additions that this -office could bring Barrington was dissatisfied with his emoluments and represented them as entirely inadequate." On several occasions Barrington's work was commended by Rev. Mr. Charlton, the minister of the Church of England, who reported that blacks as well as whites attended his school and were instructed with no small pains.^^ There is, though, but one meagre report from him to the S. P. G.« This does not give his enrolment. In it he states that he has taught nine poor children on the Society's bounty and in a few days expects four more. Besides this he was teaching upwards of twenty Negroes at times.'" He probably made use of the schoolhouse formerly built by Wright, although there is no certainity of this. In the fall of 1752 Barrington left the school and went to New York to open a private school." Mr. Thomas Price was appointed to succeed Barrington with the same salary of £10,^^ which was "to commence from Michael- mas last, if it should appear by Certificate . . . that he hath taught the School & behaved well from that time."" Price opened the school about March, 1753*' and had charge of it until about April, 1760." No details of the work of this school- « April 21, 1749, S. P. G. Journal, XI, p. 120. By this resolution his salary was to date from March 25, 1749, but the 1748 salary was voted to him later. Ibid., XII, p. 163. " S. P. G. Letter-book, iiid., B, 20, p. 73. This record makes it very probable that both Taylor and Wright before him were also clerks. " Ibid. «8 March 26, 1750, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 18, p. 115; see also B, 19, p. 85; also B, 20, p. 73, being a testimonial from townspeople. " For March 26, 1750, ibid., B, 18, p. 117. " Ibid. " He gave up the Staten Island school about September 26, 1752, ibid., B, 20, p. 73. The following is an excerpt from a printed notice of Barrington's venture in Kew York City, which he started on the above date: "Nicholas Barrington lately mov'd to this City, has open'd a School near St. George's Chapel, in Beekman's ■Street, and teaches Reading Writing, and Arithmetick, both vulgar and decimal, as also Navigation and Merchants Accounts, where good Attendance will be given at the usual Hours. N. B. has begun his Evening School and Intends to teach Youths to sing Psalms, Also recites for Gentlemen between Schools, Bills, Bonds, Inden- tures, Leases, Deeds of Sale, Wills, &c. at very reasonable Bates. " This notice was attached to one of Barrington's letters to the Society, ibid. For newspaper notices of Barrington's private school, see New York Mercury, May 19 and Dec. 29, 1755. " Apr. 19, 1753, S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 247. Though Gov. Clinton and Rev. Mr. Charlton requested a salary of £15 for Price, no advance was made. Ibid.; also Letter-book, B, 20, p. 71. " Sec. to Chariton, Aug. 1. 1753, ibid., B, 20, p. 38. " Price to Society, S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 379. " Charlton to Society on Apr. 10, 1760 reported that Price had a severe attack oi smallpox, ibid., XV, p. 4. His death followed on the 13th of May, Letter-book, B 3, p. 61. He drew for salary to March 29, ibid. The Society's Support of Schpols on Staten Island 171 master can be given beyond the fact that he was frequently com- mended by Mr. Charlton for his diligence in the school and in behalf of the Church's Negro catechumens." Regarding the loss of the schoolmaster's assistance to him, Mr. Charlton re- ported: "The want of his assistance for the present season will be a sensible loss to my Catechumens, especially the Negroes, whose improvements in Psalmody must meet with a considerable check, and what is yet worse I have it not in my power to pitch upon one of suitable- morals and Capacity, that I can recommend to the Venerable Society, as his Successor."" In the following December a satisfactory candidate had been found and installed in the school. In his behalf Mr. Charlton sent the following recommendation: "I have now the great satisfaction of most humbly requesting an appointmt for Mr. John Watts, mentioned in mine of ye 21st of June last, to succeed Mr. Price as Society Schoolmaster in this Island. His known Qualifications make me very desirous of having him an instruc- tor of both Setts of my Catechvunens. As such men are not easily met with I must entreat yr interest to have the former salary increased, which may be an inducement to a person duely qualified to accept of the place and continue in the Servis; and it must be a great misfortune to the imployed that when the Expences of living increase. Salaries do not in proportion rise; however this is most hmnbly submitted to the Charitable Society. He has promised to open School next Monday. "=' John Watts was, therefore, appointed by the Society at the former salary in April 1761." Before the formal appointment could be made, however, he had quitted the work, and another suitable person was not found until 1763. «» In March of that .year Tvmis Egberts was appointed by Mr. Charlton and forth- with entered upon his duties." In the interval the Society had agreed that the salary should be increased to £15 a year.^^ Be- tween 1763 and 1776 various testimonials and reports were sent "S. p. G. Journal, XIII, pp. 185, 241, 285; XIV, pp. 106, 268 Letter-book, B, 3, p. 61. " S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 61, June 21, 1760. " Dee. 13, 1760, ibid., B, 3, p. 62. Watts, said Charlton, had been lately a School- master in Staten Island. Ibid., B, 3, p. 61. »• S. P. G. Journal, XV, p. 77. " See letters of 1761 and 1762, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 64. 68. " March 15, 1763, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 70. " Feb. 19, 1762, S. P. G. Journal, XV, p. 190. 172 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York by Charlton and Egbert which indicate a faithful performance of duty on the part of the schoolmaster. Other than this they gave no information regarding the school. Whether his service con- tinued after 1776 is not known. As in the case of Wetmore of Rye, it seems that his name was retained in the list of school- masters during the period of the Revolution and after the school had disbanded. Finally on March 21, 1783, the Society ordered that Tunis Egberts, schoolmaster on Staten Island, be left out of the next Abstract." In 1773 Mr. Charlton mentioned a schoolmaster from "about 2 miles off," who had greatly aided him and had also assisted Mr. Egberts. For this person Charlton desired some recogni- tion from the Society.'^ Indefinite as such information is, it is the only notice to be found indicating that assistants were ever employed for the Staten Island school. The presumption is that they were not and that the one exception represents a tem- porary arrangement of short duration. Such books as were intended for the school were forwarded to the missionaries on a few occasions. Packets of prayer-books were ordered sent in 1709 and 1711," and again in 1747 and 1749 packets of books included upwards of 300 catechisms." Furthermore, books for school use may have been included in the regular £5 gift of books allowed each missionary. Primers were not requested and were not sent, being supplied doubtless by the parents of the children. That the S. P. G. should have tolerated the inadequate re- ports from these schools for the thirty and more years is peculiar, in view of the resentment of such neglect in other places. It is, of course, possible that protests were made, but, in any case, they are not now to be found. It may have been that, because of the Society's very high opinion of Rev. Mr. Charlton, it was felt suflScient to receive his favorable confirmation of the progress of the school, even though the method did not adhere to the standing rules. " Ibid., XXIII, p. ee. •' Oct. 15, 1773, ibid., XX, pp. 38-9. " Ibid., I, p. (207); II, p. 33. •< Ibid., X, p. 323; XI, p. 119; Letter-book, B, 17, p. 199a. CHAPTER IX THE SOCIETY'S SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS ON LONG ISLAND The Schools in Hempstead Parish Rev. John Thomas became the S. P. G. missionary for Hemp- stead in 1704. He thus described conditions which had to be contended with in the beginning of his work: "My parish con- sists of a large Tract of Ground, the Inhabitants much scattered, visiting of them often necessarily requisite. I wish with all my heart the Honwe Society were truly informed, how much care & Industry is necessary to be bestowed to rescue them from their degeneracy into Atheism & Infidelity & Corruption in Morals & good manners long since contracted. To convert a heathen to Christianity is a very good & pious work, but to reconcile the English, in a great measure sunk into paganism & Infidelity, to the principles of the Christian faith, is with humble submission, I imagine, a far worthier employment, especially since I find the one feasible & practicable, the other morally impossible, for our Indians are wholly given up to drink & Sottishness, Rum & strong liquor being the only Deities they now care or are solicitious to worship. This was the state of my Parish before my Settle- ment here; by the people's own confession, Quakerism & pagan- ism triumphing as Conquerors for some years past."' As soon as possible he took steps to establish a school without calling on the Society for assistance. Concerning his early efforts he wrote the Secretary in 1707 as follows: "I have raised a School in ye Towne since my coming and allow towards it in Conjunction with ye Inhitants £20 a year. Wee are now a building a School house and settling a piece of Land upon it, which I have Con- tributed imto, a good precedent of that nature I presume is the most moving Rhetorick I can use to persuade those whose In- 1 June 12, 1709, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 4. 173 tellectuals are so mean and earthly that they cannot discern the Advantage worth, and Excellency of education for their Chil- dren's present and future wellfare. In vain I preach to them the Superstructures of Christianity when they are destitute of the Ground works and Fundamentals of Religion by Educacon. I have bought Catechisms to give away among the Children and hope in some time to have a set of Catechumens. "^ The venture lasted for a short time and had to be disbanded for reasons thus set forth by Mr. Thomas: "You desire an Account of the State of our Schools; Wee had a Schoolmaster settled among us for two years & a half, now we are destitute, the people being utterly weary of the Subscription I had engaged them in; I hope in God's due time to induce them to settle another; I shall not be wanting to contribute towards it both by purse & persuasion as^ heretofore. "' In 1712 representation was made to the Society that the school could not be resumed without assistance." An allowance of £8 or £10 was asked for, which, being united with the office of Clerk of the Church, and with what the townspeople could add, it was felt would be sufficient.^ A salary of £10 per annum was accordingly allowed, when a proper schoolmaster should be found.' On December 1, 1713 the school was started with Thomas Gildersleve as schoolmaster.' Gildersleve had been Clerk of the Church since the arrival of Mr. Thomas at Hemp- stead,' and recommendations sent by the inhabitants declared him to be "a good man, and quaUfied to teach the necessary sub- jects of reading & writing English, and the Rudiments of Arith- metic."' With the fixed salary and the occasional perquisites belonging to the office of Clerk, Gildersleve received additional assistance from the fees of those children who were able to pay.. His fee in 1728 was, we learn, "five shillings per Quarter for » Apr. 22, 1707, ibid.. A, 3, p. 67. The schoolmaster was Alexander Beard of whom Euddleston spoke in his reports of 1708. See p. 77. « June 12, 1709. ibid.. A, S, p. 4. « The chief reason given was that the people were distant from one another sind too poor to board out their children. Ibid., A, 9, p. 162. » Thomas to Society In behalf of the people, Feb. 20, 1711-12, ibid.. A, 7, p. 141. ' Oct. 10, 1712. S. P. G. Journal. II, p. 232; Letter-book, A, 7, p. 274. ' S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 162. • S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 47. He served gratis, according to Thomas, up to the. beginning of the school and probably continued without ssilary. • S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 9, p. 162. The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 175 each Scholar"" which is about the tuition rate noted elsewhere." Other than these fees he had no benefactions from the town." Though Mr. Gildersleve was schoolmaster for about 26 years there are almost no details of his school. In 1714 he was teach- ing many poor children gratis." In 1717 and 1718 he reported that the school was "Very full."" Finally in 1729 he gave the following information: "My School has been for the most part of thirty & sometimes forty scholars, sum reeders sum Righters and sum sypherers."" Since he probably saw fit to specify the number enrolled on this one occasion it may be doubted if he had even thirty pupils as a rule. At least half of them were very poor and taught gratis, as he affirmed." Gildersleve was clearly inefficient as a teacher. His recom- mendation in the first place was not made on any ground of competency previously shown, but was rather based on the fact that he was an exceptionally zealous assistant to Mr. Thomas in the pioneer work of getting the Church organized." When a change of missionaries occurred, an attempt was made to have Gildersleve removed, which the people had hesitated to do be- fore, because of their kindly feeling for Mr. Thomas. In 1728 a number of the inhabitants petitioned Rev. Mr. Jenney to ad- vise a change of schoolmaster. They said: "It is Notorious Sr, that Mr. Gildersleve being in the Post has been a very great Detriment to the Town by hindring a Person qualified for it from coming; in which he has been a great hindrance to our Youth and a Lett to the Groweth of Religion. "^^ He was further charged with keeping school in the summer o^ly, when the sons of poor parents could not be spared from the farms; and with general incapacity as a teacher," which his letters confirm. The affair was submitted to the Society by Mr. Jenney, after which 10 Ibid., A, 21, p. 339. 1' See p. 156. But with his paying scholars and the Society' sbounty the school was "scarcely a Competency. " S. P. G. Letter-booJc, A, 9, p. 162. " Ibid. " Ibid... » Ibid., A, 13, p. 368; Journal III, p. 399. " Dec. 1, 1729, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 47. » Ibid. ""Prom a rigid Dissenter he is become a zealous Ch. man," wrote Thomas, g. p. G. Journal, III, p. 193. He was recommended because of his great pretences of being a Churcliman, declared the inhabitants to Bev. Bobt. Jenney, Thomas' suc- cessor. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 22, p. 57. " June 7, 1728, ibid.. A, 21, p. 387. >• Ibid., A, 21, p. 323. 176 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York two schoolmasters of the town were urged as the successor.^" In answer to the Society's letter Gildersleve acknowledged that his age and infirmities made him less capable in the school. The severe winters and the poor condition of the schoolhouse, which was not kept in repair, were responsible for his neglect, he ex- plained." Doubtless fearing dismissal, he proffered his resig- nation. ^^ No action was taken on it by the Society, nor on the petitions for a successor. Gildersleve therefore remained at his post until his death,^^ to the certain detriment of the school.^* Regrettable as this must have been, however, the fact remains that the Society's school offered the best opportunity for regular schooling which the town afforded in that period. "There is nothing more unconstant than schools here," wrote Mr. Jenney, "Excepting those from the HonWe Society. The Usual Custome is for a Set of Neighbors to Engage a Schoolmaster for one year: 'tis Seldom yt they keep ye same longer and often they are with- out for Several years. "^^ Soon after the death of Gildersleve, Thomas Temple was installed in the schooP* and, on the joint recommendation of the missionary and the parishoners he was voted the former salary of £10 which was to commence from midsummer 1739.^' Temple's school was not large. The first available report showed an enrolment of 26.''' The next summer he had 20 and a year later there were 32.^9 In January 1744 there were 27 while the two following reports sent in the summer of 1744 and 1746 showed but 14 and 18 respectively.'" In December 1746 " Gerhardius Clowes, vouched for by a long list of the Inhabitants; and Jolm Young, endorsed by Mr. Jenney. Eacli party opposed the other candidate. Ibid., A, 22, p. 54; B, 1, p. 45. ai This is the only reference to a schoolhouse by the Society's schoolmasters in Hemp- stead. It was probably the town schoolhouse built as early as 1705, if not before, and used by Gildersleve and his successor. The S. P. G. Abstracts for 1905 report that Hempstead has built a schoolhouse. Pratt {op. cit., p. 94) quotes from the town records of Dec. 12, 1709 the following: "The school house is let to Isaac Jarmin for a year except the leanto which is reserved for the use of the school at any time when a schoolmaster presents, for £4-18 to be p"! the church wardens ; and if the town shall hire a schoolmaster, then he shall go forth of said house at a quarter's warning." " Nov. 22, 1729, ibid., B, 1, p. 48; Dec. 27, 1729, ibid.. A, 22, p. 53. " Midsummer, 1739. S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 172. »* The failure of the S. P. G. to change Gildersleve seems accountable only on the ground of the strong objections raised to the two candidates proposed. js Jime 27, 1728, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 21, p. 339. Quoted in Moore, Hist, of St. George's Church, Hempstead, p. 58. " S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 172. " Temple therefore probably took up the school at about that time. Ibid. Ac- cording to his Notitiae he was not made Clerk. » Dec. 14, 1741, S. P. G. Journal, IX. p. 34. » 3. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 91; B, 13, p. 243. " Ibid., B, 13. p. 243; B, 13, p. 245; Journal, X, p. 172. The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 177 he reported that the school was "less frequented."" This was owing to the opposition of dissenters, for one reason, and to his own infirmities for another." Nearly half of the pupils were the children of dissenters." Of those taught gratis there were from four to six of the white children, besides two or more Negroes, and an Indian. For the accommodation of pupils who could not attend during the day Temple started a night school during the winter of 1741-42, if not before. At that time the night pupils were ten in number." Though specific mention of such work was not thereafter made, the fact that he reported eight hours daily attendance on the school" may perhaps be fairly good evidence of it.'' In 1747 the Society empowered Temple, in view of his phys- ical condition, to employ an assistant." It does not seem to have been done, since the school declined so much that Rev. Samuel Seabury, reporting in 1748, said of it: "Mr. Temple's school hath been quite broke up for the full space of a year. Nor has he offered me any Notitia Scholastica for more than two years past."'' Out of extreme compassion the Society patiently tolerated the distressing conditions, again acquainting both Mr. Seabury and the schoolmaster that an assistant should be procured." Apparently the request continued to be un- heeded.*" After waiting until 1753 for promised improvement in the situation at Hempstead, the Society dismissed Temple," and gave no further support to the school within the town. What effect this withdrawal of bounty had is not known. Evi- dently no subsequent appeals were made to the S. P. G. " S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 14, p. 135. " By 1744 the dissenters were encouraging a school three miles from Temple's and during that year a second one had been set up. Ibid., B, 13, pp. 243, 245. In 1746 he tras severely injured by falling from a horse, eind it brought on deafness. Ibid., B, 14, p. 135. " At least through 1744, after which the proportion was not given. " S. P. G. Letter-boolr, B, 10, p. 91. » Ilnd., B, 13, pp. 243, 245; Journal X, p. 172. " Six hours being the customary length of the day school, he probably taught for two hours in the evenings. " S. P. G. Journal, X, p. 254. " Letter to the Sec, March 25, 1748. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 14, p. 135. " July 15, 1748, S. P. G. Journal, X, p. 40. " It does not seem tenable to suppose that both of these proffers failed to reach Hempstead; and if satisfactory assistance were not to be foimd, it would be reasonable to expect word to be sent the S. P. G. to that effect. There are two letters from Temple thereafter, but neither refer to the matter at all. " Apr. 19, 1753. S. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 248. 178 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York In 1768 the Society's help was again sought for a school with- out the town. On behalf of this section the missionary, Rev. Leonard Cutting, wrote as follows: "To the South of Hemp- stead for severall Miles are great Numbers of Inhabitants, in general in very indigent Circumstances; they say they cannot procure Conveniences to come so far to Church. I frequently on Week Days go amongst them to officiate; I find large Num- bers of them assembled: they appear glad of my Services & will- ing to be instructed but are totally illiterate, great Part of them not being able to read; nor have they Abilities, or opportunity to get their Children instructed; a School there would be a real Blessing. "^2 Mr. Cutting was informed that he had liberty to employ a teacher if a worthy man could be procured," to which he replied: "You was pleased to inform me Sr that the Society, in Compassion to the Situation of the People, to the South of Hempstead, had generously determined to endeavour to draw them from Darkness and Ignorance, by kindly assisting them to procure Instruction for themselves and Children. The be- nevolent Intentions of that venerable Board, I immediately communicated to proper Persons but as the Season was some- thing advanced before I received your Commands, nothing of effectual can I fear be done till towards Spring. They are how- ever raising Money by Subscription to build a Schoolhouse, and as soon as the weather will permit, we shall endeavour to fix upon the most proper Place for it."" In 1769 Mr. Cutting found a properly qualified person and the school was opened in the new building. The following information was sent to London concerning the schoolmaster: "His name is William Leahy, born in Ireland, but has been an Inhabitant in New York many Years; he marry ed there & has a Family; He was formerly engaged in Trade, but a Series of 111 Success, obliged him to decline Busi- ness. Since that he has kept School in different Places, with a good character. On hearing of Encouragement from the So- ciety, He presented himself here; and was willing to undertake it, and Wait for farther Orders from that Venerable Board. The People appear very ThankfuU for the favour that is con- " Jan. 7, 1768, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 143. « Apr. 15, 1768, S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 488. « Dec. 28, 1768, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 144. The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 179 ferred on them, And I am in Hopes they will act in such a manner as to answer the Intention and deserve in some Measure the Bounty of the Society. As the Society has been pleased to con- firm the appointment of a Master I think it necessary to inform you Sr that the School was opened on the 22d of June last."