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Thus was Manhattan Island again left in primeval solitude, waiting till Commerae should aome and alaim its own. Sage 55.

HISTORY

OP THE

CITY OF ]^EW YOEK:

ITS ORIGIN, RISE, AND PROGRESS.

MRS. MARTHA J. LAMB.

Illustrabir.

IN TWO VOLUMES.
Vol. I. EMBRACING THE PERIOD PRIOR TO THE EEVOLUTION, CLOSING IN 1774.
Vol. II. EMBRACING THB CeNTURT OF NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE, CLOSINO IN 1876.

VOL. I.

NEW YORK AND CHICAGO :
A. S. BAENES AND COMPANY.
1877.

Copyright, 1877, by A. S. Barnes dr' Co.

PEEFACE.

THIS work, of which the first volume is now complete in sixteen
parts, is the outgrowth of more than a dozen years of careful
study and persistent research. The subject is one of unusual interest,
and notwithstanding the immense labor involved, it has attracted and
diverted rather than wearied the author, and kept the. soul stirred
Avith constantly increasing enthusiasm. The outlook wdl speak for
itself to every intelligent reader. A wooded island upon the border of
a vast, unexplored, picturesque wild, three thousand miles from civili
zation, becomes within three centuries the seat of the arrogant metropolis
of the Western world. The narrative embraces the condition of Europe
which contributed to this remarkable result, the origin and birth of
the city in which we take so much pride, its early vicissitudes, the
various steps of progress through which it became powerful, the con
nection of causes and effects, the rise of churches, schools, colleges,
charities, and other institutions, the machinery, commercial and political,
with aU its crudities, breakages, friction, and modern improvements,
ever producing unlooked-for events, its wars and rumors of wars, its
public characters and foreign relations, and its social thread, knotting
and tangling, but yet running through all the years, spinning its own
way and coiling itself into every feature of the structure, — the cable,
indeed, to hold the multiplicity of parts together. In the language ,
of a prominent leader of public opinion, " hardly did old Eome herself
emerge from a more mysterious and fascinating crucible of legend
and tradition."

iv PREFACE.
It would give me pleasure to mention all the sources from which I
have obtained assistance in the preparation of these volumes, but
they are legion, and the statement would read like a dictionaiy. ' I
shall, however, make due acknowledgments, as far as space wiU permit,
iu the Preface to Volume II. The most eminent scholars of the land
are among those who have given me counsel and encouragement. I
have never lost sight of the magnitude and importance of the task
before me. New York being the central point in all American history,
nor have I in any instance indulged fancy at the expense of historical
exactness and symmetry. My first aim has been to reach the truth,
in which pursuit I have spared no pains. My original purpose to
produce a standard authority has been my latest purpose. Facts be
fore finding a place in my pages have been subjected to a searching
ordeal. Occasional errors may have escaped even the closest vigilance,
but such when discovered wiU be corrected. On all matters where
difference of opinion exists I have examined both sides without preju
dice or partiality. I have also listened with deference to and profited
by the judgments of the well-informed. But whde I have left no
stone unturned in the way of securing the broadest light and the moat
unexceptional aid, I am alone responsible for what I have written.
If, in the treatment of a subject which combines so many sources
of thrilling interest, and which is dear to the heart of every American
citizen, I have given warmth and color as well as life and expression
to realities, and found favor with the great sympathetic reading public,
then my labor has not been in vain. MARTHA J. LAMB.
New York City, June 15, 1877.

CONTENTS,

CHAPTER I.
Manhattan Island. — Earliest Records of America. — The Icelanders. Tlie Fifteenth Cen
tury. — Venetian Commerce. — Christopher Columbus. — England. — The Cabots. — The
Portuguese. — Vasco da Gajna. — The Fishermen of Brittany and Normandy. — New
foundland. — The Spanitirds. — Verrazano Estevan Gomez. — The EuglLsh Again. — The
Dutch. — Belgium  Usselincx and John of Barneveld. — The East and West India
Companies  ¦ . 11-25
CHAPTER II.
Henry Hudson. — His Voyages. — He discovers Manhattan Island. — His Voyage up the
Hudson River. — His Visit to an Indian Chief. — His Tragical Fate. — American Furs. —
Settlement of Virginia. — Voyages to Manhattan. — The Pur Trade. — Burning of the
Tiger. — Building ot a Ship at Manhattan. — Description of Manhattan Island. — The
Manhattan Indians. — Customs and Dress. — Money and Politics. — Trading Privileges 26 - 39
CHAPTER III.
The Hague. — John of Barneveld. — New Netherland. — New England. — The First Fort at
Manhattan. — Political Commotion in Holland. — John of Barneveld's Execution. — Im
prisonment of Grotius. — The West India Company. — The Amsterdam Chamber. — The
First Settlers of New Netherland. — Death of the Prince of Orange. — Death of James I.
— The Marriage of Charles I. — The Pirst Governor of New Netherland . . 40-52
CHAPTER IV.
Peter Minuet. — The Pirst Buildings. — The Horse-Mill. —The First Girl born in New
Netherland. — Diplomatic Correspondence. — The Embassy to Plymouth. — New Neth
erland not a Pecuniary Success. — The Charter of Freedom and Exemptions  The Ma
norial Lord.s. — Kiliaen Van Rensselaer. — The Van Rensselaer Manor-House. — The
Great Ship. — Govemor Minuet and Recall. — Wrangling among the Directors of the
Company  53-65
CHAPTER V.'
Wouter Van Twiller. — Captain De Vries. — Van Twiller and the English Vessel. — Captain
De Vries and the Governor. — The First Minister. — The First Church and Parsonage. —
The First Schoolmaster. — Buildings and Improvements. — New Amsterdam. — Begin
nings of Hartford. — Troubles with the English. — Quarrels with the Patroons. — Quar
rels with the English. — Fort Amsterdam. — Excess and Irregularities. — Purchase of
Land. — Governor Van Twiller's Recall  66-81
CHAPTER VI.
Govemor William Kieft. — The Extraordinary Council. — Abuses. — Proclamations. — The
Dominie's Wedding. — A Curious Slander Case. — The First Ferry to Long Island. — En
croachments of the Swedes. — A New Policy. — Captain De Vries's Arrival. — The Pioneer
Settlers. — Oloif Stevensen Van Cortlandt. — English Ambition. — Captain De Vries's

vi CONTENTS.
Travels and what he Saw. — Purchase of Indian Lands. — Trouble with the Indians. —
The New Charter of Freedom and Exemptions. — The Store-Keeper. — The Six Murder
ers. — Municipal Regulations. — The First Marine Telegraph in the Harbor . 82-96
CHAPTER VII.
Indian Vengeance. — The First Popular Assembly. — Kieft's Disappointment — Death of
Peter Minuet. — Effort of the Twelve Men to institute Befomis. — The Governor's Procla
mation. — The Dutch and English Discussion of the Boundary Question —A Flaw in the
Title to New Netherland.— Religious Persecution.— The First Tavern.- The New Church.
— Raising Money at a Wedding. — The First English Secretary. — The Year of Blood. —
The Blood Atonement. —The Shrove-Tide Dinner- Party. — The Inhuman Massacre.—
Gerieral Uprising of the Indians. — Overtures for Peace. — The Hollow Truce. — The Sec
ond Representative Body. — A Page of Horrors  97-115
CHAPTER VIII.
Confiscation of Shoes. — The Doomed Village. — Trials for Want of Money. — Action of
the West India Company. —Kieft's Quarrels. — The War Ended. — The Great Indian
Treaty of Peace. — Minerals. — The New School. — Adriaen Van der Donck. — Van
Rensselaer's Death. — The New Govemor. — Stuy vesant's Reception. — Govemor Stuy
vesant. — Mrs. Peter Stuyvesant. — Mrs. Bayard  116 - 130
CHAPTER IX.
Political Events m Europe. — Holland and the Hollanders  The Sabbath in New York. —
The First Surveyors. — Kuyter and Melyn, and their Trial for Rebellion. — The Wreck
of the Princess.; — Kip. — Govert Loockermans. — First Fire- Wardens. — Schools and
Education. — Eensselaerswick a Power. — The Governor's Failure. — Civil War in Eng
land. — Van Cortlandt. — Van der Donck. — Melyn. — The Quarrel. — Van der Donck
in Holland. — Isaac AUerton  1.31-149
CHAPTER X.
The Confi.scated Vessel. — Governor Stuyvesant's Body-Guard. — Rensselaerswick. — The
Schuyler Family. — The Navigation Act. — Rev. Samuel Drisius. — African Slavery. —
The Birth of the aty. — The First City Fathers. — AUard Anthony. — William Beek
man. — The Prayer of the City Fathers. — Military Preparations. — Van der Donck. —
Hon. Nicasius De Sille. — The Diet of New Am.sterdam. — Oliver Cromwell. — Peace
between England and Holland  . 150-168
CHAPTER XI.
City Taxation. —The Swedes. —The Long Island Ferry. —Thomas Pell. —Lady Moody's
Library. — The Gay Repast. — First City Seal  Christmas. — New Year's . — The City
Hall. — The First Church on Long Island. — Dominie Polhemus. — The Expedition
against the Swedes. — The Indian Horror. — Van Tienhoven's Downfall. — The Lutheran
Persecution. — City Progress. — Dominie Drisius. — Burgher Rights. — Unique Laws. —
The Quaker Persecution — Hodgson at the Wheelbarrow. — Stuyvesant's Interview with
the Indian Chiefs. — " Whitehall. " — Stuyvesant's Country-Seat. — Indian Hostilities.
— Oliver Cromwell's Death  169-191
CHAPTER XII.
T^e Restoration. — Charies II. — The Connecticut Charter. — Sir George Downing. — George
Baxter and John Scott. — Progress of the City. — The Antiquarian Map. — The Quakers.
— De.straction of Esopus. —The Indian War of 1663. — Governor Stuyvesant in Boston.
— Thomas Benedict. —The Embassy to Connecticut. — Startling Condition of Affairs. —
John Scott. — Hon. Jeremlas Van Rensselaer. — The Convention of 1664. — Mrs. Dr.
Kiersted. —Planning of Charles II. and his Ministers. —An Unfriendly Expedition. —
New Amsterdam in Danger. — Preparations for a Siege. — Winthrop's Interview with
Stuyvesant. — The Letter. — The Approaching Storm. — The Crisis. — The Surrender. —
New York. — Consequences ot the Conquest. — Stuyvesant at the Hague. — The Stuy
vesant Pear-Tree. — The Stuyvesant Family  192-217
CHAPTER XIII.
New York  The Duke of York. — Govemor NicoUs. — Mr. and Mrs. .lohannes Van Brugh.
— The Brodhead Family. — Albany. — The Taking of t!;e Oath of Allegiance to Eiig-

CONTENTS. vii
land. — Sir Robert Carr at Delaware Bay. — An Extraordinary Complication. — Connect
icut Diplomacy. — The Dividing Line between Connecticut and New York. — New Jer
sey. -- Elizabethtown. — Johannes De Peyster. — Interesting Controversy. — Court of
Assizes. — Nicolls a Law-Maker. — The Hempstead Convention. — " The Duke's Laws."
— The First Race-Course on Long Island. — The First Vineyard on Long Island. — The
First Mayor of New York. — The First Aldermen. — John Lawrence. — Nicholas Bay
ard. — Symptoms of War. —Secret Orders. — War Declared. — Cornells Steenwyck. —
The Plague in London. — The Great Fire in London. — England's Disgrace. — Clarendon's
Fall. — New York's Miseries. — NicoUs's Wisdom. — Witchcraft. — The Manors of Gar
diner and Shelter Islands. — Nicolls asks for his Recall  218-240
CHAPTEE XIV.
Colonel Prancis Lovelace. — Nicolls and Lovelace. — Cornells Stcenwyck's House. — The
City Livery. — Nicholas Bayard. — Fever and Ague in New York. — The End ot Com
mercial Intercourse with Holland. — Louis XIV  France. — The Triple Alliance. — So
cial Visiting in New York in 1669  A Prosperous Era. — The Dutch Refomied Church.
— The Sabbath in New York Two Hundred Years Ago. — Dress of the Period. — The
Lutheran Minister. -^ Witchcraft. — The First Exchange. — Eebellion on Long Island 
The Purchase ot Staten Island. — Charles II. and Louis XIV. — The Prince of Orange.
— Assassination of the De Witts. — War between England and Holland. — Fierce Battles
in Europe. — The Death ot Colonel Nicolls. — The First PoSt between New York and
Boston. — Lovelace in Hartford. — The Dutch Squadron in New York Bay. — Capture of
NewYorkby the Dutch. — New Orange  241-258
CHAPTER XV.
Admiral Evertsen. — The New Municipal Officers. — The Conquered Territory. — Taking the
Oath. — Lovelace's Private Losses. — Governor Anthony Colve. — Rumors of War with
New England  Austria .and Spain to the Rescue of Holland. — The Famous Test Act.
— Mary of Modena  The Marriage of the Duke of York. — The Sacriflce of New Neth
erland. — The Treaty of Westminster. — Sir Edmund Andros  Lieutenant-Governor
Anthony Brockholls. — New Jersey. — Long Island.. — Governor Colve's Farewell. — The
Reception of Govemor Andros. — Dominie Van Rensselaer. — Frederick Philipse. —
Captain Manning. — Stringent Measures. — Imprisonment ot Leading Citizens. — Indian
War in New England. — Robert Livingston. — Andros and the Connecticut Delegates. —
City Improvements. — Tanneries along Maiden Lane. — Stephanus Van Cortlandt. — The
Celebrated Bolting Act. — Indian and Negro Slaves ....;.. 259 - 279
CHAPTER XVI.
European Affairs. — Prince of Orange in London. — Marriage of William and Mary. — Peace
between Holland and France. — Jacob Leisler. — The Climate ot New York  The Min
ister's Supper. — Conversation in Latin. — Ecclesiastical Troubles. — Hunting Bears be
tween Cedar Street and Maiden Lane. — The two Labadists. — Jean Vigne. — The Trav
elers on Long Island. — Sleeping in a Barn. — The First Classis in America. — Movement
to build a New Church. — The Uneasy Indians. — New Jersey. — Arrest and Trial ot
Governor Carteret. — East and West New Jersey. — Faulty Deeds. — Imperlousness of
Andros  William Penn's Sophistry  Opinion of Sir William Jones  Complaints
against Andros. — Founding of Pennsylvania. — Recall of Andros. — Clamor for an As
sembly. — Lieutenant-Governor Brockholls. — Almost a Colonial Revolution. — Long
Island. — Insubordination. — An Assembly Granted  Thomas Dongan  The Trium
phal March  280-299
CHAPTER XVII.
Govemor Thomas Dongan. — Mayor William Beekman. — William Penn in New York.
— The First New York Assembly. — Laws enacted by the Assembly. — The New York
Courts. — The Acts ot the Assembly. — New York Contented and Prosperous. — Dominie
Selyus's Parsonage. — The Iroquois a Wall ot Detense. — A Brush with Connecticut. —
Plot to assassinate Charles II. and the Duke of York. — Confusion in England. — Argu
ments in the Privy Council. — Arbitrary Measures. — The City Charter. — The Sabbath
Question in 1684. — Hotels and their Guests. — Funeral Customs. — Powder Magazine.
— Lord Effinghara in New York. — The Great Indian Conference. — The Au.spicious
NewYear. — The Sudden Revulsion. — The Death of Charles II. —Scenes and Inci
dents. —James IL proclaimed King of Englaud. —The New King's Promises. —The
Gradual Grasp of Power. — Inconsistencies of James II. — Effect upon New York. —
Juries in 1685. —Mason and Dixon's Line. — William Penn's Influence at Court. — The
Dongan Charter. — New City Seal. — The Albany Charter. — The Livingston Manor. —
Philip Livingston  300-320

viii CONTENTS

CHAPTER XVIII.
Catholicism in New York. — Absurd Alarms. — Persecution in France. — The Assembly
abolished in New York. — Sir Edmund Andros in Boston. — Connecticut and her Two
Wooers. — Connecticut loses her Charter. —The Post-Route. — Governor Dongan a
Statesman. —Albany in Danger. —The English, French, and Iroquois. — Consolidation
of the Colonies. — New York swallowed by New England. — Sir Edmund Andros. — The
Exiled Huguenots. — Extraordinary Acts of James II. — The Seven Bishops. — Birth of
the Prince ot Wales. — Mary, Princess of Orange. — The Character of William III. --
The Political Marriage. —A Domestic Romance. — William's Purposes. — William s
Expedition to England. — Revolution in England. — The King's Despair. — Abdication
ofthe Throne by James II. — William's Reception iu London. — William and Mary
crowned Sovereigns of England  321 - 336
CHAPTER XIX.
The Revolution. — Sir William Phipps. — Rev. Dr. Increase Mather. — The Bill and its
Fate. — The News in New York. — The News in Boston. — Revolution in Boston. —
Revolution throughout New England. — New York Alarmed. — The Lieutenant-Gov
ernor and his Council. — The Public Money. — Anxiety and Precautionary Measures. —
The Militia of New York. — Jacob Leisler. — The Cargo of Wine. — The Cloud on Long
Island. — Wild Rumors. — Plot to destroy New York. — Lieutenant Henry Cuyler. —
Revolution in Nev? York. — Confusion. — Leisler's Declaration. — The Black Saturday.
— Events of Monday. — The False Alarm and its Results. — The Disabled Government.
— Philip French. — Leisler's Correspondence. — Nicholson sails for England. — Leisler's
Infatuation. — Captains De Peyster and Stuyvesant. — Proclamation of William and
Mary. — Drinking the New King's Health. — Riotous Conduct. — The Fight at the Cus
tom-House. — Colonel Bayard's Escape. — Leisler's Convention. — The " Committee ot
Safety." — The Mayor's Court  337-358
CHAPTER XX.
New York under Leisler. — The Elections of 1689. ^ Mrs. Van Cortlandt's Courage. — Leis
ler's Executive Ability. — Albany in Peril. — Independence of Albany. — Mayor Peter
Schuyler. — Milbome's Defeat. — Connecticut to the Rescue. — Colonel Nicholas Bay
ard. — Captain Lodwyck in Disgrace. — Captain De Peyster in Disgi'ace. — The Rough
Search for Colonel Bayard. — William III. of England. — The Tangle in New York. —
The King's Letter to Nicholson. — New York threatened by the French. — Leisler's
Agent at Whitehall. — Matthew Clarkson. — The King's Letter seized by Leisler. — Leis
ler's Assumption. — An Outburst of Rage. — Philip French in a Dungeon. — The Jails
and Prisons filled. — Arrest of Colonel Bayard. — Arrest ot William Nicolls. — Pursuit
of Robert Living.ston. — The French on the War-Path. — Burning of Schenectady. —
Shocking Massacre. — Albany Appalled. — Albany submits to Leisler. — The First Colo
nial Congress in Aineijoa. — Leisler's Vigor. — Wholesale Complaints. — Connecticut's
Rebuke. — ^.Despotic Laws. — New Rochelle. — Wedding of Leisler's Daughter. — Ad
vice from Boston. — The Govemment of New York as ordained by William III. — Ar
rival of Lieutenant-Governor Ingoldsby. — The City in Tumult. — Leisler Aggressive. —
Bloodshed in New York. — Governor Sloughter's Arrival. — Leisler Imprisoned. — The
Sunday Sermon. — The Trial of Leisler and his Council. — Leisler and Milbome under
Sentence of Death. — The Assembly of 1691. — Dr. Gerardus Beekman. — Sloughter's
Character. — Signing of the Death -Warrant. — The Execution of Leisler and Milbome. —
Impressive Scenes. — Effects of Leisler's Death. — The French and Indian War. — Death
of Sloughter. — Ingoldsby Commander-in-Chief. — Etienne De Lancey. . . . 359 - 397
CHAPTER XXI.
Abraham De Peyster. — Effects of the Revolntion. — The two Hostile Factions. — The Gar
den Street Church  Origin of Water Street. — Public Paupers. — City Legislation. —
Condition ofthe Province. — The Corporation Dinner. — Governor Fletcher. — Fletcher
studying the Indians. — The Gift of a Gold Cup. —Fletcher's Difficulties. —Boston
meddling. — Caleb Heathcote. —A Curious Romance. — The Assembly Stiff-necked. —
Fletcher in Temper. — The First Printing in New York. — Sir William Phipps. — Official
Stealing — Livingston in England. — Young Leisler at William's Court. Wrangling in
the Assembly. —Accusations and Counter-Accusations. — Fletcher's Speech. — Shock
ing Brutalities. — Fletcher's Character on Trial. — Livingston critici.sed by Fletcher. —
De Peyster's New House. — De Peyster's Descendants. — Miller's Description of jfew
York. — Dominie Selyns's Piracy. — Mrs. Fletcher and her Daughters. — Oaptain Kidd.
— The Expedition against Piracy. — Kidd the Prince of Pirates. — The Repeal of
Bolting and Baking Acts. — First Opening ot Nassau Street. — The First Lightin"

CONTENTS. ix
of the City. — The First Night- Watch. — The Earl ot Bellomont. —Bellomont's Re
forms. — Bellomont's Collision with the Merchants. — The Acts of Trade. — The Peace
of Ryswick. — The Landed Estates Attacked. — James Graham. — Dominie Dellius. —
Bellomont's Mortiflcations. —The Dutch Church. — Bellomont in Boston. —The Board
of Trade. — Deaths of Graham, Van Cortlandt, and Bellomont  398 - 447
CHAPTER XXII.
Colonel William Smith. — Conflict in the Council. — Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan. — Illegal
Voting. — Robert Livingston in Disgrace. — Mrs. Gertrude Van Cortlandt. — The City
Elections. — Extraordinary Confusion. — Mayor Noell. — Chief Justice Atwood. —
Manor-House of Caleb Heathcote. — Trial of Nicholas Bayard tor Treason. — Death ot
William III. — Lord Cornbury  Bayard's Sentence Reversed. — The Yellow Fever. —
The Church Quarrel. — Lady Bellomont. — The Leisler Bill. — Death of Frederick Phil
ipse. — Philipse Manor. — Philipse Will. — The French Church. — Trinity Church 
Queen Anne. — Excitements. — 'The Treasurer of the Province. — Death of Lady Corn
bury. — Lord Cornbury and the two Presbyterian Ministers. — The Assembly of 1708. —
Spirited Resolutions. — Lord Lovelace. — First Paper Money in New York. — Five In
dian Chiefs at Queen Anne's Court. — The Silver Vase presented to Schuyler by Queen
Anne  448-480
CHAPTER XXIII.
Governor Robert Hunter. — Hunter's Lite and Character. — Hunter's Correspondence with
Swift. — Hunter's Counselors. — John Barbaric. — Rip Van Dam. — The Germans. —
Livingston Manor. — Hunter's Country-Seat. — " Androborus." — The City Finances.-^^
Negro Slaves. — Lobsters. — Origin of the Debt of England. — Prophecjss.— ^The Cana
dian Campaign. — The Disappointment. — The Negro Insurrectionjj--6t1^Improvements.
The Assembly. — Death of Queen Anne. — George I. — Chief Justice Lewis Morris. —
Eobert Watts. — The New York Families. — James Alexander. — First Presbyterian
Church. — Wall Street. — Potatoes. — Hunter's Farewell Address. — Peter Schuyler in
Command ot New York . . ._  481-510
CHAPTER XXIV.
Governor William Burnet. — Social Events. — Burnet's Marriage. — Dr. Cadwallader Col-
den. — Robert Living.ston Speaker of the Assembly. — John Watson the First Portrait-
Painter. — Robert Walters. — Burnet's Indian Policy. — Rev. Jonathan Edwards. —
Burnet's Council. — Young Men going West. — Burnet's Theology. — The French Prot- '
estants. — Stephen De Lancey. — William Bradford. — The First Newspaper in New
York. — The Silver-toned Bell. — Burnet and the Indian Chiefs. — Death of George I. —
Burnet's Departure for Boston. — Tlie New Powder Magazine. — Governor John Mont
gomery. — Conference with the Indians at Albany. — James DeLancey. — The First Li
brary in N ew York. — The Jews' Burial-Place. — 'The City Charter. — First Fire-Eugine
in New York. — First Engine-House. — Rip Van Dam President of Council and Acting
Governor of New York  .611-539
CHAPTER XXV.
Govemor Cosby. — Rip Van Dam. — Exciting Lawsuit. — Opinion of Chief Justice Mor
ris. — The Council'. — The Judges. — The Removal of Chief Justice Morris. — James De
Lancey appointed Chief Justice. — Courtesy to Foreign Visitors. — Lord Fitzroy. — A
Little Roraance. — Marriage of George Cosby. — Taxes. — Fashions. — Morris at the
Court of England. — William Bradford. — The New Newspaper in New York. — John
Peter Zenger. — Arrest and Iraprisonraent of Zenger. — The Famous Trial. — Chief Justice
DeLancey. — Andrew Hamilton. — Deflnition ot Libel. — Chambers Address. — Hamilton
Arguments. — Acquittal ot Zenger. — Exciting Scenes. — Paul Richards. — The City
Watch. — Cortlandt Street. — The Poor-House. — Rip Van Dam. — Casby's Sickness and
Death. — Contest between Rip Van Dam and George Clarke. — George Clarke Lieutenant-
Governor ot New York. — Mrs. Clarke. — Lewis Morris Governor of New Jersey.—
Social Lite in New York. — The Election ot 1737  540-570
* CHAPTER XXVI.
City Improvements. — The First Quarantine. — Trinity Church. — Adolphe Philipse. — The
Disfranchisement ot the Jews —Political Throes. —Judge Lewis Morris. — John Cra-
ger. —Daniel Horsemanden. — Political Parties. —The New Market-House in Broadway.
— The De Lancey Mansion. — Death of Mr. Clarke. — The Negro Plot. — Burning of the
Governor's House in the Fort. — Mary Burton. — Wholesale Alarm. — The Common

X CONTENTS.
Council. — Buming at the Stake. — Hanging. — Transportation ot Convicts. — Day of
Public Thanksgiving. — The Yellow Fever in New York. — Dr. Colden's Medical Treatise.
— Governor George Clinton. — The Warren Family. — Mansion of Admiral Sir Peter
Warren. — Sir William Johnson. — The Indians. — The French. — The Conquest ot
Louisburg  Sir William Pepperell. — Admiral Sir Peter Warren. ... . 571-596
CHAPTER XXVII.
PhUip Livingston. — Philip Livingston's Sons. — William Livingston. —PhUip Livingston's
Daughters. — PhUip Livingstou's Death. — John Rutherford. — The Indian Conference
ot October, 1745.— Frederick Philipse. — The Philipse FamUy. — Philipse Manor.—
Mary PhUipse. — Clinton and the Assembly. — Preparations for the Canadian Camijaign.
— Indian Conference of 1746. — Horrors of War. — Chief Justice De Lancey. — Dr. Col-
den. — Violent Contests. — New York under Discipline. — A Glimpse of New York in
1752. — Tlie Odd Wedding. — Rev. Aaron Burr. — Sir Danvers Osborne. — Statesman-
sliip of Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey. — The Albany Congress. — King's College —
Williara Livingston. — The Great Feud. — New York Society Library. — Governor Sir
Charles Hardy. — The French War. — General Braddock. —Washington. — War. —
Acadia. — Hon. John Watts. — The Watts Estate. — The Watts Mansion. — Archibald
Kennedy. — No. 1 Broadway  697 - 656
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Letter of James Alexander. — Shirley in Boston. — Victory of the People of New York. —
Declaration ot War. — The Earl of Loudoun. — Mayor John Crager. — New York Op
pressed. — Boundary Jangles. — Riots at Livingston Manor. — Governor Hardy resigns.
— Benjarain Franklin. — The Immortal Kite. — The Postal Eoutes of America. — Loss
of Fort William Henry. — Loudoun and his Cabbages. — Recall of Loudoun. — Changes
in the English Ministry. -^ Capture of Fort Du Quesne. — Defeat and Recall of Abercrom
bie. — General Wolfe. — Capture of Quebec. — General Amherst. — William Walton. —
The Walton House. — Death of Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey. — Dr. Cadwallader Col-
den Lieutenant-Governor of New York. — Govemor Monckton. — Death ot George II —
George III. — The Earl of Bute. — Resignation of Pitt. — Sandy Hook Lighthouse. —
Sir James Jay. — The Jay Family. — John Jay in College. — Conquest of Havana. —
Treaty of Peace. — England in Triumph  ¦ . . .657-698
CHAPTER XXIX.
Opinions of French Statesmen  Boundary Disputes. — Hon. James Duane. — Indians on
the War-Path  English Language in the Dutch Church. — The Middle Dutch Church.
— The German Reformed Church. — The New Jersey Lawyers. — Lord GrenvUle. —
Stamped Paper. — New York Irapatient of Control. — First Comraittee of Correspondence.
— Lieutenant-Governor Colden. — Right of Appeals. — Barre Speech — Passage of the
Stamp Act. — Sons of Liberty. — Rev. Stephen Johnson. — Resignation of Stamp Offi
cers. — The Stamp Act Congress. — Arrival of Stamps. — The Non-Importation Agree
ment. — Stamp Act Riot. — Victory ot the People. — Sir Henry Moore. — Debates in
Parliament. — Repeal of the Starap Act. — New York denounced as RebeUious. — New
York Disfranchi.sed. — Boston in Trouble. — The Founding of the Chamber of Commerce.
— Repeals. — Tax continued on Tea. — Death of Sir Henry Moore. — Emissions ot Bills
of Credit.— Violent Excitement  699-747
CHAPTER XXX.
Condition of New York in 1770. — Divisions among the People. — The Livingston and De
Lancey Families. — Religious and State Matters. — The Churches of New York in 1770.
— The Pastors. — Resentment of Boston when New York resuraed Coramercial Inter
course with England  Reply of the New York Merchants. — Two Years' Tranquility.
— The Bari of Dunmore. — Sir WUliara Tryon. — The Conrt End of the Town. — Brief
Allusion to the Location of the Dwellings of some of the Leading Families of the City. —
A Glimpse of the Sugar-Houses. — Distress of the East India Corapany. — Act of Parlia
ment to force the Colonies to buy Tea. — The Boston Tea Party. — The New York Tea
Meeting. — New York sending back the Tea Vessels. — The Boston Port Bill. — Sympa
thy of the Colonies. — The Coraraittee ot Fifty-One. — New York proposes a Continental
Congress. — Various Exciting Events. — The Delegates to the Continental Congress. —
Action of the Continental Congress of 1774. — The New York Committee of Observation.
— Provision for the Immortal Congress which declared the Independence bt America 748-768

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

FULL-PAGE ENGKAVINGS.

Manhattan Island in Primitive Solitude
De Vries expressing an Opinion
Council Scene 
Surrender of New York 
The First Horse-Race in New York
The Duke of York and WUliam Penn ...
Dongan and the Quaker Agents 
Revolutionary Scenes (1689) 
Fletcher and the Pirate 
Schuyler at the Court of Queen Anne ...
Bumet and the Indian Sachems 
The Zenger Trial 
Sir William Johnson's Dream 
De Lancey and Livingston 
Founding of Chamber of .Commerce
The Great Tea Meeting (1773) 

Page
... 1
... 70
... 170
... 213
... 229
... 298
... 302
... 350
... 423
... 479
... 517
... 522
... 588
... 644
... 740

ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT.

Page
1. Group of Ladies showing Fashions of the
Day.  13
2. Group of Gentlemen showing Fashions
ofthe Day.  19
3. East India Company's House  22
4. Portrait of John of Barneveld  25
5. Hudson's Ship  28
6. Burning of the Tiger  34
7. View otthe Vyverberg at the Hague... 39
8. West India Company's House  47
9. Flag ot West India Company  48
10. Landing of the Walloons at Albany  52
11. The First Warehouse  55
12. Dutch Windmills  59
13. Van Rensselaer Manor-House in 1874... 62
14. Purchase of Manhattan Island  65
15. Autograph ot Wonter Van Twiller  66
16. Portrait of De Vries  68
17. First View of New Amsterdam  77

Page
18. Trading with the Indians  81
19. Autograph ot Everdus Bogardus  85
20. First Ferry to Long Island  87
21. Van Cortlandt Manor-House  90
22. First Marine Telegraph  96
23. Dutch Architecture in New Amsterdam 98
24. Stadt Huys  106
25. Inside ot Fort, with Governor's Honse
and Church  107
26. Group showing HoUand Fashions  117
27. Autograph ot Stuyvesant  126
28. Portrait ot Peter Stuyvesant  127
29. Stuyvesant's Seal  180
30. Interior ot Stadt Huys, Amsterdam  133
31. Kip's Arms  137
32. Van Rensselaer Arms on Window  140
33. Van Cortlandt Arms  143
34. Sealot New Netheriand, 1623  149
35. Schuyler Arms on Window  153

xu

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page
36. Schuyler Mansion at the Flats  154
37. Kip's Mansion  159
38. Autograph of Nicasius de Sille  166
39. De SiUe's House  167
40. First Seal of New Amsterdam  173
41. View of New York, 1656  -180
42. Medal ot Oliver CromweU  191
43. Portrait of Hon. Jeremlas Van Reufsse-
laer  205
44. Autograph of Hon. Jeremias Van Rens
selaer  206
45. Stuyvesant's Pear-Tree  216
46. Stuyvesant's Torab  216
47. "Petersfield" and "The Bowery
House"  217
48. Autograph ot Johannes De Peyster  225
49. Silverware of the De Peysters  225
60. Portrait of Steenwyck  234
51. Autograph ot Steenwyck  234
52. Stcenwyck's House  243
53. Portrait of Steendam  247
54. Gold Chatelaine of Mrs. Leisler  251
55. Portrait of Evertsen  259
56. Portrait of Andros  267
57. Philipse Coat ot Arms  270
58. Livingston Coat of Arms  275
59. The Minister's Supper  .'  279
60. View of the Water Gate (WaU Street) 287
6L View of North Dock  288
62. View ot New York from the North  289
63. View of East River Shore above Water
Gate  295
64. Beekman House, Rhineluck  301
65. Dutch Church, Sleepy Hollow  305
66. Clermont, Lower Manor-House  319
67. Livingston Manor-House in 1876  320
68. Governor Dongan's House  326
69. The First French Church in New York 329
70. Portrait ot WiUiam III  331
71. Second Seal ot City of New York  336
72. Autograph of Jacob Leisler  345
73. Leisler's House in the Strand  349
74. Portrait of Hon. Peter Schuyler  357
75. Portrait of Dr. Gerardus Beekman  360
76. Autograph of Nicholas Bayard  365
77. BeekraanArrasi  386
78. Portrait of Livingston  396
79. Portraitof Col. Abraham De Peyster... 399
80. Portrait of Mrs. De Peyster  401
81. Garden Street Dutch Church, bnilt in
1698  407
82. De Peyster Arms  420
83. Portrait of Rev. WUl Vesey  437

Page
84. City HaU, Wall Street  443
85. Viewot New York in 1704  455
86. Portrait ot Lord Cornbury  460
87. Philipse Manor-House  466
88. Castle Philipse, Tarrytown  467
89. The Schuyler Vase  480
90. Autograph ot Lewis Morris  487
91. The Beekman Coach  496
92. Portrait of Chief Justice Lewis Morris 499
93. Morris Arms  510
94. Portraitof Governor Burnet  512
95. Portrait ot Mrs. Burnet  513
96. Presbyterian Church, WaU Street  518
97. The Silver-Toned BeU  524
98. Portraitof Caleb Heathcote  531
99. Lewis Morris House, Morrisania  539
100. Seal and Autograph ot De Lancey  543
101. Portrait ot Eip Van Dam  546
102. Portrait of Mrs. Van Dam  547
103. Portrait of Andrew Hamilton  551
104. First City Poor-House  659
105. The Beekman House  569
106. The Gardiner Arms  570
107. Trinity Church, 1737  672
108. Plan of Fort George  579
109. Sir Peter Warren's House  588
110. Portrait bf Mary Philipse  600
111. Roger Morris Mansion  605
112. The De Peyster Mansion  628
113. St. George's Chapel, 1752  632
114. The Royal Exchange  934
115. King's College  646
116. Kennedy Mansion No. 1 Broadway.... 665
117. Frauuces Tavern  657
118. Mayor John Cruger  662
119. Colonel Peter Schuyler  672
120. The Assault on Quebec  681
12L Walton House in 1760  684
122. Sandy Hook Lighthouse  695
123. Van Cortlandt Mansion, Kingsbridge . 697
124. Middle Dutch Church  704
126. Portrait of Cadawallader Colden  712
126. i^ac-simt'Ze of Placard  724
127. Specimen of Staraps  726
128. Residence of Hon. John Watts, No. 3
Broadway  732
129. St. Paul's Chapel  742
130. Specimen of Bills  745
131. North Dutch Cniurch  750
132. Seal and Autograph of Govemor
Tryon  756
133. Interior of the great Historic Room in
Frauuces Tavern  759

ARTISTS AND ENGRAVERS.

xm

MAPS.
1. Map of Anetje Jans's Farm 
3. Map of Stuyvesant's Bouwery 
3. Miller's Map of New York in 1664 ., 
4. Map of French, English, Dutch, Swedish, and Spanish Possessions or Claims
5. Map of New York in 1695 
6. Map of "De Peyster Garden," WaU Street, in 1718 
7. Lyne's Map ot New York in 1728 
8. Map ot De Lancey Estate betore the Revolution 
9. Map ot New York in 1768 

Page

.. 79

.. 188

.. 196
in 1665
.. 218
.. 421
.. 505
.. 534
.. 617
.. 757
ARTISTS.
J. D. Woodward, Alfred Fredericks, Sol Ettinge, George E. White, C. S. Reinhart,
Thomas Beach, Abram Hosier, Samuel Wallin.
ENGRAVERS.
John Kabst, J. M. Richardson, Jos. Harley, Horace Baker, E. Clement, John P. Davis,
A. Bobbitt, Bookhoot, Spear, Winham, Arnold.
HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
EARLY DISCOVERIES.
Manhattan Island. — Eabliest Becords of America. — The Icelanders. — The Fif
teenth Century. — Venetian Commerce. — Christopher Oolumbtjs. — England. —
The Cabots. — The Portuguese. — Vasco da Gama. — The Fishermen of Brittany
and Normandy. — Newfoundland. — The Spaniards. — Verrazano. — Estevan
Gomez. — The English again. — The Dutch. — Belgium. — Usselincx and john
OF Barneveld. — The East and West India Companies.
TWO hundred and sixty-five years ago the site of the city of New
York was a rocky, wooded, canoe-shaped, thirteen-mile-long island,
bounded by two salt rivers and a bay, and peopled by dusky skin-clad
savages. A half-dozen portable wigwam villages, some patches of to
bacco and corn, and a few bark canoes drawn up on the shore, gave
little promise of our present four hundred and fifty miles of streets, vast
property interests, and the encircling forest of shipping. What have been
the successive steps of the extraordinary transformation ?
If the lineage, education, experiences, and character of a distinguished
personage are replete with interest and instruction, of how much greater
moment is the history of a city, which is biography in its most absolute
sense ? New York needs no introduction to the reader. It occupies an
individual position among the great cities of the world. It is unlike
any of its contemporaries. Its population is a singular intermixture of
elements from all nations. Its institutions are the outgrowth of older
civilizations ; its wisdom and public opinion largely the reflection of a
previous intelligence. .AH the ideas, principles, feelings, and traditions
which ever made their appearance have here found a coinmon field in
which to struggle for existence, and the result, in so far as it is devel
oped, has naturally been " the survival of the fittest." It would not be
fair, however, to demand fuU fruits from so young a tree. New York

12 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
is a city in the vigor of its youth, its final growth yet to be attained ;
thus its history the more especially deserves careful and elaborate treat
ment. If we would correctly estimate the men who laid its foundation-
stones, we must enter into the spirit of the age in which they lived,
and become to a certain degree familiar with the world's progress at
that period. If we would appreciate their proceedings, we must learn
somewhat of national characteristics and the practical operation of gov
ernment and laws, in the various countries which they represented. The
reader, therefore, is invited first to a brief ancestral disquisition, care
being taken to make plain the causes which led to the discovery and
settlement of Manhattan Island.
The earliest record of the existence of the American Continent is found
among the literary legacies of the Icelanders of the tenth century, who
were superior to the continental people of that age both in mental vigor
and physical endurance. But their discoveries were the result of hap
hazard adventure rather than scientific probabilities, and their efforts at
colonization were signal failures. From their geographical works we find
that they supposed these western lands to be a part of Europe ; and,
while the accounts of their expeditions were carefully preserved, not a
line was committed to parchment until many centuries had passed, so
that there is very little reason for presuming that succeeding generations
were materially benefited by reason of them.
Christopher Columbus appeared upon the stage of action just
as the world was waking from the long sleep of the Middle Ages.
Marco Polo had made his famous journey across the whole longitude of
Asia, and the manuscript account of his travels, dictated to a feUow-pris-
oner in a Genoese prison, was beginning to attract attention to the vast
and fertile countries he described, — the cities running over with diamonds,
emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, the palaces with floors and roofs of solid
gold, and the rivers hot enough to boil eggs.
The new epoch in the art of printing was also scattering information of
various kinds. The books of the ancients were reproduced, and those who
could afford to read — for it was a luxury confined entirely to the upper
and wealthy classes — discovered that geometrical principles had been ap
plied to the construction of maps by Ptolemy in the second century, and
that the places of the earth had been planned out and described according
to their several latitudes and longitudes. Some geographical knowl
edge was interwoven with a vast amount of absurd fiction and very little
ascertained fact, but the desire for more light became so great that those
same curious old maps were exhumed and copied and circulated. They
raust have been appalling to the pioneers of maritime discovery, for they

VENICE. — COLUMBUS.

13

bristled from one end to the other with horrid forms and figures, and rep
resented the Occident as the home of demons. A mighty impulse had
already been given to navigation by means of the magnetic needle, and the
newly printed ancient stories about Carthaginian sailors who had " voy
aged through the Pillars of Hercules, and found a strange country sup
posed to be Asia," and of adventurous Greeks and Persians, who had
coasted Africa, filled the very air with speculative romance.
India beyond the Ganges was the mythical land of promise. Its treas
ures came from hand to hand through caravans and middle men and
agents to Constantinople, with which city the Italian States were in con
stant commercial communication. But some of the shrewdest of the
Venetian and Genoese merchants thought to remedy the evils of the pain
fully long and perilous overland route, and projected enterprises by way
of the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean and Eed Seas. They suc
ceeded, but were obliged to pay a heavy tribute in Egypt, and no Chris
tian was at any time allowed to pass through the Egyptian or Moham
medan countries. Thus the producer and the consumer were effectually
kept asunder.

1605.

Group of ladies, showing fashions of the day.
Constantinople feU in 1453, and from that time the business monopoly
of the Indies centred with the Venetians. Venice became the great
Western emporium, and attained such marvellous riches and rose to such a
height of power and grandeur as never were equaUed either before or since.
The costliness of her magnificent buildings, the elegance of furniture and
decorations, and the style of life among her citizens, was quite beyond de
scription. The learned Christians of Constantinople, who had fled before
the Turks into Italy, became her schoolmasters, and mathematics, astron-

14 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
omy, and the art of navigation developed with singular rapidity. People
began to talk about a new channel of communication with the Oriental
countries, where they could change even the bark of trees into money.
Columbus had for his birthright the intellectual restlessness of the age.
As a boy, his brain was filled with unformed projects and scientific
uncertainties. The new theories as well as the new leaming took root
within his mind and grew with his growth. He read what Aristotle
had written about the small space of sea between Spain and the eastern
coast of India. He speculated over what Seneca had said about the ease
with which that sea might be passed in a few days by the aid of favor
able winds. He pondered again and again the hypothetical doctrine that
the earth was a sphere. He became a sailor, and applied his energies to
the study of nautical science.
Meanwhile years rolled on. Islands in the Atlantic were discovered,
and the coast of Europe, from Iceland to the Cape Verde Islands, was
becoming known. Columbus had made several important voyages him
self On one occasion he visited Iceland, which was now a dependent
and neglected province of Denmark, and stayed some time in the country
and conversed with the inhabitants. Whether he obtained any knowl
edge of the early adventures of the Northmen it is impossible to deter
mine. But after his return his fancies seem to have taken more definite
shape. The question finally settled itself to his satisfaction that the glit
tering gold regions could be reached by sailing due west ; and then he
conceived one of the boldest designs in human history, and pursued it
to its accomplishment with the firm resolve of a lofty genius. It was
from want of a correct estimate of longitude that, like every one else
from Ptolemy down, he was so vastly deceived as to the size of the
globe. He was a clever politician, and danced attendance before in
credulous kings and supercilious courtiers until time whitened his locks,
so pronounced were his convictions, and so enthusiastic was he in the
success of his enterprise, could he but get funds to put it in execution.
But alas ! he covdd not convince one man that it was possible to saU
west and reach east. It remained for him to find in a woman's mind
the capacity to appreciate and the UberaUty to patronize him; and at
last he launched forth over unknown seas, trusting to his own stout heart
and a mariner's compass, and, reaching an unknown land, planted the
chief mUestone in the advance of civiUzation. He aimed for Zipango,
and to his dying day believed he had found it, or its outlying isles, very
nearly where his calculations had placed it. Never was man's mistake
more prolific in great results.
Europe was stunned with admiration, and the Pope of Rome, who up

THE CABOTS. ' 16
to that time regarded himself as the legal proprietor of aU the real estate
in Christendom, issued a bull,^ the material parts of which are stUl ex
tant, granting the new territory to Spain.
It is interesting to note how all the great plans and projects of the
period tended and verged to one point. There was a Venetian merchant
Uving in Bristol, England, who had paid particular attention to science,
and who had long housed in his heart a scheme of going to Cathay by
the north. It was John Cabot. He was incited to active effort by the
prospect of obtaining spices and other valuable articles of trade inde
pendent of haughty Venice. His son Sebastian, then a promising youth
about nineteen years of age,^ was, like his sire, stimulated by the fame of
Columbus, and anxious to attempt some notable thing. He was a scholar,
had been thoroughly drilled in mathematics, astronomy, and the art of
navigation, and accompanied the elder Cabot to the Court of Henry VIL,
in order to obtain the royal consent to their proposed researches. Henry
is weU known to have been one of the most penurious monarchs who ever
sat upon a throne. He listened graciously, and, upon condition that the
whole enterprise should be conducted at their owu private expense, issued
a patent guaranteeing protection and privUeges. But he cunningly I'e-
served to himself one fifth of the profits.^
The Cabots first steered directly for Iceland, where they stopped
for a few days. For some years a steady and profitable commerce
had been carried on between Bristol and that country. Iceland, al
though the heroic age of the Northmen had long since passed, was pretty
weU peopled, and its inhabitants had many wants which their northern
land was unable to supply. The English sold them cloth, corn, wheat,
wines, etc., and took fish, chiefly cod, in exchange. Some of the Norwegian
authors say that in April, 1419, a heavy snow-storm destroyed more than
^ VatteVs Law of Nations, Book I. Chap. 18.
^ Humboldt, Kritsche TJntersuchungen, Vol. II. \). 445.
^ It is a mooted question whether John Cabot, the father, was the leader of the expedition
in 1497. Sebastian Cabot lived for more than sixty years afterwards, and becaine a cele
brated personage ; his fame so far eclipsed that of his father as to cause much to be accred
ited to him that his father actually performed. But his extreme youth and inexperience
at that time would hardly induce the belief that the shrewd Henry YII. would intrust
him with suoh an important command. The Venetian ambassador's letters of 1497,
preserved in the Sforza archives of Milan, furnish direct evidence in favor of the father.
{Pasqiial-igo's Letter, August 23, 1497.) JI. d'Avezae, an able French writer, has found what
he esteems sufficient proof to establish the fact that the Cabots' first voyage was made in
1494, when they only sav? land ; the second in 1497, when they navigated three hundred
leagues along the coast ; the third in 1498, by Sebastian alone ; and the fourth in l.ol 7.
M. d'Avezae to Leonard Woods, dated Paris, December 16, 1868, in Boc. Hist. Muluc;
by Willis. But the evidence of any voyage in 1494 is so slight that all allusion to it is
omitted in the body of this work.

16 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
twenty-five EngUsh vessels on the coast of Iceland, which gives us an
idea of how brisk their commerce must have been. From this point the
Cabots proceeded westward, toUing through mountains of ice, but confi
dent of final success. On the 24th of June they saw land which
"^* ' they supposed to be an island, but, finding it ran a long distance
towards the north, and getting short of provision and into trouble with
their crew, they turned back to England. Cabot says in his journal that
it was a great disappointment to them. They were absent from England
only about three months, and had discovered a continent, but its bleak,
uninviting coasts loomed up only as a hateful barrier in the way of the
diamond fields beyond.
The Portuguese were at this time the most enlightened nation of
^*^*' Europe. They had very materially enlarged the scope of geo
graphical knowledge by daring voyages along the coast of Africa, under
the direction of Prince Henry, third son of John the Great. Their vessels
were small but weU-built, and their seamen dashed safely along tempestu
ous shores and explored inlets and rivers. Don Emanuel the Fortunate
made prodigious efforts to extend the commerce and dominion of Portugal,
and his pet problem was a passage to India around Africa. The exploit
was actuaUy performed in 1498 by Vasco da Gama. He returned to
Portugal with his four ships laden with spices, silks, and other attractive
merchandise. AU Europe was in the wUdest excitement, and the unsuc
cessful venture of the Cabots was hardly noticed. A papal buU granted
to Portugal the sole right to trade in the Indies, which were treated as
new discoveries. Alas for Venice ! It was her mortal stab, and from
that day her prosperity rapidly waned. The Portuguese estabUshed them
selves at the East, made Cochin their capital, appointed Vasco da Gama
governor of the colony, and for nearly a century they supplied the markets
of Europe with the Indian produce. Thus the actual results of immedi
ate communication with the Oriental world completely overshadowed
the possible advantages to be reaped from lands lying to the west, which
were still regarded as merely the unsurmounted obstacle in the path to
the Orient. The public could not be satisfied by tales of snow-bound or
rocky shores without so much as a city or a castle over which to float a
banner. But little by little the natural wealth of these western re
gions began to be recogmzed. At what period the fisheries of
Newfoundland were first known to the hardy seamen of Brittany and
Normandy it is impossible to determine with accuracy; it must have
been as early as the commencement of the sixteenth century. Cod,
mackerel, and herring were found in abundance, and the demand for

AMERICA AN INDEPENDENT HEMISPHERE. 17
them, particularly in France, was greatly increased by the fasts of the
church. During the next few years the Spaniards were busy foUowing
up the discoveries of Columbus by expeditions to Central and South
America, and occupation of portions of those countries. This led to a
neglect of their native soil, and seriously and mischievously re
tarded the rise of Spain to a front rank among powers ; but ^^^^'
it enlarged the boundaries of knowledge, and hastened the good time
when the earth should assume its proper form in the minds of men.
Prior to the year 1522 the Straits of MageUan had been discovered, the
broad Pacific crossed, and the globe circumnavigated. America stood
boldly out as an independent hemisphere.
And yet the avaricious merchantmen and navigators gave little
heed to its possible resources. They scoured the oceans in every
latitude, from the Arctic regions to Cape Horn, searching for a gateway
through it to the jeweled cities of the East. The chivalrie Francis I. of
France had in his employ, to accomplish certain deeds of daring, the Italian
navigator Verrazano, who in 1524 was sent on a voyage, with the above
object in view. He cruised along our coast from the CaroUnas to Nova
Scotia, landing many times, and learning all that was possible, under the
circumstances, of the strange country and its inhabitants. He estimated
that America was greater in territorial extent than Europe and Africa
combined, but expressed his beUef that he could penetrate by some pas
sage to the Indian Ocean. The chart ^ which his brother drew, contributed
towards creating the supposition in Europe that at about the 40th degree
of latitude such a passage might be found. Verrazano's letter to Francis I.
has recently been shadowed with historic doubt, in a volume of nearly two
hundred pages, from the facUe pen of Hon. Henry C. Murphy ; but its un
certain light is by no means extinguished. Neither is it less interesting
because of the poverty of actual proof in regard to its authenticity. One
paragraph relating to the " hellissimo lago at the mouth of the great river"
points significantly towards our own sylvan soUtudes, as follows : —
" After proceeding one hundred leagues we found a very pleasant situa
tion among some steep hiUs, through which a large river, deep at the mouth,
forced its way into the sea ; from the sea to the estuary of the river any
ship heavily laden might pass with the help of the tide, which rises eight
feet. But as we were riding at anchor in a good berth we would not
venture up in our vessel without a knowledge of the mouth, therefore
we took the boat, and entering the river we found the country on the
1 A copy of this chart is now in the possession of the American Geographical Society, hav
ing been recently obtained from the College of the Propaganda Fide in Eome at the instance of
Chief Justice Daly, and is a geographical curiosity.
2

18 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
banks weU peopled, the inhabitants not differing much from the others,
being dressed out with the feathers of birds of various colors. They came
towards us with evident deUght, raising loud shouts of admiration, and
showing us where we could most securely land with our boat. We passed
up this river about half a league, when we found it formed a most beauti
ful lake upon which they were rowing thirty or more of their smaU boats
from one shore to the other, fiUed with multitudes who came to see us.
AU of a sudden, as is wont to happen to navigators, a violent contrary
wind blew in from the sea, and forced us to return to our ship, greatly
regretting to leave this region, which seemed so commodious and deUght
ful, and which we supposed must also contain great riches, as the hiUs
showed many indications of minerals." ^
The letter was dated, " Ship Dolphin, in the Port of Dieppe, Nor
mandy," was a lengthy document, and, besides furnishing curious evidence
of the state of nautical science at that time, gives us a fair picture of the
North American Indian as first seen by white men. We are induced to
believe that the proprietors of Manhattan Island were an amiable people,
and had made some progress in the arts which tend to ameUorate the
savage. They were not hostile to visitors, and knew something of agri
culture. War was evidently unknown to them, as we can learn of no
defenses against hostile attacks. They were, doubtless, of that tribe after
wards caUed Delawares, or, as they styled themselves, Lenni Lenape,
which means original or unmixed men.
It was an entirely diff'erent race that Champlain encountered in his
wanderings into the State of New York, from the north, in 1609. They
were fierce and cruel warriors, somewhat advanced in poUcy, arts, and
agriculture, and had already instituted a confederacy of five independent
nations, with a sort of congress of their own, seeming to know somewhat of
civUized life and much of warlike achievement, long before they became
students of the white man's craft. They caUed themselves Aquanu
Schioni, or the United People. Iroquois is not an Indian, but a French
name, and is a generic term, having been bestowed upon that type of
language, the dialects of which were spoken by the Five Nations. We
have strong reasons, for suspecting that during the interim between
Verrazano's visit and the subsequent Dutch settlement, the martial
Iroquois extended their conquests from the inland lakes to the Atlantic
shores, leaving the deteriorating effects of barbarous warfare upon the in
habitants, as, at the latter period, the river Indians and many upon the
1 Bcschnjv van America, by Jan Huyghen Van Linschotten. (Amsterdam). N. Y. H.
S. Coll., Vol. I. (Second Series) pp. 45, 46. Haklu-yt, III. 360, 361. Harris's Voyages, II.
348. North American Bevie-w for October, 1837. Belknap's Am. Biog., I. 33.

ESTEVAN GOMEZ.

19

16»6.

sea-coast were found subject to the Iroquois, acknowledging the same by
the payment of an annual tribute.
Of the subsequent career of Verrazano very little is known. We
catch fugitive glimpses of him only, enough to excite but not suffi
cient to satisfy curiosity. There is evidence existing that he com
manded an expedition to the Indies for spices, in 1526, and it is supposed
that he was engaged also in. piratical ventures. He disappeared from
public view, after having greatly advanced the knowledge of the new
country and given France some claim to an extensive and picturesque
territory.^

1572.

Group of gentlemen, showing fashions of the day.

In 1525 Estevan Gomez, a decoyed Portuguese, who had been the chief
pilot of MageUan on his southern voyage, presuming that, since a strait
to Cathay had been discovered in the south, there must necessarUy be
one at the north, sailed in the interests of Spain to find it. He is sup
posed to have cruised along our coasts as far as the Hudson Pdver, since Pdo
de Gamas was the first name of European origin which it bore, and there
is evidence of his having saUed to the shores of Maine, that land being
described upon the Spanish maps as the Tierra de Gomez.^ He, lUce
Verrazano, drew a chart and it was the more valuable of the two, as the
former was entirely unknown down to the year 1582, when it appeared in
1 Charlevoix, Nov.v. Fr., I. 78 ; Bancroft, I. 13. Annibale Caro, Lettere Familiari, Tomo I.
let. 12. Article ly Han. J. Carson Brevoort, in Journals Am. Geog. Soc. N. Y., Vol. IV.
2 Herrera, Dec. III. lib.. 8. cap. 8. Navarrete, I. e. p. 179. Oviedo {Sommario), cap. 10,
fol. 14. Peter Martyr, Dec. VIII. cap. 9.

20 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the Hakluyt Collection of Voyages. Gomez's draft was embodied in the
planisphere made by Eibero, now preserved in the British Museum. At a
congress held at Badajos after Gomez's return, at which were present Se
bastian Cabot, then pilot-major of Spain, and all the most distinguished
geographers of both Spain and Portugal, the outUnes of America were
fixed for the first time, the chart of Gomez was adopted by the official
chart-makers, and from their works, with occasional amendments, passed
into all the charts and maps of the sixteenth century, and some of the
seventeenth. Beyond the information thus obtained, Gomez's voyage
was very meager in results. He caught a few Indians to carry as tro
phies to the Spanish king, Charles I. ; but when he arrived at Coruna, the
courier who was despatched by post with the news, mistook slaves (escla-
vos) for cloves, which was what Gomez had promised to bring home
with him should he reach Cathay, and there was great excitement among
the courtiers aud nobles until the ludicrous blunder was corrected.
" Then," says the quaint chronicler of the event, " there was much laugh
ter." ^ From that time Spain had no confidence in any northern enter
prise. " To the South ! to the South ! " was the cry, and all the strength
and resources she could spare from her home wars was directed towards
the prosecution of her discoveries and conquests in South America.
" They that seek riches," said Peter Martyr, " must not go to the frozen
North ! "
For the next three fourths of a century the wilds and wastes of North
America received comparatively little notice from the European powers.
It was visited at different points and dates by fishermen and private ad
venturers, and a few flags were raised and colonies planted, but its geog
raphy, farther than its coast-outline, remained almost wholly unknown.
During the interval France was too much occupied by her fruitless expe
ditions into Italy, and her unequal contest with the power and policy
of Charles I. of Spain, and also by the civU wars with which she was
desolated for nearly half a century, to speculate amidst her miseries upon
possibilities, or lay plans for the future extension of her territories except
upon parchment. England, too, through most of that period, was agitated
and weakened by intestine broils or unwise interference in foreign af
fairs. Her immense navy, which has since enabled her to give law to the
ocean, was then scarcely in embryo ; ^ and her commerce about the year
1550 had become so nearly extinct that bankruptcy appeared for a time
1 Gomara, chap. 40 (1st edition, 1552). History of the West Indies, by Peter Martyr
(1530). Historia de las Indias Occidentales, by Antonio de Harrera (edition 1601), Tomo
III. Dec. III. cap. 8.
2 Robertson's Hiitorical Disquisition on Ancient India, sect. 4, p. 154.

ENGLAND AND RUSSIA. 21
inevitable. Native produce was in no demand, foreign importations had
ceased, and a singiUar monopoly, consisting chiefly of the factors of ex
tensive mercantile houses in Antwerp and Hamburg, had obtained con
trol of her markets, and, vampire-like, was sucking her remnant
of strength. The statesmen and the merchants of the realm met
in consultation, and took counsel of the aged and justly celebrated Sebas
tian Cabot, who, although he had thrice made the attempt to reach Asia
by the north without success, had never given up his hobby, that " some
great good lay in store for the world by the way of the Polar Seas." He
advised that the northern coasts of Europe be explored for new markets,
and an effort made to reach Cathay by a Siberian route.
A company was accordingly formed, which was called " The Society for
the Discovery of Unknown Lands," and an expedition was fitted out in
1553, the expenses of which were mostly borne by private subscription. It
was placed under the command of Sir Hugh Willoughby, and the bold
Eichard ChanceUor was made pUot-major of the fleet. The vessels became
separated during a .storm, and WiUoughby with two of them, after the most
terrific hardships, reached an obscure harbor on the desolate coast of Lap
land, where he and his men finaUy perished. ChanceUor, with heroic per
sistence, pushed his way through frozen waters where sunlight was perpet
ual, and landed in safety at Archangel. Eussia was then scarcely known
to Western Europe. ChanceUor made good use of his opportunities. He
journeyed by sledge to Moscow, and was invited to a personal interview
with Emperor Ivan the Terrible. A lucrative and permanent trade was
estabUshed between the two countries, which was the foundation of the
commercial and poUtical relations that have continued with slight inter
ruptions to the present time. By it a fresh impulse was given to produc
tive industry in England, and her credit was improved, while intercourse
with the English secured to the Eussians civiUzation, inteUigence, and
comfort. When ChanceUor returned in 1554 to England, he was the
bearer of a letter from Ivan the Terrible to Edward IV. The Muscovy
Company, as it was afterwards styled, obtained a formal chai-ter from the
Crown, dated February 6, 1555, in which Sebastian Cabot was named
as its first governor. It was granted a charter of privileges also by the
Eussian Emperor, and commenced energetic operations. The same com
pany, after a brUliant career of more than three hundred years, is stUl in
existence. For fuU fifty years after its organization it absorbed the
energy and the surplus capital of the EngUsh nation ; and nothing was
attempted in America save a few unimportant settlements, which came
to nothing.
MeanwhUe the Dutch were preparing for a marvelous leap into public

22

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

notice. When, in 1580, PhUip II. united Portugal to Spain, and pres
ently began his war upon England, his ports were closed against English
vessels. Therefore England was forced to buy her spices, silks, and other
Indian produce of the Dutch. But the revolt of the Netherlands foUowed
in quifk succession, and Dutch vessels were excluded from Lisbon, which
had been so long the European depot for Indian wares. Although the
Dutch were not a creative people, there was no nation under the sun
which, being strongly pushed in one direction, was more sure to succeed
than they. They had begun already to reap large profits from their Eng
lish trade. Prices had gone up on aU India goods ; that of pepper by two
hundred per cent. They were compelled, as it were, to seek a direct pas
sage to the Orient. Thus originated the great commercial corporation
known as the Dutch East India Company. Their vessels foUowed in
the track of the Portuguese around Africa. The directors were mostly
city nobles of the old school, and so prosperous became the company that
in twenty years they divided more than four times their original capital
among the shareholders, besides having acquired a vast amount of prop
erty m colonies foi tifications, and vessels

East India Company's House.
WhUe struggling for freedom amid the smallest beginnings, and at war
with the nation the shadow of whose haughty flag waved over half
a conquered world, and whose fashions and language controUed the courts
of Europe, the Dutch received the impetus which raised them to the rank

THE DUTCH WEST INDIA COMPANY. 23
of a great power. More than one hundred Protestant famUies, the very
pith of the nation, were driven from Belgium by the Spaniards, and found
their homes in Holland and Zealand. The ruin of the ancient trade and
oprdence of Belgium and the sudden expansion of the Dutch EepubUc
were two sides of the same event. But the exUed Belgians had no inten
tion of remaining permanently in Northern Netherlands. They breathed
a new element of commercial strength into the atmosphere, and at the
same time were putting their shrewd heads together to devise some
method by which Belgium might be delivered from the Spanish yoke.
They weU knew that the wide possessions of Spain were open to the
resolute attacks of a vigorous foe. FinaUy, they originated the gigantic
scheme of a warlike company of private adventurers, who should conquer
or ruin the Spanish settlements, seize the Spanish transports, and cut off
aU communication with her Transatlantic dependencies. And they pro
posed to name it, very appropriately, the West India Company.
The obstacles in the way of putting so vast a project into execution
were very great. John of Barneveld was at the head of affairs in the
Dutch Eepublic, and advocated peace. He was too practical a philoso
pher not to appreciate the enormous advantages his country had just
gained. The victorious return of the Belgians to their native province
would only remove commerce and political lead to the south, and was in
no case to be desired. He was fully determined to prevent the existence
of any such warUke corporation as the one under consideration. But the
Belgians found energetic allies. The lower classes in the Holland towns
favored them because that Barneveld was hated for his aristocratic pro
clivities. Infiuential men from the other Dutch provinces lent their aid
because the Advocate aimed at an overweening influence for HoUand.
The House of Orange gave them the hand of fellowship because this great
family aspired to wider dominion and to a less limited authority than
they had hitherto possessed.
The leader of the Belgian party was WiUiam UsseUncx, an exiled
Antwerp merchant of noble descent, whose force of wUl was simply mar
velous, and whose magnetic influence over his countrymen was so great
that they seemed to think with his brain and act with his hand. His
ready pen kept the poUtical life of HoUand in one continual ferment.
He was opposed to peace with Spain under any circumstances. He said
the quarrel was in its nature irreconcilable and eternal, because it was
despotism sacerdotal and regal arrayed against the spirit of rational hu
man liberty. His arguments were convincing, and his wit was as flash
ing and as quickly unsheathed as a sword.
The Dutch revolt was in itself the practical overthrow of religious tyr-

24 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
anny. It was a healthy and, for the age, an enlightened movement.
But theological disputes arose upon the ruins of popular delusions, even
among the Protestants themselves. Arminius, from the ancient Univer
sity of Leyden, undertook the difficult task of justifying before the tribu
nal of human reason the doctrine of the condemnation of sinners pre
destined to evU. He pubUcly taught, also, that the ministers of the
church ought to be dependent upon the civil authority. The municipali
ties caught at the cleverly thrown bait, and attempted to free themselves
from the pretensions of the estabUshed clergy. Gomar, a celebrated
scholar and a religious fanatic, defended the doctrines of the estabUshed
Protestant church and its principles of ecclesiastical polity. He was an
intimate associate of Usselincx ; and both, being courageous, crafty, far-
seeing men, were anxious to prolong a war which would render
the absolute government of the magistrates impossible, and sub
mission to the Prince of Orange a poUtical necessity.
Thus two parties were formed which lasted down to the French Eevo
lution, and even at the present day there remains of them nearly as much
as of whiggism and toryism in England. They were divided in almost
every question of public interest. The Belgian party were strict Calvin
ists and democrats, and their policy was to carry on the war with Spain
until Belgium should be freed. The Barneveld party were Armlnians,
aristocrats, republicans, and quite content to give Belgium over to the
Spaniards. The question of the West India Company was agitated for nearly
thirty years. Its actual existence dates from the year 1606. That is,
commissioners were named from the Assembly at that period, and discus
sions were frequent in regard to it. But Barneveld, who was at the head
of the Assembly, never seriously thought of confirming the corporation.
He only wished to use it as a threat for the intimidation of Spain, and it
was chiefly by this menace that the twelve years' truce was accomplished,
which played so important a part in the history of the Netherlands.
The wrangling between the two political parties grew more fierce as
the details of the peace negotiations became Imown. The river Scheldt
was to be closed, Antwerp thus ruined, Belgium given up, and aU attacks
upon the Spanish forbidden. The peace party maintained the principle
of excluding strangers from every employment, and of concentrating aU
public offices in a few patrician houses of the old stock. The impov
erished, but proud and fiery Belgian exUes looked with dismay at
their gloomy prospects in the event of the truce being agreed upon, and
put forth all their energies towards the accompUshment of the West
India Company. Usselincx wrote a series of pamphlets, in style simple

THE TWELVE YEARS TRUCE.

25

and effective, and which belong to the most remarkable productions of that
class of literature. They created such a sensation, and attracted to such
a degree the attention of contemporary historians, that the most distin
guished of them aU, Emanuel van Meteren, reprinted one of them entire.
But the pamphlets, like the plan for the West India Company,
only served to accelerate the conclusion of the truce. The Ad
vocate made a singular use' of his adversary's' weapons. A cessation
of hostUities for twelve years was signed by the representatives of the
two nations in 1609. It was a signal victory for the aristocratic party.
But ten years later the great statesman paid for it with his Ufe. No
sooner had the Calvinistic faction gained the ascendency than the West
India Company became a fixed fact. And it was due almost entirely to
the herculean exertions of Usselincx. It is singular that a man who has
earned so honorable a place in history should be so little known to the
world. It is true that he never held an official position, yet he founded
two great commercial companies, which were so prolific in results that,
had justice been properly meted out, his name would have been immor
talized. He contributed more than any power to annihUate Spain. He
brought to New York the nation in which the principle of free commu
nities — the vital principle of American liberty — was carried out to its
full extent. He made Sweden a maritime power. And by the success
of his enterprises, he was, in 1629, instrumental in saving HoUand from
the Spanish yoke, — an act so vast in its consequences that for it alone
he deserves the eternal gratitude of aU Germanic Europe.
In the mean time, and just about the date of the conclusion of the
twelve years' truce with Spain, the East India Company had unwit
tingly discovered Manhattan Island, with which account the next chapter
opens.

Portrait of John of Barneveld.

26 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER II.
1609 - 1614.
HENRY HUDSON.
Henry Hudson. — His Voyagb.s. — He discovers Manhattan Island. — His Voy
age UP THE Hudson River. — His Visit to an Indian Chief. — His trasical
Fate. — American Furs. — Settlement of Virginia. — Voyages to Manhattan.
— The Fur Trade. — Burning of the Tiger. — Building of a Ship at Man
hattan. — Description of Manhattan Island. — The Manhattan Indians. —
Customs and Dress. — Money and Politics. — Trading Privileges.
OF the personal history of the iUustrious navigator Henry Hudson
very little is known. The first view we have of him is in the
church of St. Ethelburge, Bishopsgate Street, London, in the summer of
1607, whither he had gone with his crew to partake of the sacrament
before saUing under the auspices of the Muscovy Company in search of a
passage to "Asia across the North Pole." His whole life as known to
the world extends only over a period of about four years ; and there is
no portrait of him, not even a contemporaneous print of doubtful authen
ticity. This is the more remarkable as he lived in an age when it was
quite the fashion to preserve the pictures of celebrities.^ He appears be
fore us a manly man in middle life, weU educated, courageous, cool, an
expert in seamanship, and of wide experience in his country's service.
Who he was, has been a matter of much speculation. His father was
probably Christopher Hudson, one of the factors of the Muscovy Com
pany, and their agent in Eussia as early as 1560, a personage who a
little later was made governor of the company, — an office he retained
with honor untU 1601. The grandfather of the discoverer of New York
is supposed to have been the Henry Hudson who, in 1554, figured among
the founders, and was the first assistant, of the Muscovy Company.
1 Purclias His Pilgrimss and Pilgrimage. Hakluyt Collection of Voyages. Vol. I. N. Y.
H. S. Coll. (First Series). Henry H-udson in Holland, by Hon. Henry C. Murphy. Henry
Hudson the Navigator, by Dr. Asher, member of the Hakluyt Society of London. Histori
cal Inquiry concerning Hemry Hiidson, by General John M. Eead, Jr. Sailing Direaions of
Henry Hudson, by Eev. B. F. de Costa.

* ' 1609.

HENRY HUDSON. 27
Hudson's voyage in 1607 resulted only in his attaiiung a much
higher degree of northern latitude than any of his predecessors. ^^<'''-
The next year he saUed north again, but returned without hav
ing achieved any further measure of success.
The news that such voyages were in progress traveled in due course
of time to Holland, and rendered the Dutch East India Company uneasy
lest the discovery of a short route tb India by their industrious rivals
should suddenly deprive them of a lucrative trade. The learned historian.
Van Meteren, was the Dutch minister at the Court of St. James, and
through him messages were transmitted inviting Hudson to visit HoUand.
It was not long ere the famous sea-captain arrived at the Hague,
and was received with much ceremony. The officers of the com
pany met, and aU that had been discovered concerning the northern seas
was carefuUy discussed. The Dutch had not been behind their neighbors
in daring exploits. Even whUe raising enormous sums of money towards
carrying on the war with Spain, they had bent every energy towards ex
tending their commerce. Merchant companies and private adventures had
been encouraged and assisted by the government. A nuinber of expeditions
had endeavored to reach " China behind Norway," and trading monopoUes
had been established in Guinea and at Archangel ; in short, the saUs of the
nation whitened the waters of almost every clime. The noblemen who
directed the affairs of the East India Company were as cautious as they
were enterprising. Some of them had been so influenced by the repre
sentations of the sorely disappointed De Moucheron, Barentsen, CorneUs-
sen, Heemskerck, and others, that they declared it would be a waste of
time and money to attempt again the navigation of the vast oceans of ice.
But Hudson stood before them fuU of enthusiasm, and expressed his ardent
conviction that Asia might be reached by the northeast. Peter Plantius,
a clergyman of the Eeformed Dutch Church in Amsterdam, who had been
engaged with Usselincx in trying to found the West India Company,
opened a correspondence with Hudson, and sent him some of his own'
pubUshed works. Plantius had a profound knowledge of maritime aff'airs,
the result of unwearied investigations, and he warmly seconded the
effort to search for a northeastern passage. He said that the faUure of
Heemskerck in 1596 was due to his trying to go through the Straits of
Weygate, instead of keeping to the north of the island of Nova Zembla.
After much delay, an expedition was finally planned and Hudson
placed in command. The Amsterdam Chamber defrayed the expenses.
They furnished a yacht, or Dutch gaUiot, — an awkward, clumsy kind of a
brig, with square saUs upon two masts. It was a tolerably safe craft, but
a slow saUer, of forty lasts' or eighty tons' burden, and was caUed the

28

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

Half Moon. It was manned with a crew of twenty men, partly EngUsh
and partly Dutch sailors. Hudson was instructed to pass by the north
and northeast of Nova Zembla, towards the Straits of Arnan, and to
search for no other routes or passages but the one in question. He
obeyed his employers to the letter, untU the cold grew so intense that the
seamen of the East India Company, who had been accustomed to warmer
cUmates, became chilled and unfit for duty. Once or twice the vessel
escaped as by a miracle from unknown currents, then mountains of ice
encompassed it, and the crew were so terrified that they arrayed them
selves in open rebeUion. Hudson's only alternative was to turn back.
He at once gave his attention to searching for a passage to Asia through
the American Continent. He was famUiar with Verrazano's charts and

Hudson's Ship.
reports, and he was a personal friend of Captain John Smith, whose
adventures in America were watched in England with critical inter
est. He had good reasons for supposing that there was some commu
nication with the South Sea at about the fortieth degree of latitude. He
accordingly sailed southward as far as Virginia, then cruised along
the shore in a northerly direction until the 2d of September,
when he anchored in sight of the beautiful hiUs of Neversink, which
hold the post of honor near the portals to our island. The next day he
ventured a little farther into the lower bay, and found what he
supposed to be three great rivers, one of which he tried to enter,
but was prevented by " the very .shoal bar before it."
On the moming of September 4th he sent out a smaU boat to
explore and sound the water, and a good harbor was found where

Sept. 3.

HUDSON DISCOVERS MANHATTAN ISLAND. 29
the sea " was four and five fathoms, two cables' length from shore." A
great many fine fish were also discovered. Indians were seen along the
shores, and towards evening they came prospecting around the Half Moon
in smaU canoes. They were dressed in skins, wore feathers in their hair,
and were adorned with clumsy copper ornaments. They brought witlj
them green tobacco, and offered it as a peace-off'ering. They were so
civU that a party of the saUors landed among them the next day,
and were very weU and deferentiaUy treated. In addition to *''*'^'
tobacco, they seemed to have a great abundance of maize, or Indian
corn, dried currants, and hemp.
On the Bth, John Coleman, an EngUshman, who had been with
Hudson on his previous polar voyages, was sent with four seamen ^^ '
to sound the Narrows. They passed through KUl von KuU to Newark
Bay. The sweetness of the inner land, and the crisp saltness of the
distant sea, were mixed in one delicious breeze, and they reported the
country " as pleasant with grass and flowers as any they had ever seen."
WhUe returning to the Half Moon late in the afternoon, they were at
tacked by some Indians in canoes, and John Coleman was kiUed by one of
their arrows. The Indians doubtless fired at random, as there is no evidence
that hostiUties were continued, or any attempt made to capture the boat,
which in the confusion might have been done with the greatest ease.
Night came on, and the frightened sailors lost their light and their way,
and were tossed about on the troubled sea until ten o'clock the
next morning, when, with the remains of their murdered officer,
they were at last received upon the Half Moon. Coleman was buried
upon a point of land near by, which was caUed Coleman's Point.
For some days afterward Hudson spent his time in examimng the
shores, sounding the waters, and bartering with the Indians. The latter
were closely watched, but manifested no knowledge of the fatal afflray by
which John Coleman had lost his life. On the llth the Half
Moon was cautiously guided through the Narrows, and anchored
in fuU view of Manhattan Island. How Uttle Hudson dreamed that it
would one day become the home of Europe's overflowing population !
His mind was occupied with visions of a diff'erent character. He was
encouraged to believe that he had at last found the passage to Cathay ;
for the river stretching off to the north was of such gigantic proportions
as to .dwarf almost to insignificance the comparative streamlets of the
eastern continent ! He determined to proceed at all hazards ; but the
wind was ahead, and he could move only with the flood tide, hence ^ ^ „
, J. 1 Sept. 14.
it was not untU the 14th that he commenced the ascent of the
river in earnest.

30 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
If Hudson had been a trained detective he coiUd not have been sharper-
eyed in his observations of the country along his route than his circum
stantial journal indicates. The Indians hovered about his vessel, anxious
to trade their produce for the buttons, ornaments, and trinkets of
the saUors. On the 17th he anchored at a point just above the
present city of Hudson, and the next day accompanied an old Indian
chief to his home on the shore. It was a circular wigwam, and upon the
Englishman's entrance, mats were spread upon the ground to sit upon,
and eatables were passed round in a weU-made red wooden bowl. Two
Indians were sent in quest of game, and returned with pigeons. A fat
dog was also kiUed, and skiimed with sharp shells. Hudson was served
to a sumptuous repast, but he decUned an invitation to spend the night
with his royal host, and the Indians, supposing it was because he was
afraid of their bows and arrows, broke them in pieces and threw them in
the fire. They proceeded on their way up the river for a few days, but
Scpti. 23. . . T
at last navigation became obstructed, and a boat was sent eight
or nine leagues in advance to measure the water. " Seven foot and
unconstant soundings " deterred the bold mariner from proceeding far
ther. He had gone as far as he could, and Asia was not yet. There
are conflicting opinions as to the precise point reached by the Half Moon,
but it is generaUy supposed that it attained about the latitude of Castle
Island, just below Albany.
The glowing description which Hudson gave of the country and its re
sources was incorporated in an elaborate work by the Dutch historian
De Laet, one of the directors of the West India Company some years
later. Hudson wrote " that the land was of the finest kind for tUlage,
and as beautiful as the foot of man ever trod upon." He made himself,
it seems, very agreeable to the natives. On one occasion he persuaded
two old Indians and their squaws, and two maidens of sixteen and seven
teen years, to dine with him in the cabin of his vessel, and said that
" they deported themselves with great circumspection." At another time
he treated some of the sachems to wine untU they were merry, and one
of them was so very drunk that he could not leave the Half Moon untU
the next day.^
Hudson commenced his return on the 23d, and, eleven days afterwards,
" went out of the mouth of the great river," and saUed for Europe. On
the 7th of November he arrived safely at Dartmouth, England, where he
was detained by the EngUsh authorities, who denied his right to enter
1 At this very moment the eijiiuent French navigator, Champlain, was upon the waters of
the lake which bears his name, and within one hundred miles of Hudson.

HUDSON'S DEATH. 31
into the service of a foreign power. He forwarded a report of his adven
tures to the Dutch East India Company, with a proposal to change six or
seven of his crew and aUow him to try the frozen seas again. His com
munication did not reach Holland for several months, and his employers
were ignorant of his arrival in England. When they were at last ap
prised of the fact, they sent a peremptory order for him to return with
the Half Moon. He would have obeyed, but the arm of the EngUsh law
withheld him. The vessel, however, was sent with its cargo to HoUand.
The Muscovy Company made immediate arrangements to avail them
selves of Hudson's valuable services, and fitted out another expedition to
the north seas. The expenses were defrayed by private English gentle
men, one of whom was Sir Dudley Diggs. Hudson sailed towards the
northeast again until the ice obstructed his progress, then proceeded
westward, and after many trials and hardships discovered the bay and
strait which have immortaUzed his name; but his superstitious crew
greatly magnified the dangers by which they were surrounded, and at
last arose in open mutiny. They placed their heroic commander in a
smaU boat, to drift helplessly over the dreary waste of frozen waters,
which are, alas ! his tomb and his monument. To fully appreciate the
character of such a man as Henry Hudson, we must never lose sight of
the fact that the real hazards of those early voyages were exceedingly
great, and the imaginary perils infinite. Even now, after the lapse of
nearly three centuries, we cannot dweU upon his tragic fate without
mourning that such a Ufe could not have been spared to the world a
little longer, and that he who accoiqpUshed so much for posterity should
have had so slight a comprehension of the magnitude of his labors and
discoveries. The aristocratic Dutch East India Company regarded aU Hudson's
reports with indifference. They had a great aversion to America, and
ignored it altogether. They had been coining wealth too long and too
easily from the immense profits on their India goods to be interested in
anything short of the Orient. They actuaUy sent again two vessels
to the North in 1611, to explore among the icebergs for a direct route
to Asia, hoping to soften the edge of former disappointments.
But there were traders in the Netherlands whose eyes were opened to a
hidden mine of wealth through the skins with which the returned Half
Moon had been laden. Furs were much worn in the cold countries of
Europe, and the Dutch reveled in the costly extravagance. These furs
were obtained mostly through the Eussian trade. From sixty to eighty
HoUand vessels visited Archangel every year, agents were stationed
at Novogorod and other inland towns, and a brisk traffic was kept

32 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
up with ancient Muscovy. The wise Eussian Emperor had courted this
prosperous commerce, but had laid a duty of five per cent on aU imported
goods, and allowed an equivalent amount to be exported duty free:
Whoever exported more than he imported paid a duty of five per cent on
the difference.^
If the same and simUar goods could be obtained in the New World in
exchange for the veriest bawbles, and command a remunerative market at
home, it was a golden opportunity. At aU events, it was worth an inves
tigation. A partnership was organized, and a vessel fitted out and
laden with small wares. A portion of the crew of the Half Moon ^ were
secured, and the ship was placed under the command of an experienced
officer of the East India Company. Hudson Eiver was again visited, and
a cargo of skins brought back to Holland. The account of the voyage
was pubUshed, and the friendly disposition of the Indians much descanted ¦
upon. It was at a period when the press everywhere was teeming with pam
phlets of travel and descriptions of the earth as far as known. Geogra
phy was becoming with some few a life-study, and every added grain
of knowledge was seized with avidity.
England had already begun to think seriously of planting colonies in the
New World. The timid James I., perplexed to know how to provide for
the great numbers of gaUant men of rank and spirit who had served
under Queen Elizabeth both by sea and by land, and who were out of
employment, had permitted a company to be formed in London for the
purpose of settUng Virginia, and in 1606 granted it a patent which em
braced the entire Atlantic coast from Cape Fear to Nova Scotia, ex
cepting Acadia, then in actual possession of the French. Many of the
impoverished noblemen immediately embarked for their new home, and
had been tUUng the fertUe soil of Virginia for three years prior to the
discovery of Manhattan Island. These general facts were weU known in
Holland, and the States-General in 1611, through Caron, their ambassa
dor at London, made overtures to the British government to join
them in their Virginian Colony, and also to unite the East India
trade of the two countries. But the statesmen of England were unfavor
ably incUned towards either project. Their reply was, " If we join upon
equal terms, the art and industry of your people wUl wear out ours." ^
^ Richesse de la Hollande, I. 51. Muilkerk. McCullagh's Industrial History.
^ Heckewelder, New York Hist. Soc. CoU. Yates and Moulton.
' Winwood's Memorial, III. 239. Extract ofa letter from Mr. John Moore to Sir Francis
Winwood, the English ambassador at the Hague, dated London, Deceraber 15, 1610.
Corps Dip., Y. S9- 102. Grotius, XYlll. SIZ Van Meteren.

TRADERS AT MANHATTAN. 33
During the summer of 1611, Captain Hendrick Christiaensen, while
returning from a voyage to the West Indies, where many Dutch vessels
obtained salt every year, necessary for curing herrings, found himself in
the vicinity of the " great river," the Hudson (which the Belgian Dutch
caUed " Mauritius," in honor of the Prince of Orange), and but that his
ship was heavUy laden would have ventured in. As soon as he arrived
in Holland he entered into a partnership with Adriaen Block; they
chartered a smaU vessel, took goods on commission, and saUed for Man
hattan. The Indians were glad to see them, and they had no difficulty
in freighting their craft with skins. They also persuaded two young In
dian chiefs, Orson and Valentine, to accompany them to Holland.
Block wrote a long and graphic account of his voyage, which was pub
Ushed and circulated in aU the Dutch cities. Its object was to awaken
public interest in the American fur-traffic. The two Indians were taken
from place to place to create a sensation, and with pretty good success.
Erelong three wealthy merchants, Hans Hongers, Paulus Pelgrom, and
Lambrecht Van Tweenliuysen, formed a partnership and equipped two
vessels for Manhattan. They were the Fortune and the Tiger, and were
intrusted to the command of Christiaensen and Block. Presently some
gentlemen in North Holland sent two vessels to trade at Manhattan.
One of them, the Little Fox, was commanded by Captain John de Witt,
an uncle of the celebrated Dutch statesman who was grand pensionary of
the Netherlands in 1652. The other was the NigMin,gale, and was in
charge of Captain Thys Volckertsen. Within three months the owners
of the Fortune and the Tiger sent out a third vessel, commanded by Cap
tain Cornells Jacobsen May, who ten years later was made Director-Gen
eral of New Netherland. Their success was flattering, for the Indians were
captivated by the trinkets which were ofi'ered in exchange for skins.
It is worth noting that from the very first the admirable commer
cial position of Manhattan Island indicated it, as if by common
^ ' . , . . 1613.
consent, as the proper place where furs collected m the interior
could be most readily shipped for Europe. Christiaensen, having won the
confidence of his employers, became a legaUy appointed agent, and by
means of trading-boats visited every creek, bay, river, and inlet in the
neighborhood where an Indian settlement was to be found. He often
took, also, long journeys into the country on foot, and was everywhere
treated by the savages with kindness and consideration.
One clear cold night in November the Tiger took fire at its anchorage,
just off the southem point of Manhattan Island, and Block and his crew
escaped with much difficulty to the shore. The vessel bumed to the
water's edge, and as the other ships had aU saUed for Holland there was
3

34

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

no possible hope of any assistance from white men before spring. Block
accepted the situation Uke a true philosopher, and erected four smaU
habitations on the island at about the present site of 39 Broadway. Of
their architecture we have no means of information, but they were doubt
less of the wigwam family. The Indians were hospitably inclined, bring
ing food out of their abundance, and the saUors were enabled to exist with
comparative comfort untU spring. Block was a plain man, of no incon
siderable tact and capacity. He had been bred to the law, but had de
serted his profession to study the science of navigation. He must have
had a versatUe genius, for he set himself at work with great energy to
construct a new vessel upon the charred remains of the Tiger}

1614.

Burning of Ihe Tiger.
It was an arduous undertaking with the slender materials at command.
Indeed, it requires considerable stretch of the imagination, in this age of
mechanical luxury, to understand how such a feat could have been ac
compUshed at aU. But it is one of the facts of history, and early
in the spring of 1614 the justly famous yacht of 16 tons' burden
was found seaworthy, and launched in the waters of the Upper Bay.
It was sigmficantly called the Restless. Block set forth in it to explore
1 Plantage-mt's New Albion. Brodhead, 48, note. Breeden Raedt oen de Vereeinghde
Nederlandsche Provintien contains a statement made by the Indians, that "when the
Dutch lost a ship we provided the white men with food until the new ship was finished."
De Laet says : "To carry on trade with the Indians our people remained all winter." De
Vries repeats the same. A record of the burning of the Tiger exists in the Eoyal Archives
at the Hague under date of August 18, 1614.

DESCRIPTION OF MANHATTAN ISLAND. 35
the tidal channels to the east, where no large ships had yet ventured. He
passed the numerous islands, and the dangerous strait caUed HeU Gate, and
to his amazement found himself in a " beautUul inland sea," which ex
tended eastward to the Atlantic. He was the first European navigator, as
far as we have any precise knowledge, who ever furrowed the waters of
Long Island Sound.
About the same date. Captain May again reached the American shores
and, hovering along the eastem and southern boundaries of Long Island,
proved that it was indeed an island. Finding his business soon transacted
at Manhattan, he visited Delaware Bay, and bestowed his name upon
its northern cape. Block, meanwhUe, uiterested himself in the peculiari
ties of the southern coast of Connecticut, and sailed up the great Fresh
Eiver as far as where the city of Hartford now stands.^ He then pro
ceeded to Cape Cod, where he unexpectedly met Christiaensen. After
some discussion they finaUy exchanged vessels, and Block saUed for Hol
land in the larger and safer craft of his comrade, while Christiaensen con
tinued to make explorations along the coast in the Eestless.
Thus was Manhattan Island again left in primeval soUtude, waiting tUl
commerce should come and claim its own. To the right, the majestic
North Eiver, a mUe wide, unbroken by an island ; to the left, the deep
East Eiver, a third of a mile wide, with a chain of slender islands abreast ;
ahead, a beautiful bay fifteen miles in circumference, at the foot of which
the waters were cramped into a narrow strait with bold steeps on either
side ; and astern, a smaU channel dividing the island from the mainland
to the north, and connecting the two salt rivers. Nature wore a hardy
countenance, as wild and untamed as the savage landholders. Manhattan's
twenty-two thousand acres of rock, lake, and roUing table-land, rising in
places to an.altitude of one hundred and thirty-eight feet, were covered
with somber forests, grassy knolls, and dismal swamps. The trees were
lofty ; and old, decayed, and withered limbs contrasted with the younger
growth of branches, and wild-fiowers wasted their sweetness among the
dead leaves and uncut herbage at their roots. The wanton grape-vine
swung carelessly from the topmost boughs of the oak and the sycamore,
and blackberry and raspberry bushes, like a picket-guard, presented a bold
front in aU the possible avenues of approach. Strawberries struggled for a
feeble existence in various places, sometimes under foliage through which
no sunshine could penetrate, and wild rose-bushes and wild currant-bushes
hobnobbed, and were often found cUnging to frail footholds among the
ledges and cliffs, while apple-trees pitifully beckoned with their dwarfed
fruit, as if to be relieved from too intimate an association with the giant
^ Be Laet. Mass. Hist. Coll., XY. 110. BrodTtead, I. 57 .

36 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
progeny of the crowded groves. The entire surface of the island was bold
and granitic, and in profile resembled the cartilaginous back of a sturgeon.
Where the Tombs prison now casts its grim shadow in Center Street, was
a fresk-water lake, supplied by springs from the high grounds about it,
so deep that the largest ships might have floated upon its surface, and
pure as the Croton which now flows through the reservoirs of the city.
It had two outlets, — smaU streams, one emptying into the North, the
other into the East Eiver.
It was not an interesting people whom the Dutch found in possession
of Manhattan Island They have ever been surrounded with darkness
and duUness, and we can promise very little entertainment while we caU
them up before us, with aU their peculiarities of Ufe, language, and garb,
and with a few touches sketch them as a whole. They were taU, weU made,
broad of shoulder and slender in the waist, with large round faces, mUd
black eyes, and a cinnamon complexion. The distinguished scholar. Dr.
O'Callaghan, says : " It was first supposed that this color was the effect
of cUmate, but it has since been discovered to have been produced by the
habitual use of unctuous substances, in which the juice of some root was
incorporated, and by which this pecuUar tinge was communicated to the
skin of the North American Indian." They lived in huts which were
built by placing two rows of upright sapUngs opposite each other, with
their tops brought together and covered with boughs. These dwellings
were skillfully lined with bark to keep out the cold. They were often
large enough to accommodate several famUies ; but it must be remembered
that each Indian only required space enough to Ue down straight at
night, and a place to keep a kettle and one or two other housekeeping
articles. Windows and floors were unknown; fires were built on the
ground in the center, and the smoke escaped through a smaU aperture in
the roof
The Indians never located permanently, but moved about from one
place to another, selecting such points as were naturally clear of wood.
The men understood the use of the bow and arrow, and spent much of
their time in hunting and fishing. They made fish-Unes of grass or
sinews, with bones or thorns for hooks. Wigwas was a process of fishing
after dark, similar to that termed hobbing at the present day. They
gathered sheU-fish and oysters in great abundance, so that, wherever the
land has been found covered with the ddh^is of shells, it has been regarded
as a certain indication that an Indian village once existed there. The
Dutch found one such locality on the west side of Fresh- Water Pond,
which they named Kalch-Hook, or Shell-Point. In course of time this
name was abbreviated into Kalch or CoUech, and was applied to the
pond itself

CUSTOMS AND DRESS. 37
The women, as usual among uncivilized nations, performed most of the
field-work. The savages raised large quantities of corn and patches of
tobacco, and even pumpkins were cultivated in a rude, primitive way.
They used sharpened sheUs for knives, and with them cut down trees and
constructed canoes. Although they had no tables nor ceremoiues of eating,
they were by no means indifferent to the quaUty of their food. It is
even reported by some of the Dutch pioneers in the wUderness that much
of their cookery was very palatable. Yockey was a mush made of pounded
com and the juice of wild apples. Suppaen was com beaten and boUed
in water. Succotash was com and beans boUed together. Com was
often roasted upon the ear. Fish and meat were boiled in water, un
dressed, entrails and all ; dog's flesh was one of their greatest deUcacies.
Hickory-nuts and walnuts they pounded to a fine pulp, and, mixing it
with water, made a popular drink. SuppUes for winter they lodged under
ground in holes Uned with bark. But, Uke the South American Indians,
they had no letters, and had never broken in a single animal to labor.
They conveyed their ideas by hieroglyphics, Uke the ancient Egyptians,
and were extremely superstitious.
Of dress both sexes were extravagantly fond. The mantle of skins
worn by the men was often elaborately trimmed. The hair was tied on
the crown of the head, and adorned with gay-colored feathers. The hair
of the women was dressed very much Uke Guide's picture of " Venus
adorned by the Graces." It was sometimes braided, and sometimes flow
ing loose down the back with the appearance of having been crimped.
The same style may now be seen in some recent paintings made by artists
who have visited the Southwestern Indians, and it is not unusual in
the pictures of the old masters and in the busts of the Grecian sculptures.
A highly ornamented petticoat, made of whale-fins and suspended from a
belt or waist girdle, was very costly. Its value is said to have been equal
to eighty doUars of our currency. Chains of curious workmanship, some
times only a collection of stones, were much worn upon the necks of both
men and women, and viTought copper was suspended from their ears in a
very Oriental manner.
Gold was regarded by them with contempt on account of its color.
Eed and azure were their favorite hues. Wampum was their money,
while at the same time it was used as an ornament for their persons.
It consisted of small cylindrical beads manufactured from the white lining
of the conch and the purple lining of the mussel sheUs. The purple
beads were worth just twice as much as white beads. From a circulating
medium among the Indians, it became the recognized currency of the
early white settlers, and the Dutch caUed it sewan. In like manner, a

38 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
species of sheUs are used at the present day as money in the interior of
Africa. PubUc afiairs were managed by a councU of the wisest, most experi
enced, and bravest of their number, caUed sachems. They had no salary
nor fees, to make office an object of ambition. Authority was secured by
personal courage and address, and lost by faUure in either of those quaU
ties. Law and justice, in our acceptation of the terms, were unknown to
them. When a murder was committed, the next of kin was the avenger.
For minor offences there was rarely ever any punishment. Prisoners of
war were considered to have forfeited aU their rights of manhood, and
towards them no pity or mercy was shown. With excessive thirst for ex
citement and display, war became their common lot and condition. The
whole tendency of their lives and habits was to that point, and to be a
great warrior was the highest possible distinction. They had crude and
confused opinions respecting the creation of the world and a future exist
ence, and held vague ideas of a discrimination between the body and soul,
but to aU systems of religion they were entire strangers. Such was the
race which gave way to modern civilization.
^ On Block's return to HoUand,^ with the Fortune (Christiaen-
Sept. 1. sen's vessel, which he had exchanged for the Bestless), his patrons
received him with enthusiasm, and made immediate preparations to avaU
themselves of a new feature of governmental favor towards enterprising
trade. The States-General, anxious to encourage the foreign commerce
Marcli27. ° °
of Holland, in January, 1614, had granted a charter to an associa
tion of merchants for prosecuting the whale fishery in the neighborhood
of Nova Zembla, and for exploring .a new passage to China. One of the
directors of this new company was Lambrecht Van Tweenhuysen, one of
the owners of Block's vessel, the Tiger. The importance of a simUar
grant of privileges to those at whose expense new avenues of trade were
being opened in the vicinity of Manhattan was almost immediately dis
cussed. A petition to that eff'ect was sent to the States.^ The States
recommended it to the general government. On the 27th of March the
following was entered upon their records : " Whosoever shaU from this
^ A story has been many times repeated, how Captain Samuel Argall of Virginia, while
returning from an inglorious expedition against the French colony at Acadia, in November •
of 1613, stopped at Manhattan and compelled the Dutch who were there to submit to the
king of England. Such may have been in accordance with the facts, for it would have heen
in keeping with Argall's coarse, self-willed, and avaricious character ; but it is not supported
by authentic state papers.
2 " The States " of Holland must not be confounded with the States-General. The differ
ence was as great as between the representation of the State of New York and the Federal
Congress at AVashington.

NEW TRADING PRIVILEGES.

39

tune forward discover any new passages, havens, lands, or places shaU
have the exclusive right of navigating to the same for four voyages."
It was required that reports of discoveries should be made to the
States-General within fourteen days after the return of the exploring
vessels, in order that the parties entitled to them should receive the
specific trading privileges. When simultaneous discoveries should be
made by diff'erent parties, the promised monopoly was to be enjoyed by
them in common.

View of the Vyverberg at the Hague.

40 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER III.
1614-1625.
THE HAGUE.
The Hague. — John of Barneveld. — New Netherland. — New England. — The
First Fort at Manhattan. — Political Commotion in Holland. — John of Barne
veld's Execution. — Imprisonment of Grotius. — The West India Company. —
The Amsterdam Chamber. — The First Settlers of New Netherland. — Death
OF THE Prince of Orange. — Death of James I. — The Marriage of Charles I.
— The First Governor of New Netherland.
THE Hague was the seat of government in the United Provinces. It
was a fine old city, with broad, straight streets, Uned with trees and
traversed by canals. It owed its origin to a hunting-seat built by the
counts of HoUand, and its name tb the enclosing Jiaeg or hedge
which suiTOunded their magnificent park. It derived its impor
tance from the constant presence of gifted and iUustrious men. The
princes of Orange, the officers of State, and the foreign ministers ac
credited to the Eepublic, resided within its limits. It was the home of
the ancienjfc nobiUty, and the favorite resort of persons of culture and
distinction from all portions of modern Europe. It was a city of palaces.
Among its public buildings was the Binnehof or inner court, the ancient
palace of the counts of Holland. It contained a magnificent Gothic haU,
the rival of Westminster. Opposite was a smaUer apartment, superbly
decorated, in which were held the " dignified and extraordinary " meet
ings of the States-General.
The management of the Seven United Provinces was vested in five
chief powers, — the States-General, the Council of State, the Chamber
of Accounts, the Stadtholder, and the CoUege of the Admiralty. The
States-General had the most influence and authority, but it was hardly a
representative body. It was, more properly speaking, a deputation from
the Seven Provinces, who were bound to obey their constituents to the
letter. It was composed chiefly of noblemen. Twelve usuaUy assembled
at its ordinary meetings. Prominent among them was the founder of
the Dutch Eepublic, — he who had organized a political system out of

JOHN OF BARNEVELD. 41
chaos; a man who had no superior in statesmanship, in law, in the
science of government, in intellectual power, in force of character. It
was John of Barneveld. He bore an ancient and knightly name. He
was of tall and commanding presence. While he cared more for the
substance than the graces of speech, he was noted for his convincing
rhetoric and magnetic eloquence. He had now reached his sixty-eighth
year. He was austere and unbending in manner, with thin white hair
pushed from a broad forehead which rose dome-Uke above a square and
massive face. He had a chiU blue eye, not winning but commanding,
high cheek-bones, a solid, somewhat scornful nose, a firm mouth and
chin, the latter of which was enveloped in a copious white beard, and the
whole head not unfitly framed in the stiff, formal ruff of the period. His
magisterial robes were of velvet and sable, and thus we have him in our
mind's eye as he sat at the head of the oval council table on October 11,
1614. In the midst of the transaction of weighty affairs of state, a committee
of Amsterdam merchants was announced. They were admitted without
delay. The chief speaker among them was Captain Block. He told his
story of adventure and discovery, and displayed a " Figurative map "
of the country at the mouth of the Hudson Eiver and thereabouts, which
had been executed artisticaUy under his own supervision, and which was
spread upon the council table and examined with interest. Barneveld
asked many questions, aU of which Block answered promptly and in
telligently. Barneveld remarked that, " in course of time those exten
sive regions might become of great poUtical importance to the Dutch
EepubUc." Several of the Statesmen expressed the same opinion.
The merchants were before them to petition for a. special trading
Ucense to the Hudson country, and the " high and mighty lords " were so
favorably inclined, that their secretary was at once ordered to draw up a
minute of a trading charter, the original of which is in existence, and
records in almost Ulegible characters the first use of the term New
Netherland. This instrument was sealed and attested before the appli
cants left ; and by it they were granted the fuU and exclusive right to
trade in New Netherland for four successive voyages to be made within
three years from the 1st of January, 1615. It expressly forbade any
other party from saUing out of the United Provinces to that territory, or
frequenting the same, within the time specified, under pain of confisca
tion of vessels and cargoes, and a fine of fifty thousand Netherland ducats
to the benefit of the grantees of the charter.^ It was a distinct act of
1 The original charter was brought to light by Mr. Brodhead during his researches in the
archives of the Hague.

42 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF .NEW YORK.
sovereignty over the country between New France and Virginia, which
was caUed " New Netherland," a name which it continued to bear
for half a century. It was entirely without boundary Unes, and
extended westward as far as the Dutch might be supposed ever to explore.
Yet the charter, after aU, was only an assurance to the associated mer
chants of a monopoly of trade against the competition of other Dutch sub
jects, without, for the present, asserting the right to exclude the outside
world. No political powers were granted for the government of the new
province, and nothing was at the time contemplated but discovery
and traffic.
It is a sing-ular coincidence, that, during the same summer in which
Block was exploring Long Island Sound, Captain John Smith was visit
ing the bays and coasts of Maine and Massachusetts. And about the
very time that the States-General were granting the above charter, the
Crown Prince of England was confirming the name "New England,"
which Smith had given to the territories north of Cape Cod.
Block never revisited this country, where he holds an honorable place
in the annals of its discovery, and where his name wUl ever be remem
bered as the first ship-builder. The enterprising Van Tweenhuysen sent
him north on a whaUng voyage, as his services were esteemed more
valuable in that direction.
The merchant company were not slow to draw from their new posses
sions the largest returns. They fitted out several vessels for the Hudson
or Mauritius Eiver, and sent with them some of the shrewdest traders in
HoUand. They ordered Christiaensen to erect a trading-house, which he
did on an island a little below the present city of Albany. It was
thirty-six feet long by twenty-six wide, and around it was raised a
stockade fifty feet square, which was encircled by a moat eighteen feet
wide, the whole being defended by two pieces of cannon, and eleven
stone guns mounted on swivels. The post was caUed Fort Nassau, was
garrisoned with twelve men, and placed under the command of Jacob
Eelkens, who had a rare talent for making friends with the Indians.
Christiaensen had scarcely completed his work, when he was murdered
by one of the young chiefs whom he had taken to Holland three years
before, thus finding a grave in the country to which he had made more
successfiU voyages than any one man up to that time.
In the early part of the spring, a building was erected on the lower
point of Manhattan Island, to answer the double purpose of storehouse
and fort. It was a small structure of logs, without any very practicable
defences of any kind. A few huts sprung up around it after this wise.
A square pit was dug in the ground, cellar fashion, six or seven feet deep

THE FIRST FORT AT MANHATTAN. 43
and from twelve to thirty feet long, floored with plank, and roofed with
spars, bark and sods being added when necessary to exclude the cold.
The traders lived usuaUy in their ships, but it was found convenient to
have a few men on shore to guard the warehouse, and to keep the furs
gathered, ready for shipment to HoUand.
Thus two years passed. No event of any note happened until the
spring of 1617, when Fort Nassau was nearly washed away by a freshet
on the breaking up of the ice on the Hudson Eiver. The traders 1617.
desired to remain in the vicinity of this great eastern terminus of
the Indian thoroughfare, and built a new fort ou au eminence, which the
Mohawks caUed Twass-gunshe, near the mouth of the Twasentha Eiver.
Soon after- taking possession of these new quarters, a formal treaty was
concluded with the chiefs of the Five Nations. The ceremonies were
imposing, each dusky tribe having an ambassador present. The pipe of
peace was smoked and the hatchet buried, the Dutch agreeing to build a
church over the instrument of death, so that to exhume it would be to
overturn the sacred edifice. It was a poUtic movement on the part of
the Dutch, for they thus secured the quiet possession of the Indian trade
to the fiUing of their coff'ers, whUe the Indians were weU satisfied, for
they had leamed the use of fire-arms from the French, and were now
eager to get them and maintain their supremacy over the neighboring
tribes. On the 1st of January, 1618, the trading charter expired by its own
hmitation, and, when the associated merchants tried to renew it, the
States-General only consented to give a special license to trade at
New Netherland from year to year. The Dutch EepubUc was
once more in commotion from centre to circumference, and the West
India Company was the chief point at issue. Since the ministers of
state were unable to prophesy probable results, they were careful not to
involve themselves in American affairs. UsseUncx had been quietly at
work since 1609, and, although he was well aware that the establishment
of the desired company must necessarily be postponed until the expiration
of the truce, yet there were many obstacles to be removed, and, in his
judgment, it was none too early to be taking the preliminary steps. In
all his movements he was effectuaUy aided by Maurice, Prince of Orange.
The outward shape of the strife was religious. A theological battle
was in progress between Arminianism and strict Calvinism. A con
spiracy against Barneveld was rapidly approaching its crisis. He was
a Uberal Christian, and had all his Ufe advocated religious toleration.
The Belgians caUed him " Pope John." They charged him with being a
traitor bought with Spanish gold. Poisonous pamphlets appeared day

44 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
after day, untU there was hardly a crime in the calendar that was not
laid at his door. It was a horrible personal assault upon the venerable
statesman who had successfuUy guided the counsels of the infant com
monwealth at a period when most of his accusers were in their cradles,
and when mistake would have been ruin to the EepubUc. He stood in
the way of the formation of the West India Company, and the Belgians
were determined to get rid of him. Prince Maurice was an ambitious
general, and although Barneveld had been the first to elevate him to
his father's position as Stadtholder, and inspire the whole country with
respect for his mUitary skiU and leadership, yet the truce with Spain
deprived him of a large share of his authority and influence, and he felt
himself so thwarted by the power of the patriotic advocate, that he
helped to organize the campaign against him, making no secret of his
hatred, and determination to crush him from off the face of the earth.
At last the Advocate was arrested by the order of Maurice, and
closely confined in one of the apartments of the Prince. The shower of
pamphlets and lampoons and libels began afresh, fiUed with dark
' allusions to horrible discoveries and promised revelations. Even
the relatives of the faUen statesman could not appear in the streets with
out being exposed to insult, and without hearing aU manner of obscene
verses and scurrilous taunts howled in their ears. The clergy upheld
Maurice, because, having been excluded from political office, they were in
active opposition to the civil authorities. They helped to spread the
story that Spain had bribed Barneveld to bring about the trace and
kill the West India Company ; and also that the Advocate had plotted
to seU the whole country and drive Maurice into exile. The nobles, the
states, the municipal governments, and every man who dared defend
Barneveld, were libeled and accused of being stipendiaries of Spain.
The war waxed so serious that soldiers were kept constantly on duty to
prevent bloodshed in the streets. And at this critical moment, the weak
king of England inflamed the mischief by personal intermeddling.
Nov 13 '^^^ National Synod of Dordrecht was finaUy appointed, and
foreign churches invited to send delegates. It came together on
the 13th of November, 1618, and sat for more than seven months, at a
cost to the EepubUc of a miUion of guilders. It resulted in a Calvinist
victory, the Arminians being pronounced "innovators, rebeUious, leaders
of faction, teachers of false doctrine, and disturbers of church and nation."
1619. -^^^ president said, in his address to the foreign members at the
^ ^ close of the session, that "the marvelous labors of the Synod had
made hell tremble."
Meanwhile, Barneveld had been for several months confined in a

JOHN OF BARNEVELD'S EXECUTION. 45
dreary garret room, and kept in complete ignorance of even the most
insignificant every-day events. On the 18th of March he was brought
to trial, but not permitted the help of lawyer, clerk, or man of
business. His papers and books were denied him, also pen, ink, ^''^' ^^'
and writing materials. He made his own defence with indignant elo
quence, but it availed him nothing. Four days after the termination of
the Synod, on the morning of the 13th of May, the majestic old
man was led into the vast haU, which had so often in other days ^ '
rung with the sounds of mirth and revelry, and received the sentence of
death. Then he was taken to a scaffold in the hoUow square in front
of the ancient palace, and beheaded. He was within five months of the
completion of his seventy-second year. His property was confiscated to
the state, and his proud and prosperous family reduced to beggary.
His principal adherents were imprisoned for Ufe. Hugh Grotius, who
was a powerful opponent to the prospective West India Company, was
sent to the Castle of Loevenstein, which stood on an island formed by the
Waal and the Meuse. He was an iUustrious Dutch jurist and author,
and influenced a large class of people who were not directly involved in
the theological controversy. He was so closely guarded in his prison for
a time, that not even his father or his wife were aUowed an interview
with him. His wife at last obtained permission to share his fate. In
her society and in close study he passed two years, during which time he
wrote some very important works. His wife had been in the habit of
receiving books in a large chest, and, finding that the guards had grown
somewhat careless in its examination, she ingeniously managed one morn
ing to have Grotius carried out in it. He disguised himself as a mason,
and with trowel and rule made his escape to Antwerp. He afterward
took up his abode in Paris, and was protected by the French government.
Immediately after the removal of the chief antagonist, Usselincx
started a subscription Ust for the West India Company, but it was
filled out slowly. The States-General were unwiUing that a foreign
element should create to itself so mighty an arm. They had no sym
pathy with its grand purpose, which was to combat and worry Spain, and
gather its recompense from the spoUs. The East India Company openly
and persistently opposed the whole project. , For a year scarcely any
progress was made. FinaUy the EngUsh unwittingly added the
straw which was to turn the scale. They had taken cognizance
of the Dutch traffic on the Hudson Eiver, and instructed their minister
at the Hague to remind the States-General of the patent which James I.
granted to the Plymouth and London companies, and of its broad juris
diction. He was also directed to warn the Dutch statesmen of the

46 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
impropriety of their pemUtting Dutch vessels to visit EngUsh coasts for
purposes of traffic. There was an animated diplomatic correspondence
on the subject, each government trying to define its owu position, and
justify its own acts, and establish its own rights. But no defimte results
were attained, save that the States-General were sharp-sighted enough to
discover that the only power by which they could possibly hold New
Netherland was absolute possession. In the newly drafted constitution
of the West India Company was a clause by which the corporation
would be obligated to people the so-caUed Dutch territory of North
America. The prospective company, therefore, was suddenly regarded
with less disfavor In a few weeks it received decided and direct
encouragement from the Dutch government ; and, after many birth-
throes, it became an accompUshed fact.
Probably no private corporation was ever invested with such
enormous powers. But the right to the vast and valuable lands
in America, with which it was endowed by the States-General, was not
legaUy estabUshed, and was the seed for a bountiful harvest of discontent.
The company was organized into almost a distinct and separate govern
ment. It might make contracts and alliances with the princes and the
natives comprehended within the Umits of its charter. It might buUd
forts. It might appoint and discharge governors, soldiers, and public
officers. It might administer justice. It might take any step which
seemed desirable for the promotion of trade. And its admirals on dis
tant seas were empowered to act independently of administration It
was required, it is true, to communicate with the States-General from time
to time of its treaties and aUiances, and to furnish detailed statements of
its forts and settlements, and to submit to their high mightinesses for
approval, all instructions for prominent officials, and apply to them for
high commissions. It took upon itseU, however, — and without properly
appreciating the magnitude of the undertaking, — one of the greatest of
public burdens, the naval war against a powerful enemy, and assumed at
once a thoroughly dangerous position. Warfare is always so manifestly
unprofitable, that to undertake it without the aid of government, in any
event, is sheer foUy. " Needful assistance " was promised, but the com
pany soon found that they had no means of enforcing the fulfilment of
such a promise. And to increase their future difficulties, the Barneveld
party recovered strength, and, in course of years, found in the De Witts
even more powerful leaders than Barneveld himself had been.
The West India Company was modelled after the East India Company.
It was guaranteed the trade of the American and African shores of the
Atlantic, precisely as the East India Company had been granted the

THE WEST INDIA COMPANY.

47

right to send ships to Asia, to the exclusion of the other inhabitants of the
Dutch provinces. It was divided, Uke the East India Company, into
five chambers, or boards, which were located in the five cities of Amster
dam, the Meuse, North HoUand, Zealand, and Friesland. Each of these
chambers was a separate society, with members, directors, and vessels of
its own. The capital of the company was six miUion florins, — about
$2,500,000. This sum, however, was not divided equaUy between the
five chambers, but Amsterdam had four ninths ; Zealand, two ninths ; and
each of the other three chambers, one ninth. In nearly the same pro
portion was the representation in the general committee of luneteen
directors who conducted the common aff'airs of the company, and were
caUed the " CoUege of the XIX." ^ They adopted the democratic prin-

West India Company's House.

ciples of the Belgians, and accorded to the shareholders a voice in aU
important proceedings, which was a constant reproach to the East India
Company, and created no inconsiderable amount of slanderous mis
representation and cavil
As soon as the provisional existence of the company had become a
permanent one, there was a change in the tone of pubUc sentiment.
Those who had used their pens with the utmost virulence to prevent its
accompUshment, turned about and declared it to be the first move on the
direct road to national prosperity. Its final organization was delayed two
1 Charter at length, in Groot, Placaat Book, I. 566 ; Hazard; Brodhead; Lamhreehtsm ;
De Laet; Doc. History of N. Y. ; O'Callaghan; Biographical am.d Historical Essay on the
Duf,ch Books and Pamphlets, by G. M. Asher, LL. D.

48 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
years longer ; during which time two questions occupied the minds of aU
interested parties. " ShaU the Guinea trade and the salt trade be integral
parts of the patent of the company ? " The affirmative gained the day.
Then arose pecuniary compUcations. The opposition of the East India
Company had created a panic in regard to the credit and character of the
new company, and the directors were not able to coUect a sufficient
amount of capital to commence operations untU they had twice declared
the list of subscribers closed. The original charter was also twice ampU-
fied in certain points of detail, and articles of internal improvement
adopted. It was formaUy approved by the States-General on the 21st of
June, 1623. The extraordinary company struck out boldly. Its fleets often
numbered as many as seventy armed" vessels each. It seemed
destined to humble Spain, whether it suppressed or promoted piracy. It
met with many brUUant successes. Prizes were captured of such value,
that, during the first few years, the shareholders received from twenty-
five to seventy-five per cent upon their investments. Although the
six millions of capital had been brought together with difficulty, twelve
mUlions were easUy added. The first ten years of its existence were
marked by three events of historic importance, — the taking of Bahia
in 1624; the capture in 1628 of the SUver fieet, which consisted of
large armed transports convejdng sUver and gold from the South Ameri
can mines to Spain; and the conquest of Pernambuco in 1630: aU of
which are fondly remembered in HoUand. But its history might have
been foretold. There were defects in its organization which rendered it
unable to establish a thriving commerce or fiourishing settlements. And
tl^e possessions which it obtained were never governed properly.
Within a month after its incorporation, three ships were sent to the
West Indies, and an armed expedition dispatched for an attack upon
Brazil. New Netherland received only such attention
as was necessary to satisfy the States-General that it
would ultimately be colonized, according to contract, by
the company. New Netherland aff'airs were intrusted to
the Amsterdam Chamber. The treasure was sufficient to
have enriched them if they had known how to develop
its valuable trade and fertile lands. They blundered,
as bodies of men with more Ught and wider experience
have been continuaUy blundering ever since their time.
They desired to make money in some more swift and
easy manner, and failed to put their efi'orts in the right
'''^^co.^pa'nyl"'"'' P^^*^^" ^W liowever erected the indefinite territory

THE AMSTERDAM CHAMBER. 49
into a province, with a grant from the States-General of the armorial dis
tinctions of a count. The seal was a shield bearing a beaver proper,
surmounted by a count's coronet, encircled by the words " Sigillum Novi
Belgl" The directors of the Amsterdam Chamber were John De Laet, the his
torian, KUiaen Van Eensselaer, Michael Pauw, Peter Evertsen Hulft,
Jonas Witsen, Hendrick Hamel, Samuel Godyn, and Samuel Blommaert.
They were aU men of wealth and education. But they were none of
them very deeply interested in the wUd Indian country. However, they
took measures to secure a party of Protestant Walloons, to send over to
their new possessions. These people were that portion of the Belgians who
were of Celtic origin, and were ingenious as well as brave and industrious.
They had applied the year before to the English for permission to emi
grate to Virginia, but the conditions off'ered by the Virginia Company
had been such that they had seen fit to decUne them. A ship
caUed the Neiv Netherland, commanded by Captain May, con
veyed thirty of these famiUes to our shores. They brought with them
a knowledge of the arts in which they were proficient, and were dis
tinguished for their extraordinary persistence in overcoming difficulties.
A young man by the name of Dobbs was one of the passengers in this
vessel. He was the ancestor of a large and infiuential famUy, among
whom was Dr. Benjamin P. Aydelott, a weU-known physician in the time
of Dr. Hosack and Dr. Francis. Upon their arrival, two families and six
men were sent to the great Fresh Eiver, and the remainder proceeded to
the fort on the Hudson Eiver, excepting eight of the men, who remained
at Manhattan. A new fort was immediately projected on the aUuvial soU
now occupied by the business portion of Albany, and called Fort Orange,
in honor of Maurice, who was greatly beloved by the Belgians.
About the same time preparations were made for occupying the genial
vaUey of the South or Delaware Eiver. A few traders selected a spot on
its east bank, near the present town of Gloucester, in New Jersey, and
built a fort which they called Fort Nassau. Later in the season other
vessels came from HoUand, bringing settlers, and about eighteen persons
were added to the colony at Albany. Adrian Joris, the second to Captain
May in command, sent his vessel to Holland in charge of his son, and
stayed with them aU winter. Eelkens was arrested in January for im
prisoning a Sequin chief on board his yacht, and Peter Barentsen was
made commander of the post in his place.
The income from the fur-trade of New Netherland during that
first year amounted to twenty-eight thousand guUders. The West
India Company, who were already elated with their victories in BrazU,
4

50 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
were gratified, and began to discuss the project of buUding a town upon
Manhattan Island, which was represented as a point of great natural
beauty, and favorably located for commerce. To test the disposition of
adventurers, they publicly off'ered inducements to such as might wish
to emigrate to America. Volunteers were not wanting in populous
HoUand, and three large ships were soon freighted, also one fast sail
ing yacht. Six entire famUies and several single men, forty-five per
sons in aU, with household furniture, farming utensils, and one hundred
and three head of cattle, were conveyed to Manhattan. One of the
party, WiUiam Verhulst, succeeded Captain May in the govemment, as
the latter was suddenly called to Holland on important private business.
The year 1625 was marked by two important European events which
had a direct bearing upon the future prospects of New Netherland. The
first was the death of the accompUshed Maurice, at the Hague. In him
the West India Company lost one of their most zealous and influential
champions, and the national army their commander-in-chief The
office of Stadtholder was conferred upon Frederick Henry, who exceUed
the mUitary Maurice in political capacity, and succeeded him as Prince
of Orange.
The other event was the death of James I. of England, and the conse
quent accession of Charles I. to the throne. England was aUeady at war
with Spain. James had been exasperated at the failure of his projects in
relation to the marriage of Charles with the Infanta, Donna Maria, who
subsequently became the wife of the Emperor of Germany. He had
been plunged into hostUities, which the resources of England were illy
able to sustain, and Charles had no sooner taken the scepter in his hand
than he commenced negotiating an aUiance with the Dutch EepubUc
against the common enemy. MeanwhUe he married Henrietta Maria,
daughter of Henry IV. of France. She came to England with a train of
Eoman CathoUc priests and attendants, which quickly stirred the EngUsh
people into a commotion, and intensified the hatred which they bore
towards Eoman CathoUc queens. Charles was a monarch of elegant,
gentleman-like tastes, of dignified manners, and of great obstinacy of
purpose. He could not apparently conceive of any obUgation on the
part of a king to his subjects. He set himself dehberately at work,
in defiance of all law, to introduce into his own country the system of
government which prevaUed in France. He had not by any means the
wretched excuse of a wife's influence. Henrietta had indeed refused to
be crowned, lest she should join in the rites of the Church of England.
But she was a mere chUd in years, totuUy uncultivated, and ignorant
of the language and history of her husband's country, and knew nothing

THE MARRIAGE OF CHARLES I. 51
whatever about the AngUcan reUgion. She had been not only betrothed,
but married to Charles by proxy. The Duke de Chevreuse, a near kins
man of the king, acted in that capacity. At the ceremony, which took
place in the porch of Notre Dame, he was attired in black velvet, and
wore a scarf flowered with diamond roses. The bride wore a magnifi
cent white satin robe, threaded with gold and silver, and flowered with
French Ulies in gems and diamonds. The Queen mother, Marie de
Medicis, shone like a pUlar of precious stones, and her long train was
borne by two princes of the. blood, Condd and Conti. But out of respect
to the reUgious feelings of Charles, the EngUsh ambassadors, and even
the proxy himself, withdrew from the Notre Dame during the concluding
mass. The cortege of the bride landed at Dover, June 23d, just after
sunset. At ten the next morning the king arrived whUe Henrietta was
breakfasting. She rose from the table, hastUy, and ran down a pair
of stairs to greet him, "and off'ered to kneel and kiss his hand ; but he was
too full of gallantry to permit her to do so, and caught her in his arms
and folded her to his heart with many loving caresses. She had been
taught to say, " Sir, I have come to youx Majesty's country to be com
manded by you," but the set speech failed her, and she burst into
tears. Charles became very fond of her and took great pride in her
beauty and musical powers, but he never discussed matters of state with
her. Pope Urban VIII. was exceedingly averse to the marriage. He
said, " If the Stuart king relaxes the bloody penal laws against the Eoman
Catholics, the English wiU not suff'er him to live long ! If those laws
are continued, what happiness can the French princess have in her
wedlock ? " These words were prophetic, as we shall see in future
chapters. FinaUy, through much astute diplomacy, the treaty of aUiance, offen
sive and defensive, was concluded between England and the United
Netherlands ; each nation agreeing to furnish fleets for the purpose of
destroying the Spanish commerce in the East Indies.^ It was also stipu
lated that the war and merchant vessels of the two countries should be
free to enter the ports of each other. One of the first-fruits of this new
relationship ^ was a meeting of the West India Company for the transac
tion of special business. The moment had arrived when the colonization
of New Netherland might be attempted without probable EngUsh inter-
1 Corps Dip., Vol. II. 458, 478. Clarendon State Papers, I. 41, 53. Aitzema, I. 671, 1226.
Lon. Doc., I. 36.
^ About tlie middle of Octoher, King Charles sent the Duke of Buckingham and the Earl
of HoUand as ambassadors extraordinary to the States-General to negotiate a still closer
alliance. Wassenaar, XII. 39 ; XVI. 13. De Laet. Doc. Hist. N. Y., III. 46, 47.

52

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

ference. A system of government for the new province was considered,
and various plans discussed for inducing settlers to emigrate across
the Atlantic. A governor was named, and three weeks later received
his appointment. It was Peter Minuet, of Wesel, in the kingdom of
Westphalia. He saUed from Amsterdam in December, in the ship Sea
Mew, Captain Adrian Joris, and arrived at Manhattan on the 4th of the
following May (1626).i
1 Leonard Kool came to New Netherland in the Sea Mew, as private secretary for Peter
Minuet. His name may now be found attached to grants of land in connection with that of
the governor. He was the ancestor of the Cole family in this State ; the orthography of the
name having passed through a variety of phases. Rev. David Cole's genealogical tree.

Landing ofthe Walloons at Albany.

PETER MINUET. 53

CHAPTER IV.
1626-1633.
PURCHASE OP THE SITE OP NEW YORK.
Peter Minuet. — The First Buildings. — The Horse-Mill. — The First Girl born
IN New Netherland. — Diplomatic Correspondence. — The Embassy to Plym
outh. — New Netherland not a Pecuniary Success. — The Charter of Free
dom AND Exemptions. — The Manorial Lords. — Kiliaen Van Eensselaer. — The
Van Eensselaer Manor-House. — The Great Ship. — Governor Minuet and
Eeoall. — "Wrangling among the Directors of the Company.
THE rocky point of Manhattan Island, near what is now known as
the Battery, was, on the 6th of May, 1626, the scene of one of the
most interesting business transactions which has ever occurred ig^g^
in the world's history. It was the purchase of the site of the May a
city of New York. The West India Company had instructed Peter
Minuet to treat with the Indians for their hunting-grounds, before he
took any steps towards the erection of buUdings. He accordingly made
a somewhat superficial survey of the island, which had been designated
as the field for pioneer operations, and estimated its area at about twenty-
two thousand acres.^ He then caUed together some of the principal
Indian chiefs, and off'ered beads, buttons, and other trinkets in exchange
for their real estate. They accepted the terms with unfeigned delight,
and the bargain was closed at once. The value of the baubles which
secured the title to the whole of Manhattan Island was about sixty
guUders, equal in our currency to twenty-four dollars. On the part of
the Dutch, it was merely a poUtic measure to estabUsh future amicable
relations with the natives of the country, although it was subsequently
made the basis of the company's claim to the territory. It was, in
itself, a commonplace event ; but, in its relation to what has since taken
place, it assumes peculiar significance, and stands out in immortal char-
'¦ In Dutch phraseology "it was eleven thousand morgens in size." The Ehineland rod
was the Dutch measure for land. It contained twelve English feet four and three fourths
inches. There are five rods to a Dutch chain, and six hundred square Dutch rods constitute
a morgen. Peter Fauconnier's Survey Book, lllh - 1734.

54 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
acters as the chief starting-point of the great commercial capital of the
west. Governor Minuet was a man of rare energy and fuUy equal to the
situation. He had had some East Indian experience, and, during the laat
two years, had spent several months in South America. He was of mid
dle age, hair sUghtly flecked with gray, a somewhat duU black eye, and
a fuU-sized robust frame. He was permeated with the spirit of adven
ture, without being hampered with habits of luxury and indolence,
Uke his Virginia contemporaries. He was brusque, and coarse, and
self-wiUed, but kind-hearted, and was admirably successful in winning
the confidence of the Indians. His duties were multifarious, but not
remarkably difficult, since the people to rule over were few in numbers
and obediently disposed.
He organized the government of the province as soon as he had
obtained the title deed to Manhattan Island.. The supreme authority,
executive, legislative, and judicial, had been vested in him by the com
pany, with an advisory councU of five of the best men in the colony.
These were Peter Byvelt, Jacob EUertsen Wissinck, Jan Jansen Brouwer,
Simon Dircksen Pos, and Eeynert Harmenssen. He was empowered
with the administration of justice, except in capital cases, when
the offender, after being convicted, must be sent with his sentence
to HoUand. The secretary of the council board, and also of the prov
ince, was Isaac De Easiers, a well-educated young HoUander who
arrived in the same vessel with Minuet. After him, in order of position,
was the Schout-Fiscal, a sort of civU factotum, half sheriff and haK
attorney-general, and the special custom-house officer. Jan Lampo,
of Cantleburg, received the appointment ; but he knew very Uttle of
law, and was very inefficient in every particular. He was aUowed to sit
in the council during its deUberations, but had no voice in official
proceedings. His compensation was in the civil fines and penalties,
and such portion of criminal fines and confiscated wages as the governor
and council after prosecution might see fit to bestow upon him. He had
no part in captured prizes, and was forbidden to receive presents under
any circumstances.
Minuet brought over with him a competent engineer, Kryn Fredrick,
who was to superintend the construction of a fort, that being wisely
deemed the first business to be dispatched. It did not take long to dis
cover a triangular spot of earth hemmed in by ledges of rock, as if
modelled by Nature herself for a fortress. It had a commanding view of
the Bay and Narrows, and was but a short distance from the water's edge.
This was chosen ; but when the work was accomplished it reflected no

THE FIRST BUILDINGS.

55

remarkable credit upon its projectors, except so far as it responded to
their immediate necessities, for it was simply a block-house with red-
cedar paUsades.
About the same time was erected a warehouse of Manhattan stone,
having a roof thatched with reeds. It was primitive even to ugUness,
without one redeeming touch of architectural finish, but we honor it as
the pioneer of aU the present long mUes of costly business edifices. One
comer of it was set apart as the viUage store, and was the depot of sup-

The First Warehouse.

plies for the colony. It grew erelong to be much haunted by the Indians,
who came to seU their furs and drink the " white man's fire-water."
In the course of a few weeks several vessels arrived from HoUand,
each laden with passengers. The poptUation of the island was thus
increased to nearly two hundred; thirty or more cheap dwelUngs were
buUt around the fort, and the prospect was aiUmated and encouraging.
Governor Minuet, Secretary De Easiers, and Sheriff' Lampo occupied
a habitation together for nearly three years. Negro servants performed
the labor of the household.
The most notable building, as weU as one of the most useful, June.
which was speedUy erected, was a horse-miU. It was located on
what is now South William Street, near Pearl. The loft was furmshed
with a few rough seats and appropriated to the purposes of reUgious
worship. Thus we may observe that, while the settlement of the prov
ince had been undertaken with no higher aim than commercial specu
lation, the moral and spiritual necessities of its people were not entirely
overlooked. Two " comforters of the sick " had been sent over with the
governor, and it was among their specified duties to read the Bible and
lead in devotional exercises every Sabbath morning. Two years later, the

66 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
leamed and energetic Jonas MichaeUus was employed to officiate at
reUgious meetings and instruct the chUdren. He was a warm personal
friend of Governor Minuet, and exerted a very wholesome influence
in the community.
An event occurred late in the autumn which, from its sad consequences,
deserves special mention. A Weekquaesgeek Indian came from West
Chester, accompanied by his young nephew, to sell beaver-skins to the
Dutch. When near the Fresh Water Pond, he was met by three of the
governor's negro servants, who seized and robbed, and then murdered
him. The boy witnessed the scene aud ran away, vowing vengeance.
He grew up to manhood, cherishing the terrible oath in his heart, and
many long years afterward carried into execution his Indian ideas of
justice. The murder was concealed from the authorities, and the mur
derers escaped purushment.
The fur-trade was so prosperous that the company were quite elated
with their operations upon Manhattan Island. Perhaps the reader
wiU be grateful for a gUmpse of this remarkable commerce, as pictured
in a leter from Peter Schagen of Amsterdam, dated November 5,
Nov. 5. °
1626, in which he announces to the company the arrival of the
ship Arms of Amsterdam, direct from New Netherland. He writes : —
"They had aU their grain sowed by the middle of May, and reaped by the
middle of August. Our people are in good heart and Uve in peace there. They
send thence samples of summer grain : such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, buck
wheat, canary-seed, beans, and flax. The cargo of the aforesaid ship is : —
7,246 beaver-skins. 36 vsdld-cat skins.
178 J otter-skins. 33 minck-skins.
675 otter-skins. 34 rat-skins.
48 minck-skins. Much oak and hickory timbers."
The same letter contains a record of the birth of the first girl in New
Netherland, — Sarah Eapaelje, daughter of Jan Joris Eapaelje, born June
9, 1625.1
1 There have heen various statements in regard to the residence of Eapaelje at the time of
the birth of Sarah. But the depositions of his wife, Catelina Trico, made in New York before
Govemor Dongan, the year prior to her death, establish the time of her arrival in this country
and her first residence. Doc. Hist. N. Y., III. 49-51. They went first to live at Fort
Orange, Albany, where they remained three years, and where Sarah, the "first-bom Christian
daughter in New Netherland," was hom. They afterwards removed to Manhattan, and from
thence to the Walehoght on Long Island. The age of Catelina Trico, at the time her deposi
tions were taken, was eighty -three years. She stated that she came to this country in 1623
or 1624, in a ship called the Unity or Eendragt, commanded by Adraen Joris, and that there
were four women came along with her who were married on shipboard. AVassenaer, whose

DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE. 57
The Dutch were by no means ignorant of their near proximity to the
EngUsh settlement at Plymouth, and after a while began to discuss 1627.
the propriety of establishing friendly intercourse with their neigh- March 9.
bors. Minuet wrote two letters to the governor of Plymouth, one in
Dutch and the other in EngUsh, which contained the most poUte expres
sions of good-wiU, and an off'er of various kinds of goods in exchange for
beaver and otter skins and other wares.
A courteous response came promptly from Governor Bradford.
He assured Governor Minuet that for the current year they were
fuUy supplied with necessaries, but worUd trade at some future time
should the rates be reasonable. He took care, however, to throw out some
very marked hints on the questionable propriety of the Dutch traffic
with the Indians within the limits of the king's patent. After writing it
in English, he translated his letter into the Dutch language, and sent
both copies.
Governor Minuet wrote again in August. His languaa-e was
° ^ b & Aug. 7.
expressed in the same general friendly terms, but he firmly main
tained the right to trade in the disputed locaUties, quoting the States-
General and Prince of Orange as authority. As an evidence, however,
of continued good feeUng, he sent to Governor Bradford " a rundlet of
sugar and two Holland cheeses."
Governor Bradford repUed with great apparent deference of
manner, orUy deprecating the " over-high titles " which Dutch
politeness required, but which Puritan usage rejected, and repeated his
warning respecting the boundary question, requesting that a commissioner
be sent to confer personaUy in the case.^
The secretary, Isaac De Easiers, was accordingly dispatched as
ambassador extraordinary to Plymouth. He was a man of fine
address and pleasing maimers, and in other respects well fitted for this
mission, which was of as much importance in those primitive days as
account was contemporaneous, calls the ship the New Netlierland. Sarah Eapaelje, who gave
bu-th to fourteen children, was the maternal ancestor of several of the most notable families
of King's County. At the age of twenty-nine she was the widow of Hans Hansen Bergen, the
ancestor of the Bergen family, with seven children. She afterwards married Theunis Gysbert
Bogaert, the ancestor of the Bogaert family in this country. Some travelers in 1679 visited
CateUna Trico, who lived " in a little house by herself, with a garden and other conveniences,"
and evidently regarded her as a distinguished historical personage. -Long Island H. S.
Coll., Vol. I. 342. It will be observed, that the statement calling her daughter Sarah "the
first-bom Christian daughter in New Netherland," does not conflict with the statement of
Jean Vigne, that he was the first male bom of European parents in this province.
1 Bradford's correspondence in N. Y. H. S. Coll., I. {Second Series), 355, 360. Baillie's
Mem. of Plymouth, I. 146, 147. Prince, N. E. Chron., 249. Mass. Hist. Coll., III. 51.
Morton's Memorial, 133. Moulton, 378.

58 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the more stately embassies are at the present time. The bark Nassau
was brushed up and freighted with a few articles of trade, and manned by
a retinue of soldiers and trumpeters. Early in October he arrived
^' at Manomet, the advanced post of the EngUsh colony, near an
Indian vUlage at the head of Buzzard's Bay, the site of the present vUlage
of Monument, in the town of Sandwich, and from there he dispatched
a courier to Plymouth to announce his presence in the neighborhood.
Governor Bradford immediately sent a boat for him and his cargo, and he
was escorted with many and imposing ceremonies to the town.^ He was
pleasantly entertained for several days, and sold a large quantity of Indian
corn, which enabled the English to better carry on their lucrative trade
with the natives. He estabUshed a commercial relation, which, but for
the subsequent petty quarrels, might have been mutuaUy advantageous
to the two lone European colonies. It is interesting to know that the
whole tonnage of New England then consisted of " a hass-boat, shal
lop, and pinnace." ^
When he returned to Manhattan, De Easiers brought another letter
from Bradford to Minuet, in which, saving always their aUegiance to the
king of England, he pledged the performance by his colony of aU good
offices toward the Dutch in New Netherland.
Just about that time, the commander at Fort Orange committed a ter
rible blunder, whereby he not only lost his own Ufe, but imperUed the
Uves of aU the settlers in that region. He joined a party of Mohicans
on the war-path against the Mohawks, which was in disobedience of
orders, for the Dutch were pledged to principles of neutrality in reference
to all diff'erences among the Indian tribes. In the battle which fol
lowed he was killed, also three of his men.
His folly was particularly felt in the sense of insecurity which
it threw over the colony; and Minuet, although he succeeded
in restoring good feeling with the Mohawks, deemed concentration a
necessary policy, and recaUed the famUies from the exposed points. Fort
Orange, Fort Nassau, and Verhulsten Island, to Manhattan, where they
could be better protected in their interests as weU as their homes. Six
teen soldiers only were left at Fort Orange, and the traffic to the South
Eiver was Umited to the voyages of one smaU yacht for the present.
The crop of furs in 1628, amounting to four ship-loads, yielded fifty-
six thousand guUders ; and two cargoes of ship-timber from Manhattan
1 Winslow's account in Young's Chronicles, 306. Prince, 208. Book of Oowrt Orders, YoL
III. 82. Pilgrim Memorials, 122 - 124.
2 De Easiers' Letter, 350. Bradford! s Letter Book, 364.

THE CHARTER OF FREEDOMS AND EXEMPTIONS. 59

Island sold at Amsterdam for sixty-one thousand guUders. But, after all,
the New Netherland colony was not self-supporting. None of the soil
was reclaimed, save what supplied the wants of a few farmers and their
famiUes ; and the only exports were the spontaneous productions of the
forest. The mode of life pursued by the people was irregular, and the
current expenses of the plantation more than the receipts. It was an
unpalatable fact. The company had won brUUant victories by sea, and
infatuating wealth had poured into its treasury. Between 1626 and
1628, it had captured one hundred and four Spanish prizes. The nation
shared in the glory, but the company alone received the spoils of this
marvelous war. Its dividends were advanced suddenly to fifty per cent.
Insignificant indeed, in comparison, were the returns from New Nether
land. The very subject of North American trade became painfully unin
teresting, and the directors avoided aUusions to it whenever possible.
FinaUy, at one of their meetings a plan was introduced for a systematic
and extended colonization of the whole province of New Netherland.
It was discussed at several subsequent meetings, and resulted in a
selflsh commercial scheme, with a view to drawing private capitalists into
the company's ventures.
The scheme was a charter of Freedoms and Exemptions, ma- i689.
tured and adopted by the company, and confirmed by the States- J™^ ''¦
General, on the 7th of June, 1627. It comprised thirty-one important
articles, and was remarkable for being
tinctured with the peculiar social
ideas of that era, and of promising
to transfer to America the most ob
jectionable features of the modern
feudalism of Continental Europe.
It offered to any member of the
West India Company who should
found a colony of fifty adults in any
portion of New Netherland, — except
Manhattan Island, which was re
served to the company, — and satisfy
the Indians for a tract of land not
exceeding sixteen mUes on one side
or eight mUes on both sides of a
navigable river, and extending inland
indefinitely, the title of Patroon, or
feudal chief of such colony or territory ; and the colonists under such
patroonships were to be for ten years entirely free from taxation, but would

Dutch Wind-Mills.

60 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
be bound to the patroon in almost absolute servitude. The chief him
seU would be invested with fuU property rights, and granted freedom in
trade, — except furs, which the company reserved to themselves, — with
sundry and various Umitations, restrictions, and duties, and the privUege
of hunting and fishing within his own domain. The company prohibited
manufactures under penalty of the law, but promised protection to the
colonists and defence against aU enemies ; the completion of a suitable
citadel on Manhattan Island; and a supply of negro servants. Each
patroon was required to provide, immediately, for the support of a min
ister and schoolmaster, and to make an annual return of the condition of
his colony to the local authorities at Manhattan, for transmission to the
company. In aU its provisions, the charter carefuUy recognized the com
mercial monopoly and poUtical supremacy of the West India Company,
and was in harmony with the aristocratic sentiment which grew with the
acquisition of wealth in HoUand. Almost aU the real estate there, out
side the walls of the towns, was in possession of old famUies of the
nobiUty, who were unwiUing to part with any portion of it. In the
wonderful new country it was very apparent that a man might become
an extensive landholder and a person of importance with compara
tive ease. WhUe the company thus made great show of caring for the
rights of the aboriginal owners, and held out inducements of labor, capi
tal, reUgion, and education, it selfishly scattered the seeds of slavery and
aristocracy. As might have been expected, there were men among the directors
of the company who stood ready to seize upon the choicest locaUties,
to the discouragement of independent emigrants for whom the charter
was intended. Samuel Godyn and Samuel Blommaert, who had had
agents prospecting for months, purchased through them a beautifxU tract
of land extending from Cape Henlopen thirty-two mUes up the west
shore of Delaware Bay, and opposite sixteen miles square, including
1630. Cape May. They caUed it Swaanendael The title was attested
June. \yj Governor Minuet and his council at Manhattan, July 15, 1630,.
and is the only instrument in existence which bears the original signa
ture of that august body.^ The purchase was actuaUy eff'ected on the
1st day of June, 1629, seven days before the biU became a law, and was
registered at Manhattan on the 19th of the same month.
KUien Van Eensselaer was one of the oldest and wealthiest of the
directors. He had been for many years a pearl and diamond merchant,,
1 This original patent was fouud by Mr. Brodhead in the "West India House, at Amster
dam, in 1841, and is now deposited in the secretary's oflice at Albany. It has the only sig
natures known to exist of Minuet and his council. Brodhead, I. 200. O'Callaghan, I. 122..

KILIAEN VAN RENSSELAER. 61
and had taken a very active part in the formation of the West India
Company. Several of his own vessels had been placed at the disposal
of the corporation, and he had twice advanced money to save its credit,
and hasten its final organization. He was descended from a long line of
honorable ancestors, and was himself an educated and refined gentle
man of the old school. Early in Ufe he had married HeUegonda Van
Bylet, by whom he had one son, Johannes. In 1627, he was married
the second time, to Anna Van Wely, and by her he had four sons and
four daughters. 1 In the mean time he had sent an agent to New
Netherland, and traded with the Indians for land upon the west side
of the Hudson Eiver, from about twelve miles south of Albany to
Smack's Island, "stretching two days into the interior." Soon after,
he concluded the purchase of aU the land on the east side of the same
river, both north and south of Fort Orange, and " far into the wUderness."
This great feudal estate included the entfre territory comprised in the
present counties of Albany, Columbia, and Eensselaer, and was named
Eensselaerswick. Van Eensselaer himself remained in HoUand, but
managed his affairs through a weU-chosen director. His sons took up
their abode here after his death, and were successive lords of the
colony. Jeremias ^ married Maria, daughter of Oloff' S. Van Cortlandt ;
and Nicolaus married Alida Schuyler. The Van Eensselaer name has
been handed down to us through every generation of men who have
since had their day in New York, and is interwoven with aU that is
historical in city and State. The famUy brought with them the social
distinctions of the Fatherland. They brought massive and elaborately
carved furniture, and large quantities of sUver-plate which bore the
famUy arms. They brought portraits of their ancestors, executed in a
1 The names of the children of Kiliaen Van Eensselaer were : 1st, Johannes, who married
his cousin, Elizabeth Van Twiller ; 2d, Maria ; 3d, Jeremias, who married Maria Van Cortlandt ;
4th, HeUegonda ; 5th, Jan Baptist, who married his cousin, Susan Van Wely ; 6th, Elenora ;
7th, Susan, who married Jan De Lacourt ; 8th, Nicolaus, who married Alida Schuyler ;
9th, Eickert, who married Anna Van Beaumont.
^ Jeremias' Van Eensselaer and Maria Van Cortlandt had a daughter Anna, who mar
ried her cousin, Kiliaen, the son of Johannes Van Eensselaer. He died shortly after,
and she was married the second time to William Nicolls of New York. Her daughter
Mary, in 1713, became the wife of Eobert Watts, the ancestor of the Watts family in this
country. Jeremias Van Eensselaer and Maria Van Cortlandt had also a son Kilia;en,
who married his cousin, Maria Van Cortlandt, and who died in 1701, leaving sons, Jere
mias and Stephen, successive lords of the manor. Stephen died 1747, and left a son
Stephen, who married Catharine Livingston, and died in 1769. The son of this last
was General Stephen Van Eensselaer, who was bom in 1764, and who was lieutenant-gov
ernor of New York in 1795 and 1798. His first wife was Margaret Schuyler, and their son
Stephen was the late patroon. His second wife was Comelia Patterson, and they had nine
children. The other branches of the Van Eensselaer family we shall refer to hereafter.

62

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

Van Rensselaer Manor-House in 1874.

superior manner for the period, aud many original paintings. A manor-
house was erected, which in its internal arrangement and finish was
very similar to the HoUand residence of the Van Eensselaers. There
the lord resided among his tenantry, and maintained the same dignity
and authority as the landed lords in Europe. Van Eensselaer had pe
cuUar facilities for peopling
his new dominion, and sent
out his own ships with la
borers and emigrants and
implements of husbandry.
There was system in his
management, and there was
order and method in the en
tire regulation of the colony
itself Hence it was pros
perous, while the rest of the
province was disturbed by
faction, inefficient rulers,
and Indian wars.
About the same time that Eensselaerswick was founded, Michael Pauw
purchased Staten Island, Hoboken, Paulus Hook, and the Jersey shore
opposite Manhattan, extending inland a great distance. He gave it the
pleasant-sounding name of Pavonia. He planted a little colony, which
was called The Commune, and the point where they first settled is com
memorated by the present romantic Uttle viUage of Communipauw.
Thus three of the most important locaUties in the province were art
fully secured before the rest of the company were fairly awake. The
storm of discontent which arose has scarcely been equaUed in the history
of private corporations. The new patroons were accused of fraud and
double-dealing, and the quarrel assumed alarming proportions. There was
an indignant denial of any endeavor to take an unfair advantage of the
spirit of the charter, and, as a process of conciliation, other members of the
company were taken into partnership in the speculation. Van Eensselaer
divided his purchase into five shares, retaining two for himself. He sold
one to John De Laet, the historian, and two to Samuel Blommaert.
Godyn and Blommaert divided their Delaware property with Van Eens
selaer, De Laet, and Captain Daidd Pietersen De Vries. The latter had
just returned from a three-years' voyage to the East Indies, where he had
been engaged in several notable maritime enterprises. By request of the
new firm, he took charge of an expedition to the Delaware, conveying

THE GREAT SHIP. 63
thither thirty settlers, with aU the necessaries for the cultivation of tobacco
and grain. He landed them, directed in the work of preparing
their fields, and not until their first seed was sown did he turn
his face again to Holland. It was the purpose of these patroons to prose
cute the whale-fishery on the Delaware coast, copying after the French,
who had made the business so lucrative in a more northern latitude.
This matter of feudal estates took up the whole attention of the com
pany for a time. Manhattan Island was scarcely noticed, and improve
ments were entirely ignored. The houses which were standing were
only sufficient for the actual accommodation of the people ; and, as we
have seen, they were exceedingly simple iu construction. The best of
them were of hewn plank, roofed with reeds. Many were built entirely
of bark. But few trees as yet were cut away, except for shipment to
Holland. Not a ridge was smoothed down, and only a few little patches
of earth had been brought under cultivation. The fur-trade absorbed
what there was of energy and industry.
It was soon found that the patroons were trading with. the Indians
independently of the corporation. Another quarrel ensued, this time
more immediately among the directors of the Amsterdam Chamber. It
was finaUy referred to the CoUege of the XIX. The patroons were self-
willed and self-opinionated. They had enormous interests at stake, and
they persisted in thefr right to the fur traffic, under a too liberal con
struction of the charter. Able lawyers were employed on both sides,
and the dispute became so violent that for a long time bloodshed was
apprehended. Meanwhile, two Belgian ship-builders visited Manhattan and tried their
skill in converting some of the fine timber into an immense ship. Minuet
encouraged them, and supplied them from the company's funds. They
accompUshed the undertaking ; and a vessel of eight hundred tons' burden,
which carried thirty guns, was launched in New York Bay. It proved
before it was finished more costly than had been expected ; and when the
biUs came before the directors of the company in Holland, the whole
proceeding was severely criticised. The States-General regarded it as a
sample of the bad management of the corporation. The shareholders
grumbled because they were obliged to help pay for such an exhibi
tion of foUy. The press censured the Amsterdam Chamber in im-
sparing terms ; and the people talked about the ship in their work
shops and stores, and speculated upon the wonderful trees in America.
It was fuU two hundred years, however, before another vessel of
such mammoth proportions was buUt in this country. The fame of
this extraordinary naval architecture was, as a matter of course, car-

64 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
ried to the ends of the earth, and excited the envy of all the Euro
pean powers. Aud it paved the way for the States-General to enter
into a rigid examination of the affairs of the West India Company.
They decided against the patroons, who were accused of being vastly
more interested in filling their coffers with the proceeds of private trade
with the Indians, to which they were not entitled, than in the proper
colonization of the country. Minuet was suspected of working in their
interests, as he had officially ratified their purchases ; and the company
was advised to recall him. It was accordingly done. Conrad Notleman
was appointed sheriff of New Netherland, and sent over to supersede
Lampo ; he was intrusted with letters, instructing Minuet to report him
self immediately in HoUand.
1632. Minuet left his government in the hands of his councU, of
March 19. -wliich Jan Van Eemund was secretary, De Easiers having faUen
into disgTace with the governor some time before. He saUed in
the Eendragt, March 19, 1632. Lampo and a number of discontented
families were also passengers. They were driven into Plymouth, Eng
land, by a terrible storm, and were detained there on a charge of iUegaUy
trading iu King Charles's dominions.
Minuet promptly communicated the inteUigence to the com-
' pany, aud also to the Dutch minister at Whitehall. The latter
hastened to Newmarket, where the king and his court were at that
moment, obtained audience of his Majesty, and remonstrated earnestly
against the injustice of the whole proceeding, asking for an order for the
Eendragt' s immediate release. Charles decUned giving it, on the gi-ound
that he " was not quite sure what his rights were."
The main features of the minister's interview with the king were soon
laid before the States-General. It provoked another spirited correspond
ence between the two nations. The Dutch statesmen claimed that they
had discovered the Hudson Eiver in 1609; that some of their people
had returned there in 1610 ; that a specific trading charter had been
granted in 1614; that a fort and garrison had been maintained there
until the formation, in 1623, of the West India Company, which had
since occupied the country ; and great stress was laid upon the pur
chase of the land from its aboriginal owners.
The English based their claims upon the discovery of America by
Cabot, and upon the patents granted by James I. They declared
that the Indians were not bona fide possessors of the soil, and that even if
they were, they could not give a legal title, unless all of them jointly
contracted with the purchaser. They kindly offered to allow the Dutch
to remain in New Netherland if they would submit themselves to the

WRANGLING AMONG THE DIRECTORS.

65

EngUsh government, otherwise they would not be permitted " to encroach
upon a colony of such importance as New England."
Sir John Coke was the author of most of the English state May 27
papers relating to this subject ; but in June of the same year. Sir
Francis Windebanke was appointed Secretary of State. It was hardly
considered advisable to embarrass the foreign relations of a country,
when its own private aff'airs were afready sufficiently complicated : hence
Charles contented himself with the assumption of superiority, and did not
press the question for a settlement. In the course of a few weeks the
Lord Treasurer quietly released the Eendragt.
The interference of the States-General did not settle the unfortunate
disputes among the directors of the company. Upon Minuet's arrival in
HoUand, commissaries were dispatched to New Netherland to post in
every settlement the company's proclamation, forbidding any person,
whether patroon or vassal, to deal in sewan, peltries, or maize. The large
appropriations of territory were bad enough, but not half so exasperating
as individual interference in a trade which was the company's only source
of profit, and through which alone it could hope to recompense itself for
the expenditure already occasioned by the unprofitable province of New
Netherland. " But,'' said Van Eensselaer, " we patroons are privileged,
not private persons." Again and again were the various clauses in the
charter analyzed and interpreted. It was a knotty tangle ; and amidst the
wrangUng over the water, the population of Manhattan Island diminished
rather than increased.

Purchase of Manhattan Island.

66

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER V.
1633-1638.
GOVERNOR VAN TWILLER.
Wouter Van Twiller. — Captain Db Vries. — Van Twiller and the English
Vessel. — Captain De Vries and the Governor. — The First Minister. — The
First Church and Parsonage. — The First Schoolmaster. — Buildings and Im
provements. — New Amsterdam. — Beginnings of Hartford. — Troubles with
THE English. — Quarrels with the Patroons. — Quarrels with the English. —
Fort Amsterdam. — Excess and Irregularities. — Purchase of Lands. — Gov
ernor Van Twiller's Eeoall.

1633.

THE Amsterdam Chamber, having at last, as was believed, obtaiued
mastery over the patroons, decided to estabUsh forts and miUs m
New Netherland, in order to give wider scope to their mercantUe oper
ations. Despite his private interests. Van Eensselaer had great
influence among the directors, and succeeded in procuring the
appointment of Wouter Van TwiUer, one of his relations by marriage,
to the command of the colony. It was a politic measure as far as he was
concerned ; and it was a stupid concession on the part of the company.
Van Twiller had been
a clerk in the com
pany's warehouse at
Amsterdam for nearly
five years, and in the
mean time had made
two voyages to the
Hudson Eiver in the
employ of Van Eens-
Autcgraph of Van Twiller. ^^-^^^.^^ ^J^O l^^d Select
ed him as a fit person to attend to the shipment of cattle to Eensselaers
wick. Van TwiUer claimed to know aU about affairs in New Netheriand.
He was in point of fact a shrewd trader; but he had no practical knowledge
of government, and was iU-qualified to manage the general concems of a
remote province, shaken with internal jealousies and threatened with out-

.^A^A^^^'TuK^^

WOUTER VAN TWILLER. 67
side aggressions. He was a short stout man, with close-cropped sandy hair,
small pale-blue eyes set deep in a fuU round face, and an uncertain mouth.
He was good-natured and kind-hearted, but irresolute, easily swayed by
stronger wiUs, narrow-minded, slow of thought, word, and deed, and
grievously deficient in his understanding of men and their motives.
He arrived at Manhattan early in the spring. His vessel, the Zoutberg,
captured a Spanish caravela during the voyage, and anchored it safely in
front of Manhattan Island. The new governor was attended by one hun
dred and four soldiers, the first mUitary force which landed upon our
shores. His advent was hailed with cheers and enthusiasm ; and with
much wine and ceremony he was ushered into authority. His council
consisted of Jacob Hansen Hesse, Martin Gerritsen, Andries Hudde,
and Jacques Bentjm. They were men of comprehensive minds, who
had been reared to habits of industry in HoUand, and were able to
render material assistance to the heavy, indolent Van TwiUer. The
secretary of the colony. Van Eemund, was intelligent, and also helped
towards smoothing the pathway of that dull-witted ruler and inexperi
enced traveler on the road to fame. CorneUs Van Tienhoven, a bright
young man of good education, was appointed book-keeper of monthly
wages, and Michael Paulusen was made commissary of Pauw's colony
at Pavonia. Paulus Hook, now Jersey City, derived its name from him.
A few days after the arrival of Van Twiller at Manhattan, a ^ ., ^^
•' . April 16.
yacht was seen conung into the bay ; and ere the sun set Captain
De Vries announced himself at the fort. He had left HoUand some time
before the saiUng of the Zoufberg, as early as November, and when he had
reached Swaanendael, found the little post destroyed, and the ground
bestrewed with the heads and bones of his murdered people. After
various stratagems, he succeeded in persuading some of the Indians into
coming on board his vessel, and through attractive presents drew from
them the story of a terrible tragedy. The Dutch, in keepmg with their
time-honored customs, had erected a pillar, and fastened to it a piece of
tin, upon which was inscribed the arms of Holland. An Indian chief,
thinking it no hami, had stolen the shining metal to make himself a
tobacco-pouch. Hossett, the commander of the post, was indiscreet
enough to express great indignation, and thereupon some Indians who
were particularly attached to him killed the chief who had confiscated
the tin. Hossett rebuked them for committing such a crime, and they
went away. But a few days afterwards the friends of the murdered
chieftain resolved to be revenged, and, coniing suddenly upon the men as
they were at work in the tobacco-fields, massacred them all De Vries
wisely treated with the same Indians for peace; and when they were

68

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

at last induced to bring with them their chief, he formed a circle
after their own fashion, and gave them blankets, buUets, axes, and
trinkets, with which they were greatly pleased, and they went away
promising that he should not be harmed.
He then tried to estabUsh a whale-fishery, but after spending
some time in fruitless efforts, decided that it would not prove
paying business there, and sailed to the James Eiver, where he was cour-

March 11.

Portrait of De Vries.

teously received by Sir John Harvey, the governor of Virginia. He re
mained several days, greatly admiring the country, which was already
under a high state of cultivation, with well-stocked gardens, and Prov
ence roses, apple, cherry, pear, and peach trees about the houses.

CAPTAIN DE VRIES 69
Harvey, with genial frankness, produced a map, and tried to convince
De Vries that the whole country in the region of Swaanendael was the
property of the king of England; but he was very amiably disposed
towards the Dutch on the North Eiver, notwithstanding, and a pleasant
intercourse was opened between the two colonies.
Captain De Vries M'as a bronzed, weather-beaten sailor of the old
school, without family ties, who had seen the world from many points
of observation, and had been on terms of intimacy with the most culti
vated men and the rudest barbarians. He was taU, muscular, and hard-
visaged, but soft-voiced as a woman, except when aroused by passion.
He was quick of perception, with great power of will, and rarely ever
erred in judgment. He was the guest of Van TwiUer while stopping at
Manhattan, and a more striking contrast than the two men presented
could hardly be imagined.
The second day after his arrival, the EngUsh ship William
anchored in the bay ; and it was soon discovered that Eelkuis, who
had been dismissed from Fort Orange for misconduct some years before,
was on board as supercargo. The govemor and several of his officers
were invited to dine on the vessel, and were accompanied by Captain De
Vries. The immoderate use of wine and consequent disorder astonished
the English sailors, who were under strict discipline, and measured the
authority of the feeble Dutch governor accordingly. They stayed some
days in front of the little town, and then announced their intention of
sailing to Fort Orange, and trading with the Indians, with whom Eelkins
was weU acquainted. Van Twiller was startled as from a dream, and
issued orders to the contrary ; but the William quietly weighed anchor,
and went on her way in the most defiant manner. We cUp the foUowing
from the deposition of one of her crew, as it best explains the scene : —
"The Dutch there ihhabitinge send and conmiand aU our companye (excepte
one boye) to come to their forte where they staide about twos houres, and the
governor commande his gunner to make ready three peeces of ordnance, and
shott them off for the Prince of Orange and sprede the Prince's coloures, where
upon Jacob Eelekins the merchant's factor of the shippe the WiUiam commande
William fforde of Lymehouse (the gunner) to goe abord the shippe and sprede
her coloures and shoote off theire peeces of ordnance for the king of England."'
Van TwiUer regarded the audacious movement with incredulous won
der. Then he ordered a barrel of wine to be brought and opened, and,
after drinking, waved his hat and shouted, "All those who love the
Prince of Orange and me, emulate me in this, and assist me in repelUng
the violence of that Englishman ! "
1 N. Y. Coll. MSS., Vol. I. 74.

70 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
But the EngUshman was already out of harm's way, saUing up the
river, and the crowd only laughed and fiUed their glasses, saying, they
" guessed they worUd not trouble the English who were their friends. As
for the wine, they knew how to get to the bottom of a barrel ; if there
were six they could master them."
Captain De Vries walked up and down in sUent indignation whUe this
was going on. But at the governor's dinner-table, later in the day, he
expressed his opinion of the whole transaction in terms more earnest
than poUte. He told Van Twiller that he had acted very indiscreetly ;
that the EngUshman had no commission, only a custom-house clear
ance to saU to New England, not to New Netherland ; that if it had
been his case he should have helped him to some eight-pounders from
the fort, and put a stop to his going up the river at aU. As it was, he
advised, most energeticaUy, that the ship Zoutberg be sent to force him
out of the river, and teach him better manners.
, ., „„ The governor was convinced of the wisdom of the counsel
April28. - . . '
and, after mature deliberation, made a move in the proper di
rection by sending an armed force to Fort Orange, where Eelkins had
pitched a tent and commenced a brisk trade with the Indians. The tent
was speedUy folded, and the intruder conducted to his vessel and to
Manhattan. The EngUsh said : " The Dutch came along with us in their
shaUope, and they sticked greene bowes all about her and drank strong
waters, and sounded their trumpet in a triumphing manner over us."
Eelkins was obUged to disgorge his peltries and leave the harbor, with
a friendly warning in his ears never more to attempt any interference
with Dutch trade. Van Twiller then issued an order to the eff'ect that no
one should sign any paper in reference to the treatment which Eelkins
had received.
May 20 ^ery soon afterward the governor, who was sure to act promptly
on inopportune occasions, attempted to vindicate his statesman
ship at the expense of De Vries. The latter had two vessels, one of
which was a smaU yacht ; and before retuming to Europe he wished to
send it toward the north on a trading cruise along the coast. The
governor forbade his doing so, and, seeing De Vries making preparations
in defiance of his authority, valiantly ordered the guns of the fort tm-ned
upon him. De Vries, who tells the story, says : —
" I ran to the point of land where Van Twiller stood with the secretary and
one or two of the council, and told them it seemed to me the country was full
of fools ! If they must fire at something, they ought to have fired at the Enghsh
man who violated the rights of their river against their wiU. This caused them to
desist from troubling me further.''

'I Tan io the point of land where Van TwilleT stood with the Seo-reiaTy and one or two of ihe Council, and told them, it seemed io m.e the
coitntry was full of fools !" ^age 70

THE FIRST CLERGYMAN. 71
The yacht sailed, and was soon winding her way through the channel
of Hellegat (or Hell-Gate, as it is still caUed), which in certain times of
the tide indulged in all sorts of wild paroxysms. Some go so far as to
say that the Dutch named it out of sheer spleen, because it hectored their
tub-built barks until the saUors were so giddy that they solemnly gave
the yawning guK over to the Devil
In the same vessel which brought Wouter Van TwUler to Manhattan,
Dominie Bogardus, the first clergyman of New Netherland, was a passen
ger. He was a man of a certain order of talent in large measure, and was
honored for his piety. He was large, graceful, sinewy, strong, with a fine,
broad, open, frank face, high cheek-bones, a dark piercing eye, and mouth
expressive of the very electricity of good-humor, which was partly
hidden, however, by a beard cut in the peculiar fashion prescribed for
ecclesiastics during the reign of Henry IV. of France. He was not with
out prominent faults. He had a hot and hasty temper, was brusque in
his manner, and addicted to high Uving ; but he was greatly superior in
both mind and character to Van Twiller, and his sterUng quaUties stood
forth in such bold reUef, that now, at the very mention of his name,
a figure seems to leap forth from the mist of centuries, instinct with
hearty, vigorous Ufe. Fearless in the performance of his own duties, he
never aUowed any faUure on the part of others to pass by unreproved.
In several instances the governors in authority were severely castigated
from the sacred desk.
He desired a more convenient place for pubUc worship than the loft in
the horse-mUl ; and the West India Company displayed their zeal for the
preservation of the blessings of education and religion to their infant
colony by building him a church. It was a plain wooden edifice, of
a pattem similar to the New England barn of the present day, and was
located on a high point of land fronting the East Eiver, near what is now
Pearl Street, between WhitehaU and Broad. It was a conspicuous object
to vessels coining up through the bay ; and English travelers, who were
accustomed to a diff'erent style of architecture, criticised it in anything
but flattering terms. But it was satisfactory to the conscientious and
devout worshipers who assembled there every week, and thought only of
the eloquent words of their beloved dominie ; and it is to be respected as
the first church edifice on Manhattan Island.
Near it, and a Uttle to the right, they built a parsonage. It was a small
Dutch cottage, with the gable-end turned towards the street. The front
door was ornamented with an elegant brass knocker brought from Hol
land. Dominie Bogardus had been accustomed not only to the comforts,
but also to the luxuries of life, and knew how to surround himself with

72 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
much that was pleasing to the eye and gratifying to the taste, even in
the new, wild country. With his own hands he laid out and planted
a garden. And in the fresh summer days pinks and tuUps winked and
bUnked across the graveled pathways, coquetting with young vegetables.
Pretty vines clambered to the very house-top, and Ulacs and roses,
jessamines and syringas, vied with each other in gorgeous display, and
helped to render the place for many years the pride of Manhattan, and
one of the chief objects of attraction for strangers.
Another noted but far less worthy personage came over in the
Zoutberg, and enjoyed for several years the distinction of being the first
and only schoolmaster in New Netheriand. His name was Adam
Eoelandsen. From some cause, perhaps because " people did not speak
weU of him," he could not make a Uving at his vocation, and so took in
washing. There is a curious lawsuit recorded in the old Dutch manu
scripts, which shows that on the 20th of September, 1638, Adam Eoe
landsen demanded payment of one GilUs De Voocht for washing his
Unen. The defendant made no objection to the price charged, but refused
to pay untU the end of the year. The court decided that Eoelandsen
should wash for De Voocht during the time agreed upon, and then coUect
his money. He Uved at first quite out of town ; but there is on record
an agreement for building a house on Stone Street, near the brewery
of Oloff S. Van Cortlandt, which was to be thirty feet long, eighteen
feet wide, and eight feet high, to be tight-clapboarded, and roofed with
reeden thatch, have an entry three feet wide, two doors, a pantry, a bed
stead, a staircase, and a mantel-piece, to be ready on the 1st of May,
1642, for which $140 was to be paid by Adam Eoelandsen, one half
when the timber was on the ground, and the other half when the build
ing was finished.
That the bedstead should be named in the contract for buUding a house
requires some explanation. It was caUed " slaap-banck," and was a
sleeping-bench, constructed like a cupboard in a partition, with doors
closing upon it when unoccupied. Two ample feather-beds upon it, one
to sleep on and the other for a covering, made up in comfort what it
lacked in display, and the whole arrangement was a great economy in
the matter of room. A sleeping-apartment in the smaU Dutch tavern
of early New Netherland often accommodated several travelers at night,
whUe during the day it was only a public room, quite imencumbered m
appearance. Schoolmaster Eoelandsen could not have enjoyed his house
for a very long period; for on the 17th of December, 1646, he was tried
for a very grave offence, found guilty, and sentenced to be " pubUcly
flogged, and banished from the country."

THE FIRST WIND-MILLS. 73
Van TwUler was not slow to carry out the ideas of his employers in
the matter of public improvements. The fort was scarcely anything more
than banks of earth, eight or ten feet high, with decayed paUsades, and
without ditches. The Dutch, as we liave seen, had already introduced ne
gro slavery into their colony; and a number of recently imported Africans
were employed, under the superintendence of Jacob Stoffelsen, to repair
this dilapidated and never particularly strong structure. A guard-house
and barracks were also built within the fort for the newly arrived sol
diers; and three expensive wind-mUls were erected, but injudiciously
located so near the other buildings that the south-wind was frequently
intercepted. However, they gave the little community something more
homeUke to look at, and were particularly acceptable.
For himself. Van Twiller buUt a very substantial brick house within
the fort, by far the most elaborate private dwelUng which had as yet
been attempted in this country; and it served for the residence of succes
sive chiefs of the colony during the remainder of the Dutch dynasty.
Several smaUer brick and frame dweUings were erected for the officers,
aU being done at the expense of the company. A farm had been laid
out some time prior to this date, caUed the Company's Farm. It ex
tended north from WaU to Hudson Street (we can designate locaUties
only by thus nsing the present names), and upon this property Van
Twiller buUt a house, bam, brewery, boat-house, etc., for his own private
accommodation. Another farm belonging to the company he set apart as
a tobacco plantation. He bruit several smaU buildings for the trades
people, and laid out a graveyard on the west of Broadway, above Morris
Street. He also built two houses at Pavonia, another at Fort Nassau on
the Delaware Eiver, and at Fort Orange one " elegant large house with
balustrades, and eight smaU houses." He did not seem to know where to
stop, having once commenced the work of spending Ijis employers' money.
But during all this time no independent farmers attempted the culti
vation of the soil The agricultural improvements lay entirely in the
hands of the patroons, and the sound of the hammer was heard only
where it was Ukely to be advantageous to the special business of the
West India Company. The Uttle town on Manhattan Island received
the name of New Amsterdam, as the governor's new broom swept over
it, and was invested with the prerogative of " staple right," by virtue of
which aU the merchandise passing up and down the river was subject to
certain duties. This right gave the post the commercial monopoly of the
whole province.
Van TwiUer displayed less and less adaptation to his field of labor as
the months wore on, and his mismanagement was the topic of conversa-

74 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
tion among the inteUigent men of the colony. Dominie Bogardus wrote
him several letters on the subject, and is said to have once
^^^^' called him a " child of the Devil," and threatened him with " a
shake from the pulpit." The attention of the States-General was again
attracted to the affairs of New Netherland through the complaints that
were entered by the owners of the ship William, who estimated the
damages they had sustained by reason of the Dutch on the North Eiver
at £ 4,000, and demanded payment. There was a tedious Utigation, but
it never came to a definite settlement.
One of the most onerous duties imposed upon the unlucky governor by
the West India Company was to obtain a title to the lands on the banks
of the Fresh or Connecticut Eiver, which had occasionaUy been visited
by the Dutch for trading purposes ever since its original discovery by
Adriaen Block, in 1614. They had recently learned that it had
been included in a grant to the Earl of Warwick by the king of
England, and deemed it poUtic to get a formal Indian deed before War
wick's grantees should take any steps towards its occupation. Accord
ingly, Jacob Van Curler and six other agents were sent to accompUsh the
feat, as also to finish the trading-house, or redoubt, which had been pro
jected in 1623, on the west bank of the river, on the site of the present
city of Hartford. They had no difficulty in treating with the Pequods,
who had just conquered the Sequeens, and who stipulated only that the
ceded territory should always be neutral ground, where aU the tribes
might come to trade, and no wars ever be waged ; and then the little
post was completed and fortified with two cannons, and named Good
Hope.^ Governor Winthrop thought it well to assert promptly the superior
title of the EngUsh to the whole of the Connecticut vaUey, in a letter to
the Dutch authorities, and received in reply a very courteous and respect
ful document from Governor Van TwiUer, asking the governor of Plym
outh to defer aU his claims until their respective governments should
agree about the limits of their territories, not presuming " two great
powers would fall into contention about a little portion of such heathen
ish countries."
But although the Massachusetts authorities were not disposed to inter
fere, the Plymouth people were determined to estabUsh a counter-claim
to the land where the Hollanders were now in quiet possession, under their
1 The ruins of the old fort have been traced, hy persons now living, on the bank of the
Connecticut near the seat of the Wylls family. Several yellow Dutch bricks used in its con
struction are preserved by residents of Hartford. Public Records of Connecticut, by J. H.
Trumbull. Holmes, Am. Ann., I. 219, note.

DIFFICULTIES WITH THE ENGLISH. 75
threefold supposed right, by original discovery, constant visitation, and
legal purchase. So they managed to buy a tract of land, just north of
Fort Good Hope, of a party of Indians who had been driven out of
that country by the Pequods ; and Lieutenant WiUiam Holmes, a land
surveyor, with a company of EngUsh farmers, accompanied by the ban
ished Indians, proceeded there as rapidly as they could make their way
through the forests. WhUe passing the Dutch post they were hailed by
Van Corlear, who threatened to shoot them if they did not stop instantly.
Their reply was, " Fire ! we shaU go on if we die " ; and they went on,
and the Dutch did not fire. Arriving at the point where Windsor now
stands, they clapped up the frame of a house which they had brought
with them, and landed their provisions. Afterwards they " paUsadoed "
their house about, and fortified themselves better, for they were afraid of
the Pequods, who were much offended that they should bring home and
restore the Sachem Natuwannute to his rights.
When the news of these proceedings reached Van Twiller, he sent a
formal order to Holmes to depart forthwith from the lands on the Fresh
Eiver ; but Holmes, who had already defied the guns of Fort Good
Hope, was not to be moved by the power of speech. He repUed that he
was there in the name of the king of England, and there he should stay.^
Van TwiUer submitted his perplexities to the Amsterdam Chamber, but,
before any reply could reach him, serious difficulties occurred between the
Connecticut Eiver Dutch colonists and the Pequods, and the latter
entered into an aUiance with the English. When the order came from
Holland to send an armed force to dislodge the intruders. Van TwiUer
dispatched seventy men for the purpose; but the Windsor colony put
themselves on the defensive, and, fearful of Indian hostiUties, the Dutch
thought it wise to withdraw.
The most important event of the year 1634 was an advantageous
treaty of peace concluded with the Earitan Indians, which, considering
the weak state of the colony, was a master stroke of policy.
Meanwhile, Captain De Vrie.s, upon his return to HoUand, had found
the directors of the company stUl at variance in regard to the meddUng
with the fur-trade by the patroons. Even the few beaver-skins which he
had brought over in his vessel provoked high words, and, seeing the turn
events were taking, he retired from his partnership on the Delaware, and
entered into a speculation with some merchants who were trading on
the coast of Guiana. But he did not hesitate to speak his mind freely
concerning the incapacity of the New Netherland officials, and through
1 Winthrop ; Bradford, in Hutch. Mass. ; Prince ; Trumbull ; Broadhead ; O'Calla
ghan.

76 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
his efforts and influence the dranken and dishonest sheriff Notelman was
superseded by Lubbertus Van Dincklagen, an educated lawyer, and a man
of great excellence of character.
Both the directors of the company and the patroons appealed
' to the States-General for redress of grievances ; but the latter,
finding the question very knotty, prudently postponed a decision. In
the mean time, Godyn had died, and the remaining patroons of Swaanen
dael commenced legal proceedings against the company for damages,
which they had sustained through neglect of the company to defend them
from inland and foreign wars, as was promised in their charter. The
Assembly of the XIX., tiring of these continual discords, determiued
to purchase the rights and property of the South Eiver patroons ;
which they accordingly did, for the sum of fifteen thousand six
hundred guUders.
Early in the foUowing summer the vacant Fort Nassau was seized by
some Englishmen from Point Comfort, under command of George Holmes.
Thomas HaU, one of Holmes's men, deserted, and brought prompt inteUi
gence to Van TwiUer, who sent an armed force, dislodged the
™^ party, and brought aU captives to New Amsterdam. But he did
not know what to do with them, and took counsel of De Vries, who was
again with his vessel in New York Bay, and about to sail for the
Chesapeake. The result was that they were reshipped " pack and
^^^' ' sack " for Point Comfort, and thus ended the first EngUsh ag
gression on the South Eiver
Success was awaiting the English in the Connecticut VaUey, not
withstanding the Dutch fort at Hartford. In the autumn, the Pequods
visited Boston and sold all their right and title to Govemor
Nov. 24. Winthrop. To whom then did it belong ? Soon afterward, John
Winthrop, the younger, arrived from England, commissioned by Lord
Warwick's grantees as " agent for the Eiver of the Connecticut with the
places adjoining thereto," and brought with him men and ammunition
and two thousand pounds in money to begin a fortification at the mouth
of the river. A few weeks later he proceeded to take possession and
erect some buUdings upon the very land which the Dutch had purchased
of the Indians three years before, and contemptuously tore down the
arms of the States-General which was affixed to a tree, painting a ridicu
lous face in its place. Van TwiUer, who had lost aU faith in wordy
protests, sent a sloop to dislodge them ; but Winthrop had two pieces on
shore, and would not suffer the Dutch to land. The EngUsh named the
point Saybrook, in compUment to Lord Say and Lord Brook.
Fort Amsterdam was completed this summer ; but although consider-

FORT AMSTERDAM.

11

able expense had been lavished upon the repairs, if there had been a
hostUe attack from any source whatever, the question of holding it would
have been decided very briefly. The northwest bastion only was faced
with stone, and not a fence surrounded it to keep off' the goats and other
animals which ran at large through the town. Its only redeeming fea
ture was its elegant regularity.
The houses were small and simple in their construction, and nearly
all of them were located within a few yards of the quaint little citadel.
Some were built of rough stone.

-['¦'' fort nieiiiv ',-1 nilt e rdaiyi "n d t- .Matth at a n .\- . \ .1 v\ ii ^

First View of New Amsterdam.

The above sketch of the fort and the buUdings around it was originaUy
made by a Dutch officer in 1635, and the picture was engraved in Hol
land. As a work of art it is certainly curious. It was undoubtedly the
production of a strong memory, and, even aUowing for the omission of
Governor's Island, which is ingrafted upon Long Island, and the distance
of Paulus Hook, which appears not more than the length of three of the
canoes, there is no view extant which can give us a better idea of the
tender infancy of our proud city. •
The wind-mUl was near a creek which is now Broad Street. The gib
bet, or whipping-post, was close by the water's edge. Upon this trans
gressors were hoisted by the waist, and suspended such length of time as
their offense warranted.
And yet, such was the peaceful disposition pf the inhabitants, that

78 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
poUce regulations were almost entirely uiiknown. Not even a sentinel
1636. ¦^as kept on duty at night. A very ludicrous incident occurred
Mays, on the morning of iii^th of May, 1636. It was just at day
break that the boom of a strange gun shook the island from center to
circumference. The people were alarmed, the soldiers in the fort rushed
to their posts, and the corpulent Van TwiUer, in a state of mind not to
be envied, ran, holding a pistol in one hand whUe he tried to dress him
self with the other, towards the shore. It was aU explained presently.
Captain De Vries had returned, and after having pUoted his vessel
through the Narrows in the dead of night, humorously determined to
speak in his own behalf and watch the result. He was heartily wel
comed and invited home with the govemor to breakfast.
It is through the writings of this celebrated sea-captain that
we learn of much of the irregularity existing at that time in New
Netherland. Nearly every one drank wine and stronger liquors to excess
when they could be obtained. For instance, a new agent arrived for
Pauw's colony at Pavonia, one Cornells Van Vorst, and brought with
him some good claret. De Vries caUed there one day, and found the gov
ernor and the minister making merry ; and finaUy they quarreled with
Van Vorst about a manslaughter which had been committed in his
colony a few days before, but made it up in the end, and started for home.
Van Vorst ran to give a salute to the governor from a stone gun which
stood on a pUlar near his house, and a spark feU upon the thatched roof,
setting it on fire. There being no means of putting it out, in less than
half an hour the whole building was consumed.
On another occasion the gunner gave a froUc, and aU the digni
taries were present. The tent was erected in one of the angles of the
fort, and tables and benches were placed for the guests. When the glee was
at its height, the trumpet began to blow, which occasioned a quarrel, and
the koopman of the stores and the koopman of the cargasoons found fault
and called the trumpeter hard names. He turned round and gave them
each a thrashing, and they ran for their swords, uttering terrible threats.
The trumpeter hid from them that night, but the next morning, when the
wine had evaporated, " they feared him more than they sought him."
Aug. 13. The natural beauties of Staten Island attracted the attention
Aug. 15. of De Vries, and before he left for HoUand, on the 15th of August,
he arranged with Van TwiUer to enter it for him on the records of the
company, as he wished to found a colony there. ^
On the 16th of June, prior to this date, Jacob Van Corlear had pur
chased a tract of land from the Indians on Long Island, and employed
Thomas HaU, the Engli^Jirtl^erter, to superintend the plantation. About

PURCHASE OF LANDS.

79

the same time Andries Hudde, one of the governor's councU, in partnership
with Wolfert Gerritsen, purchased the fiats next Corlear's property. On
the 16th of July, Van TwiUer himself secure3*the tempting lands farther
to the east. These purchases, including nearly 15,000 acres, seem to have
been made without the knowledge or approbation of the Amsterdam
Chamber. Upon them was founded the town of New Amersfoordt, now
Flatlands. There was another grant of which it is interesting to take notice, and
which occurred not far from the

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same date, — sixty -two acres to
Eoelof Jans, beginning south of
Warren Street, and extending along
Broadway as far as Duane Street,
thence northwesterly a mUe and a
half to Christopher Street, thus
forming a sort of unequal tri
angle with its base upon the North
Eiver. This was the original con
veyance of the very valuable estate
since known as the Trinity Church
property! Eensselaerswick was at
this time improving more
rapidly than any other part of the
province. The farmers wrote home
glowing descriptions of the soil and
productions, which, published in
HoUand, brought out colonists in
Map of what was Anetje Jans's Farnn. ;^g^j.gg numbers, and SOmC of them
were men of substantial means. Early in the spring of 1637 Van Eens
selaer purchased of the Indians a large addition to his already exten
sive property, and tradition says that he paid a brief visit to his manor
about that time.
Van TwUler also inspected and bought for himself Nutten Island,

' Eoelof Jans died soon after the grant, leaving a wife and four children. His widow
Anetje married Dominie Bogardus in the year 1638, and her farm was known as the " Dom
inie's bouwBy." After Bogardus' s death in 1647, this grant was confirmed by the English
govemment to the heirs, who sold it in 1671 to Colonel Lovelace, at which sale one of the heirs
failed to be present. It was afterward incorporated into the king's farm, and iu 1703 vvas
presented by Queen Anne to Trinity Church. Anetje Bogardus died in 1668 in Beverwyck.
Benson's Memoir, 119. Eensselaerswick MSS. Paige's Cha/nMry Reports.

80 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
since which it has been caUed Governor's Island.-^ The water was so
shaUow between 'it and Long Island at that time as to be easUy
""^ ¦ forded at low tide. The next month he bought Great Barn and
BlackweU's Island. By these acquisitions he became one of
" ^ ' the richest land-owners in the province. He stocked his nice
farms with valuable cattle, and the colonists wondered how it aU came
about ! The high-toned officer Van Dincklagen could not rest in sUence,
and remonstrated with the governor in the plainest manner, finaUy
threatening to expose him if he did not desist from his dishonorable pro
ceedings. AU the fierce obstinacy of Van TwiUer's nature was thus
aroused, and in a fit of rage he caused the bold sheriff to be arrested on a
charge of contumacy, and sent him as a prisoner to Holland, retaining his
salary, which was three years in arrears.
Van Dincklagen had no sooner arrived there than with his facUe pen he
reviewed Van TwiUer's govemment in a memorial to the States-General,
which was immediately sent to the Amsterdam Chamber with the sugges
tion that they had better make prompt reparation to their injured officer
They at first refused, but the resolute Van Dincklagen was weU known
and respected, and his second memorial was supported by some very
stinging remarks from Captain De Vries, about "promoting a fool from
a clerkship to a governorship simply to act farces," so that finaUy it
was decided to recall Van TwiUer, and appoint Wilhelm Kieft in his
place. The new governor, in presence of the States-General, took
' his oath of office on September 2, 1637.
Van Dincklagen's complaints were not confined to the civil authorities
of New Netherland. Dominie Bogardus was censm-ed, and to such an
extent that when the news reached his church in New Amsterdam the
consistory felt it their duty to take ecclesiastical proceedings against the
complainant, which a long time after they were obliged to defend before
the Classis of Amsterdam.
It was years before Vau Dincklagen coUected his salary, although the
States-General signified it as their pleasure that he should at once he
^ Coincident with the governor's purchase, John (George) Jansen De Eapaelje bought ofthe
Indians 335 acres on Long Island near Waal-Bogt, or the Bay of the Foreigners. Prior to
this William Adriaense Bennet and Jacques Bentyn had bought 930 acres at Gowanus, and
at these two isolated points were formed the nuclei of the present city of Brooklyn. One
Jonas Bronck also bought a valuable tract in West Chester "over against Haarlem," and
from him the Bronx Eiver derived its name. The West India Company bought the island of
Quotenius in NaiTagansett Bay, also an island near the Thames Eiver, which was for many
years known as Dutchman's Island. And not far from the same time they purchased from
Michael Pauw, Pavonia and his other lands, which abated a great nuisance in the shape of
an independent colony on those shores.

THE FUR-TRADE.

81

paid. He afterwards retumed to New Amsterdam, and fiUed with honor
one of the most important offices under the government.
Notwithstanding the loss of business on the Connecticut, the fur-trade
during the last year of Van TwiUer's administration had increased. The
Dutch had opened a profitable commerce with New England ; and the
scarcity of commodities there, owing to the bloody war which was raging
with the Pequods, affected prices to a considerable degree in New Nether
land. A schepel — three pecks — of rye sold readUy for eighty cents.
A laboring man commanded eighty cents per day during harvest. Corn
rose to the extraordinarUy high price of twelve shiUings a bushel. A good
cow brought thirty pounds, a pair of oxen forty pounds, and a horse forty
pounds, whUe the price of a negro was on an average sixteen doUars.

Trading with the Indians.

82 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER VI.
1638-1641.
GOVERNOR WILHELM KIEFT.
GovERNOE Wilhelm Kieft. — The Exteaokbinaey Council. — Abuses. — Pkoclama-
TioNS. — The Dominie's Wedding. — A Cueious Slandee Case. — The First Ferry
TO Long Island. — Enceoachments of the Swedes. — A new Policy. — Captain
De Vries's Arrival. — The Pioneee Settlers. — Oloff Stevensen Van Cortlandt.
— English Ambition. — Captain De Vries's Travels and what he saw. — Pur
chase of Indian Lands. — Trouble with the Indians. — The new Charter of
Feebdoms and Exemptions. — ¦ The Stoee-Keeper. — The Six Murderers. — Muni
cipal Eegulations. — The first Marine Tblegeaph in the Haeboe.
/~^ OVEENOE WILHELM KIEFT was somewhat coolly received
\J[^ when, after a long and tedious voyage in the Herring, he landed on
Manhattan Island, March 28, 1638. Eumors to his disadvantage had
preceded him. It was said that he had once failed in the mercan
tile business in HoUand, and, according to custom, his portrait had
been affixed to the gallows in consequence. That, in Dutch estimation,
was a lasting disgrace. Since then, he had been sent by the government
as Minister to Turkey, and had been intrusted with money to procure the
ransom of some Christians in bondage. The captives were left in their
chains, and the money was never refunded. Such unfortunate antece
dents were not calculated to inspire confidence, and the man himself had
no personal attractions. He was smaU in size, fussy, bustling, fiery, and
avaricious. He had a wiry look, as if he was constantly standing on
guard ; prominent, sharp features ; and deep-set, restless gray eyes. He
was industrious and strictly temperate, not wanting in natural abilities,
and far from heedless of the laws of moraUty; but his education was
Umited and his self-conceit unrestrained, and in his ignorance of the
true principles of govemment he imagined himself able to legislate,
individuaUy, for aU mankind.
He seized the reins of authority with the air of a master, the wUl of a
tyrant, and a determination of spirit which would not brook interfer
ence. He consulted no one. He showed no deference to the opinions of

THE EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL. 83
the inteUigent few who were already experienced in the matter of treat
ing with the Indians. He placed himself on a pedestal, and looked loftily
over the heads of his subjects. The West India Company had accorded
him the privUege of fixing the number of his councU. He warily chose
one man. The favored individual was Dr. Johannes La Montague, a
learned and highly bred French Huguenot, who had escaped from the
rage of reUgious persecution the year before, and found his Canaan in
the Dutch settlement on Manhattan Island. His parents belonged to the
ancienne noblesse of France, — a fact which he took pains neither to promul
gate nor conceal, but which might have revealed itself in a thousand ways,
even if his unusual accomplishments and elegant manners had not won
universal admiration. He was a widower with four interesting children,
upon whom he bestowed great care and aff'ection. He gave them lessons
daily, and perfected their education in such a masterly manner that his
three daughters grew up to be the most attractive women of their day in
the province, and his son became a man of fortune and position. Two of
Dr. La Montague's daughters married physicians, — Dr. Hans Kiersted
and Dr. Van Imbroeck. His youngest daughter, Marie, became the wife
of Jacob Kip. Dr. La Montague practiced medicine for many years, and
was the only doctor on Manhattan in whom the settlers had any confi
dence. Kieft was quick to recognize the prospective value of such a man's
advice in state affairs ; but, as a governor, he was resolved to hold the
supreme command himself in every particular. He therefore curiously
arranged that his one councUor should be entitled to one vote, while he
reserved to himself two votes. Such a high-handed act of despotism
would not have been tolerated a day in any part of the Dutch EepubUc ;
and it only serves to iUustrate the inattention of the West India Company
to the best interests of their colony. 'Indeed, the company were discuss
ing the question at that very time, " whether it would not be expedient
to place the district of New Netherland at the disposal of the States-
General." Kieft patronizingly declared his wiUingness to admit an invited guest,
perhaps two, into his extraordinary council board, on occasions when
special cases were to be tried in which either himself or Dr. La Mon
tague were supposed to be interested ; but as long as it was judged a
high crime to appeal to any other tribunal, the condescension was
sneeringly commented upon by the democratic colonists. Cornells Van
Tienhoven won his way into the new governor's favor through a
Uttle adroit flattery, and was made secretary of the province at a salary
of two hundred and fifty doUars per year. A few days later, Ulrich

84 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Lupoid was appointed sheriff, although his qualifications for that office
were bitterly questioned.
Kieft sent, with his first letter to HoUand, a formal statement of the
ruinous condition in which he had found the colony. He said : —
" The fort is open at every side except the stone point ; the guns are dis
mounted ; the houses and pubhc buildings are all out of repair ; the magazine
for merchandise has disappeared ; every vessel in the harbor is falling to pieces ;
only one wind-mill is in operation ; the farms of the company are vrithout ten
ants, and thrown into commons ; the cattle are all sold, or on the plantations of
Van TwUler."
Not very cheerful news for the disheartened company. Van TwiUer
had retired to private life, and taken up his abode in the house which he
had buUt upon the company's farm. Immediately upon Kieft's arrival,
the ex-governor commenced negotiations for hiring both house and farm,
and in a few days succeeded in concluding an arrangement at a yearly
rent of two hundred and fifty guUders, together with a sixth part of
the produce. The inventory of his private property wks in starthng
contrast to the general state of decay and dUapidation throughout the
colony, and his manner of living was so ostentatious that he was re
garded with scorn by the honest portion of the Uttle community.
Abuses existed in every department of the pubUc service. Private
individuals were constantly smuggUng furs and tobacco, and seUing fire
arms to the Indians, in open disregard of orders. Law seemed fast be
coming obsolete. Kieft commenced the reformatory work by proclama
tions. They were written in a plain hand and pasted on posts, trees,
barns, and fences. All seUing of guns or powder to the Indians was
prohibited, under pain of death. IUegal traffic in furs was forbidden.
Tobacco was made subject to excise. The retaUing of liquors was Umited
to wine, " in moderate quantities." Hours were fixed for laborers to stop
work ; sailors were ordered not to leave their ships after night-faU. AU
the vices were forbidden. No person might leave the island without a
passport. Thursday of each week was appointed for the regular sitting
of the council.
Presently, the self-sufficient lawgiver ordered that no attestations or
other public writings should be valid before a court in New Netherland
unless they were written by the colonial secretary. This arbitrary regu-
l£),tion provoked opposition, and was declared on all sides to be oppressive,
and intended to restrain popular rights. The policy of the measure was
defended by the sycophantic Van Tienhoven, who declared that most of
the parties who went to law for the redress of their grievances were Ulit-

ABUSES — PROCLAMA TIONS. 85
erate countrymen or saUors, who could read or write but indifferently or
not at all.
Dominie Bogardus, when he heard of the charges which Van Dinck
lagen had preferred against him before the Classis of Amsterdam, peti
tioned the governor for leave to retum to Holland and defend himseU'.

Autograph of Everardus Bogardus.

Kieft entered warmly into the feeUngs of the church and people, and
finaUy resolved "to retain Dominie Everardus Bogardus, that the in
terests of God's Word may in no wise be prevented"; and he also
prayed the Classis of Amsterdam "for the protection of their esteemed
preacher." ^
Not long after, the principal famiUes and personages at Manhattan
were invited to attend the marriage of the Dominie to the famous Anetje
Jans, who, although she may not have seemed rich in the days when great
landed estates were to be bought for a few strirfgs of beads, yet is rever
enced by her numerous descendants as among the very goddesses of
wealth. She was a smaU, weU-formed woman, with deUcate features,
transparent complexion, and bright, beautiful dark eyes. She had a weU-
balanced mind, a sunny disposition, winning manners, and a kind heart ;
and soon became very dear to the people of the church over which her
husband was pastor, besides being a distinguished and valuable counselor
to her own numerous famUy of children.
A curious regulation was instituted about that time in relation to the
ringing of the town beU. Its chief office was to caU the devout to
church on the Sabbath ; but Kieft ordered it rung every evening at nine
o'clock, to announce the hour for retiring ; also every morning and even
ing at a given hour, to caU persons to and from their labor; and, on
Thursdays, to summon prisoners into court. We take the foUowing from
the unpubUshed Dutch manuscripts at the New York City Hall : ^ —
"October 14th, 1638. For scandaUzing the governor, Hendrick Jansen is
1 Cor. Cl. Amsterdam, 19th Nov., 1641 ; 1st April, 1642, ante, p. 273.
^ The official records of New Netherland have fortunately been preserved in an almost un
broken series from the time of Kieft's inauguration, and afford authentic and copious materials
for the historian.

86 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
sentenced to stand at the fort entrance, at the ringing of the bell, and ask the
governor's pardon."
Under the same date, —
" For drawing his knife upon a person, Guysbert Vau Regerslard is sentenced
to throw himself three times from the saUyard of the yacht Hope, and to receive
from each sailor three lashes, at the ringing of the bell."
And, —
" Grietje Eeiniers, for slandering the Dominie Everardus Bogardus, is con
demned to appear at Fort Amsterdam, ut the sounding of the hell, and declare
before the governor and councU that she knew the minister to be an honest and
pious man, and that she had lied falsely."
The records give us an insight into the cause as weU as the merits of
this slander case. Mrs. Bogardus went to pay a friendly visit to a
neighbor ; but, on getting into the " entry," discovered that Grietje Eei
niers, a woman of questionable reputation, was in the house, and there
upon turned about and went home. Grietje was greatly off'ended at this
" snubbing " from the Dominie's lady, and foUowed her, making disagree
able remarks. While passing a blacksmith's shop, where the road was
muddy, Mrs. Bogardus raised her dress a little, and Grietje was very
invidious in her criticisms. The Dominie thought fit to make an ex
ample of her; hence the suit. Grietje's husband being in arrears for
church dues, Bogardus sent for him and ordered payment, and, not getting
it, finaUy sued for the amount.
In some respects Kieft brought order out of chaos, and improved the
appearance of the town. Most of the houses were in clusters without
regard to streets, and grouped near the waUs of the fort. Pearl Street
was then a simple road on the bank of the river. It is at no very distant
date that Water, Front, and South Streets were reclaimed from the
water. Pearl was undoubtedly the first street occupied for buUding pur
poses, and Kieft selected it for the best class of dweUings, on account of
its fine river-prospect. The lone wind-mill stood on State Street, and
was, as seen from the bay, the most prominent object on the island. Not
far from it were the bakery, brewery, and warehouse of the company.
A feny to Long Island had been estabUshed before Kieft's arrival,
from the vicinity of Peck's SUp to a point a Uttle below the present
Fulton Ferry. Cornells Dircksen, who had a farm in that vicinity, came
at the sound of a horn, which hung against a tree, and ferried the wait
ing passengers across the river in a skiff, for the moderate charge of
three stivers in wampum. Many thousands now cross the Brooklyn
ferries daily at about the same place.

COMPETITION OF SWEDEN.

87

There was a road which had been formed by travel from the fort
towards the northern part of Manhattan Island, crooking about to avoid
hills and ravines, and which might have been more truly called a path.
Upon either side of it, although at considerable distances apart, farms were
laid out, and some English colonists, who removed to this hitherto uncul-

First Ferry to Long Island.

April 15.

tivated district from Virginia, brought with them cherry and peach trees,
and soon rendered it somewhat interesting to agriculturists. Kieft was
extravagantly fond of fiowers, and encouraged gardening after the most
approved European standard. He also stocked the farms with fine cattle.
Sweden aU at once appeared as a competitor with France, England,
and HoUand for a foothold in North America. Peter Minuet had offered
to that power the benefit of his colonial experience ; and an ex
pedition was placed under bis direction, with fifty emigrants, a
Lutheran minister, goods for the Indian trade, and the necessaries for
making a Uttle colony comfortable in a strange land. They came to
the Delaware Bay country, where Minuet bought of the sachem Matte-
hoorn, for " a kettle and other trifies," as much land as would serve to
build a house upon and make a plantation. For this land a deed was
given, written in Low Dutch, as no Swede could interpret the Indian lan
guage. Upon the strength of this conveyance, the Swedes claimed to have
bought all the territory on the west side of the Delaware Eiver, from Cape
Henlopen to the FaUs of Trenton, and as far inland as they might want.^
1 Acrelius in 11 N. Y. H. 8. Col., Vol. I. 409. New York Col. MSS. Hudde's Report.
Hazard, Am. Penn, 42, 43. Brodhead, Vol. I. p. 282. Letter of Jerome Hawley, Treasurer
of Virginia, to Secretary Windebanke, May 8, 1638, in London Documents. O'Callaghan,
I. 190. Ferris, 42, 45. Holm, 85.

88 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
As soon as Kieft heard the news, he wrote Minuet a letter of re
monstrance, of which the latter took no heed, but went on building his
fort, which he called Fort Christiana, in honor of the young queen of
Sweden. Before midsummer, he went to Europe with the first cargo
of furs. Kieft was uncertain what course to pursue, and wrote to the
company for instructions. Sweden was, however, just then, too powerful
a kingdom and too dangerous a neighbor to pick a quarrel with, for the
company was already on the decUne ; therefore the Swedes became the
first European occupants of the State of Delaware.
By this time the company, in sheer despair, had matured a more
liberal policy, by which they hoped to improve their mismanaged prov
ince of New Netherland. Every emigrant should be accommodated,
according to his means, with as much land as he could properly cultivate.
He should be conveyed to New Netherland, with his cattle and merchan
dise, in the company's ships, at a duty of ten per cent ad valorem, paid to
the company. A quit-rent of one tenth of the produce was exacted, but
legal estates of inheritance were assured to the grantees of aU the land.
Ministers, schoolmasters, and negro slaves were promised ; and also pro
tection and assistance in case of war. Forts and public buildings were
to be kept in repair, and law and order maintained by the company;
and each new settler was required to declare under his signature that
he would voluntarily submit to existing authorities. It was a step in
advance, although far short of the emergency, and arrangements for re
moval to America were immediately made by many persons of capital
and influence in Holland.
Captain De Vries sailed in September, with a party of emigrants, to
take possession of Staten Island. When they arrived off Sandy
Hook, winter had set in, and aU were homesick and disheart-
Dec 27 ened. The captain of the vessel proposed going to the West
Indies, to stay until spring ; but De Vries objected, and offered to pUot
the ship into port, which he accordingly did. He was always a welcome
visitor at New Amsterdam, but perhaps never more so than now, as no
ship was expected at such a season of the year, and its coming was an
agreeable break in the monotony of colonial Ufe. De Vries was invited
to the governor's house and treated with distinguished attention His
people remained on the vessel for a few days, when they proceeded
to Staten Island, and constructed some log-cabins, to live in until
spring. Kieft, in looking about him, thought it was weU to secure more land to
the company ; and he purchased from the Indian chiefs, during that and
the foUowing year, nearly aU the territory now comprising the county

THE PIONEER SETTLERS 89

of Queen's.^ A few months afterward, he secured a large tract of land in
West Chester, which is supposed to include the present town of
Yonkers.^ Portions of these lands were soon deeded away to
enterprising settlers; for, by reason of the more Uberal system of the
company, a rapid impulse had been given to the settlement of
the province. In August of this year, Antony Jansen Van Vaas, "^'
a French Huguenot, from Salee, bought two hundred acres on the west
end of Long Island, and a part of the present towns of New Utrecht and
Gravesend, of which he was the pioneer settler On the 28th of
November following, Thomas Bescher received a patent for a
tobacco plantation "on the beach of Long Island," supposed to be a
portion of the site of Brooklyn. About the same time, George
Holms, the leader of the expedition against Fort Nassau, who
had returned to cast his fortunes among the Dutch at Fort Amster
dam, entered into partnership with his countryman, Thomas HaU, and
bought a large farm on Deutal Bay, a smaU cove on the East Eiver,
now known as Turtle Bay,^ where they built a very comfortable house.
Attracted by the greater reUgious freedom among the Dutch, numbers
came from New England and settled at various points on Long Island,
at West Chester, and at New Amsterdam. Among them was Captain
John UnderhiU, who had distinguished himself in the Pequod war, and
had since been governor of Dover. That is, he made arrangements for
removal, and sent several of his people; but he was himself detained
to undergo ecclesiastical proceedings from the " proud Pharisees," as he
called them, and only arrived in New Amsterdam in 1643. But there
was an influx of the poorer class from Virginia which was not bene
ficial, except so far as their experience in tobacco and fruit ciUture was
concerned ; for they were English convicts, sent out as laborers, and
glad to escape as soon as their term of service had expired. They were
very much given to drinking and lawlessness.
In the early part of the summer. New Amsterdam had been visited
by two somewhat remarkable men, who were so much pleased with
what they saw that they returned to Europe and soon after came back
to estabUsh themselves here with their famiUes. These were Jochem
Pietersen Kuyter, of Darmstadt, who had held a high position in the
' Thomson's Long Island. Dr. Stiles's History of Brooklyn.
^ Boltm's West Chester, 11, 401. Alb. Rec. G. G., 59, 62.
' The Dutch name Deutal, which the English corrupted to Turtle, signified a peg with
which casks were secured. These pegs were short, but broad at the base ; and as the bay was
narrow at the entrance, but wide within, the resemblance suggested the name. Judge Ben
son's Memoir, 96.

90

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

East Indies under the government of Denmark ; and CorneUs Melyn, of
Antwerp. They were both men of property and abiUty, of some culture,
and of wide experience in the ways of the world, and they soon rose to
prominence in the colony. Thirty or more farms were now under success
ful cultivation, and the country began to wear an air of healthy activity
The only obligation required from foreigners was an oath of aUegiance
similar to that which was imposed upon the Dutch colonists.
In July, Ulrich Lupoid was removed from the post of sheriff' to that
of commissary of wares, and Cornells Van der Huygens was appomted in
his place. Jacob Van Corlear and David Provoost were made inspectors
of tobacco, and Oloff Stevensen Van Cortlandt was appointed commis
sary of the shop. This latter personage came out in the same vessel
with Kieft from
HoUand, as a sol
dier in the service
of the company,
and this was his
first promotion. He
was a Uneal descend
ant of the Dukes
of Courland in Eus
sia. His ancestors,
when deprived of
the duchy of Cour
land, emigrated to
Holland. The
famUy name was
Stevens, or Stevensen, van (from) Courland, and they adopted the latter
as a surname, the true orthography in Dutch being Kortelandt, signify
ing short-land}
Michel Evertsen was clerk of the customs, — the first record in
New Netherland of an honorable Dutch name, which has been handed
down to many highly respected famiUes in the State of New York and
elsewhere. Gerrit Schult and Hans Kiersted were regularly bred sm--
geons, sent out from HoUand by the West India Company. The latter
married Sarah, the eldest daughter of Dr. La Montagne. Gysbert Op
Dyck was sent as commissary to Fort Good Hope.
' The above statements are founded upon Burke's History of tlie English Cominoners, Tin
Heraldic Bearings and Family Tradition. " Let those who would disparage the origin of this
noble family go to work and disprove what has long ago been asserted of them." — Kev.
Robert Bolton to the Author, November 11, 1872.

Van Cortlandt Manor-House.

ENGLISH AMBITION. 91
The state of morals in New Amsterdam was by no means health},
owing to the great variety of persons who were coming into the town ;
and prosecutions and punishments for dishonesty and pubUc executions
for murder and mutiny were not infrequent. The govemor was con
tinually on the alert, but, from his irritable nature, commanded no re
spect, and was obliged to enforce obedience. Assuming sovereignty
and refusing counsel, he soon committed an act of the greatest indis
cretion. He levied a tribute of " maize furs or sewan " upon the
Indians, under the plea that on their account the company was
burdened with the heavy expenses of fortifications and garrisons. In
case they refused to pay it, he threatened to compel them to do so.^
The disastrous consequences, we shaU soon have occasion to relate.
In the mean time, the indomitable New-Englanders had been pushing
westward, and had estabUshed themselves at a place which the Dutch
caUed Eoodeberg, or Eed HiU, but to which the EngUsh gave the name
of New Haven ; and so rapidly had the settlement fiUed up, that they
had already a handsome church buUt, and more than three hundred
houses. They had bought large tracts around them and planted numer
ous smaUer towns. Captain De Vries went on a voyage of observation
UJ) the Connecticut Eiver, during the summer of 1639, and was agree
ably entertained by the English governor at Hartford, which was quite
a thriving place, with a church and a hundred or more houses. Captain
De Vries was very frank with his EngUsh host, and toM him that it
was not right to take lands which the West India Company had bought
and paid for. The reply was, that those lands were uncultivated, and no
effort made to improve them, and it seemed a sin to let such valuable
property go to waste, when fine crops could be raised with a Uttle care.
De Vries noticed that the English lived there, to quote his exact words,
" very soberly." " They only drank three times at a meal, and those
who got tipsy were whipped on a pole, as thieves were in HoUand " ; and
their whole government was rigorous in the extreme.
The Dutch held their one smaU foothold near by ; but it was of very
little use to them, for the English openly denied even their right to the
ground about the redoubt. From words it came to blows, and Evert
Duyckingck, one of the garrison of fourteen men, was cudgeled while
sowing grain in the spring of 1640. Disgusted with the command of
a post without adequate force to protect it from insult. Op Dyck resigned
his office, and Jan Hendricksen Eoesen succeeded him.
With a boldness fostered by the consciousness of superior numbers,
smart little towns were started all along the Connecticut Eiver to its
1 The Amsterdam Chamber denied any knowledge of this measure.

92 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
mouth, where a strong fort was in existence, aud where Saybrook, under
the command of Colonel Fenwick, who had just arrived from England,
accompanied by his beautifiU wife, the Lady Alice, had become quite a
fiourishing settlement. On the borders of the Sound, De Vries saw also
other evidences of EngUsh enterprise. At the mouth of the Housatonic
the viUage of Stratford already contained more than fifty houses. Men,
Uke stray bees, were beginning to buUd at Norwalk and Stamford, and
even at Greenwich two houses were erected. One of these was occupied
by Captain Daniel Patrick, who had been an officer in the Pequod war,
and had had ample opportunity for inspecting the country, and who had
married a Dutch lady at the Hague. The other was occupied by Eobert
Feake, whose wife was the daughter-in-law of Governor Winthrop,* and
who afterward purchased a title to the whole region, and held it for two
years iu defiance of Dutch authority.
Eeturning to his plantation on Staten Island, De Vries found it lan
guishing for want of proper colonists, because his partner in HoUand had
not fulfilled his agreement to send them. He spent a few days there and
then visited New Amsterdam, where two vessels had just arrived, one of
which belonged to the company ; the other was a private ship, laden with
cattle, and belonged to Captain Jochem Pietersen Kuyter.
1640. Later in the season, De Vries found a better situation, about six
eb. 10. -jjjijgg above the fort on the Hudson Eiver, where there were some
sixty acres of •" corn land," and no trees to cut down. There was, be
sides, hay enough upon it for two hundred head of cattle. He accom
pUshed its purchase of the Indians, and determined to live haU of the
time there. On the 15th of April, he saUed on a voyage up the
Hudson, and his circumstantial joumal gives a very interesting
picture of the country along its banks. From this trip he did not return
until December, .and then immediately commenced improving his new
estate, which he caUed Vriesendael.
As yet there were few Dutch colonists east of the Harlem Eiver ; and
Kieft, rendered anxious by English progress, sent Secretary Van
* Tienhoven to purchase the group of islands at the mouth of the
Norwalk Eiver, together with the adjoining territory on the* mainland,
and to erect thereon the standard of the States-General, " so as to effectu
ally prevent any other nation's encroachment." These directions were
executed, and the West India Company thereby obtained the Indian title
^^ ^^ to all the country between the Norwalk and North Elvers. On
the 10th of May of the same year, Kieft also bought of the great
chief PenhaAvitiz the territory forming the present county of Kings, on
1 Eobert Feake married the widow of Henry Winthrop.

PURCHASE OF INDIAN LANDS. 93
Long Island. AU the lands east of Oyster Bay, which form the county
of Suffolk, remained, however, in the hands of its aboriginal lords.
What was the surprise of the governor of New Netherland when, one
morning, a Scotchman, named Farrett, presented himself at Fort Amster
dam and claimed the whole of Long Island, under a commission from the
Earl of StirUng ! He had already confirmed Lion Gardiner's purchase
of Gardiner's Island ^ from the Indians, and empowered him to make and
put in practice aU necessary laws of Church and State. He had made
an agreement with several persons from Lynn, Massachusetts, by which
they might settle upon and cultivate any lands on Long Island which
they should buy of the Indians. Farrett was contemptuously dismissed
by Kieft ; but the Lynn emigrants soon after arrived at the head of Cow
Bay, puUed down the Dutch arms, and put up a house very quickly.
The sachem Penhawitz hurried to New Amsterdam with the news, and
Van Tienhoven was dispatched with an armed force to arrest the whole
party and bring them before the govemor. Satisfied, however, upon ex
amination, that they were not in fault, Kieft dismissed them after they
had signed an agreement to intrude no more upon Dutch territory. This
led to the immediate settlement of Southampton ; for Farrett discovered
that the Dutch, although they derided Lord Stirling's claim, were chiefly
anxious to maintain possession of the western extremity of Long Island,
and he, with his associates, removed and settled unmolested farther east. ,
Up to this time the relations between the Dutch and the Indians had
been upon the whole friendly. But many of the colonists had neglected
their farms for the quicker profits of traffic. To prosper in this they had
aUured the savages to their homes, fed them bountifuUy, and treated them
to " fire-water." In many instances the jealousies of the latter had been
excited against each other. They had also been frequently employed as
house and farm servants by the settlers ; which was unwise, because they
would sometimes steal, and then run away and teU their tribes about the
habits, mode of life, and numerical strength of the Dutch.
The unhappiest thing of aU was supplying the red-men with fire-arms.
The Iroquois warriors at first considered a gun "the devU," and would
not touch it. Champlain taught them its power, and then they were
eager to possess it. For a musket they would wiUingly give twenty
beaver-skins. For a pound of powder they were glad to barter the value
of several doUars. It mattered not that the West India Company for
bade the traffic under penalty of death, and that their executive officer at
Manhattan was not in the least averse to capital punishment. Such im-
' The price paid for Gardiner's Island was one large black dog, one gun, some powder and
shot, some rum, and a few Dutch blankets : in value about £ 5.

94 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
mense profits were too tempting, and the Mohawks were already weU
armed. It was less easy to deal with the river tribes without discovery,
aud the latter began to hate the Dutch in consequence. Kieft's taxes
were the final blow to their friendship.
In July, ramors of some intended hostile demonstration reached
the governor, and he ordered aU the residents of New Amster-
tiam to arm themselves, and, at the firing of three guns, to repair, under
their respective officers, equipped for wari'are, to a place of rendezvous.
Without waiting to be attacked, he soon found an excuse to become the
aggressor It happened that some persons in the company's service, on
their way to Delaware Eiver in July, had landed at Staten Island for
wood and water, and stolen some swine which had been left in charge of a
negro by De Vries. The innocent Earitan Indians, who Uved twenty
miles or more inland, were accused of this theft, and also of having stolen
the canoe of a trading party.
Kieft thought to punish them, and sent Secretary Van Tienhoven, with
fifty soldiers and twenty sailors, to attack them, and imless they made
prompt reparation, to destroy their corn. The men accompanying Tien
hoven, knowing the governor's temper, were anxious to kUl and plunder
at once. This Tienhoven refused to permit ; but finally, vexed with their
importunity, he left them, and they attacked the Indians, several of
whom were kUled and their crops destroyed. Thus was the seed sown
for a long and bloody war.*
Meanwhile the directors of the West India Company had not ceased
wrangling with each other and with the patroons ; but they agreed upon a
new Charter of Freedoms and Exemptions, which amended materiaUy the
obnoxious instrument of 1629. AU good inhabitants of New Netherland
were to select lands and form colonies, to be Umited to one mUe along
the shore of a bay or navigable river, and two miles into the country.
The right of way by land or water was to be free to aU, and disputes
were to be settled by the govemor, under aU circumstances. The feudal
jirivUeges of jurisdiction, and the exclusive right of huntiag, fishing,
fowUng, grinding corn, etc., were continued to the patroons as an estate
of inheritance, with descent to females as weU as males. Manufacturers
were permitted. Another class of proprietors \\as soon estabUshed
Masters or Colonists they were called, aud were such as should convey
fine-grown persons to New Netherland, and might occupy one hundred
acres of land. Commercial privUeges were very greatly extended, al-
' Breeden lUiedt. Chalmers's Political Annals. De Vries, in 11 N. Y. H. S. Col. Albany
r^mrds. Kieft is accused of having given to the soldiers themselves, at the moment of em-
larkation, even harsher orders than he gave to Van Tienhoven. O'Callaghan, I. 227, note.

THE SIX MURDERERS. 95
though the company adhered to the system of onerous imposts for its
own benefit. The company renewed their pledge to furnish negroes, and
appoint and support competent officers, " for the protection of the good
and the punishment of the wicked." The governor and his council were
stiU to act as an orphans' and surrogate's court, to judge in criminal and
reUgious affairs, and administer law and justice. The Dutch Eeformed
reUgion was to be pubUcly taught and sanctioned, and ministers and
schoolmasters were to be sustained.
The people in and around New Amsterdam were generaUy suppUed
with necessary goods of aU descriptions from the company's store.
But it was weU known that they were sold at an advance of fifty per
cent on their cost, and many were the complaints. The store-keeper,
Ulrich Lupoid, who had never been regarded as trustworthy, was finaUy
detected in extortion, and removed from his position. The first Uquor
ever made in this country was produced from a private stUl on Staten
Island, erected by Kieft in 1640, and run by Willem Hendricksen, for
twenty-five guilders per month.
In the early part of the year 1641, great excitement was oc
casioned by the inteUigence that a murder had been committed
near the fort. Six of the company's slaves had kiUed one of their fel
low-negroes. There was no evidence against them ; and so torture, the
common expedient of the Dutch law in such cases, was resorted to for
the purpose of extorting self-accusation. To avoid this terrible engine
the negroes confessed they had all jointly committed the deed. The
court was in a dUemma. Laborers were scarce, and six were too many
to lose. Lots were drawn, in order to determine which should be exe
cuted ; for justice could not be defrauded. The lot feU on a stalwart
feUow, who was caUed " the giant," and he was sentenced to be hanged.
January 24th was the great day appointed for his execution, and the
whole community turned out to witness the terrible scene. He was
placed on a ladder in the fort, with two strong halters about his neck.
The fatal signal was given, the ladder puUed from under him, when both
ropes broke, and the negro feU to the ground. The bystanders cried so
loudly for pardon that the governor granted the culprit his life, under a
pledge of future good conduct.
Kieft was constantly issuing new municipal regulations, and . ^ „
there was great need. We find, under date of AprU llth, one
by which " the tapping of beer during divine service, and after one o'clock
at night," was forbidden ; whereat the Dutch were as much exercised as
their German cousins have been in later times. He also took measures
to prevent the deterioration of the currency, which was in a mixed state.

96

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

The coins of Europe were rarely seen here. Wampum was in use, but
Aprilis. had no standard value, untU he fixed it by a law. To promote
Sept. 5. agriculture, the governor established two fairs to be held annu
aUy; one of cattle on the loth of October, and one of hogs on the 1st
of November.
In March of that year, Myndert Myndertsen Van der Horst secured a
plantation, about an hour's walk from Vriesendael, where De Vries was
busy putting up buildings, planning orchards and gardens, and making
his property singularly attractive. It extended north from Newark Bay
towards Tappaen, including the vaUey of the Hackinsack Eiver; the
headquarters of the settlement being only five or six hundred paces from
the viUage of the Hackinsack Indians.* Van der Horst's people immedi
ately erected a small fort, to be garrisoned by a few soldiers. In Au
gust, CorneUs Melyn returned to New Amsterdam with a fuU-fledged
grant from the West India Company to settle on Staten Island. This
astonished De Vries, who knew that the company was aware of his own
purchase of the whole of that property. Kieft, who had his flistUlery
and a buckskin manufactory aUeady there, persuaded the Uberal-minded
patroon to permit Melyn to establish a plantation near the Narrows, and
then conferred upon the spirited Belgian a formal patent as patroon over
all the island not reserved by De Vries. A small redoubt was immedi
ately erected upon the eastern headland, where a flag was raised when
ever a vessel arrived in the lower bay. This is the first record of a marine
telegraph in New York Harbor.^
' The name of the Indian tribe was Achkinkeshacky, which was corrupted by the early
settlers into Hackinsack.
De Vries, 11 N. Y. H. S. Col., I. 264. O'Callaghan I. 228, 229. Brodhead, I. 314.
Albany Records.

First Marine Telegraph.

INDIAN VENGEANCE. 97

CHAPTER VII.
1641 - 1643.
INDIAN VENGEANCE.
Indian Vengeance. — The First Populae Assembly. — Kieft's Disappointment. —
Death of Peter Minuet. — Effort of the "Twelve Men" to Institute Re
forms. ^ The Governor's Proclamation. — The Dutch and Enrlish. — Discus
sion OF THE Boundary Question. — A Flaw in the Title to New Netherland.
— Religious Persecution. — The First Tavern. — The New Church. — Raising
Money at a Wedding. — The First English Secretary. — "The Year op
Blood." — The Blood Atonement. — The Shrovetide Dinner-Party. — The
Inhuman Massacre. — General Uprising of the Indians. — Overtures foe
Peace. — The Hollow Truce. — The Second Representative Body. — A Page
OP Horrors.
BY this time the effects of Kieft's imprudences with the Indians
were fast becoming apparent. The Earitans cajoled him with
peaceful messages, but suddenly attacked De Vries's unprotected planta
tion on Staten Island, kUled four of his planters and burned aU i64i.
his buUdings. FoUy begets foUy. The governor no sooner heard June.
how the Earitans had avenged their wrongs, than he determined upon
their extermination. In an ostentatious proclamation, he offered
a bounty of ten fathoms of wampum for the head of any or ^
every one of the tribe, and twenty fathoms for each head of the actual
murderers. Some of the Eiver Indians were incited by these bounties,
and attacked the Earitans. In the autumn, a chief of the Haverstraw
tribe came one day in triumph to the fort, and exhibited a dead man's
hand hanging on a stick, which he presented to Kieft, as the hand of
the chief who had kiUed the Dutch.
MeanwhUe blood had been shed on the island of Manhattan. Aug.
An old man, Claes Smits, lived in a little house near Deutal Bay,
and worked at the trade of a wheelwright. The nephew of the Indian
who was murdered near the Fresh Water Pond during Minuet's adminis
tration, and who, as a boy, had sworn vengeance, went to the old man's
house under pretense of bartering some beaver-skins for duffels, and,
7

98

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

Aug. 20.

whUe the unsuspecting Smits was stooping over the great chest in which
he kept his goods, the savage seized an ax and killed him with one blow,
then plundered the house and escaped. Kieft sent at once to the chief
of the Weekquaesgeek tribe, to demand satisfaction. The latter refused
to give up the criminal, on the ground that he was but an avenger, after
the manner of his race. Some soldiers were then sent out from
the fort to arrest the assassin, but they could not find him.
Kieft was exasperated and would have openly declared war, careless
of probable consequences, had not some of his friends told him of the
state of public
feeUng, and how
the people ac
cused him of
aiming to provoke
hostUities on pur
pose to make " a
wrong reckoning
with the com-
pany"; even
charging him with
personal coward
ice, for they said,
" He knew full
well that he could Dutch Architecture in New Amsterdam.
secure his own life in a good fort." He, therefore, paused in his mad
course, and summoned together aU the patroons, masters, and
heads of famiUes in the vicinity to the fort, " to resolve upon
something of the first necessity." This was the pioneer of populai' meet
ings upon Manhattan Island.
When the people assembled on the day appointed, the govemor

Aug. 23.

Aug. 28.

submitted three propositions.

l.st. "Was it not just that the recent mmder of Claes Smits should be
avenged by destroyiug the Indian viUage where the murderer belonged, if he was
not given up 1 "
2d. " In what manner ought this to be accoraplished 1 "
.3d. " By whom should it be effected ? "
The assembly, after some preamble and a grave discussion of the ques
tions, chose twelve men out of their number to co-operate with the gov
emor and councU. The names of this first representative body were :
Captain De Vries, Jacques Bentyn, Jau Dam, Hendrick Jansen, Jacob

KIEFT'S DISAPPOINTMENT. 99
Stoftelsen, Maryn Adriaensen, Abram Molenaer, Frederick Luljbertsen.
Jochem Pietersen, Gerrit Dircksen, George Eapaelje, and Abram Planck.
De Vries was chosen president. Their counsel was for preserving peace
with the Indians as long as possible. They belie^'ed the murder should
be avenged, but thought " God and the opportunity " ought to be consid
ered. The Dutch were scattered all about the country, and the cattle
were in the woods. It was impoUtic to get involved in war with the
Indians, while there was no adequate means of defense. They, therefore,
recommended that the govemor send again, yea, for the second or third
time, untU he obtained the surrender of the prisoner, that he might pun
ish him as he should see fit.
Kieft was greatly dissatisfied with their verdict. He had not wilUngly
made this concession to popular rights, but rather by force of circum
stances, and to serve as " a cloak of protection from responsibiUty or
censure " ; for he fuUy intended to attack the Indians, and chafed under
the hindrance which was thus put in his way. Before winter set
in he caUed the " Twelve Men " together again, to confer upon the
same subject, and again they counseled patience. De Vries was opposed
to war with the Indians under any circumstances. He reminded
the governor of the sentiments of the Amsterdam Chamber, whose
order had been distinctly expressed, " Keep peace with the savages " ;
and the uneasy and indiscreet chief magistrate was silenced, but not
convinced. During the spring prior to these events, the English at New
Haven had made an effort to appropriate a portion of the Dutch
territory on the South Eiver. Some fifty families in all had become
dissatisfied with their Connecticut Eiver homes, on account of the sick
liness of the climate, and with their effects saUed, about the first of AprU,
in a ship belonging to George Lambertsen, a New Haven merchant, and
put into New Amsterdam on their way South to communicate their
designs to the Dutch authorities. Kieft warned them not to build or
plant within the Umits of New Netherland, and they promised to select
some spot over which the States-General had no authority. They were
allowed to go on their way, and shortly after fortified a post on the
SchuyUiUl. In December, news came of the death of Peter Minuet, who had
guarded his little Swedish colony weU for three years, although
they had once or twice suffered great privations. They had been
reinforced by a party of Dutch from Holland, and also by a deputation
of Swedes, who purchased additional lands from the Indians, and, in
token of the sovereignty of their queen, set up "the arms and crown

100 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
of Sweedland." Peter HoUaendare, a Swede, succeeded to the chief
govemment after the death of Minuet.
1648. As soon as the rivers were frozen over, Kieft summoned the
Jan. 21. " Twelve Men " into council the third time, and insisted upon
their acceding to his wishes in relation to the Indians. As the murderer
had not been given up, they yielded, though reluctantly. Their assistance
in the matter was promised only on condition that the govemor should
lead the expedition in person, and that the expenses of it, and the
necessary care of the wounded men and their families afterward, shoiild
be defrayed by the company.
During the same session, the " Twelve Men " took occasion to demand
certain reforms in the govemment. In the Fatherland, domineering
arrogance was restrained by the system of rotation in office. The
seU-reliant men who had won their country from the sea, and their lib
erties from the relaxing grasp of feudal prerogative, knew that they
could govern themselves, and they did govern themselves. The
"Twelve," who now sat in judgment, were of the same stock, distin
guished not only by talent, but by local experience ; and although they
had voluntarily pledged themselves to submit to the government of the
West India Company, they beUeved it to have been more by neglect than
ill-wiU that such a conceited little potentate had been placed over them,
and they knew him to be unworthy of so much trust. He had often been
heard to compare himself to the Prince of Orange, as above the law;
but the grievance which caused the most feeling was the mock council,
which in reaUty was no council at aU. He appointed aU pubUc of&eers,
except such as came with commissions from Holland, made laws, imposed
taxes, levied fines, inflicted penalties, incorporated towns, and could affect
the price of any man's property at pleasure by changing the value of
wampum. He also decided all civU and criminal questions without the
aid of jury, and settled controversies and appeals from inferior courts.
The memorial, which had been previously prepared, was presented, with
aU due deference, to the governor. It called for an addition of four men
to the councU, two of whom should be chosen each year from the " Twelve
Men" elected by the people, and demanded that judicial proceedmgs
should be had only before a full board ; that the mUitia should be mus
tered annually ; that the people should have the same pri\dlege as in Hol
land of visiting vessels from abroad, and the right to trade in neighboring
places subject to the duties of the company ; that the English should he
prohibited from selling cattle within the province, and that the value of
the currency should be considerably increased.
Kieft was confounded. He regretted exceedingly having made any

THE GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION. 101
show of parUamentary government. But he was also poUtic, and he
repUed to the assembly that he expected a complete council in one of
the first ships from Holland, and graciously acceded to all the other
requirements, without, however, fulfilUng a single promise. Then he
wound up the meeting adroitly by telling the gentlemen that they had
never been invested with greater powers than to give advice respecting
the murder of Claes Smits.
A short time afterward, the foUowing poster appeared in various
places : —
" Whereas, The people have at our request commissioned ' Twelve Men ' to
communicate their good council and advice concerning the murder of Claes
Smits, which now being done, we thank them for the trouble they have taken,
and shall make use of their written advice, with God's help and fitting time ;
and we propose no more meetings, as such tend to dangerous consequences, and
to the great injury, both of the country and of our authority ; — we, therefore,
do hereby forbid the calling of any assemblies or meetrags, of whatever sort,
without our express order, on pain of punishment for disobedience.
"Done in Fort Amsterdam, February 18th, 1642, in New Netherland.
" Wilhelm Kieft."
Having disposed of the "Twelve Men," Kieft made preparations
and dispatched a party of eighty soldiers, under Ensign Van
Dyck, against the Weekquaesgeeks, with orders to exterminate them by
fire and sword. The guide professed to know the way to the Indian
village, but he lost the track just at nicjhtfall ; and, as they had crossed
the Harlem Eiver with no Uttle difficulty, the commanding officer finaUy
lost his temper, and the twin losses resulted in an overwhelming gain,
for the party returned to New Amsterdam innocent of the death of a
single Indian. The mortifying failure enraged the governor; but the
Indians were quick to discover the trail of the soldiers, and were so much
alarmed as to come at once to New Amsterdam and sue for peace.
A treaty was concluded with them, one of the stipulations of
which was the surrender of the murderer, — a promise which, either from
unwUUngness or inabUity, was never fulfiUed.
This treaty was scarcely concluded before rumors were afloat that the
Connecticut savages were planning to destroy the colonists throughout
New England. Hartford and New Haven concerted measures of defence,
and anxiety and alarm were everywhere felt. Under these circumstances
the settlers at Greenwich thought it wise, as a measure of self- April 9.
protection, to submit themselves to the government of New Neth
erland; and Captain Patrick and his friends, after swearing aUegiance,
were invested with all the rights of patroons. But the difficulties be-

102 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
tween the Dutch garrison and the EngUsh at Hartford continued; and
Kieft, finding that his protests were of no effect, prohibited aU trade
^ and commercial intercourse with the Hartford people. He soon
after heard that the New Haven party, who went to the South
^ ' Eiver, were living upon the company's lands without his permis
sion. He immediately dispatched two sloops with a strong force to require
them to withdraw, and, in case of refusal, to arrest them and de-
^'^ ^' stroy their trading-posts. These orders were executed so promptly
that the EngUsh had not two hours to prepare for their departure, and
they were brought with their goods to New Netherland, and afterwards
landed at New Haven. The excitement on the subject there was intense;
particularly after Lambertsen, who was considered by the Dutch as the
principal instigator of the injury to their trade, had been compeUed,
while passing New Amsterdam, to give an account of what pel-
^^^' ' tries he had obtained on the Delaware, and to pay duties on
them aU.
The Hartford authorities found the prohibition against intercourse with
the New Amsterdam settlers very inconvenient, to say the least,
^ ' and finally sent a committee to confer with Kieft on the subject
He received them pompously, conceded nothing, talked about the an
tiquity of the Dutch title to the country on the Connecticut Eiver, and
graciously offered to lease to them a portion of the lands there, on
certain terms. The ambassadors went home to report, having accom
plished no part of their mission. Both the Hartford and the New
Haven people were more incensed than ever, and vented their annoyance
upon every Dutch rnan or woman who came in their way. The agents
from New England who went to London about that time brought the
subject into general notice there, and it was discussed with no little
acrimony by the courtiers of Charles I. Lord Say told the Dutch Min
ister that the conduct of the New-Netherlanders was haughty and unbear
able in the extreme, and dropped a few meaning hints in regard to their
being forcibly ejected from the Connecticut VaUey, if the difficulties were
not shortly arranged. The Dutch Minister wrote to his government ; the
States-General took the matter up, and much bitterness appears in the
subsequent correspondence, although, as in previous instances, the ques
tion was left unsettled.
It is a singular fact that, while the Dutch in New Netherland were at
this time so few in proportion to their wide and fine territory, the
EngUsh had spread themselves over a great part of New England, and
were, to all outward appearances, far the more prosperous. In natural
advantages New Netherland immeasurably outrivaled New England,

DISCUSSION OF THE BOUNDARY QUESTION. 103
and the difference in the progress of the two colonies may be traced
directly to the want of wisdom by which the statesmen at the Hague
endowed a coinmercial corporation with the maintenance of a depend
ency for their own material gain. New England was founded in religious
persecution. As it could contribute little resource to the mother-coun
try, under any circumstances, it was aUowed to work out its own com))i-
nations of policy in Church and State. The mere facts of a colonial
condition tend to entaU the same species of subjection which ordinarily
appertains to infancy in a family; but the New England colony stands
out exceptional in history, as having elicited no particular interest in any
quarter of the Old World as to its possible future value, and reUgious
controversies and religious education occupied a reading population who
were content with a bare Uving, and stood quite aloof from mercantUe
speculations. On the other hand. New Netherland was treated solely
as an investment for the eventual accumulation of wealth at home,
while at the same time the enormous monopoly of the West India
Company comprehended interests in comparison with which the im
mediate affairs of a Uttle State were esteemed insignificant.
When the New-Euglanders crossed the supposed boundary lines, the
Dutch in power wondered why their impotent protests were uiUieeded.
Those protests were based upon the supposed right of the West India
Company to the territory which they claimed, and the quarrels thus en
gendered produced some interesting state papers. Later, John De Witt
made the most strenuous efforts to establish a good understanding with
OUver CromweU, and sent some of his ablest diplomatists to the Protec
tor's court. The subject of the boundary line of New Netherland at
tracted much attention. In the several documents which were drawn
up by the West India Coinpany to substantiate their rights, the principal
historical statements were audacious fictions, and the writer of them was
evidently aware that there was a fiaw in the Dutch title, and that, in a
court of law, not a foot of the vast territory could be held as a bona fide
possession. The Dutch ministers to England must have entertained sim
Uar views, judging from the gingerly care with which they handled the
deUcate and perplexing question.
As the New England settlements grew more rapidly, and their in
stitutions received more attention from the people than those of New
Netherland, so also did the spirit of intolerance take root among them,
untU they became the most relentless persecutors of the age. "The
arm of the civU government," says Judge Story, "was constantly em
ployed in support of the denunciations of the Church, and, without its
forms, the Inquisition existed in substance, with a full share of its terrors

104 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
and its violence." Many important families were driven by this means
into finding homes elsewhere ; and not a few, perceiving the larger Uberty
of opinion which would be vouchsafed in the Dutch dominion, made
application to Kieft, and were welcomed right heartUy, being required
only to take the same oath of allegiance as the Dutch subjects. Eoger
WUUams, a promising young minister, whose ideas of religious liberty
shocked the General Court of Massachusetts to such an extent that they
sentenced him to perpetual exile, went into the wUderness of Ehode
Island and commenced the settlement of that State. That was as early
as 1635. Others were banished through the workings of the same pe
culiar ecclesiastical system. Annie Hutchinson, who was a lady of rare
cultivation, and styled by her contemporaries "a masterpiece of wit
and wisdom," was accused of " weakening the hands and hearts of the
people towards the ministers," because she maintained the "paramount
authority of private judgment." She was worried by her, clerical exam
iners for several hours, although the verdict had evidently been agreed
upon before the session commenced, and at last she was declared " unfit
for society," and ordered to depart from the province. She went, at first,
to Ehode Island, accompanied by quite a number of famiUes of personal
friends, and persons of the same phase of religious beUef But fearing
the implacable vengeance of Massachusetts would reach her even there,
she removed to New Netherland in 1642, selecting for her residence
the point now known as Pelham Neck, near New Eochelle, which re
ceived the name of " Annie's Hoeck." ^ Near by her settled John Throg
morton and thirty-five EngUsh famUies. Kieft granted them aU the
franchises which the charter of 1640 aUowed, with freedom to worship
God in the manner which suited them best.
The terms were so agreeable that a large emigration in the same direc
tion would have speedily set in, had not the General Court of Massa
chusetts taken alarm, and sought to dissuade their own citizens from
seeking thus to strengthen " their doubtful Dutch neighbors." But they
went on with their poUtical and moral and reUgious instruction, acting
most self-complacently on the conviction that their system of teaching
was the very best in the world, and their interpretation of the Scriptures
the one and only true way to Heaven.
When, at rare intervals, some bold progressionist tried to open the eyes
of the people to the pretenses of pompous ignorance masked in the guise
of scholarship and sanctity, or to promulgate some new tenet or article of
faith, they were stricken so quickly that the places that had known
them knew them not much longer. Eev. Francis Doughty was dragged
1 Hoeck is a Dutch word signifying ^om<. It is sometimes spelt Hoek.

