CHAPTER XI

COLONIAL GOVERNMENT IN THE EIGHTEENTH
CENTURY

WHILE Captain Kidd was still on the high seas
and pirates were still infesting the lower Hudson,
the Earl of Bellomont arrived in New York (in
April, 1698), accompanied by his wife and his
cousin, John Nanfan, who had been appointed
Lieutenant-Governor. The citizens greeted the
new Governor with every demonstration of delight.
The corporation gave a public banquet and offered
a eulogistic address. Bellomont on his part
entered into his task with enthusiasm. In the new
Assembly called in 1699, he spoke of the disorder
prevailing in the province, left as it was with a
divided people, an empty treasury, ruined fortifi-
cations, and a few half-naked soldiers. He spoke
of the ill repute of New York as a rendezvous for
pirates and said: "It would be hard if I who come
before you with an honest heart and a resolution

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