*'' A salary of £10 was thereupon conferred on Mr. Leahy by the Society*' to which about £10 sterling was added by means of tuition fees.*' "The Schoolmaster," it was reported, "is much liked in the Neighbourhood and is generally praised for his Sobriety Dili- gence, and carefull attendance on the children under his Care. He has indeed one Difficulty to Struggle with, and that is the Humour of the Parents, who unacquainted with the proper Regulation of a School, and unused to restrain their Children themselves, do not sufficiently attend to the Necessity of a de- cent Subjection; But I am in Hopes this will soon be overcome; and that by prudent Management, the School will answer the Charitable Designs of the Society. But few can take advantage of the Charity during the Severity of the Winter as their Cir- cumstances will not permit them to furnish their Children with proper Cloathing to Support the Inclemency of the Weather; but as the intense cold is not of long continuance it will but little retard their Progress; every School in the Country is extremely thin, for two Months in the Winter."*' Mr. Leahy did not give the nimiber of his pupils, but he did report that he taught "twelve poor children entirely at Society's bounty."*' After struggling with an inadequate income for himself and large fam- ily for above a year, Leahy gave up the school.'" To explain his sudden departure, Mr. Cutting announced: "I am sorry to in- form you that Mr. William Leahy whom the Society had been pleased to appoint as their Schoolmaster, to the South of Hemp- stead, has resigned the School — He was in Esteem amongst the People, and his Character unexceptionable. But he had a large family of young Children; and an infirm Sickly wife; the Bounty therefore of the Society, with what he got from the People were " August 23, 1769, iUd., B, 2, p. 145. » Dec. 15, 1769, S. P. G. Journal, XVIII, p. 260. " S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 213. " Jan. 22, 1770, ibid.. B, 2, p. 146. « Ibid.. B, 3, pp. 212, 213. •t In Sept. 1770, ibid., B, 2, p. 147; B, 3, p. 214. 180 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York not sufficient to supply him and his helpless family, with the common Necessaries of Life, Several of which he was to my Knowledge sometimes destitute of. And as a good School to the North of the Plains of Hempstead amongst some Wealthy Farmers, unexpectedly presented, his Circumstances obliged him to embrace the opportunity immediately, as he had not above twenty foiu- Hours to consider. "^^ The school was left without a regular teacher for two years before Mr. Cutting could find a proper person to recommend. Meanwhile opponents of the Church attempted to open the school, their behaviour being thus described: "The School at South is now vacant, as no proper Person has offered we have been retaxed in our Enquiries, by the ungenerous Behaviour of a few of the Inhabitants there; who from a Party Spirit have thrown a temporary Obstacle in our Way. They are disaffected to the Church, and though they acknowledge the Advantage, & Gen- erosity of the Society's Donation; Want to have the Manage- ment in their own Hands to Answer their Purpose. Accordingly some Time after the Departure of Mr. Leahy, though the School House was built entirely by the Labour, and at the Expence of the Friends of the Church, they without consulting any proper Person privately thrust a Man into the School; in Hopes of his Obtaining the Bounty and did send a Petition to me, to recom- mend him to the Society. This I could take no notice of, as I knew him to be very unfit for the Care of the Children, and by no Means qualified for the Favour, of that venerable Board, The poor who felt the Advantage in Mr. Leahy's Time have made frequent Complaints to me, but as the present Master is employed but by few, and approved of by fewer He cannot sub- sist there without the Bounty of the Society of which he is totally unworthy; He must therefore soon quitt and I hope if a proper Person offers I may be allowed to admit him. With the same En- couragement the Society was pleased to grant to Mr. Leahy as I am convinced it will be of real Service to the People, to the Church, and to Religion in general."" The person "admitted" was John Leffert, "a Young Widower without Children, A Sober well disposed Man & a Church-man from Principle. "*' He •> Ibid., B, 2, p. 147. •' Mr. Cutting to Sec, Jan. 8, 1772, ibid., B, 2, p. 148. •■ Ibid., B, 2, p. 149. The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 181 opened the school in September 1773," continued a quarter in it, then, meeting with opposition, left it." After the beginning of the war Mr. Cutting said of the school: "I cannot now by any means attempt to supply it with a proper person, the care- lessness of the Inhabitants of South has discouraged me."'* During the war Hempstead was made headquarters for troops and the school buildings were made use of. Schools were there- fore "to no purpose."" The following from the Society's pro- ceedings shows the final action taken in behalf of Hempstead: " Mr. Cutting flatters himself he now has an opportunity of sup- plying the long vacant school at Hempstead with advantage. Mr. Wetmore (son of the Rev. Wetmore formerly missionary at Rye, bred to the law & of an unexceptionable character) having been driven from his estate & practice, & all his property being in the hands of the Rebels, has, for some time, been very dis- agreeably circumstanced, within the King's lines. He is now reduced to keep a small school in the country, & struggles with great difficulties. If nothing more advantageous offers (which at present seems little likely) he would be extremely happy to serve the Society in that Capacity & Mr. Cutting is convinced the Church & people would reap considerable benefit from his service or if, imexpectedly, this Mr. Timothy Wetmore should be otherwise provided for, there are 2 or 3 other worthy & well qualified refugees, who would rejoice in such an appointment. Mr. Cutting will be glad to receive the Society's commands on this subject as soon as may be, it being of the utmost consequence in these parts & these times that education should not be wholly neglected. Agreed that as Mr. James Wetmore is at present in the Society's service, and was by his last letter destitute of a school, it will be proper to offer the school at Hempstead to him; but in case he is provided that Mr. Timothy Wetmore may be appointed. "'' The S. P. G. records for the town of Hempstead show that between 1709 and 1747 ten or more packets of books were given " lUd. "Ibid., B, 2, p. 150. " IMd. " Ibid., B, 2, p. 153. "Apr 20 1781, S. P. G. Jovimal. XXII, pp. 230-1. Evidently nothing was ever done as a result of the Society's decision. The two Wetmores mentioned were the persons formerly included among the S. P. G. schoolmasters. 182 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York by the Society to the church and the school." In these packets there were many doctrinal tracts but most of the books by far were prayer books, catechisms, and expositions thereof. More than half of them were designed for the school. Once, inl718, a set of 50 A B C. primers was forwarded.'" In the ensuing year a special consignment for the use of the school was included in the packet,'^ some part of which may have been of a non- doctrinal nature. Any books sent after 1747 are not a matter of record at the present time, and, presumably, they were not sent. Secondary education was offered in the town of Hempstead by two of the Society's missionaries. Rev. Samuel Seabury, 1742-1764, kept a Grammar school in the town during the years of his pastorate." In 1762 the following notice appeared in one of the New York papers:" "A Card — The Rev. Mr. Samuel Seabury, of Hempstead, in order to en- large bis school, had engaged a young gentleman as usher, who is candidate for orders. Mr. S. will entertain young gentlemen at his own house in a genteel manner at £30 per year, schooling, washing and wood for school-fire included. " Elsewhere we learn that "this school obtained much repute, and its advantages were appreciated by many of the principal families of New York City and all over Queens Coimty. "^* Rev. Leonard Cutting who succeeded Mr. Seabury continued the Grammar school. Mr. Cutting was educated at Eton and Cam- bridge, and had acted as a "public Tutor" at King's College.'' He had begun his service to the Society as a missionary at New Brunswick, New Jersey, and had, in addition to ecclesiastical functions, attempted a Grammar school there, which was not successful. In 1766 he was transferred to Hempstead," and while yet in New Brunswick wrote the Secretary, saying: "I have great Expectation of a good Latin School at Hemp- " Ibid., I, p. 195; III, pp. 71, 399; IV, p. 179: V, pp. 121, 229; IX, pp. 72, 207; X, p. 226; Letter-book, A, 13, p. 477; A, 16, p. 260. The full amount wa,s about 650 separate books and pamphlets besides three or more instances where amounts were not specified. •» S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 433; Journal, III, p. 399. " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 477. " Ibid., B, 24, p. 292. •» New York Mercury, March 27, 1762. •« Moore, Hist, of St. George's Church, Hempstead, p. 103. •» Commissary Barclay to Sec, July 22, 1763. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 52. •• IMd., B, 24, p. 296. He was missionary there trom 1766 to 1782. The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 183 stead."" In 1775 he referred to the school, on which he was quite dependent for properly supporting his family.^' The school was once more mentioned in his letter of December 28, 1779, from which the following has been entered in the S. P. G. proceedings: "His prospects are still gloomy, for, as Hempstead will probably still be the winter-quarters for the Light Horse, their distress must needs increase every year. Several of the inhabitants are going to remove, as they can enjoy neither their houses, bams, nor farms. His house indeed by the kindness of the commanding officer, is at present free from billets; but the exhorbitant price of provisions, & the village being occupied by troops, prevent gentleman's children being sent thither as usual for education: consequently his school, which was a great help to him, must diminish. If this school should continue to di- minish, as it is to be expected it will, he is afraid he shall no longer be able to subsist, where he now is, but must retire to his glebe. But this will be his last resource."*' From the above facts it is seen that the Society was indirectly instrumental in providing Hempstead with opportimity for secondary instruc- tion for a period covering possibly more than thirty-five years. A school under the auspices of the S. P. G. was opened at Oyster Bay in 1727. For the work Mr. Daniel Denton was recommended by Rev. Mr. Jenney as a person "well qualified as to reading writing & Arithmetick, " who "makes Divinity ye main reading," and who was desirous to be engaged either as schoolmaster or catechist.'" With the Society's assurance of an allowance of £10 per year as schoolmaster for Oyster Bay," Denton set up his school in the following January. Strong op- position on the part of some of the people attended this venture from the very beginning, and it proved a decided handicap to Denton." The cause of the trouble was explained in part of the following docimient, which was forwarded to the London office: "July 26, 1766, ibid. " S. P. G. Journal XX, p. 327. " Ibid., XXII, p. 112. " Jenney to Sec, July 1, 1726, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 19, p. 167. " Sept. 16, 1726, S. P. G. Journal, V, p. 100. '» Denton to Sec., March 26, 1727, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, p. 179. 184 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York "These may Certifie the Honourable Society for Propagating the Gospel &c. That when Daniel Denton first eame into Oyster bay to keep School h& met with a Violent opposition grounded on these Reasons. That the Rev. Mr. Jenney should endeavour to Settle a Schoolmaster in the Town without their consent, but we do verily beUeve that the cause of the difference and opposition that the said Denton met with in his coming in the town is in a great Measure made up, and we do desire that the said Denton may be continued in the said Town of Oyster bay Schoolmaster and we do verily beheve that for the future he will meet with great encouragement and be of great use and Service to the Town. Witness our hands in Oyster bay 17th January 1729. Joseph White Townsend, Peteb Undekhill, Thoms Underbill. "" The differences were not smoothed over, however, and Denton was unable to secure enough income through tuition to support his family.'* This forced him to resort to other means and in consequence he seriously neglected the school. Severe com- plaints were entered against him in 1731, and, after an inquiry conducted for the Society by Commissary Vesey and Rev. Mr. Jenney, Denton was dismissed from the school.''' The school enrolled, according to Denton's reports, 30 for the year 1727 and 29 for the next two years." These were not in constant attendance as he later admitted," and Jenney, on visiting the school in December 1727, found only 20 present.'* Denton found his own schoolhouse being "obliged to teach two for a House to teach in."" The Society appointed Thomas Keble as Denton's successor, most of the people of the town having signed a petition in his favor.*" The new. schoolmaster had kept school for nineteen years at various places in Hempstead parish and, when chosen, was so engaged in Oyster Bay." He was, "A sober industrious man, beloved & respected in the Townspot, even tho' the people were of different opinions in Religion. "^^ As in the case of Denton his income was derived from tuition fees and the usual 7> Ibid., A, 22, p. 68. But the antagonism of dissenters may liave also had a hand In the affair. » Ibid., A, 22, p. 66. In 1729 he offered to teach " all who came if he could be given £24 per annum, but he could not get near that sum. " S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 41. " June 12, 1732. S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 41. '• S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, pp. 179, 205; A, 21, p. 363; A, 22, p. 65. " S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 41. '« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, p. 205. "IMd., A, 22, p. 67. " S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 41. " He was teaching " in the schoolhouse near the Church at the time of his ap- pointment. " Ibid. « Ibid. The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 185 salary of £10." But he had use of the town schoolhouse,*^ and nearly all of his children were able to or did pay "a small con- sideration, "'' so that his condition was somewhat more satis- factory than was that of neighboring schoolmasters.' ^ Keble began his service for the Society about the end of 1732, the exact time not being given. There are yearly reports of this work from 1733 to 1744 save for three years, 1736 to 1738 in- clusive. His enrolment ranged from 19 to 37, the average being 26." Attendance in the winter was usually 20 or less.'* Of his pupils fom" or five only were taught free. Up to 1735 all the white children paid something, and four freed Negroes were al- lowed gratis. After this date Negroes did not attend." In 1734 Keble reported that he had given public notice of his in- tention to teach "free negroes and poor gratis, "'° yet the pro- portion thus privileged remained the same. As regards the re- ligious grouping of the children, the reports were vague. While dissenters patronized the school, most of the children were from families more or less identified with the Church of England." In the last report of 1744 he was more specific and showed that 7 of his 29 pupils were dissenters and 8 of them were Dutch.'* Keble's Notitiae from 1739 on showed one other school within the "Townspot" and from three to five in the outer parts of the township, at a considerable distance from his own.'' In fact •• He had no other employment than the school as affirmed by him frequently. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, pp. 145, 155; B, 9, p. 78; B, 10, p. 105; B, 11, pp. 130, 133; B, 13, p. 321. However he served as Reader in the Church without pay. Ibid., B, 10, p. 105. " Ibid., B, 10, p. 105; Journal VI, p. 41. « S. P. G. Ijetter-book, B, 1, p. 14; Journal VI, p. 123. " The significance of the S. P. G. support was indicated by his statement that he could not otherwise subsist. "Most of the people of this Place," he added, "are very bad pay." S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 9, p. 78. Some became indebted to him for ten years schooling of their children which made it impossible to collect without suing. Ibid.. B, 10, p. 105. "' 30 in 1733, 31 in 1734, 37 ui 1735, 26 in 1739, 19 in Nov. 1739, 25 in 1740, 20 in 1741, 22 in 1742, 25 in 1743, 29 in 1744. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 39; A, 26. p. 94; B, 1, p. 14; B, 7, pp. 145, 155; B, 9, p. 78; B, 10, p. 105; B, 11, pp. 130, 133; B, 13, p. 321. " Ibid., A, 26, p. 94; B, 11, p. 133; B, 13, p. 321. •• See citations for different years. '" S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25. p. 39. •I Keble gave the number baptized in the Church only; and, providing he took pains to ascertain, there were few of these — namely, from two to eight. " S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 321. ""One at Jericho about 6 mis, one at Musketoe Cove about 6 mis., lat Cedar Swamp about 6 mis., 1 at East Woods about 5 mis., & 1 at the West end of this town. " He did not know what denomination they were "for most of the people are so in- fatuated with Enthusiasm & infidelity, that some seem to be against aU religions. " Report of 1741; and similar reports in other years, see citations above. Speaking of the schoolmasters of the different places, Keble said : ' 'The Masters generally that teach are necessitous Travelling Persons, that there is seldom a school kept above a quarter of a year or half a Year at a Place." S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 155. The chil- dren in these schools were largely Dutch and Quaker. Ibid., B, 7, p. 145. 186 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Keble moved his own school to East Woods, another part of the township, in 1744 and it is uncertain whether or not he ever went back to the town.'^ Between 1744 and 1748 Mr. Keble became utterly incapacitated for further service through a mental break-down.'* He was dropped from the Society's roll,°^ and interest in the school at Oyster Bay ceased." A son of Rev. Samuel Seabury, however, reopened the school June 6, 1749,'^ in expectation of the usual assistance. Yoimg Seabury had already been appointed S. P. G. catechist at Huntington, Long Island,'' and the Society took no step to provide additional allowance for this work. Since further reports make no mention of the school, it is fair to sup- pose that he retired on failing to secure the bounty. After being driven from Rye, James Wetmore set up a school for the Society at Oyster Bay and was teaching there in 1777."" He reported 40 scholars under his tuition."' In the sximmer of that year he removed to Mosquito Cove and founded a school with upwards of 50 enrolled."^ In 1778 he reported as follows: " I continue to teach a School at Musquito Cove on Long Island. The Number of Scholars has been the Summer past between forty & fifty — the pay very small, especially when the enormous price of Provisions is considered — ^which is at four Times as much in general as before the horrible Rebellion.""' His next report, which was sent in May 1779, stated: "I have at the pre- sent 40 Scholars at £6 Currency per Quarter. I cou'd afford my Family but little relief were I not assisted by the VenWe Society.""* But this attempt to maintain a school in the midst of the serious condition of the country was doomed to failure. He was soon forced to retire and gave as a reason the following: "I continued my School at Musquito Cove on Long Island untill •« Ibid.. B. 13, p. 321. » S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 16, p. 40. " S. P. G. Journal, XI, p. 40. July 15, 1748. Keble died on Dec. 26, 1748. Ibid., p. 128. " Three packets of books had been sent to the school between 1728 and 1742. These included 150 catechisms and 50 expositions thereon. IMd., V, p. 197; VII, p. 25; IX, p. 71. " S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 17, p. 105. •• S. P. G. Journal XI, p. 91. ■•» S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 249. "1 Ibid. iM Nov. 15, 1777. S. P. G. Journal, XXI, p. 265. 101 Nov. 1, 1778, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 250. iM May 1, 1779, ibid., B, 3, p. 251. The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 187 the 1st of Augst last — ^to the Satisfaction of my Employers — But a number of my Neighbours being captivated by the Rebels & I very Providentially escaping — & the Loyal Inhabitants being obliged to Lodge in the Fields for Safety — I have thought it Consistent with my Duty & prudent to quit the School, & am at present unsettled. My wife & a Number of my younger Children barely subsist between the Lines living in continual Fear & subject to frequent Depredations. ""^ Finally in 1780, 1781, and 1782 we learn of his intention to resimie the school. This he was unable to do with the possible exception of the win- ter of 1780-81.'°' In the meantime he opened a school at Flush- ing in May 1780 and had 30 scholars. This was broken up after three months by the King's troops, which encamped around the schoolhouse.'"" At length he made a fibnal attempt at Newtown, Long Island. In a letter, dated May, 1, 1783, he announced having kept school there for the preceding six months to the people's satisfaction."' By this time Wetmore had been retired by the Society. The School in the Parish of Jamaica The first petition in behalf of a school, which the S. P. G. received from Jamaica, is shown in an excerpt from the pro- ceedings which states: "The Sec. also reported from the Comee. that they having read the petition of Alexander Davidson a Schoolmaster to them presented setting forth his "misfortunes & every hard circumstances and as an addition to which that Mr. Lynn dec^d the Attorney of the late Revd Mr. TJrquhart having placed the said Mr. Urquhart's Son to be Boarded and Taught by him, for which the Exc's of the said Mr. Lynn not only refuse to pay the arrears due, but also to take the child off his hands; in all w^h he prays to be reheved: The Comee agreed to lay the same before the Society: Then the said Petition was read •and referr'd to the Comee to state the case of the said Mr. Urquhart and his child."