THE FIRST TAVERN. 105
from an assembly at Cohasset for venturing to say in his sermon that
" Abraham's chUdren should have been baptized." A large number of
his friends determined to join him on a pUgrimage to New Netherland.
They bought more than thirteen thousand acres at Newtown, Long
Island, near where a number of persons from Lynn and Ipswich had
settled a short time before. For this large landed property Kieft
granted them an absolute gTound-brief, and afforded every faciUty in
his power for the erection of substantial houses and the proper cultiva
tion of the soil.
These accessions to the population of New Netherland were of marked
value to the prosperity of the province. But there were other
arrivals about the same time which were less to be desired. ^^
A great number of fugitive servants, both from New England and
Virginia, fiocked into New Amsterdam, trying to get employment.
They were fuU. of mischief, idle, indolent, and dishonest, and occasioned
great trouble and complaint among the people. Kieft found it neces
sary to issue new police regulations, one of which was to forbid any
family giving to strangers more than one meal, or more than one night's
lodging, without first sending notice of the same to the governor.
It would seem that visitors had hitherto been entertained by the
citizens. Noteworthy persons had enjoyed the hospitality of the gov
ernor himself The growth of the town, and the increasing number of
travelers, rendered this a gxeat inconvenience. The subject of buUding
a pubUc house had been for some time agitated, and Kieft finaUy con
cluded to erect it at the company's expense. It was completed this
year, a great clumsy stone tavern, and it was located on the northeast
corner of Pearl Street and Coenties Slip, fronting the East Eiver.
A short time after this famous old building had been put in use.
Captain De Vries was one day dining with the governor, as was his
custom when he happened to be at the fort, and, in the course of con
versation, the host congratulated himself upon the architecture and
workmanship of the new edifice. De Vries said it was, indeed, an ex
cellent thing for travelers, but that the next thing they wanted was a
decent church for the people. In New England, the first thing they did,
after building some dweUings, was to erect a fine church; and now,
when the English passed New Amsterdam, they only saw a "mean
barn," in which the Dutch worshiped their Creator. The West India
Company had the credit of being very zealous in protecting the Eeformed
Church 1 against Spanish tyranny, and there was no reason why their
settlements should not be suppUed with church edifices. There were
1 Calvinist.

106 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

Stadthuys.
materials enough at hand, — fine oak timber and good buUding stone,
and lime made from oyster-sheUs, far better than the lime in Holland.
Kieft was interested, and asked who would Uke to superintend such a
building ?
De Vries told him that no doubt some of the friends of the Eeformed
reUgion could be found who would be only too glad to do so.
Kieft, smUing, told De Vries that he supposed he was one of them,
and asked if he would contribute one hundred guUders to the enterprise.
De Vries very quickly responded in the affirmative ; and then they
decided that Jochem Pietersen Kuyter, who was a good Calvinist, aud
had plenty of workmen, woiUd be the most suitable person to procure
timber, and Jan Jansen Dam, who Uved near the fort, should be the
fourth one of the consistory to superintend the buUding. The governor
promised to furnish a few thousand guUders of the company's money,
and the rest was to be raised by private subscription.
A few days afterward, the daughter of Dominie Bogardus was mar
ried, and, at the wedding party, the governor and Captain De
Vries, thinking it a rare opportunity to raise the reqiusite amount
of funds, took advantage of the good-humor of the guests, and passed
round the paper, with their own names heading the list. As each one
present desired to appear weU in the eyes of his neighbor, a handsome

THE FIRST ENGLISH SECRETARY.

107

May 20.

Inside of Fort, with Governor's House, and Church.

sum was contributed. In the moming, some few appealed to the gov
ernor for permission to reconsider the matter ; but his ExceUency would
permit no names to be erased from the paper.
An arrangement was at once effected with John and Eichard
Ogden,^ of Stamford, forthe mason-work of a stone church, sev
enty-two feet long, fifty wide, and sixteen high, at one thousand dollars
for the job, and a gxatuity of forty doUars more should the work be
satisfactory. The agreement was
signed and sealed on the 20th of
May. The church was to be lo
cated in the fort, that it might not
be exposed to Indian depreda
tions ; although many objected, on
the ground that the fort was over
crowded already. The waUs were
soon up, and the roof covered with
oak shingles, which, from exposure
to the weather, became blue like
slate. Kieft caused to be erected
in the front wall a marble slab with this inscription : —
"Akno Domini, 1642,
Wilhelm Kieft Dibecteue General.
Heeft de gemeente dbsen tempel doen bouwen.''
When the fort was ^ demolished, in 1787, to make room for the Govern
ment House, this slab was discovered buried in the earth, and was re
moved to the belfry of the old Dutch Church in Garden Street, where it
remained until the burning of that church, in 1835, when it totaUy dis
appeared. It was now becoming necessary to observe regularity in drawing
boundary and division lines ; hence Andries Hudde was appointed sur
veyor, with a salary of eighty dollars per annum and a few additional
fees. The first record of the sale of city lots, we find this year. There
is one extant, showing that Abraham Van Steenwyck sells to Anthony
Van Fees a lot on Bridge Street, thirty feet front by one hundred and ten
deep, for the sum of nine dollars and sixty cents ! ^
The influx into ' the Dutch settlements of persons who spoke only
the EngUsh language occasioned no little embarrassment. Kieft himself
1 These Ogdens were the ancestors of the present families of that name in New York and
New Jersey. Alb. Rec., III. 31. O'Callaghan, I. 261, 262. N. Y. H. S. Col., II. 293.
^ The street was not then named.

108 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
could speak it fluently, but many of his officers did not understand a
word, and it was finaUy thought best to have an official interpreter
George Baxter received the appointment, at an annual salary of two hun
dred and fifty guUders.
Meanwhile, Adrian Van der Donck, a Uneal descendant of Adrian Van
Bergen, a graduate of Leyden University, and a man of acknowledged
scholarship, had, in 1641, leased the westerly half of Castle Island.
He was appointed sheriff of the colony at Eensselaerswick, and a|)e-
ciaUy instructed to repress the spirit of lawlessness which seemed to
pervade that district. He went to work energeticaUy. He made it his
first business to induce the patroon to send over the learned clergyman,
Dr Johannes Megapolensis, " for the edifying improvement of the inhabi
tants and Indians thereabouts." The Amsterdam Chamber approved the
call ; the reverend gentleman was promised a new church and parsonage,
and a small theological library, together with an annual salary of one
thousand guilders. A number of famiUes accompanied him to his new
field of labor. They arrived at New Amsterdam in August, 1642.
' From that point Van Eensselaer had requested that the further
transportation of the party should be left entirely to the advice and dis
cretion of Kieft, to whom he sent, as a present for his trouble, a hand
some saddle and bridle. To obviate as much as possible the dangers of
Ufe among the Indians, the patroon required that all his colonists, except
the farmers and tobacco-planters, should Uve near each other, so as to
form a church neighborhood. Ships sometimes remained at Manhattan
a fortnight before news of their arrival reached Eensselaerswick ; but in
this instance prompt measures were resorted to, and by the llth of
the month the names of the new settlers had been registered at their
destination by Arendt Van Corlear, the commissary.
It was about the same time that inteUigence of the capture of some
Au u •^^^'^''^ missionaries by the Iroquois reached Fort Orange. With
characteristic Dutch benevolence. Van Corlear and two stout
hearted friends went on horseback to the Mohawk country to attempt
their rescue. They carried presents, which were thankfuUy received by
the great warriors, who saluted them with musket-shots from each of
their castles as they approached, fed them with turkeys during their stay,
and seemed greatly pleased with then visit. Van Corlear invited the
chiefs into councU, and urged the release of their prisoners, one of whom
was a celebrated Jesuit scholar. Their reply was, " We shall show you
every Mendship in our power, but on this subject we shaU be sUent."
Several days were spent to no purpose. Six hundred guUders' worth of
goods were offered for the Frenchmen's ransom, and coldly refused. Van

THE BLOOD ATONEMENT. 109
Corlear's eloquence only elicited from the Indians a promise not to kiU
their prisoners ; and then the baffled diplomats set out for Fort Orange,
conducted by an embassy of ten armed savages. They had hardly de
parted from the encampment, when the restrained braves clamored for
blood, and one of the Frenchmen was struck dead with a tomahawk ;
but the life of Father Jacques was spared, although his subsequent suf
ferings, throughout a dreary winter, among a class of vindictive savages,
who hated the cross and reviled his holy zeal, were most intense.
The year that foUowed was emphaticaUy " a year of blood." It
was ushered in with the wildest stories of a general war by the
New England and New Netherland Indians agauist the English and the
Dutch. If a benighted traveler haUoed in the woods, a panic was im
mediately caused, lest savages were torturing some captive. The fireside
gossips contributed greatly to the general anxiety and terror by accusing
the Indians of trying to poison and bewitch those in authority. Thought
ful men censured Kieft severely for having allowed .the colonists to settle
wherever they Uked, aU over the country, so that now they were almost
entirely defenseless. He had done nothing to prepare them for war ; he
had not even a sufficient stock of powder to aUow each colonist a half-
pound, if it should be required.
And war, with aU its horrors, was on the wing. It came soon,
surely and swiftly. Captain De Vries, while rambUng through ™"*^'
the woods near his plantation at Vriesendael, met a drunken Indian.
The savage stroked the patroon over his arms, in token of friendship, and
caUed him "a good chief," and then said he had come from Van der
Horst's place at Hackinsack, where they had sold him brandy, and stolen
his beaver coat. The enraged sava,ge vowed a bloody revenge, and the
peace-loving De Vries tried in vain to soothe him. Before night, he had
shot Garret Jansen Van Vorst, who was thatching the roof of one of
Van der Horst's houses. The chiefs of the Hackinsacks and Eecka-
wancks hurried to Vriesendael to teU the news, and counsel with De
Vries, whom they held in the highest esteem : they would have gone to
the governor, but were afi-aid he might detain them as prisoners. De
Vries, however, assured them that the latter would be best, and accom
panied them in person to the fort, where they made their confession, and
offered two hundred fathoms of wampum, a blood atonement of money, as
a purchase for peace. This universal custom among the Indians of North
America was in singular accordance with the usages of Greece : —
" If a brother bleed.
On just atonement we remit the deed ;
A sire the slaughter of the son forgives.
The price of blood discharged, the murderer lives."

110 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The chiefs deplored the murder, but pleaded for the murderer. They
told Kieft that he was the son of a chief ; that brandy should not have
been sold him, for he was not used to it, and it crazed him. " Even your
own men," they said, " get drunk and fight with knives ; if you wUl seU
no more strong drink to the Indians, you wUl have no more murders," —
an early warning which the whites would have done weU to observe, even
to this day. Kieft refused to accept any expiation less than the head of
the fugitive, and the Indians would not bind themselves to surrender
him; for they said he had gone two days' journey away among the
Tankitekes, and it would be impossible to overtake him. The governor
immediately sent a peremptory message to Pacham, the chief of the Tan
kitekes, for the surrender of the criminal.
Before the demand could possibly have been acceded to, under
Feb. 19. 1 J '
any circumstances, a band of Mohawks made a descent upon the
Weekquaesgeek and Tappaen tribes, for the purpose of levying tribute.
These Indians were terror-stricken, and came fijing, half naked, to the
Dutch for protection, leaving seventy of their number dead and many of
their women and children captives. They were kindly received in New
Amsterdam. They seemed to have almost supreme faith in the superior
power of the white man, — a confidence which, by a wise poUcy, might
have been strengthened. But public sentiment was divided. De Vries, at
the head of one party, breathed kindness and caution in every syUable he
uttered. Others sympathized with Kieft in his insane wish to extermi
nate the savages. Some inkling of the state of feeling must have reached
the Indians, for they suddenly scattered in various directions ; some flying
to Pavonia, some to Vriesendael, and some to Corlear's bouwery.
A few days after, there was a Shrovetide dinner-party at the
house of Jan Jansen Dam, the governor being present ; and nearly
every person in the company became merry with wine. The chief topic
of conversation was the Indians. Secretary Van Tienhoven, at the sug
gestion of Dam, Adriaensen, and Planck, drew up a petition to the gov
ernor, urging in the name of the "Twelve Men" an immediate attack upon
the defenseless savages, " whom God had thus delivered into their hands."
The paper was no sooner read, than Kieft, in a significant toast, an
nounced approaching hostilities. His next move was to dispatch Van Tien
hoven and Corporal Hans Steen to Pavonia, to reconnoiter the situation.
Consternation quickly took the place of hilarity. Dominie Bogardus
hastened to the governor, sharply reproved him for his "hot-headed
rashness," and foretold certain consequences. The usuaUy immoved and
dignified Dr. La Montagne pleaded with Kieft excitedly, for a postpone
ment of his terrible purpose. "Wait, for God's sake," he exclaimed.

GENERAL UPRISING OF THE INDIANS. Ill
•' untU the arrival of the next ship from Holland ! " Captain De Vries
raised his voice in anxious entreaty, and also in persuasive argument.
He told Kieft that the petition was not from the " Twelve Men " ; only
three had signed it ; all the rest were, opposed to such a dangerous pro
ceeding. Words, however, were thrown away upon the obstinate govern
or. He had made up his mind. De Vries walked home with him, and
talked incessantly ; but Kieft only smiled, and under pretense of showing
the Captain his new parlor, which he had just completed, asked him into
the hall upon the side of the house, where the soldiers could be seen pre
paring to start for Pavonia. " My order has gone forth," he said, " and
cannot be recalled."
The story of that night is a blot upon the pages of New Netherland's
history. It was the most shocking massacre that ever disgraced a civil
ized nation. Sergeant Eodolf crossed with his troops to Pavonia, and
butchered eighty Indians in their sleep, sparing not a woman or a child.
It makes humanity blush to record such an atrocious deed. Another
band of troops marched to Corlear's Hook, and murdered forty Indians
who were encamped there. Not one was spared, and every cry for mercy
was unheeded.
De Vries sat all night by the kitchen fire in the governor's house, with
an aching heart. The shrieks of the hapless victims reached his ears
from Pavonia, whUe a solemn stiUness settled over New Amsterdam. All
at once an Indian and his squaw appeared in the doorway, and, overcome
with terror, asked him to hide them in the fort. They lived near Vries
endael, and had escaped in a small skiff. As De Vries rose to meet
them, they exclaimed, " The Mohawks have faUen upon us ! " " No,"
said De Vries, pityingly, "no Indians have done this; it is the work of the
Dutch. It is no time to hide yourselves in the fort " ; and leading them
to the gate, he directed them towards the north, and watched
1 -TIT , . , 1 Feb. 26.
them until they disappeared m the woods.
The extraordinary conquerors returned at sunrise with thirty prisoners
and the heads of several of their victims. Kieft praised them for
their valor, and there was much shaking of hands and many con
gratulations. The following day, a party of Dutch and English went over to Pavonia
to piUage the stricken encampment. In vain the soldiers on guard
wamed them of the consequences. Dirk Straatmaker and his wife were
both kiUed by some concealed Indians, whose wigwam they were robbing,
and several others very narrowly escaped with their lives.
Stimulated by the success of this discreditable exploit, some of the
Long Island settlers sought permission of the governor to attack the

112 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
Indians in that neighborhood. De Vries and Dominie Bogardus and Dr
La Montagne remonstrated with so much earnestness, that Kieft finally
refused to consent, on the ground that the Long Island Indians were
"hard to conquer," but added the unfortunate proviso that "if they
proved hostile, each man might resort to such means of defense as he
should see fit." Before long some covetous persons, in punishment for
an injury which they claimed to have sustained, robbed the Indians
of their com. Three of the latter, while defending their property, were
kiUed. It needed only this crowning act of injustice to fiU the measure
of Indian endurance. Eleven tribes immediately united and declared
war against the Dutch. The result, as may well be imagined, was
terrible beyond description. The swamps and thickets were fuU of
vindictive savages, watching opportunities to slay and plunder. From
the shore of the Housatonic to the vaUey of the Earitan, death, fire, and
captivity threatened unspeakable horrors. In one week the smiling
country was transformed into a frightful and desolate wilderness. The
rich and the poor, the strong and the helpless, the old and the young,
shared the same fate. Blood fiowed in rivers ; and, what was often
worse, children were carried into hopeless captivity. Those who
March 1 x j. ./
' escaped fied to the fort, where the valiant governor remained safe
from aU possible bodily harm, but where he was obliged to listen to the
fiery wrath of ruined farmers, childless men, and widowed women, who were
soon united in a common purpose of returning to Holland. Not knowing
what else to do, he proclaimed a day of general fasting and prayer
'But while the people humbled themselves before their Maker,
they held their chief magistrate strictly accountable for their calamities.
In alarm, he tried to moderate the popular feeling by taking aU the
unemployed men into the pay of the company, to serve as soldiers for
two months.
One incident deserves special notice. The Indians, in their work of
destruction, attacked Vriesendael, burned the barns, kiUed the cattle, and
were preparing to destroy the beautiful manor-house of De Vries. His
people had all gathered there for safety, as it was constructed with loop
holes for musketry. Suddenly the same Indian whose life De Vries had
saved, on the night of the Pavonia massacre, came running to the scene,
and so eloquently declaimed to the savages of the goodness of the " great
chief," that they paused in their work, expressed great sorrow that they
had destroyed so much already, and quietly went away.
De Vries was fuU of indignation with the govemor, and said to him,
with fire flashing from his eyes, " It was our own nation you murdered
when you sent men to Pavonia to break the Indians' heads ! Who shall
now make good our damages ? "

OVERTURES FOR PEACE. 113
Kieft saw his error, but it was too late. WiUing to make what amends
remained in his power, he sent a messenger with an overture of peace to
the Long Island Indians, which they rejected with scorn. Standing afar
off, they derided the Dutch, caUing out, " Are you our friends ? You are
corn thieves."
When this report was brought to New Amsterdam, the people were so
maddened that they talked of deposing Kieft and sending him in chains
to HoUand. He tried to exculpate himself by fastening the blame of the
Pavonia massacre upon Adriaensen and others, whose advice he pretended
to have followed. This was one drop too much for the unprincipled
Adriaensen, who had lost all his valuable property since the war com
menced, and was not disposed to shoulder any of Kieft's sins. He there
fore armed himself, and rushed into the governor's room, intending to
kiU him on the spot. But strong men were present, and the
would-be assassin was seized, disarmed, and imprisoned, and on
the saiUng of the first vessel was sent to Holland, notwithstanding the
open resistance of his friends.
Early on the morning of March 24, three Indian messengers Marcli24
from the great chief Penhawitz approached Fort Amsterdam,
bearing a white flag. None had the courage to go forth and meet them,
but De Vries and Jacob Olfersten. The Indians said they had come to
ask why some of their people had been murdered, when they had never
harmed the Dutch. De Vries assured them that the Dutch did not
know that any of their tribe were among the number. They then asked
De Vries to come with them and speak to their chief, and he fearlessly
consented. They conveyed him and his companion in their boat to a
point near Eockaway, where they arrived towards evening, and found the
chief with two or three hundred warriors near a village of some thirty
wigwams. De Vries was hospitably entertained in the royal cabin, and
feasted with oysters and fish. About daybreak he was conducted into
the woods, where sixteen chiefs were assembled in a circle, and being
placed in the center, the chief speaker among them began to enumerate
their wrongs. He charged the Dutch with having repaid their former
kindness with cruelty ; told how the Indians had given them their daugh
ters for wives, by whom they had had children; and accused them of
murdering their own blood in a villainous manner. De Vries inter
rapted him, and begged the chiefs to go with him to the governor and
make peace. They were not at aU disposed to do so, but De Vries urged
them, and his well-known character for justice and honor inspired them
at last with confidence, and they repaired to their canoes. Kieft received
them gladly, and concluded an informal treaty ; but they were not satis-

114 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
fied with their presents, and grumbled among themselves afterward
Through their aid and infiuence, a truce was also effected' with
' some other faithless tribes ; but harmony was by no means re
stored, for both the Dutch and the Indians were smarting from their
injuries. The farmers planted their June corn in constant fear of death
Indeed, peace seemed about as fuU of terror as war.
July came. The summer was hot and dry. Men crept about like
guilty creatures, and went from place to place, when possible, in
^ ' bands. An old Indian chief met De Vries one day, and, in re.sponse
to the cheerful gi'eeting of the popular patroon, said that he was melancholy.
Upon being asked the cause, he said that his yoimg men wanted war
with the Dutch ; that the presents given them were not sufficient recom
pense for their losses. He had added presents of his own in vain. One
had lost a father, another had lost a mother, and so on, and they clamored
for revenge. He begged De Vries not to walk alone in the woods, for fear
some Indians who did not know him might kiU him. De Vries escorted
the chief to Fort Am,sterdam, where he told the governor the same
things; but it was without results. The chief was sorry, but said he
feared he should not long be able to quiet his tribe.
Soon afterward, there came a rumor that Pacham, the crafty
' sachem of the Tankitekes, was visiting aU the Indian viUages, to
arrange for a general massacre of the Dutch ; and, as if to corroborate its
truth, several trading-boats on the North Eiver were attacked and plun
dered, nine men kiUed, and one woman and two children carried into
captivity. The alarm was so general, that Kieft summoned the people
together for advice. " Eight men " were chosen this time by the popular
voice, to counsel with the governor. They were Jochem Pietersen Kuy
ter, Jan Jansen Dam, Parent Dircksen, Abraham Pietersen, Thomas HaU,
Gerrit Wolfertsen, and Cornells Melyn. Their first official act
Sept. 13. . •'
was to eject Jan Jansen Dam from their board, and appoint Jan
Evertsen Bout in his place. The result of their first deliberation
Sept. 16. 1 „ , . , . .
was a renewal oi hostilities with the river Indians, and a resolu
tion to maintain peace with the Long Island tribes.
But the war-whoop sounded almost immediately in another di
rection. The Weekquaesgeeks stole upon the estate of Annie
Hutchinson, at Annie's Hoeck, and murdered her with aU her family
and people, save a sweet little granddaughter of eight years, whom they
carried into captivity. They then proceeded to Vreedeland and attacked
Throgmorton's settlement, laying it waste and kiUing every person whom
they found at home.
Lady Deborah Moody, who had been " dealt with " by the church at

A TIME OF DREAD. 115
Salem " for the error of denying baptism to infants," had settled, in the
month of June, at Gravesend. Thither the savages hurried in their
insane thirst for blood. But the settlement was defended by over forty
brave men, and the Indians were obliged to retreat. They went from
there to Doughty's settlement at Newtown, where were eighty or more in
habitants, who fled to New Amsterdam, leaving everything belonging to
them but the bare land to be destroyed. A few days later, the Hackin
sacks made a night attack upon Van der Horst's colony, on Newark Bay,
and destroyed the plantation, driving the Uttle garrison, who for a
time made a determined resistance, into a canoe, by which they
escaped to New Amsterdam. The Neversincks caught the infection, and
kiUed some traders near Sandy Hook. The yacht had just reached New
Amsterdam with the tidings, when a nearer calamity appaUed every
heart. Jacob Stoffelsen had married the widow of Van Vorst, Pauw's
former superintendent, and lived at Pavonia. He was a favorite with
the Indians, and felt secure in his home. They came to his house, how
ever, one afternoon, and having sent him ou some false errand to Fort
Amsterdam, they kiUed his wife and chUdren (except the little son of
Van Vorst, whom they, took off with them), destroyed aU his property,
and murdered every white inhabitant of Pavonia. The next day Kieft
went with Stoffelsen to see De Vries, and earnestly entreated him to
follow the Indians and ransom the boy. Being the only man who
dared venture into the haunts of the savages, he finally consented,
and secured the child's freedom.
Thus New Jersey was left in the possession of its aboriginal lords.
Melyn, on Staten Island, hourly expected an assault, and was fortified
to the extent of his resources. The only tolerable place of safety was
Fort Amsterdam, and into it women and children and cattle were hud
dled promiscuously, while husbands and fathers mounted guard
on the crumbling walls. The whole available fighting force of
the Dutch was not over two hundred men, besides fifty or sixty Eng
Ushmen who had been enrolled into service to prevent their leaving
New Netherland. This army was under the command of Captain John
UnderhiU; and it was necessary that they should keep guard. at all
hours, for seven allied tribes, numbering about 1,500 warriors, were likely
to descend upon them at any moment.
Just at this juncture, the province lost one of its leading men, and
the Indians their best friend. De Vries had had no sympathy with war ;
he now found himself ruined in consequence of it, and, bidding adieu to
the governor with the portentous assurance, "Vengeance for innocent
blood wUl sooner or later faU upon your head," he embarked on a fishing-
vessel and sailed for Europe.

116 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER VIII.
1643-1647.
APPEALS FOR ASSISTANCE.
Confiscation or Shoes. — The Doomed Village. — Tkials foe Want of Monet.—
Action of the West India. Company. — Kieft's Quaerels. — The Wae ended. —
The geeat Indian Treaty of Peace. — Minerals. — The New School. — Adeiaen
Van dee Donck. — Van Rensselaer's Death. — The new Goveknoe. — Stuyve
sant's Reception. — Goveenor Stuyvesant. — Mes. Peter Stuyvesant. — Mrs.
Bayard.
THE front line of progress is never uniform. We can indeed assert
with truth that New Netherland generally advanced ; but an inti
mate acquaintance with its early history shows that at many points
it was stationary ; and now we have come to one where it actuaUy receded,
until the only wonder is that the province under that style and power
did not become entirely extinct.
Indian wars are never invested with any of the fleeting splendors
which embellish other armed conflicts. They add no luster to the pages
of history. They furnish Uttle philosophy or instruction. We have
in this instance no military skill to chronicle, no marshaling of hosts,
no clash of serried columns. A sense of helplessness, an atmosphere of
terror, an indefinable dread, take the place of heroism and romance as
usually pictured with the shock of battles. The "Eight Men" whom
the people of New Netherland had chosen to think and act for them
appealed to their English neighbors at New Haven for assistance in their
great distress. The reply was cool and courteous, but decidedly negative.
It was embodied in these words, "We are not satisfied that your war
with the Indians is just."
Just or unjust, they must aU perish now without relief So
they told the whole agonizing story in a most eloquent letter to
the Amsterdam Chamber, praying for immediate and decisive help.'
This document is supposed to have been penned by Cornells Melyn, who
1 The Eight Men to the Amsterdam Chamber, Col. Doc, Vol. I. 138, 139.

APPEALS FOR ASSISTANCE.

117

Nov. 3.

was a man of no mean ability, and who seems to have fully appreciated
the mistaken policy of the governor. The winter was setting in with
unusual severity. The smaU, worthless straw huts around the fort
were the only shelter which could be given to the homeless suffer
ers who had fled from the tomahawk and scalping-knife. The fort itself
was in no condition to meet the emergency of the hour ; and provisions
and clothing were whoUy inadequate to the demand. As help from
HoUand must come slowly, if, indeed, it came at aU before spring,
expeditions were planned against some of the Indian vUlages, the
chief object of which was plunder. MeanwhUe the " Eight Men " sent
to the States-General a bold complaint of the neglect of the West In
dia Company. They said, " We have had no means of defense provided
against a savage foe, and we have had a miserable despot sent to rule
over us."
About the middle of November, a colony of EngUsh emigrants,
headed by Eobert Fordham, arrived at Hempstede, Long Island,
and settled on land which was granted them by Kieft. Their houses
were hardly ready for occupation when suspicions of treachery feU upon

Nov. 16.

Group, showing Holland Fashions.
Penhawitz, the sachem of the Canarsee Indians, who since the truce
in the spring had, to all outward appearance, been friendly. Fordham
sent a message of this import to the governor, who, without waiting
to ascertain the truth of the charge, dispatched one hundred and i644.
twenty men, under the command of Dr. La Montagne, Cook, ¦'^"- ^¦
and UnderhiU, to " exterminate " the Canarsees. They sailed in three

118 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
yachts to Cow Bay, and proceeded to the two Indian viUages. The
savages, taken by surprise, made little resistance, and one hundred and
twenty were kiUed, while the assailants lost but one man. Two prison
ers were taken to New Amsterdam and put to death in the most revolt
ing manner. One, frightfully wounded by the long knives with which
Kieft had armed the soldiers instead of swords, at last dropped dead
while dancing the death-dance of his race. The other, shockingly muti
lated beforehand, was beheaded on a miUstone in Beaver Lane, near
the Battery. The winter was one of the darkest and most disheartening
ever known to the colonists. Food was doled out with a sparing
hand, aud famine seemed ever near. Many had not sufficient clothing
for then necessities. One of Van Eensselaer's vessels, laden with goods
for his store in Eensselaerswick, chanced to arrive, and Kieft, applying
to Peter Wynkoop, the supercargo, tried to buy fifty pairs of shoes for
his soldiers. The man declined to trade, and Kieft, in great anger,
ordered a forced levy, searched the vessel, and, finding a large supply
of ammunition and guns, not included in the manifest, confiscated its
whole cargo.
The shoes obtained were immediately put to use. UnderhiU had just
returned from Stamford, where he had been reconnoitering the strength
and position of the Connecticut Indians in that vicinity, and Kieft
sent him back with one hundred and fifty men to " exterminate " them.
The word " exterminate " was incorporated into all his orders in
'such cases. The party went in yachts to Greenwich, and then
marched over the country through the snow, arriving about midnight
at the doomed Indian viUage. It was a clear, cold night, and
the moon shining on the snow rendered it nearly as Ught as
day. The viUage contained three rows of wigwams, and was sheltered
in a nook of the hiUs from the northwest winds. The savages were not
asleep, but merrily celebrating one of their annual festivals. The Dutch'
soldiers surrounded the place, and charged upon them, sword in hand.
They made desperate resistance; but every attempt to break the Une
of the troops failed, and in one hour the snow was dyed with the blood
of nearly two hundred of the Indians. Having forced the remainder
into their wigwams, UnderhiU, remembering Mason's experiment on the
Mystic, resolved to burn the viUage. Straw and wood were heaped about
the houses, and in a few moments red flames were shooting into the sky
in every direction. The wretched victims who tried to escape were shot,
or driven back into the fiery abyss, and not one man, woman, or chUd
was heard to utter a cry. Six hundred feU that night. Of those who.

TRIALS FOR WANT OF MONEY. 119
blithe and happy, crowded the little viUage at nightfall, but eight were
left to tell the fearful story to their countrymen. None of the troops
were kiUed, and but fifteen wounded. They bivouacked on the snow
until daylight, and then returned, like Eoman conquerors, to Fort Am
sterdam. For their " briUiant victory," Kieft proclaimed a day of public
thanksgiving.^ Wishing to turn loose the few cattle they had aU winter been
. March. 31.
stabUng in the fort, the governor, as soon as the snow went oft',
issued an order for the building of a fence across the island from the
North to the East Eiver, on the Une of the present WaU Street. WhUe
a number of men were engaged in its construction, a few tribes
of Indians, wom out, it is presumed, with being hunted like wUd
beasts, came to the fort and entered into a treaty of peace. But the
tribes nearest the town, and consequently those most dreaded, kept
aloof By this time, the "Eight Men" had received from the Amsterdam
Chamber a response to their letter, but not the sorely needed funds which
had been expected. The financial condition of the company had been
for some time on the decUne, for the subsidies and other sums due from
the provinces had never been promptly paid in ; and, not being supported
by an extensive trade, their mUitary and naval triumphs had, on the
whole, cost more money than they had produced. In 1641, the shaking
off of the Spanish yoke by the Portuguese, in which Holland had assisted,
made it apparent that the company would in the end lose Brazil ; a
long series of quarrels with the Directors had just induced Count John
Maurice, one of the ablest rulers of the seventeenth century, to leave
that South American province in disgust ; and through many causes
bankruptcy was already threatening the proud corporation. A bill of
exchange which Kieft drew upon the Amsterdam Chamber, the pre
vious autumn, came back protested. Pressing need drove him to the
dangerous altemative of taxing wine, beer, brandy, and beaver-skins.
The " Eight Men " opposed the measure with all their strength,
but without avaU. The brewers, upon whom the tax fell most
heavily, refused to pay it, on the ground of its injustice; they were
arrested, and their beer given to the soldiers.
In July, a vessel contaiiUng one hundred and thirty Dutch
soldiers, who had been driven by the Portuguese out of BrazU,
came into port, having been sent to the relief of the New-Netherlanders ;
and Kieft immediately dismissed his English auxiliaries, and billeted
' This affair is supposed to have taken place on Strickland's Plain. Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
IV. 16, 17.

120 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the new-comers on the citizens. As they were half naked, he enforced
his excise laws, to get the means to clothe them. His conduct engendered
private as well as public quarrels ; and there were prosecutions daily
and without number, which of course engrossed his attention; for the
govemor, it must be remembered, was judge as well as jury. Indians
prowled about the town, committing thefts every night, often killing
persons less than a thousand paces from the fort. The "Eight Men"
tried to improve matters, but they had Uttle power, and Kieft was
¦*'"^' ¦ deaf to their counsels and suggestions. A committee from them
went in person to him at one time, and remonstrated so loudly in regard
to his negUgence respecting the war, that he sent a party of soldiers
to the north ; but they soon retumed, having accompUshed nothing hut
the murder of eight of the savages.
Thus that terrible summer passed in civil anarchy, and every
day affairs grew worse. The "Eight Men" bore it untU they
could bear it no longer ; and finaUy, in a cutting memorial addressed to
the West India Company, they charged the whole blame of the
' war and their consequent sufferings upon Kieft, and demanded
his recaU. They particularly warned the company against a "book
ornamented with water-color drawings " which Kieft had sent to them,
which they said "had as many Ues as Unes in it," and declared that
his Excellency could know nothing about the geography of the country,
since, during his whole residence in New Amsterdam, he had never been
farther from his bedroom and kitchen than the middle of Manhattan
Island. This communication reached HoUand at an opportune moment
Dec. 10. ' The College of the XIX was in session, and aU who heard
the letter felt that the colonists were in earnest, and would return with
their wives and children to the Fatherland, as they threatened, if Kieft
was not recalled. Melyn's^ spirited letter to the States-General, which
had been sent to the Amsterdam Chamber with appropriate remarks
from that august body, came in at the same time for its share of atten
tion. It was finaUy resolved "to collect and condense aU the reports
about New Netherland." This was subsequently done by the
¦ recently organized " Eekenkamer," or Bureau of Accounts ; and
the document is one of the most important state papers in existence, as
having determined the future policy of the company.
It was decided to recaU Kieft ; but as no one at hand appeared
exactly adapted to fiU his place. Van Dincklagen was named as a
provisional governor for New Netherland. At a meeting of the Direo-
^ Melyn was the president ofthe "Eight Men."

KIEFT'S QUARRELS. 121
tors, on the 3d of March, 1645, it was resolved to vest the provincial
_ government in a Supreme Council, consisting of a Director-Gen- i646.
eral, Vice-Director, and Fiscal, by whom aU pubUc concerns March 3.
should be managed. Fort Amsterdam should be repaired, and a garrison
of fifty-three soldiers constantly maintained. The wishes of the people
should be respected, and the Indians appeased. The population of the
country should be strengthened, and Amsterdam weights and measures
used throughout New Netherland. AU the negroes should be imported
that the patroons and colonists would buy, and every man should be
required to provide himself with a musket and side-arms.
Thus, notwithstanding the discovery that their North American prov
ince had faUen into ruin and confusion by reason of Kieft's unnecessary
war, without the knowledge and surely not by the order of the company,
and against the wUl and wishes of the people; and that, according to
the books of the Amsterdam Chamber, this same province had, in place
of being a source of profit, actually cost, since 1626, over five hundred
and fifty thousand guUders above the returns, — they evidently felt that
it was not entirely beyond hope, and that they need not and ought not
to abandon it.
The news of Kieft's recaU reached New Amsterdam long previous
to the official summons to appear before his employers. He thence
forth labored under a great pressure of untoward circumstances. AU
classes of the people treated him with marked disrespect. His life
was an unbroken chapter of arrests, for he attempted to punish every
one who was guilty of disloyalty to himself as their chief magistrate.
He fined and imprisoned and banished to his heart's content, aUowing no
appeal to the Fatherland ; a stretch of high-handed tyranny which, but
for the expected relief, would probably have cost him his life.
His best friends — if, indeed, he had any friends — could not restrain him
from the most injudicious acts. Dominie Bogardus, whUe remonstrating
with him one day, was accused by him of drunkenness and aUiance with
the malcontents. The next Sabbath morning, the good divine, standing
in his cheaply canopied pulpit, said : " What are the great men of our
country but vessels of wrath and fountains of woe and trouble ? They
think of nothing but to plunder the property of others, to disnUss, to
banish, and to transport to HoUand." Whereupon Kieft, who had been
up to that time a noted church-goer, absented himself from the sanc
tuary, and caused a band of soldiers to practice aU sorts of noisy amuse
ments, such as the beating of drums and the firing of cannons, under
the church windows.
The dominie did not, however, relax his censures of the govemor,

122 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
and just after the foUowing New Year's Day he was arrested, and
1646. required to answer to a long list of charges. His answers, being
Jan. 2. jj^ accordance with his clear sense of justice, were inadmissi
ble before such a tribunal ; and at last, to silence the scandal and
' disorder, mutual friends interfered, the prosecution was termi
nated, and the governor went to church again, being placated hy
^ ' the compliance of Dominie Bogardus with his request to aUow
Dominie Mesapolensis, who was in New Amsterdam, to preach the next
Sunday. 1645. Meanwhile the Indians, wishing to plant their corn, and after-
Apru 22. wards to engage in their usual pastimes of hunting and fish
ing, sued for peace. A few chiefs appeared at the fort and entered into
a treaty, apparently pleased when a salute of three guns was fired in
honor of the occasion.^ They were engaged to secure the good-wUl of the
yet hostile tribes, — a work which was at last accomplished by the diplo
macy of Whiteneywen, chief of the Mockgonecocks. He soon returned
with friendly messages from the chiefs along the Sound and near Eocka
way, and both parties went through the ceremony of a formal treaty.
Kieft then, accompanied by Dr. La Montagne, made his first visit
to Fort Orange, hoping to secure the friendship of the Mohawks
and other tribes in that vicinity, who had just made peace with the
French. This effort was crowned with success, and on the 30th
of August the chiefs of all the tribes assembled in New Amster-

Aug. 30.

¦*&

dam, where they were met by the officers of the government and the
people, and with the most imposing ceremonies aU pledged themselves
to etemal friendship with each other. No armed Indian was henceforth
to visit the houses of the Europeans; and no armed European was to
visit the Indian villages, without a native escort. So slender, at
' this time, were the resources of Kieft, that he was obliged to bor
row money of Van der Donck, in order to make the customary presents
to the savages.
With characteristic thoughtfulness, the Dutch stipulated for the resto
ration of the little captive granddaughter of Annie Hutchinson ; and the
Indians, with apparent reluctance, acceded to the proposal. The next July
they appeared with her at Fort Amsterdam, and Kieft had the rare pleas
ure of sending her to her friends in Boston. During her brief captivity,
she .had forgotten her own language and the faces of her relati%-es, and
was loath to leave the Indians, who had evidently treated her tenderly.
' The salute was fired by Jacob Jacobsen Roy, who, in the discharge of this duty, unfor
tunately received a severe injury from an explosion, which long kept him under the care of
Surgeon Kiersted, and ultimately deprived him of his arm.

THE GREAT INDIAN TREATY OF PEACE. 123
There was joy in New Amsterdam at the bright prospect of a durable
peace ; but the desolation caused by the needless war was not soon to pass
out of sight. It had been easy to commence hostiUties, but how were
broken hearts and fortunes to be repaired ? The day following
the final settlement of the treaty, Kieft issued a proclamation,
directing the observance of the 6th of September as a day of general
thanksgiving, " to proclaim the good tidings in all the Dutch and English
churches." People began once more to scatter over the country, and to clear and
improve the land. The party who had been driven from Newtown, Loug
Island, returned; but they were bankrupt, their houses and farming
utensils were gone, and it was difficult to get another foothold. Doughty
exacted purchase-money and quit-rents before he would aUow his people
to buUd ; but they appealed to the governor, who, thinking it unwise to
hinder population, managed so that the minister's land was confiscated.
Doughty gave notice that he should appeal from this decision ; and he
was thereupon imprisoned for twenty-four hours, fined, and compeUed
to promise in writing that he would never mention what had occurred.
He afterwards removed to Flushing, which had just been settled
by a party of New England emigrants. These people had bought
more than sixteen thousand acres of land of Kieft ; and Doughty became
their minister, with a salary of six hundred guUders per annum.
Two months later, that portion of Long Island adjoining Coney
Island, now known as Gravesend, was formaUy patented to Lady
Moody, her son Sir Henry Moody, Ensign George Baxter, and Sergeant
James Hubbard, who had held it so bravely during aU these harassing
years. In pursuance of orders from the West India Company, Kieft
investigated the mineral resources of the province. During the
progress of the treaty in August, some of the Indians had exhibited
specimens of minerals they claimed to have found in the Neversinck
HUls and elsewhere, which upon analysis yielded what was supposed
to be gold and quicksUver and iron pyrites. An officer and thirty men
were sent to search for and procure as many specimens as possible for
transnUssion to Holland. They found the article in question, and as a
ship was going to leave New Haven in December, they sent their little
cargo by it, in charge of Arendt Corssen ; but the vessel was lost at sea,
and never heard from after it passed out of Long Island Sound.
One of the signs of progress in New Amsterdam was a new school
started by Arien Jansen Van OKendam, who arrived from HoUand on
March 3d of this year. He had no competitor after Eoelandsen's banish-

124 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
ment, and prospered as weU as could have been expected, considering
the condition of the country. His terms of tuition were " two beavers "
per annum, — beavers meaning dried beaver-skins. He taught in New
Amsterdam until the year 1660, and among those he educated were some
of the leading personages of the province.
1647. Meanwhile Adriaen Van der Donck, whose name is familiar to
Jan. 17. ^Q historians of New Netherland, had married the daughter of
Eev. Francis Doughty, and wished to remove to Manhattan. He had
fiUed the office of sheriff in Eensselaerswick for nearly five years, and
had been of infinite service to the colony. Through his influence the
first church had been built there, which, although smaU, had a canopied
pulpit, pews for the magistracy and the deacons, and nine benches for
the people, after the fashion of the Fatherland. As previously recorded,
it was chiefly through his recommendations that the services of Dominie
Megapolensis had been secured ; a clergyman who not only preached to
his own countrymen, but was the first of the Dutch Church to attempt
the instruction of the Indians in reUgion. For a long time, he knew
very little of the Indian language ; and he related in a letter to a friend
how, when he preached a sermon, ten or twelve savages would attend,
each with a long pipe in his mouth, and would stare at him, and after
ward ask why he stood there alone and made so many words, when
none of the rest might speak. He taught them slowly and hy de
grees, as he could make himself understood, that he was admonishing
them as he did the Christians, not to drink and murder and steal.
Through his voluntary and earnest and unceasing labors, many of the
red-men about Fort Orange heard the gospel preached long before New
England sent missionaries among the Indians.
Before Van der Donck had completed his arrangements for removal, the
pretty cottage in which he lived was bumed ; and, as it was in the depth
of a remarkably inclement winter. Van Corlear invited his houseless
neighbors to share his hospitality. A quarrel soon arose, because Van
Curler insisted that Van der Donck was bound by his lease to make good
to the patroon the value of the lost house. Van der Donck retorted
sharply ; whereupon Van Corlear ordered him from under his roof within
two days. Seeking refuge in Fort Orange, Van der Donck was aUowed
by the new commissary. Van der Bogaerdt, to occupy a miserable hut,
" into which," he said, " no one would hardly be willing to enter," untQ
the opening of river navigation, when he proceeded to New Amsterdam.
Kieft was well disposed towards the man to whom he was in-
April 28 debted for a large amount of borrowed money, and readUy granted
him the privileges of patroon over some fine lands which he selected, to

VAN RENSSELAER'S DEATH. 125
the north of Manhattan Island, on the Hudson Eiver, which took the
name of "Colon Donck," or "Donck's Colony." Many of the Dutch
were in the habit of caUing this estate " de Jonkheer's Landt," Jonk-
heer being a title which in Holland was applied to the sons of noblemen.
The EngUsh corrupted it and caUed it Yonkers ; thus the name Early
Yonkers perpetuates the memory of the first proprietor of the spring.
property in that locality.
During the same summer, Kieft issued a patent to Cornells Antonissen
Van Slyck for the land which is now the town of CatskUl, with the
privileges of patroon ; giving as a reason " the great services which Van
Slyck had done this country in helping to make peace and ransom
prisoners during the war " ; but in so doing the governor openly set at
naught the pretensions of the patroon of Eensselaerswick, which, in
deed, had already been formally denied in the proceedings against Koorn
in 1644
News of the death of Kiliaen Van Eensselaer soon after reached the
colony. By this event the title of the estate descended to his eldest son,
Johannes, who, being under age, was, by his father's wiU, placed under
the guardianship of Johannes Van Wely and Wouter Van TwiUer, his
executors. In November, these guardians of the young patroon, having
rendered homage to the States-General, in the name of their ward, sent
Brandt Van Slechtenhorst as director to the colony, in place of Van
Corlear, who had resigned.
Late in autumn, the company granted the town of Breuckelen,
Long Island, municipal privileges; that is, the people were
aUowed to elect two schepens, with fuU judicial powers, and a schout,
who should be subordinate to the sheriff at New Amsterdam. The vU
lage at this time was a mile inland, the hamlet at the water's edge was
known as the Ferry.
Kieffc was very much harassed, during the entire year of 1646, by
difficulties with the Swedes on the Delaware Eiver, and by what he
styled the " impudent encroachments " of the New-Englanders. He sent
Andries Hudde to succeed Jan Jansen at Fort Nassau, and imprisoned
Jansen for fraud and neglect of duty. In the autumn of 1645, he sent
him to Holland, for trial. Hudde was equal to the governor in the use
of profane language, but, though energetic, he was no match for Printz,
the imperious Swedish commander, who nearly annihUated the commerce
of the Dutch ; and the two neighbors were engaged in a perpetual squab
ble, which had no dignity, and is hardly worth a place in history, since it
was foUowed by no results. In the same manner ended a long and curi
ously bitter correspondence between the governor and the New England

126 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
authorities. While justice, in this instance, seemed to be on the side
of the Dutch, the English certainly showed themselves the better diplo
matists, and Kieft only injured a good cause by intermeddling.
But events in another part of the world had already prepared the way
for a change which was to influence all the future of the province of New
Netherland. Peter Stuyvesant, the governor of Curaqoa, which had
been wrested from the Spanish during the most brilUant period of the
West India Company's history, made an unsuccessful attack upon the
Portuguese island of St. Martin in 1644, through which he lost a leg, and
was obliged to retum to Europe for surgical aid. The company, who
held him in great respect, concluded to send him as governor to New
Netherland, and revoked Van Dincklagen's provisional appointment.
During the summer
oif 1645, a sharp
controversy was go- f ^ \
ing on among the
Directors of the com
pany in regard to the
proposed reforms in
colonial affairs ; and Autograph of stuyvesant.
their ablest pens were in constant requisition to ward off the attacks of
the national Dutch party, who were publishing pamphlets to influence
the public mind against their movements, and to show them up as a
cUque of tyrants, who had squandered the treasures of the country and
contracted immense debts. It is curious to read the company's various
and numberless resolutions about this time, especiaUy those treating of
money matters. They lead us into a better understanding of the diffi
culties attending such a corporation, which, taking upon itseff a part of
the duties of the government, would necessarUy expect from the latter
assistance; and this, coming at aU times slowly, at last faUed them
1645. altogether. It was decided in the College of the XIX, that the
July 6. expenses of New Netherland should no longer be confined to the
Amsterdam Chamber, but shared by all the chambers of the company in
common. As news of the peace with the Indians had reached them,
they were in less haste to send out a new governor : finaUy, to settle
the knotty questions which were engendering a great deal of iU-feeling,
and to render instructions clear and comprehensive, Stuyvesant's depart
ure was delayed for more than a year; and even at the last, aU the
preparations for his voyage were tediously slow.
1646. He received his commission, and took the oath of office before
July 28. the States-General, July 28, 1646. He saUed on Christmas morn-

THE NEW GOVERNOR. Vil
ing, and after a long ditov/r, stopping at Curacoa and the West India
Islands, reached New Amsterdam, May 11, 1647. He was ac- 1347,
companied by Van Dincklagen as Vice-Director, Van Dyck as May 11.
Fiscal, Captain Bryan Newton, Commissary Adriaen Keyser, and Cap-

Portrait of Peter Stuyvesant.
tain Jelmer Thomas, with several soldiers, a number of free colonists,
and a few private traders. The first-named gentlemen, including the
governor, had their famUies with them.
Stuyvesant's reception was very fiattering. The guns of the fort were
fired, and the entire population of New Amsterdam cheered and waved
hats and handkerchiefs as he landed. There was a little informal speech-
making, and with gTeat hauteur the new chief magistrate assured the
crowd that he "should govern them as a father does his children."

128 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The wily little Kieft was foremost in making his successor welcome,
and escorted him to the Executive Mansion, which he had already va
cated, and in which a sumptuous repast was awaiting His Excellency.
Peter Stuyvesant was the son of a clergyman in Friesland. He had
early evinced a taste for military life, and had now been for some years
in the employ of the West India Company. He was a proud, scholarly
looking man, a Uttle above the medium height, with a remarkably fine
physique ; and he bore himself with the air of a prince. The highly in
teUectual features of his face gave evidence of great decision and force
of character. His complexion was dark, and a close black cap which he
often wore imparted to it a still deeper shade. His chin was bare, and
his mouth, indicative of sternness and grave authority, was fringed with
a very sUght mustache. The infiections of his voice, and his whole
appearance when speaking, were rather unattractive ; but, in spite of a
certain apparent coldness, no one could escape the influence of his mag
netic presence. He was a man of strong prejudices and passions, of
severe moraUty, and at times unapproachable aspect ; but his heart was
large, his .sympathies tender, and his affections warm, though his creed
was rigid. He was never otherwise than faultlessly dressed, and always
after the most approved European standard. A wide, drooping shirt-col
lar feU over a velvet jacket with slashed sleeves, displaying a fuU white
puffed shirt-sleeve. His hose were also slashed, very fuU, and fastened
at the knee by a handsome scarf tied in a knot, and his shoes were
ornamented with a large rosette. His lost leg had been replaced by
a wooden one with sUver bands, which accounts for the tradition that
he wore a sUver leg. He was often abrupt in manner, and made no
pretensions to conventional smoothness at any time. He had sterling
exceUences of character, but more knowledge than culture.
The career of Governor Stuyvesant is deeply interesting from its sym
metry and its manliness. He came to Manhattan in the employ of a
mercantile corporation; but his whole heart and soiU became enhsted
in the welfare of the country of his adoption. Thenceforward to his
latest breath he was intensely American, and the varied fruits of his
labors are among the most valuable legacies of the seventeenth century.
A few years prior to this date, he had married Judith Bayard, the
daughter of a celebrated Paris divine, who had taken refuge in HoUand
from religious persecution. Shortly after his own marriage, his sister
Anna was espoused to Nicholas Bayard, Judith's elder brother The
husband died within a short period, leaving his young \vidow and
three infant sons to the care of her only brother, who deemed it
wise to bring them with him to his new home. The two ladies, Mrs.

MRS. PETER STUYVESANT. 129
Stuyvesant and Mrs. Bayard, had hitherto known only luxury and com
fort. They were weU informed as to the uncertain prospects of colonial
life, and possible savage warfare ; for the published accounts of the New
Netherland horrors had , circulated widely in Europe. But they were
as brave as they were sensible and self-sacrificing. Mrs. Stuyvesant was
a blonde, and very beautiful, spoke both the French and the Dutch lan
guage with ease, and in the course of a few years acquired a good knowl
edge of English. She had a sweet voice and a rare taste for music,
which had been cultivated under the best of masters. She was fond
of dress, and followed the French fashions, displaying considerable artis
tic skiU in the perfection and style of her attire. She was gentle and
retiring in her manners, but was possessed of great firmness of char
acter. Mrs. Bayard was less attractive in person ; she was taU, commanding,
and imperious. Her education was of a high order, considering the age in
which she Uved, and she had great tact and capacity for business. She
brought a tutor across the ocean for her three little sons ; but after he
had been dismissed as unworthy of his position, she taught the children
herself in almost every branch of practical education. Of her abilities in
that direction we may judge from the fact that her son Nicholas, a
mere youth, was appointed, in 1664, to the clerkship of the Common
CouncU, — an office of which the records were required to be kept in
both Dutch and EngUsh. It wUl not be amiss perhaps, in this connec
tion, to quote from the historian Brodhead a few words in regard to the
women of HoUand. He says : " The purity of morals and decorum of
manners, for which the Dutch have ever been conspicuous, may be most
justly ascribed to the happy influence of their women, who mingled in
aU the active affairs of Ufe, and were consulted with deferential respect.
They loved their homes and their firesides, but they loved their country
more. Through aU their toils and struggles, the calm fortitude of the
men of HoUand was nobly encouraged and sustained by the eamest and
undaunted spirit of their mothers and wives. And the empire which the
female sex obtained was no greater than that which their beauty, good
sense, virtue, and devotion entitled them to hold."
It was weU for Stuyvesant that he had such a wffe and sister near
him, for he was entering upon a -Series of trials which would test his
temper and discretion to the utmost. Of their infiuence and coun-
May 27. ^
sels we catch only occasional glimpses here and there. But his
administration was longer and more perplexing than that of any other
Dutch governor. It was, at that time, no easy matter to conduct the
affairs of a remote settlement, where the machinery of government was

130

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

insufficient of itseff to control a mixed community, whose interests were
in constant conffict with those of the trading company which held the
reins of power. The very conditions of his office compeUed him to
assume individual responsibility, and to depend upon his own private
judgment in a thousand instances, the importance of which we can now
imperfectly estimate. His faults sometimes glare upon us in a most
blinding manner; but with aU his apparent fondness for ostentation
of command, he does not seem to have been open to the charge of inten
tional injustice, and his purity of purpose stands out in indeUble con
trast with the capricious rule of his predecessor.
He was formally inaugurated. May 27.
The whole community were present, and lis
tened with eagerness to his weU-prepared
.speech on the occasion. The democratic
Belgian, CorneUs Melyn, afterwards vsrrote,
"He kept the people standing with their
heads uncovered for more than an hour,
while he wore his chapeau, as if he were
the Czar of Muscovy." Others who had
suffered from the petty despotism of Kieft,
and who were full of the liberal ideas which stuyvesant's seai.
were the birthright of every HoUander, criticised the haughty bearmg
of the new governor, and prophesied the character of his future govern
ment. When he earnestly promised that "every man should have
justice done him," he was loudly applauded. Kieft stood by his side
during the ceremony, and seemed to think it fitting that he should say
a few words of farewell to the people. He thanked them for their fideh
ty to him, expressed many kind wishes, and bade them adieu. Only a
murmur of dissatisfaction arose in response, and a few voices above the
rest were heard to say, " We are glad your reign is over."

POLITICAL EVENTS IN EUROPE. 131

CHAPTER IX.
1647 - 1650.
POLITICAL EVENTS IN EUROPE.
Political Events in Europe. — Holland and the Hollanders. — The Sabbath in
New York. — The First StrRVBYORS. — Kuyter and Melyn, and their Trial for
Rebellion. — The Wreck of the Princess. — Kip. — Govert Loockermans. — First
FirB-WARDENS. — SOHOOLS AND EDUCATION. — EENSSELAERSWICK A PoWER. — ThE
Governor's Failure. — Civil War in England. — Van Cortlandt. — Van der
DoNCK. — Melyn. — The Quarrel. — Van der Donck in Holland. — Isaac
Allbrton.
FEEDEEICK HENEY, Prince of Orange, died on the morning of
March 14, 1647. He had been stadtholder of the provinces for
twenty-two years, and had reached his sixty-third birthday. His death
tended directly towards drawing to a close the eighty years' war,
which had cost Spain over fifteen hundred millions of ducats.
His office descended to his son, WiUiam II. , by an act of reversion
which the States passed in 1631. The young prince was the husband
of Mary, daughter of Charles I. of England. He was fuU of military
ambition and ready to buckle on his armor, but the nation distrusted
his inexperience and entered immediately into negotiations for peace.
France was a snag in the way, for a time, through a variety of confiicting
interests. The French ministers were bent on preventing the consum
mation of the treaty, even resorting to countless intrigues when other
means failed. It was finaUy signed by the representatives of the two
nations, in January, 1648, at Munster. It was at once ratified by PhUip
IV. and by the several States of the Netherlands. The recognition of
the sovereignty of the Dutch Eepublic was so absolute that an ambassa
dor was actuaUy sent to the Hague from Spain, before PhiUp himself
received one from the Dutch.^
Of the seven Dutch States, Holland was the most important, by reason
of its dense population and great wealth; hence its name was often
1 Corps Dip., VI. 429, .450. Bamage Annales des Prov., Un. I. 102. Graitam, 262.
I^avis, II. 645, 649.

132 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
applied to the confederacy by way of eminence. It embraced but a
small portion of territory, chiefly of made ground, which was so loose
and spongy that high winds sometimes tore up large trees by the
roots. Every inch of the country was rendered available for some good
purpose. The soil, steeped in water, produced exceUent crops, and the
fields and gardens teemed with vegetation. Canals were cut in aU
directions, and were alive with fieets of barges and with iimumerable
ships of war and commerce. The trim vUlas, and the qiUck succession
of great towns, made a profound impression upon travelers and strangers.
Throughout the length and breadth of' the land there was a uniform
appearance of comfort, affluence, and contentment. Houses and grounds
were kept in a condition of perfect order, the streets and canals were
lined with elegant trees, and the ever-whirling windmUls looked as if
they came out in fresh robes every morning. In no country were the
domestic and social ties of life discharged with greater precision. It
matters not that chroniclers have made the Dutch subjects of unmerited
depreciation. It has been stated that they were characterized only hy
slowness ; and that the land was barren of invention, progress, or ideas.
The seeds of error and prejudice thus sown bear little fruit after the
reading of a few chapters of genuine contemporary personal description.
As a rule, the Hollanders were not inclined to take the initiative in trade
or politics, and were distinguished for solidity rather than briUiancy ; but
it is absurd to say "they were unequal to the origination of any new
thing." We find among them many of the most illustrious men of mod
em Europe, — politicians, warriors, scholars, artists, and divines. Wealth
was widely diffused; learning was held in highest respect; and eloquence,
courage, and public spirit were characteristic of the race. For nearly a
century after the Dutch Eepublic first took its place among independent
nations^ it swayed the balance of European politics ; and the acumen and
culture of the leading statesmen elicited universal deference and admira
tion. For an index to the private life of the upper classes, we need but
to take a peep into the richly furnished apartments of their stately man
sions, or walk through their summer-houses and choice conservatories
and famous picture-gaUeries. As for the peasantry, they were neat to
a fault, and industrious as well as frugal.
The liberal commercial policy of the Dutch, and their great latitude
of religious faith, attracted people to their shores from aU parts of the
world. Every language spoken by civilized man was to be heard in
their exchange. The floor of the hall in the Stadt Huys at Amsterdam
was inlaid with marble, to represent maps of the different nations of the
earth.

HOLLAND AND THE HOLLANDERS.

133

Such was the country whose people settled New York. AU classes
enUgrated ; but those who took the most active part in the direction of
our infant institutions were, in inteUigence and worldly wisdom, and in
aU those sterling characteristics which we are wont to respect, above the
average of their generation. Their number was small, but its propor
tion to that of the illiterate
laborers ahd traders who
crossed the water was great-
er than that between the
higher and lower classes in
any portion of Europe. This
fact has generaUy been over
looked by the writers of
American history who have
imputed wholesale heaviness
and incapacity, except in
money-making, to the Dutch
founders of the metropolis.
As the blood of Holland,
France, and England (and,
we may add, much of the
best blood of those three na
tions) became mixed in the
veins of the people, it is easy
to trace the increase of men- '"*^'''°'' °' *''^ ®**''* ""^^^ °^ A'"^'"'^^'"-
tal vigor, the softening of national prejudices, and the general amalgama
tion of opinions, habits, tastes, fashions, and modes of life, until we
have a new and distinct species of the human kind in the New York
American. Stuyvesant possessed in an eminent degree that distinguishing element
of greatness, perception. He took the colony in at a glance, and saw
why there was so much dilapidation and discomfort. The Indian war
had destroyed property, until only about fifty farms could be counted
in the province. Some of the colonists had been killed, and others had
returned to Holland; so that there were not to be found over three
hundred capable of bearing arms. The church in the fort was unfinished,
and the timbers rotting. Money which had been contributed towards
buUding a school-house had been expended to pay off the troops ; and the
debt was stUl in arrears. The public revenue had not been collected,
and there were confficting claims in waiting to be settled with the pa
troons. In short, the whole situation was chaotic in the extreme.

134 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Whatever Stuyvesant did, he did thoroughly. As soon as he was in
augurated, he organized his councU. It consisted of Vice- Director Van
Dincklagen, a clever poUtician and a thorough scholar ; Fiscal Van Dyck,
of whom little can be said in praise ; the leamed and gentlemanly Dr.
La Montagne ; Adriaen Keyser ; and Captain Bryan Newton. Van Tien
hoven was retained in the office of secretary ; Paulus Van der Grist was
made equipage-master ; and George Baxter, an EngUsh gentleman of good
education, was reappointed English secretary and interpreter.
A court of justice was estabUshed, over which Van Dincklagen was
appointed presiding judge. Stuyvesant, however, reserved the right to
preside in person whenever he should think: proper, and required that
his own opinions should be consulted in important matters.
JProclamations were issued with marvelous rapidity. The first on
record relates to the Sabbath. Experience had long before yielded, upon
every hand, its testimonies td the wisdom of the Divine institution.
Then, as now, it was esteemed the duty of govemment to protect it, and
to confirm to the people the material and vital benefits which it is so well
calculated to secure. As a means of social, moral, and physical health,
and as a measure of industrial economy, ff we had no Sabbath, the ordi
nation of one would come directly within the scope of legislation. Stuy
vesant was possessed with a profound sense of its importance as a direct
means for the estabUshment and perpetuation of a pure Christianity in
this country ; and for his sentiments and his efforts in that direction
he deserves to be honored to the remotest posterity. Another proclama
tion forbade drunkenness and profanity ; and stiU another prohibited the
sale of Uquor and fire-arms to the Indians, on pain of death. Strict laws
were instituted for the protection of the revenues, which had been de
frauded by the introduction of foreign merchandise in vessels running
past Manhattan in the night. The foUovdng is a copy of one of the
proclamations on that subject : —
" Any one is interdicted from having the hardihood to go into the interior
with any cargoes or any merchandise ; but they shall leave them at the visual
places of deposit and there wait for traffic"
The usual place for vessels to anchor was under the guns of the fort,
near a queer little hand-board, which stood on the water's edge. To re
plenish the treasury, taxes were levied on liquors, and the export duties
on peltries were increased. AU outstanding tenths due from the impover
ished farmers were caUed in, but a year's grace for the payment was allowed
in consideration of losses by the war. The people gTumbled. Who will
pay taxes with a cheerful countenance, particularly when it is at the

THE FIRST SURVEYORS 135
supreme command of an individual, and through the withholding of his
birthright, the franchise ? But Stuyvesant's military training made him
imperious ; and, in point of fact, his instructions from the West India
Company gave him less discretionary power than has been generaUy sup
posed. He must govern absolutely ; and he was by no means backward
in obeying such instructions.
Workmen were employed to put the fort in repair ; and others were
engaged to complete the church, of which Stuyvesant at once became a
member and set an example of devout Sabbath worship. The
Uttle viUage, with its crooked roads winding round hiUocks and
ledges, its untidy houses with hog-pens and chicken-coops in front and
tumble-down chimneys in the rear, had some surveyors appointed over
it in July, — Van Dincklagen, Van der Grist, and Van Tienhoven. They
understood what improvements were needed to make the new dmy the
miniature of a thrifty HoUand town, and were very energetic in their
measures. The streets were straightened, even to the removing of some
huge obstacles ; nuisances were done away with ; great piles of accumu
lated rubbish were dumped into the water ; a better class of houses was
erected under their supervision ; and aU owners of vacant lots were com
peUed to improve them within rdne months after purchase.
In the mean time Kujdier and Melyn were instituting proceedings
against Kieft. They had lost heavUy by the Indian war, and were
determined to compel an investigation of its causes. Th'ey proposed that
aU the leading men of the colony should be summoned into court and
examined on oath in regard to it. They prepared a Ust of questions to
be put to them, tending to elicit a train of evidence that would place
the matter correctly before the company in HoUand.
Stuyvesant appointed a commission to decide upon the propriety of
granting such an inquiry ; and, as soon as the members came together, he
expressed his opinion emphaticaUy, that " the two malignant fellows were
disturbers of the peace, and that it was treason to complain of one's magis
trates, whether there was cause or not." He had evidently taken alarm at
the dangerous precedent of aUowing subjects to judge rulers, since his
own acts might have to pass the ordeal. Eaeft was deUghted at this
mark of favor from the new governor, and emboldened by it to ^ , ^,
" ' "' July 11.
accuse his accusers. He had a double incentive; personal and
revengeful hatred, and the rescue of his own character from ignominy.
The foUowing day, Kuyter and Melyn were arrested on a charge of " re
beUion and sedition." They were brought to trial aUnost immediately.
This trial occupied several days, and created the wUdest excitement.
Stuyvesant occupied the bench, and Judge Van Dincklagen sat by his

136 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
side. Lawyers were rare on this side of the water, hence the prisoners
defended themselves, and they did it in an able manner. They produced
ample proof to sustain their charges against Kieft, towards whom they
said they had no vindictive feelings whatever. They admitted that in
the heat of war, and smarting under the loss of property, they had com
plained to the authorities in HoUand, but not to strangers, nor had any
deception at any time been used. It was a singular tribunal ; their case
had been prejudged. They were pronounced guilty; and capital
' punishment was, for a time, seriously contemplated. They were
even denied the right of appeal to the Fatherland. " If I were persuaded
that you would bring this matter before their High Mightinesses, I would
have you hanged on the highest tree in New Netherland," said Stuyvesant,
as he pronounced their sentence. Melyn was banished for seven years
and fined three hundred guUders. Kuyter was banished for three years
and fined one hundred and fifty guUders. The fines were to be given,
one third to the attorney-general, one third to the church, and one third
to the poor. The prisoners were required to sign a written promise that,
in any place to which they might go, they would never complain, or
speak in any way, of what they had suffered from Kieft and Stuyvesant
The Princess was about to sail for Holland, and they took passage, as did
also Dominie Bogardus, who had been so disturbed by Kieft in his min
isterial labors that he resigned his charge and obtained per- '
mission to defend himself before the Classis of Amsterdam. The
church was not left without a pastor, for Dominie Johannes Backerus,
formerly clergyman at Curacoa, who had accompanied Stuyvesant to
New Amsterdam, was installed as his successor, at a salary of fourteen
hundred guUders per annum.
Kieft had managed, during his few years in office, to acquire a large
property, which he turned into money before taking his departure from the
province. He had always entertained the idea that minerals abounded
in the vicinity of Manhattan. A lump of mineral paint which an Indian
displayed during the trial of Kuyter and Melyn had been tried in a
crucible, and yielded three guilders' worth of gold. This induced him
to obtain, through the aid of the wiUing Indians, a variety of specimens,
which were nicely packed and taken with him to Europe. It was the
last of gold-finding in this part of the country ; and it is more than proba
ble that aU that was discovered was brought from some remote locality.
Kieft saUed in the Princess, with the minister and the exUes. But the
iU-fated vessel never reached its destination. It was wrecked on the
rocky coast of Wales, and only about twenty persons were saved. They
floated on pieces of the wreck to the shore. Among them were Kuyter

THE WRECK OF THE PRINCESS

137

and Melyn. Kieft, Dominie Bogardus, a son of Melyn, and eighty-one
others perished. In the moment of agony, when aU hope was aban
doned, Kieft confessed his injustice towards the two men whom he had
wronged, and begged their forgiveness. Kuyter and Melyn proceeded to
HoUand, where the company afterwards reversed their sentence, and they
retumed with honor to this country.
The sorrowful tidings of the death of Dominie Bogardus feU over the
community Uke a paU. There was universal sorrow. His wffe and
chUdren, who had remained behind, were the recipients of the most heart
felt sympathy and consideration. But Kieft's fate excited very Uttle
feeling ; a fact which could not have escaped the notice of Stuyvesant.
Before the middle of September, the pressure of pubUc sentiment had
been so great, and the opposition to the payment of the revenues so spir
ited and determined, that Stuyvesant concluded to recognize to a limited
extent the principle of " taxation only by consent," which the Fatherland
had maintained since 1477. He caUed a pubUc meeting, and "Nine
Men " were chosen to advise and assist in
the affairs of the government. This repre
sentative body consisted of Augustine Heer-
mans, Arnoldus Van Hardenburg, Govert
Loockermans, Jan Jansen Dam, Jacob Van
Couwenhoven, Hendrick Kip, Michael Jan
sen, Evertsen Bout, and Thomas HaU.
Names are the keys of famUy history,
unlocking for us the secrets of ancestral
Uneage. It is weU known that, in very
many cases, members of distinguished fam
Uies sought here a field of enterprise and
actiou which was denied them at home.
Kipi was one of those persons, and his coat-of-arms,^ engraved upon

Kip's Arms.

' The De Kype family formerly lived near Alen9on, Bretagne, France. Euloif De Kype was
a Eoman Catholic. He fell in battle in 1562, and the Protestants under Conde bumed his
elegant chateau. His son, Jean Baptiste, who was a priest, secured his burial in a neighboring
church, where an altar-tomb was erected to his memory, surmounted by his arms with two
crests. The youngest son, Ruloff, settled in Amsterdam, Holland, and became a Protestant.
He died in 1596, and left one son, Hendrick (born 1576), who removed to this country in 1635,
with his wife and children. He had three sons, Hendrick, Jacob, and Isaac. Both himself and
sons secured large tracts of land, and held prominent positions in the New Netherland gov
ernment. Hendrick married Anna De Sille in 1660, the daughter of Hon. Nacasius De Sille.
Jacob married Marie La Montagne in 1654, the daughter of Dr. La Montagne. Eaohel, the
daughter of the latter, married Lucas Kiersted, in 1683, the grandson of Anetje Jans.
* The coat-of-arms was painted also upon the window of the Dutch church in New Amster
dam.

138 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
stone, was used ten years later by his son Jacob, who built it firmly into
the wall over the front door of the house at Kip's Bay, where it re
mained untu the buUding was demoUshed, in 1851. Govert Loocker
mans, also, was a man of good birth as weU as of strong character He
was married twice : first in Amsterdam, February, 1641, to Ariaentie Jans;
and second in New Amsterdam, July, 1649, to Maritje (Maria), the widow
of Tymen Jansen. His daughter Maria, who married Balthazar Bayard
in 1664, was born whUe on the voyage to America late in the autumn of
1641. His daughter Jannetie (born 1643) became the second wife of
Dr. Hans Kiersted. His step-daughter, Elsie Tymens, was twice married,
her second husband, whom she wedded in 1663, being the celebrated
Jacob Leisler. Two sisters, handsome and accomplished women, accom
panied Govert Loockermans to this country, one of whom married Jacob
Van Couwenhoven ; the other, Anetje (or Ann, as the name was Angh-
cised), was married to Oloff S. Van Cortlandt, in the Dutch Church of
New Amsterdam, February 26, 1642. Loockermans bought a large tract
of land apd rented it out to laborers; he owned two or three saUing
vessels, erected a store, and became a thriving man of business.
The winter which followed was memorable in the history of Stuy-.
vesant. He had shed his blood on battle-fields before he took up his
abode in New Netherland ; but he had never encountered such a snarl of
disputes as arose about the boundary Unes of the province. It was the
same subject continued which had pestered Kieft, and which seemed to
grow more unwieldy and less likely to be settled every year. He was
harassed also by the encroachments of the Swedes on the Delaware.
And in the midst of his efforts to harmonize the contending parties, the
Indians exhibited signs of uneasiness because their promised presents
were in arrears. They demanded fire-arms, too, of the Dutch ; and, despite
the new code of stringent laws, a contraband trade in this commodity was
carried on. On one occasion, this crime was charged upon three hitherto
respectable men, and they were tried and found guUty. Stuyvesant con
demned them to death; but friends interceded, and then Uves were
spared, though their property was confiscated. Stuyvesant was engaged
in frequent wrangles with the " Nine Men," who acted in the capacity
of legislators, and held decided opinions of their own ; and he had still
more serious controversies with the patroons, who interfered with the
trade of the company, and denied the governor's authority over them.
The subordinate officers of the government were captious and sometunes
insolent, and aU at once the people united with the New-Englanders in
I A Dutch Bible which once belonged to Govert Loockermans, and which is now in the
library of the American Bible Society, contains memoranda of the family, writteu in Duteh.

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION. 139
one grievous complaint against the high custom-house duties. VerUy,
the governor's lines had not faUen in pleasant places.
He found time, in the midst of his many and disagreeable
duties, to think a little about the feeble settlement, which was cer
tainly in gTeat need of friendly care.
In June of that year, the first " fire-wardens " were appointed, at his
suggestion. They were to inspect the chimneys between the fort
and the Fresh Water Pond. Their names were Adriaen Keyser, ""^
Thomas HaU, Martin Cregier, and George Woolsey. For a foul chimney,
the owner was fined three guUders. If a house was burned through care
lessness in that respect, the occupant was fined twenty-five guilders.
The fines were to be used to buy hooks, ladders, and buckets ; but it was
several years before the fund became large enough to invest to any
advantage. There were many little taverns springing up all over the lower part
of the island, and Stuyvesant took it upon himself to inspect them;
for he feared, with reason, that they seriously endangered the
morals of the people, since they were but fountains of bad liquor,
and the habitual resort of Indians and negroes. He made it therefore an
indictable offense to keep one open without a Ucense, and he required aU
those who received Ucenses to procure or buUd better buUdings " for the
adornment of the town." He also issued a proclamation that no hogs
and goats should for the future be pastured between the fort and Fresh
Water Pond, except within suitable inclosures. As the autumn roUed
round, he estabUshed a weekly market, which was held on Mon
days. Soon after, in imitation of one of the customs of Holland,
he instituted an annual cattle-fair, to commence every first Monday after
the feast of St. Bartholomew and continue ten days.
About that time, Jan Stevensen opened a smaU private school which
vas tolerably well patronized. The best famiUes had generaUy their
own private tutors direct from Europe ; but there were enough to support
a school besides, and the new teacher found himself fully occupied.
Stuyvesant was very earnest in the matter of providing means for " the
education of every child in the colony." He wrote to the West India
Company several times on the subject of estabhshing a pubUc school,
which he said ought to be furnished with at least two good teachers. He
related how, for a long time, they had passed round the plate among
themselves, but "had only buUt the school with words, for the money
thus coUected was always needed for some other purpose." He expa
tiated upon the great necessity of instructing the youth, not only in
reading and writing, but in the knowledge and fear of God. His sugges-

140

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

Van Rensselaer Arms on Window.

tions were treated with marked respect by his employers, and in course
of time met with a favorable response.
The colony of Eensselaerswick had become, in the natural course
of events, an independent power; and all efforts on the part of the
company to induce the patron to cede to
them any of his rights had faUed. Such
a power was looked upon as very injuri
ous to the interests of the province; and,
since it could not be bought off. Governor
Stuyvesant was instructed to circumscribe
its jurisdiction as far as possible. The pa
troon, understanding what immunities were
claimed for manors and municipalities in
Europe, would hold no fellowship with a
man who arrogated to himself supreme rnl
ership in New Netherland, without proper
regard for the feudal privileges granted hy
the charter of the company. Brant Van
Slechtenhorst was the champion of the
views of the late Van Eensselaer, as well
as of the rights of the infant lord, and, being of a resolute temper, paid
no attention to the governor's orders in any respect.
Stuyvesant finaUy resolved to visit the colony in person, and with a mil
itary escort proceeded up the river. The fort itseff and the land
immediately about it were the property of the company. Van
Slechtenhorst was summoned to answer for his contempt of authority.
He did answer, and it was by protest to protest. He charged the govemor
with having interfered with him, contrary to ancient order and usage ; as
if he, Stuyvesant, and not Van Eensselaer, were lord of the patroon's
colony. Stuyvesant ordered that no buildings should be erected within
a prescribed distance from Fort Orange, and Van Slechtenhorst declared
such an order an aggression which cotUd not be justified. He said the
soil belonged to the patroon. Stuyvesant replied, that " the objectionable
buildings endangered the fort." Slechtenhorst hotly pronounced the
governor's argument a mere pretext. No definite results were obtamed ;
and, after Stuyvesant's departure, Slechtenhorst continued his improve
ments precisely as before. We can hardly reaUze, at this late day, that
our republican State of New York once harbored within its borders
something so nearly akin to a principality ; but such is the fact Stuy
vesant wrote to Van Slechtenhorst that force would be used if he did not
desist from erecting buildings ; but it only provoked a characteristically

July 21.

THE GOVERNOR'S FAILURE. 141
impudent retort, and a criticism upon the technical formality of the gov
ernor's legal proceedings. Van Slechtenhorst followed up his reply to
Stuyvesant by forbidding the company's commissary at Fort Orange to
quarry stone or cut timber within the boundaries of the colony, whUe he
hunseff was actively putting up houses for the patroon within pistol-shot
of the fort.
Stuyvesant, having been informed of this fact, dispatched a miUtary
force to arrest Van Slechtenhorst and demolish the buUdings.
Their mission was not performed to the letter, however. Van
Slechtenhorst, who was himself a shrewd lawyer, refused to appear at Fort
Amsterdam with his papers and commissions until a summons should be
legally served ; and he demanded a copy in writing of the governor's claims
and complaints. The Eensselaerswick colonists were angered at Stuyves
ant's hostile movements, and the Mohawk savages were with difficulty re
strained from attacking the soldiers. After much confusion, the military
company was withdrawn, the houses were left standing, and matters con
tinued unsettled.
Dominie Megapolensis asked his dismission from the church at Eens
selaerswick during the summer, as did also Dominie Backerus from
the church at New Amsterdam, both gentlemen wishing to return
to Europe. The Classis of Amsterdam was then petitioned for "old,
experienced, and godly ministers" ; but although every effort was
made, and there were many consultations held in Holland with ^^ '
the Directors of the company and the heirs of Van Eensselaer, it was
difficult to find " experienced " ministers wiUing to undertake such " a
far distant voyage."^
The Dutch could not faU to see that the colonies of their EngUsh neigh
bors, where neither patroons nor lords nor princes were known, were much
more fiourishing than their own ; and they complained bitterly to the gov
ernor. He had made the same observations, but could not remedy the
evUs that were retarding the progress of New Netherland ; and he was
unreasonably jealous of any attempt on the part of others to institute
reforms. Again a long correspondence about boundaries ensued with the
New England authorities, and the tone of it was exceedingly bitter.
EetaUation was threatened. Then Stuyvesant was accused of trying to
instigate the Indians to rise up against the EngUsh. He promptly
vindicated himseff and demanded an investigation. In the mean
time he had written to the West India Company, praying that the
boundary between the Dutch and English provinces might be settled in
Europe. But, at this time, the distracted condition of affairs there in-
1 Cor. Classis Amst.

142 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
duced the company to instruct their governor " to Uve with his neighbora
on the best terms possible."
Every great European event affected the prospects of the American
colonies. CivU war was now raging in England. Charles I. was a
prisoner in the hands of his subjects. He might perhaps have reigned to
the end of a peaceful lffe, ff he had been content to rule as a constitutional
sovereign. At the same time, the ParUament party went beyond the
limits of the constitution in their desire to preserve the constitutioa
The unfortunate king was tried, condemned, and executed in front of his
own banqueting-haU. As he stood upon the scaffold, Gregory Brandon,
his executioner, feU on his knees before him and asked his forgiveness.
" No ! " said the king ; " I forgive no subject of nunc who comes delib
erately to shed my blood." The king spoke as became the chief
magistrate and the source of the laws which were violated in his mur
der. He took off the medalUon of the order of the Garter, and gave it to
Juxon, saying with emphasis, " Eemember ! " Beneath the medaUion of
St. George was a secret spring which removed a plate ornamented with
lilies, under which was a beautiful miniature of his beloved Henrietta.
The warning word which has caused so many historical surmises evidently
referred to the fact that hehad parted with the portrait of his wife only at
the last moment of his existence. Queen Henrietta had escaped to the
Louvre ; and her second son, James, was with her at the time she received
the terrible news. Her eldest daughter, Mary, was the wife of WUUam
IL, Prince of Orange; and thither Charles, Prince of Wales, and his
brother James repaired for safety, whUe the broken-hearted queen
retired, with one or two of her ladies, to St. Jacques, the Convent of
the Carmelites.
But though England was declared a republic, the monarchical priuciple
survived. There could be no republic ; and there was no repubUc. Poht
ical knowledge was not sufficiently advanced. It is as impossible to
jump from monarchy to democratic equaUty, as to lay out new streets in
a day through a city that is already crowded with massive structures.
CromweU saw the impossibUity of a representative government, and
wished to become king ; but the army, which was composed of repubh
cans who acted conscientiously, would not aUow it. He would have
ruled constitutionaUy if he could ; but by him the English would not he
so ruled. He, however, managed England's affairs far more wisely than
they had ever been managed by a Stuart, though with an iron hand which
he did not condescend to cover with a velvet glove.
It was not, therefore, a favorable moment for the Dutch to quarrel with
England or her colonies about mere boundary lines. But the "pride

VAN CORTLANDT.

143

Van Corttandt Arms.

and obstinacy " of Stuyvesant (for so his fierce energy was caUed) was
increasing the number of his opponents at an alarming rate. At the
second yearly election of the " Nine Men," Adriaen Van der Donck and
the able and respected Oloff S. Van Cortlandt were chosen members of
the board. Van Cortlandt was a thriving merchant and one of the
richest men in New Amsterdam. His
estate, or a portion of it, lay on the west
side of Broadway, near the street which
perpetuates his name. The " Nine Men,"
at one of their subsequent meetings, deter
mined upon sending a delegation to Hol
land to demand certain reforms and regu
lations which had been promised by the
company, and waited for patiently in vain.
They asked permission to convene the peo
ple, to confer on the subject " how expenses
should be defrayed," etc. Stuyesant de
clined granting their request, and told
them in writing " that communications
must be made with the company through
the governor, and his instructions followed."
The " Nine Men " thought differently. They promised Stuyvesant to
send no document to Holland without giving him a copy, but pronounced
his last demand " unreasonable and antagonistical to the welfare of the
country." As he would not aUow the people to be convened, a committee
from the " Nine Men " went from house to house to learn their opinions.
This excited the governor's extreme displeasure, and various intrigues were
resorted to, on his part, to counteract the influence of the popular tribunes.
Among other things, he and his council summoned a meeting of delegates
from the militia and towns-people, to consider the question of sending
agents to the Fatherland on some important matters, not named.
The "Nine Men" were, nevertheless, determined to carry out their
plans. Van der Donck was appointed secretary, and was expected to
keep a careful journal of the proceedings. He lodged in the house of
Jan Jansen Dam. One day, in his absence, Stuyvesant sent to his cham
ber and seized all his papers, and the next moming ordered him to be
arrested and thrown into prison.
This high-handed measure was foUowed by a pubUc meeting at the fort,
consisting of the governor, council, officers of the militia, and depu
tations from the citizens. Van Dincklagen, the Vice-Director, had
a keen sense of justice ; and, as his superior had acted without his knowl-

144 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
edge or approval in the matter of Van der Donck, he demanded that the
prisoner be admitted on baU, and heard in his own defense. Stuyvesant
refused. AngTy words foUowed, on both sides. It soon became evident
that the majority of the council were inclined to treat Van der Donck
harshly. Van der Donck himself, seeing the turn events were taking,
asked for his journal, that be might correct some errors in it ; but the
request was refused. He was examined a few days later, and his
'conduct condemned " as tending to bring sovereign authority into
contempt " ; and he was thereupon excluded from the executive councU,
and also from aU legislative authority in connection with the " Nine Men."
Van Dincklagen publicly disclaimed, and with great vehemence, his co
operation in this war against the free exercise of the right of petition.
In the midst of the excitement, Cornells Melyn, so recently banished
in disgrace, suddenly appeared in Manhattan, restored to the fuU rights
of a colonist,^ and armed with a summons for Stuyvesant to answer for
his conduct before the States-General and Prince of Orange without
delay, either in person or by attorney. Determined to make his
triumph as pubUc as his former dishonor had been, he took ad
vantage of a meeting in the church in the fort, and demanded that the
paper he held, containing the acts of their High Mightinesses, should be
read then and there by one of the " Nine Men." After a noisy debate, he
carried his point, and the mandamus and summons were read to the
assemblage by Arnoldus Van Hardenburg.
Stuyvesant was stung and humiliated beyond expression, but rephed ;
" I shaU honor the States-General by obeying their commands ; yet, until
I am discharged by the company, an attorney must answer for me in
HoUand." He refused any conversation or communication with Melyn,
and required an apology from each of his subordinates for their share in
the transactions at the church. He appointed Van Tienhoven and Jan
Jansen Dam, whose daughter Van Tienhoven had married, as his repre
sentatives to the Hague. Van Tienhoven was admirably fitted for this
mission. He was crafty, cautious, and sharp-witted. When he at
tempted to defend any plot or scheme, his eloquence had all the charm of
sincerity. He is known to have been dishonest in a multitude of ways,
and for that reason, as weU as others, he had become generaUy dishked
in the colony. He had been so long a servant of the company that he
was intelligent as to its concerns ; and he knew the people and the con
dition of affairs as well as any one else, and perhaps better. Haviag
1 Mass. Hist. Col, IX. 277. John Winthrop, Jr., received a letter from Roger Williams,
saying, "Skipper Isaac aud Melyn are come with a Dutch ship, bringing lettera from the
States-General calling home this Dutch governor to answer to many complaints."

VAN DER DONCK. 145
quarreled personaUy with several of the " Nine Men," he was, from mo
tives of poUcy, a warm advocate for the governor. It is said that his
curious tact and strength of wiU enabled him to maintain extraordinary
influence over Stuyvesant for a series of years. He lived on an estate
of his own, west of Pearl Street and above Maiden Lane, his land ex
tending towards Broadway.
The favor shown by the States-General to Melyn encouraged the " Nine
Men" to persist in their efforts for a hearing. Van der Donck was
regarded as a political martyr, and Melyn was just in time to throw fire
brands adroitly in every direction. He was engaged, during his stay, as
has since been supposed, in preparing Breeden Raedt, a quarto tract of
forty-five pages, bearing date 1649, which was afterwards pubUshed in
Antwerp, his native place. Some writers deny that he was the author
of the work, aUeging that it must have been written by a lawyer. So
far as the dramatic character of various portions of it is concerned, it
is one of the best executed and most effective of dialogues. It certainly
could have been produced only by a genius.^ But although very little
is known of Melyn, we are not prepared to discredit his claim to its
authorship, particularly as the information contained in it must have
been founded upon his experience.
It happened, about that time, that Stuyvesant received a case of fire
arms which he had ordered from HoUand, agreeably to a suggestion from
the company that the best policy was " to furnish them to the
Indians with a sparing hand, lest their discontent lead them into
open war." They were landed at the fort, much to the astonishment and
disapprobation of the people, who began to accuse the governor of
doing the business of the whole country on his own responsibUity.
Finding how strongly pubUc opinion was setting against^him, he was
obliged to produce the communication of his superiors and explain the
whole matter.
Meanwhile, the " Nine Men " had prepared a memorial, in which aU
the desired reforms were distinctly stated, and a Vertoogh, or remon
strance, annexed, giving the reasons and detaUing the grievances of the
people. Both documents were drafted by Van der Donck, and signed
by each of the " Nine Men." The " Vertoogh Van Nieuw Nederlandt "
was printed at the Hague in 1650, in the form of a quarto tract of
forty-nine pages. Three of the signers. Van der Donck, Couwen
hoven, and Bout, were sent as delegates to the Hague, and Van Dinck
lagen wrote a letter of credence by them to the States-General. They
1 Historical Essay. By G. M. Asher.
10

146 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
sailed August 15. Dominie Backerus, who had been waited upon by the
governor and forbidden to read from the pulpit any papers not
^^' 'previously sanctioned by the administration, and Melyn, were
passengers in the same vessel. Through the earnest entreaties of Stuy
vesant, Dominie Megapolensis remained at Manhattan, although his wife
had sailed a short time before.
Van Tienhoven had aUeady been gone fourteen days when the dele
gates left New Netherland ; but he missed the straight course, and was the
last to arrive in HoUand. He had with him a mass of exculpatory docu
ments, and letters from Stuyvesant to the States-General, teUing them
that many of the papers necessary for his justification in the case of
Kuyter and Melyn had been lost with the Princess, etc. Also that
Melyn "had abused their safe-conduct and behaved mutinously," and
that he " would rather never have received the commission of their High
Mightinesses than have his authority lowered in the eyes of both
neighbors and subjects."
Both parties appeared before the States-General, and a tedious exami
nation, occupying the whole winter, followed. It had a beneficial effect
upon New Netherland, in so far as it brought the distant and almost
unknown province squarely before the public. It put the idea of migrat
ing hither into the heads of hundreds of persons. The West India Com
pany were wedded to the existing order of things, and sustained their
governor. They said those who took umbrage at his haughtiness " were
such as sought to live without either magistrates or law." They were
not in favor of investing the " Nine Men " with the administration of
justice, in any degree. Melyn, having placed his cause in the hands of
an attorney, exerted himself to promote the settlement of Staten Island.
He interested one of the influential noblemen of the States-General,
Baron Van der CapeUen,^ who, in company with some wealthy mer
chants, bought and equipped a vessel. New Netherland's Fortune, and
sent her freighted with farmers and their families to the picturesque
island. The States-General embodied a list of reforms as to the manage
ment of New Netherland affairs, in a " Eeport " which was submitted to
the Amsterdam Chamber, accompanied by the draft of a Provisional
Order, providing for a better system of government. It provoked deter
mined opposition from the members of that body, and a renewal of accu
sations against those who had risen up to injure the company and their
servants. A copy of it, however, was forwarded to Stuyvesant by Cou
wenhoven and Bout on their retum, who brought also letters from the
' Yonkheer Hendrick Van der Capellen, of Eyssel, was Baron of Essels and Hasselt, and
represented the principality of Gebre and the earldom of Zutphen in the States-General.

VAN DER DONCK IN HOLLAND. 147
States-General, forbidding the govemor to molest them. Van der Donck
remained in HoUand, to watch the interests of the New Netherland peo
ple, and did not return to America for several years. During that period,
he contributed greatly towards bringing tbis country into notice aud nn-
proving its institutions. In 1652, he was made Doctor of Laws at Leyden.
He died in New Amsterdam in 1655, leaving the colony of Colon Donck,
or Yonkers (his baronial estate), to his wife, who subsequently married
Hugh O'Neal. The property, after changing owners two or three times,
became a part of the celebrated PhUipse manor.
In the same vessel with the delegates came Dirck Van Schelluyne, a
Hague lawyer, who was licensed to practice his profession in New Am
sterdam. He opened an office in one corner of a grocery- store, lego.
and hung out a sign of " Notary Public." His commissioned duty ^^'^¦
was " to serve process and levy executions." He eventually removed to
Eensselaerswick, and ten years later was secretary of that colony. In tbe
upper part of the same grocery, a small school was opened during the
month of April by Jan Cornelissen.
Early in the spring, men were employed to repair Fort Amsterdam ; but
the work progressed slowly. The governor issued another proclamation
forbidding the running at large of cows, hogs, and goats, without a herds
man, between the fort and the company's farm, and the pasture-ground
occupied by Thomas Hall and the house of Mr. Isaac AUerton. Mt'.
AUerton was an Englishman who came over in the Ma-yfloiver to Plym
outh, and had now taken up his residence at Manhattan.^ He lived in
a stone house on the hill, near Beekman Street ; and he also owned a large
warehouse or store. He was in partnership with Govert Loockermans.
The merchants of those days dealt in every class of merchandise, and
raised their own poultry and pork, as well as made their own butter. A
general law was passed that year, to the effect that " inasmuch as the hogs
spoU the roads and make them difficult of passage for wagons and carts,
every man must stick rings through the noses of such ammals as be
long to him."
1 Isaac AUerton is said to have had the best head for business, and to have been one of the
most stirring persons, among the first settlers of Massachusetts. He made five voyages to
England in the interests of the colony before 1631. He finally quarreled with Plymouth and
removed to Marblehead, where he built a large fishing-house and several vessels. It was he
who sent to Ipswich for Parson Avery ; and it was his ill-fated shallop which was dashed
against the rock, since known as " Avery's Eock," — a disaster, the story of which has been
retold in one of Whittier's rarest poems. AUerton soon quarreled with Winthrop's General
Court, which gave him "leave to depart from Marblehead." The impulse which he gave
to trade was never wholly lost ; and, at this moment, the finest building in that ancient
town, for business purposes, is "AUerton Block," a name the history of which is almost un
known.

148 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Brewing seems to have been a favorite occupation, and was a source of
much profit. Pieter and Jacob Couwenhoven, brothers, who came to
New Amsterdam in 1633, made quite a fortune in that way, and car
ried on at the same time a brisk trade in fiour, which was bolted
^'^' ' in windmiUs. A law, in the early part of 1650, required bakers
to make their bread of the standard weight, and to use nothing but pure
wheat and rye fiour, as it came from the mUl. This precaution was to
sUence the complaints about the " poverty and leanness " of the common
bread. The crops were not good this year, in consideration of which a
law was made, in the autumn, forbidding any one to malt or brew wheat,
and also decreeing that no wheat, rye, or baked bread should be sold
out of the province.
The winter of 1650 was one of great severity. It was so cold that
" ink froze in the pen." There was much distress, as food was scarce
and prices necessarUy high. When the governor, in the face of it, vic
tualed the company's vessels on their way to Curacoa, the " Nine Men "
were surprised and indignant, and not only remonstrated but accused
him openly of " wanton imprudence " in thus diminishing supplies which
were already too scanty. It was about the time that the delegates arrived
from HoUand. They brought with them arms and a stand of colors for
the burgher guard ; an act which infuriated Stuyvesant, who refused to
have them delivered. A great commotion ensued in consequence. The
" Nine Men " pronounced it a tyrannical outrage, and for their persistent
interference with his prerogative Stuyvesant publicly deprived them of
their pew in church. Both parties wrote letters of accusation to the au
thorities in HoUand ; and, what is remarkable, the EngUsh residents in
the province defended the governor, and endorsed his sentiments, charging
aU the " schisms " upon the returned delegates.
In September, the long-contemplated and repeatedly postponed meeting
of the Dutch and New England worthies took place at Hartford. It was
hoped to settle beyond any further question the boundary hne
between the two territories. Stuyvesant traveled in state, with
quite a train of attendants. The voyage occupied four days. He was re
ceived with much ceremony, and courteously entertained by the governor
of Hartford, When the commission assembled, Stuyvesant proposed to
carry on the negotiations in writing. He gave two reasons for this which
had sufficient weight to prevent any objections from his opponents : that
it would give greater accuracy to the proceedings, and that it would
save time, as he could not speak the English language with fluency. But
his first paper provoked sharp argument on account of its date, "New
Netherland," and the New England gentlemen declined to go on with

ISAAC ALLEBTON. 149
the business untU " Connecticut " was substituted instead. Stuyvesant
apologized. He said the draft of the paper had been substantiaUy agreed
upon by himseff and council before he left New Amsterdam, and translated
and copied by his English secretary, George Baxter, on the voyage ; as
for the date, he supposed it was proper, but was entirely wiUing to com
ply with their wishes. After that, the discussion of national and ter
ritorial and individual rights proceeded slowly, but with considerable tact
and discretion as well as earnestness. Over a week had been consumed,
when they finaUy agreed to submit the issue to arbitrators. Simon Brad
street and Thomas Prince were chosen for New England, and Thomas
WiUett and George Baxter for New Netherland. Their decision was
accepted. It was, however, never ratified in England ; and the fact that
Stuyvesant had confided the interests of the Dutch to two Se'at 29
Englishmen raised a storm of discontent in his own province.
Vice-Director Van Dincklagen had had no voice in the matter, and was
greatly offended. The " Nine Men " declared that " the governor had
ceded away territory enough to found fifty colonies each four mUes
square." There was a grand union of sentiment that it was an insult
to the Dutch for EngUshmen to be appointed to fix the English bounda
ries. Stuyvesant remained in Hartford some days after his business was
accomplished, hoping to make arrangements whereby the Indians should
be placed upon a permanent footing of good behavior. He was treated by
his well-bred neighbors with a distinguished attention, at which he was
much pleased. His return voyage was exceedingly rough, and his wel
come home by an angry community anything but cordial. The freedom
of speech of the " Nine Men " was so exasperating, tbat he threatened
the body with dissolution. At the next election, he absolutely refused to
select from the nominations to fill vacancies in their board. Again they
.appealed to the States-General for the reformation of this " grievous and
unsuitable government " ; and Melyn, at the Hague, used his influence to
the utmost against the New Netherland governor.

Seal of New Nitherlands, 1623.

150 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER X
1650 - 1654.
THB SPIRIT OP POPULAR FREEDOM.
The Confiscated Vessel. — Governok Stuyvesant's Body-Guard. — Eensselaerswick.
— The Schuyler Family. — The Navioation Act. — Eev. Samuel Drisius. —
African Slavery. — The Birth of the City. — The First City Fathers. —
Allard Anthony. — William Beekman. — The Prayer of the City Fathers. —
Military Preparations. — Van der Donck. — Hon. Nicasius DeSille. — The
Diet of New Amsterdam. — Oliver Cromwell. — Peace between England and
Holland.
" /^\ UR great Muscovy duke keeps on as of old ; something Uke the
V^ wolf, the longer he lives the worse he bites." Thus wrote Van
Dincklagen to Van der Donck. The West India Company, unwilling to
relinquish any of its power, was arrayed like a bulwark of iron against
the spirit of popular freedom which the- colonists were urging
and which was countenanced by the States-General It was a
struggle for the elective franchise, and its long subsequent effects were
of such a character that, while few portions of our history are more
obscure, none are more important or instructive.
In this extraordinary controversy, the govemor, the West India Com
pany, and the EngUsh residents of New Netherland were on one side,
and the States-General and the Dutch colonists on the other. "The
power to elect a governor among ourselves would be our ruin," was the
expression of the English residents, in a Memorial sent to the company.
" I shaU do as I please," was Stuyvesant's reply more than once, when
his attention was called to some order or suggestion from the States-
General which had not been indorsed" by the Amsterdam Chamber
His mind was vigorous and acute, and he never lacked the courage
to carry out to the very letter the pecuUar policy of his immediate
employers. Van Dincklagen was a constant thorn in the governor's side. He was
a quick-witted, sagacious politician, — a man who was considered ehgi
ble to the highest office, and who had accepted a subordinate position with

THE CONFISCATED VESSEL. 151
a bad grace. He stood ready to seize upon every mistake of executive
judgment, and, with caustic satire, to hold it up to the popular view in its
most unfavorable light. He was an advocate of no mean pretensions ;
and when Melyn arrived in the New Netherland's Foi'tionc, it was he
who investigated the cause of the unusuaUy long voyage. He discov
ered that boisterous seas had delayed the vessel, that " water had faUen
short," and the " last biscuit been divided among the passengers," and
that the captain had been obUged to put into Ehode Island to refit and
replenish his stores. Stuyvesant took his seat upon the bench beside
Van Dincklagen, and pronounced a remarkable decision. It was one of
the regulations of the West India Company that vessels should not
" break bulk " between HoUand and New Amsterdam ; and he took the
gxound that the delay in this case was " needless and unjustifiable," and
proceeded to seize the ship and cargo, supposing them to belong to Melyn
The ship was sold to Thomas WUlett, who sent it on a voyage to Vir
ginia and HoUand. At the latter place it was replevied by Baron Van
der CapeUen, and after a protracted litigation the company w.as obliged
to pay heavy damages.
Melyn again took possession of his lands on Staten Island, which, in
order to promote his greater security. Van Dincklagen had formerly
purchased of the Earitans in the name of Baron Van der CapeUen ; but
he was presently summoned to New Amsterdam by the governor
to answer to various charges. Dreading the encounter, he faUed
to obey ; and, in consequence of this, his house and lot in the city were
confiscated and sold by the government. Expecting that an effort would
be made to arrest him at his country-house, he established and fortified
a manorial court on one of the petty eminences overlooking what is
now the viUage of Clifton. He was not disturbed, but he was soon
after accused of trying to infiuence the Indians against Stuyvesant, and
the councU were induced to pass a resolution that the govemor should
henceforth be constantly attended by a body-guard of four halberdiers.
Van Dincklagen ridiculed this action on the part of his coUeagues.
He denied the absurd stories in regard to Melyn. He even volunteered
to bring the chiefs of the Earitan and other tribes to the fort, to prove
the falsity of the charge that " one hundred and seventeen savages had
been suppUed with arms and ammunition ! "
About the same time. Van Dincklagen, with the assistance of Van
Dyck, prepared and sent an elaborate protest to the States-General, in
which he claimed to picture the popular griefs and the general
dissatisfaction of the colonists with the administration. When it
came to the knowledge of Stuyvesant, he was thoroughly enraged.

152 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Without a moment's hesitation, he ordered Van Dincklagen to be expeUed
from the councU board. The Vice-Director flatly refused to leave, on the
ground that his commission was from the same supreme authority as that
of the governor himseff. However that might be as a question of law,
Stuyvesant waited only until a file of soldiers could be summoned, before
ordering Van Dincklagen to be dragged from the room and thrown into
prison. The affair created an intense sensation. Van Dincklagen's wife
and daughter went to the prison to see him, and were denied admittance.
Stuyvesant was denounced by many as jealous and exacting, and by
others warmly applauded for his prompt action. He was sustained by
the majority of the council. In the course of a few days. Van Dinck
lagen was released from confinement, but was aUowed no further par
ticipation in the government. He retired to Melyn's manor-house on
Staten Island, where he met with cordial sympathy. Van Dyck, because
of the part he had taken in the complaint, was removed from office;
and the lawyer, ScheUuyne, who attested the protest, was forbidden
to practice his profession. Loockermans and Heermans, who lent some
assistance, were prosecuted and heavily fined.
While these and similar events were agitating Manhattan, Van Tien
hoven, at Amsterdam, was amusing himseff by plajdng the gallant lover
to the pretty young daughter of a respectable fur-merchant. Pretending
to be a single man, he won her affections under promise of marriage,
and finaUy persuaded her to elope with him to America. Having sub
mitted an able defense of Stuyvesant and his officers' to the States-
General, he was about to embark, when a message sent in hot haste to
the Amsterdam Chamber ordered him to report immediately at the
Hague for examination by their High Mightinesses. The summons re
quired also the presence of his father-in-law, Jan Jansen Dam. ThA pro
test of Van Dincklagen had been received, and Van der Donck had rephed
to Van Tienhoven's defense in a spirited and effective manner. Greatly
annoyed at the delay. Van Tienhoven proceeded to the Hague. He was
arrested, the very evening of his arrival, on the charge of adultery. In
the course of two or three days he made his escape, and reached the
vessel bound for New Amsterdam in time to secure his passage. The
capture of the cargo of a Portuguese merchant-vessel on the voyage is
supposed to have subsequently secured his acquittal ; but he was hope
lessly disgraced. His return to New Amsterdam was a misfortune to the
community. He was likened to " an evil spirit scattering torpedoes."
Eensselaerswick was so far from the capital that it was not affected
by these disturbances. It continued to grow, while the progress of
New Amsterdam was seriously retarded. Van Slechtenhorst had stood

RENSSELAERSWICK.

153

out boldly against the governor, and extended the Umits of the patroon's
colony, untU he had at last been arrested and imprisoned for four months
in the fort at New Amsterdam. He made his escape by secreting him
seff on a sloop bound for Albany, the skipper of which he had fully
indemnified against possible harm. Stuyvesant arrested the skipper on
his return, and fined him two hundred and fifty guilders and costs. Van
Slechtenhorst estimated the whole expense of his luckless trip down the
Hudson at about one thousand guilders. He soon after issued an order
that all the householders and freemen of his colony should take the
oath of aUegiance to the patroon and his representatives. The occasion
of this was the fear that Stuyvesant would execute his threatened pur
pose of extending the jurisdiction of Fort Orange, and so sever-
ing from the colony the populous little viUage of Beverwyck,
which lay close to and around the citadel, and which was every day
becoming more valuable. Among those who bound themselves " to
maintain and support offensively and defensively " the interests of
Eensselaerswick, was John Baptist Van Eensselaer, a younger half-
brother of the patroon, who had just been appointed to the magis
tracy of the colony.i PhiUp Pietersen Schuyler, the ancestor of the
American family of Schuylers, had been in Eensselaerswick a little more
than a year, and had also taken the oath
of aUegiance to the patroon. He had
recently married Margritta, one of the
daughters of the cool and fearless Van
Slechtenhorst. He was a young man of
abUity, and was already actively assisting
in the management of public affairs. To
prepare the reader for an acquaintance
with the different members of his famUy
as they shall be introduced from time to
time in future chapters, we digress a
moment to speak of his ten children.^
Guysbert was the eldest son, — a man
of whom very little is known. Gertrude
was the eldest daughter, beautiful, edu
cated, and high-bred, — indeed, the belle
of Eensselaerswick, prior to her marriage and removal to New Amster
dam as Mrs. Stephanus Van Cortlandt. Alida, the second daughter, was
scarcely less attractive than her sister. She married, when only seven-
1 Holgate's American Geanology.
^ O'Callaghan, II. 174, 177. La Potherie' s History of North America.

Schuyler Arms on Window.

154

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

teen, the Eev. Nicolaus Van Eensselaer ; and, after his death, the famous
Eobert Livingston. Peter, the next son in the order of age, was the first
mayor of Albany. He was the great colonel whose wise counsels and
personal exertions at one
period preserved the prov
ince from an Indian war ;
and who, at another, es
corted five Indian chiefs
to England to persuade
the government to drive
the French out of Canada.
In 1719, as the oldest
member of the executive
councU, he assumed, for a
Schuyler Mansion at the Flats in 1876. ^^^B^^^^^^^ scasou, the cntUe govern
ment of New Netherland.^ ^^^^^^^^^^fc Brandt, who had more ge
nius for trade than for '-MA^ -^s^^g. command, went, when
quite young, to New Amsterdam, ¦'¦'^'-^ where he married, in 1682,
Cornelia Van Cortlandt, the daughter of Oloff S. Van Cortlandt, and
sister of Stephanus. Arent Ukewise took up his abode in the metropolis.^
Sibylla died in infancy. Philip settled in Albany. John, the youngest
son, held a captain's commission in 1690, when only twenty-three years of
age, and led into Canada an expedition which achieved a brUUant victory
over the French and Indians. He was the grandfather of General Philip
Schuyler, of Revolutionary memory. The youngest daughter was Mar
gritta. The elder Schuyler died at Albany, March 9, 1684. His will
bears date May 1, 1683, 0. S.
On New Year's evening, the soldiers at Fort Orange became hilarious,
and a few of them started out on a frolic. Coming in front of the honse
1658. of Van Slechtenhorst, they ignited some cotton and threw it upou
Jan. 1. the roof The inmates almost immediately discovered the fire,
and by active exertions saved the building from destruction. The next
day, a son of Van Slechtenhorst met some of the soldiers in the street, and
accosting them in relation to the mischief they had occasioned,
threatened them sharply; whereupon they charged upon him,
threw him down, and having severely beaten him, dragged him through
the mud. Schuyler hastened to the assistance of his brother-in-law;
but Dyckman, the commander of the fort, who stood by, swore he
would run him through with his drawn sword ff he did not keep out of
the way. Others who rushed into the fray received severe blows.
1 He married, Oct. 25, 1672, Maria, daughter of Kilian Van Eensselaer.
' The ancestor of the New Jersey branch of the family.

Jan. 2.

EDICTS OF STUYVESANT. 155
The friends of Van Slechtenhorst vowed revenge ; and, this coming to
Dyckman's ears, he ordered the guns of the fort to be loaded with grape
and turned upon the patroon's house, declaring he would batter it down.
WhUe things were in this chaotic state, there arrived from Stuyvesant
some placards, which declared the jurisdiction of Fort Orange to ex
tend over a circumference of six hundred paces (about one hundred and
fifty rods) around the fortress. These Dyckman was ordered to publish.
With nine armed men, the miUtary commander proceeded to the court
room where the magistrates of the colony were in session, and de
manded that the placards should be published through the colony
with the sound of a beU. As it was contrary to law for any man to enter
another's jurisdiction with an armed posse without the previous consent
of the local authorities. Van Slechtenhorst ordered the intruder to leave
the room, exclaiming, " It shall not be done as long as we have a drop
of blood in our veins, nor until we receive orders from their High
Mightinesses and our honored masters."
Dyckman retired, but returned presently with an increased force. He
ordered the porter to ring tbe beU, and that being vigorously opposed,
he proceeded to the fort and caused the beU there to be rung three
times. He then returned to the steps of the court-house and directed his
deputy to read the placards. As the latter was about to obey. Van
Slechtenhorst rushed forward and tore the paper from his hands, " so
that the seals feU on the ground." Some violent words followed; but
young Van Eensselaer, standing by, said to the crowd, " Go home, my
good friends ! 't is only the wind of a cannon-baU fired six hundred paces
off" A messenger was sent down the river to Stuyvesant, who at once for
warded another placard to Dyckman, with orders to publish it, and also to
affix copies of it to posts erected on the new line, north, south, and west
of the fort. Within these bounds, for the future, no house was to be buUt,
except by the consent of the governor and council, or of those authorized to
act for them. This act, severing forever the vUlage of Beverwyck from
Van Eensselaer's colony, was pronounced iUegal, and in direct violation
of the sixth article of the charter of 1629. Van Slechtenhorst sent a
constable to tear the posters down contemptuously, and drew up a long
remonstrance against the unbeconUng pretensions of the governor, who
he declared had no authority over the colony whatever. The patroon's
lands, he said, had been erected into a perpetual fief, which no order
emanating from the West India Company was sufficient to
° J. ^ Aprill.
destroy. This paper was denounced by the governor and coun
cil as a "libeUous calumny." Dyckman set afloat a rumor that Stuy-

156 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
vesant was about to visit Fort Orange, and that he was preparing a gal
lows for Van Slechtenhorst, his son, and young Van Eensselaer.
Stuyvesant, after dealing with a number of refractory persons in New
Amsterdam, some of whom he put in confinement and bastinadoed others
with a rattan, repaired to the troubled regions at the north. He sent a
party of soldiers to Van Slechtenhorst's house with an order to the patroon
to strike his flag, which the latter peremptorily refused to do. They then
entered the inclosure, fired a voUey from their loaded muskets, and
hauled down the fiag themselves. Stuyvesant immediately erected a
court of justice in Beverwyck, apart from and independent of that of
Eensselaerswick ; but the notice of this, having been affixed to the court
house of the latter colony, was torn down, and a proclamation asserting
the rights of the patroon posted in its place. The next day, nine armed
men broke into Slechtenhorst's house and forcibly conveyed bim to Fort
Orange, where neither his wife, children, nor friends were aUowed to speak
with him. His furs, his clothes, and his meat were left hanging to the
door-posts. It was not long ere he was conveyed to New Amsterdam ;
but he was not confined in the hold of the fort there, as has been asserted
He was under " civil arrest," and spent a portion of his time on Staten
Island. John Baptist Van Eensselaer took Van Slechtenhorst's place provision-
aUy, and was afterwards formaUy appointed commander of the col-
'ony by the patroon. Gerrit Swart succeeded to the office of sheriff;
Eev. Gideon Schaets was installed as clergyman, and retained that posi
tion for over thirty years. His salary was $380 per annum.
' Before returning to New Amsterdam, Stuyresant confirmed the
authority of the West India Company by issuing patents to some of the
principal colonists for tracts of land within the confines of Beverwyck.
It was thus that the germ of the present city of Albany was rescued
from feudal jurisdiction.
On the 28th of March, Van Tienhoven was appointed to the office of
,, _ sheriff, which had been made vacant by the removal of Van Dyck
Mar. 28. •' ^
" Were an honorable person to take my place, I should not so
much mind it," bewaUed the latter ; " but here is a public, notorious, and
convicted whoremonger and oath-breaker, who has frequently come out
of the tavern so full of strong drink that he was forced to Ue down in the
gutter, whUe the fault of drankenness could not easUy be imputed to me."
Carol Yan Bmgge succeeded Van Tienhoven as secretary of the prov
ince, and Adriaen Van Tienhoven became receiver-general, in place of
his brother.
The death of WUliam IL, Prince of Orange, in 1650, left vacant the

THE NAVIGATION ACT. 157
office of stadtholder, and that digiuty remained in abeyance during the
minority of WiUiam III. This event led to the recognition of the Eng
lish Commonwealth by the Dutch Eepublic in January, 1651. Delegates
were sent from England to the Hague to negotiate a league of amity and
confederation between the two nations. Some of the visionary enthusi
asts in Parliament even entertained the idea of making the two repubUcs
one, to be governed by a councU sitting at London, composed of Dutch
men and Englishmen. To eff'ect this, the embassy was instructed to use
the most adroit diplomacy ; but their first act was to demand that aU
the EngUsh fugitives should be expeUed from HoUand. This decided
the matter. The Dutch government at once assumed a haughty air.
The people of the Netherlands were attached to the bouse of Orange, and
did not relish the presence of the executioners of the unhappy grandfather
of WiUiam III.^ They openly, and on every possible occasion, insulted
the ambassadors, who finally returned to England, determined to de
stroy the commercial ascendency of the Dutcb.^ The celebrated Act
of Navigation was accordingly carried through Parliament. Hencefor
ward the commerce between England and her colonies, as weU as that
between England and the rest of the world, was to be conducted in ships
solely owned and principally manned by Englishmen. Foreigners might
carry to England nothing but those products of their respective coun
tries which were the established staples of those countries. The act was
leveled at the commerce of the Dutch, and destroyed one great source
of their prosperity, whUe some letters of reprisal issued by EngUsh mer
chants brought eighty Dutch ships as prizes into English ports. The
act was, after all, but a protection of British shipping. It contained not
one clause which related to a colonial monopoly, or was specially inju
rious to an American colony. In vain did the Dutch expostulate against
the breach of commercial amity. England loved herself better than she
loved her neighbors. But, as might have been expected, a naval war was
the consequence. The first battle between the forces of the Neth- May 29.
erlands and the English Commonwealth was fought in the Straits
of Dover, on the 29th of May, 1652. Other battles foUowed in which the
Dutch were victorious, and the triumphant Van Tromp sailed along
the English coast with a broom at his masthead, to indicate that
he had swept the Channel of English ships.
The States-General had remonstrated so often and so earnestly with the
' Aitzema, III. 638-663. Thurloe' s State Papers, 1. 174, 179, 182, 183, 187-195. Verhael
Van Beveming, 61, 62.
' Common's Journal, VII. 27. A'oderson, II. 415, 416. Lingard, XI. 128. Davis, II.
707-7X0. Bancroft, I. 215, 216.

158 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
West India Company in regard to the mismanagement of New Nether
land, that the Amsterdam Chamber finaUy deemed it wise to pour a little
oil upon the bleeding wounds of the colonists. They took off the export
duty from tobacco; reduced the price of passage to New Amsterdam;
allowed the colonists to procure negroes from Africa ; sent supphes of
ammunition to be distributed at a " decent price " ; assented to
'' ' the estabUshment of a pubUc school ; and granted a burgher gov
ernment to New Amsterdam, simUar to that of the cities of the Father
land. In the vessel which brought these dispatches were several dis
tinguished passengers, among whom was Dominie Samuel Drisius, a
learned divine, who could preach in EngUsh, Dutch, and French, and who
came to New Amsterdam as colleague to Dominie Megapolensis, at a
salary of $ 580 per annum.
The pubUc school was opened in one of the smaU rooms of the great
stone tavern, and Dr. La Montagne offered to teach untU a suitable master
could be obtained from HoUand. MeanwhUe the States-General had re
solved to recaU Governor Stuyvesant. They prepared their mandate and
intrusted it to Van der Donck, who was about to saU for New Amsterdam.
This extraordinary measure aroused the Amsterdam Chamber; they in
terfered, and at last persuaded the States-General that, in view of the
rupture with England, they needed a man of Stuyvesant's mUitary char
acter and experience to guard their American possessions. A messenger
was therefore sent to Texel, where Van der Donck was upon the eve of
sailing, and the letter of recaU was obtained and destroyed. Thus
Stuyvesant received nothing of bis threatened humUiation. An
order reached him, however, that Schelluyne shoiUd be unmolested in his
practice of notary-public.
The towns of Middleburg and Flatbush were commenced this year.
There were also large tracts of land ceded to different parties on Long
Island, in New Jersey, and on the banks of the North Eiver. But pros
perity was not ready to bless the slow-growing community, and its off
shoots and branches developed with strange tardiness. One of the great
est wants of the colony was skilled labor, and, indeed, labor of every kind.
Efibrts had been made to procure it from Holland, but with very little
success. Negroes had occasionally been brought to Manhattan and sold,
but the demand for servants was far beyond the supply. The new law of
the company, which permitted the colonists to equip vessels and saU to the
coasts of Angola, in Africa, to procure negroes for themselves, was the
signal for the fitting out of several vessels exclusively for the slave-trade
and the bringing to New Netherland of a large invoice of the colored
population of the torrid zone. Every family who could afford it invested

AFRICAN SLAVERY.

159

in this branch of industry. But it was wretchedly unsatisfactory. ITie
slaves were ignorant and intensely stupid. Twenty-five of such as were
imported at that time could hardly perform as much work as three, a
hundred years later.
While these voyages were occupying the attention of the enterprising
merchants of Manhattan, an interesting moment arrived. A new jggg
city appeared in the annals of the world. Its birth was an
nounced on the evening of February 2, 1653, at the feast of Can
dlemas. A proclamation of the governor defined its exceedingly Umited
powers and named its first officers. It was caUed New Amsterdam.
There was nothing in the significant scene which inspired enthusiasm.
It came like a favor grudgingly granted. Its privUeges were few, and even
those were subsequently hampered by the most Uliberal interpretations
which could be devised. Stuyvesant made a speech on the occasion, in
which he took care to reveal his intention of making aU future municipal
appointments, instead of submitting the matter to the votes of the citizens,
as was the custom in the Fatherland ; and he gave the officers distinctly
to understand from the first, that their existence did not in any way
diminish his authority, but
that he should often preside
at their meetings, and at aU
times counsel them in mat
ters of importance. They
were not to have a sheriff' of
their own; but Van Tien
hoven, the provincial sheriff,
might officiate for the cor
poration. Neither was it
deemed requisite that they
should have a scribe ; but
Jacob Kip, the newly ap
pointed secretary of the prov
ince, was notified to attend
their meetings and do such
Kip's Mansion. Writing as Seemed necessary.
He was a youug man of spirit and intelligence, tall, handsome, and ex
tremely popular The foUowing year, he married Marie La Montagne,
the daughter of Dr. La Montagne, a beautiful girl of sixteen. He owned
a farm of one hundred and fifty acres on the East Eiver, and soon after
his marriage erected a house upon it, and went there to reside. The
locality was, and is still, knOwn as Kip's Bay.

160 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
This Kip mansion subsequently became famous. It was once or twice
rebuUt, and five generations of the Kip family were born in it. It was,
for a short time, during the American Eevolution, the head-quarters of
General Washington. It was oue of the landmarks of the olden time that
was ruthlessly pushed aside by the corporation, at the opening of Thirty-
fifth Street, on the direct line of which it stood. The sketch is a fair
illustration of the style of the better class of farm-houses on Manhattan
Island, during the early period. The new city contained a number of
good stone dwellings, which had a substantial and aristocratic air, as if
inhabited by people of wealth and cultivated tastes. There were many
EngUsh and French, as well as Dutch, residents who were weU con
nected in Europe ; and, from whatever cause they had been induced to
emigrate, they were not likely to tum barbarians because they were in
a new country. Good breeding cannot be taken on and put off' so readily.
Many struggled along for years with wants unsupplied ; but when, with
increase of means, they were able to provide the comforts and luxuries
to which they had been born, they were not slow to embrace the oppor
tunity. The refinement and culture of these gave tone, even at that
early date, to the social Ufe of the little community.
The cheaper and more common dweUings we find to have been gener
aUy built of wood, with checker- work fronts, or rather gable ends, of small
black and yellow Dutch bricks, with the date of their erection inserted in
iron figures facing the street. The roofs were tiled or shingled, and sur
mounted with a weathercock. The front door was usually ornamented
with a huge brass knocker, with the device of a dog's or lion's head, which
was required to be burnished daUy. As the facilities for obtaining build
ing materials increased, the huts of the very poor classes graduaUy assumed
a more and more respectable appearance. The old stone tavern was re
modeled, cleaned up, and caUed a Stadthuys, or City Hall ; and there the
city magistrates held their meetings on Mondays, from nine o'clock in the
morning until noon, and ff business was urgent they sometimes had an
after-dinner session. Absent members were fined six stuyvers for the
first haff-hour, twelve for the second, and forty if absent during the
meeting. A pew was set apart in the church for the City Fathers ; and on Sun
day mornings these worthies left their homes and families early to meet
in the City HaU, from which, preceded by the bell-ringer, carrying their
cushions of state, they marched in solemn procession to the sanctuary in
the fort. On all occasions of ceremony, secular or religious, they were
treated with distinguished attention. Their position was eminently re
spectable, but it had as yet no emoluments. We shaU have occasion

ALLARD ANTHONY. 161
hereafter to show how they watched over the tender babyhood of the
city, — a city whose infancy was dwarfed by the constant neglect of
the parent country; which was exposed to savage hostility and over
looked by the world in general ; which was captured while yet in swad
dling-clothes by people of different language, views, and policy ; whose
youth was a combat with aU kinds of untoward circumstances, but whose
maturity has so far exceeded the promise of its earUer years, and whose
future certainties are so much greater than those of any other city on the
face of the earth, that we cannot pass on without extending our cordial
feUowship to those who rocked its cradle. Their names we shaU rewrite
each time with newly awakened emotions.
There were two burgomasters, Arent Van Hattam and Martin Cre
gier. The first was an inteUigent HoUand speculator, who traveled
through the country and amassed a large fortune, but never married,
or had any permanent residence in New Amsterdam that we can
leam. He was once sent as ambassador to Virginia. Martin Cregier
was the captain of the citizens' miUtary company, and went often in
command of important expeditions into the interior. He was the pro
prietor of a small tavern opposite the BowUng Green, the site of which
he purchased in 1643. He was a conspicuous man in his day ; and his
descendants are among the most highly respected families in tbe State of
New York.
There were five schepens, — Paulus Van der Grist, MaximUian Van
Gheel, AUard Anthony, Peter Van Couwenhoven, and WiUiam Beek
man. Paulus Van der Grist was a hale, hearty old sea-captain, who
commanded one of the four ships of the fleet which conveyed Governor
Stuyvesant to America. Either personally or thi'ough an agent, be bought
considerable property on Manhattan Island as early as 1644, and took
up his permanent residence in New Amsterdam, as naval agent, in 1648.
He owned a sloop with which he navigated the waters near by; buUt
himself a nice house on Broadway below Trinity Church ; and opened a
dry-goods store, keeping groceries and knick-knacks also, according to
viUage custom.
Allard Anthony was a middle-aged man, rich, influential, conceited,
and unpopular. He was the consignee of a large firm in HoUand ;
and his store was in the old church buUding erected by Van Twil
ler. Besides his general wholesale business, he engaged in the retaU
trade ; for we learn by the records that he sold a " hanger " to Jan Van
Cleef "for as much buckwheat as Anthony's fowls wiU eat in six
months." At another time we learn that his wife complained of some
negroes " for kiUing a few of her pigs." He had a large farm on the

162 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
island; but his city residence, a first-class stone mansion, was on the
comer of Whitehall and Marketfield Streets. He had one son, Nicholas,
who was afterwards sheriff of Ulster County ; and two daughters, who,
it has been said, dressed the most showUy and fashionably of aU the
ladies of New Amsterdam. Peter Couwenhoven has been noticed on a
previous page.
WilUam Beekman was the ancestor of the well-known Beekman
family, and his name is perpetuated by two streets, WiUiam and Beek
man. He came from HoUand in the same vessel with Stuyvesant, at
the age of twenty-one. FuU of strong, healthy Ufe, and ambition, he
employed every moment that he could spare from his clerkship duties
in searching for a spot to plant his money, for he had not come empty-
handed from abroad. An opportunity soon offered; he purchased
Corlear's Hook of Jacob Corlear, and shortly after feU in love with and
married the pretty blue-eyed Catharine Van Boogh. Everybody thought
it a good match, and the youthful pair were held in high esteem. In the
course of years, he rose to distinction ; he was at one time vice-director
of the colony on the Delaware, and at another sheriff at Esopus. He
was nine years a burgomaster of New Amsterdam. In 1670, he bought
the farm formerly owned by Thomas Hall, stretching along the East
Eiver for a gTeat distance. His orchard lay upon a side-hiU running
down to the swamp which was caUed Cripple Bush, and through which
Beekman Street now passes. He had five sons and one only daughter,
Marie. This daughter married Nicholas WiUiam Stuyvesant, a son of
the governor.
The bell-ringer was a notable and useful individual He was the
court messenger, the grave-digger, the chorister, the reader, and some
times the schoolmaster. He seems also to have been a general waiter
upon the city magistrates. He kept the great room in which they as
sembled in order, placed the chairs in their proper and precise positions,
^ ^ and rang the beU at the hour for coming together. It was the
business of the sheriff to convoke and preside over this board, to
prosecute offenders, and to execute judgments. City officials in the Fa
therland were invested with judicial and municipal powers ; but, as no
specific charter had beeu granted to our City Fathers, their authority was
not well defined. They heard and settled disputes between parties ; tried
cases for the recovery of debt, for defamation of character, for breaches
of marriage promise, for assault and theft ; and even summoned parents
and guardians into their presence for withholding their consent to the
marriage of their children or wards without sufficient cause. They sen
tenced and committed to prison, like any other court of sessions.

THE PRAYER OF TIIE CITY FATHERS. 163
All their meetings were opened with a solemn and impressive form of
prayer. As we find it recorded in their minutes, we presume they designed
it should go down to posterity ; hence we give it in full : —
" Oh God of Gods, and Lord of Lords ! Heavenly and most merciful Father !
We thank thee that thou hast not only created us in thine image, but that thou
hast received us as thy children and guests when we were lost, and in addition
to all this, it has pleased thee to plaoe us in the government of thy people in
this place.
" 0 Lord, our God, we, thy wretched creatures, acknowledge that we are not
worthy of this honor, and that we have neither strength nor sufficiency to dis
charge the trust committed to us without thine assistance.
" We beseech thee, oh fountain of aU good gifts, quaUfy us by thy grace, that
we may, with fidelity and righteousness, serve in our respective offices. To this
end enlighten our darkened understandings, that we may be able to distinguish
the right from the wrong, the truth from the falsehood ; and that we may give
pure and uncorrupted decisions ; having au eye upon thy word, a sure guide,
giving to the simple, wisdom and knowledge. Let thy law be a light unto our
feet, and a lamp to our path, so that we may never tum away from the path of
righteousness. Deeply impress on all our minds that we are not accountable
unto man, but unto God, who seeth and heareth all things. Let aU respect of
persons be far removed from us, that we may award justice unto tbe rich and
the poor, unto friends and enemies alike ; to residents and to strangers according
to the law of truth : and that not one of us may swerve therefrom. And since
gifts do blind the eyes of the wise, and destroy the heart, therefore keep our
hearts aright. Grant unto us, also, that we may not rashly prejudge any one,
without a fair hearing, but that we patiently hear the parties, and give them
time and opportunity for defending themselves ; in all things looking up to thee
and to thy word for counsel and direction.
" Gracioufsly incline our hearts, that we may exercise the power which thou hast
given us, to the general good of the community, and to the maintainance of the
church, that we may be praised by them that do well, and a terror to evil
doers. " Incline, also, the hearts of the subjects unto due obedience, so that through
their respect and obedience our burdens may be made the lighter.
"Thou knowest. Oh Lord, that the wicked and ungodly do generally con
temn and transgress thine ordinances, therefore clothe us with strength, courage,
fortitude, and promptitude, that we may, with proper earnestness and zeal, be
steadfast unto death against all sinners and evil-doers.
" Oh good and gracious God, command thy blessing upon all our adopted
resolutions, that they may be rendered effectual, and redound to the honor of
thy great and holy name, to the greatest good of the trusts committed to us and
to our salvation.

164 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
" Hear and answer us. Oh gracious God, in these our petitions and in all that
thou seest we need, through the merits of Jesus Christ thy beloved Son, in whose
name we conclude our prayer."
In view of the disturbances across the water, Stuyvesant, as a precau
tionary measure, wrote to the authorities in New England and Virginia,
expressing friendship and good-will, and proposed that the com-
' mercial intercourse of the colonies should continue uninterrupted.
He leamed before the end of March, however, that mUitary preparations
were going on in New England ; but whether these were offensive
March 13 .
' or defensive, he could not discover. He called a joint meeting of
the Council and the City Fathers, and tbey resolved that a body of citizens
should mount guard every night at the City Hall ; also, that Fort Am
sterdam should be put in a proper state of defense, and that the city
should defray the cost. About forty of the principal men of New Amster
dam subscribed a loan of two thousand doUars for the purpose. The fence
which Kieft had built across the island still remained, and it was de
cided to inclose the city by a ditch and paUsades with a breastwork, on
about the same line, and every man was required to leave his business
and lend a helping band. Posts twelve feet high and about seven inches
in diameter were erected, and covered on the outside with boards; a
ditch, two feet wide and three deep, was dug upon the inside, and the
dirt was thrown up against the fence, thus making a platform of
^ ' sufficient height to permit the assailed to overlook the stockade.
It was completed about the 1st of May. In the mean time, the people
had become seriously alarmed, and had spent the 9th day of April in
fasting and prayer throughout the province.
War upon the Dutch colonists was actually in contemplation in New
England. A large party were eager to take the opportunity offered by
the hostilities in Europe to grasp New Netherland; but the General
Court of Massachusetts refused to sanction such an enterprise. In the
mean time. Captain John UnderhiU had grown restless, and agitated a
revolt on Long Island. In a seditious paper addressed to the people,
he speaks of " this great autocracy and tyranny too grievous for any good
Englishman or brave Christian to tolerate." But his plot was dis
covered in time to be prevented, and he was arrested, tried, and
1 New A-ms. Sec, I. pp. 105, 106, 107, 108, 109. The records ofthe first City Fathereare
well preserved. They have been translated into the English language, and are both curious
and entertaining. The minutes of the proceedings of the burgomasters and schepens in the
earliest years of the city furnish an abundant harvest for the antiquary. The writer of this
volume only regrets that its necessary limitations exclude so large a propoi'tion of the inter
esting matter found in their pages.

VAN DER DONCK. 165
banished from the province. The city was fuU of startling rumors ; and,
during the summer that foUowed, the governor was constantly involved
in a variety of unexpected difficulties. A man of less firmness and de
cision of character would have signally faUed in maintaining authority.
AUard Anthony was sent to HoUand as a special agent to rep
resent the situation of affairs to the Amsterdam Chamber. Stuy
vesant, having called upon the city government for further funds
to invest in fortification, was waited upon by the burgomasters,
who peremptorUy refused to contribute anything more, unless the Aug. 2.
governor gave up the excise on wines and beers.
In the summer. Van der Donck arrived from Holland. He had en
larged his Vertoogh by writing out a more accurate description of
New Netherland. He had submitted it to the West India Company, who
had not only approved of it, but recommended it to the States-General ;
and the author had received a copyright. He desired to give it a stUl
broader historical character ; and he applied to the company for permission
to examine the records at New Amsterdam. He was cordially referred
to Stuyvesant. But the latter gentleman suspected his motives and
treated him with cool severity, denying him access to any papers
whatever. Van der Donck wished also to practice law in this country.
His ability as a lawyer was well known. The dUectors of the com
pany were disposed to grant him a license, only they said, " What wiU
one great advocate do alone among the savages ? You will have
nobody of your stamp to plead against you ! " Van der Donck,
when he found his journey barren of results, sailed again for
Europe, where he published the book under the title of Beschryvinge
van Nieuw Nederlandt. The second edition contained a map reduced
from the large one of Visscher, and embeUished with a view of New Am
sterdam, sketched by Augustine Heermans in 1656.
Heermans was a native of Bohemia, and came to New Amsterdam,
with Van TwiUer, in 1633, as an officer of the company. He had picked
up a great fund of information, as weU as an immense quantity of real
estate ; and he had a natural taste for sketching, which, however, was
never cultivated in any considerable degree. His house stood on the
west side of Pearl Street, covering the line of Pine. It was buUt of
stone, and surrounded by an orchard and an extensive garden. He
removed afterwards to Maryland, where he became a large landholder.
The governor was cheered in July by the arrival of a personage of
importance. The company had selected Hon. Nicasius De SiUe,
a gentleman of the best culture the time afforded, a thorough
statesman and an experienced lawyer, and commissioned him as first

^^cajms M^tx

166 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
councilor in their provincial government. He was a widower, with two
attractive daughters and one son ; and he built quite an extensive house
on the corner of Broad Street and Exchange Place, where he was in the
habit of entertaining a smaU
but very select circle of friends
in the same elegant and court
ly manner to which he had
been accustomed at the Hague. , ^ . ,„ ^.„
" Autograph of De Srile.
His eldest daughter, Anna, a
brilUant little girl of fourteen, who afterward married Hendrick Kip,
presided over his table, with its blue and white china and porce
lain, curiously ornamented with Chinese pictures. The teacups were
very diminutive in size, according to the prevaUing fashion, and the tea
was sipped in smaU quantities alternately with a bite from the lump
of loaf-sugar which was laid beside each guest's plate. De SUle brought
to this country more sUver-plate than any one had done before him, and
took special pride in its exhibition. Governor Stuyvesant's family, Mrs.
Bayard, the La Montagues, and the Kips were his most frequent visitors.
He selected Tryntie Croegers for his second wffe; but the marriage
proved unhappy. The parties separated in 1669 ; and a commission, ia
which figured such names as Van Cortlandt, De Peyster, and Van Brugh,
was appointed to try to bring about a reconciliation. They reported that
aU affection and love were estranged on both sides, but that the husband
was more inclined to a reunion than the wife, and they recommended an
equal division of the property. De SiUe built the first stone house in
New Utrecht, and resided there for many years. He left a brief history
of the settlement of that town. Laurence De SiUe, his son, married the
daughter of Martin Cregier, and was the ancestor of all of the name of
De Sille in this country. Mrs. De SiUe at her death left the whole of
her estate, real and personal, to her cousin. Jacobus Croegers.
CorneUs Van Euyven was about this time appointed secretary of the
province, and Van Brugge was employed in the custom-house. AU at
once there arose again a great spirit of disaffection among the EngUsh on
Long Island. How much of it was due to the consummate tact of Cap-
tain UnderhUl we are not prepared to say, but from many of the
towns came the bitterest denunciation of the Dutch authorities of
New Netherlands. It finaUy resulted in one of the most important pop
ular meetings ever held in New Amsterdam. The capital itself
' was represented by delegates, as also Breuckelen, Flatbush, Flat-
lauds, Gravesend, Newtown, Flushing, and Hempstead; and the men
who assembled were earnest, thoughtful, liberty-loving citizens. The

THE DIET IN NEW AMSTERDAM.

167

De Sille's House.

Dec. 13.

convention, after mutual consultation and discussion, adopted a remon
strance, which, in courteous phraseology, compares well wifh documents
of a similar character at a later day, and which shows upon the
face of it an intelligent appreciation of the rights,
as weU as a thorough acquaintance with the legiti
mate objects, of civil government. It demanded re
forms and laws such as pre
vailed in the Netherlands ;
and Stuyvesant winced un
der the truths which were
laid bare before his eyes.
To weaken its ef
fect, he declared that
Breuckelen, Flatbush, and
Flatlands had no right to
jurisdiction, and could not
send delegates to a popular assembly. He talked eloquently, and was
exhaustive in argument. The delegates prepared a rejoinder, and
threatened to send their protest to the States-General and the
West India Company, if he did not lend a considerate ear. Then nothing
seemed to remain but the exercise of his prerogative. He commanded
the delegation to disperse " on pain of our highest displeasure," and closed
his message by arrogantly declaring that " we derive our authority from
God and the company, not from a few ignorant subjects ; and we alone
can call the inhabitants together." But the popular voice was not stified,
for the hnrgomasters and schepens wrote to the West India Com
pany, complaining that their municipal powers were " too narrow,"
and asking for such privUeges as were granted to their " beloved Amster
dam." The Gravesend magistrates wrote to the States-General,
presenting their grievances ; and another letter of a similar char
acter, signed by Martin Cregier, George Baxter, and others, was addressed
to the burgomasters and schepens of the city of Amsterdam. Mean- JJ6C. o\j.
while the exigencies of the times gave the disaffected community
an excellent opportunity of demonstrating their actual loyalty to the
Fatherland. The rapid increase of piracy on the Sound, and the dreaded
invasion of the English, made it necessary that a force of men should be
raised in each of the towns for the common defense ; and the caU was
responded to with alacrity.
On the 16th of December was established in England the new
institute of government, by which Oliver Cromwell was made Lord
Protector, and the supreme legislative authority was vested in him and

Dec. 24.

Dec. 27.

Dec. 16.

168 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
ParUament. _ For weeks, during the year past, that country had been as
near to anarchy as any civiUzed nation has ever been ; but Parjiament
was now to be imperial in its character, and the Protector was to be as
sisted by a councU of state.
The spring was just opening, when news reached New Amsterdam
that an armed fleet of four ships, direct from England, were iu Boston
1654. raising men for the purpose of attacking the Dutch possessions
June, in this country. The consternation may readily be imagined.
There was nothing talked or thought of but preparations for war. Women
and other non-combatants, goods and valuables, were removed with ra
pidity beyond range of the missiles of destruction. Many of the inhab
itants counseled the surrender of the city without bloodshed; but the
stern military chieftain visited upon such advisers the fuU measure of
his contempt.
Just as the British force, numbering nine hundred foot and a troop of
horse, were victualed and about setting out for New Amsterdam, peace
was proclaimed between England and Holland.^ Cromwell had
July 12. . f ,
stipulated his own terms with the United Provinces ; but his
foreign policy was bold and manly, and, if he had robbed England of her
liberty, he at least gave her glory in exchange. The nation which for
half a century had been of scarcely more weight than Venice in European
politics, suddenly became the most formidable power in the world,
and her ruler an object of mingled aversion, admiration, and dread
Nowhere was the news received with such abandonment of deUght as in
New Amsterdam. BeUs rung and cannon boomed, and a day was set
apart by the governor for general thanksgiving.
1 Three hundred of these troops were from Massachusetts, two hundred from Connecticut,
one hundred .and thirty-three from New Haven, and two hundred from the fleet.

SALARIES 169

CHAPTER XI.
1654-1660.
SALARIES. i
City Taxation. — The Swedes. — The Long Island Feret. — Thomas Pell. — Lady
Moody's Libeary. — The Gay Repast. — First City Seal. — Christmas. — New
Year's. — The City Hall. — The First Church on Long Island. — Dominie Polhe
mus. — The Expedition against the Swedes. — The Indian Horror. — Van Tien
hoven's Downfall. — The Lutheran Persecution. — City Progress. — Dominie
Deisius. — Burgher Rights. — Unique Laws. — The Quaker Persecution. —
Hodgson at the Wheelbarrow. — Stuyvesant's Interview with the Indian
Chiefs. — "Whitehall." — Stuyvesant's Country-Seat. — Indian Hostilities. —
Oliver Cromwell's Death.
THE burgomasters and schepens, even before their first year of service
had expired, found their duties so arduous, and involving so much
time and trouble, that they petitioned for salaries. Stuyvesant,
after mature dehberation, granted to each burgomaster one hundred
and forty dollars, and to each schepen one hundred dollars, per annum.
They sent in, at the same time, a double set of names from which he
might choose officers for the coming year. He, however, retained the
same men in office, except that he fiUed two vacancies in the board of
schepens by the appointment of Oloff Stevensen Van Cortlandt and
Jochem Pietersen Kuyter. The latter had been successful in the vindica
tion of his character, and was now in possession of his estate in Harlem,
and restored to all the rights and privileges of a feudal lord. He Uved in
a house on the north side of Pearl Street, between Broad Street and Han
over Square. He was commissioned by the Amsterdam Chamber as city
sheriff, it having been found necessary, through the rapid increase of busi
ness, to separate the office from that of the province ; but, unfortunately,
before the commission reached New Amsterdam, he had been murdered
by the Indians, while on a tour of exploration through the wilderness to
the North. The appointment was transferred to Jacques Cortelyou, an
educated Frenchman, who was acting as tutor to the sons of Hon. Cor
nells Van Werckhoven. He decUned to accept it, because of the peculiar

170 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
nature of the instructions, and it was four years before the city was
favored with a sheriff of its own.
There was, from the first, a want of harmony between the govemor and
the city magistrates. The latter wished to assimilate their municipal
government to that of Amsterdam. They never ceased their exertions
until they deprived the executive of the absolute power of appointment
They clamored, too, for the management and control of the excise. It
seemed eminently proper that this should go into the city treasury, and
Stuyvesant finaUy consented to the arrangement. But he immediately
ordered that the city should provide for the support of the troops which
had recently arrived from HoUand, and for the maintenance of civU
and ecclesiastical ministers. The magistrates replied, expressing their
wiUingness to furnish their quota to the amount of one fifth of the whole
sum necessary to pay the debt incurred for the repairs of the pubUc works,
on condition that they should be empowered to levy taxes on aU the real
estate within their jurisdiction, seU and convey lands, etc. ; they would
also pay the salary of one clergyman, one chorister (to act as beadle and
schoolmaster), one sheriff, two burgomasters, five schepens, one secretary,
and one court messenger; but as to the military, tbey considered the
citizens already overtaxed for the fortifications, and unable to carry a
burden which was not for the protection of the city alone, but for the
country in general.
When the magistrates rendered their first report of excise income and
expenditures, Stujrvesant was greatly displeased to find that the minister's
salary had not been paid. As he went on with the examination of the
papers, he discovered that they had credited themselves with
' many items which could not be allowed ; as, for instance, the pas
sage-money of Franqois de Bleue, their agent, to Amsterdam. They had
not fulfilled their promise to complete the fort ; money borrowed for the
purpose had been otherwise used ; and the men who had advanced the
loan were clamoring for repayment. They had not furnished the subsidies
which they had promised, and they had faUed to contribute their quota
towards the public works. He took them severely to task, and by the
advice of his councU he reassumed the control of the excise which he had
already surrendered. The subject was submitted to the Amster-
" dam Chamber, which instructed the governor to enforce his author
ity, " so that those men may no longer indulge in the visionary dream
that contributions cannot be levied without their consent."
Meanwhile, difficulties had been brewing on the South Eiver The
news of the capture of Fort Casimir by the Swedes reached Stu3rvesant
whUe he was in the midst of his hurried preparations to defend New

"Jis he went on with ihe examination ofthe papers, he disomered thai ihe ministers salary had not been paid, and that they had credited themselves
with many things ihat oould noi be allowed, and he tooh them severely to task.-' ^age 170.

THE SWEDES. 171
Netherland from the English. To attempt the recovery of that distant
post in a moment of such danger was out of the question, and therefore an
account of the affair was sent to HoUand, and orders thence were
awaited. In September, a Swedish vessel entered the lower bay by ^^ '
mistake, and sent to New Amsterdam for a pilot to guide her back into
the ocean. Stuyvesant at once ordered the arrest of the boat's crew, and
sent soldiers to capture the vessel and bring its captain to the fort. The
cargo was removed to the company's warehouse, and a message sent to the
Swedish commander of Fort Casimir that the vessel woiUd be detained
untU such time as " a reciprocal restitution should be made."
The city magistrates, about the same time, demanded and obtained the
power to lease the ferry between Manhattan and Long Island, which some
what moUified their antagonism to their stern superior. Up to this period
great inconvenience had been experienced by the community in crossing
the East Eiver. Persons had often been compeUed to wait a whole day
before they could be ferried over ; and the trip was dangerous at its best.
An ordinance was accordingly passed, as foUows : —
" No one shaU be permitted to ferry without a license from the magis
trates : the ferryman must keep proper servants and boats, and a bouse
on both sides of the river for the accommodation of passengers, and must
pass aU officials free. The said ferryman shall not be compelled to ferry
any persons, cattle, or goods, without prepayment, and must not cross the
river in a tempest." ^
The toU estabUshed by law was, for a wagon and two horses, twenty
stuyvers, or one dollar ; for a wagOn and one horse, eighty cents ; for an
Indian, thirty cents ; for any other person, fifteen cents.
Early in November, news reached the harassed governor that Thomas
PeU, an EngUsh gentleman and a rank royalist (formerly Gentle
man of the Bedchamber to Charles!.), who had been obUged to
leave New Haven because he refused to swear allegiance to the local
government, on the ground that he had already taken an oath in England,
had bought of the Indian sachem, Annhook, a tract of land in West
chester, including the estate formerly owned and occupied by Mrs. Annie
Hutchinson.2 Stuyvesant immediately dispatched a marshal to warn the
intruder that the same land had long ago been bought of the Indians,
and paid for, by other parties, and to forbid the transaction altogether.
Pell took no notice of the message, but went on improving his newly
' New Amsterdam Records.
^ It is supposed that the red chieftain, Annhook, was the one most concerned in the mur
der of Mrs. Hutchinson, as it was an Indian custom for a warrior to assume the name of some
distinguished victim of his prowess.

172 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
acquired possessions. Thirty-five years later, the acting governor of New
York himseff purchased the township of New EocheUe of Mr. PeU. From
the latter the town of Pelham derived its name ; the word being of Saxon
origin, compounded of the two words. Pell and ham. (Ham sigmfies
home, or house.)
During the same month, the governor himself was severely repri
manded by the Amsterdam Chamber. The foUowing paragraph
~^' ' is a key to the document which he received : —
" You ought to act with more vigor, and dare to punish refractory sub
jects as they deserve."
Opportunities for the display of courage were certainly not wanting.
At that very moment, some of the English settlers on Long Island were
strugghng to free themselves from the dominion of the Dutch. The con
duct of George Baxter, the former English secretary, and of Mr Hubbard,
of Gravesend, was such that Stuyvesant removed them from the magis
tracy. Immediately after, he visited the settlement in person, hoping to
aUay in some measure the acute discontent which prevailed, and to
regulate the future choice of magistrates. He was, for several days, the
guest of Lady Moody ; and Mrs. Stuyvesant, who accompanied her hus
band, was greatly charmed with the noble English lady. The house of
the latter in Gravesend, though primitive in outward construction, was
furnished with comparative elegance and good taste, and contained the
largest coUection of books which had yet been brought into the colony.
It was fortified against the Indians, and, in the course of its curious his
tory, sustained several serious attacks.
As the winter advanced, Stuyvesant determined to make a voyage to
the West Indies, for the purpose of estabUshing a commerce be
tween the Spanish plantations and New Netherland. He was to
sail, on Christmas eve, in the Abraham's Sacrifice, and the city magis
trates were impeUed to caU a special meeting of the Common Council
and pass the foUowing significant resolution : —
" Whereas, The Eight Honorable Peter Stuyvesant, intending to depart,
the burgomasters and schepens shaU compUment him before he
' takes his gaUant voyage, and shaU for this purpose provide a
gay repast, on Wednesday next, in the CouncU Chamber of the City
HaU."i The list of edibles which was furnished to the committee of arrange
ments was a long one, and the dinner was a feast indeed. This courtesy
to the chief magistrate was productive of sincere good-feeling. Wit and
humor for once took the place of dignified austerity. The govemor was
' New Amsterdam Records.

FIRST CITY SEAL.

173

First Seal of New Amsterdam.

Dec. 14.

genial, even to fanuliarity. Before the party separated, he presented to
the city a long-desired SEAL, which consisted
of the arms of Old Amsterdam, — three
crosses saltier, — with a beaver for a crest.
On the mantle above were the initial let
ters C. W. C. for "Chartered West India
Company," for to that corporation the island
of Manhattan especiaUy belonged. Under
neath was the legend " Sigillum Amstello-
DAMENSls IN Novo Belgio," and around the
border was a vsreath of laurel ^
The administration of affairs during Stuy
vesant's absence was committed to Vice-Governor De SiUe and the council.
The Dutch held national festivals in high esteem. At a meet
ing of the Common Council, on Monday, December 14, the fol
lowing was placed on record : —
" As the winter and the holidays are at hand, there shaU be no more
ordiuary meetings of this board between this date and three weeks after
Christmas. The court messenger is ordered not to summon any person
in the mean time." ^
Christmas was, at that period, observed as a reUgious, domestic, and
merry-making festival throughout England and HoUand, as well as in
some other European countries. The Dutch often caUed it the " children's
festival" The evening was devoted to the giving of presents, and " Christ
mas trees " were everywhere in vogue. The custom originated in the
Protestant districts of Germany and Northern Europe. Saint Nicholas,
whose image presided as the figure-head of the first emigrant ship which
' touched Manhattan Island, and for whom the first church had been named,
was esteemed the patron saint of New Amsterdam. The hero of the
chUdish legend of Santa Claus — the fat, rosy-cheeked, Uttle old man
with a pipe in his mouth, driving a reindeer sleigh over the roofs of
houses — is no modern creation of fancy. His expected coming created
the same feverish excitement, the same pleasurable expectancy, the same
timorous speculations, among sleepy little watchers centuries ago as
among the children of New York to-day.
"New Year's " was observed by the interchange of visits. Cake, wine,
and punch were offered to guests. It was one of the most impor- ^^^^
tant social observances of the year, and was conducted with much
ceremony. Gifts, on that day, particularly in families and among intimate
> Brodhead, 1. 597. Val Man, 1848, 384.
'^ New Amsterdam Records, II. 76, 77 - 81, 92.

174 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
friends, were by no means unusual The custom of New- Year's visits,
which had been handed down from remote ages, prevaUs at the present
time in nearly aU the large cities of the world.
The winter wore away quietly. The vice-governor was seriously em
barrassed, through the constant uneasiness and the threats of the Enghsh
colonists, and longed for Stuyvesant's return ; but nothing of any impor
tance occurred. In February, the city took its first step in the
direction of poUce regulations. Dirck Van ScheUuyne, the lawyer,
was appointed high constable, and furnished with detailed instructions as
to his duties. As the spring opened, the city magistrates obtained control
of the City HaU for the first time, and ordered it " to be emptied
' of the vast quantity of salt and other trumpery with which it was
encumbered ; its lodgers were also cleared out." They then proceeded to
put it in better repair ; and it became a very respectable-looking edifice.^
It faced the East Eiver, but was so closely hemmed in by other buUdiogs
that a good view of it was difficult to obtain. The CouncU Chamber was
in the southeast comer of the second story. The prison was a smaU
room on the first floor in the rear. Upon the roof was a handsome cupola,
in which hung a bell In the year 1699, the buUding gave place to a
new City Hall in WaU Street, at the head of Broad, and was sold for one
hundred and ten pounds sterling. Its stones, which were very finely eut,
may even now be traced in the foundations of some of the stores in that
vicinity. It was found necessary to protect the shore in front of the City Hall
against high tides. Prior to this date, a stone-waU had been constructed
and the street fiUed in ; but the water washed between the crevices, and
it was resolved to drive planks into the shore and make a uniform
" sheet pile " extencUng the whole distance between Broad Street and the
City HaU, for the expenses of which aU the lot-owners were taxed. The
public school was removed, in May, from the Uttle room in the City Hall
to a small buUding on Pearl Street which had been rented for the purpose,
and William Verstius was employed as teacher.
For many years, the people of Long Island used to cross to Manhattan
on the Sabbath, to attend public worship, except when some clerical
traveler preached in a private house. They had sent several petitions to
tbe government for the establishment of a church, which was accom
plished at Midwout (Flatbush) in 1654. Stuyvesant appointed Dominie
Megapolensis, John Snedicor, and John Stryker to superintend the erec
tion of a church edifice, which was to be buUt in the form of a cross,
twenty-eight feet wide and sixty feet long, and twelve to fourteen be-
1 See sketch of City Hall on page 106.

DOMINIE POLHEMUS. 175
tween the beams. The rear of it was to be used as a minister's dwelling
The construction of this first house of worship in Kings County occupied
several years, although it was sufficiently advanced in the summer of
1655 to allow of its being opened for church services.
Dominie Johannes Theodorus Polhemus was instaUed pastor over this
church. He had just arrived in New Netherland from BrazU, where he
had been laboring as a missionary. He had sprung from an ancient and
highly respectable Holland stock, and was a gentleman of fair eUucation
and moderate ability. In 1656, he was joined by his wife and family.
He had two sons, Theodore and Daniel, from whom have descended aU
of the name in this country. In order to accommodate the people scattered
here and there over the wild region between Breuckelen and Gravesend,
it was arranged that there should be preaching in Flatbush on Sunday
mornings, and alternately in Breuckelen and Flatlands on Sunday after
noons. It was not long before Breuckelen began to grow mutinous.
The minister's tax was a serious bugbear.^ The Sunday service was
pronounced "poor and meager." The people said "they were getting
only a prayer in lieu of a sermon, so short that when they supposed it
just beginning it came to an end," — in other words, they were not getting
the worth of tbeir money, — and they asked to be relieved from supporting
such an unsatisfactory gospel. The governor replied by sending a sheriff
to collect their dues. He reproved them sharply for attempting thus to
shirk the fulfillment of their promises ; and he reminded them that the
good minister was in absolute suffering for the want of his salary, — his
house being unfinished, and himself, wife, and children obliged to sleep on
the floor.
In the month of July, Stuyvesant returned from the West Indies.
He had been whoUy defeated in the object of his voyage, through
CromweU's peculiar policy,^ and he was weary, sick, and disap
pointed. He found orders awaiting him from Holland to proceed against
the audacious Swedes at Fort Casimir, and to drive them from every
point on the South Eiver. A squadron of armed vessels for his use had
already arrived. The city fathers had fitted up another large vessel, to
swell the force. Volunteers were enlisted from both town and country.
During the month of August, the little city was alive with warlike prep
arations. Three North Eiver vessels were chartered, pilots were engaged;
" New York Col. MSS., VIII. 406. Stiles's History of Brooklyn, I. 130-134.
^ Cromwell had issued orders, during 1654, for the management and government of the
West Indies ; and the commissioners, on their arrival, laid an embargo on aU the Dutch ships
in these islands, eight of whieh were seized at Barbadoes alone. Three of the same were un
der the command of Governor Stuyvesant. O'Callaghan, II. 285.

176 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
and provisions and ammunition laid in store. The 25th of August was ob
served as a day of fasting and prayer for the success of the under-
"^' ¦ taking. On the first Sunday in September, after the close of the
morning sermon in the fort, the seven vessels, manned by seven hundred
men, sailed out of the harbor. They were commanded by Governor
Stuyvesant in person, who was accompanied by Vice-Governor De Sille,
and Dominie Megapolensis, as chaplain of the expedition.
In a few days, they entered the Delaware Eiver, passed Fort Casinur,
and landed about a mile above. A fiag of truce was sent to the fort,
demanding its surrender, which, after some parleying, was acceded to
without resistance. The Swedish commander went on board Stuyvesant's
vessel and signed a capitulation. The Swedes were allowed to remove
their artiUery ; twelve men were to march out with fuU arms and accou
terments ; aU the rest retained their side-arms, and the officers held theu:
personal property. At noon, on the 25th of September, the Dutch,
' with sounding bugles and flying banners, took possession of the
fort. Such of the Swedes as chose were aUowed to take the oath of
aUegiance to the New Netherland government and remain in the country.
The next day was Sunday, and Dominie Megapolensis preached to the
troops. Towards evening, a report was brought to the governor that the
Swedish commander, Eising, had re-assembled his forces at Fort Christina,
two mUes farther up the river, and was actively strengthening his posi
tion there.
The Swedes had an undisputed right to the land about Fort Christina,'
having made the purchase many years before with the tacit consent
of the company. They had been cultivating gardens and tobacco, and
were making fair progress in the erection of dAvellings. There were
about two hundred independent settlers. Stuyvesant moved his fleet to
the mouth of the Brandywine Eiver, where he anchored, invested Fort
Christina on aU sides, and demanded a surrender. Eesistance was hope
less. Articles of capitulation were quickly signed, and thus came to au
end the Swedish dominions on the Delaware.
Meanwhile, a terrible calamity befell New Netherland. A few days
after the governor and militaiy had departed from the peaceful
Sept. 16. j.^^^^ ^.^^ ^^ Manhattan Island, Ex-Sheriff Van Dyck shot an
Indian woman who was stealing peaches from his orchard, on the west
side of Broadway, below Trinity Church. For ten years the savages had
been friendly, and the minds of the people were lulled into a state of
security in regard to them. But the woman's tribe were inflamed by the
' Fort Christina was about thirty-five miles below the present site of Philadelphia, ou a
small stream called Christina Creek,

THE INDIAN HORROR. Ill
murder, and they determined upon revenge. They knew of the absence
of the greater part of the male population of New Amsterdam, and
availed themselves of the opportunity. About two thousand armed war
riors, in sixty-four canoes, suddenly appeared before the city. It was in
the early morning, just as daylight was breaking in the east. They landed
stealthily, and scattered themselves through the streets, breaking into
several houses, under pretense of searching for Indians from the North.
The people were stricken with mortal terror. The city officers sprang
from their beds, as did also the members of the governor's council, and
after a hurried conference, went bravely among the Indians and asked
to see their sachems. The latter came to the fort, where they were
received and treated in the kindest manner. They finally promised to
take their warriors out of the city, and proceeded, after much delay, to
their canoes. They crossed over to Nutten Island, but soon after dark
they returned, and ran up Broadway to the house of Van Dyck, whom
they kUled. Paulus Van der Grist, who lived next door, stepped out,
hoping to quiet the savages, but was struck down with an ax. The city
was in arms at once, and the citizens, with the aid of the burgher-guard,
drove the vindictive enemy to their canoes.
But this effected only a change in the scene of carnage. The
Indians hurried to Pavonia and Hoboken, and massacred every man,
woman, and child they could find. From there they went to Staten
Island, where were eleven flourishing plantations, with about ninety
settlers, and laid waste the entire land. Thence they carried their devas
tations into other parts of New Jersey. In three days, one hundred bad
been murdered and as many more carried into captivity ; twenty-eight
plantations had been whoUy destroyed, and property had been lost to the
amount of eighty thousand doUars !
The whole country was struck with horror and fear. The farmers fled
with their famiUes to the fort for protection. The English villages on
Long Island were threatened, and Lady Moody's house at Gravesend was
twice attacked. Prowling bands of savages flitted in and out of the
woods on the northern part of Manhattan Island. Mrs. Stuyvesant and
her chUdren were at their country-place, in the neighborhood of 13th
Street ; and as the citizens were so few in number that it was difficult to
spare a guard for her protection, ten resolute Frenchmen were hired for
that duty.
As soon as possible, a message was sent to the absent governor, who
hastened home, brinaing iov and confidence to the distressed com-
° ° ¦'¦',,.,- ,. . Oct. 12.
munity. His policy with regard to the Indians was to give no new
provocation, and to exchange fire-arms for prisoners. He succeeded,
12

178 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
after a short time, in inducing the red-men to sue for peace, and then he
promptly concluded a treaty with them.
About this time, one great source of misfortune to the province was
removed. Van Tienhoven, who had graduaUy been faUing into almost
every known vice, was beUeved to have given serious cause — through
imprudence when intoxicated — for the late terrible tragedies. Every
honest heart and every honest face was tumed against him. Having
been suddenly detected in the perpetration of gross frauds upon the
revenue, he was arrested. Stuyvesant clung to him to the last He
tried to palliate his misconduct, evidently blinded to the extraordinary
profiigacy and corruption which had ruined the miserable sheriff, body
and soul. Before the time arrived for submitting his defense, Van Tien
hoven absconded, leaving his hat and cane fioating on the river, to convey
the idea of suicide. His wife begged that his property and papers
might not be seized, and the execution was stayed. His brother Adriaen,
the receiver-general, disappeared at the same time, and was subsequently
recognized in the EngUsh service at Barbadoes, in the capacity of cook.
In the midst of these excitements, a few Lutherans attempted to hold
reUgious meetings. Stuyvesant, with all his Christian virtues, was re
ligiously intolerant. He issued a proclamation, forbidding the people to
assemble for any religious service not in harmony with the Eeformed
Church. This penal law, the first against freedom of conscience
1656. which disgraced the statute-book of New York, was rigorously en
forced. Stuyvesant claimed that its purpose was " to promote the glory
of God, and the peace and harmony of the country." Any minister who
should violate it was to be fined one hundred pounds. Any person who
should attend such a meeting was to be fined twenty-five pounds. Com
plaints were sent to HoUand, and the company rebulved the governor for
his bigotry. The directors wrote : —
" We would fain not have seen your worship's hand set to the placard
against the Lutherans, nor have heard that you oppressed them with the
imprisonments of which they have complained to us. It has always been
our intention to let them enjoy all cahnness and tranquillity. Wherefore
you will not hereafter publish any similar placards without our previous
consent, but aUow all the free exercise of their religion in their own
houses." The Lutherans in Holland soon after sent a clergyman, the Eev. Er-
nestus Goetwater, to New Amsterdam, to organize a church. It was with
the consent of the company, and the movement was thought very noble
and tolerant in those dark days of the seventeenth century. There was,
however, in the instructions sent to the governor a qualification which he

THE LUTHERAN PERSECUTION. 179
interpreted according to his own arbitrary views. There should be no
conventicles. The clergy of the Eeformed Church in New Amsterdam re
monstrated against permitting the Lutheran minister " to do any clerical
service whatever." They said it would encourage " heresy and schism,"
and that the established religion " was the only lawful, being commanded
by the Word of God." Stuyvesant finally ordered Goetwater to leave the
colony and return to Holland.' He even went so far as to compel parents
of Lutheran principles to assist at the baptism of their children in the
Eeformed Church. If they refused, they were imprisoned and fined. The
law applied equally to aU denominations. There were a few Baptists in
Flushing. They met in the house of one of the magistrates of the town,
and a man without license preached, administered the sacrament, and
baptized several persons in the river. He was arrested, fined one thousand
pounds, and banished from the province. The magistrate was removed
from office, as a penalty for allowing the meeting to be held in his house.
The city fathers were unceasingly industrious. They enacted laws
and ordinances with as much grace as their ruler assumed sovereignty.
They condemned all " flag roofs, wooden chimneys, hay-stacks, hen-houses,
and hog-pens," which were located on the principal streets. They ordered
owners of gardens to either seU or improve them. The penalty for refu
sal was taxation. They compeUed buyers of city lots by the terms of
purchase to build upon them without delay. The average price of the
best city lots had reached fifty dollars. Houses rented at from fourteen
to one hundred dollars per annum. They surveyed and established the
streets, seventeen in number. This occurred in July.^ The next
year, they began to pave. The first street honored with paving-
stones was De Hoogh, — what is now Stone Street, between Broad and
Whitehall. In 1658, De Brugh or Bridge Street, so called from a bridge
which had been built across the ditch at Broad Street, was improved in
like manner. Within the next two years, aU the streets most used were
paved. These pavements were of cobble-stones, with the gutters in the
middle of the street. Sidewalks were not as yet contemplated.
The census of the city was taken in 1656. The inhabitants were found
to number one thousand, of which a large proportion were negro slaves.
The adjoining cut is a copy of Augustine Heerman's sketch of New York
in 1656, which was widely copied and circulated in Europe.
^ This harsh decree was suspended, out of regard to the feeble health of Rev. Mr. Goetwater.
2 The names of the streets were : Tc Marckvelt, De Heere Straat, De Waal, Tc Water,
De Perel Straat, Aghter De Perel Straat, De Browner Straat, De Winckel Straat, De Bever
Graft, Te Marckvelt Steegie, De Smee Straat, De Smits Valley, De Hoogh Straat, De Brugh
Straat, De Heere Graft, De Prince Graft, De Prince Straat.

180

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

There was, on the Une of Moore Street, one small wharf running out from
Pearl, but extending a little farther into the stream than low-water mark.
Ships usuaUy moored in the East Eiver, and sent their cargoes ashore in
scows, which were compeUed to come up to the head of the pier. The
increase of the shipping rendered it desirable that this wharf should be
elongated about fifty feet, and it was accordingly done. A market-stand
for country wagons was estabUshed, the same year, on an uninclosed
space near the Bowling Green. Allard Anthony opposed the measure in
the board of schepens, because the selected site was in front of his own
house, and his wife and daughters would object. But he was overruled

, Viewof New York, 1656.
by the majority. Three years later a yearly fair for the sale of cattle was
instituted, and the exchange for buyers and sellers was located beside this
market-stand. The cattle were fastened to posts, driven for the purpose,
on the west side of Broadway, in front of the graveyard.-' The fair com
menced October 20, and closed late in November. It brought strangers
to the city from all parts of the country, even from New England, and
threw business constantly in the way of the merchants. This fair existed
for more than sixty years.
Dominie Drisius lived in a pretty cottage on the north side of Pearl
Street, below Broad, — the lot was twenty feet front, extending through
to Bridge Street. He exerted a healthful influence over the church, and
also took an active interest in political affairs. In 1653, he was sent as
ambassador to Virginia, and concluded an important commercial treaty
with Governor Bennet, including the concession to New Netherland
' The first burial-ground in New York was on the west side of Broadway, near Moms
Street. Just north of it was the large stone house of Paulus Van der Grist, before mentioned
(pp. 161, 177). The orchards and gardens of the latter were highly cultivated, and extended
to the very edge of the North River. Some years later this fine property was owned and
occupied by Hon. Francis Rombouts.

BURGHER RIGHTS. 181
merchants of the power to collect debts due them in Virginia.^ When
the dominie flrst arrived in New York, he was a middle-aged widower.
He subsequently married Lysbeth (Elizabeth), the widow of Isaac Gre-
veraet. She held a large property in her own right, and is often mentioned
upon the tax-Usts as " Mother Drisius." Dominie Megapolensis owned a
smaU, comfortable house in the vicinity of Beaver Street. The most
pretentious house in the city had recently been buUt by Pieter Cornelisen
Vanderveen, a rich merchant, who was described as " old and suitable "
for a great burgher. He was for a time one of the schepens, and he had
held many offices of trust in the church and community. He married,
in 1652, Elsie Loockermans, who, after his death, became the wife of Jacob
Leisler Pearl Street was the favorite locality for building, and was weU
Uned with dweUings.^ On Bridge Street Uved Hendrick Kip. His house
was smaU, but his lot was ninety feet front and seventy deep. His nearest
neighbor, Abraham Verplanck,^ the ancestor of the Verplanck famUy of
New York, was one of the oldest citizens; he also owned a farm near
Fulton Street. Thomas Hall Uved on a hill in the vicinity of Peck SUp.
On the site of Trinity Church and churchyard there was a fine gar
den belonging to the company, between which and the Van der Grist
estate on the south. Governor Stuyvesant granted to each of his two
sons, Nicholas William and Balthazar, a lot containing ninety-three feet
front and two hundred and forty-eight feet deep, to the North Eiver
shore. The effort to sustain a good public school appears on nearly every page
of the records. As the children increased in numbers, a larger building
than the one on Pearl Street Avas procured. WiUiam Verstius was suc
ceeded as teacher by Harnien Van Hoboken, who was also a famous singer
and acted as church chorister. Five years afterward, he was superseded
by Evert Pietersen, because of alleged inattention to his pupils. The
salary was then fourteen and one half doUars per month, with a margin
of fifty doUars per annum for board.
About this time, the system of great and small " burgher rights " was
introduced into the city. Metropolitan immunities were constantly in
fringed by peddlers, who sold goods and departed with the proceeds.
Stujrvesant's new law required every man to open a store within the city
limits and pay a fee of eight dollars before commencing trade. In this
way he obtained the small burgher right. All natives of the city, resi
dents of a year and a half, salaried officers of the company, and husbands
^ Albany Records, IX. 59.
^ There were on Pearl Street forty-three houses and a few shops.
' Abraham Verplanck had two sons, Gulian and Isaac.

182 HISTORY OP THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
of the daughters of burghers, were entitled to the same privUege. The
great burghers comprised burgomasters, schepens, governors, councUors,
clergymen, military officers, and aU their male descendants. The city
officers were, from that time forth, to be chosen from this class. They
were to be exempt for one and a haff years from watches, expeditions,
and arrests by inferior courts. The great burgher right could be secured
by the payment of twenty dollars ; but not many were disposed to buy a
right which aU disregarded. The system proved a failure in New Am
sterdam as it had done in old Amsterdam, where it originated.
Some of the laws of that period were strikingly unique. It was ex
pressly enjoined upon women that they should not scold. The penalty
for this fault was arrest, imprisonment, and fine. In aggravated cases, the
grave law-givers resorted even to pubUc whipping.
One Wolfert Weber, the proprietor of a small tavern near the Fresh
Water Pond, entered this curious complaint against Judith Verbeth:—
" The defendant has for a long time pestered him ; she came with her
sister Sara over to his house last week, and beat him [the plaintiff] and
afterwards threw stones at him. He pleads that said Judith be ordered
to let him live quietly in his own house."
On the Sth of May, 1657, we find Nicholas Verbeth complain
ing of Wolfert Weber about a pile of stone. Verbeth stated his
case thus : —
" If anybody removes what belongs to another without his knowledge,
it is thieving ; my father deposited some stone by the Fresh Water Pond,
before his own door, and Weber removed it ; whereupon we had words,
and Weber promised to deliver other stone instead; we want Weber
ordered to bring back to the place the same stone." The court decided for
the plaintiff, and ordered the stone returned within eight days.
Hon. Nicasius De Sille prosecuted a man for stealing "three half-
beavers, two nose-cloths, and a pair of linen stockings." The court sen
tenced the offender to be whipped within the Council Chamber and
banished from the city. Slander was esteemed a rank offense. A certain
Jan Adamzen, for slandering certain respectable persons, was condemned
to be " stuck through the tongue with a red-hot iron, and banished from
the province."
The severity of sentences, the peculiar modes of punishment, etc., were
but a feature of the times. They originated on the other side of the ocean.
The city magistrates seem to have had a conscientious regard for equity
and justice, and set themselves like ffint against Sabbath-breaking,
drunkenness, and aU the popular vices. It was a mixed population they
were trying to control, and the task could have been neither easy nor

UNIQUE LAWS. 183
agreeable. The governor treated his subordinates with profound respect,
so long as they were directly in the line of their duties. In his cQinmu-
nications to the city magistrates he was exceptionaUy courteous, always
preceding his signature with " Your High Mightinesses' affectionate
Friend and Director." But he curtailed their power in all directions.
One day, some common people appeared before him, much aggrieved
because he had forbidden the servants of the farmers " to ride the goose "
at the feast of Shrovetide. He told them " it was unprofitable and unne
cessary and criminal to celebrate such pagan and popish feasts, and though
it was tolerated in some places in Holland, and connived at by magis
trates here, he should enact such ordinances as would tend to the glory
of God without the consent of a little court of justice " ; adding, " I under
stand my quality and authority, and the nature of my commission, better
than others, and hope you wiU not vex and trouble me continually." ^
In 1658, a law was enacted forbidding the whipping of negro slaves
without first obtaining pemUssion of the city magistrates. Anoth
er remarkable law forbade men and women to live together until
legaUy married ; for it had been an ancient custom — of much longer
standing than the young city — to " bundle " after the publication of the
banns. The same year, the first fire company was organized. It was called the
"Eattle Watch," and consisted of eight men, who were to do duty from
nine o'clock in the evemng until morning drum-beat. Two hundred and
fifty fire-buckets, with hooks and ladders, were imported from Holland,
reaching New Amsterdam on the 12th of August.
Long Island was one continual source of anxiety to the men in power
at New Amsterdam. George Baxter returned from New England the
ne.xt year after he was dismissed from the magistracy at Gravesend (he
crossed Long Island Sound on the ice), and was arrested in the course
of a few days for hoisting the flag of England and " reading seditious
papers to the people." For more than a year, he lay in the dungeon of
the fort. He was almost forgotten, when Sir Henry Moody and others
petitioned so earnestly to have him removed to a more comfortable
apartment, that he was released on bail. He immediately drew up a
petition to Cromwell to be emancipated from Dutch rule and taken under
his protection ; and, after obtaining a large number of signers, he left the
country. He soon after appeared in England, and was active in trying to
vindicate the right of that nation to the entire territory of New Nether
land. He was the mortal enemy of Stuyvesant, both at home and abroad.
CromweU's secretary wrote to the EngUsh residents of Long Island a long
1 New Amsterdam Records.

184 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
letter, which Baxter sent to Gravesend by one of his emissaries, with in
structions to have it publicly read. Stuyvesant seized the man and the
document. The former he imprisoned ; the latter he forwarded to Hol
land, unopened. It seemed particularly necessary to crush every symp
tom of rebelUon on Long Island, as it was a noted resort for robbers and
pirates. " The scum of New England is aU drifting into New Nether
land," said the venerable Dominie Megapolensis. " Why do you harbor
persons who are driven from the other colonies as worse than a pestUence ? "
asked Dominie Drisius of the governor.
Just at this critical moment, a ship arrived, bringing some Quakers
who had been expeUed from New England. Of these, two women, with
more zeal than discretion, went preaching through the streets. They were
arrested, and taken to the prison in the fort, where they were confined in
separate apartments. After being examined, they were placed on board
a ship bound for Ehode Island. Eobert Hodgson, one of the Quakers,
went over to Hempstead, intending to preach there. He was arrested whUe
walking in an orchard, and examined by the Hempstead magistrates.
A message was sent to the governor, who dispatched an armed party for
the poor man, the same evening. His Bible and papers were taken from
him, and he was pinioned in a painful position for twenty-four hours.
Two women who had entertained him, one of whom had a nm-sing infant
of four months, were also arrested. The latter were tied into a cart, to
the rear end of which Hodgson, stiU pinioned, was fastened with his head
downwards ; and thus were they conveyed over the bad roads to the city,
where they were placed in separate dungeons. Upon trial, Hodgson was
sentenced to two years' hard labor with a negro at the wheelbarrow, or to
pay a fine of two hundred and forty doUars. Being destitute both of
money and friends, he was, a few days afterwards, brought forth and
chained to the wheelbarrow. In vain he argued that he was unused t<j
labor, he was ordered to proceed; but he refused to move. A tarred
rope some four inches thick was then put into the hands of a strong negro,
who beat the Quaker untU he fell exhausted. He was Ufted up and again
beaten untU it was estimated that he had received one hundred blows.
AU day, standing in the heat of a broiling sun, his body bruised and
swollen, he was kept chained to the wheelbarrow. At last he fainted.
He was thrown into the ceU for the night, and the next day again chained
to the wheelbarrow. A sentinel was placed over him, to prevent any
conversation with his companion. As before, he refused to work. The
third day, he was led forth chained, and was stiU indomitable in his re
sistance. FinaUy, he was taken before the govemor.
Stuyvesant told him that he must work ; that he should be whipped

THE QUAKER PERSECUTION. 185
every day untU he did. The prisoner looked up boldly and demanded to
be told what law he had broken. He was not answered, but sent away in
contempt, and chained again to the wheelbarrow. He was now confined to
his dungeon for two or three days, without even bread and water ; but, as
this brought no symptoms of surrender, a new torture was tried. He was
taken to a private room, stripped to the waist, and suspended from the
ceUing by his hands, with a heavy log of wood fastened to his feet. He
.was then lashed by a negro untU his flesh was cut to pieces ; and, after
two days' respite in his dungeon, this barbarity was repeated. He begged
to see some person of his own nation ; and at last a poor Englishwoman
came and bathed his wounds. She thought he could not live until morn
ing, and informed her husband of his terrible condition. The man hurried ¦
to the sheriff, and offered a fat ox to be allowed to remove Hodgson to his
house until he recovered ; but he was informed that the whole fine must
be paid before any mercy could be shown to the prisoner. By this time,
the pitiful story, having got weU noised about, reached the ears of Mrs.
Bayard, the governor's sister, who resolutely interfered in behalf of the
sufferer, and obtained his release.
Hodgson was by no means the last of the Quakers of that epoch. Per
secution seemed to multiply their numbers and increase their self-confi
dence. Eumors that they were creeping about among the Long Island
towns led to the strictest watchfulness on the part of the magistrates,
and any one who ventured to lodge or feed a Quaker, man or woman, was
promptly arrested and imprisoned. Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Weeks, having
been accused of " absenting themselves from public worship on the Lord's
day, to attend a conventicle in the woods where there were two Quakers,"
were imprisoned. At their examination, they justified themselves, declar
ing that they had broken no law and done no wrong. Nevertheless, they
were compeUed to pay a heavy fine. There were a great number of
similar instances. Three men, suspected of being Quakers, were brought
before the governor and councU, and at once confessed themselves such.
But the tide of feeling had, by this time, become so strong against the
tarred rope and wheelbarrow, that the prisoners were only sent back to
Communipaw, whence they had come, witb an admonition to remain
there. The good dominies vnrote to the West India Company of the
alarming spread of sectarianism in New Netherland ; but the only answer
was a quiet recommendation to aUow the people to indulge their various
religious beliefs.
All at once, the Indians were again upon the war-path. This time, Eso
pus was threatened. A messenger came in haste to the city for assistance.
The governor responded in person, accompanied by fifty soldiers under

186 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Govert Loockermans. On Ascension Thursday, the settlers, to the num
ber of sixty or more, assembled at the house of Jacob Jansen Stol
^ ^' for reUgious services. Stuyvesant was present, and took the oppor
tunity to urge the farmers to uiUte in a vUlage, instead of Uving so far
apart from each other. It seemed almost impossible to accomplish this,
as their crops were already in the ground and in need of constant care
and protection. They were but just recovering from their previous
losses, and could iU afford the time necessary for removal and for the con
struction of defenses. They begged that the soldiers might remain until
after harvest. " No," said Stuyvesant, with emphasis ; " but they shaU
remain with you until the extra work is done, if you wiU agree at once
upon the site of your viUage."
Meanwhile, messengers had been sent to aU the great Indian sachems
within easy distance, to invite them to an interview with the " big white
sachem from Manhattan." They came, sixty or more, including women
and children. The interview took place under an immense tree, just
outside Mr. Stol's garden-fence. Stuyvesant went out to greet them,
without any guard, and attended only by Govert Loockermans, who acted
as interpreter. One of the chiefs arose and made a speech. He detailed
in fuU the wrongs practiced upon the Indians for the last twenty years.
When the sachem sat down, Stuyvesant was on his feet. His reply was
a masterpiece of concentrated eloquence. He said he had nothing to do
with events which had occurred before his time ; that such remembrances
were buried when peace was agreed upon. With his bold dark eye
emitting fiashes which seemed to penetrate the red skins of the stalwart
warriors around him, he demanded, " Has any injury been done you in
person or property since the conclusion of peace, or since / came into the
country ? " They were silent. He paused a moment, and then rapidly
enumerated the murders and affronts, the burning of houses and the
killing of cattle, which he and his subjects had received at their hands.
" You are overbearing and insolent," he said. " I have come to make war
upon you, unless you surrender the murderer,^ and make good aU dam
ages. We have not had a foot of your land without paying you for it
You came and asked us to buy this land and make a settlement here ;
and now you vex and threaten us."
An old chief responded. He said the late murder had been committed
by a Minnisinck Indian, who was skuUring now at a great distance away.
He complained of the selUng of fire-water to his tribe, which had made
great mischief He said they had no malice against the white men. but
the young men wanted to fight.
1 An Esopus farmer had been killed, and two houses bumed.

WHITEHALL. 187
Stuyvesant sprang to his feet, and hurled defiance at the young braves.
"Let them step forth," he shouted, "I wiU place man against man;
yes, I wiU place twenty against forty of your hot-heads. Now is your
time. But it is unmanly and mean and contemptible to threaten farmers
and women and children, who are not warriors."
The Indians were humUiated. They dared not accept the challenge.
They laid down a few fathoms of wampum, and expressed their sorrow for
what had been done to injure the Esopus settlers. In the course of the
negotiations, the proposed viUage was decided upon. A spot about two
hundred and ten yards in circumference was chosen at the bend of the
creek, where three sides could be surrounded with water. It belonged to
the Indians, who at first agreed to sell it, and then formaUy offered it as
a gift to the governor, — " to grease his feet," they said, " because he had
taken so long a journey to visit them." They suddenly seemed to hold
the " great white sachem " in profound respect. Stuyvesant remained at
Esopus until the buUdings were removed to the new viUage, a guard
house was erected, a bridge was thrown across the creek, and temporary
quarters were prepared for twenty-four soldiers that he proposed to leave
behind, to keep the Indians on their good behavior.
As soon as the governor retumed, repairs upon Fort Amsterdam, wbich
had been dragging along for months, were prosecuted with vigor. The
negroes, under an overseer, buUt a stone-waU some three feet thick
and ten feet high around the fortress. The governor's house was
getting old and rusty. He accordingly built for himself a gubernatorial
mansion of hewn stone, and called it " WhitehaU." It was located upon
the street which was subsequently named for it. It was surrounded by
gardens on three sides, and a rich velvet lawn in front extended to the
water's edge, where lay the governor's barge at the foot of fine cut stone
steps. Upon the north side of the grounds there was an imposing
gateway. The governor's country-seat, where he and his family usuaUy spent tbe
summer months, embraced the greater portion of the present Eleventh,
Sixteenth, and Seventeenth Wards. It cost him originaUy sixty-four hun
dred gnilders. His house was a great, commodious, comfortable, home
Uke specimen of HoUand architecture. His gardens were remarkably
fine, and his land was in a high state of cultivation. He kept from thirty
to fifty negro slaves, besides a number of white servants, constantly em
ployed in the improvement of his grounds. The road to the city had
been put in good condition, and shade trees were planted on eacb side
where it crossed the governor's property.
The settlement of Harlem was commenced through an offer by the

188

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

government to give any twenty-five famiUes who woiUd remove to that
remote part of Manhattan Island a court and clergyman of their own
and a ferry to Long Island. Upon the bank of the Harlem Eiver a Uttle
tavern was built, which became quite a resort for pleasure-parties from
the city. It was caUed the " Wedding Place." The road beyond Stuy
vesant's country-seat was Uttle more than a bridle-path through the

I ¦~^-:W-7^'>r-

...TEN BROEOKE^.

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REFERENCES.
1 GOV. aTUYVESANT'8 HOUSEi BURNT 1777.
2 ST. MARK'S CHURCH.
3 ET MARK'S CEMETARY.
4 ST. MASK'S PARSONAGE. /' '
5 HISTOBECAL SOCIETY, ''
6 OLD PEAH TREE, PLANTED 1M7.
7 PETERSFIELD, RESIDENCE of PETER 0. STUYVESANT.
9 BOWERY IIOUSE, RESIDENCE of NICH. WM. STUYVESANT.
3 BOWERY VILLAGE SCHOOL HOUSE.

/ /

Map of Stuyvesant's Bouwery.
woods, crooking about to avoid ledges and ravines. The land travel at
that period was almost exclusively on foot or on horseback ; few wagons
had as yet reached the country.
In the mean time, a general fear of the Indians took possession of the
pubhc mind. Stuyvesant had visited Esopus in the autumn, after the
dweUings had been coUected into a viUage, and tried to settle certam
claims with the sachems. Only a few came to the interview. One of their
number plead poverty in a studied and cunningly constracted piece of
oratory, entirely avoiding the governor's question as to their intentions
in regard to the surrender of a certain tract of land in compensation
for tbe injuries they had committed. When brought back to that point,
they went away, pretending that they must consult the absent chiefs.

INDIAN HOSTILITIES 189
As they did not return, the governor left a guard of fifty soldiers at the
post. A few months later, a sad circumstance enraged the savages far
and near. Thomas Chambers had acquired an immense tract of land in
the vicinity of Esopus, which had been erected intg the manor of Fox-
hall.^ Some seven or eight Indians in his employ had been husking and
sheUing corn untU late one evening, when they obtained some brandy and
had a drunken orgie. Their hideous and unearthly yells, breaking in
upon the midnight stillness, startled the settlers, who reconnoitered to
find out the cause. The officer in command of the fort forbade his
soldiers to molest the poor wretches ; but some of the imprudent residents
proceeded to the spot where they were lying in a heap together in the
bushes, and fired a voUey of musketry among them. Several were
wounded, and a few ran away. Presently houses, barns, and corn-stacks
were set on fire aU through the country, and the Esopus fort was besieged
for three weeks. News came to Manhattan that several prisoners had
been taken by the Indians, and afterwards tortured in the most cruel
manner and burned at the stake. The crisis was imminent. Despair
seemed to paralyze the fighting men of the colony. Stuyvesant had been
suffering from a severe iUness ; but he met the situation grandly, visiting
all the neighboring viUages in person and using every effort to stimulate
the farmers to fortify and protect themselves. His energy was marvelous,
and the resources of his mind abundant. He was delayed several days
before he could raise a force sufficient to go to the aid of suffering
Esopus ; but he succeeded at last, and took command in person.
Upon his appearance the Indians fied, and heavy rains prevented his
pursuing them. He obtained the co-operation of the Mohawks, and hav
ing concluded an armistice with the Esopus tribe, shortly succeeded in
obtaining a few of the prisoners in exchange for powder. It was a hoUow
truce, as everybody understood. During the entire winter after, the air
was full of alarms. In the spring there was fighting again, and the
Indians were driven back into the country. They were awed and leeo.
made cautious, but not conquered. In July, however, through -f^iy-
the influence of the Mohawks and other friendly tribes, they sued for
peace, and an important treaty was concluded.
Staten Island was a dreary waste for long after the massacre of 1650.
Baron Van der Capellen sent out fresh colonists, and ofifered many induce-
¦ This grant was conflrmed, in 1686, by Govemor Dongan, who invested the manor with
power to hold Court Leet and Covtrt Baron, besides many other temporal honors. Chambers
was a man of much dignity and influence. He was justice of the peace at Esopus, and did
notable service in the war with the Indians. He left no descendants in the direct line ; and
his name has disappeared, save from the Book of Patents.

190 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
ments to encourage the settlers to retum ; but they were timid. Melyn
removed to New Haven. Baron Van der Capellen died, and his heirs
sold their entire interest to the West India Company. In 1661, some
French Huguenots started a viUage a little to the south of the Narrows,
which was fostered by the govemment with fatherly care. Dominie
Drisius visited them every two months, to preach in French and to ad
minister the sacrament.
A tract of land near the Fresh Water Pond, which had hitherto heen
used as a common for the pasturing of cattle, was fenced in about this
time and more especiaUy devoted to the city cows. A herdsman was
employed, who went through the streets every morning blowing a horn,
collected his drove, conducted it to the grassy fields, and brought it again
through the city gates at nightfall.
As time wore on, the subject of education was discussed witb increased
earnestness. The schools were imperfect, and it was difficult to remedy
the evU. The better class of citizens pressed for the estabhshment of a
higher grade of schools. Now and then, some enterprising schoolmaster
opened a private estabhshment without the consent of the government,
and was immediately ordered to close it. FinaUy, the burgomasters and
schepens wrote to the company, petitioning for a suitable master for a
first-class Latin School. They said their sons had to be sent to New
England for classical instruction. They agreed that the city should build
a school-house, if the company woiUd pay the teacher's salary. The
company consented, and sent over Dr. Curtius, a physician of some note,
who could practice medicine when not engaged with his pupils. At the
end of two years, he resigned his position, on account of Ul-health ; and
Dominie .^gidius Luyck, wbo was a private tutor in the governor's family,
was employed in his stead. He soon had twenty pupUs, including two
feom Virginia and two from Albany. The public school was continued,
and two private schools for small children were permitted. One of these
was taught by Jan Lubbertsen.
Dominie Henricus Selyns ^ arrived in the summer of 1660, to take the
pastoral charge of the first church in Breuckelen. He was formally in-
1 Prior to 1660, the only ministers of the Eeformed Church in New Netherland were the
Reverends Megapolensis and Drisius at New Amsterdam, Schaats at Beverwyck (Albany),
Polhemus at Midwout (Flatbush), and Melius at New Amstel. The two first-named had
written earnest letters to the Classis of Amsterdam, describing the state of religion in tho
colony, and entreating that good Dutch clergymen be speedily seut over. These letters were
forwarded to the College of the XIX. It was diflicult to persuade clergymen to brave the
hardships of a newly settled country, but Dominie Selyns received and accepted a call to
the Brooklyn church. Dominie Blom came over with him under appointment to preach at
Esopus (now Kingston).

OLIVER CROMWELL'S DEATH.

191

stalled on the 7th of September. The ceremony was specially interesting.
Vice-Governor De SiUe and Martin Cregier were deputed from the
governor's councU to introduce the minister to the congregation ; after
which, the caU of the Classis and their certificate of examination, also a
testimonial from the clergjonen of Amsterdam, were read by the dominie
himseK to the assembly. He then preached his inaugural sermon. The
church had twenty members, inclusive of one elder and two deacons.
But they had as yet no church edifice, and the installation services took
place in a bam.
The next season, Dominie Selyns married a young woman in New
Amsterdam. She was very gifted and beautiful. Her portrait he has
handed down to us in a charming Uttle birthday ode. The governor,
finding that the Breuckelen church could not raise the minister's salary
without great embarrassment, offered to advance one hundred doUars
per annum towards it, provided Dominie Selyns would preach at his
farm on Sunday afternoons. He built a smaU chapel at his own expense
on the site of the present church of St. Mark ; and services were held in
it on the Sabbath during the remainder of his life.
An event momentous in its consequences upon the future of the little
city whose fortunes we are following occurred in the autumn of 1658. It
was the death of Oliver CromweU. The reins of power fell quietly into
the hands of his eldest son, Eichard. But not for long. The young man
was as weak as his father was strong. Within a year, England had dis
posed of him, and was in imminent danger of sinking under the tyranny
of a succession of smaU men raised up and puUed down by military ca
price. General was opposed to general, and army to army. FinaUy, there
was one grand union of sects and parties for the old laws of the nation
against mUitary despotism, and thus the way was paved for the return of
Charles II. to the throne of his ancestors.

Medal of Olivsr Cromwel

192 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER XII.
1660-1664.
THE RESTORATION.
The Restoration. — Charles II. — The Connecticut Chartek. — Sir George Downing.
— George Baxter and John Soott. — Progress of the City. — The Antiquaeiam
Map. — The Quakers. — Destruction of Esopus. — The Indian War op 1663. —
Governor Stuyvesant in Boston. — Thomas Benedict. — The Embassy to Con
necticut. — Startling Condition of Affairs. — John Soott. — Hon. Jeremias Van
Rensselaer. — The Convention of 1664. — Mrs. Dr. Kierstede. — Planning of
Charles II. and his Ministers. — An Unfriendly Expedition. — New Amsterdam
in Danger. — Preparations for a Siege. — Winthrop's Interview with Stuyve
sant. — The Letter. — The approaching Storm. — The Crisis. — The Surrendek.
— New York. — Consequences of the Conquest. — Stuyvesant at the Hague. —
The Stuyvesant Peae-Tree. — The Stuyvesant Family.
ON the 8th of May, 1660, Charles II. set out on his triumphal journey
from Breda to London. He was magnificently entertained at the
Hague, and parted with the States-General and other officers of the
Dutch government with the most profuse pledges of friendship. Ou
1660. the 29th of May, he entered England, welcomed and escorted by
May 29. triumphal processions. A spirit of extravagant joy seemed to per
vade the whole nation. London was in raptures. He remarked dryly,
" that he could not see for the life of him why he had stayed away so
long, when everybody was so charmed with him now that he was at
length come back."
For a time, he was more loved by the EngUsh people than any of his
predecessors had been. , The calamities of his house and his own roman
tic adventures rendered him an object of tender interest to aU classes.
His retum had delivered them from what had become an intolerable
bondage. Entertainments were the order of the day. Presently drunk
enness overran the kingdom and corrupted the morals of the people;
and, through pretenses of religion and profane mockeries of true piety,
grave disorders prevailed.
The king was a young man (then about thirty years of age), of pleas-

CHARLES IL 193
ing address and elegant manners. He was cheerful in disposition, fond
of wit and humor, and a great talker. He understood affairs, and was
famiUar with matters of government and religion. He was a good
mathematician ; his apprehension was quick, and his memory exceUent.
But he was insincere, had an Ul opinion of mankind, detested busi
ness, and seemed to think the main object of Ufe was to get all the
pleasure possible out of every hour of the twenty-four. Like his father,
he married a Catholic queen. His marriage festivities with Catharine of
Braganza, of Portugal, were briUiantly celebrated at Hampton Court on
the anniversary of his birth and restoration. May 29, 1662. But not
Uke his father did he love his CathoUc queen; on the contrary, he
neglected and wounded her, and rendered her Ufe one of abject misery.
The Convention ParUament which caUed him home revised the Navi
gation Act of 1651, and made it more obnoxious to the Dutch than ever.
Presently, Lord Baltimore, through an agent at the Hague, ordered
the West India Company to surrender the lands on the south side ^""^^ ^'
of Delaware Bay. The directors were confounded. They promptly
declined to yield territory which they held under grant from the States-
General, and appealed to the latter for protection. A demand that Lord
Baltimore should be ordered to desist from his pretensions until the
boundaries were properly estabUshed, and that the territory to the east
of the Hudson Eiver which the English had usurped should be restored
and the inhabitants thereof required to conduct themselves as Dutch
subjects, was at once forwarded to the Dutch minister at WhitehaU, with
directions to seize the first opportunity to lay it before the king.
American affairs were confided to the new " Council of Foreign Plan
tations," of which Clarendon was the head. Charles declined to trouble
his mind with them. He laughed at Lord Baltimore and the Earl of
StirUng when they argued their claims, and said " the subject was too
heavy for a crowned head." He hoped he should be " spared the stupid
task of looking after a batch of restless Western adventurers." But he
was reminded of the prospective treaty of commerce and aUiance with the
Dutch nation, and of the necessity of settUng the Delaware Bay contro
versy, and requiring the Dutch on Long Island to submit to English
authority. He promised to give his attention at some more convenient
season in the future. Meanwhile, John De Witt, the grand pensionary
and real chief magistrate of the Netherlands, grew weary of the procras
tination which prefaced the execution of the treaty, and instructed his
minister to bring the matter to a close or to leave London. The document
was accordingly signed, at Whitehall, September 14, 1662. At that very
moment the " Council for Foreign Plantations " was maturing an order
13

194 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
for the Virginia governor to cause the Navigation Act to be carefully ob
served, notwithstanding the well-known intercolonial treaty which
Stuyvesant had negotiated with Berkeley, and which had given
great satisfaction to both provinces. A royal charter was issued, invest
ing Connecticut with jurisdiction over the territory "bounded east by
Narraganset Bay, north by the Massachusetts line, south by the sea, and
west by the Pacific Ocean, including aU the islands thereunto adjoining."
This remarkable charter, under which Connecticut thrived imtU 1818,
and which was as liberal in its character as any since granted by
'' ' our republican government, guaranteeing every privilege which
freemen could desire, passed the great seal in AprU. It was obtained by
John Winthrop the younger. This gentleman was an elegant and
accompUshed courtier, and an intimate personal friend of Lord Say, Lord
Seal, the Earl of Manchester, and others of the royal household. He
was the founder of New London, and the owner of Fisher's Island,
where his family resided for some years in a mansion erected by himself.
He was -actively interested in all the concerns of the Connecticut
Colony, and drafted the charter with his own pen, making the voyage
to Europe in order to secure for it the sanction of the king. He wore
into the royal presence an extraordinary ring which had been given to
his grandmother by Charles I. This he took from his finger and pre
sented to Charles IL, who was greatly pleased, and tenderly regarded the
treasure which had once belonged to a father most dear to him. The
opportune moment was seized for presenting the petition from Connecti
cut, " which was received with uncommon grace and favor " ; and Win
throp returned in triumph to America.
When Stuyvesant heard of this transaction, he declared, that, " it was
an absolute breach and nuUifieation of the boundary treaty of 1650, and
that it would ju,stify the States-General and West India Company in for
cibly recovering aU their ancient rights, which he had surrendered for the
sake of peace." He wrote sharply to Winthrop, who retorted in the same
spirit. The latter proceeded to notify the people of Westchester and
Long Island to send delegates to the General Court of Connecticut. Stuy
vesant appealed to his government for instructions.
Sir George Downing, Winthrop's cousin, was the EngUsh minister at
the Hague. He was one of the earliest, ablest, and most unprincipled
graduates (in 1642) of Harvard CoUege in Massachusetts. Subsequently,
he was CromweU's minister to the Dutch EepubUc, where he openly
insulted his exiled king ; but, through consummate tact and management,
he obtained forgiveness, and was taken into favor, at the Eestoratioa
His American Ufe rendered him fannliar with the whole series of colo-

SIR GEORGE DOWNING. 195
nial quarrels. He knew every weak point in the Dutch title to New
Netherland. He had no scruples of honor, was an ardent hater of the
Dutch, and longed for a war which might aggrandize the new king and
his sateUites. He played a double part on all occasions. Once, after
dining with De Witt, and promising with emphasis to use his best en
deavor for the righting of the wrong of the " Connecticut encroachments,"
he went to his own apartments and sent the foUowing private advice to
Clarendon : " Wait three or four months, and then answer that the king
wiU write into those parts to be informed of the truth of the matter of
fact and right on both sides.'' He adroitly gathered such information about
Dutch affairs as he could turn to EngUsh advantage, and all his letters to
the lords in power were seasoned with subtle arguments in favor of the
undoubted right of England to the whole of New Netherland, which he
affirmed to be " the most admirably situated region in North America." ^
New England never took kindly to the Eestoration. Charles was ac
knowledged with reluctance and grim austerity. The fear that he would
install bishops in the colonies induced the" Puritans to crowd petition
after petition upon the notice of the indolent monarch, and the Church
party were quite as volnmiaous in their complaints of the arrogant and
donuneering Puritans. Samuel Maverick appeared before the king, to
claim redress for many grievances which he had suffered in Massachusetts.
He was a zealous Episcopalian. He was accompanied by George Baxter
and John Scott, from Long Island, who were smarting from the lash of
Govemor Stuyvesant. The latter were both extensive landholders ; indeed,
Scott claimed to have purchased nearly one third of the island. He had
formerly been an officer in the army of Charles I., but for some political
misdemeanor had been banished to New England. He was a brilliant
logician, and the object of his appeal was to obtain a royal grant for the
government of Long Island. The claim of Lord Stirling, however, was in
the way. As for New Netherland, a statement was drawn up by Scott
and Baxter, assisted by Maverick, to prove the king's title to it ; and it
was emphatically asserted, that, " the Navigation Act could never be en
forced in America while that rich territory existed as a Dutch plantation."
While Charles and his ministers listened with newly awakened inter
est, and revolved various plans by which New Netherland might be
seized without an open rupture (for Charles disliked as much as some of
» Col. Doc, II. 224-229, 302-507 ; III. 47, 48. AUzema, V. 64, 65. Lister's Claren
don, IU. 216-279. Ogilby's America, 169. Brodhead, ll. 12-20. Burnet's History of
the Reign of Charles II., 186, 137. Sir George Downing was the son of Emanuel Down
ing, the brother-in-law of Governor John Winthrop. He was born in London, and accom
panied his parents to America at the age of thirteen.

196 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
his lords desired hostilities), the West India Company and the States-
General were mUdly protesting against the " unpardonable usurpations,"
and asking the king to issue orders " for the immediate restoration of the
towns and places in their American province which had been invaded hy
his subjects." At the same time, Stuyvesant, upon this side of the water,
was working manfuUy to sustain his authority and promote the interests
of his employers.
During the year 1661, the governor, as a sort of peace-offering, granted
village charters to five Long Island towns. Among them was New
Utrecht, founded by Jacques Cortelyou, who managed the estate of the
deceased Mr. Werckhoven, for the heirs. This property, which embraced
the land along the bay, from Gowanus to Coney Island, and which cost
originaUy six coats, six kettles, six axes, six chisels, six smaU looking-
glasses, twelve knives, and twelve combs, had been improved by Werck
hoven until it offered special attractions, and the settlement had increased,
more rapidly than many others.
Between the years 1660 - 1664, the city of New Amsterdam grew in a
ratio greatly exceeding that of any previous period. Business of aU Mnds
was brisk. New settlers came and the old ones remaiued. New houses
were buUt and manufactories established. Several breweries and brick
kilns were in successful operation. The potteries of Long Island began
to be esteemed equal to those of Delft. Lawyers were finding this
lucrative field, and among the most prominent of these was Solomon La
Chair. There has recently been exhumed, in the. county clerk's office of
the City Hall, a written volume of some three hundred pages, which is a
careful minute of La Chair's legal proceedings, and a curious reUc of that
early period. He was a good EngUsh, as weU as French and Dutch,
scholar, and often acted as interpreter before the courts. He had at com
mand a large law Ubrary, as evidenced by the numerous quotations in his
written arguments. The magistrates of Gravesend employed hun, in
opposition to Mr. Opdyck, to prosecute their claim to Coney Island.
The accompanying map is the only plan of the city during the Dutch
era which is known to exist. It is presumed that the EngUsh officers
found it after the capture, and gave to it its present shape, adding the
date, 1664. It fell into the British Museum, where it remained in
obscurity until a few years since, when it was rescued by George H.
Moore, the librarian of the New York Historical Society. The outlines
of the streets, though apparently drawn without measurement, seem to
foUow the proper directions, and the general character of the buildings
is given without any special attempt at accuracy. But the map itself is
a curious memorial, worthy of tender preservation.

THE QUAKERS. 199
About the time it was issued (1661), a fresh effort was made to assure
discontented Puritans and other Englishmen that they would be welcomed
and cherished by the Dutch in New Netherland. The States-General
caused a proclamation of " conditions and privileges " to be scattered
through the British kingdom,^ appended to which was a glowing descrip
tion of the country "only six weeks' sail from Holland, . . land fertUe, . . .
climate the best in the world ; . . . seed may be committed to the soU
without preparation, . . . timber and wild fruit of aU descriptions, furs,
game, fisheries," etc., etc. The picture was attractive. It enUsted atten
tion in various quarters. Among the first who came to look at the
country, with a view to investment and permanent settlement, was Hon
Kobert Treat and Hon. Benjamin Fenn, as delegates from New Haven
That Uttle repubUc was in high dudgeon at the prospect of annexation to
Connecticut, and seriously contemplated flying from her impending fate.
Stuyvesant courteously entertained the gentlemen at his own house, and
took them in his barge to the shores of Newark Bay, where they spent
some time in exploration, and finaUy negotiated terms by which the
colony might remove bodUy to that desirable locaUty. Events foUowed
rapidly, however, which induced New Haven to throw herself into the
arms of Connecticut for protection.
The invitation to " persons of tender conscience '' to come freely into
New Netherland, by no means referred to the Quakers. These were stUl
heartlessly persecuted. A Quaker divine having stopped on Long Island,
at the residence of Henry Townsend, the fact was soon known among the
neighbors. The report reached Stuyvesant that a " conventicle " had
' ' actuaUy been held in Mr. Townsend's parlor Presently, soldiers appeared
and arrested Mr. Townsend and aU who attended the meeting, and a
strong guard was placed over the infected district. Quaker meetings
were held secretly in Flushing, the headquarters of the sect being at the
house of John Bowne, who was accused and arrested, and, for refusal to
pay his fine, shipped to Holland, as a terror to evU-doers. John Tilton
and his wife Goodie TUton, of Gravesend, persisted in their heresies^
and were peremptorUy ordered to quit the province. These rigorous
measures were foUowed by a proclamation from the governor, forbidding
the exercise of any but the Eeformed reUgion " in houses, barns, ships,
yachts, woods, or fields," under heavy penalties. The Amsterdam Cham
ber wrote to Stuyvesant shortly after, that, although it was their prefer
ence that " sectarians " should not be found in the province, yet it was
not weU to check population. " You had better let every one remain
free," they said, " as long as he is modest, moderate, his poUtical conduct
1 O'Callaghan, II. 443-452.

200 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
irreproachable, and he does not offend others or oppose the govem
ment." Indian disturbances at the North kept Stuyvesant almost constantly on
the wing, passing to and from Albany. In 1662, he met delegates from
New England at Fort Orange, and an " accommodation " was effected with
the Mohawks and Oneidas by which they hberated a few French and
English captives. But Canada was threatened, and the danger was only
stayed, not averted.
In 1663, a severe shock of earthquake was felt in New Amsterdam, all
along the Hudson Eiver, in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Acadia,
and Canada. It was foUowed by a terrible freshet, which de-
stoyed tbe harvests in the neighborhood of Fort Orange, and inundated
many other portions of the country. Upon the heels of this calamity,
the smaU-pox made its appearance and spread with fearful rapidity.'
The good Puritans of New England declared, that, " the hand of God
had gone out against the people of New Netherland by pestilential infec
tions." In the midst of the panic in New Amsterdam, news came which
caused the cheek to blanch and the blood to stand stiU. A horri-
' ble massacre had occurred at Esopus. On the morning of June 7,
just after the men had gone to their work in the fields, a large number of
Indians sauntered carelessly into the viUage and tried to sell some beans.
Fifteen minutes later, a horseman rode at fuU speed down the road,
shouting that the Indians were setting fire to the houses. Instantly the
war-whoop was raised, shots were heard in every direction, and battle-
axes and tomahawks fiashed in the sunlight. Women and chUdren were
butchered in the most shocking manner. Many were left wounded and
dying, and forty-five were carried into captivity. The men raUied with
desperate energy, and, though poorly armed, succeeded eventually in
driving the savages into the woods. But what a sight was there ! Twelve
houses in the old, and every house in the new, viUage were mere heaps
of smouldering rubbish ; husbands were standing over murdered wives ;
and fathers were trying to identify the bodies of chUdren who had heen
bumed alive.
Stuyvesant, having hastily caUed for volunteers, sent to the rehef of
the sufferers an armed force, commanded by Martin Cregier and Pieter
Van Couwenhoven. They pursued the savages for a long distance
through the wilderness, finding a guide in the person of Mrs. Dr Van
Imbroeck, the daughter of Dr. La Montagne, who had been one of the
captives on the day of the massacre, but who had escaped from her
1 About one thousand Indians died of small-pox, among the Mohawks alone.

THE INDIAN WAR OF 166S. 201
captors and succeeded in finding her way back to the settlement. She
conducted the party to the Indian castle where she last saw the warriors ;
but it was vacant. After using it as a shelter from a heavy rain-storm,
the pursuers went on, through dense forests, over high hills, and across
deep rivers, until they overtook the flying foe, and engaged them in a
severe battle which resulted in the recovery of twenty-three prisoners.
But the war did not end here. Other expeditions were planned and
executed, and ancient treaties were renewed with the neighboring tribes.
StUl there was no peace. Out-settlers hurried to the forts and held
regular watch, day and night ; and parties of soldiers scoured the woods
all along the Hudson from Eensselaerswick to Manhattan. " Nothing is
talked of," said Jeremias Van Eensselaer, in one of his letters, " but the
Indians and the war." Late in the autumn, an "armistice " was
agreed upon by the Esopus tribes, and aU except three of the °"*'^'
prisoners were restored to their friends.
Lord Baltimore, in the mean time, had resorted to various methods to
obtain control of the South Eiver territory. His son, Charles Calvert,
came over and visited the region, with a suite of twenty-seven persons,
and was entertained, during his stay on the South Eiver, by William
Beekman, who was govemor of the Dutch colony. The latter tried to
discuss the matter of boundaries, but the young nobleman maintained an
attitude of non-committal, and to aU arguments replied that he would
communicate with Lord Baltimore. At last, a transfer was made
by the West India Company of all their interests on the South
Kiver to the city of Amsterdam. De Hinoyossa was appointed governor
by the burgomasters and schepens ; and he soon arrived, accompanied by
one hundred colonists. Beekman was made sheriff at Esopus, in which
office he continued until the close of Lovelace's administration, when he
returned to New York.
The West India Company was at this time laboring under great pecu
niary depression. Its outlay for the province of New Netherland, over
and above its receipts, exceeded ten tons of gold ; and the province itself
was threatened, from the North and the South, by a foreign power. Seeing
no hope of obtaining in Europe a settlement of the limits between New
Netherland and New England, the directors wrote to Stuyvesant, to see
what arrangement he could effect in America. He accordingly made
a journey to Boston, to meet the commissioners who had agreed to
the treaty of 1650. He asked them if they considered the agreement stiU
in force. They were evasive. They talked about the king's rights and the
Connecticut charter. They suggested that the whole controversy should
undergo a hearing the next year, after advices had been received from

202 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
England. The Connecticut delegates were triumphant, having obtained
delay. Winthrop was able to predict with tolerable accuracy the final
action of the EngUsh government, whUe Stuyvesant was perplexed by
the extraordinary events which were taking place about him. He pro
posed a continuation of trade, and an alliance offensive and defensive
against the Ravages, which was submitted to the General Courts
Sept. 23. ^^ Massachusetts and Connecticut. He returned to New Am
sterdam, much chagrined at the meager result of his mission. On his
arrival, he found Long Island in a gxeat ferment. The messenger who
had attempted to read to the people of Gravesend an announcement that
" they were no longer under the Dutch govemment, but under that of
Connecticut," had been arrested and conveyed to the city. The next
night, the sheriff's house had been ransacked by a mob of about one hun
dred and fifty men ; he had escaped in the darkness to the house of his
son-in-law and from there to New Amsterdam, where he had been
**" ' ' commended for his prompt action by the administration.
Three days later. Sergeant Hubbard was busy getting signatures
"^ ' ' to a petition to the General Court at Hartford, in which, after a
setting forth of the inconveniences " that doe much trouble us," is the
foUowing passage :
" As we ar alruddy according to our best information under the scurts
of your patten, so you would be pleased to cast over us the scurts of your
govemment and protecktion."
This was signed by Eobert Coe, John Strickland, Zachariah Walker,
Thomas Benedict, Thomas Benedict, Jr., and twenty-one others.' Thomas
Benedict^ was one of the bearers of the document to Hartford. He was
well known and highly esteemed by Winthrop and his councU ; indeed,
he was considered the main support of the cause of Connecticut on Long
1 Towns and Lands, I. 18, in the Secretary of State's office, Hartford. 0' Callaglian, II.
486. Benedict Genealogy, 9 - 12.
^ Thomas Benedict was from Nottinghamshire, England. He came to New England in
1638, when only twenty-one years of age. He mamed a young Englishwoman who came over
in the same vessel with him. He soon sought the smiling regions of Long Island, and took
up his abode at Jamaica. He became a man of distinction among the men of the period. He
was a magistrate, the officer of a little train band in the neighborhood, a pillar in the churcli,
the arbitrator of difierences between the settlers and the Indians, one of the legislative body to
create and codify the system of law on Long Island after its conquest from the Dutch, and,
subsequently, a member of the Colonial Assembly. He removed to Norwalk, Connecticut,
in 1665, and took an active and prominent part in the aifairs of that ancient town. He died
at the latter place in 1689. He was the ancestor of a large and influential family, about
whom, in every generation since, all sorts of offices in church and state have clustered, and
have been honorably and usefully filled. Among the eminent representatives of the family
iu New York, at the present day, is the Hon. Erastus C. Benedict.

THE EMBASSY TO CONNECTICUT. 203
Island. He urged the adoption of measures for the reduction of the
Dutch towns.
Stuyvesant sent commissioners at once to Connecticut, to enter, if
possible, into some boundary accommodation. The gentlemen chosen for
this mission were Secretary Van Euyven, Burgomaster Oloff S. Van
Cortlandt, and John Lawrence. Money was wanted. Indeed, the press
ing necessities of the government induced the governor to draw upon
the company for four thousand guilders ; but no one could be found will
ing to cash the draft untU he pledged four of the brass guns of the fort
as security. The commissioners went in a smaU vessel to Milford,
and thence on horseback to Hartford. They caUed upon Win- "*' ^^'
throp, who was polite, but not communicative. They made known their
errand to the General Court, which appointed a committee to confer with
them. They stated their case. The committee sheltered themselves
behind the royal patent, and said they knew of no New Netherland prov
ince ! The gentlemen from New Netherland offered to show the charter
of the West India Company. The committee said that this was only a
charter of commerce, and that its Umits were conditional. The retort
was, that the right to the territory lay with the States-General, on the
ground of discovery, purchase from the Indians, possession, etc. The
committee denied that right, and said that it was their duty to make the
king's grant known. " How then are we to regard the treaty of 1650 ? "
was asked. " As of no force whatever," was the reply.
The commissioners were nonplussed. They began to suspect a " wheel
within a wheel " ; that the powers beyond the seas were working mischief
in some mysterious way ; that bloodshed was lurking at their very doors.
To prevent the latter, they resolved to propose that, if Connecticut would
refraUi from assuming any jurisdiction over the English settlements on
Long Island untU the king and the States-General should agree on a boun
dary line. New Netherland would abandon aU control over Westchester.
The Hartford committee decUned to agree to this ; but, after a long and
excited debate, they offered to refrain for twelve months from exercising
authority over the specified Long Island towns, provided the Dutch
did not attempt any coercive power over them ; but Westchester and
Stamford must remain under Connecticut.
The commissioners, upon their return, found Stuyvesant seriously
alarmed. " What shall I do ? " he asked in despair. " Our treasury is ex
hausted. Long Island in revolt, and the Esopus war not ended ! " Seventy
or eighty men had actuaUy been in arms, marching from viUage to viUage
on Long Island, in some instances changing the names of the places, and
threatening the Dutch with extermination. He did not hesitate, but sent

204 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Vice-Governor De Sille, with a posse of soldiers, to check the rebelUon, and
wrote to Winthrop, accepting the proposition in regard to a mutual for
bearance of jurisdiction for twelve months. Shortly after, he heard that
twenty New-Englanders had gone to the Earitan Eiver, to buy land of
the Indians. He sent Martin Cregier, Govert Loockermans, and Jacques
Cortelyou, with a few soldiers, in hot haste, to warn the sachems and pre
vent the sale.
" You are a band of traitors, and you act against the government of the
state," said Loockermans, with dignity.
" Your government ! " was the contemptuous response, " the king's
patent is of quite another cast."
On the 2d of November, a convention was summoned which adopted
a stern remonstrance, to be forwarded to HoUand. It charged the
responsibility of the disastrous condition of the province upon the
West India Company, who seemed to be losing sight altogether of their
own best interests. " Why do you not settle the boundary question ? "
asked Stuyvesant, in a private letter to the directors. " Why is not your
original charter solemnly confirmed by a public act of the States-General
under their great seal ? Why are we left to fight your battles without
any legal papers or patents by which we can respond to EngUsh imper
tinence ? "
In December, Scott returned to America, bearing royal letters, recom
mending him to the New England governments. Connecticut
1664 o o
gave him the powers of a magistrate over Long Island, and Win
throp administered the oath of office. He proceeded to his field, and im
mediately commenced the missionary work of "freeing those who had
been enslaved by the cruel and rapacious Dutch." He announced that
Long Island was about to be given by the king to his brother the Duke of
York, henceforth to be an independent government, and that, until then,
he was to act as President. He raised a force of one hundred and
Jan. 11. .^
seventy men, to assist in the reduction of the Dutch viUages. He
proceeded from place to place, haranguing the people, and making unsuc
cessful efforts to establish his authority. In Breuckelen, he was jeered
and insulted. In a fit of anger, he struck Martin Cregier's son, a bright
boy of thirteen years, over the head with his whip, for refusing to take
off his hat to the royal fiag.
Stuyvesant sent Van Euyven, Van Cortlandt, and Cregier to Jamaica to
treat with Scott, and they were cooUy informed that " the Duke of
' York was soon to possess himself of the whole of New Nether
land " ! Upon their return, measures for defense were at once discussed
The city offered to appropriate its revenues towards the expense, and to

HON. JEREMIAS VAN RENSSELAER.

205

raise a loan besides. The State government would do what it could, but
it was drifting into bankruptcy.
The confusion on Long Island continued, and, at last, Stuyvesant went

* rv
Portrait of Hon. Jeremias Van Rensselaer.

Maxell 3.

over to hold a personal interview with Scott. The latter, though a
man of much boldness, possessed little principle. He had heen
an officer in the army of Charles I., but was arrested for cut
ting the girths of some of the Parliamentary horses, and was not only
fined £500, but also banished to New England. Stuyvesant was at
tended by Van Cortlandt, John Lawrence, Jacob Backer, and a mUitary
escort. Scott was surrounded by delegates from some of the EngUsh

206 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
towns, among whom were Daniel Denton, John UnderhUl, and Adam
Mott. The result was only a conditional arrangement, by wbich the
principal English towns on Long Island were to remain under the king
without molestation for twelve months, to afford opportunity for settle
ment in Europe.
By request of the burgomasters and schepens of New Amsterdam, a
Landtdag, or Biet, was caUed, which assembled in the City Hall
AprU 10.^^ ^j^^ j^Q^j^ ^^ April, for the purpose of taking into consideration
the precarious condition of the province. The delegates from New
Amsterdam were Burgomaster Cornells Steenwyck and Schepen Jacob
Backer ; from Eensselaerswick, Director Jeremias Van Eensselaer and
Attorney Van ScheUuyne ; from Fort Orange, Jan Verbeck and Gerrit
Van Slechtenhorst; from Breuckelen, WiUiam Bredenbent and Albert
CorneUs Wantenaar; from Flatbush, Jan Strycker and WUUam GuU-
Uams ; from Esopus, Thomas Chambers and Dr. Van Imbroeck; from
Flatlands, Elbert Elbertsen and Coert Stevensen; from New Utrecht,
David Jochemsen and CorneUs Beekman ; from Boswyck, Jan Van Cleef
and Guisbert Teunissen; from New Haerlem, Daniel Terneur and Jo
hannes Verveeler ; from Bergen, Englebert Steenhuysen and Herman
Smeeman ; from Staten Island, David De Marest and Pierre BUlou.
The first question which agitated this august assemblage was that of ,
the presidency. New Amsterdam claimed the honor, as the capital;
Eensselaerswick, as the oldest colony. The right of the latter was
finaUy admitted, and Hon. Jeremias Van Eensselaer took the chair. The
convention next demanded protection of the government against hoth
barbarian and civiUzed foes ; and, if such protection could not he
April 11 ' ' r
' afforded, it desired to be informed " to whom the people should
address themselves." Stuyvesant answered, with dignity and subtle
sarcasm, that
he had done aU
and more than

that the object
of the conven
tion was to
consult, and
not to dispute,
as to the best
method of raising men and money to meet the emergency. The delegates
apologized, saying, they wished only to know whether their apphcation

Autograph of Jeremias Van Rensselaer.

THE CONVENTION OF I664. 207
should be addressed to the West India Company or the States-General.
Stuyvesant accepted the explanation, and proceeded to define the busi
ness before the gentlemen assembled. He said New Netherland had
never contributed to her own support or defense. He proposed a tax on
mUls and cattle, and the enrollment of every sixth man in the province
on the miUtia. To this the convention would not assent, but prepared
an appeal to the company for the necessary aid.
Before it was sent, a vessel arrived, bringing letters from Europe.
Stuyvesant was informed that soldiers were on the way from HoUand ;
and he was instructed to externnnate the Esopus Indians, and to check
the arrogance of the English on Long Island. The States-General had
actuaUy issued under their great seal a patent confirming the charter of
the West India Company, — an important movement, had it come a little
earUer. The convention, which had adjourned for a week, came April 22
together once more. But it was not in favor of an attempt to re
duce the EngUsh towns. " Let me assure you," said CorneUs Beekman,
" that the EngUsh rebels are as six to one, and that it would be impossible
to subdue them. Connecticut would come to their help and massacre
us aU."
As for the Indians, they were apparently humbled. Three sachems
were, at that moment, in New Amsterdam suing for peace. It was wise
to treat with them. The result was a general treaty, concluded in
the CouncU Chamber on the 15th of May. There were present a ^
large number of chiefs ; Govemor Stuyvesant, in fuU robes of state, with
Vice-Governor De SUle at his right hand ; Abraham WUmerdoncx, Jr.,
of the West India Company ; Thomas Chambers, of Esopus ; and, of the
city magistrates, Cornells Steenwyck, Paulus Van der Grist, Martin
Cregier, Govert Loockermans, Jacob Backer, and Pieter Van Couwenhoven.
Sarah, the wife of Dr. Hans Kiersted, acted as interpreter. She was the
daughter of the celebrated Anetje Jans Bogardus, and was a woman of
unusual nerve and strength of character. On many previous occasions,
she had fiUed the office of interpreter with great satisfaction to the
sachems, one of whom made her a present of a large tract of land, near
the Hackinsack Eiver. ^
WhUe the people of New Amsterdam were thus engaged, Connecticut
had reached across the Sound and spoiled the ambitious projects of
President Scott, who was carried to Hartford and imprisoned. Shortly
after, when Stuyvesant's messengers went through the Long Island towns
' After the death of Mrs. Sarah Kiersted, Dr. Kiersted married Jannetje Loockermans,
who died about 1710. Dr. Kiersted left five children, whose descendants are numerous and
influential at the present day.

208 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
with mandatory letters from the States-General, they were forbidden to
read them, and the documents were seized and sent to Hartford. Win
throp questioned their authenticity. At aU events, he was fortified by
the king's patent. About the same time, he authorized Thomas PeU to
trade with the Indians for aU the land between Westchester and the
North Eiver, including Spuyten Dujrvel Creek, which the Dutch had
bought and paid for, fifteen years before.
Early in June, news came to the city that Winthrop was at Gravesend,
and Stuyvesant, accompamed by Secretary Van Euyven and sev-
""^' eral other prominent gentlemen, went over to meet him. Win
throp was very courtly and cold, and insisted that the English title was
indisputable ; so that the interview was without any favorable results.
MeanwhUe, in spite of treaties and at the risk of war, Charles and his
ministers had resolved to seize New Netherland. The first important
step was to purchase Lord Stirling's interest in Long Island, for which
Clarendon agreed to pay three thousand five hundred pounds, in behalf
of his son-in-law, James, Duke of York. He then hastened to affix the
great seal to a patent, by which the king granted to the Duke of York
" the territory comprehending Long Island and the islands in the neigh
borhood, and aU the lands and rivers from the west side of the Connecti
cut Eiver to the east side of Delaware Bay." This included the whole of
New Netherland, and was in utter disregard of the Connecticut Charter
An expedition against the Dutch in America was at once ordered, hut
kept a profound secret, lest the States-General should send a squadron to
aid their unprotected subjects. The Duke of York, who had been ap
pointed Lord High Admiral of the British dominions, was to manage the
enterprise. He borrowed of the king four war-vessels, on which he
embarked four hundred and fifty well-trained soldiers, under the
April 2 ' command of Colonel Eichard Nicolls, the groom of his bedcham
ber, who was also commissioned as governor of the yet unpossessed terri
tory. Among the commissioned officers serving under NicoUs, were
Matthias NicoUs, Daniel Brodhead, Eobert Needham, Harry Norwood,
and Sylvester Salisbury, some of whom were accompanied by their
famiUes.^ A commission, consisting of Colonel Nicolls, Sir Kobert Carr,
Sir George Cartwright, and Samuel Maverick, were empowered to attend
to the general welfare of the colonies, settle boundaries, etc. The fleet
sailed from Portsmouth about the middle of May.^
1 Matthias Nicolls settled on Long Island ; Daniel Brodhead and Sylvester Salisbury, in
Ulster County, New York. Their descendants are very numerous, and rank among the hest
families in this country.
^ Col. Doc, II. 243-501 ; III. 66. Mass. H. S. Coll., XXXVI. 527. Pepys, IV. 363.
Clarke's James IL, I. 400. Valentine's Manual 1860, 592. SmUh, I. 16. JYood, U4.
Brodhead, II. 21.

UNFRIENDLY EXPEDITION. 209
The first intimation New Amsterdam received of these hostile designs
was through Eichard Lord, of Lyme, a merchant, who was sending vessels
to both Boston and New Amsterdam. He heard of it in the former
place and communicated the fact to Thomas WiUett, with whom he was
doing business. WUlett hastened to Stuyvesant, and, within an hour, the
burgomasters and schepens were in close councU with the brave old
soldier, devising plans for fortifying the city. Some vessels on the point
of saihng for Curaqoa were countermanded, and agents were sent hurriedly
to New Haven to buy provisions. Men were stationed at Westchester
and Milford, to act the part of spies, and announce the approach of the
enemy, who were expected by way of the Sound. A loan of money was
obtained from Jeremias Van Eensselaer, and a quantity of powder was
secured from New Amstel At this critical moment, when every hour
was more precious than gold, a dispatch from the Amsterdam Chamber
to Stuyvesant declared that no danger from England need be appre
hended, — that the king had only sent some frigates to introduce Episco
pacy into New England.
Confidence was thus restored, and the Curacjoa vessels were permitted
to depart. Mischievous quarrels among the Indians to the North
induced Stuyvesant to take a trip to Fort Orange. He had
reached his destination and entered upon the work of reconciling the
savages, when an express followed him to say that the English squadron
was actuaUy on the way from Boston to New Amsterdam. He hurried
home, arriving only three days before the EngUsh banners floated over
the bay, just below the Narrows. One of his first acts was to set all his
own negro slaves and hired workmen at his farm thrashing Aug. 29.
grain night and day, and carting it to the fort. Three weeks had
been lost in false security ; the city, alas ! was ill prepared to stand a
siege. The fort, and the wall at Wall Street, however strong a defense
against the Indians, would avaU positively nothing against a civUized foe ;
and there was the exposure on two rivers ! Four hundred men were all
that could be mustered, to bear arms. Six hundred pounds was the max
imum of powder in the fort. Then, the English inhabitants were numer
ous and would aid the king's forces ; and the latter, before casting anchor,
had cut off all communication between the city and Long Island, and had
scattered proclamations through the country, promising safe and undis
turbed possession of property to aU who would quietly submit to the
govemment of England.
Stuyvesant regarded the situation with dismay. The EngUsh were in
fuU possession of the harbor. He hastily caUed in the few soldiers from
Esopus and other outposts, and, wishing to ascertain the condition of
14

210 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
affairs on Long Island, sent to the EngUsh commander four commission
ers, representing the councU and the city, with a letter inquiring the object
of his coming, and why he remained so long in the harbor without giving
due notice. NicoUs repUed, that he had come to reduce the country to
the obedience of the king of England, whose commission he displayed ;
and that he would send a letter to the govemor on the foUowing day.
Saturday morning. Sir George Cartwright and three other gentle-
^' ' men came to the city, and were received with a formal salute from
the guns of the Battery. The interview was ceremonious in the extreme.
They bore from Nicolls to Stuyvesant a formal summons to surrender the
province of New Netherland, with all its towns, forts, etc., at the same
time promising to confirm his estate, Ufe, and liberty to every man who
should submit without opposition to the king's authority.
NicoUs having omitted to sign this summons, it was retumed to the
delegates, and time thereby gained. Stuyvesant and his councU con
sulted with the city magistrates. Stuyvesant was determined upon de
fending his post to the last, and withheld the paper which contained the
terms of surrender, lest it should influence the people to insist upon
capitulation. The city magistrates were strongly in favor of non-resist
ance, but thought it well to bring the city into as fair a state of defense
as possible, in order to obtain " good terms and conditions." Men worked
aU day Sunday on the fortifications, and the officers of the government
were in close councU for several hours. On Monday morning, a
" meeting of the citizens was called at the City HaU, and the bur
gomasters stated publicly that they had been denied a copy of the sum
mons which NicoUs had sent to Stuyvesant, but explained the terms of
surrender. A loud clamor at once arose for the paper itself Stuyvesant
eame to the City Hall and attempted to explain the impossibUity of
surrender under any circumstances, the extreme displeasure it would
occasion in Holland, the painful responsibUity that was resting upon him,
etc., etc., but, in the end, produced the desired document.
The work of preparation continued through the day ; and anxiety and
excitement were everywhere apparent. On Tuesday morning.
Governor Winthrop, who had joined the fleet, accompanied by his
son Fitz John, Ex-Governor WUlys, Thomas WiUett, and two Boston gen
tlemen, visited the city in a row-boat, under a flag of truce. As they
landed at the wharf, a salute was fired, and they were conducted to the
nearest public house. Stuyvesant met them with stately poUteness.
Winthrop's mission was to present a carefuUy written letter from NicoUs
and to use his own utmost endeavor to persuade the Dutch governor into
a peaceful submission. There were many courtly speeches and replies

WINTHROP'S INTERVIEW WITH STUYVESANT. 211
during the interview, but Stuyvesant was iron-hearted and declined
Winthrop's urbane advice. On taking leave, Winthrop handed the fol
lowing letter, addressed to himself, to Stuyvesant, who read it aloud to
the gentlemen of his councU and the burgomasters present;
" Mb. Winthrop : As to those particulars you spoke to me, I do assure you
that if the Manhadoes be deUvered up to his Majesty, I shall not hinder,
hut any people from the Netherlands may freely come and plant there, or
thereabouts ; and such vessels of theu- owne country may freely come thither,
and any of them may as freely returne home, in vessels of their owne country, and
this, and much more, is contained in the privilege of his Majesty's English sub
jects ; and thus much you may, by what means you please, assure the governor
from, Sir, Your very affectionate servant, "Eichard Nicolls."
The burgomasters asked permission to read this letter to the citizens.
Stuyvesant pronounced such a course injudicious and refused his consent.
Van Cortlandt declared that all which concerned the public welfare
ought to be made public. High words ensued on both sides, and finaUy
Stuyvesant in a fit of passionate indignation tore the letter in pieces.
Steenwyck, in angry tones, condemned the destruction of a paper of so
much consequence, and, with the other magistrates, quitted the fort. A
crowd had coUected about the City Hall, to learn how matters stood.
The news was received with lowering brows. Suddenly the work on the
palisades stopped, and three of the principal citizens — not belonging to
the govemment — appeared before the governor and council and peremp
torUy demanded a copy of the letter. They were not disposed to parley.
The fragments were shown to them ; but no reasoning would satisfy them.
They threatened — covertly at first, and then openly. Stuyvesant hurried
to the City Hall and tried in vain to quiet the raving multitude. " It
would be as idle to attempt to defend the city against so many as to gape
before an oven," was the general cry. Some cursed the governor ; others
cursed the company ; but all united in a demand for the letter. He
argued that it did not concern the commonalty, but only the officers of
the government. "The letter! The letter!" was the only reply. Ee-
tiring from this outburst of popular fury, he retumed to the fort, and
Nicholas Bayard, his private secretary, having gathered the scattered
scraps, made a copy of the mutUated document, which was given to the
burgomasters. Meanwhile, Stuyvesant had been preparing an answer to the summons
of NicoUs. It was an overwhelming argument, tracing the history of
New Netherland through aU its vicissitudes, and pointing out the abso-

212 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
lute unsoundness of the English claim. He pictured in earnest language
the consequences of any violation of the articles of peace so solemnly
agreed upon by Charles and the States-General, and warned the English
commander against aggression. He sent four of his ablest advisers — two
from his councU and two from the city — to convey the document to
Colonel NicoUs, and to " argue the matter " with him.
Nicolls decUned discussion. He said the question of right did not con
cern him. He must and would take possession of the place. If the
reasonable terms he offered were not accepted, he should proceed to
attack. " On Thursday, I shaU speak with you at the Manhattans," he said,
with dignity.
" Friends wiU be welcome, if they come in a friendly manner," rephed
one of the delegates.
" I shaU come with my ships and soldiers, and he wUl be a bold mes
senger indeed who wUl dare to come on board and soUcit terms," was his
rejoinder. " What, then, is to be done ? " was asked.
" Hoist the white flag of peace at the fort, and I may take something
into consideration."
The delegates returned sadly to New Amsterdam. NicoUs, seeing
that Stuyvesant was not disposed to surrender, made preliminary arrange
ments for storming the city. He caUed the people of Long Island
together at Gravesend, and pubhshed the king's patent to the Duke of
York, and his own commission, in their presence. Winthrop announced,
on behalf of Connecticut, that, as the king's pleasure was now fuUy signi
fied, the jurisdiction which that colony had claimed and exercised over
Long Island " ceased and became null." Nicolls promised to confirm all
the civil officers who had been appointed by Connecticut, — which gave
immense satisfaction. Volunteers, to sweU his army, came from aU parts
of the island. Prospects of plunder seem to have entered largely into
their calculations. The citizens of New Amsterdam regarded them as
their deadly enemies ; and well they might, at this juncture, for threats
and curses filled the air, and rovers talked openly of " where the yomig
women lived who wore chains of gold."
The volunteers were encamped just below Breuckelen, to be ready to
storm the city by land. Nicolls sent a few of his troops to join them.
It was rumored that six hundred Northern savages and one hundred
„ ^ , and fifty Frenchmen had re-enforced the English forces agamst
Sept. B. ¦* °
the Dutch. On the moming of September 5th, NicoUs came up
under full sail, and anchored between the fort and Governor's Island.

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THE CRISIS. 213
The crisis had come. New Amsterdam, with its population of fifteen
hundred souls, was "encircled round about," without any means of
deliverance. " It is a matter of desperation rather than soldiership to
attempt to hold the fort," said Vice-Governor De Sille.
Stuyvesant stood in one of the angles of the fort, near where the gun
ner held a burning match, awaiting the order to fire at the approaching
vessels. He had been expostulated with by one and another, who saw
only infatuation and ruin in resisting a foe with such extraordinary ad
vantage in point of numbers ; but to all he had answered, with emphasis,
" I must act in obedience to orders." " It is madness," said Dominie
Megapolensis, laying his hand lovingly upon the governor's shoulder.
" Do you not see that there is no help for us either to the north or to
the south, to the east or to the west ? What will our twenty guns do
in the face of the sixty-two which are pointed towards us on yonder
frigates ? Pray, do not be the first to shed blood ! "
Just then, a paper was brought to Stuyvesant signed by ninety-three
of the principal citizens, including the burgomasters and schepens, and
his own son, Balthazar, urging with manly arguments that he would not
doom the city to ashes and spill innocent blood, as it was evident the
sacrifice could avail nothing in the end. He read the appeal with white
lips, and with unspeakable sorrow expressed in every feature. His only
remark was, " I had rather be earned, to my grave." Five minutes later,
the white flag waved above the fort.
Arrangements were immediately made for a meeting, to agree upon
articles of capitulation. The time was eight o'clock, on Saturday morn
ing ; the place, Stuyvesant's country-house at the farm. Colonel
NicoUs appointed his two colleagues. Sir Eobert Carr and Sir
George Carteret, and the New England gentlemen. Governor Winthrop
and Ex-Governor Willys of Connecticut, and John Pinchon and Thomas
Clarke of Boston, as his commissioners. Stuyvesant selected Hon. John
De Decker, Hon. Nicholas Varlett, and Dominie Megapolensis from his
councU, to represent the province, and Cornells Steenwyck, Oloff S. Van
Cortlandt, and Jacques Cousseau, to represent the city. The proclama
tion and the reiterated promises of Nicolls formed the basis of the
twenty-four articles which were carefuUy and intelligently discussed on
that momentous occasion. The Dutch citizens were guaranteed security
in their property, customs, conscience, and religion. Intercourse with
Holland was to continue as before the coming of the English. Public
buildings and public records were to be respected, and aU civil officers
were to remain in power until the customary time for a new election.
The articles of capitulation were to be ratified by NicoUs and delivered

214 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
to Stuyvesant by eight o'clock on Monday morning, at the " old mill,"
on the shore of the East Eiver, near the foot of Eoosevelt Street, at the
outlet of the brook which ran from the Fresh Water Pond. Within two
hours afterward, the fort was to be vacated, the miUtary marching out
with aU the honors of war.
On Sunday afternoon, after the second sermon, the conciUatory terms
by which New Amsterdam was surrendered — terms, perhaps, the most
favorable ever granted by a conqueror — were explained to the
^'^ ¦ ¦ anxious community. On Monday morning, Stuyvesant and his
councU affixed their names to the articles of capitulation, and exchanged
them with NicoUs. AU things being ready, the garrison marched out
of the fort, carrying theif arms, with drums beating and colors flying,
and embarked on a vessel about to set saU for HoUand. Colonel Nicolls
and Sir Eobert Carr formed their companies into six columns,
oSpbi 8. ¦•¦-11
aud entered the town as the Dutch garrison departed. The city
magistrates were assembled in the councU chamber, and with much
ceremony proclaimed NicoUs governor of the province. The Enghsh
flag was raised over the fort, which was now to be called Fort James, and
New Amsterdam was henceforth to be known as New York.
The conquest of Long Island and New Amsterdam has been widely
stigmatized as an act of pecuUar national baseness. It was matured in
secret and accomplished with deliberate deceit towards a friendly govem
ment. It provoked a war which disgraced the reign of Charles II. ; a
war in which Dutch fleets not only swept the Channel, but entered the
Thames, burned the warehouses and dock-yards at Chathan;!, and mad
dened and terrified the citizens of London with the roar of their cannon.
And yet, unjustifiable as it surely was for an undeclared enemy to sneak
into a remote harbor and treacherously seize a province, the temptation
furmshed by the circumstances of the case may perhaps be cited as a
sort of paUiation of the deed. The West India Company and the
States-General bad always undervalued New Netherland; it was their
neglect of it which had been the most potent stimulus to EngUsh am
bition ; and finaUy, the event itself could not have been avoided hy the
Dutch government unless aU their previous policy had been reversed
and their title planted upon a more tenable basis.
Stuyvesant was mortified and humUiated beyond expression. His
solitary heroism, and his loyalty, unshaken to the last, did not protect
him from the severe censure of his superiors. He was summoned to
HoUand to render an account of his administration, and detained there
many months. The soulless corporation was dying by inches. The loss
of its province had been its death-blow. But it had sufficient vitahty

THE STUYVESANT PEAR-TREE.

215

left to make a desperate effort to shift the responsibUity of its misfor
tunes upon the head of its faithful servant, notwithstanding abundant
proof that, year after year, and by almost every ship which crossed the
ocean, he had warned the self-sufficient company of the impossibUity of
holding the province against any hostile attack without the means to
improve its weak and dangerous condition. The peace of Breda put an
end to the controversy, and Stuyvesant, whose property interests were
aU in New York, returned and took up his abode here as a private citi
zen WhUe at the Hague, he labored incessantly to secure from the
king the ratification of the sixth article in his treaty with NicoUs, which
granted free trade with HoUand in Dutch vessels. He wrote to Charles,
that New York could scarcely be relieved by England during the pres
ent season, and that what he asked for would prevent the Indians from
diverting their traffic to Canada, as weU as enable the Dutch inhabitants
to foUow their prosperous vocations. His logic was convincing, and
Charles authorized the Duke of York to grant " temporary permission
for seven years, with three ships only."
Stuyvesant brought with
him, on his return voyage to
New York, a pear-tree, which
he planted in his garden.
It survived the storms of
two hundred winters. As the
city grew, and one old land
mark after another disap
peared, the solitary pear-tree
long continued to put out its
blossoms every spring and to
bend under the weight of its
fruit every summer. It stood
for many years, surrounded
by an iron ftoce, on the cor
ner of East 13th Street and
3d Avenue; and when, at last,
it feU, many a loyal mourner
strove to obtain a fragment
of its broken body to preserve
in remembrance of hy-gone
times. The raUing which en
closed it may StUl be seen, stuyvesant's Pear-Xree.
and within it a vigorous young offshoot of the parent tree, putting forth

216

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

its leaves and branches with an appearance of family pride, and a good
degree of the family energy.
The life of Governor Stuyvesant was one long romantic history, as
well as an instructive lesson. He had marvelous inteUectual power,
great subtlety of discernment, and yet a peculiar turn of mind which
rendered him less successful in politics than were many who had not
half his abUity. He gave evidence of extensive reading; a fact in
itself remarkable, when we take into consideration the age in which he
lived, and the difficulty, at that time, of obtaining books in this country.
He was a courtly man, from whom the freshness of youth had quite

stuyvesant's Tomb.
departed, when he retired from public life. He was active, however, in
all his movements long after a restful repose had settled upon his care
worn features. He interested himself in church affairs and in city
improvements, grew social and companionable, frequently dined his
English successor at his country-seat, and rendered himself very dear to
his family and intimate friends. He gave one the impression of fine
rich fruit, not tempting in external show, but sound and sweet to the
core. He died in 1672, and was interred in the famUy vault, in the
chuich upon his farm. One hundred and thirty years afterward, St
Mark's Church was erected upon the same site, and Peter Stuyvesant,
the great-grandson of the governor, caused the vault to be repaired and
enlarged. Upon the outer waU of St. Mark's Church is the original tab
let, of which the sketch is a facsimile.
Governor Stuyvesant had two sons, Balthazar and Nicholas William.

THE STUYVESANT FAMILY.

217

The former was born in 1647, and the latter in 1648. Balthazar re
moved to the West Indies after the surrender of the province. Nicholas
WiUiam married Maria, the only daughter of WilUam Beekman, who
died without issue. He then married Elizabeth Slechtenhorst, daughter
of the famous commander of Eensselaerswick. They had three chUdren,
Peter, Anna, and Gerardus. The former died in 1705, having never
married. Anna married the Eev. Mr. Pritchard, an Episcopal clergyman.
Gerardus married his second cousin, Judith Bayard. They had four sons,
only one of whom, Peter, left descendants. He was born in 1727, and
married Margaret, daughter of Gilbert Livingston. Their sons, Nicholas
WilUam and Peter Gerard, are well remembered by our older citizens ;
of their daughters, Judith married Benjamin Winthrop, Comelia mar
ried Dirck Ten Broeck, and EUzabeth married Colonel Nicholas Fish
and was the mother of Hon. Hamilton Fish, the present Secretary of
State for the United States.

[" Petersfield " was the residence of Peter Gerard Stuyvesant (many years President of the New York
Historical Society), who married, i, Susan, daughter of Colonel Thomas Barclay; 2, Helen Sarah,
daugfiter of Hon. John Rutherford, of New Jersey. The " Bowery House " was the residence of Nich
olas William, the brother of Peter Gerard Stuyvesant. Both mansions were built prior to the Revolu
tion. For location, see map of Stuyvesant estate, page 18S. The chief portion of this extensive prop
erty is now in possession of the three descendants, Hon. Hamilton Fish (Secretary of State), Benjamin
Robert Winthrop, and Louis M. Rutherford, the well-known astronomer.]

218 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER XIII.
1664 - 1668.
NEW YOEK.
New York. — The Duke of York. — Govbknor Nicolls. — Mr. and Mes. Johannes
Van Brugh. — The Brodhead Family. — Albany. — The Takinr of the Oath of
Allegiance to England. — -Sir Robert Carr at Delaware Bay. — An Extraordi
nary Complication. — Connecticut Diplomacy. — The Dividing Line between
Connecticut and New York. — New Jersey. — Elizabethtown. — Johannes Db
Peyster. — Interesting Controversy. — Court of Assizes. — Nicolls a Law
maker. — The Hempstead Convention. — " The Duke's Laws." — The First Eace-
Course on Long Island. — The First Vineyard on Long Island. — The Fiest
Mayor of New York. — The First Aldermen. — John Lawrence. — Nicholas
Bayard. — Symptoms of War. — Secret Ordkbs. — War declared. — Coenelis
Steenwyck. — The Plague in London. — The Great Fire in London. — England's
Disgrace. — Clarendon's Fall. — New York's Miseries. — Nicolls's Wisdom. —
Witchcraft. — The Manors of Gardiner and Shelter Islands. — Nicolls asks
foe his Recall.
IT has been the destiny of New York to sustain fiercer trials and to
gain a wider and more varied experience than any other American
State. The first half-century of her existence, though not very fruitful in
iichievements, gTcatly surpasses in importance any other equal period,
from having projected the impulse and prescribed the law of her subse
quent development. When, in 1664, she was geographicaUy united to
New England and the Southern British colonies, and exchanged a repub
lican sovereignty for an hereditary king, she possessed the vital element
of all her later greatness. The irrepressible forces, poUtical, social, and
reUgious, which were sweeping over the chief nationaUties of Europe m
that remarkable century, were already here, and pushing to unforeseen
ends. Eighteen languages were spoken in our infant capital. The arri
vals which -foUowed increased without materially changing the character
of the population. The old, stubborn, intensely practical Dutch spirit
was firmly planted in this soil ; English inflexibility, sagacity, and invig
orating life had also taken root ; and French industry, refinement, and
vivacity flourished, if possible, the most luxuriantly of the three. The

THE DUKE OF YORK. 219
chief impulse of the Huguenot movement, which had begun in France,
both in the capital and in the University, was coeval with the revival of
letters. Hence those who fled into voluntary exile were generaUy of the
cultivated and wealthy classes. They transplanted to New York an
influence of education and graceful accomplishments, and gave a certain
chivalrie tone to the new society. We have seen Dr. La Montagne closely
associated in the New Netherland government for more than a score of
years ; and we find that the public documents of the period were written
in the French as weU as the Dutch language. Swedes, Germans, and
some of other nationalities were here, but in smaUer numbers. The
inhabitants, drawn together from regions so remote, grew to be one peo
ple : a fearless, thoughtful, energetic, constructive people, politicaUy aUve,
religiously free ; a people which rejected hereditary leaders and kept
those whom it elected under careful limitations. New York, standing
midway among the sea-coast colonies, modified with her broader views
the narrowness of her neighbors, and, after guarding for a century her
long frontier from the attacks of Canada, became the pivot upon which
turned the most important events of that gigantic Eevolution which gave
birth to a nation.
The Duke of York was a practical business man. He had been told
that his new territory, if weU managed, would yield him thirty thousand
pounds per annum. In none of his plans and arrangements did he dis
play more far-sighted common-sense than in his choice of a capable,
resolute, and honest governor. Colonel NicoUs was the son of a lawyer
of the Middle Temple. His mother was the daughter of Sir George
Bruce. He was splendidly educated and accustomed to aU the refine
ments of the higher European circles. Warmly attached to the royal
cause, he had shared its fortunes, and spent much time, as an exile, in
HoUand. He was famUiar with the Dutch Uterature, and spoke the
Dutch and French languages as weU as he spoke his own. He was about
forty years of age ; a Uttle above the medium height ; of fine, stately
presence, with a fair, open face, a pleasant, magnetic gi'ay eye, somewhat
deeply set, and hair slightly curled at the ends.
He laughed a little at the fort, with its feint of strength, and its quaint
double-roofed church within, but found the governor's house very com
fortably furnished and quite attractive for a new country. The city
pleased him. Its promise was vague and undefined, but he wrote to
King James that it was undoubtedly the best of aU his towns, and, with
a httle care, the staple of America might be drawn thither in spite of
Boston. His affabUity and genial nature won the citizens from the start ; at

220 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
least such as were so fortunate as to come in personal contact with him
either ofiiciaUy or otherwise. On the day after the surrender, the
^ ' ' burgomasters and schepens met and transacted their ordinary busi
ness, as if nothing unusual had occurred. They afterwards indicated their
good-wUl to the administration through a letter — drawn up by Cornells
Steenwyck, and signed by each member of the board — in which appeared
the following passage : " NicoUs is a wise and intelligent govemor, under
whose wings we hope to bloom and grow like the cedar on Lebanon."
The official counselors of Governor Nicolls were Eobert Needham,
Thomas DelavaU, Thomas Topping, and WUUam WeUs. Matthias
NicoUs, a thoroughbred English lawyer, was appointed Secretary of the
province. All these were from among the new-comers, except WUliam
Wells, who had settled previously at Southold, Long Island. Cornelis
Van Euyven, Stuyvesant's provincial Secretary, was appointed coUector
of tbe customs. He was caUed into counsel on many occasions, and
rendered material aid to Nicolls. One of the schepens, Johannes Van
Brugh, was also invited to the meetings of the councU, and his opinions
were treated with profound deference. He was a shipping merchant, doing
a prosperous business. His wife was a daughter of Anetje Jans. They
lived in a stone house near Hanover Square, in front of which several im
mense forest-trees cast their broad shadows over a handsome green, where
the Indians used to camp, during their visits to the city, and where mar
ket-wagons were often left standing, while the horses rested and grazed
in the cool shade. Mr. and Mrs. Van Brugh were the first of the Dutch
residents who gave a dinner-party in honor of the new English governor.
On the Sunday foUowing the surrender, the Enghsh Episcopal service
was celebrated for the first time in New York, by the chaplain of
¦ the English forces. It having been agreed in the capitulation
that the Dutch should enjoy all their reUgious liberties and retain their
own church edifice, it was very cordially arranged that the services of the
Church of England shorUd take place in the same sanctuary after the close
of the usual morning worship. Meanwhile the city magistrates provided
for the support of Dominies Megapolensis and Drisius, untU the gov
ernor sbould make further arrangements.
Fort Orange, and Esopus, although included in the capitulation, re
mained to be brought under the Duke's authority. As soon as the
safety of the capital was fairly assured, Nicolls dispatched to the former
point Colonel Cartwright and his company, armed with various orders
and instructions. Colonel Cartwright was a typical EngUshman, heavy,
grave, often morose, overbearing, of a suspicious temperament, and an
excellent hater of the Dutch. The. two officers next in command were

ALBANY. 221
Captain John Manning and Captain Daniel Brodhead. Captain Manning
had formerly commanded a trading vessel between New Haven and New
York, but was now in the military service. Captain Brodhead, from an
ancient family in Yorkshire, England, was a zealous royalist, in high
favor with the king. He was the common ancestor of the Brodhead
famUy in this country, among whom in every generation have been men
of culture and distinction, — the most widely known of them all, perhaps,
being the late John Eomeyn Brodhead, the eminent scholar and historian
of New York.
Van Eensselaer was directed to obey Cartvn-ight, and also to bring his
title papers respecting Eensselaerswick to NicoUs for inspection. This
was subsequently done, and a new patent was issued to the patroon by
the Duke. Thomas WUlett, and Thomas Breedon, ex-governor of Nova
Scotia, accompanied the expedition by request, because they were accus
tomed to dealing with the savages, and it was esteemed of the first im
portance to secure the friendship which the Iroquois had cherished
towards the Dutch.
The military officers were received with courtesy by Dr. La Montagne
and the magistrates of the little town, which was at once named Albany,
after the Scotch title of the Duke of York. It was found that John De
Decker, one of Stuyvesant's counselors and a signer of the articles of
capitulation, had been actively engaged in trying to infuse the spirit of
resistance into the people at the north, and he was banished from the
province. Few changes were made in the civil government. The
Mohawk and Seneca sachems appeared and signed with Cart
wright the first treaty between the Iroquois and the English ; and Captain
Manning was left in command of the fort.
On his retum from Albany, Cartwright landed at Esopus, where he was
warmlv welcomed bv William Beekman, who was confirmed in
his authority as sheriff. Thomas Chambers was also retained as
commissary. The charge of the garrison was committed to Captain Brod
head. NicoUs was quick to see the advantage of influencing as many of the
Dutch famUies as possible to remain in their present homes. By the
articles of capitulation he had given them liberty to sell their lands and
effects and to remove to HoUand. But he resolved to ask the principal
Dutch citizens to take the customary oath and become British subjects.
He accordingly sent for Ex-Governor Stuyvesant, De SUle, Van Euyven,
Dominies Megapolensis and Drisius, and a few others, to meet him
in the chamber of the common council, where the burgomasters and
schepens were assembled, and there; he addressed them on the subject.

222 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
explaining that this new obligation did not involve any permanent
renunciation of aUegiance to the Dutch govemment. -They
' demurred. Van Euyven argued that the people had been pro
nounced " free denizens " by the terms of the surrender, and no provision
made for assuming a new allegiance. Van Cortlandt feared such a pro
ceeding would render the articles of capitulation nuU and void. After
much debate, the meeting declined taking the oath, unless NicoUs should
add to it, "conformable to the articles concluded on the surrender of
this place."
The subject was in agitation for several days. FinaUy, Nicolls said in
writing, that " the articles of surrender " were " not in the least broken, or
intended to be broken, by any words or expressions in the said
' oath." This statement proved satisfactory, and, within the subse
quent five days, over two hundred and fifty residents of the city and
adjacent country took tbe oath of allegiance to Charles II. and the Duke
of York. Among these was Stuyvesant himself ; also Van Euyven, Van
Brugh, Van Cortlandt, Van Eensselaer, Beekman, and the two Dutch
Dominies. Tonneman, the sheriff, returned to HoUand, and the city was caUed
upon to elect his successor. The choice feU upon AUard Anthony, who
was at once confirmed in office by the govemor. About the
same time a provost-marshal was appointed, to keep um'uly
soldiers from interfering with the citizens.
Meanwhile, Sir Eobert Carr had gone, with two vessels and a large
armed force, to reduce the settlements on the Delaware. He found the
Swedes manageable and the Dutch obstinate. Superiority in
' numbers, however, secured a bloodless victory. It was then that
the royal knight began to reveal his true character. He assumed au
thority independent of Nicolls, and claimed to be the sole disposer of
affairs in that region. He shipped the Dutch soldiers to Virgiuia, to he
sold as slaves. He imprisoned the commander Hiunoyssa, and appropri
ated his comfortable house and flourishing farm to his own use. He
gave the stone dwelling, and a large tract of land belonging to Sheriff
Van Sweringen, to his son Captain John Carr. He distributed the
property of the other settlers as he saw fit. When an account of his
high-handed proceedings reached the other commissioners, they were
astonished beyond measure. They considered such conduct " presump
tuous and disgraceful." They peremptorily required his lordship's return
to New York to attend to the further business of the commission, and
when he did not make his appearance, Cartwright and Maverick deputed
Nicolls to proceed to Delaware Bay and appoint such civil and military

CONNECTICUT DIPLOMACY. 223
officers there as his best judgment dictated. He was accompanied by
Counselor Needham. He admirustered a severe rebuke to Carr and
compeUed him to disgorge much of his Ul-gotten spoU. He regulated
affairs as weU as he was able, and appointed Captain John Carr as
deputy-governor. Connecticut was aU this while in deep distress. The patent of the
king had extended her territory to the Pacific Ocean. But here was
another patent of the king to his brother, comprising every inch of land
west of the Connecticut Eiver. It was a most extraordinary complica
tion. As for Long Island, the Duke's patent expressly included it by name ;
moreover, Winthrop, at Gravesend, just before the surrender of New
York, bad declared that the jurisdiction formerly exercised by Connecti
cut " ceased and became null" There seemed therefore to be little room
for discussion in regard to that region, and it received the name of
Yorkshire. But Hartford herself was included in the Duke's patent, to say noth
ing of republican New Haven, who had held her head so high, and
stoutly refused to bend to Connecticut, because the charter of the latter
had been (as was affimied) surreptitiously obtained, " contrary to right
eousness, amity, and peace." Alas, when the choice was finally made
between two great evils, Puritan dictation was judged to be far bet
ter than foreign annexation. The General Court of Connecticut held a
mournful meeting in October. " We must try to conciliate those
royal commissioners," said Winthrop. It was voted to present
them with five hundred bushels of corn and some fine horses. A com
mittee, consisting of Governor Winthrop, his son Fitz Johu, Matthew
Allyn, Nathan Gold, and James Eichards, was appointed to pay a visit
of congratulation and to make the presentation. They were empowered
to seize any opportunity which might offer, to settle a boundary line
between the two patents.
They reached New York late in November, and were graciously
received by Nicolls, Cartwright, and Maverick. After much preamble,
the delicate and perplexing question was fairly brought under
discussion. The two patents were spread upon the table. Win
throp was reminded that, in obtaining the former, he had promised to
submit to any alteration of boundaries which might be made by the
king's commissioners. The authority of the later patent could not be
shaken. The Connecticut gentlemen pleaded that it should not be en
forced to its full extent, thus depriving Connecticut of her " very bowels
and principal parts." To this Nicolls readily assented, for his own judg-

224 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
ment condemned a course which would only result in the ruin of a
thriving colony, and in lasting dishonor to the king. It was therefore
agreed that the dividing line between Connecticut and New York should
run about twenty miles from any part of the Hudson Eiver. To define
the starting-point and the compass direction, the Connecticut gentlemen
inserted a clause in the document by which the Une was to be drawn
from where the Mamaroneck Creek flows into the Sound, and north-
northwest onward to the Massachusetts Une.
For the moment, this settlement seemed to be satisfactory to hoth
parties. New Haven submitted to Connecticut and aU went weU. But
NicoUs and his colleagues, being unfortunately ignorant of the geography
of the country, were misled into tbe supposition that the hne had been
drawn twenty miles, when in reality it was only about ten mUes, distant
from the Hudson. It was an absurd error, which was never ratified hy
the Duke or the king, and proved the source of a long-continued and
distracting controversy.
WhUe the forces of the expedition against New Netherland were .stdl
on the Atlantic, in June, James dismembered his American province and
laid the foundation of another State. The treasurer of his house-
' hold was Lord Berkeley, who was also one of the Admiralty
Board. He was a coarse, bold man, arbitrary and unscmpuLous, and
somewhat incUned to CathoUcism. The treasurer of the Admiralty was
Sir George Carteret, who had formerly been governor of the Channel
Island of Jersey, where he received and entertained Charles, while
Prince of Wales, and at which point he gallantly defeated the troops
of Cromwell. He rode by the side of the king, when he entered Lon
don, at the Eestoration, and was made chamberlain of the royal house
hold. Berkeley and Carteret were both members of the CouncU for
Foreign Plantations, and had studied America with careful attention.
They expressed a desire to purchase of the Duke a portion of his new
territory ; and he, wishing to please two such devoted friends, accepted
the small sum they offered, and conveyed to them by deed the
¦ section now known as New Jersey, — a name bestowed in com
pliment to Carteret. James had very little idea of the magnitude or
importance of this sale, and made no reservation of the right to govern.
Thence the purchasers assumed absolute control, engendering controver
sies which were prolonged for many years. They pubUshed a constitu
tion for New Jersey, and appointed PhUip Carteret, a cousin of Sir
George's, governor of the province.
NicoUs knew nothing of aU this untU the arrival of Governor Carteret
off the coast of Virginia, when he immediately wrote to James, protest-

ELIZABETHTO WN.

225

ing against a movement so unexpected and so unwise. Of course, the
protest came too late; Carteret reached New York in July, 1665, and
received from NicoUs, according to the orders of the Duke which he
brought with him, complete and undisputed possession of New Jersey.
He landed on Jersey soil, at the head of a party of men, carrying
a hoe on his shoulder, to indicate his intention of becoming a planter
with them. He chose for the seat of government a charming spot near
Newark Bay, where four families had already settled, and named it
Elizabethtown, in honor of Lady Elizabeth, the wife of Sir George Car
teret. NicoUs found serious work on all sides of him. In order to win the
Dutch, he copied or rather continued, with as Uttle alteration as possible,
the form of administration to which they had been accustomed.
The burgomasters and schepens of the city, when their terms J^"®|"
of service expired, named their successors, as formerly. It was
just twelve years to a day since Stujrvesant had conferred the powers
which they exercised. The new of&cers were promptly confirmed by
Nicolls, and announced
to the pubhc after the
usual ringing of the beU.
They were Cornelis Steen
wyck and Oloff S. Van
Cortlandt, bu r go mas-
Autograph of Johannes Oe Peyster. m- il /^ 1
ters; Timotheus Gabry,
Johannes Van Brugh, Johannes De Peyster, Jacob Kip, and Jacques
Cousseau, schepens ; and Allard Anthony, sheriff.
It is noticeable that among these names are three of Huguenot origin.
Johannes De Peyster descended from one of the families of the nobUity
who were driv
en from France
in 1572 by the
rehgious per
secutions o f
Charles IX. He
himself was
bornin Holland, jf / 1 '^^XfVar^Kxij
He had been in silverware of the De Peysters.
New York for sixteen or more years. He was heir to considerable
wealth, some of which was invested in ships which sailed to and from
. Europe and the West Indies. He brought to this country many valuable
articles of furniture, and a large quantity of massive sUver. Several
15

226 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
specimens of the latter are still in possession of the family, and are
esteemed by the curious as masterpieces of art. He fiUed important
positions in the city government and in the chnrch, and was held in
great respect. Nicolls said of him that he could make a better plat
form speech than any other man outside of Parliament, only that his
knowledge of the English tongue was defective. He was the ancestor
of the De Peyster family, which, from its intimate connection with the
fortunes of New York, wiU occupy our attention in future chapters.
Almost immediately, a controversy arose between the city magistrates
and the govemor and council It having been stipulated that the city
should provide quarters for such soldiers as could not be lodged iu the
fort, an attempt was made to distribute them among the inhabitants,
who were to be paid for tbeir board. In many instances, they were
turned out of respectable houses on account of disorderly conduct, and
complaints arose on every side. The citizens generally preferred to pay
an assessment rather than have any contact with them ; and the matter
was finally arranged in this way, to the satisfaction of all concerned.^
In fact, Nicolls was a provincial autocrat. Under the Duke's despotic
patent, he was the real maker of the laws, and the interpreter of them
after they were made. With such tact and moderation, however, did he
exercise his delegated powers, that bis subordinates actuaUy believed
themselves to be sharers in the responsibilities of legislation. He erected
a Court of Assizes, consisting of the governor and his councU, which was
the supreme tribunal of the province. After a time. Long Island, or
Yorkshire, was divided into three districts, or ridings. The justices of
the peace appointed by the governor were to hold, three times a year in
each district, a Court of Sessions over which the govemor or any coun
selor might preside ; and these justices, and the high-sheriff of each
district, were to sit in the Court of Assizes once a year, — the last Thurs
day in September. But they had no representative character whatever
The anomalous condition of New York required special laws. Here
was a conquered province, which had no charter, like the New England
colonies ; which was not a royal domain, like Virginia ; which differed
materially from the proprietary of Maryland ; and whose Dutch inhabi
tants, having received special privileges for the sake of peaceable posses-
1 Among those assessed were Peter Stuyvesant, Frederick Philipse, Cornelis Van Euyven,
Oloff S. Van Cortlandt, Paulus Van der Grist, Johannes Van Brugh, Johannes De Peyst«r,
Jacob Kip, Allard Anthony, Evert Duyckinck, Jan Evertsen Bout, Johannes De Witt, Hans
Kiersted, Jacob Leisler, Paulus Richards, Simon Jansen Romeyn, Isaac Bedlow, Augustme
Heermans, .^gidius Luyck, and many others. Some were taxed four guilders per week,
some three, some two, and some one.

NICOLLS A LAW-MAKER. 227
sion, were in many respects upon a better footing than the king's English
subjects upon Long Island, which had been British territory before the
capitiUation. Nicolls had promised the Long-Islanders at Gravesend,
before the surrender, that they should have a convention of delegates
from their towns, to enact laws and establish civil offices. He accord
ingly proceeded, with the help of his council, to frame a code which
should ultimately become the law of the whole province. He carefully
studied the laws in actual operation in the several New England colo
nies; and, for that purpose, obtained copies of those of Massachusetts
and New Haven, the latter of which had been printed in London in
1656. He wrote to Winthrop for a copy of the statutes of Connecticut ;
but they existed only in manuscript, and he did not obtain a transcript
in time to make use of it. But, however much NicoUs may have bor
rowed from the experience and wisdom of his neighbors, he excelled
them aU in liberality in matters of conscience and religion.
He called a convention at Hempstead on the 28th of February. It
consisted of thirty-four delegates, two from each of the Long Island
towns, and two from Westchester. These delegates were aU noti- Feb 28
fied to bring with them whatever documents related to the bound
aries of their respective towns, and to invite the Indian sachems, whose
presence might be necessary, to attend the meeting, as there was impor
tant business to be transacted, aside from the discussion and adoption
of the new code of laws.^
NicoUs presided in person. At the opening of the exercises, he read the
Duke's patent and his own commission. He then proceeded to the set
tlement of local boundaries, and other minor matters. The laws were
delivered to the delegates for inspection. Scarcely a man among them
was satisfied. They had expected immunities at least equal to those
' The delegates to this convention were as follows : Jacques Cortelyou and Mr. Fosse,
from New Utrecht ; Elbert Elbertsen and Roeloffe Martense, from Flatlands ; John Stryker
and Hendrick Jorassen, from Flatbush ; James Hubbard and John Bowne, from Gravesend ;
John Stealman and Guisbert Tennis, from Bushwick ; Frederick Lubbersten and John Evert
sen, from Brooklyn ; Richard Betts and John Coe, from Newtown ; Elias Doughty and
Richard Cornhill, from Flushing ; Thomas Benedict and Daniel Denton, from Jamaica ;
John Hicks and Robert Jackson, from Hempstead ; John Underhill and Matthias Harvey,
from Oyster Bay ; Jonas Wood and John Ketchum, from Huntington ; Daniel Lane and
Roger Barton, from Brookhaven ; Counselor William Wells and John Young, from South-
old ; Counselor Thomas Topping and John Howell, from Southampton ; Thomas Baker and
John Stratton, from Easthampton ; and Edward Jessop and John Quimby, from Westches
ter. .Brodhead, II. 68. Journals Nemi Yorh Legislative Council; Gen. Ent., I. 93-95.
Wood, 87, 88. Thompson, I. 131, 132. Bolton, II. 180. Dunlap, II. App. XXXVII.
I. 388. Hist. Mag., VIII. 211. Trumbull MSS., XX. 74. Col. Doc, II. 251 ; III.
8, 114 ; IV. 1154. Z>ce(is, IL 1-15, 43, 48, 49. C?Aa/mera, L 577, 578, 598.

228 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
enjoyed under the charter of Connecticut, with which they were perfectly
familiar. The code prepared did not recognize the right of the people to
choose their own magistrates or to have a voice in the levying of taxes.
Consequently, they objected to some of its clauses, and proposed others.
The discussion occupied ten days. Several amendments were accepted hy
NicoUs. But when the debate waxed warm, it was very promptly checked
by his emphatic announcement that all civU appointments were solely in
the hands of the governor, and that whoever wished any larger share in the
government must go to the king for it. The delegates were thus assured
that, instead of being popular representatives to make laws, they were
merely agents to accept those already made for them. It was not a
pleasant medicine, but it was gracefuUy swaUowed. The code was
adopted, and was generally known as " The Duke's Laws." The subjects
were arranged in alphabetical order, and, about a century after, having
become obsolete, the document was first printed as an historical curiosity.
Among tbe provisions of this code were trials by jurymen ; arbitration
in small matters ; a local court in each town, from which there was an
appeal to the Court of Sessions ; overseers, and constables, and justices of
the peace ; assessments, and enforcements of rates imposed. The tenure
of real estate was to be from the Duke of York, involving new patents
and a harvest of fees ; all conveyances were to be recorded in the Secretary's
office, in New York ; no purchase of tbe Indians was to be valid unless
the original owner acknowledged the same before the governor ; no trad
ing with the Indians was to be allowed without a Ucense; no Indian
might pow-wow, or perform outward worship to the DevU, in any town in
the province ; negro slavery was recognized, but no Christians were to be
enslaved except those sentenced thereto by authority; death was the
punishment for denying the true God, for murder, for treason, for kidnap
ping, for the striking of parents, and for some other offenses, — but witch
craft was not included in the Ust ; churches were to be buUt in every
parish and supported, but no one particular Protestant denomination was
to be favored above another ; no minister was to officiate but such as had
been regularly ordained ; each minister was to preach every Sunday, on
the Sth of November (the anniversary of the gunpowder treason), on
tbe 30th of January (the anniversary of the violent death of Charles L),
on the 29th of May (the anniversary of the birth of Charles II. and
of the Eestoration), to pray for the king, queen, Duke of York, and
the royal family, to baptize children, and to marry persons after legal
publication ; no person who professed Christianity was to be molested,
fined, or imprisoned for differing in opimon on matters of rehgion.
There were numerous regulations respecting the administration of estates.

THE FIRST RACE-COURSE ON LONG ISLAND. 229
boundaries of towns, births and burials, surgeons and midwives, chUdren
and servants, weights and measures, and wrecks, and whales, and sailors,
and orphans, and laborers, and brewers, and pipe-staves, and casks, and
wolves ; and every town was to provide a piUory, a pair of stocks, and a
pound. Nicolls, with great caution, delayed the enforcement of those laws in
New York, Esopus, Albany, and the vaUey of the Hudson. And, in
order to moUify the resentment of some of the Long Island delegates, he
made several civil appointments upon the adjournment of the conven
tion. Comiselor WUUam Wells was commissioned the first high-sheriff
of Long Island. John Underhill, of Oyster Bay, who had been so promi
nent hitherto in New Netherland affairs, was made high-constable and
under-sheriff of the North district, or riding, and surveyor-general of the
island. Daniel Denton, John Hicks, Jonas Wood, and James Hubbard
were appointed justices.
As an immediate result of Nicolls's attendance upon the convention, a
race-course was established at Hempstead. The ground selected
was sixteen nules long and four wide. It was covered with fine
grass, unmarred by stick or stone, and was for many years caUed "SaUsbury
Plains." Nicolls directed that a plate should be run for, every year, in
order to improve the provincial Dutch, or Flemish, breed of horses, which
was better adapted to slow labor than to fleetness or display. The race
course itself was named " Newmarket,'' after the famous English sporting-
ground, and was subsequently a favorite annual resort for the governors of
New York and the farmers of Long Island.
NicoUs was ready to favor every important colonial enterprise. There
had been much talk about the culture of grapes. Paulus Eichards
estabUshed a vineyard on Long Island for the manufacture of wine. As
he was the first planter of vines, it was cordially agreed by the adminis
tration that whoever during thirty years should plant vines in any part
of the province should pay five shillings for each acre so planted to
Eichards, in acknowledgment of his pioneer operations. The produce of
his vines, if sold at retaU by any one house in the city, was to be free
from impost for the above period of thirty years, and, if sold in gross, to
be free forever.
WhUe Nicolls was busily at work, attending to his own govemment,
his coUeagues, Cartwright, Maverick, and Carr, were laboring with " refrac
tory " Massachusetts. It had been the object of the king to work such
alteration in the Puritan charters as would give him the appointment of
their governors, and of the commanders of their militia. Nothing, how
ever, could be accomplished without the presence of Nicolls. He accord-

230 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
ingly made the journey to Boston. It was of no use : Massachusetts was
on her dignity. Boston treated the overtures of the royal comnussionere
with scorn. " Our time and labor is aU lost upon men misled
^ ' by the spirit of independency," said Nicolls. He hurried back
to New York; and Cartwright, Maverick, and Carr went eastward to
Maine. The first care of NicoUs, after his return, was to alter the city govern
ment, so as to make it conform to the customs of England. Wishing to
do this in the most conciUatory manner, he selected Thomas WUlett for
the first mayor of New York. This gentleman had distinguished himself
on the Albany expedition, and had so impressed Cartwright that the
latter wrote to NicoUs from Boston, " I believe him a very honest and
able gentleman, and that he wiU serve you both for a mayor and coun
selor." WiUett was a Plymouth settler, but had been much in New Neth
erland, had property interests there, and for a series of years had had
constant business relations with the Dutch merchants. He was better
acquainted with the country, and with the language, manners, and cus
toms of the Dutch, than any other Englishman, and was popular among
aU classes.
On the 12th of June appeared the governor's proclamation, which
declared that the future govemment of the city should be admin-
' istered by persons to be known by the name and style of Mayor,
Aldermen, and Sheriff. A^separate instrument, under the same date, or
dained that all the inhabitants of Manhattan Island "are and shall be
forever accounted, nominated, and estabUshed as one body poUtic and
corporate." The appointments were as follows : Thomas WUlett, mayor ;
Thomas DelavaU, Oloff S. Van Cortlandt, Johannes Van Brugh, CorneUs
Van Euyven, and John Lawrence, aldermen ; and Allard Anthony, sheriff,
— three EngUshmen and four Hollanders.
They were to be duly instaUed in office on the 14th of June. When
NicoUs entered the Council Chamber, he instantlv perceived that
Junel4. ^, , ,. . , , i-
there was much dissatisfaction. As soon as the meeting was
called to order. Van Cortlandt rose, and, with his silvery locks thrown
back and his eyes flashing fire, stated distinctly his objections to the
new regulation, which violated the sixteenth article of the capitulation.
Nicolls repUed elaborately, showing how the old officers had been con
tinued, and, in February, new ones elected who had been retained until
now. Van Brugh sprang to his feet and argued at length the superior
wisdoin of the old Dutch system. Van Euyven followed him, and, in
great heat, opposed the principle of appointments by the governor.
Nicolls was bland and deferential, but said he was under orders from the

JOHN LAWRENCE. 231
Duke of York to model the government of New York according to that
of the cities of England. At the same time, he paid the gentlemen some
happy compliments in respect to their recent admiiustration of affairs.
The ceremony of swearing in the new magistrates proceeded without
interruption; they were duly proclaimed, and shook hands with the
polite governor before separating.
John Lawrence was one of three brothers who settled on Long Island
in the time of Charles I. He was a lineal descendant of Sir Eobert
Lawrence (anciently speUed Laurens), who owned in England, during the
reign of Henry VIL, thirty-four manors, the revenue of which amounted
to six thousand pounds sterling per annum. These brothers, John, Wil
ham, and Thomas, brought considerable property into the province, and
aU became extensive landholders. John accumulated a fortune in mer
cantile pursuits. When he was first made an alderman, he had a city as
weU as a country residence, and owned more slaves than any one on Man
hattan Island.
The democratic theory which has since been thoroughly instiUed into
the American mind, that all men (and perhaps women) are bom free and
equal, was then among the marvels of the future. An aristocratic senti
ment pervaded the little community, and was predominant for more than
a century after, which was much the same as in tbe contemporaneous
cities of Europe. The line between master and servant was rigidly drawn.
There was no transition state, through which the latter might aspire, by the
favor of fortune, to rise to the condition of the former. And the Dutch,
with their great republican notions but haK developed, were, if possiblci
more tenacious in the matter of social classification than the EngUsh.
Nicholas Bayard, Stuyvesant's nephew, was appointed secretary of the
common councU, and was required to keep the records both in Dutch
and English. He was a mere boy in years and personal appearance ; but,
thanks to his accomplished mother, he had all the flexibUity and self-pos
session of a veteran. He was industrious, and inteUigent in the detaUs
of finance and city government. He wrote rapidly, and his penmanship
was the pride of the board. He had none of the forwardness coinmon
to youth, was courteously deferent to his elders, and remarkably grave
and reticent. " He is never in the way, nor ever out of the way," said
WUlett, — a trait of character which may possibly account for his ex
traordinary career in after life. He was, however, excessively frivolous
in some of his personal tastes, and, when off duty, devoted himself to
dancing, horse-racing, and other diversions which greatly distressed his
worthy friends.
The schools, so far as they were estabUshed, were allowed to continue ;

232 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
but NicoUs took no steps to increase their number, or, indeed, to promote
education in any form. It was sufficient for him, he argued, to see that
the Christian ministers were supported. The Lutherans he permitted to
build a church of their own and to send to Europe for a clergyman
But a storm was gathering across the water, which was to involve
New York in fresh difficulties. When Charles II. and his mimsters
settled with convenient logic the question of seizing and appropriating a
Dutch province, it was at the risk of war. The States-General had no
suspicion of the treachery in progress until the whole facts were revealed
De Witt sought an explanation from Downing, who rephed, with stinging
sarcasm, that he knew of no such country as New Netherland except in
the maps ; the territory had always belonged to the English ! Charles
himself laughed heartily when the news reached him of the complete
success of NicoUs, and remarked to Sir George Carteret, " I shaU have a
pleasant time with the Dutch ambassador, when he comes."
The West India Company raved. They applied to the city of Am
sterdam and also to the States-General for ships of war and soldiers, to
send at once for the reconquest of the province whose concerns they had
so fatally neglected. But tbe commercial monopoly had lost caste, and
the popular cry was against lending it any assistance.
A considerable time elapsed before Van Gogh succeeded in obtaining au
dience of the king. Charles put him off with one excuse after another, but
finaUy admitted him into his presence. Van Gogh denounced the whole
proceeding as a vUe deception, equaUy opposed to honor and to justice,
and as a palpable infraction of the treaty between the English and Dutch
nations. Charles haughtily replied that New Netherland belonged to the
English, who had merely aUowed the Dutch to settle there, without con
ferring any authority upon the West India Company. The next day.
Clarendon wrote to Downing to teU De Witt that "the king was no
more accountable to the Dutch govemment for what he had done in
America than he would be in case he should think fit to proceed against
the Dutch who live in the fens of England or in any other part of his
dominions.'' De Witt did not pause to demonstrate the transparent absurdity of the
comparison, but peremptorily replied, " New Netherland must be restored
It was soon apparent to the Dutch statesmen, through the insolent man
ner of Downing, as weU as the tone of Clarendon's correspondence, that
no redress from England need be anticipated. Secret orders were there
fore given to De Euyter, who was with a squadron on the coast of Afnca,
" to reduce the English possessions in tbat region, and inflict by way ot
reprisal as much damage and injury as possible, either at Barbadoes,

SECRET ORDERS. 233
New Netherland, Newfoundland, or other islands or places under English
obedience." Downing secured information in regard to these secret
orders, through the aid of skillful spies, who took keys from De Witt's
pocket whUe he was asleep in bed, and extracted papers from his desk
which were returned within an hour.^ He immediately communicated the
fact to his own government. Letters of reprisal were at once issued against
the " ships, goods, and servants " of the United Provinces, and, without
any previous notice, one hundred and thirty Dutch merchant vessels
were seized in the English ports.
The Dutch, who Uved by commerce, were no longer backward about
fighting. Every city offered men and money to the government. The East
India Company suspended their herring and whale fisheries, and equipped
twenty war-vessels. The West India Company were authorized to attack,
conquer, and destroy the EngUsh everywhere, both in and out of Europe,
on land and on water. Fourteen miUions of guilders were voted for the
expenses of the war. As De Euyter was yet in the West Indies, Was
senaar of Opdam was made admiral of the fleet, with the younger
Tromp, and other renowned commanders, under him.
On the 4th of March, Charles issued a formal declaration of war
against the United Provinces. The House of Commons at once voted
two and one half millions of pounds sterling ; " a smn,'' says
Macaulay, "exceeding that which had supported the fleets and
armies of CromweU, at the time when his power was the terror of aU
the world." The public mind of England had been for some time grow
ing discontented with the maladministration of affairs, and the immo
rality and extravagance of the court ; but aU prior murmurs were mUd
compared with the cry of indignation which now burst forth.
The Duke of York took command of the EngUsh fleet, and sent orders
to NicoUs to put his province of New York in a posture of defense
against the Dutch. Charles wrote to Nicolls himself, telling him of De
Euyter's expedition, and admonishing him to take aU possible care to
avoid a surprise. Clarendon added his word of warning, telhng NicoUs
that he must expect the Dutch to do him every possible mischief
NicoUs and PhiUp Carteret were appointed commissioners in Admiralty,
to dispose of aU Dutch prizes in the American harbors.
In May, De Euyter was actuaUy on his way from the West Indies to
Newfoundland. He intended to visit New York, and, had he done so,
its conquest would have heen easy. But, being short of provis-
ions, he was obliged to turn homeward.

, II. 186, 192. Dames, III. 27, 28. Barnage, I. 714. De Witt, IV. 413. Aitzema,
V. 93, 94. Col. Doc, II. 285- 288. III. 85. Pari. Rist., IV. 296 - 303. Clarke's James II

234

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

As for the inhabitants of New York, they feared De Euyter much less
than they did the privateers who were prowhng about in pursuit of
plunder. NicoUs was painfuUy embarrassed. He had received no sup
plies whatever from England since the surrender. The fort was weak ¦
he had no war- vessels ; and the soldiers were in want of the commonest
necessaries. But he was as loyal as he was brave. He at once issued a
proclamation for the confiscation of the West India Company's estate
which had already been attached, and sent orders to New England in
relation to Dutch prizes in their ports. He then caUed a meeting
of the citizens, to consult about fortUying the city on the river
side. As on many other important occasions, he presided in person.
His opening address was a marvel of oratory. He assured the people
that he should constrain no one
to fight against his own nation.
In asking aid in the matter of
defense, he agreed to furnish
palisades and wampum. Cornelis
Steenwyck responded. He was
a stanch republican, of the old
Belgian stock, inteUigent and lib
eral-minded ; and he probably
exercised a more healthful influ
ence over the pubhc mind than
any other man of his time. He
said that he should always be a
faithful subject, and would con
tribute according to his means.
But he did not see how the
Dutch residents could enUst on
the public works until their arms
were restored to them. One and another arose with the same objectioa
There were many
otherexcuses.
^ .D No direct re
sult was oh
tained. It
was evident
to Nicolls
that he should
Autograph of Steenwyck. ijg g^g to
command very little assistance from a commumty which would welcome
the restoration of Dutch authority.

Portrait of Steenwyck.

Some said the town was strong enough as it was.

!. Sw^i-vW^vjcJO

THE PLAGUE IN LONDON. 235
He sent an elaborate statement of New York affairs to the king by
Cartwright, who, quite discouraged with his unprofitable labors in Bos
ton, and in great physical torture with the gout, saUed in June for Lon
don. He was captured at sea by a Dutch privateer, who, having taken
away aU his papers, landed him in Spain. " It is for your health, sir,"
said the humorous sea-captain, as they parted company ; " the mild
southern climate always cures the gout."
Before the breaking out of hostilities, France had endeavored to recon
cUe the differences between England and the United Provinces. As the
war progressed, Louis secretly sympathized with Charles, while at the
same time he wrote to his minister at the Hague, that, from aU he could
learn, the rights of the Dutch were the best founded. " It is a species
of mockery," he went on to say, " to make beUeve that those who have
built and peopled a city, without any one saying a word to hinder them,
would have been tolerated as strangers in France or in England ; and
habitation, joined to long possession, are, in my judgment, two suffi
ciently good titles." At the same time he advised that, since New Neth
erland was already lost to the Dutch, it be abandoned, for the sake of
peace. De Witt dechning any further overtures in that direction, Louis
made propositions once more to Charles without avail, and then reluc
tantly fulfilled a promise of long standing to assist Holland. He came
to this decision on the 20th of January, 1666. The next month, England
declared war against France.
In the mean time, a fierce conflict had raged. On the 13th of June,
1665, a battle was fought off the coast of Suffolk, in which the ship of
Admiral Opdam was blown up, and the Duke of York returned
in triumph to London. An English medal was struck, bearing
the words " Quatuor maria vindico " — I claim four seas. When the
news reached New York, the English residents held a grand jubUee over
the personal safety of the Duke. But the bonfire which celebrated the
victory in London glared over a doomed city. A pestilence broke out,
surpassing in horror any that had visited the British Isles for three cen
turies. The appaUed court fled from Whitehall. The great city was
desolated. Within five months, more than one hundred thousand lives
were suddenly ended. The awful silence of the streets was only broken
by the nightly round of the dead-cart.
Naval defeat almost produced a revolution in HoUand. The return of
De Euyter, however, again inspired confidence. Other expeditions were
fitted out. De Witt himself went with the troops, and soon came to a
perfect understanding of sea affairs. In the effort to get the great clumsy
vessels of the Dutch through the Zuyder Zee, he went out in a boat

236 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
himself, sounding carefully, and by degrees so mastering the elements,
that he may be said to have avenged in some sense his former indigni
ties by keeping his ships at sea long after the EngUsh fleet was obhged
to put in. Several naval engagements occurred, and some frigates were
disabled on both sides ; the English were suUen and disappointed, and
the Dutch encouraged and hopeful.
Thus departed the year 1665. Parliament stiU voted suppUes; but
the English nation was but a step removed from anarchy. Eents had
fallen until the income of every lauded proprietor was so
^^*** diminished that a wail of agricultural distress arose from all
the shires in the kingdom. The gentry paid their accumulated taxes,
breathing curses upon the king's favorites and upon the ignominious
war. Algernon Sidney went to the Hague and urged De Witt to invade
England, promising him aid ; a strong party in tbat country having con
ceived the idea of re-establishing the Commonwealth. This proposition
was declined by the great statesman. But, as the spring advanced, another
naval contest, occupying four days, took place at the mouth of the
' Thames. Instead of the Duke of York, Prince Eupert and the
Duke of Albermarle commanded the EngUsh fleet. De Witt went with
his generals, and the chain shot which he is said to have invented was
at this time first introduced, and so cut to pieces the rigging of the
Englisb that the Dutch came off victorious. Before the end of the sum
mer, the fleets engaged again to the advantage of the Enghsh,
and De Witt swore that he would never sheathe his sword until
he had had his revenge.
A terrible conflagration completed England's miseries for 1666. Five
sixths of the proud city of London were laid in ashes. The summer had
been the driest known for years. The citizens who had been driven
away by the plague were returning ; the merchants counted upon peace
before winter, and were preparing to go to the Continental markets. On
the 2d of September, a fire broke out which lasted four days
' and nights, and consumed every house, church, and hall in ninety
parishes between the Tower and Temple Bar
The year 1667 opened gloomily. Calamity foUowed calamity. The
incapacity of the English statesmen who were in favor with the
king became more and more apparent. AU schemes of an offen
sive war were abandoned. Presently it appeared that even a defensive
war was too much for the administration. The ships became leaky and
the dock-yards were unguarded. De Witt was promptly informed, and
sent De Euyter up the Thames to Chatham, where he burned aU the finest
vessels in the English navy, sending terror into every heart in the realm.

ENGLAND'S DISGRACE. 237
Charles was compared to Nero, who sang while Eome was burning. At
that very moment, he was surrounded by the ladies of his court, and
amused himself by hunting a moth about the supper-room.
The English regarded De Witt's" success in the hght of a national dis
grace. The States-General haughtily dictated the terms of a treaty which
was soon after signed at Breda. Singularly enough, they surren
dered New Netherland, the very occasion and prize of this long " ^
contention, for Poleron, Surinam, and Nova Scotia. The West India
Company shareholders and the regents of Amsterdam took exceptions ; but
otherwise there was general satisfaction in the United Provinces. The
same day another treaty was signed between France and England, by
which Acadia was restored to Louis. Bells rang in London, but there
was Uttle music in them. No bonfires expressed tbe national joy, since
bonfires were costly, and there was no joy to express. Public sentiment
both in and out of ParUament set stronger than ever against the king.
What was New York, that it should have been accepted in exchange for
such profitable places as Poleron, Surinam, and Nova Scotia ? Massa
chusetts shared largely in the same bitter feeling. Popular indignation
was aimed chiefly at Clarendon, and Charles adroitly shielded himself
behind his austere and faithful minister. England must have a victim ;
and Charles, who had really grown weary of Clarendon's imposing ways,
deprived him of the Great Seal at the very moment when he was affixing
it to the proclamation of the Peace of Breda. " I must assuage the anger
of Parliament," was his kingly excuse.
Innocent New York, the cause of all these disturbances, was becoming
more interesting abroad than within her own borders. Improvements were
at a dead stand. Her merchants were hampered in all their business oper
ations by sea and by land. Her ships were seized by Dutch and French
privateers almost within sight of her harbor. Her trade was suspended.
NicoUs was compelled to use his own private means for the public good.
There was little direct intercourse with England. Necessaries of all kinds
grew very scarce. When, after a long captivity, Cartwright reached Lon
don, and explained the condition of affairs in the colonies, the Duke sent
to New York two ships, laden with supplies. He wrote to NicoUs a letter
fuU of commendation. The king did the same, inclosing a present of
two hundred pounds. At the same time, he ordered a strict guard kept
against the French in Canada.
This caution had been anticipated. And the meager help came at a
moment when Nicolls was weU-nigh disheartened in his herculean efforts
to harmonize the various elements of discord. In the summer of 1665, a
terrible war had broken out between two tribes of Indians at the North.

238 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Two Dutch farmers who Uved out in the clearings were kiUed. Mayor
WUlett, of New York, went to confer with the Albany magistrates on the
subject. Two Indians were arrested for the murder, and, by order of the
governor, one of them was hanged and the other sent in chains to Fort
James. A great effort was then made to secure peace between the two
contending tribes. Nicolls went to Albany, where he was met by Gov
ernor Winthrop, of Connecticut, and the arduous work was accomphshed.
Captain John Baker was left in command of Fort Albany, with nine
cannon, and a garrison of sixty men.
On his return, NicoUs visited Esopus, where the towns-people and the
soldiers were in a quarrel His presence, and his discreet counsels, al
layed the feverish temper of aU parties. Brodhead, as the chief of&cer of
militia, was instructed " to keep constant guard, cause the viUage author
ities to be respected, prevent bis soldiers from abusing the Indians, avoid
harshness of words on all occasions, seek rather to reconcUe differences
than to be the bead of a party, and abstain from prejudice against the
Dutch, who," continued NicoUs, " if weU treated, are not as maUcious as
some wUl seek to persuade you that they are." He also executed an
important treaty with the Esopus Indians, by which he secured for the
Duke a large tract of land to the West, to offer as an inducement to
planters who might wish to settle in the province.
At the Court of Assizes, held in New York in September of the same
year, the sachems of the Long Island Indians appeared, and agreed to
submit to the government. Shortly after, David Gardiner, in com
phance with the requirement of the code, brought to NicoUs his
grant of the Isle of Wight, or Gardiner's Island (which had been originally
made to his father, in 1640, by the agent of the Earl of Stirling), and
received a new patent of confirmation. An interesting criminal case was
also decided at this first Court of Assizes. Ealph Hall and his wife Mary
were arraigned by the magistrates of Brookhaven for murder by means of
witchcraft. It was claimed that two deaths had been caused by theh
" detestable and wicked arts." Twelve jurymen, one of whom was the
afterwards conspicuous Jacob Leisler, rendered a verdict to the effect
that there were suspicious circumstances in regard to the woman, but
not of sufficient importance to warrant the forfeit of her Ufe ; the man
was acquitted. The court sentenced HaU to give a recognizance for his
wife's appearance from sessions to sessions, and guarantee the good
behavior of both whUe they remained under the government.^
The owners of Shelter Island, Thomas Middleton, and Constant and
I One of the last acts of Nicolls, just before he left New York, was to release Hall and his
wife from their bonds.

THE MANORS OF GARDINER AND SHELTER ISLANDS. 239
Nathaniel Sylvester, soon followed the example of Gardiner, and obtained
confirmation of their title. In consideration of seventy-five pounds of
beef and seventy-five pounds of pork towards the support of the New
York government, they were released forever from taxes and military duty.
A patent was issued to the Sylvesters, erecting the island into a manor
with aU the privileges belonging.^
The Long Island inhabitants chafed under what they styled " arbitrary
power" They were outspoken and aggressive, and gave Nicolls more
trouble than all the Dutch population together. They clamored for a
General Court, after the manner of New England. In many instances,
they openly defied the Code of Laws. The danger of rebeUion was immi
nent. The governor went among them, but with less success than he
had reason to anticipate. Finally, adopting a vigorous course, he made it
an indictable offense to reproach or defame any one acting for the govern
ment, and arrested, tried, and severely punished several persons.^ He
then declared that every land patent in the province which was not im
mediately renewed should be regarded as invalid ; the quitrents and fees
being actuaUy necessary for the support of the govemment. In New
York, and in the Dutch towns, the payments for new patents were made
easy. Van Eensselaer created quite an excitement by claiming Albany
as a part of Eensselaerswick. NicoUs wrote to him that the question
must be settled by the Duke of York, but added, " Do not grasp at too
much authority ; if you imagine there is pleasure in titles of government,
I wish that I could serve your appetite, for I have found only trouble."
The natural consequences of the war were apparent on every hand.
There were altercations between English and Dutch laborers ; the officers
of the garrisons were not always prudent ; and the common soldiers were
given to roguery. On one occasion, three of the New York garrison were
convicted of having stolen goods from a gentleman's cellar, and it was
determined that one of them must die. The fatal lot fell to Thomas
^ The islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket were included by name in the Duke'«
patent. An independent government had been exercised over them by Thomas Mayhew and
his son, who purchased them of Lord Stirling ; but, in January, 1668, Nicolls issued a special
commission to Mayhew, thus settling the point of jurisdiction beyond question. Fisher's
Island, one of the gems of the Sound, a few miles from Stonington — an island nine miles
long and one mile broad — had been granted, in 1640, by Massachusetts to John Winthrop,
hut as it was included in the Duke's patent, Winthrop was obliged to apply to Nicolls for a
confirmation of his title, and it was erected into a manor, and made independent of any
jurisdiction whatever. It now forms a part of Suffolk County.
^ Arthur Smith, of Brookhaven, was convicted of saying "the king was none of his king,
and the govemor none of his governor," and sentenced to the stocks. William Lawrence, of
Flushing, was fined and compelled to make public acknowledgment for a similar remark.
Court of Assizes, II. 82 - 94.

240 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
WeaU. On the evening before the day fixed for the execution, some of
the women of the city besought the governor to spare the culprit's hfe.
All the privates in the garrison joined in a petition to the same effect •
and, yielding to the influence, NicoUs drew up the soldiers on parade and
in a characteristic speech pronounced pardon.
A complication of difficulties between the French and the Indians,
between the different tribes of Indians, and between the Jesuits, the
Indians, and the New York colonists, to the north, kept NicoUs in
continual anxiety. He had reason to apprehend mischief from the
French ; the Mohawks, with aU their pledges, were very uncertain ; the
New England colonies were not in a condition to render efficient aid
in an emergency ; and the prospect was as dismal as could weU he
imagined. NicoUs was so oppressed with financial embarrassments that he wrote
to both tbe Duke and the king, begging to be relieved from " a govem
ment which kept him more busy than any of his former positions, and
had drawn from his purse every dollar he possessed." His detaUed
account of the condition of New York affairs was most pitiful. " Such
is our strait," be said, " tbat not one soldier to this day since I brought
them out of England has been in a pair of sheets, or upon any sort of
bed but canvas and straw."
A response came tardUy. The Duke consented, to the return of
NicoUs ; but it was not untU after the Peace of Breda had set his mind
' 1668. at rest concerning the immediate possibUity of losing his prov-
Jan. 1. ince. The news of the treaty came with the same ship which
brought the recall of the weary govemor. Peace was a charmed word
in Dutch as well as English ears ; politics, feuds, and bickerings were
forgotten, in the universal gladness ; vague, wearing, corroding apprehen
sion was succeeded by intense relief; business might again be resumed.
Presently came the official announcement of NicoUs's intended depart
ure, and there was universal sorrow. He had made himself exceedingly
popular. The leading Dutch residents were, if possible, more attached to
him than his English colleagues ; but all were united in one deep feehng
of regret that he must leave the country.

COLONEL FRANCIS LOVELACE. 241

CHAPTER XIV.
1668 - 16T3.
COLONEL PRANCIS LOVELACE.
Colonel Francis Lovelace. — Nicolls and Lovelace. — Cornelis Steenwtck's House.
— The City Livery. — Nicholas Bayard. — Fever and Ague in New York. —
The End of Commercial Intercourse with Holland. — Louis XIV. France. —
The Triple Alliance. — Social Visiting in New York in 1669. — A Prosperous
Era. — The Dutch Reformed Church. — The Sabbath in New York two hun
dred Years ago. — Dress of the Period. — The Lutheran Minister. — Witch
craft. — The First Exchange. — Rebellion on Long Island. — The Purc.iase
OF Staten Island. — Charles II. and Louis XIV. — The Prince of Orange. —
Assassination of the De Witts. — War between England and Holland. —
Fierce Battles in Europe. — The Death of Colonel Nicolls. — The First
Post between New York and Boston. — Lovelace in Hartford. — The Dutch
Squadron in New York Bay. — Capture op New York by the Dutch. — New
Orange.
COLONEL FEANCIS LOVELACE was appointed to succeed NicoUs.
He was the son of Baron Eichard Lovelace of Hurley. The ances
tral home of the family was some thirty miles from London, on the
Berkshire side of the Thames ; a great imposing country mansion, which
was standing until recently, with spacious grounds and terraced
gardens, covering the site of the ancient Benedictine monastery,
Irom which it was named " Lady Place."
Colonel Lovelace was one of the gentlemen of that focus of politi
cal intrigue and fashionable gayety the Court of Charles II. He had
been one of the supporters of the royal cause, — zealous, even to the
point of incurring imprisonment in the tower by CromweU, on a charge
of high treason. This only increased his favor with the king at the
Eestoration, and he was made one of the knights of the " Eoyal Oak,"
an order instituted as a reward for the faithful. He was a handsome,
agreeable, polished man of the world, — upright, generous, and amiable.
But he lacked energy, and that discrimination which the successful con
duct of government requires at every step. He had a fine perception
16

242 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
of probabilities, and a profound conviction of the future destiny of New
York. At the same time, he was of the narrow type of mind, inclined
to move along a single line of thought, Uke a railway in its grooves,
and he possessed very little of that subtle sagacity which brings conflict
ing elements into one harmonious whole.
He had visited Long Island in 1850, under a pass from CromweU's
Council of State, and had gone thence to Virginia. But his knowledge
of America was limited, and when he reached New York, in the spring of
1668, be was without any valuable preparation for the work before him.
The Duke wrote, requesting Nicolls to remain a few months longer,
that Lovelace might have an opportunity to study affairs. The first
time the latter presided in the Admiralty Court, Nicolls sat by his side.
The two governors journeyed together to various parts of the province.
They spent one week in Albany, were fSted by Van Eensselaer at his
manor-house, and smoked the pipe of peace with the Mohawk sachems.
On their return, tbey stopped two days in Esopus, and were the guests
of WUUam Beekman. They looked into military and other matters, and
visiting Thomas Chambers at his manor, "passed an evening there of
great hilarity." They traveled over Long Island on horseback, stopping
at all the principal towns. They went to Hartford, and were entertained
by Governor Winthrop in his most hospitable and courtly style; and
they spent one day with the dignitaries of New Haven.
As the time drew near for NicoUs's departure, the most sincere sorrow
was manifested on all sides. He who had come among the people as a
conqueror was regarded as a loyal and trustworthy friend. He had ruled
with such discretion and moderation, that even they who had disliked
his orders had come to love the man that had taken so much pains to
avoid the unnecessary wounding of their prejudices. Maverick wrote to
Lord Arlington, " he has kept persons of different judgements and of
diverse nations in peace and quietness during a time when a great part
of the world was in wars; and as to the Indians, they were never
brought into such peacable posture and faire correspondence as they
now are." Every one delighted in doing him honor. The city corpora
tion gave him a notable dinner, the scene of which was the great square
stone house of Cornelis Steenwyck, the mayor, on the corner of White
hall and Bridge Streets. A sUght gUmpse of the inside of this antique
dweUing may be obtained from the inventory of its furniture, found
among the old records, one fragment of which is as foUows : " Handsome
carpets, marble tables, velvet chairs with fine sUver lace, Eussia leather
chairs, French nutwood book-case. Alabaster images, taU clock, flowered
tabby chimney-cloth, tapestry work for cushions, muslin curtains in front

THE CITY LIVERY.

243

parlor and flowered tabby curtains in drawing-room, eleven paintings by
old Antwerp masters, etc."
The leading famUies in the province were represented among the
guests on this memorable
occasion. Lovelace wrote
in a private letter to the
Mng, "I find some of these
people have the breeding
of courts, and I cannot
conceive how such is ac
quired." On the 28th of
August, Nicolls took his
final fareweU, escorted to
the vessel in which he was
to embark for Europe by
the largest procession of Steenwyok's House.
the miUtary and citizens which had as yet been seen on Manhattan Island.
Cornelis Steenwyck occupied the mayor's chair three years. It was
during this period that Thomas DelavaU was sent to England by Love
lace on matters of business, and, upon his return, brought from the
Duke of York a present of seven gowns for the aldermen, to be worn
upon state occasions, and a silver mace to be carried by a mace-bearer,
at the head of the procession of city magistrates ; also, an EngUsh seal
for the province of New York. A city livery was from that time worn
by beadles and other subordinate officers, the colors being blue tipped
with orange. Steenwyck was one of the governor's counselors, and at
one time was appointed governor pro tem., during the temporary absence
of Lovelace. He was a man of sterling character, and filled his various
pubhc positions with dignity and honor.
Lovelace made no attempt to disturb the poUcy by which NicoUs had
administered the govemment to such general satisfaction. Among his
counselors at various dates were, besides Steenwyck, Thomas WiUett and
Thomas DelavaU, former mayors of the city ; Ealph Whitfield, Isaac
Bedlow, Francis Boone, and CorneUs Van Euyven, aldermen ; Captain
John Manning, the city sheriff; Matthias Nicolls, the provincial secre
tary ; and Dudley Lovelace and Thomas Lovelace, the governor's younger
brothers. But he found his field of labor hedged in by many thorns.
Conflicting claims about lands stirred up quarrels in every part of the
province. He had no sooner quelled one than another broke out. The
difficulties of the situation were greatly aggravated by the absence of
any uniform nationality. Some of the habits and customs were Dutch,

244 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
some French, some English, some Christian, and some heathen. The
lower classes were intemperate, unruly, and sometimes shockingly
profane; and the more respectable and reUgious inhabitants were con
stantly entering complaints against them. Extremes of evil and good
were singularly linked together, and the barbarous punishments which
English usage warranted seemed the only safeguard against anarchy.
Nicholas Bayard, who had developed a remarkable talent for mathe
matics, was appointed surveyor of the province. He was noted, besides,
for his varied attainments and for a ready wit, which enabled him to ren
der important service to Lovelace, whom he usuaUy accompamed when
the govemor was compeUed to make personal investigations into the
boundaries of farms and manors.
One of the great wants which sorely oppressed Lovelace was that of a
printing-press. He sent to Cambridge for a printer, but could not obtain
one. There was no restriction in this respect on the part of the Duke of
York, as has generaUy been supposed. It was not until 1686 that James,
as king of England, restrained the Uberty of printing in New York.
The immediate cause of Lovelace's enlightened effort was the desire to
publish a catechism, which, together with a few chapters of the Bible,
the Eev. Thomas James, the first minister of Easthampton, had trans
lated, under the auspices of Nicolls, for the use of the Indians.^
Fever and ague prevailed in the city to such an extent during the
autumn of this year, that it was regarded as a serious epidemic,
' and the governor proclaimed the 21st of November as a day of
fasting, humUiation, and prayer on this account.
New Jersey, which under the rule of Philip Carteret had now attained
the age of tbree years, was a constant source of annoyance to New York.
Nicolls, when he reached London, explained to the Duke that his grant
to Berkeley and Carteret had not only deprived him of a vast tract of his
very best land, but ceded away some promising Dutch vUlages withm
three or four miles of the metropolis. About the same time, Maverick
wrote to the Duke in a mournful strain, deprecating the worthlessness of
the greater portion of that part of the patent which he stUl retained.
He said, " Long Island is very poor and inconsiderable, and, besides the
city of New York, there are but two Dutch towns of any importance,
Esopus and Albany. I suppose it was not thought that Lord Berkeley
would come so near, nor the inconvenience of his doing so considered
The Duke grew uneasy, and attempted to negotiate an exchange with
I Brodhead, II. 145. Mass. Hist. Coll., XXXVII. 485. Thomas's History of Pnntirui,
L 275; II. 90, 286. Dunlap, 1. 126. Thompson, I. S17. Wood, il. Col. Doe.,lU.'ilS-'iA
331 - 334, 375.

END OF COMMERCIAL INTERCOURSE WITH HOLLAND. 245
Berkeley and Carteret for some lands on the Delaware ; but the arrange
ment feU through, owing undoubtedly to Lord Baltimore's claim to the
west side of the Delaware. Staten Island, however, was " adjudged to
belong to New York."
MeanwhUe the Lords of Trade complained that the EngUsh merchants
were jealous concerning the business that was lost to them by the continu
ance of the old commercial intercourse between New York and HoUand.
They claimed that it was contrary to the spirit of the Navigation Act,
and that the sixth and seventh articles of the capitulation had reference
only to the first six months after the surrender. The king's promise to
Stuyvesant had induced Van Cortlandt, Cousseau, and some others to
unite in ordering one large ship from Holland to New York. Another
was upon the eve of saUing, when Sir WiUiam Temple, who had suc
ceeded Downing as minister to the Hague, was directed to notify inter
ested parties that aU passes granted under the order of 23d October,
1667, viz. that " three Dutch ships " might " freely trade with New York
for the space of seven years," were henceforth recalled and annulled.
When NicoUs heard of this order, he hastened to Whitehall and, in
a personal interview with the king, obtained permission for the
vessel just prepared to make one voyage. Shortly after, private
letters from New York so plainly revealed the grievous disappointment
of some of the merchants, who, relying upon the pledge of Charles,
had invested heavily, that this able and justice-loving ex-governor set
himself energetically at work and with much difficulty obtained leeo.
an order in council for the sailing of one more merchant vessel ^^^- ^-
from HoUand to New York. This was announced as positively the la.st
Dutch ship which should ever " come on that account " to Manhattan.
The EngUsh statesmen bad long been watching with dismay the steady
growth of France. The personal qualities of the French king added
greatly to the power and importance of that realm. No sovereign ever
sat upon a throne with more dignity and grace. He was his own prime
minister, and performed the duties of that office with wisdom and firm
ness the more remarkable from the fact that from his cradle he had been
surrounded with fawning flatterers. He was as unprincipled as Charles
II, but by no means as indolent. He was a Eoman Catholic, but it was
not until a later date that, through austere devotion, he gave his court
the aspect of a monastery. His transactions with foreign powers were
characterized by some generosity, but no justice. His territory was large,
compact, fertUe, well placed both for attack and defense, situated in a
good climate, and inhabited by a brave, active, and ingenious people, who
were implicitly subservient to the control of a single mind. His revenues

246 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
far exceeded those of any other potentate. His army was exceUentiy
disciplined, and commanded by the most noted of living generals. France
was, just then, beyond all doubt, the greatest power in Europe and stood
like a perpetual menace to tbe rest of the world. It must be remembered
tbat the Empire of Eussia, now so powerful, was then as entirely out of
the system of European politics as Abyssinia or Siam ; that the house of
Brandenburg was then hardly more important than the house of Saxony;
and that the Eepublic of the United States had not even begun to exist
Spain had been, for many years, on the decline ; and France, pressing
upon her, was in the fuU career of conquest. The United Provinces,
prosperous and rich as they then were, saw with anxiety that they were
no match for the power of so great, ambitious, and unscrupulous a
monarch as Louis XIV, should he choose to extend his frontiers. Little
help could be expected from England in such an emergency, since her
policy had been devoid of wisdom and spirit from the time of the Eesto
ration. It was not easy to devise an expedient to avert the danger
Two nations were suddenly amazed and deUghted. Sir WilUam Tem
ple, one of the most expert diplomatists, as weU as one of the most pleas
ing writers, of the age, had been, for some time, representing to Charles,
that it was both advisable and practicable to enter into engagements with
tbe States-General, for the purpose of checking the progress of France.
For a time his suggestions had been slighted ; but the increasing Ul-humor
of Parliament induced the king to try a temporary expedient for quieting
discontent which might become serious. Hence Sir WUUam was com
missioned to negotiate an aUiance with the Dutch EepubUc. He soon
came to an understanding with John De Witt. Sweden, which, smaU as
were her resources, had been raised by the genius of Gustavus Adolphus
to a high rank among European powers, was induced to join with Eng
land and the States ; and thus was formed the famous coahtion known
as the "Triple Alliance." Louis was angry; but he did not think it
politic to draw upon himself the hostUity of such a confederacy, in
addition to that of Spain. He consented, tberefore, to relinquish a large
portion of the territory which his armies had occupied, and to treat with
Spain on reasonable terms. Peace was restored to Europe, and the Eng
lish government, lately an object of general contempt, was restored to the
respect of its neighbors. The English people were specially gratified at
this, for the nation was now leagued with a repubUcan government that
was Presbyterian in reUgion, against an arbitrary prince of the Eoman
Catholic Church. " It was the masterpiece of King Charles's hfe," said
Burnet, " and, if he had stuck to it, it would have been both the strength
and glory of his reign."

A PROSPEROUS ERA IN NEW YORK.

247

The news produced intense satisfaction in New York. The English
and the Dutch inhabitants became better friends than ever. There was
much social visiting during the winter of 1668 - 69. The formal enter
tainments were not more than five or six in number, but a club was estab
hshed, comprising the more notable of the Dutch, English, and French
famUies, who met twice a week, at one another's houses in rotation,
coming together about six in the evening and separating at nine o'clock.
The refreshments were simple, consisting chiefly of wines and brandies,
— "not compounded and adulterated
as in England," wrote Maverick, —
and they were always served in
a silver tankard. These gatherings
were productive of great good feel
ing. Lovelace was generaUy present
and rendered himself exceedingly
agreeable. To those who would share
in any considerable degree the advan
tages of this coterie, familiarity with
three languages — English, Dutch,
and French — was almost indispen
sable. Indeed, education was held
in such high esteem, that the difficul
ties of obtaining it were overcome by
the employment of private tutors in
aU the wealthy famiUes.
The earUest poet in New York was Jacob Steendam. A poem which
appeared in 1659, " The Complaint of New Amsterdam to her Mother," was
from his pen ; also " The Praise of New Netherland," which was published
in a smaU quarto form in 1661. He wrote a variety of verse, some of
which was distinguished by great elegance. He indulged in quaint con
ceits and rhymes, and evinced oftentimes a strong religious feeling. The
action of his poems was usually taken from the Scriptures or classical
mythology. A few fragments of poetry from the pen of Hon. Nicasius
De SiUe have been handed down to us from the same remote period ; and
a httle volume of poems written at a later date by Dominie Selyns is
the key to a treasure of genius and culture.
A prosperous era was dawning upon New York. Several Bostonians
removed thither and invested largely in real estate. One man bought
five houses, which had just been erected on Broadway. Business of all
kinds increased. Nine or ten vessels were in port at one time, with
cargoes of tobacco from Virginia. Large quantities of wheat were shipped

Portrait of Steendam.

248 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
to Boston. A fishing bank was discovered two or three leagues from '
Sandy Hook, on which, in a few hours, some twelve hundred " excellent
good cod " were taken. More than twenty whales were caught durinc
tbe spring at the east end of Long Island, and several in New York
Bay. Lovelace, co-operating with some of the merchants, buUt a strong
and handsome vessel called tbe " Good Fame" which was sent to Virginia
and subsequently to England. A smaUer and less costly ship was
launched about the same time at Gravesend. Some gentlemen, who
arrived at this time from Bermuda and Barbadoes, were so much pleased
with the prospect, that they bought houses and plantations. NicoUs ob
tained from the Duke of York the gift of a snug house on Broadway for
Maverick, who complained that he had never received the value of a
sixpence (one horse excepted) for his services to the government.
Daniel Denton describes New York at that date as " built mostly of
brick and stone, and covered with red and black tUe ; and the land
being high, it gives at a distance a pleasing aspect to beholders." The
king's cosmographer, John Ogilby, more elaborately pictures it, as " placed
upon tbe neck of the isla,nd looking toward the sea " ; and as " com
pact and oval, with fair streets and several good houses ; — the rest are
built much after the manner of HoUand, to the number of about four
hundred ; upon one side of the town is James'-fort, capable to lodge
tbree hundred soldiers ; it hath forty pieces of cannon mounted ; it is
always furnished with arms and ammunition against accidents, and is
weU accommodated with a spring of fresh water ; the church rises from
the fort with a lofty double roof between which a square tower looms up :
on one side of the church is the prison and on the other side the govern
or's house ; at the water-side stand the gaUows and the whipping-post"
A glowing tribute was paid to Hell Gate, which was represented as
sending forth such a hideous roaring as to deter any stranger from
attempting to pass it without a pilot, and was therefore an absolute
defense against any hostile approach from that direction. Governor's
Island had been beautified and rendered attractive through the making •
of a garden and the planting of fruit trees. Long Island,' although so
recently pronounced by Maverick " poor and inconsiderable," was de
scribed by Denton, whose home was in Jamaica, as almost a paradise.
Crops were plentiful; trout and other delicious fish abounded in the
crystal streams; fruits grew spontaneously, especiaUy strawberries, of
wbich he says, " they are in such abundance in June that the fields and
woods are dyed red." The vast, smooth plains encouraged the breeding
of swift horses. Lovelace ordered that trials of speed at the race-course
established by NicoUs should take place every May. A subscription-list

THE DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH. 249
was fiUed out by those who were disposed to enter horses for a crown
of silver, or its value in good wheat. The swiftest horse was rewarded
with a sUver cup.
The clergymen of the Eeformed Dutch church in New York were
Dominie Schaats at Albany, Dominie Polhemus on Long Island, and
Dominies Megapolensis and Drisius, colleagues at New York. Early in
the spring. Dominie Megapolensis obtained of the governor permission
to visit HoUand, where he died suddenly, after twenty-seven years of
ministerial service in the province. Dominie Drisius was in feeble
health, and needed assistance, which could only be furnished by ^gidius
Luyck, the Latin teacher, who had studied divinity in HoUand, and by
the foresinger. Evert Pietersen.
In June, 1670, Lovelace offered one thousand guilders per annum, with
a dwelUng-house free of rent, and firewood gratis, to any minister from
HoUand who would come and take charge of the New York
° 1670.
church. Dominie Selyns, who was settled in Wavereen, HoUand,
induced his relative. Dominie Wilhemus Van Nieuwenhuysen, to accept
the Uberal proposition. He duly made the voyage, and, in the summer
of 1671, was instaUed as the colleague of Dominie Drisius. The new
minister was an accomplished scholar, full of fire and eloquence in the
pulpit, and highly acceptable to the church and congregation. The gov
ernor furnished Dominie Drisius with an allowance from the public
revenue, and authorized the consistory to tax the congregation for the
support of the pulpit and of the poor. Thus the English rulers virtuaUy
established the Dutch Church in New York. Tbe elders and deacons
at this time were Ex-Governor Peter Stuyvesant, Oloff S. Van Cort
landt, Paulus Van der Grist, Boele Eoelofsen, Jacob Teunissen Kay, and
Jacob Leisler.^
The English customs in regard to the observance of the Sabbath were
as rigid as those of the Dutch, and were sustained by the habits and
feelings of the great mass of the population. It was about 1678 that
•the statute was passed in England which may be regarded as the founda
tion of our present laws on the subject ; although, when the colonies
became States, each one legislated more or less for itself, and there was
a gradual and universal relaxation of the excessive severity of the earlier
years. The statute referred to forbade any person laboring or doing any
business or work, except works of charity or necessity, on the " Lord's
Day '' ; and it was enforced to the letter. Any violation of it was vis-
' Brodhead, II. 176. Corr. Classis of Amst. Records of Collegiate R. D. Church, N. Y.
Ne-w York City Rec, VI. 562-750. Gen. Ent., IV. 47. Cou-ncil Minutes, III. 82. Col.
Voc, II. 470, 475 ; III. 189. Murphy's Anthology of N. N., 146, 178.

250 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
ited with immediate punishment. Ludicrous stories are told of Puritan
rigor : how, in Massachusetts, no one was permitted to make beer on
Saturday, lest it should " work " on Sunday ; and how, in Connecticut
no man was aUowed to kiss his wife on the Sabbath. But, with aU due
allowance for humorous exaggeration, it was practicaUy the same in New
York. The Sabbath was consecrated to an entire cessation from worldly
labor. With a musical peal of the old Dutch beU the houses poured
forth their occupants. Since no power ever decreed adversely to the
dressing of one's best on that day, it must have been a bright and
impressive scene. Gentlemen wore long-waisted coats, the skirts reach
ing almost to the ankles, with large silver buttons, sparkUng down the
entire front ; a velvet waistcoat trimmed with silver-lace peeped out, and
the shirt-front was elaborately embroidered; breeches were of sUver
cloth or different colored silks, according to the taste of the wearer ; and
the shoe-buckles were of silver. Ladies wore jaunty jackets of sUk, vel
vet, or cloth, over different colored skirts. Sleeves were of the " mutton-
leg " shape, with large turned-up white cuffs. Not only were chains
for the neck much in vogue, but girdle-chains of gold and sUver were
common, to which were suspended costly bound Bibles and hymn-books
for church use. Brooches and finger-rings also were much worn. The
hair was dressed high and was frizzed about the face, and the bonnet was
very pretty. The mayor and aldermen, in a dress that was pecuharly
conspicuous, occupied, in the church, a pew by themselves. Lovelace, in
the afternoon, attended tbe Episcopal service, and occupied the governor's
pew, which had been elaborately fitted up by NicoUs. Another pew was
set apart for the governor's councU.
The Duke of York sympathized with any and every reUgious creed
wbich dissented from the Church of England. He was by conviction a
Eoman CathoUc ; a fact which was not then without its value, as it
served to protect irregular forms of worship, and actuaUy placed him
before the world as the friend of religious toleration. He pennitted the
Lutherans in New York to caU a minister, the Eev. Jacobus Fabricus,
from Germany. He went first to Albany. But his conduct there was
not such as became his calUng, and, complaints having been made, Love
lace suspended him from the pulpit at that place, giving him, at the same
time, permission to preach in New York. It was soon found that, in
addition to a dictatorial and quarrelsome temper, manifested in aU his
church relations, he was constantly abusing his wife. She spent one
whole winter in the garret of their house, suffering all the whUe from
fever and ague. She finaUy complained to the govemment, and peti
tioned, that since the house belonged to herself, that her husband should

CURIOUS RELIC.

251

be ordered to give up the keys and not presume to enter it any more.
After a careful investigation, through which they found that the husband
was deserving of great blame, the court granted her request. Six months
later he defied legal authority by going to his wife's house in an angry
and turbulent manner. A woman who tried to prevent his entrance was
pushed over her spinning-wheel and severely hurt. Soldiers were sum
moned to arrest him, and he fought them desperately. He was conquered,
tried, fined, and compeUed to ask pardon of the court. The clamors
against him were so loud, that the governor once more interfered and
removed him from the pulpit, giving him permission to proceed to the
Delaware.

[Gold Chatelaine, worn at this period by Mrs. Jacob Leisler, having been brought to New York by her
mother, Mrs. Govert Loockermans. After Mrs. Leisler's death it became the property of her daughter,
Hester, and has descended in the direct line to Miss Gertrude S. Ogden, of Newark, N J., in whose
possession it is at present, and through whose courtesy the copy has been permitted.]
A meeting for merchants — the first New York Exchange — was
estabhshed in March of this year. The members were to meet every
Friday morning, between eleven and twelve o'clock, at the bridge
which crossed the ditch at Broad Street, — the site of what is
now Exchange Place. Just above this there was a hUl, which was a
favorite place with the boys for coasting on their sleds, affording as it did
a steep descent from Broadway down to the bridge ; but Lovelace or
dered the mayor of the city to see that the meetings were not disturbed.

March 24.

252 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
In the autumn, an interesting poUtical event created a considerable
sensation. The Court of Assizes levied a tax upon the Long Island towns
for the purpose of repairing the fort in New York. They had, for
several years, paid a direct tax of a penny in the pound to defray
their town charges. They had also submitted graciously to the Duke's
custom duties for the support of his government. But this last infliction
was the straw too much. If yielded to, it might become a dangerous
precedent ; tbey might be required to maintain the garrison, and they
knew not what else. They were persuaded that the principle of "taxa
tion only by consent " — which HoUand had maintained since 1477, and
England had adopted in her Petition of Eight in 1628 — was then
birthright as British subjects. Pubhc meetings were called and protests
fearlessly adopted and sent to the governor. At the court, which met at
Gravesend, December 21st, Secretary Nicolls presided, and Coun
selors Van Euyven, Manning, and Thomas Lovelace were present
as justices. It was unanimously agreed that " the said papers were false,
scandalous, illegal, and seditious," and they were referred to the governor
and his council for such action as should " best tend to the suppression
of mischief" Lovelace ordered that, at the next Mayor's Court, they
should be pubUcly burned before the City Hall in New York, and their
originators prosecuted.
But it was easier to bum documents than to control pubhc opinion.
The people of Long Island were fuU of indignation. They accused the
governor of despotism, and openly threatened a revolt. Some of the
towns had taken out new patents, in conformity with the law of 1666.
But Southampton and Southold refused, the latter on the ground that
their title from the Indians and New Haven was sufficient : Southampton
relied upon theirs from Lord Stirling. The Court of Assizes declared the
titles invalid, uiUess a patent from the Duke's government should be
obtained within a certain time. This produced from fifty of the citizens
of Southampton a remonstrance, which was so full of reason and spirit,
that Lovelace, having promised to appoint commissioners to confer with
them, postponed the matter indefinitely.
The most memorable act of Lovelace's administration was the purchase
of Staten Island from the Indian sachems, who complained that
' they had never received full compensation from the Dutch. He
quieted all their claims with a quantity of wampum, coats, kettles, guns,
powder, lead, axes, hoes, and knives, and obtained a deed m behalf of the
Duke of York. Immediate measures were taken to induce persons to
settle there. The surveyors caUed it " the most commodiosest seate and
richest land in America."

CHARLES II. AND LOUIS XIV. 253
i
Matthias NicoUs, wPo had been secretary of the province and one of
the governor's council since 1664, was appointed mayor of the
city in 1671. Few EiLlishmen of his time had a keener percep- ^^^^'
tion of practical neces&\ties, or a character more admirably fitted for the
position. The foUowing^ year, Thomas DelavaU — the mayor, in 1666 
was reappointed. He purchased several large estates, among which were
Great and Little Barent islands, now Barn Islands, near HeU Gate, and
a cherry orchard of several, acres in the neighborhood of FrankUn Square.
From this orchard. Cherry Street derived its name.
In March, 1671, Lovelacejbought the greater portion of the " Dominie's
Bouwery" This property jionsisted of about sixty-two acres of
land between the present W^arren and Christopher Streets, which ^^"^ ''
formerly belonged to Dominie Bogardus and his wife, Anetje Jans, and
had been confirmed to their, heirs by NicoUs in 1667. It adjoined the
West India Company's farm,/ which the Duke of York held by virtue of
confiscation by NicoUs. Lovdlace made the purchase for his own benefit
and for some time held it in Ids own right. It was afterwards vested in
the crown, and, by a curious tikin of events, the farm of the first Dutch
minister was merged in the Atate now enjoyed by the corporation of
Trinity Church. •^
In the mean time, in England, the king had grown restless under con
stitutional restraints. The independence, the safety, the dignity of
the nation over which he presided were nothing to him. While an ^^''^'
assembly of subjects could caU for his accounts before paying his debts,
or could insist upon knowing which of his mistresses or boon companions
had intercepted the money destined for the equipping and manning of the
national fleet, he could not think himself a king ; and he determined upon
emancipating hunself Who, better than the French king, could aid in
estabUshing absolute monarchy in England? To this end he opened
a negotiation ; and his own sister, the beautiful and witty Henrietta,
Duchess of Orleans, who was also the sister-in-law of Louis, and a favor
ite with both monarchs, was made the chief agent at the French court.
The offer of Charles was to dissolve the Triple AUiance and join France
against the Dutch EepubUc, if Lotus would furnish such mUitary and
pecuniary assistance as would render him independent of ParUament.
To this arrangement Louis consented, and a secret treaty was signed, by
which Charles bound himself to profess the Eoman CathoUc religion, and
employ the whole strength of England by land and by sea to destroy the
power of the United Provinces, and to maintain the rights of the house
of Bourbon to the throne of Spain. The Duke of York was immensely
gratified, and in haste to see the article touching the Eoman Catholic

254 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NE^W YORK.
religion carried into immediate execution. But Louis was too wise, and
decreed that Charles should continue to caU himself a Protestant, and, at
high festivals, to receive the sacrament according to the ritual of the
Church of England. j
The Prince of Orange had been, from his birth, an object of serious
apprehension to tbe aristocratic party in Holland; and it was not intended
to restore him to the high office of Stadtholder, ^A'^hich had been regarded
as hereditary in his family. He was a cold, siAlen young man, without
health, but full of ambitious ideas and projects. As the nephew of
Charles, and a grandson of England, it was ^bought expedient to bring
him if possible into the aUiance. Accordingly , he was invited to London,
where his birthday was celebrated with great< pomp. He was offered the
despotic rule of the seven provinces, and the( hand of Mary, the daughter
of the Duke of York, in marriage, if he wyuld join the allies. He re
plied, " My country trusts in me ; I will n(>t sacrifice it to my interests,
but if need be die witb it in the last ditch." When war was actually
declared, he chafed under his thraldom and* longed to be at the head of
armies. As he was of age, there was a Strang tide of public sentiment in
favor of giving him the supreme command*
De Witt resisted for a long time. It bs^i been his pohcy to foster the
sea, rather than the land forces of the nation ; consequently, whUe the
Dutch fleets under De Euyter and Tromp^ fought gloriously and main
tained the honor of their flag against England, the French monarch in
vaded the Netherlands with his armies, numbering two hundred thousand
men, to meet twenty thousand Dutch soldiers. The annals of the human
race record but few instances of moral power so successfuUy defying
and repelling such superiority of f^^rce. The dikes were broken up, and
the country was drowned. The son of Grotius, suppressing anger at the
ignominious proposals of Louis XIV, who had established his court at
Utrecht, protracted the negotiations until the rising waters formed a
wide and impassable moat around the cities. At Gronigan, the whole
population, without regard to sex, — little chUdren even, — toiled on the
fortifications. The suffering and terrified people raged against the gov
ernment. The Prince of Orange came forward and spoke to the States-
General in lofty and inspiring language. He told them that, even if their
soil and all the marvels of it were buried under the ocean, all was not lost
They might take refuge in the farthest isles of Asia, and commence a new
and glorious existence amid the sugar-canes and nutmeg-trees ! He was
presently made Captain-General, and shortly after De Witt resigned his
office of Pensionary, and his brother Cornelius was imprisoned. Men in
their madness attributed to their ablest statesmen and bravest generals

FIERCE BATTLES IN EUROPE. 255
aU the disasters which had occurred. One day while De Witt was
visiting his brother in the prison, a band of infuriated ruffians burst in
the doors, dragged them both out, and brutaUy assassinated them in front
of the Binenhof, at the Hague. Confusion and discouragement seemed
at their height. The stern determination of Prince William, however,
infused new life into the faltering army, .until the French thought it
prudent to retire. Holland was saved.
But the landing of EngUsh troops upon the soil could only be pre
vented by naval conflicts. The younger Tromp had been disgraced
some time before on the accusation of De Euyter ; hence the two ^^'^'
commanders were bitter enemies. At the battle of Soulsberg, tbe Dutch
with fifty-two ships of the Une engaged an enemy with eighty. De Euy
ter was in the full flush of victory, when he discovered that Tromp was
nearly overpowered. He magnanimously checked his own career and
turned to the relief of the latter. Seeing the movement, the young hero
shouted, "There comes grandfather to the rescue ; I wUl never desert him
as long as I breathe."
The issue of that day was uncertain. In the next encounter, the ad
vantage was decidedly with the Dutch, and the English retreated
to the Thames. Two months later, one hundred and fifty English "^'
and French ships were met by seventy-five Dutch, near the Helder, and
a terrible battle ensued. The contesting forces rivaUed each other in
stubborn valor The noise of artillery boomed along the low coasts,
while the Dutch churches were thronged with people praying for the
success of their arms'. To the ears of these anxious worshipers, the
fluctuating roar of the conflict — now almost dying away into silence, and,
again, shaking the earth and filling all the air — was followed at last by
the protracted hush which afforded the first intimation of the enemy's
retreat. A marvelous victory had been won, and De Euyter and Tromp
shared with William of Orange in the tumultuous gratitude which, like
the sea, almost deluged the country.
New York must needs suffer meanwhile. Its progress was checked-
with the first news of the commotion beyond the seas. Lovelace gave his
attention to defenses. An extra company of foot was organized, and that
sterhng old Dutch officer, Martin Cregier, was placed in command. A
volunteer troop of horse M^as also raised, and Ex-Mayor Cornelis Steen
wyck was made its captain. The fort was repaired and other precautions
were taken. All ships bound for Europe were compelled to sail in com
pany for mutual protection against privateers. The navigation of tbe
Hudson Eiver was restricted. The merchants were hampered and on the
eve of bankruptcy. Commerce was injured with all the colonies along

256 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the Atlantic coast. Several New York merchant vessels — among them
even the Good Fame itself — were captured by the Dutch.
The news that Colonel NicoUs had been kUled in the first naval en
gagement was received in New York with much lamentation,^ and funeral
exercises were held with great solemnity in the Dutch church in the fort.
A compulsory tax for the building of a new battery was not deemed
prudent or politic ; hence Lovelace asked for a " benevolence " from each
town in the province. A commission, consisting of Francis Eombouts,
Thomas Lovelace, Captain Manning, Allard Anthony, Thomas Gibbs, and
Captain Eichard Morris,^ was appointed to receive and expend the moneys
collected. A legion of knotty questions immediately sprung up in con
nection with titles and quitrents. While the governor and his council
were doing their best to preserve barmony in New York, an arrogant
assembly at Elizabethtown deposed Govemor Philip Carteret, and ap
pointed his cousin James, the son of Sir George, who had just arrived, in
his stead. And Delaware escaped the imminent peril of being absorbed
by Maryland.
The times were so disturbed that Lovelace was impressed with the
necessity of establishing an overland mail between New York and Bos
ton, for the transmission of intelligence, in case of sudden danger or
misfortune, and for the advancement of commerce. He consequently
issued a proclamation, on the 10th of December, 1672, that on the first
day of January, 1673, and on the first Monday of every following
month, a sworn messenger would be dispatched to convey letters
and small packets to Boston, taking Hartford and other places on his
way. A change of horses would be furnished to the messenger at Hart
ford on his journey to and from Boston. He was to be paid a small
salary, and all the letters were to be free of postage. He was instructed
to form a post-road by marking trees, " that shall guide other travelers as
well." Lovelace wrote to Winthrop, asking him to give the man advice
as to the best route to pursue, and in the same letter informed Winthrop
I In the Ampthill church, Bedfordshire, England, is a monument to Richard Nicolls, on
which is represented a cannon-hall with the inscription "Instrumentum mortis et immortali-
tatis." Brodhead, II. 186. Basnage, II. 192-209. Sylvius, I. 191-208, 243-249. Em
lyn, I. 335 - 409. Pepys, II. 361.
^ Captain Richard Morris was an English gentleman of fortune, who had been one of the
adherents of Cromwell. He came to New York while it was yet a Dutch province, and
bought over three thousand acres of laud near Harlem. He ohtained a gi'ant with baronial
privileges and called his property Morrisania. His wife died in 1672. He himself died
shortly after his appointment recorded above, leaving an infant son, Lewis, a year old. The
administration of his estate was granted to Secretary Nicolls. An elder brother of the
deceased, Lewis Morris, afterwards removed to Morrisania from Barbadoes, and assumed the
guardianship of the boy, who became the famous Gouverneur Morris.

LOVELACE IN HARTFORD. 257
of the latest news from England ; namely, that the Dutch Eepublic had
actuaUy lost three of its provinces, and that there were no tidings of
peace. Forty well-equipped men-of-war had just been dispatched from
HoUand to the West Indies. " It is high time we begin to buckle on our
armor," he added.
WhUe the snow was yet upon the ground, Lovelace paid a
visit to the manor of Thomas PeU, near " Annie's Hoeck," for the
purpose of settUng some question about the new postal route. An ex
press followed him from Captain Manning, to announce the appearance of
a supposed Dutch squadron off Sandy Hook. He hurried back to the
city, and, finding no enemy, was incUned to ridicule the false alarm.
However, he summoned the soldiers from Albany, Esopus, and Delaware,
and mustered one hundred or more enlisted men. The weeks went
quietly by, there was a general training, and, as the Indians were
menacing the outposts, the garrisons were sent back to their sta
tions, leaving about eighty soldiers in Fort James.
Lovelace had for months been intending to visit Winthrop on
business of importance, and, seeing no special reason to hinder, set ^
out for Hartford on the 20th of July, leaving Manning as before in charge
of the fort. He had been gone but a few days, when several ships
were discovered lying near the present quarantine ground. Man
ning immediately dispatched a messenger in hot haste to Lovelace, put
the guns of the fort in order, caused drums to be beaten through the
streets for volunteers, and seized provisions wherever they could be found.
But New York was divided against itseK. There were Dutch citizens who
visited the hostile fleet and revealed the weakness of the defenses. The
Dutch mUitia even spiked the guns of the new battery, in front of the
City HaU. Manning tried to gain time until the governor should return
He sent Captain John Carr, who was accidentally in the city. Counselor
Thomas Lovelace, and Attorney John Sharpe to demand " why the fleet
had come in such a manner to disturb his Majesty's subjects in this
place." A boat passed them on the way, with a messenger from the two
admirals, Evertsen and Binckes, bearing an order for the surrender of New
York. "We have come to take the place, which is our own, and our own
we wiU have," they said.
Captain Carr informed Captain Manning, on his return, that the enemy
were too strong to be withstood, and that the Dutch flag must be hoisted
within half an hour or they would fire upon the fort. MeanwhUe the
fleet had moved nearer, so that the foremost ships were within July 30.
musket-shot. Sharpe was sent promptly back to ask for a cessa
tion of hostUities until the next morning, that advice might be obtained
17

258 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
from the mayor and aldermen. But Admiral Evertsen had already writ
ten a letter to the city magistrates, guaranteeing to aU men their estates
and liberties, and this had been read aloud to the citizens from the City
Hall. The commanders would grant but one more half-hour, " and the
glass was tumed up."
At the end of that time, the ships fired a broadside into the fort, killing
and wounding several of the garrison, and the fire was returned. At
the same moment six hundred men were seen landing just above the
"governor's orchard," on the river shore, back of the present Trinity
Church. They paraded in the old graveyard adjoining. Manning, at
Carr's instigation, ordered a flag of truce to be exhibited ; but Carr, ex
ceeding his orders, struck the king's flag at the same time. Carr, Love
lace, and Gibbs were sent to make the best conditions possible with the
invading force. The two latter were detained as hostages, and Carr was
sent back to demand the surrender of the garrison in flfteen minutes, as
prisoners of war. Carr never delivered the message, but sought his per
sonal safety in another direction. Manning sent Sharpe to meet the col
umn which was rapidly advancing down Broadway, to ask permission to
march out of tbe fort with the honors of war. It was about seven o'clock,
on a summer evening. Captain Anthony Colve, who was in command
of the Dutch, readily acquiesced. He formed his men in a line in front
of the fort, and waited, wbile Manning marched through the gates, at
the head of the garrison, with colors flying and drums beating. They
grounded their arms, and were committed to prison in the church, while
the Dutch quietly took possession of the citadel. The three-colored en
sign of tbe Dutch Eepublic rose to its old place on tbe flag-staff, and New
York became once more New Netherland.
This was an absolute conquest by an open enemy in time of war.
Every circumstance in connection with it differed from those which had
stood out conspicuously when the place was captured by the Enghsh,
nine years before. A province was annexed to the Dutch Eepublic ; but
the effete West India Company had had nothing whatever to do with the
transaction. The old corporation had gone into liquidation soon after the
conquest of the place in 1664, and the new company had taken no interest
in its recapture. It had greatly increased in value under the English ;
the population had more than doubled ; and now the direct authority
of tbe States-General and the Prince of Orange was haUed by aU who
had a drop of Dutch blood in their veins, and by many others, with un
bounded enthusiasm. The city was called New Orange, in honor of the
young prince, and the fort received the name of WUliam Hendrick.

ADMIRAL EVERTSEN.

259

CHAPTER XV.

1673-1678.

ADMIRAL EVERTSEN.

Admiral Evertsen. — The new Municipal Officers. — The Conquered Territory. —
Taking the Oath. — Lovelace's Private Losses. — Governor Anthony Colve. —
Rumors of "War with New England. — Austria and Spain to the Rescue of Hol
land. — The Famous Test Act. — Mary of Modena. — The Marriage of the Duke
OF York. — The Sacrifice of New Netherland. — The Treaty of Westminster.
Sir Edmund Andros. — Lieutenant-Governor Anthony Brockholls. — New Jersey.
— Long Island. — Governor Colve's Farewell. — The Reception of Governor
Andros. — Dominie Van Rensselaer. — Frederick Philipse. — Captain Manning.
— Stringent Measures. — Imprisonment of Leading Citizens. — Indian War in
New England. — Robert Livingston. — Andros and the Connecticut Dele
gates. — City Improvements. — Tanneries along Maiden Lane. — Stephanus
Van Cortlandt. — The celebrated Bolting Act. — Indian and Negro Slaves.

T

HE two Dutch admirals, Evertsen and Binckes, were obliged to
assume the responsibiUty of
governing their conquest until di
rections should come from the Hague.
Never was the Dutch Eepublic
more ably represented than by the
cool, honest, and sagacious Admiral
Evertsen. He was the eldest son
of the renowned Admiral Cornells
Evertsen, who was killed in a battle
with the EngUsh, in 1666. He had
with him in the New York harbor
about twenty English prizes, which
he had captured in Virginia and else
where, and a large number of pris
oners. But it was a delicate matter
to select from his inferior officers a
governor for New Amsterdam. Portrait of Evertsen.
Captain Anthony Colve was the best fitted among them for such a

260 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
command. He was accordingly appointed, by the admirals, and a com
mission was issued for him similar in phraseology to those issued by the
crown of England. He was a short, stout, dark-complexioned man,
abrupt in his manners, coarse in his language, and of a rough, passionate
nature, which had not been improved by mUitary seiwice. He possessed
undoubted qualifications for rulership, but he was vain, gluttonous, and
excessively given to wine. He put on princely airs, spent money
extravagantly, and lived ostentatiously. In the latter respect he outdid
any of the governors who had preceded him.
The admirals determined to keep their ships in the harbor untU the
new government sbould be firmly established. They evidently dis
trusted the ability of Colve in many particulars. They sent for Oloff
S. Van Cortlandt, Johannes De Peyster, Cornelis Steenwyck, and a few
others of the prominent Dutch citizens, and advised with them as to
proper persons for official trusts. Nicholas Bayard acted as register of
their proceedings, and was finaUy made secretary of the province. The
old form of municipal govemment was restored, and the commonalty
convoked to elect a new board of burgomasters and schepens. The bur
gomasters were Johannes Van Brugh, Johannes De Peyster, and ^gidius
Luyck. The schepens were William' Beekman (who had returned from
Esopus), Jeronimus Ebbing, Jacob Kip, Lawrence Van der Spiegel, and
Gulian Verplanck.
They were from among the wealthiest citizens, and of the Dutch Ee
formed religion. Jeronimus Ebbing was a man of large property, whose
business for seventeen years or more had been along the Hudson Eiver,
chiefly at Esopus and Albany, which he visited at stated intervals, to
gather and ship to HoUand furs and other articles from the Indians.
He was by profession a lawyer, and his wife was the daughter of De
Laet, tbe Dutch historian. She was a lady of great personal beauty, and
possessed in her own right a large estate, comprising, amongst other prop
erty, the tract of land which her father had acquired near Albany, when
be was one of the directors of the West India Company. Guhan Ver
planck was the son of Abraham Verplanck, who lived on the east side
of the town near the river. Gulian was, for many years, the clerk of
Allard Anthony, but, about 1656, he went into business for himself and
became very prosperous. He married Hendrica WesseUs, the belle of
New Amsterdam. The venerable Allard Anthony, who, as sheriff, had
been so exacting and severe that the common people caUed him the
" hangman," was now removed from that office, and Anthony De MUt was
appointed in his place. The latter was a baker, living on the comer
of Whitehall and Beaver Streets. He was well known and possessed the

THE CONQUERED TERRITORY. 261
-wiU of the entire community. His three daughters, Maria, Anna,
and Sarah, were at one period the best Latin scholars in the city. He
had two sons, Isaac and Pieter, from whom the numerous families of that
name are descended.
The new magistrates were duly sworn into office, and the late mayor
surrendered the gowns, mace, and seal which the Duke of York had
given to the city. These were at once carefully deposited in
the fort. The admirals issued a proclamation, confiscating all "^'
the property and debts belonging to the kings of France and England,
and requiring every person to report such property to Secretary Bayard.
The estates of Lovelace, DelavaU, Carteret, Manning, WiUett, Derval,
and others were attached, and those unfortunate officers left penniless.^
The dwellings of Lovelace and Manning had been plundered by the
Dutch troops in the first heat of conquest ; and that of John Lawrence,
the mayor, woxUd hav^ suffered the same fate, but for the timely inter
ference of some of his Dutch neighbors. Van Euyven, who was the
Eeceiver-General of the Duke's revenues, was required to render a strict
account of aU the property in his possession.
The conquered territory, as described in the commission to Governor
Colve, extended from fifteen miles south of Cape Henlopen to the east
em end of Long Island, thence through the middle of the Sound to
Greenwich, and so northerly according to the boundary made in 16.50,
including Delaware Bay and the intermediate territory, as possessed by
the Duke of York. As soon as the city was secured, two hundred men
were sent up the river in vessels, to reduce Esopus and Albany. They
encountered no opposition, the places were surrendered " at mercy," and
the soldiers held as prisoners of war. New Jersey submitted peaceably,
and the countries on the Delaware followed her example. Some of the
Long Island towns came forward with alacrity, to bring their EngUsh flags
and adopt the colors of Holland ; but others were not disposed to yield
so easUy. Southampton appealed to Hartford for advice and assistance.
Connecticut was cautious. Her own affairs were in a critical condition :
two delegates from the General Court were just upon the eve of starting
for New Orange, with a letter of remonstrance to the Dutch commanders
against their arbitrary treatment of British subjects. The admirals gave
them a strictly military reception, and replied in writing to their appeal,
that it was very strange their enemies should object to the results of
war, and that prompt punishment would be visited upon "all who should
strive to maintain the said villages in their injustice." While the Con
necticut delegates were stiU at the fort, deputies from Southampton,
1 William Deival to Mr. R. Wolley, September 20, 1673 ; Col. Doc, III. 206.

262 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Easthampton, Southold, Brookhaven, and Huntington arrived. Nathan
iel Sylvester came also from Shelter Island, and advised his Long Island
neighbors by aU means to submit. This they finaUy decided to do.
Sylvester asked and obtained a confirmation of the prlVUeges which
NicoUs had granted to Shelter Island in 1666. David Gardiner shortly
after took the oath and was confirmed in the possession of Gardiner's
Island with all its manor privUeges. But there were so many
"^' ' English prisoners that the situation became embarrassing, and
tbree ships were sent to convey them to Europe.
While these events were foUowing each other in rapid succession. Gov
ernor Lovelace had completed his stay in Hartford and was leisurely
returning on horseback through the woods, when he was met near New
Haven by an excited messenger, who reported that the Dutch squadron
was in the bay. He pushed on as rapidly as possible, but learned at
Mamaroneck that the fort had already been taken. StUl hoping, how
ever, to retrieve the disaster, he crossed to Long Island for the purpose of
arousing the people and raising mUitia. At the house of Justice Corn-
well, near Flushing, he met Secretary Matthias Nicolls, who advised him
" to keep out of the enemy's hand." Some of the Dutch ministers gave
him counter-advice ; and, having at stake private interests of moment, he
finally decided to visit tbe fort for three days. Admiral Evertsen, having
been informed of this, went over in his barge to Long Island, received the
superseded governor with courtesy, and conducted him to the city, where
he was handsomely entertained by its new masters. Before the expira
tion of the three days, he was arrested by his creditors for debts which the
confiscation of his property left no means for paying. He wrote to Win
throp : " Are you curious to know the extent of my losses ? it was my all
whichever I had been collecting ; too greate to misse in this wdlderness."
Soon after he sailed fof Europe in Admiral Binckes's vessel, accompanied
by Thomas DelavaU.
By the hand of Van Euyven, who left for HoUand about the same
time,' the city magistrates wrote to the States-General an eloquent letter,
representing the urgent need of reinforcements as soon as the squadron
should leave the bay. Finding that Admiral Evertsen proposed saihng
sooner than had been anticipated, the citizens laid before him an urgent
petition that two ships of war, commanded by superior ofiicers,
' should be left behind, to prevent the Duke of York from attempt
ing to recover his possessions. This request was granted.
The Indians were attracted by tbe magnificent vessels in the harbor,
and some of the sachems visited the fort and congratulated the Dutch
upon the recovery of their colony. They said, " We have always been as

RUMORS OF WAR WITH NEW ENGLAND. 263
one flesh ; if the French come down from Canada, we wiU join the Dutch,
and live and die with them." These words of amity were confirmed with
a belt of wampum.
When Governor Colve was at last installed in office, he set up a coach,
drawn by three horses. Cornelis Steenwyck was his first counselor.
Secretary Bayard was efficient in aU business matters, and on important
occasions the burgomasters and schepens of the city were consulted.
When questions arose about the treatment of foreigners or their property.
Captain Knyff and Captain Epesteyn, of the Dutch infantry, were added
as a council of war.
Everything assumed a military air. A guard was stationed near Sandy
Hook, to send the earliest information to the governor of the arrival of
ships. Strangers were not aUowed to cross the ferries into the city with
out a pass ; and whoever had not taken the oath of allegiance was ex
peUed from the city. The insecure condition of the fort was improved ;
and twenty-one houses that pressed too closely upon the citadel
were removed, the owners being compensated with lots in other
locahties. The Lutheran church which had just been built " without
the gate '' was demolished, and the Lutherans were allowed to buUd an
other at the corner of Broadway and Eector Street, on the site of what
was afterwards Grace Church.
Serious difficulties arising about this tune witb New England, and hos
tilities having been threatened, it was ordered that no person should enter
or depart from New York except through the city gate, on pain of death.
At sundown the gates were closed, and a watch was set until sunrise.
Citizens were forbidden to harbor any stranger, or to hold any correspond
ence whatever with the people of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
To bring the city more directly under the governor's authority, 1674.
a " Provisional Instruction " was issued, which authorized Captain ^^- ^®-
Knyff to preside over the Court of Burgomasters and Schepens. The
honest magistrates rebeUed at this ; whereupon Colve pompously
threatened to dismiss them and appoint others, and they finaUy
yielded under protest.
To provide for the " excessive expenses," a tax was levied upon every
inhabitant of the city worth over one thousand guilders. As it must
necessarily take some time to coUect this tax, every person who had
been assessed more than four thousand guUders was ordered to advance
a loan. As it was generaUv supposed that the Duke would at- March 17.
tempt the recapture of the province, precautions were taken on
aU sides to prevent a surprise.
MeanwhUe, a series of remarkable events, affecting the whole future of

264 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
New York, were taking place across the water. The movements of the
king of France had roused Austria to arms, and the Eoman CathoKc
dynasty of Spain had hastened to support the Protestant Dutch EepubUc
against the common danger. Louis found himself aU at once compeUed
to contend with half of Europe, and was consequently in no condition to
furnish funds for England. Parliament was convoked, and both houses
reassembled in the spring of 1673. But they doled out money sparingly,
considered the war with Protestant Holland unjustifiable, disUked the
king's alliance with Eoman Catholic France, and suspected the orthodoxy
of the Duke of York. The Commons, as the only condition upon which
they would vote supplies, extorted tbe unwiUing consent of Charles to a
celebrated law known as the Test Act, which continued in force down to
the reign of George IV. It required aU persons holding office, civU or
military, to take the oath of supremacy, and publicly receive the sacra
ment according to the rites of the Church of England. The Duke of
York, who had secretly been a Eoman Catholic, was obliged to candidly
declare his religious faith, and, in a flood of tears, he resigned aU the offices
which he held under the Crown, including that of Lord High Admiral.
But, as the act did not extend to Scotland and Ireland, or to the American
Plantations, his admiralty jurisdiction over the latter remained unchanged.
The king of Spain made it one of the conditions of his signing an alh
ance with Germany and the United Netherlands, that the latter should
consent to a peace with England upon the basis of a mutual restoration
of conquests. The House of Commons, having obtained one victory over
the king in the matter of the Test Act, declared that no more supphes
should be gTanted for the war, unless it should appear that the enemy had
obstinately refused to consent to reasonable terms of peace. Charles then
cajoled the nation by pretending to return to the policy of the Triple
Alliance. He summoned Sir WiUiam Temple from his retirement and
sent him again as minister to HoUand. The latter, of all the official men
of that age, had preserved the fairest character, never having taken any
part in the politics which had dictated the war. Through his efforts, a
separate treaty of peace was, in course of time, concluded with the United
Provinces. The States-General submitted to hard terms, for they were
forced to succumb to a political necessity. It was two months before
they knew of the conquest of New Netherland, and one month before that
important event had actually occurred, that they yielded to the dictation
of Spain so far as to promise to sign articles of peace with England.
Never before were two aUies by circumstance greater enemies at heart
than the uncertain king of England and the statesmen of the Dutch Ee
public. Charles and the Duke of York both wished, for many reasons, to

THE MARRIAGE OF THE DUKE OF YORK. 265
remain in favor with the French king. Mary of Modena, the beautiful Eo
man Catholic princess, had been selected as the wife of the Duke, and the
future queen of England. Charles approved the match, and Louis gave
the bride a splendid dowry. Perhaps the Duke would have been just
then more pleased with ships and men and money for tbe recovery of
New York; and the ruined merchants of England would certainly have
been better satisfied with some indemnity for their losses, as the priva
teers of Holland and Zealand had captured twenty-seven hundred British
vessels, to say nothing of other property destroyed. But it was a wed
ding instead.
Mary of Modena was fifteen years of age ; tall, and womanly, and
beautiful. She read and wrote Latin and French with ease, had some
taste in painting, could dance well, and exceUed in music. Of history,
geography, and the royal sciences, she knew nothing. When her mother
announced to her that she had been sought in marriage by the Duke of
York, she asked, with great simplicity, wbo the Duke of York was.
Wtien told that he was brother to the king of England and heir-presump
tive to that realm, she inquired the whereabouts of England. As for her
prospective husband, when she found that he was in his fortieth year, she
burst into a fit of weeping, declaring that she would rather be a nun, and
implored her aunt to marry the man herself James, smarting doubly
from the consequences of the Test Act and the loss of New York, paid very
httle attention to his marriage festivities. Instead of choosing a person
of his own faith to act as his proxy in France, he sent a member of the
Church of England, and the ceremony was performed by an English
priest, not only without a dispensation from the Pope, but in defiance of
his interdict.
James was in the drawing-room, laughing and chatting with some
ladies and gentlemen, when the French ambassador came to him with the
news that the marriage service had been concluded. " Then I am a mar
ried man," he exclaimed, gayly. He sent a message the same evening to
his daughter Mary, that he "had provided a playfeUow for her." As
for the bride, she cried and screamed two whole days and nights as the
time drew near for her to commence her journey to England. She would
not be pacified untU her mother promised to accompany her. She em
barked at Calais on the 21st of November, 1673. The Duke gaUantly
awaited her on the sands at Dover, and, like his royal father, many years
before, received his French bride in his arms. He was charmed with her
grace and lovehness, and, though she betrayed a childish aversion to him,
he was too weU versed in the art of playing the successful wooer to ladies
of aU ages to notice it, and lavished upon her the most courtly attentions.

266 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
From that hour, it became evident that New Netherland was the pivot
upon which affairs were likely to turn. The States-General had com
mitted themselves with Spain to a mutual restoration of conquests, while
yet ignorant of their recent American acquisition With the news of their
unexpected good fortune came a sense of painful embarrassment. Peace
was desirable; and finaUy they determined upon the sacrifice, and, through
the Spanish ambassador at London, offered to restore New Netherland
Charles charged the Dutch with insincerity ; but ParUament was ahve
to the probable consequences of the Duke's marriage, and informed the
king that the treaty was inevitable. Perceiving that his lords were bent
upon keeping him poor and without an army, Charles suddenly accepted
the terms, although he said, " it went more against his heart than the
losing of his right hand." When he had committed himself too far to
recede, Louis offered him five miUion and a half dollars and forty ships
of war to break off negotiations. James tried to accompUsh the same
result, for he would have greatly preferred to recover his losses by force
of arms. The treaty was signed, however, at Westminster, on the
9th of February, 1674, and peace was soon after proclaimed at
London and at the Hague. Thus England escaped a disastrous war,
and the Dutch were rendered less apprehensive of Louis, their more
dreaded foe.
The news reached New Netherland early in June. Governor Colve
received instructions from the States-General to restore the prov
ince to any person whom the king of England should depute
to receive it. The wise heads at the Hague had been denied even one
brief moment of exultation in tbe prospect of rearing the offspring of
their offspring, — the chUd of the selfish corporation whieh they them
selves bad fostered. Whatever dreams they may have indulged of buUd
ing a great empire midway between the EoyaUst and Puritan colonies
of England, to teach the world lessons in civil and reUgious liberty and
patriotic devotion, were now dissipated forever But the spirits of a few
men had already infused into the character of the people elements of
greatness destined never to die out, and laid the foundations of a com
munity on principles of freedom and virtue which, through aU the muta
tions of time, will increase the purity and power of the nation.
Sir Edmund Andros was the newly appointed EngUsh governor He
had been brought up in the king's household, of which his father was the
master of ceremonies. He had distinguished himself in the army, and,
by the recent death of bis father, had succeeded to the office of bailifl
of Guernsey, and become hereditary seigneur of the fief of Sausmarez.
The proprietor of Carolina had also made him a landgrave, and granted

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR ANTHONY BROCKHOLLS. 267

Portrait of Andros.

him four baronies in that province. He was about thirty-seven years of
age ; weU informed in the poUtics of the time, educated in history and
language and art, and, as events subsequently developed, possessed of great
capacity for statesmanship. His private character, moreover, was without
blemish. His wife, Mary, to whom
he had been married about three
years and who accompanied him to
this country, was the daughter of
Sir Thomas Craven. His commis
sion authorized him to take posses
sion of New York, in the name of
Charles II. He arrived in October.
An interesting question arose at
WhitehaU, touching the Duke's title
to New York. The most eminent
lawyers in England were taken into
councU, and it was finaUy decided
that aU subordinate right and juris
diction had been extinguished by
the Dutch conquest ; the king alone was proprietor of New Netherland
hy virtue of the treaty of Westminster. Charles therefore issued a
new patent to his brother, conveying the same territory as before, with
absolute powers of government. And the Duke gave elaborate instruc
tions to Andros, which formed the temporary poUtical constitution of
New York.
Anthony BrockhoUs was appointed Heutenant-governor. He was a
Eoman CathoUc ; but the Test Act, which would have excluded him
from office in England, did not reach these shores. The Duke, still writh
ing under Protestant intolerance, was thus able to iUustrate his own ideas
of freedom of conscience.
It is a curious fact, that the king's new patent to the Duke read as if
no previous English patent had ever existed. It conveyed, ostensibly for
the first time, a territory, which the Netherlands, after conquering and
holding it, had by treaty restored. New Jersey was once more the prop
erty of James, together with aU the territory west of the Connecticut
Elver, Long Island and the adjacent islands, and the region of Pemaquid.
Boundary dissensions, litigations, fines, and heart-burnings were all to
begin at the original starting-place and be lived over again. Berkeley
and Carteret were slightly moved to anger when they found their former
purchases annuUed. Berkeley had sold his undivided half of New Jer
sey for one thousand pounds ; and John Fenwick, the buyer, thought he

268 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
had secured a bargain. Sir George Carteret was vice-chamberlain of the
royal household, and a resolute, domineering courtier. These gentlemen
suddenly found themselves without any legal right whatever to New
Jersey, and were not slow or moderate in their complaints. Carteret
wielded the greater influence of the two ; and, within three weeks after the
commission to Andros was issued, the Duke directed Thomas Wynning-
ton, his attorney-general, and Sir John ChurchUl, his soUcitor-general, to
prepare a grant to Carteret, in severalty, of a part of the portion which,
ten years before, he had conveyed to Berkeley and Carteret jointly}
Whatever may be said of the scope of this instrument, its history
is remarkable. Before he granted it, James hesitated and demurred.
Charles had insisted that something must be done to keep Sir George
in a good-humor. And when James at last af&xed his signature to
the grant, it was after carefuUy noting that it contained no clause hy
which the imperious Carteret could claim the absolute power and author
ity to govern. The commission to Andros comprehended New Jersey,
and it was not altered. Yet Carteret, esteeming himseU sole propri
etor, drew up a paper distinctly recognizing the annihUation of this
old right by the Dutch conquest and the recent fresh grant from the
Duke, and at the same time commissioned his cousin PhUip Carteret
as governor over his possessions, and procured his passage iu the same
vessel with Andros. Lord Berkeley seems to have been ignored alto
gether. The Duke, not quite at ease about his title to Long Island, as he had
never paid Lord Stirling the sum agreed upon in 1664, negotiated a hfe
pension of three hundred pounds a year for him on condition that he
would yield aU pretense to right and title. This was satisfactory; and
Lord StirUng agreed that, if the Duke would procure for him any employ
ment ofthe Uke value, he would release the grant of his annuity.
The frigates Biamond and Castle, with the gubernatorial party,
Oct 22 J o -«¦ "
' anchored off Staten Island, October 22, 1674. Andros sent Gov
ernor Carteret, with Ensign Knafton, to notify Governor Colve of his
1 This grant was described as the tract of land " westward of Long Island and Manhattan
Island, hounded on the east partly hy the main sea and partly hy Hudson's River, and ex
tends southward as far as a cei-tain creek called Bamegat, heing ahout the middle hetween Sandy
Point and Cape May ; and hounded on the west in a strait line from Bamegat to a certain
creek in Delaware River next to and helow a certain creek called Rankokus Kill ; and from
thence up the Delaware River to the northennost hranch thereof which is forty-one degrees and
forty minutes of latitude ; and on the north crosses over thence in a strait line to Hudson s
River in forty-one degrees of latitude ; which said tract is to he called hy the name of JVew
Jersey." Brodhead, II. 267. Whitehead, 64. Leaming and Spicer, 49. Chalimrs, I. 617.
Col. Doc, III. 229, 240.

GOVERNOR COLVE'S FAREWELL. 269
arrival, and of his readiness to receive the scepter of command. The
latter, by advice of his council, and the burgomasters and schepens, asked
for eight days, in which to complete some necessary preliminaries. Cor-
nehs Steenwyck, Johannes Van Brugh, and WiUiam Beekman were
appointed to pay a visit of welcome to Andros on board the Biamond,
and to request certain privUeges for the Dutch inhabitants of New York.
They were courteously received, invited to dine, treated to the choicest of
wines, and assured that every Dutch citizen should participate in aU the
hberties and privUeges accorded to EngUsh subjects. 'To the several arti
cles, relating chiefly to the settlement of debts, the validity of judgments
during the Dutch administration, the maintenance of owners in the pos
session of their property, the retention of church forms and ceremonies,
etc., Andros repUed that he would give such answers as were desired as
soon as he had assumed the govemment. And aU his promises were hon
orably fuUUled.
On the 9th of November, Governor Colve assembled at the old City
HaU the burgomasters and schepens, together with all officers,
civU or miUtary, who had served under him, and, in a short speech,
absolved them from their oaths of aUegiance to the States-General and
the Prince of Orange, and announced that on the morrow he would sur
render the fort and province to the new English govemor, who repre
sented i the king of England. The cushions and the tablecloth in the
City Hall were placed in charge of Johannes Van Brugh until they shorUd
he claimed by superior authority. Then, with a few words of fareweU, he
dismissed the assembly.
The next day was Saturday. Andros landed with much ceremony and
was graciously greeted by the Dutch commander. The final
transfer of the province took place, and the city on Manhattan
Island became once more and for aU the future up to the present time.
New York. One of the most friendly incidents of the occasion occurred
just as the setting sun was tinting the western horizon. Ex-Governor
Colve sent his coach and three horses with a formal, flattering message,
as a gift to Governor Andros.
A quiet Sabbath followed. Dominie Van Nieuwenhuysen was assisted
in the morning service, at the old Dutch church in the fort, by
T> J Nov. 11.
Eev. Nicolaus Van Eensselaer, a younger son of the patroon, and
one of the late arrivals by the Biamond} He was an ordained clergyman,
1 Dominie Van Rensselaer had fortunately prophesied to Charles II. , when the latter was
an exile at Brussels, that he would be restored to the throne. When that event occurred,
the dominie accompanied the Dutch amhassador, Van Gogh, to London, as chaplain to the
embassy ; and the king, remembering his prediction, gave Van Rensselaer a gold snuff-box

270

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

and had been recommended by James to fUl one of the Dutch churches
in New York or Albany, whenever a vacancy should occur. Andros who
was a member of tbe Church of England, attended divine service in the
afternoon in the same sanctuary, as had been the custom of his prede
cessors. Early on Monday morning, Andros wrote a pohte note of acknowledg
ment to Colve for his many courtesies, and thanked hun cordiaUy for his
unexpected present. He likewise returned the articles which had been
submitted to him, nearly aU of which had been agreed to, and certified
by the newly sworn secretary of the province, Matthias Nicolls. The
latter was made one of the governor's chief counselors and also mayor
of the city.
Andros appointed the common councU by special commission. John
Lawrence was made deputy-mayor; and WilUam Derval, Frederick
PhUipse, Gabriel Minvielle, and John Winder, aldermen. They were to
hold their offices until the next October. Thomas Gibbs received the
appointment of sheriff; and Captain Dyer, formerly of Ehode Island, that
of collector of the revenues.
Frederick PhUipse was known, for a full quarter of a century from this
time, as the richest man in New York. He was a native of Friesland,
and came to this country to seek his fortune, when New York was in her
feeblest infancy. He brought no money
across the water, as has been generaUy sup
posed. He was a penniless youth, of high
birth, with extraordinary tact and talent for
business, and a smattering of the carpenter's
trade. He worked at the latter untd he
could measure and master the situatioa It
is said that he was employed on the old
Dutch church in the fort, and actuaUy made
the pulpit with bis own hands. He finaUy
started in trade and was successful, particu
larly with the Indians. He was persistently
Phiiipse's Coat of Arms. industrious and rose rapidly into notice. He
is spoken of as a weU-to-do merchant, in 1662. From that time his
with his portrait on the lid, which is still preserved hy the family at Albany. After Van
Gogh left London, in 1665, because of the Dutch war. Van Rensselaer received Charles's
license to preach in the Dutch church at Westminster, was ordained a deacon in the English
Church by the Bishop of Salisbury, and was appointed lecturer in Saint Margaret's, Lothbury.
Van Nieuwenhuysen's Letter to Cl. Amst., May 30, 1676; Col. Doc, III. 225. Doc ffisi. N. Y.,
III. 526. O'Call., I. 122, 212 ; II. 552. Holgate, 52. Smith, I. 49, 388. Brodhtad, II. 272.
New York Christ. Intell., Not. 2, 1865. Hiit. Mag., IX. 352.

FREDERICK PHILIPSE. 271
advance was rapid. The wealthy Peter Eudolphus De Vries died ; and
Phihpse, marrying the widow, acquired her estate. The lady, however, was
strong-minded, quite competent to manage her own affairs, and altogether
opposed to taxation without representation. She bought and traded in
her own name, and often went to HoUand as supercargo in her own ships.
She took her children to Europe, and gave them a Uberal education. The
world pronounced her able, but not amiable. The world sometimes errs
in judgment, and may have done so in this instance, for there is no evi
dence of domestic infeUcity in the PhUipse family. On the contrary,
Mrs. Phihpse seems to have been in sympathy with aU her husband's
plans and projects, and to have greatly advanced his mercantile interests.
He became one of the largest traders with the Five Nations, at Albany ;
he sent his own vessels to both the East and West Indies ; he imported
slaves from Africa ; and (as we shall see hereafter) there were audible
whisperings, when piracy was at its zenith, of his being engaged in un
lawful trade with the buccaneers at Madagascar. The latter accusation,
however, if true, was never proven. By a fortuitous chain of circum
stances, the united avails of several large individual fortunes centered in
this one man. After the death of his first wife (about the time of the
advent of Governor Sloughter), he married, in 1693, another rich widow.
This was Catharine, the daughter of Oloff S. Van Cortlandt, and, besides
the large estate bequeathed by her father, she had received from her
deceased husband a stUl more extensive property. She was, moreover,
young and attractive, had a sweet disposition, many accomphshments,
and charming manners.
Frederick Phihpse secured to himself, by purchase of the Indians and
grants from the government, aU the " hunting-grounds " between Spuy-
ten-DuyvU and the Croton Eiver. In 1693, this vast estate was formaUy
erected by royal charter into a manor, under the style and title of
the manor of Philipseborough, with the customary privileges of a lord
ship, such as holding court-leet, court-baron, exercising advowson, etc.
It embraced the romantic site of the present ambitious city of Yonkers,
which extends six mUes along the Hudson Eiver by three mUes inland,
and in the very heart of which may now be seen the pioneer manor-
house erected in 1682. It was enlarged and improved in 1745, but the
practiced eye can readUy determine where the products of the two cen
turies were joined in one harmonious whole. There stiU swings in the
center of the southern front a massive door, which was manufactured
in HoUand in 1681, and imported by the first Mrs. PhiUpse in one of her
own vessels. It is as dark as ebony, and shows where the upper and
lower halves, which formerly opened separately, were fastened together

272 HISTORY OE THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
This old manor-house has had an eventful history, and finaUy, in the year
1867, it was purchased by the corporation of Yonkers and converted
into a City HaU. PhUipse was, for more than twenty years, a member of
the governor's council, and on terms of intimacy with aU the royal gov
ernors, from Andros to BeUamont. His enormous wealth entitled him to
constant consideration ; yet he was no favorite with the magnates of his
time. He was grave, even to melancholy, and talked so Uttle that he was
often pronounced excessively duU. He was not a man of letters, or of
any special culture. He was inteUigent, apt, a close observer of men and
things, and shrewd almost to craftiness. Although an official adviser to
the king's -commander-in-chief, he never advised. In the pohtical con
troversies which were more deadly bitter in that remote period than they
have ever been since, he never meddled, but laid his hand upon his
purse, and waited to see which party was Ukely to win. He was taU and
well proportioned, with a quiet gray eye, which always seemed to hide
more than it revealed, a Eoman nose, and a mouth expressive of strong
wiU. His movements were slow and measured. He dressed with great
care and precision, wearing the full embroidery, lace cuffs, etc., of the time,
and his head was crowned with that absurd and detestable monstrosity,
— a periwig with flowing ringlets.
The governor and his council were to meet at nine o'clock every Fri
day morning for the transaction of State business. The first mayor's
court was convened on the Wednesday foUowing the surrender.
' It was ordered that the records be henceforth kept in English,
and that every paper offered to the court be in the same tongue, except
in case of poor people who could not afford the cost of translation. This
introduced more of the English form into legal proceedings than had
heretofore obtained, but it was several years before the custom was weU
established. Captain Manning retumed to New York with Governor Andros in the
Biamond. He bad sailed for England shortly after the recapture of New
York by the Dutch, and, suffering the aftUction of losing his wife on the
voyage, had arrived in London while the Treaty of Westminster was yet
in suspense. The Duke summoned him into his presence, and, after
listening to his account of the surrender of New York to the Dutch, cen
sured him severely. The next day, he was closely examined in Lord
Arhngton's office by the king and the Duke. " Brother," said Charles to
James, " the ground could not have been maintained by so few men.
Manning was dismissed without reprimand, and the Duke, after a time,
paid his expenses from FayaL
But some of those who had lost heavily by the surrender to the Dutch

STRINGENT MEASURES. 273
were disposed to attribute the disaster to the officer in command. Al
derman Derval, who was the son-in-law of Thomas DelavaU, was very
bitter in his denunciations of Manning. Andros was finaUy compeUed
to arrest the latter ; and he was tried by a court-martial, composed of the
governor and council. Captains Griffith, Burton, and Salisbury, and the
mayor and aldermen of the city. Six charges were brought against him,
involving neglect of duty, cowardice, and treachery. A number of wit
nesses testified against him ; and, although he endeavored to explain his
conduct, rejected indignantly the idea of treachery or cowardice, and
finaUy threw himself upon the mercy of the court, he was found guilty
of aU save treachery, and pronounced deserving of death. As he had
seen the king and the Duke since the crime was committed, he was
aUowed the benefit of the proverb, " king's face brings grace," and his
hfe was spared. His sentence- was to have his sword broken over his
head in front of the " City HaU," and to be rendered incapable of
holding any station of trust or authority under the government. He
had, before this, purchased a large island in the East Eiver, whither
he retired, and where it would seem his disgrace did not disturb his phi
losophy, for he entertained largely and was one of the most facetious and
agreeable of hosts. He settled the island upon Mary, the daughter of his
wife by a former husband. This lady married Eobert Blackwell, from
whom the island received the name it has borne to the present time.
Andros, by the Duke's order, seized the estate of Lovelace, and required
all persons possessing any portion of it to render an account. He thus
obtained possession of the "Dominie's Bouwery," which was added to
the Duke's farm adjoining. He visited in person the towns on the
eastern part of Long Island, and soothed the ruffled temper of the people,
who pmdently avoided any direct opposition to his authority. He after
wards wrote to Winthrop that Connecticut had done well for the king
by her interference against the Dutch during the past year, but signifi
cantly hinted that henceforth New York would be quite able to stand
without neighborly assistance. The town clerk of Newtown was kept an
hour upon the whipping-post, in front of the City Hall of the capital, with
a paper pinned to his breast, stating that he had signed seditious letters
against the government, because he replied to the governor's proclama
tion reinstating the old town officers, with a frank statement of former
grievances under Lovelace.
In March, Andros issued an order requiring every citizen of the^^^^^^j^
province to take the usual oaths of allegiance and fidelity. The
mayor and aldermen appointed Monday, March 13, for the purpose,
and the mayor's court was in session at an early hour. Some of the
18

274 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
leading men, including several of the city magistrates, requested that
before tbey proceeded with the business, Andros should confirm the
pledge of Governor NicoUs, " that the capitulation of August, 1664, was
not in the least broken, or intended to be broken, by any words or
expressions in the said oath." As they understood it, this capitulation
had been confirmed by the sixth article of the Treaty of Westmm-
ster; and such seems to have been the opinion of the Duke himself
The mayor, Matthias NicoUs, claimed to know nothing of any such
pledge on the part of the former governor, and evinced much surprise
when a copy was produced. The gentlemen declared that they only
wished to be assured of future freedom of religion, and exemption
from the duty of fighting against their own nation in time of war.
But Andros fancied he detected something of covert mutiny, and
haughtily required them to take the oath without qualification. There
upon a petition was drafted, asking the govemor to accept the oath in
the manner and form approved by NicoUs, or to aUow the parties con
cerned to dispose of their estates and remove elsewhere with their
families. It was signed by CorneUs Steenwyck, Johannes Van Brugh,
Johannes De Peyster, Nicholas Bayard, JEgidius Luyck, WiUiam Beek
man, Jacob Kip, and Anthony De Milt. It was promptly rejected hy
Andros, without discussion, and its eight signers were immediately
arrested and imprisoned, on a charge of trying to foment rebelUon.
Their examination took place in the presence of Andros and his councU,
Governor Carteret of New Jersey, and Captains Griffith and Burton, of
the English frigates. Their case was turned over to the next Court of
Assizes, and meanwhile they were released on bail. When their trial
came on, De^ Peyster was acquitted, through the taking of the oath;
the other seven were convicted of a violation of the act of Parhament in
having traded without taking the oath, and their goods were accordingly
forfeited ; but eventuaUy the penalties were remitted by the prisoners
taking the required oath, and thus the difficulty ended.
About the first of May, Andros wrote to Winthrop, claiming for the
j^^ ^ Duke of York the country west of the Connecticut Kiver, and
sending copies of the Duke's patent and his own commission. The
General Court of Connecticut repUed that their charter came from the
king, and that they should rest upon the boundary arrangement of 1664
Andros demanded possession, which was flatly refused. He then
equipped an armed force and sailed up the Sound, anchoring just
off Saybrook Point, with the intention of reducing the fort. But he
found the people prepared for a determined resistance, and was
unwiUing to take the responsibiUty of bloodshed.

ROBERT LIVINGSTON.

275

S?£RO M^OfM

He sent one of his sloops to Boston, with suppUes for the aid of the
New-Englanders, who were fighting the Indians. And, to prevent mis
chief nearer home, he crossed Long Island on horseback, disarming the
Indians everywhere, and reviewing the militia. Upon reaching New
York, he sent for the Long Island and New Jersey sachems, and renewed
with them the old treaty of peace. The intrigues of the French mis
sionaries among the Iroquois having created disturbance, Andros visited
Albany, Schenectady, and the warlike tribes one hundred miles beyond.
He was entertained by the savages everywhere, and created a strong
sentiment in favor of the EngUsh. The sachems, in the happiest temper,
renewed their former aUiance. Before he left Albany on his homeward
journey, he organized a local board of commissioners for Indian affairs,
of which he appointed Eobert Livingston the secretary.
This gentleman was a scion of an ancient and honorable Scotch family,
whose lordly ancestors had drunk wine from king's goblets for cen
turies. His father was Eev. John Livingston, whose name ranks high in
the Scotch Church, and who was one of the commissioners appointed by
Pai'hament to negotiate with Charles the terms of his restoration to
the throne, but who was afterward prosecuted with vigorous rancor
for non-conformity, and obliged to take ref
uge in Eotterdam.
Eobert Livingston was a bold and adven
turous young man, and had been in the coun
try about a year. His abUity and promise
were so marked, that, within a week after his
arrival, he had been made town clerk of Al
bany. He acquired great influence over the
Indians, and retained the office which he re
ceived from Andros for a long series of years.
He married, in 1683, Alida, the widow of
Eev. Nicolaus Van Eensselaer and daughter
of Philip Pietersen Schuyler. He was a man Livingston coat of Arms.
of strongly marked individuality, of original conceptions, of irrepressible
opinions, of obstinate determination, of untiring acquisitiveness, and, for
the age in which he lived, of no mean culture. He was, in short, a man
to be remembered on his own account, independent of birth or connection.
Yet his birth and connection gave him social position in the Old
World, and were not without their advantage to him in the New;
for, on his frequent visits to England, in after years, the state policy
of the colonial government or his own private interests were not in
frequently the better served through his standing in the society, and his

276 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
influence with the ruhng classes, of the mother country. He was tall
and weU developed in figure, with a somewhat cloudy complexion, brown
hair, and dark, inscrutable eyes. He was polished in his manners, but
careless of giving pleasure and indifferent to giving pain ; and withal, so
icily impertinent at times as never to attain popularity in New York. He
was of infinite value to the colony, for his energy and activity set in
motion many a wheel which otherwise would have been long in turning.
In October of the same year, the burning of Hadley, Deerfield, North-
field, and Springfield induced Andros to seriously contemplate
engaging the Iroquois to go to the aid of New England against
the murderous Indians witbin her borders. Connecticut dechned the
offer of such assistance, insinuating certain reflections upon the Dutch,
and upon the conduct of Andros. The latter repUed satiricaUy and
demanded explanations. Samuel Willys and WUUam Pitkin were sent
by Connecticut to hold a personal interview with Andros at the
fort. They asked permission to talk with the Iroquois at Albany.
They were told that it was strange that a colony so jealous about their
own concerns should seek to treat with separate portions of another gov
ernment. Andros, however, expressed his wiUingness to do all in his
power to procure peace between New England and her Indian enemies.
It was a time of great tribulation throughout the whole country. Pema
quid was, shortly after, bumed, and Andros dispatched a sloop to Boston
to bring the sufferers to New York. But PhiUp, the great Indian
' chief who had instigated the war, was suddenly slain in a swamp,
and these barbarous hostilities came to an end.
The Connecticut boundary was still unsettled. The Duke wrote to
Andros that he 'was wilUng things should rest as they were for the pres
ent. As to assemblies — for which New York had petitioned — he said
they were useless and dangerous, apt to assume to themselves too many
privileges, and hazardous to the peace of the government ; but he added,
"Howsoever, if you continue of the same opinion, I shaU be ready to
consider any proposals you shaU send, to that purpose."
Since the Peace of Westminster, American affairs had been restored to
the immediate control of the crown, through the cUssolution of the Coun
cU for Plantations and the transfer of the records to the Privy CouncU.
It was the intention to strictly enforce the navigation and custom laws
in the colonies. This caused, for a time, a cessation of trade between
New York and Boston (since no European goods might be imported from
one place to the other without the payment of customs in England),
and produced misunderstandings and heartburiUngs between the two
colonies. '

CITY IMPROVEMENTS. 277
Andros took an active personal interest in city affairs. He advised
and suggested laws for correcting morals, suppressing profanity and
intemperance, and punishing Sabbath-breakers. The city gates were
closed at nine o'clock and opened at daylight. Every citizen was re
quired to possess a musket, with a smaU quantity of powder and baU, and
to take part in the night watch, when caUed upon. Masters of vessels
coming into port must always furnish the mayor with a full Ust of their
passengers, under penalty of fine. Peddling was prohibited, as freemen
and burghers only were aUowed to seU goods in the city. A number of
good dweUings were erected, and aU owners of vacant lots were ordered
to improve them, under penalty of having them sold at pubhc auction
Nicholas De Meyer was the mayor in 1676. He was a merchant and an
old resident ; his wife was the daughter of Hendrick Van Dyck. He was
so ambitious for the prosperity of New York, and projected so many
improvements, that Andros laughingly called him the " new broom," and
charged him with sweeping aU the rubbish into the ditch at Broad Street.
That famous canal was, during the year, fiUed and made level with the
rest of the land about it. The tan-pits which it had hitherto contained,
and which had been complained of as a nuisance by the dweUers in the
vicinity, were removed and estabUshed along Maiden Lane, where there
was a marshy vaUey and a similar influx of water. One company, con
sisting of four shoemakers who were also tanners, bought a piece of land
bounded by Maiden Lane, Broadway, Ann Street, and a line between
WiUiam and Gold Streets, and prosecuted a flourishing business.
Slaughter-houses were ordered out of the city Umits, and were afterwards
located over the water at " Smit's Vly," which was so called from a
blacksmith who set up a forge on the corner of Maiden Lane and Pearl
Street, and intercepted the custom of the Long Island farmers on their
way to the city. Six wine and four beer taverns were licensed. No
grain was aUowed to be distiUed uiUess unfit for flour. Everybody was
aUowed to cut wood on the island, at a distance of one mile from a house.
The fort was repaired. Andros removed the kitchen of the governor's
house, over which was the old armory, because the roof was leaky and
rotten. Presently arose a new building in its place. He removed the
tiles from the roof of the main edifice and substituted shingles. He set
stockades around the fort, to protect it from animals, and closed the gate
upon the water side. He also placed the arms of the Duke of York over
the Broadway entrance.
In 1677, Stephanus Van Cortlandt was appointed mayor. He ^^^^^^
was the son of Oloff S. Van Cortlandt, and the first native-born
citizen who had fiUed the office. He was some thirty-four years old, of

278 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
fine presence, with commanding countenance and courtly bearing. He
had been trained under a leamed tutor in the severe and thorough men
tal culture which distinguished his parents, and was, in many respects, a
briUiant character. His wealth was enormous. His wife — whom he
married in 1671 — was the beautiful Gertrude Schuyler of Albany, one of
the few chosen friends of Lady Andros. They lived in a handsome and
weU-furnished house, on the corner of Broad and Pearl Streets, and sub
sequently built the Cortlandt manor-house on the Hudson.
It was he who carried into execution the digging of the first pubhc
wells in the city. They were six in number, each located in the middle
of a street. Water was not plentiful in them, and that httle was brack
ish. But they were esteemed a security against fires, if of no greater value.
The same year, a new dock was buUt, at the expense of the property-
owners. Tbe old graveyard on tbe west side of Broadway was sold off
in building-lots, each one of which extended to the river's edge. At this
date, there were sixty-five dweUings on Broadway. Francis Eombouts's
home, upon or near the site of Trinity Church, was the handsomest of
them aU. It had been lately enlarged and beautified, and its pictu
resque gardens and grounds extended even to the water below. Eom
bouts was an educated Frenchman, of high birth and large wealth. In
the year following Van Cortlandt's mayoralty he was appointed mayor.
This was the year noted for the passage of the celebrated " Bolting
Act," which secured to the citizens of New York the exclusive
right of bolting flour, and exporting it from the province, — an
act which, during the sixteen years of its existence, trebled the wealth
of the city. It created great dissatisfaction in the inland towns, and,
through their united efforts, it was finaUy repealed, in 1694. But
meanwhile six hundred houses had been erected, land had increased to
ten times its former value, and the shipping had multiplied into sixty
full-sized vessels, which were in constant use for the transportation of the
golden fruits of the monopoly.
The most important measure of the year 1679 had reference to Indian
slaves. Many of the natives of the Spanish West Indies were
held in bondage, and also some of the Indians of New York It
was resolved, that " all Indians here have always been and are free, and
not slaves, except those brought from foreign parts. But if any shaU be
brought hereafter into the province within the space of six months, they
are to be disposed of out of the govemment as soon as possible. After
the expiration of six months, all that shaU be brought here shall be as
other free Indians."
Andros spent the winter of 1678 in England, by special permission.

NEGRO SLAVES.

279

He told the Duke that the greatest want in New York was that of
servants. Few negro slaves had been brought in of late, and their value
was greatly increased. They cost from thirty to thirty-five pounds each.
He said the value of the estates in the province amounted to about one
hundred and fifty thousand pounds. A merchant having five hundred or
a thousand pounds was thought substantial ; and a planter worth half
that in movables was accounted rich. " Ministers were scarce and re
ligions many ; but there were no beggars in New York, and aU the poor
were cared for."
During the absence of Andros, Lieutenant-Governor BrockhoUs acted
as commander-in-chief. Secretary NicoUs was next him in authority,
both being instructed to consult, on extraordinary occasions, with the
mayor of the city. Lady Andros was invested with a power of attorney
to manage the governor's private affairs, and she fulfilled her task with
credit.

" At the first interview tliey stood so appalled as if the ghosts of Luther and Calvin had
suffered a transmigration." — Page 284.

280 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER XVI.
1678-1683.
EUROPEAN AFFAIRS.
European Affairs. — Prince of Orange in London. — Marriage of William and
Mart. — Peace between Holland and France. — Jacob Leislee. — The Climate
OF New York. — The Minister's Supper. — Conversation in Latin. — Ecclesi
astical Troubles. — Hunting Bears between Cedar Street and Maiden Lane. —
The two Labadists. — Jean Vigne. — The Travelers on Long Island. — Sleep
ing IN A Barn. — The First Classis in America. — Movement to build a
New Church. — The Uneasy Indians. — New Jersey. — Arrest and Teul or
Governor Carteret. — East and West New Jersey. — Faulty Deeds. — Impeei-
ousness of Andros. — William Penn's Sophistry. — Opinion op Sib William
Jones. — Complaints against Andros. — Founding of Pennsylvania. — Recall
of Andros. — Clamor for an Assembly. — Lieutenant-Governor Brockholls. —
Almost a Colonial Revolution. — Long Island. — Insubordination. — An Assem
bly GRANTED. — ThOMAS DoNGAN. — THE TRIUMPHAL MaRCH.
THE constitution of England had recently been violated for the pur
pose of protecting the Eoman CathoUcs from the penal laws. It
created the general fear that a blow was about to be aimed at the Protes
tant religion ; and the public mind was in such temper, that every move
ment on the part of the king was regarded with suspicion, as leaning
towards Rome.
Lords, stiU at war with HoUand, carefully fomented these jealousies.
As a neutral between the two fighting nations, England engrossed the
principal commerce of the world. The Dutch, seeing their commerce lan
guish, while that of England flourished, naturaUy longed for peace with
France. The Prince of Orange visited London, to enlist his uncle, the
king, in the important undertaking, while negotiations were opened at
Nimeguen on the Ehine.
Charles received William cordiaUy and affectionately ; and the young
prince remained some weeks at WhitehaU, talking with his two uncles
about the proposed treaty. He was about to depart for HoUand, when
the king said to him, " Nephew, it is not good for man to be alone ; 1
wiU give you a helpmeet," — and thereupon offered him the hand of

b

MARRIAGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY. 281
his cousin Mary in marriage. James, who had been hitherto bitterly
opposed to giving his daughter to a heretic, and who was ambitious
withal to marry her to the Dauphin of France, gave his consent with
seeming heartiness. WiUiam smiled grimly, showing no disposition,
as on a former occasion, to decline the splendid aUiance. "Nephew,"
added Charles, "remember that love and war do not agree weU to
gether." The news of the intended marriage spread through the court. AU,
except the French and the Roman Catholic party, were much pleased
with it. BariUon, the French ambassador, was amazed, and predicted
that such a son-in-law would be the ruin of James. He sent a courier
to the Court of France with the tidings, and Louis was moved more
seriously than he would have been by the loss of an army.
The marriage foUowed quickly. It took place on the 4th of Novem
ber, WUUam's twenty-seventh birthday. The bride was fifteen 1677.
the preceding AprU. She had been educated with her sister '^°^-*-
Arme at the Richmond palace, knew something of science and accom
phshments, spoke and vreote French weU, sketched a Uttle, read history
attentively, and possessed some musical skiU. Her chief faults, as a
chUd, were love of eating and gambUng. The latter amusement she
persistently indulged in on Sunday evenings, to the great distress of her
tutor. She had been confirmed in the Church of England by the Bishop
of London, in obedience to the orders of the king. When first in
formed of her future prospects, she wept piteously in her father's arms.
The ceremony was performed at nine o'clock in the evening, in her
bedchamber, in the presence of the king and queen, the Duke and
Duchess of York, and a few official attendants. Bishop Compton offi
ciated, while Charles gave away the sobbing Mary, and, at the same
time, little foreseeing the momentous consequences of such Dutch
and British nuptials, attempted to overcome her dejection by noisy
joviality. Two days later, Mary was deprived of her position as heiress pre
sumptive to the crown of England by the birth of a son to the Duke
of York, and WiUiam was complimented with the office of sponsor to
the unwelcome relative. But the little Ufe was not destined to be of
long duration. The bridegroom might have spared his pretty young
bride the unhappiness of seeing him in constant Ul-humor during the
honeymoon. The whole court was surprised and indignant that she
was rarely seen except in tears; and, to add to her griefs, her sister
Anne was lying dangerously ill of smaU-pox. On the 19th of Novem
ber, Mary saUed with WiUiam for HoUand, Charles and James accom-

282 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
panying them as far as Erith, where they bade them an affectionate
farewell. The conference at Nimeguen progressed briskly after WiUiam's mar
riage. Parliament voted suppUes for a possible war with France, and
recaUed aU English soldiers and saUors who had been on duty under
Louis. But the chief source of anxiety was at home. Rehgious con
venticles had just then reached an insufferable pitch, and wUd doctrines
were being sown in all parts of the kingdom. The Titus Oates perjuries
weUnigh produced a convulsion ; and presently the sight of James so
inflamed the populace, that the king sent him, with his wife and daugh
ter, to Brussels. Mary met her father with the first sunny face she
had wom since her gloomy wedding. He was soon ordered to Scot
land, and she accompanied him on the journey as far as the Maesland
sluice, parting from him in an agony of sorrow. How, at that moment,
she would have recoUed, could the future have been unroUed to her
vision !
Peace was at length covenanted between the French and the Dutch.
1678. Andros watched with interest the progress of events. He reached
-A-1S-1- England in January, and was at once knighted by the king;
after which be took a short holiday, to look after his private afi'airs at
Guernsey. Upon his return to court, he attended the meetings of the
Privy Council. Two agents from Massachusetts were present, and in
great tribulation because of the seeming ill-favor of their colony at
WhitehaU. Andros took occasion to add stiU further to their trials by
exposing the behavior of the Puritan colonies towards New York, particu
larly in connection with the late Indian war, — a subject which was imme
diately investigated by this supreme tribunal He also gave a fuU and
specific account of the internal administration of New York. The Duke
required him to return immediately to his government, and he
^ ' saUed May 27, commissioned as Vice-Admiral over all the Duke's
territory, and authorized to appoint a Judge, Register, and Marshal in
Admiralty, to hold office during his pleasure.
He made it his first business to order that none but New-Yorkers
should trade with the Indians at Albany ; also, that no inland
. "^ oJ towns should " trade over sea," and that aU flour must be in-
Ang. 24. _ '
spected in the metropohs.
During this month, news having been received that Jacob Leisler,
whUe on a trading voyage to Europe in one of his own vessels, had heen
captured by the Turks, the governor issued an order that the
¦ church officers should collect money of weU-disposed persons m
the province for his redemption. Leisler himself paid two thousand

THE CLIMATE OF NEW YORK. 283
Spanish dollars towards the fund, and was soon after released, together
with those who were in captivity with him.^
The first Judge in Admiralty appointed by Andros was Mayor Stephanus
Van Cortlandt. The aldermen of the city were to be assistants of the
Provincial Court of Admiralty. Samuel Leete, the city clerk, was ap
pointed register, and Sheriff Thomas Ashton, marshal, of the court. This
organization, substantiaUy, existed for several years.
Some gentlemen crossed the ocean with Andros, on his return voyage,
who were destined to become prominent in public affairs ; among them
were WiUiam Pinhorne, James Graham, and John West. Rev. James
"Wolley, a recent graduate of Cambridge University, came also as chaplain
to the British forces in New York. He was caUed by his contemporaries
" a gentleman of learning and observation ; sociable of habit and charita
ble in feeling." He published, after his return to England, "A Two
Years' Joumal in New York," which was highly appreciated. Despite its
pedantry, and the fact that it gives a more detailed account of the
Indians than of the European settlers, the work abounds in valuable in
formation. One paragraph, in relation to the cUmate of New York, is too
curiously characteristic to be omitted. It is as foUows : —
" It is of a sweet and wholesome breath, free from those annoyances which
are commonly ascribed by naturalists for the insalubriety of any Country, viz.
South or South-east Winds, stagnant Waters, lowness of Shears, inconstancy of
Weather, and the excessive heat of the Summer ; it is gently refreshed, fanned,
and allayed by constant breezes from the Sea. It does not welcome Guests and
Strangers with the seasoning distempers of Fevers and Fluxes, like Virginia,
Maryland, and other Plantations; nature kindly drains and purgeth it by Fon
tanels and Issues of running waters in its irriguous Valleys, and shelters it with
the umbreUas of all sorts of Trees, from pernicious Lakes ; which Trees and
Plants do undoubtedly, tho' insensibly, suck in and digest into their own growth
and composition those subterraneous Particles and Exhalations, which otherwise
wou'd be attracted by the heat of the Sun and so become matter for infectious
Clouds and malign Atmospheres  I myself, a person seemingly of a weakly
Stamen and a valetudinary Constitution, was not in the least indisposed in that
Climate, during my residence there, the space of three years.''
Speaking of the temperature, he says : —
" New York Ueth 10 Degrees more to the Southward than Old England ; by
which difference according to PhUosophy it should be the hotter Climate, but on
' Ord. Warr. Passes, III. 219. Council Min., III. (IL), 178. Gen. Ent., XXXIL 65.
Mass. Sec, V. 289. Col. Doc, III. 717. Doc Hist., II. 2 ; III. 253. Laws of Maryland,
1681.

284 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the contrary, to speak feeUngly, I found it in the Winter Season rather colder
for the most part ; .... it is adjacent to and almost encompassed with an hilly,
woody Country, fuU of Lakes and gyeat ValUes, which receptacles are the
Nurseries, Forges and BeUows of the Air, which they first suck in and contract,
then discharge and ventUate with a fiercer dUatation."
The inhabitants of New York he caUed " a clan of high-flown Religion
ists " ; yet he said they were very hospitable and often invited him to
their houses and tables, the last overture usually including a generous
bottle of Madeira. He made a personal endeavor to promote good feeling
among the clergymen of the different denominations in the city. He
says : —
" There were two other Ministers, or Dominies as they were caUed there, the
one a Lutheran, or High-Dutch, the other a Calvinist, or Low-Dutchman, who
behaved themselves one towards another so shily and uncharitably as if Luther
and Calvin had bequeathed and entailed their virulent and bigoted Spirits upon
them and their heirs forever. They had not visited or spoken to each other with
any respect for six years together before my being there, with whom I being
much acquainted, I invited them both with their Vrows to a Supper one night
unknown to each other, with an obligation, that they shoidd not speak one word
in Dutch, under the penalty of a bottle of Madeira, alledging I was so unperfect
in that Language that we could not manage a sociable discourse. So accorduigly
they came, and at the first interview they stood so appaled as if the Ghosts of
Luther and Calvin had suffered a transmigration, but the amaze soon went off
with a salve tu quoque, and a Bottle of Wine, of which the Calvinist Dominie
was a true Carouzer, and so we continued our Mensalia the whole evemng in
Latine, which they both spoke so fluently and promptly that I blushed at my
self with a passionate regret that I could not keep pace with them ; and at the
same time could not forbear reflecting upon our English Schools and Universi
ties (who indeed write Latine elegantly) but speak it, as if they were confined
to Mood and Figure, Forms and Phrases, whereas it should be their' common
talk in their Seats and HaUs, as weU as in their School Disputations and
Themes. This with aU deference to these repositories of Learning. As to the
Dutch Language, in which I was but a smatterer, I think it lofty, majestic and
emphatical, especially the High-Dutch, which as far as I understand it is very
expressive in the Scriptures, and so underived that it may take place next the
Oriental Languages, and the Septuagint." ^
The Calvinist minister referred to was Dominie Nieuwenhuysen, who
died in 1681, and the Lutheran was Dominie Bernhardus Frazius. They
were both men of vast scholastic acquirements. The language of Eome
I Wolley's Journal, 55, 56.

ECCLESIASTICAL TROUBLES. 285
had not then lost its " imperial " character, and to speak it well was much
more common than in later times. But the literary accomplishments
of the Englishmen of that generation seem to have been less sohd and
profound than at either an earlier or a later period. Dominie Nieuwen
huysen was an excellent pastor, notwithstanding that, outside of his own
flock, he sometimes exhibited more zeal than charity. He took excep
tions to the clerical conduct of Dominie Van Rensselaer, whom Andros
sent to Albany as coUeague to Dominie Schaats, and openly declared
that a minister ordained in England by a bishop was not qualified to
administer the sacrament in the Reformed Dutch Church. He even
went so far as to forbid Dominie Van Rensselaer to baptize children,
which occasioned much ill-feeUng ; but, at the trial of the latter before
the governor, Nieuwenhuysen was obliged to admit the validity of
English Episcopal ordination. Fresh ecclesiastical troubles broke out
the next year (1676), when Jacob Leisler, one of Dominie Van Nieu
wenhuysen's deacons, accused Dominie Van Rensselaer of " false preach
ing " and of uttering " dubious words." Van Rensselaer was arrested and
brought to New York for trial ; but he was acquitted, and Deacon Leisler
and Jacob MUborne were ordered to pay aU costs for " giving the first
occasion of difference." ^
Between Cedar Street and Maiden Lane there was an orchard, owned
by John Robinson. On one occasion, we are told, Mr. WoUey put off
his clerical dignity and went out with a party to hunt bears in
that locality. They pursued one untU he finaUy betook himself
to a tree, and crouched upon a high bough. A boy with a club was
sent up, who, reaching an opposite branch, knocked away at the paws
of Bruin until he came growUng down, and feU, with a tremendous
thump, to the ground.
Mr. WoUey and his wife were frequent guests of Lord George RusseU
(then residing in New York), a brother of the celebrated Lord WiUiam
EusseU, who was beheaded in 1683. He speaks also in his Journal of
Frederick PhUipse, and his great wealth. He says skating was very
much in vogue ; and he gives some pleasant glimpses into the exchange
of presents on New Year's day. On his return to London, he took with
him, as American curiosities, "a Gray Squirrel, a Parrot, and a Rac
coon." He saUed in a ship commanded by George Heathcote, a Qua
ker; the same who was imprisoned by the governor of Massachusetts,
in 1672, for delivering to his Excellency a letter without taking off
his hat.2
1 Council Min., III. 54 - 59. Doc Hist. N. Y, III. 526, 527. Brodhead, ll. 288, 300. .
* George Heathcote made numerous voyages to New York. At his death, he Hberated

286 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
In 1679, Jasper Dankers and Peter Sluyter, two travelers, appeared
in New York, wbo had been sent from Europe by a religious sect, called
Labadists, to find some suitable spot for a colony. The founder of the
sect was Jean De Labadie, a native of Bordeaux, and he had made many
converts to his doctrines among persons of learning. His pubhc decla
ration that he was inspired and specially directed by Christ fiUed the
clergy with dismay, and caused him and his followers to be driven to
Westphalia and afterwards to Denmark. De Labadie died in 1674, at
Wieward in Friesland, where the community had at last found per
manent quarters. Three years later, some of his disciples removed to
Surinam, but did not remain there long.
The two envoys to New Amsterdam were passengers on the Charles,
one of Mrs. Frederick Phiiipse's vessels. Some of their experiences and
observations are interesting enough to be recited. They landed about four
o'clock on a September aftemoon, and were invited to supper by a
feUow-passenger, at the house of his father-in-law, Jacob Swart
The table was loaded with deUcious peaches, pears, and apples. They
were invited to spend the night, and graciously accepted the invitation.
They went to walk in the fields, and saw trees laden with divers kinds of
fruit in such overflowing abundance as they had never seen in Europe in
the best seasons. Upon their return to the house in the evening they were
regaled witb milk and peaches, and retired to rest and sleep, and dream
of peaches on the morrow. Tbe next day was Sunday, and, after partak
ing of an appetizing breakfast of fish and fruit, they went to church, "to
avoid scandal," — as they said. Tbey were not pleased, however, with the
personal appearance of the minister, or with his manner of explaining the
Bible; and as for his congregation, it was "too worldly." In the after
noon they were escorted by Mr. and Mrs. Swart and Mr Van Duyne to
a tavern, where a daughter of the old people Uved ; but they found the
place " uncongenial," and walked in the orchard " to contemplate the inno
cent objects of nature." They found a mulberry-tree, with leaves as large
as a plate. Towards evening they caUed upon one of Mr Swarfs neigh
bors. His name was Jean Vigne. He was the first male chUd born m
New York of European parents. The date of his birth, according to these
travelers, must have been 1614, the very earliest period of white settle
ment.^ His mother owned a farm near WaU and Pearl Streets. He was,
three negro slaves, and gave to Thomas Carlton five hundred acres of land near Shrewsbury,
New Jersey, to be called "Carlton Settlement." He also constituted his nephew, Caleb
Heathcote, residuary legatee. Will, dated Nov., 1710, Surrogate's Office, N. Y.
' This statement does not in any manner conflict with the record which confirms Sarah
de Rapalje as the first born " Christian daii.ghter " in New Netherland. Long Island Hist.
Soc Coll, I. 113. Benson's Memoir in N. Y. H. S. Coll., II. (Second Series) 94.

THE TRAVELERS ON LONG ISLAND.

287

View of the Water Gate (present Wall Street).
(From a pencil-sketch by Dankers and Sluyter )

at this time, in possession of the old homestead, and kept an ancient
wind-miU constantly at work upon the hUl back of his house. He was
a brewer, as well as a fanner ; and he was one of the great burghers
of the city. He filled
the office of schepen in
1663, in 1655, and in
1656. Of his three
sisters, Maria married
Abraham Verplanck,
Cristina was the wife
of Dirck Volckertsen,
and Rachel the second
wife of Cornells Van
Tienhoven. Jean Vigne
left no children ; but
the descendants of his
sisters are scattered through the country.
On the 29th the explorers made a journey to Long Island. They
describe their route from the ferry as "up a hill, along open
roads and woody places, and through a viUage called Breuckelen,
which has a smaU ugly church standing in the middle of the road " !
Peach-trees were everywhere numerous, and laden with fruit; in some
instances actuaUy breaking down with their treasures. They visited the
oldest resident, a woman who had lived in this country over half a
century, and who had seventy chUdren and grandchildren. They spent
one night at the house of Simon De Hart, where they supped on raw
and roasted oysters, a roasted haunch of venison, a wild turkey, and a
goose, and sat before a hickory -fire blazing half-way up the chimney, aU
the chiUy autumn evening. The house is stiU standing, having been in
the possession of the descendants of Simon De Hart ever since.
In the morning they went out through the woods to what is now
Fort Hamilton, where the Najach Indians resided upon land which
Jacques Cortelyou had long since bought of the sachems, and at pres
ent rented to them for twenty bushels of corn yearly. They rambled
along the shore to Coney Island, and from one Indian viUage to another,
eating peaches and wild grapes by the way, and coming every now and
then upon "great heaps of watermelons." They visited New Utrecht,
and were kindly entertained by Jacques Cortelyou. The town and
everything in it had been burned a short time before; but some good
stone houses had been rebuilt, and among them this of Cortelyou's. He
had two sick sons, and, with his wife, was so occupied in attending to

288

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

them, that he had little time to devote to his visitors. He invited them
to stay as long as it was convenient ; but the only place to sleep he could
offer them was in the barn. So, after supper, they took up their quarters
for the night upon some straw spread with sheep-skins, " in the midst
of the continual grunting of hogs, squeaUng of pigs, bleating and couoh-
ing of sheep, barking of dogs, crowing of cocks, and cackling of hens"-
much to their discomfort, as would appear from their journal, although
tbey were less disposed to complain when they discovered that they
were occupying the usual bed of one of Cortelyou's sons, who had crept
into the straw behind them. They said Cortelyou was a mathematician,
a sworn land-surveyor, and a doctor of medicine.

View of North Dock.
(From a pencil-sketch by Dankers and Sluyter.)
After an extended tour over Long Island, they returned (October 4) to
New York, and remained in the citv about a month. On Sunday,
Oct. 4. ' -'
October 15th, they attended tbe Episcopal service in the Dutch
church in the fort, conducted by Mr. Wolley. There were not ahove
twenty-five or thirty people present. They said, " after the
prayers and ceremonies, a young man went into the pulpit, who
thought he was performing wonders : he had a little book in his hand,
out of which he read his sermon, which was about a quarter of an hour
long. With this the services were concluded, at which we could not he
sufficiently astonished."
They evidently worked with great zeal to make converts to theh own
faith, and scattered their admonitions loftily among the sinners of the
country. The pecuUarity of their movements attracted the attention
of tbe better class of the inhabitants, of whom they had seen but httle;
1680. and when, in January, they returned from Westchester and adja-
jan.3. cent towns, they were summoned before the mayor to give an
account of themselves, and to explain the object of their travels. This
done, they were dismissed with the caution not to attempt to go to
Feb 20 -^l^^'^y without a passport from the governor. After obtaining
this document, they sailed, on the 20th of February, up the Hud-

THE FIRST CLASSIS IN AMERICA.

289

son. They also traveled through New Jersey and the Delaware Bay
region And they persuaded many persons (among whom were Ephraim
Heermans and Peter Bayard) to leave their wives and join the Labadists.
In June they saUed for Europe. Their journal was pubUshed, in 1867,
by the Long- Island Historical Society, under the supervision of Hon
Henry C. Murphy, who procured the original manuscript in HoUand.
It is deeply to be regretted that the portion relating chiefly to the me
tropohs has been hopelessly lost.

view of New York from the North.
(From a pencil-sketch by Dankers and Sluyter.)
The first classis ever held in America consisted of Dominies Nieuwen
huysen and Schaats, Dominie Van Zuuren of Long Island, and Dommie
Van Gaasbeeck of Esopus. It was formed in 1679, at tbe suggestion of
the Episcopal governor, and for the purpose of examining and ordaimng
a young hcensed Bachelor in Divinity, Peter Tesschenmaeker, who ^^^^
had been called to the church at Newcastle. This novel proceed
ing was approved by the supreme ecclesiastical judicature at Amsterdam.
The church edifice in the fort having become too smaU to accommodate
the congTegation, a meeting was caUed at the suggestion of Andros, m
June, 1680, to consider the best measures for budding a new one.
Several members of the CouncU and other leading citizens were present,
together with the Dutch and EngUsh clergymen. It was voted to raise
money by "free-wiU or gift," and not by pubUc tax ; and it was cordially
agreed that the new church should be a quarter larger than the old one.
The mayor and aldermen appropriated certain fines towards the fund.
^Doc Eist N Y, III. 244, 265. Gen. Ent., XXXII. 65. Col. Doc, III. 315, 415
717. Letter of Dominie Selyns to Classis, October 28, 1682. Brodhead, II. 331. Records of
Collegiate Dutch Church, Liber A, 161, 162.
19

290 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Meanwhile, the English claim of sovereignty over the Iroquois, which
had been asserted by Andros, roused the French king, Louis. In the
unsettled condition of European politics, he could not take a decided
stand with respect to his interests in America; hence he resorted to
intrigue. The Jesuit missionaries were the instruments of his purpose.
They made presents to the Indians and sought to inchne them towards
the French; while, to prevent this, Andros was compeUed to increase
his watchfulness. About tbis time, one of the French ministers argued
long and earnestly with his sovereign that a war with New York and
New England must redound to the advantage of Canada.
The governor of Maryland wrote to Andros that "strange Indians"
were doing mischief along the Susquehanna; the governor of Virginia
complained of " unknown Indians " committing thefts and murders with
in bis jurisdiction ; and, in the depth of winter, the New York governor
sent two Indian interpreters through the snows and storms to summon
the Iroquois to a conference in Albany. The difficulty was settled for
tbe time ; but, the next season, it broke out afresh in a stiU more com
plicated form, and again Governor Andros was compeUed to meet the
Iroquois warriors, and discuss with them the question of mutual relations
and the duties of the future.
New Jersey for a while carried on a direct trade with England. But
Andros saw fit to put into rigid execution the Duke's order, that aU
vessels trading within his original territory should enter at the New
York custom-house. Thereupon the Assembly of East Jersey passed
an act to indemnify any ship which might be seized by the government
of New York for entering and clearing at Elizabethtown. An interesting
quarrel was at once inaugurated.
Andros and Carteret were kinsmen, and sociaUy intimate. Carteret
was in the habit of attending Sabbath service in the fort, and of dining
often at Sir Edmund's table. The wives of the two gentlemen were as
devoted to each other as sisters. All at once a chiU feU upon this
friendly intercourse. Andros seized every Jersey-bound vessel and ex
acted duties before allowing it to proceed from Sandy Hook to Ehzabeth-
town. Carteret claimed to be the supreme governor of his province,
and complained to Sir George. Andros sent Collector Dyer to England,
to justify his past course and to ask instruction for the future.
The political storms in his immediate horizon prevented James from
giving proper attention to his American possessions. He was, at this
moment, absent from England. His secretary admonished Andros to
continue the maintenance of the Duke's prerogative throughout his
territory. As soon as Dyer returned with the order, Andros notified

ARREST AND TRIAL OF GOVERNOR CARTERET. 291
Carteret that he should erect a fort at Sandy Hook; and Carteret
repUed, that he should resist such a proceeding to the last. Andros sent
Secretary Nicolls into New Jersey with a proclamation, forbidding Car
teret to exercise any further authority within the Duke's province, and
demanding the surrender of his person. Carteret appealed to the king.
But the people of New Jersey sustained Carteret, to whom they were
much attached, and Andros was deterred by their loyalty from resorting
to extreme measures.
The latter went over to New Jersey, and the rumor of his coming
induced Carteret to coUect a large force for defense. But Andros
making his appearance unattended by soldiers, he was invited to Car
teret's house, where the contending parties dined together and held a
long conference over their difficulties. Each produced papers and patents
in support of the righteousness of his course, and both were undoubtedly
actuated by the honest motive of obedience to superiors. Yet they
arrived at no amicable understanding.
Three weeks later, Andros caused the arrest of Carteret. The tm-
guarded country-house of the latter was entered, in the night, by
a band of armed men, who dragged him naked from his bed, and ^
carried him in this condition to New York, where, after being furnished
with clothes, he was thrown into prison. The charge against him was
that of "unlawfully assuming jurisdiction over the king's subjects."
He was tried before a special Court of Assizes, over which Andros
presided in great state. The prisoner was aUowed to plead his own
cause; and he (Ud so with lawyer-Uke skiU and learning. In the first
place, he denied the power of such a court to settle a question which
involved the right of a king, and, indeed, refused to acknowledge its juris
diction. He was quite wUUng, he said, to have his actions thoroughly
investigated ; and, expressing his astonishment that Andros should pretend
to have never recognized him as governor of New Jersey, he produced
several letters addressed by Sir Edmund to himself under that title.
Andros responded quickly, that the letters had been so addressed
because Carteret had generaUy been styled governor, not because he
was so in fact. " But," said Carteret, " the king has made me governor,
and you, as well as all the world, have acknowledged me as such." The
royal commissions to the two men were produced, and it was found that
the one to Carteret was older than the one to Andros. " Mine, therefore,
should be preferred," said Carteret. " By no means," exclaimed Andros,
"mine being the younger, yours is annulled by it." "Tbat remains to
be shown," rejoined Carteret; and he produced letters from Charles
himself, (Urected to the governor of New Jersey. The honest verdict

292 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
of a New York jury set Carteret free; but he was obUged to give
security, that, if he was aUowed to retum home, he woiUd assume no
authority, civU or military, until his case was decided in Enoland.
Governor and Lady Andros, accompanied by a number of personal
friends, escorted Carteret to Elizabethtown, with distinguished ceremony;
and Andros proceeded to commission civil and military officers in the
principal towns of East Jersey.
West Jersey was under the control of Quakers, who complained most
bitterly of Andros and his high-handed proceedings. The root of the
trouble was at WhitehaU. When Lord Berkeley parted with his undi
vided interest in New Jersey, he could give only a doubtful title. When
WiUiam Penn and his associates sent an agent to take possession, Andros,
without in any way exceeding his instructions, directed that, as no proper
authority had been produced, the parties concerned were not to be treated
as proprietors of lands, and all duties were to be collected from them as
from other English subjects. Fenwick, the agent, was arrested for diso
beying orders, and tried before a special Court of Assizes. The affair
created a stir in London ; and James persuaded Sir George Carteret to
consent to a quinquepartite deed, in partition with Penn and his partners,
by which they agreed upon a dividing line from Little Egg Harbor to the
most northerly branch of the Delaware Eiver. The two provinces were
to be called henceforward East and West New Jersey. This famous
instrument was the most remarkable for extraordinary faults of aU the
extraordinary and faulty parchment deeds in the early American annals.'
The Duke's secretary wrote to Andros, that his master had no intention
of parting with any of his prerogative by this arrangement, but wished
to make a show of favor to tbe imperious Sir George.
The co-proprietors of West New Jersey at once appointed commis
sioners to look after their government matters, and Fenwick in particular
These commissioners embarked on board the ship Kent. As the vessel
was lying in the Thames, King Charles came alongside in his pleasure-
barge, and, seeing a large number of passengers, and learning where they
were bound, asked if they were aU Quakers, and gave them his llessing.
When they arrived at Sandy Hook, the commissioners left the vessel, and
went up to the city in a barge to pay a visit to Andros, who received
them graciously and inquired if they had brought any orders from the
Duke, his master. They replied that they had not, but quoted the transfer
of the soil, with which the government of West Jersey was also conveyed.
"That will not clear me," replied Andros, with emphasis, "if I
^ Dixon's Penn., 1Z%. Whiteliead, 67,68. Gordrni, Z6. Leaming aiid Spicer, SI- 7i.
Proud, I. 142. Brodhead, II. 304.

IMPERIOUSNESS OF ANDROS. 293
should surrender without the Duke's order, it is as much as my head is
worth. But if you had but a Une or two from the Duke, I should be
as ready to surrender it to you, as you would be to ask it."
The commissioners strenuously asserted their independence, and con
tinued to argue their case, until Andros, losing all patience, sprang to his
feet, with head erect and flashing eyes, and, clapping his hand upon his
sword, exclaimed, " I shaU defend my government against you until such
time as I am ordered by the Duke to surrender it."
He softened, however, almost instantly, and assured the commissioners
that he would do all in his power to make them easy until they could
send to England for instructions ; and in the mean time he would com
mission them to act as magistrates under him, in order that they might
proceed to the transaction of business. Fenwick was released from con
finement and aUowed to proceed with them to the Delaware, on condition
that he should report himseK in New York in the following October.
The news produced a sensation at WhitehaU. James, already threat
ened with exclusion from the throne on account of his Eomish faith, was
moody and obstinate. He said that West New Jersey had no right to
set up a distinct government. It was amenable to the laws established
in New York. The English Secretary of State was consulted, and many
of the most astute lawyers in the kingdom. WiUiam Penn elaborately
argued his own case, and that of his Quaker associates. He insisted that,
in Lord Berkeley's conveyance, powers of government were distinctly
granted. Then, aware of the impossibility of proving the assertion, he
hastened to allude to the Duke's present distressing circumstances and
the jealousies of the people, and to suggest that kindness and justice now
shown to EngUshmen in America would seem to forecast the character
of his Eoyal Highness's administration, in tbe event of his accession to
the throne, and could not fail to enhance his popularity. Penn's peculiar
fascination of manner, together with his feint of passive obedience, bound
him closely both to the gracious Charles and the arbitrary James. He
was much more skUlful in reading their characters and practicing upon
their weaknesses than they were in penetrating his specious purposes.
Besides, he bad a special hold on both. His father. Sir WiUiam Penn,
had been Admiral of England ; and, at his death, the crown was in debt
to his estate some sixteen thousand pounds. His subtle sophistry might
have turned the scale, had truth been on his side. But, before the ques
tion was settled, the furious hate of the populace drove James again into
Scotland, and, in his strait, he referred the whole matter to Sir WilUam
Jones, " the greatest lawyer in England," but a determined opponent of
the " Tories," as the king and his friends were styled.

294 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Jones was a wary Parliamentarian advocate. BeUeving that an Eng
lish Parliament had the right, though the sovereign had not, to tax an
unrepresented colony, he gave his opinion with great caution He said,
" I am not satisfied by anything I have yet heard that the Duke can
legally demand duties from the people of those lands ; and, to make the
case stronger against his Eoyal Highness, these inhabitants claim that, in
the original grant to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, there is no
reservation of any profit, or so much as jurisdiction." '
It was an ingenious report for a referee wishing to evade a decision or
to becloud the truth. Several of the material facts in the case
were wholly ignored. For instance, Jones cited only the Duke's
first grant, in 1664, and left out of the discussion both the Dutch con
quest of 1673 (which annihUated that grant) and the king's second patent
to his brother, in 1674. But James had neither time nor inchnation to
contest the matter, and, without waiting for his own counsel to approve,
he executed a deed the more firmly to convey West New Jersey
to its purchasers, granting them aU the powers which were ever
intended to be gTanted to himself by the king.
Scarcely was this accomplished, when Lady Carteret, the widow of Sir
George (who had recently died), having received letters from Gov-
^^ ' ' ernor Philip Carteret, giving a detailed account of the treatment
he had suffered from Andros, complained to the worried Duke ; and he,
having just released aU claim to tbe government of West New Jersey,
and beUeving that he could do no less by East New Jersey, ordered a
deed to that effect to be prepared.
All at once, and from every side, complaints began to pour in upon the
Duke conceming Andros. It was insinuated that he favored Dutchmen
in trade, made laws hurtful to the EngUsh, detained ships unduly for
private reasons, and admitted Dutch vessels to a direct trade, or traded
himself in the names of others. Moreover, James was receiving constant
offers to farm his revenue in New York, which differed " so vastly " from
the accounts rendered by Andros, that he commissioned John Lewin as
an agent to inspect all accounts and learn the true condition of affairs m
his province. At the same time, he ordered Andros to report immediately
1681. in person. The latter, though surprised, was too good a soldier
Jan. 6. Qot to oboy the summons to the very letter. He committed the
government to Lieutenant-Governor BrockhoUs, and sailed Januaiy 6,
1681, leaving Lady Andros (as he fuUy expected to return) in New York
WhUe he was on his voyage to England, a royal parchment founded
1 Clarke's James II., I. 588-600. Col. Doc, III. 284, 285. Chalmer's Anwds, I, 240-
626. Force's Tracts, IV. No. IX. Brodhead, II. 340-342.

RECALL OF ANDROS.

295

the State of Pennsylvania. The subtle WUUam Penn had petitioned the
king for a region of wild land in North America, with a vague and unde
fined boundary, in payment of the debt due to his father's estate ; and,
with shrewd geographical judgment, he had drafted his own patent!
Lord Sunderland, Lord Baltimore, and, other gentlemen, to whom the
matter was referred, attempted to oppose this monstrous demand ; but
Penn, having won over to his interests both the king and the Duke, 'soon
accomphshed his end. The charter of Pennsylvania, as it passed the
Great Seal, granted to WUUam Penn aU the powers of a feudal chief,—
the making of laws and the execution of the same, the appointment of
officers, etc. But aU laws were to be subject to the approval of the free
men of his province, and to the pleasure of the king ; and no taxes
were to be levied nor revenues raised, except by a Provincial Assembly
The supreme power of the ParUament of England was acknowledged in
the matter of regulating commercial duties.
After the departure of Govemor Andros, New York was in great con-

View of East River Shore above Water Gate.
(From a pencil-sketch by Dankers and Sluyter.)

fiision. He had by accident,
in the multiphcity of duties,
omitted to renew by a special '
order the Duke's customs
duties, which had expired
the November before by their three years' limitation, which was un
fortunate indeed. This oversight having been discovered by the traders,
they refused to pay duties upon what they imported into the prov
ince. Neither did they abate to consumers a farthing from the prices
of the goods they were seUing. BrockhoUs and his councU decided that
Uiere was no power to continue expired taxes without orders from his
^oyal Highness. The question produced almost a colonial revolution
New Jersey was prospering nnder free-trade, at the expense of New York.
Collector Dyer, at this time mayor of the city, was sued for detaining
goods for customs, and forced to deliver them without payment. On the

296 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
back of this he was accused of high treason for having levied the duties
committed to prison, and arraigned before a court speciaUy summoned for
his trial. His indictment was for " traitorously exercising regal power and
authority over the king's subjects." A jury was swom, and twenty wit
nesses were examined for the prosecution. Dyer pleaded " not guUty," and
challenged the authority of tbe court. He refused to surrender the seal
of the city and his commission as mayor, because he had received them
from their common superior, Andros. The court finally decided to send
him to England, to be dealt with as the king should direct; and his
accuser, Samuel Winder, was required to give five thousand pounds secu
rity to prosecute him in England. John West, the clerk of the court,
excused its irregular action, because of " the novelty of the charge of
high treason, and the present discord in the government here."
It was soon noised about, that, in the new province of Pennsylvania,
established by the king, no laws could be passed or revenue
levied without the assent of a majority of colonial freemen
represented in a local assembly. The old Dutch principle of "taxation
only by consent " was quickly revived in New York. The jury which
indicted Dyer declared to the Court of Assizes that the want of a Pro
vincial Assembly was a grievance. The clamor became so loud and
determined, that John Younge, the high sheriff of Long Island, was
appointed to draft a petition to the Duke, and his work was adopted
by the court. It represented that the inhabitants of New York had,
for many years, groaned under inexpressible burdens by having an arbi
trary power used and exercised over them, whereby a revenue had been
exacted against their wills, their trade burdened, and their hberty en
thralled, contrary to the privUeges of a royal subject ; so that they had
become a " reproach " to their neighbors, who were flourishing " under
the fruition and protection of the king's unparaUeled form and method
of government in his realm of England." The Duke was therefore
besought to rule his province henceforth through a governor, council,
and assembly, — the latter to be duly elected by the freeholders of the
colony, as in the other plantations of the king.
Brockholls wrote to Andros by the same vessel which conveyed Dyer,
as a prisoner, and this petition to tbe Duke, that the customs
' were wholly destroyed and the province in the most terrible
disorder. Meanwhile, Andros, on reaching London, had sent back an
order to Brockholls to act as receiver-general of aU the Duke's revenues ;
but his afterthought came too late. The mischief had been done. Brock
holls, from lack of energy or some other cause, conveniently shirked
the duty of meddling with the insolent tax-payers. Trade was sub-

ALMOST A COLONIAL REVOLUTION. 297
stantiaUy free. Disorderly gatherings were held in various places, par
ticularly on Long Island, and peace and quiet were seriously dis
turbed. BrockhoUs suspended Derval from the council for impertinence ;
and, in the absence of Secretary Nicolls and CoUector Dyer, his only,
advisers were Frederick Philipse and Stephanus Van Cortlandt. Much
of this spirit of insubordination arose from the Duke's own act, in recaU
ing Andros, and sending over Lewin, as a sort of private detective. The
latter, stupid and incompetent, was often insulted to his face, and his
proceedings were branded as unlawful. When he returned to
London, in December, he was examined by ChurchUl and Jeffreys.
Secretary Nicolls and CoUector Dyer were also questioned. The result
was that Andros was exonerated from aU blame whatsoever. He was
even compUmented upon the marvelous success of his administration
and made a Gentleman of the king's Privy Chamber. As this honor
required him to Uve near London, he sent to New York for Lady Andros
to join him in their ancient home.
However much in after years Sir Edmund may have merited the
appellation of "the tyrant of New England," he seems to have gov
erned New York with wisdom and moderation. The position had its
pecuhar temptations ; and besides, he was the executive servant of one
of the most obstinate of men, — one who had no proper estimate of
character and who was blind to universal principles. If, in trying
to rule a mixed community of different nationalities, proclivities, and
opimons, a faulty, imperious temper occasionaUy obtained ascendency
over sober judgment, we can grant some measure of indulgence, in
view of aU the circumstances of the case. Andros was unquestion
ably dihgent and sagacious ; and he did much towards bringing New
York into a healthy political and financial condition. Certain it is, that,
when he laid down the staff of office, anarchy followed almost imme
diately. CoUector Dyer, after waiting in vain in London for his prosecutor to
appear, petitioned the king to be honorably acquitted ; and the petition
was granted. In recompense for his losses, he was afterwards
appointed surveyor-general of the customs in America.
Long Island seems to have been a constant source of care and trouble
to New York. In February, two prominent justices of the peace,
Richard Cromwell and Thomas Hicks, were arrested for disaffec
tion to the government, and bound over for trial at the next Court of
Assizes. The minister of Huntington was "dealt with" for denying
baptism to the children of those whom he charged with "loose lives."
At Staten Island, and at Albany, there was trouble about their clergy-

298 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
men. In the city of New York, the patriarch Dominie Van Nieuwen
huysen had gone to his rest ; and the consistory of the Dutch church
caUed, as his successor. Dominie Henricus Selyns, who returned to
America, and entered upon a new and laborious service. There were a
multitude of petty disturbances. Connecticut revived the boundary
question. Frederick Philipse, having bought a tract of land,
^^^^' embracing Sleepy Hollow, and prepared to build a miU upon
it, was informed tbat the Connecticut line ran to the south and west
of his property. Thereupon a lively dispute arose between the gov
ernors of the two provinces. BrockhoUs knew that Connecticut was
never to approach within twenty miles of the Hudson Eiver, and pro
nounced the affair an attempt at swindUng. Of course, the question
was, in the end, referred to the Duke and the king.
Meanwhile, William Penn, with the aid of Algernon Sidney, drew
up and published for Pennsylvania a form of government and laws, the
large benevolence of which presented a model worthy to be carefuUy
studied by tbe Duke. Charles dissolved ParUament, being firmly resolved
to govern thenceforth without one, and to stand up boldly against those
who plotted to exclude James from the throne. The latter ventured to -
retum again from Scotland; and tbe royal brothers had many conver
sations about New York. It was clear, that, in order to coUect a revenue
in that province, an Assembly must be granted. It was simply a ques
tion of finance. Tbe property was now a mere drain upon the Duke's
purse. He talked seriou,sly of offering it for sale. " No," said WiUiam
Penn, with his Quaker hand laid lovingly on the shoulder of his Catholic
friend, " keep the province, and give it tbe franchise."
When James had once made up bis mind to act upon this closet ad
vice, he was not slow in putting his plans in execution. He fixed
^^ ' ' upon Thomas Dongan as his future governor. This gentleman
was a Eoman Catholic; but his experience in France (where he had
commanded an Irish regiment under Louis, during the French and Dutch
war), and his general knowledge of the French character, were powerful
recommendations at the present moment, when the delicate relations be
tween New York and Canada required the most consummate diplomacy
on the part of the English; He was the younger son of Sir John Don
gan, an Irish baronet, and nephew to Eichard Talbot, Earl of Tyrconnel.
He was trained to the profession of arms, and had distinguished himself
on many occasions. He had recently been lieutenant-governor of Tan
gier, in Africa.
His appointment was confirmed a few days after the first mention of
his name in this connection, and a commission was executed simUar to

" The property was now a mere drain upon the Luke's purse. He talked seriously of
offering it for sale. 'No,' said William, ^enn, with 'nis Quaker hand laid lovingly on the
shoulder of his Oatholio friend ; ' fceep New York, and give it the franchise. ' ' ' ^age 298.

THE TRIUMPHAL MARCH. 299
that given to Andros ; only. New Jersey was excepted from his juris
diction. The eastern boundary of New York was still declared to be the
western bank of the Connecticut Eiver. His special instructions con
tained an order to call a General Assembly.
His departure for New York was delayed for some time. Another
New Jersey episode required the attention of James and his min
isters. The grantees under the wUl of Sir George Carteret had ^^**'
conveyed East New Jersey to WiUiam Penn, Thomas Eudyard, and ten
other Quakers ; and these twelve proprietors had each sold half his inter
est to a new associate, thus introducing, among others, the Earl of Perth,
the Earl of MeUord, and Eobert Barclay, the famous author of the
" Apology.'' Barclay was appointed governor, with leave to execute his
office by deputy ; and he sent, as his representative, Thomas Eudyard, to
whom PhiUp Carteret resigned his authority.^ The twenty-four proprie
tors, wishing to make their title more secure, asked of the Duke a special
grant, which was finally executed, with an order from the king command
ing aU persons concerned in the said province of East New Jersey to
yield obedience to its lawful owners.
Dongan then sailed, and, arriving at Nantasket in August, completed
his journey by land. A number of gentlemen crossed the sea
with him, and others hunied from New York to greet him and ^'
escort him through the country. Thus, the traveling party was quite an
imposing one. They crossed from Connecticut to Long Island and
stopped in the most important towns by the way. Everywhere, "^'
the people were assured that henceforward their rights as British subjects
should be respected, and no taxes should be imposed but by a Legislature
of their own choosing. The current of popular feeling set strongly in
favor of the new govemor. He was easy and affable, and personally mag
netic. His sentiments met with the heartiest applause from aU classes.
His progress through the country was one triumphal march, and the city
itself was in ecstasies at his arrival.
On Monday morning he appeared before the mayor and aldermen at
the City Hall, and published his commission and instructions. Aug. 27.
On Tuesday a dinner was given to him by the corporation. Ang. 28.
' Philip Carteret died shortly after this event, and was buried in New York. His «ife
was the daughter of Eichard Smith, the patentee of Smithtown, and the widow of William
Lawrence of New York. She was a lady of more than ordinary endowments and strength
of character, and was frequently intrusted with the affairs of the government of New Jer
sey during the absence of her husband. He was at one time in Europe for several months,
and the acts of that period are recorded as "passed under the administration of Lady Eliza
beth Carteret." Whit£Uad's East New Jersey, 9,5. Hatfield, 212, 21Z. Brodhead, ll. S6S.
Thompson's Long Island.

300 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTEU XVII.
1683 - 1686.
GOVERNOR THOMAS DONGAN.
Governor Thomas Dongan. — Mayor William Beekman. — William Penn in New
York. — The first New York Assembly. — Laws enacted by the Assembly. —
The New York CouiiTS. — The Acts of the Assembly. — New York cosTE.NTisn
AND PROSPEROUS. — DOMINIE SeLYNS's PARSONAGE. — THE IbOQUOIS A WaLL OF DE
FENSE. — A Brush with Connecticut. — Plot to assassinate Charles II. and the
Duke of York. — Confusion in England. — ¦ Arguments in the Privy Council. —
Arbitrary Measures. — The City Charter. — The Sabbath Question in 1684..—
Hotels and their Guests. — Funeral Customs. — Powder Magazine. — Lord Ef
fingham IN New York. — The Great Indian Conference. — The Auspicious New
Year. — The Sudden Eevulsion. — The Death of Charles II. — Scenes and Inci
dents. — James II. proclaimed King of England. — The new King's Promises.—
The Gradual Grasp of Power. — Inconsistencies of James II. — -Effect upon
New York. — Juries in 1685. — Mason and Dixon's Line. — William Penn's In
fluence at Court. — The Dongan Charter. — New City Seal. — The Albany
Charter. — The Livingston Manor. — Philip Livingston.
/^ OVEENOE THOMAS DONGAN was about fifty years of age, and
V3T a bachelor. He had broad intelligent views on all subjects of
general interest. He was, moreover, an accompUshed poUtician. Perhaps
we do not often enough reflect how effectively the spirit of one
man, or of a few men, may decide the destiny of a state. Cool
tempers and wise heads possess great power to give direction to the com
mon mind. This was a remarkable period. New York was passing
through a crisis. Dongan was essentially a man for the times. He was
a ready talker, bland and deferential to his associates, and fitted to in
spire confidence in all around him. He has been justly classed " among
tbe best of our colonial governors."^
One clause in his instructions provided for the appointment of Fred
erick Philipse and Stephanus Van Cortlandt as members of his council.
It also required him to summon other eminent men, to the number oi
1 Some years after, Governor Dongan succeeded to the Earldom of Limerick. At his death,
his estates in America were settled upon three nephews, John, Thomas, and Walter Dongan,
from whom those of the name in New York have descended.

MAYOR WILLIAM BEEKMAN.

301

Sept. 13.

ten, to be sworn into his service as counselors. John Spragg was ap
pointed secretary of the province, in the place of John West, who had
fiUed the office temporarily. West was an energetic and prosperous
lawyer : he married Anna, the daughter of Lieutenant-Governor Eudyard
of East New Jersey.^ Lucas Santen was made collector of the reve
nues. The mayor of the city in 1683, was William Beekman,^ and be,
with Stephanus Van Cortlandt, Lucas San
ten, Gabriel Minvielle, and Captain Mark
Talbot, were appointed a committee to re
port upon the condition of Fort James.
Brockholls and Matthias Nicolls were di
rected to catalogue the provincial records.
As soon as the matters of first necessity
were settled in the metropolis,
Dongan hurried to Albany. The
direct occasion of this sudden trip was a
rumor that William Penn was attempting
to secure to himself the Upper Susque
hanna Valley. He had actually com
missioned two agents to treat with the
Indians about tbe purchase. One of
these, James Graham, an alderman of
New York, was already in Albany on this
business when Dongan arrived from England. Nothing less than a per
sonal investigation of the whole matter could enable the new governor to
pronounce upon its justice. Penn himself was in Albany, and the two
gentlemen held a long conference. The question was a difficult one,
since they were both subjects of the same master. Dongan, however,
ordered a stop to all Penn's proceedings until the vexatious boundary
between New York and Pennsylvania should be arranged; and then
courteously invited the wily Quaker to his house in New York, where he
entertained him for several days. Penn was engaged in a similar con
troversy with Lord Baltimore, the proprietor of Maryland, and when he
left New York it was to push his claims to territory in that direction.
' Thomas Eudyard was an eminent London lawyer. He died abroad in 1692. His daugh
ter Anna married, for her third husband. Governor Andrew Hamilton of Pennsylvania. His
daughter Margaret married Samuel Winder, the prosecutor of Collector Dyer. Col. Doc,
in. 351.
' William Beekman purchased all the region of Rhinebeck from the Indians, and built a
sinall stone house, which is still standing. The bricks of the chimney were imported from
Holland. The place was named from the river Ehine in Europe, upon the bank of which
Beekman was bom.

Beekman House, Rhinebeck.

302 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
In October, the Mohawks visited Fort James, and agreed to give the
" Susquehanna Eiver " to New York. Dongan informed Penn at
™' once of the fact, " about which," he adds, " you and I shaU not
fall out ; I desire we may joine heartily together, to advance the interests
of my master and your good friend." But Penn cared less for his "good
friend's " interests than his own ; and when, a year later, he asked Don
gan's intervention in bis difficulty with Lord Baltimore, he also requested
permission to treat with the New York Indians for their Susquehanna
territory. " Mr Penn has already- more land than he can people these
many years," replied Dongan, and coldly dismissed the Quaker agents.
The consequence was soon apparent. Penn became at WhitehaU, whither
he returned to keep up his interest at court, Dongan's bitterest enemy.i
The most important event of the year 1683 was the institution in New
York of the long-desired colonial Assembly, by which the Duke of York
aUowed the inhabitants to participate in legislation. He retained in his
own hands the power to appoint a governor and counselors, and thus
maintained a certain degree of colonial subordination ; but he granted to
the new legislative body " free Uberty to consult and debate among them
selves in aU affairs of pubUc concern," and to make laws, which, if ap
proved by the govemor, were good and binding untU confirmed or rejected
by himself In one respect, be inaugurated a more democratic govem
ment than was enjoyed in the chartered colonies of New England ; for he
gave to freeholders the right to elect their own representatives in an
Assembly. He had watched those Puritan oligarchies with interest, and
perceived that they were administered for the chosen few, and not for the
unprivUeged many. He abhorred aU laws which made distinctions in
religion. But he directed that such as were enacted in his province
should be as similar as possible to those in force in England.
Dongan issued writs for an election; and New York, Long Island,
Staten Island, Esopus, Albany, Eensselaerswick, Pemaquid, and Martha's
Vineyard proceeded to choose representatives. There was some show of
dislike to a Eoman Catholic governor among the remote Puritan towns
on Long Island ; bnt the elections, for the most part, went on quietly ac
cording to the method prescribed by the governor and councU. Eighteen
assemblymen were returned, the majority of whom were Dutch.
It was a memorable day in the history of New York, when the repre
sentatives of its freeholders first met together under British rule.
' They took their seats on the 17th of October. Matthias Nicolls
was chosen speaker ; and John Spragg, clerk. They sat for three weeks,
1 Proud, I. 276. Penn. Arch., I. 76-84. Cmndl Min.,Y. 10, 11. Doc Hid., I. 262.
263. Col. Doc, III. 341-422. Cnlden, IT. 64.

THE NEW YORK COURTS. 303
and passed fourteen several acts, each of which, after three readings, was
approved by Dongan and his council. The first and most important of
these was "The charter of Liberties and Privileges" granted by the Duke.
It was simply and clearly worded in good Saxon EngUsh,^ and embraced
the main features of self-government and self -taxation which the people
had so earnestly desired. The usual privileges of Parliament were con
ferred on the members of the Assembly. Entire freedom of conscience
and rehgion was guaranteed to aU peaceable persons who professed faith
in God. And, in consideration of " many gracious and royal favors," and
for the necessary expenses of the government, to the Duke and his heirs
were granted certain specified duties on importations. The latter act was
declared to be in force directly after its pubhcation, which took
place at the City HaU early on the morning of October 31.
Dongan by proclamation ordered aU persons to report dues to Collector
Santen. The Assembly divided New York into twelve counties. But two of
them. Duke's and CornwaU, embracing Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard,
Elizabeth Island, No Man's Island, and Pemaquid, with the adjacent
islands, were soon after ceded to other governments. Another important
act was " to settle Courts of Justice." Four distinct tribunals were es
tabhshed in New York : Town Courts, for the trials of small causes, to be
held each month ; County Courts, or Courts of Sessions, to be held quar
terly or half-yearly ; a General Court of Oyer and Terminer, with original
and appellate jurisdiction, to sit twice every year in each county ; and a
Court of Chancery, to be the Supreme Court of the province, composed
of the governor and councU, with power in the governor to depute a
chancellor in his stead, and to appoint clerks and other officers. But any
citizen might appeal to the king from any judgment, according to a
clause in the patent to the Duke of York. The first judges of the New
York Court of Oyer and Terminer appointed by Dongan were Matthias
NicoUs and John Palmer, both of whom had been bred to the law in
England. A significant law for naturalizing foreigners was enacted. Louis XIV.
was driving out of France all of his subjects who refused to acknowledge
the Pope of Eome as the only Vicar of Christ, and numbers of the
refugees were already in New York. Strangers from other lands were
constantly arriving. The Assembly, as if imbued with the spirit of
1 Brodhead, II. 384, Appendix, Note E. New York Revised Laws, 1813, 11. Appendix,
iii., vi. Munsell's Annals, IY.Z2-Z9. Chahners, I. 58i. Bancroft, ll. ili. Dunlap, ll.
Appendix, xlii. Smith, I. 115. Journals of Legislative Council, Col. Doc, III. 341, 357-

304 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
prophecy, ordained, that all actual inhabitants of the province, except
slaves, of what foreign nation soever, who professed Christianity, and
who had taken or should take the oath of allegiance to the govern
ment, were citizens ; and that all Christian foreigners who should after
wards come and settle in the province could in like manner become
subjects of tbe king.
The acts of the Assembly were sent to England by Governor Dongan
for the Duke's approval. The king objected to the words, " the people,"
in the expression, "the people met iu a General Assembly," as being
too democratic, and not in use in any other colonial constitution. But
New York clung to them. Her first State Constitution, in 1777, de
clared that the style of all her laws should read thus : " Be it enacted hy
the People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly."
And under her second Constitution, of 1821, she adopted the more direct
formula : " The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and
Assembly, do enact," etc. The Duke's secretary wrote to Dongan of
several amendments which were proposed in the revenue part of the
charter, advising that they be acted upon at the next meeting of the
Assembly ; and it was accordingly done. The Duke finaUy signed and
sealed the instrument. Owing, however, to serious events in England,
it was not perfected by delivery.
New York had a brief season of apparent content. Addresses of
gratitude were sent to the Duke; the "integrity, justice, equity, and
prudence " of Dongan were emphasized ; and loyalty was expressed in
the strongest terms. New trading regulations were established, and the
merchants of the city subscribed two thousand guineas in a stock com
pany to manage the fisheries and the Indian trade at Pemaquid. Taxes
were paid cheerfully, and cyty improvements began anew. Quite a
number of houses and stores were projected, and there was a healthful
increase of business of all kinds.
Dominie Selyns wrote to the classis of Amsterdam that his congre
gation were building him a parsonage "whoUy of stone, three stories
high, and raised on the foundation of unmerited love." He said Gov
ernor Dongan was a gentleman "of knowledge, politeness, and friend
liness"; that he had received a visit from his ExceUency, and could
caU upon him whenever he chose. As for himself, be said, he had too
much work for one person, as he could not neglect the surrounding
villages, but preached in them on Mondays and Thursdays, adminis
tering the communion and attending other services. He spoke of a
French coUeague, Dominie Petrus DaiU4, late professor at Salmurs, and
described him as "full of fire, godliness, and leaming"; he conducted

THE IROQUOIS A WALL OF DEFENSE.

305

French worship in the old Dutch church in the fort between the hours
of the Dutch service in the morning and the Episcopal in the afternoon.
Kev. Dr. John Gordon was the English chaplain. Dominie Dellius had
just come out from Holland, and been installed as the coUeague of
Dominie Schaats, at Albany.^
The records of the transactions between Dongan and the Indians are
among the most valuable and interesting documents of the times. The
frontiers of New York had no protection against encroachments from
the French, except the valor of the Iroquois. Their fighting men num
bered ten times as many then as they did a century later. They were
subtle, restless, treacherous allies; and yet their importance, as a waU
of separation between an unprotected colony and an always possible foe,
was so apparent to the leading minds both in New York and England,
that every effort which ingenuity could devise was put forth to win
the favor of these renowned warriors. Dongan made the subject a care
ful study. Schuyler and Livingston, at Albany, were of great assistance
to him, being familiar with the language and character of tbe various
tribes. The Five Nations were a sovereign republic in themselves, and
all their general business was performed by a congress of sachems, at
Onondaga. As subsequent events proved. New York was indebted to
them for her present northern boundary ; for, had it not been for tbem,
Canada would have embraced the entire basin of the St. Lawrence.
Connecticut had been surly ever since Philipse began to improve his
property at Sleepy Hollow. " Castle Philipse," a stone house, was erected,
and fortified with great care
against the Indians, in 1683
(the same year that the new
miU first began to grind the
grain from all the country
round). This building still
survives, and the port-holes
and loop-holes for cannon aud
musketry may yet be seen
in its cellar-walls. A few
years later (1699) Philipse
built at his own expense, op- °"'=^ "^"^"^ ^ ^'^^Pi' "°"™-
posite " Castle Philipse," a substantial church, which is now the oldest
church edifice in the State of New York. But it was when Dongan
notified the towns of Eye, Greenwich, and Stamford to " make present
ment" at the New York Assizes that Connecticut, groaned aloud, and

' Corr. Cl. Amst. Murphy's Anth., 104, 105.
20

Doc Hist., III. 265, 535, 536.

306 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
once more stirred the much-agitated boundary question. She said aU
those places " indubitably " belonged to herself Dongan responded
that advantage had been taken in 1664 of Nicolls's want of geo
graphical knowledge by running the line ten miles instead of twenty
miles east of the Hudson Eiver, according to agreement ; and that, if the
territory was not yielded, he should proceed to claim the whole of the
Duke's patent to the Connecticut Eiver. It was a perilous time for
English charters, and wisdom clearly seemed the better part of
' valor. Governor Treat, in great tribulation, summoned a special
court at Hartford ; and commissioners were appointed to visit and
confer with Dongan. Governor Treat, Nathan Gold, Secretary
¦ AUyn, and William Pitkin were the appointees, and journeyed
on horseback to the metropolis. Dongan, attended by Counselors Fred
erick Phihpse, Stephanus Van Cortlandt, Anthony BrockhoUs, and John
Younge, met them, fortified with the testimony of several gentlemen who
knew personally aU the detaUs of the boundary settlement of
Nov 28 1664. The agents finaUy appealed to Dongan's magnaninuty,
asking to be allowed to retain some of their settlements on the Sound in
exchange for equivalent property inland. After much discussion, it was
amicably arranged, that the boundary line should be removed a few miles
east from Mamaroneck to Byram Eiver, between Eye and Greenwich,
and run thence as it now remains ; and that this new line should be
properly surveyed the next October. The Connecticut agents, after their
return, notified the people of Eye that they " could not help " giving up
that town, but that Dongan was a noble gentleman, and would do for
their welfare whatever they should "desire in a regular manner"
At that very moment England was in a political convulsion. A plot
to murder the king and the Duke had been discovered. The details of
the proposed butchery had aU been arranged at a smaU farm near, Lon
don, from which it was eaUed the " Rye Honse Plot" There were, m
reality, two plots, one within the other. The greater was a Whig plot,
to raise the nation in arms against the govemment, and the leaders knew
nothing of the lesser, or " Eye House, Plot," in which only a few desperate
men were concerned, under the delusion that to kiU the scions of royalty
was the shortest and surest way to vindicate the Protestant religion and
the liberties of England. There were traitors among them, who divulged
all and more than all, and the two plots were confounded together. The
wbole Whig party were implicated, to a certain extent. Men of high
rank were condemned and executed ; among them. Lord WiUiam Eussell
and Algernon Sidney. Politicians, in great numbers, were sent to the
gallows. Convictions were obtained without difficulty from Tory juries.

CONFUSION IN ENGLAND. 307
and rigorous punishments were inflicted by courtly judges. The Court
of King's Bench declared the franchise of the city of London forfeited to
the crown. Flushed with victory, Charles proceeded to deprive of its
charter almost every corporation in his realm. Then he granted new
ones, which gave power into the hands of the Tories. These proceedings
were accompanied by an act, intended as a sort of pledge to his subjects
for the security of their Protestantism ; for he was himself nominally the
head of the Episcopal Church. Anne, the youngest daughter of James,
who, like her sister Mary, had been nurtured a Protestant, he gave in
marriage to George, a prince of the orthodox house of Denmark, whose
chief recommendations were his duUness and his Lutheranism. This was
in opposition to the wishes of James ; but Charles said, " Brother, we
must moUify England." And England, to a certain degree, was molUfied ;
for James being near the age of the king, even if he should outlive and
succeed his brother, his reign would probably be short, and there was the
gratUying prospect of a long line of Protestant sovereigns.
StiU further emboldened, Charles violated the plain letter of the law,
and rewarded James for his acquiescence in the marriage of Anne by
dispensing with the Test Act in his favor and restoring him to his old
office of Lord High Admiral of England. Soon after, he took him into
his Privy CouncU. It appeared by these successive trials that the nation
would endure almost anything which the government had the courage to
inflict The hour of revolution was not quite yet.
The king's acts were not approved by his ministers. Halifax, in par
ticular, objected to the long intermission of Parliaments, regretted the
severity with which the vanquished Whigs were treated, and dreaded the
reaction of public feeling. He urged the king to send the Duke to Scot^
land, and the Duke pressed his brother to dismiss Halifax. At one of the
last councils which Charles held, the Massachusetts charter was discussed.
The king had made void his father's patent to that corporation, on the
ground that the rulers there had abused their privileges by excluding
from the freedom of their corporation those who did not agree with them
in matters of reUgion. He had no sympathy with Puritanism. But
bow should Massachusetts be governed ? James suggested that tbe
whole power, legislative as well as executive, should abide in the crown.
Several of the lords were of the same opinion. Halifax argued witb
energy hi favor of representative government. " Eemember," he said,
" that a population sprung from English stock and animated by English
feelings will not long submit to be deprived of English institutions."
James, in great heat, maintained the right of the king to govern his dis
tant countries in the way which should seem to him most convenient.

308 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
" Life would not be worth having," exclaimed the unintimidated Halifax
" where liberty and property were at the mercy of one despotic master."
Charles hesitated. He was not altogether pleased with his brother's
excessive zeal, and he was too indolent to act independently. But, in the,
end, it was settled that the king's sovereignty was to be resumed. Sir
Edmund Andros was suggested as the royal governor for Massachusetts ;
but he was at present occupied with private affairs in the Channel
Islands, and Colonel Kirke, a dangerous, unprincipled despot, was chosen
in his stead. He was commissioned with power to make laws and
perform all acts of government, under the king, in New England; in
cluding Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and New Plymouth:
Ehode Island and Connecticut were excepted from his authority. In his
instructions, no mention whatever was made of a legislative assembly.
James privately hoped to obtain from his brother (now more than ever
indulgent) a special grant of Ehode Island and Connecticut. And aU at
once came a petition from Dongan and his council, and the mayor and
aldermen of the city of New York, that the Duke would, either by pur
chase or otherwise, if possible, reannex East New Jersey to his province.
The reason given was, tbat, " by reason of the separation, the trade of
New York was diverted, to the injury of his Majesty's revenue."
One of Dongan's special instructions from tbe Duke was, to grant the
city of New York " immunities and privileges " beyond what any
other parts of his possessions enjoyed. As soon as the Assembly
adjourned, the mayor and common council petitioned for a confirmation
of the " immunities " granted the corporatiou by Nicolls, with certain addi
tions, including the division of the city into six wards ; the annual elec
tion of aldermen and other officers by the freemen in each ward (the
local government of the city to be intrusted to them, and to a mayor and
recorder, to be annually appointed by the governor and couucil), with
provisions that a sheriff, coroner, and town clerk be appointed in the
same way ; that the corporation appoint their own treasurer ; and, finaUy,
that whatever else was necessary for the welfare of the metropolis should
be accorded as fully as to similar corporations in England.
Objections were raised by Dongan to some of the proposed additional
articles, but, after explanation and discussion, they were agreed to in
almost every particular. The existing officers were reappointed: John
West was commissioned city clerk ; and John Tudor, a London lawyer,
was made city sheriff. James Graham was commissioned the first re
corder of the city of New York, and took his place upon the bench at the
right hand of the mayor, Cornelis Steenwyck.
The board proceeded to divide tbe city into six wards; assigning

THE SABBATH QUESTION IN I684. 309
Nicholas Bayard as alderman for the South Ward, John Inians for the
Dock Ward, WUliam Pinhorne for the East Ward, Gulian Verplanck for
the North Ward, John Eobinson for the West Ward, and WiUiam Cox
for the Out Ward. They adopted various by-laws for the better govern
ment of the city. Among them was one, which said, " no youths, maydes,
or other persons may meet together on the Lord's day for sporte or play,
under penalty of a fine of one shilling." No public houses were allowed
to keep open doors, or give entertainment on the Sabbath, except to stran
gers, under a fine of ten shillings. No manner of work was to be done
on the Lord's day, under the same penalty, and double. for each repeti
tion. No children were aUowed to play in the streets on the Sabbath
day; and not more than four Indian or negro slaves niight assemble
together in any place, under a penalty of six shilUngs to their owners.
The Sabbath question was, with the men of that day, one of morals
and reUgion. They believed that the roads which led to Sunday amuse
ments were in a contrary direction from that pointed out by the Christian
Church. Their experience, as weU as their education, had taught them
that the only way to build up and purify a community was to legislate
for the proper observance of the Sabbath. Before we welcome that Euro
pean Sunday of amusements which now seems about to invade our
shores, let us well consider tbe effect of the Dutch and English and
American Sabbath upon the character of the people that have been
brought under its influence, and what it has contributed to the progress
and the glory of three great nations.
It was also enacted, that the proprietors of hotels should report all
strangers who arrived, and never entertain any person, man or woman,
suspected of a bad character, under penalty of a fine of ten shillings.
Flour bolted in the city was to be inspected. Bolting was performed by
horse-power, as water and steam had not yet been utilized. Indians
were allowed, by a special license, to sell firewood ; also, to vend gutters
for houses, — long strips of bark, so curved at the sides as to conduct
water All horses ranging loose were to be branded and enrolled. A re
ward was offered to all who should destroy wolves.
A committee was appointed to collect ancient records of the city and
its laws, for preservation. Surveyors were chosen, to regulate the manner
of buUding, and preserve uniformity in the streets. A constable was
appointed, to walk up and down, armed, and see that the laws were
obeyed ; a haven-master, also, to look after the shipping and collect the
biUs. There was a public chimney-sweep, whose duty it was to announce
Ws approach by crying through the streets, and to cleanse tbe metropoU-
taa-chimneys at a compensation of one shilling or eighteen pence apiece,
according to the height of the house.

310 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
An Inviter to Funerals was hcensed by the mayor. The first man who
served the public in that capacity was Conradus Vauderbeck ; his assist
ant was Eobert Chapman. They were required to serve the poor gratis.
The customs of the period in respect to funerals were pecuhar No one
of any caste, thought of attending a funeral without invitation. The
bearers were presented with mouming rings, silk scarfs, and handker
chiefs. In some cases, all the invited guests were presented with gloves.
After the ceremonies of burial, they retumed to the house to partake of a
banquet, at wbich, if the means of the family allowed, tbe best of wines
were furnished.
A portion of the slaughter-house at Smits Vly, being at a safe distance
from the city, was, this year, converted into a powder magazine, and
Garret Johnson was intrusted with its custody.
By advice of the mayor and common council, Dongan issued a proclama
tion, prohibiting tbe packing or bolting of flour, or the making of bread
for exportation to any place within the government, except the city of
New York. This was in addition to the former bolting monopoly, and
was approved by the Duke, who was anxious to encourage the metropolis
above all other cities. There were twenty-four bakers, who were divided
into six classes, one for each working-day in the week. The price estab
lished by law for a white loaf of bread, weighing twelve ounces, was six
stuyvers in wampum.
In the summer of 1684, Lord Effingham, governor of Virginia, visited
New York, accompanied by two of his counselors, for the purpose
of inducing Dongan to join him in a war against the Five Nations,
who bad been committing outrages all along tbe borders of his territory.
He was the first British peer upon whom was conferred the distinction
of the " freedom of the city." He was the guest of Dongan, and the
recipient of all manner of com'tesies from the leading families. Sundry
dinner-parties were given in his honor, which brought together the
Philipses, Van Cortlandts, Bayards, Stuyvesants, De Peysters, Kips,
Beekmans, and others.
But serious work was before the govemment. Dongan and Iflrd
Effingham went to Albany, wbere they were cordially welcomed hy
Schuyler and Livingston. Deputies from the Five Nations had been
summoned to meet them, and were already on the spot. Counselor Van
Cortlandt, who had been appointed agent for Massachusetts, to ratify
with gifts and pledges tbe ancient friendship of New England and the
savages, was also present. Lord Effingham opened the stately conference
by an address to the sachems, recapitulating the promises broken and the
outrages recently committed by them, and proposing to make " a new

THE GREAT INDIAN CONFERENCE. 311
chain " between them and Virginia and Maryland, " to endure even to
the world's end." Dongan followed in a similar strain of oratory.
Taking advantage of the good feeling produced, a written sub- ^
mission to " the Great Sachem, Charles, that lives on the other side of
the Great Lake," was obtained from the Iroquois. It was traced in legi
ble characters upon two white dressed deer-skins, which were to be sent
to the " Sachem Charles," to put his name and red seal upon. By this
instrument, aU the Susquehanna Eiver above the " Washuta," and all the
rest of the land of the Iroquois, was confirmed to the Duke, as within the
limits of New York.^
The Indians requested that the Duke's arms should be put upon their
castles, supposing that this would protect them from the French. Dongan
notified the French commander of Canada that the Duke's territory must
not be invaded ; but this did not prevent the most persistent and vexa
tious intermeddling, and a protracted series of annoyances and alarms.
The next day, the sachems promised " to plant a tree of peace, whose
tops wiU reach the sun and its branches spread far abroad, to cover Vir
ginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts." Axes were buried in the south
east eud of the Albany court-house yard, and the Indians threw earth
upon them.
The inconvenience of having two distinct governments upon one river
grew more and more apparent. East New Jersey revived her old claim
to Staten Island, which Lady Carteret had tried in vain to establish in
1681 ; printed circulars, freely distributed, so agitated the landholders
that many of them deemed it a matter of prudence to secure their titles by
obtaining additional patents from the East New Jersey proprietors. Judge
Palmer, and Dongan himself, having purchased valuable estates on Staten
Island, are said to have done likewise. The Duke's secretary, who had
witnessed the transfer of the Jersey lands, wrote to Dongan that there
was no manner of color for such pretensions. The Surveyor-General of
New York, PhUip WeUs, was accordingly ordered to lay out Staten Island
in such a way as to regard each owner's patent ; and Thomas Lovelace,
the sheriff of Staten Island, was directed to summon all persons without
proper land titles before the governor and councU for examination.
The new year opened auspiciously. New York was in a fair and
promising condition. In gorgeous haUs across the water, her sov
ereign, a man of fifty weU-rounded years, healthy, robust, and gay
almost to frivolity, surrounded by ladies whose charms were the boast
and whose vices were the disgrace of the age, and by gambling courtiers
' dol. Doc, III. 347-516. Colden (first ed.), 64, 65 ; ed. 1755, I. 55, 56. Penn. Arch.,
I. 121-125. Brodhead, II. 395-397. Doc. Hist. N. Y., I. 261-266.