™ It was decided that the petition was not "subject for the Society.""" Nothing further is noted until 1730, when Mr. Joel Burroughs was urged as deserving assistance. Burroughs was "the son of a gentleman of N. York, & a trustee & con- 1" Nov. 1, 1779, iMd., B, 3, p. 252. "• S. P. G. Journal, XXII, p. 162; Letter-book, B, 3, pp. 253, 254. ••' S. P. G. Journal, XXII, p. 219. 1" IMd.. XXIII, p. 95. "• April 20, 1711, S.P. G. Journal, II, p. 22. "• May 18, 1711, ibid., II, p. 36. 188 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York siderable benefactor to the Ch. there."'" Through misfortune, he had been so reduced that he was seeking bread by teaching school, and, after having done this "above 5 years," he was un- able to maintain himself and family.'" Having lived long amongst the people of Jamaica he was known to be "in every way qualified to teach a school there.""' As in the previous in- stance, the Society took no action on the petition, notwith- standing the established policy of encouraging all ventures of this kind.'" With the appointment of a new missionary. Rev. Thomas Colgan, efforts were renewed, which were this time crowned with success. In his petition for the Society's favor Mr. Colgan said: "A good schoolmaster is more wanting here, than in any part of N. America, the youth being very corrupt in their principles & manners, & at the age of manhood are utter strangers to the fundamentals of religion. ""^ He therefore rec- ommended Mr. Edward Willet, "a man of exemplary life, modest sober conversation, & every way capable of discharging that office.""" Other missionaries voiced the happy qualification of Mr. Willet, who, it was said, "is willing to undertake it, if the small encouragement he expects from the spot, be raised by the Soc's bounty to a comfortable subsistence. ""' Willet was there- upon agreed upon with an annual allowance of 15 pounds,'" from September 1733."» Willet opened his school November 1, 1733'^° and served con- tinuously until September 29, 1741, when he was obliged to move away, his income being insufficient for the support of his large family.'" Tuition fees from paying scholars did not amoimt to much, for the pay was poor, and there were many children unable to pay anything, who were received gratis. In 1736 Willet told the Society that what he received from the people did not provide common necessities; that, fiui;hermore, in the six 1" S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 66. March 2, 1729-30. 1" Ibid. 1" Ibid.; also A, 22, p . 69. "« The long quarrel between the missionary, Eev. Mr. Poyer, and his opponents; heretofore referred to, may have led the Society to believe the time Inopportune for attempting a school at Jamaica. i» May 22, 1733, 8. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 92. "• Ibid. "' S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 1, p. 37. "• Aug. 17, 1733, S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 92. 1" Ibid.. VI., p. 177. 1" Ibid. in Ibid., IX, p. 22; Letter-book, B, 9, p. 67. The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 189 months immediately preceding he had not received as much as half his house rent for that length of time.'^^ To improve con- ditions he started "a small shop of European goods," which he declared was attended by his wife.^" The shop was being kept in 1738 and 1739 at least, and may have been begim much earlier, but the profits from it were not enough to tide over his difficul- ties. The school in the summer of 1734 had 20 poor children en- rolled.*'* By the end of that year there were 61 pupils, of whom 20 (the same nvunber as before) were taught free."' For the years 1735 to 1739 inclusive the enrolment decreased from 59 to 38 and the free pupils from 24 to 21.'" In the report of 1739 Willet, for ,the only time, classified the children as, one Negro, 5 from dissenting families, and 32 from those of the Church of England. It may be assumed that Willet occupied a school house be- longing to the parish. He did not mention any but elsewhere it is noted that the church in 1761 sold the "Old school house" for £3.'^' An assistant was employed in the school in the sum- mer of 1738. While Willet was absent in New England the assistant acted as substitute and dihgently supplied the place."' Evidently this was the only occasion of such assistance. As to other schools, there are two references to them among the So- ciety's papers for this period. In 1738 Mr. Colgan reported: "there is no other School in the Town but his" (Willet's), "and but one near unto it, which is taught by a Poor Widow.""' The >" S. p. G. Journal, VII, p. 54. I" S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 123. iM June 12, 1734, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 58. This first report from Willet did not specify the paying pupils. 116 Nov. 12, 1734, ibid.. A, 25, p. 78. In a copy of Eev. Mr. Colgan's certlflcate which is in the Journal of Proceedings (VI, p. 251 ), the enrolment is given as 63 with 23 free. A clerical error has occurred in one of two places and probably in the latter. 1" 59 In 1735 with 24 free; 51 in 1736 with 22 free; 45 in 1737 with 23 free; 45 in 1738 and April 1739 with 21 free; 38 in 1739. S. P. G. Journal, VII, pp. 40, 54, 246; VIII, p. 6; Letter-book, A, 26, p. 70; B, 7, pp. 121, 123. '" Onderdonk, Antiquities of the Parish Church, Jamsuca, p. 62. This item ap- pears in a list of subscribers to a fund for repairing the church-building and enclosing the church-yard. >» Rev.Mr. Colgan to Sec, Oct. 10,1738, S. P. G. Journal, VIII, p. 6. '» Ibid. 190 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York next year Willet reported three schools in the parish taught by wonaen, "all of ye Independent persuasion.""" Mr. Willet's withdrawal from the school was very unfortu- nate, based, as it was, on the people's lack of support. His suc- cess in the instruction of his pupils and his zeal in carrying out the desires of the Society were frequently attested. "He is singularly diligent to the satisfaction of everybody," wrote Mr. Colgan in 1734."' In 1738 another testimonial from the min- ister is thus recorded in the proceedings: "He writes also, that he hath received the Secretary's of the 28th March concerning the Conduct of Mr. Willet the Society's Schoolmaster in that town and the state of his School. As to Mr. Willet's Behaviour (which is the first thing enquired into) he must say that it is good and unblamable. He (Mr. Willet) is a man of a well or- der'd life and conversation, sober and Religious, he has always- closely attended the Business of his School.""* The vacancy was immediately filled by the appointment of Mr. John Moore, B.A., pending the action of the Society."' Moore, we are told, was about twenty-five years of age and was educated at Yale, where he had "made good proficiency in learning"; and he hoped, when occasion offered, to engage in the ministry."* Moore had charge of the school for about two years. In 1743 he was given permission to vacate the position long enough to go to England, as the following letter sets forth: "The Society hath granted your Request of coming to England for a Short time, you taking care to have the School Supplied in your absence, and they will be very ready to recommend you to Holy Orders (provided you shall be found worthy) that you may be the better qualified to promote their pious Designs.""' With Moore's departure the 1" S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 7, p. 123, Aug. 25, 1739. Schoolmasters knOTm ta have been in Jajnaica parish before this time are: Henry Lindley and Thomas Hud- dleston, licensed by Gov. Combury 1705 (Pratt, op. cit., pp. 91, 92); Alexander Davidson 1711 and Joel Burroughs 1729 (cited above); and Thomas Temple and a Mr. Bock about 1731 (Ouderdonk, op. cit., p. 37). The S. P. G. missionary. Rev. Mr. Poyer, reported to the Society in 1724: "There are Schools In each Town in the Parish but the Masters and Mistresses of them are some of them Presbyterians and others Quakers. " Doc. Hist, of New York, III, p. 186. »i S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 25, p. 78. >« S. P. G. Journal VIII, p. 61. The Society was petitioned byVesey.Jenney and Oolgan to add to the salary but, feeling further responsibility rested with the people. It very justly determined not to do so. Ibid., VII, p. 54. "'Moore began teaching forthwith, Sept. 1741. IMd., IX, p. 23. He was ap- proved by the Society In April 1742. Ibid. >" Ibid. Moore was one of the first of the College graduates and prospective mls- slonaiies for whom positions were to be provided, pending ordination. I" Sec. to Moore, June 14, 1743, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 10, p. 194a. The Society's Support of Schools on Long Island 191 the support of the Jamaica school came to an end.'" In 1745 a final reference to it was made in a letter from Mr. Colgan ta the Society which said in part: "One great disadvantage the Church here lies imder is the want of a good Schoolmr to in- struct the youth in the sound, most rational, & Orthodox Prin- ciples of the Ch. of Eng. as some daily strive to instil notions destructive of good manners & of all religious & civil Gov™t. As Soc. has for several years past allowed £15 p. a. to a proper person to undertake that office he hopes they will continue it, when such an one offers for the purpose."'" There are no re- cords to indicate further events. Though the S. P. G. funds were in an embarrassing condition shortly before this time,"' it is a question whether the Jamaica school was refused further assistance or whether the difficulty was continued inability to find a suitable person to conduct it."' The Schools at Soxjthampton and Bbookhaven Between 1732 and 1735 the Society allowed a bounty to a schoolmaster in the town of Southampton. This support was the result of a petition from some of the inhabitants, asking that a salary be granted to Mr. Edward Davies, who had been there "as Schoolmaster several years.""" The petitioners affirmed that Davies had "taught many children to read & write, & the principles of Christianity." He had also "instrtucted negroes & Indians, many of whom desired to be instructed.""' In an ac- companying testimonial Commissary Vesey and the missionaries at Hempstead and Jamaica vouched for the good character of Davies, setting forth his industry and ability, and his great use- fulness in the promoting of religion."^ Davies was accordingly chosen the Society's schoolmaster and an annual salary of £10 was agreed upon."' 1" There are no available reports of Moore's service in the school. After ordination he was appointed to Bermuda and resigned the school. Ibid., B, 11, p. 136. 1" Sept. 30, 1745, B, 13, p. 233. The Society recorded the letter without comment or action. 1" See p. 101 in reference to Hildreth. in The writer was unable to find either request for, or any special grants of, books to the Jamaica school. Various packets were dispatched to the successive mission- aries but none of them seem to have been designed for school use. 1" Undated petition received Oct. 20, 1732, S. P. G. Journal VI, p. 40. "1 IMd., Letter-book, A, 24, p. 203. i« S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 24, p. 205. I" Oct. 20, 1732, S. P. G. Journal, VI, p. 40. lyz The ISupport of iSctiools in (Jolomai JSew none In the subjoined letter, which is given in full, we have Davies' report of his service during the first year: "Bridghampton belonging to the Town off Southampton on the Island of Nasaaw in the Colony of New York In North America November 6th 1733. Revd Sr. I have reed an Order from the Honble Society by the Rev Ibid., VI, p. 96; also Rev. Samuel Johnson to Sec., Oct. 9, 1732, Letter-book, A, 24, p. 143. i"Ibid., VI, p. 95. ^"Ibid. VI, p. 99. CHAPTER X THE SOCIETY'S SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS IN THE UPPER PROVINCE With the exception of the assistance allowed to schoolmasters and catechists among the Mohawk Indians, the educational work of the S. P. G. was of no great consequence in the northern part of New York Province. The Society did, however, main- tain a number of missionaries in this section and through them there were occasional attempts to give encouragement to relig- ious instruction in the schools that were carried on within their jurisdiction. In 1712 the Society received a petition on behalf of six himdred families of Germans on Hudson River.^ "These people," it was declared, "stand in great need of qualified per- sons to educate their children in English reading, & writing, & Christian religion, & as there are now 2 able German Ministers, they only need Schoolmasters at present."' A plan was at once presented to the Society for meeting the situation, which, it ap- pears, got no further than this. It may have been considered an undertaking beyond the limit of present resources, or else a responsibility to be assumed by the Crown and such agencies as brought about the migration. The proposed scheme was the following: "A proposal to make the Settlement of Palatines at N. York more complete by appointing English Schoolmasters to instruct the children. The Settlement consists of 5 towns, & it is proposed: 1. That 5 Englishmen be sent to N. York by Soc. & one in each town keep a free school to teach reading, writing, EngUsh & Arithmetic. 2. That they be good men, & with sufficient knowledge of the Ch. of Eng. Doctrine, as to be able to instruct the children therein. ■ S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 68. These Germans had emigrated to New York about 1710 and were settled in about five towns centering about Newburgh. They were usually referred to as the "Settlement of the Palatines." Doc. Hist, of N Y III, p. 339; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 68; A, 17, p. 232; A, 18, p. 44. ' S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 68. 194 The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 195 3. That the nearest missionaries visit these Schools at least once a year to see that the Masters are not remiss in duty. 4. That the Books & papers be provided for the use of these schools. 5. That this be done for at least 2 years from Christmas 1712 at Soc's. Expence. "' The S. P. G., however, sent missionaries among the Palatines and later to New Windsor and Newburgh.* Rev. Mr. Haeger, the first of these/ asked for some assistance for the English and German children of his congregations. He said: "I have been several times resolved to make my himable application to the Honorable Society for Prop, the Gospel about some encourage- ment for a schoolmaster to teach my children English and Ger- man, and this would contribute a great deal to propagating the Gospel and in time to turn them into English and good members and I will hope the Honorable Society will take it into considera- tion."' Another appeal on behalf of the "poor Palatines" was sent the Society in 1723, as follows: "I look upon them as true Lovers of om: happy Constitution and Nation and think it is a Pity they should be soe bewildered in a state of Ignorance, their Inclinations bend them to have an Education in English, but their ability will not allow them to Entertain a person qualified to Assist them. It is humbly requested that you move in their favour and State their Case to the Honwe Society to see if there may be any assistance from them to Support so good an Inclina- tion. Sr They entertaine thoughts of being Supplyed wth books proper to Train up Youth in the English Tongue and what else can be allowed by the Charitable Society to carry on their good designs."^ In 1747, Rev. H. Watkins wrote: "And as there are abundance of Children here who belong to poor Famihes, I could also wish for some Church Catechisms to give them of different Sizes for the different Capacities of the Children; being much wanted."' Five years later there is another report, re- ferring to the education of the children in the following manner: "There are a great many Children, and youth in my Mission,, which belong to Families of the Church of England and I am endeavouring as fast as I can, to implant in Them the Principles • IWd. « Classified Digest, op. cit., pp. 61, 855f. » 1710-1718. • 8. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, p. 341; Be. Eec, op. cit., p. 2118. » James Ogilvie to Sec, June 5, 1723, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 17, p. 232. » Ibid., B, 15, p. 101. 196 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York of our Holy Religion according to the Capacity while in their youth — To this End I have distributed to them upon my own account 4 Doz. of Lewis's Church Catechisms; and I have ad- vised the Masters and Mistresses of the little Schools in my mis- sion, and also the Heads of Families, who are of the Church, Carefully to see that the Children and youth learn this Cate- chism thro as fast as they can. And as I am from Time to Time visiting my People, I examine Those Children myself, both in those Little Schools and in private Families — And there are several of Those Children who have got this Catechism almost thro by heart.'" Just at this time a tract of five hundred acres was granted by Letters Patent for the benefit of the Church of England minister and a public school." As soon as the matter was determined, Newburgh took steps to erect both Church and school buildings, and to establish a school. The Society was memorialized on this occasion by means of the document here- with given: To the Right Honourable and Reverend the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge. The Memorial of Alexander Golden and Richard Alberston, Trustees of the Parish of Newburgh in behalf of themselves and the Inhabitants of the said Parish and Places adjacent. Humbly showeth. That the Inhabitants of said Parish and Places adjacent Consists of Persons Originally of Different Nations, Languages and Perswasions. That there is no School for the Education of youth any where near Hudsons River above the City of New York, a very large Country above one hundred and fifty Miles in extent and full of Inhabitants, whereby the Youth are brought up and remain in Great Ignorance. Towards the Supplying of this great want the Inhabitants of said Parish have Obtained a Grant of Letters Patent of Five Hundred Acres of Land for the Use of a Church and School as will more particularly appear by a Copy of said Patent herewith Sent so far as relates to the Use of the said Five Hundred Acres. That the said Five Hundred Acres of Land are pleasantly Situated on Hud- sons River in a most healthy part of the Country about half way Between the Cities of New York and Albany capable of great Improvements as a ship of any Burthen which can come into the Harbour of New York may come likewise to this place. But as the Expence of the necessary Buildings for the Church and School, and for the Minister and School-Master and giving Proper Encouragement to able Persons to officiate greatly Surpasses the ability of the Inhabitants. We must therefore Humbly pray the Charitable Assistance of the Society and by their Intercession of other Charitable Persons in Order to Carry the Intention of his Majesties grant into its design'd Effect. • June 12, 1752, ilnd., B, 20, p. 77. 10 This was a tract or glebe originally given by Queen Anne to a Lutheran minister at Newbiu-gli. By 1752 tlie Germans, by deatli or removal, had so decreased that the glebe became useless, for wMch reason the new grant was made. S. P. G. Journal XIX, pp. 449-454. For copy of petition to Gov. Clinton, see S. P. G. Letter-book' B, 20, p. 89. For the Governor's order for a patent, see Doc. Hist, of N. Y., Ill, p. 369" The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 197 Unless this School can be properly Established the Rising Generation over a large Extent of Country may be involved in Gross Ignorance, And if it be promoted the Principals of Religion and Virtue probably will be Established and Propagated among them and many become good and UsefuU Members of the Society who otherwise wUl be lost. We Himibly therefore hope that the Encouragement of this Pious Design will Deserve the Serious Attention of the Society and which is most humbly pray'd and Submitted by The Right Revd & HonWe Society's Most obed* and most humble Serv<» Newburgh Albxb Golden Trustees of June 4, 1752. Ricd Albbhston the Newburgh." During the entire period the Society, according to the records, adhered to its early policy of not assisting in the maintenance of schools in and about Newburgh. A school was established later and was partly supported from the tract of land. But the dis- senters increased rapidly at Newburgh, came into control of the land and the school, and administered both for their own in- terest," in spite of protests from the missionaries." The first English schoolmaster affiUated with the Church, who was commissioned to Albany, was probably George Muirson (1702). But, as we have seen," he was retained at New York. In August 1706 Mr. John Humphreys sailed from England in company with Capt. C. Congreve of the Army, in expectation of receiving the Society's assistance as schoolmaster at Albany." Both of these men were captured and carried into Spain, and it was 1709 before they reached America," after which Humphreys was appointed a schoolmaster at Burlington, New Jersey, by the S. P. G. minister there." In 1707 Rev. Thomas Barclay was sent out as Chaplain at Albany at a Royal boimty of £50 per annum." On the recommendation of the Bishop of London, Mr. Barclay was in 1709 appointed the Society's missionary and school master for both Albany and Schenectady, with an allowance of £50 annually." Schenectady got little benefit from his serv- ices, save a sermon once a month and his influence in getting an English school erected there in 1710.''° Nor did he personally " 8. p. G. Letter-book, B, 20, p. 84-5. « 8. P. G. Journal, XII, p. 407; XV, p. 153; XIX, pp. 449-54. " Ibid.; also Letter-book. B, 3, pp. 307, 308. " See p. 71. « S. P. G. Journal, I, p. (1). " 8. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 146. " Ibid., A, 5, p. 19. " Ibid., A, 11, p. 26. » 8. P. G. Journal, I, p. (189). " S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 176; Doc. Hist, of N. Y., op. cit.. Ill, p. 640. 198 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York establish a school at Albany. In addition to his ministration to the garrison he conducted the regular Church services. To fulfill the functions of schoolmaster, Barclay concentrated his efforts at first upon the encom-agement of the teaching of the catechism and prayers of the Church. For this purpose he frequently visited schools and divided his charity collection into small stipends which he presented to the masters as an encourage- ment. He wrote of his method in 1710, as follows: "As I did begin from my first coming to Albany, so I go on to catechise the youth, and it hath pleased God to bless my weak endeavors that way, for a great many Dutch Children, who at first arrival, were altogether ignorant of the English tongue, can distinctly say our Catechism and make the responses at prayer, I explain some part of the catechism in as plain and familiar a way as I can, shunning all controversies, teaching them such fundamental doctrines as are necessary and tend most to promote piety and a good life. I have taught the scholars the prayers appointed for charity schools, and I have used all possible methods to en- gage the children to their duty, both by the giving of small pres- ents to the most forward and diligent, and by frequently visiting their schools; and for encouraging the School Masters I give them what charity is collected in oiu* Church, obliging them to bring their Scholars to the Public prayers.'"' It would be in- teresting to know how many and what schools Barclay was thus co-operating with. Possibly one was the school of the "Soldier belonging to the Garrison" of which Huddleston made mention in 1708.''' If he had access to Dutch Schools," they were cer- tainly those outside of the control of the Dutch Church, for he reported being opposed in his work "by Major Myndert Schuyler & his brother-in-law, Petrus Vandrissen, Minister of the Dutch Congregation."