312 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
winning and losing mountains of gold in a night, was looking forward to
a long life of ease and pleasure.
A month rolled round. Scarcely had Charles risen from his bed on
the morning of February 2d, than the gentlemen of rank, who
had assembled as usual to chat with him while he was being
shaved, noticed a strange look upon his face. An instant later, he uttered
a loud cry and feU insensible into the arms of Lord Bruce. A physician,
who happened to be present, quickly opened a vein, and he was laid upon
a bed. The alarm was given, and aU the medical men of note in London
were summoned to the palace. One prescription was signed by fourteen
names. He recovered his senses after a time, yet lay in a condition of
extreme danger. The queen hung over him, and the Duke scarcely left
his bedside. The news filled London with dismay, for those who most
disliked him preferred bis unprincipled levity to his brother's stern
bigotry. The prelates who were present exhorted him to prepare for
death, wbicb was imminent; but he listened to them in sUence. The
service for the visitation of tbe sick was read ; he said he was sorry for '
' what be had done amiss, and absolution was pronounced, according to
the forms of the Church of England ; but when the faithful divines urged
tbat be should declare that he died in the communion of the Episcopal
Church, he was apparently unconscious, and made no movement to take
the eucharist from tbe hands of the bishop. A table with bread and
wine was brought to his bedside ; but he said there was no hurry, and
that he was too weak ; and it was supposed that he was overcome with
the stupor which precedes death.
A few persons in bis household knew that he had never been a sincere
member of the Established Church. In his rarely serious moments, he
was at heart a Eoman Catholic. Tbe Duke was so much occupied look
ing after-his own interests, the posting of guards through the city, and the
preparation for his proclamation as soon as the king should expire, that
he was oblivious to the danger of the loss of his brother's soul for the
want of the last sacraments. This was the more extraordinary as the
Duchess of York had, at the request of the queen, suggested sphitual
assistance. The Duchess of Portsmouth finally sent the French ambassa
dor to remind James of his sacred duty. The message was whispered m
bis ear, and he started, scarcely able to repress tears at the thought of his
negligence, and hastily looked about him to see how it might be repaired
The room was fiUed with Protestant clergymen. Catholicism was the
powder magazine of the kingdom. There was not a moment to waste in
preliminaries. He commanded every one to stand back, and bending over
the dying king said something in a whisper to which Charles answered

SCENES AND INCIDENTS. 313
audibly, "Yes, yes, with all my heart." " ShaU I bring a priest ? " asked
James. " Do, brother, for God's sake do, and lose no time ; but no, you
wUl get into trouble " ; and his voice grew fainter. " If it costs me my
hfe, I wiU bring a priest," exclaimed the Duke, with great feeling.
The gentlemen standing about the room were not aware of the purport
of the conversation. To find a priest for such a purpose at a moment's
notice was no easy thing to do. As the law then stood, it was a capital
crime to admit a proselyte into the Eoman Catholic Church. A Portu
guese nobleman, who was present, undertook to find one of the queen's
chaplains ; but none of them understood Enghsh or French sufficiently.
The French ambassador was about to go to the Venetian minister for a
clergyman, when they learned that there was a Benedictine monk at
Whitehall, named Huddleston, who had, after the battle of Worcester,
risked his Ufe to save that of the king, and had ever since been a priv
ileged person. When the nation had been goaded to fury and proclama
tions issued against popish priests, Huddleston had always been excepted
by name. He was wiUing to put his life in peril again for the king he
loved ; but he was so Uliterate that he had to have instructions as to
what was proper to say on such a momentous occasion. He was brought
by a confidential servant up the back stairway. The Duke requested all
present, except three noblemen whom he dared trust, to withdraw. Then
the back door was opened and the monk, whose sacred vestments were
concealed under a cloak, entered. When he was announced, Charles
faintly answered, " He is welcome." Huddleston went through his part
better than was expected, pronounced the absolution, and' administered
extreme unction. He asked if Charles wished to receive the Lord's Sup
per "Surely, if I am not unworthy," was the quick reply. Mean
whUe, the courtiers in the outer room were whispering their suspicions,
with significant glances. The door was opened, and once more they
stood around the king's bed. He retained his faculties during the entire
night, conversing at intervals with different persons. Once he apologized
for being such an unconscionable time dying, and hoped those who had
stood about him so long would excuse it. Soon after daylight his speech
failed, and about noon he passed away.
In a quarter of an hour, James came out of the closet, whither he had
retired when all was over, and the Privy Counselors, who were assembled
in the palace, proclaimed him king. Usage required a speech, and the
new monarch expressed a few words of touching sorrow for the loss just
sustained, and promised to imitate the singular lenity which had distin
guished the late reign. He said he had been accused of an over-fondness
for power; but that was one of many falsehoods which had been told

314 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
of him. He would maintain tbe established government both in Church
and State, and, knowing the Church of England to be eminently loyal,
should speciaUy care for, support, and defend it. And he should with his
life defend the rights and liberties of his people.
The lords were delighted with his sentiments. When his speech was
made public, it produced a pleasing impression. A king, whose very
first act was to defend the Church and strictly respect the rights of his
people, was certainly fit to wear a crown. His worst enemies did not
regard him as one likely to court public favor by professing what he did
not feel, or by promising what he had no intention of performing. He
would probably have kept his word, had it not involved complicated rela
tions which his mind could not grasp. At a later period, he stated that
his unpremeditated expressions touching the Church of England were too
strong, and had been made without due consideration.
James knew, when he ascended the throne of England, that it was
liable to be overturned in an hour, and his face was fixed on France, in
an agony of supplication. His new ministry, of which Hahfax was Lord
President, in spite of old quarrels, urged the call of a ParUament There
was no other safe course. The customs had been settled for life on
Charles only, and could not be legally exacted by the new king. James
issued the caU, and then apologized deferentiaUy to Louis for taking such
a step without coming to him for advice. He asked the French king for
a subsidy, and his wants were promptly supplied. When the money was
put into his hands, he actually shed tears of gratitude. He became the
slave of France. The degrading relation galled him, and he looked about
in vain for some way in which to break loose from his thraUdom. He
grew haughty, punctilious, boastful, and quarrelsome, and evinced tokens
of indecision and insincerity. Those who were without the clew were
puzzled by his extraordinary conduct. Even Louis could not compre
hend the aUy, who passed, in a few hours, from homage to defiance and
from defiance to homage. It was only within narrow limits that he could
conform his actions to a general rule. It was not long before he was
assuring the United Provinces, that, as soon as the affairs of England
were settled, he would show the world how little he feared France. The
patience of the nation caused visions of dominion and glory to rise before
his mind.
A little oratory had been fitted up in the palace for Mary while
Duchess of York, and James was in the habit of hearing mass with her
there in private. Soon after he became king, he shocked his Protestant
subjects by erecting a new pulpit, and throwing open the doors, so that
all wbo came to pay their duty to him might see the Catholic ceremony.

INCONSISTENCIES OF JAMES II. 315
There was a sensation in the antechamber, the CathoUcs faUing on their
knees and the Protestants hurrying away. During Lent, a series of ser
mons was preached there by popish divines, and a little later the rites of
the Church of Eome were once more, after an interval of a hundred and
twenty-seven years, performed on Easter Sunday at Westminster with
regal splendor. The Tories were in the ascendant ; hence zealous church
men brooded over England's wrongs in dignified silence. But, on the
day of his coronation, James committed what, in Eoman CathoUc estima
tion, was little short of an act of apostasy. He made an oblation on the
altar, joined in the litany as chanted by the bishops, received the unction
typical of divine influence, and knelt with the semblance of devotion,
while that society of heretics (as he believed the Church of England to
be) caUed down upon him the Holy Spirit, of which they were in his
opimon the malignant and obstinate foes.
The inconsistencies of James II. furnish a key to the succession of dis
asters which befell New York. He was quite another person from what
he had been as Duke of York. Not less active, if possible more industri
ous, and equaUy disposed to manage and control ; but his interests were
divided, and despotism appeared in the ascendant. The first time after
his accession that the affairs of New York were discussed, he presided in
person over the Plantation Committee. He re-examined the Charter of
PrivUeges, which he had sealed but never delivered to New York City,
and discovered that it was too liberal in its construction. He declined
to confirm it, because it tended towards an abridgment of his power;
although it was in force until such time as he should see fit to commu
nicate his disapproval to Dongan. He thought it would be weU to
consolidate New York and New England under one government, and a
constitution was discussed, although not acted upon at that time.
A letter bearing his royal signature directed that aU men in office in
New York should so continue until further orders. It contained „ ,
Marcli 3.
no aUusion to an Assembly, which accordingly was caUed in Octo
ber, and WUUam Pinhorne was chosen speaker. But it was the
last representative body permitted to New York, or indeed to any of the
American colonies, during the reign of James II. It accomplished very
httle business of importance. Immediately after its adjournment, a day
of thanksgiving was proclaimed by the governor, for the king's
victory over the rebels under ArgyU and Monmouth.
In 1685, Nicholas Bayard was the mayor of the city and also one of
Dongan's council. James Graham was appointed attorney-general of
the province, and Isaac Swinton was made clerk in chancery. About
this time, CoUector Santen proved unfaithful to his trast, and was ordered

316 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
before the governor and councU with his books and accounts, which were
rigidly examined. He was a hypochondriac, subject to fits, careless m
his business habits, boundlessly arrogant, and extremely violent in tem
per. He was testy about explanations and was severely reprimanded.
He was allowed to execute the duties of his office a short time lon<Ter ;
but charges accumulated against him, and he was finaUy suspended,
arrested, and sent to England. Stephanus Van Cortlandt and James
Graham were appointed to manage the king's revenue until further
orders. Dongan wrote to James, asking the privilege of naming a coUec
tor from among the old residents of the city, " because," said he, " those
who are sent over for tbe purpose expect to run suddenly into great
estate." It was found necessary to establish a Court of Exchequer, to be held in
tbe city of New York on the first Monday in each month, for the pur
pose of determining royal revenue cases. There was great hazard in
leaving such questions to country juries, who were ignorant, and gener
aUy linked together by affinity or swayed by particular humors and inter
ests. Dyer, who was now Surveyor-General of the customs in America,
complained that the juries in New Jersey found verdicts in opposition to
the most undoubted facts. He also wrote to the Plantation Committee in
regard to the mixed condition of affairs in the whole revenue department
When James found breathing space amid the putting down of the vari
ous rebellions which menaced his throne, he gave attention to his Ameri
can affairs. A temporary government was arranged for Massachusetts,
and Joseph Dudley,^ for whose loyalty Dongan vouched, was appointed
president over seventeen counselors. The case of WiUiam Penn and
Lord Baltimore was next in order. The rival claimants were pohticaUy
equal, one being a Eoman Catholic and the other a Quaker, and their
territorial dispute was settled as impartiaUy as possible under the circum
stances. It was decided that Delaware did not form a part of Maryland ;
and the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland was run from
Delaware westward by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, and has ever
since been known as " Mason and Dixon's Line."
James regarded the Quakers with a feeling akin to tenderness ; partly
because they had never been implicated in any conspiracy against the
I Joseph Dudley was the son of Govemor Thomas Dudley of Massachusetts. He was bom
in 1647 ; graduated at Harvard in 1665 ; was agent of Massachusetts in England in 1682 ;
president in 1685 ; one of Andros's council in 1689 ; one of Govemor Sloughter's council, ann
Chief Justice of New York in 1691. In the latter capacity, he tried and condemned Leisler.
He was aftei-wards member of the British Parliament, lieutenant-governor of the Isle of
Wight, and, from 1702 to 1715, govemor of Massachusetts. He died in 1720. Hidchisson's
Mass., II. 193.

WILLIAM PENN'S INFLUENCE AT COURT. 317
crovernment, but more particularly as the direct result of a potent advo
cacy at court. WiUiam Penn lived in the highest circles and had con
stant access to the royal ear. His father had held various positions of
honor, had sat in Parliament, and had been knighted. The son had a
high reputation and many virtues. He was every day summoned from
the gaUery into the closet, and spent hours with the king, while many a
peer was kept waiting in the antechamber. His integrity was not en
tirely proof against the temptations of that polite but deeply corrupted
court, where intrigues of one sort and another were constantly fermenting.
His own sect grew suspicious of him, notwithstanding that they received
indulgences similar to those granted to the Eoman Catholics, while the
intermediate or Puritan order of religionists were suffering beyond meas
ure. On one occasion, a Ust of Quakers against whom proceedings had
heen instituted for not taking the oaths and for not going to church was
made out, and every individual of them discharged. It was generally
remarked that WiUiam Penn had more power at WhitehaU than any of
the nobles. It is quite apparent that he knew how to influence James to
his own private advantage, for when the plan was matured for consoli
dating the colonies in America, Pennsylvania alone escaped the forfeiture
of her charter. Printing was also permitted in that province at a time
when freedom of type was by no means a popular idea in high cir
cles. WUliam Bradford, a young man of twenty-two, a namesake ^'
and favorite of William Penn, who had been apprenticed to a Quaker
printer in London and had married his daughter, was allowed to set up a
printing-press in Philadelphia. His first work was an almanac for tbe
year 1686, which is at this date (1876) a very unique and interesting
curiosity. Hitherto, the only printing-press in the English colonies had
been in Massachusetts and under Puritan censorship.
The year 1686 was distinguished by the granting of the "Dongan
Charter" to the city of New York. It was drafted by Mayor
Nicholas Bayard and Eecorder James Graham, and was one of
the most hberal ever bestowed upon a colonial city. By it sources of
immediate income became vested in the corporation. Subsequent char
ters added nothing to the city property, save in the matter of ferry
rights, in immediate reference to which the charters of 1708 and 1730
were obtained.
The Dongan charter confirmed all former " rights and privileges," and
conveyed specificaUy to the corporation the City HaU, the two market-
bouses, the bridge into the dock, the great dock and wharf connected
therewith, the new burial-ground, the ferry, and the waste, vacant, un
patented lands on Manhattan Island reaching to low- water mark, together

318 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
with the rivers, rivulets, coves, creeks, ponds, waters, and water-courses
not before mentioned.^
It is an interesting document and is recited at large in the charter of
1730. It is tbe more remarkable from the fact, that, at the very moment
of its creation, James and his ministers were waging war against aU
chartered rights and privileges throughout the British donunions. The
marked partiality thus displayed for New York may be imputed more to
the personal character and influence of Dongan, and the spirit and far-
sighted intelligence of the leading citizens of the metropolis, than to any
private preference on the part of the king. The instrument was the
basis of a plan of govemment for a great city. It was cautiously worded,
and .shows that tbe minds in which it originated were possessed of a
broad and enlightened sense of tbe sanctity of corporate and private
rights, and by no means disposed to neglect provident guards for their
security. It is in itself an ample foundation, and we shaU see how it was
built upon as exigencies demanded.
Before the end of the year, a new city seal was presented to New
York. It was richer and more elaborate than the old Dutch city seal ;
but it preserved the beaver, with the addition of a flour-barrel, and the
arms of a wind-mUl, signifying the prevailing commerce and industry.
Tbe whole was supported by two Indian chiefs, and encircled by a wreath
of laurel, the motto being, Sigillum civitatis Novi Eboraci.
Soon after signing the metropohtan charter, Dongan went up to
Albany, and executed a charter agreed upon between himself and
the magistrates of that city, giving tbe corporation large fran
chises, including the management of the Indian trade. He appointed
Peter Schuyler its first mayor ; Isaac Swinton, recorder ; and Eobert
Livingston, city clerk and sub-collector of the king's revenues at that
place. The aldermen and assistants were to be chosen annuaUy by the
inhabitants on the Feast of Saint Michael, the 29th of September
Livingston discovered the pecuUar value of the lands south of Van
Eensselaer's property, which had never yet been granted by the govern
ment to any one, and entered into negotiations with the Indians for their
purchase. They conveyed to him, July 12, 1683, just prior to his mar
riage with Alida, the widow of Eev. Nicolaus Van Eensselaer, two thou
sand acres on Eoelof Jansen's Kill. The deed was executed by two
Indians and two squaws. The payment consisted of "three hundred
guilders in sewan, eight blankets and two chUdren's blaidcets, five and
1 Col. Doc, III. 360-495 ; IV. 812 ; V. 369. Cowidl Mimites, Y. 155. Minutes of Com
mon Council, I. 272-300. Valentine, Man. 1844, 318 ; 1858, 13-24. Booth's Bist. If. Y;
Appendix. i)tt»Zap, II. Appendix. Patents, Y . ZSl - i66. Kent's Book of Charters, iW.

THE LIVINGSTON MANOR.

319

twenty eUs of duffels, and four garments of strouds, ten large shirts and
ten smaU shirts, ten pairs of large stockings and ten smaU pairs, six guns,
fifty pounds of powder, fifty staves of lead, four caps, ten kettles, ten
axes, ten adzes, two pounds of paint, twenty Uttle scissors, twenty Uttle
looking-glasses, one hundred fish-hooks, awls and nails of each one hun
dred, four roUs of tobacco, one hundred pipes, ten bottles, three kegs of
rum, one barrel of strong beer, twenty knives, four stroud coats, two
duffel coats and four tin kettles."
¦ During the next two years, Livingston secured the Indian title to, in
all, one hundred and sixty thousand acres of the finest land on the Hud
son, and in the midst of scenery unsurpassed by any in Europe. He
then obtained from Dongan a patent, with manorial privileges, dated
July 22, 1685 ; and this grant was confirmed by royal authority in 1715,
with the additional privUege of electing a representative to the General
Assembly. Thus Livingston was one of tbe largest landholders in New York.
His manor was not, however, as rich and valuable as that of Van Eens
selaer. It belonged strictly to that class of institutions caUed close
boroughs, which necessarily gave way before the equalizing influences of
repubUcanism. The manor-house which he built on tbe Hudson, forty
mUes south of Albany, was for several generations the seat of a princely
hospitality. The governors of the province were always entertained
there on their trips up and down the river ; and every foreigner of dis
tinction who visited this country was cordially welcomed within its
waUs. PhUip Livingston,
the eldest son of
Eobert, and heir to
this great manorial
estate, was' born at
Albany in 1686. He
was unlike his fa
ther in many re
spects, — was less
bold, less subtle, less
persevering, less of
financier, and a much
Handsomer man. In
bis youthful days, ciermont. The Lower Manor-House.
he was dashing and
gay ; he had a winning manner with women, and went about breaking

320

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

hearts promiscuously. In tbe course of time, however, he wedded Cath
arine, tbe pretty daughter of Peter Vau Brugh of Albany. He was by no
means destitute of rank and consequence.' He was, for several years,
deputy agent of Indian affairs under his father, and, from 1722, sole
secretary. He was at the taking of Port Eoyal in 1710 ; a colonel of
militia, a member of the Assembly, and, for many years, one of the gov
ernor's council He lived in a style of courtly magnificence.
He was tbe eldest of five sons and four daughters. Two of the sons
and two of the daughters died unmarried ; but he, with his two brothers,
Eobert and Gilbert, survived to a good old age. Eobert, the second son,
received from his father thirteen thousand acres of the main estate, as a
special reward for having discovered and frustrated an Indian plot. This
formed tbe lower manor of Clermont. A large stone house was budt
upon it, which, towards the close of his life, he gave to his son Judge
Eobert E. Livingston, the father of Chancellor Livingston. GUbert re
ceived a large estate near Saratoga, and married Cornelia Beekman. He
was the ancestor of a large famUy, among whom was Eev. John E. Liv
ingston, the celebrated divine.

— ^NWV*X\* t.i ^O ^

Livingston IVlanor-House in 1876.
[Robert, eldest son of Pliilip, and third lord of the manor, divided the estate (in 1784) equally between
his four sons. Walter subsequently conveyed his portion of the manor to his brother Henry, who
built the present structure.]

CATHOLICISM IN NEW YORK. 321

CHAPTER XVIII.
1686-1689.
EFFECTS OF THE MEASURES OF JAMES II.
Catholioisivi in New Yoek. — Absued Alarms. — Persecution in France. — The
Assembly abolished in New York. — Sir Edmund Andros in Boston. — Connecti
cut AND HEE two WoOEES. — CONNECTICUT LOSES HER CHARTER. — THE POST-EOUTE.
— Governor Dongan a Statesman. — Albany in Danger. — The Engmsh, French,
AND Iroquois. .— Consolidation of the Colonies. — New York swallowed by New
England. — Sir Edmund Andeos. — The Exiled Huguenots. — Extraordinary
Acts of James II. — The Seven Bishops. — Birth of the Prince of Wales. —
Maey, Princess of Orange. — The Character of William III. — The Political
Marriage. — A Domestic Romance. — William's Purposes. — William's Expedi
tion to England. ¦ — Eevolution in England. — The King's Despair. — Abdica
tion OF THE Throne by James II. — William's Eeception in London. — Willi.am
AND Maey ceowned Sovereigns of England.
IT would seem as if the whole world was just at this moment in a
religious ferment. The revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in 1685,
caused a simultaneous cry of grief and rage through the whole of
Protestant Europe. The courts of Spain and Eome, not usually
backward in applauding a vigorous war upon heresy, were amazed at the
injustice of the French king, and took the side of reUgious liberty. Eng
land was filled with dismay. She began immediately to scrutinize the
recent acts of her own king. He had ordered the organization of a large
mUitary force, and, in defiance of the law, had officered it chiefly with
Eoman CathoUcs. Why might it not be employed in England for the
same wretched work which the dragoons of Louis had performed m
Prance ? James had pubUcly promised to respect the privUeges of his
Protestant su'bjects ; but had not Louis in lUce manner pledged himself ?
Was there, after aU, any reliance to be placed upon kings ?
New York caught the alarm, and suffered, as a feeble chUd, much
more severely than its parent. The rumor was started that James had
communicated to Governor Dongan an intention to establish the Eoman
Cathohc rehgion there. A new Latin teacher who was said to be a Jesuit
21

322 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
having been employed in the school, many of the chUdren were hastily
removed, and some of them sent to the New England schools. The
Catholic officers of the government were watched with jealous eyes
and every movement of the governor was criticised. AU confidence in
rulers seemed to be fast fading away. A gentleman from London arrived
about this time and was hospitably entertained by Governor Dongan.
The two appeared together on the streets, and dined with Frederick
Philipse and with Nicholas Bayard. It was absurdly reported that the
strange guest was a Catholic priest in disguise, sent over on private busi
ness by the king ; and the rumor, fostered by that kindly entertainment
always furnished in such cases by smaU communities, speedUy assumed
tbe importance of an acknowledged fact. If James himself was consti
tutionally treacherous, how could any member of his church be trusted ?
What sense was there in caUing a monarch who rejected the Enghsh com
munion " the Defender of the Faith " of the Episcopahans ! Supposmg
that he did wear a crown which he owed to the Anglican clergy, and
that every tie of gratitude and decency bound him to their support, it was
clear that he only waited for some plausible excuse to trample them
aU under his feet.
Meanwhile James pubUcly expressed disapproval, and was reaUy at
heart distressed by the outrages which Louis was visiting upon the
Huguenots. Men and women of all classes were stripped of their pos
sessions, hunted from place to place without sleep and without food, and
subjected to the most violent persecution ever recorded upon the pages
of history. Men in power even set themselves at work to invent new
methods of cruelty. Nothing could exceed the fury of the inquisitors.
Such of the persecuted as attempted to escape were seized, the men com
mitted to the gaUeys, and the women immured in nunneries, where they
were starved, whipped, and otherwise barbarously treated. Those who
died were denied burial. And yet thousands upon thousands succeeded
in escaping ; the best blood of France was on the wing ; persons of great
fame in war, in letters, in the arts, and in the sciences, dressed hke the
humblest peasants, wandered from place to place, engaging in the
most menial occupations, until ingenuity could devise some method of
crossing the frontiers. Many reached England, and James assisted them
from his own private purse. He did not like to have it appear that
Catholics were intolerant. AU this came upon him just as he had made
up his mind to ask of his Protestant Parliament the fuUest toleration for
Eoman Catholics in England.
Junes '^^^ ^^^^ °^ Consolidation for the purpose of bringing New
England under the direct authority of the crown was fuUy ma-

SIR EDMUND ANDROS IN BOSTON. 323
tured in the spring of 1686. Sir Edmund Andros was finaUy commis
sioned to the supreme command, and the former provisional appointment
was revoked. He was empowered to make laws, levy taxes, regulate
finances, and control the miUtia. Humanity and severity were mingled
in' his instructions. Liberty of conscience was particularly enjoined ; but
printing-presses were forbidden, except by special license. Whole pages
were devoted to the rights of the governed ; but assemblies were pro
hibited, on account of the dangerous power which they invested in the
people. The great seal for New England was adorned with the remarka
ble motto, " Nunquam libertas gratior extat" — Liberty is never more
agreeable — than under a pious king !
A similar commission was prepared for Dongan, and by it the Charter
of Franchises, wbich had been so dear to New York, was made
void. Dongan was ordered to resume the powers of law-making
and tax-gathering. He was also directed to swear into his service, as
counselors, Frederick PhiUpse, Stephanus Van Cortlandt, Nicholas Bay
ard, Anthony BrockhoUs, Lucas Stanten, John Spragg, Jervis Baxter, and
John Younge. These gentlemen were all weU and favorably known at
WhitehaU, and their eligibility had been fuUy discussed in the Planta
tion Committee at one of its meetings over which the king in person
presided. In December (1686), Andros reached Boston, "ghttering in scarlet and
lace,'' according to the discontented Puritans, who looked gloomily
on whUe his Irish soldiers, under Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson,
marched through the streets in brilliant uniform, with gay music and
banners floating in the breeze. The free-and-easy manner of the new
comers was in the highest degree repulsive to the people. The stiff and
formal bigots of Massachusetts, who had persecuted even to banishment
and death every man and woman presuming to hold reUgious opinions
different from their own, accused Andros of papacy, and turned upon him
the concentrated strength of a long-cherished hatred. Their precious
charter had been vacated, and his personal rule had been bestowed upon
them in its stead. Had he been an angel from Heaven, under the circum
stances, he would hardly have pleased them. His soldierly bearing and
administration were, according to their ideas, overbearing and oppressive ;
and when he was sharp, quick, and decisive in his measures, they caUed
him " the arbitrary and sycoj)hantic tool of a despotic king." It is doubt
ful whether moderation on his part would not have given even greater
offense. Joseph Dudley, the president of the board which had temporarily ad
ministered the government, was appointed Chief Justice of New England.

324 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
William Stoughton and Peter Bulkley were made associate judges, and
George FarweU, from New York, was the attorney-general. John West
resigned his offices under Dongan, and removed to Boston, where he was
made Secretary of New England.
One of tbe first acts of Andros was to rebuke Hinckley, the late gov
ernor of Plymouth, for intolerance, in seizing the property of Quakers for
the support of other sectarian ministers. Indeed, the statesmanship of
Andros was more tolerant and just, and provided more generaUy for the
happiness and prosperity of aU classes of inhabitants, than that which it
superseded. He was fearless and unconcerned in regard to the public
temper, and made and executed laws which indicate a profound regard
for the good of the province.
Connecticut, at that period, bad two wooers. New York aud Boston.
Dongan wrote an eloquent letter to the king, recommending the annexa
tion of Connecticut to New York, and suggesting that Pemaquid, which
was troublesome and expensive, from being so distant, might be given to
New England as an equivalent. Andros, wiser as to the king's intentions,
was trying to induce Connecticut to come peaceably under his authority.
Some very curious intercolonial intrigues followed. Connecticut coquet
ted ; giving New York to understand that it would be more' agreeable to
tend westward than toward tbe east, and aUowing Boston meanwhUe
to kiss her hand. Andros treated Dongan with extreme of&cial reserve,
keeping him in tbe dark in regard to tbe true situation of affairs, and,
with some show of haughtiness, communicated an order for the surrender
of Pemaquid, which was promptly and cheerfully obeyed.
In tbe course of events, definite instructions reached Andros to demand
jgg.j the charters of Ehode Island and Connecticut. He set out at
Oct. 22. once to visit the two provinces, accompanied by several of the
Oct. 31. gejjtlemen of his council, with an escort of sixty soldiers. He
was received in Hartford with distinguished ceremony. The General
Court was in session, that same evening. Andros appeared, leaning upon
the arm of Govemor Treat, and pubUcly explained the king's pohcy in
bringing his colonies under a single government, that they might the
better defend themselves against invasion. Tradition says that Treat
remonstrated against the surrender of the charter, and tbat just as Andros
had secured one of the copies of the instrument, the lights were suddenly
extinguished, and Joseph Wardsworth escaped from the baU and secretly
hid the duplicate copy in a hollow tree, which was "ever after known as
the " Charter Oak." The authenticity of this story is severely questioned,
since neither by contemporary writers, nor in the records of the colony,
which were closed in the handwriting of Secretary Allyn, is there any

GOVERNOR DONGAN A STATESMAN. 325
aUusion to such an occurrence. The next morning, Andros was con
ducted in state to the court-house, where his commission was
read, and Governor Treat and Secretary Allyn were sworn into ^''^' ^'
office as his counselors. Eoyal courts were established, and the dominion
of James rendered supreme over the land of steady habits.^ Andros then
proceeded to New London, and to Newport. The old seal of Ehode
Island was broken and the new authority set up. Shortly after, a post-
route between Boston and Stamford, on the border of New York, which
had been originaUy suggested by Lovelace and encouraged by Dongan,
was estabUshed, and John Perry, as the deputy of the provincial post
master Eandolpb, was appointed to carry a monthly maU.
Dongan identified himself more and more, as time rolled on, with the
state affairs of New York. He learned that the French in Canada
were upon the eve of attacking the Iroquois warriors, and made a vigor
ous effort to prevent mischief in that quarter. He finally decided to
spend the winter in Albany, the more readily to influence the Indians in
favor of peace with their Canadian neighbors. His able and earnest let
ters to James, descriptive of the attitude of tbe belligerents, induced
the British ministers to propose tbe Treaty of Neutrality with France,
which was to be observed by the Anierican subjects of both powers.
ChanceUor Jeffreys, with Barrillon, the French minister, arranged the
details, and it was agreed, that notwithstanding any breach which might
occur between the two sovereigns, absolute peace and neutrality should
be maintained between their subjects in America ; and that neither
colonial power should, in any instance, assist the " wild Indians " with
whom the other might be at war.
Although no mention of tbe Iroquois was made in the treaty, Dongan
assumed that they were British subjects, and governed himself accord
ingly. The govemor of Canada accused him of duplicity in permitting
New York traders to go among these savages, and complained that he
had broken the Treaty of Neutrality by advising and protecting them ;
and finally, he maintained with boldness, the right of the French to
sovereignty over the Iroquois.
Before going to Albany, Dongan empowered Brockholls to sign war
rants, papers, and licenses, and to attend to other public business which
usuaUy devolved upon the govemor. He appointed Stephanus ^^ ^ ^^
Van Cortlandt mayor of the city in place of Nicholas Bayard,
and Judge James Graham counselor in place of John Younge, who O"^- *•
' Brodhead, II. 472, 473. Palfrey, III. 541, 542. Col. Rec. Conn., III. 248, 249, 386-
390. Annals, I. 298, 306. Trumbull, I. 371, 372. Holmes, I. 421. Col. Doc, III. 429,
511. Armld, I. 504, 506. Force's Tracts,. IV. No. 9, pp. 47, 48. Bancroft, II. 430.

326

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

Oct. 24.

Governor Dongan's House.

was not only very old, but lived at tbe east end of Long Island, one hun
dred and fifty miles from the city and fort. He reappointed Peter
Schuyler mayor of Albany ; and confirmed prior legislation by
ordering in councU that certain Spanish Indians, who had been brought
from Campeachy, in Mexico, and sold as slaves, should be set free.
Albany was fortified as far as possible ; for a party of Mohawks and
Mohicans, exasper
ated against the
French in Canada, had be
sieged Fort Chambly, bumed
houses, killed several men,
and taken a large number of
prisoners ; and a storm might
burst upon the English set
tlements at any moment.
Dongan called upon his
council in New York to
consider ways and means to
defray the expenses which
the French movements were causing the province ; but they answered in
effect that New York was not able to bear so great a burden alone, and
that the neighboring colonies sbould be invited to contribute. The
neighboring colonies were invited, but found it " inconvenient " to fur
nish any special aid. Andros offered a few men from New England, but
no money. Pennsylvania withheld and Maryland refused help. Virginia
was not disposed to contribute ; but her governor. Lord Effingham, sent
Dongan five hundred pounds. New Jersey, anxious to stand weU with
the king, voted a tax for the benefit of New York, which was never
levied. Dongan pledged his personal credit, and even mortgaged his
farm on Staten Island, to borrow of Eobert Livingston two thousand
or more pounds for the use of the government.
Judge Palmer went to London during the autumn, bearing dispatches
from Dongan, which convinced James that the Treaty of Neutrahty was
not favorable to English interests. It had given to Louis a positive
advantage. The Five Nations sent a touching appeal to the "Great
Sachem beyond the Great Lake," for protection against their enemies;
and this brought to a crisis tbe question of European sovereignty over
the Iroquois. The king at once ordered Dongan to demand from the gov
ernor of Canada aU British prisoners, and to build necessary forts,
employ militia, and defend those Indians against tbe Canadians.
Louis attempted to argue his claim, and insisted that the Iroquois had

CONSOLIDATION OF THE COLONIES. 327
acknowledged French sovereignty since 1665. He complained also of
Dongan's arrogance, " novel pretensions," and " dishonorable treat
ment '' ; but, in the end, an agxeement was signed, that, until the
first day of January, 1689, and afterward, no English or French com
mander in America should invade or commit any act of hostUity against
the territories of either king.
New France, with her undefined territory, had the strength of union,
while New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania were dis
tinct and inharmonious. James, wbo took a lively personal inter
est in the details of his administration, resolved to unite his colo- ^^**'
nies under one vice-regal government. " I wiU make them a tower of
iron," he said. He accordingly decreed that aU his American possessions
north ofthe fortieth degree of latitude, stretching across the continent
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, should be consolidated into one great
pohtical whole, to be called New England.^ Pennsylvania was to be the
solitary exception, as he could not afford to offend so useful a favorite as
Wilham Penn by the withdrawal of his charter.
As New England was henceforth to be governed by a single viceroy,
either Dongan or Andros must be displaced. Both had been twice com
missioned by his Majesty. Andros had the larger experience, and ex
celled in executive talent. He was administering his trust to the entire
satisfaction of James and his ministers, and it was thought best to retain
Hm. On the other hand, Dongan was as good a soldier as Andros, with
more independence of character. He had not hesitated to foU and em
bitter Penn, nor to anger Perth and Melfort, in the king's behalf His
pohcy and firmness had preserved Northern New York to the English, in
spite of the French king and his shrewd maneuvers. He had given,
indeed, more advice and shown more official zeal than was agreeable to
the pohticians at WhitehaU. He was offered the command of a
regiment, with the rank of major-general of artiUery in the Brit
ish army, but saw fit to decUne the honor. Andros received his appoint
ment, and hastened to assume almost imperial command over the province
which he had left seven years before, and which, in the interval, had
gained and lost a popular Assembly. Dongan retired to his farm.
Andros was at this time saddened by the recent death of his wife
(whose funeral was attended in Boston, on the 10th of February, " with
^ Col Doc, III. 363, 391, 392, 397, 415, 416, 425, 429, 492. Hutch. Coll., 559. Leam
ing and Spker, 604, 60.5. S. Smith, 204, 206, 211, 568. Om-dmi, 53. Bancroft, II. 46, 47.
Brodhead, II. 500, 501. Grahame, II. 299. Whitehead's E. J., 112, 113. Index to N. J.
Ooi. Doc, 13. Chalmer's Annals, I. 590, 622. Proud, I. 322, 341. Dalrymple, ll. 89, 90.
Narcissus Imttrell, I. 461.

328 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
great pomp"), and delayed his journey to New York for some weeks.
He arrived finally, with quite an army of attendants, on Satm'-
"^' ' day, August 11, and was received by Colonel Nicholas Bayard's
regiment of foot and a troop of horse. His commis,sion was read at
Fort James, and afterwards at the City HaU. The Seal of New York
was broken and defaced in his presence, by order of the king, and the
Great Seal of New England was used in its stead.
New York was deeply humUiated with the loss of her provincial indi
viduahty. Dutch blood waxed warm, and Dutch wrath could with diffi
culty be restrained. New York and Massachusetts had been rivals and
antagonists from the start, and differed poUtically and reUgiously on ahnost
all essential points. The former was grand, courteous, hospitable, and
magnanimous; the latter, sectional, narrow, rigorous, and selfish. Both
erred in persecuting the Quakers ; but the annals of Dutch New York
were not disfigured by the acts of self-righteous despotism which maned
the record of her Eastern neighbor. There had never been so much as a
fugitive spark of love between the two provinces, and New York despair
ingly pronounced her present " unhappy annexation " an " abhorre'd and
unmerited degxadation."
Tbe counselors of Dongan — BrockhoUs, Philipse, Bayard, and Van
Cortlandt — were sworn into the new administration, and found their
official importance increased rather than diminished, as they could now
vote on the affairs of Boston as weU as New York. As it was necessary
for Andros to make Boston his headquarters, some of the New York rec
ords were transferred to Boston for his convenience, and Lieutenant-Gov
ernor Nicholson was left in charge of New York affairs.
The Protestants of New York appear to have rejoiced to some extent
in the change of governors. However noble and discreet Dongan's course
might have been, the fact that he worshiped, every Sabbath, with a few
Eoman Catholics, in a smaU chamber in Fort James, had caused uneasi
ness. Dominie Selyns wrote to the Classis of Amsterdam, " Sir Edmund
Andros has now stepped into this govemment of New York and New
Jersey, and is of the Church of England ; and, understanding and speak
ing the Low Dutch and French, he attends mine and Mr. DaiUe's preach
ing." It was hoped that papists would not henceforth come so freely to
settle in the province.
James was, at this moment, actuaUy engaged in trying to change the
religion of his kingdom. The cardinals at Eome were dismayed at his
blunders. " We must excommunicate him, or he will destroy the little
of Catholicity which remains in England," tbey said. James had, some
time before, apologized to Louis for the discourtesy shown to France in

EXTRAORDINARY ACTS OF JAMES IL

329

The First French Church in New Yorl<.

favoring the exUed Huguenots, and in directing Dongan to encourage
them to settle in New York, with the promise of letters of denization.
He had also admonished the
Huguenot ministers to speak
reverentiaUy of their oppres
sor in their public discourses.
When his advisers ventured to
remonstrate at these conces
sions, "One king should always
stand by another king," was
his apology ; and then he went
on intrusting civil and milita
ry power to Eoman Catholics.
He multiplied Catholic chap
els; he favored the establish
ment of convents in different parts of London ; he encouraged the ap
pearance of monks and friars, clad in the habits of their orders, in
the streets, and even in the Court itself; he attempted to proselyte
the Protestants about him ; he held private interviews, which he called
" closetings," with various members of Parliament, and, when they
did not accede to his wishes, he removed them, unless they resigned of
themselves, and gave their places to CathoUcs ; and he made direct attack
upon the EstabUshed Church by granting equal franchises to every relig
ious sect.
A few days after he executed the commission to Andros, he issued his
second declaration of the liberty of conscience, in which he renewed
the abrogation of all test oaths and laws against dissenters. The '
act was unconstitutional, and every Catholic of good judgment, from the
Pope downward, was alarmed for the cause it was intended to advance.
Then he invaded Oxford, that its rich endowments might be shared by
the Catholics. The University plucked up courage and resisted ; and, in
consequence, twenty-five of its officers were expelled and rendered in
capable of holding any church preferment. As a last plunge, preparatory
to the tumble from his throne the blind king resolved to have his decla
ration of hberty of conscience read in every church in the realm.
Little did he dream of tbe spirit he was provoking. Archbishop
Sancroft; of Canterbury, and six other bishops, in a petition refused to
obey the command. The next day was the Sunday fixed for the
reading, and only about two hundred out of ten thousand clergy
men complied with the requisition. Against all advice, the seven bishops
were committed to the Tower. They were taken to that dismal prison

April 27.

330 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
by water; and, as they passed along, the crowds of people, who had
assembled in startling numbers, fell upon their knees, and wept and
prayed for them. When they entered the iron gates, the officers and
soldiers on guard besought their blessing. During their confinement,
tbe soldiers of the army every day drank, with loud shouts, to their
release. When they were arraigned before the Court of King's Bench,
they were surrounded by a throng of noblemen and gentlemen and a
multitude of sympathizing people. The jury brought in a verdict of
" NOT GUILTY," and such a shout went up as had never before been heard
in Westminster HaU, and was passed on from street to street, away to
Temple Bar, and to the Tower, and westward, till it reached the camp at
Hounslow, where fifteen thousand soldiers took it up, and echoed it agam
and again. The king heard the mighty roar, and asked in alarm what it
meant ? " It is nothing but the acquittal of the Bishops," answered one
of his Lords. " Call you that nothing ? " exclaimed bis Majesty. " It is
so much the worse for them."
Between the petition of the Bishops and the trial, the queen gave birth
to a son. The prospect of a Catholic successor, which was a great
' consolation to James, since both of his daughters were Protestants,
produced for him an unlooked-for and extraordinary result. Several of
the leading noblemen of tbe realm, among whom was the Earl of Shrews
bury, the Earl of Danby, the Earl of Devonshire, Lord Lumley, the
Bishop of London, Admiral Eussel and Colonel Sidney, on the
evening after the acquittal of the Bishops, sent a secret invitation
to the Prince of Orange to come over to England.
Admiral Eussel had visited the Hague in May, while it was stiU un
certain whether or not tbe declaration would be read in the churches, and
had held a long interview with Prince William, advising him to appear
in England at the head of a strong body of troops and call the people to
arms. WilUam was inclined to suspect the courage of those who talked
about sacrificing their lives and fortunes in such an enterprise, and finally
declined giving the subject consideration until distinct invitations and
pledges of support should come to him from responsible sources. He or
dered prayers to be said under his own roof for his little brother-in-law,
and sent a formal message of congratulation to London. Presently the
rumor reached him that not more than one person in ten believed^ the
child to have really been born of the queen. Mary partook of the pre
vailing suspicion, and the prayers for the Prince of Wales ceased in her
private chapeL If she had ever loved her father, tbis supposed attempt
• Clarendon's Diary, 1688. Correspondence letween Anne arid Mary in Dalrymple. Clarke s
Lif- of James II. Burnet. Maeaulay's Hist, of Eng. Ronquillo.

THE CHARACTER OF WILLIAM III.

331

to deprive her of her rights must have alienated her affections. It was
many years since she had seen him. He had done nothing since her mar-
riai^e to call forth tenderness on her part. On the contrary he had tried
to disturb her domestic happiness, and had introduced spies, eaves-drop
pers, and tale-bearers under her roof
The direct influence exerted by Prince William Henry upon the for
tunes of New York seems to demand a brief glance at his person aud
character. He was
less than forty years
of age, with a face of
fifty, and a wasted,
attenuated body, that
seemed scarcely able
to sustain the burden
of existence. His fac
ulties ripened at a
time of lffe, when, in
ordinary men, they
have scarcely begun
to blossom. Wbile
but a lad, he aston
ished the fathers of
the Dutch Common
wealth by his gravity
and self-control. At
twenty-three, he was
famous aU over Eu
rope as a soldier and
a pohtician. He had
been weak and sickly
from his birth; and
his feeble frame was
constantly shaken by
a hoarse asthmatic cough. He never slept unless his head was propped
by several pUlows, and he could scarcely draw his breath in any but the
purest air. He was the victim of severe nervous headaches, and exertion
quickly fatigued him. He was neither a happy nor a good-humored man.
His pale, thin face was deeply furrowed, and a cloud seemed ever to rest
upon his thoughtful brow. His eyes were bright, keen, and restless ; his
nose curved Uke the beak of an eagle ; and his compressed lips gave to his
whole aspect an air of pensive severity.

Portrait of William III.

332 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
But he was endowed with the quahties of a great ruler. He had a
hard and invincible wiU, which forced him at times into the performance
of the most herculean labors. He could praise and reprimand, reward
and punish, with the stern tranquillity of an Indian chieftain. When
enraged, the outbreak of his passion was something terrible to witness,
and it was scarcely safe, at such times, to approach him. His affection
was as impetuous as his wrath ; although, to the world in generaL he
appeared to be one of the coldest and most unfeeUng of men. When
Ueath separated him from the object of his love, the few who witnessed
his agonies trembled for his reason and his life.
He was not, in a fashionable or a Uterary sense, accomplished ; and, in
social intercourse, he was either ignorant or negligent of the little graces
which increase the value of a favor and take away the sting of a refusal.
He understood Latin, Italian, and Spanish, and spoke and wrote French,
English, and German, fluently, although inelegantly. He cared little for
science, but was intensely interested in aU questions of international
usage, of finance, and of war. He was a born statesman. His theology
had been molded by the faith of his ancestors, the discussions in the
synod of Dort, and the austere and inflexible logic of the Genevese school
The tenet of predestination was the keystone of his rehgion, but he
openly avowed his fixed aversion to intolerance and persecution.
His marriage had been purely a political consideration. He devoted
himself to public business, fleld sports, and some of the beautiful ladies
of Mary's Court, and proved himself one of the most negUgent of hus
bands. For nine years, he and his young wife Jived estranged, but
Mary's gentleness gradually won upon his esteem. There was one cause
by which they were kept asunder, of which Mary had not the shghtest
suspicion. A time might come when she would be Queen of England,
while her husband, with the same royal blood in his veins, ambitious,
versed in diplomacy, understanding the state of every court in Europe,
and bent on enterprises of magnitude, could only hold power from her
bounty and during her pleasure. It was but natural that a man so fond
of authority and so conscious of strength should have been stung with
jealousy, in view of his humiliating position. Bishop Burnet, Mary's
spiritual director and confldential adviser, blurted the truth to her, one
morning, and she thus learned, for the first time, that, when she became
Queen of England, WiUiam would not share her throne. She tearfuUy
sought the remedy. Bumet explained to her, that, when she received
the crown, she might, if she desired, easily induce Parliament to give the
regal title to her husband, and even transfer to him by legislative act the
administration of the government. Mary was dehghted with this oppor-

WILLIAM'S EXPEDITION TO ENGLAND. 333
tunity of showing her magnanimity and her attachment, and sent Burnet
at once in quest of WUliam, and sweetly assured the latter with her
own lips that he should always bear rule, only asking him in return to
observe the precept which enjoins husbands to love their wives. Her
generosity melted the ice of so many years' formation, and the warmest
affection took the place of painful indifference. Bishop Burnet thereby
rendered to his country a service of the gravest moment, for it was not
long before the pubhc safety depended upon the mutual confidence and
perfect concord of WiUiam and Mary.
The difficulties in the way of their accession to the throne of England
were very many, and appeared insurmountable. But they were all com
prehended in the grasp of one capacious mind which planned their solu
tion with consummate skiU. Mary sympathized in her husband's every
movement, and regarded the contemplated undertaking as just and holy.
WiUiam's objects seemed incompatible with each other, — to lead enthu
siastic Protestants on a crusade against Popery with the good wishes of
almost every Popish govfemment, and even of the Pope himself. But
whether he rightly estimated the meaning and the direction of the great
movements of the time, and was conscious that all through Europe there
was the stirring of a new intellectual power and an irresistible tendency
towards democratic conditions of society, or was prompted purely by a
desire to resist the power of France and the progress of tyranny and per
secution, and to rescue Protestantism and constitutional Uberty in Eng
land, he certainly accompUshed aU, and more than aU he contemplated.
The history of ancient and modern times records no other such triumph
in statesmanship.
His future course once decided upon, WilUam urged his preparations
with indefatigable activity. A military and naval expedition was quietly
and skUlfuUy organized in the Netherlands. For a time, neither James
nor Louis was aware of its object. Eumors, however, reached the ears of
the former which caused him great anxiety. At last, a dispatch told the
whole story : the blood left the cheeks of the now thoroughly awakened
king, and he remained for some time speechless. The first easterly wind
would bring a hostile army to the shores of England. AU Europe, one
power only excepted, was impatiently waiting for his downfall. He was
overcome by absolute fear. He tried to conciUate the Tories, forgetting
that concessions had always been the ruin of kings. But the Tories stood
aloof All at once, WiUiam's expedition landed at Torbay. It produced less
excitement than had been anticipated. A fuU week elapsed
before any man of note joined the invaders. If James had acted

334 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
with ordinary efficiency, even then his cause might not have been lost
William, who had hazarded everything, was excessively mortified at the
coolness of his reception. He became so indignant, that he threatened
to return to Holland. Several parties of consequence were, however, on
their way to join his standard. One example stimulated another. His
forces .sweUed rapidly. John, Lord Lovelace, of Hurley, the brother of
the former governor of New York, with his command, and Edward, Lord
Cornbury, who was in command of three regiments of cavahy, went
quietly to William's quarters, and their troops were pressed into the new
service througb the offer of a bounty equal to a month's pay. The
tidings of Cornbury's defection reached the king just as he was sitting
down to dinner. He turned quickly away, swallowed a crust of bread
and a glass of wine, and retired to his closet. MeanwhUe, several gentle
men in whom be bad implicit confidence were rejoicing over the occur
rence in the next room, and laughing heartily. When the queen heard
the news she broke out in screams of agonizing sorrow.
The quarters of William at Exeter soon presented the appearance of a
court. More than sixty noblemen and gentlemen were there assembled,
and the display of rich liveries, and of coaches each drawn by six horses,
gave to the Cathedral Close something of the splendor of WhitehaU.
Bishop Burnet drew up a paper, which was approved and eagerly signed
by the English adherents, by which tbey promised to stand by WiUiam
until tbe liberties and the religion of the nation should be effectually
secured. James bustled, and prepared to maintain his honor by force of arms.
All at once, Churchill went over to the Protestants. Confusion reigned
in the royal camp. News came that Kirke had foUowed ChurchiU. No
one knew whom to trust or whom to obey. James was in despair At
the supper-table, in Andover, he had the company of his son-in-law.
Prince George, and the Duke of Ormond. Both were intending to join
Churchill at the earUest possible moment, and were silent and taciturn.
Prince George was always stupid. It was his habit, when he heard a
piece of news, to exclaim in French, " Est-il possible ? " So, when he
was told that Chm-chiU was missing, his first and only response was,
" Est-il possible ? " And at every fresh report of iU-tidings, he uttered
in the same tone, " Est-il possible ? " They finished their supper, and the
king retired to rest. Prince George and the Duke of Ormond left the
table, mounted their horses, and rode to the Protestant camp. When
James was informed of this new defection, on the foUowing morning,
"What!" he exclaimed, "is est-il possible gone too? After aU, a good
trooper would have been a greater loss."

WILLIAM'S RECEPTION IN LONDON. 335
On the moming of the 26th, the apartments of the Princess Anne, at
WhitehaU, were found empty. She had abandoned her father, to
foUow her husband and WiUiam. This afiiiction forced a cry ^"^^ ^'
of agony from the king's lips. " God help me," he said, " my own chil
dren have forsaken me ! "
He instituted negotiations with William, in order to gain time to send
the queen and the Prince of Wales into France. He then made imme
diate preparations to abdicate the throne. At three o'clock in the morn
ing of the llth of December, he rose from his bed, ordered the lord of his
bedchamber not to open the door untU the usual hour, and, passing down
the back stairway, set out in the disguise of a .servant, accompanied by
Sh Edward Hales, on a fishing-boat to France. He threw the Great Seal
into the Thames, where it was found by a fisherman some months after
ward. He was arrested by some sailors, who were watching for priests
and other dehnquents, and taken to Feversham. Having told his captors
who he was, a great crowd came together to see the proud king in such
mean hands. It was a trifling incident, and yet it proved to be the
origin of the Jacobites. UntU now, the king had scarcely had a party ;
but from this moment one budded into existence which was long active
for his interests.
WUUam regretted most keenly that James faUed in his attempt to
escape. It was a tender point, how to dispose of his person. With the
desertion of the sovereign, the nation was free, and at Uberty to secure
itself William would not consent to make the father of his wife a pris
oner It was necessary to send him out of London, and a guard was or
dered to attend him, not to hamper his movements, but for his protection
and defense. It had the appearance of forcible expulsion and elicited
sympathy in his behalf in various quarters, creating much mischief for
those who came after him. He left finaUy on the last day of the year
and reached France in safety.
Even before he arrived in London, WUUam ordered that the papists
should be secured from aU violence. He was warmly welcomed by the
different bodies ; such as, first the bishops, then the clergy, the city offi
cials, and others, in the order of their importance. When the lawyers
came, WUliam took notice of one who was nearly ninety years of age,
and said to him, " You must have outlived aU the men of the law of
your time." " Yes," he replied, " and I should have outlived the law
itself, if your Highness had not come over."
The government once assumed, WiUiam pubUshed a proclamation, con
tinuing iu office aU magistrates, and another, ordering the collection of
the revenue. He remodeled the army, reappointing many of the ofificers

336 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
whom James had removed. The Common CouncU of London raised m
forty-eight hours the sum of two hundred thousand pounds, to extricate
him from his financial difficulties. The disturbances which had been
occasioned by the suspension of all regular government were soon at an
end, and a sense of security was implanted throughout the kingdom.
The Catholics were treated with the utmost kindness, and the Span
ish minister reported to the Pope, that no one of that faith need feel any
scruple of conscience on account of the late Eevolution in England.
WUUam caUed a Convention Parliament, which declared that the
English throne was vacant by the, abdication of the king. It then
Jan. 22. ^^^.j^jg^jiy offered the crown to William and Mary, by whom it was
accepted. The very night before this was to be done, Mary arrived in
Feb. 12. safety from HoUand. On the 13th of February the whole affah
Feb. 13. ^as consummated and WiUiam and Mary were proclaimed king
and queen of England.
Louis took the part of James. He spoke of the Eevolution as a fright
ful domestic tragedy. The politics of a long and glorious Une of kings
had been confounded in a day. William's conquest was admired even in
France, but he was personally abhorred. The conduct of the unnatural
daughters of James was execrated ; the queen and her infant son were
objects of pity and romantic interest. Louis set an example of royal
munificence in providing for the hapless king and his fanuly, and lav
ished upon them every courtly attention.

Second Seal of the City of New York.
(For description see page 318.)

THE REVOLUTION. 337

CHAPTER XIX.
1689.
THE REVOLUTION.
The Revolution. — Sir William Phipps. — Eev. Db. Increase Mather. — The Bill
AND its Fate. — The News in New York. — The News in Boston. — Revolution in
Boston. — Revolution throughout New England. — New York alarmed. — The
Lieutenant-Governor and his Council. — The Public Money. ^Anxiety and Pre
cautionary Measures. — The Militia of New York. — Jacob Leisler. — The
Cargo op Wine. — The Cloud on Long Island. — Wild Rumors. — Plot to destroy
New York. — Lieutenant Henry Cuyler. — Revolution in New York. — Con
fusion. — Leisler's Declaration. — The Black Saturday. — Events of Monday.
— The False Alarm and its Results. — The Disabled Government. — Philip
French. — Leisler's Correspondence. — Nicholson sails for England. — Leisler's
Infatuation. — Captains De Peyster, and Stuyvesant. — Proclamation of Wil
liam AND Mary. — Drinking the New King's Health. — Riotou,s Conduct. — The
Fight at the Custom-House. — Colonel Bayard's Escape. — Leisler's Conven
tion. — The "Committee of Safety." — The Mayor's Court.
TWO days after the coronation, a new privy councU was chosen. It
was composed chiefly of Whigs ; but the names of a few leso.
eminent Tories appeared on the Ust. It was thereby understood ^®^' if
that WUliam did not intend to proscribe any class of men who were wiU
ing to support his throne. Even the new Committee for Foreign Planta
tions were noblemen from both poUtical parties. This committee met at
once, and prepared drafts of Proclamations, to send to the Ameri
can colonies. They also wrote letters to the colonial governors,
signifying the pleasure of William that all men in office under the late
king should be so continued until further notice.
The irregular convention which had conferred the monarchy of Eng
land upon the new sovereigns was transformed into a Parliament,
and went on making laws, as if it had unimpeachable authority.
It did not extend the Test Act to the colonies, but it required every per
son holding office to take an oath of allegiance to WiUiam and Mary ;
and it simply abjured the Pope's authority, ecclesiastical and spirituaL
throughout the realm of England. While not a single new right was
22

338 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
given to the people, order was preserved. The nation supported the
throne, and thus the revolution — of aU revolutions in history the least
violent — proved a peace revolution. The executive power and the
legislative power no longer impeded each other in the passage of such
laws as were found necessary for tbe pubhc weal.
The agents of Massachusetts in England, Sir WUliam Phipps and Eev.
Dr. Increase Mather, watched events with keen interest. Sir WUham
was the son of a Pemaquid farmer and one of a famUy of twenty-six
children. In bis boyhood he had tended sheep, and at the age of eighteen
had learned the trade of a ship-carpenter. He grew up ilhterate and UL-
mannered, and having adopted a seafaring life, chanced, through a series
of fortuitous circumstances, to come under the notice of Eing James, who
was pleased with his bustling energy and made him commander of one of
his frigates. Soon afterward, in consideration' of some vahant service,
James knighted him, and presently offered him the government of Massa
chusetts ; but, as the offer was made just prior to the abdication, no further
action was ever taken in the matter.
Eev. Dr. Increase Mather, the son of Eev. Eichard Mather, was bom
in Massachusetts in 1639. After graduating at Harvard CoUege in 1656,
he went to Europe, and in 1658 was made Master of Arts in the DubUn
University. He married the daughter of the celebrated Eev. John
Cotton, of Boston, and had ten children.^ He was pastor of the North
Church in Boston from 1664 to 1723, a period of flfty-nine years, and
was the author of ninety-two pubUcations, besides many short fugitive
articles. He was a gentleman, as weU as one of the profoundest scholars
of his time, — a Puritan, whose whole anxiety was for the future of the
New England colonies.
Sir Henry Ashm-st was a steadfast friend of Massachusetts and influen
tial iu the House of Commons. He was a personal friend of Dr
^^ 'Mather, and together with the latter, and Sir WiUiam Phipps, was
chiefly instrumental in pu,sbing through the House a biU to restore the
corporations both at home and abroad to their original condition in 1660.
When this act was shown to WiUiam, he was seriously annoyed. Such a
law could not but imperil bis prerogative. It was consequently delayed
in tbe House of Lords untU the Convention Parliament was dissolved.
MeanwhUe, Dr. Mather had been for some time iu correspondence with
Abraham Kick, an eminent HoUander. The latter had contrived to sur
prise Mary, before she left the Hague, into a promise that she would
favor New England. Upon the strength of her unguarded words. Dr.
1 The distinguislied Rev. Cotton Mather was the son of Dr. Increase Mather, and was tho
author of three hundred and eighty -two distinct puhlications.

THE NEWS IN BOSTON. 339
Mather and Sir WilUam appeared before the king with a petition that
Governor Andros should be removed, and that Massachusetts, Plymouth,
Ehode Island, and Connecticut should be restored to their former privi
leges and the rule of their former governors.
WUUam was confounded. He had no intention of disuniting his royal
dominion of New England. But he was too cautious a statesman to
speak his whole nund in such a crisis. He listened graciously, and,
knowing that Sir WiUiam and Sir Edmund were sworn foes, signified iu
general terms his wUlingness to remove the latter. To Dr. Mather he
mtimated the possibility of a new charter and a colonial assembly. Yet,
notwithstanding this apparent comphance with their requests, he was
so coldly non-committal that neither of the gentlemen was satisfied, and
they learned shortly after, to their dismay, that he was being urged by
his Whig advisers to carry into vigorous execution some of the most rigid
colonial measures of his predecessor, in order to bring those remote do
minions into a nearer dependence upon the crown.
There were no deep-sea cables in those days and news crossed the
Atlantic tardily and uncertainly. It was in January that the first inti
mation of the hostUe movements of the Prince of Orange reached the
American shores. Even then, the report was not well authenticated.
A Virginia coasting-vessel brought it to New York. Captain Greveraet
called upon Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson, and repeated the story,
which had come verbaUy and at second hand to him, and which sounded
altogether incredible. " Nonsense ! " exclaimed Nicholson, laughing con
temptuously, " if the report is true the very 'prentice boys of London wiU
drive him out again. He wiU have no better success than Monmouth."
In the latter part of February, Jacob Leisler, while in Maryland on
business, heard a rumor to the same effect, and, on his return to New
York, put it into general circulation. The first day of March, Nicholson
received, through a Quaker traveler, a lettei* from Governor Blackwell of
Pennsylvania, saying that he had examined one Zagharia Whitepaine, a
sailor recently arrived, who declared upon oath that the Prince of Orange
had invaded England. Seventeen other letters to different persons in
New York were brought from Pennsylvania by the same traveler. These
were placed for distribution in the hands of Nicholson and his councU,
who formaUy resolved to open them, " for the prevention of tumult and
the divulging of such strange news." The substance of each letter was
a confirmation of what had been already learned. They immediately
sent two expresses, one by water and the other by land, to Governor
Andros, who was in Maine bravelv defending the frontier against
,1 J & . T , March 16.
me savages. He returned promptly to Boston, accompanied by
three members of his council, Graham, West, and Palmer.

340 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Nothing further was learned either definitely or otherwise, untU the
4th of ApriL when there entered Boston harbor a ship from Nevis
* ' in the West Indies, and John Winslow, one of her passengers, had
copies of the Prince's declaration of the previous October. He also had
in his possession some printed accounts of WiUiam's entrance into Eng
land. He exhibited the papers to several persons, but did not take them
to the governor. FinaUy Andros sent for him and questioned him close
ly ; but he refused to give any information or to produce the documents,
and, in consequence of his contumacy, was committed to prison.
Dr. Mather had written private letters, which reached Boston by the
same vessel ; but they were dated a long time prior to the coronation of
WiUiam and Mary. They were addressed to members of his own family.
It was whispered, however, that in them he had expressed his belief that
a charter with large powers for Massachusetts would immediately foUow
William's accession to the English throne. The Puritan prayer was
henceforth, " success to the Dutch prince over the popish king."
It was not many days before Andros became convinced that something
unusual was going on in and around Boston. He was a thoroughly loyal
officer, and did not suspect the extent of the slanderous misrepresenta
tions of his own conduct, which were inflaming the pubhc mind. He
wrote to Brockholls, whom he had left in command at Pemaquid, that he
had good reason to believe that some of the Indians had been traitor
ously supplied with ammunition by Boston merchants, and ordered him
to keep a strict guard to prevent surprise. He would have been surprised,
himself, had he known what aU the " buzzing and commotion " signified
The people said he was about to oppose the lawful commands of the new
sovereigns ; that he was in league with the French ; that he had hired the
New York Mohawks to destroy Boston ; that he had poisoned the soldiers
in Maine; with a great many other equally absurd and inconsistent
things, wbich found credence in a community which could see no escape
from the evils of Popery save in the restoration of the Puritan oUgarchy.
On the evening of AprU 17, Andros entertained the gentlemen
^"^^ ' of bis council at dinner. He retired at his usual hour and his
sleep was undisturbed until late the next moming, when, while at break
fast, he was informed that people were coming into town in great
^ ' numbers from the rural districts. The street soon had the ap
pearance of an annual fair-day, only there were fewer women to be seen.
FinaUy, the militia companies marched rapidly through one of the prin
cipal thoroughfares.
WhUe Andros was investigating the nature of the disturbance, the
prominent citizens were assembling in the Town House. Eev. Cotton

REVOLUTION THROUGHOUT NEW ENGLAND. 341
Mather read to them a " Declaration " which he had prepared, giving
reasons for revolting against the present government. A summons was
quickly signed for the arrest of the governor and his council. Andros was
taken whoUy unawares, and, of course, resistance was out of the question.
He was escorted to prison, together with Graham, West, Palmer, and the
other officers of the crown. A " Council of Safety " was chosen, to man
age pubhc affairs, whose purpose was said to be, " to preserve the govern
ment until directions should arrive from England." The old magistrates
were reinstated in office, and quiet and good order soon prevailed through
out Boston.1
This proceeding had a singular tinge of secession ; it was, as viewed
from our present stand-point, uncalled for, and unjustifiable. But the
stem New-Englander was unwiUing to await the result of the political
agitation in the mother country, and feared that the officers under James
would attempt to re-establish their fallen monarch. The danger was im
aginary to a great extent. And the dread of absolute power in a spiritual
order bhnded the eyes of the wise men of Massachusetts to the fact that
the vigorous but narrow creed of Puritanism was oiUy another form of
rehgious despotism.
The idea of insurrection traveled with rapidity. Plymouth,
sheltered under the wings of her more sanctified neighbor, Boston,
proceeded to place her former governor, Hinckley, in the chair of state,
and adopted her old style of administration. Ehode Island did likewise.
That is, she reinstated her old magistrates. It was accomplished May i.
quietly on the first day of May. Connecticut was reconstructed, ^^^ ^•
nine days later, on the skeleton of the copy of the famous charter, which
was exhumed from tbe hoUow oak at Hartford. Thus, without the knowl
edge and against the purpose of William, his dominion of New England
was disunited forever.
Imperial New York rejoiced over the disseverment of the bond, freeing
her from political connection with New England. Dutch New York es
chewed aU manner of reUgious fanaticism. The Englisb famUies of New
York were attached to the Church of England and had no symyathy
with the meddling spirit of Puritanism. New York was intolerant of
both Popery and Puritanism, and ready to plunge headlong into intense
devotion to a Dutch prince who was so suddenly transformed into an
English king.
New York was intrenched in prejudice, but prejudice as unUke that
' Mass. Hist. Soc Coll. Conn. Hist. Soc Coll. Palmer's Impartial Aceount. Hutch.
Mass. Chalmers' Annals. Barry. Arnold. Brodhead. Palfrey. Bancroft. Rhode Island
Sxcords. Force Tracts. Grahame. Hildreth. New York Col. Doc

342 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
which moved the people of Boston into rebeUion as the Temperance
Eeform from Mahometanism, — the total abstinence from wine being
the only like article in the two creeds. Popery was the horrible ogiu
Protestants were everywhere united in their abhorrence and fear of it
There had been no complaint or even suggestion of misrule as far as
Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson was concerned. He was a straightfor
ward English ofiicial, obeying orders to the letter. He was a devout and
consistent EpiscopaUan, never omitting his public Sunday devotions. AU
at once, however, he was suspected of intrigue and double deahng. Why
might not he be a tool of Catholic James and secretly at work in the lat
ter's interests ? Some one told bow he knelt to say mass in the king's
tent on Hounslow Heath, three years before ! It was retold again and
again, and men's faces paled while they Ustened. Nobody stopped to
consider that any courtly gentleman would have done the same thing if
accidentally present on such an occasion.
The resident members of the Governor's councU were Frederick PhU
ipse, Stephanus Van Cortlandt, and Nicholas Bayard. They were all
members of the Dutch Eeformed Church, and the last two were deacons
in good and regular standing. They were men of wealth and of aristo
cratic tastes. Philipse was sixty-three years of age, dignified, elegant, and
conservative. He could balance himself between two fires with more tact
and less danger than any other man in our history. Van Cortlandt was
forty-six years of age, and, besides holding a commission from the crown
as counselor to the governor, was the mayor of the city. He had been a
popular public man for more than twenty years, but at this critical mo
ment a whisper was started that he was a secret Cathohc, and it seemed
to be verified from the fact that he took part a few months before in the
celebration of the birth of the Prince of Wales, and became so hUarious
that he threw his periwig with its long flowing ringlets into the air
Bayard was the younger of the three and occupied a distinguished posi
tion as counselor to the governor and commander-in-chief of the New
York militia. He was fond of display and conspicuously imperious. He
was bright, genial, witty, quick-tempered and vindictive. He had many
warm personal friends among his equals sociaUy and politicaUy, but he
was feared and disliked by his inferiors.
Nicholson and his councU met on the 2d of March, and re-
¦ solved that Plowman, the king's coUector (who was a Cathohc),
should bring the pubhc money, which he had hitherto kept at his lodgings
in a private house some distance away, to the port for safe-keeping A
strong chest was provided, and locked and sealed by the collector himseu,
until orders should arrive from England. This precautionary movement

THE PUBLIC MONEY. 343
was the immediate occasion of a wide-spread terror, which was confined,
however, to the lower and more iUiterate classes.
When news came of the imprisonment of Andros, Nicholson
requested the common councU of the city to meet in session with
his special council in order to advise more inteUigently as to the proper
course to pursue in order to keep the country quiet. They met the
next day iu the City HaU. The common council consisted of John ^
Lawrence, Francis Eombouts, WiUiam Merritt, Thomas CrundaU, Paulus
Eichards,! Johannes Kip, Balthazar Bayard, «Anthony De MUt, Tenuis
De Kay, and Peter De Lanoy. It was then resolved to call in the chief
military officers in the afternoon. There was perfect harmony in the meet
ing ; and in view of the jealousies and fears of the inhabitants occasioned
by a rumor that war had broken out between the English and French, it
was unanimously agreed that the city must be fortified. Aldermen Crun
daU, Kip, De Lanoy, and Balthazar Bayard, together with Captains Abra
ham De Peyster and Jacob Leisler, were appointed a committee to survey
the city, and determine upon the points most exposed. Money was
scarce and it was decided to apply the revenues from the first of May,
towards paying for the new defenses.
Nicholson and tbe three gentlemen of his councU sent for the justices
of the peace and the miUtary officers of the various counties in the prov
ince and enjoined upon them strict care and watchfulness. They also
wrote letters to Winthrop, Treat, AUyn, Younge, Pinchon, Clarke, New
bury, and Smith, of New England, of which the foUowing is a copy, it
being dupUcated and sent to each.^
' Paulus Richards was the son of a French nobleman. The crest of his coat-of-arms was a
lion's head in silver ; the motto, " I bend but break not." He was driven iato Holland
through rehgious persecution in 1650. Ten years afterward he came and settled in New Am
sterdam, and in 1664, married Gelatie, daughter of the celebrated Anetje Jans. He became
one of the leading men iu the colony and city. He was an alderman from 1686 to 1697.
His house stood upon the corner of Whitehall Street and Broadway. His son, Stephen Rich
ards, bom iu 1670, married Maria, daughter of Johannes Van Brugh, and grand-daughter of
Anetje Jans. They had nine chUdren. One daughter, Elizabeth, married Nicholas Van
TaerUng. Paul Eichards, the eldest son, organized a large mercantile firm, which included
Us five hrothers, and transacted business on an extensive scale with Europe and the East and
West Indies. They had business houses in New Haven, Philadelphia, Norfolk, and in the
Island of Bermuda. He was a prominent man, an intimate personal friend of Lieutenant-
Governor De Lancey, several years a member of the Assembly, and at one time, in 1734, ap
pomted counselor to the governor in place of Rip Van Dam. In 1753, he was sent with
Sir William Johnson to represent the city and county of New York in a conference between
Governor Clinton and the Mohawk Indians. He was one of the gentlemen to whom the char
ter of Columbia College was granted, and made a bequest of four hundred pounds sterling to
that institution. His brother, John Richards, married Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, and their
son Stephen married Margaret Livingston.
^ New York Hist. Soc Coll., 1868, p. 248.

344 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Se.
Having received the surprising news that the Inhabitants of Boston have sett
up a Gouvernment for themselves and disabled his ExceUency the Capt. Generali
and Gouvernor in Chieff from acting in the gouvernment These are therefore
to desire you That you would come with all expedition to advise and consult
with us what proper is to be done for the safety and welfare off the Gouvern
ment this Citty and part of the gouvernment being resolved to continue in
their station tUl further order. Soe not doubting off y' Complyance Eemaine
¥"¦ friends & humble Servants
Fr. Nicholson
Fbbd. Philipse
Step. Van Coetlandt,
NicH. Bayaed.
New Yoecke, 1689 ApriU the 27th.
The city miUtia consisted of six free companies caUed train-bands,
embraced in a colonel's command. As many of the regular soldiers were
in Maine it was the only defense of New York, with the exception of a
sergeant's guard of royal troops which garrisoned the fort. Nicholson
proposed that one of these train-bands should mount guard every night,
supposing it would give the people a greater sense of security. Bayard
was their colonel ; and the six captains were Abraham De Peyster, Johan
nes De Bruyn,^ iGabriel Minvielle, Charles Lodwyck, Nicholas Stuyves
ant, and Jacob Leisler. De Peyster was a rich and aristocratic merchant
of fine inteUigence and excellent parts, the son of Johannes De Peyster
He was of French descent, as was also De Bruyn and MinvieUe. The
latter had been a resident of New York for about twenty years. His wife
was the daughter of John Lawrence ; and he was at one time mayor of
the city. Lodwyck was an English merchant and an old-time Whig of
the deepest dye. He was a man of ifreproachable character, and of no
mean ability. Five years afterward he was elected mayor of the city.
Stuyvesant was the son of the old governor, and about forty years of age.
1 Johannes De Bruyn was the first of the name in this country. He was of French descent,
and the ancestor of the New York family of Brown. Indeed his name is sometimes spelled
both ways, De Bruyn, and Brown, in the same manuscript document. He was an educated
young man with considerable property. He commanded all the colonial forces in the war with
the Indians just after the Colonial Revolution. His son, W. Brown, married Elizabeth
Taerling, the granddaughter of Stephen Richards, and held many important positions. Their
son Stephen Richards Brown, born 1765, had a daughter Maria who manied Oliver Du Bois.
The children of the latter were as follows : Stephen ; Richard ; Adeline ; Catharine. Ade
line married Samuel Russel, and her daughter Almira married Major-General Hancock.
Catharine married William Bennett, and her children were Helen, Emma, and Louisa. Helen
married General S. S. Carroll, of Carrollton, and Emma married Leopold Bouvia. The chil
dren of the latter are Laura, Maurice, and Bertha.

JACOB LEISLER. 345
He was in possession of the family estate and lived on the farm near
Thirteenth Street. He had lost his first wife, Maria Beekman, and had
recently married Elizabeth Slechtenhorst.
Jacob Leisler was the hero of the hour. He was a German, and not a
Dutchman as has generaUy been supposed. He was born at Frankfort-
on-the-Maine. Of his origin and early Ufe very little is known. He had
been a resident of New York about thirty years. He married, in 1663,
Elsie (Tymens), step-daughter of Govert Loockermans, and widow of the
wealthy Peter Cornelisen Vanderveen.^ He was thus connected by mar
riage with Van Cortlandt and PhiUpse, and he was the brother-in-law of
Balthazar Bayard. He was a deacon in the Eeformed Dutch Church and
a thriving man of business. He had never held any public office of im
portance, but his standing was respectable, such that in 1674 he was
chosen one of the commissioners (Martin Cregier and Francis Eombouts
being his associates) to provide means for the defense of the city, and he
was assessed as " one of the most afiluent inhabitants." ^
He was a man of energetic wUl and great force of character, but he had
httle education and
comparatively speak
ing no manners. He
hated the crown, and
the Church of Eng
land; he was a zealous
champion of Belgian
repubhcanism, and a Leisler's Autograph.
rancorous though con
sistent party man. He was loud and coarse in conversation, and when
angry would swear like a porter. He said bitter things which he readUy
forgot when pacified, but which others remembered to his sorrow and
dishonor His native quickness and sagacity would have rendered him
eminent as a leader, but prosperity made him self-suflBicient and boastful ;
and his want of knowledge of the world muddled his understanding. His
integrity was unquestionable, his loyalty unimpeachable, and he had a
strong but distorted sense of duty and honor. In short, he possessed the
elements of executive power without the balancing characteristics. He
^ Marriage Register of the Collegiate R. D. Church in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Leisler
tad seven children i Susanna, b. February 10, 1664 ; Catharine, b. November 8, 1665 ; Jacob,
i. November 13, 1667 ; Mary, b. December 12, 1669 ; Johannes, b. December 20, 1671 ; Hes
ter, h Octoher 8, 1673 ; and Francina, b. December 16, 1676. Register of Baptisms in Col
legiate R. D. Church.
^ Minutes of the Council of the Administration of Commanders Evertsen and Bincks, Feb. 1,
1674. Assessment Lists, Feb. 19, 1674.

346 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
was of medium height, robust frame, fuU round figure, austere visage
dressed carelessly, made long prayers, and was rigid in the performance of
every Christian duty. He had some legal knowledge picked up in practice
of no very high kind, and he had used it in one or two lawsuits to the
great pecuniary disadvantage of Van Cortlandt and Bayard, an offense
which had terminated all social intercourse between the famUies.
He was an importer of liquors, and on tbe 29th oue of his vessels
entered the harbor with a cargo of wine on board. He refused
^" ¦ to pay the duties, which amounted to one hundred doUars, on the
ground tbat CoUector Plowman being a Catholic was not quahfied to
receive the customs under the new power. The case was discussed at
the meeting of the counselors, aldermen, and military officers, and the
majority were of the opinion that the present official structure was sound
until contrary orders came from the new sovereigns. Leisler became
very much exasperated, and swore he would not pay a penny to Plow
man ; he used language more forcible than elegant, and finaUy turned on
his heel and left the council-chamber before the matter was adjusted.
As was feared, others declined to pay duties, shielding themselves
^" ' under tbe excuse which Leisler had advanced. In apprehension of
an attack from some foreign foe, watchmen were stationed at Coney Island
to give an alarm if more than three vessels should come together within
Sandy Hook. Nicholson and his councU wrote to the Plantation Com
mittee over the water, expressing their regret at the want of defirute in
structions, and picturing the painful embarrassment under which they
groaned. The greatest- activity prevailed about the new fortifications. The
council met daily. The Indians were carefuUy watched, and an order
given tbat no rum should be sold them. But the most serious
^ ' mischief was feared from the French. AU at once an ominous
cloud that had been hanging along the eastern end of Long Island took
shape. The counties of Suffolk and Queens displaced their civil and
mUitary officers and chose others. Presently the Long Island mihtia
began to clamor for their pay. Some ill-affected and restless mto among
them came to the city on foot in squads, and hanging round the fort
discoursed largely upon individual freedom, and said Nicholson was pre
paring to betray New York into the hands of some foreign power. They
picked up whatever gossip was afloat and told it, with additions, at every
farm-house on their way home.
Every day developed some new source of alarm. The officers felt
themselves surrounded by stealthy foes. And the common people were
growing into the belief that their superiors were full of fiendish plans

WILD RUMORS 347
and purposes. Eumors when once started sweUed into marvelous pro
portions as they passed from month to mouth. Some said that Staten
Island was fuU of roaming papists. Others declared that Nicholson had
been seen to cross the bay in a smaU boat to hold " cabals " with them ;
and that Eing James was soon to land on the Jersey beach with an army
of French. A few of the Long Island miUtia actually took up arms and
came within fourteen mUes of the city, ostensibly to be near at hand in
case of an attack, but as was supposed by the men in power, to watch
their opportunity for seizing the fort and plundering the town.
It was clear that there were vague ideas being nurtured about a dawn-
mg miUennium when the popular element should shoot nuraculously to
the top round of the governing ladder, and aristocracy come to earth and
henceforth wield the plow and the hammer. The stupidity on that sub
ject which prevaUed among the humbler classes was by no means remark
able. The era of general inteUigence, of printing-presses, newspapers,
books, and schools, had not yet arrived to bless America. The condition
of laborers was in no wise above the serfs in foreign countries. They were
easUy swayed and at the mercy of ignorant middle-men who were scarcely
wiser than themselves. And no influence was quite as potent as what
stirred their superstitious fears.
Many believed that the leading Dutch citizens were going over
to popery. It was suddenly reported that Ex-Governor Dongan
was the instigator of an infernal plot to destroy New York. It was true
that he was fitting out an armed brigantine, but for quite a different
object On the evening of the 21st of May, some persons appeared
before Colonel Bayard with a petition (unsigned) asking that the Eoman
CathoUcs in tbe city be disarmed. Their conduct indicated serious alarm.
The next moming the subject and the petition were earnestly discussed
in councU. There ¦^ere Ridiculously few CathoUcs in either city
or province. Among the soldiers there were not over twenty of
that faith, " and they," said Colonel Bayard, "are old cripples." But it
seemed best to gratify the people as far as possible, hence Mayor Van
Cortlandt sent for the authors of the petition to come and sign their
names. They refused, and at the same time demanded an answer in
writmg, or to have their petition returned. The mayor went to them and
assured them that their wishes should be respected, but they received
hun ungraciously. Captains Leisler and Lodwyck were sent finaUy to
retum the petition and answer its writers verbaUy.
Major Baxter, one of the counselors from Albany, and com- _
mander of the fort in that place, arrived in New York on the 27th,
and requested of Nicholson and his council permission to withdraw from

348 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the province, on account of the jealousies which had arisen concerning his
religion. His judgment was approved, and he was permitted to rethe.
An ensign in New York was relieved from duty at the same time on
account of his avowed Catholicity. The two men proceeded to Vhginia.
But the tide was rising. Grievances seemed to multiply. The merest
trifles became momentous. Every act of Nicholson was magnified into
something of diabohcal intent. On tbe evening of May 30, it was
*^ ' the tum of Captain De Peyster's company to mount guard. Lieu
tenant Henry Cuyler ordered one of his men to stand as sentinel at the
saUy-port. The sergeant of the regular soldiers in garrison objected that
the lieutenant-governor had given no such directions. Upon Nicholson's
return late at night, the incident was reported, and Cuyler was summoned
to attend him in his bedchamber. Irritated at the breach of mihtary
discipline, Nicholson asked, " Wbo is commander in this fort, you or I ? "
Cuyler replied that he had acted under Captain De Peyster's orders. In
a passion Nicholson exclaimed, " I would rather see the town on fire than
be commanded by you " ; then, seeing a stalwart corporal who had accom
panied Cuyler as interpreter standing by the door with a drawn sword, he
seized a pistol and ordered them both out of the room.
Before sunrise the next morning the story was buzzed aU over
^ ' town with absurd exaggerations. It was reported and beheved
that Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson had threatened to burn New York.
And it was said also that he was planning to massacre aU the Dutch in
habitants who should attend church in the fort on the foUowing Sabbath.
The falsity of the rumor seemed to give it greater currency. No con
tradiction could satisfy the people.
The lieutenant-governor went to the City HaU at the usual hour to
meet his own and the Common Council, and Mayor Van Cortlandt sent
for the militia captains. The latter appeared, all but Captain Leisler
Nicholson explained what had occurred the lUght before. But Cuyler
maintained his version of the affair, and finaUy Nicholson in high temper
dismissed him from the service for impertinence. Captain De Peyster
sympathized with the disgraced officer and retired in anger.
Presently drums began to beat. Workmen dropped theh tools and im
plements of labor, and rushed along the streets, and women and servants
ran from the houses with white scared faces. A panic spread through
the town. Terror, and a dread of no one knew what, rendered the scene
almost .hideous. Captain Leisler's company mustered tumultuously before
the door of his house, led by Sergeant Joost StoU. The latter brandished
his sword, and shouted, " We are sold, we are betrayed, we are going to be
murdered ! " and then marched to the fort foUowed by the rabble. They

REVOLUTION IN NEW YORK.

349

Leisler's House in the Strand.

were received and admitted by Lieutenant Cuyler ; and a few minutes
later Captain Leisler appeared and assumed command.
Colonel Bayard went at the request of the council at the City HaU to
endeavor to bring the muti
neers to reason, and induce
them to disperse; but he
was informed by Stoll in the
most insulting manner, that
they " disowned aU authority
of the government." He re
turned to announce that his
commands were disregarded,
and that most of the city
mihtia were in rebelUon. It
was then determined to hold
another session of the gov
ernor's and common council
during the evening.
Captain Lodwyck's company was to mount guard that night, according
to the previous arrangement of rotation in duty. A little before dark
Leisler sent an armed posse to demand from Nicholson the keys of the fort.
The lieutenant-governor was at the house of Frederick Philipse, where he
had gone to supper. He declined to comply, and repaired to the City
Hall to advise with his council how to act in such " a confused business."
An hour later. Captain Lodwyck appeared at the head of his company,
and entering the council-chamber claimed the keys. There seemed but
one course to pursue. The miUtary had turned against the government,
and the govemment was powerless. Bloodshed must be avoided if possi
ble, and perhaps by yielding gracefuUy the people might be brought to
their senses and their former obedience. The keys were accordingly sur
rendered. Nicholson was a good soldier, but hampered in all his movements by
Enghsh customs and forms. He was not blessed with a directing mind,
and could act only under instructions. His counselors were in the same
predicament. Instructions had, indeed, been sent to their imprisoned gov
ernor-in-chief at Boston, which had they reached New York would have
saved the province from a series of disasters.
MeanwhUe the mUitia captains were sadly perplexed. Some of them
were afraid of the results of the outbreak, and regarded it as unnecessary
and Ul-timed. Captain MinvieUe, Captain De Peyster, and Captain De
Bruyn spent the greater part of the evening at the councU-chamber in

350 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
warm discussion with the officers of the govemment, who were their
neighbors and friends. Leisler was at the fort, descanting largely upon
liberty. He denounced popery and kings. He enlarged upon the uni
form misrule by which James had brought matters to this crisis. He
proclaimed his loyalty to the new Protestant sovereigns. He pictured
the danger which threatened the city as imminent. Nicholson was a
traitor. He bad accompUces about him, and there was no question but
that Sunday would be a veritable St. Bartholomew's day.
The captains came together late in the evening, and after much hesi
tation on the part of the majority, finally agreed to govern alternately
until orders came from England. Leisler drafted a " Declaration," stating
how New York was threatened by Nicholson, and promising to hold and
guard the fort until the proper person should arrive to take command This
paper the captains signed upon a drum.^
The next morning there was a reaction in public feehng. The
captains were not satisfied with the course events were taking.
They were shrewd, sensible men, and doubted the pohcy of the movement
After an excited consultation, in which opinions differed materiaUy, Cap
tain De Peyster, Captain Stuyvesant, Captain MinvieUe, and Captam De
Bruyn visited Colonel Bayard, and requested him to take sole command
in opposition to the heutenant-governor. Bayard declined. "Gentlemen,
there is no occasion for a revolution," he said. Nicholson was honest and
trustworthy. A Uttle patience, and orders would come to estabUsh every
thing upon a proper basis. During the forenoon PhiUpse, Van Cortlandt,
and Bayard mixed freely with the people, and tried to quiet then appre
hensions respecting Nicholson. At one time it seemed as ff they would
succeed in restoring order and authority. But counter influences were at
work. There were men who blazed forth in coarse invectives, and ac
cused the counselors themselves of compUcity in the traitorous designs of
Nicholson. Leisler said they were all " a pack of rogues and papists,"
and were contriving together to hold the govemment for Kmg James. It
was a black Saturday for New York.
On Sunday it was Leisler's turn to mount guard, and he had
¦ matters pretty much in his own hands. He had wrought himself
into a frenzy of political foresight, and probably beUeved his own proph
ecies. New York was to have a Dutch sovereign, who would favor his.
own people by permitting them to govern themselves. He was diffuse
upon the subject of self-government. Down with aristocracy, down with
tyranny and oppression. Let the people henceforth dictate. And the
^ This ' ' Declaration '' was printed several weeks afterward by Samuel Green of Boston. In
some of the reports it has been confounded with a second paper signed on the 3d of June.

' Gentlemen, there la no occasion fo?*
r&voZution " <S'age S50.

•Let the people henaeforth dictate." ^age 350.

' Ditving the fovenoon, philipse. Van GoT^tlandt
and JBayaTd mixed freely zoith th& peoplr,
artd tried to quiet their apjprshenaiono aar-.-
aerniriff J'^iaholaon " ^PtxffS S50.

A BLACK SATURDAY. 351
people naturaUy enough shouted their applause. He went on and ex
plained the nature of the conflict between church and state, — that is,
according to his understanding of it, — and again the people applauded.
He warned them against the " dogs and traitors " who were only waiting
for the opportunity to commence a horrid massacre.
Many a wistful eye through that long and weary day watched with
crael expectation for indications of a death-storm. And the common
soldiers boastfuUy declared that the town would have been running rivers
of blood but for Mr. Leisler. He notified all the men belonging
to the mUitia companies to come on Monday morning to the
fort at a certain signal which would be given, and to obey no officer who
should attempt to hinder them. The signal was to be the firing of guns.
The maneuver was faciUtated by the arrival of a ship from Barbadoes.
A rumor spread that four or five French ships were inside of Sandy
Hook. The soldiers ran in great disorder to the parade-ground in front
of the fort. Captain Lodwyck hurried to the house of Philipse, where
Nicholson, Van Cortlandt, and Bayard were assembled, and in behalf of
Captains De Peyster, Stuyvesant, MinvieUe, and De Bruyn, desired
Bayard to take command as formerly, for without his orders each of the
above-named captains had refused to appear in arms. Colonel Bayard
rephed that his orders had been so repeatedly disobeyed by both officers
and men, and the government being powerless to sustain his commission
while the fort was detained, he hardly thought it worth whUe for him to
appear only as a private soldier. But an enemy was supposed to be
approaching, and the Uves and property of the citizens were at stake;
the captains had positively refused to act without his commands ; hence
the lieutenant-governor and councU gave order that he shoiUd proceed
according to his commission as colonel of the regiment to give suitable
orders in the emergency. In a few minutes he was on the ground. The
captains met him with respectful deference ; but the men were rude and
unmanageable. The falsity of the alarm was quickly discovered, and the troops ordered
to disperse. Instead of obeying the colonel or their captains, they
crowded in a noisy an'd disorderly manner towards the fort, shouting,
"To Captain Leislee, to Captain Leislee," and threatened all those
who tried to restrain them. They pressed inside the gate, and, seeing
the discomfited captains halting in their rear, they wUdly swore ven
geance upon them unless they came in also. " We wiU puU down your
houses over your heads," and " You are vile traitorous papists like Nich
olson and his dogs," rang upon the air. Prudence seemed the better
part of valor, and the unwUUng officers yielded to the popular clamor.

352 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Leisler had remained within the fort, and was ready with a document
similar to the one prepared on Friday, which he read aloud as soon as he
could obtain a hearing. It was received with riotous demonstrations of
approval. Signers were caUed for, and over four hundred men put their
names, or their marks to it, for a large proportion of them could neither
read nor write. It was signed also by the captains and subordinate
officers. Colonel Bayard retired from the scene as soon as he saw that he could
be of no use in stemming the rebelUon. In the " west room " of PhUipse's
city mansion Nicholson and his three counselors remained aU day; with
out soldiers and without fort, they were indeed but the figure-head of a
disabled government. In the afternoon the master of the ship from Bar
badoes landed, but Leisler took care to have him conducted dhectly to
the fort, where his papers were examined. The mayor and aldermen of
the city leamed througb a passenger that Wilham and Mary had been
proclaimed at Barbadoes. They even saw a copy of the London Gazette
which contained the order for continuing all Protestants in office in Eng
land. The hope was thus created that relief would shortly arrive in the
shape of direct instructions.
But Sir William Phipps had clogged the way. He was so zealous for
the establishment of a commonwealth in Massachusetts that he prevented
the transmission of WiUiam's order continuing all persons in office in the
colonies. When he himself arrived in Boston, his first act was to advise
the Puritans to bend to circumstances, and proclaim WUUam and Mary
without delay. Tbe General Court convened and voted an address to
the new sovereigns, which contained happily expressed felicitations, and
a prayer for tbe restoration of the old Massachusetts charter with new
privileges. Dr. Mather stood guard over the interests of Massachusetts
in England, and so explained the proceeding against Andros, that
William was half convinced of its justice. At least, he was too nearly
overwhelmed with the complicated affairs of his new government to
enter into any special investigation of its remote branches while there
was an outward show of peace. He therefore directed that the govem
ment which the Bostonians had established for themselves should be
continued untU further notice.
The next occurrence of any note in New York was the arrival of PhUip
French, who had been in England on private mercantile business
""* ' and had returned in the same vessel with Sir WUliam Phipps.
As soon as it was rumored that he was on the way from Boston, overland,
Leisler placed sentinels and armed men some distance out of town to
watch for him and conduct him to the fort. He was the bearer of letters

THE DISABLED GOVERNMENT. 353
to different persons, which were aU opened, and such as were addressed to
the heutenant-governor and counselors were read aloud to the soldiers.
French was able to give an inteUigent'account of what had transpired in
England, but he had no idea where the orders for New York had gone to,
if there had been any, which every one believed. The next day a vessel
entered the bay from Boston, and Leisler, on the alert, received the cap
tain with mUitary parade and took his papers. Two letters addressed to
Mayor Van Cortlandt were first opened and read aloud in the fort, and
then forwarded to him. The act was regarded as an outrage, and the
indignation of the helpless officers of the government was beyond expres
sion. Nicholson thought it wise to go to England and render a personal
account of tbe condition of affairs, and this course was warmly approved
by his associates.
Leisler wrote letters to the leading men in Boston and in Hartford.
In one addressed to Major Nathan Gold, under date of June 7,
he said he wanted to have " one trusted man sent to England to ""*
procure some privUeges " ; and, assuming to speak for New York, he
added, " I wish we may have part in your charter, being, as I understand,
in the latitude." This last passage is a revelation of ignorance which
shows that he was acting independent of advice at that time ; for among
the captains were men of education and intelligence, who might have told
him better if be had not been too self-sufficient to ignore the necessity of
counsel. He penned an address to William and Mary, for the " Militia
and Inhabitants of New York," giving a tedious and long-drawn-out
narrative of recent events, and promising entire submission to their
pleasure. It was signed by all those who had signed the previous docu
ment, with tbe exception of Captain Minvielle, who was sick of the "hot
headed proceedings," and declined to act any further with the revolu
tionists. He went to Nicholson and soUcited and obtained his discharge
fi'om the military service.
The address was sent to some Dutch merchants in London, who June 10.
were requested to deliver it to the king, and add if possible " a
seasonable word." The captain of the vessel who was to convey it across
the water refused passage to Nicholson, and also to Eev. Mr. Innis, the
Episcopal clergyman who was in haste to reach London with complaints.
Nicholson went directly to Staten Island, and bought a share in Dongan's
brigantine, and after much vexatious delay set sail on his voyage. He
deputed PhiUpse, Van Cortlandt, and Bayard with the charge of New
York affairs during his absence. The three gentlemen were each person
ally blown to many of the prominent English statesmen, and their im
portance in the colony had been the steady growth of years. But now,
23

354 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
since aspersions had been cast upon their loyalty, it was esteemed best
to counteract its effects as far as possible. Hence they wrote a letter to
Secretary Shrewsbury, giving a detailed description of tbe overthi-ow of
the government. To this letter was attached several confirmatory docu
ments. One was a Latin certificate from Dominie Selyns, signed by the
consistory of the Eeformed Dutch Church, in which the three gentlemen
were declared to be " pious, candid, and modest Protestant Christians, fiU
ing the offices of deacons and elders witb consummate praise and appro
bation." Eev. Mr. Innis provided himself, with written evidence from
the Dutch and French clergymen, that he was a sincere and conscientious
Protestant churchman.
Nicholson's departure gave Leisler unexpected advantage. He became
stern and patronizing, magnified his questionable appropriation of author
ity into a noble patriotism, compared himself to CromweU, and declared
that the " sword must now rule in New York." He used lofty expres
sions in ordinary conversation, and put labored paragraphs into his letters,
but he spelt like a washerwoman. He changed the name of the fort from
James to WUliam, and caUed a convention for the 26th of June to organ
ize a "Committee of Safety,'' in imitation of Boston. He never fuUy
understood the principles which underlay the movement in Boston, and
had little or no conception of the singular tact and address which guided
her through her perils. He was bhndly infatuated with the new and
novel idea of his own greatness, which had burst upon him hke a meteor
Everything for the moment wore a silvery tinge. He commended his
feUow captains for their dutiful deference to him. But erelong the ablest
of them proved less tractable than he had anticipated ; while attempting
to remove from office the Eoman Cathohc CoUector, Plowman, he was
met so squarely in opposition by Captain De Peyster and Captain Stuy
vesant, who would have nothing to do with violence under any circum
stances, tbat he was obliged to desist.
WUliam and Mary were proclaimed at Hartford on the 13th.
¦ Shortly after. Major Gold and Captain Fitch set out for New York
on horseback, with a copy of the printed proclamation and letters of
advice and encouragement to Leisler. The news that they were on the
way preceded them. The mayor and aldermen of the city had remained
passive during the confusion, but it was agreed that they sbould meet
the Hartford gentlemen, if possible, before their interview with Leisler
Therefore Mayor Van Cortlandt, accompanied by Colonel Bayard and
several of the aldermen, rode out into Westchester, hoping to encounter
Jime 20 *^®°^ °"^ *^^ ^°^^' ^^^ finally stopped to dine at the house of
™* ¦ Colonel Lewis Morris. They discovered there that they had been

DRINKING THE NEW KING'S HEALTH. 355
foUowed the whole distance by Leisler's son and Sergeant StoU. They
did not meet the travelers either, who entered the city by another route
and held an interview with Leisler that same evening at the fort.
The next moming Mayor Van Cortlandt called upon Messrs. Gold and
Fitch, and asked for the proclamation, in order that the city might
do suitable honor to the new sovereigns. But it was already in "^"^^ ^^'
the hands of Leisler. The foUowing morning it was read to the soldiers
m the fort. A Uttle later. Mayor Van Cortlandt was visited at
his residence by Leisler, Gold, and Fitch, accompanied by a g^e"^™*^'
of halberdiers. Leisler accused him of shirking his duty, and ordered
that WiUiam and Mary be proclaimed from the City HaU. Van Cort
landt rephed with some asperity, that it was well known that he had
made great efforts to obtain the proclamation for that very purpose, but
now, as Leisler had taken it upon himself to read it in the fort, he might
read it where else he pleased. Leisler flew into a rage and accused Van
Cortlandt of siding with the Cathohcs and King James. Hot words fol
lowed. In the end Van Cortlandt expressed his willingness to summon
the aldermen, and give notice to the citizens, if he could have an hour's
grace. When they had assembled at the City HaU, Leisler arrogantly ordered
Van' Cortlandt to read the proclamation. The latter was exasperated by
the tone of command from a man who, although his senior by many years,
was not his superior, and rephed that the person who had read it in the
fort in the morning should be caUed upon again, as he had no clerk.
Leisler retorted, denouncing the mayor's conduct in strong language and
caUing hhn a "papist.'' The crowd, not understanding the drift of the
dispute, became excited, and caUed out, " Seize the traitor ! " and " Down
with popery!" Van Cortlandt stepped forward and explained that he
was not hindering the reading. Quiet was at last restored, and the proc
lamation was read by one of the captains.
The Hartford envoys listened to the stories of " heUish designs " until
they said theh " flesh trembled." They imbibed the popular beUef that
New York was fuU of "papists," who might at any moment rise and
butcher peaceful Protestants. They congratulated Leisler upon his cour
age and invincible loyalty. As the people dispersed from about the City
HaU, Colonel Bayard invited the mayor and aldermen to go with him
to his house and drink the new king's health. The invitation was
accepted. WhUe going through the ceremony with great enthusiasm, a
messenger came from Messrs. Gold and Fitch, asking them to join Cap
tam Leisler and his officers in the fort and drink the new king's health.
In order to let the people see that they were not lukewarm subjects of

356 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
a new dynasty, they consented. The mob, however, gathered about them
in a riotous manner, and were disposed to do them mischief Alderman
CrundaU was violently ejected from the fort and seriously injured. The
sheriff was pounded and kicked, and had his sword taken from him.
Colonel WilUam Smith was caUed a " devU and a rogue," and escaped
rough usage by running. Philip French was struck on the side of his
head with a musket and stunned. Van Cortlandt attempted to pass out,
and was met with abuse on aU sides, whUe a deafening shout rent the
air of " We don't want you here."
A fire was discovered in the evening in the turret of the church in the
fort, under which the powder was stored ; it was supposed by many to
be the work of the " papists," a demoniacal design to destroy the fort and
the town.
Two days later Mayor Van Cortlandt obtained a copy of the royal
proclamation which confirmed Protestant officers in theh places
¦ in the colonies, and which had been, so disastrously for New York,
detained in Boston. He convened the aldermen and the citizens at once,
and published it in the same manner as WiUiam and Mary had been
proclaimed on the 22d. Thus was estabhshed beyond question the
authority of Phihpse, Van Cortlandt, and Bayard, who held their com
missions from the crown.
Leisler was furious over the occurrence. He charged "Jacobitism"
upon every one who would not join his standard. He called the three
counselors "popishly affected, lying dogs." He saw undoubtedly that
he was in danger of losing bis position unless he labored vigorously to
sustain it. The text morning Van Cortlandt convened the counselors
' and the Common Council of the city at his house, and conferred
long and earnestly. They thought it best to remove CoUector Plowman,
" for the peace of the restless community," and appointed commissioners
to take his place until a successor should arrive from England. Colonel
Bayard, Thomas Wenham, John Haines, and Paulus Eichards were chosen,
took the customary oaths and the keys, and entered upon theh duties.
In less than half an hour there was an uproar. They had only had
time to change the " J " in the king's arms to a " W." Leisler came upon
them with a company of soldiers, and ordered them out of the buUding
The resolutions of the mayor and councU were pasted over the door.
Leisler read these with contempt. Colonel Bayard attempted to argue
the position, but was met with the old charge, " You are aU rogues, trai
tors, and devUs." The soldiers jerked Wenham into the street by the
neckcloth, and battered and bruised him untU some bystanders remon-

ALMOST A COLONIAL REVOLUTION.

357

June 26.

strated to save his Ufe, and were in turn assaulted and nearly murdered.
Bayard was cut at fiercely, but the crowd was so thick that only his hat
was injured. He succeeded in escaping into the house of Peter De
Lanoy, which was immediately surrounded and in danger of being pulled
down. Bayard made his further escape after a time. But the startling
cry was raised, and spread from one end of the town to the other, that
" the rogues had sixty men ready to kiU Captain Leisler."
The next day Mrs. De Peyster, the mother of Captain De Peys
ter, and Mrs. Van Brugh went to Mrs. Bayard, and told her that '
her husband was in hourly peril of assassination, and advised that he
should leave the city for a time. He was similarly counseled by some of
the aldermen, who were
amazed at the fury with
wliich he was pursued.
Assisted by his friends,
who provided horses for
him some miles above
PhUipse manor, he, at
tended by two negro
slaves, managed to es
cape to Albany, where
he was hospitably re
ceived and entertained
by Mayor Peter Schuy
ler and Eobert Livings
ton. Leisler appointed Pe
ter De Lanoy coUector
of the customs, having
successfully routed the
commissioners. Then
theConventionwhichhehad summoned came to
gether. The excitements
of the last few days had convinced half the town that the other half were
concealing daggers and about to rise and sustain the Eoman Catholics.
To deny the charge was almost equivalent to a confession of guilt. Many
of the delegates were men who were struggling with imperfect ideas of a
democratic goverment, and openly promulgated the sentiment that " there
had been no legal king in England since Oliver CromweU." Two of the
delegates seeing the tendency of the Convention to make Leisler com-

Portrait of Hon. Peter Schuyler.
(From the original painting in the possession of the family.)

358 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
mander-in-chief, withdrew after the first session. The remaining ten
formed themselves into a " Committee of Safety." Their names were
Eichard Denton, Teunis Eoelofse, Jean De Marest, Daniel De Klercke
Thomas Vermilye, Samuel EdsaU, Matthias Harvey, Peter De Lanoy,
Thomas Williams, and WiUiam Lawrence.
They appointed Abraham Gouverneur clerk of the committee.
¦ He was a young man of nineteen, the son of the French Huguenot,
Nicholas Gouverneur. He had a remarkable education for one of his
years. He could read, write, and speak readily the three languages chiefly
spoken in New York, and kept the records with great clearness and pre
cision. The first business of the Committee of Safety was to appoint Leisler
"Captain of the fort." He was to open all letters and examine aU
¦ strangers tbat came into the city. Every person suspected of
popery was to be arrested and thrown into prison.
Six weeks afterward tbese ten men, assuming to represent a few of the
towns near the metropolis, issued a second commission appointing Leisler
commander-in-chief of the province. It was iUegal, and served to iUus
trate the errors into wbich men wiU faU who are unaccustomed to rule.
Had the authority of such a commission been resolutely questioned it
would have tumbled into dust. Leisler argued the necessity of the
measure as a prevention against anarchy. He must have more power.
Should the French attack the province, or the " Jacobites " rise to carry
the colony by storm, tbe want of harmony in Albany and elsewhere
would prove fatal to all concerned. So the Committee of Safety gave
him what they did not possess, and he tightened his reins and became
more arbitrary than ever.
Meanwhile the time for the regular holding of the mayor's court was
approaching, and Leisler determined to put a stop to it He sent
^ ¦ a message the evening before to Paulus Eichards to tbe effect that
if tbe mayor undertook to hold court, "the people would haul the magis
trates by tbe legs from the City HaU and he would not hinder them."
The morning came, and Mayor Van Cortlandt sent John Lawrence,
Francis Eombouts, WUliam Merritt, and Thomas CrandaU to the fort to
consult Leisler in regard to his intentions. But he only repeated the
threat. The aldermen did not care to run the risk of encountering a
mob while they had no means of defense, so the mayor's court was ad
journed for four weeks, presuming that by that time relief in some tangi
ble shape would have arrived from England.

NEW YORK UNDER LEISLER. 359

CHAPTER XX.
1689 - 1691.
NEW YORK UNDER LEISLER.
New Yobk undek Leislee. — The Elections of 1689. — Mrs. Van Cortlandt's Cour-
AOE. — Leisler's Executive Ability. — Albany in Peril. — Independence of
Albany. — Mayor Peter Schuyler. — Milborne's Defeat. — CoNNEOTiotrT to the
Kesoub. — Colonel Nicholas Bayard. — Captain Lodwyck in Disgrace. — Gap-
tain De Peyster in Disgrace. — The Rough Search for Colonel Bayard. — Wil
liam III. OF England. — The Tangle in New York. — The King's Letter to
Nicholson. — New York threatened by the French. — Leisler's Agent at
Whitehall. — Matthew Clarkson. — The King's Letter seized by Leisler. —
Leisler's Assumption. — An Outburst of Rage. — Philip French in a Dungeon.
— The Jails and Prisons filled. — Arrest of Colonel Bayard. — Arrest of
William Nicolls. — ¦ Pursuit of Robert Livingston. — The French on the War-
Path. — Burning of Schenectady. — Shocking Massacre. — Albany appalled. ¦ —
Albany submits to Leisler. — The First Colonial Congress in America. — Leis
ler's Vigor. — Wholesale Complaints. — Connecticut's Rebuke. — Despotic Laws.
New Eochelle. — Wedding of Leisler's Daughter. — Advice from Boston. —
The Government of New York as ordained by William III. — Arrival of
Lieutenant-Governor Ingoldsby. — The City in Tumult. — Leisler aggressive.
— Bloodshed in New York. — Governor Sloughter's Arrival. — Leisler impris
oned. — The Sunday Sermon. — The Trial of Leisler and his Council. — Leis
lee Ind Milboene under Sentence of Death. — The Assembly of 1691. — Dr.
Gerardus Beekman. — Sloughter's Character. — Signing of the Death-War-
bant. — The Execution of Leisler and Milborne. — Impressive Scenes. — Ef
fects of Leisler's Death. — • The French and Indian War. — Death of Slough
ter. — Ingoldsby Commander-in-Chief. — Etienne De Lancey.
THE summer passed away in tolerable quiet. The city of ^^^^
New York was under a miUtary despotism. Leisler counted
aU as " Papists " who would not recognize his authority. As none of the
city magistrates would administer the oaths of allegiance in the fort, he
sent for Dr. Gerardus Beekman, a Long Island justice, to perform that
service. On one occasion four Cambridge students came into the city
with Perry, the postman, and on suspicion of papacy were arrested and
their letters seized and examined. Even the drums beat an alarm and
four hundred soldiers appeared. But the modest travelers were found to

360

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

be honest men, and were set at liberty. Several prominent citizens were
arrested without warrant, and there was no time when many persona
were not lying in prison for disaffection to the new government
^^ gg In August Jacob Milborne returned from Holland, where he
had been staying for some mouths. His elder brother, William
Milborne, was an Ana
baptist minister who had
taken an active part in
the overthrow of the gov
ernment of Andros. He
himself declared that the
EngUsh Eevolutioil justi
fied aU that had been
done in New York. He
became an arm of strength
to his old friend with
whom he had formerly
been associated in com
mercial ventures. He
took up his abode in
Leisler's famUy. He was
by no means a genial
companion; his disposition had been soured by early misfortunes, and his
mind was one great uncultivated field of reformatory ideas. But his
English education and his indomitable pluck were invaluable. Leisler's
letters henceforth appeared in better dress, and were less subject to criti
cism. Ensign StoU was sent to convey a document to WhitehaU which
was full of loyal asseverations. Leisler explained how in June he had
beOii made captain of the fort, but omitted to mention his last absurd
commission. As the customary time for elections approached, Leisler ordered the
towns and counties to proceed to choose new officers for the coming year.
The charter of New York required that the mayor and sheriff of the city
should be appointed annuaUy by the governor and councU, and the clerk
by the governor, and that they should remain in office untU others should
be duly appointed in their places. The charter also ordained the Catho
lic feast of Michaelmas as the time to elect its aldermen. On that
day the voting went on in the different wards, but the Leisler fac
tion were alone in the field ; their opponents denied the legahty of the
whole proceeding. Eobert Walters, the son-in-law of Leisler, was returned
as one of the aldermen.

Portrait of Dr. Gerardus Beekman.
(From an original painting in possession of the fanuly.)

Sept. 20.

' MRS. VAN CORTLANDT'S COURAGE. 361
Leisler was perplexed as to how to manage about the mayor and guber
natorial appointments. He finaUy summoned the Protestant freeholders
of the city together to elect them. A few only were present, and the
majority of votes were for Peter De Lanoy. This was the first election
of a mayor by the city, or what was supposed to represent the city, of
New York.-' Johannes Johnson was returned as sheriff, and Abraham
Gouverneur as clerk. Leisler issued a proclamation on the birthday of
James II. , as the charter dictated, confirming the election. Thus
with characteristic inconsistency be violated one most essential
point in the charter, and rigidly observed two others touching upon noted
Cathohc days.
A constable was sent to the house of Mayor Van Cortlandt to obtain
the city charter, seals, records, etc., — for what were city officials without
municipal paraphernaha ! Van Cortlandt was not at home. A commit
tee was then appointed to wait upon Mrs. Van Cortlandt and demand
them of her She was a sister of Mayor Peter Schuyler of Albany,
a taU, grandly proportioned woman, with a touch of imperialism
about her, as if born to command. She received the committee politely,
but decUned to give up anything which had been left in her care by her
husband. A sergeant-at-arms next visited her, but when she learned his
errand she cooUy shut the door in his face and defied his blustering
threats. An effort was then made to find and imprison Van Cortlandt,
but without success.
The French were already overshadowing the northern horizon and pre
paring to take advantage of the disturbances in the colonial government.
Leisler acted promptly, used the public funds to put the fort in repair,
¦ and placed a double number of men at work upon the city fortifications.
A new semicircular battery, for some time known as "Leisler's Half
Moon," was buUt upon a flat rock west of the fort, and suppUes of powder
were obtained from PhUadelphia.
Albany was seriously threatened, and a convention was caUed. It was
presided over by Mayor Schuyler ; and by his side, acting as sec- ^^ ^
retary, sat his brother-in-law, Eobert Livingston, who was also the
brother-in-law of Mayor Van Cortlandt. The city recorder, Dirck Wes
seUs, and Aldermen WendaU, Bleecker, Van Schaick, and other of the
chief men were HoUanders, aU Protestants, and members of the Eeformed
Dutch Church, of which Dominies Schaats and DeUius were the pastors.
These magistrates had, as soon as they received a copy of the proc- ^^ ^
lamation from New York, formed the citizens into a procession
' Cornelius W. La-wrenoe was the first citizen elected mayor by the people of New York,
in 1834.

362 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
and marched to the fort, and there, in the most dignified and solemn man
ner, proclaimed Wilham and Mary, fired guns, and indulged in all other
suitable demonstrations. They repeated the ceremony at the City Hall
rang the bells, and had bonfires and fire-works in the evening. They
esteemed themselves in no wise subordinate to Leisler, but were deter
mined to maintain their civU government untU orders came from Eng
land. But Albany, with her two httle streets crossing each other at right
angles, was the center of the great internal traffic of the province with
the natives, and consequently second only in importance to the metropo
hs. It was desirable that every effort should be made to keep the Iro
quois friendly, and no one understood the tactics required for that pur
pose better than Schuyler and Livingston. These warriors were in a
deadly quarrel with the French, and the near Mohawks had asked assist
ance of men and horses to draw logs to fortify their castles, which was
granted. Several outside tribes had gone over to the French, and had recently
faUen upon and destroyed Dover in New Hampshire, and Pemaquid in
Maine. Albany might be attacked at any moment, and the " Conven
tion" ordered that every gentleman present should bring a gun with
half a pound of powder and baU equivalent, to be hung up in the
church, and that the traders and other inhabitants should be persuaded
to do the same, until the number of fifty was reached, these arms to be
used in case of emergency. As some of the citizens were preparing to
leave Albany, the Convention ordered, that, " as it was setting a bad
example for the timorous and cowardly to run away, no able-bod-
' led inhabitant should leave the county for tbe next three months,
without a pass from the justice of the peace." After much hesitation a
messenger was sent to ask Leisler for help. He forwarded four cannon
and a smaU supply of powder and baU, at the same time commandmg
that commissioners be sent to him at once to consult for the pub-
' lie good. He addressed his letter to Captains WendaU and
Bleecker, instead of the Convention, saying to the messenger that he
had nothing to do with the civU power; he was a soldier, and would
write to a soldier.
The Convention paid no further heed to him, but raised what money
they could among themselves, and appealed to New England for aid.
The latter sent delegates to enlist the Iroquois against the Eastem sav
ages. The chiefs of the Iroquois were summoned to Albany, but dechned
to attack tribes who had done them no harm. The next day, at a private
conference, the same sachems assured the Albany gentlemen that ff the

ALBANY IN PERIL. 363
French came to harm them, they would fight for them, and live or die
with them.^
On the day appointed in her charter Albany proceeded to install her
municipal officers, and in order to sUence the misrepresentations
of those who persisted in caUing the Albanians " Jacobites," the
civic and mUitary officers, the citizens, and the soldiers in the fort, took
oaths of fidehty to the new king and queen.
Thus there were two rival governments within the province of New
York, and one was as rightful as the other. But the independent attitude
of Albany gaUed Leisler. He shortly prepared a force of fifty-one men
to proceed under the command of Milborne and take possession of the
Albany fort. The Convention, learning what was in progress, sent
Alderman Van Schaick to New York to teU Leisler that they
would wiUingly accept reinforcements provided they came in an obedient
sphit, but that no New York officer would be admitted to the command of
the fort. Considering himself commander-in-chief of the province, Leisler
determined to make his power felt, and dispatched three sloops full of
armed men and ammunition up the river.
Van Schaick reached Albany before them, and reported how Leisler
was bent upon "turning the government of their city upside Nov. 4.
down." The Convention sumpioned the citizens together, and
a declaration was signed to the effect that they would not permit " them
of New York or any person else, to rule over Albany, of which
the Convention was the only present lawful authority." In
order "to prevent jealousies and aiUmosities," Mayor Peter Schuyler,
who was a favorite with all parties and speciaUy loved by the Indians,
was appointed to tbe chief command of the fort. The principal men of
Albany led him up the steep hill to the little fortress with great pomp
and ceremony, and he was received by the garrison with cheers
1 , Nov. 8.
ana huzzas.
The ne.xt morning the sloops from New York anchored a little below
the city. Milborne sent a messenger to demand admission to the fort,
and was promptly refused. Presently he made his appearance at the
City HaU, where a crowd gathered, whom he harangued for some time,
saying that aU that had been done in the reign of James II. was iUegal,
^ Doe. Bist, ll. 19, 20, 50-55, 88. Munsell, II. 108. Smith, I. 99, 100. Dunlap, I.
158. Mass. Hist. Soc Coll., XXXY. 212, 211,21?,. ^rodAearf, II. 583, 584, 585. Colden,
1-106-111. Plymouth Records, Yl. 213. Col. Doc, III. 610-783; IV. 349; IX. 387,
420-425, 440, 665. Charlevoiz, II. 345, 415-419. Belknap, I. 198-206. La Potherie, III.
248. S/ica's jlTissioms, 277-325. Gamea^i, I. 305. Bell, I. 322. Wiiliamsmi, I. 590-595.
Millet'sLetterofJulye, 1691, pp. 40-45.

364 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
and that the charter of Albany was nuU and void. MUborne had for
merly lived in Albany, and not only knew the place weU, but was weU
known by the people. He was answered briefly by Eecorder WesseUs
who said, "We have no arbitrary power here."
The foUowing day MUborne appeared before the Convention. He
produced his commission signed by Leisler and the Committee
' of Safety. He was told that a commission granted by a company
of private men in New York was of no force in Albany ; that when he
would show a commission from King WiUiam, he might command obedi
ence. As he retired from the building he made a long speech from the
steps to the people who had coUected. He was interrupted constantly
by shouts of " You want to raise mutiny and sedition,'' and " If things
are carried on as you say, all authority wiU be overturned, and we shaU
run into confusion witb the Indians."
In the course of twenty-four hours Milborne succeeded in winning
some oue hundred persons over to his interests, and thev met and
Nov. 11. . ' .1
chose Jochim Staats to command the soldiers from New York.
Tbe Convention refused to accept the soldiers from New York
Nov 12 ' as soon as they heard of it, unless they pledged themselves to
come under the command of the Convention. On the Mth
Nov. 14. Mayor Schuyler met the citizens at the City Hall, and explained
why he had accepted command of the fort, simply to defeat Leisler's
design to create a general disturbance among the people by making an
absolute change of government. His course was warmly approved.
But Milborne was fully resolved to obtain the mastery. He assembled
his complete force and marched valiantly up to the fort. He
' halted with mihtary precision and demanded possession. Schuyler
ordered him away. Milborne attempted to force an entrance and was
driven back. He ordered bis men to load, and read to them a paper
Schuyler, upon one of the mounds of the fort, shouted a protest in behalf
of the Convention, and directed Milborne and his troops to withdraw
at once. A party of Mohawks upon the hill near by watched these pro
ceedings, and all at once charged tbeir guns and sent a hurried messenger
to Schuyler, to say that if the New York soldiers were hostUe they should
fire on them. Schuyler sent Eecorder WesseUs and Dominie DeUius to
pacify the savages, but the latter were thoroughly enraged and insisted
upon the Dominie's going to Milborne with the same message which they
had sent to Schuyler. Milborne was baffled, for he bad met an unex
pected foe. He dismissed his men and retired in humihation.
He had some aUies in Albany, and before he returned to New
' York a private contract was signed by a few men of means to

COLONEL NICHOLAS BAYARD. 365
support the soldiers whom he was to leave behind under command of
Captain Staats. He stopped at Esopus on his trip down the Hudson,
but the people had been informed of his defeat at Albany and he could
do nothing with them.
Ten days later eighty-seven soldiers reached Albany, sent at the request
of the Convention by Governor Treat of Connecticut. Thev Nov 28
were led by Captain BuU, the same who courageously prevented
Andros from taking possession of Saybrook in 1775. The perils were so
great that Lieutenant Enos Talmage of Captain BuU's company with
twenty-four men were sent to garrison Schenectady. Captain Staats,
instead of assisting in the common defense with his New York soldiers,
worked industriously to promote faction. The condition of affairs
became so lamentable that the Convention appointed the 4th of
December to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer.
Colonel Bayard in Albany, having been there since Jime, had been
kept informed of all that transpired in New York, and was in constant
expectation of royal instructions which would restore order. He learned
in October that his only son, who had been lying dangerously iU for
months, was in a dying condition, and he was very anxious to see him.
He wrote to the justices of the peace in New York, asking personal
protection from Leisler while visiting his family. He offered to give
security in money, or to answer any complaints or accusations which
could be brought against him and thereby satisfy the law. But the
answer which he received was, " The sword rules, and we have no power
in opposition to Leisler."
He then wrote to Captain De Peyster and Captain De Bruyn, with
directions that the contents of his letter should be communicated
to aU the commissioned officers ; he ordered them " to bear good
faith and aUegiance " to WiUiam and Mary, to be obedient to the civU

Autograph of Nicholas Bayard.
authority of the city, and to desist from aiding or abetting the Ulegal
proceedings of Leisler and his associates. As a commissioned colonel
of the regiment, as weU as one of the counselors of the government, he

366 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
considered that he was thus honestly and fearlessly doing his duty. The
results, however, were most disastrous. The captains put his communi
cation into the hands of Leisler, who flew into a terrible rage. He knew
that Bayard, despite a little pomposity, stood high in the estimation of a
large class of the inhabitants of the province. He knew that he was a
man of orthodox religion and regular life, of ample fortune and high
connections. He knew that ¦ he was a scholar, and notwithstanding his
French and Dutch parentage, was an able expositor of the Enghsh law.
He knew that his logic had already startled some of the captains as to
the consequences of the revolt. He knew that Bayard was likely to be
a continual thorn in his side. In short, he was afraid of him. The
spirit of insurrection is always severe. Leisler detennined to put his
foot upon so dangerous a foe. Milborne added fuel to the fire by de
scribing the effects of Bayard's influence in Albany. They feared he
might overturn their whole structure.
Leisler caUed a public meeting, at which he announced that Nicholson
had never shown his face in England, but had turned " privateer " ; and
that Bayard was " a traitor and a vUlain," and was coming upon New
York with three hundred men to retake the fort for the late King James.
As for Dongan, although he was Uving quietly on his farm near Hemp
stead, Leisler charged him with holding "cabals" at his house and at
other places, preparatory to making an attempt on the fort. Captain
Lodwyck denied this imputation upon Dongan, and was immediately
dismissed from the service, with the scathing charge of being a friend to
" popery and James."
Leisler called upon every man to take a new oath, which was, m sub
stance, to be true to WUUam and Mary, obedient to the Committee of
Safety, and to the commander-in-chief of the province. Captain De
Peyster was a man of strong practical sense, and, seeing the mischief
which was likely to result from needlessly terrifying and exasperating
the lower classes, warned Leisler to desist from such a course. The latter
was in no mood to hear reproof, and angrily suspended him from office,
appointing a more pUant captain in his stead. He thus lost one of the
best men who had been among his adherents, and a counselor who might
have saved him from destruction.
Meanwhile Bayard had privately arrived at his own house. It was
evening, but a soldier saw him and ran with tbe news to the fort. A
dozen armed men were sent at once to arrest him. They went through
his house in a rough and riotous manner, greatly adding to the distress of
his already afflicted family, by swearing that they would " fetch him from
the gates of hell." Not finding him, they proceeded to search Van Cort-

WILLIAM IIL OF ENGLAND. 367
landt's house in the same brutal manner, and threatened Van Cortlandt
himself so seriously that he was obliged to escape through the rear of his
dweUing and hide himself in Connecticut and Albany for weeks. Mrs.
Van Cortlandt and her chUdren were grossly insulted, but she bravely
maintained her ground, and after a while was left in peace. The house
of Dominie Selyns was searched, and he was treated to the same coarse
and vulgar language. Sixteen of the chief families of the city were
obhged to submit to a similar indignity. Never was the pursuit of a cul
prit conducted in a more indecent manner. Last of aU, Captain Stuy
vesant was visited. He was an own blood cousin of Bayard, and the two
had been intimate and confidential friends from boyhood. It had been
reported recently that he had said that the stories about Bayard's being a
Cathohc were "a pack of lies." So perhaps he was concealing him.
They invaded every room in his house from ceUar to garret, and then
went through aU his barns and outbuildings. They acted like men infu
riated, and many of them were intoxicated. The next day Captain Stuy
vesant resigned his commission and retired from any farther association
with Leisler. He possessed too much of his father's spirit to lend him
self for the furtherance of dishonorable outrages.
The question wiU very naturaUy arise. Why was all this confusion
allowed to exist ? Why came no orders from England ? Why were not
men established in power to whom power properly belonged ? Why was
WiUiam so oblivious to his own interests ?
There was a complication of reasons. The year which had elapsed
since WUliam took up the English scepter had been to him one of tor
turing anxiety and incessant toil The enthusiasm which had welcomed
him to the throne was as brief as it was apparently sincere. He had
hunseff, at the very moment when his fame and fortune reached its high
est point, predicted the coming reaction. It is the nature of mankind to
overrate present evU and to underrate present good, to long for what he
has not and to be dissatisfied with what he has. Eeaction is a law of
nature as certain as the laws which resulate the succession of the seasons
and the course of the trade-winds. Many of those who had at first taken
up arms for WiUiam began to mutter among themselves before the end
of two months, and not only found excuses for the maladministration of
James, gross as it had been, bnt revealed unmistakable signs of heartfelt
commiseration for his unhappy and exiled condition. They said be was
their rightful and liege lord as the heir of a long line of princes, and had
many of the qualities of an exceUent sovereign. He was dUigent, if he
was duU. He was thrifty, with all his parsimony. He was brave, notwith
standing his weaknesses. He was even truthful when not under the
fatal influence of his religion.

368 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
WiUiam was alive to the possible consequences of this change in pub
lic opinion. The power of a less watchful, less cautious, less determined
ruler would have been quickly undermined. He knew that he must act
there was no standing idle, and his acts were criticised by his Pri-vy
Council, who were intriguing with each other. He wished to do justice '
to all parties, but justice would satisfy none of them. The Tories soon
hated him for protecting the Dissenters. The Whigs hated him for pro
tecting the Tories. Members of his own household were in correspond
ence with James. Insincerity lurked everywhere. He stood as it were
upon a volcanic crater, and was perfectly aware of his danger. Great
events were following each other, also, in rapid succession, — war with
France, revolt in Ireland, anarchy in Scotland. What time had the
worried monarch to think of his distant and less important American
colonies ? But there came a moment when he was brought to a painful
sense of their condition. It was when tbe reports which had been
sent in May from New York and Boston reached Whitehall. He discovered
that he had been duped into committing a deplorable mistake through the
tact of Dr. Mather and Sir William Phipps. He saw tbat Andros had
been imprisoned because he had executed tbe orders of his lawful EngUsh
sovereign. Such orders it was not WiUiam's poUcy to undervalue. But
even then, with European affairs pressing heavUy upon him, he hardly
managed with characteristic prudence and foresight. He incUned
towards pouring oil over rather than probing wounds.
As for the tangle in New York, it had not yet burst in its fuU propor
tions upon the minds of either WiUiam or his ministers. Both parties
having written to them in such a loyal strain, it was regarded as a mere
internal dispute which a few royal words would quickly settle. They
were accordingly penned to Nicholson.
Tbe letter was addressed to "Our Lieutenant-Governor and Com
mander-in-Chief of our Province of New York in America, and in his
absence, to such as for the time being take care for preserving the peace
and administering the laws in our said Province of New York in Amer
ica." And Nicholson was ordered to take up the government of the
province, caU to his assistance the chief freeholders, and "do and per
form aU the requirements of the office." John Eiggs, who bore the letters
from Nicholson and' his councU to the king, was intrusted with this im
portant document on bis return to New York. Before be sailed, Nichol
son reached London. Supposing aU communications addressed to him
would be opened by the counselors Philipse, Van Cortlandt, and Bayard,
no effort was made to have them altered, and as the vessel was under
orders Eiggs proceeded on his voyage.

NEW YORK THREATENED BY THE FRENCH. 369
Nicholson proceeded to Whitehall and had a personal interview with
the king. He related what had occurred in New York ; and a
few hours later he repeated the same to the Plantation Com- '^^'
mittee. It was quickly decided to send a governor to New York, and
two days later William in councU appointed Colonel Henry Sloughter
to that office. Nicholson strove to obtain the post, but did not possess
sufficient interest in court. He was, however, appointed heutenant-gov
ernor of Virginia, which was an emphatic approval of his conduct in
New York.
There was no reason why Sloughter should not have gone at once to
his govemment, only that the troubles in Ireland absorbed universal at
tention just then. The English navy too was in a wretched condition,
and aU the vessels in the kingdom were in demand as convoys for WU
ham's army. Sloughter's commission and instructions did not pass the
Great Seal until January 4, 1690. MeanwhUe he had proposed that New
York should include Connecticut, the Jerseys, and Pennsylvania. The
suggestion was not favored by the king or council. Then he proposed to
add Plymouth to New York, and Secretary Blathwayt actuaUy included
it in the draft of the commission. But Dr. Mather heard of it, and ap
peared in time to argue the question, and persuade the Lords that the
addition of Plymouth would be more inconvenient than serviceable.
Therefore it was stricken out.
Meanwhile it was rumored that the French had a design upon New
York, and U successful " would put to the torture " some two hundred
Huguenot famUies who had settled in the province. Louis XIV. had
actually instructed Count Frontenac to prepare an expedition without
loss of time, and proceed both by land and by water against the little city
on Manhattan Island ; Albany was to be surprised, and tbe army were to
"cut in below, to secure the vessels on the river"; the English settle
ments in tbe neighborhood of Manhattan Island were to be destroyed,
and " aU officers and principal inhabitants from whom ransoms could be
exacted, detained in prison." Louis ordered that tbe French refugees
who should be found in New York, particularly those of the pretended
Eeformed reUgion, should be shipped to France.^
Prominent men in New York appealed to the king to send a large
force to protect the "center of all the Enghsh plantations." Anxiety
settled Uke a heavy cloud over the city. The ComnUttee of Safety
asked the Bishop of London to intercede with the king and obtain au
thority for Leisler, in order to defend New York until Sloughter's arrival,
' Memoir of Instructions to Count Frontenac. Paris Doc, IY. Doc Hist. New York,
I. 295. 18

370 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
which it had been hinted might not occur untU spring. But no such
authority was given Leisler.
Ensign Stoll reached London with the August dispatches of
Leisler, in November. WiUiam referred them quietly to Secretary
Shrewsbury. StoU was loud and opinionated, and elicited very httle
notice. His vapid talk wearied the courtiers. When he asked
' for a written approval of Leisler's acts, the question was evaded.
He had the assurance to suggest a suspension of Sloughter's commission
which was treated with cool indifference. He made himself conspicuous
in England only as a miserable faUure, and he would bave done Leisler
far better service to have remained in New York.
Matthew Clarkson, who went to London in the same vessel with StoU,
fared differently. He was a gentleman. His father was an eminent
divine, the Eev. David Clarkson, of Yorkshire. His family were weU
known at Whitehall ; and, besides, he was a young man of culture and
refinement. His sister was the wife of Captain Lodwyck, and coining
here to visit her, three years before, he had determined to make New
York his home. He obtained the appointment of Secretary of the prov
ince, with power to choose his own deputies, and returned with Sloughter.
He soon after married Catharine, daughter of Gerritsen Van Schaick of
Albany.^ Eiggs arrived in Boston in December. He learned that Colonel
Bayard was in Hartford at the bouse of Governor Treat, and wrote
to him to say when he should arrive in New York. Bayard hastened
home privately, never doubting but that the king's orders were specific
enough now to set the wheels of government rolling properly.
Eiggs reached Bayard's house late on Sunday evening, and met with a
warm welcome. But he had received advice in Boston which caused
him great embarrassment. The wise men of that wise city had told him
that he must give the king's letter to Leisler, who was in actual com
mand of the province. It was his own private belief that Leisler would
refuse to receive and act upon a royal communication which was clearly
intended for other parties. In order to avoid personal difficulty, he
requested tbat aU three of the counselors should be present and witness
1 One of the curiosities of historical research in New York is the confusion of orthography
in the matter of proper names. There was no standard orthography in the old Dutch lan
guage at that early period. Each individual seemed to spell according to his own fancy.
Dutch names became Anglicized in part, and Dutch, English, and French were often blended
together. It is sometimes almost impossible to trace family names. We have an instance
in Gerritsen Yan Schaick. In some of the old documents his name is -B'ritten Gosen Van
Schaick ; in others. Goose Yan Schaick ; and in very many, Gerrits Goose. A hundred in
stances of a similar character might be cited -within as many pages.

Dec.

THE KING'S LETTER. 371
his surrender of the packet. PhiUpse was sent for, but Van Cortlandt
was out of town, too far away to be reached that night.
Early the next morning, before it was possible for the counselors to
meet, Leisler sent a company of armed soldiers to convey Eiggs from his
lodgings to the fort. He had no altemative but obedience, yet he de
tained the escort under pretence of finishing his breakfast untU he could
dispatch an earnest request to PhiUpse to come with Van Cortlandt (who
had been sent for during the night) to the fort aud meet him in Leisler's
presence. There was no time lost, and the two counselors arrived ahnost
as soon as himself They were warmed into violent excitement by the
importance of the case, and sharply asserted that they were the persons
to whom the packet was addressed. Leisler denied their claim. He
held the reins of government, of which fact the king was aware, and to
him, and to him alone, the address referred. Hot words accompUshed
nothing. Leisler's corollary was a weak one, and yet under the circum
stances beyond refutation. Besides, he had the advantage of present
power. The counselors were conscious of being in the right, but their
exasperation only aggravated previous acrimony. New York long groaned
under the complication of miseries which resulted from that singular
interview. Riggs gave Leisler the king's packet, and Leisler gave Eiggs a written
receipt for it. Leisler.then turned upon Philipse and Van Cortlandt, and
called them " popishly affected dogs and rogues," and ordered them to
" be gone." As for the people who raUied wildly around their supposed
democratic chief, they were kept entirely in the dark as to the contents
of the king's letter to Nicholson. It never was read openly during
Leisler's rule.
Leisler proceeded to announce pubUcly that he had received a com
mission from the king to be the lieutenant-governor of the province. He
assumed the station and the title. He appointed a council, consisting
of Peter De Lanoy, Hendrick Jansen, Dr. Gerardus Beekman, Samuel
EdsaU, Thomas Williams, and WiUiam Lawrence, administering the usual
oaths. He made Milborne Clerk of the CouncU and Secretary of the
province, and with great ceremony and military parade he caused Wil
Uam and Mary to be proclaimed anew.
There was no seal for the province of New York, as Andros had broken
that of 1687, when New England was consolidated ; hence Leisler
^ . Dec. 11.
ingeniously manufactured one by altering the Duke's coronet m
his old seal of 1669, placing the crown of England upon his head. When
Sunday morning came, Leisler with devout ostentation walked into the
old Dutch Church, where he had so long been one of the deacons, and

372 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
took his seat in the governor's pew. His new councU seated themselves
in the pew set apart for that august body of men. Angry breezes seemed
to blow through the length and the breadth of the sacred edifice that
day, and never in the memory of the oldest church-goer did Dominie
Selyns find it so difficult to hold the attention of his congi-egation.
Leisler, transformed into a royal chief, sternly inculcated the doctrine
of passive obedience. The larger portion of the inteUigent class of in
habitants knew that his extraordinary assumption had no foundation in
fact, and that his acts under the circumstances could not be sustained
by law. He issued a proclamation that the customs and excise
' duties settled by the Colonial Act of 1683 remained in force. The
Act had been disaUowed by James, but the duties it le-vied had been
continued by tbe order of Dongan. Leisler had been the very first man
to refuse to pay duties under that order. He had caUed it a "popish
Act," and had made more noise and trouble in relation to it than any
other merchant in New York. Now he was about to enforce it by his
own arbitrary decree. It was the death-blow to democratic theories in
1;be popular mind.
There was a bristle of opposition, and an outburst of rage that was
something fearful. At first it was vented upon the proclamation itself;
it was torn down and a paper declaring its iUegality affixed in its place.
The next day a duplicate of tbe proclamation was posted, together with
an order forbidding any person to deface or take it away. ¦ But as the
shades of night fell over the city it met with the same fate as its prede
cessor. Several persons were arrested under suspicion of having done
the mischief and were thrown into the prison in the fort. They were
seized and dragged into confinement without the slightest opportunity for
self-defense. Among them were two lads, one of whom was Cornelis, the
younger brother of Captain Abraham De Peyster. Upon investigation
it was fo.und that the proclamation was undisturbed at the time of their
commitment, but they were kept in custody, and refused baU, untU theh
friends petitioned for their release, addressing Leisler as heutenant-gov
ernor. An Indian slave belonging to Philip French was arrested and impris
oned on suspicion of having a part in tearing down the proclamation.
French was highly indignant, and expressed his opinion in contemptuous
terms of the " self-styled lieutenant-governor." He was quickly arrested
and thrown into the fort dungeon. He offered bail, but it was not ac
cepted. The small high windows of his cell were nailed carefully, and
a strict watch kept outside. His friends were not permitted to see him ;
even his lawyer was denied access, and he was treated more barbarously

THE JAILS AND PRISONS FILLED. 373
than a convicted felon. About the middle of February a message was
surreptitiously conveyed to him that one of his vessels (be was a large
shipping-merchant), containing a valuable cargo, was wrecked on the rocks
near New London, and the urgent necessity for giving personal attention
to the matter induced him to bend, and address a humble petition to
Leisler, according him the title of lieutenant-governor, and asking for
release upon the consideration of five hundred pounds baU. In a few
days he was set at liberty.
Leisler was quick of superficial apprehension and acted with re
markable promptitude. He possessed the elements of administrative
capacity, but ignorance and inexperience in matters of state effectually
clogged his pathway. His proceedings were aU attended with vexation,
and with more or less danger. Many who haUed him in the first in
stance as their protector from the evils of despotism and popery were
disappointed and became his bitterest opponents. His dogmatism bore
him witb the swiftness of an arrow into blunders which no after repent
ance could retrieve.
He issued new commissions, making justices, sheriffs, and mihtary
officers in the various counties of New York. Then he ordered aU per
sons holding commissions from former governors to surrender them to
the nearest magistrates. This last was in a multitude of instances openly
and sneeringly disregarded. Officers prowled about the country arresting
those who rebelled, and the prisons were soon found too smaU to hold
such an army of captives. The jaUs and prisons were enlarged, and all
rendered more secure. To try the prisoners Leisler commissioned courts
of oyer and terminer, and to compel the payment of customs and excise
duties he erected a court of exchequer. Thomas Clarke, a thorough Eng
lish lawyer, appeared before this tribunal, and boldly declared that no
member had a commission from the reigning king to be a baron of his
exchequer. Leisler wrote a long letter to King William, explanatory of his con
duct ; but it was a clumsy document. He said he had acted upon the royal
letter to Nicholson, " although two of Sir Edmund Andros's council pre
tended thereunto." He stated that his course had given great satisfac
tion to most of the people in the province. At the very moment he was
penning those hues, his son was acting the part of a spy, to prevent the
transmission of a different style of communications from Philipse, Van
Cortlandt, and others. When Leisler learned that Andros and his feUow-
prisoners were about to be sent to London, he determined to prevent any
letters from disaffected persons reaching Boston, to be conveyed by them
to England, and caused the arrest of the post-rider, John Perry, about

374 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
one fourth of a mile beyond the house of Colonel Lewis Morris in West
chester, where it was known he frequently stopped for postal matter
The mail-bag was opened, and found to contain private letters from
Bayard, Van Cortlandt, BrockhoUs, Morris, NicoUs, Eeed, and many
others. AU criticised Leisler and his associates virulently and unspar
ingly. The post-rider was thrown into prison, from which he was not
released for many months. Leisler announced that he had detected a
" heUish conspiracy " against the govemment. He issued warrants for
the apprehension of each of the gentlemen who had written to White
haU. Colonel Bayard was the first on the list, and the most rancorously pur
sued. The soldiers swore that they had orders to take hhn "dead or
alive." They broke in the doors of his house, destroyed furniture as they
went from room to room, and were profane and insolent to Mrs. Bayard
and other members of his household. Bayard had secreted himself in
the ceUar of a cooper in the rear of his dweUing, where they found him
at last, -and dragged him in a most abusive manner to the fort. He was
immediately manacled vnth irons, and the ponderous door of the prison
closed upon him.
Van Cortlandt's house was broken open in the same riotous manner,
but he had made his escape, and his wife, dreading a repetition of former
scenes, had fled with him. Some weeks elapsed before Mrs. Van Cort
landt ventured to return, and even then her liberty was threatened and
her children insulted. A sferious illness broke out in her family and one
beloved chUd died, but the husband and father coiUd only learn of his
affliction in his refuge at Hartford, and at the same time grieve that his
loyalty was misinterpreted, his honor stained, his credit blasted, and his
large estate running to decay.
William Nicolls, after escaping the soldiers through various stratagems,
was finally seized at the Long Island ferry-bouse, and cast into the Ul-
ventilated dungeon beside Colonel Bayard. He was a spirited young
man of thirty-three, the son of Matthias Nicolls, the former secretary of
the province. Like his father, young NicoUs was an aristocrat ; and he
had been conspicuous in his denunciations of Leisler, whom he caUed a
" German upstart." He was the attorney-general of the province (smce
1687), and his character fqr courage and professional abUity stood high.
He was also a justice of the peace, and the chief ground of his imprison
ment Was bis refusal to surrender his commission under Leisler's edict.
He was a bachelor, but three years later married Anna, daughter of Jere
mias Van Eensselaer.^
1 Van Cortlandt to Sir Edmund Andros, May 19, 1690. Robert Livingstonto Sir Edmund

PURSUIT OF ROBERT LIVINGSTON. 375
It was rumored that both Bayard and NicoUs were to be tried for trea
son. MeanwhUe Bayard was very sick in prison. His Ufe was
in imminent danger unless he could obtain medical attention and ^^^*''
physical comforts. He therefore penned a humble petition to Leisler,
addressing him as " lieutenant-governor," and after promising respect and
deference for the future, asked for pardon and release. Leisler was im
mensely gratified with the concession. But Bayard was too dangerous
an enemy to be aUowed to run at large with impunity, and the petition
was denied. Abundant bail was offered and refused. Both Bayard and
Nicolls were kept in miserable cells for thirteen months, untU the arri
val of Sloughter
In spite of all these rigorous measures Leisler found that much of the
fruit of leadership was exceedingly unpalatable. He could command Uttle
respectful consideration save at the point of the sword. He was caUed
" Lieutenant Blockhead," " Deacon JaUor," " Govemor Dog-driver," and
other uncompUmentary epithets. Those who were fearless in the use
of their tongues were unsparingly punished. Sometimes pardon was
obtained through a deferential oath ; though such was the "exception,
not the rule. Christopher Gere was imprisoned for being heard to
say that he was "just as much lieutenant-governor as Mr. Leisler."
Eobert Livingston incurred Leisler's wrath, and was pursued until he
was obhged to escape from the province to avoid prison fare. He found
refuge in Hartford with his brother-in-law Van Cortlandt. Both gentle
men were made welcome at the hospitable home of Governor Treat.
Livingston's offense was disloyalty to Leisler. His influence in tbe
Albany Convention, and his great wealth and resolute character, made
him a formidable adversary. Leisler charged him with being a " Jacob
ite," and the ground of the accusation was his having been heard to say,
m the early part of the disturbance, that " a parcel of rebels had gone out
of HoUand into England with the Prince of Orange at tbeir head." Liv
ingston's lands were seized for taxes which he defiantly refused to pay.
And aU this time Albany stood out against Leisler, notwithstanding that
he issued a commission to Captain Staats with an order to take posses
sion of Fort Orange.2 Mayor Schuyler and tbe Convention demanded
Aiuiros, April 14, 1690. Mr. Newton to Ca.ptain Nicholson, May 26, 1690. John Clapp to
Secretary of State, November 7, 1690. The Address of New Tork Merchants to William and
Manj, May 19, 1690. William Nicolls to George Farewell, June 24, 1690. "A Modest and
Impartial Narrative." Doc Hist. New York, Yol. II. Col. Doc, Yol. III. New York Hist.
Soe. Coll. (1868). Chalmers' Political Annals. Brodhead, II. Dunlap. Smith. Leisler's
Memrials to William and Mary.
^ Captain Jochim Staats married for his second wife Frandna, the younger daughter of
Jacob Leisler.

376 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
sight of the king's letter to Nicholson. As it was withheld they dechned
to acknowledge Leisler as lieutenant-governor.
Events, however, were close at hand which were Ukely to subordinate
for a time all minor considerations. The orders received by Count
Frontenac to commence hostilities against New England and New York
" afforded him," so he wrote, " considerable pleasure, and were very neces
sary for tbe country." He immediately organized three different detach
ments, " to attack those rebels at aU points at the same moment, and thus
punish them for having protected the Mohawks." One of these ravaged
Maine and destroyed tbe viUage of Salmon FaUs, now Berwick in New
Hampshire, and then, in conjunction with the second, burned Portland,
alarming the whole eastern frontier of New England.
The third and most important of the detachments marched towards
Albany. It was composed of two hundred and ten "men, ninety-six of
whom were savages, from the northern tribes of the Iroquois, and the
rest were " the best qualified Frenchmen for the purpose." ^ When some
five or six days out, a council was called to determine the route they
should follow. The Indians demanded of the French what was their
intention. Upon being informed they objected. They said it was rash
and desperate, for Albany was stronger than the French supposed, and
the attacking party was too weak. It was finally decided to first destroy
Schenectady. After a severe tramp over an intensely cold and moun
tainous country covered with snow, the expedition halted ¦within six miles
of tbe doomed town on four o'clock of Saturday afternoon. A reconnoiter
ing party soon reported its defenseless condition, and a httle before mid
night the benumbed and exhausted Canadians proceeded to their fiendish
task with barbaric ferocity.
The town was in the form of a paraUelogram, and contained upwards
of eighty weU-built and well-furnished houses. It was surrounded by a
palisaded waU, and could be entered only by two gates. These gates were
open, for no one apprehended the approach of an enemy from Canada in
such bitter weather. Besides, Indian scouts were stationed in the vicin
ity of Lake Champlain, and they had seen nothing to occasion any alarm.
And, saddest of all, tbe town within was divided against itseff, and in no
condition to make a defense. Leisler had been trying to cUnch his author
ity there as well as in Albany, and some were for him and some were
against him. The magistrates had lost tbeir authority, and Leisler's new
officers had not been able to establish their own. Talmage and his gar
rison were half starving for the want of supplies which it was the busi
ness of tbe town to furnish, and by withholding which the Leisler faction
were determined to bring tbem to submission.
1 Paris Documents. Doc. Hist. Ncv> York, I. 297-302.

BURNING OF SCHENECTADY. 377

b'

AU unguarded the people slept, when with one war-whoop — a long,
piercing, indescribable yell — the miserable work was begun. Schuyler,
in writing of the massacre, said, " Neither pen nor tongue can express the
horrors of that cruel night." There was Uttle or no resistance. The fort
was the only place under arms ; it was set on fire, and Talmage and his
men mercilessly slaughtered. The sack of the town lasted two hours.
Sixty persons were kiUed, and about an equal number taken prisoners.
It was ordered that the minister. Dominie Terschenrdacker, should be
taken alive, for the purpose of obtaining information from him, but he was
slain aud his papers burned before he was recognized, and afterwards his
head was put -upon a pole and carried to Canada. Twenty-five almost
naked survivors made their escape from their burning homes, and pushed
their way half frozen through the snow to Albany. Some thirty Iroquois
who were lodging in the village were spared, as it was a part of the policy
of the French to win over the remainder of the savages through kindness,
and the striking of audacious blows against the English.
Some haU-mile above the viUage lived the chief magistrate of Schenec
tady, Captain Alexander Glen. He was one of the members of the Albany
Convention, and Leisler's partisans had threatened to burn his house. At
daybreak a party of French visited him, and, finding that he had no inten
tion of surrendering, but was putting himself on the defensive with his
servants and some Indians, they assured him that in consequence of cer
tain favors formerly received at his hands, he and his people and property
should be safe from violence. He accordingly laid down his arms on parole,
entertained the officers in his private fort, and finaUy accompanied them
to the burning town. Several women and children who claimed affinity
with him were released from captivity. The Canadian savages muttered
because their prisoners were reduced so greatly in numbers, and said,
"Every one seems to be a relation of Captain Glen!" The next day
the conquerors set out on their homeward journey, taking with them con
siderable plunder, including fifty good horses. They suffered from cold,
hunger, and disease on the way, ate thirty-four of the horses, were several
times attacked by Indian war-parties, losing many of their tired warriors,
and finaUy, with a mere remnant of tbe expedition, reached Montreal, to
report a victory which was a lasting disgrace to the French nation.
The appaUing news was carried to Albany by Simon Schermer- ^^^ ^
horn, who, wounded himself, and on a lame horse, entered the
town Sunday morning. Schuyler at once ordered the guns of the fort to
he fired to summon the people together. There was no church-going that
%• All was hurry of preparation for carnage. An express was sent
through the deep snow to Esopus, and to Claverack for assistance, it being

378 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
supposed Albany would be next attacked. It was soon discovered, how
ever, that the enemy had departed for Canada. A party of men
¦ were sent to Schenectady to bury the dead on Monday. The Con
vention then wrote to the governments of Massachusetts, Connecticut
Maryland, and Virginia, and to " the civil and mUitary officers of New
York," proposing that aU should join in an attempt to take Quebec by
water in the spring. Thus from Albany in her distress came the first
suggestion of a union of tbe English colonies to attack the French
Schuyler sent for tbe Mohawk sachems, who came and mourned
¦ over the calamity that had befallen Schenectady. They promised
to join the English in an effort to ruin the French country.and bring the
war to an end.^ The consohdation of American strength to intimidate the
foe at tbe north by this means received inspiration, as the savages were
worth a dozen armies such as the colonies could furnish. Leisler was up
and doing as soon as he heard of the massacre. He made it his first busi
ness to disarm and imprison about forty officers who held commissions
from Governor Andros. He also issued warrants for the arrest of Ex-Gov
ernor Dongan, Ex-Mayor WiUett, Thomas Hicks, and several others, under
tbe pretended supposition that they were in league with the French.
Dongan was obUged to leave bis home, and fly into New Jersey, and
from there to Boston. Several New Jersey gentlemen, among whom were
William Pinhorne and Andrew Hamilton, dared not venture withiu the
precincts of New York. Leisler imagined that " cabals " were being held
and plans matured to annihilate his authority, and rested upon military
force to preserve bis power.
The ugly aspect of French affairs led him to send ambassadors to the
various colonies to confer on measures for public safety. For immediate
protection he raised a force of one hundred and sixty men and sent them
to Albany. As it was a moment of extreme danger, the Convention
allowed them to enter the fort peaceably. De Bruyn, Milborne, and Pro
voost were in command. Leisler's authority was thus estabhshed. He
immediately proceeded to conflrm the mayor and other city of&cers in
their places, and to command all persons to respect and obey them. He
also ordered that " no one asperse or reproach another under penalty of
the breach of the peace." A common danger is the most potent of har
monizing influences.
In AprU Leisler caUed an assembly for the purpose of raising money
1 Rohert Livingston's Verbatim Account. N. Y. Hist. Soc Coll. (1869), 165-186. MUleCs
Letter of July 6, 1691. Doc Hist. N. Y., II. 91-95. Colden, 1. 123-127. Smith, I. 105,
106. N. Y. Hist. Soc Coll., II. 105-109. N. Y. Col. MSS., III. 692-710. Brodhead,
II. 609-613. Munsell' s Alb. Col., III.

THE FIRST COLONIAL CONGRESS IN AMERICA. 379
for the proposed expedition against the French. It met at the house of
Alderman Eobert Walters, Leisler's son-in-law. An act was passed
to tax property real and personal. But before other business *""
could be accompUshed petitions came pouring in like hail-stones for the
release of the suffering prisoners in the fort. Such was the excitement,
and the number of people who gathered about Walters' house, that a riot
seemed inevitable. Leisler was not in the humor for a popular inqui
sition, and hastily prorogued the Assembly until September.
He next convened a congress of th^ several colonies in New
York. At Livingston's suggestion, Massachusetts had already ^^
caUed a New. England meeting at Ehode Island. This, however, was
abandoned ; and the first North American Colonial Congress met at New
York on the call of Leisler. The delegates from Massachusetts were Wil
liam Stoughton and Samuel SewaU ; from Plymouth, John WaUey ; from
Connecticut, Nathan Gold and William Pitkin ; and New York was rep
resented by Leisler and Mayor De Lanoy. It was agreed that New York
should furnish four hundred men, Connecticut one hundred and thirty-
five, Massachusetts one hundred and sixty, Plymouth sixty, whUe Mary
land promised one hundred. Ehode Island could not send men, but
would raise money in reasonable proportion. Leisler at once, and with
commendable vigor, fitted out three vessels for the capture of Quebec, —
one a privateer of twenty guns, another a brigantine belonging to Captain
Abraham De Peyster, and the third a Bermudan sloop. Two other sloops
were also sent to cruise about Block Island, and to see that Lona Island
Sound was kept clear of the French. Schuyler at Albany had meanwhUe
apprehended the French agents who had been sent to treat with
the Mohawks, and despoiled them of their letters and presents. ^^
Four Frenchmen were given to the savages, who burned two of them.
D'Eau was sent to New York. Among his papers was the Latin letter
of LamberviUe to Millet, which contained certain expressions of good-will
toward Dominie Dellius of Albany, which resulted in Leisler's charging
that clergyman with " treasonable correspondence with the enemy."
In the midst of all this commotion Stoll arrived from London with
information which greatly troubled Leisler. The king had taken
no notice of him, and had appointed Nicholson lieutenant-gov
ernor of Virginia. There was significance in the fact. Leisler saw too
that the tide of popular feeling was setting against him. There was a
great outcry about the taxes. The right of an assembly called by Leisler
to impose them was stoutly denied. Presently the demands for the re
lease of Bayard and NicoUs assumed a black and threatening aspect.
Leisler was one day assaulted in the street, and but that he never ven-

380 ' HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
tured out without a guard, he would probably have been kiUed. The
assaUants were quickly mastered, and some twenty or more of them were
secured in irons. Leisler then issued a proclamation, that all who would
not sign a declaration of fidelity to him, as representing King WUham
should be esteemed enemies to tbe king and be treated accordingly.
Through m,arveUous strength of wiU Leisler was enabled to go on per
forming the most unjustifiable acts of cruelty, and at the same time
succeeded in convincing his adherents that he was in the conscientious
discharge of a pious duty.
Complaints were not wholly checked with aU his caution. An address
to William and Mary, signed by the French and Dutch Dominies,
¦ several elders and deacons, and many leading citizens, was dated
May 19, and sent across the water. It stated that New York was
ruled by the sword, "at the sole wiU of an insolent aUen, assisted by
those who formerly were not thought fit to bear tbe meanest ofiice, sev
eral of whom can be proved guUty of enormous crimes ; . . . . and they
imprison at wiU, open letters, seize estates, plunder houses, and abuse
tbe clergymen."
Tbe expedition against Canada was well conceived. Leisler intended
to command it himself, but was defeated by tbe Albany Convention.
He then appointed Milborne commander-in-chief, which offended New
England, where Milborne had a very undesirable reputation. Win
throp was the choice of the army, and the infiuence was so strong in his
favor that Leisler revoked his unfit appointment and issued a commission
to the more popular general. All things being ready, Winthrop
" '' ¦ marched with the Connecticut forces to Albany, accompanied by
Livingston, wbo was acquainted with the route, and from his long expe
rience in diplomacy with the Indians, one of the most valuable counselors
in tbe whole matter. Winthrop was a guest in Livingston's family dur
ing his stay at Albany. Winthrop wrote to Treat that the whole design
was " poorly contrived and in confusion." Milborne was acting as com
missary, and was self-sufficient and incompetent. The quotas of men
were not equal to those promised at the Congresa After many days
spent in frivolous disputes the troops went north as far as the
"^"^^ ''' head of Lake Champlain. But word foUowed them that MUborne
could furnish no more provisions from Albany, and while they were try
ing to construct canoes to cross the lake, smaU-pox broke out m
"^' ' the camp, and they were obliged to return to Albany.
Leisler was furious at this faUure, and hastened to Albany. Milborne
charged it aU to the interference of Livingston and the imbecility
"^' ¦ of Winthrop. Leisler went through the mere form of an exami-

NEW ROCHELLE. 381
nation, and placed Winthrop and his principal officers in irons. This so
outraged the Connecticut soldiers and the Mohawks, that Leisler in alarm
set his prisoners at liberty, but he ordered Winthrop to appear in New
York and make his defense. Connecticut at once administered a cutting
rebuke. Her governor wrote to Leisler : " If you are concerned, so are
we, since the army is confederate ; and if you alone judge upon the gen
eral's and council of war's actions, it wiU infringe our liberty. A prison
is not a catholicon for- all state maladies, though so much used by you."
One masterly achievement blunted the edge of disappointment as
Canada escaped her threatened danger. Captain John Schuyler, a young
man of twenty-two, led a band of forty Englishmen and one hundred and
twenty Indians to La Prairie, opposite Montreal, where every house and
haystack was bmmed, one hundred and fifty head of cattle destroyed,
six men killed, and nineteen prisoners taken. Thus was Schenectady
avenged. A great naval expedition from Boston, under the command of Sir
William Phipps, sailed the 9th of August. It consisted of thirty
vessels, the largest of which carried forty-four guns. But the men
who had been sent over from England were newly raised and badly ap
pointed, and, owing to the want of pilots and the autumn storms, it did
not reach Quebec until tbe Sth of October. It was then winter, or
nearly, the expedition encountered a long list of disasters, and retumed
with heavy losses and without spoil. During the summer and early
autumn, however, Leisler's vessels had been on privateering voyages,
and brought into New York several French prizes.
The Assembly did not meet in September, owing to Leisler's absence
in Albany. He accordingly issued writs, summoning it at a later
day. When it came together it enacted a law requiring all per- "^ '
sons who had left the province to return within three weeks from the
time of its pubhcation, under pain of being " esteemed disobedient ^^^ g
to the government." Another law levied a new tax for the sup
port of the garrison in the fort. A third law declared that any °'=*- *'
person refusing to accept a civil or military commission from Leisler
should be fined seventy-five pounds ; and that any one leaving Albany or
Ulster without permission from Leisler should be fined one hundred
pounds; and that all persons who had left those counties must return
within fourteen days, " at their utmost perils." It would be difficult to
find in the annals of legislation more despotic enactments.
New Eochelle was founded that summer by a colony of French Hugue
nots. They purchased the land of Leisler, who had bought it of Mr.
PeU. They were caUed upon almost immediately to pay taxes. They

382 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
resented such a measure, as it was the first year of their sojourn upon the
property, and sent petitions to Whitehallto be relieved from such in
sufferable duties.
Tbe people of Queens County declared against the government of
Leisler ; and MUborne, who had been withdrawn from Albany, was sent
to subdue "with violence aU such as were refractory.'' EdsaU and
WilUams were commissioned to assist him in searching houses and
vessels and in securing suspected persons. Dominie Varick of Flatbush
was arrested and imprisoned for too much freedom of speech. An at
tempt was made to imprison Dominie Dellius of Albany, for praying for
the crown and /not for the King of England, but he escaped to Boston
Dominie Selyns offered bail for Dominie Varick, and was grossly abused.
Dominies Perret and Daill^, the French clergymen, were threatened for
withholding their approval of these high-handed proceedings.
Tbe last letter wbich Leisler wrote to the king was dated Octo
ber 20, 1690. He charged the failure of the Canadian campaign
to the perfidy of New England, tbe treachery of Livingston, and the cow
ardice of Winthrop. Not far from the same date the aggrieved
inhabitants of Hempstead, Jamaica, Flushing, and Newtown, met
and wrote to the king's Secretary of State. They dwelt with bitter em
phasis upon their oppressed condition, and upon the tyrannical acts of
the " bold usurper," and his accomplices. They said Milborne, who was
famous for nothing but infamy, had in " a barbarous and inhuman man
ner plundered houses, stripped women of their apparel, and sequestered
estates." They begged of the king " to break this heavy yoke of worse
than Egyptian bondage," and said the crimes which Leisler had com
mitted would force him to take shelter under Catiline's maxim, " the ills
that I have done cannot be safe but by attempting greater"
Tbe new year dawned gloomily. Tbe rising wrath of the peo
ple of the metropolis was held in check by the fort. They dared
say, however, that much of the plunder which had been obtained from
bouses, shops, cellars, and vessels was shipped to tbe West Indies and
elsewhere and sold at a high price. The most extreme measures were
resorted to for the collection of taxes ; even Leisler's friends were aghast
at bis hot-headed and rancorous persecutions. But tbey could not hinder
them. He was deaf and blind to tbe common dictates of humanity,
and heeded no advice, save tbat which was in harmony with his own
severe notions. It is probable tbat fear bad much to do with his con
duct, as he saw no other way to hold tbe chair of state but by mere
brutal force. Milborne insinuated himself into the good gTaces of Leis
ler's family, and kept their feelings lashed into fever-heat by declaim-

WEDDING OF LEISLER'S DAUGHTER. 383
ing against the aristocrats. He came every day with some new and
dismal skeleton, which was to ahenate them more effectuaUy from their
relatives and friends. He was always glowering, and how he came to
win the affectionsjDf the gentle, fair-haired, blue-eyed Mary Leisler must
always remain a mystery. They were married in the early part of the
year, and aU the circumstances in connection with the wedding were of a
depressing instead of a joyous character. Dominie Selyns, who had been
their pastor for a long series of years, and who married Catharine Leisler
to Eobert Walters in 1685, was not invited on this occasion. A few
friends only, and not those who had formerly been most welcome in the
household, were present ; and there was heaviness in the air, and little
Hght in the sunshine. That very evening came letters from Boston to
Leisler, counseling him " to temper justice with moderation and mercy,
since the king's own settlement of the matter was so near." Governor
Sloughter was indeed upon the water and might arrive at any moment.
But the very dread of his coming seems to have made Leisler more hard
and implacable.
William had been brought to a sense of the condition of New York
through the addresses and petitions which claimed his attention. The
frigate Archangel and three smaller vessels were fitted, after much
delay, to convey Sloughter to his government. Eichard Ingoldsby, who
had just returned from victorious service under William in Ireland, was
commissioned heutenant-governor. Two companies of soldiers accom
panied these offlcers to America.
WiUiam was no less fond of sovereignty than James, but he took
broader views, and was much the more politic of the two. He ordained
a government for New York which continued substantiaUy in operation
for nearly a century. It consisted of a governor and councU appointed
by the crown, and an assembly elected by a majority of the freeholders
in the several counties of the province. In their mimic sphere these
authorities shadowed the king, lords, and commons of England. Slough
ter's commission was in form like the one James gave Dongan and
Andros, with the exception of the permitted Assembly. In case of the
governor's death or absence, his duties were to be executed by the com
mander-in-chief, if the king should appoint one, or by " the first coun
selor," who was to act as "President." WiUiam's instructions were
similar to those of James to his governors. The former order respecting
the Church of England was renewed, by which the Bishop of London
was to have ecclesiastical jurisdiction in New York. Liberty of conscience,
which James had granted to all peaceable inhabitants, was restricted by
WOham to aU such persons " except papists." The Uberty of printing
was limited in the same language used by James.

384 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
William honorably discharged Andros and his feUow-prisoners, (who
had been sent from Boston), finding no just cause of complaint against
tbem. He also showed his appreciation of the former officers of the colo
nial government by appointing Frederick Philipse, Stephanus Van Cort
landt, Nicholas Bayard, WUliam Smith, Gabriel MinvieUe, Chidley Brooke,
WiUiam NicoUs, Nicholas De Meyer, Francis Eombouts, Thomas WUlett,
WiUiam Pinhorne, and John Haines, as counselors to the new governor
Joseph Dudley of Massachusetts was subsequently added to this council,
and also made chief justice of the province. James Grahame was ap
pointed recorder and attorney-general.
The name of Leisler was not mentioned, and the sting was destined to
be incurable. All the papers which bad been received from Leisler, and
the petitions from the inhabitants, were referred by the king and his
Privy CouncU to Sloughter, with orders to examine strictly and impar
tiaUy into the case, and return a true and perfect account.
The fleet was a long time on the ocean. The vessels separated
' in a storm, and three, under tbe command of Ingoldsby, were the
first to reach New York. They were at once visited by Philipse, Van
Cortlandt, and several other gentlemen, who, impatient of delay, urged In
goldsby to land and take possession of the fort. He accordingly prepared
to do so, and sent a message to Leisler demanding tbe citadel for the
king's soldiers and their stores. But Ingoldsby was only commissioned to
obey Sloughter, and of this technical dilemma Leisler took advantage.
He refused to yield the fort unless Ingoldsby should produce written
orders from the king or govemor. He sent MUborne, accompanied by
Mayor De Lanoy, to the vessel to inspect Ingoldsby's documents, and to
offer the City HaU for the use of the king's forces. Ingoldsby was indig
nant ; he knew that WilUam had never recognized Leisler's author-
^' ' ity, and in high temper he issued ' a mandate to Captain Samuel
Moore of Long Island for aid against the " rebels " who opposed the king
Leisler issued a " protest," and a call to the neighboring miUtia to
Jan. 31. . ^ , . . J. . 1
assist mm m entorcmg orders.
A day or two passed, when Ingoldsby, learning tbat " maUcious
rumors " were afloat concerning his movements, issued a proclama
tion that he had not come to disturb but to protect the people. The
next day Leisler proclaimed that he was ready to obey Sloughter
when he should arrive, but forbade aU persons from obeying In
goldsby, who had no orders. It was not long before Ingoldsby was weU
assured tbat the current of popular favor was in his behalf; he therefore
landed bis troops with as much caution as if he had been making " a de
scent into tbe country of an enemy," and quartered them in the City HaU

BLOODSHED IN NEW YORK. 385
He then sent a message to Leisler with an order to release Bayard and
NicoUs, who were named as counselors by the king. This was the rough
est blow which had as yet descended upon the misguided man.
"What!" he exclaimed, white and trembling with passion, "those
popish dogs and rogues ! " The answer which was taken back to Ingolds
by was to the effect that they must remain confined " untU his Majes
ty's further orders arrive."
Time moved on slowly. Where was the missing frigate, and Governor
Sloughter ? The soldiers on both sides were unruly. A story was circu
lated that Ingoldsby and his party were " papists " and disaffected persons
fled from England, holding only forged commissions. Armed men and
supphes of provisions were constantly arriving at the fort. Leisler for
bade the king's soldiers from going the rounds, and issued voluminous
threats. The city was in a great tumult. Six of the counselors named
in Sloughter's commission met and tried to straighten matters. They
finaUy issued a call for the neighboring mUitia, to prevent any
,,., ,. „ , pT'i March 4.
"outrageous and hostile proceedings on the part ot Leisler.
Leisler replied with a proclamation, declaring that he was constrained to
take up arms in defense of " their Majesties' supremacy" and denounced
the iUegal proceedings of the king's own officers. He also wrote a flatter
ingly worded letter to Governor Sloughter, who, it was supposed, had
stopped at Bermuda, expressing the hope that " his Excellency " might
speedily arrive.
Matthew Clarkson, the new secretary, who had come on the ves-
sel with Ingoldsby, wrote, by request of the counselors, to the gov
ernment of Connecticut for advice. A response came quickly from Treat
and Allyn, who advised that anything " tolerable and redressible " bad
better be borne from Leisler untU the arrival of Sloughter. At tbe same
time they wrote to Leisler, urging him to " so act and demean himself as
not to violate tbe peace and safety of the country." Dr. Gerardus Beek
man, who had been a stanch friend of Leisler through his entire rule, was
alarmed at the course the latter was pursuing, and foresaw bloodshed ; he
assembled the people of King's and Queen's Counties, who framed a peace
address, and he took it upon himself to confer personally with Leisler and
attempt to dissuade him from such " base and imprudent proceedings."
It was of no use. Leisler was obtusely stubborn. He prepared
a long declaration against Ingoldsby and the counselors, and or
dered them to disband their forces, — which they had coUected to the num
her of several hundred, — otherwise they would be pursued and destroyed.
He demanded an answer within two hours. It came ; they said
, 1 . Ill March 17.
rney wished to preserve the peace, and whoever should attack

386 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
them would be "pubhc enemies to the Crown of England." It would
seem as if the judgment of Leisler was whoUy unbalanced just at this
crisis. He probably acted under the most intense excitement. He had
not the slightest intention of disobeying his royal master, and yet he
placed himself in the direct attitude of
rebeUion. Within haff an hour after he
received Ingoldsby's temperate message he
fired one of the guns of the fort at the
king's troops as they stood on parade. This
J* ' \k ¥ IH. ^'^ followed by several shots at a house
{ ^ *t^ J I .^B where some of them lodged. Several were
wounded, and two kiUed, one of whom was
an old soldier, Josiah Bowne. Consterna
tion spread through the city. The guns of
the fort were answered, but, safely en
trenched behind the breastworks, Leisler's
Beekman Arms. party did not Suffer. Leisler ordered the
block-bouse at Smit's Vlye to support the fire from the fort. The com
mander. Brasher, seeing Ingoldsby's soldiers preparing to attack him, went
to the fort for further orders, and was imprisoned for not firing at once.
In his absence the burgher-guard at the block-house laid down their arms
and went to their houses.
Tbis defection disheartened Leisler. The next day he fired a few more
shots, which did no harm. Ingoldsby held his men on the defen-
'sive, expecting a sally from the fort at any moment. To distin
guish his men from those attached to Leisler he directed them to wear
white bands on their left arms.
At tbis distressing moment word came tbat the Archangel, with the
governor on board, had anchored iust below the Narrows. She
!Ma>rcli 19. had been nearly wrecked on tbe Bermuda rocks, and detained for
repairs. Tbe counselors hastened in a small boat to welcome the long-
expected and much-desired commander-in-chief As soon as he learned
the state of affairs, he came at once to the city in the ship's pinnace.
It was evening, but he proceeded to the City HaU, the beU was rung, and
his commission read before a large assemblage. The shouts of joy and
the noisy uproar made Leisler tremble. Sloughter took the oath of ofifice,
as did also the counselors who were present. Notwithstanding the late
ness of the hour (it was eleven o'clock), Ingoldsby was sent with his
troops to demand entrance to the fort. Leisler refused, but sent StoU to
Sloughter for "orders under the king's own hand dfrected to himseU.
Stoll with coarse effrontery expressed his gratification that "Governor

ARRIVAL OF GOVERNOR SLOUGHTER. 387
Sloughter was the same man whom he had seen in England," and received
the quick and tart reply ; " Yes, I have been seen in England, and intend
now to be seen in New York." No further notice was taken of Stoll.
Ingoldsby was sent back to the fort to order Leisler, and such as were
caUed his councU, to report themselves at the City HaU, and to release
Bayard and Nicolls immediately from their confinement. Presently In-
CToldsby returned, accompanied by Milborne and Mayor De Lanoy. Leis
ler said the fort could not be surrendered in the night-time according to
miUtary rules, and had sent the two last-named gentlemen to explain.
They were not aUowed to speak at all, but were committed to the guards.
Ingoldsby was sent to the fort the third time with the same order, and
was the third time " contemptuously " refused. It was now past mid
night, and the governor directed the council to meet him early the next
morning. And thus ended that eventful day.
The gentlemen assembled promptly on Friday moming at the City
HaU. Leisler had prepared an apologetic letter, tendering the
fort and government in the best English he could use, promising
to give " an exact account of aU his actions and conduct." His egotism on
points which he did not clearly understand, not disloyalty, was what gave
him the appearance of trying to capitulate. But Sloughter's plans were
aU matured before tbe document was received, and it was laid on the
table unnoticed. He sent Ingoldsby to require the men in the fort to
ground their arms and march out, promising pardon to all save Leisler
and his council. The latter, having "been found in actual rebeUion,"
were conducted to the City Hall, and committed to the guards. The
great prison door was opened, and Bayard and NicoUs freed from their
long confinement. They were brought to the City Hall, looking aged and
emaciated ; tbey were hardly able to stand upon their feet. They took
the oaths of office amid warm congratulations ; and a little later Leisler
was conveyed to the same dungeon which they had occupied, and the
chain which Bayard bad worn was put upon his leg.
Sloughter at once took possession of the fort, Avhich he named William
Henry. He issued writs the same day for the election of representatives
to an Assembly to meet on the 9th of April. He commissioned John
Lawrence mayor of the city,^ William Pinhorne recorder, and Thomas
John Lawrence -was seventy -two years of age, and few men of his time were held in higher
esteem ; his letters evince remarkable energy and decision of character, and are e-ndently
the production of a man of superior intellect and liberal education. His nephew, William
Lawrence, -wasi one of Leisler's councO, a man already past middle life. Although so widely
separated in their political views there was great confidence and affection existing between
the uncle and nephew, and it was a, painful position indeed when the one was appointed to
the commission for trying the political offenders, and the other was one of those offenders.

388 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Clarke coroner. Thomas Newton was made attorney-general of the
province. The following Sunday was the first time in months that the church-
going community had breathed freely. The clergymen thanked
"God fervently for present blessings. Dominie Selyns preached
from the twenty-seventh Psalm, his text being, "I had fainted unless
I had believed to see tbe goodness of God in the land of the livino,''
His sermon, penned througb tbe fulness of joy at the turn events had
taken, may have been a libel upon the Christian theory of mercy to a
faUen foe, but it was the outpouring of a heart which had been sorely
tried, and the reasonings of a spirit which had calmly reviewed the
situation. It had its effect upon public opinion, and stimulated the
demand wbich was everywhere rending the air for the punishment . of
the author of tbe wrongs which had been visited upon the community.
Not a ray of pity for the mistakes of the humihated Leisler seemed
to penetrate the cell where he sat in a state of the most abject despond
ency. On Monday a committee was appointed to examine the prisoners. It
consisted of Chief Justice Dudley, Van Cortlandt, and Brooke.
Tbey were committed for trial Owing to certain recent transac
tions, Sloughter declined hearing the case, and ordered a special court of
oyer and terminer. Dudley and Thomas Johnson were appointed
judges in admiralty, together with Sir Eobert Eobinson, the former
governor of Bermuda, Colonel William Smith, Mayor John Lawrence,
Eecorder Pinhorne, Captain Jasper Hicks of the frigate Archangel, Lieu
tenant-Governor Ingoldsby, John Younge, and Isaac Arnold. It was
said that they were gentlemen most capable of discerning the truth, and
the least prejudiced against the prisoners. Bayard, Van Cortlandt, and
Pinhorne were directed to prepare the evidence. WUliam NicoUs,
George Farewell, and James Emott were assigned as king's counsel, to
assist Attorney-General Newton, wbo was tben reputed the best lawyer
in America. Tbe trial began March 30. The indictment found by the
¦ grand jury charged the prisoners with treason and murder, " lor
holding by force the king's fort against the king's governor after the pub-
Ucation of his commission, and after demand had been made in the kings
name, and in the reducing of which lives had been lost." Eight of the
prisoners pleaded " Not GuUty." Leisler and Milborne refused to plead
until the court should decide whether the king's letter to Nicholson had
or had not given Leisler authority to take upon himself the government
The court referred the question to Sloughter and his council, who declared

THE TRIAL OF LEISLER AND HIS COUNCIL. 389
that nothing whatever in the king's letter, or in any of the papers of the
Privy Council which Sloughter had seen, could be understood or inter
preted to contain any power and direction for Captain Jacob Leisler to
assume control of the government of the province, and that such control
could not be holden good in law.
The court announced this decision, but Leisler and MUborne stiU re
fused to plead, and appealed to the king. They were accordingly tried
as mutes. After eight days the jury pronounced them guilty, together
with Abraham Gouverneur, Dr. Gerardus Beekman, Johannes Vermilye,
Thomas WiUiams, Myndert Coerten, and Abraham Brasher. De Lanoy
and EdsaU were acquitted. Chief Justice Dudley then proceeded to pro
nounce the sentence of death upon the eight condemned criminals, accord
ing to the barbarous EngUsh law then in fuU force.
The prisoners at once petitioned the govemor for a reprieve until the
king's pleasure should be known ; and their petition was granted.
Sloughter wrote to William : " Never greater villains lived, but I
am resolved to wait your pleasure if by any other means than hanging I
can keep the country quiet." He also wrote : " I find these men against
whom the depositions were sent, to be the principal and most loyal men
of this place, whom Leisler and Milborne did fear and therefore grievously
oppress. Many that followed Leisler were through ignorance put up to
do what they did, and I believe if the chi^f ringleaders are made an
example the whole country wiU be quieted, which otherwise will be hard
to do." In a letter to the Plantation Committee, Sloughter wrote : " The
loyal and best part of the country is very earnest for the execution of the
prisoners. But if his Majesty will please grant his pardon for all except
Jacob Leisler and Jacob Milborne, it will be a favor."
Sloughter investigated the various accusations as he was directed by
the king. Those against Leisler, contained in the address of the people,
he found " severally true." Those against Bayard and Nicolls, forwarded
by Lfeisler, he pronounced of small consequence. Those gentlemen could
prove that they bad always been good Protestants, and only desired to con
tinue the government in peace until orders should arrive from England.
The Assembly convened on the day appointed in a smaU coffee-house
on Pearl Street. It was a proud era for New York, for it was the
first popular representation under the direct authority of the
crown. James Graham was appointed speaker. He was a lawyer who
had aheady attained distinction at the bar, and a man of great dignity,
of fine presence, and a master of rhetoric. He was the second son of the
Eari of Montrose, of Scotch notoriety, and in all his tastes and habits and
methods of thought was a fair type of the ancient nobility of Great

390 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Britain. The governor and Chief Justice Dudley each appeared, and
made a speech. The latter was noted for legal acumen and sound prin
ciples. He had tbe appearance of a man whose body was at the mercy
of a restless mind ; he was taU, thin, pale, and wore the worn look which
comes with constant study. He was afterwards a member of the British
Parliament, lieutenant-governor of the Isle of Wight, and governor of
Massachusetts (from 1702 to 1720). The members of the Assembly were
not experts in legislation, but with Newton and Graham to draft their bills
they accomplisbed no little business. They passed fourteen laws; one
of tbe first was for setthng the late disorders, and to provide against
simUar disturbances in the future. The old Court of Assizes was abol
ished, and a new Supreme Court, consisting of five judges, instituted in its
stead. Dudley was to be chief justice, and Johnson, Smith, Van Cortlandt,
and Pinhorne associate judges. A revenue for defraying the pubhc ex
penses of the province was granted. But the law was limited to two
years, which annoyed the succeeding governors, who wished revenue to
be granted for longer periods. The Assembly was a thoroughly royahst
body, and yet in language clear and forcible they asserted the right to a
representative government, not as a consequence of royal favor, but as an
English liberty inherent in the people.
A resolution was passed, unanimously, by tbe House, condemning
Leisler's acts as illegal, arbitrary, mischievous, destructive, and rebeUious,
and charging the tragedy at Schenectady entirely to his account. This
resolution was copied in full, signed by James Graham, Speaker, and sent
to the governor, " that his Excellency might know tbat his acts had been
approved." Meanwhile petitions were coming in upon Sloughter and his council
from every quarter. Dr. Gerardus Beekman prayed for pardon on the
ground that be was only at the fort to persuade Leisler against inhu
manly firing on the king's soldiers, and that he had very sick patients
wbo needed bis immediate attention. His wife, Magdalena Beekman,
entreated in a most touching strain that better accommodations be given
him in tbe prison until the king's pleasure should be known. She said
that her husband bad acted on the Committee of Safety only at the ur
gent request of the people of Long Island, and that he had had " true
meaning and good intent " ; but that he now " saw plainly that he had
been misled for tbe want of a right understanding." WilUam Beekman
interceded for his son ; and issued a government bond of £ 100 to
Sloughter, as security for the use of certain property belonging to Dr
Gerardus before he was convicted of treason, and which in case of his
non-pardon was forfeited to the crown.

SIGNING OF THE DEATH WARRANT. 391
Petitions from the families and friends of the other condemned pris
oners were received in great numbers. One for the pardon of Leisler
was largely signed in Westchester and on Staten Island. But counter-
petitions were equally numerous, from those who had been wronged and
distressed, all praying that the ringleaders in the late administration
should be immediately executed. Many of the prominent and loyal
men declared that there was no security for life or fortune while such
"tyrants '' were allowed to exist, for they might head an ignorant mob on
any occasion; they announced their intention of removing from the
province unless Leisler and Milborne, at least, were made to suffer the
extreme penalty of the law. Word came from Albany about the same
time that the Mohawks, disgusted with Leisler's mismanagement, were in
actual treaty with the French. It was imperative that the new governor
.should quickly conciliate the savages, else the province would be lost.
Any estimate which can now be framed of the extent of the pressure
whioh was brought to bear upori Sloughter must necessarily be very in
exact. He was a weak, avaricious, immoral man at the best ; he was
also notoriously intemperate. But whether drunk or sober the facts of
the case remain the same. He was under tbe direct influence of men
who had suffered untU human hate had well nigh exhausted every other
fountain of feeling. He was a guest in the house of Colonel Bayard.
Smith says, that " Sloughter was invited to a wedding-feast and when
overcome with wine was prevaUed upon to sign the death-warrant,
and before he recovered his senses the prisoners were executed." This
statement, even if true in part, cannot be true as a whole, for the death-
warrant was signed on Thursday and the execution took place on Satur-
day.i It has been said that the three Dutch ministers constantly argued
for the admiiustration of justice in the pulpit. It has been said that
ladies who had tears for highwaymen and housebreakers breathed noth
ing but vengeance, and earnestly pleaded with Sloughter to have com
passion upon them, and upon the country, by removing forever the guilty
creatures. It has been said that large sums of money were offered the
needy governor to induce him to put his name to the fatal paper ; and
that his own wife, from sheer covetousness, added her voice of entreaty
to the same effect.
Caution must be' exercised in accepting such accounts as history,
penned as they were by violent partisans, and tinctured witb the narrow-
1 letter from Members of the Dutch Church in New York to the Classis of Amsterdam,
October 21, 1698. N. Y. Hist. Soc Coll. (1868), pp. 398 - 412. Address of the New York
Legislative Assembly to Lord Bellamont, May 15, 1699. Governor Sloughter to Colonel God-
rkgton. Govemor Sloughter to Mr. Blathwayt. Governor Sloughter to Lord Inchiquin.

392 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
minded prejudice of that peculiar age. It appears that Sloughter hesi
tated througb an imperfect apprehension that he should exceed his legal
power by pronouncing death upon prisoners who had appealed to the
king. He was finaUy led into the belief tbat this act would enable him
to manage the Indians, for he had decided to go to Albany and meet the
Mohawk sachems. At the meeting with his councU May 14, the foUow
ing was entered upon tbeir records : —
" Present, His Excellency tbe Governor, Frederick PhUipse, Nicholas Bayard
Stephanus Yan Cortlandt, William NicoUs, and Gabriel MinvieUe.
" Upon the clamor of the people daily coming to his ExceUency relating to
the execution of the prisoners condemned of treason, and ha-ving received the
opinion of the greater part of the Representatives of the Assembly now convened,
he was pleased to offer to the councU his wUlingness to do what might be most
proper for tbe quiet and peace of the country before he should go to Albany.
And he demanded of the councU their opinion whether the delay of the execu
tion of justice might not prove dangerous at this conjuncture. Whereupon it
was unanimously resolved, that for the satisfaction of the Indians, and the asser
tion of the government and authority, and the prevention of insurrections and
disorders for the future, it is absolutely necessary that the sentence pronounced
against the principal offenders be forthwith put in execution."
The next paragraph explains itseff : — CoDNCiL-EooM, May 16, 1691.
His Excellency having sent the minute of council of the Mth of May, re
ferring to the execution of the principal criminals condemned of treason, to the
House of Eepresentatives to acquaint them of the resolve of this board, the same
was returned underwritten in manner following : —
House of Representatives for the Province of New York,
Die Veneris, May 15, P. M., 1691.
This House, according to their opinion given, do approve of what his Ex
ceUency and council have done. a
By order of the House of Eepresentatives, James Graham, Speaker.
Thus the death-warrant was signed. Dominie Selyns was the messen
ger who was sent to break the terrible inteUigence to the unhappy men.
They petitioned Sloughter for a reprieve, but it was not granted. He re
spited all the sentence, however, save the hanging and the separation of
the heads from the bodies.
The scenes within the ceUs were for the next few hours heart-rending
For aU they had done, for aU they had attempted to do, for thefr loyalty
to the king, for their Christian zeal, only an ignominious death. Self-
opinionated no longer, broken in spirit, overcome by the grief of his fam-

EXECUTION OF LEISLER AND MILBORNE. 393
ily and by unavaUing regrets, Leisler humbled himself before his God and
prepared for the end. As for MUborne, he never ceased his efforts to
excite pity and clemency. Despair preyed upon his mind until he was
almost a maniac.
Saturday dawned with a dark, northeast, melancholy rain-storm brood-
m" over the city. The gaUows was erected near the site of the old Tam
many HaU. A ferocious rabble assembled to witness the execution ; they
said a grave under the gallows was too respectable a resting-place for the
"black dogs"; they said they should have been tortured Uke Indians;
and they hoped they might go to the place of wailing and gnashing of
teeth. A strong guard of soldiers was esteemed necessary to prevent the
prisoners from being torn in pieces when they should be led forth.
Dominie Selyns walked beside the doomed men and offered the last
consolations of religion. Leisler made a short speech upon the scaffold.
He said he knew that he had grievously erred in many ways, and asked
pardon of God and of aU those whom he had offended. He declared his
loyalty to the king and queen, and prayed that all malice might be buried
in his grave. He said he forgave the most implacable of his enemies, and
begged his friends and relations to forget and forgive any injury done to
him. He prayed for aU in authority, and for his distressed and afflicted
family, and requested charity and prayers for himself MUborne spoke
for a few moments in a pathetic strain, but, seeing Li-vingston in the
crowd, he exclaimed, " You have caused my death. Before God's tribunal
1 will impeach you for the same." The sheriff asked Leisler if he was
ready to die. He rephed that he was, and that he did not fear death,
for what, he had done had been for the king and queen, the Protestant
rehgion, and the good of the country. He then exclaimed, "I am
ready ! "
The drop fell. A waU of anguish rent the air, which for the moment
browned the gross ribaldry of those who regarded the scene with bar
barous exultation. Women fainted, and sorrow-stricken mourners min
gled their tears with the falling rain. It was a solemn and an ominous
occasion, and it left its abiding mark upon New York history. Its effects
are stUl -with us. Better men have paid as dearly for their mistakes in
aU ages of the world, but Jacob Leisler and Jacob Milborne were the only
two who were ever executed in New York for a political crime.
The event wai variously judged. Candid jurists pronounced the whole
proceeding perfectly lawful. " But," said others, " there were extenuating
circumstances which were not allowed to appear at the trial." Concern
ing no pubhc actor in colonial history has opinion more widely differed
than in regard to Jacob Leisler. He has been held up as a champion of

394 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Dutch democracy against English aristocracy, of Protestantism against
Eomanism, of republicanism against monarchism. It is evident, how
ever, from a careful analysis of his official career, that there was no
struggle in New York to call for championship in any of these direc
tions. And his acts clearly negative all claim to democratic theories.
He seized authority with honest intentions and with unquestionable be
lief in the plots his fancy created. He afterwards became infatuated with
the novelty of the position, and his strong passions and feeble judgment
led him into more unpardonable excesses than were ever committed by
any of the governors placed over the colony by the Crown of England.
And yet he was not a bad mau, and his execution was a shocking blunder
He became a martyr in memory, not a convict, and his death was the
stock of a party which for years, by its triumphs and its defeats, retarded
seriously the prosperity of New York.
The outcry was at once raised that he had been murdered. " Barbar
ously murdered," wrote Dr. Mather to Chief Justice Dudley. " Eevenge-
fuUy sacrificed," wrote Jeremias Van Eensselaer to the Lords of Trade.
The various accounts of the transaction produced a profound sensation in
England. The touching appeals to the king from Mrs. Leisler and her
children, and from the young widow of Milborne, tbat the estates of the
deceased might be restored to their famihes, were carefully weighed.
William declared in favor of tbe faUness of the trial, and the justness of
the sentence, since they were not indicted for the part they had taken
in the revolution, or in the subsequent violences, but simply for holding a
fortress by arms against the legal govemor, which in the judgment of law
was levying war against the king. But he ordered their estates to be re
turned to their heirs, because the services of the fathers required some
compensation. This imperfect redress did not satisfy. The children and friends of
Leisler persisted year after year until an act of Parliament reversed the
attainder, which occurred in 1695.^ It was almost entirely accompUshed
through the able Massachusetts agents ; but it is said when the hand
some, energetic young Jacob Leisler, Jr., appeared in England, and was
favored in his suit by Lord Bellomont, that Eobert Livingston, who was
there at tbe time, and who was an intimate personal friend of the Earl,
had several interviews with him and interested himself in recommending
the subject, as well as young Leisler himself, to the notice of the Lords.
1 Jacob Milbome, a son of the deceased by his first wife, was one of the petitioners named.
It is recorded that Joanna Edsall, wife of Jacob Milborne, joined the Garden Street Dutch
Church, November 29, 1688. She was the daughter of Samuel Edsall, and died, as is be
lieved, during her husband's absence iu Europe.

ROBERT LIVINGSTON.

395

New York was now in a most critical condition, not only from internal
faction but from foreign warfare. The French king was fuUy bent upon
the conquest of a province which through the Five Nations had caused so

Portrait of Robert Livingston.
(From copy (of Gen. J. Watts de Peyster) of original painting in possession of Clermont Livingston.)
much bloodshed and desolation among his Canadian subjects. AU the
art of the French character was brought into requisition to win the sav
ages to their standard. Sloughter arrived in Albany May 26.
The Mohawks were there before him, and the meeting took place
the next day. The negotiations were managed by Mayor Schuyler and
Eobert Livingston, and were exceedingly interesting. Sloughter had
brought presents from England, which were given to the Indians
with much ceremony.^ One of the Mohawk chiefs said that the late
' These presents were 1 doz. stockings, 6 shirts, 3 bags powder, 16 bars of lead, 30 gul
Strang wampum, 3 runlets rum, 3 rolls tobacco, and privately to the chiefs some coats of
duffels. Govemor Sloughter's Answer to the Proportion of the Mohawk Sachems, Albany, May
26, 1691. Ne%o York Col. Doc, Vol. III. 771 - 781. Chalmers's Politiml Annals.

396 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
disorders in the province had weUnigh confounded aU their affairs
and that several of their white brethren had deserted Albany in the
hour of danger, which must not happen again. FinaUy, in order to re-
estabUsh the confidence of the savages on a firm basis, it was decided that
Mayor Schuyler should lead them on an aggressive campaign into Canada
and preparations were immediately made. Schuyler left Albany on the
21st of June with four hundred men, five sixths of whom were
^ ' Indians, and plunged into the dense forests to the north. He
crossed Lake Champlain, and pushed directly into the enemy's country.
With rapid strides he soon reached La Prairie, and surprised the governor
of Montreal, who was encamped with a large force. Owing to the prowess
of the Mohawks, Schuyler obliged his gaUant opponents to retire mto
their fort, which he assaulted, though with a success hardly equal to his
vigorous efforts. Apprehending danger of being cut off in his retreat, he
prudently retired and conducted his warriors in triumph to Albany. His
exploit stimulated the Iroquois, who continued their attacks upon the
French unaided, and nobly protected New York whUe her exhausted re
sources enabled her to maintain only feeble frontier garrisons.
Sloughter remained in Albany untU Schuyler's departure and
' then returned to New York. He found a multitude of duties
awaiting him, and entered upon their performance at once. But his
career was soon checked. He was. taken suddenly Ul on the 21st
' of July, and died on the morning of the 23d. His symptoms were
^ ' of such a nature that the physician suspected he had been poi
soned. A negro servant who had been seen to put something in his coffee
at the table just before his attack was accused and examined, and in great
terror caUed upon Heaven to witness that it was only sugar. - A post
mortem investigation resulted in the opinion that he had died from natural
causes, and the grateful negro was exonerated from suspicion. His body
was placed in the Stuyvesant vault by permission of the famUy, next to
that of the honored Dutch governor.
Chief Justice Dudley, to whom as president of the councU the gov
ernment would have faUen in this emergency, was in Curagoa. In
consequence, the council met two days after the governor's death, and
unanimously declared Ingoldsby commander-in-chief, untU the kings
pleasure should be known.
It was not long before information reached New York that the French
had been reinforced and were planning to attack Albany. Schuyler had
not retumed. It was next to impossible to raise more men and money.
Therefore Ingoldsby and the councU applied to New England for aid,
which was " flatly denied." In this extremity they wrote to the Lords

ETIENNE BE LANCEY. 397
of Trade, begging earnestly for warUke stores. In explaining the condi
tion of New York, they said " it had never ceased to groan under its in
supportable pressures since its nnserable union with Boston." They even
charged aU the recent calamities upon Boston. " New York had always
been signal for her good affection to monarchy until poisoned with the
seditions and anti-monarchial principles of Boston"
Ingoldsby hurried to Albany and conferred with some of the Mohawk
sachems. He gave them presents, and they, more friendly than the New
England people, continued their defensive warfare.
The Assembly met in September and made what appropriations seemed
practicable. Schuyler had by that time retumed, and the prospect was
brighter. The city elections were comparatively quiet. The aldermen
chosen were, WUUam Beekman and Alexander Wilson for tbe East
Ward, WUUam Merritt and Thomas Clarke for the Dock Ward, John
Merritt and Garret Dow for the Out Ward, Johannes EUp and Teunis
De Kay for the North Ward, Eobert Darkins and Peter King for the
West Ward, and Brandt Schuyler and Stephen De Lancey for the South
Ward. Brandt Schuyler, although he took a less active part in public Ufe than
his brother Peter, was universaUy respected. In personal appearance he
bore a striking resemblance to his sister Gertrude, Mrs. Van Cortlandt.
His wffe was Cprneha, the sister of Stephanus Van Cortlandt, hence the
two famUies were doubly related, and Uved on terms of great social
intimacy. Stephen, or, as he was more commoiUy known, Etienne De Lancey, was
the son of a French nobleman of Caen in Normandy. He was the ances
tor of aU of that honorable name in this country. He brought with him
many evidences of wealth and culture. He prosecuted a foreign trade,
chiefly to Africa, and acquired a large fortune. His place of business
was on Pearl Street ; nine years later he married Ann, the daughter of
Stephaijus Van Cortlandt.

398 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER XXI.
1691-1701.
ABRAHAM DB PEYSTER.
Abraham De Pbtstee. — Effects of the Eevoltjtion. —The two Hostile Factions.
— The Garden Stkeet Chukch. — Origin of Water Street. — Public Paupees. —
City Legislation. — Condition of the Province. — The Corporation Dinner. —
Governor Fletcher. — Fletcher studying the Indians. — The Gift op a Gold
Cup. — Fletcher's Difficulties. — Boston meddling. — Caleb Heathcote. —A
Curious Romance. — The Assembly stiff-necked. — Fletcher in Temper. — The
first Printing in New York. — Sir William Phipps. — Official Stealing. —
Livingston in England. — Young Leisler at William's Court. — Wrangling m
the Assembly. — Accusations and Counter- Accusations. — Fletcher's Speech. —
Shocking Brutalities. — Fletcher's Character on Trial. — Livingston criticised
BY Fletcher. — De Peyster's New House. — De Peyster's Descendants. — Mil
ler's Description of New York. — Dominie Selyns's Piracy. — Mrs. Fletcher
AND HER Daughters. — Captain Kidd. — The Expedition against Piracy. — Kidd
the Prince of Pirates. — The Repeal of Bolting and Baking Acts. — First
Opening of Nassau Steeet. — The first Lighting of the City. — The first Night-
Watch. — The Earl of Bellomont. — Bellomont's Reforms. — Bellomont's Col
lision with the Merchants. — The Acts of Trade. — The Peace of Ryswick.—
The Landed Estates attacked. — Jambs Graham. — Dominie Dellius. — Bello
mont's Mortifications. — The Dutch Church. — Bellomont in Boston. — Thb
Board of Trade. — Deaths of Graham, Van Cortlaudt, and Bellomont.
ABEAHAM DE PEYSTEE was appointed mayor of the city
Although he had attached himself to Leisler in the early part of
the Eevolution, he had been involved in none of the later indiscre-
1691. tions, and it was predicted that he would be a most effective
October, agent in the way of restoring public tranquiUity. He was a
native of the city, interested in its growth and prosperity, and knew the
temper of its people. He was also personally popular. He was about
thirty-four years of age, with a frank, winning face, fine presence, and
great poUsh and elegance of manners. His character was irreproachable,
and his political judgment sound. He had married about seven years
before, while on a visit to Holland, his cousin Catharine De Peyster.
His father, Johannes De Peyster, had some time since died, but his

EFFECTS OF THE REVOLUTION. 399
inother was U-ving in the old homestead. His three brothers, Isaac, Jo
hannes, and Cornehs, each acquired a large estate for the period, and each
filled from time to time responsible positions in the city government.
Isaac was a member of the Assembly for several years. Johannes, who

Portrait of Col. Abraham De Peyster.
(From original painting in possession of Hon. Frederic de Peyster, President of New York
Historical Society.)
was reputed the handsomest man of his day, was mayor of the city in
1698 - 99, and was succeeded by David Provoost, who was the husband
of their only sister Maria. This lady's daughter by a former husband
became the wife of the celebrated James Alexander, and mother of Lord
Stirhng. When De Peyster first robed himself in the mayor's gown and entered
upon his judicial duties, he was harassed as few mayors have ever been
either before or since his time. The Eevolution had disturbed every man's
private affairs. Property had been seized for taxes, neighbors were suing
each other for debts and damages, and insubordination against the city
laws was of daily occurrence. The virulence with which men complained
of each other indicated the wells of bitterness beneath the surface of soci
ety, and foreshadowed the coming storms in the political horizon. A story
was circulated that Leisler had never paid the soldiers whom he had
taken upon hhnseif to raise. This De Peyster promptly deiued, as he had

400 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
personal knowledge of its falsity. To say Leisler was dishonest in pecu
niary matters was simply monstrous, for he had expended large sums of
his own money to keep the government from bankruptcy. De Peyster did
not hold Leisler blameless; he had eschewed aU connection with the
man as soon as he found him unpersuadable and infatuated beyond rea
son and justice (according to his private opinion), but he was lenient
towards bun in his heart, and thought he had been harshly treated
at the last.
Two hostile factions were each trying to maintain untenable grounds,
and each trying to hoodwink and overreach the other. The anti-revolu
tionists were dominant, and manffested a constant disposition to retaliate
upon aU such as had supported Leisler. The Act of the Assembly prom
ising pardon to every one not under actual sentence of death was coldly
received. The famihes and friends of the six condemned prisoners were
making herculean efforts for their release, and the sufferers were fiiU of
concessions and promises. But both parties were smarting from wounds
for which there was no heaUng bahn, and which were to culminate finaUy
in great incurable ulcers.
De Peyster projected city improvements with a lavish hand. He do
nated a tract of land at " Smits Vlye " to the corporation, and presently
an act was pubhshed for the sale of a few of the lots, on condition that
the buyers help buUd wharves that were very much needed ; one front
ing King Street, thirty feet wide, and one on either side of Mrs. Van
Clyffe's slip, of about the same dimensions. The site of the old Fly Mar
ket was a part of this donation. A few years later De Peyster presented
to the corporation the site of the old City Hall where Washington was
inaugurated. In December the subject of buUding a new Dutch church was
again agitated. There were a number of families who objected to
worshiping in the one in the fort, in any event, and, besides, that edifice was
getting old, and it was much too small. A lot in the midst of a beautfful
and highly cultivated garden belonging to Mrs. Dominie Drisius was deemed
sufiiciently up-town. It fronted on a picturesque little lane caUed " Gar
den Alley," which in course of time and progress became Garden Street,
and is now Exchange Place. The work was pushed forward at once, and
the building completed in 1693. The style of it was an oblong square,
with three sides of an octagon on the east side. It had a brick steeple in
front, resting on a large square foundation, which admitted room above
the entry for an apartment in which the consistory could hold their meet
ings. The windows were small panes of glass set in lead, and burnt cu
riously into the glass were the coats-of-arms of the chief famiUes who

Dec. 19.

THE GARDEN STREET CHURCH.

401

constituted the church and congregation. There were also from time to
time, subsequently, many painted coats-of-arms hung upon the walls.
The pulpit, beU, and several escutcheons were from the church in the fort.
'This beU was placed in a church erected in 1807 on the spot where the

Portrait of Mrs. Col. Abraham De Peyster.
(From original painting in possession of Hon. Frederic de Peyster, President of New York
Historical Society.)
Garden Street Church stood. Some thought the beU too smaU, but Judge
Benson, who was one of the elders at the time, said the beU was the first
ever brought to the city, and that its sUver tones had been the deUght of
the native Indians. For its antiquity, if for no other reason, it ought not
to be substituted for modern castings. It consequently remained in its
place, and shared the fate of the church in the great fire of 1835. A
silver baptismal basin was procured in 1694, on which was engraved a
sentence written by Dominie Selyns, indicating the significance of the
baptismal rites. The basin cost " twenty silver ducats " ; it is a curious
rehc, preserved and in use in Dr. Eogers's church on Fifth Avenue, corner
of Twenty-First Street, in which the corporate title of the first Dutch
church m New York is handed along.
The corporation assumed to own the land nnder water, and in order to
fiil in the shore along the East Eiver lots were sold aU the way
ftom the Qity HaU to Fulton Street ; hence the origin of Water
Street These lots were chiefly purchased by merchants, who paid an
average price of twenty doUars each ; one of the terms of purchase re-
26

402 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
quired the buyer to cover the entire front of his lot with a buUding of
brick or stone hot less than two stories high. It was during this year
(1692) that Pine, Cedar, and the neighboring streets were laid out through
the old " Damen Farm " which was bounded north by Maiden Lane. The
" Damen Farm "., is described among the deeds as " Clover Wayters," 
Clover Pastures. Maiden Lane was caUed " Maagde paetje " — Vhgin's
Path — from the fact that it was a resort for washerwomen, because
of a little stream of spring water which ran through the vaUey at that
point. The investigation of patents caused an endless amount of wranghng.
An interesting question came up as to the ownership of the vacant space
in Hanover Square. It was found to be covered by a title of Govert
Loockermans, and was claimed by his heirs. The claimants determined
to buUd there, and as such a proceeding would shut off the fine water-view
from a number of handsome dwellings in the neighborhood, great efforts
were put forth to keep the property out of their hands. Johannes Van
Brugh, who hved on the north side of the square, was one of the witnesses
for the city in the suit. He remembered the spot to have been in com
mon for forty-six years, and his wife, who was a daughter of Dominie Bo
gardus, remembered as far back as 1637.
It was through the suggestion of Mayor De Peyster that the city first
assumed the support of pubhc paupers. Each alderman was ordered to
make a return of the poor in his ward. A poor-house was not then
provided, but the paupers were recommended as objects of charity, and
granted a smaU pittance of the public money. About the same time
the corporation erected in front of the City HaU, on the river shore, a
pillory, cage, whipping-post, and ducking-stool, as a perpetual terror to
evU-doers. Vagrants, thieves, slanderers and truant-chUdren were to be
there exposed for public show, or to receive such chastisement as their
offenses warranted. The ducking-stool was for the special punishment of
excess or freedom of speech. It was a purely EngUsh invention. It had
been used for a long period throughout the British Empire. This was the
first introduction of it into New York. Its need must have been starthngly
apparent twenty-two years before, when the Lutheran nunister, having
been prosecuted for striking a woman, pleaded in defense that she pro
voked him to it by scolding.
Street-cleaning was one of the subjects of city legislation this year. A
law was passed requiring every householder to keep the street clean
in front of his own door ; and another requiring the street surveyor to
cause aU " stramonium and other poisonous weeds rooted up within the
city."

CONDITION OF THE PROVINCE. 403
• If the affairs of the province had been as ably managed as those of the
city, it would have been fortunate. But Ingoldsby was Ulogical, inexact,
and blundering. He was brave in war, and had some talent for admiais-
tration, but he did not know his own mind. His interest was to stand
weU with the councU, and his irritable and imperious nature was con
stantly impelhng him to quarrel with them. His spleen was excited one
day by a dry answer from Van Cortlandt; the next, by a suggestion from
some other of the gentlemen. He kept actively at work, but accom
phshed httle or nothing. The French worried the government into a
continual state of unrest. The funds were wanting to satisfy the grum-
bhng demands of the colonists for protection. It was finaUy determined
to make another appeal to the king.
Matthew Clarkson drew up an address, which was signed by Ingolds
by, PhUipse, Van Cortlandt, Bayard, MinvieUe, Nicolls, and Pinhorne,
setting forth the necessities of New York with great precision, and im
ploring supphes to carry on the war. It contained a carefuUy worded
picture of the condition of the province, and of its sources of income, and
argued the advantage of adding to it Connecticut, New Jersey, and Penn
sylvania, in order to give it strength to defend itself. It was such a
document as could not be passed by with inattention. It said, " The
middle of Long Island is altogether barren. The west end is chiefly
employed in tiUage and supplies the traffic of New York. The east end
is settled by New England people, and their improvements are mostly in
pasturage and whahng. Despite our strict laws their industry is often
carried to Boston. Esopus has about three thousand acres of manurable
land, aU the rest being hiUs and mountains not possible to be cultivated.
The chief dependence of Albany is the traffic of the Indians. New York
City is situated upon a barren island, with nothing to support it but trade
which comes chiefly from bread and flour sent to the West Indies. AU
the rest of the province except Westchester, Staten Island, and Martha's
Vineyard, consists of barren mountains not improvable by human in
dustry." It was read by King WilUam ; it was read by Queen Mary ;
it was read by the Privy CouncU.
The result was the appointment of a governor for New York with broad
instructions. The choice feU upon Colonel Benjamin Fletcher, a soldier
of fortune, and an energetic officer. He was made thoroughly acquainted
with the distresses of his government, and before saiUng solicited pre
sents for the Indians, warlike stores, and two additional companies of
soldiers. It was aU granted with an alacrity equal to the importance
of his requests. In order to restore that intemal peace which the
inconsiderate foUy of Leisler had destroyed, a general pardon was granted.

404 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
and all prosecutions growing out of the late disorders prudently dis
charged. The frigate which bore him to New York was to remain for the pro
tection of its coasts. He arrived August 29, and was cordiaUy
welcomed. His commission was formaUy pubUshed the next
"^" " morning. The same counselors were continued, with the addition
of Peter Schuyler and Eichard Townley, and they all took the customary
oaths. Dudley, however, was still absent, and Colonel WiUiam Smith
was appointed chief justice in his place. Fletcher was ordered to requhe
aU tbe EngUsh colonies to furnish their quota of men and money for the
general defense ; but he was never able to enforce such an order, and aU
his authority outside of New York was openly disputed, giving him re
peated and unnecessary mortifications.
The city corporation tendered the new chief magistrate a dinner, which
cost £20. Mayor De Peyster presided, and made a happUy worded
speech on tbe occasion. He requested Fletcher to use his influence with
the king to obtain a contirmation of the city charter, and a continuation
of the bolting and baking monopoly, which had become of great value
to New York. Vigorous efforts were being made in tbe inland towns to
break it up, and although various laws had been passed to prevent its
infringement, the mayor and aldermen were apprehensive of its ultimate
destruction. A few days later the corporation addressed a letter to
Fletcher on the same subject, and with great earnestness entreated
him "to take the afflicted city into favorable consideration, and be
come its benefactor by saving it the monopoly without which it must
perish." Governor Fletcher was a stout, florid man, of easy address, showy and
pretentious. He rolled through the streets in a carriage drawn by six
horses. His wife and daughters were stylish ladies, who foUowed the
latest European fashions. His servants wore handsome livery and were
weU drUled. He was fond of society, and never happier than when per
forming acts of hospitality. He was a great lover of high Uving and
drank wine daUy, but not to excess. It was a common practice during
his administration for politicians and gentlemen concerned with him in
the government, to drop in at their own convenience, without formal in
vitation, and dine at his well-fiUed table. He was not a man of exten
sive learning, but his mind was largely stocked with ideas, the result of
acute observation. He talked rapidly and to the point, and his argu
ments always carried weight. He bad a hot, hasty temper, but it was
combined with so much decision of character that it only fitted him the
more perfectly for a military commander, in which capacity he was sue-

GOVERNOR FLETCHER. 405
cessful ; there was, however, about him an arrogance not so weU adapted
to the chair of state. He stumbled into errors and extravagances, and
raised up against himseK powerful foes. He was devoutly religious, and
had the beU mng twice every day for prayers in his household. He
exerted himseK to found churches, and to pave the way for the extension
of the gospel With his rule commenced a distinct era in the civU and
religious history of New York.
From the day of his arrival he was never idle, and to aU outward ap
pearances seldom weary. His first work was to study into the affairs
of the Indians. They must not be aUowed to go over to the French.
He repaired to Albany and placed himself under the tuition of Mayor
Schuyler. He was for weeks a guest in the Schuyler mansion. He made
a trip with Schuyler into the Mohawk country, and was entertained
by the warriors in their famous castles. He pried into the character,
habits, and strength of these natives of the wUderness. He even learned
somewhat of tbeir language. In his subsequent transactions with them
his success was so marked that it was spoken of as his distinguishing
exceUence by those who would not give him credit for any other good
thing. Much was due to his instructor. Schuyler enjoyed the weU-eamed
reputation in Europe as weU as America of being the most consummate
diplomat of his time. He had secured the undying friendship of the
Iroquois, and his advice and suggestions carried with them the power
of law. Colden says that he was " only a country farmer, who had on
some occasions given proof of courage, but that he was in no way distin
guished by abUities either natural or acquired."^ The records show,
nevertheless, that he possessed a depth of understanding that was always
in advance of Indian instinct and treachery, with no inconsiderable fund
of strength in reserve. And his exhibition of military skiU on every
occasion where there was a clash of arms seems fuUy to have justified
the Indian sobriquet of the " Great Brave White Chief"
Fletcher placed Ingoldsby in command of the soldiers at Albany. ^^^^
Upon his return to New York he was waited upon by Mayor De
Peyster and the aldermen of the city, and presented with a gold cup
which cost the corporation £100. Such presentations were then very
much in vogue among all corporate bodies in Europe.
Presently news reached Fletcher that the vigorous old Count
Frontenac had started from Montreal with an army of six or seven
hundred French and Indians, supplied with everything necessary for a win
ter's campaign, intending to descend upon the Five Nations. New York
1 Cad-wallader Colden's Letters to his Son. N. Y. Hist. Soc Coll. (1868).

406 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
was alarmingly insecure, and the governor and the mayor went unitedlv
into the work of fortifications. One cold snowy winter eveninc
¦ about ten o'clock an express reached Fletcher to the effect that
the French were fighting the Iroquois in the neighborhood of Schenec
tady, and that Schuyler had started with a smaU force from Albany to
the rehef of the alUed Indians. Drums at once beat for volunteers and
within forty-eight hours Fletcher with three hundred men was en rmte
for the scene of warfare. He reached Schenectady on the 17th
' and found that the French had been defeated and driven towards
Canada with serious loss. They were pursued untU theh pursuers were
so distressed for provisions that they fed upon the dead bodies of the
enemy. The French were reduced to that degree of starvation before
they got home that they ate their shoes.
The governor's promptness and the extraordinary circumstance of free
navigation of the Hudson Eiver in the month of February caused the
Indians to regard him as a wonderful warrior, and they gave him the
name of " Cayenguirago," — the Great Swift Arrow. The Indians had
lost their castles and suffered severely. Fletcher did what he could to
comfort tbem, assisted them to buUd wigwams, and furnished them with
provisions. The sachems told him that the English did not provide them
with warlike stores as the French did their Indian friends, and that they
could not continue the war unless they were better sustained. They said,
too, that if all the colonies would join in good earnest Canada might be
reduced. Fletcher retumed to New York, leaving the frontiers distracted and
comparatively defenseless. The Assembly soon after convened, and voted
him the thanks of the House for his energetic proceedings. Tbe defense
of the province, which might be so easily invaded, was the first and most
important subject for discussion. Six hundred pounds for one year's pay
of three hundred volunteers was granted. Then Fletcher caUed attention
to the establishment of the Church of England, according to the king's
orders. The indifference of the House in regard to what he had said on
a fomier occasion angered him, and he remarked with much asperity:
" Gentlemen, the first thing I recommended to you at our last meeting was
to provide for a ministry, and nothing is yet done. You are aU big with
the privileges of Englishmen and Magna Charta, which is your right, and
tbe same law provides for the religion of the Church of England. As
you have postponed it this session, I trast you wiU take hold of it at the
next meeting and do something toward it effectuaUy."
The two factions which had derived their existence from the Eevolution
would not agree upon anything. Whenever Fletcher attempted to recon-

FLETCHER'S DIFFICULTIES.

407

And things grew

cile feuds, he found neither adversary incUned to be content with less
than the other's neck. He was, indeed, as he expressed himself, ruler
over "a divided, contentions, and impoverished people.'
worse ins t e a d of be 1 1 e r.
Some of his counselors, hav
ing suffered unjustly them-
jselves,relentlesslypersecuted those who had wronged them
under the authority of Leis
ler's commissions. The Leis-
lerians, on the other hand, ac
cused the governor of being
the tool of the aristocrats,
and took exception to aU his
measures. Jacob Leisler, Jr.,
was now at the court of Wil
ham and Mary, directing all
his energies to the task of re
moving the stain of treason
from his father's memory.
He was aided by the depos
itions of many persons in
New York, and his mother
and six sisters were sending
petition after petition to the queen. It occasioned continual commotion.
The six prisoners in the fort, under sentence of death, appealed to Fletcher,
immediately upon his arrival, for release from their " miserable confine
ment." He sent for Dr. Gerardus Beekman and Abraham Gouverneur to
come before him in the City HaU, and, in the presence of Mayor De
Peyster, told them that they had petitioned him separate from his council ;
that, even if the latter were their enemies, since he must rule the country
in connection with them, they must address a petition in a suitable man
ner, hefore he could take any steps for their benefit. It was accordingly
done. Then each of the prisoners was set at Uberty, after giving bonds
that he would not leave the province. Abraham Gouverneur quickly
took advantage of his freedom, and escaped in a fishing-boat to Boston.
Sir WilUam Phipps, who had recently been made governor of Massachu
setts, promised to take care of him and assist him in going to England.
Phipps told Gouverneur that Fletcher was a " poor beggar," who only
sought money and not the good of the country, and that the " old King
James's Council " at New York spoUed every good thing, and must be got

Garden Street Dutch Church, built in 1693.

408 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
out of the way. Phipps's counselors talked in a simUar strain to Gouver
neur, who wrote an account of it to his parents, with a request that his
letter might be shown to Dr. Beekman and Mrs. Leisler.
All at once Fletcher heard that there had been meetings, violent
speeches, serious reflections upon some members of his councU, and fresh
demands of reparation for Leisler's blood. WhUe he was wonderino' what
had started snch a storm, and just as he was flattering himseff that he
had somewhat abated the foaming of the waters, the letter of Gouverneur
by a singular accident feU into his hands. Ah ! it was Boston, the neigh
bor who, in the enjoyment of the tranquUity of peace, disregarded the cries
for help when New York was overawed by a murderous enemy, — it was
Boston at the beUows, trying to fan the embers of former discontents.
Fletcher wrote to Phipps, and demanded the surrender of Gouverneur,
which was haughtily denied, and the latter soon joined young Leisler in
London. Fletcher's endeavor to establish a ministry was seconded with great
zeal by Caleb Heathcote, who was appointed to the governor's council in
the spring of 1693. He had been in New York but a few months, but
his uncle Captain George Heathcote had been a property owner in the
city for seventeen or more years. The uncle died a bachelor, and Caleb
was his heir by wiU. The latter was a young man of pronUse, and his
unusual talents brought him into immediate notice. He was the son
of the mayor of Chester in England, and brother to Sir GUbert Heathcote,
the founder and first president of the bank of England, and Lord Mayor
of London.
There was a curious romance in which these brothers were concerned.
Caleb was engaged to be married to a lady of great beauty, and in the
fuU pride of conquest took his elder brother to see his betrothed. GUbert
was not only stmck witb admiration, but actuaUy feU in love with the
lady himseK. What is more, he finally supplanted Caleb in her affec
tions and married her. The disappointed lover saUed for America, and
was soon immersed in business both pubhc and private. Succeeding to
the estate of his uncle, who had large shipping interests, he found httle
time for heart-breaking regrets. Society was also a cordial bahn for his
slowly healing wound, for no one in those days who saw a gentleman
could mistake his social position, and he was consequently received into
the Uttle circle which gathered around the governor with aU the state
and ceremony of a court. It was not long before he became a favonte
guest in the house of Chief Justice WilUam Smith, " Tangier Smith " as
he was called from having been governor of Tangier before he came to
New York. The chief center of attraction was Miss Martha Smith, that

A CURIOUS ROMANCE. 409
aentleman's daughter, and ere many months a gay wedding at St.
George's manor furnished society gossip for a season. Heathcote built
a manor-house on his extensive lands near Mamaroneck (which were
erected into a manor in 1701), and was lord of the manor of Scarsdale to
the end of a long and eventful life. At his death the title as weU as the
estate descended to his son Gilbert. He had other children, among whom
a large legacy from his brother William was divided. His eldest daugh
ter, Ann, married Lieutenant-Governor James De Lancey. His third
daughter, Martha, married Dr. James Johnson of Perth Amboy, who was
the friend and correspondent of Gronovius, and who succeeded Heath
cote as mayor of New York.
In July word came to Fletcher that the French were offering presents
to the Iroquois, who had suffered terribly from the war while they
had received no material aid from the colonies which they had ^'
defended The defection of these brave aUies would be the rrUn of New
York. The governor hurried to Albany, and summoned the sachems to an
interview. He made them large gifts of clothing, hatchets, knives, and
ammunition. They were apparently pleased, and gave him furs as a trib
ute of esteem. But they delivered no belt of wampum as a token of sincer
ity, and although they promised to remain steadfast and loyal, they left
behind them a feeUng of insecurity. Fletcher wrote to the king that the
warriors accused the neighboring EngUsh colonies of cowardice and lazi
ness, and were extremely dissatisfied that they were involved alone in
such bloody warfare. " And should we lose the affections of our Indian
friends," he continued, " we should be instantly steeped in blood our-

A new Assembly convened in September, and James Graham was
elected speaker. Fletcher recommended two chief objects to the
... •' Sept. 14.
consideration of the House. One was the settling of a ministry,
the other was the estabUshment of the revenue during the life of the king.
Business progressed slowly, for there was much coldness and back
wardness among the members. Fletcher sent a messenger on the
20th to remind the House of the value of time and the great expense of
the session to the country. Shortly after. Jacobus Van Cortlandt pre
sented the biU of the revenue, which was read for the first time. In the
afternoon a committee from the House met a committee from the council
at Stephanus Van Cortlandt's residence, where the biU was discussed at
great length. The counselors were all for settling the revenue upon the
toig for hfe. The Assemblymen present, among whom were Jacobus
Van Cortlandt, Johannes Kip, and Colonel Pierson, were firmly in favor
of continuing it only for five years. An amendment warmly sustained

410 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
by the counselors was voted down by the Assemblymen, and it passed
the House in its original form.
The next day a biU for the estabUshment of a ministry, which gave
the election of rectors to the vestry-men and church- wardens, was trans
mitted to the council. It was returned with an amendment investing
the power of coUation in the governor. The Assembly refused to assent
to an alteration which deducted so much weight from the scale of popular
power. The bill became a law, and it was couched in such language as
led the Church of England to think it was enacted for her establishment
alone, and gave room for the dissenters to contend that it was passed
equally for their benefit. Fletcher was so exasperated that he summoned
the House before him and broke up the session in high temper. He
said : —
" You have shown a great deal of stifEness. You take upon you airs as if you
were dictators. I seut down to you an amendment of three or four words in
that biU, which, though very immaterial, yet was positively denied. I must tell
you that it seems very unmannerly. There never was an amendment yet de
cided by the council but what you rejected ; it is a sign of stubborn ill-temper.
But, gentlemen, I must take leave to teU you, if you seem to understand by
these words that none can serve without your collation or establishment, you are
mistaken ; for 1 have the power of collating or suspending any minister in my
government by their Majesties' letters patent. Whilst I stay in the government
I will take care that neither heresy, sedition, schism, nor rebeUion be preached
among you, nor vice nor profanity encouraged. It is my endeavor to lead a vir
tuous and pious Ufe and to set a good example. I wish you all to do the same.
You ought to consider that you have but a third share in the legislative power
of the government, and ought not to take all upon you, nor be so peremptory.
You ought to let the councU do their part. They are in the nature of the House
of Lords or Upper House. But you seem to take the whole power into your own
hands and set up for everything. You have had a very long session to little
purpose and have been a great charge to the country. Ten shiUuigs a day is a
large aUowance and you punctuaUy exact it. You have been always forward
enough to put down tbe fees of other ministers in the government ; why did you
not think it expedient to correct your own to a more moderate allowance? Gen
tlemen, I shaU say no more at present, but that you do withdraw to youi private
affairs in the country. You are hereby prorogued to the tenth day of January
next, ensuing."^
At this time the Assembly had no treasurer, and the pubhc money went
directly into the hands of the receiver-general, who was appointed by the
1 Journal of the Legislative Council of New York, Vol. I. 47, 48. Chalmers. Smith.
Bancroft. Dunlap.

SIR WILLIAM PHIPPS. ' 411
Crown. It was issuable only by the governor's warrant, hence every
officer from the auditor to the clerk of the Assembly must apjply to
Fletcher for their pay.
New York was affiicted with aU the pressures which never fail to over-
whehn any country whose resources are not equal to its enterprises. Be
sides, she was struggling alone against the common danger. Fletcher's
letters to the king finally led the latter to send mandatory letters to the
other colonies, ordering them to assist New York in the prosecution of the
war. For greater union he sent a commission to Fletcher to govern Penn
sylvania, which Penn had neglected since the Eevolution. By the same
vessel came a letter to Fletcher from Penn himself, admonishing him " to
tread softly and with caution," as that territory and its government was
his own private property. Fletcher' made a journey to Pennsylvania, and
spent some six weeks in tha province ; but the Quakers had been instruct
ed how to evade his authority, and, finding he could accomplish nothing,
he left the government to Lieutenant-Governor Markham, and wrote to
WiUiam that the trust conferred upon him was " only a trouble," and, so
far from adding strength to New York, his absence increased her embar
rassments. It was during his brief stay in Pennsylvania that he presided at the
trial of William Bradford, the printer, who, having been arrested and ar
raigned before two Quaker judges for having printed a pamphlet for the
political party out of power without' permission of the administration, had
appealed to the highest tribunal in the province. He was triumphantly
acquitted, and Fletcher, becoming greatly interested in him personaUy,
and desirous of introducing the art of printing into New York, invited
him to come to the metropolis and print for the government at a stated
salary. Bradford accepted the caU, and took up his permanent abode in
New York.
Sir WiUiam Phipps had been commissioned to govern aU New England,
but his jurisdiction over the miUtary of Connecticut was revoked and
transferred to Fletcher. The latter went to Hartiford to assume author
ity. He remained there twenty days, and tried in vain to prove the inhe
rent right of the Crown to control aU matters appertaining to the militia.
The General Court was intrenched behind the charter, and finaUy sent
Winthrop to England for redress ; the latter so pleaded his cause at court
that the Crown lawyers decided in favor of tbe Connecticut charter, and
that the king had only the right to appoint the quota to be furnished in
tunes of great emergency. Fletcher's commission was consequently re
voked Pletcher next sent Mayor De Peyster and Counselor Brooke to Boston

412 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
to negotiate with Governor Phipps for assistance. He received them un
graciously. When they stated their errand, and told him of the weak
condition of New York, the great depopulation it had suffered in the de--
fense of the frontiers, the wavering temper of the Indians, and the ruin
ous taxes repeated and repeated upon the people untU they were weary
and disheartened, and asked for a proper quota from Massachusetts pur
suant to the king's instructions, Phipps seemed disposed to answer them
in the same way that he reproved his servants, by throwing a chair at
their heads. He swore he would not furnish a man nor a farthing.
They told him that the governors of the different colonies were goin» to
send commissioners to New York in October to confer on the subject,
but be sharply interrupted them by declaring that none should come from
him. Some of Phipps's counselors were present, and seemed heartily
ashamed of his behavior. They apologized, aside, and hoped that De
Peyster and Brooke would blame his education for what they had seen
and heard. " His ExceUency is needlessly hot," said Brooke. " Ah ! you
mu,st pardon him ; it is dog-days," was the reply.
1694. In the spring a new Assembly was elected. When they con-
March. ygned Colonel Pierson was chosen speaker. There was so much
disagTcement among the members about the amount of taxes to be levied
upon the already overburdened people, that Fletcher became uneasy lest
the gallant Iroquois .should make a separate treaty with the French before
he could furnish them the aid he had promised. FinaUy a dispute arose
about the number of men necessary to guard the frontiers. Fletcher,
worried out of all patience, testily informed the House that he was a
competent judge of such matters, and if they would provide a subsidy, he
would head the militia any moment when necessary. " Time runs away,"
he exclaimed. " You have now sat twenty days, and little or nothing is
done. It were much more pleasant if business went on cheerfuUy at
once." A bill was finally passed to raise a small sum, but it was insuffi
cient. The House denianded an examination of the public accounts, par
ticularly the muster-rolls of the volunteers in the pay of the province,
the members who were of the Leislerian faction having accused Fletcher
and his council of official stealing. It was granted ; but the malicious
warfare of words did not cease. The session was adjourned on the 26th
of March to meet again on the 25th of September.
During the summer the little printing-press of WUliam Bradford
created quite a sensation in New York. He was among other things em
ployed in printing tbe Corporation laws. The young printer was one ot
the most industrious of men, and was constantly issuing something novel,
and from its rarity and freshiiess of course interesting to people who had

ROBERT LIVINGSTON IN ENGLAND. 413
hitherto been obliged to obtain aU printed matter from a distance. His
first issue was a small foUo volume. The second was a 24mo of fifty-one
pages, entitled "A letter of advice to a young gentleman leaving
THE University, concerning his conversation and behavior in the
WORLD ; by E. L. A." A copy of this antique work was sold at an auction
sale of E. B. Corwin, a few years since, for the smaU sum of $ 12.50 !
Robert Livingston was in England the greater part of this year. He
sailed in the early spring, and his vessel was shipwrecked upon the coast
of Portugal. He had no altemative but to undertake the hazardous jour
ney through Spain and France by land. He was about sixty years of
age at the time, but in the fuU possession of all his remarkable gifts of
inteUect, and scarcely less reckless than in his adventurous youth. He
accomphshed the feat of getting through an enemy's country in safety,
and in commemoration of the event altered the Livingston coat-of-arms
from a demi-savage to a ship in distress, and changed the motto " Si je
Puis '' — If I am able, — to " Spero Meliora " — I hope for better things.
He was cordiaUy received by the lords at WhitehaU.
He was surprised to learn that an order had passed the Privy CouncU
for the pardon of the " condemned six " in New York, and that their
estates had been restored to them ! He was still more surprised to meet
Abraham Gouverneur in the antechamber of the king ! But when he
met young Leisler at the dinner-table of the Earl of Bellomont his feel
ings underwent a change, and^ he entered with characteristic warmth into
the iron purpose of the young man to secure complete restitution of blood
as well as property ; and he, moreover, aided the latter to the extent of
his influeuce, which was not inconsiderable. WiUiam having been suc
cessfully petitioned for leave to apply to Parliament, Constantine Phipps
(one of the Massachusetts agents) framed a bill to reverse the attainder
of Leisler and his adherents, and Sir William Ashurst sat as chairman
of the committee to whom it was referred. Dudley was present, and
opposed it with all his strength, and the whole court regarded it with
disfavor It nevertheless passed into a law in AprU, 1695. Massachu
setts was triumphant, as it was supposed to contain a Parliamentary
recognition of the rectitude of her violent proceedings. As for New
York, this implied censur.e upon her administration engendered and con
tinued civU distractions until it seemed as if she would be rent in sunder.
Gouverneur returned and became one of the ablest and most persistent
leaders of the Leislerian party. In 1699 he married Mary Leisler, the
widow of Jacob Milborne. One of his daughters was the mother of the
distinguished Gouverneur Morris.
MeanwhUe September came and the Assembly once more convened.

414 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Fletcher presented a detailed account of his transactions with the Indiaus
and explained to the House the iU effects of tbeir late pohcy in
abating fourpence per day from tbe soldiers' pay. These poorly
compensated men had been running away in troops of seven . at a time.
Eightpence could hardly provide food and shoes. Men could not be
found to serve for such a paltry sum. Fletcher said he knew how to
exercise strict discipline, but it went against his nature to put men to
death for desertion when they were starving and freezing, and it was
impossible for them to do duty barefoot on the frontiers in the winter
The New York soldiers were the more discouraged because those from
New Jersey received their full twelvepence per day.
He also pressed attention to the disagreeable duty of raising more
money for forts, ammunition, and stores. But the Leislerians iu the
House were growing bolder every day. They were determined to crucffy
the men who surrounded and supported Fletcher. They expressed dis
satisfaction with the disposition of the revenue. The books were again
laid open for their inspection. They had nq intention of being molli
fied, and picked flaws with many of the charges and disbursements, not
withstanding they were aware as weU as others, that in time of actual
war there wiU unavoidably be great and unexpected charges, indispen
sable to tbe welfare and safety of a country. Fletcher had, as soon as
he found there was no prospect of help from the colonies (except New
Jersey) applied himself to the work of obtaining recruits from England,
and had so far succeeded that four hundred soldiers, as a standing force,
about this time arrived. But they must be supported. WbUe eight-
pence per day would enable an Englisb soldier to live better in Eng
land, as far as meat and clothing were concerned, than twice that sum
in New York, the Assembly were unwilling to grant any additional
pay. Fletcher argued that they could not be kept together on that
amount of money ; they would soon have no means to buy shoes, stock
ings, and shirts. The dispute became very bitter. Fletcher accused the
House of ingratitude, after all his efforts to secure the troops. The House
muttered about the misapplication of the revenue. He finaUy prorogued
them until the following March.
Wben tbey then came together the wrangle was renewed with
vigor The House asked for an adjournment until the muster-
]Vl£trcli 21 'roUs could be inspected. Fletcher refused, on the ground that the
request was improper, and he demanded the immediate raising of funds
for the subsistence and pay of the officers and men in the service of the
province. A biU was framed to raise £ 1000, to secure the frontier for
six months. It was pronounced insufficient by Fletcher, and rejected

GOVERNOR FLETCHER'S SPEECH. 415
A committee from the governor's conncU met a committee from the As
sembly, and placed the accounts of the province before them in order to
show that a fraction over £ 1023 was at that moment actually due to the
forces at Albany. The committee from the Assembly refused to look at
these papers. They asserted that there was a surplus of f^nds some
where, and demanded the balance of accounts, not the accounts them
selves. They said they believed there was a voucher for every doUar
which had passed the councU-board, but would not credit the councU.
If Fletcher appointed more officers than the House made provision for,
or detained the men longer in service, he must pay it himseK. The com
mittee from the council explained that the men were detained longer in
the service on account of the delay in the arrival of the soldiers from
England, and the inteUigence that the enemy were marching towards
Albany; there was also daily occasion to send out men to range the
woods and defend isolated farms. Who so competent to judge in such
matters as the commander-in-chief ? The men had done their work, and
now they must be paid. The next day there was another meeting
of the two committees. The councU were represented by Ste
phanus Van Cortlandt, Chief Justice Smith, and Caleb Heathcote. Peter
De Lanoy was at the head of the committee from the Assembly. The
council tendered the House the muster-roUs ; they had before given the
abstracts, they now put the original papers into the hands of De Lanoy,
and' desired him to compare it with the abstract in the presence of and
for the satisfaction of every member of the Assembly. De Lanoy de
clined, saying, " There is no need of it."
But when the Assembly again voted, it was to raise only the £ 1,000.
Fletcher was in a very trying position. He sent for the speaker
and the whole Assembly, and in the council-chamber earnestly
entreated them to " leave fruitless and causeless contention and jangling,
which was a stagnation upon all business, and regard only the good and
safety of the province." The counselors took the opportunity to acknowl
edge themselves witnesses of the governor's integrity, and expressed their
unanimous belief that it was his sincere desire to promote the best inter
ests of the people. It was to no purpose ; suspicion had taken deep ^ ^ ^^
root, and the House would not recede from its position. The fol
lowing morning the governor prorogued the Assembly for ten days. He
said : —
" You have spent a long time at the expense of tbe country for no purpose.
The supply you give is no supply at aU. If a man gives me £ 1000, and
obliges me to pay £ 10,000, he gives me nothing  I am as sensible of the
burden of detachments as you can be and have done much more to lighten it.

416 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
It is an oppression that falls wholly upon the poor. The most of you are shel
tered by commissions, as justices of the peace or militia officers ; but you know
that you must contribute some proportion to the taxes. The gentlemen who
are of my council are riveted among you here. They have fixed down their
stakes and have as much interest in the country as yourselves. Yea more than
aU of you. They are as unwUling to bring a yoke upon their posterity as you
are. I can name two of them who pay more taxes in one year than all of you
pay. It seems strange that you wUl put no trust in them, and make doubts and
scruples wbere there is no ground for it, in thiags which you yourselves confess
you do not understand. There 's never a man amongst you, except Peter De
Lanoy, who pretends to understand an account. There is not one farthing of
public money disbursed but by advice of the council, and there are good vouch
ers for it  Had you acted like men, if you found me out of my duty, it
was your business to have provided for the safety of the province, then to have
drawn up your accusation against me to their Majesties, which I should have
taken care should bave come to their hands."
The Assembly had on the 12th, in answer to a petition from five
church-wardens and vestrymen of the city, declared that these church
wardens and vestrymen had power to call a dissenting minister, who
should be paid and maintained according to tbe Act of September 22,
1693. Fletcher, wbo had very just notions on such subjects, sharply re
buked tbe members for meddUng with what they did not understand.
" Tbe laws," he said, " are to be interpreted only by judges ; . . . . there
are no such ofBcers as church-wardens and vestrymen in any Protestant
church but the Church of Eugland."
On the 20th Fletcher dissolved the Assembly by proclama-
April 20. J J r
tion. Another was elected, and convened in June. Fletcher
had been personaUy into the field, and influenced the election as far as it
was in his power. Among the members were Colonel Henry Beekman,^
Brandt Schuyler, Major WesseUs, and Jacobus Van Cortlandt. James
1 Colonel Henry Beekman was the eldest son of William Beekman, and brother of Dr.
Gerardus Beekman. He settled in Esopus (Kingston). He was called the " Great Patentee "
hecause of his extensive landed estate. A boy once asked a Dutch fanner on the Hudson, if
there was any land in the mooji. "I don't know," was the reply ; " but if you will go to
Colonel Henry Beekman he can tell you, for if there is any there you may be sure he has got
a patent for the bigger part of it." Colonel Henry Beekman was a, deacon and elder in the
Reformed Duteh church, and judge of the county of Ulster. He married Janet, the
daughter of Robert Livingston (the nephew of Robert Livingston the first of the name m
in this country) and his wife, Margaretta Schuyler. He was large-sized, of symmetrical
figure, manly in bearing, with a handsome, intelligent face. His children were, 1, Hemy,
who married Margaret Livingston (children, Robert, Henry, John, Edward, Janet, Mar
garet, Alida, Catharine, Hannah) ; 2, Catharine, who married Mr. Paulding of Rhinebeck ;
3, Cornelia, who married Gilbert Livingston (children nine sons and five daughters) ; 4, Eob
ert ; 5, Gilbert.

CRUELTIES OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 417
Graham was speaker. More harmony was obtained, and reasonable sums
were raised to defray the debts of the government. Some important bills
were passed, and then the House was adjourned until October. In the
interim Fletcher visited Albany and conferred with the Indians, giving
them many presents. He scolded them for aUowing Count Frontenac to
rebuUd the fort at Cadaraqui, but commended them in turn for having
made peace with one of the remote western tribes which had hitherto
aided the French. One of the warriors of the latter tribe had been cap
tured while negotiating the treaty, and put to death by the French in
the most shocking manner. He was tied to a stake, and a Frenchman
broUed tbe flesh of his legs with the red-hot barrel of a gun. A furrow
was then split from the prisoner's shoulder to his garter, and fiUed with
gunpowder, which was set on fire. The captors danced around and
fiUed the air with shouts of laughter. When the poor feUow's strength
began to faU his scalp was taken off and hot coals of fire placed upon his
skuU. He was then untied and ordered to run for his life. He reeled
hke a dranken man, and started in an easterly direction ; they shut up
the way and drove him to the west, which the Indians caU the country
of departed miserable souls. He had vitality enough left to throw stones
at his pursuers. They finaUy put an end to his misery by striking him
on the head. After this every one cut a sUce from his body and con
cluded the entertainment with a feast. The Iroquois immediately served
up their French and Indian prisoners in a similar manner. It was re
taliation and it was re-retaliation. The cruelties of that long and bloody
warfare are beyond the power of language to describe. Count Frontenac
finaUy detemuned to carry the sword into the very midst of the confed
erate tribes. He raised an army which was so large and extensive that
it created a famine throughout Canada, and he was himself carried in an
easy-chair directly in the rear of the artillery. News reached New York,
and recruits were hurried off to the help of the Indians.
When the Assembly came together in October the prospect was dark
and dubious. The people had been paving heavy taxes and doing
kji n , l-./s J .,,.° October.
nard duty for a long time with no sign of peace. The neighboring
colonies denied assistance, and covered and protected those of the soldiers
who had deserted ; they had also turned to their own account both trade
and people. These things were not well understood in England, and the
governor, councU, and Assembly finally agreed to send two agents, WUUam
Nicolls and Chidley Brooke, to correctly represent the case to the king.
They saUed, but were captured by the French on their voyage, and threw
their papers and letters overboard. They lay for several months in a
Paris prison, and it was a long time before they reached WhitehaU.
27

418 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
WhUe New York was in speechless fear of the approaching French
army at the North, Livingston at tbe English Court was heaping red-hot
coals of fire upon the head of Fletcher himseK. He, Livingston, was try
ing to recover money which he claimed to have advanced to the govern
ment of New York from time to time for some twenty years past. He
said that sums which had been raised by Act of the Assembly to reim
burse him had been misappropriated by Fletcher. He, moreover, declared
that the present Assembly had been UlegaUy elected. He preferred so
many startling accusations against the governor that the Lords of Trade
took the matter up and went through the form of an investigation.
Philip French was in England, and testified to having learned (from
hearsay) that Fletcher had threatened to pistol any man who dared vote
for Peter De Lanoy ; that he, French, went to dine witb Fletcher, and
asked if such reports were true, and that the latter did not deny them,
but when told that the news came from Colonel De Peyster, angrUy ex
claimed, " De Lanoy and De Peyster are both rascals." French further
testified that there was great confusion on the day of election, and that
he saw many soldiers and sailors^ with clubs in their hands, about the
polls; and tbat there was much talk about "heats in the Assembly"
concerning public money. Captain Kidd testified that the sheriff of New
York asked him to let his crew come ashore to vote, but could not say
that it was by the governor's order. Other sea-captains swore to having
been asked to let their crews come ashore to vote, but no one could swear
that it was by the governor's order, or that the votes were actuaUy cast
Abraham Gouverneur and Jacob Leisler, Jr., testified that Fletcher hin
dered free elections, and passed soldiers and seamen off as citizens ; that
the latter prowled about all day armed with clubs and staves : and that
false returns were brought in from many of the counties. They had heard
it said that aU the goldsmiths in New York were employed in making
snuff-boxes and other plate for presents to the govemor ; also that the
illegal Assembly had raised a large sum of money and sent agents to Eng
land to defend their actions. Letters were read from Peter De Lanoy,
Eobert Walters, and others, praying for the recall of Fletcher ; they said
they were not solicitous whether it was gently done or whether he feU
into disgrace, only so they were rid of him.
The Lords of Trade were wary in coming to conclusions ; after consid
erable delay NicoUs and Brooke appeared and put in strong counter-testi
mony. Gouverneur and Leisler tried to impeach them by showing how
they had been instrumental in sending two heroes to the gaUows. Fletch
er heard in course of events of the charges against him, and denied them
so utterly, and was so well sustained in aU his explanations by the mem-

THE DE PEYSTER FAMILY. 419
bers of his councU, and seemed to have labored so indefatigably to further
the interests of the province in its great struggle with the French, that he
was exonerated from blame ; and but for a new complication of complaints
would have been undisturbed in his position.
Dvingston succeeded in collecting his claims of the government, and
returned to New York as a commissioned agent for the Indians, at a sala
ry, to be paid by the province, of £ 130 per annum. Fletcher was in
dignant He said there was no need of this new ofifice which Living
ston had created ; that it was an additional expense, could not be paid as
long as the war lasted, and that aU treaties would be negotiated by the
governor in person under any circumstances. The councU were of the
same opinion. Fletcher declared that Livingston had warped the judg
ment of the Lords of Trade by false insinuations ; that, instead of suffering
by his loyalty to New York, he had been abundantly paid by fees and
perquisites for his services, and had actuaUy made a fortune out of his em
ployment, never disbursing sixpence but with the expectation of twelve-
pence in retum ; that he had neither rehgion nor morality, and only
thirsted to get rich, and had often been known to say that he " had rather
be called knave Livingston than poor Livingston." He was an alien, too,
born of Scotch parents, in Eotterdam, and thus disabled from executing
any business of trust relating to the Treasury in the English dominions
according to a late Act of ParUament. The governor and council met the
strong-willed scion of nobility with the most determined opposition ; and
finally suspended him from the exercise of his office and laid the matter
before the king.
The year 1695 was eventful in city improvements as weU as political
encounters. Notwithstanding aU the inconveniences of war, there was
a healthy, bustling activity among the people, and a rapid increase of
population. There was more money in circulation than ever before, and
merchants were extending their commerce and growing rich. The priva
teers and pirates whom the war sustained came here to buy provisions
in exchange for gold and valuable commodities from the East. Many
new houses and stores sprung up, and real estate suddenly advanced.
Colonel Abraham De Peyster built a palatial mansion on Queen Street,
nearly opposite Pine. It was fifty-nine by eighty feet, and three stories
high. It had a great double door in the center of the front, over which
was a broad balcony with double-arched windows. This balcony was for
nearly a century the favorite resort of the governors of New York when
they wished to hold military reviews. The rooms of the house were
iiMnensely large (some of them forty feet deep), and the waUs and ceil
ings were handsomelv decorated. The furniture was all imported, and

420 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
was elaborately carved and very costly. The grounds occupied the
whole block, and there was a coach-house and stable in the rear. The
style of hfe of the famUy was the same as that of the European gentry
of the same period. They indulged in elegant hospitalities and costly
entertainments; tbe chief people of the city and province, and stately
visitors from the Old World, were often grouped together under this roof
The silverware in daily use upon the table was estimated as worth about
$ 8,500, and the most of it was of exquisite workmanship. The finest
cut-glass and the rarest patterns of China adorned the
quaint and massive sideboard ; and the walls were hung
with paintings from the old masters. They had sixteen
household servants, nine of whom were negm slaves. De
Peyster owned a tract of land on tbe north of Wall Street
east of Broadway to WiUiam Street, and thence toward
the river, wbich was called the " Great Garden of Colonel
De Peyster Arms. ^^ Peystcr," and which after his death was divided iuto
lots and partitioned among his children
Of tbe sons of De Peyster, Abraham figured the most conspicuously in
public affairs. He was bom in the new Queen Street mansion in 1696. He
died in 1767 at the age of seventy-one. He was forty-six years treasurer of
the province of New York. His descendants in the direct line represent this
ancient and honorable famUy to-day.^ One of the younger sons, Pierre
Guillaume, married (in 1733) Catharine the daughter of Arent Schuyler;
their son. Colonel Arent Schuyler De Peyster, entered the mihtary service
1 Abraham de Peyster, Jr., married Margaret, eldest daughter of Jacobus Van Cortlandt
and Eve Philipse in 1722. He was treasurer of the province from June 2, 1721, till his
death in 1767. He had eleven children, several of whom died young. James was the eldest
son and inherited the estate. He was born in 1726. Frederic (known as the Marquis) was
bom in 1731 ; he succeeded Ms father as treasurer of the province. Catharine married John
Livingston, and had thirteen children. Margaret married Hon. William Axtell, one of the
king's counselors. Maria married Dr. John Charlton. Elizabeth married Matthew Clarkson.
James de Peyster married (in 1748) Sarah, daughter of Hon. Joseph Reade, one of the
king's counselors. He had thirteen children. Frederic, the eldest surviving son, married
Helen, only daughter of Samuel Hake (claimant of the title of Lord Hake) and granddaughter
of Eobert Gilbert Livingston. She died in 1801, and he afterwards married Ann, only daugh
ter of Gerard G. Beekman and grand-daughter of Lieutenant-Governor Pierre Van Cortlandt
Frederic, the son of Frederic de Peyster, married Mary Justina, the daughter of Hon. John
Watts. He rose to eminence at the bar of New York, and has ever been one of her most
public-spirited citizens. He is now the honored President of the New York Historical So
ciety. His only son, John Watts de Peyster, married Estelle, daughter of John Swift Living
ston. He was Brevetted Major-General for meritorious services, by concurrent Resolution of
the New York Legislature, in 1866 ; and has achieved a world-wide reputation as an author
and militarv historian.

TRINITY CHURCH. 421
in 1755, and held a royal commission for more than haK a century. He
commanded at Detroit and vicinity during the most stormy period of the
Frenoh and Indian War, and contributed largely to the consolidation of
the Enghsh possessions. His wife accompanied him everywhere, in camp
and in quarters, amid savage tribes and in poUshed communities. His
nephew and namesake, in one of his voyages round the world, discovered
the De Peyster Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Ofthe daughters of De Peyster, Catharine married (in 1710) Phihp Van
Cortlandt, son of Stephanus Van Cortlandt, and second lord of Cortlandt
manor She was the mother of Lieutenant-Governor Pierre Van Cort
landt. Ehzabeth (whose godmother was Mrs. Governor Fletcher, in
1694) married Governor John HamUton of New Jersey. Joanna, born
in 1701, married her cousin Isaac De Peyster.
Fletcher, in his zeal for the good of the church, built a smaU chapel in
the fort in 1693, and the queen sent plate, books, and other furniture for
it It was burned with the other buildings in 1741, and but Uttle is
known of its history. Eev. John MUler was the Episcopal clergyman.
As soon as tbe Assembly passed the act for establishing a ministry in the
province, he demanded induction into the living ; bnt it was decided that
he was not entitled to it. He accordingly sailed for England ; while on
the voyage he was taken prisoner by the French, and threw all his papers
mto the sea. During his imprisonment he wrote from memory a descrip
tion of New York. He said the commerce of the city had become so
extensive that forty square-rigged vessels, sixty-two sloops, and as many
boats were entered at the Custom-House at one time.^ The chief part of
his httle work was devoted to a labored and extraordinary plan for civil and
ecclesiastical government on a new basis. This clergyman had greatly
stimulated Fletcher in the work of building a church edifice, and had
recommended a site. But Fletcher had his eye upon the " King's Farm,"
which was set apart for the use of the govemor ; it consisted of a garden,
an orchard, a triangular graveyard in one corner, and pasturage for cows
and horses. Andros had leased that portion of it under cultivation for
twenty years, at sixty bushels of wheat per annum. As the lease was
about exphmg, Fletcher granted it to the use of the church-wardens for
seven years without fine. A building was at once projected and in course
of a few months was completed. A charter, bearing date May 6, 1697,
The manuscript of Rev. John MiUer, with a quaint map attached, found its way from
the archives of the Bishop of London to the library of George Chalmers, the historian, and
finally fell into the hands of Thomas Rodd, a London bookseller, who published it in 1843.
Since then the original manuscript has been deposited in the British Museum. The city was
then all below Wall Street, the wall remaining ; also, the stone bastions at Broadway and
Villiam Street.

422 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
was granted by an act of the Assembly, approved and ratified by the gov
ernor and council, by which " a certain church and steeple lately built in
the city of New York, together with a parcel of ground adjoining '' (with
full description) was to be known as Trinity Church. The wardens and
vestrymen were duly named and constituted,^ and with the Bishop of
London for their rector,^ were estabhshed a body corporate and pohtic
with all the privUeges and powers usuaUy pertaining to the same.
Up to that time the Episcopal service had been performed in the Dutch
Church, and the clergymen of the two denominations had lived in all
friendship. But Dominie Selyns was uneasy about tbe legal condition
of the Dutch organization, and feared its privileges might at any moment
be withdrawn. He and his consistory, therefore, applied to Fletcher for
a charter. It was granted, prior to that of Trinity Church (May 11,
1696), and indeed was the first church charter issued in the colony. It
secured the independence of the organization by giving it power to call
its ministers, and to hold property acquired by gfft or device. It also
provided for compulsory payment of church rates for the support of
the gospel. This last clause was never enforced, and was stricken out
altogether as inconsistent with the principles of republican government,
when tbe State Legislature confirmed the charter after the colonies be
came a nation. Dominie Selyns, in writing to the Classis of Amsterdam,
said that there were several EngUsh ministers in the rural districts about
New York who had been educated in 'New England ; that the University
of Cambridge had graduated very many in philosophy and the higher
studies. He said tbat the French minister Dominie Perret, a man of
great learning, officiated in New York ; that Dominie Brodet had been
caUed to preach to the Huguenots in New Eochelle, five hours' ride from
New York ; and that Dominie DaUl^ had gone to Boston. " Morals,"
continued the pious and accompUshed dominie, " have much degenerated,
and evil practices have been introduced by strangers and privateersmen.
Our calamities spring from the bottomless pool of heaven-high sins, for
eign but nevertheless without suspicion of foreigners. Money increases,
high bouses are built, and land is made in the water. Since I came the
last time the city aud its inhabitants have increased more than two
thirds." 1 The first church-wardens of Trinity Church were Thomas Wenham and Robert Lurting ;
the first vestrymen, Caleb Heathcote, William Merritt, John Tudor, James Emott, Wil
liam Morris, Thomas Clarke, Ebenezer Wilson, Samuel Burt, James Everts, Nathaniel Mare-
ton, Michael Howden, John Crooke,. William Sharpas, Lawrence Read, David Jamison, Wil
liam Huddleston, Gabriel Ludlow, Thomas Merritt, William Janeway.
2 The appointment of the Bishop of London for a rector, who could not actually perfonn
the duties, was a temporary arrangement to provide the corporation with a head. Book oj
Patents, VII. 25, Secretary of State's office.

PIRACY. 423
Piracy had long been in existence. It had been encouraged rather
than otherwise by the European governments. In time of war it was
agreeable to annoy the commerce of an enemy without trouble or expense.
Private armed vessels, sometimes licensed and sometimes unlicensed,
roved the seas and robbed and plundered at pleasure. Many of these
free-saUors held commissions from the king of England to annoy France.
Presently the ships of all nations were seized, plundered and sunk or
bumed, not excepting those of Great Britain herseK. The English gov
emment was roused only when ocean-commerce seemed nearly destroyed.
Just at this moment the Leislerians seized hold of the lever which fate
seemed to have ordained for the complete overturn of political affairs in
New York. They accused Fletcher of conspiracy with the pirates ; that is,
they declared that he encouraged and protected them. He had in com
mon with the practice in England issued commissions for sea-captains to
raise men and act as privateers against the French. He had also accepted
bonds and promised protection. But he afterwards denied to the satis
faction of the Lords of Trade having ever aided in such manner known
pirates. Meanwhile the evidence of commissions found in the possession
of the high-handed sea-robbers. Coats, Hoare, Tew, and others, was used
to prove his complicity in their crimes. He said they abused the favor
shown them and turned pirates afterwards. He admitted his knowledge
of the fact that Tew had been a pirate prior to his acquaintance with him,
but said that the latter had promised not to engage in such business any
more. He said Tew was agreeable and companionable, had good sense
and a great memory ; that he had often invited him to his, table, and taken
him to drive, because it was a source of diversion and information to
converse with him. He said he had it in his heart to convert Tew
from the error of his ways, to make him sober and reclaim him from the
"vile habit of swearing." Hq had presented him with a book on the
subject; on another occasion he had given his singular guest a gun of
some value. Tew had seemed grateful, and bestowed in return a curious
watch upon the governor. Eumor said that he also gave valuable jewels
to Mrs. Fletcher and her daughters. But this, if true, was never proven.
It was, however, a remarkable intimacy ; and Tew subsequently pro
ceeded to the Indian Ocean, where, harboring himseK with others of his
craft among the creeks of Madagascar, he plundered and murdered until
humanity refuses to blot the pages of history with his deeds.
No sooner was Fletcher implicated than some of the wealthiest and
hitherto most respectable citizens of New York were accused of sharing
in the spoUs of ocean robbery. Every new development seemed to
justify the suspicion. The remarkable influx of strangers, the increasmg

424 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
quantity of rich goods exposed for sale, the rapid erection of expensive
buildings, and the free circulation of Eastern gold pieces, pointed in the
one direction.
The Lords of Trade brought the startling subject before the king as
soon as he was capable of attending to business after the death of Queen
Mary. It was some months before any action was taken, and then not
until an event occurred which could not be passed by unnoticed. The
pirates had destroyed some of the Mogul's ships in the Indian Ocean, one
in particular that he was sending laden with presents to Mecca.
The East India Company learned that the Mogul had information that
the corsairs were Englishmen, and also that he was about to take reprisals
for damages. A man-of-war must unquestionably be sent to put a stop to
such traffic. But Parliament had so appropriated the nation's funds that
no money could be obtained for the purpose. " We can make it a pri
vate undertaking," said King WiUiam to his counselors. " I wiU give
£3,000, and you can furnish the balance." Lord Somers and the Earls
of Oxford, Eumney, and Bellomont, witb Eobert Livingston, who was stiU
at court, discussed the question, and finally contributed the whole amount,
some £6,000, the king failing to advance the sum which he had prom
ised. Livingston introduced Captain Kidd to Lord BeUomont, aud recom
mended him as a fit man to command the expedition. Livingston said
Kidd had saUed a packet from New York to London for some years, was
known to be honorable and brave, was well acquainted with the habits
and haunts of the pirates in the Eastern seas, and was ready to perform
deeds of valor for the good of the country. He was accordingly employed,
receiving a commission from the Admiralty, which gave him power sun-
ply to act against the French. It was not deemed sufiicient, and another
commission was finaUy fumished under the Great Seal, dated January 26,
1696, giving him fuU authority to apprehend all pirates wherever he should
encounter them, and bring them to trial. Livingston entered into bonds
with Kidd to BeUomont, to account strictly for aU the prizes secured ;
and a grant under the Great Seal provided that aU property taken from
the pirates should vest in the parties at whose cost tbe vessel was fitted
out, the king to receive one tenth of the proceeds. There was abundant
ground for complaint, and great handle was made of the arrangement, for
it was against law to take a grant of goods from offenders before convic
tion. But tbe case of pirates was manifestly different from that of other
criminals. They could never be attacked except in the way of war, and
whoever undertook such an enterprise ran a great risk, and it was reason
able that they should have a right to what they should find in the enemy's
hands, whereas, those who seize common offenders have the strength ot

CAPTAIN KIDD. 425
the law within immediate reach, and incur so Uttle danger that the cases
are by no means paraUel
Kidd set saU in April, 1696, under brUliant auspices. He stopped in
New York and shipped ninety additional men, and in July was fairly at
sea on his fatal mission. The sequel — how, instead of suppressing piracy,
he became the prince of pirates, and nearly involved not only the Lords of
Trade, but even the king of England himself, in the blackest of charges —
is weU known. The undertaking was in itself innocent and meritorious.
Yet it was traduced until, in the House of Commons, it was voted as
highly criminal, and but for energetic action on the part of a few, would
have condemned its projectors forever.
Kidd was an attractive and cultivated man, and there was no occasion
to distrust his intentions. As far as known his previous hfe had been
irreproachable. He had a comfortable and pleasant home in Liberty
Street, New York, and a wife beautiful, accomplished, and of the highest
respectability. She was Sarah Oort, the widow of one of his fellow-offi
cers; they were married in 1691, and at the time of his departure for the
Eastern Ocean, they had one charming little daughter. Many supposed
that he had secret orders from the government to pursue piracy. But the
stain upon England's records did not prove indelible.
Dudley, the former chief justice of New York, was in London, taking
advantage of his interest at court to obtain the governorship of Massachu
setts, Sir WiUiam Phipps having recently died. He opposed the bill to
reverse the attainder of Leisler and Milborne in the House of Commons
with aU his strength, which was not inconsiderable. The agents from
Massachusetts took the opportunity in consequence to urge against him
the conspicuous part he had borne in the trial and condemnation of the
unfortunate men, and he lost his appointment for the time. Bellomont
was the favorite candidate henceforth. When it became evident that
Fletcher must be recaUed, it seemed the part of wisdom to appoint one
general governor over New York and New England for convenience during
the continuance of the war. At the same time each colony was to have
an Assembly and courts independent of each other. Bellomont had been
created an earl by WiUiam as a reward for his many distinguished ser
vices to the royal pair ; he had been the treasurer and receiver-general
of Mary, and the personal and confidential friend of the king. He was
esteemed one of the most honest as well as able men about the throne.
WiUiam told his Lords that BeUomont would be more likely to put a stop
to piracy than any other man he could think of Bellomont received tbe
appointment, but, owing to disputes about the salaries of both sovereign
and statesmen, consequent upon the financial distress of the kingdom at
that juncture, he did not reach his government for more than two years.

426 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The year 1696 was distinguished by the repeal of the Boltinw and Bak
ing Acts in New York, which had added so many coffers to the
city's purse. The mayor and common council resisted to the last
but aU to no purpose. Commerce in bread and flour was thrown open to
all competitors. An alarming scarcity of bread soon began to prevaU
The bakers declared they coiUd not buy bread cheap enough to supply
their customers at former prices. An account of stock was taken of the
wheat, flour, and bread within the city, and only about a week's provision
discovered for the seven thousand inhabitants. The repeal of the Bolting
Act had enabled the farmers throughout the country to grind their own
flour, and it had been sold largely to the pirates as a private speculation.
A famine was actually threatened. A petition was signed by a majority
of the citizens, and despatched to the king, asking for a restoration of the
monopoly. The first opening of Nassau Street occurred in June. Teunis De
""*' Kay successfuUy petitioned the mayor and common councU for
the privUege of making a cartway through " the street that runs by the
pie woman's leading to the city commons" and the land alongside was given
to him as a compensation for his labor. About the same time the corpor
ation of the city of New York appropriated_ the first doUar ever expended
upon the cleaning of the streets. The amount set apart was £ 20.
The following spring the streets were first hghted. The nov
elty of the decree issued by thB corporation gives it a peculiar
flavor : —
" The Board taking into consideration the great inconvenience that attends
this city, for want of Ughts in the dark time of the moon, in the winter season,
it is therefore ordered that the housekeepers of the city shaU put out hghts in
the following manner, viz, every seventh house shaU cause a lantern with a
candle in it to he hung out on a pole, the charges to be defrayed equally by the
inhabitants of the said seven houses."
The institution of the first night-watch was equaUy characteristic of
the times : —
" Four good and honest inhabitants of the city shaU be appointed whose duty
it shall be to watch in the night-time from the hour of nine in the evemng till
break of day, imtil the 25tb of March next ; and to go round the city each hour
of the night with a bell, to proclaim the season of the weather, and the hour of the
night." ^^^g The arrival of lW BeUomont was the great event of the spring
of 1698.1 He arrived on the 2d of AprU. He was met at the
1 Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont and Baron of Coloony, was the son of Sir Richard

THE EARL OF BELLOMONT. 427
wharf by prominent gentlemen from both political parties, and crowds
of people. The corporation burned four barrels of gunpowder in
their salute of welcome. He went through the usual forms of '^^'^^'
pubhshing his commission, and that of his heutenant-governor, John
Nanfan, a cousin of Lady Bellomont, who had crossed the ocean with
them; and then the new governor administered the oaths to the members
of the executive council, who were continued without change.
A pretentious dinner was given to BeUomont by the corporation, ac
cording to the ancient custom.^ Johannes De Peyster was the mayor, and
he could preside over a banquet with as much grace as his distinguished
brother Abraham. A loyal address had been prepared which greatly
pleased the new executive, and he was delightfully affable to everybody.
BeUomont was a genuine nobleman. He was also a master of the art
of politeness, and knew how to make even the commonest man or woman
feel that they were the objects of his special regard. He was of attrac
tive, commanding presence, large-sized, somewhat above the ordinary
height, with finely shaped and well-poised head, a face stamped with iron
firmness, dark, magnetic, kindly, expressive eyes, and smaU, soft white
hands. His voice was low and musical, but capable of great modulation.
No one could tell a story with more humor, or enjoy a hearty laugh better
than he. And yet he was not cheerful as a rule, and his countenance
was apt to wear an expression of painful thought. It was only at rare
intervals that vivacity sparkled forth like foaming nectar, and then it
was so charming tbat the memory of it remained whatever clouds fol
lowed. He bore himself with a certain dignity that was much admired.
He sat in his saddle with an ease which equestrians tried in vain to imi
tate. His dress was a model of elegance and good taste, and it was a
matter which no mental disturbance ever induced him to neglect. His
table was fiUed with the choicest viands, and it was served with as much
ceremony as WUUam's own. His equipage was magnificent.
Coote, who on the restoration of Charles IL was made a peer of the realm with the title of
Baron of Coloony. The family is of French extraction, and settled originally in Devonshire.
From a hranch of the family, which afterwards possessed large estates in Norfolk and Suffolk,
those of Ireland are descended. Lodge's Irish Peerage, I. 299. History of Ireland, II. 83 ;
HI. 145. Nichols's Irish Comp., 1735. Upon the death of the elder Baron of Coloony, July
16, 1683, Richard succeeded to his titles and estates. In March, 1689, he was one of the fir.st
to espouse the cause of the Prince of Orahge, and was soon after appointed treasurer and re
ceiver-general to Queen Mary. William advanced him to the dignity of the Eari of Bello
mont. He married in 1660 Catharine, daughter and heiress of John Nanfan of Birch Morton,
and had two sons, Nanfan and Richard, who successively inherited their father's titles. Sketch
'/the Earl of Bellomont by Moore, in Stryker's American Quarterly Register. Vol. I. 434.
One hundred and fifty persons dined with the new govemor on this occasion, the biU
of fare embracing venison, turkey, chicken, goose, pigeon, duck, and other game, mutton,
beef, lamb, veal, pork, sausages, with pastry, puddings, cakes, and the choicest of wines.

428 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
He was sixty-two years of age, but might easily have passed for fifty.
Lady Bellomont was much younger, as he had married her when she was
only twelve. He was very fond as weU as very proud of her A series
of stately dinner-parties were given by the leading New York famUies
and the first few weeks of their American life were more pleasant than
any which ever came afterwards.
BeUomont had from his youth up been accustomed to see power con
stantly associated with pomp, and found it difficult to beheve that the
substance existed unless people were dazzled by the trappings. Preju
dice, not vanity, was his besetting sin. He took his measure of men with
the eye instead of tbe rule, and was as sincere in his friendship as he was
inflexible dn his aversions. He had a sound heart, honorable sympathies,
and an honest desire to do justice to' the oppressed. But he formed opin
ions too hastUy, and they were the result of impulse rather than reason.
They were apt to be colored by the first hearing of a case. Thus the
good he might have done was warped and defeated. And he, instead of
preserving a steady mean between the t\Vo great party extremes, was car
ried swiftly into the political whirlpool. He indulged in the most impla
cable antipathy towards Fletcher, even long before he crossed the ocean
He had listened to the aspersions cast upon the character of the latter by
tbe Leislerians at the court of WiUiam, and had never doubted the truth
of the same. He came prepared to pronounce wholesale condemnation
upon all the acts of his predecessor. Evidence was an after consideration
in his mind. It would have been the part of wisdom to have sifted the
grains of fact from the vast amount of fiction, but BeUomont was as pre
cipitate as he was sincere.
The hopes of the Leislerians were greatly stimulated by his appoint
ment, for he had openly declared in England that in his opinion the
execution of Leisler was a judicial murder. His ears were consequently
fUIed at once with exaggerated complaints. And things certainly had
a singular look. Trade seemed to be travehng on a tangent. Arabian
gold and East India goods were everywhere common. New York was
getting rich at a most extraordinary rate.
BeUomont with characteristic conscientiousness charged aU irregulari
ties to the accouut of his predecessor, and then set about overturning the
stones which hid the pool of corruption. It was not so easy to prove as
to guess who had been immersed within it. He discovered something
akin to green mould hanging from the garments of several of the landed
lords, who represented the aristocratic party. The members of his councU
were reticent, and he soon learned that they were meeting daily at the
lodgings of Fletcher, who had not yet sailed for England. They were

BELLOMONT'S REFORMS. 429
owners of merchant-vessels, — at least many of them were, — and their
friendship for Fletcher had an aroma of complicity. Besides, they did
not come up manfuUy, in the eyes of the new executive, to his assistance
when he attempted to 'enforce the laws of trade, and some of them ex
pressed sm-prise that they must needs have such an unexpected dis
turbance. Fletcher was quite determined to have his accounts with the govem
ment audited before he departed, that he might take his proofs and vouch
ers to the Lords of Trade, as he was confident that he could clear himseK
from all the charges which had been made against him. He said that
after having held commission under the Crown of England for thirty-five
years without the least reproach or impeachment of his reputation, he did
not think he " should become a castaway in the rear of his days."
BeUomont had been in New York scarcely three weeks before he
issued a writ of restitution to put Leisler's and Milborne's famUies in pos
session of tbeir estates, which had hitherto been a tardy process through
various obstacles. It created a popular tumult, for the property had
passed through several hands, and innocent parties were obliged to vacate
houses and stores to which they held title-deeds obtained in good faith.
But a stUl greater excitement was caused by the seizure of ships and
goods under the new administration. Chidley Brooke was the collector
of customs and receiver-general. He was a blood relative and had been
brought up in the home of the father of Bellomont. His first employ in
the government had been through the influence of the late Baron of
Coloony. BeUomont treated him haughtily, however, and in the execu
tion of his duties, now more sharply defined than ever, granted him no
quarter. He ordered him to seize a cargo of East India goods, and be
came very angry when Brooke showed a disposition to hold back by
declaring that it was not his business, and that he had no boat with
which to visit the vessel. He was compeUed to obey orders finally, but he
delayed the accomplishment of the task for some days, and then captured
only a smaU portion of what the ship contained, the remainder being
secreted. BeUomont was in high temper, but the merchants outrivalled
him in that particular, and almost raised a mutiny over his proceedings ;
he was enraged at Brooke for what he styled " negligence " in aUowing
unlawful trade to get such headway, and said it would cost so much more
trouble now to put it down.
MeanwhUe the stories about Fletcher were thri-\T.ng in New York as
weU as England. It was said in connection with his having issued
commissions to piratical commanders, that he had received large sums
of money for protecting pirates whenever they chose to land in New

430 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
York to dispose of their spoils. It was said that one pirate had given him
a ship which he had sold for £ 8,000 to Caleb Heathcote. It was also
currently reported that the great merchant-vessels of New York which
went to Madagascar for negroes, bought goods of the pirates, and that the
owners of those vessels had money interest in the pirate vessels. There
was no end to tbe gossip. WiUiam NicoUs was charged with having
been Fletcher's chief broker in tbe matter of protections, and the
place of rendezvous where he had often held interviews with piratical
captains on the Long Island shore was confidently pointed out to
BeUomont. The earl never gave the question the benefit of a doubt.
With swift impetuosity he suspended his counselor without even a hear
ing iu his own defense. Tben he wrote to the Lords of Trade under date
of May 8, 1698: —
" Colonel McoUs ought to be sent with Colonel Fletcher a criminal prisoner
to England for trial, but the gentlemen of the council are tender of him, as he is
connected by marriage to several of them, and I am prevaUed upon to accept
£ 2,000, for his appearance here when demanded. He is a man of good sense
and knowledge in the law, but has been a great instrument and contriver of
unjust and corrupt practices."
Bellomont dissolved Fletcher's late Assembly and issued writs for a
new one. The election stirred up the old feud, but the Leislerians
through the country were as yet not fairly awake to this possible deliver
ance and did not win a majority in the House. The new Assembly met
as early as possible, and Philip French was chosen speaker. BeUomont's
opening address was a review of the condition of pubhc affahs. His
legacy, he said, was a divided people, an empty purse, a few miserable,
half-starved, naked soldiers, ragged fortifications, a tumble-down gov
ernor's house, and, in short, a whole government out of frame. The
prospect was certainly anything but cheerful. BeUomont said he should
pocket none of tbe people's money, and aU his accounts should be fur
nished for inspection when and as often as desired. He declared
against free elections, against piracy, against iUegal trade, against dis
orders of whatever nature, and in favor of reducing the salaries of the
officers of the government. He said the revenue which had been raised
for five years was nearly expiring and must be renewed. He said that
immediate provision must be made to pay the debts of the govemment.
Until now the Assembly had consisted of nineteen members. BeUo
mont warmly advocated the passage of a bill to increase the number to
thirty, and to provide against the abuses attending elections. It created
so much ill-natured discussion that no other business was attempted for

THE ACTS OF TRADE. 431
a month, and finaUy six of the members seceded from the Assembly
altogether. The only thing which had reaUy been accompUshed was an
address to the king, and Bellomont dissolved the body in disgust.
The trouble with the merchants grew into such proportions, and it be
came so necessary to have officers who would execute justice promptly,
that BeUomont peremptorUy disnussed Brooke from aU his positions, and
appointed Hon. Stephanus Van Cortlandt with Mr. Monsay, searcher of
customs, to act as commissioners untU a new receiver-general should
receive the sanction of the king. Two or three days afterwards some
goods were to be seized, and each of three constables who were sent for in
turn to perform the duty was missing. A report was communicated to
BeUomont the same aftemoon, to the effect that the sheriff himself was
concerned in the receipt of some East India goods, and that a large quan
tity was concealed in his house. The earl sprang to his feet and sent
an order to Mr. Monsay and Mr. Everts to seize them at once. They
entered the sheriff's house without opposition, but while they were pack
ing the goods for removal to the Custom-House, the doors were locked
upon them, leaving them prisoners in a close, unventilated garret, where
they were obliged to remain until they were nearly stifled. It was lUne
o'clock in the evening before BeUomont heard of their incarceration. He
at once sent his own servants with three files of soldiers, who broke in
the doors and liberated the gentlemen.
The next day Mr. Monsay was caUed upon to seize more goods, but he
dechned to serve longer in that vocation. BeUomont was surprised, for
Monsay had been searcher of the customs for six years, and this late office
advanced him an extra £ 200 in the way of salary. Brooke was accused
of having influenced Monsay. But as the latter could not be persuaded
to come in coUision again with the angry merchants, who had threatened
his hfe, the son of Sir George Hungerford, another relative of the Earl,
was appointed in his place.
William Pinhorne disapproved of BeUomont's arbitrary proceedings,
particularly in regard to the merchants, and took occasion to express his
opinions in strong language. He was immediately removed from the
councU by the governor, on the ground of having used disrespectful
words against the king. He retired to his plantation near Snake Hill
on the Hackinsack Eiver, and was appointed judge of the Supreme Court
in Kew Jersey, and a member of the governor's council in that State.
A record of the various encounters of Bellomont in his efforts to en
force the Acts of Trade would fiU a volume. He wrote to the king : —
" I am obliged to stand entirely upon my own legs, my assistants hinder me,
^ihe people oppose me, and the merchants threaten me. It is Indeed uphiU
work''

432 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
That such was the case is no matter of wonder. Those Acts of Trade
were despotic in their nature and contradictory to the rights of humanity
They were everywhere evaded. New York was not alone. The city had
become a nest of pirates, it is true, but it was the EngUsh nation which fed
and fostered them. Piracy did not originate in New York. The place
was simply chosen on account of its central geographical position, and its
nearness to the open sea. A brief review of the Acts of Trade wiU enable
the reader to better judge why no voice of conscience declared their vio
lation a moral offense, and how respect for them resolved itself into a
mere calculation of chances ; it is to be taken into account also that New
York was a city chiefly of ahens, owing aUegiance to England and to
other European powers, and without the bonds of common history or
tongue. No commodities might be imported into any British settlement in Asia,
Africa, or America, or exported thence, but in vessels buUt in England or
in her colonial plantations, and navigated by crews of which the master
and three fourths of the saUors were English subjects. The penalty
was forfeiture of ship and cargo. No one but a natural-born subject of the
English crown or person legally naturaUzed could exercise the occupa
tion of merchant or factor in any English colonial settlement. No sugar,
tobacco, cotton, wool, indigo, ginger, or dye-stuffs produced in the colonies
should be shipped from them to any other country than England, and
ship-owners were required at the port of lading to give bonds with
security proportioned to tonnage. The prohibited articles were caUed
enumerated, and as soon as any new articles were brought into notice
through the ingenuity and industry of the colonists, they were added to
the list. It forbade also the importation of any European articles into
the colonies save in vessels laden in England and navigated as above. It
was the policy of nations to keep the trade of colonies confined to the
parent country. Charles II. imposed a tax of five per cent on aU goods
imported into or exported from any of the dominions of tbe crown. Par
hament went a step farther and taxed the trade which one colony carried
on with another.
The peace of Eyswick had interrupted hostUities between tbe French
and English, but Count Frontenac was stUl pursuing the Iroquois with
unabated vigor. Bellomont sent two agents. Captain John Schuyler and
Dominie Dellius, to Montreal to confer with the French commander. The
latter claimed that the Iroquois were French not English subjects and he
must bring them to terms. An interesting controversy at once ensued.
Bellomont took a very high and arrogant tone in his correspondence, and
Count Frontenac was equally resolute and opinionated. BeUomont, al-

CONTENTION IN THE COUNCIL. 433
though seriously Ul with the gout, hurried to Albany to meet the Indians
themselves. Before any settlement was reached in the matter the Count
died at the advanced age of seventy.
When BeUomont retm'ned to New York he found the gentlemen of his
councU sullen and estranged. He invited them to dine with him, and
fancied he detected signs of displeasure when he drank the king's health,
as was his custom. He made a lame effort to conciliate the merchants,
who were grumbUng more loudly than ever, by giving them a general
invitation to come to his dinner-table at any time ; but they never came.
Brooke had gone to England to obtain redress for his grievances. He had
sailed during the governor's absence in Albany, and had been visited by
great numbers of prominent persons before his departure, and crowds of
people attended him to the vessel. BeUomont discovered that petitions
had been extensively signed, asking for his recall, and sent by Brooke to
WhitehaU. The great bone of contention in the council was piracy. AU were
agreed in the necessity for its suppression. But as to its actual extent
there was a vast difference of opinion. Bellomont was informed that
Colonel Bayard had assisted Fletcher in giving protection to pirates. He
proclaimed it with emphasis. He also startled his associates by making
known his suspicions in regard to several others among their number, who
had unquestionably been concerned in the encouragement of depredations
upon the sea. The retort was in the very nature of things inevitable. It
was now weU known that Captain Kidd had raised the black flag ; and
the possible complicity of BeUomont himself was on men's lips aU over
the world. The iron entered the noble soul. But the Earl would not
allow any such misrepresentations to come between him and the execu
tion of what he considered his duty. He was trying to purify a corrupt
government, and suspected men must not be allowed to stand in high
places. He therefore proceeded to remove Colonel Bayard, Gabriel Min
vieUe, Thomas WiUett, Eichard Townley, and John Lawrence from the
councU. The foUowing morning Frederick Philipse resigned.
The excitement was intense. Eumor distorted facts, and the displaced
gentlemen were accredited with the darkest deeds. A beautiful diamond
worn by Mrs. Bayard was said to have been taken from the finger of an
Arabian princess, and romance quickly wove the story into a bloody
murder. It was reported to have been the price paid to Bayard for ob-
taining the murderer's protection. It was for a time currently beUeved
that MinvieUe possessed a large box of Arabian gold pieces obtained in a
similar manner John Lawrence was said to have often entertained the
freebooters at his house on Long Island. Frederick PhUipse was the
28

434 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
subject of much speculation. He owned several great merchant-vessels
and it was said that three or four were coming in from Madagascar laden
with jewels and costly wares; and that his son Adolphe Phihpse had
gone out in a smaU ship to meet them and conceal the treasures. This
last story was the only one which had any tangible foundation. Adolphe
Philipse did go out as reported, though his object was never made known.
When the vessels were at last entered, the depositions of the crew sub
stantiated the original statement of Philipse that the goods had been
bought at low prices from African traders instead of pirates.
BeUomont wrote to the Lords of Trade in reference to the changes
made in tbe councU, without repeating the charges which he had so im
pulsively preferred. He said that Townley lived in East Jersey and
never came to the meetings ; that Philipse resigned on account of his
great age, being seventy-two years old ; that Lawrence was also super
annuated, being eighty-two years of age ; and that the other gentlemen
were disposed to promote Ulegal trade. David Jamison, the clerk of the
council, was removed because of grave impertinence, and the governor in
excusing sucb a stringent course, said that Jamison had once been con
demned to the gaUows in Scotland for blasphemy and burning the Bible,
but in mitigation of the sentence had been transported to America;
and, also, that he had two wives, — one left behind him, and one in New
York. The new counselors appointed to fiU the vacancies were Eobert Living
ston, Colonel Abraham De Peyster, Thomas Weaver, Dr. Samuel Staats,
and Eobert Walters.^ Bellomont had reviewed Fletcher's action against
Livingston and reinstated the latter in aU his ofiices. The Leislerian
faction were thus in the ascendant in the councU, and the whole party
took courage. Some went so far as to broach the subject of demandmg
a retrospect of aU the events and quarrels during the period of the
Eevolution. On tbe other hand. Colonel Bayard was so indignant with the treat
ment which he had received, that he made a voyage to England at once,
and personaUy laid the subject before the Lords of Trade and the kmg
William Nicolls stood guard over party interests in New York. Clubs
and " cabals " were held at stated intervals, and an uneasy time it was
for the governor. The latter came into coUision with WiUiam Brad-
1 Dr. Samuel Staats married, while holding some appointment in India obtained for him
by William of Orange, an East Indian "Begum" or princess, with whom and his children
he returned to Holland and thence to New York. His daughter Catharine married Lewis
Morris, and was the mother of the celebrated Staats Long Morris. Gouverneur Kemble:
New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, January, 1876, p. 17.

JAMES GRAHAM. 435
ford, who was printing for the government, and high words many times
ensued. Bradford's salary was cut down in the general reduction of gov
ernmental expenses, and he several times told the Earl he might do his
own prmting
BeUomont, from aU he could learn, was convinced that much of the
wealth of the New York aristocracy had been dishonorably obtained.
The enormous landed estates haunted his mind. Small men could not
obtain a foothold in the province. Every acre of government land had
been granted away to feudal lords ; in many instances, in tracts from
twenty to forty nules square. It had a ruinous outlook. He finaUy
leveled a fierce blow at the great landholders by an attempt to break
all existing grants, and the shaping of a biU, which should be approved in
England, to prohibit any one person from holding over one thousand acres
under any circumstances.
MeanwhUe a new Assembly was in contemplation. For months prior
to the election, the country was canvassed by conspicuous leaders
of both parties. They rode night and day, defied cold and fatigue,
and encountered snow-storms and freshets. William NicoUs slept more
than once under a haystack, and Eobert Walters twice swam a swollen
stream when the ice was breaking. BeUomont removed the sheriffs in
the different counties, and appointed new ones, such as leaned towards
the party which he represented, in their stead. The struggle was the
sharpest ever known at that time in America. In many places on
the day of election there was fighting and broken heads at the poUs.
The Leislerians were victorious. When some one said to Bellomont, " The
new members all seem to be Englishmen," he replied with a sarcastic
smUe, " There is Johannes Kip, Eip Van Dam, and Jacobus Van Cort
landt! Their names speak Dutch, and the men scarcely speak English."
Johannes De Peyster and Jeremias Van Eensselaer were also among
these elected.
James Graham was one of those who attached themselves to BeUomont,
and the warm-hearted Earl placed implicit confidence in him for a time.
With aU his democratic notions the nobleman governor had great respect
for birth and blood. Graham was the son of the Earl of Montrose, who,
although a Scotchman, was weU known and highly esteemed in England.
That was his first recommendation. Then, too, he was endowed with
htilhant intellectual qualities, was witty, chivalrous, communicative,
overflowed with anecdote, in short, was a man after the Earl's own heart,
and he enjoyed such society. But Graham was not a friend who could
he trusted, and a more cautious and less sincere man than the impulsive
Belbmont would have sooner found him out. He was the attorney-gen-

436 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
eral of the province, and had consequently drawn up aU the necessary
papers for Fletcher's land-grants. Inconsistent as it appears, he was one
of the very first to suggest their iUegahty. If such was the fact, then
he alone was responsible, for he understood the forms and methods of
the province and Fletcher left the whole matter entirely to him. He was
apparently in entire sympathy with the projects of the Earl, vouchsafed
much information, said the grants were destructive to the best interests
of the people, and ought to be broken. He recommended, however that
¦a few should be shattered at first, " as a sort of essay to see how it would
be borne," and the rest destroyed afterwards. It was serious business, but
BeUomont was undismayed and plunged straight into the fire. Graham
knew how, hke many another adviser since his time, to throw fuel into
the flames and protect himself
He had been chosen speaker of the House, and was ordered to prepare
the bill for vacating the grants. The first estates under condemnation were,
two of Dominie DeUius, one of Colonel Bayard, one of Captain Evans, one
of Caleb Heathcote, and one belonging to Trinity Church. Before the
subject was brought into the councU for formal approval, BeUomont
sent an invitation for Graham to dine with him one day, and remarked,
among other things, that Colonel WiUiam Smith seemed very much averse
to the passage of such a bUL Graham, to the Earl's astonishment, said
the thing could not be done at aU ; that civil war would ensue should
it be attempted. The foUowing day Graham caUed upon the Earl, and
told how he had found a quarter of meat significantly laid across the siU
of his door on the previous evening, which none of his servants could ac
count for, and which was undoubtedly a menace, meaning that he was to
be quartered. Bellomont laughed at such nonsensical fears. The same
day the biU was brought before the councU. Three members were for it,
and three against it, and, as there were only six present, BeUomont gave
the casting vote. He wrote to the Lords of Trade that the three who
were against it were the largest landholders in New York, except Dominie
Dellius. He, with singular honesty of purpose, caused the bUl to be so
worded tbat his own and aU future governors' hands were tied from grant
ing any more, or even so much as leasing tbe demesne of the governor for
more than his own time in the government. The House added a clause
to deprive Dominie Dellius also of his benefice at Albany, to which the
council agreed. While it was being discussed in the Assembly Graham
opposed it, which greatly annoyed Bellomont, since it had been framed
through his direct instrumentality. It passed the House, however, with
a large majority.
The remainder of the grants were shortly to be attacked. Prominent

DOMINIE DELLIUS.

437

among the landgraves was the chief justice of the province, and counselor.
Colonel WiUiam Smith, of St. George's manor, near Brookehaven. It was
said that he owned over fifty mUes of sea-beach, and that his land crossed
the whole breadth of Long Island. He was influential, and BeUomont
apprehended that he would prove a formidable antagonist, but was fully
determined to meet the issue. PersonaUy he had no affinity for the cold,
taciturn, seU-righteous ex-governor of Tangier. He did not even respect
his abihties. He admitted that Smith " had more sense, and was more
gentlemanhke than any man whom he had seen in the province, but that
did not make him a lawyer, and he reaUy knew very little about law with
all his legal pretensions."
WhUe BeUomont was maturing his poUcy of grading the hUls and
building up the vales, a terrible commotion was being fomented. Dom
inie Dellius had saUed for England, carrying certificates of his piety and
good lffe, and a purse for his expenses iUled by the members of his church
in Albany. He went in aU confidence to the king, expecting to get the
Act annuUed which deprived him of his broad pastures. At the same
tune the church- wardens and vestry
of Trinity Church appealed to the
Bishop of London in the most ear
nest manner, asking his interference
with the Lords of Trade to prevent
Bellomont from wresting from them
their property and rights. They par
ticularly commended the great zeal,
generous liberality, and indefatigable '
industry of Fletcher, who they said
was the " sole founder, the principal
promoter, an(i the most liberal bene
factor" of the church; and they
prayed that the destruction planned
hy one who was a communicant and
constant attendant might be averted.
Rev. Mr Vesey esteemed himself per
sonaUy aggrieved in the matter. He
had been on agreeable terms with
Bellomont, had dined with him often,
and had driven with him in his coach-
and-six. The good divine at once left
the governor and famUy out of his prayers altogether. And what was
more, he prayed for Dominie DeUius by name each Sunday in the sanctu-

Portrait and Autograph of Rev. William Vesey.

438 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
ary, desiring God to give the latter a safe and prosperous voyage and great
success with the king.^
Bellomont was confounded. He had not intended to injure the wel
fare of the church, only to recover the gubernatorial conveniences which
the church enjoyed. He had, with the consent of the councU, settled
£ 26 per year upon the minister for house-rent ; and it was his mtention
to propose to the Assembly a further settlement of £ 50 per year upon
Mr. Vesey, and aU his successors in that cure. As things stood he could
no longer attend divine service in his accustomed place, and he wrote to
the Bishop petitioning that Mr. Vesey be immediately deprived of his
benefice in New York.
As for Dominie Dellius it is hardly probable that he obtained his In
dian lands fraudently. He had been an agent among the savages, and
during the long years of wars and alarms had been of great service to the
govemment. At one time he had, in connection with Peter Schuyler and
one or two others, petitioned Fletcher for liberty to trade with the Mo
hawks. Fletcher saw no objection, since the practice of buying large
estates for a few knives and tobacco-pouches had been in vogue ever since
New York was first settled ; and, besides, he had been instructed by the
king to use his own discretion in such matters. A short time subse
quently, permission was granted to Dominie DeUius to make a second
purchase, in which no one was concerned but himself The sachems
accepted the price offered, and signed and sealed the instrument of con
veyance in the same solemn manner that other Indians bad done before
them. But as soon as Fletcher had gone and BeUomont began his re
formatory movements, these treacherous men of the forest complained,
and said they had been cheated and deceived. DeUius had been an
active opponent of Leisler, hence appearances were made to teU seriously
against him by the party in power. Not only his religion, but his morals
were assaUed. The customary epithets of the times, such as "incendi
ary " and " Uar " and " proud person," were heaped upon him, and it was
asserted that he did not pray for the king, only for the Crown of England
Tbe aristocracy of that decade sustained the clergy, and the clergy sus
tained the aristocracy ; and the merchants sustained both the clergy and
the aristocracy. Their grievances were of a kindred nature. Theh cry
of rage vibrated on one chord. Each sent angry petitions across the
water asking for Bellomont's recall
The Lords of Trade were worse confounded than BeUomont himseff.
With petitions as above filling up their tables, and with the indignant
1 Vesey Street was named from this clergyman. Church, Chapel, and Rector Streets have
the same clerical origin.

BELLOMONT'S CHAGRIN. 439
Bayard, Brooke, and DeUius standing boldly before them in defense of
rights civU and pohtical, the trial of Fletcher came on and occupied some
days. The charges against him proved less formidable than had been
expected before they were subjected to the hght of careful analysis. Evi
dence was entirely wanting to convict him of any intentional wrong-doing.
The result of the trial was only an expression of mild disapproval con
ceming some of his proceedings.
BeUomont was deeply chagrined; the more so when he received a
friendly caution from the king to beware lest he encourage the Leislerians
so far that they demand reparation for damages sustained during the
Eevolution. Such a course would involve property interests and drive
many important famUies from the province. BeUomont responded quick
ly that he had no idea of such a fooUsh step. " You must think me out
of my wits," he said. At the same time he defined his pohcy, that since
many men of the Leislerian party in New York were competent to hold
of&ce, it was only fair to promote them. '
The Act for breaking the grants was laid on the table for future con
sideration by the Lords of Trade, and that was another mortifying cir
cumstance. BeUomont wrote as if stung by an asp. He said he had
only carried out the instructions of the crown, and if he was not sus
tained in his course he should resign. He did not desire to have the
Act to break the two grants of Dellius approved, unless he should be
abundantly authorized to go on and break the others, meaning Schuyler's,
Van Eensselaer's, Livingston's, Van Cortlandt's, PhUipse's, — both father's
and son's, — Smith's, Nicolls's, Beekman's, Morris's, etc. He asked the
recall of Matthew Clarkson, the secretary of the province, saying that he
was a " weak man, incapable of business," and that he was heartUy tired
of him. He declared that there was not a man in New York whose
skin and integrity he could trust, and recommended that George Toilet
be sent from England to fill the vacancy. He complimented the Dutch
citizens of New York for their honesty, but said the Enghsh were quicker
m accounts and more ready with their pens. As for himseK, he said he
was perpetuaUy in business from nine o'clock in the morning until ten at
night, except during meals, and that it was wearing upon his health and
strength. The Assembly settled the revenue upon the governor for six years, but
it was not until after a long and tedious dispute. Graham several times
waited upon BeUomont in the hope of persuading him to accept it for
three years, and was haughtily rebuked for his pains. A biU passed the
house during the same session for the building of a poorhouse. BeUo
mont smUed ironicaUy when the news came to him, and remarked that

440 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
there was no such thing as a beggar in city or country. And it is a sig
nificant fact that in no other part of the king's dominions at that time
was there so rich a population^ as in New York.
About this time Abraham Gouverneur married Mary Leisler, the widow
of Jacob Milborne. He was a member of the House, and drew up a re
monstrance, addressed to the king, which arraigned aU the proceedings
against Leisler and MUborne. His intention was to compel Graham, the
speaker, who had been one of the judges at their trial, and who was es
teemed a two-sided politician, to proceed to the councU-chamber, attended
by tbe whole Assembly, and deliver the document to the governor; in
case of his refusal, he was to be thrown out of the body. Dr. Staats told
Bellomont what was in contemplation. A few moments later Graham
himself appeared, and with considerable agitation said tbat he had just
heard the paper read, and " would sooner be torn in pieces than bring it
up and read it at the head of the House, for it would be in effect cutting
his own throat." Bellomont resorted to an artifice to save Graham ; he
sent for the Assembly, saying he had orders from the king to make Gra
ham one of his council, and that they must choose a new speaker. Gou
verneur was at once elected to the chair by general acclamation, and
presented the remonstrance in due form. This movement did not accom
plish its object; but it resulted in the disinterment of the remains of
Leisler and Milborne, and with funeral honors tbey were given Christian
burial in the Dutch Church. The service was performed at midmght, in
presence of twelve hundred or more persons, and in the midst of a storm
which was only equaled in fury by the one which deepened the gloom
at the time of the execution. Order was maintained by a large detach
ment of soldiery.
At the same moment the Dutch Church was tottering upon its foun
dation. BeUomont had made an effort to annul the charter on the
ground of its having been obtained through bribery. The only proof
shown was that the consistory had on one occasion made Fletcher a
present of a piece of plate. The charter itself was not agreeable to the
Leislerians, because it gave the power of caUing ministers to tbe minister
and consistory. They battled for their old right of congregational vote.
They carried their quarrels before tbe Classis of Amsterdam with such
vigor that the first candidate who was caUed to act as coUeague to Domi
nie Selyns declined the honor. The accompUshed pastor, under whose
ministration, since his return from HoUand, the church had increased from
four hundred and fifty to six hundred and fifty members, was growing
old and must have assistance. The charter prevaUed in the end, and the
Eev. Mr. Du Bois accepted a call, and reached New York m the summer

BELLOMONT IN BOSTON. 441
of 1699. The death of Dominie Selyns occurred shortly afterward, and
his loss was deeply mourned. He was one of the acknowledged founders
of the Dutch Church in America, and probably did more during his long,
interesting, and honorable career to determine its position for aU the
future than any other man.
The time came at length when BeUomont must attend to that part of
his commission which constituted him governor of Massachusetts and
New Hampshire. He made the tiresome overland journey to Boston,
while overwhelmed with care aqd perplexity, and suffering acutely with
the gout in his right hand. He was accompained by Lady BeUomont and
a large retinue of servants. He found in each of the Eastern colonies
two powerful parties, and the Acts of Trade violated and the coUection
of customs at loose ends. He found, too, that Boston was the seat of
leaming and fanaticism, and wondered how the two came to go hand in
hand. Opposition to his measures was not so manifest as in New York,
owing to tbe fact of there being less business done. New England was
peopled with inteUectual men of smaU means who wrung their subsist
ence from the earth. In the rural districts there was a general appear
ance of social equahty. Bellomont had never seen anything like it, and
contrasted it with the manors of New York, — the lords amid their ten
antry and negro slaves, and their gUded trappings, coats-of-arms, and
coaches-and-six. He was running over with democratic theories at the
same time that aU his tastes and habits of life were of the opposite char
acter. But democracy was as yet imperfectly understood.
Boston was charmed with BeUomont. His noble bearing and easy ele
gant manners were everywhere admired. Crowds foUowed him through
the streets. As in New York, his dinner-table was the resort of politi
cians. He instituted and encouraged their visits, but was oftentimes
dreadfuUy bored. On one occasion, when his dining-hall was filled with
Assemblymen from the country who were shabbUy dressed and rough-
mannered, he remarked aside to Lady BeUomont, "We must treat these
gentlemen weU; they give us our bread."
A larger revenue was voted to him in New England than had ever
hefore been given to a, governor. He favored the party in Massachusetts
which opposed Dudley. There was comparative harmony in the Gen
eral Court when he presided. We are told by historians that he was
imparliamentary ; he never, it seems, hesitated to propose business, rec
ommend committees, or even leave his chair and mingle in the debates.
In New Hampshire he quarreled with the lieutenant-governor (whom
he had never hked) about having sent ship-timber to Portugal At
the time of the appointment of the latter he had said to Sir Henry

442 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Ashurst, at whose instance it was done, " You seem to have a strong bias
for carpenter-governors."
BeUomont kept his New York affairs constantly in mind during his
stay in Boston. In one of his letters ^ to Colonel De Abraham Peyster
he said : —
" I wish you would teU Mr. Leisler that I can't move the king to get his
father's debt ordered to be paid for want of government's and other people's
testimony, on oath, that they saw Captain Leisler's books and that there was
suoh a sum due as Dr. Staats and Gouverneur told me ; but the sum they men
tioned I have forgot. Let this be done immediately, if they are able to swear
to it ; it must be drawn up handsomely, that I may transmit it to England."
A Uttle later he wrote, telUng De Peyster, who had been in Boston with
him for a short time, how high he (De Peyster) stood in the favor and
good opinion of the New England people, and how much he was missed
by everybody. He urged the latter " to get Mr. Leisler, Dr. Staats, Mr
Walters, and Mr Gouverneur together and see if they cannot refresh their
memories in the matter of the government debt. It wiU be ridiculous to
ask the king to refund a debt when I do not know the amount." Lady
BeUomont corresponded with several of the New York ladies whUe in
Boston. At one time we find her desiring Mrs. De Peyster to buy her a
pearl necklace K she could get one good and cheap.
BeUomont succeeded in arresting Captain Kidd before he left Boston.
He had long felt that his honor and that of his govemment was deeply
involved, and that the apprehension and punishment of the audacious
pirate was essential to exculpation in the eyes of the world. Kidd had
several times visited the American shores. He had buried a portion of
his treasures on Gardiner's Island, which had afterwards been discovered.
He feU directly into the trap which BeUomont had laid for him. He was
sent to England for trial ; he was found guilty ; and he was executed on
the 12th of May, 1701. His wii& and daughter remamed in New York,
and lived in the strictest seclusion. The mmors of buried gold created a
panic among the dwellers aU along the Atlantic coast, and for years there
was much digging and occasional " clicks of box-hds." But the fever at last
died away, as have the wUd romances and weird legends concerning Kidd.
When Bellornont returned to New York he wrote to the king that he
should greatly prefer an honest judge and a trustworthy attorney-general
to two ships-of-war. He said Graham "had changed his note and
turned taU " ; that " Mr. Graham in the afternoon was always opposed to
1 Lord Bellomont to Colonel Abraham De Peyster, August 3, 1699. Miscellaneous Works
of General J. Watts De Peyster, p. 130.

THE HANGING OF POPISH PRIESTS.

443

Mr. Graham in the morning," and that he never knew when to depend
upon his opinions, and was often led into ridiculous folhes by him;
that Graham never had rendered him any assistance only in the matter
of hunting up testimony against Fletcher. He also said that piracy was
on the wane, but he expected New York would be flooded with gold upon
the arrival of one of Phiiipse's ships, which was expected.
About this time the new City HaU was buUt upon the site (donated
by Colonel Abra
ham De Peyster),
of the present
Oustom-House on
Wall Street, oppo
site Broad. David
Provoost, who was
the mayor in 1699,
laid the comer-
stone. The buUd
ing cost about
£3,000. The arms
of the king, also
the arms of BeUo-
ment and of Nan
fan, decorated the
front The old City
HaU, which was in city Hall, Wall street.
an advanced state of decay, was sold to John Eodman for £ 920.
Pubhc scavengers were first instituted this year, and two new market-
houses were erected. Of the latter, one was on the corner of Coentis Slip
and the other at the foot of Broad Street. A powder-house was built by
the corporation, and in view of the recent Act of the Assembly in pro-
vidiug for a poor-house, a smaU building was hired where sick paupers
might go for care and medical attention. The Brooklyn ferry was in
spected and re-leased for seven years, and a ferry-house decided upon,
which was subsequently erected. The rate of fare was established by
law : it was eight stuyvers in wampum, or a sUver twopence for a single
person; half that sum each, when a number of persons traveled in com
pany; one shiUing for a horse ; twopence for a hog (same as for a man) ;
one penny for a sheep ; and after sunset double ferriage for aU. The
dock was leased to Phihp French for £ 40 per annum.
The Assembly met in the summer of 1700, but the business was un
important and the session a short one. One law was enacted, however.

444 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
which wUl never be read but with abhorrence. It was to hang every
Popish priest who came voluntarily into the province of New York.
Cruel and unaccountable as it appears, we have but to review
the situation and dweU for a moment upon the bloody wars to the
north, and the supposed tampering of the Jesuit enussaries with the
Indians, to find cause for a measure rather of state pohcy than persecu
tion. In directing severe penalties against the priests, the legislators
fancied they were warding off the blows of the tomahawk.
The Board of Trade, consisting of a president and seven members, (the
first in New York, and which had been estabhshed about three years,)
should have exercised an immediate supervision over the commerce of
the colony. It made the attempt, but the persistent violation of the
revenue and other laws drove it to stringent measures, and it conse
quently became as odious to the merchants as BeUomont hunseff. The
latter interposed so many obstacles in the way of business that the Lon
don merchants were aroused and petitioned the king in behaff of the
aggrieved people of New York. WhUe it was under consideration an
other petition, praying to be reinstated in peace, safety, and prosperity,
appeared, signed by thirty-three New York inerchants, among whom
were Nicholas Bayard, Philip French, Gabriel MinvieUe, Eip Van Dam,
Charles Lodwyck, Stephen De Lancey, Brandt Schuyler, Jacobus Van
Cortlandt, David Jamison, and Elias Boudinot. There were thirty-two
distinct accusations against Bellomont. The thirty-second was to the
effect that the governor, in order to justify his arbitrary proceedings, had
vilely slandered eminent and respectable persons ; he had accused them
of piracy and of trading witb pirates, which was whoUy false. The only
ground he had ever had for such suspicions was that some of the rich
gentlemen of New York owned ships which went to Madagascar for
negroes, and sometimes met with India goods which tbey could buy at
easy rates, but always gave true account of the same.
Before these papers were sent to England, the governors of Pennsyl
vania and Maryland tried to bring about a reconcihation between BeUo
mont and the merchants. BeUomont was irritated, and said he had no
advances to make, unless it could be proven that he had acted contrary
to law ; if the merchants expected him to be reconciled and indulge them
in unlawful trade and piracy, they would find themselves mistaken, for
he sbould be " as steady as a rock on that point." He thought it was
hard on him that the landholders should not have received theh doom ;
he should expect insolence untU the Act was ratified in England, "and
until aU who had obtained land by wholesale were brought under proper
limits."

BELLOMONT S HARDSHIPS. 445
It was confidently asserted in New York that BeUomont was to be
recaUed, and some went so far as to say that Fletcher had been com
missioned as his successor. This caused a disaffection among the Leis
lerians, and a number went over to the aristocracy. BeUomont was quite
indifferent about being caUed home, and declared that no malice could
spot his reputation. A letter from the Bishop of London to Eev. Mr.
Vesey, however, cut him to the heart. The good divine seemed to
have espoused the cause of Fletcher; he told the people of Trinity
Church that " by Easter they would be rid of their grievances." " Ah .' "
said BeUomont, " K I am to find my services sUghted in England, I may
weU be troubled."
The Lords of Trade had reaUy taken no action in the matter. The con
tradictory stories perplexed them. They wrote a cheerful letter of en
couragement to BeUomont, and appointed Judge Atwood and Attorney-
General Broughton to go to his rehef and assistance. They were a long
time, however, in reaching New York. BeUomont was impatient with the
delay, and said " the way some people shirked their duty and stayed away
from their posts was intolerable." As for Weaver, who had loitered in Eng
land nearly three years, the governor asked the Lords to send him imme
diately home ; and at the same time he informed them that Major Ingolds
by had been in London four years, leaving his wife and children to starve,
— the. latter had now gone fo stay at Judge Pinhorne's in New Jersey.
Hungerford, who, on account of relationship, had been appointed assistant
collector of the customs, was in jaU, having " played the fool and worse."
Augustine Graham (son of James Graham) had been suspended from
the oflfice of adjutant-general, " because," said BeUomont, " I esteem him a
superfluous charge to the government." He was accused of intemperance,
and BeUomont remarked " that the son would become sober when the
father became honest." Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan was at Barbadoes,
looking after his wKe's fortune. Peter Schuyler never attended the meet-
mgs of the council, owing to the pressure of his duties in Albany. Eobert
Livingston could only come to New York at certain seasons of the year.
Chief Justice Smith's home was a hundred miles away, and he was rarely
present Graham was at his country^-seat near Morrisania, eight miles
from the city, and was " either sick or sullen, for he had not shown him
self for five months." It was thus that BeUomont pictured his hardships
in bemg obliged to attend to the business of others as weU as his own, and
asked for an increase of salary. He expressed himself greatly hurt at
having been " so pushed at," for supposed comphcity with Captain Kidd,
and said it was a cmelty that every honest man who served the king
should have his name torn and vilUfied.

446 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
In the early part of January, 1701, Bellomont publicly removed Gra-
1701. ham from the offices of attorney-general and city recorder He
January, miglit; jjave Spared his former friend this infliction, and said he
sbould have done so had he known his illness was of a serious character
Graham was dying, having been suffering from a serious malady ever
since bis last visit to the councU-chamber. He hved but a few days after
he was informed of the action of the governor. His large estate near
Morrisania was divided equaUy among his six children. Of his manner
of life a passing ghmpse is handed along to us in his wUl, which makes
mention of an overseer, two white servants, and thirty negro slaves.
In November, prior to tbe death of Graham, Hon. Stephanus Van
Cortlandt had finished his eventful career BeUomont felt his loss keenly.
Although they differed in opinions upon almost every important subject
which came up for discussion in the council, they were warm personal
friends. Van Cortlandt had borne his years weU, and was an exceUent
public officer. His liberal views and large charities had greatly facUitated
the growth and prosperity of New York. His last sleep was fuU of
honors. His place in the council was fiUed by WUliam Lawrence, who
was pronounced " a man of good estate and honest understanding."
In the latter part of February, Bellomont was attacked with the
gout, to which he had been subject for years ; but with characteris
tic energy he for several days dictated communications to tbe various
parts of his government, and, regardless of physical pain, wrote one or two
letters with his own hand. He grew worse, and on the 5th of
' March ended his arduous and unsatisfactory labors, at the age of
sixty-five. His death caused a profound sensation. A general fast was
observed throughout the province. He was interred with appropriate
ceremonies in the chapel in tbe fort. When that structure was leveled in
1790, his leaden coffin was tenderly removed and deposited in St Paul's
churchyard. Lady Bellomont remained in New York about a year and a half after
the death of her husband, and then returned to England, where she sub
sequently married again. In ber deep afiiiction she received the constant
attention and sympathy of Mrs. Abraham De Peyster, and Mrs. Stephanus
Van Cortlandt, — Lady Van Cortlandt, as she was then styled. The coach
of the latter, with its outriders wearing badges of mourning, made frequent
trips between the manor-house and city, although the ladies and their ser
vants were much oftener seen wending their way through the woods on
horseback. Anne, the daughter of Van Cortlandt, had been married, a few
months before the death of the latter, to Stephen De Lancey,^ and was now
1 Stephen De Lancey soon afterward built a large elegant homestead upon land conveyed to

DEATH OF LORD BELLOMONT. 447
presiding over a pretentious mansion of her own on Broadway near Trinity
Church. De Lancey was one of the merchants who had writhed under
the imputation of piracy, and hated BeUomont with fiery intensity ; but it
did not prevent his beautiful bride from showing the utmost kindness to
the bereaved widow.
What the results of BeUomont's policy might have been must ever re
main a mystery. Few have been incited by more conscientious motives
in their efforts to administer justice. His errors were chiefly in judg
ment ; he aUowed noble and praiseworthy impulses to carry him beyond
the bounds of common prudence. But through his instrumentality piracy
received a check from which it never had vitaUty enough to recover, and
although he did not succeed in destroying the political influence and in
lowering the social position of the gentry of the province, he did advance
men who might not otherwise have had their talents recognized, and he pro
duced something more nearly approximate to a common level than any
one individual ever accomplished either before or since his time. Few
would have had the courage to have raised an arm against so many
adversaries, rarely another could have done so without faihng in the fray.
His death was the source of fresh troubles, and the only wonder is that
New York did not resolve into a state of hopeless anarchy.^
him hy his father-in-law, Stephanus Van Cortlandt, on the corner of Broad and Dock, now
Broad and Pearl Streets. This same edifice attained celebrity at a much later period, as
"Fraunces' Tavern.'' Chamber of Commerce Records, by John Austin Stevens, 307, 308.
1 In my account of the brief administration of Lord Bellomont, as in many other instan
ces, I abstain from citing authorities, because my authorities are too numerous to cite. My
information has been derived, not only from the sources open to every student of history, but
from thousands of old letters, sermons, tracts, records of trials, wiUs, and other musty and
forgotten documents.

448 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER XXII.
1701-1710.
COLONEL WILLIAM SMITH.
Colonel William Smith. — Conflict in the CotrNCiL. — Lieutenant-Governor Nan
fan. — Illegal Voting. — Egbert Livingston in DisgeaoIe. — Mbs. Gertrude Van
Cortlandt. — The City Elections. — Extkaordinaey Confusion. — Mayor Noell.
— Chief Justice Atwood. — Manok-Housb of Caleb Heathcote. — Trial of Nich
olas Bayaed foe Teeason. — Death of William III. — Lokd Cornbury. — Bay
ard's Sentence ebveesed. — The Yellow Fever. — The Church Quarrel. — Lady
Bellomont. — The Leislee Bill. — Death op Frederick Philipse. — Philipse
Manor. — Philipse Will. — The French Church. — Trinity Church. — Queen
Anne. — Excitements. — The Treasurer of the Province. — Death of Lady
Cornbury. — Lord Cornbury and the two Presbyterian Ministers. — The As
sembly OF 1708. — Spirited Eesolutions. — Lord Lovelace. — First Paper Money
in New York. — Five Indian Chiefs at Queen Anne's Court. — The Silver Vase
presented to Schuyler by Queen Anne.
THE sadness which fell like a pall over New York upon the death
of Lord -BeUomont was quickly pierced by a clash in tbe pohtical
arena. Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan was in Barbadoes, and the
1701. government was ¦without a head. Colonel WiUiam Smith has
tened to New York, but, owing to recent storms and swoUen
streams, he did not arrive untU the llth. The ice was just breaking
in the Hudson Eiver, wbich prevented Peter Schuyler and
March 11. ' x
Eobert Livingston from reaching the city until the 21st of the
month. Without waiting for the two latter, the councU met to consider what
steps to take in the emergency. Colonel Smith claimed the chair
^ 'by virtue of being the oldest member. The four other gentlemen
present — Abraham De Peyster, Dr. Staats, Eobert Walters, and Thomas
Weaver — thought a vote should be taken and the majority decide the
question. Smith said it was " an odd and doubtful way of proceeding,"
and since New York had never been so circumstanced before they must
look to other of the king's plantations for a precedent in the matter. The
discussion grew interesting and considerable heat was manffested. Smith

CONFLICT IN THE COUNCIL. 449
wrote out Hs opinion, and it was twice read before the meeting. They
finaUy separated and came together again the next inorning. A
mitten reply to Smith's arguments was produced and read. It
declared that one member had no more power than another, and that
when the majority saw fit to meet as a councU for the transaction of
pubhc business they should notify Smith, and if he refused to meet with
them, they should act in the administration of the government without
Mm. De Peyster acted as President of the Council.
The spirit and tone ,of the document offended Snuth, but he maintained
his position. After a long session the gentlemen separated without hav
ing arrived at any settlement. The next day and the next was but a
repetition of the same. The question also came up as to whether the
Assembly ought to sit on the 2d of April, the day specified at the time
of their prorogation. Smith was incUned to beUeve that the Assembly
was actuaUy dissolved by the governor's death. Some of the gentlemen
were so earnest in pressing for the meeting of the Assembly that Smith
suspected they designed attempting to pass" bUls of private consequence,
which BeUomont had only been prevented from doing by the superior
discernment of the Lords of Trade. Such was the fact, as subsequent
events proved. The Leisler family had never rested in the matter of
securing an Act of the Legislature of the province to sustain them in
instituting suits for damages, claimed to have been sustained during the
revolution, and their estimates were alarmingly exorbitant. The wife
of Robert Walters was Leisler's daughter, and she inherited her father's
persistence in a purpose, as weU as her share of the estate. It is easy
to see why Walters was anxious to seize the opportunity to further her
wishes and increase his own possessions. Dr. Staats had been one of
Leisler's councU, and had always advocated the exaction of some terrible
retribution for the murder of two innocent men. Weaver was a new
man in New York, and one of those blundering and shaUow persons who
always talk loudly, particularly upon those subjects which they least un
derstand, and who are usually restrained with difficulty from talking aU
the tune. The speaker of the Assembly was Abraham Gouverneur, who
had not only suffered himself, but his wife was Leisler's daughter, and
was doubly interested through her father and her first husband. This
was certainly an opportune moment for carrying a long-determined plan
hito execution.
Schuyler and Livingston at last put in their appearance. They at once
took the ground which had been held so valiantly by Smith. Liv-^^^^ ^
mgston had, in the earlier part of Bellomont's administration, sided
with the Leislerians. But it was more from personal regard for the gov-
29

450 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
ernor than for any sympathy in their cause. The Kidd affah, in which
he had been accused of sequestering piratical treasures to a large amount
had produced coolness between himself and BeUomont. The remarkable
interests now at stake brought him into his old groove. There was a
sharpening of sabers and a rush to mortal combat. It was three against
four, De Peyster being in sympathy with the Leislerians. The scheme
of revenge was charged squarely upon the latter. In turn Livingston and
Schuyler were accused of defrauding the government, and Smith was in
formed that he was considered a dangerous man by the late govemor,
and was just about to have been ousted from the council Colonel Smith
had actuaUy been deprived of tbe office of chief justice in December,
and De Peyster had been invested with the dignity — during the interim,
untU the arrival of Atwood — simply for necessary process without being
expected to judge in any cause. The eloquent vituperation and stinging
sarcasm which echoed from waU to wall in the council-chamber was un
equaUed in history. The clamor of the angry disputants was so loud and
threatening that people in the neighborhood spread an alarm. Weaver
outdid all the rest in the elevation of his voice and in the originaUty of
his ideas. He said if the rest of the four were of his mind, they " would
put those who would not submit to the majority fast in irons and chains,"
for it was nothing more or less than rebellion.
The Assembly met on the 2d of AprU, but owing to the quarrel
' in the council adjourned from day to day. Both parties sent a
written explanation of the controversy to the House, and it was decided
that the councU had the right to govern by majority of voices. But in
view of the irreconcilable nature of the singular affah the House ad
journed untU June. Meanwhile Nanfan arrived. There was no
' longer any question of pre-eminence, for, according to the provis
ion in BeUomont's commission, the lieutenant-governor was now the
commander-in-chief Other questions arose, however, of even graver mo
ment, and the spirit of antagonism increased to an unprecedented degree.
The Lords of Trade had advised Nanfan to avoid engaging himseff
" in the heats and animosities of parties," and in aU things to use mod
eration. He attempted obedience, and his first act was to dissolve the
Assembly and order a new election. The energy and tact of each party
were brought into fuU play, and the contest was one of the most bitter
and demoralizing that ever occurred in New York. There was Ulegal
voting everywhere. The elections were sharply disputed. The Leisler
ians were in the majority ; when they came to choose a speaker for the
House there was another painful disturbance. Out of twenty-one mem
bers, of which the House was composed, ten voted for Abraham Gouver-

MRS STEPHANUS VAN CORTLANDT. 451
Dcur and nine for William NicoUs. The minority undertook to prove
that Gouverneur was an alien, for which several of the gentlemen were
prosecuted. On the other hand, it was charged that Nicolls and WesseUs
were not properly qualified to act as members, because they were not
actual residents of the counties where they were elected. They both
retired frnm the House in anger, and sent written complaints of their
treatment to England.
The oaths were administered to the Assemblymen by Atwood (who
had arrived and been made one of the counselors), De Peyster, and
Livingston. Two days later Nanfan named a committee, by urgent
request from certain sources, to audit the public accounts. It con- "^'

. of Atwood, De Peyster, Dr. Staats, and Eobert Walters, who were
to meet a committee from the House at the residence of Eoger Baker. It
was a proceeding aimed directly at Eobert Livingston. It was pretended
that he had never accounted for the public money which he had formerly
received out of the excise. He indignantly refused to appear before this
tribunal His conduct was pronounced " a determination not to render
an account," although it was well known that his books and vouchers
were in the hands of the govemment "and detained from him. The two
committees unanimously recommended that a biU be passed the House
for the confiscation of his real and personal estate to the value of as much
debt to the crown as could be charged to him.
A few days later Mrs. Stephanus Van Cortlandt was summoned before
the auditing committee to pay an aUeged deficit in her late hus- g^ ^. ^
band's accounts to the amount of £ 530. She took no notice of
the mandate. She even withheld the books and papers when they were
demanded. Quite an excitement was fomented on her account, but she
stood out as fearlessly against threats as she had done in the time of the
Eevolution. She beheved her husband to have been perfectly upright,
and was determined to prevent his memory from being suUied through
the implacable malice of the party in power. She hoped, too, that before
matters came to a crisis a new governor and a new order of things might
bless New York. Suits were instituted against her, but Lord Cornbury
came just in tune to save her from being publicly annoyed. Her resolute
course of action was attributed largely to the influence of Nicholas Bayard,
whose son Samuel had recently married her daughter Margaret, and the
famUies were more intimate if possible than ever. She was supposed,
too, to be very much under the guidance of Livingston, whose wife was
her sister Alida, and who stayed chiefly at her house when in New York.
Both suppositions were ahke incorrect and did the lady injustice. She
was a responsible, capable, and efficient member of society, abundantly
able to judge and act for herself

452 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Nanfan informed the auditing committee, that while in Albany, in con
ference with the sachems of the Eive Nations, just after his arrival from
Barbadoes, the Indians had expressed great affection for Livingston, and
desired that he should be sent to Europe to procure them some favors.
The committee summoned Livingston before them, and tHs time he ap
peared. They told him that it had been made to appear that he had
used some undue influence in prevaUing upon the Indians to signify their
pleasure that he should visit the king in their behalf; but that he could,
if he thought proper, take a voluntary oath to clear himself from censure.
Livingston was too weU acquainted with English law and liberty to abet
such insolence. He knew that there was hot a shadow of proof against
him. He contemptuously replied that he " did not think it worth his
while." The House immediately addressed Nanfan with a petition to be for
warded to the king for the removal of Livingston from the of&ce of Sec
retary of Indian Affairs. A bill was prepared, obliging Livingston to
account, which was passed, with an amendment by Nanfan, to the effect
that time should be given him untU the 25th of March, 1702.
Other bills passed, but the one entitled " An Act for the pay-
' ment of the debts of the government made in the late happy Eev
olution," was delayed day after day by the persistent opposition of the
minority. EinaUy young Leisler went to Nanfan with a petition that it
might receive immediate consideration. Nanfan received him graciously,
but coolly remarked that tbe Assembly had been sitting a long time, and
the remaining biUs must all be dismissed untU the next session. The
same afternoon he prorogued the House untU the thhd Tuesday in
March. The city elections were as disorderly as those of the province. Both
parties seemed lost to aU sense of honor and decency. There was as
much iUegal as legal voting, and several bloody skirmishes among in
dividuals. At last there was a violent dispute about which party had
really won. As there were to be six aldermen and six assistants, should
party division be equal, Thomas NoeU, the new mayor, wbo belonged to
the aristocracy, would have the casting vote. But the Leislerians claimed
the victory, and, departing from the customary method, were severaUy
sworn in by the retiring mayor, who was of their own party.
Mayor NoeU was sworn, as usual, before the governor and councU, and .
then repaired, in company with the elected aldermen, to Trinity Church
to hsten to an appropriate discourse by Eev. Mr. Vesey. From there they
proceeded in solemn state to the City Hall, where the beU was rung,
Mayor NoeU pubUshed his commission and took the chair. Tbe retiring

EXTRAORDINARY CONFUSION. 453
mayor, De Eiemer, arose and gracefully presented him with the city
charter and seal. Abraham Gouverneur was city recorder, and took his
seat by the mayor. Noell told the clerk to proceed with the ceremony
of swearing in the members elect. Several responded, as their names
were caUed, by saying they had been sworn in already. Shouts of " It
cannot be done," and " It is not according to law," caused great confusion.
There were crowds of citizens present, and all talked together, until the
hubbub was deafening. Some declared that no one could be legally sworn
by the old mayor, and others with equal emphasis maintained the right
by law. Not only voices but fists were raised, and the uproar became of
such magnitude that Mayor NoeU apprehended a fight and arose and dis
solved the meeting.
NoeU declined to sit with aldermen, as a common councU, who refused
to be sworn by him. And as the common council was the only legal au
thority for scrutinizing disputed elections, the city was in danger of being
without a government. The urgency of the case induced Noell to take
upon himself the responsibiUty of appointing four men in each ward to
inspect returns. The Leislerians whom he placed on these committees
refused to serve. They pronounced the proceeding irregular, and claimed
that the common cduncil could only judge of the qualifications of its own
members. The remainder of the committees went on with their labors,
and retumed the names of aU the voters in the disputed wards, with the
men for whom they had severally voted. It was found that the aristo
cratic party were in the majority.
Mayor Noell then caUed a meeting at the City HaU to swear in the new
aldermen. Those who would be displaced by such action joined
them, and they aU marched along the streets and entered the haU
together They took their seats side by side, with angry determination
resting upon their countenances. Mayor NoeU arose, and said he should
use no violence to eject those who had no business there, and went on
swearmg in such a-s had been legaUy chosen. Voices were meanwhile
protestmg from every part of the haU. The clerk administered the oaths
amid a deafening roar of tongues, and when the mayor proceeded to the
transaction of business, aU took part with audacious effrontery untU the
confusion became so great that he adjourned the Board for two weeks.
The case went before the Supreme Court, which decided upon an ^^^ ^^
equal division of the aldermen and assistants between the two
parties. As Mayor NoeU and Eecorder Gouverneur were opposed, the
Board stood equaUy divided.
With CMef Justice Atwood came Attorney-General Broughton from
England. A round of dinners and entertainments was given these gen-

454 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
tlemen, which, together with the great heat of the summer, caused Brough
ton a severe fit of Ulness. He had a famUy of eight, and houses were so
scarce that he could find no accommodations except in crowded lodgings.
He finaUy wrote to the Lords of Trade for special permission to occupy
one of Captain Kidd's vacant dwelhngs. He also petitioned that the
office of surveyor-general might be given to his -son, iu case Augustine
Graham, who had sailed for England to settle his father's estate, should
resign. Weaver, as coUector of the customs, made himseff offensive to men of
aU classes and opinions. He coUided with the merchants concerning the
Acts of Trade so perpetually, that he was more cordiaUy hated than any
other man who had ever filled the position. When he meddled with poh
tics his dogmatic assertions and shaUow understanding were brought so
conspicuously into the foreground, that even his best friends said he was
enough to ruin any cause.
During this autumn Madame Sarah Knight journeyed from Boston to
New York on horseback, and wrote some very pleasant notes about her trip.
She was obliged to ford some rivers, and cross others in a frail scow, and as
for taverns, there were no such conveniences as yet along the route. She
was a woman of culture as weU as courage, and deeply interested in the
progress and development of the country. As she approached Mamaroneck
she was surprised to find so much of the land under successful cultiva
tion, and good buildings erected. Presently she came to the manor-house
of Colonel Caleb Heathcote, with its broad lawns, handsome gardens, ele
gant shade-trees, and great deer-park after the most approved English
fashion. As for New Eochelle, she pronounced it a " clean, pretty place,
where many Erench gentlemen of learning resided, and where were pass
able roads, and a bridge broad enough for a cart."
The city of New York was so very unlike Boston, that she regarded it
with special interest. The half-blending of Dutch and Enghsh customs,
the confusion of tongues, the variety of fashions, and the different styles
of equipage attracted and amused her. She said, " the prevaihng style of
architecture was plain," the brick buUdings were chiefly " in divers colors
laid in checks and glazed." The inside, as far as she had an opportunity
of judging, was more elaborate than the outside, and neat to a fault. The
hearthstones usually extended far into the room and were laid with tiles ;
the staircases were highly ornamented. The streets of the city were gen
eraUy paved to the width of ten feet from the fronts of the houses on each
side of the way, while the center was constructed to serve tbe double pur
pose of gutter and sewer. A few " brick pathways " were the only side
walks. Broadway was shaded with beautiful trees on either side.

NEW YORK IN 1704.

455

The judicial jurisdiction of Chief Justice Atwood extended over New
England, but he was not weU received in the courts. He was many times
afironted in the most premeditated manner. While attempting to sup
press iUegal trade in Boston he had a sharp conflict with the son of Eob
ert Livingston, who had a vessel wrecked off the coast, fiUed with wines,
brandies, and other European commodities. And he was instrumental in
seizing the cargo of a vessel belonging to Samuel Vetch, afterwards gov
emor of Nova Scotia, whose wife was Margaret, the daughter of Eobert
Livingston.

View of New York. 1704.

As for Eobert Livingston himself, he was viUfied, accused, and threatened
on every side. Party ingenuity was constantly at work devising new
ways for blackening his character. There were grounds for complaint
against him, but insufiicient to warrant the wholesale defamation to
which he was subjected. And equaUy virulent were the attacks upon
Colonel Nicholas Bayard, whose power as a poUtical leader was well
understood. The passage of the Leisler BiU, as it was called, was a fore
gone conclusion with the Leislerians, hence a proclamation was issued,
ordering every person concerned to bring in claims and losses for settle
ment The inventory that foUowed was a most extraordinary mathe
matical production, as might have been predicted. One old gun, and a
small rusty sword, seized by Governor Sloughter, were together valued at
*40; and hundreds of simUar items might be cited.
The proceeding created intense excitement. The aggrieved appealed
to the king, asking for a govemor — one who understood the principles

456 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
of government, and whose sentiments were in unison with those of Par
hament. An address of congratulation was also prepared to forward to
Lord Cornbury, who, it was reported, had been chosen to succeed BeUo
mont. These papers were burdened with over six hundred signatures
among which were those of the leading men of the aristocratic party. The
movement was conducted with great secrecy ; but it was discovered by
Nanfan and the members of his councU, who styled it " a conspiracy."
They said it was done to intimidate them from the performance of duty.
Notwithstanding petitions had been the acknowledged right of English
men for ages. Chief Justice Atwood claimed that the present was a case
of " sedition and rebeUion." The most persistent effort was made by the
government to secure the papers or their copies. Several persons were
arrested and brought before the council, and by means of threats and
promises the information was at last obtained, that the documents had
been signed at a coffee-house kept by Captain Hutchings, one of the city
aldermen. It also appeared that Colonel Bayard and his son Samuel
were concerned. Hutchings and the two Bayards were accordingly
summoned before Nanfan and the council, a-nd examined. The result
was unsatisfactory, since no new facts were eUcited ; Hutchings was
committed to jail for not producing the papers, and Colonel Bayard and
his son were compeUed to enter into bonds to tbe amount of £ 1,500 each,
to answer to an indictment to be filed against them in the Supreme Court.
A consultation took place the next day among the signers of the
papers. It was unanimously decided that there was nothing whatever in
the transaction contrary to the plain EngUsh law. Consequently Colonel
Bayard, Eip Van Dam, Philip Erench, and Thomas Wenham signed an
appeal, addressed to the governor and councU, asking for tbe release of
Hutchings, who could not produce the papers, because they were not in
his possession. The petitioners frankly admitted that they held the
documents, but denied any disloyalty. Chief Justice Atwood denounced
the haughtiness in the tone of the communication. Dr. Staats and
Eobert Walters read and re-read and weighed the language of the peti
tioners, sentence by sentence. . What could tbis passage mean ? — " and
another address to my Lord Cornbury, whom we understand by certain
advice we have received from England to be norainated by his Majesty
to succeed the late Earl of BeUomont." Was not such an expression
UteraUy disowning and casting off the authority of Lieutenant-Governor
Nanfan ? Nanfan himself did not so interpret it. But then, he was only
the figure-head of the administration. Weaver saw more clearly through
tbe film, and detected what he styled " an infernal plot."
Before noon of the same day Colonel Nicholas Bayard was arrested for

TRIAL OF NICHOLAS BAYARD FOR TREASON. 457
"High Treason," and committed to prison. The city militia were placed
on guard above his ceU, to prevent his being rescued by enraged friends.
Philip Prench and Thomas Wenham were given six days in 170)$.
¦which to produce the "treasonable addresses." They declined, Jan.
and, not relishing the prospect of imprisonment, quietly left the province.
Attorney-General Broughton saw no sufficient ground for the commitment
of any of the petitioners ; he was ordered with considerable asperity to
give his reasons in viTiting for such an opinion. He did so, and Chief
Justice Atwood was highly indignant, and ordered the grand jury of the
Supreme Court to bring a presentment against him for neglect of duty ;
Weaver, as solicitor-general, put it into a formal indictment.
Bayard and Hutchings were arraigned, indicted, and tried for
h^b treason. They petitioned for a postponement of the trial
until the usual sitting of the Supreme Court, but, instead, a special court
was ordered for February 19. Samuel Bayard prayed earnestly tbat his
father might have a jury composed of Englishmen. This, too, was with
out avaU. Chief Justice Atwood was on the bench, and the associate
judges were Colonel Abraham De Peyster and Eobert Walters. AVeaver
was the prosecuting attorney, and insisted upon sitting with the jury.
When the gentlemen of the jury differed from him materially in opinion,
he threatened "to have them trounced." Williarn Nicolls and James
Emott appeared for the defense. They were both remarkable lawyers
for the times in which they lived, but their sound reasoning and elo
quence were wasted on this occasion, the prisoners having been con
demned in advance by both judge and jurors.
Bayard pleaded " Not Guilty " to the charge of having conspired to
produce mutiny among the king's soldiers by persuading them to sign
"libels" against the government, and to the other treasonable acts specified.
The defense attempted to show that the addresses were the opposite of
treasonable, their design being simply to prove to the Lords of Trade
that the signers were neither " Jacobites " nor " pirates," as had been rep
resented, but good and loyal subjects ready to give up lives and fortunes
at any moment in the king's service.
Weaver, in a violent speech, charged the Englishmen of New York
with trying to introduce popery and slavery into the province, and pro
nounced Bayard the leader. He said they were a band of pirates, and
had offered the late Lord Bellomont £ 10,000 to connive at their infamy.
At one stage of the trial NicoUs moved for an adjournment until the
next moming. " No," responded the chief justice, " we do not propose to
give Mr Vesey a chance for another sermon against us." The foreman
of the jury was the brother of one of the judges upon the bench. When

458 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the case was turned over to them, they were absent from the room but
a few minutes before returning with a verdict of Guilty.
Chief Justice Atwood immediately proceeded to pronounce the hor
rible English sentence upon traitors then in fuU force.
Bayard appUed to Nanfan for a reprieve untU his Majesty's pleasure
should be known. This was denied unless he should acknowledge himself
guilty of the crime of treason. Six several petitions were in Uke manner
rejected by the Ueutenant-govemor. The governor and prominent gen
tlemen of the neighboring provinces interceded, but to no purpose. The
day of execution was fixed. Of this he was duly notified and placed in
irons. He was forbidden to see his wffe, children, or other relatives.
FinaUy friends drew up a petition worded so as to express Hs sincere
sorrow for tbe offense of signing tbe addresses and encouraging others to
sign, and begging pardon for the same. This, at the last moment, ob
tained a reprieve, but it did not liberate him from prison. Hutchings,
however, was released on bail.
On the very day that Colonel Bayard was being denounced as a
' traitor, William III. of England was finishing his briUiant career
He had reigned a few days over thirteen years. His death would have
been a great stroke to the nation at any time, but at this particular epoch
nothing could have been more unfortunate. The insult of Louis XIV,
who, upon the death of James IL, a few months before, had proclaimed
that ex-monarch's doubtful son king of England, rendered another war
inevitable. William had formed a great alliance, and was about to con- ¦
summate a critical scheme of warfare. He desired to live a Uttle longer;
and yet he met death with calmness and without fear. He expressed Hs
firm faith in tbe Christian religion, and received the sacrament His
last act was to take the hand of one of his earliest friends and press it to
his heart. When his remains were prepared for the coflin it was found
that he wore next to his skin a smaU piece of black silk ribbon. The
lords in waiting ordered it to be taken off. It contained a gold ring and a
lock of the hair of Mary.
Tbe crown, pursuant to previous Act of Parliament, devolved on Anne,
tbe youngest daughter of King James by his first marriage. She was
tben in the thirty-eighth year of her age. The Privy CouncU waited
upon her in a body, and she received them in a well-considered speech,
which she pronounced with great distinctness and effect. The coronation
took place on the 23d of AprU (St. George's Day) ; and Dr. Sharp, the
Archbishop of York, preached an appropriate sermon on the occasion.
The Queen immediately gave orders for naming the electress of Bruns
wick, in the coUect for the royal family, as the next heir to the crown,
and she formed a ministry.

LORD CORNBURY. 459
Meanwhile the New York Assembly met in March and hastened to
pass the celebrated Leisler Act. A biU was also worried through the
House, in spite of determined opposition, to outlaw Philip French and
Thomas Wenham. The other business consisted of the passage of an Act
to increase the number of assemblymen by five ; of an Act to continue
the revenue two years longer ; and of several Acts of minor importance.
The House continued its sessions both night and day in order to accom
phsh aU that was desired before the possible arrival of a new governor
A jury of inquiry returned estimates concerning Livingston's property,
and under the conditions of an Act passed in September, the whole of
his estate, real and personal, was confiscated, and he was deprived of bis
seat in the councU and of aU his other offices.
An arrival of importance created another sensation while the city
was astir with these remarkable proceedings. It was Lord Vis
count Cornbury, and he landed with much fuss and ceremony. All "*'' ^'
the prominent men gave him an eager if not a cordial welcome. The
city corporation entertained him vdth a grand banquet. His commission
as governor of New York was duly pubhshed, and his counselors sworn
mto of&ce. His first business was to issue two proclamations ; one for
continuing aU civil and military officers in their present positions until
farther notice, and the second for dissolving the Assembly.
Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury, was tbe grandson of the Earl of Clar
endon — the Lord Chancellor and Prime Minister of Charles II. — and
the son of the present Earl of Clarendon, who was the brother-in-law of
James II. Thus the new governor of New York was the first cousin
of Queen Anne, and heir to an earldom. He had been one of the fore
most in setting an example of defection in King James's army by leading
a large body of cavalry, of which he was in command, to the camp of
William. He had ever since held important commissions under the
latter monarch. He had been appointed, and even set saU for his new
government before the death of William. Queen Anne confirmed his
commission immediately upon her accession to the throne. She also for
warded him additional instractions relative to necessary and vigorous
preparations for the defense of the New York frontier against the
French. Combury had been a mUitary chieftain for nearly twenty years, but
of poUtical power he had very little conception, except as it emanated
from the self-wiU of a superior. He had genius for exacting obedience,
and order and method were to him literally " Heaven's first law." But
he was unfortunately destitute of tact and discretion. He stood among
the mked people of New York and New Jersey hke an ogre come to

460

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

crush one party and raise another. He had no sympathy with the pri
mary notion of popular rights, he was without true nobleness of heart
and he was addicted to many private vices. He, in short, Ulustrated the
most exaggerated feature of aristocratic arrogance. Yet his comino was
fortunate just at this junc

ture, else the excesses of the
Leislerian party would have
sowed discord beyond aU hope
of future reconciUation. Many
merchants and property-own
ers had already removed into
New Jersey. They came back,
however, to watch the effects
of the new admimstration.
Colonel Bayard's case was
upon every person's Ups, and
Cornbury gave it his first at
tention. He found that Chief
Justice Atwood had forbid-
portrait of Lord Cornbury., q\}. deu any OUO from taking uotos
in the court, not excepting
the lawyers themselves. The whole trial seemed to have been con
ducted in an irregular manner. Prisoners had been convicted and
sentenced to die for signing treasonable papers, when the papers them
selves at the time of conviction had never been seen by the lieutenant-
governor, by any member of his council, by Weaver, who filed the pros
ecution, by tbe gTand jury who found the biU, nor by the petty jury who
brought in the verdict of guilty. They were to be executed for swppostd
written treason, wbich was never produced in evidence nor proved to be
treason. Atwood and Weaver found themselves standing in a very odious light,
and both suddenly absconded, notwithstanding tbe latter was under heavy
bonds to render a true account of his Custom-House coUections. The
two were concealed in Virginia until they could sail for England ; Atwood
assuming the name of Jones, and Weaver that of Jackson. Cornbury
formaUy suspended them from all their offices, and appointed Colonel
Caleb Heathcote and Dr. John Bridges to succeed them in the councU.
About the same time Cornbury was petitioned so earnestly by certain
parties that he proceeded to suspend De Peyster, Dr. Staats, and Eobert
Walters from tbe council, on the ground of their alleged activity in pro
moting disorders in the province. Dr. Gerardus Beekman, Eip Van Dam,

BAYARD'S SENTENCE REVERSED. 461
Eilian Van Eensselaer, and Thomas Wenham were sworn in their stead,
the latter having retumed from exUe.
Cornbury was fully aware of the feeling the various accounts of the
crime and trial of Bayard had awakened among the Lords of Trade. The
prisoner was known personally to them, and party spirit was thoroughly
understood. They had resolved, even before he sailed for New York, tbat
Bayard and Hutchings should have a hearing before the queen in council.
A letter to this effect was written to the Earl of Manchester on the first
day of May. A royal order subsequently reached Cornbury for the re
lease of Bayard on baU, and a few months later the queen by advice of
her councU reversed the sentences which had been pronounced upon both
Bayard and Hutchings, and reinstated them in their property and honor
"as if no such trial had been."
It was about the 17th of June that Cornbury received orders to pro
claim Queen Anne in New York and in East and West New Jersey, and
the duty was performed in the metropolis on the foUowing day. The
people of aU stations in Ufe manifested the most undoubted loyalty.
On Friday, June 19, Cornbury started for Burlington, the chief
town in West New Jersey ; but, owing to rough roads, or, in many
mstances, to the want of roads altogether, he did not reach his destination
until late on Sunday night. He was received and entertained by Gov
ernor Hamilton, and on Monday at eleven o'clock the magistrates and
people were gathered together and the new queen proclaimed " in the
same happy manner as in New York." Cornbury's plan was to proceed
to Amboy, the chief town in East New Jersey, but recent rains had
flooded the lowlands, and he was obliged to defer his visit until a later
day. He had scarcely reached New York on his return than he was appaUed
by the amount of sickness which prevailed. The smaU-pox had raged all
the spring, and now the yellow fever was sweeping over the city. Few
persons who were attacked recovered. He made great haste to remove
hisfamUy to a place of safety. Lady Cornbury^ was an invalid, and they
had three young chUdren. Jamaica, Long Island, was where they finally
took up their quarters for the summer. There were but few good houses
in that little village, and the Presbyterian minister, Eev. Mr Hubbard,
offered his new parsonage to the governor, and with a large family sought
more humble and less convenient accommodations.
Lady Combury was Katharine, daughter of Lord O'Brien, who was himself the son of
lie Earl of Eichmond in Ireland. She was married to Lord Combury in 1688. Upon the
«h of her mother. Lady O'Brien, she became Baroness Clifton, of Leighton Bromswold,
Warwickshire, England.

462 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Cornbury was an Episcopalian, and loved the church as a religion of
state subordinate to executive power. In common with many others of
his time be believed that its establishment in the colonies would be a safe
guard against popery. There were a few Episcopalians in Jamaica, but
they had no place of worship. The town had been settled chiefly by New
England Puritans, although there was an occasional Dutch planter in the
neighborhood. The little church edifice had been built by vote of the
> town, and the minister's salary was raised in the same manner As soon
as it was practicable a substantial dweUing for a parsonage had been added
to the church property. When the famous Ministry Act was passed, in
1693, the few Episcopalians, who as townsmen contributed their yearly
dues for the support of the gospel, made investigations to learn whether
the Presbyterians had really any better claim to the church property than
any other sect, and came to the conclusion that it was held simply by
virtue of priority of possession. As soon as Lord Combury came among
them, a consultation took place which resulted in a determination to
wrest tbe sacred edifice, parsonage, etc., from the Presbyterians altogether
Consequently, one Sabbath afternoon, between the morning and the even
ing service, a few zealous churchmen obtained the key, and took the sanc
tuary captive. The next day the outraged Presbyterians gathered round
the building, and forcibly entered it, tearing up the seats and otherwise
mutilating the interior. The Episcopalians rallied in as large a force as
possible, countenanced by Cornbury, and, rushing into the church, turned
out the enemy in a violent inanner. The battle was a serious one, several
persons being wounded. But, as the governor was within a stone's-throw
of the belligerents, and, his own servants taking an active part in the fray,
it is no matter of wonder that tbe Episcopalians were left masters of the
field. Long and tedious litigations followed ; many of the Presbyterians
were prosecuted for damages to the building, and several men among
them were heavily fined, and imprisoned. It was not until 1728, that
the colonial courts finally decided that the church edifice belonged to the
Presbyterians ; and it was restored to that denomination.
Cornbury presented the parsonage to the Episcopacy, when the summer
was over and he about to return to the city. The glebe he turned over to
the sheriff, who laid it out in building-lots, and farmed it for the benefit
of tbe church.
The fatal sickness of this summer deprived New York of more than
five hundred of her citizens. Meanwhile Combury was not neglectful of
the Indians, but for whom New York would have beeu at the mercy of
the Frencb. He went to Albany on the 5th of July, and five days later
the sachems of tbe Five Nations aud delegations from the river tribes

LADY BELLOMONT. 463
met bun in solemn conference. The chain of friendship was polished
anew with the customary gifts from the government, such as guns, ket
tles, blankets, knives, beer, bread, powder, and rum. One of the sachems
rose and requested that the rum might be put in some secure place until
after the business of tbe meeting was all transacted, lest his people fall to
drinking It was accordingly lodged in Eobert Livingston's cellar. Peter
Schuyler and Eobert Livingston were Cornbury's efficient aids, as indeed
they had been the interpreters and tutors of every royal governor, as far as
Indian affairs were concerned, for a long series of years. Tbe sachems
promised to report any hostile movement on the part of the enemy which
should come within tbeir knowledge, and to be subject at all times to
the advice of their white leaders. Cornbury saw indications, however, of
defection on the part of some of the northern tribes, and it was believed
that they would eventually go over to the French. He consequently
wrote to the Lords of Trade that, in his opinion, the only way to protect
New York was to drive the French out of Canada.
As for Livingston, Cornbury was cordially determined to see him justi
fied before the world. An application was made to Lady BeUomont for
such accounts and vouchers as her late husband had transferred from the
hands of his clerk to his own possession, shortly before his death ; they
were obtained and proved effectual in removing the aspersions from Liv
ingston's character. His estates were restored in February, 1703, and
two years later a commission from Queen Anne reinstated him in all his
former appointments and honors.
Lady BeUomont left the city upon the first appearance of the fatal
epidemic. She obtained quarters at a little farm-house on Long Island
until she could make arrangements to sail for Europe. All at ouce sbe
was accused of having in her possession money belonging to the govern
ment, which had not been accounted for by the late governor. She was
not aUowed to start on her voyage untU she had given bonds to the
amount of £10,000 for her appearance in New York in the following
April to answer to the charges against her. She immediately upon her
arrival in England petitioned the queen for an investigation of her affairs.
She emphaticaUy denied all the charges which had been " manufactured,"
and asked for an order to coUect large arrears in Lord Bellomont's salary.
Nanfan made arrangements to remove to Barbadoes, but the course of
his career did not run smoothly. His wife and chUdren were safely em-
harked on the vessel, when he was arrested on a charge of not having
accounted for the public money which had been in his hands ; and also
on another charge for having countenanced and abetted arbitrary ar
rests while in power. He was thrown into prison, and his family pro-

464 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
ceeded to their destination without him. He remained in close confine
ment one year and a haff. The Lords of Trade finally ordered Hs release
on baU. Plans were matured to re-arrest him, and he only escaped by
taking refuge on a man-of-war in the harbor, and proceeded in a shabbUy
clad and despondent condition to England. Fraud was never proven in
his case ; he suffered the disgrace with none of the perquisites. No one
pretended to hold Hm responsible for the atrocious proceedings of the
last few months. He was young and inexperienced, and very much
under the infiuence of Atwood and Weaver. Even Combury exonerated
him from blame, and fixed the stigma upon the fiying ex-cHef-j ustice
and certain members of the councU.
The Lords of Trade were astonished when they learned that the New
York Assembly had passed the Leisler Act for reparation of damages
claimed to have been sustained during the Eevolution! They
^^ ' immediately sent Cornbury tbeir former instructions to BeUo
mont, which tbey had intended should be a guide to Nanfan as well,
and ordered, peremptorily, that no such irregular proceedhig should be al
lowed. They also forwarded the queen's order in councU for the restora
tion of Attorney-General Broughton to tbe execution of his of&cial duties,
tbe queen deeming it unfit that any person should be pumshed for
giving bis opinion in matters which had been referred to him. Brough
ton was subsequently made one of the governor's council
About the same time Cornbury received a formal commission to govern
New Jersey, the proprietors having surrendered all their powers to the
queen. East and West New Jersey were henceforth united into one prov
ince. Counselors were named from among the most prominent inhabitants.
An Assembly was elected by the majority of freeholders, as in New York,
which was to sit first at Perth Amboy, tben at Burlington, and afterwards
alternate between the two places. All voters must possess at least one
hundred acres of real estate, or personal property to the amount of £ 50.
Liberty of conscience was granted to all persons except papists, and the
solemn affirmation of the Quakers was to be taken instead of an oath.
Cornbury was directed to take special care "tbat God Almighty be
devoutly and duly served," and that ministers of the Church of England
sbould be furnished with a parsonage and glebe at the common charge.
He was also instructed to encourasre traffic in merchantable negi'oes,
O
which the African Company in England would furnish at moderate
rates. Even during that summer of distress (1702) while Cornbury was in the
cosey enjoyment of the Jamaica parsonage, the elections were stirring up the
old strife through the length and breadth of the province. PhUip French

DEATH OF FREDERICK PHILIPSE. 465
was chosen a member of the new Assembly,^ and in October of the same
year appointed mayor of the city. Stephen De Lancey, Jacobus Van
Cortlandt, and Henry Beekman were also elected to the Assembly, and
Wilham NicoUs was chosen speaker. The House met at Jamaica, and
accomphshed no little business. It continued the revenue for seven
years; voted £1,800 for the defense of the frontiers ;2 raised £2,000 as
a present to Cornbury towards defraying the expenses of his voyage ;
passed an Act for disciplining slaves who had become insolent and unman
ageable ; an Act for destroying wolves in New York ; an Act for settUng
the miUtia; an Act to appoint commissioners to examine the accounts
and debts of the province ; an Act for maintaining the poor of the city ;
an Act for estabU,shing a free grammar school in the city ; an Act to
enable the city to supply the vacancy when officers should be removed
by death ; and an Act for repealing some of the previous Acts of the
Assembly. In reference to the money raised as a present for Cornbury,
it is worthy of note that within the next twelve months the queen
issued an order forbidding any simUar gifts to governors in any part of
the British domimons.
Colonel William Smith resumed his seat in the council, and was again
made chief justice of the province. One of the first acts of Mayor
French was to cause the arms of the late Lord Bellomont and of
Nanfan to be torn from the wall of the new City Hall on Wall Street,
and broken in fragments by the city marshal
The very next moming the Garden Street Church bell solemnly toUed
the intelligence that Frederick Philipse had suddenly died at PhiUpse
Manor He was in the seventy-seventh year of his age. For more than
half a century he had been intimately associated with every event of any
note in city or province. He was called the " Dutch millionaire." But
although classed among the " grandees," he had incurred comparatively
httle pohtical enmity, and was not denounced as a wholesale foe to all
the rights of humanity, as were many of his contemporaries. Philipse
borough (or Philipse Manor), where he resided the greater part of every
year, was under high cultivation. At the time he obtained the royal
charter (in 1693) which gave him all the privileges and powers of a
lord, the ferry, island, and meadow had been confirmed to his property,
' The Act of the late Assembly outlawing Philip French had been annulled by the English
Lords. ' The raising of this money was as follows : each of the royal council must pay a poll-tax
of 40s. ; each member of the House, 20 s. ; every lawyer in practice, 20 s. ; every man wearing
I periwig, 5s.6d.; every bachelor over twenty-flve years of age, 2 s. 3d. ; every freeman
sixteen and sixty years, 9 d. ; owners of slaves for each, 1 s.
30

466

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

also the right to build a bridge over " Spiken-devil ferry," as it was then
called, and collect toll from passengers. The bridge was named Kings
Bridge. Philipse commanded the same respect in New York which was
accorded to men of his standing in England. He presided with baronial
ceremonies in tbe administration of justice among his tenantry. He had
two great rent-days, on which he feasted his people, — one at the Yonkers

Philipse Manor-liouse.
portion of Philipseborough and tbe other at Sleepy HoUow. His manor-
house was a grand edifice for the times, although it was enlarged subse
quently. Its rooms were spacious, with richly ornamented ceilings, and
its haU immensely broad, with an imported staircase, which is stiU in
existence. A beautiful lawn sloped gradually to the very edge of the
Hudson, wbich was dotted witb fine specimens of foreign trees brought
from the different climes by the great merchant's vessels. A fine park
was stocked with deer ; and gardens, fiUed with fruits, shrubs, and flow
ers, extended to a great distance to the north and south of the dweUing.
At the time of Phiiipse's death the household embraced over forty negro
slaves. Forty-five years later, tbe servants or slaves required to keep the
princely establishment in running order numbered fifty.
When Bellomont set his face like steel against tbe tendency to feudal
ism in New York, he had no personal dishke to PhUipse. They met in
social intercourse, and were friendly. BeUomont suspected PhUipse of
trading with tbe pirates, but he had no grounds upon wbich to frame an
accusation. He never attempted to do so except on one occasion, and
then with characteristic reticence and cold resentment Philipse rethed
from any further part in public affairs. Bellomont was almost a mono
maniac in the matter of curtailing landed estates, because he firnUy be
lieved tbat great wealth in a few men was not conducive to the prosperity

FREDERICK PHIIIPSE'S WILL.

467

Castle Pliiilpse. (Tarrytown.)

of an infant colony. There is more than one light in which to regard
that question. As for New York, it is very apparent that she is indebted
largely for her present commercial importance to the tireless activity and
remarkable energy of those men who accumulated private fortunes prior
to the beginmng of the eighteenth century. Modern improvements and
business faciUties were not yet introduced into our country ; the services
of these same stirring men were constantly
required in the administration of govern
ment ; and they were Uable with every turn
of the pohtical wheel to be thrown into the
slough. They were obliged also to perform
military duty, and wars and rumors of wars
were perpetual Their money in a multi
tude of instances saved the credit of the
colony. Advances were constantly needed,
for taxes were collected with difficulty at
all times, and the expenses of a long-drawn-
out war can never be properly estimated.
The contents of weU-filled purses encouraged the tradespeople, having a
similar effect to rain upon growing crops ; a drouth is always fatal, but
a shower is a blessing even ff it cause a freshet occasionaUy when and
where water is not needed. The same wise power which gathers the
mists loosens the rain-clouds and distributes the drops. New York re
ceived her mercantUe impetus through the spirit which Bellomont found
so formidable, when he began to question the motives and investigate the
means by which men enrich themselves.
Frederick Philipse left by his wiU a valuable house and lot in the city,
and a mortgage of Dominie Selyns, to his daughter Eve, who was the wife
of Jacobus Van Cortlandt; another daughter was tbe wife of Philip
Prench, who received a house and lot in the city, and an estate in Ber-
¦ gen. An immense tract of land at the Upper Mills in Westchester
County, and other real estate was given to his son Adolphe Philipse ; and
the manor of Philipseborough descended to his grandson, Frederick Phil
ipse, whose father, Philip Philipse, had died some two years before.
The winter was spent by Cornbury in examining into the resources of
the province, and answering the inquiries of the Lords of Trade.
But he lacked the persistent industry of his two predecessors, was
given to frivolous amusements, would often dress himself in women's
clothes to show Hs remarkable resemblance to Queen Anne, and he spent
many hours of each day at cards. He was excessively prodigal in the
nse of money, and he was negligent about paying his debts. The gen-

1703.

468 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
tlemen of the council had counted upon his abUity and good sense, and
were mortified and disgusted with his exhibition of weakness and eccen
tricity. When the Assembly met in the spring, Cornbury proposed the raising
of a sum of money for the purpose of erecting two stone batteries at
the Narrows, wbere the sea is not quite a mile broad. It would render
the port safe from a hostile attack by water, since no ship could pass that
point, and the logic was unanswerable. The House voted £ 1,500, but the
question of appointing a treasurer to hold the money separate from the
other public funds was argued at considerable length, greatly to the dis
comfiture of tbe governor. The reflection upon his honor met with a
sharp rebuke. The House responded courteously through its speaker,
William Nicolls, giving a diagnosis of the money accounts during the
year past ; these had been examined from time to time by the legislators,
according to the queen's directions, and the result was the discovery that
considerable sums which had been raised by the people for the defense of
New York had been otherwise appropriated. Nicolls, in behalf of the As
sembly, explained the situation and cautiously added, " Your lordsHp wiU
no doubt take care to see those mistakes rectified." He then' went on to
disclaim any desire of introducing innovations, but, the House having been
entrusted by the people of the province with the care of their natural and
civil liberties as Englishmen, it was a high duty to obey their wishes and
protect their property rights, particularly when these same people " had
literally outdone all mankind, and it was feared themselves, by the con
stant paying of taxes for the prosecution of the tiresome war"
One of the Acts passed at this session of the Assembly proHbited the
distiUing of rum, and tbe burning of oyster-shells or stone into lime with
in half a mile of the City Hall in WaU Street, as it was beUeved that
business had much increased tbe mortality of the preceding summer.
Another Act, of same date, enabled the French Church to erect a suitable
edifice for public worship ; which was accomplished the foUowing year
It was located in Pine Street, and was caUed Du Saint Esprit.^ The
first pastor was Eev. James Laborie. The Huguenots who had settled
upon Staten Island came over in frail canoes to attend Sabbath worship,
as did many from Long Island until such time as they were strong enough
to build churches of tbeir own.
William Peartree was the mayor of the city in 1703, and re-
^'"'*' tained the position until 1707. He was an English West Indian
merchant, who removed to New York in 1700 from Jamaica, W. I. His
place of business was on Beaver Street, wbere he also buUt a fine resi-
1 See page 329 for a sketch of this church.

THE NEW JERSEY ASSEMBLY. 469
dence. He was a man of education, and interested himself in the estab
hshment and improvement of institutions of learning. A free grammar
school had been for a long time in contemplation, and Peartree was chiefly
instrumental in its final accomplishment ; Andrew Clarke was employed
as teacher About the same time the first effort was made in New York
for the instruction of negro slaves. A catechizing school was opened
for them by Eev. Mr. Vesey. The jail was remodeled during tbe winter
and rendered more secure for felons ; and a debtors' prison was arranged
in the upper story of the City Hall. It was a rough room with coarse
board partitions, without chairs, warmth, or comforts of any sort whatever.
It remained substantiaUy in the same condition for three fourths of a cen
tury. The pumshment for a petty thief was to burn into the left cheek
near the nose the letter " T."
The people of New Jersey were disappointed in Cornbury, as well as
those of New York. His rather handsome face and bland manners at
tracted them at first, but his demand for an annual salary of £ 2,000 per
annum for twenty years produced a sudden shock, hke that of an earth
quake. The stifi' Quaker, Samuel Jennings, turned abruptly upon him
with the quaint remark, " Then thee must be very needy."
The New Jersey Assembly had been accustomed to raise only moderate
sums for the support of the government, and, after much debate, voted
i 1,300 per annum for three years. Cornbury was very angiy, and when
he found that he could not manage affairs, he dissolved the body. A new
Assembly was elected, which was more pliable, and granted the £ 2,000
salary, but cautiously, for two years. This partial triumph would hardly
have been accomplished had not Cornbury refused to admit three of the
most important and intelligent of the newly elected members to their
seats, on the feigned ground that their estates were not as large as the
royal instructions required.
Lewis Morris was one of the members of Cornbury's New Jersey coun
cil He had spent some time in England, where he had been one of the
warmest advocates for the surrender of the proprietary government to the
crown. The Lords of Trade were so much pleased with him that he re
ceived the first nomination for the governorship of New Jersey. But the
original intention of giving the province an executive of its own was
abandoned, and New Jersey was placed with New York under the admin
istration of Combury.
Lewis Morris was at this time a dashing and somewhat erratic young
man of tHrty-three. His Ufe had been a singiUar one. His father, Eich
ard Morris, had been active in the service of CromweU, and found refuge
in New York upon the restoration of Charles II. ; he obtained through

470 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Governor Stuyvesant, about tbe year 1661, a grant of over three thou
sand acres of land upon the northern side of the Harlem Eiver, with
baronial privUeges, and built a comfortable homestead. The property
was called Morrisania. When bis only and infant son Lewis was six
months of age, his wife sickened and died, and he shortly foUowed
her. The orphan babe was thus left to the care of entire strangers,
and the government of New York assumed charge by appointing guar
dians to protect his interests. In 1674 Colonel Lewis Morris, an elder
brother of Eichard Morris, removed from Barbadoes to New York,
and became the guardian of his nephew. He resided in Morrisania, but
he purchased some four thousand acres of land in Monmouth County,
New Jersey, upon which he located iron-miUs ; he also built a manor-
house, and various buildings for his dependents, who in 1680 numbered
seventy or more. Upon his death in 1691, this property feU to young
Lewis, which, together with the large estate of his father, made Hm a
very rich man.i
He had been a willfiU and capricious boy, given to aU manner of mis
chievous pranks, and had been renowned for playing practical jokes upon
his best friends. He had defied the restraints of schools and tutors, and
finaUy ran away, and supported himself for some time in the capacity of
a scrivener on the island of Jamaica. At twenty be was in New York
again, and in full assumption bf the airs and graces of manhood was
paying court to IsabeUa, the beautfful daughter of Hon. James Graham.
They were married on the 3d of November, 1691.
Where Lewis Morris studied law is unknown. His first appearance
in public life was as one of the judges of the Court of Common Eight
in East New Jersey. He was also one of the counselors of Governor
Hamilton. He was gifted with a certain amount of discernment into
men's characters and springs of action, which subsequently won Hm a
brilliant reputation at the bar. He possessed a mind of more than ordi
nary vigor and originality, which, in connection with great peculiarity
of temper, bluntness of speech, and curtness of manner, rendered Hm
as attractive to his friends as he was obnoxious to his enemies. He was
an adept in tbe wUy intrigues of colonial politics. His opinions were
always advanced with emphasis and maintained with spirit.
From the day that Lewis Morris first met Lord Cornbury be enter
tained for him the most scornful contempt. When measures were in-
1 "Mr. Mompesson, our chief justice, is dead. I have commissioned Lewis Morris, Esqr.
in his room for these reasons amongst others, that he is a sensible, honest man, and able to
live without a salary, which they will most certainly never grant to any in that station, at
least sufficient to maintain his clerk. — Postscript of a letter from Governor Hunter to tlie Lords
of Trade, March 28, 1715. Col. Hist. N. Y., Vol. V. p. 400.

CHIEF JUSTICE ROGER MOMPESSON. 471
troduced mto the council which Morris conceived prejudicial to the
interests of the province, he assailed them in a determined manner, and
oftentimes with the most stinging ridicule, until Cornbury, finaUy, in
sheer seff-defense suspended him from office.
Ingoldsby retumed to New York in the early part of 1704, with a
commission as heutenant-governor under Cornbury. But the two did
not agree. And, one complaint after another reaching the Lords of Trade,
they at last revoked the appointment.
MeanwhUe Queen Anne had given her attention to the condition
of Trinity Church. The king's farm, which had created so much
o ' 1705.
painful disturbance through the generous granting of its use by
Fletcher to the struggling corporation, was augmented by the addition of
the Anetje Jans estate, and formaUy presented by deed patent, signed
by Lord Cornbury, to this church. It was only a farm at the time, and
comparatively of little value, but it has long since become a compact
portion of the city.
Colonel William Smith died at St. George Manor, just after the open
ing of the new year. He had retired from the office of cMef justice
nearly two years before, but had continued to meet with the governor's
councU untU within a few weeks. Dr. Bridges succeeded him as chief
justice ; but he filled the office only for a brief period, his death occurring
not far from that of Colonel Smith.
Eoger Mompesson (the seventh chief justice of New York) was ap
pointed in his stead. He was a new arrival He was an English lawyer
of ability, who had been recorder of Southampton, and a member of two
Parhaments. He was descended from Eev. William Mompesson, who
was Eector of Eyam, Derbyshire, during the plague of 1666. He became
involved through engagements to pay some of his father's debts, and
found it convenient to accept a judicial appointment which would bring
him to America. He was sworn into the New York council, and con
tinued a member of that body untU his death. He was appointed chief
justice of New Jersey as weU as New York, and held the office, with the
exception of the few months of Lord Lovelace's administration, also until
his death. In 1706 he was sworn chief justice of Pennsylvania, but it
does not appear that he sat on the bench of that colony. His wide ex
perience and sound legal acumen enabled him to do more than almost any
other man towards molding the judicial system of both New York and
New Jersey.^ John Barbarie and Adolphe Philipse were appointed to
fill vacancies in the council, and a Uttle later Mayor WiUiam Peartree
' Roger Mompesson married Martha, the daughter of Judge "William Pinhorne, Of Snake
Hill, New Jersey. He had one son, Pinhorne Mompesson.

472 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
was added to the number in place of Attorney-General Broughton
deceased. The great excitement of the summer of 1705, was the discovery of an
enormous tooth in the side of a hUl near Claverack on the Hudson. It
weighed four and three-fourths pounds, and had the appearance of having
been taken from a human skull. Other bones were found, wHch, how
ever, crumbled on exposure to the air One, supposed to be a thigh bone,
measured seventeen feet in length. The event was recorded as the first
discovery of a mammoth in America. Eighty years afterwards the bones
of the great beast were found in Ulster County, and Charles WiUiam
Peale formed his skeleton for the museum.
Hardly had the sensation died away created by the marvelous tooth
when a riot occurred which was something startling. Captain Cleaver,
a noted privateer, brought a Spanish man-of-war into port wHch he had
captured after a desperate struggle. The crew were elated by theh vic
tory, and under the influence of poor wine paraded the streets singing
songs and uttering coarse and vulgar jests. The sheriff attempted to
check them, and they fell upon Hm with drunken fury. He escaped to his
bouse, which they surrounded, and, not being able to force an entrance,
they assaulted every person wbo came to his assistance. Two ariny offi
cers, who were in advance of tbe soldiers dispatched from the fort, were
attacked and one killed, whUe the other was dangerously wounded. The
soldiers put tbe sailors to flight, leaving one of their number dying in the
street. The sailor who killed the officer was arrested, tried, and executed
for the murder.
In the midst of these scenes a French privateer suddenly entered the
harbor. The city was thrown into a great state of consternation. The
batteries at the Narrows, which were to prevent such a catastrophe, had
not been erected, notwithstanding the appropriation of £ 1,500 two years
before ! " Misappropriation " rang in Cornbury's ears. He highly re
sented the imputation, and said the money had never been collected.
There was almost a panic. The mayor and common council petitioned
the Assembly for help in the work of fortifications, and Cornbury himself
talked forcibly on the subject. The House, meanwhile, was having a
tempest within itself. Some of the members declared that the body was
invested with the same powers as the House of Commons. They even
went so far as to deny the right of the governor and council to amend a
money bill. They clamored for a treasurer of their own. Eisks could
not be afforded. The province was impoverished by the increasing ex
penses of the government, and by the diminution of ocean commerce m
consequence of the war. It was convenient party capital to be always

DEATH OF LADY CORNBURY. 473
prepared to accuse former administrators of having devoured the public
funds, but the time had come when it was better to provide against mis
chief than complain of it. Cornbury contended to the last against the
imphed spot upon his honor, but he wielded little influence over the iron
Assembly of 1705, and was obliged to submit the matter to the queen
and her lords.
The result was an order transmitted to the New York governor "to
permit the General Assembly of the province to name their own treasurer
when they raised extraordinary suppUes for particular uses." It was a
strong point gained, for even the title " General Assembly " was conceded,
about which there had been no smaU amount of undignified jangling.
£ 3,000 was at once raised for the city fortifications, and Hon. Abraham
De Peyster was appointed treasurer of New York.
The citizens had all this while been vigorously at work, — some four
hundred men were employed daUy on the defenses. The mUitia had been
drilled and volunteers enlisted. It was estimated that between four
and five thousand men could be mustered to arms within twenty-four
hours notice. It was a season of alarms. At one time a French fleet
was reported off the coast. But the city escaped her threatened danger.
Lady Cornbury was at this time wasting slowly away with a
disease of many years' standing, and her husband, roused to devo
tion by the near prospect of losing her, bent his energies to the perform
ance of loving attentions. He watched by her bedside night and day,
and reprimanded nurses and servants for the most trifling negligence.
She died at half past eleven o'clock on the night of Sunday,
August 11, aged thirty-four years, and was buried in Trinity
Church. She had given birth to seven chUdren, but only three, one son
and two daughters, survived her. For a time Cornbury was apparently
overwhelmed with grief, but it soon lifted, and he returned to his former
hfe and practices. He cared very little what people said or thought
about his private character, for was he not of royal blood, and did not
kings suit themselves ? His conduct told greatly to his disadvantage,
nevertheless, and he lost favor with aU classes. He performed religious
duties with severe ostentation, but even Episcopalians had very little
faith in Hs Christian zeal.
As for the Presbyterians, Cornbury had been simply odious to them
ever since the church quarrel at Jamaica. There were few as yet in
New Tork, and they had no church edifice. Their custom was to assem
ble in private houses on the Sabbath, and conduct worship among them
selves. It happened tbat two Presbyterian ministers came to the city,
fiev. Francis McKemie from Virginia and Eev. John Hampton from

474 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Maryland, and sent a message to Cornbury asking for an interview. The
reply was a courteous invitation to the two divines to dine with the
governor that same afternoon. They proceeded to Cornbury's mansion
and were well received and hospitably entertained. They conversed
upon general topics, but made no mention of any intention to preach in
the city. The next day they visited some of the city clergymen, and
were offered both the French and Dutch pulpits for the ensuing Sabbath
provided the governor would give his consent. The clerical strangers
said it was not worth while to trouble the governor, since they had the
queen's authority to preach anywhere in her domimons. They dechned
the tender of the churches, and made other arrangements. McKemie
preached at a private house, and Hampton occupied the sacred desk of
the httle church in Newtown, Long Island.
Cornbury was no sooner informed of these events than he sent an
order to the sheriff of Queen's County, to arrest the two mimsters, who
were staying in Newtown, and bring them into his presence. The order
was executed in a coarse, rough, and exceedingly offensive manner
Attorney-General Bickly (the successor of Broughton) was with Corn
bury when the gentlemen appeared. The governor proceeded to ques
tion them, and they to justify tbeir course. The governor said the law
would not permit him to countenance stroUing preachers, for they might be
papists for aught he knew. They must qualify themselves by satisfying
the government tbat they were fit persons to occupy the pulpit before
they could be permitted to preach. McKemie said he had quaUfied Hm-
self in Virginia, which was suificient. The ministers were as ignorant of
law as children, and Cornbury construed their seeming contumacy into
intentional fraud. If the attorney-general had possessed tact and discre
tion, he might have guided both clergymen and governor out of the diffi
culty ; but he was a voluble talker rather than a valuable counselor, and
the interview resulted in the imprisonment of the innocent but opinion
ated men. Chief Justice Mompesson was absent, hence it was six weeks
and four days before the prisoners were brought to trial. Meanwhile a
deep sense of the injustice of the whole proceeding impressed itself upon
the community, and Cornbury was stigmatized as a narrow-minded per
secutor of Presbyterianism. The trial was attended witb considerable
excitement, but tbe jury acquitted the ministers ; they were obliged, how
ever, to pay all the expenses of the prosecution.
In:April a new Assembly met in New Jersey, Combury having ordered
an- election with the specific purpose of having his salary renewed.
What was his chagrin to find tbe majority of the members, with Lewis
Morris at their head, opposed to all bis measures. The fearless Quaker,

CORNBURY AND SPEAKER JENNINGS. 475
Samuel Jennings, was chosen speaker. The first business before the
House was the disposal of a chapter of grievances. A petition was pre
pared to forward to the queen ; and a remonstrance, drafted by Morris,
was read to tbe governor. It was a bitter morsel, and it lost none of
its force in the clear, distinct rendering of it by Speaker Jennings.
Cornbury was charged with accepting bribes; he was accused of en-
croacHng upon popular liberty by denying the freeholders' election of
theh representative ; and Hs new method of government was criticised
in a cuttmg manner. At the more pointed passages Combury, assuming
a stern air of authority, would cry out, " Stop ! What 's that ? " When
thus interrupted, Jennings would look steadUy into the governor's eyes
for an instant, and then meekly, but emphatically, reread the offensive
paragi-aph, bringing out every shade of meaning with stinging fullness
of articulation.
Cornbury's reply was distinguished for its length and its weakness.
He left no part of the remonstrance unanswered. He demed some of
the charges and attempted to justffy others; he charged the Quakers
with disloyalty and with having tried to promote faction; and he
abused Jennings and Morris to the extent of his ability, pronouncing
them " men generaUy known to have neither good principles nor morals."
This elicited a second paper from the House, in which aU former griev
ances were amplified. The Quakers responded to Cornbury's charge
against them in the words of Nehemiah to SanbaUat : " There is no
such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own
heart" Cornbury was greatly discomfited. He could positively obtain no
money from New Jersey without disagreeable concessions. He
returned to New York, and met an equally stubborn Assembly.
There was much business, and the session was a long and important one.
But the revenue, which by a previous Act was about to expire, was not
continued. The House passed a bill to discharge Cornbury from a con
tract of £ 250 with Mr. Hansen, and consented to an appropriation for
Indian presents, claiming, however, an exact list of aU that was needed
m advance.^ A difficulty with Thomas Byerly, the collector and re- '
ceiver-general, occupied much valuable time at this session. He had
announced that the treasury was exhausted. As the debts of the gov
emment were unpaid, the House was petitioned to provide means for
their discharge. Peter Schuyler was one of the chief creditors, having
loaned large sums of money, and he instituted an investigation by which
Byerly would be compelled to account. Byerly could not comply be-
^ Journals ofthe Legislative Council of New York, Vol. I. p. 248.

476 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
cause his predecessor in ofiice, Mr Fauconuier, withheld accounts as secu
rities for back pay. The case provoked sharp arguments. It was the
occasion of the appointment of a committee on grievances, of which
William Nicolls, the speaker of the House, was chahman. This com
mittee drafted a list of resolutions and sent them to the queen. They
illustrate the temper and intelhgence of the Assembly of 1708, and are
as follows : —
" Resolved, That it is tbe opinion of this Committee, that the appointing coro
ners in this colony, without their being chosen by the people, is a grievance, and
contrary to law.
" Resolved, That it is, and always has been, the unquestionable right of every
free man in this colony, that he hath a perfect and entire property in his goods
and estate.
" Resolved, That the imposing and levying of any moneys upon her Majes
ty's subjects of this colony, under any pretense or color whatsoever, without
consent in General Assembly, is a grievance, and a violation of the people's
property. " Resolved, That for any officer whatsoever to extort from the people extrava
gant and unlimited fees, or any money whatsoever, not positively estabhshed
and regulated by consent in General Assembly, is unreasonable and unlawful,
a great grievance, and tending to the utter destruction of aU property in this
plantation. " Resolved, That the erecting a court of equity without consent in General As
sembly is contrary to law, without precedent, and of dangerous consequence to
the liberty and property of the subjects.
" Resolved, That the raising of money for the government, or other necessary
charge, by any tax, impost, or burden on goods imported or exported, or any
clog or hindrance on traffic or commerce, is found by experience to be the expul
sion of many, and tbe impoverishing of the rest of the planters, freeholders,
and inhabitants of this colony ; of most pernicious consequence, whioh, if con
tinued, will unavoidably prove the ruin of the colony.
"Resolved, That the excessive sums of money screwed from masters of vessels
trading here, under the notion of Port-charges, visiting the said vessels by super
numerary officers, and taking extraordinary fees, is the great discouragement of
trade, and strangers coming among us, and is beyond the precedent of any other
port, and without color of law.
" Resolved, That tho compelling any man upon trial by a jury, or otherwise, to
pay fees for his prosecution, or anything whatsoever, unless the fees of the offi
cers whom he employs for bis necessary defense, is a great grievance, and con
trary to justice."^ > Journals of the legislative council of New York.

LORD LOVELACE. 477
The last resolution had direct reference to the case of Eev. Francis
McKemie, in which WiUiam NicoUs was one of the lawyers for the de
fense. The unfitness of Cornbury for Ms position had long been the subject of
anxious discussion at WhitehaU. When petitions for his removal multi
phed, and were in every instance signed by men of character and influence
in both New York and New Jersey, tbe warning was not allowed to pass
by unheeded. A new governor was appointed in his stead. It was John,
Lord Lovelace, Baron of Hurley, a nephew of the former New York gov
ernor of that name. He arrived in the city on the 18th of December;
and was greeted with a noisy reception. In the midst of the sensation
created by the event, the hungry creditors of Lord Cornbury hovered about
his residence, and, finding he had no money with wHch to pay for his last
joint of meat, they began to clamor and threaten. AU manner of trades
men's bUls were presented for payment, an4 it was found that he had
private debts of every sort and description. The unhappy ex-governor
was arrested and lodged in the debtor's prison, where he was confined
until he succeeded to the Earldom of Clarendon, made vacant by his fa
ther's death, and to the privilege of peerage. A sum of money forwarded at
last from his father's estate set him at liberty. He left New York with
few friends, if any, to mourn his departure. And yet he had been of ser
vice to the province, which is none the less worthy of notice because it
was without design. He had toned and mellowed political animosity by
uniting the two parties in one bond of opposition against himseff. And
he had taught men to be watchful, to withdraw confidence from foreign
rulers, to canvass the rights of British subjects, and to study the necessi
ties as well as the methods of resistance. He carried with him to Eng
land the unenviable distinction of having been one of the most disreputa
ble of aU the New York governors.
Lord Lovelace was ill all winter. He had taken a violent cold on the
vessel wHle it lay off the coast near Sandy Hook in December, and
a settled cough was the result. He was not confined to his room
at aU times, and attended to such business as he was able. He dissolved
the Assembly and ordered a new election. When the House met, and
had again chosen WiUiam Nicolls speaker, he appeared, and, in a short
speech, asked for a careful examination of public accounts, that it might
he apparent to the world that the public debt was not incurred in bis
time; and he also recommended the raising of the revenue for seven
years, as formerly. The House responded cheerfully, saying tbat the be
ginning of the new administration promised peace and tranquillity, and
that suitable measures would be taken for the good of tbe country, and

478 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the new governor's satisfaction. In the matter of tbe revenue, however
it was decided to raise it annually and appropriate it specifically.
The iUness of Lord Lovelace assumed a more alarmin" character
^ ' as the spring opened. His famUy suffered as well as himself, and
one child died in April. His own death occurred very suddenly on the
6th of May. A little later, his only surviving son, the young Lord, was
consigned to the tomb. Lady Lovelace excited universal sympathy in her
afflictions ; a widow and childless, she returned to England in July.
Ingoldsby, as lieutenant-governor of the province, assumed the govern
ment. All his actions were closely scrutinized, for he was not considered
a man worthy of such a trust. Indeed, it was through a blunder that he
retained the office, the Lords of Trade having never forwarded the order
of 1704, revoking his appointment. As soon as tbe news of Lovelace's
death reached WhitehaU, Ingoldsby's commission was revoked the second
time, and he was ordered to take no part in public affairs whatever,
except in a military capacity.^ After Ingoldsby's removal, Dr Gerardus
Beekman, as president of the CouncU, fUled the executive chair untU the
arrival of a new governor.^
Ingoldsby's short administration was distinguished by an attempt to
drive tbe French out of Canada. Such an enterprise had been long and
earnestly desired by New York, but the want of harmony amoug the
colonies and the backwardness of England had thus far stood efiectuaUy
in the way. Colonel Vetch, the son-in-law of Eobert Livingston, finaUy
brought the project to a crisis. He had some years before visited Quebec,
and he had sounded the St. Lawrence Eiver, so that now he was prepared
to lay intelligent plans. The English Ministry consented, and promised
to send a large fieet to the assistance of the colonists. Colonel Vetch
returned from England to Boston, and soon prevailed upon the New
England colonies to join in the scheme. He then visited New York and
perfected arrangements. Francis Nicholson, the former Ueutenant-gov-
ernor, was elected commander-in-chief Peter Schuyler went amoug the
Iroquois, and persuaded them to take up the hatchet once more against
the French. These savages had been for some time maintaining a neutral
ground between the two fighting nations, England and France, having
entered into a treaty with the latter. The other colonies agreed to assist,
and tbe bright, near prospect of getting rid of a troublesome and merci
less foe to the north filled every heart with joy. The Assembly issued
biUs of credit, since the treasury was empty and it was the only expe
dient by wHch New York could contribute to the expense. Twenty
' Sunderland's order was signed on the 17ih of April, 1710, but it did not reach New York
until the next spring.
'^ See portrait, page 360.

QA^ s'SOj^ ,,-3uuy u&en^ ftq uoj.g.dao9u uz&v^ stjcn BBmuiuBizd 0v^ jo fusas ^tdquB 01^? ?^S 1

I III I l^\. iiui ^ii ^viiiiMikiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiii.iiiill

SCHUYLER AT QUEEN ANNE'S COURT. 479
ship and house carpenters were impressed into the service ; commissaries
were appointed and empowered to break open houses and take provisions
by force, if needful ; and men, vessels, horses, and wagons, for transport
ing the stores, were to be forcibly employed whenever the exigency of the
case required. The greatest activity prevailed. Presently all things
were in readiness. New York had spent £ 20,000. The army set out
in fine spirits, and marched through the wilderness to Lake Champlain.
The Indians were under the command of Colonel Peter Schuyler. They
halted for news of the British fleet which was to come to their assistance.
They waited for weeks. The fleet never came. The disappointment was
overwhelming. It seems that there had been a great defeat of the Por
tuguese, and the troops destined for Canada had- been sent to their relief
But the news did not reach Nicholson, Schuyler, and Vetch, where they
were camping in the woods and swamps, until September, and then the
disgusted soldiers were conducted home.
Schuyler deplored the failure of the expedition more than any other
man. He had a comprehensive appreciation of the ultimate results of
this border warfare, and wished to see it brought to an end. He was
thorougHy acquainted with the Indian character. He had in the early
part of his hfe insinuated himself into the good graces of the savages by
the performance of pleasant acts. From then until now the men of the
forest had never been in Albany without coming to his house and eating
at his table. He was continuaUy making them presents, and by his
hberahty in that direction greatly impaired his own fortune. But it
enabled him to maintain an ascendency over them, and obviate the
jealousies arisihg through the efforts of the French Jesuits. His inter
ventions and stratagems saved New York rivers of blood. He beheved
in the necessity for vigorous measures against the French. He said not
only the safety, but the very existence, of the colonies was at stake. He
finaUy resolved to go to England and lay the subject personaUy before
the Lords of Trade. To make his mission more effective he took with
him five Indian chiefs at his own private expense. As he predicted, tbe
whole kingdom was stirred into curiosity and enthusiasm. Crowds fol
lowed them wherever they went. Their pictures were taken and offered
for sale at every corner. The theaters were put in requisition to enter
tain them, and the Guards were reviewed in Hyde Park for their special
benefit. But the great event of the pilgrimage was their reception by Queen
Anne. The court was in mourning at the time for the Prince of Den
mark ; and by way of courtesy the Indians were dressed in black vests
and breeches, and instead of their own royal blankets, wore about their

480

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

shoulders scarlet cloth mantles edged with gold. Sir Charles Cotterel
conducted them in two coaches to St. James's, and the Lord Chamberlain
introduced them with the usual ceremonies of state to the queen. The
chief orator among tbem made a speech, to the effect that the reduction
of Canada was absolutely necessary for their free hunting, and that if
the great queen was not mindful of her children of the forest they would
be obliged to forsake her country for other habitations, " or stand neuter,"
each of which was very much against their inclinations. At the close of
the interview they presented her with a belt of wampum.
Schuyler was the bearer of an appeal from the New York Assembly
to the Lords of Trade, which, together with the presence of the Indians,
moved the nation to promise to send an expedition agauist Canada.
Schuyler was personaUy the recipient of aU manner of distinguished
attentions during bis brief visit. Queen Anne presented him with an ele
gant silver vase as a token of respect. It has been handed along from one
generation of the Schuyler family to another, in the dhect descent, and
is now in the possession of Mr. George L. Schuyler of New York, to
whose generous courtesy we are indebted for the sketch.

Schuyler Vase.
(For inscription, see Appendix A.)

HUNTER'S LIFE AND CHARACTER. 481

CHAPTER XXIII.
1710-1720.
GOVERNOR ROBERT HUNTER.
GOVERNOB KOBEET HUNTBK. — HuNTEE's LiFB AND CHARACTER. — HuNTEK's CoREE-
SPONDENOB WITH SwiFT. — HtJNTEE'S COUNSELORS. — JoHN BaRBAEIB. — RiP VaN
Dam. —The Germans. — Livingston Manor. — Hunter's Country-seat "Andro
borus."— The City Finances. — Nbgeo Slaves. — Lobsters. — Oeigin of the
Debt of England. — Prophecies. — The Canadian Campaign. — Thb Disappoint
ment. —The ]SrEGEO Insueeection. — City Impeovements. — The Assembly.—
Death of Queen Anne. — George I. — Chief Justice Lewis Moeeis. — Robeet
Watts. — The New Yoek Families. — James Alexander. — First Peesbyteeian
Church Wall Steeet. — Potatoes. — Huntee's Farewell Addeess. — Petee
SCHUTLEE IN COMMAND OF NeW YoEK.
IN June, 1710, New York once more rejoiced in a govemor. Eobert
Hunter was unlike any of his predecessors. He was a strong, active,
cultivated man of middle age, with refined tastes and feelings, combined
with genial and persuasive manners ; and he was a model of morality.
His attainments were such that he had for many years enjoyed the warm
personal friendship of Swift, Addison, Steele, and other distinguished Ut
erary men in England. He was something of a poet himself, although he
had always written under a nom de plume. He was fond of men of
learning, and encouraged the arts and sciences wherever and whenever
he had an opportunity. He was also a most agreeable and entertaining
social companion.
His early life was full of incident. He was one of the gentlemen who
served as guard under the Bishop of London to the Princess Anne wben
she retired from her father's court. He soon after received a commission
in WUliam's army ; and he had in all the wars since that time given
proof of great courage and rare abUity. One winter he was in command
of a regiment of troops who were quartered in a Holland town. The
following is one of many simUar anecdotes related of him : —
The magistrates of the place had incurred the displeasure of the people,
and a move was made for a new election. The magistrates in great heat
31

482 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
appealed to Hunter to hinder tbe assembling of the people. He was too
intelligent an officer not to know that it was dangerous for the soldiery
to interfere in the civil government, wbile it was really best for aU parties
that the election should be prevented. The day came, and crowds gath
ered in the great church and were about to displace the old magistrates.
Hunter, who had called his regiments together privately, without beat
of drum, marched his whole force towards the church, and when quite
near it ordered the drums to beat the Grenadier's March. The people
were so startled and terrified that they rushed out through the doors,
and jumped from the windows of the buUding, in the greatest dismay
and confusion. Quite a number were seriously hurt and one or two
killed. Of course aU further business for the time was suspended. Mean
whUe Hunter marched his soldiers directly past the church to the parade-
ground, without apparently taking the least notice of the pamc and its
consequences, and when they had gone through with their usual driU, he
dismissed them.
In 1707, while Addison was Under-Secretary of State, Hunter received
the appointment of govemor of Virginia.^ He was captured by the
French while on his voyage to that colony, and detained a long time as
a prisoner in Paris. He corresponded with Swfft while there, and from
his letters we learn that the witty Dean had been expecting Hunter to
use his influence to obtain for him a bishopric in Virginia. Under date
of January 12, 1708, Swift says : —
" I am considering whether there be no way of disturbing your quiet by writ
ing some dark matter that may give the French court a jealousy of you. I sup
pose Monsieur ChamiUard or some of his commissaries must have this letter
interpreted to them before it comes to your hands ; and therefore I think good
to warn them, that ff they exchange you under six of their lieutenant-generals
they wUl be losers by the bargain. But that they may not mistake me, I do
not mean as Viceroy de Virginie, mais comme le Colonel Hunter  Have
you yet met any French colonel whom you remember to have formerly knocked
from his horse, or shivered, at least, a lance from his breastplate ? Do you know
the wounds you have given when you see the scars 1 Do you salute your old
enemies with " ' Stetlmus tela aspera contra,
Contulimusque manus ?' "
Three months later, under date of March 22d, Swift wrote : —
" I find you a little lament your bondage, and, indeed, in your case it requires

1

Smith erroneously states that Hunter was appointed lieutenant-governor of Virgmia.
His commission was that of governor-in-ohief, but it was by a compromise with the Earl ot
Orkney.

HUNTER'S COUNSELORS 483
a good share of philosophy. But if you will not be angry, I believe I may
have been the cause you are still a prisoner ; for I imagine my former letter
was intercepted by the French, and the most Christian king read one passage in
it (and duly considering the weight of the person wbo wrote it) wbere I said,
if the French understood your value as well as we do, he would not exchange
you for Count TaUard and all the debris of Blenheim together." ^
Hunter was finally exchanged for the Bishop of Quebec, and was at
once named by the queen for the government of Jamaica, which happened
to he vacant. He signified a decided preference for the government of
New York, which was also vacant, and his wishes were very graciously
respected. He had married, while in the army, the lovely and accom
phshed Lady Hay, who accompanied him to New York. It was not an
auspicious moment for comfort and the enjoyment of life, for the country
was in perpetual agitation about the war, and the unpopular administra
tion of Cornbury had rendered the whole community suspicious. But
Hunter set an example of gentlemanly forbearance, kindly humor, ster
hng integrity, and purity of sentiment, which cooled the heated atmos
phere, and by slow degrees public affairs assumed a more healthful as
pect The council was composed of Dr. Gerardus Beekman, Abraham De
Peyster (who was also treasurer of the province), Peter Schuyler, Eip
Van Dam, Dr. Staats, Eobert Walters, Adolphe Philipse, Cliief Justice
Mompesson, Caleb Heathcote, John Barbarie, and Killian Van Eens-

Barbarie was a wealthy Huguenot, whose father settled in New Eo
chelle in the time of Jacob Leisler. His wife was Gertrude Johnson, the
granddaughter of Hon. Stephanus Van Cortlandt. He was French in all
his tastes and habits, polite to a fault, and pleasing in address, though
given to extravagant fits of temper He was also notoriously arrogant on
the subject of birth and family connections.
Van Dam ranked among the most prominent merchants of the city.
He owned several ships, and was extensively engaged in the West India
trade. For many years he had stood out openly and manfully against all
abuses, and had regarded witb interest whatever affected the commerce
of the young colony. Indeed, his first entrance into the exciting arena
of pohtics seems to have been on the occasion of tbe seizure of some of
his vessels by Bellomont, for alleged infringements of the custom laws.
He at once threw himself into the opposition, and henceforth was an
active party leader. He attained great power and influence, and after
having been one of the governor's councU for nearly thirty years, he as
' Oontriiutims to East Jersey History. Whitehead, p. 148. Smith's Ne-w York : Smith's
New Jersey.

484 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
President of that body acted for more than a year (from July 1, 1731, to
August 1, 1732) as governor of the province.^
Chief Justice Mompesson was probably of more real service to Hunter
than any other counselor, as be had taken special care to inform himseff
in regard to the character, manners, morals, and pecuharities of the people
of New York and New Jersey, and he was, moreover, less tinctured with
party prejudice than the men who had been battling witb grievances for
a lifetime. He was a maste:^ of the English law, and Hs advice was
always to tbe point.
At that epoch Germany was crying out in anguish through the draughts
made upon ber resources by the " Thirty Years' War." Thousands of the
peasantry had no altemative but gradual starvation or immediate emigra
tion to some foreign country. Many of them, flying before the French,
took refuge in the camp of the Duke of Marlborough. Queen Anne sent
a fleet to Eotterdam to convey a portion of them to London, and such was
the eagerness of the unhappy people to accept of exUe that England was
threatened, as it were, with an invasion. At least tHrty-two thousand
were landed upon her shores. The Ministry thought it might be a possible
public advantage to quarter a few shiploads of them in the American
colonies, to be employed in making pitch and tar for tbe naval stores,
and therefore a proclamation was issued offering free passage to such as
might wish to cross the Atlantic. At that moment Hunter was about to
embark for New York, and was intrusted with the charge of three thou
sand, who had pushed forward for transportation. The government en
tered into a contract to settle them upon lands which they ihight agree to
pay for in labor after a certain time, and to provide them with present
necessaries, such as houses, and household and working utensils.
Hunter had scarcely reached New York ere he was compeUed to hasten
to Albany to confer with tbe sachems of the Five Nations. He took the
opportunity to prospect along the Hudson Eiver for a suitable location for
tbe German colony, and finally purchased about six thousand acres of
land of Eobert Livingston from the manor property, and adjacent to some
1 Rip Van Dara was horn in Albany. Coll. R. D. Ch. Records. He married Sarah Vander-
spiegle, in the city of New York, on the 14th day of September, 1684. The baptisms of
fifteen children are recorded in the Dutch Church between the years 1685 and 1707. Many
of this large family lived to years of maturity. Rip, an elder son, married Judith Bayard.
Richard married Cornelia Beekman. Isaac, who was baptized in the Dutch Church of New
York, on January 9, 1704, was one of the executors of his father's will ; he had six children,
the eldest of whom, Anthony, figured among the prorainent merchants of New York for
many years. Chamber of Commerce Records, by John Austin Stevens. Of the daughters of
Rip Van Dam, Maria mamed Nicholas Parcel ; Elizabeth married, first, Jolm Sybrant, second.
Jacobus Kiersted ; and Catalyntic married Walter Thong, and their daughter Mary became
the wife of Eobert, third Lord of Livingston Manor.

LIVINGSTON MANOR. 485
pine forests. The Germans were soon upon the spot, and, sheltered by
cheap and hastUy constructed dwellings, huddled together in five distinct
villages. Others came after them, many proceeding to Pennsylvania, where
they laid tbe foundation of the German population which is so large an ele
ment in tbat State. These earlier German emigrants were mostly hewers
of wood and drawers of water, differing materiaUy from the class of Ger
mans who have since come among us, and bearing about the same rela
tion to the English and Dutch and French settlers of their time, as tbe
Chinese of to-day to the American population of the Pacific coast of the
United States.
Presently a change in the English Ministry turned the affairs of these
war-worn and poverty-stricken emigrants into hopeless confusion. The
new Lords endeavored to render every measure of their predecessors un
popular They raised a terrific howl abont the importation of foreigners
to theh American colonies, and declared that the giving of them employ
ment was going to endanger the Church. They attacked the legality of
the agreement wHch the government had entered into with the Germans.
Hunter soon found Ms drafts dishonored, and himself personally liable
forthe expenses ofthe German colony. It checked him in the carrying
out of many plans for their comfort and prosperity, yet he stood bravely
hy them to the extent of Hs power. Tbey were sore and discomfited.
They grumbled about their land, and said it was unfit for cultivation. Some
of them defiantly appropriated other tracts than what had been assigned
to them. They quarreled with the overseer whom Hunter had appointed.
They clamored for more seed for their gardens, for more bread, beer, beef,
hoes, and grabbing-hooks, and were lazy, and disinclined to prepare trees
for the manufacture of pitch and tar. Hunter explained to them his em-
harrassments and his inability to control the English purse. They did
not beheve him, or, if they did, they refused to be comforted. He en
listed as many of them as practicable for the expedition about to be sent
to Canada, and when that proved a failure, allowed tbem to keep tbeir
arms. This last act of consideration he soon, however, had occasion to
regret He was returning from Albany, after one of his many interviews with
the Indian sachems, and stopped for a few days, as was his custom wheu
going up and down the river, at Livingston Manor. This beautiful
place was even tben the seat of a broad and elegant hospitality. The
most refined and cultivated people of the country resorted there for visits,
which were often prolonged for weeks ; and every distinguished foreigner
who landed upon our shores was sure to be welcomed in his own.home
by the lord of the manor, who had lost none of the courtliness of his

486 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
younger years, and at seventy-six carried himseff as proudly erect as at
forty-five. He had always been courted, notwithstanding his political per
versity, and never appeared to better advantage than when entertaimna a
bouse full of agreeable guests. His wife had grown more delicately fair
and beautiful under the snows of her many winters, and presided over the
establishment with queenly dignity, stUl charming every one by her
conversation and winning all hearts by her sweetness of temper. Their
children were well bred and higHy educated. PHlip, who afterwards
succeeded Hs father ^s lord of the manor, was then about twenty-five.
Eobert Livingston had not yet retired from pubhc lffe. He was stUl sec
retary of Indian affairs, although PhiUp often acted as his deputy, and
was actively interested in all that concerned the welfare of the province.
His jurisdiction as magistrate extended over the entire country between
the manor and Albany. Application had been made to him on the very
day Hunter reached the manor, by one of the German clergymen, for the
dissolution of two unhappy marriages at the German Flats, — as the Ger
man settlement was caUed. Livingston declined to interfere on the ground
that Dirck Van WesseUs Ten Broeck had just been appointed magistrate
over tbe district to the south.
The manor-house was brilliantly lighted on the evening of the govern
or's arrival. As the family, witb their distinguished guest, were quietly
dining, a party of Germans appeared at the great east door and asked to
see " His Excellency." Hunter at once granted the request, but the in
terview was neither agi-eeable nor profitable. Tbe visitors came with
cloudy visages and covert threats to announce their intention of removing
to "the Schoharie country," which they declared had been promised
them in the queen's contract, and at the same time demanded money
from the government to effect their purpose. They had aheady hindered
the government surveyors from laying out any more lots where they were
at present located, and had organized an association, with the avowed
determination of compelling acquiescence to their wishes. Even during
the conversation on the manor-house balcony a party of armed Germans
were banging about on the borders of a thicket near by. Hunter adroitly
postponed a final settlement with them for two days. In the mean time
he sent an express privately to Albany, forty miles distant, with orders
for two independent companies of troops to come directly to his relief
by water. They arrived in the night, and were landed with great secrecy,
and kept close under the bank of tbe river out of sight. By appoint
ment. Hunter met the German delegation at a little house on the shore,
early the foUowing morning. The latter were iU-mannered and would
not listen to anything he had to say. He raised his voice and with much

COLDNESS AND SUSPICION. 487
decision told them what he should and what he should not do. One of
the Germans began to bluster, and use profane and threatening language ;
a signal at that moment brought the concealed soldiers briskly in front
of the buUding with drums beating. Such an unexpected apparition so
terrified the rude fellows, who had been plotting to seize the governor,
that they retreated in great confusion to their viUages. The soldiers
followed them and took their arms away from them altogether. The
salutary lesson restored order for a time, and the work of making pitch
and tar once more commenced ; but the German colony never ceased to
he a thorn in Hunter's flesh.
The meeting of the Assembly occurred soon after Hunter's retum to
New York. He went before the House, and cordiaUy admonished its
members " to do away with unchristian division." Said he, " Let every
man begin at home, and weed the rancor out of his own mind ; leave
disputes of property to the laws, and injury to the avenger of them, and
hke good subjects and good Christians, join hearts and hands for the
common good." But this Assembly, like many another before and after
it, was cold and suspicious, and backward about raising the necessary
allowances for tbe government. The excuse was the former nusapplica-
tion of the revenue, which had involved the country in debt ; and a little
later, the poverty of the people was pleaded, wMch had been caused by
the tax to defray the expenses of the late expedition to Canada. Some/
of the members openly denied the right of the queen to appoint salaries
for her colonial ofiicers. No one made more forcible arguments to that
point than Stephen De Lancey, whose ideas had been molded by Euro
pean experiences. WiUiam Nicolls, the speaker of the House, lawyer-
hke and seff-contained, favored the growing feeling that there should be
a restraint upon the governor's prerogative. The support wHch was
cautiously and after labored discussions granted to Hunter was on terms
which he could not accept without breach of his instructions.

Autograph of Lewis Morris.
In New Jersey Hunter found a warm admirer and friend in Lewis
Monis. The acquaintance had begun in England some months before.
But the gentlemen in the councU whom Morris had so violently opposed

488 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
during Cornbury's admimstration set themselves like steel against both
Morris and Hunter, untU tbe latter was obliged to ask the Lords of Trade
for the dismissal of Pinhorne, Coxe, Sonmans, and Hall. The New Jer
sey Assembly sustained Hm in this particular by declaring, in a memorial,
that so long as these gentlemen remained in places of trust in the prov
ince justice could not be duly admimstered, nor liberty and property safe.
Hunter about this time purchased a house in Amboy, on the knoU south
of St. Peter's Church. ^ It commanded a fine view of the harbor, and of
tbe bay and ocean beyond, and was his of&cial residence while on his
tours of duty in New Jersey ; and it was where he often rethed during
the heat of summer, and on other occasions when desirous of recreation
or relief from the weighty care's of state. He wrote to Dean Swift : —
" I thought in coming to this government I should have hot meals, and cool
drinks, and recreate my body in Holland sheets, upon beds of down ; whereas
I am doing penance as if I was a hermit ; and as I cannot do that with a wUl,
believe in the long run the devil wiU fly away with me. Sancho Panza was
uideed but a type of me, as I could fuUy convince you, by an exact paraUel
between our administrations and circumstances  The truth is, I am used
like a dog, after having done aU that is in the power of man to deserve better
treatment, so that I am now quite jaded."
Hunter's pecuniary embarrassments were Of the most vexatious kind
He had stripped himself for the government, and could not even com
mand a salary. In a letter to Swift under date of March 14, 1713, he
wrote : —
" This is the finest air to Uve upon in the universe ; and ff our trees and
birds could speak, and our Assemblymen be sUent, the finest conversation also.
The soU bears aU things, but not for me. According to the custom of the coun
try the sachems are the poorest of the people. In a word, and to be serious, I
have spent my time thus far here in such torment and vexation, that nothing
hereafter iu life can ever make amends for it.''
Another serious difficulty arose out of his not being a High-Churchman.
The Church had become the political engine of the ministerial faction,
and wben Coxe and Sonmans found themselves relieved froin legislative
power, they set themselves vigorously at work to enlist the clergy and
1 In addition to his property at Amboy, Hunter purchased Mattenecunk Island in the Dela
ware, near Burlington, and retained possession of it for some years after he left the provmce.
In June, 1731, James Alexander wrote to Hunter that Governor Montgomery was so much
delighted with this island, that he got vistas out from it in various directions up and down
the river for the agreeable prospects thus afforded. — Whitehead's East New Jersey, 154.

CITY CHARTER. 489
the missionaries in a plan to undermine the authority and compel the
recaU of Hunter, and obtain the appointment of the good Churchman,
Nicholson, in Hs place. They informed tbe Mimstry that Hunter was
the protector of dissenters and Quakers, and the upholder of men of low
and depraved tastes. They said many other things which it was sup
posed would be damaging to him at the Court of England. But Hunter's
frank and manly answer to the accusations, appealing to the evidence of
all sober men, clergy or laity, for a testimony to his straightforward con
duct in relation to the furtherance of Christianity, restored the confidence
of the Lords of Trade, which it must be confessed was for a time shaken.
Hunter was excessively annoyed, as appears from his letters, but he bore
hunself with consistent dignity, and never seemed to suffer any dejection
of spirits. He was an indefatigable worker ; his days were divided for
each duty with arithmetical precision. When hardest pressed for money,
he was usuaUy in his wittiest moods, and often jocosely remarked that he
expected to die in a jail. In his leisure moments one winter, assisted by
the facetious Morris, he composed a farce, called " Androborus," — The
Man-Eater, — in which the clergy, Nicholson, and the Assembly were so
humorously exposed, that the laugh tumed upon them in aU circles.
From the merriment thus provoked grew a better liking for and a more
generous appreciation of the governor himself
Jacobus Van Cortlandt was the mayor of New York in 1710, as was
he also m 1719. The city had grown very little since the commence
ment of the century. The city government, like the provincial, was em-
• harrassed in its finances. It went beyond its resources when the City
HaU was built on WaU Street. The corporation revenue failed to meet
loans and expenses, and an annual levy was the last resort. In 1703,
£ 300 was raised, which was less than one third of one per cent on the
value of estates. The citizens grumbled, and in 1704 the amount was
reduced to £ 200, which did not abate the dissatisfaction. Various expe
dients were proposed to add to the revenue of the corporation for absolute
necessities. FinaUy, an appeal was made to the general govemment for
further ferry privUeges, which resulted in the charter of 1708. Tothe
oity's former franchises was added the grant of land between high and
low water along the East Eiver (on the Long Island side from AVaUabout
to Eed Hook) to prevent competition on the part of unlicensed ferrymen.
The advantage of additional city ferries soon became apparent. The fol
lowing table of income and expenditure in 1710 wiU interest such of our
readers as may wish to compare it with the present financial structure
8id the sums involved ; —

490

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

Rent <

Rec'd 1

Annual Income of New York Ci1

y in 1710.

Annual Expenditure. 1710

.

£ 5
d
£
^
of Feny . . . .
180 0
0
Salary per annum Town Clerk .
20
0
0
" Dock
30 0
0
" " Marshall .
10
0
0
" Swamp
1 0
0
5 per c. Treasurer's Commissions
20
0
0
" Land to Codrington
1 0
0
Bellmen's Salaries
36
0
0
from 68 Licenses
51 19
6
Lanthoms & Hour glasses
3
0
0
" 15 Freedoms
10 2
0
Fire and Candle for Constable's
" The Pound .
2 0
0
Watch ....
3
0
0
" Fines & Forfeitures
5 0
0
Bonfires on Nov. Sth & Feb. 6th
" 4 Guegers & Packers
& March 8th & April 13th .
20
0
0
& Cullers
3 12
0
Pens, ink & paper for Town
" Lease to Mr. Van
Clerk ....
1
4
0
Evem
1 12
0
Books for Records .
2
0
0
" Lease to John Van
Repairs on City Hall and jails
50
0
0
Horne .
12
0
Repairs on Ferry House
40
0
0
" Lease to Van Orden
12
0
Repairs on the Dock
10
0
0
' ' Lease to J. Anderson
1 0
0
Incidental Expenses
42
0
0
" Lease to John Boss
12
0
Cage, Pillory & Stocks .
10
0
0
" Lease to Tuys Boss
12
0
Repairing the Sewer
10
0
0
" Lease to Ryer Hanse
12
0
Total
277
4
Total
294 7
6
0
The importation of negroes was perhaps more lucrative at this date,
than any other species of commerce. Buyers and sellers desired some
special place of rendezvous, hence a slave-mart was erected at the foot of
Wall Street. Considerable trade was carried on in clams, the Indians in
the distant inland territories reckoning them among theh best dishes.
When they inhabited tbe coasts they caught them themselves ; now they
were only too glad to buy them of the Dutch and English.
An English writer, speaking of New York in 1710, said : —
" There is a kind of frog which lives there during the summer, and which is
very clamorous in the evening, and in the night, especially when the days have
been hot and rain expected. They quite drown the singing of birds, and fre
quently make such a noise that it is difficult for a person to be heard in con
versation." And the same writer goes on to introduce to our notice the mos
quito : —
" The New York people are greatly troubled with a little insect which foUows
the hay that is made in thfe salt meadows, or comes home with the cows in the
evening. This little animalculae can disfigure most terribly a person's face in a
single night. The skin is sometimes so covered over with small blisters from
their stings, that people are ashamed to appear in public."
But the most amusing part of the article, which by the way appeared
THE DEBT OF ENGLAND. 491
in a London paper of that date, was in relation to New York lobsters.
We wiU quote the passage entire : —
"Lobsters are caught thereabouts, and after being pickled in very much the
same manner as oysters, are sent to several places. I was told of a very remark
able circumstance ! The coast of New York had European inhabitants for a long
time, and yet no lobsters were to be found there. The people fished for them,
but never a sign of one could tbey find in that part of the sea. They were
biought in great weU-boats from New England, where they were plentiful. But
it so happened that one of these lobster-laden weU-boats struck a rock and
broke into pieces near Hell-gate, about ten miles from New York, and aU tbe
lobsters in it got off. Ever since tben there has been a great abundance of tbem
in the waters about the metropolis."
The statesmen of the mother country were very much astomshed at
the unportance which their colonies had begun to assume. Hunter's
letters revealed the spirit of self-sufficiency which was pervading New
York. It was time to look into affairs, if Colonial AssembUes dared set
bounds to the royal prerogative. Hitherto the supreme power of the
home government had seemed in accordance with justice and with pol
icy. Indeed, nothing less would have kept the life-blood of the feeble
infant in circulation. But as the chUd grew in strength and stature the
fetters should have been loosened. No sensible parent deals with a son
of fifteen in the same manner as with a son of five. It was foUy to treat
such a province as New York, in the early part of the eighteenth century,
as it might have been proper to treat a little band of emigrants who had
just huilt their huts on a barbarous shore, and to whom the protection of
the flag of a great nation was an indispensable necessity.
England was already in debt, and the English mind was speculating
upon the emoluments to be reaped from the colonies. The right of Par
hament to tax at discretion was not yet maintained, but the way to it
was bemg paved through ilUberal legislation. The nation was compara
tively free from pecuniary obligations when WiUiam III. ascended the
throne. The war with France which followed was expensive. It was
found impossible, without exciting the most formidable discontents, to
raise hy taxation the money needful for its continuance ; and at that
very moment numerous capitalists were looking around them in vain for
some good mode of investing their savings. They had hitherto kept their
health locked up, or lavished it upon absurd projects. Eiches suflicient
t« equip a navy which would sweep the entire Atlantic of French priva
teers, was lying idle, or passing from the owners into the hands of sharp
ers. No wonder that the statesmen of the realm thought it might with

492 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
advantage to the proprietor, to the tax-payer, and to the whole British
Empire, be attracted into the treasury. Italy, France, and HoUand had
set tbe example of incurring a national debt. Sir WiUiam Temple told
Hs countrymen, how, when he was ambassador at the Hague, the single
province of Holland, then ruled by tbe frugal and prudent De Witt, owed
about five million pounds sterling, for wHch interest at four per cent was
always ready at the day specified for its payment ; and when any part of
the principal was paid off the public creditor received Hs money with
tears, well knowing that he could find no other investment equaUy secure.
Montague, one of the most inventive and daring of financiers, was among
those who discussed this question When England finaUy resorted to
the expedient, it was popular ; the moneyed men were delighted with the
opportunity of lending, and the land-owners, hard pressed by the load of
taxation, rejoiced at the prospect of present ease. It was the Tories who
at a later period assailed the national debt witb rancorous criticism. The
rate of interest as first established was ten per cent. After the year 1700
it was only seven per cent.
Sucb was the origin of the famous debt which bas since perplexed the
brains and confounded the pride of statesmen and philosophers. At
every stage of its increase a cry of anguish arose, and wise men prophesied
bankruptcy and ruin. When the gTeat" contest with Louis XIV. was ter
minated by the peace of Utrecht, the . nation owed about fifty miUions.
Acute thinkers declared that it would permanently cripple the body pohtic.
But the nation grew richer and richer. After the war of the Austrian
succession the debt had increased to eighty miUions. Another war, arid,
under the energetic and prodigal administration of the first William Pitt,
the debt rapidly swelled to one hundred and forty miUions. Writers of
every grade were in despair. They said it would have been better to have
been conquered than oppressed with such a burden. David Hume, one
of tbe most profound political economists of his time, declared that such
madness exceeded tbe madness of the Crusaders. He gloomily predicted
tbat the fatal day for the country had arrived. He could not see the
prosperity around him, the growing cities, the marts too small for the
crowd of buyers and sellers, the increase of commerce, and the general
spread of culture. Adam Smith's vision was but a trifle clearer. He ad
mitted that the nation had actually sustained tbe vast load, and thrived
under it in a way which could not have been foreseen. But the limit
had been reached. Even a small increase might be fatal And he issued
a solemn warning against the repetition of such a hazardous experiment
George GrenviUe, who was eminently practical, declared that the nation
must eventually sink under the debt unless a portion of the burden was

GRAVE DISAPPOINTMENT. 493
borne by the American colonies. We shall erelong see how the attempt
to lay a portion of the burden upon the American colonies produced an
other war And after that war England's debt had increased to two hun
dred and forty millions, and the colonies were gone, whose aid had been
regarded as indispensable. Again the case was pronounced hopeless.
Ei^land was given over by her state physicians, while, at the same time,
the strange patient persisted in living, and was visibly more prosperous
than ever before. Soon foUowed the wars which sprang from the Erench
Eevolution, and wHch exceeded in cost any that the world had ever seen.
When they were ended, the debt of England was eight hundred miUions.
And it was as easy to pay the interest on that gigantic amount as on the
original debt of fifty miUions. For whUe the debt had grown all other
things had grown as weU. There was incessant progress of every experi
mental science, and there was the persistent effort of every man to get on
in life. The resources of the country had been very much enlarged, and
business had been doubhng and redoubling itseff.
There was no little incapacity and corruption prevalent in the State
Department of England during Hunter's administration. The plowshare
had not yet been put through old systems and fossilized methods of action;
and the benefits arising from later experiences were entirely wanting.
All rising power in the colomes was esteemed demoralizing. Those de
pendencies must be compeUed to contribute to the defense of the fron
tiers, Parliamentary interference was suggested by the annoyed and
perplexed Mimstry. But when the New York Assembly found that the
peen and her Lords were really about to fulfiU the promise made to
Schuyler, by an invasion of Canada, it was warmed into a generous
outlay, f 10,000 were issued in treasury biUs, to be redeemed by taxa
tion in five years, and six hundred troops were furnished, in addition to
six hundred Iroquois warriors enlisted by Colonel Schuyler. An impor
tant Congress of colonial governors met at New London on the 1711.
21st of June, to decide upon the men and means to be contributed J™e 21.
bythe other colonies. There were present Governor Hunter, Governor
Dudley, Governor Saltonstall, Governor Cranston, Colonel Schuyler, Liv
ingston, Colonel Vetch, and other gentlemen of note. Every one was will-
higto assist, and the army, when organized, assembled in Albany, and was
placed under the command of Colonel Francis Nicholson, who was to
march by land and attack Montreal, while an immense fleet from England
should at the same time appear and destroy Quebec. General Hill, a
relative of Mrs. Masham, who had superseded the Duchess of Marlbor
ough as the queen's favorite, commanded the fleet. When it arrived at
the mouth of the St. Lawrence Eiver a dense fog prevaUed, and eight

494 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
vessels, containing eight hundred and eighty-four men, were wrecked and
lost on the rocky coasts. This calamity so disheartened the of&cers that
they held a council of war, and finaUy determined that it was im-
*^ ' ¦ practicable to proceed farther. They anchored in Spanish Eiver
Bay ; but, as tbey were provisioned for oiUy ten weeks, they in a few days
sailed for home, arriving in Portsmouth on tbe 9th of October,
where, in addition to aU their previous misfortunes, the Edgar, a
seventy-gun ship, was blown up, and four hundred troops, besides many
friends who had come on board to visit them, were instantly destroyed.
The disappointment fell heavily upon the colonies. The new Ministry
was blamed, and with just and sufficient reason, for the mismanagement
of the whole matter. Why was not the fleet more fuUy victualed ? Where
was there any vahd excuse for having tarried in Boston untU tbe season
for attack was over ? It was supposed tbat the Ministry intended to
save £ 20,000 to the government by obtaimng supplies for the fleet from
New England. This was denied by some, and af&rmed by others ; but
whether true or false, it rankled aU the same.
New York was in a much worse condition than before the attempted
raid, for the enemy were apprised of all that had occurred, and were uot
only bolder, but threatened general destruction. Many inoffensive fami
hes who were comfortably settled on farms above Albany were murdered
without the slightest provocation. The cruelties of the French and their
aUied Indians were without paraUel in history. The people of Albany
were in constant alarm, and it was not long ere the city of New York
was thrown into great consternation by a rumor that the French con
templated an attack by sea.
Nicholson and his troops were recaUed as soon as the news of the
failure of the fleet reached the governor. But they were not disbanded
until spring. Their support, together with the repairs on the fortifica
tions, greatly increased the public debt. The council and the Assembly
joined in an urgent appeal to the Englisb government to renew the
effort to drive tbe French out of Canada Hunter went personally
among the Indians, and made every effort in Hs power to pacify them,
and keep them true to the colonies. The operations of England hence
forward, in regard to the French, grew less and less momentous,
notwithstanding New York's despairing cry, and tbe war was
finaUy terminated by the treaty of Utrecht in 1713.
MeanwhUe the city was disturbed by an alarming and mysteri
ous movement on the part of the negroes. Ever since the West
India Company introduced slavery into New York, the trafl&c in human
flesh had been continued, and of late it had very greatly increased.

THE NEGRO INSURRECTION. 495
. was in favor of the system. She imported over three hundred
thousand negroes from Africa between the years 1680 and 1700. Nearly
half of the population of New York City in 1712 (then about six thousand)
was colored. AU the wealthy families owned slaves, some as many as
fifty. People of moderate means were content with from three to half
a dozen in their households, but those were esteemed as necessary as
chairs or tables. There was no unity among the slaves, and it was not
supposed that there could be any possible political danger from their
jomt action. They were as mde and ignorant as any other barbarians,
and excessively stupid. In anger, however, it was found that they could
prove themselves positively fiendish. A few who had received some
hard usage from their masters planned a scheme of revenge, which was
to kill as many of the citizens as possible without regard to whether they
were the persons who had injured them or not. They met at midnight
in the orchard of Mr. Crooke, which was not far from the present Maiden
Lane, armed with guns, swords, hatchets, and butchers' knives. Tbey set
fire to an outhouse, and when the flames brought persons running to the
spot, they fell upon and murdered them in the most shocking and brutal
manner. Nine men were thus massacred, and six severely wounded.
One or two narrowly escaped from the inhuman assassins, and quickly
notified the authorities of what was taking place. The governor sent a
detachment of soldiers from the fort on a brisk run to the scene of horror,
which so frightened the cowardly fellows that they retreated into the
woods. Sentinels were stationed at the ferries to prevent their leaving
the island, and the next day, with the help of the militia, they were aU
captured and brought to trial, except six, who in terror and desperation
committed suicide. Twenty-one were condemned and executed : several
of these were burned at the stake ; some were hanged, one was broken
on wheels, and one hung in chains to die of starvation. Many who were
not directly imphcated were arrested for supposed complicity in the plot,
but were afterwards released for want of sufficient evidence or pardoned
hy the governor.
Shortly after the excitements consequent upon the negro insurrection
had subsided, a duel was fought bv Dr. John Livingston and Thomas
TV O J D 1713
Dongan, which resulted in the death of the former. Dongan was
tried for murder and found guilty of manslaughter. The mayor (from 1711
to 1714) was Colonel Caleb Heathcote, and chiefly through his instru-
mentahty, Broadway was graded this spring from Maiden Lane to the
Commons. Shade-trees, similar to those which graced the southern por
tion of the street, were planted on either side to the terminus of the
hnprovements. The famUy homestead of the Beekmans stood on a bluff

496

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

The Beekman Coach.

overlooking the East Eiver, near the present corner of Pearl and Beekman
Streets. It was buUt by Hon. WUUam Beekman in 1670. An orchard of
fine old apple-trees
stretched over several
acres to the right, and
pears and peaches were
cultivated in large quan
tities on the roUing land
in the vicinity. The gar
den hugged the mansion
on two sides, and was
one of the finest on Man
hattan Island. The fam
Uy coach, of wHch the
sketch is an authentic
representation, is preserved, and in the possession of Hon James W.
Beekman, Vice-President of the New York Historical Society.
Although Hunter was in harmony with his council in ahnost aU mat
ters of public interest, be was in constant collision with the Assembly,
which was opposed to the granting of a permanent revenue for the sup
port of the government. The House took the subject finaUy into grave
consideration, and sent to the council several bUls which the latter at
tempted to amend ; this provoked a warm controversy between the two
branches of the legislature. Tbe council argued from precedent, and its
relative position as Upper House, or House of Lords. The Assembly res
olutely maintained that both Houses were alike Commons, and that the
councU was only an advisory board, in other words, a cipher in the gov
ernment. They claimed, by virtue of having been the free choise of the
people, an inherent right to dispose of the money of the freemen of the
colony, and declined to be influenced by the action of any former Assem
blies, or by the opinions of the Lords of Trade.
Both Houses adhered so obstinately to their respective positions that
the public debts remained unpaid. MeanwhUe Hunter, by the advice of
his couucil, established a Court of Chancery and exercised the of&ce of
chanceUor himself Eip Van Dam and Adolphe PhUipse were appointed
masters in chancery, Mr. Whileman, register, Mr Harrison, examiner,
and Mr. Sharpas and Mr. Broughton, clerks. A proclamation was issued
to signify the sitting of the court on Thursday in every week. The As
sembly immediately passed the two foUowing resolutions : —
" Resolved, That the erecting of a Court of Chancery without consent in Gen
eral Assembly is contrary to law, without precedent, and of dangerous conse
quences to the liberty and property of the subjects.

THE ASSEMBLY. 497
"Resolved, That the establishing fees without consent in General Assembly
is contrary to law."
The councU denounced the action of the Assembly in strong and bitter
language. Hunter tried to modify the resentment of both Houses. The
councU wrote an account of the matter to the Lords of Trade, who re
pHed, by unqualified approval of the court which Hunter had established,
and dropped a few severe censures upon the course pursued by the As
sembly. They said " her Majesty had an undoubted right to erect as
many courts in her plantations as sbe might think necessary for the ends
of justice." They also expressed themselves in favor of the right of the
councU to amend money bills.
There were a few astute lawyers in the Assembly who were skilled in
the interpretation of the English law. WiUiam Nicolls predicted that
the time was not far distant when the logic of the House would be hon
ored by the ablest and best minds in England. And it is an interesting
fact that the right of the King to erect a Court of Chancery without con
sent of Parhament, was warmly contested in England in 1734, and in
1775. Hunter and his council were in the vsTong. No such court could
legaUy have been instituted without consent of the Assembly.
The House immediately voted an address to the queen, declaring their
willingness to .support her government, but complaining of misapplica
tions in the treasury; and intimating suspicions that it had been mis
represented. It prayed that Hunter might be ordered to consent to a
law for supporting an agent to represent the House at the Court of Eng
land. Provoked beyond endurance at such proceedings, and to put an
end to the unprofitable disputes between the Houses, Hunter, whose hon
esty of purpose was as clear as the sunlight, dissolved the Assembly.
Of course an election followed, and the politicians who had
long been accustomed to the tactics of faction entered into the
contest, which was spirited and exciting. Several new members were
returned, but the majority were of the same mind as those who had
preceded them. The invincible WiUiam Nicolls was again elected
speaker Hunter met the new House with the announcement that he
should pass no law whatever untU it had made provision for the govern
ment He said he had begged his bread for several years and should
now take another course. Having no alternative but to comply or break
up immediately, the House cautiously provided for a revenue for one
year, and then proceeded to other business. The debts of the govern
ment remained unnoticed untU the autumn session. When the claims
TOre caUed in, the amount was prodigious. It exceeded £ 48,000. The
members were overwhelmed with consternation. Weeks were spent in
^cussing methods for its liquidation.

498 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
An Act was finaUy passed for the issue of biUs of credit to the full
amount, to be lodged in the hands of the treasurer. Colonel Abraham De
Peyster, and circulated by him according to the directions of the Act
There was no such thing then as a science of finance, and but little to be
learned from the financial experience of the civilized world. Neither was it
a fixed fact that a government could make a currency to suit its own fancy,
and carry on trade independent of the rest of mankind. It is not strange
that our early legislators fell into blunders and were sometimes panic-
stricken. It is more a matter of surprise that they did not make irretriev
able mistakes, since they were obliged to act from the dictates of common-
sense rather than precedent. And legislation was then, as well as at the
present moment, a cheap prescription, purchased by a Uttle public clamor.
Scarcely had this knotty question been settled, ere tbe news of Queen
Anne's death, and of the accession of George I. to the throne of
Oct. 6. , ^ , °
England, reached New York. In honor of tbe new sovereign there
was a general illumination of the city, and bonfires and torchlight pro
cessions added brilliancy to the display.
The Assembly was dissolved by tbe death of the queen, and when the
Assemblymen received their pay, Stephen De Lancey immediately do
nated bis fee, £ 50, to the corporation, to be expended in a city clock,
which witb four dials soon graced the very respectable and substantial
City HaU, and was found to be a great convenience to the citizens.
Tbe spring election of 1715 was more satisfactory to Hunter
than any wbich had preceded it. The House came together in
May, and the first subject discussed was naturally tbat of the
revenue. Lewis Morris, the member from the borough of Westchester,
put all the vigor of his intellect into a plan for the governor's relief
He said that narrow-mindedness and penury were sure to defeat their
own ends. He painted in glowing colors Hunter's four years of patient
and uncomplaining service, his struggle to live, his hardships and priva
tions cheerfully borne, and his undeniable right to a liberal support. In
spite of his unattractive temper and many glaring faults, Morris wielded
a strong influence. A few conservative members resisted bis logic to
tbe last. Arguments were used which were concise, clear, convincing,
and sometimes delivered with grave uony. Mr. Mulford from Suffolk
County was the orUy one who descended to personal abuse. He denounced
the whole question of the revenue as a " put-up job " of tbe government.
He was a man of opinions, but of feeble judgment, and, his remarks be
coming offensive, he was expeUed from the House. The next day it was
found that the revenue party were in the majority, and to facilitate mat
ters Hunter consented to the Naturalization BUl, which resulted in the
immediate settlement of a revenue for five years.

CHIEF JUSTICE LEWIS MORRIS. 499
Mompesson died iu June of this year, and Hunter immediately ap
pointed Lewis Morris chief justice of the province in his stead. In
asking the Lords of Trade for their confirmation of his choice. Hunter
said that Morris was the fittest man in New York for the trust, for
besides being honest he was able to live without a salary. Tbe strongest
ai'gument in Hs favor, however, was his recent valuable services in the
Assembly, "for the good of the government." He had many enemies,
and it was whispered that he had paid Hunter a large sum of money,
and that he had bribed some of the prominent counselors of the gov
emor in order to prevent their interference and thus enable him to se-

Portrait of Chief Justice Lewis Moms.
(Copied through courtesy of Hon. William A. Whithead, from original pen miniature by Watson.)
cure his promotion. When that accusation was effectually contradicted
he was sneeringly caUed the governor's favorite. " Very well," said Hun
ter, "no truer word was ever spoken. He is my favorite, and why should
he not be when he is so well worthy ? " Then it was argued that he was
constantly liable to indiscretion, and that his knowledge of law had been
gathered by experience and observation, rather than by profound study.
His subsequent career showed him to have been one of tbe most search
ing and sagacious of judges, and even those who were the bitterest in
their opposition at first, were constrained finally to admit that he was
austerely just in his decisions.

500 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
George Clarke, the secretary of the province, was appointed to fiU
Mompesson's place in the council at New York, and David Jamison, the
chief justice of New Jersey^, was assigned to the vacancy in the councU
of that province. Clarke was descended from the Clarkes of Somerset
shire, whose residence was at Swainswick, near Bath. His wife was of
royal blood. She was Ann Hyde, a cousin of Queen Anne. Clarke had
fUled the office of secretary since 1703, and his abilities had won him
deserved prominence in the colony. Twenty years later we shaU find
bim lieutenant-governor of New York.
Dr. Samuel Staats died shortly afterward, and Chief Justice Jamison
was appointed in his stead in the New York council. Tbe Lords of
Trade remembered Jamison as one not weU spoken of by Lord Bellomont,
and wrote to Hunter to inquire what manner of life he had led since that
period. Hunter replied that he had constantly held important of&cial
positions, had acquired a large estate, had been noted for his art and
management in legal processes, had been of unblenushed hfe and con
versation, and had enjoyed a large measure of distinction because of
his exemplary piety and religious zeal. As for what had been formerly
reported. Hunter said, " Lord BeUomont must have been grossly imposed
upon, for although Jamison had been a little wild in his young days, he
had never been sentenced to be hung for burning the Bible in Scotland,
and tbe story of his having had two wives was notoriously false."
The residence of many of the counselors was some distance from the
city, hence Hunter recommended five more names to the Lords of Trade.
Tbey were, Augustine Graham, who had ripened into a pohtician quite
as polished and scarcely less subtile than Hs honored sire; Dr John
Johnson, the recently elected mayor of the city; Stephen De Lancey;
Eobert Lurting ; and Eobert Watts. Hunter said they were aU men of
large wealth, wHch was an answer to the leading question invariably
asked by the English statesmen wben a candidate was proposed. Theh
first confidence was in real sterhng business talent, and although the
idea was then scarcely understood, and has since been mercilessly mis
construed, tbe root of the whole matter was in the fact that men are
developed and made better by taking theif lots and places in the tasks,
enterprises, temptations, and vicissitudes of life, working their way, not
only that civiUzation may be extended and Christianity strengthened,
but that tbey themselves may represent a more perfect type of manhood.
Inherited wealth has not unfrequently proven a bane to its possessor,
and clogged instead of accelerated the wheels of progress ; but the crea
tion of property is, and always has been, one of tbe best schools for
bringing into full play the varied powers of which men's natures are

ROBERT WATTS. 601
coButiuuucd. The history of New York illustrates the assertion. It is
said, and sometimes with a sneer, that the metropolis was founded by
tiade.rs (that every man kept a store), and that in its present proportions
it is ;only an outgrowth of commerce. We stand perpetually accused of
hemjT a money-making and a dollar-loving people. But we do not feel
reproached. We have learned that whatever is strong, noble, just, and
pos..'ible, whether it is the pursuit of wealth, art, or fame, is good for the
world through the unfolding of individual character and the consequent
uphfting of society. We have the satisfaction of knowing that our money-
making citizens, tHough every decade since we were a little fur-station,
have been second to none in generous impulse, in Cathohc charity, in
Christian progress, and in public spirit. We have seen money flow from
their coffers hke water from Croton Lake. We have seen churches built,
we have seen schools and coUeges established, we have seen asylums
endowed, we have seen hospitals and homes provided, and we have seen
the current of liberal giving making its way beyond our own Umits,
until, hke HoUand's canals, it extends through every habitable portion of
our vast country. Whdt it has done towards supplying human wants,
encouraging thrift, and diffusing virtue and inteUigence and education,
we can oHy comprehend by a careful investigation of how American
society has been built up from the foundation. Let us cease to under
value the one talent without which we should have been narrow-minded
indeed. Let us bear in remembrance, also, that riches honestly acquired
are entirely consistent with the spirit of Christianity, and without which
Church and State would alike languish.
Eobert Watts had been a resident of New York about five years. He
came from Scotland. The home of the Watts famUy was EosehiU,^
an ancient estate or district about a mUe west of Edinburgh, on the
old Glasgow road. Hunter named Eobert Watts to the Lords of Trade,
as " a gentleman of sound sense, high respectabihty, and known affection
to the government." He seems to have been a young man of many
personal attractions, of considerable culture, and of rare promise. He
married, the year before, Mary, the daughter of WUUam Nicolls and
Anne Van Eensselaer. His son, the afterwards celebrated Hon. John
Watts, was born April 5, 1715. The latter was precocious from his very
' The Eosehill estate is nearly all built over, and the Caledonian Railway passes through it.
The Watts homestead is still standing, and in a fair state of preservation ; it is a quaint, old-
fashioned building, some sixty feet square, and three stories high, with four windows in a row
on every floor. Its situation is high, affording a splendid view to the west and south. There
is a two-story building about twenty feet square a little to the rear of it, like a tower, sepa
rate for offices. The extensive grounds in connection with the plaoe have been used for some
years as a coal-depot by the Caledonian Railway Company.

502 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
babyhood, and as soon as old enough he was sent abroad to comj|
finished education. ^
The social attractions of the winter of 1715 - 16 were greater thar|
had ever been. FamUies who had been estranged for long and
years, through political and other disturbances, became friends, ancl
pitably entertained each other. Dinner-parties were an almost everyday
occurrence, and there were several notable weddings and other fetes, a-^^
receiving guests the same etiquette and ceremony were observed p. in the
higher European circles. The governor was in a happier frameof mind
than before the Assembly provided for Hs salary, and now he^yas hoping
to have the £ 20,000 refunded to him from tbe English goversment, which
he had expended from his own purse in Hs care of the Geimans. He en
tered into the gayeties of the winter witb a rehsh, and was the magnetic
center of every assemblage. Lady Hunter, tbe bright particular star of
his destiny, was always by his side and elicited the most sincere homage
and admiration. She was a lady of superior education and rare accom
plishments, gentle, self-contained, and unselfish, shining in society rather
through the reflected light of her husband, but in domestic life radiating
a steady luster all her own, which was the more charming because of her
sweetness of disposition and strength of character. Among those who
formed tbe "court circle," as it was aptly styled, were the Van Cort
landts (there were several families of Van Cortlandts ; FbUip, the second
Lord of tbe Manor, had recently married Catharine, daughter of Hon.
Abraham De Feyster, and, a little later, tbe daughter of Jacobus Van
Cortlandt was married to Abraham De Feyster, Jr.), Bayards, Van Dams,
(Kip Van Dam, Jr, was married the following year to Judith Bayard),
Clarkes, Morrises, De Lanceys, De Feysters, Beekmans, NicoUses, Wattses,
^ John Watts married, in 1742, Ann De Lancey. Their children were : 1, Bobert, who mar
ried Mary, daughter of Lord Stirling ; 2, Ann, who married Archibald Kennedy, afterwards
Earl of Cassilis ; 3 and 4, Stephen and Susanna, twins, both of whom died young ; 5, John,
bom in 1749 (died in 1836), who married his cousin Jane De Lancey ; 6, Susanna, who mar
ried Philip Kearny ; 7, Mary, who man-ied Sir John Johnson ; 8, Stephen, who married in
England, Miss Sarah Nugent ; 9, Margaret, born in 1775 (died in 1836), who married Major
Robert Leake.
John Watts, the third son of John Watts, Senior, who married, in 1774, Jane, daughter of
Peter De Lancey and Elizabeth Colden, had children as follows : 1, John, who never mar
ried ; 2, Henry, who never married ; 3, Robert, who never married, but took the name of
Leake, and a fortune (died in 1830) ; 4, George, an army officer, who never married ; 5,
Stephen, who never married ; 6, Ann, who never married ; 7, Jane, who never married ; 8,
Elizabeth who married Henry Laight (had no children) ; 9, Susan who married her cousin
Philip Kearny, and was the mother of the late lamented Major-General Philip Kearny ; 10,
Mary Justina, who married Hon. Frederic de Peyster, and was the mother of Major-Gen
eral John Watts de Peyster.

JAMES ALEXANDER. 503
mverneurs, Provoosts, Staatses, PhiUpses, Van Homes, and others. It
IS necessary for a clear understanding of the peculiar workings of the com
phcated pohtical machinery of New York prior to 1776, to keep in mind
the relationship of the chief actors on the public stage. Nearly all the
prominent families were connected by marriage, and, in many instances,
doubly and trebly connected.
The foUowing summer Lady Hunter died, after a short and
severe iUness, and Hunter'was so smitten by the affiiction that he ^^^^'
never recovered his former cheerfulness during his stay in New York.
Indeed, his subsequent failure of health, and consequent petition to the
Lords of Trade to be allowed to return to England, was attributed to his
great, hopeless sorrow for her loss.
There were two arrivals worthy of notice this season. James Alexan
der, from Scotland, the father of Lord Stirling, and WiUiam Smith from
BuckinghamsHre, England, the father of the weU-known historian of
New York.
James Alexander was a young lawyer of good birth and education.
His special exceUence was in the knowledge of mathematics. He had
been an officer of engineers in Scotland. Hunter no sooner made his
acquaintance than he perceived that such unusual talents might be
turned to account in this country ; and he accordingly appointed him
surveyor-general of New Jersey, where he shortly projected an advan
tageous boundary between New York and New Jersey, wbich, however,
was not agreed upon at the time. Alexander was also in the secretary's
ofice, and was attorney-general (for two years) of the New York province.
Within five years he occupied a prominent seat in tbe councils of both
New York and New Jersey.
He married, in 1721, the granddaughter of Johannes De Peyster (the
first of that honorable name in this country).^ Their oiUy son was WU
ham, afterwards Earl of Stirhng. They had four daughters, Mary, wbo
married Peter Van Bragh Livingston; Elizabeth, who married John
Stevens ; Catharine, wbo married Walter Butherford ; and Susanna, who
' An error in regard to the marriage of James Alexander having been many times repeated,
the same is here corrected by the authentic genealogy of the lady whom he married. Maria
De Peyster, daughter of Johannes De Peyster, married, 1, Paulus Schrick (who was born in
Hartford, Connecticut, and whose house in 1686 was on the east side of Broad Street) ; 2,
John Spratt, styled " Gentleman " in the old records ; 3, David Provoost, mayor of the city in
1699. Maria, daughter of John Spratt and Maria De Peyster, married, October 15, 1711,
Samuel Provoost, and aff«r his death, she married, in 1721, James Alexander. Thus it was
not the widow of David Provoost whom Alexander married, as generally supposed, but the
"idow of Samuel Provoost, who was herself the daughter of Mrs. David Provoost by a for-
¦ner husband.

504 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
married John Eeed, aU ladies of marked abUity and singular strength of
character. Mrs. Alexander is described as possessing great mental vio'or
and business talent. She conducted tbe mercantUe affairs of her husband
in her own name for some years after his death.
James Alexander was a great acquisition to the community. He was
not only a lawyer and mathematician, but he developed into a distin
guished politician, statesman, and man of science. He found time amid
his various labors for extensive study. He, with Dr. Eranklin and others,
founded the American Philosophical Society, and maintained a constant
correspondence with HaUey, the Astronomer Eoyal, and other learned dig
nitaries in different parts of Europe.^
Hunter was a Low-Churchman. He tried to sustain a certain amount
of social intercourse with Eev. Mr. Vesey, of Trinity Church, but was
treated witb coolness and apparent suspicion. He finaUy contented him
self with giving straightforward attention to matters which might prop
erly be considered within his province as the head of the government,
was active in promoting the general interests of rehgion, and the spread
of the gospel throughout tbe province, and, having satisfied his conscience,
allowed the clergy to nurse their prejudices. Eev. Mr. Vesey was one
of the most excellent and useful of men, but, like Hs contemporaries
across the water, exceedingly narrow and bigoted. AU his studies, his
mental faculties, his daily tasks — everything within him and without
him was consecrated to his pastoral work. He was tender of the Church,
spiritually and temporally, and watched over it with jealous care. One
of his warmest friends and most cordial supporters was Colonel Caleb
Heathcote, who was also an agent for the Society for Propagating the
Gospel in Foreign Parts, and took personal interest in the missionaries
who w'ere from time to time sent among the Indians. The good divine
was a grave, thoughtful man, his face often wearing the expression of deep
melancholy; in the company of friends, however, he was affable and
cheerful, and in his domestic relations he was most gentle and affec
tionate.^ One of the charges made by Eev. Mr. Vesey against Hunter to the
Bishop of London was, that he favored the Presbyterians. The latter
1 James Alexander died in 1756. He accumulated a large estate, and lived in the
style of the English gentry. His country-seat was in New Jersey. Mrs. Alexander, in con
tinuing the business of her husband after his death, was efficiently aided by her son William,
until a contract for supplying the king's troops with clothing and provisions during the
French war brought him under the notice of the military Shirley, who made him his aid
and private secretary, and finally took him to England, where the young man found himself
the nearest male heir to the Earldom of Stirling. Mrs. Alexander died in 1761.
^ See portrait of Rev. Mr. Vesey on page 436.

THE "DE PEYSTER GARDEN."

505

were spoken of as dissenting Protestants.

™ S & Presbyterian
-5 ? ? Church

Church Lot

g S! 74 ft.
E? 'to A. de Peyster

¦ o Samuel Cayard
' S 74 ft.

25ft.3ill. |21

ftJ=JLi

1718.

A.D.r 26 ft. Kips St.

There was as yet but a mere
handful of them in New York,
and since 1706 they had wor
shiped in private houses. Hun
ter firnUy protected them in
aU their rights. Having
finaUy gained sufficient
strength, they decided to pur
chase a lot in Wall Street, near
the City Hall, and buUd a
church.^ The edifice was erected
the following year Eev. James
Anderson was the first pastor ;
the congregation were allowed
to meet for public worship, prior
to the completion of the church,
in the City Hall, by special act
of the corporation. The same
organization now worship in the
elegant stone structure on Fifth
Avenue, between Eleventh and
Twelfth Streets.
The ancient "De Peyster
Garden," which was purchased
from Governor Dongan by Colo
nel Abraham De Peyster and
Colonel Nicholas Bayard, and
which embraced quite an extent
of valuable territory to the north
of Wall Street, was surveyed and
laid out in lots in tbe early part
of this year. There were twen
ty-two of these lots, besides the
site of the City HaU, previously
donated by De Peyster, and tbe
one recently occupied by the
trustees ofthe new Presbyterian
Church. The map, which is an
authentic copy of the antique
' The lot was purchased from the heira of Gabriel Thompson, who had originally purchased
it from the "De Peyster Garden."

- i
86 ft.8 In.

_ 21.4 in

f
25 ft.

f
f 86 ft.

a.
w 25 ft.

1

48 ft.

w jA-de Peyater
^ w 75 ft.

% P Abraham de Peyster
¦¦* S 122 ft.

5 ? Samuel Bayard
" 5 122 ft.

fi

^ p Samuel Bayard
' B 122 ft.

h3 55
5 p Abraham de Peyster
' ~ 122 ft.
" p Abraham de Peyster
•" S 122 ft.
^ ? Samuel Bayard
* " 122 ft.
5 ? Samuel Bayard
" " 128 ft.
5 ? Abraham de Peyster
" ¦- 122 ft.
X o Abraham de Peyster
•"¦ " 122 ft.
^ P Samuel Bayard
^ »¦ 182 ft.
S Abram de Peyater
?"°'*7Bft.
&
s
!3.B in.
tap
23.8 in
^ f Sflmael Bayard
¦* " 75 ft.
' 75 ft.
_ . . _ ThU Lot aotd to Tliompgcm
omith Sti {aninnkeeper) in nol,for£i20
Map ofthe "De Peyster Garden."
Mrth side of Wall Street, in 1718. From the original
parchment in possession of Hon. Frederic de Peyster,
President of New York Historical Society.
506 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
original,^ Ulustrates the condition of Wall Street at this date, and is too
interesting to be omitted.
Not far from this time a party of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, of the
school of Knox, emigrated from Londonderry, Ireland, and found theh
Canaan in a little nook in New Hampshire, which four years afterward
was incorporated into a town and caUed Londonderry. John Woodburn,
the great-grandfather of Hon. Horace Greeley, was one of those pioneers
of the New England forests. It was they who introduced the culture
of potatoes into tbe northern settlements. Within twelve months the
seed had been brought to New York and planted. The product was looked
upon with marked disfavor at first. Tbe tops, when in full bloom, were
decidedly ornamental, and were cultivated in the gardens along the
" Broadway road " simply for the flower. At least such was the case for
a season or two. The native country of the potato is stiU a matter of
doubt. Common report and general belief refers it to Peru. It is sup
posed they were introduced into Europe by the Spaniards, but their use
as an esculent was very tardily adopted. Walter Ealeigh carried some
to England from Virginia in 1586. He had found them among the
Indians, whose traditions sfeemed to warrant the conclusion that they
had been brought a long distance from the south. There have been
more than fifty different varieties cultivated since that period. Of these
such have been perpetuated as were found best adapted to each chmate or
particular district.
In June, 1719, vigorous measures were taken to estabhsh the
partition-line between New York and New Jersey, as also between
New York and Connecticut. The marks which were left by the commis
sioners under Dongan in 1683 had been wom out by time, or destroyed
by evil-disposed persons, and thus many people residing near the lines
were shirking both the taxes and the laws, by claiming first to hve in
one province and then in the other, as policy prompted. Allan Girard,
who had been appointed surveyor-general of New York in place of Colo
nel Augustine Graham (recently deceased) and James Alexander, took
repeated observations to find the chief stream which formed the river
Delaware, and finaUy fixed the line between New York and New Jersey.
Tbeir decisions, which were more nearly correct than any which foUowed,
resulted in a chronic controversy between the two provinces, which had
hardly been settled at the time of the Eevolution.^ In 1748 Lewis
1 Copied through the courtesy of Hon. Frederic de Peyster.
2 In regard to the extensive grants of lands along the frontiers of the provinces, Alexander
said, that although they were doubtless productive of gi'eat evils to New York, the buyers
had paid sums, fir.st to the natives for their rights, afterwards government fees attending the

HON. WILLIAM NICOLLS. bOl
Morris made a speech before the New York Assembly, in which he said
that the afiair of the partition-line dated back as far as he could remem
ber, and while he did not consider himself able to judge correctly as to
whether it should be a mile farther north or south, as he was no master
of mathematics, and had never examined the surveyor's reports, yet it
had cost the provinces so much already that he did not esteem it worth
while to meddle with it further. The people along the Une were in con
stant jangle with each other, and quarrels with the govemment and serious
litigations were continually multiplying relative to the rights of soil and
jurisdiction. At one time two men, whose farms lay in the disputed
territory, joined the New Jersey miUtia, and were promptly threatened
with imprisonment by the coinmander of the New York militia if they
ventured to serve. Others were arrested for nonpayment of taxes, which
gave abundant business to the courts, and created no little asperity
among the lawyers. It was the subject of warm discussions at the
court of St. James, and the correspondence between the Lords of Trade
and the leading men of New York and New Jersey forms almost a Ubrary
ofitselfi More than a year had elapsed since William Nicolls, on account of
failing health, had declined by letter his position as speaker of the
Assembly, which he had held for sixteen years ;^ Eobert Livingston
was chosen in his stead. For some months Hunter had been quietly
making preparations to return to England. But he greatly feared that
patents, amounting to quite as much he thought as the land was worth, and to deprive such
people of their possessions was a harsh, unjust, and dangerous proceeding.
' Ferdinando John Paris was the agent from New Jersey in London during many of the
years while this controversy was going on, and has left the papers and letters relating to the
partition-lines in a condition of most admirable arrangement.
^ WiUiam Nicolls died in 1722, aged sixty-six years. His large estate on Long Island,
which he called Islip, in honor of the ancient village of that name, six miles from the Univer
sity of Oxford, where his father was bom, was divided among his six children. They were :
1, Benjamin, who married his cousin Charity Floyd, and died in 1724, his widow subsequently
heooming the wife of Eev. Dr. Samuel Johnson, first president of King's (Columbia) College,
and mother of Samuel William Johnson, the first president of the same institution after it
became Columbia College ; 2, VFilliam, who for many years was speaker of the New York
Assemhly, as his father had been before him, — a shy, timid, uncommunicative, hut candid
and sincere man, who never married, but spent the greater part of his life in perplexing
lawsuits, occasioned by the unsettled condition of his father's and brother's affairs ; 3, Rens-
"elaer, who married and resided near Albany ; 4, Mary, who married Eobert Watts ; 5,
Catharine, who married John Havens, of Shelter Island, and was the mother of Nicoll Havens,
aad grandmother of Hon. John Nicoll Havens ; 6, Frances, who married Edward Holland.
In a memorandum left by Hon. John Watts, Senior, is the following paragraph : "As
my own father had added an s to his name (making Watt Watts), for what reason I have
"ever heard, Mr. Nicolls left the s out of his name, calling himself, as all his descendants
lave done, Nicoll."

508 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
it inight occasion intrigues if it should be known that he was to resign
his govemment, and he therefore kept his affairs an absolute secret Not
one person knew of his intentions, until, on tbe 24th of June, he sum
moned the House before him, and after transacting the special
business for which they had been called, he arose and addressed
them in the following words : —
" Gentlemen, I have sent for you that you may be witness to my as.seiit to
the Acts passed by the General Assembly m this session. I hope that what
remains unfinished may be perfected by to-morrow, when I intend to close the
session. "I take this opportunity also to acquaint you that my uncertain state of
health, the care of my little family,^ and my private affairs on the other side,
have at last determined me to make use of that license of absence which was
some time ago graciously granted me, but with a firm resolution to return
again to you, if it is his Majesty's pleasure that I should do so ; but if that
proves othervrise, I assure you that whilst I Uve, I shaU be watchful and indus
trious to promote the interest and welfare of this country, of which I think I
am under tbe strongest obligations for the future to account myself a country
man. I look with pleasure upon the present quiet and prosperous state of the
people bere, whilst I remember the condition in which I found them upon my
arrival. As the very name of party or faction seems to be forgotten, may it
ever lie buried in oblivion, and no more strife ever happen amongst you, but
that laudable emulation who shaU prove himself the most zealous servant and
dutiful subject of the best of princes, and most useful member of a well-estab
lished and flourishing commumty, of which you, gentlemen, have given a happy
example." ^
Tbe reply of the Assembly througb Eobert Livingston, Speaker, was
equally courteous and to the point : —
" Sir, when we reflect upon your past conduct, your just, mUd, and tender
administration, it heightens the concern we have for your departure, and makes
our grief sucb as words cannot truly express. You have governed well and
wisely, like a prudent magistrate, like an affectionate parent ; and wherever you
go, and whatever station the Divine Providence shall please to assign you, our
sincere desire and prayers for the happiness of you and yours shall always attend
you. We have seen many governors, and may see more ; and as none of those
who had the honor to serve in your station were ever so justly fixed in the affec
tions of the governed, so those to come wiU acquire no mean reputation when
it can be said of tbem their conduct has been like yours.
1 The late Lady Hunter was heir to the estate of Sir Thomas Orly, and Hunter wished to
confirm the property to his five children, Thomas, Charles, Catharine, Henrietta, and Char
lotte. He also hoped to recover from the English treasury what was due him on account
of the Germans.

SCHUYLER PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL. 609
" We thankfully accept the honor you do us in caUing yourself our country
man. Give us leave then to desire that you wiU not forget tbis as your country,
and, if you can, make haste to return to it. But if tbe service of our sovereign
will not admit of what we so earnestly desire, and his commands deny us tbat
happiness, permit us to address you as our friend, and give us your assistance
when we are oppressed with an administration the reverse of yours."
No governor ever left New York with greater eclat or carried with him
more substantial tokens of good-wiU and affection. He sailed in July.
July, and the chief command of the province devolved upon Peter
Schuyler, as the oldest member of the councU. His short administration
was marked by very few events of note. The Assembly was not con
vened, by special instructions from the Lords of Trade, as it was a mooted
question whether it could legaUy act under Schuyler, and it was thought
that an election at the present tune would be prejudicial to the interests
of the crown. The boundary between New York and Canada never hav
ing been estabhshed with any accuracy, the French were extending their
settlements across the borders, and pushing themselves into the immediate
country of the Five Nations. Eobert Livingston caUed the attention of
Schuyler to these alarming encroachments, and Myndert Schuyler and
Eobert Livingston, Jr., who had married Peter Schuyler's only daughter,
were sent as agents to treat with the sachems individuaUy, at their
* castles, hoping to prevent them from going over to the French. The
. result was a new treaty with these powerful and ever vaciUating tribes,
in order to confirm and preserve the ancient league. The records of that
particular period are also crowded with the transactions respecting the
partition-line between New York and New Jersey.
Schuyler was advanced in years, but was modest, brave, shrewd, and
reticent, though less active than formerly. He tmsted very much to
the energetic counsel of Adolphe Philipse, and for lodging the king's seal
in the hands of the latter was unsparingly criticised. PhiUpse had been a
member of the council for fourteen or more years, and the agent for New
York at the court of George I., for some months prior to Hunter's depart-
iffe fi-om the province. He was a sedate bachelor of fifty-four, and, though
no scholar, he was a gentleman, and possessed a character of more than
common accomphshments and strength. He was of a penurious turn of
niind, and had been so pronounced in his opinions regarding finance and
governmental outlays as to bring himself into direct antagonism with
the warm personal friends of Hunter. By the king's instructions the
president of the councU was to receive one half of the salary and all the
perquisites of a governor. A dispute arose whether the word "half" did
not extend to "aU the perquisites " as weU as to the salary. Schuyler

510

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

retained the whole, and in his right to do so was ably sustained by
Philipse. Upon Hunter's arrival in England he efifected a change of business
with WUliam Burnet, by resigning the government of New York and
New Jersey, and accepting an offer of comptroller of tbe customs in Lon
don. In 1727 he was appointed governor of Jamaica. He died in 1734,
He maintained an active correspondence with his friends in New York
and New Jersey from the time he left the provinces to the end of his lUe,
and was kept informed of all events of consequence political and per
sonal. He continued to be a property-owner also, and in 1730 wrOte to
James Alexander, expressing his desire to purchase six or seven hundred
acres of land at New Brunswick, if it could be bought reasonably. Alex
ander in reply told him that the country about there was being settled
very fast, and that " all the way for thirty mUes south was a continuous
Une of fences and many good farmers' houses " ; tbat a lot of ground in
New Brunswick had grown to nearly as high a price as so much ground
in the heart of New York.^
Thirteen months from the time of Hunter's fareweU to New York,
on the 20tb of September, 1720, Schuyler was reheved from executive
duties by the arrival of Governor William Burnet.
' Whitehead's Contributions to East Jersey History. Rutherford MSS.

ITANDEIM \!NC!TLH,. — "
Morris Arms.
(For description see page 545.)

CONDITION OF THE PROVINCE. 511

CHAPTER XXIV.
1720 - 1732.
GOVERNOR WILLIAM BURNET.
GoviKNOE William Burnet. — Social Events. — Buenet's Marriage. — Dr. Cadwal
lader Golden. — Robert Livingston Speaker of the Assembly. — John Watson
THE First Portrait-Painter. — Robert Walters; — Burnet's Indian Policy. —
Kev. Jonathan Edwards. — ¦ Burnet's Council. — Young Men going West. — Bur
net's Theology. — The French Protestants. — Stephen De Lancey. — William
Beadfokd. — The First Newspaper in New York. — The Silver-toned Bell. —
Burnet and the Indian Chiefs. — Death of George I. — Burnet'.? Departure for
Boston. — The New Powder-Magazine. — Governor John Montgomery. — Con
ference with the Indians at Albany. — James De Lancey. — The First Library
in New York. — The Jews' Bueial-Placb. — The City Charter. — First Fire-En
gines in New York. — First Engine-House. — Eip Van Dam President of Council
AND Acting Governor op New York.
THE advent of Governor Burnet was an event of special interest.
New York was in holiday attire. Flags were flying, cannon speak
ing significant welcome, and the military on parade in full uni- i7ao.
form. It was a beautiful September day, and the balconies of aU sept- 20.
the houses along the route were filled with ladies, as the new governor
was escorted with stately ceremony to the City Hall in Wall Street, ac
cording to ancient usage, to publish his commission.
Wilham Burnet was the son of the celebrated prelate. Bishop Burnet.
He was named for the Prince of Orange, who stood sponsor for him at his
baptism. He was a free-and-easy widower, large, graceful, of stately
presence, dignified on occasions, but usually gay, talkative, and conde
scending He was esteemed handsome, and greatly admired by the
ladies, to whom he was specially devoted when in their presence. His
gaUantry was not a recommendation, however, to pubUc favor. Some
of the grave heads in high places were shaken dubiously. One gentle
man wrote to Hunter, " We do not know yet how the fathers and hus
bands are going to like Governor Burnet, but we are quite sure the wives
and daughters do so sufficiently."
He had been carefully educated by his learned father, who, it is said,
aaw nothing in the youth but faint promise of moderate scholarship, until

612

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

he was at least twenty years of age, and had been so uneasy on the sub
ject that he had counseled anxiously with Sir Isaac Newton in relation
to the best methods for training so refractory a mind. WiUiam took a
sudden turn finaUy ; books became his delight as well as his companions,
and he began to hoard them as a miser hoards gold. One of his relatives
was charged with the buying of new books, and the frequent and expen
sive orders brought many a sharp and serious rebuke upon the young
student's thoughtless head, for he was greatly exceeding his income.
When this restraint became intolerable, he drew upon his brothers for

Portrait of Governor Burnet.

money. But they only laughed at his bookish prochvities, and admon
ished him to browse in his own pastures.
His early life was passed in the atmosphere of WiUiam and Mary's
Court. As he matured into manhood he was in constant and daUy inter
course with the most cultivated and polished men of the age. He traveled
extensively and became thoroughly conversant with the language and
customs of the different nations of Europe. He was free from affectation,
and treated all classes with the most cordial politeness. He possessed an
exhaustless fund of humor and anecdote, but he was not always noted
for the discrimination with which he made choice of friends. His
brother Gilbert wrote to him, shortly after he reached New York, in a
strain of great caution, advising him against being " led by his genial and
winning temper into too much familiarity, which might be turned to his
great disadvantage."

BURNET'S MARRIAGE.

513

He was pleased with the society of New York, which compared favor
ably with that to which he had been accustomed. He met, within a week
after his arrival, the lady whom he married the foUowing spring. She
was Anne Marie, the daughter of Abraham Van Horne and Maria Pro
voost, a beautiful and accompUshed young woman of eighteen summers.
The Van Homes were an ancient and eminently respectable family of
Dutch ancestry. No one of the name had hitherto figured conspicuously
in pohtical life, but they were wealthy and refined people. Abraham
Van Horne was a merchant, owning and occupying a large storehouse.

Portrait of Mrs. Burnet.

and a bolting and baking horise, besides other property. He was ap
pointed to the council of New York through the recommendation of
Burnet in 1722, and held the office untU his death in 1741.^
Burnet and Hunter were personal friends, and the affairs and leading
characters of New York were thoroughly .discussed by them before the
former accepted the chair of state. He was better prepared, therefore, for
active and ef&cient work from the beginning of his administration than
nis predecessors had been. His opinions and tastes differed materially
from those of Hunter, and the friends of the latter were not altogether
predisposed in his favor. He was treated with courtesy, however. Lewis
Oovemor Bumet buried his wife, Anne Marie, or " Mary," as he calls her in his wiU, in
1727, while in New York ; also one child. He had one son, Gilbert, hy his first marriage,
TOO was sent to England upon his death in 1729. He had children hy his second marriage,
"ilUam, Mary, and Thomas. Mary married William Browne, of Beverly, Massachusetts.
^i' England Historical Genealogical Register, Vol. V. p. 49.

514 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Morris, bustUng, penetrating, and in many things inconsistent, stood
highest in his confidence, and still fiUed the office of chief justice. Bm--
net was exceedingly fond of him. Lewis Morris, Jr, was taken into the
council in place of Caleb Heathcote, recently deceased. Hunter, as has
been seen, was liberal in his religious views, and not disposed to make
tenets and doctrines tbe test of friendship. Bumet, on the contrary, was
inclined to theological arguments, and rarely let his heart go out towards
those wbo differed from him in matters of religion.
The Lords of Trade deemed it wise that the Assembly, which had been
so favorably disposed towards the govemment before Hunter resigned,
should be continued without an election. This measure was opposed by
Schuyler and Philipse, on the ground of its iUegaUty. Hence Burnet
removed them both from the councU, and appointed Dr CadwaUader
Colden and James Alexander in their places. It was a hostile step, and
provoked no little comment and criticism. Burnet's reasons for pursuing
such a course were obvious. The members of the present Assembly were
pledged to grant the revenue again for five years. Symptoms of the old
tumult in tbe political atmosphere at once became apparent. MeanwhUe
tbe new members of the council were able and sagacious, and worthy the
bigh place they afterwards held in the governor's esteem.
Dr. Cadwallader Colden was the son of Eev. Alexander Colden of
Dunse, in the Merse, Berwickshire, Scotland. He was born February 7,
1687, 0. S. He was educated at the University of Edinburgh with a
view of settling in the Church of Scotland, but, after completing his
.studies in 1705, he applied himself to the study of medicine. He was
attracted finally to Philadelphia, where his mother had a widowed and
childless sister. After practicing his profession in tbat city for some
tbree years, he visited New York. It was in the summer of 1718. He
only stayed three days. He received, however, the most polite and com
plimentary attentions from Governor Hunter. He was invited to the
executive mansion, and a ceremonious dinner was given hi his honor
About two weeks after he returned to Philadelphia, he received a letter
from Hunter, inviting him to New York, and offering him the ofiice of
surveyor-general of the province. Henceforth his name wiU be identi
fied witb our history, until we find him occupying the position of lieu
tenant-governor in the interesting Stamp Act period. We are indebted
to him for much of our science, and some of our most important early
institutions. Hence a brief outline of his career wiU not be amiss at
tbis juncture.
Hc bought some three thousand acres of land in Orange County in
1719, wbicb he named " Coldenham." He removed his family a wife

DR. CADWALLADER COLDEN. 515
and six young children, there in 1728, having brought the land under cul
tivation, and buUt a fine large dwelling. This retired home gave him
leisure for phUosophical study, to which he was greatly inclined. He
maintained a voluminous correspondence with the learned scientists of
Europe for more than thirty years, ¦ — with Linnseus, Gronovius, Peter Col-
linson, of tbe Eoyal Society of London, Peter Kalm, of the Eoyal Acad
emy of Stockholm, the Earl of Macclesfield, Dr. Franklin, and a host of
others. The subjects embraced botany, history, natural history, astron
omy, mathematics, philosophy, electricity, and medicine. His writings aU
bear evidence of indefatigable industry, of solid as weU as varied acquire
ments, and of original conceptions. Mrs. Colden was a lady of genius,
able to instruct her children, — indeed, took almost the sole charge of their
education, — and assisted her husband materially in his literary labors and
correspondence. Colden was the first New-Yorker who achieved an ex
tensive transatlantic reputation, either as a historian, a man of scientific
acquirements, or as a philosophic writer, or who was recognized abroad
solely on account of his Uterary labors. His connection with the govern
ment of New York from time to time wUl appear in future pages. In
1672 he purchased an estate of one hundred or more acres near Flushing,
Long Island, where he erected a substantial country-house, and caUed
the place Spring HiU. It was here that he died, in 1776, and was buried
in a private cemetery on the property.^
The speaker of the Assembly at this time was the venerable Eobert Liv
ingston. He was of great service to Burnet in the affairs of the Indians,
whieh had become more complicated than ever. An active trade was go
ing on between the French and Indians which would soon prove disas
trous to New York. The French purchased English goods in New York
and Albany, and sold them to the Indians. Aside from the profits of tbis
commerce to the French themselves, it was clear that the Indians would
soon get under their controUing influence ; and there was no predicting
the terrible power which might be used against the province. Burnet at
once laid plans to prevent the circuitous trade, by the encouragement of
direct intercourse with tbe red men.
Owing to his duties in the Assembly, Livingston desired to resign
the oface of Secretary of Indian Affairs in favor of his son Phihp, and
Burnet warmly seconded tbe arrangement by writing to the Lords of
Trade and speaking of the younger Livingston in high terms. The
' The children of Lieutenant-Governor Cadwallader Colden were as follows : 1, Alexander,
2, David, died in infancy ; 3, Elizabeth, married Peter, third son of Hon. Stephen De Lancey ;
4, Cadwallader ; 5, Jane ; 6, Alice ; 7, Sarah, died young ; 8, John ; 9, Catherine ; 10,
David. Genealogical Notes ofthe Colden Family in America, by Edwin R. Purple.

516 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
result was a commission promptly forwarded, and the son quietly assumed
the father's duties.
Meanwhile Burnet actively favored a biU which had been drafted by
Livingston and Morris, forbidding the sale of such goods to the French
under severe penalties, as would be merchantable to the Indians. By
this means the French would be compeUed to procure theh wares from
Boston or directly from England at advanced prices. The merchants
strenuously opposed tbe measure in tbe House. They had been re
ceiving cash in hand, and good profits on their goods, and the loss of
such a valuable trade would materiaUy affect their purses. The bdl
passed, however, and was cordially approved by the governor and councU
Tben the merchants in great heat appealed to tbe Lords of Trade. But
the Act was sustained in England, and its manifold advantages were
unquestionable. Burnet purchased Hunter's country-seat in Amboy, and resided there a
part of every year. His pubUc duties in New Jersey were scarcely less
onerous than in New York. But he easily overcame the slight opposi
tion of his first Assembly, by consenting to increase the circulating me
dium of the province, and they granted him an annual salary of £ 500 for
five years. Bumet made the acquaintance in Amboy of John Watson, the
first portrait-painter who ever took up his permanent abode in America.
He was from Scotland, having arrived in New Jersey in 1715. He was an
eccentric man, of irascible disposition and penurious habits. His neigh
bors dishked him. They stood aloof and caUed him a miser. He was a
crusty bachelor. His famUy consisted of himself and a nephew and niece.
He was' unquestionably a man of taste and talent, and devoted to art, but
he never courted the favor of any one. Burnet became interested in him
and allowed him to pen miniature sketches of himself and Mrs. Bumet in
India ink, and from the originals, recently discovered by Hon. WiUiam A
Whitehead, the New Jersey historian, our engravings are copied. Between
that time and the Eevolution, Watson accumulated a coUection of paint
ings, which entirely fUled one of his houses in Amboy, but they disap
peared during the war and have never since been traced. The painter
himself lived to an old age. He became bUnd, and deaf, and bedridden,
and stUl lived. His nephew waited with some impatience for the " dead
man's shoes." " Hope deferred actvully made his heart sick." He could
not handle the bonds and mortgages and coin until the proper time, which
was long in coming. Meanwhile he had an. heir's affection for the old
house, which was surely going to decay unless it had a new roof So he
set carpenters privately at work, and had it unroofed and reroofed whUe
the owner was living in it, perfectly unconscious of the operation which was

• Gover-noi- Bui-nei raet the Indian saohems injSlbany during the sumTner of ITSl ; . . . they aaid they had heard that he v,as ma,-ried inNeui Ycr-lc ;
they were fflad, and v.-.cl:ed him much joy. Ihey alao beaged leave top-resent the bride with a few beavers for pin-money " ^age S17.