^ The very small minority of the population that the English must have represented^^ would hardly lead one " Sept. 26, 1710, S. P. G. Lettar-book, A, 5, p. 176; Doc. Hist, of N. Y., op. cit.. Ill, p. 540. « See p. 77. « He sometimes instructed in Dutcli. S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 28: Letter-book. A, 9, 30 fol. p. 97. " lUd., Ill, p. 28, June 29, 1714; also Letter-book, A, 9, p. 158, Oct. 22, 1714. « At least he reports the proportion in Schenectady as 16 English families to 100 of the Dutch, outside of the garrison there, and we may infer that Albany was as predominantly Dutch at this time. S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 176. In 1742 also the Society was informed that "in the city & county of Albany are 10610 whites, & 1110 slaves. Communicants 64 white 58 Indians, professors of Oh. of Eng. 170, 2 independent Companies, & 500 Indians. " S. P. G. Journal, IX, p. 70. ■■■■•■•■••nMHnMMMNMMiaMMHIF' The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 199 to expect more than one English school, yet there were at least two of these in 1713, Barclay having in that year referred to "the English Schools."^* It is therefore possible that his work with the children was done through these schools and that, in his reports of encouraging schoolmasters, he has the English schools only in mind. Indeed he declared in a letter of 1713 that he had distributed to the most deserving in the English schools, the Bibles and prayer books sent by the Society; and that "to encourage the principal Schoolmaster" he was pajing him £8 per year out of the Chm-ch money." Whatever the schools, it is certain that the Dutch children were receiving his instruction in the catechism of the Church which, we have al- ready seen, he tactfully handled by avoiding controversies and teaching the more generally accepted fundamental doctrines. Most of his 70 children in 1713 were of Dutch extraction.^ In 1716 Barclay's salary from the Society was withdrawn. This was done, the proceedings state, through a desire to retrench ex- cessive expenses, and in view of the missionary's bounty from the Crown.^' After this he still continued to report diligent at- tention to the work until 1722.'° In 1719 Mr. Barclay was in- strumental in setting on foot a Latin school in Albany. Of this he said: "I am at present Employ'd in gathering of a Latin School for one Mr. Willson, who arrived here last November from Ireland, a Man of sober Conversation and has a competent skill in the Latin and Greek tongues."" But no further mention was made of it. Between 1728 and 1736 Rev. John Miln acted as the Society's missionary to Albany and the Indians. During the time, and even before Miln's arrival, a schoolmaster was affihated with the work of the Church in Albany. In 1728 we learn that fifty children were brought by their schoolmaster to the minister twice a week to give account of their catechism, the parents al- lowing them to do this chiefly on account of the language.'^ A »• Ibid., A, 8, p. 165, Apr. 17, 1713. " lUd. 28 Ibid. There is a fair indication in the above that Dutch prejudice against English influence was breaJdng as early as this in Albany. Furthermore, Mr. Bar- clay reported as an offset to the opposition of the Dutch minister, that he had the encom-agement of Col. KiUian van Eanslaar and Col. Peter Schuyler, as well as English gentlemen. S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 28. " IHd.. Ill, p. 127. •» S. P. G. l«tter-book. A, 12, pp. 290, 375, A, 13, p. 452, A, 16, p. 206. " Ibid., A, 13, p. 452. " Ibid.. A. 21, p. 412. 200 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York report was sent in 1730 with the additional information that John Beasley the schoolmaster "also instructed near 20 Negroes in the Catechism.'"^ Reports from both Mr. Miln and Beasley were sent in 1731, 1732 and 1734 describing similar work,^ and seeking the Society's allowance as catechist for the Negroes in Albany.'^ In consideration of his efforts the Society voted two gratuities of £10 each.^^ It was even resolved to allow him an annual salary as catechist in conjimction with his work as school- master, but a later report of available funds for that purpose caused the withdrawal of the plan.'" Succeeding missionaries did not refer to schoolmasters. Since nearly all of them were commissioned to the Indians as well, a large part of their time was given to that work, and their letters usually made brief reference to Albany. The following excerpt from a letter of Rev. John Ogilvie in 1751 is evidence of the fact that the Dutch children continued to be instructed in the Church catechism by the missionaries. It reads: "At Albany the Church is much the same only that my Catechumens of the dutch Children are increased to near 150, this I hope will tend in some Measure to Introduce the English Language more universally and Lessen their Prejudices to our excellent Liturgy.'"* The S. P. G. missionary at Poughkeepsie, Rev. John Beards- ley, in 1767 sought aid for a school there. "Could the venerable Society," he said, "think proper to Lend their aid in Settling a School according to our Constitution, I am very sure it would be of Excellent purpose in this country, as the original Settlers were chiefly Dutch and therefore have been under but low ad- vantage (in general) to obtain an English Education."^' This favor was desired for some 50 children whom he was regularly " S. p. G. Journal, V, p. 294; Letter-book, A, 22, p. 85. Beasley's teaching at Albany dated back to X725 or "more than 6 years before" 1732, according to his own statement, iMd., A, 24, p. 164. " Nov. 2, 1731 — 10 of the negroes instructed by Beasley were baptized by the missionary, ibid., A, 23, p. 345; May 1, 1732 — 12 of his negroes "and hopes to have as many this year, " ibid.. A, 24, pp. 164, 199; 1733, — 8 of his negroes {6 grown up and 2 children), ibid.. A, 25, p. 19; 1734 - - ■ • • panying certificate fi:om the mayor ! _ _ ibid.. A, 25, p. 20. Rev. Joseph Hooper, in his History of St. Peter's Church, Albany 2 children), ibid.. A, 25, p. 19; 1734, — 5 of his negroes (grown up), ibid. An accom- ■■" ■ ■ the ' ' ■- ■ - • - - - panying certificate from the mayor and other ofiScials was sent in 1734 to the Society, ibid.. A, 25, p. 20. Rev. Joseph Hooper, in his History of St. Peter's Church, Albany p. 71, dates Beasley's work from 1732, "continuing several years." He thus relies on the S. P. G. Abstracts which have not a complete record of his services. » Beasley stated In 1733: "there are about 300 people in this city, & not less than 400 negroes. " Ibid., B, 1, p. 6. A certificate from the Mayor and others vouched for the 400 Negroes, ibid.. A, 25, p. 20. " S. P. G. Journal, VI, pp. 46, 51. " Ibid. •» Apr. 14, 1751, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 19, p. 71. » Sept. 5, 1767, ibid., B, 3, p. 25. The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 201 catechising/" In return the Society resolved "to appoint a schoolmr at Poghkeepsie, when a proper person shall be well recommended."" The next reference to the matter is in 1769, when Mr. Beardsley reported as follows: "I beg leave to inform the venerable Society that I have found a proper person Mr. Austia Beardsley for keeping a school agreeable to the laudable Design of their Charitable Institution. He hath been strictly educated in the Rules of our Chh reads and writes Plain EngHsh and is firmly attached to the british Constitution both in Chh and State; For confirmation of which I beg leave to refer to his recommendation from the Revd Doctor Auchmuty,** by whose approbation he is to open a School in Poughkeepsie after Christ- mas Holy-Days in hopes of Patronage from the venerable Society. I shall take care that the School be fixed on the Parsonage Land where we have an old House convenient for that purpose, which is Situated in a Neighbourhood of poor people who in general, are unable to pay their Children's Schooling and that Nothing be introduced but what is agreeable to the Rules of our Ch. and (as I observed in a former letter to the Society) I am fully per- suaded a thiQg of this kind among us in the present State of the Country would as completely answer ye Intention of Such an Institution as the bestowment of their Charity on the Savage Indian Tribes."*' Evidently, then, Mr. Beardsley did not learn of the resolution of the Society up to the time of writing the letter, and probably for some time thereafter. In the mean- time, if Austia Beardsley actually opened a school about Jan- uary 1770, as stated, he seems to have retired from it by 1771. There is strong probability that no school had been started up to that time, according to the following letter from the mis- sionary: "I have in Simdry of my Letter to ye Society mentioned the great Necessity of a School at Poughkeepsie, & begged yo Assistance of that venerable Board and I have long since learned by Doctor Auchmuty that the Society are disposed in favour of the Scheme; and that whoever he shall approve the Society will appoint as a Master, all which I hope by this Time is settled. " Ibid. " S. p. G. Journal, XVII, p. 428. " Rector of Trinity Church, N. Y., and Commissary of the Bishop of London. Austin Beardsley may have been a kinsman of the missionary though it Is not so stated. " Dec. 3, 1769, 3. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 29. 202 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York & that ye person he recommended (Mr. Eli Emons) is accepted by the Society and that he will soon have Directions to open the School."^ No further reference to the school or to Emons is to be found save the entry made in the S. P. G. minutes, on re- ceipt of the information from Beardsley. The entry was to this effect: "Agreed that Mr. Beardsley be informed, that Dr. Auch- muty has not sent any recommendation of Mr. Eli Emons; that, if that shall arrive Soc. will appoint Mr. Emons Schoolmr at Poghkeepsie. "" Since the Abstracts of Proceedings do not include any mention of school support at Poughkeepsie, it may be fairly assumed that the intentions of the Society were not carried out. It has been pointed out that the Rev. Mr. Barclay was com- missioned as schoolmaster to Schenectady in conjimction with his other munerous functions." This was in 1709. Soon there- after Mr. Barclay sent word that he had got an English school erected at Schenectady and hoped the children would soon be fit for catechising." His relation to it was in an advisory capa- city only. His visits to the town were once a month when he con- ducted Church services and catechised the children. This is the only indication available to show a relationship between the work of the Society and elementary instruction in the town. Years later, however, a Latin school was conducted by two of the missionaries. From 1771 to 1773 Rev. William Andrews kept such a school, not at the direction of the Society but to increase his inadequate income.'^ While the purpose was primarily that of a Latin school Mr. Andrews included elementary in- struction in the curriculum. In explanation of the purpose of the school, he wrote to one of the foremost members of the Society in the Province: "I have very lately opened a Grammar School in this Town, and that I may make it more generally useful, I shall give instruction, in Writing, Reading, and Arith- metick — ^At present I have Ten Scholars and as the Prices are moderate I have the Prospect of getting more daily. "^' Before two months had passed, three scholars had been added, and we " Apr. 28, mi, ibid., B, 3, p. 32. « S. P. G. Journal, XIX, p. 76. " See p. 197. " Sept. 26, 1710, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 5, p. 176. " Ibid., B, 3, p. 3. Jan. 21, 1772; also B, 2, p. 93. " Andrews to Sir Wm. Johnson, Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, p. 466. The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 203 leani that Mr. Andrews had determined on an expansion of the curriculum and the establishment of an academy for both day and boarding pupils. His plan was thus described to the afore- said member: "I lately took the Liberty of acquainting You, that I had opened a Grammar School in this Town, and since that, I have determined on forming it into an Academy, and propose giving Instruction in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography and History to those who may be designed to fill "the Stations of active Life, exclusive of those who may be taught the Learned Languages — Bookkeeping, and Merchants accompts to fit them for Business, or the Mechanic Arts. — ^At present I have Thirteen Scholars, and as the Prices are moderate for teach- ing, and receiving Boarders, I have a good prospect of getting more daily. I hope, Sir, it may merit your Countenance and En- couragement, as it shall be conducted with the greatest Care and Attention, and that you will be good enough to patronize this Plan which may prove very useful to this Place, and may enable me to continue in this Mission."^" After two years Mr. Andrews surrendered the mission and retired from the academy to take up less burden some duties in Virginia." The mission was immediatelyfilledbytheappointmentof Rev. John Doty, who conducted it until 1777, when he became a refugee in Canada.'^ Mr. Doty took up the- care of the school as well as the Church." The following excerpt concerning the Latin school is taken from a letter of the Churchwardens and Vestry to the Society: "Thirdly, as the School began by Mr. Andrews not only laid a Foundation of Improvement to our Posterity, but promised an Addition to the Members of our Church, which has visibly declined in Mr. Andrew's Absence & of which our Neigh- "bours of another Denomination have availed themselves by setting up a school and by various Artifices drawing away our Children with a View to their being educated in different Prin- ciples, which must inevitably happen not only to them, but to many Adults of our Congregation, imless we can have the Mis- »» Nov. S, 1711, ibid.. IV, p. 470. " "Finding it impossible to continue in this Mission upon tlie Society's Salary A the Subscriptions of the Congregation without teaching a school which has much Injur'd my Health, I have therefore rellnquish'd it, as thro' the Recommendation of Sir William Johnson procur'd a Parish in Virginia. " Nov. 25, 1773, ibid., B, 3, p. 11. " Classlfled Digest, op. cit, p. 855. For his appointment see S. P. G. Journal, .XX, p. 85. " Doty to Sec, Dec. 19, 1773. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 13. 204 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York sion revived in the person of Mr. Doty, as he is both from Char- acter & Abilities peculiarly calciilated for the Care of the Parish & School, both which he is willing to undertake."" Mr. Doty doubtless maintained the school as long as conditions permitted. Finally Rev. John Stuart attempted to open a Latin school in the siunmer of 1781. Writing to the Society on October 13 from Montreal, the missionary reported his ill-treatment by the Rebels, including the confiscation of his property and his con- finement to the town of Schenectady. There, as a last resovirce, he "proposed to open a Latin School" for the support of his family, but "this privilege was denied on pretence that, as a Prisioner of War," he "was not entitled to exercise any Un- certain occupation in the state."" In May 1768 the Society requested Sir William Johnson to provide a schoolmaster for the recent settlements of Johnstown." Accordingly Mr. Edward Wall was appointed to the place and began instructing the children about November of that year." In December Sir William wrote to the Secretary: "I have like- wise established a fit person who received a Liberal education in Em-ope at Johnstown near this place who has at present near 40 children Whites & Indians, and his school daily encreases."™ The name of the schoolmaster he said was Edward Wall, to whom he had advanced a half year's salary, and he proposed soon to draw for the amount.^ For some reason the letter did not reach the Society imtil the meeting of May 18, 1770, at which time the appointment was allowed, with such salary as Sir Wil- liam thought proper to allot to him "agreeably to the discretion- s' Dec. 10, 1773, ibid., B, 3, p. 12. " Ibid., B, 2, p. 204. Mr. O'Callaghan, Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, p. 513, calls in question the truth of Stuart's ill-treatment and of his plan to open a school, on the ground that he contemplated emigrating as early as Nov. 1780. Judging from the context of documents quoted by O'Callaghan (ibid., pp. 511-513) as well as from the assertions above, which are taken from an original letter of Stuart, it seems necessary to the writer to accept the missionary's statement of events. " S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 511. Sir WUliam served as His Majesty's commis- sioner of Indian affairs from about 1746 to 1774, and in 1766 was made a member of the S. P. G. About 1760, he estabUshed his seat at Johnson Hall. In thi? neigh- borhood Johnstown developed from about 40 families in 1760 to 260 in 1773 (Letter of Sir WilUam to Sec. Letter-book B, 2, p. 94.) The town owed its development to the encouragement of Sir WUliam who among many benefactions presented it with a handsome stone church "near 90 feet in length with the Steeple & Chancel" and added " a Neat Organ that cost £100 Sterl. " Ibid. " See reference to a letter from John Wetherhead to Sir William, introducing Mr. Wall, dated Nov. 17, 1768. Calender of Sir WiUiam Johnson's Manuscripts, p. 40& '» Dec. 10, 1768. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 90. " Ibid. The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 205 ary power given him, by order of the Board in March 1769. '"" The salary was eventually fixed at £25 per annum." Among Sir William's papers there is the following list of Mr. Wall's pupils, which, though it has no date, is presimaably the enrol- ment of the school some time during the first year. "List op Scholars at the Free School Johnstown Kichaxd Young John Servos Peter Young John Miller Hendrick Young James M'Gregar Richard Cotter George Binder Hendrick Rynnion Christian Rider James Mordon Bernard Rider Daniel Cammel Simeon Scouten Samuel Davies Francis Bradthan Renier Vanisclan John Everot Jacob Veder Sarah Connor Randel M'Donald Luny Rynnion John Foilyard Betsey Garlick Peter Rynnion Baby Garlick Peter Potman Rebecca Vanisclan Jacob Doran Caty Cammel Jeromy Doran Caty Garlick David Doran Mary M'Intyre Adam M'Donald Peggy Potman Abraham Boice Eve Waldoifi Caleb M'Carty Caty Waldorff Hendrick CaUinger Leny Waldorff Jacob Servos Margaret Servos Catherine Servos Males & Females— 45 "«2 The school had almost doubled this enrollment by 1772, Sir Wil- liam reporting as follows: "The School here is extremely prom- ising, and encreases very fast, the last return made to me by the Schoolmaster of the Nmnber of Scholars, was Eighty six."" Other statistics are not to be found. Though Whites and In- dians were enrolled, the proportion is not given and the list above does not aid us in this respect. The names seem to be those of English and Dutch children, 14 of the 45 being girls.** Evidently none of the children paid tuition. It was in reality a free school and the small salary given by the Society was added to by •» S. p. G. Journal, XVIII, pp. 371-2. In the first Instance, the Society had agreed to allow £10 as salary. Sir William did not at first exercise his discretionary power 4Uid increase it. " S. P. G. Abstracts, 1 770-1 to 1774-5. « Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, p. 416. " Oct. 18, 1772, S. P. G. Letter-booli, B, 2, p. 93. « Both Indians and half-breeds are doubtless in the list, since European names were being used among the Six Nations. 206 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York the generosity of Sir William. In 1773 he wrote to the Society as follows: "By these actions the new Settlers, who were very poor and ignorant and of various Denominations, are now be- come much improved in their Manners, & Members of our Church, whilst the Free School, I erected near the same, con- tributes to enlarge ye understanding & confirm the faith of the rising generation, the prospect of which affords me much Satis- faction; I have promoted it hitherto as far as was in my power, and am heartily sorry that the circumstances of the People does not as yet enable them to lessen the charge they are to the So- ciety, & to myself."" That Johnstown possessed a schoolhouse for Mr. Wall's use,, is shown in the very interesting quotation herewith subjoined. " . . . The next thing I mean to refer to, is the Building of a new PVee School house nearly in the Centre of the Free-School-House Lot in the form of an Academy; with a conveniency at the top, for a little Bell of the HaU; if this was to be done, the present School House might be removed upon one of the vacant lots in Town, and answer the End of a dweUing-house — as it would not be proper for to have the New Free School in the least incumbered, but to have the whole Lott fenced in neatly and Suitable Trees planted round the whole square. If these things was done, (which is of far greater Consequence than the Building of Blockhouses in Town) your Honour would then engage the attention of people, and perhaps them who Uve in the re- motest part of his present Majesty's Dominions. "" Mr. Wall gave general satisfaction as schoolmaster and th& fact was certified to by Sir William and by the missionary at Johnstown. "The Schoolmaster," reported the latter in 1773, "is a very able and diligent man."" The minister went once a. week to examine and catechise the children.^' By Jime 1775 Wall had left the school and gone to a place called "German flats."" His place was taken by a man named Rose of whom there is but one report to this effect: "There is a certain Mr. Rose who has had the Charge of the School at Johnstown; and as far as I can judge he discharges that Trust with Care & Fidelity. The Children imder his Care, are catechized regularly in " Dec. 3, 1773, S. P. G. Letter-book., B. 2, p. 94. •' John Cottgrave to Sir William, Johnstown, May 18, 1772, Doc. Hist, of N. Y.,, IV. p. 474. " Bev. Mr. Mosley to Sec. May 19, 1773, S. P. 6. Journal, XIX, p. 479. " JMd. •> June 8, 1775, Calender of Sir William Johnson's Manuscripts, p. 536. In Oc- tober 1772 Wall asked permission for John Thompson and himself to sell dry goods to the Indians. Ibid., p. 511. It does not appear to have been allowed by the Indian Commissioner and his retiring from the school may be related to that In- cident. TfirSocie^^TSv^ort of Schools in the Upper Province 207 Church. ""' The death of Sir William Johnson in 1774 occasioned a decline of the Society's interest in the school and no appoint- ment was made after the retirement of Edward Wall. Whether Wall took charge of instruction elsewhere cannot be stated, but it is certainly questionable. Until 1778, however, his name is listed as schoolmaster at Johnstown with an apparent compen- sation of £7 lOsh. from 1775 on." The Society's support of schools among the Indians is next to be noted. Conversion and civilizing of the American Indians began with the Jesuits of Canada at an early date and continued with tremendous zeal until after the French and Indian War. Scarcely an Indian settlement of the eighteenth century from the St. Lawrence to the Mississippi could have been foimd without evidences of the work of these assiduous priests. The Dutch gave the Indians little consideration save in the ordinary avenues of trade, and practically nothing of consequence was done by the English up to 1700.'^ The Crown, in the eighteenth century, paid for some time a small salary to the clergymen at Albany." In the first decade of the eighteenth century Rev. Mr. Freeman, a Dutch minister at Schenectady, translated a great part of the English liturgy, the morning and evening prayer, Athanasian creed and several chapters of the Old and New Testament into the Indian language." The Indians received the attention of the S. P. G. from the first, and the latter came to realize at once that the difficulties of their civilization would be great. Most regrettable of all was the fact that neither their savage natures nor their wandering habits were such stumbling blocks as the bad lives of so many of the Europeans about them. The seeds of death had been well sown in the seventeenth century. "Their numbers daily diminish by drinking rum," wrote Rev. '" Eev. John Stuart to Sec, Oct. 27, 1775, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 203. " See S. P. G. Abstracts for the difterent years. As in other instances they may be unreliable regarding this data. " Save perhaps the earlier work of the Society for Propagating the Gospel among the Indians of New England. " To Rev. Thomas Barclay and afterwards to his son Eev. Henry Barclay. This was in all from about 1707 to 1746. S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 8. Eev. Henry Barclay was appointed Rector of Trinity, and soon after this Col. William Johnson (from 1755, Sir William, see Doc. Hist. N. Y. II., p. 703), took charge of Indian affairs. " Mr. Freeman to Sec. May 28, 1712, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 7, p. 203. These papers for which the government promised him £75 per year, were by this letter put at the Society's service. At the same time, he declined the S. P. G. offer to appoint him to the Indians. Ibid. "The Indians, " he said, "have a great venera- tfon for the English Litiirgy, especially the Litany, at which they frequently trem- bled." Ibid. zuis me ouppori oj ocnoois %n Kjowmai lynw i urn Mr. Freeman." "As to the Indians, the natives of the country, they are a decaying people, " wrote the Rev. G. Muirson of Rye in 1708. "We have not now in all this parish 20 Families, where- as not many years ago there were several Hundred. I have frequently conversed with some of them, and bin at their great meetings of pawauring as they call it. I have taken some pains to teach some of them but to no purpose, for they seem regard- less of Instruction — and when I have told them of the evil con- sequences of their hard drinking &c. they replyed that English- men do the same: and that it is not so great a sin in an Indian as in an Englishman, because the Englishman's Religion for- bids it, but an Indian's dos not, they further say they will not be Christians nor do they see the necessity for so being, because we do not live according to the precepts of our religion, in such ways do most of the Indians that I have conversed with either here or elsewhere express themselves."" In the beginning of Queen Anne's reign, some of the leading Sachems made touching appeals for rehgious iastruction, and these were backed by similar representations from the Governor and other officials in the government of New York. The matter was laid before the Society with the result that Rev. Thorough- good Moor was sent to Albany to undertake this mission to the Indians.'' Mr. Moor was not acceptable to the Indians and remained only a year." The work of caring for them was assigned in 1709 to Rev. Thomas Barclay, in conjunction with the mi sion at Albany. Very soon after the appointment of Mr. Barclay, four Sachems of the Iroquois tribe visited England to lay a special appeal before the Queen. Considerable enthu- siasm was aroused in England. The matter was again referred to the Society and the result was the passing of the resolution," heretofore alluded to, which came very near to limiting the work of the Society to work among the Indians. Fortunately, how- ever, it did not. In response to the favorable recommendation of the Crown and the direct appeal of the Sachems, the S. P. G. undertook the " Ibid. " Ibid., A, 3, p. 168. Italics not in the original. " Indeed the Society tried to engage the serTices of two Dutch ministers, Rev. Mr. Lydius and Rev. Mr. Dellius, who had done praiseworthy work among the Five Nations. S. P. G. Journal, I., Jime 18, Aug. 20, Oct. 15 1703; Mar. 17, 1704, Jan. 18, 1706; Godfrey Dellius to Bishop of London, Oct. 11, 1703, Fulham Archives. " Report in S. P. G. Abstract 1706, p. 52. n See p. 31. The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 209 obligation of supplying the Mohawks with a special missionary. This was Rev. William Andrews, who began his labors in 1712 at the Mohawks Castle at Onondage.'" The "Castle" was only a short distance west of Schenectady and at the beginning of Mohawk Valley. Coincident with his coming, the French busied themselves to offset any possible influence that Mr. Andrews might build up. A story was started to the effect that instructions had been found, driven ashore from the English fleet in the "Canada river," in which plans were laid for the de- struction of all Indians.*' And the traders, who feared an inter- ruptions of their gains, had it that Andrews was coming to claim a tenth of the Indians' possessions.''' In the begiiming, therefore, Andrews found it necessary to disabuse their minds of these fears, and he seems to have done it fairly weU, being received with more than usual enthusiasm by the Mohawks and Oneidas." Mr. Andrews was to serve in the double role of minister and schoolmaster. He discovered that the Indians refused to have their children instructed in any but their own language.^ With the Indian language as the sole medium of speech, Andrews was required to have two interpreters — one to translate into Dutch, and, since that one did not know sufficient English, another to serve between the interpreter and himself. He employed for the second interpreter Mr. John Oliver, former Clerk of the Albany Church, and piut him, as assistant, in charge of the school." The cxmibersomeness of this triangular method may be easily realized. It involved a heavy expense and was a burden which the Society put up with in a truly commendable manner. Andrew's salary allowance was £150 a year,'° the interpreter was allowed £60, and the assistant £20 and afterwards £30 per annum." In 1716 a representation was sent to the King "S. p. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 252. This person was not the Rev. William Andrews who was later at Schenectady. •1 IMd., A, 7, p. 214. " IMd., A, 8, p. 143. "Though, as Governor Hunter said, "wfiat was done by the Indians own de- sire & by their own request" they were so given to vacillating that he was not cer- tain of the possible attitude which Andrews might meet. But he hoped they would "be wiser than to contradict" their interests and desires. Ibid., A, 8, p. 252. "Because the Indians believed, said Andrews, that "those who speak English & Dutch are the worst, because they learn the evils of the traders & soldiers. " Ibid., A, 8, p. 182. « Dec. 17, 1712, Ibid., A, 8, p. 125. " From the time of his assumption of duties. From the date of his appointment till then he was allowed at the rate of £80 per annum. Ibid., A, 7. p. 102. " Ibid., A, 8, p. 329; Journal, II, p. 361; III, p. 127. 210 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York setting forth the unusual expense of the work and asking that it be put upon a government foundation.^ The proposal was not adopted, possibly for political reasons, and the Society retained the responsibility. In 1713 Mr. Andrews made the first report of the school in which he said: "The Indians have built a school 30 ft. long & 20 ft. broad, & 40 boys & girls come to it, & they expect many more, for there are a great many children — some of 16 & 18 years come — Mr. Oliver the Interpreter assistant is willing to undertake the school & serve the Interpreter for £30 p. a. he writes well, & knows the ways of the Indians."*" The work of schoolmaster was impossible for Andrews himself to perform, he declared, because he had so much else to do, but he would see that it was well done and was sure the Society could not more usefully employ a schoolmaster than there.°° In less than a year from this time he reported that the school did not succeed as well as he expected when he began, that after three or four months most of them grew weary and their overfond parents did not oblige them to learn against their inclinations. But he hoped that when they saw the progress of the constant scholars, "some of whom begin to read their language & write, " they would be more steady in attendance. Furthermore he was teaching three or four of them English, and had taken two of them into his own house." His next report informs the Society that about twenty children are fairly regular at school, some of whom read fairly well, the best scholar being a yoimg man, who is too lame to hunt with the others. The chief expedient to keep them regular in attendance, he finds, is to feed them, especially asthey fare very poorly in summer, having little else but wild roots, dried fish, and a little corn.'^ In 1716 only five or six children were in attendance and even these were irregular. As a reason for this Andrews charged the traders with decrying learning, which would take the Indians from hunting and do them no good, and with saying that, if they went to school, the Society ought to maintain them. "Whatever Andrews' success," wrote Governor Hunter, "he spares no pains," but, to convert the 8» May 3, 1716, ibid.. A, 11, p. 34. This is the copy of the representation. 8» Sept. 7, 1713, iUd., A, 8, p. 182. »o Andrews to Col. Nicholson, Dec. 1, 1713, iUd., B, 1, p. 158. " Andrews to Society, May 25, 1714, ibid.. A, 9, 18 fol. p. 97. "July 12, 1715, ibid.. A, 10, p. 185. The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 211 Indians to civilized life, "there ought to be schools erected among them to teach the yoimger ones our language & religion."'* Again Andrews reported towards the end of 1716: "Not more than 8 or 9 come to School."'^ Even the promise he made, "tO' write for blankets & shirts for those who attended school con- stantly," proved to be of little use in making them come." In fact, the Society had in 1713 acted on the advice of Mr. Andrews and dispatched £5 worth of trinkets as an encouragement to in- duce attendance. The invoice of this curiotis consignment is subjoined: "Invoice of Simdrys shipt on Board the Drake John Tucker Mr. for New York on the proper account and Risque of the HonWe and Revd the Society for propagation of the Gospel in foreigne parts and goes consigned to the Revd Mr. Wm. Andrews Missionary at the Mohawks Castle Vizt. A Box and Cord 1 It. N. 1.2 Bundles bla & Green beads 4 6 2.2 Bundles last Cristal & Amber & Amber Colars at 3s. 6d. 7 3.4 Bunches of Small Red at 8 2 8 4.4 Do Larger 10 3 4 5.4 Do Larger 14 4 8 6.6 Doz. Sortd 6 7.2 Doz. Large Do at 22 3 8 8.2 Doz. bone haft knives & some fork 14 2 4 9.2 Doz. Boyes knives 18 3 10.4 Doz. Rooh Belly'd Do 12 4 11.2 Doz. pr painted haft Do 12.2 Doz. Spring knives 3 8 7 4 2 4 13.1 Doz. Do Large 2 6 14 . 1 Doz. Small looking glasses in frames 3 15.2 Doz. Do Large 3 6 7 16.3 Doz. 8 Sqr Leather Guilt Do at 6 18 17.2 Doz. pictures in Guilt frames 18 3 18 . 2 Doz. Small Stone Rings 6 1 19 .2 Doz. Large Do 3 Stones 12 2 20 . 2 Doz. Do Coloured Stones 14 2 4 21 . 4 Doz. Bath Mettle Rings 18 6 22.3 Cords Coulored Sleeve Buttons 6 1 6 23.3 Do with stones 8 2 Custo ffees & all charges on board Siafi prind on Bills of Ladeing Commission at 2J^ per cent. Except Errors p Rowld Tryon.* 5: 1 10 6 6 5: 13: 10 2 8 5: 16: 6 « Oct. 2, 1716, iWd., A, 12, p. 238. " Oct. 11, 1716, ibid.. A, 12, p. 239. •' Ibid., Journal, III, p. 291. " Feb. 1, 1713, ibid.. A, 8, p. 306. 212 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York At the begimung of Andrew's labors the Society took steps to meet the great need of books in the Indian language and for this the translations offered by Mr. Freeman and others made by Andrew's interpreter were made use of. The manuscripts for a series of books were submitted to the Society in 1713 by Andrews." Of the first 180 or 200 were desired, and as many Indian hornbooks. With these he asked that there be sent "2 or 3 dozen of English Hornbooks, & as many primers, 2 or 3 reams of writing paper ... 6 doz. Inkhorns, & 6 doz. pen- knives. "'« The Society ordered the prayer books printed in New York, but decided that the hornbook, "to show respect to the Indians," should be printed in England." From the So- ciety's annual report for 1714-1715 we learn that "They have paid likewise an impression of Hornbooks in the Indian language and sent with them several dozen of Gilt Primers, Leathern Ink- horns, Pen Knives, Paper of several sorts, etc. as proper and en- gaging instruments for them to work with in the School, and have returned a manuscript Copy of Prayers for their Use, to be printed in the Indian Language also, at New York, where the Exemplars are likely to be more perfect than if worked off in Europe.""" The accoimt of the series of books prepared in New York certified to by Governor Hxmter was forwarded to the Society in 1715, and duly allowed. It is as follows:'" July 1 The Rev. Mr. Wm. Andrews 1715 To printing 18 sheets of the Common Prayer &C. in ye Mohawk Indian Language at 35s p. sheet To 10 Rheam of Paper at 16s To 1 Rheam of Paper at 25s To paper printing and making up 150 spelling books To making up 150 Indian Catechisms To binding 150 Indian Common Prayers at 12"' Sept. 20, 1717, S. P. G. Journal, III, p. 291. '»' S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 12, pp. 310, 325, 327, 337. "'Nov. 4, 1718, ibid., A. 13, p. 356; Journal, IV, p. 27. "8 S. P. G. Journal. IV, pp. 27, 78. 214 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York in their own Language: more than they will ever make use of, if as the Interpreter tells me they will soon forget all again, that they have learn'd, as he says those did which Mr. Freeman a Dutch Minister formerly Taught to read, and indeed I perceive already that it is Uke to be so, for they take not delight in their Books and learn'd only for the sake of what was given them for their Encouragement, the rest of the printed books in ther lang- uage which are twelve dozen and three or four more, and allsoe the venerable Society's Books which I brought out of England both which I have left with Mr. Jenney Chaplain to the Gar- rison at New York, his Receipt of them is here Inclosed.""" Disappointment over the failure of Mr. Andrews' venture did not deter the Society from further effort to civilize the Six Na- tions. When Rev. John Miln assumed charge of the mission at Albany,"" he undertook to care for the Indians, receiving there- fore an additional salary of £10 a year from the Society. "^ In 1735 Hemy Barclay, son of the former missionary, was especi- ally commissioned as a catechist or schoolmaster, as is seen in the accompanying quotacion from the S. P. G. proceedings: "Also a letter from Mr. Vesey & others of Clergy of N. York, N. Jersey & Connecticut, Nov. 20 1734, seating that by a letter from Mr. Mihi sent them by Mr. Vesey they are infoimed of ihe inchnation of the Mohawks to receive the Gospel, & that the present Interpreter at Fort Hunter is not qualified for this work. Also that young Mr. Barclay has spent 4 years & taken his de- gree at Newhaven College, but not being yet of age for priest orders would willingly be employed as catechist or schoolmaster among them, learn their language, & be thus able more effectu- ally to instruct them. Soc. heartily agree that this is a good work among Indians not only for propagating the Gospel among them, but also to secure them to the English interest & make a strong frontier barrier — ^Agreed to allow Barclay £20 as Catechist or Schoolmaster among Mohawks for one year from Michaelmas & the end of which Soc. will expect an account of his progress. ""« Mr. Barclay's reports show the encouiagement with which he »» July 2, 1719, S. p. G. Letter-book, A, 13, p. 465. 110 1728-1736, Classffled Digest, op. cit., p. 855. "1 S. P. G. Joximal, V, p. 294. 1" April 18, 1735, ibid., VI, p. 233. The interpreter was a man under encourage- ment from the Assembly, which allowed £30 per annimi for his work. JWd., Ill, p. :^96. For letter of Mr. Miln to Mr. Vesey, see Letter-book, A, 25, p. 42. The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 215 entered upon this work. From his letter of August 31, 1736, the Secretary has noted the following: "From Henry Barclay to Sec. Fort Hunter, N. York, enclosing a ceitificate from the Commissioners fo': the Management of Indian Affairs for New York province (in the absence of Mr. Miln) for his diligence & success in the Instruction of the Mohawk Indians. He has re- sided above 18 months among the Indians & has met with good success. He has made himself master of their pronounciation & performs divine services every Sunday which they constantly & devoutly attend, & understand him very well. He daily teaches above 40 young men and children to read & write in their own tongue, & most of them |make great progress. . . . he finds the language very difficult without an interpreter, & if suitable encouragement were offered the interpreter employed by Mr. An S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 23, p. 412. >" Oct. 28, 1763, S. P. G. Journal, XVI, p. 6. "' Ibid, XVI, pp. 149, 330. 222 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York "Childs Christian Education & 12 small common prayer books"" was also made.'" Mr. Bennet's first report was forwarded in March, 1764. It was set forth the following facts: ". . . A letter is enclosed from Mr. Beimet, Catechist to the Mohawks, that he has begun instructing the Indians, & has a fine company of lively pretty child en, boys & girls, who, though ignorant of learning at their first coming, are very ingenious & orderly — They hear prayers morning & evening, learn to read EngUsh, are catechised in the Mohawk tongue, are taught obedience to their parents, the ob- servation of the Lord's day, respect to their superiors, & a courteous civil behaviour. This is the only English School ever known here, & by a divine blessing may in some measure soothe & mollify their wild fierce tempers. The parents are so well pleased with their children's improvement that they send them for instruction from Indian town 30 miles up the river, & it greatly concilates their minds towards the English. As there is no Doctor near, Mr. Bermet visits the poor Indians, when they are sick & infirm. "'^^ In November, 1764, the schoolmaster retximed to New England'^" for reasons explained in the ac- companying letter, which was the second and last report of his work among the Mohawks: "After some Gentlemen in Boston had Subscribed towards my Support as a Catechist, and a School- master among the Mohawks for a Year; and the Commissioners had made a Grant to me of Twenty Pounds New England Cur- rency for the same time; as soon as I could prepare my Self I set out on my journey and arriving at Sir WiUiam Johnson Seat was kindly received by him. And the Indians being informed of my design met me there. When the reason of my coming among them, being minutely examined after their way, was well ap- proved, Then Lodgings and a School was provided for me & Boys & Girls Sent to me and Sometime young men and yoimg women as their Hunting and other Business allowed, where I have diligently instructed them in Reading, Writing, and the Church Catechism, in the English Tongue and Civihzing their ways and Maimers. They seem forward and willing to be taught 1" IMd., p. 149. 1" Abstract of B 2, 1764, ibid., X^ "»S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 22, p. 71. 1" Abstract of Bennet's letter inclosed with one from Eev. Mr. Apthorp, March 12, 1764, ibid., XVI., p. 148. The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 223 and passively obedient in School, their parents use me kindly and Sir William Johnson well approves of the Scheme. The season of Hunting began in October and will continue till Jan- uary and almost the whole Tribe are gone out with their Familys and the Small pox being likely to Spread among the remaining Indians and Dutch people there: hath induced me to return to New England for sometime where I shall endeavour to do what Service I am able among the Narraganset Indians or elsewhere until I can safely return to the Mohawks again who have mani- fested a desire for it and also to have a Missionary in their Tribe and I humbly beg leave to offer it as my opinion that if they had one who would kindly and tenderly use them and diligently and affectionately Instruct them in our holy Faith and Charity, they would forsake their evil practices and be an Example for t^ie other Tribes to follow. I am Learning their Language and Com- posing a Vocabulary & Nomenclature which if effected will be Serviceable to the Six Nations."^" Regarding Bennet's ef- ficiency, it was reported that Sir William Johnson was extremely well pleased. The Indians, too, liked him and were desirous for his return, but after a long illness he died early in 1766."'' By 1765 the Society seemed inclined to rely, for the future, upon such service as the missionary at Albany could render among the Mohawks.'" But through the earnest representa- tions of Sir William Johnson and certain missionaries in both New York and Peimsylvania, renewed activity was soon set on foot. Indeed this was partly due to another cause. The New England Society, which had, since 1748, given some attention to tribes on the Mohawk river, became unusually active after the war. The leader in this movement was Rev. Dr. Wheelock, who introduced a number of missionaries and schoolmasters, in the hope of reclaiming the Indians.'" Headquarters were es- tablished at Lebanon, Connecticut, where a school was erected.'" From this place Wheelock sent his agents into the west to in- struct the Indians and to serve as feeders to the Lebanon school. The following information regarding the Wheelock plan was given the Society: "A Society of Gentlemen in N. England have "1 Ibid., B, 22, p. 72. The letter is undated. "«Feb. 25, 1766, ibid., B, 22, p. 73. '" S. P. G. Journal, XVI, p. 330. >" Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, pp. 505-6. '" See correspondence between Wheelock and Sir William. lUd., pp. 314 ff. 224 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York set up an Indian School under the direction of Mr. Wheelock, a dissenting preacher — Young probationers are sent from their Colleges into the woods, where they stay till they have prevailed upon the Indians to send some of their children to this school with whom they return, & then others are sent. Mr. Barton saw one of these Missionaries at Sir W. Johnson's returning from the Indian country with 5 or 6 Indian Boys, which appears to be the most plausible method to civilize these rude & barbarous crea- tures, & to prepare them for the reception of knowledge & re- ligion, & is highly worthy of imitation."