FIRST PORTRAIT-PAINTER IN AMERICA. 517
in progress over his head. One moming the nephew was startled by the
inquiry, " What is the meaning of the pecking and knocking wbich I hear
every day ? " The heir hesitated a moment, then replied : " Pecking ?
pecking ? Oh ! ay ! 't is the woodpeckers ; they are in amazing quantities
this year, leave the trees and attack the roofs of the houses, there is no
drivinf them off." And the old man was satisfied.
Eobert Walters was the mayor of the city from 1620 to 1625. He
was one of the wealthy men of the period, liberal and public-spirited.
He hved in style, kept several horses, owned a large number of negro
slaves, and his family always dressed in the latest fashion ; but they never
entertained guests except their own immediate relatives. Mrs. Walters
had turned her face against society ever since her father's unhappy death.
Although more than a quarter of a century had elapsed, and every rep
aration had been made by the government which was possible, the sting
remained, and it was with her incurable.
About this time Hon. Abraham De Peyster retired from the office of
treasurer of the province, which he had fiUed ably and to the satisfaction
of all parties since 1706. He also resigned his office of counselor to the
governor, much to the regret of his associates. He had, through all the
i)itter controversies attendant and consequent upon the Eevolution, main
tained a straightforward, conscientious course, rigidly adhering to the
prmutive principles of honesty and justice, and we find him in his advanced
years commanding the respect and confidence of his political opponents,
as weU as the admiration and cordial regard of his more immediate friends.
His pubhc services were crowned with honor. His son, Abraham De
Peyster, Jr., was appointed treasurer of the province in his stead, and re
mained in that position of tmst forty-six consecutive years.
Governor Burnet met the Indian sachems in Albany during the ^
summer of 1721, and was so affable and kind to them, ignoring
their rude ways, and the stench of bear's-grease with which they were
plentifully bedaubed, walking and talking (through an interpreter) and
dming with them every day, that they became exceedingly fond of him,
and were quite ready to bind themselves to his terms of peace. In order
to preserve their good-humor the more effectuaUy, he promised to found
and encourage an English settlement in their wUd country. They were
greatly pleased, and said they had heard that he was married in New
York ; they were glad, and wished him much joy. They also begged leave
to present the bride with a few beavers, for pin-money, and added, signifi
cantly, that it was " customary for a brother upon his marriage to invite
tis brethren to be merry and dance."
Bumet laughed heartily, whUe thanking them for then good wishes.

518

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

When he had distributed the presents prepared by the crown, he ordered
several barrels of beer to be given them, " to rejoice with and dance over" '
One of the sons of Colonel Peter Schuyler offered his services to lead
the expedition into the Iroquois country, and Burnet appointed him at
once, in order to prove that he had no personal dislike to the famUy, even
if he had removed the father from office. Young Schuyler received a
captain's commission, a handsome salary, and several substantial presents
for his outfit. Ten young men joined him in the enterprise, and went pre
pared to purchase land, erect a trading-house, and start a settlement. Each
took with him a stock of guns, arid a few blankets, beads, and other
trinkets, and a bark canoe. The object was to estabhsh a permanent and
direct trade with the Indians. The company were absent a year, when
they returned, all in good health, having developed both physicaUy and
mentally, and laid the basis of not a few colossal fortunes. They had ac
complished a noble work, the fruit of which was to bless New York in aU
the future. Withiij a brief period over forty young men had foUowed
tbeir example by plunging boldly into the Indian country as traders,
wbich served to strengthen the precarious friendship existing among
remote tribes.
It was in the autumn of 1721 that Jonathan Edwards, fresh from the
study of divinity in Yale College, came
to New York' to preach the gospel to a
small society of Presbyterians who had
seceded from tbe new church in WaU
Street. New York had an iU name in
New England at that time, from being,
as the Puritans expressed it, " too much
given to Episcopacy." The " show and
ostentation and purse-pride " which pre
vailed in the metropoUs was supposed
by the New Englanders to be an effect
ual barricade to the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore a company of clergjonen sent
the young dominie to our shores, in
much the same sphit that missionaries
are now sent among the Bramins of
Hindostan. He was a youth of only nineteen,
silent and uncommunicative, but he had the air and dignity of mature
1 Governor Bitrnet to Lords of Trade, October 16, 1721. New York Coll. MSS., VoL V.
630 - 640.

First Presbyterian Church, Wall Street.

REV. JONATHAN EDWARDS. 519
manhood. He was taU and slender, stooped slightly, his face was pale
and somewhat wasted but singularly refined, and he always dressed in
homespun gray. He had not then grasped the tenets of his sect, as he
did at a later date with the eager, enthusiastic love which accompanies
original conceptions, rather than with the languid assent with which an
inherited creed is usuaUy received. His education was not even com
pleted, and in a few months he returned to Yale, where as pupU and then
tutor he developed into one of the shining Ughts of Christianity. Writing
afterwards of his brief labors in New York, he said : " If I heard the least
hint of anything that happened in any part of the world that appeared in
some respects or other to have a favorable aspect on the interests of
Christ's kingdom, my soul eagerly catched at it ; and it would much ani
mate and refresh me. I used to be eager to read pubhc news-letters,
mainly for that end ; to see if I could not find some news favorable to the
interests of religion m the world. I very frequently used to retire into a
sohtary place on the banks of Hudson's Eiver, at some distance from the
city, for contemplation on divine things and secret converse with God ;
and had many sweet hours there."
The subsequent career of Edwards is famihar to every American, and
his influence is felt to this day by miUions who never heard his name.
While yet a young man sermons and volumes from his pen were repub
lished in Europe and widely read. The picture of his removal into the
wilderness with his wife and ten chUdren, on a mission to the Indians,
after he had passed middle life, has in it a touch of reUgious romance.
Mrs. Edwards and her daughters, in order to solve the problem of daily
food, made lace and painted fans, which they sent to Boston to be sold.
One daughter married the accomplished Eev. Aaron Burr, the first presi
dent of Princeton College, and her son was the notable Aaron Burr of
New Tork. Among the descendants of Eev. Jonathan Edwards are an
army of distinguished individuals, — men of worth, talent, and high posi
tion ; women gifted, good, and beautiful.
Meanwhile the Five Nations had made frequent inroads into the
province of Vhginia, contrary to the treaty long since consum
mated with Lord Effingham at Albany, and which had been several
times renewed by subsequent governors. A serious affair had occurred
in Pennsylvania during the summer which resulted in the kiUing of an
Indian from the Five Nations by one of the white settlers. Sir William
Keith deemed it advisable to meet the sachems and come to some under
standing in regard to the matter. Burnet was somewhat afraid of under-
negotiations with subjects of the New York government, having
i certain experiences of that character which had proved disastrous, and

520 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
went to see the sachems himself, expostulating with them for their con
duct. They said, if some person of distinction would come from Virginia
to renew the covenant chain, they would keep clear of that territory in
aU their future hunting and warlike expeditions ; " wbich means," wrote
Burnet to the Lords of Trade, " that a fine present would refresh theh
memories." Burnet proposed a congxess of governors and commissioners
from aU the colonies to meet the Indian chiefs at Albany. The object
was ostensibly to confirm treaties, but really to produce an impression
upon tbe Indian mind that the English were going to act in unison as
well as the Frencb, and become stronger and more powerful than the
latter. This august body met in September. Governor Spottswood of
Virginia, at that time one of the most elegant and accompUshed men on
this side of the Atlantic, came in person, and with becoming deference
submitted all his propositions to tbe Indians, first to Bumet and his
counselors, for approval. Sir WiUiam Keith of Permsylvania presided
over the congressional deliberations. Burnet acted as an agent for Boston.
The session occupied several days, and terminated satisfactorUy to aU
parties. Tbis Congress framed a memorial to the EngUsh govemment, asking for
orders and funds to erect trading posts and ports through the Indian
countries, by which to anticipate and prevent the encroachments of the
French. Sucb measures, then easily executed, would have saved the
government miUions of dollars and much innocent blood. But England
gave no heed to the appeal, and the project was reluctantly abandoned.
The country beyond tbe Great Lakes had not yet been explored. It
was only known as the far West. In May of the foUowing year a tribe of
i7iS3. Indians appeared in Albany, bringing their calumet-pipe of peace,
*fay' and singing and dancing, as was customary in visiting a place for
the first time. The commissioners of Indian affairs could not under
stand their language, or make out from whence they came. They went
away, but soon returned, bringing an interpreter from among the Iroquois,
wbo said tbey were a great nation with six castles and tribes, from Mich-
ilimackinack, and wished to make arrangements to buy wares of tbe Eng
lish. In July auother tribe made their appearance, for the purpose of
traffic, who said the French had buUt a fort in their country cp-Ued De
troit ; and before September eight other different parties of strange In
dians had visited Albany, desiring free commerce, — thus the effect of
Burnet's policy was becoming apparent.
The Lords of Trade wrote to Burnet, in June, 1724, that the
New York Act for laying a duty of two per cent on the importa
tion of European goods had been repealed in England. They also

THE FRENCH PROTESTANTS. 521
directed him to aUow the passage of no more such laws " upon any
pretense whatsoever," hoping he would find some other method for
raismg money to buUd a fort, the purpose for which the Act was intended.
They were in receipt of grievous complaints from the New York mer
chants, relative to his interference with the French trade ; but thej'- said,
"While there is so great an appearance of advantage in the encourage
ment of the Indian traffic, you may depend upon it we shall duly con
sider their objections before we discourage so fair a beginning." i
Burnet was, like his father, of a theological turn of mind. He culti
vated an intimate social acquaintance with the clergjonen of New York,
inviting them to his house aud table in the most informal manner, and
visiting them in their places of study with great frequency.
The Frencb Protestants just at this juncture became dissatisfied with
their pastor, Eev. Louis Eon, a man of leaming, but proud and passionate,
and dismissed him, in favor of his coUeague, who was distinguished for
dullness and goodness. Whereupon the injured divine appealed to the
governor and council, protesting against the Act of the Consistory as
"irregular, unjust, iUegal, and without sufficient cause." The consistory
were summoned before a committee of the council, of which Dr. Colden
was chairman, and ordered to show by what authority they were a court
with power to suspend their minister. Mr. Jamison argued at some length,
that, although the authority of the officers of the church was not by coin-
mission, it was actually established by toleration of the government. Dr.
Colden remarked, pointedly, that it was easy to show their power if tbey
had any, and he expected it to be shown immediately. Mr. Jamison re
phed, that by the same power they caUed a minister they could suspend
him. Dr Colden insisted that the power should be shown. Mr. Jamison
took refuge again imder the indulgence of the government and usage.
Dr. Colden told him he must show that usage. Tbe interview was loug
drawn out, and resulted in a decision by the committee, that, no authority
having been shown by the Consistory of the French Protestant Church
for suspending their minister, they had therefore no such authority. The
report of the transaction, signed by Dr. Colden, Eip Van Dam, Eobert
Walters, and others, contains the foUowing paragraph : —
"But m regard to the French Protestant church which has suffered so much
4iid is at this time suffering in France on Account of their Eeligion, and in
¦^gaid to the great numbers of tbe Frencb Congregation tbat live in good repute
and credit in this place, We are of the Opinion that the said Congregation be
admonished, that every person in it doe all in his Power to preserve peace and
^ Lords of Trade to Govemor Burnet, June 17, 1724. New York Col. MSS., V. 707.

522 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
unanimity in their Congregation, for tbis End that they Endeavour to brin" this
¦ present unhappy difference to an amicable conclusion. That if this desirable
End cannot be Effected the Partys who shall think themselves aggrieved ouaht
to apply to the Courts of Justice in this Eedress, with that meekness and char
ity to each other which may Encourage the Government to continue towards
them the generous protection under which they have been long easy, and that
there may be no reason now to think that they grow wanton under the abun
dance of Liberty and Plenty which they Enjoy here, and that the Ministers of
the French Congregation who shall officiate next Sunday be ordered to Eead
Publickly tbe said Opinion and Admonition immediately after Divine Service
in the forenoon."
Stephen De Lancey was one of the principal benefactors of this church,
and was very indignant at the interference of the govemment. He had
been instrumental in removing the minister, and it was not agreeable to
have tbat same minister reinstated in the pulpit. De Lancey was one
of the merchants who had taken exceptions to Burnet's Indian pohcy,
and had lost heavily through the obstruction of commerce with the
French. The two provocations rendered him a bitter foe, and his impe
rious conduct angered the governor. The foUowing summer De Lancey
i7»5. was elected by the city of New York to the Assembly. When
Sept. the House came together Burnet refused to administer to him the
oath of office on the ground that he was not a British subject. De Lancey
proved that he was made a denizen in England some years before, and,
besides, he had served in several former assembhes. The House decided
in his favor, and with considerable show of arrogance (through Adolphe
Philipse, Speaker, who was no admirer of Burnet) claimed the right of
judging of tbeir own members, and pronounced the governor's course
unconstitutional An interesting feud arose, which, as months roUed on,
several times assumed threatening proportions. The De Lancey party
criticised and condemned the Court of Chancery, and disputed Burnet's
decrees as chancellor.
Meanwhile, a newspaper was born. William Bradford, wbo introduced
the art of arts, printing, into New York in 1693, had up to this
time been chiefly in the employ of the government. On the 16th
of October, he issued the first newspaper in New York City, which was
purely an individual enterprise. It was a AaZ/-sheet of foolscap paper
filled with European news and Custom-House entries. It was caUed
The New Yorh Gazette. It was published weekly, and advertised to be
sold by Eichard NicoUs, postmaster. Before the end of the foUowing
year Bradford, who was both editor and printer, received sufficient en
couragement to induce him to increase its size to a whole sheet of foolscap

THE FIRST NEWSPAPER IN NEW YORK. 523
mmr, or four pages. Bradford was the founder of the first paper-mill in
this country, and was also the father of book-binding and of copperplate
encraving.'^ Lyne's map of New York in 1728 was his work.
The establishment of an English post at Oswego annoyed the French
beyond measure. They feared the trade from the upper lakes would be
drawn thither, and thus diverted from Montreal. Hence they determined
to repossess themselves of Niagara, rebuild the trading-house at that point,
and repair their dUapidated fort. The consent of the Onondagas to this
measure was obtained by the Baron de Longueil, who visited their coun
try for the purpose, through the influence of Joncaire and his Jesuit
associates. But the other members of the confederacy, disapproving of
the movement, declared such permission void. The chiefs met Burnet in
councU at Albany in 1726. They said, "We come to you howling,
and this is the reason why we howl, that the governor of Canada comes
upon our land and builds thereon." The governor responded in a
frank, pleasing, dignified manner, using the figurative expressions of the
Indian dialect, which his brawny audience seemed to highly relish. He
could talk, however, better than he could perform. He was involved in
poHtical difficulties with a factious Assembly, and his administration was
opposed by merchants in both New York and Albany, who, by the shrewd
ness of his Indian pohcy, and the vigorous measures with which he had
enforced it, had been interrupted in their illicit trade in Indian goods with
Montreal. He could do very little for the protection of the Indians. He
at his own private expense, built a small stone fort at Oswego, and sent a
detachment of soldiers to garrison it. The two hundred traders already
there were armed as mUitia. At the same time the French secured and
completed their fortifications at Niagara without molestation. In De
cember, 1829, through representations made to the Lords of Trade, which
were never clearly understood by those who sustained Burnet, an Act of
the Crown repealed the measures which had been so advantageous to New
York, and which in effect revived the execrable roundabout trade, and
reopened the door of intrigue between the French and the Iroquois, which
had been so wisely closed.
Up to the year 1726, the Eeformed Dutch worshiped in the little
Garden Street Church. But increasing numbers warned them to
provide larger accommodations. They purchased a building-lot
(price £575) on the corner of Nassau and Liberty Streets, and buUt the
Middle Dutch Church, late New York City Post-Office. The corner
stone was laid in 1727. It was opened for worship in 1729. It was
William Bradford was of noble birth, as appears from his escutcheon ; for, although for-
Mden by his art from writing himself armigero, he always sealed carefully with arms.

524

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

not finished, however, untU 1731 ; and even then it had no gaUery
for some years. It was dedicated to the " Hon. Eip Van Dam, Presi
dent of his Majesty's Council for the Province of New York." The ceil
ing was one entire arch without piUars. It was a substantial stone
building, one hundred feet long and seventy wide, with a good steeple
and bell. This beU was cast in Amsterdam in 1731. It was by order
of Hon. Abraham De Peyster, who died in 1728, whUe the church was
in process of completion. He directed in his wUl that a beU should
be procured in HoUand at his expense and presented to the new church.
Tradition says that a number of Amsterdam citizens threw silver coin

a*?3i:":inM'F>«;^^4

;^kS^^^36

The Silver- Toned Bell.

into the preparation of the bell-metal. It certainly has a sUvery ring. ;
It is stUl in existence, a trophy of antiquity, nearly a century and a half ,
old, and hangs in the tower of the Eeformed Dutch Church, corner of
Fifth Avenue and 48th Street.^
About this time George I. died, and George II. ascended the throne
of England. In the official changes which foUowed, Burnet was removed ^
, 1 This ancient bell was secreted from the British soldiers, who occupied the Church during ;
the Revolution, and when the ediflce was repaired and reopened, it was restored to its original ^
place in the belfry, where it remained until 1844. It was then transferred to the church m
Ninth Street, until 1855, when it was placed on the church in Lafayette Place. The steeple •
of this latter church was taken down a few years since, and the bell was removed to the tower^ :
of Dr. Ludlow's church, corner of Fifth Avenue and 48th Street. See Appendix B. .

GOVERNOR JOHN MONTGOMERY. 525
from the government of New York to that of Massachusetts and New
Hampshire. He had but little to take with him from New York,
save the love of his associates and his books, for he had had
neither inchnation nor opportunity to accumulate money. He regretted
the change, as New York held many attractions for him. And he was
deeply regretted by those who knew him best. His culture, learning,
and conversation were the delight of men of letters, and his influence
was healthful upon the community. Boston had heard of his scholas
tic attainments and elegant manners, and an agreeable reception was
in store for him. He was escorted with more ceremony on his over
land journey from New York to Boston than was ever accorded to a
royal governor in the colonies. A committee from Boston met him on
the borders of Ehode Island. Among the gentlemen of this committee
was the facetious Colonel Taylor. Burnet complained of the long graces
which were said at the meals where they had stopped along the road,
and inquired when they would shorten. " The graces will increase in
length until you get to Boston ; after that they wUl shorten tiU you come
to your government in New Hampshire, where your Excellency will find
no grace at aU," replied Taylor. A more than ordinary parade marked
the governor's entrance into Boston. Multitudes of people on horses
and in carriages were congregated some distance from the city, and the
display was long spoken of as something unprecedented in the history
; of the country. He did not rule long, however, over the New England
colonies. He died on the 7th of September, 1729, from a sudden Ul
ness caused by exposure while on a fishing excursion.
Govemor Burnet's successor in New York was Colonel John Mont
gomery. He was fresh from Court, having been gentleman of honor to
, George II. while Prince of Wales. He was a soldier by profession, though
a courtier by practice. He knew something of diplomacy, but very little
ofthe world in general He had spent an indolent, frivolous life, and was
without sufficient character to inspire opposition.
He arrived, April 16, 1728. The corporation and citizens gave him a
flattering reception, and presented him a congratulatory address in a gold
tox. He produced a favorable impression upon the Assembly through
Ms unwiUingness to sustain the Court of Chancery only as a matter of
fonn, and he was therefore voted a five years' revenue.
The French were threatening the little fort at Oswego, and it became
evident, before the summer was over, that the Indians must be once more
mollified. A conference took place with the sachems in Albany, where
gomery, as the figure-head of the government, was assisted by
! De Lancey, (who had been appointed to the council in the place of

526 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Mr. Barbarie, deceased), Francis Harrison, Eobert Long, George Clarke, the
provincial secretary, and Philip Livingston, and also by the mayor, recorder
and aldermen of Albany, and other gentlemen. It occupied several days.
The sachems and attendant Indians entered Albany on the first day of
October, about one o'clock in the afternoon. They requested an inter
view with the governor before he made any proposition to them They
were accordingly conducted to his lodgings, and after an interesting pre
amble, the chief orator of the party made the following speech: —
" Brother Corlear, — Last faU a message with a token was sent to each
nation, acquainting us that his late Majesty, King George I., was deceased, for
which we were very much concerned, and heartily sorry, because he was a king
of peace, and Almighty protector of his Subjects and Allies, but at the same
time we received the good news that the prince, bis son, now King George IL,
was crowned in his place, and hope he wUl foUow his father's steps."
They then gave some skins to the governor.
"We were acquainted at the same time that King George is a young maiL
We hope he will follow his father's steps, that he may be as a large, flourishing
tree, that the branches thereof may reach up to Heaven, that they may be seen of
all nations and people in the world. We engraft scions on the same branches,
which we hope -will thrive, and that the leaves thereof will never fade nor fall
off, but that tbe same may grow and flourish, that his Majesty's subjects and
allies may live in peace and quiet under the shade of the name."
They gave some more skins to the governor.
" We have now done what we intended to say at present."
Montgomery replied : —
" Brethren, — The concern you express for the loss of his late Majesty, the
King of Great Britain, will recommend you very much to tbe favor of his son,
the present king, who, as he succeeds to the throne, inherits all his virtues, and
I hope the kind message I am to deliver to you from him to-morrow will
comfort you for your father's death.''
He then presented tbem with some blankets, shrouds, and a few barrels
of beer, with which to drink the king's health.
The next day they all assembled in the council-chamber, and Mont
gomery opened the conference with considerable display of eloquence.
He said : —
" Brethren, — It is with great pleasure that I meet you here, and I am very
sorry tbat I could not do it sooner. But you wiU be convinced that it was not
my fault when I tell you that in crossing the great lake I met with such
violent storms that I was driven quite off tbis coast, and it being in the winter

CONFERENCE WITH THE INDIANS. 527
season was forced to go a great way southward to refit the man-of-war in which
I came. So it was five months after I saUed from England before I arrived at
New York. The business which was absolutely necessary to be done has
detained me there ever since, and retarded the delivery of the kind message I
bring you from my master, the King of Great Britain. His Majesty has ordered
me to teU you that he loves you as a father does bis children, and that bis
affection towards you is occasioned by his being informed that you are a brave
and honest people, the two qualities in the world that most recommend either
a nation or particular persons to him. He bas been informed that you love his
subjects, the English of New York, and desire to Uve with them as brethren.
Therefore he has commanded me to renew the old covenant-chain between you
and all his subjects in North America, aud I expect you will give me sufficient
assurances to do the Uke on your part."
He paused and presented a large belt of wampum.
"Besides the two qualities of bravery and honesty, his Majesty is convinced
that you are a wise people, and good judges of your own interests. How happy
you must think yourselves when the greatest and most powerful monarch in
Christendom sends me here to confirm the ancient friendship between you and
his subjects, and assure you of his fatherly care, and to tell you that he thinks
himself obhged to love and protect you as his own chUdren. You need fear no
enemies whUe you are true to your alliance with him. I promise to take care
that no one shall do you wrong, and if any of your neighbors are so bold as to
attempt to disturb you, have no fear of anything they can do so long as the
kmg of Great Britain is on your side, wbo is a prince initiated in war, and
formed by nature for great military achievements, and who wiU, whenever tliere
is any occasion for it, put himself at the bead of tbe finest body of troops in the
world. He has at present a fleet of ships in so good order and so well com
manded that they would be master of the great lake, though the fleets of all
the kings of Europe were joined against them."
One can almost hear the grunt of satisfaction with which this an
nouncement was received by the Indian audience. Montgomery gave
them another belt of wampum, and then proceeded : —
"After what I have told you I am convinced that so wise a people as you are
wH glory in behaving ~as becomes tbe faithful children of so great and powerful
4 king, who loves you."
Another grunt aU round, and another gift of a belt of wampum.
"I expect you are now convinced that tbe garrison and fort at Oswego is not
only for the convenience of the far Indians to carry on their trade with the peo
ple of this province, but also for your security and convenience. You can trade

528 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
there, and on as easy terms as if none other Indians traded there ; therefore I
make no doubt but that you will at aU times defend this garrison against all
enemies, according to your former promises. I desire you to give and grant to
your kind father, his most sacred Majesty, a convenient tract of land near Os
wego, to be so cleared and manured as to raise provisions for his men and pastur
age for their cattle."
Auother gift of a belt of wampum.
" I hear that you have been afraid that the trade with the far Indians would
make the goods you want dear, but I can assure you that the woolen manufacto
ries of Great Britain are able to supply the whole world. The greater trade that
is carried on, the greater wUl be the supply and the cheaper the goods. I do en
treat you to be kind to the traders, and not molest them as they go back and
fortli." Another gift of a belt of wampum.
" I am informed that the Indians from Canada, who are gone with the French
army against a remote Indian tribe bave been among you, endeavoring to entice
your young men to go with tbem to war against a people who have never mo
lested you. I am glad your young men refused, whereby you show that you try
to cultivate a good understanding with those Indians, and encourage the good
design of a trade betwixt us and them. I expect you wUl persist in your good
behavior towards these and all other remote Indian nations, as it will strengthen
your alliances and make you a great people.''
Another gift of a belt of wampum.
" His most gracious Majesty, the King of Great Britain, your indulgent father,
has ordered me to make you in his name a handsome present of such goods as
are most suitable for you, which you shall receive as soon as you give me your
answer." Montgomery gave them still another string of wampum, and after cer
tain tiresome formalities, the savages withdrew to consult witb each other
and prepare their reply. On the 4th of October, all things being ready,
the assemblage was once more convened. ,Tbe orator from the sachems
of the Six Nations delivered his speech thus : —
"Brother Corlear, — ^We are very glad you are arrived here in good
health. You tell us that your master, the King of Great Britain, sent you. It
is a very dangerous voyage, the coming over the great lake. We are glad you
arrived in safety because of the good message you bring to us from your master.
We would bave been sorry if any accident had happened to your Excellency on
this dangerous voyage  You tell us you are ordered by the great king, your

SPEECH OF THE INDIAN ORATOR. 529
master, to renew in his name tbe old covenant-chain with us, and not only to
renew the same, but to make it brighter and stronger than ever. You have
renewed the old covenant-chain with the Six Nations in the name of your
master, the King of Great Britain. We, in like manner, renew the covenant-
chain." He gave a belt of wampum, and continued : —
"This silver covenant-chain wherein we are linked together, we make stronger
and cleaner that it may be bright. We shall give no occasion for the breach of
our covenant  You acquainted us, also, that the great King, your master
and our father, bears great kindness to us as a father does to his children, and
if any harm come to us he will resent it as if it was done to his children on the
other side of the great lake. For which kind message we return our most hearty
thanks." He gave another belt of wampum.
" You teU us that tbe reason why his Majesty, our father, so affectionately
loves us is because we are honest and brave. It is true, what you say, that the
Six Nations, when they are sober and not in drink, will not molest or injure any
body, but the strong liquors which your people bring up into our country beget
quarrels  Our ancestors brought their own rum from Albany when they
wanted it. We desire tbat you shall not allow liquor brought to Oswego to be
sold, but let such as want rum go to your city for it. Do not refuse our re
quest, but grant it effectually. We have lost many men through liquor which
has been brought up to our country and occasions our people killing one an
other." The tall, straight, lithe, robust chieftain talked for hours, and said much
that was sensible and indicative of sober reflection and civilized intelli
gence. He said the traders should be allowed to pass and repass freely
through their country, without interference, provided they were laden
with such goods as powder, lead, and useful wares, but not with rum.
He said the Six Nations would mark out a tract of land near Oswego,
where the English might plant and sow, and pasture cattle according to
their desire ; but after the land was once marked out, the Indians would
not he pleased tb have the English go beyond tbe limits. As for defend
ing the fort at Oswego if it was attacked, the orator dryly begged leave to
acquaint the governor that the Six Nations gave permission to have tbe
fort and trading-house established there, because they were told it was to
be built on purpose to defend and protect them (the Six Nations), and
they rehed upon the performance of those promises. In regard to there
being wool enough in England to supply all the world, he was very glad.
was a convenient place for trade, and where all the far Indiaus
' 34

530 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
must necessarUy pass. But the Six Nations thought goods ought to be
sold cheaper to them than to anybody else. He thanked Montgomery for
the present which he had brought from the great king, his master, but as
night was approaching, asked him to delay dehvering it untU the
morrow. Montgomery responded briefly, saying that it was absolutely necessary
to send rum to Oswego for the refreshment of the men in the garrison,
but that he should give orders that noue should be sold to the In
dians. He thanked the savages for the promised land, and said no one
should go beyond the bounds fixed ; as for the fort, it was indeed buUt for
the protection of the Six Nations, but if attacked by any party whatso
ever, he should expect them to assist the Enghsh garrison to defend it, as
nothing could be more natural than for tbem to assist in the defense of a
place which was maintained for their security. He then desired the
Indians to send two of their number the next morning to receive the
presents. That same evening two of the principal sachems called at the govern-
nor's lodgings and requested a private interview. They wished to make
some explanations concerning the defense of the Oswego fort if it should
be attacked. They were quite wiUing to do their part, they said, and
desired to correct the impression made upon the governor's mind by the
orator's significant aUusion to the subject. They wanted a magazine
provided, and questioned pointedly in regard to the possibilities of an
other war between England and France. They were sorely troubled about
tbe rum business. It was exceedingly mischievous in its effects. If
rum must be brought to the trading-house at Oswego, they begged for
strict orders that it should not be carried to their castles.
The minor detaUs of the conference occupied the three foUowing days.
When the Indians flnally departed, Montgomery enjoined upon them the
necessity of watching their young men on the homeward journey, lest
they do mischief to the cattle of the country people along their route.
This renewal of the ancient covenant-chain with tbe Indians was ex
tremely seasonable, for the next spring the Frencb prepared to demolish the
Oswego fort. News reached New York in time, and a reinforcement was
sent in great haste to the help of the little garrison, which, together with
the understanding that the Indians were pledged to assist in tbe defense
of the post, effectually prevented the attack, and from that time to 1754,
it remained undisturbed, and was the source of great profit to New York.
James De Lancey, whose name appears in connection with this confer
ence, was the elder son of Stephen De Lancey and Anne Van Cortlandt.
He was a young man, only about twenty-six years of age, and a happy

JAMES DE LANCEY.

531

Portrait of Caleb Heathcote.

bridegroom, having recently married Anne Heathcote, the elder of the
two daughters of Hon. Caleb Heathcote.^ He had been educated, after
attending the best schools New York afforded, in England, where he en
tered the University of Cambridge,
as a FeUow - Commoner of Corpus
Christi CoUege, on the 2d of October,
1721. The Master of Corpus was
then Dr Samuel Bradford, afterwards
Bishop of Carlisle, and Eochester.
The gentleman whom young De Lan
cey chose for a tutor was the learned
Dr. Thomas Herring, who became
successively Bishop of Bangor, Arch
bishop of York, and Archbishop of
Canterbury. The master and pupil
kept up an intimacy by letter, long
after the one became primate of aU
England, and the other chief justice
and lieutenant-governor of New York,
and the richest man in America. In the various political controversies
in which De Lancey was afterwards involved, the Archbishop's influence
was exerted in his behalf at the court of Great Britain's sovereign.
De Lancey commenced the practice of law immediately upon his return
to New York, and soon rose to eminence at the bar. He was one of the
most briUiant and successful advocates of his time. His sound and cul
tivated judgment won him the respect and confidence of the community,
and his influence broadened and deepened "with every passing year. He
possessed a large library coUected in Europe, and was greatly devoted to
books. The classics were to him as household words. He was ardently
devoted to progress, and lent his careful attention to every topic of inter
est from law to agriculture. He had also many personal attractions and
was a charming social companion.^
' In Governor Montgomei^'s letter to the Lords of Trade, dated May 30, 1728, in which he
recommends James De Laaicey as a suitahle appointee for the council in place of Mr. Barbarie,
deceased, he says " He is in every way qualiiied for the post ; his father is an eminent merchant,
a member of the Assembly and one of the richest men in the province." James De Lancey
started in life with a fortune, and his bride inherited half of her father's large estate real and
peraonal Hon. Caleb Heathcote was mayor of the oity of New York for three years, was one
of the governor's counselors, was the first mayor of the borough of Westchester, was judge of
Westchester, was colonel of the militia all his life, was commander-in-chief of the colony's
forces for a considerable period, and from 1715 to 1721 waa receiver-general of the customs for
»11 North America. His daughter Martha married Dr. Johnson of Perth Amboy.
' Etienne (Stephen) De Lancey — the name originally "de Lanoi," and in the 16th and
17th centuries "de Lancy," was in the 18th Anglicized " De Lancey"— was born in

532 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The year 1729 was marked by the gift of a valuable Ubrary, consisting
of 1,622 volumes, to the city of New York. This favor emanated
directly from the Society for the Eropagation of the Gospel in
Foreign Farts, the books having been bequeathed to that organization
by Eev. John Millington. To these were added a smaU coUection which
had been donated to the city in the beginning of the century, by the Eev.
John Sharpe, and the whole was carefuUy arranged in a room in the
City Hall in Wall Street, and opened to the pubUc as the " Corporation
Library." Mr. Sharpe was appointed Ubrarian. It became at once a
popular resort ; even gentlemen from Eennsylvania and Connecticut were
permitted to borrow rare volumes, and keep them for an indefraite period.
After Mr. Sharpe's death the books were without care, and the room
which contained them seldom accessible. In 1754 a few pubhc-sphited
citizens founded the New York Society Library, and obtained pemUssion
from the Common Council to combine with it th,is old Corporation Library.
the city of Caen, Normandy, in 1663. At the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, his
father the Seigneur Jacques (James) de Lancy was dead, and his mother was too aged to
fly ; she was concealed, while young Stephen escaped to Rotterdam in Holland. The follow
ing year he came to New York by the way of London, where he was denizened a British sub
ject. He married, in 1700, Anne, the daughter of Hon. Stephanus Van Cortlandt and Gertrude
Schuyler. Their children were : 1, James, born 1703, who married Anne, daughter of Hon.
Caleb Heathcote and Martha Smith ; 2, Peter, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Lieuten
ant-Governor Cadwallader Colden ; 3, Stephen, who died unmarried ; 4, John, who died un
married ; 5, Oliver, member of the governor's council, and brigadier-general ; 6, Susanna,
who married Admiral Sir Peter Warren ; 7, Ann, who married Hon. John Watts.
James De Lancey's children were as follows : 1, James, who married Margaret, daughter
of Chief Justice William Allen of Pennsylvania ; 2, Stephen, who married Hannah Saoket ;
3, Heathcote, who died unmarried ; 4, John Peter, who married Elizabeth Floyd ; 5, Maria,
who married William Walton ; 6, Martha, who died unmarried ; 7, Susanna, who died un
married ; 8, Ann, who married Hon. Thomas Jones.
John Peter De Lancey's children were as follows : 1, Thomas James, who married Mary J.
Ellison ; 2, Edward Floyd, who died unmarried ; 3, William Heathcote, who married Frances,
daughter of Peter Jay Munro, and became Bishop of Western New York ; 4, Anne Charlotte.
who married John Loudon McAdam, the originator of macadamized roads ; 5, Susan Augusta,
who married James Fenimore Cooper, the novelist ; 6, Maria, who died young ; 7, Elizabeth
Caroline, who died unmarried ; 8, Martha Arabella, who never married.
Thomas James De Lancey's only child was a son, also Thomas James, who mamed Frances
A. Bibby, but died without issue.
William Heatlicote De Lancey's children were as follows : 1, Edward Floyd, who married
Josephine M. De Zeng ; 2, Margaret M., who married Dr. Thomas F. Eochester; 3, Elizabeth,
who died young ; 4, John Peter, who married Wilhemina V. Clark ; 5, Peter Munro, who
died unmarried ; 6, William Heathcote, who died in infancy ; 7, Frances, who died young ;
8, William Heathcote, who married his cousin, Elizabeth D. Hunter.
The children of Peter De Lancey, second son of Stephen De Lancey, were : 1, Stephen, who
married Esther Ejmderts, and was recorder of Albany ; 2, John, whose only daughter mar
ried Governor Joseph L. Yates ; 3, James ; 4, Oliver, who married Rachel Hunt ; 5, War
ren ; 6, Peter ; 7, Alice, mamed the celebrated Ralph Izard of South Carolina ; 8, Anne,
married John Coxe of the West Indies ; 9, Jane, married Hon. John Watts (the younger) ;
10, Susanna, married Colonel Thomas Barclay.

THE CITY CHARTER. 533
A Jewish cemetery was laid ont during the summer. It was bounded by
Chatham, Oliver, Henry, and Catharine Streets. It was given by Mr. Wil
ley of London, to his three sons, who were merchants in New York, with
the expectation that it would be used as a burial-place for the Jews forever.
Could the eye of the good Hebrew have penetrated into the futiire,
what must have been his emotion ! Warehouses of every size and descrip
tion have for long years covered the site of this sacred enclosure, — com
merce has effectually monopolized the space aUotted for the sleeping dead.
The chief event during Montgomery's administration, which tended
towards rendering his name interesting in history, was the grant
ing of a new charter to the city, with an increase of powers and
privileges. It was accomplished chiefly through the exertions of De
Lancey, and in courteous acknowledgment of the same, the corporation
voted him the freedom of the city. This charter, henceforth known as
Montgomery's charter, recited the charter of 1786 ; and extended the
hmits of the city to four hundred feet below low-water mark on Hudson
River, from Bestaver's Eivulet southward to the fort, and from thence the
same number of feet around the fort beyond low-water mark, and along
the East Eiver as far as the north side of Corlear's Hook. It gave the
city the sole power of estabUshing ferries about the island, with all the
profits accruing therefrom ; it also granted or confirmed the lands held on
Long Island, and aU the docks, slips, market-houses, etc., upon Manhat
tan Island. It secured to the city the appointment of aU the subordinate
officers, and the power to hold a Court of Common Fleas every Tuesday ;
also authority to make or repeal such by-laws and ordinances as were
desirable, and to erect all necessary public buildings.^ The extent of tbe
city at this period is best iUustrated by the map, which was made from
an actual survey by James Lyne in 1728.
It was not long afterward before Greenwich and Washington Streets
were rescued from the water. Three new slips were also built, one oppo
site Morris Street, another opposite Exchange Flace, and the third oppo
site Eector Street. In December of the same year a line of stages
was estabhshed between New York and FhUadelphia, which per
formed the tedious journey once a fortnight. The city was divided into
seven wards the foUowing spring, and the first steps taken to organize a
fire department. Hitherto the leathern fire-buckets which every family
was obliged to possess, were the only resource in case of fire. When the
confusion and danger consequent upon such an occurrence were over, the
buckets were thrown into a promiscuous pUe, and the town-crier shouted
for each bucket proprietor to come and identify his own. It was the har-
' KenXs Book of Charters. Hofman. New York City Records.

534 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
vest moment for the boys, and there was often great strife among them
who should carry home the richest man's bucket. FinaUy a committee
was appointed to procure from London, " by the first conveiuency," two
fire-engines. They soon reported a contract effected with Stephen De
Lancey and John Moore, for the importation, by the ship Beaver, " of two
of Mr. Newsham's new inventions, fourth and sixth sizes, with suctions,
leathern pipes and caps, and other materials thereunto belonging."
Men were employed the next winter to fit up a room in the City HaU
for the reception of the two great wonders of the century. It was in
1736, April 15, that the first effort was made to build an engine-house.
It was located on Broad Street, adjoining the watch-house. In October,
1737, the legislature appointed twenty-four able-bodied men from the
eity to work and play the engines upon all necessary occasions, and en
acted a law regulating their duties. Thus was formed the first fire-com
pany in the city.
And presently a new market was established a little to the north of the
ferry on the Hudson Eiver, for the accommodation of New Jersey people.
The most notable market (simply a market stand) in the city just then
was in the middle of Broadway, opposite Liberty Street; the country
wagons that stood there on a market morning stretched quite a distance
in the direction of Trinity Church, and the plenty and variety they
afforded in the way of edibles were much commented upon by foreigners.
The old market-place near Whitehall Street was about this time divided
into lots and sold at auction, bringing an average price of about £ 260.
Fearl Street was extended into a common road a little to the north of
Wall Street in 1732. It took the line of the old cow-path which led to
the common pasture.
1731. The year 1731 was distinguished by the settlement of the dis-
May 14. puted bouudary-Uue between New York and Connecticut. An
agreement was signed by the surveyors and commissioners of both colo
nies. A tract of land lying on the Connecticut side, consisting of above
sixty thousand acres, and from its figure caUed the Oblong, was ceded to
New York, as an equivalent for lands near the Sound surrendered to
Connecticut. The very day after the transaction a patent to Sir Joseph
Eyles and others, intended to convey the whole Oblong, was executed in
Loudon. A posterior grant, however, was issued here to Hanley and
Company, of the greater part of the same tract, wbich the British pat
entees brought a biU in Chancery to repeal. The defendants filed an an
swer containing so many objections against the English patent that the
suit was abandoned indefinitely, and tbe American proprietors have ever
since held possession of the property. Francis Harrison of the councU

536 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
solicited this controversy for Sir Joseph Eyles and his partners, which
contributed in a large degree to the troubles so remarkable in the suc
ceeding administration.^
The sudden death of Governor Montgomery on the 1st of July, 1731,
cast a brief shadow over the skies. He had avoided quarrels, consequent
ly had made few enemies. He had had no particular scheme to pursue
for his own or others' aggrandizement, and, drifting along in a peaceful, un
interrupted stream of commonplaces, was regarded as amiable, and prob
ably came as near inspiring affection as is possible for any good-natured
inactive man of moderate abilities.
The government devolved upon Eip Van Dam, the oldest member
and president of the council, and a well-known merchant of wealth and
high respectability. He was spoken of as " one of the people of fig-ure."
He took the oaths of office in the presence of James Alexander, Abraham
Van Home, Fhilip Van Cortlandt, Archibald Kennedy, and James De
Lancey.^ The smaU-pox was raging throughout the city, and the As
sembly, having been adjourned from one date to another, at last conveijed
at " tbe house of Mr. Eutgers near the Bowery Eoad." One of tbe first
subjects to which the attention of the legislators was called was the
startling encroachments of the French at Crown Foint. They had actually
erected a fort, enclosed it with stockades, and garrisoned it with eighty
men, at the south end of Lake Champlain. The country belonged to the
Six Nations, and the very site of the fort was included witbin a patent to
Dellius, the Dutch minister of Albany, granted under the Great Seal of
tbe province in 1696. Nothing could be more evident than the danger
to which New York was thus exposed. It was through Lake Champlain
that the French and Indians made their former bloody incursions upon
Schenectady, the Mohawk castles, and Deerfield ; and the erection of this
fort was apparently to facilitate inroads upon the Enghsh settlers along
the frontiers. It served as atr asylum after the perpetration of inhumani
ties, and was a depot for provisions and ammunition.
The Commissioners of Indian Affairs at Albany had discovered this
palpable infraction of the treaty of Utrecht, and sent a letter to Van
Dam by the hand of Colonel Myndert Schuyler.^ Van Dam laid the
1 Smith, Vol. I. 245.
^ It seems that Lewis Morris, Jr. , was suspended from the council for words dropped in a
dispute relating to the governor's drafts upon the revenue, on the same day that James De Lan
cey was elevated to that honorable position.
^ Smith, the great authority of the history of this period, is evidently in an error respecting
the manner in which Van Dam received the first inforraation of this encroachment. The
letter of Governor Belcher was not received until some time after Van Dam had been notified
by the commissioners at Albany, and it was in answer to one written to him by Van Dam.

EIP VAN DAM ACTING GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK. 537
subjeet before the House. It was duly considered, and ways and means
discussed to put a stop to the audacious movements at the north. It
was very clear that the French could march on Albany in three days
from Crown Foint, in case a rupture should happen between France and
England, which was always possible at any moment. And in the mean
time the beaver and fur trade niight be obstructed at Oswego. The fol
lowing resolutions were finaUy adopted : "1, That the president repre
sent the case to the king ; 2, That the Commissioners of Indian Affairs
at Albany dispose the Six Nations, particularly the Senakas, to pre
vent the French from obstructing the trade ; and, finaUy, That his Honor
be further addressed that he will be pleased to send copies of the above-
mentioned letters and minutes to the governors of Connecticut, Massa
chusetts, and Pennsylvania, inasmuch as the said attempts may affect
them likewise."
As acting govemor of New York, Van Dam was singularly consistent
in all his acts. He made no effort to overreach his authority, but quietly
and resolutely maintained his views of right and justice, without apparent
thought of himself He was opposed to Courts of Chancery, and refused
to take the oaths of ChanceUor, notwithstanding direct instructions from
the English government, and the damage it was likely to inflict upon the
revenue. No other court possessed authority to compel the payment of
quit-rents, or to adjudicate contested titles ; hence it will be seen tbat the
anti-rentists were favored by this course, and it no doubt led to some of
the serious subsequent events. Immediately after the news of the
death of Governor Montgomery reached England, the government of
the province was committed to Colonel William Cosby. This latter
gentleman had formerly governed Minorca, and exposed himseU to much
criticism during his residence on that island; among other offensive
things he had ordered the effects of a Catalan merchant, residing at
Lisbon, to be seized at Port Mahon in 1718, several months before the
war of that year was actually declared against Spain, and he was charged
with scandalous practices to secure the booty, by denying the right of
appeal, and secreting the papers tending to detect the iniquity of the
sentence. These rumors reached New York long before the new governor
™aseK, who remained in London, leaving Van Dam to supply his place,
for thirteen months. During part of this time New York was in dread
of a law before Parliament, called the Sugar BiU, which was manifestly

' of Commerce Records, by J. Anstin Stevens, p. 108. "The error of Smith in his
statement was flrst pointed out by Dr. O'Callaghan, in a. MS. note, communicated to the
Ifew York Historical Society." Letter of Van Dam to Secretary Pop-pie, October 29, 1731.
^¦r of Van Dam to Lords of Trade, November 2, 1731. New York Col. Doc, Y. 924-

538 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
in favor of the West Indies, and ruinous to the Middle Colomes of
America. Cosby used his influence to oppose the bill, although without
effect, the matter stiU remaining in abeyance at the time of his departure
for New York. But he made it his flrst business, after reaching his desti-
1738. nation, to apologize for his long delay upon the other side of the
Aug. 1. water, on the ground of his friendship for New York, and his de
sire to defeat the odious biU in order to further her interests.
Cosby met the Assembly on the 10th of August, and dehvered a weU-
prepared and flattering speech, with which the members were much
pleased.1 A revenue to support tbe government for six years was
cheerfuUy granted, which included a salary for the governor of £ 1,560,
with certain emoluments (to be gained out of supplies for the forts)
amounting to £ 400 ; the new governor's expenses (£ 150) in a journey
to Albany were also to be paid by the govemment, and a sum was raised
to be laid out iu presents for the Iroquois. It was some time before the
House voted auy special compensation to Cosby for his services in Lon
don, in assisting the agents from New York in opposing the Sugar Bill.
Wben it was at last done, the sum named was £ 750.
Chief Justice Lewis Morris met Cosby the foUowing morning on the
street, and stopped to tell him the action of the Assembly. The smaU-
ness of the gift angered the haughty colonel, who had come to New York
to make a fortune. " Damn them ! " said he. " Why did they not add
shillings and pence ? "
Van Dam caused still fiercer emotions in the breast of the new-comer
when a settlement of accounts was instituted. Van Dam, wbo had been
in the governor's chair for thirteen months, received the salary. Cosby
brought with him the king's order for an equal division (between himseU
and the president of the council) of the salary, emoluments, and per
quisites of the office since the commencement of Van Dam's administra
tion. Cosby proceeded to demand one half of the salary which Van Dam
had received. The latter was wiUing to divide the salary, but it must
be with division also of emoluments and perquisites, according to the
sovereign's order. Van Dam was aware that Cosby had received, whUe
yet in England, for pretended services and expenditures for Indian pres
ents never given, for overcharges of clothing, subsistence, etc., for troops,
sums of money which exceeded what had been paid to himseU by over
£ 2,400. The govemor refused to divide, and Van Dam not only refused
to refund any part of the salary, but demanded the balance due him.
The Assembly, prior to its adjournment, discussed at some length the
subject of education. A bill for a free school, where Latin and Greek
1 Journals ofthe Legislative Councils of New York, Vol. I. pp. 614, 615.

THE SCHOOL BILL.

639

and the higher mathematics should be taught, was drafted by Adolphe
Philipse, the speaker, and offered by Stephen De Lancey. It created an
outburst of merriment, because of this curious preamble : " Whereas the
youth of tbis colony are found by manifold experience to be not inferior
in their natural geniuses to the youth of any other country in the world,
therefore be it enacted," etc. It passed into a law, and Mr. Alexander
Malcom, of Aberdeen, the author of a treatise upon book-keeping, was
appointed teacher. The school was patronized by James Alexander, the
Morris family, and many others, and became quite popular for a time.

V*

f-^

-^^ jF<5n ."^ -^ f

.d^'

iX^WMC'^'^ ^'/-^ ^^ ^ ""¦

Lewis Morris Mansion.
(Morrisania.)

640 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER XXV.
1732-173T.
GOVERNOR COSBY.
Governor Cosby. — Brp Van Dam. — Exciting Law-Suit. — Opinion of Chief Jus
tice Morris. — The CoirNoiL. — The Judges. — The Kemoval of Chief Justice
Morris. — James Db Lancey appointed Chief Justice. — Courtesy to Foreign
Visitors. — LoBd Fitzroy. — A little Eomance. — Marriage of Grace Cosby. —
Taxes. — Fashions. — Morris at the Court of England. — William Bradford. —
The new Newspaper in New York. — John Peter Zenger. — Arrest and Impris
onment of Zenger. — The famous Trial. — Chief Justice De Lancey. — Andrew
Hamilton. — Definition of Libel. — Chambers's Address. — Hamilton's Argu
ments. — Acquittal of Zenger. — Exciting Scenes. — Paul Eichards. — The City
Watch. — Cortlandt Street. — The Poor-House. — Rip Van Dam. — Cosby's
Sickness and Death. — Contest between Eip Van Dam and George Clarke. —
George Clarke Lieutenant-Governor of New York. — Mrs. Clarke. — Lewis
Morris Governor of New Jersey. — Social Life in New York. — The Election
of 1737.
a OVEENOE COSBY and Eresident Van Dam were arrayed squarely
against each other, and neither seemed disposed to abate in the
slightest particular from his position. The governor proceeded to insti
tute legal proceedings against Van Dam. As the matter was one of ac
count, and cognizable only in a court of equity, an action could not be
brought in the Supreme Court, which was one of law. The governor was
shut out from the Chancery because he was ChanceUor ex officio, aud of
course could not hear his own cause. He therefore proceeded before the
justices of the Supreme Court as Barons of the Exchequer This court,
as well as the Chancery, was extremely unpopular.
As soon as the bUl was filed against Van Dam, he deternUned to
institute a suit at common la-\ against the governor. This was overruled
in sucb a manner that Van Dam found himself compeUed to a defense
before the judges in equity. The occurrences were of such an exciting
character that the whole community was interested. Van Dam was a
popular man, and his singular situation elicited warm sympathy.
^'^*" His counsel were WiUiam Smith (the father of the historian)
and James Alexander, both eminent lawyers. They excepted to the

EXCITING LAW-SUIT. 541
iurisdiction of the court to which the govemor resorted. Chief Justice
Morris supported the exception. The two associate judges, James De
Lancey (conimissioned in 1731) and Adolphe PhiUpse, voted against the
plea. The case was subsequently dropped without settlement, and
Cosby never recovered any of the money. But the proceedings created
two violent parties, and the most bitter feelings.
Chief Justice Morris delivered an opinion in favor of Van Dam, which
irritated Cosby beyond measure, and the latter demanded a copy. Morris,
to prevent any misrepresentation, caused it to be printed, and then sent
it to the governor, accompanied by a letter, from which the following is
an extract : —
"This, sir, is a copy of tbe paper 1 read in court  I have no reason to
expect that this or anything else 1 can say will be at all grateful, or have any
weight with your ExceUency, after the answer I received to a message I did
myself the honor to send to you concerning an ordinance you were about to make
for establishing a court of equity in the Supreme Court, as being, in my opinion,
contrary to law, and which I desired might be delayed tUl I could be heard on
that head. I thought myself within tbe duty of my office in sending this
message, and hope I do not flatter myself in thinking I shaU be justified in it
by your superiors, as well as mine. The answer your Excellency was pleased
to send me, was, tlmt I need not give myself any trouble about that affair ; that
you wovld neither receive a visit or any message from me ; that you could neither
rely upon my integrity nor depend upon my judgment ; that you thought me a
'pmon not at all jit to be trusted with any concerns relating to the ki-ng ; that ever
since your coming io the government I had treated you, hoth as io your own person
and as the king's representative,' wiih slight, rudeness, and impertinence ; that you
didnot desire to see or hear any further of or from me.
" I am heartily sorry, sir, for your own sake, as weU as that of the public,
that the king's representative sbould be moved to so great a degree of warmth, as
appears by your answer, which I think would proceed from no other reason but
by giving my opinion, in a court of whioh I was a judge, upon a point of law tbat
came before me, and in which I might be innocently enough mistaken (though I
thmk I am not), for judges are no more infalUble than their superiors are impec
cable. But if judges are to be intimidated so as not to dare to give any opinion
but what is pleasing to a governor, and agreeable to bis private views, the people
of this province, who are very much concerned both with respect to their lives
and fortunes in the freedom and independency of those who are to judge of them,
may possibly not think themselves so secure in either of them as tbe laws of his
Majesty intend they should be.
" I never had the honor to be above six times in your company in my life :
one of those times was when I delivered the public seals of the province of New
' to you on your coming to that government ; another, on one of the public

542 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
days, to drink the king's health ; a third, at your desire, to wait on my Lord
Augustus Fitz Eoy, witb the lawyers, to teU bim we were glad to see him in
New York ; and, except the first time, I never was a quarter of an hour together
in your company at any one time ; and aU the words 1 ever spoke to you, ex
cept at the first time, may be contained on a quarto side of paper. I might pos
sibly have been impertinent, for old men are too often so ; but as to treating
you with rudeness and disrespect, either in your public or private capacity, it is
what I cannot accuse myself of doing or intending to do at any of the times I
was witb you. If a bow, awkwardly made, or anything of that kind, or some
defect in the ceremonial of addressing you, has occasioned that remark, I beg it
may be attributed to tbe want of a courtly and polite education, or to anything
else, rather than the want of respect to his Majesty's representative. As to my
integrity, I have given you no occasion to caU it in question. I have been in
this office almost twenty years. My bands were never soiled with a bribe;
nor am I conscious to myseU, that power or poverty hath been able to induce
me to be partial in the favor of either of tbem ; and as I have no reason to ex
pect any favor from you, so I am neither afraid nor ashamed to stand the test of
the strictest inquiry you can make concerning my conduct. I have served the
pubUc faithfully and honestly according to the best of my knowledge, and I
dare, and do, appeal to it for my justification.
" I am, sir, your Excellency's most humble servant, " Lewis Morris." '
Cosby was highly exasperated, the more so when the opinion and the
letter Uoth appeared in the New York Gazette. Sucb an independ
ent course could not be tolerated in the highest judicial officer in
the colony, and Morris was almost immediately removed from the chief-
justicesbip.2 In August of the same year James De Lancey was
' appointed in his stead. This appointment was made under the
usual clause in governors' commissions wbicb authorized tbem to " consti
tute and appoint judges " ; a power which they exercised independently
of the council, and not with its advice and consent, as in the erection of
courts and the exercise of a few other powers. Morris henceforth be
came the active leader of tbe party in opposition to the administration,
and De Lancey was the acknowledged chief of the governor's or court
party. Morris, in spite of his peculiarities, was a popular man, and now,
1 It will be seen by reference to the Eesolutions of the General Assembly of New York
in 1708' (page 476), that the doctrine had already been established that the erecting of
courts of equity, without the consent of the legislature, was contrary to law.
^ Cadwallader Colden to the Earl of Hillsborough. James Alexander to Govemor Hun
ter, February 3, 1730. New Jersey Hist. Coll., IV. 19- 21. Memoir of Hon. James De
Lancey. Doc. Hist. N. Y. , IV. 1041. Bolton's History of Westchester, II. 307 ; Governor
Cosby to thc Duke of Newcastle, May 3, 1733. N. Y. Col. MSS., V. 942-952.

A LITTLE ROMANCE.

543

in the season of discontent, he became more than ever an object of regard
bythe class of people who esteemed themselves oppressed. In the autumn
he was chosen to the Assembly to represent the county of Westchester,
in the place of a de-
he entered the citycan-
merchant-ships in the
number of citizens met
cheers and flying ban-
tertainment It was the
but at the next meeting
son, Lewis Morris, Jr.,
members,
standing the
ous efforts
made to de-C/
tion. M ftZo-ar ®*^' ^"'' Autograph of James De Lancey.

ceased member. When
non were fired from the
harbor, and a large
and escorted him with
ners to an elegant en-
last day of the session,
of the Assembly, his
took his seat among the
notwith-

^^/cLAn^ c&-<s c>&^Hc£yhTd

been
feat his elec-
The social
York had
during all these pubUc excitements been variously agitated. Governor
Cosby had brought his wife and young lady daughters to this country
with him, and they commanded no little attention. A series of brilliant
entertainments were given during the winter and spring, which brought
together the beauty, wit, and culture of the capital. Lord Augustus Eitz-
roy, son of the Duke of Grafton, who was lord chamberlain to the king,
spent some weeks in Governor Cosby's family. It was customary for the
city authorities to extend courtesies to distinguished strangers; hence,
upon the arrival of the young nobleman, the mayor, recorder, aldermen,
assistants, and other officials, waited upon him in a body, with a weU-
prepared speech, thanking him for the honor of his presence, and pre
sented him with tbe freedom of the city in a gold box.^ The following
day the lawyers went in a body, with Chief Justice Morris at their bead
(it was just prior to his suspension from office), to show respect and wel
come the traveler to our shores.
There was quite a romance connected with this visit of Lord Fitzroy.
He was in love with one of the governor's daughters. According to
the standard of society in England the match was beneath him, and
neither the governor nor Mrs. Cosby dared give consent to the marriage.
Through the intrigues of Mrs. Cosby, however, the young people were
allowed to settle the matter for themselves. A clergyman was clandes
tinely assisted to scale the rear wall of the fort, and they were married
in secret and without license. To secure Cosby from the wrath of the
The gold box presented to Lord Fitzroy cost £14 8 s. New York City Records.

544 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Duke of Grafton, who was a great favorite of the king, a mock prosecu
tion was instituted against Dominie CampbeU, who had solemnized the
nuptials without the usual form.
Another wedding shortly occurred in the governor's household. Miss
Grace Cosby was married to Thomas Freeman. Three days later the
mayor, recorder, aldermen, assistants, and other city dignitaries, marched
in solemn procession to the governor's residence in the fort, and after
congratulating the lovely Grace upon her good fortune, made the foUow
ing speech : —
" This corporation being desirous upon aU occasions to demonstrate the great
deference they have and justly entertain for his ExceUency, William Cosby,
and for his noble family, have ordered that tbe honorable Major Alexander
Cosby, brother to his Excellency, and lieutenant-governor of his Majesty's gar
rison of Annapolis Eoyal, recently arrived, and Thomas Freeman, the governor's
son-in-law, be presented with the freedom of the city in gold boxes."
The style of dress at this time was very showy and conspicuous. Gay
pendants were worn in the ears, costly crosses were suspended about the
neck, and diamonds and rich brocades were esteemed essential to respect--
ability among the wealthier families; Tight-lacing and wide skirts pre
vailed, though not as extensively as a few years later. The hair was
frizzled and curled and arranged in a great variety of fantastic ways. The
gentlemen outdid tbe ladies. They concealed their hair altogether by
enormous wigs, which were supposed to greatly beautify tbe countenance.
An advertisement in the New York Gazette (in 1733) throws a glimmer
of light upon the prevailing fashion : —
"Morrison, peruke-maker from London, dresses ladies and gentlemen's hair
in the politest taste ; he has a choice parcel of human, horse, and goat hairs to
dispose of."
And another : —
"Tyes, bobs, majors, spencers, fox-tails, and twists, together with curls or
tates [tetes] for tbe ladies."
Bright colors everywhere prevailed. Tbe most gorgeous combina
tions appeared in tbe fabrics for a lady's wardrobe, and gentlemen
wore coats and other garments containing all the hues of the rainbow.
Large silver buttons adorned coats and vests, often with the initial of
tbe wearer's name engraved upon eacb button. Occasionally an entire
suit would be decorated with conch-shell buttons silver-mounted. Even
coaches were painted and gilded in an extraordinary manner. A writer
ofthe day, seeing the equipage of Lewis Morris rolling down "the Broad

STYLE OF DRESS AND EQUIPAGE. 545
Way " towards the fort, speaks of its silver mountings glittering in the
sunshine, and of the family arms emblazoned upon it in many places.
The crest was a spacious stone castle, with little turrets and battlements,
the motto being Tandem vincitur, which was supposed to declare the vir
tue, perseverance, magnanimity, and success of the Morris family against
oppression of whatever character.
The newspapers were crowded with advertisements and descriptions of
runaway slaves, and since servants proverbially ape their masters, they
furnish a grotesque view of the costumes of that decade.
" Ban away, a negro servant clothed with damask breeches, black broadcloth
vest, a broadcloth coat of copper color, Uned and trimmed witb black, and black
stockings." October 3, 1731.
" Ean away, a negro barber ; wore a light wig, a gray kersey jacket lined with
bhie, a light pair of drugget breeches witb glass buttons, black roll-up stockings,
square-toed shoes, a white vest witb yellow buttons, and red linings." Octo
ber 28, 1734.
After the death of General Montgomery his effects were sold at public
auction: the advertisements specify four negro men, and four negro
women, " the times of two men and one woman servant," a variety of
fashionable wrought plate, a coUection of valuable books, several fine
saddle, coach, and other horses; and particularize somewhat in making
mention of the household articles, as, for instance, — "A fine new yallow
Camblet Bed, lined with silk and laced, which came from London with
Captain Downing ; also the Bedding. One fine Eield Bedstead and cur
tains ; some blue Cloth lately come from London for Liveries ; some white
drap Cloth, witb proper trimming ; and some broad gold Lace. Twelve
Knives and twelve forks with silver handles gilded. A large lined Fire
skreen. Two Demi Peak saddles, one with blue cloth laced with gold,'
etc., etc. It wUl thus be seen that furniture and decorations partook of
the same tendency towards fanciful display as dress and equipage.
As months roUed on, the proceedings of Cosby so irritated his
opponents that tbey resolved to lay their grievances before the
Kng. It was decided that Morris should himself be the messenger, as
his private wrongs would incite him to special exertion, and his intimate
aquaintance with aU that related to the interests of the province would
render him an intelligent adviser concerning future measures for its
prosperity. The chief purpose in view was to obtain the removal of
Cosby The utmost secrecy was deemed advisable in regard to the con
templated movements of Morris. He asked for and obtained leave of
absence to visit his New Jersey plantation, so wording his application that
35

546

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

it might be interpreted to cover his voyage to England. He embarked at
Sandy Hook, accompanied by his son, Eobert Hunter Morris. Suspicion
was not excited among the " court party " untU he had actuaUy saUed.
Morris communicated his opinion of the British Ministry to James

Portrait of Rip Van Dam.
Alexander, in a letter written shortly after his arrival in England, of
which the following is an extract : —
"We talk in America of applications to Parliaments! Alas! my friend,
parhaments are parliaments everywhere ; here, as well as with us, though more
numerous. We admire the heavenly bodies which glitter at a distance; but
should we be removed into Jupiter or Saturn, perhaps we should find it com
posed of as dark materials as ^ our own earth  We have a Parliament and
Ministry, some of whom, I am apt to believe, know that there are plantations
and governors, — but not quite so well as we do ; .... and seem less concerned
in our contests than we are at those between crows and kingbirds 
And who is there tbat is equal to the task of procuring redress 1 Changing the
man is far from an adequate remedy, if the thing remains the same ; and we
had as well keep an ill, artless governor we know, as to change him for one
equally ill with more art that we do not know. One of my neighbors used to
say tbat be always rested better in a bed abounding with fleas after they had

MORRIS AT THE COURT OF ENGLAND.

547

filed their beUies, than fo change it for a new one equally fuU of hungry ones ;
the fleas having no busiuess there but to eat. The inference is easy."
Again he writes (March 31, 1735) : —
"You have very imperfect notions of the world on tbis side of the water, —

Portrait of Mrs. Van Dam.

1 mean the world with which I have to do. They are unconcerned at the
sufferings of the people in America  It is not the injustice of tbe thing
[referring to Cosby's acts] that affects those concerned in recommending of him,
provided it can be kept a secret aud the people not clamor ; and when they do,
if they meet with relief, it is not so much in pity to tbem, as in fear of the re
flection it wiU be upon themselves for advising tbe sending of such a man, the
sole intent of which was the making of a purse  Everybody here agrees
in a contemptible opinion of Cosby, and nobody knows him better or has a
worse opinion of him, than the friends he relies on ; and it may be you wiU be
surprised to hear that the most nefarious crime a governor can commit is not
l>y some counted so bad as tbe crime of complaining of it, — the last is an
Mtaigning ofthe Ministry tbat advised the sending of him."
It is evident that Morris was treated with deference by the British
h)rds, but the affair was subjected to disheartening delays. The question
w a separate governor for New Jersey was discussed ; and a direct pro-

648 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
posal was made to him, that, if he would withdraw the complaints against
Cosby, he should receive the appointment, which he dechned.
The Assembly of 1^34 passed an important bUl by which the Quakers
were restored to the rights anc^ privileges which that denomination en
joyed in England, — henceforth they could vote without taking the oaths
prescribed by law. Tbis and several other popular acts, countenanced by
Cosby, propitiated tbe people, and the clamor and complaint in a measure
subsided. But erelong an event happened which stirred New York from
center to circumference. John Peter Zenger started a new paper, caUing
it the Weekly Journal. It was filled with. witticisms on the govern
ment officials, low satire, lampoons, squibs, aud ballads. The public rel
ished it exceedingly. Now and then some weU-written articles appeared,
criticising the governor, council, assembly, tbe permanent revenue, and
everything generaUy. Zenger had learned tbe printer's trade of Brad
ford.^ He served at a later date as collector of sundry public taxes, and,
through mismanagement, found himself in arrears, for which he was prose
cuted ; having no means to liquidate the debt, he left the city. He after
wards applied to the Assembly for leave to do public printing enough to
discharge the debt, and was refused.^
He was a man of much persistence, and some native talent, but of very
limited opportunities. He was encouraged, assisted, and very ably sup
ported in tbis newspaper enterprise by James Alexander, WUliam Smith,
Lewis Morris and his son, Eip Van Dam, and others.
Bradford was tbe government printer, and the editor and pubhsher of
the New York Gazette. He replied to many of tbe remarkable state
ments which appeared in the Weekly Journal, but he was not equal to
tbe adversary in sarcasm. Cosby and his counselors were driven almost
to madness.
Mingled with this singular controversy was a charge brought against
Francis Harrison, one of the counselors, of having written a letter threat
ening Alexander and bis family, unless money was deposited in a certain
designated spot for the writer. This letter was found in the entrance-ball,
shoved under the outer door of Alexander's residence. Harrison denied
the imputation, and bis associate counselors pronounced bim incapable of
such au act. Suspicion, however, still rested upon him, which was in
dustriously fomented by the new newspaper. Out of tbis, in part, grew
the imprisonment and trial of Zenger.
1 John Peter Zenger was born in Germany in 1697. He came to New York with his wid
owed mother, and a brother and sister in 1710, being one of the party brought over by Gover
nor Hunter at the expense of the Crown of England. The following year he was apprenticed
to William Bradford for eight years.
2 Doc. Hist. N. Y., IV. 1042. N. Y. Assembly Journal, I. 627, 636.

JOHN PETER ZENGER. 549
Chief Justice De Lancey, in order to procure an indictment agamst
Zenger, caUed the attention of the grand jury in October to certain low
ballads in the Weekly Journal, which he designated as "libels." He
said : " Sometimes heavy, half-witted men get a knack of rhyming, but it
is tune to break them of it when they grow abusive, insolent, and mis
chievous with it." The baUads being examined were ordered to be burned
by the common whipper. The council shortly after made an effort to dis
cover the author of certain other " libels." They addressed the gov
ernor, requesting that the printer should be prosecuted. The governor
sent this document to the Assembly, where it was laid upon the table.
There came a moment, finaUy, when affairs assumed a serious
aspect. The council pronounced four of Peter Zenger's Weekly
Jomnals, " as containing many things tending to sedition and faction, and
to bring his Majesty's government into contempt, and to disturb the peace
thereof," and ordered them to be burned by the common hangman, or whip
per, near the pillory, on Wednesday the 6th instant, between the hours of
eleven and twelve in the forenoon; it was also ordered that the mayor, Eob
ert Lurting, and the rest of the city magistrates should attend the burning.
When this order was offered by the sheriff, the court would not suffer it
to be entered, and the aldermen protested against it, as an arbitrary and
illegal injunction. Harrison was the recorder, and made a lame effort to
justify the council by citing the example of the Lords in the Sacheverel
case, and theh proceedings against Bishop Burnet's pastoral letter, but
it was of no avaU and he withdrew. The corporation decUned, emphati
cally, to attend the ceremony, and forbade their hangman from obeying
the order. The burning of the papers was performed by a negro slave of
the sheriff; the recorder and a few dependants of the govemor were the
only spectators.
A few days subsequently, Zenger, in pursuance of a proclamation, was
arrested and thrown into prison, where he was denied pen, ink, Nov. it.
and paper. In. his paper of November 25, the editor apologizes Nov. 25.
for not issuing the last Weekly Journal, " as the governor had put him in
jail," but adds, " that he now has the liberty of speaking through a hole
in the door to his assistants, and shaU supply his customers as hereto
fore." His dictations, however, were carefuUy watched.
He was brought before the chief justice on a writ of habeas corpus, but
tis counsel. Smith and Alexander, objected to the legaUty of the warrant,
and insisted upon his being admitted to bail He swore that he was not
worth £ 40, the tools of his trade and wearing apparel excepted, and could
not give baU. Consequently he was recommitted.^
1 Chancellor Kent.

550 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The grand jury found no bill against him, therefore on the 28th of
1735. January, Bradley, the attorney-general, filed an information for
Jam. 28. « f^igQ^ scaudalous, maUcious, and seditious libels."
The trial excited the attention of aU America.
Smith and Alexander were the most eminent lawyers in the city, and
were weU prepared on this occasion. They commenced by a spirited
attack upon the court itself, airaing at the legaUty of the commissions of
Chief Justice De Lancey and Judge PhiUpse, which, as has before been
stated, read, during pleasure, instead of good hehavior, and had been
granted by the governor independent of the council^
Such a proceeding was esteemed a gross contempt of court, and Chief
Justice De Lancey, addressing Smith, remarked, " You have brought it to
that point, sir, that either we must go from the bench, or you from the
bar." And he ordered their names struck from the roU, and thus
Aprilie. they were excluded from further practice. It woiUd be difl&cult
to designate any other course which De Lancey could have taken under
the circumstances, consistent with his own dignity and seU-respect, but
it caused almost a panic.
Tbe court assigned John Chambers as counsel for the printer, who
pleaded not guilty for his client, and obtained a struck jury. The
silenced lawyers omitted no effort on their part which would tend to the
acquittal of the prisoner. They made it appear tbat their own suppres
sion was a stratagem to deprive the defendant of help. They artfuUy
exhibited the " libels " to the pubhc by the press, and at clubs, and in
other meetings for private conversation. It was easy to let every man
qualified for a juror into the full merits of the defense. The services of
the eloquent Philadelphia lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, were also secretly
engaged.^ The trial came on in July and occupied the entire summer It was an
important feature in the early bistory of the press of New York,
and as it has been variously styled, " the germ of American free
dom," and " the morning star of that liberty which subsequently revolu
tionized America," etc., etc., it will be pardonable to go somewhat into
details on the subject. HamUton presented himself promptly, and was
eagerly welcomed as the champion of liberty. He asserted tbat the
matter charged was the truth, and therefore no libel, and ridiculed some
1 Doc. Hist. N. Y, IV. 1043. Zenger's Report of the trial published in Boston three yeara
afterward. 2 Hamilton was a lav?yer of great note, although the famous trial of Zenger widely in
creased his reputation. He waa educated and in practice in England before coming to this
country. He filled many stations of trust during his long residence in Pennsylvania with
honor and ability. He died in 1741.

ANDREW HAMILTON.

651

of the notions advanced by the judges. The words charged as " false,
scandalous, malicious, and seditious libels " were as follows ; —
"Your appearance in print at last, gives a pleasure to many, though most
wish you had come fairly into the open field, and not appeared behind retrench
ments made of the supposed laws against libelling ; these retrenchments, gen
tlemen, may soon be shown to you and all men to be very weak, and to have'

.^...

•Al<

Portrait of Andrew Hamilton.
(From original painting in the Pennsylvania Historical Society.)
neither law nor reason for their foundation, so cannot long stand you in stead ;
therefore, you had much better as yet leave them, and come to what the people
of this eity and province think are the points in question. They think, as mat
tere now stand, that their liberties and properties are precarious, and that slavery
18 likely to be entaUed on tbem and tbeir posterity, if some past things be not
Mended ; and this they coUect from many past proceedings.
' One of our neighbors of New Jersey being in company, observing the stran
gers of New York full of complaints, endeavored to persuade them to remove
mto Jersey ; to which it was replied, tbat would be leaping out of the frying-
pan into the fire ; for, says he, we both are under the same governor, and your
¦ have shown with a witness what is to be expected from them : one

552 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
that was then moving from New York to Pennsylvania, to which place it is
reported several considerable men are removing, expressed much concern for the
circumstances of New York, and seemed to think them very much ov?ing to the
influence that some men bad in the administration ; said be was now going from
them, and was not to be hurt by any measures they should take, but could not
help having some concern for the welfare of his countrymen, and should be glad
to bear that the Assembly would exert themselves as became them, by showin"
that they have tbe interest of their country more at heart than the gratification
of any private view of any of their members, or being at aU affected by the
smiles or frowns of a governor ; both which ought equally to be despised when
tbe interest of tbeir country is at stake. ' You,' says he, ' complain of the lawyers,
but I think the law itself is at an end. We see men's deeds destroyed, judges
arbitrarily displaced, new courts erected without consent of the legislature, by
which it seems to me trials by juries are taken away wben a governor pleases ;
men of known estates denied their votes, contrary to the received practice of the
best expositor of any law. Who is there in that province that can call anything
his own, or enjoy any liberty longer than those in the administration wiU con
descend to let them, for wbich reason I left it, as I believe more wUl.' "
The court-room was crowded almost to suffocation ; every kind of busi
ness was neglected. The freedom of the press was at stake, as was also
liberty of speech, and men looked at each other anxiously and conversed in
undertones. Hamilton admitted the publication. Bradley, the attorney-
general, remarked that the jury must then find a verdict for the king.
"By no means," exclaimed Hamilton, in his clear, thrUling, silvery
voice. '' It is not the bare printing and publishing of a paper tbat wUl
make it a Ubel ; the words themselves must be hbelous, tbat is, false,
scandalous, and seditious, or else my chent is not guilty."
Bradley said " the truth of a libel could not be taken in evidence."
" What is a libel ? " asked HamUton.
Bradley gave the usual definition. He said : —
"Whether the person defamed be a private man or a magistrate, whether
living or dead, whether the libel be true or false, or the party against whom it
is made be of good or evil fame, it is nevertheless a Ubel, and as such, must be
dealt with according to law ; for in a settled state of govemment every person
has a right to redress for aU grievances done him. As to its pubfication the
law has taken such great care of men's reputations tbat if one mahciously repeats
it or sings it in the presence of another, or delivers a copy of it over to defame
or scandalize the party, he is to be punished as the pubUsher of a libel. It is
likewise evident tbat it is an ofiense against tbe law of God, for Paul himself
has said, ' I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest ; for it is written,
Thou shalt not speak evU of the ruler of thy people.' "

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THE FAMOUS TRIAL. 553
Bradley attempted to show how Zenger had been guilty of " a gross
offense against God and man, by attacking with words and innuendoes
the aacred person of royalty through its representative the governor,"
and quoted precedents to prove that, whether true or false, a libel re
mained the same in the eye of the law.
Chambers, in his address to the jury, insisted that the just complaint
of a number of men suffering under the bad administration of a govern
ment was no hbel. He said the authorities which Bradley had cited
were from that terrible and long-exploded court, " the Star Chamber."
He asked if it was not surprising " to see a subject, upon his receiving a
commission from the king to govern a colony in America, imagine
himself at once invested with aU the prerogatives belonging to his
Majesty, and more astoiUshing to see a people so wild as to aUow of
and acknowledge those prerogatives even to their own destruction. Is
it so hard a matter to distinguish between the majesty of our sovereign
and the power of the governor of a province ? " He showed the folly of
such ideas, and insisted that the rights of a freeholder in New York were
as great as those of a freeholder in England.
Bradley interrapted the barrister by declaring that the confession of
puhhcation, admitted the guUt of Zenger to what was charged in the
information, as "scandalous and leading to sedition."
Hamilton sprang to his feet, and suggested that Mr. Attorney had
omitted the word "false " ; he thought the word must have had some
ineaning in it, and was not put in the information by chance. In his
opinion an untruth made the Ubel. He chaUenged Bradley to prove tbe
facts charged to be false, in which case he would acknowledge them
"scandalous, seditious, and a libel" To save trouble, he offered to prove
the papers trvs.
Chief Justice De Lancey objected, teUing HamUton that he could not
be admitted to give the truth of a libel in evidence, as the law was clear
that a libel could not be justified.
HamUton proceeded to give his opinion of the word justify in its appli
cation to the present case.
De Lancey then desired bim to show that he could give the truth of a
libel in evidence.
HamUton responded by arguing the point at considerable length. After
referriiig to an authority in Coke's third Institute, he explained that by
'be judgment, the hbelous words were utterly false, and the falsehood
was the cihne, and ground of that judgment; that falsehood makes
scandal, and both make the Ubel. " And how," he asks, " shaU it be
known whether the words are libelous — that is, true or false — but by

564 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
admitting us to prove them true ? " Hamilton made it appear monstrous
and ridiculous to assert that truth makes a worse hbel than falsehood.
The court was of opinion that he ought not to be permitted to prove
the " facts in the papers." The chief justice said w" It is far from being a
justification of a libel that the contents thereof are true, or that the
person on whom it is made had a bad reputation, since the greater ap
pearance there is of truth in any malicious invective, so miich the more
provoking it is.''
Hamilton,'s address to the jury was fuU of sarcasm. He said : " You
are the best judges of the law and the fact, and are to take upon your
selves to say whether the papers are false, scandalous, and seditious." He
was interrupted several times by the court, and there was some brilliant.
sparring. He went on to declare that juries had a right to determhie both the law
and the fact, and ought to do so. In his opinion, leaving to the court to
say whether the words are hbelous or not rendered the jury useless, and
worse. He declared that if a ruler brings personal faUings and vices into
his administration, and the people are affected by them either in their hb
erties or properties, aU the arguments in favor of dignitaries and power
will not stop their mouths in a free government, if they feel oppressed.
Said he : —
" Years ago it was a crime to speak the truth, and in that terrible court of
Star Chamber many brave men suffered for so doing ; and yet, even in that
court and in those times a great and good man durst say what I hope wUl not
be taken amiss of me to say in tbis place, to wit : ' Tbe practice of informations
for libels is a sword in the bands of a wicked king, and an arrant coward, to cut
-down and destroy the innocent ; tbe one cannot because of his high station, and
the other dares not because of his want of courage, revenge himself in any other
manner.' .... Our Constitution gives us an opportunity to prevent wrong, by
appealing to the people  But of what use is this mighty privUege if every
man that suffers must be sUent ; and if a man must be taken up as a libeler
for telling bis sufferings to his neighbor ? I know it may be answered, ' Have
you not a House of Eepresentatives to whom you may complain ? ' And to this
I answer, ' We have ' ; but what then ? Is an assembly to be troubled with
every injury done by a governor 1 Or are they to hear of nothing but what
those in the administration will please to tell them ? Or what sort of a trial ¦
must a man have 1 And how is he to be remedied, especiaUy if the case were,
as I have known it to happen in America in my time, that a governor who has
places (I will not say pensions, for I believe they seldom give that to another
which they can take to themselves) to bestow, and can or wiU keep the same as
sembly (after he has modeled them so as to get a majority of the house in his
interest) for near twice seven years together? I pray what redress is to be ex-

HAMILTON'S ARGUMENTS. 655
[ for au honest man, who makea his complaint against a governor to an as-
semhlywho may properly enough be said to be made by the same governor
against whom the complaint is made ? .... A man tbat is neither good nor
wise before his being made a governor never mends upon his preferment, but
generaUy grows worse ; and we all understand why gentlemen take so much
pains and make sucb great interest to be appointed governors, nor is the design
of their appouitment less manifest  Prosecutions for libels since the
time of that arbitrary court, the Star Chamber, bave generally been set on foot at
the instance of the crown or his ministers, and countenanced by judges who
hold their places at pleasure  If a libel is understood in the large and un
limited sense urged by Mr. Attorney, there is scarce a writing I know tbat may
not be called a libel, or scarcely any person safe from being caUed to account as
a libeler. Moses, meek as he was, Ubeled Cain ; aud who has not libeled the
Devil? for, according to Mr. Attorney, it is no justification.to say that one has a
bad name  How must a man speak or write, or what must he hear, read,
or sing, or when must he laugh, so as to be secure from being taken up as a
libeler? I sincerely beUeve tbat were some persons to go through the streets
of New York nowadays, and read a part of the Bible, if it were not known to
be such, Mr. Attorney, with the help of his innuendoes, would easUy turn it to
be a hbel ; as, for instance, the sixteenth verse of the ninth chapter of Isaiah :
'The leaders of the people (innuendo, the governor and council of New York)
cause them {innuendo, the people of this province) to err, and they (meaning the
people of this province) are destroyed (innuendo, are deceived into the loss of
their liberty, which is the worst kind of destruction). Or, if some person sbould
publicly repeat, in a manner not pleasing to his betters, tbe tenth and eleventh
verses of the fifty-fifth chapter of the same book, then Mr. Attorney would have
a large field to display his skiU in the artful application of his innuendoes. The
words are : ' His watchmen are all blind, they are ignorant ; yea, they are greedy
dogs, that can never have enough.' To make them a Ubel, arrange thus : 'His
watchmen (innuendo, the governor, councU, and assembly) are aU blind ; they are
ignorant (innuendo, wiU not see the dangerous designs of his ExceUency) ; yea,
they (meaning the governor and councU) are greedy dogs which can never have
enough (innuendo, of riches and power)."
These humorous illustrations were followed by many others, aU strictly
analogous to the charges against his chent. He dwelt at great length on
many topics which we have not cited. He closed by saying : —
"I am truly very unequal to such an undertaking on many accounts; and
you see I labor under the weight of years, and am borne down with great in
finnities of body ; yet, old and weak as I am, I should think it my duty, if
required, to go to the utmost part of the land, wbere my service could be of use
in assistmg to quench the flame of prosecutions upon informations set on foot by
tbe government, to deprive a people of the right of remonstrating (and com-

666 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
plaining too) of the arbitrary attempts of men in power. Men who injure and
oppress the people under their administration provoke them to cry out and
complain, and then make that very complaint the foundation for new oppres
sions and prosecutions. I wish I could say there were no instances of this kind.
But to conclude : the question before the court, and you, gentlemen of the jury
is not of smaU nor private concern ; it is not the cause of a poor printer, nor of
New York alone, which you are now trying. No ! It may in its consequences
afiect every freeman tbat lives under a British government on the main of
America ! It is the best cause, it is the cause of liberty, and I make no doubt
but your upright conduct tbis day wUl not only entitle you to the love and
esteem of your feUow-citizens, but every man who prefers freedom to a life of
slavery wUl bless and honor you, as men who have baffled the attempt of
tyranny, and by an impartial and uncorrupt verdict have laid a noble founda
tion for securing to ourselves, our posterity, and our neighbors, that to which
nature and the laws of our country bave given us a right, — the liberty both of
exposing and opposing arbitrary power (in these parts of the world, at least)
by speaking and writing truth."
It was in vain that Chief Justice De Lancey charged the jury that they
were judges of the fact, but not of the law, and that the truth of the libel
was a question beyond their jurisdiction. They returned a verdict, after
only a few minutes' deliberation, of " Not Guilty." The court-room was
at once the scene of a noisy uproar. The ignorant audience held the
court in contempt, because of the gifted irony of the bar, and supposed
that the action of the judges was but another iUustration of the tyranny
and oppression of the times. The shouts which shook the buUding untU
it seemed as if aU its component parts would be divorced from each other,
startled and angered the judges, and one of them indiscreetly threatened
the leader of the tumult with imprisonment, if he could be discovered.
Captain Norris, a son of the knighted admiral of that name, and connected
with Ex- Chief- Justice Morris by the marriage of his daughter, pertly re
sponded, that huzzas were common rn Westminster Hall, and were some
what loud at the time of the acquittal of the seven bishops. The shouts
were repeated and repeated, and HamUton, as the champion of the rights
of the oppressed, was the lion of the hour. He was conducted from the
court-room, with some difficulty resisting a ride upon the shoulders of the
crowd, to an elegant entertainment.
The next day the corporation of the city tendered him a pubhc dinner,
at which there was a superabundance of fine wines and finer brandies.
The mayor, in a complimentary address, presented him with the freedom
of the city in a magnificent gold box purchased by private subscription.
A grand ball was given in his honor the same evening, which was at
tended by the famUies of aU such as opposed the existing administration.

EXCITING SCENES bbl
and by many others, who, when the enthusiasm subsided, dropped back
into the conservative channel The whole city compUmented him upon
his departure. He was escorted with ostentatious ceremony to the barwe
which was to convey hhn to Philadelphia, and received a parting salute
of cannon, amid the huzzas of the multitudes and the waving of banners.
The scribblers of the day took courage, and grew more aggravating than
ever. Squibs, baUads, and serious charges against high officials fiUed the
pubhc prints. The acquittal of Zenger was esteemed the gTeat triumph of
the age. It was not Zenger alone, however, who had been on trial. The
quick-witted, restless, and malignant politicians who had sustained him, were
jubfiant over results through which they had been more nearly affected
than even Zenger himself There was opportunity now for retaliation.
Alexander and Smith entered a complaint, as soon as the Assembly met
in the autumn, against the judges for depriving them of their practice.
They were heard bythe comnUttee of grievances on the 23d of Oc
tober; and a copy of the complaint was ordered to be served on
the judges, and an answer required within forty days.
Prior to 1743 the statute provided no Umit to the length of office of
the members of the Assembly. The governor might at any time dissolve
them and order a new election, according to his pleasure. In Governor
Hunter's time the Legislature chosen in 1716 remained in office until
1725. After that an election took place annuaUy until 1728, when the
Assembly had another protracted existence of nine years, until 1737.
AbiU passed the House in 1734, that no Assembly should continue more
than three years. The councU did not act upon it, and it was lost. The
subject was repeatedly agitated. In November of the same year the
House petitioned the governor for a dissolution. He gave them to under
stand that he should do it when he pleased. And he did not then please.
In the midst of these special agitations, in 1735, a petition, very largely
signed by the citizens, was presented to the governor, suggesting that the
long session was a grievance, and asking that it might be dissolved, which
was again refused, notwithstanding the members unanimously asked his
consent The House at once resolved " that, the Court of Chancery, under
the exercise of a governor, without consent of the General Assembly, is
contrary to law, unwarrantable, and of dangerous consequences to tbe
liberties and properties of the people." Presently a petition came from
Queen's County, to the effect that the long continuance of the Assembly
occasioned a decay of trade and depreciation of lands. This incensed some
of the members, and after a spirited debate the House voted that the
charge was an " unjust and audacious misrepresentation." Shortly after, the
lawyers who had been sUenced in their profession, insinuated with stinging

558 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
emphasis, that the distant day assigned for the answer of the judges to
tbeir complaints was an attempt to evade justice.
Cosby wrote to tbe Lords of Trade, complaining of Alexander as being
at the head of a scheme to give aU imaginable uneasiness to tbe govern
ment, and asked for tbe removal of both Alexander and Van Dam from
the council. He said that private meetings were being held several
nights in a week, and that scurrilous and abusive pamphlets, pubUshed
against the Ministry and persons of honor and quality in England, were
beiug reprinted in New York, with such alterations as served to enrage
the people agaiust the governor, council. Assembly, and magistrates gen
erally. Cosby himself seems to have done very Uttle to rescue bis memory
from universal detestation. He destroyed, about tbis time, certain deeds
belonging to the city of Albany, which occasioned almost a panic. The
Mohawks had conveyed a valuable part of their territory to the corpora
tion of that city, to take effect upon the total dissolution of tbeir tribe.
These documents were shown to Cosby to convince him of tbe injustice
of granting the same property to private patentees. He had requested
the perusal of them, and after reading threw them into the fire before
which he was seated, and they were instantly consumed. He intended
to enrich himself with fees for new grants, as weU as by the acquisition
of improved lands. From the same motive originated a project to re-
survey all the old patents on Long Island. The inhabitants were almost
universaUy alarmed. Long Island comprehended at that time nearly a
third part of tbe improved lands of the colony. No land-owner knew
whether his best improved possessions might not fall beyond the new
lines assigned for his tract. Every intelligent man understood that the
old grants and patents were penned inaccurately, and with aU the negli
gence of liberality, and that in some instances proprietors bad taken ad
vantage of tbe description of tbeir limits by marked trees and other un
certain boundaries, to extend their possessions too far. But a re-survey
could only be attended with difficulty and danger. The adventurous
planter had been obliged, after acquiring his title from tbe crown, to buy
peace from tbe savages as often as tbey were pleased to renew their
claims, before he could cultivate the soil in safety. The prospect of sec
ond patents promised mischief, animosities, and lawsuits. De Lancey
was astonished, for he comprehended the embarrassments wbich must
ensue. In reply to his expostulations, Cosby remarked, petulantly,
" What do you suppose I care for the grumbling rustics ? "
From this troublous epoch arose two great parties, differing materially
from those which had shaken New York in the years gone before, and

FIRST CITY POOR-HOUSE.

659

which ever afterwards divided the people of the province. Both pro
fessed the utmost loyalty to the Brhish Constitution, and claimed and
upheld the rights of Englishmen. But one was conservative and the
other radical. As in England, the religious element entered largely into
pohtics. The Episcopalians and many of the Dutch were conservative,
while the remainder of the Dutch, and the Presbyterians, almost to a
' man, might have been found among the radicals. There were wit, taste,
subtlety in drawing distinctions, and stubborn resolution on both sides,
and each contending party had always some advantage over the other.
MeanwhUe the city progressed slowly. Paul Eichard was the newly
elected mayor, and was soon after recommended by Cosby to tte Lords
of Trade as a fit man to appoint to the councU. Cortlandt Street was
laid out during the summer, and Beekman Swamp sold for £ 100. The
city watch was increased to ten, and two constables appointed. On tbe
16th of July, Governor Cosby, with imposing ceremonies, laid the corner
stone of a new Battery on Whitehall Eocks. A terrible accident occurred
on this occasion through the bursting of an old cannon. Three persons
were instantly kiUed, one of whom was the daughter of Colonel Van
Cortlandt ; the others were John Syms, the high sheriff, and a son-in-law
of Alderman Eeimer.
A poor-house, which
was also a house of cor
rection and a sort of cala
boose for unruly slaves,
was erected in 1734 on
the Commons— City HaU
Park — alongside of the
gallows; the latter retired
shortly afterward into the
valley near Fresh Water
Pond. This building was
46 feet long, 24 wide, and
two stories high. Some
of the quaint regulations ''''¦=* '^'^^ Poo,-House.
of this institution are flashed upon our notice, through the following ex
tract from the minutes of the Common Council, March, 1736 : —
"As provision is made for the poor, tbe committee recommend tbat aU beg
gars on the streets be put to hard labor ; that parish children be religiously
educated, taught to read and write, and cast accounts, and employed in spinning,
fitting, and sewing, to qualify them for being put out apprentices ; that fet
ters, gyves, shackles, and a convenient place, or whipping-post, be provided for

560 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the incorrigible ; that a garden be fenced in for raising roots and herbs for the
poor ; that tbe inhabitants of the city have free license to send to the said
house all servants and slaves, there to be kept to hard labor, and punished ac
cording to the directions of any one justice, witb the consent of the master or
mistress ; that the master or mistress pay 1 s. entrance, and Is. 6 d for whip
ping, and for discharge 1 s., and 7 d. per day during confinement."
New York was pronounced at that time one of the most social places
on the continent. The gentlemen coUected themselves into weekly even
ing clubs, and both gentlemen and ladies were often entertained with
concerts, assemblies, etc., as weU as private parties. An elegant baU was
given at "tbe "Black Horse," on the evening of January 19, 1736, to cele
brate the birthday of the Prince of Wales. The dress and appearance
of the guests was reported by the press as magnificent. The f4te was
opened with French dances. Mrs. Captain Norris introduced a new
country dance which captivated the whole company. At the conclusion
of a sumptuous banquet, tbe "Hon. Eip Van Dam, President of his
Majesty's council, began the royal healths, which were all drank with
bumpers." On the morning of the same day, the members of the councU,
and the principal merchants and gentlemen of tbe city, had assembled at
the fort, and " drank the royal healths " ; but, owing to tbe Ulness of Gov
ernor Cosby, other customary public demonstrations on sucb an occasion
were omitted.
It is curious how the feud between Cosby and Van Dam smouldered,
and widened in its proportions as months rolled on. The latter, although
president of the councU, rarely attended its meetings. He wrote repeat
edly to the Lords of Trade, endeavoring to impress upon their minds the
conditiou and wants of New York, and the total unfitness of their gov
ernor for his responsible position. Cosby was in constant correspondence
witb the same parties, and used the most extravagant language in accus
ing and abusing Van Dam.^ Dr. Colden resided out of town, and only
made his appearance occasionaUy. But he so far sustained Van Dam in
the positiou he maintained, that Cosby declared him unworthy of confi
dence. In one of Cosby's letters to the Duke of Newcastle, he said that
Colden was closely linked with the opposers of the government, and acted
as their spy upon the transactions of the council.
Cosby's illness continued all winter. At times he was able to attend
to business ; but he, as weU as his physicians, was apprehensive of serious
' Articles of Complaint against Governor Cosby by Rip Van Dam, Esq. New York Col.
MSS., Y. 975-978. Governor Cosby to the Duke of Newcastle, December 17, 1733. Gov
ernor Cosby to the Lords of Trade, December 7, 1734, and Same to Same, June 10, 1735.
Col. MSS,, VI. 24-26, 31, 37, 38.

DEATH OF GOVERNOR COSBY. 561
results. When it first dawned upon his mind that his life was in actual
danger, he summoned a few of the counselors to his bedchamber, and
secretly suspended Van Dam, in order to prevent the latter's assumption
of the govemment as president of the council, in case of his death. He
hngered untU the 10th of March. When he died there was an 1736.
outward show of sorrow and much inward joy. The people who March 10.
were smarting under the expectation of having their land-patents invali
dated, thanked God fervently for having rid them of a monstrous tyrant.
The political party, not in power, exulted over the prospect of Van Dam's
speedy occupancy of the chair of state. They had long since despaired of
any rehef through the exertions of Lewis Morris in England ; now their
hour of triumph had come.
But early the next morning, even before the news of the governor's
death had been put in general circulation, the council met and proceeded
to administer the oaths of office to George Clarke, who was next to Van
Dam in the order of age. There were present at this meeting, besides
Clarke, James Alexander, Abraham Van Horne, James De Lancey, Archi
bald , Kennedy, PhiUp Van Cortlandt, Henry Lane, and Daniel Horse
manden. The suspension of Van Dam was necessarily made public.
Alexander declined to give his opinion concerning tbe singular and cow
ardly act of the late governor, but the other gentlemen were united in
their belief that the administration of the government under the circum
stances devolved upon Glarke, who at once issued a proclamation announ- ,
cing the governor's death, and continuing all officers in their places.
In the afternoon. Van Dam called upon Mrs. Cosby to obtain the great
seal of the province, also the commissions and instructions from the king.
He was denied access. He then demanded them in writing of Clarke,
to whom he found they had been delivered. Clarke refused to surrender
them, and quoted the act of suspension by which Van Dam's claim was
annulled. Van Dam indignantly assailed the validity of such an act at
such a time. He declared that Cosby was delirious and irresponsible at
the moment of the suspension ; and that if he had been in the full pos
session of his faculties, his power was only .sufficient to exclude him from
acting as counselor, and could not interfere with his succession to the
command. The simple authority of the governor was extinguished by
bis death, and thus, he said, the councU could not legally qualify Clarke.
The sympathy of the community was chiefly with Van Dam. He was
a man of sterling sense as well as strong character, and his reputation for
bonesty was unimpeachable. He inspired confidence. The people knew
bim and beUeved in him. They felt that he had been grievously wronged.
Tbey were disposed to support his claims at any cost. Men gathered
36

562 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
in knots on the streets and talked in loud tones. An insurrection at
one time seemed imminent.
Clarke adjourned the Assembly, and Van Dam issued a printed protest
denying Clarke's authority in the matter, and insisting that the body was
virtually dissolved, therefore could no longer legaUy sit or act. The
members met on tbe day to which it had been adjourned, but before the
speaker had taken the chair, they were each served with a copy of Van
Dam's protest, enclosed in a printed letter, which warned them against
the consequences of attempting the transaction of business. Lewis Mor
ris, Jr, stepped forward and spoke for half au hour to the same effect,
and tben produced a " Declaration," denouncing the action of Clarke and
the council, which he appealed to the members to sign. The. majority
of those present were disinclined, and he, with a few others, left the
chamber iu high temper. The remainder were considerably bewUdered
by the turn events were taking, and quite unwiUing to involve them
selves, in litigation ; they returned to their homes, and the House con
tinued under repeated adjournments untU the late autumn.
The unrest in the atmosphere caused serious fears. There were covert
threats of open violence among the common people. Clarke was attacked
by writers in the Weekly Journal, Zenger's paper, and boldly menaced
with a prosecution. The public memory was constantly refreshed through
the same source with distorted accounts of " high crimes " in high places,
and Bradford, in the New York Gazette, retorted in similar absurd exagger
ations. Clarke earnestly implored the Lords of Trade to protect him by
removing Van Dam from office, thereby admitting his own doubts of the
validity of the governor's secret suspension, unless the act was sustained
and reacted upon by tbe crown. " He will sue me," continued Clarke, "for
the profits of the government, if you do not silence hhn, and I shaU be
undone." ^
As a specimen of the " freedom of the press," so recently guaranteed by
the acquittal of Zenger, the following extract from the columns of the
Weekly Journal is given : —
" Whatever desire some of tbe subjects of tbe British Domimons may have to
be above tbe law, aud tread it under foot, yet tbe law will, in the long run, get
above them. It is too strong to contend with, and he wbo does contend with it
will hardly escape a fall. Of tbis the Hon. Francis Harrison, counselor, is a recent
example.^ All tbe power be had to support him could not prevent a faU. If
1 President Clarke to the Duke of Newcastle, March 16, 1736.
2 "Harrison went privately to England in 1735. It was imagined that Cosby sent him
to watch and oppose the movements of Colonel Lewis Morris, and that the governor's death
plunged him into poverty, and prevented his return. He did not long sm-vive that event. —
Smith's New York, Vol. II. p. 29.

CONTEST BETWEEN VAN DAM AND CLARKE. 563
Mr. Clarke be not entitled to tbe administration, I beUeve a grand jury of New
York wiU think him guilty of high treason for usurping, and indict bim accord-
intrly. I do not believe that tbey will think his superiority or their subordina
tion wiU excuse them for not doing it. Tbeir oath is to present all offenders.
I hitherto have not heard of any exception in it, either of counselors or com
mander-in-chief They are as subject to law as the meanest man in New York,
let their desire be ever so strong to be above it ; and if tbe grand jury indicts, I
doubt not the court wUl issue the process thereof to apprehend him and try him
by twelve lawful men of New York, where the fact was committed. If he is
taken, I doubt not but that he wiU have tihe liberty of pleading his superiority,
and the subordination of the court and jury against their jurisdiction. I doubt
not but that the plea wiU be fully beard as it ought to be, and that his lawyers
may speak 'freely in support of it, notwithstanding all the part he had in making
of such precedents ; and if his lawyers can make it out, that he is above and out
of the reach of the law, the court ought to allow the plea ; but if they can't, as I
believe they cannot, he must there hold up his hand, as well as the meanest and
most arch pickpocket that ever was in New York, and either confess and be
hanged, or say not guilty, and put himself for his trial on God and his country ;
and if such be tbe case, I hope justice be may depend upon. But what charity
twelve good men of New York, sworn to try him, will have for him, he, by run
ning over his past services to the properties, liberties, and privileges of this coun
try, may in some measure, be able to judge. But, however, as a Christian, I
shaU be obliged, in that case, to join in the clerk's prayer, and say, God send you
a good deliverance."
Odious nicknames were given to the counselors. They were often in
sulted in the streets. Alexander, at his quiet country-seat in New Jersey,
refused to attend the meetings of the council. Thus the summer passed
away. MeanwhUe Lewis Morris returned from England, reaching Morrisania
bythe way of Boston on the 7th of October. His purposes had been weU
nigh defeated several times, but, nothing daunted, he had with charac
teristic spirit 9,nd pertinacity stood his ground until his triumph was
complete. Peter CoUinson wrote to Alexander, saying, "the Duke of
Newcastle (to whom Cosby was indebted for his appointment) was
strong in the governor's interest, and also Lord Halifax, a relation of tbe
governor; but the governor's spleen, pique, and prejudice were so noto
riously seen through the whole charge against Morris, that there was no
supporting it." Notwithstanding the strongest efforts to the contrary by
tbe friends of Cosby, the committee of Lords who had given the affair a
final hearing on the 7th of November, 1735, pronounced the governor's
reasons for removing Morris from the chief-justiceship, insufficient. Fer
dinand John Paris vn-ote to Alexander, on the 21st of the same month, " I
am inclined to think his Excellency shakes."

664 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The advantage gave Morris increased consideration among the lords.
It was henceforth advisable to approach him with caution. The slum
bering question of a separate governor for New Jersey, was revived, but
not acted upon, until February, 1738, at which time he received the
appointment, and shortly after entered upon his duties. He sailed for
America, however, as soon as he heard of the death of Cosby.
News reached New York in the evening that Colonel Morris was at
his mansion in Morrisania. The next morrung he was waited upon by
some of the leaders of the popular party, and conducted to the
city to attend a public meeting preparatory to the approaching
appointment of city officials. He was met by crowds of people, who in
dulged in the most enthusiastic cheers of welcome. When he learned to
what extremes the controversy had advanced, he expressed his opinion
gravely and with resolute firmuess ; Van Dam had a right to the admin
istration, and he was willing to execute the office of chief justice under
him. As for tbe Assembly, he pronounced it dissolved, and said that
force ought to be opposed to force, if Clarke continued to claim authority.
" Be sure of one thing," he remarked with emphasis ; " if you don't hang
them they will hang you."
The pivot upon which matters seemed likely to turn was the action
of the corporation of the city. In the election of aldermen the Van Dam
party had prevailed. Among those elected were John Aspinwall, Jaco
bus Eosevelt, Stephen Bayard, Gerardus Beekman, John Pintard, and
Gerardus Stuyvesant. The 29th of September was the day provided by
the charter, on which tbe commander-in-chief of the province should
nominate tbe mayor, recorder, sheriff, coroner, etc., for the ensuing year,
and the 14th of October was the day for them to be sworn into office.
Clarke and Van Dam eacb summoned a meeting of the executive councU,
and each made out their Ust of appointees.^ The Common Council met
in great tribulation, and sent tbe mayor, with one or two attendants, to
both Clarke and Van Dam, to beg that aU appointments might be re
voked while there was so much uncertainty about who was entitled to
supreme authority, as it would endanger the charter to accept new city
' Van Dam caused the following paper to be served upon Clarke : —
" New York, September 29, 1736.
" His Majesty's council of the province being duly summoned to attend me in coimcil,
as commander-in-chief of the province, and James Alexander appearing, and the rest
neglecting to appear according to the said summons, so that a quorum could not be made to
give me their advice concerning the appointment of the following magistrates of this city, I
have, in their default, appointed Cornelius Horne mayor, William Smith recorder, Bichard
Ashfield sheriff, and Richard Nicolls coroner, for the ensuing year.
Bip Van Dam."

CLARKE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL. 565
officers. During the election of the aldermen in the different wards,
a paper had been circulated for signatures, declaring that Van Dam had
a right to the administration. The Weeldy Journal was filled with
inflammable articles tending to persuade the people that every man had
a right to judge to whom the administration of the government belonged,
with significant hints that if a governor misbehave they were at liberty
to depose bim. The meeting on the Sth of October, was of such a
character that Clarke, knowing the majority of the corporation were of
the popular party, retired from his elegant city residence into the fort,
and prepared for defense in case of a resort to arms, which was confi
dently expected.
The magistrates chosen by Van Dam had actuaUy resolved to meet the
issue. Private conferences had been held ; Alexander, Smith, and Morris
had each given legal advice ; and steps had been taken to overpower the
soldiera on duty if they interfered. Twenty-four hours more, and New
York would be plunged in civil war.
Just at this crisis the brigantine Endeavor arrived from England, bring
ing despatches from the government to Clarke, which clearly established
his authority as president of the council, and commander-in-chief of the
province. The city officers whom he had appointed were duly
sworn, and the machinery of municipal affairs remained intact.
' Clarke summoned the Assembly on the same day, and delivered a
speech which was remarkable for the temperate manner in which he re
ferred to the late unhappy divisions in the colony. He invited attention
to ship-building, which had become very lucrative in some of the neigh
boring colonies, and sadly neglected in this ; also to the expediency of
encouraging domestic nianufactures in various departments of industry.
For four years, little or no attention had been given to Indian affairs.
The incessant quarrels of Cosby with the people and their representa
tives had left him apparently no time to bestow upon the frontiers. The
Six Nations, in the absence of other employment, had resumed hostUities
against their enemies at the south. One of their expeditions, directed
against thei Chickasaws, was shockingly disastrous; they fell into an
ambuscade, and fought until aU but two of a strong band of warriors were
slain. One only of these returned to tell the mournful story. Another
expedition had been sent against the Catawbas and Cherokees. A fierce
battle was fought in Kentucky, at a place caUed the " Bloody Lands," and
although the Six Nations were victorious, it was with terrible loss.
Clarke recommended the raising of money to repair the forts, as they
were very dUapidated, and suggested the erection of a new one at the
carrying-place leading into Oneida Lake, and thence through the Oswego

566 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
River into Lake Ontario ; he thought it would be weU to transfer the
garrison from Fort Hunter to this new and commanding position. And
to humor the clamor within the House, he consented to introduce the
practice (which has since prevailed) ^f absenting himself from the councU,
whenever it should sit as a branch of the Legislature. Chief Justice De
Lancey was immediately appointed speaker of the council during the
session. The concession so pleased the Common Council, that the next morning
they sent a committee to offer one of the chambers in the City HaU for
the sittings of the Legislative Council, which was graciously accepted.
The foUowing was accordingly placed upon their records : —
"At a Common Council held at the City Hall on Thursday the 21st
°''*' ^^' day of October, 1736.
" Present, Paul Eichard, Esq', Mayor, Gerrardus Stuyvesant, Esq', Deputy
Mayor, Daniel Horsemanden, Esq', Eecorder, (witb the aldermen and assist
ants.) " Forasmuch as his Majesty's CounciU of this Province are to sit and act in
their Legislative capacity, during tbe sessions of the General Assembly (without
tbe presence of the Governor or Commander-in-chief of this province) and where
as, a convenient room or chamber in tbe City Hall, under the same rooif where
tbe General Assembly do usually meet and sit is for the better expediting the
publick affaires of tbis Colony, tbat both Houses may have speedy recourse to each
other for their greater ease and more speedy accomplishing of business ;
" Resolved and Ordered, That the said Chamber in tbe City Hall of this City,
commonly caUed the Common Council Chamber, be with all convenient expedi
tion handsomely fitted up and furnished, and a convenient closet or more made
in the same, and that tbe Chamber be adorned with pictures, maps, prints, and
appropriated for the use and service of his Majesty's CouncU of this province, at
all times during their sessions in General Assembly, and not otherwise, reserving
to this corporation the property and use thereof at aU other times.
" Order of Common Council,
Will Sharpas, Clerk."
The Supreme Court was in session, where De Lancey as chief justice
was in constant attendance. He consequently declined the honor of act
ing as speaker of the council, and a resolution was passed that the senior
counselor present sbould at all times preside. Hon. CadwaUader Colden,
who had returned to the city, accordingly took the chair.-*,
A few days later, Clarke received a commission from the crown,
1 The council, as will be observed, acted in a twofold capacity : first, as advisory or privy
council to the governor, and second (during the sessions of the Assembly) as a legislative
council, in which they exercised simUar functions as the Senate of the present day.

CLARKE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK 567
dated July 30, constituting him lieutenant-governor of the province.
This gave him additional power and consequence.
The reaction from chaos to order was so sudden and pronounced that
there was a general lull in the poUtical world. The Assembly had an
inactive and peaceable session, and on the 7th of November was prorogued
until AprU. The winter was given to social gayeties and popular amuse
ments. Clarke was immensely gratified vnth his honors. His immediate
connection with some of the prominent lords at Whitehall (he was a
nephew of Blathwayt, to whom, indeed, he was indebted for his appoint
ment in 1703 as secretary of the province of New York,) and through
his marriage with the royal famUy itself, had given tone to his aspira
tions. He was by no means a briUiant man, but thirty-four years of
active pubhc service in the colony had rendered him well acquainted 'with
its affairs. He was taU, straight, with a militaiy air and mien that made
a favorable impression upon every one at first sight. He was not a man
of letters ; his mind was fiUed with schemes for increasing his fortune,
rather than in lines of study. But he was intelligent, sensible, and cau
tious. He had perfect command of a haughty, overbearing temper, and
was extremely affable and concUiating in his address.
Mrs. Clarke was one of the most accompUshed and charming of women.
She was not, strictly speaking, a beauty, but her face was full of expres
sion, and her heart overfiowed with keen, quick sympathies. Her sweet
ness of temper was historical. It was said that nothing could ruffle it
or draw an unkind criticism from her lips. Her husband's affectionate
regard and devotedness to her, and his ready submission to her soothing
voice, even when in his most excited and revengeful moods, were among
the commendable traits in his character. And it is a strong proof of her
clear understanding, excellent judgment, and self-control, that she main
tained through her whole life such a healthful influence over him.
Clarke had so managed hitherto as not to lose the favor of any gov
emor. He now determined to make peace with all classes of men in the
colony. One of his first important acts was to effect a reconciliation be
tween the judges and Alexander and Smith, and restore the latter to their
professional rank at the bar. It was a politic measure. But it failed to
accompUsh the purpose intended. Some of the more conservative mem
bers of the councU took exceptions to this seemingly middle course which
tbe new executive had adopted, chief among whom was De Lancey.
Their confidence was shaken.
It was quite an event when the two able lawyers once more appeared
in court.1 Alexander was no speaker, but his breadth of learning, honesty
' Historical Sketch ofthe Jiidieial Tribunals of New York. By Charles P. Daly.

568 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
of purpose, and depth of thought commanded universal respect and ad
miration. He possessed the knack of throwing terrible significance into
a few well-chosen words at certain times, and was always a formidable
and much-dreaded adversary. Smith was a born orator. Speaking re
quired no effort with him. His grandest orations were often impromptu.
There was always more or less of pathos, humor, scorn, and anger in
them. He usuaUy spoke slowly, regularly, distinctly, and smoothly, — as
a clock ticks, — and seemed able to continue an indefinite length of time.
His voice was musical, which, with an attractive face, fine presence, and
great personal magnetism, was very effective upon a jury. He was a
man of varied attainments; an exceUent theologian, a French, Greek,
Latin, and Hebrew scholar, and something of an adept in the sciences.
The hospitalities of society were dispensed by Lieutenant-Governor
Clarke, Chief Justice De Lancey, Eobert Watts, Abraham De Peyster, Jr.,
the treasurer of tbe province, PhUip Van Cortlandt, of Cortlandt Manor,
James Alexander, Colonel Beekman, Dr. Colden, and others, with a lib
erality and grace which have rarely been surpassed. Drawing-rooms
were not filled to suffocation by a promiscuous crowd unknown to each
other and scarcely known to the host and hostess. The guests were aU
of one class, and personally acquainted. The majority of them were re
lated by blood and marriage. Social intercourse was genial and agreeable,
with great freedom of conversation. There were certain formalities, how
ever, which were never ignored ; and the etiquette of foreign courts was
observed witb a nicety which we, of this later and more democratic
generation, can scarcely comprehend.
Clarke met the Assembly in April, but the august and ancient
body had grown captious ; a respectable minority among the mem
bers were intent upon a dissolution. He finally made a speech in terms
of real or affected disgust, charging the gentlemen, of whom he said theh
constituents were heartily tired, with having neglected the interests of
both crown and colony, and dissolved them, issuing writs at once for a
new election.
It was nine years since the people had had an opportunity of choosing
representatives, and they went into tbe field with a relish. The radicals
won. Among the chosen, were. Colonel Van Eennselaer, Colonel Schuy
ler, Frederick Philipse, lord of PhUipse Manor, PhUip Livingston, Colo
nel Beekman, David Jones, and GuUan Verplanck. James Alexander
was the new member elected by the city of New York. Lewis Morris,
Jr., was made speaker of the House, which met in August. The presence
of these two leading minds may be traced in nearly aU the records of the
Twenty-First Assembly. It was resolved to pubUsh in future the names

SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE.

569

of voters for and against any question. BiUs were offered by the speaker
for the regulation of elections, for appointing an agent in Great Britain,
independent of the governor, for reducing the interest on loans, and
others of great variety. BiUs were offered by Alexander encouraging the
importation of both white and colored servants, the manufacture of iron
and hemp, the prevention of frauds in flour and other products intended
for exportation, etc.

Beekman Mansion, built by James Beekman in 1763.
(It stood near the comer of Fifty-First Street and First Avenue until 1874.)
The response of the House to the address of the lieutenant-governor
was somewhat of a revelatiou. A spirit of independence blazed forth
which would have done honor to the best days of Greece and Eome.
Some of the vital principles of good government were recognized, particu
larly in reference to the frequency of elections and the danger of trusting
the same men too long with power. One paragraph on the hackneyed
subject of the revenue deserves notice : —
"We therefore beg leave to tell your Honor that you are not to expect that
we either wUl raise sums unfit to be raised, or put that which we shaU raise into
the power of a governor to misapply, if we can prevent it ; nor shall we make
up any other deficiencies than what we conceive are fit and just to be paid, or
Mntmue what support or revenue we shall raise for any longer time than one

670

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

year ; nor do we think it convenient to do even that, until such laws are passed
as we conceive necessary for the safety of tbe inhabitants of this colony."
The session continued untU December. Many bUls of the first impor
tance were passed. Paper money was emitted for paying the provincial
debt, and a loan-office was erected. The fort at Oswego was once more
protected, and Indian trade faciUtated. Clarke humored the intemperate
zeal of one party, and curbed as far as possible tbe resentment of the
other. He found himseK presently regarded with watchful suspicion by
both parties.
For a century the feudal estate of the Gardiners on the beautiful island
at the eastern extremity of Long Island Sound had steadily fiourished. Its
proprietors were invested with sucb authority from the crown as to render
it comparatively independent of the govemment of the province. It was
not even connected in its civil concerns with Easthampton, tbe nearest
town on the Long Island shore. It was enveloped in a web of romance,
from having been made the repository of the piratical treasures of Cap
tain Kidd;^ and more recently (in 1728) through having been infested
and pillaged by Spanish pirates. Yet it was in no way affected by the
political controversies of the times. It was now under the rule of David,
the fourth lord of the manor.^
1 It was during the life of John Gardiner, the third lord of the manor, that Kidd visited the
island. John, third son of the third lord, married Sarah, daughter of Govemor Saltonstall

of Connecticut (the
Richard Saltonstall).
John Gardiner, third
Hannah married-
Worcester, Massa-
great-grandmother of
croft, the historian ;
ried Thomas Green
the mother of the dis-
Green, who married
of John Singleton
sister of Baron Lynd-
lor of England. — Gar-
^ David Gardiner,
manor, was born
the church records is
July 4, died LordGar-
Upon his tombstone
yard is the coat-of-
slceteh is a fac-simile.
Abraham, Samuel, and David.

granddaughter of Sir
Of the daughters of
lord of the manor,
John Chandler of
chusetts, and was the
Hon. George Ban-
and Elizabeth mar-
of Boston, and was
tinguished Gardiner
Elizabeth, daughter
Copley, R. A., and
hurst, Lord Chancel-

The Gardiner Arms.

fourth lord of the
Januarys, 1691. On
this entry: "1751,
diner, aged sixty."
in the Gardinergrave-
arms, of which the
His sons were John,

The widow of John (fifth lord) married General Putnam,
and died at the headquarters of the ai-my on the Hudson, and was buried in the private vault
of Colonel Beverly Robinson.

CITY IMPROVEMENTS. 671

CHAPTER XXVI.
1737-1745.
CITY IMPROVEMENTS.
Cut Improvements. — The FrRSx Quarantine. — Trinity Church. — Adolphe Phil
ipse. —The Disfranchisement of the Jews. — Political Throes. — Judge Lewis
Morris. — John Cruger. — Daniel Horsemanden. — Political Parties. — The
New Market-house in Broadway. — The De Lancey Mansion. — Death of Mrs.
CiARKE. — The Negro Plot — Burning of the Governor's House in the Fort. —
Mary Burton. — 'Wholesale Alarm. — The Common Council. — Burning at the
Stake. — Hanging. — Transportation of Convicts. — Day of Public Thanksgiv
ing. —The Yellow Fever in New York. — Dr. Colden's Medical Treatise. —
Governor George Clinton. — The "Warren Family. — Mansion of Admiral Sir
Peter Warren. — Sir William Johnson. — The Indians. — The French. — The
Conquest of Louisburg. — Sir William Pepperell. — Admiral Sir Peter Warren.
THE city was as yet without form or symmetry. The streets had
come to pass in a crooked and irregular manner, and the buildings
were of as many styles and sizes as dates. The sidewalks were gener
ally roofed with foliage in the summer time, for the shade-trees before-
mentioned had spread out their branches and leafy boughs, and, with the
exception of the shrubs and flowers which appeared on aU sides, were the
most beautiful objects upon Manhattan Island. The corporation insti
tuted improvements now and then. Water Street, from Fulton to Peck
Slip, was rescued from the river during the year 1737. But there were
no special signs of growth about this particular period.
An alarm was created in the early spring by a report that smaU-
pox and spotted fever were raging in South Carolina. A pilot-boat
was at once ordered to be constantly in waiting at or near Sandy Hook,
for the purpose of boarding aU vessels from Barbadoes, Antigua, and South
Carolina. The commanders of such vessels were ordered to anchor near
Bedloe's Island, and to permit no persons or goods to be landed untU vis
ited by physicians from the city. Thus was established the first quaran
tine in New York.
Trinity Church was enlarged this year. The inside of the edifice was
ornamented beyond that of any other place of public worship in this coun
tiy. The head of the chancel was adorned with an altar-piece, and oppo-

572

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

site, at the other end of the buUding, was subsequently placed a superb
organ. The tops of the pillars which supported the gaUeries were decked
with the gilt busts of winged angels. From the ceihngs were suspended
glass branches of great beauty. Upon the walls appeared the escutcheons
of Governor Fletcher and other benefactors of the church. The furniture
of the communion-table, desk, and pulpit was of the richest and costhest
quality. Three full sets of
communion-plate had been
bestowed successively by
WUliam and Mary, Queen
Anne, and one of the Georges,
each inscribed with the do
nor's initials and the royal
arms. A wealthy and fash
ionable congregation filled its
pews every Sabbath; and it
was not long before its in
creased accommodations were
found inadequate to the wants
of the organization, and St.
George's Chapel, on Beekman
Street, was projected. The
early Episcopal ministers
were zealous, seU-denying,
hard-working Christians, and
the rapid growth ofthis church
was, in a large measure, due
to theh praiseworthy endeav
ors to promote its best interests. The Eev. WUliam Vesey, who was rec
tor for over half a century, occupied the pulpit at this time. Beneath the
floor were vaults of the leading famiUes attached to the congregation, de
noted by sculptured entablatures along the side waUs of the buUding.
It was about tbis time that Free-Masonry first created a ripple in the
atmosphere. In the New York Gazette of November 28, 1737, appeared
the foUowing : —
" Mr. Bradford : There being a new and unusual sect or society of late spread
into these parts of America, their Principles, Practices, and Designs not being
knoT*-n to the world, bas been the reason that in HoUand, France, Italy, and
other places tbey have been suppressed. AU other societies that have appeared
in the world have published tbeir Principles and Practices, and when they meet
set open their Meeting-house Doors for aU who wiU come in and see and hear

Trinity Church, 1737.

DISFRANCHISEMENT OF THE JEWS. 573
them ; but this Society caUed Free-Masons, meet with their doors shut, and a
guard at the outside to prevent any to approach near to hear or see what tbey
are doing. They oblige all their Proselytes to keep their Principles and Prac
tices secret, according to the severe Oath they are obliged to take at their first
admittance, viz. : —
" ' I, A. B., Hereby solemnly vow and swear in the Presence of Almighty
God and this Eight Worshippful Assembly, that I wiU HaU and Conceal, and
never Reveal the Secrets or Secrecy of Masons or Masonry, that shaU be revealed
unto me ; unless to a true and lawful brother, after due Examination, or in
just and "WorshippfiU Lodge of Brothers and FeUows well met.
"'I furthermore Promise and vow, tbat I wiU not write tbem, print tbem,
mark them, carve them, or engrave them, or cause them to be written, printed,
marked, carved, or engraved on wood or stone, so that the visible character or
impression of a letter may appear, whereby it may be lawfuUy obtained.
" 'All this under no less penalty than to bave my throat cut, my tongue taken
from the roof of my mouth, my heart plucked from under my left breast, the
same to be buried in the sands of the sea, tbe length of a cable rope from shore,
wliere the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours ; and my body burned
to ashes and scattered upon tbe face of tbe earth, so that there shaU be no more
remembrance of me among Masons. So help me God.' "
Henceforward the growth of the orgaiuzations may be traced in the
frequent notices of Masonic meetings which appeared in the public prints,
until it embraced many of the most distinguished men of the period.
The principal historical incident of 1738, was the memorable
. 1738.
contested election between Adolphe PhiUpse and Gerrit Van
Horne, in connection with which the Jews were disfranchised. PhUipse,
who had been speaker of the House for a dozen years, lost his seat in the
general election of 1737. Gerrit Van Horne, one of the members elect
from the city, died shortly after, and a special election was held to fiU
the vacancy. CorneUus Van Horne, the son of the deceased, was the can
didate in opposition to Philipse ; and when the latter was declared chosen,
the former entered a complaint of dishonesty in the counting of votes
against the sheriff. The House ordered that neither Philipse nor Van
Horne should be admitted to membership untU the sheriff had been ex
ammed. WUUam Smith appeared as counsel for Van Horne, and Eobert
Murray for Philipse. The latter, according to ParUamentary usage, moved
for a scrutiny of votes. This was carried, in spite of all efforts to the con
trary, and the success provoked a spirited attack upon Alexander, who as
a member of the Upper House could not rightfuUy occupy a seat in the
I^wer House. Alexander quickly responded that he had not acted in
councU since his election, and was ready to promise not to do so during

574 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the continuance of the Assembly; whereupon the House resolved, that
while he kept his pledge he was duly qualified, but that upon tbe breach
of it he should be expelled.
Philipse and Van Horne were directed to exchange Usts of questionable
electors ; the sheriff had already been acquitted of fraud, as far as he was
concerned. Smith denied- the qualification of the Jews as electors, some
of them having voted for Phihpse. A singular debate on the subject was
the result, which occupied several days. Murray urged the authority of
the law which gave the suffrage to aU free-holders of competent estates,
not excepting " the descendants of Abraham, according to the fiesh."
Smith — whose captivating eloquence equaUed, if not surpassed, that of
Andrew Hamilton, and was possibly not excelled by even that of Patrick
Henry, when he dethroned the reason of the court and led captive the
jury in the great tobacco case in Virginia, a few years afterward — made a
speech which convinced his audience that the honor of Christianity and
the preservation of the Constitution was at stake. It was delivered in
plain and vigorous English, and with the assurance and confidence that is
only born of power. He covered aU tbe possibUities of his adversary's case,
reviewed the history, and expressed the most tender pity for the Jews,
revealed a knowledge of the Bible which astonished both laviyers and
representatives, and theu turned to the sacrifice of Christ, and so patheti
cally described the bloody tragedy on Mount Calvary, that one of the
members cried out in agony, begging him to desist, declaring his convic
tion. Strong men wept ; and the unfortunate Israehtes were content to
lose their votes, could they escape with their lives. Sucb was tbe effect
of this remarkable oratory, that the massacre of every Jew in Christendom
for the ancestral sin of crucifying Jesus of Nazareth, would have seemed
at the moment, in the minds of many, as not only just and proper, but a
solemn duty.
Aftej? some little delay, the House decided, 1, that Jews could not
vote ; 2, that non-resident freeholders had a right to vote ; 3, that such as
were freeholders of £40, three months before the test of tbe writ of
election, were voters ; but, 4, a grantee of a mortgage in fee forfeited, wbo
bas been in possession of the mortgaged premises for several years, was
declared not entitled to a vote by virtue of such mortgage.
Although the Jews were denied the right of suffrage, the fact that non
resident freeholders were entitled to the same, gave Philipse the final
victory, and he was declared a member. The next year he was agam
chosen speaker, and remained in the chair until 1745. He then retired
from public service, being eighty years of age. He owned about twenty
by twelve square acres of land in Putnam County, and thereabouts, em-

JUDGE LEWIS MORRIS. bib
bracing Lake Mahopac, and its picturesque surroundings. This property
was let out to such as would come and settle on it, rent free for a few
years. Philipse built a small log-house for his own accommodation, when
ever he should choose to make the fifty-mile journey from New York to
look after his possessions. He actuaUy made this journey in 1744, then
seventy-nine years of age, and caused the first road to be laid out through
his twenty-mUe farm, by marking trees and erecting stakes.^
The presence of Philipse in the House strengthened the conservative
party, and caused many a warm discussion. And when the tempest
within was abated by the settlement of a point, a tempest without gener
ally commenced, for the Council rarely approved of any Act of the Lower
House without first embarrassing it with a variety of amendments. The
loss altogether of certain biUs, for the regulation of elections and feeing
of officials, produced great dissatisfaction. The Assembly finally became
stiff and unyielding, and instead of complying with Clarke's desire for the
adoption of measures which would provide for the payment of salaries,
and the creation of a sinking fund for the redemption of the bills of the
colony, it resolved, unanimously, to grant no supplies on the principles
advanced by the lieutenant-governor.
Clarke was indignant, and dissolved the body " for taking," he said,
"such presumptuous, daring, and unprecedented steps that he
could not look upon it but with astonishment, nor could he with
honor suffer theh authors to sit any longer."
To add to the disagreeable agitations of the season, the Triennial Act,
which passed the House in 1737, for the frequent election of rep
resentatives to serve in General Assembly, and for the frequent
calhng and meeting of the General Assembly so elected, was repealed by
the king.
The next election occurred in the spring ; in the choice of a speaker,
after much commotion, Lewis Morris, Jr.,' was set aside, in favor 1739
of Adolphe PhUipse. Lewis Morris, Jr., was a much younger
man than his rival, being only forty-one. He was strikingly unlike his
father, who was now in the gubernatorial chair of New Jersey, had less
forensic abihty, rarely indulged in offensive sarcasm, and possessed great
suavity of manner, with genuine humor. As a politician he was wary,
self-rehant, and equal to any emergency. What he once maintained he
would never abandon or lay aside for an instant. He avoided speech-
making, but when driven to it through any extraordinary excitement he
never lacked expression, though some of his rhetorical flights were re-
' He died in 1750, and his estate reverted to his nephew, the second Lord of the Manor.

676 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
garded as pedantic, and his pluck almost reached audacity. He had great
gift in repartee, and was singularly entertaining in society. He was a
handsome man, bearing a striking resemblance in face and figure to his
grandfather, James Graham.^ He married for his first wUe Trintie
daughter of Dr. Samuel Staats. His elder son, Lewis, was one of the
signers of the Declaration of Independence ; his second son, Staats Long
Morris, adhered to the crown in the Eevolution, married Lady Catharine
Gordon, daughter of the Earl of Aberdeen, and widow of the Duke of
Gordon, and died a fuU general in the British army. His thhd son, Eich
ard, was Chief Justice of New York from 1779 to 1790. He married for
his second wife, in 1746, Sarah, daughter of Nicholas Gouverneur. Their
son was the celebrated Gouverneur Morris, United States Minister to
France at the period of the French Eevolution.^
Tbe Twenty-Second Assembly was as unmanageable as its predecessor.
The demand for a permanent-supply bUl was met by an obstinate refusal.
The autumn session was held in a smaU house on tbe bank of the
Hudson, two mUes out of town, on account of the smaU-pox, which was
raging in the city. It would only grant annual suppUes to the govern
ment, and it was about to trench yet further upon the royal preroga
tive, by insisting upon specific appUcations of the revenue, indicated by
a clause to be inserted in tbe biU.
Clarke was perplexed indeed. He finaUy prorogued tbe body
' for a few days, for the express purpose, he said, " of affording the
members leisure to reflect seriously upon the hne of duty required of them
by the exigencies of the country." He then brought the subject before the
Council He was not incUned to revive old animosities, or create new ones
by another summary dissolution. The CouncU referred the question to
a special committee, of which the Hon. Daniel Horsemanden was chah
man. He was one of the most energetic supporters of kingly power ; but,
in consequence of the existing posture of affairs, and the necessity of a
speedy provision for the public purse, the committee reported unanimous
ly against a dissolution. They gave theh opinion " that the Assembly,
and the people whom they represented, had the disputed point so much
at heart tbat it would be impossible to do business with them unless it
was conceded." Governor Morris of New Jersey had recently estabhshed
I The picture of Lewis Morris, son of Govemor Lewis Morris, was erroneously published for
that of his father, in the Volume of Papers of Govemor Lewis Morris, by the New Jersey
Historical Society.
2 In the possession of Mr. Robert Rutherford, of the city of New York, is the family Bible
of Judge Lewis Morris above mentioned. It is a Dutch folio, bound in embossed pig-skin,
¦with brass clasps and comer-pieces, illustrated with copper-plates, and bears the imprint of
Peter Rotterdam De Jonge, Dort and Amsterdam, 1714.

JOHN CRUGER. bll
the precedent by yielding a sinular point to the Legislature of that State ;
should a dissolution take place, there was no reason to suppose the next
Assembly would be less tenacious in asserting the offensive principle.
And the heutenant-governor acquiesced. A better state of feeling was
the result ; the Assembly made various appropriations for the defense of
the province, in view of a threatened rupture with Spain, which shortly
after occurred.
John Cruger was appointed mayor of the city in October. He was an
eminent merchant, who had resided in New York since the commence
ment of the century. He married Maria Cuyler in 1702. He was held
in high estimation by his contemporaries ; was chosen successively for
twenty-two years — from 1712 to 1733 — alderman of the Dock Ward
(now the First Ward). He had two sons, Henry and John, the latter of
whom was at this time a stirring young man of twenty-nine, and subse
quently became one of the most tmsted officers of the crown, the favorite
representative of the people, mayor of the city, one of the founders and
the first president of the Chamber of Commerce, in short, the central figure
among the remarkable personages of that eventful colonial period just
prior to the birth of a great nation. Henry was also a prominent public
character, serving in the Assembly and in the CouncU for many years.
Of the sons of the latter, John Harris Cruger was chamberlain of the city
prior to tbe Eevolution, and in the struggle, remained true to the king
and became a distinguished officer in De Lancey's brigade ; Henry Cruger
went to England and was coUeague of Edmund Burke in Parliament, and
afterwards mayor of Bristol; and Nicholas Cruger was the successful
West India merchant under whose patronage Alexander HamUton came
to this country. The Crugers were large ship-owners engaged in general
trade, chiefly with Bristol and the West Indies. Their place of business
was on Cmger's Wharf, east of WhitehaU Slip, on the East Eiver.^
The recorder of the city (from 1736 to 1747) was Daniel Horsemanden,
who was also a member of the Executive Council, and one of the judges
ofthe Supreme Court. He was a man of some forty-five years. He came
to New York with Governor Cosby. He was born in Gouldhurst, Kent
County, England. His education and natural abUities fitted him for
' The family of Cruger is supposed to be of Danish origin. The first of the name in Eng
land are reputed to have emigrated from the continent in the reign of Heury VIIL, and
settled in Bristol, where numerous ancient monuments to the family exist in the churchyard
attached to the cathedral. John Cruger was the earliest of the name in New York ; he first
appears in 1698, as supercargo of the trading ship. The Prophet Daniel, Captain Appel,
which weighed anchor at New York, bound to the coast of Africa, where she fell into the
lands of pirates, — a misfortune of whieh Cruger published a curious account on his return.
Ohmiier of Commerce Records, pp. 5 - 18. By John Austin Stevens.
37

678 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
almost any station in Ufe, but his mind was tinctured with notions ac
quired in the early part of his career, long before be came to this coun
try, which rendered him unfriendly to the fair development of colonial
character. He was hostile to Catholicism, biased in favor of existin» O
forms of government, and unreasonably prejudiced against the Dutch. He
became in course of time (in 1763) chief justice of the province. But
be was never quite equal to the full and impartial examination of facts
and circumstances in cases where party interests were involved. The
ofifice of city recorder was his reward for energetic exertions in behalf
of Clarke in opposition to Van Dam. His subsequent vicissitudes of for
tune were many ; he was at one time in the depths of pecuniary distress,
through his suspension from all offices of emolument by Governor Clin
ton, but an advantageous marriage with Mrs. Vesey, the widow of the
Eector of Trinity Church, saved him from the horrors of a debtor's prison,
and he was finaUy restored to the bench with increased consideration^
Governor Lewis Morris, although devoted to the administration of New
Jersey, still had the affairs of New York very much at heart. His letters
to Sir Charles Wager, and other of the Enghsh noblemen, were a reve
lation in themselves. Speaking of the people in either province, he said
they were permeated by insincerity and ignorance, and with so rooted a
jealousy of governors, that it required more temper and sldll to rule
wisely than fell to every man's share. The voters who made the Assem
bly could not always read, but they knew enough to clamor for the sole
direction of the government. He could hardly decide whether it were
better to attempt to drive or lead tbem. As for the Assemblymen them
selves, tbey spent the larger part of their time in unprofitable disputes.
There was so much choler among tbem that tbey shunned the, conver
sation of each other out of the House, in about tbe same ratio that they
failed to preserve the rules of common decency within. If a bill was pro
posed, however meritorious, by one party, the other opposed it, seemingly
or really, for oppcsition's sake ; and both sides descended to downright
scolding, giving the lie, threatening to spit in the face, and often getting
together by the ears. Morris said he made these little unpleasantnesses
' Horsemanden was restored to his place on the bench July 28, 1750, and resimied his seat
in the Council in September, 1755. Council Minutes, XXV. On. the resignation of Judge
Chambers iu 1672, he was appointed second judge of the Supreme Court ; and chief justice
in March, 1763. He was the last chief justice of New York as a province. He adhered to
the royal cause upon the breaking out of the Revolution, and was one of the nine hundred
and forty-six loyalists who presented an address to Lord Howe in 1776, and on the same day,
he addressed Govemor Tryon in behalf of the same persons. Sabine. He died in 1778. In
his will he made several bequests for public objects, chiefly connected with Trinity Church ;
£ 500, however, were bequeathed to King's College.

POLITICAL PARTIES

579

EXPLANATION
l-The Chappell
2-The Goveraora House
U-The OSicera Ladgmga
4-Th6Soldiet9 „„
5-Tlio Neceaaary Uouae
6-Tiie Flagstaff <l^ Mount
7-Tbe Sentry Bozea
8.Laddcrs to mount ye 'ft'ella
S-TheWell in tha Fort
lO-TheMagazine
11-The Sallyport
12-The Secretary's Office
13-The Fort Gate
14-A horn-work before it
In-The Fort W ell t Pump
16-Slono Mount
17-The Iron Mount
]8-Thc Town Mount
19.TW0 Mortar piecea
211-A turn atile
21-Ground for additional build
ing to the Gov's Houae
22.The Armory over the Go.
Kitchen

THE FORT IN NEW YORK
S

rather a iaatter of diversion than otherwise, occasionally expressing sur
prise that good men should think so iU of each other. He was friendly
to Clarke, and spoke of him in terms of commendation. But he said the
latter was in an unfortunate dilemma. He had conducted himself in
such a way that he was considered one of the most artful of beings. The
party who supported Cosby beheved that Clarke had been the director
of aU his measures ; and when Clarke denied the charge in order to curry
favor with the opposition, and accredited the missteps of the late gov
emor to Mrs. Cosby (who really was an intriguing, managing, unprinci
pled woman, and doubtless exerted a very unhealthful influence over
her weak husband), he gained nothing, while he lost the good-will and
fellowship of those who bad been his most ardent co-workers ; they at
first grew cool towards him, then they feU to upbraiding him in private,
and, growing more free, finally seemed to lose patience with courtesy, and
attacked him in aU companies, finding fault with his acts and measures, even
descending to a pitch of rudeness unpardonable in the superlative degree,
which it must have been dif&cult
indeed to have overlooked. Peter
De Lancey, the son-in-law of Dr.
Colden, and brother to the chief
justice, meeting Clarke one day
close by the fort wall, expressed
himseU in terms of the most con
temptuous abuse, because of cer
tain recent proceedings attributed
to the infiuence of " his Excel
lency," notwithstanding that
Mrs. Clarke and her daughter
were walking upon the ramparts
of the forti within hearing of his ungracious utterances. The opposition
interpreted Clarke's indifference to such attacks as sheer pretense. They
regarded the whole as a sort of mysterious blind for their eyes. Sus
picion had not only taken deep root but flourished.
A traveler passing through New York not far from this period gives
a humorous account of how he was entertained by the different political
parties. He dined with some of the pronunent " courtiers," who caUed
everybody black except themselves. " Fine times for a Dutch mob to
judge of prerogatives ! " said one. " These Dutchmen wiU fancy by and
by that they are in Holland, and treat us like a parcel of burgomasters ! "
exclaimed another ; and thus the banc[uet was enlivened to the end. He
r it would be more agreeable to go among the no-party men, but.

Plan of Fort George.

680 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
although the eveiung commenced propitiously, he soon discovered, to his
surprise, that they were as violent " courtiers " as any he had ever seen. He
was invited to a club consisting of both-party men, and thought they would
have devoured each other before they separated. He spent an evening
with some Zengerites, whose discourse was peppered with invectives
'against the "courtiers," whom they considered the common enemies of
mankind. He almost became a convert to the opinion that no man could
have good sense — he must be a fool or a rascal — if he differed from his
neighbor on any of the topics of the .day. But he had yet to make the
acquaintance of the " Prndents," those who in their hearts were resolved
to court the rising power, without giving umbrage to the minority. Their
maxim was, " Differ with no one who has the power to injure you." He
thought the maxim tended too much towards depriving men of theh
liberty ; and that the " Prndents " themselves were monotonous bores.
He finally resolved to visit tbe ladies. Alas ! they were more zealous
politicians thau the gentlemen. He found " courtiers," and " Zengerites,"
no-party women, both-party women, and " Prndents " ; and they were, as
he expressed himself, " as warm as scaUoped oysters in their discussions,
although exceptionaUy goad-mannered."
It was during the year 1739 that a market-house, forty-two feet long
by twenty -five broad, arose in the middle of Broadway, on the site of the
old wagon-stand, opposite Liberty Street. It was an improvement, al
though progress soon converted it into a hideous deformity as far as the
street was concerned. Trinity Churchyard was about the same time en
larged and beautified.
Just north of Trinity Church was the elegant De Lancey mansion, which
was subsequently converted into the City Hotel It was an immense
edifice, encircled by balconies, with a wide piazza reaching the enthe
length of the rear of the house. The water view from this point, with the
Jersey shores and heights reaching far into the distant horizon, was mag
nificent. The highly cultivated grounds ran down to the water's edge,
and Thames Street was the alley-way of the property. It was the resi
dence of Hon. Stephen (Etienne) De Lancey, and, after his death, of his
son. Chief Justice James De Lancey. It was wbere tbe beautiful Susanna
De Lancey was courted, and married to Admiral Sir Peter Warren ; and
where her still more captivating sister, Ann, was united in wedlock to
Hon. John Watts.
1740. In the spring of 1740, Mrs. Clarke, the wife of the Ueutenant-
May 19. governor, died, and her remains were tenderly deposited in Trinity
Church. She was regarded with enthusiastic affection by the people of
New York, and the whole city was thrown into the deepest affliction. Her

THE NEGRO PLOT. 681
generosity to the poor had given her the title of " Lady Bountiful," and,
on the day of her funeral, the corporation ordered, " that, as it was a pleas-
sure to her in Ufe to feed the hungry, a loaf of bread should be given to
every poor person who would receive it." ^
Ever since the horrible affair of 1712, the citizens of New York had
been more or less afraid of the negro slaves, who comprised so large a part
of the population of the city. Stringent measures had been adopted from
time to time to keep them under surveUlance ; if three negroes were at
aay time seen together, the penalty was forty lashes on the bare back, and
if a negro was seen walking with a club in his hand, outside of his master's
grounds, he was sure to receive a Uke number of lashes. The colored
people would steal ; they seemed to have no moral ideas beyond the pun
ishment awaiting them, and were constantly being detected in petty thefts,
and subjected to the barbarous treatment characteristic of the times.
Things grew worse instead of better, until the " Negro Plot " made
the year 1741 memorable in history.
On the 28th of February the house of Eobert Hogg, corner of
Broad and South WilUam Streets, was robbed. Mary Burton, an ^ ' '
indented servant to a tavern-keeper of low character, in gossiping with a
neighbor, said her employer was in the habit of receiving and secreting
stolen goods in his house. This reaching the ears of the city magistrates,
the whole family were arrested, and committed for trial ; as also two ne
groes. Prince and Csesar, who were accused of the robbery.
One day about noon, some three weeks later, the governor's
house in the fort — occupied by Clarke — was suddenly discovered
to be on fire, which, together with the Uttle chapel, secretary's office, and
several adjoining buUdings, was totaUy consumed. The accident was at
the time supposed to be the result of the carelessness of a plumber, who
had left fire in a gutter between the house and the chapel.
' But, within the foUowing week, the chimney of Admiral Sir Peter War
ren's house took fire one mormng; it was extinguished, however, with
shght damage. Then a fire broke out in the store-house of Winant Van
Zandt, which was charged to the heedlessness of a smoker. Three days
subsequently the hay in a cow-stable near the house of Mr. Quick was
discovered buming. The alarm was sounded, and the flames suppressed.
^Before the people had reached their homes there was a fifth alarm ; a fire
was emanating from between two beds in the loft of a kitchen occupied
by two negroes, in the house of Mr. Thompson. The next morning coals
were found under a haystack near a coach-house in Broadway. The fol
lowing day a fire burst forth from the house of Sergeant Burns opposite
1 New York Gazette, May 26, 1740.

682 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the fort ; and a few hours later, the roof of Mr. HUton's house near the
Fly Market was discovered on fire, and, on the same afternoon. Colonel
Frederick PhUipse's storehouse was aU ablaze.
The coincidence of circumstances seemed to render it certain that some
if not aU of these fires were the effect of design, and suspicion feU upon
the negroes. The wholesale alarm induced many of the citizens to remove
their goods and valuables to places of safety beyond the city limits ; whUe
every colored individual who could not tell a straight story was lodged
in jail On the llth of AprU the Common CouncU ofiered a reward of
one hundred pounds, and a full pardon, to any conspirator who
would reveal his knowledge of the plot, which was now beheved to exist
among the negroes, for burning the city and effecting a general revolution.
The negroes were examined without ehciting any facts, and the city was
searched for strangers and suspicious persons without success.
Finally the prisoners were brought before the Supreme Court, Judges
Philipse and Horsemanden presiding. The grand jury on this
occasion were, Eobert Watts, foreman, Jeremiah Latouche, Joseph
Eead, Anthony Eutgers, John Cruger, Jr., John McEvers, Adonijah
Schuyler, Abrabani De Peyster, John Merrit, David Provoost, Abraham
Ketteltas, Henry Beekman, Eene Hett, David Van Horne, Winant Van
Zandt, George Spencer, and Thomas Duncan. The proclamation of par
don and reward was read to Mary Burton; after much persuasion she
testified that meetings of negroes had been held at her master's house,
and that they had a plan to burn the fort and city, after which her master
was to be king, and Csesar governor ; that Cuff PhUipse ^ used to say that
some people had too much and others too little, but that the time was
coming when master Philipse would have less and Cuff more. She
swore, however, at that time that she never saw any white person present
when the negroes talked of burning the town, except her master and
mistress, and Peggy Carey. The latter was a woman of questionable repu
tation. She was next examined ; but denied all knowledge of the fires,
and said she could not accuse any one without telUng a falsehood. She
was convicted of having received and secreted the stolen goods, and sen
tenced to death. Terrified, she begged for a second examination, and
grasping the means of rescue that had been previously offered to her, she
made a startling confession, implicating many persons, who were imme
diately arrested on her evidence ; but her stories were apparently invented
to save herself from the gaUows, and the magistrates were incredulous.
' The negroes were familiarly called by the surnames of their masters.

BURNING AT THE STAKE. 583
She was executed, and with her dying speech pronounced all her former
confessions " Ues."
In the mean time several fires had occurred at Hackinsack, New Jersey,
and two negroes, condemned as incendiaries, were bumed at the stake
in a most horrible manner.
Csesar and Prince were the next victims. They denied all knowl
edge of tbe conspiracy to the last, although they confessed to the
stolen goods. The terrified negroes began to criminate each other ^'^^ ^'
upon aU sides, hoping thus to save themselves from the dreadful death
which awaited them. Many more were arrested. The detaUs of the
several trials and executions are too sickening for repetition. The tav
ern-keeper and his wife were hung on the 12th of June, their
, , . . June 12.
conviction and condemnation resting on the sole evidence of the
girl Mary Burton. Several other executions presently followed. The
burnings at the stake were enough to make humanity shudder.
On the 19th of June the lieutenant-governor issued a pardon
to aU who would confess and reveal the names of their accomplices, ""*
before the ensuing 1st day of July. Upon this the accusations multiplied
with frightful rapidity. Mary Burton suddenly remembered that John
Ury, a Catholic priest and a school-teacher in the city, had been con
cerned. The evidence received against this unhappy man can only find
its paraUel in the annals of the Salem witchcraft. He was condemned
to the gaUows and suffered on the 29th of August, proclaiming his
innocence to the last. Many white people were arrested ; finally,
Mary Burton, grown bolder by success, began to implicate persons of con
sequence. This startled the government, and a stop was put to aU further
proceedings. But the catalogue of victims had already been fearful. One hundred
and fifty-four negroes had been imprisoned, of whom fourteen were burned
at the stake, eighteen hanged, two gibbeted, seventy-one transported, and
the rest pardoned or discharged for want of proof Twenty-four white
persons were tried and imprisoned, four of whom were among the exe
cuted. Ury was tried not only as a conspirator, but for officiating as a Popish
priest, under the law of the colony passed in 1700, for the purpose of
driving the French missionaries from the Indian country, and was con
victed on both indictments. A letter from General Oglethorpe, the vis
ionary Lycurgus of Georgia, to the heutenant-governor, gave weight to
the suspicions against the poor feUow. It had been discovered that some
Spanish CathoUc slaves, lately captured and sold in the city at pubhc
vendue, were accompUces in the plot. Oglethorpe wrote that he was in

684 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
possession of private intelhgence to the eff'ect that the Spaniards had
employed emissaries to burn aU the towns of any note in Enghsh North
America, in order to prevent the subsisting of the great naval expedition
bound for the West Indies, and that many priests were employed as aids
in the infernal project, who were expected to gain access to famUies as
physicians, dancing-masters, etc. The fate of Ury was lamented after
it was too late ; and when the community was restored to its right mind,
and became convinced that the conspiracy only existed in the imagina
tion, excepting as far as negroes were desirous of creating alarms, to en
able them to commit thefts with more ease, the proceedings against him
were generaUy condemned as harsh, cruel, and unjust. There was no
resisting the whirlwind when every man thought he was in danger from
a foe in his own house. A panic seized the whole population which
produced eff'ects similar to the terror which drove men mad respecting
witches aud witchcraft in both Europe and America, and which made aU
England insane in the time of Titus Oates. A woman testified in court
one day, that she saw three negroes walking up Broadway (at the time
the fires were occurring with the greatest frequency), and one of them
threw up his hands and with a chuckling laugh said, " Fhe, fire, scorch,
scorch a little, — damn it by and by ! " The judges and the jury esteemed
such evidence overwhelming. The Assembly caught the infection. It
was in session while these tragedies were being enacted in the court-room
and under the broad blue skies. It thanked the officers who were the
most active and vigorous in detecting supposed criminals, and passed
severer laws against the slaves.
The perjured Mary Burton received the £ 100 which had been prom
ised. Her various statements should have rendered her whole testimony
unworthy of credit. It is probable that the fear of death and the hope
of pardon induced many who were not guilty to make confessions. The
negroes were afraid of each other, and each wanted to be first at the con
fessional They had no defense nor legal advice, and their total igno
rance led them into such singular behavior, in mauy instances, as to insure
almost certain condemnation.
When the danger seemed to have passed, a day was set apart
by the lieutenant-governor for general thanksgiving.
Clarke's power over the Assembly diminished as months roUed on. In
his address on the 18th of September, he said, " It is high time for you
to make provision for rebuilding the house, chapel, barracks, and other
edifices in the fort which were destroyed by the late fire kindled as the
horrid result of an execrable conspiracy to burn this whole town and to
destroy the people, which nothing but a Divine Providence hindered

THE WAR WITH SPAIN. 686
from being fuUy executed, nor do I think we ought now to rest in such
supine security as to be careless of our present and future safety : where
fore I think it necessary that you pass some good law for the proper regu
lation of military night-watches." The war with Spain involved many
expenses. It seemed as if the purse of New York was constantly assailed
for warhke outlays in one direction and another. Hitherto the French
and Indians had ahnost driven the Province to bankruptcy. Now Eng
land had involved herself in bloody controversy with a great power, and
dutiful New York must contribute to the sending of expeditions to the
West Indies and elsewhere. " It may enrich you beyond all other means
that can be devised," said Clarke, coaxingly ; " for conquests in that direc
tion wiU increase your trade and navigation."
However much such arguments influenced the House in its appropria
tions for the war, Clarke could not accomplish, a settlement of the revenue
as he deshed. It responded haughtily to his address. He wrote to the
Lords of Trade that the Assembly had unmasked. He said it was more
than ever determined to give the revenue only from year to year. He '
also wamed the Lords against an address which the Council had drafted
and signed, praying the king to furnish money for the rebuilding of the
house, chapel, barracks, secretary's office, etc., in the fort; the plea of
poverty he pronounced false, the province never having been in as flour
ishing a condition as at present, and there was, in his opinion, no province
in America less burdened with pubhc expenditures.
One of the most important acts of this session was that of intro
ducing the English practice of baUoting for jurors. Clarke had formerly
recommended it, which was the very reason why it had been sup
pressed until now. It was a useful law, although, like many others
of that decade, expressed ambiguously, and subjected to more than
one interpretation. The honor of penning it was claimed by both De
Lancey and Horsemanden, and is supposed to have been the result of a
joint effort.
Clarke was never indifferent at any time to the Indian affairs of tbe
colony The Eev. Henry Barclay,^ afterwards rector of Trinity Church,
was laboring as a missionary among the Mohawks, and the sachems peti
tioned the governor for a new chapel. Clarke invited the attention of the
Assembly to the subject in vain. The reply he received was that if
' Rev. Henry Barclay, D. D., was a native of Albany, and a graduate of Yale College in
1734. He received orders in England. He was several years in the Mohawk country, and
then came to New York. The translation of the liturgy into the Mohawk language was made
ifflder his direction, and that of Eev. "W. Andrews and Eev. J. Ogilvie. Eev. J. Ogilvie suc-
«e6ded him in his mission, and also as rector of Trinity Church. Mr. Barclay died in 1765.

586 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the Christian converts were increasing among the Indians, the funds
required for a new chapel should be raised by private contributions.
An approaching rupture with France was confidently apprehended-
hence a grand council of the Confederates was held at Albany for the
purpose of strengthening these important aUies in their regard for the
people of New York. Clarke urged the chiefs to prevent their young
men from being enticed to join tribes in the interests of the French.
" When united," he said, " you are like a strong rope, made of many
strings and threads twisted together, but when separated are weak and
easily broken." Tbis council terminated amicably, and the Indians, weU
laden with presents, returned to their homes, professing friendship for
Corlear (the governor) which was to endure so long as the Great Spirit
should cause the grass to grow and the water to run. Notwithstanding
such good resolutions, it was well understood that confidence might be
placed in these forest kings only whUe no circumstance awakened their
slumbering jealousy.
A sbort time before. Admiral Sir Peter Warren (then Captain
Warren) had purchased an immense estate in the Mohawk coun
try. He was the younger son of a British naval officer of the ancient and
honorable family of Warren, in Warrentown, county of Down, Ireland. He
had been trained to the nautical profession, and in the summer of 1727
was appointed to the command of the Grafton, one of the four ships of
the line sent out uuder Sir George Walton to join Sir Charles Wager,
then in the Mediterranean command. He was shortly transferred to the
Solebay frigate, and sent to the West Indies with orders touching upon
the preliminaries of peace between England and Spain. Eeturning to
London, he was appointed commander of the Leopard, of fifty guns, which
position be held until 1735. After the rupture with Spain (in 1741) he
was in command of the Squirrel, a twenty-gun ship, and afterwards suc
cessively of the Launceton of forty guns, and the Superbe of sixty guns,
and in 1743 was commodore ofa squadron.
It was during Cosby's administration that he became especiaUy inter
ested in New York, and from tbe time of his marriage with the sister of
Chief Justice De Lancey, made his home in the city.
A tour of adventure into the wilderness resulted in a trade witb the
Indians for the tract of land above-named. At his instance the son of his
sister, William Johnson, — afterwards Sir William Johnson, Bart, — then
a young man of twenty-three, came to this country to superintend the im
provement of this wild property.^
1 Sir William Johnson, Bart., was the elder son of Christopher Johnson and Anne WaiTen,
of Warrentown, county of Down, Ireland. He was born in 1715. His early education is in-

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 587
Young Johnson was the architect of his own fortune and subsequent
fame. He succeeded from the beginning in winning the confidence and
affection of the Indians. He formed a settlement upon the estate of his
uncle ; kept a smaU country-store ; encouraged trade of every description ;
rode fifteen mUes to miU, with his bag of grain, on horseback ; visited the
sachems in their castles, and the common people, both whites and Indians,
m their huts ; and mingled in all their rustic sports. He was one of the
most hidustrious of men. His style of Uving was plain, his figure robust
and commanding, and his bodUy health perfect. Warren sent from New
York and Boston such goods as were chiefly salable, — mm, axes, wrought-
iron, etc., — and directed the planting of orchards, which he said would
not hinder the growth of grass or Indian corn, since the trees should be
placed at a great distance from each other. He also suggested that fields
should be laid out in exact squares, with hedge-rows on each side to keep
the land warm, and please the eye, and that shrubs and flowers should
be planted for ornament. He directed his nephew to keep well with all
mankind, act honorably and honestly, refrain from being notional, and to
be speciaUy careful to say nothing about the badness of the patroon's
horses, for it might be taken amiss ; adding " he [the patroon of Albany]
is a near relation of my wife, and may have it in his power very much to
serve you."
Erelong Johnson commenced the cultivation of a landed estate of his
own, and secured a valuable water-power upon which he erected a saw-
miU. This led to no inattention as far as the aff'airs of his uncle were
concerned. He was equal to the management of a multiplicity of enter
prises. From a farmer and dealer in furs and smaU wares, he became an
extensive merchant, a government contractor, a general in the armies of
New York, and a baronet of the British realm, with possessions exceeding
any of the nobles of Europe. He was the hero alike of history and ro
mance ; his character has furnished the basis for many a weird tale, and
has been invested with aU manner of ingredients.^ His peculiar relations
and influence with the Indians rendered him a tower of strength when
the Frencb again set about the conquest of New York with iron determi
nation; and his intimate connection with public aff'airs during the thirty
years prior to the Eevolution has given him a high place among the per-
Tolved in some mystery, hut from the invoices of hooks which he ordered from time to time
for his private lihrary, through his correspondents in London, and from his correct use of the
French and Latin language in his correspondence, it is presumed that he received a University
course of instruction.
^ Chrysaljor, The Adventures of aGui-nea, hyChsLrles Johnson, Yol. III., Book II. , Chaps.
1. 2, 3. The Dutchman's Fireside, by Paulding. The Gipsey, hy G. P. E. James. The
satire in Chrysal is an exaggeration of the errors in the baronet's life.

688

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

sonages of the period. The massive stone mansion which he erected and
fortified, was ever afterward known as Johnson HaU.
At one time a Mohawk chieftain coveted a new scarlet coat trimmed
with gold lace, which Sir WiUiam had just received from London. He
hesitated only a day or two before caUing at Johnson HaU in the famihar
manner which Johnson had himself inaugurated, and said he had
" dreamed a dream." He had dreamed that the grand knight gave him
his fine red coat. Sir WUliam understood the significance of the hint,
and, in tender consideration of his own popularity, gave the chieftain the
much-desired treasure.
But Sir WiUiam presently dreamed a dream. He went to see tbe chief
tain, and related it to him He
had dreamed that the chieftain
and his council gave bim a
large tract of land, designating
the boundary with geographi
cal precision, from such a tree
to such a rivulet. The gift
was made, but the old Indian
said, " Ugh ! I no dream any
more. White chief dream
better than Indian."
Admiral Sir Peter Warren
purchased a considerable es
tate on Manhattan Island,
which was caUed Greenwich.
He built upon it a country-
mansion, (which stood for nearly a century,) at about the corner where
Fourth intersects Perry Street, overlooking the Hudson, and laid out and
beautified extensive grounds.
The Indian name of the point of land was Sapokanigan The mansion,
which was elegant in its appointments, was afterwards the residence of
Abraham Van Nest.
The prevalence of yellow fever in New York was a subject which agi
tated men of science all over the country. Dr. Colden had long since re
linquished the practice of medicine, except among his immediate friends,
but his love for the profession induced him to contribute valuable addi
tions to the medical literature of the day. He was the first to introduce
into the country what he called " the cool management " of the smaU-pox,
in which he was more successful than any other physician in America.
In 1742 he made it his special business to study into the features and

Sir Peter Warren's House.

"Ugh ! I no dream any more. White ahief dream better than Indian. ¦- Sage 588.

GOVERNOR CLINTON. 689
progress of the yeUow fever in this latitude, and wrote an interesting
paper, carefully pointing out local circumstances which increased its vio
lence.'' He recommended remedies which proved efficacious in a miUti-
tude of cases, and sanitary measures which were so prolific in results that
the Common Council of New York tendered him a vote of thanks.
A governor for New York had been for some time foreshadowed.
Clarke's seven years of rule terminated ingloriously. The conces- ^'*^'
sion by which he aUowed the Assembly to prescribe the disposition of
supphes granted — hitherto the legal prerogative of the crown — appeased
the popular party only for a short time. The governed are rarely satis
fied with concessions ; each successful demand increases the clamor for
more. It was thus in the experience of the lieutenant-governor. The
Assembly claimed the right to appoint its own treasurer. As soon as
this was conceded, there was a strenuous effort made to secure the privi
lege of choosing the auditor-general, failing in which, the salary of that
officer was withheld. And it was with suUen disregard that aU of
Clarke's later speeches urging for appropriations were received. The
House, for several months prior to the rising of the new sun, accompUshed
little except an Act for securing Oswego, and another providing for the
ordinary supplies and salaries of the year. And the counselors at the
same time were quite ready to welcome a new potentate.^
Admiral George Clinton arrived. He was accompanied by his wife
and several children. He was a younger son of the late Earl of
Lincoln, and had been described as a man of talent and hberality.
He was cordiaUy received. He landed near the new Battery, and at
the moment of his placing his foot upon New York soil, the guns of the
fort, and of the Loo (the vessel which had brought him to tbese shores)
spoke loudly and weU. He was met by the CouncU, a fine group of dig
nified men, and by the mayor and Common Council of the city, the militia,
and many of the principal citizens. After a ceremonious greeting he was
conducted to the governor's house in the fort, the way being Uned with sol
diers in full dress. After being refreshed with burgundy, champagne, aud
other wines, the distinguished procession moved to the City Hall, where
tis commission as governor of New York was duly published, and the
usual oaths administered.
CUnton had spent his Ufe thus far in the navy. He was easy, good-
natured, unambitious, and given somewhat to high Uving. He hoped to
' Kearly two hundred and fifty persons died of yellow fever in the city during the year 1742.
^ Clarke retumed to England with a large fortune acquired in New York, and purchased
a handsome estate in Cheshire, where he spent the remainder of his life. He had several
children, hut they made no connections in this country.

690 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
mend his fortunes. Beyond that he troubled his mind very httle about
the results or length of his administration. He resigned himseU to the
current and drifted along smoothly at first.
Having learned that the Assembly was under adjournment to meet in
a few days, and that the great mass of the people would be pleased with
an opportunity to choose new Assemblymen, he dissolved the body and
ordered an election. It was conducted for once without tumult. The
new members convened in November. They voted the governor
Nov. 8. J >D
a salary of £1,560, besides £150 for house-rent, £400 for fuel
and candle-light (intended to cover the wants also of the garrison), £ 150
to enable him to visit the Indians, £ 800 to be used in presents for the
Indians, and £1,000 as compensation for unsuccessful solicitations at
court (at tbe instance of the Assembly) for aid towards rebuilding the
fort, and obtaining a supply of ammunition. They continued the salary
of £ 300 to the chief justice, half that sum to Judge Horsemanden, and,
on motion of Lewis Morris, began the practice of enabling the governor
and Council to draw upon their treasurer for contingent services, to the
amount of £60 per annum. This sum was subsequently increased to
£ 100 per annum. Tbe governor made no objection to their hmiting the
support to a year, aud assented to all the bills off'ered him.
There was business before tbe House, the following year, how
ever, of vital importance. France had assumed a threatening atti
tude towards England. The prospect of rebellion in Scotland, also, caUed
for active military preparations ; whatever involved England involved her
American colonies, particularly New York.
James IIL, or The Pretender, who up to this time had lived in France,
taking advantage of dissensions in Parliament, was trying to create a
party in bis favor, which with the aid of France was expected to subju
gate Great Britain.
To excite loyalty in tbe minds of the people of this country it was only
necessary to announce that their civil and religious Uberties were in dan
ger. Popery was aiming for the throne of England ; this was sufficient in
itself to absorb all other considerations, and brace tbe colony into united
resistance. Lewis Morris, Jr., off'ered the sentiment, " The most steadfast
adherence to the king and the Protestant religion," and it was immedi
ately adopted by the House. Large sums were given for fortifications,
£ 3,000 voted towards a mansion-house for the governor, and arrears of
salary paid to Mr. Barclay, the Mohawk missionary.
The formal declaration of hostilities was known in New York early in
July. Everybody was alarmed, for the city was exposed by land
and by sea. The Council and the Assembly prepared a joint ad-

CLINTON AND THE ASSEMBLY. 591
dress to the king, expressing their abhorrence of the rebelUon in Scot
land and the popish Pretender. Measures were adopted for the security
of New York City, and men and means sent to the frontiers, where war
had actuaUy commenced. Bills passed the House in rapid succession.
One of these required all persons in the colony to take the oaths pre-
' scribed by Parliament, for the security of the govemment against tbe
Cathohc religion ; the Quakers were allowed to affirm instead of swearino-.
AU at once a communication reached New York from the Com
missioners of Indian Aff'airs, that the enemy were on the war-path *^*'
from Canada,_and that the English traders had retired in alarm from Oswego,
which was creating a very unfavorable impression upon the minds of the
Indians, particularly the remote nations, who, on coming a long distance
to trade, had found the place deserted. It seemed necessary that the post
should be maintained on a more ample and efficient basis than ever be
fore, as a commanding mart, lest the tribes, disgusted with the want of
courage manifested by the English,^ should go over to the Frencb. The
garrison at Oswego was accordingly reinforced, and large sums of money
raised to increase the strength of the post and induce the traders to re
turn. There was no lack of prompt and efficient action on the part of the
Assembly. Special aUowances were voted for the defense of Albany and
Schenectady, and £ 3,200 granted for the defense of the colony at large.
Thus far the Assembly and governor had acted in concert. But when
New England was all astir making preparations to attack Louisburg, —
the Gibraltar of America — and Clinton, having received an urgent letter
from Governor Shirley of Massachusetts, recommending a closer bond of
union between the colonies in order to the more efficient conduct of the
war, asked New York to co-operate, he was reminded of the liberality of
the various appropriations, and told that the taxes of the people were
already too great, and ought not be increased except for purposes of de
fense; besides, in the estimation of the mass of the community, the con
quest of Canada belonged exclusively to the crown.
Chnton's speech to the House on the subject was not well received.
One point in particular irritated certain members beyond measure. A
bill was before Parliament to prevent the issue of paper currency — bills
of credit — inthe colonies, which from the scope of its two last clauses
was supposed by many to be a design to compel Assemblymen to obey
oU the orders and instructions of th-e crown. Money had been sent to two
gentlemen in London, who were to oppose the bUl, and Clinton asked the
House to refund the same. As it had been raised by persons outside,
during a legislative recess, the House declined. An address was not even
vouchsafed the governor, which was contrary to aU parliamentary usage,
and he in turn was off'ended. . ,

592 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Henceforth the House assumed a pecuUar attitude in respect to CUnton
slighting his opinions and recommendations ; it rejected the proposition
of a guard-ship, intimated a design to lessen the garrison at Osweoo, de
chned the advice of the CouncU in relation to appointing commissioners
to act jointly with those of New England in treating with the Indians
voted only a small sum for the New England expedition, and delayed
making provision for Indian presents. Its greatest misdemeanor, how
ever, was in its incivilities to the governor personaUy, who became so ex
asperated in the end, that, after indulging in a severe reprimand, he
¦ dissolved the body. He wrote to the Lords of Trade that it was
astonishing how jealous the men of New York were of the power of the
king ; tbey picked flaws with every officer appointed by the crown, and
gave them salaries or uot, just as it suited their pleasure. In his ophiion,
it was impossible for a];iy governor, in the present condition of the public
mind, to exert the influence requisite to a good government.
The merchants of New York were active in fitting out privateers at
their own expense, and brought in many prizes, chiefiy of sugars. Ad
miral Sir Peter Warren was first in the field, but he refused to pay duties,
saying such were not demanded in the West Indies, where he had sent
many prizes. Clinton wrote to the Duke of Newcastle, asking his in
terposition with the Commissioners of Customs in favor of waiving duties
in New York, since it was well to annoy the enemy, and the results
would be beneficial to the city.
The Twenty- Fourth Assembly was composed of nearly the same mem
bers as the Twenty-Third. David Jones, who was one of the great econo
mists of the time, was elected speaker. Tbe culmination of horrors all
along tbe northern and northwestern horizon influenced a certain degree
of liberality in the appropriation of funds for actual defenses. But the
question of direct taxation produced heart-burnings and discontents.
Tbe opinion that the crown imposed too heavy a burden upon New York
in such emergencies grew with each roll of tbe suns. The governor was
waiting to meet the chiefs of the Six Nations at Albany, and the House
loftily provided for his expenses, and for Indian presents to keep the
fickle warriors in the interests of the English. The Cape Breton expe
dition was treated with more favor, and £ 5,000 voted towards its accom
plishment. The harbor of Louisburg, on the southeastern side of the Island of Cape
Breton, was considered the key to the American possessions of tbe French.
By the treaty of Utrecht, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, including the
island of Canseau, had faUen to the Crown of Great Britain, and Cape
Breton had been ceded to the French. The harbor of the latter was con-

THE CONQUEST OF LOUISBURG. 593
venient for the reception and security of ships of every burden, — man-
of-war, and merchant-vessels. It afi'orded protection to navigation and
fisheries, as weU as great facilities in time of war, for interrupting the
navigation and fisheries of the enemy. The French had built a fortified
to^n — Louisburg — upon the island, which cost twenty-five years of
labor, and thirty millions of livres. It was called the Dunkirk of
America.^ The neck of land upon which the town was buUt was two and a quar
ter miles in circumference ; it was regularly laid out in squares, with
broad streets lined with houses, chiefly of wood, with a few of stone. On
the west side was a spacious citadel, on one side of which were the gov-
. ernor's apartments. The ramparts on every side of the town were from
thirty to thirty-six feet high, with a ditch eight feet wide. Under the
ramparts were casements to receive the women and children during a
siege. There were six bastions and three batteries, contairUng embras
ures for one hundred and forty-eight cannon. On an island at the
entrance of the harbor was planted a battery of thirty twenty-eight
pounders; and at the bottom of the harbor, directly opposite to the en
trance, was a royal battery of twenty-eight forty-two pounders, and two
eighteen-pounders. Ou a high cliff" opposite to the island battery stood a
Hghthouse ; and within the harbor, on the northeast, a magazine of naval
stores. The entrance to the town, on the land side, was over a drawbridge,
near to which was a circular battery, mounting sixteen twenty-four
pounders. The reduction of Louisburg was as desirable to the EngUsh as that of
Carthage was to the Eomans. Governor Shirley of Massachusetts origi
nated the bold project. The British Ministry approved, and ordered
Admiral Sir Peter Warren, then commodore, to proceed from the West
Indies northward with his squadron, and co-operate with the movements
of Shirley. The magnitude of the undertaking, as weU as its boldness,
'at first startled the New-Englanders, but they soon caught the fire of
enthusiasm, and made the necessary grants. Connecticut and Ehode
Island enlisted in the scheme. The Connecticut division was com
manded by Lieutenant-Governor Eoger Wolcott,2 bearing the commission
' Marshall's Colonial History.
2 The Wolcotts were of the old English gentry. Henry Wolcott, one of the first settlers
of Connecticut, was the son and heir of John Wolcott, of Golden Manor, in England. The
manor-house is still standing, an immense castle of great anriquity, designed for the purposes
of defense against the excesses of a lawless age, as well as for a permanent family residence.
It is richly ornamented with carved work, and upon the walls may he seen the motto of the
38

694 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
of major-general The commander-in-chief of the expedition was Colo-
• nel Wilham PeppereU, who was raised to the rank of lieutenant-general
Pepperell was a popular man, widely known; he possessed culture
courage, and coolness. He was of large, powerful, vigorous frame, with
magnetic face and engaging manners. Before he accepted the command
he asked advice of the famous preacher, Eev. George Whitfield, who re
plied that the affair did not look very promising ; that the eyes of aU the
world would be upon him, and if he did not succeed, the widows and
orphans of the slain would reproach him, and if he did succeed many
would regard him with envy and try to eclipse his glory. Whitfield
finaUy favored the expedition, furnishing tbe motto Nil desperandum
Christo duce, for tbe flag, which gave the whole the air of a crusade, and
many of tbe missionary's followers enlisted. One of them, a chaplain, car
ried on his shoulder a hatchet with which he intended to destroy the im
ages in the French churches.
Warren assumed command of the naval forces by order of the Admi
ralty. The two commanders, PeppereU and Warren, concerted their plans,
and commenced operations in the early spring of 1745. The result was
one of the most briUiant achievements of the age. Louisburg feU, and the
news of the important victory filled America with joy and Europe with
astonishment. The colonists began to know their own strength, and Eng
land was aghast at the development of so much energy and power. Bos
ton was illuminated, even to its most obscure aUeys, and the night was
signalized by fire-works and bonfires. AU New England observed a day
of solemn thanksgiving, set apart by the civil authority.
After the surrender of Loui.sburg a grand entertainment was given on
shore by Pepperell, to honor Warren and the various officers of the navy
who had been instrumental in the capture. Pepperell's chaplain. Rev.
Mr. Moody; was somewhat prolix in saying grace before meals, and the
family arms, Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri, — " Inclined to swear in the words
of no master." It was in keeping with the independent spirit of an English gentleman of the.
Middle Ages, and with that of a Puritan of a later date, who spurned the dictation of ecclesias
tical wisdom. Wolcott sold a portion of his estate before he left England. He was a magistrate
of the Connecticut colony, and his descendants in the direct line were magistrates, judges, and
governors for over one hundred and eighty successive years. Eoger Wolcott was the grand
son of Henry Wolcott, and the son of Simon Wolcott and Martha Pitkin. The latter — a
beautiful, self-reliant young woman — came to Connecticut" to persuade her favorite brother,
the distinguished William Pitkin, to return to England. Tradition says that the wise heads
of the colony were anxious to retain the brother ; and, charmed with the graces and superior
accomplishments of the sister, resolved to capture and keep her also. Hence they selected
Simon Wolcott, the handsomest and most elegant young man in Connecticut, to court and
marry her. Among her descendants were six governors, and her granddaughter married an
other govemor.

ADMIRAL SIR PETER WARREN. 595
general was particularly anxious on this occasion that he should not fa
tigue his guests. Yet he dare not venture the hint of brevity. The chap
lain, however, was imbued with the spirit of the occasion, to the supreme
delight of the officer ; his prayer ran thus : " Good Lord, we have so
much to thank thee for, that time would be infinitely too short to do it in.
We must therefore leave it for the work of eternity. Bless our board
and fellowship on this joyful occasion, for the sake of Christ our Lord.
Amen" Warren was gazetted rear-admiral of the blue on the same day the
news of the capitulation reached London, and was afterwards knighted.
PeppereU was created a baronet, and made a colonel in the British army.
Governor Shirley and Governor Wentworth were each confirmed in their
governments. There was a strange reluctance on the part of the crown,
however, to reimburse the colonies for the heavy expenses which they had
so nobly and magnanimously incurred, and, by reason of which a conquest
was effected of such magnitude, it was said, " as to prove an equivalent at
the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, for all the success of the French upon the
continent of Europe." ^ The claim was prosecuted several years before
Parhament could be brought to sanction an appropriation for its payment.
The grant was finally obtaiued in 1749, amounting to £183,649. It was
received in Boston the same year, and equitably divided among the colo
nies which had incurred the expenditure.^
The autumn of 1745 witnessed the destruction of Saratoga. A party
of French and Indians from Crown Point surprised the settlement, Nov. 16.
bm-ned the fort and other buUdings, massacred more than thirty
famiUes, and carried many persons into captivity. The country was un
covered to the very city of Albany, and the utmost consternation pre
vailed. The northern settlers fled from their homes with their wives and
Kttle ones, and complained loudly of the neglect of the government in
providing for their safety. General dissatisfaction prevailed.
Now was CUnton's turn to be avenged. He had repeatedly urged tbe
building of a fortress in the desolated region, and he reproached the House
so sharply for its inattention to his requisitions, that, suppressing resent
ment and wrath, a resolution was adopted, to concur in every reasonable
measure for the safety of the province, the assistance of the distressed, and
''¦Belknap. Douglass. Mass. Trans., Yol. \. Pepperell's Letters.
"^ The exact sum was £183,649 25 s. 74 d. The agent who prosecuted the claim encountered
iifflculties at every step. His name was William BoUan. The money was in specie. It
consisted, according to a note in Holms, of two hundred and fifteen chests (three thousand
pieces of eight, on an average, in each chest) of milled pieces of eight, and one hundred casks
of coined copper. There were seventeen cart and truck loads of the silver, and about ten
truck-loads of copper. Mass. Hist. Coll.

696 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
in any weU-concerted plan for distressing the enemy. Eewards were
¦ offered for scalps, bills passed for raising scouting-parties, erecting re
doubts, and furnishing and transporting detachments and provisions to aU
Indian allies. But fresh demands accumulated, and every advance of
money created a quarrel among the members, often relating to tbe parti
tion of the general burden among the counties, and was granted under
protest. It was about this time that the Eev. Samuel Buel, D. D., commenced
his fifty years' pastorate. He was called to tbe church of Easthampton,
Long Island, through the recommendation of Eev. Aaron Burr of Newark.
He bad been a pupil of Eev. Jonathan Edwards, and had married the
granddaughter of Eev. John WiUiams of Deerfield. He was a small-sized,
active, cheerful, resolute man, of profound scholarship and enthusiastic
piety. He was fond of society, of the chase, was gifted in anecdote, and
his ready wit was the delight of his associates.^
1 The daughter (Jerusha) of Dr. Buel was married December 15, 1766, to David Gardiner,
the sixth lord of the manor of Gardiner's Island. After the marriage oeremony the clergyman
was congratulated by some of his people upon the honorable wedding. "Yes," he replied,
" I always wished to give my daughter to the Lord." Dr. Buel remained at his post during
the Revolution. He made no effort to conceal his Whig principles, but his pleasantry, po
liteness, and tact secured him the friendship of the British officers quartered at Easthampton.
He often dined with them. At one time he had been invited by Sir William Erakine
to accompany them on a deer-hunt, and was behind time at the hour appointed. The
younger officers, impatient of delay, had mounted when he was seen approaching. Sir Wil
liam required them to dismount and receive the clergyman. Lord Percy was irritated that
such deference should be shown " an old rebel," and when introduced was ungracious. Dr.
Buel inquired what division of the army he had the honor to command. " A legion of devils
just from hell!" was the ill-natured reply. "Ah, then," said the clergyman, with a low
how, " / suppose I have the honor to address Beelzebub the prince of devils." Although the
retort was so keenly felt that the young nobleman's hand touched his sword (a movement
instantly checked by Sir William), he was captivated by the wit and bi-Oliant humor of the
minister long before the chase was ended, and subsequently became one of his wairaest ad
mirers. On another occasion Sir William met Dr. Buel and remarked that he had ordered
the people of his parish to appear the next day (Sunday) at Southampton with their teams.
" 1 know you have," responded the clergyman, " but I am commander-in-chief on. thai, day,
aud have annulled your order." The precedence was pleasantly admitted, and the order
revoked. Dr. Buel was the immediate successor in the church of Rev. Nathaniel Hunting,
who succeeded Rev. Thomas James, the first minister of the town, in 1650.

PHILIP LIVINGSTON. 597

CHAPTER XXVII.
1745-1755.
PHILIP LIVINGSTON.
Philip Livingston. — Philip Livingston's Sons. — William Livingston. — Philip Liv
ingston's Daughters. — Philip Livingston's Death. — John Rutherford. — The
Indian Conference op October, 1745. — Frederick Philipse. — The Philipse
Family. — Philipse Manor. — Mary Philipse. — Clinton and the Assembly. —
Peepabations for the Canadian Campaign. — Indian Conference of 1746. — Hor
rors OF War. — Chief Justice De Lancey. — Dk. Colden. — Violent Contests. —
Kew York under Discipline. — A Glimpse op New York in 1752. — The Odd Wed
ding. — Rev. Aaron Buer. — Sir Danvers Osborne. — Statesmanship op Lieu
tenant-Governor De Lancey. — The Albany Congress. — King's College. — Wil
liam Livingston. — The Great Feud. — New York Society Library. — Governor
Sir Charles Hardy. — The French War. — General Braddock. — Washington.
— War. —Acadia. — Hon. John Watt.s. — The Watts Estate. — The Watts Man
sion. — Archibald Kennedy. — No 1 Broadway.
PHILIP LIVINGSTON (the second lord of the manor) was one of
the counselors. He exercised his delegated authority only upon
special occasions, however, as he spent the greater portion of the year in
his elegant manor-house. In all conferences with the Indians his presence
was esteemed indispensable. He had been Secretary of Indian Affairs
for nearly a fourth of a century, and was conversant with whatever con
cerned their relations with the people of the province. At an interview
with the sachems of the Six Nations in the autumn of 1745, he opposed
the governor's scheme for reducing Crown Point, giving reasons which
occasioned a personal exchange of inciviUties by no means flattering to
either party ; at the same time a few Mohawk warriors complained that
Livmgston had obtained a patent for a large tract of land in their country
which had never been bought or paid for, although Indian names were
attached to tbe documents. Clinton censured Livingston, whUe the
latter declared that the transaction was conducted in the same manner as
all former transactions of the kind, only the Indians had since quarreUed
among themselves, and denied the right of the old chief (now deceased)
to negotiate sales. He said such difficulties were constantly arising.

598 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The young warriors, as soon as their fathers were gone, looked around to
see what had been done, and grumbled if they happened to covet what
their sires had sold. The governors of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and
Pennsylvania were present at this meeting. It was feared that the Six
Nations would revolt and go over to the enemy, and every effort was
made to enhst them in the British interest. Clinton thought Livingston
should relinquish his claim to the contested property, and Livingston
thought the British government must be getting feeble if the officers
recently engrafted upon New York were a sample of its governing mate
rial ; he considered himself entitled to protection.
Philip Livingston supported three princely establishments, — one in New
York City, one in Albany, and his manor-house. He lived in a style of
courtly magnificence. He was now sixty years of age. His brother
Eobert (somewhat younger than himself) built the large stone bouse at
Clermont, (sketch, page 319) and was residing there with his family, of
which the future Judge Eobert E. Livingston — the father of the dis
tinguished Chancellor Livingston — was one of the most conspicuous
members. He, Eobert E. Livingston, was now twenty-six, and had been
married about three years to Margaret Beekman, the daughter of Colonel
Henry Beekman and Gertrude Van Cortlandt, and granddaughter, on her
mother's side, of Eobert, nephew of the first lord of the manor, and
Margaretta Schuyler (only daughter of Hon. Peter Schuyler). They had
a large family, of whom more presently.
Philip Livingston's six sons were already assuming the tasks and respon
sibilities of active life. Eobert succeeded to the manor, and was the last
lord, the Eevolution breaking the entail. Peter Van Brugh, Philip, John,
WiUiam, and Henry were all educated at Yale. Peter Van Brugh Liv
ingston went into mercantile speculations on an extensive scale, married
Mary, the daughter of James Alexander, and built a handsome house
on Prince Street; he was subsequently president of the New York Con
gress. Philip became a prominent merchant, erected a stone mansion on
Duke Street, and a charming villa on Brooklyn Heights. He signed the
Declaration of Independence. John was also a merchant; he married
Catharine, the daughter of Hon. Abraham De Peyster, the treasurer of the
province from 1721 to 1767, and one of the richest magnates of his time.
They lived pretentiously on Queen Street near the De Peyster homestead.
WiUiam was the pet and prot^g^ of his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Van
Brugh, and passed much of his boyhood with her in Albany. Before he was
fourteen years old he had spent an entire year among the Mohawks, under
the care of an English missionary. Tbe language and habits of the Indians
Avere esteemed an essential part of his education, as tbe proper measures

WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. 599
to be pursued in regard to the French and Indians was the chief subject
of colonial vigilance and apprehension. This was from 1736 to 1737.
He was gxaduated from Yale, at the head of his class, in 1741, and
studied law in the office of James -Alexander. He was an apt scholar,
and, through the vigor and quickness of his perceptions, took marvelous
strides in legal knowledge. One day his father questioned him as to how
he spent his evenings. " Never fear for my morals," he replied. " I am
plodding at mathematics and astronomy every night untU after nine
o'clock." He married Susanna French, the granddaughter of Lieutenant-
Governor Anthony BrockhoUs, and the great-granddaughter of the first
lord of PhUipse Manor. He became the celebrated war-governor of New
Jersey Henry was an extensive ship-owner and importer, and he also
huUt himseU a residence in New York City.
PhUip Livingston's three daughters were brilliant and accomplished
women. Sarah married WUliam Alexander, — Lord StirUng, — the son
of James Alexander. - Alida married Henry Hawson, and, after his death,
Martin Hoffman. Catharine married John L. Lawrence.-'
Among the counselors who attended the governor during his conference
with the Indians in Albany, were Joseph MuiTay and John Eutherford.
The latter was a new-comer, but a man of rank and learning. He was
appointed^by the Lords across the water, and Clinton was annoyed. He
had in his mind one or two native New-Yorkers whom be wished to
serve, and urgently requested that the appointment of Eutherford might
be revoked. He did not accompUsh his point, but he did make an enemy
of the gentleman in question. Four hundred and sixty-four Indians
marched into Albany the night before the conference opened. Forty-
three sachems caUed on the governor and his party about six o'clock.
They were each treated to a glass of rum, and, after an exchange of
courtesies, departed to partake of the supper prepared for them by the
mayor and citizens of Albany. The subject of an aggressive campaign into
Canada, with the help of the Indians, was discussed during this conference
without specific results. The treaty was renewed with the Mohawks, and
the commissioners from the other colonies mged united effort in the matter
^ Philip Livingston died in 1749. His funeral services were conducted in the most stately
and ceremonious manner. His city mansion in Broad Street, New York, and most of the
louses in the hloek, were thrown open to accommodate the vast assemblage. A pipe of wine
was spiced for the occasion, and to each of the eight hearers were given a, pair of gloves, a
scarf, a handkerchief, a mourning-ring, and a monkey spoon. The ohsequies were repeated at
the manor with increased formalities. In addition to similar gifts to the hearers, as in the
city, gloves and handkerchiefs were presented to each of the tenants. The expenses were
enormous. William, his fifth son, was struck with the ahsurdity of the custom, and subse
quently wrote a caustic article on " extravagance at funerals."

600

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

of repelhng the cruel invasions of the enemy. It was evident there could
be no permanent repose untU the French power was crushed in America.
But Clinton was at variance with his counselors, and the assistance of the
Indians was doubtful ; several of the elder chiefs manifested marked dis
inchnation to pledge themselves to any beUigerent action, untU after a
grand councU of their warriors at Onondaga.

Portrait of Mary Philipse.
Upon his return to New York the governor stopped a few days at PhU
ipse Manor. Frederick Philipse, the second lord, had recently expanded
the great old-fashioned roomy manor-house (the present City HaU of
Yonkers, on the Hudson) into thrice its former size, by the addition of the
elegant eastern front, with its regiment of windows, and two entrances,
each ornamented with eight columns and corresponding pUasters. Among
the horse-chestnuts and garden-terraces which skhted the velvety lawn
between the mansion and Locust HiU, crept the Albany and New York
post-road. Cultivated European tastes were everywhere distinguishable in
tbe arrangement of the grounds and parks ; and immense gardens, through
which stretched graveled walks bordered with box, dehghted the eye with
a wealth of shrubs and flowers rarely exceUed in this or any other coun
try, or age. The greensward sloped graduaUy and smoothly to the river
on the west. The roof of the edifice was surmounted by a heavy line of
balustrade, forming a terrace, which commanded an extensive view.

PHILIPSE MANOR-HALL. 601
The contrast from the scene as it appeared at the same point, when the
ancient structure, fronting the south, was first erected in 1682, was striking
indeed. It arose in the nudst of a picturesque wild. To the north and
east were wooded hiUs, vales, thorny dells, rocky steeps, and fenceless pas
tures; to the south was a mad and musical creek rushing down through
a narrow ravine, and fretting and foaming over Dutch mill-dams in its
way, untU it often upset them altogether ; and to the west was the broad
Hudson, with its opposite bank of feldspar and augite, and its waters un-
ruffied, save by an occasional sloop and a few paddle-boats. To-day (in
1876) the ambitious city of Yonkers covers the romantic site, extending
six mUes along the river by three miles or more inland. And in its very
heart stands the pioneer manor-house, a curious mixture of Dutch and
Enghsh architecture, having externally undergone no special alteration.^
The interior of the new part was elaborately finished. The waUs were
wainscoted, and the ceilings were in arabesque work. Marble mantels
were imported from England. The main haUs of entrance were about
fourteen feet wide, and the superb staircases, with their mahogany
hand-raUs and balusters were proportionaUy broad, and gave an air of
grandeur to the premises. The dormitories for the fifty or more house
hold servants were in the gable roof
The present lord of the manor had never been hampered by any of the
cares which attend the accumulation of property. His whole life was
spent in the enjoyment of it. His mother was an accompUshed English
woman, the daughter of Governor Sparks of Barbadoes.^ He had been
' In 1779 the Legislature of New York declared Frederick Philipse, the third lord of the
manor, attainted of treason, and the manor confiscated. In 1784 the State oifered it for sale
in tracts to suit purchasers. The manor-house and lands adjoining were bought by Cornelius
P. Low of New York, and became the rallying-spot for the village of Yonkers. Low did
not occupy the mansion, but sold it agaiu. Prior to 1813 it had had many owners. Then
it fell into the hands of Lemuel Wells, who lived in it twenty-nine years. He died childless
and intestate, and, leaving no will, his estate was divided among sixteen heirs. Again the
building had an uneasy and changeful proprietorship, until ahout eight years ago, when it was
purchased hy the corporation of Yonkers, for a City Hall. It was necessary to alter the geog
raphy of the northern portion of the interior in order to provide space for a modern court
room. But good sense was displayed in the manner of its accomplishment, and, although
tlie boundary lines of foi-mer centuries were obliterated in that particular part, yet the south
western apartments have been carefully shielded from modern innovation, and in their an
tique garments are among the last links which connect us with the remote period of tomahawks
and scalping-knive.s.
^ Frederick Philipse, the first lord of the manor, was hom about 1626, at Bolswaert in
Iriesland. He married, in 1662, Margaret Hardenhrook, the widow of Peter Rudolphus De
Tries, who had one child. Eve, at the time of her marriage with Philipse, and who was
liopted hy Philipse as his own. After the death of this lady, Philipse married (in 1692)
Catharine, daughter of Olofif S. Van Cortlandt, and widow of John Derval. Philipse died in
1702. His chUdren were. Eve (as above), Philip, Adolphe, and Annetje. Eve married Jaco-

602 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
thoroughly educated under her immediate supervision, and had spent
much of his early life in Europe. He married an Enghsh wife, Joanna,
the daughter of Lieutenant-Governor Anthony Brockholls. He presided
over his tenants and serfs Uke a right royal old feudal sovereign. He
occupied in person the bench of the com-t-leet and comt-baron of the
manor (courts which were held in a building that stood on the site of the
present Getty House in Yonkers), and took cognizance of criminal matters,
administering justice and not infrequently capital punishment. He
feasted his tenants on the two great rent-days, — one at Yonkers and the
other at Sleepy HoUow. In lieu of rent, a couple of fat hens or a day's
work was often received. The farmers near the river paid higher rates,
from being guaranteed greater privUeges.
The city establishment of Phihpse was as pretentious as the manor-
hall, and it was where the courtly aristocracy of the province were wont
to meet in gay and joyous throng. Philipse was polished in his manners,
hospitable, generous, cordial, manly. He had little taste for poUtics, and
yet he mixed somewhat in public life. -He represented Philipseborough
for many years in the Assembly, and he was for a long period tbe baron
and second judge of the Exchequer. Notwithstanding his Dutch ancestry
on bis father's side he was ardently attached to the Church of England.
It was through tbe provisions in his wiU that St. John's Church in Yon
kers was afterwards erected by the family ; a glebe of two hundred and
fifty acres of exceUent land was also appropriated to the use of the
church, and a parsonage buUt for tbe minister.^
bus Van Cortlandt, the younger brother of her step-mother ; Annetje married Philip French.
Adolphe never married. Philip, the elder son, went to Barbadoes, where he married the daughter
of Govemor Sparks. He died some two years hefore his father, leaving an only son, Freder
ick, who subsequently became the second lord of the manor. Lm^g Island Hist. Soc. Coll.,
Vol. I. 362, 365. Mrs. Catharine Van Cortlandt Philipse lived more than » quarter of a
century after her husband's death. She was chiefly instramental (in 1699) in building the
church at Sleepy Hollow, nearly opposite Castle Philipse, which vvas done at the expense of
herself and husband ; it is now supposed to be the oldest church edifice in the State. While
superintending the work, she. was in the habit of riding up from the city on horseback,
mounted on a pillion behind her favorite brother. Jacobus Van Cortlandt. See page 306.
1 Frederick Philipse, the second lord ofthe manor, died in 1751. The first minister called
to St. John's Church was Rev. Harry Munro, a man of ability and leaming, a fine classical
scholar, and versed in French, Italian, Hebrew, and Erse ; while his theological attainments
were exceptionaUy good. He was the .son of Robert Munro, of Dingwall, near Inverness,
Scotland, who was great-grandson of Sir Robert Munro, twenty-fourth Baron of Fowlis,
and third Baronet by his first wife. He came to this country (in 1757) as chaplain of one
of the regiments specially raised for service in the colonies against the French. He was with
the expedition against Fort Duquesne (Pittsburg), and he was present at the taking of Ticon
deroga and Crown Point. He was with the army until 1762. He went to Yonkers ahout
1765. He married for his third wife (March 31, 1766) Eve, daughter of Peter Jay and Mary
Van Cortlandt (Mary Van Cortlandt was the daughter of Jacobus Van Cortlandt and Eve

FREDERICK PHILIPSE. 603
His children received every advantage in the way of instruction which it
was in the power of wealthy parents to bestow. His elder son, Frederick
(who became the third and last lord of the manor), was graduated at
King's CoUege in New York. He grew up an ardent Churchman, and
opened his purse generously to aU charitable purposes. His tastes were
literary. He took very little part in public affairs, although he was a
member of the Assembly for several years. He was known as a scholarly
gentleman of the old school and an ornament in polite society. He lived
in a style of magiUficence exceeding aU of his predecessors. The manor-
house was furnished anew, and on every side there was costly and showy
display. His wife was an imperious woman of fashion. It is said that
it was her pride to appear upon the roads of Westchester, skillfully
reining four splendid jet-black steeds with her own hands. She was
killed by a fall from her carriage a short time before the Eevolution.
Her husband was one of those who tried to maintain so strict a neutrality
in the commencement of the great struggle as to protect his property.
But he faUed. He was at heart a loyalist, and had no faith in the success
of the American arms. He was very soon suspected of favoring the
Biitish, and compelled to seek safety ifa the city until the end of the war.
He was, however, at the manor-hall until after the battle of White
Plaius, and Washington and his generals spent several nights nnder his
terraced .roof It is said Washington occupied the southwestern cham
ber It is an immense room, and has an old-fashioned Dutch fireplace
with jambs about three feet deep, faced in blue and white tile, bearing
scriptural illustrations and appropriate references. The chimney (now
almost two hundred years old) is of pecuUarly quaint construction, and has
a secret passage-way from this apartment to some underground retreat,
the object of which can only be conjectured. The bricks of which it was
built were imported from HoUand.
Philipse (the second lord) had three lovely and accomplished daughters,
of whom Susan married Colonel Beverly Eobinson, the son of Hon. John
Eobinson of Virginia, the president of that colony on the retirement of
Governor Gooch. The bride received a handsome estate from her father,
on the Hudson, opposite West Point, where, in 1750, they erected a ro
mantic dweUing for a summer home. It was fashioned according to the
prevailing style of country-seats in England at that period ; its entrance-
PUlipse), and sister of Sir James Jay (M. D.) and Chief Justice John Jay. Their only child
was Peter Jay Munro, the celebrated lawyer ; he married Margaret, daughter of Henry White
and Eve Van Cortlandt (Eve Van Cortlandt was the daughter of Frederick Van Cortlandt aud
Frances Jay, and granddaughter of Jacobus Van Cortlandt), and of his daughters Frances be-
eame the wife of Bishop De Lancey, Harriet of Augustus Frederick Van Cortiandt, and Ann
of Elias Deshrosses Hunter. — New York Genealogical aiid Biographical Record, IV. 123.

604 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
haU was immensely broad, and its apartments stately, although the ceil
ings were low. The carving and the tUes were of unique pattern Gar
dens, lawns, fruit-orchards, highly cultivated fields, and great deer-parks
soon surrounded the home of the mihtary scholar, and, in deference to the
famUy of his mother, the bride named the estate " Beverly." It was for
the next twenty-five years the abode of a generous and courtly hospitality.
Eobinson was a major in the British army, under General WoUe, and
fought with heroic courage on the Plains of Abraham. When the Eevo
lutionary controversy commenced, he opposed the measures of the Minis
try, gave up the use of imported merchandise, and clad himself and his
family in fabrics of domestic manufacture. But he opposed also the
separation of the colonies from the mother country. He was not a native-
born citizen of America. He was a retired officer of the king's forces,
liable to be called upou at any time in case of war. His idea of a sol
dier's first duty was obedience to superior authority. Hence, although he
greatly desired to take a neutral part when hostilities broke out, the con
trary pressure was so strong that he yielded, and removed his family to
his city mansion, whence they took refuge in Great Britain at the close
of the war.^ His immense estate was confiscated by tbe Legislature of
the State, and sold.
Mary Philipse, the younger sister of Mrs. Eobinson, was born at the
manor-house in 1730. She was the brilliant young lady who captivated
Washington, when he was the guest of Colonel Eobinson at the New York
mansion of the latter, in 1756, while on his horseback journey from Vir
ginia to Boston. Whether the stylish Virginia colonel was backward about
coming forward, or whether he was actually rejected by the beautiful
belle, wiU ever remain a question. Colonel Eoger Morris was the favored
suitor, and shortly afterward the fashion, the rank, the beauty, and the
scholarship , of the capital were assembled at the manor-haU in Yonkers
to celebrate the bridal. Morris had been a feUow-soldier with Washing-
* The children of Colonel Beverly Robinson all attained distinction. Beverly was Lieu
tenant-Colonel in the British army, and settled at St. John's, New Branswick, where he he-
came President of the Royal Council. He died in New York City in 1816. John was a mem
ber of the Royal Council, and treasurer of New Brunswick ; also mayor of St. Johns, and
president of the first bank ever chartered in that colony. Sir Frederick passed through all
the gradations of army rank, commanded a brigade at the battle of Vittoria, at the siege of
St. Sebastian, and at the passage of the Nievre ; he was commander-in-chief of the Canadian
forces in the War of 1812, and was appointed governor of Upper Canada in 1815, at the same
time receiving the order of knighthood. He was aftervvards advanced to the Order of the
Bath. He visited Beverly in his mature manhood, and is said to have shed tears while
regarding with profound admiration the beauties which encompassed his birthplace. Sir
William Henry was knighted by the king for valuable services rendered to the English gov
emment. His wife was the daughter of Cortlandt Skinner of New Jersey.

COLONEL ROGER MORRIS.

605

ton on the field of Monongahela, where Braddock feU, in the summer of
1755. He buUt, shortly after his marriage, the fine old mansion at One
Hundred and Sixty-ninth Street, which was tbe residence (untU her death
in 1865) of the widow of Aaron Burr, Vice-President of the United States,
known as Madame Jumel. It was surrounded by highly ornamented
grounds, and its situation, from its commanding view of the Harlem Eiver
at High Bridge, to Long Island Sound and beyond, was one of the finest
and most attractive on Manhattan Island. Morris adhered to the crown
after the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and when, in the autumn
of that year, the American army under Washington encamped upon Har
lem Heights and occupied Fort Washington, he fled to Beverly for safety,
and Washington made the handsome Morris mansion his headquarters for

Roger Morris Mansion.
a tune. The estate of Adolphe PhUipse reverted at his death to his nephew,
the second lord of the manor. At the death of the latter the land in Put
nam County was divided between his younger children. The part around
and mcluding Lake Mahopac feU to Mary (PhiUpse), Mrs. Eoger Morris.
She was in the habit of visiting her tenants in that region semi-yearly, up
to the time of the Eevolution, and was very much beloved by them. She
occupied the Uttle log-house of her great-uncle at first ; but she finally
caused to be erected a much larger and better structure of logs, where she
passed several weeks every season. This log-house is stUl in existence, a

606 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
frame-house having been built around it. It is occupied by a man so
aged that he can distinctly remember when boats could sail from the
Hudson Eiver through Canal Street, in New York City, to the Fresh
Water Pond in Centre Street. It is near the famous "Eed Mill," which
was buUt by the PhUippe tenants in 1745, some giving, timber, some
boards, and some labor, as it was esteemed of great importance to have a
place to grind the grain which was raised in this remote country. The
loft of the mill was used as a church for many years, and Mrs. Morris al
ways attended divine service there whenever on a visit to her tenants.
During the Eevolution the miU was converted into a storehouse for the
American army, and Mrs. Morris's log-house was more than once occu
pied by Washington, and was the scene of many tragic events.
A slice of tbe Philipse estate bordering upon the Harlem Eiver (ex
tending towards Yonkers) had been conveyed by the first lord of the
manor to Jacobus Van Cortlandt,i the husband of his eldest daughter. Eve.
1 Oloff S. Van Cortlandt (the first Van Cortlandt in this country) was married to Ann, the
sister of Govert Loockennans, in the Dutch Church, New York, February 26, 1642. Their
children were, 1, Stephanus, bom 1643, married Gertrude Schuyler ; 2, Maria, married Jere
mias Van Rensselaer ; 3, John, died unmarried ; 4, Sophia, married Andrew Teller ; 6, Cath
arine, married John Derval, afterwards Frederick Philipse ; 6, Comelia, married Brandt
Schuyler ; 7, Jacobus, hom 1658, married Eve Philipse.
Stephanus Van Cortlandt and Gertrude Schuyler's children were, 1, John, married Anne
Sophia Van Schaaok, and left an only daughter, Gertrude, who married Philip Verplanck ;
2, Anne, who married Stephen De Lancey ; 3, Margaret, who married Samnel Bayard ; 4,
Oliver, who died unmarried ; 5, Maria, who married Kilian Van Rensselaer, the fourth pa
troon of Rensselaerswick, and the first grantee of the manor under the English patent in 1704 ;
6, Gertrude, died young ; 7, Philip, married Catharine De Peyster ; 8, Stephanus, married
Catalina Staats ; 9, Gertrude, married Colonel Henry Beekman ; 10, Gysbert, died unmarried ;
11, Elizabeth, died young ; 12, Elizabeth (horn 1694), married Rev. William Skinner, the firat
rector of St. Peter's Church, Perth Amboy. His true name was McGregor ; he was one of the
clan proscribed for supporting the Old Pretender in 1715. He changed his name, came to
America, and became an Episcopal clergyman. His oldest son was Cortlandt Skinner,
whose daughter married Sir William Henry Robinson, of "Beverly" ; his youngest son,
William Skinner, married his cousin, Susan, daughter of Admiral Sir Peter Warren and Susan
De Lancey ; 13, Catharine, married Andrew Johnston, second son of Dr. John Johnston,
speaker of the New Jersey Assembly and member of the governor's council of New Jersey.
14, Cornelia (born 1698), married Colonel John Schuyler, the son of John Schuyler, the
younger brother of Hon. Peter Schuyler. Colonel John Schuyler and Cornelia Van Cortlandt
vvere the parents of the celebrated General Philip Schuyler of the American Revolution.
Jacobus Van Cortlandt (the ancestor of the Van Cortlandts of Yonkers, the youngest
hranch of the Van Cortlandt family) and Eve Phiiipse's children were, Margaret, mamed
Abraham De Peyster, Jr., Treasurer of New York province forty-six years ; Anue, married
Judge John Chambers ; Mary, married Peter Jay ; and Frederick married Frances Jay.
Philip Van Cortlandt (who lived at the ¦¦ manor) and Catharine De Peyster's children
were, 1, Stephen (born in 1711), married Mary Walton Ricketts ; 2, Abraham, died unmar
ried ; 3, Philip, died unmarried ; 4, John, died unmarried ; 5, Pierre (bom 1721), first lieu
tenant-governor of New York as a State, and ancestor of the present Van Cortiandts of Cort-

CLINTON AND THE ASSEMBLY. 607
The great substantial country-house, now standing, was built upon this
property in 1748, by Frederick Van Cortlandt, who had married Frances
Jayi It was a weary drive from Kingsbridge to the city, the roads not being
cared for in the best manner, and Clinton was overtaken on his wintry
journey (it was late in the autumn) by a driving northeastern storm of
sleet and rain, which occasioned an attack of rheumatic gout from which
he did not recover for months. His famUy were sick at the same time,
and he wrote dolorous accounts of the general health of the people to his
friends in England, which created an unfavorable impression conceriung
the chmate of New York. Fevers had indeed prevailed to an alarming ex
tent during the season, also the smaU-pox. But an old certificate, signed
in the presence of the justices of the peace — Gerardus Stuyvesant,
WiUiam Eoome, Simon Johnson, John MarshaU, and Stephen Van Cort
landt — by the physicians of New York, shows that about the middle of
October the sickness had materiaUy abated. The names of those wbo
were practicing medicine in the city, in 1745, were Doctors Archibald
Fisher, William Beekman, Isaac Du Bois, Eoelof Kiersted, John Van
Bueren, E. B. Kemmena, Abraham Van Vleck, William Heweot, William
Blake, David Hay, Alexander Moore, WiUiam Brownjohn, and Joseph
Bruning. The House was in session when the governor arrived, and although in
great bodily suffering he reported the demand made upon New York for
assistance by the other colonies, and the temper of the Indian^. He
recommended the raising of money for building forts along the frontiers,
for equipping a guard-ship to defend the coast, for fitting out an expedi
tion against Crown Point, for providing provisions for the Oswego gar
rison, for more money to strengthen the hands of the commissioners, for
the punctual payment of the mUitia, and for a thousand and one contin
gent expenses.
The response was slow and measured. Why must so weighty a bur
den be borne by New York? The members of the Assembly were
nearly aU rich men, and consequently large tax-payers. The bleeding
process was becoming painful England ought to come to the rescue.
landt Manor, married Joanna Livingston ; 6, Catharine (bom in 1725), was killed by the
huMting of a cannon at the Battery.
' The children of Frederick Van Cortlandt and Frances Jay were, James, married Elizabeth
Cuyler ; Frederick, died unmarried ; Augustus, married Helen Barclay ; Ann, married Na
thaniel Marston, afterwards Augustus Van Horne ; Eve, married Henry White.
Augustus Van Cortlandt and Helen Barclay's children were, Ann, who married her cousin,
Henry White, the son of Henry White and Eve Van Cortlandt ; and Helen, who married
James Morris of Morrisania.

608 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Clinton wrote to the Lords that the Assembly was extremely backward
in promoting any public good; he said : "While so many Dutch prevaU in .
the province, I can have but Uttle hopes of succeeding in any enterprise,
though ever so well concerted, unless they are compeUed to do their duty
more cheerfuUy by a superior power." He intimated that the Dutch of
Albany wanted to maintain neutrality with the French savages for pur
poses of trade, and actually exchanged ammunition with them for skins
while the same wretches were murdering the New England people in the
most shocking manner. He charged PhUip Livingston, in particular, with
having been engaged in the nefarious business. He urged the British
Ministry to take cognizance of the " disobedience and indolence of the
New York Assembly."
In the spring Clinton begged to be allowed to return to Eng
land for the recovery of his health. His hearing and eyesight
were very much impaired, and he had lost strength and fiesh. One of
his children had died, and a son, wbo had been afflicted with fever and
ague for ten months, had already saUed for Europe. The Assembly
treated him with disrespect, and the counselors were ill-natured. The
government was not likely to fill his purse, and be was heartily disgusted
with New York.
But he did not obtain reUef just then. The proceedings of the French
were such as to create wide-spread alarm throughout the colonies, and
the absolute necessity of energetic warfare became clear to every mind.
Governors Shirley of Massachusetts, Wolcott of Connecticut, Morris of
New Jersey, and others, were in constant communication with Clinton,
and each other, and a gigantic project was maturing. Each colony had
petitioned the crown for help, and the promise of help finaUy came.
Meanwhile Governor Lewis Morris finished his earthly career at the
advanced age of seventy-three. He was interred, according to his direc
tions in the family vault at Morrisania. The funeral cortege left Trenton
on the 26th of May, and reached Amboy the same evening, where
^ ' a small vessel was in waiting, which conveyed tbe remains to
Morrisania. The paU-bearers were Chief Justice De Lancey, James
Alexander, WiUiam Smith, Abraham De Peyster (the treasurer), Joseph
Murray, Eobert Walters, David Clarkson, and Lewis Johnston. The
last rites were performed by Eev. Dr Standard, rector of the parish of
Westchester. Governor Morris had directed, among other things, some time before his
death, that his remains should be placed in a plain coffin, without cover
ing or lining ; and he had prohibited tbe giving of rings or scarfs at his
funeral, or the wearing of mourning garments by any of bis family on

FUNERAL OF GOVERNOR LEWIS MORRIS. 609
his account, as it was an unnecessary expense, which the indigent would
attempt to imitate. He ordered, also, that no man should be paid for
preaching a funeral sermon for him, but if any one, churchman, dissenting
minister, or otherwise, felt inclined to say anything on the occasion he
should have no objection.^ '
With the joyful tidings that the king approved of the aggressive
measures against the French, and that the colonial forces would be
joined by regular troops from England, the Assembly smUed with exul
tation. Impecuniosity gave way to generous impulses. A grand effort
was made to further the important design. Bounties were raised for
volunteers, and large sums were appropriated to purchase ammunition,
provisions, etc. For immediate convenience there was a new emission of
paper money.
Stephen Bayard and Edward HoUand from the CouncU were deputed
to superintend the buUding of a fleet of bateaux, which was esteemed
essential for the navigation of Lakes George and Champlain. They re
ported, on the Gth of July, that the naval architects refused to work under
pretense of prior engagements, whereupon the House enacted a law au
thorizing the impressment into the public service of aU artificers, and
their servants, whose assistance might be required, together with horses,
wagons, and anything else needful for the success of the enterprise.
The Assembly hesitated at nothing until it came to the providing of
equipments, provisions, and transportation of military stores for the
Indian service, and then it firmly refused to advance money to the crown,
even upon loan, prefering to raise the same by bills of exchange. A
grand council was about to be convened at Albany for the common .
benefit of aU the exposed colonies, and the members of the House could
see no reason why each colony should not contribute towards the heavy
expenses for presents, clothing, arms, and subsistence for the savage
aUies, — who always fought for honor, scouting the idea of going upon the
war-path for pay, and yet must have incentives to action upon a liberal

The session closed on the 15th of July, but not until a joint ^^ ^
congratulatory address from the two Houses had been voted
to the king. The committee from the Upper House who prepared the
' From the Diary of Judge Lewis Morris (the govemor's son), under date of May 30, the
following is extracted : " Sent back the chaises to Harlem that we borrowed for the burial.
THere was one quarter cask of wine expended at the funeral, to about two dozen bottles, and
about two gallons of mm, a barrel of cider and two ban-els of beer.'' Bolton's Westchester.
hpers of Governor Lewis Morris. New Jersey Historical Collections. Governor Lewis
Morris donated the timber for the building of Trinity Church, and the vestry granted the
fsmily a square pew. 39

610 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
document were, PhiUp Livingston, Chief Justice De Lancey, and Judge
Horsemanden. It was now midsummer, and the colonies were ready for immediate
action. The militia had left their ripening harvests, and with
' their' muskets loaded, were awaiting the order of march. But
neither troops nor other aid had arrived from across the water ; not eveu
a message of encouragement. The inaction of the parent government,
from which much had been promised and more expected, was re
garded with dismay. Its co-operation was absolutely essential to the
execution of the vast scheme in progress, and the fiery ambition with
which the provinces had hurried their preparations iu order to accomphsh
grand and hoped-for results before winter, resolved into deep chagrin.
Clinton, however, proceeded, according to arrangement, to meet the Six
Nations iu Albany. He was at loggerheads with his counselors, and
only three of them could be induced to accompany, him on this mission,
— Philip Livingston, Dr. Colden, and John Eutherford. And of these
Livingston and Eutherford were sworn personal foes. But Livingston
was deeply interested in transactions of whatever nature with the In
dians, and Major Eutherford was already in Albany on military duty
To Clinton's great surprise there were no Indians in Albany to meet him,
except two straggling Onondagas and one Oneida warrior ! They brought
as trophies two French scalps, which they said they had taken at noonday
within sight of the French fort at Crown Point. The leader of the three
made a speech to the governor, after which he was rewarded for his
bravery witb a fine laced coat and hat, a silver breastplate, and a new
name, — Path-opener. Each of his companions received four Spanish
dollars, a blanket, and a laced hat. The reports from tbe messengers who
had been sent to invite the Six Nations to the council were so discourT
aging that Path-opener, proud of his distinction, volunteered upon an
embassy to bring the Indians to Albany.
Other scouts came, reporting large numbers of French and Indiana
at Crown Point, and at various points. Sixteen Mohawks sent to
reconnoitre the works of the enemy by Sir WiUiam Johnson, brought
the unpleasant intelligence that the French were making extensive prepa
rations to attack Schenectady, and the other white settlements in the Mo
hawk VaUey, and probably Albany, and that there was an appearance of
some private understanding between tbe Six Nations and the French In
dians about Montreal. Sir William wrote to tbe governor that there were
serious grounds for alarm ; that the white settlers, for twenty miles above
him and below Schenectady ; had fied from the country, and that his own
property — of which he named eleven thousand bushels of wheat and other

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON AND THE INDIANS 611
grain — was in jeopardy. Clinton sent a detachment of thirty men to
his assistance, and a militia company to the upper Mohawk castle for the
protection of the Indians. To increase the embarrassment of the gov
emor, news came from Shirley that the Atlantic seaboard was threatened
by a French invasion.
For nearly a month 'the prospect of procuring a general attendance of
Indians was far from flattering. The temper of the Six Nations was bad.
The war, they said, was between the EngUsh and French ; it was none of
their quarrel If they began to fight there was no rest for them until
either they or their foes were swept from off the face of the earth. " The
treacherous rascals ! " exclaimed Colden, " I have no doubt that some
of the chiefs have already pledged themselves to the crafty Jesuit eccle
siastics." Colden started at once for the Mohawk castles, where he had spent
some time twenty years before, and been adopted into their clan and in
vested with an Indian name, and with the assistance of the Eev. Mr.
Barclay, at last persuaded three of the sachems who had been on a visit
to the govemor of Canada, to sustain the cause of the English. At the
same time. Sir WiUiam Johnson, by request of Clinton, was laboring with
the other chiefs. He assumed their dress, painted himself, feasted them,
set them to teaching him how to dance their war-dances, and entered
into aU their athletic exercises and games. The savages were flattered, and
adopted him as their war-chief When they finaUy consented to go to
Albany, a poUtical feud arose among themselves, and they separated, one
party marching on one side of the river and the other on the opposite
side. As they neared Albany, Johnson put himself at their head, dressed,
painted, and plumed, as required by the dignity of his rank as Indian
chieftain. When they passed the Albany fort, salutes were exchanged,
the Indians firing their muskets and the fort its artillery. Johnson and
the sachems were afterwards received in the great hall of the fortress, and
served with wine and other refreshments.
AU sorts of private maneuvering with individual chiefs was found ne
cessary to induce them to declare war against the French.^ It was a
critical moment indeed. There were manv difficulties to be ad- Aug 19.
justed before the opening of the Council Meantime Clinton had
heen attacked by fever, and the. duty of conducting the conference de
volved upon Colden. Commissioners from Massachusetts were present, also
' The Indian Chiefs were admonished that they must guard against the treacherous wiles
ofthe French priests, and told that their friends, the English, were now going to wipe away
the sorrowful tears of the Six Nations ; and some of the chiefs replied, that their blood
toiled at the way in which they had been treated by the wicked priests, and that henceforth
they should have no further use for them, only for roasting.

612 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the Commissioners of Indian Affairs, and the mayor and corporation of
Albany; among the latter were Myndert Schuyler, Cornelius Cuyler,
Nicholas Bleecker, Stevanus Groesbeeck, and John De Peyster.^ Colden
delivered an eloquent and carefully prepared speech, explaining the mar
velous feats which the English were about to perform, and at the end of
eacb sentence one of the chiefs caUed out, " yo-hay, — Do you hear ? "
and a low guttural of approbation came from the whole assemblage.
When Colden took his seat the war-belt was thrown down, and the sig
nificant act was followed by a war-shout. Three days afterward the
sachems responded satisfactorily ; and in the course of two or tbree
days, presents had been lavishly distributed, the war-dance had ^^' ^'
been performed in the presence of the governor and other distinguished
gentlemen, — the warriors all painted, — and appropriate songs had closed
the entertainment. The Indians started for their homes in fine spirits,
but the smaU-pox broke out among them on the journey, and many died,
among whom were two energetic chiefs who had promised to enlist the far
Indians in favor of the English.
CUnton remained in Albany a month longer, and conferred with the
Stockbridge, the Susquehanna, and other tribes of Indians. In the mean
time the savages in the Frencb service kept the New England frontier
and tbe eastern border of New York, in one continuous state of alarm ;
houses and barns were bumed, and fields reddened with blood. The most
conspicuous demonstration of the enemy during tbe season was about the
middle of August, when a force of regular troops and Indians, numbering
over nine hundred, descended upon Fort Massachusetts, the bulwark of
the Berkshire Hills and the headquarters of Colonel Ephraim AViUiams,
the commander of the posts in that region. The fort stood in a long low
meadow, commanded by heights in every direction. Its site is now des
ignated by a lone tree, and is about half-way between the beautiful towns
of WiUiamstown — the seat of WiUiams CoUege, which was founded by
Colonel Ephraim Williams — and North Adams. The fort was unfavora
bly situated for defense, and the little garrison, consisting of only eleven
meu able to do duty (eleven were sick), under John Hawks, were lam
entably short of ammunition. Indeed, Thomas Wilhams, witb thirteen
1 John De Peyster was the grandson of Johannes De Peyster, born in New York January
14, 1694. He married Anne Schuyler, and settled in Albany. He had two daughters, Anne,
who married Volkert P. Donow, and Rachel, who married Tobias Ten Eyck. He was Re
corder of the city of Albany from 1716 to 1728, and mayor from 1729 to 1732. In 1734 he
became one of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs ; he was subsequently a contractor with
the govemment to supply Oswego and other outposts with stores, and, in 1755, was one
of the commissioners for paying the forces in the expedition in which Johnson defeated
Dieskau.

DISAPPOINTMENT. 613
men, had just started on a secret tour through the wUderness to Deerfield,
for supplies — Colonel WiUiams himself was at Albany with the greater
part of his soldiers, under orders to march with the expedition to conquer
Canada The Uttle band of eleven resisted the nine hundred as long
as a spoonful of powder was left in the fort; the defense was onefof
the most gaUant affairs, of its magnitude, on record. Hawks surrendered,
finaUy, to the French commander, M. VaudreuU, who offered honorable
terms of capitulation ; the latter laughed dryly when he found his prison
ers numbered only eight effective men, — three having been killed during
the siege, — but he and his officers treated the gaUant young sergeant as
brave men are prone to treat the brave. The Indians, however, were irri
tated at the smallness of the booty, and butchered all the sick and infirm,
and set fire to the fort ; ^ the remainder of the prisoners, including two
women, and several children, were carried to Crown Point, and from thence
to Canada. Sir WiUiam Gooch, governor of Virginia, had been commis
sioned by the crown to command the Canadian expedition, and had de
chned; hence Clinton was in actual command of the forces gathered at
Albany. He was severely censured for his negligence in not having em
ployed rangers to scour the forests and watch the motions of the enemy,
when it was discovered that so large a force had been led through tbe
country, and actually besieged Fort Massachusetts for over forty-eight
hours, within forty miles of Albany, without the fact being known until
aome time after the invaders had retired. There was more than one
among the counselors and legislators who attributed it to penuriousness,
and some were so bold as to say that the money which should have been
expeded in such service went into the private purse of the governor.
AU this time no news came from Boston or from England. The sum
mer had passed away, and of course the best season for active mihtary
operations against Crown Point and Canada. Disappointment settled
like a pall over Albany. FinaUy letters came from General Shirley and
from Admiral Sir Peter Warren. New England was absorbed in the de
fense of the coasts, and England had failed in every engagement. No
fleet, no troops, no Sir John Sinclair, to lead the colonies on to victory.
It only remained for New York to prepare winter quarters for the soldiers,
and adopt plans for guarding against the murderous attacks of the foe.
' Colonel Williams rebuilt Fort Massachusetts the next year ; he was attacked, while so do
ing, by a large party of the enemy, who came with the intention of hindering his operations,
hut were repulsed with heavy loss. In 1748 it was the scene of another sharp fight. After
the peace of that year was concluded at Aix-Ia-Chapelle, the General Court of Massachusetts
giMted to Colonel Williams a large tract of land in that vicinity. On the commencement of
hostilities in 1755, he was ordered with his command to join Sir William Johnson, and fell
in the attack upon Dieskau near Lake George.

614 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Clinton did not get on weU with the Indian commissioners. He was
surly and they were opinionated. His policy differed from their no
tions. He was unyielding, and several of them dechned to attend the
councU. He finaUy displaced Colonel Schuyler (the son of Hon. Peter
Schuyler), and placed Sir WUUam Johnson at the head of the Indian
Department. He returned to New York early in October. He found tbe As-
Oct. 14. sembly ripe for a quarrel. There was talk about gross misman
agement on the part of the governor, and Colden was criticised for
• the part he had taken in conducting affairs with tbe Indians. Clinton
was indisposed, and, instead of opening the session in person, sent
for the speaker, and through- him transmitted a copy of his mes
sage to the House. This procedure was voted irregular and unprece
dented. The message itself created a tempest. It called for subsistence
for the winter encampment at Albany, and for larger appropriations in
every direction. It contained subtle hints relative to distrusts that were
being fomented by artful, designing men ; and admonitions to the eff'ect
that one branch of the govemment should not wantonly encroach upon
the prerogatives of other branches of tbe govemment.
Frederick PhUipse, Judge Lewis Morris, David Clarkson, Hemy Cra
ger, and Colonel Schuyler were the committee to draft a reply. They
said tbat larger appropriations had been voted already than even the king
had expected. They disapproved of the winter encampment, as the sol
diers could not be made comfortable in Albany, and sickness and deser
tion would inevitably follow. They proposed to enter upon a fuU inves
tigation of the Indian branch of the public service as soon as the papers
and documents relating to it should be placed before the Assembly, and
until then no larger sum thau usual would be voted for that department,
" lest there be further misconduct." They threw back into the governor's
face tbe insinuations respecting the influence of artful and designing men,
by remarking, pointedly, that if such persons had been infusing distrust
into his ExceUency's mind, they must have sinister ends in view, and
could be no friends to the country. As for encroaching upon the preroga
tives of others they designed nothing of the kind ; the troubles which had
hitherto arisen in the colony had resulted from the bad advice given by
designing meu to the governors, and not from any wanton stretch of power
by the people. They referred to the recent vote of the sum of £6,500
for the subsistence of the troops at Albany, and, in addition to tbe civil
list, of the provision for paying the deficient bounty-money. Beyond that,
" the circumstances of the colony (of which they were the most competent
judges) would uot suffer them to take one step further."

CHIEF JUSTICE DE LANCEY. 615
Chief Justice De Lancey, in whom Clinton had reposed great confi
dence during the first years of his administration,^ was now tbe active
head of the opposition. De Lancey had disapproved of Cliuton's deter
mination to demand an independent support for a term of years iu place
of the annual provision accorded by the Assembly. He had given
vigorous advice upon other subjects which Clinton swallowed ungra
ciously. Certain members of the Council holding different opinions from
the chief justice privately counseled the governor to maintain the dignity
of his station, and not allow an inferior to domineer over him.
One day Clinton and De Lancey were dining together, and grew very
warm over the discussion of some of the vexed questions of state. De
Lancey insisted upon a favorite point with an imperious air, and Clin
ton, losing all patience, declared that he should not be driven. De
Lancey retorted that he would make the administration uneasy for his
Excellency in the future, and took his leave. Clinton's parting words
were, "You may do your worst." And the two were never afterwards
reconciled. No man in New York prior to the Eevolution wielded greater influ
ence than Chief Justice De Lancey. He was an intellectual giant.
His breadth of knowledge, culture, magnetic presence, vivacity, wit,
condescensiou to inferiors, aud charming good-nature made him a general
favorite with aU classes. But, extremely affable as he was under ordinary
circumstances, ^ wheu it was his humor, — he was haughty and over
bearing whenever he was thwarted iu his purposes, and his anger was
fierce and unrelenting. He could not with grace tolerate opinions differ
ing from his own ; implicit and unreasoning acquiescence in his views
was the price of his friendship ; and to such friends he knit himself with
hooks of steel ; there was no service in his power he would not render
them, and they served hini with a zeal which indicated tbe marvelous
strength of his nature. His bearing was princely. He would have been
pointed out in any promiscuous assembly as a man bom to command.
His enormous wealth rendered him an object of interest to the multi
tude. They pinned their faith to his honesty, because he could have no
possible motive for stealing the public money. He was not a foreign
invader seeking to enrich himself with the surplus earnings of the hard
working pioneers of tbe couutry. He was their friend and champion.
His snow-white horses and gilded chariot with outriders in handsome
livery excited no envy ; his grand old mansion on Broadway and his stiU
' Clinton presented De Lancey, of his own accord, a new commission of chief ju.stice for
life, dated September 14, 1744, in place of his fomier one, the tenure of which was only
"during pleasure."

616 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
more elegant country-seat were objects of pride to the inhabitants ofthe
city. The latter was on the Bowery road above Grand Street. The
bouse stood in the rear of the block between Eivington and- De Lancey
Streets. It was a broad stately brick building, three stories high, expensive
ly furnished, and contained a generous and well-chosen library ; the walls
of the apartments were embeUished with choice works of art, and it was
otherwise invested with the refined tastes of him who built and beautified
it. An avenue shaded on either side by handsome trees, which in sum
mer time formed a leafy arch overhead, led from the mansion to the
Bowery Eoad. Tbe estate spread over an incredible number of acres.
The map of the same, sketched by De Lancey while heutenant-governor
of New York, and perfected by his son, James De Lancey, illustrates the
symmetry of his plans in regard to the future laying out of streets.^ The
attractive square which appears on the map disappeared when the prop
erty was confiscated by the State, and sold in lots to suit purchasers.
Colden, henceforward, became the governor's confidential adviser and
staunch supporter. He, no less than De Lancey, was a man of genius
and power. Indeed, his erudition quite surpassed tbe age in which he
lived, and the brilliant qualities of his mind shone like the sun among
stars.^ He possessed sound judgment, aud was honored and respected by
the community at large. He was a small, high-shouldered, plain-faced
man, with few personal graces, but his iron will was fuUy equal to that
of his briUiant rival. Indeed, wbile unlike in almost every respect
except irritability of temper, the two formidable adversaries were well
matched. James Alexander and William Smith, who had been fomierly so valiant
in the popular interest, were now squared about, as it were, for they had
never been on cordial terms with the chief justice since the Zenger trial'
They stood by Colden, and Colden managed Clinton
', Copied through the courtesy of Edward P. De Lancey.
* Colden was a physician, a botanist, an astronomer, and a historian.
8 James Alexander resided the greater pai-t of the year at his country-seat— his
" plentifuU estate," as Clinton termed it in writing to the Duke of JSTewcastie— in New
Jersey, near Perth Amboy. That he should have failed in meeting regularly with the
council in New York is no matter of surprise, when we consider what were the traveling
facilities at that date. A " stage-wagon " crossed New Jersey between New Brunswick
and Trenton once a week as early as 1742 (and even before), which appears from a
humorous complaint of Governor Morn?, about the mode in which a box of beer bot
tles had been sent him : " Whereas at i>ew York it was first landed, then carted up
the Broad- way, then down again to the water side, then put on board a boat to New
Brunswick, and then carted thirty miles to this place." In 1744, arrangements were
made for the " stage-wagon " to run tmice a week ; and in 1750, a new line was estab
lished, connecting New York with Philadelphia by the same route, with a " stage-boat,"

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORE. 617
Meantime the House became intensely excited over tbe news that the
high sheriff of Albany, by order of Colonel Eoberts,^ an officer of one of
the independent companies, had broken open the storehouses in that city,
and taken into custody a large quantity of provisions for the soldiers.
Colden himself had sanctioned the act, after in vain trying to induce the
commissioners to obey the direct orders of the governor, and issue sup
plies for tbe hungry troops. The House at once adopted a resolution
approving of the conduct of the commissioners ; and another declaring
hoth Eoberts and the high sheriff guilty of a high misdemeanor; and
several others, among which was one declaring Dr. Colden guilty of high
Ik the announcement the proprietor states that passages are made in forty-eight
hwrs less time than by any other line ; but he does not state how long it requires to
accomplish the whole journey from New York to Philadelphia. The following year,
the enterprise having proved successful, he again advertises his /ffi«nine, and promises
to "endeavor to use people in the best manner, and not keep them more than five
days on the way." This stirred the Philadelphians into brisk competition, and a
"stage-wagon with a good awning" began to run between "Crooked BUlet Wharf"
and "Amboy Ferry," where a passage boat with a "fine, commodious cabin, fitted up
with a tea-table, and sundry other conveniences," conveyed the passenger to the me
tropolis. It was not until 1765, that the traveler was able to go from New York to
Philadelphia in three days. The vehicle then used was a covered Jersey wagon with
out springs, and was called the "Plying Machine." The roads were rough, and in
many instances, particularly in swampy places, were but a mere causeway of logs with
gravel thrown over them. Commissioners were appointed to survey and straighten
the New Jersey roads in 1765, hoping to shorten the distance between the cities some
twelve or fifteen miles ; but they found obstacles which were difficult to overcome.
Col John Schuyler, of Belleville, is said to have constructed the first road over the
flats between Newark and New Tork. Brissot de Warville, the Prench traveler, in
1774, speaks of this highway as a marvelous work. "All the way to Newark (nine
miles) is a marshy country," he says, " intersected with rivers ; at two miles we cross
a cedar swamp, at three miles we intersect the road leading to Bergen, a Dutch town on
OUT right, at five miles we cross the Hackensack Kiver, and finally we cross the Pas
saic Eiver (coachee and all) in a scovZ by means of pulling a rope fastened on the op
posite side." Of the road itself, he writes, "It is built wholly of wood, with much
labor and perseverance, in the midst of water, on a soil that trembles under your feet,
Md proves to what point may be carried the patience of man who is determined to
conquer nature I " The Duke de Eochef oucault traveled over this road, improved, in
1795, and describes it as "very disagreeable to the traveler, and difficult for carriages,
Mng so narrow in some places as not to admit of passing, and extremely rough. It
is constructed of trees having their branches cut away, disposed longitudinally, one
beside another, and slightly covered with earth." — Whitehead.
' Colonel Roberts was " Cornet of Horse " at the accession of George I, and was con
nected by his first marriage to the Bari of Halifax. His second wife was the daughter of
grands Harrison, the counselor at New York. Clinton placed high value upon his
services, and recommended him to the favor of the king, because he hazarded his life
inmany instances for the good of New York, the Governor of Canada having offered a
large reward for his scalp.