^" The scheme at once appealed to the Society's interest, and word was sent that every plan for the instruction of Indians was highly approved and every opportunity would be taken to promote it. In the mean- time the Society desired to have pointed out what particular method coiild best be pursued. A plan was accordingly sub- mitted by a Pennsylvania missionary, the outline of which is shown in the abstract following: From Rev. Mr. Barton, Lancaster, Pensyl. In answer to See's letter of May 26, he proposes 3 schools for Indians, each consisting of at least 10 boys. The first school to be set up in the Mohawk River & to be incorporated withtheFreeSchool, which Sir W.Johnson intends to erect & endow near Johnson Hall, for the use of his tenants, & the master to be subject to Sir Wm's direction. The second to be at Fort Pitt, under the protection of the Commanding officer there for the time being, subject to such rules as the Soc. may think conducive to the prosperity of it. The third to be placed in the back parts of S. Carolina, under the care of the superin- tendent of Indian affairs for the Southern district. These 3 schools, suppos- ing them to consist in all of 30 boys will not exceed the following expence. £ To dieting & lodging each boy £7-0-0, 30 boys 210 To clothing Do 2-0-0 60 To books & paper for Do 1-0-0 30 To the Master of each School 50-0-0 150 In all for 3 schools 450 He would willingly hope this heavy expence will not fall entirely upon Soc. The civiUzing & instructing the Indians ought to be a public concern, as it will be a public benefit. For till the fierce & cruel tempers of these poor barbarians are softened, & subdued by knowledge his Majesty's American subjects can never expect a lasting peace with them. Nothing but extending the light of Knowledge to them will ever conciliate them to us, or secure effectually the Frontier Settlements from their blood-thirsty designs — Euro- pean missionaries residing in their country can expect to do but little service atnong them when Missionaries from amongst the Indians themselves, by being accustomed to their modes & manner of living, by being able to attend them in their long excursions, & to instruct them in their own language, may IS! From Rev. Mr. Barton, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Society, S. P. G. Journal XVII., pp. 77-8. The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 225 do a great deal. Such missionaries would in a little time persuade their wandering tribes to incorporate with civil Society, & to settle to village and the cultivation of their lands — Could they once be brought to this, every diflS- culty , that no w lies in the way of their instruction & conversion from a wretched & destructive idolatry to the religion of Jesus Christ, would soon vanish. And there appears to him no scheme more Ukely to accomplish this most desirable end, than that of erecting Indians Schools, which would soon supply the Society with proper persons to carry the glad tidings of Salvation to the deluded Heathen. The difficulty of finding Masters, who understand the Indian language, & are men of prudence & good morals. He hopes Sir W. Johnson will be able to remove."' The proposal was approved, to the extent of one school as a be- ginning. The Society by resolution, "Agreed that an Indian School for 10 Indian boys be estabUshed on the Mohawk River under the direction of Sir W. Johnson & that the Soc. will con- tribute towards the expence of the said School, what Sir Wm. «hall find necessary not exceeding the sum of £150 p. a. & that Sr. Wm. be desired to provide a proper Schoolmr."i'8 The plan of Sir William Johnson was forwarded to the Society about this time, and was adopted in preference to the Wheelock scheme of segregation in boarding schools, which Mr. Barton advocated. Sir William wrote as follows: "Mr. Wheelock's plan seems a laudable one, but give me leave to remark that many of these Schemes which had their birth in N. England have soon ap- peared Calculated with a View to forming Settlements so ob- noxious to the Indians who have repeatedly declared their aver- sion to those who acted on such interested principles. All the good lands in N. England being thick Settled they are extremely desirous of Migrating and have created much disturbance by attempting it. Another objection is, that those brought up vmder the care of Dissentiag Ministers become a gloomy race, and lose all their abilities for hunting &c. spending their time in idleness and hanging upon the Inhabitants for a wretched sub- sistence, having lost those qualities which rendered them usefuU to us, without acquiring any others in their place worthy the name of Christians, to which indeed they have little or no pre- tensions, all which discountenance Religion with the rest of the Indians. I have just heard from the Revd Mr. Auchmuty of N. York on the Subject of the Society's intentions, and I am on that head of opinion that a Mission established at the lower Mohawks, with proper help would draw the Oneidas and others 1" Nov. 10. 1766, ibid., XVII, p. 281f. »•• Ibid., p. 287. 226 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York thither for Learning, . . . but constant residence and an exemplary hfe must be expected from him to insure success. This Mission might indeed be established at the Upper Mohawks or Conajohare, but what is still an object of more importance is the Conversion of the Senecas who exceed 1000 men, & their Neighbours are much more numerous to the Westward who would follow their example. To this end a Mission, or schools should be established under some good Divine about Oneida or Onondaga to either of which the Senecas &c. might conveniently come; this Divine to be assisted by a good Catechist and as there are some Mohawk Lads who are in some Measure qualified to act as Ushers their presence would encourage the rest, to resort, thither so that in a short time some would be qualified to take Orders & return with Abilities & natviral interest to promote the 'aith amongst the rest. This is a rough Sketch on which I shall enlarge at some other time, and with a View farther to promote it.""' With prompt concurrence the Society resolved to provide missionaries and assistants.'^" Difficulty arose, however, in procuring suitable persons who were willing to undertake the- work at the remote localities. Especially was this true of missionaries."' But in 1770 Rev. John Stuart, a native of Penn- sylvania and graduate of the College of Philadelphia, was or- dained and commissioned solely to the Mohawk Indians. Here he ministered to the neighboring tribes until in 1778 he became a prisoner of war."^ The selection of the schoolmaster was put. in the hands of Sir William Johnson with the power to fix a- salary not exceeding £25 or £30."' The satisfaction that thia co-operation gave Sir William is observed in the following: "I "» Oct. 8, 1766, S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 86. Writing somewhat later Sir William again declared that the primary thing to be done for the Indians was, to- quote his own words: "to establish on some regular system proper Missionaries & Schools in most of their Towns which is the only eflectual means of Converting & Beducing them to Order. A few straggling Missions or Schools out of their Covmtry will never answer the end proposed the more distant Indians being extremely averse- to sending their Children abroad for Instruction, and if they did, tliey are too apt to relapse afterwards, of which I have seen examples amongst the best of them suf- ficient to Justify my opinion. " Apr. 26, 1770, ibid., B, 2, p. 92. This observation of Sir Wmiam has been justified time and again in the experience of Indian schools generally. "» S. P. G. Journal, XVII, p. 225. i!i"The dlficulty of procuring able and Conscientious Missionaries for the In- dians, I fear will be very great. I will try what I can do here, and hope you will do the same." Bector of Trinity to Sec, May 1, 1767, S. P. G. Letter-boolr. B 2 p. 23. i« Classified Digest, op. cit., pp. 73, 856; Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV, pp. 428, 507. "' S. P. G. Journal, XVIII, p. 90, Jan. 20, 1769. The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 227 have still the Honour of Corresponding with Sir William John- son upon the Subject of Indian Schools, No Man can be warmer in the Interest of the Church than this most worthy Gentleman. It seems to be his constant wish to see the Plan of Indian Schools properly carried into Execution."i'^ In March 1769 Mr. Cohn McLeland was put in charge of a school at the lower town by the Commissioner, who thus in- formed the Society: "I have fixed a Worthy, honest Man as a Schoolmaster at the Mohawks who tho' there only since the 24th of March has already 30 Indian Children under his Tuition, who improve very fast, and their Numbers will be shortly augmented. . . . The Name of . . the School Master is Colin McLe- land."^" Sir William's information concerning the enrolment was based on the list of children forwarded to him by McLeland at the end of August, 1769. According to it the school opened in April, and soon after was being attended by the Indians whose names are herewith given: Mohawk School at Fort Hunter. Begun to open School April ye 17th, 1769. Aug* 28th 1769 A list of The Indians Children belonging to the Free School at Fort Hunter near the Mohawk River in the County of Albany and Province of New York with their Tribes. Bear Tribe David, David, Abraham, John, Jacob, Peter, Joseph, Adam, Brant, Kreenas, Johannes, Peter, NeUithe, NeUithe (Females) 15 Wolf Tribe Thomas, Paul, Jacob, John, Daniel, Catherine, Sus- anna, Catherine (Females) 8 Turtle Tribe Isaac, Joseph, Daniel, Jacob, Thomas, Christianna, Catherine. (Females) 7 Total - --. 30 Pr Colin Mc(Leland) Schoolmaster Sr Accordinging to your Direction I have sent your Honour this List.'*^ »" Rev. Mr. Barton to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 21, p. 18. i« Dec. 10, 1769, ibid., B, 2, p. 90. It may be pointed out that the Johnstown school admitted Indians as well and may therefore be thought of as a part of thi» work. It is further stated in the Abstracts for 1769-70 that "The Society has given encouragement to Mr. Hall, a graduate in the college at Philadelphia, to go to Conajohare, there to learn the Indian language, that he may.be quaUfled to be Catechist and schoolmaster in that place, tiU such time as he shall be able to coma over for Holy Orders. " Mr. Hall was recommended to the Society May 26, 1770, (ibid., B, 21, p. 266) and he was accordingly voted " £40 a year for his support in going among the Indians" (Aug. 17, 1770, Journal XVII, p. 396). But a letter of Jime 20, 1771, says that Mr. Hall seems to decline his appointment at Conajohare (Letter-book, B, 21, p. 24.). On the other hand the Indians of that upper town complained that they were given no school and were thus neglected. To prevent this Sir WiUiam at his own expense, maintained a schoolmaster for them from 1772 until his death, 1774 (ibid., B, 2, p. 94.). Sir. William's schoolmaster may have been the Indian, PhiUp Jonathan (Doc. Hist, of N. Y., IV., p. 339). i«« Doc. Hist, of N. y., IV, p. 417. The Bear tribe shows fourteen and not fif- teen names. 228 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York From the missionary at Albany we have a report of the school in 1770. It says: "Two Days following, on my return to Al- bany I waited on the Sachems of the Lower Castle, & visited the Indian School, which I can assure the Society is in a very prom- ising way. The Schoolmaster is universally beloved by the Indians, & their Children are making considerable Proficiency imder his care, both in Reading & Writing.""' The final report of the school and the only available report from McLeland him- self is one which he forwarded to the Society in 1775. It is pos- sible that he did not make regular reports to the S. P. G. directly, as the following would seem to indicate: "During the life of the late worthy Sir William Johnson, I gave in yearly to him an account of the Number of SchoUars and their Proficiency and he took my Draughts on the Society, for which he gave me Cash. Since his Decease I have continued My Attendance on the School as usual, and as I have had no particular Instructions from the Society to make my Returns to any other Person; I have pre- sumed to write to that Venerable Body. The State of the School is as follows, I have Twenty four SchoUars four of which Read in the Bible and the rest are in their Spelling Books and learn very fast. I attend school from Eight o'Clock till twelve, and from One till five in the afternoon. I live in Harmony with the Indians as I imderstand their language. "•^' Mr. McLeland re- mained at his post for some years after this, but the nature of his school is not known. With the serious struggles that the Mohawk coimtry witnessed during the Revolution, the loss of Sir WilUam's encouragement, and the subsequent fiight of the missionary, little could have been hoped for in the way of educa- tion. The Society continued, however, to honor McLeland's bills until 1782."' Though no record of the fact has been found,"" suitable Enghsh books were doubtless transmitted from London. Sir WiUiam Johnson about 1769 provided a second and enlarged edition of the earlier Indian prayer-book. This edition was '" Eev. Harry Mimro to Sec, Sept. 25, 1770, ibid., B, 3, p. 271. "» Apr. 20, 1775, ibid., B, 3, p. 342. m" Ordered McLeland's bills be paid to 1782 only." March 21, 1783, SPG Journal, XXIII, p. 171. ' ' ' 170 With this exception: In reply to Mr. Johnson's letter of 1773 announcing the want of proper books, the Society agreed to send primers and psalters when he should indicate what sort were most wanted. Ibid., XX, p. 83. The Society's Support of Schools in the Upper Province 229 printed by Mr. Hugh Gaine at his New York Press."* In the Society's abstracts for 1774-75, we find one other reference to books, as follows: "The Indians frequently complain of the want of books in their own language. In order to supply this want Mr. Stuart was encoiu:aged by the late Sir William Johnson to imdertake a translation of a part of the New Testament, which Sir William promised to print at his own expense, and with the assistance of an Indian who imderstands English, Mr. Stuart hath prepared a Mohawk translation of St. Mark's Gospel, a large and plain exposition of the Church Catechism, and a com- pendious History of the Bible. But now having lost the gen- erous encourager of this and every good work he applies to the Society for their assistance and will not fail of obtaining it, when they are assured of the fidelity of the translation. " What has been given herewith, covers the actual achievement of the Society among the New York Indians. It seems advis- able to the writer to add to this some evidence of a comprehen- sive and far-reaching policy for the civilizing of the Indians which the Society, its agents, and its friends attempted to have supported by the government and people of Great Britain. This will occasion a reference back to the proposal made by Sir Wil- liam Johnson, the King's Indian Commissioner, and its adop- tion by the Society. That such a scheme could not be carried to completion by the Society single-handed was well reaUzed in England as in America. When the Society had taken the first steps in this plan. Rev. Charles IngUs, the assistant rector of Trinity Church, wrote the Society, as follows: "After the Appointment of Mr. Stuart with so large a Salary from the So- ciety tho' not larger than necessary & of a Schoolmaster, . . . I concluded the Society would not, from the low state of their Fimds, have it in their Power to do any more towards erecting new Indian Missions. In this opinion I am confirmed by yovu- last Letter. We must therefore tm-n our Eyes to Government for what may be done fvu-ther.""'' Somewhat before this Sir WilUam Johnson expressed a similar view, to wit: "Two or Three People from New England have collected Ten or Twelve Thousand Povmds Sterling for Mr. Wheelock's Schools and the Government has allowed a Bishop to the Canadians, and as I '"Classlfled Digest, op. cit., p. 800. 171 March 8, 1771, S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 66. 230 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York hear established a French Missionary lately in Nova Scotia at £100 stg. pr. Annum, I can therefore hardly think from these Instances in favour of other Persuasions that a proper applica- tion to his Majesty for his Royal Patronage & assistance in favour of a Plan of such great and extensive Utility could fail of success, and I should likewise think that thro' the Interest of his Grace, of Canterbury, the Bishop & the Society, this might not only be effected, but a handsome Sum collected in England, for these truly laudable purposes.""' Measures were immediately taken by these gentlemen and other friends of the movement to memorialize the government of England in behalf of all the nations of the Iroquois. During its preparation the advice and co-operation of the S. P. G. was sought by means of the following letter: "One princpal Reason for my going to Sir William Johnson's where the Mohawks requested Dr. Cooper & me to write to the Society in their Favour, was to converse with Sir William about the State of the Indians. " . . . . "Dr. Wheelock collected large sums in England for his School some thou- •sands of Pounds by his own Confession. Can it be supposed that well-dis- posed People would be less liberal to this Scheme, when under the Direction of so respectable a Body as the Society, & attended with so many promising Circumstances? Especially if proper Measures be taken to lay them before the Public, & to collect Money. I humbly conceive that some vigorous «iIort of this Sort is necessary to draw the attention of People. A single Mission in the old, beaten Way makes no noise. Few regard it. But an •extensive Plan, with the Society at its head, supported by Sir William John- son's Influence here, & attended with the greatest Probability of Success; would not fail I imagine, to command Notice & awake the slimabering Charity of many Christians. Many just objections be against Dr. Wheelock's Scheme. It is too contracted, injudiciously formed, & inadequate to the Design of Christianizing the Indians, to say no worse Yet it serves the Ends of the Dis- senters well enough, to make Bustle & wiU gain Credit, If no better Scheme is set on foot. I request that you, Good Sir, would be pleased to consult the Society & let me know their Sentiments of this Affair. My intention is to represent the State, Number, Situation, & some other Circumstances of the several Tribes of Indians, bordering on this Government; to propose the Plan laid down by Sir WiUiam Johnson for the Conversion of the Indians, which ap- pears the most rational & judicious I have yet seen, & obviate the objections that may be made to it; to remove some popular Errors that have been propa- gated by Dissenters of late with Regard to the first Emigrants to America, as If they had been all Dissenters who fled from Episcopal persecution; ... & to place in as strong a Light as I can the several Circumstances which now concur to insure success to such an attempt at converting the Savages. This is, in a few words, the Plan I have in View. If the Society approve it, I shall proceed & after Sir WiUiam Johnson has inspected my Papers, which he has promised to do carefully & give all the Assistance he can to cor- rect them, I shall send them to the Society for their Perusal, & to do with them whatever they think proper Should the Society disapprove the design, & judge its unpracticable I shall desist.""* 1" Apr. 26, 1770, ihid., B, 2, p. 92. " could not accept, not having been ordained. Ibid. Ill feeling between the two men existed for many years. And Neau charged Vesey with veiled antagonism to- the school. Ibid., A, 4, p. 68; Journal, II, p. 243. "Ibid., I., p. 167; Letter-book, A, 2, p. 1. u Neau to Sec, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 19, Aug. 29, 1704. " S. P. G. Journal, I, p. 108. " Ibid., I, p. 194; Letter-book, A, 4, p. 68, May 18, 1705. i« From Mss. Deeds in the ofllce of the Sec of State, X, p. 27 — quoted by Prattl^ op. cit., p. 91. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 237 The Bishop's license enpowered him to act as "Schoolmaster & Catechist of the Negroes & Indians in New York."" In order to devote his entire time to the work, Mr. Neau gave up active management of his business, and left the French Church, where he had been an Elder, to conform fully to the Chiu-ch of England.is Speaking of the qualifications of the <;atechist. Rev. John Sharpe, chaplain of the Fort, declared him "the best qualified for it of any could be found."" His un- wearied activity and earnestness of purpose are so thoroughly indicated in his letters to the Society, and so well attested by others, that it is doubtful if the Society ever engaged a more devoted agent in all its colonial work. Said Mr. Sharpe: "He is a person of great humility which is the foundation of all virtue. He can condescend familiarity to discurse with those poor slaves who are put to the vilest drudgeries & consequently esteemed the scum and offscouring of Men. . . . He is a person of great ^eal for this pious Work; It was this which prompted him at first to the Undertaking upon the base allowance of £50 pr Ann. when in the way of trade being a Merchant and in Considerable business he could have cleared three times that sum yearly. Yet he willingly divested himseK of this secular affair that he might better attend on this. ... He has taken great pains in collecting out of such as have wrote on the Church Catechism and digesting into form the Historical part of the Scriptures for the use of his Catechumens. . . . No doubt his being a confessor in the Gallies and prisons for the faith he laboiu's to instruct them in gives him great advantage. . . . Lastly, his Resolution and perseverance in the work has been truly wonderful, they see him hated, ridiculed and even spitefully used by his Christian Brethren for this Work's sake. . . . They find him constantly attend his stated horn's of Instruction be there many or few that come to hear him. . . . They see him creeping into Garrets, Cellars and other nauseous places to exhort and pray by the poor slaves when they are sick; and . . . that his house is full of hospitality and good works."'" " S. p. G. Journal, I, pp. l62, 194. M 8. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 21 ; A, 3, p. 80. » Lambeth Archives, 841 fol. 18. •0 From a paper proposing, "A Publick School," "A Publick Library" and "A ■Oatechlsing Ohappel" in the city of New York, by Eev. Mr. Sharpe, March 11, 1712-13. Lambeth Archives, 841, fol. 18 ft. In 1705 Mr. Neau reported to the Society in the following words: "Mr. Vesey himself read a Note . . . in the Church in Form of an Exhortation to the masters and Mistresses to take care to send me their Slaves every Wednesday Friday and Sxmday at Five o'clock in ye Evening, to the end that I may teach them ye Principles of our Holy Religion, they send me to the Number of Thirty as you will see by the List of ye Catechisms that I have distributed among them, the which I send here in- closed. These People come in such great Numbers, Simdayonly: Wednesdays and Fridays there comes but Eight or Ten sometimes more & sometimes less."" In the list, which is shown herewith,, we may see to what a preponderant extent the school catered to the Negroes. The names of the Masters & Mistresses that have sent me their Blacks to- Catechise and to whom I have given Catechisms & other good Books as follows. My Lord Cornbury 1 Mulatress I gave her 2 Catechisms & 2 other Books Mr Vesey 2 Negroesses 2DO 2.2 Letters Mr. Wm. Leaths 2 Negress's 1 Indian 3 Do 3.3 Do Mr. Rbr Wandil 1 Negress 1 Ditto IDo Mrs. Widow Keep 1 Negress 1 Ditto 1.1 Do Cap* Trevet 1 Negress 1 Ditto 1.1 Do Mr. Stanton 1 Negress 1 Ditto 1.1 Ditto Mr. Joseph Smith 1 Negress 1 Ditto 1.1 Ditto Mr. Dudols 1 Negress 1 Negro 2 Catechisms 2.2 Letters- Mr. Crook 1 Negress 1 Negro 2 Do 2.2 Do Mr. Skenlour 1 Negro 1 Ditto 1.1 Do Mr. Mool 1 Negro 1 Dirto 1.1 Do Mr. Daniel Cromelin 1 Negress 1 Ditto 1.1 Do Mr. Wilson Sheriff 1 Negro 1 Ditto 1.1 Do Mrs. Jourdain 1 Negress 1 Ditto 1.1 D» Mr. Francorier 1 Negress 1 Negro 2 Ditto Mr. DeNeak 1 Negro 1 Ditto Mr. Bm'gins 1 Negro 1 Ditto Mr. George Milan 1 Negro 1 Ditto Mr. Boarn Bown 1 Negro 1 Ditto Mr. Abraham Keep 1 Negress 1 Ditto Mr. Brodfurt 1 Negress 1 Negro 2 Ditto Mr. Vandain 1 Negress 1 Ditto Mr. Morin 1 Negress 1 Ditto Mr. Allaire 1 Negress 1 Ditto Mr. Isaac Nephtaly 1 Negress 1 Ditto Mr. Henry Shephers 1 Negress 1 Ditto Mrs. Blockgross 1 Negress 1 Ditto Mr. Richard Laurins 1 Negress 1 Ditto Col. Depatris 1 Negro 1 Ditto Col. Morice 1 Negro 1 Ditto Mr. Bloom 1 Negress 1 Ditto Mr. Mindar 1 Negress 1 Ditto Mr. John Vincent 1 Negress 1 Ditto Mrs. Van Vosse 2 Negroes 2 Ditto Mrs. Harcomb 1 She Indian2 Indians 2 Ditto Women 28 Men 18 46 Book8.2» « Oct. 3, 1705, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2, p. 124. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 239 One month later Mr. Neau said, in writing : " I had a good Num- ber of Scholars, that made me hope I should be forced to bring them to Church under ye Tower, because my Room could not hold them all, which was what Mr. Vesey and I resolved to do, but instead of ye Numbers increasing it has been much diminisht for ye most that come on Sundays are between 12 & 20 and Wed- nesdays and Fridays 6, 8 or 10."" In fact Neau at first went from house to house to instruct and afterwards gathered them at his own house. Col. Heathcote said of this: "As for my Thoughts of the Society having appointed that good man Mr. Neau as Catechist to ye Negroes & Indians 'tis imdoubtedly a very good work & he is wonderfully industrious in the discharge of his Duty & ye truth is takes more paios than he needs by going from House to House to perform that office & I believe he would find it as affectual to gain ye End & not ye fourth part of yo trouble to himself, to appoint set times in having them together at ye Enghsh Church or at least so many at once may be proper & Catechise & instruct them."'* By 1706 the masters of slaves began to show great fear lest, through the act of Baptism, the slaves should be made free. Neau found it necessary to urge legislation on this subject to prevent a complete withdrawal of his pupils. As a result the Assembly decreed in the fall of 1706, that the legal status of the slave should be in no way altered by his evangehzation.'* The effect of the legislation was seen at once, for in 1707 Neau reported: "I must begin in telling you Sr that last Autiunn I took the Liberty to send you two samples of the Act of Assembly, in favour of the Instruction of Slaves, since that time the nxmiber of my catechumens is mightily augmented, so that I have now above 100 altho' they never come all at a time, I have furnished the second story of my Lodgings with Forms for their use; The Room Sr is 48 foot long and 22 broad, so that in Summer it will hold conveniently 200 Persons and in Winter above 300. what is most inconvenient in this, I am obliged to receive them every night by the Candle because they work all day long, except on Sundays at which time they come after the Second Sermon, » Nov. 15, 1705, ibid.. A, 2, p. 125. " Ibid., A, 2, p. 117. The Church 16 former had to be kept clean for th « Col. Laws of N. Y., I., p. 597; S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 2 p. 167; A, 3, pp.80, 81. " Ibid., A. 2, p. 117. The Church was not used for the work, save the steeple. The former had to be kept clean for the congregation, Mr. Sharpe reported 240 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York altho' in the Winter, that is also by Candlelight, as well as on the other days I have, changed the Method I took in the begin- ning a little, or rather changed nothing, but have added a few- things as Prayers & Singing of Psalms, that encourages both them and me, for I represent to them that God plac'd them in the world only for his Glory and that in praying and singing those divine Praises one doth in part obey his Commands, I observe with pleasure that they strive who shall sing best." . . . "Catechising days are Wednesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays. I would Catechise them much oftener, but their masters desire me not to keep them long; I keep them always two hours in Summer, but longer in Winter."" In the fall of that year the number had increased to 200, "of both Sexes & all ages."" In 1710 Mr. Neau reported that about twenty young people of the town, "apprentices and young Boys and Girls" were com- ing to him daily and had done so for three months; and, there being too many at a time, he found it necessary to appoint two days in a week for the girls." With the exception of the indif- ferent attitude of masters, satisfactory reports continued to be sent until 1712, when an uprising of Negroes in the city almost broke up the school. Bitter prejudices were created by charges that the school had been the main cause of the trouble. Mr. Sharpe thus described these events: The late barbaxous Massacre attempted by the slaves April 1712 gave strength at first to this clamour which had a full run for many days. The School was charged as the cause of the Mischief, the place of Conspiracy and that instruction had made them cunning and insolent. The Catechist and all that were known to favour this design were reproached, and the flagitious viUany was imputed to the Catechiunens yet upon the strictest inquiry and severest tryal, where the bare affirmation of infidel Evi- dence who are not capable of any other tye to veracity was sufficient to fix the guilt, there were not any found Actors or Accomplices in the Conspiracy who had duly attended the Catechetical instruction, but two were accused one of which had been formerly baptised and he dyed protesting his innocence, and was, (but too late for him) pityed and declared guiltless even by the Prose- cutors. The other had made some proficience, but was not admitted to Baptism thro' the reluctancy of his Master whom he had often solicited for it. He was an eminent Merchant and with his son were both murdered in the Streets. This Negro was hung in chains aUve. I went to see him after he had hung five days he declared to me he was innocent of the murder with " July 24, 1707, ibid.. A, 3, p. 128. Neau reported about 1,000 slaves In the town In 1706, ibid.. A, 2, p. 167. " Ibid., A, 3, p. 181. "July 5, 710, ibid.. A, 5, p. 134. In 1711 he "had not so many apprentices as he had but this varies very much according to the pleasure of the youth. " Ibid . A, 6, p. 87. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 241 a seeming concern for his Masters misfortune. He was often delirous by long continuance in that painfiil posture thro' hunger thirst and pain but he then answered directly to what I enquired and called me by my name so that I might conclude he had some intervals of the exercise of his reason. One would believe that such a happy instance as the innocency of the few who frequented the School should take away this prejudice but it still re- mains and was last winter improved by imaginary plotts contrived on pur- pose by some ill men to hinder the good work which was by amusing the people to keep them within in the Evening which is the only time they are at Liberty from their Masters employ to attend on the School. The Devil finds his kingdom of darkness invaded and rages because his time is but short, 'tis no wonder therefore that he stirs up his instruments to oppose it.^ At the time the poor catechist could not venture out of his house, but the Governor and the clergy came to his defense and he was able to resume.^" In 1713 the school continued "in spite of opposition,"" and Mr. Neau requested to be supplied with two hundred A. B. C's with the CH. Catechism" for his catechu- mens." His next letter acknowledged the books. Having dis- tributed these he desired others. It would be very advantageous if he could have the additional books, he declared, "because the children of the Masters who came to School teach their Negroes the Creed & Lord's Prayer by reading sometimes in the English Catechism, which also serves for an A. B. C. and to learn to read."" At the close of 1714 Mr. Neau sent the following curious enrolment of slaves, giving an incomplete list of those instructed by him during his ten years of service. The list does not include the white boys and girls, many of whom were still in attendance.'^ As arranged by the catechist, it is given below: "The Names of ye Masters and Mistresses of ye Slaves which have been to my School from ye year 1704, tiU now and notice must be taken where it is said had, signifies they come no more or that their masters or they themselves are dead." » Lambeth Archives, 841, fol. 18 ff. " S. P. G. Journal, II, p. 233; Letter-book, A, 8 p. 224. " Ibid., A, 8, p. 173. " IHd., A, 8, p. 174. " Apr. 12, 1714, S. P. G. Journal III, p. 7. "I have visited Mr. Neau's School and am glad to acquaint that the good man is faithfxii in the discharge of his duty & ye Slaves are well instructed — he hath likewise several apprentices and white chil- dren in his School." Eev. Thomas Barclay to Sec, Oct. 22, 1714, S. P. G. Letter- book, A, 9, p. 158, " Nov. 16, 1715, 8. G. P. Journal, HI, p. 67. 242 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Negro Negro Indian Indian men women men women All Baptised His Excellency my Lord Cornbury had 1 His Exccy CoU. Rob* Hunter 3 1 The Revd Mr. Vesey our * Rector had 1 2 All Baptised Mr. Wm. Leathes had 2 1 Mr. Wm. Keat 1 1 Mr. Travet had 1 Mr. Stampton had 1 Mr. Joseph Smith 1 1 Baptised Mr. Gabriel Ludlos had Mr. Sikulour Mr. Mowl had 1 1 1 1 Mr. Daniel Cromelin 1 2 Baptised Mr. Ebenezer Wilson had 1 Mrs. Jourdin had 1 1 Mr. ffauconnier had 1 1 Mr. De Neak 1 Mr. Burgnis 1 1 Mr. Millard 1 Mr. Bueno had 1 1 Baptised Mrs. ffeurt 1 1 2 Baptised Mr. Vandan Mr. Peter Morin had Mr. Mephtaly had 1 2 1 2 Baptised Mr. Alexander Alaire had Mr. Henry Sheppard had Mr. Benjamin Blackgrosshad 1 2 Mr. Paul Richard 1 1 1 Baptised CoU. Abraham Depoyster Mrs. Horn Bloom 1 1 1. 3 Baptised Mrs. Christiana Venvoss hath constantly 3 1 Mr. John Vincent 1 Mrs. Marcomb had 1 1 1 Mr. Abraham Jouneau 1 1 Molato Mr. CarbeU had Mr. Philipe 1 1 Mr. John Barbarie had 1 2 1 Mr. Lagrane had 1 Mr. Wm. Tellor 1 Baptised Mr. George Natten Mr. Leipinars had 1 1 Mr. John Keipt had 1 1 CoU. Whinam had 1 1 Mr. Theobalds 1 2 1 Mr. Havit had 1 1 Mr. Saml Moen had 2 2 Mr. David Jemminson had 1 Mr. WooUey had 1 Mr. David Provost had 1 Mr. Robert Walter 1 Mr. Hogland 2 Mr. Derick de Neack had 1 The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 243 Negro men Negro women Indian men Indian women had Baptised 1 Baptised 1 Baptised 1 Baptised Baptised Baptised Baptised Baptised 1 Baptised 2 Baptised Molatto 1 Baptised Baptised Baptised Baptised 1 Baptised 1 Baptised Baptised 2 Baptised All Baptised Baptised Baptised had had had had had had had had had had had had had had had Mr. Jacob Morrice Mrs. Helena Cooper Mr. John Cazal Mr. Eleans Mrs. Susanna Tooet Mr. Thomas Robert Mr. Cornelius Depoyster Mr. John Vanhom Mr. Joseph Baker Dr. Pattison Mr. John Ellison Mr. Elias Nesearan Mr. Glincross Mr. Aspinwal Mr. Clark Mrs. Gerse Mr. Hoatman Mr. Palmiton Mr. Hemet James Neau Mrs. Haran A ffree Negro Woman Margaret A ffree Indian Woman Janston Mr. Isaac Depyster Mr. Stilwell Mr. Boinot had Mr. ffraineau Mrs. Vansure Mr. Abraham Vanghom Mr. Stephan Mr. Alexander Moor Mrs. Marett CoU. Bayard Mr. Elias Jamin Mr. Cornelius Low Mr. Thomas Gifield Mr. Peter Chapneau Mrs. Mary Lawrence Mr. Maston Mr. Thomas Bayeux Mr. Benjamin Harette Mr. Daval Mr. Minville Mrs. Davis Mrs. Droyer Mr. Dupuy Mr. Jolm David Mr. Renehet Mr. Thomas Tarpy Mr. John Van Noreden Mr. Boarn Bonn Mr. Boam Rindell Mrs. Glaivis Mr. Vaneliff Mr. Lancaster Syms A freeman Peter the Porter had had had had had had 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 244 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Negro men Negro women Indian men Indian women 1 Baptked Baptised Mr. John Bristiok Mr. Samuel Bristick Mrs. Thotel Col. Heathcote Mr. Henry Swift Jannote a MoUato man 1 1 1 1 1 1 85 *45 10 10 *69 If I had not left off from taking their names I should have more. EuAS Neatt. New York. Ober ye Qtb 1714. "'s In March, 1718, Mr. Neau was suddenly dismissed by the Society on the ground of his being engaged in trade." The action was seemingly induced by some of the old enemies and doubtless had the sanction of MrJ Vesey. Mr. Huddleston was asked to take charge of the work. But prompt testimonials from the Governor, missionaries and other gentlemen caused an immediate reversal of the order." In the interval, however, Neau forwarded an additional list of his slaves, as follows: "An Acco* of ye Number of my black Catechumens since and beside the list Ive Sent to Mr. Taylor on the 19th of Nov. 1714 which ought to be tdded to yt former acco* because SeveraU Negroes baptized & unbaptiz'd do con- stantly Come to School here be also the Same Masters name of Several be- cause they have more Slaves or their young are fitt to be instructed and by yt I am obUdged to write y^ name but not ye Same Servant. " S. P. G. Iietter-book, A, 10, p. 220. Correction not In original. " S. P. G. Journal. Ill, p. 348. " Ibid., IV., p. 43; Letter-book, A, 13, p. 491. For one of the memorials in de- fense of Neau, see ibid.. A, 13, p. 44. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 245 Masters & Mistresses Names Mr. Gairard Comfort Mr. Samll Suing Mr. Nichs Rosbell Mr. Isaac Keep Mr. John Hardenburg Jun. Mr. Jacob Harstead Mr. Ripp Vandam Mr. AbraPi Plainters Mr. Jno. Vanderhill Mr. Abr Laftrus Agara free Black woman Mr. Thos. Clark Mr. Jno. Right Mr. La grange Mr. Alex. More Mr. John van forest Mr. Joseph Read Mr. Nathl Maston Mr. Simon Saurman Mr. fanconnier Junr Mr. Jno. Read Mr. fanconnier Sen Mr. Jno. More Mr. Jno. Cock Mr. Benj. Charitte Mr. Charles Ohver A free negro woman A free negro Mr. John Cazle Mr. Antony White Mrs. de Kay Mrs. Robert Mr. George Clarke Mr. John Barbery Mr. Thomas Norson Mr. Vesey Mrs. Gravenratt Mr. Justice Bush Mr. John Mead Mr. John Harris Mr. Living Stone Mr. Charles Cremelain Mr. John Bachan Mr. Jno. Tinch Mr. John Vaughan Mr. David Jennison Mr. Dick Dyforl 1 Baptized Baptized Both Baptized John & James Baptized EUz. Baptiz'd Baptiz'd Eliz. Baptized aigur Baptized Mary Baptized 25 yrs old Baptized Jolm 20 yrs old Baptized Eliz. 246 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Masters & Mistresses Names 1 1 1 ^ n 2 1 1 § o -IS 1 1 g a 1 Mr. Johanis Myer Mr. John Wail A free MoUato Mr. John BaU A free negro woman Mr. Abram Evans 1 1 25 1 13 1 *6 1 3 1 1 5 2 Baptized John 20 yrs old Baptized *7 Mr. Vesey hath baptized several! Children but I do not Take the account of them because they don't Come to School. This is only the Catechumens I have since my last ace* but I have as much more again of the old Catechu- mens who come constantly to be instructed. New York may the first 1718. Elias Neau."'* "My School, " wrote the catechist in 1719, "doth enlarge dayly now, since I receiv'd the copy of yr last letter. I have severall new Scholars of all ages, and the old comes cheerfully to me to be instructed, so my School is in as good a prospect as before it has been."" It was still made up of whites and blacks. The latter numbered 83 in constant attendance. His list, when classified by approximating the ages, shows us a preponderant proportion of adults, — there being 65 to 18 children. For ex- ample "A List of the Catechxmiens Slaves which come constantly to my School since I am reinstated in the office of Catechist besides the white apprentice boys and girls. " May 2, 1718, ibid.. A, 13, p. 422. Oorrectlon not in original. "Oct. 8, 1719, iMd., A, 13, p. 479. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 247 Masters & Mistresses 1 Si |i 1 i Names s n a 1 1^ 1 P 1 S !? fri ^ S 1 £ ■Coll. Depeyter 1 45 yrs. 2 50, 35 yrs. the Negr Man Bap, te Comt. He is Baptised Anthony •Capt. Isaac Depetyr 1 30 yrs. Mr. Jacobus Vmcross 3 20, 25 yrs. 1 50 yrs. ye Men Bap. Jephty Eobt & Jno. Mr. Dr. CromeUn 1 24 yrs. 1 Mr. Vandam 1 30 yrs. 2 40 yrs. 30 1 The women & boy Bapt. Susannah Lillie & Jacob Mr. Philip Scuyler 1 25 yrs. A communicant. Mr. Glaves 1 35 yrs. 1 Both Baptized Mrs. Eattray 2 45, 24 yrs. Both Commts Mary, Sarah Baptized Annah Mrs. Narett 1 22 Mr. Hardlnbourg 1 20 Baptized Cesar Mary black free woman 1 45 Baptized Aigar Do 1 40 Baptized Mr. Tb. Robert 1 25 Baptized Magdalln free womn 1 25 Baptized Mr. Catale 1 26 1 25 Woman Baptized Mr. MinvUle 1 35 1 50 Woman Baptized Come Depetyr 1 30 Baptized Mr. Vanhom 1 30 Andr Panecau 1 30 Dr. Dupey 2 30,28 2 25,40 One man Baptized Abrah. Vanghom 2 65,30 One Communicant Mr. Bone 2 28,30 Both Baptized Mr. EindeU 1 26 Communicant Mr. Alex. Moore 1 22 Mr. Sim. Soumln 1 30 Baptized Mr. Harrison 1 Mrs. Droyer 1 25 Baptized Mr. Wright 2 35,30 Baptized John & George M:r. Drick de Neack 2 30,27 Baptized Jno & Ollyer Mr. Juo. Bead 1 35 Mr. Jos. Bead 1 30 Annah free bl. Wn 1 45 Mr. Conardao Comfort 1 22 Mr. Bachau 1 Mr. Gerr Vanhom 1 35 Mr. Ed. Elsward 1 25 Baptized Dorothy Mr. Bayem: 1 40 1 35 2 1 All Baptized Mr. Benehett 1 Mrs. Marit 1 1 Mr. Abrh Evans 1 Mad. Ingoldhoes 1 23 Mr. Govemour 2 Mrs. Bloom 1 Mr. Derick Defort 1 1 Mr. Amilton 1 28 Henry Lane 2 30,26 Comel Vanhom 1 20 JacobTis Courland 1 35 Adoph Philip 1 40 Dr. Coiiling 1 35 Mr. Congrove 1 30 Mrs. Dekey 1 40 Mr. Vanderhlll 1 24 Mr. Jno. Eoswell 1 Mr. Jer. Beading 1 27 Dec. 23, 1719 *37 *28 *12 "i BUas Neau S."" *38 *27 *10 " Inclosed in Neau's letter Jan. 22, 1719-20, ibid.. A, 14, p. 141. Corrections not in original. 248 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York The last reports of Mr. Neau's work were sent shortly before his C^' death in''l722." In April he reported: "My School dos prosper by ye Blessing of God for the Number of my Catechumens in- crease daily in both Sexes Men & Women I thought to have some Baptized at Easter but their Masters declin'd to give their Con- sent I have put them off, for Whitsunday week during wch time I hope to prepare more of them more poor Black Creatures, I would be much obliged to the Venerable Society if they were pleased to order 300 or 400 Copies of ye Church Catechism to be sent to me for the use of my Catechumens with the alphabet in it because ye Children of their Master reading once,or twice ye Creed & the 10 Commandmts with the Lords Prayer every day they will learn ye sooner & that doth incourage their Masters to give their approbation to their christning & even their own Children learn our Church Catechism ye sooner by that."" To the above he added, in what appears to be his last report: "Several Negroes learn at home ye Catechism, & some learn to read."'' The Society made generous gifts of books to the school. Not only responding to the requests already noted, several packets of Catechisms, two hundred in each, were dispatched.''^ In the case of many of his catechumens, he once reported, there was "nobody in their Master's houses to teach them, a deficiency which he desired his school to make up by the supply of proper books.''^ Hence his various requests for books combining the features of primer and catechism. From such evidence as the writer has been able to review, it does not seem possible to hold that the technique of reading had a regular place in the cate- chising school. It was encouraged as far as possible by means of providing books adapted to that purpose, and, as is highly probable, occasional attention was given to it by the catechist. It is evident, too, that reading was practiced. The ultimate goal was, of course, to learn the prayers and the catechism by heart, but, as an aid to this, books were frequently opened for the additional stimulus of the printed page. " Mr. Vesey on Oct. 4, 1722, reported Neau's death. It therefore occurred In the Slimmer or fall of that year. Ibid., A, 16, p. 209. " Ibid., A, 16, p. 196. ItaUcs not in original. "May 22, 1722, ibid.. A, 16, p. 204; Journal IV, p. 249. " Ibid., I, pp. (91), (103), (133). •5 Feb. 28, 1708-9, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 4, p. 121a. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 249 The presence of the white apprentices, no doubt, added to the proficiency of the work. It is unfortunate that more details have not been given regarding these apprentices, for it would be inter- esting to know whether they were the former pupils of Mr. Huddleston, who, having been discharged and apprenticed to trades, were coming to Mr. Neau for religious ministration. If this was the case, they had already acquired the ability to read. On the other hand, some of these white children apparently could not read. In one of Neau's requests for the ABC catechisms, he spe- cifically stated that they were for the English catechumens." The writer is inclined to believe that there was a group of ap- prentice children receiving instruction from Mr. Neau for the first time, and distinct from the scholars in Mr. Huddleston's school, which could not possibly have attended to all of this kind of instruction. Again, the writer believes, that apprentices from the charity school also attended Mr. Neau for the religious features of his service. It seems indeed that at this time there was no religious service to which the slaves and apprentices of the Epis- copalian adherents were admitted, except the catechising school. The records of Trinity Vestry show no assigiunent of seats in the church for either class, as such, or for Mr. Neau's pupils; whereas they do for the pupils of Mr. Huddleston. Furthermore, Neau complained of Mr. Vesey's attitude towards the Negro catechumens, saying that "he would not suffer any of them to have a place in his Church."*' For two years after Mr. Neau's death, Mr. Huddleston took charge of the School, "following Neau's Methods of Instruction," and attended it with the diligence and earnestness character- istic of his other service." Mr. Vesey, in the meantime, renewed his efforts to secure for the position a man in Holy Orders, who might also be made an assistant to the Rector. The plan met with the approval of the Society and Eev. James Wetmore was assigned to the position." He received a joint salary from the Society and Trinity Church. From this time until 1764 the " S. p. G. Letter-book, A, 8, p. 174. " Ibid A 11, p. 294. But Mr. Vesey and the Church eventually allowed the negro catechumens to attend the "publick service of the Church. " Ibid., A, 21, p. 376, Dec. 23, 1728. " "My Spouse comonly had In his Evening School 50 or 60 Negro Slaves & some- times more, besides Children & Servi»." Mrs. Huddleston to Sec, ibid.. A, 19, p. 411. «» Feb. 21, 1723-4, S. P. G. Journal, IV, p. 295. 250 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York work was carried on by a succession of missionaries, whose chief duty seems to have been the parochial work of the Church. The catechising school continued to be held as usual on Wed- nesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings at Mr. Wetmore's house, and in the Church steeple before evening serAdce on Simday.^" Sometimes there were "200 children and Servants" whom he instructed in the catechism and "commonly" added "some practical discourse suitable to their Capacities joined with some devotions."'! But the enterprise did not have the enthusiasm of Mr. Neau to support it. It was not the primary object of the missionary-catechist. When in 1726 Mr. Wetmore was trans- ferred to Rye, he reported the following decline of the school: "My Catechumens are now very few & as for the Negroes their Master choose to instruct them at home rather than venture them into Companies together." "Nor can I think" he added, "the necessity of a Missionary so great in this place as in many other parts of the Country. "'^ In petitioning for a successor to Mr. Wetmore, the need of a catechist was emphasized on the ground that there were fourteen hundred Negro and Indian slaves in the city, which made the position "as important as ever."'' However, in addition to in- creasing the parochial duties he was to assume, it was stated that if he had inclination to teach a Latin school, he might find a very good account in the discharge of that office." From Mr. Vesey's viewpoint, if any fimction was to be slighted, clearly it was the work among the slaves and catechimiens. In No- vember 1726 Rev. Thomas Colgan was appointed to the place by the Society." He served until 1731." Reporting in 1727 he said: "I have about 50 Catechumens most of wch are white Children but hope in a short time to have the number of Slaves augmented."" Through his own personal interest he did suc- ceed in bringing into the school additional Negro catechumens. In 1728 these were about sixty in number and, as "many of them " Ibid., V, p. 29. " IMd. " June 24, 1726, S. P. G. Letter-book, A, 19, p. 395. <> Vestry to Sec, July 5, 1726. ibid., B, 1, p. 73. »• Ibid. " S. P. G. Journal, V., p. 107. »« Ibid., v., p. 315. " 3. P. G. Letter-book, A, 20, p. 185. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 251 ■) Associates that he had sent to the care of Mr. Canston. at Savannah in Georgia three Parcels of Books containing in / / K IMd., B, 2, p. 4. «« Sept. 29, 1763, ibid., B, 2, p. 6a. " IMd., B, 2, p. 8; Journal XVI, p. 221. " See p. 102; also S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 2, p. 35; Journal XVIII, p. 432.. " S. P. G. Letter-book, B, 3, p. 168, Oct. 17, 1772; p. 169, Nov. 7, 1773. " See p. 15. « Associates Minute-book, 1729-1735, p. 6. about July 15, 173(k he Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 255 each 3 Bibles, 30 Primmers, 30 small spelling Books, 30 Horn Books, 20 Testaments, & 30 Psalters Directed to Mrs. Hague, Mrs. Drayton, & Mrs. Bryan at Charles Town in South Carolina for Instruction of their Negroes, for him to send by the first op- portunity. "«» With the exception of some assistance in Georgia, nothing was done for schools until the second half of the century. In preparation for them, activity was begun in the year 1753 ac- cording to the following evidence: "Ordered that the foil. acct. of the Associates be published in the London & Whitehall Evening Posts, and afterwards in the Pubhc Advertiser, viz., within a week in the London Evening Post, a fortnight after in the Whitehall Evening Post, & occasionally in the PubUc Advertiser & Evening Posts. That the Assocts are entrusted with a small Fund for converting negroes in the British Plantations, & will be very thankful for contributions to more effectually prosecute the design. The advantageous influence which rehgious principles may justly be supposed to have upon the negroes, the indispensible duty in- cumbent upon all Christians to set forward the salvation of others, & the particular obligation upon wealthy merchants & planters to sow spiritual things to them by whose servitude & labour they reap so much temporal gain: these, with other arguments seem to deserve most serious attention. The Soc. pays besides occasional gratuities £25 p. a. to Mr. Ottolenghe in Georgia. Catechists may be sent to any of our Colonies, whose province might be the Instruction of Negroes, or greater encotnragemt may be given by books or otherwise to the parochial clergy there. But the Assocts will pursue any other method wh. should be judged more conducive to this great end."*" In 1758 the fund was sufficient to warrant establishing a few schools, and the city of Philadelphia was chosen as the best location for the first one. In November 1758, therefore, a school was opened, and put under the direction of the S. P. G. missionary. Rev. William Sturgeon."^ Shortly after- wards the members of the association came to the further resolu- tion "that 3 negro Schools be opened with all convenient speed in some part of the British Plantations; . . . also that Mr. Franklin be informed of this & the favour of his assistance on settling these schools be requested.'"^ In pursuance of Dr. Franklin's recommendation the locations were fixed at the en- suing meeting. In the recorded minutes we are informed as follows: <" Ibid., p. 70, Nov. 4, 1734. "> Associates Minute-book, 1735-1768, p. 84, Aug. 17, 1753. •' Ibid., p. 124; also letter of Mr. Sturgeon to the Sec. of the Associates, June 12, 1759, in the archives of the Bray Associates. •2 Jan. 2, 1760, ibid., p. 129. The reference is to Benjamin Franklin, an active member of the associates. In 1761 during his residence tn London, FrankUn was the presiding officer at their meetings. ^OD ine auppori oj iscnooLs m uoioniai i\ew iuik "Mr. Franklin declared that he thought N. York, Williamsburgh in Vir- finia, & Newport, in Rhode Is. the most proper places for the negro schools. Ir. Franklin recommended Dr. S. Johnson President of the College, Rev. Mr. Barclay Minister of Trinity Church & Rev. Mr. Auchmuty at N. York. — also Wm Hunter Esq. Postmaster Rev. Dr. Dawson President of Wm. & Mary College, & the Minister of the Church at Williamsburgh also Rev. Mr. PoUen of Newport Rhode Is. as proper persons to be requested to take the care & management of the sevl Schools in the aforesiad places. Agreed that one school for 30 negro children be opened with all convenient speed at each of N. York, Williamsburgh in Virginia, & Newport Rhode Is., & that the salary in each do not exceed £20 St. p. a. Agreed also that Mr. Franklin be desired to write to the above gentlemen for their kind assistance in estabUshing these schools, & that they would as often as they judge con- venient visit & inspect them, & transmit home an acct of their proceedings & the progress of the children, & the reception the design meets with from the people in general. Agreed also that 3 parcels of books for the schools be im- mediately prepared, & that Sec. procure from the S. P. C. K. such as may be neceassry & are not in tne Assocts store. "" With the smcere co-operation of Dr. Johnson and Mr. Bar- clay and with the enthusiastic support of Mr. Auchmuty, the catechist, steps were immediately taken to set up a school in New York City.'* Both sexes were to share in the benefaction, and were to be taught reading, while the girls were also to learn sewing and knitting. Difficulty was experienced in finding a properly qualified schoolmistress'* for the undertaking, and the position was advertised. The following appeared in the New York Mercury, August 4, 1760: "WANTED immediately, a sober Woman, of a fair Character and Qualifi- cations, necessary to keep a school, for the instruction of Thirty Negro Chil- dren, in reading, sewing, &c. Such a Person by applying to any one of the Clergy of the Church of England in the City, may be informed of the Terms which are advantageous. "N. B. The intended School will be chiefly supported by a Charitable Society of worthy and well disposed Christians in England: It is therefore hoped that such Persons as have a regard for the Souls of their poor young souls, especially those born in their house, will be ready to assist in forwarding and promoting this Laudable Undertaking."'* Having secured a woman of "fair Character and Qualifications," another notice was issued, to the inhabitants by the same news- paper on September 15: "Jan. 17, 1760, iMd., p. 130. April following a benefaction of "200 childa first books" for the use of the four schools was reported. Ibid., p. 135. " Dr. Johnson to Sec. of the Associates, July 28, 1760, Archives of the Associates. « Ibid. "Quoted by Dlx., op. cit, I, p. 294. It was impossible to provide " a suitable Mistress for the undertaking," wrote Mr. Auchmuty, "under £20 sterg, which con- sidering the great Bents that are paid for Houses in this City & the greatly increased prices of every Article of Provision since the War, is reckoned very reasonable." Letter to Sec. of Associates, Apr. 4, 1761. Archives of the Associates. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 257 "This is to inform the Public, that a Free School is opened near New- Dutch-Church, for the instruction of thirty Negro Children, from 5 years old and upwards, in reading, and in the Principles of Christianity, and likewise sewing and knitting; which School is entirely under the inspection and Care of the Clergy of the Church of England in this City: Those Person therefore that have the present usefulness, and future Welfare of the young Slaves at heart (EspeciaUy those born in their Hou8es),aie desired to apply to any one of the Clergy, who will immediately send them to the aforesaid school, and see that they be faithfully instructed. "N. B. All that is required of their Masters or Mistresses is that they find them in wood for the Winter. Proper Books will be provided for them Crratis."" The schoolmistress selected by the committee was Mrs. Low- ner. In his first report to the associates Mr. Auchmuty said: She "faithfully discharges her trust. She began with two Schol- ars to which thirteen more have since been added, & others dayly coming, so that I make no doubt, but that the Number mentioned in your Letter will soon be compleate. I have hitherto visited and do intend if blessed with Health, to continue my visits to the School.""' Four months later he wrote: "The Negro School is full & would the plan allow of it, as many more might in a few days be added to it. "^ In another report sent in October we learn that the children were "clean & orderly," and had be- gun to "read sew and say their Catechism as well as could be «xpected in the time." And, added Mr. Auchmuty: "I have cautiously avoided requiring too much from the Mistress at first therefore, have not as yet required her Attendance with her Scholars, at Church on Prayer Days; for, after the School is out she has her Self & Children to take care off: & victuals to pre- pare which she cannot do, while the Scholars are about her, besides some of the Children begin to be useful at Home, are able to lay a Cloth, to wait on the Table, therefore should I de- tain them till Prayers are over at Church, I fear it would oc- casion some imeasiness and griunbhng, wch I would chuse to avoid. "1°° Accompanying the report was the following list of slaves which shows 9 boys and 21 girls: " Quoted by Dix, ibid., p. 295. Mr. Auchmuty detoltely announced, In writing the S. P. G., that the school opened Sept. 22, 1760. Ijetter-book, B, 2 , p. 2. '» Apr. 4, 1761, Auchmuty to Sec. of Associates, Archives of Associates. •» Aug. 8, 1761, ibid. " Oct. 7, 1761, ibid. 258 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York Names 1. Isabella 2. Flora 3. Mercy 4. Rosannah 5. Judah 6. Thomas 7. Flora 8. Sarah 9. Rachel 10. Nancy 11. Susanah 12. Mary 13. Hannah 14. Dinah 15. Cloe 16. SaUy 17. Mercy 18. Andrew 19. Elizabeth 20. Mary 21. Polly 22. William 23. Jack 24. Jack 25. Samuel 26. Aeneas 27. Cuffee 28. Richard 29. Marian 30. Sylvia Owners Age Improvement Mr. Cockraft 10. Mr. Vanhome 11. Mr. Romer 11. Mr. Rinders Mr. Rinders Do DO A free child Do Mr. Cockrafts 10. 9. 7. 6. 11. 8. 7. J. Cruger Esq. 6. Mr. Wendeth- Bap. Reads, works &c. N.B. Learning to spell &c. Bap. Do Bap. Do Bap. Reads well &c. Bap. Learning to spell &c. Bap. Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do Do When Admitted October 29-1760 December 1760 Febry 17 1761 Febry Febry Do Do January- Do Febry October 27 19 1761 19 1761 1761 1761 ams R. Nicholls Esq. Mr. Ludlows Dr. Johnsons Mr. Devoot 6. Do Do Octr 29 1760 Do Mr. Govemeur 6. Do Do Do Do Do Mr. Kittletask Mr. Banckers Mrs. Shavers Mr. FeUs Mr. Montanies 6. Do Do Do Do Mr. Astines Dr. Bards Mrs. Ehstons Mrs. Moone Mr. Banckers Mr. Sohuylers 7. Free Child 8. 6. 5. 10. 6. 5. Do Reads very well &c. N.B. Learning to spell &c. Do Do Do Do Do Reads well &c. N.B. Learning to Spell &c. Bap. Do ~ Do Do Do Do Bap. Learning to spell &c. bap. Do bap. Do bap. Do May 27 1760 May 1761 Janry 1761 Nov 3 1760 Do Nov. 3 1760 Septemr 22 1760 Do May 5 1761 Janry 1761 Do July 18 1761 April 8 1761 October 1760 Do May 1761." The Associates evinced the greatest satisfaction over the suc- cess of the school and resolved to refer the future management entirely to Mr. Auchmuty."' Between 1762 and 1768, inclusive, an average of two reports per year were made and these are now preserved in the archives of the Associates, but reports for the ensuing three years have been lost. Besides these, three subse- quent reports for 1772 and 1774 are to be found. They uni- formly certify to the marked success of the undertaking. As. soon as any left the school others took their places. In 1765 the school was allowed to exceed the usual complement. Said Mr. Auchmuty: "There are now no less than thirty seven Scholars. The reason of exceeding the Number is that some of the oldest will leave the School this fall; and the Mistress has interceded with me to permit her to take all that at present of- fers, which will more than fill up their places. Those that are "1 Minute-book, 1735-1768, p. 168. January 1762. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 259 "to leave the School are well instructed in reading & sewing and say their Catechism & prayers perfectly well; & what is is very commendable, & pleasing are very sober & orderly Chil- dren."'"^ "The school succeeds beyond my Expectations, and is a great blessing to the poor Slaves, " it was stated in the next report but one."' Regarding the pupils he reported: "The Scholars improve every day in reading, Spelling, & Working . . . I seldom miss hearing them read & say their Catechism once a week, & can with great pleastire assure you, that they dayly improve. I have put several of them to learn Lewis' Catechism and propose the rest shall begin with it, as soon as they are perfect in the Church Catechism."'" And again he wrote: "Many of them are very notable at their work, and read extremely well. "i»s In 1767 he said of them: "Those that have left the School after proper Instruction, attend every Sim- day Evening . . . with the Adult blacks, & are Catechised and I have the pleasm-e to inform you that I have not heard of one among them, that has turned out bad."'"' In 1762 psalmody was added to the curriculum, and this in turn, added to the delight of the slaves. It was provided for them once a week. "I have also prevailed upon the Master of our Charity School," the Catechist announced, "to instruct them and the black Adults in Psalmody, in which they soon became proficient. "i»' The schoolmistress Mr. Auchmuty found to be a really deserving woman, who conscientiously discharged her duty.'"' "I must do the Mistress Justice to say," he wrote, "that she is faithful and diligent. She takes a great deal of pains and employs her whole time to her business. "i»' Fm-thermore, she was "very clever at her business,""" and seemed to be "very happy with her employment."'" It seems certain that Mrs. Lowner was constantly supplied with books by the Associates. As we have seen, it was publicly >"• Auchmuty to the Sec. of the Associates, May 31, 1765. "• Ibid., Dec. 22, 1766. iM Ibid., Apr. 19, 1763. '" IHd., Oct. 20, 1763. io« Ibid, May 1, 1767. "' Ibid., Oct. 18, 1762. "• Ibid., May 18, 1762. "• Ibid., Oct. 20, 1763. "• lUd., May 1, 1767. "1 Ibid., May 9, 1768. 260 The Support of Schools in Colonial New York announced that all books would be furnished. The incomplete records at present available show three consignments only, to wit: a box of books in ITeO;'" "Psalters, Testaments, Common Prayers & Bibles," m 1761;"' and in 1765, "Spelling books & suitable Catechetical books.'"" The school was probably abandoned by the Associates about the year 1775. No further records of it are found from that time.'" In the minutes of the Associates there is an abstract of Mr. Auchmuty's reports in 1774. It represents the final available document relating to the New York school, and is as follows: "Dr. Auchmuty in a list, Sept. 28, 1774 says the negro school continues full, several of the children read very weU & know the whole of their cate- chism. They attend Church constantly on Sundays & often on week days. The mistress continues her usual diligence, but is in a veiy declining state of health, he fears they shall soon lose her. Upon enquiry he finds that those who have been brought up in the school behave remarkably well. In a 2nd Letter Oct. 20 1774 he says the School-mistress died on the 19th & adds she was faithful in the discharge of her duty & a good Christian. He says he would by no mean throw any obstacle in the way against continuing the school, but his conscience obMges him to inform the Associates that the possessors of slaves in N. York are opulent & well able to put their children to school & pay for it. He believes some wiU do so, though not perhaps generally. The future welfare of the poor negroes has been one of principal objects of his attention for a number of years — from 10 communicants he found, when he first took charge of them he can now see at one time near 60; besides a Sunday evening lecture for the benefit of the negroes he has at the request of a number of good christians set on foot another at the house of an amiable man, & Mr. Beckman an opulent merchant, on Thursday ■evenings, & this Dr. A. attends occasionally. In his absence one of the blacks, a sincere good man, reads such part of the Church Service as seem best adapted to their capacities & by this means therefore thinks that if, instead of reviving the school, this method were adopted & part of salary tformerly given were bestowed upon some honest good Christian, who would constantly attend upon the poor slaves at their meetings, read for them, visit them when sick, & inform him of everything relating to the conduct of those who are christians, it might answer the design of the Associates better than a school, because the blacks thus blessed with an able instructor would as many of them now are, soon be qualified to instruct their own children. Agreed to ask Dr. A. to consider whether it may not be most eligible to ap- point some serious good Christian man to be a schoolmr for such negro chil- dren, as shall appear to him to be most proper objects, & who may also in- struct the adult negroes on Thursdays at their meetings, visit the sick &c. provided the Salary does not exceed £20 p. a. This is submitted entirely to Dr. A's judgement, & that he be asked to adopt such a plan as he shall think best answers Associate's intention. "J^' >" Dr. Johnson to Sec. of Associates, July 28, 1760. 1" Minute-book, 1735-1768, p. 152. >" Ibid., p. 239. "> The same is true regarding the schools In Newport, Willlamsburgh and Phila- delphia. Their records cease in 1775. Philadelphia's school, however, was resumed in 1783 and continued imtil 1836 if not longer. "• March 2, 1775. Mtuute-book, 1768-1808, p. 72. The Society's Catechising School in the City of New York 261 Provided a successor to Mrs. Lowner was appointed, the school- must have suffered the same interruption as the charity school during the calamities of 1776; after which it could not have been, revived. In view of the marked success of the work of the Bray Associates, it does not seem unfair to suppose that, with its fine record still fresh in the minds of many of the citizens, this Negro school served as a decided stimulus to the gentlemen who, in 1787, mstituted the "New York African Free School.""' "' See, Andrews, Hist, of the New York AWcan Free-Schools, p. 7. : CHAPTER XII THE ROUTINE AND CURRICULUM OF THE SOCIETY'S SCHOOLS The records of the Society have few documents which refer to school routine. Those that are available show adherence to the usual school programs of that period. Sessions were con- tinuous throughout the year. The time Mr. Bartow "took to himself" was a fortnight at Christmas, a week at Easter, a week at Whitsuntide, and every Saturday afternoon.' It is probable that this represents a somewhat more generous allowance than schoolmasters generally made for themselves. Frequent Holy Days at that time interspersed the school calendar. To offset the objection to so many interruptions. Chaplain Sharpe of New York sent the following proposal to the Society: "That every Holy day they meet to go to Church in a body, and in the after- noon of the same day an hour at School be spent in Catechetical exercises. This will help to retrieve the Honour of these days so profanely perverted in this wicked age to Idleness and Ryot- ing. I have heard the parents often complain of the Multitude of Holy days presented at Schools by which their children lost much of their time, yet I am persuaded were the days relig- iously observed they would not gruge those appointed by the Calendar which would give them only a moderate relaxation, but no indulgence to licentiousness."' Since no order followed the sug- gestion of the over-anxious clergyman, let us hope that the in- novation was not carried out. The length of the school day was from five to eight hours. Where, as in Westchester County, the scholars were scattered, the hours were five in winter and six in summer;' on Long Island and in New York City, they were six and eight respectively.* » S. p. G. Letter-book, B, 13, p. 337. 1 Lambeth Archives, 841 fol. 18 ft. March 11, 1713. ■ See reports of Porster, Bartow and Purdy, previously cited.