618 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
misdemeanor, for attempting by threats to influence officers appointed by
law to violate their duty ; and another decUning to vote any further
supplies until an effectual stop should be put to such proceedings, and
demanding that the governor should direct tbe attorney-general to prose
cute the delinquents.
It was a peculiar controversy. Each party seemed to feel abundantly
justified in its course; and each seemed determined to embarrass the
other. Tbe governor explained to the Assembly the necessities of the
case, and asked for the future that provisions might be dehA'^ered to the
army agreeably to the existing engagements of the Assembly, in which
event nothing which had happened would ever be repeated. He also
pledged that all possible care should be taken of the provisions, and exact
accounts rendered. There was a lull after tbis, although tbe better state Of feeling
had not been reached. Towards the close of the session Chief
Justice De Lancey called the attention of both Houses to a pamphlet
which had fallen into his hands, giving an account of the late conference
with the Indians at Albany, which he said was a misrepresentation of
facts, and a reflection upon the absent counselors ; he moved that the
printer be ordered to appear and confess the author's name. Dr Colden
was in the speaker's chair, and at once stated that he wrote the pamphlet
and caused it to be printed, but that he had no intention of casting any
reflections upon the other gentlemen. In spite of his apologies; the
majority condemned the offensive paragraphs, and passed a resolution
that the pamphlet contained odious misrepresentations. Colden told
Clinton (who was not present) that the occurrence was an entire surprise
to him, and that the gentlemen were all lawyers, and prepared witb set
speeches, while he was not ready to respond in a proper manner He
was accused of having told the world in print that he was tbe next man
to the governor in the government; and the governor was cautioned
agaiust "one of those artful and designing persons who had private
views." While Clinton had been in Albany, the members of the Council who
had refused to accompany him had held meetings and transacted busi
ness in New York without consulting his ExceUency; they had even
issued orders to the mUitia, and corresponded with the neighboring
governors, under the style of the Council of tbe Province. Clinton was
humUiated and annoyed, but he was not a master spirit, and if he had
been, it is doubtful whether he could have controUed the conflicting
elements. The chief men in the two branches of the Legislature were in
harmony, and the Assembly had become more arrogant than ever. The

VIOLENT COLLISIONS. 619
governor's blunders were freely commented upon in private circles as
weU as public places. His want of skill in the art of fortification, as
exhibited in the city defenses, was a subject of caustic criticism and
much merriment. His love of ease was styled "laziness." He spent
much of his time at his country-seat in Flushing, Long Island, entertain
ing visitors, who partook of his good dinners, and played bUliards with
his lady.i He was really very much out of health. But that fact
eUcited httle sympathy. " Give him plenty of wine and Colden, and he
wiU get weU fast enough," said Judge Horsemanden. " How would it do
to prescribe a few grains of sense ? " asked Colonel Schuyler. " Deadly
poison, I assure you ; he has never been accustomed to such diet," was the
quick retort.
Clinton poured his woes into the ears of Governor Shirley of Massa
chusetts, and argued against the legislative principle in his letters to
the Lords of Trade. He said the Assembly was seeking power and would
eventuaUy assume the administration, if the crown did not interfere and
sustain its officers ; it meddled with military as well as civU affairs, and
took upon itself to pass judgment upon what the crown should or should
not do. He said that aU the minutes and messages of the Assembly
were drafted by Horsemanden, with the advice of Chief Justice De
Lancey, and one or two others. He wished to remove De Lancey from
the Council, but it would be of no use while he was chief justice pf the
province ; would the Lords have the kindness to deprive him of the chief-
justiceship, so that his power might be extinguished ? As for Horse
manden he could no longer be tolerated. And during subsequent hostili
ties between Clinton and the Legislature, Horsemanden was suspended
from all his offices. James Alexander was appointed to tbe Council in
his stead ; and not far from the same time Stephen Bayard was super
seded as counselor by Brandt Schuyler.
The winter ended, as it commenced, in unprofitable quarrels and ag
gravating personalities. The spring opened inauspiciously for New ^^^^
York. The governor demanded more money and more respect
ful treatment, and intimated his belief that the opulent men of Albany,
who had accumulated their riches by trade with Canada, were desirous
of preserving the neutrahty of the Six Nations, and had actually counte
nanced the introduction of Eoman CathoUc emissaries into the colony for
treasonable purposes. The troops who had been in service through the
' Mrs. Clinton was greatly superior to her husband ; she is spoken of as "an ambitious
woman with a clear intellect and strong will." Smith; Dwiilap. Her son Henry, the Brit
ish general who flgured so conspicuously in the Revolutionaiy War, inherited her prominent
traits of character.

620 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
winter were clamorous for their pay ; the of&cers at Saratoga were fearful
that they would desert in a body. Many had already deserted, and there
was serious talk, aU along the frontier stations, of mutineering in a body
and paying themselves by the plunder of the city and county of Albany.
The Assembly declared there had been a large embezzlement of the funds
provided for Indian presents in 1745, — £1,000 having been voted, and less
than £ 300 worth of goods having reached their destination, — and tbat
there had been much needless expense incm-red in the erection of fortifi
cations for the want of competent engineer,?. Individuals had profited
largely through the appropriations in aU branches of the service. Money
voted for the building of a chain of block houses had been diverted to the
subsistence of detachments of mUitia posted by the govemor upon the
frontiers, without consultation with the Assembly. The other exposed
colonies had an equal interest witb New York in building and sustaining
those defenses, and sbould contribute to the expense, and whenever they
were found ready to co-operate in the work of mutual protection the
House would vote additional sums as far as might be judged necessary.
The imputation against the people of Albany was resented ; the governor
had been misled in his opinions by "meu of wrong heads and worse
hearts, who were screening themselves behind the curtain," and intrigu
ing with the people and the Indians to create difficulties which would
advance their " own private views."
Tbis response to the governor's message was prepared by a committee
chosen by the House for the purpose, consisting of David Clark-
' son, Cornelius Van Horne, Paul Eichard, Henry Cruger, Freder
ick Philipse, John Thomas, Lewis Morris, David Pierson, and William
Smith, with nearly aU of whom the reader has hitherto made the acquaint
ance. CUnton replied tartly, and adjourned the House for a week. When it
reassembled, he caUed attention again to the distractions at the North.
Money must be raised to pay the troops in full. The House referred to a
letter from the Duke of Newcastle, of the preceding year, which authorized
preparations for the Canadian expedition with an assurance that ofificers,
as well as rank and file, were to be taken into his Majesty's pay. The
governor had the means of paying the forces in his own hands, and if he
refused, and harm came to the lives and estates of the people of New
York, he alone would be to blame.
The refractory little Parliament met only to adjourn until nearly the
middle of August. MeanwhUe, the commissioners, entrenched behind
a law of the govemor's own making, would not obey his orders, and the
soldiers were mutinous. Clinton replenished his exchequer with bills of

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 621
exchange, and went to Albany to try to straighten matters. The forces
were deplorably diminished by sickness and desertion. Thirty-eight who
had run away in a body had been fired upon by the officers at Esopus and
arrested. The country north of Albany was infested with the enemy.
Murders were of daily occurrence, and the victims to this terrible border-
warfare were not left to the enjoyment of a moment's security or re
pose. They were compeUed to fortify their houses by night, and go armed
to their work in the fields by day. Saratoga was constantly harassed,
and Albany threatened.
Sh WiUiam Johnson was indefatigable in his efforts to keep the Six
Nations in good temper. They were disgusted with the inactivity of the
English, and fretted over what they termed lack of courage in not destroy
ing Crown Point, thus opening a passage to Canada. " Let us go up
there," they said, " and we wiU not leave a soul alive." Johnson wrote
to Chnton, under date of August 4, 1747, that he could hardly get time to
lay pen to paper, as his house and every one of his outhouses were con
tinually full of Indians from aU nations ; he was obliged to sit in council
with them five and six hours each day, Ustening to their complaints, and
answering their questions. The Iroquois had brought in many of tbe
far tribes to form treaties, and they were ready to fight ; but if the Eng
lish did not begin soon, they threatened to make peace with the French
for themselves. Johnson said he might do great service with those men
if he only had the opporturUty. But he was leading a miserable life
among them, occasioned by so many disappointments, and they were
thinking worse and worse of the Enghsh government.
Shirley, notwithstanding the neglect of the Ministry and tbe enormous
difficulties in the way, was energeticaUy at work trying to push forward
an attack upon Crown Point, as the only method of checking the devasta-
iions of the enemy. He wrote to CUnton, urging unity of action in the
colonies; and CUnton upon his return to New York placed the letter
with a message before the Assembly. But the lack of confidence in the
execution of the scheme, together with bickerings about the exact quotas
fi'om the different colonies, and the portion of the expense to be borne by
the crown, delayed definite action. October came finally, and it was too
late in the season to invade Canada, even if the other colonies had been

Sir WiUiam Johnson about the same time appeared in New York to
discuss Indian afiairs. He said the warriors had been detained from hunt
ing for a whole year, by direction of the govemor, and were consequently
in a state of destUution, — actuaUy suffering for necessaries for themselves
and their famiUes. Measures must be taken for their relief, else he must

622 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
leave his Mohawk settlement, aud his removal would be the signal for a
general flight of tbe people of the valley. Forts should be erected in theh
country to inspire them with confidence ; this latter was of the first im
portance. A number of sachems accompanied Johnson to the metropolis,
and awaited developments.
Tbe subject was discussed at great lengtb, also plans for an expedition
against Crown Point in the early spring, tbe forces to rendezvous at
Albany by the 15th of April. Shirley thought an application should be
made to the crowu to send a large fleet into the St. Lawrence to attack
Quebec at the same time. In the event of a refusal on tbe part of the
parent government, tbe colonies should create a diversion themselves by
fitting out .such a fleet as tbey could witb their own merchant vessels, to act
in concert with ships of war which might be cruising near the American
coast. Massachusetts, New York, aud Connecticut should enter into a
compact to march to tbe assistance of either, in case of an invasion ; and
the rest of tbe colonies should be invited to aid.
Clinton comprehended the scheme in an elaborate message to the As
sembly, asking for a speedy reply. It came. It consisted of a long
string of resolutions. The House voted cheerfully for whatever was es
sential to tbe Canadian invasion, for tbe defense of the hundreds of miles of
frontier during tbe intervening winter, for generous and satisfactory pres
ents to tbe Indian chiefs, who were present in tbe city, and for their suf
fering comrades at home ; but significant allusion was made to tbe gov
ernor's drafts upon the crown during the past summer, wbich were supposed
to have been for tbe Indian service, and had never been heard from, and
therefore the sums which were now raised would be placed in tlie
hands of proper persons for disbursement. Forts would be built in the
Indian country only on condition that the other colonies shared the ex
penses. The impeachment of executive integrity was too much for Clinton.
In great wrath he informed the gentlemen he should receive nothing from
tbem foreign to his message, and which did not relate to tbe preservation
of tbe frontiers and tbe fidelity of the Indians, The effect of his laconic
retort was similar to that of throwing a lighted torch into a magazine of
gunpowder The Assembly closed its doors, locked tbem, and laid the
key upon the table in the ancient form, wben grave matters were to be
considered. A series of resolutions were adopted, declaring it to be the
right and privilege of the House to proceed upon all proper subjects, in
such order, method, and manner as should by tbe members be esteemed
most convenient ; that the declaration of tbe governor tbat he should re
ceive nothing from the House at that time but what bad been recom-

THE GOVERNOR'S GUESTS. 623
mended in his message was irregular and unprecedented, tending to the
subversion of the rights, liberties, and privileges of the House and the
people; and that whoever had advised that message had attempted to
undermine those rights and privileges, and to subvert the constitution
of the colony, and was, moreover, " an enemy to its inhabitants."
The resolutions were followed immediately by a lengthy address or
remonstrance, reported by David Clarkson, who was chairman of tbe
committee appointed to review the subject. It was read to the House
and approved. The speaker, David Jones, signed it, and a committee,
consisting of Clarkson, Philipse, Thomas, Cruger, Beekman, and Cham
bers, were chosen to present it to the governor. They went to his house,
and, knocking at the outer door, told the servant who attended that they
had a message. He disappeared and presently returned accompanied by
a gentleman, who showed them into the presence of the governor. His
ExceUency received them politely, but, when they told him that they
had come as a committee of the House with a remonstrance, which tbe
chairman would read to him, he refused to hear it read, or to have it left
upon his table, upon the ground that such a procedure without the pres
ence of the speaker was unparliamentary.
Another message came swiftly to the House from the governor. He
taunted the gentlemen for what he styled the farce of locking the door and
laying the key with solemn force upon the table, and inquired ironically if
there were suspicious people outside the doors attempting to break in, or
if their own members were inclined to run away ? The act must have been
to give the appearance of shutting him out, which was a high insult to royal
authority. They were putting on airs ; and their assumption was virtuaUy
a denial of subjection to the crown and Parliament. He warned them of
a power that was able to punish them, or any other legislative body, when
it became criminal in the eye of the law. He vindicated his own con
duct from the beginning of the controversy, denied any misapplication
of money, and reviewed at length the misbehavior of the Indian Commis
sioners, which had resulted in what the House was pleased to term mis
management in the placing of Sir WilUam Johnson at the head of that
department. He took the House to task for its want of common decency
in ordering resolutions aud remonstrances intruded upon him in tbe privacy
of his own dweUing, and complained of the efi'orts made to deprive him of
the esteem of the people. He pronounced aU the charges and insinuations
¦which had been heaped upon him during the last two years false and
mahcious ; iu his opinion such long-continued and unbecoming conduct
could only arise from a firm principle of disloyalty, with a determination
to deUver the country over to the king's enemies, or to overturn the con-

624 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
stitution by throwing the administration into confusion, and thus gratify
the pride and private rancor of a few men at the risk of the lives and
estates of the people ; for, said he, " that there are such in this country ;
is no secret, nor the share they have in your private consultations." ^
There were few so blind as not to understand that Clinton's barbed
arrow was aimed at Chief Justice De Lancey, whose clear vigorous advice
kept the Assembly strong in its independent course. Chnton had written
repeatedly to the Lords of Trade urging tbe appointment of Colden as
lieutenant-governor of New York. What was his surprise and chagrin
when, upon opening a letter from the Duke of Newcastle, dated October
27, 1747, he found inclosed a commission for De Lancey. He attributed
it to tbe influence of Admiral Sir Peter Warren, De Lancey's brother-in-
law, who was now a member of Parliament from Westminster, and a
favorite in the higher English circles.^ Colden, who had been twenty-
six years in the Council, and was much the older man, esteemed it a per
sonal affront. He was not conscious of any wrong-doing. He had acted
according to his stern convictions of right. He had governed tbe gov
ernor, it is true, in many things, but only for the public good. His crime
must bave been in laboring to support the authority of the crown. For
merly he and De Lancey had been fast friends. Peter De Lancey, the
brother of the chief justice, had married Colden's daughter^ Alas ! the
families were estranged.
Clinton, who was contemplating a voyage to England, was directed to
deliver the commission to De Lancey whenever be should depart from
the government. He immediately wrote to the Lords, begging, as a great
favor, that he might be authorized to suppress the commission to De
Lancey, who, he said, was in league with the Assembly to encroach upon
the prerogatives of the crown, and leave Dr. Colden president of the
Council, which the latter deserved for his long and valuable service to the
country. He also asked that the suspended counselors, Horsemanden
and Bayard, might continue suspended; and that Admiral Sir Peter
1 Report ofthe Privy Council upon the State of New York, N Y. Coll. MSS., VI. 614-639.
Abstract of the evidence relating to New York in the Books of the Lords of Trade, N. Y,
Col. MSS., Y. 639-704.
^ Admiral Sir Peter Warren had been very successful in his naval exploits, and had taken
so many rich prizes that he was said to be the richest man in England at this time. In the
autumn of 1747 he was presented with a large silver monteth of curious workmanship, by the
inhabitants of Barbadoes, in acknowledgment of his distinguished services. Lady Warren
was greatly admired at the English Court. Some of the scribblers of the day pronounced her
the most brilliant woman in Great Britain.
' Peter De Lancey lived in Westchester, and represented that borough in the Assembly
from 1762 to 1768. ,

LIBERTY OF THE PRESS. 625
Warren might be shown less favor since he had exerted himself to the
disadvantage of New York.
Clinton had more influence with the British Ministry than would nat
uraUy be supposed, but not sufficient to clog the growing popularity of
the chief justice. The tact and scholarship of the latter, as appeared in
his correspondence, triumphed in every instance over the diffuse produc
tions of the governor. And, besides, it could by no means be proven
that De Lancey ruled the Assembly. The Assemblymen were men of
opinions, with personal dislikes and old feuds rankling in their blood.
Theh contumacy was more likely the ill effects of the condescensions
of former governors. Thus the lords reasoned.
There was a brief lull in the conflict, but only for a few days. Orders
came from the Duke of Newcastle for the disbanding of the troops en
gaged for the intended expedition, and directed the colonies to pay them
and transmit the accounts to be reimbursed by Parhament. The House,
after considering the subject, declined advancing either money or credit
for the payment of the forces in arrears, in view of the almost ruined con
dition of the colony, through the heavy expenses entailed by the war.
BiUs were passed, however, providing for the support of garrisons and
scouts during the winter, and for erecting such fortifications as seemed
absolutely necessary.
On the 26th, Clinton sent in a message to the eff'ect that he must
shortlv order a large detachment of militia to the frontiers, and Opt 2fi
demanded for them pay and subsistence. The same day Speaker
Jones communicated the fact to the House, that the governor, by a written
order under his own hand, had forbidden James Parker, the government
printer, from publishing in the Post Boy (the newspaper which had suc
ceeded the New York Gazette) the celebrated remonstrance which his
Excellency had refused to hear read. Parker had refused to notice a
verbal order from the governor's secretary, but printed in fuU the written
mandate, together with a paragraph descriptive of the unmannerly intru
sion of the committee upon the governor's privacy. Clarkson was highly
incensed. He rose in his seat and made a brief statement of the actual
features of tbe interview. Parker was sent for to produce the original docu
ment from the governor. This being done, resolutions were passed declar
ing that the attempt to prevent the publication of the proceedings of the
Assembly was a violation of the rights and Uberties of the people, and an
infiingement of their privileges ; that the remonstrance was a regular pro
ceeding; tbat the governor's order was illegal, arbitrary, and unwarranta-
hle, and a violation of the liberty of the press, and that the speaker's order
for printing the remonstrance was regular and consistent with his duty.
40

626 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Parker preferred to cast bis fortunes into the popular groove; the
governor's order was disregarded, and the order of the Assembly obeyed.
Tbe remonstrance appeared in the next issue of the paper Clinton was
furious ; cutting messages and sharp threats were shot in both directions.
Tbe controversy was maintained with fiery intensity for many days, in
the course of which tbe House coolly directed Parker to reprint the
offensive document, and furnish each member with two copies, "that their
constituents might know that it was theh firm resolution to preserve the
liberty of the press."
A series of disagreements followed. It was whispered that Clinton
was interested in privateers ; that he had granted extravagant tracts of land
in remote parts of the province (reserving shares to himself undei; ficti
tious names), which greatly weakened the frontiers ; that he had demanded
subsistence for certain companies under officers of his own appointing,
which really uever existed; that he had embezzled tbe presents pro
vided for the Indians; tbat Saratoga was lost through his injudicious
withdrawal of troops ; tbat he obstructed tbe course of justice by delay
ing proceedings ; that he sold offices, civil and military, and the rever
sions of the same ; in sbort, that be was putting forth every energy to
make the government a post of profit to himself Clinton became so exas
perated, tbat finally, on the 25tb of November, he summoned the House
before him, and in a long and exhaustive speech accused tbe gentlemen
of having, in their continued grasping for power, encouraged disobedience
throughout the colony, by willfully giving currency to notorious false
hoods which must necessarily cast contempt upon the king's representa
tive ; and dissolved the body.
A committee from the House were at the moment preparing another
remonstrance for bis delectation, — a formidable paper, sufficient to fill one
hundred pages of an ordinary octavo, and which evinced no mean talent
for reasoning and analysis. As it was nipped in the bud, so far as its offi
cial character was concerned, it was shortly published in the form of a
letter to the governor, which did not improve his temper.
Oliver De Lancey in a fit of indignation asked his brotber, the chief
justice, if the affairs of the province could not be conducted without an
Assembly; and he was reported to have recommended the utility of
hanging three or four people, aud establishing au independent govern
ment. Clinton was determined to make an example of him, and at last
obtained several depositions to the effect tbat he had used disrespectful
words, and called the governor " an arrant vUlain, scoundrel, and rascal'
When the depositions were read in council, the chief justice expressed
his abhorrence of such words, and desired leave to withdraw. Clinton
proceeded to prosecute the offender.

THE DE PEYSTER MANSION. 627
Clinton made a strenuous effort aU at once to prevail upon the Lords
of Trade to suppress the office of treasurer ; he wished the public funds to
go directly into the hands of the receiver-general. If the laws might be
repealed whence the treasurer derived his authority, it would compel the
Assembly to obey his requirements, in the manner of issuing money.
De Peyster, the treasurer, was as difficult to manage as the chief justice
himselt He dared to neglect orders, when the governor demanded sight
of accounts for the purpose of confuting the malice of the Assembly, and
proving that instead of his having converted large sums to private uses.
Speaker Jones had actually drawn a considerable amount for secret ser
vices connected with the House. " It shows," said Clinton, " how abso
lutely the treasurer and the treasury are under the control of the
Assembly ; I can neither oblige De Peyster to obey, nor appoint another
treasurer in his place."
Abraham De Peyster, to whom frequent reference has been made
during the last twenty-seven years, was not an active politician. He
was connected by marriage and on intimate social terms with the leading
men of the colony, but he held himself aloof from special controversies.
He had fewer enemies, probably, than any other man connected with the
government. His integrity was not questioned. He was immensely rich,
— a fact which went far towards satisfying the community that he was a
proper custodian for the colony's purse. He was a tall, handsome man,
of pleasing address and aristocratic habits. He Uved in a stjdish manner
in the old De Peyster mansion on Queen Street, which was built by his
father in 1695.^ His coach was silver-trimmed, emblazoned with the
family arms, and drawn by four beautiful grays ; the livery of his ser
vants was a blue coat, with yellow cape, cuff's, and lining, and yellow
smaU-clothes ; the button-holes worked with yellow, and the buttons
plain velvet.^
De Peyster's numerous children were already reaching years of maturity
and setthng about him. James, the elder son, was married early
° 1748.
this spring to Sarah, daughter of Hon. Joseph Eeade. He was a
' After the death of the treasurer (in 1767), the De Peyster mansion, described on page 420,
was purchased (in 1769) by Hon. Henry White, member of the governor's Council, and one
ofthe founders and fourth president of the Chamber of Commerce. He married Eve, daugh
ter of Frederick Van Cortlandt and l?rances Jay. He was attached to the royal cause during
the Eevolution, and his estates were among the earliest confiscated in 1779. He left the city
with the British army in 1783. His wife did not accompany him, and, his death following
soon, she continued to reside in New York, taking up her abode at No 11 Broadway (her own
inheritance from her father), where she lived for more than half a century, and where she died
Aignst 11, 1836, aged ninety-eight. Chamber of Commerce Records, Sketches of Colonial
New York, Biographical and Historical, pages 36, 39. By John Austin Stevens.
^ Miscellaneous Works of J. Watts de Peyster, p. 108.
40

628

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

merchant, and at one time (prior to their capture in the Frencb war)
bad many vessels of his own at sea. He was also a gentleman of
leisure and genius, and of dashing, impetuous military proclivities.

The De Peyster Mansion in Queen Street.
/
He built a castle-shaped, quaintly attractive country-house upon an
eminence a little to the east of where Anthony Street now intersects
Broadway ; he furnished it expensively, importing a rare and valuable
library, and a collection of pictures from the old masters. He laid out
open groves, wooded walks, and extensive lawns and gardens. This
beautiful and retired home, where the dignitaries of state and celebrities
from abroad were often entertained, was caUed "Eanelagh."^
The new Assembly was composed of the same members, with only one
or two exceptions, as its predecessor. Jones was again the chosen speak
er. Indeed, things went on very much as they had done. The Indians

1 James De Peyster was colonel in the royal artillery, which was stationed at New York in
the time of the Stamp Act riot, and the mob ransacked his out-of-town residence, and de
stroyed his library, works of art, furniture, and gardens. The place was subsequently rented.
(His daughter was the wife of Colonel James of Stamp Act notoriety.) A few months later,
" Eanelagh Garden " was advertised by John Jones as a public resort, where fireworks and
refreshments would be furnished. Colonel De Peyster went abroad, and was at one time
stationed at Gibraltar, concerning which fortress he wrote a noted work. He died at
Jamaica, L. I., in 1799, aged seventy-three years. De Peyster Genealogy.

PEACE OF AIX-LA-CHAPELLE. 629
were less ardent in their attachment than before the failure of the Cana
dian enterprise, and must be courted. But a letter from the Duke of
Newcastle unexpectedly proffered all the necessary money for Indian
presents, and the House beamed with good-nature, and expressed itself
quite wiUing to unite with the other colonies in any well-concerted scheme
for the destruction of Crown Point.
Chnton began to flatter himself that things were going to move more
smoothly, when he received another hit. The House appointed Eobert
Charles its agent to the Court of Great Britain, without saying " by your
leave, sir." It was through the recommendation of Admiral Sir Peter
Warren. The ostensible object in view was to oppose the royal confirma
tion of a late act in New Jersey respecting the partition line, although
Chnton detected sinister designs in such a procedure. Tbe House author
ized Speaker Jones to instruct the agent and correspond with him re-
spectiag all matters of importance ; and the honorable gentleman de
spatched a letter to Charles the same day.
Meanwhile a Congress convened in Aix-la-CbapeUe, to restore tranquU
hty to the civilized world. After eight years of reciprocal annoy
ance, the conditions of peace between France and England were to
return to the state before the war. Nothing was gained by either nation.
The treaty, negotiated by the ablest statesmen of Europe with all the
pomp of monarchical diplomacy, left the American boundary along its
whole hne determined only by the vague agi'eement that it should be as
it had been. Henceforth both French and English hurried to occupy in
advance as much territory as possible, without too openly compromising
their respective governments. There was no cessation of hostilities until
the conclusion of the treaty in October.
The tidings reached New York of what was in contemplation, just as
Chnton and some of the gentlemen of his council were about starting for
Albany, to meet Governor Shirley and the Mohawk sachems in grand
councU. CUnton sent messages to Shirley and to Sir WiUiam Johnson,
and proceeded as far as the manor of Livingston, where he awaited replies.
On the 20th of July the largest assemblage of persons which had ^
ever yet convened in America crowded the city of Albany. Groups
of picturesquely attired savages, with nodding plumes and variegated blan
kets, wandered up and down on every side. The proceedings of the con
ference were neif .er new nor important. The scouring process (the
brightening of the covenant chain) was the chief topic of oratorical dis
play There were preparations, however, to be made for the coming
peace, for the enemy had not yet suspended their murderous operations.
The troops at Albany and at several points were suffering for the want of

630 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
supplies. Men were deserting and officers resigned tbeir commissions,
flatly refusing to serve longer. The governor ordered tbe Commissioners
to forward provisions to tbe garrisons, and they declined because they had
not been authorized by the Assembly.
. Clinton advised with Shirley in regard to the course to be pursued with
his republican Assembly. The two governors had been for some time in
correspondence with the great masters of EngUsh jurispmdence, and both
pinned their faith to the supremacy of Parhament.
Tbe Ministry were disposed to experiment upon New York, and the
retum of peace was chosen as a favorable epoch. It was resolved to
extort from the Assembly fixed salaries and a permanent revenue at the
royal disposal, or by producing extreme disorder compel the interposition
of Parliament. Clinton was the unwelcome instrument through whom
tbe disciplining process was to be accomplished. He met tbe Assembly
in October, and began his work by demanding what had been so
' often denied, a revenue for five years. This was indignantly
refused. As for the more recent practice of naming the officers provided
in the salary bills, the House not only justified it, but intimated that if
the course had been earlier adopted. Justice Horsemanden of the Supreme
Court, " a gentleman of learning and experience in the law," could not
have been removed by the governor " without any color of misconduct "
on his part. Clinton threatened. He declared higher power across the
water would not overlook such unwarranted disobedience. The House
calmly replied : " We are fully convinced by experience that the method
of annual support is most wholesome and salutary, and we are confirmed
in the opinion that the faithful representatives of the people wiU never
depart from it." ^
Clinton wrote to Bedford tbat the people of New York had become
the high court of appeal, and that be could not meet the Assembly with
out danger of exposing tbe king's authority and himself to contempt ; he
begged England to make a good example for all America by straightening
the government of New York.
Halifax had recently entered (November 1, 1748) upon bis long
period of service as First Commissioner for the Plantations. He
saw in them a half-hemisphere subject to his supervision. He
resolved to elevate himself by enlarging the dignity and power of his
employment. With the self-reliance of a presumptuous novice, he rushed
towards an arbitrary solution of the accumulated difficulties in the ad
ministration of the colonies, by reviewing the scheme of augmenting
the authority of the crown and making aU orders of tbe king the
* Journals of New York Assembly, II. 246.

NEW YORK UNDER DISCIPLINE.. 631
highest law in America. Such a bill actually passed Parliament, March
2,'l749. Clinton and the Assembly met again in May, and the momentous
stmggle inaugurated the preceding autumn between the republican and
the monarchial principle, was renewed with increased vigor. " Consider,"
said the governor, " the great liberties you are indulged with ; and what
may be the consequences should our mother country suspect you of de
signing to lessen the prerogative of the crown in the plantations."
The House did consider, and replied accordingly : " The faithful repre
sentatives of the people can never recede from the method of an annual
support; .... governors are entire strangers to the people tbey are
sent to govern ; .... as they know the line of continuance in their
government to be uncertain, all methods are used to raise estates to
themselves. Should the public money be left to their disposition, what
can be expected but the grossest misapplication under various pretenses,
which will never be wanting." ^
New York was at this time the central point of political interest in
Enghsh North America. " Nowhere," says Bancroft, " had the relations
of the province to Great Britain been so sharply controverted, or the
Legislature, by its method of granting money, so nearly exhausted and
appropriated aU executive authority." No other colony was tinctured
with such a fearlessness of monarchial power. Tbe people were self-
reliant. Few of the leading famiUes were of pure English descent. The
hlood of other nations coursed through their veins. There was a happy
blending of the free spirit of HoUand and the polish of France with the
pride of England. There was, moreover, a well-developed intelligence in
respect to the workings of the various European governments. The idea
was not wholly unfamihar to the New York mind that existence was
practicable without England. Why might not ten or a dozen English
colonies join of their own free choice in a confederacy, as well as for Six
Nations of unlettered savages to form and execute a scheme of union
which had survived for generations ?
Clinton was disgusted with the determined opposition which he en
countered upon every side. He charged much of it to De Lancey, who
had advised him in the beginning to accept the annual-support bUl. He
had withdrawn his .confidence in a measure from Colden, because tbe
latter had remonstrated with him in great heat concerning some of his
proceedings. Eobert Hunter Morris ^ was about to sail for England on

' Ithas been said that Clinton accumulated £80,000 while in the govemment of New
York. ' Eobert Hunter Morris was Chief .Justice of New Jersey.

632

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

business connected with the New Jersey boundary hne, and Clinton
secretly charged him with his own defense, hoping to bring the resent
ment of the crown upon his adversaries. If victory was obtained over
the Assembly, Morris was to be rewarded with the lieutenant-governor
ship of the province. The governor confidently expected, with the help
of the Lords of Trade, to come off conqueror, and he prorogued the
obdurate Assembly from
one time to another,
waiting and hoping for
the crisis, untU the clam
ors of the pubUc creditors
forced him to dissolve
the House and order a
new election. In the
halls of state across the
water months slipped by,
yea, two years passed,
aud yet tbe case of New
York was not fully di
gested. A commission
was prepared appointing
Eobert Hunter Morris
lieutenant - governor of
New York, and it lay for
some time in tbe Secre
tary of State's office. It
was afterwards annuUed,
the De Lancey influence
at court having turned
the scale.
Eev. Henry Barclay bad been rector of Trinity Church since October,
1746. Clinton signed his certificate of induction, although his ExceUency
was rarely ever seen in the sanctuary ; he was not a religious man. In
1748 the subject of building St. George's Chapel was agitated, and six
lots fronting on Nassau, near Fair Street, were selected as a site, and
bought of David Clarkson for £500. Shortly after, some lots belonging
to Colonel Beekman, fronting Beekman, near Cliff Street, were esteemed
more suitable. Tbey were accordingly purchased for £ 645. The comer-
stone of the edifice was laid in 1749, a few weeks prior to tbe marriage of
the minister (Mr. Barclay) to the daughter of Anthony Eutgers. The
very next evening, Mr. Barclay's assistant, Eev. Mr. Auchmuty, was

St. George's Chapel, 1752.

A GLIMPSE OF NEW YORK IN 1752. 633
married to Mrs. Tucker. Both ladies were spoken of in the highest
terms of praise by the journals of the day. The chapel was not com
pleted untU 1752, and was consecrated in July of that year. Its aisles
were flagged with gray stone, and its decorations were very unique. It
was ninety-two by seventy-two feet upon the ground ; the steeple was
lofty, about one hundred and seventy-five feet high, but irregular. It
was a striking object so far from the town and regarded with no httle in
terest. A parsonage was subsequently buUt adjoining the chapel edifice,
but for a time it stood almost alone upon the pretty elevation, with only
an occasional house here and there in the neighborhood.^
The Moravians had become so numerous that they built a small chapel
in Fulton Street, about the same time. A number of stores and pri
vate houses sprang into existence ; the mayor, Edward HoUand, was ^'*^"
active in laying out new streets, and several of the old thoroughfares were
paved. Professor Kalm, a Swedish traveler, gossips about the metropolis
of that date, as foUows : —
" In size New York comes nearest to Boston and Philadelphia ; but, with re
gard to its fine buUdings, its opulence, and extensive commerce, it disputes the
preference with them. The streets do not run so straight as those of Philadel
phia, and have sometimes considerable bondings ; however, they are very spa
cious and well built, and most of tbem are paved, excepting in high places,
where it has been found useless. In the chief streets there are trees planted,
which in summer'give tbem a fine appearance, and during excessive heat afford
a coohng shade. I found it extremely pleasant to walk in the town, for it
seemed Hke a garden. Most of the houses are buUt of bricks, and are generaUy
strong and neat, and several stories bigh ; some have, according to the old archi
tecture, turned the gable end toward the street, but the new houses are altered
in this respect. Many bf the houses bave a balcony on tbe roof, upon which the
people sit at evening in tbe summer time ; and from thence they have a pleasant
view of a great part of the town, and likewise of part of the adjacent water, and
the opposite shore. There is no good water to be met with in the town itself;
hut at a little distance there is a large spring of good water, which the inhabi
tants take for their tea, and for the uses of tbe kitchen. Those, however, who are
less dehcate on this point make use of the water from the wells in town, though
it is very bad. Tbis want of good water lies heavy upon the horses of the stran
gers that come to this place, for they do not Uke to drink the brackish water
from the wells.
' Admiral Sir Peter Warren gave £ 100 to the building of St. George's Chapel, and a pew
Tas assigned to him for his liberality. The Archbishop of Canterbury contributed also to the
indertakmg. The chapel was bumed in 1814, excepting the walls, but waa rebuilt the fol-
iovfing year. Eev. Mr. Milnor preached in it for many years, as did also Eev. Dr. Samuel
Johnson, first president of Columbia College. Eev. Dr. Tyng occupied the pulpit at a later
™te, even until he removed to his magnificent church in Stuyvesant Park.

634 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
" New York probably carries on a more extensive commerce than any town in
the English North American provinces. Boston and Philadelphia, however
come very nearly up to it. The trade of New York extends to many places.
They export to London aU the various sorts of skins which they buy of the In
dians, sugar, logwood, and other dyeing woods ; rum, mahogany, and many other
goods which are the produce of the West Indies. Every year they buUd several
ships here wbich are sent to London and there sold; and of late years they
have shipped a great quantity of iron to England. In return for these they im
port from London stuffs, and every other article of English growth and manu
facture, together with aU sorts of foreign goods. England, and especiaUy Lon
don, profits immensely by the trade. There are two printers * in the town, and
every week some gazettes, in English, are pubUshed, which contain news from
all parts of the world."
That New York was conscious of her growing importance in a com
mercial point of view is evidenced by a significant enterprise in the
beginning of the last half of the eighteenth century. It was the
building of the Eoyal Exchange for merchants, at the foot of Broad
Street, nearly on the line of Water Street. It was supported upon arches,.

The Royal Exchange.
leaving the lower part entirely open. One room was specially arranged
for tbe meeting of merchants, and the remainder of the building was ap
propriated to various uses ; a coffee-room was opened at one end. The
" Long Eoom " was the favorite place for societies to hold their annual
^ William Bradford, the first printer and founder of the first newspaper in New York, died
this year. The Weekly Journal of Zenger was discontinued. The Weekly Post-Boy and the-
Weekly Gazette and Mercury were the two newspapers of the city.

REV. AARON BURR. 635
elections, and it was where dinners and other entertainments were given
to persons of distinction. The edifice was completed in 1754.
Another writer, Eev. Mr. Burnaby, lifts the curtain to give us a passing
ghmpse of the people of that decade, as they appeared to his view : —
" The inhabitants of New York in their character very much resemble the
Pennsylvanians. Being, however, of different nations, different languages, and
different religions, it is almost impossible to give tbem any precise or determinate
character. The women are handsome and agreeable, though rather more reserved
than the Philadelphia ladies. The amusements are balls and sleighing expedi
tions in the winter, and, in the summer, going in parties upon the water and
fishing, or making excursions into the country. There are several houses, pleas
antly situated up the East Eiver, near New York, where it is common to have
turtle-feasts. These happen once or twice a week. Thirty or forty gentlemen
and ladies meet and dine together, drink tea in the aftemoon, fish, and amuse
themselves till evening, and tben return bome in Italian chaises, a gentleman and
lady in each chaise."
In the summer of 1752, quite a sensation was created by the announce
ment in the papers of the marriage of President Aaron Burr, of the New
Jersey (Princeton) CoUege, to the daughter of Eev. Jonathan Edwards,
with hints that the wedding was a very odd affair. The romance was
ere long in the possession of the social world. The exceUent, accom
phshed, and briUiant divine had recently made a journey to the Stock-
bridge wilderness, and spent three days in the family of the distinguished
preacher, Eev. Jonathan Edwards, with whom he had had a previous and
intimate friendship. Henceforward the beautiful and vivacious Esther
made no more lace and painted no more fans for the ladies of Boston.
Burr returned to Newark, and presently sent a coUege boy to conduct his
bride-elect and her mother to New York City. They arrived on Saturday,
and on the foUowing Monday the nuptial ceremonies were celebrated
between the bachelor of thirty-seven and the charming maiden of twenty-
one. And all the gossips wondered.
Burr was the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Newark for
twenty years, as well as president of the coUege, which his toU and tact
fostered into a healthy growth. His son, Aaron Burr, the future New
York lawyer, and Vice-President of the nation, was born in the old parson
age on Broad Street in that city, February 6, 1756.
Clinton grew more and more impatient to return to England. He at
tributed his rheumatic sufferings and general debUity to the sever
ity of the New York winters. The cold was so intense during
nearly aU the month of January, 1753, that heavily laden sleighs drawn

636 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
by two and even four horses, passed backward and forward on the ice be
tween New York and Long Island. Spring found him iU and depressed.
He was in no humor to worry over the problems which were constantly
awaiting solution. He was weary of boundary jangles, and they just now
seemed bursting out afresh. New Hampshire had been encroaching for
some time past. Governor Wentworth issued grants in the unknown re
gion about Lake Champlain, which contained scarcely an inhabitant at
the time of the peace of Aix-la-CbapeUe, with the expressed intention of
extending his province until it met with another province. The result was
a protracted quarrel between the two governments, and unpardonable dis
orders in that remote territory. Massachusetts aU at once exhibited signs
of greediness, and Eobert Livingston, elder son of the late PhUip Livings
ton, was disturbed in the possession of the eastern part of his manor. AU
through the months of April, May, and June, 1753, he was arresting
persous for trespass, and resorting to actions for ejectment, and sending
petition after petition to the New York government for protection in his
rights and property. Serious riots occurred. Van Eensselaer on one
occasion sent a messenger in great haste to notify Livingston that the
Massachusetts people had threatened to take him dead or alive ; and the
servants about the manor-house were armed and placed on guard. The
point, whether the boundary of tbe manor of Livingston was within
the province of New York, was submitted to Colden, the surveyor-gen
eral, and he decided in the affirmative. Whereupon, David Jones, John
Thomas, Paul Eichard, William Walton, Henry Cruger, and John Watts,
all members of the Assembly, were appointed to defend New York against
both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The clouds bad never lifted along the northern and northwestern fron
tier. Actual war had ceased, but scalping parties roved about at wiU
Sir William Johnson had beeu appointed to the CouncU in the place of
Philip Livingston, deceased, and was in the confidence of both Houses.
Much was expected of him in the matter of appeasing the wrath of the
Mohawks, which was constantly being roused by acts of trespass and
otherwise. And he accompUshed much. But towards the close of the
session of the Assembly on the 4th of July, Clinton was importuned to
make a journey to the Indian country, to help settle the differences,
and testily revealed the secret that he was in daily expectation of a suc
cessor, and should then saU for England.
It was October (7th) before the new governor arrived. Sir Danvers
Osborne had been a member of ParUament from Bedfordshire ; he was a
brother-in-law of the Earl of Hahfax. The day was Sunday, and as Chn
ton was at his country-seat in Flushing, Counselor Joseph Murray, whose

SIR DANVERS OSBORNE. 637
wife was a daughter of Govemor Cosby, and a distant relative of the
late Lady Osborne, received and entertained the baronet at his own resi
dence. On Monday Chnton came into town and waited upon Sir Danvers with
much ceremony. An elegant dinner was given to the two governors by
the CouncU, at which the mayor, corporation, and several prominent citi
zens were present. On Wednesday morning the chief actors in the drama
assembled in the CouncU Chamber, and CUnton administered the oaths of
office to Osborne, and delivered to him the seals ; at the same time de
livering (much against his wiU) to Chief Justice De Lancey the commis
sion of heutenant-governor. Tbese preliminaries- completed, a procession
was formed, according to ancient usage, to conduct the new executive to
the City Hall, that his commission might be read to the people. They
had scarcely passed from the fort into Broadway, when the news of De
Lancey's triumph was whispered abroad, and there was a tumultuous
huzza of popular pleasure. The rabble crowded upon the procession and
insulted CUnton so grossly that he was obliged, to his intense mortification,
to retire from the party and take refuge in the fort. Osborne walked along
beside the counselors grave and somewhat agitated, and apparently atten
tive to the noisy shouts of gladness with which De Lancey was greeted
on every side. After his return to the CouncU Chamber he received the
address of the city corporation. One passage in it seemed to disturb him.
It was, " We are sufficiently assured that your Excellency will be as averse
from countenancing, as we from brooking, any infringements of our estima
ble liberties, civil and religious."
He remarked to Clinton, " I expect like treatment to that which you
have received before I leave this government."
A grand dinner was given to the two governors and the gentlemen of
the CouncU by the corporation, the same afternoon. In the evening the
city was illuminated, cannon fired, bonfires lighted, and fireworks dis
played. The whole city seemed in a wUd delirium of joy. Sir Danvers
retired to his room gloomy and sad, and was apparently disinclined to
converse ¦ with any one. The next morning he rose early, before the
family were about, and alone strolled among the markets, and took a
rapid walk through nearly all the streets in tbe city. At dinner, he
complained of being unwell, and said with a smUe to De Lancey, '' I
believe I shall soon leave you the govemment ; I find myself unable to
support the burden of it."
He convened the CouncU that day, and was somewhat embarrassed when
he found that the gentleman who had the key of his cabinet had stepped
oat He was anxious to show his instructions from the king. He said

638 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
he was strictly enjoined to insist upon the permanent revenue, and
asked the gentlemen what they thought of the prospect of success. The
unanimous opinion promptly expressed, was that tbe Assembly of New
York never would submit to such a demand. With a distressed counte
nance he turned to WUUam Smith, who had as yet remained sUent, and
asked, "What, sir, is your opinion?" "That no such scheme can ever be
enforced," was the reply. The governor sighed, tumed about, and leaned
his head against the window casement, and exclaimed, " Then what am
I sent bere for ? "
In the evening he was quite unweU, and a physician was summoned.
He conversed with him in a dejected manner for a few minutes and then
retired to his chamber. At midnight he dismissed his servant. As was
subsequently discovered, he spent the remainder of the night in buming
his private papers and regulating other aff'airs. A small sum of money
borrowed since his arrival was carefuUy wrapped in a paper and directed
to the lender. Just as the day began to dawn he went into the garden,
to the right of the house, which was surrounded by a bigh fence ; upon the
top of tbis fence was a row of large nails, inverted, to exclude thieves,
and over which he cast a silk handkerchief tied at the opposite ends, and
proceeded to elevate his neck into it through the aid of a board upon
wbich he stood.
About eight o'clock the city was stunned by the shocking intelligence
tbat " the governor had hanged himself." He had indeed been found quite
dead. His body was removed to tbe house and the counselors quickly
summoned. His private secretary, Thomas Pownal, testified that the
baronet bad been melancholy ever since the loss of his wife, of whom he
was passionately fond, that be had once attempted his life with a
razor, and that the Earl of Halifax, in obtaining his appointment to the
governorship of New York, hoped that an honorable and active station
would so occupy his mind as to alleviate his sorrows. The mayor,
James Alexander, and Judge Chambers were appointed to take deposi
tions concerning the facts and circumstances attending his death, and the
jury found that he had destroyed himself in a moment of insamty. Eev.
Mr. Barclay was desired by the counselors to read the burial service, and
objected, as the letter of tbe rubric forbids the reading of it over any
who lay violent hands upon themselves. But after much discussion it
was decided, that, as Sir Danvers was insane, his remains were as much
entitled to Christian burial as those of a man who had died in high fever.
He was accordingly consigned with appropriate funeral ceremonies
'to Trinity Church, on Sunday, October 14, just one week from the
date of bis landing in the city.

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR DE LANCEY. 639
The counselors left the chamber of death on Friday morning, and pro
ceeded quietly and sadly to the' fort, where Chief Justice De Lancey took
the oath of Ueutenant-govemor; his commission, after being read in
•CouncU, was pubUshed only before the fort-gate, without parade or show,
because of the tragic event which had just occun'ed. The commission
-of Sir Danvers, together with his seals and instructions, was obtained by
order of the Council from Thomas Pownal
The agitation of the great question concerning the permanent revenue
was at its height when De Lancey found himself thus unexpectedly called
to the chief command of the province. Of the instructions given by the
crown to Osborne, and which his office compeUed him to obey, the
thirty-ninth enjoined in the strongest terms upon the executive to insist
upon " a permanent revenue, solid, indefinite, and without limitation."
The diSiculty of the position was only equalled by its delicacy. De
Lancey's tact and statesmanship were now given full play. He had
repeatedly advised the Assembly never to submit. He did not wish to
appear inconsistent. But as an officer of the crown he must urge obedi
ence with seeming sincerity, at least.
In his opening speech he communicated the obnoxious instructions,
after having paid a graceful and eloquent tribute to Sir Danvers
Osborne, — lamenting his death as a public loss because of his
birth, connections, liberal education, and distinguished character. But
the language was so weU chosen that while De Lancey convinced tbe
Ministry tbat he was zealous in the promotion of the interests of the
crown, he gave the Assembly to understand that he should by no means
reqmre comphance with the instructions. He was diffuse on the subject
of obedience to royal authority, and eloquently recommended that the
support-bUls should be framed in such a manner that he could act in
relation to them consistent with his official duty. The members were
unruffled, for they had faith to beUeve that the genius of the man who
had been the chief adviser of the present mode of raising and issuing
pubhc money, and who for twenty years had proved himself a lover of
his birthplace, and a just" judge, would guide them even through tbe
perils of continued opposition.
The response levinced equal care in the method of expression. The
House was 'Extremely surprised to find that the public transactions of the
colony had been so maliciously represented to the king. There was not
a more loyal people in all the British dominions. Wherever peace and
tranquUlity had been disturbed it had been through the maladministra
tion of the late unworthy govemor. De Lancey vras compUmented upon
ihis known abUities and correct principles, it was promised that nothing

640 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
should be wanting to render his executive career easy and happy, and it
was hoped that he would assent to the etyle of money-bUls which had
been in practice for the past sixteen years.
Every recommendation of the heutenant-governor in respect to the
care of the frontiers was promptly adopted. It was resolved to assist the
neighboring colonies,* some of whom had written for aid against the
persistent incursions of the French. One of the newspaper editors was
prosecuted for republishing that portion of the Assembly's journals con
taining the thirty-ninth instruction, only the substance of which he was
ordered to reveal. £ 800 were voted for Indian presents, and £ 150 for
De Lancey's voyage to Albany. £ 1,550 were voted for his salary, the
present year, a larger sum than ever before given to a heutenant-gov
ernor. This biU was immediately rejected, and the Assembly admonished
to obey tbe orders of the crown. Consequently no bUl providing for
the application of public money was passed during the session, the House
firmly refusing to arrange for a permanent revenue. De Lancey sent aU
resolutions, representations, and addresses against the measure to the
Enghsh Ministry, and when he could do so with propriety, he wrote to
the chief powers about the throne, counseUng concession to the views
and wishes of New York. He continued to decline assenting to the
annual bills, which were passed at every future session of tbe Assembly
untU 1756, in consequence of which he received no salary during the
wbole three years. In the spring of that year the Ministry yielded the
contested point, and agreed to annual support-bUls for the future, direct
ing Sir Charles Hardy, then governor-in-chief, to 'communicate tbe change
to the Assembly, which he did on the 24th of September. For this
triumph New York was indebted solely to the master poUcy of her gUted
son, Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey.
An event of great moment occurred in the spring of 1754. The cele
brated Congress, consisting of delegates from aU the colonies, con-
vened, by order of the Lords of Trade, at Albany. The object was
to concert measures for the common safety, the French having committed
acts of aggression all along the frontiers, and attempted to erect forts on
the Ohio.^ The session commenced on the 19th of June, and ter-
' minated September 21. Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey presided.
Joseph Murray, John Chambers, William Smith, and Sir WUliam John
son were the committee of delegates from the Council. Colonel Myndert
Schuyler was the chairman of the Indian commissions at Albany. Sam
uel WeUs and John Worthington were among the delegates from Massa-
1 For letters from Lords of Trade, and minutes of proceedings in full, see Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
II. 545-617.

THE ALBANY CONGRESS. 641
chusetts, Lieutenant-Governor WiUiam Pitkin and Eoger Wolcott, Jr.
were of those sent by Connecticut, and conspicuous among the represent
atives of New Hampshire, Ehode Island, Maryland, and Pennsylvania,
were, respectively, Theodore Atkinson, Stephen Hopkins, Abraham Barnes,
and Benjamin Frankhn. They were seated in the order of rank, and a
finer-looking body of men it would have been difficult to have grouped
together in any period of our history. Before them came one hundred
and fifty Indian sachems in their richest robes and gayest feathers, glitter-
mg witb ornaments. Long speeches and liberal presents strengthened
once more the barrier of defense upon which New York must rely in the
event of another war with France. But the general treaty which the
Lords had specially recommended, to comprise aU the provinces in one
grand union of interests in the king's name, for the purpose of drawing
the Indians into closer confidence, was not concluded. A vast amount
of important business was transacted; the chronic complaints of the
Indians about having been defrauded of their lands, underwent searching
examinations, and legal methods were taken to redress their actual or
supposed grievances. In many instances the property where they wished
to dispose of it was purchased over again by the grantee. De Lancey,
who was in favor of the consolidation of the colonies for mutual protec
tion, proposed the buUding and maintaining at the joint expense a chain
of forts covering the whole exposed frontier, and some in the Indian
country itself But the Congress seemed so fully persuaded of the back
wardness of the several Assemblies to come into united and vigorous
action, that nothing was accomplished. A federal union of the colo
nies, to be enforced by Act of Parliament, was suggested and discussed.
A committee, consisting of one delegate from each province, was ap
pointed to draft a plan. It was shaped by Benjamin Franklin, and sub
sequently sent to the diff'erent provinces for consideration. It was in
many of its features simUar to the Federal Constitution, which Benjamin
Frankhn assisted in framing at a later period. The seat of government
was to be in PhUadelphia, which it was said might possibly be reached
fi^om either South Carolina or New Hampshire in fifteen or twenty
days.^ But the scheme was not adapted to the times. The people opposed it,
because it gave too much power to the king. The king rejected it because
it gave too much Uberty to the people. It met with coldness and dis
favor on aU sides, and finaUy expired. Yet it prepared the public mind
to receive and digest ideas of greater magnitude and importance.
For a half-dozen years or more attention had been more than ever
1 Doc. Hist. N. Y., Vol. II. 612-616.
41

642 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
directed to the subject of education, and divers sums had been raised by
public lotteries for the founding of a coUege in New York City. A score
of men of vigorous inteUects, who had been educated at Yale and else
where, were infusing new life into every department of letters with which
they came in contact. The universities of New England were awaking to
renewed activity. The college of New Jersey was giving an impetus to
scholarship, and graduating young men who were shortly to try their
skUl in mapping out a repubhc.^ Libraries and phUosophical societies
were being formed in various directions. Dr. Colden had just finished a
book, the " History of the Five Nations," which was rendering his name
famous. Learned scientists from Europe were attracted to our shores,
and extended cordial sympathy to every progressive movement. Literary
seeds long since dropped here and there in a rich soil, were showing signs
of life, and were erelong to bring forth much fruit.
In 1751 it was found that the amount of money accumulated for the
college was £ 3,443, and the Assembly passed a bUl to appoint ten trustees
to take charge of the same ; tbey were to be the elder counselor, the
speaker of the House, the judges of the Supreme Court, the mayor of the
city, the treasurer of the province, James Livingston, Benjamin NicoU,
and William Livingston. Seven of the appointees were Episcopalians, two
were of the Dutch Eeformed Church, and the tenth, William Livingston,
was a Presbyterian. Shortly afterward, in 1752, the vestry of Trinity
^ Eichard Stockton signed the Declaration of Independence. He was one of the notable
seven who composed the first class that graduated from the New Jersey (Princeton) College
on the memorable day when Eev. Aaron Burr was elected its president, November 9, 1748. He
studied law with Judge David Ogden of Newark, N. J., and became one of the most brilliant
lawyers at the American bar ; he waa one of the few who were so conscientious that he would
never engage in a cause except upon the side of justice and honor. He visited England in 1766,
where he performed valuable service for New Jersey. Upon his return he was escorted with great
ceremony to his residence by the people, by whom he was mueh beloved. He was a member
of the Council, and judge of the Supreme Court. When the British army overran Princeton
they ransacked his quiet home, destroyed his library, and cut the throat of his elegant por
trait, which was hanging upon the wall. It is stUl preserved, with the centennial gash, and
hangs where it hung a century ago in the ancient old edifice. His son Eichard, born in 1764,
was a distinguished lawyer and statesman. He was in Congress for many years, and was
several times talked of for the presidency. The son of the latter, Commodore Eichard Field
Stockton, born in 1796, was a remarkable man. His life was a succession of daring and
successful exploits. He was one of the first to advocate a steam navy in this country, and
originated a war-steamer which was built under his immediate supervision in 1844, which
proved to be superior to any war-vessel at that time afloat, and furnished substantially the
model, for numerous others, not only in this but in foreign countries. The next year he was
sent to the Pacific, and with a small force, amid many romantic and thrilling adventures,
he conquered California, and established the government of the United States within her
boundaries. He was afterwards a member of the Senate of the United States, where, among
other noble deeds, he procured the passage of a law for the abolition of flogging in the navy.

WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. 643
Church off'ered to donate from the estate belonging to their opulent corpo
ration, the site for a college buUding and necessary grounds.^ In 1753
the trustees of the coUege invited Eev. Dr. Samuel Johnson, of Stratford,
Connecticut, (an Episcopal divine,) to become the president of the pro
posed coUege, with a salary of £ 250 per annum ; the vestry of Trinity
Church having pledged themselves to make a reasonable addition to the
sum. He accepted, and opened tho coUege in the autumn with a class of
ten, in the large vestry-room of the church edifice. It was expected that
Eev Mf. Whittlesey, a Presbyterian minister from New Haven, would
serye under President Johnson as second master of the institution. But
Dr Johnson's son acted as tutor, and at his death soon after, an Eton and
Cambridge student was installed in the position, and Mr. TredweU, a Har
vard graduate, was made professor of mathematics and natural philosophy;
a fine apparatus having been imported. The churches of the various
denominations took alarm, suspecting that the Episcopalians designed
engrossing the government of the college.
WilUam Livingston discovered such to be the fact, when the draft of a
plan was laid before the trustees, so shaped as to exclude from the presi
dential chair of the coUege any gentleman not in communion with the
Church of England, and introducing the book of common prayer for all
rehgious exercises. The purpose was at the same time announced of apply-
mg to the lieutenant-governor for a charter under the Great Seal. Liv
ingston was one of the younger men among the trustees, and almost alone
ina quick, fierce, and determined opposition to the founding of a college on
sectarian principles. He warned his associates of tbe folly of such a course,
and protested against any further proceedings in the matter without the
unanimous consent of the Legislature, to whom they were responsible.
WilUam Livingston was a lawyer of marked ability, and had plunged
into political and religious controversies from his first appearance upon
the stage of human aff'airs. He was independent and fearless, and, in al
most every instance, arrayed upon the side which had least to boast of
power or present popularity. Wit and satire breathed naturally from his
lips and hung upon the point of his pen. He was an indefatigable work
er, and, although his inteUectual growth was marked by a curious dispro
portion and ungainliness, — that is, one faculty shot forth, then another,
' It seems from the records of Trinity Church, that, as early as 1703, the rector and war-
liens were directed to wait upon the govemor (Lord Cornbury) to Iearn what part of the king's
fann had heen intended for the college which it was the royal design to build. It seems also
t»iaTe been the intention of Berkeley to transfer the institution of learning intended for Ber
muda to New York, in 1729. It was not, however, until 1746, that the first actual step
fas taken, the Assembly passing a bill to raise £ 2,250 by lottery, " for the encouragement
of leaming, and toward the founding of a college."

644 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
and another, so that life was on the wane before the fuU stature and the
final proportions were reached, — he achieved deserved eminence, not only
at the bar, but iu political foresight, which rendered his career in the end
substantiaUy triumphant. He was one of those from whom it was always
possible to expect greater things than he had yet accomplished. His
success in law was not due to eloquence or even fluent speech, but to
the accuracy of his knowledge, and the soundness of his logic, seasoned
always with dry humor and stinging sarcasm. He was severely strait-
laced on many subjects, but could unbend when it was his humor, and in
the social circle or at the club was a charming companion.^ He was at
this time a tall, slight, thin, graceful man of thirty, or thereabouts ; so
thin and slight, indeed, that tbe ladies caUed his face tbe krufe-blade.
He wore the inevitable powdered wig, the velvet coat, embroidered ruffles,
short breeches, silk stockings, and gold buckles of the period.
He wielded the quiU in the matter of exposing the evils attending the
scheme of the trustees, with such force that under his lash the leaders of
the chiirch party winced, and charged him with the design of breaking up
the project of a coUege altogether. The Independent Eeflector, a paper
which he established, and which had flourished about a year, contained
an article on the subject every week. The foUowing are a few of the
titles : " Primitive Christianity, short and intelligible, — Modern Chris
tianity, voluminous and incomprehensible " ; " Of the Veneration and
Contempt of the Clergy " ; " The Absurdity of the CivU Magistrates In
terfering in Matters of Eeligion " ; " Of Passive Obedience and Non-Ee-
sistauce." "WiU," said Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey, meeting him in the
street one day, " you would be the cleverest feUow in the world if you
were only one of us."
" I wiU try to be a clever fellow, and not be one of you," was the laconic
reply The rigid, exacting, Scotch Presbyterians were thoroughly roused, and,
led by Livingston, contended, through the press and in the Assembly, that
a seminary of learning should have no connection with any religious so
ciety whatever. The struggle delayed action, and diverted one half of the
funds to the city corporation.^ But the charter, as projected, finaUy pre
vailed. De Lancey signed it on the 31st of October, 1754 ; he did not
esteem it wise, however, in the face of such hostile and perpetual clamor,
to deliver it until the foUowing May. The governors of the coUege, as
1 William Livingston was at a subsequent date president of the " Moot,'' a club composed
entirely of lawyers.
^ To build a jail and a pest-house.

KING'S (COLUMBIA) COLLEGE. 645
named in the charter, consisted of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the
principal civil officers of the colony, the chief clergymen from the five
religious denominations, and twenty private gentlemen, among whom
was WUliam Livingston. This mark of respect feU short of its intent,
as it had not the slightest eff'ect in the way of silencing him in the ex
pression of his cordial disapproval. Money was coUected in England, and
books forwarded. Sir Charles Hardy gave £500. The largest donor in
New York was Hon. Joseph Murray, who gave property worth £8,000,
including his own private library.
A feud, growing chiefly out of this college controversy, between the
De Lancey and Livingston parties reached the very acme of bitterness.
For many years subsequently, these two powerful and wealthy families
were sworn foes in every matter of public or private interest, and exerted
a controUing influence over the politics of New York, so much so, indeed,
that in 1759 the rival parties were designated by the names of tbe two
leaders, De Lancey and Livingston.
An amusing and authentic anecdote is related of a mulatto slave be
longing to De Lancey, who stole a pair of shoes, and ran away. She was
overtaken, arrested, and brought into court for examination. She refused
to give her owner's name, and when commanded with threats to do so,
stiU refused, suUenly determined to go to jail, the whipping-post, or die
even, — for steaUng was then purUshable with death, — but never to dis
grace her master's famUy. The pressure, however, became so strong that
she was constrained to give a satisfactory answer to the officers of the law,
so she declared that she belonged to the Livingstons, tbat tbe stigma of
owning a dishonest slave might be attached to her master's enemies.
The corner-stone of the coUege building was laid by Governor Hardy,
August 23, 1756. The site chosen was on the block now bounded by
Miuray, Church, and Barclay Streets, and CoUege Place, intersected by
Park Place. An EngUsh traveUer wrote : " The new coUege is to be buUt
on three sides of a quadrangle facing the Hudson Eiver, and wiU be the
most beautifully situated, I beUeve, of any college in the world." Its
surroundings were pretty fields and pleasant shade ; there was scarcely
a habitation in sight at the time. The first Commencement occurred in
June, 1758, when ten bachelors and as many masters of art were gradu
ated. The students began to lodge and mess in the coUege buUding in
May, 1760 ; and in June of the same year the procession moved from
there to St. George's Chapel on Beekman Street, to hold the third Com
mencement. In 1762, at Dr. Johnson's request, the Eev. Myles Cooper,
fellow of Queen's CoUege, Oxford, was sent to New 'York by the Arch-
of Canterbury, and appointed fellow of King's CoUege, professor

646

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

of moral phUosophy, and to assist the president in instruction and disci
pline, with the understanding that he was to succeed him, which he did
the foUowing year. Dr. Cooper was one of the most elegant scholars of
his time, and the young men placed under his training were taught, by
proper masters and professors, natural law, physic, logic, ethics, meta
physics, mathematics, natural philosophy, astronomy, geography, history,
chronology, rhetoric, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, modem languages, the beUes-
lettres, and whatever else of Uterature tended to accompUsh them as

King's College.
scholars and gentlemen. A grammar school was annexed to the coUege
for the preparation of those who wished to take a fuU course. A high
fence surrounded the edifice, enclosing also a large court and garden. A
porter attended the front gate, which was always closed at nine o'clock
in the winter and ten o'clock in the summer; after which bour, the
names of all those who came in were duly reported to the president.
Among the earlier graduates were tbe three celebrated New-Yorkers,
John Jay, Eobert E. Livingston, and Gouverneur Morris.
It was during the summer of 1754 that Eobert Hunter Morris re
tumed to New York, commissioned as governor of Pennsylvania, to super
sede HamUton, who had resigned. Benjamin Frankhn was on a jour
ney to Boston, and stopped a few days also in New York. He had been
previously acquainted with Morris, and they had several pleasant inter
views. Morris asked FrankUn if he must expect as uncomfortable an ad
ministration as his predecessor. " No," replied Eranklin, " you may, on
the contrary, have a very comfortable one, if you wiU only take care not
to enter into any dispute with tbe Assembly."

NEW YORK SOCIETY LIBRARY. 647
"My dear friend," said Morris, laughing, "how can you advise my
avoiding disputes ? You know I love disputing, it is one of my greatest
pleasures ; however, to show the regard I have for your counsel, I promise
you I will if possible avoid them."
Franklin remembered and made happy aUusion to the fact that Morris
had been brought up to disputations from a boy ; his father, the New Jersey
governor, having accustomed his chUdren to dispute with one another for
his diversion whUe sitting at table after dinner. The habit of forming
opinions and maintaiiung them resolutely was a Morris characteristic.
In the autumn the New York Society Library was organized. The
coUege question stimulated this movement. A Ubrary was wanted " for
the use and ornament of the city, and the advantage of the intended col
lege." Money was coUected and books purchased, which were placed in
the same room in the City HaU with the ponderous tomes of theology,
bearing the autogxaph of Eev. John Sharpe, which had received httle
attention for several years. The trustees appointed were Lieutenant-Gov
ernor De Lancey, James Alexander, John Chambers, John Watts, William
Walton, Eev. Heury Barclay, Benjamin NicoU, WiUiam Smith, WiUiam
Livingston, and WiUiam Alexander.
In the mean time blood had been shed, George Washington defeated,
and the scalping-knife unsheathed from the Ohio to the Kennebec, yet
England and France were at peace. The English Ministry paid little
heed to the bold assumptions of the French in America, leaving the whole
matter in charge of the Duke of Cumberland, the captain-general of the
armies of Great Britain. He, taking it for granted that his polite neigh
bors meant something, akin to war, sent two regiments of soldiers to
America under the command of General Edward Braddock. The 755.
I^ench, notwithstanding the diplomatic subtleties with which the Jan-
English minister was amusing the French court, were cognizant of these
movements, and sent a fleet of transports with troops, under the command
of Baron Dieskau, to Canada. About the same time De VaudreuU sailed
from Brest, to supersede Duquesne in the government of Canada. Scarcely
had the French sails caught the ocean breezes, when the English sent
Admiral Boscawen in pursuit. Both fleets arnved nearly at the same
moment off Cape Eace, but were prevented by the deep fog from seeing
each other. The French fleet, favored by this circumstance, passed up the
St Lawrence, and safely landed officers aud troops at Quebec ; excepting
two vessels. The Alcide and the Lijs encountered a portion of the Eng
lish fleet, and, after a sharp action, surrendered.
The certain prospect of another aggravating contest fiUed New York
with alarm. Notwithstanding the colony had from its earUest history been

648 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
constantly talking about fortifications and defenses, untU the subject had
grown monotonous, and, in spite of appropriations and protracted
labor and Indian treaties, the city and province were in a com
paratively defenseless condition. Albany was so exposed that the Indians
laughed derisively. Should Albany be taken, there was nothing to prevent
the French from sweeping down the Hudson, occupying New York City,
and proceeding with their conquests into New Jersey, Pennsylvarua, and
beyond. The danger was too imminent for any waste of words. De Lancey
convened the Assembly, by advice of the Council, on the 4th of
February, and, although the Livingston interest ruled in that
body (Eobert Livingston, third lord of the manor, William Livingston,
James Livingston, and three gentlemen who had married Livingstons,
were members of the House) ahd in any other event would have opposed
whatever De Lancey proposed, the common peril overcame all other con
siderations. A large amount of money was needed to build strongholds
above Albany, and strengthen defenses everywhere. The Assembly acted
promptly. In defiance of royal instructions, it authorized an issue of
£45,000 in biUs of credit, to be sunk at stated intervals by a tax. It
also prohibited any supplies of provisions from being sent to the French
colonies ; and it made tbe mUitia subject to such penalties as should be
imposed by tbe executive.
Sir WUliam Johnson hastened to New York to take his seat in the
Council, bringing an appeal from the Mohawks, wbo were desperately
frightened. HostUities would let loose the hordes of French Indians upon
their castles, which were now entirely defenseless, and they begged for
aid. There was no alternative but to comply. The government decided
to stockade their castles, and erect such other works as would best protect
the aged warriors. The House authorized De Lancey to draw upon the
contingent fund for tbis purpose ; and directed Sir William Johnson to
estimate tbe expenses, and construct, on his return, such defenses as in his
judgment might be deemed advisable.
About the same time letters came from Governor Shirley urging the
old project of an expedition to drive the French out of Canada. Thomas
Pownal was the bearer of despatches ; he called upon the lieutenant-gov
ernor, and was received somewhat coldly. He was no stranger in the
city, and went immediately to consult with some of the leading gentlemen
of the Livingston faction. Tbe influence in favor of Shirley's plan was so
strong that De Lancey thought it wiser to yield gracious approval, al
though he was far from satisfied with the course Shirley had taken on a
former occasion, where, differences of opinion having occurred in regard to

MILITARY PREPARATIONS. 649
certain details, the Massachusetts governor deUvered himself of expres
sions of contempt for his high-toned New York contemporary, not easily
ignored or forgotten. A committee from the Council met a committee
from the House, and it was resolved that if Massachusetts would raise
fourteen hundred men. New York would raise eight hundred, and would
agree to contribute to a general fund for the support of the war Before
the resolution should be acted upon, it was proposed to submit the same
to the approval of General Braddock.
The latter officer had already arrived in Virginia, and had summoned
the colonial governors for the 14th of AprU, to meet him in con
ference. Shirley of Massachusetts, De Lancey of New York, '^''"^'^ "'
Morris of Pennsylvania, Sharpe of Maryland, arid Dinwiddle of Virginia,
presented themselves at the appointed time. Four separate expeditions
were planned. The first, for the complete reduction of Nova Scotia, was
to be commanded by Lieutenant-Governor Lawrence of that province.
The second, to recover possession of the Ohio vaUey, would be led by
Braddock himself The third, under command of Shirley, was to expel
the French from Fort Niagara, and form a junction with Braddock's
forces. The fourth, having for its object the capture of Crown Point was
placed under the command of Sir Wilham Johnson, whose army would
be made up of the provincial militia and the warriors of tbe Six Nations.
As soon as plans were fully matured each officer hastened to his post.
Shirley was detained in New York a few days, trying to remove the
objections which De Lancey had raised to the form of Johnson's commis
sion. The two governors were not at ease in each other's society, many
points of dispute had arisen between them, and were likely to arise in
the future ; and when Shirley named Peter Van Brugh Livingston and
Wilham Alexander (Livingston's brother-in-law), in preference to Oliver
De Lancey, as agents in the purchase of supplies for the Niagara ex
pedition, the lieutenant-governor found it difficult to control his indig
nation. The city was in a bustle of military preparation. Troops were con
stantly arriving, recruiting offices .sprung into being, and soldiers were
driUed at aU hours of the day. Men were actively at work upon new
defenses, as weU as trying to strengthen those which had cost so much
in the past ; and provision was made for extra fire-arms, to supply all the
the citizens in case of an invasion.
Sh WiUiam Johnson summoned the Indians to Johnson Hall, and on
the 21st of June opened a grand councU. More than eleven hundred
of the children of the forest were present, an unprecedented and unex
pected number, and although prepared to feed a great many, this remark-

650 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
able visitation nearly swept the larder clean. Johnson threw into his
speeches all the fire and energy of which he was master, and nearly all
the sachems were disposed to enlist under his standard.
Meanwhile the expedition for Acadia- — Nova Scotia — was on its
way. The two forts were quickly captured, and the EugUsh were thus
in safe and undisputed possession. And then they proceeded to execute
one of those needless and wanton acts which disgraced the age, and even
humanity itself
The Acadians were a simple, harmless, and pious people, leading a
pastoral life among their flocks and herds, and tUling the soil, which,
for more than a century and a half, had descended from father to son
They had remained in the territory, which, after repeated conquests and
restorations, had, in the treaty of Utrecht, been conceded to Great Brit
ain, and were hardly conscious of the change of sovereigns. For nearly
forty years they had been forgotten or neglected, and had prospered in
their seclusion. Through their industry the fertUe fields and rich
meadows were in the highest state of cultivation. No tax-gatherers in
truded upon them, no magistrate dwelt within their borders. The parish
priest was the sole arbiter of their disputes, and beyond bim there was
no appeal. Their morals were pure, they harbored no Ul-will towards
their fellow-men, and were happy and contented. The husbands and
brothers went forth in the early morn to work in the fields, and the
wives and sisters plied the shuttle or trained the woodbine and the
honeysuckle over the doors of tbeir pretty cottages.
Under the flimsy pretext of its rendering the possession of Nova
Scotia insecure to allow so large a body of French to reside there, it was
determined to set adrift the entire colony. It was no difficult matter to
get access to records and titles, as the unsuspecting victims were total
ly ignorant of law. Such papers were taken and carefully removed.
Their property was then demanded for the public service without bargain
or payment. The order may still be read upon the CouncU records at
Halifax, — " They must comply without terms, immediately, or tbe next
courier will bring an order for military execution upon the delinquents."
The unoffending sufferers were despised because they were helpless.
Presently their boats and fire-arms were taken from them ; then a general
proclamation was issued commanding the males of aU ages to assemble
at their respective viUages on the 5th of September. How could they
dream of any hostUe intent ! At Grand Pr6, one of the places designated,
four hundred and eighteen came together, and were huddled into a
church, for what purpose they little dreamed. The doors were closed
and barred. Tbey were then informed that their lands, houses, and live-

SIR CHARLES HARDY. 651
stock were confiscated to the crown, and that they themselves were to be
removed at once from the province ; but " throttgh the goodness of his
Majesty " they were to be permitted to take with them their cash in hand,
with such portion of household goods as would not encumber the vessels
in which they were to sail
They were prisoners indeed. They had left their homes but for the
morning and were never to return. Their families were to share their
lot But as there were not enough transports to carry them all at one
time, it was deemed advisable to get rid of the men first, and leave the
women and children until other vessels could be provided. The 10th
of September was the day of embarkation. The wretcied fathers, hus
bands, and sons were drawn up six deep, the young men first, and the
seniors behind, and under a strong guard marched to the shore. The
women and the chUdren rushed forward, and one wail of anguish rent
the heavens. Not one among them had anticipated this terrible sepa
ration. Weeks elapsed before the broken-hearted beings were all shipped.
For months the newspapers of New York and elsewhere contained ad
vertisements of husbands seeking wives, lovers seeking their affianced,
and brothers seeking their sisters.
Seven thousand of these unfortunate Acadians were distributed through
the colonies. A few of them after weary wanderings found their lost
ones, but by far the greater number nevermore beheld the faces of those
who were dearer than life itself The pen of one of our gifted poets has
rendered the memory of this inhumanity lasting, and it can only be con
templated with detestation while the sanctity of the family tie is cher
ished in tbe human heart.^
The news that Sir Charles Hardy had been selected to succeed Sir Dan
vers Osborne as governor of New York reached the city in March. He
arrived on the 3d of September. Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey
• 1 1 • 1 1 Sept. 3.
waited upon him and spent a quiet evemng with bim on the vessel
before he landed. He was received in like manner as his predecessors,
save that there was very little enthusiasm.
He was, like Clinton, an unlettered admiral, and it was quickly discov
ered that he was out of his sphere in matters of state as well as deficient
in executive talent; to govern he must have a leader. De Lancey was in
' Baliburton's History of Nova Scotia. Bancroft. Graham. Stone. Lieutenant-Gov
ernor Lawrence to the Lords of Trade. Monckton to the Lm-ds of Trade. English writers at
tempted to justify this cruelty on the ground of " military necessity." But there seems to
have been no " military necessity " in the act whatever, save in the imagination ; and had
there been, the dictates of decency and common humanity should have protected the family
relation.

652 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the gap, and continued as much the real commander-in-chief as he had
been. The war was the aU-absorbing topic. The death and defeat of General
Braddock on the 9th of July had shocked the wbole community. An
evil star hung over the expedition against Niagara also. It was to have
started early in tbe spring ; but the troops wbo were to take part in it,
composed of Shirley's, Pepperell's, and Schuyler's regiments, did not ar
rive in Albany until July, and were about to embark when the news of
Braddock's defeat came. The effect of this intelligence was disastrous.
It filled tbe army with terror, and great numbers of the troops deserted.
Delays were inevitable, and it was nearly tbe end of August when Shir
ley, now (since the death of Braddock) commander-in-chief of the Amer
ican forces, arrived at Oswego. More boats had to be built, and by
the time tbey were finished a storm set in so severe as to render it unsafe
for the troops to venture upon the lake ; and when, on September 26, an
order was given for embarkation, a succession of head winds and tempests
arose, wbich continued for thirteen days, after which sickness prevaUed,
the Indians, not relishing the water, deserted, and the season was too far
advanced. On the 24th of October, Shirley returned to Albany.
The expedition against Crown Point, under Sir William Johnson, was
more successful. It resulted in tbe defeat of Baron Dieskau, who had
been sent to meet the approaching army, and expected, after its annihila
tion, to proceed to Albany and beyond. Both Johnson and Dieskau were
wounded, and the latter was borne, wbile his troops were fiying, into the
tent of the former He wrote to Count d'Argenson, under date of Sep
tember 14, 1755, " I know not at present what will be my fate ; from
M. de Johnson, the general of the EngUsh army, I am receiving aU the
attention possible to be expected from a brave man, full of honor and
feeling." It is said that before the Baron left Amerioa, he presented John
son with a magnificent sword as a token of regard.
The victory at Lake George was a military achievement of which New
York and New England had reason to be proud ; and it headed a series
of triumphs which saved America from coming under the dominion of the
Frencb. But the expedition did not reach Crown Point. Governor Har
dy, attended by Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey, and several gentlemen
of the Council, weut to Albany as soon as the news of Dieskau's defeat
reached New York, in order to furtber operations, and remained until
November 26.
Shirley, in the mean time, arrived in Albany and found fault with
everything wbicb had been done by the subordinate officers. He ham
pered the movements of Sir William Johnson, and complained because

OVATION TO SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 653
they had not been more effectual Why had not the enemy been pur
sued ? Why did not the General move boldly against Crown Point ?
What was the sense in constructing a useless fort ? He did not take into
account the difficulties in the way of attacking, with raw and undisciplined
mUitia, carefuUy constructed breastworks defended by regulars, trained
under the best generals of Europe. Shhley was a consequential man.
He paraded his marvelous military knowledge before tbe public oye, but
he did not put much of it to the test in his own personal operations.
Always in a bustle, he never made progress ; his plans were feasible, often
brilhant upon paper, but practicaUy they did not work well. His mag
nificent scheme for the capture of Niagara having faUed, he must forward
supplies to the garrisons, and then " revolve in his busy mind " some
other enterprise against the enemy.
He went to New York December 2. He was treated like any other
private citizen. A few days after Sir WUliam Johnson arrived, and a
crowd went out to meet him with coaches and chariots, and the capital
was Uluminated in his honor ; England conferred upon him a baronetcy,^
and subsequently sent him a commission as " coloneL agent, and sole
superintendent of all the aff'airs of the Six Nations and other Northern
Indians," accompanied with a salary of £600 per annum. At the same
time came instructions from the Ministry forbidding each nortbern prov
ince to transact any business with the Indians. Thus Johnson was placed
on an independent footing. Shirley was chagrined ; but he caUed a grand
congress of governors to meet him in New York on the 12th, to discuss
plans for a spring campaign. Fitch of Connecticut, Sharp of Maryland,
and Morris of Pennsylvarua, were present, besides Hardy, De Lancey,
Colonel Schuyler, Colonel Dunbar, Major Eutherford, Sir John St. Clair,
and others. Shirley presided. As preparatory to the successful prosecu
tion of a remarkable project for the next year, Ticonderoga was to be
attacked by crossing the ice in midwinter, which seemed so feasible that
it met with the approval of the CouncU. Major Eutherford and Staats
Long Morris, the son of Judge Lewis Morris, were despatched to England
to lay the plan before the Ministry.
The Assembly, however, regarded the Ticonderoga project with cold
ness. Success is, in pubhc estimation, the criterion of an able chieftain.
Fan and plausible as it appeared upon paper, its author had invariably
faded in aU his mihtary undertakings, and it was not thought worth while
to appropriate money for the purpose. Shirley returned to Boston where
his wounded pride was soothed by an ovation similar to the one with
which New York welcomed Sir William Johnson.
1 Johnson's baronetcy was dated November 27, 1755.

654 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The speaker of the Assembly about this time requested assistance in the
necessary correspondence, concerning boundary and other questions, with
the agent at the Court of Great Britain, and the city members, — Paulus
Eichard, William Walton, Henry Cruger, and John Watts, — were ap
pointed a committee for the purpose.
John Watts, as wUl be remembered, was the son of Eobert Watts, and
the brother-in-law of Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey. He was married in
1742 ; and in 1747 (November 13) bought the Eosehill farm, of some one
hundred and thirty acres, bounded on the south by Twenty-First Street,
on the east by tbe East Eiver, and, reaching over Madison Square, (which
was then a pond of water affording skating facilities in winter,) it stretched
along the post-road a considerable distance to tbe north. It was named
from tbe ancestral estate of the Watts family in Scotland. A handsome
mansion-bouse rose upon a prominent site, from which a broad avenue,
lined with graceful elms, extended westerly to the post-road, tbe gateway
being at about the present corner of Twenty-Eighth Street and Fourth
Avenue.^ It was a charming nook, and during its occupancy by the
family in suihmer-time was the favorite resort of the gay aristocracy
of the metropolis. Indeed, John Watts and his beautiful wife were
so connected with the leading families as to fill an important niche in
society. Tbeir city home (subsequently) was No. 3 Broadway, next tbe Kennedy
mansion near the glacis of Fort George. It was a great old-time edifice,
destined to be one of the historic landmarks of the city wben nearly
aU its contemporaries should have' passed away. It was elegant in its
appointments, and in subsequent years, when large entertainments were
given by either family, the rooms of the second story were connected with
the Kennedy apartments by a staircase and bridge in the rear. The gar
den extended to the water, and was overlooked by a broad piazza, which
was often kissed by the salt spray iu a high wind.^
Watts was forty years of age in 1755. He was a master of political
economy, a scholar of no ordinary attainments, and a brilliant logician
His letters, while upon the committee of correspondence, were among the
finest productions of that decade. His ready mind could meet and solve
knotty problems, and his sound judgment was invaluable in tbe straight-
' John Watts purchased the Eosehill property of James De Lancey. It was conveyed to
the latter, -June 24, 1746, by Anna Pritchard. It was originally a portion of the Stuyvesant
property, partition having taken place (by writ) between Gerardus Stuyvesant and his sister,
Anna Pritchard, April 20, 1742 ; William Jamison being at that time sherifi' of the eity and
county of New York, and James De Lancey chief justice of the Supreme Court, and this tract
falling to the share of Anna Pritchard.
'^ See sketch, page 7.')2.

NO. 1 BROADWAY.

655

ening of crooked paths. He grew constantly in importance. He was
soon appointed to the Council, and in matters of moment his advice was
oftener sought by the governor than that of any other member of this
august body. He possessed a remarkably cheerful temper, which no dis
appointment could disturb, and a brain, amid subsequent reverses, fuU of
resource. His daughter Ann married Archibald Kennedy, afterwards eleventh
Earl of CassUis, and member of the House of Lords. He was the son of

Kennedy Mansion, No. I Broadway, before the Revolution.
Hon. Archibald Kennedy, the venerable counselor. He rejoiced iu a
handsome private fortune which he saw fit to expend in a manner suited
to his refined and cultivated tastes. He built No. 1 Broadway (now tbe
Washington Hotel), fashioning it after the most approved Englisb inodel.^
It had a broad, handsome front, with a carved doorway in the center.

The impression that Sir Peter Warren built No. 1 Broadway is whoUy without founda
tion. The property in 1742 (the year in which Stone says Sir Peter Warren built the man
sion) belonged to the Bayards. In 1745 (June 7) Eve Bayard, the widow of Peter Bayard,
sold the lots Nos. 1, 2, and 3 Broadway to Archibald Kennedy, the witnesses to the sale being
Philip Van Cortlandt and Peter Schuyler. Neither house was built until some years after
this. Abstract of Title in Book of Deeds (commeuced in 1739), in possessiou of Major-General
J. Watts de Peyster.

656

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

wide halls, grand staircases, and spacious rooms ; the parlor was about
fifty feet in length, with a graceful bow opening upon a porch large enou'di
for a cotillon-party. The banqueting-hall was a magnificent apartment.
Aside from its extraordinary dimensions, its walls and ceiUngs were elab
orately decorated. Captain Kennedy's eldest son was born in this man
sion, who became not only the twelfth Earl of CassUis, but the first Mar
quis of Ailsa.

Fraunces' Tavern.
(The old De Lancey Mansion.) Per description see page 759.

LETTER OF JAMES ALEXANDER. 657

CHAPTER XXVIII.
1755 - 1764.
THE FRENCH WAR.
LErrER OF James Alexander. — Shirley in Boston. — Victory of the People of New
' York. — Declaration of War. — The Earl of Loudoun. — Mayor John Cruger.
— New York Oppressed. — Boundary Jangles. — Riots at Livingston Manor. 
Governor Hardy resigns. — Benjamin Franklin. — The Immortal Kite.  The
Postal Routes of America. — Loss of Fort William Henry. — Loudoun and his
Cabbages. — Recall of Loudoux. ~- Change in the English Ministry. — Capttke
of Fort Du Quesne. — Defeat and Recall of Abercrombie. — General Wolfe. 
, Capture of Quebec. — General Amherst. — William Walton. — The Walton
House. — Death of Lieutenax t-Governor De Lancey. — Dr. Cadwallader Colden
Lieutenant-Governor of New York. — Governor Monckton. — De.ath of George
II. — George IIL — The Earl of Bute. — Resignation of Pitt. — Sandy Hook
Lighthouse. — Sir James Jay. — The Jay Family. — John Jay in College. —
CoSquest of Havana. — Treaty of Peace. — England in Triumph.
IT was a peculiar winter. No great military event transpired. But
every week brought intelligence of some fresh horror in the remote
districts. Cruelties were perpetrated in Orange and Ulster Coun
ties. There were murders committed in Duchess County; and
there were disturbances at Livingston Manor. Beyoud Albany aU was
terror and confusion. James Alexander wrote to Peter Yan Brugh Liv
ingston in December: "The manner of beginning this war must bave
surprised tbe nations of Europe, as it has the American colonies, but the
way in which it has been carried on is stiU more surprising. General
Braddock was sent over as commander-in-chief, and how the Ministry
came to intrust full powers to such a man has perplexed us all ; a mau
of no knowledge, civil or miUtary, who by all accounts had spent his life
in the most profligate manner, made no pretensions to morals, and the
loose indecency of his conversation showed what company he had been
accustomed to frequent. From such an officer nothing could have been
expected but disgrace to the British arms." ^
' Rviherford Papers. (In possession of the family, Newark, N. J.) In the same collec
tion is an interesting letter from James Alexander to Peter Van Brugh Livingston, dated
42

658 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Shirley was keeping Boston in commotion. His theories were magnifi
cent, but there was always something in the way of their proving success
ful. Troops were raised for the half-matured spring campaign, and vari
ous detachments were sent to posts along the frontiers. Ann Shirley
wrote to a lady in New York: "The young ladies are beginning to hold
down tbeir heads and look melancholy; and, indeed, I don't wonder, for by
Friday night we sha' n't have a beau left. Poor Boston ! what a faUing
off ! But New York will fare no better, for the handsome fellows must aU
march to the war." The same writer added in a postscript : " Last Sun
day I attended Miss Shirley (that was) to church, and according to cus
tom there were a great many people to look at the bride. Her dress was
a yellow lutestring silk, trimmed with silver, with one fiounce at the
bottom, which was esteemed by everybody to be very genteel, and I was
not a little pleased with it, as it was in a great measure my taste." ^
The government at New York was occupied with boundary tangles,
debt-bills, and conflicting opinions respecting the course to be pursued in
1766. tbe conflict with France. Speaker Jones wrote to the agent in
Feb. 23. London, under date of February 23 : " "We are sitting stiU. The
principal money bill, which is for paying tbe debts of the government
for the time past, has passed the Council, but has not yet received the
governor's assent, and is therefore in suspense. By the next packet I
may be able to inform you further, particularly with respect to the
Jersey line, which is still under consideration."
The bill for meeting the salaries of tbe ensuing year was framed in
direct defiance of the repeated demand of tbe crown, and the govemor
was greatly perplexed. The House refused to proceed with any further
business, or make the necessary appropriations for the conduct of the
war, until his decision should be known. De Lancey suggested to Hardy
tbat the exigency of affairs on the frontier would exculpate him in the
eyes of the Ministry, should he concede the point, which was accordingly
done. The governor passed the bUl, and the victory won by the people
February 11, 1756, in which he speaks tenderly of the recent loss of the "good mother" of
his correspondent (the widow of the late Philip Livingston). He writes : " Her very sudden
death must have surprised you all, as it did me. I heartily sympathize with you. She was
a good woman, and a very kind mother. Few women that I have been acquainted with
equalled her in sweetness of temper and good sense. Whatever changes her death may occa
sion in the family, I hope it will not lessen the union and harmony. Let me recommend
you to see each other often, and cultivate intimacy, for, helieve me, the credit, the power, and
interest of families depend chiefly on this. Interest often connects people who are entire
strangers, and sometimes separates those who have the strongest natural ties. Whatever
matters of property are to be settled, the sooner it is done the better, and I hope it will be
satisfactory to all concerned."
' Rutherford Papers.

THE EARL OF LOUDOUN. 659
over the crown on privilege proved to be lasting. Henceforward the
Ministry gave up insisting upon an indefinite support, and in the autumn
the House had the supreme satisfaction of hearing from the lips of Hardy
himseU, that the crown had virtually repealed the instructions to Sir
Danvers Osborne which had caused such intense indignation.
England finally declared war agaiust France. There is something
novel in this announcement after the record of the past two years.
The Ministry seem to have clung to the hope that peace might ^"^ ^^'
he estabhshed on au amicable footing. On the other hand, the French
hardly believed England would come out boldly and endanger her Hauo-
verian possessions, and continued to claim Anierican territory' by force of
arms. Shirley was recalled, and the Earl of Loudoun, one of the sixteen peers
of Scotland, appointed commander-in-chief of the British forces in North
America.-' Governor Hardy announced this fact to the Assembly
on the 29th of June. Major-General Abercrombie was placed
second in command, and with General Webb and two battalions, sailed
in April for this country. Loudoun did not arrive untU July.
Abercrombie stationed himself at Albany. He began his career by
sowing discord among the troops, who were waiting to push forward into
the country of the enemy. He announced that all regular officers would
be over those of the same rank in the provincial service. The conse
quences were such that General Winslow advised his superior that any
attempt to enforce the rule would be disastrous ; and the latter yielded,
it having been agreed that the regulars should remain and do garrison
duty in the forts, while the provincials under their own officers should
advance against the French.
As soon as this matter was arranged, Abercrombie proceeded to quarter
his troops upon the citizens of Albany. It excited intense disgust. "Go
hack again," said the mayor of Albany, in behalf of the citizens, — " go
back ; we want no such protectors, we can defend our frontiers ourselves."
1 John Campbell, fourth Earl of Loudoun, Baron Mauchlane, one of the sixteen peers of
Scotland, and F. R. S., was born in the year 1705. He succeeded to his title on the death
of his father in 1731. When the Pretender landed in Scotland in 1745, Lord Loudoun re
paired to Inverness and raised a regiment of Highlanders for the crown. On the approach of
the enemy, however, he abandoned his position, and retired to the Isle of Skye, with scarcely
a show of resistance. This regiment having been broken in 1748, he was made colonel of the
Thirtieth Regiment of Foot in 1749. He was appointed major-general in 1755. In February,
1756, he was commissioned governor of Virginia, and was also intrusted with the supreme
command of the British forces in North America. His career was not satisfactory to the
Ministry, and he was recalled in 1758. Entick's History of tlie War, II. 393. In 1763 or
1764 he was appointed Governor of Edinburgh Castle. He died, unmarried, at Loudoun
Castle, Ayrshire, April 27, 1782, aged seventy-seven years.

660 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
But the troops remained in their comfortable quarters, and fattened at
tbe tables of their helpless hosts.
Nor did relief attend the coming of Loudoun. Governor Hardy fol
lowed tbe pompous general to Albany, accompanied by De Lancey and
Judge Chambers. But Loudoun wasi incapable of grasping the exigencies
of the situation, and he was too self-conceited to receive advice. He
cautioned Hardy without even a show of courtesy, against meddling with
military affairs.
The Marquis de Montcalm had succeeded Dieskau as commander of
the French army iu America, aud whUe Loudoun was fussing and hurry
ing, and driving everybody, and really frittering away his time in doing
nothing in general or particular, the active energetic French nobleman was
on bis unobstructed way to invest Oswego. After a brief action the garrison
surrendered as prisoners of war. The French Indians, long used to deeds
of blood, paid no heed to the terms of capitulation, and with terrific yeUs
and wild leaps, were springing upon their prey to indulge in their
customary pastime of horrid butchery, when Montcalm (to his undying
honor be it spoken) ordered out a file of soldiers and commanded them to
fire upon the infuriated Indians who had disobeyed orders. Six fell dead
in the next instant, and the remainder sulkily put up their knives and
skulked to their quarters. Tbe garrison, numbering sixteen hundred men,
were conveyed safely to Montreal. Tbe two fortresses, Ontario and
Oswego, were leveUed so completely that hardly a mark of tbeir ever
having existed remained to be seen.
The loss of Oswego, instead of stimulating Loudoun to efiicient action,
had the contrary effect. He did indeed bluster and converse in elevated
tones about annihilating Crown Point, but that was all. He sneered at
Sir William Johnson's water-bubble, as be styled savage aid, and damned
the Indian interest whenever the subject was broached in his hearing.
The speaker of the House wrote to the London agent about the middle
of October : ^ " Our disappointment is greater than that of last year, for,
instead of taking Crown Point, the enemy have mastered Oswego and
carried away all the armed vessels, two hundred whale-boats, cannon,
provision, and warlike stores. 0 shameful behavior of our forces ! We
have now no footing on Lake Ontario; it is aU in the uninterrupted
possession of the enemy, who will doubtless dispossess us of whatever
we have remaining if not suddenly stopped. As for our forces on the
1 This letter was the production of the committee of city members, — John Watts, Henry
Cruger, William Walton, and Peter De Lancey (the latter had recently taken the place of
Paulus Richard), — and is supposed to have been drafted by Henry Cruger, who was subse
quently a member of the British Parliament.

LORD LOUDOUN AND MAYOR CRUGER. 661
northern frontier, both regulars and provincials, we shaU probably hear of
no action by them unless the enemy force them to it. If some more
vigorous resolutions are not made in England, and seasonably executed,
we must iuevitably fall a prey to the prevailing power of France. We
live in hopes that a vigorous push will be made for the reduction of
Canada, which seems the only measure that can secure us. I told you, in
my letter of July 2, that you should have a just estimate of the ex
penses of this year. I cannot at present enumerate particulars, neither
does it appear necessary. We emitted £ 52,000 biUs of credit last spring,
to be redeemed by taxes on estates, real and personal, which I expect
wiU all be expended in the pay of our forces, and other necessaries
attending this state of warfare, before the end of the year. Our governor
has acquainted us with the alteration of the instruction relating to the
permanent salary ; but at the same time insists upon a larger allowance
than his predecessors have had, under pretense of the alteration in the
value of our currency. How far this may occasion differences between
him and the Assembly I cannot yet foresee ; perhaps my next may in
form you. Inclosed you have a note of thanks to Messrs. Hamburg and
TomUson, merchants in London, for their extraordinary care with respect
to the money granted by Parliament, and you are desired to wait on
those gentlemen with it. The Assembly is now sitting, and when the
session ends I shaU write further to you."
Loudoun visited two or three of tbe nortbern forts, admired the autum
nal forests with their gorgeous hues, expressed in forcible expletives his
deep disgust at the want of decent roads, took cold in a November storm,
and returned to Albany to dismiss the militia to their firesides for the
winter, and provide quarters for the regulars.
Of the latter he sent two thousand four hundred to New York with
orders for the corporation to biUet them upon the citizens. John Cruger
(son of the former mayor, and brother of Henry Cruger) had just been
appointed to the mayoralty. The message from Loudoun was read in the
Common CouncU, and neither its style nor import relished. The soldiers
were crowded into the barracks, and the officers (about fifty) left to find
lodgings for themselves.
Loudoun came to New York in December in a towering rage. He
summoned Mayor Cruger before him, and demanded that his officers,
of every rank, shoidd have free quarters in the city. Cruger remonstrated,
and in behalf of the citizens pleaded their rights as Englishmen. Lou
doun checked him with an oath, and told him such was the custom every
where, and if difficulties were raised he would convene aU the troops in
America and himself billet them upon the people.

662 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Cruger asked for time to consult the aldermen. The death of his sister
made it necessary to delay an answer until her funeral obsequies were
performed. Loudoun insisted upou speedy attention to his orders. The

Mayor John Cruger, afterward one of the founders and first president of tlie Chamber of Commerce.
citizens raved. The mayor and aldermen were at their wits' ends concern
ing the course to be pursued. They hurried to tbe governor for counsel.
He was reticent. They called a meeting of the judges of the Supreme
Court, and the city members of the Assembly, to investigate tbe laws
upon tbe subject. Chief Justice De Lancey declined to give an extra
judicial opinion. John Watts spoke his mind in favor of the people with
remarkable force; he said that free quarters were against the common
law. Henry Cruger manfully asserted that the arbitrary conduct of the
commander-in-chief was illiberal and illegal. Yet it was not clear how
far opposition might be persisted in without danger of prosecutions. Two
committees were appointed, — one to present a memorial to the govemor
asking his mediation, the other to visit Loudoun. Of the latter only tbe
mayor was admitted to the lordly presence. As soon as Loudoun caught
the spirit of the object of the committee, he exclaimed, " God d — n my
blood ! if you do not give my officers free quarters this day, I wiU order

NEW YORK OPPRESSED. 66:3
here every man under my command and billet them upon the city." He
immediately quartered six upon Oliver De Lancey. This was too much
for the high-strung aristocrat, who attempted to turn them out of doors.
Loudoun immediately sent half a dozen more to add to tbe measure of
De Lancey's wrath. The latter threatened to leave the country if they
were not removed. " I shall be glad of it," replied the merciless poten
tate, " for then the troops will have your whole house." The excitement
was intense. But there was no help at hand, and, as the citizens declined
being hospitable, a private subscription remedied matters for the time,
while the oppressor was regarded with supreme abhorrence.
Speaker Jones wrote to the agent at the English Court : " What the
next summer will produce the Almighty ouly knows. I assure you our
situation is extremely distressing. New York, as you know, is the prin
cipal seat of the present war, and is harassed and burdened in all shapes ;
soldiers quartered upon us without pay, our horses and carriages used at
pleasure, some broken, and others burned and destroyed by the enemy,
our militia forced to make long marches in every direction, and our peo
ple unable to attend to their usual occupations. To this may be added
another heavy expense, namely, the great number of French sent here
from Acadia by Governor Lawrence, and the prisoners taken at the battle
of Lake George, in September, 1755, with many others brought in by pri
vateers. Our £52,000 are all used, and we are breaking in upon the
present made us by Parliament, which in this expensive state of things
cannot last long. Unless we have further aid from England we must sink
under the weight of these excessive pressures."
Loudoun summoned a congress of governors to meet him in New York
just prior to the winter holidays, and with offensive arrogance charged
the disasters of the war to the negligence and stinginess of tbe colonies.
He talked airily about the next year's campaign, and demanded additional
troops and supplies, which were provided. He afterwards proceeded
through Connecticut to Boston, much to the relief of the people of New
York, who detested him to such a degree that his very presence in the
city was almost intolerable.
Hardy convened the Assembly on the 16th of February, with a view to
meet the requisitions of Loudoun, and also to communicate the in- 1757.
telligence tbat the crown was about to send additional reinforce- ^«^- la
ments to the aid of the colonies. Other weighty matters demanded im
mediate attention. The disputes with Massachusetts and New Jersey
conceming boundaries were assuming proportions only secondary to the
snarl between England and France. The commotions among neighbors
along the borders were lamentable in the extreme. Livingston Manor

664 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
had been the scene of several startling riots. And just now news came
that the sheriff in the discharge of his duty had been roughly handled,
and a man whom he caUed to his aid instantly killed. The Stockbridge
Indians were taking sides. They had, in many instances, sold lands twice
over to interested parties, in disregard of former patents. They had car
ried off one of Livingston's tenants that a Sheffield farmer might possess
himself of the premises upon tbe strength of one of their doubtful titles.
Mrs. Livingston wrote to her husbaud (who was one of the members of
tbe House) in New York, that the family were in constant fear of some
hostile movement ou the part of the savages, who sneaked about among
the tenants of tbe manor in bands, mysteriously, and not infrequently
came into tbe grounds of the manor-house and gesticulated in a threaten
ing manner. Livingston petitioned tbe government for a company of
soldiers to guard his possessions. Hardy recommended that commission
ers at the public expense be at once appointed to settle the chronic con
troversy. At the same time a bloody war was raging in Pennsylvania, which had
grown out of alleged deceits practiced upon the Delawares in tbe sale of
tbeir lands. Sir William Johnson had listened to the recital of similar
grievances ever since he took up his abode in the vicinity of the Six
Nations, and became superintendent of Indian affairs. He beheved that
fraudulent purchases, or those which the Indians claimed as sucb, should
be surrendered. He had repeatedly expressed his views to the Ministry
and to the colonial governors. Hardy was of the same way of thinking,
aud recommended to the Assembly the passage of a law for vacating all
grants, exorbitant or otherwise, which the Indians considered fraudulent
He said it appeared to him, in the alarming posture of affairs, not only a
just but a necessary measure ; the fickle warriors must be induced if pos
sible to throw their whole assistance into tbe scale.
Sir Charles had, six months prior to this, proposed an act for annulling
certain land-patents in Central and Western New York, upon the ground
of tbeir haviug been fraudulently obtained from the Indians, and the par
ties interested had traced it to the direct influence of Johnson.
The reply of the House to the governor's message was a carefully con
sidered document. It embodied no backwardness in the way of providing
troops and warlike supplies for the coming year, " that, whatever may be
the fate of our cause, we may not be in any way instrumental to our ruin,
by tedious delays, timid resolutions, or an iU-timed parsimony." With
respect to the boundary question, duty did not seem to stand out in quite
so bold a light. Tbe expense of commissioners would be a fatal outlay in
this time of trial. The governors of those colonies witb whom tbe dis-

GOVERNOR HARDY RESIGNS. 665
putes raged ought to preserve peace and order in their respective borders
untU tbe common enemy should be repeUed, and the fact established that
either possessed lands to divide or jurisdiction to settle. "We would
humbly observe that a line of a much more serious nature at present en
gages our whole attention and justly claims the substance we have to
spare." ^
As to the fraudulent grants of land, it was admitted that such had un
doubtedly retarded settlements, and given the Indians cause of complaint,
but that the owners had paid considerable sums, first to the Indians for
theh rights, and afterwards to the governor and other civil officers for the
patents, — often more than the lands were worth, — and to deprive such
owners of their possessions would be harsh and unjust. As affairs stood
now, no settlements could be made upon them, and the Indians would con
tinue to be the sole occupants; thus the consideration of tbe subject
might as well be postponed. " Ah," said Sir WilUam Johnson to Hardy,
"with half a dozen Livingstons in the House, aU interested in their fathers'
old disputed patent, and the De Lanceys owning the rich tract twenty
miles in length on the banks of the Mohawk near Wood Creek, what else
could have been expected ! "
Governor Hardy had long since applied to the Lords of Trade for
permission to resign his government and re-enter the navy. He was
aware of his own incapacity. One branch of his office was to preside as
chanceUor. The first time the court opened there was a vacant seat
between Judge Chambers and Judge Horsemanden. The hall became
crowded and stiU no governor. Presently the chief justice made his ap
pearance, struggling through the dense mass of people towards the bench.
His face wore a troubled expression, as if he was not quite satisfied with
the propriety of taking such a step. The judges arose, and courteously
placed him upon the bench, where he continued until two prisoners, one
, charged for murder and the other with theft, were arraigned and taken
from the bar. The same day was appointed for arguing a demurrer to a
hill in Chancery before the governor. There was considerable delay.
FinaUy some of the lawyers were invited to his Excellency's private
room, where he apologized for detaining them, by saying that , he had
desired the chief justice to be present and he had not yet come. "I
can't take upon myself," he said, " to say I understand the law. I have
been justice of the peace in England, but my knowledge, gentlemen,
relates to the sea ; that is my sphere. If you want to know when the
wind and tide suit for going down to Sandy Hook, I can tell you. How
can a captain of a ship understand your demurrers in law ? " De Lancey
1 Journals of thc Asserably.

666 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
came in to the delight of the sailor-executive; wheu the debate took
place, the governor sat awkwardly by tbe side of the able and elegant
chief justice, who pronounced the decree and dictated the entry in the
register. " I beseech you, gentlemen," said Hardy, " to bring these kind
of questions before me as seldom as possible. If you ever dispute about
a fact, I can search tbe depositions, and perhaps tell you who has the
best of it ; but I know nothing about your points of law."
The Lords of Trade were open to conviction ; Hardy was out of his
sphere, and they made him a rear-admiral in the contemplated naval
expedition agaiust Canada. He sailed at midnight on the 2nd of July, to
join the forces at Boston, and the next morning De Lancey took the
oaths, and continued in the supreme command of the province until his
death. In the mean time Morris had disputed with his Assembly in Pennsyl
vania, until, lover of disputations as he was, he cared to indulge in it no
longer Tbe Assembly could not please him, nor frame a bill that he
would sign. He showed his instructions, by which it was plainly ap
parent that only one course had been open to him. There was a rapid
fire of addresses and replies, which had no effect, and could have none,
except to exasperate. Morris, therefore, forwarded to England his resig
nation, and held his place only until his successor should arrive.
Franklin relates many anecdotes of his intercourse with Morris, whUe
the latter occupied the gubernatorial chair. One afternoon in the height
of the public quarrel the two notables met in the street: "Franklin,"
said Morris, "you must go home with me aud spend the evening; I am to
have some company whom you wiU Uke." Arm in arm, they proceeded
to Morris's house. In gay conversation over their wine after supper,
Morris remarked jestingly, that he " much admired the idea of Sancho
Panza, who, when it was proposed to give him a government, requested
it might be a government of blacks ; as then, if he could not agree with
his people, he might seU them." One of the guests turned to Frankhn
and said, " Why do you continue to side with the Quakers ? Had you not
better sell them ? The proprietor would give you a good price." " Oh ! "
replied Franklin, " the governor here has not yet blacked them enough."
It was in July, 1756, that Morris ceased to govern Pennsylvania, and
William Denny ruled in his stead. " Change of devUs is bUtbesome "
(according to the Scotch proverb), wrote WUliam FrankUn. After a brief
lull the strife and the bitterness arose again, and the Assembly and the
new governor could agree upon nothing.
Franklin, who continued the leader of the popular party, was appointed
by the House, agent of the province to proceed to England for the trans-

THE IMMORTAL KITE. 667
action of important affairs, and his son, William Franklin, was permitted
to resign his office of clerk of the House, and accompany his father.
£1,500 were voted for the expenses of the voyage and residence in
London. It was five years since Frankhn iu a June thunder-storm had experi
mented with the immortal kite. Who does not know the story ? How
he fashioned his kite and stole away, upon the approach of a storm, to a
common, near an old cow-shed ; how, wishing to avoid the ridicule of
possible failure, he told no one except his son, a young man of twenty-
two ; how father and son waited under the shed, presenting the specta
cle (if there had been any one to behold it) of two escaped lunatics
trying to fiy a kite in the rain ; how, when both were ready to despair
of success, the fibers of the hempen string began to rise, as a boy's hair
rises when he stands on the insulating-stool ; how the trembhng hand
was applied to the key, how the Leyden phial was charged, how the wet
kite was drawn in, and how the triumphant phUosopher went home the
happiest mah in Christendom. Who does not love to ponder upon the
progress, henceforward, of Frankhn's electrical studies, and see him bring
the lightning into his Ubrary for constant examination ? He tried it upon
magnets, he tried it in vacuo, he tried it upon the sick, he tried it upon
the well, he tried it upon animals, he tried it upon men. He tried elec
tricity excited by friction, electricity drawn from the clouds, electricity
generated in the cold and glittering winter nights, and the electricity of
the electric eel. He had electrical correspondents everywhere. Masters
of ships who encountered remarkable thunder-storms sent narratives of
what they had seen to him. Lightning-rods made their way slowly into
use. They were greatly feared, however. An earthquake occurred in
1755, and a good New England divine preached a sermon upon the sub
ject, in which he contended that the Ughtning-rods, by accumulating the
electricity in the earth, had produced the earthquake. Science encoun
tered aU manner of obstacles. But Benjamin Franklin became the ac
knowledged head of the electricians of the world.
In 1753, he had been commissioned postmaster-general for America.
He hnmediately commenced improvements in this branch of the public
service. There were as yet no mail-coaches ; the carriers rode on horse-
hack America, however, was not far behind England. A Londoner
could not send a letter to Edinburgh and receive an answer in less than
ten days, and only thus speedUy in case weather and highwaymen per
mitted. It was not uncommon then for a post-rider to leave London with
only five or six letters for Edinburgh in his bag ; on one occasion it is
recorded that he carried but one letter.

668 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The office of postmaster-general of America was created in 1692.
Twenty years before. New York had established the first mail-route
(monthly) to Boston. As late as 1704 no post-rider went farther north
than Boston, or farther south than Philadelphia. In 1753 the line of
posts still began at Boston, and extended as far south as Charleston.^
There was uo post into tbe interior of the country. FrankUn named his
son controller of the post-office, who managed its detaUs for many years.
He himself set out on a tour of inspection, and, traveling patiently over
the routes, erected mile-stones (some of which are still standing), and es
tabUshed a new postal system, which was of the greatest advantage to the
colonies. Instead of one mail a week in summer and one in two weeks
in winter, between New York and PhUadelphia, be soon started a mail
from each of these cities three times a week in summer and once a week
in winter. To get an answer from Boston a Philadelphian had been
obliged to wait six weeks ; the time was quickly reduced to three weeks.
He reduced the rates of postage and instituted other improvements. And
it was not a moment too soon, for all these better facilities for transmitting
intelligence, were put into constant requisition in the organization of de
fense against the combined forces of a savage and civUized foe.
Franklin was five months in getting from Philadelphia to London. He
left home on the 4th of April, traveling on horseback through New Jersey
in order to take one of two packet-ships at New York which were ready to
sail, aud waiting only for Lord Loudoun to give the order. Loudoun had
been to Philadelphia ostensibly to interpose between the governor and the
Assembly. Franklin wrote afterwards : " I wondered much how such a man
came to be intrusted with so important a business as the conduct of a great
army ; but, since having seen more of the world, and the means of obtain
ing and motives for giving places and employments, my wonder has dimin
ished." It was eleven weeks before Loudoun permitted the packet to sail.
Never was there a greater marvel of dilatoriness and procrastination than
tbe commander-in-chief of the British army iu America. Never were
great interests so trifled with as by him. His indecision and indolence
almost tax our credulity. His to-morrow never dawned. The packets
were detained for his lordship to finish letters. Franldin went one
morning to call upon Loudoun, and found in the antechamber an express
messenger from PhUadelphia, who said he had orders to caU for the gen
eral's answer to the governor, the next inorning at nine o'clock, and sbould •
set out immediately for home. Franklin hastened to his quarters, and,
preparing a bundle of letters for his fanuly, placed them in tbe messenger's
hands. A fortnight afterward Franklin met Innis, the messenger, again

Many of these roads were mere bridle-paths through tlie forest.

LOSS OF FORT WILLIAM HENRY. 669
in the same place, and exclaimed, " What ! so soon returned ? " " Ke-
turned ; no, I am not gone yet," rephed Innis. " How so ? " asked
Frankhn. " I have called here this and every morning these two weeks
past for his lordship's letters, and they are not yet ready," said Innis.
" Is that possible," exclaimed Franklin, " when he is so great a writer ?
for.I see him constantly at his escritoire." " Yes," said Innis satirically ;
" but he is hke St. George on the signs, — always on .horseback, and never
rides on."
Franklin could do nothing but dance attendance upon Loudoun, and en
joy the dinners which were given him quietly by De Lancey, and Cruger,
and others. Loudoun treated him with the utmost politeness, often in
viting him to dinner, and sometimes asking his advice ; but every matter
of business was postponed.
The fieet was finaUy ready to sail for HaUfax, and the packet was or
dered to attend Loudoun until his despatches should be ready. When
five days out at sea, it was permitted to change its course and cross the
Atlantic with its philosophic passengers.
Loudoun reached his destination the last day of June. He was joined,
July 9, by Admiral Holburn, with sixteen ships of the line, and by Lord
Howe with six thousand disciplined troops, thus increasing the land
force to eleven thousand well-appointed and effective men. It was a
beautiful, balmy summer, everything was favorable, but Loudoun was not
disposed to move rashly. He laid out a vegetable garden and a fine
parade-ground, and exercised his men in sham attacks upon sham forts,
and finally altered his mind in regard to aggressive projects, and returned
to New York with all his troops.
Montcalm took the opportunity, while Loudoun was amusing himself
with his cabbages at Halifax, to swoop down upon Fort WilUam Henry.
General Webb was at Fort Edward with four thousand or more men,
frantically caUing to De Lancey and Sir WilUam Johnson for help, but
made no effort to go to the relief of the besieged. The mUitia were dis
gusted with their 'incompetent leaders, and deserted in great numbers.
In one instance, out of a company of forty men, stationed at Fort Edward,
ten only were left. Loudoun presently inundated New York City with
his soldiers, and talked about encamping on Long Island for the defense
of the continent.
Eumors that a large force of French and Indians were preparing to
descend upon the settlements, reached Sir William Johnson very soon
after the surrender of Fort WilUam Henry. He wrote a plain letter
to Abercrombie, teUing him that the regulars stationed at the forts were
arrogant and self-sufficient, and of no earthly use in protecting tbe

670 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
settlers. Men quaUfied to act as rangers were wanted, who might be
continually employed in scouring the country in search of scalping-
' parties. Tbe garrison should also be increased, that effectual resistance
might be made in case the enemy appeared in force. Abercrombie gave
no heed to the advice. He was in Aljjany, drinking wine and eating
good suppers. All at once, about three o'clock on the morning of
November 12, sixty or more famUies residing at tbe German Flats were
roused from their slumbers by the terrible war-whoop. The forts were
burned, and the dweUings set on fire. The savages stationed them
selves near the doors of each house, and tomahawked the inmates as they
rushed out to avoid the flames. Forty persons were inhumanly massa
cred, and one hundred and fifty carried into captivity. The enemy took
away with them vast quantities of grain and money, besides three thou
sand horned cattle and tbe same number of sheep. The excitement was
universal. The whole Mohawk VaUey was in a wild panic, and the
settlers hastened to send their effects to Albany and other places, and at
one time it seemed as if the settlements would be entirely depopulated.
Loudoun was also at Albany when this affair occurred, and attributed
the disaster entirely to the mismanagement of Indian' affairs, and the
treachery of the savages themselves. His generals busied tbeir minds
witb charging the responsibihty upon each other. Alas ! what could
have been expected from officers whom children might outwit or terrify
with popguns ?
Loudoun blustered. Blustering was his favorite pastime. He talked
about making war upon the Six Nations, because some of them had been
won over to Montcalm's interest through admiration of his superior
bravery, and were of the murderous band who fell upon the German
Flats. The very suggestion filled New York witb horror. " Strike but
one blow in that direction and we are lost," said Sir WiUiam Johnson
Colonel Peter Schuyler, who had been taken prisoner at the surrender
of Oswego, left Quebec, October 22, and reached Albany about the
nuddle of November, on paj?ole, to return in May. - He urged Loudoun
to abandon tbe mad project of inaugurating hostilities with the Indians ;
and other vigorous counsels fell thick as snow-fiakes about the command
er's head.
Colonel Peter Schuyler was the son of Arent Schuyler of New Jersey.
He had, since 1746, commanded the New Jersey forces, and was consid
ered one of the ablest of the colonial officers. His arrival in New York
caused great rejoicing. , The city was iUuminated, a bonfire kindled on
tbe common, and an elegant entertainment given him at tbe "King's
Arms Tavern." The next day (Sunday) be set out for bis home on tbe

THE SCHUYLERS OF NEW JERSEY. 671
east side of the Passaic Eiver just above Newark, where he was saluted
with thirteen discharges of cannon; and the following evening Newark
was Uluminated in his honor, bonfires kindled, and a grand banquet ten
dered bim by the principal citizens. The period of his parole expired,
and aU efforts for his exchange having failed, he proceeded bravely to
dehver himself over to Montcalm, then at Ticonderoga, who forwarded
hhn to Montreal He was empowered by Abercrombie to negotiate an
exchange of prisoners, and in November (1758) succeeded in exchanging
hhnseU for Sieur de Noyau, the commander at Fort Frontenac captured
by Bradstreet. He returned at once to New York, bringing with him
twenty-six women and twelve children, whom he had redeemed from
captivity with his own purse, and had fed for weeks from his own table.
His benevolences while in Canada alleviated much of the suffering to
which the Enghsh prisoners were subjected. Soon after his release he
again led the New Jersey soldiers into Canada, and was one of tbe victori
ous band who entered Montreal when that city surrendered in 1760. His
wife was Mary, daughter of John Walter, a man of great wealth, residing
on Hanover Square, New York. His only daughter, Catharine, became
the first wife of Archibald Kennedy (eleventh Earl of CassUis).^
The home of the Schuylers on the Passaic was a great square stone
and brick dwelUng, which is stiU standing upon a beautiful site opposite
the Uttle city of BellevUle. In its palmy days the lawns and gardens
extended over many acres and to the water's edge, and for half a century
the Schuyler deer-parks were pronounced the finest in America.^
' Hon. Archibald Kennedy, the receiver-general, counselor, etc., secured, in 1724, a mag
nificent estate known as the Duke's farm in New Jersey. After his death, in 1763, it came
into possession of his son Archibald, who, marrying Catharine Schuyler, heiress of not only
the extensive estates of her father and mother, and of her grandfather, John Walter, but of
Sichard Jones, became a very rich man. The younger Kennedy was appointed captain in
the Royal Navy in 1753. After the death of his iirst wife he married Ann, daughter of Hon.
John Watts (April 27, 1769).
^ Arent Schuyler (the ancestor of the New Jersey branch of the Schuyler family, see page
154) bought, in company with Lieutenant-Governor Brockholls, over four thousand acres of
land at New Barbadoes Neck, in 1695, and received a patent from Governor Fletcher in 1697.
It was probably as late as 1710 before he went there to reside. The property proved of great
value through the discovery of copper. A negro slave while ploughing one day turned up a
greenish heavy stone, which he took to his master, and which Schuyler .sent to England for
analyzation. It was found to contain eighty per cent copper. Schuyler desired to reward
the lucky slave, and told him to. name three things which he most desired and they should
he granted him. The gentleman of color asked, first, that he might remain with his master
as long as he lived ; second, that he might have all the tobacco he could smoke ; and third,
that he might have a dressing-gown like his master's with big brass buttons. Schuyler sug
gested that he should ask for something of more value. Upon mature reflection the negro
filled the measure of his earthly happiness, by the request that he might liave a little more

672

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

It is doubtful whether
Loudoun would have
put his threats into exe
cution in any event. He
was shortly disposing
his troops through the
provinces for the winter,
quartering them upon
the people in a magis
terial manner which
gave fresh and general
offense. De Lancey convened
the Assembly in De
cember, but the small
pox was raging in the
city to such an alarming ¦
extent that they met in
an " out-house " (a good

tobacco. Schuyler shipped considerable quantities of ore to the Bristol copper and brass
works, England. His son John worked the mine still more extensively. In 1761 an engine
was brought out from England, and with it came, as engineer, Josiah Hornblower, the father
of the eminent chief justice of New Jersey. In 1765 the building and engine were destroyed
by fire, and remained in ruins until 1793.
The children of Arent Schuyler were : 1, Philip, who manied Hester, daughter of Isaac
Kingsland (Isaac Kingsland was the founder of the honorable family of that name in New
Jersey, whose son Edmund mamed the daughter of Judge Pinhorne, and was the grandfather
of Elizabeth Kingsland, who became the wife of Josiah Hornblower, and mother of the chief
justice), was a member of the New Jersey Assembly, and a large land-owner, a portion of his
estate being now known as Pomptonj in Passaic County, where many of his descendants
reside, — his son Carparus had an only daughter, who married General William Colfax of
Pompton, in 1783, and was the grandmother of Schuyler Colfax, late Vice-President of the
United States ; 2, Olivia ; 3, Casparus, who settled in Burlington, New Jersey ; 4, John,
who married Ann Van Rensselaer, and inherited the homestead and mine on the Passaic, —
his son, Arent J., married his cousin, Swan Schuyler (in 1772), whoae son, John A., married,
1, Eliza Kip, and, 2, Catharine Van Rensselaer, and the seven children of the latter inter
married with the principal families of New York and New Jersey, their descendants filling at
the present time important positions in society ; 5, Peter, the famous military commander
above mentioned, who died at his home on the Passaic, Sunday, March 7, 1762 ; 6, Adonijah,
who married Gertrude Van Rensselaer, and had seven children (it was his daughter Swan
who manied her cousin Arent J.) ; 7, Eve, who married Peter Bayard of New York, and
received from her father the gift of a valuable lot on Broadway ; 8, Comelia, who mar
ried Pierre Guillaume, the younger son of -Hon. Abraham De Peyster, first treasurer of the
New York province. She also received from her father a lot on Broadway, and several negro
slaves.

RECALL OF LOUDOUN. 673
substantial stone dweUing which was occupied by his overseer) upon his
own farm above Canal Street. Two of the newspapers of the day in
dulged in a strain of political sarcasm by speaking of the " Parliament of
New Yorh sitting at present in Mr. De Lancey's kitchen."
One of the most important subjects before the House at this session,
was to divert a part of the funds raised for fortifications to the construc
tion of barracks for the soldiers, in order to relieve private families upon
whom they had been biUeted by Loudoun. The city corporation offered
to replace the money.^ Then there was the maintenance of prisoners,
the defense of the frontiers, and the salaries of the year to be looked
after; and laws to be passed for restraining the king's troops from intem
perance, for stricter discipline among the militia, for regulating the
staples of flour, beef, pork, and butter, for continuing the excise upon tea,
for a poU-tax upon negro slaves, and tonnage duty upon aU vessels, not
excepting those from Great Britain. A law was also passed to prolong
the currency of the bills of credit, the royal inhibition to tbe contrary,
notwithstanding. Thus ended 1757. It is not singular that New York should have
grown suspicious, inquisitive, and cautious; that Loudoun was
regarded with contempt whenever he inflicted his presence upon
the city ; that his military skill, courage, and integrity were called
severely in question ; that men spoke openly of the " Cabbage Planting
Expedition " ; that they laughed incredulously wben a winter attack
upon Ticonderoga was proposed ; that witty jokes circulated freely con
cerning the hand-sleds and snow-shoes that were being made at Albany,
and the worsted caps which were advertised " wanted." After a few
weeks nothing more was heard of this latter undertaking. General Webb
spent the winter with Loudoun in New York, and they both devoted
themselves to such amusements, concerts, theatrical performances, assem
bhes, etc., as the city afforded, and played cards and drank wine the re
mainder of the time.
The repeated failures of the British arms had exasperated the nation.
A change in the Ministry wrought a new phase in military operations.
The elder Pitt (who succeeded the silly Newcastle) declared in Parlia
ment that he never could ascertain what Lord Loudoun was doing in ,, ^
¦ ° March.
America. His recaU, and also that of General Webb, soon followed.
Abercrombie, who had remained quietly at Albany, was appointed to tbe
chief command.
* Among^ the aldennen of New York at this time were, Philip Livingston, Nicholas
Eoosevelt, Leonard laspenard, Pierre De Peyster, Abraham De Peystcr, William Coventry,
Oliver De Lancey, Albert Herring, Theodorus Van Wyck, Joris Johnson, and John Bo-
^rt, Jr.

674 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
A campaign against Canada was planned upon a gigantic basis, and
this time seemed invested with the elements of fact. The crown was to
furnish all the arms, ammunition, provisions, tents, boats, etc. ; the colo
nies were to raise as many men as their population would warrant, and
the governors were desired to buy clothing, appoint officers, and pay troops,
with a promise of Parliamentary reimbursement. The provincial colonels
were to be made brigadier-generals, and the Ueutenant-colonels were to
rank as colonels.
Nothing could be more grateful to the people than these tidings.
Every town and hamlet were at once drained for men and means. The
New York Assembly promised liberal aid without a moment's hesitation.
Money was raised for bounties, for compensation, and for the support of
every poor soldier's family during his absence. BiUs were emitted for
£100,000, to be canceUed by a tax for nine years. There was not a jar
amoug the legislators during the spring session of the Assembly; they
went to their homes at the end of a month, and all eyes were turned to
wards the movements which were to dehver New York and her sister
colonies from a terrible foe.
Tbree formidable expeditions were planned. That against Quebec was
placed under the command of General Wolfe. One of the lords remon
strated with the king concerning this appointment ; Wolfe was represented
as a " young, rash madman." " If he is mad, I hope he wUl bite some
of my generals," was the vexed reply. General Amherst was to accom
plish the conquest of Cape Breton and vicinity. The third enterprise was
against Fort Du Quesne and other French posts on the Ohio.
Preparations went on vigorously and with great spirit. Abercrombie
determined to lead the forces destined for Ticonderoga in person. Sir Wil
liam Johnson was obliged to defend the Mohawk Valley, where the French
and Indians suddenly destroyed a beautiful town, massacring every in
habitant save two persons, in order, it was supposed, to create a diversion,
and thereby enable them to repel the expected invasion.
It was a proud and courageous army that rendezvoused at the head of
Lake George, upon the site of the charred ruins of Fort William
Julys. o ' JT . . ,
Henry, on the morning of July 5, 1758. Seven thousand British
troops of the line in full uniform, and upwards of ten thousand provin
cials, were about to embark for Ticonderoga. The spectacle was imposing.
The flotiUa consisted of nine hundred bateaux, and one hundred and
thirty-five whale-boats, together with rafts to convey stores, ammunition,
and artUlery. The accomplished Lord Howe, distinguished ahke for his
gallantry and his daring, was the life and soul of the enterprise. Lord
John Murray was there, with his Highland regiment in costume and witb

THE ARMED HOST UfON LAKE GEORGE. 675
bagpipes. Young noblemen from Old England, of chivalrous bearing aud
high promise, nodded their gay plumes in every direction, and an equally
iine array of proud-spirited colonial officers paraded with their companies
as if marching to a grand review. The armed host started from its re
pose at early dawn, and whUe the sun was peeping over the mountaius
and gathering up the mists from the crystal waters of the pretty seques
tered lake, embarked for the deeper solitudes, to settle in bloody conflict
the disputes between the rival courts of St. James and St. Cloud, a thou
sand leagues away.
Victory was a foregone conclusion. Every heart beat high with joyous
expectation. The exhilarating notes of the trumpet, the roll of drums,
and the sweU of cheerful voices echoed from the hiUs as the barges
streamed over Lake George, shifting and changing places as convenience
required ; and favorite airs from well-appointed regimental bands added
every now aud theu to the hUarity of the occasion. With the bright-
colored uniforms, the banners of the different regiments floating on the
breeze, the dazzUng glitter of poUshed steel, and the flashing of oars, the
scene must have resembled some great aquatic pageant.
About noon of the foUowing day the troops landed in good order in a
cove upon the west side of the lake, where they formed into four columns
and began their march, leaving the artillery and heavy baggage behind
until bridges could be built. Abercrombie intended to hurry forward and
carry Ticonderoga by storm, before the reinforcements which were hasten
ing to the rehef of Montcalm could arrive. But he was inexperienced
in the matter of pushing troops through dense woods, and over morasses
covered with thick and tangled underbrush. The advance-guard /^ st
their way, and fell in with a body of the enemy ; in the skirmish winch
ensued Lord Howe fell. His loss threw a damper over the entire army.
Abercrombie was irresolute, and uncertain which way to steer. His
guides were bewildered ; and he finally drew back his men to the shore
of the lake.
Meanwhile Bradstreet, with Eogers and four hundred rangers, pushed
ahead, built bridges, and took possession of some saw-mUls which the
French had erected at the lower rapids, two miles from Ticonderoga.
These rapids are where the waters of Lake George fall about oue hundred
and fifty-seven feet in their descent through the outlet into Lake Cham
plain. The energy of the provincial colonel reassured Abercrombie, who
proceeded with the army to the saw-mills, and sent his chief engineer
with a few mngers to reconnoiter the enemy's works.
They returned just at dusk. The engineer reported that the defenses
of the French would offer but a feeble resistance to the charge of the

676 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
British bayonet. Stark, who had accompanied him, in command of the
rangers, was of a different opinion. But Abercrombie gave orders to
advance without artillery on the morning of tbe Sth, and carry the
fortress at the point of the bayonet. As the troops were leaving the
encampment they were overtaken by Sir WiUiam Johnson with three
hundred Indians. The English advanced gaUantly, but at the first onset
were thrown into confusion by the branches of trees which Montcalm
had placed for a hundred yards in front of the log breastwork. At a
signal from Montcalm, who stood with his coat off in one of the trenches,
a terrific fire was opened upon them from swivels and smaU-arms. In
vain they raUied and attempted to penetrate through the tree-tops.
The more tbey struggled the more they became entangled. Bank after
rank was mowed down by the well-directed fire of the enemy. Driven
from the left, they attempted the center, then the right, and at last re
treated in the utmost disorder, having lost in killed and wounded nine
teen hundred and sixty-seven men.^
Abercrombie had remained at the saw-mills, and upon the first news
of the defeat started for Lake George. Montcalm spent the night in
piUng up more trees and otherwise strengthening his defenses, supposing
that the main body of the EngUsh army would appear with theh artiUery
in the morning. Instead, twelve thousand or more men were rushing in
wild affright after their valorous commander. Eeaching the landing
about daybreak, they made for the bateaux, and would have sunk the
greater portion of them, had not Colonel Bradstreet by his coolness con
vinced them that there was no immediate danger, and prevaUed upon
them to embark quietly and in good order. As for Abercrombie himself,
he did not breathe freely until the waters of Lake George separated him
from the enemy, and his artillery and ammunition were fairly on their
way to Albany.
This mortifying repulse created the utmost consternation throughout
the colonies. Absurd rumors were quickly spread and religiously be
lieved. With the news of Lord Howe's death it was reported that five
thousand English troops had been blown up with a mine at Ticonderoga,
three thousand of whom were from New York and New Jersey. The
inhabitants along the Hudson and Mohawk VaUeys were seized with a
panic. They supposed tbe French army was on its march to Albany.
' Among those killed in the attack upon Ticonderoga was Major John Rutherford, a mem
ber of the govemor's council of New York since 1744. Pennsylvania Archives, III. 475.
In the same fatal expedition Oliver De Lancey served under Abercrombie as colonel-in-chief
ofthe New York forces, and for his valuable services, and "the singular care of the troops
under his command," afterwards received the thanks of the Assembly.

VICTORY ON THE OHIO. Qll
Some said it had already reached Fort Edward. The guards were doubled
at Albany and Schenectady, and for additional protection, large numbers
of men, stationed in the block houses, kept strict watch day and night.
Bradstreet felt the disgrace keenly, and importuned with such spirit
to be allowed to lead an expedition to Fort Frontenac, that permission
was finaUy granted. With a force of twenty-seven hundred provincials,
eleven hundred of whom were New-Yorkers, and forty-twb Iroquois war
riors, he embarked in open- boats upon Lake Ontario. On the 26th of
August he made a successful attack upon the French fortress, which sur
rendered; Bradstreet not losing a man, and having only two wounded.
It was a victory which more than compensated for the defeat of Aber
crombie, as by it Lake Ontario was wrested from the enemy (not one
French vessel was left upon the lake), and all communication effectually
obstracted between Canada and her pests in the Ohio Valley.
Pitt understood the topography of America, and perceived at once the
value of Bradstreet's exploit. The next step was to obtain possession of
Fort Du Quesne. General Forbes, who had the expedition in charge, did
not move with his forces until autumn ; and even then his progress was
attended with blunders and delays. He proposed to send fifteen hundred
men in advance to open a new road, which he claimed would save sixty
miles of tedious travel Washington vigorously objected ; he was familiar
with the country, and said such a course would be attended with danger
and probable destruction. Forbes was taken ill on the way, and the con
tractors were remiss in furnishing the required number of wagons for
transportation of stores. It was the middle of September wheu the army
reached Eaystown. Forbes sent forward an advance party of two thousand
men, a portion of whom fell into an ambush and were completely routed,
losing three hundred in killed or wounded. Nineteen officers were car
ried prisoners into Canada. Forbes was on the 5th of November within
forty mUes of his destination, but the weather was getting so cold that
it was decided to go into winter quarters. Washington was annoyed
heyond measure at such a turn in events. He learned from prisoners
that the garrison at Fort Du Quesne was in no condition to resist an
attack, and finaUy obtained permission to push on with his Virginians,
whUe the main army should foUow in the rear. He infused life aud
energy into the faltering soldiery, and was soon within sight of the fort,
or of what had been the fort, for the French garrison, numbering scarcely
five hundred, and meagerly suppUed with provisions, had set the fort on
fire at the approach of the EngUsh, and fled in terror down the Ohio. In
honor of the statesman across the water through whose agency the fort
had faUen, the post was caUed Pittsburg.

678 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
In scenes such as these were America's future heroes being educated.
Washington- made good use of his opportunities, and carefully noted the
failures and their causes, wbich attended tbe movements of the British
generals. Warfare among the wilds of this continent differed materially
from warfare in the Old World, and mUitary tactics must be revised when
the foe carried a tomahawk and was likely to spring into view in the most
unexpected places. The arrogance of those who held royal commissions
was painfully offensive. Tbey refused counsel from the men who were
familiar with the Indian paths and the savage character. They snubbed
their equals in rank when the latter happened to be of the provincial
service, and refused to obey their superiors. Washington, at the head
of the Virginia forces, experienced so much embarrassment from repeated
acts of this character, that the year before he had promptly determined
to resign his commission, unless the difficulties were removed. It was
for this purpose that he made his famous journey of five hundred mUes
to Boston on horseback, to confer with Lord Loudoun, then commander-
in-chief It was in winter-time, and he was absent from his post seven
weeks. He spent ten days in Boston, and was treated with distinguished
courtesy. He attended the meetings of the General Court, and hstened
to tbe discussions of military affairs. In the main object of his trip he
was eminently successful. He stopped in New York both on his way to
and from Boston, and was cordiaUy entertained by Colonel Beverly Eob
inson, who had been his schoolmate and boyhood's friend in Virginia.
This was when he was reputed to have faUen in love with Miss Mary
Philipse. 1769. There was an election of a new Assembly in the beginning
"''"• of tbe year 1759, De Lancey having dissolved (December 16,
1758) the one elected in 1752. Fifteen new members were chosen, the
Livingston party being in the ascendant. PhUip Livingston, who was
one of the most popular of the aldermen, was elected by the city, also
Oliver De Lancey, John Cruger, and Leonard lispenard ; WUUam Liv
ingston was sent to represent his brother's manor ; Eobert E. Livingston
and Henry Livingston were sent from Duchess County ; Phihp Verplanck
and Colonel Van Eensselaer were re-elected, and several others whose
names have already become famUiar to the reader. WUUam NicoU was
chosen speaker. John Watts and WiUiam Walton had recently been
elected to the Council
Party spirit, however, weUnigh exhausted itself at the poUs. When
the Assembly was convened the wheels of government roUed smoothly.
Both branches of the Legislature saw tbat their very existence was at
stake, and that it would be folly to waste time and energy in party

GENERAL AMHERST' 679
wrangles. Abercrombie had been recalled, which was exceedingly grati
fying. Sir Jeffrey Amherst had been appointed commander-in-chief of
the king's forces in America, and he was believed to be specially fitted for
the command. He was not a brUliant man, but America was tired of
brUUant men, those who were continuaUy devising fine plans and accom
plishing nothing. He possessed sound judgment and marvelous energy.
He was slow, but reliable whenever necessity arose for decisive action.
He had a squarely rounded head, firmly set on a rather large neck, cov
ered with short, crisp hair ; his face was broad and bold ; his eyes keen
and always on the alert ; his nose Grecian, prominent, and almost on a
line with his slightly retreating and not very high forehead ; his mouth
firm, but pleasant ; and his chin of the fighting mold. He inspired more
confidence than any officer who had hitherto been sent into the country.
He heard of the disgraceful disaster attending Abercrombie while at
Cape Breton in the summer, and without orders saUed at once for Boston,
from wbich point he marched with four regiments to Lake George, to
reinforce his superior. He was in New York when he received official
news of his promotion. Secretary Pitt required an addition to the Brit
ish army from the colonies, of twenty thousand men. The Assembly at
once resolved to raise two thousand six hundred and eighty, as the quota
of New York, offering to each a bounty of £ 15, with an additional sum
of twenty shUlings to the recruiting officer. The expenses were to be
defrayed by the emission of £ 100,000 in bills of credit, to be sunk in nine
years by a tax, beginning with £ 12,000, for the present year. Shortly
afterward the Assembly, at the request of General Amherst, and upon
his promise that it should be repaid in the course of a year, loaned the
crown £ 150,000, in addition to the sums already voted for the expenses
of the campaign.
In May, Amherst removed his headquarters to Albany, where twelve
thousand provincials had already assembled. Sir WiUiam Johnson was
soon on the war-path with seven hundred braves. The faU of Niagara
swiftly foUowed, and the star of France in the western hemisphere was
unquestionably on the wane. The praise of Sir WiUiam was upon
aU lips in both New York and England. The last remaining link in
that chain of fortresses which united Canada with Louisiana was now
broken. Amherst, meanwhUe, with over eleven thousand men, was approaching
Ticonderoga. The French saw that resistance was hopeless, and, juiy 22.
blowing up their works, withdrew to Crown Point. On the 4th Aug. 4.
of August, Amherst embarked on the lake, and presently held possession
of Crown Point, which the enemy abandoned at his approach.

680 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Amherst expected, on the reduction of Crown Point, to co-operate with
General Wolfe by advancing upon Montreal But he must first remove
the French, who were strongly intrenched at the foot of the lake, and pos
sessed four large vessels heavily armed.
Wolfe, at Point Levi opposite Quebec, watched daily for the arrival of
Amherst in vain. Eed-bot shot from his cannon set tbe lower town in
a blaze, but tbe citadel above was likely to remain unharmed. One or
two rash attempts had been made to storm the works, and numbers of
brave men bad faUen. It was nearly the middle of September when it
Was determined to scale the heights back of Quebec, and thus draw tbe
French into an engagement. Wolfe, who was something of a poet, sang
a pensive song of his owu composition at his mess the evening after the
bold scheme had been decided upon, which ran thus : —
"Why, soldiers, why
Should we be melancholy, boys ?
Why, soldiers, why ?
Whose business 'tis to die."
To mislead the enemy. Admiral Holmes was to ascend the river in the
sbips. Tbe ruse was a success. Montcalm, supposing that the English
were on the point of raising the siege, sent off three thousand men for the
protection of Montreal. That same clear, calm evening WoUe was quietly
embarking his troops in transports preparatory to the assault. Two hours
before daylight, thirty flat-boats, containing sixteen hundred soldiers, left
the vessels and dropped sUently down with the current, followed at a
short distance by the rest of the troops.
The elements favored the weird enterprise. Heavy black clouds drifted
over the sky, even the stars were hidden, and tbe darkness so dark as to
be almost felt. The oars were muffled, and the roar of the river was the
only sound which stirred the ah. Wolfe was seated in the bow of one of
the boats, with his arms folded and his head leaning upon his breast ; all
at once he repeated in whispered tones the lines from Gray's Elegy which
end with : " The paths of glory lead but to the grave."
" Gentlemen," he added, softly, " I would rather have written those Unes
than take Quebec to-morrow."
The story is familiar to every American, how, in the early dawn of a
briUiant morning, five thousand English troops stood drawn up in order
of battle upon the Plains of Abraham, and of the astomshment of Mont
calm, when swift messengers waked him from his slumbers with the

GENERAL WOLFE.

681

startUng news. "Surely," he said, " it can be but a smaU party come to
burn a few houses and retire ! "
He was speedily aware of the magnitude of the danger. At ten o'clock

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u'«

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:if.4^P«^
the twi
aim le
confront
ed eael
other up
on th
p 1 a 1 I
Thej foughtwith great
fury. In the bayo
net charge Wolfe
received a slight
wound in the wrist.
A moment after he
was strack with a
bullet. He con
tinued cheering oh
his men, untU a
third baU stretched him upon the ground. He ^^'as tenderly carried to
the rear, and asked if he would have a surgeon, to which he repUed in tbe
negative. One of the officers who was supporting him exclaimed, at the
same instant, "See how they run!" "Who run?" demanded Wolfe
with energy. " The enemy, sir ; they give way everywhere." " Then tell
Colonel Burton to march Webb's regiment down to Charles Eiver, to cut
The Assault upon Quebec.
682 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
off their retreat from the bridge. Now, God be praised, I wiU die in
peace." And, turning upon his side, the spirit of the brave commander
took its final departure.
Montcalm received his death- wound almost simultaneously with that
of Wolfe. He was borne to the hospital, and gently told that he must
die. " I am glad of it," he replied. When he learned that his hfe could
not last over ten or twelve hours, he exclaimed, " So much the better; I
am happy that I shall not see the surrender of Quebec." And he did not.
When, at the earnest solicitation of the citizens, the white flag was hoisted,
Montcalm was no more.
The news of the capture of Quebec was haUed with rapture in New
York. There was no longer any question concerning the subjugation of
the French in every part of Canada. The war was drawing to a close.
The bells of the city rang in one grand, riotous tumult of joy, and bonfires
and iUuminations turned the night into a scene long to be remembered.
But the gladness was saddened by the loss of the gaUant Wolfe. And
there were mourning hearts in many a household, for numbers of New York's
noble sons had shared the glory, and were now sleeping in the soldier's
grave. In England a day was set apart for public thanksgiving; and
Parliament commemorated the services of Wolfe, in overcoming almost
insurmountable natural obstacles to overthrow Montcalm, by a monument
in Westminster Abbey. An obelisk was also erected to his memory in
New York, just east of the country-seat of OUver De Lancey on the Hudson
FoUowing shortly came the news of the rout of the French army at
Minden, and the defeat of the French fleet off the coast of Algava.
There was abundant cause for gratitude. And yet there was much more
to be done ere the frontiers were safe ; the army must be supported,
and the public needs supplied.
In the early spring Boston sufi'ered from a terrible fire, by which more
1760. than two hundred famiUes were deprived of shelter, and left in a
Marcii 20. destitute condition. An appeal was made to New York for aid.
With generous imprUse, notwithstanding the low condition of the treas
ury, and the indebtedness to a long Ust of creditors through the extraor
dinary demands of the war, £2,500 were at once voted by the Assembly
for the relief of the distressed city.
When the British army returned to New York from Canada, it met with
a triumphal reception. No American province had suffered as much
from the incursions of the French, and consequently in no other capital
were the demonstrations of joy at being relieved from tbe horrible terrors
of savage warfare more sohd and sincere. Sumptuous entertainments
were given to the officers, which they regarded with amazement. New
York seemed to have grown rich during the war, notwithstanding her
outlays.

COSTLY ENTERTAINMENTS. 683
That privateering had proved a paying business, is shown by the Ust of
vessels published from time to time in the newspapers of the period.
The number of prizes brought into port during the first few months of
the war were reported as including " thirty ships, four brigantines, eight
scows, one barque, and several schooners and sloops"; and during the
same period, the New York privateersmen took twenty-six other prizes
mto British West India ports. Enticing advertisements were constantly
appearing, such as, " All gentlemen, sailors, and others, who have a mind
to make their fortunes, are desired to repair on board  ship, which,
mounting twenty-six guns, and carrying two hundred men, will be ready
to saU in three weeks," — to intercept certain French fleets. The whole
American coast from Maine to Georgia swarmed with daring, adventu
rous, and probably unscrupulous privateers, who preyed upon the com
merce of more than one of the European nations. French ships, filled
with the spices and coffee of their Indian provinces, and cargoes of West
India sugars and rum, were sought with the more zeal ; but rich Spanish
galleons, laden with the wealth of Mexico and Peru, were not passed by
in respectful sUence. Private cruises were the fashion. Long experience
in trading upon the coast of Africa made the merchants fearless and self-
reliant. The age was agog with the spirit of financial adventure, and it
is no matter of wonder that opportunities such as these, which were sus
tained by the highest authority, as well as precedent, were promptly seized
and turned to account.
There were many large importing merchants in New York at this date,
notable among whom were Isaac and Nicholas Gouverneur, Eobert Mur
ray, Walter and Samuel Franklin, John and Henry Cruger, the Living
stons, the Beekmans, Lott & Low, Philip Cuyler, Anthony Vau Dam,
Hugh aud Alexander Wallace, Leonard and Anthony Lispenard, Theophy
lact Bache, and William Walton.
WilUam Walton was one of those who f^ted the victorious officers.
He was a very rich as well as a very hospitable man, and his expensive
banquets were afterwards prolific subjects for criticism in England. His
table was spread with the choicest viands, and " groaned under its weight
of briUiant massive sUver," while a forest of decanters graced the side
board, and costly wines flowed free and fast.
He had recently (in 1752) built what is now known as the "Old Wal
ton Souse," in Franklin Square, then the continuation of Queen Street.
It was the most costly private residence which had been attempted on
this continent. It was EngUsh in design ; and it was as far as practica-
We an improvement upon aU previous architecture. Its walls were as
substantial as many modern churches. Its bricks, brown-stone water-

684

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW ' YORK.

tables, lintels, jambs, and decorations were all imported, as also its expen
sive furniture, which was in keeping with the style of the structure.
Tbe superb staircase in its ample haU, with mahogany hand-rails and
bannisters, by age as dark as ebony, was fit for any nobleman's palace.
It had a broad portico upheld by fiuted columns, and surmounted by
armorial bearings ; and quaint heads cut from the freestone looked down

teA^

Walton Houae in 1760.

upon the street from between the windows. Tbe grounds extended to
the water, and were laid out and cultivated with fastidious care.
William Walton had acquired his fortune in part through an advanta
geous contract with some Spaniards at St. Augustine. He was tbe son
of Captain WiUiam Walton, wbo was an enterprising builder of vessels,
as well as a shipper of goods ; and who appears also to have sailed his
own vessels on trading voyages to the West Indies and to the Spanish
Main. He married (January 27, 1731) Comelia, daughter of Dr. William
Beekman and Catharine Peters de la Noy. His brotber Jacob had, five
years prior to this date, married Maria, the sister of Dr. William Beek
man, and daiighter of Gerard Beekman and Magdalen Abeel. The two
brothers were in partnership until the death of Jacob, in 1749. A son

WILLIAM WALTON. 685
of the latter, whose name was WiUiam, became the favorite and heir of
the uncle. It was he, the younger WUliam Walton, who in 1757, mar
ried the daughter of Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey, a lady whose for
tune was equal to his own, and whose tastes were in the direction of the
same princely style of Uving which rendered the walls of the old edifice
famous. WUUam Walton (the elder) was genial, full of brUUancy, and a master
of the arts of poUteness. Dinners were his hobby, and he gathered about
his table from time to time such of the celebrities of the Old World as,
officiaUy or in the pursuit of pleasure, visited the New. He was regarded
as the first merchant of his time, and as a prominent legislator and an
honored counselor, held an enviable poUtical position. He died childless
m 1768.
•WUliam Walton (the younger) was one of the most distinguished young
men of his time. His aUiance with one of the highest and proudest of
the aristocratic families of. New York, brought him early and conspicu
ously into notice. After the death of his uncle he associated himself in
business with his brother Jacob, who had married a daughter of Hon.
Henry Cruger, and the firm was known as that of WUliam and Jacob.
Walton & Co. They owned large tracts of land in the northern part of
the State and elsewhere. WilUam Walton was one of the founders of the
Chamber of Commerce, in 1768 ; was its treasurer in 1771, its vice-presi
dent in 1772, and its president from 1774 to 1775. He was one of the
first petitioners for the Marine Society, incorporated in 1770, the object
of which was to assist the widows and children of masters of vessels. He
was one of the foremost in sustaining the measures adopted by the mer
chants to resist the Stamp Act. He was one of the Committee of Corre
spondence of fifty-one, chosen in May, 1774, when the citizens learned
of the closing of the Port of Boston ; from the special recommendations
of this committee sprung the First Continental Congress of 1774. He
was one of the committee of sixty, chosen to carry out the non-importa
tion and non-exportation ordinance adopted by that Congress. And he
was one of the Committee of Safety of one hundred, chosen in May, 1775.
In the final contest his family connections were divided, and he desired
to take a neutral part. He retired to his country residence in New Jer
sey, but he was too marked a man to be left in peace, and was compelled
to return to the city when it was occupied by the British. Hence his
New Jersey estates were confiscated. He remamed in New York during
the war, and devoted large sums of money to the relief of the destitute.
He was one of the vestry named by Governor Eobertson," December 29,
1779, to look after such, and it was gratefully recorded of him tbat he

686 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
was unceasing in his efforts to soften the miseries of the confinement to
which the American prisoners were subjected. He was one of tbe mer
chants who resunied the meetings of the Chamber of Commerce, June 21,
1779, and was again chosen vice-president in 1783.^
When ParUament manifested its disposition to tax the colonies in
order to refund the debt incurred by the French war, poverty was pleaded
as an objection. The lords sitting about the king's table laughed at the
plea, and indulged in graphic accounts of the prodigal entertainments
given in New York to the officers of the British army, making special
mention of the display of silver plate at Walton's dinners, which they
said was equal if not superior to any nobleman's. Such exhibitions indi
cated enormous riches. It was absurd for the colonists to waste their
substance in mad extravagance; there was wealth sufficient in New
York alone to pay the whole debt of England. Thus they discussed the
question over their wine, and thus they argued the next day in Parlia
ment. There was force in the logic, hence tbe long train of conse
quences. On tbe thirtieth day of July, New York was startled by the very sudden
1760. and unexpected death of Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey. He had
July 30. dined and spent the evening before very agreeably witb Ex-Gov
ernor Eobert Hunter Morris, WilUam Walton, John Watts, and several
other distinguished gentlemen, on Staten Island. He returned, and drove
to his beautiful country-seat iu the suburbs (just above Canal Street)
about ten o'clock. He was, to all outward appearances, in ordinary
health. He rose in the morning as usual. But about nine o'clock his
little daughter found him reclining iu his easy-chair in the library in a
dying condition, too far gone for medical aid to be of any avaU, his death
having been occasioned by an affection of the heart. Friends were sum
moned. John Watts, and other gentlemen, mounted their horses and hur
ried to his side, but the life which had so long received the love and hom- ; ;
age of the people had departed. The courtly home was full of sorrow, : ;
and the city grieved as it rarely ever was known to grieve for tbe loss of ; ^
a public character. No American ever exerted a wider or more whole
some influence than De Lancey. No ruler of New York ever possessed i
to such a degree tbe elements of popiUarity. And no chief justice of the :; :;
I William Walton died August 18, 1796, aged sixty-five. (His wife, Mary De Lancey, !,( ,(
died in 1767.) He left three sons, William, James De Lancey, and Jacdb ; the latter entered ;. ;
the British navy, and rose to the rank of rear-admiral. He had one daughter, Ann, who
mai'ried Daniel Crommelin Verplanck. The Walton name is now continued by the Rev. Wil- '
lia|m Walton, a son of the admiraL Historical and Biographical Sketches, in Cha-mber of a J,
Commerce Records. By John Austin Stevens.

FUNERAL OF DE LANCEY. ¦ 687
province ever gave such universal satisfaction in his decisions. His poht
ical opponents were many, and often atrociously malicious, but they never
attempted to deny his genius or his marvelous abilities.
The funeral was conducted with great pomp. Minute-guns from
vessels in the harbor gave the signal, at 6.45 p. m., for the procession to
move from the country-seat of the deceased ; and at the same moment
minute-guns from Copsey Battery spoke out with solemn distinctnesss
the years (fifty-seven) of the Ufe which had passed away. The Battery was
foUowed by the man-of-war Winchester, and the General Wall Packet, suc
cessively, each firing fifty-seven guns, as the sad column of over half a mile
in length, proceeded towards Trinity Church. The order of procession was
as foUows : —
1. The clerks of Trinity Church and St. George's Chapel in an open chaise.
2. The Eector of Trinity Church in a chaise.
3. The clergy of the several Protestant denominations of the city, two by tvvo,
in chaises.
4. An open hearse, bearing tbe coffin, covered with black velvet, richly
adorned with gilt escutcheons. The hearse was drawn by a beautiful pair of
white horses belonging to the iUustrious departed, in mourning, and driven by
his own coachman.
5. The counselors in mourning coaches, as pall-bearers.
6. The famUy and relatives in mourning coaches.
7. The members of the Assembly in coaches.
8. The mayor and aldermen of the city, two by two, in coaches and chaises.
9. The lawyers of tbe city, two by two, iu coaches and chaises.
The procession paused opposite the house of Edward WUlett, on Broad
way, and the coffin was placed upon men's shoulders ; the members of
the Council came from their coaches and supported the paU. The
mourners alighted, as also the long train of attendants and friends, and,
walking in the order of rank, entered Trinity Church, which was briUiant
ly iUuminated. Eev. Mr. Barclay conducted the funeral services, at the
conclusion of which the remains were interred in the middle aisle, a few
yards from the altar.^
De Lancey was the fourth and last native New-Yorker who adminis
tered the affairs of the colony under the crown. He had corresponded per
sonally as well as officially with the English statesmen during the critical
period of the war with France, and his opinions had been carefuUy noted,
and often quoted, at the Court of St. James. His death was deeply lamented
there as weU as in New York. It was spoken of as an irretrievable loss.
His sister. Lady Warren, went immediately to Secretary Pitt, and asked
1 The New York Mercury, Monday, August 4, 1760.

688 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
that her younger brother, Oliver De Lancey, might be appointed to the
vacant office. Tbe minister received the apphcation coldly. "I hope,
Mr. Pitt," she exclaimed with warmth, " tbat you have had reason to be
satisfied with the brotber 1 have lost ? "
" Madam," was the answer, " had your brother James Uved in England,
he would have been one of the first men in the kingdom." ^
The government of New York devolved upon Dr Colden, as the senior
counselor, until the wishes of the Ministry could be ascertained, who im
mediately came from his rural retreat where he had been for tbe past few
years devoting himself to scientific and literary pursuits, and at the age
of seventy-three, took his seat in the chair of state.
Although the war had been nominaUy brought to a close by the reduc
tion of Canada, yet the French with malicious intent continued to gener
ate jealousies and hate among the Indians towards the English. And
the conduct of adventurers and traders of desperate fortunes, who were
rushing like a flock of harpies into the western wUds, was equaUy iU-
fated in results. The savages considered themselves, and doubtless were,
cheated and abused. No treaty having been made or presents sent them,
a feeUng of hostihty grew, which every now and then broke forth in some
shocking massacre. There was no peace on the western borders. An
enterprising trader who penetrated the wUderness of Michigan as far as
Michilimackinac, at the peril of his life, was waited upon by a Chippewa
chief, who complained bitterly of the treatment his tribe had received
from the Englisb. He said : —
"Englishmen! Although you have conquered the French, you have
not yet conquered us ! We are not your slaves ! These lakes, these
woods, these mountains, were left to us by our ancestors. They are our
inheritance, and we will part with them to none. Your nation supposes
that we, like the white people, cannot live without bread and pork and
beef But you ought to know that He, the Great Sphit and Master of
Life, has provided food for us upon these broad lakes and in these
mountains."

1 This remark was mentioned by Lady Warren to the lieutenant-governor's younger son,
John Peter De Lancey (who was educated at Han'ow, and the military school of Greenwich,
in England), by whom the anecdote was related to his son, Bishop De Lancey, and to his son-
in-law, J. Fennimore Cooper. The great fault of Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey's charac
ter was indolence. He read, but did not like to write. He loved his ease rather than money.
One of the sources of profit to the colonial government was the fees payable upon the signing
of land-patents. At his death it is said that so many of these patents awaited his approval
that the signing them gave a large sum at once to his .successor, Cadwallader Colden.
Menioir of the Honorable James De Lancey. By Edward F. De Lancey. Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
VoL IV. 1037 -.59. ..

SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON AT DETROIT. 689
When it was rumored that Wyoming was being settled by people from
Connecticut, the Indians claimed that their right to the property iu that
vaUey had never been relinquished, and that the settlement was iu the
very spot selected by the Six Nations for the residue of tbe Delawares,
and other tribes, who were obliged to remove from the inner country
on account of the increase of their people and the scarcity of hunting.
Governor Hamilton of Pennsylvania was very much afraid it would occa
sion a fresh rupture, and wrote to General Amherst asking his interposi
tion. The massacre of Wyoming did not occur until 1778, but the
settlement from its first inception was regarded with unappeasable rancor;
and revenge upon it was a cherished luxury in the hearts of the infuri
ated savages.
The Mohawks had their own peculiar wrongs to settle with the land
speculators from Albany and Schenectady, whose frauds were remembered
with an intensity increased by long meditation upon the subject. And a
thousand other causes of irritation were keeping the whole savage atmos
phere in a tumult.
Sir WiUiam Johnson, at the request of General Amherst, visited De
troit in the early summer of 1761, to consolidate a treaty if possible, regu
late the fur-trade, and learn what the French were about in that region.
It was a perUous journey, as we may well suppose. He was accompanied
by his son, John Johnson, and by his nephew ¦ — afterwards his son-in-
law — Guy Johnson, who acted as his private secretary, and by a large
body of servants and military attendants. At Oswego, and other points
on the route, they tarried to distribute presents, and in some instances to
give sUver medals, sent by Amherst as a reward for good conduct. Com
plaints were everywhere poured into his ears about the haste with which
the English were grasping lands, and he found that his journey had
not been undertaken a moment too soon. A general rising up of the
Indians throughout the whole western world had been skillfuUy planned,
and the garrison and settlers were aU to have been tomahawked and
scalped. The arts by which Sir WiUiam had so long influenced the sav
age were never more successful than in this instance. His gUded trap
pings and pompous ceremonials were extremely fascinating to the red
man's eye. An Eastern prince could hardly have moved through the
country with more show and circumstance. On one occasion some depu
tations from the different tribes waited upon him bringing presents of
maize. He reciprocated promptly with Indian pipes and tobacco, and
then ordered a barbecue of an immense ox roasted whole. While waiting
to arrange preliminaries for the conference at Detroit, the evenings were
devoted to dances. The French officers and tbeir families participated,
44

690 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
as weU as Sir William and his private retinue. They would assemble
about eight o'clock and dance until five the next morning.
The council opened on the 9th of August, the firing of two cannon be
ing the signal which called the Indians together. Seats were prepared in
the open air. The number of tribes represented was inuch larger than
bad been anticipated. They came from beyond Lake Superior, and from
every point of the compass. They wanted to see with their own eyes the
Grand Mogul, whose house was the " fireplace " of the dreaded Iroquois.
When the assemblage was quietly seated, he appeared with his officers,
all in gorgeous uniform, walked majestically to his place, and, amid pro
found sUence, delivered his /speech with that dignity of mien always
enticing to an Indian. Several days were occupied. Every nation had
some favor to ask of Sir WilUam. The final result was an apparently
amicable understanding, and it was beUeved if the dkections given to
the officers of the garrison were strictly obeyed, and no further provo
cations giveu to the Indians, they would not break the peace. Before
Sir William started on his homeward journey, he gave a grand dinner to
the people of Detroit, and closed the gala entertainment with a baU in
honor of the wives and daughters of the officers. He halted on his return
at Sandusky, to examine the proposed site for a blockhouse. At Niagara
he was detained several days by iUness. He reached Fort Johnson on the
last day of October.
Nor was it all peace in and about New York City. No Uttle bitterness
had been engendered by the system of impressemnt. The captains of
British men-of-war claimed the right to board colonial vessels and take
thence any number of men required to fiU their quota ; or, faihng to do
this, they hesitated not to land and kidnap citizens for the service of the
British navy. In August, 1760, a New York merchant-vessel arrived fi-om
Lisbon, and a man-of-war lying in the harbor immediately sent a boat to
board her and demand some of her men. The crew seized tbeir own cap
tain and officers and confined them below, and then refused to admit the
intruders. The captain informed them through the cabin window that he
aud his officers were prisoners and consequently unable to obey orders,
but they opened fire upon the unoffending merchantman, kUUng one man,
and wounding others. This was only one of many outrages, which stirred
the indignation of merchants and traders, until forbearance almost ceased
to be a virtue.
And presently Dr. Colden was instrumental in an act wbich set not only
the Assembly but the whole city and province of New York in a blaze. By
the death of De Lancey the seat of chief justice was vacant, and a general
wish was expressed that it should be at once filled. Colden was urged to

BLOW AT THE NEW YORK JUDICIARY. 691
appoint a successor without delay. Instead, he wrote to Halifax, askim'
him to nominate a chief justice. The result was the appointment of Ben
jamin Pratt, a Boston lawyer, not, as hitherto, "during good behavior,"
but " at the pleasure of the king." Judges Chambers, Horsemanden, and
Jones refused to act longer unless they could hold their commissions dur
ing good behavior. Vigorous thinkers and writers protested loudly
against this attempt to render the judiciary dependent upon the crown.
Conspicuous among these were WilUam Livingston, John Morin Scott,
and William Smith. Massachusetts was at the same moment writh
ing under the " writs of assistance," which the Ministry had recklessly
determined to inflict upon the colonies. These writs were in effect
search-warrants, designed to enable custom-house ofiicers to break open
with impunity any person's house for the enforcement of the revenue.
The fearless and impulsive James Otis had resigned his office of advocate-
general, that untrammelled he might argue this case against the crown
He pronounced it the worst feature of arbitrary power, and his eloquence
80 stimulated the indignation of the people of Boston, that, when the writs
were granted, the custom-house officers dared not in a single instance
carry them into execution. StiU less were the people of New York in
humor for further encroachm.ent upon their sacred liberties. The blow
at the judiciary seemed to be the precursor of trouble indeed. Chief
Justice Pratt was treated with indignity for accepting an office on such
terms. Colden, for the part he had taken, lost many of his warmest
friends. The Assembly, in answer to the request of Colden that
fhe salary of the chief justice might be increased, resolved, " that,
as the salaries usually allowed the judges of the Supreme Court, have
been and stiU appear to be sufficient to engage gentlemen of the first fig
ure, both as to capacity and fortune, in this colony, to accept of these
offices, it would be highly improper to augment the salary af chief justice
on this occasion " ; and the outraged and obstinate body actually went on
to say they would not allow any salaries, uiUess the commissions of
the chief justice and the other judges were granted during good behavior.
The Lords of Trade were amazed when they heard of this " unduti
ful and indecent opposition to his Majesty's just rights and authority."
They reprifiianded the judges, who had in some degree countenanced the
measure, and recommended temporary salaries from the quit-rents,' —
which would be even more advantageous towards securing the depen
dence of the colony upon the crown, and its commerce to the mother
country. It was further hinted that the latter course would insure
' Lords of Trade to Lieutenant-Governor Ooldai, June 11, 1762. New York Coll. MSS.,
TII. 503, 504.

692 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
judgments in favor of the crown, against the great landed proprietors of
New York, and serve to balance their power in the Assembly.
Major-General Monckton' had been commissioned governor of New
York shortly after Colden received the appointment of heutenant-
governor (AprU 28, 1761), and in his forty-sixth instruction had been
directed to annul, by every legitimate method, all " exorbitant, irregular,
and unconditional grants of land." The Lords of Trade were of the
opinion, and wrote the same to Colden, that the lieutenant-governor and
Council of New York and prominent members of the Assembly were in
league respecting measures for landed grants and settlements, which were
for the good of themselves and families rather than the subject in general.
Colden resented the imputation. He said he had never whUe in the gov
ernment been interested in any purchase, or in any share or part of any
purchase, of land from the Indians, either great or smaU. As to his chU
dren they were of fuU age and maturity, and not under his direction ;
there was uo reason to debar them from any privilege or benefit wbich
was accorded to other of the king's subjects in the province, but at the
same time he denied their having been concerned in any purchase of the
kind since he was honored with the administration of the government
But he went on to explain how difficult it was for men of small means to
improve land in the woods. In the first place, it was necessary to caU a
whole tribe together in order to buy a farm, whatever its size, and there
must be several conferences, attended with great expense. Then it would
be full three years before the land could be cleared and rendered self-sup
porting. The settlers were a great distance from the market, and there
were numberless reasons why it was desirable for men of fortune to be
come enlisted in the purchases, and advance money for improvements,
etc. He knew of only two of the acting counselors who had interested
themselves in this manner, one of whom was Sir WUliam Johnson. He
1 Governor Monckton received his commission October 20, 1761, and was swom into oflice
with the usual ceremonies October 26. He, however, had received the king's permission to
leave the province, and entered into nothing more than the necessary fonns of govemment.
He sailed from New York on the last day of November, in command of an expedition against
the French and Spanish possessions in the West Indies ; for while England was rejoicing in
the near prospect of peace, Spain had formed a secret alliance with France and declared war.
Seventeen hundred and eighty-seven of his troops wei-e native New-Yorkers, and among his
officers were. General Lyman, the second in command at Lake George in 1755 ; the afterwards
distinguished General Gates, who captured Burgoyne ; and Richard Montgomery, the hero of
Quebec, a few years later. Monckton, in a letter to the Lords of Trade, November 10, 1761,
acknowledging the receipt lof his commission, said that Hon. Archibald Kennedy wished to
retire from the Council on account of his advanced age, and that he might better attend to
his office of collector of the customs, and Joseph Eeade, "a gentleman of fortime and every
way iiualified for the tmst," was recommended to fill the vacancy.

DEATH OF GEORGE I L— GEORGE III. 693
said that in his travels through the Mohawk country iu the execution of
the office of surveyor-general, distinguished Indians had talked with him
often, and discoursed with much vehemence about cheats in their land-
trades ; but he suspected that the interpreters did not always fairly rep
resent what the Indians said, and the Indians seemed to entertain similar
suspicions, for they expressed by signs many times theh earnest wish
that they might understand the English language. All that he could
learn with certainty was, that some persons had fraudulently obtained a
conveyance from them, but he never could ascertain who the persons
were, probably from the unwillingness of the interpreters to have the
fiaud discovered. Should the instructions be carried into execution, there
was no predicting the calamities which might follow. Many of the
patentees were men of wealth and influence, and would resort to extreme
methods to circumvent the power of the governor. The boundaries of
estates were indefinite, from whence arose great trouble; the running of
inteUigible Unes by the king's surveyor-general seemed to be the first
¦necessary step towards the settlement of difficulties.
George IL, the aged King of England, had died suddenly of apoplexy,
on the morning of October 25, 1760 ; his grandson, then tweuty-two
years of age, while riding with the Earl of Bute, was overtaken with a
secret message announcing the interesting intelligence that he was sov
ereign of the realm. The young man manifested neither emotion nor
surprise, but, as an excuse for turning back, he said his horse was lame.
To the groom at Kew, he remarked, " I have said my horse was lame ;
I forbid you to say to the contrary," and he went directly to Carlton
House, the residence of his mother.'
The changes in the Ministry which followed bore heavily upon the
colonies. To place himself above aristocratic dictation, and dictation of
any sort whatever, was the ruhng passion of George III. The Earl of
Bute, who was noted neither for vigor of understanding or energy of
character, and who was without experience, political connections, or pow
erful family friendships, was his confidential companion. The young
king was daring and self-willed. Bute was timid, aspiring, ignorant of
men, ignorant of business, and obsequious.
Negotiations for a general peace progressed slowly. Choiseul, in the
judgment of Pitt, was the greatest minister France had seen since the
days of Eichelieu. In depth, refinement, and quick perceptions he had
no superior. But he was an agitator, lively, and indiscreet, often dis
cussing the gravest questions of state in jest. Pitt was always stately,
and his nature, was hard and unaccommodating. He wanted to impress
1 Walpole's George III, I. 6.

694 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
the superiority of England upon the treaty of peace. The object of the
war had been accomplished, but he delayed reconciUation for the purpose
of making more extended acquisitions ; the fleet had sailed for the West
Indies, and the chances of conquest were too great to be sacrificed.
George III. mourned over the war, and asked his lords why it was be
ing continued for no definite purpose whatever. Newcastle and others
intrigued against and were determined to thwart the policy of Pitt. Choi
seul covenanted with Spain to stand towards aU foreign powers as one
state, which was the basis of the famous treaty that secured to America in
advance, aid from the superstitious, kind-hearted, and equitable Charles
III. of Spain. George III. was married, on the eighth day of September,
1761, to the not very lovely German princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, a
girl of seventeen, who was afterwards the weU-known and correct Queen
Charlotte. Five days later propositions came from France, which Pitt
received with scornful irony. The negotiations were broken off. Thus
war with Spain must be accepted. Pitt submitted to the cabinet his
written advice to recaU Lord Bristol, the British ambassador, from Ma
drid. The Earl of Bute, speaking the opiniou of the king, opposed the
project as rash and iU-advised. Newcastle and aU the great Whig lords
objected, until Pitt, standing with his brother-in-law. Temple, alone, de
feated, haughtily declared that he would not remain in a situation which
made him responsible for measures he was no longer- able to guide.
On Monday, October 5, William Pitt, the greatest minister of his cen
tury, among orators the only peer of Demosthenes, and who, finding Eng
land in disgrace, had conquered Canada, the Ohio VaUey, and Guada
loupe, sustained Eussia from annihUation, humbled France, gained
dominion over the seas, won supremacy in Hindostan, and whose august
presence at home had overawed even majesty itself, stood in the presence
of the youthful king and resigned the seals of power. Little did he fore
see how effectually he had destroyed the balance of the European colo
nial system, and confirmed the implacable hostUity of France and Spain to
such a degree, as to leave England without a friend in its coming contest
with America.
The cousummation of peace languished and was delayed. Bute became
First Lord of the Treasury. He favored American taxation by act of ParUa
ment, and expressed his extreme delight when the measure of subjecting
the halls of justice to the prerogative was adopted. "We shaU have
much less difficulty in making the colonies dance to the tune of obedi
ence than the croakers pretend," said the self-satisfied monarch of three-
and-twenty to Bute, as he laughed over the probable increase of the na
tion's funds.

SANDY HOOK LIGHTHOUSE.

695

The death of the king dissolved the New York Assembly, and writs
were issued for a new election returnable on the 3d of March, 1761.
Seven new members only were chosen. The Livingston party was strong,
but the De Lancey party hoped much from the superior address of John
Watts, who was at all times very near the Ueutenant-govemor, and it was
surmised that the latter, on account of his advanced years, might possibly
yield to a leader.
The mayor and aldermen of the city were seriously agitated over a
theater which was opened, under countenance of Colden, on Beekman
Street about this time. The mayor introduced the subject into the As
sembly, and tried to obtain the passage of a law prohibiting all dramatic
performances within the city Umits. Not succeeding in this, attention
was turned towards the suppression of lotteries, which had become singu
larly common. But although a biU was passed subjecting aU games of
chance to a penalty of £ 3 (half to go the church wardens and half to the
informer), the lottery fever prevaUed for many subsequent years.
On the Sth of May the House passed the following : " An Act for rais
ing a sum not exceeding three thousand pounds by way of a lot- xtn^.
tery for buUding a hghthouse." The merchants had petitioned the ™*y ^¦
heutenant-governor for a hghthouse at Sandy Hook, and Colden strongly
recommended the enterprise in his message to the Assembly in April,
1761. Thus originated the Sandy
Hook Lighthouse, which was first
illuminated, for the benefit of mari
ners, in May, 1763.
Shortly after a bUl passed the
House for a lottery to raise funds
to complete the new jail. The
corporation about the same time
introduced lamps upon public
lamp-posts, to supersede suspended
lanterns, which had hitherto been
the only mode of lighting the city.
Fulton — then known as Partition
Street — had long had a partial
existence, but, simultaneously with
the introduction of street lamps, it
was paved, as was also Frankfort
Street. A variety of municipal or
dinances marked this year, some regulating weights and measures, and
others the markets, docks, etc. The modes of punishment infiicted upon

Sandy Hook Lighthouse.

696 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
criminals arrest the eye with wonder as we turn over the records. One
instance must suffice : —
" On Thursday, the 20th instant, between tbe hours of nine and eleven, Mrs.
Johanna Christiana Young and another lady, her associate from Philadelphia,
being found guilty of grand larceny last week, at the mayor's court, are to be
set on two chairs exalted on a cart, with their heads and faces uncovered, and
to be carted from the City Hall to that part of Broadway near the old English
Church, from thenoe down Maiden Lane, then down the Fly to the White Hall,
thence to the church aforesaid, and then to the whipping-post, where each of
them are to receive ihirty^ine lashes, to remain in jail for one week, and then
to depart the city."
King's College was yet in its infancy. The excellent Eev. Dr Samuel
Johnson wrote to Archbishop Seeker, under date of April 10, 1762, tha,t
besides attending to his regular business of overseeing and governing the
college, reading prayers, moderating disputations, prescribing exercises,
holding commencements, aud giving degrees, he was obhged to act as
tutor to one and often two classes. He was pleased with tbe prospect
of release from tbe drudgery of tuition through the appointment of a
vice-president, who would be expected to live in a collegiate way at the
common table (the expense being "six shillings per week for mere
board "), but be regretted that Myles Cooper, who had been named for
tbe position, and who might otherwise suit very well, was not a little
older. He requested tbat royal instructions might be given to the New
York governors never to grant patents for townships, viUages, or manors
without obliging the patentees to sequestrate a competent portion for the
support of religion and education. He said that Dr. Jay, " an ingenious
young physician," was going to England on business of his own, and
would be employed to solicit contributions for the coUege. '
Dr. James Jay, afterwards Sir James Jay, Knight, was at tbis time
thirty years of age. He was one of the elder brothers of Hon. John Jay.
It was while on his visit to England as agent for the coUege that he
received the honor of Knighthood. He became involved in a suit in
Chancery arising out of the collections for the coUege, but returned to
New York prior to the Eevolution.' He was the fourth son of Peter Jay
and Mary Van Cortlandt (the daughter of Jacobus Van Cortlandt and
Eve PhUipse), and the grandson of Augustus Jay and Ann Maria Bayard
(daughter of Balthazar Bayard and Maria Loockermans). The Jay famUy
were among those who were driven from France through the troubles
and violences connected with tbe revocation of the Edict of Nantes.
Pierre Jay, the father of Augustus, was a wealthy merchant, owning
1 He died October 20, 1815.

THE JAY FAMILY.

697

vessels engaged in Spanish commerce. Upon one of these (laden with
iron) he effected his escape, having found means of withdrawint^ his
family secretly from his house, who, taking with them only a few arti-

Van Cortlandt Mansion at Kingsbridge built in 1748.
cles of value, succeeded in reaching England. Augustus was at the time
with one of his father's ships trading upon the coast of Africa, and re
turned to France without knowing of the troubles and fiight of the family.
He escaped to America, and took up his abode in New EocheUe ; after
wards (in 1697) marrying into the Bayard family as above. He was a
successful merchant to the end of a long life. He died in New York
in 1751. Peter Jay (born in 1704) was sent to England to be educated,
and placed in the counting-house of his uncle, Mr. Peloquin of Bristol.
He returned to New York, and was married in 1728 ; he also was a
merchant ; he declined to participate in the political and other disturb
ances of the colony, and having acquired a competence retired from
business before he was forty years old. He settled upon an estate in
Rye, a few miles from New Eochelle ; he had ten chUdren, two of whom
were bhnd, caused by the smaU-pox in infancy, and with the assistance
of his cultivated wife, devoted his remaining years to their education and
happiness. ¦ John, the eighth son, was named for Judge John Chambers,
whose wife was a sister of Mrs. Jay.' He was now one of the students
in the college, having entered in 1760, at the age of fourteen.
' Mrs. Abraham De Peyster, the wife of the treasurer (it will be remembered), was a sister
of Mrs. Peter Jay and Mrs. Judge John Chambers.

698 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Before tbe end of 1762, Havana, then as now the chief place in tbe
West Indies, with a harbor large enough to shelter aU the navies of
Europe, had been captured, aud George III. had offered to return it to
Spain in exchange for the Floridas or Porto Eico. France was humiliated,
but, yielding to necessity, the preliminaries of peace, so momentous for
1763. America, were signed between France and Spain on tbe one side,
Feb. 10. and England and Portugal dn the other ; but it was not until
February 10, 1763, tbat a formal treaty was ratified at Paris.
" What can we do ? " said Choiseul, who in his despair had for a time
resigned the foreign department to the Duke de Praslin. " The English
are furiously imperious ; they are drunk with success ; and, unfortunately
we are not in a condition to abase their pride."
The English, indeed, assumed a very different position from tbat taken
at Aix-la-CbapeUe. It had been discovered, at a fearful cost of blood and
treasure, that there was no safety along the American frontiers while
Canada remained under French dominion. Hence the terms of the treaty
were that the whole of Canada should be ceded to England ; also Nova
Scotia, Cape Breton, and its dependent islands, and the fisheries, except a
share in them, and the two islets, St. Pierre and Miquelon, as a shelter
for the French fishermen. And it was expressly agreed that the boundary
between the French and English possessions should forever be settled by
a " line drawn along the middle of the Mississippi, from its source as far
as the river Iberville, and thence by a line drawn along the middle of this
latter river, aud of tbe lakes Maurepas and Ponchartrain to tbe sea."
France on the same day indemnified Spain for the loss of Florida, by
ceding to that power New Orleans and aU Louisiana west of the Missis
sippi, — boundaries undefined.
England acquired Senegal in Africa, with the command of the slave-
trade. France recovered in a dismantled and mined state the httle she
possessed on January 1, 1759, in the East Indies. In Europe each power'
took back its own ; Minorca, therefore, reverted to Great Britain.
" England," said the king, " never signed such a peace before, nor, I be
lieve, any other power in Europe."
"The country," said the dying Granville, "never saw so glorious a war,
nor so honorable a peace."
" Now," said the princess dowager, " my son is indeed king of England."
" I wish,'' said the Earl of Bute, " no better inscription on my tomb
than that I was its author."

OPINIONS OF FRENCH STATESMEN. 699

CHAPTER XXIX.
1763-1770.
FORESHADOWING OF THE REVOLUTION.
Opinions of Fkench Statesmen. — Boundary Disputes. — Hon. James Duane. — In
dians ON THE Wak Path. —English Language in the Dutch Church. — The Mid
dle Dutch Church. — The German Reformed Church. — The New Jersey
Lawyers. — Lord Grenvillb. — Stamped Paper. — New York Impatient of Con
trol. — First Committee of Correspondence. — Lieutenant-Governor Colden. --
Eight of Appeals. — Barr^ Speech. —Passage ofthe Stamp Act. — Sons of Lib
erty. — Rev. Stephen Johnson. — Resignation of Stamp Officers. — The Stamp
Act Congress. — Arrival of Stamps. — The Non-Importation Agreement. —
Stamp Act Riot. — Victory op the People. — Sir Henry Moore. — Debates in
Parliament. — Repeal of the Stamp Act. — New York Denounced as Rebellious.
— New York Disfranchlsed. — Boston in Trouble. — The Founding of the Cham
ber op Commerce. — Repeals. — Tax Continued on Tea. — Death of Sir Henry
Moore. — Emissions of Bills of Credit. — Violent Excitement.
THE consequences of the entire cession of Canada are obvious. Eng
land wiU erelong repent of having removed the only check that
could keep her colonies in awe ; they stand no longer in need of her protec
tion ; she wUl call on them to contribute towards supporting the burdens
they have helped to bring on her ; and they wiU answer by striking off
aU dependence," said the sagacious and experienced Vergennes, the French
ambassador at Constantinople, when he heard of the conditions of the
peace. " We have caught them at last," said Choiseul to those about him when
; Louisiana was surrendered, and turned over immediately to Spain. His
eager hopes anticipated the speedy struggle of America for a separate ex
istence. During the negotiations for peace, the kinsman and bosom-friend of
Edmund Burke had employed the British press to unfold the danger to
the nation of retaining Canada ; and the French minister for foreign af
fairs frankly warned his adversaries, that the cession of Canada would lead
to the independence of North America.'
1 Hans Stanley to William Pitt, 1760, printed in Thackeray's Chatham.

700 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The war was closed ; but a standing army of twenty battalions was to
be kept up in America, and as the new Ministry were harping upon
economy, it was designed that the expense should be defrayed by the colo
nists themselves.
While tbe king and his lords were measuring the resources of their
American possessions, and contemplating the enormously increased debt
of England with dismay. New York was engaged in a sphited tUt with
both New Hampshire and Massachusetts concerning boundaries. The
latter continued to claim a part of tbe Livingston and Van Eensselaer
manors. Governor Wentworth of New Hampshire granted lands west of
the Connecticut Eiver, in what is uow Vermont, which were claimed by
New York, untU aU at once Lieutenant-Governor Colden discovered that
one hundred and sixty townships, each six miles square, were in tbe
hands of speculators, and publicly offered for sale at low rates.' The
quit-rents in New Hampshire were much less than in New York, which
was an inducement for settlers to purchase uuder the former province.
Colden, wbo had been forty years a counselor, and was conversant with
every detail of New York affairs, was greatly disturbed. He wrote to the
Lords that New Hampshire's claim must be resisted. If the controverted
territory was given up, the crown would be deprived of a quit-rent
amounting yearly to a sum greater, in his opinion, than the amount of all
the quit-rents tbat would remain. He argued that the New England gov
ernments were formed on republican principles, while the government of
New York, on the contrary, was established as nearly as possible after the
model of the Englisb constitution. It was tberefore impolitic to permit
tbe power and infiuence of New Hampshire and Massachusetts to extend
to the injury of New York.
John Watts wrote to Monckton, December 29, 1763 : —
" We were yesterday in councU declaring war against New Hampshire for
scandalously hawking about townships to the highest bidders, and taking in
every ignorant peasant both in tbis colony and the Jerseys. When will they
make the colonies so happy as to settle their limits % "
He wrote further, January 21, 1764 : —
"The case from the beginning, as I understand, is simply this. Eternal
quarrels subsisted between the borderers, in which several lives were lost, and
commissioners were appointed by the difi'erent governments to settle a Une of
jurisdiction or peace, to prevent the effusion of more blood. I was one of them
myself ; but we could agree upon nothing, their demands were so high. We ar
gued for land to the Connecticut Eiver, they for land to the South Sea ; think
1 Lieutenant-Governor Colden to the Lords of Trade.

HON. JAMES DUANE. 701
how we were to meet ! Afterwards, when the quotas of the colonies were settled
in a grand congress at Albany, tbe thing was then more solemnly treated than
ever, though to as little purpose ; tbey would not aUow us even the twenty
miles from the Hudson River."
James Duane, a rising young lawyer, who had married Mary, the elder
daughter of Eobert, third lord of Livingston Manor, in 1759, was one of
the most efficient advocates employed in the vain attempt to settle the
question of rights and jurisdiction. He was the life and soul of the private
suits between land-owners on the borders of Connecticut, Massachusetts,
and New Jersey ; he defended New York against the claimants along
Lake Champlain under the French grants ; he was so actively conspicuous
in the New Hampshire quarrels that the coarse wit and abuse of the Ver-
monters were showered bountifuUy upon him ; and he conducted much of
the correspondence with the New York agents in England. It was he
who drew up a concise and comprehensive summary of these agitations in
a letter to the celebrated Edmund Burke. The king in councU (in 1764)
decided that the territory in dispute belonged to New York, and, within
the next three years, Duane had purchased over sixty-four thousand acres
among the Vermont hiUs, and founded the town of Duanesburg.' And it
was Duane, who, during the Eevolution, whUe the dispute about " the
grants" perplexed Congress, was the main reUance of New York, and
prevented, not without much difficulty, that body from yielding to the
powerful influence of New England, and hindered New York from vindi
cating her rights by force.
These disputes, when at their height, in 1763, nearly fomented a civil
^ James Duane was born in the city of New York in 1733. His father was Anthony Duane,
a prosperous merchant, and his mother was Altea, the daughter of Abraham Kettletas. He
studied law in the office of James Alexander. He acquired such eminence in his profession
before the Revolution as to be retained in many suits, which, on account of the principle in
volved, interested large masses of the people both in New York and New Jersey, — as, for
instance, that against the proprietors of East Jersey ; that between the partners in the cop
per-mine company ; Trinity Church against Flandreau and others ; Sir James Jay against
Kings College ; Schermerhorn against the trustees of Schenectady patent ; the king against
Lieutenant-Governor Colden, in which- case he was employed for the defendant, under
taking it after other counsel had declined • through fear of Govemor Monckton, who was
really the plaintiff as well as judge ; the suit being for fees received by Colden, and tried be
fore Monckton, as chancellor. He was also attorney for Trinity Church in suits against
intruders upon the king's farm, so noted in the revived claims of the numerous descendants
of Anetje Jans. His briefs and written arguments, in these and similar cases, display pro
found legal learning. His subsequent career will appear more fully in future chapters. The
late James C. Duane of Schenectady was his son. His oldest daughter mamed General
North of Duanesburg ; his second daughter man-ied George W. Featherstonhaugh, an English
gentleman, who was for some years consul at Havre. Another daughter mamed Alfred S.
Pell of New York City.

702 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
war. At the same time Sir WiUiam Johnson was actively espousing tbe
cause of the Mohawks and German settlers at Canajoharie, in their chronic
controversy with WilUam Livingston over the "planting grounds of the
Mohawks." This property was included in the old Livingston patent (ob
tained by PhUip Livingston, the father of William), to which reference
has already been made. It was essential to a valid conveyance, that the
sachems of a whole nation should affix their signature in fuU council
The Indians claimed that this had not been done, and coUected of the
Germans who were settling upon the land, annual rents either in corn or
money. Matters had remained quiet because of the war, and for the
reason that many of the Livingston heirs were minors. Since the winter
of 1762 tbe settlers had been repeatedly served with ejectments by order
of William Livingston. The affair was complicated through the conduct
of George Klock, a German who owned a share in the patent, and acted
as agent for the Livingston claimants. He invited several of the Indians
to his house, and, having made them drunk, persuaded them to sign a
paper acknowledging the legality of the original purchase, wbich he for
warded to the governor. Johnson convened the Indians, and a long
examination followed. The Mohawks persisted in asserting that the land
had been stolen from their grandfathers and privately surveyed in the
night ; and that they had always been beguiled and ruined with liquor.
Livingston finally executed a release, and the savages were satisfied.
Almost immediately a knotty question came up respecting the rich
lands in the beautiful Wyoming Valley. Agents from Connecticut ap
peared in Albany provided with £ 400 in money, and three barrels of
pork, expecting to meet tbe Mohawk sachems, and enter into some ami
cable arrangement. The Indians were determined never to part with
those hunting-grounds, and faUed to put in an appearance. Sir WilUam
Johnson conversed with the gentlemen, wbo gi-ew warm, and insisted
upon the legality of their title by virtue of the old Connecticut claim " as
far west as the Pacific Ocean," and expressed their determination to settle
the valley and defend themselves. The Indians were full of wrath when
the rumor reached them, and another convention was summoned. Pacific
messages from Governor Fitch, of Connecticut, finaUy quieted tbem for
the time.
But dark and heavy clouds covered the western sky. Notwithstanding
the general treaty consummated by Sir WiUiam Johnson at Detroit in
1761, there was a savage design taking root to drive the Englisb from the
continent. Pontiac, the great king of the Ottawa Confederacy, was at
work forming a league with the interior tribes, and in the spring of 1763,
fell upon the garrisons along the lakes almost simultaneously, capturing

ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN THE DUTCH CHURCH. 703
seven or eight, and scalping every mau, womau, and child to be found.
In fierce resentment at the lordly personage who had prevented the Six
Nations from joining in the bloody work, Pontiac threatened the life of
Sir William Johnson, and Johnson Hall was accordingly surrounded with
a strong stockade flanked by two stone towers and guarded by soldiers,
while the tenantry were promptly armed. Virginia, Pennsylvania, and
Maryland suffered severely along their borders, but the influence of John
son over the Mohawks was so salutary that, with the exception of some
shght incursions into Orange and Ulster Counties, New York was left
comparatively unmolested.
Monckton returned to New York from the West Indies, but remained
only for a brief period, leaving the government again in the hands of
Lieutenant-Governor Colden. In March, 1763, Horsemanden succeeded
Pratt as chief justice of New York.
The rapid growth of Episcopacy and the alarming decrease in the con
gregations of the Dutch churches induced the consistory of the latter
about this time to call a minister who could officiate in the English lan
guage. Intermarriages among the EngUsh and Dutch families had from
the earUest settlement of New York been frequent, and the educated part
of the community understood both languages. The young people dis
liked Dutch preaching, and were constantly straying to Trinity Church.
There were many, however, who were wedded to old habits and customs,
and opposed the step lest it should involve the loss of doctrines, mode of
worship, government, and perhaps the very name of the church. In
order to harmonize all difficulties, Eev. Archibald Laidhe was caUed,
through the medium of the Classis of Amsterdam. He was a Scotchman,
educated at Edinburgh, and settled over a church in Flushing, Zealand.
He arrived in New York in the spring of 1764. A revival of
religion almost immediately foUowed. At the close of a prayer-
meeting one evening, a number of persons gathered about him saying :
'"Ah! Dominie, we offered up many an earnest prayer in Dutch for
your coming among us ; and truly the Lord has heard us in Enghsh."
Such as were Mindly attached to the Dutch language refused to be
comforted, and instituted a suit in the civil court, which was decided
against them, and then they went over to the Episcopal Church, declar
ing that if they must have EngUsh they would have aU English.' Peter
Van Brugh Livingston said, in relation to the innovation: "Had this hap
pened in the city thirty years ago, the Dutch congregation would have
been far more numerous than it is now. The greater half of Trinity
1 Memnrs of Rev. John Henry Livingston, D. D., by Rev. Dr. Gunn, 64, 66, 67, Dr.
Laidlie was made a D. D. by the College of Princeton.

704

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

Church consists of accessions from the Dutch Church." As for himself,
although his mother was a Dutch lady, and the Dutch language the first
he had been taught as a chUd, and still spoke with ease, he could not un
derstand a Dutch sermon half as well one in English, and of his children
he said there was not one who could interpret a sentence in Dutch.
In the mean time the Middle Dutch Church (the late New York
City Post-Office) had been remodeled, the pulpit removed to the north
end and canopied by a ponderous sounding-board, and galleries been

built on tbe
The new min-
mon in the
consecrated
that time ser-
languages until
only was
Eev. '--..
commu-
vorably, churchcrowded.
threethirdworshipfound sary, and
urestbe con-
build the
Dutch About
G ermans
York

Middle Dutch Church.

east, west, and south sides.
ister preached the first ser-
Enghsh language within its
walls, April 15, 1764. From
vices were conducted in both
1803, after which the Enghsh
used.Dr. Laidlie impressed the
ta ._ nityfa-
and the
was soon
Within
years a
house of
wasneces-
m e a s-
taken by
sistoryto
NorthChurch. 1758 the
in New*
City pur

chased an old building on Nassau Street, formerly used as a theater, for a
place of worship, and established the German Eeformed Church. The first
pastor regularly called was Eev. Johan Michael Kern, a promising young
divine of twenty-six, who had been educated at tbe University of Heidel
berg, and was noted for the excellence of his character and for his rare
Christian zeal He arrived in September, 1763. He from the first took a
deep interest in the affairs of the new church. He was not satisfied with
its isolated and independent character ; he told his elders and deacons that
"independency in church was dangerous to both church and pastor" He

THE GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH. 705
did not rest until he had secured the union of the church with the Classis of
Amsterdam and Synod of North Holland, June 18, 1764. This brought it
into connection with the Eeformed Dutch Church of New York, and
Dominie Kern was formally installed by the ministers of that organiza
tion, January 27, 1765. The old building where they worshiped was
decayed and unsafe, and to save its falling they took it down. It was
^rebuilt, the corner-stone being laid by the young pastor, March 8, 1765.
The expense was more than the congregation were able to meet, there
fore a discouraging debt. The next year an appeal reached the Classis of
Amsterdam for pecuniary aid. It was two years before an answer was
vouchsafed. And this was the answer : " Though the condition and debt
of your congregation are understood, and although all the circumstances
are moving to pity, we cannot give any actual help, and recommend to
yom' church sparingness and good housekeeping."
WiUiam Franklin was now governor of New Jersey. He had been ap
pointed through the influeuce of the Earl of Bute. He completed his
legal studies in England, and was admitted to the bar prior to 1762. He
also traveled with his father through England, Scotland, Flanders, and
Holland (France was then closed to English tourists) ; he was present
at the coronation of the blundering but well-intentioned George IIL, en
joyed considerable celebrity through his dexterous experiments, and had
gained many friends among the learned and fashionable who courted his
father's society. Bute aff'ected literature and science. He was a collector
of books, pictures, and curiosities. He was fond of chemistry, and printed
several volumes of Natural History for private circulation. He courted
Dr Franklin, and they seem to have been intimate. In 1762 he em
braced the opportunity of making the fortune of the son of the latter.
The favor was unsolicited on the part of the Franklins. Lord Halifax,
the Secretary of State, did not choose to disregard a recommendation of
Lord Bute, then the prime favorite of the king, but it is said thathe called
the young gentleman into his closet, and subjected him to a rigid exam
uiation, before bestowing the vacant governorship upon a native American
of only thirty-two inexperienced years. The Penns were astonished and
enraged. WiUiam Alexander (Lord Stirling) of New York was in Lon
don at the time, and spoke sneeringly of the appointment. But the
people of New Jersey were well pleased, and when he reached New Bruns
wick, in February, 1763, he was escorted to the seat of government by
"numbers of the gentry in sleighs, and the Middlesex troop of horse";
and the corporations of New Brunswick and Perth Amboy, the trustees
of Princeton College, and a deputation of the clergy, presented him con-
gi'atulatory addresses. 45

706 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The death of Chief Justice Eobert Hunter Morris, in January, 1764, de
prived Franklin of one of the ablest counselors in the province. Smith
(the historian) says that Morris went to a rural dance one evening, " led
out the parson's wife, opened the ball, danced down six couples, and feU
dead on the floor without a word or a groan or a sigh." Lord Stirhng,
who had returned to New York, immediately wrote, advising Hamilton to
fill tbe office of chief justice as soon as possible, as it was dangerous to
leave it open. Some unfit person might be sent from Englaud. " If you
fill it during pleasure, and recommend your appointment to the king for
confirmation, it wiU most likely succeed." Among the few lawyers in
New Jersey worthy of such a trust, he named Charles Eeade, Phihp
Kearny, James Parker, and Cortlandt Skinner. Charles Eeade was the
fortunate candidate. Philip Kearny was an eminent and wealthy lawyer,
who had filled many public stations. He lived in Amboy, in the house
built by Governor Eobert Hunter; which was described as having the
" best conveniences of any house in town, besides a good stable for three
or four horses," with large wine-ceUar, etc. His son, Phihp Kearny,
married Susanna, daughter of Hon. John Watts,' the elder His daughter
Elizabeth became the wife of Cortlandt Skinner.^ James Parker was ap
pointed counselor, in October, to supply tbe - vacancy occasioned by the
death of Chief Justice Morris. He was a man of remarkable strength and
vigor of character, and wielded a healthful influence. His wife was Ger
trude, the sister of Cortlandt Skinner. She possessed many of the gifts, ex
cellences, and striking characteristics of her Van Cortlandt and Schuyler
ancestry, and not a few hterary memorials of her have been preserved.'
Meanwhile changes were taking place in the cabinet of George III.
Lord GrenviUe was promoted to the head of tbe Treasury. One of his
' Philip, the son of Philip Kearny and Susanna Watts, married his cousin Susan, daughter
of Hou. John Watts (the younger), and their son was Major-General Philip Kearny of the
U. S. Army.
2 The mother of Cortlandt Skinner was Elizabeth, the daughter of Hon. Stephanus Van
Cortlandt and Gertrude Schuyler (see page 604). His father was the first rector of St.
Peter's Church in Perth, Amboy. He studied for the bar in the office of the distinguished
David Ogden, of Newark, New Jersey.
° The children of James Parker and Gertrude Skinner were, John, married Ann, daughter
of John Lawrence ; Elizabeth, died unmarried ; Janet, married Edward Brinley, of Newport,
R. I. ; Gertrude'; Susan, died unmarried ; Maria, mamed Andrew Smyth ; William, died un
married ; James, married, 1st, Penelope, daughter of Anthony Butler, 2d, Catharine Moiris,
daughter of Samuel Ogden, of Newark. He was member of Congress, and held many other
public offices. His children were : James, a distinguished judge in Ohio, married Anna,
daughter of Cleaveland A. Forbes ; William, married Lucy C. Whitewell, of Boston ; Marga
ret Elizabeth, mamed William A. Whitehead of Newark ; Penelope, man-ied Edward Dun
ham of Brooklyn, L. I. ; and Cortlandt Parker, the celebrated lawyer now residing in New
ark, married Elizabeth Wayne, daughter of Richard W. Stites of Morristown.

LORD GREN VILLE. 101
first acts was to bring the scheme for taxing the colonies by means of
stamped paper into tangible form.' It provoked warm discussions, but
the king favored it, and the majority of the lords urged its accom
pUshment. GrenviUe was not altogether satisfied in his own mind that
it was just to tax subjects without first allowing them representatives ; ^
but he claimed that his measures were founded upon the true principles
of policy, commerce, and finance. The laws had become as it were
invaUdated. He regarded the colonies merely as settlements in remote
corners of the world for the improvement of trade. If the Acts of Navi
gation were disregarded, then England was defrauded of her natural
rights. The monopoly of the exclusive trade with her colonies was no
wrong.' On tbe contrary, the evasion of the laws in America was a theft
upon the commerce and manufactures of Great Britain. It was estimated
that; of a million and a half pounds of tea consumed annually in the colo
nies, not more than one tenth part was sent from England ! Grenville's
reformatory mind leaped into severe conclusions. Custom-house officers
had been bribed and corrupted,* to the great detriment of the nation's
purse ; he would show the world that England had one minister who had
not only read her statute-book, but dared enforce her laws.
An order sped across the seas, sending all officers of the customs to
their posts, and their numbers were increased. Positive instructions
reached them also to enforce the Acts of Navigation to the letter, with
the warning that he who failed or faltered was to be instantly dismissed
from the service.
There had been no such energetic and conscientious interpretation of
duty since the time of Lord Bellomont. GrenviUe would have inter-
1 .i revenue from stamped paper had been proposed and considered many years previously.
As early as April, 1734, Govemor Cosby suggested to the New York Assembly, " a duty
upon, paper to be used in the Law and in all conveyances and deeds," as an experiment
which might bring a considerable amount of money into the treasury. Joumal of the Assem
bly, April 25, 1734. The Assembly did not adopt the measure. In 1744 a proposition to
tax the colonies by means of stamped paper was made by the aspiring Lieutenant-Governor
Clarke to Govemor Clinton. But the latter, writing to the Duke of Newcastle on the 13th
of December, 1744, describes the people among whom he lived, and doubts the expediency
of the proposed measure. Letter of Govemor Clinton to Duke of Newcastle, December 13,
1744. " Knox, Extra-ofUcial State Papers, 11, 31. GrenviUe to Knox, September 4, 1768.
Ormville to J. Pownall. GrenviUe in Cavendish. Burke's Speech on American Taxation;
Works, I. 460.
' Bancroft, V. 159. CampbeU, 73.
* The collector's clerk of Salem, Sampson Toovey, declared, on oath, that it was customaiy
for masters of vessels from Portugal to give casks of wine, boxes of fruit, etc., as gratuity for
Wng entered as carrying salt or ballast only, when their cargoes were frait, etc., and that
the Custom-House officer shared his goodies with the governor.

708 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
dieted foreign commerce, and excluded every foreign vessel His policy
was narrow and restrictive. The merchants of New York, with their
broader notions and tbeir vessels traversing the ocean, regarded the
sheltered harbor and the mUes of safe anchorage in deep water along the
shores of Manhattan Island, which invited the commerce of the tropical
islands, of continents, and of the world, with a prouder sense of possession
than ever before, and nurtured the spirit of antagonism wbich had long
since taken root, but which now sprang into rank and rapid growth.
GrenviUe foresaw difficulties. Hence he invoked the whole force of the
king to assist the revenue ofiicers. He ordered the governors in each of
the provinces to make the suppression of illicit trade — the forbidden
trade with foreign countries — the constant and immediate object of theh
care. He directed aU officers, civil, military, and naval, in America and
the West Indies to co-operate ; the commander-in-chief in America must
place troops at the service of the officers of the revenue whenever deshed.
The king in council sanctioned tbe arrangement.
Admiral Colville was appointed commander-in-chief of the naval forces
on the coasts of America, and each of his captains was fortified with a
custom-house commission, and authority to enter harbors and seize sus
pected persons or cargoes. Stimulated by the prospect of large emolu
ments, they pounced upon American property as they would have gone in
war in quest of prizes. Their acts presently became as Ulegal as they were
oppressive. There was no redress. An appeal to the Privy CouncU
was costly, difficult, and attended with aggravating and harassing delays.
The long and bloody war witb tbe Indians, which had desolated the
Ohio Valley, Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, and even reddened the
waters of the Delaware, abated with the going out of the year 1763. The
French interfered, sent kindly messages to the infuriated chiefs, and suc
ceeded in checking their fierce wrath and hate towards the EngUsh. In
a few months a definite treaty was signed, and the borders ouce more at
peace. But the country beyond the AUeghaiues was not to be peopled, so said
tbe blind Ministry. Colonies so far remote might not be easy to con
trol. Let the strip of land beyond the present frontiers, " quite to the
Mississippi, be a desert for the Indians to hunt in and inhabit." '
The impossibility of restraining Americans from peopling tbe western
wilderness was quickly apparent. In defiance of proclamations and reit
erated royal mandates, adventurers were constantly pushing beyond the
boundaries and discovering wide and rich meadows and beautiful moun
tains, and starting plantations. There was fascination in hunting for
^ Bancroft, Y. 163, 164. Lord Barrington's Narrative.

NEW YORK AND THE STAMP ACT. 709
fresh lands, and there was personal freedom in cutting down forests and
buUding log-hOuses. To be a free-holder was the ruling passion of the age.
GrenviUe made a show of what he called " tenderness " to the Ameri
can colonies, by postponing the stamp tax for a time. He also attempted
to reconcile America to tbe proposed regulation. He argued tbe ques
tion with the agents from the colonies, and told them it was highly reason
able for dependencies to contribute towards the charge of protecting
themselves, and no other tax was so easy and equitable as a stamp tax,
or as certain of coUection ; if, however, any other mode of taxation would
be more convenient, and of equal efficacy, he would consider a proposi
tion. Vigorous and manly pens and voices were lifted against the measure
througb the length and breadth of the colonies. New York told England
through her press. If the colonist is taxed without his consent, he will, per- >
haps, seek^ a change. New York had, ever since the acquittal of John
Peter Zenger, in 1735, maintained a free press, and otherwise led America.'
New York had already been stricken dangerously through her commerce,
and another blow might prove fatal.
Never was the arrival of an English packet awaited with more feverish
interest in New York, than in the spring of 1764. It came in
June. The famous Stamp Act, of which the world has heard so

1764.

' In 1760 New York, by the protection of the crew of the Sampson, expressed her abhor
rence of the impressment of seamen, and in 1764 betrayed a similar spirit of independence
by the release of four fishermen. The account of the latter occurrence appeared in Holt's
New York Gazette and Weekly Post-Boy, July 12, 1764 : "We hear that on Tuesday last
[July 10] four fishermen who supply the Markets in this City, were pressed from on board
their Vessels, and carried on board a Tender from Halifax, belonging to one of his Majesty's
Ships on that Station ; And yesterday morning [July 11] when the Captain of the Tender
came on shore in his Barge, a mob suddenly assembled and seized the Boat, but offered no
Injury to the Captain, who, it is said, publicly declared he gave no such orders, and offered
to release the Fishermen, and going into the Coffee-house wrote and delivered an Order for
that purpose. Meanwhile the mob with great shouting, dragged the Boat thro' the streets
to the middle of the Green in the Fields [City HaU Par^,] where they bumed and destroyed
her, and dispersed as suddenly as they met, without doing any other mischief ; some of the
Company went on board the Tender with the Captain's order and brought the Fishermen on
Shore. The Magistrates, as soon as they had notice, sent to disperse the mob and secure the
Boat, but the business was finished before they could interpose. The Court met in the after
noon, hut were unable to discover any of the Persons concerned in the Mischief
"There was method in the movements of this mob which so suddenly assembled and dragged
a boat through the streets from the foot of Wall Street to the City Hall Park, — under the very
noses of the military who occupied the Barracks on the line of Chambers Street, — where they
bumed it, and then dispersed as suddenly as they met, and no one knew or would tell the
magistrates who they were or whither they went. It is not improbable but that there existed
it that time an organized body of minute-men who assembled on signal, and retired to their
several occupations without fear of betrayal by their neighbors. " — Daw.son.

710 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
much, and from which it is stiU reaping so bountiful a harvest, had actu
aUy been introduced into the House of Commons. The atmosphere was
at once charged, as it were, with angry resentment. " I will wear nothing
but homespun," exclaimed one. " I wiU stop drinking wine," echoed
another, amazed that wine must pay a new duty. "I propose," cried
a third, " that we dress in sheep-skins with tbe wool on." Judge Eob
ert E. Livingston,' of Clermont, exclaimed : " It appears plainly that
these duties are only the beginning of evils. The stamp duty, tbey teU
us, is deferred tUl they see whether the colonies wiU take the yoke upon
themselves, and offer something else as certain. They talk, too, of a land
tax, and to us the Ministry seems to be running mad."
Three months later news reached New York that the king in councU
had dismembered New Hampshire, and thrown into New York the coun
try west of the Connecticut Eiver. " We are tried in Council about lands
worse than ever," wrote John Watts. " It has been done without deter
mining property ; New Hampshire had granted a prodigious deal of it,
and the proprietors think altering jurisdiction, neither should nor can
alter property ; those who obtain emoluments by regranting think other
wise. Some to secure a title at all events renew their grants. Some
are sulky and will uot. Many are poor and cannot." It was thought
this would circumscribe republicanism in New England, for Otis and
others were speaking bold words concerning the impending stamp-tax.
The views of Otis were printed and sent to the Massachusetts agent in
London. They were reprinted there. " The man is mad," exclaimed one
of the ministers. " What then ? " said Lord Mansfield, " one madman often
makes many. Massaniello was mad ; nobody doubted it ; yet for all that
he overturned the government of Naples." Boston was even then sign
ing a covenant to eat no lamb, in order to encourage the growth and
manufacture of wool; and men everywhere were entering into solemn
agreement to use no single article of British manufacture, not even to
wear black clothes for mourning.
The English statesmen pinned their faith to the superior loyalty of
1 Judge Robert R. Livingston (the same of whom mention has been made, page 598) and
Margaret Beekman had ten children, four sons and six daughters. Janet, bom in 1743,
married General Richard Montgomery, the hero of Quebec ; Robert R., bom in 1746, was the
celebrated chancellor of New York ; Mai'garet, born 1748, married Thomas Tillotson of Rhine
beck ; Henry B., bom in 1750, was a colonel in the Revolutionary Army ; Catharine, bom in
1752, married Rev. Freeborn Garretson of Maryland, one of the pioneei-s of the Methodist
Church in this country ; John E.. , bom in 1755, was a prominent merchant ; Gertrude, bom
in 1757, married the celebrated general, politician, governor, and judge, Morgan Lewis ; Jo
anna, born in 1759, married the stirnng politician Peter R. Livingston ; Alida, bom in 1761,
married the distinguished General John Armstrong, Minister to France, Secretary of War,
etc. ; Edward, bom in 1764, was the celebrated mayor of New York, law-giver, author, and
statesman, who died in 1836.

NEW YORK IMPATIENT OF CONTROL. 711
'\ lifew York; and yet no colony was more impatient of control, and no
where was the spirit of resistance at that moment so strong. The mer
chants had been stung with the obstacles interposed in the way of their
business, through the enforcement of obsolete, and, in their opinion, un
just laws, and the great landowners regarded arbitrary taxation as abso
lutely irreconcilable with their rights as British subjects and men. Of
such elements was the Assembly composed. This body convened in Sep
tember. Among its members were Philip Livingston, the eminent mer
chant, John Cruger, Leonard Lispenard, Frederick Philipse, second lord
of Phihpse Manor, Philip Verplanck, WiUiam Bayard, Peter De Lancey,
Daniel Kissam, Henry Livingston, Judge Eobert E. Livingston, and oth
ers of broad intelligence and sterUng merit. It was in no humor to wait
for concert of action among the colonies. It plunged straight into the
very heart of the wrong. It adopted a memorial addressed to tbe
House of Commons, declaring, in bold but courteous language, that °''*' ^^'
" the people of New York nobly disdained the thought of claiming liberty
as a privilege " ; but founded the exemption from ungranted and compul
sory taxes, upon an honorable, sohd, and stable basis, and challenged it,
and gloried in it as theh: right ; and, wielding a blade of exquisite temper,
New York, through her proud, impulsive Legislature, peremptorily de
manded a voice and vote in the administration of pubhc affairs.
On the same day a conunittee was appointed to correspond with Eob
ert Charles, the agent of New York in England, of which Judge Eobert
E. Livingston was made chairman. This committee was instructed to cor
respond also, during the recess of the House, " with the several Assem
bhes, or committees of AssembUes on this continent," upou the subject of
the Act commonly called the Sugar Act ; and concerning the Act re
straining paper bUls of credit in the colonies from being legal tender ;
and the several other Acts of Parliament lately passed with relation to
the trade of the Northern colonies ; and speciaUy of the dangers which
threaten tbe colonies of being taxed by laws passed in Great Britain." '
Each of the other colonies admitted the supremacy of Parliament,
and maintained the duty of obedience to~its acts, however erroneous, until
repealed. Massachusetts was stirred to a defense of chartered privileges.
New York had neither " chartered privileges " or " vested rights " to con
tend for, and finnly declared, from the very first, that she " would con
sider a violation of her rights and privileges, even by Parliament, an act
of tyranny; and would abhor the power which might inflict it; and as
soon as able cast it off, or perhaps try to obtain better terms from some
other power.'' Illustrious writers have from time to time ably discussed
' Journals ofthe Asseinbly. Bancroft. Da-wson.

712

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

tbe question as to whether Massachusetts or Virgiuia originated the Eevo
lutionary Committees of Correspondence. It has not been the habit of
New York to enter into fields of controversy upon such subjects. But the
records of her Assembly dispose of the matter. The above Committee of
Correspondence was appointed by New York, six years before Massachu
setts immortaUzed herself in that direction, and nine years in advance of
Virginia. Lieutenant-Governor Colden was a conscientious servant of the crown.
He was no favorite among the magnates of New York. There was some
thing in his nature which stimu
lated opposition. He was rigid
and exacting, and set like fiint in
his own opinions. He had al
ways been more of a scholar than
a statesman; ' he uow seemed only
zealous to promote the interests
of tbe king. There was Uttle
confidence and harmony between
him aud the CouncU. He rarely
saw any, of the gentlemen except
at formal meetings. John Watts,
pohshed, witty, and sarcastic, wrote
to Monckton, " 0, how we pant
for a new governor's arrival ! even
though he should be as hot as
pepper-pot itself, 't is better than
the venomous stream we at pres
ent drink from." Oliver De Lancey wrote to Monckton, thanking him
for attention to his boys, who were in England at school, and added : " I
am truly concerned that the present Ministry bave such despotic influ
ence iu Parhament as to carry measures that must bring immediate dis
tress on this country, and consequently so on our mother country. The
situation we are in with Mr. Colden is deplorable, but can't last long.
Government really suffers disreputation in sucb bands."
1 Gulian C. Verplanck, writing of Cadwallader Colden, says : " For the great variety and
extent of his learning, his unwearied research, his talents, and the public sphere which he
filled, he may justly be placed in high rank among the distinguished men of his time."
Among the products of his industry were : "Observations on the Trade of New York" ; "An Ac
count ofthe Climate of New York " ; "Memorial concerning the Fur-Trade of New York in
1724" ; " Histoiy of the Five Nations" ; " State of the Lands in the Province of New York " ;
" Reports on the Soil, Climate, etc., of New York " ; "A Botanical Description of American
Plants" ; " Observations on Fevers " ; " Observations on Throat Distempers" ; "Reports on

Portrait of Cadwallader Colden.

THE RIGHT OF APPEALS. 713
Colden wrote to the Lords of the faithfulness with which he had inves
tigated the " illicifr trade " of New York. He said, since so many of his
Majesty's ships had been cruising on the coast, the trade in teas and gun
powder from HoUand and Hamburg had been effectuaUy suppressed ; it
was suspected, however, that tea in small quantities was imported, from
the Dutch West India Islands, the vessels running into creeks and har
bors, not navigable for ships of war, all along the New Jersey shore be
tween Sandy Hook and Delaware Bay, and northward, on the Sound,
•where there were many such harbors. He suggested that if ships were
kept continuaUy cruising above and below Sandy Hook it would be
difficult even for small vessels coming from sea to escape them.' He re
ported the New York Custom-House officers as very diligent. He said
the merchants complained bitterly that the same vigilance was not main
tained at the other ports; the merchants elsewhere on the seaboard were
thus enabled to underseU them. Captain Kennedy was mentioned as in
:port-with the Coventry, and about to purchase a swift running sloop, with
which to " look into and examine the creeks and small harbors within his
station." In the midst of the commotion about taxation, Colden insisted upon
the right of appeals from the common law courts of the province to the
governor and Council, and finaUy to the king. It had been usual to bring
questions concerning the law and the practice in these courts, by urrits of
error, hetoK the governor and CouncU and the king for final adjudication;
but never untU now, had an appeal — by which the entire merits of the
action, as well as the law and the action of the courts thereon, could be
reviewed — been entertained by the provincial government. Tbe judges
refused to admit such appeals. The lawyers declared them absolutely un
constitutional Chief Justice .Horsemanden made a speech in CouncU giv
ing his reasons for refusing an appeal, which was printed and circulated,
to the infinite resentment of Colden. The latter talked about suspending
the chief justice, but, knowing the temper of the gentlemen of his Coun
cil, and despairing of their concurrence, referred the matter to the king.'
•the State of Indian Affairs, 1751 " ; "Principles of Action in Matter, and the Motion of the
Planets" ; " ATreatise on the Cure of Cancer ' ; "An Essay on the Virtues of the Plant
called the Great W^ater Dock " ; " Observations on Smith's History of New York " ; " An
Introduction to the Study of Philosophy " ; " An Inquiry into the Principles of Vital Mo
tion '¦ ; "A Translation of the Letters of Cicero " ; " An Inquiiy into the Operation of Intel
lect among Animals " ; " Of the Essential Properties of Light " ; " An Introduction to the
Study of Physic " ; and a great variety of other papers on public affairs, and scientific sub
jects ; also an immense correspondence with the most distinguished scholars of the age in
Europe and America.
' Lieutenant-Governor Colden to the Earl of Halifax, October 9, 1764.

714 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Judge Eobert E. Livingston, who had been appointed to the bench by
Governor Monckton, wrote to the latter, that he was confident Colden had
misinterpreted the royal instructions ; he believed it was the intention
of the Ministry that New York should be governed by the laws of Eng
land ; and that those laws were better known and more strictly adhered
to in New York than any other province. He could see no possible
advantage to the crown from such irregular practice. "It is certainly
better," said he, " that causes should be determined before those who
make the law their study, than that the time of the governor and CouncU
should be taken up with private concerns."
Colden complained of the dangerous combination which existed be
tween the bench and tbe bar of New York. He wrote to the Lords that
before the administration came into his hands the profession of the law had
been encouraged, and had now gained pernicious infiuence. The judges
and principal lawyers were proprietors of extravagant grants of land, or
connected with such by marriage. They labored to excite popular dissat
isfaction and tumults, until it was no marvel that the people thought
they could intimidate a governor, and were so foolish as to attempt to play
a similar game upon the king's ministers and the British Parliament.'
Judge Eobert E. Livingston said " the affair might have been managed
with much less noise, if Colden's fondness for showing himself in law
matters, superior to tbe whole body of the law had permitted." ^ He,
Colden, spoke of juries with contempt, represented lawyers as regard
ing only their owu interests, said judges were fond of power; and he
treated the Couucil contemptuously because they differed widely from
him in their judgments.
Watts wrote to Monckton, that the Council had been accused by the
" old mischief-maker " of opposing prerogatives, king's instructions, etc. ;
but that the point rested upou the true legal meaning of an instruction,
upon which solemn advice had been taken. The opinion expressed by
the whole body of law in New York, had been supported by the opimon
of the chief justice and lawyers of both Philadelphia and New Jersey.
" Greater testimonies were not to be obtained on this side of the water" *
Eeferring to Colden, he said, " the old body was always dishked enough,
but uow tbe people would prefer Beelzebub himself to him. Whatever
be right, I wish the old feUow had had more sense than to bring such
a critical thing into dispute in these sore times. It could easily have
^ The petitions and memorials that were sent to England by the New York Assembly were
never seen by Colden.
^ Robert R. Li-vingsto-ii to General Monckton, February 23, 1765.
' Watts to Monckton, January 28, 1765.

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 715
been avoided; there never was a precedent since the colony was settled,
but, Uke Satan, he would damn himself and his posterity to appear great'
which^ he thinks such controversies make him, having an unbounded
opinion of his own parts, and being ready to sink aU America, right or
wrong, for prerogative."
Wilham Smith, Jr., wrote to Monckton, that the "unseasonable attempt
of Colden to introduce an innovation had inflamed the whole country." '
The people believed the crown was aiming to deprive them of their most
valuable rights. Smith said it was vividly remembered that in Chnton's
time Colden had been voted an enemy to New York; and now he was
the object of suspicion and cordial hatred.
The debate in the House of Commons prior to the passage of the
Stamp Act was spUited and obstmate. It had been represented 1765.
to the king by the Board of Trade, December 11, 1764, that the I'e''-
^Legislature of Massachusetts, through its votes in June, and the Assem-
•My <£ New York, by Us address to Colden in September, had been guilty
¦Sofithe most indecent respect to the Legislature of Great Britain." The
Privy Council reported this " as a matter of the highest consequence to
the kingdom." The American question was presented by George III. on
opening the session, January 10, as one of " obedience to the laws and
respect for the legislative authority of the kingdom."
The Ministry resolved to be temperate but firm, and were complacently
confident. GrenviUe Ustened to the remonstrances of the American
agents in London, and abounded in gentle words. "Preserve modera
tion," he said. "Eesentments indecently expressed on one side of the
water will naturally produce resentments on the other. I take no pleas
ure in bringing upon myself the wrath of the colonists, but it is the duty
of my office to manage the revenue."
Some of the Lords scoffed at the idea of American representation,
while GrenviUe secretly resolved to propose it indirectly. Others de
clared that America was as virtually represented in Parliament as the
great majority of the inhabitants of Great Britain. Beckford, a member
of Parliament for London, a friend of Pitt, and himself a large owner of
West India estates, declared boldly that " taxing America for the sake of
raising a revenue would never do." Barr^, the companion and friend of
Wolfe, and sharer of the dangers and glories of Quebec, taunted the House
with ignorance of American affairs, which brought Townshend, the reputed
master of American affairs, quickly to his feet. At the close of an exhaus
tive argument conceming the equity of taxation, as proposed, he said, "wUl
these American children, planted by our care, nourished by our indulgence
* William, Smith, Jr., to Monckton, January 25, 1765.

716 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
to strength and opulence, and protected by our arms, grudge to contribute
their mite to relieve us from the heavy burden under which we lie ? "
Barr^ responded, witb eyes emitting fire, and outstretched arm : —
" They planted by youe care ! No ; your oppression planted them iu America.
They fled from your tyranny to a tben uncultivated, inhospitable country ;
where they exposed themselves to almost aU the hardships to which human
nature is liable, and among others to the cruelties of a. savage foe, the most
subtle, and I wiU take it upon me to say, the most formidable, of any people
upon the face of God's earth ; and yet, actuated by principles of true Enghsh
Uberty, they met sucb hardships with pleasure, compared with those they
suff'ered in their own country, from the hands of those who sbould be their
friends. They nourished hy -y ovn indulgence ! They grew by your neglect of
them. As soon as you began to care about them, that care was exercised in
sending persons to rule them in one department and another, who were, perhaps,
the deputies of deputies to some members of this house, sent to spy out their
liberties, to misrepresent their actions, and to prey upon them, — men whose
behavior on many occasions has caused the blood of those sons of libbety to
recoil within them ; men promoted to the highest seats of justice ; some who,
to my knowledge, were glad, by going to a foreign country, to escape being
brought to the bar of a court of justice in their own. They protected by your
arms ! They have nobly taken up arms in your defense ; have exerted a valor,
amidst constant and laborious industry, for the defense of a country whose fron
tier was drenched in blood, while its interior parts yielded all its little savings
to your emolument. And believe me, — remember I this day told you so, — the
same spirit of freedom which actuated that people at first wUl accompany them
stUl. But prudence forbids me to explain myself further. God knows I do
not at this time speak from motives of party heat ; what I deliver are the genu
ine sentiments of my heart. However superior to me in general knowledge and
experience the respectable body of this house may be, yet I claim to know more
of America than most of you, having seen and been conversant in that country.
The people, I believe, are as truly loyal as any subjects the king has ; but a
people jealous of their liberties, and who will vindicate tbem, if ever they should
be' violated. But the subject is too delicate ; I will say no more.''
It was an unpremeditated speech, and was only regarded by the mem
bers at the time as a solid hit at Townshend ; but the remainder of the
debate seemed languid, and at midnight the House adjourned. In the
gallery sat Jared IngersoU, the agent of Connecticut, who, delighted with
Barry's sentiments, sent a report of his speech to New London, where it
was printed in the newspapers of the town. May had not shed its blos
soms before the words of Barre were in every village and hamlet in Amer
ica. Midsummer found them distributed through Canada in French.

PASSAGE OF THE STAMP ACT. 717
And the name. Sons of Liberty, which had faUen so naturaUy from his
lips, rang from one end of the continent to the other.
The petitions of the colonists and the efforts of their agents were of no
avaU. The tide was irresistible. " We might," said Franklin, " as well
have hindered the sun's setting." On the 27th of February the Stamp
Act passed the House of Commons. It was to take effect on the first
day of the next November. On the Sth of March, the bUl was agreed
to by the Lords without having encountered an amendnreutTdebate,
protest, division, or dissentient vote.' At that moment the king was iU ;
absolutely insane. As he could not ratify the Act in person, the royal
assent was obtained by commission ; the bit of parchment bore the sign
of his hand, scrawled in the flickering light of a clouded reason. And
that was what gave validity to the instrument.
The stamped paper was duly prepared. GrenviUe adopted what he es
teemed the soothing policy of selecting the principal stamp-officers from
among the Americans themselves ; and they were duly qualified. " Now,
gentlemen," said he, " take the business into your own hands ; you will see
how and where it pinches, and wiU certainly let us know it ; in which
case it shaU be eased."
It was generally believed, even by the American agents, that the stamp
tax would be peacefully levied. No one imagined the colonies would
think of disputing the matter with Parliament at the point of the sword.
Otis and Fitch and Hutchinson had all admitted the right of Parlia
ment to tax, and had said, " If the Act becomes a law we have nothing
to do but submit." FrankUn wrote from London, "It wiU faU par
ticularly hard on us lawyers and printers," never doubting it would go
mto effect.
The statesmen of England were jubilant. No tax was ever laid with
more general approbation at the last. The Act seemed sure to enforce it
self Unless stamps were used marriages would be nuU, notes of hand
valueless, ships at sea prizes to the first captors, suits at law impossible,
transfers of real estate invalid, inheritances irreclaimable.
The news was received in America with disgust. " This single stroke
has lost Great Britain the affection of all her colonies ; what can be ex
pected but discontent for a while, and in the end open opposition ? " wrote
William Smith, Jr. " The task may seem easier in theory than prove in
the execution ; I cannot conceive there wiU be sUver or gold enough in
the colonies to carry this Act through," wrote John Watts.
It w'as not long before the association known as the Sons of Liberty
was organized, and extended from Massachusetts to South Carohna. New
> Bancroft, V, 247.

718 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
York was the ceutral poiut from which communications were despatched.
The post-offices were under the control of the government, and as the ut
most secrecy was esteemed essential, special messengers carried intelli
gence on all extraordinary occasions, and every effort was made to insure
harmony in action. An agent in England furnished information of what
was transpiring across the water.
Outwardly New York remained quiet. New England was slow to
anger, and the States farther south appeared to acquiesce. But it was
the quiet which precedes the storm. While consternation took possession
of men's minds all along the American seaboard, and threadbare and
patched coats became the fashion, an American congress was proposed by
Otis, without consent of the king, to deliberate upon the acts of Parlia
ment. Letters were sent to every assembly on the continent, proposing
that committees sbould be appointed to meet in New York, on the first
Tuesday of October. It was a novel proceeding. Many pronounced it vis
ionary and impracticable. But union was the hope of Otis. At the same
moment Virginia was preparing, at least in theory, to resist the execution
of the stamp tax ; resolutions were being passed in her Legislature, that
the inhabitants of that dominion inherited from the first settlers equal fran
chises with the people of Great Britain ; that their rights had never been
forfeited or given up ; that the General Assembly of Virginia had the sole
right and power to lay taxes on the inhabitants ; and, furthermore, that
no man in the colony was bound to yield obedience to any tax-law other
than those made by their own General Assembly, and whoever should,
by speaking or writing, maintain the contrary was an enemy to the
colony. Simultaneously with these movements in Massachusetts and Virginia, the
reprint ofthe Stamp Act was hawked through tbe streets of New York as the
" folly of England and the ruin of America." The newspapers were fiUed
with taunts and covert threats, and articles from the pens of able and intel-
gent writers appeared in every issue. An essay, signed " Freeman," was
continued through several numbers, and is supposed to bave been written
by John Morin Scott.' It coutained sound sober reasoning. " It is not
the tax, it is the unconstitutional manner of imposing it, that is the gi-eat
subject of uneasiness in the colonies," said the lawyer. " The absurdity
of our being represented in Parliament is so glaring that it is almost an
affront to common sense to use arguments to expose it. The taxation of
America is arbitrary and tyrannical, and what the Parliament of England
has no right to impose." The English constitution was carefully analyzed,
and declared to have withiu itself the principle of self-preservation, cor-
> Neio York Gazette, Nos. 1170, 1171, 1173.

REV. STEPHEN JOHNSON. 719
rection, and improvement, in short, real excellence, and no color of pre
text for oppression. The writer went on to say : —
" If the interests of the mother country and her colonies cannot be made to
coincide, if the same constitution may not take place in both, if the welfare of
England necessarily requires the sacrifice of the most natural rights of tbe colo
nies, — tbeir right of making tbeir own laws, and disposing of their own prop
erty by representatives of tbeir own choosing, — if such is really the case between
Great Britain and ber colonies, then the connection hetween tliem ought to cease ;
and sooner or later it must inevitably cease. The English government cannot
long act toward a part of its dominions upon principles diametrically opposed to
its own, without losing itself in the slavery it would impose upon the colonies,
or leaving tbem to throw it off and assert their own freedom. There never can
be a disposition in the colonies to break off their connection with the mother
country, so long as they are permitted to have the full enjoyment of those rights
to which the English Constitution entitles them, .... They desire no more ;
nor can they be satisfied with less."
" Thus," says the distinguished Bancroft, " New York pointed to inde
pendence." These sentiments were seized and reprinted by nearly every newspaper
in America ; they were approved by the most learned and judicious, and
even formed a part of the instructions of South Carolina to her agent in
England.' The clergy, beyond any other class of men, nursed the flame which was
kindhng. The first printed article pointing towards unquaUfied rebelUon
when the attempt should be made to enforce the stamp tax, was from the
pen of Eev. Stephen Johnson, "the sincere and fervid pastor of the first
church in Lyme, Connecticut." ^ "Bute, Bedford, and GrenviUe wiU be
held in remembrance by Americans as an abomination, execration, and
curse," he said. His stirring words obtained a place in the Connecticut
papers, through the diplomacy of John McCurdy, a Scotch-Irish gentle
man of fortune, residing in Lyme.^ Pamphlets of a similar character
' So^ith Carolina to Garth, December 16, 1765.
2 Bancroft, V. 320. Rev. Stephen Johnson was the son of Nathaniel Johnson and Sarah
Ogden, of Newark, N. J., and the great grandson of John Ogden, who founded Elizabeth-
town. 'John McCurdy wasthe "Irish gentieman" mentioned by Gordon and Hollister as
"friendly to the cause of Liberty." He was an intimate personal friend of Rev. Stephen
Johnson. The McCurdy mansion in Lyme, Connecticut, where many of these papers were
written, is still standing, an interesting historical landmark, and is occupied by the grandson
of the patriot, Hon. Charles Johnson McCurdy, the eminent jurist, Lieutenant-Governor
of Connecticut, United States Minister to Austala, etc. Robert H. McCurdy, the well-known
great importing merchant of New York City, is also a grandson.

720 HISTORY OF THE CITY OP NEW YORK.
were privately printed and scattered brqadcast. " Treason ! " exclaimed
the officers of the government, when they saw them upon their tables,
without knowing how they came there or by whom written. John
McCurdy was in New York in August, and, learning that treasonable
resolves were being banded about with great privacy, while as yet no one
had the courage to publish them, he asked for, and with marked precau
tion was permitted to take a copy. He carried them to New England,
where he caused tbem to be secretly printed, and immediately afterwards
spread far and wide without reserve.
"The weekly newspapers are fiUed with every falsehood malice can
invent to excite the people to sedition and disobedience of the laws,"
wrote Colden.
" You will think the printers aU mad. Holt particularly," wrote John
Watts to a correspondent in London. " He has been cautioned over and
over again, and would have been prosecuted, but people's minds are so
infiamed about this Stamp Act, that it would only be exposing the gov
ernment to attempt it ; what wiU be the end of all this bitterness, I own
I can't see  Tbe wearing of what plain cloths the country affords,
and being content with cheap dress, must affect the British manufactures
exceedingly, and wiU raise a riotous mob there as soon as any one thing."
Tbe first popular outbreak was against the stamp-officers themselves.
" Why allow a stamp-collector upon this side of tbe water at all ? "
whispered, one and another. Grenville's policy in appointing Americans
was but the addition of fuel to the fire. " It will be as iu the West
Indies, negro overseers are always the most cruel," was the cry. The
names of the stamp-officers were pubhshed in Boston, August 8. " Had
you not rather these duties sbould be collected by your brethren than by
foreigners ? " said a friend of IngersoU, of Connecticut, who had just
arrived, duly qualified. " No, vile miscreant ! Indeed, we had not,"
exclaimed Dagget of New Haven. " If your father must die, is there no
defect in filial duty in becoming bis executioner in order to secure the
hangman's fees ? If the ruin of our country is decreed, are you free from
blame for taking part in the plunder ? "
Within a week the effigy of the Massachusetts stamp-officer, Oliver, was
swinging, one morning at daybreak, on the bough of a .stately elm, near
the entrance to Boston. It was tricked out with the emblems of Bute
and GrenviUe, and thousands collected to gaze upon the grotesque specta
cle. Chief Justice Hutchinson ordered the sheriff' to remove it, but the
people, said " We will take it down ourselves at evening." And they did.
A multitude, moving in order, bore the image on a bier directly through
the Old State House, and under the Council Chamber itself, shouting at

RESIGNATION OF STAMP OFFICERS. 721
the top of their voices, " Liberty, Property, and no Stamps." They then
buUt a funeral pyre for the effigy in front of Oliver's house! Hutchin
son directed the colonel of the militia to beat an alarm. " My drummers
are aU in the mob," was the reply. Hutchinson tried to disperse the
crowd, and was obliged to run for his life. Oliver prudently resigned the
next day. Hutchinson was suspected of favoring the Stamp Act, and the
rougher spirits wrought each other into a frenzy, and, coUecting at night-
faU, a day or two later, in a mixed crowd, destroyed his house, furniture,
books, manuscripts, and scattered his plate and ready money ; the morning
found what had been his home, a miserable ruin. The citizens of Boston
denounced such outrages, and in town-meeting the next day pledged
themselves to suppress the like disorders for the future. But tbe old
elm was solemnly named " the Tree of Liberty."
Of Ehode Island, Gage wrote, "that little turbulent colony raised a
inob likewise." And the " mob " compelled the stamp-master to resign.
Maryland was in commotion ; a party of four or five hundred, at Annap-
ohs, puUed down a house which was in process of repairs, supposed for
the sale of the stamps. Hood, the stamp-master, took refuge in the fort
at New York. Connecticut waited quietly untU IngersoU was within her
own borders. The tamous crusade of five hundred mounted men from
New London and Windham Counties, who met him in the woods of the
Connecticut VaUey, as he was riding towards Hartford to put himself
under tbe protection of the government, has been many times graphicaUy
portrayed ; the scene also in the main street of Wethersfield, where they
compelled him to resign, and the manner in which they escorted him
to Hartford. He rode a white horse. Some one asked him, jocosely,
what he was thinking about.
" Death on a pale horse, and hell following," was his quick retort.
He was conducted to the Court-House, and ordered to read his recan
tation within hearing of the Legislature, and to shout " Liberty and Prop
erty " three times, which he did, swinging his hat above his head to the
entire satisfaction of his captors. Coxe, the stamp-master of New Jersey,
renounced his place, and the whole South, beyond Maryland, passed reso
lutions to resist the operation of the law. Jhe last to yield, north of the
Potomac, was John Hughes, a Quaker of PhUadelphia, who, as he lay
desperately Ul, heard muffled drums beat through the city, and the State
House bell ring, muffled, and the tramping of people about his house to
demand his resignation. Thus was his written promise, to have nothing
to do with putting the Stamp Act into execution, extorted. The islands
of Jamaica and St. Christopher, the colonies of Nova Scotia and New
Brunswick, even Canada, revolted at the degrading statute, and deter
mined to oppose it.

722 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. '
New York all this time was watched with intense interest. Aside
from being the most important city on this continent, it was the head
quarters of the standing army of Great Britain in America. The fearless
ness of her press astonished not only her neighbors, but the statesmen
across the water. " Ever since the matter of appeals was disputed last
winter," wrote Colden to Secretary Conway, "the judges and lawyers
have been pubhshing infamous articles to render me odious in the eyes
of the people." James McEvers, who had been appointed stamp-distrib
utor for New York, was unwiUing to take the stamps in custody on theh
arrival, and sent a letter of resignation to Colden, who was at his country-
seat at Spring Hill, Long Island.'
Colden repaired immediately to his residence in the fort, and wrote to
General Gage for a military force sufficient to effectuaUy prevent sedition
and tumult. " You shall have as many troops as you demand, and can
find quarters for," was the response. At the same time Gage recom
mended the " severe exertion of civil power." " McEvers is terrified,"
wrote Colden to Conway, " but I shaU not be intimidated ; I shall do
eveiything in my power to have tbe stamped paper distributed at tbe
time appointed by the Act of Parliament." In closing, he said : —
" I have at all times endeavored to perform my duty, and in some instances
where I perceived the doing of it would be greatly prejudicial to my private
interest ; and I beg you will be assured, sir, that I shall continue to do so
whUe the administration is in my hands." ^
But Colden met with unexpected difficulties. Tbe secret correspond
ence of tbe Sons of Liberty baffled his vigilance, notwithstanding
that postmasters and postriders were brought before him, and examined.
The Stamp Act Congress assembled in tbe City Hall on tbe 7th of Octo
ber, iu spite of his vehement declaration that it was unconstitutional, un
precedented, and illegal, and that he should give it no countenance.
The press of New York continued to deny the right of Parliament to tax
the colonies, and a new paper, called " Tbe Constitutional Courant," with
the device of a snake, cut into parts (to represent the colonies), with
"Join or Die " as a motto, actually appeared, and had an immense sale at
the very moment tbe fort was being put in a state of offense and defense,
and while Major James of the artillery was hurrying to increase his stock
of powder, shot, and shells.* " Jom OR Die " was echoed far and wide, as
1 McEvers to Colden. New York Col. MSS., VII. 761.
^ Lieutenant-Governor Colden to Secretary Conxoay, September 23, 1765.
' This paper was privately printed in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and reprinted in both
New York and Boston. Colden tried to discover the printer, but failed.

THE STAMP ACT CONGRESS. 723
soon as it was rumored that Major James had said he would " cram the
stamps down the throats of the people with the end of his sword." " Three
or four popular lavvyers who have raised this spirit of insubordination
cannot be curbed without proper judges," wrote Colden, despairingly.
Even then the sterUng merchants were carefully preparing an agreement
to send no new orders for goods or merchandise, to countermand all
former orders, and not even to receive goods on commission unless the
Stamp Act was repealed.
New York was represented in the Stamp Act Congress by Judge Eob
ert E. Livingston, Mayor John Cruger, Philip Livingston, Leonard Lis
penard,' and WiUiam Bayard. Its deliberations occupied three weeks.
The members believed themselves responsible for the liberties of the con-
1 Leonard Lispenard was born in the city of New York in 1716. He was the son of An
thony Lispenard, Jr., and grandson of Anthony Lispenard, a Huguenot refugee who came to
New York about the middle of the seventeenth century. He married, in 1741, Alice, daugh
ter of Anthony Rutgers. This lady inherited from her father, who died in 1746, one third of
the extensive grants which he had received from George II. ; and Lispenard purchased, Sep
tember 28, 1748, from the two sisters of his wife (one of whom was Mrs. Rev. Dr. Barclay),
the remaining two-thirds, thus becoming proprietor of the whole. This was the origin of what
has since been kno'wn as the Lispenard estate. Lispenard was a large merchant, was aldei'man
of the city for a dozen or more years, was one of the active members of the Stamp Act Congress,
. and was connected with nearly all the later important committees. He •«'as a member of the
Assembly from 1765 to 1767. He was one of the original members of the Society of the New
York Hospital, and one of its first governors from 1770 to 1777. He was also treasurer of
King's College for a long period. His country mansion was on Lispenard Hill, a handsome
elevation overlooking what was afterwards St. John's Square. The center of this hUl was the
present junction of Hudson and Deshrosses Streets. He had three children : 1, Leonard ; 2,
Anthony ; 3, Cornelia, who married Thomas Marston of New York. Leonard Lispenard, Jr.,
was born in 1743, and was one of nine who graduated from King's College in 1762. He was a
merchant and member of the Chamber of Commerce. He traveled extensively in Europe, and
was spoken of as a man of fine education and intelligence, and great symmetry of character.
He was the proprietor of the property known as "Davenport's Neck" in New Roolielle,
where he had a summer residence. He never married. His brother Anthony married his
cousin Sarah, daughter of Andrew Barclay (merchant) and niece of Rev. Dr. Barclay. He,
Anthony, was proprietor of extensive breweries and mills on the Greenwich road, near the
present foot of Canal Street. He had six children, three sons and three daughtera. They
were, 1, Leonard (3d), who married his cousin (their mothers were both daughters of Andrew
Barclay) Anna Dorothea, daughter of Theophylact Bache, and left four children ; 2, Anthony,
Jr., died unmarried ; 3, Thomas, died unmarried ; 4, Helena Roosevelt, married Paul Bache,
son of Theophylact Bache ; 5, Sarah, man-ied Alexander Stewart of New York, and was the
mother of Lispenard Stewart ; 6, Alice, died unmarried. The down-town streets, Leonard,
Anthony (now Worth), and Thomas -H'ere named by Anthony Lispenard after his three sons,
and Lispenard Street was so called by the corporation of the city in honor of the family.
Bache Street, now spelled Beach, which was opened through the Lispenard farm, was named
for Paul Bache. The Lispenards sleep in the family vault in Trinity Churchyard. The hon
ored name is now merged in the families of Stewart, Webb, Nicholson, Livingston, Le Roy,
and Winthrop, who are among the descendants in the direct line. Biographical and His-
tmical Sketches. Chamber of Commerce Records. By John Anstin Stevens.

724 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
tinent. They were of various characters and opiiUons ; they came from
colonies remote from each other. "To do them justice," wrote John
Watts, " I believe they have deputed some of their best men, and I im
agine the fruits of their deliberations wiU be sensible and moderate
enough." Euggles of Massachusetts and Ogden of New Jersey beUeved
resistance to the Stamp Act was treason. The debates were earnest and
exciting. The vahdity of the Acts of Navigation was assaUed, and it
was finaUy determined to " insist upon a repeal of aU acts laying duties
on trade, as well as the Stamp Act." An address to the House of Com
mons, pointing out the disadvantages of the new measure, was peimed in
a clear, concise, and elegant manner by John Cruger. Every word and
phrase was subsequently weighed with anxious care, some of the mem
bers constantly interposing scrujples aud timidities. It was finaUy signed
on the morning of the 25th of October.
While the Stamp Act Congress was stUl in session a ship arrived laden
with stamps. It was announced off Sandy Hook by the firing of cannon
from a man-of-war in the harbor, about ten o'clock at night, October 23.
The next day the ship was convoyed under the protection of the guns of
the fort, by a war-vessel and tender, with great parade. A vast number of
people beheld the scene and were furiously enraged. The shipping at the
wharves lowered their colors iu sign of grief. That night papers were
posted upon the doors of every public office and upon the corners of the
streets ; tbe following is a fac-simile : —

ARRIVAL OF STAMPS. 12b
" We wiU no more submit to Parliament than to the Divan at Constan
tinople," were the words uttered by one of the members of the Congress,
which flew from mouth to mouth. The excitement was intense. The
whole city, as one man, seemed determined to prevent th^e landing of the
stamps. Colden summoned the counselors together for advice, but of seven only
three came, — Chief Justice Horsemanden, Judge WUUam Smith, and
Joseph Eeade. These were ominously reticent. They warned the lieuten
ant-governor that the detention of the ship, which was a merchant vessel,
rendered him liable to suits for damages from every merchant who had
any goods on board, and the cost of suits, and damages allowed, might
amount to a very large sum. He was perplexed. He eveu accused the
judicial gentlemen, who suggested the transfer of the goods to a sloop, of
being desirous bf beginning a riot.
The continued preparations at the fort for 'defense were looked upon as
an insult by the citizens at large. " The Declaration of Eights and
Grievances of the Colonists in America," which had just emanated from
the Congress, was all very weU, but the stamps must not be distributed
nor business delayed for the want of one.
On the 31st of October, the governors of the several colonies took the
required oath to carry the Act into effect ; and yet there was not
one who dared make the attempt. Colden retired within the fort,
fuUy persuaded that he should overawe the people with his loaded guns
and strong guard. " He was fortified as if he had been at Bergen-op-
Zoom, when the French besieged it with a hundred thousand men," wrote
John Watts, " which gave more offense and made people's blood run
higher than any one thing that happened." It was termed the "last day
of liberty," and numbers of people were fiocking into town ; they came,
so said Gage, by thousands. They uttered terrifying threats. They sang
ballads as they wandered through the streets. The favorite was one of
thirteen verses, with a chorus,, which had been produced by no indifferent
versifier, and printed and scattered broadcast a short time previously. A
few specimen lines will suffice : —
" With the beasts of the wood, we will ramble for food.
And lodge in wild deserts and caves,
And live poor as Job, on the skirts of the globe,
Before we '11 submit to be slaves, brave boys.
Before we 'II submit to be slaves," etc.
In the evening the merchants met at Burns's tavern to consummate
the first blow struck at the trade and industry of Great Britain. Over
two hundred signed the non-importation agreement. " England wUl

726

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

I SHTntNt

suffer more by it in one year," wrote Judge Eobert E. Livingston, " than
the stamp tax or any other — should others be imposed — could ever
recompense. Merchants have resolved to send for no more British manu
factures, shopkeepers wiU buy none, gentlemen
wiU wear none ; our own are encouraged, aU pri^e
in dress seems to be laid aside, and he that does
not appear in homespun, or at least a turned coat,
is looked upon with an evU eye. The lawyers will
not issue a writ. Merchants will not clear out a
vessel. These are all facts not in the least ex
aggerated ; and it is of importance that they
should be known." '
A large number of boys and sailors gathered in
front of the house where the merchants were as
sembled, a rumor having been spread that some
foolish ceremony of burying liberty was about to
be executed ; but when they found that the. mer
chants peaceably separated, and that there was to
stamps. \)Q no show, they proceeded through the streets,
hurrahing and whistling, but did no furtber mischief than to break a few
windows. Many of the merchants belonged to the secret order of Sons of Liberty,
and to secure the co-operation of merchants throughout the colonies re
solved to appoint a special committee of correspondence. The danger
appalled many who were nominated, and tbey withdrew theh names.
Finally, Isaac Sears, John Lamb, Gershom Mott, WiUiam Wiley, and
Thomas Eobinson volunteered their services, and were accepted.^
More fearless, energetic, or radical men for the service it would hardly
have been possible to find. They left, no stones unturned. On the 14th of
November the names of the merchants of Philadelphia had been added to
the formidable list, and on the 9th of December those of Boston. It wiU
therefore be seen that the great system of intercolonial correspondence
originated in New York, and was sustained through the medium of regu
larly constituted committees.
The memorable 1st of November was ushered in by the toUing of
mufiled bells, and pennants hoisted at half-mast. During the day letters
were sent and found, and papers stuck up all over the town, threatening
destruction to every person and his property, who shoidd in any way
touch a stamp, or delay business for the want of one. A placard ad-
1 Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., Vol. X. 517.
^ Leake's Life of General Lamb. Bancroft, V. 355. Dawson's Sons of Liberty, p. 86.

STAMP ACT RIOT IN NEW YORK. 121
dressed to the lieutenant-governor, which had been posted in the Mer
chants' Coffee-house all day, was delivered at the fort towards evening by
an unknown hand. It assured Colden of his fate if he did not that night
make oath solemnly before a magistrate, and publish it to the people, that
he would not execute the Stamp Act.
The crowds of people increased as the day waned. Sailors came from
vessels in the harbor, and country people were constantly arriving.
Troops from Turtle Bay marched through town to the fort, a strong guard
was placed about the jail, and the cannon of the merchants, at Copsy Bat
tery, near the foot of Whitehall Street, was spiked by order of Colden.
This last act created fresh indignation.
About seven o'clock an organized band of the Sons of Liberty appeared
in the streets, led by Isaac Sears, and, proceeding to tbe common, erected
a movable gallows, upon which they hung an effigy of Colden, and one of
the Devil whispering in his ear. His Satanic Majesty held a boot in his
hand, designed as a satire upon the Earl of Bute. They marched down
Broadway to the fort, attended by a most formidable mob, carrying can
dles and torches. Another party, meanwhile, had placed an effigy of Col
den upon a chair, with which they were parading through other streets,
now and then firing a pistol at the effigy. In front of the house of
McEvers, they halted and gave three cheers.' They placed the gallows,
with the effigy swinging thereon, within ten feet of the fort-gate. The
populace knocked, placed their hands on the top of the ramparts, caUed
out to the guards to fire, threw bricks and stones against the fort, and
used the most offensive language. Not a word was returned. General
Gage having prudently given orders to that effect. The mob broke into
the lieutenant-governor's coach-house, and, taking out his chariot, dragged
it through the .streets to the common and back again. The fort fence
facing Broadway had been taken down by the soldiers, in order to expose
the assaUants to the fire of the fort, which was another cause of wrath.
Hence the boards were gathered into a pUe, and the chariot, chair, gal
lows, effigies, and every movable which could be found in the stables,
placed upon them, and the whole set on fire.
The leaders evidently intended that proceedings should end here. But
the mob had become excited and unmanageable. They broke into the
house of Major James^ who was an object of hatred because of unwise
boastfulness, brought out his rich furniture,— everything, indeed, which the
house contained, — with which they made a bonfire in front of his door,
drank his liquors' knocked to pieces the doors, partitions, windows, etc.,
destroyed his summer-house, and desolated his fine gardens. With the
1 The house of McEvers was on the site of what is now 50 Wall Street. Dawson.
^ Vauxhall.

728 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
exception of considerable noise, and an attack upon a few other houses
without serious results, the niischief ended for tbat night.
But messages and letters were sent to the fort in the morning, that
nothing would satisfy the people save the surrender of the stamps, and
that the fort would be attacked at night. Tbe majority of the counselors
stood aloof in this emergency. Those who gave advice were of the opin
ion that Colden had no legal authority to distribute the stamps in any
event. A governor had been appointed for New York in the place of
Monckton, and would shortly arrive ; they thought it better to do nothing
about tbe stamps until tben.
Meanwhile tbe mayor and aldermen were in consultation at the City
Hall, and were joined by Judge Eobert E. Livingston, James Duane, and
one or two other gentlemen of the law. They were extremely dejected ;
they were powerless unless Colden would make concessions, and thus
quiet the minds of the people. A message finally came from the
fort, in tbe form of a placard, announcing that the lieutenant-
governor would distribute no stamp papers, but leave the matter to be
regulated, by Sir Henry Moore ; and was willing to put tbem aboard a
man-of-war, if Captain Kennedy would receive them, which he, unwill
ing to bffend the people, declined.
" We will have the papers within four-and-twenty hours,'' cried Sears
to the multitude, who responded with shouts. "Your best way is to
advise the governor to send the papers to the inhabitants," he continued,
addressing the gentlemen who, by request of the corporation, were trying
to put in the best light what Colden had condescended to say. Living
ston and Duane weut personally to the captains of ships, presuming that
disturbances would begin among the unruly sailors ; and with others they
patrolled the town. There were indications of a riot ; yet nothing serious
occurred. Tbe next day was Sunday. A letter was written to the Cus
tom-House officers threatening destruction if they did not clear out
vessels as usual. A paper was posted up in the Coffee House, teUing the
people not to mind the peaceable orators who had prevented their opera
tions on Saturday evening, but to be resolute, as they would be com
manded by meu who had giveu proofs of courage in defense of their
country. The time fixed for the assault was Tuesday, November 5, and
the notices were signed The Sons of Neptune.
The secret unknown party which threatened such bold things sent
dread and terror through the city, for an attack on the fort was but the
precursor of civil war. Early Monday morning Colden summoned Mayor
Cruger and some of the more prominent citizens to the fort, and renewed
the promise made on Saturday. The following notice was at once posted
conspicuously : —

THE VICTORY OF THE PEOPLE. 729
" The governor acquainted Judge Livingston, the mayor, Mr. Beverly Eobin
son, and Mr. John Stevens, this morning, being Monday, the 4th of November,
that he would not issue, nor suffer to be issued, any of the stamps now in Fort
George. EoBBET E. Livingston,
John Cruger,
Beverly Robinson,
John Stevens.
The Freemen, Freeholders, and Inhabitants of this city, being satisfied that
the stamps are not to be issued, are determined to keep the peace of the city,
at all events, except they should have other cause of complaint.' "
Before night, notices were posted directly under the above, in all the
pubhc places, inviting a meeting in the " Fields " on Tuesday
evening, November 5, and requesting every man to come armed °^' '
for the purpose of storming the fort. Colden wrote to the Marquis of
Granby, Tuesday morning, " I expect the fort wiU be stormed this
night, — everything is done in my power to give them a warm
reception. I hope not to dishonor the commission I have the honor to
wear, and trust I may merit some share of your Lordship's regard."
It was at this critical moment that the strong, fearless judgment of
Mayor Cruger asserted itself It was impossible to determine how for
midable the secret Vox Populi was ; at all events an attempt to remove
the stamps from the fort by force could not fail to be attended with
bloodshed. It was beUeved that the people would put entire confidence
in the mayor and aldermen, and with good reason. They were known to
be among the most candid and determined opponents of the Stamp Act.
Mayor Cruger, Isaac Eoosevelt and others of the aldermen, had been
among the first to sign the non-importation agreement.^ Hence pro
posals were made to Colden in writing, that the city corporation should
take the stamps into its own custody.
Colden did not answer promptly, although he afterwards remarked to
Judge Livingston that the proposition was agreeable to him.^ A deputa
tion of merchants waited upon and urged him to deliver the stamps to
the corporation. He pleaded his oath to the king, and the great con
tempt into which the government would faU by concession. His coun
selors advised him to yield. StiU he hesitated. At four o'clock, p. m., a
large crowd coUected about the City HaU to learn results. The mayor,
attended by the aldermen, visited the fort and warned Colden of the
' This notice is in the Archives of the New York Historical Society.
2 Isaac Roosevelt was a great sugar-refiner, and " a beloved, honored, tried, true, and con-
•sistent patriot." He died in 1794, aged sixty-eight years.
' Judge Robert R. Limingston to Monckton, November 8, 1765.

730 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

imminent danger of further delay. He was in great distress, and appealed
to General Gage for counsel. Tbe latter avowed the belief, that a fire
from the fort would be the signal for " an insurrection " and the com
mencement of a civU war. " So," says Bancroft, " the head of the prov
ince, and the military chief of aU America, confessing theh inabUity to
stop the anarchy, capitulated to the municipal body which represented
the people." Tbe promise was obtained that the stamps should be sur
rendered to the corporation. According to the newspapers of the day,
the mayor and aldermen, attended " by a prodigious concourse of people of
all ranks," soon after proceeded to the fort gate, and received the papers ; '
the crowd gave three cheers, and after seeing the packages carried to the
City Hall, dispersed. TranquiUity was thus restored to the city.
Tbe moderation of General Gage won a testimonial of gratitude from
the city authorities, the original of which, in the handwriting of Mayor
Cruger, is preserved.
Henceforward nothing was talked of but non-importation. Enghsh
merchants were notified to ship no more goods to America untU the re
peal of the Stamp Act, as American merchants unanimously dechned
selling on commission after January 1, 1766. A market-place was es
tablished below the exchange for the vending of articles of home manu
facture, to obviate somewhat of the inconvenience of the course pursued.
Sir Henry Moore, the new governor, arrived on the I3th ; in the
same vessel came a second shipment of stamps. He had been
' heutenant-governor of Jamaica, in the West Indies (his birth
place), where he at one time suppressed an alarming insurrection of the
negroes, for which he was honored with a baronetcy by the king.^ He
was an easy, sensible, well-bred, gentlemanly man, experienced in busi
ness. One of the first questions he put to the CouncU was, whether it
would be practicable to issue the stamps. These gentlemen were. Chief
Justice Horsemanden, Sir WiUiam Johnson, George Clarke, WUliam
Smith, John Watts, WiUiam Walton, Oliver De Lancey, Charles Ward
Apthorpe, Joseph Eeade, WiUiam Alexander (Lord StirUng), and Eoger
Morris, — tbe two latter having been added to the board by the Earl of
1 In the minutes of the Common Council of the City of New York may be seen a copy of the
mayor's certificate of receipt, promising to take charge and care of stamps, etc., together with
formal surrender of the stamps by Lieutenant-Governor Colden, •with reasons given.
^ Sir Henry Moore was the grandson of John Moore, who settled in Barbadoes in the reign
of Charles II., and, having amassed property, removed to Jamaica. Sir Henry Moore was the
only native colonist who was govemor of New York. He married the daughter of Chief
¦Justice Long of Jamaica, and sister of Hon. Edward Long, Judge of the Court of Admiralty,
and author of the History of Jamaica. N. Y. Col. MSS., VIII. 197. Doc. Hist. N. Y., IIL
524-527.

SIR HENRY MOORE. 731
Halifax, in the recent instructions prepared for Moore. They replied un
animously, " No." ' The next question was whether the counselors ap
proved of reducing the fort to its former condition, as he thought it wore
" too hostile an appearance in a friend's country," and found that nothing
would give greater satisfaction. Colden remonstrated, as he was alarmed
for his personal safety if the gates were thrown open, but the fort was
dismantled, notwithstanding, and the new governor suspended his power
to execute the Stamp Act. The Assembly, which Colden had pro
rogued from time to time for more than a year, came together, and ^°^' "'
confirmed the doings of its Congressional committee.
Everybody was in good humor. The citizens sent a congratulatory
address to Governor Moore, and on the evening of the following day
assembled in the Fields, erected pyramids to his honor, and concluded
with a magnificent bonfire.
The Sons of Liberty exercised the most, consummate vigUance, how
ever. They waited upon Peter De Lancey, Jr., who had returned from
England in the same vessel with Sir Henry, quaUfied as a stamp-dis
tributor in the place of McEvers, and convinced him of the danger of
serving in that capacity. He accordingly resigned. Hood, the Maryland
refugee, who had been protected by Colden, was known to be at the
country-place of the latter on Long Island. He was visited and com
peUed to resign, and also to make oath of the sincerity of his renunciation
(28th November). Fearing McEvers might resume his former appoint
ment in case the law should be enforced, he was called upon, December 2,
for an actual and perpetual renunciation. The ship Minerva, which was
reported to have brought stamps, was boarded at midnight by a large force,
and, notwithstanding the commander asserted that the obnoxious docu-
' ments had been lodged in the fort, it was searched from stem to stern.
By secret advices from Philadelphia, it was learned that the stamps were
shipped upon a brig, which, appearing soon after, was boarded, and ten
packages found, seized, taken on shore to a convenient place and burned.
At the same time news came that Lewis Pintard, a New York merchant,
had sent to PhUadelphia a bond and a Mediterranean pass on stamped,
paper.'^ The person from whom they had been procured was found, and
compelled to deliver up aU in his possession, which were also set on fire.
Pintard, in order to elude the vengeance of the populace, declared on
oath that be was not aware the documents were stamped at the time he
transmitted them.^
' Waits to Monckton, November 22, 1765.
2 This pass was a written permission from the Algerians to pass the Strait of Gibraltar into
the Mediterranean Sea.
8 Uake's Life of General Lamb. Holt's New York GazetU. Letters of Sons of Liberty in
Philadelphia io tlie New York Committee, February 15, 1766.

732

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

" The Custom-House clear vessels out, certifying there are no distribu
tions of stamp paper," wrote John Watts, " which is UteraUy true, aU of
tbe distributors hav
ing resigned, and no
others to be found
hardy enough to ac
cept ; but in this
port alone, men-of-
war stop the ship
ping, unless a few
vessels that steal out
by night, which sours
tbe inhabitants
gi'eatly, and it 's to be
feared Captain Ken
nedy and they wiU
be at odds soon, if
they are not put
upon a footing with
their neighbors. The
Ul-boding aspect of
things, cramping of
trade, suppression of
paper money, duties,
courts of admiralty, appeals, internal taxes, etc., have rendered people so
poor, cross, and desperate, tbat they don't seem to care who are their
masters, or indeed for any masters."
Presently, however. New York rose in such anger, that although the
city was the headquarters of the army, the naval commander, alarmed
by the prospect of riots, left the road to the ocean once more free, as it
had all the while been from every other harbor in the thirteen colonies.
The Ministry of England were amazed at the turn events were taking
in America ; and the only MiiUstry bent resolutely upon enforcing the
stamp tax had affronted the king and been dismissed from power. The
greatest unanimity pervaded the colonies, widely sundered as they were
from one another ; nothing less than the absolute repeal of the odious law
would be tolerated. They deprecated the necessity of declaring independ
ence, and yet abhorred and rejected unconditional submission ; they re
pelled the name of "republican," as a slander upon their loyalty, and
spurned " passive obedience." Meanwhile divisions confounded the coun
cils of the English nation, aud the mind of the king fluctuated like a

Residence of Hon. John Watts, No. 3 Broadway.

DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT. 733
weather-vane. Eockingham declared that compulsory taxation was the
doctrine of absolute monarchy, not of the British Constitution. The
rightfulness of the Stamp Act was actually in dispute, and sentiment
was about equally divided around the throne. On the 3d of October,
the great statesmen of the realm agreed that the American question was
too weighty for their decision, and that Parliament must be consulted.
The news which came across the water distressed the king. The sur
render of the stamps at New York to the municipal government of the
city, he regarded as " extremely humiUating." " This is undoubtedly the
most serious matter that ever came before Parliament," he said, and was
impatient to receive a minute report of aU that should occur.
There was a succession of stormy debates. Some claimed with great
energy that the repeal of the Stamp Act. would be a surrender of sover
eignty ; that there would be no submission until there was subjection ;
that persons of note and leaming had originated the mischief, and had
poisoned the common people until they were mad and infatuated ; that
New York and Boston would be defenseless against a royal fleet, and,
they being brought under, no other town or place could stand out. " I
hope," exclaimed the excited Bernard, " that New York wiU have the
honor of being subdued first." He considered the metropolis as the
source of the system of politics which pervaded the colonies ; and on
account of its superior rank and greater professions of resistance, as well
as for being headquarters, should be made a shining example.
"If England does not repeal the Stamp Act, we will repeal it our
selves," rang out from America upon the opening of the new year. 1766.
The Sons of Liberty in New York, at their regular meeting on the Jan. 7.
7th of January, resolved, that " there was safety for the colonies only in
firm union of the whole " ; and that they themselves " would go to the
last extremity, and venture their lives and fortunes, effectuaUy to prevent
the Stamp Act."
On the 14th, in the midst of a long ^discussion, Pitt unexpectedly
entered the Chamber of ParUament. He was in feeble health,
1 An A2.-a. 14.
and it had been a long time since he had been there. All eyes
were directed towards the venerable man of sixty, who had said, if he
" could crawl or be carried, he would deUver his mind and heart upon the
state of America." Nugent was just at the moment insisting tbat the
honor and dignity of the kingdom obliged the compulsory execution
of the Stamp Act. When he had finished, Pitt arose in his place ; the
agents from the colonies in the gallery gazed upon hun as if he were their
guardian angel His speech, abounding in strong, bold argument, subtle
sarcasm, and singiUar power, was reported by Moffat of Ehode Island, and

734 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
shortly was within the reach of every reading man in America. A pause
ensued when he ceased, and then Conway arose ; he not only endorsed
the views of Pitt, but believed the latter expressed the sentiments of
nearly all the king's servants, and wished it might be the unanimous
opinion of the House. GrenvUle, who, sitting next but one to Pitt,
had writhed under the lash, came to his feet and spoke warmly in favor
of bis pet scheme. " The seditious spirit of the colonies owes its birth
to the factious spirit in this House," he said with emphasis ; and with
much heat attempted to wipe off" the aspersions cast upou his own con
duct. Several members arose after him, but the House clamored for Pitt,
who seemed to rise. A point of order was decided in his favor, and the
walls resounded with " Go on, go on ! " The assemblage was hushed into
breathless silence ; floods of light poured from his eyes, and his voice
trembled with feeling and passion, as he answered to the charge of having
given birth to sedition in America. " Sorry am I," said he, " to hear the
liberty of speech in this House imputed as a crime. But the imputation
shaU not discourage me. It is a liberty I mean to exercise. No gentleman
ought to be afraid to exercise it. / rejoice that America has resisted."
Tbe whole House started as though hands had been joined and an elec
tric spark had darted through them aU. He repeated the assertion, and
went on to show the impoUcy of all the proceedings of the late Ministry,
adding : —
" Uppn the whole, I will beg leave to tell the House what is really my opinion.
It is that the Stamp Act be repealed, absolutely, totally, and immediately ; that
the reason for the repeal be assigned, because it was founded on an erroneous
principle ; at the same time let the sovereign authority of this country over the
colonies be asserted in as strong terms as can be devised, and be made to extend
to every point of legislation, that we may bind their trade, confine their manu
factures, and exercise every power whatsoever, except that of taking their money
out of their pockets without their consent."
He spoke like a man inspired, and his words swayed events. But the
question of the repeal of the Stamp Act was far from being settled. It
was argued and reargued, and the question of right came up ; only three,
or rather Pitt alone, " debated strenuously the rights of America," against
more than as many hundred. One long winter night wore away, untU
four o'clock in the morning, wheu " the resolution passed for England's
right to do what the treasury pleased with three mUUons of freemen in
America." Thus tbe colonists were henceforward excisable and taxable at
the mercy of Parliament.
The spring days were ou the wing, and yet the Lords of England were

REPEAL OF TIIE STAMP ACT. 735
discussing the Eepeal Bill. Pitt hobbled into the house on crutches,
swathed in flannels, such was his zeal to defend America. He never
spoke without fascinating his audience. Edmund Burke won undying
fame through his friendship for the colonies. The repeal finaUy prevailed.
On the morning of March 18, the king went in state to Westmin
ster, and gave his assent, among other bills, to what he ever after ''^*^*'
regarded as the wellspring of all his sorrows, "the fatal repeal of the
Stamp Act." He returned amid the shouts and huzzas of the applauding
multitude. There was a public dinner of the friends of America in honor
of the event ; Bow bells were set ringing, and on the Thames the ships
displayed their colors. At night a bonfire was kindled and houses iUu
minated in many parts of the city.
In the general joy the fact was unnoticed that the king had affixed his
seal to the Mutiny Bill, with the objectionable American clauses of tbe
last year ; and also to the Act declaratory of the supreme power of Parlia-
.ment over America in all cases whatsoever.
Swift vessels hurried across the Atlantic with the tidings. On the
20th of May, the news was announced in New York, and the city May 29.
" ran mad " with gladness. On the 4th of June, the anniversary June 4.
of the birth of the king, an ox was roasted in the Fields (City Hall Park),
twenty-five barrels of strong beer were provided, and a hogshead of rum, with
the necessary ingTedients for making it into punch. A pole was erected,
at the top of which were suspended twenty-five tar-barrels ; twenty-five
cannon were ranged near by, and, amid the thunder of artillery, and the
music of the band playing " God save the King," the standard of England
was displayed, greeted by deafening shouts. The jubilee was attended by
Sir Henry Moore, by the gentlemen of the council, by the mayor and
aldermen of the city, and by the mUitary officers then in New York.
Such was the gratitude and good feeUng, that at a large gathering short
ly after, at the coffee-house, it was resolved to petition the As-
-r>. -r 1 ^ 1 1 i J'^« 23.
sembly to cause a statue to be erected to Pitt. John Cruger brought
the matter before the House, and it was received with favor. Money was
appropriated : but provision was first made for the erection of an eques
trian statue of King George III. in bronze, because of his benignity and
condescension ' ; the one of Pitt to be in brass.
It was not long, however, before the chains which had been concealed
in the concessions of Great Britain began to show themselves. Sir Henry
communicated to the Assembly that he was instructed to enforce the Mu
tiny Act, which required America to furnish free quarters for the king's
1 The statue of George III. (by 'VVilton, the celebrated statuary of London) was erected on
the Bowling Green in 1770 ; that of Hon. William Pitt (by the same artist) in Wall Street;
during the same year, in marble, however, instead of brass.

736 HISTORY OF THE OITY OF NEW YORK.
troops. This was, in theory, worse than the Stamp Act. It threw the
burden upon the colony which chanced to be the headquarters of the army.
New York was that colony, and was in the dilemma of submitting imme
diately and unconditionally to the authority of Parliament or taking the '
lead in a new career of resistance. The Assembly responded with a lim
ited Supply Bill, wbich displeased the governor, and "which the king re
fused to receive.
Tbe soldiers in the baiTacks partook of the spirit of their officers, and
were excessively insolent over the triumph of the citizens. On
' the 10th of August they cut down the liberty-pole which had been
peaceably erected in June. The next evening a large number of persons
assembled to reinstate it. The soldiers hovered about, interrupted pro
ceedings, and finally assaulted the unarmed people with drawn bayonets ;
the latter retreated, but several were wounded, among whom were Isaac
Sears and John Berrien. A complaint was entered, and the case tried
before Mayor Cruger The British officers refused to reprimand their
men, but the flagstaff was again erected, -without molestation, the mili
tary being restrained, as was supposed, by order of the governor. It stood
until the 23d of September, when it was again prostrated. Two
*' ¦ ' days after, the people met and re-erected it. The soldiers did not
interfere ; but they vented their ill-nature in so many irritating ways that
the Billeting Act never found favor in New York.
The Assembly had been prorogued to the 7th of October, and after
wards to the 6th of November. On tbe 17th, Governor Moore
Nov. 17 ' communicated the king's veto of the Umited Supply BUl, also the
instructions of Lord Shelburne, who emphatically declared that his royal
master expected and required obedience to the Acts of the Legislature of
Great Britain. It was four weeks before the House replied ; and then
the tone of its message was very aggravating to the royal govern-
' ment. It had exercised its own discretion, and contributed to the
supply of two battalions and one company of artillery, refusing to be
" guilty of a breach of trust," by imposing heavier burdens than the peo
ple could support.' It met the declaration of the supreme power of
Parliament by " the principle of the supreme power of the people in all
cases whatsoever."
Spring brought fresh disturbances to the metropolis. The anniver-
1767. sary of the repeal of the Stamp Act was celebrated with enthusi-
March 18. asm. As the soldiers could not endure the sight of processions in
which they had no part, they stole out at night and cut down the liberty-
1 Address of the Assembly to Govemor Moore, William Nicoll, speaker, delivered Decem
ber 18, 1766. Holt's New York Gazette, 1S51, December 24, 1766.

NEW YORK DENOUNCED AS REBELLIOUS. 131
pole. The next day the people assembled and erected another, secured
with iron bands. No sooner was the city asleep, than the soldiers made
an attempt to feU it without success. On the night of the 20th
they tried to blow it up with gunpowder, but faUed. The citizens
resolved to guard the pole on the uight of the 21st, and when the March 21.
soldiers appeared they drove them back. On the night of the 22d March 22.
the soldiers came out with loaded muskets, and, when near the pole, faced
about and fired a volley towards the house where the Sons of Liberty held
their meetings. Two balls took effect in the building ; one passed through
it, and another lodged in the timbers. This daring outrage brought out
the commander of the forces, who ordered the soldiers to retire.
George III. and his Lords denounced New York as "rebeUious." Amer
ica was the theme in all companies, social and political. The freedom of
the New York press, the action of the New York Assembly, the defiant
attitude of the Sons of Liberty, and the petition of the New York mer
chants, provoked universal apprehension. The latter (just received) was
temperate in expression, but it emmierated some of the useless grievances
of the Acts of Trade, and prayed for the free exportation of lumber, and
an easier exchange of products with the West Indies. It was read by
one and another, and interpreted as fresh evidence that nothing would
give satisfaction to the colonies but a repeal of all restrictions on trade,
and freedom from all subordination and dependence. The king talked
more than ever. He was obhvious to every consideration of wisdom and
expediency. He told Shelburne that the time had come wben the laws
must be enforced. But Parliament was in a desperate confiict within it
self Eockingham declared that neither he nor his friends would join in
anything severe against America. Pitt was in the country, broken in
health, and his eclipse encouraged the wonderful and volatile Townshend,
whose ruling passion was present success, to devise schemes of personal
ambition. He could never resist applause, and was sure to pay the great
est court wherever political appearances were the most inviting. He dic
tated to the Ministry. His brilliant oratory took inspiration from pass
ing events. " Are we to pay infinite taxes and the colonies none ? " he
asked. " Are we to be burdened that they may be eased ? "
News came that Massachusetts through her Legislature had given a
formal defiance to Parliament, and was lending her influence to March 28.
sustain New York in resisting the BiUeting Act. On the 30th, March 30.
the Lords wearied themselves aU day in scolding at the colonies with in
discriminate bitterness; and the next day, and the next. It was pro
posed by some to make New York an example that might terrify all the
others. " If we do not act with vigor," cried Townshend, " the colonies
will very soon be hjst forever."

738 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Plan after plan was discussed. Day after day wore away." On the
13th of May, Townshend entered the House of Commons with the
air of a man of business. By special order the doors were closed
against every agent of the colonies and every American merchant. He
opened the debate with an appearance of candor; the colonies had aU
been refractory, but New York had added impudence. He proposed to
proceed against New York, and New York alone. He moved that New
York, having directly disobeyed Parliament, should be deprived of the
power of legislation untU submission was secured.
Taking advantage of the anarchy in the Ministry, he perfected a bUl,
and, in the course of a few weeks, pushed it through both Houses, by
which New York was disfranchised. At the same time he introduced a new
system of taxation, which stung the colonies into rash words and rasher
proceedings. Duties were tacked upon articles of the first necessity, a
Board of Customs established in Boston, Writs of Assistance legaUzed,
some of the colonial charters abrogated because the people enjoyed too
much freedom under them, an independent support provided for the
crown officers, and places henceforward to be fiUed by men born in Eng-
Imd, who were wiUing to exact implicit obedience from the Americans.
The New York Assembly, foreseeing the storm, and without recog
nizing the binding force of the British statute, conformed so far to its
provisions as to appropriate a sum of money for the use of the army,
without specifications, and then continued in the exercise of its powers
as if nothing had happened. This partial concession created violent
divisions, the governor esteeming it a politic dodge, and the radical Sons
of Liberty determining to resist unto the bitter end ; when, therefore, the
Assembly was dissolved (its septennial hmitation having expired) in
1768. February, 1768, a hotly contested election followed. The city
Feb. u. members chosen were, James Jauncey, PhUip Livingston, Jacob
Walton, and James De Lancey. The latter was at the time in England.
Just as the news of Townshend's high-handed measures was driving
the merchants of this continent into non-importation agreements more
binding than ever, and the Sons of Liberty into secret and starthng
pledges, the author himself fell a victim to fever, aud closed his eyes
upon the confusion he had created on both sides of the water, leaving to
his successors the fatal bequest of errors which could never be retrieved.
Boston suffered the more keenly, and threatened the more loudly. The
ladies organized an association to relinquish tea, and the whole commu
nity voted to forbear the use of any of the taxable articles. But months
elapsed before a ship arrived laden with goods that were dutiable. The
Ministry was undergoing a revolution. And by the- time matters were

FOUNDING OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 739
comparatively settled at the Court of George IIL, an "insurrection" in
Boston was represented as so imminent that troops were sent to pre
serve order and assist the officers of the revenue.
The merchants of New York met and resolved to sustain the action of
the merchants and inhabitants of Boston. Governor Moore thought
such proceedings had an evil tendency, but his counselors held that they
were strictly legal : the people had undoubtedly a right to establish
among themselves certain rules of economy ; being masters of their own
property, they might dispose of it as they pleased.'
It was during this exciting period that a few of the leading merchants
of New York met and organized the Chamber of Commerce, the
first mercantUe society in America. John Cruger was chosen '*'''"^ ^'
President, Hugh Wallace,^ Vice-President, Elias Deshrosses, Treasurer,^
and Anthony Van Dam, Secretary. In 1770, the permanent existence of
this institution was secured through a charter from the crowu. Isaac
Low* made the motion (December 5, 1769) which resulted in its incor
poration. He was an importer wbo for a long period seems to have had
a monopoly of the fur trade with the Indians, and an able and infiuential
citizen. The committee of merchants who, accompanied by the Presi
dent, John Cruger, waited upon Lieutenant-Governor Colden with the
carefully prepared draft of a charter and a petition to be invested with
such powers and authorities as would best promote the commercial and
1 Mom-e to Hillsborough, May 12, 1768. Bancroft, VI. 150.
^ Hugh and Alexander Wallace, brothers, were merchants of wealth and position. They
married sisters, the daughters of Cornelius Low of Raritan, New Jersey. Hugh, the elder,
was chosen President of the Chamber of Commerce after Mr. Cmger's retirement in 1770.
He was also appointed to the Council. His mansion upon Dock Street was the resort of the
great dignitaries of the province, and his raanner of life was costly and elegant. He remained
in New York during the Revolution, and retired to England with the army in 1783.
' The Deshrosses family were of Huguenot extraction. Elias Deshrosses was a religious
man, and prominent in every charitable enterprise. But he does not seem to have taken
part in the angry scenes of the period. He remained in the city during the Revolution,
untroubled by the armies on either side, and was veiy much loved and respected by the
community. He was the third President of the Chamber of Commerce. His name is i)er-
petuated by the street and ferry upon the west side of the city.
* The Lows were a family who had had their representatives in New York for more than a
century. Cornelius Low, the son of Cornelius Low, was bom in New York City in 1700, and
married, in 1729, Johanna Gouverneur. Isaac Low was their son, born, in 1731, at Raritan,
New Jersey. (It was his sisters who married the brothers Hugh and Alexander Wallace.)
He married the daughter of Cornelius Cuyler, Mayor of Albany, the niece and companion
of Mrs. Schuyler; she was pronounced "a beauty" by the critical John Adams ivhen he
breakfasted with them in their elegant home on Dock Street in 1774. The sister of Mrs.
Isaac Low was Mrs. Van Cortiandt, of Cortlandt Manor. Isaac Low was the seventh Presi
dent of the Chamber of Commerce, from 1775 to 1783.

740 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
landed interests of the colony,' were : Isaac Low, WiUiam Walton, John
Alsop,^ Charles McEvers, William McAdam, Sampson Simpson, Thomas
Buchanan,^ Eichard Sharpe, and John Thurman. This notable incident,
which had such a bearing upon the future prosperity of New York,
occurred early in the foUowing March. Colden received the delegation
graciously, and replied : —
" I think it a good institution, and wiU always be glad to promote the
commercial interests of this city ; and shaU deem it a pecuUar happiness
1 Chamber of Commerce Records, 1768-1784, pp. 73, 77, 79, 89-97.
"^ John Alsop Was the elder son of John Alsop and Abigail Sackett, and grandson of Richard
Alsop, who came from England near the close of the seventeenth century, and settled in New
town, Long Island. He was an importing merchant, and had accumulated a handsome for
tune. His brother Richard, who was at one time his partner, but who afterwards removed to
Middletown, Connecticut, was trained to business in the counting-house of PhUip Livingston.
He (John Alsop) took an active part in the patriotic measures of the merchants ; was in 1770
one of the Committee of Inspection to enforce the non-importation agreements ; was in 1774
one of the Committee of Fifty-One chosen to unite the colonies in measures of resistance,
and the same year was chosen delegate to the first Continental Congress. He was one of
the Committee of One Hundred, and elected to the Congress of 1775. He resigned his seat
on the Declaration of Independence, and retired with his family to Middletown, Connecticut.
He retumed to New York after the war, and was an active and useful member of society until
his death in 1794. His only child married Hon. Rufus King. Among his distinguished
descendants may be mentioned the Hon. John Alsop King, formerly Govemor of the State
of New York ; Hon. Charles King, LL. D. , late President of Columbia College ; and Hon.
James Gore King (the banker), who was President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1846
and 1848. The name of Alsop is honorably sustained by the descendants of his brother,
Richard Alsop.
' Thomas Buchanan was of the ancient and distinguished family of Buchanan of Buchanan,
a clan which held a prominent place in the annals of Scotland. His father, George Buchanan,
was a gentleman of fortune, liberally educated, and his mother, Jean Lowden, was a lady of
gentle birth. Their home was in Glasgow. Thomas was educated at the University of Glas
gow, but came to New York before he had completed his nineteenth year. Tradition says
that although he became a partner with one of his relatives of the same name in a mercantile
house engaged in a foreign and domestic trade of considerable magnitude, that he had no
intention of becoming a permanent resident of New York, until he fell in love with Almy,
daughter of Jacob Townsend, of Oyster Bay, Long Island, a lady of great personal attractions;
in 1765 they were married. The family of his wife were closely identified with the cause
of the colonies, but as he was not American boni he was enabled to pursue an independent
course in the struggle, and retained the esteem of both the Americans and the British. He
was one of the famous Committee of One Hundred chosen to take control of the city in 1775 ;
and he was one of the signers of the loyal address to Lord and General Howe in September,
1776. He built a dwelling-house on Wall Street on the site of the present Custom House, and
its grounds extended to Sloat Lane, where his warehouse was located ; he lived here untU his
death, in 1815. He was a promoter of public institutions and ehaiities, and filled many
offices of responsibility and commercial tnist. He was buried in his family vault in the
Wall Street Presbyterian Church. He left eight children : of these, Almy married Peter P.
Goelet ; Margaret married Robert R. Goelet ; Martha married Thomas Hicks, son of White
head Hicks, Mayor of New York ; Elizabeth married Samuel Gilford ; Frances mairied
Thomas C. Pearsall. Mr. Buchanan's only son died unmarried.

. , ^, , , ,. „.  ;„„,7,, nnd replied - '1 thinTo ii a good institution, and will always, be glad to promote the oommeraial interest.^
'''°'lT*M:r. fnr;.a1~irr;.tzL^^ - .-a.o.....o the. general g,od of ihe province is incorporated during
my administration ' " S'a'ge 7^0

GOUVERNEUR MORRIS. lAl
that a society so beneficial to the general good of the province is incor
porated during my administration."
Twelve months afterward a committee of merchants waited upon the
lieutenant-governor to request him to sit for his picture at the expeuse of
the Chamber, which, when painted, should be hung in the great haU of
the institution, in grateful appreciation of the advantages conferred by
the royal charter. The work was duly accompUshed, — a Ufe-size por
trait, — which, after many vicissitudes, having escaped perUs by sword
and by fire, now graces in all the dignity of its centennial years the
honorable place to which it was originaUy destined.
And the citizens of New York fouud time, in the midst of agitations
and revolutionary gossip, to concentrate interest upon a coUege com
mencement. The public exercises of the spring of 1768 drew together an
unusually large, intelligent, and fashionable audience. The graduates on
this occasion were Benjamin Moore, afterwards Bishop Moore; John
Stevens, Gouverneur Morris, whose oration won great applause, Gulian
Verplanck, Egbert Benson, James Ludlow, Peter Van Schaick, Charles
Doughty, and John Beardsley. They were aU distinguished men at a
later day. Benjamin Moore and Gouverneur Morris were presented with
silver medals. The latter possessed an inordinate amount of self-confi
dence for one of his age (he was born in 1752), and shortly began to
write anonymous papers on the grave questions of finance and taxa
tion. He studied law under the careful direction of WilUam Smith, the
historian, and was admitted to practice before he was twenty years
old. *He developed the traits of character so marked in his ancestry,
— energy, persistence, and independent fearlessness, — but, unhke his
father and grandfather, he commenced his career without fortune, know
ing that his future success depended upon his own efforts ; a legacy of
two thousand pounds, to be paid after his mother's death, was aU he
had to expect from his father's estate. He had the advantage of the
family name, as well as that of a fair, pleasing face and a fine voice,
and was remarkably industrious. One of the early important causes in
which he was engaged was that of a contested election in Westchester
County, where John Jay was his opponent. It involved principles of
evidence, questions about the right of suffrage, and matters local and
general, which gave scope for the display of no Uttle legal learning and
forensic ability.
The new year opened gloomily. Although England was afraid to
strike, every effort was being made to intimidate the colonies. ^
Boston was in disgrace; that is, soldiers paraded her streets
whUe as yet nothing was given them to do. Boston had not rebeUed

742

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

neither was Boston subdued by the military display. TUe first attempt
to enforce the taxes would tell tbe story, and even Lord North hesitated.

the governor wns not

' New York continued to send mes-
pathy to Boston ; and the New York
pleted the expression of American
unanimously asserting its legislative
very sorry," wrote the govemor to
"to inform you that I have been
cessity of putting an end to the late
a dissolution ; my duty would not
pass over unregarded the extraor-
it had entered upon its jour-
action ported by his
tbe eight mem-
directly op-
Thenewelec-
intense excite-
means and de-
to secure voto«
Sir William
friend in Ne w
you are likely
time at the
probably there
for shillalabs."

sages of sym-
Assemblycom- opiuion, by
rights. "I am
Hillsborough,under tbe ne-
Assembly by
permit me to
dinary resolves
nals."' In this
cordiaUy sup-
Council, — of
bers four stood
posed. tion occasioned
ment. Every
vice was used
" I hear," wrote
Johnson, to a
York, "that
to have a hot
polls, and
will be work
St. Paul's Chapel.
Some of the incidents show how trifles were turned to advantage on
this occasion ; it was reported that a certain gentleman had said that
" the Irish were poor beggars, and had come over upon a bunch of straw."
The whole body of Irishmen immediately joined and appeared with
straws in their hats. Another person was said to have remarked tbat
" the Germans were like firebrands." They at once resolved to vote with
firebrands in their hands. Being dissuaded, they distinguished them
selves bythe name of Firebrands. This was the last Assembly ever
elected under the crown. The contest in the city was between the
Church of England party and tbe Presbyterians, — the former being led by
the De Lanceys and the latter by the Livingstons with almost as much
acrinfony as ten years previously. The church party, having the support
of the mercantile and masonic inferests, were triumpUant. Tbe city
members were, John Cruger, James De Lancey, Jacob Walton, and
1 Moore to Hillsborough, January 4, 1769.

REPEALS. 743
James Jauncey. " James De Lancey takes the lead," wrote John Watts,
" and must continue to do so as long as he manages with common wisdom,
his father's memory is so much revered." The House met April
4, and John Cruger was chosen speaker. On motion of Philip *"" *'
Livingston, a vote of thanks was returned to the inerchants, for their
repeated, disinterested, public-spirited, and patriotic conduct in declining
the importation of goods from Great Britain untU such acts of Parliament,
as the General Assembly of New York had declared unconstitu
tional and subversive of the rights and liberties of the people of '"^
this colony, should be repealed.' And it is more than probable that the
resolves which caused the dissolution of the former Assembly would have
been emphatically renewed, but that Philip Living,ston was dismissed,
after violent debates, on the ground of non-residence, he having been
elected from the manor when his home was in the city.
"The Livingstons are not entirely crushed," wrote Hugh WaUace,
" for it is said that he wUl be returned again and again, and so become
another Wilkes." Judge Eobert E. Livingston lost his seat as a member,
because of a new law which rendered the office of judge and representa
tive incompatible. Governor Moore regretted this exceedingly, as he
entertained a high opinion of the judicial gentleman. He wrote at once
to the Lords, recommending him as counselor in the place of Lord Stir
ling, who had resigned on account of his New Jersey estates, and his con
nection with the New Jersey Council. He described Judge Livingston as
a man of great ability and many accompUshments. He said, " his father
(who is very far advanced in years) is possessed of a great landed estate,
which wUl come to him undivided, as he is an only son, and he is married
to the richest heiress in this country, whose father. Colonel Henry Beek
man, is likewise very old and infirm ; so in all human probabUity he
must shortly become the greatest landholder, without any exception, in
New York."
As the summer advanced, the EngUsh Lords, palsied by indecision,
began to discuss repeals. They finally agreed that the duties on glass,
paper, and painters' colors were contrary to the true principles of com
merce. But the tax on tea must be maintained as an evidence of lordly
superiority. The New York merchants, who had originated non-impor
tation, and carried it rigidly into effect, which was not true of any other
colony, invited Boston to extend the agreement against importing until
emery Act imposing duties should be repealed.
Meanwhile the effects of the Non-Importation Acts were alarming in
savage New York. The scarcity of goods at the trading-posts led the Six
1 Journals of the Assembly ; Chamber of Commerce Records.

744 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Nations, who could not comprehend the policy through which these acts
were dictated, to imagine that the king and colonists had conspired to re
strict their trade. Sir WiUiam Johnson caUed a congress of sachems, but
no Indian goods suitable for presents coidd be found. One large package
designed especially for this purpose, and consigned to a merchant in Al
bany, was seized in New York on its way to the consignee, by the Sons of
Liberty, who were carrying out the non-importation agreement vsdth com
mendable vigor. It nearly produced the complication which would have
ended in another bloody Indian war.
The imports of New York had fallen off' more than five parts in six.
The merchants were becoming impatient of a system of voluntary renun
ciation which was so unequaUy kept ; the belief was common that if the
other colonies had adhered to it as strictly, all the grievances would have
been redressed. The policy of importing all goods except tea, was broached,
and met witl> favor. It was violently opposed by Sears, MacDougaU,
Lamb, and others of the radical popular party ; but men went from ward
to ward to take the opinions of the people, and it was found that eleven
hundred and eighty, against three hundred, were disposed to confine the
restriction to tea alone. The Sons of Liberty throughout the colonies raised
a howl of disapprobation. Patriotism, tbey said, was on the decUne. But
the New York merchants argued from a broader standpoint than has
been generally supposed. They had originated and alone sacredly en
forced the non-importation agreement, and it was reacting dangerously
upon the savage population. Concessions had been made by the mother
country, however inadequate, and circumstances justified the taking
advantage of those concessions. Before the middle of July, 1770, a
packet sailed Tor Englaud with orders for all kinds of merchandise except
Te.\. Prior to this important event, the sudden death of Sir Henry Moore,
(September 11, 1769), after an illness of three weeks, threw the reins
of government once more into the hands of the aged Lieutenant-Governor
Colden. The indolence, courteous address, and genial disposition of Moore,
had secured the cordial good-will of even his bitterest political opponents,
but the most trifling acts of Colden were liable to misconstruction througb
his previous unpopularity.
The latter met the Assembly in November, demanding a further sub
sidy for the troops. There was no immediate response. The House had
persistently refused to pay for the burnt chariot, and other losses sustained
by Colden in the time of the Stamp Act riot. But the want of pro
nounced relief in the shape of currency had for a long time been gravely
discussed. A bUI was shortly introduced for the emission of biUs of

EMISSION OF BILLS OF CREDIT.

14:b

Dec. 15.

credit to the amount of one hundred and twenty thousand pounds, to be
loaned to the people, and the interest applied to the support of the gov
ernment. And on the 15th of December a motion was made to
grant two thousand pounds of the interest arising from the loan
bUl, when it should become a law, towards the support of the troops, which
turned the scale and induced Colden to approve the questionable biU,
even at the risk of Parliamentary displeasure.
The next day an inflammatory handbill threw New York into confu
sion. It was addressed " To the Betrayed inhabitants of the city Dec. 16.
and colony of New York," and was signed " A Son of Liberty." It
warned the people against this " subtle attack upon their liberties," and
declared it a corrupt and infamous combination between a powerful fam
Uy (referring to the De Lanceys) and the lieutenant-governor, to compel
submission to the Mutiny Act ; and concluded by caUing a popular
meeting in the Fields. The next day a large multitude assembled.
John Lamb explained the object of the meeting in a spirited ad
dress, and put tiie question whether " the people would approve the do
ings of the Legislature." The vote for disapproval appeared unanimous,
and Lamb was appointed chairman of a committee of seven, to report the
same to the House. They were received courteously, but the
Legislature did not esteem it worth whUe to be dictated to by a
meeting which partook so apparently of the character of a mob. Eesolu
tions were immediately passed, condemning the handbill as a sedi- ^^^ ^^
tious and infamous libel, and £ 100 was offered for the detection of
the writer. Following these resolutions, appeared a second handbiU signed

Dec. 18.

"Legion,"
mitted to the
James De Lan-
demned, like
sors, and £50
author. Lamb
to the Assem-
der suspicion,
ed. The com-
ever, of which

Xhbee Pouhus.
-ftr a-% SiTBiC of Bib Colony of
¦JirsW-r01iK,MsBiu. Mlbe'
Teeeived.JN AI.t ;EAyHHHTS in the
^Ta!/iiry,Jar'(m^3tm'»S. m.Li

25e?^

^[gjlga^ b>.a)uiiterf«it.

which was sub-
House by
eey. It was con-
its predeces-
offered for its
was summoned
bly rooms, uu
and interrogat-
mittee, how-
he was chair-

Specimen of Bills.
man, signified that each and aU were implicated to the same extent as
Lamb, and he was .dismissed. The passage of the bUl was, in sub- 1770.
stance, the germ of bank legislation. These bUls of credit were ^^- *¦
made legal tender in all dues to the government, and possessed the essen
tial character of the treasury notes of the present day. They were issiied
by officers appointed by the governor and councU. It was supposed they
would lighten the burden of taxation by funishing a circulating medium.

746 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The soldiers had long writhed under the contempt with which they
had been treated by the Sons of Liberty, and only waited for an opportu
nity to return scorn with interest. Now that supplies were granted, the
officers ceased to restrain them through policy, as hitherto. Hence an at
tack was planned upon the detested Uberty-pole. A portion of the
Sixteenth Eegiment came out in the night, bored off its supporters,
and attempted to blow it up with gunpowder. A knot of men having
gathered while they were thus engaged, they were charged upon with fixed
bayonets, and driven into a tavern kept by La Montagne, the well-known
rendezvous of the Sons of Liberty. They attempted to defend themselves,
but tbe soldiers broke the windows and doors and demoUshed the furni
ture. FinaUy, an officer appeared and ordered the soldiers to the
¦ barr3,cks. Three nights afterward the destruction of the pole was
accompUshed, and its fragments pUed in front of La Montague's door.
Incensed beyond endurance, three thousand citizens assembled next
morning at the scene of the outrage. Eesolutions were adopted,
' among which was one to the effect that all soldiers found armed
in the streets after roU-caU, should be treated as " enemies to the peace
of the city." A committee of the Sons of Liberty were appointed to en
force the Eesolutions. The next morning insolent placards were
" found posted in various parts of the city, ridiculing the action of
the citizens. Later in the day, Sears and one or two others caught three
soldiers in the act of posting more of these handbUls, and collared and
marched them towards the mayor's office. Tbey were met by a band of
some twenty soldiers, who attempted to rescue their fellows. An affray
ensued, the soldiers striking the citizens indiscriminately with cutlasses
and clubs, and they defending themselves as best they could, with canes,
cart-stakes, and such weapons as lay within their reach. The latter gain
ing advantage, the mihtary retreated towards Golden Hill;' at this.
point they were met by a reinforcement, and about to make a furious
charge upon the citizens, when officers appeared and ordered the men to
the barracks. Thus the riot was queUed. But several persons had been
Jan 19 ^°^'"i^d ^"d one killed. The next day there was a skirmish both
morning and afternoon.^ The city was thrown into the wUdest
commotion, the bells rang, and the news, with exaggerations and embel-
1 That portion of John Street between Cliff Street and Burling SUp. This was c&,Iled the
" Battle of Golden HiU. " Thus was the first blood of the Revolution shed in New York, two
months before the massacre in King's Street, Boston, and five years before the Battle of
Lexington. ^ " On Saturday there was another battle between the inhabitants and soldiers ; but the
soldiers met with rubbers, the chiefest part being sailors with clubs who were determined to

ALEXANDER MACDOUGAL. lAl
Ushments, spread through the country with the swiftness of lightning.
On the 20th the mayor issued a proclamation forbidding the
soldiers to leave the barracks unless accompanied by a non- ^"^^ ^-
commissioned officer, and order was once more restored. The newspapers
loudly celebrated the victory; and the Sons of Liberty bought a
piece of land on the western border of the commons, and erected
another pole, with " Liberty and Property " inscribed thereon.' ^'^' ^^
About the same time MacDougal was an-ested, on the accusation ofthe
prmter and his journeyman, as the author of the libelous handbiUs in
December. "He is a person of some fortune, and could easily
have found the baU required of him," wrote Colden to the Earl of ^'''' ''
HiUsborough, "but he chose to go to jail, and he Ues there imitating
Wilkes in everything he can." He was at once toasted as a martyr, and
was visited by such throngs in his prison that he was obliged to appoint
hours for their reception. His case bore sufficient analogy to the WUkes-
and-liberty madness which had so recently raged in England as to cause
" Forty-five " to be adopted as the watchword and countersign of the
popular party. The Sons of Liberty drank forty-five toasts at a
dinner given in honor of the Eepeal Act, and afterwards marched ^^''"''^'•
in procession to the jail, and saluted MacDougal with forty-five cheers.
On the forty-fifth day of the year, forty-five of the Liberty boys went in
procession to the jaU, and dined with him on forty-five beefsteaks cut
from a bullock forty-five months old, after which they drank forty-five
toasts. Such was the spirit of the times.
MacDougal was indicted by the grand jury for having published a
libel against the govemment. He was not arraigned before the Assembly
until December. He was defended by George Clinton, afterwards gov
ernor, and a writ of habeas corpus issued. But although the indictment
was not tried, the main witness for the prosecution (Parker) dying about
that time, MacDougal was not hberated from his confinement untU the
4th of March, 1771, when the Assembly was prorogued.*
revenge the death of their brother, which they did -with courage, and made the soldiers aU
run to their baiTaoks. One man got his skuU cut in the most cruel manner. 'What ¦wiU be
the end ofthis God knows." — Extract from Letter from New York, January 22, 1770, in the
British Evening Post, March 15, 1770.
^ This polo was near the site of the old one, opposite the present 252 Broadway, between
Wari'en and Murray Streets.
^ Major-General Alexander MacDougal was, in March, 1 775, a member of the provincial con
vention ; he received the same year a commission as colonel of the first New York regiment.
In 1776 he rose to the rank of brigadier-general ; in 1777, to major-general ; and in 1778,
superseded Putnam in command of the Highlands. After the flight of Arnold he was placed
in charge of West Point. With the return of peace he was elected to the Legislature of the
He was also president of the Bank of New York at the time of his death, in June, 1786.

748 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER XXX.
1770-1775.
THB BEGINNING OP THE GREAT STRUGGLE.
Condition of New York in 1770. — Divisions among the People. — The Livingston
AND De Lancet Families. — RELieiotrs and State Matters. — The Churches or
New York in 1770. — The Pastors. — Resentment of Boston when New York re
sumed Commercial Intercourse with England. — Reply of the New York Mer
chants. — Two Years' Tranquillity. — The Earl of Dunmore. — Sir William
Tryon. — The Court End of the Town. — Brief All^usion to the Location of
the Dwellings of some of the Leading Families of the City. — A Glimpse of
the Sugar-Houses. — Distress of the East India Company. — Act of Parliament
TO FORCE THE COLONIES TO BUY TeA. — ThE BoSTON TeA PaRTY. — ThE NeW YoHK
Tea Meeting. — New York sending back the Tea Vessels. — The Boston Port
Bill. — Sympathy of the Colonies. — The Committee of Fifty-one. — New York
proposes a Continental Congress. — Yarious Exciting Events. — The Delegates
to the Continental Congress. — Action of the Continental Congress of 1774. —
The New York Committee op Observation. — Provision for the Immortal Con
gress ¦which declared the Independence of America.
"1VTEW YOEK at this period, like England herself, was afflicted with
1 \l excess of aristocracy. The same pride and arrogance which ruled
in the palace, and which tinged the whole admiiustration of Great Britain,
were stamped upon the central colony, and biased the judgments of the
very men who professed the most liberal notions. New York was a nest
of famUies. Nearly aU who figured in the councUs of the colony were
related to each other by blood or marriage. Feuds were tbeir inheritance,
having been handed along from generation to generation. Thus the forces
which constitute antagonisms were strikingly developed. Private quar
rels burned fiercely just beneath the surface of politics, and innumer
able theories evolved from the varying conditions and wants of a grow
ing commumty fanned the flames. The idea o{ right prevaUed. It was
the life-giving principle which was to result in a durable constitution.
But (ionflicting opinions distorted the idea. Some clung to the bequests
of the past with obstinate tenacity ; others clamored for reform. There
were fanatics for conservatism, and fanatics for ideal freedom. Men of

RELIGIOUS AND STATE MATTERS. 749
property were dismayed with the aspirations of ignorance and incapacity ;
and the tradesmen and mechaiucs suspected the wealthier class of enmity
to popular power. The merchants were not in sympathy with either;
they were the chief sufferers through the pretensions of England, and were
suspicious of all who were in a position to be won by the distributions of
contracts or commissions, and at the same time were afraid of the rash
ness of the multitude which might plunge them at any moment into the
miseries of a desperate conflict. The aristocracy which the system of
manorial grants had created was divided against itself. The two great
leading families, Livingston and De Lancey, were, if possible, more widely
separated than ever. " The Livingstons inclined to republicanism in any
event. The De Lanceys pinned their faith to kingly power.
Eeligious and state matters were closely aUied. The Episcopal was
arrayed against the Presbyterian Church, and the Dutch-Eeformed was
jealous of the Congregational ; both the Episcopal and the Dutch-Eeformed
were alarmed by the leveUng cloud which seemed to hang low above
their heads. New York, as we, have seen, was far from being English,
although under England's rule. Its people were a union of different races.
Neither had events of the past few years tended towards an increase of
respect for English institutions. Now it was predicted that George III.
would shortly place a prelate over every colony. The dread of absolute
power in a spiritual order was nearly as great as in 1689. Hence the
violent opposition to the Church of England which the officers of the
government pronounced "an effort to excite tumult and anarchy." Of
the various churches of the city at this point in our history a few brief
descriptive passages wiU no doubt prove acceptable to the reader.
Trinity, the parish church of the Episcopahans, had, as a collegiate
charge, St. George's and St. Paul's ChapeL The latter was new (having
been erected in 1767'). It was a costly structure of reddish-gray sand
stone, ornamented and finished in the most elaborate manner. The gal
leries were supported by massive piUars, and two great square pews
about midway upon either side of the edifice were speciaUy designed
for the dignitaries of state. The exceUent Eev. Dr. Barclay finished
his labors in 1764, since which time Eev. Dr. Samuel Auchmuty had
been rector of the church. He was the son of Eobert Auchmuty, an
eminent Boston lawyer, who descended from an ancient Scotch baronial
family .2 The assistant rector was Eev. Charles IngUs, afterwards Bishop
of Nova Scotia.
1 See sketch of St. Paul's Chapel, page 740.
2 Robert;, the brother of Rev. Dr. Samuel Auchmuty, was the famous and witty Boston
advocate, who, with Adams and Quincy, defended Captain Preston and the British soldiers

760

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

The North Dutch, the fourth in the succession of Dutch churches, was
first opened for worship May 25, 1769, and was the rival in architectural
pretensions of St. Paul's ChapeL It was located on Fulton (Fair) Street,
then quite out of town.' The Eev. Dr. John Hemy Livingston was called to
the pulpit the next year.
He was young, scarcely
twenty-six years of age, of
singular personal beauty,
tall, athletic, and a pro
ficient iu manly exercises.
He had been graduated
from Yale at sixteen, after
a rigorous examination
not only in the classics,
but astronomy, mathe
matics, and jurisprudence ;
and he bad traveled over
Europe, studied theology
in Utrecht, Holland, and
been ordained by tbe
Classis of Amsterdam. He
was the great-grandson of
Eobert Livingston, the
first lord of the manor,
his grandfather being GU
bert, and his father Henry
Livingston. He married
(in 1775) his third cous
in, Sarah, the beautiful
daughter of Philip Livingston of New York City.^ His gifts were of a
high order, and his infiuence was soon to be felt in the evolutions of the
political wheel His distinguished associate, Eev. Dr. Laidlie of the

North Dutch Church.
(On Fulton Street.)

engaged in the Boston massacre ; he was Judge of Admiralty from 1767 to 1776. Their sister
married Benjamin Pratt of New York. One of the sons of Rev. Dr. Samuel Auchmuty (Sir
Samuel Auchmuty) became a general in the British army and was subsequently knighted ; he
was, in 1822, commander-in-chief of the forces in Ireland.
1 The North Dutch Church was remodeled in 1842, and taken down in 1875 ; it was cele
brated for many years as the seat' of the Fulton Street prayer-meetings.
'^ Philip Livingston removed his family to Kingston in 1775. His eldest daughter mar
ried Stephen Van Rensselaer of Albany ; his second daughter married Dr. Thomas Jones of
New York, and was the mother of the wife of De Witt CUnton ; his son, Henry PhUip, was
a member of Washington's family in 1778.

THE WALL STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 751
Middle Dutch Church, was already infusing Scotch prejudices and r^ub-
lican phUosophy into the minds of a large and intelUgent congregation.
The Presbyterians had about the same time found their one church in
Wall Street inadequate to the requirements of the organization, and built
the brick church (in 1768) on the corner of Beekman Street and Park
Eow. The lot was donated by the corporation. The chief agitator of the
movement was EeV; Dr. John Eodgers, who had been the pastor of the
WaU Street Church since 1765. He even went about in person to obtain
subscriptions for the new edifice. He was a progxessive divine. It was
he who abolished the custom which had hitherto prevailed of opening
Sabbath services from the clerk's desk. He was fond of scholastic theol
ogy, and by no means averse to poUtical economy. He entered iuto the
bitter controversies of the period with fearless enthusiasm. His whole
soul was in rebellion, as it were, with what he styled the " overbearing
spirit of the Episcopahans." He, Uke Eev. Dr. Auchmuty, was a native
of Boston.' But he was educated in Philadelphia, whither his parents
had removed in 1728. He had been converted in the great revival that
swept over the country in 1748, under the preaching of Whitfield, and
had labored as a missionary in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, before
setthng in New York. He was fijsed in habits of austere industry, aud
never lost a moment of time. Such was the crowded condition of the
Wall Street Church that when the Brick Church was completed aU the
pews were taken at the first sale. The congregation was one body with
that which worshiped in Wall Street ; there was but one board of trus
tees, one eldership, and one ministry. FaUing, however, as hitherto in
the matter of obtaining a charter, through the violent coUision of parties
in the Assembly, and the persistent opposition of the Episcopalians, the
property was vested with trustees. WilUam Livingston and John Morin
Scott, who were known as the " Presbyterian lawyers," were conspicu
ous members of Dr. Eodgers's flock. They were already wieldmg their
gifted and caustic pens in the sigiuficant direction of a free and inde
pendent national existence, the system of which to-day so nearly resem
bles in its order and strength that of the church government of this
denomination. It was in 1768 that Eev. Dr. John Witherspoon reached America to
take charge of Princeton CoUege. He had long been a correspondent of
1 Rev. Dr. John Rodgers was born in Boston, August 5, 1727. He succeeded the eminent
Rev. David Bostwick in the WaU Street Church, who died in 1763. He died in New York
City, May 7, 1811. During the War of the Revolution he officiated as chaplain of Heaths
brigade, of the State Convention, of the CouncU of Safety, and of the first Legislature. He
also preached from time to time at various places in the country.

752 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
Dr. Eodgers, by whom he was cordiaUy welcomed and entertained upon
his arrival in New York. He was intensely opposed to prelacy, and
claimed with magnetic eloquence a fuUer degree of Uberty in matters of
religious faith and practice. His attention was almost immediately called
to a special bone of contention. A legacy of seven hundred and fifty dollars
had been left the WaU Street Church in 1754, the interest to be appUed
to the support of the poor chUdren of the congregation. A legal dif&culty
had arisen concerning the transfer of tbe fund, the party having it in
charge refusing to dehver it to the church because of the want of char
tered responsibility. Thus for a series of years the church was denied
the benefit of the gift; and to add to the acrimony between the two
ecclesiastical bodies, the vestry of Trinity Church made a succession of
efforts to obtain the fund. President Witherspoon was fresh from the
discussion of simUar topics in the Old World ; he was learned, yersatUe,
and briUiant, and gave free expression to his views. He denounced the
course of the Church of England, and criticised the acts of the king and
his Miiustry in language so direct and forcible that even his hearers often
times trembled. He was the son of the parish minister of Yester, near
Edinburgh, Scotland, and a Uneal descendant of John Knox.' When the
Pretender landed in Scotland, he marched at the head of a company of
militia to Glasgow to join him ; he was taken prisoner at the battle of
Falkirk, and remained in Donne Castle untU after the battle of CuUoden.
He was settled in Paisley in 1757, where he preached until he was caUed
to tbe presidency of "Princeton CoUege.
The Scotch Presbyterian Church had been founded in 1757 through a
disagreement in the Wall Street Church concerning a system of Psalmody.
A few members seceded, and in 1761 caUed Eev. Dr. John Mason ^ from
1 Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon was bom February 5, 1722. He died near Princeton, New Jer
sey, November 15, 1794. Inaddition to his duties as President of Princeton CoUege, he lec
tured on moral philosophy and rhetoric, was professor of divinity, and pastor of the church
in Princeton. He wrote extensively on a great variety of topics, and took an active leading
part in the proceedings which culminated in the Revolution. He served on many impor
tant committees, was a member of the convention to frame a State constitution for New Jer
sey, and was sent by the Provincial to the General Congress at PhUadelphia, where he signed
the Declaration of Independence.
^ Rev. Dr. John Ma.son was bom in 1734. He died in New York, April 19, 1792. His
son. Rev. John Mitchell Mason, D. D., born in New York, March 19, 1770, and educated in
Scotland, succeeded to the pulpit, and attained, if possible, greater eminence than his father.
His eloquence was historical. His orations of the most general interest were on the death
of Washington and of Hamilton. From this church grew another church in 1810, which
bore its pastor away to the pulpit of a new stone sanctuary on Murray Street, opposite
Columbia College. In 1842 this last-named edifice was taken down, stone by stone (each
carefully marked), and the structure re-erected in Eighth Street, where it still (in 1876)
remains.

THE CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. 753
Scotland to their pulpit. In 1768 a substantial church edifice was erected
on Cedar Street near Broadway.'
The Baptists were few in numbers. They had a smaU church (built in
1760) on Gold near John Street. The history of the organization is inter
esting. It originated in a prayer-meeting maintained for several years
in private dwelUngs, and afterwards in a rigging-loft on WilUam Street,
with an occasional sermon. It was considered the branch of a church iu
, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Elder MUler, the pastor, coming to the city
once in three months to administer the sacrament. In 1762, the number
of members being twenty-seven, the body since known as the First
Baptist Church was duly inaugurated, and Eev. John Gano, a promising
young divine of thirty-five, became its pastor.
The Methodists were unknown in New York untU 1766. In the early
spring of that year a few famUies arrived, among whom was Eev. Philip
Embury, a local preacher. He held services in his own house for a brief
period, then a room was rented for a few months in the soldiers' barracks.
The same winter. Captain Thomas Webb, barrack-master at Albany, was
in New York, and, being a Methodist minister, preached in his regimen
tals. The novelty drew so large an audience that the old rigging-loft
in WilUam Street was rented and occupied some two years for religious
worship. In 1768 a little edifice was buUt on John Street near Nassau,
sixty feet long and forty-two wide. The first Methodist conference iu
America convened at Philadelphia in the summer of 1773, at which time
it was reported that the New York church consisted of one hundred and
eighty members. It was not, however, until after the Eevolution (in
1784) that the Methodist Episcopal Church was regularly estabUshed.
The Moravians had built a little church on Fair (Fulton) Street in
1752, the corner-stone of which was laid by Eev. Owen Eice, and the
dedication sermon preached by Bishop Spandenberg. The rise of this
denomination in New York dates back to 1736, when two Moravian
bishops from Germany visited the city on their way to Pennsylvania.
Mr. John Noble, one of the elders in the WaU Street Presbyterian Church,
invited them to hold services in his house, and became warmly enlisted
in their cause. He subsequently withdrew his relations from the Wall
Street Church, and was the leading man among the Moravians to the end
of his life. For three years pubUc worship was not attempted ; but when
the bishops returned from Pennsylvania, and were again entertained by
Mr. Noble, services were resumed, and before they sailed for Europe a
society of nine persons was formed. Shortly after. Count Zinzindorf, the
1 The Cedar Street Church was not abandoned until 1836, when the organization removed
to the larger edifice in Grand Street. ,
48

754 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
founder of the Moravian Church in Geripany, landed in New York with
a considerable colony of Moravians on their way to Pennsylvania, and his
presence gave such an impulse to the movement that before he left the
city, elders had been appointed and the organization placed upon a per
manent basis. It was some years later, however, before the funds were
coUected which erected tbe edifice.'
The Quakers had a meeting-house on Little Green Street near Maiden
Lane, which was built about the beginning of the century. In 1775 they
erected a much larger one of brick on Pearl Street, between FrankUn
Square and Oak Street, but it was not completed at the breaking out of
the war. The French church, described in a former chapter ; the Lutheran,
with its quaint belfry, corner of Eector Street and Broadway ; the German
Eeformed, before mentioned; and the Jews' Synagogue on MUl Street
(built in 1706), constitute tbe remainder of the places of religious worship
in 1770.
Boston tore the New York letter in pieces relative to a resumption of
commercial intercourse with England and scattered it with scorn.^ The
New York merchants wrote : " Ah, you rejected a congress which might
have had a happy tendency to unite the whole continent in one system, and
numbers say it was only a scheme in you to continue importing under
pompous, ostentatious resolves, against it. Your merchants have been into
Connecticut soliciting the custom of the people there, and urging them
to come to Boston and trade because New York was out of goods. The biUs
of entry made at the Custom House in London contain the entry of aU
kinds of goods, as usually shipped from your port, as if no agreement
existed. The merchants of this city have never deceived their neighbor,?,
but have most religiously maintained their engagements." ^
New York had learned the lesson that agreements were useless where no"
power existed to enforce their observance. The reUef afforded by tbe
infiux of necessary goods produced a better state of feehng. Presently
news came that the king had graciously assented to the emission
' of biUs of credit ; and when about the same time his eques
trian statue arrived, it was erected with imposing ceremonies on the
' This church was taken down and rebuilt in 1829 ; when Fulton Street was -widened in
1836, it was found necessary to cut off eight feet of the buUding. Seven years afterward it
was removed and the lot sold, a new edifice being erected on the comer of Houston and Mott
Streets. ^ Votes at a full meeting at Faneuil Hall, July 24, 1770.
" The plan of a congress, the germ of the idea of American Union, was proposed by New
York to her neighbors at an early period in the dispute. Holt's New York Joumal, June 20,'
1770, contains a suggestion in regard to a "suitable place for a congress." The same paper
of August 30, 1770, contains a letter from the New York committee of merchants to the
Boston committee.

TWO YEARS' TRANQUILLITY. Ibb
ancient Bowling Green, the Park of the city. The Governor, Council,
Assembly, Mayor and Aldermen, Chamber of Commerce, Marine Society,
officers of the army and navy, and citizens generaUy participated. The
terraces and lofty balconies of the arrogant-looking mansions in the
vicinity were filled with enthusiastic spectators. An iron railing was
built around the statue by the corporation at a cost of £ 800, and it stood
thus in aU its gilded glory until the evening of July 9, 1776, when it
was demolished by the excited soldiery immediately after the reading of
the Declaration of Independence ; an act partaking so much of the char
acter of a riot as to provoke a severe rebuke from Washington the next
morning. For two years there was comparative quiet. The efforts of the Minis
try to pacify New York were successful to a certain degree. Commerce,
however, was only partially restored. Business was dull. Public im
provements were neglected. The city was pervaded by a restless uncer
tainty, as if waiting for some new aud strange chapter iu the history of
the world. Tea was stUl rejected. The duty had not been abolished,
even though the East India Company had offered to pay double the
amount of the revenue which would be derived from this impost in
America, provided Parliament would repeal the law.
Meanwhile the Earl of Dunmore had arrived as governor of the prov
ince' (October 28, 1770), been received with the regulation ceremonies,
occupied the executive chair about nine months, distinguished himself by
declining the offer of an income from the Assembly, — his salary being paid
from the king's treasury, which was to be supplied from the colonial taxes,
— and by instituting a suit iu chancery (over wbich he presided himself
as chanceUor) against Lieutenant-Governor Colden for half the emolu
ments of office, and been removed to the government of Virginia. He
was an active man, fond of sports, and far more addicted to the chase
than to legislative controversies. Sir WiUiam Tryon, Bart., was his suc
cessor. The latter came (July 8, 1771) fresh from seven years' residence
in North Carolina, where he had made himself odious by stupid tyr
anny. He was less able and stronger wUled than his predecessor, with
smooth manners and a pleasant countenance. He courted the favor of the
landed lords, and others of high rank, drank wine at their tables, boasted
of his exploits on the frontiers (where he had stained his hands with
innocent blood),^ listened patiently to the conjplaints of the merchants,
and endeavored to lull anxiety into blissful repose. He fiattered himself,
1 Bancroft speaks of Lord Dunmore as " => needy Scottish peer of the Houae of Murray,
passionate, narrow, and unscrupulous in his rapacity."
2 Bancroft; VI. 399, 400.

756

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

Seal and Autograph of Governor Tryon.

as well as George IIL, that he was managing New York. The Assembly
had appointed Edmund Burke for its agent in England, and with such an
illustrious champion trusted in the probable redress of grievances.
Tryon took up his abode in the governor's house in the fort — which
was burned on the night of December 29, 1773, the family escaping with
difficulty and one
servant perishing
in the fiames —
and subsequently
in a large mansion
on Broad Street.
His wife and
daughter were so
cial favorites. His
counselors were
Chief Justice
Horsemanden, John Watts, Oliver De Lancey, Charles Ward Apthorpe,
Eoger Morris, WUliam Smith, Henry Cruger, Hugh Wallace, James
Jauncey, Henry White, and WiUiam AxteU.' Watts at this time had
reached nearly threescore weU-rounded years ; his scholarship aud refined
tastes were often quoted in England, and his name was under discussion for
the governorship of New York. His wealth and infiuence were elements
of strength to the De Lancey party. His family led in the aristocratic
society of that date. His eldest son Eobert had recently married Lady
Mary, daughter of William Alexander (Lord StirUng) ; his daughter Ann
was the wife of Archibald Kennedy, and resided in her stately home.
No. 1 Broadway; 2 his daughter Susan was the wife of PhUip Kearny; bis
daughter Mar}' was the youthful bride of Sir John Johnson, of Johnson
Hall ; and his son John, who had recently been graduated from King's
CoUege (in 1766) was shortly to be married to his cousin Jane, the
daughter of Peter De Lancey of Westchester. This wedding occurred in
1775. Tbe sister of the bride was married the same evening to Thomas,
son of Eev. Dr. Barclay. The invited guests drove from the city to the
De Lancey mansion in Westchester, in old-time coaches and chaises, not a
few performing the journey on horseback. So gay and brilUant an assem-
' William AxteU was appointed to the CouncU in the place of Hon. Joseph Reade, deceased,
whose daughter was the •wife of James De Peyster. WiUiam Axtell's wife was the sister of
James De Peyster. Their residence was in Flatbush, Long Island. — De Peyster Genealogy.
Charles Ward Apthorpe had a beautiful country-seat (now standing) near what is Ninth
Avenue and 91st Street ; Roger Morris's mansion was on the Heights beyond ; Oliver De
Lancey had an elegant villa overlooking the Hudson nearer the city.
^ See sketch, page 655 ; also sketch of Watts Mansion, page 732.

THE COURT END OF THE TOWN. Ibl
blage had hardly met since the marriage of AUce, the eldest sister of the
brides, to the celebrated Ealph Izard, of South CaroUna, some eight years
before. John Watts, the younger, was the last City Eecorder under the
Crown ; and he was one of the prominent characters of the city after the
Eevolution, of whom we shaU have occasion to speak further.
The quarter nearest the fort was the court end of the town. Tbe man
sions of the Lawrences, Crugers, Van Dams, Bayards, Morrises, Van
Homes, and other consequential famUies, were' in full view of the BowUno'
Green. Fashion had set her face towards WaU Street, and the Ver-
plancks, Winthrops, Marstons, Buchanans, Eoosevelts, Ludlows, and a
few others, were already there. Daniel Ludlow had a country-seat at Bar-
retto's Point on the East Eiver, from which he was accustomed to drive
into the city four-in-hand during the summer months.
Chief Justice Eobert E. Livingston, father of the future chanceUor, occu
pied a city mansion on Broadway, just north of the Wattses. His numer
ous sons and daughters had not aU as yet reached mature age, but their
mfluence was beginning to be felt. The journey of this family to and
from their manor-house at Clermont every spring and autumn was some
thing imposing, for they were attended by a long train of men-servants
and maid-servants, and the transportation either by sloop or by land occu
pied many days. There were many fine houses on Broadway. Nos. 9
and 11 belonged to the Van Cortlandts, whose country-seat was at King-
bridge.' They were built together, presenting a somewhat peculiar front,
and were surrounded by grounds fUled with shrubbery and flowers. No. 11
was the inheritance of Eve Van Cortlandt, who married Henry White, the
counselor, and it was where she lived for more than a half-century after
the Eevolution ; she died within its waUs, August 11, 1836, aged ninety-
eight.2 John Stevens, whose wife was a sister of Lord Stirhng, lived next
door. Dock Street contained the handsome residences of the WaUaces.
1 See sketch, page 697.
^ After the death of Mrs. White the two dweUing-houses were conveHed into a public house
kno^wn as the Atlantic Garden. It was puUed do'wn a few years ago, and historic fiction hav
ing erroneously identified it with the Bums Coffee-House, sundry chairs and canes were made
from its rafters. The place where the famous non-importation agreement was signed, October
31, 1765, was the old De Lancey homestead, just north of Trinity Church, converted into a
pubUo house kno'wn variously as the " Pro^vince Arms," the " New York Arms," the "York
Arms," the "City Arms," and often called by the name of the proprietor, as "Burns Tav
ern," and " Bvirns Coffee-House." It had a variety of proprietors : WUlett, Crawley, Burns,
Bolton, HuU, and others. During the Revolution it was the favorite resort for the miUtary
officers on account of its piazzas and balconies, and its"" proximity to the fashionable prom
enade, "The Mall," in front of Trinity Church. It had a large ball-room, where concerts
and dancing assemblies were given. In 1793 it was taken down and the City Hotel erected
on its site. — Judge Robert R. I/ivingston's Correspondence, Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., X. 560.
Progress of New York in a Century, by John Austin Stevens.

758 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
It was at the house of Hugh WaUace, the counselor, that Governor Tryon
was sumptuously entertained on his retum from England in 1775. Isaac
Low lived also on this street ; and Eobert GUbert Livingston, Jr., and
Eobert Cambridge Livingston.' Philip Livingston, the eminent merchant,
and signer of the Declaration of Independence, had a house on Duke
Street, but he spent the greater part of every year at his country-seat on
Brooklyn Heights. The ancient town-house of his brother Eobert, the
third lord of Livingston Manor, was qu Broad Street. Another brother,
Peter Van Brugh Livingston (whose wife was the sister of Lord Sthhng),
Uved on Princess Street ; another brother, John Livingston (whose wife
was the daughter of Treasurer Abraham De Peyster), dwelt in a pre
tentious mansion on Queen Street ; and stUl another, WUliam Livingston,
Uved on Pine Street, near the town mansion of the lord of PhUipse Manor.
He was, however, buUding " Liberty HaU," in EUzabeth, New Jersey, at
this time, wbich he completed and occupied late in the autumn of 1773,
having owned some one hundred and twenty acres of rich land in that
region for the last dozen years. His four brUUant daughters were sadly
missed when they removed from the city; and they were in no wise
backward about expressing tbeir own regret at the change, saying they
expected to be " buried from society in that sequestered part of the globe."
But, notwithstanding their gloomy predictions, the toilsome and muddy
way from the landing was kept well trodden by gay and ever- welcome
guests. And on the twenty-eighth day of the next AprU (1774), the
beautiful Sarah Livingston, who had not yet reached her eighteenth
birthday, was wedded to the afterward celebrated John Jay, and a large
proportion of the notable people of New York were present at the cere
mony. Lord Stirling, who had married the sister of these numerous Liv
ingstons, had a city home on Broad Street, although his estates were
chiefly in New Jersey.
The De Lanceys, Uke the Livingstons, had many mansions, several of
which have been already described. The most famous pubhc house in the
city, as far as its historic associations were concerned, Fraunces' Tavern,
corner of Broad and Dock Streets, had been in former times the famUy
homestead of Etienne (Stephen) De Lancey, built on land' conveyed to hhn
by his father-in-law, Hon. Stephanus Van Cortlandt. It was purchased
by Samuel Fraunces in 1762, and opened under the sign of " Queen
1 Robert Gilbert Livingston, Jr., was the grandson of Gilbert, second son ofthe first lord
of the manor. He retired to Red Hook on the Hudson during the war. Robert Cambridge
Li^yingston was the son of Robert, third lord of the manor ; he took his middle name, as a
distinction, from having graduated from Cambridge University, England. His wife was AUce,
the daughter of John Swift, one of the most beautiful and gifted women of her day. They
had a country-seat on Brooklyn Heights.

LOCATION OF DWELLINGS.

759

Interior ofthe great Historic Room in Fraunces' Tavern.

Charlotte." It had various names and keepers. Societies met here ; and
in one of the great rooms of the second story the Chamber of Commerce
held its monthly meetings for many years. Here occurred the immortal
fareweU of Washington to his officers in 1783. Two stories have since
been added to the edifice, as may be seen in the sketch.'
Hanover Square was the great business center of the city. A few
private dwelUngs of the better class were there, but the buUdings were
chiefly stores and warehouses. On the corner of Hanover Square and Sloat
Lane was the
mansion of Ge-
rardW. Beekman,
whose wife was
Mary Duyckinck.
He and his
brother, James
Beekman, aons
of Dr. WUliam
Beekman and
Catharine Peters
de la Noy, and
great-grandsonsof Hon. WiUiam Beekman, with whom the reader is acquainted, were im
porters and held a prominent position among the merchants. Their sister
CorneUa was the wUe of the elder WilUam Walton.^ James Beekman had
recently buUt the Beekman mansion on the East Eiver.^ His wife, was
Jane Keteltas, a lady of New York birth, so clever and accomplished that
she was able to superintend the education of her children during the seven
years' exUe of the family in the Eevolution, and fitted her sons for coUege.
Queen Street (now Pearl) was dotted with fine residences. One owned and
occupied by Henry White, the counselor, was formerly the De Peyster
mansion, with its wealth of balconies and grounds.* After the war it was
1 See page 656. Among the public houses in New York at that time was one on Brown-
john's Wharf, at the Fly Market, largely patronized by British offlcers ; another, near by, was
known as " Smith's Tavem." " Bull's Head," in the Bowery Lane, was a two-story and attic
country tavem, surrounded by pens for droves of cattle. It was near the public slaughter-house.
Mead-houses and tea-gardens were numerous. The celebrated garden and tavern of La Mon
tagne was opposite the present park. " Vauxhall " was a garden at the foot of Warren Street,
reaching to Chambers Street, the residence formerly of Major James of Stamp- Act Riot mem
ory. Coffee-houses were much in vogue. The ' ' Merchants' Coffee-House " stood on t]>e south
east comer of Wall and Water Streets, the site later occupied by the Journal of Commerce.
* See sketch of Walton mansion, page 684.
' See sketch of Beekman mansion, page 569.
' See sketch, page 656.

760 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the residence of George CUnton, the first governor of New York as a State.
To the north of it was the home of Andrew Elliot, heutenant-governor
from 1780 to 1783, whose daughter married Lord Cathcart ; another
daughter married James Jauncey, the counselor. The Brevoorts resided
in the same neighborhood ; also Whitehead Hicks, mayor of the city from
1766 to 1776, who married the only chUd of John Brevoort. Ehas Des
hrosses, whose name has been perpetuated by a street ; James Duane, the
famous lawyer, whose wife was the daughter of Eobert, third lord of
Livingston Manor; Theophylact Bache,' fifth president of the Chamber
of Commerce ; one branch of the Van Zandts, and many other famUies of
note Uved upon this street. Walter FrankUn, an importing merchant
of the time, occupied an elegant mansion on the corner of Cherry Street
and Franklin Square (uear the Walton House), which was afterwards the
residence of the first President of the Uuited States. He owned, besides,
a beautiful country-seat at Maspeth, which became in course of time the
residence of De Witt Clinton, who married his daughter.
Shops and places of business were upon every street to some extent.
Of the great sugar-houses, one, owned by the Livingstons, was on Lib
erty Street near the Dutch Church ; another, a massive structure, built
by Henry Cuyler, Jr., for his heir Barent Eynders Cuyler (in 1769), aud
later belonging to the Ehinelanders, is stiU standing on the corner of Eose
and Duane Streets. There was one, also, which belonged to the Van
Cortlandts, on the northwest corner of Trinity Churchyard ; and another,
built by the Eoosevelts, on Skinner Street near the Walton House. The
Bayard sugar-bouse on Wall Street was, in 1773, converted into a tobacco
manufactory. Sidewalks had only reached St. Paul's Chapel Broadway
above that point was a pleasant country-road, open nearly as far as An
thony Street. The map wUl give the reader a general idea of the farms
and country-seats upon Manhattan Island at this point in our narrative.
Governor Tryon, accompanied by his wife, visited Sir WUliam John
son, at Johnson HaU, in the summer of 1772, his ostensible object being
to meet the Mohawk sachems iu relation to their land grievances ; his
real purpose, to effect some land purchases for private speculation. The
settlement of Johnstown had become a fiourishing vUlage, and the whole
vaUey of the Mohawk wore the appearance of a rich farming country.
Oliver De Lancey and Henry 'White, with several other gentlemen, were
1 Theophylact Bache married Ann Dorothy, daughter of Andrew Barclay. Of Mrs. Bache's
sisters, Catharine married Augustus Van Cortlandt ; Sarah married Anthony Lispenard ; Ann
Margaret married Francis Jay ; Helena married Major Moncrieff, a. British officer of distinc
tion ; and Charlotte Amelia married Dr. Richard BaUey. Richard Bache, a younger brother
of Theophylact, man-ied Sarah, the only daughter of Benjamin Franklin.

DISTRESS OF .THE EAST INDIA COMPANY. 761
present at this conference with the Indians. The mUitia of the region,
amounting to upwards of fourteen hundred effective men, of whom John
son was justly proud,' was reviewed by Tryon before he left. The next
spring, Tryon traveled through New Englaud, aud was hospitably enter
tained by Governor Trumbull of Connecticut; and he also visUed the
different districts of New Jersey.^ An act having been passed by tbe
Assembly for founding the present New York Hospital, he laid 1773.
the corner-stone in July of the same year. The scheme originated Jv^y 23.
with three physicians, Drs. Middleton, Jones, and Bard, wbo had started
subscription-Usts three years before. Five acres of land on Broadway
between Duane and Anthony Streets had been secured, and the buildings
were erected at a cost of some % 18,000. While in process of completion,
they took fire and sustained great injury. They were finished just in
time to be used as barracks for the British soldiers in 1776.
The persistent refusal of the colonies to receive tea from England
finally brought distress upon the East India Company. Its stock de
preciated nearly one haU.^ It could not pay its annual debt to the Brit
ish government, which was a terrific shock to credit. The directors con
fessed their bankrupt condition and entreated Parliament for relief Lord
North, determined not to relinquish the right to tax the colonies, proposed
to allow the company to export its teas duty free in England, which
would enable the colonists to buy at a lower price. Hence an act of
Parliament to that eft'ect.
The tranquillity of New York, which for months had been in singular
contrast to the raging of political elements in other portions of America,
was fiercely disturbed by this inteUigence, and that tea ships were on the
ocean destined for her port. Such an attempt to enforce the controverted
tax was offensive in the superlative degree. The whole city was in com
motion. " The general voice is no sales, no consumption, while the Ameri
can duty remains unrepealed by Parliament," wrote Tryon.* " The tea shall
not be landed," was the universal and emphatic exclamation. Two
days after Philadelphia had convinced her tea agents of the policy
of resigning their appointments, a meeting was held at the City Hall in Wall
Street, where Tea Commissioners were denounced, and resolutions passed
thanking masters of vessels who had refused their ships to the use of the
East India Company. The attempted monopoly of trade was stigmatized
a " pubUc robbery." The columns of the newspapers ran over with anony-
1 Governor Tryon to the Earl of Hillsborough, August 31, 1772.
^ Governor Tryon to the Earl of Dartmouth, May 31, 1773.
= Bancroft, VI. 467-465.
' Gor.ernor Tryon to the Earl of Dartmouth, November 3, 1773.

762 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
mous articles on the subject, and handbiUs were circulated freely among
the people.' " Tbe Alarm " was conspicuous among the latter, issued in
series, tbe writer signing himself " Hampden." " If you touch one grain
of the accursed tea, you are undone," was the sentiment it conveyed.
There were others signed " Cassius," " A Farmer," " A Tradesman," " A
Student of the Law," etc. "America is threatened with worse than
Egyptian slavery  The language of tbe Eevenue Act is that you
have no property you cau call your own ; that you are the vassals, tbe
livestock of the people of Great Britain. . . . The inhabitants of New
York have more wisdom and spirit than to be duped into a measure that
will ruin their commerce and enslave them," were some of the bold words
which feU from bolder pens. Within three weeks the New York agents
prudently retired from tbe field. It was thereupon announced that gov
ernment would take charge of the tea upon its arrival.
The Sons of Liberty reorganized at once. Tbe salient features of the
Association, to which they subscribed tbeir names, and which was
Not. 29. passed from hand to hand through the city for signatures, appear
in the following extracts : " It is essential to the freedom and security of
a free people tbat no taxes be imposed upou tbem but by their owu con
sent ; .... for what property bave they in that which another may by
right take when he pleases to himself ? . . . . and yet, to the astonish
ment of all tbe world and the grief of America, the Commons of Great
Britain insist upon imposing taxes on the colonies. ... To prevent a
calamity which of all others is the most to be dreaded, — slavery and its
terrible concomitants, — we, the subscribers, being disposed to use all<
lawful endeavors in our power to defeat the pernicious project, and to
transmit to our posterity the blessings of freedom which our ancestors
bave handed down to us ; and to contribute to tbe .support of the common
liberties of America wbich are in danger of being subverted, do agree
. . . and engage our honor to and witb each other faithfully to observe
and perform." Then came a list of stern resolutions. Owners aud oc
cupants of stores were warned against harboring the tea ; and whoever
should dare to transgress in the way of aiding or assisting in the landing,
carting, or depositing of the tea, or in buying or selling, or in any manner
contributing to the purchase or sale of tbe tea, was threatened as an
enemy to the liberty of his country; at tbe same time handbiUs were
issued notifying the " Mohawks " to hold themselves in readiness for
active work.
The tea ships reached Boston first, and the world is aware how the
issue was met. At the very moment when three hundred and forty
' Handbills preserved in New York Historical Society.

¦Ie it, then, youT opinion, gentlemen, tnat the tea should be landed, under this circumstanoe?' Sphere was one prolonged and vociferous shout,
which echoed far into the atreet, and was three times repeated, 'No ! no ! no !' " Page 763

THE NEW YORK TEA MEETING. 763
chests of the condemned article were mixing with the salt of Boston
harbor, handbills were being distributed through New York calling
a meeting of "AU Friends to the Liberties and Trade of Anierica" °^°' ^^'
for one o'clock the next day, at the City Hall, " on business of tbe utmost
importance." The weather was bad, yet a great crowd of citizens
assembled at the time appointed, and were addressed by John Lamb. ^^''' ^^'
After stating the object of the meeting, he read letters from Boston and
Philadelphia on the subject of the " dutied tea " ; he also read tbe Asso
ciation of the Sons of Liberty, with the resolutions previously adopted.
Just then the Mayor, Whitehead Hicks,' entered, accompanied by the
Eecorder, Eobert E. Livingston (afterwards Chancellor), and, taking his
place near the speaker, said : —
" Gentlemen, I have a message from tbe government to deliver to j'ou. The
govemor declares that the tea will be put into the fort at noonday, and en
gages his honor that it shall continue there till tbe Council shaU advise it to be
delivered out, or till tbe king's order or the proprietor's order is known ; and
then tbe tea shall be delivered out at noonday. Gentlemen, is this satisfactory
to you ? "
There was an immediate and boisterous response of " No ! No ! No ! "
Lamb proceeded, excitedly, to read the Act of Parliament which pre
scribed the payment of the duty upon the landing of the tea, and after
some pertinent remarks upon the giving and granting of the property of
the Americans, asked, " Is it, then, your opimon, gentlemen, that the tea
should be lauded under this circumstance ? "
There was one prolonged and vociferous shout which echoed far into
the street, and was three times repeated, "No ! No ! No ! "
It was voted unanimously that tbe action of the meeting should be
pubUshed and transmitted to the other colonies, after which it adjourned
to await the arrival of the tea ship.
The winter wore away, yet it did not appear, having been de- 1774.
tained by contrary winds. In April Governor Tryon and his"*'^^'''
family sailed for Europe for a brief absence, and tbe affairs of government
once more devolved upon Lieutenant-Governor Colden. The sails of the
vessel which bore the governor across the seas had hardly disappeared,
when the tea ship, Nancy, Captain Lockyer, arrived off Sandy Hook.
The pUot declined to bring her through the Narrows until the sense of
1 Whitehead Hicks, son of Thomas Hicks, was born at Flushing, Long Island, August 24,
1728. He studied law with Judge Wiliam Smith, in the same class with WUliam Smith,
the historian (son of the former), and WiUiam Livingston. He rose to distinction at the bar,
was mayor of the city from 1766 to 1776, when he resigned on being appointed one of the
Judges of the Supreme Court. He died in 1780.

764 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
the city was known. Handbills were quickly in circulation, and the
committee depided that the captain's request to visit Hon. Henry
¦ White, one of the consignees, and to procure supplies for his return
voyage should be gi-anted, but none of his crew might come ashore ; be
was to be attended and closely watched in all his movements by
'' ' a special committee chosen for the purpose.
On tbe 22d the London, Captain Chambers, arrived, and on being
visited by tbe committee denied having any tea on board. Private infor
mation from Philadelphia, however, induced an examination ; none
'' ' being found, the vessel was conducted to the city, and the captain
informed that every package in the hatches must be overhauled. He imme
diately confessed that he had eighteen chests stored below wbich had been
shipped for private speculation. The committee went to the Merchants
Coffee-House to consult with a number of gentlemen there assembled,
and presently made a public announcement tbat the tea on the London
was confiscated. Meanwhile an excited multitude collected on the wharf,
and without disguise or ceremony proceeded to the execution of justice.
A proper guard was detailed by the merchants to prevent waste, and the
tea was thrown into the bay, without confusion or injury to other prop
erty. The captain was nowhere to be found.
Tbe next morning tbe bells of the city began to ring at eight o'clock,
according to a previous notice for the calling of the citizens together to
witness the departure of Captain Lockyer. The object was to let
'' ' him see with his own eyes, and thus be able to report truthfully
in England, the detestation with which the measures of the English Min
istry were regarded in New York. Tbe bells rang for an hour without
intermission (he was to embark at nine), and an immense but orderly
throng filled the streets. He was conducted from his lodgings to the
wharf, the band playing " God save the King," and placed in a pUot-boat
— still under escort — and conveyed to his vessel, the ships in the harbor
ili,splaying their colors, and the flag on the liberty-pole rising under a
royal salute of artillery.
Eveu while New York was thus sending back her tea ship in the most
public manner, tbe bill was maturing at the Court of George III. which
was to punish Boston for her misbehavior. On the same day tbat
May 10. Louis XVI. of France, then not twenty years of age, aud the stUl
more youthful Marie Antoinette found themselves at tbe head of the
French nation, Boston learned her fate. On the 1st of June tbe
slow torture was applied which was to force her into submis-
.sion; her port was closed, the Board of Customs removed to Marblehead
und the seat of government to Salem. General Gage was tbe military

THE COMMITTEE OF FIFTY-ONE. 765
executor of the law. There was one spontaneous outburst of sympathy
from every town and hamlet in America. In Philadelphia the bells
of the churches were muffled and tolled throughout the entire day wheu
tbe cheerful industry of Boston came to an end. In Virginia the people
fasted and prayed in the churches. Ships aU along the seaboard hoisted
their colors at half-mast.
New York writhed under the wrong infiicted upon Boston. When the
copy of the Port Act was first received, the city stood, like one man,
astonished that all Parliament had assented to such cruelty. Then
foUowed a whirlwind of indignation and dismay. The bill was '^^^^'
cried through the streets as a " barbarous murder," aud there was sucli
an uprising of the people, with nightly processions and effigy burnings,
that the more substantial part of the community feared serious riots, and
resolved to guide the movement ; hence a meeting was called at Fraunces'
Tavern, which proved so large, comprising men from all ranks, ¦ — com
merce, politics, aud the professions, — that it was necessary to adjourn to
the Exchange. Isaac Low occupied the chair The proposition to choose
a committee of control and correspondence was weU received. But in
the choice of the committee two parties battled for precedence. It was
the old story, men striving for individual preferment. The radical leaders
of the Sons of Liberty were determined to retain the direction of affairs,
and when public sentiment decided in favor of the opposite ticket, M3.V IT
comprising, as it did, a gi'eater number of names and a wider
range of interest, they were intensely bitter in their denunciation of every
movement not in harmony with their preconceived notions of tbe meth
ods by which oppression shoiUd be resisted.
The Committee of Fifty-One organized, on the 23d, with the appoint
ment of Isaac Low chairman, and John Alsop deputy-chairman. One of
the first propositions was a congress of the Colonies, which should
regulate the subject of uon-importation. Isaac Low, John Jay,
James Duane, and Alexander McDougall were chosen to draft a letter to
suffering Boston, and a clear, concise, straightforward document was pre
pared and signed the same evening. "The cause is general," it said,
" and concerns a whole continent who are equaUy interested with you
and with us ; .... we foresee no remedy cau be of any avail unless it
proceeds from the joint act and approbation of aU."
This letter, preserved iu the New York Historical Society, settles the
question as to the origin of the Continental CongTess of 1774. It was
not an "achievement of the Sons of Liberty,"— that organization hav
ing been invested with no power beyond the disposal of the tea,— but
a result of the calmer judgment of the much misrepresented Fifty-One,

766 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
who not only vividly remembered how New York had been allowed to
keep former non-importation agreements alone, but regarded the matter
as too grave and important at this crisis for individual colonial action.
There was no "refusal to adopt stringent measures against the parent
government." On the contrary, there was a cordial pledge, frankly
stated iu a subsequent letter dated June 5, to agree to any measure
which shoiild be adopted by a general congress. A complication in the
correspondence with the Boston committee, which has misled nearly
every historian who has since writteu of the action of New York in
the spring of 1774, was brought about through a letter of condolence
(dated May 14), written in the heat and heedlessness of excitement by
certain members of the old committee of the Sous of Liberty, which
announced the meeting in contemplation to choose a new commit
tee, and pledged tbe organization in advance to non-importation. The
Fifty-One knew nothing of it until Boston took them to task for not
suspending trade. Of course the pledge was pronounced " unoificial " ;
and in return the Fifty-One were accused of seeking " to evade decisive
action." It is very evident, however, while scanning events through
the light of a century, tbat had New York adopted the weak measure,
on the start, so earnestly desired by Boston, thefe would have been no
congress at that time, if ever. It was only when Boston found that
New York would be satisfied with nothing less than a congress of the
Colonies tbat she consented.
When the concurrence of the other Colonies had also been obtained,
and Philadelphia named as the place, and September the time, for the
meeting of the Congress, New York proceeded to choose delesrates.
July 4, i-" -L o
The Fifty-One nominated PhUip Livingston, John Alsop, Isaac
Low, James Duane, and John Jay, three merchants and two lawyers. Isaac
Sears, noisy and headstrong, labored to procure the nomination of John
Morin Scott and Alexander McDougaU, iu which he was ably seconded
by the sagacious and inflexible Peter Van Brugh Livingston ; not suc
ceeding, an opposition ticket appeared the next day whereon the names
of McDougall and Leonard Lispenard were substituted for James Duane
and John Alsop. A meeting caUed in the Fields, July 6, was presided
over by McDougall himself,' and a violent effort was made by the dis
satisfied to form a party sufficientiy strong to control the election. The
people were exhorted to beware of the tameness of the Fifty-One, and
to imitate Boston in her devotion to rigid non-intercourse. Eesolutions
1 Compare Bancroft, VII. ; Leake's lAfe of John Lamb ; Letter from Colden to Dartmouth,
June 1, 1774 ; Colden to Dartmouth, July 6, 1774 ; Handbills in New York Historical So
ciety; Stevens's Chamber of Commerce Becords. See also Appendix C.

THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS OF 177Jf. 161
were passed to that effect, and, with an account of the proceedings of
the meeting, were despatched to Boston.
In the committee-room of the Fifty-One the next moming, the irregu
lar meeting in the Fields, and the questionable propriety of tbe course of
McDougall in acting as its chairman while one of their' own num
ber, were discussed with much M^armth. A vote was finally passed, "^'^''^'
censuring the proceedings as unauthorized and as tending to cast odium
upon the committee and create disunion in the city. A minority of nine,
among whom were Sears, McDougaU, Lispenard, and Peter Van Brugh
Livingston, immediately withdrew in high temper. In the strife whicli
foUowed the Fifty-One firmly adhered to its nomination, and were in
vincible to every assault made upon its purity of purpose and integrity.
A card was finally addressed to the nominees, asking whether they would
support the Massachusetts resolves in the approaching Congress. They
repUed promptly and publicly that such a course would be in accordance
with their individual opinions, which gave such universal satisfaction tbat
when the question was submitted, July 28, to the voters of the city, all
differences were for the time healed.
Few events in the history of America have so deeply moved tbe public
mind as the meeting of this first Congress. Meu M'ere everywhere weigh
ing the issues. The vision of possibly establishing an independent re
pubhc on American soil was vague, and the prudent knew that it was a
doubtful experiment. There was no precedent from which to borrow
models. And if successful in breaking away from England, there was
danger of faUing into bloody dissensions among themselves. August was
a memorable month. The delegates from Massachusetts to the Congress
were escorted and feted on their way as if tbey had been princes of tbe
realm. They spent a few days in New York. John Adams wrote in his
joumal that John Morin Scott was a lawyer of fifty, living in an elegant
country-seat three miles out of the city on the Hudson, and that he was
" a sensible man, and one of the readiest speakers on the continent, but
not very polite "; McDougall " was talkative, and appeared to have a thor
ough knowledge of politics," he lived handsomely, aud had a charming wife
and daughter ; Peter Van Brugh Livingston " was an old man, extremely
stanch in the cause, and very sensible " ; William Smith (the historian)
"was a plain, composed man, a little turned of forty"; John J'ay "was
young, a hard student of the law, and a good speaker " ; James Duane
was about forty-five, "very sensible and very artful, and had a sly, sur
veying eye"; Isaac Low "was a gentleman of fortune, and in trade, and
his wife was a beauty." They were treated by tbe Fifty-One, with dis
tinguished consideration, and were attended iuto New Jersey August 29.

768 HISTORY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The New York delegates commenced their journey September 1, with
tbe exception of John Jay, who crossed to Elizabethtown, August 29, and,
in company with his father-in-law, William Livingston, proceeded to the
Quaker City. Isaac Low was escorted to the ferry stairs at the foot of
Cortlandt Street by a great number of the inhabitants, with banners and
music and huzzas. At tbe water's edge he took leave, with a brief speech ;
a few persons accompanied him and his lady to the New Jersey shore,
the band playing " God save the King." The inhabitants then returned,
so say the papers of the day, to testify the like respect to the other three
gentlemen, Philip Livingston, James Duane, and John Alsop, who em
barked at the foot of Broad Street. When the procession reached the
Exchange, Duane thanked the people, " in a very affectionate and moving
manner," for the honor conferred, and declared that he and his brother
delegates should do all in their power to bring relief to this once happy
but uow aggrieved country. They were saluted as they crossed the water
by several pieces of cannon, and loud huzzas rent the air ; after which a
number of gentlemen celebrated the event at .St. George's Ferry, dating
the salvation of America from that hour, and resolved at the risk of all
they held dear to respect the resolutions which Congress should think
necessary to adopt for the good of the common cause.
As the distress of Boston was hourly increasing, one of the earliest acts
of this first Congress was to approve the opposition of Massachusetts to the
execution of the late acts of Parliament. It presently adopted a Decla
ration of Eights, in which the repeal of eleven acts of Parliament were
specified as necessary to the restoration of harmony between the Colonies
and Great Britain. It also unanimously resolved to import no merchan
dise from Great Britain after the first day of the coming December, unless
American grievances were redressed. It ended, October 26, with a petition
to the king, which, however, made no impression upon George III. other
than to confirm bim in his purpose of exacting obedience ; but its mem
bers, with keen political foresight, provided for the holding of another
Congress in Philadelphia on tbe 16th of the coming May, which proved,
iudeed, the immortal Congress that declared the independence of America.
The New York Committee of Fifty-One, having accomplished its object,
appointed a day for the choice, by the freeholders of the city, of a " Com
mittee of Observation," numbering sixty, to enforce in New York the
Non-Importation Act of the late Congress ; and wheu this new com
mittee was duly elected and organized, with Isaac Low as chairman, the
Fifty-One was dissolved.

APPENDIX,

A.
The inscription upon the Schuyler vase is as follows : 
Presented by •
Anne Queen of England
to
CoL Peter Schuyler of Albany
In the Province of New York
April 19, 1710.
To commemorite his visit to England by request
of the Provincial government, accompanied
by five sachems of the Mohawks. Page 480.
B.
The inscription upon the old beU in Dr. Ludlow's church is as follows : —
Me fecerunt De Gravie et N. Muller,
Amsterdam, Anno 1731,
Abraham De Peystek,
geboren (bom) den 8 July, 1657,
gestorven (died) den 8 Augustus, 1728.
Een legaat aan de Nederduytsche Kerke, Nieuw York.
(A legacy to the Low Dutch Church at New York.)

C.
At a meeting at the Exchange, 16th May, 1774, Isaac Low chosen Chair
man : —
1st Question put. Whether it is necessary, for the present, to appoint a committee
to correspond with the neighboring Colonies on the present important crisis "i
Carried in the affirmative by a great majority.
2d. Whether a committee be nominated this evemng for the approbation of the
public ?
Carried in the affirmative by a great majority.
3d. Whether of fifty be appointed, or twenty-five ?
Carried for fifty by a great majority.

770

APPENDIX.

The following persons were nominated :

John Alsop.
William Bayard.
Theophylact Bache.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston.
Philip Livingston.
Isaac Sears.
David Johnston.
Charles McEvers.
Charles Nichol.
Alexander McDougall.
Captain Thomas EandaU.
John Moore.
Isaac Low.
Leonard Lispenard.
Jacobus Van Zandt.
James Duane.
Edward Laight.

Thomas Pearsal.
Elias Deshrosses.
Wiilliam Walton.
Richard Yates.
John De Lancey.
MUes Sherbrook.
John Thurman.
John Jay.
John Broom.
Benjamin Booth.
Joseph Hallet.
Charles Shaw.
Alexander Wallace.
James Jauncey.
Gabriel H. Ludlow.
Nicholas Hoffman.
Abraham W^alton.

Gerardus Duyckinck.
Peter Van Schaick.
Henry Remsen.
Hamilton Young.
George Bowne.
Peter T. Curtenius.
Peter Goelet.
Abraham Brasher.
Abraham P. Lott.
David Van Home.
Gerardus W. Beekman.
Abraiiam Duryee.
Joseph BuU.
William McAdam.
Richard Sharpe.
Thomas Marston.

The name of Francis Lewis was afterward added, making the number fifty-one.
Handbill in New York Historical Society.

D.
The Committee of Sixty, known as the " Committee of Observation," elected
November 22, 1774, were as foUows : —

Isaac Low.
Philip Livingston.
James Duane.
John Alsof
John Jay.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston.
Isaac Sears.
David Johnston.
Charles Nichol.
Alexander McDougall.
Thomas Eandall.
Leonard Lispenard.
Edward Ijaight.
William Walton. .
John Broom.
Joseph Hallett.
Charles Shaw.
Nicholas Hoffman.
Abraham Walton.
Peter Van Schaick.

Henry Remsen.
Peter T. Curtenius.
Abraham Brasher.
Abraham P. Lott.
Abraham Duryee.
Joseph BuU.
Francis Lewis.
John Lasher.
John Eoome.
Joseph Totten.
Samuel Jones.
John De Lancey.
Frederick Jay.
William W. Ludlow.
John B. Moore.
George Janeway.
liodolphus Eitzema.
Lindley MuiTay.
Lancaster Burling.
Thomas Ives.

Hercules Mulligan.
John Anthony.
Francis Basset.
Victor Bicker.
John White.
Theophilus Anthony.
WiUiam Goforth.
WiUiam Denning.
Isaac Eosevelt.
Jacob Van Voorhees.
Jeremiah Piatt.
William Ustick.
Comfort Sands.
Robert Benson.
WUliam W. Gilbert.
John Berrian.
Gabriel H. Ludlow.
Nicholas Roo.scvelt.
Edward Flemming.
Lawrence Embree.
Force's American Archives, p. 330.

APPENDIX.

Ill

E.

The Mayors of New York City before the Eevolution were : —

Thomas WiUet, 1665, 1^667.
Thomas DelavaU, 1666, 1671, 1678.
Cornelis Steenwyck, 1668-1670, 1682, 1683.
Matthias NicoUs, 1672.
John Lawrence, 1673, 1691.
WUliam DervaU, 1695.
Nicholas De Meyer, 1676.
Stephanus Van Cortlandt, 1677, 1686, 1687.
Francis Eombouts, 1679.
WiUiam Dyer, 1680, 1681.
Gabriel Minvielle, 1684.
Nicholas Bayard, 1685.
Peter de la Noy, 1689, 1690.
Abraham de Pej'ster, 1692 - 1695.
WUliam Merritt, 1695-1698.
Johannes de Peyster, 1698, 1699.
David Provoost, 1699, 1700.

Isaac de Riemer, 1700, 1701.
Thomas NoeU, 1701, 1702.
Pliilip French, 1702, 1703.
WiUiam Peartree, 1703-1707.
Ebenezer Wilson, 1707 - 1710.
Jacobus Van Cortlandt, 1710, 1711, 1719, 1720.
Caleb Heathcote, 1711-1714.
John Johnson, 1714-1719.
Robert Walters, 1720-1725..
Johannes Jansen, 1725, 1726.
Robert Lurting, 1726-1735.
Paul Richards, 1735-1739.
John Cruger, 1739-1744.
Stephen Bayard, 1744-1747.
Edward Holland, 1747-1757.
John Cruger, 1757-1766.
Whitehead Hicks, 1766-1776.

F.
The Governors and Actiu" Governors of New York before tbe Eevolution

were : —
Peter Minuet.
Wouter Van Twiller.
WUhelm Kieft.
Peter Stuyvesant.
Eichard NicoUs.
Francis Lovelace.
Admirals Evertzen & Binckes.
Anthony Colve. ,
Sir Edmund Andros.
Anthony BrockhoUs.
Thomas Dongan.
Francis Nicholson.
Jacob Leisler.

Henry Sloughter.
Richard Ingoldsby.
Benjamin Fletcher.
Earl of Bellomont.
Abraham de Peyster.
John Nanfan.
Lord Cornbury.
Lord Lovelace.
Dr. Gerardus Beekman.
Robert Hunter.
Peter Schuyler.
William Buinet.
John Montgomery.

Rip Van Dam.
"William Corby.
George Clarke.
Admiral George Clinton.
Sir Danvers Csborne.
James De Lancey.
Sir Charles Hardy.
Cadwallader Colden.
Robert Monckton.
Sir Henry Moore.
Earl of Dunmore.
Sir William Tryon.

INDEX.

A.
A11ERCE0.MBIE, M.1J0R-GENEE.4L, 659, 669, 670, 671, 673,
675. attaclts Ticonderoga, 676, 677, 679, recalled.
Acadia, 650, 651.
Adams, John, 767, comments on prominent New-
Yorlcers.
Adolphus, Gustavus, 246.
Adriaensen, Maryn, 99, one of the " Twelve 5'en.''
Albany, 30, 61, 153, 221
Alexander, James, 488, 503, arrival of, description of,
marriage, &c., 504, development of, 506, surveyor-
general, 510, 514, counselor, 536, 548, 649, 550,
excluded from the bar, 557,561,563,564,565, 567,
restored to the bar, 568, 569. assemblyman, 573, 599,
608, 616, 619. 638, 647, 657, 701.
Alexander, William (Lord Stirling), 503, 507, 599,
marriage of, 647, 649, 705, 706, 730, 743, 756, 757,
7.58.
Allyn, Matthew, 223, ambassador to New York, 306,
324, 325, 343.
Alsop, John, 740, family of, 765, 766, 768.
America, 12. earliest record of, 14, discovery of,
15, 16, the natural wealth of, 17, 18, 20, Spanish
disoOTeries, 23, 25, 28, 31, 32. English colonies in, 36,
natives of, 46, lands of, 193, 276, affairs of, 368.
Amherst, Sir Jeffrey, 679. character of, 680, 689.
Anderson, Rev. James, 505.
Andros, Sir Edmund (governor), 266, 267. character
and family of, 268, arrival of, 270, 273, 274, 277,279,
sails for England, 282, return of, 290, 291, arrests
the governor of New Jersey, 293, 297, remarks about,
308, 323, reaches Boston as governor of N. E. , 324,
war upon charters, 327, death of 'wife of, 340, 34i,
arrested by Revolutionists of 1689, 384, honorably
discharged by William III.
Anne, Queen, 261. education of, 307, marriage of, 458,
crowned, 459, 484, 498, death of, 572, gifts of.
Anthony, Allard, 161, schepen, 165, ambassador to
Holland, 180, 222, sheriif, 225, 226, a,sses,«ed for
English soldiera, 230, 26B, commissioner, 260, re
moval from office.
Apthorpe, Charles Ward, 730, 756.
Arminius, of Leyden, 24.
Arnold, Captain Isaac, 388.
Ashfield, Richard, 664.
Ashton, Thomas, 283, marshal of the court.
Ashurst, Sir Henry, 338.
Ashurst, Sir William, 413, 442
Aspinwall, John, 564.
Atkinson, Theodore. 641.
Atwood, Chief Justice, 445, 450, arrival of, 451, 453,
455, judicial jurisdiction of, 456, 457, 458, sentenced
Nicholas Bayard to death, 460, absconded.
Auchmuty, Rev. Dr. Samuel, 632, marriage of, 749,
family of, 751.
Aztcll, Williain, 756, wife of. B.
BicnEi Tbeophyhct. 683, 760, residence of, in 1774.
Backer, Jacob, 205, 206.
Backeru.', Dominie Johannes, 136, 141, 146.

Baker, Roger, 451.
Baker, Thomas, 227.
Baltimore, Lord, 193, 201, son of, 244, 295.
Barbarie, John, 471, counselor, 483, wife of, 526, death
of.
Barclay, Helen, 607.
Barclay. Rev. Henry, 586, 590, 632, marriage of, 638,
647, 687, 723, 749, death of.
Barclay, Thomas (son of Rev. Henry), 756, marriage of.
Bard, Dr., 761.
Barentsen, Peter, 49.
Barnes, Abraham, 641.
Barneveld, John of, 23, 25, portrait of, 41, described,
44, 45, execution of.
Barre (in Parliament), 715, 716, speech of.
Baxter, George, 129, 134, 149, 167, 183, 195.
Baxter, Jarvis, 339, counselor.
Bayard, Balthasiar, 343, 696, family of.
Bayard, Peter, 289.
Bayard, Peter, 655.
Bayard, Mrs. Judith (widow of Nicholas), 128, de
scription of, 129, 185.
Bayard, Nicholas (son of above), 129, 211, 231, secre
tary of city, character of, &c , 244, surveyor of prov
ince, '.iBO, secretary of province, 263, efficiency of,
294, 309, alderman, 315, mayor and counselor (1685),
317, drafted city charter, 323, 325, 328, 342, style of,
343, 344, colonel of militia, 347, endeavors to sup
press Revolution, 350, 351, 3-52, 353, deputed with
government, 354, 355, 356, 357, flight of, 365, illness
of family, 366. private return, 387, search for, 370,
371, struggle for power, 374, arrest and imprison
ment of, 375. sick in prison, 384, 385, 387, released
with .lonor, 403, 433, 434, at the English court, 444,
451, 456, arrest of, 457, imprisonment for high
treason, 458, trial of, and death -sentence, 460.461, ac
quittal of, and restoration to honors, 505, prop
erty of.
Bayard, Samuel, 451. marriage of, 456.
Bayard, Stephen, 564, 609, counselor, 619, 623.
Bayard, William, 711.
Beardsley, John, 741.
Beckford (in Parliament), 715.
Bedlow, Isaac, 226, 243, counselor.
Beekman. William, 16l, schepen. 162, description of,
&c,,201, governor of colony on the Delaware, 221,
sheriff at Esopus, 222, 242, entertains the two gov
ernors, 260. schepen again, 269, welcomes Governor
Andros, 274, 301, mayor, (house at Rhinebeck).
360, son of, 386, Beekman arms, 390, offers secu
rity for release of son of, 397, alderman, 496, fam
ily coach of, 759. house of grandson of.
Beekman, Colonel Henry (son of William), 416, family
of, 465, assemblyman, 598. daughter of, 743
Beekman. Colonel Henry (son of Colonel Henry), 568,
582,623,632.
Beekman, Cornelis. 206. 207.
Beekman, Dr. Gerardus, 359, justice of the peace, 360,
portrait of. 371, counselor, 385. expostulates with
l.cisJer, 386, Beekman arms, 388, trial for treason,
389. received death-sentence, 390, prays for pardon,
40", liberated, 408, 416. brother of, 460, counselor,
478, president of council, and acting governor of
New York, 483, 496, family coach of, 684, daughter of.

774

INDEX.

Beekman. Magdaleua (wife of Dr. Gerardus Beekman),
390, 684.
Beekman, Dr. William, 607, 684, sister of
Beekman, Gerard W., 759, residence of, in 1774.
Beekman, James, 569, house of, built in 1763.
Beekman, Hon. James W,, 496.
Belgium, 23, 24.
Bellomont, Earl of, 394, 413, 424, 425, governor of New
York, 427, arrival of, reception, description, family
of, &c.,428, measures, 429, conflicts, 430,431,433,
developments, 434, complications, 435, fierce at
tack upon the landholders, 430, 437, fierioua com-
moiioa, 438, encounters rage, 439, energy of, 440,
attacks the churches, 441, in Boston, 442, 444, ac
cused, 445, 446, death of, 447, results of death of,
Bellomont, Lady, 427, 441, 442, 446, 463.
Benedict, Thomas, 202, family of, 227, delegate to
Hempstead Convention.
Benedict, Thomas, Jr. , 202.
Benedict, Hon. Erastus C, tamily of, 202.
Benson, Judge Egbert, 401, 741.
Bentyn, Jacques, 67, 98.
Berrian, John, 736.
Berkeley, Lord, 194. 224, 244, 268, 292.
Bescher, Thomas, 89.
Betts, Kichard, 227, delegate to the Hempstead Con
vention.
Binckes, Admiral, 267, 262.
Bickley, Attorney-General, 474.
Billou, Pierre, 206.
Blackwell, Governor (of Pennsylvania), 339.
Blackwell, Robert, 273.
Blackwell's Island, 273, origin of name.
Blake, Dr. William, 607-
Bleecker, Alderman, 361, 362.
Bleecker, Nicholas, 612.
Block, Captain Adriaen, 33, 34, 38, 41, 42.
Blom, Dominie, 190.
Blommaert, Samuel, 49, 60, 62.
Bogardus, Dominie Everardus, 71, arrival of, 74-
Bogart, John Jr., 673, alderman.
Bollan, William, 595.
Boone, Francis, 273, counselor.
Boscawen, Admiral, 647.
Boudinot, Elias, 444.
Bout Jan, Evertsen, 114, 137, 145, 226,
Bowne, Josiah, 386.
Bowne, John, 227, delegate to Hempstead Convention
in 1665.
Braddock, General Edward, 647, 652.
Bradford, William. 323. established printing-press in
Philadelphia, 411, trial of, and removal to New York,
412, 413, firat issue from first printing-press in New
York, 622, firat newspaper, 648, opposition to Zen
ger, 562, 572, 634, death of.
Bradley, Attorney-General, 652, 653, 654.
Bradstreet. Simon, 149.
Brasher, 386.
Bredenbent, William, 206.
Breedon, Ex-Governor. 221.
Bridges, Dr, John, 460, counselor, 471, chief justice,
death of, &c.
Brockholls, Anthony (Lieutenant-Governor), 267, 279,
298, 299, 806, 323, counselor, 325, 328, 340, 599,
granddaughter of, 671, protests of.
Brodet, Dominie, 422.
Brodhead, Daniel, 208, 220.
Brodhead, John Romeyn, 208, 220.
Brook, Lord, 76.
Brooke, Chidley, 384, counselor, 388, 411, amhassador
to Boston.
Broughton, Attorney-General, 445, 453, arrival of, 464.
Brower, Jan .Tanfen, 54.
Brown (De Bruyn), Captain, 344, family of, 350.
Itrownjohn, Dr. William, 607-
Bruce„Sir George, 219.
Bruning, Dr. Joseph, 607.
Buchanan, ThomHS, 740, family of-
Buel, Rev Samuel, D D.,596.
Bulkley, Peter, 327, judge.
BuU, Captain, 365.
Burke, Edmund, 699, 735.
Burnaby, Rev. Mr., 635.
Burnea, Sergeant, 581.
Burnes Tavern, 725, 757-

Bumet, Bishop, 611.
Bumet, William (governor of New York), 510, 511,
arrival of, personal appearance of, &e.,512, portrait
and early history of, 513, family of, 516, residence
of, 617, 520, 521, 524, 526, removal of, to tbe govern
ment of New England.
Burr, Rev. Aaron, 619, 596, 635, romance and mar
riage of, 642.
, Burr, Aaron (Vice-President), 519, 605.
Burt, Samuel, 422 (note).
Burton, Captain, 274.
Burton, Mary, 681, 583, 584.
Bute, Eari of, 693, 694, 698, 705.
Byerly, Thomas, 475, collector of customs.
Bylet (Van), Helegonda, 61.
Byvelt, Peter, 54.

Cabot, John, 15, 16.
Cabot, Sebastian, 15, 16, 21.
Calvert, Charles (won of Lord Baltimore), 201, vifits
America.
Campbell, Dominie, 544.
Carr, Captain John, .222, 223, 257, 258.
Carr, Sir Rohert, 208, commissioner, 213, 214, 222, 229,
, 230.
Carteret, Philip, 224, 225, arrival of, as govemor of
New Jersey, 244, 256, deposed, 268, reappointed, 291,
arrest and trial of, by Andros, 292. release, 294, 299,
death of.
Carteret, Sir George, 228, 225, wife of, 244, 267, 268,
294, 299.
Carteret, James (son of Sir George), 256.
Cartwright, Sir George, 208, commissioner, 210, 213,
220, 222, 223, 229, 230, 235, 237.
Cathcart, Lord, 760.
Chambers, Judge John, 552, 553, 554, 606, wife of, 623,
638, 640, 647, 6C0, 665, 691, 697.
Chambers, Thomas, 189, 206, 207, 221.
Chambers, Captain, 464.
Chamber of Commerce, 739, foundation of, 740, charter
of, 741.
Champlain, 18, 93.
Chancellor. Richard, 21.
Chapels, 421, in the fort, 632, St. George's, 633, Mo
ravian, 645, 742, 749, St. Paul's, 749, 750.
Chapman, Robert, 310.
Charles I., 50, accession of, 65, 142, execution of.
Charles II., 192, acression of, 193, marriage of, 194,
romance of ring, 195, 214, disgraceful war, 232, 233,
246, the Triple alliance, 253, 264, Dutch allinnre,
266, treaty of, 280, reception of Priuce of Orange,
281, 290, 298, 307, 312, sudden illness of, 313, dtath
of, 432.
Charles, RoVert, 711.
Choiseul (prime minister of France), 693, 698, 699.
Churches, 71, first church in New York, 105, 106,
Dutch church in the fort, 107, picture, 137,141,174,
first church at Flatbush, 175, 178, the Lutherans,
179, 184, the Quaker persecution in New York, 185,
190, first church in Brencklyn, 191, 199, 216, St.
Mark's, 219, 220, first Episcopal service in New York,
249, clergymen, 250, 253, 263, the Lutheran church,
284, 285, ecclesiastical difficulties 289, the first
Classis in New York, 292, 304, 305. Dutch church
in Sleepy Ilnllow, and French worship in church in
fort, 309, 329, pictuie of first French church, 34'.^,
400, the Garden Street Dutch Church built, 401,
407, picture, 422, Trinity Church built, 436, 437, 438,
the clergy, 440, Dutch church charter, 462, Jan.aira
church quarrel, 473, 489, 504, 505, 518, first Presby
terian church built, 521, French church difiiculties,
523, Middle Dutch Churcli built, 524, picture of bell,
559, Church and State, 572, Trinity enlarged, 680,
586, 602, St John's Church in Yonkers, 636, New
ark church, 687, Trinity, 708, the English language
introduced into the Dutch churches, 704, first Ger
man Reformed church. 719, the Lyme Church pastor,
749, Church and State, Trinity, &c , 750, North
Dutch, 751, Middle Dutch, Wall Street Presbyterian,
and Brick Church, 762, Scotch Presbyterian, 763,
Baptist, Methodist, Moravian, 764, Quaker, French,
Luthernn, German Reformed, Jews.
City Hall, 105, first one built, 106, picture of, 158,

INDEX.

775

school opened in one room of, 160, 162, 174, 196, 210
211, 273 299, 355, 386, 400, site presented for new
city hall, 443, new edifice erected, 453, exciting
scenes in, 469, debtors' prison added, 498, first clock
of, 532, library in , 534, fire-engines in.
City Hotel, 757.
Clarke, George, 500, secretary of New York, family of,
&c , 526, 561, governing New York, 562, 563, 564,
struggle for power, 565, 586, 567. commissioned lieu
tenant-governor, 568, 570, 575, 578, 579, 581, house
burned, 584, 585, 586, 589, termination of rule.
Clarke, Mrs. George, 500, 567, desciipoion of, 580,
death of, 581, character of.
Clarke, George, 730.
Clarke, Thomas, 213, 343, 388, coroner, 397, alderman,
422 (note).
Clarkson, David, 608, 614, 620, 623, C2), 632.
Clarkson, Matthew, 370, family of, 385, secretary of
, province, 403, 439.
Clarkson, Kev. David, 370.
Clinton, Admiral George (governor), 578, 589, arrival
of. 590, character of, 591, 592, 695, 597, 599, 600, at
Philipse manor, 607, 608, 610. 611, 612, 614, 615, con
flict with De Lancey, 616, 618, 619, wife of, 620, 621,
623, 624,625, 626, 629, 630, 631, 632, 635, 636, 637, 651.
Clinton, George, 747, 760, where resided after Revolu
tion.
Clinton, De Witt, 750, wife of, 760.
Coats, Captain (pirate), 423.
Coe, .Tohn, 227, delegate to Hempstead Convention in
1665.
Coe, Robert, 202.
Coke, Sir John, 65.
Colden, Dr. Cadwallader, 405, 514, sketch of, 515,
family of, 521, chairman of council, 560, 561, 566, pres
ident of council, 568, 588, 610, 611, among Mohawks,
612, speech of, 614, criticised, 616, character of, 619,
624, 633, surveyor-general, 642, writer of history,
688, lieutenant-governor of New York, 690, 691, 692,
695, 700, 703, 712, portrait of, 713, writings of, 714,
trials of, 715, 722, 723. 725, 7-/, Stamp Act riot, 728,
729, 731, 740, 741, founded Unamber of Commerce.
744, 745, 755, 763.
Coleman, John, 29, killed by Indians.
College, Kings (Columbia), 642, 643, 644, 645, corner
stone laid, 693, 741.
College, Princeton, 751, 752.
Columbus, 12, birth of, 14, discoveries.
Colve, Captain Anthony, 258, 259, commander of New
York, 260, appearance of, 263, coach of, 269, de
parture of.
^mmunipauw, 62.
Constantinople, l3, fall of
Cooper, J. Fennimore, 688.
flooper. Rev. Miles, 645, 696-
Cornbury, Lord, 451, 456, 459, arrival of aa govemor,
460, character of, 461, reception of, 463, religious
controversy of, 463, 464, 465, 467, 468, 471, 472, 473, j
474, 475, 477, superseded by Lovelace, and impris
oned for debt.
Cornbury, Lady, 461, family of, 473, death of.
Cornelissen, Jan, 14(, opened a school.
CornhiU, Richard, 227.
Corssen, Arendt, 123.
Cortelyou, Jacques, 169, 198, 204, 227, 288, house of
Cosby, Governor \VilliKm,537, 53S, arrival of, 540, .541,
542, 543, wife and daughter of, 544, 545, 548, 558,
559, 560, illness of, 581, death of, 565, 579, 637.
Cosby, Major Alexander (lieutenant-governor of An
napolis Royal), 544,
Cousseau, Jacques, 213, 225, 245.
Cox, William, 309.
Coxe, stamp-master, 721.
Cregier, Martin, 139, 161, 166,167, 191,200, 204,207, 265.
Cromwell, Oliver, 102.
Crooke, John, 422.
CrundaU, Alderman Thomaa, 343, 356, .3.58,
Cruger, John, 517, mayor, family of, &c,
Cruger, John (son of above), 617. 582, 661, 662. mayor,
669, 678, 683, 711, 723. 724, 728, 729, 730, 735, 736,
679, president of Chamber of Commerce, 743.
Cruger, Henry, {son of the elder John), 517, 614, 620,
.623, 636, 654, 660, 661, 583, 742, 786.
Cruger, Henry (son of Henry above), M. P., 517.
Cruger, John Harris, 517.

Cruger, Nicholas, 517.
Curtius, Dr., 190.
Cuyler, Barent Rynders. 760.
Cuyler, Cornelius, 612, 739.
Cuyler, Henry, Jr., 760.
Cuyler, Lieutenant llenry, 348, 349.
Cuyler, Philip, 683. D.
Da Gamo, 16, discoveries of.
Daille, Dominie Petrus, 304, 328, preaching of.
Dam, Jan, 99. ¦ ¦ i r e
Dam, Jan Jansen, 106, 110, 114, 137, 143, 153
Dankers, Jasper, 288, 288, 289.
Darkins, Robert, 397, alderman.
D' Kau, French agent among Indians, 379.
De Bruyn (Browu), Captaia, 344, family of, 349, 350
351,335,378. .- . . ,
De Decker, John , 221.
De Hart, Simon, 287.
De Hinoyssa, Governor, 201.
De Kay, Teunis, 343, 397, alderman, 423.
De Klercke, Daniel, 358.
De Laet, John, 30, 49, 62, 260, daughter of.
De Labadie, Jean, 286.
De Lancey, Stephen lEtienne), 397, alderman, family
of, &o., 444, 446, 447, residence of, 465, assembly
man, 487. arguments of, 498, 500, counselor, 602,
daughter of, 522, matters of Church and State, .'i31,
532, descendants of, 534, 580, mansion of, 656, 'old
house of, 758.
De Lancey, James ( Lieutenant-Governor), 343, 525, coun
selor, 530, 532, family of, 536, 539, description of,
marriage, &c., 541, appointed judge, 542, appointed
chief justice, 543, autograph and seal, 549, 550, 553,
554, 556, 558, 566, 568, 580, mansion of, 685,
608, 610, 615, character of, 616, 617, map of estate of,
618, 624, 625, 631. 632, 637, 639, heutenant-governor
of New York, 640, 641, 644, 645, 647, 648, 649, 651,
652, 653, 664 ( note ), 660, 662, 665, 666, 669, 673, 678,
686, daughter of, 686, death of, 687, funeral of, 688,
memory of, 690.
De Lancey, Oliver, 532, family of, 626, 649, 663, 673,
712, alderman, 676, 678, assemblyman, 682, coun
try-seat of, 688, 730, counselor, 756, 760.
De Lancey, Peter, 502, 532, family of, 579, 660, 711, 756.
De Lancey, James (son of lieutenant-governor), 738,
assemblyman, 742, 743, 745.
De Lancey, John Peter, 532, family of^ 688, where
educated.
De Lancey, Thomas James, 532, family of
De Lancey, Peter, Jr., 731.
De Lancey, William Heathcote (Bishop), 532. family
of. 603, 624, 688. ^ r/, ,
De Lancey, Edward Floyd, 532.
De Lancey, William Heathcote, 532
De Lanoy, Peter, 343, alderman, 357, appointed col
lector of customs, 358, one of Committee of Safety
under Leisler, 361, mayor, 371, coun.<!elor, 379, 415,
chairman of committee from assembly. 418.
DelavaU, Thomas. 220, 230, alderman,' 243, counselor,
261, estate confiscated, 262. sailed for England
Dellius, Dominic, 305, .361, 364, 379,382,4,32, 436, es
tate under condemnation bv liellomont, 437, at Eng
liah court for redress, 438, 439, 536.
De Marest, David 206
De Marest, Jean, 358, one of Committee of Safety under
Leisler.
Do Meyer, Nicholas, 277, mayor in 1676, wife of, &c.,
384, counselor.
De Milt, Anthony, 260, family of, 343, alderman.
Denny, William, 666.
Denton, Daniel, 208, 229, delegate to Herapstead Con
vention in 1665, 229, justice, 248, describes New
York.
Denton, Richard, 358, one of Committee of Safety un
der Leisler.
De Peyster, Johannes, 225, schepen, descent of, silver
ware, &c., 226, 260, advisor to Dutch admirals,
burgomaster, &c., 274, signed petition, 344, son of,
357, widow of.
De Peyster, Abraham (son of Johannes), 343, captain,
344, business of, 348, 349, concerned io Revolution,
350, 3J4, 357, 335, 360, 372, brother of, 379, 398,

INDEX.

mayor, character of, &;c., S99, portrait of, 400, acts
of, 401, wife of, 402, 404, welcomes governor, 405,
411, ambassador to Boston, 412,418,419, house of,
420, descendants of, coat of arms, &c., 434, coun
selor, 442, 443, donated site of City Hall, 446, wife
of, 448, 449, president of council aud acting gov
ernor, 450, acting chief justice, 451, auditing com
mittee, 467, associate judge, 460, suspended from
council, 473, treasurer of New York, 483, counselor,
498, 505, map of part of property, 517, retired from
public life, 524, gift of church bell.
De Peyster, Abraham, Jr. (son of Abraham), 420,
family of, 517, treasurer of New York in place of
father of, 568, 582, 598, daughter of, 608, 627, char
acter of, &c , 628, picture of house of, 728.
De Peyster, Colonel Areqt, 420, 421.
De Peyster, Cornehs, 372.
De Peyster, Isaac, 399.
De Peyster, Johannes, Jr., 399, 427, mayor, welcomed
Lord Bellomont.
De Peyster, James (eldest son of Abraham, Jr.), 628.;
I>e Peyster, John (Albany), 512 (note).
De Peyster, Pierre, 673, alderman.
De Peyster, Hon. Frederic, 420, family of.
De Peyster, Major-General John Watts, 420.
De Riemer (Mayor), 453.
De Kuyter (Dutch naval coramander), 232, 233, 234,
235, 236, 254, 255-
Dervall, John, 601, widow of
DervaU, \ViIliam, 261, estate confiscated, 270, alder
man, 274, 299.
Deshrosses, Elias, 739, family of, 760, where resided,
De Sille, Hon. Nicasius, 165, arrival of, 166, family of,
167, house of, 176, 182, lawsuit of, 191, 204, 207,
213.
De Vries, Captain David Peterson, 62, 67, 68, 69, 70, 75,
conflict with West India Company, 76, 88, 91, visits
Hartford, 92, 99, 101, 109, 112, 114.
De Vries, Peter Rudolphus, 601^, widow of.
De Witt, John, 102, 193, 195, 232, 235, 236, 237, 246,
254, 255, 492.
D« Wjtt, Johannes, 226, assessed to provide for Eng
lish soldiers.
Oieskau, Baron, 647, 652, wounded and defeated, 660.
Diggs, Sir Dudley, 31, defrayed expenses of Hudson's
expedition .
Dircksen, Barent, 114.
Dii'cksen, Cornelis, 86. '
Dircksen, Gerritfc, 99.
Discovery, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28,
29,30,31.
Dongnn. Governor Thomas, 298, family of, 299, arrival
of, 300, description, of, 302, interview with Pennsyl-
vaniii delegates, 307, Connecticut quarrels, 310, Indian
conference, 316, opinion of old New York residents,
317, grants city charter, 327, 347, 378.
Dongan, Thomas, 495, fought duel.
Dow, Garret, 397, alderman.
Downing, Sir George, 194, 195 (note), 232 233.
Dordrecht, National Synod of. 44.
Doughty, Charle<!, 741.
Doughty, Elias, 227, delegate to Hempstead Convention
in 1665.
Doughty, Rev. Francis, 104, 115, 124.
Duane, Anthony, 701 (note).
Dnane, Hon. James, 701, character of, and family of,
728, 760, house of, 765, 766, 767, 768.
Duane, James C, 701, family of.
Du Bois, Dr. Isaac.
DuBois, Rev. Mr., 440.
Dudley, Joseph, 316, president of Massachusetts, (note),
family of, &c , 323, chief justice of New York, 382,
384, counselor, 388, 389, pronounced sentence of
death upon Leisler, 390, description of, 396, in
Curacoa, 413, in England, 422, 425, 441, 493, gov
ernor of Massachusetts^
Duncan, Thomas, 682.
Dunmore, Earl of (governor of New Ycwk^, 755.
Duyckinck, Evert, 226, assessed to provide for English
soldiers.
Dyer, Collector (mayor), 295, litigation, 296, 297.
Dris.«ius Doroinie.158, 180, marriage of , 181, 184,220,
249, 400.
" DrissiuB Mother," 181, 190.

E.
Bast India Company, 22, origin of, 25, 31, 46, 47.
Ebbing, Jeronimus, 260, family of. &c
Edwards, Rev. Jonathan, 518, 519, career of, 596, 635,
daughter of.
Edsall, Samuel, 368, one of Committee of Safety under
Leisler, 371. counselor, 382, 388, 389.
Eelkins, Jacob, 69, 70.
Effingham, Lord (governor of Virginia), 310, visits
New York and Albany, 326, assists in expenfes of
war, 519.
Elbertsen, Elbert, 206, 227, delegate to Hempstead
Convention in 1665-
Elizabeth, Queen, 32.
EUiot, Andrew, Lieutenant-Governor, 760, residence
of.
Embury, Rev. Philip, 763.
Emott, James 388, 422 (note).
England, 15, 20,21,32, colonies of, 50, death of Jamei
I., 131, 168, peace with Holland, 191, 214, conquers
New York, 232, 233, war, 236, miseries of, 237, 246,
peace, 253, 280, Constitution of, violated, 306, in a
political convulsion, 333, Revolution in, 334, 367,
491, the debt of, 492, 493, the State Departmen t of,
659, declares war against France, 682, 698, 716, 716,
717, 719, 730, 732, 733, 736, 737, 743, 748, 761, 764,
768.
Epersteyn, Captain, 263.
Evans, Captain, 436, estate under condemnation.
Evertsen, Admiral, 257, 258, captures New York, 259,
262.
Evertsen, Michel, 90, clerk of customs.
Evertsen, John, 227.
Everts, James, 422 (note).

F.
Fabricus, Rev. Jacobus, 250.
Farret, 93, claimed Loug Island.
Farwell, George, 324, attorney -general.
Fauconier, Mr., 476.
Feake, Robert, 92.
Fenn, Hon. Benjamin, 199.
Fenwick, Joh , 267, 292, 293.
Fenwick, Colonel George, 92, Lady Alice, wife of.
Ferry to Long Island, 86, 171.
Fever and ague in New York, 244.
Fire Company (First), 183.
Fire-Engines, 534.
Fisher, Dr. Archibald, 607.
Fitzroy^ Lord Augustus (son of Duke of Grafton), 543,
marriage of.
Fitch, Captain, 354, 355, visits New York to advise in
government affairs.
Fitch, Governor (of Connecticut), 653, 717.
Fletcher, Governor Benjamin, 403.404, arrival of, 405,
description of, 406, 407, 409, 410, speech of, 411, in
Pennsylvania, 412, accused of offlcial stealing, 414,
cobflict with Assembly, 415, speech of, 416, elec
tions, 418, 421, 423, accused of piracy, 427,428, su
perseded, 429, trial and defence of, 438, 439, acquit
ted, 443, 445, 472;
Forbes, General, 617.
Fordham, Robert, 117.
Fort Amsterdam built, 54, 65, 76, 77, 107.
Fort Casimir, 176.
Fort Esopus, 189 .
Fort, first, on Manhattan Island, 42.
Fort Nassau, 42, 43, 49, replaced by Fort Orange, 101,
153, 164.
Fort Nassau on Delaware, 49.
Fosse, Mr., 227.
Franklin, Dr. Benjamin, 641, 646, 647, 666,667,668;
post-office routes, 669, 705, 760, daughter of.
Franklin, Governor William, 666, 667, 705, governor of
New Jersey, 706.
Franklin, Samuel, 683.
Franklin, Walter, 683, 760, where resided.
France, 17, 20, 235. 245, rapid growth of, 246, 253, 265,
280,327, New. 361, 369, design upon New York, 378,
395, arts Of king of, 409, 458, 491, 649, war with,
657, 659, 698, peace with England.

INDEX.

777

Francis I. of France. 17, sent Verrazano on voyage of
adventure, 18.
Frazius, Dominie Bernhardus, 284.
Frederick Kryn, 54.
Freedoms and exemptions, 59, scheme of charter, 60.
Freeman, Thomas, 644, marriage ot, to daughter of
Governor Cosby.
French, Philip, 336, 372, in prison, 373, 418, at Eng
lish court, 430, Speaker of House, 443, 444, 466, 457,
459, outlawed, 464, 465, assemblyman and mayor,
699, descendants of. 602.
Fresh Water Pond, 56, murder near, 190.
Frontenac, Count, 369,376, 405, 417, 432.

G.
G.vBRV, TiMOJHEUS, 225, Burgomaster. *
Gage, General, 721, 730, 734.
Gardiner, David, 238, title to Isle of Wight.
Gardiner, David (4th Lord), 570, coat of arms of.
Gardiner, David (Oth Lord) 596, marriage of.
Gardiner, John (3d Lord), 670, family of.
Gardiner, Lion, 93, purchase of, 570, descendants of.
Gardiner's Island, 93, purchase of, 238, 262, 442, treas
ure buried on, 570.
Gamo, 'Vasco da, 16.
Gano, Rev. John, 753, of First Baptist Church.
Geographical knowledge, 37, prior to discovery of the
American Continent.
Gere, Christopher, 376.
Oeorge I, 498, proclaimed king of England, 524, death
of, 572, gift of.
George II., 524, accession o^, 693. death of.
George IIL, 693, accession of, 705, 715, 735, 737, 739
756, 764.
Gerritsen, Martin, 67, member of Council.
Gerritsen, Wolfert, 79
Gibbs, Thomas. 266, member of Commission, 268.
Girard, Alien, 506. surveyor-general.
Godyn, Samuel, 49, director of the Amsterdam Cham
ber, 60, 62.
Glen, Captain Alexander, 377, chief magistrate of
Schenectady.
Goelet, Peter B., 740, marriage of
Goelet, Robert R., 740, marriage of.
Goetwater, Rev. Ernestus, 178, sent to,..TNew Amster
dam.
Gold, Nathan, 223, member of committee, 306, 353,
354, 355, 379.
Gomez, Bstavan, 19, 20.
Gooch, Sir WiUiam, 603, 613.
Gordon, Dr John , 305.
Gouverneur Abraham, 358, appointed cleik of com
mittee, 3ol, .389, 407, 413, at Bnglish Court, 418, 440,
marriage of, and chosen speaker of Assembly, 442,
449, 460, 451, 453, city recorder.
Gouverneur, Isaac, 683.
Gouverneur, Nicholas, 683.
Graham, Hon. James, 283, arrival of , 301 , 308, flrst
recorder of New York, 315, attorney-general, 316,
manager of king's revenue, 325, counselor, 332, 339,
384, 389 ; speaker of Assembly, and description of,
390, 392, 435, characteristics of, 436, 439, 440, coun
selor, 442, 443, 445, 446, death of, 576.
Graham, Augustine, 445 (son of above), 454, 500, 606,
death of
Greenwich, 101.
Oroesbeck, Stephanus, 612, Commissioner of Indian
Affairs.
Grotius, Hugh, 45, imprisonment of.
Guillamus, William, 206, delegate to the Landtdag.

H.
H.1CK1NSA.CK, 96, origin of name.
Hague, The, 40, description of
Haines, John, 356, chosen commissioner, 384, coun
selor.
Hake, Lord Samuel, 420, daughter of.
Halifax, Lord, 307, 563, 630, 636,638, 691, 705, 731.
Hall, Ralph, 238.
Hall, Thomas, 76, 78, 114, one of the " Eight Men," 137,
one of the '' Nine Men," 139, 147, 162, farm of, 181.

HMnel, Hendrick, 49, director of the Amsterdam Cham
ber.
Hamilton, Andrew, 550,551, portrait of, 552-656 ar-
gument at the trial of Zenger, 557, triumph of.
Hamilton, Governor John, 421, 461, entertained Corn
bury.
Hampton, Rev. Johu, 473, 474.
Hansen, Mr., 475.
Hardenhrook, Margaret, 601, marriage of.
^'i=ri'''„?o ^^J'''^^ ( governor ), 640, 645, 651, arrival of,
652, 653, 669, 660.
Harmensen, Iteynert. 54, member of Advisory Council.
Hjrrison, Francis, 496, examiner in chancery, 526
counselor, 548, 617, daughter of.
Hartford, 91,101, 102.
Harvey, Matthias, 227, delegate to convention of 1666,
368, one of Committee of Safety under Leisler.
Harvey, Sir John ( governor ), 68, entertained De Vries.
Hawks, John, 612.
Hawson, Henry, 599, married Eliza Livingston.
Havens, John, 507, family of
Hay, Dr. David, 607.
Heathcote, Caleb, 408, family of, 409, marriage of, 415
counselor, 422, 430,436, estate under condemnation,
454, manor-house of, 460, 483, 495, mayor of city,
514, death of, 531, portrait of
Heermans, Augustin, 137. representative, 152, fined,
165, sketched map, 179, 226, propertv assessed.
Heermans, Ephraim, 289, joined Labadists. "
Herring, Albert, 673, alderman.
Hesse, Jacob Hanson, 67, counselor to Van Twiller.
Hett, Rene, 582, juryman in negro trial of 1741.
Heweot, Dr. William, 607.
Hicks, Captain Jasper, 388, of the frigate Archangel.
Hicks, John, 227, delegate to Hempstead Convention,
1665, 229, appointed justice.
Hicks, Thomas, 297, 378, also justice.
Hicks,. Whitehead, 740, son of, 760, mayor and resi
dence of, 763, family of.
Hilton, Mr., 582.
Hinckley, Governor, 341, reinstated in power.
Hodgson, Robert, 184, Quaker preacher.
Hoffman, Martin, 599, wife of.
Hogg, Robert, 581.
HoUaendare, Peter, 100, governor of Swedish colony.
Holburn, Admiral, 669.
Holland, Edward, 609, counselor, 633, mayor.
Holland, 23. 27, 38, 40, capital of, 43, 48,60, aristo
cratic spirit of, 120, 131, 132, description of, and
people of, 133, 165, 1*38, peace with England declared,
204, 214, 216, 235.
Holmes, George, 76.
Holmes, William, 75, land surveyor.
Holmes, Admiral, 680.
Holt, John, 720, the printer (New York Gazette and
Post Boy ).
Hood, Stamp-master, 721, 731
Hopkins, Stephen, 641, delegate to Congress of 1754.
Horsemanden, Hon. Daniel, 561, counselor, 577, city
recorder, and description of, 578, 585, 610, judge, 619,
624, 630, 665, 671, 713, chief justice, 725, 730, 766.
Horsemill, Pirst, 55, description of.
Hospital, New York, 761 , foundation of.
Hossett, Commander, 67, murder of.
Howden, Michael, 422, warden of Trinity Church.
Howe, Lord, 669, 674, 675, killed near Lake George.
Howell, John, 227, delegate to Convention of 1665.
Hubbard, James (sergeant), 123, 172, 202, 227, delegate
to Hempstead Convention, 1665, 229, justice.
Hudde, Andries, 67, counselor to Van Twiller, 79, 107,
surveyor, 125.
Huddleston, William, 422. warden of Trinity Church.
Hudson, Henry, 26, family of, 27, voyages of, 28, dis
coveries of, 29, on the North River, 30, 31, charac
ter of.
Hulft, Peter Evertsen, 49, director of the West India
Company.
Hungerford, Sir George, 431. son of, 445.
Hunter, Elias Deshrosses, 603, wife of
Hunter, Governor Robert, 481, early life of, 482, 483,
marriage of, 484, caring for tbe Germans, 485, 486,
embarrassments of, 488, 499, 493, 494, 495, 496, in col
lision with Assemblv, 497, 498, 499. 500, wife of, 502,
Lady Hunter 503, death of Lady Hunter. 504, 508,
children of, 509, departure of, 510, in England, 513.

778

INDEX.

Hunting, Rev. Nathaniel, 696, pastor of East Hamp
ton Church, L. I. ,
Hutchings, Captain, 456, alderman, 457, trial of, 461,
sentence of death reversed hy Que«n Anne.
Hutchinson, Mrs. Anna, 104, 171, estate of.
Hutchinson, Chief Justice (governor of Massachusetts),
717, 720, 721.

Icelanders, 12, literary legacies of.
Indians, American, 18, origin of the name Iro(^uoi|,
29, 30, 33, 36, description of, 37, dress of, 38, public
affairs of, 43, treaty of, 63, 91, 93, jealouciies, 94, 95,
97, war against Dutch, 98, 101, treaty, 107, 109,
year of blood, 110, 111, massacre of, 112, 113, 114,
116, 118, dark winter, 119, treatv, 122, permanent
peace, 176, 177, attacked city, 186, 187, treaty, 189,
attacked Esopus, 200, massacre at Esopus, 201, war,
275, 276, 278, 310, 311, 325, 326, 346, 362, 364, 372,
376, 377, destruction of Schenectady, 378,579, 380,
381,405,406,409,414,417,432,478, 479, edtertained
by Schuyler, 480, chiefs at Court of England, 494, 5 17,
conference of 1721,518,523, 525, conference of 1728,
526, 631, 585, 586, sachems' dream, 588, 591, 592,
609, 610, 611, Colden among Mohawks, 612, 620, 621,
621, 640, 641, 647, war, 648, 659, 660. 664, 665,
trouble about lands, 670, 674, 676, 677,679, 689, con
ference at Detroit,1761,690, 692,702, threats of, 703,
Johnson HaU fortified, 708, treaty, 744.
IngersoU, Jared (Stamp-master), 716, in gallery of
House of Commons, 720, 721, captured and escorted
to Hartford.
Ingolsby, Major Richard ( lieutenant-governor ), 383,
384, arrival of, 385, 386, 388, 395, commander-in-
chief, 403, 445, iu England, 471, return to New
York, 478, acting governor.
Inians, John, 369. alderman.
Innis, Rev. Mr., 353, 354.
Innis, Mr., (of Philadelphia), 668, 669, messenger to
Lord Lowden.
Izzard, Ralph, 757, married Alice De Lancey.

Jackson, Robert, 227, delegate to Convention, 1665.
Jacques, Father, 109, suffering among the French.
Janics^I., 32, colonizing Virginia, 50, death of, 64,
patents of.
James II., aa Duke of York, 208, received grant of
New York, 219, managing his new territory, 224,
dismembered Ne.w York, 233 commander, of Eng
lish fleet against the Dutch, 250, religion of, 253,
265, marriage of, 266, 267, title to New York ques
tioned, 276, opinion of assemblies, 281, daughter of,
married to William of Orange, 282, sent to Scot^
land, 293, 298, thinks of selling New York, 302, gives
New York the franchise, 307, in privy council of
Charles II., 313, proclaimed king of England, 314,
slave of France, 316, inconsistencies of, 316, 317,
granted charter to New York City, 318, 321, inspired
Nesv York with terror, 322, assisted the Huguenots,
327, consolidated New York with New England, 328,
efforts to change the religion of the kingdom, 330,
alarm at the acquittal of the bishops, 334, deserted
by his courtiers, 335, abdicates his throne, 336, a
fugitive in France.
James III. ( the Pretender ), 590, 591.
James, Rev. Thomas, 244, translated Bible for Indians,
598, pastor of church at East Hampton, L. I.
.Tames, Major, 722, commander of artillery, 723, 727,
furniture aud gardens destroyed by rioters.
Jamison, David, 422, warden in Trinity Church, 434,
444, accused by Bellomont, 500, chief justice of New
Jersey, 621.
Janeway, William. 422 warden of Trinity church.
Jans, Roelof (or Jansen), 79, farm of.
Jans, Anetje, widow of Roelof, 79, 85, married Dominie
Bogardus, 86, 106, 207, daughter of, 220, daughter of,
253, sale of property of.
Jansen, Hendrick, 98, one of "Twelve Men," 371,
counselor of Leisler.
Jansen, Michael, 137. *

Jausen, Jans, 125.
Jauncey, James, 738, assemblyman, 743, re-elected,
756, counselor.
Jay, Augustus, 697, arrival and settlement in America,
family of, &c.
Jay, Dr. (Sir) James, 696, agent for Kings College in
England.
Jay. Hon. John, 696. family of, 697, iu college, 741,
758, marriage of, 765, oneof Committee of Fifty-one,
766, delegate to first Continental Congress, 768, de
parture for Philadelphia.
Jay, Peter, 602, family of, 606 (note), 696, 697, where
educated.
Jennings, Samuel, 475, speaker of New Jersey As
sembly.
Jessop, Edward, 227, delegate to Hempstead Conven
tion, 1665.
Jochemsen, David, 206, delegate to the Landtdag, IQ&k.
Johnson, Dr. John, 600, mayor of city and counselor.
Johnson, Thomas, 388, judge in admiralty, 390.
Johnson, Garret, 310, keeper of powder-magazine.
Johnson, Johannes, 361 returned as sheriff.
Johusou, Simon, 607,jusi.ice of peace.
Johnson, Joris, 673, alderman.
Johnson, Rev. Dr. Samuel, 507, marriage of, 633, firtt
president of Kings (Columbia) College, 643, 645, 696-
Johnson, Rev. Stephen, pastor of church, Lyme, Con
necticut, 719, author of firat printed revolutionary
article.
Johnson, Samuel William, 507.
Johnson, Sir Guy, 689, secretary and nephew of Sir
William.
Johnson, Sir John, 689, sonof Sir William, 756, wifeof.
Johnson, Sir William, 586, arrival of, 587, character
of, 588, dream of, 610, in council at Albany, 611,
influence of with Indians, 614, head of, Indian alfairs,
621, Indian council at Johnson Hall, 629, 636, coun
selor, 640,648, iu New York City, 649, Indian council
at Johnson Hall, 650, speech of, 652, wounded in
battle, 653, ovations in the city, 660, 664, 665, 669,
670, 674, defending Mohawk valley, 676, 679, 689,
visits Detroit, 690, council scenes, 702, 703, Johnson
Hall fortified, 730, 742, 744, 760, visited by Governor
Tryon, 761, militia reviewed.
Jones, David, 568, a.'vsemblyman, 592, speaker of
House, 623, 627, 628, 636, 658, correspondence of,
663, 691. -
Jones, Dr. Thomas, 750, wife of, 761.
Jones, Richard, 671.
Jorassen, Hendrick, 227, delegate to Convention, 1665.
Joris, Captain Adrian, 49, in charge of colony, 52.

K.
Kalm, Professor, 633, gossip of.
Kay, Jacob Teunissen, 249, deacon of Dutch Churck.
Kearny, Philip, 502, family of, 706, family of, 756-
Keith, Sir William {governor of Pennsylvania), 519, 520.
Kemmena, Dr. E. B., 607.
Kennedy, Hon. Archibald, 536, counselor, 561, 656,
671, estate of, 692, retires from Council.
Kennedy, Captain Archibald (llth Earl of Cassilis), 655,
mention of, 656, 671, first wife of, 756, second wife
of.
Kern, Rev. Johan Michael, 704, arrival of, 705.
Ketchum, John, 227, delegate to Convention, 1665.
Ketteltas, Abraham, 582, 701, daughter of, 759, the wife
of James Beekman,
Keyser, Adriaen, 127, commissary.
Kidd, Captain, 424, employed as a privateer, 425, de
scription of, 433, sailing under the black flag, 442,
arrest, trial, aud execution, 570, treasure buriedby.
Kieft, Govemor Wilhelm, 80, took oath of office, 82,
arrival of, and description of, 82, proceedings of,
84, laws of, 85. 86, improving the town, 88, 89,
securing land, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, follies of, 98, in
augurated the first popular meeting in New York,
100, 101, rejected council, 106, founded a church,
107, 109, censured, 110, 111, assassination of Indians,
112, bloody war, 113, 118, 119, 120, civil anarchy,
121, recall of, 122, peace with the Indians, 125, 126,
128, his successor welcomed, 135, 136, 137, fate of.
Kiersted, Dr. Hans, 83, 90,122,138, 207, second wifeof,
acts as Indian interpreter, 226, property assessed.

INDEX.

779

Kiersted, Dr. Roelof, 607.
Kiersted, Lucas, 137, grandson of first ofthe name.
King, Peter, 397, alderman.
Kip, Hendrick, 137, sketch of family arms, &c., 166,
marriage of, 181, where resided.
Kip, Jacob, 138, 159, house of, and marriage of, 160,
225, schepen, 226, property assessed, 274.
Kip, Johannes, 343, alderman, 397, 409, assembly
man, 436.
Kirke, Colonel, 308, governor of Massachusetts.
Kissam, Daniel, 711, assemblyman.
Knight, Madam Sarah, 454, travels of.
Knox, Rev. John, 752, descendant of
Kuyter, Joachim Pietersen, 89, arrival of. 92, ship of,
106, 114, one of the *' Eight Men," 135, 136. trial and
banishment of, 137, sentence reversed in Holland.

Labadists, 286, 287, 288, 289.
Laborie, Rev. James, 468, flrst pastor of First French
Church.
La Chair, Solomon, 196, early lawyer.
Laidlie, Rev. Dr. Archibald, 703, 704, 750, 751.
Lamb, General John, 726. 745, 763.
Lambertsen, George, 99, New Haven merchant, 102.
Ija Montagne, Dr. Johannes, 83, description of, 90,
daughter of, 110, 112, counselor, 117, 122, 134, 158,
opened school, 159, daughter married Jacob Kip,
1(36, 200, 221. 746, descendant of.
Limpo, Jan, 54, flrst sheriff, 65, 64.
Lane, Henry, 561, counselor.
Latouche, Jeremiah, 582, juryman in negro trial.
Lawrence, John, 203, commissioner to Connecticut,
205,230, alderman, 231, family of, 260, 261, mayor,
270, 274, 343, 344, daughter of, 358, 387, mayor,
sketch of, 388, 433, counselor.
Lawrence, John L., 599, married Catherine Livingston.
Lawrence, Lieutenant-Governor (of Nova Scotia), 649,
663.
Lawrence, William, 358, one of Leisler's Committee of
Safety, 371, counselor, 387, 446.
Leete, Samuel, 283, city clerk.
Leisler, Jacob, 138, marriage of, 226, property assessed,
238, juryman, 249, church elder, 251, relic of family,
286, church troubles, 339, 343, city surveyor, 344,
militia captain, 345, description of, family of, 346,
wine-merchant, 347, 349, house of, 350, command
ing fort, 351, 352, 353, 3o4, 355, 356, arrogance of,
357, 358, 360, 361, 366, 338, 371, 372, arbitrary pro
ceedings, 373, 378, 379, 380, 382, correspondence of,
383, marriage of daughter, 384, disappointment of,
385, obstinacy, 386, 387, imprisonment of, 388, trial
bf, 389, sentence of death pronounced upon, 390, 391,
2^, death-warrant of, signed, 393, execution of, 394,
resulting consequences, 407, appeals of family of,
408, widow of, 440, honorable burial of remains of,
449, allusions to family of.
Leisler, Jacob, Jr., 394, in England, 407, efforts to re
move stain from father's memory, 413, secured resti
tution of blood as well as estate, 418, 425, 429, 442,
452.
Library New York Society, 532, foundation of, 647,
first trustees of.
Lispenard, Anthony, 723, Huguenot ancestry of family,
and descendanta of.
Lispenard, Leonard, 673, alderman, 678, assemblyman,
683, merchant, 711, 723, family of, 766, 767.
Livingston, Robert, 275, ancestor of family in America,
description of and ancestry of, 276, manners of, 305,
Secretary of Indian Affairs, 318, bought manor prop
erty, 319, manor-house of, 320, children of, 357,
entertains Colonel Bayard, 361, secretary of Albany
Convention, 362, 375. incurs wrath of Leisler,
suggests Convention, 393, 394; at the Court of Eng
land, 395, portrait of, 413, description of coat of
arms, 416, 418, at the Court of England, 419, con
flict with Fletcher, 424, introduces Captain Kidd to
William III., 434. reinstated in office, and made
counselor by Bellomont, 439, estate under condemna
tion, 445, 448, 449, conflict among the counselors,
450, accused of fra ud , 461, 452. ordered to account.
455, vilified and threatened, 459, entire estate con
fiscated, and removal from all offices, 463, estates re

stored (1703), reinstated iu all former appointments
and honors (1705), 484, sold portion of manor prop
erty, 485. about manor-house of, 486, sketch of, at
the age of 76, 493, meeting of governors at New Lon
don, 609, 515, speaker of House.
Livingston, Philip (eldest son of above), 319, descrip
tion of, 320, marriage of, 486, 515, succeeds father
as secretary of Indian affairs, 526, at Indian Con
ference, 568, assemblyman, 597, counselor, 598, three
princely establishments of, and children of, 599 (note),
608, 610. 658, widow of, 702, trouble about land pat
ents, 723.
Livingston, Rohert (son of Robert above), 319. manor-
house of, 320, property of, at Clermont, 598, chH-
dren of
Livingston, Gilbert (sou of the first Robert ahove),
320, married Cornelia Beekman, estate near Sara
toga.
Livingston, Robert R., (judge, son of second Robert),
698, married Margaret Beekman, 678, a-ssemblyman ,
710, children of, 711, chairman of Revolutionary
Committee of Correspondence, 714, 723, member of
Stamp Act Congress, 726, opinion of Stamp Act, 728,
729, 743, Governor Moore's description of, 767, city
residence of.
Livingston, Robert R. (chancellor, son of third Rohert
above), 598, 646, education of, 710, 763, city re
corder.
Livingston. Jr., Robert (nephew of first Robert), 416,
married Margaretta Schuyler, children of, 509, agent
among Indians, 598, granddaughter of.
Livingston, Robert (eldest son of Philip, and third Lord
of Manor), 598, 636, manor property disturbed by
riots, 648 , assemblyman, 664, property troubles,
758, city residence of.
Livingston, Robert Cambridge (.son of Robert, third
, Lord of Manor), 320, house erected upon divided es
tate, 768, city residence of, in 1775.
Livingston, Jr., Robert Gilbert, 768, residence of.
Livingston, Petej> Van Brugh (son of Philip, second
Lord of Manor), 503, marriage of, 698, education of.
649, agent for army supplies, 659, 703, 758, city
residence of, 766, 767, John Adams's description of.
Livingston, Philip (son of Philip, second Lord of Manor),
598, education of, 673, alderman , 678, assembly
man, 711, 723, member of Stamp-Act Congress, 738-
743, 750, daughter married Bev. Dr. Livingston,
residence of, 1775, 758, city residence of, 766, dele
gate to the fir.st Continental Congress, 768, departure
for Philadelphia.
Livingston, John (son of Philip, second Lord of Manor),
598, education of, 758, city residence of, wife of,
&c.
Livingston, William (govemor of New Jersey, son of
Philip, second Lord of Manor), 598, education of,
f99, law student with James Alexander, marriage of,
642, trustee of Kings College, 643, character of, 644,
writings of, 645, leader of the great political feud,
647. trustee of New York Society Library, 648, as
semblyman, 665, 678, 695, 702, 751, 758, built Liberty
Hall in Elizabeth, New Jersey, 768.
Livingston, Rev. Dr. John Henry, 320, 750, education
of, marriage of, pastor of North Dutch Church.
Livingston, James, 642, trustee of Kings College, 648,
assemblyman.
Livingston, Henry, 598, education of, 599, business of,
678, assemblyman, 711.
Lockyer, Captain, 7w, of tea ship, 764.
Lodwyck, Charles, 344, one of the six captains, 347,
sent with Leisler to return petition, 349, demanded
keys of fort, 351. desired Colonel Bayard to assume
command, 370, wife of, 444, joined merchants in peti
tion.
Loockermans, Govert, 137, one of the " Nine Men," 138,
marriage and family of, 147, partnership in busi
ness, 152, per.secuted and fined, 186. acting as in
terpreter for Indians, 204, sent to New Jersey, 207,
251, chatelaine wom by Mrs. Govert Loockermans,
423, title of, to Hanover Square, 606, sister of
Loudoun, Earl of, 659, appointment of (note), 660, self-
conceit of, 661, visits northern forts, 662, arrogance
and profanity of, 668, 669, incapacitv of, 670, 673.
Louis XIV., 235, 245, character of, 246, 253, secret
treaty negotiated with Charles, 254, 264, at war with
half of Europe, 280, fomenting jealousies, 290, re-

rso

INDEX.

sorts to intrigue, SC3, compels Protestants to emigrate
from France, 314, 321, perj^ecution of the Protestants,
336, kindness to James II., 369, orders French Hu
guenots to France, (note).
Ivovelace, Colonel Francis, 241, appointed governor of
New York, description and antecedents of, Ac, 242,
243, 244, desires to obtain a printing-press, 248,
co-operates with merchants and builds a vessel, 249,
horse-racing, 252, purchase of Staten Island from
Indians, 253, purchase of Anetje Jans' farm, 256,
a'^king for a "Benevolence," 257, establishing post
route to Boston, 261, e.state confiscated, 262, fate
of, 273, estate added to Duke's farm.
Ijovelace, Dudley, 243, coixpselor.
Ixivelace, Thomas, 243, coniselor^ 252, justice, 256,
commissioner, 257, 268,^ it tu make terms, 311,
sheriff of Staten Island.
Low, Isaac, 739, founding Chamber of Comnifl
(note), family of, 740, 758, residence of, 765, ch.,
man of Committee of Fifty-one, 766, delegate to first
Continental Congress, 767, 768, chairman of Com
mittee of Sixty.
Lubbertsen, Frederick, 99, representative, 227, dele
gate to Hempstead Convention, 1665.
Lubbertsen, Jans, 190, taught public school.
Ludlow, Daniel, 757. residence of.
Ludlow, Gabriel, 422, warden of Trinity Church (1696).
Ludlow, James, 741.
Lupoid, Ulrich, 83, 84, sheriff, 90.
Lurting, Robert, 422, warden of Trinity Church (1665),
500, counselor.
Luyck, Dominie Aegidius, 190, private tutor to Gov
ernor Stuyvesant, 226, property assessed, 249, asso
ciate clergyman, 260, burgomaster. '

M.
Maiden Lane, 402, 495.
Manhattan, Island of. 35, condition at time of dis
covery, description of, 36, inhabitants, 49, first settle
ment, 60, 53, purchase of site from Indians, 59, re
served to West India Company, 66, 67.
Manning, Captain John, 221, left in command of fort,
243, city sheriff, 256, member of commission, 257,
captain of fort, 258, surrendered to Dutch, 272, re
turned to New York, 257, settled on island in East
River (Blackwell's).
Market House, 139, 580.
Marston, Nathaniel, 422, warden in Trinity Church.
Marshall, John, 607, justice ofthe peace,
Martense, Roeloffe, 227, delegate to Convention (1665)
Mason, Rev. Dr. John, 752, first pastor of Scotch
Presbyterian Chnrch (1761).
Mather, Dr. Increase, sketch of, family of, 339, 340, 352.
368, 394.
Mather, Rev. Cotton, 341, reads Declaration to people
of Boston, 338.
Maurice, Count John, 119.
Maverick, Samuel, 195, appeared before king, 208,
commissioner to settle boundaries, «5fcc., 222, 229,
laboring with '¦ refractory " Massachusetts, 230, 242,
wrote to Lord Arlington, 244, wrote to the Duke,
247.
May, Captain Cornelius Jacobson, 33, commanding
" Tiger," 45, returns to America, 49, director-general
of New Netherland (1624).
Mayhew, Thomas, 239, patent issued to, for Nantucket
and Martha's Vineyard
McAdam, William, 739, 740, one of committee of mer
chants.
McCurdy, John, 719, of Lyme, Connecticut, "Friendly
to Liberty."
McCurdy, Charles Johnson, 719 (note).
McCurdy, Robert H., 719 (note).
McDougall, Alexander, 744, opposed to importation of
goods, 747, arrested, sketch of, (note) 766, commit
tee to draft letter to Boston, 766, 767, opposition to
ticket of Fifty-one.
McEvers, Charies, 740, one of the founders of Chamber
of Commerce.
McEvers, James, 722, stamp master at New York, 727,
731.
McEvers, John, 582, juryman (1741).

McKemie, Bev. Francis, 473, 474, arrested and tried,
477.
Megapolensis, Rev. Johannes, 108, arrival of, 124, first
instructor of Indians, 141, asks dismissal, 146, re
mains at Manhattan, 158,174, superintends erection
of church, 176, 'on the Delaware, 184, 213. repre
sents province at the capitulation of New York, 220,
249, death of.
Melius, Dominie, 190, pastor at New Amstel, (note).
Melyn, CorneUus, 90, arrival in America, 96, returned
with grant for Staten Island, 114, one of the " Eight
Men," 130, 135, arrest and trial of, 137, sentence
revei-sed, and restored to former honors, 149, 152.
Merritt, John, 397, alderman, 582, juryman.
Merritt, William, 343, member of council, 358, sent
by mayor to Leisler, 397, alderman, 432, warden of
Trinity Church (1697).
Meteren, Emanuel Van, 25, 27, historian.
MichaeUus, Jonas, 56, acting as teacher.
Middleton, Thomas, 2S8, owning Shelter Island.
Milborne, Jacob, 285, 360, retum from Holland, 3C3,
at Albany, demands admission to fort, 364, appt^^.f
before convention, 371, secretary to province, S!T|^'
380, made commander of expedition to Canada, 382,
sent to subdue the "refractory," 383, wife of, 384,
sent to inspect Ingolsby 's documents, 387, 388, re
fusal to plead, 389, con*"^ Mou of, 393, execution
of, 394, son of (note), . .states restored fn
family, 440, marriage oi" i and reinterment of
remains
Miller, Elder, 753.
Miller, Rev. Jdhn, 429, (Episcopal clergyman), 421,
author of map of New York City.
Millington, Rev. John, 532, donated books to New
York-City.
Milnor, Rev. Mr., 633, in pulpit of St George's Chapel.
Minvielle, Gabriel, 270, alderman, 301, 344, miUtia
captain, 349, 350, 351,363, retired from revolutionary
party, 884, counselor, 403, 433, 444.
Minuet, Peter, (governor), 52, appointment of, 53,
purchasing site of New York, 54, description of, 55,
reeidence of, 57, 60, 63, 64, returns to Holland, 89,
commander of Swedish colony, 88, 99, death of.
Molenaer, Abram, 99, representative.
Mompesson, Roger (chief justice), 471. antecedent.^
and character of, 474, 483, counselor, 484, 499, death
of.
Monckton, Major-General (governor), 692, arrival of,
693, 701, 703, 714, 715.
Monsay, Mr., 431, searcher of customs.
Montcalm, Marquis de, 660, commander of Canada, 669,
670, 671, 675, 676, generalship, 680, 682, death of.
Montgomery, Colonel John (governor), 525, character
of, 528, 529, speech of, 530, 533, granted charter to
New York City, 536, death of, 545, sale of effects of.
Moody, Lady Deborah, 114,115, 123, 172, entertained
governor and Mrs. Stuyvesant, 17 (, house attacked
by Indians.
Moody, Sir Henry 123, 172, 177, 183.
Moody, Rev. Mr., 594, army chaplain.
Moore, Dr. Alexander, 007.
Moore, Benjamin, 741.
Moore, Captain Samuel, 384.
Moore, Sir Henrv ^eovernor), 728,735, arrival of, 781,
attended jubilee, 736, 739, 742, 743, 744. death of.
Morris, Captain Richard, 256, founder of Morrisania,
family of, 470. death of, and death of widow of.
Morris, Colonel Lewis (brother of above), 256, 354,
house of, 372, 470.
Morris, Lewis, ( governor of New Jersey ), 226, birth of,
469, description of, 470, early Hfe and character of,
471, 474, assemblyman, 475, 487. autograph of, 488,
489, 498, 499, chief justice and portrait of, 507, 510,
family arms of, 514, 538, 539, 541, opinion of, 542,
removal from office, 643, 544, equipage of, 546, 546,
at English Court, 547, 548, 556, daughter of^ 561,
663, returned ftom England, 564, enthusiastic wel
come by the city, 566, 676, 677, 578, 608, death of,
and funeral of.
Morris, Lewis, Jr. (son of Governor Morris), 514,
counselor, 636, 539, 648, 668, speaker of house, 575,
description of, 576, children of, 590, 609, 614, judge,
620, 623, son of.
Morris, Robert Hunter (governor of Pennsylvania),
646, at English Court, 631, chief justice of New

INDEX,

781

Jersey, 632, at English Court, 646, interview with
Franklin, 647,649,653, 666, resigned governorship.
686, 706, death of. ^ k f,
Morris. Staats Long (son of Lewis Morris, Jr.), 576
family of, 653, at tlie Court of England. '
Morris, Richard ( ^qxv ol Lewis Morris, Jr.), 570, chief
justice of New York.
Morris, Hon. Lewi-*, Jr (son of Lewis Morris, Jr.), 576,
signer of Dcclarrition uf Independence.
Morris, Hon. Gouverneur ^son of Lewis Morris, Jr.),
576, family of, 741, education of, and early char
acter of
Morris, Colonel Roger, 604, marriage of, 605, mansion
of, 6()6, country estate of, 730, counselor, 756.
fliott, Adam, 206, delegate.
Munroe, Rev Harry. 6i)2, family of.
Munroe, Peter .fay, 603, family of.
Murphy, Hon Henry C, 17, writings of, 289.
Murray, Joseph, 699, counselor, 608, pall-bearer to
Governor Morris, 636, wife of, 240, delegate to con
gress of 1764. .
'tray, Lord John, 674.
. . i-ray, Robert, 673, 574, 683, business of.
Muscovy Company, 21, foundation of, 26, voyages of,
31, employment of Henry Hudson.

N\NFAN, John (lieutenant-governor), 427, arrival of,
( note ) 445, at Barbadoes, 448, 450, 451, 452, 456, 458,
463, arrested, 464, imprisoned for one and a half years.
Navigation, 12, 13, impulse given to, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19,
27,28, 29,30, of Hudson River, 35, 432, acts of trade,
454, 707, acts of enforced, 708, 724
Needham, Robert, 208, officer under Nicolls, 222, coun
selor, 223.
Negro, The, 95, 158, 494, 495, 581, 582, 583, 584, 646.
Newfoundland, fisheries of, 16, early knowledge of.
New Haven, 91, foundation of, 99, removals from,
101, concerting measures for defence of.
NewNetherland,41, first use of the terra, 42, territory
comprised, 43, 4S, neglect of, 49, income of, 50, 51,
colonization of, 66, prosperity of, 59, condition of,
62, feudal estates of, 63, 65, decline of, 66, 71, im
provements of, 73, 76, disturbances within, 77, fort
and windmill of, 80, 81,83, 84, 88, mismanagement
of, 89,90,91, 102, population of, 103, 104,105, ar
rivals, 106, flrst tavern of, 107, new church of, 111,
112, desolation of, 116, 120, wars of, 123, mioeral
resources of, 136, 137, flrst representative body of,
138, 139, 146, 147, 148, 149, 160, 158, 159, birth of
the capitol of, 164, 165, 176, calamity, 177, 195,
title of, 199, description of, 200, Indian horrors of,
206, Landtdag of, 208, 213, surrender of, 219, 232,
23-3, 268, 261, extent of, 266, 269.
New Rochelle, 104, 381, foundation of, 454, 723, Daven
port Neck in.
Newspapers, &c., 522, first, 545, 548, second, 549, 557,
558, 562, 634, 724, 728, 729, 745, 762.
Newtown, 115, destruction of, 123.
New York, 11, 18, 53, purchase of the site of, 116, 159 ;
incorporation of city of, 191, 214, named, 218, des
tiny of, 216, importance of, 232, 234, 237, condition
of, 247, prosperity of, 248, Denton's description of,
250, Sabbath, 255, 255, sufferings of, 258, surren
ders to Dutch, 264, 265, 266, restored to English.
283, climate of, 284, 302, first assembly of, 303,
division into counties, 304, 308, city divided into
wards, 315, 317, charter granted,. 321, alarm of, 324,
coveting Connecticut, 328, humiliation of, 331,339,
341, how affected by English revolution of 1689,
342, character of, 346, excitement of, 349, 350,321,
revolution in, 355, commotion, 359, under miUtary
rule, 368, 369, 372, 379, disturbances, 388, govern
ment of, 394, 395, critical condition of, 399,400, 402,
patents, 405, a new era, 411, afflictions of, 413, 419,
improvements of, 463, piracy, 426, 432, acts of trade,
433, bone of contention, 439, land grants attacked,
444, odious laws, 448, 449, conflict for power, 452,
eity elections of, 454, Madam Knight's description of,
463. 463, 467, mercantile impetus, 481, 489, growth
rtf 490 income of, 491, self-sufficiency of, 494, 495,
population of, 501, what its history illustrates, 502,
social attractions of, 506, boundary lines of, 525,532,

library of, 544, 545, 553, troublous epoch, 559, poli
tics of, 560, sociability of, 568, etiquette of, 571,
appearance of tity, 579, a traveler's notion of, 619,
630, experimented upon, 631, central point of poUti
cal interest, 633, size of, 634, commercial aspect,
636, people of, 640, congress of 1754, 645, feuds,
658, boundary tangles, 682, 683. merchants of, 690,
703, 709, independence of, 710, trials of, 711, spirit
of resistance, 712, 714, the bench and the bar, 718,
719, points to independence, 722, excites intense
interest, 723, Stamp Act CouKress, 724, rage of the
people, 727, Stamp Act riot, 728, stirring scenes, 729,
730, 731, 732, rosu in anger, 73ti, fresh disturbauces,
737, denounced as rebellious, 738, disfranchised by
Parliament, 739, 741, 741''''iu sympathy with Boston,
743, action of the ilierl^.''''^'-t.ita, 744, imports of, 745,
"irm of bank legislation, 746, "battle of Golden
'1," 747, liberty-poie, 748, divl.'-ions among fj-mi-
..lus, 749, religion and state, 754, 755, two years of
quiet, 756, 757, residences, 758, 759, 760, places of
business, 761, commotion about tea, 763, the great
tea meeting, 764, sending back the tea ships, 765,
indignation of, 766, demands a congress, 767, the
delegates, 768, famous revolutionary committees.
Nicholson, Lieutenant-Governor, 323, 328, 339, 342,
suspected of intrigue, 344, letter to New England,
346, writes to Plantation Committee, 347, purposes
suspected, 349, hampered by forma and customs, 350,
353, passage to England refused, 369, interview
with king, 478, elected commander of army, 489, 493,
in command, 494, recalled.
Nicolls, Matthias, 208, commissioned officer, 220, secre
tary of province, 243, counselor, 253, mayor, 262,
270, 274 297, 302, flrat speaker of New York Assem
bly, 303, first judge of Oyer and Terminer, 418.
Nicolls, WilUam, 374, family of, 375, imprisoned, 384,
counselor, 387, liberated, 388, counselor, 403, 417,
sent to England as agent for New York, 430, ac
cused of compUcity with pirates, 451, 465, speaker
of House, 468, 476, drafted resolutions, 477,487, 497,
predictions, 507 (note), family of, death of.
Nicolls, Benjamin (son of Wiiliam), 507 (note), family
of, 642, trustee of Kings College (1751), 64(, trustee
of New York Society Lihrary.
NicoUs, WJlliam (son of William), 507 (note), family
of, character of, 678, chosen speaker. (1759).
Nicolls, Colonel Richard, 208, appointed governor, 210,
demanded surrender, 211. terms offered, 212, prompt
decision and promises, 213 214. surrender of city,
aud occupation of same, 219, siretch of family, 222,
proceeds to Delaware Biy, 223, discusses Connecticut
patent, 226, autocratic law-maker, 227, presides
over Hempstead Convention (1665), 228, 229, promotes
all laudable enterprises, 237, in pecuniary discour
agement, 233, 239,240, proposes to depart for Eng
land, 242, regrets at his departure, 243, escorted
to vessel, 245, at Whitehall, 256, killed in naval
engagement with Dutch (1671).
NicoUs, Richard, 622, postmaster (1693), 564, coroner,
(note).
Noble, John, 753, elder in Presbyterian Church (1736).
Noell, Thomas, 452, mayor, 453, strife over the city
election.
Non -Importation Agreement, 725, signed by New York
merchants, 726. signed by Boston and Philadelphia,
730, 731, 732, 733, 737, 738, 739, 743, effects of, upon
savage New York, 744. concessions, 764, action of
New York, 755, 761, 762, 763, 764, 765, New York
regulating the subject of, 766, 767, 768.
Norris, Captain, 556, 560, wife of.
North, Lord, 761.
Norwalk, 92, foundation of
Norwood, Harry, 208, commissioned officer under Nic
olls.
Notleman, Conrad, 64, appointed sheriff, 76.

O.
Ogden, John, 107, built church in Nev/ York, (note),
719 (note), founded Elizabethtown.
Ogden, Judge David, 642 (note), 706 (note), 724.
Ogden, Richard, 107.
Ogilby, John, 248, king's cosmographer.
Oglethorpe, General (governor of Georgia), 583.

r82

INDEX,

Olfersten, Jacob, 113.
O'Neal, Hugh, 147, married widow of Van der Donck.
Opdyck, Gysbert, 90, commissary, 91, resigned office,
196.
Orange, Prince of, 24, 43, Maurice, 44, in opposition to
Barneveld, 50, deata of, and reference to Frederick
Henry, 131, death of Frederick Henry, and succession
of WilUam IL, 156, death of William n.,167, Wil
liam III., 254, youth of, 280, at EngUsh Court, 281,
marriage of, 330, invited to the throne of England,
331, description of, and portrait of, 332, domestic
relations of, crusade against popery, 334, reception
of, in England, 335, assumed the government, 336,
crowned.
Osborne, Sir Danvers (governor), 636, arrival of, 638,
hanged himself.
Otis, James, 691, resigned office, 710, boldness of, 717,
718, American Congress proposed by.

Palmer, John, 303, one ofthe first judges appointed,
326, went to London, 339, member of Andros's
Council.
Paris, Ferdinand John, 507 (note), 663.
Parker, James, 625, govemment printer, 626, 747,
death of
Parker, James, 706 (note), family of
Patrick, Captain Daniel, 92, 101, swore allegiance.
Paulusen, Michael, 67, commissary of Pauw's colony-
Pauw, Michael, 49, director in West India Company,
62, purchased Staten Island, Hoboken, &c., 116.
Pavonia, 62.
Peartree, WUliam, 468, mayor (1703), 469, description
of, 471, counselor.
Pell, Alfred S,.701. wife of, (note).
Pell, Thomas, 171, bought land in Westchester, 257,
381
Penn, William, 292, 293, father of, 295, charter of
Pennsylvania granted, 298, drew up government aud
laws for same, 299, obtained conveyance of East New
Jersey, 301, in Albany trying to secure Susquehanna
Valley, 302, reply of Dongan, 316, Mason and Dixon's
line, 317, sketch of, and influence of, 411, territory
of Pennsylvania and its government his own prop
erty.
Perret, Dominie, 382
Perry, John, 325, first mail-carrier between Boston
and New York, 359^373, arrested.
Pepperell, Sir William, 594, description of, 595, cre
ated a baronet, 652.
Philip IL (of Spain), 22.
Philipse, Frederick (first lord), 226 (note), assessed to
provide for EngUsh soldiery, 270, antecedents of
family, 271, wife of, 271, personal sketch of, 283,
vessel of his wife, 297, 298, 300, couneelor under
Dongan, 305, built Castle Philipse, also church at
Sleepy Hollow, 323, counselor under Andros, 328,
342; character of. 344,350, efforts to check revolu
tion, 353, one of the deputies intrusted with govern
ment, 371, strife for king's letter, 433, retired from
Council, 433, 439, estate under condemnation, 465,
death of, 467, wiU of, 599, great-granddaughter of
Philipse, Adolphe (son of Frederick above), 434, 439,
estate under condemnation, 467,471, counselor, 483,
property of, 496, masic mi chancery, 509, character
of, 514', removed from Council by Burnet, 522,
speaker of Assembly, 541, judge, 560, 673, contested
election, 574, chosen speaker, 576, farm in Putnam
County, 682, 605, estate of.
Philipse, Eve, 420 (note), family of, 467.
Philipse, Phihp (son of Frederick, above), 467, 602
(note), wife of.
PhiUpse, Frederick (son of PhiHp, second lord), 467,
568, assemblyman. 600. manor-house of, 601 (note),
602, character of, family of, 692 (note), ^3, daugh
ter of, 614, 620, 623.
Philipse, Frederick (third lord), 603, deacription of, and
wife of, 711, 758. residence ot* in 1774.
Philipse, Mary, 600, portrait of, 604, style of, and mar
riage of, 605, 606, 678. meets Washington.
Phipps, Consiantine, 413, Massachusetts agent.
Phipps, Sir William, 338, character of, 362, 338,381,

naval force commanded by, 407, made governor, 408,
411,412,425, death of.
Pierbon, Colonel, 409, assemblyman, 412.
Pierson, David, 620, assemblyman.
Pietersen, Abraham, 114, one of the " Eight Men." i
Pietersen, Evert, 181, teacher in public school.
Pietersen, John, 99, member of first representative
body.
Pinchon, John, 213, commissioner, 343
Pinhorne, William, 283, arrival of, 309, alderman,
315, speaker of Assembly, 378, 384, reappointed by
king, 387, recorder, 388, 390, judge, 403, 431, dis
approved of proceedings, 446-
Pintard, John, 564, alderman (1738).
Pintard, Lewis, 731.
Piracy, 423, commerce almost destroyed by, 424, at
tempts to suppress, 432, its relation to the acts of
trade, 433, a bone of contention in the Council.
Pitkin, William, 276, ambassador from Connecticut,
306, commissioner, 379, delegate, 594, sister of, (note)
641, Ueutenant-governor,
Pitt, William (Earl of Chatham), 677, 679, 687, 688, 693,
, 694, 715, 733, 734, 735, marble statue erected in
honor of (note).
Planck, Abraham, 99, member of first representative
body.
Plantius, Peter, 27, pastor of Dutch Reformed Church
in Amsterdam.
Plowman, collector of port, 353, 355, removed.
Polhemus, David, 175.
Polhemus, Dominie Johannes Theodorus, 175, arrival
of, 249.
Polhemus, John, 176-
Pontiac, 702, king of Ottawa Confederacy, 703.
Poor House, 559, established.
Pope of Rome, 16, bull issued by.
Portuguese, 16, progress of, and exploits of
Pos, Simon Dircksen, 64.
Pownall, Thomas, 638, secretary to Sir Danvers Os
borne.
Pratt, Benjamin, 750, marriage of.
Prince, Thomas, 149.
Printing, 12, new epoch in art of, 244, liberty of, in
New York.
Privateering, 683
Provoost, David, 503 (note), mayor.
Provoost, Samuel, 603 (note), widow of.

Q.
QoAKEES, 184, 199, 292, 317, 464, 754.
Quick, Mr., 581.
Quimby, John, 227, delegate to Hempstead Conven
tion (1665). R.
Raleigh, Walter, 506-
Randolph, Postmaster, 325.
Rapaelje, George, 99, member of first representative
body.
Rapaelje, Jans Joris, 56.
Rapae^e, Sarah (daughter of Jans Joris), first girl born
in New Netherland.
Rasiers, Isaac, Dr., 54, arrival of, 55, secretary, 57, 58.
Reade, Joseph, 582, juryman, 627, 692, counselor, (25,
730, 756, death of
Reade, Lawrence, 422 (note), warden of Trinity Church
(1696).
Reade, Charles, 706, counselor.
Reed, John, 504, marriage of.
Reimer, Alderman, 556.
Reiniers, Grietje, 86.
Rensselaerswick, 61, estate of Van Rensselaer, 62, 79,
rapidly improving (1637), 118, 140, an independent
power, 153, 155, W.
Rice, Rev. Owen, 753, Moravian clergyman.
Richard, Jamea, 223.
Richard, Paul, 343 (note), 559, mayor, 620, assembly
man, 636, 654, 660 (note).
Richardson, Richard Paulus, 226, assessed to provide for
English soldiers, 229, planted vineyard on Long
Island, 343 (note), family of, 356, counselor.
Ricketts, Mary Walton, 606, (note), married Stephen
Van Cortlandt.

INDEX.

783

Riggs, John, 368, bearer of despatches from the king,
370, 371. ^'
Roberts, Colonel, 616, cornet of horse.
Robertson, Governor, 685.
Robinson, Colonel Beverley , 603, family of, 604, estate
of (note), children of, 678, entertains Washington,
729.
Robinson, Thomas, 726-
Rockingham, EngUah statesman, 733, 737.
Roclandsen, Adam, 72, first schoolmaster, 123.
Roelofsen, Boele, 249. church elder.
Rolgers, Rev. Dr. John, 751, 752.
Rodman, John, 443.
Roelofse, Teunis, 358, one of Committee of Safety under
Leisler.
Roeseo, Jfans Hendricksen, 91.
Rogers, Dr., 401.
Rombouts, Francis, 180 (note), 256, commissioner, 334.
Komeyn, Simon Jansen, 223, property assessed.
Roome, William, 607, justice ofthe peace.
Roosevelt, Isaac, 729, alderman.
Hosevelt, Jacobus, 564, alderman.
Rosehill estate (Scotland), 601 (note).
Rou, Rev. Louis, 621
Rudyard, Thomas, 299-301 (note), daughter married.
Russel, Admiral, 330, invitation of, to Prince of Orange.
Russel, Lord George, 285.
Russel, Lord WiUiam, .306, executed.
Rutgers, Anthony, 582, juryman, 632, marriage of
daughter to Rev. Henry Barclay, 723 (note), famUy
of.
Rutgers, Mr., 536, house of.
Rutherford, John, 599, counselor, 610, 653, 676.
Rutherford, Walter, 503, marriage of.

S.
Sabbath, 95, 134, 220, 249, EngUsh customs in regard
to the, 250, 269, 309, the question of the, 388.
SaUsbury, Sylvester, 208, commissioned officer.
Silstonstall, Governor (of Connecticut), 493, 570 (note),
daughter of
S.incroft, Archbishop, 329, refused to obey the king.
Santen, Lucas, 301. coUector of revenue, 315.
Sav, Lord, 76, 102,' 194.
Saybrook, 76, 274. resists Andros.
Schaets, Rev. Gideon, 166, installed, 190 (note), 249,
286,305,361.
Schenectady, 376, 377, destruction of.
Schermerhorn, Simon, 377.
Schools, 72^123, 124, 158, 181, 100, 231, 232.
Schult, Simon, 90, surgeon sent from Holland.
Schuyler, Hon. Peter (first mayor of Albany), 153, fam
ily arms of, 154, house of, 257, 258, sister of; 305, 318,
Albany incorporated, 326, 357, portrait of, 361, presi
dent of Convention, 362, 363, 375, 378, 379^95, 397,
405, diplomatic character of, 406, 438, 439, estate
under condemnation, 445, counselor, 449, 450, con
flict in Council, 475, creditor of government, 478,
479, services of, aud visit to EngUsh Court, 480, vase
given to, bv Queen Anne, 483, 493, 509, acting gov
ernor of Ne'w York, 510, 514, 518, son of, 598, 606.
Schuyler, Adonyah, 582, juryman in negro trial(1741).
Schuyler, Arent, 154, 420, daughter of. married De
Peyster, 670, 671, New Jersey estate of, 672, descend-
dants of.
Schuyler, Brandt, 397, alderman, wife of, &c., 416,
assemblyman, 444, 619, counselor.
Schuyler, Colonel John, 154, 381, led expedition to
Canada, 432, agent among Indians, 606, John, son of,
married Cornelia van Cortlandt, and were parents
of General PhiUp Schuyler of Revolution.
Schuyler, Colonel Peter (son of Arent), 670, 671, 672,
portrait of. >
Schuyler, George L., 480, in possession of Schuyler
vase, _,„
Schuyler, Myndert, 509, 536, 568 ; assemblyman, 612,
614,640,652. . ^^^
Schuyler, Philip Pietersen, ancestor of family, 153,
154-
Scott, John, 195, 204, bearer of royal lettera, 20/ .
Scott, John Morin, celebrated poUtician, 691, 718, 751,
766, 767, John Adams' description of.

Selyns, Dominie Henricus, 190, arrived, 191, married,
249, 298. returned. 304, parsonage of, 328, writes of
affairs, 354, 383. 388, sermon of, 392, 393, 401, en-
gr.ived baptismal basin, 422, 440, death of.
SewaU, Samuel, 379.
Sharp, Dr. (Archbishop of York), 458.
Sharp, Governor (of Maryland), 653.
Sharp, John, 257, attorney, 258.
Sharpas, William, 422 (note), one of first wardens of
Trinity Church, 496, clerk in chancery, 563.
Sharpe, Rev. John, 632, 647.
Sharpe, Kichard, 740, one of founders of Chamber of
Commerce.
Shirley, Govemor [of Massachusetts), 591, 593, 595, 608,
613, 619, 621, 629, 630, 648, 649, 652, 653, 658, 659,
recalled. ,
Sidney, Algernon, 236, 298, 306, executed.
Simpson, Sampson, 740, one of founders of Chamber
of Commerce.
Sinclair, Sir John, 613, 653.
Skinner, Cortlandt, 604, 606, daughter of, 706, family
of.
Skinner, Rev. William, 606 (note) ; fiimily of.
Skinner, William, 606, married daughter of Sir Peter
Warren.
Sloughter, Governor Henry, 369, appointed, 370, 383,
384,385, 387, took possession of fort, 390,391, 392,
signed death-warrant of Leisler, 396, death of
Sluyter, Peter (Labadist), 286, 288, 289.
Smeeman, Herman, 206, delegate to the Landtdag.
Smith, Captain John, 28, 42.
Smith, Colonel Wilham (governor of Tangier), 355, 384,
appointed counselor, 388, judge in admiralty, 390,
408, chief justice, daughter of, 416, counselor, 436,
437, estate of, 445,448, 449, conflict in Council, 450,
465, restored to honor aud offices , 465, death of, at
St. George's manor.
Smith, William, 482, 648, 649,550, 657, 564 (note), re
corder, 565, 567, 568, description of, as an orator, 573,
674, eloquence of, 600, pall-bearer to Govemor Morris,
616, 620,638,640, 647, trustee of Society Library,
691.
Smith, William (son of above), 715, 717, 725, 730, 756,
counselor.
Smits, Claes, 97, 98.
Spain, 19, discoveries, 20, 22, war upon England, 48,
war with Holland, 51, commerce threatened, 172,
246, alliance, 264, 266, peace.
Sparks, Governor (of Barbadoes), 601, daughter of, 602
(note).
Spottswood, Governor (of Virginia), 520.
Sprang, John, 301, secretary, 302, clerk to assembly,
323, counselor under Andros.
Staats, Captain Jochim, 364, commandant of force,
365, 375, wife of (note).
Staats, Dr. Samuel, 434, counselor to BeUomont, 440,
442,448,449,451, 460, suspended from Council by
Cornbury, 483, counselor under Hunter, 500, death
of, 576, daughter of
Stealman, John, 227, delegate to Convention 1665.
Steenhuysen, Englebert, 206, delegate to Landtdag.
Steendam, Jacob, 247, first poet, portrait of.
Steenwyck, CorneUs, 206, delegate to Landtdag, 207,
magistrate, 213, 220, 225, appointed burgomaster
under Engliah, 234, portrait of, 242, mayor, 243,
house of, 265, 260, 269,^274, 308.
Stevens, John, 503, marriage of, 729.
Stevens, John, 741, graduated, 767, house of
Stevensen, Coert, 2')6. delegate to Landtdag.
Stockton, Richard, 642 (note), signer of Declaration of
Independence.
Stockton, Richard, son of above, 642.
Stockton, Richard Field, grandson of tbe signer, 642.
Stoffelsen, Jacob, 99, member of first representative
body, 115.
Stol, Jacob Jansen, 186.
Stoll, Serjeant Joost, 348, led revolutionists to fort
(1689), 355, 360, ensign, sent to Whitehall, 390,
reached London, 379. returned, 386, 387.
Stoughton, WilUam, 323, judge uuder Andros.
Stoughton, WilUam, 379* delegate from Massachu.«etts,
Streets of New York, 179 (note), 401, origin of Water
Street, 402, 633, 539, 633, 763, 757.
Strickland, John, 202.
Strycker, Jan, 206, delegate to Landtdag.

784

INDEX.

Stryker, John, 174, to superintend erection of church.
Stuyvesaut, Balthazar, 181, 216.
Stuyvesant, Gerardus, 564, alderman (1735), 607, jua
tice of the peace.
Stuyvesant, Governor Peter, 126, appointed, 127,
portrait of, 128, personal description of, 129, wife
of, 133, situation 134, Sabbath laws, 146, diffi
culties with the 'Nine Men,"' 150, criticised, 172,
visited Gravesend, 175, returneil from West In
dies, 181, real estate, 185, Quakers persecuted, 187,
quieting Indians, 188, "Bouwery," 200, in city,
202j in Connecticut, 207, at Indian Conference, 210,
surrender of city demanded, 211, distress of, 213,
terms agreed upon, 214, mortified and humUiated,
216, private life, 222, took oath of allegiance to
Charles II., 226, assessed to provide for English
soldiers, 249, elder of church.
Stuyvesant, Nicholas WiUiam, 162, 181,216,344, 350,
354, 337, house searched.
Swart, Mr. and Mrs., 286.
Swinton, Isaac, 316, clerk in chancery (1685), 318,
recorder in Albany.
Sylvester, Constant, 238 ; owner of Shelter Island, 239.
Sylvester, Nathaniel, 238.

T.
Talbot, Capt.vin Mark, 301.
Talmage, Lieutenant Enos, 365.
Temple, Sir WilUam, 245, Minister at the Hague, 246,
264, summoned from his retirement, 492.
Ten Broeck, Dirck Van Wessels, 486, magistrate.
Tennis, Guisbert, 327, delegate to Convention (1665).
Terneur, Daniel, 206, delegate to the Landtdag.
Teunissen, Guisbect, 206, delegate to the Landtdag.
Tew, Captain, 423, pirate.
Thomas, Captain Jelmer, 127.
Thomas, John, 620, 623, 636.
Thompson, Gabriel, 506 (note), heirs of, 581.
Throgmorton, John, 104, 114.
Tienhoven, Cornelis Van, 93, 93, secretary, 110, 134,
135, 144, 145, 152, arrested in Amsterdam, 156. ap
pointed sheriff, 178, absconded, 287, second wife of.
Tilton, John, 199, Quaker.
Toilet, George, 439.
Topping, Thomas, 220, counselor under Nicolls, 227,
delegate to the Hempstead Convention.
Townsend, Henry, 199, Quaker,
Townshend, in Pariiament, 715, 716, 737, 738.
Treat, Hon. Robert (govemor of Connecticut), 199, 306,
324,325,343,365,375.
Trico, Catelina, 66 (note).
Tryon, Sir WUliam (governor), 755, appointed, 756,
residence of, 758, 760, 763, sailed for England.

17.
UND-'.BHaL, Captain John, 89, 115, 117, 118, 164, 206,
227, delegate to the Hempstead Convention, 229.
Ury, Rev. John (Catholic priest), 583, trial and execu
tion of, 584.
UsseUncx, WiUiam, 23, 24, 45.

V.
Van BERasN, Adrian. 108, ancestor of Van der Donck.
Van Brugge, Carol, 156, secretary of province.
Van Brugh, Johannes, 220, schepen, 222, 225, 226,
property assessed, 230, alderman, 260, burgomaster,
269, 274, 357, wife of.
Van Cleff, Jan, 206, delegate to Landtdag.
Van Corlear, Arendt, counnissary, 108, 124.
Van Coriear, Jacob, 78, 162.
Van Cortlandt, Augustus, 607, family of
Van Cortlandt, Frederick, 607, house of, family of, 757.
Van Cortlandt, Hon. Stephanus, 277, mavnr, 278,
description of, and wife of, 283, judge, 299, 301,
counselor, 306, 310, 316, managing revenue, 323, 325,
328, 342, age and poUtics, 343, 344,348, mayor. 350,
353, one of the deputies entrusted with govpi-n-
ment, 354, 355, 256, 358, 3G1, 367, wife of, 371,

struggle for power, 374, house broken into, wife
abused, 384, appointed counselor by the king, 388,
390, judge, 403, 409, 415,421, son of, 431, searcher
of customs, 439, estate under condemnation, 446,
death of, widow of, 451, suits defended hy widow of,
606, descendants of.
Van Cortlandt, Jacobus, 409, assemblyman, 416, 420,
daughter of, 435, 444, merchant, 465, 489, mayor,
559, daughter killed, 602, wife of, 606, descendants
of.
Van Cortlandt, Philip, 421, manager of, 536, coun
selor, 561, 568, 606, descendants of.
Van Cortlandt, Pierre (Ueutenant-govemor), 421, 606,
607. wife.
Van Cortlandt, Oloff Stevensen, 61, daughter of, 90,
antecedents of, 138, wife of, 143. coat of arms of, 169,
schepen, 203, burgomaster, 204, 211, 213, repre
sented city at surrender, 222, 225, 226, property
assessed, 230, alderman, 245, sent ship to HoUand,
249, elder of church, 260, 277, son of, 310, 374,
granddaughter of, 601, daughter of (note), 606
(note), descendants of.
Van Couwenhoven, Jacob, 136, one of " Nine Men,"
138, wife of, 146, 148, brewer.
Van Couwenhoven, Pieter, 148, 161, schepen, 200.
Van Dam, Rip, 435, assemblyman, 444, 456, 460, coun
selor to Cornbury, 483, counselor to Hunter, stand
ing of 484 (note), family of, 496, master in chan
cery, 521, 524, church dedicated to, 536, acting
governor (note), 537, 538, contention with Cofby,
540, suits, 546, portrait of, 547, portrait of wife of ,
560, 661, 562 563, 564, strife with Clarke for the
government of province, 565, 578.
Van Dincklagen, Lubbertus, 76, arrival of, 80, 120,
127, vice-director, 134, 135, 143, 149, 150, 152, ex
pelled from Councfl.
Van Dyck, Ensign, 101, 127, fiscal, 134, 151, 152, 17G.
Van der Capellen, Baron, 146, 151, 189, 190, death of
Van der Donck, Adrian, 108, arrival of, 122, loaned
money to Kieft, 124, marriage of, 143, secretary,
145, 147, origin of the name of Yonkers, 150, 152,
158, sailed for Europe 165, retumed.
Van der Grist, Paulus, 134, 135, 161, schepen, 177, 207,
magistrate, 226, property assessed, 249, elder iu
church.
Van der Huygens, Cornelis, 90, sheriff.
Van der Horst, Myndert Myndert=en, 96, 116, house
attacked and burnt.
Vauderbeck, Conradus, 310, inviter to funerals.
Vanderveen, Pieter Corneliaen, 181, merchant.
Van Fees, Anthony, 107, buys first city-lots.
Van Gaasbeeck, Dominie (of Esopus), 289.
Van Gheri, Maximilian, 141, schepen.
Van Gogh, Dutch rainister to England, 232.
Van Hardenburg, Arnoldus, 136, one of " Nine Men,"
, 144.
Van Ilattan, Arent, 61, burgomaster.
Van Hoboken, Harmon, 181, teacher.
Van Horne, Abrahara, 513, coun.*<elor, 536.
Van Horne, Cornelis, 564, 573, assemblyman, 574, 620.
Van Horne, David, 682.
Van Horne, Gerrit, 573.
Van Imbroeck, Dr., 83, 200, wife of, 206, delegate to
Landtdag.
Van Nieuwenhuvsen, Dominie Wilhemus, 249, arrival
of, 284, 289, 298, death of.
Van Olfendam, Arien Jansen, 123, teacher.
Van Hemund, Jan, 64, secretary of province.
Van Rensselaer, Jeau Baptist, 153, 156
Van Rensselaer, Kiliaen, 49, director of West India Com
pany, 60, 61. family of, 62, manor-house of, 65,108,
125, death of, family arms of.
Van Rensselaer, Jeremias (son of above), 61, family of,
140, family arms of, 201, 205. portrait of, £06.
president of Landtdag, 222 239, 394, 436, assembly
man, 439, estate under condemnation.
Van Rensselaer, Rev. Nicolaus, 61, 269 (note), 285,318,
widow of.
Van Rensselaer Kiliaen, 483, counselor, 568, assem
blyman. 636. 678.
Van Ruyven, Cornelis, 166, secretary of province, 203,
204, 208, 220. 222, 226, property assessed, £30, 242,
alderman, 252, counselor, 261, 262, sailed for Hol
land.
V.an Steenwyck, Abraham, 107.

INDEX.

785

Van Schaick, Gerritsen (alderman of Albany), 381, 363,
370.
Van Schaick, Peter, 741, graduated from college.
Van Schelluyne, Dirck, 147, early lawyer, 152, 158,
174, 206.
Vau Slechtenhorst, Brandt, 125, 140, 152, 153, daugh
ter of, 164, 155, 156.
Van Slechtenhorst, Gerrit, 206, delegate to Landtdag.
\'an Slyck, CorneUs Antonissen, 125.
Van Tweenhuysen, Lambrecht, 38, navigator.
\'an Twiller, Wouter (governor), 66, appointeil, 67,
arrival of, 69, 73, built house, 78, 125.
Van Vorst, Garret Jaosen, 109.
Van Wely, Johannea, 125.
Yan Werckhoven, Hon Cornelis, 169, 196.
Van Wyck, Theodorus, 673, alderman (1758), (note^.
Van Zandt, Winant, 5ol, 582, juryman in negro trial.
Varick, Dominie, 382.
Varlett, Hon. Nicholas, 213, represented province in
surrender of New York to EngUsh.
Venice, in fifteenth century, 13.
Verbeck, Jan, 206, delegj-te to Landtdag.
Verbeth, Nicholas, 182.
Verbeth, Judith, 182.
Verplanck, Daniel Crommelin, 686, marriage of, (note).
Verplanck, Abraham, 181, 260, 287, wife of.
Verplanck, Gulian, 181, 260, famUy of.
Verplanck, Gulian, 568, assemblyman, 712.
Verplanck, Gulian, 741, graduate from the college.
Verplanck, Isaac, 181.
Verplanck, PhiUp, 678, assemblyman, 711.
Verstius, William, 174, teacher, 181.
Verveeler, Johannes, 206, delegate to Landtdag,
Verrazano (Italian navigator), 17, 19
Veaey, Rev. William, 437, portrait of, 438, collision
with governor, 445, 462,457, 469, 572, 578, widow of.
Vetch, Samuel (governor of Nova Scotia), 455, wife of,
478, 493.
\'igne, Jean, 286, first male child born in New York of
European parents, 287-
Volckersten, Dirck, 287, wife of.

W.
W.vLKER, ZACH4RrAH, 202, Signer of petition.
? Wall Street, 286, 287, 421, 443, 505, 760.
AVallace, Alexander, 683, merchant, 739, family of,
757.
WaUace, Hugh, 683, merchant, 739, vice-president of
Chamber of Commerce, family of, 743, 756, counselor
758, residence of,
Walley, John (Plymouth), 379, delegate to Leisler's
congress.
Walloons (Protestant), 48.
Walter, John, 671, daughter of.
AValters, Robert, 360, aUerman, 379, 383, about mar
riage of, 418, 434, counselor. 435, 442, 449, 451, 457,
aasociate judge, 460, 483, 617, mayor, 521, 608.
Walton, Jacob, 684, wife of.
Walton, Jacob, Jr., 685, wife of, 738, assemblyman,
742.
Walton, WiUiam, 636, assemblyman, 647, trustee of
Society Library, 654, 660, 678, counselor, 683, wealth
of, 684, mansion of, 685, character of, 759, wife of.
AValton, William (nephew of former), 684, family of,
685, character of, 686 (note), children of, 730, coun
selor, 740, one of the founders of Chamber of Com
merce.
Wantenear, Albert Cornells, 206, delegate tn Landtdag.
Wardsworth, Joseph (Connecticut), 324, hid charter in
" Charter Oak." ^^ ^^^
Warren, Admiral Sir Peter, 580, marriage of, 581, 58b,
eacape of , 588, mansion of, 593, naval movements of,
594, achievements of, 595, knighted b. king, 613,
624, member of Parliament (note), 629, 633 (note),
687, wife of.
Warwick, Eari of, 74, 76. ^ „ - i.
Washington, George, 647, 680, 677, 6(8, love-affair of
Watson, John (first portrait-painter in America), 61b,
description of, 517. „, „ ., r / i, i.
Watts, Robert, 500, counselor, 501. family of (about
estate in note), 568, 582, 654, son of
Watta, Hon. John (son of above), 501, birth of, a02,

family of, 507 (note), 580, 633. assemblyman, 647,
trustee of Society Library, 654, home of, 6^5,
daughter of, 660, 662, 678, counaelor, 686, 695, 700,
710, 712, 714. 717, 720, 724, 725, 730, 732, city man
sion, 743, 766.
Watts, Hon. John (the younger), 420, daughter of,
502, family of, 756, wedding of, 757, city recorder.
Watts, Robert (brother of above), 766, married daugh
ter of Lord StirUng.
Weaver. Thomas, 434, counselor, 445, in England,
448, 450, 454, collector of customs, 456, 457, 460,
absconded.
Webb, General, 673. 681, regiment of.
Weber, Woltert, 182.
Wells, Lemuel, 601, bought I'hilipse manor-house.
Wells, PhiUp, 311, survevor-general of New York in
1684.
Wells, Samuel, 640, delegate to Congress 1754.
Wells, WiUi.tm, 220, counselor, 2*^7, delegate to Hemp
stead Convention, 229, first higli-sheriff of Long
Island.
WendaU, Alderman (Albany), 361, 382.
\\'enhani, Thomas, 385, revenue commissioner, 422,
warden of Trinity Church, 456, 457, arrest of, 459,
outlawed, 461, returned and made counselor.
Wentworth, Govemor (of New Hampshire), 565,636,
700.
Wessels, Dirck (city recorder at Albany), 361, 384, 415,
assemblyman, 451.
West India Company, origin, 24, 2-5, 45, 46, how mod
eled, its existence a fixed fact, 47, itsearly history, 48,
ambitious projects, and talk of colonizing New Netli-
erland,51, 63, buy Manhattan Island, 59, brilUant
victories of, 83,, inattention, 201, great depression.
West, John, 283, arrival of, 297, 301, marriage of, 324,
Fecretary for New England, 339.
White, Henry, 756, 757, wife of, residence of, 790.
Whiteman, Mr., 496 register iu chancery.
Whittlesey, Rev. Mr., 643.
Whitfield, Ilev. George, 594.
Wiley, William, 726, of Committee of Correspondence
(1765).
WiUett, Edward, 687, house of.
WiUett, Thomas, 149, 151, 209, 210,221. 230, mayor,
238, sent to Albany to quiet Indians, 243, counselor,
261, estate confiscated by Dutch.
William III of England, 339, 367, 383, ordained gov
ernment for New York, 384, actions affecting prov
ince, 424, 458, death of, 572. gifts of.
WilUams, Colonel Ephraim. 612, 613.
Williama, Rev. John (of Deerfield), 596.
WiUiaras, Thomas*, 612.
WiUiams, Thomas, 358, of Committee of Safety under
Leisler, 371, counselor
Willoughby, Sir Hugh, 21.
Willys, Samnel (governor), 210, 213, 276, ambassador to
New York.
Wilson, Alexander, 397, alderraan.
Wilson, Ebenezer, 422. warden of Trinity Church.
Windebanke, Sir Francis, 65.
Winder, John, 270.
Winder, Samuel, 298.
Winslow, John, 340, brought news of Uevolution to
Boston.
Winthrop, Governor (of Ma'^sachusetts), 74, 76, 380,
381,382.
Winthrop, Governor John (of Connecticut), 78, arrivjil
of, 194, 202, 203, 204, 213. 223, boundary question,
239, grant for Fisher's Island (note), 256, 257, 343,
411, sent to England.
Winthrop, Fitz John (son of above), 210, 223.
Wissinck, Jacob EUersten, 54.
Witherspoon, Rev. Dr. John, 751, 752, character and
ancestry of.
Witsen, Jonas, 54, director of West India Company.
Wood, Jona-s, 227, delegate to Hempstead Contention
(1666), 229, justice of the peace.
Woodburn, John (great-grandfather of Horace Greeley),
506.
Wolfe, General, 674, 680, crossing St. Lawrence, 681,
assault, 682, death of, 716, friend of.
Wolfersten, Gerrit, 214, one of " Eight Men."
Wolcott, Governor Roger (of Connecticut), 593, family
of (note), 608, 641.
Woolsey, George, 139, one of first fire-wardens.

786

INDEX.

Worthington, John, 640, delegate from Massachusetts
to Congress (1754).
Wynnington, Thoraas, 268, attorney -general .
Wyoming, 689, about settlement of, 702.

Yonkers , 89, land bought of Indians, 147.
Younge, John, 227, delegate to Hempstead Convention

(1665), 296, high-sheriff of Long Island, 306, 323,
counselor under Andros, 843, 388.

Zekger, John Peter, 548, smarted paper, 549, arrested
and imprisoned, 660, 656, 557, acquitted, 662, free
dom of the press, 563, 565, 634, 709.
Zinzendorf, Count, 753.

END OF VOL. I.